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Despite the urgent alert on cellphones, last night’s severe thunderstorms skirted Westport.
Other parts of the state were not so lucky. Nearly 20,000 Eversource customers in central and northwestern Connecticut lost power; 81 roads were blocked.
The utility is now preparing for the remnants of Hurricane Elsa. We may get rain tomorrow, into Friday.
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Westport Public Works employee Don Saunders has always been proud of his daughter Morgan.
These days, the entire department is proud of her.
Last week, the 17-year-old Calf Pasture Beach lifeguard saved a 9-year-old from drowning. She spotted the child face down in the water, sounded an alert and raced to help.
When she found no pulse, Morgan began CPR. It worked. The girl started breathing on her own.
Morgan is a rising senior at Norwalk High School, and a member of the swim team. This is her first full year as a lifeguard.
She’s already proven she’s a pro.
(Click here for a CBS New York story on Morgan’s rescue. Hat tip: Liz Lyons)
Morgan Saunders
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What a combination! MoCA Westport and the Westport Farmers’ Market are collaborating on a new project. It culminates in an exhibition in late August.
“Between the Ground and the Sky” will feature photography from the “Who Grows Your Food” initiative, a photographic journey celebrating the farms and farmers associated with the WFM.
As part of the collaboration, a Family Day (Saturday, September 11) at MoCA includes art, food and music.
The centerpiece of “Between the Ground and the Sky” is over 50 large photographs of local farms by Anne Burmeister and Ashley Skatoff. They tell a compelling story of the importance of local farms and farmers.
Westport Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran says, “This program embodies the essence of our organizations. Bringing together art, education, community and knowledge of agriculture, featuring the hands that tend the land, results in more than a fun event – it creates an impact that will last a lifetime.”
MoCA executive director Ruth Mannes adds, “We are thrilled to partner with the Westport Farmers’ Market to share this important aspect of our economy and our lives with the public.”
“Lost Ruby” by Ashley Skatoff — part of the Farmers’ Market/MoCA exhibit.
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Get your goggles on!
The 42nd annual Compo Beach Point to Point Swim is set for July 21 18 It’s a ton of fun — and a key fundraiser for the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics program.
There are awards for the top 3 male and female finishers, and t-shirts for all. To register, click here. For more information email jrojas@wesetporty.org, or call 203-226-8981, ext. 139.
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The Westport Library and Artists Collective of Westport are collaborating on their first live, all-member show since December 2019. The theme could not be more apt: “Community.”
The 2-part exhibit — on view from July 10 through September 28 — will occupy all 3 Library galleries.
“Piece by Piece” is a 5’ x 12’ installation created by 60 Artists Collective members. Each artist received a 12” x 12” blank panel, and a 6-inch square section randomly selected from an iconic painting.
Each artist thencreated an individual piece, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style. They will not know what the final painting looks like until it is revealed when the exhibit opens.
Each 12” x 12” piece can be purchased online for $100. Proceeds support the Library and the artist. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Along with the exhibits, there is an art trunk show in the lower parking lot this Sunday (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Part of the Westport Library/Artists Collective show.
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The 59th annual event Westport PAL Golf Tournament — named for former Police Chief Samuel Luciano, a staunch PAL supporter — tees off on September 13, at Longshore. With the 4th of July fireworks canceled for a 2nd straight year, this is PAL’s biggest — and most important — fundraiser.
The day begins at 7 a.m. with a continental breakfast and putting contest. There are 2 tee times: 8 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
There’s a shotgun start, scramble format; lunch; more golf, then dinner, raffles and prizes (hole-in-one, hula hoop, longest drive, closest to pin).
The cost is $175 per golfer, $700 per foursome. Sponsorships are available too, from $150 to $5,000 (largest sign at first tee, banner on dinner tent, complimentary foursome). Click here to register, sponsor — or just donate to PAL.
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And one more upcoming event: “Pitch Perfect,” at the Remarkable Theater drive-in (Monday, July 12 9 p.m.; gates open for tailgating at 8 p.m.). Click here for tickets and more information.
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There have been some scintillating games at this year’s Euro 20 (the European soccer championship, postponed from last year).
Games are particularly great on a big screen. There’s no bigger screen than the one at Vivid-Tek. That’s Mark Motyl’s store a few doors from Fortuna’s. He sells 110-inch theater screens — which, with the tap of a button, hides in a customized credenza or bench when not in use.
Mark invited me over yesterday to watch the Spain-Italy semifinal. We were in Westport, not Wembley.
But it was hard to tell the difference.
Mark Motyl, minutes before the Euro 2020 semifinal.
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1st Selectman Jim Marpe says:
“It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Wally Meyer, former Westport 2nd Selectman and longtime member of the RTM. He served with my predecessor, Marty Hauhuth from 1985 to 1989.
“Wally was also an active participant in making Westport a better place by helping found Project Return, and through his many years of service and leadership with the Westport Rotary Club.
“Wally was a special Westporter — always willing to share his opinion, but also willing to lend a helping hand. He will be missed by all who knew him. My deepest condolences to his many friends and to his family.”
Wally Meyer
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Today’s “Naturally … Westport” photo shows a dog.
Not just any pooch, though. This one has great taste. He is first in line, waiting patiently for Joey’s by the Shore to open.
(Photo/Jeff Fiarman)
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And finally … on this day in 1992, the New York Court of Appeals ruled that women have the same right as men to go topless in public.
