Pic Of The Day #2943

Back in the day, the area near the Burr Farms baseball field was a playground for an elementary school. In just 4 decades since it closed, nature has taken over. (Photo/Russell Sherman)

Roundup: All-American VFW, Library Book Sale, That’s Entertainment! …

Veterans of Foreign War Post 399 is one of the most active spots in town.

With Thursday night jazz, “Elvis” shows, blood drives, meeting space for non-profits, wedding showers and post-memorial service lunches, a lively bar — and of course, resources for veterans of all ages — the VFW is many things, to many people.

Now it’s gained national recognition.

The 105-year-old Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399 was chosen as an “All-American Post” by the VFW Department of Connecticut.

The award recognizes exceptional achievement in advancing core VFW programs, and attaining significant membership growth.

Congratulations on the well-deserved honor, to quartermaster Phil Delgado and the entire VFW crew!

==================================================

But wait! There’s more VFW news.

Post 399 and American Legion Post 63 are joining forces for a fundraising golf tournament (June 16, 9 a.m., Longshore).

The shotgun scramble event ($150 per person) includes 18 holes, a putting contest, goody bag, prizes, and BBQ lunch at the VFW.

Register, volunteer or become a sponsor here.

Tee off for the VFW/American Legion golf tournament.

=================================================

The Westport Library Big Spring Book Sale begins on Friday.

There is something for everyone, of all ages: thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, plus DVDs, CDs, vinyl, ephemera, and framed art. Here is a link to specials, hours of the sale and more.

The sale begins on May 16 with early access (8:45 a.m. to noon) for special ticket holders. Read about book sale hours and details here.

To volunteer, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.

Westport Library book sale. 

==================================================

Speaking of the Library: A timely topic — advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment — is the subject of the next Andrew Wilk Presents: Medical Series.

Moderated by longtime Westport internist Dr. Robert Altbaum, and featuring Dr. Lisa Phuong and Dr. Jeanne Capasse of Nuvance Health — the event is set for June 3 (7 p.m., Westport Library).

Dr. Robert Altbaum

==================================================

Theater kids have a great chance this summer to create — and perform — an original play.

And to do it on the historic Westport Country Playhouse stage.

A 2-week Playhouse Playmakers program runs weekdays, August 4-15 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) for middle schoolers.

Students will write, rehearse, and stage the show. They’ll be directed by actor/ playwright/educator Evette Marie White, and actor/songwriter/educator Stacie Morgain Lewis.

The fee of $995 includes technical rehearsal, materials, and 4 tickets to the performance. Need-based scholarships are available. Read more about the program here.

Stacie Morgain Lewis co-leads the program.

===============================================

Speaking of entertainment: 1988 Staples High School graduate Kerri Kenney-Silver plays Anne, an unsuspecting divorcée,  in “The Four Seasons,” a current Netflix hit.

The “Reno 911!” and “The State” star spoke recently about her current show.

Anne “thought she was set ’til the day she died. When she finds out that is not the case, she becomes completely untethered. You see her go through the 4 seasons of emotion and grief.”

Netflix says: Kenney-Silver portrays a kaleidoscopic range of emotions and pathos as Anne navigates the ups and downs of divorce, and its rippling effects on their close-knit friend group. Take co-star Colman Domingo’s word for it: ‘She’s just incredible. I feel like she can do anything.'”

Read the Netflix story on Kerry Kenney-Silver here(Hat tip: Ed Friedland)

Kerri Kenney-Silver in “The Four Seasons.” (Photo/Jon Pack for Netflix)

=================================================

Speaking (still) of entertainment: What do Meghan Markle and Kadi Lee have in common?

The other day, Kadi — a 1996 Staples graduate — was a guest on the Duchess of Sussex’s podcast.

They chatted about how Kadi co-founded Highbrow Hippie, then became a favored Hollywood colorist, with a very popular product line.

The women discussed “what it means to grow something from the ground up, how to lead with your values, and why staying connected to your community is the ultimate marker of success.”

Meghan Markle and Kadi Lee’s podcast is here(Hat tip: Kate Tarrant)

Kadi Lee (Photo/Liza Voloshin, courtesy Highbrow Hippie)

================================================

Speaking (yet again) of entertainment: Wetport singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Belknap’s band, Small Craft Warning, just released a new album, “Firefly.”

The band — with Westport singer Elise Gabriel — plays original acoustic music, influenced by the Grateful Dead and the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter songbook.

Belknap did much of the mixing, using skills learned from Travis Bell in the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. Listen to Firefly on Spotify here.

=================================================

TV news is sort of entertainment too, right?

Lonnie Quinn — the Westporter who is chief meteorologist at WCBS-TV, and appears regularly on the “CBS Evening News” — returned to the newsroom on Monday, following a 2-month recovery from a traumatic brain injury.

The CBS New York newsroom celebrated his return. An Instagram reel has received nearly 2,000 likes. And People magazine gave it full coverage too(Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Lonnie Quinn, back in the newsroom. (Photo/CBS New York)

===============================================

Shoppers were out in force Thursday, for the 19th opening of the Westport Farmers’ Market.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker was there too, cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan showed up also. Firefighters are known to be great cooks. And what better place to buy fresh, organic ingredients than the WFM?

It runs every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. We’ll see you — and the firefighters — there often.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan and Westport Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran-Dougall.

==================================================

Greg Jaffe played PAL football and lacrosse, then headed to Hopkins School, the University of Michigan and UM Medical School.

Now an assistant professor of Family Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, he specializes in addiction medicine — notably, opioid use disorder.

This week, CBS News in Philadelphia profiled his Harm Reduction Sticker Project.

It’s a simple approach to increase awareness, and educate medical students and residents. about harm and stigma reduction for people who use drugs. Watch Greg’s interview, and learn more about his project here.

Dr. Gregory Jaffe

================================================

Speaking of science: Dark matter is one of the greatest mysteries in modern physics. It makes up 84% of the mass of the universe. But more than half a century after its discovery, no one can figure out just what it is.

The General AntiParticle Spectrometer is a new experiment that’s trying.

On May 20 (8 p.m.), the Westport Astronomical Society hosts a talk about it, with Gabriel Lewis Bridges of Columbia University. It will also be livestreamed on YouTube and as a webinar on Zoom.

Gabriel Lewis Bridges

==================================================

A reminder: Mother’s Day is tomorrow. If you haven’t gotten Mom a gift yet, stop reading NOW and get to work.

If you have, then sit back and enjoy greetings from Jolantha, Weston’s favorite holiday pig:

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

==================================================

One of the most visible corners in Westport — North Avenue at Long Lots Road — is also one of the prettiest.

Especially in spring, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows.

=================================================

And finally … as we await the Westport Astronomical Society’s upcoming lecture on dark matter:

(If you can’t find something interesting to do in Westport, you’re just not trying. Or you’re not reading “06880.” If you rely on us to keep you entertained, please support us by clicking here. Thanks!)

 

Online Art Gallery #265

Artwork is coming out of the woodwork.

Nearly a dozen and a half pieces are shown today. As they do each week, they cover a wide range of mediums, styles and subjects.

All “06880” readers are welcome to submit art. No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.

Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

Untitled — Newman Poses Preserve (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Joanie Landau — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Steven Parton)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“The Stillness, Inside And Out” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

“Peck’s Ledge” — watercolor on Fabriano paper (Kathleen Burke — Available for purchase; click here)

“Tony the Two Tone Pony” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“L’artichaut (The Artichoke) — acrylic on canvas (Moira Ratchford; Available for purchase, $650 framed; click here)

“My Abstact Quilt” — abstract digital painting (Ken Runkel — Available for purchase; click here)

“Enjoy a Pretty Pot” — watercolor and pencil (Ellin Spadone)

“Between the Birch Trees” — encaustic wax, handmade embellished frame (Dorothy Robertshaw; Available for purchase; click here)

“The Three Stages of Retirement” — oil paint pens on canvas (Will Luedke)

“Early Spring, Boatyard, Prop, Rudder, Poppets” (Peter Barlow)

“Tree in the Lava Field From Mt. Aetna” (Matt Murray)

“Love to All” (Lauri Weiser)

“Mom’s Love Tree?” — watercolor and inkblock (Steve Stein)

“Post Road Art Installation” (Lawrence Weisman)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

Kings Highway Kids: Bike Lanes Would Benefit All

As founder and executive director of Bike Westport, Markus Marty wants safer roads in town for bicyclists. (Pedestrians and drivers too!)

He’s not the only one. Kings Highway Elementary School 5th graders also do.

Recently, Workshop students there began studying the town. They came up with many ideas about biking. 

After meeting with Markus, and getting a map of Westport from the Planning & Zoning Department, they went to work on a plan. 

Then they wrote to “06880.” They said:

We were learning about how Westport’s government operates, and discussing our great town and thinking of ways to improve it.

One of our classmates brought up the lack of bike lanes. We decided to make it our focus. We were thinking of places we could put bike lanes, the benefits, and the challenges.

Markus Marty meets with Kings Highway students.

We think bike lanes would improve our town in many ways. They would make people more healthy, especially children, they would help reduce traffic, they would help the environment, and they would bring our community together.

When it’s warm, we all enjoy biking. But many of us live off or near busy roads such as Woodside Avenue, Newtown Turnpike, and Saugatuck Avenue. Our parents don’t like us going on long bike rides by ourselves. But if Westport had bike lanes, this wouldn’t be a problem.

Bike paths and loops, suggested by KHS students …

We think bike lanes would be a big hit with all Westporters, from children to adults. They would benefit people for many reasons, including health reasons.

Bike lanes would benefit children especially, because it would be a way for kids to go meet up with friends without their parents having to drive them. This would help kids develop a sense of independence, which is a challenge for parents today because of safety.

Kids in town don’t have the same independence as they did when our parents were growing up. With the bike lanes, kids would have more freedom. All kids would benefit from the bike lanes.

… and a close-up of some suggestions.

Bike lanes wouldn’t just help bikers though. It can be infuriating to be stuck behind a biker, but with designated bike paths and routes, the frustration would be less.

Another reason is that many people use their car because biking is dangerous. If more people bike, less cars could cause less traffic.

Sure, it might not stop a whole lot of big traffic, but it could fix traffic building up at red lights. It could also help you make the light, with less cars on the road.

Drivers also don’t have to worry about hitting any bikers that are on the road when there is a specified bike lane.

Multiple other reasons are environmentally focused. One of these is that there are way, WAY less gas emissions than when people are riding in automobiles.

Also, if you are holding onto a bike’s handlebars, it is hard to throw your trash on the ground, so cycling also decreases littering!

Two questions, from Kings Highway students.

Bikes can also go on off road paths, which can be very scenic and enjoyable. These paths are more friendly to the environment, and are also smaller and more natural, leading to less resources expended, more enjoyment, and much less damage to the earth. People would also appreciate nature more, leading to less actions without thinking of outcomes, like littering.

Because of this, bikes are wholly better than cars in terms of keeping our world healthy, and are also enjoyable for parents and kids alike. So, bicycle lanes are important to create for many reasons.

The bike lanes would also impact the whole community. The lanes would bring people together, and neighbors could meet up and ride to schools and other locations together.

One possible way to make this happen is we could create bike buses. They are a type of bike train led by an adult, this would make it possible for lots of students to ride together and it would minimize the danger for the bikers.

A May, 2024 bike event at Kings Highway Elementary School.

The bike lanes would also make it possible for more people, especially families with children, to bike. If more bikers were on the road it would make drivers more aware that it is not only them on the road. This would make the number of accidents for both bikers and drivers decrease, therefore benefiting a large group of Westporters.

We have read a great deal of your past posts and writings on the subject of biking in Westport. We realize that students are an important part of Westport’s future.

We all agree that bike lanes are an important part of many successful communities. Westport does not have access to this luxury. If we had bike lanes all of Westport would benefit.

Sincerely, the KHS 5th Grade Workshop

Pic Of The Day #2942

Old Mill Beach (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

Friday Flashback #449

In anticipation of — and appreciation for — the recent Compo Beach playground rebuild, a few Friday Flashbacks flashed back to the original construction in 1989, and the subsequent renovation nearly 2 decades later.

But those were all photo flashbacks.

Today we’ve got a video.

Sure, it’s a video of still photos. Still, they tell a compelling story.

In 1989, elementary school students working with designer Robert Leathers created plans for a playground at what was then empty space adjacent to the lifeguard shack.

It would replace a forlorn couple of swings and monkey bars by the basketball courts.

Getting ready to build.

It was a great idea — until a group of residents opposed it. They worried about a “ruined vista,” and cited fears of teenagers and out-of-towners overruning the area, drinking and smoking dope and having sex.

A long court battle ensued. At the last minute a court injunction was lifted. Construction began immediately.

As in 2006 and again last month, hundreds of volunteers made magic happen.

The original build was captured in a video by Dom Rossi, a committee member, and his marketing company.

It was unearthed recently by Rick and Totney Benson. They worked on the first playground — and on its most recent renovation.

Howard Edelstein digitized it. RB Benson — Rick and Totney’s son — uploaded it yesterday to YouTube.

View it here, or below.

And when you do, realize that some of the kids in the video — as adults now, with children of their own — may have helped out this time.

The Compo Beach playground is a great, feel-good story, from 1989, 2006 and 2025.

Just imagine if the anti-playground forces had won.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

Roundup: My Mistakes, Canal Park’s Egrets, Compo’s Hook’d …

Yesterday’s Roundup included 2 dumb errors.

The 9th annual Dog Festival is Sunday, May 18 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Winslow Park). I said it was this Sunday; it’s actually a week later. Learn more here.

I also forgot to include the link to Staples High School student Jonathan Dobin-Smith’s powerful (and successful) plea at the Representative Town Meeting, to restore $25,000 to the Earthplace budget. Here is the speech; if it doesn’t start there, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.

================================================

Save the date. The always popular Staples Pops Concert is June 6 (7 p.m., Levitt Pavilion).

Free tickets are snapped up quickly. Watch this space for info (coming soon!) on how to snag yours.

Meanwhile, the Staples Music Parents Association invites local businesses to buy ads in the program book.

Contributions cover Pops Concert expenses, and help provide resources all year lon for over 400 students in the music program. For details, email  staples.music.parents.assn+ads@gmail.com.

There’s always a full house for the Staples Pops Concert. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

=================================================

More SHS news: Kids in pre-K through grade 5 are too young to benefit from Staples Tuition Grants.

But they’re old enough to help raise funds, for the organization that since 1943 has helped tens of thousands of SHS graduates attend college.

The 2nd annual Kids Fun Run is Sunday, May 18 (8 to 9:30 a.m., Staples’ Loeffler Field). Registration is $25; visit @STGFUNRUN on Instagram.

The morning includes games, face painting, snacks, and a kids’ run. It’s organized by juniors Will Briggs and Alexis Krenzer.

Last year alone, STG awarded $381,500 to 105 students. To learn more, visit www.staplestuitiongrants.org.

================================================

The weather has been off and on.

But Hook’d is on.

The Compo concessionaire has opened for another season. Let’s hope for many good beach days ahead.

(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

=================================================

“Egrets” have come to Canal Green.

That’s the name of Westport’s newest outdoor artwork.

On Wednesday, the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch joined 3 other sculptures recently placed in town parks by the Westport Art Advisory Committee, in collaboration with the Parks & Recreation Department.

Bloch is nationally known as a pioneer in laser-cut stainless steel sculpture

A celebration — including a short talk by the artist, a tribute by Westport poet laureate Donna Disch and refreshments — is set for May 31 (4 p.m.). Canal Park is at the interseection of Kings Highway North and Canal Street, just east of the Willows Medical Center.

“Egrets” at Canal Green.

==================================================

Longtime Westporter and musician Roger Kaufman’s forays into musical history have entertained and educated audiences for years.

He’s back on May 29 (7:30 p.m., The Warehouse at Fairfield Theatre Company).

“Speaking of Music Presents Road Trip to the 5Ms” includes both a presentation and live music.

Author/bassist/Fairfield University Professor Brian Q. Torff opens, with a talk on “Race and Music of the Deep South.

Then comes a 90-minute show by the Old School Revue All-Stars with the Saugatuck Horns, with kick-ass guest vocalists Audrey Martells, Tiffany T’Zelle, Billy Cliff and Billy Genuario.

They’ll perform a great collection of classic soul and R&B tunes, from the legendary recording studios of Muscle Shoals, Memphis, Miami, Macon and Motown.

The Old School Revue musicians have performed or recorded with the Blues Brothers, Steve Cropper, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan, Robert Palmer and the Rolling Stones.

I saw their previous show, in August. I give “the 5 Ms” 5 stars. Learn more about the show here.

Old School Revue All-Stars. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

=================================================

A large, curious crowd turned out yesterday, for an “Alternative Device Fair” at the Westport Library.

The event — sponsored by OK to Delay, the group supporting parents who delay giving their children smartphones — featured vendors selling products with the basic functionality of cellphones, but with fewer distractions.

Among the companies represented: Bark, Gabb, Pinwheel, Troomi, Dumb Wireless and Light and Tin Can.

Alternative Device Fair at Westport Library.

=================================================

Also yesterday at the Library: Over 50 people helped Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich launch their campaign for the Board of Selectmen yesterday.

The crowd included Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, state Senator Ceci Maher, and former state senator Will Haskell.

Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich (center), with supporters. 

==================================================

One more event yesterday worth (very much) noting: On the company’s “Red Day” of service, agents with Keller Williams Realty’s Westport office filled 900 bags of healthy food, for Filling in the Blanks.

The Norwalk non-profit fights childhood hunger — which provides weekend meals to kids in need — has just opened a pantry at the University of Connecticut-Stamford.

Keller Williams agents, “filling in the blanks.”

==================================================

The Y’s Women have a special guest on Monday — and the public is invited.

Fiona Davis — author of 8 historical fiction novels set in iconic New York buildings, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Library and Dakota — will discuss fascinating stories behind those landmarks, with veteran broadcast journalist Alisyn Camerota.

The event is May 12 (11:30 a.m., Green’s Farms Church). Non-Y’s Women (and men) can register by email: jildam00@yahoo.com

Fiona Davis

==================================================

Speaking of authors: Like any writer (and performance artist), Anya Liftig has seen her share of rejection letters.

Like perhaps no other, she has turned them into a book.

The 1995 Staples graduate — and author of “Holler Rat,” a memoir of her unique youth, balancing her lives in privileged Westport and the hollows of Kentucky — just published “Rejection/Ambition: A 25 Year Performance.”

Both a performance document and text work, it is culled from a quarter century’s “copious collection” of rejection letters.

Anya says, “Read from the Ambition side, it is clear-eyed in its determination for artistic recognition. Read from the Rejection side, it is a text about failure, mistakes, and confusion.”

You can purchase “Rejection/Ambition”on her website.

Anya Liftig (Photo/Stephen Dennett)

==================================================

The Green’s Farms Association welcomes a special guest to their annual meeting next Wednesday (May 14, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).

Outgoing police chief Foti Koskinas will speak. Important topics for the neighborhood group include a police/fire/EMS facility proposed for the Sherwood Island Connector, and traffic.

=================================================

Westport native and lifelong resident Loretta Pastore died peacefully on Monday. She was 65.

Like her mother and daughters, she was a Staples graduate. Her family says, “she was known for her kindness, generosity, grace, and unwavering willingness to lend a helping hand.”

Loretta is survived by her sister, Annmarie Pastore Santolini (Tim); daughters Isabella and Gabriella Mikaiel; best friend, ex-husband and father of her children George Mikaiel, and nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held Monday (May 12, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). A celebration of life will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Pastime Club (59 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to plant a tree in Loretta’s memory at Compo Beach, one of her favorite places. Donate to that fund here.

Loretta Pastore

=============================================

Whitmal Cooper sent a photo, with the caption: “Brant geese on the way to the Arctic at Compo”:

(Photo by Norm)

Who knew that’s where they’re headed?

But I do know it makes a very cool “Westport … Naturally” image.

==================================================

And finally … happy 76th birthday to the one and only Billy Joel!

(And so it goes … one more week of “06880” in the books. Thanks for being part of our online community, every day. If you’d like to support our work, please click here. Thank you!) 

 

 

 

Staples Coaches Deserve To Be Heard Fully. They May Not Be.

I’ve lived in this town my entire life.

I graduated from Staples High School. I worked there in many capacities, from 1982 until 2021. I was especially proud to spend 19 years as head coach of the boys soccer program.

I have always supported the school, the administrators who run and oversee it, and the superintendent and Board of Education.

Today however, I am heartbroken, ashamed, and furious with my alma mater, and those who oversee our school district.

Seven months after suspending head boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense and freshman boys coach Chris O’Dell — both former Staples captains who have given back to the program and town for 9 and 20 years, respectively — and 4 months after not renewing their contracts, the Board of Ed has finally granted one of them (Russell) an appeal hearing.

Russell Oost-Lievense, in front of the Staples boys soccer trophy case.

It’s scheduled for this Monday (May 12), 9 a.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.

But it may be a show trial.

A hearing is not a court of law. The Board of Ed is both judge and jury.

Their own lawyer has determined which witnesses may be called, and what evidence — for example, Freedom of Information Act-available emails — may be considered.

Russell and Chris — beloved by nearly all their players, well-respected in the soccer community, Staples grads and good human beings — are being treated like criminals.

Actually, worse. Criminals have their day in court. The jury does not hire an attorney who determines what evidence they can and cannot see, and who they can and cannot hear from.

In a court of law, that’s decided by an independent judge.

Not here. In this case, there are crucial pieces of evidence that — because the superintendent objected to them — the Board of Ed’s attorney will simply not allow to be introduced.

They include testimony about a lack of athletic department policies and training pertaining to the case, the manner in which allegations against other coaches have been handled, and much more.

Those pieces of evidence, I believe, are crucial to the 2 coaches’ appeals.

But if the board does not see and hear them — because the superintendent objected to them, and the attorney the Board of Education hired deemed them “irrelevant” — then justice will not be served.

And two excellent coaches, excellent people, and excellent representatives of the school they graduated from (and love) will be kicked to the curb.

Our Board of Education can do better. Our superintendent can do better.

And the student-athletes who adore these coaches — and, agonizingly, cannot attend a 9 a.m. hearing to support them — deserve much, much better.

Pics Of The Day #2941

Gulls at Burying Hill Beach … (Photo/Seth Schachter)

… and Compo (Photo/Doug Brill)

Roundup: Farmers’ Market, Dog Festival, Plant Sale …

For nearly 20 years, the Westport Farmers’ Market has been a favorite destination for healthy, delicious food.

And much more, including education, entertainment, and community.

Their 19th season begins tomorrow. The time and site are the same: Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

What’s new: a special “Friend of the Market” bag. For $40 (click here), you can support the WFM — and offset vendors’ fees. That means they take home more revenue each week. Of course, they plow it right back into their farms.

To launch the season the Market will ring bells at 10 a.m., honoring a member who recently died.

Jon Jaeger — a mainstay at For Hill Farm’s booth — loved WFM, and was well loved. His sisters Sara and Jalna — also great supporters of WFM — will join the celebration. Shoppers are invited to bring their own bells to ring for Jon.

Also special this week: “Get Growing” for children, and Sustainable Westport’s “Your Yard, Our Climate” program (with seed giveaways).

===============================================

Also upcoming: the 9tn annual Westport Dog Festival.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce/TAILS event is Sunday,May 18 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Winslow Park).

As Dog Festival once again features Police K-9 presentations, kids’ activities, food trucks and more. 

The winnter of the obstacle course earns a year’s supply of dog food.

Competitions offer prizes for best tail wager, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and the dog that looks most like its owner

There will be also be adoptables, and information about many non-profits.

New this year: Gilbert the Party Pig, for petting and feeding.

Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture booths, caricatures, games and giveaways. WEBE 108 will broadcast live.

Entrance is $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4. Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations. So far, over $45,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups from the prior festivals. For more information, click here.

A small part of the big Dog Festival. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)

==================================================

In addition to the Dog Festival, this weekend promises another annual tradition: the Westport Garden Club’s Plant Sale.

It’s Saturday (May 10, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Jesup Green).

Among the 1,200+ homegrown perennial plants from members’ gardens, a special selection of Connecticut native plants will be featured. Every plant has a tag with care information.

As always, there are decorative container gardens, gifts for Mother’s Day, and baked goods.

This year, shoppers can also bring garden tools to be sharpened by Edgewise.

Also new: donations of 1 gallon and larger plastic pots. The club will wash and recycle them

Members will happily offer advice on plant selection. A table with lists of native plants, and details about Westport’s Pollinator Pathway Project, will offer even more info.

Earthplace will host a children’s table, with nature-inspired activities, while the Westport Library Book Store offers a variety of garden-related books.

Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic projects, including maintenance of public gardens, educational programming, and grants to environmental non-profit organizations.  Cash and credit cards are accepted. For more information, click here.

==================================================

Speaking of the environment, a reminder: Starting May 15, handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in Westport. The prohibition runs through October 15.

Last year, the town received “numerous written complaints.” The Conservation office issued notices to 168 different properties.

Owners were told about the ordinance, and given information highlighting alternative options, impacts of noise, and how to limit emissions.

For complaints and other issues, email ckelly@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1170.

==================================================

There were few surprises Tuesday night, when the Representative Town Meeting passed the town budget. There had been little controversy throughout the entire process.

In addition to a yearly ritual of restoring funds to the Westport Transit District’s Wheels2U program, the RTM voted 28-1 to add $25,000, which had previously been cut, for Earthplace.

One of the highlights of the night was a heartfelt speech by Jonathan Dobin-Smith. The Staples High School student spoke on behalf of classmates in his Science Research Honors program. He earned solid applause at the end.

Click here to see. If the link does not start at his remarks, it’s at the 1:18:25 mark.

==================================================

Connoisseur Media is a big name in Connecticut and New York radio.

Now they’re going national.

The Post Road East-based owner of 11 stations is buying Alpha Media. The Portland-based company owns some of Oregon’s best-known stations — and dozens of others around the country.

In fact, they own over 200 in all.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Click here for more details. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Connoisseur Media CEO Jeff Warshaw, and his expansive view of Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)

=================================================

Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between April 30 and May 7.

A 68-year-old Milford woman was charged with DUI and evading responsibility, following a hit-and-run accident at Compo Road South and Bradley Street. The driver rode over a lawn, struck a fence and light post, and left the scene. She was released on $25,000 bond.

A 25-year-old West Haven man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, and 2 counts of conspiracy to commit larceny, followin an investigation into 4 incidents in which tires and rims were stolen off of vehicles at Honda and Toyota of Westport. He was held, after being unable to post $50,000 bond.

A 25-year-old New York City man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a theft at Ulta Beauty. He was transported to Westport, after being arrested in New Jersey, and held on an active arrest warrant.

A 67-year-old Norwalk woman was charged with larceny, after a purse was stolen from a table at Nômade. She was released on $50,000 bond.

A 35-year-old Fairfield woman was arrested on an active failure to appear warrant, after police responded to the report of a motor vehicle accident.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 13 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Simple trespass: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Texting while driving (2nd offense): 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1.

=================================================

The “Shake It For Shea” silent auction is live.

Every dollar raised helps fund Long QT Syndrome research. The event is organized by Mark and Kira Greenfield, whose daughter was diagnosed with the cardiac condition. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.

Items include:

  • Carbone dinner for 4 at any Carbone location
  • Grove XXIII golf foursome: Play at Michael Jordan’s exclusive club in Hobe Sound, Florida
  • VIP Knicks experience: 2 front-row seats, post-game photo on the MSG floor, and the option for your child to be the “ball kid” for pregame shoot-around
  • Golf and lunch with Knicks legends John Starks and Larry Johnson, at Westport’s own Birchwood Country Club.
  • Winged Foot golf for 3
  • Dinner for 3 with Stephon Marbury
  • Luxury hotel stays at Le Barthelemy (St. Barth), The Brazilian Court (Palm Beach), The Little Nell (Aspen) and Ocean House (Rhode Island)
  • Autographed sports memorabilia
  • Fine jewelry, including pieces from Howard Engle, Josh Levkoff Jewelry and JL Rocks.

The auction closes Sunday (May 11, 9 p.m.). Click here for all items, and to bid.

Tickts are still available for tomorrow’s gala (May 8, 7:30 p.m., The Knowlton, Bridgeport). Click here to purchase.

==================================================

As long as tulips are out there, we’ll include them in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

These beauties can be found on Grove Point Road, off Hillspoint.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the “Shake it For Shea” live auction, underway right now (story above):

(There’s plenty to do in Westport — and “06880” makes sure you know all about it all. If you appreciate our daily Roundup, or any other blog features, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)