International Women’s Day is Saturday, March 8.
A “Unite and Resist” rally is set for 11 a.m., at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown.
Organizers say, “we’re taking to the streets to fight back against the fascist takeover. Join us to defend our rights, our bodies, and our future. No permission needed—just show up, bring signs and friends!” Click here for more information.
================================================
If you’re not aware of AWARE: You should be.
The organization — Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education — spends an entire year helping one female-focused non-profit, both collaboratively and financially.
Next Thursday (March 6), Studio 45 on Main Street sponsors a special event, with shopping (6 to 8 p.m.) and an integrative yoga and restore session with Menna Olvera (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.). A portion of the proceeds goes directly to AWARE.
To RSVP and for more information, email hello@mennaolvera.com.
==================================================
Speaking of “aware”: Westport Animal Control hosts an Animal Awareness Night next Wednesday (March 5, Westport police station upstairs classroom, 7 p.m.).
Topics include wildlife (with officer Peter Reid), pet adoption (with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates’ Julie Loparo), and dog licensing guidelines. The event is free.
Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid is a featured speaker at Wednesday’s Animal Awareness Night.
==================================================
On the crowded calendar of springtime fundraisers, one event has always stood out: Taste of Westport.
At the benefit for CLASP, a lineup of great restaurants presents special selections and drinks. There’s music and a silent auction too. 100% of proceeds go directly to the non-profit, which for over 40 years has provided homes and support for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.
This year’s event is June 5 (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore). The theme is “A Night at Studio 54.” Tickets go on sale April 14, at tasteofwestport.com.
=================================================
“Kids’ Night on Broadway” — a program to spark a love of theater in the next generation — turns into “Kids’ Night at the Playhouse” this Tuesday.
Children and teenagers 18 and under receive free admission to the hit comedy “Native Gardens,” when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
The show — about a dispute over a suburban property line that spirals into a war over taste, class, personal identity (and gardening) has earned great reviews.
To redeem the “Kids’ Night” offer, call the Playhouse box office: 203-227-4177.
=================================================
Speaking of kids: Boys and girls in grades K-7 are invited to an instructional clinic, hosted by the Staples baseball program. It’s this Tuesday (March 4, 6 to 8 p.m., Staples fieldhouse).
Little Leaguers can dust off their gloves and brush up on their hitting, fielding and base running skills before the first pitch this spring.
High school coaches and players will run drills and games. Youngsters will be separated by skill and grade level. Players should bring a bat, glove and water bottle.
The $40 fee ($50 after March 1) includes a slice of pizza. To register, Venmo @StaplesBBDiamondClub by March 1. Questions? Email baseball@staplesdiamondclub.com.
===============================================
Speaking still of kids: VFW Post 399 Auxiliary is spreading the word about 2 national art contests for elementary through high school students. There are cash awards, and scholarshps of up to $2,500.
Two- and 3-dimensional art is accepted. Entries will be judged on originality, presentation, and patriotic themes.
Submission deadline is March 31. For complete rules, email Patty Kondub: nortonpk@aol.com
==================================================
On Wednesday, dozens of Westport boys’ Instagram feeds were flooded with graphically and violent video reels. They included street fights, school shootings, murder, and gory accidents.
They were sent even to users who had enabled “sensitive content” controls.
Though parent company Meta said it fixed the “error,” the reels appeared to be targeted at teenagers and young men.
The mother of a Staples student said that many local parents were not aware of the incident. She added, “the videos were so violent, many of the boys were discussing them. Some kids were really traumatized.”
She hopes that parents who learn of the video can talk with their children about it.
==================================================
The Mahogany Brass Quintet comes to town Monday (March 3).
After spending the day with Staples students in an immersive chamber music workshop, they’ll give a free concert at 7:30 p.m., in the Bedford Middle School auditorium).
It’s a homecoming for Sam Atlas. The 2018 Staples graduate is in her final year at the Manhattan School of Music’s Orchestra Performance Program.
She has already made a name in the professional world, as a frequent substitute with the New York Philharmonic.
After its founding at the University of Massachusetts, MBQ has grown into an accomplished performing group, dedicated to artistry and music education.
The concert — with selections ranging from Mozart and Bach to Hoagy Carmichael and Leonard Bernstein — is free.
Mahogany Brass Quintet
=================================================
Someone had a guilty conscience.
For a long time.
The Merritt Country Store on Main Street recently received this letter, with a Santa Barbara, California postmark:
Enclosed was a $20 bill.
At a quarter each, that’s 80 candy bars. Today, that Jackson would buy about 10.
The letter is now on the front counter, under glass.
It’s an object of interest.
Or a great deterrent. (Hat tip: Carl Addison Swanson)
================================================
Birddogs — the mens’ shorts/pants/polo shirts shop that opened in the spring of 2023 in Brooks Corner — has closed.
This was their 3rd brick-and-mortar store. According to their website, only 1 remains, in Paramus, New Jersey.
(Photo/Stacey Henske)
===============================================
Westport Police made no custodial arrests between February 19 and 26. They issued these citations:
- Failure to renew registration: 12 citations
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
- Speeding: 5
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
- Disorderly conduct: 1
- Following too closely: 1
- Failure to grant right of way: 1
- Failure to obey stop sign: 1
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
- Improper use of markers: 1.
Lots of drivers have not registered or renewed their vehicles.
=================================================
No buds yet.
But soon!
You can almost smell the first whiffs of spring, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” image of the Saugatuck River, from Grace Salmon Park.
(Photo/Patricia McMahon)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of the anonymous person who finally fessed up to stealing candy bars from the Merritt Country Store (story above):
(Don’t be sorry! Help “06880” stay alive. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. The blogosphere thanks you.)
Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts
