Volunteers turned out in force on Wednesday to rework, repair and clear the Partrick Wetlands trails. The project was organized by Tony McDowell, Earthplace director, with help from Earthplace trustee and director of the former Partrick Wetlands Preservation Fund Matthew Mandell.
The group included 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Deputy Chief Sam Arciola, firefighter Mike Acquino, and Jim Donaher and Chris Ventrella of Gault Family Companies. They used chain saws, brush cutters and shears to open up 3 paths that over the years had grown over.
The Partrick Wetland restoration crew.
Earthplace — deeded the property in 2007 by the PWPF — will mark the trails, and install interpretive signs and information.
Westport is lucky to have the Partrick Wetlands at all.
In 2001, a developer proposed building 31 houses on the 55-acre property. Neighbors in Westport and Norwalk formed the PWPF. They opposed the project, citing environmental concerns.
Partrick Wetlands scene. (Photo/Scott Smith)
It took over 5 years, but the advocates prevailed. An agreement deed-restricted 22 acres. Only 13 houses were built on 10 of the remaining acres, leaving the rest of the land undisturbed.
Back in 2009, these youngsters helped with the original trail creation.
The Partrick Wetlands is home to many species of birds and mammals. It is open daily until dusk, on Partrick Road just off Wilton Road.
That’s Westport’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day (Greens Farms railroad station, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Sponsored by the Department of Public Works, it’s a free program for residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich.
Among the items accepted: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies and paints.
Before bringing household hazardous material to the collection site:
Make sure items are clearly labeled
Do not mix chemicals. Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become non-recyclable.
Keep products in original labeled container.
Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
Tighten lids of all containers and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper.
Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers.
Leave pets and children home.
Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site.
REMINDER: Westport residents can recycle antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs and electronics at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.
Of course Earth Day is not today (as I mistakenly said yesterday). Which means all the events sponsored by Friends of Sherwood Island will not take place tomorrow.
The correct date for the Sherwood Island activities is Saturday, April 23. They include:
Friends’ Garden Team Activities (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Friends’ table on East Beach across from the Nature Center).
🌱Bring a reusable water bottle; get a “Protect Our Wildlife” sticker (while supplies last).
🌱Tour the Dunes Restoration project site; plant a stem of American Beach Grass.
🌱Learn about native plant species planted for wildlife at the park; get a list for planting at home.
“Why Reducing Food Waste is Critical to a Sustainable Future” (9:30 to 11 a.m.).
“Walk Through Sherwood Island’s History (From 12,000 Years Ago)” (noon to 1:30 p.m.).
“Salt Marshes and Marsh Migration at Sherwood Island” (12:30 to 2 p.m.)
“Environmental Role of Trees at the Park”(2 to 3:30 p.m.)
Aspetuck Land Trust celebrates Earth Day too (naturally).
Next Friday (April 22, noon) there’s a virtual “Lunch & Learn” webinar called “2/3 For the Birds.” That’s because birds need 70% (approximately 2/3) native plants to maintain healthy population levels. Click here to register.
The next day (Saturday, April 23, 10 a.m. to noon, Trout Brook Valley Jump Hill Preserve), there’s a vernal pool hike with wetland scientist Edward Pawlak. Space is limited; click here.
On Sunday, April 24 (10:30 a.m. to noon, Trout Brook Valley orchard and blueberry patch), the Spring Hawk Walk returns. Raptor specialist Larry Fischer hopes to catch one or more hawks to present to the group, while discussing fascinating details about those extraordinary creatures. Space is limited; click here.
Westport Pride gets a jump on the festivities May 19 (6 p.m.). Three teams of “chef-testants” (a local chef, plus members of the local LGBTQ community and allies) has 30 minutes to whip up an appetizer and entrée — using items in a mystery box — for 5 judges in a “Queer Cook-Off.” It all takes place in Aitoro Appliance’s Norwalk kitchens.
Celebrity chefs include Bill Taibe (owner/chef of Don Memo, Kawa Ni, The Whelk), Jes Bengtson (executive chef of Terrain Café and Amis Trattoria), and Arik Bensimon (executive chef of the Monogram Design Center).
Judges include Brian McGunagle (founder, Westport Pride), Tony Aitoro (CEO, Aitoro Appliance), Matt Storch (chef/owner of Match and Match Burger Lobster), Stephanie Webster (founder/editor-in chief, CTBites) and yours truly (Dan Woog, executive editor of “06880”).
Guests can observe the competition while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and beverages. It’s a fundraiser for Westport Pride — and a great way for the LGBTQ community and allies to get together, get ready for Pride (and eat well). Click here for tickets.
Staples High School soccer fans knew Alan Fiore as a passionate, high-scoring attacker.
Music fans will soon know him as an indie pop/rock artist.
The 2021 SHS graduate — now studying at Berklee College of Music — has just released his first song. “Take the Bait!” was inspired by artists like Dayglow, the 195, the Bleachers and COIN.
Alan produced, mixed and mastered it all himself. Click here for links to all streaming platforms. Click here for Alan’s website, and more music.
Posted onApril 15, 2022|Comments Off on Remarkable Theater Returns!
The Remarkable Theater — the COVID pop-up that has evolved into one of Westport’s entertainment institutions — returns for a 3rd season this month.
The Imperial Avenue drive-in is more than just a way to watch movies on a screen bigger than your phone (or even your own big TV screen).
It’s a community event. It’s a partnership with non-profits. And it’s a way to provide meaningful employment for people with disabilities.
The Remarkable is as Westport-oriented as it gets. And its first films of 2022 have special connections to our town.
The opening night screening — a joint venture with the Westport Library — is “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (Friday, April 29; $50 per car).
The film was written by Shonda Rhimes. On June 1, she’s the “Booked for the Evening” honoree at the Library, a few steps away from the drive-in.
The next day (Saturday, April 30), the Remarkable screens “The Sting,” with longtime area residents Paul New Man and Robert Redford.
The screening is co-sponsored by the Drew Freidman Foundation in support of CLASP Homes, which provides support for people with autism and developmental disabilities.
To honor Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, The Remarkable is offering tickets at half price ($25 per car).
Both movies begin at 7:30 p.m. Gates open at 6:30, for tailgating.
Joni Mitchell was right. After a long winter — and 2 long years of COVID — we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden.
And there’s no better place than the Westport Community Gardens.
There — just a few hoe-lengths away from Long Lots Elementary School — 100 or so gardeners grow fruit, vegetables, flowers, herbs and grasses, in a wonderful array of designs and configurations.
Some are families with young children. Some are folks in their 80s. Some are experienced gardeners; others know little, but learn from them. All form a helpful, happy — and very well-fed — community.
Gardens plots are available to town residents and town employees. A few remain to be allocated this year.
The gardens are deer-proof. Water is available.
Grow the tomatoes you’ve dreamed of — or any other fruits, vegetables and flowers you’ve wanted to try.
Families find a home at the Community Gardens. Supervised children are welcome — and encouraged.
There’s even a bocce court.
Click here for more information; scroll down to “Join the Community.”
Hey: You are stardust. You are golden. You’ve got to get yourself back to the garden.
Department staff has staked out an area near the site, keeping people away from the fragile birds and their eggs. A sign offers information about the threatened wildlife.
Speaking of shorebirds: A week from tomorrow is Earth Day. But the big events at Sherwood Island State Park are Saturday, April 23.
Friends of Sherwood Island offer several events. They include:
Friends’ Garden Team Activities (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Friends’ table on East Beach across from the Nature Center).
🌱Bring a reusable water bottle; get a “Protect Our Wildlife” sticker (while supplies last).
🌱Tour the Dunes Restoration project site; plant a stem of American Beach Grass.
🌱Learn about native plant species planted for wildlife at the park; get a list for planting at home.
“Why Reducing Food Waste is Critical to a Sustainable Future” (9:30 to 11 a.m.).Host: Pippa Bell Ader, Sustainable Westport Zero Food Waste Challenge. Ongoing at the Friends’ table outside the Main Pavilion.
“Walk Through Sherwood Island’s History (From 12,000 Years Ago)” (noon to 1:30 p.m.). Host: Cece Saunders, owner of Historical Perspectives in Westport. Guided walk. Meet at the Friends’ table outside the Main Pavilion.
“Salt Marshes and Marsh Migration at Sherwood Island” (12:30 to 2 p.m.) Host: Michele Sorensen, environmental educator, captain of the Friends’ garden team. Guided walk; also pick up plastic waste on the marsh. Gloves and bags provided. Meet at the Friends’ table on East Beach across from the Nature Center.
“Environmental Role of Trees at the Park” (2 to 3:30 p.m.) Host: Louis Pietig, Friends’ of Sherwood Island Advisory Council member. Guided walk. Meet at the Friends’ table outside the Main Pavilion.
Did you miss VersoFest? Or do you just want to relive last weekend’s Westport Library first-in-any-library-anywhere music and media festival?
Click below for a short highlight video. Jerri Graham and Verso Studios’ vivid photos will bring it to life. And get you psyched for the 2023 show, already in the planning stages.
The curtain came down on “The Descendants” last weekend. But the final act came later.
Staples Players’ talented costume crew — the behind-the-scenes students and parents led by Christie Stanger, who designed and created so many wonderful outfits — had a great idea: bling out a young audience member’s own clothes to look just like the costume of one of the Descendants!
This lucky, randomly chosen winner had her jean jacket and leggings made to look just like Evie’s. She also got a bunch of cool Evie-like accessories. She even got to meet Evie after the show.
Speaking of entertainment: Not much gets by Fred Cantor.
The other night he watched “The Drowning Pool.” The 1975 noir film starring Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward streamed on TCM.
At the end — yes, Fred watched the credits — he saw that it was “A Coleytown Production.”
Digging further, he found that “Coleytown Productions Inc.” is a California corporation formed in 1969. It dissolved in 2014. Joanne Woodward was the CEO.
Other copyrights held by Coleytown Productions included 2 other Paul Newman films: “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean” and “Pocket Money.”
Screenshot from “The Drowning Pool.” (Photo/Fred Cantor)
The other day, “06880” noted that Drew Coyne was named Connecticut’s Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year.
Now the highly lauded and popular Staples High School social studies instructor is vying for national Patricia Behring Teacher of the Year honors.
Every nominee for the $10,000 demonstrates “a commitment to engaging students in historical learning through the innovative use of primary sources, implementation of active learning strategies to foster historical thinking skills, and participation in the National History Day Contest.” The winner will be announced in June.
After 7 years of providing a dedicated gluten-free, organic, non-GMO-certified commercial kitchen, C&K Community Kitchen no longer maintains its gluten-free status. It still “enthusiastically stands on its devout organic, non-GMO foundation.”
Questions? Contact Sarah Kerstin Gross (candkcommunitykitchen@gmail.com), or call 203-226-0531.
Dale Najarian is the Westport Book Shop’s latest guest exhibitor.
The Westport artist is showing several abstract landscapes on wood panels. She works in several mediums, including watercolor, acrylics, mixed media and oils. She also has a passion for photography.
Najarian earned a BFA from Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia. She worked for over 15 years as a graphic designer and art director at design firms and advertising agencies in New York, Philadelphia and Washington.
She serves on the advisory board for the Norwalk Art Space, the executive board of the Artists Collective of Westport, and is a board member and project manager for #UNLOADusa.org, a nonprofit organization using arts to talk about gun violence in America. She is also an active member of the Greenwich Arts Council and the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County.
Longtime Saugatuck Co-op resident Johanna Straczek died peacefully last month, at 96. Her family says she “lived a full and vibrant life.”
She started her own accounting firm and worked daily at a front desk, even after selling the company years ago.
“Always dressed with taste and seldom without a signature chapeau, her slight but powerful presence graced our town with a genuine air of European culture,” her obituary says.
Born in Austria in 1925, Johanna learned multiple languages and studied opera in Vienna before coming to the US. She attended Sacred Heart University, sharpening her business acumen.
She became a fellow of the National Tax Institute, was a longtime Rotarian, and member of several tax associations.
As treasurer of the Saugatuck Co-Op on Bridge Street, where she lived, she is remembered for her dedication volunteer work, and her soprano voice that she gifted at holiday parties (especially “Stille Nacht/Silent Night”).
Johanna is survived by her sister, Vera Romatko and brother Carlo Romatko. She was predeceased by her husband John and sister, Nadia Romatko Krower.
A celebration of her life is set for April 20 (Unitarian Church, 11 a.m.).
The other day, David Ader searched for wild mushrooms at the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum.
Instead he found this tree. He writes: “What you see are fresh scratches from a claw. Given where they were on the tree, I assume it was a small bear. The claw marks are very different from, say, a deer rubbing antlers, which would be higher up.”
He has not seen the bear this year. He is, however, “hopeful.”
And finally … Bridgeport’s Sound on Sound Festival features some big names September 24 and 25. Among them: Dave Matthews, the Lumineers, Stevie Nicks and Brandi Carlile,
The biggest might be Ringo Starr. He kicks things off September 23.
That’s quite a coup. You know he don’t come easy. (Hat tip: Mark Yurkiw)
She has a long QT syndrome, a congenital abnormality of the heart’s electrical system that can lead to sudden death. Her 2nd-grade son has inherited the condition. Both take beta blockers.
But those — and other hardships — have not deterred Amanda. Since moving to Westport 5 years ago, she’s jumped into community life. She always looks to help. Last year, for example, she rallied Starbucks regulars to fund a gift card for a pregnant barista who needed help.
Amanda DeRosa (right) and her Starbucks friend.
She’s been active too in ensuring that AEDs (portable devices that deliver electrical shocks to cardiac arrest victims) are in as many places as possible — and that their batteries are replaced when needed.
It’s not only the elderly and people with long QT syndrome who may need help, she notes. Youngsters hit the wrong way by a ball can go into cardiac arrest too.
Amanda’s 64-year-old father is a volunteer firefighter in Chatham, New Jersey. “This stuff is in my blood,” she says. “I run to the fire, metaphorically.”
To be prepared, last July she took a Red Cross adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/AED course. She gave up 6 1/2 hours on a beautiful summer day, and it cost $117, but the certification was important to her.
Almost immediately, she put her training to use. An older woman fell on the sidewalk, near (of all places) the Post Road Starbucks where Amanda had aided the barista.
The woman bled profusely. Amanda put on her N95 mask, announced who she was, and got the bleeding under control. She kept the woman calm, until EMTs and firefighters arrived.
Not long after — at nearly the same location — Amanda saw a pickup truck hit a young man on a moped.
Again she raced into action. He was shook up, but not injured. She stayed with him, and made sure he was okay.
On Tuesday, Amanda again ran toward the metaphorical fire. Driving on the Post Road, she saw a serious 2-car accident at Turkey Hill. First responders had not yet arrived. A couple of people had stopped, but did not know what to do.
Amanda parked in the closest lot, grabbed her mask, and assessed the scene. A woman was out of her car, using her cellphone. A young man was still in the vehicle, dazed.
She introduced herself, and said she could help if needed. He nodded yes.
He said his wrist and chest hurt, and he felt dizzy. “I think I’m in shock,” he said.
Amanda calmed him down. She breathed slowly, and got him to follow. “He was terrified,” she says. She stayed with him until EMTs, firefighters and police arrived.
Those 3 incidents reinforced Amanda’s decision to take the Red Cross course.
“I know not everyone can handle blood,” she says. “But if you can, you really should do it.
“It takes time for first responders to arrive. If that young man needed CPR because of the airbag impact, I could have done that.”
A few days before that Turkey Hill accident, Amanda’s father had called. The firefighter said that a 52-year-old father of 4 had just died in Chatham, after his car was struck broadside.
“That was my hometown,” she says. “But Westport is now home. I just want to help, and I know there are millions of people like me.
“I’m just a mom. If that was my son in that car, I hope someone would be there for him.”
Amanda DeRosa has done plenty already. But she’s not stopping with the first aid/CPR/AED course.
This summer, she’ll start courses for a nursing degree at Norwalk Community College.
(To find a Red Cross first aid/CPR/AED course — or any other type — click here.)
Every autumn for several years, Debra Kandrak has urged Westporters to plant daffodils.
Every fall, they do. And every spring, we reap the rewards.
Here are just a few of the many “new” daffodil gardens that surprise and delight us all.
Assumption Church
Bulkley Avenue North and Long Lots Road,
Bulkley Avenue South and Post Road
Placid Lake Lane, off North Avenue
Post Road, near Baker Graphics
In addition to urging Westporters to “paint the town yellow,” Debra Kandrak maintains a traffic island daffodil garden. This is at the corner of Greens Farms and Prospect Roads. (All photos/Debra Kandrak)
Like many Westporters, Grace Waldman has been moved by the hardships faced by Ukrainian refugees.
So she’s made and sold matzah bark, to raise money for them.
She works with a grassroots organization called Keter Ukrainian Aid. Started by a friend of Grace’s mother Emily, it’s a free pantry in Jerusalem where refugees from Ukraine can “shop” for daily necessities for their family.
So far, Grace has raised over $2,500. She and her mom are busy filling orders, so they’re no longer taking new ones.
It’s been a great project, but a bit overwhelming.
Because — I forgot to mention — that Grace is only 4 years old.
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