That’s one ghoulish submission to this week’s art gallery. We also welcome first-time contributor Gail Benson.
Whatever your age and level of experience — professional or amateur, young or old — this feature is open to everyone.
All genres and styles are encouraged too. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage (and now needlepoint) — whatever you’ve got, email it to dwoog@optonline.net. Share your work with the world!
It’s one of the first things you see entering Westport — getting off Merritt Parkway Exit 42, anyway.
It’s bad enough that the island at the Weston Road/Easton Road/Main Street intersection sends traffic in several confusing directions.
But ever since the demise of Daybreak Nursery it’s been a weed-filled, sign-covered mess.
Longtime Westporter Larry Perlstein decides to do something. Connecticut’s Department of Transportation allows islands to be adopted by companies for upkeep (many in Westport already are). He contacted DOT, to start the process.
Perlstein says it took 6 months of nagging — along with a poke by State Representative Jonathan Steinberg — to get action.
Finally, Northeast Horticultural is giving time (and plants) to maintain the island. They’ve done a first pass at cleanup and planting. They’ll do more this spring.
Weston Road/Easton Road traffic island looks a wee bit better. (Photo/Larry Perlstein)
Perlstein says, “This island is a gateway to Westport. Tons of traffic passes by. I remember what it looked like when it was well maintained, and I was embarrassed for the town it deteriorated so badly.”
Now, if we could only do something about signs for politicians, tag sales and sports sign-ups …
Once upon a time, trick-or-treaters (yes, there was a “trick” part besides the “treat”) soaped up windows.
Now they paint them.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Window Painting Contest takes place this Saturday (October 23, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
A record number of kids (105) will paint 65 different windows, all around town. They’re vying to win in 3 categories (Scariest, Most Original, and Best Halloween Themed) in 3 divisions (Elementary, Middle and High School). Victors earn rewards, and $25 gift cards from Cold Fusion.
Windows of retailers, offices, the Library and Senior Center answered the call, ensuring that every child who signed up has a window to paint. They’ll work on their own or in teams.
Windows will remain painted through Halloween, so residents can enjoy the artistry. For more information, click here.
Also downtown: The Westport Downtown Association hopes Westporters can help them make this holiday season special. They’re installing a dozen colorful tees throughout the area. Each will be decorated by professional designers, and will be themed to a different local non-profit. The aim is to support their missions during the season of giving.
The WDA seeks donations to help cover the cost of the trees, lights and decorations. Click here for the GoFundMe page, to help reach the $10,000 goal.
Usually, the only tents at Sherwood Island are on the sand.
Yesterday, visitors saw a ginormous tent, in the parking area. There were a couple dozen tractor-trailer dressing and production rooms too.
It was part of a movie being filmed there. Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell star in “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone,” an adaptation of a Stephen King short story.
Despite all the activity, no one spotted the main actors.
Speaking of cinema: The Remarkable Theater ends its second remarkable drive-in season with films that celebrate Halloween and Election Day (plus one classic music movie).
“Pink Floyd: The Wall” (Saturday, October 23, 6:30 p.m.)
“Hotel Transylvania” (Sunday, October 24, 6 p.m.)
“Corpse Bride” (Monday, October 25, 6:30 p.m.)
“The Candidate” (Tuesday, October 26, 6:30 p.m.)
“Beetlejuice” (Friday, October 29, 6:30 p.m.)
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (Saturday, October 30, 8:30 p.m.).
Speaking still of movies: After a great opening night, the Westport Library’s Short Cuts Film Festival continues Thursday, November 4 (7 p.m.), with 5 short films curated from the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival. The lineup includes narrative and animated films.
Six Nights follows a restaurant dishwasher facing a dilemma; in The Angler, things are not always what they seem; a baby owl struggles in the animated Try to Fly; challenges face a Syrian immigrant in No Longer Suitable for Use; and 3 young children seek a boyfriend for their bus driver in Cupids.
Cupid director and humanitarian aid worker Zoey Martinson will be an in-person guest in the Forum for a discussion after the screenings. At-home viewers can access the talkback via Zoom, and ask questions as well.
An all-documentary program follows on November 18.
All films will be screened on the Forum’s large, hi-def screen.
“Bicycling with Butterflies” (November 1, 6:30 p.m., Zoom). On behalf of Westport’s Pollinator Pathway, and in honor of Mexico’s Dia de los Muertos — the day the monarchs traditionally return to their winter sanctuary in Michoacán — Sara Dykman talks about her solo experience biking the 10,000-mile Monarch Butterfly Migration . Click here for more information.
“Don’t Blow It! A Panel Discussion About Leaf Blowers” (November 8, 7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). Clear the air about the impact of gas leaf blowers on our bodies and the environment – including the gas leaf blower ordinance being presented to the RTM Click here for more information.
“Holiday Wreath Making” (November 15, 6:30 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). Chyrse Terill and Ellen Goldman will show how to create wonderful Thanksgiving wreaths, with materials collected from WTF. At the end of the class, take home your work. Click here for more information.
Monarch butterfly in Westport. (Photo/Tammy Barry)
After reading this, you may be sorry you now have.
The small (3 inch) brownish crustacean with hairy, white-tipped claws — it looks like a mitten – is not native to Connecticut. But it’s here.
According to Dick Harris — a marine scientist who conducts environmental assessments for Copps Island Oysters — mitten crabs burrow into mud. Those habits threaten stream bank stability, promoting erosion and habitat loss. They can even undermine structures built nearby.
Last year, mitten crabs were found in the Housatonic and Mianus Rivers. On Wednesday, one was caught right here, in Muddy Deadman Brook.
Mitten crab
They are the only crabs in North America that spend time in fresh water. Salt water predators include sea bass and black crabs. In fresh water, their only danger comes from raccoons.
Harris wants Westporters to know how dangerous this invasive species can be. If you catch one, freeze it or preserve it in alcohol. Note the date and location of the capture, and call Harris: 203-246-6696.
Last month, as Afghan refugees prepared to arrive in Connecticut, the call went out: Help!
Westporters responded.
An “06880” post alerted readers to the need for clothing, household goods, backpacks with school supplies and more. Load after load was delivered to Greens Farms Congregational Church.
Over the past few days, IRIS welcomed 40 Afghan evacuees. Forty-six more will arrive this week. That’s 96 people — 24 or families — in 17 days.
All came with just 48 hours’ notice to iRIS.
They join 42 Afghans who came in August. Another 100 are scheduled to be here next month — and 100 more in December.
An Afghan father and daughter, resettled in Connecticut.
A few arrivals spent a couple of nights in hotels. One stayed with a church. Some are living with Afghan families they knew back home, while IRIS tries to find apartments.
Many went directly into housing that IRIS signed leases for in August.
But 43 people — mostly mothers with children — remain hiding in Afghanistan. IRIS is organizing money drops to keep them fed.
Twenty-seven community groups around Connecticut are welcoming refugees. But 50 to 60 more groups are needed (including the rest of New England). For information on sponsorships, click here.
To learn more, watch the video below:
IRIS notes that paperwork to get Afghan families employed takes a long time. The organization feeds them, and pays rent, until work papers are finalized. IRIS needs funds to help — and to pay their own staff.
To mark the occasion, Westport’s International Hospitality Committee and the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut are hosting a ceremony on the Town Hall front steps. It’s set for next Monday (October 25, 3:30 p.m.).
UNASWCT president and International Hospitality Committee member Bill Hass will read a message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Aye Aye Thant — a Westport resident, and daughter of former UN Secretary-General U Thant — is the guest speaker.
Flags of UN countries will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen Memorial Bridge.
For more information, call Bill Hass (203-454-7685).
Paul Lane Field — the new name for Staples High School’s football stadium — will be dedicated officially on Friday, November 12.
A host of former players will be on hand, including Matt MacVane, Bill During, John Bolger, Buzz Leavitt and Lance Lonergan, as well as relatives of the longtime Wrecker coach. Festivities include a tailgate in the north parking lot before the 7 p.m. kickoff against Ridgefield High, and a halftime ceremony.
The original date for the dedication was this Friday (October 22). Instead, that’s Homecoming.
There’s plenty of action in what’s known — now and forever — as Paul Lane Field.
Paul Lane (center) flanked by his sons Peter (left) and Skip. Both played for him.
It was a tough call. But MoCA Westport canceled this fall’s in-person fundraiser due to COVID concerns.
Of course, like any museum they still need support. They’ve pivoted to an online auction., to help with exhibitions and music, community events and outreach to the underserved.
The auction features over 50 items, including original artwork (like art by Devon Troy Strother and a Joel Sternfeld photo from the 1980s), one-of-a kind experiences (an NBA VIP draft experience), and curated products from local businesses (Stephen Kempson London, Stacy Bass Photography, JL Rocks, Pure Barre and Imperial Dental Associates, among others).
The auction begins November 1, and ends November 15. To pre-register, click here. For more information, click here.
MoCA Westport’s Newtown Avenue building is unique. Its online auction is special too.
Speaking of artistry: The Flower Basket is more than just fantastic floral arrangements.
This Sunday (October 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 995 Post Road East), the wonderful shop near Stiles Market hosts an exhibit of abstract and contemporary art by Romeo. Flower and art lovers are invited.
TAP is dedicated toward fitness and preventive care in all forms.
Including mushrooms.
On Tuesday (October 26, 7 p.m., 180 Post Road East) they host author Adam Fiore. He’s the author of a recent Newsweek cover story on clinical trials using psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” to treat depression. He’ll talk about neuroscience, research and stories shared by patients.
To register and for more information, email Nancy@tapstrength.com.
To mark the occasion, Westport’s International Hospitality Committee and the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut are hosting a ceremony on the Town Hall front steps. It’s set for next Monday (October 25, 3:30 p.m.).
UNASWCT president and International Hospitality Committee member Bill Hass will read a message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Aye Aye Thant — a Westport resident, and daughter of former UN Secretary-General U Thant — is the guest speaker.
Flags of UN countries will fly on the Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen Memorial Bridge.
For more information, call Bill Hass (203-454-7685).
Paul Lane Field — the new name for Staples High School’s football stadium — will be dedicated officially on Friday, November 12.
A host of former players will be on hand, including Matt MacVane, Bill During, John Bolger, Buzz Leavitt and Lance Lonergan, as well as relatives of the longtime Wrecker coach. Festivities include a tailgate in the north parking lot before the 7 p.m. kickoff against Ridgefield High, and a halftime ceremony.
The original date for the dedication was this Friday (October 22). Instead, that’s Homecoming.
There’s plenty of action in what’s known — now and forever — as Paul Lane Field.
Paul Lane (center) flanked by his sons Peter (left) and Skip. Both played for him.
It was a tough call. But MoCA Westport canceled this fall’s in-person fundraiser due to COVID concerns.
Of course, like any museum they still need support. They’ve pivoted to an online auction., to help with exhibitions and music, community events and outreach to the underserved.
The auction features over 50 items, including original artwork (like art by Devon Troy Strother and a Joel Sternfeld photo from the 1980s), one-of-a kind experiences (an NBA VIP draft experience), and curated products from local businesses (Stephen Kempson London, Stacy Bass Photography, JL Rocks, Pure Barre and Imperial Dental Associates, among others).
The auction begins November 1, and ends November 15. To pre-register, click here. For more information, click here.
MoCA Westport’s Newtown Avenue building is unique. Its online auction is special too.
Speaking of artistry: The Flower Basket is more than just fantastic floral arrangements.
This Sunday (October 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., 995 Post Road East), the wonderful shop near Stiles Market hosts an exhibit of abstract and contemporary art by Romeo. Flower and art lovers are invited.
TAP is dedicated toward fitness and preventive care in all forms.
Including mushrooms.
On Tuesday (October 26, 7 p.m., 180 Post Road East) they host author Adam Piore. He’s the author of a recent Newsweek cover story on clinical trials using psilocybin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms,” to treat depression. He’ll talk about neuroscience, research and stories shared by patients.
To register and for more information, email Nancy@tapstrength.com.
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