Hot on the heels of my post earlier this morning — a gloomy scene shot from inside the Westport Library — comes this shot from alert “06880” reader Audrey Hertzel.
“What a welcoming sight on a dreary, raw day!” she writes.
“I’ve had clematis in my garden for years, but never in November! Thought you’d like to share :-)”
Can spring be far behind?!
Comments Off on Welcoming A Wet November: The Sequel
Posted in Environment, Weather
Tagged Audrey Hertzel, Clamatis
I’m not a dog person — they’re not allowed in our condos, even though they regularly romp across our property from neighboring Winslow Park — but I found the following info fascinating.
It comes courtesy of alert “06880” reader Audrey Hertzel.
The birthday girl
Every year she holds a fundraising birthday party for her now 12-year-old English setter, Daisy Mae. This year 30 people attended. They fetched $1,600 over to the Connecticut Humane Society.
But did you know that famed cowboy actor William Hart — a Westporter — gave a donation to start the Humane Society 60 years ago?
Or that a cancer rider is a good investment for pet insurance?
Daisy Mae was diagnosed with a slow-growing, incurable tumor in her hind leg in June. She completed 4 rounds of radiation successfully, and started chemo this week.
Fortunately, Audrey has a cancer rider for her 4 pets. Daisy Mae’s treatment has cost over $8,000, but reimbursement has covered nearly 2/3.
On the other hand, the value of a beloved pet is priceless.
On the 3rd hand, not in my condo.
I knew Audrey Hertzel was a loyal “06880” reader.
I didn’t know she’s also an excellent photographer.
Yesterday — while the rest of us partied at the 1st-ever “06880” beach bash — she was busy with her camera.
Enjoy her shots. (And I hope she enjoyed a shot or two — or some other drink — in between all her photography, tent-erecting and banner-making work!)
‘0’! It was quite a party.
Jennifer Hershey and Mary Hoffman were party planners extraordinaire.
Maite Hernandez, Roy Marmelo and Robin Singer. Maite provided some great Cuban food — just 24 hours after she and her husband Roy returned from a month in Europe.
Pete Romano and Robin Tauck — one of Westport’s favorite couples.
Achara and her friend shared a fantastic pizza.
Judy James, Matt Mandell and Dewey Loselle may or may not have discussed local politics.
Tom Lowrie, Kelle Ruden and Mike Laux have got the Rotary Club, library and swim team scenes covered.
Brian Hershey gained “06880” fame for stories on his trips to observe polar bears in the Arctic, and North Koreans in their repressive country.
Andy and Meryl Kaplan relax.
Master cupcake maker Lisa Alter, Linda Hudson and Rick.
Newcomer Michelle Benner and oldtimer Terry Brannigan.
Audrey Hertzel — who provided the tent and banner — and her Memphis friend. Debbie Pafford. (Photo by Prill Boyle)
Prill Boyle and yours truly. We go way back — to Burr Farms Elementary School.
60% of “06880” isn’t too bad. See you next year, at the 2nd annual party! (All photos by Audrey Hertzel, except as noted)
Whatever got Westporters outside today — bright sunshine, brisk wind, the need to walk dogs or shovel walks — we brought our cameras.
Here’s a snapshot of our town, the day after the Blizzard of 2013 blew in.
Bobbi Essagof captioned this simply “Jeter and Eliot walk downtown.”
Another shot of the iconic snow mound downtown. (Photo by Joelle Malic)
Joelle Malic’s “King of the Mountain” shot.
A sight you will never again see: The deserted Post Road, 12:30 p.m. Saturday.
When a dog’s gotta go… (Photo by Bobbi Essagof)
As usual, a cat was in charge. (Photo by Audrey Hertzel)
Terry Brannigan spent hours blowing snow. Then his boys turned it into a fort.
Adrian Mueller and his 9-year-old son Jaden (hidden, left) shoveled snow off their roof.
“Look how high the snow is!” says the daughter of a photographer named Meredith.
This is what happens when you leave your car in the post office parking lot overnight in a blizzard.
In the middle of last night’s snow, Zack Rosenberg built an igloo…
…and Clay Singer and Michelle Pauker created this snowman. Clay is 6-2, so I’m guessing the snowman is 9 feet tall.
Still, as Audrey Hertzel’s gorgeous photo reminds us, spring is right around the corner.
Posted in Places, Weather, Westport life
Tagged Audrey Hertzel, Blizzard of 2013, Bobbi Essagof, Clay Singer, Terry Brannigan
While “06880” readers were discussing the vileness of the Westport PAL for daring to sponsor tonight’s fireworks, another blog was helping affect real change.
I admit it: I missed the story.
I drove over the Post Road bridge the other day, and noticed the American flags were gone. I chalked it up to not paying attention the bazillion other times I cross the bridge. I thought they were up all the time, I said to myself. Guess not.
Guess again. As WestportNow.com reported, since 9/11 nearly 100 American flags have graced what no one calls the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. They fly from late April to Thanksgiving, giving way only to flags of the world on jUNe Day (last Saturday) and UN Day (October).
Indeed they were gone, victim of budget cuts and the need to slash Public Works expenses. The new plan would have them up only for major holidays.
The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo by Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com)
After WestportNow.com announced the news — and, okay, they knew about it because founder Gordon Joseloff spends a bit of time at Town Hall — reaction was swift. Audrey Hertzel got the ball rolling, and the next day a private individual ponied up $2,500 to pay for annual maintenance.
It was a wonderful moment for Westport — for downtown, for every person who drives or walks over the bridge, and for the power of 1 citizen (and 1 blog) to create change.
Meanwhile, this blog was talking about how horrible it is that the PAL has run the fireworks for over 50 years, and how awful it is that once a year the traffic is bad at the beach even though everyone has a good time.
My bad.
Posted in Beach, Downtown, Organizations
Tagged Audrey Hertzel, Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, Westport PAL, WestportNow.com
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