[UPDATE] Several readers have pointed to a Westport Journal story that includes a photo of the banned book display at the Staples High School library. The book covers are exhibited, and students could browse the contents.
I have removed a story posted earlier today, citing a reader who emailed me saying she had changed her mind about the display, after learning that the book jackets had been covered.
That appears to be erroneous information. I have deleted this story, and will also remove other comments pertaining to it.
I apologize for posting her story.
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The “garden” part of Westport Community Gardens is clear to anyone wandering by the 100 plots just south of Long Lots Elementary School. They’re beautiful, and bountiful.
But the “community” part is just as important. Led by Lou Weinberg — and with plenty of help from everyone else — there’s as much camaraderie and spirit as there are vegetables, flowers and birds.
Yesterday, the Gardens community celebrated with a fall harvest party. Dozens of families shared friendship, music, pizza, gelato — and of course, plenty of salads.
Community Gardens fall harvest party.
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No, you did not miss the Westport Library’s summer book sale.
The mega-event has been moved to fall. This year, it’s Friday, November 11 through Monday, November 14.
There are thousands of gently used books for children and adults in over 50 categories: non-fiction, fiction, romance, cookbooks, antiquarian, plus music CDs, and movie and TV series DVDs. Also, “a limited selection of artworks and ephemera.”
Westport resident Joseph Califano — President Carter’s Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare — has donated dozens of books signed and inscribed to him, from his personal library.
There’s a new “Fiction for $1 Room”: an entire conference room filled with hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, young adult fiction and paperback novels — all just $1 each.
Also: a large selection of holiday-themed books, CDs and DVDs. Crank up that Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer!
Click here for information on prices, hours (and early-bird access).
Westport Library book sale.
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Last night’s hunter’s moon was gorgeous.
“06880” readers sent plenty of photos. Here’s the view from Sherwood Mill Pond …
(Photo/Matt Murray)
… and Long Island Sound:
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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Westporters love wine.
Which is why the Sunrise Rotary Club’s next event is such a winner.
“Westport Uncorked” (November 18, 6:30 p.m., the Inn at Longshore) is “a wonderful evening of dozens of fine wines (and heavy hors d’oeuvres).
Every dollar raised goes directly to charities supported by Sunrise Rotary. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Staples High School Class of 1978 graduate Dave Ruden served as chair emeritus of this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s. He lost his mother to the disease.
Ruden’s day job is publisher of The Ruden Report — the go-to multi-platform site for coverage of Fairfield County sports. So he put out the word to all 16 FCIAC schools — asking all sports, all seasons to help.
Over 60 responded, raising funds and walking yesterday at Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk.
Among them: Staples baseball, cheer, boys ice hockey and girls tennis volleyball.
The Staples boys soccer program participated too — big time. Led by tri-captain Alex Laskin, they raised $9,428. That was the most of any FCIAC team — and 5th highest, among the 284 groups that raised funds.
Way to go, all you Wreckers!
Boys soccer varsity team, at the Alzheimer’s Walk. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
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Speaking of sports: On Election Day night, you may be cheering or crying.
Earlier in the day, your kids will definitely cheer.
That is, if they’re part of the Staples High School cheer team’s clinic (November 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). It’s open to children in grades kindergarten through 8 (
The $75 fee includes lunch and a t-shirt. It’s a fundraiser for the team. Click here to register, and for more information.
The Staples High School cheer team.
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“The Extraordinary Life of an Ordinary Man” — Paul Newman’s memoir — will be published October 18.
Next month (November 20, 3 p.m.), it’s the topic of a Westport Country Playhouse discussion.
Who better to talk about the beloved actor/philanthropist/race car driver — and longtime Westporter — than Melissa Newman? She wrote the book’s foreword — and is his daughter.
She’ll be joined by Anne Keefe, Playhouse associate artist, who served WCP co-artistic director with Newman’s wife, actor Joanne Woodward.
An audience Q-and-A will follow the talk.
Tickets are $45, and include a copy of the book. To purchase, and for more information, click here.
Melissa Newman
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In August, “06880” reported on Steve Bannon’s podcast about Westport. The segment alleged that our town is run by an “unelected Marxist Politburo.”
It included an interview with the editor of CD Media. The initials stand for “Creative Destruction,” which is “reopening newspapers up and down the Colonies.”
CD Media’s chief investigative correspondent and senior editor Christine Dolan comes to Westport on November 1 (6:45 p.m., Westport Library). She’ll bring her “American Conversation” series, to discuss “How Public Policy is Putting Our Children at Risk.” The event is co-sponsored by Children’s Health Defense, the anti-vaccine group chaired by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Among the topics her panel will address:
- “Significant increase in child human trafficking”
- “Exponential increase in youth deaths from fentanyl”
- “Alarming increase in suicides of young people”
- “Decrease in mastery of basic academic skills.”
Click here for tickets and more information. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)
Promotional photo for CD Media’s November 1 event.
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Soccer’s World Cup kicks off next month, in Qatar.
Games will be played primarily from what is early morning to mid-afternoon, Eastern Standard Time. An “06880” reader named Fernando asks:
“What are the bars and other places in the area that will be open for all the matches? Are there any places that did this in 2018 that can be counted on to do it again, or new venues that will do so?”
If you know the answer, click “Comments” below.
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The praying mantis is Connecticut’s state insect. (I know, I know …)
A pair of “06880” readers had the same idea this weekend: send a photo, for “Westport … Naturally”:
(Photo/Ken Yormark)
(Photo/Jill Grayson)
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And finally … contrary to what I learned in school, Christopher Columbus did not “discover” America. It was already here — and was home to a thriving population.
It took hundreds of years, but today we celebrate the indigenous people of North America — those millions who were here first.
