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An American oystercatcher is nesting at Compo Beach.
Parks & Rec is on the case.
Department staff has strung rope around the site, keeping people away from the fragile bird and her eggs. A sign offers information about her habits.
Another sign describes other threatened shorebirds. It’s fascinating to read.
And heed.
The oystercatcher sign …
… and another, describing piping plovers and least terns. (Photos/Dinkin Fotografik)
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An excited “06880” reader writes:
I’ll admit I got a little breathless when I received a Sundance email headlined, “Visit Our New Store in Westport.”
Westport?! This catalog has served as my retail therapy vision board for years; the source of countless subtle, dog-eared “tips” I’ve left for my spouse re birthday and holiday gifts.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Robert Redford-stamped brand, think Millie Rae’s meets Anthropologie — high-end, carefully curated, bohemian-Southwest-y silver and gold jewelry, as well as clothes, shoes and housewares.
I can’t wait to see how they deck out their brick-and-mortar store on Main Street (the former Ann Taylor — it’s only their 18th retail location). Am I excited enough about it to get the free gift for booking an “early access appointment”?
Why yes, actually, I might be. If they do this right, I think it’s about as perfect a fit for Westport as any catalogue-come-to-life could be.
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Last year, during the darkest days of the pandemic, the Westport Garden Club’s “Friday Flowers” project brightened up our town. Once a week, members placed beautiful bouquets at very visible spots.
The Garden Club has picked up again this year. The first Friday Flowers of 2021 was delivered to Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Keep your eyes open every week. And if you see a Westport Garden Club member: thank her!
Friday Flowers at the church entrance. (Photo/Pat Nave)
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Speaking of Saugatuck Church: Boy Scout Troop 36 — which they sponsor, and provide meeting space for — helped make yesterday’s mattress recycling drive a huge success.
The Scouts picked up 34 mattresses and box springs throughout town. Then they headed to Earthplace, and helped load the items into a truck.
The Scouts’ efforts doubled the number of items received during Sustainable Westport’s project
Troop 36 Scouts also volunteered at Earthplace, filling containers with free compost for residents.
Boy Scout Troop 36 members, with mattresses and the recycling truck.
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Tracy Rosen offers a shout-out for a local business.
The other afternoon, she and a friend went to Shearwater for coffee. But they close at 4 p.m.
They decided instead to have a glass of wine next door, at Ignazio’s Pizza.
“They couldn’t have been nicer!” Tracy says.
“They set up a table for us outside, and lit a wood-burning fire pit. They were so hospitable, just letting us sit there with our wine, never pushing us to order anything else. But their pizza smells amazing!”
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Westport PAL’s motto is “It’s all about the kids.”
And kids of all ages love car shows.
The PAL is sponsoring one on June 20 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., railroad station parking lot near Railroad Place and Franklin Street). In addition to cool cars, there’s food and raffle prizes.
Tickets are $15 each. But kids — that is, anyone under 12 — are free. Of course.
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The other day, “06880” highlighted the Connecticut Preservation Award for 70 Turkey Hill South.
An award ceremony was held last week, via Zoom. Here’s a video of all 10 awards. The Westport one begins at 16;13. (Hat tip: Bob Weingarten)
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There’s always something new at George Billis Gallery.
An opening reception this Friday (May 14, 4 to 7 p.m.) showcases “A Glimpse Ahead.” The figurative exhibit focuses on summer, with artwork that includes swimmers, surfers, pool scenes and waterscapes. The aim is to create a sense of peace, relaxation and joy.
Among the artists: Westporter Dale Najarian. She contributes abstracted waterscapes on canvas and wood panel.
The exhibit runs through June 13.
“Jewel Landscape,” oil on canvas (Dale Najarian)
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And finally … Happy Mother’s Day, to every “06880” mother out there.
None of us would be here without you. We love you, moms!
