Tag Archives: Comet neowise

Roundup: PPE Trash; Comet; More

Posted on July 26, 2020 | 4 comments

Westporters’ habit of dropping our trash wherever we want has caught the eye of the New York Times.

In fact, it’s the first anecdote in a story on a growing worldwide problem: PPE litter.

Yesterday’s story begins:

Helen Lowman looks at litter a lot. It’s her job. But while walking her dog in Westport, Conn., in March, she noticed an alarming trend. First she passed some dirty wipes on the ground. Then there were gloves. And finally a mask. Four months later, she said the litter of personal protective gear has only gotten worse….

“This pandemic is causing the face of litter to change,” said Ms. Lowman, chief executive of Keep America Beautiful, a nonprofit group that organizes cleanups. “We’re seeing a real shift in what is in the litter stream.”

Click here for the full story. Then clean up after yourself!

Seth Schachter created this collage from discarded gloves and masks he saw, in and around downtown.

Want to see the comet Neowise — bright and visible for the next couple of weeks —  but not sure where to look?

Click here. Hat tip to Chris Swan. “06880”‘s go-to guy for much information now adds “astronomer” to the list.

Comet Neowise, as seen from Saugatuck Elementary School (Photo/Elyse Heise Photography)

And finally … the Beastie Boys famously belted, “(You Gotta) Fight For Your Right (To Party).” Governor Cuomo disagrees. Based on recent news out of Greenwich and Darien, he has a point. Westport, stay smart — and safe. (But you can still enjoy the song.)

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Roundup: Compo Playground; Comet; Art; PAL; More

Posted on July 25, 2020 | Comments Off on Roundup: Compo Playground; Comet; Art; PAL; More

The latest reopening is a big one: the Compo Beach playground.

Everyone — except those under 2 — must wear a mask. Social distancing must be observed.

Other than that: Have fun!

The Neowise comet got plenty of publicity when it first arrived.

It’s still visible — all the way through August 15. In fact, says Elyse Heise — who took the great photo below, at Saugatuck Elementary School — it just hit peak brightness yesterday.

The view tonight should be as bright as the day this past week, when she took this shot.

(Photo/Elyse Heise Photography)

Three downtown galleries — Amy Simon, Pop’TArt and Sorelle — are sponsoring an art walk this Thursday (July 30, 5 to 8 p.m.). There’s live music and refreshments (masks required, of course).

If this one goes well, more are planned for future Thursdays.

Amy Simon Fine Art

For decades — and very quietly — Westport PAL has impacted thousands of lives.

In addition to organizing 10 sports for 2,000 kids each year, supporting Staples High School sports, helping with field enhancements, organizing the 4th of July fireworks and Main Street Halloween parade, PAL awards college scholarships. Since 2003, they’ve handed out $400,000 in aid.

Their fundraisers are low-key. Unfortunately, their biggest — the fireworks — was canceled this year.

But the 58th annual Chief Samuel Luciano Golf Tournament is still on. Set for September 14 at Longshore, it’s more important — and fun — than ever. Click here to register, and for more details.

In these tough COVID times, EnergizeCT has expanded their rebates and incentives. The popular — and free — Home Energy Solutions program helps state residents save on bills by reducing waste.

Virtual visits (“pre-assessments”) offer a look into a home’s energy efficiency situation, so experts can make suggestions and explain how the rebates work.

There is no co-pay, regardless of how the home is heated. And the insulation rebate rate is now $2.20 per square foot — more than twice the previous $1 rate.

For more information, click here or call 877-947-3873.

This week’s #FridayFlowers — courtesy, as always, of the Westport Garden Club — adorn the entrance to Longshore.

(Photo/Topsy Siderowf)

And finally … play ball! Baseball is back!  There’s new grass on the field …

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Children, Downtown, Environment, Local business, Longshore, Organizations, Sports

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Roundup: Comet: Mystic Bowie; Tree Of Life; PBA $; More

Posted on July 16, 2020 | 1 comment

Mark Yurkiw reports:

You’ve got a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view a bright comet with tail at a reasonable hour: 80 minutes after sunset, until July 19. (If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, that is.)

Comet Neowise is trucking through the solar system. It will come within 60 million miles of Earth in a week. These next few days are the best chance to spot her.

About an hour after sunset, keep your gaze on the northeast horizon (the further away from bright lights, the better).

If you miss it, Neowise will be visible again in a mere 6,800 years. For more details, click here.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce/Westport Library’s wildly successful Supper & Soul drive-in tailgate concert series continues. Up next: Caribbean/reggae band Mystic Bowie – Talking Dreads.

Because the format is so popular — as is the group is — two concerts are scheduled. They’re Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8 (7 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).

As with the Tom Petty Project show earlier this month, cars are set up in every other row. Tailgating begins at 5:30 p.m., using the space in front of each car.

Attendees are encouraged to order takeout from Chamber member restaurants, and bring it to to the show. No food or drink is sold on site.

Tickets are $125 per car (maximum: 5 people per vehicle). They go on sale Monday (July 20, 10 a.m.). Just click here. But note: The Tom Petty Project show sold out in 5 minutes!

Mystic Bowie

Among his many other volunteer efforts, longtime Westporter Ken Bernhard supports the Tree of Life.

The Haiti-based non-profit feeds, clothes, schools and supports orphans; provides a free education and lunch for 200 children; offers micro-financing for single mothers, and sponsors a village soccer tournament.

Founder Roger Garrison is a former classmate of Ken’s. He has spoken several times to Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs, which support his efforts.

As Roger prepares to retire, the Tree of Life seeks a new president. Ken is casting a wide net — including “06880” readers. If you are interested in that leadership position — or know someone who might be — email kbernhar@optonline.net.

The Westport Police Benevolent Association — with help from principal donors Dennis and Joan Poster — has awarded 13 scholarships, worth $2,500 each.

Though the pandemic knocked out the awards ceremony — and the organization’s major fundraising golf tournament — the PBA is proud to honor Staples High School’s Alyssa Chariott and Julien Zeman, along with these officers’ children: Dominic Arciola, Brandon Benson, Mathieu Colbert, Anthony Falbo Jr., Renee Kelley, Ann Restieri, Emma Simpson, Ella Simpson, Alex Smith, Nicole Thompson and Chris Wolf.

And finally … on this date in 2004 Martha Stewart was sentenced to 5 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release for conspiracy, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and making false statements to federal investigators.

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