Adam Goldberg began baking sourdough bread, then moved on to bagels.
He sold them to friends, then friends of friends. It was an “if you know, you know” business.
Suddenly, PopUp Bagels exploded — to the rest of Fairfield County, then New York. The upstart from the ‘burbs won awards in — are youse sittin’ down? — Brooklyn.
Today, Goldberg’s little bagel business annoounces a huuuuge expansion. They’re going from 13 stores on the East Coast, to 300 nationally.
We’re talkin’ Atlanta, Nashville, Orlando — cities that think bagels are made of cardboard.
“We’re bringing our stores to places where people don’t necessarily think of themselves as ‘bagel people’,” Goldberg told Fast Company. “We’re introducing bagels into their routines.”
They’re working with 15 franchisees,each of whom will run multiple locations. PopUp will make the dough regionally.
“06880” reader Michael Szeto writes: “I was taking my dog out to our mailbox at 4:30 yesterday afternoon, when I saw a coyote on my front lawn on Minute Man Hill.
“Fortuantely, I pulled our dog back into the house. The encounter could have been very bad.
“The past 2 nights we were awakened by blood-curdling coyote howls, between midnight and 2 a.m. Our dog couldn’t stop barking.
“There is so much uncontrolled wild life on our properties. I’m not sure what we can do about it. We can’t even enjoy our backyards without fearing an attack on our dog by coyotes.”
Longtime Westport resident Richard “Chick” Hayden died peacefully at his home in Rye, New Hampshire on July 5. He was 89.
The Duluth native graduated from St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota with a degree in English. He spent nearly 40 years at IBM, retiring as director of industry relations.
In retirement Chick worked with Cross Roads House of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, including a term as president.
Chick was father to 8 children with his first wife, Jane Alma Hofmann. Though they divorced, they remained lifelong friends until her death. Chick found love again, and in 1983 married Caroline Poor Cilley. They moved from Westport to New Hampshire in 1996, settling in a 1735 farmhouse with an attached barn that they turned into a hub for get-togethers for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
His family says, “Having endured his own hardships, he was ever sensitive to the trials of others, providing wisdom, compassion and love (both soft and tough) in whatever measures needed.
Chick is survived by his wife Caroline, children Kristin, Kimberly, William, Michael, Patrick, Anthony and Kathleen; step-children Caroline Sumrall, Charles Cilley and Doug Cilley; 22 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Mary.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Chick’s name may be made to the Cross Roads House.
Richard “Chick” Hayden
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We receive deer photos every day, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Fawns — not so much.
But they’re everywhere these days. Diane Johnson spotted this pair, off Imperial Avenue.
And finally … on this date in 1901, actor/singer/saxohphonist Rudy Vallee was born. He died in 1986.
(Another Monday — the start of another week of “06880” Roundups. If you enjoy this daily feature of news, events, photos and random “stuff,” please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Board of Finance was scheduled to meet June 4, to discuss a $98 million appropriation for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
That meeting — for discussion only — has been rescheduled for June 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). The funding amount has been reduced to $93 million.
A second Long Lots meeting is set for June 11. A vote may be taken then.
Meanwhile, before the full Representative Town Meeting votes on the final approval, the RTM Education Committee discusses the request for funding.
That meeting takes place June 10 (5:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
The current Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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At 10 p.m. Tuesday on Roseville Road near Joanne Circle, a coyote standing near the wood line lunged at a dog. The owner quickly took the dog inside.
Westport Animal Control advises:
Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard.
While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.
Coyotes can be successfully driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).
If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. Retreat gradually, but keep eyes on the coyote. Be assertive and noisy (yell or use a whistle).
A fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected encounters. Deer fences do a poor job of excluding smaller species like coyotes. They often slip underneath.
Motion-sensitive lights help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night, and help deter coyotes.
Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but on occasion they tussle with larger pets. Even larger pets benefit from supervision.
Coyotes can be active day or night.
Coyotes are found throughout North America. They are adaptable and opportunistic. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only 1 recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America.
But they do pose risks to pets.
Compo Beach area coyote. (Photo/Richard Gabor)
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One of Westport’s signature (and most fun) fundraisers is just a week away.
“Taste of Westport” takes over the Inn at Longshore on June 5 (6 p.m.). 100% of the proceeds go directly to CLASP, which provides homes and services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.
This year’s lineup of superb food and great drinks is the biggest ever. There’s a first taste from ănăn (the team behind Nômade), and first-time participants The Bridge at Saugatuck, The Whelk, Bar Bushido, The Blondinit and Barcelona.
Plus a caviar bar by Nordic Fish (paired with Moët Champagne), along with returning favorites like Gabriele’s, La Plage, Don Memo, Artisan and more.
And … a martini bar, signature cocktail, Oggi gelato, Bridgewater chocolate …
The silent auction features a Lime Rock driving experience, tickets to “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” weekend getaways, wines, designer jewelry, opera tickets, a block party package with live entertainment, a week of dinners from participating restaurants, and (of course) more.
The only thing slower than Post Road traffic is the pace of the Post Road renovation.
But occasionally, work is done.
Here’s the view by Volvo of Westport:
(Photo/Michael Calise)
Notice we said “work is done.” Not necessarily “progress.”
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From the road to the water … Eric Bosch sends this photo:
He writes: “The ‘bug light’ blinks every 3 seconds just off the canons, marking the entrance from Long Island Sound into the Saugatuck River.
“In my 60+ years here, I’ve never seen it pulled into Compo Basin.”
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Pride Month parties continue on June 22.
Westport Pride presents “Fête en Blanc” (June 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture). The fundraiser for The Circle Care Center — a Norwalk-based HIV prevention and treatment organization — celebrates “community, culture and compassion.”
The outdoor event incudes music, dancing, drinks, raffles and auctions. Attendees can purhcase Latin-inspired cuisine from a food truck — and should wear white. (That’s a tribute to the “white parties” in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and ’90s, which raised funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and support.)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 21 and 28.
A 40-year-old New Rochelle, New York woman was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and forgery, after a report that various Webster Bank branches were scammed out of $3,000 since January. The woman allegedly deposited forged money orders into her account. She was held on $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
Driving while texting: 4
Failure to renew registration: 2
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
Following too closely: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.
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Richard Silverman — cantor emeritus of Temple Israel — has died.
The temple says: “A cantor is the voice of a congregation, and from 1988 to 2013, Cantor Silverman was our voice.
“His was the voice that helped us greet Shabbat and holidays, the voice of Jewish celebration and Jewish comfort, the voice that supported b’nei mitzvah students in preparation for their milestone day, and the voice upon which our prayers ascended to the Divine. Cantor Silverman played a very special role in the lives of so many in our congregation, and his memory and music will be an abiding blessing.”
Cantor Richard Silverman is survived by his wife Batya, children Sarit and Elan (Heather), and grandchildren Sarah, Jacob and Emilie.
A funeral will be held on June 3 (11 a.m., Temple Israel), and livestreamed. Shiva will be observed on June 3 following the burial until 8 p.m., and June 4 and 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. (with a minyan at 6:30 each evening) at River Valley Retirement Community (101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull).
Cantor Richard Silverman
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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, the eagle has landed (at Compo Beach).
In the flurry of news about affordable housing, Staples coaches, the Hamlet, the Cribari Bridge, Long Lots Elementary School and the Community Gardens — are we forgetting anything? — we missed an important occasion yesterday.
Yesterday marked the 190th anniversary of the founding of Westport.
The official date of our establishment as a separate town — cleaved off from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield — was May 28, 1835.
We apologize for the oversight. But don’t worry: May 28, 2035 is already on our calendar. (Hat tip: Harris Falk)
(The proper gift for a 190th birthday is … uh, we have no idea. The proper gift for “06880” — today, and every day, is a contribution to support our work. Thank you for clicking here!)
AAPI Heritage Month — celebrating Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders — starts this week. AAPI Westport is ready.
Among the events:
Middle School Anime Night (Friday, May 3; 7 to 9:30 p.m., Toquet Hall; $10). Watch “Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods,” play trivia with prizes, and enjoy Japanese snacks and sodas. Open to all students in grades 6-8. Click here to register.
“Flavors of Fun: Filipino Cooking Demonstration with Denise deCastro of Dee Cuisine” (Friday, May 17; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30pm, Westport Weston Family Y; $40). Learn how to cook lumpia and pancit. Click here to register.
AAPI 5K run/walk (Saturday, May 18; 9 a.m., West Hartford Town Hall). Click here to register.
AAPI Westport Book Club discussion of “Yellowface” by RF Kuang (May 22; 6 p.m., Westport Book Shop.
Follow on Instagram: @aapiwestport.
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This is the night for StartUp Westport’s inaugural Innovator of the Year Award.
Westport’s public/private entrepreneurial partnership honors Jimmy Pitaro, CEO of ESPN. He’ll be interviewed by fellow Westporter (and ESPN host) Mike Greenberg.
Tonight’s (Tuesday) event begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance (click here), $30 at the door.
Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (May 6, 7 p.m.; Zoom) includes a pre-application to preserve the existing historic building at 125 Riverside Avenue, and also build a new principal building.
During the public session, the P&Z will discuss a proposal by Longshore Hospitality for interior and exterior renovations to the Inn at Longshore.
Channel 7 reporter Joe Torres came to town. Liz Kaner spotted his van on her street off Roseville Road, asked if he was there to do a coyote story, and told him that her dog had been attacked Wednesday night.
That was the second attack on their road in 2 weeks.
Torres also interviewed Westport Police Lieutenant Eric Woods, and Minette Nelson at Winslow Park.
Meanwhile, Liz reports: “Snickers sustained 2 abdominal wounds. One was very serious, and required immediate surgery.
“She fared well under the competent and loving care of Schulhof veterinarian Lyndsey Westerfield (who stayed with her well into the night, despite having 2 small children at home).
“Today Snickers seems to have turned the corner. Her wounds are healing nicely, and her disposition is returning back to normal (via the excitable tail wag).”
Fantastic bouquets — designed by Sarah Shaw Floral — can be ordered through noon on May 7. Pickup is at WTF on Saturday, May 11 (9 to noon). HINT: That’s the day before Mother’s Day.
The cost is $85. The look on your mother’s (or wife’s) face will be priceless.
Also at the Farm:
“Cooking with Herbs,” with chef Laura Weinman (May 16, 7 p.m., $100; BYOB).
“Make Fruit Preserves” with award-winning preserver Maureen Estony (June 2, 11 to 1 p.m., $100).
“Spring Cooking for Grades K-2” (May 20; June 3, 10, 17; 4:15 to 5:45 p.m.; $200).
Click here for more details, and registration information.
Say it with flowers, from Wakeman Town Farm.
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Staples’ Service League of Boys were not the only young people doing good deeds this past weekend.
On Sunday, Troop 36 gave Saugatuck Congregational Church — its chartered organization — a new flag. The previous one, which hung in front of the building, was destroyed by winter storms.
But that’s not all.
After helping out with the church service, Troop 36 members cleaned up the outdoor chapel, adjacent to Winslow Park. It was a troop Eagle project years ago.
Scouts cleared the nearby path, removed trash and debris, replenished mulch and fixed the border. They also removed benches with rotted footings, and will replace them soon.
Troop 36, near the outdoor chapel. From left: Jack Donroe, Calvin Jahansouz, Vishal Puttagunta, Dylan O’Brien, Finn Martens, Kevin O’Brien, Eagle Scout Dylan Kurpiel. Missing: Naveen Podlich.
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On May 6 (4 p.m., Staples Field), the Wrecker baseball team honors the resilience and strength of people who have triumphed over breast cancer.
The event will recognize individuals who have shown exceptional courage in their battle against breast cancer. The first pitch will be thrown by noted breast oncologist, Westport resident Dr. Richard Zelkowitz.
Attendees — who are encouraged to wear pink — will have opportunities to support the Saugatuck “SurviveOars” Rowing Program, purchase pink items, receive pink giveaways, and engage with the Staples High School baseball community.
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Sure, the temperature climbed near 80 yesterday.
But the temperature was only 48 degrees yesterday morning. And the water was even colder.
That does not deter Andy Berman, who swims nearly every morning. He was joined Monday by Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella and Matt Davis.
“It has so many health positives!” Andrew said.
Through chattering teeth.
From left: Matt Davis, Andrew Colabella, Andy Berman.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival draws 400,000 visitors each year, over 10 days, for a musical and culinary all-you-can-consume buffet.
Proceeds fund civic causes (including recovery from Hurricane Katrina), and keep the spirit of the birthplace of jazz alive. Over the years, Jazz Fest expanded to include a greater variety of musicians. This year’s headliners are the Rolling Stones.
Richard Epstein learned about Jazz Fest from friends, and was hooked. The Staples High School graduate has had a dual career — dentist and musician — since moving back to the area in 1976.
He plays bassoon in the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra, and sax with the Westport Community Band.
But his “ultimate play time” is his radio program. “Sometimes Classical” blends just about every genre of music imaginable. It airs on WPKN-FM (89.5) for 3 hours, every other Wednesday afternoon.
Epstein introduced himself to WWOZ, Jazz Fest’s official radio station, as a kindred free-form spirit. They were starting to simulcast Jazz Fest, letting other media outlets tap into their live coverage.
WPKN is now in its 4th year of simulcasting parts of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Tune in this weekend (May 3-5) for the final weekend of Jazz Fest ’24. Click here to see WPKN’s Jazz Fest programming.
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Speaking of jazz: This week’s Jazz at the Post features The Jim Royle Caribbean Jazz Connection. Leader and drummer Bryan Garbe has crossed genres of jazz and Caribbean Latin styles for years.
The Connection features Jim’s former student and steel pan player Bryan Garbe. The acclaimed percussionist grew up in Fairfield.
The band also includes John Mobilio on bass, Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall on saxes, and pianist David Childs.
There are 2 shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 this Thursday (May 2): 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. The music cover is $20 ($15 for veterans and students.)
Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Jim Royle.
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Longtime Westport resident Robert McCarthy died Saturday at home, surrounded by family. He was 94.
Bob served in the Navy aboard the USS Zellars, during the Korean conflict. He owned a successful plumbing business for over 60 years, and was known for his “smarts, humor and dedication to his customers.”
He enjoyed his family, golf, the beach and his wife of 68 years Jennie’s homemade manicotti.
Bob coached baseball, and was a member of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, the Knights of Columbus, and the Westport Volunteer Fire Department. He also served on the Church of the Assumption Parish Council.
The Norwalk native was predeceased by his wife, sisters Jean and Mary, and brother Walter.
Bob is survived by his children Kevin (Beth) of Westport, Brian (Lena) of Fairfield, Kathy Sabitsky (Stan) of Milford, and Brennan (Jenny) of Westport; grandchildren Justin, Sarah, Kaitlin, Josh, Matt, Nick, Zach, Jack and Charlie; great-grandchild Maeve, and numerous nieces and nephews.
His family will receive friends on Thursday (May 2, 4 to 7 p.m., Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 3, at Assumption Church. Burial with full military honors will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Connecticut Hospice or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation.
And finally … On this day in 1975, Communist forces gained control of Saigon. The Vietnam War formally ended, with the unconditional surrender of South Vietnamese president Dương Văn Minh.
(“06880” — your hyper-local blog — relies on readers like you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In the wake of several recent coyote attacks on dogs in Westport, the Police Department offers this advice to protect pets:
Supervise your pets while they are in the yard. Coyotes avoid conflict with humans, so your presence should prevent any problems.
While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.
Coyotes can be successfully driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).
If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. You should gradually retreat but maintain situational awareness (keep eyes on), and be assertive and noisy (yelling or using a whistle).
At home, a fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected wildlife encounters. Deer fences are designed to keep out deer, but they do a poor job of excluding smaller species like coyotes.
Motion-sensitive lights can help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night, and help deter coyotes.
Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but coyotes will tussle with larger pets on occasion. Even larger pets will benefit from supervision.
Remember: Coyotes can be active day or night.
Coyotes are increasingly on the prowl. (Photo/Richard Gabor)
Coyotes are now found throughout North America. They are an adaptable and opportunistic canid. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only 2 recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America. But they do pose a risk to our pets.
Resources include:
U.S. Navy-issue 130-decibel storm whistle.
Frontiersman 130-decibel bear horn.
Mace-brand canine repellent.
For further information, call Westport Animal Control: 203-341-6011.
Westport college students are on both sides of the protests roiling campuses nationwide.
One made it into the Washington Post.
Reporting from the University of Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott is sending in troops, the paper quoted students who called his actions politically opportunistic.
However, the Post said: “Not every student found the response unsettling.
“Lily Caplan, 19, a sophomore journalism major from Westport, Conn., joined fellow members of Longhorn Students for Israel at a counter-protest next to the pro-Palestinian gathering Thursday, waving Israeli flags and chanting ‘Bring them home now’ — a reference to Jewish hostages in Gaza.
“‘Yesterday we saw a totally different response than other universities around the country and me, as a Jewish student, I was so grateful for that. Don’t mess with Texas,’ she said, echoing a state slogan as she stood in a circle with other counter-protesters.
“Caplan said she was reassured by support from Abbott and university president Jay Hartzell.
Click here for the full Washington Post story. (Hat tip: Douglass Davidoff)
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Husbands and kids’ alert: Mother’s Day is May 12.
Westport Marketplace has the holiday covered. Brunch spots, spas, chocolates, other gifts and more are all in a handy list. Click here to see — then act!
Officer Joe Saponare of Westport Animal Control wants Westporters to know: “All wildlife animals — especially coyotes — will be out more now, both day and night, searching for food because of their newborn babies.”
He suggests taking dogs out on leashes. Owners of little dogs should be especially vigilant.
Soccer fans around the US know Robbie Mustoe as a keen-eyed commentator on NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage. Soccer fans around the world know that he’s a former English professional player.
Westporters know him as our neighbor — and a golfer.
He may not have scored the winning goal at Wembley. But on Monday he did the next best thing: He got a hole-in-one.
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what he posted on X:
It happened. It finally fcking happened. After roughly 40 years of playing golf, I got a HOLE IN ONE. Joy. Deep joy. Whiskey and champagne followed. Longshore Golf Club Westport CT, Hole number 2. Witnessed by my wife Caroline and my son Elliot. April 22nd 2024. A great day. pic.twitter.com/922iAdbngB
Tonight is A Better Chance of Westport’s annual Dream Event (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
If you’re going, you know it will be an inspirational evening. But those not there can still take part in a great online auction.
Broadway and Yankees tickets, golf, Arabian horse lessons and more are up for bid. Just click here, then click “Not attending” and follow the prompts.
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ABC’s Dream Event is just one of many galas this spring. All are important, for excellent causes.
But the Westport Weston Family YMCA is hosting an “Extra Special Spring Bash” on May 4 (6 to 8:30 p.m.).
The evening is tailored to students ages 12-18 with disabilities.
The Y promises fun and excitement, with food, a photo booth, gift bags and a DJ.
Students will be partnered with a student volunteer buddies who spend the evening with them. Parents can stay in a separate room where they can mingle, and enjoy refreshments.
Jesse Terry and Sam Robbins share the bill next Saturday (May 4, 8 p.m.), at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s Voices Café.
Terry — a full-time touring artist for well over a decade, and Wilton native — has been called “a gentle soul with a formidable songwriting talent and a clear artistic vision.”
Sam Robbins is based in Nashville. He brings a modern, upbeat edge as a storytelling troubadour.
The concert supports local social justice programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.
That’s not Sam Robbins’ only upcoming Westport appearance.
Carolyn Miller runs Westport-based Meals for Music. The non-profit provides free meals to touring musicians.
Their first fundraiser is May 8 (7:45 p.m.) at Fairfield Theatre Company. Damn Tall Building — and Robbins — provide the entertainment. (And presumably will eat well.)
Speaking of entertainment: Nearly 300 musicians have signed a letter, urging US senators to help fix the broken concert ticketing system.
Three of the them — more than 1% of all of signees — have Westport connections. Nile Rodgers lives here. And Billie Eilish and Finneas’ father, Patrick O’Connell, is a 1975 Staples High School graduate.
They’re in good company. Other signers include Duran Duran, Fall Out Boy, Graham Nash, Green Day, Cyndi Lauper, Indigo Girls, Jason Mraz, Siaand Lorde. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Finneas has some Westport roots.
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Johanna Keyser Rossi loves Burying Hill Beach.
The other day, she noticed that artificial flowers placed along the fence at the top of the hill had been removed.
She thought they were a tribute or memorial to someone, and was sad to see them gone.
Yesterday, to her delight, someone — the same person perhaps, or someone else — had replaced them.
Beautifully.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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Sometimes the Fresh Market osprey leaves its nest to fish.
Sometimes it just wants a change of pace, from its platform in a busy parking lot.
Hilary Ellis spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene on Spicer Road.
Spotted lanternflies are a highly invasive species.
And they thrive on another invasive pest: trees of heaven.
Infestations have been reported around Westport, including Winslow and Grace Salmon Parks.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station says:
The spotted lanternfly Lycorma delicatula, (SLF) was first found in North America in Pennsylvania in late 2014. It is an exotic, invasive sap-feeding planthopper that has the potential to severely impact Connecticut’s agricultural crops, particularly apples, grapes, and hops, and ornamental trees. Spotted lanternfly adults feed on more than 70 species of plants. Its preferred host tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is highly invasive and is abundant along highways, in urban areas, and along the edges of agricultural and industrial areas, where the spotted lanternfly could easily become established.
Approximately half of Connecticut’s trees are threatened by spotted lanternfly invasion according to data from Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). As spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults feed on the sap from trees and vines, the entire plant can become weakened because it cannot conduct photosynthesis as effectively. The excretions from these leaf-hopping insects encourage the growth of black sooty mold, thereby reducing photosynthesis. Agricultural crops will have reduced yields due to SLF feeding on fruit and generally weakening plants, if not completely destroying them.
To learn more about the pest, click here. Sightings (including, if possible, photos) should be reported to state environmental authorities, using this form. (Hat tip: Tracy Porosoff)
Speaking of nature: Paul Rohan writes, “The other morning on my morning walk on Hillspoint Road ner Valley Road, I spotted 2 young deer eating grass at the edge of the road.
“I then saw a coyote run up Lookout Lane and enter Hillspoint to approach the deer. As he was halfway across the road he spotted me. He did an about face, ran back down the lane, and quickly disappeared in the underbrush.
“Over the years I have seen a few coyotes in the area, but only before daybreak. This was around 8 a.m. Please alert readers with small dogs or other pets who might be in the area in the early morning to be aware of this coyote situation.”
If it’s late summer/early fall, it must be time for the Slice of Saugatuck.
The 11th annual event — a fun food/merchant experience in Westport’s most walkable neighborhood — is set for Saturday, September 9 (2 to 5 p.m.).
This year, over 40 businesses will participate in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event.
Over 2 dozen venues will offer tastes from their menus. Live music will play at 7 locations, with favorite bands like Otis & the Hurricanes, Silver Steel, Mill River Band, the Howling Barncats, Elana Zarabi and Accidental Breakdown.
Bouncy houses are back. New this year: a face painter for the kids.
Beer Gardens (with wine) on Bridge Square and Railroad Place will be complemented by restaurants offering specialty drinks. Many venues will continued the festivities with happy hour offerings after the Slice ends.
The price is again $15 for adults, $5 for children under 13, free for age 5 and under. Tickets are sold on-site only, beginning at 1:50 p.m.
Slice of Saugatuck is one of the best events on the local calendar. It’s also a great cause. Over the years, the Chamber has donated more than $44,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry .
For more information — including a map of participants — click here.
Lining up for samples, on Railroad Place
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Mike Ronemus and a few friends have been thinking about it for, oh, only 25 years or so.
On Monday, they finally did it: They swam from Compo Beach to Cokenoe Island.
And back.
They began at 6 a.m. A kayak, stand-up paddleboard and 2 boats escorted them through the channel.
It took between 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 hours to cover the 2 1/2 miles.
Congratulations to Mike, and fellow adventure swimmers Tom Bottini, Chris Coffin, Kevin Huelster, Bruce Koffsky, Andy Ludel, Mary Money, Ric Nadel, Leila Shields, Clay Tebbits.
Of course there’s lobster at the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park’s annual Shorefest celebration.
But there’s also salmon and steak (with catering by Westfair Fish & Chips). Plus music by Westport Jenny Ong’s classical trio. And as always, a chance to party with fellow park-lovers.
This year’s event is September 8 (6 to 9 p.m., main pavilion). A silent auction includes tours of Prospect Gardens and Aspetuck brew lab, a fishing charter with Westport captain Blake Smith, and gift certificates to local restaurants.
Proceeds help fund 140 feet of new dunes, with 3,600 American beach grass plants; invasive species eradication; an owl habitat restoration project; fall and spring tree plantings; the Nature Center intern program, and speakers on raptors, horseshoe crabs, turtles and insects.
The Tennis Channel is listed on the NASDAQ. For the past 12 years, they’ve celebrated the start the US Open by ringing the morning bell.
Yesterday morning, the ringers included Cayne Mandell. The 2017 Staples High School and 2021 Syracuse University sports management graduate is an ad sales marketing coordinator for TC.
The NASDAQ bell was not his only perk. He’ll be in the Tennis Channel corporate suite during the event too.
Allan Friedman has led bike trips for a decade — ever since his first Backroads journey to Tuscany in 2013. He then biked through California and Canada, and now leads urban tours in areas like New York, New Haven and Washington.
On September 12 (Saugatuck Congregational Church; 6:15 p.m. dinner; 7:30 p.m. presentation), he’s the Appalachian Mountain Club’s dinner guest speaker. His topic: ”Adventures Abound — Ride and Explore!”
The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members (payable at the door). Bring a dessert to share. For more information, email easasso7@icloud.com.
Allan Friedman
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Eagle-eyed photographer Steve Halstead snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — at the same moment his subject looked, equally intently, for a fish.
And finally … Bob Mummert, the drummer on Roy Orbison’s last tour, died Saturday.
Known for his appearance on the “You Got It” music video, he was also a drummer for the Grand Ole Opry, and a session musician who toured with many famous artists and bands.
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Long time resident and prolific author Carl Addison Swanson writes:
I woke up Friday night to an animal whining and shrieking with a strange, terrifying sound. My neighbor confirmed it was a coyote who was sunning itself in his backyard the next day.
Since we have a small terrier. I called the game warden. He answered promptly and informatively.
He said that coyotes are now in a “transitory” period. The male and female leave the den, searching for food for the winter.
Do you know what to do when you see a coyote?
The awful sound I heard was coyotes taking down a deer in the woods bordering our back yard. They are afraid of humans. but “any animal under 20 pounds” should be supervised, he said.
If confronted, coyotes do not like loud noises. They will run.
I ordered an air horn. I intend to blast the hell out of their temporary “den.”
The warden said their permanent den is on Bayberry Lane. But because of construction , they are moving along while for the coming cold weather.
I live off North Avenue, near Bedford Middle School. Beware!
If you live in Westport, at some point you’ve probably wondered:
What’s up with all these coyotes?
What do I do about an injured bird/raccoon/deer?
Is there anything I can do about my neighbor’s damn dog?
The answers come next Tuesday (March 5, 7 p.m.) from a somewhat unlikely source: the cops.
On second thought, it’s not so unusual. Westport’s Police Department has a robust Animal Control division. They’ll host that Animal Control Awareness Night, in the 2nd floor classroom at police headquarters on Jesup Road.
Do you know what to do when you see a coyote?
The goal is to educate the public about the Animal Control Division. Among the topics: animal control laws and town ordinances, disaster preparedness for pets, living with coyotes, protection from rabies, and what to do if you find injured wildlife.
Presenters include Dr. Sheldon Yessenow, state Animal Response Team regional director and a veterinary responder to Hurricane Katrina, and Peter Reid, associate director of Wildlife in Crisis.
The event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. Sorry — no dog treats.
Today is Earth Day. Richard Wiese — host and executive producer of the Westport-based “Born to Explore” TV series — sends along a timely note.
It’s co-signed by Jim Fowler — Wiese’s longtime friend, “Wild Kingdom” spokesman and Darien resident — as well as Dr. Marc Bekoff, a coyote expert at the University of Colorado who has worked with both Wiese and Jane Goodall. They say:
Nature and its wildlife are under siege. We also are witnessing a new generation of children who regard the outdoors as “a place that doesn’t get Wi-Fi.”
When Richard moved to Fairfield County almost a decade ago, he was told by neighbors not to leave his young children outside at dusk because coyotes might eat them. At the time this sounded amusing — who leaves their 2-year-olds alone anywhere, much less outdoors?
Richard Wiese and his family, enjoying the Westport outdoors.
Fast forward to the present. Not a day goes by where someone confesses that they are afraid to go outside because of the “coyote problem.” Worse yet, some are even arming themselves just in case.
There are many threats in our lives, but coyotes should rank far behind guns, alcohol, drugs, distracted drivers and even lawn mowers.
Yes, each year, 800 children are run over by riding mowers or small tractors, and more than 20,000 are injured.
The representation of animals — especially carnivores — in the media is based on bad science or no science, which is bad for the animals. What does the available data show? Coyotes very rarely attack. To put it in perspective, meteorites have hit more homes in Connecticut than people who have been harmed or killed by coyotes.
Research clearly shows that coyotes and other urban animals fear people. Most animals don’t associate good things happening to them around humans. Whenever possible they avoid us at all costs.
What should we fear? Or rather, be outraged by? On any given beautiful day, we have legions of children sitting on a couch hypnotized by their electronic devices. Digital crack.
We fear that we are raising a generation of children who have “nature deficit disorder “ and are totally removed from the outdoors.
Psychologist Susan Linn notes, “Time in green space is essential to children’s mental and physical health … And the health of the planet depends on a generation of children who love and respect the natural world enough to protect it from abuse and degradation.”
We should appreciate the presence of coyotes and educate ourselves on how to coexist with them, rather than instilling fear of them. Let’s encourage the media to provide a more balanced view of coyotes (and other animals) based on what we know about them rather than irresponsible sensationalism. And for goodness sake, get your kids outside, let them track mud into the house, have grass stains on their knees and be thoroughly exhausted from fresh air and sunshine.
We need to re-wild not only our children, but also ourselves — before it’s too late.
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