The other day, “06880” reported on the molasses-like timeline for renovation of the Sherwood Island pavilion.
But other areas of Connecticut’s first state park are getting attention.
Yesterday, a large excavator dug up a huge pile of dirt, and loaded it into dump trucks. That’s in addition to work on the approach to the main gates, and new wooden guardrails on the posts installed this summer, and plenty of weed whacking and mowing.
Besides what’s left of the former mountain of dirt off the West Beach’s newly paved parking lot, there are just a few things left to finish (like striping the perimeter of the East Beach parking lot).
Work seems to have ramped up in preparation of Governor Lamont’s visit on September 10, for Connecticut’s annual 9/11 memorial ceremony. It’s held the Thursday before the tragic anniversary, to allow families and friends to attend the event in New York City on that date.
The state park is also the starting point for this Sunday’s CT United motorcycle rally, a tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11.
The 9/11 memorial at Sherwood Island State Park.
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Westport Eyecare offers this timely back-to-school information: 1 in 4 children have a vision issue big enough to affect how they learn.
And a basic screening catches less than 4% of what a comprehensive exam checks.
A couple of examples:
A Weston 8-year-old who “couldn’t stay focused”: A mother brought her son along to her own eye appointment. On a whim, the staff ran a 2-minute test on his 3D/stereo vision. He failed it. One eye was significantly farsighted. Without intervention, that would have led to a lazy eye. He was already falling behind in reading, and a vision screening would not have picked that up.
A Staples High School junior was frustrated studying for SATs. He kept losing focus during the reading sections. Everyone thought it was typical teenage fatigue. He actually had convergence insufficiency — his eyes were not working together to hold his focus for long-term reading. A pair of glasses with a small amount of prism fixed the issue entirely.
Neither of these students or parents realized there was a vision problem. Issues like tracking, focusing and eye-teaming are easily mistaken for attention struggles, lack of effort, or a child who just “doesn’t like to read.”
The start of school is a great time to check on a student’s vision. A comprehensive exam looks far beyond screenings to evaluate eye tracking, teamwork, focusing power, eye pressure and overall eye health.
The staff at Westport Eyecare.
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At Compo Beach yesterday, Ed Simek saw a young woman out for a walk.
Every few steps she stopped, then stomped her foot or slapped a railing.
He thought it was odd. Then he learned that Julie Roehm’s goal is to rid Westport of the invasive (and disgusting) spotted lanternflies.
“I’m afraid it’s a losing cause,” Ed says. “But I applaud her efforts.”
Julie Roehm, mid-stomp. (Photo/Ed Simek)
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Also at Compo Beach yesterday, a few hours later: David Squires showed off Compo, to an out-of-town guest.
It was a gorgeous evening — including a vintage VW bus near the bout launch, complete with awning and lights.
(Photo/David Squires)
Then, the Squireses and their friend headed to Longshore.
They toured the total makeover, and were very impressed. The “stunning results” included the entry into the ballroom.
The stage has been relocated to the side. The result: a spectacular view, all the way to the water. “Truly an all-pro move,” David says. “The large deck in back is money too. Bravo!”
Finally, David notes, “the La Plage meal was terrific. The joint was jumpin’.
“We are sooo lucky to live where we live. It never gets old!”
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The Artists Collective of Westport’s next show debuts September 9, with a reception (6 to 8 p.m.) at the Westport Country Playhouse barn.
The show runs from September 10-13 (12 to 4 p.m.), with an artist talk at 2 p.m. on the 13th.
Among the 12 artists: Jeanine Esposito.
The longtime Westporter will show a new series: “The Nest Project.” All 11 works were created with natural nests, found in the wild. Each was a gift to Jeanine, by others.
The work explores states, transitions and chapters of life, and invites interaction from viewers.
With another show coming up, Jeanine is looking for more abandoned nests. They can be brought to the opening reception or artist talk. Or email contact@beechwoodarts.org, and she’ll pick it up.
One of Jeanine Esposito’s nest works.
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Last night’s Levitt Pavilion concert starring Billy & the Showmen was sold out.
In more ways than one.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
This week’s schedule includes Mihali (full band show, with Mr. Mota; Friday, 4:30 p.m.), an Hollywood Nights: The Bob Seger Experience (Saturday, 7 p.m.).
Both are ticketed shows. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Gardens — in front yards large and small — are one of the great delights of Westport.
This one, at Old Mill, is perfect for an end-of-August “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
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And finally … the item about children’s eye exams (story above) reminded us of:
(Oh, doctor! What ails us? People who love “06880” — but don’t even pay a nickel for the privilege. Come on … we’re reader supported. Please click here to throw a few pennies our way. Thank you!)
Roundup: “06880” Comments, Bonnie Raitt, Tennis Court Trees …
The “06880” Comments section has occasionally gone off the rails.
It belongs to all readers — not just a few, who veer off topic or use it to communicate with each other.
Effectively immediately, we’re instituting a few new rules:
A limit of 3 comments (1 initial one, and 2 replies) per thread. This is down from the previous 5. Think before posting: Is this really worth using one of my 3 comments for? (NOTE: This rule can be waived by the executive editor, for truly worthwhile, in-depth and/or serious topics.)
All comments must be directed to all readers. Offer your thoughts to the topic at hand. Do not engage in back-and-forth with 1 or 2 readers. If you do address a specific reader, this is acceptable: “Susie, I’d like to know more about why you think xxxxx. Have you considered yyyy?” Unacceptable: “Sally, were you the person who did xxxx and yyyy?” If you’d like to correspond directly with another commenter, please send me an email. I’ll forward it to that person.
One exception to the above rules: Our Friday Flashback posts are open to unlimited comments, and unmoderated back-and-forth dialogue. Have at it on Fridays at noon! For every other “06880” post: Please use common sense, and common courtesy. Thank you!
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For as long as the Levitt Pavilion has hosted a Big Name for its annual fundraiser, they’ve tried to get Bonnie Raitt.
Last night, they did.
The 13-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member/guitarist whom B.B. King called “the best damn slide player working today” thrilled a sold-out crowd, on a humid but gorgeous evening.
Backed by musicians she’s worked with for decades, the 76-year-old showcased her wide range of guitar and vocal talents, blending rock, blues, country and folk. She even took a turn on keyboard.
The Levitt has welcomed stars like Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Cyndi Lauper, Smokey Robinson, Chuck Berry, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and many more.
At last, they’ve added Bonnie Raitt to the list.
Bonnie Raitt, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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A few hours earlier, Westporters took advantage of perfect summer weather to head to Compo.
Longtime beachgoers have noticed an increase in the number of people who actually leave the shore, and go in the water (one of the primary functions of a beach, after all). Sandbars created by recent storms have made it easier to wade out.
This was the mid-afternoon scene. It’s one of the reasons we live here — and love it so much.
(Photo/Dorothy Robertshaw)
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Speaking of Compo: We’ve got a new “06880” header, on our desktop and laptop platforms.
Thanks to William Weiss, for this classic mid-summer view:
(Photo/William Weiss)
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Richard Fogel continues to document the renovation of the Staples High School tennis courts.
Today’s photos show the removal of a number of fir trees, between the parking lot and the courts themselves.
Trees have been removed from between the parking lot (left) and tennis courts (right)
View from the top of the Staples “hill” parking lot. Tennis courts are in foreground; trees that have been removed are center rear. (Photos/Richard Fogel)
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The next Executive Networking Series — set for August 27 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nômade), is for the dogs.
The event — bringing business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and local leaders together, while introducing companies to non-profit organizations — highlights the Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS0.
The series is a partnership between VTB Financial and Prestige Cabinetry & Design LLC. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Sure, we understand that registration for Westport Weston Family YMCA programs have already begun.
And yeah, it’s kind of cute that the Y’s promotion includes an orange-clad family, with cute little jack-o-lantern outfits.
But adding a paper pumpkins throughout the building is a bit much.
Dude, it’s August 10th.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
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We’ve gotten a lot of deer photos lately, for our “Westport … Naturally” series.
Sometimes, there are 2 in the shot.
Seeing 3 — including a fawn — is a rarity.
Dalton Delan captured this early morning “breakfast” yesterday, on Spicer Road.
(Photo/Dalton Delan)
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And finally … speaking of the tennis courts (item above):
(Anyone for tennis? How about anyone for clicking here to support “06880,” your hyper-love blog? We’d “love” that. Thank you!)
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Posted in Categories, Entertainment, Environment, Staples HS, YMCA
Tagged "06880" comments, Bonnie Raitt, business networking, Levitt Pavilion, PAWS, Staples High School tennis courts