Tag Archives: Marsha Temlock

Roundup: Dogs On The Beach, Lights On The Field, Boats On The Shore …

Does Fido feel frisky?

Is Spot slobbering all over the sofa?

That’s because they know tomorrow is October 1. And that means dogs are allowed back on Compo Beach!

The next 6 months belong to the dogs. But remember:

  • Dogs are prohibited from the pavilion, playground and walkways.
  • All dogs must be leashed, except for the off-leash area south of the pavilion (including South Beach).
  • Pick up your pup’s poop. It’s the law! (With a $77 fine.)

Remember too: dogs are not permitted on town athletic fields or playgrounds at any time.

Happy (dog) days are here again! (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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After months of debate, lights on the Wakeman and PJ Romano athletic fields will come to a vote on Monday.

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets (October 5, 6 p.m., Zoom) to render a decision. The public portion of the meetings has ended; this will be a work session.

The public can weigh in, however, on a separate agenda item: a text and map amendment that would permit outdoor eating areas, and the sale of alcohol for on-premises consumption, in districts like the one that includes Old Mill Grocery & Deli).

For meeting materials click here, then scroll down to 222 Hillspoint Road and Food and Beverage Planned Development District.

Wakeman, one of 2 fields considered for permanent lighting.

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Speaking of Old Mill Grocery & Deli: Romanacci’s — operators of the business — said goodbye to the community last night. Dozens of friends and customers — from the neighborhood, and far beyond — enjoyed food and drinks, courtesy of owners Graziano and Maurizio Ricci.

They opted not to renew their lease of the iconic market. They enjoyed their time, and did not lose money. But they’re turning their attention to a new restaurant, opening soon in Darien.

The last night at OMG.

Soundview Empowerment Alliance — owners of the 107-year-old building — are in talks with potential new operators. Though OMG is now closed, they hope for a fairly quick reopening.

They hope too for a positive vote from the Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday, on a text amendment that would permit outdoor dining, and the sale of alcohol (see item above).

Catching up at Old Mill Grocery & Deli (from left): Representative Town Meeting member Jimmy Izzo, former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, former 1st selectwoman Jen Tooker. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Does our beloved American flag unite us today? Or does it divide us?

That’s the question explored by a wide variety of citizens in “Flagged,” a documentary co-written and directed by a woman who lost her firefighter husband on 9/11.

It will be screened October 7 (5:30 p.m., Earthplace amphitheater). The event includes snacks and beverages, a guided conversation after the film, and an appearance by singer Suzanne Sheridan.

Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, click here. 

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The nor’easter is over. Your power is back on; your basement is mopped up.

But what about outside?

Plenty of cleanup remains. This was the scene yesterday, at Harbor Road on Saugatuck Shores.

(Photo/Rob Jackson)

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Dr. Christina Cipriano is earning notice with her latest book: “Be Unapologetically Impatient: The Mindset Required to Change the Way We Do Things.” It is a guide for creating meaningful, urgent change in the lives of children and families.

On October 20 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Westport Together hosts her, for a talk. Her work advances inclusive and equitable social and emotional learning research, practice and policy worldwide.

For more information, click here.

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Parents are invited to an “interactive, neuro-affirming conversation focused on helping neuro-divergent children build self-understanding and self-advocacy, while also fostering healthy communication, connection, and understanding among siblings.”

The event (October 22, 7:30 p.m., Pizza Lyfe) is sponsored by NeuroMind Services x UniquelyMothering.

The $45 fee includes dinner. Click here to register.

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Mah jongg is the star of local author Marsha Temlock’s latest novel.

“Monday’s MahJongg is a Mystery” will be published this month. Like her previous work, it features 4 women who bond and support each other while playing the popular game.

Anna — one of the Monday players — is desperate for a family after multiple failures to carry to term. Her husband is unwilling to donate his sperm, so she appeals to her fellow players to help her find a donor.

To what degree are her friends willing to violate their conscience to help Anna realize her dream of motherhood? What secret is Bert harboring that makes him opposed to helping the wife he adores? Can the weekly mah jongg game withstand the revelation of secrets that shatter and tumble when play begins?

Marsha is an expert in both writing and playing: she volunteers as a mah jongg teacher at the Norwalk Library. Click here for more information, and to order. 

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There’s something about owls.

They always looking like they’re having fun.

And boy, do they look interesting.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Jeanne Klinge’s tree.

“Who?” Hah!

(Photo/Marion Potter)

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And finally … the item about a flag documentary (above) got us thinking about flags.

Then of course there is this classic, for every flag, all over the world:

(Does our flag unite or divide us? The jury’s out. But it’s clear that “06880” brings Westport together. If you like being part of our online community, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

Roundup: Lanternfly Traps, Mah Jongg, Distillery …

Spotted lanternflies are back!

So is the effort to eradicate them.

Pam Docters reports: “Almost all the trees at Sherwood Island have this trap on them. It catches the spotted lanternfly nymph as it walks up the tree during the day.

“Apparently it traps only the bad guys, and has less harmful impact on other beneficial  insects, like ladybugs etc.”

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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There are many mah jongg players in Westport.

Local writer Marsha Temlock is hoping that they — and others elsewhere, and plenty of people who don’t know the game at all — read her new book.

“Tuesday’s Mah Jongg is More Than a Game” will be published tomorrow.

It’s about a group of players who deal with widowhood, health issues, family dynamics, aging, modern dating, and how well the women deal with all that and more.

Press materials ask: “Will these friends, with ties both old and new, strengthen their bonds as they support each other through life’s challenges? Or will the group fracture, leaving them scattered like mah jongg tiles from an overturned table?”

Click here to order, and for more information.

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Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club speakers brought an extra treat.

Rob and Bridget Schulten — co-founders of Fifth State Distillery in Bridgeport — talked about their small-award winning business.

It’s the first distillery in Fairfield County since Prohibition. And it distributes only in Connecticut.

They make their spirits from scratch, and only use state-grown corn. They specialize in flavored alcohol and cocktails, including a celery vodka for Bloody Marys.

That’s all nice. But then Bridget passed out samples of 2 of their 14 products.

Perhaps the most spirited Westport Rotary Club meeting in their 100 years?

That’s the spirit! Rotary Club members enjoy Bridget Schulten’s presentation. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Hope Alswang, a talented arts administrator who grew up in Westport, died last month in Providence. She was 77, and suffered from pancreatic cancer.

She was especially noted for her transformation of the Norton Museum in Florida.

Her father, Ralph Alswang, designed sets for many Broadway shows. Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Russell Gontar)

Hope Alswang (Photo courtesy of Norton Museum, via NY Times)

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Johanna Keyser Rossi offers the ba=k story to today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“This baby bunny was in the parking lot behind the Westport Library, near the bushes. He is loaded with ticks.

“At times I see teenagers go down the embankment and under the bridge, or climb up the hill from the Riverwalk to Levitt Pavilion.

“In the past when I’ve heard ‘watch out for ticks,’ I’ve thought about myself. But this is an eye-opener to always be vigilant.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … this was day in 1804 when Vice President Aaron Burr fatally wounded former Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, in a duel in Weehawken, New Jersey.

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