A reminder: tonight (Monday), Westport’s 1st selectman candidates will discuss sustainability and the environment. The 6:30 p.m. event, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall, is co-sponsored by Sustainable Westport and Earthplace.
David Rosenwaks, Don O’Day and Kevin Christie will share their perspectives, priorities, and proposed solutions and action plans for Westport on issues like clean energy, waste reduction, climate resiliency and Westport’s long-term sustainability goals.
Click here to submit a question. Guests are invited to continued the discussion afterward, at Emmy Squared.
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The annual Halloween window painting contest is now older than many participants.
The 10th annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event — in which children paint retail and business windows — takes place Saturday, October 25 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
There are (as always) (and of course) prizes for the winners — ice cream gift cards — in both the elementary and middle school categories. Children can paint individually, or in teams. Painters and businesses: click here to sign up.
Window painting collage.
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This weekend’s almost-midsummer-like temperatures brought not-midsummer-like-but-still-respectable crowds to Compo Beach.
One festive group took advantage of the space, and enjoyed a drum circle:
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
Meanwhile at low tide, the sand bar was a popular attraction.
(Photo/Judy Auber Jahnel)
Nearby, a classic car owner had taken his MG out for a spin.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
Boaters were on the water, too. Lawrence Zlatkin sends this shot:
When he came ashore later, he captured this full moon over Ned Dimes Marina:
(Photos/Lawrence Zlatkin)
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Also yesterday: Cosmic Jibaros celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, at the Levitt Pavilion.
The 7-piece ensemble had the large audience dancing under a full moon, with an intriguing blend of Latin, Puerto Rican, Caribbean (and more) music.
Cosmic Jibaros front man Rick Reyes. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
Les and Sami Dinkin enjoy the show. (Photo/Seth Bemand)
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Later, a near full moon rose over Westport.
The actual “harvest moon” is tonight. That’s the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. It’s also the first “supermoon” of 2025 (meaning it appears larger than other full moons).
This was the view over Long Island Sound, off Schlaet’s Point on Hillspoint Road:
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
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The Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project hosts a 5-part speaker series, via Zoom. Positive Directions and Westport Together are co-sponsors.
The first, on October 20 (7 p.m.) features Dr. Joseph Feuerstein. The Weston resident is president of the Fairfield County Medical Association. Click here to register and for more details, including other speakers.
Dr. Joseph Feuerstein
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Serena is a 13-year-old Westport girl with Tourette’s Syndrome.
The neurological disorder may cause sudden uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds.
She is passionate about raising awareness — and research money — for the cause.
Serena has organized a walk-a-thon in Westport. It’s October 18 (noon to 2 p.m., PJ Romano Field track behind Saugatuck Elementary School.
There is no fee to register. But donations are absolutely welcomed; click here.
PS: To donate food or products to help, email beitelmark@aol.com.
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Jude Siegel grew up in Westport. Her father owned Westport Pharmacy downtown, across from the Library on Post Road East. Jude is a 1964 Staples High School graduate.
Since 1973, she has lived in Oregon — first on farms in the Willamette Valley, now in Portland.
She has long taught nature and bird journaling — a combination of drawing, watercolor and writing — to children and adults.
“This time of year,” she says, “I get homesick for the land, beaches and beauty of Connecticut.”
Of course, it is beautiful in Oregon too. Jude captures that beauty every year, in a watercolor and pen bird calendar she draws and produces.
The cover of Jude Siegel’s 2026 calendar …
“Birds bring such joy to our daily lives,” she notes. “It gives me peace to draw and paint them. I like the idea that they then go out on the calendar pages to people all over, and grace their lives as well.
This year’s calendar is now available for purchase. They’re $30 each, plus $5 per calendar for shipping. Email colorfuljude@gmail.com. (Originals are available for purchase. Just ask!)
… and one of the months.
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Sure, we’ve run a couple of bee photos recently, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
But one of nature’s most remarkable creatures deserves another highlight.
Especially when the image is as remarkable as this one, captured in Mark Yurkiw and Wendy Van Wie’s garden by the incomparable Miggs Burroughs:
(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
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And finally … Happy National Badger Day!
(You don’t have to be a Wisconsin Badger to celebrate today. And you don’t have to be anything — other than a grateful reader — to click here and support “06880.” On we go. And thank you!)
