On Saturday, Westport water pollution treatment plant supervisor Joe Tracy was making his rounds. It was cold; he was breaking up ice in one of the tanks.
He heard odd noises coming from the post-anoxic effluent basin. Stopping to investigate, Joe removed the heavy grating. Two mallard heads stared back up at him.
They were neck-deep in brown “foam” — trapped in one of the spillways.
Joe contacted on-duty Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid, across the street. He jogged over with a long net.
The ducks, a male and female — were transported back to Westport Animal Control, to warm up and be cleaned.
Officer Peter Reid, at Westport Animal Control.
Westport Animal Shelter Advocates volunteer Julie Loparo showed up with corn. She rocked the ducks like a baby in a warm towel.
WASA volunteer Sara Stockman arrived with frozen peas, and provided additional bathing.
Officer Reid happened to have a can of “gourmet” meal worms ready as well. He then took the mallards to Wildlife in Crisis. They were monitored, as they restored feather oil prior to release.
Thanks to all — starting with Joe Tracy — for going above and beyond, in weather that was cold even for ducks.
Ducks — before (left) and after rescue.
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The Westport Book Shop‘s 5th anniversary celebration continues this month.
Head to the Jesup Road store to see a special mosaic, by the legendary Miggs Burroughs. It celebrates the 60+ local artists who have exhibited there each month.
The Book Shop’s Short Story Club meets February 25 (6 p.m.). They’ll discuss 2
stories by Alice Munro: “What Is Remembered” and “The Bear Came Over the Mountain.”
Registration is required: Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
And in honor of Valentine’s month, make a $10 donation to support the Book Shop — and its mission of providing training an employment for people with disabilities — and get a chocolate bar, courtesy of Wegman’s.
You can also honor a loved on on the “Heart of Heart” window display.
Westport Book Shop “Heart of Hearts” display.
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Ann Chernow — one of Westport’s great artistic treasures — turned 90 yesterday.
She celebrated with family and close friends. “06880” joins the rest of the town in saying congratulating an artist who has enriched us in so many ways — from her work and her volunteer efforts, to her always-smiling presence.
Happy birthday, Ann!
Ann Chernow (Hat tip and photo/Jamie Walsh)
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Perrin Delorey — a 4th grader at Greens Farms Elementary in 2018 who played baseball and hockey, and was a Cub Scout — died in a car accident shortly before summer break.
Those 4th graders are now Staples High School seniors. They have not forgotten him.
Perrin’s cousin and best friend, Philip Sullivan, have created n endowed scholarship in his name. The first “Do Your Best” Award will be presented by Staples Tuition Grants this spring.
More than $30,000 has already been raised, ensuring that the funds will be awarded in perpetuity.
A new fundraiser is planned, so that the grants will be the maximum allowed under STG bylaws.
A community skating event is set for February 10 (7:15 to 8:45 p.m.; Westport PAL Rink at Longshore).
Everyone is welcome — to skate, watch, and enjoy the DJ and food. A photographer will capture the community feel.
At 9 p.m., a Perrin Delorey Memorial Cup hockey game will add to the fun. Click here to purchase tickets, and learn more.
Philip says, “one of the most special parts of this event is the range of community support behind it. There could be an entire story on the individuals, businesses and community groups that have donated precious time and money to help us raise the necessary funds to establish the award.”
He gives a special shout-out to Staples Tuition Grants, the Staples Class of 2026, Staples Service League of Boys, Staples boys and girls hockey teams, Westport Parks & Recreation, Scout Troops 39 and 139; Videler Photography, the host committee of individual and family donors, “06880,” and “countless members of the community who have helped us get so far with our fundraising efforts.”
Perrin Delorey
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Wakeman Town Farm’s February calendar includes classes and activities for all ages. They include:
- Storytime with Mosaic & Movement (ages 2-6; February 4)
- Drop-in Knitting Circle (February 10)
- Kids’ February break Needle Felting Workshop (ages 11-14; February 16)
- Winter cooking for Minis and Kids (grades K-2; 2-4)
- Mardi Gras Cooking (February 24)
- Meet the MVPs of Garden Tools (February 25).
Click here; then scroll down for details.
“Cooking for Kids,” at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport — a great organization that welcomes new arrivals and longtime residents alike — has a busy February. Events include:
- Galentine’s Day Luncheon (February 12, noon, Zucca Gastrobar
- Dining-In Cooking Group (February 25)
- Book Group (February 26)
To learn more click here, or email eventsnnwestport@gmail.com.
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It’s like one of those “back in the day …” photos: frozen Sherwood Mill Pond.
Matt Murray — who chronicles the ever-changing scene there — offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
But even he hasn’t seen it like this too often.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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And finally … in honor of the great duck rescue (story above):
(If you click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880,” everything will be ducky. Thank you!)
