There’s a new site for today’s weekly volunteer trash pick-up.
It’s now set for 11 a.m. at the Westport Animal Control building (6 Elaine Road, off Compo Road South between I-95 and railroad overpasses). It’s near the Saugatuck River public boat launch.
Organizer Andrew Colabella says that the previous scheduled site — the Saugatuck train station — is almost free of trash.
All volunteers are welcome. They’re advised to dress warmly, and bring garbage bags.
Questions: Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
Westport Animal Control building, on Elaine Road.
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Andrew Colabella and his band of civic volunteers do a great job every week, cleaning up public spaces.
They shouldn’t have to, but there’s enough trash to keep them busy.
They should definitely not have to pick up private property. That’s the job of owners and tenants.
For example: Here’s the area around the drive-through Starbucks:
(Hat tip and photo/Scott Singer)
Pretty gross. In addition to tons of garbage, there are knocked-over stanchions. How hard is it to send someone out from the frappuccino machine, to fix this mess?
And while they’re at it, maybe the manager could help move the concrete parking slab back to where it belongs, so vehicles won’t have to poke their tails out even more into the already dangerously narrow parking lot.
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Last week, “06880” reported on Sabrina Guerra.
The non-speaking autistic 10-year-old Weston girl was one of 15 winners statewide, in Senator Chris Murphy’s 7th annual MLK Day essay challenge. She wrote eloquently of her life in “a marginalized group fighting for our right to be heard, the right to define ourselves, and the right to belong.” (Click here, then scroll down for her superb insights.)
Last week, she attended an award ceremony with Senator Murphy. He cited her out by name during his speech, then sat with her for 10 minutes as she presented to him.
It was a great day for her — and the senator. Click here for the inspiring video.
Screenshot of Senator Chirs Murphy and Sabrina Guerra.
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There is a time for taking … and a time for giving.
The Remarkable Bookcycle — Jane Green’s creative free library that’s parked for the winter on Main Street — is wildly popular with readers.
That’s a problem.
Annette Norton owns Savvy + Grace, a few feet away from the Bookcycle. The other day, she added some books to the nearly bare shelves.
It looks fuller. But there is still plenty of room for more.
Any and all books are welcome. To contradict William Shakespeare, both a borrower and a lender be.
Remarkable Bookcycle (Photo/Annette Norton)
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The other day, “06880” reported that Bed Bath & Beyond’s Norwalk store would close in March.
Judging by this photo, they may not make it to next month:
(Photo/John Karrel)
Reader John Karrel asked one of the very helpful employees whether he’d be moving to another BB&B location. His response: “They’re all closing.”
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It may be a while before orchids bloom outdoors.
But these flowers — a gift to Matt Murray’s wife — give all “Westport … Naturally” readers hope that spring is just around the corner.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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And finally … on this day in 1940, Smokey Robinson was born.
The very prolific and hugely talented singer/songwriter/Rock & Roll Hall of Famer/Library of Congress Gershwin Prize winner performed at a Levitt Pavilion benefit concert, more than 2 decades ago. He also was a guest at Ashford & Simpson’s annual 4th of July party, back when they lived on Cross Highway near Bayberry Lane.
Happy 83rd birthday, Smokey! I know all “06880” readers second that emotion.
