Tag Archives: spotted lanternfly

Roundup: Solidarity Rally, Community Gardens, Leaf Blowers …

Posted on October 9, 2023 | 1 comment

Following Hamas’ invasion, the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County quickly organized a “We Stand with Israel” solidarity gathering.

It’s tonight: Monday, October 9, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel (14 Coleytown Road, Westport). Registration is required; click here.

The event will also be livestreamed; click here for the link.

Hosts include:

  • Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County
  • Temple Israel
  • The Conservative Synagogue
  • B’nai Israel
  • Chabad of Westport
  • Or Hadash
  • Temple Shalom
  • Beth El Norwalk
  • Congregation Shir Shalom
  • Congregation for Humanistic Judaism
  • ADL CT
  • BBYO CT
  • Chabad of Fairfield
  • Chabad of Ridgefield
  • Ahavath Achim
  • Beit Chaverim
  • Congregation Rodeph Sholom
  • Congregation Ahavath Achim
  • Congregation Bikur Cholim
  • Congregation Mishkan Israel

Attendees are asked to not bring large bags or purses.

The Federation has also opened a fund to help victims of terror, and provide trauma support. Click here to donate.

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Amid controversy over its future, the Westport Community Gardens held a 20th anniversary Fall Harvest Party yesterday.

Kids got tattoos. The Big Green Pizza Truck served pies, salads, cappuccino and gelato.

And the band played on.

(Photos/Lou Weinberg)

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Also yesterday:

The Small Car Company’s annual Air-Cooled Charity Car Show on Veterans Green.

The event raised funds and awareness for 2 non-profits: Northeast Community Cycles (which provides bikes free of charge to underprivileged children) and the Bikeport Co-Op (a program where youth earn bikes by attending bike safety and maintenance courses, and performing volunteer hours with local organizations).

The show featured dozens of vintage Porsches, Volkswagens, Corvairs and other rare and special air-cooled cars and motorcycles from around the tri-state area.

Among the air-cooled vehicles on display at Veterans Green. (Photo/Sarathi Roy)

Meanwhile, adjacent to the Artists Collective of Westport trunk show in the Taylor parking lot, Earthplace naturalist Rachel Grella showed off a ball python, on Jesup Green. Its audience had a variety of reactions.

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For this week’s 3 candidate debates, questions must be submitted in advance. They will not be taken from the floor. Questions should be emailed to lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.

Planning & Zoning Commission candidates take the Town Hall auditorium stage Wednesday (October 11, 7 p.m.). They’re followed by a double-header on Thursday, October 12: the Board of Education at 7 p.m., Board of Finance at 8:15.

The debates are sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport.

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A reminder: Beginning next Monday (October 15), gas-powered leaf blowers are allowed every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., except holidays.

Property owners are responsible for informing landscapers who work on their property.  

Homeowners doing their own yard work have extended hours: weekdays 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; weekends and holidays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Beginning May 15, no gas-powered leaf blowers will be allowed through October 15, except in specific situations (for example a health or safety emergency, or storm cleanup).

Property owners should inform landscapers now, so they can plan to buy any necessary equipment before May 15. (Hat tip: Kristin Schneeman)

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Speaking of the environment: Spotted lanternflies continue to be an invasive pest.

Westporters have been stomping on them like crazy.

Here’s another idea, spotted (ho ho) at Sherwood Island State Park yesterday:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Lauren Bullock recently resigned, after teaching for 16 years in the Westport Public Schools.

But she had another career too. She wrote, directed and produced a short film, “Tough Love.” It’s been nominated for Excellence in Directing and Outstanding Lead Actress awards by the 2023 Pitch to Screen Festival.

“A young, attractive bartender is crazed by a traumatic childhood after the death of her father. Constantly questioning her self-worth and duplicity, Lana struggles to find love as she seeks affection from strangers. She is burdened by the remnants of patriarchy, religion, and bad choices as she is faced with her own reflection. Lana must look in the mirror and confront her past in order to move on.”

It’s available for public viewing online for 4 days only (October 12-16); click here for details. It then moves to the big screen, at Manhattan’s Dolby Theater, on October 20.

Half of the film was shot in and around Westport last spring. A few local actors were in the cast.

Winners of festival awards will be determined by viewers’ votes.

Click here for the Bullock Productions website. Click below for the “Tough Love” trailer.

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A Senior Center audience of over 120 attendees was entertained yesterday by the Gramercy Brass Orchestra.

The invitation came from Senior Center board member Molly Alger. She was on the Gramercy Board for 20 years, before moving from New York to Westport.

Her son Jason was a student at the United Nations International School, where orchestra leader/trumpeter John Henry Lambert taught — and took private lessons from him too.

Gramercy Brass Orchestra at the Senior Center. Leader John Henry Lambert is at far right. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Canal Road, on Saugatuck Shores. Humans have made their mark there — but it’s still filled with natural wonders.

(Photo/Gene Borio)

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Roundup: RTM Agendas, Rev. Hoskins Tribute, Bagels …

Posted on September 5, 2023 | 12 comments

John McCarthy is trying again.

This morning, the former Representative Town Meeting member brings another petition to the RTM and town clerk.

This one — signed by more than 20 Westport electors — asks the RTM to vote on a resolution at its October 3 meeting, affirming that the word “shall” means “mandatory,” as already defined in the Town Charter and the RTM Rules of Procedure.

If passed, the resolution would “compel and require” the moderator to place on the RTM agenda any petition signed by at least 20 electors at least 14 days prior to a meeting.

The impetus for McCarthy’s petition is a previous attempt to add an agenda item to tonight’s meeting regarding a review of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s goals, process and proposed plan for Parker Harding Plaza.

The request — signed by over 50 electors, and verified by the town clerk — was denied by RTM moderator Jeffrey Wieser. His decision was affirmed in an opinion by assistant town attorney (and former RTM moderator) Eileen Lavigne Flug.

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In other RTM news, members Seth Braunstein and Matthew Mandell have  proposed an ordinance to create an Affordable Housing Fund.

A first reading is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting (Tuesday, September 5, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

“Creating a fund to accrue monies for the purchase of land, construction of housing and/or the buydown of market rate housing both aids the establishment of such homes and gives the town greater control over its own destiny,” the 2 members say.

In 2022 the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission adopted an Affordable Housing Plan, under state statute 8-30j, which called for the creation of such a fund. This ordinance follows through on that request.

Following RTM committee discussions, Braunstein and Mandell hope for a full vote at next month’s meeting. The next step would be for the P&Z to create a regulation to fund the initiative.

Among Westport’s current affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.

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Sunday’s Saugatuck Congregational Church service honored their late, longtime senior and youth minister Rev. Ted Hoskins.

Among those at the pulpit: Rev. Peter Powell. Forty years ago, he worked with Rev. Hoskins to establish a homeless shelter and food pantry here.

In a tribute to both Rev. Hoskins and the church, Rev. Powell said:

“In my experience Ted lived the charge given in Matthew 25. As you read his obituary you could not fail to see how he fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, healed the sick and visited those in prison.

“Some examples from my experience. The Westport Emergency Shelter was a response to homeless, now better described as unhoused, men sleeping in a room in this church. The legacy lives on. The Gillespie Center has 15 beds because Saugatuck Church found 7 bunk beds and 1 cot for the men.

“These beds were moved over to the Vigilant Firehouse. The Westport/Weston Health Department came in, measured the space and determined the number of cubic feet each bed required. When I pointed out that they backed into that number they refused to change.

“The Linxweiler House was empty, and Ted established a program he called Operation Bootstraps there. Unfortunately that program didn’t work, but with the guidance of Jim Gillespie the program was transformed into a sober house requiring all residents to have a job and stay sober. It worked for many years. It was a Ted legacy.

“In my early years at the Interfaith Housing Association Ted visited the firehouse and gave $100 bills to the night staff on Christmas Eve, the anniversary of our opening. He was always involved.

“In the early ’90s when I needed a new office, he gave me and IHA space in this building. I was here for a few years.

“Ted was your pastor, but he was also pastor to the town of Westport…. A conversation with Ted could resolve difficult issues. He was our social conscience. You shared him with the town. His shoes have never been filled as the acknowledged religious leader and social action conscience of Westport.

“When the unhoused men moved to the firehouse with Ted’s leadership, you opened your building to 12-step programs, helping Westport become a center for recovery for the entire region.

“I believe Ted could do all of this because he was your pastor. Hhe loved you and you loved him, and you both knew you were in love. He was a very public figure and crucial to the development of social action in Westport, but first he loved and cared for you. He did not wag his finger at you; he taught you how to respond to the Gospel. He had the credibility to do that because he was first and foremost your pastor. He visited, counseled, baptized, worshiped, married, buried and preached to you with a deep understanding of who you are and together you and he transformed Westport. He could not have done it without you ,and you could only do it because it was intrinsic to his life with you.

“Thank you for sharing him with all of us.”

Rev. Ted Hoskins

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Sunday’s Roundup noted a second epidemic of dozens of bagels spread around High Gate Road. This time there was a plastic bag, with many more bagels, nearby.

Last winter there was a similar scene at the same spot, off Maple Avenue South.

“Weird,” I wrote yesterday.

I soon received an email from “Peter T.” He said: “Regarding the Bagels on High Gate Road, they are there for the Deer to eat along with the cracked corn. Nothing weird about it!”

I asked who put them there, and whether he knew if deer liked bagels.

This time, “Nancy” responded (from the same email address). She wrote: “I live on the street and yes deer like the bagels and cracked corn that is out there.”

I asked about the unopened plastic bag. She said: “Why does it matter. The neighhood feeds the deer all year long”

A Google search reveals that bread (and I put bagels in that category) can be dangerous to deer. Corn can be deadly too.

Meanwhile, a reader points out, “deer around here eat everything that grows. They are hooved rats. And since it’s summer, they don’t lack in food sources.”

If last winter was any indication, those bagels will stay out on High Gate for weeks.

Unlike the mice and rats get them first.

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Lachat Farms’ grand (re-)opening was this past weekend.

In today’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor and Carol Baldwin, president of the Friends of Lachat Town Farm, discuss funding of improvements, and programs coming soon.

Click below to listen. The podcast is a service of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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The big space recently vacated by Bed Bath & Beyond on US 1 — just over the border in Norwalk — will be filled in November.

The new tenant is a combination Bob’s/Eastern Mountain Sports store.

Bob’s Stores (sports clothing, shoes) is moving from Main Avenue to where Bed Bath and Beyond was on Westport Avenue in November. (Hat tip: Bruce Schneider)

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This was a big weekend at Lime Rock — and not just for the 3 Westport race car drivers mentioned in Sunday’s Roundup.

Roger Kaufman writes: “I was stunned and honored to be given an award Sunday at the Lime Rock annual Labor Day weekend, festival and car show. It was Best in Class in the ‘Swedish category.'”

“My trusty 1963 Volvo 122S, which I’ve owned for 40 years, was a Westport car. It was sold by Lillian Oster and imported in 1963 via Larry Terrino on the Post Road. It’s my third one, and a tried and true companion for almost half a century.

“I had never been to Lime Rock or done many car shows until recently. But I decided to give it a whirl.

“It was of interest yesterday to the folks at Lime Rock that when Paul Newman saw the car in Weston around 2007), he came over to me at Peter’s Market, where he was bagging groceries with Joanne.

“He stuck his head in the driver’s side window and said, ‘what a great car !’ Cars were his hobby, and we had a great chat.

Roger Kaufman’s ’63 Volvo.

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When most people rudely reserve picnic tables at Compo’s South Beach, they simply throw a tablecloth over the top, pretending not to see the “Picnic Tables May Not Be Reserved” sign.

Yesterday, the stakes got a little higher.

Here’s how one aggressive picnicker claimed his (or her) spot:

(Photo/Sallie Pecora-Saipe)

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Meanwhile, Sunday was also a perfect late-summer day.

The kind of evening to head to the beach, and celebrate without a care in the world.

(Photo/Harry Mortner)

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Reports are swarming in of spotted lanternfly sightings — and killings.

Ken Yormark squashed one inside Home Foods.

Mary Foss-Skiftesvik spotted the invasive species on her Saugatuck Island dock and garden:

(Photo/Mary Foss-Skiftesvik)

And Dave Shea writes: “While kayaking Monday morning, I found this floating halfway between Compo and Cockenoe.

“While I gave the little bugger credit for being a good swimmer, I did my civic duty, then buried him at sea.”

(Photo/Dave Shea)

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Janine Scotti sends along today’s beautiful “Westport … Naturally” photo — and its back story:

“What do you give a chef who is also the salt of the earth for his 74th birthday (coming soon)?

“A plot at the magnificent Westport Community Gardens. My beloved husband Pietro [former owner of Da Pietro restaurant] was in awe of the gardens, He is thrilled to be a part of this thriving community.

“I just gave him a private dusk tour. He wanted to see all the beauty of every plot. Hats off to you all!”

Pietro Scotti, with a giant sunflower. (Photo/Janine Scotti)

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And finally … on this day in 1836, Sam Houston was elected first president of the Republic of Texas.

(“06880” is where Westport meets Texas — and the world. If you’re from here, there or anywhere, and you like this blog, please support our work. Just click here. And thank y’all.)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Local politics, Weston

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Roundup: School Security, Spotted Lanternflies, Slice of Saugatuck …

Posted on August 30, 2023 | 9 comments

Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is timely and important.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas joins 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker to discuss why, how and where additional school security personnel will be added soon.

Click below to hear their conversation. The podcast is sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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Spotted lanternflies are a highly invasive species.

And they thrive on another invasive pest: trees of heaven.

Infestations have been reported around Westport, including Winslow and Grace Salmon Parks.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station says:

The spotted lanternfly Lycorma delicatula, (SLF) was first found in North America in Pennsylvania in late 2014. It is an exotic, invasive sap-feeding planthopper that has the potential to severely impact Connecticut’s agricultural crops, particularly apples, grapes, and hops, and ornamental trees. Spotted lanternfly adults feed on more than 70 species of plants. Its preferred host tree-of-heaven (Ailanthus altissima) is highly invasive and is abundant along highways, in urban areas, and along the edges of agricultural and industrial areas, where the spotted lanternfly could easily become established.

Approximately half of Connecticut’s trees are threatened by spotted lanternfly invasion according to data from Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). As spotted lanternfly nymphs and adults feed on the sap from trees and vines, the entire plant can become weakened because it cannot conduct photosynthesis as effectively. The excretions from these leaf-hopping insects encourage the growth of black sooty mold, thereby reducing photosynthesis. Agricultural crops will have reduced yields due to SLF feeding on fruit and generally weakening plants, if not completely destroying them.

To learn more about the pest, click here. Sightings (including, if possible, photos) should be reported to state environmental authorities, using this form. (Hat tip: Tracy Porosoff)

(Photo/Stacie Weiser Waldman)

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Speaking of nature: Paul Rohan writes, “The other morning on my morning walk on Hillspoint Road ner Valley Road, I spotted 2 young deer eating grass at the edge of the road.

“I then saw a coyote run up Lookout Lane and enter Hillspoint to approach the deer. As he was halfway across the road he spotted me. He did an about face, ran back down the lane, and quickly disappeared in the underbrush.

“Over the years I have seen a few coyotes in the area, but only before daybreak.  This was around 8 a.m. Please alert readers with small dogs or other pets who might be in the area in the early morning to be aware of this coyote situation.”

Not the Hillspoint Road coyote.

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If it’s late summer/early fall, it must be time for the Slice of Saugatuck.

The 11th annual event — a fun food/merchant experience in Westport’s most walkable neighborhood — is set for Saturday, September 9 (2 to 5 p.m.).

This year, over 40 businesses will participate in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event.

Over 2 dozen venues will offer tastes from their menus. Live music will play at 7 locations, with favorite bands like Otis & the Hurricanes, Silver Steel, Mill River Band, the Howling Barncats, Elana Zarabi and Accidental Breakdown.

Bouncy houses are back. New this year: a face painter for the kids.

Beer Gardens (with wine) on Bridge Square and Railroad Place will be complemented by restaurants offering specialty drinks. Many venues will continued the festivities with happy hour offerings after the Slice ends.

The price is again $15 for adults, $5 for children under 13, free for age 5 and under. Tickets are sold on-site only, beginning at 1:50 p.m.

Slice of Saugatuck is one of the best events on the local calendar. It’s also a great cause. Over the years, the Chamber has donated more than $44,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry .

For more information — including a map of participants —  click here.

Lining up for samples, on Railroad Place

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Mike Ronemus and a few friends have been thinking about it for, oh, only 25 years or so.

On Monday, they finally did it: They swam from Compo Beach to Cokenoe Island.

And back.

They began at 6 a.m. A kayak, stand-up paddleboard and 2 boats escorted them through the channel.

It took between 1 1/2 and 1 3/4 hours to cover the 2 1/2 miles.

Congratulations to Mike, and fellow adventure swimmers Tom Bottini, Chris Coffin, Kevin Huelster, Bruce Koffsky, Andy Ludel, Mary Money, Ric Nadel, Leila Shields, Clay Tebbits.

And welcome back to land!

Halfway there! There swimmers at Cockenoe Island.

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A pair of local realtors recently sent out a newsletter, touting — among other things — a popular Westport restaurant.

Next time, they (or their proofreader) might want to do a more thorough job. (Hat tip: Francoise Jaffe)

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Of course there’s lobster at the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park’s annual Shorefest celebration.

But there’s also salmon and steak (with catering by Westfair Fish & Chips). Plus music by Westport Jenny Ong’s classical trio. And as always, a chance to party with fellow park-lovers.

This year’s event is September 8 (6 to 9 p.m., main pavilion). A silent auction includes tours of Prospect Gardens and Aspetuck brew lab, a fishing charter with Westport captain Blake Smith, and gift certificates to local restaurants.

Proceeds help fund 140 feet of new dunes, with 3,600 American beach grass plants; invasive species eradication; an owl habitat restoration project; fall and spring tree plantings; the Nature Center intern program, and speakers on raptors, horseshoe crabs, turtles and insects.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Tennis Channel is listed on the NASDAQ. For the past 12 years, they’ve celebrated the start the US Open by ringing the morning bell.

Yesterday morning, the ringers included Cayne Mandell. The 2017 Staples High School and 2021 Syracuse University sports management graduate is an ad sales marketing coordinator for TC.

The NASDAQ bell was not his only perk. He’ll be in the Tennis Channel corporate suite during the event too.

Cayne Mandell, larger than life.

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Allan Friedman has led bike trips for a decade — ever since his first Backroads journey to Tuscany in 2013. He then biked through California and Canada, and now leads urban tours in areas like New York, New Haven and Washington.

On September 12 (Saugatuck Congregational Church; 6:15 p.m. dinner; 7:30 p.m. presentation), he’s the Appalachian Mountain Club’s dinner guest speaker. His topic: ”Adventures Abound — Ride and Explore!”

The cost is $10 for members, $15 for non-members (payable at the door). Bring a dessert to share. For more information, email easasso7@icloud.com.

 

Allan Friedman

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Eagle-eyed photographer Steve Halstead snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — at the same moment his subject looked, equally intently, for a fish.

(Photo/Steve Halstead)

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And finally … Bob Mummert, the drummer on Roy Orbison’s last tour, died Saturday.

Known for his appearance on the “You Got It” music video, he was also a drummer for the Grand Ole Opry, and a session musician who toured with many famous artists and bands.

(From school security to spotted lanternflies, “06880” is your connection between Westport and the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Spotted Lanternfly, Playhouse Benefit, More Theater …

Posted on August 23, 2023 | 10 comments

Spotted lanternflies are back.

At least one.

(Photo/Stephen Rothenberg)

Stephen Rothenberg reports from the Westport Community Gardens: “Spotted, and smushed.”

The SLF is a sap-feeding plant hopper native to China. It is believed to have entered this country as an egg mass stuck to a shipment of stone sent to Pennsylvania in 2012. Since then, that state’s agriculture, vineyards, forests, nurseries and residential areas have suffered serious damage.

The spotted lanternfly made its way into Connecticut in 2021. The state Agricultural Experiment Station issued a quarantine order. The hope is that the pest will be slowed long enough to find a treatment to control or eradicate it.

The beautiful-looking insect affects fruit trees, grapes, hops and ornamental trees. The nymphs (immature stage of the SLF) and adults feed on sap from trees and vines, causing them to weaken. Excretions from the SLF stick to the leaves; black sooty mold grows, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize properly.  This reduce crop yields, and weaken trees and plants further, eventually destroying them.

It can also wreak havoc on lawn furniture, sidewalks, sides of buildings, car tires and everything else outside, making them a sticky mess.

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More guest artists have been added to the Westport Country Playhouse’s benefit concert, “An Evening with Justin Paul & Friends, with Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton” (September 9, 8 p.m.).

Joining Tony, Oscar and Grammy Award-winning (and 2003 Staples High School graduate) Justin Paul are friends from his films, stage musicals, and other projects.

Two are from Westport: former Staples Player Jacob Heimer (Broadway’s “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”), and Stacie Morgain Lewis (“Wicked,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Urinetown,” “Titanic”).

Other guests include Loren Allred (vocalist on “Never Enough” from “The Greatest Showman”), Andrew Barth Feldman (“Dear Evan Hansen”); Grammy nominee Mykal Kilgore (“Motown the Musical,” “Hair,” “The Book of Mormon”); Tony winner Aaron Tveit (“Moulin Rouge! The Musical!”), and Jessica Vosk (“Wicked”).

Headlining with Paul (“La La Land,” “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman”) are Kelli O’Hara (Tony Award for “The King and I”), James Naughton (Tony Award for “City of Angels” and “Chicago”), and Greg Naughton (founding member of folk-rock group The Sweet Remains). 

Director Caley Baretta — another former Staples player — is senior manager of creative development at Disney Theatrical Group. Producer Ben Frimmer is well known as Coleytown Middle School’s longtime theater instructor.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Justin Paul

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Speaking of the stage: The Westport Community Theatre’s 66th season begins September 8-24, with “A Picasso.”

It’s followed by “Time Stands Still” (November 10-26), “Love Letters “(February 2-18), “Switzerland” (April 5-21) and a final show, TBA (June 7-23).

Subscriptions are available for the theater, located in the lower level of Town Hall. Click here for information on tickets, and upcoming shows.

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Gil Ghitelman writes:

“It’s been said boat owners enjoy 2 immeasurable highs: First when they buy it,  then when they sell it.

“Dog parents {please don’t call them ‘owners’) achieve nirvana only once. The loss is off the charts on the Richter scale of sadness. No one adopting a pup thinks about the dreaded end. The fact is, our pets just don’t live long enough.

“When word filtered down that we lost our beloved Oskar, we were embraced with tearful hugs from our friends and Oskar’s buddies’ parents. What was especially touching were the kind condolence notes left in our mailbox by our caring Westport neighbors whom we only have a nodding relationship with.  Mega-shoutouts are in order to these compassionate folks.

“When things settle down, we’ll look for another dog to join our family. The local  rabbits that Oskar chased (and never caught) are probably hoping we move slowly on this. I’m sure they think a little respite is in order.”

Oskar

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Arthur Lipner & the Caribbean Cruisers put on quite a show last night, at the Levitt Pavilion. Even the lighting was red-hot.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Tomorrow night’s show is one of the summer’s big ones: Daryl Hall, with special guest Todd Rundgren.

It sold out quickly. But a few tickets have been returned, by people who now cannot attend.

The gala and cocktail party tickets are for both the pre-concert cocktail party sponsored by Roz and Bud Siegel, at Don Memo and Walrus Alley.

Concert-only tickets are available too for the show made possible by the Arthur & Claudia Cohen Foundation. But everyone can enjoy the Levitt parking lot, as it becomes a plaza with food trucks from the Blind Rhino, Little Pub and College Creamery Ice Cream, plus a full bar operated and sponsored by Rizzuto’s.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Every week, the Westport Rotary Club learns something new.

This week’s subject was Urban Impact of Black Rock.

Executive director Bob Niedermeyer described the organization’s mentorship support for kindergarten through 12th grade students living in Bridgeport’s PT Barnum Public Housing Complex.

100 volunteer mentors form long-term relationships with their students. and become involved in their lives beyond the classroom.

Bob Niedermeyer explains Urban Impact’s impact.

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Staples’ Class of 1965 is one of the most legendary in the high school’s 139-year history. (No, I was not a member. But they blazed the way for us youngsters well.)

To prepare for their 60th reunion in 2 years, they’re scouring the globe for classmates.

Click here to add your name to the database. If you’re not on Facebook, or have questions, email Kaempfer@mcarthurglen.com.

Members of Staples’ Class of 1965 remember when the school was 9 separate buildings. (This view is from 1959; an addition was finished in 1964).

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Former Westporter Betty Lu Grune died peacefully last week in Florida, surrounded by her family. She was 93.

Her father was a US Navy chaplain. Betty Lu lived in many US and international locations. She met her husband, George Grune, at Duke University during the first weeks of college.

Betty Lu graduated from Duke in 1951, with a B.A. in English. She married George in 1952. They lived in Florida, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania before moving to Westport. They were here for 33 years.

Betty Lu was active in the Newcomers Club, PTA and Westport Garden Club. She also served as chapter president of the PEO philanthropic organization.

In 1988 the Grunes retired to Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, where they supported local organizations including the Jacksonville Symphony, Cummer Museum, Players by the Sea, and Boys & Girls Club of Northeast Florida.

Betty Lu was a vibrant participant in countless events in support of her husband, the former chairman and CEO of Reader’s Digest Association. She took great pride in her 3 sons.

Betty Lu was predeceased by her husband George, and siblings Virginia May (Achtmeyer) Adams, Fern Marie Atkin and Francis Lee Albert, Jr. She is survived by her sons George Jr. (Judy) of Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, and their children Heather, Lindsey and George III; Robert (June) of Ponte Vedra Beach), and their children Alexandra, Robert Jr. and Jordan; and Steven (Nancy) of Darien, and their children Steven Jr, Natalie and Kevin.

A service to celebrate Betty Lu’s life will be held later at the Palms Presbyterian Church, Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Click here to leave an online tribute.

Betty Lu Grune

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Today’s compelling “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the Community Gardens.

Photographer Lou Weinberg explains: “Compared to other native North American birds, goldfinches are late breeders.

“They start building nests in late June and early July, when thistle and milkweed are going to seed. Goldfinches like to use the seeds in their nests, and also as food for their young.

“The Westport Community Gardens and Long Lots Preserve have ample quantities of thistle and milkweed growing, along with one of their favorites, the sunflower.”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … happy 74th birthday to Rick Springfield!

 (Jessie’s girl, Jessie himself — and everyone else — is invited to contribute to “06880.” Please click here. And thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Obituaries, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Chino Cortez, School, Drought & Lanternflies …

Posted on August 30, 2022 | 3 comments

In December 2020, I posted an email from Katherine Calise.

After a big snowstorm, her trash collector — Chino Cortez of Cortez Refuse — had shoveled his own path to her cans.

“He is the kindest person — all around, the nicest person you could meet,” she wrote. “In the summer he sprays the garbage cans so you will not get sick.”

Others agreed. On social media they praised him for hauling away Christmas trees, making sure cans were safely stored in the wind, and texting customers if they forgot to put the trash out.

The other day, Katherine contacted me again. This time, it was about helping out with Chino’s medical bills.

At work earlier this month, a bungee cord snapped and hit his eye. His retina was severely damaged. He’ll have surgery soon, as doctors try to save his sight.

A grateful customer has organized a GoFundMe campaign. Click here for more information, and to help.

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It’s an annual tradition: On the first day of school, parents take photos of their kids at the Juniper Road/Caccamo Lane bus stop.

Here’s this year’s edition. Parents: Save for posterity. Kids: Don’t be embarrassed — decades from now, you’ll appreciate this.

PS: The little ones on both ends? They’ll be graduating before you know it.

(Photo/Pam Long)

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Speaking of school: The Porch @ Christie’s on Cross Highway is located close to 4 of them: Staples High, Bedford Middle, and Coleytown Middle and Elementary.

It’s also on the route for people heading into and out of Westport.

A good number of folks passing near, or by, are teachers. To celebrate a new school year, The Porch is offering free coffee and tea to all educators, now through September 9, with any purchase (6:30 to 9 a.m.) or salad, bowl, sandwich or grill item (3 to 5 p.m.). Just show your school ID.

What a great way to honor teachers. Owners Bill and Andrea Pecoriello have learned their customer service lessons well.

Free coffee or tea for teachers here.

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Speaking of local businesses that care:

On Sunday, Tutti’s Ristorante held a fundraiser for Jimmy Nuzzo. “DJ Jimmy James” — a friend to the owners (the Funicello family) and many others — needs a new heart and liver. 100% of the proceeds from the $25 penne-and-meatball dinner went to help.

Westporters, Norwalkers and others came through — big time. Tutti’s raised nearly $4,000 for Jimmy.

Maria Funicello asked me to thank the “06880” community. Consider it done — and thank you, Tutti’s, too!

Tutti’s owners Pasquale and Maria Funicello opened their restaurant (and hearts) to Jimmy Nuzzo.

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There are many new families on Ludlow Road, Wright Street and Orchard Lane recently.

So the neighborhood near Old Hill threw an old-fashioned block party on Sunday.

There was food and drinks. Adults chatted; kids romped. It was a great way to come together at the start of the school year.

One attendee suggested that every neighborhood with new families should do the same.

Or how about: Every neighborhood in Westport, with or without newcomers?

Send us your block party photos. Party on!

Seeking shade, and familiar and new faces.

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Weston is taking steps to address its drought.

Yesterday, residents received this message from 1st Selectwoman Samantha Nestor:

“I am reaching out to remind residents that Weston (and all of Fairfield County), have been experiencing Stage 2 drought conditions since mid-July due to below normal precipitation levels across Connecticut. Stage 2 identifies an emerging drought event that could potentially impact water supplies, agriculture, or natural ecosystems.

“Per Governor Lamont, ‘Residents should be mindful of their water consumption and take sensible steps to reduce impacts on other water uses and on the environment. We must begin early steps now to mitigate the potential for harm should the drought become prolonged.'”

Weston asks residents to voluntarily take measure to help reduce the impact of the drought conditions, including:

  • Reduce watering lawns, gardens, and other landscaped areas; if watering is essential, late evening hours are best
  • Avoid burning in or near woodlands or brush-lands
  • Take shorter showers
  • Run dishwashers and clothes washing machines with full loads
  • Shut off water while washing dishes, shaving, brushing teeth, and lathering up to wash hands, rather than running the water continuously
  • Avoid washing vehicles or power-washing homes and other buildings
  • Do not use water to clean sidewalks, driveways, and roads
  • Postpone planting new lawns or vegetation
  • Minimize overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures
  • Follow any additional conservation requests

For more information from the Connecticut Drought Information Center, click here. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)

Meanwhile, one more indication that Westport is in a drought too:

Near Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Speaking of environmental threats, consider the spotted lanternfly.

It’s crossed Connecticut’s southwest border — that’s us — and could threaten businesses, nurseries and homeowners, causing billions of dollars in damage while devastating the landscape, in 2 years.

The SLF is a sap-feeding plant hopper native to China. It is believed to have entered this country as an egg mass stuck to a shipment of stone sent to Pennsylvania in 2012. Since then, that state’s agriculture, vineyards, forests, nurseries and residential areas have suffered serious damage.

The SLF started making its way into Connecticut last year. The state Agricultural Experiment Station issued a quarantine order. The hope is that the pest will be slowed long enough to find a treatment to control or eradicate it.

The beautiful-looking insect affects fruit trees, grapes, hops and ornamental trees. The nymphs (immature stage of the SLF) and adults feed on sap from trees and vines, causing them to weaken. Excretions from the SLF stick to the leaves; black sooty mold grows, reducing the plant’s ability to photosynthesize properly.  This reduce crop yields, and weaken trees and plants further, eventually destroying them.

Spotted lanternfly

It can also wreak havoc on lawn furniture, sidewalks, sides of buildings, car tires and everything else outside, making them a sticky mess.

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station urges everyone to report any sightings.

If you spot an SLF, kill it right away. Report it here; include a photo if possible. (Hat tip: Susan Iseman)

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Jenni Kayne opened its 4th store last weekend. The location for the “California lifestyle brand” is Sconset Square.

It showcases the interiors arm of Jenni Kayne Home, with furniture set in “real-room environments,: and home accessories. The store also carries Jenni’s skincare line, Oak Essentials.

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“Westport … Naturally” returns to the theme of drought. Deadman Brook looked particularly low the other evening:

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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And finally … in honor of back-to-school (and The Porch @ Christie’s celebration of teachers — see story above), here’s this long-forgotten Elton John classic.

Okay, the lyrics are not exactly a paean to a classroom education. But still …

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