Every Saturday morning at 11, a group gathers on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, to protest President Trump’s actions and policies.
Sometimes the crowd is large. Other times, there are just a few.
Yesterday, they were joined by Richard Blumenthal. Connecticut’s senior senator did not make a formal address. But he spoke individually with all the attendees.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
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The intersection “improvement” at Post Road East and Bulkley Avenue seems anything but.
A nearby resident — who has waited often at that traffic light, at Bulkely North — says the green cycle is way too short.
Only 3 cars can get through at a time. The result: Many frustrated drivers run the red, resulting in more danger than previously.
Part of the frequent backup, on Bulkley Avenue North.
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Safe boating is for everyone.
And a certificate is needed to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut waters.
A state Safe Boating Certificate course is set for August 18 and 20 (4:30 to 8:30 p.m.), at VFW Post 399.
Instructor Barry Natale — a retired US Coast Guard chief boatswain mate — has plenty of search and rescue experience on Long Island Sound, and beyond.
The cost is $25. Email barry@soundnavigation.com, or call 203-219-3688, to register.
Peaceful — but you need a certificate. (Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Speaking of the water: Results are in from last Sunday’s 46th annual Point to Point swim.
The mile-long open water Compo Beach race supports the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics program.
Maegan Grisanti (age 16) earned first place in the Female Division, with an impressive time of 18:01. She was followed by Katharine Radvile (42, 22:57) and Diane Benke (52, 23:09).
In the Male Division, Gregory Pinchbeck (16) took first place in 18:23, ahead of by Joseph Benz (35, 18:58) and Luke McGuinn (14, 19:08). Click here for full results.
MyTeam Triumph — the non-profit that helps people with special needs compete in events like this — supported 5 swimmers.
MyTeam Triumph volunteers, with Point to Point swimmers.
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Earthplace welcomes August with a full calendar nature walks, animal encounters, canoeing, crafting and more. Among the highlights:
Butterfly Walk (August 2, 10:30 a.m.): Education, with experts.
Winged Wonders: Meet Duchess (August 3, 1 p.m.): A bird-in-glove demonstration to learn about raptors.
Nature Theater: Vernal Pool Party (August 3, 1 p.m.): A 30-minute play for kids, followed by a stroll through the sanctuary.
Pick Your Own Bouquet (August 7, 3 p.m.; August 24, 11 a.m.): Cut your own flowers from the Earthplace garden.
Canoe Paddles (August 9 and 24, 1 3 p.m.). Led by the Connecticut Foraging Club.
Adventure Club (August 11-16; Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, overnight): Teenage camp, featuring backpacking, orienteering and wilderness skills.
Craft & Sip (August 7, 6 p.m.): Craft a mosaic using cement and glass beads; BYOB.
Click here for more information, and registration.
Earthplace raptor.
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Speaking of the environment, Marisa Zer writes: “Spotted lanternfly babies are everywhere. But we have a weapon to fight them!
“A rechargeable handheld vacuum is less than $25 on Amazon. You just suck them up, dump them all in a bag and step it.
“It’s fun to see how many you can catch. Addictive even. Imagine if we all had this weapon, what kind of dent we could put in the population.
“At least until they are too big to suck up.”
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Speaking still of the environment, Scott Smith writes:
It’s shedding season for our local sycamore trees, Platanus occidentalis — the largest native hardwood in the Eastern US.
I have 2 big ones in my Westport yard, and the bark is raining down upon the ground in large sheaves. Must be the heat.
Sycamore shedding. (Photo/Scott Smith)
This habit of shedding bark like skin after a bad sunburn makes the trees especially well suited to urban life, explains Jonathan Drori, author of “Around the World in 80 Trees.”
“Its bark is brittle and, because it cannot adapt to the growth of the trunk and branches underneath, it drops it off in flakes. The bark is dotted with tiny pores, a millimeter or two across, called lenticels, which allow the exchange of gases.”
The tree’s ability to slough off a layer of soot and grime that it has removed from the atmosphere helps it thrive in polluted air — and keeps us living in its shade that much healthier. Trees are gloriously messy things!
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W. Reuter — a self-taught marquetry artist specializing in original all-natural, often multi-media wood veneer picture displays — will be at the Westport River Gallery August 3 (1 p.m.).
The public is invited to meet him, and learn about his art. Each work takes several months to create.
One of Reuter’s works.
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Fan favorites the Flying Fingers Jug Band returns week for a third appearance, at First Folk Sunday.
The quintet is set for the Saugatuck Rowing Club on August 3 (12:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets and more information, or call 203-984-7562.
Flying Fingers Jug Band
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Like kids at many camps, youngsters at Birchwood Country Club’s summer session play golf an tennis, and swim.
But they also learn to bake cookies from scratch, with chef Luke DiPippo.
And then — let’s hope — they eat them too.
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Everyone — and everything — is welcome at the Levitt Pavilion.
Including this guy. He enjoyed a recent free concert, from his perch near the stage.
And posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … speaking about the VFW’s safe boating course (item above):
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use, and random stuff you’d never have thought of. If you enjoy this daily “06880” feature, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
