There is a ton going on in Westport today. In the words of former 1st selectman Jim Marpe, “If you can’t find something to do here, you’re just not trying.”
Among the activities:
Meet Your RTM Candidates (10 a.m. to noon, Westport Library): Informal chats with the men and women running for our legislative body; coffee, donuts, snacks and art activities for youngsters. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport, and “06880.”
Westport Volunteer Fair (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Library): Dozens of local nonprofit organizations with information tables, and members on hand to promote volunteerism.
Westoberfest (Noon to 6 p.m., Elm Street): Oktoberfest comes to downtown, with raft beers, kids’ activities, music and much more. Purchase tickets online; more expensive on-site. Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.
At This Stage (5:30 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse): Gala fundraiser, honoring Nathan Lane and Anne Keefe. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Woodside Bash (7 to 10 p.m., Earthplace): Harvest dinner, open bar, music, line dancing, a fire pit and mechanical bull. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westoberfest — one of many activities in town today.
================================================
It’s tulip time now — for a beautiful payoff this spring.
Tomorrow (Sunday, October 5, 9 a.m.), volunteers will gather at the entrance to Compo Beach, to continue the annual planting project.
Andrew Colabella has donated 1,500 bulbs. All are welcome to help get them in the ground. Bring a small trowel; Andrew will have power tools.
He hopes to raise money through the Sons of American Legion to continue the tradition. For details, email mshornick@optonline.net.
Andrew Colabella (front, right) joined fellow Representative Town Meeting members in 2023, to plant tulips at the Minute Man Monument.
==================================================
Earth Animal’s 18th annual Mitten Project is underway.
Once again, the popular local business has set an audacious goal: $80,000, to address hunger in Fairfield County. Last year, Earth Animal and its friends raised $75,737.66.
Once again, they’ll match every dollar raised.
This — due to federal funding cuts — Earth Animal’s partner CT Foodshare needs more help than ever.
There are 3 parts to the Mitten Project.
In November and December, shoppers can support the cause in many ways, including:
Purchasing advent calendars (25 days of giving treats to pups!)
“Shop & Give” promotions in which businesses donate percentages of sales (South Pine Creek Deli, Millie Rae’s, Bel Mondo, McLaughlin, Element50, Eleven11, Pet Pantry, Izzo’s Garden Center, 299 Design Gallery, The Post, Kelli & Crew, Westport Hardware, Scout & Molly’s, Vintage Gardens, La Moda, Capri, Athletic Shoe Factory, Lolli Sutton, Fox Trot Home and more)
Pin-up Fundraiser ($5+ donations fill out a mitten, and will be displayed in Earth Animal’s store windows)
Pies for Good (Wakeman Town Farm offers homemade apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin pie, plus homemade ice cream; $25 per pie, $10 per pint; pre-order here (November 3-21).
Wreaths for Good (November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Holiday wreath fundraiser, and a special appearance by Santa.
==================================================
Speaking of winter: a new pop-up store — The Cashmere Sale — moves into 180 Post Road East (near Mancini Salon) on October 10.
It will be there — selling, presumably, cashmere — through December 24. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
NASA is shut down. But the Westport Observatory is wide open.
The Westport Astronomical Society invites everyone to visit tonight (Saturday, October 4, 8 p.m.), to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night.
The annual event encourages everyone on Earth to observe, learn about, and celebrate the Moon together.
At the Bayberry Lane site, visitors can see the 10 1/2-day, 80% illuminated waxing gibbous moon (and other stuff) through a number of telescopes. (Bonus view: Saturn.)
Map of the moon.
==================================================
There’s a lot going on at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
And you don’t have to be a veteran to take part. All are welcome!
Mark your calendars for:
Comedy Night (October 17, 8 p.m.; $20): Four comedians will keep you laughing.
Chili Cookoff (October 18, 6 p.m.; $25). Benefit for Westport Police Department, Westport Fire Department, Westport Emergency Medical Services, and veterans.
Veterans’ luncheon (October 23, 11 a.m.). An ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned. Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
Blues party: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mark Naftalin and friends (November 1, 7:30 p.m.; $15).
Plus: Sunday specials during NFL football games: $5 shots, $6 drafts.
Questions about any of these events? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
=================================================
There’s also a lot this month at MoCA CT. For example:
- Latinx Musical Identities (October 11, 7 p.m.)
- Collecting 501: Buying, Selling, Loaning Art & Tax Planning (October 16, 5:30 p.m.)
- Multi-Bowl Pottery Class (adults; October 16, 6 p.m.).
- Caity Gyorgy & Band (October 19, 4 p.m.)
- Reflections by East Coast Contemporary Ballet (October 30-30, 7:30 p.m.)
- Studio Art with Ms. Sue (kids 5+; Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
- Saturday Drop-in Art Class for Kids (ages 4+; Saturdays, 12 to 1:30 p.m.).
Click here for details, registration information and more.
==================================================
Staples High School senior Myla Saperstein is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor this month.
She is showing photos from some of her favorite places around the world, from the beaches of Westport to the shores of Cabo San Lucas. Her work highlights the sky in different lights and colors. All works are available for purchase.
A reception is set for October 22 (6 p.m.).
Myla Saperstein’s photos.
==================================================
Speaking of great photos: Our celebration of dogs returning to Compo Beach — the annual October 1 event — continues, with this peaceful image by Nicola Sharian:
(Photo/Nicola Sharian)
==================================================
The Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gate renovation project is moving along.
The giant crane has been relocated from the Old Mill parking lot, to the edge of the pond itself.
Work is scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
=================================================
And — though most betting folks would have put up good money against it — there seems to be a bit of action on the long-dormant Post Road project.
This was the scene yesterday, near McDonald’s:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
No, it is not AI-generated.
===============================================
Also underway: the Greens Farms Academy athletic complex.
The new facility will add plenty of options for student-athletes.
And it’s much closer to the outdoor fields than the current gym.
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
==================================================
Today’s captivating “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Gorham Island, thanks to ever-alert Susan Garment:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
==================================================
And finally … thinking of tomorrow’s tulip-planting event (story above):
(Another weekend, another day packed with a news-you-can-use Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature — or any other on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
