After months of renovations, Susie’s House reopens April 1.
The 124 Compo Road North residence is run by Homes with Hope. Named for former director Susie Basler, it provides stable, affordable living for 6 young women ages 18 to 26 who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
At Susie’s House they’ll get back on their feet through education and employment, eventually moving on to independent living. Each woman will have a mentor, community support and case management.
Community members are invited to a pre-opening tour next Saturday (March 22, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.). To RSVP, email events@hwhct.org.
Susie’s House
==================================================
For nearly 25 years, A Better Chance of Westport has provided education, a home, mentors, and opportunities for a powerful future to smart, self-motivated, creative and very cool young men of color, from around the country.
It’s one of our town’s best non-profits. Hundreds of Westporters have volunteered, in a variety of important roles. And they’ve gotten as much from the ABC scholars as they’ve given.
The “Dream Event” is A Better Chance’s annual fundraising gala. Along with the food, drinks and auction items, there’s something more: inspiring speeches, from the current scholars, and those who have graduated and gone on to great success.
This year’s event is April 26 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Then-current and past A Better Chance scholars, at a previous Dream Event.
==================================================
The renovation of the Compo Beach playground is just a few weeks away.
Just like during its construction in 1989, and first renovation in 2006, it’s a community project.
Whether you’re a parent whose kids use it, or used to when they were younger — or even if you have no kids’ connection to this great Westport attraction — organizers are looking for volunteers to help.
Professional builders, skilled volunteers, unskilled hands — all are welcome to sign up for slots.
All volunteers will receive a playground t-shirt! Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served by community vendors.
There’s a “KidZone” on site for children (potty-trained, please!). 12- and 13-year- olds can help out there.
14-17-year-olds are welcome on the build site. They cannot handle tools, but there are many other ways to help.
Click here to snag a spot, and to learn more.
In 1989, scores of volunteers helped build the playground.
==================================================
Yesterday’s Roundup gave a shout-out to Thursday’s Westport Book Shop gala.
Since 2021, the Jesup Green store has provided jobs, training, and a great place in the community to people with disabilities.
One highlight of the Westport Library event was a short video. The stars are employees themselves.
They describe the confidence and joy they get out of serving customers, learning new skills, and earning a paycheck.
As the video notes, Westport Book Shop is a place where “people’s stories shine” — in countless ways.
Click below (or click here), to enjoy this powerful video, produced by Westport’s own The Visual Brand:
==================================================
I would not have thought there’s a lot of litter in the neighborhood around Greens Farms Road, Maple Avenue South and Clapboard Hill Road.
Then again, I don’t live there.
Dan and Nicole Donovan do.
Every few months, they take a walk with a garbage bag.
A large one.
Yesterday, their 1-mile walk yielded 10 pounds of trash.
Ten pounds!
Dan Donovan, with his Greens Farms neighborhood trash.
The most common item by far, Dan says, was alcohol bottles, with the little nips.
Thanks, Dan and Nicole, for picking up after so many inconsiderate folks.
It’s a good thing you don’t live near Compo Beach!
==================================================
Earthplace’s 4th annual Beer Garden (April 26, 4 p.m.) has something for everyone — of all ages.
Adults enjoy a self-guided trail walk with craft beer tastings, while kids sample sparkling drinks, and participate in arts and crafts.
The beer garden includes food trucks, s’mores, lawn games, and a selection of full-size beers available for separate purchase. Click here for tickets, and more information.
S’mores at the Beer Garden.
================================================
Weston Field Club has reopened.
The private club closed in November, after “financial irregularities” caused what the board president called an “existential crisis.”
With a new general manager, there’s an open house today (Saturday, 1 to 3 p.m., 38 Ladder Hill Road South, Weston). They’ll show off their facilities, and describe their programs like aquatics, racquet sports, trap shooting and camps.
Weston Field Club is also offering summer trial memberships, for $3,000 and $5,000. Click here for the website. Click here for more details, from Weston Today.
(Photo courtesy of Weston Today)
==================================================
Compo Beach is once again getting ready for prime time.
Crews are redistributing and smoothing sand, in preparation for the can’t-come-soon-enough great weather.
This was the scene a couple of days ago, at South Beach:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
==================================================
The Aspetuck Land Trust is ready for an active spring, both live and online.
Lunch & Learn: “Assisted Plant Migration Helps to Expand Our Native Plant Palette for Climate Change” (March 28, 12 noon, Zoom webinar). How can we help plant species move north as temperatures rise? Explore the role humans play in helping move plants, as well as helping animals move more freely to aid in seed dispersal.
Plant Sale (Opens for Members April 4). ALT’s spring and fall native plant sales feature hard-to-find native plants, trees, shrubs and perennials. Plants are ordered online, and picked on weekends at the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve. Click here to join or renew membership.
Vernal Pool Walk with Edward Pawlak (April 12, 10 a.m., Trout Brook Valley Jump Hill Preserve; click here to register).
Earth Day Weekend Ephemeral Wildflower Walk with Vernal Pool Expert Anthony Zemba (April 19, 10 a.m., Trout Brook Valley Jump Hill Preserve; click here to register).
Anthony Zemba leads a wildflower walk.
==============================================
It may be a (sub)urban legend, but I’ve heard that Violet Lane is named not for the flower, but for someone whose last name was Violet.
On the other hand, today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows that there indeed are violets on the small road off Myrtle Avenue.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Which raises these important questions: Is there myrtle on Myrtle Avenue? And was it named for the plant, or a woman called Myrtle?
==================================================
And finally … in honor of Westport’s violets (story above):
(There’s a mystery about Violet Lane. But there’s none regarding “06880.” We’re your hyper-local blog, here for you 24/7/365 — and we rely on you for support. Please click here to help. Thanks!)
