New Neighbors: Sir Knottingham the Opossum joins Earthplace

Earthplace announced yesterday the arrival of a new member to their Animal Hall: Sir Knottingham, a Virginia Opossum. Sir Knottingham was taken in by the local non-profit nature center due to a tail injury, which prevents him from being able to balance while climbing trees - critical to his independence in the wild. The wide-eyed new neighbor will join over 30 other animals, from frogs to American Eagles, and will continue the center’s tradition in education the public and its preschool students through discovery and nature. Community members are welcomed to visit Sit Knottingham and his neighbors during the center’s museum hours, which reopened after a long hiatus to to COVID-19 precautions.

Westporter Drew Angus to Sing National Anthem at Mets v. Giants Game this Afternoon

Musician Drew Angus will be at Oracle Park this afternoon to sing the National Anthem ahead of the MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets. Angus, a Staples High School class of 2007 graduate, has traveled the country for his music - appearing on shows like Saturday Night Life and becoming a finalist on American Idol. The San Fransisco home game begins at 3:45 today.

Photo by WestportLocal.com, Westport Fine Arts Festival 

Local Kids’ “Crumby But Yummy” Lemonade and Bake Sale Benefits Animals in Need

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Westporters Jack Steel (10) and Lucas Robinson (10) behind their stand. WestportLocal.com photo

During the hottest hours of the day today, drivers heading down Hillandale Road could find cool refuge with a cup of iced lemonade and a bit of afternoon pep with homemade energy bites. Westporters Jack Steel and Lucas Robinson, both ten, put up a lemonade and bake sale stand at 3 Hillandale Road - recreating a classic scene of Americana as the local kids learned the ropes of business while raising funds for charity.

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Animal Control Officer Peter Reid introduced Jack and Lucas to the dachshund in his care after a cool drink of lemonade. 

With a plan they’ve wanted to launch for months, Robinson described that he’s been learning about business, and knew that his friend Jack was great at baking - so the two joined together to sell Jack’s energy bites with Lucas’ lemonade. As parents watched nearby, the boys waved at everyone who passed the blue table - even grabbing the attention of Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid on his way to the Westport Animal Shelter. The boys were excited to meet the local ACO, and the dachshund in his care, as one half of all of their profits are being donated to the ASPCA.

The boys said that business was slow yesterday, but quickly picked up today in their first hour. “Business is booming!” exclaimed Robinson as more cars pulled over for the afternoon treat. The little Westporters are selling their lemonade and energy bites for $1 each, and will be out front of 3 Hillandale Road again tomorrow during what’s forecast to be another beautiful Summer day in Westport.

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A community comes together over a cup of lemonade on Hillandale Road. 

This, or This? Downtown Shopping Day Underway on Main Street

Local shops, vendors, restaurants, musicians, and local organizations were beating the heat today under the sale-tents throughout Main Street. The event ends at 5:00 today and includes live music, a sidewalk bar, and sales from dozens of members of the downtown community. The Downtown Shopping Days are sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, and have been a big hit with bargain hunters throughout the summer season.