Westport PAL Car Show Draws 62 Classics while Raising Money for Local Kids’ Programs
Spectators at today’s PAL Car Show walk past a vintage Ford Mustang on display. The event was put on by the local non-profit to continue their mission in supporting community kids through sports, college scholarships, and community events. One of the organization’s largest fundraisers - the annual Independence Day Fireworks at Compo Beach - have been cancelled two years in a row, creating a need for more fundraising efforts so they can continue to serve the community. Today’s car show included a $15 fee to enter a vehicle, with a barbecue and raffle prizes being held at the railroad station lot. The Westport PAL was founded in 1948 and is operated by active and retired law enforcement officers alongside local volunteers. To learn more or donate, visit WestportPAL.org
WestportLocal.com photo
Westport Police Officers Respond to Lemonade Stand’s Call to Help Raise Money for Earthplace Animals
Ashley Charise (9) set up a lemonade stand outside their Imperial Avenue home today with the mission to raise money to help feed the animals at Earthplace. Westport Police Officers responded to the home for a cool drink and to support Charise’s mission. She raised $150 from the stand, an amount that was matched to help the local non-profit nature center. Contributed photo for WestportLocal.com
Darlene Love Rocks and Rolls through Westport
Popular artist Darlene Love rocked Westport on Friday night from the Levitt Pavilion stage, a concert that went on sale in June and was quickly sold out. At 79 years old, Love and her band had guests on their feet dancing and singing to the songs and beats she’s been renowned for throughout the decades. Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com
Maritime Aquarium Offers “Sensory-Friendly Evening” for Differently-abled Kids and Adults
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is planning a special evening on Mon., July 26 to give guests with sensory-processing differences a fun, comfortable and accepting environment.
And, thanks to the statewide “CT Summer at the Museum - Free Admission for Kids” initiative, admission will be free for most Connecticut residents.
During this "Sensory-Friendly Evening," from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., all Aquarium exhibits will be open, including the enormous new seal habitat called “Pinniped Cove.” But lights in galleries will be lower, and music and other sounds will be turned down or off. Plus, tickets will be discounted for guests not eligible for free admission.
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While The Maritime Aquarium offers “Sensory-Friendly Evenings” several times a year, the date for this upcoming event – July 26 – was chosen to celebrate the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The ADA is one of America's most comprehensive pieces of civil rights legislation that prohibits discrimination and guarantees that people with disabilities have the same opportunities as everyone else to participate in the mainstream of American life -- to enjoy employment opportunities, to purchase goods and services, and to participate in state and local government programs and services.
Tom Naiman, the Aquarium’s director of Education, said the advantages in offering this event after the Aquarium’s normal opening hours are two-fold: Aquarium staff can focus on the guests with special needs, and guests averse to crowds won’t encounter them.
As during daily Aquarium hours, admission during the July 26 “Sensory-Friendly Evening” is free for Connecticut residents age 18 & younger, along with one accompanying adult, through the “CT Summer at the Museum” program. For additional adults and non-residents, discounted admission is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors (65+), and $14 for children (3-12).
For those wanting to include a movie in the new 4D theater, guests can enjoy the films wearing 3D glasses but with sounds lower and theater lights brighter, and without any of the sensory effects. (Guests aren’t required to wear the 3D glasses but, without them, images onscreen will appear blurry.) Pick from BBC Earth’s “Shark: A 4D Experience” (12 minutes long) at 7:15 p.m., or “Ice Age: No Time for Nuts 4D” (10 minutes) at 6:45 and 7:45 p.m. Tickets for a 4D movie, which are optional, are $7.
Based on recommendations of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the state of Connecticut, unvaccinated guests and all children age 2-11 – except for those with a medical note from their doctor – must wear masks in The Maritime Aquarium. Vaccinated guests are strongly encouraged to continue to wear their masks too.
Reserve tickets for the July 26 “Sensory-Friendly Evening” in advance online by going to www.maritimeaquarium.org and clicking on “Visit,” and then “Aquarium Happenings.”
Learn more about the free admission summer initiative for Connecticut residents at https://www.ctvisit.com/articles/connecticut-summer-museum-free-admission-kids