Willowbrook Cemetery's Annual Flower Show in Full Bloom
The main section of "Daffodil Mile" which runs throughout the grounds at Willowbrook is bursting with color.
Historic Willowbrook Cemetery, established in 1847 by several local farmers and businessmen, is an important part of the town's history - with many of its founding fathers buried here.
But to many locals and visitors who pass by each day in April, it is home to the spectacular display of daffodils that have come to be known as "Daffodil Mile". The "Mile" is a favorite location for passers-by photographing themselves and their friends, especially the two-legged kind. Willowbrook's beautiful grounds and it’s featured specimen trees and shrubs can be enjoyed anytime, especially in Spring. There are more than 25,000 daffodils throughout the grounds, however most people only see the massive linear display which borders the pond and stream alongside Main Street/Route 57. Part of the beauty of this Westport gem can be attributed to possibly the most well known landscape architect of all time: Frederick Law Olmstead, known as the “Father of American Landscape Architecture”, who as many will know, is the architect of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and of course, New York's Central Park. Olmstead, who also worked on Bridgeport's Beardsley Park, came on board when he met Willowbrook's founder, Ambrose Hurlbutt while working on Hurlbutt's friend Morris Ketchum's Westport property - today known as Hockanum Park. For more on the interesting history and property visit the history tab at WillowbrookCemetery.com
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Lez Zeppelin Rocks The Library in Versofest Opening Concert
Led Zeppelin tribute Band Lez Zeppelin from NYC
More than 200 music lovers, many probably being Led Zepplin fans crammed the Westport Library's Christian J. Trefz Forum and were treated to a real rock and roll show by a very talented Led Zeppelin tribute band from New York, Lez Zeppelin. The two hour show thrilled an large and enthusiastic crowd who gathered right up to the stage often singing along with songs they had enjoyed for, in some cases, nearly half a century.
The show was the high-profile kick-off event for the Westport Library's inaugural Versofest. VersoFest is the Library’s inaugural music and media conference and festival where knowledge will be shared and inspiration discovered, a forum for media creators, artists, and fans to converge.
VersoFest includes panels where experts will share their perspective and vision. Intimate workshops will provide creators the opportunity to deconstruct, improve, and hone their craft. And performances to entertain and inspire.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Dr. Victor Edward Oliver, 83, Died; Former Westporter, Dentist
Dr. Victor Edward Oliver Jr., 83, formerly of Westport CT, passed away peacefully at home on April 5th, 2022 surrounded by his family.
Victor was born on May 14th, 1938 to the late Victor Edward Oliver Senior and Irene Oliver of Pawtucket, RI. Victor leaves behind his wife of 59 years Pauline Oliver.
After Victor graduated from Providence College in 1959, he went on to study dentistry at Fairleigh Dickinson University School of Dentistry in New Jersey. He went on to serve as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force in Albany Georgia for two years. Following his service, Victor and Pauline then settled in Westport, CT, opening his home dental office in 1968, where he practiced for 50 years. In Vic and Polly’s time in Westport they went on to raise their two daughters, Kimberly Oliver Vallieres and her husband Jim Vallieres of West Hartford CT, Robin Oliver Ross and her husband Sean Ross of Holly Springs NC. Between the two of them they gave Victor a house full of love and laughter with 5 grandchildren, Sean Heintz, Emma Heintz, Olivia Heintz and her fiancé Jonathan Davis, Audrey Ross, and Jack Ross.
Victor was an avid tennis and racquetball player. Vic and Polly loved vacationing in Florida and their weekend trips to Nantucket. He will be remembered for his gentle dental care and his dedication to his patients. He was a kind and generous man that always made time to help anyone in need. He was known for being a quiet reserved man unless you happen to be sitting in his dental chair where he was the most talkative, trying to make you at ease.
Graveside Services will be held at the State Veterans Cemetery, 317 Bow Lane Middletown, CT 06457 on Monday, April 11, 2022 at 10:00 am. Those who wish may make donations in Victor’s name to the West Hartford Symphony Orchestra, PO Box 370036, West Hartford, CT 06137 where Victor for many years enjoyed watching his daughter Kim play violin.
National Weather Service: “Cold Water Can Kill You”
The National Weather Service (NWS) and United States Coast Guard (USCG) have partnered together this year for Cold Water Safety Awareness Week, April 11-15, 2022. Unfortunately we have been reminded of the danger of cold water across our area over the last few Spring seasons, through the deaths of several boaters and kayakers each year. In fact, according to the USCG, from 2010 to 2020 there were 219 recreational boating deaths in the local Tri-State waters; many of which were presumed from cold water drowning.
The warming weather over the next couple of months will only increase the number of people heading onto the water in the pursuit of outdoor activities that are compliant with social distancing practices. Although average high temperatures are rising through the 60s in April and into the lower to mid 70s in May, our water temperatures will still be cold. Local water temperatures typically don't warm above 50 degrees until early May, and then the upper 50s by late May. Many will head to our coastal and inland waters to enjoy the warm weather on small boats, kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards; but ocean currents, rip currents, wave action, and boat wakes enhance the threat of people falling into or overturning into these cold waters.
Did you know cold water drains body heat up to 25 times faster than cold air? Survival time is greatly diminished when water temperatures are below 60 degrees, and that is reduced to only a few minutes when water temperatures are less than 50 degrees. When cold water makes contact with your skin, cold shock causes an immediate loss of breathing control. This dramatically increases the risk of sudden drowning even if the water is calm and the person knows how to swim. The danger is even greater if the water is rough. Immersion in cold water is immediately life-threatening for anyone not wearing thermal protection, like a wetsuit or drysuit, and not wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), like a life jacket.
Next week, the National Weather Service and USCG will be highlighting the following cold water dangers, preparedness, and safety information through social media and web campaigns. Topics include:
Monday 4/11: Cold Water Safety Overview
Tuesday 4/12: Cold Water Shock
Wednesday 4/13: Physical Incapacitation
Thursday 4/14: Hypothermia
Friday 4/15: Cold Water Resources, Preparedness and Action
Additionally, in an effort to provide more situational awareness and urgency to the hazard in the Spring, NWS NY will be issuing Marine Weather Statements ahead of good boating weekends and holidays when air temps are expected to get to 70 degrees or higher along the coast, while water temps are still less than 60 degrees (typically through end of May). These statements will be highlighted on our NWS New York, NY homepage, and available directly at National Weather Service Text Product Display and through NWSChat. We will also headline these statements on our Top News of the Day and send out accompanying social media posts. Please help us amplify this messaging when it is issued!
For more in depth information on the risks of cold water, cold water safety, and cold water preparedness, take a look at our NWS Cold Water Hazards and Safety Page and the following resources: