Clamdigging Around Rowayton

Rowayton Newbie

2011-03-23T05:01:00.000-07:00

As a Rowayton Newbie (only being here for 5 years), I am still amazed at the variety of interests that are expressed in such a small community like Rowayton. In just a rural square mile there thrive music and the arts – painting, printing, sculpture, photography… and education and recreation, writing and reading, acting, producing, growing, cooking, building, talking, and dancing and so much more. My purpose here and now, today and tomorrow, is to help anyone who is interested, who takes a moment to read my latest post, gain access to these wonderful Rowayton endeavors (not that we can claim them as our own). Reports of Rowayton goings-on will go on right here… everything that is… just right for Rowayton. So stay tuned. Let me know your Rowayton thoughts and I promise to share mine (and everyone else’s).

For more of this blog... visit Clamdigging Around Rowayton at the Norwalk Citizen News.

At the Rowayton Library

2010-08-14T16:37:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, August 31st from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon, the Goodwives Quilters and the Rowayton Library will bring to the Rowayton community Peace by Piece: The Norwalk Community Quilt Project. Everyone in the community is invited to add quilting stitches to this fabulous community quilt. This quilt has been a work in progress for many months and Norwalk citizens have come together at public places to help create this quilt. When the quilt is completed (hopefully in September), it will be installed at Stepping Stones Museum for Children, along with the long list of collaborators which will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the museum. The theme for this quilt is “Growing Together.” This project was conceived in 2007 as a way to enhance the lives of young people and elders in the city of Norwalk by bringing them together in a common endeavor. Peace by Piece is generously supported by The Norwalk Children's Foundation. Quilt making offers unique social and emotional benefits in the form of team-work, artistic expression, cultural literacy, stress reduction, skill development, and friendship. Collaborative projects involving children and adults have incorporated design and craft input from throughout the greater Norwalk community. All works are designed and crafted by the members of Peace by Piece. They are machine pieced, or appliquéd by hand from many small patches of fabric, then hand quilted on a frame with thousands of tiny stitches. The Goodwives Quilters are happy to join in this collaboration and invite the Rowayton children and adults to share in this project. Take a moment on Tuesday, August 31st and put in your 6 stitches. The finished quilt is a metaphor for the community that produced it, showing that good things happen when many come together as one. For more information on Peace by Piece, you can contact Lizzy Rockwell at (203) 434-2469 email: lizzyrockwell@mac.com.

The Summer Reading Challenge prizes for the week of August 16th are Yellow/Red/Orange Crazy Bands for every 5 books read. And don’t forget about the Read to Achieve T-Shirt courtesy of the New York Knicks. All shirts are “size-large”. Just bring your “Starred Notebook” with 25 or more stars and collect your shirt (while supplies last).

And, if you can spare an extra jar of peanut butter and jelly, the Christian Community Action Food Center Food Pantry in Norwalk could really use them. So far, we have collection about 20% of our goal of 500 jars and only a few weeks left in our food drive. Let's help our neighbors.

The Rowayton Library has a complete collection of the Norwalk Public Schools reading list books available. Come in – do a little summer reading/browsing – kindergarten through high school. For more information on Rowayton Library programs, please call (2030) 838-5038. All programs are free and open to the public. Some may require a courtesy reservation. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver.

Volunteering in Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:36:00.005-07:00

If you are interested in volunteering in Rowayton, the Rowayton United Methodist Church is looking for volunteers for their first “Steeple Chase” event on Saturday, August 28th. Please email LauristonAvery@gmail.com or call 203) 838-0049 if you can help with food, set up, inspiration, etc… thanking you in advance for your support.

From the Rowayton Historical Society

2010-08-14T16:36:00.003-07:00

Are you interested in our local cemeteries? Ever wonder about who's buried in the old Raymond Cemetery next to the United Church? The RHS is putting together a special exhibit which will open this September featuring the cemetery which was founded in 1782 and hosts many important names from Rowayton's past, including veterans of the Revolutionary War. The show will feature the Raymond Cemetery and will also include information on the Hoyt-Bouton, Union, and Brookside cemeteries. A walking tour of Raymond, located on Rowayton Avenue next to the United Church, will be available with historical information signs set up in the graveyard. So, stay tuned for more information….

In the News

2010-08-14T16:36:00.001-07:00

Ever consider fostering a dog? Leader of the Rescue Pack is a group of Rowayton women determined to help as many dogs as they can. They find them on the road, lonely and scared and lost, or they help save them from euthanasia at the shelters. Sometimes they also receive owner surrenders, who for whatever reason, can no longer care for their pet -- they might have had to move away, or can't afford the pet or lost their homes, etc, through no fault of the dog. They believe that a pet deserves to have a second chance in life, and Leader of the Rescue Pack helps to make that happen. They are in need of foster homes, to take in ONE dog at a time. It can be anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks. If you have a desire to work and help animals, but can't really have one long term, or your lifestyle doesn’t allow time for a dog, then maybe you can still help by fostering one......you will be a HUGE part of helping rescue dogs that are waiting for their future homes, and then helping to make room to save more!! Call to find out more at (203) 854-9896.

From the Rowayton Arts Center

2010-08-14T16:35:00.005-07:00

The Rowayton Arts Center will present awards for paintings by some of Fairfield County’s finest artists during an opening reception for its “Just Paint: Oil and Acrylic Art” exhibit from 4-6p.m. on Sunday, August 15 (Susan O’Shea, exhibit chair). The award winners will be selected by artist Wendy Nylen of Westport. The RAC gallery at 145 Rowayton Avenue is open from Noon-5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from 1: -4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free. The exhibit will continue through September 6.
Wendy Nylen is a portrait and landscape artist working in pastel, watercolor, acrylic and oils. Her works have been shown at Paint and Clay Club in New Haven, Faber Birren Color Show in Stamford, The Quick Center at Fairfield University, The Discovery Museum and City Lights Gallery in Bridgeport, and the Friends of Hall-Brooke Annual Mother's Day Show in Westport. Nylen, an artist and Westport native with an art history degree from Harvard University, owns Picture This/Nylen Gallery in Westport. She managed Picture This from 1990 to 1999 and returned as gallery owner in December 2007. During the interim, she worked in digital printing at Image Works of Westport with Don Sigovich and Mark Bunger making fine art giclées. She also studied with Jakki Kouffman and David Dunlop at Silvermine Guild Arts Center, where she received a scholarship from the Pastel Society of America. The reception at RAC on August 15 is free and open to the public.

Around Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:35:00.003-07:00

On Friday, August 20th from 6-8 p.m., Brendan’s 101 will be hosting the opening reception for artist Lynn Stephens Massey’s new exhibition “Summer Treats.” Lynn Stephens Massey is a watercolor artist whose style and theme are ever evolving. She has been a Rowayton resident for more than 10 years. Currently, Lynn is in her “paper bag” period, combining her artist’s eye with an eco/recycling ethic to bring beauty to her latest works on brown paper bags and recycled papers. Also, using her unique style, Lynn brings life to found objects from coastal artifacts to bugs and insects. Her adept use of color and design make her pieces both dramatic and unusual. Everyone is invited to the reception. The show will run through September 8th. For more information, go to Brendan’s 101 at 101 Rowayton Avenue or visit their website at www.brendans101.com.

Around Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:35:00.001-07:00

Register now for 2010 Rowayton Soccer, online at www.rowaytonct.com. Rowayton Youth Soccer is a recreational community soccer program run by volunteers for children from 4-14 years old and will run for 10 weeks from September 4 through November 6 this year. We have four age groups: 4-5 year olds; 6-7 year olds; 8-11 year olds; and Middle School. While games are certainly competitive, recreation is our priority: the time commitment is limited to two days and a couple of hours per week; all play occurs locally in Rowayton (except for middle-schoolers); practices are run as clinics by a professional trainer and referees. Scoring and team standings are limited to the older age groups, beginning with the 8-11 year olds. Registrations received after August 20 will incur a late-fee of $25 (in addition to the registration fee) and will be accepted on a space-available basis only. Also, as a volunteer-based organization, we are always looking for parents willing to coach. Most of the information about the program can be found on the Rowayton Civic Association website at www.rowaytonct.com, but if you have any additional questions please contact Dan Scovel at dscovel@tokenekeresearch.com or Andy Schadt at andrew.schadt@soluxe.com.

Around Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:34:00.005-07:00

The Rowayton United Methodist Church invites everyone to come and enjoy a day at the races for their first Steeple Chase (hopefully to become an annual event), Saturday, August 28th at 5 p.m. at Pinkney Park; dress: “Halcyon” Derby Day Eleganct. “Ride with Sir Archibald and Lady Westerley and their friends over hill and dale to bag the Rowayton fox!” Also, there will be badminton, lawn croquet, horse shoes and a bean bag toss. Run for the Golden Goblet (6 heats-2 qualifers per heat). Final event of 12 riders go twice around the “Pinkney Witness Tree Course.” Light Fare/Light Drinks. For more information, contact RUMC at (203) 838-0049.

Around Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:34:00.003-07:00

We hope you have been enjoying the Rowayton Farmers Market in Pinkney Park, Fridays from 12 noon – 5 p.m. Please come and experience all the wonderful goods from your favorite farmers, producers and artisans. For a list of the 2010 Rowayton Farmer’s Market vendors, please visit www.rowaytonct.com/farmersmarket.html.

Around Rowaytona

2010-08-14T16:34:00.001-07:00

The 2010 RCA Summer Music Festival is again at Pinkney Park bringing you THE FRANK VIGNOLA TRIO (gypsy jazz), Sunday, August 15th at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited. This program is free and open to the public. A thank you goes out to the Rowayton Civic Association for this summer’s music by the water (in this case the water being the Five Mile River).

Farm Creek Update:

2010-08-14T16:33:00.001-07:00

‘Tis the season for jellyfish, and both Moon and Red Lion Mane Jellyfish have been washing ashore on beaches of Rowayton for several weeks now. A few have been sighted in Farm Creek, as well. These jelly fish concentrations or “blooms” travel on wind and currents. They do not use their tentacles or tiny muscles to swim distances. Jellyfish have no bones and are made up of only a stomach. The “jelly” is almost entirely sea water. Scientists believe they appeared long before the dinosaurs.
The transparent moon jelly fish found here are small and harmless. You can scoop one up and hold it. Their umbrella bodies can grow up to 10 inches across, and they have tiny tentacles around the edges of their disk shaped bodies. You can see the outline of a four leaf clover in their centers if you look carefully.
The Red Lion Mane or Sun Jellyfish are beautiful to watch floating in the currents, but can be a significant nuisance to swimmers and may sting. Red Lion Mane Jellyfish get to be enormous. Out in the North Atlantic, they can to grow up to 8 feet across and their tentacles can reach a length of 200 feet. Fortunately, those sighted in Farm Creek are not more than 12 inches across. They do have predators and one is turtles who like to eat them. A terrapin was sighted digging a hole and laying eggs by Farm Creek neighbors, so when these hatch, there will be fewer jellyfish in Farm Creek. (Sightings by Susan Edwards)

At the Rowayton Library

2010-08-14T16:32:00.005-07:00

Last week of the Summer Workshops at the Rowayton Library: Origami on Monday August 9 @ 2 p.m.; Beading on Wednesday August 11 @ 2 p.m.; Knitting on Thursday August 12 @ 3:30 p.m. Join us!

Two Sessions of MusicTogether for Kids will be held at the Library on Thursday Morning, August 12th @ 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.: Each child participates at his or her own level in singing, moving, chanting, listening, watching, or exploring musical instruments. The class provides a variety of adult-child activities that are fun and offer new ways to play musically at home. Any caregivers, singly or together, can bring the children—parents, grandparents, nannies. The whole family is welcome for this essential family music experience. As space is limited, a reservation for either session (10am or 11am) is appreciated.

The Summer Reading Challenge prizes for the week of August 9th are Green and Turquoise Crazy Bands. You can pick your prizes up at the Rowayton Library during regular library hours (while supplies last).

And remember, if you can spare an extra jar of peanut butter and jelly, the Christian Community Action Food Center Food Pantry in Norwalk could really use them. The Rowayton Library is collecting for them for the month of August. The goal for the month of August: collect 500 jars of peanut butter & jelly. Let's help our neighbors.

Remember, make reading time part of your summertime fun… READ READ READ!

The Rowayton Library has a complete collection of the Norwalk Public Schools reading list books available. Come in – do a little summer reading/browsing – kindergarten through high school.

From the Rowayton Gardeners

2010-08-14T16:32:00.003-07:00

Everything is blooming at the McKinley Triangle. Thank you Rowayton Gardeners.

From the Rowayton Historical Society

2010-08-14T16:32:00.001-07:00

WWII Clamdigger - August 1945
V-J Day
The end of the war, after all these years of waiting, started a grand and glorious celebration. When the announcement came— after days of anxious waiting, it was hard to believe at first. However, in a few minutes the good old fire siren made it official for Rowayton and then the real celebration began. Cars with horns blowing, people yelling and children starting impromptu parades soon appeared. Many headed to Norwalk for the parade and celebration at Matthew’s Park. [Site of Lockwood Mathews Mansion, Ed.].
Late in the evening there were parties and celebrations with sounds of gaiety all night long. By Wednesday the noise and excitement had died down, but people greeted one another with broad smiles and "Isn’t it grand news!"
Norwalk had its biggest parade in history on the night that peace was declared. Everyone, young and old was on hand blowing horns, whistles or anything that made noise. No cars were allowed so much excess energy was used up walking. The parade ended at Matthews Park where a short service was held. Everyone went home tired, but happy.
V-J Day Notes:
• Union Service at the Methodist Church is where V-J Day was officially announced. The Fire House held "Open House" for members and friends during the evening hours...
• A two day holiday for all – no stores open, factories shut down, everything closed, except the beach and that was wide open...
• Harry Von Dwingel landed in the hospital. Not too much celebration – he fell and injured his knees while going to a fire. Good thing the hospital didn’t declare a two day holiday...
• No more gas, fuel oil or canned fruit and vegetable rationing. What traffic, now that you can buy all the gas you want. No more walking down the middle of the street now – your life won't be safe...
• Rowayton had its own parade. The young set marched up Rowayton Avenue with pots and pans, sticks and wooden spoons, shouts and screams, and the British and American flags. (ages from 5 to 8)...
• Darien Fire Department paid Rowayton a visit V-J Day. Not just one truck, but with the Chief’s car, hook and ladder and the pumper...
• During the midst of the celebration, the Fire Department was called out to Bell Island. Nothing too serious - just a garage roof...
• When the time is announced over the radio now, it is "Eastern Peace Time" instead of the old familiar "Eastern War Time." Peace is wonderful.
By the Way Boys:
• What is everyone going to use as an alibi now that the war is no more. They can’t say "Don’t you know there is a war going on."
August 1945
The Clamdigger was a WW II era newsletter which was prepared by a dedicated group of local citizens to keep Rowayton's service men and women abreast of events at home and in contact with one another. These historical newsletters are brought to you by the Rowayton Historical Society and can be found on their website www.rowaytonhistoricalsociety.org.

From the Sixth Taxing District

2010-08-14T16:31:00.001-07:00

Many Rowayton residents have expressed concern about the shortage of sidewalks and pathways in our village to the Commissioners. The City of Norwalk has hired a consulting firm, Fitzgerald & Halliday for $80,000 to develop a 10 year guide map that identifies areas and issues, ranks priorities and develops plans to build bike lanes, better sidewalks and other ways for bicyclists and pedestrians to get around the city more safely. As part of this, a survey has been designed. This survey is for all of the residents of Norwalk to give their input and can be found at the Rowayton Library’s website www.Rowayton.org: just click on 6th Taxing District shingle on the left and then select the Public Survey (or go to www.surveymonkey.com/s/XBDSZHL).
Commissioner Mike Barbis has reported that, at this initial stage of the long term plan, much of the input has been from other parts of Norwalk. It would be terrific if Rowayton’s residents could give their input and discuss the need for more pathways around our neighborhoods … so that we all can safely walk down Roton Avenue to Bayley Beach or our kids can safely walk to both Rowayton and Roton Schools or our commuters can walk to the train station without having to wear a reflective vest!
If residents feel the survey does not address all of the issues, please contact the planning firm directly. The person in charge of this project, Ken Livingston, is looking for feedback and can be contacted at klivingston@fhiplan.com.

From the Rowayton Arts Center

2010-08-14T16:30:00.003-07:00

This is your last chance to “Go Fish with Art.” These workshops from the RAC will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854. Advance registration is required and there is a $5 registration fee. Parents may choose from these dates – Monday, August 9 or 16. For questions call the Rowayton Arts Center at 203-866-2744 or email joannroy@optonline.net. This program is made possible – in part – through a grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation.
Also, the art show Alternative Visions: Abstract and Abstractions is on exhibit at RAC through Sunday, August 8th.
Now posted on the RAC website (www.rowaytonartscenter.org), is the Summer/Fall schedule for art classes. For more information, contact RAC at 203-866-2744.

In the News

2010-08-14T16:30:00.001-07:00

If you haven’t gotten the Norwalk Public School Calendar, you can find it online at the Rowayton Library’s website (www.Rowayton.org) or pick up a copy at the Rowayton Library. First day of school is just around the corner – September 1– Staggered Entry (Grades 1-5, all Grade 6 students, all Grade 9 students and Grade 12 at Brien McMahon High School and ½ Kindergarten). September 2 - First Day of School for all other students.

Around Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:29:00.005-07:00

Register now for 2010 Rowayton Soccer online at www.rowaytonct.com. Rowayton Youth Soccer is a recreational community soccer program run by volunteers for children from 4-14 years old and will run for 10 weeks from September 4 through November 6 this year. We have four age groups: 4-5 year olds; 6-7 year olds; 8-11 year olds; and Middle School. While games are certainly competitive, recreation is our priority: the time commitment is limited to two days and a couple of hours per week; all play occurs locally in Rowayton (except for middle-schoolers); practices are run as clinics by a professional trainer; and referees, scoring and team standings are limited to the older age groups, beginning with the 8-11 year olds. Registrations received after August 20 will incur a late-fee of $25 (in addition to the registration fee) and will be accepted on a space-available basis only. Also, as a volunteer-based organization, we are always looking for parents willing to coach. Most of the information about the program can be found on the Rowayton Civic Association website at www.rowaytonct.com, but if you have any additional questions please contact Dan Scovel at dscovel@tokenekeresearch.com or Andy Schadt at andrew.schadt@soluxe.com.

Around Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:29:00.003-07:00

Farm Creek Update:

2010-08-14T16:29:00.001-07:00

The fawns and their mother stay cool under the cover of the trees. They can be spied just off the paths of the sanctuary. The mother lies during the day in the Cedar grove and is well camouflaged. A Yellow Warbler was seen nibbling on insects in the leaves of the low trees. The baby Mallard ducks swimming by Sammis Bridge in the spring all survived and seem content. John Igneri, Marny Smith, and Kathy Siever have cleared invasive plants from in front of the Autumn Olive Trees that were encroaching on the majestic Norway Spruce that grows below the stone barn. The low growing Marsh Elder (high tide bush) is prolific. This is nesting habitat for the Marsh Wren and Red Winged Black Bird. Marsh Elder will start to flower in profusion in late summer.

At the Rowayton Library

2010-08-14T16:27:00.001-07:00

The Rowayton Library is running a special Peanut Butter & Jelly Food Drive in support of the Christian Community Action Food Center Food Pantry in Norwalk for the month of August. The goal for the month of August: collect 500 jars of peanut butter & jelly. The Christian Community Action Food Center Food Pantry has taken on the task of giving extra food to families with kids who get school meals during the winter and really struggle during the summer. Peanut butter and jelly are two of the items of which they are running desparately low. Please – as a community, let's make a difference in the fight against hunger: bring a jar of peanut butter and a jar of jelly to the Rowayton Library. Let's help our neighbors.
Summer Workshops at the Rowayton Library: Mondays @ 2 p.m. Origami; Wednesdays @ 2 p.m. Beading; Thursdays @ 3:30 p.m. Knitting. StoryTime is every weekday @ 10:30 a.m. during the summer. Join us!

And, don’t forget Tuesday Iced Tea at 2 p.m. Enjoy a cool spot in Rowayton at the Rowayton Library.

The last session for children ages 6-9 to be an Eco-Detective will be held on Tuesday August 3rd. And, the BookTalk book is none other than Dr. Seuss’ “The Lorax.” This program begins at 5 p.m. and has been made possible - in part - through a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council. And with it comes Pizza - Pizza – Pizza! A courtesy reservation please.

The Summer Reading Program has just been enhanced to include prizes from the New York Knicks Read to Achieve @powertolearn.com presented by Kia Motors. All Summer Reading Program participants who have read 25 books or more can receive a Read to Achieve T-Shirt courtesy of the New York Knicks. All shirts are “size-large”. You can pick your prize up at the Rowayton Library during regular library hours. Just bring your “Starred Notebook” with 25 or more stars and collect your shirt (while supplies last).

Remember, make reading time part of your summertime fun… READ READ READ!

The Rowayton Library has a complete collection of the Norwalk Public Schools reading list books available. Come in do a little summer reading browsing – kindergarten through high school.

From the Rowayton Gardeners

2010-08-14T16:26:00.003-07:00

Phyllis Padro, the Rowayton Gardeners’ President, reports that civic beautification never takes a vacation – especially during the summer! The RG have made great progress on all of their new projects. Here are a few highlights. As you go around town, take a look at some of these beautiful areas.
Bayley Beach, Karen Larocque, Chair – two new planting beds were created. Preliminary plants were added just in time for July 4th. Members are taking turns watering.
McKinley Triangle, Charlotte Gannon, Chair – the front half was prepared and planted. Members are taking turns watering during this heat wave and a neighbor has kindly let the Rowayton Gardener members use their hose hookups. Additional plantings for the second bed are planned in the fall.
Rowayton School Pond, Brenda Ashooh, Nancy Schlater, Dana Troy, Co-Chairs – as part of the Rowayton Gardeners’ gift to the pond, Brown Trees was contracted and has just removed dangling vines and dead branches along the pond's entrance down along the path to McKinley. You are invited to take a walk and see what a difference it makes, especially the large Oak tree at the McKinley entrance. See if you can find the Elm tree among all the Ash trees on the path! New perennials and shrubs were added, some were purchased, and others were donated by RG members. Donations from members’ gardens include: Irises, 3 Hibiscus mallows, (false spirea), and Weeping Willow.
Community Center: Phyllis Padro, Chair – the future bed by the dog park near Highland Avenue has a Stewartia tree sapling which flowered this year! Some of last year's Cannas that were overwintered by Sally Tepas were planted there and are thriving. The rest of the bed will be prepared, re-designed and planted in the fall. In addition to the usual seasonal plantings (which included the rose beds, flagpole, and existing large planters), several donated containers were installed in the courtyard, one displays the library's herb garden. The RG also purchased two new watering hoses (2 x 100'), one of which was donated by the Library. This has brought great pleasure to the RG members that are volunteering to water this summer.

From the Rowayton Historical Society

2010-08-14T16:26:00.001-07:00

The Historical Society would welcome your memories or special stories about beloved Rowaytonite Hank Gloetzner who passed away in June. If you have a memory you would like to share, please send it to info@rowaytonhistoricalsociety.org or to PO Box 106, 06853. We want to celebrate Hank's life and his contributions to Rowayton, and to preserve the stories for future generations to enjoy.
And, remember, Rowayton Historical Society has summer hours: The Pinkney House Museum will be open the first Sunday of each summer month from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. Also, look to see that they are open during the Rowayton Farmer’s Market too, on Fridays! If you wish to “get involved” and volunteer -- become a Docent! RHS can open the house only with the support of volunteers... please help make it happen! Call (203) 831-0136 or email (info@rowaytonhistoricalsociety.org) for more information on how you can get involved.

From the Sixth Taxing District

2010-08-14T16:25:00.003-07:00

Don’t panic if you see the fence in front of Old School Field come down… the City of Norwalk’s Director of Parks and Recreation, Mike Mocciae, in consultation with the Commissioners of the Sixth Taxing District (and at the expense of the City – not the District) has put into motion the replacement of the old chain-link fence at Old School Field with a new cedar wood lattice fence. There is a long history to this field, once the site of The Five Mile River School shared by Rowayton and the Tokeneke section of Darien. The school was closed with the opening of Rowayton School in 1940. The title of this property has been in question but the City of Norwalk has asserted jurisdiction. The new fence should still allow for the hanging of signs and one of Rowaytonites primary means of communication will continue. The plan also includes a new walk-in entrance to the field and new plantings to enhance the park’s curbside appeal. Never fear… the “communication hub” of Rowayton will be standing again shortly and the local signage will return – posting upcoming events to the community.
The Sixth Taxing District Commissioners' Meeting scheduled for August 11, 2010 has been cancelled. The next meeting of the Commission will be on September 8, 2010 at 8:00 p.m.

From the Rowayton Arts Center

2010-08-14T16:25:00.001-07:00

“Go Fish with Art” workshops from the RAC will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854. Advance registration is required and there is a $5 registration fee. Parents may choose from these dates – Monday, August 9 or 16. For questions call the Rowayton Arts Center at 203-866-2744 or email joannroy@optonline.net. This program is made possible – in part – through a grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation.

In the News

2010-08-14T16:24:00.001-07:00

Dana Gorman, fours (4s) teacher and Education Director at the Community Cooperative Nursery School (CCNS) in Rowayton was Stepping Stones Museum for Children’s first Playful Practices in Teaching Award winner. The award was created as way to highlight some of the playful work being done in Westchester and Fairfield County schools.
Stepping Stones created the award to honor an outstanding educator or educators, and to acknowledge them for making a difference in young children’s lives. Nominations were open to all preschool through fourth grade teachers in Connecticut and Westchester County. Nominees were required to meet all of the following criteria: currently teaching in Connecticut or Westchester County (elementary school or state licensed preschool); taught for a minimum of one year; and nominated by a person affiliated with the school (e.g. colleague, administrator, parent of a student, self).
Other finalists included: Clara Cohen, threes (3s) teacher at the Community Cooperative Nursery School, Angela Loomis and Jill Kozieradzki, PE teachers at Maple Hill Elementary School in Naugatuck, and Diane Marino, teacher at Kid's Castle Child Care Learning Center in Brookfield .
Stepping Stones Museum for Children is an award-winning children’s museum committed to broadening and enriching the lives of children. Now nearing its completion, Stepping Stones $17 million expansion will include the addition of 22,000 square feet providing new exhibits and innovative programming. Additions include a multi-media gallery, an expanded infant and toddler area, art and science labs, a traveling exhibit gallery, an expanded café and Community Garden. The expanded facility will be Gold LEED Certified and include solar panels, a wind turbine, a green-planted roof and Community Garden, making the museum itself an important energy teaching tool.
The Community Cooperative Nursery School was founded in 1953 as a place to involve parents in the preschool education experience. It is one of the last truly cooperative schools in Connecticut; a place where parents manage every aspect of the school, from governing to facility maintenance. Parents also serve as assistants to the certified teaching professionals in each classroom. CCNS provides students with an environment where they can learn from their classmates, develop positive social skills, explore the world around them and express themselves creatively.
CCNS is now offering a new twos (2s) program in the Fall in addition to their regular pre-school programs. This is a one day drop off Friday program that meets from 9:30 a.m. -12 noon. The twos (2s) program is a time for the very young child to explore new materials, broaden their environment and be part of a social situation, all with the comfortable feeling of being part of a small, nurturing class community. Children must be two years old by September 1. For more information and a tour, please call 203-866-2184.

Around Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:23:00.003-07:00

The 2010 RCA Summer Music Festival moves to Pinkney Park bringing you JYPSI (country bluegrass) and LIQUOR CAKES (rock), Sunday, August 1st at 5:30 p.m. Everyone is invited. This program is free and open to the public. A thank you goes out to the Rowayton Civic Association for this summer’s music by the water (in this case the water being the Five Mile River).

Around Rowayton

2010-08-14T16:23:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, July 31st from 7-9 p.m., Brendan’s 101 will be hosting the opening reception for photographer Kate Kuhner’s new exhibition. Kate is a second generation photographer who is based in Palm Beach in the winter and Connecticut in the summer. She grew up in Westport, Connecticut with her family Russell and Elizabeth Kuhner and twin brothers Craig and Scott (who now live in Rowayton). In her early adult years Kate spent much time learning the family photography business from her parents - with her father in the darkroom and with her mother traveling to photograph families in Greenwich, Newport, Palm Beach and many other social meccas all over the country. In 1992, Kate took on the Kuhner tradition of photography working in much the same style as her mother, and in all the same locations with many of the same families – capturing the Kuhner view of family love for the next generation. Kate Kuhner’s Photography exhibition will run through August 18th. For more information, go to Brendan’s 101 at 101 Rowayton Avenue or visit their website at www.brendans101.com.

Farm Creek Update:

2010-08-14T16:22:00.001-07:00

At high tide, three juvenile Yellow Crowned Night Herons were seen standing statue-like on the concrete dock. At low tide, they forage for crabs, slowly, necks extended, on the mud flats of the Creek. Jeanette Young-Pertz was able to photograph one sitting on her porch railing that overlooks the marsh. She also noticed a Black Crowned Night Heron crouched close by. The Black Crowned is stocky, large headed and rarely extends its neck. The bill is heavy, but sharply pointed in contrast to the dark thick bill of the Yellow Crowned.

At the Rowayton Library

2010-07-24T17:02:00.001-07:00

Summer Workshops at the Rowayton Library: Mondays @ 2 p.m. Origami; Wednesdays @ 2 p.m. Beading; Thursdays @ 3:30 p.m. Knitting. StoryTime is every weekday @ 10:30 a.m. during the summer. Join us!

For children ages 6-9, sign up to be an Eco-Detective. This BookTalk for Kids is on Tuesday Evenings at 5 p.m. These programs are made possible - in part - through a grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council. And with them, comes Pizza - Pizza – Pizza!

Join your neighbors for a good game of Scrabble (the original Connecticut board game) on Monday, July 26th at 3:30 – 5 p.m. at the Rowayton Library. All materials will be provided. There will be 6 tables set up for Scrabble plus 2 tables set up for Scrabble Junior for our younger players. Players will be seated on a first-come/first-serve basis. Players of all ages are welcome. For more information and a courtesy reservation, please call (203) 838-5038, email us at RSVP@Rowayton.org, or visit us on the web at www.Rowayton.org.

At the Rowayton Library

2010-07-24T17:01:00.001-07:00

There are seven interns (5 are returning Summer Youth Employment Program “SYEP” participants) at the Rowayton Library and they are working hard to bring to the community the Library’s summer programs. Did you see them last week serving up hot dogs for Hot Dog Day? Well, if you missed them, when you visit the Library during the next few weeks, you can catch them shelving, assisting patrons in locating their favorite book or DVD, teaching origami on Mondays, reading stories to children almost every weekday morning, helping everyone with the latest in beading techniques on Wednesdays, serving iced tea on Tuesdays, and even developing a “virtual book sale” to benefit the Library. The Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP aka the Weed & Seed program), administered by the Mayor’s Office is a five-week employment program that provides jobs for the young people, ages 14-18, so they can learn to navigate in a business environment, contribute to the community, gain life skills, explore a specific profession and earn money. Participants work 25 hours a week and earn minimum wage. This year, more than 175 young people are participating in this program. The Rowayton Library has participated in SYEP for the last five years… and they are very excited with this year’s “crop” of “Weed & Seed” kids. The Rowayton Library is grateful for this grant as are the “Weed & Seed” kids, who not only earn a wage and gain valuable work experience, but most importantly, work within the community –– venturing out (for the first time) into the real world.

High Tide @ Bayley Beach

2010-07-24T17:00:00.003-07:00

For the week July 23rd through July 29th at Bayley Beach in the afternoons, high tide will be at 10:23p on July 23, 11:09p on July 24, 11:51p on July 25, 12:18p on July 26, 12:57p on July 27, 1:34p on July 28, and 2:11p on July 29.

The average tidal rise and fall on Long Island Sound at Rowayton is 7.2 feet. The height of the tides can range from 6.5 feet to more than 9.0 feet. A different tide occurs about every six hours. The height of the tide is affected by the phases of the moon and how close the moon is to the earth. A full moon and new moon (we are having a new moon Sunday, July 25th) have the greatest gravitational pull on the earth. The moon orbits the earth in an oval, or elliptical, path. Perigee is when the moon is closest to the earth, making high tides higher and low tides lower. Apogee is when the moon is farthest from the earth, which makes the tides more normal in height. This month, apogee will occur on Thursday, July 28th. When perigee and a new or full moon occur at the same time, high tides are higher and low tides are lower than normal. Wind direction and speed also affect the height of the tide. A strong east wind blowing for more than 24 hours will drive water into Long Island Sound. A strong west wind blows water out of the Sound. Source: Nobeltec® Tides & Currents ™ courtesy of Joyce Meurer, Bell Island Enterprises. For a complementary summer tide calendar, come pick one up at the Rowayton Library.

From the Rowayton Gardeners

2010-07-24T17:00:00.001-07:00

Tips for Summer Gardening from Sally Tepas (Horticulture Chair): Stop pinching Chrysanthemums by mid July. Do not prune Azaleas and Rhododendrons after the second week of July for they will soon begin setting their buds for next year's blooms. Daffodils and tulips should be fertilized in early to mid-August. Also, various pest problems can occur now. P.S. The Master Gardeners at the Bartlett Arboretum offer a free plant clinic all summer. They will answer all plant questions. This is a great resource; the phone number is 203-322-6971 ext. 24.

From the Sixth Taxing District

2010-07-24T16:59:00.003-07:00

UPDATE: Six not too healthy Dogwood trees (newly planted) have been removed from Highland Avenue and will be replaced in the fall (again with a 1 year guarantee).

From the Fire Chief

2010-07-24T16:59:00.001-07:00

UPDATE on the “manufacturing process” of Rowayton’s New Pierce Impel Pumper Fire Truck: Last week the apparatus finished the assembly process, alignment and initial testing. This week, third-party pump testing and the road test should be completed. If you want to see more pictures of the Rowayton Pumper truck being built, go to www.firematic.com.

Around Rowayton

2010-07-24T16:58:00.005-07:00

On Saturday, July 31st from 7-9 p.m., Brendan’s 101 will be hosting the opening reception for photographer Kate Kuhner’s new exhibition. Everyone is invited. The show will run through August 18th. For more information, go to Brendan’s 101 at 101 Rowayton Avenue or visit their website at www.brendans101.com.

From the Rowayton Arts Center

2010-07-24T16:58:00.003-07:00

Winning adult and child artists for the second annual Paint Rowayton Art Walk & Show have been announced. Between 5:00 and 7:30 p.m. on June 19, several hundred people of all ages strolled along Rowayton Avenue to enjoy refreshments, live music and art at Brendan's 101, Green Moon, The Harbor Gallery, Rowayton Arts Center and Quester Gallery. Artist Marjoire Tomchuk, whose works can be found in more than 30 museum and educational institutions and who was the subject of an award-winning video for Connecticut Public Television, selected the adult and child winners. Prizes donated by Brendan’s 101, Jerry’s Artorama, the Rowayton Arts Center, Quester Gallery, totaled $725.

The winners by category were: Adults: Acrylic/Oil – Stuart Pertz (1st), Betty Ball (2nd), Joan Manning (3rd); Watercolor/Pastel/Drawing – Stan Pastore (1st and honorable mention), Mell Boesch (2nd), Marianne Rothballer (3rd); Children: ages 4-7 – Grete Hoffmeister (1st), Angelica Clifford and Cassidy Nash (tie 2nd), Corin Riahi and Liam McBride (tie 3rd); ages 8-12 – Sam Czaja (1st), Eloise Pieper (2nd), Cate Herbert (3rd). In the new sidewalk art category for all ages the winners were Laura Bickmeyer (1st), Greta Hoffmeister (2nd), Max Hoffmeister (3rd) and Liam McBride (4th).

From the Rowayton Arts Center

2010-07-24T16:58:00.001-07:00

“Go Fish with Art” at the Aquarium (which has been organized by the Rowayton Arts Center in partnership with the Maritime Aquarium) has a few spots open for children in this program. Each workshop is limited to 25 participants per age group (entering 3rd – 5th grades and 6th – 8th grades). Kids will participate in a three-hour workshop that includes a guided tour of exhibits at The Maritime Aquarium and age-appropriate art activities with Rowayton Arts Center educators. The “Go Fish with Art” workshops will be held from 1 - 4 p.m. at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 N. Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854. Advance registration is required and there is a $5.00 registration fee. Parents may choose from one of four dates – Monday July 26, August 9 or 16. For questions call the Rowayton Arts Center at 203-866-2744 or email joannroy@optonline.net. This program is made possible – in part – through a grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation.

From the Rowayton Arts Center

2010-07-24T16:56:00.002-07:00

Award winners have been announced for the “Alternative Visions: Abstract & Abstractions” exhibit at the Rowayton Arts Center. A mixed media work by Kendall Klingbeil of Pound Ridge, NY, received Best in Show. First place award winners are Acrylics & Oils -- Lisa Thoren (Darien); Drawings, Prints & Pastels – Jackie Flatow (Westport); Mixed Media – Janine Brown (Fairfield); Photography – Rick Pank (Rowayton); and Sculpture – Pierre Lahoussois (Rowayton)(also 3rd place for Mixed Media). Jim Grabowski of Marlboro was the exhibit judge and the chairperson was Wendy Moore of Pound Ridge, NY. The exhibit features 53 works by 32 artists and will be on view through August 8th. The RAC gallery at 145 Rowayton Avenue is open from 12 – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is free.

Other award recipients and artists are Darien -- Carol Childers, Peter Thoren; Fairfield – Lisa Black; New Canaan -- Terry Spring, Antoinette Vardamis; Norwalk – Irwin Block (3rd Photography), Kathy Draper (3rd Drawings, Prints & Pastels), Bill Jones, Hu Lindsay (2nd Mixed Media), Gillian Marshall, Dona Menton, Susan O’Neill, Mary Ellen Pastore (2nd and 3rd Sculpture); Ridgefield – Ann Kromer (2nd Acrylics & Oils); Rowayton – Hanneke Goedkoop (2nd Drawings, Prints & Pastels), Dana Laird, Lily Langotsky, Barbara Murphy, Jeanette Young Pertz, Robert Sachs; Stamford – Susan Acker (honorable mention Mixed Media), Susan Frey; Wallingford – Charles Ramsey; Westport – Joanne Leaman; Wilton – Ruth Ipe (3rd Acrylics & Oils).

Around Rowayton

2010-07-24T16:56:00.000-07:00

The 2010 RCA Summer Music Festival brings STEPHEN KELLOGG AND THE SIXERS (rock), Sunday, July 25th at 5:30 p.m. at Bayley Beach. A thank you goes out to the Rowayton Civic Association for this summer’s music by the water.

Farm Creek Update:

2010-07-24T16:55:00.000-07:00

Last week, the Norwalk Land Trust reported that the Norwalk Conservation Commission is recommending using $155,000 from the City Open Space fund to complete the Norwalk Land Trust's purchase of the 2.2 acre parcel at 34 Sammis Street (part of the Farm Creek Preserve). This is step one of a three step process; they say they are not celebrating yet, but that they are very hopeful that the City of Norwalk will put them over the top on their 4 year campaign dream.