Sophia Grace was loving, sweet, courageous and radiant.
She was born with Epidermolysis Bullosa, a rare and debilitating genetic disorder. She died just after her 1st birthday.
In her memory, Sophia’s Hope raises awareness of the disease, as well as funds to cure it. As part of its education campaign, people paint a fun, cheery design on a rock; they print a message on it, then place it somewhere people will see it. They also spread the message (with the tag @sophias.eb.hope) on social media.
Sophia was the daughter of Westport Public Schools employee Tricia Lash’s friend and coworker. Tricia has painted this rock, and “hidden” it downtown.
If you see it, you’ll know the story.
But whether you find the rock or not, you can click here to help Sophia’s Hope.
(Photo/Tricia Lash)
As the weather cools, most Westporters crank the heat. But what if you can’t?
The town’s Department of Human Services’ “Warm-Up Fund” helps needy residents heat their homes.
It’s an ongoing problem. Last year, donations helped over 250 residents warm their homes during a relatively mild winter.
This year — who knows?
“The winter will be particularly challenging for households facing unstable employment, food insecurity, and financial vulnerability,” says DHS finance manager Susan Stefenson.
“Unfortunately, the number of households in need is growing due to the pandemic.”
The Westport Warm-Up program is funded entirely by donations. Recipients must be Westport residents, and demonstrate financial need.
Tax-deductible gifts are accepted online (click here) or by mail: Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport CT 06880.
For more information or to request assistance, email humansrv@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1050.
Today’s Wall Street Journal features 4 kids, describing their “darnedest masks.”
One is Westport’s own Charlie Diamond.
Charlie describes a Star Wars mask, with comfortable ears and ships. Much better than those basic blue ones we adults wear! (Hat tip: John Karrel)
We see these little guys all over town — in parking lotscul-de-sacs and driveways.
“Slow down!” they warn. “Kids at play!”
This one at Staples High School met an untimely end.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Hey — at least it’s plastic. Not flesh and bones.
Slow down!
And finally … Sam Cooke was murdered 56 years ago yesterday. The gospel-turned-soul singer with the other-worldly voice — an important influence on the likes of Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and Billy Preston — was just 32 years old.
I guess these households who need heating assistance won’t be donating to the, ‘if every household in Westport and Weston would donate $100…’ effort, or getting facials/massages. Hope we all manage through these very difficult times.