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In 2012 Bob LeRose — founder of 2 Westport favorites, Bobby Q’s restaurant and the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival — was diagnosed with a rare soft tissue cancer. He was given 2 years to live.
Over the next 10 years Bob endured numerous surgeries and countless treatments. He also opened new restaurants in Norwalk and Greenwich, continued to produce the Labor Day festival, and helped his wife Kelley raise 2 daughters.
But the disease has persisted. Bob needs physical and occupational therapy nearly every day, to regain his strength so he can get to the hospital for blood transfusions and immunotherapy. He also needs a special bed and wheelchair. Many other expenses are mounting too.
Nearly a decade of medical bills have taken a toll on the self-employed restauranteur. Bob’s many friends — all of whom have been touched by his generosity — are giving back.
A GoFundMe page has already raised over $100,000. Even more will be needed. Click here for more information, and to contribute. (Hat tip: Audrey Rabinowitz)
Bob Le Rose, with his wife Kelley and daughters.
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“06880” paid tribute to Barbara Pearson-Rac yesterday. She died Tuesday, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 75 years old.
Her official obituary notes that the Brooklyn native was inspired to serve her community because of John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address. She chaired Make a Difference Day for over 25 years, was president of the board of First Night Westport Weston, and vice president of the board of the Breast Cancer Survival Center.
She was also an author, writing a series of mystery novels featuring the character Diana Jeffries.
Barbara is survived by her husband Frank, daughter Sara, son-in-law Steve, grandsons Simon and Gabriel, sister Carol, brother-in-law Steve, nieces Amy and Erica, many cousins, and all the lives she touched through her community outreach and writing.
Her funeral is set for today (Beth Israel Cemetery, Woodbridge, New Jersey, 11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
Barbara Pearson-Rac
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The Remarkable Theater calendar continues to be filled with remarkable — or at least, very entertaining — films.
Here’s what’s ahead:
- Monday, August 9: “Mamma Mia!” (8:30 p.m.)
- Wednesday, August 11: Scream” (9:15 p.m.)
- Monday, August 16: “Coco” (7:45 p.m.)
- Wednesday, August 18; “Get Out” (9:15 p.m.)
- Monday, August 23: “Stand By Me” (7:45 p.m.).
Click here for tickets and more information.
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MoCA’s fall benefit has something for everyone.
“The Art of Jazz” includes live music by Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Wayne Escoffery, a live auction led by TV personality Dave Briggs, a silent auction, and entertainment by DJ Mo.
It’s Saturday, September 18 (7 p.m.) at the museum. For tickets and more information, click here.
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Sunny the Duck is popping up all over town. Yesterday he loomed over the Saugatuck River.
(Photo/Susan Lloyd)
The iconic waterfowl advertises Westport Sunrise Rotary’s annual Great Duck Race (actually, this year a raffle on August 6).
The fundraiser helps support a host of charitable efforts. There are 8 prizes, including a $5,000 Visa gift card. Click here for details and tickets.
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Speaking of animals:
On Tuesday Olaf and Elsa, domestic white rabbits, were abandoned outside Wakeman Farm. A call to Westport Animal Control brought the assistance of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.
Always-helpful Schulhof Animal Hospital stepped up to board the pair until an adopter or rabbit rescue organization is found. WASA purchased new rabbit bins for their comfort, and will fund their visit to a “rabbit vet specialist.”
Click here to donate to the cause. Interested adopters should call Westport Animal Control (203-341-5076) or WASA (203-557-0361).
Olaf the rabbit.
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Bob Meadows — director of the Westport Observatory — has just returned from the 85th Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers (“the world’s oldest amateur star party”).
He’ll offer a report on August 17 (8 p.m., Rolnick Observatory, 182 Bayberry Lane). The public is invite. For more information, click here.
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Last week’s torrential rain did not deter crowds at Quidley & Company’s show.
There was art, cuisine (catered by OKO, the restaurant next door at the gallery), and good conversation.
Cynthia Melchiorri created this collage to celebrate the event.
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Speaking of art: Not everyone at Wilton’s Sunrise Assisted Living can get out and enjoy it. So Westporter Jane Hutchison is bringing it to them.
Next Wednesday (August 11, 4 to 6 p.m.), she’s arranged a show. Artists include Westport’s Nina Bentley, Mercedes Arenberg, and various local photographers.
As at any art show, wine will be served.
One of Nina Bentley’s typewriter works.
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Haskins Preserve is Westport’s somewhat-hidden-in-plain-sight gem on Green Acre Lane. You can read about it here — and see Rachel Markus’ great “Westport … Naturally” photo below:
(Photo/Rachel Markus)
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As the setting sun broke through the clouds on Tuesday, after years of 2nd and 3rd place finishes, the Longshore Men’s 60+ tennis team clinched 1st place in their division of the Fairfield County Tennis League with a tense 6-4,4-6, 6-4 win over second place Milbrook. It was the very last match of the season.
(Photo/Matthew Levine)
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And finally … on this date in 1888, Bertha Benz drove from Mannheim to Pforzheim and back. It is considered the first long distance automobile trip in history.
I am very sorry to hear of Barbara’s passing. When we were on the First Night Board together, everyone took her lead. A positive force and a woman who knew how to make things happen. She will be missed by our town, and condolences to her family and friends.