Roundup: Lynsey Addario & Katie Couric, Ukraine, Wegmans …

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Every day brings new, grim news from Ukraine. The New York Times photos of Staples High School graduates Lynsey Addario (1991) and Tyler Hicks (1988) are crucial for bringing the horrors of the Russian invasion to the rest of the world.

We all know on some level how dangerous it is for those two, and so many others. But now Katie Couric brings the reality of their situation into our own, comfortable lives.

She conducts an astonishing interview with Lynsey — who, in the opening moments from Kyiv, moves into the bathroom, and dons a flak jacket and helmet, as sirens go off.

Couric’s questions are probing. Lynsey’s answers are insightful. This is must-see journalism, from two pros. (Hat tip: Susan Woog Wagner)

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Speaking of Ukraine: Westport’s rally in support of that invaded nation is set for this Saturday (11 a.m., Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Post Road bridge). It’s scheduled to run until 12:30 p.m.

Anyone wishing to continue their support can head a couple of miles east, to Southport.

The Ukrainian American Club (279 King’s Drive, near I-95 and the Metro-North station) is sponsoring its own Saturday rally. It starts at 1 p.m.

Attendees are asked to bring signs, musical instruments, balloons, flowers, and anything else that will help spread the message of freedom, unity and democracy. For further information, speaker, or donation inquiries, call 203-259-2913.

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Speaking of Saturday’s Westport rally: one of the organizers, Stephan Taranko, donated 3 exquisite Ukrainian hand-embroidered shirts, similar to the ones worn by the Dumka Choir when they performed last week on “Saturday Night Live.”

They’ll be part of a silent auction at the Westport event. A QR code will be available to help with the bidding.

One of the 3 Ukrainian shirts.

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And more on Ukraine: Dori Bomback and Teri Jaffe’s ThingsILove203 — which curates, then sells (duh) things they love — is holding a pop-up sale at MoCA Westport his Sunday (March 6, noon to 4 p.m.).

They carry several Ukrainian lines. A percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Ukrainian Crisis Relief Fund.

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“06880” does not cover a lot of Norwalk news. But we do mention Stew Leonard’s from time to time, because, well, Stew’s.

Looks like the Westport-born food store will have some competition

Wegmans is opening its first Connecticut location — municipal approval, and construction, pending.

The site is nearly 11 acres of land off Connecticut Avenue, near I-95. The property is occupied now by MBI, which would move to new office space.

Wegmans is a 105-year-old, 106-store supermarket chain in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and North Carolina that draws raves from customers.

But will they have Santa, a menorah, and Christmas trees?

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Wakeman Town Farm is having kids!

Thelma and Marge — Nigerian dwarf goats — are having babies, at the Cross Highway sustainability center.

They’re due in a month. Laura Miller, of InDorasKitchen.com, has shared them with WTF. She’ll also offer classes in goat dairy, milking and cheese making, soap making, goat anatomy and husbandry, blacksmithing, cheese and balsamic Pairings, and more..

With the babies’ arrival, Westporters can learn about goat anatomy, reproduction, animal husbandry, milking, and caring for kids (the goat kind). WTF will also offer opportunities to learn how to make goat soap and cheese.

Class offerings for adults and (human) kids will be posted online.

Thelma and Marge (or perhaps Marge and Thelma) at WTF. (Photo/Anne Burmeister)

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Divorce is stressful. But in addition to lawyers, women going through the process can also support each other.

Next Wednesday (March 9, 7 p.m. Hayvn co-working space, 320 Boston Post Road, Darien), they’ll get together at an an event called “Insider Tips from Divorce Attorneys.” It’s sponsored by the law firm Ferry & Battey, and one of the panelists is Janet Battey of Westport. Click here for tickets and more information.

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Westport-based Connectalent co-founders Runa Knapp and Jasmine Silver discuss the future of work, workplace re-entry, job skills needed tomorrow and more. The March 15 event (7:30 p.m., Weston Field Club),  is sponsored by the Weston Women’s League.

An added attraction: photographer Whitnee Schulman will offer headshots for attendees.

For details and registration, click here.

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At Christmas time, there are 7 swans a-swimming. Earlier this winter, Peter Swift saw just 4 off Burying Hill Beach.

When we find the other 3, this will be a complete “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Peter Swift)

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And finally … on this date in 1849, the territory of Minnesota was created.

I’m not sure why the (Westport-based) Wiggins Sisters never made it nationally. They are one of my favorite duos of all time. Their harmonies are beautiful; their lyrics are insightful — and they are wonderful, genuine women.

If you’ve never heard them (and also, if you have), enjoy “Minnesota.”

 

 

 

 

 

7 responses to “Roundup: Lynsey Addario & Katie Couric, Ukraine, Wegmans …

  1. Jack Backiel

    I go to Wegmans, in Columbia Maryland, three times a week. It’s the best grocery store I’ve ever seen! No store chain can come close to their quality! I even met a few of the Wegmans family when they visited the Columbia store. You’ll find out what I mean when they open.

  2. Ngassam Ngnoumen

    Dan, I appreciate how you often seem to effortlessly connect our community to the world. In doing so, you connect our collective humanity.

  3. Amy Schneider

    Lynsey Addario’s interview is very powerful. She and Tyler Hicks are very brave. I hope they stay safe.

  4. Rebecca Ellsley

    Thank you Lynsey and Tyler for all you do and showing us the world. Please be safe!

  5. Chris Washington

    Invest Lithuania Creates Guide to Help Ukrainian Refugees to Relocate to Lithuania
    https://www.crowdfundinsider.com/2022/02/187657-invest-lithuania-creates-guide-for-ukrainians-heading-their-way/

  6. Dermot Meuchner

    The warmongering is strong in this area. Be careful chasing monsters lest you become one strikes me as apropos.