For the past decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.
Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.
This year, Westport organizers invite our Fairfield neighbors to join us. Our first-ever Catch a Lift Golf & Tennis Outing is set for September 12, at the Patterson Club.
Click here for the many ways to participate, through golf, tennis, the cocktail party, and as sponsors.
And — because the vets are naturally competitive, in the gym and in life — this golf and tennis event involves a bit of competition too.
Check out the video below, to see the challenges between the Westport and Fairfield police chiefs and 1st selectwomen.
Because this is “06880,” not “06430,” I’m putting my money squarely on Foti and Jen.
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Speaking of special people: Wynston Browne’s story inspired many “06880” readers last month. The rising Staples High School sophomore is non-speaking autistic, but he is highly intelligent. He’s made spectacular strides recently using a communication device.
Today (Wednesday, August 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Wynston will “speak” (via his letter board) with interested residents at The Porch @ Christie’s.
He looks forward to sharing and learning more about everyone who stops by.
Wynston and his communication partner Elisa Feinman, at work with his spelling board.
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Elise Zimmerman asks: “Did you (and your readers know) that the tracks at the Westport train station flip up — like a draw bridge — for big boats?
“I witnessed this engineering feat today, and was very impressed. The train was delayed only a few minutes.”
I can’t speak for any other readers, but I sure knew.
In an amazing coincidence though, just 2 hours earlier Seth Schachter had sent me a collector’s postcard. It shows the same scene, from a different angle.
And from about 100 years earlier:
(Postcard courtesy of Seth Schachter)
Elise adds: “Do any of the other bridges on the Saugatuck River open up? If not, where is the boat going?!”
Have a seat, Elise. Let me tell you about the William F. Cribari Bridge …
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Bass master Brian Torff headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post.
That’s the special Thursday night jazz series at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399. Sets begin at 7 and 8:30 p.m.; dinner from 6:30, from chef Derek Furino.
The cover is just $10. Reservations are strongly recommended; email JazzatThePost@gmail.com.
Plan ahead:
- August 18, David Morgan Trio
- August 25: Ben Williams Jazz All-Stars
- September 1: Rob Henke’s Cook County Stompers.
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Everything you ever wanted to know about telescopes, but didn’t even know to ask.
That’s the subject of the next Westport Astronomical Society’s lecture (August 16, 8 p.m.). Observatory director Bob Meadows is back from the 86tn Convention of Amateur Telescope Makers in Vermont, and will dish on the latest innovations.
Click here for the Zoom link; click here to watch on YouTube.
The Westport Observatory has a very impressive telescope. (Photo/Frank Rosen)
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Amy Simon Fine Art’s next exhibition (August 13 to September 17) is “Never-Ending Stories.” Featured artists are Clara Fialho and Ayse Wilson.
The gallery is at 123 Post Road East.
“Walking Through a Rose Garden Naked” (Clara Fialho)
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Wendy Van Wie sends along a “Westport … Naturally” challenge: Can you find the 3 goldfinches hiding in the sunflowers?
(Photo/Wendy Van Wie)
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And finally … Lamont Dozier died Monday in Arizona. He was 81.
I love many genres of music. But Motown is at the top of my list.
And for many of us who grew up listening to it, the songwriting team of Holland-Dozier-Holland was Motown.
They crafted an astonishing 80-plus Top 40 pop or R&B hits. An amazing 15 went to #1 — including 10 by the Supremes.
Click here for a full obituary. Click here for a list of all their songs. Then click “Comments” below to share your favorites.
It’s tough. My top 5 are here:
Dan — regarding your first article, Fairfield’s zip code was changed about 15 years ago, from 06430 to 06824.
I never got the mailing about it from the post office 🙂
The tug and barge passing under the railroad bridge in the old picture are headed downstream towards the sound. This is obvious in the photograph because the bridge operator’s house is on the southern (New Haven bound) side of the tracks. The empty barge if floating very high. Thos leads me to suspect that the barge delivered a load of coal to the Gault Company in Saugatuck and was now returning.