Westporters have plenty of fundraising galas to choose from.
All are worthy. Nearly all are well-organized, and fun.
But for inspiration and impact, few compare with A Better Chance of Westport’s Dream Event.
ABC — the program that provides both a home and an educational opportunity for up to 8 outstanding and academically-gifted young men of color each year — celebrates its 20th year on April 1 (7 p.m., Pinstripes at the SoNo Collection, Norwalk).
There are cocktails, dinner, entertainment, a silent auction — all important elements at many fundraisers — plus bowling at Pinstripes’ 12 lanes.
But what sets the Dream Event apart from many other galas are the speeches. Hearing about A Better Chance’s life-changing power — directly from those involved — is well worth the ticket price.
Funds are used for housing, tutoring, transportation and other expenses that getting the ABC scholars through Staples High School, and on to college.
Tickets available for cocktail/dinner only or cocktails/dinner and bowling. Click here for details.
=======================================================
The Westport Police Department made 2 custodial arrests between February 9 and 15.
One — for 3rd-degree larceny — stemmed from the theft of tools from a van.
The other was for 2nd-degree larceny threatening. It was related to text messages in a long-standing feud between 2 families.
The WPD’s new reporting system does not yet allow for reporting citation arrests.
Unwanted text messages resulted in an arrest.
======================================================
Are you ready for Women’s History Month?
The Weston History & Culture Center (aka Weston Historical Society) celebrates by co-hosting a lecture. “Powerful Voices: Connecticut Women Changing Democracy,” with Sarah Lubarsky, director of the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame.
The free event is is set for March 15 (7 p.m., Weston Public Library).
Among Connecticut’s most powerful women: suffrage advocates Alice Paul and Isabella Beecher Hooker, prominent firsts like Ella Grasso and Denise Nappier, and social activists like Helen Keller, Anne Stanback and Estelle Griswold.
Helen Keller lived for many years on the Westport/Easton border.
=======================================================
A celebration of life service honoring Peter Nathan is set for March 12 (11 a.m., Fairfield County Hunt Club). The former Representative Town Meeting member and longtime civic volunteer died last month.
Peter’s friends and family will share memories, and celebrate his impact on everyone he met. Attendees should wear bright colors, to contribute to the spirit.
Contributions in Peter’s honor can be made to the Westport Library, Senior Center or Westport Country Playhouse.
Peter Nathan
======================================================
Fashionably Westport is nearly sold out.
The raised runway event — held in the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum on March 4 (7 p.m.) — showcases the town’s fashion and beauty merchants. The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored event also raises important funds for Homes with Hope.
Click here for more information. VIP tickets include light bites, DJ and gifts.
=====================================================
Carl Addison Swanson reports that the electronic speed limit sign on North Avenue opposite Bedford Middle School is once again operational.
He also notes that at least one speeding driver was pulled over.
Solar-powered speed monitor on North Avenue. (Photo/Carl Addison Swanson)
=======================================================
Westport Country Playhouse’s Family Festivities continue Sunday, February 26 (1 and 4 p.m.) with “Pete’s Big Hollywood Adventure.”
The hour-long show is appropriate for grades pre-K through 3. For tickets and more information, click here.
Gabbie Pisapia and Dan Zimberg in “Pete’s Big Hollywood Adventure.” (Photo/Jeremy Daniel)
=======================================================
Though smack in the middle of our town beaches, Sherwood Island State Park is quite different.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a scene you won’t find at Compo, Old Mill or Burying Hill.
(Photo/Susan Leone)
=======================================================
And finally … in honor of the A Better Chance (ABC) Dream Event coming soon (story above):
(Supporting “06880” is as easy as 1-2-3. Just click here — and thank you!)
Is the Police arrest log something that you receive electronically or is it done via a phone call?
It’s sent by email.
“a long-standing feud between two families”? High drama!
Have the Sussexes and Waleses moved to town? How does Welcome Wagon keep up with all these celebs? Seriously, though, how are larceny and texting connected?
Sorry – the arrest was for second degree threatening, not larceny. My mistake. I’ve fixed it.
I looked it up – there are some Hatfields and McCoys in Westport
“Westporters have plenty of fundraising galas to choose from.”
Why is it necessary to choose? Why not just give to them all?
“To whom much is given, from whom much is expected.”
What is wrong with fundraising?
Nothing is wrong with fundraising.