More than 260 empty chairs — each with a “Kidnapped” flyer and balloon — served as a stark reminder yesterday of the hostages from Israel still held by Hamas.
The chairs — juxtaposed against a brilliant blue sky at Compo Beach — were organized by Westporters Sharon Suchotliff, Inda Sade and Lynn Ravinovici Park, with the help of the Staples Jewish Culture Club.
(Photo/Mia Bomback)
Jonathan Alloy reports:
“Seeing the little kid chairs with posters of kidnapped babies and children was breathtaking and infuriating. It’s time to bring the hostages home. ‘Never Again’ is now.”
(Photo/Dylan Chatterjee)
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Rabbi Zach Plesent of Temple Israel were among the speakers. Israeli music played, and Westport Police provided security.
From left, at yesterday’s rally: Sharon Suchotliff, Samuel Alloy, Jonathan Alloy.
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Today’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is quite timely. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Deputy Police Chieif Ryan Paulsson discuss measures taken to protect Westporters during the difficult times in the aftermath of Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel.
Click below to listen. The podcast is produced by the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.
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Westport’s sister city relationship with Lyman, Ukraine — our newest sister city — began with a conversation with friends in Marigny-le-Lozon, France, our oldest sister city.
At a Zoom ceremony dedicating a room in their town hall in honor of Charlotte MacLear, the Staples High School French teacher who pioneered the 2 towns’ relationship in the aftermath of World War II, Marigny officials said, “Why don’t we help rebuild a Ukrainian town, the same way Westport helped us for so long?”
Last holiday season, Westport raised $252,000 for Lyman. We added another $50,000 this past summer.
Now Marigny is paying it forward. Starting months ago, they collected funds and bought gifts for every child still in Lyman: about 700.
This week, they’re shipping them east. Delivery has been assured by Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit, boots-on-the-ground group founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.
What goes around, comes around. Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël! щасливого Різдва!
NOTE: Donations to Lyman are always welcome. Click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)
For decades, all the leaves were gone by Thanksgiving.
Preparing gifts for Lyman, Ukraine, in Marigny-le-Lozon, France.
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Westport Tilt Parenting is a support group for parents of neurodivergent children.
They’ve partnered with the Westport Library to host Debbie Reber. The educator, author and advocate for understanding and embracing neurodivergent youngsters will speak at the Library next Tuesday (November 28, 7 p.m.).
Her topic: “Understanding and Embracing Differently Wired Kids.”
Westport Tilt Parenting says that at least 1 in 5 youths are in some way neurodivergent (ADHD, learning disabilities, autism spectrum, gifted, sensory issues, anxiety and more).
However, they are often misunderstood. Current support strategies may be misguided; their strengths and gifts can be overlooked.
All parents of neurodiverse and neurotypical children are invited, as are teachers, administrators and interested others. Click here for more information. To learn more about Westport Tilt Parenting, email alexandre.acupuncture@gmail.com.
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In these days of climate change, they’re hanging on longer.
This was the “Westport … Naturally” scene Saturday, on Morningside Drive South:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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And finally … Happy Birthday, President Biden!
(From here to Israel, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
funding for Ukraine and Israel are very important. Unfortunately many republicans are not standing up for Ukraine funding.
Mr. Fogel, don’t you think the majority of readers are a bit tired of your partisan blather?
Bob W. Home Sweet Home, South Morningside Drive!
Mr. Fogel how about we fund the the recovery on the island of Maui? Not good enough for my taxpayer money to go to Americans? No more money for either of these countries, you’re on your own.