The video is grainy. But it sends an important message.
Westport’s Police Department released film from a Nest camera, recorded early Monday morning.
It shows 2 people running up a driveway, where 2 cars are parked. One person tries to open one driver’s side door; the other attempts to open the other vehicle.
Both are locked. The men quickly scamper away, to a car waiting on the road.
Screen shot of the attempted theft. A man is trying the doors of the re car; another approaches the vehicle on the left. The getaway car is at the upper right.
“A great example of what happens when you lock the car doors … they leave!” the police say.
There is no stronger proof than this: Residents should always lock their cars.
If everyone does, the difference in auto thefts will be like night and day.
(If you are on Facebook, click here to play the video.)
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While many Westporters were preoccupied with planning a Thanksgiving feast for family and friends, Gillian Anderson worried about area residents who can’t afford a turkey dinner or holiday experience.
When she learned that the Light on the Hill food pantry at Summerfield United Methodist Church in Bridgeport had fallen short on its Thanksgiving food drive for 250 families, Gillian called on her friends at the Westport Rotary Club and the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston.
They quickly volunteered to raise money, then shop and drive carloads of food — including frozen turkeys — to Bridgeport.
80 turkeys, 180 boxes of stuffing mix and 50 cans of cranberry sauce were procured and transported. All 250 families received their Thanksgiving dinners.
The Turkey Drive generated so much enthusiasm at Westport Rotary that this holiday project may become a new club tradition.
Lots of turkeys, at Summerfield United Methodist Church.
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Just in time for holiday gift giving (and its tedious cousin, gift wrapping), Jean Symonette has started a new business out of her Westport home.
The Wrapping Bow-tique — a wrapping service — “understands that the presentation of a gift is as crucial as the gift itself. With hundreds of paper and ribbons to choose from, we transform ordinary presents into gifts that are as unique and beautiful as the sentiment behind them.”
The Wrapping Bow-tique also creates environmentally friendly gift boxes. All are repurposed, and reusable with lids that lift off. They are hand wrapped in premium paper, and adorned with bows.
Click here for the website; click here for the Facebook page; click here for Instagram.
Questions? Email jeanwrappingbowtique@gmail.com.
Wrapping Bow-tique samples.
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For many years, the Westport Weston Family Y has opened its doors and programs to the special needs community.
This winter, the Y expand its programming, and reestablishes its partnership with Special Olympics Connecticut.
The Y’s special needs programs include gymnastics, swimming, open play, and organized sports like basketball and soccer. People of all ages with social, behavioral and physical differences can enjoy a variety of activities that promote wellness, creativity, socialization and belonging.
To support those efforts, the Y has hired Brittany Williams as special needs coordinator.
Y chief operations officer Christina Scherwin says, “Last weekend we celebrated our gold medal champions. ‘Team Happy’ participated in the Special Olympics unified basketball state tournament, and placed first in their division.
“It’s not about the color of the medal though, but the process. These participants have worked really hard improving their skills, attention and teamwork. It is so rewarding to see their progress and dedication shine through.”
This spring, the Westport Weston Family Y debuts its first Special Needs Prom. Participants ages 14 and up will enjoy a prom experience, with a red carpet entrance, live DJ, dancing, photo booth, food, and fun activities.
The Kiev family’s contributions support this expansion of the Y’s programming.
To volunteer on the court or poolside as a coach, player, mentor, prom date or helping organize social activities, or to become an event sponsor, email bwilliams@westporty.org. For more information, click here.
Westport Weston Family Y Special Olympics participants.
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Earthplace invites Westporters (and their holiday guests) to check out several drop-in offerings this Thanksgiving weekend (except tomorrow).
“Story and Animal Program” runs every day except Sunday (and Thanksgiving) at 10;30 a.m. Children 5 and under enjoy and animal-themed story, and an encounter with an Animal Hall resident.
“Birds of Prey Feedings” are held daily at 11 a.m. Watch the feeding, and learn what birds eat in the wild.
“Saturdays at Earthplace” (November 25, noon) is a chance for children of all ages to take part in a nature-based arts and crafts activity. A parent or caregiver must be present.
For more information, click here.
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Yesterday’s Roundup included an incorrect date for Club 203’s next event.
The social group for adults with disabilities will celebrate the holidays on Monday, December 4 — not “next Monday’ — from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at MoCA.
There’s square dancing, a Western photo area, food and giveaways. Parents are invited to stay and celebrate too.
Click here for reservations, and more information. Questions? Email club203ct@gmail.com.
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The Westport Country Playhouse “Script in Hand” season concludes with “Warrior Class.”
The December 4 (7 p.m.) play is about a candidate for Congress. “The ghosts of his college days come back to haunt him. Nothing reveals true colors like a sprint to the finish, when friends become enemies and allies can turn on a dime. ‘Warrior Class’ is a political battle of race, romance, forgiveness and debt.”
All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Steve Halstead sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, with this note:
“A pileated woodpecker eats an early Thanksgiving dinner on a tree behind our house.”
(Photo/Steve Halstead)
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And finally … I’ve posted Dion’s powerful “Abraham, Martin and John” video before.
Today, on the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President Kennedy, here is an especially haunting version of a song that — sadly — never grows old.
(If you learn nothing else from “06880,” it’s this: Lock your car! If that saves you several thousand dollars, consider a contribution to your hyper-local blog. Please click here. Thank you!)
