Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities’ Parent Conference includes 9 presentations from professionals on topics like ADHD, non-verbal learning disorders, dyslexia and assistive technologies for students with LD. The days ends with an “ask the experts” panel.
The event is February 3 (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Winston Preparatory School, 57 West Rocks Road, Norwalk).
Catering will be done by The Porch at Christie’s and Sweet P Bakery. Both offer training and employment for adults with disabilities.
Click here for more information and registration. Financial assistance is available; email programs@smartkidswithld.org.
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Jon Gailmor has been a noted singer/songwriter since his Staples High School (Class of 1966) days, and his musical partnership with classmate Rob Carlson.
After performing in Europe, Jon settled in Vermont. He’s become a state treasure, beloved for a weekly radio show for kids; his performances in schools, colleges, resorts, restaurants, folk clubs, senior centers, prisons and hospitals, and his songwriting residencies and workshops for students and teachers.
Gailmor has been honored as an “Extraordinary Vermonter” by the governor, received the Mayor’s Peace Prize in Burlington, and was awarded a Silver Citation by the Vermont Arts Council. He sang as Vermont’s representative at the 25th Anniversary of the Kennedy Center in Washington.
He has toured with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra, and released 6 albums.
This fall, he quickly sold out an appearance at the VFW’s First Folk Sunday series.
On April 6 he returns to the area, for a trademark songwriting workshop for young artists. Topics include meter and rhythm, lyrics versus poetry, and song structure.
There are 90-minute sessions for 2nd-5th graders, and 6th-8th graders. All students return that afternoon for a performance of songs they’ve written, with Gailmor.
The event is sponsored by the Weston History & Culture Center. Advance registration is required. Click here to register, and for more information.
Jon Gailmor
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Yesterday’s Roundup noted the introduction of an English language conversation group at the Westport Library, in addition to those in other languages.
One that was not listed: Hebrew.
A Hebrew conversation group has been active for 13 years. During COVID it moved to Zoom, where it continues today.
Members meet twice a month virtually. All levels of speakers are welcome. For information, email israelisinct@hotmail.com.
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Americana/blues/bluegreass/folk/funk/jazz musician Crys Matthews comes to Voices Café on Saturday, February 3 (8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport). Called “the next Woodie Guthrie,” Matthews is a star in the new generation of social justice music-makers.
Click here for tickets ($25 adults, $15 under 21). A portion of proceeds benefits Trans Haven, part of New Haven’s PeerPride.
Crys Matthews
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Rugby players compete in all kinds of weather.
So it’s no big deal that a 4th annual rugby college showcase and combine is set for February 10 (noon to 4 p.m., Paul Lane Field at Staples High School). Sponsors are DC Old Glory and New England Free Jacks.
Over 70 college coaches are expected to attend. Registration is $75 per player. For information, email info@staplesrugby.com, or call 917-797-9486.
Several Staples High School rugby players will participate in the February 10 showcase and combine.
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Staples High School Class of 1982 graduate Joseph “Joe” Collins died earlier this month, at 59. His obituary reports that he took his own life.
He began his public service career as a Westport Emergency Medical Technician. He graduated from Franklin Pierce University with a BA in psychology and a master’s in business administration, and was chief of the college fire department.
Joe worked full time for the Keene (New Hampshire) Police Department and part time at the Fitzwilliam Police Department, rising to sergeant. He helped implement Keene’s K-9 program. He also volunteered for the Jaffrey-Rindge ambulance.
In 2000 he was named Chief of Police in Rindge. He was soon hired as a training specialist for the New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Council, and a trainer at the New Hampshire Police K-9 Academy and Working Dog Foundation. Later positions were with the towns of Sunapee and Newport.
Not necessarily feeling satisfied again, Joe returned to the field when he accepted a position with the Town of Sunapee Police Department, and later with the Town of Newport as well.
Joe became an explosive detection dog team handler with American K-9. As a member of the US Baghdad Embassy Security Force, he searched and cleared vehicles and packages entering the International Zone and US Embassy compound in Baghdad.
After Iraq, Joe continued to strive for sobriety and found a calling to serve others in a gentler way. He became licensed as an apprentice funeral director and embalmer. He then entered security operations as an officer at Monadnock Community Hospital and Windham County Court facilities in Vermont.
A desire to work with canines led him to Houston. He checked fans of the Houston Astros as they played their way to the world championship. Recently, Joe returned to his beloved Monadnock Region.
Joe is survived by his son, Coleman; sisters Karen VanBuskirk of Brewster, Massachusetts; Terry Croffy (John) of Fairfield; Patty Cronin of East Harwich, Massachusetts, and Christina Collins (David Huband) of Toronto, and his brother Greg of St. Louis, along with great-aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends, including Tammy Johnson and her daughter, Ronni, and his former wife Amy Collins.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held June 1 (11 a.m., Cournoyer Funeral Home, Jaffrey).
In lieu of flowers, consider a contribution to the Good Neighbor Fund, PO Box 486, Jaffrey NH 03452. For a full obituary, click here.
Joe Collins
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The temperature is creeping back up. The days slowly get longer.
Look closely at today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo of Saugatuck Shores, and you’ll see that spring is — well, maybe not right around the corner. But closer than it was a couple of weeks ago.
(Photo/Matt Fortuna)
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If you’ve never heard Jon Gailmor (story above): What a shame.
Here are a few:
(Every day, our “06880” Roundup provides information on things to do and see. Please support this, and other features on our hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)
Dan, thanks for the shout out for the Hebrew Language Conversation group at the Westport Library. February 2024 will mark 12 full years for the group. We are still going strong (now on Zoom) with new attendees and regular members every year from all over the US and other countries too.
We learn about the Hebrew language, songs, stories, regular everyday conversation and learn about ourselves. As your post said, all levels are welcome to this very friendly and caring group!
RIP Joe C, fellow class of 1982. Thanks for introducing me to Timmy Sands, AKA Chubsy Ubsy. Joe’s smile and sense of humor always had me laughing. Rest in peace.