The Westport Weston Family YMCA offers many services, for many people.
But for nearly a year — ever since the previous café operator left — if you’re hungry after a workout or swim, you’re out of luck.
Ditto if you want to hang out over a meal or coffee with a friend, or while you wait for your kid. Every employee has to bring their lunch, too.
Fortunately, a new operator takes over soon. And not just anyone.
The Porch at Christie’s will open a Y outpost sometime in mid-March. Items will come from both the popular bakery/deli/community center on Cross Highway, and Sweet P Bakery. Both were founded by Bill and Andrea Pecoriello.
And — true to the Christie’s and Sweet P missions — the Y café will offer training and jobs to adults with disabilities.
“We are very excited for this partnership with the Y, and the expanded impact we’ll have on creating jobs in the community,” the Pecoriellos say.
In related news, The Porch and Sweet P Bakery are now a single non-profit, working together on job training and meaningful employment for adults with disabilities.
The Pecoriellos always welcome volunteer mentors. For more information, email andrea@theporchatchristies.com
The Porch employees.
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Every Sunday, Westporters join others nationwide in a “Run For Their Lives” march. They carry signs supporting the safe return of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas, after the October 7 terrorist attack.
Yesterday’s event included a walk on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
To be added to the WhatsApp group for notification of upcoming marches, click here.
“Run For Their Lives” marchers yesterday, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
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Also downtown, in political news:
Sal Liccione spotted this sign yesterday, on Elm Street at Church Lane:
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Calling all seniors!
Mozaic Senior Life — formerly Jewish Senior Services, whose board includes Westporters Ellen Berenyi, Nancy Magida, Ed Friedland, Alan Phillips and Ken Wirfel, and which serves many local residents — is hosting a free community-wide “SHARE” event.
The acronym stands for Senior Health And Resource Expo. A variety of senior care organizations will gather April 7 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 4200 Park Avenue, Bridgeport).
They’ll provide information, resources and insights into care available for elders throughout lower Fairfield County.
Click here for more information. Questions? Call 203-365-6474, or email mpruzinsky@mozaicsl.org.
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Westport Museum for History & Culture executive director Ramin Ganeshram is also a cookbook author.
On February 20 — 2 days before George Washington’s birthday — the New York Times’ Cooking blog published a recipe she adapted for hoecakes, a favorite of the first president
It included a background paragraph by Ganeshram, noting the background of the dish, and — with a nod to Washington’s dental issues and his wealth — the quality of cornmeal used. (Hat tip: Werner Liepolt)
Hoecakes (Photo/Matt Taylor-Gross for the New York Times)
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Westporters are used to deer.
We know when one leaps out in front of our car, 2 or 3 more will follow.
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature has included shots of 5 or 6 at a time, in one yard.
But Johanna Keyser Rossi counted more than 20 on Saturday, at Sherwood Island State Park.
I count 16 in this “Westport … Naturally” photo. Though they are very adept at blending in.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … in honor of the new YMCA café (and bakery) operator:
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The Porch at the Y !! 🤩 Amazing. !! Just think , Davids special needs project, the Y and The Porch all easily accessible to that community.. Perfect
Agree Robbie, great stuff!