The Westport Fire Department did not have to travel far Wednesday night.
They — and a couple of hundred Westport friends — gathered at Autostrada, next door.
The classic car-and-event space was filled for the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation’s 2nd annual whiskey tasting fundraiser.
The cause was a great one: $80,000, to replace 55 Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs), in every fire, police and ambulance in town.
The turnout — and vibe — was fantastic. And though the mood was festive, it was important too to hear Deputy Fire Chief Nick Marsan’s description of lives that have been saved by AEDs.
One grateful woman — 34 years old — returned to the fire station to thank him. With her 4- and 2-year-old sons.
Raising money for AEDs is something the firefighters do, above and beyond the call of duty. Last night, Westport toasted them in style.
First responders, town officials and friends at the firefighters’ gala.
Checking out auction items — and classic cars — at Autostrada.
From left: Firefighters Eric LaRiviere, Rob Lenois, Ryan Farrell, Pete Nichio and Shareef Conjura. Lenois is president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation. (Photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)
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If you missed Homes with Hope‘s fantastic video — celebrating the non-profit’s 40 year history, from a controversial small men’s shelter to a supportive housing institution supported by the entire town — you’re in luck.
It will be screened again on June 9 (2 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church). It’s a fascinating look at changing attitudes toward homelessness and hunger, as told by the men and women who have worked for 4 decades to end it here.
Also in Homes with Hope news: Yesterday, the Westport Downtown Association presented the organization with a check for $20,000. The generous proceeds come from last month’s Fashionably Westport event, at the Westport Library.
The donation will help expand Homes with Hope’s pantry, and bring back the Project Return program — along with all the other good works HwH does.
Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley and Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden (5th and 6th from left), and representatives of the 2 organizations, with their $20,000 check.
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The Connecticut NAACP State Conference and Greater Norwalk NAACP branch have organized a “town hall meeting” to address “concerns and experiences related to racism in the community.”
It’s set for May 9 (6 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Westport).
Norwalk NAACP president Brenda Penn-Williams told Nancy on Norwalk: “Individuals throughout Fairfield County are invited to participate and voice their perspectives on combating racism in our society. The initiative stems from recent allegations around incidents of racist bullying, which have deeply affected families in the Westport community….
“This event aims to create a platform for open dialogue, advocacy, and solidarity against racism. It will provide a space for community members to share their stories, offer support, and advocate for meaningful change to combat racism.
“The Town Hall meeting will serve as a collective effort to address racism as a community-wide issue and promote inclusivity, equity, and respect for all individuals. Join us on May 9 to stand together against racism and work towards a more just society.” (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
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The Westport Country Playhouse continues to add intriguing new events.
“Girl Rising” celebrates the untapped potential of girls to address the world’s urgent challenges, like climate change (May 29, 7 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).
The evening features screenings of portions of the documentary “Girl Rising,” which helped spark a global movement for girls’ education. Girl Rising’s co-founder and CEO Christina Lowery will be on hand with young advocates for girls’ rights, education equity, and climate justice, to tell powerful stories and engage in empowering conversation.
Following February’s sold-out Swiftie singalong, “A Night for Swifties & More” takes the stage June 1 (7 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).
Drew Wutke’s powerhouse band returns, with Broadway singers and beyond. At 5:30 before the show, there’s friendship bracelet-making, a photo both, other activities and live music.
The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players present “The Pirates of Penzance in One Act and an Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan Players” (June 28, 7:30 p.m.; June 29, 2 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information). The performers will take audience requests, too.
“Imagination Movers” offers the fun of one of their concerts — it’s kids’ music at its best. A limited number of pre-show meet-and-greet tickets are available too (September 22, 1 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).
Girl Rising, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
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Kings Highway Elementary School students, staff members and parents celebrated Earth Day on Tuesday. Among the highlights:
- “Zero Hero Helper” students were honored for their work keeping the school clean, through litter removal, lunch room composting and food rescuing.
- Mother Earth Melodies: Music teacher Amy Laurino led students in Earth Day songs.
- The Science of Seeds: Science coach Kate Romano shared updates on the planting in the new science garden center.
- Food Rescue: Priscilla Jones, math and workshop teacher, described how this year KHS has donated over 1,400 pounds of uneaten food to the Food Rescue US Fairfield County.
- Cans to Coins: KHS is collecting redeemable cans and plastic bottles throughout April. Proceeds will be donated to World Bicycle Relief to complement their One School One Book project. Cans and bottles redeemed so far have enabled students to send $160 to Lucy Ackemann from Food Rescue US.
Kings Highway Elementary students celebrate Earth Day.
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Also celebrating Earth Day: Rindy Higgins.
The Westport Shellfish Commission member and Saugatuck Shores resident headed to Canal Beach at low tide. She cleaned up the large stake (photo below), plus “lots of little bitty plastics and metals, Styrofoam, cardboards, and tar road chunks.”
The good news: She collected “much, much less than last year.”
Rindy Higgins, and her Canal Beach haul.
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“Civil War” — the new film generating tons of buzz — offers a new take on social collapse. It follows 4 journalists on a road trip from New York to Washington,
The central character is Lee (Kirsten Dunst), a photojournalist.
So when “On the Media” — WNYC’s popular radio show and podcast — wanted to dive deeper, they went to one of the world’s most talented and honored photojournalists: Lynsey Addario.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times staff member — who has photographed harrowing scenes in Ukraine, the Middle East and Africa, and is a 1991 Staples High School graduate — talked with Brooke Gladstone about her experiences covering wars abroad, and how accurately the film depicts reporting during conflict.
Click here to listen. (Hat tip: Paul Lowenstein)
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Speaking of Staples: Students Anna Ji, Andrew Rebello and Jackson Tracey will represent their high school at the Hwa Chong Institution’s Asia-Pacific Young Leaders’ Summit in July.
Principal Stafford Thomas will accompany the delegates to the conference, in Singapore.
Each year, HCI invites 80 top student leaders from leading schools around the world.
For the past 11 years, Westport has been invited to send 3 juniors who are high performing academically and interested in world affairs, with a special interest in Asia. Congratulations to Anna, Andrew and Jackson!
From left: Anna Ji, Andrew Rebello, Jackson Tracey.
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Mark Mathias writes: “One of the unofficial ways Winslow Park operates is as a lost and found, on top of the (unfortunately empty) AED box.
“Last week there was a key to a Mini. Today, there’s a key to a Mini and a Jeep.
“Anyone want a car?”
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Read to Grow is a non-profit organization with one mission: embracing literacy from birth.
They profit with 17 hospitals to provide babies with their first book, and parents with educational materials to guide them as their babies’ first and best teachers.
In addition, a books-for-kids program enables anyone in Connecticut to request books for their home, while a bookmobile allows children to select books to take home.
Read to Grow hosts a fun fundraiser on May 2 (Westport Library, 6 p.m.). Highlights include food and drinks based children’s books, from Zucca Gastrobar; games of chance; music by Andrew Maskoff, and a silent auction.
TikTok-famous librarian Mychal Threets will be there, along with noted local author Victoria Kahn. Longtime New York radio celebrity Ian O’Malley hosts.
For tickets and more information, click here.
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Radio host, actor and author (“Happier Made Simple”) Randye Kaye gave a humorous and interactive presentation to the Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting on Tuesday. The topic was “What’s EI Got To Do With It.”
Kaye said that emotional intelligence and human connection are the keys to achieving joy, and surviving tough times.
She led the Rotarians through exercises to show how changing perceptions and thoughts about a situation can also change emotional reactions.
Randye Kaye, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)
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Tulips are beautiful.
But they don’t stay around long.
So when we see a great photo like Patti Brill’s, we grab it for “Westport … Naturally.”
Enjoy this scene, from Saugatuck Shores:
(Photo/Patti Brill)
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And finally … On this date in 1969, the Edwin Hawkins Singers’ “Oh Happy Day” entered the Hot 100 at #72. It was the first pure gospel song to make that chart. It went on to reach #4, and became an international hit.
(It’s a happy day when readers support “06880.” If you enjoy our work, please click here to help. Thank you!)
I am all about combating racism of all kinds from: anti- black, to anti- Christian, to anti- LGBTQ, to anti- semitism.
Brenda is not the answer to all of this. Please learn about her and the contraversies surrounding her. She does not do her due diligence. She is an extremist who has attacked our schools and superintendent in the most extreme fashion. I do not personally find her to be a good pick or credible pick to lead the NAACP. There have got to be better options. Look to the anti defamtion league to see how combatting racism should look and feel. Look to the meetings held at Temple Israel to see how this is done. Threatening the national guard on Westport schools is insane! This is not Columbia Univeristy. We need to have discussions about the SMALL number of kids in our schools who say racist things because of the way they are raised, not by what they are taught in our schools here.
children can say racist things and have good parents. Do not blame the parents unless you have facts. Children can learn racism and violent behavior from television. right and left wing media. from newspapers. and other friends and their parents
Oh I agree! It is not just the parents! I just know that the schools are not tolerating or promoting racism like some claim.
Great job as always Rindy! You always contribute in so many ways!
The Edwin Hawkins Singers had one other hit, backing up the late Melanie (Safka) in (Lay Down) Candles in the Rain–a song commemorating Woodstock,.
Kudos for raising the funds for the AEDs!!!!
I just have one question though: when the Town funds all sorts of expensive equipment for public works or for our police department, and appropriates hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars for studys and “plans” that gather dust, why must our EMS providers “beg”:for a mere $80k for life saving equipment? Are you telling me that the Town’s enormous budget has no room for THIS appropriation?
Fundraisers are great…but in my opinion this worthwhile cause shouldn’t need that.
Dr J
I agree Dr Walshon. Kudos, and a great success.
But why ?
Why are we being asked to fundraise for what is so insanely obvious and needed ?
It’s offensive !
There has been a need for AED’s and hundreds of them in this town for many many years.
For a first selectwoman who claims to value safety ! Where have those been?
Instead your tax money goes into studys n plans and study’s n plans which could have been thousands of AED’s !
Smh
Good to know that this administration is not willing to provide our town with SUFFICIENT AED’s( life savers)
C