Last week, Newman’s Own launched a “Pay What You Want” Pizza truck.
All proceeds go to the Newman’s Own Foundation, which gives 100% of its profits to help children facing adversity.
The first stop was New York City. It will travel across the country all summer long, offering several varieties of Newman’s Own pizzas.
Today it’s Westport’s turn.
That’s particularly fitting. The non-profit has been headquartered here since 1982, ever since its founding by our own Paul Newman and his family.
The Pay What You Want Pizza truck will be at Newman’s Own’s office (1 Morningside Drive North, just north of the Post Road) from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. today (Tuesday). From 3 to 6 p.m., it’s on Main Street (close to the Post Road).
Newman’s Own pizza truck.
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Yesterday, “06880” reported on superintendent of schools Tom Scarice’s proposal to ban smartphones from Westport’s schools.
Today, we’ve got an Instagram poll on it. Click here to vote. (If the link does not work, find us on Instagram: @danwoog06880).
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There was plenty of emotion Sunday afternoon, at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
The Susan Fund held its 43rd annual reception — and awarded 18 college grants to Fairfield County residents.
All have been diagnosed with cancer.
“They have, in addition to medical bills, the college bills, which are just enormous,” says Jeff Booth, Susan Fund chair.
“So whatever financial support we can give them is a huge help.”
Some of the Susan Fund recipients honored on Sunday.
Also honored: Ann Lloyd.
The Susan Fund founder and chair emerita was presented with a birthday cake. At 90, she is still actively involved with the non-profit.
The Susan Fund was established in 1980 in memory of her daughter Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $2 million in scholarships to more than 900 students.
To learn more about the Susan Fund, and to donate, click here.
Ann Lloyd. The podium is covered with photos and letters from Susan Fund recipients.
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“06880” likes to post good news, whenever we can.
Like us, Jaime Bairaktaris knows there are many young people who do good things that go unnoticed. And that their parents never see.
Yesterday, he wrote on social media:
“Did your son and his friend go to Old Mill Grocery & Deli a bit ago?
“As I ordered my lunch, 2 ‘tweenage’ boys walked in. One went to get Peanut M&Ms, but immediately stopped to ask his friend if he had any allergies. The friend said no, so he grabbed his M&Ms.
“They went to the counter, ordered politely, paid with cash, counted their change, then made sure they both put money into the tip jar — stopping each other to make sure that they tipped.
“No phones, no TikTok dances, no skibidi Ohio rizzing. As often as I see negative posts about local kids doing dumb things, I hope the parents of these kids see this and know their sons did a great job of showing everyone in the deli that Westport’s future is just fine.
“Not to mention how well raised they were (to confirm allergies for their friend, and count change?!). In the words of TikTok-era youth: they were very sigma.
“I can only hope they never roll through a stop sign when they get their licenses.”
Good kids hang out here. (Photo/Dave Dellinger)
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An old favorite — First Folk Sunday — returns next month.
But the venue is different.
The series — afternoons of music in a relaxed, mellow atmosphere — kicks off July 7 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.) at its new home: the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
Suzanne Sheridan (vocals, rhythm guitar), Tim DeHuff (lead guitar) and Bob Cooper (keyboard) offer a Bob Dylan retrospective.
The season continues with rising folk star singer-songwriter Lisa Bastoni (August 4), a Joni Mitchell tribute with Suzanne Sheridan (September 1), the return of The Flying Fingers Jug Band (October 6(, a Woody Guthrie homage featuring many performers and an audience sing along (November 3), and a special event December 3.
The music cover charge is $15; click here for tickets. An a la carte menu and open bar is available for audience members. For more information, click here or call 203-984-7562.
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The Parks & Recreation Department guest services team at Compo Beach hears just about every story imaginable.
But they keep smiling, and serving.
Here was yesterday’s crew. As always, they welcomed visitors, answered questions, solved problems, and put a happy face on Westport’s happy place.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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Meanwhile, a reminder: Westport’s streets don’t clean themselves.
This machine was out yesterday on Bayberry Lane, sweeping up debris.
There’s not a lot of room to walk, jog, bike, skateboard or do anything else.
But thanks to our Public Works Department, it’s a lot less dangerous today than yesterday.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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The first heat wave of the summer has ended. It may be cool enough for Harbor Road residents to venture outside, and sit in these chairs looking out toward Longshore.
It’s an idyllic summer scene. And the reeds make it a great candidate for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
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And finally … in honor of Paul Newman’s “Pay What You Want” pizza truck, we remember the actor/philanthropist:
(Whether you lived here when Paul Newman did, or you just came yesterday, “06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on support from all our readers. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Loved the story of the conscientious and polite youths! It proves there are more good people and happenings in this world than we are lead to believe. Great parenting parents!
Also, my Dad was a tailor in town in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward and several other well known actors were his customers. The Newman’s were ALWAYS kind, compassionate and generous. My family has some wonderful memories of our interaction with the Newman Family. Thank you Newman’s!
I wanted to vote about the cell phone ban, but I feel that phones should be ban in elementary and middle but not highschool. By highschool, kids need to learn to self monitor. If they miss curriculum in class because on phone and do poorly on a test… lesson learned.
The Newman family has done so much for Westport the town should give them a proclamation for Paul and the family for what they have done for the town of Westport and the state of ct I happy to call them friends
Thanks Dan for sharing about FIRST FOLK SUNDAY. To have such masterful musicians singing the music of Nobel Laureate for Literature, Bob Dylan, is reflective of how classy and world-class our Westport is. We are truly a lucky community. And to be able to offer our audience the Saugatuck Rowing Club is magical. Tickets online: https://firstfolksunday.com
Name the Post Road Bridge
The Paul and Joann Newman Bridge ‼️
Long overdue 🇺🇸
Why stop there. Rename St. Luke’s Church Cool Hand (St.) Luke’s Church. Steinkraus Cohen is sooo 1950’s. No one cares about the UN anymore. Everybody was Kung foo fighting. Those cats were fast as lightning. And it was a little bit frightening.
Thank you for sharing the piece about the Susan Fund. As an attendee, supporter and parent of recipient, all I can say is thank you. To see those local young survivors and hear their stories, and know that over $2 million has been raised and distributed to honor Susan….I challenge anyone not to be touched. Our community never fails to show its best when supporting those fighting great challenges.
Thanks Dan for once again supporting the Susan Fund in your blog. It is a wonderful organization that does so much for families whose children have been through so many challenges. I know this first hand.