Jack Stoler is a rising Staples High School senior. He plays on the state champion football team.
But his biggest score may come off the field.
He’s organized the first-ever Fairfield County Jam.
The August 30 event (7 to 10 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company) is a fundraiser for KEYS.
The Bridgeport non-profit — whose acronym stands for Kids Empowered by Your Support — provides free music lessons and performance opportunities for under-resourced students.
The Jam will include bands from across Fairfield County — including many Staples students. A number of football players will be on hand too.
The goal is $15,000.
For tickets and more information, click here. Questions? Call Jack at 917-453-4038 ,or email jackstoler@icloud.com.
Jack Stoler (right) and jazz musicians, at the Levitt Pavilion.
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Westporters donate time and treasure to many worthy organizations.
At the top of any list is Mercy Learning Center.
The Bridgeport non-profit offers literacy and life skills training for women with low incomes.
Coming from 40 different countries, they study English, math, science, health, civics, computers, and employment and life skills.
They are supported by an early childhood education program; social services including case management, mental health counseling, health and financial screenings; job and counseling advice, and enrichment opportunities.
Mercy Learning Center clients earn high school equivalency diplomas; learn job skills, and get help finding work; receive assistance applying for college, job training programs and scholarships, and prepare for US citizenship exams.
It’s all offered at no cost, to hundreds of women every year.
Mercy’s many Westport volunteers are gearing up for their annual Empowering Women Through Education Benefit.
It’s Sunday, September 15 (5 p.m., Shorehaven Country Club, Norwalk). The event includes cocktails and light bites — plus inspiring stories of education and empowerment.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Run — don’t walk — to Fleet Feet’s 2 fall programs.
The store continues its partnership with the Westport Weston Family YMCA. Its coach-led, 8-week training will focus on the New York Marathon. However, it is also good preparation for any fall long-distance race. Click here for more information.
The Zoomerangs kids program returns September 8.
Sessions are held Sundays (3 to 4 p.m., Staples High School Laddie Lawrence Track), through October 20.
A certified youth coach will introduce youngsters to the sport of running. Click here for more information.
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Speaking of sports: Girls lacrosse is growing fast.
So fast, in fact, that the Westport PAL program is put out an APB for coaches.
Positions are available for fall clinics: grades K-2 (Sunday mornings) and grades 3-8 (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings), and spring teams (grades 5-8 head and assistant), practices and clinics.
General and specialty (goalies, draw) coaches are needed. Girls/women’s lacrosse experience is required; coaching experience is ideal, but not mandatory. Eager new coaches can be trained.
Pay is “highly competitive.” For more information, contact PAL girls coaching directory Cathy Schager: cschager@westportps.org; 203-554-5691.
Westport PAL lacrosse players, at Paul Lane Stadium.
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Salsa Fresca is officially closed.
The fast-casual Mexican restaurant opened less than 3 years ago, replacing the very similar Qdoba.
Next up: Just Salad.
Work has already begun on the new joint — which, despite its name, also offers bowls and wraps.
Move over, Sweetgreen! There will soon be an even newer salad bar in town.
Now just a memory: A scene from 2021. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Only 10 days left to snag early-bird tickets for Westoberfest.
The Westport Downtown Association Oktoberfest-style event (in September: the 21st, 2-5 p.m., Elm Street) features over 50 tastings from innovative craft breweries like Kent Falls, Nod Hill, Obscure Oscillation and Space Cat Brewing to name a few, plus activities like keg rolling and pumpkin chucking contests for adults.
Children’s activities include root beer floats, flower crown-making, pumpkin decorating and face painting.
There’s live music too, from One Bad Oyster.
For a complete list of breweries, kids’ activities, food and vendors, click here.
The price through August 31 is $45. Tickets go up to $50 on September 1; they’re $55 at the event. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Jay Norris was the speaker at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch.
The entrepreneur, Startup Westport organizer, and Library and YMCA board member discussed Westport 10, the networking group for Black men he co-founded.
Norris noted that diversity is necessary for innovation in any organization or community.
His definition of diversity is broader than the usual categories of race, gender and culture. To him, it means bringing together a “mosaic” of individuals with different backgrounds, skills, experiences and perspectives to produce solutions to problems in a creative, comprehensive and sustainable way.
He calls diversity more than just a moral issue. It is, Norris says, “the essential ingredient of progress.”
Jay Norris (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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“06880” readers sent plenty of photos of last night’s full moon.
Many were taken at Compo Beach. This was one of the most interesting:
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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The public is invited to a Japanese Fall Festival on Saturday, September 7 (1 to 4 p.m., Jesup Green).
The family-friendly festival — sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County — features taiko drum performances, live plays of Japanese folktales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dancing.
A scene from the 2019 Japan Festival.
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As summer melts away, Chocolatieree offers a freshly toasted s’more with every purchase of a box of chocolates.
The offer is good through Labor Day weekend, at the Church Lane shop. Sweet!
That’s s’more!
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The recent rains and rising water levels may or may not by why these turtles are basking. on a rock near the Westport Library.
Whatever the reason, they make a great “Westport … Naturally” image.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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And finally … speaking of turtles:
(Another day, another Roundup chock full o’ news and information you can use. If you enjoy this daily feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Love your write up about Mercy Learning Center – I’ve been involved for 16 years and these fabulous women have rewarded my life with their dedication and determination to make their own lives and their children’s lives better. This year at the fundraiser they are honoring our own Hayes and Clare Clark whom have spent endless hours and many dollars to its success. I encourage everyone to attend and donate – a wonderful cause. It will change your life
September 7th is Saturday, not Sunday
Thanks, Kevin. The Japan Festival is SATURDAY, September 7.