The Sunrise Rotary and Westport Rotary Clubs have pledged $2,500 each, to Ukraine Aid International.
Rotarian Ken Bernhard is seeking more funds, which the national club will match. The goal of $15,000 would purchase water filtration systems, for use in the war-torn nation.
The need is critical, in areas where Russian forces have destroyed water supplies.
UAI founders Marshall and Brian Mayer — who grew up in Westport — described the water filtration systems, and other aid their non-profit provides (including communications equipment, vehicles, and funds for children’s therapy camps) on Sunday, at a special dinner provided by Nômade.
Among the attendees: Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes. Both provided insights into the current status of US aid to Ukraine. Blumenthal — who has traveled there 6 times — noted the bipartisan support, with ties forged on his trips with Republican senators like Lindsay Graham.
Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Jim Himes at Nômade. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Click below for Congressman Himes’ remarks:
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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee holds a public meeting this Thursday (November 21, 8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 307-9).
The agenda includes reviews of the parking lot project, a review of the public engagement process, and an update on the parking study and feasibility analysis.
Meanwhile, the Long Lots School Building Committee meeting scheduled for today (Tuesday) has been canceled.
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ESPN’s Jeremy Schaap has done it again.
The Westporter debuted his stunning new documentary, before a large Westport audience crowd.
“Pat Tillman: Life, Death, Legacy” is a profound and impactful look at the life and legacy of the NFL star who volunteered to serve in Afghanistan, then was killed by friendly fire.
Missed it? Click here for details on how to stream the video.
Jeremy Schaap, at the Westport Library. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Briggs)
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Also last night: A nearly sold-out audience enjoyed the Westport Country Playhouse’s latest Script In Hand reading.
“A Danger to Yourself and Others” took place — appropriately — the week before Thanksgiving, It involved a gas station robbery, library card revocation, love, and much more.
Script in Hand readings are regular — and very popular — Playhouse events.
Script in Hand readings give a great flavor of interesting plays. This is a scene from “A Danger to Yourself.” (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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It was a day for Clemson orange.
But there was plenty of Staples blue in Cary, North Carolina on Sunday.
Goalkeeper Paddy Donovan — a 2022 Staples High School grad — saved one penalty kick, in the ACC men’s soccer final.
But 2 Clemson teammates missed theirs, and Wake Forest captured the league championship, 7-6, after regulation and overtime ended 1-1.
Among the other local connections: Clemson is coached by 1979 Staples grad (and former state champion) Mike Noonan. He’s led the Tigers to 2 national titles in the past 3 years.
In the stands: Paddy’s parents, Dan and Nicole Donovan. Both are SHS alums too. Dan is a former Wrecker soccer state champion. And his late brother Doug was Noonan’s teammate, on that ’78 state title squad.
Also on hand: former Staples teachers Dave and Marianne Harrison (social studies and physical education, respectively). Both now live in North Carolina.
Next up for Clemson: The NCAA tournament. Donovan and his teammates earned a first-round bye.
From left: Nicole Donovan, Dave and Marianne Harrison, Dan Donovan. All sport Clemson orange.
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Speaking of sports: The Staples girls rugby program hosts a clinci for all current interested girls, in 8th grade and above, on November 24 (12:30 to 2 p.m., Staples football field).
Players from the University of New Haven Women’s Rugby Team will be lead the event. It’s a chance for girls (and their parents) see what rugby is all about, ask questions, and meet athletes. No prior experience is required.
The Staples girls rugby season runs from March through June.
Staples High School girls rugby. (Photo/Dylan Chatterjee Photography)
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It’s been an November to remember.
Just over a week before Thanksgiving, this is the still-splendrous scene at Celia Campbell-Mohn’s home, off Roseville Road:
(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)
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And finally … on this day in 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on an island he first saw the day before. He named it San Juan Bautista. Today we know it as Puerto Rico.
The island has given the world many great gifts. Among them: our neighbor, longtime Weston resident José Feliciano.
(“06880” is where Westport — and Weston — meet the world. If you enjoy the connections you find here, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The latest dna research of Christopher Columbus points to Columbus was a Jew. 15 to 20 per cent of all Spanish men have Jewish DNA.
That’s not correct. The “study” you’re referring to was not peer-reviewed, and the results of were presented on television in a reality show format. Not a reputable study at all. Jonathan Sarna and others have all debunked this never-ending rumor. For more information: https://english.elpais.com/science-tech/2024-10-14/scientists-cast-doubt-on-claims-christopher-columbus-was-a-sephardic-jew-from-spain.html
Broadcasted on Spains National Broadcast TVE on Oct 24 explains latest DNA scholarly research reveals the likelihood that Columbus was a Sephardic Jew. it was just on Spains National tv. The findings are new based on his bone DNA which are located in Spain. I was just there. The BBC also reported that research and that it is likely that the research revealed Colombus was a Sephardic Jew. Columbus likely hid his identity to escape persecution as being a Jew one faces anti semitism
Incorrect. Did you read the article I posted? The so-called study was not peer reviewed, and the bones sampled are not even known (or thought) to be his. Yes, this was on Spanish television, but it was the equivalent of a program on The History Channel here – full of mere conjecture and lacking scientific rigor. You are making unsupported claims that have been debunked again and again by historians and scientists.
What does the DNA of Spanish men have to do with Columbus?
I will never understand this public meeting being at 8:30 am.
Well, you just never know, and what does it matter anyway?. Several years ago my brother decided to have the family’s ancestry done. Of course, we were all absolutely sure that our DNA would prove to be 100% Lasagna. However, it seems the family is 10% Sephardic Jew. My mother claimed it all for herself as she was “so much smarter than your father.” So what can one say?. Mosel tov! ——- with a little Pecorino Romano.
Sarna critique was from 1992. ?? correct Tracy ?? The study that was conducted and in documentary form was based on research from DNA from bones. That’s not reality tv. kindly explain thank you.
Sarna’s critique was just ONE of many over the years. Again, this “study” was NOT peer-reviewed, and highly problematic. Anyone can produce a documentary. The fact that he released the results of his “study” in a TV documentary and not in a peer-reviewed journal is a huge red flag. Please read the article that I posted. It will give you much more information.
Now the Ruskies have 10K of North Korean soldiers heading to Ukraine with promises that the USA, Brits and the French will now provide long range missiles which will reach Moscow? Hope YOUR breakfast was good. Yikes!!!
if we don’t stop them what country will be next ?? China and Iran are watching how the USA responds. I’m concerned about the administration admiration to North Korea and Putin. My opinion is irrelevant. I don’t think the new administration leader gives a crap about the USA but only his needs to accumulate more power and personal wealth at the expense of fooling millions of misguided Americans. I hope I am wrong. I’ve been wrong many times