What do Westport police officers do on their time off?
They help the waiters and bussers at Rizzuto’s.
No, they’re not earning extra cash. At least, not for themselves.
For 4 hours Friday night, Westport’s finest welcomed diners, took orders and served meals. The “Tip-A-Cop” event was a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut.
Customers were encouraged to leave extra tips — and boy, did they. The WPD raised a whopping $11,000.
“Rizzuto’s was an amazing host, and their guests were very generous,” says Lieutenant Eric Woods.
A tip of the “06880” hat to all!
Westport Police and Rizzuto’s staff.
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With passion, insights, humor and love, scholars present and past honored A Better Chance of Westport last night.
The highlight of the annual Dream Event fundraising gala for the program that provides educational and enrichment opportunities to students of color from less advantaged communities was — as always — speeches by soon-to-be graduates, and a returning alum.
Seniors Michael Loya and Brian Lu traced their journeys from freshmen in an entirely new environment (Westport seemed like “a forest”), to their proud achievements in the classroom, and beyond.
They offered profuse thanks to the many volunteer host families, drivers, tutors, executive directors and board members who helped them on their journey.
Brian Lu and Michael Loya.
In the COVID year of 2020, Yoel Hooper-Antunez never gave his senior speech. He made up for it this year, with an inspiring tale of his 4 years at ABC’s Glendarcy House, his career at Grinnell College, and his work now for a gaming company in Las Vegas.
Yoel too acknowledged the cultural change he navigated, coming here. Growing up next to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, the first thing he noticed about Westport was the quiet.
It was a joyful, heartfelt night. Westport does much for our ABC scholars.
But they give us much more in return.
Yoel Hooper-Antunez
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Also last night: Club203’s monthly party.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA hosted members of Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities.
They swam, played sports, rocked out to great music, made wind chimes, and enjoyed healthy snacks.
Club 203 thanks Brian Marazzi, the lifeguards, Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs), Calise Deli & Market, and MoCA CT.
Club203 and SLOBs, at the Y.
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A reader writes, “While I was walking with a friend at Sherwood Island State Park Friday around noon, her credit card, debit card, $50 in cash and a blank check were stolen from her purse. It was camouflaged (she thought), but sitting in the console of her car. She thinks she locked her car, but isn’t positive since no windows were broken.
“A few minutes after we finished our walk, she started getting fraud alerts from her credit card company. The thieves had already been to Staples in Fairfield, trying to charge over $1,000 in merchandise.”
Sherwood Island has always seemed like a safe, secure refuge. Of course, no place always is. Always lock your car, everywhere — and double-check to make sure!
A beautiful spot for a walk. But lock your car doors!
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Sandy Cooper — the always helpful, all-knowing and much loved owner of Cooper’s Auto Parts had major heart surgery a year ago.
It has not slowed him down at all. He opens his door (across from Stop & Shop) at 7 a.m. every day. All day long, he solves problems, soothes customers, and saves them money.
This Tuesday (April 29), Sandy turns 77. John Karrel — one of his many fans and friends — urges every customer to stop by, with a birthday card.
John notes that the best ones will have “the sort of ironic sentiment one finds on the many signs in his shop.”
Sandy Cooper, in his timeless store.
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Mother’s Day is 2 weeks from today! (You knew that, right?)
And Wreathing for Community believes that moms should be celebrated in a big way.
The group collects donations from community members and businesses. then creates beautiful wreaths, centerpieces and other home decor items.
Some are donated to non-profit organizations for their fundraising efforts. Others are given as gifts to grouops, volunteers and community members.
Faith Sargent says: “If you’d like to honor your mom this Mother’s Day, please email WhimsicalRedheadCrafts@gmail.com. Tell us what makes her so special.
“One wonderful mom will be chosen to receive the whimsical butterfly wreath (below).”
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Bill Shakos’ fifth “What Do I Know?” podcast is particularly compelling.
The in-depth interview with State Senator Ceci Maher focuses on mental health.
Powerfully and honestly, she discusses her husband’s struggles with PTSD and alcoholism, in the wake of September 11.
Shakos’ next podcast — featuring Homes with Hope — drops tomorrow.
Click here for links to listen.
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A great annual Staples High School baseball tradition is welcoming Little League players. This year’s Little League Day takes place Friday (May 2, 4:15 p.m.).
Youngsters will be invited onto the field for the lineup, and to run the bases on prior to the first pitch.
They’ll then cheer on the Wreckers against Wilton, and enjoy free pizza from the Colony truck.
Four Little Leaguers at Staples in 2019. Three are now varsity baseball players; the other calls Wrecker games on WWPT-FM. From left: current Staples varsity players Will Allott, Mark Kelly and Connor Brill, and WWPT-FM announcer Charlie Curran.
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Sure, you can honk at traffic.
Or you can fly above it — and do your honking there. Just like in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, courtesy of Carol Anne Ances.
(Photo/Carol Anne Ances)
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And finally … on this date in 1791, Samuel F.B. Morse was born.
He was not the only one to invent the primary language of telegraphy. But he’s the one whose name is on it.
(Besides the tip in the item at top, here’s another one: If you click here, your tax-deductible contribution helps support “06880.” We rely on our readers, so thank you!)
Great song from the 1970s
Talent is Everywhere, Opportunity is not.
Those were words spoken last night at the annual gala for A Better Chance of Westport at the library. A beautiful evening celebrating the successes of the eight young scholars who have been spending their high school years at Staples. Students of color, they have applied to this program from many places in the country, from California to New Jersey. It is a national program and has been existence in Westport for some twenty two years which gives these motivated and determined young people a chance to reach for the stars.
“One opportunity can change the world for someone,” and that was truly the message of the evening. Students from the past and present spoke eloquently about what the program has done for them, the relationships they have forged and also the challenges of entering a world so different from the one they are coming from.
The host for the evening asked everyone to close their eyes and think of an experience they had in which they were given an opportunity that so impacted their lives. I thought back to my teaching career and how I had applied for a sabbatical to study physical education programs in Scandinavia and England. The decision was voted on by the board of education. By a vote of 4 to 3 I was granted my wish and the year was so influential in formulating my teaching philosophy over the rest of my career.
Opportunity can change the world for all of us. Check out the website http://www.abetterchanceofwestport.org and consider making a donation, volunteering to help and following the journeys of these incredible young men.
Sandy! Wonderful guy.