UN Day is October 24. This year as never before, the international organization is wracked with controversy.
The night before, Under-Secretary-General Christian Saunders will be at the Westport Library. He’ll speak on “The UN at 80: Current Challenges and Future Possibilities” (October 23, 7 p.m.).
The event is part of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Lecture Series, established by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut.
Admission is free. For more information, click here.
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Today is the 2nd anniversary of Hamas’ October 7 attack.
The Blondinit will honor the memory of those lost in Israel, and those still held captive, by donating a portion of proceeds from all meals and drinks — dine in or take out at the Church Lane restaurant, and delivery — to United Hatzalah.
The volunteer-based emergency medical services organization provides free, lifesaving care to anyone in need across Israel. With more than 8,000 trained medics and an average response time of under 3 minutes, they save lives every day using innovative tools like ambucycles and GPS technology.
Entirely funded by donations, United Hatzalah was among the first responders during the October 7 attacks. They continue to provide critical emergency aid throughout the country.
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On a more joyful note, the Jewish holiday of Sukkot began at sundown last night.
The festival commemorates both the fall harvest, and 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt.
Celebrated for 7 days, it involves building a temporary hut (sukkah), which symbolizes the fragile, temporary shelters of the Israelites, and reminds observers of God’s protection.
This sukkah was built yesterday near Compo Beach:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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Survive-OARS — the inspirational (and very competitive) Saugatuck Rowing Club team made up of breast cancer survivors — heads to the Head of the Charles on October 18. It’s the biggest regatta in the world.
Six days before — this Sunday (October 12, 1 to 4 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club, rain or shine), the public can honor these strong, spirited women.
Every ticket and donation (all tax-deductible) will fuel the Survive-OARS’ life-changing program of strength, empowerment, resilience and sisterhood.
The afternoon includes music by the Bad Dog Buddy Band, nibbles and more (full raw bar, clam chowder, pumpkin bisque, charcuterie, apple crisp).
One of the highlights: turning the Saugatuck River pink, with 50,000 rose petals. That’s quadruple the usual, already stunning number.
A moment of silence will honor all the lives touched by the insidious disease.
Petals can be dedicated to a loved one, or the Survive-OARS program. Messages can be written on (biodegradable) paper, and lofted into the river along with the petals.
Tickets are $75. Can’t be there? Purchase and dedicate rose petals, to be scattered in your name ($50 or $25). Click here for more information. Questions? Email diana@survive-oars.org.
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The last time we checked in with Max Orland — the 2006 Staples High School graduate who overcame a speech and language disability to work with the New York Mets, US Open (center court, for Federer and Serena Williams), Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox and Northeastern University — he was hired in golf operations at the prestigious Tiburón Club in Naples, Florida.
Now he’s a published writer. His piece in Tri- State Golf Magazine is an inspiring account of the challenges he’s overcome, the milestones he’s reached, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. (Click here to read.)
It focuses on his move away from all that was familiar, to South Florida. It’s very well-written, filled with strong examples, and a testament to Max’s talent, perseverance and character.
The other day, Max was in Westport. He headed to Staples — as he always does — to see Sara Levesh Prior, a teacher who was so helpful to him 20 years ago.
“I was so fortunate to go to school there,” Max says. “It really launched me to some great accomplishments. I am forever grateful for Staples and Westport.
I owe gratitude to a lot of people there, like the baseball coaches, who were rooting for me.”
PS: Max has a new (and very exciting) gig. He’ll be working in operations for the NBA’s Miami Heat. Good things happen to great people!
Max Orland
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Club203 — Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities — celebrates Halloween early.
Their October 16 (6:30 p.m.) event at Earthplace is “a spooktacular night under the stars.” It includes music, a “trick-a-tree” trail” for treats, pumpkin painting, a fire pit, and a chance to hang out with friends.
Costumes are encouraged. Click here for more information.
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Staples’ Candlelight Concert is over 2 1/2 months away.
But the school’s music department is deep in preparations for the 85th annual gift to the town.
Ten years ago — for the 75th anniversary — a special CD included selections from many previous shows. The oldest — “The 12 Days of Christmas” — was from 1953.
This year, the department wonders: Are there older Candlelight recordings anywhere? And when was the first concert recorded by a movie camera (or camcorder)?
If you’ve got a long-ago LP, movie or video, contact Steve Zimmerman, district arts coordinator: szimmerman@westportps.org. (PS: Please let “06880” know too!)
This photo is from the 1979 Candlelight Concert. It was already nearly 40 years old. There have been over 40 Candlelights since.
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Pequot Runners — organizers of the very popular Thanksgiving Day 5-mile race and 2.6-mile walk — are sponsoring a kids-only race this Sunday (October 19, Greens Farms Academy)
There are 2 distances: 1.5 miles (4th-5th grade boys and girls, 9 a.m.) and 2 mles (5th-6th graders, 9:30 a.m.).
The entry fee is $27.50. Click here to register.
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“06880” received dozens of harvest moon photos last night. We couldn’t use all — or even a small part — of them.
But here is one, as it rose over (of course) Compo Beach:
(Photo/Nancy Lally)
And another, over Old Road:
(Photo/Ben Meyer)
The full harvest moon was framed beautifully, in this sculpture by Hans Von de Bovemkamp on Judy Point Lane, near Saugatuck Shores:
(Photo/Roger Leifer)
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The Staples boys soccer online silent auction has begun.
Items include soccer training with varsity players (for goalkeepers too!), a ball signed by the varsity team, a ski on/off weekend at Stowe, Knicks tickets, diamond earrings, writing consultations with “06880” founder Dan Woog, and much more.
Click here to see all the items, and bid. The auction closes Monday, October 13 at 10 p.m.
Staples High varsity soccer players offer special training, through their online auction. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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Multi-instrumentalist (bass, guitar, harmonica, looper, vocals) Brian Torff stars this Thursday, at Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399; 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows; dinner from 7).
He’s joined by saxophonists Wes Lewis and Josh Walker, and percussionist Elijah Atkins. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Most of our daily “Westport … Naturally” photos show Westport at its best: the beauty and wonder we often appreciate (but not always).
Today’s shows Gray’s Creek, between Longshore and Compo Beach Road.
But while it is a town jewel, some people don’t always treat it that way. For example:
(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
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And finally … speaking of last night’s harvest moon:
(Another day, another Roundup chock full of news, events, photos and more. If you enjoy this daily feature — or any other — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Candlelight Concert photo is definitely not from 1981. I believe this would be 1978.
Great to see local businesses supporting those affected by the October 7 attacks. At the same time, it’s also important to remember that countless innocent civilians in Gaza have suffered and continue to face immense hardship as a result of the ongoing conflict.
While honoring Israeli victims and supporting organizations like United Hatzalah is meaningful, we should also recognize the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support aid groups helping Gazans who’ve lost homes, families, and access to basic needs like food, water, and medical care.
Thanks, Ryan.
If those rose pedals had ANY pesticides on them ( and you can bet they did), this is a thoughtless commemoration.
Mitch Lapin and my sister, Pamela Hancock Kinsey, in the back row. They were class of 1980.