If you like “Shark Tank,” you’ll love Westport Start-up’s first-ever Pitch Competition.
Five finalists — out of 77 applicants — will compete for $25,000 in non-dilutive funding November 20 (6 p.m., Westport Library).
The judges — all Westport-based venture capitalists — will evaluate live pitches from early-stage companies that have spent month refining their businesses, through mentorship and coaching, including Start-up Westport, the local public/private partnership of innovators and entrepreneurs.
Those finalists are:
- Chroma Shield– Medical device technology
- Mirabelle Medical– Women’s breast health technology
- Neuro Puffs– Better-for-you snacks
- Nexa Tax– Tax technology for athletes
- Wheel Price– Automotive marketplace platform
May the best team win!
(To register to attend, click here.)
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Sure, the leaves are falling. The air is crisper.
But the biggest indication that the seasons are changing is the move of the Westport Farmers’ Market from outdoors on Imperial, to its winter indoor location at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center (7 Sylvan Lane).
The first date is November 20. Every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the greenhouses will be filled with fresh, locally sourced produce and prepared foods.
Also on tap: kids’ activities, music, food trucks, and holiday pop-ups.
New this year: Once-a-month Saturday markets, beginning December 6.
In response to community feedback, WFM is also excited to expand the market with the addition of once-per-month Saturday markets (December 6th, January 3, February 7, March 7).
A pre-Thanksgiving market is set for Tuesday, November 25 (the WFM is closed on that holiday). Featured items include fresh produce, meats, desserts, flowers, pet food and more.
Click here to learn more about the Westport Farmers’ Market. Follow them on social media: @westportfarmersmarket.
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How do young Westporters learn the importance of Veterans Day?
By doing what the Cub Scouts of Pack 39 did on Sunday.
Working with Phil Delgado and Patty Kondub of Westport VFW Post 399, 4th grade Webelos Scouts visited Christ & Holy Trinity Cemetery on Kings Highway North. Very carefully, they placed flags at veterans’ graves.
Those flags provide a vivid, patriotic background today, as we honor all the men and women who served.
(Photos/Carlos Capellán)
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Yesterday’s “recanvass” of 3 Representative Town Meeting (RTM) election results — those decided by 20 votes or less — did not change any results.
It did cut Kristin Schneeman’s winning margin for the 4th and final District 9 seat from 3 votes to 2, over Sal Liccione. Both are incumbents.
When it was over, the loser congratulated and embraced the winner. As John Suggs — who was there at Town Hall — notes, “a real class act on Sal’s part!”
Kristin Schneeman and Sal Liccione. (Photo/John Suggs)
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Sustainable Westport takes their mission seriously.
And means much more than just composting, recycling and electric vehicles.
This weekend, the non-profit teams up with the Senior Center and Westport woman’s Club to collect lightly used durable medical equipment, to support Wheel It Forward.
Crutches, canes, wheelchairs, walkers, knee scooters, shower tub seats, toilet risers, new commodes and unopened disposable items can be dropped off at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), on Saturday, November 15 (8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, November 16 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
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A new documentary about World War II journalist Sigrid Schultz — a longtime Westport resident — is nearing completion.
“Eyes on Evil” chronicles Schultz’s remarkable career covering the rise and fall of Nazi Germany — from the liberated exuberance of Weimar Berlin to Hitler’s ascent and the devastating aftermath.
It includes the years during the war when Schultz returned to the US and settled in Westport, after being injured in a British bombing raid on Berlin. She launched a nationwide lecture tour to warn Americans about the growing threat of Hitler’s regime.
In 1945 she was among a small group of reporters to cover the liberation of the Buchenwald concentration camp.
The film is directed by Vanessa Johnston, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and former Reuters producer based in Washington. She made several trips to Westport, including an interview with historian John Suggs.
Johnston has just launched a fundraising campaign. Click here for details.
Sigrid Schultz
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Congratulations to the Westport Police Department, and Officer Dominque Carr.
The WPD recently earned a Gold Traffic Safety Award from AAA Northeast. Only 12 police departments in the state received the honor, presented to communities that have implement programs and projects that have an active safety committee, and for efforts in education, engineering and enforcement, along with other statistical measures of success
Carr — a member of the WPD traffic enforcement division — was recognized for his efforts as a “traffic safety leader.”
From left: Officer Dominque Carr, Captain Eric Woods, Lieutenant Sereniti Dobson.
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“The A Chronicles 10-Minute Play Festival” — “bold, funny and fearless short dramas” by 9 playwrights, selected from over 350 submissions — runs for 2 performances on November 19 (2 and 7 p.m., at MoCA\CT).
The A Chronicles stages live theatrical events around reproductive rights —”amplifying voices, disrupting narratives to fuel real conversations.”
Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Composer/pianist Steve Sandberg plays Ellington, Monk, Mingus and Sandberg, blending classical, world music and jazz with exciting improvisation.
On Thursday, he brings his talents to Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
Sandberg is joined by bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer Jeff Hirshfield, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Squirrels are a dime a dozen around here.
But an albino squirrel — like today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature (spotted across the border in Weston — that’s one in 100,000, says photographer Andy Berliner.
(Photo/Andy Berliner)
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And finally … to all the men and women who have served our country, so bravely and so well, for so long:
The RTM is poorer for the loss of Sal Liccione.
I agree with Larry, though I would have preferred to have both Kristin and Sal re-elected. Both are strong on so many issues, speak out and act with integrity. Sal, please stay involved.
The documentary about Sigrid Schultz sounds fascinating. And that’s great that they interviewed John. Hope they raise the funds they need to finish it.
No one will ever worked harder for his people than Sal! My guess is he will pop up again!