Congratulations to Jeffrey Wieser and Lauren Karpf. They were re-elected as moderator and deputy moderator, respectively, at last night’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) session. There was one “no” vote against Weiser, from Jennifer Johnson.
It was the first meeting of the new 36-member legislative body, following last month’s election.
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser
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Like most Westporters, Lawrence Weisman was inundated with “Giving Tuesday” requests yesterday.
Any organization we’ve ever donated to or even contacted for any reason — and many we didn’t, but who have bought lists from those we have — filled our email inboxes with heartfelt pleas.
(Where did “Giving Tuesday” come from? It began in 2012, as a project of New York’s 92nd Street Y, to counter the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s now become a behemoth of its own.)
Larry asks his “fellow givers”: “Help me find the best way to navigate the storm of requests by the multitude of worthy non-profits that find their way into my mailbox, my screen and my phone – not to mention the fraudsters who have my phone number.
“How am I to triage these unending requests to feed my neighbors, save their pets and contribute to their medical expenses? If I don’t fund the police will I be contributing to a rise in crime?
“Do I choose recipients based in part on the gifts I am offered? I already have a sufficient supply of address labels, note pads and calendars of all sizes.
“Would it be better if I were to give a larger amount to fewer charities or to spread the wealth by giving a lesser amount to a greater number? Perhaps I might adopt a policy of supporting only local charities; at least that’s a plausible rationale for making a choice.
“Seriously, help me out here. How do you decide which efforts to support and which to ignore?”
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One more sign that winter is here (if unofficially): The Westport PAL ice skating rink at Longshore is open.
Skating by the Sound.
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NPR’s “Fresh Air” has plenty of devoted Westport listeners.
They got a special treat yesterday, when Lynsey Addario was interviewed.
The 1991 Staples High School graduate/Pulitzer Prize winner and MacArthur fellow talked about her new documentary, “Love+War”; her career; her family, and much more.
Click here to listen to the long, fascinating interview, or to read the transcript. (Hat tip: Derek Fuchs)
Lynsey Addario
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The Westport Library’s fall book sale is almost here.
It features thousands of gently used books in more than 50 categories: infants to teens; literature and classics; fiction, mystery, scifi and fantasy; graphic novels and manga; art, photography, history, math, science, psychology, religion, biography, business, cooking, gardening, performing arts, travel, foreign language, education, reference, and more, including Noteworthy, especially antiquarian books.
Plus vintage vinyl records, DVDs, and CDs.
Sale hours are:
Friday, December 5: 12 to 6 p.m. (early access ticket, 8:45 a.m. to noon; click here)
Saturday, December 6: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, December 7: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (almost everything half-price)
Monday, December 8: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fill the Library logo bag for $10 per bag, your own same-sized bag for $8, or buy individual books at half-price)
For more information, click here.
A small part of the large Westport Library book sale.
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Speaking of books: The Westport Book Shop welcomes artists from Club203 — the town’s social club for adults with disabilities — as this month’s guest exhibitors.
This exhibit is a partnership with MoCA Gives Back. The MoCA\CT initiative provides creative opportunities for under-resourced populations.
The exhibition coincides with Westport Book Shop’s 5th anniversary. Since 2020, the Jesup Road store has provided employment for adults with disabilities and supported the Westport Library.
Club203 artists’ work “reflects the values of inclusion, opportunity and community engagement that have guided the organization since its founding.”
The artists on display have been led by Agata Tria, an artist and teacher at MoCA. She works closely with Club203 members during monthly events and through summer art classes.
A reception for the Club203 artists is set for December 19 (6 p.m.).
Agata Tria, with Club203 members’ work at the Westport Book Shop.
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Speaking of MoCA: Calling all student artists!
MoCA\CT is soliciting works for their 11th annual high school exhibition, “The Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.”
This year’s theme coincides with the Westport Public Art Collections’ exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues.”
The exhibition explores the effects of contemporary music on today’s youth culture. Music is a catalyst for conversation, inspiring political awareness and mobilizing youth-led movements. It influences how young people speak, what they stand for, and how they connect with one another.
Students will be prompted to select a song from 2020 to today, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.
The deadline is January 30. Click here for the application, and more information.
MoCA\CT’s 10th high school show.
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Speaking of young people: They’re ready to help older residents with snow shoveling (when it’s needed), through the “We Do Walkways” program.
Westport’s Department of Human Services provides the names of middle and high school youngsters to seniors, in their neighborhood. Call 203-341-1050, or email edaignault@westportct.gov.
That’s the contact info too for students who want to sign up.
DHS recommends that seniors pay the shovelers $10 to $15 an hour. The service is not free — but it’s great!
Teens are ready to help seniors.
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Speaking still of youths: Want to write for young readers, but don’t know how?
Tomorrow (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.. 25 Sylvan Road South; free), the Westport Writers’ Workshop hosts “Paths to Publishing with Kid lit Authors Lori Kase and Diana Sussman.
Author Christine Pakkala will moderate a conversation with the writers of the YA novel “The Accident,” and the middle grade mystery “The Neighbors’ Secret.”
They’ll explore their journeys to publication, writing across genres and more. A Q-and-A session follows. For more information, click here.
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Westport Moms’ 9th annual holiday shopping event returns this Friday (December 5, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Birchwood Country Club). Admission is free.
Over 20 vendors will sell home decor, jewelry, athleisure, sports apparel, accessories, jackets, candles and resort wear (with on-site monogramming).
There’s a donation drive too. Shoppers are asked to bring gently used warm coats and clothing items to donate .
But that’s not all. Westport Moms is also sponsoring their 5th annual toy drive. This year’s recipient is the K-8 Wilbur Cross School in Bridgeport.
Just click here for the wish list. All items will be shipped directly to the school.
The need is great. But — Westport Moms say — “our town always comes through!”
Questions? Email info@westportmoms.com.
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Speaking of Westport Moms: They report that Westport dad (and “Today” show co-anchor Craig Melvin has a new side gig.
He just launched a candle company: “Melvin Made.”
The Moms say: “What began as a garage hobby quickly became a surprisingly therapeutic escape. After trying our hand at pouring one ourselves, we can confirm it’s as calming (and addictive) as it looks. …
“Each @melvinmadeco candle is handcrafted from coconut oil with clean, phthalate-free fragrance and inspired by the people, stories and moments that shaped Craig’s life.
“And proceeds help support families affected by cancer, raising awareness and funds for cancer charities, including organizations that stood alongside his own family and continue helping others every day.”
Click here to learn more, and to order Craig’s candles.
Craig Melvin, with his candles. (Photo courtesy of Westport Moms)
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Breast cancer is no laughing matter.
But Pink Aid — the great non-profit that aids patients and their families — and Chabad of Westport are teaming up for their 3rd annual “Stand Up for Pink Aid” comedy event.
The December 10 event is an evening of “heart and humor.” The all-star lineup includes Jacob Brody — an inspiring 11-year-old cancer survivor from Westport — and Nick Scopoletti, whose comedy is shaped by losing his mom to breast cancer at age 6.
Pink Aid promises, “It will be meaningful, memorable, and seriously funny.” Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Hey: It’s December!
Time to get rid of the pumpkins (and assorted autumnal stuff). Christmas trees (or menorahs) are coming.
Pam Barkentin spotted this “Westport … Naturally” scene yesterday, at the transfer station:
(Photo/Pam Barkentin)
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And finally … in honor of Craig Melvin’s newest project (story above):
(Today’s Roundup is chock-full of news, events, ideas and more. But so is every day’s! If you enjoy these features — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Larry I totally get it. I was so fed up with the donation process that I decided to stop ALL donations for a while. Very relaxing. Not even political donations. Then I signed up for Wounded Warriors and Tunnels to Towers, 2 of the very best along with the USO. They produce meaningful results and it makes watching their commercials bearable. Merry Christmas Larry. Love your sketches. You should do courtrooms 😜👍
I understand Larry’s donation fatigue. Been there.
But I was finally able to come up with a solution that works for me.
1) I’ve chosen categories to stick to: children and animals in need. The vulnerable and innocent. Others might focus on the environment, or cancer, or veterans, or education, etc.
2) I only donate to small, and often local, organizations. The ones who survive on donations and volunteers. The ones whose CEOs aren’t making a million dollars a year. [There’s nothing wrong with those large organizations, mind you. But they have successful fundraising arms and I’m just sharing my own criteria.]
And that’s it. Choose your category and, if necessary, refine your parameters. Then stick to it. Free yourself by accepting that you can’t be all things to all people. (smiling)
Whomever or whatever gets your $$ will be grateful. ❤️
There’s a double amputee in Columbia, Maryland who sits on a street corner. I can’t pass him without giving him money.
Say, “Qualified Charitable Distribution,” Larry…If you’re old enough, you can give more without paying income tax.
Also explore how your insurance company treats dividends: my fraternal order allows me to contribute anonymously (thereby avoiding being put on the lists of generous people which are passed on from charitable organization to charitable organization.)
Wishing you happier giving.
Donations were especially important to me this year since I elected to give fairly substantial amounts to organizations that are focused on civil liberties and contesting the various actions under the Trump Administration. I of course give to Westport local organizations.
My Great Grandmother Fanny said to give with a warm hand, not a cold one. Maimonides Ladder of Giving said there are שמונה – 8 levels of giving. The beauty about the giving season is everyone has an opportunity to…spread the wealth…where they can. At the RTM last night Nancy Kail District 9 reminded us of giving Tuesday and I’m more happy now that I gave a multiple of 8 for my district last night (as a member of the public in attendance). The Eight levels are giving for: self-sufficiency, anonymous, anonymous-to-known, known-to-anonymous, spontaneous, solicited, happy-but-less, and reluctant.
Nancy brought attention to Health and Human Services – ie your neighbor – https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/human-services/donate-here
Ps – DW- is it snowing ?! =^()
Regarding donations to charities, using a website like Charity Navigator can give you useful information, especially about the administrative costs of a charity. When I was still in the military the annual Combined Federal Campaign provided us with details about the hundreds of charities they worked with; it was surprising how may large and well known charities had massive admin costs and how little of your dollar went to the actual recipients.
Larry, I like to concentrate my giving on organizations that are effective with delivering on their mission, have low administrative and fund raising expense, and address a true need. For me, Homes with Hope fits that bill perfectly, and the benefits go directly to our local community and those in need.
I had a great local interview recently w Lynsay Addario too, and we talked about growing up in Westport & her family values . https://shows.acast.com/the-lisa-wexler-show-1/episodes/lynsey-addario-world-renowned-photojournalist
Larry, one little thing you can do, is contact a hospital social worker to identify a needy patient, or their family, who are facing big challenges during the holidays. Give them grocery store gift cards.. Trader Joes, etc. to show them a bit of humanity and a bit of a miracle.
@Larry Weisman, I have created nonprofits, dissolved them, and sat on boards and committees responsible for allocating funds to other organizations, as well as fundraising. Your question is such a great one. It’s such a personal decision. There are so many good organizations out there, and recommendations (above), but if you’d like to brainstorm this a little bit more, feel free to contact me Allyson@AllysonMaida.com. Happy to help.