A popular local server needs help.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Sandy Suarez. She’s worked at Gruel Britannia since it opened; before that she was at The Porch @ Christie’s, and spent many years as a nanny.
Sandy recently received a stage 2 cancer diagnosis. Surgery was largely successful, but she must undergo 28 rounds of chemo. The first is tomorrow.
Treatment presents a significant financial challenge.
“Sandy has served our community for years,” the GoFundMe page says. “Now it’s our turn to help her.” Click here to donate. (Hat tip: Katie Phillis)
Sandy Suarez
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The Westport Public Schools’ Christmas vacation is almost over.
At Staples High, that means mid-term exams loom.
As always, the Westport Library offers a warm welcome to stressed-out students.
Today and next Sunday (January 4 and 11), the library will open early, at 9:30 a.m. However, parents, teachers and adult tutors will not be allowed in until 1 p.m.
From January 5 to 15 (except January 8), from 5 p.m. on, the Komansky Room (behind the Trefz Forum stage) is available for quiet study.
The Higgins Room will be open for study breaks — including board games, and a therapy dog. Check the website for exact dates and details.
The Patron Services desk is the place to go for highlighters, index cards, other supplies — and those all-important chargers.
Staples students don’t love mid-terms. But they love that the Library is there for them, every semester.
Students flock to the Westport Library at exam time. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
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Photos of New England are on display all month at the Westport Book Shop.
The work of guest exhibitor Lesley Vincent, the images include Westport, Southport, Black Rock, Provincetown and Martha’s Vineyard. All works are available for purchase.
A reception is set for January 16 (6 p.m.).
Lesley Vincent, and his photos.
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In a rare nighttime “Westport … Naturally” image, Kona wanders outside under a full moon.
(Photo/Carl McNair)
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And finally … today is Tom Thumb Day. It honors the birthday of Bridgeport native Charles Sherwood Stratton. Born in 1838 with what is now called pituitary dwarfism, he was discovered and promoted around the world by showman (and Bridgeport mayor) PT Barnum.
Under Barnum’s management, Tom Thumb became a wealthy man. He owned a house in a fashionable part of New York, a steam yacht, and a specially adapted home in the Thimble Islands.
He died at 45, of a stroke.
He was 45 years old. Over 20,000 people attended the funeral. Barnum bought a life-sized statue of Tom Thumb for his gravestone at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport.
(Tomorrow, we start the first full week of a new year. Today, you can start “06880” off right by clicking here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Happy new year — and thank you!)
