For the past 4 years, Westport resident Robert Levy has volunteered at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
They’re “a remarkable group of people living with Parkinson’s disease,” he says.
Levy teaches boxing, in a body-and-mind “Knock Parkinson’s Out” program that builds strength, balance, confidence and connection. There is a speech component therapy too.
What began as a small group of 25 has grown to nearly 35 boxers today. Meeting twice a week, they’re supported by 4 trainers, and 7 dedicated volunteers.
Brenda Waldron — the Y’s head boxing instructor — leads the program. “Her vision and energy have helped shape something truly special,” Levy says.
“What makes this group stand out is its spirit,” Levy says.
“Our ‘all for one and one for all’ mentality creates real camaraderie.” Beyond the gym, they’ve taken a bus trip to New York, and enjoy many meals together.
“Boxing develops strength, improves balance and sharpens memory — benefits that matter to everyone, but especially to those living with Parkinson’s,” Levy says.
Each year, I mark our progress by giving out a new shirt. The colors change, but the message remains the same.”
The 2026 “Knock Parkinson’s Out” shirt is blue, with a line from the Book of Psalms: “There is strength in my soul.”
“Knock Out Parkinson’s” participants, trainers and volunteers.
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Sure, it’s late notice. But you should never pass up an opportunity to learn about investing.
Tonight (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Westport Library), E3 Wealth Advisory Group presents an interactive session to help recent college graduates and young professional “navigate life-changing financial decisions and milestones.” Topics include budgeting, saving, investing, and starting a family. Click here for more information.
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Bedford Middle School Art Collective students are designing original merchandise, for a fundraiser benefiting the Homes with Hope food pantry.
It’s one more project, in a 20-plus year relationship between BMS and Westport’s non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness and food insecurity.
“Students are learning that creativity and compassion go hand in hand,” says Art Collective advisor Cecily Anderson.
Students created original block prints, used in several ways. For example, a vending machine will dispense limited edition original “mini prints.” This was introduced as part of a broader conversation about contemporary art practices, including the growing use of vending machines and interactive systems as artistic platforms in museums and galleries.
Students also applied their original block print designs to tote bags and t-shirts.
In addition to the prints and wearables, students created handmade ceramic food-themed sculpture pins, plus small sculptural works called “Food Dudes”.
The tote bags, t-shirts, limited edition prints and other student works will be sold from 6;15 to 7 p.m. today (Wednesday), before the town-wide “Jazz & Java” event.
Bedford Middle School t-shirt designs, for Homes with Hope.
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If you haven’t been to Longshore lately, here’s a look at the renovation of the Inn:
(Photo/John Kantor)
Work is progressing well. And — importantly — the tree in the front is still there.
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Yesterday, the New York Times published an op-ed headlined “We Were Topo Homeland Security Lawyers. You Can’t Wish Away the Fourth Amendment.”
Among the 6 authors — all of them general counsels or acting general counsels for the Department of Homeland Security — is Ivan Fong. He served as general counsel from 2009 to 2012.
A Westport resident from 2000 to 2006, he is a graduate of Stanford Law School, where he was president of the Law Review. He earned a Fulbright Scholarship, and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Fong is now executive vice president, general counsel and secretary at Medtronic. (Hat tip: Lisa Friedland)
Ivan Fong
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The ice at Old Mill Beach is not going anywhere, any time soon.
Which makes it a great subject for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Rick Benson)
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And finally … in honor of the Y’s superb “Knock Parkinson’s Out” boxing program (story above):
(Speaking of finances — as we were, a few items above — “06880” is just about the best investment you can make. You’ll support our blog, AND feel good. Please click here. And thank you!)
