TOWN HONORS VETERANS TOMORROW — BIG Y TOO
A color guard, speakers — including Vietnam veteran Jay Direnberger and 2 Staples High School seniors — along with recognition of veterans highlight tomorrow’s Veterans Day ceremony.
The event is in the Town Hall auditorium Tuesday, November 11, at — appropriately — 11 a.m.
The public is invited afterward to a free Veterans Day luncheon and open bar at VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue).
Meanwhile, Big Y honors veterans and active duty military members with 10% off their order, all day tomorrow — plus a reusable bag.
Just tell the cashier that you are a veteran or on active duty.
Veterans Day at Town Hall. (Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)
“WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ONLINE SAFETY”: SESSION SET FOR THURSDAY
Parents often feel as if their children know more about the online world than they do.
New apps, games, group chats and social media platforms pop up faster than pop-up ads.
“Behind the Screen: What Parents Need to Know About Online Safety” can help.
The event is tomorrow (Thursday, November 12, 7 p.m., Bedford Middle School). Sponsored by the Westport Police Department, it grew out of a recent seminar by the Connecticut Department of Emergency Service and Protection, attended by members of the WPD’s School Security Unit.
The program offers parents a look into what is happening in the online spaces their children spend time in. Topics include how children can be approached and manipulated through social media, gaming, group chats and other online platforms. as well as a discussion about specific networks and groups in the online space that specifically target young people.
Police officials say, “Your child does not have to be a teenager for this information to matter. Learning about some of this before you need it may be the best time to hear it.”
The event is aimed at parents and guardians of children from elementary through high school.
What are your kids watching? You may be surprised.
SHOP LOCAL; SUPPORT MERCY LEARNING CENTER
Westporters are great supporters of Mercy Learning Center.
They serve on its board, volunteer at, and donate to the Bridgeport non-profit, which impacts countless women’s lives — and those of their families — through education and support services.
Local businesses help in a big way too. Two are running special promotions, with 10% of all sales donated to it.
This Thursday (November 12), it’s Unsubscribed (33 Elm Street, 6 to 8:30 p.m.).
On December 3 it’s J. McLaughlin (382 Post Road East, 1 to 5 p.m.; in-store and phone orders).
CAREER COACH RETURNS: EXCEL, POWERPOINT
The “Career Coach” returns to the Westport Library parking lot this Thursday (November 12), for a session on “Excel II.”
Next month, it’s “Intro to PowerPoint” (December 17).
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
JAZZ AT THE POST HONORS VETS
Thursday nights’ “Jazz at the Post” shows regularly attract great performers to the VFW.
This week, those sounds do more than entertain. They’ll help a great cause.
On November 12 (7 p.m.), the Jazz Society of Fairfield County hosts a “Day After” (Veterans Day) benefit concert. All proceeds directly fund crucial veterans’ services, including counseling for PTSD and other combat related disabilities, benefits advocacy, career coaching and more .
Master drummer and Vietnam era vet Joe Corsello leads a stellar ensemble: Joe’s Army buddy cornetist Don Hahn, Grammy-winning bassist Phil Bowler, pianist Dave Childs and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall on saxophone.
The evening’s emotional heart centers on special guest musician Hank Bolden.
Now 89, the saxophonist spent decades overcoming severe physical disabilities from his time as an “atomic soldier” during nuclear tests. His music carries the weight of history, survival and ultimate triumph.
Click here or below for a PBS feature on Bolden.
“westport … naturally” & song of the day
We’re getting near the end of fall foliage. We hope we’ll continue to have very colorful posts, for days to come.
But leaves are falling fast. Here’s an image from a couple of days ago, in the Gorham Avenue Historic District:
(Photo/Jamie Walsh)
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And finally … today is Veterans Day. “06880” — and all of Westport — gives great thanks to all the men and women who have served our country. We would not be here without you!
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