Author Archives: Dan Woog

Roundup: Class Of ’64’s “Deep Dive,” Library’s Landscaping, WestportMoms’ Fun Festival …

Posted on September 24, 2024 | 1 comment

Staples High School’s Class of 1964’s 60th reunion this past weekend had all the usual trappings of a great celebration: a cocktail party, dinner banquet, Compo Beach cookout … you know the drill.

But the still energetic, now-in-their-late-70s, once-and-always Wreckers, added a unique twist.

In a “Deep Dive” session, 6 reunion-goers — selected from many proposals — offered insights into their careers, volunteer work and the passions that impacted their lives, and others.

The group included Tom Dublin, who co-created a women and social movements document history website subscribed to by libraries and universities; former Staples lacrosse coach Paul McNulty, who coached and built an integrated football team in Mississippi; Nancy Wilson, who founded a Quaker school, and now teaches in a prison; Tim Honey, who spent a foreign exchange year in South Africa, and has revisited the much-changed country since apartheid ended; Sandi Crosby Goldie, who works on climate change, and Melody James, talking about bridging silence and sound, pioneering medical technology and navigating the opposition to the cochlear implant.

It was a wonderful afternoon.

Even more wonderfully, classmate Nick Passaro Jr. taped it — and put it online.

Now, all those members of the Class of ’64 who were not there can enjoy it.

So can the thousands of others of us who were not fortunately to be in that high-powered, tight, and very creative Staples class.

Click below. And prepare to be inspired.

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The Westport Library has benefited from many donors. They’ve endowed the building, sponsored programs, and bought books.

Julie and Rob Haroun have done something different. The Westport couple has improved and maintained the landscaping outside.

Among their improvements: a new irrigation system and plantings along Jesup Green, the Riverwalk path, and the hill below the café deck.

On Thursday (September 26, 4 p.m.), the Library will honor the Harouns with a special ceremony, on the Riverwalk Level. A plaque will be unveiled at the front of the building, near the police parking lot.

Outdoor Design and Living executed the makeover, at a discount as a generous donation to the Library.

“Having worked as a real estate developer for over 30 years, primarily focusing on properties in Westport, I was intent on ensuring that the exterior of the building was properly landscaped to reflect the first-class facility that we all enjoy in this town,” says Rob Haroun. He was a Library trustee from 2016 to ’23.

“We are confident that these funds will cover the maintenance for the next 5 to 10 years,” he adds.

“We have lived in town since 1992, raised 3 children, and built a business here. This is our way of giving back to an institution that is near and dear to our hearts.”

Several views of the Westport Library landscaping.

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The 4th annual Westport Moms Fall Family Fun Festival returns this Saturday (September 28, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Compo Beach fields — no beach sticker needed).

Among the activities: pumpkin decorating, Grit Ninja obstacle course, music, yoga (kids’ class by Child’s Pose Westport at 10:30 a.m.), bubble show, bouncy house, face painting, art projects, sports, chess and more.

If you’re a kid, you’ll find something to love.

There ae food trucks from Jr’s Deli and Coalhoue Pizza.

Tickets are $25 per family. Click here to pre-purchase, and avoid lines the lines:

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Twelve Staples High School seniors are National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.

William Boberski, Kendra Cheng, Alexander Esser, Anna Ji, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Andrew Rebello, Samuel Rossoni, Megan Sargent, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey and Ryan Tzou join 16,000 semifinalists nationwide.

That’s fewer than 1 percent of the over 1.3 million students who took the 2023 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam.

All will compete for 6,870 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $26 million.

From left: Staples principal Stafford Thomas, Jr.,  Samuel Rossoni, Andrew Rebello, Alexander Sod, Jackson Tracey, Angelina Matra, Carolina Proctor, Megan Sargent,  Anna Ji, Kendra Cheng, assistant principal Patrick Micinilio. Missing: Alexander Esser and Ryan Tzou.

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Podcasts are everywhere. I’ve got one of my own, thanks to the Westport Library. Every 2 weeks, I chat with interesting Westporters, from all walks of life.

Every once in a while, I find myself on the other side of the mic.

One of those times was this summer. I was honored to be a guest — actually, the very first guest — on Jay Norris’ new “Visionary’s” podcast.

The Westport business/tech/media/retail/real estate leader — a visionary himself — launched his series at Content Studio, Chirag Shah’s Saugatuck space.

The goal of the podcast is to talk about visions, goals and dreams. And, of course, how to achieve them.

Jay says he’s “flipping the switch,” interviewing me instead of the other way around.

It was a great chat. I learned a lot, and hopefully threw in a couple of ideas that viewers can use.

Click below to listen to the very first “Visionary’s” podcast.

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Adele Jacobs from Voices of Hope spoke on Friday to the Sunrise Rotary Club.

Voices of Hope is an educational non-profit organization established by the families of Holocaust survivors across Connecticut (including Jacobs). It promotes a culture of courage to stand up against hatred, through Holocaust and genocide education and remembrance.

Adele Jacobs, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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Fairfield County bassist Phil Bowler has played with jazz legends like Horace Silver, Wynton Marsalis (with whom he received a Grammy for Marsalis’ album “Think of One”), Lightning Hopkins, Dr. John, Max Roach and Ralph Peterson.

He’s a frequent guest at Jazz at the Post. This Thursday (September 26), he headlines the event.

He’s joined by vocalist Janice Dempsey, pianist Joe McWilliams, guitarist Bob Riccio, drummer Bobby Leonard and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 are at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Email: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” series sometimes features panoramas of animals, trees or flowers.

Sometimes we highlight one: a hummingbird or gull, say, or maple tree.

Occasionally, a photographer captures a great close-up. But today’s image may be our most amazing one ever.

Andrew Colabella did the honors, with an Aspetuck Land Trust spider.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … after seeing Andrew’s photo (above), you may have seen this coming:

(“Who” doesn’t enjoy “06880”? If you’re one of our 20,000 daily readers who do, please click here to support our work. We couldn’t do it without you. Thanks!)

 

 

 

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Westport Garden Club: Town Treasure Celebrates 100 Years

Posted on September 24, 2024 | 3 comments

Everyone has a favorite Westport place: Compo Beach. The Library. Farmer’s Market. Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. Museum for History & Culture.

This Saturday (September 28, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Church), all those special spots will be honored.

The Westport Garden Club’s 100th anniversary flower show — called “Westport’s Town Treasures” — is their first official National Garden Clubs-sanctioned flower show in 19 years.

Westport Garden Club, at Jesup Green.

Members spent the last 2 years learning official rules, planning and practicing to create the event, and craft a program that pays tribute to the town they have worked a century to beautify.

Hoskins Hall at Saugatuck Church (another town treasure) will be transformed by exhibits in horticulture, floral design, photography and education.

In keeping with the theme, 4 Westport environmental groups — Aspetuck Land Trust, Earthplace, Friends of Sherwood Island and the town’s Conservation Department — will offer educational exhibits, highlighting how each has enhanced Westport’s Pollinator Pathway.

The photography exhibits, provided by amateur photographers from around the state, honor treasured local resources”:

  • The Community Garden: A photograph of a landscape or a garden.
  • The Saugatuck River: A photograph of a plant or tree reflected in a body of water.
  • Burying Hill: A photograph with a beach setting that includes plant material.
  • Staples Players: A photograph of a butterfly, moth or dragon fly in a garden setting.

The Photography division will be judged by Westport professionals Stacy Waldman Bass and John Videler (along with an official Flower Show judge).

Even the show’s program cover art fits the theme. It is an original work of art created for the show by former Westport teacher and artist Kerstin Rao. She offers limited edition tea towels and notecards, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the garden club.

Kerstin Rao’s program cover.

The suggested donation is $10, which go toward the club’s community projects. Donors will receive a copy of the commemorative 100th anniversary booklet. and a chance to win a gift card from 2 more recent Westport favorites: Nômade and Gabriele’s Steakhouse.

(The Westport Garden Club is 85 years older than “06880.” But we’re proud to report on treasures like it — and younger ones too. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2715

Posted on September 23, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2715

Bella running at Old Mill Beach (Photo/Andrea Metchick)

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Dustin Nickerson Stands Up For Comedy — And Homes With Hope

Posted on September 23, 2024 | Comments Off on Dustin Nickerson Stands Up For Comedy — And Homes With Hope

Dustin Nickerson calls himself “the world’s most average person.”

He’s not, of course. The comedian’s “Overwhelmed” debut in 2020 is one of the highest-rated specials on Amazon Prime Video.

He’s been featured on Comedy Central, Netflix, the Late Show with James Carden, Fox and Hulu, and is heard regularly on Sirius Radio XM.

And this Saturday (September 28, Quick Center, Fairfield University; 6:30 p.m. reception, $175; 8:30 show, $75), he’s the star of this year’s “Stand Up for Comedy” benefit for Homes with Hope.

All proceeds help the non-profit continue their word, addressing homelessness and food insecurity in Westport.

In an interview with “06880,” Nickerson talked about his “average” persona.

“My wife and I joke that I’ve got one foot on the red carpet. The other foot’s in the school pickup line.”

Dustin Nickerson

Nickerson is a rare comedian these days. His humor is clean, and apolitical.

But it’s very relatable, to anyone who has any kind of domestic life.

In other words: everyone.

Though Nickerson grew up watching Comedy Central in the 1990s, he did not take a direct route to performing. He was “meandering” through life, when he gave an open mic night a try.

Doing comedy in front of an audience is nerve-wracking, as those of us who have never done it can only imagine.

But there are other fears too: How do you hold the mic? Who do you look at?

“There’s a whole subculture of people who know these things,” Nickerson says.

It did not take long for him to join them.

Or to make his name, with them.

He now does up to 250 shows a year. His main worry these days is missing a flight connection.

He did, he admits, have another fear, before throwing out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners’ game.

That’s his home town. He’s become known as someone who talks knowledgeably — and humorously — about baseball. His work with MLB.com and The Athletic led to that invitation.

“I was really worried I’d get hurt, throwing one pitch in front of everyone,” he says.

Turning serious, the comedian noted that he worked with the homeless population when he was younger. He still looks for volunteer opportunities on the road.

Organizations like Homes with Hope, he said, are “so important. They make such an impact.”

On Saturday, Dustin Nickerson will help them continue to do just that.

In a decidedly non-average way.

Click here for tickets to “Stand Up for Comedy,” and for more information. Click here for Dustin Nickerson’s website.

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“06880” Podcast: David Roth & Kerry Long

Posted on September 23, 2024 | 1 comment

David Roth and Kerry Long are co-directors of Staples Players.

That’s our local high school drama troupe. But if you’ve ever been to a Players show — and if you haven’t, why not?! — you know it is anything but a high school production.

In addition to their spectacularly professional work, both David and Kerry are Staples graduates. The other day, we chatted on the Westport Library stage about Players’ 66-year past, present and future (don’t miss “Elf” this November!).

Click below, to learn more about this amazing — and amazingly entertaining — organization.

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Roundup: Westoberfest, Kyle Martino, Burying Hill …

Posted on September 23, 2024 | 3 comments

Westoberfest had all the elements of an early fall (okay, last day of summer) celebration on Saturday.

Beer (from 22 breweries) and pumpkin crafts drew perhaps the largest crowd in the 7-year history of the Westport Downtown Association event, to Elm Street and environs.

But plenty else kept them there, including 2 dozen vendors, 6 food trucks, music, and kids’ activities.

Westoberfest has quickly become one of the highlights of the WDA — and entire Westport — calendar.

We’ll drink to that!

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When Kyle Martino was growing up in Westport, he played pickup soccer with and against much older players — including college stars who had graduated from Staples.

The training worked. Martino went on to become 1999 National High School Player of the Year; MLS Rookie of the Year; a teammate of David Beckham’s on the Los Angeles Galaxy, and an 8-time US men’s national team player.

Martino’s passion for the game continues unabated. He has developed a unique retractable goal that turns any basketball court or blacktop into a small-sided field, and a non profit (Over Under Initiative) to bring soccer to underserved communities.

On Friday Martino was in Westport, discussing his ideas, seeking input and help, and encouraging his home town to be a national leader in the movement back to small-sided soccer, and encouraging informal play by all ages.

He brought some heavy hitters to the meeting at a private home: Cobi Jones, his former Galaxy teammate and the all-time leader in US men’s national team appearances (164), plus Edson Buddle, his longtime friend from New Rochelle who scored over 100 MLS goals.

Dave Briggs was at the meeting. He asked Martino to explain his mission. Click below to listen:

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According to Reproductive Equity Now, anti-abortion centers — also called “crisis pregnancy centers” — are “facilities that pretend to be reproductive health clinics, but in reality, exist to dissuade people from accessing abortion care using deceptive advertising, abortion stigma, and medical disinformation.” REN says that in Connecticut, they outnumber “legitimate abortion clinics’ nearly 2 to 1.

On October 16 at MoCA CT, the organization will screen “Preconceived.” The new documentary “exposes anti-abortion centers’ deceptive and dangerous practices.”

There are 2 showings: 10 a.m. (click here for tickets) and 7 p.m. (click here for tickets). The evening event includes light refreshments at 6:30, and a brief post-screening panel with elected officials and providers.

All proceeds benefit Reproductive Equity Now.

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Regular visitors to Burying Hill Beach know that the entrance road floods routinely.

But the breadth of yesterday’s water — particularly in the absence of any rain — surprised even veteran beach-goers.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

As with Saturday’s flooding at Quentin Road and Compo Beach Road, we may be heading into a new “new normal.”

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Adam Vengrow gives a shout-out to Billi at the Post Road East Mobil station, across from Playhouse Square.

Adam writes: “I popped a tire yesterday, and couldn’t find where.

I went right tot he best. It was Sunday morning, but Billi stopped what he was doing and fixed us right up. Love them!”

(Photo/Adam Vengrow)

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Visitors can relive the golden age of Weston at The Peter Thorp House on Sunday (September 29, 4 to 7 p.m.).

The Weston History & Culture is hosting a fundraiser, with guided tours of the historic property, a cocktail party in the rose garden, a musical performance, and raffles.

Early bird tickets ($125) include 5 raffle tickets; click here.

Peter Thorp House garden.

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The Pantry — the Fairfield market very popular with Westporters — has reopened, following a recent fire.

Owners were buoyed by support from local merchants. Westport’s Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center sent parsley, basil and edible flowers. Harry’s Wine & Liquor offered beer and wine for the clean-up crew. Other businesses helped too, Mary Condon reports.

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The only downside to Saturday’s LobsterFest were the spotted lanternflies covering trees at nearby Compo Beach South Beach.

They landed on a few attendees, who brushed them off, then squished them.

“You hate to do it, because they’re really so pretty,” one festival-goer said.

“But they really are gross.”

And invasive.

Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” photo of a dead lanternfly. It is indeed both pretty and gross.

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And finally … songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler died this past week in North Carolina. He was 91. Click here for a full obituary, and click below for his most famous song.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution, to support our work. Thank you!)

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Devin Wells’ Intriguing Career Path: From Westfield To Westport

Posted on September 23, 2024 | 3 comments

Devin Wells did not expect to wind up in a place like Westport.

The son of a 19-year-old mother who immigrated from Portugal, and a 20-year-old Black father, he grew up in Westfield, a working-class town outside of Springfield, Massachusetts.

His parents were great role models. Devin’s mother worked her way up from receptionist to chief operating officer of a law firm — without a college degree. His father is a truck driver. Both modeled hard work, and consistency in their relationship.

Wells was an All-State (and All-Scholastic) basketball player at Westfield High School. He still holds the school’s rebounding record.

He went to local Westfield State University — the first person in his family to attend college — and lived at home, to save money. In addition to classes, he worked full-time at the YMCA.

A marketing internship led to a full-time position senior year. That in turn led to interviews PURE Insurance, focusing on high net worth clients.

Wells won the job, over others from Ivy League universities.

He worked in Charleston, South Carolina for 3 years. When he was named sales marketing manager for Connecticut, he and his wife — a registered nurse at Yale New Haven Hospital — moved to Avon.

Wells traveled all over the state.

Devin Wells, and his wife Victoria.

 He was recruited by Berkley One, handling the Northeast territory. Organizing golf outings at Longshore, he became familiar with the town.

Wells was very good at his work. But, he says, “I didn’t feel I was making an impact on anyone’s life.”

Eighteen months ago, he took a risk. He changed his career path, and became vice president at Howard & Gay. He had met the partners while working at Berkley One.

Devin Wells

Wells calls it “the best decision I ever made. Making clients in Westport is more like making friends. I speak daily with people who were complete strangers  before. We talk about our lives.

“I have clients everywhere. But the ones I have coffee and dinner with are here.

 

“Where I grew up, people were just trying to get by and survive. There is such a strong sense of community in Westport. I don’t think a lot of places have that.”

Under partners Livy Howard & Willis Gay, the company has always been community-oriented. Wells likes that approach.

The company sponsors Staples High School sports, including football, soccer and basketball, along with other local events.

For Wells, the community feeling is especially meaningful.

“One of my biggest fears coming into high net worth insurance was that my family wasn’t wealthy,” he admits.

“But I never felt that my opinion was not valued.”

Howard & Gay’s recent Client Appreciation Day at Compo Beach — complete with food trucks and a fun vibe — was a chance for Wells to greet clients he’d never met in person.

The Howard & Gay team, at Compo Beach.

“I’m a large man of color,” he notes. “But I never felt unwanted there, or in any room.

“Having that burden off my shoulders is huge. Still, it’s a real issue in a job dominated by white men.”

Wells is enjoying meeting the many Westporters who come from different countries and cultures. This is a town he feels increasingly at home in.

“I plan to be here for a very long time — working, and hopefully living,” he says. “Over the past 18 months, Westport has proven itself as the right place to make a career.”

His story is “not a miracle,” he knows. Still, he says, “I hope other people can relate, and be inspired by it.”

(“06880” often highlights interesting people who live and work in Westport. If you enjoy these stories — or any other feature of our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Pic Of The Day #2714

Posted on September 22, 2024 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2714

Long Island Sound (Photo/Jim Hood)

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Photo Challenge #508

Posted on September 22, 2024 | 29 comments

If you know, you know.

An older-looking building interrupts the residential stretch of Saugatuck Avenue, from the train station to Norwalk.

#270, on the right, looks impressive, but also mysterious.

What is it?

Today it’s the home of HRB, whose portfolio of hair care brands includes Alberto VO5 and Pert.

But for many years, it was home to the Eno Foundation.

It was founded by William Phelps Eno (1858-1945), who lived in a mansion across the street.

Eno — called “The Father of Traffic Safety” —  developed the first traffic plans for major cities like New York, London, and Paris. He helped invent and popularize stop signs, taxi stands, pedestrian safety islands, and other traffic features now used around the world.

(Yes, you could say that Westport — which has a multitude of traffic issues — was where traffic safety first began.)

The Eno Center for Transportation is now headquartered in Washington. But that historic building — at least, part of an intricate design on an upper floor — was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)

Morley Boyd, Joan Lipson, Edward Bloch, Diane Silfen, Lawrence Zlatkin, Andrew Colabella, Michael Calise, Brooks Sumberg, Jonathan McClure, John Lisee, Seth Braunstein, Bobbie Herman and Nancy Everson all knew exactly where it was.

Perhaps because they observe the speed limit while driving by. Although they should still keep their eyes on the road.

Today’s Photo Challenge has a different look than usual. But as always, f you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Lanternflies, Flooding, Tim Lewis …

Posted on September 22, 2024 | 4 comments

A couple of days ago, Compo’s South Beach was hit with an infestation of spotted lanternflies.

They were everywhere, by the thousands.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department told a caller that they have sprayed.

Those lanternflies are ferocious.

In just a day or so, they’d already decimated some of the bark.

Look closely at the photo. The bark is already decimated.

(Hat tip and photos/Ken Schwartz)

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More environmental news: Though yesterday was gorgeous (and the last full day of summer), the near-full moon and high tide brought flooding at Quentin Road by Compo Beach Road.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

An odd-looking scene, for sure.

But perhaps something that will soon be the new normal?

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Speaking (still) of the environment — as autumn has us thinking about trees and leaves — “06880” reader (and former federal attorney) Scooter Swanson cites Connecticut case law that finds “property owners have the right to trim branches or roots of a neighbor that encroaches onto their property up to the property line.”

There is no applicable state or local ordinance regarding such issue, he adds

Swanson notes that he is not licensed in Connecticut. “This is merely informative and not intended as legal advice,” he says.

Trees and property lines can become neighbor issues in Westport. (Photo/Roger Wolfe)

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The Levitt Pavilion’s summer series continued last night — the last full day of summer — with Tower of Power.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

Shows continue into the fall. One of the highlights: Westport native Brad Tursi — Old Dominion’s lead guitarist/vocalist — appears on October 12, with his own band. Click here for full Levitt details.

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Nearby, across the parking lot, yesterday’s StoryFest panels featured a couple of Westport-bred authors.

Caroline Wolff was part of the “Thriller!” event (photo below). Chris Knapp spoke on “Incorporating History: Past, Present and Future.”

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

StoryFest ’24 is dedicated to Sybil Steinberg, longtime Westport Library advocate, friend, and creator of “Sybil’s List” book recommendations.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg remembered and honored his mother yesterday (photo below).

 

The largest literary festival in Connecticut ends today. Click here for a list of all that’s happening.

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With Halloween near, the Westport Country Playhouse presents “Ghost Stories and Legends” (October 10, 7 p.m.).

The event — part of the Barnstormer Series in the barn (under candlelight!) — is an evening of classic stories of the supernatural, with Broadway’s John Rapson.

He’ll present a special version of his solo show of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” along with other with other ghostly tales.

Rapson says, “I guarantee laughs, chills and thrills. Just try not to lose your head…”

Tickets are $20. To purchase, and for more information,  click here.

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All women — and men — are invited to a special event, as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Authors Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola — a therapist and expert on coercive control — and divorce coach Amy Polacko will discuss their new book, “Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld.”

It’s set for October 8 (7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).

“Framed” exposes how domestic abuse victims are treated in the legal system, using stories from women around the world. 

The talk will focus on red flags to look for in relationships, what is coercive control, the crisis in family courts, and how to protect oneself.

The event is sponsored by the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force and Rock the Walls, a non-profit offering help to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

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In the aftermath of Westport resident Tim Lewis’ death in July from pancreatic cancer — at 58, just a month shy of his 23rd wedding anniversary — his family and friends have set up a non-profit foundation.

They say: “While Tim’s life was shortened, his purpose and passion were always strong and his desire to help others defined much of his life.

“Tim balanced a demanding career with a tireless devotion to his family. He loved his wife and and kids deeply and actively. Tim was famous for coordinating play dates, soccer schedules, date night, violin and drum lessons, all while ordering fall clothing for the kids (to their chagrin) and making high-stakes work conference calls.

“He was a memory-making mastermind, relentless in his pursuit of family time through neighborhood walks, vacation hikes, and beach dinners. Even when it was just sitting at the kitchen table doing puzzles, being with family was the life experience Tim most valued.

“Our goal is to help other people and families struggling with the particularly challenging diagnosis of pancreatic cancer through research, clinical trials, and support.

Click here for details, and to donate.

Tim Lewis

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On Thursday, the Longshore Ladies Nine Hole Golfers held their annual charity event at Longshore.

The women once again chose the Westport Woman’s Club food closet as their beneficiary.

They collected 4 grocery carts of food donations, and nearly $1,000 in cash.

Golfers’ donations, at the Westport Woman’s Club.

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At another golf event last week, the inaugural “Shank it for Shea” golf event drew a great turnout to Birchwood Country Club.

Significant funds were raised to advance Long QT Syndrome research and improve treatment options for those affected — including Mark and Kira Greenfield’s daughter Shea.

The event builds on 2 previous fundraisers. Both were dance-oriented, and were called “Shake it for Shea.”

The Greenfields are onto something. They do great work — and they do it with smiles. Perhaps the next one may be for skateboarders: “Shred it for Shea.”

For more details on their “Hearts in Harmony” Foundation, click here.

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Despite spotted lanternflies and sunshine flooding (stories above), there continue to be beautiful scenes by the shore.

Matt Murray sends this gorgeous heron shot, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … today is the first day of fall.

Plenty of Westporters think it’s the best season of the year. But it is so transient.

Enjoy every day of it!

(Fall, winter, spring, summer — “06880” is here for you. Please click this link, to support our 24/7/366 work. Thank you!)

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