This morning’s “06880” featured information on Westport’s holiday drive. We’re helping raise $30,000, so residents of Lyman, Ukraine can heat their homes this winter.
There’s another way to help that war-torn nation, too.
Mark Yurkiw — the noted local artist, who has Ukrainian heritage — and several Ukrainian friends in this area have spent months stockpiling medical supplies.
They’ve already sent several containers. The next is ready to go — with volunteers both here and in Ukraine — as soon as shipping costs are covered.
They hope one or 2 major donors can underwrite the cost of shipping (and buying triage bandages). The total is $10,000.
To donate, and for more information, email Mark Yurkiw: mark.think3d@gmail.com.
Earlier this year, Mark Yurkiw collected and shipped generators to Ukraine. He collected them at his studio/barn — outside of which stood his artwork, in the country’s familiar colors.
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From now through next Tuesday (December 12), the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting gift cards for residents of the 2 Domestic Violence Crisis Center safe houses, and community clients.
Gift cards help survivors buy what they most need or want for their families. Suggested retailers include Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Amazon, Target and Walmart. Smaller denominations ($25-$50) are encouraged. so gift cards for various stores can be bundled together for families.
Gift cards can be left at the communication center in the lobby of the Westport Police Department (50 Jesup Road), or mailed to Lieutenant Jillian Cabana at that address.
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Ovcr 150 Club 203 members and volunteers kicked up their heels, and celebrated the season with a “Holiday Hoedown” last night at MoCa Westport.
The Square Bears taught dance moves. Dessert was donated by CRUMBL. T-shirts were courtesy of Howard & Gay Insurance. And MoCA’s artwork provided the perfect backdrop, for the great event hosting Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities.
Having a great time at the Club 203 Holiday Hoedown.
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Popular hair stylist Felicia Catale invites everyone to check out makeup, skincare, health and wellness products and hair products, at a special holiday gift event at Salon Nash this Saturday (December 9, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 179 Post Road West).
Enjoy bubbly, gifts, raffles — and free hair blowouts.
Felicia Catale
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Voices Cafe’s next concert — December 16 (4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport) — offers both great music and a good cause.
They’re collecting gifts for Bridgeport’s Helping Hands Outreach holiday toy drive. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or retailer gift card.
Windborne’s Music of Midwinter show has been called “intelligent, witty, formally exquisite and brimful of energy” (Slate Magazine). Lush vocals and creative arrangements draw from traditional, classic and folk from the US, British Isles and beyond. Instruments include guitars, banjos, Lithuanian kankles and Irish bodhran.
The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing.
Click here for tickets and more information. Voices Cafe is BYO, with coffee-house style seating at tables or individual seats. Snacks are available for purchase.
Windbourne
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“The One Note Man” — George C. Siougas’ story of a musician caught between staying in his comfort zone or stepping out and changing his life forever — gets its Westport premier this Sunday (December 10, 2 p.m., Westport Library).
The local connection: Westport resident Rita Marcocci is an executive producer of the film.
Set during the holiday season, the film is a whirlwind adventure about a bassoonist whose routine never strays, playing a single note in a classical orchestra day in day out.
It stars Jason Watkins, Louisa Clein, Crystal Yu, Paul Barber, and the voice of Ian McKellen.
A talk-back follows the screening, with Marcocci, Siougas, BAFTA-winning actor Watkins, Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck, and executive producer and Wilton resident Josh Friedman. Click here for more information.
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MoMA’s December 14 (7 p.m.) holiday concert features violinist Kristen Young and pianist Joe Bush.
MoMA says, “They break the rules of music by blending traditional classical music with unexpected holiday hits, together in a fresh and exciting contemporary interpretation.”
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Kristen Young and Joe Bush
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Pianist David Morgan was trained by Ellis Marsalis — father of Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis.
This week at Jazz at the Post, Morgan pays homage to his New Orleans roots, with compositions by Ellis Marsalis, Harold Battiste, Alvin Batiste and James Black, plus a Mardi Gras preview.
He’s joined by trumpeter Antoine Drye, bassist Dan Asher, drummer Paul Francis, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Shows are Thursday (December 7, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 music charge). Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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Westport resident Pamela Waesche passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday. She was 76.
Her obituary says: “Pam and her husband of 53 years, John, shared a love that transcended all life’s struggles and hardships. She was smart, loving, empathetic, and together, she and John raised 3 daughters they could not be prouder of. Her children and their families are the legacy she leaves behind.”
She met John at a 6th grade square dance in Oradell, New Jersey. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1969 with a BA in American Studies. Pam held professional positions at the Guggenheim Museum, Time Life and the Library of Congress, but she always focused on supporting her family and others.
She worked with Au Pair in America and the Westport Housing Authority, helping those in need find a home. She spent summer mornings harvesting vegetables for local soup kitchens as a member of the Greens Farms Garden Club, and cared for any animal in distress.
She is survived by her husband; daughters, sons-in-law and 9 grandchildren: Wendy, David, Kate, Lucy and Matthew Lavallee of Southport; Dana, Jamey, Jackson, Toby and Kiley Gifford of Hillsborough, California; and Erin, George, John, Charlie and Lily DiGuido of Fairfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to a charity of your choice be made in her name.
Erin Di Guido
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Barry Kresch calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” phot — taken in his yard — “50 Shades of Gray.”
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And finally … in honor of today’s owl photo (above):
(Every day, “06880” offers new ideas for things to do — this holiday season, and beyond. If you appreciate our daily Roundup, or any other feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Up and down Main Street, and on Church Lane, Sconset Square and the Post Road, carolers will sing, 60 merchants and restaurants will offer freebies and deals, and everyone will enjoy a traditional, community-wide and very holiday-esque time (complete with “strolling” carolers).
