Last week’s Photo Challenge was as basic as it gets: a simple black rotary phone.
But the story behind it more than makes up for the plainness.
Bob Weingarten’s image shows a “wind phone.” Dedicated to Lynda Bluestein — and championed by her, before her death early last year — it’s disconnected.
People can use them to stay connected to loved ones who have died. (Click here for more details. Click here for the photo.)
Though the wind phone sits unobtrusively amid the “Library of Things,” near the first floor conference rooms and restrooms, more than a dozen readers knew what and where it was.
Ed Simek, Susan Nolte, Michael Szeto, Joelle Berger, Richard Hyman, Karen Kim, Amy Schneider, Fred Levine, Andrew Colabella, Jennifer Zorek-Pressman, Marla Kerwin, Robert Frank and John Lisée all answered correctly.
Fred Levine added, “I have used it. A very moving experience.”
The weather is cold, so we’ll stay indoors with this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Jay Dirnberger)
(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!
But fires on the West Coast are a huge concern here too. Many Westporters know relatives and friends affected by the blazes.
And disasters like these can lead to increased insurance premiums nationwide.
Realtor Judy Michaelis says, “it’s essential to take steps now to understand and mitigate risks where possible.”
She assesses property risks through Risk Factor, a tool from the non-profit First Street Foundation.
While wildfire risk in Westport is very low, flooding is a more pressing concern. Judy says that 3,074 properties in Westport — 35% of all properties — risk flooding within the next 30 years.
Enter your address on the site to access a free, detailed flood risk report. This resource is invaluable for understanding and addressing your property’s vulnerability.
Even if your risk is low, Judy adds, you should check in with your insurance agent to ensure your coverage is adequate for replacement costs. They’ve increased significantly recently.
Floods are increasingly frequent in Westport. (Photo/Matt Murray)
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Governor Ned Lamont has activated the state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol, in anticipation of upcoming plunging temperatures.
It’s in effect from tomorrow (January 19, 6 p.m.) through Friday, January 24, noon).
Westport has several warming centers. They include:
Westport Senior Center: Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport Library: Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. through 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA: Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
MoCA Westport: Thursday, 12- 8 p.m.; Friday, 12-4 p.m.
For assistance, contact Westport Human Services at 203-341-1050 Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Y is one of Westport’s 5 warming centers.
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Another topic of interest for all residents is traffic.
The Safe Streets for All (SS4A) draft of the Westport Safety Action Plan, prepared by consultants, is now available for review and public comment. Click here to read it.
Comments can be sent to SS4A@westportct.gov online or by attending the public meeting scheduled for January 29 (not yet on the town calendar).
Meanwhile, across the green from the Library, Pause + Purpose — the Jesup Road yoga and meditation center — is closing its studio.
However, gatherings will continue to be held elsewhere.
A note to clients says, “Pause + Purpose is not a building; it’s us. It’s the spirit we’ve created together. This evolution is not an ending but a continuation—an opportunity to serve not only this cherished community but many others in deeper, more impactful ways.
“Our mission, our heart, is not confined to walls. Wherever we gather, Pause + Purpose will remain a place for healing, connection, and belonging.”
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Orin Ganz’s daughter Eden Zechariah was murdered by Hamas, after the terror group invaded Israel.
Since then, she has dedicated herself to “defeating the darkness.”
Tomorrow (January 19), the Schneerson Center for Jewish Life CT (11:30 a.m., 228 Saugatuck Avenue) presents a “lunch and listen” event.
Ganz will speak via Zoom from Israel about “Flying with Broken Wings; Tools for Coping with Life’s Challenges, and Developing Mental Resilience.” Click here for more information.
Eden Zechariah
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Former Westport resident Madeleine Conway died recently. She was 87, and lived in Delray Beach, Florida.
A native of the Netherlands who moved to Long Island in 1940, she graduated from Bryn Mawr College, and Columbia University’s School of International Affairs.
Madeleine helped artists launch their New York careers in the 1970s. She wrote
prominent in the art world She co-wrote “The Museum of Modern Art Artists’ Cookbook” and “Gourmet to Go: The New York Guide to Dining Out at Home.”
She was a trustee emeritus of The Perez Art Museum in Miami. Her family, art, reading and travel were her biggest passions.
Madeleine was predeceased by her husbands Paul Conway and Stanley Rubenfeld, and her good friend Victor Rubino. She is survived by her son Andrew Conway (Jill), daughters Victoria Newman and Alexandra Conway Marks (Steven), 7 grandchildren, and sisters Dorothy Bennett (Richard)
and Jacqueline Walker (Arthur).
Donations may be made in Madeleine’s name to Colorectal Research Foundation
at Memorial Sloan Kettering (c/o Dr. Lagunes Reidy or eheald@pamm.org at the
Perez Art Museum.
Madeleine Conway
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As temperatures are set to drop, let’s not forget our feathered friends.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows the importance of keeping everyone — and everything — fed and healthy.
And finally … A. A. Milne was born on this date, in 1882. The English author, poet, and playwright died in 1956.
(“06880” helps you prepare for all kinds of weather — and brings you all kinds of news. That’s the way we roll, 24/7/365. To support our hyper-local coverage, please click here. Thank you!)
All are also made (of course) by hand. That’s why the Italian-born baker calls his business Fatto a Mano (“made by hand”).
Until now, his many fans could buy his fresh-baked goods only at the walk-up window of his commissary kitchen behind Cycle Dynamics, or at the Westport and Ridgefield Farmers’ Markets, and Wakeman Town Farm.
Now Pierluigi is taking the next step, turning a long-time dream into reality.
He’s opening a retail location at 1835 Post Road East, next to Fjord Fishery across from Stop & Shop.
Breads and other baked goods will be delivered hot out of the oven from his kitchen, just a couple of minutes away.
Pierluigi plans to add specialty coffees, cooking classes, menu tasting, a selection of high-end retail products (local and important), and Farmers’ Market foodie collaborations to the menu.
He’ll start with breakfast and lunch, probably Wednesdays through Sundays. He’s shooting for a soft opening before Valentine’s Day.
Pierluigi knows Westporters are hungry — for his breads, and the opening of his new place. “06880” will feed you all the details. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Many Westporters have donated clothing to vicitms of the Los Angeles fires.
Corri Neckritz is donating 2 entire truckloads.
As the owner of 2 Groove stores (in Westport across from Whole Foods, and New Canaan), she’s got plenty of clothes.
Her customers have more.
When she heard how many Angelenos lost everything, Corri decided to help. Her daughters helped her contact people in California, who could accept and distribute donations.
She posted on social media. She expected a few hundred views, and a few donations.
It went viral: over 60,000 views.
People — customers, and those who’d never heard of Groove — dropped off enormous bags of clothes at her shop. She took them all — plus more, off the store floor — to her garage. It’s now overflowing with clothing, shoes and bags.
Corri Neckritz’s garage, 3 days ago. There are even more bags now.
Someone donaated a 26-foot truck. Corri got a very reduced rate on another — this one 58 feet long — which she is paying for.
This morning, the first truck will arrive, load up and depart.
Tomorrow, the larger truck will come. Corri has rounded up volunteers to help load it.
“I just want it all to get there soon,” Corri says.
Thanks to her — and generous customers and strangers — it will. (Hat tip: Joan Lipson)
Groove, on Post Road West.
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Another day, another animal rescue.
Yesterday, Westport animal control officer and Wildlife in Crisis intake director Peter Reid responded to a request for mutual aide from Wilton Animal Control.
A bald eagle had been sighted for a few days in the area. It was flying a bit, but staying on low branches. Yesterday, the eagle sat on a stone wall.
Officer Reid caught him safely. The eagle was very skinny and weak.
He was taken to Wildlife in Crisis, where he gorged on a large bowl of beef heart.
Officer Reid thinks the bird may be suffering from a bacterial infection, or be a victim of rodenticide poisoning.
Soon, hopefully, the eagle will soar again above our skies. (Hat tip: Westport Animal Shelter Advocates)
The Board of Education has one item on its January 16 agenda (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
But it’s a big one: the board will discuss the proposed 2025-26 budget.
The meeting can be viewed on Cablevision Channel 78, will be livestreamed at http://www.westportps.org.
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The Westport Library kicks off Super Bowl week with a talk by Jeff Benedict.
On February 3 (7 p.m.) — 6 days before the big game — the author/producer/ commentator will discuss his book on the New England Patriots, “The Dynasty.” (Spoiler alert: The Pats will not be playing in New Orleans on February 9.)
Benedict spent 5 years inside the team. Sports Illustrated says he “slips inside, lowers the drawbridge, and waves us in to see the ramparts, towers, turrets, and castle keep where the Brady-Belichick-Kraft trinity ruled.”
The event is free. Click here to reserve a seat (and, if interested, purchase a copy of “The Dynasty”).
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between January 8 and 15.
A 58-year-old Newtown man was charged with breath of peace, criminal attempt at assault on an elderly victim, and threatening, following a road rage incident near the Post Road East/Roseville Road intersection.
The 62-year-old complainant admitted that he instigated the incident, by blowin his horn and following a vehicle in front with the intent to harass. Both vehicles pulled into a parking lot and assaulted each other. The complainant shoved the other man, who pulled a boxcutter. The complainant returned to his vehicle, where the other man slashed at his jacket with the boxutter through an open window, ripping his jacket and undershirt.
The man who instigated the incident wsa given a misdemeanor summons for brach of peace, and following too closely with intent to harass.
A 56-year-old Fairfield man was charged with driving under the influence, traveling unreasonably fast and failure to drive in the proper lane, after an investigation into a single vehicle crash on Beachside Avenue last June.
A 19-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with larceny and identity theft, after a complaint about fraudulent checks totaling more than $5,600. He was held on $100,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 12 citations
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Driving while texting: 4
Speeding over 70 mph: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Assault: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Identity theft, and conspiracy to commit: 1
Illegal possession of personal ID information, and conspiracy to commit: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to remove snow/ice from motor vehicle roof: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper turns: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
It’s the law: You must remove snow and ice from your vehicle.
On May 18, Schoke Jewish Family Service celebrates 50 years of service to Fairfield County . The, with a gala at Temple Beth El in Stamford.
What began in the late 1970s with one secretary, a part-time director and a part-time social worker primarily focused on helping Russian immigrants resettle, has grown into a diverse service provider.
Schoke JFS now offers a wide range of programs, including counseling, geriatric care services, emergency assistance, and initiatives to combat food insecurity. The agency is also home to the Freedberg Family Kosher Food Pantry and the Kosher Mobile Food Pantry, Connecticut’s only kosher food truck.
An Evening with Schoke JFS features a cocktail reception, dinner, awards presentation and dessert.
And finally … in honor of Peter Reid’s heroic rescue yesterday:
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Now in its fourth season as a Westport Library Verso Studios production, the dynamic, well-respected and always-on-the-money Westport financial expert — and an impressive array of guests — teach youngsters (and their parents, guardians, and grandparents) everything they need to know about financial literacy.
This year, the podcast will include video. That makes a lot of cents.
The first episode features University of Virginia professor Chuck Howard discussing expense prediction bias. Future episodes will focus on compound interest, borrowing and credit, college savings and more.
Alert, and warm, “06880” reader Jonathan Berg writes:
“This is no longer any of my business, as my last kid graduated from Staples last year.
“But I just drove past the school bus stop. There’s a wind chill of 16 degrees right now.
“I know from my kids that no one uses lockers, and they don’t want to drag a coat around all day.
“So they’re out there waiting for the bus in 16 degrees with no coat on, shivering.
“There’s a lot of sickness going around. I would think kids are going to get sicker out there every morning. I don’t really have a solution here, other than maybe drive your kids to school when it’s this cold if you can.
“Just a thought from a habitually concerned father.”
I don’t have kids, so I’m just a habitually concerned random guy. But here’s another solution: Tell your kid to wear a coat, toss it randomly in the cafeteria along with all the sports equipment and other stuff kids leave there, then pick it up at the end of the day.
Brand Nu Apparel popped up last summer, on Post Road West. Marcello DeAguero’s temporary shop offered athletic wear and street wear, “designed for creators of all kinds — athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers.”
Now Marcello has taken the next step: a long-term retail location in Westport. Brand Nu Apparel is now open at 877 Post Road East (the building between Pizza Lyfe and the Sherwood Diner). Click here for details.
The Westport Business Networking International chapter’s next Visitor’s Day is January 23 (United Methodist Church, 7 a.m.; networking, business meeting, coffee and homemade baked goods).
Westport BNI has 55 members, with only 1 per category. Classifications available now include estate attorney, residential contractor, salon, restaurant, hotel, home security, personal trainer, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, roofer, nutritionist, physical therapy, promotional products and more.
In the past year, the group has passed over $3.3 million in closed business.
All visitors must pre-register. Contact Matthew Cummings of M&T Bank at (mcummings2@mtb.com) to sign up in advance. Click here for the BNI website.
As operations manager for the Parks & Recreation Departament, he’s the go-to guy for beaches, Longshore, fields, youth and adult programs and much more.
He makes sure it all runs smoothly — no easy task.
The other day, he stopped by the Westport Library to talk about his multi-faceted role; how he got where he is, and what’s ahead for Parks & Rec.
Click below, for a behind-the-scenes peek at Westport’s recreational life.
The state of democracy and the media’s impact on it, globally and locally — plus AI, TikTok, fact checkers and more — were debated for nearly 2 hours yesterday.
A capacity crowd filled the Westport Library, to hear the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston-sponsored discussion.
Senator Richard Blumenthal; television journalists Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs of Westport, and John Berman (all now or formerly with CNN), along with “06880”‘s own Dan Woog answered questions from moderator John Brandt.
Staples High School Inklings advisors Mary Elizabeth Fulco and Joseph Del Gobbo, with editors Nina Bowens and Lily Hultgren, added student perspectives.
Click below to view the full event. It was fascinating.
Then again, I’m a biased media participant.
From left: Dave Briggs, Dan Woog, John Berman, Alisyn Camerota, Senator Richard Blumenthal. Inklings representatives Mary Elizabeth Fulco, Lily Hultgren and Nina Bowers stand in back. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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In just 4 years, Fashionably Westport has become one of our town’s most popular — and lively — fundraisers.
This year’s event is set for Friday, February 28 (7 p.m., Westport Library). Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.
The 5th annual Fashionably Westport show features the latest styles, from the town’s mot sophisticated and fashion-forward retailers.
The models are local friends and celebrities. The emcee and runway director are neighbors too: Dave Briggs and Carey Price, respectively.
Click here for tickets, and more information. To donate silent auctiono items, or become sponsors, email events@westportdowntown.com, or operations@westportdowntown.com.
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Last year, Rach’s Hope Walk the Extra Mile raised more than $20,000. The funds helped the non-profit that supports families with critically ill children in the ICU with an additional 100 nights of hotel stays, so parents can rest and recharge while staying close to their kids.
Rach’s Hope — which honors Rachel Doran, the Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior, who died after developin a rare reaction to common medications — is getting ready for their 6th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala.
(Rachel was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and founded a pajama company.)
The date is Saturday, March 29 (7 to 11 p.m., FTC, Fairfield).
Festivities include an open bar with Tito’s cocktails, beer, wine and prosecco; heavy appetizers and desserts by AMG Catering; live music kicked off by Westport’s own Michael Cantor and Frog Salon, plus Rach’s Hope’s signature band, Ellis Island — and live and silent auctions too.
Tickets are on sale now (with early bird pricing through January 31). Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Speaking of music: The New York Times says, “Ringo Starr maintains his perpetual optimism in ‘Look Up,’ the title track of his new, Nashville-centered album.
“Written by T Bone Burnett and Daniel Tashian, the song posits, ‘There’s a light that shines in the darkest days,’ bolstered by richly twangy guitars and an unmistakable Ringo backbeat.”
What makes this “06880”-worthy is that Tashian is the son of Barry and Holly Tashian. The Staples High School Class of 1963 graduates have made their home in Nashville for many years, where they wrote and recorded.
Barry also played with Emmy Lou Harris and the Flying Burrito Brothers. Before that, he played guitar and sang lead vocals with the Remains.
The Boston-based band were called “how you told a stranger about rock ‘n’ roll” (by Jon Landau), along with — had they not broken up — a contender with the Rolling Stones for the title of “World’s Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band.”
In 1966 — after appearing on “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “Hullabaloo” — they opened for the Beatles, on their final US tour.
Nearly 60 years later, Barry’s son and Ringo have kept the Remains/Beatles connection alive.
Marie Wilson of Gloversville, New York — a frequent visitor to Westport, where her daughter Diane Bosch lives — died January 5 after a brief illness in Saratoga Springs, New York. She was 93.
She majored in retailing at Lasell College. She was proud of her internship at Bergdorf Goodman in New York during college, and her lifetime membership in the PTA.
Marie was predeceased by her husband William E. Wilson after 60 years of marriage.
She is survived by her daughter Diane Wilson Bosch (Eric) of Westport; sons William (Joni) of Gloversville, and Paul (Sondra of Long Lake, New York; grandchildren Brett Wilson (Amanda); Greg Bosch and (Renee); Jenelle Wheeler (Ryan); Kate Boundy (Geoff); Nick Wilson; Emily Hunter (Ben); great- grandchildren Amelia and Theo Bosch; Ryder and Piper Wilson; Calvin and Beckett Wheeler; sister Barbara von Kreuter-Adams; many nieces and nephews, and even more friends.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to a local Parent Teacher Association.
Today commemorates the death of “the father of American music.” Foster died on this day in 1864. He was just 37 years old — perhaps by his own hand — but had already written more than 200 songs.
Among them:
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The next Board of Education Policy Committee meeting is Wednesday (January 15, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The agenda includes the second discussion of a possible new civility policy; the second reading of possible revisions to the existing policy for evaluation, termination and non-renewal of coaches; and the first reading of possible revisions to existing polices about student discipline, suicide prevention and intervention, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and non-discrimination.
Local theatergoers remember Colin Konstanty from the Staples High School stage.
On Monday (January 13, 7 p.m.), the former Staples Player cast member and 2022 graduate is on stage again.
This time it’s at the Westport Country Playhouse, in a Script in Hand play reading.
“How the World Began” probes the conflict between divine creation and evolution, and its effect on a small Kansas town torn apart by a tornado.
After Staples, Konstanty — now a student at NYU Tisch School of the Arts — has appeared off-Broadway, and on Disney+.
Tickets are $30. To purchase, and for more information, click here.
Colin Konstanty
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Early yesterday morning, the Westport Fire Department responded to a call about a deer stuck in the Saugatuck River ice, near the Post Road.
Rescue Company members in cold water suits entered the river, and removed the deer. It soon walked under its own power into the woods.
Fire officials note: “Residents should never attempt to rescue an animal or person from icy waters themselves. Entering the water without proper training or equipment can result in serious injury or loss of life. Instead, call 911 or the Fire Department to ensure a safe and professional rescue.”
And “06880” is proud to partner with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.
To the tune of $5,000 worth of scholarships.
The grants will go to current high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.
The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner.
To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (JPEGs) of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.
Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 300 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.
Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2025 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.
Drew Friedman Community Arts Center representatives Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti (far right) and then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe congratulate previous arts scholarship winners.
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A reader writes: “On Tuesday, the Westport Representative Town Meeting approved roughly $1.5 million for a new floor for the Staples fieldhouse.
“Prior to the vote, a concerned RTM member told the participants that the new floor would be coated with PFAS (synthetic chemicals resistant to heat, water, oil and grease).
“It’s unclear if those responsible for awarding the floor contract knew this, but it appeared this was new info to most or all RTM members.
“After revealing this info, several other RTM members reinforced their colleague’s concern.
“After these concerns were raised, 32 members voted to approve the funding; 2 abstained. The view seemed to be that the urgency of installing a new floor should take priority over the toxicity the flooring would create.
“Given the massive litigation surrounding the manufacturers of PFAS, it seems shocking that town officials would knowingly approve toxic flooring for use by children for the next 25-30 years without considering the liability implications.
“Both 3M and DuPont have settled for billions already. More litigation is ongoing.
“I hope a quick solution can be found to replace the proposed flooring with a safer alternative. This should be a red flag to us all that Westport needs to tighten up its supply chain review process to include products that have been proven to be toxic.”
The Staples High School fieldhouse.
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The Westport Library is many things, to many people.
It’s books, art, lectures. And — as anyone who has been to the Trefz Forum knows — it’s also about music.
Westport residents and Library fans Les and Samira Dinkin are frequent attendees, at events like VersoFest, Supper & Soul and more.
Now, they’ve shown their appreciation with a donation of musical instruments.
In honor of Les’ late brother Corey, the couple has given a vintage 1959 Silvertone hollow body guitar with the original matching Silvertone tube amplifier, plus other vintage Ampeg, Harmony, and Ibanez guitars and tube amps.
All will support Verso Studios, the Library’s music and media hub. The instruments — Corey’s favorite — will be used by visiting artists, and those recording in the studio space.
“I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to honor Corey’s legacy,” says Les, a longtime supporter of Verso Studios, Verso advisory board founding member, and VersoFest official sponsor (and amateur drummer).
“Corey was passionate about all types of music, from classical to jazz and especially the blues, as a collector, fan, and musician.”
Corey Dinkin composed what Les calls “very eclectic jazz fusion and blues compositions,” and performed at clubs like New York’s Bitter End.
“I wanted to see these instruments being appreciated and played, not sitting in a storage unit,” Les says.
Senator Richard Blumenthal fondly calls the Westport Library “the noisiest Library in Connecticut, if not the country.”
To learn more about Verso Studios’ capabilities, gear and services, click here. The Library also has music and media equipment available through its Library of Things.
From left: Les and Samira Dinkin, Verso Studios’ Travis Bell, Westport Library director Bill Harmer, with part of the Dinkins’ musical instruments donation.
And finally … on this date in 1878, Senator A.A. Sargent of California introduced an amendment to Congress that would grant women the right to vote. It took a mere 42 years, but the amendment was ratified by Congress in 1920.
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If you want to try something new for the new year, take the Westport Library’s Winter Reading Challenge.
It’s an annual tradition for young readers. This time the Library has included adults. There’s a regular reading challenge for them, plus a new one for families.
The aim is simple: read anything, anytime, anywhere, as much as you like.
Reading is measured in minutes. Every minute spent reading counts toward your goal. Books, comics, magazines, poems, the back of a cereal box — read what you want, then tally your time for a chance to earn free books.
Register online starting January 16. You’ll get an activity sheet and 6 fox dot stickers from the Children’s Library. Use these color-coded stickers to contribute to a communal art piece.
Every 50 minutes spent reading will earn 6 more stickers.
Earn a book of your choice from the Library’s prize cart by reading a total of 500 minutes, or completing all 10 activities on your activity sheet.
Sign up on January 16. Then start reading — perhaps with a daily dose of “06880”?
Copies of this year’s WestportREADS selection — “In the Distance,” by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz — are available for borrowing now, at the Westport Library.
Community-wide events are planned around the book over the next few eeks. The highlight is a keynote conversation with Diaz, on February 13.
“In the Distance” is a compelling story about a young Swedish immigrant who travels east from California in search of his brother.
It’s available at the Library as a physical copy, e-book and audiobook.
For more information about WestportREADS — including a calendar of discussions, films and more — click here.
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Popup Bagels — the Westport-based pickup business that spread first throughout Fairfield County, then to the Big Bagel Boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn — has just opened at the Boston Seaport.
That makes 10 permanent locations in 3 states. The Westport site is 971 Post Road East (behind Cycle Dynamics).
More stores will be build in the Southeast over the next few months, founder Adam Goldberg says.
Time to change their motto? “Not famous but known” may no longer cut it.
And finally … in honor of Popup Bagels’ new location (but not related at all to the water they use in boiling):
(Red Sox, Yankee and all other fans agree on one thing: “06880” is Westport’s 24/7 hyper-local source for news, information, photos and more. And everyone can click here to support us. Thanks!)
As our nation’s housing crisis worsens, Americans want to help.
We donate funds, clothes and toiletries to organizations that work with unhoused people. We hope this lightens their burdens.
Two Staples High School students have given them light — literally.
Last summer, rising senior Shreyas Gorre and sophomore Rohan Sareen were looking for a way to use their engineering skills to help the community.
The teens designed a solar-powered lantern. Incorporating lights, wires, batteries and solar panels, they provide safety and comfort for people living many hours a day in darkness.
But how could 2 teenagers produce solar-powered lanterns?
With a 3D printer, naturally.
Rohan Sareen (left) and Shreyas Gorre, with solar-powered lanterns.
In November, Shreyas and Rohan invited residents to the Westport Library. There, they taught attendees — some of whom had no experience with the MakerSpace — how to assemble the lanterns. In addition to 3D printing, the project included soldering and circuitry.
Shreyas and Rohan know the MakerSpace well. They serve as senior coordinator and technology coordinator, respectively.
In late December — thanks to the Library Makerspace’s Ultimaker S5 and brand-new Bambu P1S 3D printer — the devices were finished.
Eight solar-powered lanterns were distributed to Open Doors, the Norwalk-based nonprofit that provides services to unhoused people.
The volunteers “loved seeing their printed parts turn into something that can truly improve lives,” Rohan says.
“It is incredible to see the work you have done have a real impact on the community,” Shreyas adds.
The 2 friends hope to run this program again this winter, with an updated lantern design and more volunteers. Anyone — of any age — interested in joining the program should email rohanjsareen@gmail.com or shreyasgorre@gmail.com.
Contributions to cover the costs for materials of these lanterns, and help fund similar projects at MakerSpace, are always welcome. Click here to donate.
MORE LIGHT: This is not Shreyas Gorre’s first community-minded venture. Last spring, “06880” profiled his work with Serve2Sustain.
The non-profit workd with local tennis clubs to collect used balls. They’re sent to a facility where machinery separates materials for reuse. They then go to RecycleBalls and Laykold, which supplies tennis courts for events like the US Open. Click here for that story.
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