Category Archives: Organizations

Staples Students Promote Non-Profits

Posted on April 27, 2024 | Leave a comment

Fairfield County is filled with interesting non-profits, doing important things.

And 4 Staples High School juniors want everyone to know about them.

Zach Gorin and Aaron Varsov are excellent students, and high-level soccer players. They don’t have a lot of free time.

But they wanted to start a business. Their friend Jack Schwartz had the idea of a podcast, to promote non-profits.

They enlisted a fourth other sharp, soccer-playing Staples teammate, Cormac Mulvey.

From left: Jack Schwartz, Cormac Mulvey, Aaron Varsov, Zach Gorin.

The 11th graders already knew a bit about non-profits. Zach is on the junior board of Homes with Hope. Jack is on Yale Children’s Hospital’s junior board.

“A lot of non-profits don’t get much recognition,” Jack says. “We want to tell their stories, the stuff you don’t find on their website. We want people to be inspired by them — especially kids.”

“Non-Profit Promoters” — the name of their venture — chronicles the organizations’ struggles and triumphs.

And it’s done through interviews with the non-profits’ leaders themselves.

Their first guest was George Todorovich. The Weston High School graduate — now at the University of Virginia — uses the power of basketball to help impoverished, war-torn communities in the former Yugoslavia, where his family is from.

Jack and Aaron conducted the 18-minute interview.

They’re just starting their project. But there’s no shortage of non-profits for them to publicize.

If your group would like to be considered, email jackschwartz2007@gmail.com.

(For Non-Profit Promoters’ Spotify link, click here. For their Instagram, click here. For their website, click here.)

Leave a comment

Posted in Media, Organizations, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , ,

Homes With Hope: 40 Years Of Helping

Posted on March 29, 2024 | 2 comments

For a place as contentious as Westport — some folks opposed building a playground at Compo, and half the town thought building a nuclear power plant on Cockenoe Island was just ducky — you’d think putting a homeless shelter in the heart of downtown would ignite World War III.

But you would be wrong.

As Homes with Hope prepares to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Gillespie Center on April 9 with a video and reception, it’s a great time to look back on the origins of one of the first shelters in a suburban town, anywhere in the US.

Sure, there was a bit of debate about the opening of Westport’s first homeless shelter in 1984, at the former Vigilant firehouse (where OKO restaurant is now, in the parking lot between Bartaco and National Hall).

The Vigilant Firehouse on Wilton Road, circa 1977. In 1984, it became the town’s first men’s shelter.

But the moral leadership of Reverend Pete Powell, Reverend Ted Hoskins, Rabbi Bob Orkand and businessman James Bacharach, plus town support from 1st selectman Bill Seiden, human services director Barbara Butler and David Kennedy, tamped much of the controversy.

A few years later, as Arthur Tauck redeveloped National Hall into an inn, moving to Jesup Road — catty-corner from the police station — made sense.

Many hands helped make the new 15-bed home possible. (The toilets were rescued from a Beachside Avenue home that Phil Donohue was razing.)

A 5-bed facility for women — now called Hoskins Place — was built next to the men’s shelter, when the Westport Transit District office moved.

Over the years, the Gillespie Center’s conversion from a beat-up old maintenance shed behind what was then the Fine Arts Theater (now Barnes & Noble) to a well-maintained shelter has enhanced the look of the entire area.

The Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place — Westport’s men’s and women’s shelters. (Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

Less visible is what goes on inside. But the men and women who seek shelter there — and others who use the very active food pantry — know and appreciate the hard work and tremendous care given by Homes with Hope to many in town over the past 40 years.

For 4 decades the Gillespie Center — the name honors Jim Gillespie, the 1st president of Homes with Hope (then called the Interfaith Housing Association) — has provided housing, meals and hope to thousands of men and women.

And many more Westporters than that have contributed food, setup and cleanup help, equipment and funds to keep that hope alive.

Dolores Bacharach and Pete Powell reminisce about the early years of the Gillespie Center.

Several years ago, Dolores Bacharach and Rev. Pete Powell reminisced about the early days of what is now Homes with Hope. Both are featured in the new video, to be shown April 9.

Homes With Hope has grown significantly since 1984. In addition to emergency shelter for men and women, and the community kitchen and food pantry, today the non-profit agency provide supportive housing for individuals and families, rapid re-housing, diversion services, youth development programs na mentoring.

The staff develops individualized case management plans with sustainable solutions, so clients can achieve and maintain independent lives

If you’re looking for controversy — or a story about an affluent suburb that shunned its homeless — stay away from the Gillespie Center. You won’t find it there.

All you’ll see are beds, meals, and Westport’s support for our fellow humans, down on their luck.

(The April 9 celebration of Homes with Hope’s 40 years features a documentary film by Livio Sanchez, including interviews with some of the founders. For more details, contact CEO Helen McAlinden: hmcalinden@hwhct.org.)

.

2 Comments

Posted in Looking back, Organizations

Tagged , , , , ,

Westport Rotary: 100 Years Of “Service Above Self”

Posted on February 19, 2024 | 6 comments

On March 26, 1924, 98 people gathered in a raging snowstorm to celebrate the founding of the 1,658th Rotary Club in the world.

A hundred years later — after raising millions of dollars for charities here, and in Africa and Asia; donating the Compo Beach playground and South Beach grills, and countless more good works — the Westport Rotary Club is poised to celebrate its centennial.

Much has changed. There are now over 46,000 clubs in Rotary International. Meetings are no longer mandatory (or male only). Membership is not restricted to one person per occupation. In Westport, lobster has replaced roast beef as the main fundraiser.

No Rotarian is alive to remember that first dinner, at the Westport (now Birchwood) Country Club. But the organization is excited to honor its century of service.

A gala dinner is set for March 7 — 100 years to the day since the Westport Rotary Club received its charter.

The Inn at Longshore event includes entertainment, and a multimedia look at Westport Rotary’s first century. All attendees will receive a commemorative book, written by Ron Henkoff.

Anson Leary

It’s packed with history, starting with 33-year-old Anson Leary’s dream of starting a Rotary Club. The World War I veteran had come to Westport a year earlier, to help open the fledgling YMCA.

He envisioned a men’s counterpart to the Westport Town Improvement Association (now the Westport Woman’s Club). Charter members included Leonard Gault (son of Gault Company founder Robert), mattress factory owner Austin Wakeman, Charles Kemper (whose tannery had not yet been turned into the Westport Country Playhouse), and ice dealer Edward Nash.

Rotary International was “serious and strict,” for “men from various vocations to exchange ideas and form meaningful friendships.” Meetings rotated between members’ offices (hence the name “Rotary”), and were guided by founder Paul Harris’ motto: “Service above self.”

Westport’s Rotary met every Tuesday for lunch. Attendance was mandatory. Members traveling for business or on vacation were required to attend a local meeting there — and show proof.

Westport meetings included patriotic and popular songs. There was a Rotary band. For gala dances, men wore tuxes. (Their wives, dressed in evening gowns, were called “Rotary-Annes.”)

The Westport Rotary Club’s 1928 band.

The Westport club’s first project — begun in June 1924, just 3 months after their founding — was building a playground behind then-new Bedford Elementary School (now Town Hall). Members cleared and leveled the ground, and installed equipment.

In those early years they raised money for the town’s first ambulance, paid for surgery to save a boy’s eyesight, donated funds to disabled children, equipped the Bedford Junior High fife and drum corps, sponsored twilight baseball, and started a college fund.

Their 10th anniversary celebration in 1934 was at the Open Door Inn on Jesup Road. The party lasted until 1:30 a.m.

In the summer of 1940, the Westport Rotary Orchestra played at the New York World’s Fair. After war broke out the next year members sold war bonds, and raised money for families whose members were fighting overseas. Founder Anson Leary, age 51, served in the Air Force Reserves in the Pacific. Closer to home, founding member Howard Gault was on the town’s Ration Board.

In 1994, Rick Benson gave the first Community Service Awards to Ed Mitchell (standing) and Howard Gault.

Over the years, Rotary evolved. Meetings were held in a variety of restaurants: the Mansion House, Compo Pavilion, Hidden Door, Josie’s Nook, The Townly, La Normandie, New Englander, Andy and Mary Barna’s, 3 Bears, Canterbury, The Inn at Longshore and Bertucci’s.

Most recently they met at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, and now Green’s Farms Church. One thing never changed, though: They’re still on Tuesdays.

President Ed Mitchell — founder of the  eponymous clothing store — initiated Roast Beef Dinners as a fundraiser. Those paid for the Compo grills, a pavilion at Camp Mahackeno, a pool at Easton’s Camp Aspetuck, dugouts at Gault Field, and the education of Sam Luciano’s 3 children, after the police chief died suddenly.

Rotary’s 50th anniversary celebration drew 95 members. Founding Rotarian Chot Kemper was still alive. Fifth-year member Bruce Knowles was there too — and remained a Rotarian for another 45 years.

Chot Kemper (left) and Bruce Knowles were both 50-year Westport Rotary Club members.

A 7-0 Supreme Court ruling in 1987 opened the Rotary door to female members across the US. A straw poll at the Westport club showed 24 in favor — but 32 against.

Five months later, Pat Harrington and Carol Way became the local organization’s first women Rotarians. Five men quit in protest.

The 1989 Westport Rotary Club photo included just 5 female members.

But by 1995 superintendent of schools Judy Rovins was chosen as the first female Westport Rotary president. The story of women in Westport Rotary ever since has been one of tremendous numbers, and tremendous contributions.

Meanwhile, past president Lou Weinstein supported the idea of a second Rotary Club here, for people who could not attend lunch meetings.

Some members opposed the idea — they thought it would be confusing, and make it harder to raise funds — but the Sunrise Rotary Club was chartered on November 22, 1988.

Today, both clubs flourish. There are about 140 members overall. Nearly half are women.

In fact, Westport has more Rotarians per capita than any other town in Zone 32 (encompassing 9 states, parts of Canada, and Bermuda).

1988 also was the year that Westport Rotary led a project to build a playground at Compo Beach. It was led by Jim Bennet. Rick Benson, whose name turns up often over the club’s past 40 years, provided strong support. Benson also worked with Paul Spiekermann to get Westport Rotary involved in overseas projects, in underserved areas of Africa and Asia.

Paul Spiekermann (left) and Rick Benson

The local club now allocates 25% of its funds to international projects. They’ve aided victims of Cambodian land mines, helped battle dengue fever in Indonesia, and contributed to projects in Lithuania, Haiti, Benin, Swaziland, Tanzania and Thailand. Westport Rotary has donated to 27 countries overall.

Rick Benson, Lyla Steenbergen and Leslie Roberts, with local officials, at the dedication of a hospital ICU unit in Uganda.

In 1994, when Connecticut welcomed the World Special Olympics Games, Rotarianns hosted athletes from Cameroon and Panama. They outfitted one athlete with a prosthetic leg.

Five years later, for their 75th anniversary, Westport Rotary led an $82,000 effort to restore the Compo Beach cannons. They also joined with other organizations to give the Westport Fire Department a mobile classroom, to teach children about safety.

The LobsterFest fundraiser began in 2012, under president Julia Broder. (An earlier clambake ended when the price of seafood soared.) Last year’s event brought in $280,000. Overall, LobsterFest has raised over $1.5 million, for local projects like scholarships, meals at the Gillespie Center and Habitat for Humanity houses in Bridgeport, and many more overseas.

(Save the date: LobsterFest 2024 is September 21!)

LobsterFest: One of the best parties in town.

That’s just the first 100 years. As Westport Rotary looks to the next 100, they’ve earmarked $100,000 to join with the Westport Young Woman’s League in renovating the Compo playground they helped build in 1989.

Though no one is alive to remember, it hearkens back to that very first project, in 1924: the Bedford Elementary School playground.

The more things change, the more they remain the same.

Happy 100th birthday, Westport Rotary Club. Here’s to 100 more, helping Westport — and the world.

(Tickets to Westport Rotary’s March 7 centennial gala are $100. (Venmo @Thomas-Carey-73046, or mail checks to Westport Rotary PO Box 743, Westport, CT 06881). Email: rsvp.WestportRotary@gmail.com.)

FUN WESTPORT ROTARY CLUB FACTS: 8 Westport Rotarians have served as 1st selectperson: E.C. Nash, Austin Wakeman, Herb Baldwin, Bill Seiden, Joe Arcudi, Dianne Farrell, Gordon Joseloff, Jim Marpe and Jen Tooker (Sunrise Rotary member).

(“06880” is nowhere near 100 years old. But we’re part of Westport too. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

6 Comments

Posted in Beach, Organizations, Staples HS, Westport life

Tagged , , , ,

RTM Invocation: Museum Director’s Strong Words

Posted on February 15, 2024 | 35 comments

By tradition, every Representative Town Meeting session opens with an invocation.

The invited speaker — sometimes a clergyperson, more often not — makes a few remarks about the RTM, democracy, the town, whatever.

They fall somewhere on the scale from uplifting to innocuous. An invocation to a group like the RTM traditionally takes “the form of a prayer, a recitation of an inspirational message or a quiet time of guided contemplation,” a web search says.

Tuesday night’s invocation was hardly innocuous.

Ramin Ganeshram — executive director of the Westport Museum for History & Culture — began the Zoom meeting by noting that her building, Town Hall and the entire town sit on tribal lands of the Paugussett people.

Recognizing that this RTM meeting would discuss funding for a new Long Lots Elementary School, she expressed pride that Westport dedicates resources to a “world-class school system.”

Screenshot of Ramin Ganeshram, from Tuesday’s RTM meeting.

Citing the need for collaboration and “truth in history,” Ganeshram described attacks by “conservatives and liberals” on local committees and institutions during the recent school debate, whether “based on facts or not.”

The Westport Museum for History & Culture is also “no stranger to civil discourse,” she said.

Seven years ago, Ganeshram explained, the board decided to “evolve from aggrandizing the genteel past of Westport’s founding fathers,” to “exhibits and programs that uplift erased narratives.”

The “reward” was “public harassment that ranges from thinly veiled racism and libel on the local gossip blog, to attempts to leverage town agencies to close the museum, or change its management.”

However, Ganeshram said, those efforts were “fruitless,” because the museum is a private institution.

“We are not vulnerable to the tools of the anti-equity playbook: persistent FOIA requests, interruptions of public meetings, or a right to be disruptive on premises,” she said.

The Museum will remain “trustworthy” specifically because it is not beholden to public money. “We can objectively act where town institutions cannot.”

While “parents try to shut down BIPOC (Black, indigenous, and other people of color) social studies classes, or lobby to remove LGBTQ books,” the director said that museum exhibits highlight events like past unfair housing practices.

“A feel-good-only approach to history is not accurate history,” Ganeshram said. “It is not the job of people in the present to seek absolution for deeds of the past.”

Returning to the theme of the RTM meeting — an appropriation for a new school — Ganeshram said that Generation Z “is “not afraid to call out white privilege, antisemitism, misogyny, bias or genocide. They refuse forgiveness for enslaving town fathers because ‘that’s just the way things were.’

“We must be able to act without fear of scapegoating or attack,” she concluded, and urged RTM members to view the Westport Museum as “flag bearers for truth in history.”

“You can’t just ‘like’ the idea of the museum. You have to support it.”

Jimmy Izzo was one of several RTM members taken aback by Ganeshram’s comments.

Yesterday morning, the District 3 representative told “06880”: “I went to bed last night a bit confused by Ramin’s invocation. At first I was a bit angry, that one would use the forum, not inspire but to bash our community.

“I woke up this morning feeling a bit sorry for her. My family on both sides came to the United States with nothing. Like many immigrants, they worked for everything they have.

“My grandfather on my father’s side worked 2 jobs, raised 13 kids. At 14 when he landed in the United States, he worked the railroad for $1 a day. No unions. No vacation pay. Ten hours a day, 6 days a week.

“To him, this was all about ‘opportunity.’ Last night’s invocation could have been about ‘opportunity’ for Ramin and her privately funded museum.

Jimmy Izzo

“History is not always pretty. But it is not all bad either. We can take both the ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ and grow from it. History in a lot of ways is like our democracy: a constant work in progress.

“The founding families of Westport provided my immigrant family the opportunity to provide for their families. The Leeses, Nashes, Gaults, Sherwoods, Bedfords and others all employed Irish, Polish, Italian and other immigrants.

“To bypass the history of our founding families, donors, and people who care deeply about our community and charity, in my opinion is not a good path to take when ‘adding’ a deeper dive of Westport history.

“I love the First Amendment right of free speech. Last night, with a big RTM audience, a great opportunity to utilize ‘free speech’ to include community was missed.

“There is room for all history in our community: the good, the bad, and the ugly.  We should embrace all sides, learn, and grow as a community.

“Being positive at the podium with an open mind of filling up the glass is never a bad thing.”

I asked Ganeshram for a comment, and to explain why she thought it was important to say what she did.

Westport Museum board chair Greg Porretta responded: “On behalf of the board and staff at Westport Museum, thank you for bringing to light the inquiries from our public officials about the RTM invocation delivered by our Executive Director on February 13. We believe it reaffirms the need for our mission to reveal facts of history and encourage inclusion of all those who have gone before — particularly marginalized communities and especially in public forums where they have been historically barred.”

(Click here to view Ramin Ganeshram’s RTM invocation. It begins at 2:16.)

35 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Organizations

Tagged , , ,

Full Text: Tooker’s State Of The Town Speech

Posted on February 5, 2024 | 19 comments

Here is the full text of 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s “State of the Town” speech yesterday, at the Westport Library. The event was sponsored by the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Sunrise Rotary.

Welcome ,everyone! I’m honored to share the stage with Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein, and I’m so happy to be here, with all of you, in the beautiful and award-winning Westport Library – the only 5-star library in the state and a true treasure! We are so fortunate to have this incredible asset – and its fabulous staff — in our community.

And speaking of treasures, I want to extend a warm thank you to the Rotary Clubs for hosting our annual State of the Town address- – and for your many valuable contributions to our community. I think I can speak for everyone – and as a fellow Rotarian – -when I say we are grateful for everything you do. You truly make Westport a better place for us all.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker discusses the State of the Town. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Westport is a special place, with a vibrant and engaged community — just look around at all the people that are here with us today. We’re making great progress on the top 5 priorities I laid out when Andrea and I took office 2 years ago, as well as on many other exciting initiatives.

There’s a lot to talk about.

First and foremost, my guiding principle, and that of my administration, is to ensure that Westport continues to be the best place to live, work, play and learn in the region – a place where everyone is welcome and feels like they belong.

Many of you have heard me say this before and I think it’s incredibly important that we begin there today. As first selectwoman, it’s my north star and the driving force behind everything my administration does.

In a year dominated by issues, whether they be local, national or international, that have put members of our community on edge, it is our job to make sure people feel safe, and seen, and heard. We all want to feel valued. We all want to feel like we belong. This is at the heart of who we are as a community, and it will always be a priority.

We’ve taken steps large and small to accomplish this that I will share with you:

First, we have come together many times as a community – and will continue to do so — to support each other and to show we care about the safety and well-being of our entire community — following the horrific terrorist attack on October 7.

Westporters continue to raise money for vital equipment for our sister city Lyman, thanks to Dan Woog and his efforts. Foti and I visited Lyman to meet their elected officials and residents in person, to show our support and solidarity, and to see firsthand how our contributions were making a difference under the leadership of the non-profit and our partners Ukraine Aid International. Foti and I are in regular contact with our counterparts as they continue to endure a long and devastating war.

Last spring, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker traveled to Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine. She met her counterpart, Mayor Aleksander Zhuravlov.

We now have 4 full-time school security officers at our schools solely focused on keeping our kids, parents and school staff safe. After a frightening carjacking incident in town, we held a town hall to keep residents informed on what we’re doing – proactively, every day — to protect Westport.

We installed a rainbow crosswalk downtown to celebrate our LGBTQ community.

We invited Jennifer Wallace, author of Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic – And What We Can Do About It to speak to our parents about the high-achieving, and intense, culture our kids face and to help determine what we, as parents, can do to provide a better environment for our kids.

While this is not an exhaustive list, I thought it was important to just name a few steps we’ve taken so you know that we don’t just talk, but we also take action.

As elected officials, we are here to serve you. We’re listening and we’re doing everything possible to ensure that every member of our community feels safe, heard, and valued. Priority #1.

Before I share the progress we’ve made on many other initiatives first, I want to thank our dedicated and talented town staff and my leadership team, the department heads. While we regularly highlight our unparalleled police, fire and EMS departments, I thought it would be fun to show pictures of some of the other departments who work every day to serve you and help ensure Westport remains the best place to live, work, play and learn in the region.

I could stand here for hours recounting all the things that we have accomplished this past year. Don’t worry, I won’t! But I will share some of the highlights, as well as the things we’re working on for the future. I’ll start by commenting on the other 4 stated priorities which Andrea, and I ran on 2 years ago and of course I will address some other important initiatives.

Traffic: The number one quality of life issue continues to be traffic – and we continue to make progress. We receive regular feedback from residents through email, the website form and phone calls, in addition to the 2 in-person public meetings we have committed to hosting, one in the fall and one in the spring.

Discussing traffic, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker showed a photo of a new sidewalk by Willowbrook Cemetery.

The Traffic and Pedestrian Safely Task force works through these issues prioritizing them in the most informed and organized fashion to date, which allows us to take decisive action.

We’ve accomplished quite a bit, from installing new stop signs to building new sidewalks and everything in between. Also, currently we’re tackling one of the most difficult corridors – Cross Highway, between Bayberry and North Avenue. And at a public meeting this Thursday, 2/8 we will share redesign plans for both intersections and for the corridor in between, which will include both short-term and long-term plans.

Running concurrently, Tighe and Bond has been hired to formulate a comprehensive and strategic “safe streets for all” action plan which we are launching now, with the $450,000 federal grant we were awarded. Beginning this month and likely running for the next 6 months, we will be seeking public feedback through multiple platforms. Please make your voice heard.

Thank you to our Police, Fire, Public Works Departments and the operations director for the never-ending work you are doing on this important issue.

The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan: After engaging the public and receiving feedback from residents during months of public meetings and information sessions and numerous on-line surveys, 10- year capital improvement plan was finalized and includes everything from installing pickleball courts to upgrading the pool.

We will also see a multimillion-dollar upgrade to the Inn at Longshore. As part of the amended lease agreement my team and I negotiated with Longshore Hospitality, the tenant at the Inn, they will be funding the upgrades. We are delighted to have such a highly regarded and well-known operator with deep expertise in the leisure business, due to their operational ties to the Delamar in Southport. Plans are being finalized now, and will be presented before multiple boards and commissions over the following months. I want to thank our Parks and Recreation Department and Commission, including chair Dave Floyd, for their tireless work on one of Westport’s most important assets.

Renovations are coming soon to Longshore Club Park, and the Inn at Longshore. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

Let’s talk about Downtown: Downtown Westport is a vibrant destination for families, shoppers and diners. We are near full occupancy. After engaging the public and receiving feedback from residents and business owners during months of public meetings, information sessions and surveys, the plan to improve Parker Harding Plaza will be back in front of Planning & Zoning shortly.

We will be implementing and enforcing 3-hour parking this spring, and electric vehicle chargers in public lots will soon be paid spots. So, the spaces that were previously 1 and 2 hours will become 3 hours. The remainder of the spaces will be all-day parking. In addition, we will be beginning the design process for Taylor Lot, Jesup Green and the Imperial Lot – which is this side of the Post Road. We welcome and want public feedback, and will go through a similar process to ensure that residents and business owners have ample opportunity to share their thoughts. I want to thank the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee — including Chair Randy Herbertson and virtually every department,as this is a complicated project, for their work to ensure our downtown is and will continue to be destination.

Flood Mitigation and Stream Management: This is a high priority, given that the Saugatuck River runs through our community, along with 7 streams, and changing – more intense — weather patterns. The Flood and Erosion Control Board has studied the 7 streams that run through Westport, and hosted multiple public meetings as they’ve worked through this complicated and long-term project.

They have prioritized Muddy Brook and Pussy Willow Brook. Stream channel improvements along with culvert and bridge improvements will be part of the work within these drainage corridors. This work has been decades in the making, and will be decades in the making. So, it’s critical to have a board – along with support from town experts – that’s prioritizing a systematic and strategic method of tackling these issues. I want to thank PW, Conservation and P&Z departments for their leadership, along with the Flood and Erosion Control Board.

We’ll continue to update you on all of these initiatives. You can go to our town website to stay informed and, as I’ve mentioned, please attend the public meetings where these initiatives are discussed. In the meantime, the list of priorities continues to evolve. As new ideas, new issues, new concerns arise, the priority list grows.

Which brings us to Long Lots Elementary School. We have a positive 8-24 report on a schematic plan for the Long Lots campus, which represents a compromise.  It includes a brand new school, multi- purpose fields, and a community garden. I want to thank the Long Lots School Building Committee, Public Works and Parks & Recreation for taking on  this multi-year project with the Board of Education and the school administration, as well as everyone who has contributed to the conversation and helped us to get where we are today.

The next phase will be to secure the funding to hire the architect, engineers and other specialists to design the school. The Board of Finance will vote on the appropriation on Wednesday, 2/7 and the RTM will vote on the appropriation on Tuesday, 2/13. The goal continues to be to start construction before the end of 2024.

Diverse Housing: We are overseeing a complete overhaul of the Gillespie Center, a town-owned property that’s run by Homes with Hope which is located across Jesup Green right in the middle of downtown.  It is an emergency shelter for single men and women, a community kitchen which serves 3 meals a day, and a food pantry. We plan to renovate the entire building, which will allow for more privacy and dignity for the clients. Thank you to building official Steve Smith, director of Human Services Elaine Daignault, Homes with Hope director Helen McAlinden and her team and board, and the Connecticut Department of Housing for your incredible work on this unique project – the only one of its type in Fairfield County. We are also actively looking at other town-owned land and physical assets that we can add to our diverse housing stock by converting to affordable housing.

Startup Westport: Last year at this time, Startup Westport was just an idea. It came from 2 Westport residents, Cliff Sirlin and Stefano Pacifico, who reached out to me separately — they didn’t even know each other — but both had a similar idea: How do we leverage the amount of local talent right here — specifically in Westport – the large number of founders, funders and leaders in the tech and innovation space? One year later, 5 events later, hundreds of event attendees later and over 800 subscribers to our regular newsletter later, we now have a public private partnership and organization which aims to activate and engage Westport’s growing tech and innovation community.

From left: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Cliff Sirlin, Jay Norris, Connecticut chief innovation officer Dan O’Keefe, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Stefano Pacifico, Peter Propp. All except O’Keefe are Startup Westport team leaders.

I have a quick story to share about the impact of StartUp Westport. I just received news yesterday from a CEO of a Westport-based cybersecurity firm that they were awarded a large contract with the Air Force as a result of connections made at our  StartUp Westport events. Unbelievable.

Going forward, we have 3 events scheduled in the next 3 months. We are also launching a mentorship program aimed at high school and college students. Please sign up at www.startupwestport.org for more information.  This is our team, and we want to make Westport the tech and innovation start up hub of CT.

Skip the Stuff Campaign: This is a townwide initiative launching now, in partnership with Sustainable Westport, the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Chamber of Commerce and the Westport Downtown Association, to encourage our restaurants and eating establishments to change the way they distribute accessories like utensils, napkins, condiment packs that go unused and are just thrown away in take-out and delivery orders.

In addition to the obvious environmental impact, restaurants spend $19 billion on disposable items, and local governments spend $1 billion annually on managing the waste and litter, based on pre-pandemic data. This will be an education campaign by meeting with our local eating establishments and communicating to the general public through various platforms.  Thank you to the leadership of Sustainable Westport, the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Chamber, the WDA and our town Conservation Department director and operations director for leading the way on this important and impactful sustainability initiative.

I have people from other parts of the state and the region regularly tell me how much they love Westport. We have such a beautiful town, in every season, with absolutely gorgeous natural assets and what I refer to as a great vibe.  My response is always the same … yes I feel so lucky to be the leader of this beautiful town,

But what makes it really special is the people, our residents, our business owners, our non-profit leaders – many of whom I have thanked today. We’re so fortunate to have such an engaged community that cares deeply about our collective future.

Homes with Hope’s dedicated staff and many volunteers was one of many organizations praised by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

It seems very appropriate at this time to recognize Bill Vornkahl, who just passed last week. He was a great example of an engaged, caring resident. For over 50 years, he was Mr. Parade – planning our beloved Memorial Day parade and our Veteran’s Day service. He will be deeply missed but his legacy lives on in both of those events.  And his love for his country and our democracy lives on here in Westport.     

Let’s talk for a minute about democracy.  Have we had very robust debates recently? Yes — and putting aside the acrimonious tone of some of it — that’s democracy in action. A strong, functioning democracy requires all of us to be part of the solution.

It requires compromise – sometimes compromise is the only way for us to keep moving forward – to keep making progress. Is it messy sometimes? And frustrating at times? Sure. But at the end of the day, time and again, our democratic process, as stipulated specifically by our charter here in Westport, yields the best decisions for the future of our community.

And that is the responsibility of your elected leaders, to follow the democratic process and sometimes make compromises to ensure progress. Thank you to my fellow elected and appointed board and commission members – and specifically to Selectwoman Andrea Moore and Selectwoman Candice Savin – for helping me move Westport forward.

It takes all of us working together to ensure that Westport continues to be the best place to live, work, play and learn in the region – a place where everyone is welcome and feels like they belong.

And really, when you get right down to it, that’s what it’s all about. I’m honored to be your leader.

Thank you for your time today. I’m looking forward to answering your questions.

19 Comments

Posted in Local politics, Organizations, Westport life

Tagged , ,

Roundup: Dr. Clarence Jones, Taylor Swift, Joe Tacopina …

Posted on January 16, 2024 | 9 comments

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King famously said: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

If you missed Sunday’s Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Westport Library, you should run, walk or crawl to this link:

 

Dr. Clarence Jones — King’s 93-year-old speechwriter, personal attorney and friend — delivered an emotional and inspirational master class in history, justice, and the power of one individual to change the world.

Many of those who were there Sunday will want to watch the video too.

And for all of us, Dr. Jones’ words will resonate for years to come.

==================================================

Calling all Swifties!

The Westport Country Playhouse hosts a special show, with songs from every Taylor Swift era.

Spoiler alert: The hottest entertainer on the planet won’t be there. But “powerhouse voices” will sing Swift’s songs.

The February 2 event (7 p.m.) is a benefit for the WCP’s Woodward Internship program. Tickets are $55, $65 and $75. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

She won’t appear at the Playhouse on February 2. But “powerhouse voices” singing her songs will be there.

==================================================

Donald Trump has lost another lawyer.

This one is our neighbor: Westporter Joe Tacopina.

The New York Times reported yesterday:

Joseph Tacopina, the trial lawyer on Donald J. Trump’s legal team with the most successes defending high-profile clients, will no longer represent the former president in his criminal trial in Manhattan, according to a notice sent to the court on Monday.

Mr. Tacopina also withdrew on Monday from another case in which he was still legally representing Mr. Trump: an appeal of the verdict in a lawsuit brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll. Mr. Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation last year and was ordered to pay Ms. Carroll $5 million.

It was not clear why Mr. Tacopina decided to withdraw, and he declined to comment.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

Attorney Joseph Tacopina sat at former President Trump’s left hand, at an arraignment in April. (Photo/Curtis Means for EPA)

================================================

Judy Michaelis of Coldwell Banker sends this real estate report:

“Across the board, 2023 was flat compared with 2022.

“Days on market, 68, is same as the last 2 years.

“The median sales price – $2,000,000 — is the same as last year.

“The list to sales price is just over 1% of asking price, same as last year.

“The only thing that has changed is that our sales are down 24%, and that is because we had a lack of inventory.”


This 6-bedroom, 6 1/2-bathroom, 6,585-square foot house, on 4 acres at 69 Beachside Avenue, is listed for $7,950,000.

==================================================

Village Pediatrics has just finished a major renovation.

Their rooms have an outdoor theme (skiing, camping, water activities, biking, outer space). A fun rainbow goes the entire length of the office; it’s an “all are welcome here” shoutout for everyone to see.

To show off their new space, Village Pediatrics hosts an open house this Thursday (January 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 323 Riverside Avenue). Providers will be there to meet “new patients, and expecting patients.”

They’ll answer questions about their practice, which includes daily walk-in sick visits for acute issues, weekend availability for sick and well visits, late hours on Thursday evenings, Saturday check-ups, 24/7 on-call provider for emergencies, extended time at well visits, in-house lactation consults, ADHD and anxiety medication management, Accutane — and ear piercing.

Questions? Email office@villagepedi.com. Click below for a tour of their newly renovated space.

==================================================

Valentine’s Day is next month.

But the Westport Young Woman’s League Galentine’s Bingo is January 31 (7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church).

Tickets are $30, and include bingo (with prizes from local vendors), and light refreshments. Click here to purchase, and for more information. The event is BYOB.

Proceeds help fun WYWL’s Grants Program. Last year, the organization donated $90,000 to charities and nonprofits.

Questions? Email funddevelopment@wywl.com.

==================================================

 

We never tire of photos of clouds over Compo Beach. They constantly change; we never see the same scene twice.

Jim Hood took today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot a few days ago. It’s another winner.

(Photo/Jim Hood)

==================================================

9 Comments

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Local business, Organizations, Politics, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , ,

Podcast: Phil Delgado

Posted on January 8, 2024 | 5 comments

Phil Delgado is quartermaster of VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.

In just a few years, he’s revitalized the 100-plus-year-old organization. Once a little-noticed club — despite its location at one of Westport’s most well-trafficked intersections — the VFW is now a major part of our civic life.

The VFW hosts world-class jazz, every Thursday, and folk music once a month. It’s the go-to spot for (inexpensive) celebrations like reunions and bridal showers, and meetings for groups like Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service and the League of Women Voters. Every month, there’s a Red Cross blood drive.

There’s a full bar and meal service — plus of course the usual VFW services for veterans, from the Korean War to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The other day on the Westport Library stage, Phil talked about all those activities, and his unlikely path to leading them. Click below for our very intriguing conversation.

5 Comments

Posted in Media, Organizations

Tagged , ,

History Museum Bricks: An “06880” Apology

Posted on January 6, 2024 | 13 comments

Yesterday, in an “Opinion” piece, “06880” reader Jamie Walsh stated that in the process of creating a new walkway, the Westport Museum for History & Culture had eliminated the personalized bricks donated in a fundraising drive a decade or so ago.

In fact, the Museum kept all the bricks, and reinstalled them alongside a new path, beginning on Avery Place.

Personalized bricks line the new pathway.

The post has been removed.

“06880” apologizes to the Westport Museum for History & Culture, and invites readers to see the bricks — and exhibits — for themselves.

Close-up view of the bricks. (Photo/David Krasne)

13 Comments

Posted in Organizations

Tagged

The Gift Of Giving

Posted on December 4, 2023 | 7 comments

‘Tis the season to be jolly.

And to give.

This year — which despite economic headwinds, was a good one for many Westporters — as we buy presents for loved ones, friends, and people whose good graces we need to keep, we should also think about helping others.

Give what you can.

(Of course, helping them can also ease our own tax burdens next spring. This is still a great country!)

But who to give to?

Far be it for “06880” to say. So here is a list of some worthy local organizations. Each one has a clickable link 🙂

I know I’ve missed some. Rather than bite my head off (too un-Christmas-y), please mention them in the “Comments” section. I’ll add them to this list.

And please: Keep your suggestions local (southern Fairfield County). There are way too many very worthy national and international groups to include. Thank you!

Animals

Christine’s Critters: Rehabilitation of big birds
Connecticut Humane Society: Westport branch
Save Our Strays: Animal rescue
PAWS: No-kill animal shelter
Rising Starr Horse Rescue: Gives at-risk horses a second chance at life
TAILS: Spaying and neutering
Westport Animal Shelter Advocates: Care, shelter and adoption of homeless dogs
Wildlife in Crisis: Preservation and emergency help

 

Arts and history

Artists Collective of Westport: Creativity, education, shows, forums and more
Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County: Supporting cultural organizations, artists and creative businesses
Levitt Pavilion: More than 50 nights of free entertainment
MoCA Westport: Exhibitions, concerts, education and more
Music Theatre of Connecticut: Musical theater education for youngsters ages 4 through high school
Remarkable Theater: Providing entertainment and employment for people with disabilities
Weston History & Culture Center: Discovering, collect and preserving Weston’s heritage
Westport Country Playhouse: 93-year-old cultural institution. They survived a near-death experience this year, and are coming back refreshed and revitalized.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Exhibits and education
Westport Public Art Collections: Bringing art to schools and public spaces

Community aid

Al’s Angels: Help for children and families battling diseases and hardships
Bridgeport Rescue Mission: Fighting poverty, offering help
Center for Family Justice: Provides services to fight domestic, child and sexual abuse
Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants: Service and advocacy for immigrants, refugees and survivors of human trafficking and torture
Integrated Immigrant & Refugee Services: Resettlement agency
Lifebridge Community Services: Bridgeport youth development behavioral health and family resources organization
Norwalk Hour: Aid to families in need
United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut: Access to food, shelter, transportation and childcare
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: Helping veterans, servicemembers and their families
Westport Department of Human Services “We Care”: Many options, including financial help with school supplies and heating costs
Westport PAL: They do it all: college scholarships, youth sports programs, fireworks, ice rink, etc., etc., etc.
Westport Weston Family YMCA: Help in many ways

 

Community-building

06880: This blog — now a non-profit — sponsors community-wide events. Projects include the Holiday Stroll, the Lyman Ukraine sister city project, and collaborations with the Westport Library. “06880” also publishes this daily blog, to help create community.

Disabilities

Catch a Lift: Westport supports veterans through fitness programs
Circle of Friends: Teens work with children with disabilities
CLASP: Group homes and opportunities
Club 203: Provides fun, engaging activities for adults with disabilities
MyTEAM Triumph:  Road race support for children, adults and veterans
New Canaan Mounted Troop: Youth development and therapeutic equestrian center serving children and adults with disabilities, and giving horses a second chance
STAR Lighting the Way: Support for all ages
Sweet P Bakery: Provides jobs for adults with learning disabilities; supplies The Porch at Christie’s with delicious baked goods

Education and youth

A Better Chance of Westport: Education and support for outstanding minority boys
Achievement First: Schools provide Bridgeport families of color with a high- quality education at no cost
Adam J. Lewis Academy: High-quality experience for Bridgeport youngsters
Carver Foundation: K-12 pre- and after-school programs in Norwalk
Child Advocates of SW Connecticut: Providing advocates for abused children
Child & Family Guidance Center: Counseling and support for youth and families
Kids in Crisis: 24-hour support, including emergency housing and crisis counseling
Neighborhood Studios: Arts education for Bridgeport youngsters
Piston Foundation: Helping young people acquire the education and hands-on training to build a career in the collector car industry, through trade school scholarships, apprenticeships and advocacy
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities: Helping fulfill potential; support for parents too
Staples Tuition Grants: Need-based scholarships for Staples High School students and alumni
The Susan Fund: Scholarships for young people affected by cancer

Environment

Aspetuck Land Trust: Preserving open space; maintaining 45 preserves
Connecticut Audubon Society: Protecting birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education and advocacy
Earthplace: Education, wildlife exhibits, and a 62-acre sanctuary
Friends of Sherwood Island: Preserving, maintaining and enhancing our state park
Lachat Town Farm: Offering environmental education and cultural experiences for all ages in Weston
Norwalk River Valley Trail: Maintaining 30 miles of open space 
Save the Sound: Protecting Long Island Sound
Sustainable Westport: Helping our town become Net Zero by 2050
Wakeman Town Farm: Sustainability center, with plenty of programs
Westport Farmers’ Market: Food, education, programs and more

Food and shelter

Filling in the Blanks: Providing weekend meals for children in need
Food Rescue: Helping volunteers pick up and deliver excess food
Homes with Hope: Supportive housing, food pantry, food distribution and more
Open Doors Shelter: Aiding Norwalkers in need
Person-to-Person: Food, rent help, clothing and more

Grant-giving and foundations

100 Women Who  Care of Fairfield County: Raising funds to give them away!
Fairfield County Foundation: Philanthropy to strengthen communities
Near and Far Aid: Fighting poverty in Fairfield County
Newman’s Own: Okay, they’re global — but they’re headquartered in Westport!
Westport Rotary: Noontime chapter meeting of Rotary International
Westport Sunrise Rotary: 7:30 a.m. chapter meeting of Rotary International
Westport Woman’s Club: Raising funds for charitable, educational, cultural and public health services
Westport Young Woman’s League: Building community through volunteerism and social activities

Health and Safety

Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation: Funds for non-medical expenses
Domestic Violence Crisis Center: Help for victims and families
Fairfield County House: End-of -life facility, providing hospice and palliative care in a home-like setting 
Mission: Helping survivors create lives after cancer
Pink Aid: Financial aid and services to woman and families facing breast cancer
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service: Providing staffing, supplies and apparatus to keep the town safe

LGBTQ+

PROUD Academy: New school for LGBTQ+ students and allies, proving a safe, affirming learning community
Triangle Community Center: Providing programs and resources for the LGBTQ+ community
Westport Pride: Our town’s own LGBTQ+ organization — sponsors of the June festival, and much more


Literacy

Mercy Learning Center: Life skills training for low-income women
Read to Grow: Promoting children’s literacy from birth, supporting parents as babies’ first teachers
Westport Book Sales: Providing employment for people with disabilities — and offering books, while providing funds for the Westport Library
Westport Library: They do it all!

Mental health and addiction 

Laurel House: Mental health and recovery resources
Positive Directions: Treatment and prevention for addictive behaviors

Seniors

Jewish Senior Services: Skilled nursing and other care
Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities: Support for the Senior Center (below)
Westport Center for Senior Activities: Senior Center provides programs, meals and more

Sister City

Ukraine Aid International: Founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, UAI ensures that donations go directly to Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.  Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)

Women and girls

AWARE: “Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education”
Dress for Success Mid-Fairfield County: Empowering women by providing professional clothes and other support
LiveGirl: Leadership development and mentoring for females, grades 5 through college
Malta House: Shelter and programs for young pregnant women and their babies

7 Comments

Posted in Arts, Children, Environment, Library, Organizations, Teenagers, YMCA

Tagged , , ,

Volunteers Vital To Keeping Town Vibrant

Posted on September 26, 2023 | 4 comments

In the 1950s, a surge of new families changed Westport forever.

They built new homes. They needed new schools. They got involved in town affairs.

Those post-war parents picked up the volunteer reins from the men and women who had made Westport what it was in previous decades. They joined well-established local organizations, and started others. They ran for political office. They asked how this beautiful, resource-rich town could be even better; then they made it happen.

Their baby boomer children continued that tradition. Some were their literal descendants, who stayed in Westport or moved back later. Others were baby boomers who grew up elsewhere, then somehow found their way here and understood that for a community to thrive, every member who can, must contribute to it in some way.

Coleytown Capers was a 1950s fundraiser for the elementary school. It was directed, produced and acted in by dozens of parents. Many worked fulltime in entertainment and the arts. PTAs today find it difficult to recruit volunteers.

In the 2020s, Westport is changing again.

The pandemic brought a new surge of new families. They moved here for all the right reasons: the schools. The amenities. The space. The community vibe.

They are young and energetic. They are smart and creative. They are our future, and that future is very bright indeed.

But as baby boomers age, there is a concern that the civic value of volunteerism is fading.

Certainly, plenty of newcomers have picked up the mantle. They join organizations, run for office, coach teams.

But there are not enough of them.

Katie Augustyn and Haley Schulman volunteer with Food Rescue US. They deliver excess food from stores and restaurants to pantries and shelters in the area. Volunteers are always needed.

Nearly every group in town — PTAs, non-profits, town commissions — wonders: How can we get the next generation more involved?

“They do everything they can for their kids,” one current leader said. “But they don’t always do everything they can for their town.”

Last Saturday, the Town of Westport and League of Women Voters sponsored a volunteer fair at the Westport Library. (Right there, those are 3 organizations that rely often on volunteers.)

Over 2 dozen community groups had tables. Turnout was good (bad weather may have helped or hurt). Representatives offered information, answered questions and encouraged participation.

Saturday’s Volunteer Fair, at the Westport Library. (Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)

If you missed it, here they were:

  • A Better Chance of Westport
  • AWARE
  • Center for Senior Activities
  • Club 203
  • Earthplace
  • FCJazz
  • Food Rescue
  • Friends of Sherwood Island
  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind
  • Homes with Hope
  • Levitt Pavilion
  • Staples Tuition Grants
  • Sunrise Rotary Club
  • TEAM Westport
  • Town of Westport
  • Verso Studios
  • Veterans of Foreign Wars
  • Wakeman Town Farm
  • Westport Book Shop
  • Westport Community Theatre
  • Westport Country Playhouse
  • Westport Emergency Medical Services
  • Westport League of Women Voters
  • Westport Library
  • Westport Permanent Art Collections
  • Westport Rotary Club
  • Westport Woman’s Club
  • Westport Young Woman’s League
  • Westport-Weston CERT
  • Westport Weston Family YMCA.

What a list!

Education, community service, seniors, people in need, people with disabilities, the environment, the arts, politics, entertainment, veterans, health, youth — no matter what your interest, there was something for everyone.

That’s not counting the groups that were not there: PTAs. Sports. And one that I profiled earlier this month (started — yes — by new arrivals): Bike Westport.

Imke Lohs, Adam Ganser and Markus Marty are young Westporters who started Bike Westport. The non-profit is addressing our town’s transportation crisis.

I am often asked what I think about “changing Westport.” I respond that I am excited and invigorated by all the new people. Some are families; some are young singles moving into apartments.

They’re excited to be here. They quickly learn to love this town.

Now it’s up to them — not just some, but all of them — to make their mark on Westport.

And set the standard for future surges of newcomers, in the 2090s and beyond.

PS: Adults are not the only volunteers who make this town go.

The Library will host a volunteer expo for teens on Wednesday, October 4 (4:30 to 6 p.m.), featuring local youth organizations with volunteer opportunities.

(“06880” covers all of Westport: yesterday, today and tomorrow. Please click here to support our local journalism. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Organizations, Sports, Teenagers, Westport life

Tagged ,