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!)
Todd Freeman loves airplanes: being around them, flying them, taking part in related activities.
It’s in his blood. His mother was a private pilot in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.
As soon as he was of legal age, Freeman got his pilot’s license. He even took a year off from college, to get advanced ratings and experience.
Freeman’s passion took him out of an early career in banking, back to business school, and then into the specialized world of commercial aircraft leasing and finance.
Todd Freeman
The Westport resident of over 20 years worked with Airbus, GE Capital and GE Aircraft Engines. His job took him around the world, with long-term assignments in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
After retiring from GE in 2019, planes remained an important part of his activities.
After earning FAA flight instructor ratings he began teaching part-time at Westchester County Airport — the same place his mother kept her Cessna more than 50 years ago.
Freeman flies volunteer pilot missions for organizations like AngelFlight, transporting patients from rural areas to special treatment in urban areas.
He enjoys flying with his son Ben. The 2011 Staples High School graduate works in aerospace, and is also an experienced pilot.
In 2020 Freeman joined the board of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. His work with one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world keeps him plugged into the aerospace industry.
But Freeman’s main aviation-related activity lately — and the one he calls most rewarding — is as board chair of Airlink.
Working with an Airlink shipment, at airports …
The Washington-based humanitarian organization delivers critical aid to communities in crisis around the globe, providing free airlift and logistical solutions to 200 nonprofit partners.
Through Airlink’s relationships with airlines and logistics companies worldwide, they lower or eliminate the cost of moving aid cargo and skilled responders during disaster relief and response efforts.
“Humanitarian aid work is complex. It has so many obstacles,” Freeman says.
“Airlink leverages the power and speed of aviation to get the right aid to where it needs to be.”
… and on the ground.
The organization responds to two types of disaster. The core activity is rapid relief, for sudden disaster- and climate-related events, like hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods.
During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Airlink moved over 700 NGO workers. That number will rise, as rebuilding continues.
Airlink also works during complex crises, like Ukraine. There, they have helped 66 non-profits deliver 2,300 tons of supplies, benefiting 6 million Ukrainians.
Aid to the war-torn nation has included medicines, prosthetics, surgical and pre-natal supplies, family emergency kits, generators and shelters.
Besides planes, Airlink uses rail, trucks and marine aid.
AmeriCares is one of Airlink’s 200 nonprofit partners.
As it celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, Freeman notes that support for Airlink has a multiplier effect. The more efficient and effective his organization is, the more it can help 200 charities do their work, helping people around the world in need.
“There is no shortage of demand for humanitarian aid. Airlink’s value proposition is strong and established,” Freeman says.
“We have a hard-working and dedicated team, and a great group of airline, logistics and NGO partners. Toether with a growing and more diverse donor base, we plan to scale up and impact the live of millions more.”
(To learn more about Airlink — including how to donate — click here.)
Posted onDecember 25, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Marigny, Lyman, Polar Plunge …
For the second year in a row, our friends in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine have enjoyed a better Christmas, thanks to the generosity of our friends in our other sister city: Marigny-Le-Lozon, France.
In the years following World War II, Westporters sent hundreds of holiday gifts to the boys and girls of the small Normandy town. They never forgot Westport. (The name lives on, in a plaza, pharmacy and Town Hall meeting room.)
Two years ago, our Marigny amis suggested we both help another war-torn town, 80 years later.
Since then, Lyman — in the Donetsk region, not far from invading Russian troops — has received much-needed support from Westport and Marigny.
The most recent gifts were to 500 youngsters, many of whom have been forced from their homes. Thanks to Marigny, they will still have Christmas.
Plans are underway for the children of Lyman to correspond with their counterparts in France.
Of course, the need for help in Lyman remains great. Westporters are now raising funds to send students there to a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains. They’ll reunite with friends, while teachers and counselors help them feel like kids again.
To donate, please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
The long-range forecast predicts a temperature of 47 on New Year’s Day.
And rain.
The warm temperature is good news for Polar Plungers. The rain — hey, when you jump in Long Island Sound on January 1, you’ll get wet anyway.
The Polar Plunge — set for 11 a.m. New Year’s Day, at Compo Beach — is Abilis’ annual fundraiser.
For 74 years, the non-profit has provided programs and services for children and adults of all abilities from birth throughout their lives, with day, transition, employment and residential programs.
The “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge will raise funds for Abilis’ Gardens & Gifts Shop. Located in Greenwich, it provides retail job skills training and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
For more information about Abilis’ Compo Beach Polar Plunge, and to register, click here.
Another great organization is Catch a Lift. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.
For the past decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift. Residents have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club.
The vets give plenty back in return — as role models, and serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.
Catch a Lift has completed another successful, important year. Whether you’ve been involved with them or not, you’ll find the video of this year’s 10th annual event — held on the September 11 weekend at the Patterson Club — very inspiring.
Then click below, for the 2024 Catch a Lift highlight reel:
To learn more about Catch a Lift — including how to donate — click here. (Hat tip: Adam Vengrow)
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature often includes beach scenes and/or dogs. One canine in particular — Patricia McMahon’s Levon — is a regular subject.
Greens Farms Academy head of school Bob Whelan is well-known for his whimsical snow closing videos.
Now he’s branched out.
Looking completely at ease in a super-sized elf costume, the school’s top dog offers a unique holiday video.
Click below to see. Ho ho ho!
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One of the hottest toys this holiday season are Jellycats.
The whimsical, creative creatures have flown off most store shelves. Late-shopping Westport parents are desperate to find any.
And if they’re online, it’s getting late to ship them.
Attention, Westport shoppers! Savvy + Grace — the store that seems to cram everything into its funky Main Street space — has a great supply.
At least, they did up until this announcement …
Bartholomew Bear — one of the very popular Jellycats.
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Speaking still of the holidays: The Selectwomen’s office celebrated yesterday with festive sweaters (and more).
Taking a moment out from another busy day are (below, from right) 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, office manager Eileen Francis, operations director Tom Kiely and administrative assistant Sara Amaro.
The wreath is courtesy of Wreathing for Community. It was made by a member of Neighbors and Newcomers of Westport.
Also yesterday: It was hardly a blue Christmas at VFW Post 399.
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll lit up a large crowd of veterand and friends at the Riverside Avenue club, with music, camaraderie and holiday cheer,
Everyone — from Elvis to you — is always welcome at the VFW. It’s one of Westport’s best (and least expensive) event spaces. For more information, email quartermaster Phil Delgado: delgadopa@icloud.com.
Elvis was in the building.
From left: VFW bartender/radio personality/actor Matt Zako, Elvis, and VFW auxiliary vice president Patty Kondub.
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Speaking yet again of Christmas: Santa Claus is a very busy man.
But he’s still gotta eat.
Before making his rounds, he’ll stop by for brunch at Zucca Gastrobar.
Between bites, he’ll pose for pictures.
The Big Guy will be at the popular Saugatuck restaurant tomorrow (Sunday, December 22), from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Guests are invited to wear PJs, or their favorite ugly Christmas sweater.
Seating is limited. Click here for reservations, or call 203-349-5227.
Santa is on his way tomorrow.
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With temperatures expected to drop — tomorrow’s high will only be 24, with a low of 10 overnight — local warming centers will be open. Sunday times include the Westport Library (1 to 5 p.m.), Westport Museum for History & Culture (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Westport Weston Family YMCA (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and MoCA Westport (noon to 4 p.m.).
And finally … Michael Brewer — half of Brewer & Shipley — died Tuesday at his home in Branson, Missouri. He was 80.
Their biggest hit was “One Toke Over the Line.” The catchy tune’s weed-touting lyrics went high over the head of Lawrence Welk, who featured it on his show because it had a line about “sweet Jesus.”
But this overlooked song of theirs is at least as good, and far more meaningful:
(From Greens Farms Academy to the VFW — and from Elvis to Lawrence Welk — “06880”‘ is your 24/7/365 source of information, news, and random stuff. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
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