Over her many years with Homes with Hope (formerly the Interfaith Housing Association), Wendy Epstein has quietly helped hundreds of community members and colleagues to grow and thrive.
As a young mother of 4 looking to use her social work degree to help others, she started volunteering with the IHA women’s mentoring program.
Looking to do more, she helped organize Jumpstart, a partnership with Westport’s Department of Human Services that provided parenting workshops (and pizza!) for struggling young mothers and their children.
When the women’s mentoring program needed a new director in 2002, Wendy was the obvious choice. She became a whiz at recruiting and training new mentors, matching mentors and mentees, and facilitating their supportive relationships.
In 2009, when Homes with Hope expanded its mission to provide supportive housing in addition to emergency shelter services, Wendy similarly grew her commitment and added case management for supportive housing residents to her workload.
As Homes with Hope and its services continued to grow, so did Wendy’s commitment to supporting not only the most vulnerable members of our community, but her co-workers.
Wendy Epstein
In 2018 she transitioned to her current role as director of supportive housing, supervising Homes with Hope’s case managers.
Under Wendy’s direction, 3 supportive case managers provide services for more than 50 units of supportive housing, as well as other scattered sites in Fairfield County.
She also provides direct supervision for 3 additional case managers in our Rapid Rehousing programs serving single adults, young adults and families.
Wendy also supervises me — the director of ASAP, Homes with Hope’s after-school program — providing valuable counsel on how to navigate the day-to-day challenges of this fledgling project.
I cannot overstate how much I have learned from Wendy. With her supportive leadership and nurturing manner, she models the power of positivity.
When I am at a loss for how to handle a difficult situation, I can count on Wendy to offer encouragement and concrete suggestions. Her firm yet gentle style deftly motivates me to try to be the best version of myself for the children and volunteers of ASAP.
After 22 years with Homes with Hope, Wendy is retiring to spend more time with family, and start a small counseling practice. Paris Looney, our vice president and chief operating officer, says, “Wendy has been a friend, colleague, and mentor to me for the 20 years we have worked together. I will miss our daily check-ins and moments of laughter. I wish my good friend well as she continues to provide counsel and support to others in need.”
Here at Homes with Hope we will greatly miss Wendy’s warm presence, steady leadership and disarming sense of humor. But we are thrilled that plenty of others — children, grandchildren and counseling clients — will be the beneficiaries of her wisdom.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
There was a lot to choose from last night in Westport.
Mike Birbiglia was at the Playhouse. Sustainable Westport sponsored a talk on making our town more walkable and bikeable.
Doris Kearns Goodwin captivated a sold-out crowd at the Westport Library. In an easy but wide-ranging, deep and educational conversation with former NBC anchor Brian Williams, she offered insights into the American presidency, her husband Richard’s role in our history, and her own place in all of it.
The event celebrated a new partnership between the Library and the Remarkable Theater. Details will be announced soon.
At a private reception afterward at Remarkable Theater founder Doug Tirola’s house — hosted by his wife Kristen — their son Cooper and friends Ben Seidman, Ava Waldman and Caroline Motyl joined Williams in reading from the historic speech Richard Goodwin wrote for President Lyndon Johnson, introducing civil rights legislation in 1965 after “Bloody Sunday” in Selma, Alabama.
Then everyone sang a song by Kearns Goodwin’s favorite group, the Platters: “The Great Pretender.”
Doris Kearns Goodwin, Brian Williams and Staples High School graduates Ava Waldman and Caroline Motyl, singing together. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Also last night, 150 tech and entrepreneurial types gathered on the La Plage patio at Longshore, for Startup Westport‘s summer social.
There was high energy at that event (and all the others). The public/private Startup Westport partnership brings together many of the town’s most creative innovators.
If I missed something else, my apologies. There was just too much going on.
And it was all good.
Startup Westport founders and officials, at La Plage. (Photo/Noah Fenn)
Also last night: the monthly Representative Town Meeting session.
Members voted 29-4 against a petition to reject a new Board of Selectwomen regulation, which prohibits access to the Westport Community Gardens near Long Lots Elementary School from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. during school days.
The RTM also voted 30-2 against modifying the hours of access.
The regulation — passed last month by the selectwomen — is effective immediately.
It took 10 innings. But Rhys Jamali’s single, driving in Luke Oakley, gave the Staples High School baseball team a thrilling 4-2 state tournament semifinal win over archrival Fairfield Warde yesterday, in Waterbury.
The victory vaults the Wreckers into the Connecticut “LL” (extra large schools) championship game. They’ll shoot for their 3rd title since 2017 on Friday or Saturday (to be determined), at Middletown’s Palmer Field.
#19-seed Staples’ foe in that game is #4 Amity. The Wreckers fell to the Woodbridge school 6-2, earlier in the season.
Revenge will be on coach Jack McFarland’s team’s mind, as it was yesterday. Warde (ranked #2 in LL this year, and the 2-time defending state champion) ended Staples’ title hopes 2-1 last year in the final — also in 10 innings.
Andrew Oppenheimer pitched 9 strong innings yesterday. Mason Tobias got the win in relief, pitching out of a 10th-inning jam.
There’s another Staples team vying for a state championship too: boys rugby.
The Wreckers trounced Trumbull 55-17 earlier this week. That sets up their title match: Saturday (June 8) vs. longtime rival Greenwich, at Southern Connecticut State University. The time has not yet been determined.
Staples High School boys rugby team.
===============================================
Young patients love reading books in the Village Pediatrics waiting room.
Then they go outside on the “Story Walk,” and read more.
The newest addition will also interest their parents (and grandparents). “The Pronoun Book” explains gender-neutral pronouns to men and women people who may not have grown up with them.
The display was installed recently by Village Pediatrics’ Staples High School senior interns, Stella Libman and Sophie Lubis.
This is the medical practice’s 12th year of participation in the internship program. It’s a way to introduce graduating seniors to the world of pediatrics and child development.
Village’s founder Dr. Nikki Gorman enjoys seeing her former interns around town. And, she proudly notes, her first — Emily Harris — is becoming a pediatrician herself. She trained at one of the premier programs, Boston Children’s Hospital.
Village Pediatrics interns Stella Libman and Sophie Lubis with “The Pronoun Book” on the Story Walk.
Speaking of youth sports: Twice a day, Maxx Crowley walks his dog at PJ Romano Field.
Sunrises and sunsets are always different. But one thing seldom changes: There is trash everywhere.
This was the scene Monday night:
That’s bad. But — compared with what I sometimes see at Wakeman Fields — PJ is almost pristine.
Come on, coaches. Parents. And especially, young athletes.
You can do better than this.
A lot better.
=================================================
Marcy Sansolo — the one-woman wunderkind behind the “What Up Westport” Facebook group — is at it again.
She and Lisa Marriott are spearheading a drive to collect new underwear for Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter (this Saturday, June 8, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). It’s a small item, but something every shelter needs.
Any type of new underwear for women and children is great. The shelter requests boxer briefs for men.
Can’t make it Saturday? Lisa will pick items up, or accept them at her Town Hall office. You can also send them to her via Amazon. For details, email lsmarriott@gmail.com.
The sender wrote: “You just narrowly missed hitting me and my dog while driving what I assume is a blue BMW, going up Thomas from Imperial. License plate ‘06880.’
“It was so close and so egregious that the car in the oncoming lane swerved onto the grass side, got out of his car, and motioned that you were CRAZY.
“Blog aside, be a better community resident and stop speeding. You clearly were!”
As regular readers know, “06880” is a longtime advocate for safer streets. You can imagine my surprise at this email, because:
I don’t drive a blue BMW.
I was not on Thomas Road.
My license plate is not “06880.”
When I protested, the emailer replied that he had been told by 2 witnesses that I was the driver — presumably, because of the license plate.
I am happy to take the blame for anything I get or do wrong on this blog.
But please don’t come after me for a car I don’t drive, or a license plate I don’t own.
Not my license plate — or my windshield.
================================================
Quick: What kind of business is Squeeze?
A juice bar? Retailer of stress balls? Dating app?
Nope. It’s a “massage service destination.”
The newest location opens June 28, in the Fresh Market shopping center.
Promotional materials say, “Squeeze was created to disrupt an outdated industry by providing consumers an accessible, stress-free, and personalized massage experience….
“(In) a prime location surrounded by fitness studios, shops and food & drink offerings, the opening of Squeeze provides a one-stop-shop for health and wellness needs. The 1,838 square-foot shop boasts a modern yet sophisticated design, which features six treatment rooms. The ambiance at Squeeze is carefully crafted to foster a relaxing setting, promoting comfort, and enhancing the overall well-being of its guests.
“With its personalized app-based approach, each massage is tailored to the customer’s liking including pressure, music, lighting and the ability to tap a ‘ready button’ letting the therapist know to return in-room to begin the massage. Guests are also able to set preferences around what body areas to focus on, pressure, oil or lotion and more.”
Squeeze also offers deep tissue, heat therapy, percussion therapy and aromatherapy.”
The other day, I wrote about stores on Main Street whose front doors are wide open, blasting air conditioning onto the sidewalk. The idea is to lure hot customers inside.
Okay, I lied. It was not “the other day.”
It was June 5, 2012 — exactly 12 years ago today. You can click here to read that post. (Spoiler alert: It was cleverly titled “Totally Uncool.”)
I’ve been writing about that environmentally wasteful, economically dumb and ridiculously absurd practice ever since.
Right on cue yesterday, Tracy Porosoff emailed “06880.” She sent this photo …
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
… and wrote: “As the weather gets warmer and our stores have their air conditioning on, I wonder what the rules are about keeping their doors closed.
“I was just on Main Street. They are all doing it.”
The Main Street stores who insist on this practice change. (Remember Banana Republic? BCBG? Douglas?)
But the problem remains.
And worsens.
In the 12 years since that first post — and every year after, when I’ve repeated a similar one — the planet has grown more endangered. It was 126 degrees in Asia this week, and we’re on track for the hottest summer ever this year.
Fortunately, it wasn’t that hot here yesterday. In fact, it wasn’t hot at all.
The temperature did not reach 80. There were clouds all afternoon.
But there those stores were, front doors spread wide, a/c pumping relentlessly into the street.
Banana Republic, June 5, 2012. They are no longer in business here.
Enough is enough.
Westporters have spent 12 years asking stores to close their doors. It hasn’t worked.
Some managers comply. A couple of days (or hours) later, they open them again.
Some say, “Sorry. It’s corporate policy.”
Let’s tell those managers, “I’m not going to shop here until you close your doors. And keep them closed.”
If they mumble something about corporate policy, ask for the corporate number.
And hey, this is Westport. Someone here probably knows the CEO. Call him or her directly.
If none of that works, there’s always the RTM.
Our legislative body was one of the first to ban plastic bags. They’ve tackled leaf blowers.
Now it’s time to craft an ordinance forbidding retail doors to remain open wide during business hours.
Political leaders, business leaders, who leads and who follows, where our future leaders will come from — all are crucial issues, in Westport, the nation and the world.
No one knows more about leadership than Barbara Kellerman. The longtime Westport resident was the founding executive director of the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School. She served on its faculty for over 20 years, after teaching at other schools including George Washington, Dartmouth and Maryland.
Professor Kellerman was awarded 3 Fulbright Fellowships, authored numerous books, has written for the New York Times and Washington Post, appears regularly on TV, and has lectured all over the world.
Yesterday, she and I chatted on the Westport Library stage. Our conversation about leadership ranged far and wide, from the US presidency and British government to why Westporters have become so rude to our leaders (who are also our neighbors).
Gardeners, dog walkers and parents of schoolchildren — some of whom fit in more than one of those categories — await tonight’s Representative Town Meeting agenda item #7 (Tuesday, June 4, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Last month, the Board of Selectwomen approved a request by the Parks & Recreation Department to close all school grounds to anyone not a “student, staff member or invited guest” between 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m., whenever school is in session.
Tonight, the RTM will vote on a petition “to review, discuss and reject the new Parks & Recreation regulation, or modify it in order to preserve the gardening hours at the Westport Community Garden to their prior hours during school days (i.e. no gardening between 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m.).”
The prohibition is currently in effect, though apparently it has not been enforced due to the pending petition.
Wakeman Field — adjacent to Bedford Middle School — is part of the ban. It was not included for an exemption in the petition before the RTM.
When a section of Winslow Park off Compo Road North was handed to contractors, as a staging area for sewer work nearby, many folks feared the worst.
Industrial fencing went up. Gravel covered the grass. Paradise wasn’t exactly paved over, but — despite promises to the contrary — it sure seemed like it would never be back the way it was.
A year later, that area is as good as new.
If not better.
The fencing is gone. Gravel was trucked away. Grass grew back quickly. You’d never know the difference.
Thanks to Westport’s Public Works Department, and all others who made sure the contractors lived up to their promise.
Let’s hope the new sewers are in equally good shape.
New grass at Winslow Park’s former staging area. (Photo/Dan Woog)
And speaking again of Winslow Park: A memorial service for Johnny Barnett — called by some its “mayor” — will be held there Sunday (June 9, 10 a.m.). See the map below for the exact location.
This Sunday is also Barnett’s birthday.
Guests should bring folding chairs. There will be acoustic music from the Barnett children, and an informal reception after the memorial.
================================================
Staples Tuition Grants does 2 things very well.
It raises money. Then it gives it away.
STG celebrated its 81st year last night at the high school auditorium. The organization awarded $380,000 in scholarships to 104 graduating seniors and students already in college.
The money goes to students with demonstrated financial need. Over 400 people donated to the general fund this year, or to named or endowed awards that honor Staples’ history — and support its future.
To learn more about Staples Tuition Grants, click here.
Some of the STG recipients, in the Staples courtyard. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
After 23 years as director of the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School — and 34 total years — Pat Rackliffe is retiring.
The Co-op was founded in 1955 by parents to provide a strong, supportive environment for their children’s early education. Pat exemplified that mission, through a strong sense of community with the students, staff, and parents.
Meanwhile, new director of education Libby Gustafson began June 1. She knows The Co-op well, having served as a junior counselor at age 14.
She later returned as a teacher, parent, contributor to the parent education series, and accreditation consultant.
But that’s not all. Pat Racklifee is Libby Gustafson’s mother!
Pat will be honored for her contributions this Friday (June 7). Email info@westportwestoncoop.org), or call 203-227-9318 for details.
Westport educators Lauren Francese and Anthony Battaglia have been honored for their commitment to excellence in social studies.
The awards were given by the Connecticut Council for the Social Studies.
Francese — the Westport Public Schools’ social studies coordinator — welcomed attendees at the annual meeting. She and several colleagues received an award for helping develop Connecticut’s new social studies standards.
Battaglia won the Pre-Service Excellence in Social Studies Education award, for exceptional student teachers. A pre-service teacher from the University of Bridgeport, he recently completed his student teaching in 8th grade at Coleytown Middle School.
At Staples, from which she graduated in 2010, Caroline Goldstein was very active in the school paper Inklings.
Her sophomore and senior year English teacher Gus Young inspired her love for writing through an independent study, and encouraged her to apply to a summer program at Simon’s Rock.
That led to her study of creative writing as an undergrad at New York University, where she also earned a master’s of fine arts.
It all paid off. The writer — who now goes by Caroline Wolff — just published her first book.
Amazon says of “The Wayside”:
When Kate Cleary’s son, Jake, dies at his elite liberal arts college, she refuses to believe it was suicide. Something sinister is at play, and Kate becomes determined to retrace Jake’s steps during his final days. Descending into a spiral of obsession as she finds herself up against unknown forces at every turn, Kate falls further into a dangerous mystery that brings her closer to a terrifying truth even Jake himself wanted to keep hidden.
Combining elements of dark academia and domestic fiction with a modern twist, “The Wayside” is a sharply observed story of suspense, devotion, and the secrets we keep from those who love us most.
Click here for more information, and to order. (Hat tip: Jessica Isaacs)
The Westport Fire Department responded to an outdoor structure fire next to a Burnham Hill residence just before midnight..
There were no injuries. The incident is being investigated by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office. The WFD was assisted by Westport Police and Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
Burnham Hill fire (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Azerbaijan may not be the jazz capital of the world.
But Amina Figarova rose from her youth behind the Iron Curtain to become of the most celebrated pianists and composers on the international jazz scene.
This Thursday (June 6, 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399), she makes her debut Jazz at the Post appearance.
She’s joined by flutist Bart Platteau, bassist Will Goble, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the music; $15 for veterans and students. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Mary Lou Denke Rotella died last Wednesday, with her family by her side. She was 73.
The Saugatuck native and Staples High School graduate lived in Westport for most of her life.
She met her husband of 53 years, Angelo Rotella, through close friends.
She raised 3 children, while taking care of her parents and mother-in-law.
Mary Lee worked as a certified nursing assistant at a convalescent home, and in the Coleytown Elementary School cafeteria. In her spare time, she loved to bake, dance, fish and garden. Mary Lee was adamant about cutting her own grass and weed-whacking, and did her own lawn care until shortly before she died.
Her family says,, “Mary Lee’s favorite thing was to bring people together, and make others happy and feel cared for. We can only aspire to have a fraction of her energy, strength, and love for others.”
Mary Lee is survived by her children Dawn, Angelo Jr. (Natasha); and Lisa (Christian); grandchildren Brianna, Paddy, Darragh, Isabelle and Angelo III, and siblings Frank Denke Jr. and Pamela Fortner. She was predeceased by her husband, and brothers John, Merritt (Bobby) and Donald Denke.
Calling hours are at Harding Funeral Home on Thursday (June 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). Mass will be held Friday (June 7, 11 a.m., Assumption Church).
And finally … On this date in 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The measure — guaranteeing suffrage to women — went next to the 48 U.S. states for ratification.
(From the Community Gardens, Wakeman Field and Winslow Park to Broadway and Azerbaijan, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Last month, their food pantry at the Gillespie Center closed for renovation. They had to find a new place to serve scores of hungry Westporters.
They moved to the Sasco Creek Village community center, at 1655 Post Road East.
Warm and welcoming food pantry, at Sasco Creek Village.
The new site is bigger. It’s brighter.
It’s fresher too — and not just metaphorically. With room now for a refrigerator and freezer, the food pantry can stock meat, bread and other perishable items.
That’s opened up whole new, and healthy, possibilities for food-insecure clients.
Ever since the new doors opened, they’ve raved about the big, bright, fresh Homes with Hope pantry.
The shelves in the community center contain everything the former location did: canned soups and stews, cereal, peanut butter and jelly, tuna fish, crackers, pasta sauce, rice, granola bars, baby food and the like.
But there’s also — in addition to all those fruits, vegetables, eggs and more — a gluten-free section.
Plenty of food in the new pantry.
Volunteers — those who donate food, and those who donate time — have always been the backbone of Homes with Hope’s pantry. All are excited about what they can donate, and give away, now.
The refrigerator was donated by the Aspetuck Health District. It had been used to store COVID vaccines.
Now that items can be kept for more than a day or two, staffers plan ahead. They print up and hand out recipes, using the healthful ingredients they know are on hand.
Recipes, using ingredients available at the pantry.
“We can now offer what people want — not what we thought they wanted,” says Katharine Murray, Homes with Hope’s senior director of marketing and development. “They really, really love the fresh foods. Now they’re ‘shopping,’ not just ‘taking.'”
Another addition: toiletries like toothpaste, razors and shaving foam; feminine hygiene products, and cleaning items. Those are vital to people on limited budgets — but not covered for those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly called “food stamps”).
Shoppers register once, using a short form that includes questions like family size. There is no formal income verification process. About 90 different individuals have come since the pantry relocated last month.
Clients can shop once a week. Food pantries elsewhere often limit shoppers to once a month, Murray says.
Homes with Hope marketing executive Katharine Murray (left) and CEO Helen McAlinden, with food donation.
The new location has opened up the pantry to new clients. Many come from Sasco Creek Village itself. Some use wheelchairs.
But longtime clients are served well too. Sasco Creek — one of 4 sites run by the Westport Housing Authority — is on the Coastal Link bus line, opposite Goodwill. There is plenty of parking.
That’s great for people dropping off food, as well as those picking up.
As it has since its inception decades ago, the pantry draws many donors. Some are loyal, like “Miss Jane.” She’s dropped off several bags, several days a week, for years, and continues to do so.
Trader Joe’s has become a generous donor at the new site. They’ve been very generous, with fresh vegetables, eggs, fruits and corn, and frozen meats and vegetables.
The new freezer and refrigerator, filled with healthful food. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The pantry is open to clients and donors from 1 to 4 p.m. every weekday, except Wednesday.
People sometimes stand outside at 1:00.
They are grateful that although the Gillespie Center pantry door closed last month, the new one at Sasco Creek Village opened.
Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (front row, 3rd and 4th from left), with staffers and officials at last month’s ribbon-cutting.
39 Staples High School scholar-athletes were honored last night, at a unique dinner.
The coach of each varsity sport nominates one candidate, for his or her combined academic and athletic achievements. Each is given one question to answer on the spot, involving their interests, activities and passions.
Topics last night included flying as a solo pilot at age 16, overcoming a gymnastics neck injury to compete again, and experiences in clubs like Girls Who Code, Females in Finance, and AWARE.
Congratulations to all the scholar-athletes:
Fall sports: Charlotte Moody (fall cheerleading), Ben Lorenz (boys cross country), Emma Morris (girls cross country), Kathryn Asiel (field hockey), Troy Toglia(football), Jeremy Rosenkranz (boys golf), Avery Mueller (boys soccer), Coco Crombie (girls soccer), Libby Turner (girls swimming), Isabella Rivel (girls volleyball), Ronan Waddhwani (boys water polo).
Spring sports: Luke Oakley (baseball), Erin Oldale (girls golf), Ryan Skolnick (boys lacrosse), Caroline Cooper (girls lacrosse), Kellen Archibald (boys rugby), Katelyn Bouchard (girls rugby), Caitlyn Schwartz (sailing), Carley McGarry (softball), Jared Even (boys tennis), Sarah Marron (girls tennis), Luke Rabacs (boys outdoor track), Valentina Davis (girls outdoor track), Mason Siskind (boys volleyball), Kira Tomoda (girls water polo).
In addition, Staples athletic director VJ cited 2 coaches for career victory milestones: Laddie Lawrence (track, 2,000) and Jack McFarland (baseball, 300).
Sarullo also presented Bud Titsworth with a Block “S” award, for his longtime service to Staples athletics.
Bud Titsworth (left) and Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo, at last night’s Scholar-Athlete dinner. (Photo/Mark Sikorski)
Brendan Donohoe — known to many generations of Westporters as a friendly, knowledgeable and passionate maître d’ at several local restaurants, most notably his decades at Chez Pierre (now Nômade) — died suddenly on Thursday.
He was 88, and lived in Wilton.
The Newry, Ireland native joined the Merchant Marines as a young man, and traveled the world. He often recounted adventures from those days.
Brendan immigrated to the US in the 1960’s. He settled in Westport, and began his restaurant career.
He was a lifelong history enthusiast, especially that of Ireland and the Celtic tribes. He followed political and financial news, and was an officer and investor in several gold mining firms.
His rituals included breakfast daily with friends at Orem Diner, and a weekly lunch at the Sherwood Diner. He attended mass every Sunday.
Brendan was an avid runner. He completed over 30 marathons throughout the United States.
He is survived by his wife, Susan Butler; siblings Marie, Veronica, Kevin and Dermot; many nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Gigi. He was predeceased by his sister, Shelia Barr.
Visiting hours will be held at Harding Funeral Home, Westport on Wednesday (June 5, 5 to 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass is set for at Our Lady of Fatima in Wilton on Thursday (June 6, 10 a.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Lady of Fatima.
Yesterday, Major League Baseball celebrated its 4th annual Lou Gehrig Day.
The event — a joint effort of all 30 clubs, along with broadcast partners, and digital and social media — raises both awareness of ALS, and funds for research.
Also is also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease. MLB remembered the New York Yankees hero, and all who have been lost to the disease.
MLB’s strong advocacy for the project is due in large part to Chuck Haberstroh. The former Staples High School basketball star — whose mother Patty, a beloved Westporter who touched many lives through her work with the Department of Human Services, and who was afflicted with ALS — c0-chaired a committee that developed the league’s several initiatives.
MLB honored Patty Haberstroh yesterday, in their publicity for Lou Gehrig day.
PS: A special fundraising auction is underway now, through June 12. Click here for items, and to bid.
===============================================
If you missed the first showing of Homes with Hope’s 40th anniversary documentary: Don’t miss the next one.
It’s Sunday, June 9 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall).
The free event showcases the non-profit’s 4 decades of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to neighbors whose lives are not as fortunate as others’.
Former Westporter Livio Sanchez’s documentary film uses interviews and archival material (including long-ago video), to trace Homes with Hope’s history, from a controversial concept (with plenty of NIMBY and it’s-not-our-problem opposition), through its move from a drafty firehouse to an old maintenance shed on Jesup Road (now the Gillespie Center), and its current array of multi-pronged programs.
Jim Gillespie’s family will be honored at the showing. He played a major role in the founding and development of the Interfaith Housing Association, the original iteration of Homes with Hope.
The Gillespie Center was named in his honor Dr. Gillespie, a clinical psychologist, was killed when struck by a car in France in 1988.
The Gillespie Center. Dr. Gillespie’s family will be on hand June 9, for the showing of a documentary on Homes with Hope’s first 40 years.
=================================================
Temple Israel found a unique way to celebrate Pride yesterday.
Members baked rainbow challah, then handed them out at Jesup Green.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
Meanwhile, here’s another great shot from yesterday. Their t-shirts and smiles say it all:
The future of pedestrian safety may be seen on Myrtle Avenue.
There — at Evergreen Avenue — pushing a button lights up the crosswalk.
It’s a bright, startling sight for drivers. They immediately slow down.
I’m not sure why this hasn’t gotten more publicity. But it seems like a relatively inexpensive, high-return solution to one of Westport’s biggest concerns.
This photo does not do justice to the crosswalk lights. (Hat tip and photo/Carl Addison Swanson and Jo Ann Miller)
This is a photo of lighted crosswalk (not in Westport). The “Xing” sign is also not in Westport.
Staples High School’s senior prom was Saturday night, at the Greenwich Hyatt Regency. “06880” received this photo, of attendees at a pre-party:
(From left): Michael Belpedio, Nate Goodman, Lucas Fischel, Jack Marshall, Aidan Kogan.
================================================
The next Westport Book Shop Short Story Book Club meeting is June 27 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
Attendees will read 2 selections from Alice Munro’s “Runaway” collection. “Soon” and “Silence” are connected stories that relate different stages of a character’s life, and explore themes including relationships, family and loss.
Copies are available at the Westport Library. The Westport Book Shop has 1 copy, for borrowing.
Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141 or email bookshop@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Westport Book Shop, on Jesup Road.
================================================
Alexanderina “Ina” Lozyniak of Westport died on Friday.
A native of Aberdeen, Scotland, she came to the US as a teenager. She was a long time Westport resident.
Ina was an active member of Saugatuck Congregational Church. She enjoyed bingo at the Senior Center, movies and having lunch with friends. Ina was an avid reader, and loved challenging word puzzles.
Ina was predeceased by her husband Steve in 1998. She is survived by her children Kenny, Robbie, Stephanie and Stephen; daughters-in-law Carrie, Laurie and Marcy; son-in-law Mike; granchildren Michelle (JR), Kim (Phil), Nicole (Bill), John (Nicole), Kenny (Dani), Courtney, Kristen, Helen, Alex, Lindsey, Stevie and Shane; 9 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are tomorrow (Tuesday, June 4, 5 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral service will be held Wednesday *June 5, 1 p.m., Saugatuck Church in Westport), with interment to follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity.
Ina Lozyniak
=================================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from the Library Riverwalk.
But it’s a scene that’s repeated all around town, these late spring days:
Thousands of brides-to-be (and grooms) have joined The Knot.
The one-stop wedding planning site is packed with information on everything nuptials-related: tips on how to plan a budget, send invitations and set up a registry; links to venues, caterers, photographers, DJs, officiants and transportation.
Of course, you can set up your own wedding website on The Knot too. It’s all very meta.
But what about something even more expensive than a wedding: college?
Sure, there are educational consultants, test prep companies and tutors — all with their own websites.
But so much more goes into college. Financial planning. Summer programs and internships. How to live with a roommate.
And of course, where to get the best swag for your school of choice.
Students — and their parents — must manage that on their own.
At least, they did.
Now there’s a “college concierge.” It’s a one-stop college shop — an academic version of The Knot.
And there’s a strong Westport connection.
Ali’s friend Robyn.
In 1989 — the summer before her senior year of high school — New Jersey student Ali Dorfman was in Israel. A close friend named Robyn was killed in an automobile accident. Devastated, Ali planted a tree there, in her memory.
Ali wrote movingly about that experience, in her college application essay.
Last December — after spending most of her career as a producer with CBS News, and owning a few small businesses — Ali was thinking about her next chapter.
With a freshman at Staples High School and a 7th grader at Coleytown Middle School, the topic of college was creeping up.
Ali — a storyteller at heart — thought she might make a good essay coach.
One day, she spotted a Facebook post from Robyn’s older sister Jill. It said “Your College Concierge.”
Ali and Jill had not spoken in decades. But as they chatted, Ali learned that she and her husband Peter live in Florida, where for 18 years they’ve owned a company by that name. They helped thousands of students navigate the college admissions process.
Ali loved the word “concierge” — and saw an opportunity to expand what Jill and Peter had developed. There was nothing, they realized, like it anywhere.
In January they hired a web designer. Now they are relaunching YourCollegeConcierge.com as the go-to destination for all things college.
Ali Dorfman (2nd from left), with her husband Peter, and partners Jill and Peter Ratzan.
Their platform includes everything from service providers (admissions consultants, essay coaches, test prep companies, financial guidance) and shop owners (college gifts, swag, dorm décor) to lifestyle tips and tricks (how to eat healthfully, the best places to stay while visiting college campuses).
The goal is to be a nationwide site. But as Ali builds it out, there is a strong Westport presence.
Local service providers include Nicole Kelman’s New England Ed Consulting, Tami Benanav’s Campus View Consulting, and essay coach Sara Robbin.
Expert advice comes from women’s health coach Andrea Robinson, digital influencer Dr. Tania Elliot, designer Jen Berniker, travel expert Jodi Gordon, and Safe Travels Med founder Dr. Deborah Mogelof.
Lauren Axelrod of Sweet and Accepted offers acceptance gifts.
Screenshot from Your College Concierge.
Your College Concierge charges businesses $99 to be listed. Users pay nothing.
“Knot” too shabby.
(Click here for the Your College Concierge website. Click here for their Facebook page. Their Instagram is @yourcollegeconcierge.)
(College is not cheap. And — even though we don’t charge — “06880” is not free either. We rely on reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
