“I go religiously go to the Westport Farmers’ Market. It’s now at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, for the winter season.
“I’ve been buying from Paul’s Custom Pet Food for my dog Levon for 2 years. Levon has heart and kidney disease, but his health has improved.
“The other day, I was chatting with Paul. He told me that he developed a recipe for his 3-year-old golden Hunter, who had cancer of the jaw. It was amazing.”
Paul Gallant, his wife Lynn Felici-Gallant, and Hunter.
A practitioner of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine — who Paul Gallant turned to after a veterinary oncologist gave a grim diagnosis of 6 months — said that as a young dog, he would need cool or neutral foods and herbs to fight the cancer. She asked if Paul and his wife Lynn were willing to cook for Hunter. “Of course,” they said.
Learning about differences between “cool” and “hot” foods; the importance of whole, chemical- and processed-free pet food, and the fundamental way that food interacts with each pet’s unique body, Paul did what he could
Hunter ate a whole-foods diet, and lived for over 10 more years. He died at home, in Paul and his wife’s arms, in 2019.
Paul Gallant and Hunter.
Today, he continues his commitment to making fresh, wholesome food for pets — including his own dog, Herbie — in Hunter’s name.
Paul prepares made-to-order therapeutic diets, 6 varieties of veterinary nutritionist-developed complete and balanced food for healthy adult dogs, 1 fresh cat food topper, 2 bone broths and 5 single-ingredient dehydrated treats.
Since 2014 he’s done it all by hand in small batches, overseeing every aspect of production. He does not use co-packers or 3rd-party manufacturers.
Recipes are prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms and businesses, and/or businesses committed to ethical practices. He uses both novel and traditional proteins from animals that were humanely raised.
Many Westporters are grateful customers of Paul’s — and grateful that he travels to Westport every week for the Farmers’ Market, from an hour away in New Milford.
“There’s usually a line of people at the Farmers’ Market, because Paul will talk to everyone,” Patricia says. “He is a lovely, lovely man.”
Thanks, Patricia. Paul sounds like a true hero to many local pet owners. For more information, email paul@paulscustompetfood.com, or call 860-912-2910.
(If you know an Unsung Hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this weekly feature — or anything else you enjoy on “06880” — please click here. Thank you!)
For several weeks, small posters with photos of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas have hung on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
That triggered one Norwalk resident.
The woman, whose social media handle is “Best of CT Moms” — definitely not to be confused with “Moms of Westport” — posted a video story on Instagram.
Admitting it would be “an unpopular opinion,” she said: “I do not like all the kidnapped signs all over Westport. There’s nobody here who has been kidnapped that we can actually find.”
Should there be one side of the bridge with Israelis, and one side with Palestinians, she asked, “and you choose which side to walk on?”
She continued: “What was the goal? To let people know people were kidnapped? I feel like everyone knows.”
Or perhaps to let people know that antisemitism exists? “We know as Jews people are antisemitic,” she said. “I don’t need to be reminded. It’s not positive.”
She said that protecting her own mental health was important, so she stays away from the news. But, she concluded, “I don’t need news. I can drive through Westport and see all the kidnapped people.
“It’s too much. It’s too much. It’s too much.” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
In just 24 hours, Westport passed the halfway mark in its drive to provide heat to 2,000 residents in our Ukraine sister city this winter.
“06880” announced yesterday a $60,000 goal for Lyman. That would cover 2 wood pellet machines. Each heats 1,000 homes — a dire need, in the 2nd winter after Russia’s invasion.
An anonymous donor kick-started the campaign, with a $30,000 donation. Within an hour, another anonymous Westporter contributed $10,000.
Combined with $6,300 more from individual residents, we’re less than $15,000 away from funding both wood pellet heating machines.
Come on, Westport. We can finish this today — and have the machines delivered, up and running by Christmas. Ukrainine Aid International — the non-profit created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — will handle all details.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
Westport’s annual Hanukkah menorah lighting is set for Monday (December 11), at 5 p.m. in front of Anthropologie, where the Post Road meets Church Lane and Main Street.
The public is invited.
The downtown menorah, in 2020. (Photo/Arlene Yolles)
=================================================
Interested in learning how to make your home more energy efficient? Want to help Westport reach our goal of becoming Net Zero by 2050?
Sustainable Westport offers a “Going Geothermal” session. It provides information, resources — and confidence — to kick off an energy-saving home improvement project.
A panel of energy professionals — and Westporters who have actually been through the process — will lead a conversation, and answer questions. The event is next Tuesday (December 12, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library). Click here to register, and for more information.
It’s all 12s for the Artists Collective of Westport.
Their 12″x12″ small works holiday show kicks off in the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn next Tuesday: 12/12. The reception (not 12 noon, but rather 6 to 8 p.m.) includes food, music and wine. “Affordable artwork” will be available, in a variety of mediums.
The show continues December 13 to 17, from 2 to 6 p.m.
Yesterday, Mercy’s new president and CEO Lindsay Wyman told members the many ways in which the Bridgeport non-profit educates women, in turn helping families overcome poverty.
Mercy’s holistic support services include adult education, English instruction — plus full infant and toddler care, and an early childhood education program.
Since opening in 1987, over 16,500 women have been helped. Many earn GEDs and citizenship. Volunteer tutors and childcare givers are always needed, Wyman said.
Mercy Learning Center CEO Lindsay Wyman. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The mega-popular knighted singer — who has sold over 300 million records worldwide — recently posted an Instagram of his reactions to a couple of other versions of his double platinum 1973 hit “Step Into Christmas.”
Among the songs he liked: the one by 2007 Staples High School graduate Angus.
Check it out below. Drew appears twice: first in a circular frame, wearing crazy glasses; then performing, in a red flannel shirt.
Speaking of entertainment: In a few minutes (10 a.m.), Westporter Rex Fowler — half of Aztec Two-Step 2.0 — will be live on Rob Silber’s “Rock Therapy” show on WPKN-FM.
Rex will discuss his new memoir, and play a few songs mentioned in it. Click here, then click on the “Listen” link — or tune in to 89.5.
Following up on yesterday’s announcement about makeup, skincare, health and wellness products and hair products at a special holiday gift event at Salon Nash this Saturday (December 9, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 179 Post Road West), which is a fundraiser for the Friends of the Senior Center:
Owner Felicia Nash will also give a free blowout for contributions to Ukraine Aid International’s sister city fund (click here; then click the “I want to support” box; select “Westport — Lyman Sister City”).
Robert Bernstein — a noted educator, and Westport resident for 55 years — died yesterday morning, surrounded by his family. He was 94. He leaves a legacy of love and laughter.
Born in the Bronx, the third of 3 boys, he earned BA and MA degrees from Brooklyn College. He served in Korea as Sergeant First Class with the 101st Airborne Infantry Division, then joined the pre-doctoral program at Teachers’ College, Columbia University.
Bob’s soulmate and life partner was Barbara (Bobbie) Grishman (Bobbie). They raised 3 children: Lydia, Doug and Brian.
Bob began his teaching career in elementary schools in New York City and Westchester County. After an administrative internship, he accepted a principalship in Wilmington, Delaware.
In 1968, Bob found a perfect fit as principal of Redding Elementary School. The family moved to Westport.
Bob was the beloved principal of Redding Elementary for 25 years, dedicating himself to facilitating the growth of children and teachers and profoundly impacting the community. After retirement, he held 4 interim principalships.
Bob also taught adult education in New York City and Westchester County, and ESL with Norwalk Community College and Literacy Volunteers in Danbury. He was a member of the board and served as president of the Elementary/Middle School Principal Association of Connecticut.
Bob was a longtime member of the Y’s Men of Westport Weston and Temple Israel. He loved opera and the symphony, enjoyed playing tennis and ping pong, and watching his grandchildren play sports. Spending time at Compo Beach remained his favorite activity.
His family says, “Bob was the consummate gentleman, treating every person with kindness, respect, and dignity. We will carry forward his most enduring and endearing quality; a belief in every person’s goodness and their capacity to grow.”
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Bobbie, their children Lydia, Doug (and Melissa) and Brian (and Lauren), his grandchildren Miriam, Brendan, Ilana, Jessica (Graham), Audrey, Cayla, Sydelle, Esther and Nate; brother-in-law Hank Grishman (Jill), and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Jason.
Bob’s service will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Thursday, December 7, 1 p.m.). Burial will follow at Temple Israel Cemetery in Norwalk.
Shiva will be held at the home of Bob and Bobbie’s home on December 7 immediately following the burial, and Friday, December 8(1 to 4 p.m.) and Saturday, December 9 (7 to 9 p.m.; service at 7:30).
Bob’s favorite educational and cultural arts charities were: A Better Chance of Westport (PO Box 2153, Westport, CT 06881) and Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County (391 East Washington Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06608).
Yulee Aronson is a licensed professional engineer, with 40 years of construction management and project controls experience, overseeing many high-profile and complex projects. He says, “I have never encountered a construction problem that couldn’t be overcome.”
Yulee Aronson
Locally, Aronson has worked on the reconstruction of Staples High School and the William F. Cribari Bridge, and the chlorination building at the wastewater pollution facility. Other projects include Penn Station access, the reconstruction of La Guardia Airport, and the Baltimore Potomac Tunnel replacement.
As the Board of Finance prepares to debate the Long Lots Elementary School construction project, he writes to them:
The Long Lots School Building Committee has come before you, requesting the next round of funding to commence the design based on the recommendations from the feasibility study. It appears that such a request is prematurely bypassing several important steps.
Per proper procurement protocols, such large appropriation needs to be performed following a competitive RFP process. The contract with Svigals Partner Architects — the firm that completed the feasibility study (Phase I) — notes:
In Phase II (separate contract) the Town will utilize the collective team to prepare the final design documents for the ultimate construction solution. Final Construction documents are expected to be completed by August 30, 2024. In Pase II the A/E team is expected to do the following services. While desirable to keep continuity of the A/E between phases, Phase II will be a separate RFP process.
Has the LLSBC been empowered to sidestep the proper procurement process? And how would the lack of competitive procurement be seen by the state, from whom Westport would be seeking reimbursement?
Considering that Long Lots may become the most expensive single project in Westport’s history, we need to make sure that this next step is performed with proper governance and oversight.
It is also prudent to examine how it all started, and how the scope of the authority of the LLSBC may have expanded beyond its original charter.
It began with the development and issuance of the Building Assessment Report at the end of February 2023. It was followed by the RFP process for Phase I scope, and culminated with the issuance of the contract to Svigals Partner Architects in May.
Long Lots Elementary School is 70 years old. It was designed as a junior high.
The scope of work for Phase I was limited to the conceptual design of the school building and parking.
Sometime in the summer this scope was suddenly expanded without proper authorization to include planning for the athletic facilities, based on the study performed by the Parks and Recs Department. Who placed the School Building Committee in charge of the planning for the Parks Department? A
And how is the school renovation/replacement project now required to satisfy the needs of Parks and Rec, who previously stated that they don’t have the funding to expand their facilities, yet now this expansion is going to take place as a part of the school construction budget?
The School Building Committee extended their reach by deciding to relocate the Westport Community gardens from their existing location to another site, all as a part of the school construction umbrella and budget.
The town of Westport already has a committee that deals with the town-wide design and construction projects, looking at them holistically and not through a narrow lens of a single project. Considering the complexity and the mixed use of the existing site, is the School Building Committee the best group to chart our course forward? Or should we use the resources that we already have, namely the Public Site & Building Committee?
During public hearings, many respected professionals have pointed out that the time and scope limitations of the feasibility study did not allow hired professionals to “dive into details” of various options.
Option “C,” presented as the best plan by the Long Lots School Building Committee.
Here are just 2 examples that come to mind.
The cost of renovation provided in the report is based on the very conservative replacement and construction phasing assumptions that had to be made, because no time was provided in the process to really study how to renovate an occupied school while keeping costs down. Historically such renovations, once fully designed, planned and constructed, are less expensive than new construction, and generate higher reimbursement rates for the town from the state, resulting in a lower tax burden on the residents.
There were also several alternative “new school” solutions presented by various professionals that live in town. These solutions consisted of a new school building of the same size and interior layout/ adjacencies as used in the study, athletic fields of the size and shape used in the study, and the gardens that remain in place with less environmental impact on the neighbors. Such options included i)a more compact layout for the school building in the east-west direction; ii) more compacted parking lot in the same direction, and iii) a split level 3-story school with higher grade educational spaces located on the upper level in compliance with the Ed Specs.
What united these alternative options was the preservation of all of the existing uses on site, while providing more protection to the neighbors from unwanted noise and light pollution, and also allowing more rainwater to be absorbed in place during construction and beyond. In addition, all these proposals were less expensive.
In no way are the above options proposed here the “ultimate solutions.” The conversation about which option is best for the town would be resolved when other qualified design firms would be allowed to compete on cost of design and projected costs of construction for their respective designs, and managed by the properly authorized town committee.
Posted onDecember 5, 2023|Comments Off on Roundup: Medical Supplies, Gift Cards, Club 203 …
This morning’s “06880” featured information on Westport’s holiday drive. We’re helping raise $30,000, so residents of Lyman, Ukraine can heat their homes this winter.
There’s another way to help that war-torn nation, too.
Mark Yurkiw — the noted local artist, who has Ukrainian heritage — and several Ukrainian friends in this area have spent months stockpiling medical supplies.
They’ve already sent several containers. The next is ready to go — with volunteers both here and in Ukraine — as soon as shipping costs are covered.
They hope one or 2 major donors can underwrite the cost of shipping (and buying triage bandages). The total is $10,000.
To donate, and for more information, email Mark Yurkiw: mark.think3d@gmail.com.
Earlier this year, Mark Yurkiw collected and shipped generators to Ukraine. He collected them at his studio/barn — outside of which stood his artwork, in the country’s familiar colors.
From now through next Tuesday (December 12), the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting gift cards for residents of the 2 Domestic Violence Crisis Center safe houses, and community clients.
Gift cards help survivors buy what they most need or want for their families. Suggested retailers include Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Amazon, Target and Walmart. Smaller denominations ($25-$50) are encouraged. so gift cards for various stores can be bundled together for families.
Gift cards can be left at the communication center in the lobby of the Westport Police Department (50 Jesup Road), or mailed to Lieutenant Jillian Cabana at that address.
=================================================
Ovcr 150 Club 203 members and volunteers kicked up their heels, and celebrated the season with a “Holiday Hoedown” last night at MoCa Westport.
The Square Bears taught dance moves. Dessert was donated by CRUMBL. T-shirts were courtesy of Howard & Gay Insurance. And MoCA’s artwork provided the perfect backdrop, for the great event hosting Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities.
Having a great time at the Club 203 Holiday Hoedown.
Popular hair stylist Felicia Catale invites everyone to check out makeup, skincare, health and wellness products and hair products, at a special holiday gift event at Salon Nash this Saturday (December 9, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 179 Post Road West).
Enjoy bubbly, gifts, raffles — and free hair blowouts.
Felicia Catale
===============================================
Voices Cafe’s next concert — December 16 (4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport) — offers both great music and a good cause.
They’re collecting gifts for Bridgeport’s Helping Hands Outreach holiday toy drive. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or retailer gift card.
Windborne’s Music of Midwinter show has been called “intelligent, witty, formally exquisite and brimful of energy” (Slate Magazine). Lush vocals and creative arrangements draw from traditional, classic and folk from the US, British Isles and beyond. Instruments include guitars, banjos, Lithuanian kankles and Irish bodhran.
The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing.
Click here for tickets and more information. Voices Cafe is BYO, with coffee-house style seating at tables or individual seats. Snacks are available for purchase.
“The One Note Man” — George C. Siougas’ story of a musician caught between staying in his comfort zone or stepping out and changing his life forever — gets its Westport premier this Sunday (December 10, 2 p.m., Westport Library).
The local connection: Westport resident Rita Marcocci is an executive producer of the film.
Set during the holiday season, the film is a whirlwind adventure about a bassoonist whose routine never strays, playing a single note in a classical orchestra day in day out.
It stars Jason Watkins, Louisa Clein, Crystal Yu, Paul Barber, and the voice of Ian McKellen.
A talk-back follows the screening, with Marcocci, Siougas, BAFTA-winning actor Watkins, Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck, and executive producer and Wilton resident Josh Friedman. Click here for more information.
MoMA’s December 14 (7 p.m.) holiday concert features violinist Kristen Young and pianist Joe Bush.
MoMA says, “They break the rules of music by blending traditional classical music with unexpected holiday hits, together in a fresh and exciting contemporary interpretation.”
Pianist David Morgan was trained by Ellis Marsalis — father of Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis.
This week at Jazz at the Post, Morgan pays homage to his New Orleans roots, with compositions by Ellis Marsalis, Harold Battiste, Alvin Batiste and James Black, plus a Mardi Gras preview.
He’s joined by trumpeter Antoine Drye, bassist Dan Asher, drummer Paul Francis, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Shows are Thursday (December 7, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 music charge). Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Westport resident Pamela Waesche passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday. She was 76.
Her obituary says: “Pam and her husband of 53 years, John, shared a love that transcended all life’s struggles and hardships. She was smart, loving, empathetic, and together, she and John raised 3 daughters they could not be prouder of. Her children and their families are the legacy she leaves behind.”
She met John at a 6th grade square dance in Oradell, New Jersey. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1969 with a BA in American Studies. Pam held professional positions at the Guggenheim Museum, Time Life and the Library of Congress, but she always focused on supporting her family and others.
She worked with Au Pair in America and the Westport Housing Authority, helping those in need find a home. She spent summer mornings harvesting vegetables for local soup kitchens as a member of the Greens Farms Garden Club, and cared for any animal in distress.
She is survived by her husband; daughters, sons-in-law and 9 grandchildren: Wendy, David, Kate, Lucy and Matthew Lavallee of Southport; Dana, Jamey, Jackson, Toby and Kiley Gifford of Hillsborough, California; and Erin, George, John, Charlie and Lily DiGuido of Fairfield.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to a charity of your choice be made in her name.
Pamela Waesche
==============================================
Barry Kresch calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” phot — taken in his yard — “50 Shades of Gray.”
And finally … in honor of today’s owl photo (above):
(Every day, “06880” offers new ideas for things to do — this holiday season, and beyond. If you appreciate our daily Roundup, or any other feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Medical Supplies, Gift Cards, Club 203 …
As the second winter of Russia’s war on Ukraine nears, the need for help is greater than ever.
In Westport’s sister city of Lyman, the most urgent necessity is heat.
Our other sister city of Marigny-le-Lozon, France –the village that sparked the idea of uniting to help a Ukrainian town — has paid forward Westport’s post-World War II generosity. Marigny spent the summer gathering hundreds of Christmas gifts for Lyman’s children. They were shipped recently, for distribution soon to grateful, war-torn kids.
Of the 5,000 families remaining in Lyman, many lack heat. Ukrainian Aid International — the non-profit, boots-on-the-ground organization founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — has helped put roofs on hundreds of apartments.
But thousands of people still need electricity and/or central heating. They rely on wood-burning stoves and diesel generators. They are not enough.
Ukraine Aid International has already supplied a wood pellet machine. It costs $30,000 to build, deploy and run one for the entire winter. It provides enough pellets to heat 1,000 homes. That’s $30 per home.
Feeding wood pellets into the machine; the process, and the pellets that heat 1,000 homes.
More is needed.
This holiday season, Westport”s goal is to provide 2 more machines. The total cost is $60,000.
The great news is: An anonymous donor has already guaranteed $30,000 — half of that goal!
Our job is to raise the other $30,000 by Christmas. It costs just $30 per home to heat 1,000 homes — so if we get 1,000 Westport donors to give $30 each, we’ll provide that second wood pellet machine.
Of course, you can give more — in $30 increments, or any amount you wish.
Ukraine Aid International is distributing Marigny’s holiday presents. They’ll ensure that the stoves are procured too, and make their way exactly as they’re promised.
To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!
Congratulations to the Staples High School football team!
The Wreckers — seeded #1 in their division — dominated #5 Southington 41-0, in yesterday’s soggy state LL (extra large schools) semifinal game.
The blue-and-whites advance to the final for the first time since 2011. They face #3 West Haven — 26-13 victors over Greenwich — on Saturday (December 9). Kickoff is 5 p.m., at Central Connecticut State University.
The match-up is a sportswriter’s dream. The Westies defeated the Westportes 33-23, in the first week of the season. It’s Staples’ only blemish. They’ve reeled off 12 straight wins since then.
Injuries — and deaths — of ice hockey players resulting from skating injuries have highlighted the importance of neck guards.
Dr. Lynn Wilson — executive vice chair and clinical director at Yale University’s Department of Therapeutic Radiology, and the Westport father of an NCAA D-III hockey player — has teamed up with Rob Stevenson, an NHL Florida Panthers executive, and former Amherst College hockey captain and Navy SEAL, to create a neck laceration protection device.
It “provides superior anatomic coverage, designed with military, hockey and commercial experiences top of mind,” Wilson says.
The pair hope to create a new standard of neck laceration protection for hockey players around the world.
Wilson and Stevenson were introduced by another Westporter, Mike Hayes — Stevenson’s former SEAL commanding officer.
For more information, email lynn.wilson@yale.edu.
Dr. Lynn Wilson
==============================================
The leaves are nearly gone from the trees.
But that did not stop dozens of blackbirds from landing outside Johanna Keyser Rossi’s window yesterday morning.
Just as quickly, they were gone. But before they flew off, she snagged this photo for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
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!
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
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!
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
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.
Recipes are prepared with ingredients sourced from local farms and businesses, and/or businesses committed to ethical practices. He uses both novel and traditional proteins from animals that were humanely raised.
