“Sex and the City” star Sarah Jessica Parker drew a sellout crowd last night, for the Westport Library’s signature “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser.
Over a quarter century, the event has drawn honorees from a broad range of arts and entertainment — everyone from Alan Alda, Patti Smith and Shonda Rhimes to Billie Jean King, Doris Kearns Goodwin and Itzhak Perlman.
“06880” intern Bianca Mastocciolo was there, at the Trefz Forum. She writes:
Doors opened at 7 p.m. for a cocktail hour. Small bites and drinks were served, along with cosmopolitans (Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite), served in engraved “Booked” glasses.
“Sex and the City” cosmos. (Photo/Bianca Mastocciolo)
What would a Sarah Jessica Parker event be without attendees dressing the part? Attendees remarked on the cutouts of others’ dresses, and how SJP would appreciate some “risque.”
The event began with a video montage of Parker’s most memorable moments and interviews. It included cameos from friends and castmates, including “Sex and the City” co-starsCynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Mario Cantone.
A touching tribute also came from Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara. The Westporter and Broadway star sang a mashup, accompanied by pianist Dan Lipton. Emmy Award-winning actor James Naughton of Weston also spoke.
Parker was interviewed by former Westport Library executive director Maxine Bleiweis.
Maxine Bleiweis (left) and the “Booked” star. (Photo/Bianca Mastocciolo)
With charm and wit, Parker shared tales of Met Gala looks and library memories. The audience greeted her comments with applause and laughter.
After noting that she was hesitant to receive the award, the honoree said that her connection to libraries drew her to accept.
“When a library calls, my response is to say yes, no matter what,” Parker said.
Parker discussed her love for the arts, ranging from her work in film and theater to her role as a board member of the New York City Ballet, and the hundreds of books she has read. She encouraged parents to let their children explore the arts, as it is fundamental to their creativity.
During the 2-hour ceremony Parker received a plaque, her own Westport Library card, and a personalized New York Times crossword puzzle gifted by previous Booked recipient Will Shortz.
It was Sarah Jessica Parker’s crowd, all the way. From iconic blue Manolo Blahniks to Louis Vuitton flats, the crowd came prepared and left stylishly.
A small part of the large “Booked for the Evening” crowd. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
No matter what else goes on today — September 11, 2025 — the shadow of September 11, 2001 hangs over us all.
That horrible day changed our lives forever. We know it now — and we sensed it then.
Here’s what I wrote 3 days later — September 14, 2001 — in my Westport News “Woog’s World” column.
It was a bit past noon on Tuesday, the Tuesday that will change all of our lives forever.
Fifty miles from Westport smoke billowed from what, just hours before, was the World Trade Center.
A number of Westporters once worked there. The twin towers were never particularly beautiful, but in their own way they were majestic. Whether driving past them on the New Jersey Turnpike, flying near them coming in to the airport, or taking out-of-town friends or relatives to the top, we took a certain amount of pride in them.
We’re Westporters, but in a way we’re also New Yorkers. The World Trade Center symbolized that, though we live in suburban Connecticut, we all feel in some way connected to the most exciting, glamorous, powerful city in the world.
And now that same city was under attack. From the largest McMansion to the most modest Westport home, men and women frantically tried to make contact with spouses, relatives and friends who work in downtown Manhattan.
The iconic 9/11 photo was taken by Westport’s Spencer Platt. He lived near the Twin Towers on that awful morning.
At Staples High School, teenagers who grew up thinking the worst thing that can happen is wearing the wrong shirt or shoes, were engaged in a similar quest.
Many of their fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers work in New York. Many others knew loved ones who were flying that morning, or in Washington, or somewhere else that might possibly become the next city under siege.
Meanwhile, on Whitney Street, a pretty young woman dressed in her best late-summer clothes rode a bicycle down the road.
It was, after all, a beautiful day. Along the East Coast there was not a cloud n the sky — not, that is, unless you count the clouds filled with flames, dust and debris erupting from the collapse of the World Trade Center.
It was a perfect day to ride a bicycle, unless of course you were terrified you had lost a loved one, were glued to a television set wherever you could find one, or were so overwhelmed by grief and rage and fright and confusion because you had no idea what was next for America that riding a bicycle was absolutely the furthest thing from your mind.
On the other hand, perhaps riding a bicycle was exactly the right reaction. Perhaps doing something so innocent, so routine, so life-affirming, was just was some of us should have been doing.
If tragedy teaches us anything, it is that human beings react to stress in a variety of ways. Who is to say that riding a bicycle is not the perfect way to tell Osama bin Laden, or whoever turns out to be responsible for these dastardly deeds, that America’s spirit will not be broken?
But I could not have ridden a bicycle down the road on Tuesday. I sat, transfixed, devouring the television coverage of events that, in their own way, may turn out to be as transforming for this world as Pearl Harbor was nearly 60 years earlier.
I could not bear to watch what I was seeing, but neither could I tear myself away. Each time I saw the gaping holes in those two towers, every time I saw those enormous symbols of strength and power and (even in these economically shaky times) American prosperity crumble in upon themselves like a silly disaster movie, the scene was more surreal than the previous time.
Life will be equally surreal for all of us for a long time to come.
I wondered, as I watched the video shots of the jet planes slam into the World Trade Center over and over and over again, what must have been going through each passenger’s mind.
Like many Westporters, I fly often. Like most I grumble about the delays and crowded planes, but like them too I feel a secret, unspoken thrill every time the sky is clear, the air is blue and the scenery terrific. Tuesday was that kind of day.
For the rest of my life, I suspect, flying will never be the same. And the increased security we will face at every airport, on each plane, is only part of what I fear.
So much remains to be sorted out. We will hear, in the days to come, of Westporters who have lost family members and friends in the World Trade Center. We will hear too of those who have lost their jobs when their companies collapsed, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the terrorism.
Sherwood Island State Park is the site of Connecticut’s official 9/11 Memorial. (Photo/David Squires)
We will drive along the New Jersey Turnpike, or stand on a particular street in Manhattan, perhaps even take out-of-town guests to gaze at the landmark we will come to call “the place the twin towers used to be.”
Our casual grocery store and soccer sideline conversations will be filled with stories: who was where when the terror first hit, and what happened in the hours after.
Our newspapers and airwaves will be clogged with experts trying to explain — though that will never be possible — what it all means for us, in the short term and long term, as individuals and a society.
Our world has already changed, in ways that will take years, if not decades, to understand. We are nowhere close to comprehending the meaning of all this.
The world will go on, of course. Our planet will continue to spin; men and women will continue to commute to New York, and pretty women in Westport will continue to ride bicycles down Whitney Street.
At the same time, sadly, none of that will ever be the same.
Among the nearly 3,000 victims of 9/11, 161 were from Connecticut.
Two lived in Westport: Jonathan Uman and Bradley Vadas. Brothers Keith and Scott Coleman grew up here. All worked at the World Trade Center.
They were sons, fathers and brothers. They had much of their lives still ahead of them.
Today, we remember all those killed that day. Twenty-three years later, we still grieve.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — like every Thursday from May to November — the Imperial Avenue parking lot will be filled with shoppers.
Moms with strollers, seniors with walkers, folks who work downtown — and everyone else — will find the ripest berries, freshest sourdough, sweetest honey, tastiest mushrooms and most fragrant flowers around.
(Photo/Quinn Fitts)
They’ll buy produce, meat and dog food, for home. They’ll get lunch too: pizza, Thai food, empanadas.
They’ll listen to music. They’ll learn about local non-profits. They’ll even get their knives sharpened.
A small part of the big scene. (Photo/Matt Murray)
It’s a farmer’s market on steroids (organic ones, of course). (Just kidding!)
And it’s been going for 20 years.
From humble beginnings in the Westport Country Playhouse (thank you, Paul Newman and Michel Nischan) to its much larger, but still down home and funky, version today, the Farmers’ Market is one of our town’s true gems.
It doesn’t magically appear, Brigadoon-like every Thursday. (Don’t forget the winter version, every week at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, from November through March.)
Fatto a Mano, at the indoor Farmers’ Market.
The Westport Farmers’ Market blooms because of hard work. Executive director Lori Cochran and her small staff do a spectacular job — behind the scenes 6 days a week, then front and center on Thursday.
The volunteers and musicians deserve a huge hand too.
But of course the Farmers’ Market would be nothing without its dozens of farmers and other vendors. From their fields, kitchens, beehives and other work spaces, to the Imperial Avenue and Gilbertie’s stalls: Thank you!
You are our unsung — but much admired and important — heroes of this (and every) week.
Executive director Lori Cochran, with Fire Chief (and Farmers’ Market regular) Nick Marsan.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Voters in more than half of Westport’s 9 Representative Town Meeting districts will have an actual choice this November.
But just barely.
Each RTM district elects 4 representatives to the town’s legislative body.
With the filing deadline passed, only 5 of those districts have more than 4 candidates on the ballot. They are Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9. The other 4 have the bare minimum: 4 candidates each.
And of the 5 districts with actual races, 3 have just 5 candidates. Two — Districts 2 and 9 — have 6.
Here’s the breakdown.
District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.
District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitioning: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.
District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Petitioning: Adam Drake, Srikanth Puttagunta.
District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitioning: Charles Lucas, Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas.
District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.
District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Petitioning: Lauren Karpf.
District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg Hendel. Petitioning: Joseph Carson.
But those crustaceans (and all the steak, cole slaw, beverages — not to mention the band, booths, etc.) don’t fall from the sky. They take a ton of work.
The Westport Rotary Club fundraiser happens every year because of the very hard work of every member. And many more volunteers.
At yesterday’s weekly meeting, LobsterFest volunteer chair Susan Shuck described what all those people do.
Their efforts pay off. Approximately $400,000 will be distributed as grants in May, primarily to Westport and other Fairfield County non-profit organizations.
Representatives from one of those groups — Homes with Hope — spoke to the Rotary Club too. Paris Looney and Katherine Murray joined CEO Helen McAlinden.
She noted that HwH plays a major role in the greater Westport community — not only in the rehabilitation of homeless people, but through an array of programs and strategies that help prevent homelessness at its roots.
Back to LobsterFest: If you don’t yet have tickets, you’re out of luck. It sells out very quickly, when 1,500 tickets become available each summer. Watch this space next year!
Susan Shuck, with a LobsterFest volunteer t-shirt. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Doris Skutch — a longtime Westporter, business executive, and ardent volunteer in politics and other areas of local life — died peacefully here on Sunday. She was 94.
After leaving Connecticut College in the 1950s, she moved to New York and began her professional journey as a journalist for women’s periodicals.
Her career soon transitioned into textiles, where she found her calling in communications and marketing. Doris spent over 3 decades at Burlington Industries. Starting as a secretary, she rose through the ranks to become vice president – fashion. She loved her twice-yearly trips to shows in Paris and London, bringing back wonderful concepts for fabric buyers.
Following her tenure at Burlington, Doris brought her expertise to a boutique communications firm in Westport. She later dedicating her skills to nonprofit work, as a grant writer for United Way in Bridgeport.
A passionate advocate for civic engagement and community service, Doris was a lifelong Democrat who remained active for over 50 years. She was a life member of the Westport League of Women Voters, and held LWV leadership roles at the local and state levels.
Her commitment to public service included the Y’s Women, and the Connecticut Alliance for Music. She also participated in several book clubs.
Doris was a devoted member of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for many years.
Doris is survived by her sons Douglas and Elliot Royce; stepsons David and Christopher Skutch; niece Casey Farley; 4 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Doris Skutch
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Today, elephant ears make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Rick Davies, founder of Supertramp, died Saturday in East Hampton, New York. He was 81, and had been diagnosed with blood cancer over a decade ago. Click here for a full obituary.
(What can be more logical than supporting “06880,” your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog? And what can be easier than clicking here to do it? Thanks for helping us bring news, photos — and music — to you !)
Peter Barlow — a marine photographer, musician, painter, storyteller; avid collector of books, musical instruments and artifacts from around the world, and a link to Westport’s legacy as an arts colony — died August 24. He was 95,
His daughter Dorrie Barlow Thomas writes:
Peter lived a long and happy life, full of interesting and unique experiences. He died exactly as he wished to, in his home surrounded by his beloved things, peacefully in his sleep while his daughter held his hand.
He contributed weekly to “06880”‘s online art gallery, until the last week of his life.
Peter Barlow, in 2023.
Peter was born and raised in Westport. He grew up in a home filled with creativity. Both his parents were artists.
His father, Perry Barlow, was a prolific cover illustrator and cartoonist for The New Yorker. His mother, Dorothy Hope Smith, was a portraitist specializing in children. Her most famous work was the illustration of the Gerber Baby. (Click here for Peter’s recounting of that tale, 10 years ago.)
Peter’s skills included painting, playing the trumpet and piano, lettering, and particularly photography — especially boats of all kinds.
Out on the water in his motorboat named Focus, camera in hand, the lighting, shapes and interplay between them fueled his talent.
Peter’s photographs were published in every major boating magazine. He was especially known for his monthly photo essay in Soundings (during its newspaper days). He published a book, “The Marine Photography of Peter Barlow,” in the 1970s.
Being on his boat was where he felt most alive. In a photography career that spanned 7 decades, Peter still zoomed about the Sound until he was 92.
No one who saw a man at the helm, racing Focus across the bow of an oncoming boat to get the shot he wanted at just the right angle, would have guessed his age.
Peter started out as a painter, often using images of musicians and instruments in his work. When he became interested in boats as subjects, he took photos to use as references.
A boat owner asked to buy one of those photos. Peter realized this was an opportunity, because owners seldom see their beloved boats in action. His career was born.
He was also a collector of many things, beginning at a young age. At 10 or 11 Peter rode his bike to other towns, visiting obscure shops that sold figurines and artifacts from other countries. His goal was to have one object from every country. His vast collection far surpassed that.
In his 20s and 30s he was a trumpet player in local jazz bands, mostly improvising. Over the years he became interested in a broad range of music — not just playing it but hearing it.
He amassed a collection of more than 12,000 LPs. If you had a yard sale during the 1980s or ’90s Peter was probably there.
In his younger years, Peter fought social injustices on a local scale. Working to integrate establishments around Westport and neighboring towns, he and his friends created situations in which business owners might demonstrate their biases. If circumstances warranted, Peter and friends took those businesses to court — and won.
His support for social justice efforts continued throughout his life.
Peter was creative in nearly every aspect of his life. The world saw his photographs and his paintings, but his family and friends knew him primarily as a collector and storyteller.
They enjoyed his whimsically decorated house, filled to the brim with his things.
Peter viewed every surface — walls, shelves, tabletops, cabinet doors, bathrooms, stairways — as places to set up a composition of interesting objects.
Even storage boxes got creative treatment; every one was labeled with an artfully crafted, professional-level lettering job. Within his family he was famous for his unique handmade cards and creative gift wrapping.
All photos and artwork by Peter Barlow.
Peter lived in Westport from birth until age 75. He then moved to the Mystic area, to be close to his daughter and her family.
Peter is survived by his daughter Dorrie and her husband David; grandchildren Sierra (Yosdany), Bailey (Luke), Lindy, Noah and Hannah; great-grandchildren Luna and Oscar, and step-children Robin, John and Becky Frey. He was predeceased by his older brother, Collins Barlow.
The family will have a private gathering honoring Peter, as he would have preferred. His family will gather around their big dinner table, enjoying cheese and crackers, telling stories, sharing memories, and raising glasses in a toast to him.
Peter Barlow in 2002, with his first 2 granddaughters.
A star-studded bunch of Westporters and friends turned out for Saturday’s family-and-friends preview at Massi Co.
The Neapolitan-style pizzeria and Southern Italian restaurant officially opens tonight. It replaces Don Memo, in Westport’s original Town Hall, across the Post Road from Patagonia.
The newly refreshed space features Naples wood-fired pies, fresh pastas, craft cocktails, and a curated all-Italian wine list.
Guests included actors Marika Domińczyk and Scott Foley, private equity manager Marc Lasry, sports journalist (and Staples High School graduate) Andrew Marchand, ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro, and New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer.
Owners of the new, highly anticipated restaurant are Massimo Tullio; Mark Shapiro; president and COO TKO Group Holdings, parent company of UFC and WWE; Charlie Collier, president of Roku Media; hospitality entrepreneur Ron Tarsy, and Newmark executive Matt Leon.
The fresh new interior at Massi Co. (Photo/Jenae Weinbrenner)
Also opening tonight: Dandelion. The Mediterranean restaurant in the new Delamar Westport hotel hosted its own high-energy party Saturday night.
Staples High School sophomore Chloe Mitchell, and home-schooled 5th grader Hunter Carleton, are more than just interns at local educational toy company Domino & Juliette. The firm focuses on screen- and sensory-friendly learning tools for young children.
They’re helping the brand — and youngsters in need.
For every order D&J receives, they’ll donate a 24-pack of Crayola crayons to schools in need.
They just conducted their fourth crayon drop: 2,700 packs of crayons, to 7 Bridgeport schools.
Later this month, they’ll deliver their 4,000th pack.
Secret feelings, thoughts and dreams are the centerpiece of the Artists Collective of Westport’s pop-up show September 17, 19, 20 and 21 (noon to 4 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn). There is an artists’ talk at 4 p.m. on September 21.
A special wine and hors d’oeuvres reception on September 18 (6 to 8 p.m.) offers a chance to meet the 8 artists in the show: Hernan Garcia, Mary Harold, Holly Hawthorne, Gail Ingis-Cluas, Elisa Keogh, Jean Krasno, Lucy Krupenye, Nancy Lindauer, Jay Petrow, Barbara Ringer and Karen Schlansky.
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Sunday’s running of the myTeam Triumph Triathlon continued a 20+ year tradition, uniting 7 myTeam Triumph’s “captains” (athletes with disabilities) and over “angels” (volunteer helpers).
Despite rain, athletes of all kinds showed up with heart and determination. Triathletes from across the region swam 1/2 mile, biked 5 miles, and ran the 2 1/2-mile super sprint course (½ mile swim, 5-mile bike, 2.5-mile run) as individuals or on relay teams.
Westporters making the highlights reel included captains Jacquie Marumoto (completing her first myTeam Triumph event) and Rohan Stokvis (finishing his first-ever triathlon).
In the overall competition, Westporter Sophie Chevrier placed 2nd among female finishers.
Volunteers made the day possible: individuals, and groups from the National Charity League, Staples Service League of Boys, and Staples High School girls swim and dive team, and boys track and field squad.
myTeam Triumph is part of a nationwide nonprofit, led locally by Westporter Todd Ehrlich. They welcomes donations and volunteers, and encourage individuals with all types of disabilities to participate. Their next event is a 5-Mile race in Darien on September 21.
Hard to believe, but Club203 is about to begin its 4th season!
Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities welcomes old friends and newcomers at a “Barnyard Bash” (September 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Lachat Town Farm, Weston).
Guests are encourage to wear flannel shirts and cowboy hats. Entertainment includes line dancing, games, treats, and (as always) art by MoCA CT.
Also yesterday: Walt Mattison of the Fairfield Museum reminded the Y’s Women about the beginnings of Fairfield and Westport.
Just 19 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Fairfield was formed.
Westport was not incorporated until 1835, breaking away from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield. Greens Farms — part of Fairfield — joined Westport in 1845.
Internationally acclaimed pianist/composer/author Jeb Patton headlines this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (September 11, VFW Post 399; 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows; buffet dinner at 7 p.m.).
He’ll be joined by trumpeter/flugelhorn player Michael Mossman, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, drummer David Alvarez, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the early show ($15 for veterans and students); $10 for the late show. A buffet dinner, including vegetarian options, is $25. Click here for tickets.
Ifeseyi Gayle spotted this handsome bird enjoying itself in Deadman Brook, near the Westport Library. He (or she) was happy to pose for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Tom Shipley, half of the Brewer & Shipley duo whose song about weed became a generational anthem in the 1970s, died recently in Missouri. He was 84.
Click below for 2 great songs. One is their best known. The other is less noted, but brilliant and beautiful.
(From the Playhouse to the VFW — and from young kids to Lawrence Welk — “06880”‘ is your 24/7/365 source of information, news, and random stuff. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Growing up in Westport, Ashley Freeman realized early that she had many opportunities.
From the Learning Community through Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools, and on to Staples High’s Class of 2002, she took advantage of many of them.
Courses like Dr. Gerry Kuroghlian’s “Shakespeare”; field hockey and softball teams; a community that honored education, and offered a wide variety of activities — she was grateful for them all.
At Franklin & Marshall College, Ashley took pre-med courses. She wanted to be a veterinarian.
But after college, traveling to Australia, she reflected on what made her feel fulfilled.
It was helping young people, through the science of learning.
Ashley Freeman
Freeman returned to the US, and earned a master’s in elementary education at Fairfield University. She did her student teaching at Bridgeport’s Six to Six Magnet School, and was a 1st grade assistant teacher at Greens Farms Academy.
In the summer, she taught in GFA’s Horizons program.
She found excellent mentors at those schools. She sought advice from former Staples teachers too, like Kuroghlian and Jen Giudice.
Those experiences — including seeing the gaps in resources between the Westport private school, and the magnet school in Bridgeport — solidified Freeman’s belief in the importance of opportunity for all.
“I always thought all 6th graders could read,” she says. “But they can’t.”
She got a 6th-year degree from Southern Connecticut State University in remedial reading. She did not want to teach the subject — but she wanted to learn more, to make an impact on students in all areas.
Then Horizons asked her to oversee Greens Farms Academy’s middle school instruction.
Horizons is a multi-year program that each summer provides academic and social-emotional support to students attending underserved Bridgeport schools. Its research-based programming inspires joy for learning, prepares students for high school, and provides strong bridges to post-secondary success.
Then Horizons’ companion program, at Sacred Heart University, offered Freeman a role as full-time academic director. She would help expand educational opportunities for students from pre-K kthrough high school.
But she would have to leave the classroom.
“I know in my soul that Horizons was the place for me,” Freeman says.
She found her “true home” there.
Horizons students love to read.
Horizons SHU includes 322 students, in 23 Bridgeport K-8 schools. There are 4 full-time staff members, 1 part-time, and nearly 90 summer staffers.
“These kids get what all children deserve: enriching experiences, so they can continue to learn, and love learning,” Freeman says.
It works spectacularly well. The retention rate is 97%.
The 6-week summer program is augmented throughout the year with after-school activities. They include a chess tournament, STEM clubs, fencing, art classes, tutoring, mentorships and community events.
Many summer staff members are former Horizons students.
A recent back-to-school breakfast featured a book truck, with multi-lingual volumes.
The application process is rigorous. Parents must make a 12-year commitment to Horizons.
They take their role seriously. When asked about a policy for smartphones, parents recommended a device-free program — including headphones.
The 8th through 12 graders on the advisory council agreed.
Horizons has had “a profound effect” on Freeman. She appreciates her opportunity — one that many educators do not have — of watching youngsters grow and develop over a number of years.
Horizons’ Sacred Heart University summer program group photo.
“A teacher plants seeds, provides water, then at the end of the year they send their students to the next grade, with hopes they’ll succeed,” she says.
“I see children all the way through. I get to watch them bloom.”
One child from Six to Six Magnet School wanted to become a teacher. He’s now pursuing his master’s in education at Sacred Heart – tuition-free. “Horizons helped me find my calling,” he says.
Repeating again her mantra — “talent is equally distributed; opportunities are not” — Freeman proudly adds, “Horizons removes those barriers.”
Of course, providing educational and recreational opportunities are expensive. Horizons will raise $1.8 million this year, from donors, grants, and a benefit fundraiser and golf outing.
The only expense for students is $30 enrollment. Even that fee is waived, when necessary.
Horizons’ recreational activities are important too.
Frreman credits much of her joy in her current role to her experiences growing up in Westport.
“It’s a community that embraces the arts and athletics. It supports its youth. Now I’m proud to be able to do this for more children, outside of Westport.
“Education is about more than reading, writing and math. It’s finding out what you love, how to take care of yourself, and how to explore it all.”
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