In just 2 years, Club203 has earned a cherished spot among Westport’s non-profits.
Part of Westport’s Department of Human Services, and the town’s Commission on People with Disabilities, the organization provides monthly social gatherings for adults with disabilities.
Now, Club203 has earned a $10,000 check.
The Westport Woman’s Club presented the Ruegg Grant on Monday. It’s one of the ways the WWC gives back to the community, by funding projects focused on social services, health, safety, arts and education. The grants were established by former club member Lea Ruegg.
Westport Woman’s Club, Club203 and Human Services Department officials (from left): Vera Rhimes, Erin Gensel-Cancro, Nancy Austin, Virginia Ferrari, Sharuna Mahesh, Stacie Curran, Audrey Rabinowitz, Elaine Daignault.
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Elvis is in the building!
Well, he will be on December 20 (7:15 p.m.). The building is VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue).
As for Elvis, who has been dead for nearly 50 years: The evening is called “Blue Christmas with ‘The King.'”
It’s a tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll icon, including his Top 40 hits, along with his Christmas songs.
Tickets are $35 ($30 for VFW members), and include a buffet. Click here, or call 302-312-3774.
The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll
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An even more dead legend — William Shakespeare — is in the news too.
Diane Lowman has joined Shakespeare Birthplace America’s board of directors.
An essayist, memoirist, poet and Shakespeare scholar, she served as Westport’s first poet laureate (2019-22).
Lowman’s first memoir, “Nothing But Blue,” chronicled her experiences aboard a German container ship during college. Her latest, “The Undiscovered Country: Seeing Myself Through Shakespeare’s Eyes,” narrates her journey of self-discovery through the lens of Shakespeare’s works.
Lowman earned an MA in Shakespeare studies from the University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Institute (2017), an MBA from Pepperdine University, and a BA in economics from Middlebury College. She teaches writing, Shakespeare, and yoga/mediation, and divides her time between Westport and Stratford-Upon-Avon, England.
Diane Lowman with her favorite author, at Stratford-Upon-Avon.
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Having a high school All-American athlete is a feather in any program’s cap.
Staples High School has not one, but two, this year.
Senior Annabel Edwards and junior Natalie Chudowsky were named to the 63-person United Soccer Coaches All-America squad. Both play midfield.
Chudowsky is one of only 4 girls — and the only 11th grader — to be named to the team for the third time. She has been an All-American since freshman year. She is also a regular call-up for US national youth team camps.
Edwards will play soccer at the University of Chicago next fall. Chudowsky has already committed to Duke University, beginning in 2026.
Edwards and Chudowsky will be honored next month, at the United Soccer Coaches convention in Chicago.
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Speaking of sports: Rugby and football are very popular. But many parents have safety concerns.
This winter, Westport PAL will offer tackle and fitness winter clinics. The goal is to prepare 5th through 8th graders in Fairfield County to feel safe, confident and effective in tackle situations.
The focus is on development of core fitness, stamina, strength and skill.
Coaches include an international jiu-jitsu professor, a former US national team rugby player, and college football athletes.
PAL officials say, “Although no contact sport is entirely without risk, substantial evidence demonstrates that removing the head from direct contact significantly reduces the potential for harm.
“In recent years, both collegiate and NFL teams have increasingly adopted ‘rugby tackle’ techniques to protect athletes. We believe youth athletes deserve the same skill level of protection.
Click here for information on dates, location, fees, registration and more.
Proper technique minimizes injuries.
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Just in time for the 12 Days of Christmas: 11 Artist of Connecticut, at Picture This/Nylen Gallery (772 Post Road East).
And instead of 5 golden rings: 5 are from Westport: Nina Bentley (assemblage and prints), Linn Cassetta (mixed media on wood), Gali Katz (etchings), Judy Katz (porcelain vessels) and Tom Kretsch (photography).
Another — Marjorie Sopkin — grew up here.
An opening reception is set for this Friday (December 13, 5 to 7 p.m.). The show runs through January 11. The show is curated by John Bygott.
“Over Yonder” (John Bygott)
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The Westport Astronomical Society free lecture series continues December 17 (8 p.m.), with a special free classroom lecture.
Dr. Debra Wallace — deputy branch chief for astrophysics at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center — will join remotely. Her topic is pretty big: “Exploring the Vast Cosmic Structures of the Universe.” Click here for more information.
It’s also the WAS Pre-Winter Solstice Holiday Party.
Santa has his eye on the universe.
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A pair of speakers from the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants addressed yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting.
They described the work of the 105-year-old non-profit. Through offices in Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford and Waterbury, they provide legal aid, educational programs and social services for refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking and torture. They also teach job placement skills and financial literacy.
Susan Schnitzer, president and CEO of the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, and Deo Byakisaka, assistant director of refugee services, at yesterday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Amy Swanson sent this image yesterday, with a seasonally appropriate note: ”
(Photo/Siobhan Crise)
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Staples High School Class of 1988 graduate William Westcott died suddenly on December 2.
The youngest of 6 children, he studied fine art at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by an apprenticeship under his mentor, the artist Mike Skop.
Bill then became a marketing and business strategist, for over 30 years.
After moving to New York City he met his wife, Jill. They raised their family in Tribeca.
His family says, “He was generous to a fault and for anyone who needed help, never a question asked. He was a fixer in every sense of the word. He had a creative superpower, a natural knack for building and a work ethic bar none.”
Bill loved road trips, vacation adventures, cookouts with family and friends, sailing, history and movies.
His desire to share with his children the values of small-town life led to their first summer place in Old Saybrook. Bill transformed a little bungalow into a comfortable weekend cottage, with room for kids and guests.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jill Cunniffe; children Greta, Finn and Luke Westcott of New York, and Old Saybrook, and siblings Mitch of Fort Myers, Florida, Wendy of Litchfield, Annie MacPhail of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Mary Thomajan of Belmont, Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews, and his terrier Norman. He was predeceased by his brother Mike.
A memorial is planned for January 4 in New York City. Details will be announced on SwanFuneralHomeOldSaybrook.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the ALS Association in memory of Bill’s father and brother Michael.
Bill Westcott
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Tree branches, clouds and sky comine in this compelling mid-December “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
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And finally … in honor of Elvis’ December 20 concert at the VFW (story above):
(We’ll have a blue Christmas, if you take “06880” for granted. We rely on the generous support of readers. Please click here to make an end-of-year, tax deductible contribution. Thank you!)
