“06880”‘s election coverage has been extensive. We’ll keep at it.
Today’s Roundup looks at other news. Except …
Barbara Tirola has worked at Westport’s polling places for 35 years. She’s part of a corps of loyal, and indispensable, citizen helpers.
This year she was at Greens Farms Elementary School. She arrived at 5:30 a.m. — half an hour before voting began — and left after 8 p.m., when polls closed.
That’s quite a way to spend her 86th birthday!
Barbara Tirola, celebrating her Election Day birthday — at work. (Photo and hat tip/Susan Bedusa)
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Veterans Day is another important holiday.
Town officials and VFW Post 399 make sure it gets the attention it deserves.
The public — especially all veterans — are invited to a ceremony next Monday (November 11, Town Hall auditorium).
The Westport Community Band presents a patriotic salute at 10:30 a.m. At 11, speakers — including one from Staples High School — will honor all the men and women who have served our nation.
The time and date are significant. Veterans Day commemorates the end of World War I, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The Town Hall ceremony will be followed by lunch, and an open bar, for all veterans and community members at VFW Post 399.
Veterans Day at Town Hall, 2024. (Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)
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Speaking of holidays: Election Day is tough, for many parents.
They have to work. But school is out.
Wakeman Town Farm’s Election Day Camp is a great solution. And yesterday, young campers got a good lesson on the importance of voting.
First, they brainstormed campaign ideas about WTF’s animals.
When the votes were counted, alpacas and rabbits tied for the top spot as favorites. Meanwhile, honey bees kept their crown for the second year as the most important farm animals, thanks to their amazing job as pollinators.
After that, the campers headed into Tim’s Kitchen to whip up patriotic flag pizzas and donuts with Chef Robyn.
Election Day Camp, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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More about Wakeman Town Farm: They’re among the many organizations helping neighbors through hard times during the government shutdown.
Now through November 9, the sustainability center is running a food drive to help Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport. WTF already partners with the non-profit, providing educational outreach to children who go there.
Click here for an Amazon Wish List. Groceries will be delivered directly to Hall House, and distributed to families. (It will listed as a delivery location at checkout.)
Dozens of seniors, and almost 300 families in the early learning and youth programs, rely on SNAP benefits that are now halted.
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Westport is a “water town.”
We’re on it. We use (quite) a lot of it. It’s in our wetlands, our swimming pools, our basements.
On November 13 (6 p.m., Zoom), SmartWaterCT sponsors a free webinar.
“Water in Westport: What’s Happening Now — A Look Behind the Scenes” will explore how water is managed in Connecticut, and what it means for our town’s future.
Between Aquarion’s presence in Westport; the utility’s upcoming ownership change, and questions about water quality and conservation, the event is both timely and interesting.
For more information — including the Zoom link — email smartwaterct@gmail.com.
Aquarion — whose North Avenue tank is shown here — has a large presence in Westport. What does it mean for the town? (Photo/Richard Fogel)
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Westport is also a town with a lot of yard waste.
Especially this time of year.
The facility at 180 Bayberry Lane is open — and busy.
Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to six 30-gallon bags, or similar-sized containers full of leaves, without a fee at the facility (180 Bayberry Lane). There are charges for vans, pickups and trailers. Plastic bags are not allowed.
Lots of leaves, at the yard waste facility. (Photo/Mary Lou Roels)
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Earth Animal’s 18th annual Mitten Project is underway.
Once again, the popular local business has set an audacious goal: $80,000, to address hunger in Fairfield County. Last year, Earth Animal and its friends raised $75,737.66.
Once again, they’ll match every dollar raised.
This — due to federal funding cuts — Earth Animal’s partner CT Foodshare needs more help than ever.
There are severa; parts to the Mitten Project.
In November and December, shoppers can support the cause in many ways, including:
“Pin-Up Fundraiser”: Donate $5 or more, fill out a paper mitten, and hang it in the store window. Every dollar will be matched by Earth Animal.
Purchasing advent calendars (25 days of giving treats to pups!)
“Shop & Give” promotions: businesses donate percentages of sales (South Pine Creek Deli, Millie Rae’s, Bel Mondo, McLaughlin, Element50, Eleven11, Pet Pantry, Izzo’s Garden Center, 299 Design Gallery, The Post, Kelli & Crew, Westport Hardware, Scout & Molly’s, Vintage Gardens, La Moda, Capri, Athletic Shoe Factory, Lolli Sutton, Fox Trot Home and more)
Pies for Good: Wakeman Town Farm offers homemade apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin pie, plus homemade ice cream; $25 per pie, $10 per pint; order here (November 3-21).
Wreaths for Good (November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Holiday wreath fundraiser, and a special appearance by Santa.
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Andrew Wilk’s free Westport Library Medical Series has attracted large audiences. For whatever reason, they’re primarily women.
The next session should draw many more men.
On November 17 (7 p.m.), noted internist Dr. Robert Altman and urologic oncologist Dr. John Graham will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
It’s the third most common cancer killer of American men. There have been many recent advances. Men should learn about them — and about the disease itself too.
The 90-minute event will include time for questions.
Dr. Robert Altbaum
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George Barrett has lived many lives.
The 1973 Staples High School graduate has been a teacher, athlete and Fortune 100 CEO.
The former Orphenian is also a very talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz.
After honing his skills as a session singer and performer in Greenwich Village, Barrett took a detour into the top ranks of the healthcare industry.
But his life took a significant turn in 2022, when he reconnected with musician/ composer/producer/Grammy-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane. They’ve collaborated on 2 albums.
The latest, “Rearrange Things,” combines the sophistication of jazz, the soul of ’70s pop, gospel harmonies, and a timeless message of empathy. Barrett’s influences include Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Beatles, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Sting and Norah Jones.
On November 16 (2 p.m.), Barrett and Keane take to the Westport Library stage. They’ll chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion — hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years — followed by a special performance by Barrett, his band, and Keane. It’s a fundraiser for the Library.
Barrett cut his teeth at Greenwich Village clubs like The Bitter End. He’ll perform there again, right before his Westport show.
Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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The Westport Book Shop’s November Short Story Club selection commemorates Veterans Day.
This month’s stories are about those who serve, and their families:
- Soldier’s Home” (1925) by Ernest Hemingway
- “The Things They Carried” (1990) by Tim O’Brien (the first chapter in O’Brien’s novel of the same name)
- “Refresh, Refresh” (2006) by Benjamin Percy.
The club meets November 20 (6 p.m.). Registration is required; call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
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Coleytown Middle School’s fall production — “Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr.” — celebrates music, creativity and (of course) dreams.
The 60-minute musical revue runs November 20 (6 p.m.) and 21 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Elections often bring hope.
So do photos like this one — today’s “Westport … Naturally” image of the day. It’s from Stephanie Mastocciolo’s yard, on Warnock Drive.
(Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)
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And finally … To all those who put themselves on the line (and the ballot) yesterday: Win or lose, thank you for stepping up!
(I did not want to grow up to be a blogger. But — since 2009 — I’ve been one. For 16 years, you’ve supported “06880.” We need you now more than ever. Please click here — and thank you!)
