This year, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with the disease. Thanks to advancements in early detection methods — and financial support for research — the chances of survival continue to increase.
Locally, the efforts of many to raise awareness of the second most common cancer among women mirror the work done on a national scale.
It takes a village to fight breast cancer.
Ours certainly does its share. From organizations like Pink Aid and the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation, to groups like the Westport Police Department and Staples High School sports teams (plus their “Pink Out” fans), to businesses like Mitchells that support fundraisers, to individuals who solicit pledges through walks, runs and bake sales and other events, Westport is strongly engaged in this battle to find a cure.
And compassionately engaged to help all those affected by breast cancer, and all those who love them.
You are this week’s Unsung Heroes. Thank you all for your work this month — and every day of the year.
Posted onOctober 1, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Compo Dogs, Elementary Redistricting, Breast Cancer Detection …
Compo Beach is going (back) to the dogs.
Starting today, canines are welcome.
They must be leashed, except in the off-leash area south of the pavilion (including South Beach).
Dogs are not allowed in the pavilion, playground and on walkways. Humans are required to pick up their pets’ poop.
Violators of any of the regulations are subject to a $77 fine.
Enjoy the next 6 months. Fido and friends will be barred from the beach again, on April 1.
Yogi Bear and Daisy played by the rules yesterday. Today, they get their paws sandy. They look forward to seeing old friends, and meeting new ones. (Photo/Cathy “Cat” Malkin)
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A new redistricting “map viewer” is available on the Westport Public Schools website (click here to see).
It’s part of the dedicated “Redistricting Resources” page (click here for the page).
Families can use both locational services, or search by address, to explore the interactive map.
At the September 19 Board of Education meeting superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice recommended “Scenario A1 — Phase 1,” with formal board action to be taken in November.
Screenshot of the elementary school redistricting plan. Saugatuck is in the middle (pink). Clockwise from top: Coleytown, Long Lots, Greens Farms, Kings Highway.
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Longtime Westporter Gloria Gouveia — former town zoning administrator, now a highly respected land use consultant — is the newest member of the Connecticut Mirror community editorial board.
Her first opinion piece for the statewide non-profit journalism cite is powerful, personal, and very timely.
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins, Gloria shares her own experience with the disease.
She also advocates for access to mammograms and breast cancer care for all women, regardless of income or insurance coverage.
Click here to read “Reach Out for Help With Early Breast Cancer Detection.”
Gloria Gouveia
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On the 1-year anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel, the Jewish Federation of Fairfield County will sponsor an interfaith “As One We Come Together” gathering.
The day before (Sunday, October 6, noon to 3 p.m., Compo Beach), a ceremony will remember and honor the 101 people still held as hostages by Hamas. The public is invited.
As Broadway fans everywhere mourn the death of Gavin Creel yesterday at 48, from a rare form of cancer, Westport Country Playhouse staffers and audiences had special reasons to remember the Broadway and West End star.
In January 2022, PBS broadcast “Stars on Stage,” a special performance taped 4 months earlier at the Playhouse. Click below for a short clip:
Eight months later, when Renée Elise Goldsberry headlined the WCP benefit gala, Tony and Olivier Award winner Gavin Creel offered “coffee and conversation” as a silent auction item.
Creel was a graduate of the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theater and Dance, about a decade before Staples High School 2003 graduate Justin Paul.
But when Paul and his musical theater songwriting partner, Benj Pasek, were just starting their careers, Creel gave them a boost by performing their songs.
Staples Players co-director Kerry Long posted this 2008 clip on social media:
And the winner of the Botanical Arts Photography Award at the Westport Garden Club’s “Westport’s Town Treasures” last weekend is … former president Kelle Ruden.
No, the fix was not in.
Judging was blind. Officials did not know who submitted what.
Kelle was “gob-smacked” to learn her image — “Pollinators,” taken at Sherwood Island State park — took the top prize.
Items include New York Yankees tickets, a ski on/off weekend at Stowe, a private wood-fired pizza party, clinics with varsity players, a chance to announce the starting lineup at a match — and a VIP day at a concert with Old Dominion, the award-winning country band whose guitarist/vocalist, Brad Tursi, is a former Staples soccer star.
Click here to see all the items, and bid. The auction ends Sunday (October 6, 10 p.m.).
Brad Tursi — former Staples soccer star, now a country music idol.
Jazz singer and noted Westporter Melissa Newman kicks off JazzFC’s first annual “Girls’ Night Out Festival” — 4 weeks of female jazz artists — this Thursday (October 3), at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
It’s part of Jazz at the Post. Shows are at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service begins at 7. The music cover is $20 ($15 for veterans and students).
Melissa will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Melissa Newman
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“ColleCTomania: The Outsized Influence of Swiss Posters” — a collection of Tom Strong’s archives — has been extended, at MoMA CT.
The exhibition — including a diverse range of poster from the 1930s through the present, plus a short documentary video — now runs through December 29.
(Another day, another “Roundup” filled with news about education, health, politics, and of course dogs and golf balls. If you like this eclectic, daily mix, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Compo Dogs, Elementary Redistricting, Breast Cancer Detection …
Over the past week, 15 COVID cases have been identified at Saugatuck Elementary School.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice says, “Although there appears to be very limited transmission within the school as new cases span multiple grades and classrooms, by definition, a sudden rise in the number of cases at this rate constitutes an outbreak.”
Officials asked the state Department of Public Health to review the cases, and the school district’s mitigating measures. Scarice said, “This discussion affirmed that community transmission (i.e. after school activities, large community social events, etc.) has likely contributed to the recent rise in cases at SES. As a result, it appears that in-school mitigating measures have been effective. “
The DPH recommended a round of surveillance testing for all students and staff at SES. Testing is set for tomorrow (Friday, October 1).
Sustainable Westport has taken a giant step forward, with the appointment of 2 new co-directors.
Gately Ross has dedicated her career to the health and conservation of wild and domestic animals, and the health of the environment. She combines a deep understanding of ecology and human impact on populations and ecosystems with clinical practice, team leadership and training experience in veterinary emergency and critical care medicine.
She has an undergraduate degree in biology from the College of Charleston, a masters of science from San Francisco State University, and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Tufts University. A Westport resident since 2007, Gately lives in Greens Farms with her husband, 3 boys and rescue dog.
Johanna Martell has over 15 years experience as a legal and business advisor, with a focus on commercial real estate, corporate, tax and estate planning. She holds an undergraduate degree in political economy from Princeton University and a law degree from Georgetown University Law Center. A Westport resident since 2013, she also lives in Greens Farms with her husband and 3 sons.
The Remarkable Theater continues its remarkable fall run. A few tickets remain for some intriguing upcoming screenings at the Imperial Avenue drive-in:
“Soul” (tonight, Thursday, September 30)
“Footloose” (tomorrow, Friday, October 1)
“Coco” (Saturday, October 2)
“The Stepford Wives” (filmed partly in Westport! — Tuesday, October 5)
“Clueless” (Thursday, October 7)
“Togo” (Saturday, October 9).
Click here for tickets, show times and more information.
There’s a new program on the youth basketball scene.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is introducing a basketball program for grades K-4. The program will introduce fundamentals in a fun way. Light competition begins for the 3rd graders.
The program is run by Mike Evans. The Weston High School all-state selection played at Hamilton College, then in Belfast and as a volunteer assistant coach at Harvard. He’s been a shooting instructor for NBA professionals too
High school students will help out.
Kindergartners through 2nd graders will have clinics on Saturdays, in November and December.
Third and fourth graders will have Saturday clinics, plus one weekday practice. They’ll play intrasquad games, and perhaps face an outside opponent too.
Lewis Grossman is a Staples High School graduate, and professor of law and history at American University. He specializes in food, drug and health law. His new book — Choose Your Medicine: Freedom of Therapeutic Choice in America — examines that topic from the Revolutionary War to the Trump presidency.
He’ll be at the Westport Library on October 12 (7 p.m.) to discuss his findings. The event is both in-person and livestreamed. To register for a seat or watch from home — and purchase a signed copy of the book — click here.
The Westport Police Department is a longtime supporter of breast cancer research. Every October, they find an innovative way to raise awareness of the deadly disease.
A couple of years ago, for example, they tooled around town in a pink Maserati.
This year they’ve turned their patch from familiar blue to powerful pink.
Throughout October, officers will wear the patch.
All month long too, they’re selling the pink patches to the public as a fundraiser. The cost is $10 each, at police headquarters (50 Jesup Road). All proceeds will be donated to Pink Aid of Westport.
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