Tag Archives: Caroline House

Roundup: Cross Highway Safety, StartUp Westport, National Charity League …

Posted on January 31, 2024 | 7 comments

For a quiet-seeming stretch of road, Cross Highway between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane sure sees a lot of action.

And accidents.

On February 8 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), engineers from the Public Works Department will hold a public information meeting to discuss traffic and safety improvements there.

The design phase of a project is mostly complete. Now comes construction.

At the meeting, attendees can review proposed improvements, and learn how the
town will implement them. There will be time too to ask questions about possible impacts to the neighborhood. In addition to PWD staff, the design engineer will be on hand.

Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilberg@westportct.gov; (203) 341-1128.

An all-too-common occurrence on Cross Highway at North Avenue. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)

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StartUp Westport — the town’s public/private partnership aimed at making Westport a tech entrepreneurial hub — has 2 very cool upcoming events.

And everyone is invited to be part of our town’s tech future.

On February 29 (6 p.m., Westport Library), “Past, Present and Future Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs” is a great addition to Black History Month.

NBC news anchor/Westport resident Craig Melvin will moderate the discussion. StartUp Westport’s own Jay Norris leads the event, which is co-sponsored by Westport 10.

Local business leaders Kal Amin, Eric Freeman, Ilka Gregory, Craig Livingston, Adam Moore, Pamela Moss, Paige Parker, Ted Parker, Michele Peterso and Kitt Shapiro will share stories of their careers, and offer insights into launching and running a successful business in film/TV, music, real estate, retail, technology, food and beverage, and financial services.

The program begins with a video history of diverse business ownership in Fairfield County, and also includes a cocktail reception. Click here to register.

On March 18 (6:30 p.m. cocktail reception; 7 p.m. program, Westport Library), StartUp Westport presents a “Female Founders and Investors” forum. Co-hosts are Tidal River Fund, Connecticut’s first angel group and fund for women investors.

The event will be led by Westport-based financial services, personal finance and angel investing expert Galia Gichon, co-managing partner at Tidal River Fund.

Female founders and investors will share their experiences with fundraising for, investing in and launching early stage start-ups. Click here to register.

To join the StartUp Westport Linked In group, click here.

Craig Melvin, StartUp Westport moderator.

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Each year, the Westport National Charity League’s senior class completes a capstone project.

Since August, the Class of 2024 has planned theirs: renovating 4 bathrooms at Caroline House in Bridgeport.

Last weekend, they got to work.

The project received very generous support. Among others, Jason Raymond of Raymond Design Builders helped with preparation and professional final touches, while the Rings End/Benjamin Moore team in Westport donated paint and painting supplies. The generosity of the Westport community was shown by every individual and local business who assisted with this project.  It was beyond inspiring and made all the renovations possible.

Krisztina and Isabella Rivel volunteer at Caroline House.

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Looking for something to do in the hours before the Super Bowl?

Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella has organized a trash pick-up for Super Bowl Sunday (February 11).

Volunteers should meet at 11 a.m. at Grace Salmon Park, on Imperial Avenue. They’ll collect garbage from there to the Westport Library parking lot.

Dress warmly. Wear boots and gloves. Bring trash bags (and a picker, if you’ve got one).

Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

Grace Salmon Park is a Westport favorite. But there’s garbage to pick up there, and nearby. (Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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For 33 years, the Greens Farms Academy Community Service Board, Concert Choir, and Harbor Blues and Beachside Express a cappella groups have organized “Harmony for the Homeless.” Performances include solos, small groups and large pieces.

The groups select an organization or specific family to support. Last year, for example, Harmony helped the Reyes family rebuild their lives after a fire destroyed their home.

This year, instead of ticket sales, Harmony will collect food donations for the Danbury Daily Bread food pantry. The goal is to fill an entire truck with goods.

The event is March 2 (7:30 p.m., Janet Hartwell Performing Arts Center at GFA).

Among the items requested: dried beans, rice (1- or 2-pound bags), cooking oil, tea, coffee, meals-in-a-can, baby food, snacks and treats for children, breakfast cereal (hot or cold), ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, hot sauce, cookies, crackers, sugar, flour, baking items like cake mix,

Also needed: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry detergent, household cleaning products, hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, coloring books, crayons, inexpensive toys.


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Eva Amurri is getting married again.

And — as it did the first time — People Magazine is chronicling every moment of  the Westport actress’ nuptials.

Her first marriage was to 1999 Staples High School graduate/former professional soccer player/broadcaster/entrepreneur Kyle Martino. They divorced, but remain good friends as they co-parent their 3 children.

Now, Amurri — the daughter of actress Susan Sarandon and director Franco Amurri — is engaged to chef Ian Hock.

Click here for the full People magazine story. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Eva Amurri and Ian Hock.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a serene tableau at the 1921 Emily McLaury house on Myrtle Avenue:

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … on this date in 1865, Congress passes the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, abolishing slavery. It was then submitted to the states, for ratification.

How far have we come in 159 years? You be the judge.

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Roundup: Caroline House, YMCA Boxing, Greens Farms Train Station …

Posted on August 16, 2023 | 2 comments

Karen La Costa — a Westport Community Gardens gardener — also volunteers at Caroline House in Bridgeport.

They help women and children “reach the fullness of their potential through education in English language and life skills.”

On Monday, Karen invited co-worker Francisca, her children and Caroline House students for an afternoon in the garden.

They enjoyed identifying squash, eggplant, watermelon, peppers and all types of flowers. They were amazed at the size of Karen’s soon-to-bloom giant sunflower.

Donations of potatoes and onions from a fellow gardener were turned into Welcome Home Soup for Francisca’s mom, who arrived that night from the Dominican Republic.


Caroline House visitors, with sunflowers.

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A year ago, Bob Levy and his wife Doree joined the Westport Weston Family YMCA. They swim up to 5 times a week, and love it: the welcome at the front desk, the lifeguards, all the staff.

Six months ago, Bob noticed a woman teaching someone how to box. She introduced herself as Brenda Waldron,  the instructor for a class of people with Parkinson’s.

Despite never having hit anyone (or been hit) in his 77 years of life, he told her he’d love to volunteer.

“The class has a great group of people,” Bob says. “It’s filled with  positive energy and camaraderie. Boxing makes people stronger, gives them better balance, even helps with memory.” He has witnessed its benefits for people with Parkinson’s first hand.

A couple of weeks ago, he gave shirts to the group. He gave Chalk Talk Sports of Norwalk a slogan — “Knock Parkinson’s Out”; quickly, they provided a design.

On Monday, Bob handed out the shirts. Members were delighted.

“This class is a perfect example of of when one gives, they receive much more,” Bob says.

The “Knock Parkinson’s Out” class, and their classy shirts.

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The Metro-North Transit Museum — next to the stationmaster’s office in Grand Central Terminal — has a new exhibit.

This one includes a photo and writeup about the Greens Farms station:

It’s guaranteed to stop local travelers in their, um, tracks. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)

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Two officials from the Bridgeport Rescue Mission were guest speakers at the Westport Rotary Club’s lunch meeting yesterday.

The organization  provides meals, safe housing, clothing, free health care (including mental and dental), and access to other human services organizations.

Volunteer coordinator Sarah McDonagh was particularly impactful, as she discussed her personal experiences as a resident in the Addiction Recovery Program.

Bridgeport Rescue Mission development director Craig Adler and volunteer coordinator Sarah McDonagh at yesterday’s Rotary Club lunch.

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Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup noted a potential new Bravo show, following “rich Connecticut families” and their children.

Among the potential stars: Westport’s actress/blogger Eva Amurri and comedian Courtney Davis.

We missed one other cast member from Westport: Kate Freeman.

Apologies for not being on top of all the local gossip!

The cast includes Westporters (center) Eva Amurri and (right) Kate Freeman. 

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The Joggers Club is warming up for the fall season.

They start with (of course) a party on Saturday, September 2 (7 p.m.).

Then they’ll begin their fun runs (which, as always, end with coffee, bagels and muffins). The season “runs” every Saturday (8 a.m. at the Greens Farms train station — “all weather, all seasons, all good”).

Track Nights are held every Thursday (6:30 p.m., Staples High School). The season “runs” from September 9 through June 29.

The Joggers Club is for all paces, distances and levels. All are welcome. Their motto is: “If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right.”

The cost is $50 for the season. New members get a free custom Brooks racing shirt ($32 value).

For more information, including membership, click here.

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“Quiet Places” — the new show at Amy Simon Fine Art — opens Saturday (August 19), and runs through September 23.

Featured artists are Barry Katz, Paul Shakespear and David Skillicorn.

“No. 6,” encaustic over plaster (Barry Katz)

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Patricia Burrows died Monday, at her home Weston home. She was 77.

A psychotherapist for more than 50 years, she was very involved in her communities of  New York, Weston, Mendocino, California, and Mount Holly, Vermont. She was also a highly regarded “surrogate mother.”

She is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Milton Wolfson; children Jordan, Jessica, Jody Emmet and Tracy; brothers Jonathan (Annie) and Kenneth (Erica Jong), and grandchildren Maximiliana Warburg, Henri Emmet, Hana Zeramby, Dylan Zeramby, Lucas Lovelace and Naomi Lovelace, and puppy Lucy.

A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Thursday, August 17, noon, Abraham L. Green and& Son Funeral Home, Fairfield, CT). Visitation with the family begins at 11 a.m.

A reception will be held immediately following the service at the family home in Weston.

Shiva is planned for Weston (Friday and Saturday August 18-19, 2 to 6 p.m.) and New York (Sunday, August 20, 2 to 6 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Homes with Hope.

Patty Burrows

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We sometimes think of May as “flower time” around here. That’s certainly a month of riotous colors.

But — as Susan Garment’s “Westport … Naturally” photo reminds us today, there’s plenty of vibrancy in mid-August too.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … in honor of Bob Levy’s gift to his YMCA class (story above):

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Every day, we bring you a Roundup of stories — and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Obituaries, YMCA

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Just In Thyme: Free Holiday Cards (And More!)

Posted on December 19, 2018 | Comments Off on Just In Thyme: Free Holiday Cards (And More!)

Just 5 shopping and card-sending days are left before Christmas.

Which means I’m getting some last-minute requests to post stories about gifts and cards.

One of Bonnie Marcus’ cards.

Tomorrow, Bonnie Marcus opens her private design studio to the public. She’ll be giving away — yes, free — hand-painted, Westport-designed holiday cards, as a thank-you to the town.

You won’t find these at CVS. Or anywhere else.

The “free card” idea came when Bonnie realized that she had a supply of holiday cards stored away in her office. She posted the giveaway on Facebook, and was overwhelmed.

 

The 2nd round is tomorrow (Thursday, December 20, 12 to 2 p.m., Bonnie Marcus Collection studio, 5 Riverside Avenue, next to Arezzo restaurant).

Meanwhile — thanks to Amazon — there’s still time to buy a cookbook gift, and support a great Westport group that supports a wonderful Bridgeport one.

AWARE — Assisting Women with Action, Resources and Education — is made up of local women. Each year, they pick one worthy organization. They dive into it: learning about the cause, the people behind it, and hosting a fundraiser for it.

This year, AWARE partnered with Caroline House, a center that educates and empowers immigrant women, and provides programs for their children. 

As part of their effort they published “Thyme to Share Cooking with AWARE.” It’s a collection of recipes by Caroline House clients. Dishes come from around the world.

All proceeds from the book go to AWARE. Click here to order.

PS: Got a great gift idea to promote? Click “Comments” below. 

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Unsung Hero #47

Posted on May 9, 2018 | 1 comment

Everyone in Westport should be “aware” of Nicole Gerber.

A resident since 2009 and mother of 2, Nicole got involved with AWARE CT at its inception 5 years ago. In 2015, she became director of operations.

AWARE stands for Assisting Women with Action, Resources and Education. Every year, they partner with a local women’s-oriented non-profit by organizing an educational event and hosting a fundraiser.

Nicole brings creativity and passion to her volunteer efforts. Last year, she single-handedly developed a video project, to raise awareness of AWARE. She runs AWARE’s day-to-day operations, while providing vision and drive.

Nicole Gerber

She’s taking this year’s partnership with Caroline House — the  Bridgeport organization that provides English lessons and life skills to immigrant women — to a new level.

Nicole is making a cookbook, featuring family recipes contributed by Caroline House students from around the world, and AWARE members from across Fairfield County.

She’s gotten many Westporters involved. International best-selling author Jane Green is writing the foreward. Noted photographer Jerri Graham is taking pictures. The Westport Library’s MakerSpace team is doing the layout.

Nicole also plays a huge role on the board of advisors of Unite the World with Africa. She traveled to Tanzania last year, and will return next year. She hosts events in her home to raise awareness about the issues facing families in that nation.

Nicole Gerber, at a Tanzanian orphanage.

Nicole is passionate about everything she does. She is tremendously organized. And extremely thorough.

How thorough?

She’s personally testing every recipe in the cookbook she’s assembling, to make sure they are 100% accurate.

Well-run organizations and great fundraisers don’t just happen.

They need the help of people who are very aware.

People like this week’s Unsung Hero, Nicole Gerber.

(AWARE’s fundraiser on behalf of Caroline House is Saturday, June 9 in Westport. For tickets and more information, click here. To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net. Hat tip: Amy Saperstein)

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