Westport’s “4 Days of Service” — a townwide initiative to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 through volunteerism, generosity, and acts of kindness — begin Tuesday (September 8).
There are countless ways to get involved (click here for a full story). Homes with Hope — one of the many organization participating — offers 4 specific ideas.
Volunteer: Opportunities includes the community kitchen, food pantry, After-School Academic Program, Carol Randel Mentoring Program, and more. Click here for details.
Donate to the food pantry: An Amazon Wish List (click here) makes it easy to support the pantry at the Gillespie Center, without leaving home. Browse most-needed items; donations ship directly to Homes with Hope.
Serve a meal at the community kitchen: Since 1983, Dodo & Jim’s Community Kitchen has served hot meals to neighbors in need. 365 days a year. Click here to help prepare and serve lunch or dinner.
Make a donation: Every contribution supports the mission of ending housing and food insecurity in Fairfield County. Click here to donate.
Looking for other ways to give back? Click here for a full list of worthy organizations, on the town website.
Food servers at the Gillespie Center.
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Speaking of 9/11: MoCA\CT has designated next Friday a “Day for Reflection.”
From noon to 5 p.m., community members are invited to spend time in a setting for art, contemplation and remembrance.
Visitors are invited to explore, at no charge, “Looking for History.” The museum’s current exhibition examines the people, places and stories that shape our understanding of the past.
On this solemn anniversary, MoCA says, “take time to pause, reflect and remember through our 6-acre grounds, surrounded by sculpture, mature trees, gardens and open space.” The museum is located at 19 Newtown Turnpike.
MoCA\CT.
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After news reports of up to 100 ICE detentions in Danbury, Stamford and Bridgeport, Don Bergmann emailed 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Police Chief Dave Farrell and superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
He asked, “Has ICE come to Westport, or do you expect ICE to show up? Please address the issue of ICE at school bus stops or any other locations. … Groups in town should be ready to mobilize.”
Scarice replied, Here is the spot on our website with some basic info for parents. Additionally, we have an internal protocol for principals to guide them in the unlikely event ICE shows up at a school.”
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News of Gloria Steinem’s death yesterday caused many Westporters to reflect on the life of the pioneering women’s rights activist, and her impact on the world.
For Natalie Caine — who moved here last year after the deadly California wildfires – that impact was very personal.
Caine says, “Throughout my life I have created and facilitated women’s support groups, brought women together, and advocated for women’s voices to be heard in the room. Gloria was one of the women who showed me that this work mattered.
“I was fortunate to have had 4 meaningful one-on-one conversations with Gloria over the years. What I remember most is how present she was. She listened deeply. She was curious, warm, and completely congruent with who she is.
“One conversation has stayed with me. I told Gloria that my daughter was having difficulty finding a job. Gloria responded, ‘If your daughter can’t find the job she really wants, tell her to start the job.’
“Such a simple sentence. Such a powerful way of thinking.
“Don’t wait for permission. Begin. Create. Use your voice.
“That idea has stayed with me — not just as advice for my daughter, but as a way of moving through the world.”
Natalie sent a photo of herself with Gloria. It represents “one of the moments when I was lucky enough to sit across from a woman whose work has influenced generations.”
Gloria Steinem and Natalie Caine.
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Labor Day weekend at the Levitt Pavilion includes 2 groups with local musicians, making their Levitt debuts supporting Mihali.
Tonight (Friday, 5:30 p.m.; click here for tickets) Eliot Thompson helps kick off Mihali’s 11th throwdown by the Saugatuck.
The 19 year old singer-songwriter grew up in Weston. He spent this summer as part of the Levitt’s stellar season associate team.
Thompson goes to Berklee College of Music. Over the years he has pursued classical piano, musical theater, film composition and jazz drumming.
His most recent of 7 singles is “Blue-gray Eyes.” His first album is “To Want Something.” Thompson has 24,500 followers on Instagram.
Reggae rock band Mr. Mota will also make their inaugural appearance on the Levitt stage. Guitarist Will Rosen attended Staples High School, while drummer Jake Young is from Weston. Mr. Mota formed at the University of Colorado.
Tomorrow (Saturday, 7 p.m.), Hollywood Nights brings their acclaimed Bob Seger Experience to Westport. Click here for tickets.
Summer vibes continue next week with 3 free shows: ever-popular DNR (the almost all-doctor rock band; Thursday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.); the equally popular Sweet Remains (Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.) and the Brian López Electric Trio (Sunday, September 13, 7 p.m.).
Click here for more information.
Will Rosen (left) and Eliot Thompson.
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Four new members have joined TEAM Westport: Harris Falk, Rady Johnson, Randy Peyser and Danielle Teplica.
Additional members may also be added to the town’s multicultural commission.
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Circle of Friends — the community organization dedicated to empowering high school students — is launching a new way to do just that.
The Solomon Leadership Program welcomes high school juniors and seniors. In addition to learning important life lessons, participants will earn 3 college credits.
The Solomon Program offers leadership training, community engagement and mentorship to teens. Skills include decision-making, values-driven leadership and public speaking.
To learn more and apply to the Westport chapter, click here or contact Faige Chein: westport@solomonprogram.org; 203-293-8837.
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In July, “06880” reported on a shark at Burying Hill Beach.
Now there are turtles.
Ed Simek has not seen them before there. He did not get close.
But he did provide this long-range image, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
What’s next for Burying Hill? Click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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And finally … of course, following up on the item above:
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Today’s Roundup features several examples. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work making connections, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
