Tag Archives: GoFundMe

Roundup: Sandy Suarez, Mid-Term Exams, Lesley Vincent …

Posted on January 4, 2026 | Comments Off on Roundup: Sandy Suarez, Mid-Term Exams, Lesley Vincent …

A popular local server needs help.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for Sandy Suarez. She’s worked at Gruel Britannia since it opened; before that she was at The Porch @ Christie’s, and spent many years as a nanny.

Sandy recently received a stage 2 cancer diagnosis. Surgery was largely successful, but she must undergo 28 rounds of chemo. The first is tomorrow.

Treatment presents a significant financial challenge.

“Sandy has served our community for years,” the GoFundMe page says. “Now it’s our turn to help her.” Click here to donate. (Hat tip: Katie Phillis)

Sandy Suarez

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The Westport Public Schools’ Christmas vacation is almost over.

At Staples High, that means mid-term exams loom.

As always, the Westport Library offers a warm welcome to stressed-out students.

Today and next Sunday (January 4 and 11), the library will open early, at 9:30 a.m. However, parents, teachers and adult tutors will not be allowed in until 1 p.m.

From January 5 to 15 (except January 8), from 5 p.m. on, the Komansky Room (behind the Trefz Forum stage) is available for quiet study.

The Higgins Room will be open for study breaks — including board games, and a therapy dog. Check the website for exact dates and details.

The Patron Services desk is the place to go for highlighters, index cards, other supplies — and those all-important chargers.

Staples students don’t love mid-terms. But they love that the Library is there for them, every semester.

Students flock to the Westport Library at exam time. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Photos of New England are on display all month at the Westport Book Shop.

The work of guest exhibitor Lesley Vincent, the images include Westport, Southport, Black Rock, Provincetown and Martha’s Vineyard. All works are available for purchase.

A reception is set for January 16 (6 p.m.).

Lesley Vincent, and his photos.

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In a rare nighttime “Westport … Naturally” image, Kona wanders outside under a full moon.

(Photo/Carl McNair)

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And finally … today is Tom Thumb Day. It honors the birthday of Bridgeport native Charles Sherwood Stratton. Born in 1838 with what is now called pituitary dwarfism, he was discovered and promoted around the world by showman (and Bridgeport mayor) PT Barnum.

Under Barnum’s management, Tom Thumb became a wealthy man. He owned a house in a fashionable part of New York, a steam yacht, and a specially adapted home in the Thimble Islands.

He died at 45, of a stroke.

He was 45 years old. Over 20,000 people attended the funeral. Barnum bought a life-sized statue of Tom Thumb for his gravestone at Mountain Grove Cemetery in Bridgeport.

(Tomorrow, we start the first full week of a new year. Today, you can start “06880” off right by clicking here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Happy new year — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Democratic Caucus, Venezuela, U Thant …

Posted on January 3, 2026 | 6 comments

The first step toward becoming a Democratic candidate — or helping to influence the party locally — begins January 13 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall).

That’s the biennial Democratic Town Committee Caucus — an election to the DTC. They’re the group that endorses candidates for local elections, and helps select statewide nominees.

All registered Democrats are eligible. Any voter who has changed registration from another party must have done so at least 90 days prior to January 13. Click here for the Westport Democratic Town Committee bylaws.

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Speaking of politics (sort of): The capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has had a collateral effect on Westporters vacationing in the Caribean.

The closure of air space in the region caused airlines to cancel hundreds of flights.

One local family was scheduled to leave today from Trinidad & Tobago — 7 miles off the Venezuelan coast, but 350 miles from Caracas.

Another is in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands — hundreds of miles from Venezuela.

Airlines are swamped with calls from stranded travelers. They’re responding with variations of “We have no idea…”

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Verso Studios — the media arm of the Westport Library — has hosted headliners like Patti Smith and the Wallflowers. They’ve produced a vinyl album — the first ever by any library, anywhere.

What haven’t they done? A Battle of the Bands.

Until now.

Next Saturday (January 10, 7 p.m.), 4 high-energy local bands take the Trefz Forum stage. The crowd will decide the winner. Prizes are $500 for first place, $250 for second.

The college and teen groups are the Breakers, Clockwork, Caravan and MOSS.

Tickets are $10 for students, $20 general admission. Click here to purchase, and for more information. 

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Many Westporters know and love Abby LaBanca, longtime Spotted Horse bartender.

They may not know that her father Jim is terminally ill with cancer. A strong and selfless man, he continues to give back — including as chair of the Sunshine Kids Cancer Foundation, dedicating time and energy to helping children and families facing the same battle he now wages.

Along with the emotional weight of their impending loss, Jim’s family faces unexpected financial hardship.

A GoFundMe page has been organized to help the LaBancas focus on spending their final days together, without added stress. Click here to donate, and for more information. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Jim LaBanca

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Thant Myint-U grew up in Riverdale, New York — when his grandfather, U Thant, was the third secretary-general of the United Nations — and then in Bangkok, when his father was with the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.

But his mother Aye-Aye Thant — U Thant’s daughter — was a longtime Westporter.

Her son has just published a book about his grandfather.

According to PassBlue — an independent, women-led nonprofit news company that covers the US-UN relationship, women’s issues, human rights, peacekeeping and other global matters — “Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World” “reveals rich layers of history during the 1960s, taking readers back to key moments in his maternal grandfather’s role in world history, from the Congo crisis to the Cuban missile crisis, from Vietnam to the Six-Day War in the Mideast.

“The author, who worked for a while in the UN and has produced several history books, has now written a book drawing on his family’s legacy. He says it was an accident that he stumbled upon archival material about his grandfather and the UN, which led him to work on this biography.”

Aye Aye and her husband lived in Westport from 2000 to 2022 (except for 2011 through 2014, when they renovated her former home in Yongon, Myanmar, as the U Thant House Museum. It is still in operation; her son is the chairman.

Aye Aye moved from Westport to Boston in 2022, to be closer to her daugthers.

Click here to read more, including a Q-and-A with Aye Aye Thant’s son. (NOTE: “06880” rules limit comments to the relevant topic at hand.  All comments on this item should pertain to the Thant family. General posts about the UN today will be deleted.)

U Thant

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Dana Kuyper snapped a nice “Westport … Naturally” image of the view from Longshore, across Gray’s Creek to Owenoke.

Well, it was a nice view — except for the large trash bin that someone dumped sometime, somewhere, and which managed to get stuck in the winter mud.

(Photo/Dana Kuyper)

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And finally … in honor of the Gray’s Creek photo above, lets hear from this musician:

(Where else but “06880” will you find U Thant and Muddy Waters together? That’s the way we roll. If you appreciate this blog — where Westport meets the world — please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Politics, Restaurants

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Roundup: Mr. K’s Granddaughter, CTbites’ Picks, Susan O’Brien’s Advice …

Posted on December 25, 2025 | 1 comment

When Lou Kitchner — the beloved Bedford Middle School band director — lost his son in an automobile accident 7 years ago, the community rallied around.

Once again, others are trying to help him.

His 3-year-old granddaughter  has been diagnosed with strabismus in both eyes. Her condition is progressing quickly. Without corrective surgery, she risks losing her vision.

A GoFundMe page has been set up, to help pay for surgery. Click here for details, and to contribute.  (Hat tips: Andrew Colabella, Lauren Karpf)

Lou Kirchner’s granddaughter.

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As the year winds down — and restaurants are packed — CTbites serves up its staff picks, for “Top Eats of 2025.”

Westport choices include:

  • Stephanie Webster, editor-in-chief: Sushi Jin, Kawa Ni
  • Andrew Dominick, managing editor: Kawa Ni
  • Noah Schwartz, contributor: Sushi Jin, Casa Me, Massi Co
  • Kendall Arkay, contributor: Kawa Ni

To read the full statewide list, click here.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

Massi Co (Photo/Jenae Weinbrenner)

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On the day before Christmas — as kids everywhere were thinking of reindeer — 2 Westport deer got entangled together, with soccer netting, around Burr Farms Road.

It could have been tragic. But Wildlife in Crisis intake director Peter Reid arrived, and assessed the situation in his typical calm, knowledgeable way.

As he planned his strategy, the bucks did a thrust away from each other, freeing one deer.

However, netting was still wrapped around the leg and antlers of the other. Hopefully, he will free his leg, and that his antlers will soon fall off.

Julie Loparo, president of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates, urges Westporters to be aware of the hazards to wildlife presented by soccer and other outdoor nets.

Meanwhile, Reid — in his other role, as Westport’s animal control officer — is pursuing a tranquilizing program, for use in situations like this.

Deer, entangled in soccer nets.

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Susan O’Brien is a social worker, with a private practice in Westport. She writes:

“I regularly observe the heightened level of stress parents experience during this busy time of year. Calendars quickly fill with school events, social obligations and holiday preparations, often leaving parents feeling stretched thin. While these activities can be meaningful, it is important to remember that children value undivided attention far more than any gift or perfectly planned experience.

“I often encourage parents to focus on fostering meaningful connections with their children. One simple yet powerful recommendation is to spend just ten minutes a day in uninterrupted time together—free from phones, distractions, and schedules. During this time, allow your child to lead the play or activity. This creates a space for genuine interaction, emotional attunement, and connection.

“Quality, not quantity, is what matters most. Choosing one intentional activity—such as taking a quiet walk, reading together, or visiting the library—can have a profound impact. These moments communicate to children that they are seen, heard, and valued. Ultimately, what children need most is not more doing, but more presence.

“By prioritizing quality time and meaningful interactions, parents can strengthen their bond with their children and create lasting memories, even amid the holiday hustle.”

Susan O’Brien

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Among the Christmas Eve traditions observed last night in some Westport homes: the Feast of the 7 Fishes.

But those fishes don’t magically appear on plates. The meal takes plenty of preparation … including this, captured by Molly Alger yesterday at Superior Seafood:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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All over town yesterday, families and friends gathered for Christmas Eve.

At Compo Beach, a flock of seagulls did the same.

Jeff Chasnow spotted them all — and sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Jeff Chasnow)

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And finally … there are only a squintillion holiday songs to choose from.

Everyone has their favorites.

Here — in very different genres — are 2 of mine.

 

 

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“06880” Readers: 800 Ways To Help Fire Victims

Posted on January 12, 2025 | 7 comments

It’s hard to grasp the extent of the Los Angeles fires. But try this.

“06880” reader Sara Jordan’s sister Katie lives in Altadena — one of the towns most devastated so far. Many residents had no insurance.

Altadena is a vibrant, diverse community with a population of about 42,000.  Over 7,000 structures — homes, buildings, historic sites — were destroyed.

At least 2,000 children are without a school.

Altadena residents are hardworking, middle-class people who lived there for generations. Many inherited their homes from parents and grandparents.  They stayed for hours, trying to houses with garden hoses.

Some of the scenes from Altadena, California.

Though Katie lost her home, she sprang into action to help those less fortunate. She sent Sara a spreadsheet of GoFundMe pages.

There are about 800 for Altadena alone. They’re raising money for everything: temporary housing, clothes, transportation, funeral services.

Many are for individual families. Some are for businesses, like restaurants and coffee shops. Others are for schools, museums and faith centers.

The list is heartbreaking, and unfathomable.

“Westporters are some of the most generous people I know,” Sara says.

Wouldn’t it be great if every “06880”reader  clicked here, selected just one GoFundMe campaign from the list, and donated what they can?

How about if every civic organization and school in Westport did the same?

(The list is in order, from the least funded one to the most.)

Questions? Email Sara directly: sarajordankornfeld@me.com.

The remains of Katie Jordan’s neighborhood.

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Posted in Westport life

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Roundup: Zenia Gordon, MoCA CT, Clarendon …

Posted on July 21, 2024 | 2 comments

Three couples — Jamie and Phil Rubin. Michelle Ahoubim and Greg Krieger, and
Richelle and Greg Kalnit — have organized a GoFundMe drive for a wonderful nanny and caregiver.

They write: “Our beloved Zenia Gordon, who has been a pillar of strength and love in our community for decades, is facing a profound health crisis.

“This past week, Zenia suffered a severe heart attack that required the insertion of 4 stents. However, the situation quickly escalated as doctors discovered multiple tears in her coronary artery, necessitating urgent airlifting to Hartford on July 19. Her condition is critical, and she is now preparing for what will likely be a complex and lengthy journey, which may include open heart surgery.

“Zenia’s impact on our lives, and the lives of many in our community, is immeasurable. Zenia has been a caregiver for our children. You may know her from Temple Israel, The Learning Community, Gan Izzy, various sports events. She was a pillar of stability during COVID, and has been a trusted caregiver for sick family members during difficult times. Zenia has been there for all of us. Her warmth, kindness and unwavering dedication have touched the lives of so many.”

The GoFundMe page seeks donations for medical and related expenses.

“Zenia is more than just a caregiver; she is family to many of us,” the 3 families write.

“Let’s rally together and show her the same love and support she has given to our community for years. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in Zenia’s journey toward recovery.”

Click here for the GoFundMe page.

Zenia Gordon and her husband Kollen.

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While the Gillespie Center is renovated, Homes with Hope has relocated its food pantry to Sasco Creek Village.

The Post Road East site works well. It’s bright and airy, easily accessible, and very welcoming.

It’s also diagonally across the street from Stop & Shop. The supermarket often hosts Westport Sunrise Rotary food drives.

The latest was yesterday. Shoppers gave generously yesterday, to support Homes with Hope’s pantry.

Volunteers collected non-perishable food and personal hygiene items. Donors also gave $690.10 in cash.

Sunrise Rotary — in coordination with the Westport Police Department and other volunteers — plan another drive this fall.

Sunrise Rotarians (from left) Katie Augustyn, Joe Renzulli, Charlie Haberstroh and Liz Wong, outside Stop & Shop yesterday.

Meanwhile, at the other entrance, Westport Police members joined Chief Foti Koskinas (2nd from left), Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden (2nd from right), and other volunteers.

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Clarendon Fine Art — the very cool Main Street gallery — hosts a fun and informative event this Thursday (July 25, 4 to 6 p.m.).

Three speakers — Karen Frome of Rise Project, Jen Berniker of Designport, and Clarendon’s Eve Gianni — will talk about art as “an integral component to interior design.”

The subject matter is intriguing. There will be drinks and snacks. And of course, you’ll get to see the latest art hanging on the gallery walls.

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Upcoming events at MoCA CT:

Fairfield County Dance Festival (July 25, 6:30 p.m.).

MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night (Friday, July 26; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.). Acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry. Everyone is invited to participate.

The Artisan Marketplace Summer Series (Sunday, July 28; noon to 4 p.m.). A great place to support the talent and creativity of local artisans

Artisan Workshop Series and art classes:

  • Ceramic Multi-Bowls, with Leah Corbett (August 2, 9)
  • Faces in Clay, with Bianca Barroca (August 2, 9)Thursdays (5:45 to 7:15 p.m.):
  • Sunset Plein Air (BYOB)
  • Summer Toddler Tuesdays
  • Summer Toddler Thursdays
  • Summer Art Workshops for Kids (Ages 8-12; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays)
  • Candle Making with Oh D’Luxe Candle Company  (September 25, October 16; 6 to 8 p.m.).

Charles Ives Music Festival Presents: “INFINITE,” performed by the CIMF artists & guest musicians (August 6, 7 to 9 p.m.).

Family Day Featuring Oran Etkin: Timbalooloo (August 18; noon to 2 p.m.); jazz performance (and an ice cream truck).

Click here for more information.

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Dogs are not allowed on Compo Beach, from now through October 1.

But these 2 canines seem to be figuring out a way to get around the ban — while, meanwhile, posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Theresa Anovick)

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And finally … On this date in 1861, the First Battle of Bull Run — the first major battle of the Civil War — began. It was a victory for the Confederate army.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We are “where Westport meets the world.” But we can’t do it without our readers’ help. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Local business

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Roundup: Field Hockey Champs, Devastating Fire, Holiday Lights And Tips …

Posted on November 19, 2023 | 3 comments

The 3rd time was indeed the charm.

And the biggest.

The Staples High School field hockey team lost 3-2 in overtime to Darien during the regular season. The Blue Wave shut out the Wreckers 3-0 in the FCIAC championship earlier this month.

But Staples won the game that really counted: the state class “L” (large schools) championship.

The #2-seeded Wreckers prevailed 3-1 over their #1-ranked archrivals yesterday, at Wethersfield High School.

Darien led 1-0 in the second quarter, but Sofia Fidalgo-Schioppa equalized 4;40 before, the half, on Staples’ first  shot of the game.

Soon after intermission, freshman Leah Larit knocked in a rebound off a penalty corner, giving the Wreckers the lead. Storey Ahl added an insurance goal in the final quarter.

Goalie Paige Knesich and her defense secured the win.

it was the 5th Connecticut crown for coach Ian Tapsall’s girls, but the first since their 4 consecutive titles from 2016-19.

Congratulations to all. You kept your eye on the prize — and now its yours.

State champion Staples High School field hockey team.

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A popular barista at the downtown Starbucks, and her 3 sons — in 11th, 10th and 7th grade — lost everything in a Bridgeport house fire this week.

They need everything: money, food, clothes, shoes … you name it.

A GoFundMe page has been organized. Click here to help.

Help needed family.

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The holidays are here!

Now everyone living, shopping or dining in Saugatuck — or driving through it — knows it for sure.

The William F. Cribari Bridge lights were lit last night. They’re a gift to the town — and visitors — from Al’s Angels. The non-profit provides holiday meals  and gifts to children (and their families) battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship. (Click here to give back to Al’s Angels.)

The lights are traditionally lit the day after Thanksgiving. This year, they came on a few days early,

Al’s Angels founder Al DiGuido says, “we believe that our world needs a beacon of hope and love right now (as always). We are called to be a light in the world!”

The Cribari Bridge lights are on! (Photo/Patti Brill)

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The holidays are here! (See above).

And with it, spectacular amounts of food and consumer waste.

Sustainable Westport can help. Westport’s non-profit environmental advisory group says:

“This holiday season, we encourage you to consider small changes that will help you minimize your impact on the environment.

“It is estimated that 305 million pounds of Thanksgiving food is thrown out each year. Click here for our tips on how to ‘rethink the feast,’ and minimize the food waste you produce at Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings.

“Speaking of gatherings, if you are hosting this season, click here for our sustainable hospitality guide for recommendations on how to make your party less wasteful and more eco-friendly.”

With so much to celebrate and so much pressure to “make magic,” Sustainable Westport knows it can be hard to commit to change.

To encourage residents to reduce food waste and participate in the Westport Zero Food Waste Challenge, they are giving away an Alabama Sawyer countertop compost bin (retail value $195) to one Instagram or Facebook follower.

To enter, follow Sustainable Westport on Instagram and/or Facebook, like the post shown below, like the “Compost Bin Giveaway” post, and tag a Westporter who you think should follow them. The deadline is this Tuesday (November 21).

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The Flying Fingers Jug Band bring season 1 of “First Folk Sunday” to a rousing close.

They group — featuring  washboard, string bass, jug, dobro, fiddle, kazoo, mouth harp and stove pipe — are booked for December 3 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399). 

Former Westonite David Barron joins them, on banjo and mandolin.

Suzanne Sheridan, First Folk Sunday’s lead singer, recently saw the Flying Fingers perform, and recruited them for her series.

Click here for tickets. The music cover charge is $10. A special holiday brunch buffet and cash bar are available for an additional cost. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.

Flying Fingers Jug Band

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Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject — a kingfisher — at Grace Salmon Park. She was surprised he has not yet headed south for the winter.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … on this date in 1493, Christopher Columbus landed on an island he spotted the previous day. He named it San Juan Bautista. It is now called Puerto Rico,

(From Saugatuck to Bridgeport — and beyond — “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS

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Fundraiser Set For Victim Of Car Robbery

Posted on March 6, 2022 | 9 comments

A GoFundMe campaign has begun, for the victim of last night’s car robbery across from Stop & Shop.

At 7 p.m., a 64-year-old Westport woman who supplements her income by driving for Uber Eats picked up an order at Golden Pizza, in Westfair Plaza. Inside the restaurant, she saw someone enter her unlocked car. When she went outside to prevent the theft, she suffered a serious head injury. This morning, she is reportedly in intensive care at a local hospital.

The fundraiser will help with medical and other expenses (click here to donate). Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas has promised that 100% of all donations will go to the victim.

Checks and get-well cards can also be dropped off at the police station on Jesup Road.

When Westport police responded last night, they learned that the man who stole the car had gotten out of a black car moments earlier. Both cars headed westbound on the Post Road.

An officer at the Sherwood Island Connector saw both the stolen Hyundai and black Acura traveling together. Both cars got onto I-95 eastbound.

The officer pursued them. He lost sight of the Hyundai but continued to chase the Acura. It got off Exit 29, where the driver lost control. He struck an occupied vehicle and several parked cars. Two occupants fled. A third was detained by the pursuing officer.

Bridgeport Police officers quickly apprehend the 2 people who ran. The Acura had been stolen from Hamden earlier in the day. The car was searched and a handgun was located. It is not believed that the handgun was used in the commission of the motor vehicle theft in Westport

An 18-year-old and 2 juveniles were taken into custody. All were charged with 1st degree robbery, conspiracy to commit 1st degree robbery, 1st degree assault on an elderly person, 1st degree larceny, conspiracy to commit 1st degree larceny, 3rd degree larceny, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal transfer of a firearm, theft of a firearm, engaging police in pursuit, and reckless driving.

The adult was held on a $100,000 bond. The juveniles will be transferred to a detention facility.

Koskinas praised the Westport officers, and the Fairfield, Bridgeport and State Police for their assistance.

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Posted in Police, Westport life

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Roundup: Clear-Cutting, Santa, Holiday Help …

Posted on December 23, 2021 | 4 comments

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Westporters have been talking this week about trees, and their removal near property lines and roadsides. A Planning & Zoning Commission subcommittee is drafting a regulation to protect mature trees in setbacks, stop clear-cutting, and ensure that when mature trees are removed, new trees are planted.

One of the most recent examples of clear-cutting is on Hideaway Lane. Several days ago the lot that fronts Hillspoint Road — opposite Loretta Lane, on the last gentle hill before Old Mill Beach — was stripped of every tree.

Here’s the before shot …

(Photo courtesy of Google Earth)

… and how it looked yesterday:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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If your kids can’t wait to see Santa … he makes a special appearance tonight!

From 5:30 to 6 p.m. today (Thursday), the Bearded One will wave to everyone driving past 28 Oak Street. It’s Josh and Rose Philip’s gift to Westport.

And if Santa looks a tiny bit like Josh — well, what a remarkable coincidence!

Santa visits 28 Oak Street tonight.

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A GoFundMe page has been set up for a Westport family.

Marius Sarapinas is a master carpenter, whose work ethic is equaled only by his attention to detail. He is loved by clients and colleagues.

His dedication to his sons, age 13 and 8, is legendary. He suffered a brain aneurysm just before Thanksgiving, and has been in the ICU at Yale New Haven Hospital ever since. He has made some progress, but the road to recovery is long.

The family must pay medical expenses, along with their mortgage, food, utility and Christmas bills.

The fund is halfway to its $25,000 goal. To help, click here. (Hat tip: Danielle Alexander.)

Marius Sarapinas

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Yesterday’s, Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids and Garelick & Herbs provided a holiday lunch for 30 firefighters, at Westport’s main station.

The meal was delicious — and (thankfully) uninterrupted. The department thanks these 2 great local businesses for their generosity.

The Fire Department’s holiday meal.

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Not to be a Debbie Downer as we head into the final, festive week of the year, but I have to repeat this thought, first seen on the WestportMoms Instagram:

Next year is pronounced “2020, too.”

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A ring with the inscription “United States Veteran,” surrounding a green stone (photo below), was found in the Staples High School gym. If it’s yours — or you know whose it is — email klquinn@westportps.org (after the Christmas break).

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Today is one of the busiest days of the year.

To help de-stress, just look at today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

Relax. Fly above it all. Enjoy the view!

(Photo/Patricia Auber)

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And finally … on this day in 1972, John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s “Imagine” promotional film premiered on American TV. The single and album of the same name was released a year earlier.

Fifty years later, its message still resonates.

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Real estate, Staples HS

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Horace Lewis Needs Our Help

Posted on September 21, 2021 | 11 comments

For 32 years, Horace Lewis did everything for everyone in Westport.

Now it’s time for Westport to do something for him.

When he retired in July of 2020, he was honored as “06880’s” Unsung Hero of the Week. I wrote about his devotion to Staples High School. Horace was head custodian there — following the same role at Coleytown Middle School — and though he was a stay-out-of-the-limelight guy, I wanted to shine a light on the care and love he lavished on the building.

Classrooms, hallways, auditorium, a gym and fieldhouse and athletic fields, a cafeteria and 2 teaching kitchens, a library, TV studio, storage areas, boilers and HVAC systems — Horace knew them all. He made them sparkle, shine and work.

Horace Lewis, in a typical pose.

He hired and supervised a superb staff. He held them to high standards. But whenever something went wrong, he was the one who got the call. Broken pipes, a bad odor, a security alarm: Horace was there.

His was a stressful job. But never stopped smiling, working, or serving the building and everyone in it.

Horace Lewis (right) and shift supervisor Tom Cataudo greet the staff and students during the 2015 graduation processional.

Even after his official retirement, stayed on. Staples was coping with COVID. Every hand was needed, so Horace lent his.

Five months ago, he got the chance to retire fully. He helped his daughter with her business. He enjoyed his kids and grandchildren. It was what retirement should be.

But on the day of his 35th anniversary a major stroke derailed his plans, and his life with his wife Bonnie.

Horace went into cardiac arrest twice. He is now in recovery, working to regain his motor skills, speech, and walking capabilities.

When Horace returns home, he will need a wheelchair ramp and other necessities. Meanwhile, bills not covered by insurance pile up. It’s a very tough situation for the entire family.

Horace faced many tough situations, at Staples and Coleytown. With intelligence, creativity, patience — and always a smile — he solved them all.

Family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page. Click here, to pay forward a little bit of the large debt we all owe Horace Lewis.

11 Comments

Posted in Education, Staples HS

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Jonathan Greenfield: ALS Warrior Needs Help

Posted on April 20, 2021 | 5 comments

Jonathan Greenfield is a well-known Westporter, and great friend of “06880.” 

Jonathan Greenfield

He’s been an NYU dropout, photojournalist, documentary filmmaker, surfer, triathlete and tea specialist.

Three years ago we featured his amazing life in this story: “The Most Interesting Man in Westport Drinks Tea.”

A year and a half later — shortly after completing his 3rd triathlon — we reported on him again. He’d been diagnosed with cancer — and ALS.

With his trademark optimism, good humor and vigor, he took a leadership role in a crusade to help others with ALS. He organized fundraisers, and as a proponent of the Wim Hof breathing technique, he spread the word about innovative treatments.

Another story, last May, described his advocacy work for ALS research and treatment.

Jonathan Greenfield at a Washington, DC protest.

Here’s our latest update. It comes courtesy of WestportMoms, the multi-media platform. “06880” is honored to repost this. We hope you’ll share it too, with all your networks.

Iris and Jonathan Greenfield are going through an unimaginable situation.

In 2018 Jonathan was diagnosed with ALS. Over the past year his diagnosis took a turn for the worse. He is now confined to a wheelchair, without the ability to speak, write or perform basic motor functions.

Iris works her day job as an acupuncturist (a field significantly impacted by COVID), and spends her nights waking regularly to care for Jonathan. That’s in addition to raising their 3 amazing children: Zach (12), Skye (10) and Josie (8).

Jonathan and Iris Greenfield.

The Greenfields’ health insurance does not pay for the constant home care that Jonathan requires. That has created an incredible financial strain on the family.

As a community, we are defined by how we come together to help our neighbors in the greatest hour of need. Jonathan and his family desperately need our help, so they can pay for their basic living expenses.

Please click here to contribute to their GoFundMe page. The page contains more information about Jonathan’s life, as well as links to his Breathe4ALS organization, and a book of his photojournalism compiled by friends.
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