Veterans Day was special for Christine Quinn Antal.
The 1994 Staples High School graduate and former Army lawyer, and her husband Mark, a former decorated Green Beret, formed an organization — Task Force Antal — that has helped Afghanistan allies escape the Taliban, and provided humanitarian aid to soldiers in Ukraine.
Dozens of veterans help, knowing the couple cuts through red tape and delivers what they promise quickly and efficiently.
For Veterans Day, the “Today” show produced a live segment with the couple, their daughters, and a veterans organization that honored them. Click here for that inspiring story.
Christine and Mark also participated in Bedford Middlel School’s 8th grade Veterans Day event. They spoke powerfully about their work, and inspired the youngsters in Christine’s hometown. (Hat tipis: Kerry Long, Kate Tarrant)
Christine Quinn and Mark Antal, in a screenshot from yesterday’s “Today” show.
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Everyone talks about Westport’s schools.
Here’s a chance to do so with Board of Education members.
A community forum is set for November 15 (noon to 1:30 p.m., Westport Library).
Former RTM moderator Velma Heller will facilitate a conversation, on any topics related to our local schools. It should be a very interesting dialogue.
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Just in time for the holidays, the Westport Farmers’ Market moves indoors.
Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center once again hosts the winter market. It opens November 17 and runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday (except Thanksgiving) through March 9.
Vendors will fill 3 heated greenhouses with high-quality locally grown or raised fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, milk, baked and prepared foods, and handmade items,
The Farmers’ Market kicks off the season with a celebration. Bubble & Brew and Parlor Pizza will set up their trucks outside the greenhouses. Luke Molina will play music and Mae Farrell will entertain the kids with a nature-inspired theme.
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As Batman fans around the world mourn the death of Kevin Conroy — the character’s distinctive voice on television, in movies and video games — Staples High School graduates remember him as a classmate and friend.
The 1973 alum starred in several Staples Players productions, including “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Crucible.”
He was Sky Masterson too in “Guys and Dolls.” Opening night was 50 years ago yesterday — the same date as last night’s premiere of the same show.
Eric Bosch sent along these photos of Kevin Conroy, from the Staples yearbook:
Kevin Conroy in “The Crucible.”
Kevin Conroy in “Romeo and Juliet.”
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Election Day was Tuesday. Votes have been cast and counted. Time for the political signs to vanish.
Most are already gone. Some still remain, though.
Westport regulations say signs must be removed within 48 hours of an event.
Today is a gorgeous day. Here’s a gentle reminder: If you put up a sign for a candidate, please head outside and take it down.
Let’s enjoy the still-lovely fall scenery without thinking of politics.
Beachside Avenue at Greens Farms Road. The Westport Library Book Sale sign is fine — it runs today through Monday.
Imperial Avenue (Photos and hat tip: John Karrel)
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Can we desegregate the suburbs?
That’s the provocative subtitle of a Zoom discussion set for Monday (November 14, 7:30 p.m.).
Sponsored by the Democratic Women of Westport, with the title “Who is My Neighbor?,” the event features Nancy Gagnier. She’s part of the South Orange/Maplewood Community Coalition on Race, a non-profit with the goal of building a suburban community free of racial segregation in housing and community involvement.
For more information, and to access the link, email dww06880@gmail.com.
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Three years ago, “06880” honored Charlotte — the longtime Balducci’s cashier known as “Charle” — as an Unsung Hero.
The “Comments” page quickly filled with more praise for her.
Now, Susan Weingarten reports, she was recently in a very bad automobile accident. Her car was totaled.
The good news: After recuperating at her Orange home, she is back at the store. Susan encourages all Charle’s friends to stay by and say “welcome back!”
Charle, at Balducci’s.
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The Weston Police Commission’s choice of Citizen of the Year is a no-brainer.
For more than 30 years, Mark Blake served the Weston Volunteer Fire Department and Weston Volunteer Emergency Medical Services. He was also a Westport EMS supervisor. Mark died in September, after a long battle with COVID.
A ceremony is set for Monday (November 14, 6 p.m., Weston Town Hall).
Among Mark’s many contributions to public safety: Weston’s Child Passenger Safety program. It offered training on the proper use of child car seats, and seats to those who needed them.
The public — including all of Mark’s friends and admirers — are invited to the event.
Mark Blake
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Ukraine has moved off the front pages.
But the war is very real to tens of millions of people who live there. And to friends and relatives, like Tatyana Hisxon of Westport.
She’s helping organize a fundraiser (December 2, 3 p.m. Carriage Barn Arts Centr, New Canaan).
The non-political event — called “Ukraine Fast Forward” — will showcase the country’s culture, arts and sciences.
All proceeds benefit Big Dreams Children’s Foundation. Long active with orphans and youngsters with disabilities, it now is helping kids and women affected by the fighting.
Raffle prizes include a private tour of the United Nations, and works by exhibiting artists.
For more information, email Tatyanahixon@gmail.com or call 646)872-9799.
One of the raffle prizes.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” actually comes from Weston.
There’s plenty of beauty there too, as Richard Ellis’ Japanese red maple leaves shwo.
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And finally … in honor of Kevin Conroy (see story above):
