The Westport Weston Family YMCA is many things, to many people.
Now — thanks to a partnership with Superpower Mentors — it is reaching out specially to students ages 10 through college and beyond with dyslexia, ADHD and other learning differences.
Y families now get reduced rates for Superpower Mentors’ services. The organization — created and run by Westport native Jake Sussman, who struggled with ADHD before graduating from the Forman School, then the University of Hartford — provides one-on-one support to build confidence, develop executive functioning skills, and prepare for success in school, work and life.
Superpower Mentors does it by matching students with peer mentors who share their learning differences, smf understand their challenges firsthand. They’re paired by interests too — sports, music, technology, the arts and more — creating an even strong connection.
Mentors offer guidance in time management, study habits and emotional well-being. Over 90% of mentees show increased confidence and success after just a few months.
Information sessions to help families learn more about the program are set for March 11 (12, 6 and 7:30 p.m.) Parents can meet the Superpower Mentors team, ask questions, and explore whether the program is a good fit for their child.
Click here to learn more about Superpower Mentors. Registration is required; click here for details. For questions, or if unable to attend, email hello@superpowermentors.com or call 800-403-2377.
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To prepare for a discussion of adapting 5 buildings at Baron’s South for affordable housing, the Planning & Zoning Commission will inspect them next Tuesday (February 25, 2 p.m.).
The public is invited, but no public comment will be taken.
“Golden Shadows,” the largest of the 5 buildings at Baron’s South. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)
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“Native Gardens” bloomed last night at the Westport Country Playhouse.
The comedy — about neighbors from different cultures who clash over the property line separating their gardens — runs through March 8.
Author Karen Zacarías will be in the audience tonight (Wednesday). American Theatre magazine recently cited her as one of the 10 most-produced playwrights in the US.
Click here for tickets, and more information. Click below, for a video preview:
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Upcoming Westport Farmers’ Markets include “effortless” discussions.
Both are led by TAP Strength’s EJ Zebro, from noon to 1 p.m. On February 27 he’ll speak with Bena Kallick on “Effortless Aging.” The March 3 topic is “Effortless Wellness,” with Jennifer Boyd.
The Winter Farmers’ Market runs every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center (7 Sylvan Lane).
As always, there are 3 dozen vendors, plus lunch options like pizza, Thai and Mexican food, oysters and more.
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Westport is quiet this week. With schools closed for winter break, families have taken off for spots warm (Florida, the Caribbean) and cold (Vermont, Utah).
Two dozen Staples High School students and 4 teachers have gone somewhere else: Japan.
Their 9-day tour has a STEM focus. They’re visiting a testing facility for maglev trains, and the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency.
They’re also having traditional experiences, like seeing Mt. Fuji, shrines and gardens, and attending tea ceremonies and a sushi-making class.
Learning about sushi …
… and maglev trains. (Photos/Maggie Gomez)
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The Compo Beach playground’s “community build” renovation is set for April 21-26.
In preparation, fencing has already appeared.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The renovation will include new accessible equipment for children of all abilities; widened walkways; safer surfacing around the swings, and replacement of the weathered fence.
It’s a major project of the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Young Woman’s League, with help from the Parks & Recreation Department and other organizations.
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Riverside Park has become a favored destination for quiet meditation, watching the ever-changing Saugatuck River — and dog-walking.
Recent frigid weather has not deterred visitors.
At least, not this guy.
Collette Winn captured today’s icy, but heart-warming, “Westport … Naturally” image.
(Photo/Collette Winn)
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And finally … in honor of the Westport Y’s partnership with Superpower Mentors (story above):
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