Tag Archives: Nancy Lewis

Unsung Hero #411

There are many Unsung Heroes at Homes with Hope. Today, they nominate one of their own:

Nancy Lewis first came to Homes with Hope as a volunteer through the National Charity League.

When Homes with Hope clients without cars needed help with rides, NCL could not provide them. However, Nancy said that she personally would be able to assist.

That was the beginning of over a dozen years of Nancy doing whatever is needed to help Homes with Hope clients, and the agency as a whole.

Nancy Lewis

For over 13 years, Nancy has been a mentor to a Homes with Hope parent. She supports the family in many ways. When they need Nancy, Nancy is there.

This summer, she helped one of the kids in the family get a scholarship to attend theater camp at the Westport County Playhouse.  As always, Nancy found a way to make it happen.

Nancy was also a key part of Homes with Hope’s monthly Women’s Empowerment group. She offered support to women of all ages, who came to share stories and find encouragement. Nancy always had a positive outlook, and offered kind and caring advice.

During the school year, Nancy is a regular volunteer at ASAP — Homes with Hope’s after school program — helping kids with homework and guidance, all with a spirit of joy.

As if this was not enough to keep Nancy busy, she is also a regular volunteer in the food pantry and the Gillespie Center.

Nancy has touched so many clients and staff members over such a long time.  We are all grateful for her amazing contribution of time, energy and loving support.

Congratulations, Nancy! You epitomize what “06880” admires in an unsung hero!

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.) 

60 Years Later, Elmo Morales Can’t Forget Westport

Earlier this month, Greg Wolfe and Nancy Lewis dropped their daughter Emily off for her 2nd year at the University of Michigan.

After dinner, the couple passed a tiny t-shirt shop near campus. As they looked at merchandise set on the street, the owner came out to chat.

Elmo Morales designed this t-shirt for Jim Harbaugh's return as Michigan football coach.

Elmo Morales designed this slogan for Jim Harbaugh’s return as Michigan football coach. (Photo/Ryan Stanton for The Ann Arbor News)

“Where are you from?” he asked.

“Westport, Connecticut,” they said.

He was stunned. “You’re the first people I’ve ever met here from Westport!” he said.

And then Elmo Morales told his story.

In 1957 he was an 11-year-old living in Washington Heights. The Fresh Air Fund arranged a week in Westport. He stayed with the Petrucci family. They owned a liquor store, and had a son around Elmo’s age.

His eyes welled up as he told Greg and Nancy his story.

On the way home after picking Elmo up at the train station — with his clothes in a shopping bag — the Petruccis took him to a toy store. They told him to pick out anything he wanted.

He chose a Mattel 6-shooter. “I never got anything, except at Christmas,” he says. “And then it was pajamas.”

It was the first time Elmo had seen carpeting in a house, or a TV in a bedroom. There was orange juice every morning. Every day, they went to the beach.

Most importantly, Mr. Petrucci talked with Elmo about college, and what he wanted to do with his life. It was the first time the boy had thought about his future.

“They broadened my horizons,” Elmo says. “I was able to see the rest of the world. Everything grew from that little seed.”

Elmo went back to Washington Heights. A shared love of jazz cemented a friendship with a youngster named Lew Alcindor (now Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

Elmo earned a track scholarship to Michigan. He stayed in Ann Arbor, and became a teacher.

After graduating from Michigan, Elmo Morales continued to run.

After graduating from Michigan, Elmo Morales continued to run.

About 40 years ago, he opened Elmo’s T-Shirts as a sideline. For years it was on Main Street. Not long ago, he moved to East Liberty Street.

This is one of those great “Westport meets the world” stories I love so well.

But don’t just read it and smile.

Every year, Staples sends at least a dozen graduates to the University of Michigan. So, students and parents: Head to 404 E. Liberty Street.

Buy a t-shirt or souvenir.

And then tell Elmo you’re from Westport.