The Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur “genius grant”-winning photojournalist and author — and 1991 Staples High School graduate — joins those illustrious previous winners, as the 2025 recipient of the International Rescue Committee’s Freedom Award.
It is given annually to “individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in support of the global refugee crisis, and saving and improving the lives of the most vulnerable populations around the world.”
On assignment for The New York Times, National Geographic and other publications, Addario has documented conflicts and humanitarian crises across Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Darfur, South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine.
Her powerful images have brought global attention to the experiences of civilians — especially women and girls — caught in crossfires.
“Love + War,” a documentary on her career, recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Lynsey Addario captured this dramatic shot, of desperate Libyan refugees in a boat off the coast of Italy. (Photo/Lynsey Addario)
Since its opening a year ago, Big Y has done much to be part of the community.
On Tuesday — Veterans Day — they’ll do more. All military veterans, and current servicemembers, will get get 10% off their order. Plus a free reusable bag.
Just use your Big Y membership, and tell the cashier you’re eligible.
From Arnie’s Place to Akihabara: Westport native Benjamin Boas grew up feeding quarters into arcade machines, then petitioned his school for Japanese classes to read the Japanese comics behind the games.
The Brown University graduate moved to Japan nearly 20 years ago, spent time writing the descriptions for Japanese anime on Netflix, and published a comic about learning Japanese from comics.
He’s back in Fairfield County on November 23 (1:15 p.m., Rowayton Community Center). Boas will keynote the Japan Society of Fairfield County’s annual meeting, telling the full‑circle story that started in a Westport arcade. Click here for more information.
Benjamin Boas’ book.
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To all moms of 6th grade girls: the Westport chapter of the National Charity League is looking for new members.
The NCL fosters mother-daughter relationships through a 6 year program of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
NCL Westport includes over 275 women and daughters in grades 7-12, and provides volunteer support to more than 30 local non-profits. Click here for details, or email nclwmembership@gmail.com.
And finally … Al Hirt, the great trumpeter, was born on this date in 1922. He died in 1999, age 76.
(We don’t want to blow our own horn, but “06880” is your hyper-local source for news, features, events, history, photos, and so much more. If you like our work, please click here to support it. Thanks!)
As students head off to college, they pack many things: Clothes. Electronics. Favorite items from home.
And: Narcan.
Positive Directions offers a safety kit with the medication that quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, plus fentanyl test strips and more.
There’s also a 15-20 minute info session on mental health, substance risks and resources at college, including overdose signs and how to administer Narcan.
“Who knows what will come of the legendary caboose that has lived off Newtown Turnpike for decades?
“For months, a large demolition sign has been on the door of the house (120 Newtown Turnpike, or 1 Crow Hollow Lane) that the caboose sits in the rear of.”
The demolition sign …
“Legend has it the caboose was flown in, as in literally dropped via air, by a doting father for his daughter’s birthday party. And so it has been there for years, now encroached by brush, no one living in or near, though at one point it was an office for the nearby house.
… and the caboose today. (Photos/Jessica Branson)
“Neighbors hope the caboose will stay when ‘the little red house’ is finally torn down.”
In 2016, “06880” featured the caboose — and Gigi New, the writer who used it as her office (and muse). Click here for that fascinating back story.(Spoiler alert: It includes plenty of facts. And a lot of mystery.)
The caboose in 2016 …
and writer Gigi New, who used it as an office. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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For Steve Moen, painting means returning — to physical places and emotional landscapes.
For the 1972 Staples High School artist, his “Circling Back” series began with visits back to Westport, where his childhood memories live in tidal marshes, rocks and boulders along the shore.
The exhibit is on display at the Westport Library’s Sheffer Gallery from now through October 5. On August 13 Moen returns, for a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. conversation with Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs. Click here for more information.
Speaking of sports: An “06880” story about Westport’s Domestic Violence Task Force request for donations of items needed by their clients caught the eye of the Staples cheerleaders. They wanted to help women in need.
The captains asked dteammates to bring an item from the list to the next practice.
But — wanting to raise more awareness, and collect more items — they reached out to the football team.
With help from the Gridiron Club and captains, they collected many more items.
The other day, they dropped off their donations at the police station. The officers — and “06880” — thank the Staples cheerleaders and football team!
A portion of the cheeerleading and football teams’ donations.
Speaking of community service: In just 2 weeks, the Westport Rotary Club collected 153 musical instruments, and assorted sound gear.
They ranged from drums, guitars and keyboards to ukeleles, clarinets, flutes — even music stands and conductor’s batons.
The collection — worth about $14,000 — is being shipped to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador.
Green’s Farms Church served as the collection point. Westport Rotary president Peter Helt drove all over Fairfield County to pick up donations, then hauled it all to New London, for shipping.
Speaking still of community service: Staples High rising junior Mika Smith volunteers with the National Charity League.
Organizing book drives for Caroline House in Bridgeport, she has collected 2,000 books over the past 3 years.
This year Mike and her sister Gretchen — a rising freshman — also customized tote bags to deliver the books. They’ll be used long after the books are delivered — and will be a constant reminder of Caroline House’s great work.
Mika and Gretchen Smith, with their donated books and tote bags.
Low Cut Connie got the Levitt Pavilion rocking last night.
They brought a creative, inclusive take on rock ‘n’ roll, channeling early Elton John, punk, Rod Stewart, Philly soul and other genres into a musical stew.
(Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Frontman Adam Weiner often jumped into the audience, to sing — and dole out hugs.
(Photo courtesy of Levitt Pavilion)
This week’s free shows include:
Tuesday, August 5: Comedy Night, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, August 6: Children’s Series: Danny Weinkauf & His Red Pants Band, 7 p.m.
Thursday, August 7: Barboletta: A Tribute to Santana, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, August 8: Lulada Club: New York City’s All-Women Salsa Orchestra, 7 p.m. dance lesson, 7:30 show.
For over 20 years, St. Vincent’s Hospital “Swim Across the Sound” has raised funds to help cancer patients facing financial hardships. Last year’s event raised $590,000, to help pay for rent, utility bills and groceries.
The 17-mile swim begins in Port Jefferson, Long Island, and ends at Captain’s Cove in Bridgeport.
Among the boaters escorting swimmers yesterday: Westport Josh Schwartz. Here is the Clarkson University swim team — before they got wet:
When they got in the water — and back out — they finished third, in the college division.
“They weigh about as much as a penny, and have approximately 20 heartbeats per second. It takes a lot of energy to keep up that pace, so the hummingbird will eat up to 3 times its body weight a day. One of their favorite sources of energy is the jewelweed, a native yellow flower.
“Some of them migrate from Southern Canada as far as Costa Rica. They can cross the Gulf of Mexico — approximately 500 miles — in a non-stop single flight.
“Their aerial displays are unmatched. Up, down, backwards and forwards, hovering and with great speed, they are marvels to watch.
“As we continue to eradicate green open space, such as the planned destruction of the 4 acres of open space adjacent to Long Lots Elementary School, we continue chipping away at the ability of our beautiful natural environment to sustain itself.
“Destroying green open space like this is exactly the opposite of what we are teaching our kids in school, and is in direct contrast to helping a world that seems to be falling apart at its environmental seams.”
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And finally … tying together a couple of the first items in today’s Roundup:
(You never know what you’ll find in our Roundup. But there’s always something special here — and, hopefully, news and info you can use. We also hope you’ll click here to support us. Thank you!)
Check below, for this great (today only) offer from WEST (117 Post Road East):
(Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
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Want another chance to weigh in on Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot and “structured parking”?
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s new survey is now live.
It’s open through Monday, November 11. Click here, then follow the prompts.
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Veterans Day is an important — and often overlooked — holiday.
Westport’s ceremony is always meaningful, and well worth attending.
The Town of Westport and VFW Post 399 will host Veterans Day services next Monday, November 11 (Town Hall auditorium).
At 10:30 a.m., the Westport Community Band will perform marches and patriotic tunes.
The services begin at 11 a.m. The time and date are significant. The armistice ending World War I — “the war to end all wars” — began at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918.
After the ceremony, all veterans and other community members are invited to VFW Post 399 for food and drinks.
Donations will help pay for refreshments (click here; then click “Donate”). Extra funds will help pay for permanent flag stands on graves throughout town.
The VFW has already decorated 500, at Assumption Cemetery. There are 700 more to go in Westport.
The Doughboy statue honors Westporters who served and sacrificed in World War I. It’s at Veterans Green, across from Town Hall where Veterans Day ceremonies are held. (Photo/Topsy Siderowf)
Donate your “pre-loved Lego, Duplo, Technic, mini-figure and/or baseplate pieces.” Sustainable Westport volunteers will package and send them to Lego Replay — and arm of the Danish company — to ensure they find their way out of landfill, and into the hands of kids who need them most.
Full collections, partial sets, random pieces — nearly all are welcome. For information about accepted pieces and how to prepare your bricks for donation, click here.
Donations can be dropped off at:
MoCA Holiday Artisan Marketplace (November 15 and 16, noon to 4 p.m.).
Wakeman Town Farm(November 22 through December 8, when open)
Earthplace(December 9 through 15, when open)
Westport Moms Holiday Event at Birchwood Country Club(December 12, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Westport Weston Family YMCA(December 13 through 22, when open).
The 84th annual Candlelight Concert is set for Staples High School Friday, December 13 (8 p.m.), and Saturday, December 14 (3 and 8 p.m.). Tickets will be available soon (keep reading “06880” for details!).
Meanwhile, the Staples High School — which offers the beloved event as a gift to the town — welcomes businesses and individuals to purchase ads in the program, to help offset costs (and fund the Music Department’s programs for over 300 students).
The National Charity League fosters mother-daughter relationships through a 6-year program of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
The Westport chapter has more than 275 members — women and their daughters in grades 7-12 — and provides volunteer support to over 30 non-profits.
Rising saxophone star Sarah Hanahan brings her talent to this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (November 7, 7:30 and 8:45, VFW Post 399; dinner service at 6:45 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students; click here for show tickets).
Hanahan — named one of NPR Jazz Night in America’s “30 under 30 Youngbloods” — will be joined by bassist Mikey Migliore, guitarist Tony Davis and drummer Mike Camacho.
After touring the 4 homes on Sunday’s “Historic Homes of 06880” tour, Nicholas Eisenberger thought he’d seen it all.
But passing Nyala Farm, he saw something else fascinating:
“What a beautiful sight, place, and day!” Nico says, of the bobcat (and tour) — and today’s captivating “Westport … Naturally” image.
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And finally …
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Donna Disch — a Westport resident for 24 years — enthusiastically accepted her charge to “to elevate poetry in the consciousness of Westport residents, and to celebrate and contribute to the town’s vibrant literary history.”
A large crowd was on hand at the Westport Library. Disch succeeds Jessice Noyes McEntee, in the 2-year appointment. The ceremony was led by Westport Arts Advisory Committee c0-chair Nancy Diamond.
She’s wasting no time. Soon, she announced, a new “poetry box” will be installed near Compo Beach.
McEntee offered her own words for the town’s new laureate, noting, “Donna appears to be an innocent, a weaver of dazzling word tapestries. I sense a trickster underneath the demure surface in her poems.”
Poet laureate Donna Disch. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
Once again this month, Westport’s National Charity League joins with Circle of Care to raise awareness of childhood cancer
The groups have decorated the town in gold ribbons. In addition, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker’s proclamation of September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month honors Circle of Care for the work they do, making a difference for families facing the disease.
Raising awareness, one street corner at a time.
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Many Westporters know about The Carver.
The Norwalk-based non-profit Carver operates 60+ before-school, after-school, summer, and community programs in all K-12 public schools in Norwalk, plus others in Bridgeport, Stamford and Naugatuck.
It’s a wonderful organization, doing great and very important work, serving almost 3,000 students. Carver programs boast a 100% on-time high school graduation, with almost all students going on as first-generation college students.
But many other Westporters don’t know The Carver at all.
On Friday, September 27 (6 p.m., Clarendon Fine Art, 22 Main Street), the Westport Carver Connection Committee is hosting a party. The goal is to introduce The Carver to residents, and expand its geographic, financial and volunteer support.
Carver students will speak, offering inspiring stories.
The event is sponsored by several local businesses, including Bird, Clarendon, LandTech, The Post and Amazing Graze.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between September 11 and 18.
A 49-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, after a complaint of an assault by someone the man was dating when they tried to retrieve belongings from a residence.
Three women — a 22-year-old and a 21-year-old from Jamaica, New York, and a 21-year-old from Bushkill, New York, were charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a report of a shoplifting from Lululemon.
While officers were en route to the business, they spotted the vehicle used on Riverside Avenue. It contained clothing with tags still affixed. The suspects were identified by witnesses.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to comply with federal regulations of flotation devices: 1
Failure to comply with federal regulations of navigation lights: 1
Operating a boat without certification or license: 1
Illegal vessel without numbers or registration: 1
Failure to comply with dog ownership regulations: 1
No dog/cat rabies vaccination: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
Boats in Connecticut must be registered.
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In more police news, officers were called to TD Bank yesterday, when a man tried to pass a bad check. Eyewitnesses said he “decided to run,” before being detained.
(Photo/Robin Frank)
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Up to 20% of the population can be classified as “highly sensitive.”
Now Westport therapist Ilise Gold, Weston actor Scott Bryce and Christie Laracuente have formed a group serving the “Highly Sensitive Person” community.
On October 19 (Saugatuck Congregational Church, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Gold will host a seminar called “Connect With Me, I’m an HSP!”
The audience is HSPs, and those living or working with them. The cost is $250 per person; $225 for additional family members ages 15 and up. Click here to register.
Ilise Gold
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A black-capped chickadee makes its first-ever “06880” appearance today, as our “Westport … Naturally” feature image:
And finally … JD Souther, who wrote many hits for the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, and later played a version of himself on the TV show “Nashville,” died Tuesday in New Mexico. He was 78.
(Today — as we do every day, 7/24/366 — “06880” brings you a Roundup of info chock full of news you can use, think about and enjoy. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
For a quiet-seeming stretch of road, Cross Highway between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane sure sees a lot of action.
And accidents.
On February 8 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), engineers from the Public Works Department will hold a public information meeting to discuss traffic and safety improvements there.
The design phase of a project is mostly complete. Now comes construction.
At the meeting, attendees can review proposed improvements, and learn how the
town will implement them. There will be time too to ask questions about possible impacts to the neighborhood. In addition to PWD staff, the design engineer will be on hand.
Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilberg@westportct.gov; (203) 341-1128.
An all-too-common occurrence on Cross Highway at North Avenue. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
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StartUp Westport — the town’s public/private partnership aimed at making Westport a tech entrepreneurial hub — has 2 very cool upcoming events.
And everyone is invited to be part of our town’s tech future.
On February 29 (6 p.m., Westport Library), “Past, Present and Future Opportunities for Diverse Entrepreneurs” is a great addition to Black History Month.
NBC news anchor/Westport resident Craig Melvin will moderate the discussion. StartUp Westport’s own Jay Norris leads the event, which is co-sponsored by Westport 10.
Local business leaders Kal Amin, Eric Freeman, Ilka Gregory, Craig Livingston, Adam Moore, Pamela Moss, Paige Parker, Ted Parker, Michele Peterso and Kitt Shapiro will share stories of their careers, and offer insights into launching and running a successful business in film/TV, music, real estate, retail, technology, food and beverage, and financial services.
The program begins with a video history of diverse business ownership in Fairfield County, and also includes a cocktail reception. Click here to register.
On March 18 (6:30 p.m. cocktail reception; 7 p.m. program, Westport Library), StartUp Westport presents a “Female Founders and Investors” forum. Co-hosts are Tidal River Fund, Connecticut’s first angel group and fund for women investors.
The event will be led by Westport-based financial services, personal finance and angel investing expert Galia Gichon, co-managing partner at Tidal River Fund.
Female founders and investors will share their experiences with fundraising for, investing in and launching early stage start-ups. Click here to register.
To join the StartUp Westport Linked In group, click here.
Each year, the Westport National Charity League’s senior class completes a capstone project.
Since August, the Class of 2024 has planned theirs: renovating 4 bathrooms at Caroline House in Bridgeport.
Last weekend, they got to work.
The project received very generous support. Among others, Jason Raymond of Raymond Design Builders helped with preparation and professional final touches, while the Rings End/Benjamin Moore team in Westport donated paint and painting supplies. The generosity of the Westport community was shown by every individual and local business who assisted with this project. It was beyond inspiring and made all the renovations possible.
Krisztina and Isabella Rivel volunteer at Caroline House.
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Looking for something to do in the hours before the Super Bowl?
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella has organized a trash pick-up for Super Bowl Sunday (February 11).
Volunteers should meet at 11 a.m. at Grace Salmon Park, on Imperial Avenue. They’ll collect garbage from there to the Westport Library parking lot.
Dress warmly. Wear boots and gloves. Bring trash bags (and a picker, if you’ve got one).
Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
Grace Salmon Park is a Westport favorite. But there’s garbage to pick up there, and nearby. (Photo/Pam Kesselman)
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For 33 years, the Greens Farms Academy Community Service Board, Concert Choir, and Harbor Blues and Beachside Express a cappella groups have organized “Harmony for the Homeless.” Performances include solos, small groups and large pieces.
The groups select an organization or specific family to support. Last year, for example, Harmony helped the Reyes family rebuild their lives after a fire destroyed their home.
This year, instead of ticket sales, Harmony will collect food donations for the Danbury Daily Bread food pantry. The goal is to fill an entire truck with goods.
The event is March 2 (7:30 p.m., Janet Hartwell Performing Arts Center at GFA).
Among the items requested: dried beans, rice (1- or 2-pound bags), cooking oil, tea, coffee, meals-in-a-can, baby food, snacks and treats for children, breakfast cereal (hot or cold), ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar, hot sauce, cookies, crackers, sugar, flour, baking items like cake mix,
Also needed: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, laundry detergent, household cleaning products, hand sanitizer, soap, paper towels, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, coloring books, crayons, inexpensive toys.
And — as it did the first time — People Magazine is chronicling every moment of the Westport actress’ nuptials.
Her first marriage was to 1999 Staples High School graduate/former professional soccer player/broadcaster/entrepreneur Kyle Martino. They divorced, but remain good friends as they co-parent their 3 children.
Now, Amurri — the daughter of actress Susan Sarandon and director Franco Amurri — is engaged to chef Ian Hock.
Click here for the full People magazine story. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
And finally … on this date in 1865, Congress passes the 13th Amendment to the US Constitution, abolishing slavery. It was then submitted to the states, for ratification.
How far have we come in 159 years? You be the judge.
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Yesterday morning too, a sign with an Israeli flag was found defaced at the corner of Coleytown and Lyons Plains Roads — just a few yards from Temple Israel.
The message is clear: “Israel has blood on its hands.”
At the same time, Weston Police learned that one Israel sign was stolen from a resident’s property, and 2 other flag signs were defaced similar to the one in Westport.
Weston Police are conducting neighborhood canvases and checking residential security cameras. They ask anyone with information to call 203-222-2600.
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The Westport PAL online auction now open contains the usual great local items, like gift certificates and sports tickets.
But there are a few special items too that we haven’t seen anywhere else, including a 3-month membership to the private Autostrada club, 5 hour-long boxing sessions with Rich Dean, and the chance to be police or fire chief for the day.
Click here for the full list, and to bid. Funds help build the new PAL clubhouse at PJ Romano Field. The auction ends this Thursday (November 2) at 9 p.m.
The Autostrada lounge overlooks the private car collection.
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The National Charity League fosters mother-daughter relationships through a 6-year program of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
The Westport chapter has more than 275 members — women and their daughters in grades 7-12 — and provides volunteer support to over 30 non-profits.
After graduating from Staples High School in 2009, Cronin Cullen became an actor, filmmaker and producer.
His latest project, “12 Hours,” is about a single mother’s desperate night-long search for her fentanyl-addicted son. It is based on true events from the writer/ director, Kelly Stanphill.
The issue is close to Cronin’s heart. He has lost Westport friends to substance abuse.
A crowdsourcing campaign launched last week. All donations are tax-deductible. Click here for more information, and to contribute.
And finally … When I was a kid growing up in Westport, Halloween Eve was called “Mischief Night.” Fortunately, the statute of limitations is long past. (Don’t ask about the time I tossed my own parents’ mailbox into the pond across the street.)
In some parts of the country, it’s called Devil’s Night. Enjoy!
(Be an angel! Please support “06880.” Click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Giles Goodburn lives in Westport. But he grew up in the UK, where he became great friends with rugby teammate Marc Bennett.
They stayed close over the years. Their families celebrated special occasions together; they vacationed together too, all over the world.
Most recently, the Goodburns would visit the Bennetts in Dubai, where Marc — a travel industry executive — worked. Marc, Nancy and their 2 boys would reciprocate, in Westport. Marc loved fishing off the Westport shoreline, and Cockenoe Island.
One memorable Christmas Eve, Marc, Giles and and their sons skated at Longshore. Marc fell, dislocated his shoulder, and spent that night in the ER.
“He was the life and soul of the party, and a dear friend,” Giles says.
Marc’s most recent job was with Qatar Airways to boost Qatar’s tourism trade, in the runup to the coming soccer World Cup.
Near the end of 2019, he was found hanging in a Doha hotel. He had been arrested at his office 10 weeks earlier. He told friends he had been detained for 3 weeks, blindfolded, stripped, blasted with high-pressure hoses, slammed against wall and deprived of sleep, by the country’s secret police,
After his release he could not leave Qatar. Authorities there called his death a suicide. But British officials, and Marc’s family, are not so sure.
Last week, the Times of London published a story about the case, and of the secret Qatari unit that was involved. In the run-up to the World Cup, Qatar has attracted international attention for its human rights abuses, and the deaths of foreign workers building stadiums and other infrastructure.
Westport Zoning Board of Appeals member Thomas Hood Jr. died on Thursday at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. The New Jersey native was 65.
Thomas received his BS in civil engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, an MBA from the University of Connecticut, and a master’s in architecture from NJIT.
He had over 40 years of experience in the design, planning and construction of buildings, software engineering, advanced product development, marketing, and consulting.
Thomas was appointed to the ZBA in 2018. Previously, he spent 2 terms on the Flood & Erosion Control Board.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston for more than 30 years, where he served as a trustee and sang in the choir.
Thomas’s favorite activities were spending time with his family, painting, cooking, and being near the water. An avid sailor, he was a member of both Cedar Point Yacht Club and the Mantoloking (New Jersey) Yacht Club.
Thomas is survived by his wife of 40 years, Mary Jane (Pascale) Hood; their children, Elizabeth (James Ifert) of Philadelphia, and Thomas and Meredith, both of Brooklyn; his sister Barbara Hood Benz (Charles) of Mantoloking, and extended family.
Visitation will be held Thursday, (October 6, 4 to 8 p.m., Magner Funeral Home, 12 Mott Avenue, Norwalk, CT). A memorial service is set for Friday (October 7, 11 a.m., United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston).
But if you’ve got children, try to make time to the 2nd annual Fall Family Festival (Saturday, October 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms Academy; $20 per family).
Sponsored by WestportMoms — the multi-platform we’ve-got-kids-covered organization — it features food, crafts, games and fun (bouncy houses, ninja course, music, art projects, DJ, pumpkin and cookie decorating, face painting, hair extensions, glitter tattoos, magic, STEM activities and more).
Many businesses will show off their products and services — all with activities for kids.
Organizers Megan Brownstein and Melissa Post ask attendees to bring gently worn jackets, for donations to a local non-profit.
Speaking of kids: They love nature. They also love Victoria Kann.
This Sunday (October 9, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), they can combine both. The author will read from her popular “Pinkalicious: Treasuretastic” book, and sign copies. There’s also a scavenger hunt for natural treasures through the remarkable Blau House gardens, and a chance for children to take a bean home and watch it grow.
The gardens are at 9 Bayberry Ridge Road. Registration and payment ($10 per child, which includes a copy of the book) must be done by October 7. Click here for details.
The 3rd grade Brownies troop from Long Lots School recently raised funds through cookie sales to purchase a native tree for the Long Lots Preserve, next to the Community Gardens.
The Preserve protects land for future generations, while educating Westporters about a healthy environment. It is turning open space overrun with invasive plants and pests into a native New England forest.
The girls — who have been a troop together since kindergarten — worked with Long Lots Preserve director Lou Weinberg, and their troop leaders to dig a hole and plant their tree. It was a great project — one they can see every day, outside their school.
Long Lots Brownies, Lou Weinberg and their Preserve tree.
Westport’s National Charity League chapter invites 6th grade girls to apply for the 2023-24 year.
With over 275 members, NCL Westport has more than 275 members (women and their daughters in grades 7-12) provide volunteer service for over 30 community non-profits.
The 6-year core program includes leadership development and cultural activities. Click here or email mmurphy33Wyahoo.com.
National Charity League seniors, at Ned Dimes Marina.
Lynn Flint writes: “I’m really concerned about the number of people walking on the side of the road with traffic, not against it, wearing dark non-reflective clothes, in the early twilight and darkness — especially where there are no sidewalks, and the streets are poorly lit.”
As darkness falls earlier, this long-running (and walking) problem gets worse. “06880” readers: Please wear light clothing. Walk against traffic, not with it.
And if there’s a sidewalk nearby, use it. Taxpayers have paid good money to save your life.
Light clothing is good. Walking with traffic is not.
Two town-owned buildings with important tenants are getting upgrades.
Tomorrow (Thursday, June 10, 5 p.m., livestream) the Public Site and Building Commission considers renovations to the Longshore restaurant, and Homes with Hope.
Greenwich Hospitality Group — owner of the Delamar Hotels, and the new operator of the Inn at Longshore — will be making improvements to the restaurant, which is currently closed. The Inn remains open.
The town has received a $500,000 grant for work on the Gillespie Center. The shelter behind Barnes & Noble will undergo ADA improvements, and air quality systems will be upgraded.
The PS&BC meeting is available on Zoom (868 1556 4709; passcode: 266287).
There’s nothing funny about the Westport Country Playhouse’s productions being pushed back from this summer to next.
But there will plenty to laugh about onstage soon. From June 18-25, there’s live, stand-up comedy, on the fabled stage.
In partnership with Fairfield Comedy Club’s 3rd annual festival, comedians Mike Birbiglia, Boomer Funny Ladies, Harrison Greenbaum, Jessica Kirson, Dan Soder and others will bring smiles (and belly laughs) to real, live faces. (“Content is appropriate for age 18 and up,” the WCP says.)
Audience members must be fully vaccinated, or receive a negative COVID test with 72 hours of the performance. Concession stands are open. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport’s National Charity League chapter has donated $3,750 to 3 Bridgeport charities serving people hit hard by the pandemic. Grants include $1,250 each to Homes for the Brave, Mercy Learning Center and Caroline House.
While NCL normally only donates time and talent, they made an exception in these critical times.
And finally … in 1968, President Johnson declared this a national day of mourning. Presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy died 3 days earlier, from an assassin’s bullet. Two months earlier, Martin Luther King was similarly slain.
Staples High School’s Jazz Combo earned 1st place at the 2021 National Jazz Festival this weekend. They competed in Small Ensemble Division 1 Live Performance.
Leading the quintet were seniors Lucas Lieberman (piano) and Abe Rubin (bass). The other members are sophomores: Noah Jahnel (tenor saxophone), Delaney McGee (trumpet), and Witt Lindau (drums).
Lucas was named the Superior Musician for the division, while Delaney and Witt were selected as 2 of the 3 Outstanding Musicians.
The Staples High School Jazz Ensemble participated in the Large Ensemble Division 1 Live Performance competition. Though they did not place, the adjudicators called the ensemble a “swingin’ band” and “one of the better bands that we’ve heard, in a tough division.” Congratulations to director Phil Giampietro, and all the musicians!
Westport’s back-to-normal journey continued yesterday, with a pair of just-like-old-times events.
The Westport Woman’s Club held its annual-except-for-last-year art show. Paintings, photos, ceramics — all by local artists — were admired (and bought) by a large, joyful bunch of happy-to-be-back art lovers.
Miggs Burroughs and Nina Bentley were among the artists exhibiting at yesterday’s Westport Woman’s Club show.
And Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito opened Beechwood — their Weston Road home, where they host regular arts salons (and more) — to the public, for the first time in a year.
The grounds were spectacular. Especially the centerpiece: an ancient copper beech tree, which gives the property and the arts series its name.
The Beechwood copper birch tree. (Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
COVID stopped many things this year — but not the National Charity League.
Yesterday, Staples High School’s chapter of the mother/daughter community service organization honored 5 pairs — each of whom did more than 30 hours annually — with a “car caravan.”
It ended with a ceremonial “tea” at Ned Dimes Marina, for all 16 seniors.
National Charity League seniors, at Ned Dimes Marina. Back row (from left): Lauren Spheeris, Milei Wyatt, Grace Maloney, Tatiana Bicalho, Daphne Baker, Hannah Murphy, Kaytlyn Carnahan, Callie Rourke, Kyla Race. Front row: Maya Sampath, Abby Ragland, Isabelle Gerard, Hayley Buckman, Elana Lundbye, Sarah Corneck, Chloe Chaple..
Just added to the Remarkable Theater’s schedule: “Private Benjamin.” It’s this Thursday (May 27, 8 p.m.). The parking lot opens at 7 p.m., for tailgating.
Boston College’s “Spoon River Revival” has won the Outstanding Creative Ensemble Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.
Four cast members — including Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate Nick Rossi — were chosen to participate in the Irene Ryan Acting Scholarship competition. The award provides recognition, honor and financial assistance to outstanding student performers for the further pursuit of education. Click here for the full story.
Emily (Sophie Rossman) and George (Nick Rossi) at the soda shop, in Staples Players’ production of “Our Town.” (Photo/Kerry Long)
Westporters love Tom Kretsch’s photos. They love Saugatuck Sweets. And they love Al’s Angels.
So plan to stop by the ice cream shop patio on the river tomorrow (Saturday, October 10, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Kretsch will display his evocative images — many of his home town.
A percentage of all sales benefits Al’s Angels, the nonprofit started by Saugatuck Sweets owner Al DiGuido to help families with children battling cancer, and families with food needs.
(Photo/Tom Kretsch)
Last weekend, 35 mothers and daughters from Westport’s National Charity League spent a cleaning Compo Beach. The effort supported NCL’s philanthropy partner, Save the Sound.
Volunteers removed over 45 pounds of garbage from the beach. They found PPE, plastic bags, straws and food wrappers, along with 235 cigarette butts, 160 bottle caps and 33 balloons. Data collected will help Save the Sound stop debris at its source.
A small bit of all the trash.
What’s new at the Senior Center?
Its first-ever pumpkin decorating contest. It’s October 30 (11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.).
Submissions will be judged on originality and scariness. Members can vote for their favorite pumpkins while picking up a drive-through lunch (chicken pot pie, salad, roll, cookie and Halloween treats) from staff members (in costumes).
Seniors can enjoy their meal while socially distancing in the parking lot. Prizes include a Halloween goodie bucket, and a gift card for a Senior Center luncheon.
Lunch is $8. The cost to enter the contest: free (and priceless).
ADL Connecticut’s 10th annual Walk Against Hate will look from the first 9. Though participants can’t join together physically, they’ll still send a powerful message.
Individuals, families, friends, colleagues and teammates are invited to get creative. They can walk wherever they want, from October 12-18. Registration is free, though fundraising is encouraged to help ADL fight anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of hate.
Fundraisers who give or get more than $50 get an ADL bandanna. The first 1,000 people to raise over $150 receive t-shirts.
ADL Connecticut has a strong Westport presence. Director Steve Ginsburg lives here; so does Walk Against Hate chair Claudia Cohen.
Jill Nadel chairs the outreach committee). Terry Bernard, Shelly Herst, Margie Jacobson, Ken Backman, Sara Weiner (co-chair of the education committee), Bret Weiner, Chuck Harris, Liz Kaner, Lynne Goldstein and John Kaufman are all on ADL’s state board. Many other Westporters serve in other capacities.
To register for or donate to the Walk Against Hate, click here.
Instead of a traditional luncheon, the American Cancer Society’s annual “Women Leading the Way to Wellness” event (Wednesday, November 18), is on Facebook Live.
There’s an option to buy a $125 “Wellness Box” to enhance the viewing experience. The boxes are valued at over $175, and include products from The Granola Bar, Performance Physical Therapy and West.
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