George and Libya Kocadag moved to Westport years ago, from Turkey. Many Westporters know him as one of the friendliest members of the very friendly Trader Joe’s staff. She shares her wonderful baked goods, yogurt and hummus with everyone (those great raspberry cookies at Layla’s Falafel are hers).
Libya’s family lives in Samandag, Turkey, not far from the center of the recent earthquake. In the aftermath of the devastation — with lives lost and houses destroyed — the Kocadags are asking for help.
She set up a GoFundMe page. The goal is $20,000. All money will go directly to Samandag. Click here to contribute. (Hat tip: Danielle Teplica)
A small part of the devastation in Turkey and Syria.
Whether you’re rooting for Kansas City or Philadelphia, or have no idea who’s playing: Everyone is invited to tomorrow’s Super Bowl tailgate party (Sunday, February 12, 12:30 to 4 p.m.).
It’s at the Senior Center — but all ages are welcome. The afternoon includes hot dogs, spring rolls, chips and cake, and a guess-the-score contest.
Former director Sue Pfister will be honored, along with the state champion Staples High School girls soccer and boys lacrosse teams. The Staples cheerleaders will be there too.
The only thing missing: the game. Kickoff is 6:30 p.m. — 2 hours after the party ends.
“Little Things Run the World” — and that’s the subject of the next Aspetuck Land Trust free seminar.
“Insects with Benefits: Pollination and Pest Control” is the sub-head of the Wednesday, February 15 event (1 to 4 p.m.).
ALT says: “Learn about the most important part of our web of life, and be inspired to make your yard more welcoming for them. Without our insects, the web of life comes apart. Love our spiders, moths and wasps from the comfort of your home.”
Click here to register, and for more information. (NOTE: The 3 previous sessions were recorded. All are available with registration.)
Registration is now open for the CT Challenge. The July 29 bike ride — with distances of 10, 25, 40, 62, 100 and virtual — raises funds for the local non-profit Mission. They help 16.9 million cancer survivors in Connecticut and throughout the US rebuild, improve and prolong their lives through exercise, nutrition, mind-body health and community-building support programs.
Staples High School offers courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Latin and Mandarin.
All will join in, to celebrate World Language Week. Among the events:
The cafeteria will serve themed dishes, and promote international cuisine.
Students are invited to wear t-shirts or sweatshirts supporting the language they’re studying (for example, sports teams, international universities, and souvenir shirts from abroad).
Music will play in a variety of languages before school, during the 5 minutes of passing time, and immediately after school ends.
Students will make morning announcements, in the languages they’re taking.
The library will display world language literature, art and more, and will host international karaoke and a trivia competition.
The “Connections” period will feature trivia games, video links, and basic conversational instruction.
¡Vamos!
Students studying Italian will celebrate World Language Week.
And finally … the recent death from lung cancer of David Harris — the journalist who went to jail for refusing the draft during Vietnam, and encouraged others to do the same — brought to mind the song Joan Baez wrote for and about him. They were married at the time; he had just been sentenced to 3 years in prison. (Click here for a full obituary.)
(To celebrate World Language Week [story above], please consider a donation of euros, pounds, yuans — or dollars — to “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)
What’s up with the log pile at the corner of the Post Road and Roseville Road?
How about a major new project: renovation of Long Lots Elementary School?
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker answers those questions, from Dick Kalt of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
This Y’s Men podcast is released every 2 weeks. Click below to listen. If you have a question for the next episode, email: westport@ysmenwestportweston.org.
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