Tag Archives: Rachel Doran

Roundup: Sigrid Schultz, Charley Rochlin, Rachel Doran …

Posted on September 18, 2024 | 2 comments

Sigrid Schultz has been remembered — belatedly — in her longtime hometown of Westport, with a parking lot named in her honor.

But there is a lot more to her story than that.

Serving as the Chicago Tribune’s Berlin bureau chief from 1926 to 1941, Schultz masked her intense loathing for the Nazis in order to cultivate contacts at the highest level of the Third Reich. Among her many accomplishments, Schultz interviewed Adolf Hitler several times. She also fearlessly cast a barb at Hermann Göring for his failed attempt to have her arrested.

She boldly covered the persecution of Jews, was one of the first to report on abuses at the German concentration camps, and was once called “Hitler’s greatest enemy.”

Yet for all her accomplishments, Schultz’s story is largely untold.

Vanessa Johnston is working on a documentary film about her. It will explore her extraordinary career, from her heady days as a young reporter covering the Weimar Republic, to her writing in secret under an alias to avoid Nazi censors, on through her anguish at seeing the Buchenwald concentration camp, then her relatively obscure life in Westport. 

Tomorrow (Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture), Johnston will preview her unfinished film. There’s a talkback with the producer, and a look at a one-night-only display of artifacts owned by Schultz.

Click here for tickets ($5 for members, $10 for non-members). Proceeds support the museum’s exhibitions, programs and research.

Sigrid Schultz

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It’s almost one year since Hamas assaulted Israeli villages, and took hundreds of people hostage.

A group of Westporters will remember them on Sunday October 6 (12 to 3 p.m., Compo Beach).

The event will include words, songs, and 101 chairs — one for each of the remaining hostages.

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Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399’s 51st straight monthly Red Cross Blood Drive honors lance corporal Charles Rochlin, of the Marine Corps.

The 2003 Staples High School graduate spent 7 months in Iraq. He was on leave in Westport when he died in an automobile accident.

The blood drive is this Friday (September 20, noon to 5 p.m.).

Click here for an appointment; use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT. You can also call 800-733-2767.

LCPL Charley Rochlin

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CraftWestport returns to the Staples High School fieldhouse November 2-3. Over 175 vendors kick off the holiday shopping season, with thousands of products in mediums like ceramics, textiles, woodworking, jewelry, glass art and more.

Plus food items like bourbon-barrel aged maple syrup, hand-painted chocolates, teas, honey, cheese spreads, curds, baked goods, and skincare products, soaps, candles, etc.

All-weekend admission is $11; seniors $10, children 12-18 $5, children under 12 are free. Click here for more details. CraftWestport is presented by the Westport Young Woman’s League.

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The one good thing that has come out of the death of Rachel Doran — the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication — is Rach’s Hope.

The non-profit provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care.

Well, there’s one other good thing: community participating in “Walk the Extra Mile … for Rach’s Hope.”

The 4th annual event is Sunday, October 6 (Compo Beach Ned Dimes Marina, 3 p.m.).

The day includes community spirit, fresh air, a fun beach walk, live music by Ellis Island Acoustic, the Pizza Pie Wagon truck, wine and beer courtesy of Greens Farms Spirit Shop, and Rach’s signature black and white cookies.

All are welcome. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Rachel Doran

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A clarification on yesterday’s Roundup post about CLASP’s “Music Through the Decades” benefit (October 18, Fairfield Theatre Company).

Band Central — the great entertainment — is not “the CLASP house group.”

Band Central is made up of very talented professional  musicians. At different times, members have played with very high-powered groups — including the Rolling Stones.

Band Central was created to unite a community of non-profits, musicians, donors, and audience members through themed music concerts. They’ve raised $6 million for over 60 Fairfield County organizations, and produced more than 150 events.

The October 18 show will raise funds to support CLASP’s clients, with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

A 6:30 p.m. pre-party includes light bites from Blue + Berries and Little Pub. The main event kicks off at 7:30.

Guests are encouraged to dress in the fashion of their favorite decade.

Tickets are $45 in person at the FTC office, $54 online or by phone (203-319-1404).

Band Central

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Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch speaker was Amit Oren.

A clinical psychiatrist at the Yale Department of Psychology with a private practice, she spoke about her work as lead psychologist at Mountain Seed Foundation. It provides healing camps in places like the Austrian Alps for veterans of foreign wars who are suffering from trauma or war loss, and their families.

The week-long program includes physical activities like mountain climbing, zip lining, nature walks and art therapy.

Amit Oren (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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On Sunday night, Alex Sherman was walking his dog near Compo Road South.

Alex got to hear Peter Frampton’s concert (for free).

Plus, he spotted this cool-looking owl on Baker Street. It’s a great image, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Alex Sherman)

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And finally … in the midst of one of the most polarized times in American history, today is National Respect Day.

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Roundup: 9/11, Daffodils, Rach’s Hope …

Posted on September 11, 2023 | 3 comments

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States.

In the days and weeks afterward, many Westporters offered help, in many ways. Among them: Westport Police officers Richard Failla, Phil Reisteri and Manny Sylvia.

Today, we remember their service, all those who lost their lives that day, and all those who continue to suffer, more than 2 decades later.

From left: Richard Failla, Phil Restieri and Manny Sylvia.

Manny Sylvia and Phil Restieri. (Photos courtesy of Andrew Colabella)

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Debra Kandrak’s one-woman crusade to paint the town yellow has paid off handsomely.

Every autumn for 4 years, she has encouraged Westporters to plant daffodils.

Her message to friends, strangers, town organizations, committees and businesses is simple: “Paint the Town Yellow.”

Every spring, her work brightens our town. Tens of thousands of daffodils bloom, all over Westport.

Daffodils on the Sherwood Island Connector …

Well, it’s fall again.

Debra says: “All of this is possible because all of you made it happen. This little idea of mine has brought the community together in such a positive way. When you hear all the negative news, it’s so nice to see that if you have an idea and put it out to social media, you can make things happen. Getting others involved creates a real sense of  community. We can all use a little positivity.

“Get your family, friends and neighbors involved. Have a ‘Paint the Town Yellow’ party! Get your children involved too. In the spring, show them the beautiful daffodils that they planted.

“Plant more daffodils! You can never have too many daffodils!”

PS: They are very hardy. And deer resistant!

Questions? Email Debra.Kandrak@Raveis.com.

… and Prospect Road.

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Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.

On Sunday, October 22 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 3rd annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.

It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer from Greens Farms Spirit Shop, and special Rach’s Hope swag.

Click here to buy adult and student tickets.

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Staples High School Class of 1975 graduate Doug Davidoff lived in Indianapolis from 1983 to 2006. He was a reporter for the Indianapolis News, a public relations consultant, and communications director for the Indiana Housing Finance Authority and the Indiana Democratic Party. He now lives in Bridgeport, where he is a public relations and editorial consultant.

Yesterday, his op-ed piece was printed in the Indianapolis Star. It’s a remembrance  of his work for Governor Frank L. O’Bannon, who died in office 20 years ago, age 73.

Davidoff was communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party in 2000. O’Bannon’s re-election that year marked the last time a Democrat governed the Hoosier State.

Davidoff’s piece explains why he thinks Americans need more people like Frank O’Bannon in office today. Click here to read. 

Doug Davidoff

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Many “Westport … Naturally” photos are beautiful. Some are just pretty, or nice.

Occasionally, they show a side of nature that is stunning, though we’d prefer not to see it up close.

While walking his dog near Greens Farms Elementary School, Bob Weingarten spotted this enormous wasp nest.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

It’s a good thing most kids don’t walk to school these days.

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And finally … as we honor today the nearly 3,000 people murdered on September 11, 2001, those of us who were alive recall the awful days and weeks that followed.

Music helped soothe our sorrow. These 2 songs will always remind me of that terrible time, and the many friends and strangers we lost.

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Roundup: The Brain, Rachel Doran, Senior Center …

Posted on August 13, 2023 | 3 comments

The Westport Library’s recent 3-part medical series — focusing on cardiac issues — really got to the, um, heart of things. Each session drew SRO crowds.

Next up: a 3-part series centering on the brain.

Once again, recently retired physician Dr. Robert Altbaum has curated a team of experts, and will moderate each evening.

September 7: Dr. Daryl Story will discuss strokes and transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), along with how to maximize chances for recovery.

October 30: Dar. Dario Zagar on headaches and migraines, including new therapies.

November 21: Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick, on new research into dementia.

Dr. Robert Altbaum

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Rachel Doran — the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication — was honored yesterday in Ithaca.

Cornell Human Ecology remembered her contributions to the campus through her “intellect, creativity, warmth and sense of humor.”

Her legacy will now live on. An exhibit space in the Human Ecology Building — where she developed her talents as a curator — was named in her honor.

Rachel Doran, at Cornell University.

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Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities — the non-profit that identifies, schedules, funds and runs an array of programs at the Senior Center — recently elected new board officers.

Pictured below (left to right): Sue Kane, secretary; Marsha Darmory, co-president; Wendy Petty, Senior Center executive director; Diane Bosch, co-president; Molly Alger, treasurer.

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This photo at Old Mill can be captioned many ways.

 

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

Photographer Pam Kesselman suggests: “Someone lost their drawers!”

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Lifelong Westport resident Mary Q. Bulakites died peacefully on August 4 at her home. She was 95.

Mary worked as a clerk in the Assessor’s Office for the town of Westport for many years. She retired in 1980.

Mary was a member of Assumption Church, and the Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post Ladies Auxiliary.

Mary was predeceased by her husband George, her first husband Joseph McCaffrey, her sister Kathleen Quinn Marcroft and her daughter Kathi LeBlanc. She is survived by her grandson Ian LeBlanc (Ashley) of Norwalk, granddaughter Karis LeBlanc (Dmitry) of Brookly,, and great-grandchildren Aurora and Merida LeBlanc.

A graveside service will be held this Tuesday (August 15, Assumption Cemetery. Kings Highway North, 2 p.m.). Click here to leave online condolences.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services.

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Deer are a common sight here . They appear frequently — like the one below — in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

We see them many places: darting across the road. Eating our plants. Hanging out in our woods.

One place we don’t see them — at least, we didn’t — is downtown.

John McKinney spotted this one the other day, smack in the middle of Main Street.

Obviously, looking for a parking spot.

(Photo/John McKinney)

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And finally … Tom Jones died Friday, at his home in Sharon, Connecticut. He was 95.

Not the Welsh heartthrob. This Tom Jones wrote the book and lyrics for “The Fantasticks.” The show opened in 1960, and ran for an astonishing 42 years.

It all started with the memorable opening number. Click here for a full obituary.

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Roundup: Beached Yacht, Westport Playhouse, Little League …

Posted on July 16, 2023 | 11 comments

This yacht ran aground right off the (well-marked) channel by Cedar Point Yacht Club.

(Photo/Gabriela Hayes)

It was a popular photo opp this weekend.

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“Dial M for Murder” is killing it.

The final show of the Westport Country Playhouse season is drawing large crowds.

So large, that the Playhouse is adding another performance. It’s Sunday, July 30 (3 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Taking bows at the Playhouse (from left): Kate Abbruzzese, Krystal Lucas, Patrick Andrews, Kate Burton, Denver Milord. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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What a finish!

Toby Slavin’s 2-out, bases loaded grand slam helped the Westport 12U Little League team win the district title yesterday.

They beat a very tough Fairfield National squad, 6-2 in 9 innings (regulation is 6).

And they did it even though the home team had a runner on 2nd with no outs in all 3 extra innings.

Oh, yeah: After his grand slam, Toby pitched his 2nd straight scoreless inning, to secure the win.

This is their third straight district championship, after winning at U-10 and U-11 . But it’s the first 12U district title for Westport since 2013, and only the third 12U title since 1957.

The sectional tourney — the next stop on the road to the Little League World Series in Williamsport — is tomorrow (Monday), 5:45 p.m. at Unity Park in Trumbull.

Congratulations to players Henry Ellis, Chase Landgraf, Toby Slavin, Grant Theisinger, Evan Sealove, Nolan Walters, Christopher Lambert, Luke Moneyhon, Jack McGrathm Torrey Rossetter, Miles Delorier and Justin Goldshore, and coaches Jonathon Ellis, Justin Walters, Marc Theisinger and Thomas Whelan.

District champs!

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Rachel Doran — the 2015 Staples High School graduate who died just before her senior year at Cornell University after a rare reaction to common medication — will be honored on August 12.

Cornell Human Ecology will remember her contributions to the campus through her “intellect, creativity, warmth and sense of humor.”

Her legacy will be recognized through the naming of an exhibit space in the Human Ecology Building, where she developed her talents as a curator.

Rachel Doran, at Cornell University.

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Johanna Keyser Rossi is a frequent contributor to “Westport … Naturally.” With images like these, it’s easy to see why.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … today in 1941, Joe DiMaggio hit safely in his 56th consecutive game. More than 80 years later, it remains a Major League record.

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Roundup: Daylight Saving Sleep Tips, Rach’s Hope, Jessica Gelman ….

Posted on March 13, 2023 | Comments Off on Roundup: Daylight Saving Sleep Tips, Rach’s Hope, Jessica Gelman ….

Andrea Wilson is a certified pediatric sleep consultant — and a Westport mom of 2 daughters, 9 and 6. She just launched a new business: Sleep on Cue (@sleeponcue_consulting).

While she focuses mainly on babies and children under 5, she’s sent along tips for anyone struggling yesterday’s change to Daylight Saving Time. They apply to adults too!

“The main reason people find Daylight Saving a challenge is because it throws off the body’s circadian rhythms (the natural 24-hour fluctuations our bodies follow).

“Digestion, hormones, body temperature, mood, metabolic rate and sleep are all influenced by this internal clock, which runs just slightly over 24 hours. The sun, along with other cues such as meals, play time and temperature changes, help ‘reset’ them every day.

“What can you do to help get sleep back on track after DST?

“Be consistent. This is my Number 1 sleep tip for everyone! Bedtime, wake up and naps (if relevant) should all happen every day at the same time. This helps regulate our body’s circadian rhythms. Babies and small children also benefit from a consistent bedtime, nap routine and sleep environment. A warm bath/shower, gentle massage, reading and meditation are all great to wind us down for bedtime.

“Blackout shades. These are a must for children who go to bed before it gets dark outside when Daylight Saving Time begins. Darkness helps release the hormone melatonin, which helps us sleep. Start dimming the lights around dinnertime for kids. If a night light is needed, make sure it’s amber colored (not white). Adults should also be sleeping in a pitch black room.

“Let the light in. Make sure to let the sunlight in when you wake up. Especially if you’re using blackout shades, open the blinds to help let in natural light.  Sunlight and darkness help reset our circadian rhythms, so it’s important for children to get outside and enjoy lots of sunlight during the day, especially in the morning. It’s great for adults too — but if not possible, try and work by a window where you can benefit from the natural light.

“No screen time before bed. Screens should not be used for at least an hour before bedtime for children, and a half hour for adults. Put the phones away, ideally in another room. If you have a digital bedside clock, turn it away from your face.

“White noise and keep cool. White noise helps block out other household sounds, and can mimic the sound of the womb for babies and children.Many adults can also benefit from white noise, especially if their partner snores. And keep the room cool at night. I recommend 68 degrees as the optimal temperature.

For more information, email sleeponcue@gmail.com.

Andrea Wilson

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Saturday night’s 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala at FTC was a spectacular success.

Hundreds of former classmates, family friends, and even a few who did not know her celebrated the life of Rachel Doran.

The Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate was a rising senior at Cornell University when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.

The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.

Proceeds from the music/auction/fun event will benefit families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.

And there were proceeds a-plenty. An anonymous matching donor pledged $10,000, if that amount could be raised in 30 minutes. They did it in under 4.

The evening brought in more than $100,000. The number of lives that will be impacted in countless.

To learn more about Rach’s Hope, click here.

AMG catered Saturday’s Rach’s Hope gala — and, like many guests, wore pajama bottoms. They honored Rachel Doran, who created a pajama design business before her death in 2018. (Photo/Videler Photography)

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Jessica Gelman was a Staples High School (Class of 1996), Harvard University and European professional basketball star. She’s in the New England Basketball Hall of Fame.

Now she’s a professional sports team owner.

In soccer.

Gelman is part of a 5-person group that bought the Utah Royals. They’ll return to the National Women’s Soccer League — the top rung in the US — next year.

Also in Gelman’s group: Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith.

The Royals played 3 seasons in the NWSL, ranking 2nd in attendance in 2018 and ’19. They folded after reports of ongoing racist behavior by the then-owner.

Investors include 42 Futbol Group, which consists of five business leaders, three of whom are women. They include Jessica Gelman, who will serve on the NWSL’s board of governors for the Royals. She is the CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group and co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference.

Gelman is CEO of the Kraft Analytics Group, and co-founder of the MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference. In 2014, Sports Business Journal named her to their “Forty Under 40” team.

Jessica Gelman, at work. (Photo/Sports Business Journal)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a Carolina wren, at the Long Lots Preserve by the Westport Community Gardens.

Gardens director Lou Weinberg says: “The Long Lots Preserve team is looking for donations of birdhouses, butterfly houses, mason bee houses and a bat house.

“If anyone has these lying around unused, we will take them. They will be strategically placed in the Long Lots Preserve. Email: Longlotspreserve@gmail.com.

Carolina wren

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And finally … today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo (above) reminds us of:

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Roundup: Food Rescue, Harvest Fest, Shred It! …

Posted on August 18, 2021 | 3 comments

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Last month, Allyson Stollenwerck and her 12-year-old son Walker attended Wakeman Town Farms’ “Attainable Sustainable” panel.

They heard about Food Rescue US. The nonprofit’s app enables volunteers to pick up unused food from local restaurants and markets, and bring it to social service agencies.

Allyson and Walker signed up. Their first assignment was to bring leftover donuts and pastries from Coffee An’ to the Westport Housing Authority on Canal Street.

“It was super simple,” they report. “Food Rescue emailed great instructions, and it was a quick trip. We hope others give it a try.”

I have no idea why Coffee An’ does not sell out every day. But if they — and any other food establishment in town — don’t, it’s great to know that Food Rescue can help. (Click here for more information on Food Rescue US).

Walker Stollenwerck, rescuing food from Coffee An’.

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Alan Nevas has had a very full life.

The longtime Westport lawyer is a former Connecticut state representative, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, District Court judge, and — following retirement in his 80s — a special counsel attorney.

Now he’s got another accomplishment. At 93, was the oldest runner among nearly 1,200 in the traditional Chilmark Road Race on Martha’s Vineyard. He completed the hilly 3.1-mile course, in hot weather, in 1:08.37.6.

Congratulations, Judge Nevas! (Hat tip: Susan Filan)

Alan Nevas

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Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?

Both come together on Saturday, September 18 (9 a.m. to noon, William Raveis Real Estate, 47 Riverside Avenue).

Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.

There’s a suggested donation of $5 per shopping bag, $10 per box, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash or check).

100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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How’s this for a delicious combination: The Westport Farmers’ Market, and MoCA Westport.

An opening reception for “Between the Ground and the Sky” — a collaboarative exhibition — is set for August 27 (6 to 8 p.m., MoCA).

Guests can meet featured artists, enjoy custom cocktails from Bar MoCA, and check out the great new garden.

“Between the Ground and the Sky” features more than 50 stunning large-scale photographs by Anne Burmeister and Ashley Skatoff from the Who Grows Your Food initiative — a photographic journey celebrating the farms and farmers associated with the Farmers’ Market.

The exhibition also includes two site-specific installations by Kristyna and Marek Milde and the naturalistic works of Donna Forma. Click here for more information.

From “Between the Ground and the Sky.”

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Speaking of food:

Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest fundraiser of the year features seasonal fare by local farmers and chefs — plus libations, live music and more. Auctions include culinary, garden and travel experiences.

“Harvest Fest” — held outside, under a tent — is set for September 11 (6 p.m.).

Funds support youth education programs and outreach, such as free camperships to youngsters from Horizons Bridgeport, and families with limited income. Click here for more information, and tickets.

Scenes from Wakeman Town Farm’s Harvest Fest.

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Lisa, Alan and Ellie Doran write:

“Yesterday was the 3-year anniversary of the day we lost Rachel. [The 2015 Staples High School graduate — a rising senior at Cornell University, National Merit Commended Scholar, talented Players costume designer, and founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms — died following a rare reaction to common medications.]

“In our ongoing mission to support families with critically ill children, we are holding an outdoor, family-friendly event (October 2, 4 p.m., Compo Beach).

“Rachel’s grandfather “Pa” pledged to walk 1,000 miles in his 80th year to honor Rachel, and raise money for Rach’s Hope. Please join us October 2 to Walk the Extra Mile with Pa and Team Rach’s Hope (or just cheer us on).

“At the end of the 1-mile walk, we will gather to celebrate Pa’s feat — and all your love and dedication to our charity — with a pizza truck, live music by Ellis Island, and beverages. PJs are optional, but encouraged!”

Click here for more information, and to register or donate.

Rachel Doran’s grandfather gets ready to walk. You can too!

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Run, don’t walk:

The Great American Relay starts in Boston, and ends in Santa Monica, California. There are 415 stages through 18 states, over 38 days.

It starts on 9/11 — the 20th anniversary of that fateful day, and raises funds to support the military and first responders. Runners can dedicate their stage to a first responder or veteran they care about.

Last year, Westonite Jeffrey Wollman was a support runner, from Fairfield to Westport. An avid racer — he’s run 8 marathons since 2015 — he is also the Fleet Feet Westport training group coordinator, and one of their coaches.

He’s participating again this year, as the lead runner from Westport fire headquarters to the Darien Fire Department. He’ll start his 8.3-mile stage on September 13, just before noon.

Eight spots are still available. For more information, or to join or donate, click here.

Dave Wright (Fleet Feet Westport owner, left) and Jeffrey Wollman.

 

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The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum is in Ridgefield. But there’s a strong Westport presence.

Board chair Diana Bowes is a longtime Westporter. Betty Stolpen Weiner is the new director of development. Claudia Lonkin — the visitor experience manager — is also a substitute teacher at Staples. And executive director Cybele Maylone is the granddaughter-in-law of former Board of Education chair Joan Schine.

All are exited about the Aldrich’s Artists at the Table (October 1). The “farm-to-museum” dinner in the Sculpture Garden features a locally sourced 3-course dinner prepared by Hayfields Market Catering. Guests and artists share a meal, engage in conversation, and celebrate local flavors and contemporary art.

Click here for more information, and tickets.

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Jill Amadio has quite a resume.

The Westporter has been a reporter in Europe, Asia and the Americas; a communications director with NASCAR and the US Olympic ski program; a ghostwriter of 14 memoirs for clients like Rudy Vallee’s wife, a US ambassador, a nuclear physicist, oil baron and more; and a mystery series writer.

Her new novel, “In Terror’s Deadly Clasp,” is based on a true story. It provides a rare, chilling glimpse of terrorists’ daily lives in America as they enjoyed strip clubs, fast food, fat bank accounts and freedom from their religious rules while planning the 9/11 attacks.

For more information, click here.

Jill Amadio

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Tricia Freeman describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:

“This bullfrog hangs out a foot from my dock on Nash’s Pond. He doesn’t flinch when people walk by (hence my ability to get a closeup). I guess he been here longer than we have, because he’s not budging!”

(Photo/Tricia Freeman)

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And finally … on this day in 1868, French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovered helium.

 

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Rach’s Hope Shines Through

Posted on February 13, 2020 | 1 comment

The family of one critically ill child could not visit much. The cost of hotels and meals away from home was prohibitive.

The family of another found lodging miles from a hospital — but had no way to get back and forth. Parents of a third worried about care for their other children, while they tended to their sick one.

When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness, parents face a blizzard of decisions. They’re in a fog of uncertainty and fear, handling a hurricane of tasks.

Yet in the midst of all that activity and emotion, one more weather-related metaphor stands out: a ray of sunshine.

It comes, gracefully and lovingly, from Rach’s Hope. The Westport-based foundation honors Rachel Doran. In 2018 the Staples High School National Merit Commended Scholar — a rising senior at Cornell University, talented Players costume designer, and founder of her own pajama company — developed a rare reaction to common medications.

She suffered severe burns to 95% of her body. She then developed another life-threatening syndrome. After 35 harrowing days, Rachel died.

Rachel Doran

Despite their grief, her parents Alan and Lisa remembered the kindness shown by friends, hospital staff and strangers.

Small gestures — finding a hotel 2 blocks from the hospital; arriving with healthy muffins and protein shakes; taking care of Rachel’s sister — sustained the family at a time when they were so focused on Rachel that they had no time or energy to care for themselves.

Since then, Rach’s Hope has provided real, important sustenance and hope to families tossed by the tornado of a child’s critical illness.

For example, a Westport resident who teaches in another town knew of a student in intensive care at Yale New Haven Hospital. Rach’s Hope sent Uber cards for transportation, and Uber Eats for meals.

“Family members have to eat and sleep well, so they can be strong for their child or sibling,” Lisa notes.

Another boy in that same district is being treated in Boston. Rach’s Hope provided gas cards to the parents, and covers their hotel bill.

Columbia Presbyterian is a great hospital. But there is no reasonably priced hotel nearby. The Dorans formed a partnership with the Holiday Inn in Fort Lee, New Jersey. They pay a discounted rate for families who stay there — and the hotel provides shuttle service to the hospital.

Though its reach is wide, Rach’s Hope’s Westport roots are deep. Lisa’s niece volunteered as a counselor at Experience Camps — the Westport-based program for children whose parent, sibling or primary caregiver has died.

Last summer, Rach’s Hope sponsored 2 children for the camp. They’ll send 5 this year. A week for each child costs $2,500.

To raise funds, Rach’s friends, their families and others close to her –including W Hair & Color, Rothbard Ale + Larder and Le Rouge by Aarti — are sponsoring the 2nd annual “Rach’s Hope PJ Gala.”

It’s Saturday, February 29 (7:30 to 11 p.m., Penfield Pavilion, Fairfield). Last year’s inaugural event was fantastic: warm, fun and energetic.

And it brought in over $100,000.

(Yes, you’re supposed to wear PJs. Rachel had founded her own pajama company, Rachel’s Rags.)

Rachel Doran (left) shows off her portfolio.

It’s clear she touched a ton of people. Her sister Ellie and friends founded a flourishing Rach’s Hope chapter at Staples. The school’s volleyball team hosted a fundraiser of their own. And Rach’s Hope is one of the charities receiving proceeds from this year’s County Assembly dances.

They all believe in Rach’s Hope. And they hope everyone who knew Rachel — and many who did not — will support the February 29.

The storm of a child’s critical illness will never go away. But with Rach’s Hope’s help, those dark clouds may part just a bit.

(For tickets, more information or to make a donation, click here.) 

PS: As a fashion design management major at Cornell, she was a research assistant in the Costume and Textile Collection, wrote for their blog, and became a curator. 

Her mentor Denise Green called her “the kind of assistant every professor, collection manager and peer dreams about. She was curious, determined, passionate, smart, kind, and had a great sense of humor.”

A central exhibition space — which housed her own project a few months before she died — has been named in her honor. Click here for more information, and to donate.

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Rach’s Hope Reaches Out

Posted on October 7, 2019 | 2 comments

Rachel Doran graduated from Staples High School in 2015. The Cornell University rising senior — a National Merit Commended Scholar, talented Players costume designer, and founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms — died 3 years later, from complications of 2 very rare diseases.

Her family honored her memory by creating Rach’s Hope, a not-for-profit foundation that helps families weather the storm of critical illness, with lodging, meals and transportation. A Westport family is among those already helped in the tri-state region.

Rachel’s sister Ellie — now a Staples senior — keeps her memory alive at school. She started Rach’s Hope Club. Over 200 students have signed up to help.

Rachel Doran (right) and her sister Ellie.

Their first fundraising event is this Sunday (October 13, 3 to 6 p.m., Rothbard Ale + Larder restaurant). It’s a “Beatles Cocktail Hour,” with music by Tim Palmieri.

The club also runs social media for Rach’s Hope, and is helping plan the 2nd annual PJ Gala on February 29.

Rach’s Hope Club is not the only group keeping Rachel’s memory alive at Staples. On Tuesday, October 15 (4 p.m.), the girls varsity volleyball team dedicates its game to Rach’s Hope.

Of course, they’ll gladly accept donation to this great cause.

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Honoring Rachel Doran

Posted on September 12, 2019 | 11 comments

In August 2018, Rachel Doran — a rising senior at Cornell University, former National Merit Commended Scholar, talented Staples Players costume designer, and founder of “Rachel’s Rags,” a company that makes intricate cotton and fleece pajama tops and bottoms — died.

She was diagnosed a month earlier with Stevens Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, a rare reaction to common medications. She then developed Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome — another rare syndrome.

Rachel was mourned by many. Her presence continues to be felt by those who knew and loved her.

Among them is State Senator Will Haskell — a classmate of Rachel’s at Staples High School. Recently, he petitioned the state to name a road after her.

A sign recently went up on the Sherwood Island Connector. Now her name will be known by many.

(Hat tip: Elaine Daignault)

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Fashion Show Features Rachel’s Rags

Posted on April 24, 2019 | Comments Off on Fashion Show Features Rachel’s Rags

Rachel Doran’s death last summer — following a rare reaction to common medications — devastated many Westporters.

Her former classmates at Staples High School — where she had been a National Merit Commended Scholar, talented Players costume designer, and founder of her own pajama company — mourned the rising Cornell University senior.

So did Ellen Gang. Her design studio and camp offer after-school and summer classes in fashion and related skills for children, teenagers and young adults. For years, Rachel was a student there. She was a camp assistant. And she exhibited in Ellen’s annual fashion show.

Rachel Doran (left) shows off her portfolio.

So it’s fitting that this year’s event — set for Saturday, May 18 — will honor Rachel.

Even better: It’s a fundraiser for Rach’s Hope. That’s the charitable organization the Doran family set up, to assist families weather the storm when a child is critically ill.

There’s more: This year’s show will highlight Rachel’s creativity, by showcasing a collection of “Rach’s Rags.” That’s the pajama pant business she began when she was just 11. True to her character, she gave part of her earnings to charity.

But Ellen needs some of those creations to show off. She asks anyone who has Rachel’s Rags PJs can lend them to the show.

They’ll be returned — lovingly — afterward.

Just the way Rachel lived her life.

(If you have Rachel’s Rags PJs to lend, email ellensgang@gmail.com. To support the May 18 “Walk the Runway for Rach’s Hope” fashion show at 4 Sunnyside Lane in Westport, click here.)

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