Westport college students are on both sides of the protests roiling campuses nationwide.
One made it into the Washington Post.
Reporting from the University of Texas, where Governor Greg Abbott is sending in troops, the paper quoted students who called his actions politically opportunistic.
However, the Post said: “Not every student found the response unsettling.
“Lily Caplan, 19, a sophomore journalism major from Westport, Conn., joined fellow members of Longhorn Students for Israel at a counter-protest next to the pro-Palestinian gathering Thursday, waving Israeli flags and chanting ‘Bring them home now’ — a reference to Jewish hostages in Gaza.
“‘Yesterday we saw a totally different response than other universities around the country and me, as a Jewish student, I was so grateful for that. Don’t mess with Texas,’ she said, echoing a state slogan as she stood in a circle with other counter-protesters.
“Caplan said she was reassured by support from Abbott and university president Jay Hartzell.
Click here for the full Washington Post story. (Hat tip: Douglass Davidoff)
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Husbands and kids’ alert: Mother’s Day is May 12.
Westport Marketplace has the holiday covered. Brunch spots, spas, chocolates, other gifts and more are all in a handy list. Click here to see — then act!
The mom in your life will thank you.
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Officer Joe Saponare of Westport Animal Control wants Westporters to know: “All wildlife animals — especially coyotes — will be out more now, both day and night, searching for food because of their newborn babies.”
He suggests taking dogs out on leashes. Owners of little dogs should be especially vigilant.
Compo Beach coyote. (Photo/Richard Gabor)
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Soccer fans around the US know Robbie Mustoe as a keen-eyed commentator on NBC Sports’ Premier League coverage. Soccer fans around the world know that he’s a former English professional player.
Westporters know him as our neighbor — and a golfer.
He may not have scored the winning goal at Wembley. But on Monday he did the next best thing: He got a hole-in-one.
Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what he posted on X:
It happened. It finally fcking happened.
After roughly 40 years of playing golf, I got a HOLE IN ONE. Joy. Deep joy.
Whiskey and champagne followed.
Longshore Golf Club Westport CT, Hole number 2. Witnessed by my wife Caroline and my son Elliot. April 22nd 2024. A great day. pic.twitter.com/922iAdbngB— Robbie Mustoe (@robbiemustoe) April 23, 2024
(Hat tip: David Groner)
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Tonight is A Better Chance of Westport’s annual Dream Event (Saturday, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
If you’re going, you know it will be an inspirational evening. But those not there can still take part in a great online auction.
Broadway and Yankees tickets, golf, Arabian horse lessons and more are up for bid. Just click here, then click “Not attending” and follow the prompts.
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ABC’s Dream Event is just one of many galas this spring. All are important, for excellent causes.
But the Westport Weston Family YMCA is hosting an “Extra Special Spring Bash” on May 4 (6 to 8:30 p.m.).
The evening is tailored to students ages 12-18 with disabilities.
The Y promises fun and excitement, with food, a photo booth, gift bags and a DJ.
Students will be partnered with a student volunteer buddies who spend the evening with them. Parents can stay in a separate room where they can mingle, and enjoy refreshments.
Click here to register, and for more information.
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Jesse Terry and Sam Robbins share the bill next Saturday (May 4, 8 p.m.), at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s Voices Café.
Terry — a full-time touring artist for well over a decade, and Wilton native — has been called “a gentle soul with a formidable songwriting talent and a clear artistic vision.”
Sam Robbins is based in Nashville. He brings a modern, upbeat edge as a storytelling troubadour.
The concert supports local social justice programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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That’s not Sam Robbins’ only upcoming Westport appearance.
Carolyn Miller runs Westport-based Meals for Music. The non-profit provides free meals to touring musicians.
Their first fundraiser is May 8 (7:45 p.m.) at Fairfield Theatre Company. Damn Tall Building — and Robbins — provide the entertainment. (And presumably will eat well.)
Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Speaking of entertainment: Nearly 300 musicians have signed a letter, urging US senators to help fix the broken concert ticketing system.
Three of the them — more than 1% of all of signees — have Westport connections. Nile Rodgers lives here. And Billie Eilish and Finneas’ father, Patrick O’Connell, is a 1975 Staples High School graduate.
They’re in good company. Other signers include Duran Duran, Fall Out Boy, Graham Nash, Green Day, Cyndi Lauper, Indigo Girls, Jason Mraz, Siaand Lorde. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Finneas has some Westport roots.
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Johanna Keyser Rossi loves Burying Hill Beach.
The other day, she noticed that artificial flowers placed along the fence at the top of the hill had been removed.
She thought they were a tribute or memorial to someone, and was sad to see them gone.
Yesterday, to her delight, someone — the same person perhaps, or someone else — had replaced them.
Beautifully.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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Sometimes the Fresh Market osprey leaves its nest to fish.
Sometimes it just wants a change of pace, from its platform in a busy parking lot.
Hilary Ellis spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene on Spicer Road.
(Photo/Hilary Ellis)
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And finally … Mike Pinder, founding keyboardist of the Moody Blues, died this week in California. He was 82. Click here for a full obituary.
(Go now! But before you do, please click here to support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
