Filling in the Blanks does important work. The Norwalk non-profit provides fresh, nutritious meals to more than 10,000 food-insecure children on weekends, in Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam Counties.
Shonda Rhimes does important work too. So it’s fitting that the famed producer, screenwriter, director and author — and Westport resident — will receive the organization’s Philanthropist of the Year award, at their 6th Annual Plates with Purpose Gala, (September 27, Serafresca at the IC, Stamford).
Rhimes has dedicated resources to addressing food insecurity, through her Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry.
The gala includes “a culinary adventure designed by elite chefs,” specialty cocktails, an auction and dancing. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Shonda Rhimes, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
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For decades, Westport and Weston Optimum customers have watched government meetings on Channel 79, and Board of Education sessions on Channel 78.
On August 21, that changes.
Channel 79 meetings will move to Channel 1310. The BOE will be seen on Channel 1305.
The switch was first reported by CT Insider. Click here for the full story.
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Registration is open for Wakeman Town Farm’s many great fall kids’ programs.
They include “Little Farmer Parent & Me” (ages 0-3); “Curious Sprouts” (ages 3-5, with caregiver); “Fantastic Farmhands” (ages 6-10); “Green Teen Club” (ages 11-14), and an inclusive neurodiverse farmer program (ages 3-11+).
There are painting and cooking classes too.
Click here, then click on “Youth Programs,” for details and registration.
“Little Farmers” is one of many Wakeman Town Farm kids’ programs.
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This is prime closet-cleaning time.
And the Westport Woman’s Club hopes that when you do, you donate new or gently used clothes and acccessories, for their annual sale (October 24-26). All proceeds benefit local charities, and families in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the club (44 Imperial Avenue), weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and 2 and 4 p.m
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This is also prime au pair starting time.
Longtime Westporter Nancy Greenspan Wilson is a local coordinator with Interexchange Au Pair USA, a non-profit agency.
Her job is to support young women and men as they live with American host families, help care for children, and share their language, customs, and culture.
She also helps them feel welcomed in our community. One way is through an annual Exchange Day. Local families, businesses and organizations open their doors to au pairs.
This year’s Exchange Day kayaking event (Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m., Sea Kayak), brings together au pairs, and anyone else who would like to participate. Pizza at Riko’s follows.
To give back to the community, every participant is encouraged to bring a pantry item from this list for Homes With Hope.
RSVP by August 14. Double and single kayaks and paddleboards available at discounted rates. Pizza is also discounted. Email nwilson@lc.interexchange.org, or call 203-286-3495. For information about hosting an au pair, click here.
Au pairs and friends at Sea Kayak.
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The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight at 6 p.m. (Town Hall Room 201/201A).
They’ll hear a project update, and review interior and exterior building design elements. Public comment is allowed.
Planning continues tonight for Long Lots Elementary School.
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Staples High School Class of 2011 graduate Shannon Moss is a producer on the film “East of Wall.” The film is about a horse trainer wrestling with financial issues and unresolved grief, while hosting a group of wayward teenagers on her ranch.
It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Audience Award. It premiered in New York at the Tribeca Festival earlier this summer.
“East of Wall” will show at the Avon Theater in Stamford from August 15-21, then nationwide.
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Compo Beach continues to be a mecca for classic cars.
Richard Fogel spotted this beauty on Sunday:
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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Jazz at the Post’s Summer Series continues to celebrate Connecticut artists, at VFW Post 399.
This Thursday features a quintet led by bassist Will Goble and drummer Ryan Sands, 2 very talented young musicians.
They’re joined by bassist Anthony Carabello, and saxophonists Nathan Edwards and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Doors open at 7 p.m., for dinner. Shows are at 7:30 and 8:45. Music tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here for reservations.
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Congratulations to the Fairfield Nationals Little League team.
Our friends to the east defeated Smithtown/St. James, New York 12-1. The huge win sends them to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
A key player — Ben Herbst — is the son of 1992 Staples High School graduate David Herbst, the nephew of Westport phys. ed. teacher Jon Herbst (SHS ’96), and grandson of longtime Westporters Mickey and Candace Herbst.
Ben Herbst (center) celebrates with his Fairfield teammates.
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We get a lot of “Westport … Naturally” photos of individual animals.
We seldom get one like this, where they’re together.
Ray Broady spotted the Hieronymus Bosch-like scene in his Cross Highway back yard, near North Avenue.
(Photo/Dianna Broady)
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And finally … in honor of our “Westport … Naturally” photo (above), here’s a 1970s song by our own 1966 Staples grads, Rob Carlson and Jon Gailmor. Why their record label failed to make it a #1 song shows all that was wrong with the record industry.
(“06880” is the only place in the world now to hear Carlson & Gailmor — and learn all you need to know about Westport. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
