On Thursday, Westporters will sit down to Thanksgiving feasts.
There will be turkey, football and naps. There should also be thanks. That’s the whole idea.
This week, I feel very thankful.
I am thankful that — decades ago — my parents moved to Westport. Growing up in this community has profoundly shaped my life. The teachers I had; the friends I made; the values I absorbed — all helped make me the person I am today.
I am thankful that some of those values — like giving back to those less fortunate — remain strong today. In just the past month alone, organizations like the Rotary Clubs roared into the breach when the Homes with Hope food pantry was overwhelmed. The Westport Firefighters Charitable Fund donated 1,000 turkeys to Bridgeporters. A&S Fine Foods prepared Thanksgiving meals for dozens more, and residents added pies to the meals.
Homes with Hope’s food pantry was full.
Just this past weekend, Staples’ Service League of Boys raised thousands of dollars for a Staples Tuition Grants scholarship honoring Perrin Delorey, an elementary school friend killed in an automobile accident 8 years ago.
Speaking of Staples: I am thankful that hundreds of students have the immense talent, energy, passion and pride — and countless adults inspiring and guiding them — to produce Players’ astonishing production of “Les Misérables.” The gift they gave 10 sold-out audiences is beyond measure.
I am thankful too that members of the Staples boys soccer program gave the entire town a lesson in maturity, commitment and hard work. Their state championship run this month was exciting, inspirational — and fun.
I am thankful that our municipal election this month drew dozens of smart, qualified and eager candidates. Our choices were difficult; there were many excellent men and women to choose from. I am thankful that turnout was the highest in years — and hopeful that it continues to grow.
I am extremely thankful for the Westport Library. Bill Harmer and his kick-ass crew have made an outstanding building into an even more outstanding town gem. From wide-ranging programming to a first-class media facility — augmented by staff members who know everything — it awes everyone who sees it for the first time. (Senator Richard Blumenthal, a frequent visitor, calls it simply “the best.”) I hope we never take our tremendous library for granted.
All day — and into the night — the Westport Library is a community gathering spot. (Photo/Michael Chait)
I am thankful that, just a couple of years after comingthisclose to closing, the Westport Country Playhouse has not only survived, but flourishes. They carry on our town’s rich arts heritage — and are joined by relative newcomers like the Westport Arts Collective and MoCA\CT. Not to mention other entertainment options like the Levitt Pavilion (a mere 5 decades old).
I am thankful for so many organizations that expand my mind and horizons, like StartUp Westport, and for groups like the VFW, which open their doors to all.
I am thankful for new businesses that have placed a big bet on Westport, like the Delamar hotel and The Clubhouse; for restaurants that are creating a statewide buzz, and for all the recent residents, who bring a fresh sense of vitality (along with young kids).They’ve chosen our town for all the right reasons — its schools, culture, beaches, amenities, beauty. ideals, and spirit of involvement — and they are making it their own. Just as my parents did, all those decades ago.
A move to make Westport more walkable and bikeable is being driven by new, young residents.
I am truly thankful for our first responders. Westport’s Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services are the best of the best. If you’ve needed them: you know. If you haven’t: someday: you will. And then you’ll be even more thankful.
I am thankful, of course, for the opportunity to do my part for this great community, through “06880.” But this blog is nothing without you: our readers. I am truly thankful that you follow us, let me know about items of interest (and passing stories of interest along to others), and comment (especially civilly).
That’s me. Those are my thanks.
What about yours?
Big or small; concrete or abstract; here in town or elsewhere — we want to hear from you. Click “Comments” below.
Thank you!
This guy is thankful he’s roaming the streets of Westport, not stuck in a supermarket case. (Photo/William Webster)
“06880” readers responded. Family, friends, community, health — the emails came in.
When we all sit down today for Thanksgiving dinner, we’ll give thanks for many things. Among them:
I’m thankful for the 40 years I lived in Westport, and the connection that remains to this day because of “06880.” It’s very special. As the Eagles say: “You can check out any time you like. But you can never leave.” (And also thankful for the brilliant selection of songs in the daily Roundup.) — Tom Feeley
I’m thankful for old friends — especially as the various health issues Debbie and I have dealt with have limited our in-person contacts with people — so we have far more interaction online or by phone.
And I’m thankful to the town of Westport for creating the lovely picnic area by the Longshore Marina where, on a couple of occasions, we as out-of-towners have met other out-of-town friends (there is no parking fee!). Having worked summers at the tennis courts more than a half century ago, I can affirm that the creation of this picnic area is just one example of the variety of improvements at Longshore since we were growing up.— Fred Cantor
This holiday season, I am thankful that my cancer continues to be contained … yeah! Very thankful! — Sue Galati
Thankful for my childhood, and the memories of Thanksgiving on Green Acre Lane in the ’60s. — Mike Mills
Among the joys of Green Acre Lane: Haskins Preserve. (Photo/Wendy Cusick)
I am thankful for my church, St. Paul Lutheran. There, over the past 30 years, I have made lifelong friends who are loving and supportive of me and my family. We don’t agree on everything, but we love each other always.
I am also thankful for all of the people at Maplewood Southport who have supported my mother and my family during this hard journey of dementia. At the top of my list is my beloved family: Pietro, Tomaso and Lucia. — Janine Scotti
So thankful to have wonderful children who have equally wonderful spouses, and expecting first grandchild in the new year. — Debbie Solomon
I’m thankful for health, my husband and children, a peaceful and safe community, and so thankful for the ability to do and appreciate the small things in life without taking anything for granted. — Stephanie Mastocciolo
It feels so counterintuitive to express thanks for a Facebook group, but Westport Gift Economy has brought new friends into my life. Who knew? Sure, I’ve been the lucky recipient of new furniture, small appliances, and even charming ceramics. And sure, I’ve felt great giving away my own items to people who will use and enjoy them. But the surprise — perhaps the more meaningful “gift” — has been the lasting friendships formed along the way. Kudos to the volunteers who administer the site, creating a truly supportive and fun Westport experience. — Kerstin Rao
I want to show my gratitude to Cia, Jersy and Hetty Marion. My husband, daughter and I moved to Westport from San Francisco about 6 months ago. The move was significant, and not just in mileage. The Marions (my in-laws) helped make the transition as smooth as possible. Cia and Jersy attended kindergarten orientation at Saugatuck as our proxies. All 3 ensured the house we were soon to occupy was cared for. They went so far as to set up a little card table in our home with placemats and flowers to welcome us upon our entry, while our furniture made its slow trek east. While I miss San Francisco, I feel so fortunate to have had a soft landing in Westport, thanks to the unconditional love and support of Cia, Jersy, and Hetty. — Jordan Paxhia Marion
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
I’m thankful that I have enough. Enough money that I don’t have to worry about the price of milk or groceries or gas. Enough to be able to buy extra turkeys for those who might not have them otherwise at Thanksgiving. — Leigh Gage
On behalf of my eternally sexy wife, Jo Ann Miller, we give thanks this year for our love, our good health, Spanky the Wonder Dog, and the ability to still laugh in the midst of turmoil and tragedy in the past 10 years of our lives. And, of course, the Kansas City Chiefs. For those of you who cannot be with family this Thanksgiving, please resist the urge to brag.— Scooter Swanson, III
This year I am thankful I do not have to cook dinner. In the past, my extended familythought Thanksgiving was a commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day when I did cook.–– Jo Ann Miller
I‘m thankful that my parents, Ruth and Larry Sherman, chose to move to Westport in 1965. It is something that my entire family is grateful for every day.–– Suzanne Sherman Propp
On Thursday, Americans will sit down to Thanksgiving feasts.
There will be turkey, football and naps. There should also be thanks. That’s kind of the whole idea.
Next week, “06880” will share some of the things our readers are thankful for.
Individually, they’re important. Taken together, they can provide a broad picture of “06880” — both our community here Westport, and our extended online one around the globe.
Please email 06880blog@gmail.com. Let us know what you’re thankful for this year. (NOTE: Do not post your thanks in the Comments section; just email them to us.)
Big or small; concrete or abstract; individually or as a family; here in town or anywhere else — we want to hear from you. And please let us know whether we can use your name, or if you prefer anonymity.
We’ll post your “06880” thanks next week.
Thank you!
This guy is thankful he’s roaming the streets of Westport, not stuck in a supermarket case. (Photo/William Webster)
Josh Koskoff has earned tons of national attention. As lead attorney representing the Sandy Hook families, he won a momentous decision in a defamation lawsuit against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones.
On Tuesday, the Staples High School graduate, longtime Westport resident and senior partner at Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder of Bridgeport was on a different stage: the Westport Rotary Club’s lunch meeting.
He noted that 20 years ago, mass shootings were not a major problem. He cited some factors that explain our gun violence epidemic, including laxer gun laws, excessive greed on the part of gun manufacturers, internet-enabled direct marketing of assault weapons to young people, and a “crisis of unhappiness” that makes them susceptible to angry, toxic and violent messaging.
Koskoff ended on a positive note. He believes that gun control forces are growing, becoming moreorganized and financed, and now stand a better chance of passing necessary legislation.
Josh Koskoff with an AR-15 assault rifle, at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
The Bedford Acting Group invites everyone to “Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest, Be Our Guest” at their production of “Beauty and the Beast: The Broadway Musical!”
With strong vocal and dance talents, an inventive set and fine costumes, the well-known tale about a spirited, book-loving French village girl, the hideous beast who imprisons her, and the quirky, hilarious characters in the famous classic come to life.
For younger fans, BAG offers a special opportunity to participate in a “Be Our Guest Experience.” It includes a meet-and-greet with Belle and other characters from the show, plus “Beauty and the Beast”-themed crafts and games. The event will take place Saturday, December 2 at 1:30 p.m., before the matinee (separate tickets are required).
Performances are Friday, December 1 (7 p.m.).; Saturday, December 2 (3 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday, December 3 (3 p.m.). Borh matinees are already sold out. Click here for tickets to the evening shows.
The cast and crew of Bedford Acting Group’s “Beauty and the Beast.”
Scenes from yesterday’s Thanksgiving, all around town:
Homes with Hope provided two festive meals — lunch and dinner — for clients of their emergency homeless shelters and community kitchen yesterday, at the Gillespie Center.
The Thanksgiving feast was created by Aux Delices, and donated by the Smith family.
Homes with Hope director Helen McAlinden was awed by the generosity of Westporters. In addition to the Smith, residents stopped by all day with bags of groceries, and homemade pies and treats.
Diners ate off fancy dishes, with silverware — “as it should be,” Helen says.
Among the volunteers: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Homes with Hope director Helen McAlinden (3rd and 4th from left), with staff members before yesterday’s Gillespie Center Thanksgiving.
At the annual Turkey Trot, the Levys were one of many families cheering the hundreds of runners on their route through Greens Farms (and to a well-deserved Thanksgiving dinner).
(Photo/Bob Levy)
On High Point Road, residents revived the tradition of a holiday walk. That’s another way to work up an appetite:
Jennifer Herbert-Coste’s dog Louis spotted a raccoon stuck beneath a flooded street drain on the corner of Compo Beach and Quentin Roads. Westport Animal Control and the Westport Fire Department took time out of their holiday to lift the 75-pound grill, and help the critter live another day.
We assume he was quite thankful.
(Photo/Jennifer Herbert-Coste)
Then, after a big meal, these kids headed to the Compo Beach playground …
(Photo/Patricia McMahon)
… while others romped on the sand, for some late-afternoon fun.
At least they waited until the end of the holiday:
The I-95 southbound Exit 17 on ramp will be closed at night on Monday and (if necessary) Tuesday (November 28 and 29). The Exit 17 off-ramp from I-95 southbound will be closed Wednesday and *if necessary) Thursday (November 30 and December 1). Workers will install conduits for the Incident Management System.
It’s a tradition for “06880” to run Westport artist Stevan Dohanos’ Saturday Evening Post 2 famous Thanksgiving illustrations. Both used Westport models (including the former “gingerbread house” on Long Lots Road):
Today, we’re adding a third from Dohanos. (Though the turkey was probably for Christmas.)
This was not a cover. As the caption (“Here they come, Mom! And Jim won need the wishbone — they’ve got their Plymouth!”) suggests, it was an advertisement.
Still, it’s an evocative illustration. You can almost smell the turkey.
And the seats in the brand-new Plymouth. (Hat tip: Anthony Dohanos)
Meanwhile, Fire Marshal Terrence Dunn notes that many offices and businesses will soon have Christmas trees and holiday decorations. These can pose a serious safety risk.
Natural trees with a root ball attached pose a less significant fire hazard than a cut tree, which dries out faster. Artificial trees and decorations should be flame retardant or flame resistive. Decorations should not block exits.
Dunn says, “All lighting should be turned off, or better yet disconnected, when the area is unattended. This is especially important in residential occupancies when the occupants are asleep. Make sure the tree is not situated near open flames, and that it does obstruct any fire doors.”
Yesterday, “06880” reported on Ryan “Shoeless” Smith. The Bates College men’s cross country captain lost a shoe in the first mile of the 8K NCAA East Division Regional Championship. He still finished 11th — out of more than 200 runners — and qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships.
That race was last weekend, at Michigan State University. Ryan kept his shoes on — fortunate, considering the snowy, 25-degree weather — and finished 59th out of 294 competitors. His 25:49.5 time over 8K was the best on his team.
He was not the only former Staples cross country runner there. Nick Taubenheim (SHS ’20) finished 146th for Claremont-Mudd Scripps (26:18.9), while Luke Lorenz (SHS ’19) took 179th for Middlebury College (26:29.9).
Ryan Smith
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Sure, it’s Thanksgiving. But pumpkins are still hanging around.
And — as Pam Kesselman points out, with today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “Someone was hungry.”
A week from today, Americans will sit down to Thanksgiving feasts.
There will be turkey, football and naps, There should also be thanks. That’s kind of the whole idea of the day.
Next week, “06880” will share some of the things our readers are thankful for.
Individually, they’re important. Taken together, they can provide a broad picture of “06880” — both our community here Westport, and our extended online one around the globe.
Please email 06880blog@gmail.com. Let us know what you’re thankful for this year.
Big or small; concrete or abstract; here in town or elsewhere — we want to hear from you. And please let us know whether we can use your name, or if you prefer anonymity.
We’ll post your “06880” thanks next week.
Thank you!
This guy is thankful he’s roaming the streets of Westport, not stuck in a supermarket case. (Photo/William Webster)
And everyone should. It’s the central tenet of democracy. Millions of people have marched, sacrificed, even given their lives for this country to ensure that right.
Billions of people around the world wish they had what we have.
Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — reminds “06880” readers, wherever in America they are, that today is Election Day.
If you live in Westport, click here for a sample ballot. (Thanks, Jeff Looby!)
If you live in Connecticut, click here to find your polling place. Then go there!
NOTE: Voters at Coleytown Middle School polling place should take the first entrance on North Avenue (the one right after Coleytown Elementary School), rather than the one at the top of the slight hill.
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
Turnout was light this morning. This was the scene at the Westport Library polling station.
Speaking of the election: It’s a bit late. And most voters have probably made up their minds.
But yesterday, Sustainable Westport said: “This year, in lieu of environmental debates (issues with scheduling), we provided candidates with questions on environmental issues and sustainability. They submitted answers at the end of last week.”
For candidates for State House District 143, click here. Candidates for District 136 did not respond. For candidates for State Senate District 26, click here.
Saugatuck Congregational Church will not host their traditional community Thanksgiving feast this year.
However, Westport’s Department of Human Services will once again join with the Westport Housing Authority and Homes with Hope to provide food gift cards and meals to those in need.
Those organizations are working with Coleytown Elementary School, Coleytown Middle School and Temple Israel to continue their traditions of offering homemade cards, gifts and pies.
Human Services director Elaine Daignault adds, “We are grateful to the Westport Woman’s Club. They provide grocery gift cards to distribute to food-insecure residents, and assist with the cost of specially catered meals from the Sherwood Diner for Westporters who receive home-delivered meals through the Senior Center.
For more information, contact Human Services by phone (203-341-1050) or email (humansrv@westportct.gov). “We are here to help!” Daignault says.
With antisemitism on the rise in the nation, The Conservative Synagogue invites all Westporters to commemorate Kristallnacht — the Nazis’ “Night of Broken Glass” — this Saturday (November 12, 5:30 p.m., 30 Hillspoint Road).
The service includes Havdallah and hearing eyewitness testimony from Kristallnacht survivor Fred Behrend.
Saugatuck Rowing Club’s junior athletes won several medals at last month’s season-ending Head of the Schuylkill Regatta in Pennsylvania.
But they’re winners off the water too. The young rowers (and their parents) spent last weekend cleaning up the banks of the Saugatuck River, right by their home boathouse.
Thirty participants amassed over 300 pounds of trash. That’s 10 pounds of garbage per person.
Keep Norwalk Beautiful provided supplies. Jen and Adam Goldberg of Pop-Up Bagels donated nearly as many bagels as there were pounds of trash.
Saugatuck Rowing Club plans an encore this spring.
A small bit of the large amount of trash collected by Saugatuck Rowing Club volunteers.
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Speaking of Saugatuck: Slice of Saugatuck delivers. The September event raised $5,000 for Homes with Hope.
The 10th annual festival brought over 2,000 people to experience, sample and taste their way through the neighborhood. To date, donations from the Slice to Homes with Hope, for use in their Gillespie Center Food Pantry, total over $40,000.
“The Festival is all about food — food for those who can afford it, and now food for those who can’t,” says Matthew Mandell, executive director of the Slice’s sponsor, the Westport Weston Chamber. “We are so pleased we have been able to make these donations each year to help ease food insecurity. It’s a win-win.”
From left: Bob O’Mahoney and Harry Brady Viva Zapata owners; Bill Rizzuto owner of Rizzuto’s; Helen McAlinden director of Homes with Hope; Matthew Mandell, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director; Robert Curwen, Chamber member.
In 2010, former Red Sox pitcher John Trautwein lost his son Will to suicide. There was no sign or warning.
Trautwein and his family formed the “Will to Live Foundation.” The goal is to encourage teenagers and young adults to “talk about it,” and serve as “life teammates” for each other.
On November 17 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall), Trautwein will speak about this important topic. The event is sponsored by Westport Youth Services, the Police Athletic League, and the Teen Awareness Group.
Trautwein spoke to high school athletes in August, at the FCIAC leadership conference. His message was strong, and well received.
This program is aimed at parents, middle and high school students, coaches, and anyone who works with young people. Additional resources and counseling support will be available through Kids in Crisis and Positive Directions during and after the event.
This Thursday (November 10, 7 p.m., online), Amy Chatterjee — senior college counselor from Collegewise, — discusses what a transcript actually is, how it can “show a love of learning through courses,” and why it’s the most important part of the college application.
Usually, it’s music teachers who watch their students perform on stage.
On November 20 (MoCA Westport, 4 p.m.), faculty members of the Westport School of Music will be on stage for a special concert. “Autumn Colors” will celebrate nature’s splendor, through piano, strings, flute, guitar and voice.
Highlights include “Autumn in New York,” “The Great Pumpkin Waltz” from “Charlie Brown,” and “Autumn” from “The Four Season of Buenos Aires.”
After the concert, guests can greet the musicians, and enjoy refreshments and drinks at the MoCA Bar.
This week at Jazz at the Post: Spain’s “finest and most celebrated jazz pianist,” Abé Rabade. Very popular throughout Europe, he’ll perform at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 this Thursday.
Rabade’s music blends classic Catalonian and Galician styles, along with the soulful and swinging “great jazz tradition.”
Joining in are Rale Micic (guitar), “Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall (saxophone), David Richards (bass0 and Tim Horner (drums).
There are shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., with dinner starting at 7. Tickets are just $15. Email Jazzatthepost@gmail.como for reservations.
Longtime Westporter Joan Kahn died Saturday, in Norwalk Hospital. She would have been 98 next month.
Joan’s family described her as “feisty, independent, determined, brilliant and caring.:
A “founding mother” of modern Westport, she and her husband Ed moved to Westport in 1953 from New York City. They lived first on Charcoal Hill, then built a home on Coach Lane.
Joan’s family called her “a sounding board and encourager of husband Ed throughout his town leadership as he chaired the Representative Town Meeting, spearheaded efforts to save Cockenoe Island, positioned Westport as the first town meeting to vote against the war in Viet Nam, and was a part of the committee that bought Longshore.”
With a group of mothers, Joan started the Westport Cooperative Nursery School (now Westport Nursery School).
Joan was valedictorian of her high school class at Calhoun High School in
New York, graduated from Smith College, and earned her social work degree from Columbia University in 1952.
She was an early “career mother,” as a social worker at Norwalk Hospital, then Bridgeport Hospital, and finally in the Norwalk school system, from which she retired.
She was an avid follower of politics, curious world traveler, and consummate reader. She was also an active, loving, mother of 3 children. all of whom attended Westport schools: Karen, Shoshi
and Dan.
She also leaves 6 grandchildren — Ron, Edwina, Maya, Eli, Max and Emma =- and 4 great-grandchildren.
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