Westporter Julie Mombello and her longtime friend Patty Lewis — former colleagues at Greens Farms Academy — have done spent a decade creating, building and growing Adam J. Lewis Academy.
The Bridgeport pre-K through 6th grade school honors Patty’s husband, who was killed on 9/11. He grew up poor in the Bronx, and never forgot the educational opportunities he was given at Dalton School and Hamilton College.
Adam J. Lewis Academy serves as a similar beacon of hope for 250 youngsters, who thrive in its child-centered, small-class, joyful and discovery-based environment. It is a shining example of the power of education to change lives, one youngster at a time.
Many Westporters support the school. A number of them were at Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater Friday night, for a fundraiser celebrating AJLA’s 10th anniversary.
Funds raised will help add one more grade each year, so students can continue to explore, learn and grow under the guidance of a superb staff.
To learn more about Adam J. Lewis Academy — including how to help — click here. For a 2021 “06880” story on Julie, Patty and their work, click here.
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There’s always something going on at Wakeman Town Farm.
Westport’s sustainability center offers educational workshops for all ages, internships, after-school environmental clubs, children’s summer camp programs, a farm stand and much more.
Evenings are packed with programs too. Many take place in Tim’s Kitchen, the homey, versatile space created in memory of Liz Milwe and Peter Wormser’s son.
One of the lesser-known, but not-to-be-missed, events there are “chef farm dinners.”
Noted local chefs cook fantastic meals, often using produce and herbs straight from WTF. Guests enjoy them at communal tables. In good weather, they stroll around the farm.
It’s a “hidden magical night,” says Alison Milwe Grace (Liz’s niece).
She should know. The founder of AMG Catering is one of the most popular of all Town Farm chefs.
She was at it again last week, offering a 4-course meal highlighted by bucatini with asparagus, pea shoot Meyer lemon pesto and local buratta, or lamb chops with fennel slaw and spiced yogurt. (No, the lamb did not previously live at the farm.)
Several students of one of Alison’s cooking classes came together. Two people who are in the same (non-Farm) woodworking class were surprised to see each other. Conversation was lively at the long tables, with folks who had just met.
“Food brings people together,” Alison notes. “For 3 hours, in beautiful surroundings, you can just enjoy yourself.
And, of course, the food is terrific.
There will be more chef farm dinners soon. Allison is already planning for her next ones — including October.
“There’s so much available then, right at the farm,” she says. “Kale, squashes, tomatoes, fresh herbs …”
Yum!
Alison Milwe Grace, with za’atar roasted carrots, served over whipped feta with mint-date “jus.”
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Over 40 parents have reacted to recent incidents of antisemitism and racism in Westport schools by looking at codes of conducts and restorative justice practices in other districts.
They’ve launched a website — Kind WPS — as the Board of Education examines revisions to its own policies, suggesting stronger measures than already planned. Click here for details.
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There’s plenty of great art on the walls of the Westport Woman Club’s annual art show.
At Friday night’s opening reception, and yesterday, there was also a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer providing piano music.
Mark Naftalin — inducted as the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s keyboardist in 2015 — made the show even more special.
He won’t be there this afternoon. But you can still see this excellent show today (Sunday), from 2 to 5 p.m., at the WWC’s Bedford Hall (44 Imperial Avenue).
Mark Naftalin, at the Westport Woman’s Club piano. (Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)
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A proposal to develop 125 Riverside Avenue — the site of the historic Crossman-Coley house at the foot of Burr Road — will be explained this week.
Tomorrow (Monday, May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting begins with a pre-application by Vita Design for their plans. There will be no public comment, or vote.
The next night (Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m., Zoom), a joint meeting of the Historic District Commission and Architectural Review Board will review and discuss the plans, including the notice of intent to demolish the house.
125 Riverside Avenue.
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The beaches are open for residents with stickers. Memorial Day, Camp Compo, REC-ing crew and the fireworks are around the corner.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department welcomes summer with a special Compo Beach family event on Saturday, May 25 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Activities include touch-a-truck, bouncy house, obstacle courses, food vendors and more. Everyone there gets a free raffle ticket too!
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Americans discard 20 million mattresses and box springs annually. 55,000 end up in incinerators and landfills each day.
Sustainable Westport Earthplace and Bye Bye Mattress can help.
They’re hosting a free mattress/box spring recycling event on Saturday, May 18 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Earthplace).
Used mattresses can be turned into carpet pads, exercise equipment cushioning, bike seats, insulation, air filters, and steel materials.
Unable to transport your mattress or box spring? Scout Troop 36 can pick it up (for a small donation). Click here for details.
Saving the planet, one mattress at a time. (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
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MoCA Westport is gambling that Westporters will love its new fundraiser.
“Gallery of Games Night – Deal Yourself In to Support the Arts” (May 17, 7 to 11 p.m) includes gaming tables, live music by the very talented Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker, silent auction prizes. and drinks from Sono 1420. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — continues its fun schedule a with a night at Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield (May 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m.).
Shoes and pizza are provided. As always, MoCA Westport will supply an art table.
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at Nutmeg. A cash bar is available.
For more information, click here. Club 203 is on Instagram: @club203_ct.
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Sure, it’s early May. But that means the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race is less than 2 months away.
This year’s event is June 29. As always, it’s family friendly, fun and free. Of course, you can’t win the $5,000 first prize (or any other) if you don’t have “race” tickets.
Proceeds help fund a variety of important projects, here and abroad.
They’re available from any Sunrise Rotarian, and online here.
So how do you know who’s a Rotarian? They’ll be wearing special shirts, all around town. Check out the models below:
Looking ducky (from left): Mark Mathias, Pete Wolgast, Katie Augustyn, Ron Holtz, Bruce Paul.
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Missed Startup Westport’s Innovator of the Year award last week?
Interesting in finding out what ESPN CEO Jimmy Pitaro and ESPN host Mike Greenberg had to say about their network, the future of sports and the media, innovation, and Westport (the town they live in and love)?
Click below for the full show.
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Congratulations to Westport’s newest Eagle Scouts!
Jackson Cregan and Dylan Kurpiel of Troop 36 were honored yesterday, with a Court of Honor at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Guest speaker Michele Sorensen, president of Friends of Sherwood Island, spoke about the importance of volunteerism and protecting the environment — both of which the new Eagle Scouts embody every day.
Eagle Scouts Dylan Kurpiel and Jackson Cregan. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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In January, Dr. Clarence Jones inspired a packed Westport Library audience, with his tales of a lifetime spent fighting racism and antisemitism.
On Friday, Rev. Martin Luther King’s 93-year-old speechwriter was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, by President Biden.
As anyone who heard him speak here knows, the honor is richly deserved.
Dr. Clarence B. Jones receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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Congratulations too to Frank Murgalo. The Marine Corps veteran (aka Santa Claus for the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll) organized and hosted a very successful fundraiser Friday night, at Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399.
The dinner and comedy show, featuring Rodney Norman, Howie Mason and Andrew Alfredo, was completely sold out.
Frank continues to work tirelessly for veterans. That’s no laughing matter!
Frank Murgalo works the room at the VFW.
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Lou Weinberg offers today’s gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” image. He writes:
“This male house finch has Darwin written all over it. Look at that beak!”
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
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And finally … happy May 5th!
(Every day is a holiday at “06880” — or at least, a chance to celebrate our hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support, so please click here to donate. Thank you!)
