Tag Archives: Ukraine

Roundup: Helping Jamaica, Ukraine, Homes With Hope, Pink Aid …

Posted on November 16, 2025 | 1 comment

Weston reggae musician Mystic Bowie has strong roots in Jamaica. There’s a Mystic Bowie Cultural Center in Accompong Town.

But after Hurricane Melissa, nearly every home and school must be rebuilt. Families are in urgent need of safety, shelter and support.

Bowie is doing what he can to help. And he wants everyone here to join the effort.

On November 29 his Talking Dreads band take the stage at the Fairfield Theater Company’s Warehouse.

Tickets are $100, $50 and $35. All proceeds support the Mystic Bowie Cultural Center’s Jamaica Relief efforts in Accompong Town. Click here to purchase or donate, and for more information.

Special musical guests will be announced soon. Bowie says, “feel the rhythm, share the love, and stand with us in solidarity as we help bring hope back to the heart of Jamaica.”

Mystic Bowie

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Jamaica is not the only place with desperate need.

Mark Yurkiw — who has spent the past 3 years raising funds and providing material help to Ukraine, where he has strong roots.

Mark says, “each night hundreds of Russian drones descend, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and across the country. All the wiring in these buildings needs to be reconnected and made safe.

“They are in desperate need of power cords, extension cords, electrical wires, etc.

“I hope ‘06880’ readers who have wires, of any sort or size or length, can drop them at my garage doors (190 Cross Highway).

“They don’t need to work, and they don’t need connectors at the end. (Ukraine uses different connectors.)

“Any tools used to work with electricity are extremely helpful too: pliers, wire cutters, testers, electrical tape, etc. Donations for shipping are also welcome. Slava Ukraini!”

Questions? Email mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Mark Yurkiw, at his garage with Ukrainian art he created.

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There is need in Westport too.

The (thunderous and well-deserved) applause had scarcely died down after Staples Players’ (sensational) opening night performance of “Les Misérables,” when parent volunteers loaded up the first delivery of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to Homes with Hope.

Audiences are filling bags for the Westport’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Stew Leonard’s helped, donating 1,000 reusable shopping bags for HwH.

Collections will continue at today’s 2:30 p.m. matinee, and next weekend’s 5 shows. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Staples Players’ audience donations, headed to Homes with Hope. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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Speaking of Staples: The field hockey’s team quest to three-peat as state champions came to a tough end yesterday.

Longtime archrival Darien eked out a 1-0 victory, in the state class “L” (large schools) final at Wethersfield High School. It was the Wreckers’ only shutout of the year.

The Blue Wave also barely beat Staples in the FCIAC (league) championship. That game was even closer: 2-1 on penalty strokes, after the teams were tied through 2 overtimes.

In other Wrecker sports news, the boys soccer team meets their own rival, Greenwich, in the “LL” (extra large schools) championship today (Sunday).

Kickoff is 3:30 p.m., at Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium. Click here for the livestream.

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Speaking still of Staples: What began years ago as a simple request to help raise funds to fight breast cancer has grown into a very important annual “Get Your Pink On” campaign.

Recently, the school’s field hockey team, Gridiron Club, Pyramid Club, Boys Soccer Foundation, Pink Aid Club, and their fans raised funds for the cause.

The initiative began with Tammy Zelkowitz. The mother of a Staples football player was inspired by national sports teams promoting breast cancer awareness each October. If they could do it, she thought, so could Staples.

Pink Aid, which began as a local nonprofit, has since grown into a national organization providing emergency financial assistance and emotional support to underserved and underinsured women battling breast cancer.

Since launching the campaign in 2011, Staples has donated $95,000 to Pink Aid. Congratulations to all who have shown the power of compassion, collaboration and student action.

Staples’ Pyramid Club, Gridiron Club and captains present a $3,112 check to Pink Aid.

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The news that Bloodroot — the women’s collective vegetarian restaurant/ feminist community center, co-founded by Westporter Selma Miriam — is closing after 48 years in Black Rock has saddened its many devoted fans.

They can gather, reminisce — and learn a lot — on December 2 (6 p.m.). MoCA\CT will screen “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot.” The 97- minute documentary was released earlier this year.

The showing will be followed by a Q&A with Bloodroot co-founder Noel Furie, and documentary director Annie Laurie Medonis.

The film is presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection.”

In addition, there’s a book signing of Emily Larned’s “40 Years of Bloodroot.” It includes personal-political essays by Miriam and Furie, and photographs.

The event is part of MoCA’s continuing exploration of feminist voices in art, culture and community through Enough Already. Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors and students; free for members. Click here to register, and for more information.

Noel Furie and Selma Miriam: through the years.

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Speaking of food places: Gofer has closed.

The shop featuring “premium hard and soft serve ice cream, plant-based and fat-free options, smoothies, cakes and more” replaced Silver Ribbon, in the strip mall with Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop, in 2022.

The website still lists Westport, along with Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Riverside, Stamford and Wilton.

Gofer was a few hundred yards from another ice cream outlet, here much longer. They’ve severed ties with Carvel, but continue to do business with a generic “Soft Serve” sign.

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Work is proceeding on the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project.

There’s plenty of equipment in and around the area.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

The staging area — for those who wonder what’s going on there — is the Compo Beach Soundview Avenue parking lot.

Completion is expected by Memorial Day.

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Over 50 volunteers showed up, for Wreathing for Community’s recent project.

They created 60 beautiful wreaths. Fifty apartments at Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter are now hung with the handsome creations. Ten more are spread throughout the community center.

Faith Sargent — who organized the event — thanks all the wreath-makers, as well as the dozens of people who donated florals, wreath bases, ribbon and tools.

Many donated food, which also helps sustain Open Doors residents during the holiday season.

To learn more about Wreathing for Community, email faithasargent@gmail.com.

Some of the many wreath-makers, with their creations.

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The curtain rises this week for Coleytown Middle School’s musical.

“Dare to Dream Jr.” is an hour-long, fun-filled show — perfect for kids of all ages. Shows are 6 p.m. Thursday (November 20) and 7 p.m. Friday (November 21). Click here for tickets.

The cast of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream Jr.”

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This is a long fall.

And we’re loving every day of it.

Today’s leaves-are-still-hanging-on “Westport Naturally” comes from Timber Lane.

But it could be many other places around town.

We are very lucky indeed.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream” show (story above):

(Here’s “06880”‘s dream: That everyone who enjoys our hyper-local blog — and has the means to — chips in by clicking here to support our work. Hey, a boy can dream …)

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Bernhard, Weisman Tell Ukrainian Law Students: US Is In Constitutional Crisis

Posted on March 22, 2025 | 53 comments

The other day, Westport attorneys and longtime civic volunteers Ken Bernard and Lawrence Weisman spoke to 24 Ukrainian law students.

The Zoom session focused on the American legal system, and what Bernhard and Weisman believe is President Trump’s threat to the Constitution.

Ken Bernhard (top) and Lawrence Weisman, in a poster advertising their Zoom lecture.

Bernhard has taught law in Ukraine before. He became friendly with Professor Dmitriy Kamensky, who arranged this and a previous event (and translated for the Americans).

Professor Kamensky will be in Westport at the end of June.

Here is what Bernhard and Weisman told the Ukrainian law students.

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I want to thank Professor Kamensky for inviting my colleague attorney Weisman and me to discuss with you our thoughts on the current political and Constitutional issues facing the US.

To avoid any misunderstanding, we are not speaking for anyone other than ourselves. We are not connected with any organization or political party.

Let me first set the stage for our discussion. Why do we have a Constitution?

A Constitution is a foundational document that establishes the basic principles, structure and processes by which a government operates. It serves as a framework for organizing political power, defining the rights of citizens, and outlining the responsibilities and limitations of various branches of government.

A Constitution is intended:

  • To limit and prevent abuses of government power;
  • To provide stability by establishing a clear structure, and a set of rules to foster consistency and predictability and to maintain order;
  • To define and protect individual rights upon which government may not infringe;
  • To reflect a nation’s core values and to serve as a statement of collective identity and purpose;
  • To distribute power among different branches to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful; and,
  • To promote accountability and the rule of law.

The US Constitution distributes power among 3 co-equal branches of government: the Executive (the president and his cabinet, nominated by him and approved by Congress); the Congress (made up of the Senate, with 2 senators from each state regardless of size, and the House of Representatives, reflecting the size of the population of each state); and the Judiciary.

The Founding Fathers, who wrote the Constitution in 1787, purposefully intended to separate power so that each branch could provide checks and balances to the other 2, and prevent the concentration of power in one branch or in one person. The American colonialists had just fought a revolution to separate from a king. They wanted a new form of government, where power was more democratic.

For our system to function effectively, however, each branch of government must play its part, and each must acknowledge the limits on its power. When one branch of government fails to discharge its Constitutional responsibility or to check another branch from asserting power, the stage is set for a Constitutional crisis. That is what we, Ken and me, fear we are seeing in the new administration.

President Trump is claiming executive powers that no previous president has ever asserted, and for the moment, the Republican majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives is letting him do it.

This surrender of power by the Congress can foster autocracy and corruption. It undermines cultural norms and long-standing policies that, while not specifically set out in the Constitution, are the rules by which the US has governed itself for the 240 years.

With the executive branch seemingly intent on undermining the Constitution, and the legislative branch unwilling to play its proper role, Ken and I feel that our country is facing a Constitutional crisis, and our democracy must look to the judiciary (the courts) to provide a check on the executive branch. The problem is that courts and cases take time to resolve issues.

When one branch of government asserts superiority over the others, it can have serious consequences including:

  • Erosion of our Constitutional government, specifically the separation of powers
  • A reduction in accountability where the rule of law is weakened and fundamental democratic principles violated, and
  • A government that causes uncertainty, public disillusionment, unrest, and political instability

That’s what Ken and I fear is happening now in the US.

Here are some examples of Trump’s overreach of executive power:

Unlawful impoundment of funds: The Trump administration unilaterally delayed or canceled appropriations enacted into law, a practice known as impoundment, which is prohibited under the Constitution.

Interference with Congressional investigations: President Trump made aggressive constitutional claims to protect his financial records, challenging congressional committees’ authority and undermining the separation of powers.

Politicization of the Justice Department: The administration’s actions, including the dismissal of inspectors general without proper notice or rationale, compromised the independence of oversight bodies designed to ensure executive accountability.

Violation of the Emoluments Clauses: President Trump received substantial payments from foreign governments through his businesses, raising concerns about violations of the Constitution’s Domestic and Foreign Emoluments Clauses.

Disregard for the Appointments Clause: The administration’s frequent use of “acting” officials in key positions without seeking Senate confirmation raised concerns about bypassing the Constitution’s Appointments Clause.

Unilateral military actions: President Trump ordered military strikes without seeking congressional approval, raising questions about the executive’s war powers under the Constitution.

First Amendment violations: The administration barred journalists from certain events, infringing on press freedoms protected by the First Amendment.

Interference with federal employment: Advisor Elon Musk’s directive requiring federal employees to justify their job roles led to confusion and legal challenges, potentially infringing on due process rights.

Erosion of democratic norms: The administration’s governance style, characterized by treating the state as personal property and rewarding loyalty over competence, led to significant corruption and incompetence within the government.

Disregard for judicial authority: Following unfavorable rulings, President Trump and his allies attacked the judiciary, undermining the constitutional principle of an independent judicial branch.

These actions collectively represent significant challenges to our constitutional framework and our democratic principles and we fear we are in the beginning of a Constitutional crisis.

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Posted in Politics

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Roundup: Orange Balloon Memorial March, Tyler Hicks’ Ukraine Photos …

Posted on February 24, 2025 | 4 comments

150 people met at the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot yesterday, for a special RunForTheirLives walk.

The “Orange Balloon Memorial March” honored the Bibas family, along with Oded Lifshitz, a founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz. All lived there, before being kidnapped on October 7, 2023.

RunForTheirLives-Westport founder Melinda Wasserman opened the march with moving words about how the Bibas boys had come to feel like “our own children,” followed by similarly grief-imbued comments by Jennifer Wolff.

Gathering in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot …

Temple Israel’s Rabbi Elena Nemitoff-Bressler led the crowd in the Mourner’s Kaddish.

The group then carried orange balloons, most of them donated by Party Hardy owner Jackie Marshal.

… beginning the march downtown …

The balloons were tied onto both sides of the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge. They blew in the winter wind the rest of the day, a reminder of the flame-haired children Hamas had executed.

Event organizers called it “a stunningly moving event. Our grief-stricken community united in both mourning for those we have lost, and celebration of those who have been returned to their families and loved ones, and, of course, to Israel.”

… and leaving balloons on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

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Today marks the 3rd anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

For 3 years, Tyler Hicks has covered that war.

The 1988 Staples High School graduate is a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer for the New York Times.

Today, in a video on the newspaper’s website, Tyler explains some of the images he’s shot.

Tyler Hicks, in a screenshot from the New York Times video.

From demolished buildings to dead soldiers and civilians, he describes what each one meant then — and what it all means today.

Click here for Tyler’s riveting photos, and stories. (Hat tip: Amy Unikewicz)

Captioning, as Tyler Hicks explains one of his images. (Photo/Tylelr Hicks for the New York Times)

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There’s nothing like theatre people.

And on March 10 (6 to 8 p.m.), 2 weeks before the curtain rises on the Westport Country Playhouse production of the backstage comedy “Theatre People,” the 94-year-old institution salutes itself, its legacy, and the people who bring its shows to life.

“Get Ready for Theatre People! An Evening of Cocktails, Fun Tales and Backstage Tours” features an “alumni panel,” with actors Mia Dillon, Keir Dullea, Joe Delafield and Michael McCormick, former co-artistic director Anne Keefe, and more. Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan is the moderator.

The pre-show evening also includes behind-the-scenes tours led by WCP archivist and historian Bruce Miller, and a cocktail party.

Discount ticket offers will be available at the event for performances of “Theatre People.” The comedy is set in 1948 in a Newport mansion populated with characters in love with theater. They try to write a Broadway hit, but create as much drama among themselves as on paper.

Tickets for “Get Ready for Theatre People!” are $25; $15 for Encore Club members; click here to order. Click here for more details on “Theatre People” (March 25 through April 12).

Westport Country Playhouse historian Bruce Miller, with some of the 500 head shots near the dressing rooms underneath the stage. They’ll be part of the “Theatre People” tour.

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The countdown is on for Fashionably Westport.

And only a few tickets remain.

This year’s 5th annual event is set for this Friday (February 28, 7 p.m., Westport Library). Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.

The show features the latest styles, from the town’s mot sophisticated and fashion-forward retailers.

Models are all local friends and celebrities. The emcee and runway director are neighbors too: Dave Briggs and Carey Price, respectively.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

There’s a silent auction too, with categories like art, beauty, business, entertainment, food and wine, health and wellness, sports and travel.

Plus (of course!) fashion.

Bidding begins this Thursday (February 27, 6 p.m.). Click here to see all items.

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We’re 3 weeks away from the 5th anniversary of the week COVID rolled into Westport.

Within 24 hours, downtown was deserted. It took months for life to return.

But even in 2025, Main Street is still quiet early on Sunday mornings. William Weiss captured this “Last Picture Show” (Westport-style) image yesterday:

(Photo/William Weiss)

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Mary Brewster comes from an artistic family.

Her father, Howard Munce, was one of Westport’s most noted and beloved artists. He died in 2016, at 100.

She’s been knitting baby hats for quite a while. Now she has created a business: Hat Cakes. (The design looks like a little cake.)

She staged one on a plate, with miniature animals and fake snow. Images posted on social media have received positive feedback. Mothers (and grandmotherss) especially love them.

Contact marybrewste@gmail.com for more information. We hope Hat Cakes sell like hot cakes.

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As winter slowly — v-e-r-y slowly — prepares for its transition to spring, the days are growing longer.

Jerry Kuyper captured this hopeful sunset, in the woods off Rayfield Road, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … Jerry Butler — “The Iceman,” who as the first leader of the Impressions, as a duet with Betty Everett and as a solo artist had a long and successful career — died Thursday in Chicago.

He was 85, and suffered from Parkinson’s.

Among his many hits:

(Welcome to another week — and, each day, another Roundup bringing you news of events, people and sights all around Westport. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Fashionably Westport Freebies, Lis Comm’s Book, Playhouse’s Garden …

Posted on February 20, 2025 | 8 comments

Tickets are selling fast for Fashionably Westport — the February 28 benefit for Homes with Hope featuring a runway show from many of the town’s mot sophisticated retailers. Models are local friends and celebrities.

But there’s a way to score preferred admission seats.

Just follow @westportdowntownofficial on Instagram (the Westort Downtown Association is the event’s sponsor); follow @davebriggstv (Westport’s own Dave Briggs is co-emcee, with fellow resident Alisyn Camerota); then tag 2 friends in the comments section on Briggs’ Instagram (who would enjoy the show too).

The winner will be chosen at random February 22. They’ll enjoy guaranteed seating with a full view of the stage, open bar, light fare from from chef Claudia Fascenell, and a VIP gift bag.

Click here for tickets to Fashionably Westport, and more information.

Dave Briggs, Fashionably Westport co-emcee

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Thirty years before her death this past August, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, former Westport townwide coordinator of English Lisabeth Comm wrote a book.

Her husband, fellow Staples High School educator Frank Corbo, discoveed the nearly completed manuscript in a storage unit. He edited it, and has published it as a tribute to her life and work.

“Myths, Mothers, and Mirrors: Split Images of Women in Literature” employs feminist literary criticism to examine how cultural imperatives have shaped the role and image of women in Western literary tradition.

By analyzing patriarchal child-rearing practices, literary traditions rooted in Greek mythology and the Judeo-Christian Bible, and the portrayal of women as objects of the male gaze, Comm showed how feminist psychoanalytic theory can deepen understanding of women’s roles in life and literature.

She applied feminist criticism to popular high school and undergraduate works like “The Scarlet Letter,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Pride and Prejudice,” as well more contemporary novels including “Surfacing,” “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” and “Beloved,” along with modern female poets.

Click here for more information, and to order.

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This Sunday’s Westport Country Playhouse Symposium — “Planting Our Gardens – A Conversation about Growing Stronger Together” — explores themes of inclusivity, respect and equity.

The February 23 event follows the matinee performance of “Native Gardens” — a comedy about neighbors from different cultures who clash over the property line that separates their gardens.

Guest speakers are Lee Goldstein, Westport Board of Education, who will discuss the work being done by No Place for Hate, an ADL program to improve school climate, and Linedy Genao, “Native Gardens” cast member who was the first Latina performer to originate the leading role in an Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway musical.

Inspired by the production of “Native Gardens,” the symposium will examine “better understanding in shared spaces.”

The Symposium begins are 4:30 p.m., following the 3 p.m. show. The discussion is free, and open to the public.

For tickets to “Native Gardens,” and more information, click here.

Lee Goldstein, Board of Education chair

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You take pretty good photos with your cellphone.

But you can probably take even better ones.

This Sunday (10 a.m., Sherwood Island Main Pavilion), Friends of Sherwood Island invites the public to join Weston photographer Alison Wachstein. She’ll help guests learn how to create inspiring landscapes, sharp nature closeups and beautiful portraits, all on a smartphone.

The event is free; donations to benefit the Friends’ garden team are welcome.

Capturing nature with a cellphone, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Becky Keeler)

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Seen at Trader Joe’s, and posted here with absolutely no editorial comment of any kind:

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On Tuesday — with the war in Ukraine once again in the headlines — Westporter Mark Yurkiw addressed the Westport Rotary Club.

The artist — who is of Ukrainian descent — visited the war-ravaged country most recently in October.

He traveled up to 18 hours a day around the nation, recording and listening to people’s stories to help spread the word about the realities of the war with Russia.

His message to the Rotarians was that supplies of all kinds are urgently needed. “These are people like you and me,” he said.

“They are working, trying to live their lives while under threat of bombing and suffering from the tragic loss of life. They are constantly trying to build graves fast enough to bury the slain.”

Yurkiw works with Ridgefield Responds, to collect equipment and medical supplies. He ships them to Ukraine, where they help save lives of civilians, and Ukrainian — and occasionally Russian soldiers.

They also collect financial donations. It costs $8,000 to ship a 40-foot container to Ukraine.

Yurkiw noted that he (and Ridgefield Responds) could not do what they do without the help of Ukraine Aid International. That’s the non-profit, boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.

To donate money, equipment, medical supplies, or volunteer your time, click here call Ridgefield Responds: 646-873-0050. To donate to Ukraine Aid International, click here.

Mark Yurkiw shows a slide of devastation in Ukraine, at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston invites the public to a jazz vespers music and word service with vocalist/composer Sabth Perez on March 2 (4 p.m.; free will offering). UMC Westport-Weston church at 49 Weston Road, Westport, CT.

Sabéth Perez

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 12 and 19.

A 23-year-old Fairfield man was charged with breach of peace, stalking and harassment, after a complainant said her ex-boyfriend parked near her place of work and tried to engage her in conversation — as he had done since their breakup last May. She said he followed her vehicle, flashing his lights and following very closely. He was released on $25,000 bond.

A 53-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening. A woman said they are going through a divorce, and he made statements during an argument that caused her to fear for her life. He was released on $15,000 bond.

Westport Police alos issued these citations:

  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Disorderly ocnduct: 2
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1

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Clouds frame the waters near Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina, and Owenoke beyond it, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured (and frigid) photo.

(Photo/Andrea Cross)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming “Fashionably Westport” show (story above):

(If you are a dedicated follower of “06880,” please click here to help support this 24/7/365 hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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Plane Truth: Todd Freeman’s Airlink Impacts Millions

Posted on January 9, 2025 | 1 comment

Todd Freeman loves airplanes: being around them, flying them, taking part in related activities.

It’s in his blood. His mother was a private pilot in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s.

As soon as he was of legal age, Freeman got his pilot’s license. He even took a year off from college, to get advanced ratings and experience.

Freeman’s passion took him out of an early career in banking, back to business school, and then into the specialized world of commercial aircraft leasing and finance.

Todd Freeman

The Westport resident of over 20 years worked with Airbus, GE Capital and GE Aircraft Engines. His job took him around the world, with long-term assignments in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

After retiring from GE in 2019, planes remained an important part of his activities.

After earning FAA flight instructor ratings he began teaching part-time at Westchester County Airport — the same place his mother kept her Cessna more than 50 years ago.

Freeman flies volunteer pilot missions for organizations like AngelFlight, transporting patients from rural areas to special treatment in urban areas.

He enjoys flying with his son Ben. The 2011 Staples High School graduate works in aerospace, and is also an experienced pilot.

In 2020 Freeman joined the board of Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer. His work with one of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world keeps him plugged into the aerospace industry.

But Freeman’s main aviation-related activity lately — and the one he calls most rewarding — is as board chair of Airlink.

 

Working with an Airlink shipment, at airports …

The Washington-based humanitarian organization delivers critical aid to communities in crisis around the globe, providing free airlift and logistical solutions to 200 nonprofit partners.

Through Airlink’s relationships with airlines and logistics companies worldwide, they lower or eliminate the cost of moving aid cargo and skilled responders during disaster relief and response efforts.

“Humanitarian aid work is complex. It has so many obstacles,” Freeman says.

“Airlink leverages the power and speed of aviation to get the right aid to where it needs to be.”

… and on the ground.

The organization responds to two types of disaster. The core activity is rapid relief, for sudden disaster- and climate-related events, like hurricanes, earthquakes, wildfires and floods.

During Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Airlink moved over 700 NGO workers. That number will rise, as rebuilding continues.

Airlink also works during complex crises, like Ukraine. There, they have helped 66 non-profits deliver 2,300 tons of supplies, benefiting 6 million Ukrainians.

Aid to the war-torn nation has included medicines, prosthetics, surgical and pre-natal supplies, family emergency kits, generators and shelters.

Besides planes, Airlink uses rail, trucks and marine aid.

AmeriCares is one of Airlink’s 200 nonprofit partners.

As it celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, Freeman notes that support for Airlink has a multiplier effect. The more efficient and effective his organization is, the more it can help 200 charities do their work, helping people around the world in need.

“There is no shortage of demand for humanitarian aid. Airlink’s value proposition is strong and established,” Freeman says.

“We have a hard-working and dedicated team, and a great group of airline, logistics and NGO partners. Toether with a growing and more diverse donor base, we plan to scale up and impact the live of millions more.”

(To learn more about Airlink — including how to donate — click here.)

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Posted in Politics, Weather

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Mark Yurkiw: Ukraine-Bound, With Westport’s Help

Posted on September 7, 2024 | 1 comment

It’s been nearly 3 years since Russia invaded Ukraine.

The brutal war has been pushed off the front pages. Westporters — who have contributed over $300,000 to our sister city, Lyman — are thinking about other things: Israel and Gaza, Harris and Trump, gardens and parking lots.

But Ukraine is never far from Mark Yurkiw’s mind.

The Westport artist’s parents emigrated to the US from there, in 1949. They had spent years in displaced persons’ tent camps.

As a teenager during World War II, Mark’s mother was enslaved. For almost 50 years, the United Nations paid slave labor reparations to her.

Mark Yurkiw

Mark was born in New York, but his first language is Ukrainian. He has followed the news from his parents’ homeland closely, and fearfully. He knows its history well.

Mark has been a driving force in local efforts to raise funds, clothes, toys — and awareness — for Lyman, and the nation.

On October 15, he will travel again to Ukraine. He has 3 objectives.

One is very specific. The country needs more chest compression bandages. They are vital to save the lives of people suffering gunshot wounds.

Christine Antal — who grew up in Westport — and her husband Mark organized a team of former Green Berets who deliver bandages to the front lines, and teaches soldiers how to use them.

Mark asks for donation, so he can deliver as many bandages as possible. There is a discounted price of $10 each, for orders of 100.

Ukraine Aid International — the non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — accepts donations for those bandages.

Click here. Then, under the “Designation” drop-down menu, select “Medicine & Medical Equipment.”

“Every $10 saves a life,” Mark notes. “Every $1,000 buys a bundle that saves 100 lives.”

His second objective involves a meeting with Ukrainian Postmaster General Igor Smolyansky.

Mark will present him and his team with an artifact from the “Titanic” movie: a miniature lifeboat, created for the filming.

Smolyansky — a Georgetown University graduate — has “transformed the Ukrainian post office,” Mark says.

“He has turned the culture of postal workers into a true civil service organization.

“They deliver lifesaving medicine, equipment, food and pension checks to those who are unable to get out of harms way.”

He also delivers something no other post Office has ever done: hope.

“Since the invasion, he and his team have chronicled in a series of stamps events of the war in a way never done before,” Mark explains.

Those stamps have become world renowned, and sought after by collectors to raise money for Ukraine.

A few of the many Ukrainian stamps.

The stamp that inspired Mark to bring the Titanic lifeboat was “The Bombing of the Crimean Bridge” — designed even before it was bombed.

Smolyansky used the iconography of the Titanic movie. The stamp was released the day the bridge was destroyed.

Mark will present the lifeboat, with this message: “You and your team are the lifeboat for Ukraine.”

Mark has installed an exhibit about the Ukrainian stamps at the Westport Senior Center. It will be up all month long.

And — tying those 2 objectives together — donations to purchase bandages can be dropped off at the Senior Center.

Ukraine exhibit, at the Westport Senior Center.

Mark’s third goal is to meet with many of the old and new friends and organizations he has been in touch with since the invasion began. He hopes to meet with the Ukraine Aid International team on the ground too.

Mark will spend 3 weeks in Ukraine. He will travel with the best wishes of Westporters, who have supported our sister of Lyman so generously and well.

And, Mark reminds “06880” readers once again, the need to help the entire nation is still strong.

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Roundup: Slice Of Saugatuck, Ukraine, Fentanyl …

Posted on August 7, 2024 | 1 comment

It’s hard to believe: The Slice of Saugatuck is 12 years old.

This year’s street festival is set for Saturday, September 7 (2 to 5 p.m.).

Over 4 dozen restaurants, shops and galleries — in the “slice” between Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Saugatuck Avenue — will offer samples and tastes.

The Slice features 7 bands, 4 bounce houses, the Fire Department’s antique engine, a balloon bender, face painter and more. Adults can enjoy 2 beer gardens, and specialty drinks from most restaurants.

Ticket sales ($15; children 5-12, $5; sold on-site, cash or credit card) benefit the Homes with Hope food pantry. To date, the Slice of Saugatuck has donated $49,000 to the non-profit.

The event is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.

A small “slice” of the large crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Do you know a great pediatrician, who is interested in joining a popular Westport practice?

Village Pediatrics is looking for one.

There’s a nationwide shortage of pediatricians. But Dr. Nikki Gorman’s group should be a good fit.

Interested candidates — or anyone who knows any candidates — should email nikki.villagepedi@gmail.com.

Doctors and office staff from Village Pediatrics volunteered at this year’s County Assembly dance. Dr. Nikki Gorman is bottom right.

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Though the war in Ukraine has faded from the front pages of American newspaper, it continues to rage fiercely.

Every day, there is more human suffering.

Yesterday’s New York Times included a story headlined “Long Battle for a Ruined City Takes a Desperate Turn.” It described the struggle for Toretsk, a city in eastern Ukraine under relentless attack by Russian forces.

The photos were taken by Tyler Hicks. The Times‘ Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer is a 1988 Staples High School graduate.

Click here for the full story, and harrowing images. (Hat tip: Drew Angus)

Lyudmilla Petrovna, 74, in a church between Kostiantynivka and Pokrovsk that was damaged by Russian shelling last month. Ms. Petrovna was injured. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)

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“06880” reports regularly on the continuing saga of 233 Hillspoint Road. Our most recent photo was yesterday.

Looks like just a few finishing touches remain …

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

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Fentanyl is a real danger.

Recently, a 1-year-old child overdosed on the drug at a Connecticut park. Last week, fentanyl-laced cannabis products were found for sale at a smoke shop in Norwalk.

Fentanyl is the primary driver behind the increase in overdose deaths over the last 10 years, and it can hide in plain sight.

On August 15 (6 to 7 p.m., 90 Post Road West), Positive Directions, The Center for Prevention & Counseling, offers a free workshop for college students from Norwalk and Westport to learn about risks and resources on campus, including how to save a life using Narcan.

Attendees will receive a harm reduction kit, with Narcan, fentanyl test strips and more. T

Pre-registration is required at www.positivedirections.org/events.

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For 40 years, Open Doors has battled homelessness in Norwalk.

On Tuesday, development and donor relations manager Maria Davis — a longtime Westport resident — spoke to the Westport Rotary Club about the organization’s work preventing homelessness, and placing families in shelters if they lose housing.

Open Doors’ work includes financial coaching, a savings program and jobs center.

Maria Davis, at Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Ellin Curley)

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Lou Weinberg’s very-close-up photos are highlights of our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Today’s shot is of a dragonfly, from the Long Lots Preserve.

Lou notes: “They are awesome flyers. Each of their 4 wings can operate independently. Their muscles are attached to their wings. They can fly forward, backward and upside down. They can also hover and pivot in place.

“They are very efficient predators. They can see nearly 360° with those large eyes. And they eat flies and mosquitoes! Who doesn’t love that?”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … on this date in 1789, the US Department of War was created.

(From Saugatuck to Ukraine, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please help us meet our funding goals. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Lynsey Addario, Tyler Hicks Take “The Year In Pictures”

Posted on December 29, 2023 | 2 comments

It’s a journalistic tradition: At the end of each year, the New York Times publishes “The Year in Pictures.”

For a number of years, there’s been another tradition: The feature includes the work of Staples High School graduates Lynsey Addario (Class of 1991) and Tyler Hicks (’88). Both are Pulitzer Prize winners.

The tradition continues this year.

The very compelling Times section includes:

Dnipro, Ukraine, January 18. Lynsey Addario photographed Olha Afanasieva, 49, recovering in the hospital after sustaining serious injuries in a Russian strike on her apartment building. She and her husband were sitting at their kitchen table when the missile hit.

Lynsey said: “I was looking at her from the right-hand side and I was trying to photograph her eyes and the injuries, and it wasn’t coming together. Suddenly she turned and the other side of her face was a patchwork. It just spoke to me, and symbolized all of these lives and faces, and everything that has been torn in the country.”

Bakhmut, Ukraine, March 17. Tyler Hicks captured medics helping a Ukrainian soldier who was injured by shrapnel on the front line. The fight for the city, which Russia later captured, was one of the deadliest clashes in the war.

Bakhmut, Ukraine, May 19. Tyler Hicks’ shot showed the smoldering remains of Bakhmut, just days before Russia claimed victory there. It took the Kremlin almost a year and cost the lives of thousands of soldiers to capture the city.

Tyler said: “Despite having seen military photographs of the devastation of Bakhmut, to actually be in control of a drone and fly up to the edge of the city and see it, live, really solidified in my mind how much the city had been destroyed and  how many lives had been lost in the process. It was personally quite shocking.”

Outside Makarivka, Ukraine, July 26. Tyler Hicks’ harrowing image shows the body of a Russian soldier in the Zaporizhzhia region, where Ukraine was waging a counteroffensive. In 2 months, Ukrainian troops had advanced less than 10 miles at any point along the region’s 100-mile front.

Tyler said: “I saw what I originally thought was just a uniform that had been discarded on the road, but on closer inspection I realized it was a body. There had been no effort made to move the body. He’d been run over so many times that he became impacted tot he point that the body had become part of the road.”

Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, September 14. In Lynsey Addario’s shot, a Ukrainian soldier prepared to release a drone to fly over Russian-occupied territory in search of heavy weapons and air defense installations. In a counteroffensive often reliant on small advantages, a fleet of inexpensive drones provided one for the Ukrainians.

Lynsey explained: “When we approached the team of soldiers, they were hiding in the bushes. We heard Russian drones flying overhead, and it was terrifying. Most of the war at this point is fought by drone. There’s nothing you can do, just hope you are hidden well enough. The soldier released the drone and we ran back into the bushes.”

What Lynsey Addario and Tyler Hicks do is dangerous, remarkable, and very important. To see more work from their colleagues, click here. 

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Online Art Gallery #191

Posted on December 9, 2023 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #191

Today’s online art gallery opens with a special request.

In this season of giving, Westport artist Mark Yurkiw is thinking of his native Ukraine. As the Russian war grinds on, he wants to ensure that no one forgets the plight: 10 million Ukrainians are displaced, 20 million shelter in place, and 10 million are protecting their nation, any way they can.

Over the past 2 years Mark has donated his artwork, as a way to raise funds to help Ukraine. His work is serious, superb, and important. He invites interested collectors to contact him for an appointment to see it, in his barn/studio. Mark’s email is mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Art by Mark Yurkiw …

… and Mark outside his barn, with one of his Ukrainian-themed works.

Now, back to our weekly online gallery. As always, we welcome all kinds of art. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — whatever you’ve got.

Email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world! (PS: Please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.)

Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone is invited to contribute.

“Our Colorful Nation” (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“Beach Impressions” (Tom Doran)

“Our Love for Each Other Shines Forever” (Mike Hibbard)

Untitled — Photographer Dennis Jackson took this recently in Argentina’s Tierra de Fuego National Park, a few miles from the Chilean border.

Untitled collage — paper on paper (Maj Kalfus)

“Worth a Second Look” (Lawrence Weisman)

“All the Other Thanksgiving Gourds Are Gone!” (Steve Stein)

“Manspreading” — watercolor (Jo Ann Davidson)

“Red Sail in the Sunset? – A J-70” (Peter Barlow)

“Seaside Impressions 03” (Ken Runkel)

“Dawn in the Neighborhood” (Jerry Kuyper)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: Medical Supplies, Gift Cards, Club 203 …

Posted on December 5, 2023 | Comments Off on Roundup: Medical Supplies, Gift Cards, Club 203 …

This morning’s “06880” featured information on Westport’s holiday drive. We’re helping raise $30,000, so residents of Lyman, Ukraine can heat their homes this winter.

There’s another way to help that war-torn nation, too.

Mark Yurkiw — the noted local artist, who has Ukrainian heritage — and several Ukrainian friends in this area have spent months stockpiling medical supplies.

They’ve already sent several containers. The next is ready to go — with volunteers both here and in Ukraine —  as soon as shipping costs are covered.

They hope one or 2 major donors can underwrite the cost of shipping (and buying triage bandages). The total is $10,000.

To donate, and for more information, email Mark Yurkiw: mark.think3d@gmail.com.

Earlier this year, Mark Yurkiw collected and shipped generators to Ukraine. He collected them at his studio/barn — outside of which stood his artwork, in the country’s familiar colors.

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From now through next Tuesday (December 12), the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting gift cards for residents of the 2 Domestic Violence Crisis Center safe houses, and community clients.

Gift cards help survivors buy what they most need or want for their families.  Suggested retailers include Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Amazon, Target and Walmart. Smaller denominations ($25-$50) are encouraged. so gift cards for various stores can be bundled together for families.

Gift cards can be left at the communication center in the lobby of the Westport Police Department (50 Jesup Road), or mailed to Lieutenant Jillian Cabana at that address.

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Ovcr 150 Club 203 members and volunteers kicked up their heels, and celebrated the season with a “Holiday Hoedown” last night at MoCa Westport.

The Square Bears taught dance moves. Dessert was donated by CRUMBL. T-shirts were courtesy of Howard & Gay Insurance. And MoCA’s artwork provided the perfect backdrop, for the great event hosting Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities.

Having a great time at the Club 203 Holiday Hoedown.

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Popular hair stylist Felicia Catale invites everyone to check out makeup, skincare, health and wellness products and hair products, at a special holiday gift event at Salon Nash this Saturday (December 9, 2:30 to 6 p.m., 179 Post Road West).

Enjoy bubbly, gifts, raffles — and free hair blowouts.

Felicia Catale

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Voices Cafe’s next concert — December 16 (4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport) — offers both great music and a good cause.

They’re collecting gifts for Bridgeport’s Helping Hands Outreach holiday toy drive. Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or retailer gift card.

Windborne’s Music of Midwinter show has been called “intelligent, witty, formally exquisite and brimful of energy” (Slate Magazine). Lush vocals and creative arrangements draw from traditional, classic and folk from the US, British Isles and beyond. Instruments include guitars, banjos, Lithuanian kankles and Irish bodhran.

The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing.

Click here for tickets and more information. Voices Cafe is BYO, with coffee-house style seating at tables or individual seats. Snacks are available for purchase.

Windbourne

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“The One Note Man” — George C. Siougas’ story of a musician caught between staying in his comfort zone or stepping out and changing his life forever — gets its Westport premier this Sunday (December 10, 2 p.m., Westport Library).

The local connection: Westport resident Rita Marcocci is an executive producer of the film.

Set during the holiday season, the film is a whirlwind adventure about a bassoonist whose routine never strays, playing a single note in a classical orchestra day in day out.

It stars Jason Watkins, Louisa Clein, Crystal Yu, Paul Barber, and the voice of Ian McKellen.

A talk-back follows the screening, with Marcocci, Siougas, BAFTA-winning actor Watkins, Oscar-winning composer Stephen Warbeck, and executive producer and Wilton resident Josh Friedman. Click here for more information.

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MoMA’s December 14 (7 p.m.) holiday concert features violinist Kristen Young and pianist Joe Bush.

MoMA says, “They break the rules of music by blending traditional classical music with unexpected holiday hits, together in a fresh and exciting contemporary interpretation.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Kristen Young and Joe Bush

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Pianist David Morgan was trained by Ellis Marsalis — father of Wynton, Branford, Delfeayo and Jason Marsalis.

This week at Jazz at the Post, Morgan pays homage to his New Orleans roots, with compositions by Ellis Marsalis, Harold Battiste, Alvin Batiste and James Black, plus a Mardi Gras preview.

He’s joined by trumpeter Antoine Drye, bassist Dan Asher, drummer Paul Francis, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows are Thursday (December 7, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 music charge). Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Westport resident Pamela Waesche passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Friday. She was 76.

Her obituary says: “Pam and her husband of 53 years, John, shared a love that transcended all life’s struggles and hardships. She was smart, loving, empathetic, and together, she and John raised 3 daughters they could not be prouder of. Her children and their families are the legacy she leaves behind.”

She met John at a 6th grade square dance in Oradell, New Jersey. She graduated from Skidmore College in 1969 with a BA in American Studies. Pam held professional positions at the Guggenheim Museum, Time Life and the Library of Congress, but she always focused on supporting her family and others.

She worked with Au Pair in America and the Westport Housing Authority, helping those in need find a home. She spent summer mornings harvesting vegetables for local soup kitchens as a member of the Greens Farms Garden Club, and cared for any animal in distress.

She is survived by her husband; daughters, sons-in-law and 9 grandchildren: Wendy, David, Kate, Lucy and Matthew Lavallee of Southport;  Dana, Jamey, Jackson, Toby and Kiley Gifford of Hillsborough, California; and Erin, George, John, Charlie and Lily DiGuido of Fairfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation to a charity of your choice be made in her name.

Pamela Waesche

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Barry Kresch calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” phot — taken in his yard — “50 Shades of Gray.”

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And finally … in honor of today’s owl photo (above):

(Every day, “06880” offers new ideas for things to do — this holiday season, and beyond. If you appreciate our daily  Roundup, or any other feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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