Tag Archives: Westport Business Networking International

Roundup: Tom Henske’s Total Cents, Teenagers Without Sense …

Posted on January 15, 2025 | 8 comments

Tom Henske makes total cents.

That’s not a typo.

It Makes Total Cents is the name of Tom Henske’s podcast.

Now in its fourth season as a Westport Library Verso Studios production, the dynamic, well-respected and always-on-the-money Westport financial expert — and an impressive array of guests — teach youngsters (and their parents, guardians, and grandparents) everything they need to know about financial literacy.

This year, the podcast will include video. That makes a lot of cents.

The first episode features University of Virginia professor Chuck Howard discussing expense prediction bias. Future episodes will focus on compound interest, borrowing and credit, college savings and more.

Episodes go live biweekly. They’re available on the Total Cents YouTube channel, plus Amazon, Apple and Spotify. All episodes and channels can be accessed through The Westport Library Community Partnership Podcasts page.

The podcast is an extension of the Total Cents blog, which includes conversation guides and e-news updates taken from Henske’s book, “It Makes Total Cents: 12 Conversations to Change Your Child’s Financial Future.”

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Alert, and warm, “06880” reader Jonathan Berg writes:

“This is no longer any of my business, as my last kid graduated from Staples last year.

“But I just drove past the school bus stop. There’s a wind chill of 16 degrees right now.

“I know from my kids that no one uses lockers, and they don’t want to drag a coat around all day.

“So they’re out there waiting for the bus in 16 degrees with no coat on, shivering.

“There’s a lot of sickness going around. I would think kids are going to get sicker out there every morning. I don’t really have a solution here, other than maybe drive your kids to school when it’s this cold if you can.

“Just a thought from a habitually concerned father.”

I don’t have kids, so I’m just a habitually concerned random guy. But here’s another solution: Tell your kid to wear a coat, toss it randomly in the cafeteria along with all the sports equipment and other stuff kids leave there, then pick it up at the end of the day.

Or else jog in place until the bus comes.

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The next Downtown Plan Implementation Committee public meeting is Thursday, January 23 (8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A). 1

The agenda includes parking lots reinvention, the downtown design Master Plan, and parking study strategy presentation and review.

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Brand Nu Apparel popped up last summer, on Post Road West. Marcello DeAguero’s temporary shop offered athletic wear and street wear, “designed for creators of all kinds — athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers.”

Now Marcello has taken the next step: a long-term retail location in Westport. Brand Nu Apparel is now open at 877 Post Road East (the building between Pizza Lyfe and the Sherwood Diner). Click here for details.

Brand Nu Apparel

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The Westport Business Networking International chapter’s next Visitor’s Day is January 23 (United Methodist Church, 7 a.m.; networking, business meeting, coffee and homemade baked goods).

Westport BNI has 55 members, with only 1 per category. Classifications available now include estate attorney, residential contractor, salon, restaurant, hotel, home security, personal trainer, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, roofer, nutritionist, physical therapy, promotional products and more.

In the past year, the group has passed over $3.3 million in closed business.

All visitors must pre-register. Contact Matthew Cummings of M&T Bank at (mcummings2@mtb.com) to sign up in advance. Click here for the BNI website.

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The holidays are over. But it’s never too late to give a wreath

Wreathing for Community‘s latest gift is Bridgeport’s Thomas Merton Family Center.

The wreath was created by Montira Earley, in collaboration with Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport, with donations from area residents.

The Merton Center is important to Montira, so she nominated it as a recipient.

From left: Amanda Figueroa-Camilo and Montira Earley, with the Merton Center wreath.

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There’s always something new at Compo Beach — and in the sky above it.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature was captured there by Mark Sikorski.

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

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And finally … in honor of Tom Henske’s “Total Sense” podcast (above):

(Speaking of money … you know the drill. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. You’ll help the world go ’round. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Library, Local business, Local politics, Teenagers

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Roundup: Long Lots Meeting, John Chacho, Play With Your Food …

Posted on January 9, 2024 | 3 comments

A new agenda has been posted for tonight’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting (Tuesday, January 9, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 307/309).

It includes a discussion and update of the elementary school renovation project:

  • Review of Colliers Project Leaders USA NE, LLC proposal regarding costs of other schools
  • Brief update on benchmarking progress
  • Discussion and potential action regarding Long Lots property plan modifications for new 8-24 plan submittal by 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker.

Public comment (30 minutes) will follow, as time allows.

The latest Long Lots Elementary School plan.

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Congratulations to Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate Jake Thaw, and his University of Michigan Wolverines: national championships, after last night’s big win over Washington!

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Staples High School wrestling parent, booster club founder and former Wrecker wrestler and coach Terry Brannigan writes: “’It’s not what you gather, it is what you scatter.'”

“That was John Chacho’s message to a packed house at Foxwood Casino in 2013. Former wrestlers came from around the country to celebrate the legendary Staples coach’s induction into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

“For Coach Chacho, his message is not merely a punchline delivered from a podium. It is a lesson he attributes to his mother, and the drumbeat for his life.

“John has touched the lives of generations of Westporters through his work in the Westport school system, and his favorite tool: wrestling.

“This Saturday, Staples hosts the annual John Chacho Dual Meet Tournament. It begins at 9 a.m. in the fieldhouse, and runs through mid-afternoon. We invite everyone to stop by and say hello to Coach Chacho.”

Terry nailed it. John is a Westport treasure. Seeing him on Saturday will make your day — and his.

Coach Johnn Chacho

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There were a couple of errors in yesterday’s mention of the League of Women Voters’ “Pie & Politics” event. Here is the correct information:

Three local politicians will discuss Hartford’s impact on Westport, at a League of Women Voters “Pie & Politics” pizza event.

The January 23rd (7 p.m., Pizza Lyfe) evening features State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.

The pizza is free for League members and guests, and there’s a suggested donation of $10 for the public.  RSVP by January 18th: lwvwestportct@yahoo.com.

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Play With Your Food — the popular play-reading and talkback series — returns to MoCA next Tuesday (January 16, noon to 1:30 p.m.), with 3 very different shows.

Plus: boxed lunches from The Porch at Christies and Meli Melo Crêperie.

Plays include:

  • “I Just Sneezed with a Big Mouthful of Coffee and I Do Not Recommend It!”: 2 hypochondriacs connect in a hospital waiting room. The competition begins.
  • “Closing Time”: Will Sophie and her mom get to the store in time to buy the boots she so desperately wants? Spoiler alert: It’s not about the boots.
  • “The Jewish Wife”: Judith was a beloved wife, friend and bridge player, but now she is only Jewish. A quiet masterpiece written by Berthold Brecht in 1938.

Can’t make MoCA on the 16th? Play With Your Food heads to the Pequot Library in Southport January 17, and the Greenwich Arts Council the 18th.

Click here for details, tickets, and the full 2024 schedule.

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Verso University — the Westport Library’s lifelong learning program– offers a diverse array of January/February courses. They include:

  • Introduction to Video Editing (click here)
  • Exploring ChatGPT for Beginners to AI (click here)
  • Podcast Creation and Design Thinking (click here)
  • Yale University Art Gallery: Munck/Kirchner: Anxiety and Expression (click here)
  • Yale University Art Gallery: Sheila Levrant de Bretteville: Community, Activism and Design (click here)
  • French Wine Theory (click here)
  • The Films of Alfred Hitchcock (click here)
  • Make Your Video Sound Great: Audio Post-Production for Everyone (click here)

Alfred Hitchcock comes to the Westport Library. Well, at least a course about him does.

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Westport’s Business Network International chapter — the 2nd largest in the state — invites interested business networkers to a Visitors Day on Thursday, January 18 (7 to 9 a.m., United Methodist Church).

The group consists of only business per profession — for example, one financial advisor, one realtor, one chiropractor.

Categories open for this neeeting include estate attorney, landscaper, interior designer, printer, salon, personal trainer, restaurant, hotel, home inspector, home security, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial/residential cleaner, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, physical therapy, promotional projects, and professional writer.

During the latest calendar year, the group passed over $1.6 million in closed business.

Pre-registration is required. Email debralommascout@gmail.com. For more information, click here.

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One of Jazz at the Post’s most popular performers — Westport’s own Melissa Newman — returns this Thursday (January 11; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover).

The Westporter will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.

Her shows are sure to sell out. Reservations: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Westport Police announced yesterday that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned an indictment charging Neil Lott, 50, of Westport, with wire fraud related to a misappropriation scheme.

“As alleged in the indictment and statements made in court, from 2017 until August 2021, Lott was a 51 percent owner of Pacific Atlantic Handling Services, a baggage handling company based at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

In August 2021, Lott was terminated from PAH for cause. However, in November 2021, he opened a business bank account in the name of PAH without PAH’s knowledge or authorization.

On November 30, 2021, Lott deposited into this account a US Treasury check in the amount of $477,167, paid to the order of PAH, for an Employee Retention Tax Credit.

Lott was released on a $350,000 bond. If convicted of wire fraud, he faces a maximum prison term of 20 years.

“An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

“The investigation is being conducted the US Postal Inspection Service, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and the Westport Police Department, with assistance from the Port Authority Police Department.”

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Margaret Carey Coley — the wife of William Booth Coley, of the Coley family of Westport and Weston — died Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 75.

Her family says: “Margaret loved spending time with her family, especially her beloved granddaughters. She also enjoyed visiting with and giving treats to her grand-dogs. She was an avid reader, and loved to research and discuss family genealogy. She also loved to keep up with her favorite sports teams (Mets and Red Sox), and current events.

In addition to her husband of 45 years, she is survived by her daughter Michelle (Richard) Corcoran of North Haven; granddaughters Madelyn and Molly Corcoran; her brother Robert (Carolyn) Carey of Jamesville, New York, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her brother John J. Carey Jr.

Margaret’s family thanks the Stratford VNA and Assisted Living Services for their care, with a special thank you to the ICU doctors, nurses and other staff at Yale New Haven Hospital for their care and compassion during her final week

A parlor service is set for Thursday (January 11, 10:30 a.m.; Porto Funeral Home, 830 Jones Hill Road, West Haven. Family and friends may call Thursday morning at 8:30. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to ALS United Connecticut, 4 Oxford Rd. Unit E4, Milford, CT 06460.

Margaret Coley

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And finally … yay, us!

On this date in 1788, Connecticut ratified the US Constitution. We became the 5th state of the original 13 colonies to join the Union.

(Celebrate Connecticut’s birthday with a donation to our state’s — well, at least our town’s — favorite hyper-local blog. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

 

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Posted in Education, Library, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Staples HS

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Roundup: Board Of Ed, 190 Main, Lemonade …

Posted on August 20, 2023 | 9 comments

This November’s Board of Education election is very important. In the next 2 years, members may vote on everything from new buildings and redistricting to students’ access to library materials.

To help Westporters understand more about the BOE, the League of Women Voters of Westport will host 3 current members. The trio will discuss how the BOE operates.

Chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips and member Dorie Hordon are panelists for the September 6 event (7 p.m., Westport Library).

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190 Main appears closed.

There is no sign on the door of the restaurant, located in the same mini-plaza as Joe’s Pizza and Le Rouge Chocolatier. Tables remain on the patio. The answering machine still describes its hours of operation.

But inside, furniture is piled high, ready for removal. Fans of the small spot, with an eclectic menu, will be heartbroken.

(Photo and hat tip/Sal Liccione)

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For veterans, September 11 is a solemn day.

This year, it’s especially important.

Catch a Lift — the national organization that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans recover and rehabilitate, physically and mentally, through physical fitness, motivation and support — will hold its 2nd annual Connecticut golf and pickleball outing.

The event, at the Patterson Club in Fairfield (10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.), also includes cocktails, dinner, raffles, and the chance to hear inspirational accounts from veterans about their journeys.

Click here to register, and for more details.

Catch a Lift veterans, at a previous event in Westport.

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There are lemonade stands.

And then are super-lemonade stands.

Emerson, Beckett, Aja and Jada Rhimes set up a stand at a busy intersection near their home. They wanted to raise funds for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services.

“They help so many people. And they do it through donations. We wanted to help,” the girls said.

Did they ever!

Before running out of cups and lemonade, they raised $1,817. Their proud mother matched it.

An anonymous donor, impressed, added another $500.

So that’s $4,134 for WVEMS, from one lemonade stand.

Well done, girls!

A very successful lemonade stand. (Photo/Shonda Rhimes)

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Labor Day is (ugh) sooner than you think.

Time to get back to business — in more ways than one.

The Westport Business Networking International chapter’s Quarterly Visitor’s Day is September 7 (United Methodist Church, 7 a.m.).

Westport BNI has 50 members, with only one per category. Current open classifications include printer, salon/spa, restaurant, security systems, HVAC, photographer, travel agent, caterer, florist, event planner, home inspector, moving company,  electrician, dentist, personal trainer, auto repair, cleaning service, physical therapy, cosmetics/skincare and promotional products.

Meetings are held weekly. Email debralommascout@gmail.com or cara.mocarski@welcomewagon.com to sign up for Visitor’s Day. For more information, click here.

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The home at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Treadwell Avenue — across from the VFW — draws plenty of admiring stares.

There are 3 reasons: It’s handsome. It’s historic. And there’s plenty of time to look, at what can be a very long light.

Recently, there’s another reason: renovation work.

It looks dangerous. Kudos to the workers who navigate that steep roof, and the rickety-looking ladder laid horizontally across.

(Photo/Pat Auber)

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Dan Vener’s “Westport … Naturally” photo of a Burritt’s Cove swan is great.

But his comment is even better: “She only has 4 months left to find 6 buddies.”

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And finally … when you saw the photo of the workmen on the house at Treadwell Avenue, you must have known this was coming:

(“06880” does not have a lemonade stand. But we do encourage donations, to help us continue our work. Please click here. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Education, Local business, Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants

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Roundup: Tarry Lodge, Lost Swan, Trees …

Posted on August 20, 2022 | 1 comment

Finally, the long-rumored news is official: Tarry Lodge is permanently closed.

A sign on the door says what’s been obvious to anyone driving past the Charles Street restaurant for weeks:

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

The Italian spot opened in 2011, on the site of the former Abbondanza (and, long before that, Esposito’s gas station). At the time, I described owner Mario Batali as a “chef, cookbook author, TV personality and philanthropist.” These days, I have to add “serial sexual harasser.”

The website lists 2 Connecticut locations for Tarry Lodge: Westport and New Haven. A dropdown menu indicates both are “no longer available.” The reservations link still allows requests, followed by: “At this moment, there’s no online availability within 2.5 hours.”

And a phone call still leads to this message: “We’re currently closed, but our phones open daily at 11 a.m.”

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Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid is often called upon for dog and cat crises.

But his portfolio includes many other local creatures: birds, raccoons, snakes …

… and yesterday morning, a swan.

Karen Mather reports: “I saw a swan walking in the middle of Morningside Drive South, and pulled my car over. The poor thing looked tired, and a bit out of place. 

“I called Animal Control. Peter arrived. He’s such a good, friendly, capable guy.

He said he would find an appropriate place for it — wide, open (territorial problems with swans) — perhaps Saugatuck. Hopefully this feathered friend had a better day!”

Animal Control Officer Peter Reid, and the swan. (Photos/Karen Mather)

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Speaking of nature: Aspetuck Land Trust asks, “Want to ‘think like a forest'”?

On Friday (August 26, noon to 1 p.m., Zoom), Anna Fialkoff leads a discussion on “planting native trees to support local food webs.'”

Native trees purify air, shade and cool in hot weather, store atmospheric carbon, minimize flooding and storm water runoff, and help sustain vital pollinators, birds and other wildlife.

Trees are part of forest-like systems, even planted near homes and businesses, in parks and public open spaces, along streets and highways, even parking lots. To learn more, click here.

Think like a tree.

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Two local authors have been added to Story Fest, next month’s Westport Library 6th annual literary-and-more event.

Tessa Smith McGovern and Patricia Dunn will hosting a conversation with  best-selling fantasy author Naomi Novik.

They’ll use the discussion to launch their new podcast: Go Ahead, Write Something!

McGovern is an award-winning English writer and teacher/coach. She’s written 2 best-sellers: the short story collection “London Road: Linked Stories” and Cocktails for Book Lovers.

Dunn is author of the young adult novel “Rebels by Accident.” Her next book, “Her Father’s Daughter,” is a psychological thriller. Her writing has appeared in Salon, The Village Voice, The Nation, LA Weekly and The Christian Science Monitor.

Click here for more information on StoryFest.

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Business Networking International meetings are usually limited to one person per profession.

But a Visitor’s Day on September 1 (7:30 to 9 a.m., United Methodist Church) is open to all.

It’s a chance to hear about classifications that can accept new members. Among them: LinkedIn expert, counseling services/psychotherapist, home security, HVAC, photographer, caterer or bakery, florist, event planner, home inspector, moving company, travel or tour operator, automotive repair, landscaper and electrician.

The Westport BNI group has nearly 50 members. In the calendar year starting October 2021, the group has passed over $3.2 million in closed business.

Pre-registration is required; email billhall747@gmail.com. For more information, click here.

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One Rivers is 10 years old.

Don’t freak out. They haven’t been in their location behind Shearwater Coffee, in the old Bertucci’s building, that long. But the unique art and digital design school is ready to celebrate with an Art Fest.

Set for Sunday, September 19 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.), it includes a variety of workshops for children and teenagers. Some require advance registrations; other are drop-in.

There’s live music too; food from Goni’s Gourmet; local artists and vendors, and a raffle with a chance to win a free month of lessons.

Click here for full details.

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Giovanni (John) Mioli — a Westporter for 48 years — died peacefully on Thursday, surrounded by his family. He was 90 years old.

Giovanni was born in Santa Teresa di Riva, Italy (Sicily), the oldest of 5 children. He graduated from Istituto Tecnico Industriale, Messina, Italy and had a long career in electrical engineering.

Giovanni spent his 20s captaining sailboats in many regattas on the Caribbean Sea. This passion continued throughout his life. He loved spending time with family and friends on his sailboat on Long Island Sound.

Giovanni also loved communicating globally. As an amateur radio operator, he won competitions by contacting hundreds of amateur radio operators worldwide.

He was happiest traveling with his family to Italy, St. Maarten, Clearwater Florida, and anywhere there was a warm, beautiful beach. At home he enjoyed tending to his vegetable garden, and fig and lemon trees.

Giovanni is survived by his wife of 56 years, Concetta (Tina) of Westport;  daughters Rina (Thomas) Greco of Guilderland, New York, and Alicia (Joseph) Mioli of Hoboken, New Jersey; grandchildren Louis Greco and Victoria (Justin Valente) Greco; brothers Santo (Sabina) of Mamaroneck, New York, Joseph of Westport and Carmelo (Carrie) Mioli of Westport; his Rita Carolini of Harrison, New York, and many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

A wake will be held on Monday (August 22, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home, , Westport). A funeral mass will be held Tuesday (August 23, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church). Entombment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery, Westport.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the National Kidney Foundation would be greatly appreciated.  Online donations can be made at http://www.kidney.org.

Giovanni (John) Mioli

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Back to swans (see story above):

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows one that has not lost its way. Susan Lloyd spotted it, swimming serenely in Muddy Brook:

(Photo/Susan Lloyd)

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And finally … while Aspetuck Land Trust invites you to “think like a tree” (story above), Lerner and Loewe had that idea decades ago. Their musical “Paint Your Wagon” debuted on Broadway in 1951; a film version followed in 1969. Among the songs:

 

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Library, Local business, Obituaries, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Teenagers

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Roundup: Norma Minkowitz, Lucy Johnson, Full Moon …

Posted on May 16, 2022 | 1 comment

Westport artist Norma Minkowitz demolished 3 US records at the National Senior Games in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She won all 3 races handily.

The first was Thursday, in the 5K road race. Competing in the 85-89-year-old age group, her 33:27 time beat the previous best mark by more than 6 minutes.

Then, in the same age group in the 400 meter dash, Minkowitz blazed to a 1:50.47 mark. That was more than 20 seconds faster than the existing record.

Finally, in the 800 meter run (in the 85-104-year old division), she finished in a speedy 4:17.66 — over a minute better than the previous mark.

Congratulations, Norma! (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)

In 2016– age 79 — Norma Minkowitz led a pack of much younger runners.

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Here’s another winner:

Former Westport Library board member and longtime “Booked for the Evening” volunteer Lucy Johnson has earned a silver in the Independent Book Publishers Award.

Her book “This Was Toscanini:  The Maestro, My Father, and Me” won in the Performing Arts category (Music/Dance/Cinema/Theater).

The contest recognizes the thousands of independent, university and self-published books released each year.

Lucy Johnson

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Last night’s Super Flower Blood Moon drew lots of folks outside. Here’s one shot, by Tomoko Meth:

(Photo/Tomoko Meth)

And David Cross captured this view, over the library:

(Photo/David Cross)

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Business Networking International is a special kind of group. Only one member per category is allowed — maximizing the opportunity for connections, while minimizing competition.

BNI’s local chapter is open to new members in a few categories, including commercial broker, counseling service, security, HVAC, photographer, caterer, bakery, florist, event planner, home inspector, moving company, travel tours, auto repair, and dry cleaner/tailor/shoe repair.

Interested businesses are invited to a Visitor’s Day on June 2 from (7:30 to 9 a.m., United Methodist Church).

For more information and to register for the event, email Curtis@health-directions.com or billhall747@gmail.com.

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United Way of Coastal Fairfield County has a new interim president and CEO.: Westporter Margo Amgott

She brings 30 years of non-profit leadership experience, serving in a range of organizations including community and healthcare, education institutions and government agencies.

A specialist in transitional leadership, Amgott reopened the Jacob Burns Film Center with fundraising and renewed programming. She served as interim director for Studio in a School, an arts and social justice organization working in New York City schools, interim CEO at Hearing Health Foundation, and COO of the National Council for Jewish Women, and a program leader at Columbia University, Hunter College, NYU Langone Medical Center, and the New York City Department of Health.

She holds a master’s degree from NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and a BA from Barnard College.

Margo Amgott

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Patti and Doug Brill moved from the north part of Westport to Saugatuck Shores recently.

“The fun part being in a new home. is seeing everything bloom. Lots of nice surprises!” Patti says.

Today she shares one of those surprises with “Westport … Naturally”:

(Photo/Patti Brill)

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And finally … in honor of 85-year-old Norma Minkowitz’s three national record-setting performances (see story above):

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Roundup: Joey’s By The Shore, Private Ryan, Grateful Dead …

Posted on May 25, 2021 | 2 comments

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Joey’s by the Shore opened its new location — the former Elvira’s, across from Old Mill Beach, last spring.

The pandemic was in full swing. So for the past year, customers ordered through the app only. They waited outside for orders.

In one more sign that COVID is easing, Joey’s’ doors are now open. Neighbor Don Bergmann (below) was thrilled to finally go inside.

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1st Selectman Jim Marpe says:

“On behalf of the Town of Westport, I want to reiterate that acts of discrimination, racism and anti-Semitism will not be tolerated in our community. Over the past year, as a country, we witnessed the murder of George Floyd, terrifying attacks against the Asian and Pacific Islander communities, and countless other acts of hatred and discrimination. And in recent days, we have seen acts of anti-Semitism strikingly close to us in New York City.

Let there be no doubt, anti-Semitism has no place in our community. We respect our Jewish neighbors and visitors. Westport is an inclusive community that embraces diversity and has always celebrated all cultures and religious beliefs. We must continue to respect everyone regardless of their race, creed or ethnic origin. I encourage all in the community to reaffirm these values during this challenging period.

I stand with our friends and neighbors who feel threatened by these terrible activities. Make no mistake, Westport is focused on protecting all residents and visitors. We have stepped up security in and around our synagogues and temples and will do everything necessary to keep our community safe and free from discrimination and hate.

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Just in time for Memorial Day, the Remarkable Theater has added a very appropriate new movie to its schedule.

“Saving Private Ryan” screens on Sunday (May 30, 8 p.m.). There’s a special holiday price of $25 per car. But of course the classic World War II film is priceless.

Click here for tickets, and the rest of this week’s slate.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School girls track team. They won the FCIAC championship yesterday.

Individual winners for coach Jesse McCray’s team include Ava Harvey (long jump, 16′ 9.5″; triple jump, 34′ 3/4″) and Tatum Havemann (800 meters, 2:17.56, personal record), and Isabelle Blend (pole vault, 8′).

The 4×400 meter relay team of Francine Stevens, Olivia Bollo, Hannah Murphy and Samantha Dewitt blazed to a school record 4:01.52, winning gold.

The 4×100 meter relay squad (Molly Liles, Bollo, Murphy, Laura Spheeris) also set a school record, placing 2nd in 50.13.

The 4×800 meter team (Leigh Foran, Josie Dolan, Nicole Holmes, Lyah Muktavaram) took silver in 9:48.98. Also second: Francine Stevens (100, 12.41; 200, 25.05) and Dewitt (400, 59.68, personal record).

Francine Stevens won her 100 meter heat. (Photo/Barry Guiduli)

FCIAC champions! (Photo/Cari Moore)

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Beechwood Arts’ 2nd of 3 “Classical Smackdown Concerts is set for Thursday (May 27, 7 p.m.). Pianist Frederic Chiu will perform Bach vs. Glass — and an international audience will vote for their favorite.

Frederic’s first of 3 Classical Smackdown Concerts “Heart & Soul” was very exciting with interesting results from the first ever Global Smackdown Vote! The audience was truly global with people from Australia, China, Europe and all over the US!

Click here for details, and tickets.

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Westport Business Networking International (BNI) will sponsor a “Discover Your Well Being Expo” on June 16 (6 to 9 p.m., Salon Paul Michael, Westport).

The free event includes informational booths from a chiropractor, personal trainer, functional medicine specialist, organizer, clean crafted wine distributor, counseling service, plus beverages, hors d’oeuvres and interactive demonstrations.

BNI is a networking group of business professionals. They seek one new members in each of these categories: interior designer, home inspector, developer, heating and air conditioning contractor, chef, and attorneys who practice estate and elder law.

Email salonpaulmichael@gmail.com to register. Walk-ins are welcome too. For more information on BNI, click here.

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Terrapin is an aptly named Grateful Dead cover band. They’ve built a devoted area following.

And next month they’ll play a special, private, 100-person outdoor show, at Wakeman Town Farm. Fine food and themed beverages by Marcia Selden Catering are available for pre-purchase.

The June 26 event is a benefit for CLASP Homes, the great non-profit that helps people with disabilities. Click here for tickets.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Grayson Braun. She writes:

“This little guy has been hanging around our yard — probably because we are one of the few houses in our immediate area without a dog. He has enjoyed our grass, and the occasional hosta leaf.”

(Photo/Grayson Braun)

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And finally … I can’t believe I missed Bob Dylan’s 80th birthday yesterday. (I also can’t believe he is 80.)

I could link to dozens of his songs that have impacted my life. I could make an entire list of those with I’m-still-discovering-more-there lyrics (“Memphis Blues Again,” “Queen Jane Approximately,” “Desolation Row”), those with political power (“The Times They Are A-Changin’,” “Hurricane”), and those whose studio musicians are vastly underrated (“Like a Rolling Stone,” “Jokerman,” “Changing of the Guards”).

But I’ll narrow today’s selection down to 4 that, to me, define Bob Dylan. What are yours?

 

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Westport Needs Allyson Maida

Posted on July 14, 2017 | 8 comments

Years ago — when her daughter was in middle school — Allyson Maida heard about a girl who spotted a classmate wearing a sweater the first girl owned.

Her mother had donated it to a charity, which then gave it to needy families.

When she learned that the needy girl lived in Westport, the mother told her daughter not to hang out with her. The girl told classmates too that they shouldn’t be friends with a poor girl.

That story was a defining moment in Maida’s life.

Allyson Maida

Another one came when Maida — a longtime Westport psychotherapist — heard of a mother here who faced an agonizing decision: If she invited a few of her daughter’s friends over for a small birthday celebration, the family would have to skimp on food all week.

“Stories like that rocked my world,” Maida says.

When she became president of the local chapter of Business Networking International, she asked the organization to help.

“There are homeless kids in Westport,” she told the members. “They deserve your best.”

“People were astounded,” she says, recalling the reaction. “The perception is that there’s little to no need. But there are parents here work really hard to make ends meet. They just can’t.”

Maida knew that federal, state and town programs help. She was familiar with foundations, grants, and organizations like Homes With Hope. All do great work.

But they can’t cover everything. Maida’s goal was to provide discretionary funds for things no one else did. Like a cake for a birthday party. A fidget toy. Lessons or tutors, the same as wealthy kids get.

“All we want is for every kid to feel part of the community. They should enjoy childhood,” Maida says. “And hopefully we can lessen their parents’ stress too.”

Tomorrow (Saturday, July 15, 2 p.m.), BNI hosts a “Chill Out, Grill Out and Give” event at Greens Farms Elementary School. Everyone brings their own balls, frisbees, food and drinks (grills are provided). The $10 per person entry fee will help fund Maida’s project, aiding children served through Homes With Hope.

Response from organizations like the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Clubs and Westport Woman’s Club has been excellent.

“This is about more than asking for money,” Maida says. “We want people to show up. We need to raise awareness.”

But Maida has asked for money too. She went door to door, seeking funds from local businesses.

The reaction stunned her.

The first place — Earth Animal — opened the cash register, and gave her $20.

So did UPS next door.

Party Harty and Colonial Druggists did the same, without batting an eye.

Then she tried Fresh Market. That’s a national store — not a mom-and-pop, or locally owned franchise.

The manager heard her pitch. He handed her a water. Then he gave her $20 too.

“That’s Westport,” Maida says gratefully.

So — unfortunately — is real need. Most of us never see it.

Allyson Maida does. And she’s doing what she can to help.

(Tickets are available on site for tomorrow’s event. Children under 12 are free. For more information, email allyson@allysonmaida.com. The organizing committee includes Ernie Addario of Phillip Bruce Salon; Bill Hall of Kaiser-Battistone/Wind River Environmental; David Katz of Acsia Partners; Brian Gmelin of Paychex; Mark Moeller of The Recipe of Success, and John Clapps of Brand24.)

 

 

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Posted in Children, Economy, Local business, Organizations, People

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