Thieves slammed a car into Westport Cigar & Vape early yesterday morning. They grabbed the cash register and some e-cigarette items, then fled.
Westport Police officers arriving at the shop between Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirits shortly after the alarm was activated at 4:50 a.m. found the front door smashed in.
Surveillance video showed 3 teenagers, wearing dark clothing, hoodies and gloves.
The incident is under investigation. Police are unsure if it is related to a similar incident — also yesterday morning — in Shelton.
An informational meeting to discuss flood mitigation measures and bridge replacements planned along Muddy Brook, from Hillandale Road to Greens Farms Road, is set for March 7 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Department of Public Works engineers, and the bridge project’s design engineer, will present the latest plans and findings. They’ll also answer questions from the public.
Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilerg@westportct.gov; 203-341-1128.
The Greens Farms Road bridge, at Muddy Brook. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)
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The Board of Finance will hold an informal budget workshop next Tuesday (February 27, 6 p.m., Westport Library).
They’ll discuss the 1st Selectwoman’s preliminary budget requests for the Department of Human Services, the Parks & Recreation Department/Wakeman Town Farm, and the Department of Public Works/Sewer Fund.
Wakeman Town Farm funding is on the Board of Finance workshop agenda. (Photo/Amy Schneider)
For kids at Wakeman Town Farm, spring* means spending time with baby animals, planting, and fun projects.
Click here for information on WTF’s youth program. Registration — via the Parks & Recreation Department website — begins at 9 a.m. on March 14. Click here to access that site.
The New York ensemble works in a dynamic blend of genres and art forms — whatever type of choral music is called for, whenever they’re called to perform.
This Saturday (February 24, 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport), they’ll perform a world premiere a cappella concert. Their theme this year is “Changing,” and the show includes a wide variety of musical genres.
There’s a light reception afterward, with group members.
The suggested ticket price is $25. Click here to order. For more information, click here.
Warrior posed near the Compo Beach war memorial — the cannons honoring our battle against the British in 1777 — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
(Photo/Cohl Katz)
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And finally … Randy Sparks, a founder of the long-lived and influential New Christy Minstrels, died Sunday in San Diego. He was 90.
“On Tuesday, in an effort sponsored by Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation, a few of us, including my friend Deborah Slade, met to tie blue ribbons around light poles and similar structures in town, to both heighten and maintain awareness of the hostages still being held in Gaza.
“I spent my time tying up the eastbound side of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. Someone followed me later on the other side, with ‘kidnapped’ posters. We didn’t work together, but it works well together.
“Blue ribbons will be going up all over town. Anyone who wants to tie one to a tree in their yard can get ribbons from Temple Israel or the Jewish Federation in Bridgeport.
“With all the fighting going on, not just in Israel/Gaz but all over the world, in the streets and on campuses and in coffee shops, we can’t forget the innocents trapped in those tunnels, fighting for their freedom, very possibly fighting for their lives … if indeed they are still living.”
Blue ribbons on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Jennifer Wolff)
Just in time for the holidays: Westport’s Department of Human Services’ Giving Program is back.
Donations from community members are a huge help to Westport families facing financial hardship. Dozens of families with school-aged children benefit each year from the program.
This year, rising costs for food, housing and fuel has added strains to many local budgets.
Gift cards and cash donations are matched with families, who then purchase food and simple holiday gifts for their children. Some also buy toiletries, shoes and clothing. Beneficiaries are anonymous.
The program enables parents to personalize their presents, and participate fully in the holiday season.
Residents and organizations can donate cash, checks or gift cards to the “Family to Family Seasonal Holiday Giving Program” online (click here). Contributions can also be dropped off (by appointment) at Town Hall, or mailed to the Department of Human Services c/o Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Westport residents facing financial difficulties can contact Human Services at 203-341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov for confidential assistance.
Westport’s newest stop signs are at the 3-way intersection of Greens Farms Road and New Creek Road (the one that goes underneath I-95, past the train station, and on to Beachside Avenue).
Several “06880” readers were surprised.
The Board of Selectwomen authorized the signs because school buses are now parked at the station. They go in and out often, as cars zoom past on Greens Farms Road.
Or at least, they did zoom.
The new stop signs, looking east. (Photo/Matt Murray)
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Speaking of speeding (and other broken laws):
Westport Police made 6 custodial arrests between November 1 and 8.
A man was arrested for burglary, and conspiracy to commit burglary, after officers responded to a home security alarm.
A man was arrested for burglary and larceny after police responded to a burglary at Greens Farms Academy, and vandalism at the nearby Greens Farms train station.
A woman was arrested for burglary, after a resident awoke to find someone ransacking her kitchen.
A woman was arrested for following too closely and driving under the influence (marijuana and alcohol), after a motoro vehicle accident on Saugatuck Avenue near the train station.
Two men were arrested on warrants for failure to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Traveling too fast for conditions: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Violation in a construction zone: 2
Failure to obey traffic commission signals: 2
Allowing possession of alcohol by a minor: 1
Speeding: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Illegal use of tinted glass: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
Violation of license class: 1
Operating a motorcycle without endorsement: 1
If you ride a motorcycle, you better have the proper endorsement on your license. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
Over a dozen priceless works of art by Rembrandt, Vermeer and Degas disappeared from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston in the early hours of March 18, 1990.
Just before 2024’s WestportREADS selection “The Art Thief,” by Michael Finkel, comes Westport Library’s “Vanished” program (November 16, 7 p.m).
40 million Americans are food insecure — including 345,000 Connecticut residents.
Yet 30 to 40% of food in America is wasted, and 70% of that food is edible. Food waste is responsible for 8% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the US.
Haley Schulman, from the Fairfield County office of Food Rescue USA, told the Westport Rotary Club this week that donating food is the best way to both feed our communities and protect our planet.
Food Rescue has saved 44 million pounds of food and 33 million meals in Fairfield County since its inception in 2011. They do it by picking up leftover food from stores, restaurants and schools, and delivering it to pantries and shelters.
For more information on Food Rescue, click here or email Haley@foodrescue.
Haley Schulman, at the Westport Rotary Club.
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It may be late to feature a great blue heron in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
But this guy hasn’t yet flown south, from his perch on the Saugatuck River.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
Hurry up, dude. It will be winter before you know it!
By a 29-6 margin Tuesday night — and following 2 hours of debate — the Representative Town Meeting turned down a petition by resident John McCarthy.
If passed, the measure would have compelled the RTM moderator to place on the agenda any matter brought to it by 20 electors. Defeat of the measure now allows the moderator discretion in whether or not to bring a petition before the body.
McCarthy told “06880”: “This statement by the RTM invalidates over 150 years of precedent and takes away the right of Westport voters to petition the town government on matters that they find important.
“This is a low point for the RTM and the individual members who voted against making a statement that would have affirmed a right of Westporters which has been assumed to exist for generations.”
RTM moderator Jeff Weiser told “06880”: “Despite a lot of the concern by certain residents during this challenge to the way the RTM has always acted, the RTM, through its impressive volunteer members, will continue to be an extraordinary, transparent, democratic institution that Westport will be proud of. “
Westport’s Department of Human Services and Domestic Violence Task Force honor it by collecting used cell phones and iPads, to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Norwalk and Stamford.
The DVCC provides free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children in Westport, Weston and surrounding towns.
Used cell phones or iPads are given to clients to assure their safety, and avoid tracking by their abuser. Devices should be no more than 4 years old, and reset to factory settings.
Donation bins are located at Westport Town Hall and the Senior Center. they’re available weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Other events this month include:
Tomorrow (Friday, October 6, 11 a.m.): A Domestic Violence Month proclamation at the Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road.
Wednesday, October 18 (7 p.m., Senior Center): The DVTF hosts a screening and discussion of “The Fire That Took Her.”
Thursday, October 19: Wear purple and get coffee with the Domestic Violence Awareness sleeve at Kneads, Garelick & Herbs, Coffee An’, The Porch and Winfield Street Coffee; then snap a selfie and join the social media campaign with the hashtag #purplethursday, and tag @DVCCCT and @WESTPORTDOMESTICVIOLENCETASKFORCE on Facebook.
For more information on all events, click here or email humansrv@westportct.gov. To get involved with the Domestic Violence Task Force, email jcabana@westportct.gov.
Cell phones can be lifesavers for domestic violence victims.
For 5 days only — tomorrow (Friday) through Tuesday, October 10 — there’s a special sale: 25% off $45 tickets.
The event includes light bites, and music by Band Central. All proceeds benefit CLASP’s mission of providing loving homes and inspirational opportunities for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Costumes are optional. For tickets and more information, click here.
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It’s been 18 months since Charlie Capalbo died, a month before his 24th birthday.
But the Fairfield hockey player — and grandson of Westport writer Ina Chadwick — continues to be remembered, and memorialized, every day.
He battled acute myelogenous leukemia for 5 years. He was in remission 3 times, and survived several life-threatening complications.
He maxed out every chemo, radiation, immunotherapy available. A bone marrow transplant from his younger brother Will in 2019 bought him some good time.
He overcame lower extremity paralysis from treatment twice, relearning to walk both times while at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
Friends and strangers are raising funds for AML research. They’re nearing the $500,000 mark.
Will is now the men’s lacrosse graduate assistant coach at Jacksonville University. He’s gotten the entire program involved.
Over the years, Wakeman Town Farm’s Harvest Fest has “grown” to become one of the best fundraisers, in a town that has plenty of them.
This year’s event (Saturday, September 9, 6 p.m.) will again feature season fare by local farmers and chefs, wine and signature cocktails, live music, auctions and more.
The food station setup encourages mixing and mingling. Seating in the outdoor tent is limited; tickets go fast. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Season 3 of Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” includes an all-star cast: Meryl Streep, Martin Short, Steve Martin and Paul Rudd.
And — to keep things interesting — this season the “murder investigation” heads to Broadway.
To do that element right, the New York Times says, producers “enlisted the aid of a musical theater supergroup led by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on ‘Dear Evan Hansen’ and ‘La La Land.’”
Before earning “supergroup” status, Justin was a kid — okay, a rising star even then — in Westport.
He graduated from Staples High School in 2003.
He likened the “Only Murders” experience to “theater camp.”
He told the Times: “It was just through and through a Broadway experience — there are just cameras filming it. There was that same sort of ensemble sense, whether it was Meryl or Paul Rudd or Marty or Steve, that everybody was making this show together.”
The show debuted Wednesday. Click here for the full New York Times story. (Hat tip: John Nathan)
Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards. (Photo/Paul Drinkwater NBC)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 2 and 9.
A man was arrested for illegal possession of personal information, illegal trafficking in personal information, and identity theft, following a complaint by a resident that a check had been altered and cashed.
Police also issued the following citations:
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 5 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Simple trespass: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
One person was arrested for trespassing this week.
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Westport’s Department of Human Services’ annual Back-to-School and Afterschool Childcare Campaign for families in need is underway.
Director Elaine Daignault calls the effort “a reminder that many local families struggle to afford basic school supplies, new clothing, and in some cases reliable afterschool care for their children throughout the school year.
“In addition to giving kids the tools for success in school, we recognize the importance of safe and nurturing environments for children outside school hours. Children involved in after-school programs with their peers feel more connected to the community and perform better in school. Reliable childcare allows parents to focus on their jobs with peace of mind, knowing their children are well cared for and engaged in enriching activities.”
Tax-deductible contributions can be made in 3 ways:
Online: Click here, then click “Family to Family Programs – Seasonal Program.”
Check: Payable to “Town of Westport Human Services” (Family Programs – “BTS” or “Afterschool Program” in the memo line); mail to 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
Walmart gift cards: Drop off or mail to Westport Human Services, Room 200 at Town Hall (see above address).
School supplies help children academically — and socially.
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Koda lives near the beach. He usually hangs out at Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
Yesterday he ventured out to the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Unfortunately, he saw this sign:
(Photo/Jim Hood)
OMG! I guess it’s back to the beach …
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Speaking of the Sound:
The Congregation for Humanistic Judaism’s next “Havdalah on the Beach” is tomorrow (Saturday, August 12, 6;30 p.m., Compo).
Bring your own dinner, and a chair or blanket. CHJ provides cold drinkds and dessert.
What can you expect? “A short Havdalah service, and a lovely relaxed evening with friends,” CHJ says.
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Mushrooms are a prime Westport Farmers’ Market attraction.
Sunil Hirani took several photos yesterday. This was one of the best — definitely “Westport … Naturally”-worthy.
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
I’m sure he bought some of the very photogenic ‘shrooms too.
Patty Haberstroh — a longtime beloved Westporter, who in decades of service touched the lives of countless residents, and whose courageous 6-year battle against ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) inspired many more — died peacefully on Monday, at Yale New Haven Hospital. She was 73.
Patricia Clark Haberstroh’s 20 years as a social worker in Westport’s Department of Human Services were dedicated to helping others in need.
Patty Haberstroh
As family program coordinator, Patty ran and supported countless important initiatives: the annual Back-To-School program that offers backpacks, school supplies and shoe store gift cards to hundreds of children from low-income families; the Family Holiday Giving program, which provides Westport children in need with holiday gifts; the Westport Mentor program; summer camperships; after-school scholarships; Thanksgiving dinner donations; MLK Day basketball clinics; Minds in Motion, and Prom and Graduation Gowns programs.
Patty also took immense pride in volunteer work for Westport’s public schools, serving as PTA president of Coleytown Elementary and Staples High Schools, and on the PTA Council.
One of her proudest achievements was as a member of an ad hoc committee to reject a referendum attempt to cut town education expenses by $1 million in the mid-1990s.
Around that time, Patty also was a key member of the “new” Staples High School planning committee.
She was a masterful storyteller and, most importantly, a trusted colleague and friend. In Westport, she cultivated a vibrant community of true friendships built and tended to over a myriad of Friday Pizza Nights.
Her dogged commitment to helping others was only bolstered in October 2017, when she was diagnosed with her terminal illness.
Faced with a degenerative disease with no cures or effective treatments, Patty sought to reverse that fate for current and future generations of people living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Shortly after her devastating diagnosis, Patty became an influential leader in the ALS community through her relentless advocacy and fundraising efforts. She and her family launched the viral #ALSPepperChallenge campaign on social media, raising over $1 million for ALS research, largely benefiting the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI).
Thousands of supporters from around the world posted videos of themselves eating hot peppers in honor of Patty, and to raise awareness for ALS. Celebrities like Kelly Clarkson, Jimmy Kimmel, Andy Cohen, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley participated in the challenge, chomping on jalapeños and habaneros on national television.
Patty never liked spicy food, but happily devoured it for the cause.
Patty Haberstroh and others suffering from ALS were honored by NASDAQ in New York City, in 2018.
Patty was deeply honored to receive ALS TDI’s 2018 Stephen Milne Adventurous Spirit Award for her selfless advocacy, and MDA’s Wings Over Wall Street Spirit Award in 2020.
Her unwavering tenacity inspired her sons to help launch a grassroots Lou Gehrig Day committee. Beginning in 2021, they established an annual awareness day every June 2, in honor of Lou Gehrig and across all of Major and Minor League Baseball.
There are only 3 such days in MLB, where a league-wide athlete and associated cause is celebrated by all teams.
Born November 23, 1949 in New York City, Patty was the daughter of the late William Lee Clark and Patricia Braden Clark, who nicknamed young her “The Unsinkable Molly Brown” and “Pollyanna.”
The oldest of 4 children, Patty attended Darien High School, then graduated from Smith College with a BA in government.
An avowed feminist, Patty started her career in finance at Bank of Boston. Upon hearing that her male trainee counterparts earned more than female trainees, she marched into Human Resources.
After hearing traditional arguments of why the pay imbalances were justified, Patty successfully secured equal pay for all.
In Boston she met her husband Charlie Wesley Kelakos Haberstroh, who was also a banker.
When Patty and Charlie married in September, 1974, she relocated to Chemical Bank in New York — appropriately enough in Human Resources, to manage the Performance Evaluation Function.
After the birth of her second child, she requested a part-time job. When her employer asked her to reconsider, pointing out she would have to give up her management job, she said she would accept only a part-time job in order to tend to family. When informed there was no part-time job, Patty requested the bank to create one.
They did.
In 1986, with 4 children under the age of 6 in tow — including twin newborns — Patty and Charlie moved the family to São Paulo, Brazil, to support Charlie’s career.
After 4 1/2 years there, and becoming fluent in Portuguese, the Haberstrohs moved to Westport, where she committed her life to public service and education.
Patty is survived by Charlie, her husband of 49 years and caregiver for 6; her children Chuck (Jacqueline Horelik) of Westport; Steve (Erin Graves) of New Canaan; Kim O’Sullivan (Philip) of Norwalk; Tom (Allison Hall) of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandchildren Charlie, Lane, Eve and Grace of Westport; McIntyre (Mac) and Walker of New Canaan; Jonathan O’Sullivan of Norwalk; Madelyn and Molly of Charlotte, NC; her younger brothers William (Susan), Hayes (Clare) and Robert Clark; nieces Katie, Debbie and Joanie, and nephews Braden, Lee and Christopher.
(“06880” covered the explosive growth of the #ALSPepperChallenge, in Westport and around the world. Click here for some of the stories about the global event.)
And MoCA, The Residence, Lululemon, Nômade, Le Rouge Chocolates, Fleet Feet, the Senior Center and Michaels.
Now — with Westport’s Department of Human Services’ “Spring into Employment” initiative — there’s an opportunity for many more local businesses to do it too.
“It” is increasing the talent pool by posting a position on the town website.
The Porch hires people with disabilities — and sources its great bakery products from Sweet P, which does the same.
Want to hire someone with a disability, but not sure how they’d fit in, or what accommodations you’d need to make?
Human Services offers a consultation service. Click here for more information.
E4E is a collaboration between Human Services, Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities, and local businesses. It rose from the need for more meaningful employment opportunities for residents with disabilities, and research highlighting the benefits of hiring them.
“Many Westport businesses already enjoy the benefits of employing people with disabilities,” says commission member Joe Anastasi.
“Our employees come to work on time and with enthusiasm. The result is a more upbeat work culture, and greater consumer loyalty.
“There is a surplus of qualified local workers with disabilities seeking employment. They thrive in workplaces that take the time to get to know them, provide training opportunities, and ultimately come to value their unique contributions.
Westport Book Shop is a leader in hiring people with disabilities.
The list of available positions has grown rapidly, since Employment for Everyone began in March 2022.
Now it’s time to “Spring into Employment” even more.
For more information on the E4E initiative, call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to support our work.)
Staples High School’s boys basketball team plays in its first state tournament final in — are you sitting down? — 86 years.
Tipoff is 6:15 p.m. (Sunday), at the Mohegan Sun arena. The Wreckers — seeded 7th in Division II — face #1 St. Bernard’s-Uncasville.
The game can be heard on WWPT-FM (90.3) and wwptfm.org. The expert announcing team includes seniors Jack Ginsburg and Colin Menninger.
You can watch it on the proprietary Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) website, but must subscribe ($11.99 a month; cancel anytime); click here for details.
Staples got to the finals with an astonishing 18-point, 4th-quarter comeback in the semifinals against Fairfield Warde.
The winning basket came after sophomore Adam Udell stole an inbounds pass, then calmly finished a layup.
Here’s a remarkable photo. It shows Udell scoring; a Warde player on the ground, after falling trying for the pass — and the scoreboard showing both the tied score, and the time left: 13.5 seconds.
(Photo/Michelle Garrity)
Meanwhile, I could not find a photo of the state championship 1937 team. But here’s one from the next winter (1938).
Legendary coach Roland Wachob is in the middle. The squad included George “Nooky” Powers, considered one of the greatest Staples athletes of all time.
1938 Staples High School basketball team. (Photo courtesy of “Staples High School: 120 Years of A+ Education,” by Dan Woog)
Townwide restriction on gas-powered leaf blowers begin May 15, and run through October 15.
The devices can only be used weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3.m., and not at all on Sundays or holidays. (Longer hours are allowed for homeowners doing their own yard work.)
Wakeman Town Farm wants to make Westporters (and their landscapers) aware.
To make some noise, they’re raffling off a state-of-the-art EGO electric leaf blower.
Tickets are $20 each. Proceeds benefit WTF’s educational and sustainability programs. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
The winner will be announced on (of course) Earth Day: April 22.
“I brought this topic a year and a half ago. I was told it would be an easy repair — and it had already been approved in the town budget.
“It never happened. So I’m asking again:
“Please repair PJ Romano Field.”
She sent along this message, from “a group of concerned moms”:
“The field — managed by Parks & Rec — should be a safe place for children. But it’s not. There are at least 19 cracks they can trip over.
One of the many large cracks at PJ Romano Field.
“Located between Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools, it’s a great place for sports.
“Elementary school children love to ride scooters and bicycles. But they end up with scraped and bloody knees, hands and elbows, because of deep, big cracks. There’s a bigger accident waiting to happen.
“Spring is arriving. Kids will be coming out again. Please make it safe.”
Turnout was great at last night’s MoCA Westport opening reception. The new “Rainbow in the Dark” exhibition features 20 works of German contemporary artist Anselm Reyle, including a neon exhibition.
His works also include foil and strip paintings, and sculptures. Remnants of consumer society, discarded materials, symbols of urbanity, and industrial change are key.
“Rainbow in the Dark” is on view through May 28. Docent-led tours are held Thursdays at 1 p.m. Drop-in docent-led tours are available every Saturday and Sunday, including a Sunday drop-in interactive tour for families.
And “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson” is wholesome family entertainment.
The Coleytown Company production opens March 31 (7 p.m., Coleytown Middle School). Additional shows are April 1 (1 and 7 p.m.), and April 2 (1 p.m.). Click here for tickets.
Ellie Arber is Charon in Coleytown Company’s “Lightning Thief.”
The Circle of Friends’ 17th annual fundraising dinner will honor more than 150 local teen volunteers. All share friendships with people with special needs.
The event is April 23 (5:30 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club). There’s entertainment, and a special “Heart of Friendship” video.
The gala will take place Sunday, April 23 at 5:30 PM at the Westport Women’s Club, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT. Stephen Schwartz, [resident of Westport’s Promark Group, is the guest of honor.
High School seniors from Staples High, Weston, Wilton and Greenwich will receive Fellowship Awards for their combined 4,000 “friendship volunteer hours”.
Circle of Friends is an all-volunteer organization that involves children teens and adults with special needs in a wide range of social programs and weekly play dates. Over 300 families are involved.
For reservations, sponsorship opportunities, ads in the virtual journal or more information, click here, call 203-293-8837 or email cof@circleoffriendsct.org.
And finally … I never heard of Jim Gordon. But his New York Times obituary is fascinating. It says:
Jim Gordon, a talented but troubled drummer who was ubiquitous in the recording studios of the 1960s and ’70s and who, as a member of Eric Clapton’s band Derek and the Dominos, helped write the romantic ballad “Layla” — but who suffered from schizophrenia and spent nearly 40 years in prison, convicted of murdering his mother — died on Monday in a prison medical facility in Vacaville, Calif. He was 77….
When people say that Jim Gordon is the greatest rock ’n’ roll drummer who ever lived,” Mr. Clapton wrote in “Clapton: The Autobiography” (2007), “I think it’s true, beyond anybody.
As a member of the talented “Wrecking Crew” group of Los Angeles studio musicians, he worked on recordings like John Lennon’s “Imagine,” George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass,” and the Beach Boys’ “Pet Sounds.” Click here for his full obituary.
(Good luck to the Staples boys basketball team. They’ve already proven themselves champions. You can be a champ too — just click here to contribute to “06880.” Thank you! PS: Go Wreckers!
Posted onJanuary 23, 2023|Comments Off on School Mentors Get High Marks
Back in the (pre-pandemic) day, 26 mentors met weekly with Westport public school student mentees. They shared lunch, played games, developed friendships, and impacted each other’s lives.
But 2 years in which schools were closed to visitors diminished the ranks. Today, there are just 5 mentor/mentee pairs.
Annette D’Augelli wants to raise those numbers.
As mentor program coordinator for Westport’s Department of Human Services, she’s seen the power of mentorship.
Since its start more than a dozen years ago by Patty Haberstroh, the program has grown to encompass grades kindergarten through 12, at all Westport schools.
Potential mentors are interviewed and vetted. D’Augelli then works with counselors and teachers to match adults and students, by gender and interests like sports or movies.
Meetings take place during the day, at mutually convenient times. For elementary schoolers that’s usually during lunch, in the library, a classroom or on the playground.
Middle schoolers don’t like missing lunch with friends, so meetings take place at other times. Staples students’ schedules change daily, so that’s another challenge.
Mentor meetings are about 45 minutes long, and friendship-based. The pair play games or talk; it’s not a time for homework or tutoring.
Mentees often come from single-parent homes, or for some other reason need another adult in their lives.
Matches may last long past graduation (which mentors proudly attend). Several mentors have been invited to weddings of mentees.
It may take a while for the relationship to develop. One boy spent 4 years never saying “thank you” or “I’m glad you’re here.” But the mentor kept modeling that behavior.
Recently, the youngster shook his mentor’s hand, and said “thanks.” That’s not why mentors sign up — yet it was an important moment nonetheless.
Annette D’Augelli
Every year, Human Services hosts a party for volunteers in all departmental programs. Last year, a mentor asked her very shy mentee if she wanted to meet 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
The next day, the girl excitedly told all her friends that she’d met “the mayor of Westport.”
D’Augelli says that many teachers report the mentor program leads to increased participation in class — and greater student confidence too.
“This is so important — especially now, as we’re coming out of COVID,” the coordinator says.
“Everyone needs someone to bounce things off of who is not a parent. They need to have conversations with adults who are their number one fans.”
Though some mentors are retired, adults of any age can apply. The time commitment is small — 30 to 45 minutes once a week (or even once every 2 weeks).
The impact is enormous.
And it lasts a lifetime.
Interested in becoming a mentor? Email adaugelli@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1183.
(“0688o” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Fairfield resident — and, for the past 11 years, Weston Senior Activities Center director — was announced today as the new director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
Pfister — who led Westport’s Senior Center for 36 years — retired December 31.
Wendy Petty
Petty led Weston’s Senior Center expansion through fundraising, capacity-building and advocacy. She established partnerships with local organizations, volunteer networks, colleagues and social services agencies, to develop innovative social and recreational opportunities for seniors.
Originally from Southern California, Petty and her husband Jim raised their children in Weston. She has a BA in counseling and human Services from Notre Dame de Namur University.
In addition to her specialty in senior services, Petty has experience in non-profit operations, team leadership, grant and program development, and budget administration.
“I am very happy to welcome Wendy to Westport’s Center for Senior Activities,” says 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. “She brings professional expertise, operational management and local knowledge to the Human Services team and, most importantly, to the WCSA.”
Petty says, “I am very excited to join WCSA’s team and look forward to building on their success as an exemplary hub for local seniors. Together, we will continue to provide the best possible care and service to the senior community.”
In her free time Petty enjoys running, taking long walks with friends, and spending time with family. She and her husband are active in the local car enthusiast community, and enjoy weekend rallies on the back roads of Connecticut.
Westport Senior Center
“The Senior Center’s success can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a Town administration that prioritizes seniors, participants who both contribute and drive programming, and our professional staff members who facilitate connections and run the programs day in and day out,” says Human Services Department director Elaine Daignault, which oversees the Senior Center.
“Under Sue Pfister’s leadership, the WCSA’s dedicated team helped to build the center of Westport’s dreams.
“Today, we prepare for a new era of growth and prosperity for our most esteemed senior residents. I could not be more excited to welcome Wendy to the team.”
In addition to Petty’s appointment — effective February 1, 2023 — Tooker promoted Holly Betts to assistant director of the Senior Center, and Jason Wilson to program specialist, effective immediately.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker returns, for another Y’s Men of Westport and Weston podcast.
This week she answers questions sent in by residents about traffic impacting the downtown plan, and whether it will include a study.
She also discusses the very important role the Department of Human Services plays in town, offering financial and support services to families in need.
It’s especially important during the holidays, when economic and other pressures are strong. Tooker provides important information about DHS programs, and how to access them.
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