Tag Archives: Westport Police Benevolent Association

Roundup: Float Winners, Baseball Winners, Scholarship Winners …

Posted on May 28, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Float Winners, Baseball Winners, Scholarship Winners …

Wrapping up yesterday’s great — and weather-dodged — Memorial Day parade:

For the first time since the Spanish-American War, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston did not win the “Best Float” award.

There’s a good reason: They were concerned that rain might damage their power connections.

Congratulations to the VFW: the new winner of the “Best Float” competition.

Other winners were:

  • Best Youth Group: Westport Little League
  • Best Community Organization: Staples High School and Bedford/Coleytown Middle School Marching Bands (tie)
  • Most Colorful Float: Westport Garden Club.

Congratulations to all!

 

The winning float. (Photo courtesy of Patty Kondub)

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Our Memorial Day parade is timeless.

Don’t believe me? Check out this video, sent by Mark Comden.

From 1960.

PS: He’s one of the little kids shown in the home movie.

Sure, a few things have changed. The real estate office is gone from the Riverside Avenue/Post Road West corner.

The fire truck that looked so modern in the last year of the Eisenhower administration might have been one of the “vintage” vehicles in yesterday’s parade.

But so much else is so familiar.

And probably will be 64 years from now, at the 2088 parade.

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The Staples High School baseball team are winners on and off the field.

On Sunday, members spent a rare day off buddying with the Westport Winners program.

They were supporting youngsters with disabilities, as they played against (and partied with) the Fairfield Red Storm.

From left: Staples classmates Max Jossen, Harrison Putman and Mikey Linn.

Wrecker head coach Jack McFarland was there too.

It was a grand slam, for sure.

From left: Longtime buddy/player pair Connor Brill and Henry Cashen.

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Want to keep the Saugatuck River beautiful?

Everyone is welcome to join the Saugatuck Church community this Sunday (June 2, 12:30 p.m.), on a clean-up mission.

The meeting place is Riverside Park (427 Riverside Avenue).

The clean-up involves wading in the river. Bring a reusable water bottle, gloves, long sleeves, pants and close-toed shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended.

To RSVP, and for questions, email Jberkowsky1@gmail.com.

Saugatuck River (Photo/Luisa Ismert)

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The Westport Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Foundation has awarded grants to 22 students attending college this fall.

Wilbur Scholarship applicants must be children of Westport Police Department officers, who have done community service and have a GPA of at least 3.0.

Recipients are Zoe Koskinas, Samuel and Jonathan Wolf, Madison and Gabrielle Hayes, Brandon Smith, Ava Wooldridge, Olivia and Grace Biagiotti, Sara Sabin, Samantha and Joseph Sabin, Meghan Velky, Jaden Aliberti, Emma and Jacqueline Kelley, Alexis Broderick, April and Edward Nowinski, and Zachary Benson.

The Foundation also awards Deputy Chief John Anastasia and Chief Bill Stefan Scholarships to Staples seniors who enter college in the fall to study law or a law enforcement-related field.  The scholarships recognize both community relations and athletic accomplishments.

This year’s honorees are Kervin Joseph and  and Juan Nieves, Jr.

The WPBA Scholarship Foundation thanks founders and principal donors Joan Poster and the late Dennis Poster.

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Staples High School’s Project Sunshine Club is part of a national organization that sends trained volunteers to visit children in hospitals nationwide and in Canada, Kenya and Israel.

The students are under 18, so they cannot volunteer themselves. Instead, the Staples club packs activity kits for children with medical challenges.

The 30 members plan a fundraiser that will appeal to many young people: a spikeball tournament. It’s set for June 15 at the Staples High School football field (noon).

Teams of 2 people can register, for just $20. There’s a $500 first prize.

All are welcome. Those who can’t attend (or are not spikeball players) are welcome to donate. Click here for the link to register and/or contribute.

PS: Staples’ Sunshine Club founder Max Saperstein has also helped start 17 similar clubs in high schools around the country. For information on how to start a Sunshine Club, email maxsaperstein@icloud.com.

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An intriguing show comes to Toquet Hall on June 7 (7 p.m.).

“Jackson Crash” is the creation of Jonathan Riedel. The artistic director of Riedel Dance Theater, and lead singer/songwriter of Rubber Skulls, embodies with pathos and irreverent humor a young man’s journey from bullying and parental neglect to discovering his queerness, starting a family, becoming a truck driver, and searching for his own identity -0 all while being chased by a ghost from his past.

After the 90-minute performance and refreshments, Riedel and 2 other creators the show will talk about the writing and development of the story, and how it relates to the audience’s lives.

The event is sponsored by Westport Pride. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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This week’s Jazz at the Post headliners are Harvie S. — a widely recorded bassist — and James Weidman, first call pianist for big names. They’re joined by fiery drummer Malik Washington and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows are Thursday, May 30, at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399. Dinner service begins at 7. The music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students.

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Every day, there’s a new bit of beauty to enjoy in Westport.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene comes from Roseville Road:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally …

And finally … happy 79th birthday to John Fogerty. I’ve played tribute to his band — Creedence Clearwater Revival — and I will again. So today I’ll honor his solo work. (PS: Thanks again for that great Levitt Pavilion concert in 2017. I’m still smiling.)

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Roundup: Prom, PBA, Weston Woodstock …

Posted on June 4, 2023 | 1 comment

Taylor Swift stepping out of her limo?

Nah.

It’s parents, snapping photos at a Staples High School prom pre-party.

Meanwhile, on the other side:

And at another party in town:

(Photo/Kimberly Paris)

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Speaking of parties: Hundreds of music lovers — and Senator Richard Blumenthal — jammed the Westport Library last night.

The launch party for Verso Studio’s initial album release — the first public library ever to record, produce and release a vinyl record — was a huge success.

Four bands played. Last night, Westport’s was the noisiest — and happiest — library in the world.

The Trefz Forum stage.

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Speaking of celebrations: The Westport Weston Family YMCA hosted its first-ever Holi Festival yesterday.

The Hindu tradition celebrates the eternal and divine love of the god Radha and Krishna. It also signifies the triumph of good over evil.

A large crowd — Hindu and many other religions — joined in the joy at the Mahackeno Outdoor Center.

(Photo courtesy of Ifeseyi Gayle)

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The Westport Police Benevolent Association has awarded scholarships to 19 (!) students. The WPBA Foundation suffered a great loss when longtime supporter Dennis Poster died last year. His wife Joan Poster remains involved, and helps the program thrive.

There are 3 types of scholarships, all worth $2,000. The Wilbur is awarded to Westport Police officers’ children who have done community service, and have a GPA of at least 3.0.

The Deputy Chief John Anastasia Scholarship is given to Staples High School seniors who will focus on criminal justice, and have done community service.  Caleigh Coughlin received that grant this year.

The Chief Bill Stefan Scholarship goes to a Staples High School senior who will focus on criminal justice, and participated in sports teams and activities. Olivia Stubbs earned that award this year.

PBA Scholarship honorees. Top row (left to right): Zachary Benson, Brandon Benson, Jonathan Wolf, Samuel Wolf, Zoe Koskinas, Madison Hayes. Bottom: Caleigh Coughlin, Jaden Aliberti, Ella Simpson, Gabrielle Hayes, Ann Restieri. Bot pictured: Olivia Biagiotti, April Nowinski, Joseph Sabin, Sara Sabin, Emma Simpson, Brandon Smith, Olivia Stubbs, Meghan Velky

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It’s tough to come up with an original fundraising idea.

Unless you’re Lauren and David Sussman.

On June 16, the Westport couple will do a “marathon walk-a-thon” — 26.2 miles — around town. “Steps_4life” will raise funds for United Hatzalah. The Israeli organization of 6,000 volunteer first responders — EMTs, paramedics and doctors — have responded to hundreds of thousands of medical emergencies, in rapid time, regardless of race or religion.

An “ambucycle” – equipped with supplies and equipment like an ambulance — can zip through traffic quicker than most ambulances.

They’ve been training hard. Before each practice walk they map out their route on Instagram (Steps_4life), inviting friends (and stranger) to join them for a bit.

For more information, and to help with the Sussmans’ campaign, click here. (Hat tip: Liz Kaner)

David and Lauren Sussman.

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Four local teen bands highlight the first “Weston Woodstock.”

Fittingly, it’s a benefit for music.

Weston High School junior and musician Sophie Levy created and designed the event as a fundraiser for KEYS. The organization supports music lessons and performances for under-resourced Bridgeport youth.

The June 24 event runs from 5 to 8 p.m., on the Weston History & Culture Center lawn.

Tickets are $15 adults, $30 per family (purchase at the door). Follow @WestonWoodstock on Instagram to keep up to date.

Sophie realized the importance of music education when a girl at School of Rock quit for financial reasons. Researching ways to help, she found KEYS, a non-profit.

Her goal for the event is $5,000, through tickets and sponsorships. For more information, contact Sophie: sophelevy@gmail.com; 475-470-9666.

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Registration is now open for the CT Challenge. The July 29 bike ride — with distances of 10, 25, 40, 62, 100 and virtual — raises funds for the local non-profit Mission. They help 16.9 million cancer survivors in Connecticut and throughout the US rebuild, improve and prolong their lives through exercise, nutrition, mind-body health and community-building support programs.

Click here to register. Click here for more information on the CT Challenge.

 

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On Friday, “06880” noted the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County Arts & Culture Empowerment (ACE) Award, which will be presented to Clea Newman on behalf of her parents, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward. The breakfast is June 21, at Norwalk Shore & Country Club.

Another Westporter will receive an ACE Award that day too.

Jenny Nelson has been a theatre and music educator for over 20 years. A former professor at City College of New York’s Graduate Program for Theatre Educators, she has worked with Long Wharf, The Shubert and Yale Rep, among many theaters.

Jenny also built the arts education program for the Westport Country Playhouse.

Jenny Nelson

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Nearly every time she walks, Johanna Keyser Rossi spots something unexpected.

Often, it ends up as a “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Here’s her image from the other day, by the Saugatuck River:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Redd Holt, a jazz drummer who played on several catchy, popular  hits, died recently in Chicago. He was 91, and suffered from lung cancer.

His biggest songs came in 1965, with the Ramsey Lewis Trio:

And 3 years later, with Young-Holt Unlimited:

 (“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Donations are tax-deductible. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Real Estate, Trash, YMCA …

Posted on August 20, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: Real Estate, Trash, YMCA …

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July’s real estate numbers are in.

According to Brown Harris Stevens, while the total number of closed homes declined from 96 to 69 from last year’s frothy July numbers — still the 2nd-highest number of closings for  the month since 2001 — the average closing price rose 19%, from $1,627,253 to $1,929, 908. That’s the highest for July since 2008.

Houses sold, on average, for 101% of the list price. That’s the 5th straight month the figure has surpassed 100%.

As of July 31, there were also 103 pending sales. Another 178 were listed as “active inventory.”

As for condos: 31 closed in July 2021, up from 22 the previous July. The average closing price for condos in the first 7 months of 2021 was $628,002, a rise of 34$ since the comparable period a year ago.

The total volume of house house and condo closings since January 1 is $644,692,685. That’s up a whopping 45% since the first 7 months of 2020. (Hat tip: Chuck Greenlee)

This 4-acre property on Beachside Avenue — once part of the JC Penney estate — is listed for $6,495,000. One drawback: It is not actually on the water.

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Lou Weinberg is best known as the chair of Westport’s Community Gardens.

But the Westporter’s stewardship of the earth extends to the water. He writes:

“A recent walk along Burying Hill Beach yielded an astronomical amount of garbage. The bag on the right was what my wife and I picked up. The garbage on the left was left by a generous donor or donors.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

“As I’m sure you can guess, there were plenty of single-use plastic bottles, bottle caps, aluminum cans, balloons, fishing line, food wrappers, etc. On this walk, we even saw a used diaper and the leftovers from somebody’s lunches.

“What one can do: The Burying Hill lifeguards gave us the bag. Perhaps others who are taking a stroll along the beach and beyond could bring their own bags, or get one from the guards. Any effort to bag the garbage may result in one less piece of plastic ingested by wildlife, and a cleaner environment. Nature deserves better.”

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Several years ago, the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club ordered a historical plaque, commemorating its Westport Historic District Commission Preservation Award of 2018 for the heritage of its building.

Delivery problems delayed the ceremony until this week. Westport Museum of History & Culture house historian Bob Weingarten — who made the presentation to former commodore Paul Rosenblatt — provides the backstory:

The SHYC clubhouse was originally a stable. It was built circa 1887 by Henry C. Eno, as part of his Queen Ann seaside summer estate.

The SHYC was established 1959 by J. Anthony Probst. He remodeled the stable into a clubhouse, with the help of landscape architect Evan Harding. During the 2018 presentation, the HDC noted that underwater marsh land was dredged to create a harbor. It was the first of its kind on the eastern seaboard to feature an underwater bubble system, allowing boats to remain moored year-round.

Former commodore Paul Rosenblatt, the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club plaque, and the historic clubhouse.

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As I walked out of the Y yesterday, a man approached.

“Is this the YMCA?” he asked.

Duh! I thought. What else would it be?

Then I looked around. There is virtually no signage anywhere.

There’s nothing on Wilton Road, or Merritt Parkway Exit 41 — the only 2 ways to enter the parking lot — that say “Welcome to the Westport Weston Family YMCA!”

The sign above the entrance reads “Bedford Family Center.” Who — including most members — knows that’s the name of the Y building.

High above the entrance — where no one looks, and besides, it’s very hard to make out — is the “Y” logo. But that’s it. It doesn’t even say “YMCA.”

I guess there really is no such thing as a dumb question.

Can you see the “Y” above the “Bedford Family Center” sign? (Photo/Dan Woog)

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No one likes to see a police cruiser in their rear view mirror.

But everyone should support the Westport Police Benevolent Association’s 3rd annual Car Cruise. It’s tomorrow (Saturday, August 21, 4 to 8 p.m., Saugatuck train station parking lot #1).

Cars of all years, makes and models are welcome. It’s a family-friendly event, with music, food trucks and a raffle.

The fee to enter and display a car is $20, with the funds earmarked for causes like the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Special Olympics, and Veterans & Families of Fallen Officers.

The first 100 cars receive a gift bag. Trophies will be awarded too.

A previous Westport PBA car rally

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In 2017, Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey broke a story about Westporter Harvey Weinstein in The New York Times. The smoldering #MeToo movement suddenly caught fire.

The 2 journalists will speak at the Westport Library’s inaugural fundraising event, “The Exchange: Conversations About The Issues of Our Time.” The October 5 (10 a.m.) event will be moderated by Westport corporate executive Joan Gillman,

Click here for more information, and tickets.

Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey.

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The other day, “Westport … Naturally” featured a snowy egret enjoying a meal. Today, we show one in flight.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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To purchase tickets or a table for this special event go to

And finally … speaking of the YMCA (as we were above): Maybe we need these guys as greeters in front.

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Roundup: Ear Piercing, Car Show …

Posted on August 12, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: Ear Piercing, Car Show …

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The Asian American and Pacific Islander group of Westport invites everyone to a free outdoor family event tomorrow (Friday, August 13, 4 to 6 p.m.), at MoCA Westport.

There’s an art presentation by local artist Rosie Jon; music with Westporter Stacie Morgain Lewis (Glenda from “Wicked”), and more.

This will be a very lucky Friday the 13th!

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Need your ear(s) piereced?

Rowan — already established in New York — opens in Westport location on Saturday. The store — at 47 Main Street — boasts “licensed nurses.” They also make home visits.

Click here for details.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Moms)

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Don’t care to get your ears pierced? Or looking for something to do afterward?

The Westport Police Benevolent Association hosts their 3rd Annual Car Cruise this Saturday evening )August 14, 4 to 8 p.m., Lot 1, Saugatuck train station).

All years and models are welcome (entry fee: $20). There’s music, JR’s good truck, Micallizi’s Italian ice, trophy awards and tons of raffle prizes. The first 100 cars receive goodie bags.

Funds raised help the PBA support non-profit organizations like the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Special Olympics, veterans and families of fallen officers.

Westport PBA car rally

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Speaking of police: The Westport department teamed up with ASF Sports recently, to collect items for the Gillespie Center. Cops and business doing something wonderful for folks in need: May the Force be with you!

Donations gratefully accepted.

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Today, “Westport … Naturally” shows chick #3 about to leave the Burying Hill Beach osprey nest.

(Photo/Peter Swift)

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And finally … today in 30 BC — a mere 2,051 years ago — Cleopatra died. She was 39.

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Roundup: Toy Drive, Y Pool, More

Posted on November 26, 2020 | 5 comments

If it’s Thanksgiving, it must be time for the Westport Police Department’s annual Toy Ddrive.

Local union 2080 and the Westport Police Benevolent Association are sponsoring the event. Each year, thousands of toys are distributed to underprivileged children throughout Fairfield County, and at Bridgeport and St. Vincent’s Hospitals.

Westport police officers will accept new, unopened and unwrapped toys at the ASF parking lot (1560 Post Road East) on the first 2 Saturdays and Sundays in December (5, 6, 12 and 13), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In addition, collection boxes will be set up now through December 14 at:

  • Age of Reason, 9 Post Road West
  • ASF Sports & Outdoors ,1560 Post Road East
  • Awesome Toys and Gifts, 429 Post Road East
  • The Toy Post, 180 Post Road East

Questions? Email anowinski@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-6000.

What a great gift for a kid!

Swimming at the Y has been my COVID happy place. Nothing like a pool-ful of chlorine to keep the coronavirus at bay.

No longer. The Westport Weston Family Y announced yesterday that effective immediately, both the lap and warm pools will be shut down indefinitely.

The decision was based on updated guidelines from the governor’s office. Under those rules, only 4 swimmers could be allowed at any time.

The wellness center, gymnastics center, group fitness classes and school-age childcare programs remain open.

The Westport Y pool will look like this for a while.

And finally … c’mon! You didn’t really expect anything different today, did you?

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Posted in Organizations, Police, YMCA

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4 Ways To Make A Difference

Posted on December 1, 2018 | 1 comment

Westporters care.

We care about our friends and neighbors. We care about kids and older folks in need, here and in nearby towns and cities.

We want to help — particularly in this holiday season.

But we don’t always know how.

Here are a few great ideas.

The Westport Police Department Local Union #2080 and Police Benevolent Association host an annual Holiday Toy Drive. Thousands of donations benefit underprivileged children throughout Fairfield County, and beyond.

Westport police officers will accept new, unopened and unwrapped toys — and cash donations — in the ASF Sports parking lot (1560 Post Road East) on Saturdays and Sundays, December 8, 9, 15 and 16, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Collection boxes will also be set up from Monday (December 3) through December 16, at:

  • Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road (24 hours a day)
  • Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • ASF Sports, 1560 Post Road East (weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sundays 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)

Questions? Email jruggiero@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-6017.

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Westport’s Department of Human Services annual, confidential Holiday Giving Program helps over 400 residents each year.

Donors contribute gift cards to local stores, supermarkets and gas stations. Cash donations are welcome too; Human Services staff uses them to make purchases for clients.

Checks (payable to “DHS Family Programs,” with “Holidays” on the memo line) and gift cards may be mailed to or dropped off at: Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Room 200, Westport, CT 06880.

For more information, email hsyouth@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1069. Individuals and families needing extra support during the holiday season should call 203-341-1050.

A new online option helps Westport’s most vulnerable residents this season — and beyond. Over 400 individuals and families in town meet the federal poverty level.

The “WeCare Westport” portal provides access to 7 funds:

The Barbara Butler Fund connects at-risk youth with enrichment opportunities.

The Residents in Need Fund provides emergency financial assistance for food, shelter, utilities, medical expenses and other critical needs to Westport residents meeting income guidelines.

The Senior Client Needs Fund serves seniors on limited or fixed incomes during periods of financial hardship.

The Family-to-Family Fund supports offers help with unforeseen expenses during times of financial hardship.

Toquet Hall, located downtown, offers social, cultural and recreational opportunities to teenagers.

Prevention and Educational Programming gives free education and awareness events addressing substance abuse, mental health and parenting education.

Donors who want to help but have no preference of which population to assist can direct funds to the Area of Most Need. This assists residents of any age, when most urgently needed.

To donate to any of these 7 funds, click here.

In recent years, Bridgeport’s Cesar Batalla School has become a favorite destination for Westporters hoping to help youngsters enjoy the holidays.

The school serves children in high poverty brackets. Some live in shelters. 100% are fed breakfast and lunch at school.

Their families have no money for basic necessities — let alone holiday gifts.

Westporters can provide some of those gifts, for children in pre-K through 3rd grade.

It’s easy: Click here to order online from Amazon. Orders from the Wish List will be shipped directly to the school. They are also accepting donations at the Family Resource Center in the school (606 Howard Avenue, Bridgeport).  Call 203-579-8526 for drop-off times. For more information, email blabrador@bridgeportedu.net.

In addition, Lucy’s (23 Jesup Road, next to Green and Tonic ) is taking donations for the Cesar Batalla School. Unwrapped new toys can be dropped off Mondays through Saturdays (10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays noon to 5pm).

If interested, act now! Gifts will be given by Santa on December 20.

In 2016, Westporters donated these gifts to the Cesar Batalla School.

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(These are only a few ways to help. To add your own favorite cause, click “Comments” below.)

 

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Man In Blue Wears Pink

Posted on September 30, 2017 | 4 comments

Foti Koskinas — Westport’s popular police chief — is a firm believer in the importance of community involvement. Under his leadership, the department is involved in a broad array of good causes.

As a leader, he knows the importance of walking the talk.

So it’s no surprise he’s part of Real Men Wear Pink. He’s honoring a friend fighting breast cancer — and advocating for his wife and 2 young daughters.

Foti’s goal is to raise $10,000. As of this morning, he’s nearly 40% there. (Click here to help.)

But he’s not the only cop raising awareness of the disease.

For the next few weeks, a pink Maserati will roll through town.

It’s not there to pull you over.

The eye-popping vehicle — courtesy of Maserati of Westport — reinforces that this October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

You can see it tomorrow at the Saugatuck train station (Sunday, October 1, 8 a.m. to noon). The Concours d’Caffeine is a fundraiser for the Westport Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Fund.

What goes around, comes around.

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Posted in Organizations, People, Police, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Cops Collect Toys For Tots

Posted on December 5, 2016 | 2 comments

As the holiday season roars into overdrive, we’re (happily) overwhelmed with ways to help the less fortunate. All across town, organizations do their part to bring a little joy to those who truly need it.

“06880” can’t mention all of them. But if you’re looking for one particularly worthy cause, here it is.

The Westport Police local union and Police Benevolent Association are holding their annual toy drive. Each year, they distribute thousands of gifts to children who otherwise would have none, in Fairfield County and beyond. It runs through December 16.

Collection boxes for new, unwrapped toys are set up at several locations:

  • Police headquarters, 50 Jesup Road, 24 hours a day.
  • Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • ASF Sports & Outdoors, 1560 Post Road East, store hours.
  • Whole Foods, 399 Post Road West, store hours.
  • Renato’s Jewelers, 1765 Post Road East, store hours.

In addition, police officers will be in the ASF parking lot the next 2 weekends (December 10, 11, 17, 18, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) to accept toys and cash donations.

And to personally thank you for your generosity.

Westport Police

 

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Help For The Holidays

Posted on November 13, 2011 | 1 comment

The holiday season has begun.  Local stores have “Christmas” (can I say that?) decorations up, and Wal-Mart — thankfully not a local store — has announced it will open at 10 p.m. Thanksgiving Day.

“Our customers told us they would rather stay up late to shop than get up early, so we’re going to hold special events on Thanksgiving and Black Friday,” Walmart’s chief merchandising officer said.  (No word on what Walmart’s hard-working, non-unionized workers associates think about punching in late on Thanksgiving night.)

While “06880” cannot become a bulletin board for every worthy help-the-less-fortunate endeavor this winter (bah, humbug!), 3 special events have caught our eye.

First:  Once again, the Conservative Synagogue is partnering with gourmet bakers, caterers and fine food outlets to provide Thanksgiving pies — while making a donation to Homes With Hope.

The “Share the Pie” fundraiser offers apple, pecan and pumpkin pies for $20.  The deadline to order is this Wednesday (November 16); pies can be picked up Tuesday, November 22 at the synagogue parking lot.

Click here to order, or call 203-454-4673.

Second:  The Department of Human Services is again sponsoring a holiday giving program for Westport residents.

Those who can contribute — gift cards for food, gas and discount department stores, for example, along with tax-deductible donations of money that’s used to fulfill last-minute requests — do so.  Human Services acts as a facilitator, protecting the confidentiality of donors and recipients.

To donate — or request help — email humansrv@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-1069.

Third:  The Westport Police Department local union 2080 and Police Benevolent Association are again sponsoring a toy drive.  New, unopened and unwrapped toys — as well as cash donations — will be collected at police headquarters any time through December 18.

There are plenty of ways to do good this holiday season.  These are just 3.

And none require a trip to Walmart at 10 p.m. Thanksgiving night.

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Haiti Hits Home

Posted on January 30, 2010 | Comments Off on Haiti Hits Home

For many Westporters, the news from Haiti is devastating, despondent — and distant.

For Wilgins Altera, it’s immediate, visceral, and all too real.

Wilgins Altera (Photo by Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com)

Born in Brooklyn to Haitian immigrants, at age 7 he moved with his family to Providence, Rhode Island.  He graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2007 with a degree in criminal justice, psychology and accounting.

Last February 2 — almost exactly a year ago — he was sworn in as an officer of the Westport Police Department.

Over 30 members of his extended family live in Port-au-Prince, or nearby.  All are accounted for — but 2 died in the earthquake’s rubble.

Many of his fellow officers did not know of Wilgins’ Haitian background.  As soon as they heard, they rushed to help.

“Everyone has been very concerned and supportive,” he said.  “They ask all the time how my family is doing.  They really care.”

A captain discussed the possibility of sending Wilgins to Haiti, to help.

The Police Benevolent Association raised funds for relief.  Many members donated generously.

Of course, help — through organizations like Save the Children and the Red Cross — is still needed.

“Every day there, people still need food and medicine,” Wilgins said.  “It’s great to see so many people involved.  And it’s not just Westport, but around the nation and the world.”

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