Sure, the weather is unseasonably warm for late fall.
But winter will come. So will heating bills.
The Westport Warm-Up Fund helps income-qualified households handle those expenses. The program is essential for residents whose earnings fall narrowly above state income guidelines. Though ineligible for state or federal assistance, they still need help with utility costs.
Funds come from individuals, businesses and community organizations.
Westport Department of Human Services Elaine Daignault says, “Warm-up donations allow our department to assist our ‘invisible; neighbors in need. Despite a wealth of resources, many neighbors quietly struggle to keep the lights on and their houses warm.”
Tax-deductible donations can be made online (scroll down to top item), or by mail to Westport Warm-Up Fund, Department of Human Services, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport CT 06880. Questions? In need of assistance? Call 203-341-1050.
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Westport Sunrise Rotary’s 33rd annual “Westport Uncorked” — an international wine tasting — packed The Inn at Longshore last night.
Over 100 sustainable, organic wines were served, along with plenty of hors d’oeuvres.
Proceeds aid Sunrise Rotary’s charitable work, locally and abroad. It’s one of 2 major fundraisers (the other is the Great Duck Race).
We’ll drink to that!
Wine importer David Squires’ table was one of 18, serving a wide variety of sustainable, organic wines.
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The Constitution is a huge topic of national conversation, in the run-up to this year’s presidential election.
On Monday (October 28, 7 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts Akhil Reed Amar.
The Yale University law and political science professor, and noted Constitutional scholar, will discuss his book “The Words That Made Us: America’s Constitutional Conversation, 1760-1840.”
He’ll also cover a wide range of topics, including the Electoral College, the pardoning power of the presidency, presidential immunity, and the role and shaping of the judiciary. After the talk, Professor Amar will answer questions about the Constitution.
Also at the Library: a display of campaign buttons and other presidential memorabilia (including a metal button from George Washington’s inauguration!).
It’s a fascinating exhibit. We vote that everyone should see it.
Professor Akhil Reed Amar, with author Stephen Bowling.
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Speaking of the Library: Their huge book sale begins next Friday (November 1). Click here for details.
But those books don’t just fall from the sky. It takes volunteers — lots of them — to make it happen.
Who can volunteer? You!
The Library needs help October 29-31 unpacking and shelving books; sorting; moving tables, and opening boxes.
During the sale, help is needed. And then more picking up, packing and cleaning up.
Click here to sign up, and for more information.
Set-ups like this don’t just happen.
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The United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston has an exciting weekend ahead.
Tomorrow (Saturday, October 26, 1 to 3 p.m.), kids up to age 12 enjoy “Trunk or Treat.”
The public is invited. Admission is free; donations of cash or 3-5 food items for local pantries are a “treat” for neighbors.
Youngsters can wear costumes, for a fun, safe, “non-scary” Halloween event. To host a trunk, email george.hanze@gmail.com.
On Sunday (October 27, 4 p.m.), Jazz Vespers brings together live music, inspiring poetry and Scripture. Musicians include: Malin Carta (saxophone), John Hoddinot (guitar), Matthew Munzner (bass) and Conor Brennan, drums. A free will offering for the music program will be received.
Trunk or Treat, at the United Methodist Church.
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Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White headline the next Voices Café (November 2, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
Wheeler is a gifted singer-songwriter, and a storyteller with a great sense of humor. Her songs are often emotional portraits of people.
White has a deep career as a singer-songwriter, pianist and guitarist,
Voices Café concerts support the church’s social justice programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Cheryl Wheeler and Kenny White.
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Here’s a “snapshot” of last weekend’s Photography Fine Art Fair, at MoCA CT:
The wide variety of talented photographers and subjects drew over 250 attendees. Many Westporters were showcased — and enjoyed the show.
Westport photographers at the MoCA CT show (from left): Larry Silver, Tom Kretsch, Art Nager, Ashley Skatoff.
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Longtime Westport resident Bryan Alix died October 3. He was diagnosed with sarcoma cancer last year. He was 69.
Bryan represented many ocean shipping lines. His family says: “He always found a way to deliver the most logistically difficult cargo, ranging from food aid to turbines to houses to locomotives, to ports from Egypt to Tajikistan and everywhere in between. It was impossible to stump him on questions of geography and geopolitics. His stories of shipping on the high seas are legendary.”
Bryan earned a BA in economics from Columbia University, and an MS in international transportation management from SUNY Maritime College. He served on the Maritime Association NATO Panel of Ocean Shipping, as a US delegate.
Bryan played softball with the Westport Boys of Summer, and was a member of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. He was a soccer coach for Westport teams, an umpire for Westport Little League, and he continued his college passion of ice hockey by coaching at Wonderland of Ice.
His family says, “Bryan was the most reliable friend to anyone in need, and the person everyone wanted at their dinner table with stories and laughter guaranteed.”
He is survived by his wife Jane, sons Daniel (Michelle) of Redondo Beach, California, and Andrew (Allie Gluck) of Seattle; grandson Liam; sister Suzanne Lockhart (Jim), sister Maryann Finn (Dan); brother Charles Alix (Julie), and nieces and nephews.
A memorial will be held November 2 (1 p.m., Westport Woman’s Club). Donations in his name may be made to Westport Emergency Medical Service; Wonderland of Ice, Bridgeport; and Paula Takacs Foundation of Sarcoma Research.
Bryan Alix
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Today, acorns make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
Jerry Kuyper spotted these nuts on his deck. He notes: “Some of these acorn caps appear to have small clocks inside of their cupules, to time their launch.”
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And finally … in honor of Westport Sunrise Rotary’s great “Uncorked” event last night:
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