The Westport Woman’s Club is 118 years young. It was founded in 1907, by a small group of residents who wanted to clean the muddy, manure-filled streets, plant trees and install sidewalks.
For well over a century, they’ve done much, much more.
For nearly half of that time — starting 50 years ago this month — that includes running a food pantry.
In March of 1975 — under the leadership of “Mrs. Neil Croarkin” — the non-profit’s board established a food closet.
Wendy McKeon and Kim Reichert picked up the cause, and led it for many years. Many volunteers dedicated countless hours to the project, too.
Working with Westport’s Department of Human Services, the WWC provides hundreds of bags of groceries each year, and Stop & Shop gift cards, to individuals and families facing food insecurity.
WWC members contribute canned and packaged food goods throughout the year.
Every May, the US Postal Service holds a townwide canned food drive. Many WWC volunteers unload the postal trucks at their Imperial Avenue clubhouse.
Westport Woman’s Club.
Local schools also organize food drives, to help the Woman’s Club.
Club members sort and shelve all the contributed food. When they are contacted by Human Services, they pack bags with a variety of goods, and deliver it to Town Hall for pickup by those who requested it. Recipients are anonymous to the Westport Woman’s Club.
Congratulations and thanks to the Westport Woman’s Club, and its food pantry volunteers. For 50 years, you’ve been unsung heroes!
To donate to the WWC food closet, click here. For information on the Westport Woman’s Club’s April 5 spring gala (6 p.m., Patterson Club, Fairfield), emceed by Scott Foley and with music, a live auction and much more, click here.)
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
Last night, a couple hundred of his closest friends and fans showed up at VFW Post 399, for a surprise party.
The Representative Town Meeting member/civic volunteer/constant voice of conciliation and reason/former hardware store owner/Staples High School graduate is the one person who could bring together so many people.
The bar and dining room were jammed with folks from all walks of Westport life: politicians of both parties, classmates, former customers, and tons of townies (and newbies).
His parents — his father, AJ (Red) Izzo is also a Staples grad — were there too.
The date for the Sunrise Rotary Club and Westport Police Department’s winter canned food drive for Homes with Hope is no accident.
Held annually the day before the Super Bowl at Stop & Shop, it’s planned for a day when many Westporters are shopping for their big party.
The idea is that in addition to chips, guac, wings and whatever else they’re serving, they’ll bring (or buy) some canned goods (or donate money).
The large pre-Super Bowl party was even bigger yesterday, because of the snow predicted to start last evening.
As every Westporter knows, any forecast sets off a shopping frenzy.
Gotta stock up on milk and eggs (even if those prices did not magically drop on January 20).
Shoppers were exceptionally generous yesterday. Homes with Hope’s food pantry is now well stocked.
Thank you, Westport! The Eagles or Chiefs will not be the only winners today.
Sunrise Rotary, Westport Police and Homes with Hope volunteers yesterday, outside Stop & Shop (from left): Bruce Fritz, Anna Rycenga, Helen McAlinden, Chief Foti Koskinas, Rick Jaffe, Dominick Carr, Craig Bergamo, Thomas Engels.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas (left) joins volunteers, as a truck is loaded with donated goods for the Homes with Hope food pantry.
Meanwhile, at the Homes with Hope food pantry on Jesup Road, volunteers stock the shelves with newly donated goods.
Speaking of volunteer efforts: If you have trouble keeping up with Westport non-profits’ events, or are looking for cool things to do — or both — check out the Celebrate Westport calendar.
Located on the town website — under the not-entirely-intuitive “Experience” tab — it’s a treasure trove of too-hidden information.
Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce: Business after hours Valentine’s Event, with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce.
Greens Farms Garden Clubis looking for volunteers to help plant and harvest from April to October at their Westport locations: Prospect Gardens and Wakeman Town Farm. Harvests are delivered to Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport, and the Gillespie Center here. Email Gael Ficken: themagicallion@msn.com.
Westport Woman’s Club will host their Spring Gala on April 5.
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The Westport Community Theater canceled last night’s performance of “Pride and Prejudice,” because of the impending snow.
To make up, they’ve added a performance this Thursday (February 13, 7:30 p.m.). Click here for details, and tickets.
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MoCA is making the most of the short month of February. Upcoming events nclude:
Valentine’s Candle Making Workshop with Oh D’ Luxe (February 12, 6 p.m.).
Art Workshops: Basket Weaving with Tina Puckett, Ceramic Multi-Bowl Building with Leah Corbett.
MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic (February 21, 6:30 p.m.): Acoustic music, poetry, slam poetry; all are invited.
Darwin Shen, violin and Michelle Kim, piano: (February 23, 4 p.m.): A recital of rarely performed, newly discovered and reconstructed works by Fritz Kreisler. Community Conversation: Art, Infrastructure, and the Environment (February 27, 6 p.m.): Moderated by curator Ive Covaci, with a diverse panel talking about the intersection of art, sustainability, and community resilience. Speakers include for townwide emergency director Nate Gibbons, Fire Chief Nick Marsan, architect Joseph Strickland, Teens at MoCA co-president Lily Hultgren, and a Sustainable Westport representative.
Art Adventures Drop-Ins for Kids (Saturdays, 12 to 1:30 p.m.): Nulti-media classes offer a creative space to explore new techniques and expressions.
For more information, including registration, click here.
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Are you more science-y than artsy?
On February 18 (8 p.m.; virtual) the Westport Astronomical Society’s free monthly lecture series presents Montana Williams, discussing “Tuning into the Universe: The Science of the Very Large Array.”
She is a 5th-year Ph.D. student at New Mexico Tech in Socorro — the town that is home to the array operations center for the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Very Large Array.
Most of her time is dedicated to imaging non-thermal emission from classical novae using NRAO’s Very Long Baseline Array (or, as she says, “looking at cute star explosions”).
She is also a tour guide at the VLA, leading public tours so everyone can enjoy radio astronomy and the “cute antennas.”
Back to the arts: On March 2 (2 p.m.), the Weston History & Culture Center hosts an interactive West African dance workshop.
Led by Jolyn Walker, dancer and owner of African Expressions, it’s great for families with children ages 5 and up. Jolyn will teach traditional dance steps and share her knowledge about dances from the West African country of Ghana.
Too shy to dance? You can play traditional instruments during the program.
Last year, “Virtually Ours” — a musical rom-com about 5 busy professionals in their late 20s and early 30s who turn to an AI-driven dating app to find their perfect mate — was presented to a full house, at an Emerging Artists Theater showcase.
Two of the 4 writers are Westporters: Eva Grant Rawiszer and Diana Sussman.
Next month (March 3, 7 p.m.) it will again be showcased there.
It’s already sold out. Too bad — because there’s an added attraction this year.
Theatergoers can fill out a questionnaire, and be matched with another person at that performance, where they will meet face to face.
Dating apps are not perfect. But at least everyone there will be passionate about theater.
And interested in romance.
Click here for more information. The show’s Instagram is @virtuallyoursthemusical.
Two Westporters — TAP Strength founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Bena Kallick, founder of the Institute for Habits of Mind — will deliver the keynote address at the April Habits of Mind conference in Rochester, New York.
Their topic is “Leading From Within: Cultivating Your Inner Strength with Habits of Mind, Movement, and Heart.”
Trees frame a Soundview Driv sunrise a couple of days ago, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Those limbs look a lot different this morning.
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
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And finally … in honor of the next Westport Astronomical Society lecture (story above):
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” And — what the heck — the entire universe. If you enjoy being part of our online community, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onJanuary 8, 2025|Comments Off on Private Grants, Public Acceptance For Teen, Senior And Disability Programs
Many Board of Selectwomen meetings are mundane.
Agendas include approvals of minutes and contracts, and actions as the Local Traffic and Water Pollution Control Authorities.
This morning was more personal. The selectwomen approved 3 donations. They’ll be directed 3 ways: to teenagers with ADHD, adults with disabilities, and senior citizens.
The largest was $103,000. An anonymous gift honors Max Harper, the Staples High School senior who died last fall.
Max Harper
The Department of Human Services will help town officials create a scholarship program for the “Live Life to the Max” fund, created in his memory.
The goal is to increase access to specialized support for boys ages 15-18 with ADHD/ADD, build self-efficacy skills, add support networks, and explore long-term academic and career paths that build on their strengths.
Scholarship participants will receive hands-on organizational coaching and mentoring, with resources for parents to support their ADHD children.
Boys are 3 times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with ADHD. Challenges include academic struggles with organization and focus, and social issues with trouble reading social cues and emotional regulation. Many youngsters with ADHD also have low self-esteem.
The $103,000 funds will provide scholarships for income-eligible Westport families to receive mentorship, weekly planning meetings, and parent coaching and feedback from an experienced provider who specializes in working with young men.
The selectwomen also accepted a $10,000 Ruegg Grant from the Westport Woman’s Club, for Club203. The previously unfunded organization — a social group for adults with disabilities — is run entirely by volunteers, in partnership with Human Services and Westport’s Commission on People with Disabilities.
The grant will allow the quickly growing Club203 to continue offering affordable, inclusive and social-emotional educational opportunities for families facing disability challenges.
So far, the town has covered insurance liability and administrative support. Local organizations donate event space, and many businesses volunteer their time, and provide food and materials.
As Club203 outgrows smaller venues, the WWC grant will help them keep membership fees low, explore larger venues, and increease frequency.
Another $10,000 grant comes from the Walsh Family Foundation, to the Senior Center. It will enable even more affordable social, recreational and educational programs and services at the very popular Imperial Avenue site.
Comments Off on Private Grants, Public Acceptance For Teen, Senior And Disability Programs
Today’s parking news: At the request of the EV Club and Sustainable Westport, the town will soon waive idle fees for electrical vehicle chargers at Baldwin during overnight hours.
Three hours is not enough time to fully charge most EVs plugging in with a low state of charge. EV owners who live near downtown and do not have home charging will now get a full charge, and will not have to get up at 2 a.m. to move their car.
EV Club president Barry Kresch tells “06880” that he does not yet know the range of hours, or when it will be implemented. He has been told that the software vendor will make the change.
Users still pay for their juice. So this means more revenue for the town.
NOTE: There are no idling fees for chargers in the Metro-North commuter lots.
Last year, the 4-year-old company — founded in Westport, now a tri-state sensation — raised $8 million in a fundraising round that included actor Paul Rudd, and athletes JJ and TJ Watt, Michael Phelps and Michael Strahan.
The same group has injected a Series B round of funding. A new CEO takes over, while founder/CEO Adam Goldberg becomes chief brand officer.
There are now 9 Pop-up Bagels shops. Another 6 are under development, with more planned along the East Coast.
Click here for the full story, via RestaurantBusiness.com.
Adam Goldberg, with Brooklyn BagelFest awards.
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More entrepreneurial news: Steven Graf and Zhach Pham are $300,000 richer.
That’s the investment the Staples High School Class of 2011 members — friends since 2nd grade here — just earned on “Shark Tank.”
When they were younger they ran a lemonade stand, built go-karts, and dug for buried treasure in their back yards.
Now — living in Denver — they have a company called RigStrips.
Their main product is a magnetic car mount (SnoStrip) that protects skis, snowboards and car exteriors by providing a space to slot into. It attaches to the side of a car, and helps avoid damage when equipment leans on it.
RigStrips sells a similar product for fishing poles and other outdoor products.
Click here for the full story, via BusinessDen.com. (Hat tip: Elizabeth DeVoll)
Steven Graf and Zhach Pham with RigStrips, on “Shark Tank.” (Photo courtesy of BusinessDen.com)
As of yesterday, CT Mirror reports, 4,669 Westporters have already voted in this year’s election.
That’s 23.4% of Westport’s 19,991 registered voters.
The breakdown of votes already cast: 2,470 Democrat; 782 Republican; 1,400 unaffiliated; 17 Independent Party.
Meanwhile, praise continues to pour in for the early voting process in Westport.
Jeff Seaver writes: “My daughter and I just came from Town Hall. It was such an uplifting experience. Thanks go to the wonderful volunteers who work very hard to make it work, and have it be such a positive experience.
“At one point a voter came in with their German shepherd. Oohing and aahing filled the Town Hall auditorium. It made me wonder if America doesn’t need emotional voting support animals at every polling place.
“Here’s a hats-off to the incredible volunteers who make this all possible, both here and across the country. Not a bad way to be instantly transported from what feels like an endless wall of doom, gloom, name-calling and meanness into a celebration of the incredible privilege we share — all of us, red, blue, purple, green and every other political shade on the spectrum — living in a democratic republic.”
Balloting runs today (Saturday) and tomorrow (Sunday, November 3), from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium.
Voting on Election Day (Tuesday, November 5), is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., at regular polling places. Click here to view a district map.
Not the same dog that Jeff Seaver saw. But also an early voter. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
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Sure, it was 80 degrees yesterday.
But the Holiday Shop at the Westport Library is open for business.
The annual event — located on the main level, and now spilling into the Writing Center — includes scarves, hats and gloves (many handmade); humorous socks; unique dish towels; notebooks, journals and planners; handmade desert bells and other decorative items like paper lanterns, felt baskets, planters and birdhouses; snow globes; jewelry; festive candles; games; puzzles; toys; art supplies, and novelty items for kids.
Library Store purchases are tax-free. Proceeds support Library services and programs.
Southern Tide officially opens its new downtown store on November 15 (5 to 8 p.m., 33 Elm Street). Everyone is invited for drinks, music, and a gift with all purchases.
Southern Tide has partnered with Save the Sound for the event, to help protect local ecosystems and waterways.
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Teachers often tell students to lower their voice.
Later this month, Coleytown Middle Schoolers will raise them loud.
And their teachers, classmates, parents and everyone else will be thrilled.
“Raise Your Voice” is CMS’ fall musical revue. Featuring 15 songs from “Into the Woods,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Oliver!,” “Mary Poppins,” “Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “Legally Blonde” and more, it appeals to all ages.
Performances are Thursday, November 21 (6 p.m.) and Friday, November 22 (7 p.m). Tickets go on sale Monday (November 4). Click here; then search for “Coleytown.”
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Hurricanes have moved off the front pages.
But residents of the Southeast US are still dealing with the devastation.
The Westport Woman’s Club wants to help.
They’re collecting money to purchase new coats and blankets, and deliver them to impacted areas.
Click here to donate. You can also mail or drop off a check: Westport Woman’s Club, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. Put “Hurricane Drive” in the memo field.
Questions? Call 203-227-4240.
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Back in the day, there was one way to get rid of pumpkins: Throw ’em in the trash.
Then came awareness of the environment. Compost! Feed the wildlife! Make a planter!
What not to do?
This.
(Photo/Jamie Klein)
It’s an important reminder that not every “Westport … Naturally” image is uplifting.
And finally … tonight is the night we regain the hour of sleep we lost last March.
Don’t forget: Set your clocks back an hour. Enjoy!
(We hope you learn at least one thing new every day from “06880.” If this hyper-local blog helps you live your local life better, easier or more fulfillingly, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A local website reported yesterday on a letter sent to the town by the Westport Woman’s Club attorney. At issue was the Imperial Avenue parking lot, which — the attorney noted — belongs to the WWC “in perpetuity,” according to 1956 and 1968 agreements.
The Imperial Avenue lot has been mentioned as a possible site for renovation, as part of a new downtown parking plan.
The website story was illustrated with a photo of the large, paved lot — the site of the Farmer’s Market every Thursday, the former Remarkable Theater drive-in, where savvy Levitt Pavilion-goers park to make quick post-show exits, and school bus drivers hang out between runs — along with the smaller dirt lot, where the Yankee Doodle Fair is held every June.
However, that lower dirt parking area is the only one that the 2 agreements cover.
The Imperial Avenue parking lot (red balloon) is owned by the town. The smaller lot to its right belongs to the Westport Woman’s Club; their building is directly to its north. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)
“06880” reached out to Department of Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich for clarification.
He said, “When we speak of redesign, and reconnecting the riverfront, we are specifically referring to the upper lot and its perimeter. We are not contemplating doing anything with the lower lot other than to maintain the status quo.”
The Yankee Doodle Fair takes place on the lower Westport Woman’s Club parking lot.
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Sure, it’s the off-season. Compo Beach is less crowded than in mid-summer.
But that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want there.
Check out this entitled driver.
Is he harming anyone?
Not really. There are enough parking spaces to go around.
But why does he (and you know it’s a guy) have to send a message to everyone else that the rules don’t apply to him.
And the photo below answers a reader who read yesterday’s Roundup item about dogs on on the boardwalk — where they’re not allowed — and commented, “I cannot imagine why dogs harmlessly walking on a boardwalk would be a priority.”
Yesterday’s Unsung Heroes feature gave a shout-out to the Department of Public Works crews who every year install the nearly 200 international flags for UN Day (today!) and jUNe Day, as well as the American flags that fly proudly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge all summer long.
A couple of hours later, Bill Hass — president of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut — sent a long this great photo, of the guys who did the work this year.
Thanks again, for connecting our town — colorfully and symbolically — with the rest of the world. Happy UN Day!
Every year, Westport kids get a jump on Halloween, at the downtown parade.
This year’s event is on Tuesday (October 29). Children (and parents) meet at the Post Road East/Main Street intersection at 3:30 p.m.
The event — geared toward youngsters 8 and under — is sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, Westport Downtown Association, and Westport PAL.
The parade includes trick-or-treating along Main Street, then on to Avery Place and Myrtle Avenue. It ends at Veterans Green at 4 p.m., with entertainment, refreshments and a small gift.
Seen at a previous Halloween parade.
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If you missed Tuesday’s forum, featuring candidates for Westport’s 3 General Assembly races: No problem.
The sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce taped the Westport Library event.
Click below to see Kami Evans and Ceci Maher (State Senate, 26th District), Jonathan Steinberg and John Bolton State Representative, 136th District 136), and Peter Bang and Dominique Johnson (State Representative, 143rd District).
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Got drugs?
This Saturday (October 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center), the Westport Police Department partners with the US Drug Enforcement Administration, for the 26th annual Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Residents are asked to look in medicine cabinets and drawers for medications that are no longer needed, or out of date. This includes tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
The service is free and anonymous, with no questions asked.
Take Back Day has removed 9,285 tons of medication from circulation since its inception.
Collection sites cannot accept illicit drugs, needles or sharps; only pills or patches.
Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container, with caps tightly sealed.
Vape pens with removable batteries can be disposed of at the take-back site. Vape pens without removable batteries are not accepted.
A year-round collection bin is available in the lobby of Westport police headquarters. Prescription drugs can be disposed of any time there. Click here for more information.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 16 and 23.
A 19-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with burglary and larceny of a motor vehicle; conspiracy to commit those crimes, illegal transfer/purchase of a pistol or revolver; carrying a pistol without a permit; illegal possession of a firearm with an illegible serial number, and illegal possession of a large capacity magazine, following the May theft of an unlocked 2024 Audi from a driveway.
The keys were left in the vehicle, but it was equipped with tracking software. It was located parked at a Bridgeport residence that day. A ghost gun and large capacity magazine were found in the suspect’s home. He was held on a $75,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for breach of peace, following a domestic violence altercation at the Westport train station parking lot. She was held on a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations
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There are way too many Westport restaurants to cram into one week.
So the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Restaurant Week will be two.
It runs Sunday, September 29 through Sunday, October 13. (So, to be technical, it actually spans two months)..
The 2024 event features 20 venues, offering a variety of prix fixe meals to suit any interest and pocketbook. They range from one end of Westport, and Saugatuck, all the way to an honorary spot in Southport.
Some restaurants offer just lunch, others just dinner. Many serve both.
Here are the participating restaurants. Click on any link below for specific details.
Each year, the Staples High School PTA sponsors a Back to School Night Food Drive to support the Westport Woman’s Club.
From 2020 to mid-2024, the WWC has provided 1,094 bags of food in response to 124 anonymous requests, benefiting 345 people through the Westport Department of Human Services.
This year, the PTA invites parents, teachers and community members — both from Staples and beyond— to participate.
There’s an easy way to participate — right now. Just click here to shop through the Amazon food drive registry. Donations will be delivered directly to the Westport Woman’s Club.
But hurry! The registry is open only through Monday (September 30).
Peter Hirst and Ethan Gallogly have 2 things in common: They live out West, and have hiked the John Muir Trail.
And they’re both Staples High School graduates, 15 years apart (1968 and ’83, respectively).
They met and bonded over their shared love for the beauty, challenge and history of the 211-mile trail, which stretches along the Sierra Nevada from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney, the highest point in the contiguous US.
Hirst — a longtime “06880” reader — wants others to read Gallogly’s book. After an eclectic career, he wrote a novel called, simply, “The Trail.”
It combines trail lore, humor and philosophy. Using characters he’s met on his own hikes, and including 43 maps, Gallogly writes about overcoming loss, and ultimately, transformation.
“Recreation is ‘re-creation,'” Gallogly observes.
It’s a book, he says, for “any outdoor enthusiast, and anyone going through stress, grief or problems.”
For years, the United Methodist Church of Westport has joined the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, to help settle newcomers to the area.
Among their work: buying comforters for every new neighbor they settle.
This Sunday (September 29), they’ll raise funds for that project.
First, at 4 p.m., is an uplifting Jazz Vespers service of music and word. Andrew Wilcox and Trio’s music includes original pieces and hymn reflections. Interspersed with the music will be prayers and scripture readings — “a peaceful and meditative end to the weekend,” says Rev. Heather Sinclair.
That’s followed at 5 by a pasta supper.
Everyone is invited. “Pay what you wish: $5, $20, $50 or more,” UMC says. “It all goes to our CIRI apartment set-up team.”
More environmental news: Though yesterday was gorgeous (and the last full day of summer), the near-full moon and high tide brought flooding at Quentin Road by Compo Beach Road.
(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
An odd-looking scene, for sure.
But perhaps something that will soon be the new normal?
Speaking (still) of the environment — as autumn has us thinking about trees and leaves — “06880” reader (and former federal attorney) Scooter Swanson cites Connecticut case law that finds “property owners have the right to trim branches or roots of a neighbor that encroaches onto their property up to the property line.”
There is no applicable state or local ordinance regarding such issue, he adds
Swanson notes that he is not licensed in Connecticut. “This is merely informative and not intended as legal advice,” he says.
Trees and property lines can become neighbor issues in Westport. (Photo/Roger Wolfe)
The Levitt Pavilion’s summer series continued last night — the last full day of summer — with Tower of Power.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
Shows continue into the fall. One of the highlights: Westport native Brad Tursi — Old Dominion’s lead guitarist/vocalist — appears on October 12, with his own band. Click here for full Levitt details.
With Halloween near, the Westport Country Playhouse presents “Ghost Stories and Legends” (October 10, 7 p.m.).
The event — part of the Barnstormer Series in the barn (under candlelight!) — is an evening of classic stories of the supernatural, with Broadway’s John Rapson.
He’ll present a special version of his solo show of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” along with other with other ghostly tales.
Rapson says, “I guarantee laughs, chills and thrills. Just try not to lose your head…”
Tickets are $20. To purchase, and for more information, click here.
All women — and men — are invited to a special event, as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Authors Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola — a therapist and expert on coercive control — and divorce coach Amy Polacko will discuss their new book, “Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld.”
It’s set for October 8 (7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
“Framed” exposes how domestic abuse victims are treated in the legal system, using stories from women around the world.
The talk will focus on red flags to look for in relationships, what is coercive control, the crisis in family courts, and how to protect oneself.
The event is sponsored by the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force and Rock the Walls, a non-profit offering help to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
In the aftermath of Westport resident Tim Lewis’ death in July from pancreatic cancer — at 58, just a month shy of his 23rd wedding anniversary — his family and friends have set up a non-profit foundation.
They say: “While Tim’s life was shortened, his purpose and passion were always strong and his desire to help others defined much of his life.
“Tim balanced a demanding career with a tireless devotion to his family. He loved his wife and and kids deeply and actively. Tim was famous for coordinating play dates, soccer schedules, date night, violin and drum lessons, all while ordering fall clothing for the kids (to their chagrin) and making high-stakes work conference calls.
“He was a memory-making mastermind, relentless in his pursuit of family time through neighborhood walks, vacation hikes, and beach dinners. Even when it was just sitting at the kitchen table doing puzzles, being with family was the life experience Tim most valued.
“Our goal is to help other people and families struggling with the particularly challenging diagnosis of pancreatic cancer through research, clinical trials, and support.
On Thursday, the Longshore Ladies Nine Hole Golfers held their annual charity event at Longshore.
The women once again chose the Westport Woman’s Club food closet as their beneficiary.
They collected 4 grocery carts of food donations, and nearly $1,000 in cash.
Golfers’ donations, at the Westport Woman’s Club.
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At another golf event last week, the inaugural “Shank it for Shea” golf event drew a great turnout to Birchwood Country Club.
Significant funds were raised to advance Long QT Syndrome research and improve treatment options for those affected — including Mark and Kira Greenfield’s daughter Shea.
The event builds on 2 previous fundraisers. Both were dance-oriented, and were called “Shake it for Shea.”
The Greenfields are onto something. They do great work — and they do it with smiles. Perhaps the next one may be for skateboarders: “Shred it for Shea.”
For more details on their “Hearts in Harmony” Foundation, click here.
In times of tragedy, a community rallies together.
Everyone does what they can.
For Trader Joe’s, that meant donating flowers.
Hundreds of them.
On Wednesday evening — a few hours after senior Max Halper was killed on his dirt bike — Staples High School’s Superfans club announced plans for a 9 a.m. gathering the next morning at Compo.
Attendees were encouraged to bring flowers. Petals would be placed in the water, in a time-honored ritual of remembrance.
But where would all those teenagers gets flowers, on short notice?
The supermarket chain took care of the details. They provided hundreds of flowers, for all who were there.
Trader Joe’s was not looking for publicity. They did it, the manager said, because they’re part of the community.
And, in times of tragedy, that’s what a community does.
Flowers and petals, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Luca Caniato)
A reminder: The 12th annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival — postponed by rain last week — is set for tomorrow (Saturday, September 14, 2 to 5 p.m.).
The family-friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, an antique fire truck, 2 beer/wine gardens and more.
The price is $15 per adult; $5 for children under 13; age 5 and under are free. Admission is available on-site.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says: “It is with profound sadness that the members of the Westport Fire Department extend our deepest sympathies to the Harper family, and the friends and families affected by Wednesday’s tragic event.
“Our hearts ache for the loss of life, and the profound impact this has had on our community. Please know that we stand with you, ready to offer any support we can.
“We also commend all first responders who worked tirelessly amidst challenging circumstances, and remind them that they too are not alone.
“We admire the strength and resilience that defines our community, as we come together in mourning.”
That was a village near the Weston-Redding border. It was indeed a forge: Workers made iron and steel there, for the War of 1812, the railroads and the Civil War.
Today, all the remain are stone walls, hitching posts, foundations and roads.
But you can’t see them. They lie 100 feet below the surface of the Saugatuck Reservoir.
James Lomuscio knows all about Valley Forge. The journalist and former Westport News editor wrote “Village of the Dammed: The Fight for Open Space, and the Flooding of a Connecticut Town.” The book chronicles the land that was sacrificed to provide water for the area.
On October 10 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Lomuscio will discuss his book, the village, and what it all meant and means, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s Haskins Lecture.
Time to clean out your closets, and dump your dressers.
The Westport Woman’s Club is seeking donations (tax-deductible!) of new or gently worn clothing and accessories, for their Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale.
You’ll be in good company. Winged Monkey is providing new dresses for this year’s fundraiser.
Donated items may be dropped off Mondays through Fridays, between 9 a.m. and noon, and 1-4 p.m., at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), through October 25.
Items sought include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, jewelry, etc.
Torn or soiled items will not be accepted, nor will personal items such as undergarments, lingerie and bathing suits.
The Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale is set for November 8-10. Entry is free, with $10 early bird access for one hour prior to the first day.
Funds from the sale help support the Woman’s Club philanthropy, including the town food closet, need-based scholarships, and many local charities.
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Summer is winding down. Sunday, September 22 marks the first day of fall.
But September is beautiful for boating. And craft of all are out on the Sound these days.
Hot on the heels of his 2nd place finish in an Atlanta NASCAR race, Parker Kligerman is retiring from racing.
According the the Jayski’s website, The 2009 Staples High School graduate “won’t be returning to Big Machine Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series season, and is done pursuing full-time rides at NASCAR.”
He “returned as a full-time competitor in 2023, after more than a decade of making sporadic starts for multiple teams across all 3 national touring levels. He finished the 2023 season 10th in the championship standings, with a career-high 8 top-5 finishes.”
Kligerman said the decision was difficult, and evolved over many months. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
Parker Kligerman
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With only 1 stall per bathroom — and just 3 bathrooms in the entire Compo South Beach structure — the wait for a vacancy can be long.
These gulls spent a lot of time at Compo. They’re probably used to it.
Jacque O’Brien captured their patience, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … this date in 1814 marked a turning point in the War of 1812.
During a battle in which the British failed to capture Baltimore, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem called “Defence of Fort McHenry.”
It was published within a week, to the tune of a popular drinking song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”
The song with Key’s lyrics became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” More than a century later, it became our national anthem.
There are countless versions of the very-difficult-to-sing song. One of the famous is by Weston’s own José Feliciano.
In 1968, he performed the anthem in Detroit, before Game 5 of the World Series. His slow, jazzy, Latin-inflected take caused a national controversy.
No singer had ever attempted such a non-traditional version before. Feliciano was accused of “desecrating” and “disrespecting” our national anthem. For several years, his career was damaged.
Today, of course, it’s expected for singers to offer their own — often too long, and convoluted — takes on “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
And José Feliciano is one of the most popular, and beloved, singers in the world.
Oh, yeah: In 2010, José was invited back to Detroit, to perform the anthem again.
His reception 42 years later was quite a bit different.
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Friday’s Yankee Doodle Fair rainout made yesterday’s event even more special.
Folks of all ages packed the Westport Woman’s Club parking lot on Imperial Avenue, for the annual start-of-summer rite.
There were games of chance, a bake sale, and much more. But — as always — the carnival rides were king. And kids flocked to them. “06880” photographer Charlie Scott captured some of the scenes.
The Yankee Doodle Fair runs today (Sunday) from 1-5 p.m. Proceeds support the WWC’s grants to area non-profits, and scholarships.
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The selectwomen also accepted a $10,000 Ruegg Grant from the Westport Woman’s Club, for 
