When Ruth Bedford died in 2014, at 99, the last surviving grandchild of Westport Weston Family YMCA founder Edward T. Bedford left the organization a giant — and unexpected — $40 million bequest.
Part of the money funded the new Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund. Grants go to groups in Fairfield County that support a wide range of educational programs that empower children and young adults.
On Monday, the Y honored 33 non-profits, with checks totaling $315,000.
Recipients include:
- A Better Chance of Westport
- Achievement First Bridgeport
- Adam J Lewis Academy
- Bridgeport Youth Caribe
- Cardinal Shehan Center
- Carver Foundation
- CCC YMCA – Bridgeport
- Covenant School of Bridgeport
- CT Institute for Refugees and Immigrants
- Family & Children’s Agency
- Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras
- Hall Neighborhood House
- Homes with Hope
- Horizons at Sacred Heart/Notre Dame
- Horizons Greens Farms Academy
- Housatonic Community College Foundation
- Kids Empowered By Your Support
- Klein Memorial
- Lifebridge Community Services
- McGivney Community Center
- Mercy Learning Center
- Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County
- New Beginnings
- Norwalk Community College
- Norwalk Housing Foundation
- Project Morry
- Shepard’s Mentors
- Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
- Staples Tuition Grants
- Under One Roof
- Urban Impact of Black Rock
- Wakeman Boys and Girls Club
The scholars of A Better Chance of Westport are among the recipients of this year’s Westport Y Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund.
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100 volunteers — members of VFW Post 399, American Legion Post 63 and their Auxiliaries; Sons of American Legion, Scouts from Troops 39 and 139, and Westporters who just wanted to help — gathered yesterday at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
As part of the national Wreaths Across America program, they laid wreaths on the graves of dozens of servicemembers. Each time, they thanked that veteran for their service.
More wreaths will be placed at veterans’ graves, at other cemeteries in town.
Volunteers, at yesterday’s Wreaths Across America event.
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In America this holiday season, “Feliz Navidad” is everywhere. We’ve loved the jangly, catchy song by our Weston neighbor for over 50 years.
Now it’s all over South Korea now too.
In rallies calling for President Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal, protesters have danced to a song with its melody. Like “Feliz,” the verse is repeated often: “Impeachment is the answer.”
The New York Times says: “Mr. Feliciano did not comment directly on the latest adaptation. Susan Feliciano, his wife, said in a statement that the lyrics have been repurposed often and that it was gratifying to see the melody endure.” (Hat tip: Amy Katz)
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The Westport Library’s 3 new art exhibits are on display, from now through February 4.
The Sheffer Gallery brings the idea of transcendence to life with Claudia Mengel’s “Alchemy of Light,”paintings inspired by the mysticism at the heart of alchemy’s expression in the Middle Ages.
An opening reception celebrates Mengel’s work on December 18 (6 p.m.). A conversation between Mengel and Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs follows at 7.
In the South Gallery, Jason Pritchard’s “Westport Skies” is a love letter to his New England home. Paintings like “Compo Beach” and “Riverside Park” invite viewers to connect to their own experiences.
Pritchard will showcase his exhibit, along with fellow artist Christine Timmons, at their shared reception (January 9, 6 p.m.), followed by an artist conversation with Pritchard, Timmons and Burroughs at 7.
Timmons’ “Journeys in Collage“, in the Jesup Gallery, offers mixed media collage composed of papers, vintage buttons, dead leaves, wire, and ticket stubs on wood panels.
Claudia Mengel, with “Alchemy of Light.”
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“06880” often reports on Y’s Men’s speakers.
But the 400+-person organization has plenty of other activites.
Willie Salmond reports on his regulat tennis game. Three members of the foursome are 99, 91 and 89 years old. Willie is the baby, at 79.
“Arguing about the score, line calls, etc.. plus coffee and banter after the games keeps us going!” he says.
Roger Federer: You’ve got something to look forward to!
378 years young. From left: Willie Salmond (79 years old), Keith Brooks (99), Neil Coleman (89), Peter Kolbrenner (91).
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Okay, it’s not exactly growing in the wilds of Westport.
But the poinsettias at this weekend’s Candlelight Concert were gorgeous.
And they were “natural” at some point, hopefully in a local greenhouse.
That’s good enough to qualify for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Enjoy!
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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And finally …Antonín Dvořák’s “Symphony No. 9” premiered in a public afternoon rehearsal at Carnegie Hall. Neil Armstrong took a recording along during the first moon landing, in 1969.
(From Westport to South Korea, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our globe-spanning work. Thank you!)
