“06880” has reported several times on the great work of Joseph Oyebog.
The former Davis Cup tennis player/Cameroon national champion/beloved local tennis coach has changed many lives in Africa.
The Oyebog Tennis Academy in Cameroon has provided free tennis coaching, food, shelter and education to tens of thousands of underprivileged children.
To his students, Joseph is more than a coach. He is a father figure, mentor, and beacon of hope.
Westporters have supported OTA generously. Now Joseph needs our help.
He was diagnosed with pancreatitis, which led to severe liver damage and many other life-threatening complications.
His condition is rapidly deteriorating, and the local hospital in Cameroon cannot handle his complex case.
Doctors strongly recommend that he be medically evacuated to a major healthcare facility in the US, where his wife and children now live.
Joseph’s many friends are raising funds to cover the costs of his medical evacuation, treatment, postoperative care and rehabilitation, so he can continue his mission at the Oyebog Tennis Academy.
Funds will also support his family in the US, and help sustain the academy in his absence. A GoFundMe page to contribute is available here.
Joseph Oyebog, with his tennis students.
==================================================
For the 2nd year in a row, Birchwood Country Club is hosting a golf tournament to support the Westport Country Playhouse.
The July 21 event includes 9- and 18-hole shotgun starts, a buffet lunch, cocktail reception and awards ceremony, prizes, raffles, and more.
It’s a great way to show love for Westport’s iconic theater — and spend a day with friends, colleagues and family on the links.
Registration — and information on sponsorships — is available here.
Fore! Break a leg! (Although we probably shouldn’t say that about a sporting event…)
Birchwood Country Club golf course: ready for the Playhouse.
==================================================
Speaking of fundraisers: They may be teenagers, but Staples High School senior Jack Schwartz — co-president of the Yale Junior Board — and clssmates Jackson Tracey, Ryan Sunjka and Lucy Barneu are organizing the 3rd annual “Heartbeat for Hope” fundraiser.
Money raised for Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital wil support sick kids and under-resourced families, as they struggle through difficult medical complications.
It’s a rowing and running competition. Everyone receives a t-shirt.
Last year’s running and rowing competition …
The dates are May 31 and June 1 (12:30 p.m.) in Westport; May 31 (10:45 a.m.) in New Haven, at Orange Theory.
There is no entry fee. Team members reach out to friends and family. and encourage donations.
Teams that raise at least $450 qualify for high-value prizes, including Yankees, Mets, Knicks, Celtics and Broadway tickets. Sign-ups and more information is available here.
Other prizes — available through the competition — includ gift cards from GG & Joe’s, Costco and Stop & Shop, Granola Bar gift basketbs, and more.
But you don’t have to run and row. Donations can be made here by anyone.
The Junior Yale Board has set an audacious goal: $50,000. Let’s help them meet it!
… and getting together afterward.
=================================================
The weather was perfect, for yesterday’s Memorial Day.
The temperature dropped quite a bit at night. Hey — it’s still May.
But a group of friends — celebrating at Compo’s South Beach — was ready.
They were the first to use the Parks & Recreation Department’s new fire pit.
Judging by the photo below, it was warmly received. (Hat tip: Robert Harrington)
==================================================
The Artists Collective of Westport hosts 2 intriguing shows at the Westport Library.
“Interiors: A Look Inside” explores physical, metaphysical and emotional spaces through the visual arts.
Contributors include Bonnie Edelman, Lynn Carlson, Peggy Dembicer, Ros Shaffer, Norm Siegel, Suzanne Benton, Julie Leff, Trace Burroughs, Diane Pollack, Miggs Burroughs, Kat Evans, Niki Ketchman and more.
“Piece by Piece” is a 6-foot by 8-foot installation composed of the work of 48 Artists Collective members.
Each received a 12-inch by 12-inch blank panel, and a 12-inch square section randomly selected from a well-known modern painting. The artists created individual pieces, replicating a part of the larger painting in their own style, without knowing what the final painting will look like until it is revealed at the opening reception (June 6, 6 p.m.).
Each 12-inch by 12-inch “piece” of “Piece by Piece” is available for purchase, starting at the reception. Each square is $100, with 50% of the proceeds supporting the Library’s art programs and 50% going to the artist.
The additional artworks on display in the Sheffer and South Galleries are also available for purchase, with a percentage of the proceeds also going the Library’s art programming.
===============================================
The long-delayed Lincoln Street apartment project is making headway.
The first construction — elevator shafts — are done. Floors and walls are being added now. Here’s a recent view:
(Photo/Bill Christiaanse)
=================================================
Sunday’s rainbow over Owenoke — as seen from the Longshore golf course — stars as today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
(Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)
==================================================
And finally … on this date in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge opened to pedestrian traffic. The link between San Francisco and Marin County changed both places forever.
(Wherever your heart is: We’re glad you’re part of our “06880” community. We hope you like it here. If so, please consider clicking here to support our work. Thank you!)
