Tag Archives: Y’s Men of Westport and Weston

Roundup: Oysters, Coming Out, Chris Coogan …

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston took a tasty tour yesterday.

They headed to Copps Island Oysters, the 4th- generation shellfish farm in Norwalk.

Don Bell — the environmental health director who led the tour — said that Copps Island’s oyster farming, harvesting, processing, sorting and packaging business is Connecticut’s largest fishery.

Don Bell leads the oyster museum tour. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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If you missed last week’s Coming Out Day panel at the Westport Library — titled “When Did You Know,” and featuring several members of the LGBTQ community discussing their coming out stories — click below. The event was sponsored by Westport Pride.

(NOTE: The program begins at the 4:30 mark — skip ahead to that point.)

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A local favorite — the Chris Coogan Trio, featuring bassist John Mobilio and drummer Jim Royle — headline this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post.”

Of course, Greg Wall — the “Jazz Rabbi” — will bring his saxophone too.

Pianist Coogan grew up here. He travels the world, but still calls this area home. He is a sensitive, in-demand accompanist for singers, a powerhouse gospel pianist, choir director and bandleader, a highly effective and inspiring educator, and an all-around good guy.

There are 2 sets October 20: 7:30 and 8:45 p.m (VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue). Dinner begins at 7 p.m. There’s a $10 cover; reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatThePost@gmail.com.

Chris Coogan

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Staples High School’s October Students of the Month are senior Jeffrey Pogue, juniors Nina Lauterbach and Morgan Tamm, sophomores Samantha Henske and Logan Noorily, and Eleni Bragi.

Students of the Month are those who help make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers. Principal Stafford Thomas says, “they are the ‘glue’ of the community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students who keep the high school together. They are friendly to the staff and fellow students, and make positive contributions in class as well as to the Staples community.”

Staples’ October Students of the Month (from left): Eleni Braga, Nina Lauterbach, Logan Noorily, Samantha Henske, Jeffrey Pogue, Morgan Tamm.

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“Westport … Naturally” once again goes to the dogs.

Our own “Scooter” Swanson was recently designated as a Marine Corps Service dog, by the Commandant. Congratulations!

(Photo courtesy of Carl Addison Swanson)

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And finally … Chuck Berry would have been 96 years old today. The great rock ‘n’ roller died in 2017.

(Don’t forget Chuck Berry — or “06880.” Please click here to help support this blog.)

What’s Happening, Westport? Jen Tooker On River Dredging

The Army Corps of Engineers is beginning the Saugatuck River dredging project.

What’s involved? Where exactly will they dredge?

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker explains the process, with Dick Kalt of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

This Y’s Men podcast is released every 2 weeks. Click below to listen. If you have a question for the next episode, email: westport@ysmenwestportweston.org.

Roundup: Cyndi Lauper, Aspetuck Land Trust, Longshore Ladies …

Last night, Cyndi Lauper joined a long list — Willie Nelson, Smokey Robinson and Chuck Berry, to name just 3 — who played a Levitt Pavilion Fundraiser.

Bantering with the audience and sounding in fine form, the “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” girl wowed the sellout crowd.

The weather was fine. The set list was great. And — thanks to all those ticket buyers — Westport’s favorite outdoor entertainment venue can begin planning another summer of over 50 free events for 2023.

Cyndi Lauper, in action. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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This is the week to pick up 6,000 pre-ordered native plants, through Aspetuck Land Trust’s semi-annual sale.

Funds support their Green Corridor. It links green spaces within developed residential and urban areas to the protected natural areas ALT preserves, maintains, and manages as public spaces.

The Land Trust has added 34,000 native plans to the region, in just the past 3 years. 1,400 Fairfield County residents have contributed more than $100,000, helping improve the region’s biodiversity.

To learn more about Aspetuck Land Trust, click here.

Haskins Preserve is one of Aspetuck Land Trust’s many such areas. (Photo/Wendy Cusick)

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The Longshore Ladies 9-Holers’ recent Charity Golf Event lived up to its name.

The Westport Woman’s Club Food Closet received over $1,125, and 4 grocery carts of food donations. The funds will help provide Stop & Shop gift cards.

Seems like there were plenty of winners at that golf outing,

Food donations, courtesy of Longshore Ladies’ 9-Holers.

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“06880” covers Westport, past and present.

On Thursday, I spoke on exactly that subject to the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

My message was, “The bad news is: Westport has changed. The good news is: Westport has changed.”

It was a great audience — as the Y’s Men are for all guest speakers. They asked great questions. They laughed at all the right times.

And the donuts and coffee were fantastic.

Yours truly, at the Y’s Men meeting. ({Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Hurricane Ian has claimed another victim.

Well, at least the weather has.

The Westport Book Shop event with Lauren Tarshis — originally scheduled for this afternoon (Saturday, October 1) on Jesup Green — has been rescheduled to November 5 (3:30 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum).

For more information, click here.

Westport Book Shop.

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Work continues on Westport Hardware’s new location.

The popular store is moving a few storefronts west of its current site, in the shopping plaza opposite Fresh Market.

They’ll open “soon,” they promise.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Speaking of shopping: Hurry on down to Walgreens.

Altoids are selling now at a much lower price than before!

(Photo/Phil Rubin)

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is a serene scene, off Compo’s South Beach:

(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)

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And finally … today is October 1. Or, as it’s better known in Westport: The day dogs can return to Compo Beach.’

Enjoy th next 6 months. April 1 will be here before you know it.

 (After playing with your dogs, please consider a contribution to “06880”! Click here to help.)