Westport Writers’ Workshop to Host “More Than Words”Outreach Fundraiser April 29
Westport Writers’ Workshop:
Westport Writers’ Workshop (WWW) shares the gift of expression via their many virtual and in-person writing courses for area students. In recent years, they’ve expanded their reach to those outside their core classroom to include individuals undergoing specific challenges, or who have survived some type of hardship, abuse, or trauma. Enter More Than Words, the newly named initiative which provides complimentary writing workshops for organizations that have requested them. Dedicated instructors volunteer to teach writing to varied groups — outside the immediate WWW community — to help people heal and grow through story. WWW will raise monies for this specific effort at their upcoming fundraising event, More Than Words: Celebrating Outreach to Unheard Writers, slotted for Friday, April 29, 6:30-9:30 at Wakeman Farm, Westport. All are invited.
Westport Writers’ Workshop has partnered with many local groups such as The Center for Empowerment and Education (formerly the Danbury Women’s Shelter), Homes for the Brave, Caroline House, Harlem Village Academies, Training at Amherst Writers and Artists, as well as hosted free workshops for Writing for Women affected by Breast Cancer, College Essay Writing for Fairfield Seniors, and Writing for Women with Special Needs Children. Should your organization like to be considered for the program, please email info@westportwritersworkshop.
“It’s our goal to gather Westport Writers’ Workshop members and beyond to “raise the roof” this spring on donations to benefit the change-making More Than Words program. Our outreach workshops have touched the lives of many and have filled a definite need, a wonderful win-win,” said Liz Matthews, Executive Director, Westport Writers’ Workshop
The cost of the April 29 charity event is $125 per person. The evening will feature casual fare, music, and personal haikus created by Westport’s First Poet Laureate Diane Lowman. As the event nears, details regarding ticket sales will be posted on the Westport Writers’ Workshop website (westportwriters.org), social media, and in Fairfield County press outlets.
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 11; State Positivity Rate 7.08%, Hospitalizations Down
The State Department of Public Health reported 11 new COVID-19 cases for Westport over the past 24 hours. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 7.08% while hospitalizations were down as 24 more patients were released from hospitals.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 3,709 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 34 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 7.08% [down from 4.77%]
State Hospitalizations: 607 patients [-24]
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 42. West wind 6 to 10 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 26. West wind 5 to 8 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 42. Wind chill values between 20 and 30. Southwest wind 5 to 9 mph.
Tomorrow Night
A 20 percent chance of snow showers after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 32. South wind 3 to 6 mph.
Otis “Jerry” Leslie Smith, 87, Died; Former Westonite, Avid Golfer and Fisherman
Jerry passed away on December 22, 2021, at his home on Marco Island, Fl.
He was born in New York City on September 2, 1934, to Dr. William Leslie Smith and Isabelle Orr. He grew up in the Hartford, CT area. He graduated from Westminster School in Simsbury, CT, and attended Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt, where he met his wife, Gay Nelson. They married in 1958. He went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, PA. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 and was honorably discharged.
He moved to Weston, Connecticut in 1961 and resided there for over thirty years.
Jerry was an executive in the television and entertainment industry, working for the BBC, Twentieth Century Fox, ABC, and World Vision, from which he retired in 1984.
Jerry was an avid golfer and fisherman. After his retirement, he divided his time between Marco Island in Florida, Prouts Neck in Maine, and one of his most favorite places, Middle Dam, a small fishing village on a lake in rural northern Maine.
He is predeceased by his parents, his brother: William Leslie Smith Jr, his son: Bradford and great niece: Zoë.
Jerry is survived by his wife: Gay Smith, his daughter Gigi Schofield, half-sister Susan Smith Rubin, half-brother Clay Smith, his nieces Kimberley, Elizabeth, Abigail, Courtney, and Carly and great nephews: Justin, Jared, Ian, Owen, and great niece Isabelle.
Jerry will be buried next to his mother and brother at the Hope Cemetery in Kennebunk, Maine. There will be a graveside Memorial Service held in the spring for family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070, https://westminster-school.myschoolapp.com; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Jerry’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com
Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.