Westport Human Services Seeking Used Cellphones & iPads For Domestic Violence Crises Center
Westport DHS Press Release, October 4, 2023 - In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Department of Human Services and the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force are collecting used cell phones and iPads to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) of Norwalk and Stamford. The DVCC provides free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children in Westport, Norwalk, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, Weston, and Wilton.
Residents are encouraged to donate used cell phones or iPads (no older than four years old) that have been re-set to factory settings. Cell phones are given to DVCC clients to ensure their safety and avoid possible tracking by their abuser.
Donation bins are available at Westport Town Hall at 110 Myrtle Avenue or the Westport Center for Senior Activities at 21 Imperial Avenue. Throughout October, both sites will accept donations Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
In addition to the cell phone drive, Westport's Domestic Violence Task Force (DVTF) invites residents to attend other special events this October.
* On Friday, October 6, at 11 am the public is encouraged to attend a Domestic Violence Month proclamation at the Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road.
* On Wednesday, October 18, at 7 pm the DVTF will host a special screening and discussion of “The Fire That Took Her” at Westport’s Center for Senior Activities.
* On Thursday, October 19th wear purple and grab a coffee with the Domestic Violence Awareness coffee sleeve at the following participating stores: Kneads, Garlic & Herbs, Coffee An, The Porch, and Winfield Street Coffee, snap a selfie and join the social media campaign with the hashtag #purplethursday and tag @DVCCCT and @WESTPORTDOMESTICVIOLENCETASKFORCE on Facebook. All events are free and open to the public.
For a complete list of local October events, go to https://www.dvccct.org/dvam-3/. To learn more about Westport's Domestic Violence Task Force, which aims to raise public awareness and highlight resources for those affected by Domestic Violence, follow us on Facebook.
Contact Westport Human Services at 341-1050 or via email at humansrv@westportct.gov for more information on the cell phone drive.
To get involved with the DVTF, contact Lieutenant Jillian Cabana at jcabana@westportct.gov. For more information about the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, please visit www.dvccct.org.
Slice Of Saugatuck Draws Hundreds For Food, Music and Fun
The possibility of rain didn't dampen attendance much at this years Slice. There were shorter lines at most restaurants with the exception of Lomito, the newish Peruvian food eatery which opened this year, and the the food was delicious as usual.
Photos & Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Four of the venues had multiple bands playing throughout the event adding to the fun.
Photos & Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
As in years past, the Westport Firefighters at the Saugatuck firehouse made sure all the kids waiting on line got an opportunity to climb on the fire truck, getting an chance to rig the bell and perhaps dreaming of one day becoming a Westport Firefighter.
The Black Duck staff enthusiastically served up their famous wings. Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore and RTM member Andrew Colabella made sure they got to enjoy the entire event, pausing on Railroad Place for a quick photo before getting back to sampling the street's excellent cuisine.
The Gault family provided kids a chance to create some artwork and get their face painted in the parking area of Match Burger & Lobster.
Even a few adorable pups strolled the event getting love from doggie fans.
Photos & Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport's Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak Raise $1.2 Million For Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Today Show Co-host Craig Melvin and Sports Reporter Lindsay Czarniak, Hosted the Star-Studded Event to Increase Awareness and Funds to Combat the Disease. They are joined on stage by NBC Legendary personality Al Joker.
Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak and NBC and Today Show personality Al Roker get things going to begin the auction portion of the evening at Bridgeport's Total Mortgage Arena on Sunday night.
Westport, CT, power couple Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak teamed up with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Bottoms Up Invitational golf tournament and concert to raise awareness and funds in honor of Craig’s brother Lawrence Meadows, who died from the disease at the age of 43. Despite being more fatal than most cancers, colorectal cancer is less known and less funded. The second annual event surpassed last year’s fundraising goal by bringing in more than $1.2 million. Craig and Lindsay were joined by notable celebrities eager to make an impact during the events in Connecticut on September 24-25.
Above, Melvin take a moment for a photo with Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore. Other celebrities attending the function included MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhl, host of the 11th Hour on the network with Craig (center) and Craig with Westport friends.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Stephanie Ruhl with Selectwomen Andrea Moore and Jen Tooker, (left). Lindsay Czarniak with friends (center). Former Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, Today Show’s Al Roker.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women combined, is on the rise in people under age 50. It is the only cancer that is preventable, yet it’s estimated to be the deadliest cancer among 20-49 year olds by 2030, if things remain the same.
“As the largest nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer advocacy, the Alliance’s mission is to end this disease in our lifetime,” says Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We're honored to have Craig, Lindsay, and so many talented and influential supporters bringing attention to our cause, and helping raise critical funds.”
“As the largest nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer advocacy, the Alliance’s mission is to end this disease in our lifetime,” says Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We're honored to have Craig, Lindsay, and so many talented and influential supporters bringing attention to our cause, and helping raise critical funds.”
Proceeds from the events will benefit the community served by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s programs that advocate for prevention, magnify support, and accelerate research. To learn more about how you can help or to donate, visit ccalliance.org/getinvolved.
Caring and Lindsay on stage inviting guests to come to the stage as the auction is about to begin..
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Auctioneer Lydia Fenet revved up the crowd and got paddles raised as eager buyers bid on a long list of fabulous offerings provided by generous sponsors, including great vacations and a dinner and bourbon tasting at the Westport home of Craig and Lindsay.
The opening reception and concert took place at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport on September 24th and featured members of Hootie & The Blowfish, the Spin Doctors’ Chris Barron, saxophonist and composer Branford Marsalis, singer, songwriter and guitarist Edwin McCain, The Voice alumni Ray Boudreaux, Javier Colon, and Preston Pohl, and more amazing artists. The celebrity golf invitational at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk on September 25 featured TV Hosts Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist, Sterling Sharpe, Harry Smith, and Rutledge Wood, as well as actress Stephanie Szostak, among others.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Connecticut's own Javier Colon was one of the headliners who took the stage following the auction. Colon, born in Stratford, is well known as the winner of season one of the Voice in 2011 received the first four-Coach chair turn from Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green, Blake Shelton, and Christina Aguilera.
About The Colorectal Cancer Alliance
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance empowers a nation of passionate and determined allies to prevent, treat, and overcome colorectal cancer in their lives and communities. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance advocates for prevention, magnifies support, and accelerates research. We are the largest national nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer, and we exist to end this disease in our lifetime.
For more information or to make a contribution, visit ccalliance.org.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Voices Cafe At Unitarian Universalist Congregation Hosts Two Contemporary Folk Artists Saturday Night
Voices Cafe, called Westport’s musical gem, brings the power of song to our local community. On September 30th two of the most powerful contemporary folk artists, Abbie Gardner and Tracey Grammer, will be at Voices Cafe in a rare co-bill! These talented female artists bring incredibly unique energy and positive vibes to contemporary indie/folk music. You will enjoy their musical artistry when they sing individually and when they pair their vibrant voices.
All net proceeds of Voices Cafe concerts benefit local social justice programs and community causes.
On Saturday September 30th Voices Cafe’s doors open at 7:30pm and showtime is 8:00pm. For tickets and info go to voicescafe.org.
Enjoy this BYO setting with café-style seating (at tables) or individual seating, bring your own beverages and snacks, or buy a snack from our sweet treats table. Groups of four or more can reserve table space. General admission: $25 per person.
For more info and tickets for September 30th’s concert at 8pm, go to: Voices Cafe.
For additional information please contact Voices Cafe at 203-227-7205 ext 20 or via email: VoicesCafeCT@gmail.com.
About The Artists:
Abbie Gardner (left) is a fiery dobro player with an infectious smile. Whether performing solo or with Americana darlings, Red Molly, Gardner’s acclaimed tales of love and loss, both gritty and sweet, are propelled by her impeccable slide guitar chops. Her live shows are truly unique - as an award-winning songwriter, captivating vocalist, and a world-class lap style dobro player, she has an unmistakable sound all her own.
From Abbie Gardner’s 2022 “DobroSinger” CD, preview her song “Born in the City”. Listen to her artistry here: abbiegardner.com
Tracy Grammer (right) is among contemporary folk music's most beloved artists. Renowned for her pure voice, deft guitar and violin work, and incantatory storytelling, Grammer has recorded and performed with Joan Baez and Mary Chapin Carpenter, headlined several of the nation's top folk festivals, including Philadelphia Folk Festival and Falcon Ridge, and enjoyed 12 consecutive years as one of folk radio's 50 top-played artists, singing both solo as well as with the late Dave Carter. LOW TIDE, the first of her albums to showcase her original songs, has met with high acclaim. Music Matters Review shares about Grammer’s LOW TIDE: “A bold new sound, attitude, and personal viewpoint…. engaging songs beautifully sung and arranged.”
Village Records says that with Hole, from Grammer’s LOW TIDE, Grammer continually demonstrates that she’s “a voice to be reckoned with.” Listen to her songs here: tracygrammer.com
For more info and tickets for September 30th’s concert at 8pm, go to: Voices Cafe.
For additional information please contact Voices Cafe at 203-227-7205 ext 20 or via email: VoicesCafeCT@gmail.com.