You’re Invited: Westport’s Craig Melvin & Lindsay Czarniak Host Annual Bottoms Up Concert & Golf Tournament
Each year the well-known Westport Power Couple host a two day event, the Bottoms Up® Invitational Golf Tournament and Concert to raise awareness of, and much needed funds for fighting colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S. and is rising sharply among adults under 50. It is now the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men under 50, despite being preventable and highly treatable if caught early with timely screening.
The two-day fundraiser on September 14–15, is held each year in honor of Craig’s brother, Lawrence Meadows, who died from colorectal cancer at the young age of 43.
Above: Craig and Lindsay addressing guests last year, then introducing CT’s Own Javier Colon, winner of The Voice in 2011 who performed at last year’s concert.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WesportLocalPress.
The annual event will kick off with a line-up of top tier talent in concert at Bridgeport’s Total Mortgage Arena.
Although the list of performers each year is not publicized, past performers for this important event have included members of Hootie & The Blowfish, Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, Branford Marsalis, Edwin McCain, and others.
Concert tickets are $275 and include dinner, open bar, entertainment, and a chance to connect with celebrities and advocates. The event begins with tailgating at 4:00 PM, followed by floor access, food and libations and the concert in the arena. Proceeds fuel the Alliance’s programs that drive prevention, support patients, and accelerate research. To purchase tickets click: Bottoms Up Concert Tickets.
Spots may still be available to compete in the golf tournament alongside celebrities from media to the music world. To sponsor the tournament, or learn more visit: bottomsupinvitational.org
Day Two of Bottoms Up is the Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament held at Shorehaven Golf Club, 14 Canfield Ave. in Norwalk.
Last year, the Bottoms Up Invitational raised more than $1 million for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to ending the disease.
Labor Day Cabriolet Cruise On Hillspoint Road
Photo By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
We spotted Melissa and Doug Bernstein cruising down Hillspoint Road at the end of Labor Day after enjoying the holiday. The Bernstein‘s were founders of one of America’s most successful and beloved toy brands, Melissa and Doug, which they started in their basement and at Doug’s parents garage. The products were all designed in their Wilton Connecticut headquarters. Thirty years later the couple sold Melissa & Doug to Spin Master, a publicly traded entertainment company in Canada, for $950 Million. Never folks to rest on their laurels the dynamic couple has embarked upon a new business venture, launching Lifelines, a company that creates wellness products for tweens, teens, and adults. To learn more visit: www.lifelines.com.
Melissa and Doug are one of Staples High and Westport true success stories. Doug became a resident at 4 years old, with Melissa arriving at age 16, and both graduated from Staples High school. Doug’s parents lived in Westport for 60 years and Melissa and Doug have carried on the family tradition, raising their six children in Westport.
Compo Lifeguards Labor Day Farewell
Labor marked the end of this year’s Compo Lifeguard service. A bittersweet moment for the kids, saying goodbye to their days at Compo Beach, keeping us safe and yellow to high school and college once again.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
They were not jumping for joy, but they did give us a great parting photo.
Main Street Show-Stopper
Shoppers who strolled Main St. looking for Labor Day sales and bargains found a rare vintage truck looking like it just rolled off the assembly line, then made a stop at a custom car shop to achieve a one-of-a-kind finish. This beautiful 1979 International Scout II found its way to Keith M. of Fairfield by way of his Uncle Richard from Redding, an avid car collector. Only 44,434 Scout II’s were built in ’79 which was the last production year for this vehicle. The car drew quite the interest from passers-by with several taking photos and selfies with this fine automobile. The Scout caught the interest of Kate from Stamford and her two sons Tucker, age 13 and Jack, age 11 who noticed some interesting feature found in the interior.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
This scout was restored from the ground up by a friend of his uncle’s in Phoenix who was a highly skilled restorer of vintage Ferrari’s, and upon the completion of a 1973 Ferrari Dino, the Scout needed to find a new home which is how it made it’s way to Redding. Keith has owned the truck for 11 years, kept her garaged to insure she stayed in pristine condition and she has just over 63,000 original (he believes) miles on the odometer.
The power plant is the original 345 cid V8 with only a top-end rebuild and the original rally wheels were fitted with BFG 32.5” all terrain tires. The vivid plaid interior prompted closer inspection which revealed a working CB radio and a rotary telephone reminiscent of the kind of mobile phones which were in use at that time. Although it currently is non-functional and is just a visual accessory, Keith is hoping to find a say to get it on-line at some point. He also added a bluetooth radio which he installed in the glovebox.