A foundation started by a Westport family has launched “World Kidney Day” to call for additional research—and answers—to a chronic disease that affects more than 20 million people.

The Halpin Foundation (www.halpinfoundation.org), founded by the Halpin family in 1989 after their 14-year-old son was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, is pushing for additional investigations in the field of kidney disease research, especially research related to membranous nephropathy, frequently referred to as MN.

“Our goal is to increase the research related to kidney disease as well as autoimmune disease and, ultimately, find better treatments and a cure for this condition,” said Joan Halpin, founder.

The Halpin Foundation issues grants to support training, education, research and projects that demonstrate the effective delivery of health care services, not only in the United States but globally when special opportunities arise. Previous grantees include hospitals and independent researchers, educational facilities, professional associations and community groups.

Artist Bobbie Herman is among those featured in the new book “The Art of the Birdhouse, Portraits of Artists and Their Creations” that benefits Westport’s Project Return. She posed before the photo in the book at tonight’s reception at the Gault showroom. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Paul Cohen for WestportNow.com

The Staples Players will present “Urinetown, The Musical” the next two weekends at Westport’s Staples High School.

Performances are planned for Friday and Saturday, and March 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. A matinee will be held at 3 p.m. March 18.

Tickets can be purchased at Staples between 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

For more information, call (203) 341-1310.

Westport could be reimbursed for snow cleanup costs as a result of Gov. M. Jodi Rell asking President Bush to declare an emergency for the entire state as the result of last month’s northeaster. 

Rell said in a statement today that she had informed the president in a letter Tuesday that the Feb. 11 – 12 snowstorm cost the state approximately $3 million and municipalities between $6 million and $12 million.

“As a result of this event and several previous storms in December and January, the State of Connecticut’s snow removal budget for this winter season has been severely impacted, as have the snow removal budgets of municipalities across the state,” Rell said in the letter. 

“Therefore, I am specifically requesting assistance for snow removal for the counties of Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, New Haven, New London, Middlesex, Tolland and Windham.”.