Category: Community - Page 22

Sunday, October 18, 2026

Going to Beautiful Lengths for Cancer Patients

By James Lomuscio
Westporter Ann Karrick is sending her hair to Beautiful Lengths. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Just for the record, Westporter Ann Karrick likes her long hair, those brown, wavy, bouncy locks that not only frame her face but flow down past her shoulders. In fact, she likes her hair so much she wants to share it—with a less-fortunate woman who has lost hers while undergoing chemotherapy. So today Karrick, media consultant and former host and producer of “For the Record,” a national weekly talk show on ION Media Networks, is scheduled to have her signature locks shorn at Westport’s Greg & Tony Salon, 231 Post Road West. She plans to have her hair donated to Beautiful Lengths, which makes wigs free of charge to cancer patients. “The reaction from others surprised me at first,” said Karrick. “Typically with long hair, when you mention cutting it, there are gasps of horror.

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

Trust Fund for Bill Palladino, Staples ‘68, Seeks Donations

By Michelle Sciarappa

If Bill Palladino could speak, what would he tell you? About the throat cancer that stole his trachea? About his wife’s tragic death from a heart attack not even two weeks ago? About his expected loss of health insurance for the chemotherapy he is receiving at Danbury Hospital?

During happier times, Staples High School graduates Bill Palladino and wife Janice Anne McClenathan Palladino. A fund has been set up for Bill, who remains hospitalized with throat cancer. Janice Anne, his sole caregiver, died of a massive heart attack Feb. 11. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo.

No. He would probably tell you about his two beautiful daughters, Michelle and Sarah, who are both in college. And he would probably tell you about his supportive friends, Staples High School alumni whose bond transcends time as they recently have set up the Billy Palladino Trust Fund at the Danbury branch of Newtown Savings Bank. “I’m trying to reach out to as many people as I can to help a friend from Staples High School (who) is going through a really tough time,” said Shelby Goodlett Pike, who is spreading the word about the fund. Palladino, Staples Class of 1968 and a resident of Sandy Hook, was first operated on in November, and then again Feb. 6 when throat surgery left him without the ability to speak. He has been at Danbury Hospital ever since. Compounding his illness, he lost his wife and sole caregiver, Janice Anne McClenathan Palladino, Staples 1983, to a massive heart attack Feb. 11.

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Cub Scouts Visit Westport EMS

In preparation of their Readyman Pin, the Webelos from Westport’s Cub Scout Pack 192 had the honor Monday night of being trained by Alan Stolz, a longtime member of the Westport Volunteer Emergency Service and Special Events Crew Chief. Stolz is an Eagle Scout and continues to have an active role in the Westport Boy Scouts. Webelos in attendance were Sean Hanrahan, Aiden Flaherty, Charlie Nadel, Nick Openshaw, Aiden Weir, Corey Hausman, Alex Carl, and Den Chief, Alex Flug. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

UJA Honors Two with Woman of Valor Awards

Wendy Cohen (l), co-president of UJA/Federation Westport Weston Wilton Norwalk, left, presented Sandy Lefkowitz (c) of Westport and Barbara Schwab of Weston with Woman of Valor awards, at the organization’s annual gala on Saturday at The Loft in SoNo. The event raised funds for The Jewish High School of Connecticut, the Children’s Village in Israel, and humanitarian relief for elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union, reflecting UJA/Federation’s mission to help those in need locally, in Israel, and around the world. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ted Horowitz for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

Supporting the Burn Center

Westport Assistant Fire Chief Andy Kingsbury (2nd r) accepts a $1,500 check today from Bob LeRose, owner of Westport’s Bobby Q’s Restaurant, and entertainer Frank Bergonz of Westport. LaRose said that this is the fifth consecutive year that Bobby Q’s has raised funds for the Connecticut Burn Center to whom the Westport Fire Department forwards the funds and that the total contributed is now more than $10,000. The funds were raised last summer when the Lost in the Flood musical group with Bergonz as lead vocalist performed an all-Bruce Springsteen program at the restaurant. Bergonz, who has participated in the fundraising event every year since 2002—when the restaurant site was known as Onion Alley—said it honors the memory of 9/11 firefighters. Pictured (l-r) are Firefighters Chris Carroll and James Workman, LaRose, Bergonz, Kingsbury, and Firefighter Brendan McHugh. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Monday, December 7th, 2009

Lifeguard Training Course Set for Dec. 26-30

The Connecticut Chapter will be conducting an American Red Cross lifeguard training course at the Westport Weston Family Y on Dec. 26–30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The course teaches the skills and knowledge needed to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies.

Participants will receive certification in first aid, CPR for the professional rescuer, automated external defibrillation and lifeguard training.

To enroll, participants must be at least 15 years of age. Cost is $300. For more information and/or to register, contact Jack Harder at (203)683-4292 or register online at www.ctredcross.org.

Matsu Sushi Supports Breast Cancer Foundation

Westport’s Matsu Sushi restaurant is getting behind the Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation (BCEAF). Owner Michael Cao and Pauline Lee, manager of the restaurant at 33 Jesup Road, presented a check to Westonite Shirley Freifeld in support of BCEAF. The group was founded in 2006 by Freifeld and the late Phyllis Steinberger who died of breast cancer in September. According to Freifeld, BCEAF has provided funding for more than 300 females and one male to cover out-of-pocket expenses related to chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. In addition to Connecticut, BCEAF has now expanded to four other eastern states. Matsu Sushi’s check to the BCEAF represents a portion of its revenues for the month of October, Breast Cancer awareness month. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Youth Jazz Ensemble Holding Auditions

The Southern Connecticut Youth Jazz Ensemble, part of Westport Continuing Ed, is holding auditions for the winter/spring season.

The regional group, which is open to high school musicians from throughout Connecticut, rehearses every Monday night at Staples High School. In addition, there are monthly master classes with New York jazz artists, and club/concert performances.

Auditions will be held today and Dec. 14 or by appointment.

There is no charge and auditions can be scheduled by calling (203)226-9750 or by e-mailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Westport Menorah Lighting Set for Monday, Dec. 14

A giant outdoor menorah lighting to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah will take place Monday, Dec. 14 at Westport’s Compo Acres Shopping Center, 422 Post Road East, in front of Wachovia Bank.
The 2006 menorah lighting at the Compo Acres Shopping Center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

The event, sponsored by Westport’s Schneerson Center for Jewish Life, will include live music, hot latkes, “Hanukkah gelt,” and dreidels.

The menorah will be displayed from Friday, the start of Hanukkah, to its end on Saturday, Dec. 19.

For more information, call the Schneerson Center at (203)635-4118 or visit its Web site.

Honoring a New Eagle Scout

State Representative Kim Fawcett (at microphone) and state Senator Toni Boucher (2nd l) were among those honoring new Eagle Scout Daniel A. Zlatkin (c) of Troop 39, Westport, at a ceremony today at Temple Israel. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo