MARCH 2024 IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH

communications@ysmenwestportweston.org

Please use this email address to contact the Communications Committee directly should you have questions concerning Y's Men communications, the Newsletter, or other information, requests or concerns.

The Week Ahead -- Sunday, March 10, 2024

• Dan Woog Interviewed at Last Thursday's Meeting
• Marty Yellin To Speak This Thursday
• GIDG to Discuss Other Conflict Zones
• Jon Fox: Any Interest in a Y's Men's Band?
• Three Upcoming Trips Announced by T&E
• Y's Man Tom Kretsch Photo Exhibition March 22 
• Spring into Song March 24
• Get Ready for Summer Tennis
• Video Tribute to Len Fisher
• New Y's Men Facebook Group
• Tax Preparation Assistance Available for Y's Men

Videos of all 2024 meeting presentations are now available on the Y's Men website (ysmenwestportweston.org). Then click on the “Meeting Photos & Videos” tab.

Dan Woog was interviewed by Prill Boyle at last Thursday's meeting.

Westport -- Still A Special Place, Dan Woog Tells Y's Men

In Interview With Prill Boyle Last Thursday

Dan Woog has lived in Westport for 68 of his 71 years and Thursday he opened the book on himself in conversation with another noted Westport resident, Prill Boyle.

His parents bought a house on High Point Road for $22,000 in the late 1950s. His elementary school — Burr Farms — was built while the town’s population was exploding as an experiment by US Steel and was eventually dismantled.

Today, he noted, things are much the same — bigger price tags notwithstanding: Westport remains a community with great amenities and continues to attract young families to larger houses with bigger price tags.

He launched his writing career as a senior at Staples for the now “almost defunct Westport News.” He found the writing something of a challenge, but enjoyed showcasing Staples.

After graduation from Brown, he returned to do communications for Hall Brooke, but left to became a story teller and free lance wrier — “The best decision I ever made!” Woog’s World began soon thereafter, in 1995.

He came out about 35 years ago, noting that he knew he was “different” when he was five but couldn’t stay in the closet. “You can’t be a successful soccer coach and stay in the closet.”

He commented, “I’m a story teller in a human way. This is all we have. There’s nothing better.”

Just keep it going!

Y's Man Marty Yellin, at a previous meeting, will be the featured speaker this Thursday.

Marty Yellin to Discuss Cancer Research and Treatment

This Thursday (March 14) Y’s Man and noted scientist Marty Yellin presents the latest research and the significant progress that has been made in cancer research and treatment.

Marty will review recent studies that offer hope as well as extremely valuable information on how to lower your risk of a future cancer diagnosis.

Global Issues Discussion Group Meets Tomorrow

The Global Issues Discussion Group (GIDG) will meet tomorrow (Monday, March 11) at 9:00 am in Room 203 at the Church. 

Because previous meetings of the Group have focused on Ukraine and the Israel/Hamas war, Moderator Peter Chelico thinks that the Group may have forgotten all the other conflict zones in the world. He proposes a discussion of these conflict zones at Monday's meeting. Attendees should come prepared to enumerate and rank other conflict zones that can flare up into significant issues.

Sign up below to be added to the GIDG distribution list

The mission of the Global Issues Discussion Group, one of the more popular activities in the Y’s Men’s arsenal, is to keep members engaged with world affairs and stimulate discussion about world events as they unfold. The group meets every other Monday throughout the year, except during the holidays, and averages about 30+ attendees. One of the elements that makes the group dynamic is that it includes many Y’s Men who have worked for companies or other organizations dealing in international issues. Some have had extensive international travel for work and some have lived abroad for extended periods of time. Their experience provides the group with important personal insights into current affairs, politics, history and local culture.

Please sign up below for the Global Issues Discussion Group

Answer 'Yes' if you'd like to be added. If not, no need to click "No."

YesNo

Any Interest in a Y’s Men Band or “Best Of” Guides?

Y’s Man Jon Fox has put forth ideas for new Y’s Men activities. Among them: a Y’s Men’s Band and “Best Of” guides for gourmet dining, Pizza, Italian food, Chinese food, cocktails, and you name it. 

He is asking for a show of interest from Y’s Men. Contact Jon at jonfox06880@gmail.com.

Three Trips and Events Arranged by the T&E Committee

Three upcoming trips for Y's Men have been announced by the Trips and Events committee under the chairmanship of Bill Blaufuss,

The first trip consists of guided tours of Grand Central Terminal and the New York Public Library on Friday, March 15 led by Y's Man Bob Mitchell. The tours are currently fully booked but click here to contact Bob to be put on the wait list.

Next is the Staples Players Dress Rehearsal of "James and the Giant Peach" at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 20. Attendance is exclusively for Y's Men, their spouses or significant others. Details are available under the Trips and Events tab on the Y's Men website (ysmenwestportweston.org).

Last is a Bridgeport Islanders hockey game at 10:30 am on Tuesday, April 2. March 20 is the deadline to purchase tickets. Again,details are available on the Y's Men website.

Get Ready for Summer Tennis

Now is the time to take action if you are interested in participating in Y's Men Summer Tennis.  Many players from last year are expected to return and new players are welcome.

Seven courts have been lined up (Courts One through Five and Courts Eight and Nine) which should accommodate the group most days. Although it is to be determined, play is supposed to start in early May through September on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:00 am for an hour and a half.  All skill/experience levels are welcome and good matches and games for everyone will be found.

The Town has raised the fee this year for reserving monthly courts from $50.00 per month per court to $150.00 per court. Dewey Loselle, who manages Summer Tennis, has asked everyone interested in playing to pay $200.00 now by clicking the Pay Now button below or by sending a check payable to the Y's Men of Westport/Weston to Y's Men of Westport/Weston, P.O Box 167, Westport, CT 06881-0167.  

For additional information, contact deweyloselle@gmail.com

Y's Man Len Fisher at a Memorial Day observance at Westport Town Hall.

Video Pays Tribute to Y's Man Len Fisher

A video tribute to Y's Man Leonard Everett Fisher, who passed away earlier this month at age 99, has been produced by Y's Men Communications Chair Dick Kalt. The video features Y's Man Roy McKay's eulogy of Len at a recent Thursday morning meeting.

New Y's Men Facebook Group

The new Y's Men private Facebook Group now has nearly 90 members. It is there for all Y's Men to participate in and enjoy. To become a member of the Facebook Group, go to Facebook.com and enter Y's Men of Westport/Weston, and ask to join.

Tax Preparation Assistance For Y’s Men

There is free tax prep help available to all Y’s Men at Westport Town Hall.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling 860-590-8910. 

The virtual option can be accessed via www.simplifyCT.org. 

Any questions, or if interested in becoming a volunteer tax counselor, contact Mark Spivack at 203-216-0978 or spivamas@att.net.