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Classical Music Society Features "Carmen" this Tuesday
The Y's Men Classical Music Society features Georges Bizet's opera "Carmen" when it meets this Tuesday (November 4) from 2:45 to 4:15 pm at the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
It's helpful to know the story of any opera in English before you see it. That way you won't be fumbling with the libretto during the performance to figure out what's happening. This one happens to be sung in French. A libretto will be provided electronically as soon as a reservation is made to attend the meeting, and printed copies will be available at the meeting.
Because of the length of the opera, there only will be time to screen Act 1 at the meeting. But fear not. Attendees will receive links to the entire opera the day after the meeting, so they can see how it all comes out in the comfort of their own homes.
Attendees are advised to read the story of "Carmen" ahead of time so they won't be distracted from the beauty of Bizet's music.
Reservations are required. They may be made by contacting Y's Man Ed Bloch at edbloch71@gmail.com.
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Y's Men Veterans: Bedford Students Want to Learn From You
NOW HEAR THIS: In years past, a number of Y's Men military veterans have participated in a highly successful Veterans Day education program at Bedford Middle School. The program invites veterans to share their military experiences with members of the school's eighth grade classes.
The coordinator at Bedford is eager to have as many vets as possible participate in this year's program but has not heard from some of her past volunteers.
If you are a vet and have participated in the past, but have not responded to this year's invitation, or if you would like to join this year's program on Wednesday morning, November 12 as a first-timer, please contact John Brandt at jkbrandt@aol.com. He will put you in touch with Courtney Ruggiero, the program coordinator, who will reserve you a place in the program.
According to past Y's Men participants, it's one of those intergenerational experiences that will be well worth your time.
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Veterans Day Ceremony -- Tuesday, November 11
The Town of Westport will conduct its annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Recognition on Tuesday, November 11, in the Town Hall Auditorium. Patriotic music by the Westport Community Band will begin at 10:30 am, with the ceremony starting at 11:00 am.
This always-moving event features recognition of all local veterans, a commemoration by the First Selectwoman, and an address by a local high school student. Even if you are not a military veteran, please consider attending to honor your Y’s Men brothers who have served our country in war and peace.
| | Candidates Town Hall Forum Well Attended and Informative | | |
Y's Man and RTM member Jeff Wieser moderates Town Hall Forum last Thursday in which the three candidates for Westport First Selectman participated. They are (left to right) Kevin Christie, Don O'Day, and David Rosenwaks.
The Y’s Men last Thursday featured a lively forum featuring all candidates for Westport First Selectman. If you missed earlier debates or still haven’t made up your mind, this is worth watching.
Y’s Man and RTM member Jeff Wieser kept things moving with sharp, focused questions that built on earlier discussions. He pressed for clarity and ensured every candidate had a fair shot to be heard.
What stood out: No big surprises or “gotcha” moments, but the contrasts came through in each candidate’s background, experience, and approach to leadership more than in their policy positions.
Bottom line: If you care about Westport’s direction, don’t miss this video of Thursday’s Town Hall–style forum. It’s the clearest look yet at who’s ready to lead next.
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Wednesday, November 5
Four Hours at Seven Bridges Galleries and Sculptures
Spouses and significant others are welcome. Non-member friends of Y’s Men are welcome, space permitting. Please inquire.
https://conta.cc/3VPJ1D2
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Monday, November 17
NYC Walk: A Stroll Down Park Avenue
RSVP Required. The walk is limited to 20 persons
https://conta.cc/47OBHhE
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Entry Period in 2025 Photo Contest Open Through November 6
Entries in Expo 22, the photo contest co-sponsored by the Y's Men Photography Club and the Westport Center for Senior Activities, may be submitted through this Thursday, November 6.
Judging of entries, in eight classifications, will be on Wednesday, November 12. Three entries per person will be allowed in these categories: Landscape, Waterscape, Architectural, Portrait, Nature, Critter, General, and Highly Manipulated.
Click here to read the rules of the exhibition and obtain an entry form.
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Y’s Men Volunteer Opportunity: SimplifyCT
SimplifyCT, which offers free IRS tax prep at Westport Town Hall, is inviting Y’s Men to volunteer this tax season. No experience needed—training begins in December, and service runs from late January through mid-April.
To learn more, contact Leidy Diaz at leidyd@simplifyct.org or visit www.simplifyct.org.
| | Next Up This Thursday: Westport’s Lifesavers — With a Pulse | | |
Jaime Bairaktaris, president of Westport EMS, will present at this Thursday morning's meeting and demonstrate life-saving techniques.
The Big Picture:
Founded in 1979, Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service blends volunteers and professionals to keep the town covered 24/7, fielding nearly 2,400 calls a year with three ambulances and a parade-ready bike team. They’re funded by donations, fueled by caffeine, and ready for anything — from traffic tangles to fireworks fallout.
Jaime Bairaktaris, WVEMS president, will pull back the curtain on the latest tech, training, and close calls, keeping Westport prepared for the next emergency.
Heart-thumper bonus:
After Jaime’s presentation, stay for a 20-minute CPR demo — your chance to save a life, or at least impress friends by knowing what to do if someone chokes on a donut at the meeting.
When & where:
This Thursday, November. 6, Y’s Men weekly meeting. Show up, learn, laugh, and maybe get your hero cape ready.
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Y's Man Paul Epstein Hosts "Just for Men" Meetings
"Just for Men" meetings hosted by Y's Man Paul Epstein of the Mindfulness Group are on the first Thursday of the month. The November meeting will be Thursday, November 6 from 3:00 to 4:00 pm at the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
Each session involves meditation practice, mindfulness, compassion, gratitude and discussion and sharing, exploring. Teachings include..."see with new eyes;" resilience, working with difficult emotions, responding vs. reacting, being here now, present moment awareness, finding peace in the storm, being comfortable with uncertainty, and integration of practice and teaching with all of life, daily and beyond.
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Fairfield Men's Association Invites Y's Men to Breakfast Social
The recently formed Fairfield Men's Association has launched a "FMA Breakfast Social" and the Y's Men have been invited to attend. It will be held on Wednesday, November 12 from 8:30 am to 10:00 am at the Circle Diner, 441 Post Road in Fairfield. Plans are to have a breakfast social on the second Wednesday of the month from November 12 on.
Cost of the hearty, buffet breakfast is $20.00 with tax and tip included. No speaker at the event which provides an opportunity for socializing and camaraderie in a relaxed setting. Members and non-members are invited to attend.
Click here to sign up and pay for admission.
| | A Common Ground Initiative Special Event on November 13 | | |
Thursday, November 13, 7:00–8:30 pm, The Westport Library.
Eli Cohn-Postell and Kara Wilson from Project Shema will present “Understanding Jewish Identity, Antisemitism, and Allyship.” The program explores the history and impact of antisemitism, featuring a moderated talk and an audience Q&A session. In-person attendance only; all are welcome.
Sponsored by Jon and Bobbi Roth, with support from The Westport Police Department.
Click here to obtain free tickets and details.
| | Susan Granger Invites Y's Men to Starstruck Film Series Event | | |
Film critic and regular speaker to the Y's Men Susan Granger wants Y's Men to know about a program in the Starstruck Film Series on Sunday, November 16 at 1:00 pm at the SHU Community Theater in Fairfield. It will be a showing of "Terms of Endearment" starring Shirley MacLaine followed by an interview with Sachi Parker, MacLaine's daughter.
Click here to purchase tickets or for additional information contact Josh Levin, SHU Community Theater operations manager at 203-371-7817.
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Important Prostate Cancer Education Event at the Library
Y’s Man and retired physician Bob Altbaum moderates the Andrew Wilk Medical Library series at The Westport Library. The next session is Monday, November 17, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm, and will focus on prostate disease—including benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. Bob will discuss BPH, and urological oncologist Dr. John Graham will cover prostate cancer. This promises to be an informative talk for all Y’s Men.
For additional information and to obtain free tickets click here.
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Life Talk Meeting: If You Could Re-Live Your Life...
Tuesday, November 11, 2:00–3:30 pm
Room 109-110, Saugatuck Congregational Church
Topic: If you could re-live your life, what would you do differently?
Share and discuss experiences—work, love, health, friendships—and lessons learned.
Quotes to consider:
• “There are no do-overs, but there are second chances.”
• “Life always offers you a second chance… It’s called tomorrow.”
For more info, email Larry Ackerman: larryackerman06@gmail.com.
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Roll Up Your Sleeve! Y's Men/VFW Blood Drive November 19
The next Red Cross Blood Drive, co-sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston and VFW Post 399, is set for Wednesday, November 19.
Every donation saves lives — so sign up today at RedCrossBlood.org (enter VFW Westport) or call 1-800-733-2767.
Want to help in another way? Volunteers are needed for the welcome desk and recovery area. Contact Y’s Man Jay Dirnberger at jaydirnberger@gmail.com to lend a hand.
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Westport Library Book Sale: Y’s Men Volunteers Needed!
The Westport Library’s Fall/Winter Book Sale runs from Friday, December 5, through Monday, December 8, with setup beginning Wednesday, December 3, and continuing through Thursday evening, December 4. Takedown will be Monday afternoon, December 8.
Many Y’s Men have pitched in over the years, and we hope this year will be no exception. Volunteers are needed for setup, the sale itself, and takedown.
Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/moftSDr . You’ll find descriptions of each role and the number of volunteers needed. Be sure to note “Y’s Men” when you sign up so our Director of Community Service, Jim Marpe, can track participation from our group.
| | Y's Man Malcolm Davies Passes Away at 92 | | |
Malcolm Davies
Y's Man Malcolm Davies passed away yesterday afternoon. He was 92 and joined the Y's Men in 2009.
Y's Men President Mike Boyle said, "Malcolm was a Y’s Man Extraordinaire who more than 15 years ago started our annual international hiking trips, led the walks in the woods for many years, got the Y’s Men walking on Wednesdays at Sherwood Island, and established our Wednesday luncheons at the Castle—to name just a few of the ways he made the Y's Men the great organization it is."
As soon as information is received about an obituary and a memorial service, it will be made available.
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