Y's Men News -- Sunday, November 9, 2025 | | |
Table of Contents
(Scroll Down to Find the Article Behind the Headline. Articles are
in the same order as the Table of Contents)
- Find Out About Navigating Medicare This Thursday
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Y's Men Learn About Westport's Emergency Medical Service
- The Maya is Topic of Travel Discussion Group This Monday
- Y's Men Veterans: Bedford Students Want to Hear About You
- Veterans Day Ceremony -- Tuesday, November 11
- FMA Invites Y's Men to Breakfast Social
- T&E Lists Outings
- Ice Skating, Anyone? Y's Men Initiative Underway
- Income Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed
- We Are Looking for More Hoot Owls
- Common Ground Initiative Set for November 13
- Special Movie Night in Fairfield with Susan Granger
- Important Prostate Cancer Education Event at the Library
- Save the Date; Y's Men Holiday Party December 3
- Life Talk Meeting: If You Could Re-Live Your Life...
- Roll Up Your Sleeve! Y's Men/VFW Blood Drive November 19
- Westport Library Book Sale: Y’s Men Volunteers Needed
- Memorial Ceremony Announced for Y's Man Malcolm Davies
| | Find Out About Navigating Medicare This Thursday | | |
What’s happening: Katie Wheeler, CHOICES Manager at the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA), will lead an information-packed session this Thursday on navigating Medicare decisions and the basics of Medicare — including how to choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Why it matters: Enrollment season can be confusing. Katie’s talk will break down the pros, cons, and key factors that help participants make confident, cost-effective coverage choices.
About her: As SWCAA’s Regional CHOICES Coordinator, Wheeler helps older adults and individuals with disabilities understand their Medicare options. She brings years of experience translating complex health care rules into clear, actionable guidance.
About SWCAA: The nonprofit agency has served the 14-town southwestern Connecticut region since 1974, promoting independence, dignity, and access to resources for older residents and caregivers.
Be smart: Whether you’re new to Medicare or re-evaluating your plan, this session will clarify what kind of coverage fits your health and budget best.
| | Y's Men Learn About Westport's Emergency Medical Service | | |
Jaime Bairaktaris, president of Westport Volunteer EMS, leads a vital CPR training session for the Y’s Men, as members practice chest compressions on a CPR manikin during Thursday’s meeting.
Photo by Ted Horowitz
In case you missed last Thursday’s Y’s Men meeting, be sure to watch the video and feel free to share it with your family!
Jaime Bairaktaris, president of Westport Volunteer EMS, leads a vital CPR training session in the video. He breaks down life-saving skills everyone should know.
Why it matters: Quick CPR can save lives before EMS arrives.
Also covered:
• Westport’s unique hybrid EMS model with volunteer and police department collaboration
• History and evolution of EMS in the community
• How technology speeds response times
• The critical role of volunteers and fundraising
• Tips for preparing your home and medical info for emergencies
Click here to watch the video of last Thursday's meeting and learn how you can be ready to help in an emergency.
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The Maya is Topic of Travel Discussion Group Tomorrow
The Y’s Men Travel Discussion Group will meet tomorrow (Monday, November 10) from 9:00 to 10:30 am in rooms 203-204 at the Saugatuck Congregational Church.
As is the usual custom, meetings start by members talking about their recent travel experiences.
Y's Man David Pressler will be the guest leader. The topic will be: “The Maya - A Classic View.”
- David’s photographic imagery explores both the physical remains of the Maya Classic Period (250 - 900 AD), as well as a view of the present-day Maya people in Central America.
BTW – the graphic above was created by ChatGPT when asked to provide the subject title of David’s presentation.
Spouses/partners/significant others are always welcome to attend the meeting.
For information about the Y’s Men Travel Discussion Group, or to be added to the Group’s email distribution list, please contact Art Mann, mannart03@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 this 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 this 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.
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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 this 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. Members and non-members are invited to attend.
Click here to sign up and pay for admission.
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Monday, November 10
Storm King Art Center
Spouses and significant others are most welcome
https://conta.cc/4hOxKx1
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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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Friday, December 12
Morgan Library & Museum, Renoir Drawings Exhibit
Spouses and significant others are most welcome
https://conta.cc/4oq9Z0D
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Ice Skating, Anyone? Y's Men Initiative Underway
Y's Man Jeff Rothman wants to form a new Y's Men skating group at the Longshore rink—a chance to get off the couch, lace up, and prove that the old legs still have the muscle memory. This isn't about high-stakes competition; it's about claiming some cheap, dedicated ice time during the day for fellowship and a refreshing blast of cold air.
Longshore offers a reduced group rate, reserved dedicated ice time, and even arrangements for lessons. If you're ready to lace up and skate, and enough Y's Men are feeling adventurous, Jeff can look into some no (or low)-contact "beer hall" hockey.
If you are interested, contact Jeff at jeff@rothman-brothers.com. Jeff adds, "Let’s make this happen!"
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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.
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We Are Looking for More Hoot Owls
The Hoot Owls is the singing group, or Glee club of the Y's Men. It has been serving the area's senior facilities for more than 50 years. Led by music director Chris Coogan. Mr. Coogan is a well known Jazz musician, pianist, singer and composer.
If you are interested in singing and enjoy entertaining your follow seniors, please consider joining the Hoot Owls. No audition necessary.
Contact: Bob Leng at Leng_7@msn.com or 978-289-0940.
Upcoming Dates:
November 12, Wednesday at 9:30 am. At WCSA.
November 14, Friday at 9:30 am. At WCSA.
November 19, Wednesday at 12: 30 pm. Norfield Congregational Church
November 21, Friday at 3:00 pm. Atria Darien
| | 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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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.
| | Memorial Ceremony Announced for Y's Man Malcolm Davies | | |
Malcolm Davies
Services have been announced for Y's Man Malcolm Davies who passed away on Saturday, November 1. He was 92 and had joined the Y's Men in 2009.
A memorial ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 23 at 1:00 pm at Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road in Fairfield. According to Malcolm's daughter Frankie, after the ceremony, attendees will repair to The Castle, 3171 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, for food and beer, per Malcolm"s wishes.
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