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, May 5, 2024

• GIDG to Discuss NATO and US Alliances Monday
• Military Discussion Group Covers World War I Battles
• Y's Men Bring Jazz to the Library May 13
• Jazz Luncheon at VFW May 15
• Reversing Addiction: Gary Mendell Speaks Thursday
• Andrew Wilk Captures the Arts for Broadcast May 22
• Homes with Hope Update from Helen McAlinden
• Four Upcoming Trips Announced by T&E  
• Future Social Events Announced
• Volunteers Needed for Library Book Sale
• Mentors Needed for Norwalk Schools
• Y's Men Tour New England Air Museum
• Recycle Your Mattress for Free
• Memorial Service for Kathleen Mitchell May 18

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.

Global Issues Discussion Group Meets Tomorrow

The Global Issues Discussion Group (GIDG) will meet tomorrow (Monday, May 6) at 9:00 am in Room 203 at the Church. Two subjects that will be addressed at the meeting are NATO and other U.S. alliances and the Israel/Hamas conflict.

For additional information, contact Moderator Peter Chelico at pecysmen@gmail.com.

Opening Battles of WWI Topic of Military Discussion Group

The Military Discussion Group, led by Y's Man Jon Fox, will meet tomorrow (Monday, May 6) at 10:00 am upstairs at the Saugatuck Congregational Church. The topic of discussion will be the opening battles of World War I which Jon describes as "a meat grinder of humanity." 

For additional information, contact Jon at jonfox06880@gmail.com.

Y's Men and Westport Library Bring "A Night of Jazz" May 13

The Y’s Men Jazz Club and The Westport Library have a great event coming up as they present "A Night of Jazz" with the Staples High School Jazz Ensemble in Trefz Forum at The Westport Library on Monday, May 13 at 7:00 pm.

It is sure to be a great evening of music featuring our own Staples students.

To register for the event:

May Meeting of Jazz Club at VFW May 15

Two days after the "Night of Jazz," the Y's Men Jazz Club will hold its monthly luncheon at the Westport VFW on Riverside Avenue. Beginning at noon on Wednesday, May 15, the meeting's program will feature a Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong duo as well as performances by Nina Simone, Wes Montgomery, Dave Brubeck, Sarah Vaughan, and others.

The lunch will again be catered by Calise's with of a variety of sandwiches, green and pasta salads, mixed deserts and iced tea.

The cost is $25.00, pay there. Soft drinks, beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the bar.

Click the button below for complete details and to reserve your attendance.

Gary Mendell will speak to the Y's Men this Thursday.

Reversing Addiction: Gary Mendell to Speak to Y's Men

This Thursday, May 9, the Y's Men will welcome Gary Mendell, founder and CEO of Shatterproof, a national nonprofit focused on reversing the course of the addiction crisis in America.

After losing his son Brian to addiction in 2011, Gary founded Shatterproof to spare other families the tragedy his had suffered.

Gary will introduce us to the critical work of Shatterproof and its impact on those with addictions.

Y's Men Classical Music Society Features

Andrew Wilk Wednesday, May 22 in Special Library Program

In a collaborative program with The Westport Library, the Y's Men Classical Music Society will present "Andrew Wilk Captures the Performing Arts for Broadcast." It will be held in the Trefz Forum of the Library on Wednesday, May 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 pm.

Featured will be a selection of Andrew Wilk’s work in the arts in a wide-ranging interview in which he’ll discuss his productions and the many creative challenges he faced, showing how they were addressed. He’ll also talk about a few of the headliners who helped make those productions award winners. After the video-illustrated interview, hosted by Y’s Man and Past President John Brandt, Andrew will answer questions from the audience.

The program is free but registration is requested by clicking the button below:

Helen McAlinden, President of Homes with Hope, updates Y's Men at last Thursday's meeting.

Photos by Ted Horowitz

Y's Men have long supported Homes with Hope. With Helen McAlinden last Thursday are Y's Men Jeffrey Silberman, Bruce Hennemuth, and Bruce Gaylord.

Homes with Hope Update from President Helen McAlinden

Homes with Hope President and CEO Helen McAlinden updated the Y’s Men last Thursday presenting a video documentary on the history, mission and vision of the organization. Founded in 1984, and occupying a retired firehouse owned by the Town of Westport, local religious organizations worked together to create the Interfaith Housing Association in response to an increased number of homeless individuals, primarily men, who were turning to them for aid.

The documentary included over 50 testimonials, each with a unique message in creating Homes with Hope's legacy, with narrated tales of resilience and the collective spirit that had shaped the organization.

Homes with Hope, which is actively supported by the Y’s Men, has since grown significantly to help people move from homelessness to self-reliance by expanding the support services and housing options currently available, providing the resources needed for them to be successful in their journey out of homelessness.

Four Trips and Events Arranged by the T&E Committee

Four upcoming trips for Y's Men have been announced by the Trips and Events Committee under the chairmanship of Bill Blaufuss.

First is a walk down the west bank of the Hudson River on Monday, May 13.

Next is a private guided tour of the former headquarters building of Union Carbide Corporation in Danbury, CT, on Tuesday, May 14. The tour is about two hours, followed by lunch in the company cafeteria.

Third is a guided tour of Prospect Gardens in Westport on Thursday, May 30 .

Finally, West Point Football on Saturday, September 21, with Army vs. Rice University.

Complete details for each of these events are available under the Trips and Events tab on the Y's Men website (ysmenwestportweston.org).

Help an Underprivileged Child – Become a Mentor

One hour a week can make a difference in a child's life. Become a mentor through the Norwalk public schools mentor program and help an underprivileged child grow to become a productive member of society. One hour in a school per week, can change the course of their life.

For more information, contact Y's Man Stephen Bentkover at sgb214@sbcglobal.net. "Let's make a difference."

Y's Men Visit the New England Air Museum

A group of Y's Men visited the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks this past Friday. The museum consists of three display hangars along with storage and restoration hangars. Its collections include aircraft ranging from early flying machines to supersonic jets, as well as engines, and other pieces of flight-related equipment.

The trip was organized by the T&E Committee. Below are photos by Y's Man Ted Horowitz.

Memorial Service for Kathleen Mitchell Saturday, May 18

A memorial service for Kathleen Mitchell will be held at the Saugatuck Congregational Church on Saturday, May 18, at 2:00 pm.

Wife of Y’s Man and Past President Bob Mitchell, she passed away on April 18 after a long illness.