The Nature Conservancy is a worldwide organization that seeks to preserve nature throughout the world. A chapter of the conservancy is located right in the heart of Devil's Den, which the organization says is the largest tract of undeveloped land in Fairfield County.
Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and best known fraternal organization in the world. The group's members are dedicated to good citizenship, contributing over $1 billion each year to charities. Masonic Temple Lodge #65 has served the community of Westport since 1824. Membership in the lodge is open to men who are at least 18 years old and are of good moral standing. For additional membership information, visit the temple's Web site.
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization with a history dating back more than 100 years. It is affilliated with the Roman Catholic Church. This is the meeting space of Council 6119, one of approximately 13,000 councils worldwide. Membership is open to men 18 years or older.
Rocky Hill Elks Lodge #2308 is home to a club room for members and a function room that can accommodate up to 100 guests. This Elks Lodge location also features in-house catering. For information on rental rates, call the number or visit the website provided.
The Westport Weston Family Y is a community facility where people of all ages and abilities come together to develop spirit, mind and body.
Departments include aquatics, child care (NAEYC-accredited) and school age, dance and theatre arts, fitness, gymnastics and sports & recreation. The facility features two gyms, two pools, a fitness center for strength training and cardio workouts (including Cardio Theatre), 50 group fitness classes weekly, spinning, badminton, handball, table tennis, racquetball, squash, Wallyball, a sauna and whirlpool, personal trainers and free babysitting.
The Association has competition-level teams in swimming (Water Rats), gymnastics and basketball. The Family Y also offers a summer camp experience with its ACA-accredited program at the 32-acre Mahackeno Outdoor Center.
The Westport Weston Family Y is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that enriches the community by developing youth and strengthening families while promoting healthy lifestyles for adults, and emphasizing caring, honesty, respect and responsibility in its programs and services. As a private non-profit serving a public purpose, the Family Y endeavors to provide financial assistance to those who qualify. Visit the organization's Web site for additional information about the programs, services, amenities and benefits of membership.
Chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919, the American Legion is now the nation's largest non-partisan veterans service organization. It is committed to promoting strong national security through the mentoring and sponsorship of youth programs on a community level.
Greenwich Legion members participate in local patriotic observances, provide assistance to veterans and their families, and sponsor a number of youth programs, including the Greenwich Cannons baseball team. Meetings are held on the second Monday of the month at this American Legion Hall on Glenville Road.
One of more than 13,000 councils worldwide, Council 46 of the Knights of Columbus is located in the St. Ann Club building in Norwalk. The Knights of Columbus is a charitable organization of 1.8 Catholic men who are dedicated to the founding principles of charity, unity and fraternity. The KOC was formed to provide financial assistance to members and their families. Today, the organization is involved in charitable activities on a local, national and international level. It partners with groups including Special Olympics, Global Wheelchair Mission, Habitat for Humanity, Food for Families and Coats for Kids. In the last 10 years, the Knights of Columbus has donated more than $1.4 billion to charity.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 is a non-profit organization devoted to honoring veterans and providing opportunities for gatherings and community service. The VFW Post 399 is active throughout the year with benefit events and commemorations. The VFW has an on-site vendor, Saugatuck Grill, that serves lunch seven days a week from 11:30am to 2:30pm and dinner on Thursdays and Fridays from 5:30pm to 9pm.
Congress enacted the American Legion in 1919 to bring patriotic veterans together. The Legion members focus on serving veterans, service members and the community through outreach programs. This group is worldwide, with more than 14,000 posts and 2.6 million members. Some of the Legion's involvement include the child welfare foundation, Heroes to Hometowns, Legion racing, baseball, and scouting, flag advocacy, Legion College, Oratorical Contest, Shooting Sports and the Legion Riders. Ridgefield's location is Post 78.
This local American Legion post is an organization that participates in a variety of member and community support services. It provides veteran support services, sponsors the American Legion Post 68 baseball team, oversees scholarship programs and educational initiatives with local schools and offers family support and information regarding health services, career resources and troop support. The American Legion Post 68 is an important community resource and always welcomes support and new involvement.
The Elks Lodge #2163 is a Groton-based lodge serving the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. It features a banquet hall and full kitchen, among other facilities, and serves lunch each weekend. The lodge sponsors charitable programs and events in collaboration with the national Elks organization and other community organizations, inluding dinners, contests and karaoke nights. It is available for the hosting of other events.
Father Michael J. McGivney, assistant pastor of St. Mary's Church in New Haven, founded the Knights of Columbus in March 1882. Its mission was to provide help to those members in need but has since expanded to provide aid to a variety of causes. The Knights of Columbus is now a worldwide organization, and Fr. McGivney is being considered for sainthood.
There are now more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.
The organization runs an insurance business for its members, with headquarters in downtown New Haven. It also operates the Knights of Columbus Museum nearby its New Haven headquarters.
Manchester Elks Lodge #1893 is a local branch of the Elks and works closely with the community through all types of special programs, community services, sponsorships and events. It offers the Elks Hall for rental for all types of special events, including retirement parties, showers, birthdays, baby showers and corporate events. Features include choices of menus, tables, chairs, fresh prepared food and a full service bar. Check the main website for details on upcoming events or call for information on availability.
