GALA JOURNAL 2025

TCS

Gala Journal 2025

honoring...

Foti Koskinas

Westport Chief of Police

&

Dick Kalt

TCS Member & Security Advisor

Gala Journal 2025

thank you to the gala co-chairs Lois Baron Susie Blumenfeld Sarit Lewis AND THE GALA COMMITTEE Jonathan Levy Abby Dixon Ryan Moritz Max Dixon Danielle Shapiro Lindsay Feldman Ronnie Stanford Ilene Frost Arielle Wein Alexandra Garfunkel Jenn White Lauren Jager-Hyman Martha Zuckman Jennifer Kanfer

A Tribute to Chief Foti Koskinas and Dick Kalt It is with great honor and deep gratitude that we pay tribute to two exceptional individuals whose unwavering commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our community has made a profound impact on our synagogue, the Town of Westport, and beyond.

Chief Foti Koskinas, who has served with distinction as the Chief of Police for the Westport Police Department, has long been a steadfast ally to our synagogue and the Jewish community at large. Since joining the department in 1996, Chief Koskinas has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, from his role as a K9 handler to his involvement in the Emergency Response Team and his work with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. His service to the Westport community has been marked by dedication, compassion, and integrity. Most recently, following the tragic events of October 7th, his leadership has been instrumental in ensuring the safety of our community. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a capable and devoted individual at the helm of our local law enforcement.

Similarly, we honor Richard (Dick) Kalt, a longtime and beloved member of TCS who has served as the chair of our Security Committee for many years.

Dick's contributions to our synagogue go far beyond his role in ensuring our physical safety; his tireless service has helped to build a stronger, more connected congregation. Over the years, Dick has also served on various committees, from overseeing audio-visual installations for our High Holidays to managing our cemetery committee. His dedication to TCS and his profound love for our community have made him a pillar of support for our congregation.

Through his leadership and commitment, Dick has built lasting relationships with our members and exemplifies the values of service and devotion to community. He, along with his wife, Lydia, have made an indelible mark on TCS, and we are grateful for their continued involvement and dedication.

We are truly blessed to have Chief Koskinas and Dick Kalt as part of our extended TCS family. Their dedication to safeguarding our community, both physically and spiritually, ensures that we can continue to gather in peace and security, knowing that those who care for us are always looking out for our well-being.

May their example of service and commitment inspire us all to deepen our own involvement and strengthen the bonds within our community. We are grateful for their leadership, and we are proud to honor them today.

With deepest appreciation and blessings, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Celebrating a True Pillar of TCS For over 30 years, Dick Kalt has been the quiet force behind so much of what makes our congregation thrive. His commitment has been extraordinary and vast - from managing the purchase agreement of our cemetery property, to handling transportation and sound for the High Holidays, to overseeing security with unwavering dedication.

Dick has stepped in to help with whatever was needed. He has been a steadfast presence, a trusted leader, and a true friend to us all.

It has been a joy to work alongside him, and our congregation is beyond fortunate to have him in our midst.

We offer a heartfelt thank you to Dick for his years of service, dedication, and friendship.

Isabel and Steve Moskowitz

With Deep Gratitude and Admiration We are honored to celebrate this year’s gala and to recognize two extraordinary individuals who have done so much for our synagogue and our community.

Chief Foti Koskinas: your steadfast support and dedication to our safety and well-being mean the world to us. In these challenging times, your friendship and commitment remind us that we are not alone.

Dick Kalt: your generosity—of both time and resources—has strengthened our congregation in immeasurable ways. As a leader and a friend, you have helped build and protect the community we cherish.

Thank you both for your service, your kindness, and your unwavering commitment.

With appreciation, Marc and Julie Zuckerman

Congratulations Chief Foti Koskinas

We are so proud to honor you this evening and thankful for all you have done for everyone in our community.

You have created a relationship between the police department and the people of Westport that is professional, caring, trusting and engaging.

Your sensitivity for the TCS community is most appreciated and a wonderful example of your leadership.

Thank you!

Dick and Lydia Kalt Chelsea Kalt Andrew and Chloe Fleischer Palmer and Poppy

Tonight, we are especially grateful for the opportunity to honor our friend, Dick Kalt and Westport Police Chief, Foti Koskinas.

Words cannot express how much we value their dedication to the safety and security of 30 Hillspoint Road and all who enter TCS.

Lois and Eric Baron

MAZAL TOV CHIEF FOTI & DICK!

CHIEF FOTI, Thank you for your leadership, protecting the Town of Westport.

You have been a true partner and friend to TCS.

DICK, Your dedication to our TCS community is just amazing! From audio to security and so much more, you find a way to make it all happen.

With warm wishes, Ilene and Alan Frost

Our congratulations and sincere appreciation to the Honorees for your support and service to TCS and the Westport community.

To a secure future......

The Kaplowitz Family

THANK YOU TO THE TCS PRESCHOOL FAMILIES FOR SUPPORTING OUR GALA IN APPRECIATION OF OUR HONOREES Jason & Ariel Alford Daniel & Meghan Cleiman Max & Abigail Dixon Andrew & Chloe Fleischer Eric & Alexandra Garfunkel David & Jordan Gerst Florian & Jacqueline Hensel Geoffrey & Lindsay Hollander Jonathan & Lauren Jager-Hyman Nico Lechuga & Lauren Cosenza Jonathan & Sara Levy Michael & Sarit Lewis Tommy Liu & Seohee Kong Jill Lukeman Jordan & Ava Mallin Steven Meyers & Lauren Reynolds Cort Moritz & Ryan Wolf Michael Nicles & Danielle Shapiro Josh & Alexandra Rahmani Ira & Dana Reibeisen Jesse & Heather Rosenbaum Ariella Stawski Zachary & Bonnie Steinman Jesse & Andrea Tanenbaum Matthew & Amanda Tarasaff Michael & Arielle Wein Jason & Jennifer White Evan & Rachel Wien Eric & Bari Yapalater Brett & Martha Zuckman

Thank you to Foti and Dick for protecting our home!

The Blumenfelds & Pink House Productions

We are delighted to honor

Chief Foti Koskinas and Dick Kalt For their tireless efforts in ensuring the safety of our community.

Your leaderhip and the efforts of your teams are most appreciated.

Never Give Up! Stacey, Scott, Maxwell and Noah Berger

Yasher Koach to our clergy, staff, safety professionals, and volunteers who work to ensure the safety and well-being of our special community.

Jon Fraade and Rita Appel

To Foti Koskinas: The TCS Family and all of Westport honor your commitment to our town.

The Udell Family

In Honor of

Dick and Foti,

who work so hard to make all of us more secure at TCS and throughout the town!

Thank you for all you do.

Shelly and Michael Kassen

We want to take a moment to recognize and honor Chief Foti Koskinas of the Westport Police Department for your selfless service, your unwavering dedication, and your commitment to making our community a better and safer place for all.

Your exceptional leadership, integrity, and compassion in serving and protecting our community have left a lasting impact on the Town of Westport and have made a real difference in the lives of those you serve.

Thank you, Chief Koskinas, you are a true hero in every sense of the word, and we are honored to have you in our community, and I am honored to call you a friend.

PENNA CONSTRUCTION, INC.

We are honored to recognize and celebrate Dick Kalt.

Nearly twenty years ago, Dick helped found not one, but two Achievement First charter schools in Bridgeport, ensuring life changing opportunities for thousands of scholars and for us.

Throughout the years, he has served countless organizations providing care and love for underserved communities. Most importantly, we are blessed to call him our dear friend.

Carol and Andy Boas

Thank you, Dick and Foti, for all that you do to keep our community safe!

Your dedication, kindness, and unwavering commitment mean the world to us. We are so grateful for your hard work and for always looking out for us.

With appreciation and admiration, Rabbi Wiederhorn, Cantor Penner-Robinson, and the entire TCS Staff

Thank you, Dick and Foti!

Mitch and Judy Greenberg

Dear Dick, On behalf of the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston we congratulate you on this recognition by TCS. You are an integral, selfless, amazingly talented member of the Y’s Men and it’s quite apparent we are not the only organization to benefit.

We Y’s Men are grateful for the love you have and continue to heap on us in that great Dick Kalt’ian way.

Gratefully, E. Bruce Borner President Y’s Men of Westport / Weston The Y’s Men of Westport/Weston is a community of over 500 retired and semi-retired men who have found something wonderful to occupy their golden years.

We are committed to enriching the lives of our members through a wide array of engaging activities.

The Kanfer and Morrison Families congratulate Foti and Dick on being honored for their support of our communities.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition, Chief Foti Koskinas.

Thank you for your service to Westport.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker Selectwoman Andrea Moore Selectwoman Candice Savin

Congratulations Foti, and well deserved. You are a leader in our community and a great friend.

With Love, Andy, Adam, Cynthia, Roz and Rhodie We salute our friends Foti Koskinas and Dick Kalt on their decades of service to our community.

“My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Isaiah 32:18

Liz and Avi Kaner

Congrats to Dick dedicated Minyanaire, long-time sufferer of Lions disappointments and all-around mensch - for this well-deserved honor. And congrats to Foti for all you do for our community.

With much appreciation to Dick Kalt and to Chief Foti Koskinas for their great work in our community.

Jay and Beth Rand

Steven & Claudette Kunkes

Mazel Tov to Dick Kalt on this well deserved recognition for your devotion to TCS and the TCS Community since its founding.

Thanks for keeping us safe!

Eric, Hayley, Zach, Sydney & Cooper Cohen

Allie, Eric, Jake, & Maya Garfunkel

Mazel Tov Dick!

Thank you for all you do for our community!

Stacy and Jon Kamisar Julia and Andy Genser

Big Congratulations to Dick Kalt: Thank you for your countless hours and commitment in heading the security committee and your many other roles for TCS. We appreciate all you do and continue to do.

TCS Chorale

joyfully honors Dick Kalt … our incomparable “Sound Maven“ Big Congratulations to Police Chief Foti Koskinas and the WPD: for his friendship, dedication and expertise throughout the years.

We acknowledge your diligence to And we thank Foti Koskinas provide safety measures and protection for his dedication to for TCS. Your work provides us a safe our safety & security. place to pray, learn, sing and celebrate.

Ivy and Ben Gosseen, Gwen Lopez-Cohen, Eva and Lee Rawiszer, Wendy and Phil Schaefer, and Jessica and Joel Siegel

Mazel Tov…and may you always go from strength to strength!

The Westport PAL congratulates Chief Koskinas on his many years of service and support to our local community.

We are especially proud of the honor being bestowed upon him by The Community Synagogue and hope his tireless efforts continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around him.

Congratulations Foti on this amazing honor! We appreciate all you do for our community.

Thanks to Foti Koskinas and the Westport Police Department for all that you do for us!

We are so lucky!

Ellen Graff & Marty Fox

Baruch Hashem It has been another wonderful year at TCS. Thank you everyone!

Big Hugs from your early morning tennis crew.

Steven, Evan, & Gregg The Lempert Family

Dick, my friend.

Every time I see the guardrail in the TCS driveway, the fencing around our property, the speed bumps and surveillance cameras (to name a few), I think of you.

And when I think about the many things we cannot see, I am reminded of all you have done.

Thank you so much.

Eric Baron

Salute to Foti from our Westport small businesses “06880”- WHERE WESTPORT MEETS THE WORLD ALINA’S BAKERY ASF SPORTS & OUTDOORS / ASF LOGO WAREHOUSE COFFEE ‘AN DONUT SHOP DOUBLE L MARKET EFFI’S SALON THE GRANOLA BAR GOLD’S DELICATESSEN GREAT STUFF GROOVE JL ROCKS LYFE CAFE NEW MOM SCHOOL WESTPORT PARTY HARTY THE POST RECESS PERFORMANCE CLUB - ERIC JOHNSON SOLEIL TOILE WEST BOUTIQUE

Amanda Chase, Joanne Folger, Sara Glick, Lynn Pokorny, Nelson Blanco, Diego Isazo, Luis Sarmiento, & the Security Team

for all their hard work

Thank you for your support