Every elementary school kid in town, it seemed, raced onto PJ Romano Field yesterday morning, for the annual Day of Champions.
Their parents were there too. All were decked out in costumes — just one part of the offbeat, fun and very important competition.
The event raised over $212,000 for Experience Camps, the Westport-based network of activities for children who have lost parents or siblings.
So who was the big winner, when all the games were over?
Experience Camps, for sure.
One eager team …
… and Jordan Schur’s family, part of another. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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Happy belated birthday to Michael Calise! One of Westport’s most celebrated citizens turned 83 yesterday.
Andrew Colabella salutes “one of the many outspoken, preserving, and caring fighters of Westport.” He writes:
“Michael has worked hard to preserve the cultural identity of our town by purchasing land and historic homes for preservation of what our town once was, and is holding on to.
“You can find him often at Town Hall, for Planning & Zoning, Flood and Erosion Control, Zoning Board of Appeals and RTM meetings.
“Summer nights Michael walks from the oasis of trees on Compo’s South Beach to the jetty, Fiona’s Disappearing Island, and back.
“Fall and winter nights he can be found at Luciano Park with his friend and their dogs, playing together. Happy birthday, Michael!”
Michael Calise at a recent “06880” party, and in the Staples High School Class of 1958 yearbook.
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Ukraine Aid International — the organization founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — helps Fairfield County towns partner with similar-sized communities in Ukraine.
Westport was the first. Stamford, Easton and Greenwich followed suit.
Now Weston has done the same.
In this week’s “What’s Next in Weston,” 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor describes the relationship, and offers details on how Westonites can help their new friends, during this very difficult time.
Click below to listen. The podcast is a production of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
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Nature abounds in Westport — even downtown.
Reeds frame Kerri Rosenthal, adjacent to Parker Harding Plaza, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo by Sandy Rothenberg.
(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s fantastic Experience Camps event at PJ Romano Field:
(Be a champ! Help support “06880.” Please click here — and thank you!)