It doesn’t take an Einstein to guess this week’s Unsung Heroes.
If you were part of the large crowd at the Cribari Bridge on Monday evening, watching its magical transformation from 135-year-old steel span to a riot of color — or if you were or will be anyone crossing it, or strolling through Saugatuck, any night from now through well beyond New Year’s — you’ve already figured out who our heroes are.
The lights are a visual delight, for residents, visitors, and anyone who believes in the spirit of the holidays.
They also demonstrate — more than any mushy card or mawkish Christmas song — the power of community.
(Photo/Andrea Moore)
Less than 2 weeks ago it looked like the Cribari Bridge would be dark, for the first time in 25 years.
After being hit by a couple of vehicles, and coming loose, the lights were removed earlier in November. Al’s Angels — the longtime sponsor — could no longer continue.
Suddenly, up stepped a passel of folks who worked a holiday miracle.
Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore took the lead on the town side.
Representative Town Meeting member Kristin Mott Purcell ordered the lights. Fellow RTMer Andrew Colabella helped pull in sponsors and volunteers.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas coordinated with the Fire Department, Public Works and state Department of Transportation.
AJ Penna & Sons Construction, Kevin Ancker of Riverside Mobil and a corps of others unboxed, strung and tested hundreds of bulbs on Sunday.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Helpers included Kristin, Andrew, the Fire Department’s Jennifer Petrosinelli, Gault Energy’s Jim Donaher, RTM member Jimmy Izzo, Neat Lending’s Justin Carmichael, and Joe Bottone.
Colonel Craig Bergamo of the Police Department and PAL stepped up in a huge way. The foreman on this very special and complex job, he spent most of the night in the bucket truck hanging lights.
The Police Department added logistical support.
They worked through the night, finishing at 3:50 a.m. Monday.
Meanwhile, Emma Rojas ordered the thank-you sign, and collected toys for the PAL/Police Department’s collection.
Doug Pardon and The Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant hosted a post-lighting celebration, with drink specials.
Financial support for the project came from lead sponsors Neat Lending, The Bridge at Saugatuck restaurant, and Saugatuck Financial.
Other sponsors were LandTech, the Colabella Family, our own “06880” blog, and Westport PAL (which also collected the donations).
Volunteers and sponsors made sure there were lights.
Monday’s ceremony capped a frenzied few days of activity.
Now — amid the holiday hustle (and all that bridge traffic), we can sit back, relax, and enjoy one of Westport’s most beloved traditions.
There may not be a Santa Claus. But this week’s Unsung Heroes made sure there was a gift for everyone, right next to the towering (and well lit) Bridge Street tree.
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
The Cribari Bridge, from across the river. (Photo/Margot Simmons)
Great story about a wonderful Westport coming together.
It is always a beautiful treat to see and drive through the bridge when it is lit.
Thank you all for continuing this lovely tradition.
A big shout out and thank you to Al DiGuido and his Al’s Angels crew that started this great tradition and kept it going for so many years.
Thank you to Al DiGuido and Family – and all of Al’s Angels- who started lighting the bridge and steadily kept it going for so many years for the community! It is wonderful to see the teamwork emerge from the next generation of local community members and business owners- many of whom attended Westport Schools – keeping it alive. Kudos!