Julie Whamond writes:
When my husband Jim and I read on social media that the picnic tables on Parker Harding Plaza along the Saugatuck River were in disrepair, it occurred to us that they were the perfect gift to our town.
I remember when Lee Papageorge, the owner of Oscar’s Deli, placed them there many years ago.
I have been in town for 46 years, and Jim for 20. We raised our children here, and wanted to say thank you.
We contacted Maxx Crowley, executive director of the Westport Downtown Association, and shared our idea.
With the help of SCA and the WDA, we found the right benches. They should last many years.
Thank you to Maxx and his team for assembling the tables, removing the old ones and cleaning up the area.
The new Parker Harding benches. (Photo/Julie Whamond)
We give these tables in honor of those we lost on 9/11. We love driving by and seeing people enjoying their lunch by the river.
Now they can do it without the fear of a massive splinter.
Thank you, Maxx, SCA, the Westport Downtown Association! You are our Unsung Heroes of the week.
PS: We’ll add Julie and Jim to the list too!
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This is awesome – thank you so much!!!!
Thank you. It is a lovely spot and now a better spot.
Nice job Julie and James! And Lee would be happy as well.
Thank you to Julie and Jim!
Thank you, Julie and Jim! What a great gift to the town!
I love this! Thank you for your generous contribution to our town and for doing so in honor of those we have lost on 9/11.
THANK YOU!!
Thank you Julie and Jim!!! Always generous.
Thanks Julia and jim it looks wonderful
Such a beautiful and meaningful gift. Thank you, Julia, Jim, and all who helped them.
Thank you so much for placing these beautiful new riverfront picnic tables to honor the victims of 9/11. Your years of dedication to our town and thoughtful tribute mean so much to all of us who drive by and visit.
Julie – you are just the best! Your motto should be “Just Did It!” Thank you from all of us on the RTM who served with you.
A lovely, loving gesture. Thank you!
Thank you so much, Julie and Julie. What a lovely gift and such a thoughtful way to honor those who were lost on
9/11. And too, a special way to honor Lee Papageorge. Again, many thanks
Thanks Julie and Jim. This is a wonderful tribute to the friends we lost on 9/11.
THANK YOU!
fantastic! how special and generous. Thank you!
Alan Cohen -ElixirSpa
Thank you, Julie and Jim. Very thoughtful and just the kind of practical and esthetic improvement needed. We’ve no doubt Lee is pleased.