I am fortunate to live near the beach. Houses are very close to each other. Kids have freedom to take a bike ride, and test their independence. They travel to friends’ houses on their own, and hang out at the beach. Or maybe they just go outside and pedal the day away.
I applaud kids for putting down their phones and getting some exercise. However, I am alarmed at the number of them I see riding without helmets.
I know the joy of riding your bicycle with the wind running through your hair. I know that helmets are a drag and can ruin the best style, leaving your with dreaded helmet hair. I know the feeling of a sticky, sweaty, uncomfortable forehead.
But I also know the danger that can arise from a bicycle accident. Whether it is slipping on sand or gravel, getting struck by a car or hitting a pothole and going splat on the pavement, outdoor bike riding has its pitfalls.
I implore kids and their parents to please put on a helmet — and make sure they stay on. Once a child is out of their parents’ sight, kids may be tempted to take off the helmet and let it hang from the handlebars. I see plenty of that.
Helmets should fit snugly, flat on the head, and be fastened properly. There should be no more than 2 fingers’ space between the chin and the helmet strap. Here is a video that shows the proper fit.
Click here for a list of reasons to wear a bicycle helmet. They include protecting your head, face and brain from trauma, increasing visibility, being able to see, and modeling behavior for others.
78% percent of adult cyclists and 88 percent of young riders who suffered head and neck injuries were not wearing helmets.
And if you want a visual, you can even show your kids this video:
Now get out there, buckle up — and go for a ride!
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Flags are flying at half-staff in Westport in honor of Tony Giunta.
The Westport native, Staples High School graduate, longtime Police Department officer and detective, civic volunteer and all-around great guy, died Saturday. He was 77. His family says:
Anthony P. Giunta, Jr., son of Anthony P. Giunta Sr. and Maria Rose Giunta, was born March 2, 1945.
Tony was a life-long resident of Westport. He graduated from Staples High School in 1964. He graduated from New England College in 1969, with a BA in English. In 1975 he earned a masters of science degree in law enforcement from the University of New Haven.
Tony lived a life dedicated to his family and to the service of others. Tony loved God, his family and his country.
In the US Army, he reached the rank of E-5. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion.
Tony Giunta
Tony joined the Westport Police Department as a patrolman in 1971. and retired as a sergeant in 2006. He served as Policemen’s Benevolent Association president for 2 years, and community outreach program chair for 8 years.
In 1982 he joined the Kiwanis Club of Westport, and became president 2 years later. Tony started the Staples High School Kiwanis Key Club in 1985, and served as its advisor through 2021.
Tony joined Boy Scouts of America in 1989 as an adult leader in Troop 39. His many leadership roles included scoutmaster and Eagle Scout coordinator. He received numerous awards, including Silver Beaver Award from the Connecticut Yankee Council and, through Masonic Scouters, the Daniel Carter Beard Award.
Tony served on committees of the American Red Cross and the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
In 1996 he was selected as an Olympic torch relay runner in Westport, recognition of being a Westport Community Hero.
He was a member of Temple Lodge #65 in Westport, and became Worshipful Master in 2014.
As a kidney transplant recipient in 2011, Tony understood the gift of life. He became a supporter of Donate Life, which encourages organ donation. He cared deeply about the program.
Besides his wife Frances, to whom he was married for 49 years, Tony is survived by his daughter Kirsten (Devin Middleditch), her husband, Devon Middleditch, son David and his partner Elizabeth; granddaughter Maria; sister Carol (Michael) Axley of California, and many other relatives.
Calling hours are Friday, July 22 (4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral mass is set for Saturday, July 23 (10 a.m., St. Luke Church). Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery. Click here to leave condolences for the family.
Last week’s Friday Flashback — about the original Comp Beach concession stand, where the volleyball courts are today — drew a yeah-but-remember-further-back comment from Michael Calise.
The native Westporter recalls that even before the Chubby Lane’s shack, the original pavilion had a second-floor dining spot.
Look familiar?
It should. The pavilion was damaged in a storm, leading to the removal of most of the structure. What’s left today is the open-air pavilion, next to the volleyball courts and drop-off/pick-up area.
Only the roof remains. But it’s the same one as in the photo.
PS: Michael Calise says that across the street — in what is now the Soundview parking lot — a bandshell featured nightly entertainment, run by the concessionaire.
Grace Salmon Park is one of Westport’s most beautiful — and underrated — places to relax.
Yesterday, it was a classroom.
University of Connecticut master gardeners (and Westport residents) Monica Buesser, Alice Ely and Nathalie Fonteyne conducted an invasive plant workshop. It was sponsored by the Westport Garden Club.
Sixteen participants learned about the park’s top 15 invasive plants. They then broke into 4 groups, each canvasing a quarter of the site — and found several different invasives.
The next step: using the data to apply for a grant for removal of invasives from Grace Salmon.
Buesser — the conservation chair of the Westport Garden Club — plans to be at Grace Salmon Park every Thursday from 8 to 10 a.m. (weather permitting). She invites everyone interested in weeding or learning more about the park’s plants to join her.
“You can’t miss me. I wear overalls!” she says.
Grace Salmon Park is a beautiful spot. Like many in Westport, however, it is home to several invasive species. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
The Public Works Department was out in force on Bridge Street. Workers cut back branches and brush that had encroached on the pedestrian walkway leading to Saugatuck.
It won’t make your drive over the Cribari Bridge any quicker. But it’s sure a boon to the many bikers, joggers and walkers who love the view.
Sure, NASA is excited about the James Webb Space Telescope.
But the Westport Astronomical Society has Cal Powell.
The former WAS president hosts the “Cal & Friends Meteorite Show & Tell Party” on Tuesday (July 19, 8 p.m.).
Cal received his first meteorite in 2010, as a going-away gift from WAS. He started collecting them a few years later. His collection of nearly 400 specimens covers most meteorite classifications.
Cal will his present his extensive personal meteorite collection, and introduce Stefan Nicolescu with rare samples from Yale’s Peabody Museum. The WAS adds: “Bring your own meteorites and assemble your meteorwrongs!” Click here for more information.
Noted local artists Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow hosted the third and final noir film last night, on the Westport Library’s large Trefz Forum screen.
“Nightmare Alley” was part of the series accompanying the artists’ “Double Indemnity” art exhibit, in the Library’s Sheffer Gallery. It runs through August 6.
Miggs Burroughs and Ann Chernow. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
In 2011, the post office moved from its spacious, classical and long-time home downtown (now Design Within Reach, for all who have moved here since).
Just before relocating to cramped, parking-impaired Playhouse Square, I wrote:
When the post office moves into its new Playhouse Square digs a few months from now, it will likely be without fanfare.
They’re downsizing, after all; you don’t cut a ribbon at some spare, utilitarian space.
It’s a far cry from 1936, when Westport’s shining “new” post office opened on (appropriately) the Post Road.
Sheila Murphy Foster remembers that ceremony like it was yesterday. She should: She cut the ribbon.
Sheila Murphy Foster
Sheila was back in town the other day. She’s lived in Florida since graduating from Staples in 1948 — but she’s 82 years young, and still loves Westport.
Her roots are deep. Her own mother Mary is a Staples grad — in fact, Sheila says, Mary helped develop the school lunch program, and came up with the name “Inklings” for the school newspaper.
Sheila’s father John commuted to New York City for his job as an accountant with American Standard. He had 3 children, and when his wife got sick he needed a job closer to Westport.
John Murphy was active in Democratic politics — locally and nationally — and knew Postmaster General James Farley. Soon, President Roosevelt appointed Murphy as Westport’s postmaster.
“It was a plum job,” Sheila says.
The job was even better because a new post office was about to be dedicated. The WPA project replaced what Sheila calls a “ratty building” across the street.
“It was the middle of the Depression,” she recalls. “Things were bad. Having the government build a new building was good. Thank heaven for the WPA.”
So one day in 1936, 7-year-old Sheila stood on the broad steps of the “magnificent edifice” and cut the ceremonial ribbon. Well, she tried to — the oversized scissors were too big, so her father the postmaster finished the job.
Sheila Murphy and her father, cutting the post office ribbon.
He had a lot to do besides pose for photos. Mail was delivered twice a day back then. Westporters — many of whom did not have telephones — communicated with friends by mailing postcards back and forth, one delivery following the next.
The Westport Post Office, in 2011. Trees now obscure the front of the WPA-era building.
John lived only a couple of more years. He died very young — as did his wife. From age 9 on, Sheila was raised by her aunt.
Sheila remembers her Imperial Avenue home — near the intersection with Bridge Street — as a wonderful former onion barn. There was sledding in winter, and playing on a nearby 10-acre estate. Owner Rose O’Neill had already earned fame as the creator of the Kewpie doll.
In town, Sheila took dance lessons at what is now Toquet Hall.
Though she stayed in Florida after college, Sheila returned regularly to Westport — with her 3 sons.
Sheila Murphy Foster outside the Postmaster’s office. It probably looked the same when her father had the job.
On her most recent visit, she stopped by the post office she dedicated 75 years ago.
How did she feel when she heard the building has been sold — taking with it three-quarters of a century of Westport history?
“I felt bad,” she says. “It still looks like a beautiful building.
“But it’s old,” she admits. “Maybe it’s too expensive to renovate.”
The clerks — and postmaster — may move to Playhouse Square. But one thing will never change, Sheila Murphy insists.
“It’s always been my post office.”
Sheila Murphy Foster died peacefully Monday evening at her Miami home, surrounded by her family. She was 92 years old.
Sheila Murphy Foster
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Posted onJuly 14, 2022|Comments Off on “06880” Blog Party: 1 Week Away!
The annual “06880″ party is just a week away.
And if you’re reading this: You’re invited.
Next Thursday (July 21, 6 p.m.) is the day and time. The far end of Compo’s South Beach — away from the cannons, near the boat and kayak launch — is the place. (Still confused? See the aerial view below.)
The blue arrow marks the “06880” party spot.
Every member of the “06880″ (as in, this website) community is invited. We welcome frequent commenters and lurkers. Folks who have lived here all their lives, and those who moved here yesterday. People who want the Cribari bridge to stay the same, those who want a new one, and everyone in between. (Don’t worry: We keep the party a politics-free zone.)
The tagline for “06880″ is “Where Westport meets the world.” Next Thursday, that world comes to Compo.
Please bring your own food, beverages, beach chairs and blankets. (If you bring extras to share with others, we won’t say no). Then mix, mingle and enjoy the evening with the “06880″ crowd.
There’s no charge. It’s a “fun-raiser,” not a fundraiser.
A “blog party” — the “06880” version of a block party.
See you next Thursday!
(PS: Because “06880” is now a non-profit, Westport Parks & Rec allows a limited number of out-of-towners without beach stickers. Please email 06880blog@gmail.com to be put on the list. First come, first served!)
Yesterday’s “Unsung Hero” story brought tears to many readers’ eyes.
It also brought this email, from hero Tucker Peters himself. After saving fellow teenage sailor Mark Adipietro’s life — and reading many heart-warming comments — he wrote one of his own:
“Thank you to everyone for the kind words. I was just one part of an extraordinary team. The true hero though is Mark, who fought like hell. Not many people have the grit or determination to fight back the way he did. He was back on the water with me today — onward and upward we go, forever connected.”
Tucker Peters (left) and Mark Adipietro, on their C420.
The fall Emergency Medical Technician/Responder class, sponsored by Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, begins September 6. It runs through December 20. Classes are held Tuesdays and Thursdays, with some Saturday sessions.
Over the years, at least 14 WVEMS members have gone on to medical school. Others became nurses, physician assistants and paramedics.
The cost ($1250 per Emergency Medical Technician student, $750 per Emergency Medical Responder student) includes classes, book, stethoscope and BP cuff. WVEMS can reimburse for the cost of our class after students are cleared as regular WVEMS members.
Click here for more information, and registration details.
Speaking of service: Tony Giunta died on Saturday. He lived for many years with kidney disease.
A Staples High School graduate who spent 34 years as a Westport Police Department officer and detective, he was equally dedicated to the Boy Scouts, Kiwanis Club, Staples Key Club and Masonic Lodge #65.
In 1996 he carried the Olympic torch down the Post Road, en route to Atlanta.
A full obituary will be posted later. Visitation is a week from tomorrow (Friday, July 22, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, July 23 (10 a.m., St. Luke Church), with a graveside service to follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.
Once upon a time, there were a few dozen service stations in Westport: up and down the Post Road, on Main Street, Riverside Avenue, even Hillspoint Road.
There are very few now. Most sell only gas (and food).
A shout-out to one of the stalwarts: Westport Center Service. The station directly opposite Playhouse Square went above and beyond when I had a tire issue the other day. They were quick, responsive, and very, very efficient.
it’s been owned by the same man — Robert Walsh — since 1965. In a world of ever-changing businesses, and every-diminishing quality, it’s not hard to see why.
Longtime resident Phyllis Tremonte died last month at her Westport home. She was 100 years old.
Phyllis worked for C.B. Dolge Company for over 20 years. She was a member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, and was an avid reader. She loved to travel, and enjoyed cooking, baking and taking care of her family.
Phyllis was predeceased by her husband Thomas Tremonte, son Thomas Tremonte Jr., brother John Borriello and sisters, Mary Carrione and Archangel Argenio.
She is survived by her daughter Loretta Tremonte of Westport, daughter-in-law Peggy Tremonte of Wilmont, New Hampshire, grandchildren Thomas P. (Jessica) Tremonte, Julia A. (Mike) Cushman and Michael J. Tremonte, great-granddaughters Laina and Gianna Tremonte, sister Amy Campanella, and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, July 18 (10 a.m., Assumption Church). In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Click here to leave online condolences.
The Westport Country Playhouse production has audiences buzzing. The acting, dialogue, casting; the up-front stereotypes and recognition of universal family themes — they love it all.
They particularly love the set.
Designed by You-Shin Chen, it recreates a Korean-owned convenience store in Toronto — right there on the 91-year-old Playhouse stage.
We’re not talking a shelf or two. This is aisle upon aisle of candy, chips, cigarettes, paper towels — exactly what you’d find in a store like that.
Plus fully stocked coolers, a sign demanding legal ID — even fluorescent lights and heating vents.
David Shih, Eric R. Williams, and the “Kim’s Convenience” set, at the Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/CarolRoseggt
It’s a shame to think of striking the set when the show ends on Sunday.
Happily, it won’t be.
Instead, the fully stocked “store” will be packed up, and moved to California. In September, the entire set and most props will wow audiences at the Laguna Playhouse production of “Kim’s Convenience.”
The only items not going are the beverages in the coolers, and bread. The candy will be shipped separately, to avoid melting in the hot truck.
A professional transfer company is handling the arrangements. Chin will help.
RJ Romeo, the Playhouse’s technical director, heads to Laguna this fall. He’ll assist the production crew there with installation.
But that’s not the only rental. After the California run, the set will be shipped again — to TheatreSquared in Fayetteville, Arkansas, for their January production.
Westport Country Playhouse is nationally known for the hundreds of famed actors who starred here.
Now we’ll be known — in Southern California and Arkansas, anyway — for the Toronto Korean convenience store that once graced our stage.
(“Kim’s Convenience” runs through this Sunday, July 17. Click here for tickets, and more information.)
(“06880” relies on support from readers like you. Please click here to help.)
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