A new addition to the Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Matthew Galati)
Westport’s legislative body: the Representative Town Meeting (RTM).
One classic car …
… and another. (Photos/Sarathi Roy)
Sunrise Rotarians remind parade-goers of the Great Duck Race. (Photo/Jim Wong)
Photographer Jeffrey Hammer writes: “I am deeply grateful to our town’s employees for annually creating a simple, solemn and stately monument to the dignity, grandeur and majesty of Memorial Day — one we enjoy long after the festivities have faded away.”
Westport’s favorite Minute Man, Miggs Burroughs. (Photo/Duane Cohen)
Westport’s RTM — one of only 6 in the state — takes to the streets. (Photo/Kristin Mott Purcell)
Astrid waves to the Sunrise Rotary Club’s giant duck. (Photo/Jodie Brooke Aujla)
The next generation of marchers. (Photo/Erin Hall)
Combined Bedford and Coleytown Middle School bands, led by Jim Andrews and Lou Kitchner. (Photo/Jodie Brooke Aujla)
More young athletes. (Photo/Eve Potts)
Identical twins, having twice as much fun. (Photo/Marcia Falk)
Not interested in her first Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Erin Hall)
Proudly she waves. (Photo/Duane Cohen)
Great-grandmother Ann Driscoll with her family, at her Riverside Avenue home. (Photo/Kelly Freitag)
Ava and Bryan Bierman. (Photo/Emily Bierman)
The sign says it all. (Photo/Sue Kane)
All the activities covered: Boy Scouts, Daisies, Staples cheerleading and band. (Photo/Shobana Mani)
Bob Custer saw combat duty in Vietnam with the 1st Infantry Division (“The Big Red One”). He’s a longtime sexton at Green’s Farms Church, was quartermaster at VFW Post 399, and always marches in the Memorial Day parade. This year, he was joined by his granddaughter Rowen Custer. (Photo/Nicky Custer)
Bedford Middle School band. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
Girl Scout Troop 50813. (Photo/Melissa Salottolo)
Here come the rugby players. (Photo/Kelly Freitag)
Fifers and drummers. (Photo/Sue Kane)
Dylan Curran and friend. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
Don’t forget the Lobster Fest! (Photo/Mary Lou Roels)
Wreckers 12u travel softball team (Photo/Melissa Salottolo)
Daisies on parade. (Photo/Shobana Mani)
On the route. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
[Insert your own caption here] (Photo/Rowene Weems)
Myrtle Avenue (Photo/Eric Bosch)
Skies were blue, and the temperature perfect, for today’s Memorial Day parade.
On the way to the parade, at the Saugatuck Church.
A couple of thousand military veterans, first responders, band musicians, young athletes, older Y’s Men, plus a wide range of others — including the grand marshal, Judge Edward Karazin — marched, ambled, danced, rode and scootered, from the start at Saugatuck Elementary School to the end in Parker Harding Plaza.
Vietnam veteran and grand marshal Judge Edward Karzin, with his wife Renee. (Photo/Tom Feeley)
A couple of thousand more spectators — like the parade-goers, of all ages — cheered them (and their favorites) on.
Then, the largest crowd in memory filled Veterans Green for the annual ceremony honoring the reason for the day: the 1.35 million Americans who have given their lives for our country, from the 1770s to now.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker noted that the diversity of America’s military is one of its strengths.
Nick Rossi sings the national anthem. From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Brien Horan.
Grand Marshal Karazin recounted his years growing up here — including riding his bike in the Memorial Day parade, and graduating from Staples High School in 1957 — and called the day “a living, loving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” He urged Westporters to reflect on their lives, and “give back to the town, to help it and others.”
Connecticut National Guard Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan — a Westporter — gave a ringing address.
He noted that, unlike in other countries, American servicemembers swear allegiance not to a leader or political party, but to the Constitution. That means, he said, allegiance to core principles like freedom of speech, and due process under law.
To loud cheers, he encouraged young people to think about the military, and its adherence to those important values.
The Fire Department’s traditional early morning ceremony. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
Veterans remember POWs and MIAs.
Westport Police were out in force.
The Y’s’ Men’s float is always a winner. This year, it honored the USO.
It’s a family affair.
Clowning around.
It’s not a parade without a fife and drum corps.
Former Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk.
The sentiment of the day.
Honor guard.
Staples trumpeter Gargi Karve plays the mournful “Taps.” (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Posted in Westport life
Tagged Judge Edward Karazin, Memorial Day parade, Westport Fire Department
On December 4, 1943, the Saturday Evening Post cover featured Westport illustrator Stevan Dohanos’ painting of our town’s Honor Roll.
It stood in front of the old Town Hall (now Don Memo and Walrus Alley restaurants). The magazine called it “Honoring the Dead.”
In fact, it honored all the Westporters then serving in World War II. In late 1943, victory was not yet assured. It was a terrible time. Many of those whose names were outside Town Hall did not make it home.
Town Hall is now on Myrtle Avenue. Plaques across the street — on Veterans Green — memorialize Westporters killed in several wars. This is the one for World War II:
Veterans Green is also where a ceremony takes place, immediately after today’s parade (approximately 10:30 a.m.). It is sobering and inspiring; mournful and uplifting.
It does not take long. There are a couple of speeches, some rousing march music, the laying of a wreath, the playing of “Taps.”
So many Westporters have sacrificed so much, to ensure the freedoms we have today.
The brief Veterans Green ceremony is one small way by which we can honor them.
If you have been to the Memorial Day ceremony, you know what I mean.
If you have never been: Make this the year to go.
The Memorial Day parade — one of Westport’s favorite events — returns tomorrow.
If you’ve been here a while, you know it’s Westport at its small-town best. If you’ve just arrived from Manhattan or Brooklyn: You may not know it, but this is one of the reasons you moved here.
(NOTE: It steps off Monday at 9 a.m., from Saugatuck Elementary School. Be sure to stick around at 10:30, for the ceremony at Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. And bring the kids!)
Everyone has a favorite spot to watch from: the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. A Post Road sidewalk. The stone walls in front of Myrtle Avenue homes.
Everyone has a favorite band, float or marcher to photograph too.
But why share them only with a few hundred dear pals, casual acquaintances and random how’d-they-get-on-my-list Facebook “friends”?
Tomorrow, let all of Westport see “your” Memorial Day parade. Send a few (not all!) of your photos to “06880” (email: 06880blog@gmail.com). Deadline: noon. Please include brief identification, if needed, and of course your own name.
I’ll post some (not all!) in the afternoon.
And be creative! We want special photos, for our special parade.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
(Photo/Charlie Scott)
(Photo/Diane Yormark)
Comments Off on It’s Memorial Day! Send Your Parade Photos!
Posted in Westport life
Tagged Memorial Day parade
The 9th annual Dog Festival is today (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Winslow Park.
Crazy competitions, vendors, an obstacle course, K-9 demos, food trucks, photos, adoptables, Gilbert the Party Pig — your dog is already tugging at his leash to go.
It’s $10 per person, $30 for a family of 4. Dogs are free!
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The first Y’s Men of Westport & Weston media panel discussion, featuring Senator Richard Blumenthal — about coverage of the 2024 election — riveted a Westport Library audience earlier this year.
The next one — June 1 (2 p.m.) should be just as compelling.
The focus is on how well print, electronic and social media covered the first 100 days of the Trump administration.
Panelists include: Congressman Jim Himes; Alisyn Camerota, author, blogger and veteran of CNN and Fox News; Rebecca Surran, the longtime face and voice for local news at News 12; Jim Marpe, former Westport 1st selectman, and Aaron Weinstein of Fairfield University’s media department.
Y’s Men past president John Brandt will moderate. Register for the free event here.
Clockwise from upper left: Jim Marpe, Congressman Jim Himes, Alisyn Camerota, Aaron Weintein, Rebecca Surran.
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The Westport Downtown Association adds some fun facts about their 52nd annual Fine Arts Festival, set for next weekend (May 24-25) on Main and Elm Streets, and Church Lane:
261 artists applied for 167 spots, in 14 categories. They come from 19 states.
Seven are from Westport: Mikhail Zakhalov (jewelry), Mary Ann Neilson (painting), Gali Katz (printmaking), and photographers Nancy Breakstone, Tom Kretsch, Ron Lake and John Videler.
42 artists — the most ever — will make their debut festival appearance.
Photographer Nancy Breakstone returns to the Fine Arts Festival.
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AWARE is one of my favorite organizations.
The acronym stands for Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education, and that’s exactly what these Westport women do.
Each year, they choose one very worthy local nonprofit. They raise funds — but do much, much more.
All year long, they offer hands-on involvement. They dive deep into each organization’s work, get their hands dirty with volunteer work, and form deep friendships with leaders and participants.
This year’s beneficiary is Bridgeport’s Center for Family Justice. They do crucial work helping people who have experienced physical and mental abuse.
AWARE’s partnership this year has included workshops for their clients, including budgeting, yoga, nutrition and makeovers, along with events for children in their programs.
A “Justice in Bloom” fundraiser is set for May 29 (6 to 8 p.m.). It includes cocktails, light bites, and a chance to meet Center for Family Justice representatives.
The AWARE event is always educational and empowering. Tickets (and donation forms) are available here.
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Like many readers, Aimee Monroy Smith was moved by Matthew Gotto’s recent “06880” Opinion piece about drastic cuts proposed for the Bridgeport school system.
She writes: “I am a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club. Twice a year we read at Luis Muñoz Marin Elementary School. It is an amazing school, and always an enjoyable experience.
“This year, a fellow Rotarian recommended taking the next step to support the classrooms, by giving through DonorChoose.org. It supports teachers who request specific items for their classrooms.
“Following up this idea, I noticed that the Dalio Foundation is matching all contributions.”
Click on DonorChoose here; then select “See Classroom Projects,” and select “Bridgeport, CT” from the map.
Matthew Gatto, with Blackham Elementary School students.
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A Westport woman wanted to give back to the community she loves.
She posted on social media that she’d be giving away dozens of tomatoes and dahlia bulbs, at the foot of her driveway.
They were gone quickly.
Because one person took them all — every plant. Plus the table they were sitting on, which the woman’s daughter had made (and had great sentimental value).
The selfish thief even took the broken crate the dahlias were in. And a dirty towel.
The woman had been planning her next giveaway to the community: 40 pepper plants.
But no longer. She figures one person does not deserve all of them, too.
Plants, table and crate, before they were all taken.
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Speaking of plants:
Wakeman Town Farm tells all local chefs, caterers and foodie friends that their farmer expects a big haul of 100 heads of freshly grown organic lettuces, and 70 pounds of garlic scapes in early June.
To reserve some (not all!), email Farmer@wakemantownfarm.org.
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Westport Rotary Club, the Sunrise Rotary and Westport Police Department joined together yesterday, on a food drive for Homes with Hope.
It was their first-ever at Big Y. As they always do — wherever volunteers collect for a pantry, or any other good cause — Westporters came through.
Community service, at Big Y.
Quickly, the donations were delivered to the Gillespie Center:
But that was not the only service rendered by Rotarians, on their worldwide day of community work.
They also gardened at the men’s and women’s shelters on Jesup Green … among many other activities.
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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the Independence Day fireworks are set for July 2. We should add that the rain date is July 3.
And although the press release said that tickets would be available at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore starting May 26, that’s Memorial Day. They’ll be closed. They’ll be open May 27, of course.
And the police station never closes, so they’ll have tickets on May 26.
Getting ready for Westport’s biggest party. (Drone photo/Charlie Scott)
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Speaking of Compo Beach: the Parks & Recreation Department has partnered with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee to launch a brand-new initiative: the Compo Mural Art Competition.
Residents are invited to design a mural that will bring “color, creativity and connection to the spirit of Compo Beach…. This can include sea life, beaches, marine landscapes, water activities, or the general beauty and vibe of the coastal area.” The site is the long white wall on the side of the Hook’d concession building.
All ages and levels of ability can enter. Submissions can be emailed to pkoskinas@westportct.gov, or dropped off at the Parks & Rec office in Longshore. The deadline is July 7. Full competition details can be found here. (Hat tip: Britt Steel)
Your art could be here!
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Who was that on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival Friday night?
Cameron Mann.
Cameron Mann (far left) at Cannes.
The 2024 Staples graduate — known for, among other things, his role in “Mare of Easttown” (spoiler alert: He was the killler) — is part of the cast of “Eddington.”
The film — starring Austin Butler, Emma Stone, Pedro Pascal and Joaquin Phoenix — debuted at the 78th annual French event. According to Variety, it earned a 5-minute standing ovation.
A commentary on American social discourse, it follows “a standoff between a small-town sheriff (Phoenix) and mayor (Pascal)” that “sparks a powder keg as neighbor is pitted against neighbor in Eddington, New Mexico.”
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Westport’s longtime information technology director Eileen Zhang is retiring.
She joined the town 30 years ago, when IT infrastucture was just beginning. She helped build Westport’s information systems and digital services across all departments.
When a successor is named this summer, he or she will be our first new information technology director of the millennium.
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Westporters have many reasons to be grateful for Miggs Burroughs.
The Staples High School graduate and Artists Collective of Westport co-founder has contributed many works to town, from his lenticular art at the train station and Main Street “Tunnel of Love,” to the 150th-anniversary flag he designed in 1986.
Now he’s done it again.
The Senior Center is presenting “Gratitude,” a series of his photos. They show 9 people, each expressing a letter from the word “gratitude,” in American Sign Language.
Through his lenticular technique, their hands appear to move. A simple gesture transforms into a powerful tribute to appreciation and connection.
The models — all associated with the Senior Center — are Prill Boyle, Penny Pearlman, Janet Turansky, George Kleros, Ruth Taranto, Janice Burke, Leslie markus, Molly Algera and Lee Walther.
Miggs Burroughs, with his “Gratitude” exhibit at the Senior Center.
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Today’s brilliant “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Thursday’s Westport Farmers’ Market. Amy Schneider saw — at photographed — it at the Muddy Feet Flower Farm stand.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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And finally … Charles Strouse — the Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Broadway composer of hits like “Annie” and “Bye Bye Birdie” — died Thursday in Manhattan. He was 96. A full obituary is here.
(Sure, you can support “06880” tomorrow. The sun will still come out. But why not today? Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
There have been plenty of fireworks in Westport lately. Explosive topics have divided residents, in sharp ways.
But one set of fireworks everyone can agree on: Those celebrating our nation’s independence.
The 60+ year Westport PAL tradition honoring America’s 249th anniversary returns Wednesday, July 2 at (of course) Compo Beach.
The other day to mark on calendars is Monday, May 26. That’s when tickets go on sale at both the Westport Parks & Recreation office in Longshore, and the police station on Jesup Road.
Westport’s greatest party returns July 2. (Photo/Elissa Moses)
Tickets are $75 (cash or check), and help fund dozens of PAL programs throughout the year.
Long-time Westport residents and Staples graduates Melissa and Doug Bernstein are once again sponsoring the fireworks.
“This is our favorite time of year in Westport, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event,” the couple say.
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo adds, “Westport PAL, in conjunction with the town, is honored to plan, coordinate and deliver another year of firework’s festivities. This is our largest fundraising event, and we appreciate the community’s continued support.”
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (2nd from right) hands the ceremonial 1st fireworks ticket to Doug Bernstein, at the newly refurbished Compo Beach playground. They’re joined by (front row, from right) Melissa Bernstein and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Parks & Recreation and PAL officials.
Posted in Beach, Police, Westport life
Tagged 4th of July fireworks, Parks & Recreation Department, Westport PAL
May is National Bike Month.
There’s no better time to ride to school, work or the train station. It’s not too hot or cold. The foliage is fantastic. What’s not to like?
Well, in Westport: a lack of bike lanes. Inconsistent maintenance of the ones that do exist. And everywhere: dangerous, distracted and difficult drivers.
Bike Westport thinks we can do better.
Bike Westport executive director Markus Marty (right) makes the mornng commute to Kings Highway Elementary School and Earthplace Preschool with Miles (6 years old) and Ellis (4). Selma (19 months) rides with her dad.
The non-profit organization is not a “bike club.” They don’t sponsor rides (beyond organizing elementary school get-to-class efforts).
They’re an advocacy group. Their mission is to build a community of people who want more, safer and better biking; work with town and state governments on infrastructure improvements connecting schools, downtown, beaches and the train stations; and educate riders and drivers on safe practices and laws.
And though their name says “Bike,” they want to make Westport better for all: riders, pedestrians and drivers.
Bike Westport director Jenna Petok crosses Post Road West with her son Elis (5), on their way to Kings Highway Elementary. The organization advocates for safety for pedestrians and drivers, as well as bikers.
In the 2 years since it was founded, Bike Westport has shed its training wheels. It’s not racing in the Tour de France yet — but that’s not the goal.
Founder and executive director Markus Marty, and director of strategy and community engagement Jenna Petok just want Westport to be more bikeable. And more friendly to bikers.
Their definition of “bikers” includes all ages and all abilities, all over town.
Markus has young children. The local school is Kings Highway Elementary — reachable (though not yet easily) by bike from their Stony Point home. Petok’s kids are there too.
Recently, KHS 5th graders drew maps of possible bike paths. They also wrote letters to 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Department of Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich.
Kings Highway 5th graders suggested bike paths to their school, and loops to downtown, the beaches and other sites.
Bike Westport has met with both leaders. Markus and Jenna have also sat with other elected officials, and transit advocates in Westport, Fairfield and Norwalk.
With local elections ahead for first selectperson, and various commissions and the RTM, the advocates hope to make biking a campaign topic. They’d like to hear candidates’ positions — and learn how they’d follow through.
Markus has no patience for people who say — of nearly every major thoroughfare in Westport — “It’s a state road. We can’t do anything about it.”
“The state will react, if the town requests something,” he says. “But it needs to be a priority in Town Hall.”
Markus and Jenna note that the town’s Safety Action Plan is completed. Now is the time to apply for grants, to turn the document into reality.
Bike Westport is focusing town-wide, but also targeting specific areas for attention. What good is biking to the train, they ask, if there is nowhere convenient to store your bike? (The current racks are in an out-of-the-way, nearly inaccessible location.)
They’re also working with the Parks & Recreation Department, to identify a site for a bike rack at Compo Beach
To celebrate Bike Month, Bike Westport will participate in the May 24 Parks & Rec “Celebrate Summer” event at Compo Beach. They’ll offer tuneups and repairs, and a “bike rodeo” obstacle course.
On May 27, the group will join — on bikes, of course — the Memorial Day parade.
Safe biking in Westport “is too important not to have a town committee working on it,” Markus says, “we’ve been working with advocates and RTM members on a committee that addresses biking, walking and mass transit solutions.”
(Bike Westport is eager to work with anyone who can help: residents and town officials; regular bike riders, and those too fearful to take to the roads. They’re looking for volunteer help in marketing and communications, plus a community events manager and webmaster. They also hope to hire a part-time advocacy consultant. Click here for job descriptions. If interested, email info@bikewestport.org, or call (203) 293-0093. For more info on Bike Westport, click here.)
(“06880” reports often on Westport’s transportation issues — roads, rails, water, whatever. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A 5th grader asked this question. The answer, Bike Westport hopes, is: yes.
Posted in Local politics, Transportation, Westport life
Tagged Bike Westport, Jenna Petok, Markus Marty
Five years ago, Brian McGunagle wondered: “Where is Westport’s LGBTQ community?”
After 4 years in town, he and his husband Stephen Gustafson were happy. They felt safe and supported. Through a Facebook group for same-gender parents, they had arranged playdates for their nearly 2-year-old son.
But they wanted more than a quiet, open suburb.
Five years later, much has changed.
Westport Pride — the group Brian founded — has thrived. It’s organized 4 large Pride celebrations; the fifth is set for June 22, on Jesup Green. A party will follow.
Staples High students, at the 2024 Pride celebration on Jesup Green.
Under the leadership of Kayla Iannetta, Westport Pride has partnered with Gender Sexuality Alliances at Staples High School, and the 2 middle schools, and helped organize “UBU” days at the elementary level; worked on Westport Library programming; brought a rainbow crosswalk to Jesup Road, and sponsored 3 drags shows.
A number of LGBTQ parents moved to town during COVID. McGunagle estimates there are at least 2 dozen families with same-gender parents here now — and that is probably low.
Plus: Their son now has a younger brother.
Brian McGunagle (sport coat), his husband Stephen Gustafson and their sons, at the Jesup Road rainbow crosswalk.
But not all the news is positive. The changing national climate has made young transgender Westporters feel unsafe. Some students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer or questioning also stand in the shadows.
There is “a lot of fear with parents of LGB — and especially trans — youth,” McGuangle notes.
He says the Supreme Court may take up a case in which parents of trans youngsters could be held criminally responsible for child abuse.
There is “more open bullying” around sexuality issues, he says, in schools and on social media like Westport Back Porch.
Temple Israel had one of the many booths at 2024 Pride.
LGBTQ Westporters without families — singles and seniors — are also looking for a community.
As the father of a 6-year-old and a future Stepping Stones Preschool student, McGunagle continues to search for ways parents like him can connect with each other, and for LGBTQ kids to find others they can identify with.
He has spoken to the Westport PTA Council — the umbrella organization for all 8 PTAs — and with the chairs of their Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee.
McGunagle uses the “PTA” letters to describe the groups he wants involved: (P)arents and (T)eachers who identify as LGBTQ, and (A)llies like parents of LGBTQ children.
The DEI Committee has welcomed Westport Pride’s participation, he says. He hopes to find 2 representatives from every school, so that the LGBTQ group can be formalized, much like Special Education is now.
A “playground playdate” for same-gender parents is set for May 4, 3 to 5 p.m. at Saugatuck Elementary School.
“DEI is under fire, at the national level,” McGunagle acknowledges. “But the district seems to be behind it still, in Westport.”
Meanwhile, he says,Westport Pride is always looking for volunteeers: at the board level, and to help with events and fundraising. If interested, email westportctpride@gmail.com.
(“06880” regularly covers every aspect of Westport life. If you enjoy reading about neighbors you know, and those you have yet to meet, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted in Organizations, Teenagers, Westport life
Tagged Brian McGunagle, Kayla Iannetta, Westport Pride, Westport Public Schools
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