Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office, starting today.
To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.
The RTM is a 36-member, nonpartisan legislative body. Four representatives are elected from each of 9 voting districts. Members serve two-year terms.
RTM members play a vital role in town governance. They vote on appropriation requests over $20,000, approve town ordinances, provide final approval of the town budget, and serve on committees that review and make recommendations on budgetary and legislative matters. They may also review certain decisions made by town boards and commissions.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
Yesterday marked a jolly good opening for Gruel Britannia.
The new Cross Highway restaurant — an outpost of the very popular Southport spot, taking over the vacant Porch @ Christie’s — was packed from the moment the doors opened.
Neighbors, other Westporters from further away, Fairfield fans, construction workers, delivery people — all were impressed with the menu, the interior, and owner Karen Hubrich’s welcoming vibe.
Today marks the beginning of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force drive.
They’re collecting household items for clients at their 2 safe houses. Supplies are part of “move-in baskets,” which help recipients transition into apartments.
Items needed include
Laundry detergent
Laundry baskets
Plastic reusable plates
Plastic reusable utensils
Dish soap
Sponges
Dish towels
Hand towels and washcloths
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
Tin foil
Plastic wrap
Parchment paper
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Disinfecting wipes
Brooms and mops
Dustpans
Paper napkins
Hand soap
Donations can be dropped off in the lobby at the Westport Police station, through July 29.
As “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Assocation put the final touches on this Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll (July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we’re looking for a few teenagers (or parents!) to help run games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts.
It’s already organized. We just need helping hands! If interested, please email at kristinemott@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, get ready to enjoy live music, eat, play, stroll, Rollerblade, and otherwise enjoy the Compo Beach exit road — closed to all traffic — on Sunday.
An “06880” reader whose home abuts the Longshore golf course writes: “During the 4 years we have lived here, we have found empty beer cans, candy wrappers and the like on our rear property.
“On Sunday, one of my granddaughters discovered 2 empty Coors cans.
“Of course, there’s a teaching lesson for them: Respect other people’s property, don’t litter, etc.
“However, the real lesson is: Golfers and other Longshore attendees are disrespectful to their neighbors.
“My husband and I are shocked that we live in aqqa community that has no respect for our property. We thought when we moved here Westport was a kind,caring and respectful community. We sadly are finding that that is not the case.
“Everyone should treat their neighbors’ property in the same manner they would like others to treat their property.”
The back of a Longshore-area resident’s property.
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The Westport Police Department says: Connecticut is updating its e-bike laws.
Effective October 1, e-bikes without pedals, and with batteries over 750 watts, will now be classified as motor-driven cycles. A driver’s license will be required to operate them.
E-bikes over 3,500 watts are expected to need registration and insurance — similar to motorcycles.
Class 1–3 e-bikes are not affected. They still will noto require a license.
Police say tell parents: “As you shop for e-bikes, keep these changes in mind –especially for younger riders. If a bike performs like a motorcycle, it may not be the right fit for a child just yet.”
Speaking of transportation: Spaces in the Westport Weston Family YMCA parking lot closest to the Merritt Parkway are narrower than in other rows.
There are “Compact Cars Only” signs. But not a lot. They’re easy to miss.
What’s not easy to miss is when you have to squeeze into a spot. And come within millimeters of scraping the car next to you. Like this driver:
I’m pretty certain the green car was already there.
Getting in was the easy part. Getting out will be much harder.
It’s always amazed me that people will do anything they can, to park as close to the Y as possible.
So they can then go inside, and work out.
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Westport is home to all kinds of summer camps. Cello, art, computer, SAT prep — you name, there’s something for you.
Including water polo.
Northeast Elite offers an August 4-9 camp for middle and high school students. Experienced and new players are all welcome. It’s non-competitive and focused on fundamentals, with both land and water activities.
It’s the 6th year for this special opportunity — and it certainly is unique. The site is Schlaet’s Point, right off Compo Beach. Click here for more information.
Coach Danilo Sierra-Giraldo, at the Northeast Elite water polo camp.
Speaking of water sports: Congratulations to Zadie Schatz!
The young Westport swimmer — a rising 8th grader at Pierrepont School — earned 1 gold and 3 silver medals, 4 junior national times (100 breast, 200 breast, 200 IM, 400 IM), and a few national swimming news mentions at the recent Novato Sectionals in California.
Her 100 breaststroke time is 0.7 seconds away from last year’s Olympic trial cut — very unusual for a 13-year-old, particularly a dual sport athlete (she also plays water polo).
Sectional meets are open age, so she raced against adults and college athletes too.
Congratuations too to Zadie’s Stamford Sailfish teammate and fellow Westporters, Connor Cheung
The 15-year old, who will be a Staples High School sophomore this fall, placed 51st, 97th and 105th in, respectively, the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free.
Zadie Schatz
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Like all reunion classes, they can’t believe it’s been xx years.
But Staples High School’s Class of 1980 celebrates their 45th reunion next month.
They’ll meet Friday, August 15 at the VFW. They’ll spend Saturday afternoon and evening at Compo Beach, with dinner from the Szabo Seafood truck.
As always, they’ll raise money for their beloved classmate Susan Lloyd, and the Susan Fund that for over 50 years has provided more than $2 million in scholarships, to Fairfield County residents with cancer. Funds will come from a raffle of art, by Class of ’80 artists.
For more information on the reunion, and to register, click here. Questions? Email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com.
Susan Lloyd
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When vocalist/actor/writer Abena Koomson-Davis sat in with her husband at Jazz at the Post, she brought the VFW house down.
This Thursday, the 3-time Tony winner — who has performed with Stevie Wonder and recorded with Natalie Merchant — headlines her own shows (July 24, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20; $15 veterans and students).
Koomson-Davis will be joined by pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Matt Dworszyk, drummer Jonathan Barber and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for reservations.
PS: Even if you’re not a jazz fan, check out the performance below. Spectacular!
Also this Thursday (July 24): The Fairfield County Dance Festival returns to Westport (6:30 p.m., MoCA CT). The free, outdoor performance features the Amy Marshall Dance Company and New England Ballet Theater.
All are welcome — from longtime dance enthusiasts to families looking for a fun summer evening outside.
(From the RTM and Gruel Britannia to e-bikes and water polo, “06880”‘s Roundup has it all. That’s the way we roll. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The end of the line seems near for the Hamlet at Saugatuck — the controversial project in and around the Westport train station.
“06880” reporter John H. Palmer writes:
And then there was one ….
One more week, that is, before Westport finally finds out if the Hamlet development in Saugatuck will be approved, or if the developers will follow through with a promised 8-30g affordable housing development instead.
The Planning & Zoning Commission Monday night came one step closer to making a decision about the embattled waterfront development that could bring a multi-use development of 11 buildings, including retail, hotel and residential buildings between the Saugatuck River, Charles Street, Franklin Street and Railroad Place.
A final vote on the application by ROAN Ventures will take place next Monday, (July 28). Based on a straw count taken last night, the Hamlet application likely will be denied by a vote of 4-3.
Commissioners Paul Lebowitz, Michael Calise, Amy Wistreich and Patrizia Zucaro voiced disapproval of the project. Neil Cohn, Breann Injeski and Michael Cammeyer voted in favor.
Aerial rendering of the Hamlet project. Railroad Place is at the bottom; Riverside Avenue and the Saugatuck River are on the right.
The night began with a motion by Zucaro, seconded by Calise, to flat-out deny the application. Chairman Lebowitz, on advice from town attorney Ira Bloom, steered the meeting to focus on discussion of why the project should be denied.
Feedback gained will be used by P&Z director Michelle Perillie to draft a final resolution that will be voted on at next Monday’s meeting.
Much of Monday night’s evening focused around final discussions about why the developers did not meet the requirements of the 2022 text amendment, which was passed to steer the development of the project.
Lebowitz said several times that he felt that developers waited until the last minute to address concerns about the application regarding traffic, parking, waterfront access, building density and architectural issues.
“It’s a terrible way to do an application. This whole thing has been a terrible way,” he said. “It almost seemed like we were creating the application, not them.”
Cohn, who has publicly announced that he will not seek reelection, said he had reservations about denying the application. He would have preferred to see the application withdrawn to give the developers more chance to address public concerns brought up during hearing process.
“When we asked for something, they were responsive,” he said. “I care about doing the right thing, more than I do about my political career. Legally, we’ve been told they comply. After 3 years of this process, I don’t know how we can deny it.”
Earlier this year, ROAN officials showed how the Hamlet’s height would compare to National Hall downtown.
He added he is worried that a denial will affect how developers view the way that Westport handles development, and how that may affect the way the town attracts future development.
The P&Z has been in a 65-day, legally mandated deliberation period since closing the hearing portion of the application June 18, with a final decision legally required by August 20.
ROAN Ventures has said they would come back with a 500-unit affordable housing development if the Hamlet is denied.
Three massive buildings, 8 stories tall – 6 floors of housing, above 2 for parking – would be constructed on the Hamlet footprint. As an 8-30g development, the town would have far less say regarding parking and other issues surrounding the development.
(“06880” has followed the long Hamlet debate — and will continue to report on Saugatuck’s future. If you appreciate our coverage, please clikc here to support our work.
“Eddington” — Ari Aster’s film about political and social turmoil during the pandemic — opened Friday.
There’s a familiar face (besides Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone) on the screen: Staples High Class of 2024 graduate Cameron Mann.
He debuted with Staples Players long before entering high school — as an elementary student. He continued through his senior year, stopping only that spring when he filmed “Eddington” in New Mexico.
Cam — who previously starred in HBO’s “Mare of Easttown” — is a rising sophomore at the University of Michigan. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)
Cameron Mann, in “Eddington.”
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The Sunday morning church service at Compo Beach is always special.
Yesterday’s worship was extra special.
Pivot Ministries — the Bridgeport organization that addrseses — drug and alcohol addiction as a spiritual problem — was the guest of this week’s hosts, Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Pivot members offered uplifting testimony — and music — to the early morning gathering.
Pivot Ministries, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Lisa Tantillo)
Lloyd Allen workshopped songs from his timely new musical “Screen Time” yesterday, at the Westport Library.
Dick Wingate was there — and was very impressed.
“I’ve known Lloyd for 40 years going, back to when he was a fashion designer and made a music video of his song that showcased his latest line,” Dick says.
“It was so catchy that I released it on Epic Records. It became a minor MTV hit. He is truly a renaissance man.”
But we already know that.
To learn more about “Screen Time” — or many other things — stop in at Lloyd’s day job. He owns the Double L Market (get it?) near Calise’s, on Post Road East.
La Source — whose stores in Darien and New Canaan offer “a curated collection of best-in-class delicates, sleepwear, swimwear, and gifts for the women we love” — is expanding to Westport.
As I started my walk at Compo’s South Beach yesterday, I passed a Jeep with its motor running.
More than 20 minutes — coming back, the other direction — it was still there.
An hour later, I got a text from a reader. She sent a photo of a car that had idled for at least 10 minutes outside Cold Fusion, while the driver’s family was inside.
Not cool!
Except that these drivers are quite cool (as in “comfortable”). They’re sitting in their cars, chatting on their phones, while the A/C is on.
But wait!
Although a Connecticut law prohibits idling for more than 3 minutes, there are exceptions.
One is when traffic prevents movement. Another is when the temperature is below 20 degrees.
A third is — wait for it — “when using heating, cooling or other auxiliary equipment.”
Who knew?
Still — though it may be legal, it’s not environmentally wise.
Yesterday was beautiful.
Maybe the Compo guy could have made his phone call on a bench that was 3 steps away.
Maybe the gelato guy could have joined his family for ice cream.
And maybe the word can get out that among the synonyms for “idle” are “lazy,” “indolent” and “slothful.”
From 2017.
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Speaking of Compo: We’ve had 2 straight days with rainbows over Long Island Sound. Here’s yesterday’s:
(Photo/Meredith Holod)
Gorgeous!
I just have one question: Aren’t rainbows supposed to follow rain?
The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion lineup: Mihali.
The Vermont-based singer/songwriter/guitarist/co-founder of Twiddle continues to evolve. His third record, “Before The Dream” features big names in the reggae, rock and pop worlds, including Little Stranger, Tropidelic, Lily Fangz, G. Love, Brett Dennen, Andy Frasco, Seven Suns, Satsang and Moon Taxi.
Speaking of the Levitt: Our new header (on the “06880” home page) was taken last night, at the sold-out Sweet Remains concert. (Bonus feature: an impromptu appearance by Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, the wife of Sweet Remain Greg Naughton. They live in Westport.)
Jim Honeycutt – retired Staples High School media teacher, well known for his many Players and Music Department video projects there — snapped the shot.
If you’re not seeing the image on our website, here it is:
And finally … Happy 77th birthday, Cat Stevens (Yusuf). There are so many songs to pay him tribute. Here are 3. What’s your pick? Click “Comments” below.
(Another week begins … and, as always,”06880″ is here to bring you news, features, events, photos and much more, all with a hyper-local twist. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The matriarch of a beloved and longtime Westport family died in May, at 97.
She lived her Catholic faith fully and well. She was involved with Westport’s pioneering Intercommunity Camp, along with Caroline House, the Interfaith Council, Assumption’s Senior Advisory Council and Social Concerns Committee.
After raising 5 children — and being a surrogate mother to many of their friends — she earned a master’s degree in social work at age 60. DoDo worked for Catholic Social Services, and established SAGE Associates, a private social work practice.
Father Tom Thorne — her former minister, who now lives in California but was asked by the family to officiate — said, “she would have been a wonderful nun.” But then, he noted, she would not have had her nearly 3-dozen children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to share with the world.
Dolores “DoDo” Bacharach
The night before, it was Homes with Hope‘s turn to honor DoDo and her late husband Jim. The Gillespie Center’s newly remodeled kitchen now bears the couple’s names.
It’s not their first recognition from Westport’s supportive housing non-profit. The Bacharach Community comprises 3 single-family homes in Westport that provide stability and a fresh start for formerly homeless mothers and their children.
Over 40 years ago, the Bacharachs were founding members of the Interfaith Council’s homeless shelter project, greatly expanded today and part of the Homes with Hope umbrella.
For more than 40 years, DoDo cooked and served meals at the Gillespie Center kitchen that now has a plaque with her name.
Rev. Pete Powell spoke at the Gillespie Center dedication. His words are worth noting — and not just because they offer important details about DoDo and Jim Bacharach’s contributions.
They also shine a light on the remarkable 40 year history of Homes with Hope. Whether you remember the first homeless shelter at the former Vigilant firehouse (now OKO restaurant), or recently moved here and just learned of Westport’s long tradition of helping those in need, this is a stirring reminder of what it means to be part of a great community.
And to do whatever possible to help make that community even better.
What makes Westport different? People like Dolores Bacharach.
In 1982 she and her husband Jim, along with other volunteers, including many fellow parishioners of hers at Assumption Church, opened the Community Kitchen in the parking lot and community room of Save the Children on Wilton Road.
Jim and DoDo Bacharach
Hunger in Westport? Westport was a wealthy Gold Coast suburb even then. Of course, Westport has never been comfortable with that designation.
Comfortable or not, we are one of the 4 wealthiest towns in Connecticut. Could there be hunger here? In the midst of so much, could people from here lack for food?
Yes, they could.
How to respond? Dodo and those who volunteered with her took their Christianity seriously, and opened a feeding program. We are standing today in a future they could never have imagined.
However, they had enough imagination to meet a current need. They opened a basic program entirely run by volunteers and operating out of iffy places.
Who did the feed? I can only imagine.
In 1982 I had never heard of Westport. I was rector of an Episcopal church in Prince George’s County, Maryland, just outside of Washington. Dolores and Jim, Sister Maureen, Ann Rully, Kathy Romano and many whose names I can no longer recall, responded to the words in Matthew’s Gospel: “Then those who are righteous will reply to him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you a drink?When did we see you as a stranger and welcome you, or naked and give you clothes to wear?When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “Then the king will reply to them, ‘I assure you that when you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.’”
DoDo Bacharach and Rev. Pete Powell, in 2014.
What did Westport look like then? There was no shelter for homeless people. However, homeless people were sleeping in Saugatuck Church.
Residents were worried that a feeding program was a solution to a problem that didn’t exist, and instead would be a nuisance attracting the needy to Westport.
Fortunately, these worries did not dissuade Dodo, Jim and the others who had the courage to act on the principles of their Catholic faith. They opened the Community Kitchen. We are standing in the heir to those efforts.
In the early years the reputations of the Bacharachs and others made it hard to challenge them. The Community Kitchen was lay-led — no clergy involved, as near as I can tell.
The founders took the Gospel seriously. As part of that they also reached out to Jews. Quickly, Temple Israel joined the churches in Westport in supporting this effort.
Their actions paved the way for the opening on Christmas Eve, 1984 of the Westport Emergency Shelter in the Vigilant Firehouse at 6 Wilton Road.
The Vigilant Firehouse on Wilton Road, circa 1977. Several years later, it was the first site of Westport’s homeless shelter.
It was a mess. The Community Kitchen volunteers worked out of the second floor in a space that had been condemned. They fed people in the parking lot outside of the firehouse and eventually in the bay of the firehouse.
By 1984 the kitchen had moved downstairs. It consisted of a refrigerator, microwave and utility sink. Food was prepared elsewhere, and served at the firehouse.
When I arrived in Westport in 1985, and was hired by the Interfaith Housing Association in 1988, the kitchen was a functioning and important part of the community. All of the religious congregations participated in providing dinner, 5 nights a week.
When we moved out of the Vigilant Firehouse and opened the Gillespie Center on Jesup Road in 1989, we were able to improve the kitchen facilities. Ultimately the kitchen served food, entirely provided by volunteers, from the religious community and many civic groups: 3 meals daily, 7 days a week.
The Gillespie Center in 2021, before a recent renovation. (Photo/June Rose Whitaker)
One of the people who prepared and served meals her entire life, from 1982 until very recently, was Dolores Bacharach. Her faith and the way she lived it is inspirational.
What difference did a feeding program make in Westport? Dodo and all who served with her gave people dignity. The founding principle of her work and that of this agency is that people deserve to be treated with dignity as human beings.
Whatever the reason for dining here, the people fed from this kitchen since 1982 were accepted and treated as an equal to those providing food. Dodo was not afraid of homeless people. She saw them as children of God.
Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden (far left) community members like these, who frequently volunteer to serve meals. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Our work today is to continue to see the people fed through this kitchen as people of God who deserve the very best we have to offer.
DoDo and Jim’s Kitchen is not a place for charity. Charity is giving of our excess; giving of what we have left over. DoDo and Jim’s kitchen is a place of dignity, where we restore to people who are hungry and have real human needs a place where their needs and condition are honored and respected.
We do not give them charity. We give them what we have received: food to sustain life.
That’s the takeaway I have from knowing Dodo since 1985: Treat everyone with respect. She has been a blessing to all who came in contact with her.
She was humble. She was confident. She was present. She blessed us by her life and her giving her life to us.
So, let us pray: Bless this kitchen, Lord, and those who gather here each day. Let it be a place where we can meet to love and laugh and pray. Help us to live up to the example Dodo gave us, and meet each person with caring and dignity so that not only is the food a blessing in their lives, but their presence is a blessing in ours.
Members of the extended Bacharach family, and friends, at Friday’s Gillespie Center ceremony. The kitchen was named in Dodo and Jim Bacharach’s honor.
You’ve got to get to the Westport Country Playhouse more often!
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed a collection of old bottles, arrayed on a wooden beam. (Click here to see.)
They’re on display at the 91-year-old theater. (Which, as Seth Schachter notes, was a tannery long before that.)
He was one of 4 readers to nail the challenge. The others were Cheryl Saviano Petrone, Annie Keefe (who certainly should have, since she’s spent her professinal career there), and Martha Diament.
Toay’s challenge comes from Elle Bowen. If you know where in Westport you’d see this whimsical sight, click “Comments” below.
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Journalist/photographer/artist/Westporter Jay Schadler spent over 3 decades as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, “20/20,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” National Geographic TV and others. His work has also been featured too on Bravo and Discovery.
Now, as a podcaster partnered with Verso Studios at the Westport Library, he uses intimate interviews to tells stories of Westporters’ life transitions.
One of the mosot compelling features Doug and Patti Brill. With honesty, insight and compassion — and a bit of humor, too — they describe the world they’ve lived in for the past 20 years.
One day, Doug lost his ability to remember anything for more than 48 hours.
Many Westporters know Doug and Patti Brill. Some know the outlines of their story. Very few understand its depth. Click here to listen.
Doug and Patti Brill (far left and right, respectively), smile often. But the reality of their life is no laughing matter.
Westporters have plenty of used musical instruments, hanging around their homes.
Young musicians in Ecuador could sure use them.
From now through August 1, the Westport Rotary Club is collecting them. They’ll be sent to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador on August 3.
Instruments can be left at the Green’s Farms Congregational Church office, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Questions? Email peter.helt51@gmail.com, or call 203-295-5060.
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Dark Star Orchestra brought the Grateful Dead’s music — still quite alive — to the Levitt Pavilion yesterday, to a packed lawn. In the past 25 years, they’ve performed over 3,100 shows.
The band recreated the August 5, ,1974 Philadelphia show.
(Photo/Carleigh Welsh)
Matthew Mandell reports there were 3 Representative Town Meeting members there: himself, Karen Kramer, and Jack Klinge — the longest-serving rep, who when voting to approve the Long Lots Elementary School appropriation, quoted the lyrics “What a long strange trip it’s been.
(Photo/Matthew Mandell)
Jerry Kuyper left moments before the end. He captured this colorful shot from the Imperial Avenue parking lot bridge:
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
This week’s shows are all free:
Tuesday, July 22: Sierra Hull (7 p.m.)
Wednesday, July 23: Fyütch & Aura V (Children’s Series; 7 p.m.)
Thursday, July 24: The Moonrise Cartel (7:30 p.m.)
Friday, July 25: Danny Lipsitz & the Brass Tacks (7:30 p.m.).
But Compo Beachgoers were treated to a fun little rainbow last night:
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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Earthplace is in the early stages of a capital campagn to renovate and modernize their building, and add a second floor for a science and environmental center.
The Greens Farms Garden Club is helping, with a big donation.
The two non-profits — with complementary missions — have a long relatinship. They began working together in 1977.
(From left): Wynn Hermann, Earthplace committee chair; Tony McDowell, former Earthplace director; Jacque O’Brien, Greens Farms Garden Club president.
Staples High School graduate Geoffrey Kneisel died unexpectedly July 1, with his wife and mother by his side.
AFter graduating from Skidmore College, Geoff spent his entire working career at AmeriCares. He loved his job, his business associates, and the travel experiences related to bringing aid to needy nations throughout the world.
In 2021 Geoff and his wife Sara moved to Castine, Maine, where he had spent many summers. He also loved Nantucked and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.
Geoff was most at home on the water, often with his wife and daughters, fishing, skimboarding or enjoying nature. He cared deeply about the environment and the welfare of the world.
In addition to his wife of 23 years, Sara Byun, and his mother, Mary Clayson, he is survived by his daughters Annabelle and Amelie; siblings Lindsay Kneisel Gagnon of Essex, Massachusetts and David of Westport, and aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Frank, and aunt Ginny Kneisel.
Contributions in Geoff’s memory may be made to The Hatch Community Youth Fund, P.O. Box 195, Castine, ME 04421. A celebration of Geoff’s life will be held at a date to be announced.
And finally … on this date in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. Ten others have followed. The last 2 — Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt — made the journey in 1972.
(If you click here to support “06880,” we will love you to the moon and back. You can’t ask for more than that. Thank you!)
(NOTE: We’re looking for a few teenagers to help organize games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts. If interested, please email 06880blog@gmail.com.)
(Also note: As always, a beach sticker or daily parking pass is required to park at Compo Beach.
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