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
Friends of Sherwood Island plan a great “Trails Day Weekend” for early June.
And you don’t have to be a member to join the fun.
Kayak Paddle: Survey Terrapins and Birds in the Marsh (June 7, 8:30 a.m., end of East Beach parking lot). Count diamondback terrapins (with a guide), and document birds using iNaturalist.
Bring your own kayak, canoe or other paddlecraft, life vest and whistle/horn (required by state boating regulations), and kayak cart if you have one. Optional: waterproof binoculars for spotting birds, and/or a waterproof camera. Free; registration requested.
Butterfly Walk (June 7, 12 noon, Nature Center). Join Michele Sorensen to explore the gardens and natural areas in search of caterpillars, skippers, moths and butterflies.
Bring binoculars and a camera or smartphone, to learn to report your findings on iNaturalist. Children are welcome. Free; registration requested.
A Walk Through Historical & Archaeological Time (June 8, 1 p.m., Nature Center).
A family-friendly, educational walk on the Sherwood Island History Trail, led by archaeologists. Start at the Ice Age, when Long Island Sound was formed. Examine traces of past inhabitants of Sherwood Island, from Native Americans in 1000 BC to onion farmers of the 1940s. Artifacts, maps, old photos and recent recoveries bring the island’s past inhabitants to life. Free; registration requested.
Beach to Beach Walk (June 8, 3 p.m., Nature Center). Discover habitats, inhabitants and special features, including the 9/11 Memorial, model airport, wetlands and pine forest. Free; registration requested.
Shewood Island State Park: 232 acres of prime real estate, right here in Westport.
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More environmental news: Aspetuck Land Trust and Wild Ones present a “Lunch & Learn” webinar, “Creating Beautifully Designed Food Forests for Migrating Birds” (May 30, noon to 1 p.m.).
Eva Monheim discusses edible forest gardens — intentionally created, self-sustaining ecosystems that provide food and other resources for humans and wildlife — and proper plant selection.
Aspetuck Land Trust and Wild Ones members can register for free; $10 for non-members.
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Memorial Day is the unofficial kickoff to summer.
And — right on cue — today marked the first unfriendly and unethical “saving” of a Compo Beach picnic table.
At 8 a.m.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
A reminder — more gentle than it deserves: Those notices on the top of each table that “Picnic Tables May Not Be Reserved” are not there for decorative purposes only.
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Despite losing 3-0 to St. Joseph in the FCIAC tournament quarterfinals this weekend, the Staples baseball team are champions.
They showed up en masse to support, and buddy with, the Westport Challenger baseball team.
It was a great event for all. Now it’s on to the state tournament. Go Wreckers!
Staples baseball coach Jack McFarland (2nd from left), his team and the Challenger athletes.
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Last week’s Westport Library spring book sale was one of its biggest indoor sales ever.
But it wouldn’t have been possible without all the volunteers, book donors and patrons who participated.
Westport Book Sale Ventures says is grateful “for the scores of dedicated volunteers who commit their time, energy and enthusiasm to processing the tens of thousands of books and other media our community generously donates each year, and to the scores more volunteers who help set up and operate our 4-day sales.”
The organizers add a shoutout to volunteers from M&T Bank, Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary, the Y’s Men, Staples High School’s SLOBs and SLOGs, and the National Charity League.
Proceeds from the book sales support the non-profit’s dual missions: to provide employment and volunteer opportunities for adults with disabilities, while raising funds for the Westport Library.
Since opening the Westport Book Shop on Road, Westport Book Sale Ventures has provided over 10,500 hours of employment and job training for more than a dozen adults with differing abilities, at the store and in their eBay online sales operation. They’ve contributed over $200,000 to the Westport Library too.
Library Book Sale collage.
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Sourcery — a VC deal and startup trend newsletter and podcast — is a must-read-and-listen in the industry.
Founder Molly O’Shea is a 2014 Staples High School graduate. She’s always on the lookout for interesting interviews.
No suprise: From time to time, they’re fellow alums.
The most recent is Whop CTO Jack Sharkey. The 2018 SHS grad’s platform connects buyers and sellers in the digital economy, focusing on influencers and content creators.
With a million customers and 3,000 sellers, Whop has facilitated $100 million in transactions.
Molly and Jack gave nice shoutouts at the start and end to Westport, and their alma mater. You can click the Sourcery link here, or click on the video below.
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Saturday’s Roundup noted the compelling presentation by Dmitry Kamensky on Friday. The Ukrainian law professor met a small group at Larry and Mary-Lou Weisman’s house, where he described the dire situation in his war-torn nation.
But Professor Kamensky also talked about the strength and will of his countrymen.
And he must have been bolstered by the show of support from the Westporters, whom he met through his work on constitutional law with Larry Weisman and Ken Bernhard.
Not to mention, the beautiful bouquet — in Ukrainian colors — arranged by Mary-Lou Weisman.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights the first sighting of baby swans on Lee’s Pond this year.
Kevin Gasvoda was there, as Mom and Dad took their 7 new ones out for a swim.
(Photo/Kevin Gasvoda)
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And finally … for all who gave their lives, so that we could be here today: We honor and salute you.
Carol Randel — a longtime Westporter, college professor and noted local volunteer — died last night, surrounded by her family.
She was 74, and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 5 years ago.
Carol grew up in Stamford. She graduated from New York University, with majors in English and education.
She and her future husband Jim met as teenagers in summer camp. They married in 1970, and moved to Westport 6 years later.
Carol began teaching as an adjunct English professor at Norwalk Commnity College when her children were teens. When a full-time position became available, her supervisor recommended her for the job. She did not have the requisite master’s degree. Her supervisor held the position whle Carol taught during the day, and earned her master’s degree at night.
She eventually became a full-time professor, and got tenure. She retired in 2016.
At NCC, Carol incorporated and ran the national “First Year Experience program. She believed strongly in its effectiveness, which helps students transition from high school to college through mentorship, tutoring, discussions, clubs, activites and more.
She particularly appreciated how the curriculum offerd support to students from less fortunate backgrounds, those struggling with academics, and non-native speakers.
Carol Randel
Carol’s volunteer efforts spanned a wide range of organizations and causes, from education and homelessness to the arts, and impacted countless lives.
Her positions included president of both the PTA Council and Kings Highway Elementary School; chair of the townwide School Art Committee; member of the town’s diversity committee; head of fundraising for Toquet Hall; board of directors member and newsletter editor for A Better Chance of Westport; publicity chair for Near & Far Aid, and most recently, board of directors member for Homes with Hope.
Carol was also a columnist for the Westport News and Fairpress. She was an avid reader and loved to write, often working on multiple novels at a time.
Carol was an enthusiastic member of the Saugatuck Rowing Club, where she had a very successful career on the water for over 25 years. She had never considered herself an athlete until she began rowing. She served as commodore of the SRC from 2007-08. Her rowing friends, competitions and the club meant a great deal to her.
Carol Randel at the Head of the Charles regatta. This photo was taken 2 years after she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her boat won an age group goal medal.
Carol and her husband Jim raised 4 children, all of whom went through the Westport public schools.
She is survived by her husband Jim; children Zack (Sarah), Becky (Charlie Manuel), Eli (Kiley), and Phoebe (Shaun Donnelly); granchildren Thea, Helen and Franny Randel; Max and Benny Manuel; Quinn and MacKenzie Randel, and Tommy and Josie Donnelly; sisters Lynn Manheim, Anne Leepson and Joanie Ornstein; sister- and brother-in law Susan and Kevin Denny, and brothers-in-law David Randel and Gene Manheim.
A celebration of life will be held in the near future. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to Homes with Hope.
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.
Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, early today. It will be a lot more crowded tomorrow. (Photo/Janine Scott)
You don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows, Bob Dylan astutely noted.
I’ll add: You don’t need to be a congregant to know that last week’s Photo Challenge showed the weather vane atop Saugatuck Church. (Click here for the photo.)
The white building set behind a broad green lawn is one of Westport’s most recognizable landmarks. (Never mind that it wasn’t always there; in 1950, it moved diagonally from its previous site where — among other events — meetings led to Westport’s official founding in 1835.)
Anyone driving by (and stopped at the Myrtle Avenue light) has time to gaze at the church — and its weather vane.
Morley Boyd, Diane Bosch, Seth Schachter, Robert Mitchell and Andrew Colabella all knew exactly where.
And — in a rarity for our Photo Challenge — there were no wrong guesses.
Will there be any this week? If you know where in Westport you’d see this sight, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
(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!)
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
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