American servicemembers faced gruesome conditions in every war they’ve fought.
So a little rain shouldn’t have deterred marchers and viewers, at today’s Memorial Day parade.
It didn’t.
Crowds showed up for the hundreds of veterans, first responders, bands, civic groups, kids’ activities and random others who make Westport’s annual event such a wonderful community occasion.
The ceremony afterward, highlighted by grand marshal and Korean War combat pilot Charles Lamb Jr. — along with the ceremonial laying of a wreath, and playing of “Taps” — was especially meaningful this year.
It was the first one in over half a century not overseen by Bill Vornkahl. But Westport’s “Mr. Parade” was there in spirit.
As was every man and woman who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
With solemnity — and a festive parade — we remember them.
Westport EMS and CERT, ready to line up. (Photo/Molly Alger)
Teddy Sealove, Keaton Ellis and Jake Bryniczka get ready too. (Photo/Joselyn Fine)
The Driscolls — veteran parade watchers. (Photo/Sheila Freitag)
Waiting in the rain. (Photo/Bill Ryan)
(Photo/Nancy Lally)
View from a parade car — a 1960 Mercedes Benz, driven by Scott Bennewitz. (Photo/Kathie Motes Bennewitz)
Mike Boyle, Karen Como and Ann Becker Moore.
Color Guard (Photo/Jay Dirnberger)
Long Lots Girl Scouts Troop 50999. (Photo/Melissa Salottolo)
(Photo/Pat Saviano)
Grayson Braun and her father Conrad. He served as a US Army Captain in the 4th Infantry Division during the Vietnam War. He received the Distinguished Service Cross, the second highest distinction for gallantry in combat. He comes from his home in Texas every year to honor Memorial Day here. (Photo/Jamie Walsh)
Grand Marshal Charles Lamb Jr. was a combat pilot in the Korean War. (Photo/Dan Woog)
For decades, The Arrow was Westport’s go-to Italian restaurant.
Then — in shorter order — it became an Asian fusion eatery (Jasmine), a bar with music (Blu Parrot), and a food shop (Mystic Market).
Soon, it heads back to its roots.
Riko’s is the new tenant, on Charles Street near Saugatuck Avenue.
Featuring thin crust pies, including hot oil (think Colony Grille) and more, they’ve got 10 locations already, in Connecticut, Long Island, Massachusetts and Florida.
Area residents who know their Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien and Stamford restaurants rave about it.
Riko’s will be opening soon in Burlington, Vermont; Carolina Beach, North Carolina; and South Beach, Miami.
But the one in Saugatuck excites “06880” the most.
Charlie Tirreno writes: “It’s nice to remember Nancy Coley on Memorial Day.
“She was in the Women’s Auxiliary of the VFW, and very involved creating the VFW float for many years.
“She used to hang a gigantic American flag over her lawn, and invite all the neighborhood for a cookout.
“People may also want to say their goodbyes to the Coley-Crossman house on Imperial Avenue, as it has a demolition notice on it.
“Her house is by the start of the parade route, at Saugatuck Elementary School. It’s 125 Riverside Avenue.”
The Coley-Crossman House at 125 Riverside Avenue, with a demolition notice. (Photo/Charlie Tirreno)
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While many Westporters enjoyed Compo Beach yesterday, Drew Angus headed west.
The singer/songwriter (and 2007 Staples High School graduate) opened for Mumford & Sons at the Greenwich Town Party.
The event was funded by Ray Dalio — who, as the founder of Bridgewater Associates, spent plenty of time in Westport — and other Greenwich residents.
But you didn’t have to brave I-95 yesterday to see Drew. He’s one of the featured musicians at Westport’s first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.
Mark your calendars! It’s Sunday, July 28 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Soundview Drive — the beach exit road — will be closed to traffic. Besides music, there will be a photo booth, kids’ activities, food, and a great community vibe.
The Soundview Summer Stroll is co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA program is a true community. Members exercise together, form strong bonds, support each other — and support worthwhile causes too.
Yesterday morning, Sgt. Eduardo Hernandez — with 19 years of active duty in the US Army — addressed Patty Kondub’s class.
He thanked the AquaFitters, and VFW Post 399 Auxiliary — for their support.
Sgt. Eduardo Hernandez, on the pool deck with AquaFit instructors Patty Kondub and Joan Evon, and their Sunday class.
The Y has a collection box for energy bars, Gatorade, electrolytes blocks, beef jerky and water through June. It will be send to US Army Reserve Unit 411 Civil Affairs Battalion for their training at Fort Dix. Sgt. Hernandez commands the unit.
Donations can also be dropped off at, or sent to, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue through June.
During yesterday’s class, Ariel Levy (right, with her mother Doree) held up Patty Kondub’s signs, encouraging the AquaFitters.
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Uh oh.
The large Longshore pool was supposed to open yesterday. However, there is an issue with the filter that could require major repairs.
The goal is to have it fixed by June 24, when pool hours expand and lessons begin.
The other 2 small pools, for little kids, are open. (Hat tip: Michael Catarevas)
Michael Catarevas — shown here in 2021 — reports that the Longshore pool is closed. (Photo/Patrick Haggerty)
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If you missed the first showing of Homes with Hope’s 40th anniversary documentary: Don’t miss the next one.
It’s Sunday, June 9 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall).
The free event showcases the non-profit’s 4 decades of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to neighbors whose lives are not as fortunate as others’.
Former Westporter Livio Sanchez’s documentary film uses interviews and archival material (including long-ago video), to trace Homes with Hope’s history, from a controversial concept (with plenty of NIMBY and it’s-not-our-problem opposition), through its move from a drafty firehouse to an old maintenance shed on Jesup Road (now the Gillespie Center), and its current array of multi-pronged programs.
Jim Gillespie’s family will be honored at the showing. He played a major role in the founding and development of the Interfaith Housing Association, the original iteration of Homes with Hope.
The Gillespie Center was named in his honor Dr. Gillespie, a clinical psychologist, was killed when struck by a car in France in 1988.
The Gillespie Center. Dr. Gillespie’s family will be on hand June 9, for the showing of a documentary on Homes with Hope’s first 40 years.
Molly Alger does not want to be the skunk at today’s (Memorial Day) party.
But she — and many other Westporters — have noticed that the wood pile at the corner of Post Road East and Roseville Road continues to grow larger.
And more unsteady.
The once-neat piles are looking less orderly.
It’s tough enough navigating that stretch of Route 1, with all the construction. Now drivers have to creep past with one eye on the right side, hoping the logs won’t suddenly crash onto the road.
Every Artists Collective of Westport’s pop-up show is different. But the receptions are always the same: energetic, educational and fun.
The next one is June 11 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).
In addition to a wide array of great art, there’s food and entertainment (Chris Coogan on piano).
The exhibit then runs from June 12 to 15 (1 to 5 p.m). It ends with an artists’ talk June 15 (4 p.m.).
Featured artists include Robin Babbin, Lynn Carlson, Cris Dam. Laure Dunne, Carla Goldbert, Kathryn Gray, Jen Greely, Paul Larson, Nancy Moore, Tina Puckett, Ellen Schiffman and Tammy Winser.
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Speaking of art: Westport Collective member Janine White has a solo show now through July 11, at Silvermine Galleries in New Canaan. A reception is set for June 8 (5:30 p.m)..
Her work “harnesses home economics through kitchen chemistry and crafting, to critique ideas of domesticity.” Brown cooks all-natural bioplastics from ingredients found in a pantry, making material out of it, then crochets the pieces together.
Click here to learn more, and see examples of her work.
And finally … Richard Sherman died yesterday in Beverly Hills. He was 95.
You may not recognize the Oscar and Grammy Award winner.
But you sure know the songs he wrote. Click here for a full obituary.
(You know what would be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? If you’d click here to support “06880.” Mary Poppins, and your hyper-local blog, thank you.)
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.
Posted onMay 26, 2024|Comments Off on Memorial Day Parade: Please Send Photos!
The Memorial Day parade is one of Westport’s greatest town events.
Everyone has a favorite spot to watch from. Everyone has a favorite band, float or marcher to photograph.
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: 2 p.m. 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.
Seen along the Memorial Day parade route.
Comments Off on Memorial Day Parade: Please Send Photos!
The Representative Town Meeting member, native Westporter and Staples High School graduate is batting about .999 in our Photo Challenges.
I think he’s been wrong once. And I can’t remember the last time he did not offer an answer.
Andrew was one of 2 readers to correctly identify last week’s image: a bench placed, for no particular reason I can figure, near the entrance to Sconset Square. (Click here to see.)
It looks out not at a lovely river or wooded scene, but on traffic racing (or crawling) by on Myrtle Avenue.
The other correct response came from Morley Boyd. He is a frequent Photo Challenge champ too.
But this time he had an advantage: He lives a few yards away.
One final note: Martha Witte commented, “Could be a good bench for watching the Memorial Day parade!”
She’s right. Perhaps it will get its first use tomorrow morning.
This week’s Photo Challenge is here. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Seth Braunstein)
(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!)
Many things make the Westport Fine Arts Festival special.
Besides the wide variety of art and artists — and the friendly vibe all along Main Street — there is the Saturday night artists’ reception.
After a long day of chatting up customers (and just-lookers), dozens of painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, ceramists and woodworkers gather at Christ & Holy Trinity’s Branson Hall a few yards away.
They relax, over good food (and an open bar).
There are a couple of brief speeches thanking the Westport Downtown Association organizers. Then come the awards.
This year’s “Best in Show” winner was GM Webb of Baltimore. A sculptor working with wire, his selection was roundly applauded by his fellow artists.
Click here to see some of his work. Better yet, head down to Main Street today, to see it in person — and all his fellow artists’ too.
The Fine Arts Festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
GM Webb, with his “Best in Show” ribbon. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Fine Arts Festival is in its 51st year.
The Parks & Recreation Department’s Summer Kickoff party at Compo Beach is in its first.
But it too was a huge success yesterday.
A couple of hundred families enjoyed activities like touch-a-truck, face painting, an obstacle course, and activities run by Longshore Sailing School, and golf and tennis instructors.
Plus (of course) food trucks.
Westport Police, Fire Department, EMS and Public Works were involved too.
Congratulations to all, for the start of a great new tradition.
Selectwomen Andrea Moore and Jen Tooker, Parks & Recreation interim director Rick Giunta and operations manager Carm Roda join Parks & Rec employees at the Compo Beach Kickoff.
One of the unfortunate consequences of the gas-powered leaf blower ban that went into effect May 15 has been harassment of landscapers.
“06880” has heard of several instances in which Westporters have screamed at employees using the blowers, demanding they stop, then growing even angrier when the men do not know why they’re being yelled at. Some do not even speak English.
Landscapers work for their employers. Their employers work for homeowners.
It’s unfair to blame men who are simply doing the job they’re instructed to do.
It’s also the easy way out.
Talk to the homeowner. Call the landscape company owner.
And to report a violation, email ckelly@westportct.gov, or write: Conservation Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
The Staples boys lacrosse team did it for the first time: winning the FCIAC (league) championship, in dramatic fashion. (Click here to read the stirring story.)
And Charlie Scott has done it again.
The Staples High School senior has produced another spectacular highlight reel of Thursday’s huge win.
It’s the latest in his year-long series of great videos. And it may be his best yet.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo features blue-eyed grass, growing at the base of a spicebush. Both plants are native to our region, says photographer Melissa Chang.
And finally … Sally Ride was born on this day in 1951. She was the first American female astronaut, the youngest American astronaut to have flown in space (32 years old), and the first astronaut known to be LGBT. She died of pancreatic cancer in 2012, age 61.
(As Westport heads into summer, “06880” is your place to find out what’s happening, where and when. Plus what just happened. Please support our work, by clicking here to contribute. Thanks!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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