Roundup: Mill Pond Fence, Betty Lou Cummings, Jackopierce …

Posted on August 8, 2022 | 6 comments

Pristine views of Sherwood Mill Pond are back!

Fencing has been removed from the pedestrian pathway leading from the Old Mill parking lot to Compo Cove.

It was installed in December 2020, during water monitoring tests.

Signs warning against jumping into the pond near the tidal gates remain.

But the decades-old ritual — a rite of passage for many Westporters — still goes strong. (Hat tip: Oliver Radwan)

Fencing has been removed from Sherwood Mill Pond. The black poles remain. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Have you heard about Westport’s scavenger hunt?

Hidden around town are 18 pieces of art, all inspired by town monuments, buildings and more that are part of the bicentennial quilt.

It’s part of a display in the Westport Museum of History & Culture. The show — in conjunction with MoCA Westport and CAMP Gallery — features textiles and other quilt-inspired artifacts. The hunt runs through August 20. Click here for details. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)

1st Selectwoman and Police Chief Foti Koskinas hunt for clues. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Happy 88th birthday to former 2nd Selectwoman, Apple Festival founder and organizer, super-involved and multi-tasked civic volunteer, and all-around wonder woman Betty Lou Cummings!

She celebrated yesterday with her husband Tom. Not pictured below: all her tens of thousands of Westport fans.

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When Cary Pierce was a student at Staples High School, he got his first big break.

Hall & Oates failed to appear for a 1985 concert at Longshore — to be fair, they never signed a contract — so Cary’s band, Pseudo Blue, entertained instead. (Click here to read all about that strange day in Westport history.)

Cary went on to graduate from Staples in 1987. He kept playing guitar, and singing.

For nearly 35 years, Cary and his Southern Methodist University classmate Jack O’Neill have fronted Jackopierce. The band has shared stages with Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, Matchbox Twenty and Widespread Panic. They’ve performed in clubs and at colleges across America — and before 500,000 people at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Next Monday (August 15, 6 p.m.), Jackopierce comes to Milestone restaurant in Georgetown. The venue is small, so tickets will go quickly. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

No word on whether Hall & Oates will sit in too.

Jackopierce: Cary Pierce (right) and Jack O’Neill.

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Michael Scott crushed it.

The Staples High School Class of 2011 graduate — and star on the Wreckers state championship team — finished Juneau’s Ironman Alaska yesterday in an astonishing 10 hours, 18 minutes and 48 seconds.

He ignored stunning views to swim 2.4 miles in Auke Lake in 36:33. He biked 112 miles along the Glacier Highway in 5:49.09. Then he ran 26.2 miles through the lush Mendenhall Valley rainforest in 3:29:42.

That was good (great!) for 23rd place, out of 733 competitors — and 3rd out of 36, in his men’s age 25-29 age group.

Congratulations, Mikey. Now take a well=deserved rest!

Michael Scott

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Lifelong Westporter Anthony Gilbertie died last week, from complications of Parkinson’s. He was 84.

He was the 5th member of the Gilbertie family to serve on the RTM.

Anthony was devoted to Assumption Church, where he was a cantor for 13 years. Most recently, he was a US Postal Service carrier in Weston. Anthony enjoyed history, current events and the New York Yankees.

He was predeceased by all his siblings: John Jr, Mario, Linda Gilbertie-Bullard and Michael, and baby siblings Thomas and Gloria.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Diane Taylor-Gilbertie; children, Tom (Anne). Peter (Dee) and Nancy Gilbertie-Loshuk, and grandchildren Griffin Gilbertie, William Gilbertie, Thomas Gilbertie, Christopher Gilbertie and Jack Loshuk.

Anthony’s wake will be held Friday (August 12, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Harding Funeral Home). A Mass of Christian Burial will follow there at 11 a.m., followed by burial at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road. The family asks that all attendees wear masks, as some family members are immunocompromised.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Assumption Church or The Parkinson’s Foundation.

Anthony Gilbertie

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Longtime Westporter Jeanne Wylie Crist died last week. She was 99 years old.

Jeanne married her Albany high school sweetheart, Robert “Mike” Crist in 1947 after working with the Naval Department in New York City. Two sons were born there before they moved to Westport, where Karen was born in 1956.

They lived in Westport for nearly 50 years before moving to Lenox, Massachusetts to be close to their daughter in 2011, when Mike’s health faltered.

They were members of Saugatuck Congregational Church, loved walking Compo Beach and cherished many friends. In retirement they purchased a cottage on Lake Bomoseen in Vermont, where Mike had enjoyed his childhood. Jeanne and Mike also traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Jeanne was preceded by Mike in 2011, and their son, Robert “Lee” Crist in 1983 and Jeffrey Crist in 2017. She is survived by her daughter Karen (Matthew Miller), grandchildren Chas (Ashley), Geoffrey (Michelle) and Kaylee Wylie,  and great-grandchildren Charley, Nuala, Declan, Wylie and Penelope.

A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Westport, where she will be interred with her beloved Mike and 2 sons. To share memories and stories click here,

Jeanne Wylie Crist

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Tracy Porosoff thinks this dramatic photo shows a wasp beetle eating a cicada at the Compo Beach baseball fence.

Whatever it is, it’s a perfect way to start off our “Westport … Naturally” week.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … speaking of Jackopierce (as we were above): Here’s a little preview of their Milestene show:

(Keep the music coming! Please click here to support “06880.”)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Looking back, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS

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Chris Kelly Conquers Compo Hill. Next: The Rockies.

Posted on August 8, 2022 | 5 comments

With the temperature climbing toward the mid-90s on Saturday, Old Mill residents sought relief.

Some enjoyed cold drinks at the deli. Some sat under umbrellas on the beach. Some stayed indoors, the AC blasting.

No one thought of running up and down Compo Hill. Not one time — and certainly not 50.

No one, except Chris Kelly.

Chris Kelly is all smiles — after running up and down Compo Hill 55 times, in 90-plus heat.

The entrepreneur lives in Aspen, Colorado. He was visiting his mother Marion, who lives nearby. With a race coming up soon, he figured he’d get in a bit of training.

This is no ordinary race. The Leadville Trail 100 — set for August 20, just 5 days after his 40th birthday — is, yes, a 100-mile run.

But this is no ordinary 100-miler. Starting at 9,219 feet in the Colorado Rockies, and reaching a peak of 12,532 feet, its climbs and dips cover nearly 16,000 feet of elevation.

It begins at 4 a.m. it ends 30 hours later, whether you’ve finished or not. A thousand runners — chosen by lottery — start. Three hundred finish.

Chris’ goal is 25 hours. For that, he’ll earn a large belt buckle.

Chris’ workout was no ordinary training. He chose Compo Hill — from Old Mill Grocery up to the end of Buena Vista Drive, then back down — because it’s the steepest, toughest one around.

Chris Kelly, in action.

It was a grueling physical challenge — made even more difficult, because Chris strapped a vest filled with 2 500-ml water bladders, and pockets for food, sunscreen, etc. on his back, to get used to the weight.

But the Leadville 100 is a mental test as well.

So Chris tested himself that way too. He planned his 50 “laps” up and down the hill — equivalent to a full marathon, including the run to and from his mother’s house at Compo Beach — to be repetitive and monotonous. He wanted each one to be as close to the same time as possible.

He succeeded. His fastest time was 4:08; his slowest, 4:28.

Except, that is, for his final ascent and descent. After hours in the blazing heat, he covered that in a blazing 3:46.

“I’m more proud of my ability to focus, and hit those numbers consistently, than anything else,” he reports. (We spoke a couple of hours after he finished. He sounded as if he had just gotten up from an afternoon watching a Mets game.)

A few of Chris Kelly’s stats.

Chris had another goal: to do all 55 laps in 4 hours. He made it, with 2 minutes to spare.

His total time on Compo Hill was about 5 hours. He stopped from time to time at OMG, for water and bananas. The Leadville 100 also includes stops too, of course, for food, hydration and changes of clothes.

As the day wore on, word spread. People asked questions. Neighbors offered water. There were plenty of cheers.

There were refreshments too. Chris’s mother and children set up a lemonade stand nearby. They raised $457, which they’ll donate to UNICEF’s Ukrainian children’s aid.

Chris Kelly’s mother and children, at their lemonade stand.

As he ran, Chris invited anyone to join him. Go figure: No one did.

The Leadville 100 will not be Chris’ first rodeo — er, insanely long race. He’s done several marathons (his best was 2:44, twice, in Chicago and London). He’ll run both the New York and Tokyo marathons later this year.

And — oh, yeah — he also completed the Grand Canyon Rim-to Rim-to Rim. Those 47.5 miles include a descent of 9 miles, a 7-miles run across the floor, and  7 miles up a 15% – 20% grade. The temperature is over 100.

I got exhausted just typing that paragraph.

Why does he do it?

“The simple answer is: because you can,” Chris says.

“It’s possible, but not easy. It tests the outer boundaries of the human capability. You find all the human emotions out there on the course, at one time or other.”

And, Chris notes, “I live a privileged life in Aspen, just like people in Westport. To voluntarily put yourself in a position of real strain brings joy to the rest of your life. When you do this, you can appreciate every day as something special.”

He paused.

“This is what I do for fun.”

(“06880” relies completely on reader contributions. Please click here to keep stories like these coming.)

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Sports

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Pic Of The Day #1938

Posted on August 7, 2022 | 1 comment

Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day

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Photo Challenge #397

Posted on August 7, 2022 | 5 comments

For an out-of-the-way, neglected property, plenty of people know Golden Shadows.*

The former home of Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff and his wife — sometimes described as a “mansion” or “estate” — sits high on a hill, in the middle of the 22-acre property between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue, known as “Baron’s South.”

(The baron — who may or may not have been actual royalty — also owned 32 across the Post Road; it’s now known as Winslow Park, in honor of a previous owner.)

The town has owned Baron’s South for over 20 years, but has yet to decide what to do with it. Hiking trails are overgrown; invasive species have invaded, and the baron’s home suffers from water leaks, foundation cracks and general neglect.

The house may not be at the top of the town’s plans. But it’s well known to the 17 “06880” readers who correctly identified Molly Alger’s image as last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)

Congratulations to Michael Calise, Gloria Gouveia, John Karrel, Seth Schachter, Jerry Kuyper, Dave Eason, Fred Cantor, Martha Witte, Dan Vener, Andrew Colabella, Richard Stein, Mary Ann Batsell, Dick Lowenstein, Tara Curruto, Seth Braunstein, Bruce Salvo and Linda Amos. You win a weekend retreat for 2 at the mansion.

This week’s Photo Challenge is not neglected at all. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

*Not “Golden Showers.” Please — this is a family-friendly blog.

(“06880” has covered Baron’s South news since our founding, in 2009. As always, we rely on reader contributions to keep us going. Please click here to contribute.)

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Posted in Environment, Photo Challenge, Real estate

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Roundup: Ted Diamond, Twiddle, Epstein …

Posted on August 7, 2022 | 2 comments

In the days following Ted Diamond’s death at 105, Westporters have shared memories of the World War II hero, former 2nd Selectman and 67-year Westport friend and neighbor.

Scott Smith shares something else: a pair of videos.

In 2010, Smith chaired the town’s 50th-anniversary celebration of the purchase of Longshore. As part of the event, he conducted a series of interviews with longtime residents.

In this clip, Diamond describes how he and 1st Selectwoman Jacqueline Heneage worked to save the Inn at Longshore:

Smith also interviewed Diamond and Victor DeMaria about their Longshore memories:

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Speaking of videos: A capacity crowd welcomed Twiddle last weekend, for a 2-day Levitt Pavilion festival.

They were not disappointed. The Vermont-based jam band put on great shows.

And Twiddle was not disappointed with Westport.

Yesterday on Facebook they said: “Still thinking about how incredible last weekend was at Levitt Pavilion in Westport, CT. So much love for everyone who came out and joined us. See you tonight in Wisconsin for Phlowfest.”

They also uploaded a fantastic video of their shows to social media. Their videographer captured the music, the audience, and some killer drone footage too.

We’re not quite Woodstock or Newport. But it makes us look pretty damn close. Click here to see.

Screen shot from the Levitt Pavilion Twiddle Festival.

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Speaking of the Levitt Pavilion: There are many things to worry about in Westport.

Having a concert stage named for a convicted sex offender and disgraced financier is not one of them.

At 9 p.m. last night, I got an email from a worried Westporter. She said: “This stage name for Levitt Pavilion is a disgrace for Westport. Can you investigate? Just trying to enjoy a nice night at Levitt Pavillon. My visitors are very concerned about my home. EPSTEIN?”

It’s okay.

The handsome stage was named — and dedicated — in 2015. It honors Geri and David Epstein, in recognition of their $500,000 gift during the renovation of the outdoor entertainment center.

Relax. Chill. Enjoy the show!

Tens of thousands of people enjoy the Levitt Pavilion every year. I Before last night, I don’t think anyone thought the stage was named for Jeffrey Epstein. (Photo/JC Martin)

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“Westport … Naturally” has featured ospreys on the Post Road by Fresh Market, and at Longshore, Sherwood Mill Pond and Burying Hill Beach.

There’s osprey on Cockenoe Island too. Carl McNair snapped this photo of the much-less-noticed raptor:

(Photo/Carl McNair)

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And finally … on this date in 1789, the US established the Department of War.

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Posted in Entertainment, Local politics, Longshore, Looking back

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Construction Near For Hiawatha Lane Housing

Posted on August 7, 2022 | 18 comments

The weather wasn’t all that was hot yesterday.

More than a dozen residents gathered in the driveway of a Hiawatha Lane Extension home. Representatives of the development, site planning and construction companies involved in the 157-unit housing complex that will soon be built there had invited neighbors. The goal was to explain the building process, and listen to concerns.

Some of the concerns had been aired already. Residents are worried about trucks navigating the narrow roads; safety of children; noise; drainage and runoff.

Hiawatha neighbors listen intently.

Gus Pappajohn, president and CEO of A. Pappajohn Company, the Norwalk-based builders; Pete Romano, principal of LandTech, the Saugatuck civil engineering firm, and David Walsh of Summit Development explained the timetable — demolition of several homes will begin in 2 weeks, and last approximately 2 years — and described how they’ll handle issues like parking, school buses and culverts.

Other concerns have been aired earlier, throughout the nearly 20 years since a smaller development was first proposed. They involve traffic on nearby Saugatuck Avenue, and the displacement of residents from one of the least expensive neighborhoods in Westport.

Pappajohn, Romano and Walsh noted that those issues were already adjudicated. The town of Westport settled with Summit after years of litigation, allowing the development to proceed.

A rendering of the development, on an easel yesterday. (Photos/Dan Woog)

Several neighbors said angrily that they had not had a chance to air those concerns during the approval process. Construction officials replied that as an 8-30g application — one that addresses affordable housing in towns that do not meet a state minimum — issues like traffic are not part of the discussion.

“It’s been a long and contentious process,” Romano acknowledged. “But we’re here to talk about the future, not the past.”

For nearly an hour, residents peppered the builder, engineer and developer with questions about the future. And the past.

They looked at architectural plans and renderings of the 3 buildings. They asked again. Pappajohn, Romano and Walsh repeated their promises to keep disruption as minimal as possible; to be available at all times, and to continue to keep the neighbors informed throughout construction.

And then — with the sun and their anger still hot — the meeting ended. The neighbors walked home, past several now-empty homes and a new chain link fence.

Plans for the 3 new buildings. (Hover over or click to enlarge.)

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

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Pic Of The Day #1937

Posted on August 6, 2022 | 2 comments

Evening on Church Lane (Photo/Ed Simek)

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Posted in Downtown, Pic of the Day, Restaurants

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Roundup: Bike Giveaway, Adoptable Dogs, Outdoor Art …

Posted on August 6, 2022 | 3 comments

In conjunction with its next production — “4000 Miles” — the Westport Country Playhouse will give away a Cannondale Adventure 1 Bike (valued at $960).

It’s a donation from Cycleology Bike & Ski of Westport. The store also donated an RBX classic SS cycling jersey and Cycleology water bottle ($97).

The tie-in? “4000 Miles” (August 23 through September 4) is about a young cyclist. His cross-country trip from the West Coast ends at the Greenwich Village apartment of his feisty 91-year-old grandmother. Their generational divide creates conflict over age, family, love, sex and politics — until they discover an emotional connection that gives each a purpose.

To be eligible to win, submit your name, phone number and email either by purchasing a ticket online, by phone (203-227-4177), or in person for “4000 Miles,” or by filling out an entry form here.

Tickets are not necessary to win. All tickets purchased to “4000 Miles” at any time, including subscription packages, are automatically entered into the giveaway, as long as name, phone number and email were given at the time of purchase. One entry per person; must be age 18 or older.

Westport Country Playhouse bike giveaway.

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As reported earlier this week on “06880,” Lily’s Weston Market now features a Returnable Bin. It’s a hassle-free way to return items bought online

Staff will be on hand today, giving out t-shirts and answering questions about the subscription service.

Lily’s Weston Market’s Returnable Bin.

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Julie Loparo is the proud, pet-friendly president of Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.

Every morning at 8, volunteers and Westport Animal Control officers walk, socialize, feed and medicate the “guests” at Westport Animal Control.

Yesterday morning, after completing their chores early, they decided to treat themselves to the newly opened Old Mill Grocery.

They brought along Brutus and Gaga — 2 dogs available for adoption. Both needed extensive vet care, but thanks to WASA are now healthy.

The dogs enjoyed Old Mill Grocery’s Earth Animal display.

“We at WASA, both canine and human, thank all those involved for saving this gem in Westport,” Julie says.

“We will add it to our other favorite place — The Porch @ Christie’s — for enjoying time with friends. Especially when they are 4-legged and furry.”

Animal control officer Peter Reid, WASA president Julie Loparo, Brutus and Gaga.

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The 2nd annual Outdoor Art Gallery is set for September 10, at the Leonard Schine Natural Playground on Weston Road.

But Aspetuck Land Trust — sponsors of the “art in the woods” event — need art to show.

Any form of art or writing is welcome — so long as it responds to the theme: “What about the birds?”

“Let’s celebrate these small, intelligent creatures that are vital contributors in the preservation of our earth,” the ALT says.

Artists of any type should submit a .jpg of their work (and any other information) to woodlandartexpo@gmail.com. The deadline is September 1.

And don’t worry: All submissions are accepted!

A possible submission for the September Outdoor Art Gallery. (Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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John Richers writes: “On a recent vacation, my wife Valerie Leff and I visited the Nobel Peace Prize Museum in Oslo.

“It featured an exhibit about both courageous journalism and the global plight of refugees. Among only 3 books displayed, one (below) was on photojournalism — by a very familiar name.

“We felt proud of our Westport connection to this courageous photographer!”

Author Lynsey Addario is a 1991 Staples High School graduate — and Pulitzer Prize winner.

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To plan ahead:

Next week’s Remarkable Theater drive-in features are “Paddington 2” and “Goodbye, Columbus.”

The canine film — a 2017 live-action animated comedy — screens on Monday (August 8, 8 p.m.).

The rom-com/drama about a recent college graduate and working-class Army veteran who has an affair with a nouveau riche woman is set for Wednesday (August 10, 8:15 p.m.).

Gates open one hour before both days, for tailgating and socializing. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Sure, it’s easy to ignore Spooky Town — the Halloween store that has opened already across from Stop & Shop. Even the most ultra-organized mother does not think about her kid’s costume in early August.

And the Christmas music already wafting in the Bridge Square Dunkin’ Donuts — that’s a joke, right?

But check out this flyer that landed in yesterday’s mail:

“happy Labor Day!!” — Planet Pizza is serious.

Start planning that picnic already. Only 30 days left to order!

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The gulls were here first. And ever since the brick pavilion was built at Compo Beach, they’ve made it their home.

It’s a classic “Westport … Naturally” scene. And it will be, for decades to come.

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Country Playhouse’s bike giveaway (story above), let’s start working our way up to that 4,000-mile ride.

Ta-da! We did it! We even went 78 miles over!

 

(“06880” is supported entirely by readers. Please click here to contribute.)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Media, Westport Country Playhouse

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Online Art Gallery #122

Posted on August 6, 2022 | 1 comment

Sculpture — one of the greatest of all art forms — returns to our online gallery this week. Thank you, Alan Goldberg!

A reminder: This is your gallery. All readers are invited to contribute to it. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.

All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!

Photo montage of flowers on the GG & Joe’s wall (Amy Schneider)

“Seascape” — alabaster (Alan Goldberg)

Untitled (Werner Liepolt)

“What is the Problem We Are Trying to Solve?” Photographer Mike Hibbard explains: “These men collaborated in the development of Lima, Peru. The process of experiencing an image that stimulates a thought/emotion is very interesting. I cannot find these images if I go looking for them. The image comes to me.”

Untitled (Lawrence Weisman)

Untitled (Bobbie Herman)

“Passing Sailors Admire the 104-foot 1926 houseboat yacht ‘Freedom’ on the Mystic River” (Peter Barlow)

“Mother Nature in All Its Glory” (Karen Weingarten)

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Ted Diamond’s Legacy

Posted on August 6, 2022 | 4 comments

Kerstin Rao retired in 2021, after 2 decades as a teacher in Bedford Middle School’s gifted program.

Among her many wonderful experiences was the chance to meet World War II Army Air Corps combat navigator Ted Diamond. He died on Tuesday, at 105.

The longtime Westporter — who (among many other accomplishments) served 3 terms as 2nd Selectman — made quite a mark on Kerstin’s students.

And on her. She writes:

When I read on “06880” that Ted Diamond had passed, I found my heart filled with gratitude for the brief times I got to know him during his Veterans Day visits, when I taught at Bedford Middle School.

For at least 2 decades, possibly longer, Bedford’s 8th grade social studies teachers have organized visits by local veterans each November. The impact of these visits is often profound. Students would come into my classes the rest of the week bringing up points the veterans had talked about, wondering what they would have done if they were in the same situation, and curious about ways to serve the country.

Kerstin Rao and Ted Diamond.

My classroom was usually the gathering place as veterans arrived. The PTA would put together a breakfast, and the vets used that morning time to catch up with longtime friends. There was plenty of talk of grandchildren, ailments, and some razzing between the branches of service. However, I also observed how the older vets were genuinely curious to hear from the younger service members about their experiences.

Whenever I could, I brought my sketch journal. I quietly sat in the back of different classrooms as the vets shared their stories. Some years I made drawings of the men and women as they spoke, jotting down the insights that moved my heart. I’m glad I captured a sketch of Ted and some of his thoughts in my journal.

In 2016, Ted told how some men in his unit held deep racial biases. But when they were pinned down and the Tuskegee Airmen saved their lives, those biases were obliterated.

Kerstin Rao’s 2016 journal includes a sketch of Ted Diamond, and some of the important ideas he shared with Bedford Middle School 8th graders.

In 2017, he brought a photo of his unit. He pointed to a few faces, saying this one was from Michigan, this one was from Colorado. He said he could have brought photos of his wing shot off, or the engine of the plane across the way on fire, but to him, this was the single most important picture. He wanted the students to understand that no matter where we are from, we are one country, working together.

A photo Ted Diamond (top row, 2nd from right) shared with the students.

Ted Diamond stood out to me because every year, without fail, his stories focused on our shared humanity. He had a graciousness and gentle humor that made his listeners lean in. He took us into the moment during pivotal times of his World War II battle experiences. He always left us with the message that we have far more in common than we realize, and this is where the true promise of our country resides.

In my lifetime, I’ve never witnessed such bitter division in America as we have lived through these past few years. Nationally and locally, I am troubled to notice a greater willingness to violate the rights of others, speak in inflamed rhetoric without a willingness to listen, and openly expressed innuendo that violence could be inevitable.

Violence is not inevitable.

Discord is not inevitable.

When we pause a moment, we realize that we dishonor the legacy of our veterans if we allow our country to erode from within. I heard this expressed by several veterans over the years. If Ted has left us a call to action, it is this: Each of us has a choice. We could pull further apart, or we could strengthen our country by working together. We can choose integrity, understanding, and connection which becomes a service to our country.

For this message which guides my own path forward, I am truly grateful. Thank you, Ted.

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Ted Diamond’s family is still preparing his obituary. But they sent along a few photos. Here is a century-plus, of a well-lived life.

Ted Diamond is the youngest child in this photo.

Ted Diamond, as a World War II Army Air Corps combat navigator.

Ted and Carol Diamond’s wedding. They were married for 75 years.

Ted and Carol Diamond, and their 2 sons.

Carol and Ted Diamond.

Ted Diamond, looking pensive.

Ted Diamond, with his great-grandson Peter.

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Posted in Education, History, Obituaries

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