Westport’s 10u all star team earned a 5-4 walkoff win againt Trumbull in the Little League district tournament last night. Then they celebrated together at the Compo Beach fireworks. (Photo/Rick Lane)
One other cool look at the colorful show … (Photo/Joanne Precouri)
… plus the view from Old Mill. (Photo/Sue Pfister)
What a night!
Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2997
Posted in Pic of the Day, Sports
We hope you enjoyed this morning’s featured photos of last night’s Compo Beach fireworks.
Readers emailed a few more shots. So — though it’s not even July 4th yet — here’s another look at how Westport celebrated America’s birthday.
Red, white and blue scene. (Photo/Laureen Haynes)
No dogs on the beach. But the seawall is okay. (Photo/Michael Szeto)
Just another day at the beach. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
Waiting for the show. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
Keeping 10,000 people safe. (Photo/Laurie Sorensen)
The barge, where it all happens. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
The Soundview scene. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel and Judy Auber)
When you gotta go … (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
On the boardwalk … (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
… and, a few yards away, behind the scenes in the lifeguard shack. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
One view of the payoff … (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
… and another … (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)
… and yet another … (Photo/Laurie Sorensen)
… and one more. (Photo/Sandeep and Tanya Galeria)
Sure, there was a little early morning rain, then a cloudy morning. But by mid-afternoon they were gone. The sun shone brightly. And the blue sky turned red at dusk — perfect colors for Independence Day.
Sure, the barge was late. But it finally got there, and dropped anchor in its traditional spot, opposite the Compo Beach lifeguard shack.
And sure, 10,000 or so little kids, teenagers, families and everyone else celebrated America’s birthday the way we have for decades.
With fireworks, food and fun.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
There is no better day in Westport. Thanks from all who were there, to all who helped make it possible.
Lifeguard director Danilo Sierra (2nd from right) and his crew.
Parks & Rec handles countless tasks …
… including clean-up. At dawn today, the beach will be spotless.
Firefighters are out in force — just in case.
Sue Pfister and friend ovesee the Old Mill Beach parking lot.
Captain America, aka RTM member Andrew Colabella.
Stacie Curran and Dee Hychko.
Cheryl with her friend’s baby, Towner. (Photo/Laureen Haynes)
Doug and Melissa Bernstein sold their toy company. But they still sponsor the fireworks — helping Westport PAL raise needed funds.
A small part of the large crowd. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
A patriotic soccer fashion statement …
… and a patriotic statement of a different kind.
What’s not to smile about?
Lookin’ solid!
Terry, Laurie, Eamon and Seamus Brannigan.
Red, white and blue ice cream.
There are parties up and down Soundview Drive. But only one has a life-size outdoor chess set.
Smiling on the seawall …
… and hanging out on the lifeguard chair.
Dinner is served!
Lifeguard photo opp, while patrolling the beach.
Nowhere to park … (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
… but the barge found a nice spot.
From left: Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, Nicole Tooker, 1st Selecctwoman Jen Tooker, former 2nd Selectman Charlie Haberstroh, RTM member Jimmy Izzo.
The money shot. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
Packing up, then heading home. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
(All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
A reminder: “06880” wants your fireworks photos!
Your parties and picnics; you and your friends hanging out; your kids running around — however you celebrate, we hope you’ll share with our online community.
We’re less interested in shots of the actual fireworks — sorry, but they all tend to look the same — than in people. Faces, smiles, flags — email them to 06880blog@gmail.com, by 10 p.m. tonight (the end of the fireworks show).
Enjoy the show! Then share it with all the rest of us. Thank you!
A great shot from last year. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
==================================================
Speaking of Compo: This morning’s “06880” lead story focused on the Westport tradition of saving spots on the sand for the fireworks.
The weather may have deterred a few folks — though the slight rain is expected to end, with gradually decreasing clouds throughout the day.
But sure enough, this was the scene just after dawn this morning. Let the games begin!
(Photo/Cindy Nigro)
And here was the view, just before 9 a.m.:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
And 2 from 9:15:
(Photos/Amy Schneider)
Getting a bit aggressive, at 10:15 a.m.:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
==================================================
Speaking still of the beach: It’s official.
Last night, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) unanimously approved a proposal by Chris Tait and Andrew Colabella to name the pickleball courts there in honor of Tom Lowrie.
It’s a fitting tribute to the man who has done more to promote the sport in Westport than anyone.
And who turns 97 tomorrow. Happy birthday, and congratulations, Tom!
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
=================================================
The Planning & Zoning Commission begins its 65-day deliberation period of The Hamlet at Saugatuck this Monday (July 7, 6 p.m., Zoom).
It’s a work session. The public can observe, but not participate.
Hamlet’s 65-day period begins.
================================================
Alicia Murphy is making the most of her summer internship with Wakeman Town Farm.
A rising senior at the University of Mary Washington, she is majoring in environmental science. Her concentration is in sustainability and soil science.
Growing up in a small town in rural Indiana, Alicia received an extensive agricultural education throughout high school. But she realized how destructive and unsustainable traditional farming practices really are.
At WTF she developed an interest in the newest garden. Recently reclaimed as a part of the farm, the land has suffered a significant degree of soil compaction and topsoil degradation, making it difficult for plants to thrive.
Alicia’s goal is to create a plan for sustainable, long-lasting remediation.
On July 16 (2 p.m., Tim’s Kitchen), she’ll describe her summer work, soil restoration, small-scale sustainable practices, and solutions for compacted and depleted farmland. The public is invited.
Alicia Murphy, at Wakeman Town Farm.
==================================================
Mike Borchetta — a 1961 Staples High School graduate who, in a long music industry career, worked with Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, Dusty Springfield and Wayne Newton — died recently. He was 84.
According to Nashville Post, his resume in Los Angeles and Nashville included stints as president of Lofton Creek Records, Broken Bow, Capitol, RCA, Mercury, Philips Records and Rebel Engine.
As vice president of promotion at Curb Records from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, Borchetta played a key role in signing of Tim McGraw.
Much earlier, as a Staples student, he brought Bo Diddley, Harvey & the Moonglows and Dave “Baby” Cortez to town.
Borchetta and his wife Martha also bred and trained thoroughbred horses. He is survived too by his children Scott, Adelle, Chris and Angela, all of whom are in the music industry. Scott started his own label — and discovered a 16-year-old Taylor Swift.
Details for a service have not yet been announced.
Mike Borchetta
=============================================
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene comes from hen-pecked Greens Farms:
(Photo/Jacque O’Brien)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of Mike Borchetta (obituary above):
(Today is hump day. And fireworks day. And — as always — a day to support “06880,” your hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog. Please click here — and thank you!)
This story is posted at 5 a.m. Wednesday, July 2.
Which means that in about 10 minutes — if they haven’t already — people will descend on Compo Beach.
They’ll haul beach chairs, blankets, tables, tents, coolers — everything including, perhaps, a kitchen sink or two — and spread them across vast swaths of the sand.
Because hey, that’s what Westporters do to reserve a spot for the 4th 2nd of July fireworks. They start a mere 16 hours from now.
6:40 a.m., 2024. (Photo/Susie Kowalsky)
It’s the human version of dogs peeing to mark territory.
When the practice began more than a decade ago, many residents were aghast. Staking out a spot, then leaving for 10 or 12 hours — making the beach look for most of the day as if aliens had abducted every human — was not something we did.
If you wanted a picnic before the fireworks, you got there relatively early.
And you stayed.
Gradually — actually, fairly rapidly — that social norm was shattered.
Much the same way we now think nothing of wearing flip flops to Broadway — or deporting people who have been here for decades to foreign countries without a hint of due process — the arms race of claiming land on the sand has become just another part of life.
Sure, a few people will send photos to “06880” of egregious beach-taking — 20 to 30 chairs, all occupied by ghosts.
But those horses left the Compo barn long ago. There is nothing you, I, or the Parks & Recreation Department can do.
2022 (Photo/Dan Aron)
In fact, there is an upside to all this. Years ago, cars began lining up around 4 p.m., when the beach opened to fireworks ticket holders. Stretching as far back as Greens Farms Road were families waiting to enter, find a spot, lug their gear and start partying.
Things are much calmer now. There is no 4 p.m. rush — just a leisurely, steady flow of folks moseying in, over the next couple of hours.
Still — like airport gate agents trying to make sure that passengers in boarding group 9 don’t try to sneak into group 3 — we can try to impose a bit of order to the early-morning process. So here are a few tips/hints/thoughts.
Some people will think they apply to everyone else, but not to them.
Some will read — then promptly (even proudly) ignore them.
Yet if even a few people heed them, we’ll bring a bit of civility to what should be Westport’s biggest, best — and friendliest — party of the year.
Take only what you need. This is not a Golden Corral all-you-can-eat buffet. The amount of “food” (sand) is limited. Leave some for others. To put it another way: If your reserved section can — like a crop circle — be seen from the sky, it’s too big.
Your tent may block my view. Around 4 p.m., the lifeguards will probably make an announcement that all tents must be taken down, or moved back toward the boardwalk, parking lot and Soundview Drive.
2023 (Photo/Matt Murray)
You may not reserve the picnic tables at South Beach. The signs on each table are clear. If you want one, send someone to sit there all day. Sorry, but there is a limited number of tables. You might think it’s okay to reserve a pool chair by at your favorite resort. But reserving a picnic table here is still a no-no.
Use what you take. If you realize you’re hogging more than your share, draw those chairs closer.
And then have fun. Talk to the folks next to you, even if you think they infringe on “your” party. Share your chips, your wine, your kids.
Finally, when it’s over: Take all your s— home.
If you lugged a beach table there at 5 a.m., lug it back to your car at 10 p.m. Parks & Rec is not your clean-up crew. You’d be amazed at how much gets left — much of it not inadvertently — behind.
Happy 4th 2nd of July! If you’ve read this far, thank you.
But you really should head to the beach right now. Everyone else is already there, stealing your spot.
Where is everyone? …
… and the payoff. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Today is July 1.
Tomorrow — 2 day ahead of the holiday — the annual PAL fireworks will light the sky over Compo Beach. It’s Westport’s biggest and best party of the year.
It also has a major impact on traffic.
The beach closes to the public at 4 p.m. Only vehicles with fireworks passes hanging from their rearview mirrors can stay in the parking lot. The beach reopens to ticket holders no later than 5 p.m.
Access to the fireworks is through Compo Road South only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be closed to through traffic.
Uber, Lyft and taxi services will drop riders off where Soundview Drive runs into Compo Road South. However, return service will not be possible until 11 p.m., due to one-way traffic exiting the beach. There will be delays of an hour or so after the fireworks end (approximately 9:30 to 9:45) for residents return to the Compo Beach area from elsewhere, and for anyone picking up people at the beach.
The fireworks are sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, and are an important fundraiser for Westport PAL. A few tickets remain, at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore (during business hours), and the police station.
The traffic is worth it. (Photo/Elissa Moses)
================================================
Speaking of the fireworks: Please send us your photos tomorrow!
Your parties and picnics; you and your friends hanging out, and your kids running around — however you celebrate, we hope you’ll share with our online community.
We’re less interested in shots of the actual fireworks — sorry, but they all tend to look the same — than in people. Faces, smiles, flags — email them to 06880blog@gmail.com, by 10 p.m. (the end of the fireworks show).
Thanks. It takes a village, and we’re glad you’re part of ours.
Jennifer Kobetitsch sent this last year. Let’s see what you’ve got!
=================================================
And now … the moment you’ve been waiting for: the winners of the Great Duck Race.
Westport Sunrise Rotary — which thanks to the event will distribute about $100,000 in grants and scholarships next year — announces the champions.
Congratulations to:
They are very lucky ducks!
The race is on! (Photo/Mark Mathias)
==================================================
The Westport Library Board of Trustees, welcomes 4 new members: Christy Charise, James Corgel, Darcy Travlos and Ashley Zwick.
There’s a new president too. Senior vice president Robert Boroujerdi succeeds Pat Wieser. She remains a board member member, while Krishna Patel takes over as senior vice president.
Other officers include treasurer Ben Chan, secretary Sheri Gordon, Finance Committee chair Scott Bennewitz, Governance and Nominations Committee chair Martina Sze, and Development Committee chair Mark Silverstein.
Boroujerdi is a former partner at Goldman Sachs. He later joined Third Point, an institutional asset manager, as the head of markets. He and his family live in Westport.
Leaving the board are longtime members Andrea Berkely, Randy Herbertson, Celeste La Croix, Jay Norris and Andrew Wilk.
Charise and her husband Justin co-founded Saugatuck Financial, where she headed up daily operations and growth initiatives for more than a decade. She continues to lead business development, marketing and strategic initiatives. The couple live in Westport, with their 2 children.
Corgel is an experienced business executive. He has been involved with several non-profits since retiring in 2013, after serving in key managerial roles with global responsbility at IBM. He and his wife Chris have lived in Westport for more than 35 years.
Travlos is s a capital markets specialist, investor and entrepreneur with deep experience across technology, media, industrial and consumer sectors. She moved to Westport in 2000 with her daughter, and now lives here with her black labrador Robert.
Zwick has more than 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit and education sectors. She serves as executive director of the Tuck Initiative on Workplace Inclusion at Dartmouth, and teaches courses on social impact at NYU. When she moved to Westport in 2020, her one demand was to live within walking distance of the Library.
New trustees at the Westport Library.
==================================================
Joe Lamp’l — aka “Joe Gardener” — spoke to a full house at the Westport Library last week, on ecological gardening for beauty and biodiversity.
The next day, he visited Greens Farms Garden Club’s “Growing for Good” vegetable gardens. Volunteers with the project grow organic vegetables, and donate them to Homes with Hope in Westport, and Bridgeport’s Mercy Learning Center.
He was awed by Prospect Gardens, and their generosity to the program, Click here to learn about the Greens Farms Garden Club, and Growing for Good.
Greens Farms Garden Club.
==================================================
Richard Orenstein was a significant benefactor of the Westport Museum for History & Culture.
On Sunday, friends unveiled a commemorative stone in his honor, near the front of the building.
He also donated generous to other organizations, here and in Sarasota, Florida — where he flew over 1,000 hours for Angel Flight, which provides free medical services.
(Photo/Nick Pisarro Jr.)
==================================================
Today’s “06880 … Naturally” photo from Compo Beach is very, um, interesting.
So interesting, in fact, that we invite you to write your own caption. Click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
==================================================
And finally … on this date in 1908, SOS was adopted as the international distress signal.
(No, we’re not in distress — but “06880” does rely on the support of readers like you. If you get a chance, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
There have been plenty of fireworks in Westport lately. Explosive topics have divided residents, in sharp ways.
But one set of fireworks everyone can agree on: Those celebrating our nation’s independence.
The 60+ year Westport PAL tradition honoring America’s 249th anniversary returns Wednesday, July 2 at (of course) Compo Beach.
The other day to mark on calendars is Monday, May 26. That’s when tickets go on sale at both the Westport Parks & Recreation office in Longshore, and the police station on Jesup Road.
Westport’s greatest party returns July 2. (Photo/Elissa Moses)
Tickets are $75 (cash or check), and help fund dozens of PAL programs throughout the year.
Long-time Westport residents and Staples graduates Melissa and Doug Bernstein are once again sponsoring the fireworks.
“This is our favorite time of year in Westport, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event,” the couple say.
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo adds, “Westport PAL, in conjunction with the town, is honored to plan, coordinate and deliver another year of firework’s festivities. This is our largest fundraising event, and we appreciate the community’s continued support.”
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (2nd from right) hands the ceremonial 1st fireworks ticket to Doug Bernstein, at the newly refurbished Compo Beach playground. They’re joined by (front row, from right) Melissa Bernstein and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and Parks & Recreation and PAL officials.
Posted in Beach, Police, Westport life
Tagged 4th of July fireworks, Parks & Recreation Department, Westport PAL
Cathy Malkin is both a longtime Westport resident, and a lifelong animal lover.
For 30 years, she has given them a “voice,” as an animal communicator. She is also an animal Reiki master teacher and practitioner, pet meditation master teacher, and a pet loss and grief counselor.
As America gets set to celebrate Independence Day — with plenty of fireworks, of course — she worries about pyrotechnics’ effects on animals. Cathy writes:
Animals have much sharper hearing than humans. Sudden loud noises like fireworks can trigger their fight-or-flight response, causing them to run for their lives and hide from the scary noises.
This can happen even if your animal hasn’t reacted to fireworks before. Their fear can come on suddenly.
It’s like someone turned the volume way up on a scary movie they don’t understand.
The worst part is that they might not hear your voice or respond to your usual calming techniques.
That’s why some pets end up chewing through crates, slipping out doors, jumping fences, or even breaking windows in their desperate attempt to escape the noise.
Here are some tips to create a safe, secure environment for your animal family during the 4th of July holiday:
✅ Microchip and ID Checkup:
✅ Communication is Key: Let your animal family know what is in store for them, and reassure them that you will keep them safe. Talking with your pet during an animal communication session can reduce their fear and anxieties, and help you create a calming strategy together.
✅ Create a Safe Haven: Keep your pet indoors in a quiet, secure room, with windows closed and shades drawn during fireworks displays. To reduce anxiety further, use a thundershirt, play calming music, or give your pet a rescue remedy for added comfort.
✅ Project Calm: Your pet picks up on your emotions, so do your best to stay calm and reassuring. Meditating or sharing Reiki can help both of you stay grounded and present as fireworks explode.
✅ Vet Talk Now: If your pet has noise phobias or you have any concerns, discuss your options with your vet today.
Don’t wait until the fireworks frenzy begins to reduce your pet’s stress and ensure everyone has a safe and, hopefully, enjoyable 4th of July.
Click this American Kennel Club website for more information.
(To learn more about Cathy Malkinn’s work with animals, click on her website, Animal Muse.)
(“06880” is a full-service blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
On Tuesday (July 2), thousands of people will throng Compo Beach for the 4th of July fireworks show. (Westport is always ahead of the game.)
Sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, it’s been an annual tradition for more than 60 years.
Back in the day, the pyrotechnics were shot off on land, near the cannons. Westporters of a certain age remember the smell of the ashes, as they floated down all around.
(Our safety-impaired parents then tossed us in the back seat of the station wagon, facing backwards and without seat belts, for the ride home. But that’s another story.)
Now that the fireworks are shot from a barge offshore, some of the action has shifted to Soundview Drive. That part of the beach is packed. With the road closed to traffic, it becomes a street festival.
Little kids romp. Teenagers and adults meander (separately). Music plays. It’s like California’s Venice Beach, without the bodybuilders.
A century ago though, Soundview Drive looked very different.
Here’s that desolate view. (But check out the very cool bathhouses in the distance).
(Photo courtesy of Bill Scheffler)
The scene will look a lot different on Tuesday.
And mark your calendars for Sunday, July 28. ‘That’s the first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.
The beach exit road will once again be closed. There will be live music, kids’ activities like face painting and balloons, a photo booth and food trucks — all courtesy of the Compo Beach Improvement Association and “06880.”
See you on the 2nd, and the 28th!
BONUS FRIDAY FLASHBACK: Some fireworks-goers will be dropped off, or arrive by Uber. They’ll avoid the $50 per vehicle ticket charge (hopefully they’ll donate to the Westport PAL anyway — it’s their major fundraiser of the year).
The drop-off point is the area near the volleyball courts, where Compo Beach Road becomes Soundview Drive.
It’s often a busy spot — and not just for the fireworks.
This was the scene when a trolley brought beach-goers from downtown and the railroad station.
On the left, you can see the open pavilion that is still there. On the right — now the Soundview parking lot — is a large building that once housed a restaurant and dance hall.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Posted in Beach, Friday Flashback
Tagged 4th of July fireworks, Melissa and Doug Bernstein, Soundview Drive, Westport PAL
Cheryl Kinnaman McCarthy was frustrated.
For the past several years the bathrooms at Compo Beach have been locked around 4 p.m. on the afternoon of the July 4th fireworks — by far, the biggest day of the year there.
After spending hours eating and drinking before the 9 p.m. show, thousands of people have waited in lines, for rows of porta-potties.
Portable toilets, ready for use last year. (Photo/Dan Woog)
It was a crappy situation.
“Among the masses are elderly, handicapped, and parents with young children,” Cheryl says.
“Sometimes a real bathroom with running water, lighting and room for several people to move around is needed.”
After several decades of fireworks, Cheryl’s mother did not want to go back this year — just because of the bathroom situation.
Cheryl understood the demands on Westport’s Parks & Recreation staff, to keep the bathrooms clean (and toilet papered) during the crush of users.
But, she wondered, couldn’t the policy be re-examined?
Earlier this week, Cheryl emailed Parks & Rec, Town Hall, and Westport PAL, the fireworks’ organizer. She copied “06880.” I followed up with a question to Parks & Rec.
Cheryl wasn’t holding her breath.
But — are you sitting down? — in less than 24 hours, we got a response.
Interim Parks & Rec director Rick Giunta wrote:
In the past, we’ve allowed the restrooms at the marina to remain open for the night of the fireworks.
However, in most recent years vandalism has become more prevalent and commonplace, forcing us to make the difficult decision to lock the permanent restroom facilities and supplement them with portable restrooms. Included with the portable restrooms were several handicap accessible units.
We do understand the frustration and inconvenience of not having the permanent facilities available during the largely attended event. However, the repairs were both time-consuming and very costly.
After consulting with operations manager Carmen Roda and parks superintendent Mike West, as a gesture of good faith and on a trial basis, for the night of the fireworks, we will allow access to the permanent restrooms located at the marina, as well as the restrooms located in the locker area.
Should there be any vandalism to these restroom facilities this year, we will revert back to portable facilities only for the fireworks event going forward.
Hopefully the vandalism phase has passed and we can all enjoy all of our wonderful facilities during these fun events going forward.
At a time when Westporters feel their voices are not always heard, this is great evidence that you can fight City Hall.
Or at least, get quick action from the new regime at Parks & Rec.
Kudos to Rick Giunta, Carm Roda, Mike West and anyone else who had a hand in hearing about a problem, discussing it, figuring out a solution, and explaining it clearly.
Now it’s up to all of us to respect the bathrooms, and make things easy for the great Parks & Rec maintenance staff.
It wouldn’t hurt to clean up after ourselves on the beach, too.
No s—.
A small bit of the tons of trash left after last year’s fireworks. (Photo/Totney Benson)
(“06880” serves Westport in many ways. If you appreciate our work, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Please click here. Thank you!)
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!)