Our “06880” Instagram Live conversation with the 1st selectman candidates continues today (Tuesday, 3 p.m.). Dave Briggs and I will chat with independent David Rosenwaks.
You can find us on Instagram @06880danwoog. We welcome your questions!
A couple of hunded people lined both sides of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday, and spilled into downtown.
They were part of over 1,000 “Workers Over Billionaires” rallies nationwide, on Labor Day. Participants held signs and chanted, opposing President Trump and billionaires “taking over the U.S. government.”
(Photo/Pam Docters)
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
Rally on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Mark Friedman)
The state’s annual 9/11 remembrance ceremony is set for this Thursday (September 4, 5:30 p.m.).
As always, the event will be held at Sherwood Island State Park’s 9/11 Memorial. The site was chosen because the park was the staging area for the Connecticut National Guard that day. Sadly, their rescue efforts were not needed.
Governor Ned Lamont and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz will lead the ceremony. Names of the 161 people killed in the terrorist attacks with Connecticut ties will be read aloud.
The ceremony is held before the actual anniversary, so that family members and friends can attend the ceremony on September 11, at the World Trade Center.
9/11 Living Memorial, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/David Squires)
=================================================
The fall Jazz at the Post season begins Thursday (September 4, VFW Post 399) — a few days before fall, but who’s counting?
It’s “Piano Madness,” with Janice Friedman, Mike Campenni, Dave Kingsnorth and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
And finally … Billy Preston was born on this date, in 1946. The keyboardist and singer backed artists like Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, the Beatles and Rolling Stones, and recorded solo hits too. He died in 2006, age 59.
Billy Preston’s keyboard was an important part of this performance, in the Beatles’ famous final rooftop concert. Too bad he does not appear for more than 1/2 second in it:
(Nothing from nothing is not good for “06880.” We rely on readers’ contributions to get back to what we do best: connect Westport and the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onMarch 2, 2025|Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2874
Connecticut’s 9/11 Memorial is at Sherwood Island State Park, for 2 very poignant reasons.
On that awful day, residents stood at the shore and watched smoke rise from the Twin Towers.
The site was ready to be used as a staging area, for rescue equipment. Sadly, it was never used.
The memorial is inscribed with the names of all 161 state residents killed that tragic morning.
The other day, Pam Docters visited the memorial. Among the usual shells and pebbles left by family members, friends and strangers, she saw beautiful sea glass.
Nearly 25 years later, in mid-winter, we remember and honor all those we lost.
Scott and Keith Coleman (bottom row, center) were Staples High School graduates. They worked together, at the World Trade Center. (Photos/Pam Docters)
The non-speaking autistic teenager was once thought to be intellectually disabled. In July, “06880” described his astonishing progress, since he began using a special communication board a year ago.
Wynston was there again Monday — the day before beginning his sophomore year at Staples High School. Owner Andrea Pecoriello hosted him.
His mother Lynda Kommel-Browne says: “Wynston had a nice conversation with 4 families, who were not familiar with non-speakers and spelling boards. Wynston beamed with pride and energy to show folks his communication skills.It was a great eye-opening experience for all.
Wynston Browne and his communication partner, Elisa Feinman, show his spelling board to customers at The Porch. His brother Harrison is standing (right).
“Wynston’s 16-year-old brother Harrison beamed with pride too, seeing customers take an interest in Wyn, and seeing Wyn respond to questions with high level answers.
“For example, he said, ‘In biology we are studying macro molecules … carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates is your body’s main energy source.'”
He talked about “The Kite Runner” too — and asked some of his new friends questions like what they like to eat at The Porch.
Wynston’s world is opening up — and he is opening up ours. “06880” will continue to report on his progress, and on opportunities for Westporters to meet him.
“We use the ‘speed load’ setting. Our washing machine runs for 25 minutes, instead of an hour and 10 minutes on the regular setting. Our clothes get just as clean — we have never had an issue with that.”
Any other water-saving ideas? Click “Comments” below.
Select “quick wash,” which you probably never noticed before.
Connecticut’s official 9/11 memorial is at Sherwood Island State Park for 2 reasons.
On that horrific day 21 years ago, people gathered on the shore saw smoke rise from the Twin Towers 50 miles away.
And the area was ready to be used as a staging area for rescue helicopters. Sadly, none were needed.
Two decades later, the simple memorial attracts a steady stream of visitors. It includes the names of state residents who died in the terrorist attacks.
Each year, there is a remembrance ceremony at the Sherwood Island Living Memorial. This year’s is set for Thursday, September 8 (5:30 p.m.). Family members of those killed will participate, and the names of the 161 victims with ties to Connecticut will be read aloud.
The ceremony will be livestreamed at ct-n.com. An on-demand video will be made available there shortly after its conclusion.
The 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photos/Ellen Bowen)
Tomorrow’s “Jazz at the Post” stars Rob Henke & the Cook County Stompers.
Greg Murphy, Tim Ferguson, Sipho Kunene and Greg Wall — the “Jazz Rabbi” — play 2 sets at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 (7 and 8:30 p.m.; dinner at 6:30; $10 cover).
The Thursday night series has earned an avid following. The jazz is great; the acoustics are superb; the food is excellent, and the view is superb.
What’s not to like?
Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Held, as always, in the Westport Country Playhouse barn, it features works by homeless veterans. The art was created in classes run by the Collective, at Bridgeport’s Homes for the Brave shelter.
There’s a reception next Wednesday (September 7, 6 to 8 p.m.), and an artists’ talk Saturday, September 10 (4 p.m.). The works are on display to the public September 8 to 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. each day.
The Artists’ Collective does great work, very quietly. They don’t toot their own horns. So I’ll toot it for them.
See you at the show!
=================================================
I hate to keep throwing barbs at Hook’d.
But really, the Compo Beach concession is just mailing it in.
Earlier this summer, after sharp comments on “06880,” they finally began posting their hours on the door.
That’s gone now.
With the doors locked yesterday, this was the scene:
(Photo/Yvonne Senturia)
That’s still better than a few days ago. The doors were locked then. The sandwich board sign was out.
School started yesterday. And — right on cue — there was this familiar sight at the Imperial Avenue parking lot:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
Readers sometimes wonder what they’re doing there.
The answer makes sense: It’s a spot for drivers to gather between runs, without having to navigate the cramped, busy entrance and exit at the Dattco lot across from Playhouse Square.
Once in the morning there, and again in the afternoon, is plenty.
Michael and Valerie Szeto write: “With Cole Porter’s permission. one might say, ‘Birds do it, bees do it, even Westport horseshoe crabs do it … let’s do it, let’s fall in love!'”
(Photo/Valerie Szeto)
This shot of mating horseshoe crabs was taken in the shallow water off Owenoke Park. Michael spotted it; Valerie snapped it.
The couple then left, giving this other couple some privacy.
The other day, “06880” reader Ellen Bowen complained about the unkempt, goose-drop-filled state of the 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park.
First, it is very important that you understand some facts about birds nests. If house sparrows are making nests in the indoor memorial, they can be removed, even while they are building their nests. They are one of the few bird species not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
A volunteer Friends member (and dedicated birder) will check and remove whatever nests are in the 9/11 Memorial area now. However, if a protected bird such as a swallow built a nest, nothing can be done until after the birds leave the nests. Most migratory birds have left their nests by now.
Second, please understand that controlling the Canadian geese is impossible. No one, including the Town of Westport, can remove every goose dropping..
The 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photos/Ellen Bowen)
Third, the Sherwood Island supervisor and his staff work hard to keep the Park looking its best, in spite of the many visitors leaving garbage all over the grounds and not using dumpsters. You are correct that the responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the 9/11 Memorial is indeed part of the staff’s responsibilities. Rest assured it will be in order for the September 8 (5:30 p.m.) service.
However, I am sure that you have been reading about thehuge budget cuts impacting the size of the staff and other matters relevant to your concerns, which brings me to my last point.
One of the reasons for the founding of Friends of Sherwood Island State Park was to supply assistance to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection in the form of advocacy, volunteers, and funds (through memberships, donations, fundraising projects and events). We need concerned people like yourself to join our ranks to produce positive changes and support for our beautiful Sherwood Island State Park, where state budget dollars fall short.
Please consider buying a ticket or two for our upcoming ShoreFest in the Pavilion (strikingly reconstructed including solar-heated year-round restrooms, with your tax dollars) on Friday September 9 (6 to 9 p.m.). Proceeds from the silent auction will be specifically targeted for our 100 Trees for 100 Years Project, aimed at replacing and maintaining trees and shrubs that were devastated in major storms.
Please go to our website (www.friendsofsherwoodisland.org) to learn about joining Friends, or purchasing tickets for ShoreFest (where you will have an opportunity to discuss your concerns with the park supervisor, State legislators who have adopted the park, and our board and other Friends).
Please contact me directly at lizannlwv@gmail.com if you would like to know more.
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!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
