Tag Archives: 9/11

Roundup: Pushing And Riding For 9/11; Honoring Post-9/11 Vets …

Posted on August 31, 2026 | 1 comment

For the 5th year in a row, retired United Airlines flight attendant Paul Veneto is pushing an airline service cart several hundred miles on foot.

His journey honors the “first first responders” — flight attendants and crew members — on the 4 planes hijacked on September 11, 2001.

He began at the Boston Public Garden 9/11 Memorial on August 15. He’ll end at Ground Zero, for the 25th anniversary commemoration there.

Paul — with his “Paulie’s Push” — plans to be in Westport on Friday (September 4), on the Post Road. He’ll stop at Westport Fire Department headquarters, for a brief ceremony.

Click here for more information, and to follow his journey on a map.

Paul Veneto (right), his cart and a supporter, along the route.

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Speaking of 9/11: Hundreds of motorcyclists took part in yesterday’s CT United motorcycle ride.

The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest fundraiser for both fire and law enforcement in the state. It began at Sherwood Island State Park, then roared its way on I-95 to Exit 17, up Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road to Wilton, then on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.

A bomb threat briefly interrupted preparations at Sherwood Island. Plenty of safety officials, from a variety of agencies, were already on hand, and determined there was no danger.

This was the view from Westport Emergency Medical Services ambulance 603 — named “Joy” — before the ride began.

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

The riders included Westporters Rhona Lieberson, and granddaughter Carly Curran ride.

Family members and residents of 136 Riverside Avenue cheered them on. They got a big wave too from Westport Corporal Craig Bergamo, who helped out with the event.

Carly Curran and Rhona Lieberson. (Photo/Stacie Curran)

Motorcycle riders (left): From the I-95 Hales Road overpass (Photo/Loretta Hallock)

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Speaking still of 9/11: For more than a decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.

Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and  serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.

The 25th anniversary of 9/11 — and 250th birthday of the United States — is a great time for Westporters to continue supporting Catch a Lift.

On September 9 (6:30 p.m., Inn at Longshore), a special fundraiser will benefit the noon-profit.

Click here for information on how to purchase tickets.

Catch a Lift veterans, at a Birchwood Country Club event.

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Single tickets go on sale tomorrow (Tuesday) for the Westport Country Playhouse 2026-27 season. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Three will be 3 weeks in length; the others will be shorter runs. They are:

  • “Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” (world premiere; October 20-November 7)
  • “A Sherlock Carol” (written and directed by Shanahan, returning for a 4th season: December 12-20)
  • “Murder For Two” (musical comedy mystery; March 4-7)
  • “The Pancake Club” (world premiere; a Script in Hand selection, now staged by popular demand; April 20-May 8)
  • “The Goldsmith” (another Script in Hand selection; May 19-22)
  • “The Legend of Georgia McBride” (July 13-31).

For more information on the 2026-27 season, click here.

PS: Subscribers save up to 20% off single ticket prices, get priority seating, and enjoy other perks. Click here for details.

Another option: Flex Passes. They can be purchased now, and redeemed closer to performance time for the best available seats. The $50 per Flex Pass price can save up to $30 a ticket,

Historic seats, on sale tomorrow. (Photo/Robert Benson)

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The weather was wonderful yesterday, for the final Sunday Compo Beach service of the summer.

The Untied Methodist Church of Westport &  Weston hosted. Bridgeport’s Pivot Ministries sang stirringly — as they always do.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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Also yesterday: Despite cloudy skies, Westport’s “other” beach — Burying Hill — was packed.

It’s a lot smaller than Compo, or even Old Mill.

Lifeguards are already off duty for the season.

But the quickly eroding spot just east of crowded Sherwood Island State Park attracts a loyal following.

And no other Westport beach has such a great view from a nearby hill.

Burying Hill Beach (Photo/William Weiss)

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And … yesterday’s New York Times included an insightful piece by Roger Rosenblatt on the wonders of growing old. Among them:

The wonder of still learning how to do new things. The wonder of writing this sentence. The alchemy of language. The scope and sweep of the imagination. The wonder of the mysteries of the weather. Of wind. Of sound. Of prayer, of faith. Of art. Of gifted people. Emily Dickinson, Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Vermeer, Bach, Monk. These things have always brought me joy. Now I have the time to question how they do that. That I have no answers only makes these joys more wondrous.

Rosenblatt concludes with a memory from 1946:

At the age of 6, I was on vacation with my parents in Westport, Conn. The day of our arrival, I went off for a walk by myself. I was always doing that, to my parents’ dismay. And I came upon a large beautiful house with a sun room with glass walls so that I could see a Steinway concert grand in the middle of the floor.

The door was open. I went in and started playing, eventually looking up to see a princess-like woman standing beside the piano and smiling. We chatted. She took me back to the rented house. My mother was appalled, and she apologized for my bold behavior. No need, said the woman. It was a pleasure to see how innocent and unafraid I was. “Yes,” said my mother. “That’s how he is. He thinks the world is a room with a piano in it waiting to be played.”

In fact, it is.

The piece is titled “The World Is a Room With a Piano Waiting to Be Played.”

Where was that piano? We’ll leave that as one of life’s wonders. (Hat tip: Tommy Greenwald)

Illustration for Roger Rosenblatt’s essay. (Ruo-Jia Liang, for the New York Times)

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Meanwhile, while you were enjoying the Sunday morning service — or relaxing with coffee and the Times — a group of Westport friends were swimming from Cockenoe to Compo.

Hey, why not?!

Every Sunday for many summers, the group — including several Staples High School Class of 2003 graduates — has swum in Long Island Sound.

Traditionally, on the last August Sunday, they end with a swim from the beach to the island (or, like yesterday, the reverse).

The sun was out. The water was calm and warm.

And when the swimmers arrived on the Compo shore, a mile from where they began, family and friends were there to greet them.

From right to left:  Cory Straus, Evan Rutchik, Andrew Zimmerman, Alex Klein (Staples ‘03), Jordan Lert (Staples ‘03), Zach Bilchik, Josh Shapiro (‘03), David Schneidman, Adam Gilbert.

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The first car wash of the Staples sports season is this coming Sunday.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 6, at 1720 Post Road East (just before Stop & Shop, heading toward Southport), the boys soccer team will be cleaning and scrubbing.

Funds go to the program. With athletes from all 3 teams — varsity, JV and freshmen — and parents participating, your vehicle will get plenty of attention.

The suggested donation is $20. Of course, you can give more! And to donate to the program without getting your car washed, click here.

Last fall, the Westport Police trusted this car to the Staples soccer team.

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We get lots of deer photos, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But this may be the first showing 2 bucks, with their handsome racks.

They’re used to fight rival males, attract mates, and mark territory during the breeding season.

We’re betting that in this case, it’s reason #1.

(Photo/Marie Gross)

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And finally … in honor of the Staples soccer car wash (item above)

(We don’t wash cars. But like many Staples sports teams, we depend on our community for support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Then go to the car wash on Sunday. Thanks!)

 

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Pic Of The Day #3420

Posted on August 30, 2026 | Leave a comment

Today’s CT United motorcycle ride — honoring the victims and first responders of 9/11 — roars up Riverside Avenue today. The ride began at Sherwood Island State Park, and continued through 7 towns to Bridgeport. (Photo/Marion Pietrowski)

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25 Years Later, Westport Will Remember 9/11

Posted on August 28, 2026 | 1 comment

On September 11, 2001 Westport — and the nation —  changed forever.

The 9/11 terrorists did more than kill nearly 3,000 people (including several with local ties.) They changed our culture, politics, and sense of ourselves.

On a strikingly clear day, we saw smoke from the Twin Towers. Sherwood Island State Park was readied as a staging area that, tragically, was never needed.

The iconic 9/11 photo was taken by Staples High School graduate Spencer Platt. He lived near the Twin Towers on that awful morning.

Westporters — first responders, and others who just wanted to help in any way possible — spent time in the rubble, and nearby.

Sherwood Island is now the site of Connecticut’s 9/11 memorial. Scholarships honor the memories of friends and neighbors we lost.

Sherwood Island State Park 9/11 Memorial (Photo/David Squires)

Next month, our town will remember both the lives lost, and the extraordinary acts of kindness and unity that followed, in a special way. Officials have planned 4 days of service, to neighbors and the community.

Residents, families, businesses, schools, non-profits and community organizations are invited to gather, serve and honor together.

The 4-day observance — September 8 through 11 — will recognize the courage and sacrifices of first responders, military members and public servants, while strengthening our community through service, compassion and generosity.

Among the activities:

  • A ceremony on September 8, with a call to serve throughout the week
  • Volunteering with a participating Westport non-profit
  • Donating food, supplies or funds to a non-profit
  • Performing independent acts of kindness or community service
  • Thanking first responders, veterans, healthcare professionals, teachers, and others who serve our town

A special page on the town website (click here) includes information about volunteer opportunities, donations, and other ways to get involved.

9/11 Memorial & Museum (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

There is also an “Online Tribute Wall.” Residents are invited to share:

  • A memory of September 11, 2001
  • A tribute to someone who was lost
  • A story of service or kindness
  • Recognition of a first responder, veteran, healthcare worker, teacher, volunteer or community member
  • A message of gratitude
  • A photograph and the story behind it
  • A reflection on what September 11 means to you today.

Submissions may include a name, or be posted anonymously.

View from the Sherwood Island 9/11 Memorial. (Photo/John Kantor)

After the 4 Days of Service and Remembrance, the town will publish highlights of volunteer participation, acts of service, charitable giving, and stories of remembrance.

For now, put September 8 to 11 on your calendar.

That time of year is always busy. School, and many programs, start up again. Organizations swing back in action. Everyone kicks into fall mode.

But 9/11 is special.

Whether you were here that day or not — or were alive or not yet born — it’s time to pause.

Reflect.

And then — as Americans did, a quarter century ago — take action, in whatever way you can.

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Roundup: Post Road East, Long Lots El, Slice Of Saugatuck …

Posted on September 12, 2025 | 10 comments

It’s been going on so long, we barely notice it at all.

Except it’s so annoying — and dangerous — that we drive through it like we’re 16-year-olds, behind the steering wheel for the first time in our lives.

It’s the Post Road East project. Specifically, the section in front of Westport Hardware and Pottery Barn, extending up to Sakura.

It began, I think, during the Roosevelt years (Teddy). And it will last until the end of the next Trump administration (Barron).

The other day, Jerri Graham — whose photos usually showcase the most beautiful scenes and people in Westport — took this shot:

(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

She added this comment, on social media: “After wondering why this was taking forever to complete, I asked the man at the UPS Store.

“He said that one company was paid for the work, when two should have been paid. Now there’s a dispute, and construction has been halted.

“I guess it’s becoming an art installation. Regardless, it’s a hazard for drivers and pedestrians.”

It’s also a headache — and a financial hit — for businesses along that torn-up, semi-tarred stretch.

In the meantime: Drive safely. Drive slowly.

And if you happen to see anyone working there again, be extra careful. We can’t afford to lose a single laborer.

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Plans are moving forward for the new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker reports that the end of this month, or early October, will see “groundbreaking for the geothermal wells and site mobilization.” It’s the first major step in the construction process.

For updates, documents and more details, click here.

Long Lots Elementary School

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Jonathan Uman was killed on September 11, 2001.

He was 33 years old. Today, he would be a grandfather.

Jonathan’s wife, Julie Whamond, is a Westport resident, and Representative Town Meeting member. She also volunteers as a docent, at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York.

Yesterday she and fellow RTM member Andrew Colabella visited the museum. They paused in front of a mural of blue tiles. Each represents one of the 2,977 people killed that tragic day, 24 years ago.

Andrew Colabella and Julie Whamond, at the 9/11 Museum.

Behind that wall is where the chief medical examiner office’s. Nearly a quarter century later, they store and test remains every day. Over 1,000 have yet to be discovered.

Part of Jonathan’s remains are kept on site. It is the final resting place for many victims.

As a docent, Andrew says, Julie tells the story of 9/11, and her personal connection to it. It, and she, serve as “a primary source of evidence of the impacts of terrorism that day,” he says.

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Tomorrow’s Slice of Saugatuck is on!

Delayed one week by rain, the annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event will fill Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Bridge Square with 7 bands, tons of kids’ activities, retail offerings — and more 2 dozen restaurants and food purveyors, handing out tasty samples.

The forecast is for partly cloudy skies, and a high of 78 degrees — perfect Slice weather! Click here for a map, ticket information and other details.  

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The Norwalk Art Space’s Arts Bash will have a very distinct Westport flavor.

The October 9 event (6 p.m., 455 West Avenue, Norwalk) — featuring exhibits, music, cocktails and gourmet bites, raising funds to provide free art education and exhibition opportunities to under-represented students and artists — will honor Melissa Newman, for her many contributions to arts and arts education.

The longtime Westport resident is a noted artist, writer, teacher, sculptor, painter — and jazz singer.

A Norwalk Art Space board member, Newman is also a dedicated mentor. “Her multifaceted artistic career and deep-rooted passion for the next generation of creatives make her an ideal honoree for this year’s celebration,” the Art Space says.

​Another Westport connection: The Arts Bash co-chair is local resident Dale Najarian.

​Click here for tickets, and more information.

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During the Gilded Age, America’s favorite sage, sociologist, philosopher and
news analyst was Mr. Dooley — a bartender invented by Chicago newspaper editor Finley Peter Dunne.

Though hardly remembered today, Dunne’s humorous newpaper columns were read all over the world. Mr. Dooley’s opinions were read at White House cabinet meetings; robber barons and politicians lived in fear of the bartender’s sarcasm.

Starting tonight, Mr. Dooley comes to life at the Westport Community Theatre in “Dooley at the Bar,” a one-man show created and performed by Alexander Kulcsar.

The play — which opens WCT’s 68th season — runs for 10 performances, on Fridays and Saturdays (7:30 p.m.) and Sundays (2 p.m.), through September 28.

For tickets, call 203-226-1983, or click here. Questions? Email info@westportcommunitytheatre.com.

“Dooley at the Bar,” at the Westport Community Theatre.

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The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg discuss “climate wins from the 2025 legislative session, and plans for the future” on September 17 (9:30 a.m., Westport Library). The public is invited.

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The American Parkinson Disease Association Connecticut Chapter holds its annual “Optimism Walk”  at Sherwood Island State Park on September 20 (11 a.m.). The event raises awareness and funds. Click here for more information.

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Except for a few hours last weekend, we haven’t had any rain since about 1986.

You wouldn’t know it from Burying Hill Beach, though.

The entrance floods regularly now — pretty much, whenever the tide comes in.

Jalna Jaeger snapped this photo on Wednesday, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jalna Jaeger)

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School has begun. The temperature is slowly dropping.

But the Levitt Pavilion continues to offer great entertainment.

DNR — the nearly-all-physician classic rock band — played to an enthusiastic crowd last night.

They’ll be back again just a few yards away on November 1. That show is indoors, at the Westport Library. It’s a benefit for Norwalk Hospital’s Whittingham Cancer Center.

DNR, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Ken Schwarz)

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And finally … in honor of “Dooley at the Bar,” the new play at the Westport Community Theatre (story above):

(If you don’t support “06880”: Hang down your head and cry. And then … click here to right your wrong. Thank you!) 

 

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Posted in Arts, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Transportation

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Pics Of The Day #2703

Posted on September 11, 2024 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2703

Every year on September 11, Westport Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella attends the memorial service at Ground Zero.

He was there today with John Ryan. In 2002 the New York detective found Andrew’s cousin’s headstone — a memorial to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing victims — while cleaning the grounds. Andrew and John have been friends ever since.

The Ground Zero ceremony is always intensely moving.

This morning’s event was particularly poignant.

At the site were a number of dignitaries, from both parties. In the midst of a heated campaign — and just 12 hours after last night’s debate — the mood was “peaceful, cordial, friendly and respectful,” Andrew reports.

At Ground Zero this morning (from left): Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Senator Chuck Schumer, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, former President Donald Trump, Senator JD Vance (Photo/Andrew Colabella) 

Connecticut’s 9/11 Memorial, Sherwood Island State Park, on September 11, 2024. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Westport Weston Family YMCA, today … (Photo/Dan Woog)

 

… and Compo Beach (Photo/Cindy Nigro)

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Roundup: 9/11, Daffodils, Rach’s Hope …

Posted on September 11, 2023 | 3 comments

Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attack on the United States.

In the days and weeks afterward, many Westporters offered help, in many ways. Among them: Westport Police officers Richard Failla, Phil Reisteri and Manny Sylvia.

Today, we remember their service, all those who lost their lives that day, and all those who continue to suffer, more than 2 decades later.

From left: Richard Failla, Phil Restieri and Manny Sylvia.

Manny Sylvia and Phil Restieri. (Photos courtesy of Andrew Colabella)

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Debra Kandrak’s one-woman crusade to paint the town yellow has paid off handsomely.

Every autumn for 4 years, she has encouraged Westporters to plant daffodils.

Her message to friends, strangers, town organizations, committees and businesses is simple: “Paint the Town Yellow.”

Every spring, her work brightens our town. Tens of thousands of daffodils bloom, all over Westport.

Daffodils on the Sherwood Island Connector …

Well, it’s fall again.

Debra says: “All of this is possible because all of you made it happen. This little idea of mine has brought the community together in such a positive way. When you hear all the negative news, it’s so nice to see that if you have an idea and put it out to social media, you can make things happen. Getting others involved creates a real sense of  community. We can all use a little positivity.

“Get your family, friends and neighbors involved. Have a ‘Paint the Town Yellow’ party! Get your children involved too. In the spring, show them the beautiful daffodils that they planted.

“Plant more daffodils! You can never have too many daffodils!”

PS: They are very hardy. And deer resistant!

Questions? Email Debra.Kandrak@Raveis.com.

… and Prospect Road.

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Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.

On Sunday, October 22 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 3rd annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.

It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer from Greens Farms Spirit Shop, and special Rach’s Hope swag.

Click here to buy adult and student tickets.

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Staples High School Class of 1975 graduate Doug Davidoff lived in Indianapolis from 1983 to 2006. He was a reporter for the Indianapolis News, a public relations consultant, and communications director for the Indiana Housing Finance Authority and the Indiana Democratic Party. He now lives in Bridgeport, where he is a public relations and editorial consultant.

Yesterday, his op-ed piece was printed in the Indianapolis Star. It’s a remembrance  of his work for Governor Frank L. O’Bannon, who died in office 20 years ago, age 73.

Davidoff was communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party in 2000. O’Bannon’s re-election that year marked the last time a Democrat governed the Hoosier State.

Davidoff’s piece explains why he thinks Americans need more people like Frank O’Bannon in office today. Click here to read. 

Doug Davidoff

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Many “Westport … Naturally” photos are beautiful. Some are just pretty, or nice.

Occasionally, they show a side of nature that is stunning, though we’d prefer not to see it up close.

While walking his dog near Greens Farms Elementary School, Bob Weingarten spotted this enormous wasp nest.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

It’s a good thing most kids don’t walk to school these days.

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And finally … as we honor today the nearly 3,000 people murdered on September 11, 2001, those of us who were alive recall the awful days and weeks that followed.

Music helped soothe our sorrow. These 2 songs will always remind me of that terrible time, and the many friends and strangers we lost.

(“06880 is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you.)

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Roundup: Hamlet & P&Z, Lamont & Stefanowski; A Better Chance ….

Posted on September 13, 2022 | 6 comments

The Hamlet at Saugatuck — a retail/residential/hotel/marina plan that would reimagine the neighborhood between the train station and I-95 bridge — got its first Planning & Zoning Commission hearing last night.

Representatives from ROAN Ventures — the local developers — and their architectural, environmental, traffic and legal partners began their application for text and map amendments. Both are needed to begin remediation efforts of the contaminated land, followed by construction.

The hour-long presentation included a video, maps, and conceptual artists’ renderings. The actual design process has not yet begun.

Applicants addressed issues like traffic, with solutions that include underground parking, and working with the state to synchronize lights. They also noted that 50% of the land will be open space.

Commission members and residents had mixed reactions. There praised the thoughtfulness of the planning and the depth of the presentation, and questioned density and traffic.

No action was taken. The P&Z will continue its discussion on October 3.

A conceptual view of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project, from the river.

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In less than 2 months, Connecticut will elect a governor.

If you don’t know anything about the candidates — or do, and want to ask a question — you don’t have to go far.

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston has partnered with the Westport Library to host 2 forums. Both are in the Trefz Forum.

This Thursday (September 15, 10 a.m.), Republican challenger Bob Stefanowski speaks, and takes questions. Incumbent Democratic Governor Ned Lamont does the same next Monday (September 19, 1 p.m.). Both visits will also be livestreamed.

Click here to register for either or both session, in-person or via livestream. Attendees should arrive 15 minutes prior to the start.

(Graphic courtesy of Connecticut Education Association)

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A Better Chance of Westport’s 21st year is off to a rousing start.

New resident directors, 7 multi-talented scholars, and a chance to really be part of (and give back to) the community after 2 COVID years has energized Glendarcy House, the program’s North Avenue home.

The scholars — in grades 9 through 12 — are engaged in a range of activities, at Staples High School and beyond. Because they are not allowed to drive, they need rides after school and in early evenings.

Community volunteers have always come through. To help transport — and get to know — these great young men, and for more information, email abcwestportrides@gmail.com.

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On Sunday, Jeff Manchester took his kids to the 9/11 Memorial.

Not the one at Sherwood Island State Park, though. Jeff is drawn to the one at Oak Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum, off Bronson Road. It’s a 100-acre site where people have remembered loved ones for more than 150 years.

The memorial is a pair of 9-foot granite towers atop a pentagon-shaped granite base. A rock engraved with “Let’s Roll” honors the heroes of Flight 93.

Dedicated last September, it was designed by Dean Powers, a native Westporter and Oak Lawn’s longtime groundskeeper.

He never saw it completed. He died of cancer in 2020.

Click here for the back story on the monument, and Dean’s remarkable contributions to it.

Rock and trees at Oak Lawn Cemetery.

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Do you want some money?

If you’re involved with a non-profit organization, read on.

The Westport Woman’s Club is accepting grant proposals for 2022-2023. Click here for more information, and the form.

Requests for projects that will make a difference in the community may be in the form of funds, or a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. Grants go each year to organizations in education, health and safety-related programs, and the arts.

Community groups should submit their proposals by October 31 to Westport Woman’s Club, Attention: Community Service Grants, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

For more information, call 203-227-4240.

Organizations can apply for a one-time use of Bedford Hall at the Westport Woman’s Club.

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Like many Staples High School reunions, the Class of 1971’s fell victim to COVID.

Organizers Bonnie Housner Erickson, Tucker Sweitzer and Joanne Romano-Csonka felt the 50th was too big to let pass. So — a year later — the reunion is on (September 30-October 2).

Bonnie and her crew want to make sure “all classmates feel like they matter,” even though some may not have felt that back then. The organizers sought to “remind them they were an integral part of a life-changing period in history.”

In keeping with the late ’60s/early ’70s zeitgeist, they wanted to create an environment of peace and harmony, with “no hierarchy, no difference in status.”

The theme is “Welcome Home” — and the website (hey, this is 2022, not 1971) may be the best for any reunion class, ever. Click here to see.

Bonnie spent hours designing it. Much of it is class-specific of course. But the 1971 flashbacks and photos will interest many people, whether or not they (or their parents) were even alive then.

The reunion itself will feature peace signs, and memories of hangouts like the Ice Cream Parlor and beach. Music is supplied by the Reunion Band — featuring ’71 alums Brian Keane, Michael Mugrage, Bill Sims, Rob and Julie Aldworth McClenathan, Dave Barton and Bonnie Erickson — who rocked the Levitt Pavilion in 2019, the Class of ’70 reunion several weeks ago, and the Class of ’72 reunion last weekend.

Screenshot, Staples High school Class of 1971 reunion website home page.

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Today’s gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” comes from Saugatuck Shores, via Ken Yormark:

(Photo/Ken Yormark)

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And finally … Ramsey Lewis — a towering jazz figure for over 50 years — died yesterday in Chicago. He was 87.

His trio hit the pop charts a few times in the 1960s. In 2007 the National Endowment for the Arts named him a Jazz Master, the nation’s highest honor for a jazz musician.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. To support our efforts, please click here.) 

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Dean Powers’ 9/11 Memorial Lives On

Posted on September 14, 2021 | 7 comments

Saturday marked 20 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. From Westport to the West Coast, ceremonies recalled that tragic day.

Here’s another 9/11 story. Though a couple of days old, it’s still timely.

And timeless.

A new memorial in Fairfield honors the nearly 3,000 victims killed, at 3 separate sites. It’s housed at historic Oak Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum — a 100-acre site where people have remembered loved ones for more than 150 years.

The new memorial — a pair of 9-foot granite towers atop a pentagon-shaped granite base, with a rock engraved with “Let’s Roll” that honors the heroes of Flight 93 — is impressive.

Oak Lawn cemetery’s granite towers. (Screenshot courtesy of News12 Connecticut).

So are the trees along the walkway. A cemetery board member visited the 9/11 site in New York, gathered acorns, brought them to his home nursery and raised the trees.

It’s all the handiwork of Dean Powers — Oak Lawn’s longtime groundskeeper (and native Westporter).

Bronson Hawley called Powers “very, very dedicated (and) hardworking.” The cemetery board member told News12 Connecticut: “He worked here literally 7 days a week. He saw this site and he said, ‘boy this is great and I’d like to do something to memorialize the victims,'” says Hawley.

Rock and trees at Oak Lawn Cemetery. (Screen shot courtesy of News12 Connecticut)

Powers never saw the finished work. He died of cancer in June last year. He was 69.

“Dean started designing maybe 3 years ago. He literally worked on those designs until the day he died. It was just amazing,” says Hawley.

Powers prepped the site, cleared it, planted bushes and moved trees. He even stood in the pouring rain, to watch how water flowed there.

Powers gave another gift too: His estate is paying for the cost of the memorial.

Previously, he paid for the granite. He had selected it himself, from a Vermont quarry.

A dedication ceremony this week will feature Jed Glick. He’s the brother of one of the men who rushed the cockpit of Flight 93. They prevented the hijacked plane from crashing into the US Capitol.

Dean Powers

“Powers” is a common name. But it’s special in Westport. Dean Powers’ grandfather is the namesake of Powers Court, the official address of the Westport Country Playhouse.

His mother Eunice taught in Westport schools for many years, and played piano at the Unitarian Church.

His family did not seek fame or fortune. Instead they found satisfaction in doing their absolute best, all the time. They worked hard, and took no shortcuts.

Just like the heroes of Flight 93 — and so many others — now honored, thanks to Dean Powers, at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield.

(For the full News12 story, click here.)

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Roundup: 9/11 And Westport, New Restaurant, Young Chefs …

Posted on September 11, 2021 | 1 comment

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Peggy Lehn is a 1979 Staples grad. Her family has been in Westport for 11 generations (her grandmother was born on the property that is now Longshore).

She is also an American Airlines pilot.

She flew both of the airplanes that the carrier lost on September 11, 2001. For 2 decades, Peggy has kept the answering machine messages from family and friends, wondering if she was alive.

She was not on duty that morning, 20 years ago today. But her brother Tom — Staples Class of 1985, and also an American Airlines pilot — was.

Peggy sent along this message he received, from a dispatcher in Texas. It’s a chilling reminder of the terror that day — and how close to home it struck.

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One more 9/11 story, with a local connection:

On that day, Westporter and Vietnam veteran Tony Anthony was a marketer on an assignment for AmeriCares. He was at their office when the news came that the World Trade Center had been hit.

AmeriCares has a helicopter. Their pilot flew around the towers, but was unable to help. He had to leave the airspace.

Tony was on board, taking photos. Jack Farrell shared this one, with “06880”:

(Photo/Tony Anthony)

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There’s action at Railroad Place — specifically, the former Cocoa Michele, and the spot Romanacci recently moved from.

It looks like another eatery is moving in.

(Photo/Gary Nusbaum)

This “Allium Eatery” is not to be confused with Allium Pizza Co. & Mo’ in — of all places — Westport Island, Maine.

“06880” will pass along info when we get it.

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Farm to Local — the new food-crafts-and-more Main Street store opposite Colf Fusion — has a soft opening this weekend (12 to 5 p.m.).

New products and merchandise are added daily. Another new feature: the Westport Artists’ Collective has a mini-gallery inside the store.

Local to Market – the first stocked shelves.

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The Westport Library is b-a-a-a-c-k!

On Monday, full operating hours resume. That’s Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.

There’s another chapter: The Café opens weekdays (9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.), Saturdays (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), and Sundays (1 to 4:30 p.m.).

The Café has partnered with Gruel Brittania, in addition to existing vendors Sono Baking Company and Cloudy Lane Bakery. The menu includes salads, sandwiches, pastries, cookies and quiche.

Though the Westport Library reopens full-time on Monday, we still won’t see scenes like this for a while.

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Mark your calendars: Westoberfest returns on October 16 (1 to 5 p.m.).

The Craft Beer Festival on Elm Street also includes live music, classic car rally and exhibition, kids’ activities and — because Halloween will be right around the corner — a pumpkin giveaway.

Click the QR code below, or click here for more information.

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Forget Easy-Bake ovens. (Do they still make them anymore?)

Among the fall class offerings at Wakeman Town Farm: a new cooking class for youngsters in kindergarten through grade 3.

“Pint-Sized Cooking: Everything Mini” teaches cooking, baking and “food experimentation, while creating meals in miniature. Young chefs will be put on a path to understanding the appeal of delicious food.”

Popular favorites for older kids — including Cooking Around the Globe and Young Chef’s Club — continue too.

Click here for more information, and registration.

Eager students in Wakeman Town Farm’s “Cooking Around the Globe” class.

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Worried about heating bills?

Low-income residents can apply for Connecticut’s Energy Assistance Program through Westport’s Department of Human Services. Applications are available starting October 1, and run through April 30.

Individuals and families qualify for CEAP based on annual income and household size. Click on the state website for full details.

Households with previous CEAP applications on file will receive mailed application instructions in the coming weeks.  New residents can contact Human Services for application information (203-341-1050) or email humansrv@westportct.gov.

DHS also operates a separate Warm-Up Fund.

For more information, click on Westport Energy Assistance.

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Duncan Hurley — father of 3 children, and a longtime Westport Soccer Association volunteer coach — died this week.

A grateful parent remembers seeing him on many Saturday mornings, with a toddler on his hip coaching older players.

“They were the most jovial and effervescent family, even in the midst of health struggles they dealt with privately,” she says. “I reflect on this passage from The Little Prince in his honor: ‘In one of those stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And when your sorrow is comforted 9time soothes all sorrows), you will be content that you have known me. You will always be my friend. I shall not leave you.'”

She adds: “He was a king, raising princes and a princess in the best form. He was a gem, to any and all who had the pleasure of crossing his path.”

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When I was young, the only turkeys I saw were at Thanksgiving.

Now they’re all over town. This crew was “stuffing” itself at Earthplace — and posing for today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot.

(Photo/Abby Gordon-Tolan)

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And finally … there are 2 great songs that stood on their own for years. For the past 2 decades though — and for the rest of my life — I’ll always associate them with 9/11.

They were played often then, on the radio, funerals and memorial events. They became the deeply comforting soundtrack of those truly awful days.

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Posted in Children, Downtown, Environment, History, Library, Local business, Restaurants, Saugatuck

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Gabi Dick: A 9/11 Child Grows Up

Posted on September 11, 2021 | 1 comment

Every September 11 — and the other 364 days of the year too — countless people mourn loved ones lost on that tragic day.

Others mourn loved ones they never knew.

Gabi Jacobs Dick is a 2020 Staples High School graduate, and sophomore at Purchase College. His father, Ariel Jacobs, was killed in the World Trade Center.

“All crews recovered was his briefcase,” People magazine reports. “Yet it was not all he left behind. Six days later, his widow Jenna Jacobs McPartland gave birth to their son Gabriel.

People has followed Gabi, and others — perhaps 100 — who never knew their parents, since then. Now they’re part of a documentary, “Rebuilding Hope: The Children of 9/11.” It’s streaming on Discovery+.

“I have no tangible memories of my dad, so there’s nothing concrete,” Gabi says, in the current People story. It includes him on the cover.

Gabi Dick, upper right in the group of the 4 “Children of 9/11.”

 

“I can’t grieve him the way my mother does. She can recall memories. For me, it’s not so much a missing feeling, as a longing. I have questions and ideas. But I don’t ask what-if questions. There’s no answer.”

Gabi recently saw a video of his father. He told People: 

Gabi Dick (Photo courtesy of People Magazine)

“Something about being 19 and hearing my dad’s voice for the first time — that pushed an emotional button I didn’t know I had,” he says. “My whole life it was up to my imagination to turn him into a person. There was never anything to go off of except for photos. Seeing him on film with his friends and traveling to Buenos Aires, I was like this is a real person. He’s right in front of me.”

“It was sad,” he says, “but it did not make me sad.

“I think of how he would have wanted my life to be,” he says. “I honor him by being alive, being happy and living a great life

(Click here for the full People magazine story. Click here for People‘s 2016 story on Gabi Dick. Hat tip: Kerry Long)

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