Tag Archives: Andrew Colabella

Lighting Up The Holidays: Part 2

Last week, “06880” featured a series of photos by Andrew Colabella. They showed homes lit for the holidays, in a wide variety of colors and styles.

There are many others, of course. Andrew — a Representative Town Meeting member, Staples High School graduate and longtime advocate for all things Westport — took a second tour recently. Here’s what he saw on Saugatuck Shores:

(All photos/Andrew Colabella)

And here’s a bonus, from Gabriela Hayes on Sylvan Road South:

(Photo/Gabriela Hayes)

Lighting Up The Holidays

Andrew Colabella is a busy man.

He works. He’s an RTM member. He moonlights as Santa Claus.

But he had time last week to cruise around Westport. He spotted plenty of homes with holiday lights. He stopped at each, and snapped photos.

Here is Andrew’s tour of our town. Now all we need is snow…

(All photos/Andrew Colabella)

Apologies to any we missed. If you’ve got a favorite holiday lights photo, please email 06880blog@gmail.com. If we get enough, we’ll run Round 2.)

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and holiday headquarters. Please click here to support us with a gift. Thank you!)

Roundup: Ukraine, Santa, Brien McMahon …

The war in Ukraine has moved off the front pages.

But it’s still very close to Mark Yurkiw’s heart.

The Westporter (who has Ukrainian heritage) continues to work on a variety of projects to help that embattled country. He writes: “Missiles are raining down on Ukraine today. They are specifically meant to destroy access to heat, light and water.

“A group I am working with was given the chance to fill the balance of the next shipping container going to Ukraine in 5 days.

“‘06880’ readers can save lives by donating used generators, chainsaws, sleeping bags, flashlights and cell phone power banks. Non-working chainsaws and generators are fine. We will repair them.”

They can be brought to 190 Cross Highway and left by the barn any time. For questions or pickup arrangements, call Mark: 646-873-0050.

NOTE: Other containers will follow soon. The equipment collection is ongoing.

Mark Yurkiw has not forgotten his native Ukraine.

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Last night’s party honoring Westport Lifestyle magazine’s 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards winners featured fantastic food, an exciting venue (Christian Siriano’s Collective West) — and the most buff Santa ever to hustle down a chimney.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

This one bore a striking resemblance to RTM member/Staples High School graduate/longtime volunteer Andrew Colabella.

Ho ho ho!

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Westport’s has a new pop-up shop: Megan’s Martha’s Vineyard Boutique.

The women’s clothing and accessories boutique on Church Lane has a season location on the actual Vineyard.

Owner Molly Kopp is from Westport. Her family moved around a bit, and she landed on the island full-time while in college.

She worked for Megan, and after graduation asked about partnering on a Westport location.

The store opened last month. It will be here — opposite Spotted Horse — until at least January 1.

Megan’s Martha’s Vineyard pop-up.

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Staples and Brien McMahon High Schools compete against each other in many FCIAC (Fairfield County league) sports.

Now the Westport mother of former Wreckers is trying to help the Senators.

Lisa Marriott — whose sons were Staples  track stars — heard that McMahon boys indoor track coach Valerie Kalunian needs used track spikes and/or running sneakers for some of her athletes. Without them, they cannot participate this winter.

“Those shoes can be very costly for students, and hard to find in local stores,” she says. “Over the years we have tried to gather extra spikes/racing shoes/training shoes for those that may not have them, but our selection is limited.”

Running shoes can be dropped off at the Town Hall front desk starting Monday (put Lisa Marriott’s name on the bag or box). For other options, email lsmarriott@gmail.com. To donate cash, click here for a GoFundMe page.

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Ring-around-a-rosiesPocket full of posies …

Come on, Westport students. You can write a much better garden-related poem  than that timeworn ditty.

Here’s your chance. The Westport Garden Club has partnered with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, town poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee and the Westport Library to sponsor a Youth Poetry Contest.

Affiliated with the National Garden Club’s Youth Poetry Contest, it’s open to public and private school students in kindergarten through 9th grade, plus those who are home schooled.

The competition encourages youth to embrace their creativity, using nature as inspiration.

The theme for the 2023 competition is “Seeds, Trees, and Bees…Oh My – Celebrating the Diversity of Nature”

Poems should be emailed to westportctgardenclub@gmail.com by January 6. Click here for guidelines, and more information.

Inspiration may come from this Westport Garden Club arrangement.

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No, the Ned Dimes Marina was not on fire yesterday.

It was just the Westport Fire Department doing what they always do, to keep us safe: checking equipment, and training.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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Everyone in Westport goes to Compo Beach in the summer.

Plenty go in late spring and early fall.

December — not so many.

If you don’t know what it looks like when the wind is whipping and the skies are gray — as they were earlier this week — check out today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … the Westport Garden Club’s youth poetry contest reminded me of …

(Promises, promises … please click here to help support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

Online Art Gallery #132

Today’s online art gallery includes Mona Lisa — unrolled.

That’s just one of the very intriguing near-dozen submissions today.

As I always say: This is your feature. All readers are invited to contribute. 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!

“Calming Connection” — Photographer Mike Hibbard explains: “The lead mule was in a string bringing supplies to a crew repairing trails and bridges in Olympic National Park.”

“Mona Rolla” — Artist Norm Siegel says: “Oil on canvas with real rollers
attached to the canvas.”

“Clouds” (Sharon Paulsen)

Untitled — Photographer Laurie Sorensen says: “I took this photo in New York City by the ferry to Ellis Island and Statue of Liberty. I see why the birds voiced their complaint!”

“Trying to Stay Awake in the Subway” (Lawrence Weisman)

“A Grocery Cart Checks Out Her Shadow” (Peter Barlow)

“Sorry, I Won’t Repeat That” (Steve Stein)

“In the Clouds” (Karen Weingarten)

“Pre-Dawn Fall Morning” (Sunil Hirani)

“Dark Oasis” (Andrew Colabella)

Roundup: WTC, RTM, Y …

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A crowd of 100 people gathered in the cold yesterday evening at Town Hall, for a candlelight vigil to support Ukraine. Mark Yurkiw reports:

“I was surprised to learn how many Ukrainians and non- Ukrainians showed up. and how concerned so many were for their friends and family in Ukraine.

“They told stories of intermittent conversations between scrambles to bomb shelters, and children sleeping on thin mats on concrete. An invisible yet potent bond wove through the crowd.

“It took me by surprise, and made me realize how cathartic it is for a crowd of strangers to feel almost instantly connected.”

A rally in Westport is set for this Saturday (March 5), at 11 a.m. on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown.

Ukraine rally at Weston Town Hall (Photo/Mark Yurkiw)

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February 26 marked the 29th anniversary of the first World Trade Center bombing — the one in 1993.

There’s a new memorial on the site, built after the 2001 terrorist attack. For almost a decade, RTM member Andrew Colabella has gone there on that date, to pay respects and join the survivors who gather there.

His cousin was one of 6 people killed in the 1993 attack.

This year, Andrew met Daniel Geraghty there. In November, the former Staples High School English teacher published Cast Away Stones: An Eyewitness Account of 9/11 and Memoir of a Survivor, Soldier Citizen, a gripping account of his 20-year battle to overcome PTSD.

Andrew Colabella (left) and Daniel Geraghty, at the 9/11 Memorial.

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Speaking of the RTM: Sure, you hear about it all the time. (Like in the item just above this one.)

But admit it: Do your know what it does? Or even what the acronym stands for?

On March 23 (7 p.m., Westport Library in-person and Zoom), Westport’s League of Women Voters presents “Know Your Town: The RTM.”

Former moderator (what’s that?!) Velma Heller will discuss its history. Current member Matthew Mandell will explain what it can do — and what it can’t. Current moderator Jeff Wieser will offer his insights too.

Click here for more information, and registration.

Okay, okay: RTM stands for “Representative Town Meeting.” Impress your friends!

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The other day, “06880” published Carl Addison Swanson’s “Kvetch of the Week.” He noted that an 80+ North Avenue neighbor was afraid to get her mail, for fear of being hit by a speeding car.

Carl noted his frustration at trying to get blinking lights or other traffic control devices on the heavily traveled road, home to 4 of Westport’s 8 schools.

Fast (ho ho) forward a few days. There’s now a sign showing “Your Speed” at the base of the hill, near the Bedford Middle School entrance.

Congrats, Carl — and everyone else who lived in the area. And let’s hope there are more such solutions to come.

“Your Speed” sign on North Avenue. (Photo/Carl Addison Swanson)

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The new manager and vice president of People’s United Bank’s Westport office is … Matthew Cummings.

It’s a homecoming of sorts. He’s a 1986 graduate of Staples High School, where he captained the ski team and played football and baseball. He lifeguarded in the summers, then graduated from the University of Colorado.

Matt’s (very proud) mother is Betty Lou Cummings, former 2nd selectwoman, Apple Festival co-founder, and volunteer with countless other organizations and projects.

She’s also a former Michigan State University cheerleader. And Betty Lou never stops cheering for her son.

Matthew Cummings

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After 34 years leading the Westport Weston Family Y’s gymnastics program, Sally Silverstein has retired.

But she won’t be forgotten.

This Friday (6:30 p.m.), the Y, hosts a naming ceremony for the Gymnastics Center’s new Sally Silverstein Viewing Area. Many of the program’s 500 gymnasts will be there. Of course, Sally’s many friends — and all her former athletes, and their families — are invited.

Sally Silverstein

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Speaking of plants: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows some nice basil, flowering in Molly Alger’s windowsill:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally …  it’s March 1. It’s the month that comes in like a — well, you know:

Roxy’s Final Journey

Longtime Westporter, RTM representative and animal lover Andrew Colabella writes:

We are born to die, but we’re living until then. The same goes for pets. I consider them like people. They have feelings, emotions, habits, schedules, wants and needs.

Many of us have had this discussion with ourselves or others: What do we do when we think the end is near?

As I searched for the answer as a human, I realized that we try to tie up loose ends every day, thinking about our families and loved ones to leave them with the least amount of issues, surprises and unanswered questions, along with something for them to remember us by, or even improve their quality of life.

The end is unknown. But for our pets, a service can help our beloved fur kids or fur siblings.

For 14 years, Roxy was part of Andrew Colabella’s family.

Final Journey is an in-home pet euthanasia service that brings comfort and peace to loving families during a challenging time. Based in Monroe, 4 expert veterinarians are a call away to come to your house. They help you decide if it’s the right time to pass.

A call was made in the morning. We were told they would be at our house at 12:15.

A veterinarian and assistant showed up then. They wore robes, scrubs, masks and gloves. Each carried a bag. One was filled with medical supplies; the other, blankets and a book.

They asked us where our dog Roxy wanted to be, and where we felt comfortable as a family to sit. We chose the fireplace, next to one of her 4 beds (we all spoil our dogs).

We described Roxy’s recent medical history, detailing her sleepless last couple of nights, restlessness, tripping, coughing and panting. We said she still had a great appetite, a schedule, and still wagged her tail.

We were torn.

Our veterinarian, Dr. Sarina Hinsley, spoke to us about lymphoma and its side affects, as well as palliative care for dogs. Chemotherapy would extend time by a little, but would not improve quality of life, habitual behavior or energy.

She took Roxy’s vitals, listened to her heartbeat and breaths, and checked her lymph nodes. Our dogs cannot speak like us, but they do show pain.

We knew. It would be selfish for us to keep her alive while she suffered, trying to keep up with what she’d done every day for the last 14 years.

At that moment, our questions were answered. The other bag opened. We were shown urns. They said she would be cremated, then returned to us with her name inscribed on the box and prints.

A piece of hair was trimmed. Roxy had her last snack (chicken): her motivation and favorite word.

The Colabella family, with Roxy.

The sedative made its way through her. She relaxed in my arms, becoming at ease and at peace.

Roxy was warm, and snuggled into my shoulder and elbow. Her breathing became slow; her noises — bear cub-like, just as when she was a puppy and healthy — pinged our ears.

Her heart, beating just like it was 14 years ago when we adopted her from Virginia, slowed down, and came to a rest. I held my hand there, hoping it would keep going another second. Just one more. Even a half.

Roxy was diagnosed last week. She passed today as we surrounded her with love, just like when she came into our world.

I carried her out in a blanket with dogs on it that said, “I love you.”

We did. We all did.

Andrew Colabella

She exited our home with love, into the caring arms of these people who love their dogs too. They are professionals who took their time with us. They talked us through the whole process, telling personal stories of how their own pets died at early or late age, due to cancer or illness.

I carried Roxy out of the house one last time, her black fur shining, her wet nose now cold and drying, her feet sticking out with dirt still on them, smelling of fresh bread, Fritos, and her home.

I put her in the lap of the assistant. I kissed Roxy goodbye, telling her I loved her and will always miss her as she goes for a ride.

It’s the first time in 14 years she’s not home under our roof. The hallways do not echo with her claws clicking the wood floors, or her loud, deep hibernating bear snore that could be mistaken for an earthquake.

Our society has become more compassionate about our animals over the last couple of decades. How we buy or rescue our pets is just as important as how they leave. While they are only here for a part of our lives, they stay with us for the rest of our lives — and we are their entire life.

My experience with Final Journey was more than I expected. Passing at home with us, where was all she knew, put her at ease. It made her comfortable on her own next journey.

Hillspoint Road Work: Help Is On The Way

Alert “06880” reader, RTM District 4 representative and frustrated driver Andrew Colabella writes:

The condition of Hillspoint Road left by Aquarion was subpar. Dipping and diving while driving along the roadway, I thought that after digging up the entire road, they would come back and either repave what they had previously dug up to be smoother, or mill the entire road or lane.

The last 2 weeks, only certain areas were dug up and repaved.

Hillspoint Road has looked like this for a while …

Hal Kravitz, Chris Tait, Robin Tauck, Jenny McGuinness, myself and many other members of the public were deeply upset. Even 1st Selectman Jim Marpe and Director of Public Works Peter Ratkiewich were displeased by the work.

However, good news came in a letter from Peter Ratkiewich. He wrote:

Due to the condition of the asphalt, Mr. Marpe has authorized me to place a sacrificial cover of pavement, about 1” thick, over the entire road to make it acceptable for the summer. This will buy us some time and make the walking surfaces safe for the summer months.

We will do this from Compo Road South to Lamplight Lane, which is the worst of the worst. This takes away the Optimum problem too, as they can install their trench any time (it’s only for a couple of services, not the whole length like the water line).

We will use FGB Construction to do the work. They will try to get started next Tuesday, Wednesday at the latest. The work should only take 2 days or so, then everyone should be out of there.

We will eventually end up milling this up and putting down a full 2 inch mat, but the temporary pavement could possibly give me a one year window so that I might be able to fix the sidewalk too.

… and this. (Photos/Andrew Colabella)

This is a road many of us drive every day. I want to thank everyone who spoke out and politely objected to the current condition of the road.

The importance of speaking up when there is an issue or question should always be addressed with haste, and no hesitation.

Residents who live in town and have issues with primary or secondary roads can call Town Hall: 203-341-1000.

If there’s a pothole, damaged curb from a snowplow, dead animal or issues with town infrastructure, email publicworks@westportct.gov or call 203-341-1120.

Also, never hesitate to reach out to your RTM representative about any town issues. We are all here to help you.

Here’s to a smoother future, as we come out of hibernation from the pandemic.

Roundup: Mahackeno Outdoor Center, Oystercatchers, Tulips …

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The Mahackeno Outdoor Center opens this Saturday (May 1).

And (except for the pool) it’s open to everyone — member or not — through May 31. From June 1 through September 30, the Outdoor Center is for members only.

Here’s the schedule for the first week of May:

Saturdays, May 1 and 8:

  • All day: Playgrounds, gaga pit, basketball courts, climbing wall, sports fields.
  • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Yard games
  • 1 p.m to 6 p.m.: Archery, slides, pool
  • 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: Canoes and paddleboats

Sundays, May 2 and May 9

  • All day: Playgrounds, gaga pit, basketball courts, climbing wall, sports fields.
  • 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Yard games
  • 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Slides, pool

·Monday, May 3 through Friday, May 7:

  • All day: Playgrounds, gaga pit, basketball courts, climbing wall, sports fields.
  • 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Slides

TBD: Archery, canoes, paddleboats

  • ·     3:00pm-6:00pm: slides
  • ·     Archery: hours TBD
  • ·     Water front activities – canoes and paddleboats: hours TBD

For more information, click here.

The Westport Y Mahackeno Outdoor Center playground.

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Single tickets for Westport Country Playhouse’s all-virtual 2021 season go on sale Tuesday (May 4, noon).

The Playhouse’s 2021 season — from June 15 through December 19 — has been reconceived as diverse entertainment, tailored for digital enjoyment. All content will be available on the Playhouse website, on-demand for patrons’ convenience. Single tickets, starting at $25 for staged productions and $20 for Script in Hand play readings, may be purchased by phone (203-227-4177) or online.

The first of 3 new virtual productions is “Tiny House,” a comedy (June 29- July 18). The second virtual production, “Doubt: A Parable” — a Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning drama runs November 2-21.

Two HD video productions from Playhouse archives will stream on-demand: “Man of La Mancha” (August 23-September 5), and another (to be announced, September 13-26).

Three Script in Hand play readings include “The Savannah Disputation” (June 15-20). The others are October 19 – 24, and December 14 – 19.

Special pre- and post-show events are planned, including virtual LGBT Night Out cocktail parties, and interactive talkbacks.

For the 2nd year in a row, there will be no audiences in the Westport Country Playhouse. But the show(s) will go on.(Photo/Robert Benson)

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Renato’s Jewelers is helping fight food insecurity — and offering a chance to win a princess cut diamond necklace, set in 14k white gold and valued at $1,700.

For every $50 donation made through Team Renato to Homes with Hope, you earn one chance to win the necklace. Click here to donate (and win?!).

Renato Jewelers’ necklace.

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Westport loves our ospreys. And our American oystercatchers.

Tina Green spotted the beautiful bird yesterday morning, at Compo Beach. She alerted Westport Parks & Recreation, to warn beachgoers to stay away.

Incubation is 25 to 27 days, Tina says.

(Photo/Tina Green)

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It’s tulip time.

Wendy Van Wie waves hello from her Cross Highway home. Say it with flowers, for sure!

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Last month, student artwork designed for the “Westport Youth Arts Collaborative: America’s Voices” project was featured at our 5 elementary schools.

If you missed it — no problem. The Westport Arts Advisory Committee has created 2 displays of lawn signs, featuring inspiring art and words from elementary and high school artists. They’re outside Town Hall and on Jesup Green, through May 5.

Student artwork on Jesup Green (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Happy 32nd birthday to Andrew Colabella.

He’s a young Westport RTM member — but he cares about Westport (and knows its history) as if he has lived here for 100 years. Have a great day, Andrew!

Andrew Colabella, at the 2019 Memorial Day parade.

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And finally … the Levitt Pavilion has hosted some legendary fundraising benefits.

The most memorable may have been Willie Nelson. He owned the stage from his first lick, and got stronger with each song.

Near the end, I thought I saw Keith Richards hanging out near the stage. Sure enough, he ambled out, guitar in hand.

He said, “I’ve always wanted to sing with Willie.” And then he did.

Today is Willie Nelson’s birthday. Unbelievably, it’s his 88th. He — and Keith — will outlive us all.

 

 

Roundup: Subway, Stupid Drivers, More


Westport’s Subway station — er, restaurant — is closed.

But not permanently.

Workers yesterday began dismantling the interior of the local outpost of the biggest fast-food chain in the world (44,000 locations, 112 countries).

According to the guy dumping sheetrock, the sandwich shop will relocate soon diagonally across the street.

He waved vaguely in the direction of … the spot Subway originally occupied, before moving to where it is (or was) most recently.

We’ll try to get a definite answer soon. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

No sandwiches for sale yesterday.


Westport’s Plastic Pollution Project is a model for many communities.

Future Frogmen — the environmental action and education organization — just posted a podcast about it. It features RTM member Andrew Colabella, a driving force behind the initiative. Click here to hear.


The warning signs are pretty clear: There’s a low bridge ahead.

But all too often, drivers on Compo Road South think they don’t need to heed the “Low Bridge” warning signs.

It happened again yesterday morning.

(Photo/Jeff Wieser)

No one has yet come up with a solution for people who think they are exempt from the laws of physics. If you’ve got one, click “Comments” below.


And finally … in honor of all those truckers who do manage to make it without a mishap:

Remembering Joe Saviano

Joe Saviano died last weekend in New Milford Hospital. He was 65.

The first baby born in Norwalk Hospital in 1955 (January 2), he grew up in Westport. He was a champion pole vaulter at Staples High School, where he graduated from Staples High School in 1973.

Joe retired from the Westport Parks and Recreation Department, where he worked for most of his career. He was an avid fisherman, nature enthusiast and photographer. RTM member Andrew Colabella offers this remembrance.

Have you been to a game at an athletic field in town, and noticed the perfectly groomed grass? How about the perfectly edged gardens in town parks? Have you thought about the guy in the tractor who grooms the beach, leaving oddly satisfying smooth lines?

This is a dedication to just one of those talented former Parks & Rec maintanance employees.


At 5 a.m. — bright and early before sunrise, Joe Saviano inspects his tractor and beach rake. Sporting a town polo, a hat he obtained from a garden place or distributor/wholesaler, and a bandanna, he makes his way to Compo Beach.

Joe Saviano

Joe starts on South Beach by the barbecue grills. He slowly raises the benches with the bucket to move them out of the way, then rakes up the charcoal, ash and trash left by washed up waves and last night beach goers.

As the sun peeks over the horizon, it’s time for coffee at Elvira’s. If he’s lucky (which is every day), one of the usual beach walkers, runners or visitors brings him one.

His fans, friends, runners taking a break, even curious dogs, all stop to watch him ride by. If they’re lucky (which is always), Joe stops to say hi, ask how they are, gives the dog a pet, and offers a cigarette to the runners (as a joke).

It’s now past 7 a.m. Time to make a pass on east beach, as the town garbage truck makes its rounds picking up trash cans. Racing from can to can to beat the dust blowing off the beach rake, Joe stops to tell a corny dad joke. That turns into more jokes, and stories of when he was a champion pole vaulter.

Joe closes the cab door, raises the throttle, engages the beach rake, then makes his way to the jetty to loop back to the cannons until every inch of beach is raked — all before the swimmers and sun worshipers lay their towels, chairs and umbrellas out on the sand.

Next up are Old Mill and Burying Hill Beaches. Easy little strips, but a chance for Joe to practice and critique his operating skills, as he removes all the pebbles from the sand, and seaweed that washed up past the high tide line. Spotting a low spot in the beach, Joe shifts the high sand away from the wall to smooth out (all in one shot).

Joe Saviano, working at Compo Beach.

When the beaches are all groomed, Joe rides shotgun in truck 100, with Joey Arciola driving. The two Joes ride from job to job, working together. Joe Saviano chats away; Joe Arciola listens.

On the job site though, barely any words are spoken. The two work in silence and sync. If something is broken they just happen to have the right part, or a way to jerry-rig it. Most of the time, their innovative, makeshift part never needs replacing. 


That was a normal Monday, Wednesday and Friday for Joe.

For over 30 years Joe Saviano maintained town parks, beaches and field. He applied his natural green thumb, immunity to poison ivy and carpentry skills to building bleachers and split rail fences, and growing the greenest grass and most mesmerizing flower beds and gardens anywhere.

Joe was wise when it came to finances too. He always found the craziest deals. Joe’s truck was over 15 years old, but had little mileage. He never paid for a single repair on it!

Joe also never purchased cigarettes. He thought they were overpriced and filled with cancer. So he grew and rolled his own cigarettes, from tobacco he grew or purchased. It never made sense to me, just like his theories about extraterrestrial life, what was beyond our galaxy, and the purpose of some of the jobs we had to do at work.

Joe never sugarcoated anything. He was always straightforward and honest, and spoke his mind. Even if you didn’t agree, you respected his honesty and creative thinking.

When Joe wasn’t at work he could be found at Jr’s Hot Dog Stand, in the first chair. Congregating around him were big town names, high-ranking employees, retirees — all close friends shooting the breeze.

One of Joe Saviano’s favorite spots.

He cold also be found at his mother’s home, tending the garden and taking care of her. Or New Milford, where he settled down to raise his son Joseph Danial. And his vacation spot, his cabin in upstate New York — off-grid, where he fished and perfected his photography skills.

Joe left behind a legacy of talent, hard work, dedication, multiple friends and relationships. He also left his mark on the town, one that will be forever imitated but never duplicated.

Most importantly, Joe left behind his print on this earth.

So the next time you visit a town park, athletic or recreational field, or a beach, Joe’s mark can be found everywhere. Take time to notice the work of the bleachers he put together for you to sit on, the perfectly manicured pesticide-free cut grass with water-based stripes applied by careful eye, the boardwalk you walk on, the wooden guardrails you lean on waiting for your ride, or the barbecue grills you cook on to serve friends and family to as the sun sets.

Hardworking, talented people maintain those areas every day.

Joe was one of those people.

Joe, we’ll miss you!

Joe Saviano kept Loeffler Field — where the Staples High School boys and girls play — looking great.