Tag Archives: Boy Scout Troop 36

Unsung Hero #292

Posted on July 5, 2023 | 6 comments

Alison Buttrick Patton leaves Saugatuck Congregational Church soon, for a new ministry in Maine. For more than a decade, the pastor has made her mark on Westport.

So has her husband.

Sandra Long nominates Craig Patton as this week’s Unsung Hero. 

She says: “My life has intersected with Craig’s in many ways. I originally met him at church, and my family was involved with Scout Troop 36 for many years. Craig was an Eagle Scout himself, and has won numerous adult leadership awards from the Scouts.

“In addition, Craig has worked with me at Post Road Consulting for the past 10 years. He has been fantastic with our clients.

“He just started a second job working for Atlantic Sea Farms ( a vertically integrated kelp company) as a brand ambassador.

“Craig is an environmentalist and an outdoorsman. He taught the Scouts to care about nature as well. Craig brought his love of nature to the church too, through various programs.

Craig Patton: outdoorsman …

“He worked with the Friends of Sherwood Island, as a board member and communications and marketing committee chair.

“He was also very active as a Staples Players parent, and a Little League coach.” (The Pattons’ sons, Tobey and Ian, were multi-faceted actors.)

“Craig constantly balances his very full life. Somehow he gets everything done, but he never stops moving forward.

Tom Long adds: “I worked with the Scouts for about 5 years, as troop committee chairman.

“A major tenet to Craig’s success in Scouting deals with the concept of ‘boys teaching boys’: older Scouts teaching newer and younger ones, with directions from Craig. He made sure the older boys were heavily involved with the planning and implementation of outings, trips and weekly meetings.

… Scout leader …

“I was particularly impressed with Craig’s response to COVID. He very quickly shifted gears to online meetings.

“Post-pandemic, Craig created meetings outdoors at the Church. In a situation that could have derailed the program, Craig not only maintained interest in Scouting, but actually increased membership in Troop 36.”

Similarly, Mark Mathias says: “Craig has always backed up Alison in her work. Most notably, when the pandemic started both immediately jumped into doing more than a boring Zoom meeting. They created essentially a video production each week that on YouTube.

Here is one example from June 2020, just after the killing of George Floyd:

We then moved to livestreaming services, with equipment we cobbled together from various gear the Pattons and I had in our homes.

All of this was without any budget. Craig took the lead on the tech and how to make it happen. I assisted him, while Alison was the primary face in front of the camera. This would not have happened without Craig.

Once we started working on the new A/V system, Craig was instrumental in ensuring it was what was needed. Now that it’s installed, he’s our primary contact with the vendor.

More importantly, every week he generates content for the live streams, and is almost every week in the bell loft running either sound or audio (sometimes both), ensuring that worshipers in the sanctuary and online have a great experience.

Craig also has a great eye for what looks good visually, how to position cameras, what visual graphics work well and more.

Thanks, Craig, for all you have done for Saugatuck Church, Scout Troop 36, and many others in Westport. And thanks, Alison, for sharing this week’s Unsung Hero with us!

… and livestream engineer.

Do you know an Unsung Hero? Send nominations to: 06880blog@gmail.com.

(If you enjoy weekly features like the Unsung Hero, please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local business, religion, Unsung Heroes

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Roundup: 15 Bradley Street, Lawrence Langner, Eagle Scouts …

Posted on May 8, 2023 | 3 comments

The 10 properties honored last week by Westport’s Historic District Commission — and 29 North Avenue, featured recently on “06880” and which should win a national award — are wonderful reminders that “new” construction need not always begin with a demolition.

Here’s another.

Cottages & Gardens recently featured Holly Jaffe and David Stephen Johnson’s 1927 Dutch Colonial on Bradley Street, at the Norwalk Avenue corner.

Holly — principal of the boutique design firm Wowhaus — was drawn to “the Norman Rockwell-esque charm, the ‘utterly delightful neighborhood,’ and its proximity to the beach.”

The family lived in the 2,000-square foot home for more than a year before starting the interior renovation in 2021.

That allowed them time to figure out “the smartest way to move forward,” Holly says. “The entire renovation was driven by what we could do to make this the magical place we knew it could be.”

She, architect Jon Halper and Westport builder Alan Dreher maximized the space without changing the footprint.

Click here for the full story, and photos.

15 Bradley Street (Photo courtesy of CT Cottages & Gardens)

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More than 90 years after founding the Westport Country Playhouse, Lawrence Langner will be celebrated.

The Theatre Guild and Langner family will dedicate Westport’s first Literary Landmark, in his honor. The event is May 27 (1 p.m.) at — of course — the Playhouse.

He and his wife, Armina Marshall, founded the theater in 1931, on the site of a former apple orchard and tannery. It became an American cultural institution, presenting dozens of pre-Broadway plays and showcasing the top stars of the day.

In addition to the Playhouse, Langner founded the Theatre Guild. It produced “Porgy and Bess,” “Oklahoma!” and hundreds of other plays and musicals.

He also established the American Shakespeare Festival Theatre, “US Steel Hour” on radio and television, and the American Repertory Company, which toured the world.

The dedication and unveiling of the Literary Landmark are free, and open to the public. The event includes a panel on “Memories of the American Theater.” Richard Somerset Ward, author of the definitive book on the history of the Westport Country Playhouse, will be interviewed by film historian Foster Hirsch. Actors and artists who worked at the Playhouse or other Langner ventures will participate too.

The Literary Landmark’s program, which celebrates important writers and “encourages the dedication of historic literary sites,” is affiliated with United For Libraries and the American Library Association.

Seating in the reception barn is limited. To reserve a seat, email evelangner@att.net.

Lawrence Langner

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Congratulations to Westport’s newest Eagle Scouts!

Xavier Rodrigo, Matthew Fleming, Henry Nowak and Oliver Saitz of Troop 36 received their sashes and pins yesterday, at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

All did their Eagle projects at Sherwood Island State Park. Xavier — now a student at Fordham University — earned his honor 2 years ago; his ceremony was delayed by COVID. The other 3 will graduate this June from Staples High School.

Eagle Scouts (from left): Xavier Rodrigo, Matthew Fleming, Henry Nowak, Oliver Saits.

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Tickets went on sale today for the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser.

Laura Linney will be honored on July 13 (8 p.m.), for her work that embraces a love of learning, and enhances our understanding of the world.

Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Laura Linney

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The weather was perfect for yesterday’s  18th annual STAR Walk & Roll fundraiser at Sherwood Island State Park.

Ariel Levy led the event. Her Westport family has supported STAR — the 70-year-old not-for-profit that serves over 700 people with disabilities, from birth to their senior years, and their families – since she began attending its day program.

Walkers of all ages and abilities enjoyed breakfast, music, arts and crafts, dancing, a photo booth, face painting and food trucks. The event raised over $60,000, with the Levy team out front.

Westporter Laura Blair’s team raised the second highest amount.

Ariel (yellow shirt) and her “Team Levy” at yesterday’s STAR Walk.

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A mama goose and her babies paddled happily at Compo Beach yesterday. Johanna Keyser Rossi was there to record it, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of Westport’s 4 new Eagle Scouts (story above):

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Library, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Shore Birds, Sundance, Swimsuits …

Posted on May 9, 2021 | 1 comment

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An American oystercatcher is nesting at Compo Beach.

Parks & Rec is on the case.

Department staff has strung rope around the site, keeping people away from the fragile bird and her eggs. A sign offers information about her habits.

Another sign describes other threatened shorebirds. It’s fascinating to read.

And heed.

The oystercatcher sign …

… and another, describing piping plovers and least terns. (Photos/Dinkin Fotografik)

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An excited “06880” reader writes:

I’ll admit I got a little breathless when I received a Sundance email headlined, “Visit Our New Store in Westport.”

Westport?! This catalog has served as my retail therapy vision board for years; the source of countless subtle, dog-eared “tips” I’ve left for my spouse re birthday and holiday gifts.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Robert Redford-stamped brand, think Millie Rae’s meets Anthropologie — high-end, carefully curated, bohemian-Southwest-y silver and gold jewelry, as well as clothes, shoes and housewares.

I can’t wait to see how they deck out their brick-and-mortar store on Main Street (the former Ann Taylor — it’s only their 18th retail location). Am I excited enough about it to get the free gift for booking an “early access appointment”?

Why yes, actually, I might be. If they do this right, I think it’s about as perfect a fit for Westport as any catalogue-come-to-life could be.

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Last year, during the darkest days of the pandemic, the Westport Garden Club’s “Friday Flowers” project brightened up our town. Once a week, members placed beautiful bouquets at very visible spots.

The Garden Club has picked up again this year. The first Friday Flowers of 2021 was delivered to Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Keep your eyes open every week. And if you see a Westport Garden Club member: thank her!

Friday Flowers at the church entrance. (Photo/Pat Nave)

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Speaking of Saugatuck Church: Boy Scout Troop 36 — which they sponsor, and provide meeting space for — helped make yesterday’s mattress recycling drive a huge success.

The Scouts picked up 34 mattresses and box springs throughout town. Then they headed to Earthplace, and helped load the items into a truck.

The Scouts’ efforts doubled the number of items received during Sustainable Westport’s project

Troop 36 Scouts also volunteered at Earthplace, filling containers with free compost for residents.

Boy Scout Troop 36 members, with mattresses and the recycling truck.

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Tracy Rosen offers a shout-out for a local business.

The other afternoon, she and a friend went to Shearwater for coffee. But they close at 4 p.m.

They decided instead to have a glass of wine next door, at Ignazio’s Pizza.

“They couldn’t have been nicer!” Tracy says.

“They set up a table for us outside, and lit a wood-burning fire pit. They were so hospitable,  just letting us sit there with our wine, never pushing us to order anything else. But their pizza smells amazing!”

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Westport PAL’s motto is “It’s all about the kids.”

And kids of all ages love car shows.

The PAL is sponsoring one on June 20 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., railroad station parking lot near Railroad Place and Franklin Street). In addition to cool cars, there’s food and raffle prizes.

Tickets are $15 each. But kids — that is, anyone under 12 — are free. Of course.

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The other day, “06880” highlighted the Connecticut Preservation Award for 70 Turkey Hill South.

An award ceremony was held last week, via Zoom. Here’s a video of all 10 awards. The Westport one begins at 16;13. (Hat tip: Bob Weingarten)

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There’s always something new at George Billis Gallery.

An opening reception this Friday (May 14, 4 to 7 p.m.) showcases “A Glimpse Ahead.” The figurative exhibit focuses on summer, with artwork that includes swimmers, surfers, pool scenes and waterscapes. The aim is to create a sense of peace, relaxation and joy.

Among the artists: Westporter Dale Najarian. She contributes abstracted waterscapes on canvas and wood panel.

The exhibit runs through June 13.

“Jewel Landscape,” oil on canvas (Dale Najarian)

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And finally … Happy Mother’s Day, to every “06880” mother out there.

None of us would be here without you. We love you, moms!

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Environment, Local business, Real estate, Restaurants

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Happy 70th, Troop 36!

Posted on June 1, 2019 | 15 comments

It’s not easy for an organization to last 70 years.

It’s even tougher when your membership turns over every few years.

But Westport’s Scout Troop 36 has done just that.

70th anniversary patch, designed by troop member Oliver Saitz.

Organized in 1949 by Saugatuck Congregational Church, the troop has helped thousands of boys learn life skills, become leaders, and form lasting friendships.

It’s weathered the ups and downs of Scouting nationally. Boy Scouts of America is now called “Scouts BSA.” In addition to offering programs for girls, Scouts now accept gay and transgender members.

Numbers have waxed and waned over the years. In 2015, there were only 9 Scouts. Today, 28 boys are members of Troop 36.

They meet every Monday night in Hoskins Hall, and hold one outing a month. Last year they went cold-weather camping in the Berkshires, spent a weekend exploring Philadelphia, backpacked up Mount Greylock, took their annual trip to Block Island and went whitewater rafting, among other adventures.

Service work includes support of the Westport Maker Faire, participating in a coastal cleanup at Sherwood Island State Park, assisting with worship and grounds cleanup at Saugatuck Church, and cleaning drainage areas at Camp Sequassen.

Every 2 years for many years, they attended the Scottish Jamboree in Edinburgh.

This July, 5 Scouts will participate in the 24th World Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. They’ll join 45,000 others from over 165 countries.

In 2006, newly installed Eagle Scouts gathered with Scoutmaster Jack Berry.

No Eagle Scout records exist prior to 1961. But from that year through 2017, 123 boys earned the prestigious Eagle Scout rank.

The troop’s history includes longtime scoutmaster Jack Berry. Last June — 4 years after his death — he was honored with a plaque, at the Saugatuck Church.

Jack was one of many adult leaders and young Scouts who helped Troop 36 for 70 years. Congratulations to all — and good luck for the next 70!

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Posted in Organizations, Teenagers

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Remembering Jack Berry

Posted on February 8, 2014 | 10 comments

Jack Berry — beloved and longtime leader of Westport’s Boy Scout troop 36 — died early today. He stepped down — reluctantly, and with a fantastic sendoff — last spring, due to the effects of pancreatic cancer.

Jack Berry

Jack Berry

At last year’s retirement dinner, Zach Effman was awed by his scoutmaster’s devotion.

His incredible ability to see and bring out the best in others and his joy in doing so has been an inspiration to me, while I have had the privilege of seeing him doing what he does best. Without any hesitation, I can say that Mr. Berry is the best person I have ever known. I know that his presence in the troop will be missed, but I also know that his effect on my life will never fade.

Marshall Knutson praised:

With over 50 years of scouting experience under his belt, Mr. Berry amounts to no less than a scouting God. His unwavering devotion to scouting and his inspirational charisma make him perfect at what he does. Under his guidance, Troop 36 recruits more new scouts and pumps out more Eagle Scouts than any other troop in Connecticut, solidifying Mr. Berry’s reputation as one of the greatest scoutmasters ever. His skill lies in his ability to observe a scout’s strengths and weaknesses, and provide them with the leadership opportunities they would most likely succeed at.

A small group of the many Boy Scouts who honored Jack Berry last year.

A small group of the many Boy Scouts who honored Jack Berry last year.

Edward Hickson –another  Eagle, now a junior at Ithaca College — said:

Scouting turned out to be one of the highlights of high school for me, and I can say with complete conviction that it would not be the same if Mr. Berry had not been my scoutmaster….Mr. Berry was there every step of the way. His motivation and commitment to helping me advance in scouting and become a better person means he is an inspiration to me and to all the other scouts who have had the privilege of participating in his Troop 36.

Jack Berry was a Scout to the end. Today, coincidentally, is the 104th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.

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“The Boy Scouts Accepted Me With Open Arms”

Posted on May 28, 2013 | 5 comments

I’m not a big fan of last week’s decision by the Boy Scouts of America to allow openly gay Scouts — but continue the ban on all gay adults, in any capacity.

Here’s the message that sends to all teenagers, of any sexual orientation: It’s okay to be a gay kid. Gay adults, though, are horrible human beings.

Of course, I was never a Boy Scout.

Jeff Durkin was. A gay Boy Scout.

In fact, Jeff was a gay Eagle Scout.

Jeff Durkin (right) with Troop 36 scoutmaster Jack Berry.

Jeff Durkin (right) with Troop 36 scoutmaster Jack Berry.

The Westporter — who just graduated from the University of Massachusetts as a linguistics major, and hopes to teach English in Japan — has a special perspective on the BSA.

A few days before the decision, Jeff wrote to the Connecticut Yankee Council — the governing body for over 17,000 Scouts and nearly 4,600 adult volunteers in Fairfield and New Haven Counties.

Jeff said:

In 2009 with Troop 36, I earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouts taught me to be proud of myself, and to lead other people. I feel that the only way to uphold that message is to be all-inclusive….

Regardless of the decision you make, gays will remain in Scouts. But instead of being told they are fully functioning human beings, they will be told there is a part of them that is shameful and that they shouldn’t tell anyone about it.

I went through this experience enough as a child, and Scouts was the one place I felt I belonged. My Scout troop was the first group of people I came out as gay to. They accepted me with open arms. I knew then what it meant to be part of a community. I thank you for that, and I hope that you make that experience easier for kids everywhere.

An hour later, Yankee Council president Michael Abrahamson wrote back. He said:

I appreciate your sharing your thoughts, and I am glad that you found success in Scouting. Your words show me that you do understand the meaning of being an Eagle Scout.

I know that you were a part of one of the finest troops in our council, and I am not at all surprised that Mr. Jack Berry and the rest of Troop 36 supported you.

I want you to know that we at the Connecticut Yankee Council have taken the position of formally welcoming both youth and adults regardless of their sexual orientation. We hope that the National organization will soon follow our lead and adopt a similar position.

I know that the lessons of scouting will serve you well, and again I thank you for your insight.

The national Boy Scouts of America might not fully understand or appreciate their own values — things like kindness, character, living your life with honesty.

But the Connecticut Yankee Council sure does.

Yankee Council

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