Tag Archives: Compo Beach lifeguards

Roundup: Moving Sale, ’50s Artists, Lifeguard Olympics …

Posted on August 4, 2025 | 12 comments

Carl Swanson’s family moved to Westport in the summer of 1955. They quickly experienced 2 hurricanes — Connie and Diane — with their 26 inches of flooding.

Jo Ann Miller — who later married Carl — moved here in 1984, during Hurricane Diana. It too crippled much of the state.

Now — after decades in Westport — they are moving to Bermuda.

But not before a big moving sale. Among the items: sculptures by their late friend Kelley Spearen, Jo Ann’s engaging artwork, tools, sports equipment, kitchen appliances and much more.

The Saturday sales are August 9 and 23 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) at their home off North Avenue, near the Bedford Middle School entrance (follow the signs).

All proceeds will benefit 2 local groups: VFW Post 399, and “06880.”

Carl and Jo Ann’s generosity is apt.  He is a writer, and long-time participant in and contributor to this blog. Jo Ann is the daughter of Lt. Gen. Thomas Miller (USMC-deceased), and the goddaughter of astronaut John Glenn.

“We have been blessed to have lived in this town for so long. It is time to give our last goodbye, to benefit those who give to the community every day,” Jo Ann says.

Thank you, Carl and Jo Ann, for your thoughtfulness — and for all you have done for our town, for so many years.

Carl Addison Swanson and Jo Ann Miller have already donated one of Kelley Spearen’s sculptures to Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking of art: Tomorrow (Tuesday, August 5, 11 to 11:30 a.m., Senior Center), the Westport Permanent Art Collections highlights the work of 5 of Westport’s most noted and beloved artists.

Works from Howard Munce, Susan Malloy, Alfred Willmott, Estelle Margolis and Stevan Dohanos will transport attendees back to the Westport of the 1950s.

Among the works: Dohanos’ “Star Pitcher,” which “06880” featured a few days ago:

“Star Pitcher” (Stevan Dohanos)

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This weekend, Westport’s lifeguards took time out from saving people, searching for lost kids and applying Band-Aids, to compete in the annual Lifeguard Olympics, at Compo Beach.

Among the events: races, and a tug of war.

The Olympics were coordinated by senior foreman Mike Guinta, and aquatics director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.

(Photos/Rick Giunta)

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Speaking of the beach: A reminder that 2 portable fire pits are available to rent at South Beach, through the Parks & Recreation Department.

The cost is $150. Westport residents 21 and older can mail a request form to croda@westportct.gov.

Here’s one the other night, casting a warm glow after a cookout:

(Photo/Marie Gross)

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Also yesterday: Stella Blue’s Band played to a full Levitt Pavilion house of Grateful Dead fans of all ages.

Stella Blue’s Band. (Photo courtesy of Levitt Pavilion)

The concert corresponded to “The Days Between” — the period between Jerry Garcia’s birthday (August 1) and the day of his death (August 9).

In addition, 2025 marks the legendary band’s 60th anniversary.

The Levitt is just 9 years younger. As part of its 51st season, the outdoor amphitheater presents over 50 shows, free of charge — 19 in August alone.

For a full calendar and more information, click here.

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Speaking of entertainment: Seen on social media, and “06880”-worthy because it’s the closest first-run movie theater to Westport:

AMC Royale 6 has now extended its “previews” — the “coming soon” ads that blast on and on before the movie you paid to see — to 40 to 45 minutes long.

The good news: They now inform ticket buyers of the long, loud and obnoxious run-up ahead of time.

And speaking of the Royale 6: Bizarrely, the large sign in front, on Route 1, no longer lists the movies they’re showing.

More than one reader has written “06880,” asking when and why the theater closed.

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The Soundview Summer Stroll was one week ago.

Among the kids’ activities: rock painting.

When the event ended, some of the artwork left behind was placed on the nearby seawall.

A week later, it’s still there. But someone took the time to arrange it in a “lovely” message for passersby:

(Photo/John McCarthy)

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In the “there’s always a back story” department: Check out this mailbox, on Maple Avenue South.

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

There must be something more here. If you have a clue — or just want to guess — click “Comments” below.

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How does this Compo Beach image qualify as a “Westport … Naturally” photo?

Well — that sand is part of nature, right?

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … in honor of the Lifeguard Olympics (story above):

(If you read “06880” regularly: You’re a winner! And if you click here to make a tax-deductible contribution supporting our work, you’re a true champion. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment

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Pic Of The Day #2985

Posted on June 21, 2025 | 1 comment

Ready for the day (Photo/Anne Bernier)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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Friday Flashback #452

Posted on May 30, 2025 | 3 comments

Lifeguards returned to Compo Beach last weekend.

The young men and women — nearly all college- and high school-aged — are well-trained, enthusiastic, and toned.

They follow a long tradition of guards. Here’s an interesting shot of their (all-male) predecessors, perhaps a century ago.

We’re sure they were well-trained and enthusiastic. They look pretty toned, too.

Plus, they won some kind of trophy. Good work, guys!

(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Accident Update, LobsterFest Tickets, Club203 Parties …

Posted on August 10, 2024 | 4 comments

As of yesterday, the 2 pedestrians struck by a car Wednesday evening on Imperial Avenue are still in Norwalk Hospital.

The 33-year old Easton man is improving, and in stable condition. The 29-year- old Fairfield woman remains in critical condition.

The driver was released from the hospital, and is cooperating with police.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Spray paint marks part of the police investigation into Wednesday’s accident. Two pedestrians were struck on Imperial Avenue, near Post Road East. (Screenshot courtesy of News 12).

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If it’s mid-August, it’s time to be alert for LobsterFest tickets.

Very alert. The Westport Rotary Club’s 13th annual fundraiser always sells out in just a couple of days.

So make a note: LobsterFest sales begin at noon on August 15, at westportrotary.org.

The event is Saturday, September 21 (3 to 7 p.m.). As usual, it’s more than just lobster.

There’s steak, a raw bar, children’s meals, ice cream, free drinks, music, and kids’ entertainment.

Plus, of course, a community-wide vibe. Everyone smiles, all afternoon long.

All net proceeds go to charitable causes. Last year, the club gave $275,000 to local non-profits, and several international development projects.

Get your bibs on! (Photo/Dan Woog)

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“06880” was flooded (ho ho) with photos of yesterday’s Compo Beach surf yesterday — the remnants of Hurricane Debby.

These 3 say it all:

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

Owenoke house, as seen from Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

Today’s forecast is for plenty of sunshine, with a high around 85. Winds will die down too.

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The Levitt Pavilion is one of a handful of dates on Ollabelle’s 20th anniversary tour. An extra cache of free tickets has just been released for tonight’s show (Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.).

The early American gospel/folk/mountain music band was just at the Kennedy Center (see video below) and Caramoor. Click here for free tickets.

Tomorrow, the Levitt welcomes back the Grammy Award-winning American Patchwork Quartet.

They’re known for American folk songs infused with jazz, country twang, West African hypnotics and East Asian ornamentation.

Click here for free tickets.

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Year 1 was great. Year 2 was even better. Now, Club203 gets ready for the best one yet.

Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities kicks off fall on September 4 (6:30 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park pavilion) with a Hawaiian-themed evening. There’s music by DJ Rob, dancing, and tropical treats.

Then comes Halloween bingo (October 16), Turkey bowling at Nutmeg Bowl (November 21), a holiday party at the VFW (December 11), a new year’s specail at the Westport Academy of Dance (January 3), Valentine’s Day mini-golf (February 4), karaoke at the Westport Library (March 18), “Spring Into Fitness” at the Westport Weston Family Y (April 26), a springtime gathering at Earthplace (May 14), and a June celebration at Compo Beach.

For just $100, members can attend all 10 events (and get a Club203 magnet). Non-members pay $20 per event.

Click here to become a member. Click here for the Club203 website.

Club203’s Thanksgiving party.

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B3 — the non-profit that engages middle schoolers in local community service, and offers nearby and international projects to high school students — is hosting a pair of informational open houses.

They’re August 22 and September 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the BC office (66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).

This year’s high school trips are to Costa Rica, over February, March and April breaks.

Click here to RSVP. Questions? Email b3news@buildersbeyondborders.org.

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In 1986, Bette Davis spent a month at the Weston home of writers John and Elizabeth Fuller.

The actress and a young Chris Fuller had a putting contest. She won, but graciously autographed a kiddy putter for him.

She was the first person ever to give him a golf lesson.

Plenty of pros followed. Chris was hooked (though his drives were true).

His dream was to play on the PGA Tour — despite living with bipolar disorder.

A gifted performer as well, he developed a one-man show. “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings. He tells his tale with insights, clarity, and plenty of humor.

The show is at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn on August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.). Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.

All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Oh, yeah: Fuller will give a copy of his book (“Goodnight, Golf!”) to an audience participant, after an onstage putting contest during the show.

And guess which putter they’ll use?!

Chris Fuller’s Bette Davis-autographed putter.

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Speaking of sports: Play pickleball. Help make it, and tennis, greener. Win $150.

That’s what’s on tap next Saturday (August 17, noon to 2 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk).

Serve2Sustain is running a pickleball tournament. The cost is $20 per person. There’s a maximum of 32 teams (64 players); each team is guaranteed 3 games. Click here to register.

All proceeds go to Serve2Sustain. They’ll add tennis ball and pickleball recycling bins to public courts in Westport. Additional donations to Serve2Sustain can be made here, by Venmo (@serve2sustain), or in cash the day of the event.

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Ever wish you could do something good for kids?

Make-A-Wish Connecticut — the non-profit that brightens the lives of children with critical illnesses — has asked some of the area’s best chefs to create a great evening.

“Taste of Wishes” (September 26, Aitoro Appliance, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) includes fantastic food appetizers, main dishes and desserts, prepared and served by local celebrity chefs. And their “wish kid sous chefs.”

The lineup includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café), Matt Storch (Match restaurant, Match Burger Lobster), Adam Goldberg (Pop-up Bagels), a featured chef from The Whelk, Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering), Dan Kardos (Café Melba), and John Nealon (Crust Issues).

It’s a very tasty event, plus a chance to meet youngsters and families who have been impacted by Make-A-Wish.

Early bird pricing is available until August 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Startup Westport — the public/private tech and innovation networking group — starts the fall with a pair of intriguing events

“Sustainable Success: B Corps & Impact Driven Investing” (September 24) focuses on how the world’s best companies lead by example to help foster a socially conscious approach to business. Click here to register, and for more information.

On November 25, Startup Westport celebrate recent Staples High School graduates who have created game-changing technologies and startup businesses that are altering the competitive landscape.

A panel will be led by 2014 alum Molly O’Shea, a leading ventures capitalist and reporter. Registration will open next month.

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The Westport Book Shop’s featured August artist is Rachel Waldman.

Her anime-inspired drawings will be on display all month, at the Jesup Road store.

A reception is set for Tuesday, August 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The public is invited.

Rachel Waldman, with her work.

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What do yellow finches and baseball players have in common?

Both love sunflower seeds.

But only the bird gets its photo in “Westport … Naturally” while eating them.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … Bette Davis was a great neighbor, for many years.

Chris Fuller remembers her golf lesson (story above). And some of us remember this 1981 hit:

Bette Davis said that when the song came out, suddenly her grandson looked up to her.

After it won Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year (don’t ask me the difference), singer Kim Carnes gave gold and platinum records to Bette Davis. She hung them proudly on the wall of her Crooked Mile Road home.

(It’s a summer weekend, but “06880” is — as always — on the job. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

4 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Police, Restaurants, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: First School Day, First Student Buses, Long Lots Meeting …

Posted on August 29, 2023 | 6 comments

Today is the first day of school.

On Sylvan Road North, motorcycle officer/PAL president/all-around good guy Craig Bergamo rode by.

He was doing a check of bus routes. But he took the time to stop, chat, and wish Dylan Rosen a great start to the year, as he begins 6th grade at Coleytown Middle School.

Dylan Rosen, his mom Barrie and Officer Craig Bergamo. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

And, in what has become one of our favorite “06880” traditions, Pam Long sends this photo of the first day, waiting for the bus at Juniper Road and Caccamo Lane.

(Photo/Pam Long)

Each year the faces change. Kids get older. They move on to a new school; younger ones take their place. But always, there are lots of them.

Meanwhile, this was the scene at Grouse Path and Woodcock Lane, off Newtown Turnpike:

(Photo/Elizabeth DeVoll)

All over town, kids are eager, excited, energetic — and perhaps a bit nervous too.

It’s all natural. For decades in Westport — and across the country — those emotions have not changed.

Good luck to all. Here’s to the best school year ever!

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Speaking of buses: Today also marks the first day of a contract with a new company: aptly named First Student.

The first couple of weeks back are an adjustment in every area — including transportation.

Here’s wishing all good things to First Student. Fortunately, many of the best drivers have been hired by the new company.

Managerially, many Westporters hope for an improvement over the previous provider.

The bar certainly is set low.

School buses, in the Imperial Avenue lot. (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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The Long Lots School Building Committee holds a special meeting this Thursday (August 31, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201). The agenda includes:

  • Public Comment and/or questions regarding the project (15 minutes)
  • Work session with the design team for project status updates and review. The public is welcome to attend the work session, but may not participate.
  • Additional Public comment and/or questions regarding the project.

The Long Lots School Building Committee meets Thursday, at 6 p.m.

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Meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha warns everyone that with school back in session: Drive carefully!

That sure is one “ham-some” guy behind the wheel.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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The package had a false return address. The letter inside was signed “Sam Elliott (not really, but you’ll get the 1976 movie reference).” The only clue to the sender is slim: It was mailed from Zip code 06376 (Old Lyme, Connecticut).

The note said: “A few years back you wrote about a lifeguard reunion, and that a former lifeguard brought along a vintage red jacket.” (Click here for that story.)

He was a lifeguard “50-plus years ago,” he said. And he too “forgot” to turn in his jacket.

He worked 6 days a week, 8 hours a day, for $1.25 an hour. (Shifts ran from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and noon to 8 p.m.)

It was a great job — especially uncrowded early mornings and late evenings. The sun rising or setting, with the waves lapping quietly, were “idyllic.”

Even today, the former guard wrote, hearing certain songs — “Black is Black,” “Summer in the City,” “See You in September” — brought him back to those days.

He’d kept his guard jacket for over 5 decades. Now, he said: “I entrust it to you for appropriate disposition — to the Recreation Department, the guard shack, a lifeguard groupie, etc.”

There — folded neatly underneath the note — was his vintage jacket.

The note ended:

“I just couldn’t put it in the textile recycling bin without giving it the possibility of one last trip to Compo Beach before summer’s end.”

Thank you, whoever you are. This weekend — the last of the season for the guards — I’ll bring it down to the shack you remember so well.

PS: That “Sam Elliott 1976 movie” comment? He starred in “Lifeguard.”

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Jazz at the Post has taken five this summer.

The Thursday night series resumes September 7.

But there’s a warmup act.

This Thursday (August 31, 6:30 p.m.), the Fairfield Museum hosts a free concert. Pianist (and Fairfield native) Jamie Saft headlines the show, with Steve LaSpina and Tim Horner.

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Speaking of music: Every picture tells a story.

But I sure can’t figure out the tale behind this photo.

I took it in the back parking lot at Saugatuck Congregation Church.

At any rate, if you are praying that someone found you’re music stand: You know where to find it.

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Recently, Bob Weingarten noticed many varieties of mushrooms on the lawn at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.

He assembled some favorites for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

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And finally … in honor of the songs that — nearly 60 years later — still remind a former lifeguard of his idyllic days at Compo Beach (story above):

(Today the kids are back in class! Celebrate with a donation to “06880” — a great source for local education news. And, of course, lots else. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Local politics, Police, Totally random

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“06880 On The Go”: Lifeguard Edition

Posted on August 10, 2023 | 1 comment

Like everyone else in town, “06880” loves the beach.

The other day Andrew Brennan — our summer intern — headed to Compo. He spent some time chatting with the lifeguards (during their breaks, of course), to learn more about their jobs.

What do they like? What don’t they like? What do they do, besides sit in a chair, survey the Sound and get tan?

Click below for the latest installment of “06880 On The Go.”

 

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Posted in Beach, Media

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Compo Lifeguards: Another Day At The Beach

Posted on July 24, 2023 | 9 comments

As record heat settles in, a national lifeguard shortage has closed beaches and pools across America.

But not in Westport.

Compo Beach is a hot place to work — as in, very popular. A full crew of 75 young men and women watch the water (and the sand), administer first aid, find lost kids, dispose of horseshoe crabs, and do all the other things that are part of what has traditionally been a well-respected, in-demand, social and fun outdoor job.

Recruitment, lack of training and low pay — 3 problems contributing to the current crisis — appear not to be issues here.

Danilo Sierra-Giraldo is in his 8th summer directing the Compo guards. He also oversees much of the staff at Longshore.

He and his staff are employed by the Parks & Recreation Department. Guards earn $17.50 an hour.

A few of the 2023 Compo Beach lifeguard crew (from left): Lauranne De Vos, Sarah Allen, Jake Peterson, Molly Whittle Jack Whittle, director Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.

Part of the reason he’s got a full, dedicated and well-trained staff stems from his other jobs. An avid water polo player in his native Colombia, he is now the boys and girls varsity water polo coach at Staples High School. He is also a pool assistant for phys. ed. classes there — and a lifeguard instructor.

Much of his crew comes from Staples. They start working while in high school — lifeguarding is often their first job — and many return during college.

“It’s fun. It’s convenient. It helps the community. And who doesn’t want to be at the beach in the summer?” Danilo says.

Of course, guards must be in good shape. Danile organizes workouts — long runs, pushups, lunges, swims) — that are both competitive and fun.

Danilo also reintroduced the Lifeguard Olympics. This year’s event was held Sunday morning, at 8 a.m. It was strictly local. Next year, he hopes to invite other towns.

Lifeguards work a full day, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They spend an hour in the chair, then have an hour off. That’s filled with other tasks and drills, plus a break (and — very popular this summer — spikeball).

On break …

The Compo Beach regulars are almost all friendly to the guards, Danilo says. They appreciate all that the young men and women do — including updating the information board at the shack, with tides, the UV index, and an always-interesting Quote of the Day.

Though there are few true emergencies in the usually calm Long Island Sound waters, lifeguards must always be alert.

Anything can happen anywhere. Swimmers can head too far from shore. Kiteboarders head too close to shore. Kids cut their feet on shells and the jetty. 

Lifeguarding is “a great opportunity for kids to get a wider understanding of responsibility,” Danilo says.

“They see how life works. They develop a good work ethic.”

That’s the way it’s always been for Compo Beach lifeguards. Little has changed over the years.

Except now they wear hats and sunscreen.

… and on guard. (Photos/Dan Woog)

(“06880” covers every aspect of Westport life — including lifeguards. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Longshore

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Scene At The Beach

Posted on June 29, 2023 | 5 comments

With just over 7 hours to go before the June 29th fireworks, Compo Beach is jam-packed with beach chairs, picnic tables and tents (and very few people manning or womanning them).

But that’s not what this post is about.

Here are a few photos to show what else is happening, down at the shore.

Compo Beach lifeguards, midway through a long day. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

Camp Compo kids and counselors play in the Sound, in the shadow of the fireworks barge. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

Human beings aren’t the only ones enjoying the Soundview Avenue scene. (Photo/Tammy Barry)

Okay, I lied. One more photo of the stakeout. This is at 10:30 a.m. (Photo/Brian Schiller)

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Pic Of The Day #1979

Posted on September 17, 2022 | 1 comment

Lifeguard equipment, stored for the season (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

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Roundup: Carvel, Lifeguards, Challah …

Posted on September 6, 2021 | 7 comments

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Last Friday’s Question Box sparked a debate about when Carvel opened.

The definitive answer: August 1954.

And the man who provided that answer — RTM member Harris Falk — also offered proof. Here’s a newspaper advertisement from that month:

Check out the ice cream cone on top of the store. As Dave Lowrie noted in the Comments section, both it and the red and white bucket over KFC (now Sun Reflexology, next to Layla’s Falafel) came down in the 1970s. The Architectural Review Board was trying to make the Post Road look “less commercial.”

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As one of their many services, the Compo lifeguards post a new, thought-provoking quote every day. Little gestures like that mean a lot.

But this sign last week was particularly intriguing:

(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)

Were they being slyly clever, misspelling both “their” and (look closely) “swimming” in a quote about fault-finding?

Or were they just simple mistakes, made more prominent by the context of the quote?

We may never know. Today is their last day on duty.

Anyway: Who cares? If you see a lifeguard, thank him or her for another safe, fun summer.

And for a daily diet of inspiring, important quotes.

No matter how they’re spelled.

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Every Home Should Have a Challah — the Westport-based national delivery service — is busy taking Yom Kippur orders. The deadline is midnight Wednesday (September 8). Click here for details.

Rosh Hashanah challah is already sold out.

Challah, from Every Home Should Have a Challah.

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Westport Book Shop is expanding its hours. Starting tomorrow (Tuesday, September 7), they’ll open earlier — 10 a.m. — Tuesdays through Saturdays.

They’ll open at noon on Sundays, and are closed Mondays.

Westport Book Shop, on Jesup Road.

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William Nicholas (Nick) Delgass died peacefully at his West Lafayette, Indiana home last month, attended by his family, after a 9-year battle with cancer. The 1960 Staples High School graduate was 78.

His interest in the world and the way it works led him to science. He graduated from the University of Michigan, then earned a Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Stanford University.

He was more than a scientist. Throughout his life, Nick was well rounded. When he spotted Elizabeth (Betty) Holstein at a mandolin concert in 1966, he convinced her to go out with him after they bonded over a love of English literature. They married a year later, and would have celebrated their 54th anniversary at the end of August.

He and Betty had their first child, Michael, while Nick was completing his post-doctoral fellowship at the University of California. He accepted his first faculty position at Yale University, and the growing family moved to Branford, where their second son, Leif, was born. Nick was on the faculty at Yale University for 5 years before accepting a position at Purdue.

he became chair of the chemical engineering department there, and taught until retirement. Nick was globally recognized for his work in integrating new tools and methods into reaction systems. His colleague Fabio Ribeiro said that few researchers impacted the field so broadly. He was a joint author of over 200 scientific papers, 2 books, advisor to many graduate students, and consultant to many companies.

His love for Betty was fierce. Nick often biked from the lab to have lunch with his family, and was a constant presence at his sons’ events. When his grandchildren were born, he made cross-country trips to visit.

Nick served as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Catalysis, the flagship journal of the field. he earned various awards, and was elected a Fellow of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).

Teaching was one of his great loves, as evidenced by his many honors, including the Shreve Teaching Award 7 times, and inclusion in the Purdue University Book of Great Teachers.

In addition to his wife Betty, Nick is survived by his sons Leif and Michael (Jessica Spector), and grandchildren Isaac, Aidan, Ariella, and Serafina.

No formal service is planned, but there will be a memorial reception on October 16 at the Whittaker Inn in West Lafayette. Click here to leave condolences.

Nick Delgass

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Since we began our “Westport … Naturally” feature a couple of months ago, we’ve posted plenty of animal photos. Lots of flowers, too.

This may be our first cucumber shot. It’s a nice “window” into another aspect of Westport’s many natural wonders.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Happy Labor Day!

It’s easy these days to forget the origins of the holiday. We may not remember (or never learned) the importance of unions in our nation’s history. They brought about safety, minimum wages, overtime pay and more.

Winning those rights was not easy. The power of unions has waned over the years — look at the recent Amazon battle in Alabama — even as income inequality has grown. Organizers there no doubt wish they still had a Pete Seeger to champion their cause.

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