Tag Archives: fireworks

Roundup: Fireworks Trash, Long Lots, Prospect Gardens …

Posted on June 30, 2023 | 8 comments

Thousands of people had a blast at last night’s fireworks.

There was wonderful community spirit. Friends met; strangers mingled; joy filled the air.

The one downside: Not everyone picked up after themselves.

Totney Benson notes: “Substantial debris was left behind. Most impressive was the carefully piled and bagged trash and pizza boxes a mere 15 steps from the trash bins!”

(Photo/Rick Carpenter)

So Public Works and Parks & Recreation Department employees were out in force, all night long and right through dawn, making sure Compo Beach and Soundview Drive look perfect for the weekend.

(Photo/Rick Carpenter)

Thanks to all who helped — those who cleaned up after themselves, and those who cleaned up after those who did not.

And if you left a mess: Just think about the message you sent to Westport.

Especially to your kids.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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The Long Lots School Building Committee posted this on Facebook:

“The LLS Building is working through the feasibility phase of the project. The committee, along with an architectural design firm and construction management company, is still evaluating and discussing all three options for the future of LLS.

“Options include: 1) Renovate the existing school as new, 2) Renovate the existing school as new plus build additions, or, 3) Build a new school building. With all three options, the existing school needs to remain open and in use during construction.

“No recommendations or decisions regarding how to proceed have been made. The committee expects to make a recommendation to the Selectwoman’s office in August.

“The committee is taking great care to evaluate all aspects of the site to find the ideal location for a new building or additions, while respecting the residential neighborhood, maintaining town fields, ensuring adequate parking, and preserving or relocating town assets such as the community gardens – it is a challenging balance!

“While the school is the priority, the committee fully appreciates the beauty and value of the community gardens, as well as the importance of town fields and maintaining a symbiotic relationship with neighbors. At this point, the committee is considering all options before making its recommendation. We know the town governing bodies and Westport residents would want and expect nothing less.

“The LLSBC will hold its next scheduled meeting on Friday, June 30 at 10 a.m. All Building Committee meetings are noticed on the Town website. The public is welcome to attend and there is time for public comment/questions at the meetings.”

The Long Lots Elementary School campus. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Westport celebrated the 4th of July with fireworks last night, on June 29th.

But there are still 5 days to go until the holiday. And many Westporters will be thinking of more pyrotechnics.

Westport Fire Marshal Terry Dunn says, “The public has been overwhelmed with advertisement, signs, and sales pitches of so-called fireworks. The only legal ‘fireworks’ items in Connecticut are sparklers.

Sparklers are non-explosive, non-aerial devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic material. They can be legally used only by persons aged 16 or older.”

Novelty items like party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut. In addition to being illegal, exploding devices can cause painful, debilitating injuries.

Sky lanterns (small hot air balloons made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire burns) are also illegal in Connecticut. They can cause fires and injury. The flaming lantern can travel long distances and drop onto roof tops, fields, trees and power lines.

Our area has experienced dry conditions, making it very easy for fireworks, sparklers and fountains to cause brush fires. Extreme caution must be exercised even with campfires, as the fire danger has been elevated.

Possessing or causing to explode fireworks can result in a fine or incarceration.

Sparklers are legal — but only for people 16 and older. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between June 21 and 28.

A woman was arrested for larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, identity theft and conspiracy to commit identity theft.

A companion had been arrested on similar charges earlier. They stemmed from the complaint of a First County Bank customer, after a fraudulent check of hers was cashed for $2,940. Her car had been broken into, and her purse stolen.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Larceny: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license for more than 30 days: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Violation of readable plates: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1

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Over 30 Y’s Men of Westport & Weston members, and their guests, were treated to a tour of Prospect Gardens on Wednesday.

Owners Melissa and John Ceriale welcomed the visitors, who were led by curator/landscape designer/master planner Cindy Shumate.

The Prospect Road property includes nearly 9 acres of flowers, shrubs, lawns, walking paths, meadows, orchards, trees and more.

Y’s Men and guests, at Prospect Gardens. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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If you missed Alison Stewart’s WNYC “All of It” interview about the Westport Library’s first-in-the-nation record label vinyl release — no problem.

You can hear it — including an interview with sound engineer Travis Bell, artist Dani Capalbo, and some of the music recorded at the Library’s Verso Studio — by clicking here.

Travis Bell, at work.

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The year is winding down for the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club. On Wednesday, new president Liz Wong was inducted.

They’re still smiling over last weekend’s Great Duck Race. More than 3,000 plastic ducks “competed,” raising more than $70,000 that the club will donate to charities.

Here’s the entire event, in just 42 seconds:

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Stacy Prince offers an intriguing close-up, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Stacy Prince)

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And finally … Bobby Osborne, a singer and mandolin player whose bluegrass band flouted convention by using drums, electric bass, pedal steel guitar, twin banjos and string sections — and were the first to amplify their instruments — died Tuesday near Nashville. He was 91.

The Osborne Brothers are best known for their 1967 record, “Rocky Top.” Click here for full obituary.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to support our work, with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Education, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Police

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Roundup: Fireworks Photos, Soundview Sculpture, Burying Hill …

Posted on June 29, 2023 | 9 comments

There’s a lot going on today.

The beach will be jammed. Folks deck themselves out in red-white-and-blue. There are cookouts, picnics, and flags galore.

“06880” wants to show the world what a Westport Independence Day (5 days early) looks like. Please send photos — of your kids, your decorations, your dog — to 06880blog@gmail.com. Deadline is 10 p.m. tonight.

Be creative — and have fun!

NOTE: Please stay away from actual photos of fireworks. They pretty much all look the same.

Happy birthday, America!

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Speaking of fireworks:

Tonight, Soundview Drive will be closed to traffic. Thousands of Westporters will stroll up and down the beach exit road. It’s party time!

And — just in time for Westport’s biggest bash — a new sculpture has been installed in a Soundview yard.

It’s drawn stares — and raves — from passersby. Today, many more will see it for the first time.

Among the comments overheard:

  •  “Wow! I never noticed the sculpture in that garden before!”
  • “Is she the goddess of the sea?
  • “Is she Medusa, but not have snakes?”
  • “She’s the captain’s wife, waiting for him to return.”
  • “No, she’s the captain’s wife, waiting for her to return.”
  • “Compo Beach mama will protect my grandson.”
  • “Is she an Indian goddess?”
  • “Why couldn’t they just get a natural tree?”
  • “I have tears in my eyes.”

(Photo/John McKinney)

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Speaking still of the fireworks:

All is ready, in many ways. When you gotta go …

(Photos/Dinkin Fotografix)

Here’s hoping we haven’t, um, wiped out United Site Service’s entire inventory.

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Compo Beach will look great tonight (except for the port-a-potties).

Burying Hill … not so much.

An “06880” reader sends this photo —

— and writes:

“This looks like a tort waiting to happen.

“The bottom rail is rusted and snapped off the cement step, with no support.

“Folks like the beach ‘rustic.’ I’m sure they don’t like unsafe/dangerous.”

And, the reader adds: “The showers need attention too. And other things.”

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Westport’s rainbow crosswalk — installed at 5 a.m. June 1 on Jesup Road and Taylor Place, in honor of Pride month — is showing signs of wear.

But a new crosswalk will replace it soon. And — because honoring the LGBTQ+ community has no end date — it will be permanent.

Yesterday morning, the Board of Selectwomen unanimously approved the new downtown feature.

It will be funded entirely by donations. Material used for the new installation will be thermally fused to the asphalt, which Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich says ensures durability for up to 10 years.

The same material has been used previously on Main Street, as well as by Norwalk for their rainbow crosswalk.

The design will feature 2 white bars, with colored panels representing the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community in between.

Dr. Nikki Gorman, who sponsored the June crosswalk with Galia Gichon, hard at work installing it earlier this month.

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Today marks the 92nd birthday of the Westport Country Playhouse.

On this day in 1931, the curtain rose on “The Streets of New York.” Dorothy Gish starred, and a new era in American theater was born.

Nearly a century later, the historic institution is in dire straits. Here’s the birthday greeting the Playhouse sent yesterday:

“Tomorrow the Playhouse celebrates 92 years of creating theater and entertainment for all ages right here in Westport!

“Now we need your help to ensure we’re here for another 92 years of vibrant arts programming for our community. Please join us in helping us raise an immediate and necessary $2,000,000 by July 31.

“We’re 10% there and every bit counts — click to give $92 in honor of our birthday or any amount to help save your Playhouse!”

Gloria Swanson arrives at the Westport Country Playhouse (1961).

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Lowell Weicker died yesterday, at 92.

The Connecticut Mirror’s obituary begins:

Lowell P. Weicker Jr., who swaggered through three terms as Connecticut’s last Republican senator, challenging Richard Nixon over Watergate and the GOP’s rightward shift under Ronald Reagan, then willed the state’s income tax into existence in a second act as a third-party governor, died Wednesday.

He did not have much to do with Westport, beyond representing us in the US House of Representative for 1 term and the Senate for 3, and serving as governor for 1 term.

But he was a towering figure — both politically and physically — for much of his life.

And, as a moderate, socially progressive Northeast Republican, he was part of a party branch that is now virtually extinct.

Weicker was “a fierce defender of abortion rights, the separation of church and state, and funding for social services, oceanic exploration and AIDS research.” He also co-authored the Americans with Disabilities Act.

In Connecticut, his legacy — proposing and passing a state income tax — endures today.

Click here for the full CT Mirror obituary of this fascinating man.

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Timing is everything.

LifeBridge — the Bridgeport non-profit that offers behavioral health services, youth development and asset-building resources for underserved families — scheduled its annual fundraising gala for tonight at the Inn at Longshore.

When they learned the fireworks were set for the same night, they adjusted the timing so guests could get to and from the event without getting stuck in traffic. The new start time is 4 p.m.

Of course, attendees can stay to watch the pyrotechnics after the program ends, at 7:30.

The gala includes the premiere of a documentary featuring Bridgeport middle school youth involved in LifeBridge’s Mural Club. They designed and painted a 100-foot mural on the side of their building on Fairfield Avenue. It’s based on Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s concept of a “beloved community,” part of his 6 Principles of Nonviolence.

LifreBridge hopes to serve more youth, in response to soaring demand. To donate, text the word “Beloved” to 53555.

LifeBridge mural.

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There was animal drama earlier this week.

Eagle-eyed Westport Library patrons spotted a baby deer trapped on a narrow stretch of rocky shoreline, on the west bank of the Saugatuck River.

(Photo/Keith Styrcula)

Keith Styrcula and Mike Loparo drove across the bridge, to see if they could help unite it with its mother.

Animal Control and the Westport Fire Department responded to calls from residents.

Firefighters had to leave for another call — but returned as soon as they could.

Joe Saponare of Animal Control was there the entire time. With persistence and ingenuity, he eventually got the baby up to land, across from Assumption Church.

Congratulations to Joe, and all who helped in any way.

Part of the rescue effort. (Photo courtesy of Joe Loparo)

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Eugene Gans of Westport died Monday, at Norwalk Hospital. He was 93.

The New York City native loved his career and colleagues in R&D at Hoffman-LaRoche, Richardson-Vicks and Medicis.

Gene is survived by his wife of 70 years, Roslyn Gans; daughter Lois Gans Kemp (Lee), grandson Steven Kemp, and family and friends. He was predeceased by his son Steven Gans.

Funeral services will be held today (Thursday, June 29, 11 a.m., Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield, CT). Shiva will be observed at the Gans residence in Westport. For more information and to share an online message, click here.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Westport Senior Center, 21 Imperial Ave. Westport, CT 06880 or the Westport Library.

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Clearly, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo was not taken this morning.

 (Photo/Cathy Malkin)

If it had been, you’d see dozens of ghost chairs, tables and tents lining the sand.

And before you yap “Dogs are not allowed on the beach!” — look carefully.

Honey, Daisy, Yogi Bear and Bailey are not actually on the beach.

Happy fireworks!

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And finally … on this day in 1956 President Eisenhower signed the Federal Aid Highway Act, officially creating the United States Interstate Highway System.

Sure, it’s now possible to drive the entire length and breadth of the country without stopping for a red light. But today, at least one part of it — I-95 in Connecticut — can be called …

(Today — before celebrating the red, white and blue — consider sending a little green “06880”‘s way. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

 

 

9 Comments

Posted in Obituaries, Politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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[OPINION] No Fireworks, Please!

Posted on April 30, 2021 | 37 comments

Carole Schweid is a longtime Westporter, former Broadway performer, author of “Staged Reading Magic,” artistic director of the popular lunchtime play-reading series Play With Your Food, and a fireworks fan.

However, she writes:

I always loved the closely packed beaches on the 4th of July. I enjoyed the food, the crowds, didn’t even mind the traffic. It was a community celebration, and it felt like everybody showed up.

I look forward to doing it again — but not this year.

We all know that this is not the time to gather large crowds anywhere. And certainly not groups packed together on a beach …  after dark … trying to stay warm.

Pre-fireworks scene at Compo Beach, pre-pandemic.

I can’t think of any good reason why we would want to create such unnecessary risk, even with so many people vaccinated (the state of Connecticut is doing a great job). Even if you limit the number of cars, it’s a mob scene. There wouldn’t even be a way to supervise the basic things we’ve learned about protecting ourselves, like masking and social distancing — especially after dark.

It’s becoming easier to forget that there is still a pandemic going on. We have to pay attention to how we behave. As far as I can see, there are so many good reasons not to have this event. I can’t think of any good reasons in favor of it.

One could also argue that it may not be appropriate – this year, at this time – for our town to be spending our money on fireworks when so many Fairfield County families need food.

We are a generous community.. I’m thinking our time and our money could be better spent.

A timeless scene. Will we see it again this year?

 

37 Comments

Posted in Westport life

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All Is Ready…

Posted on July 3, 2013 | 2 comments

…in early afternoon, for this evening’s 3rd of July fireworks.

Now all we need is the weather to cooperate.

In a few hours this Danbury Avenue yard -- like many in the neighborhood -- will be filled with party-goers.

In a few hours this Danbury Avenue yard — like many in the neighborhood — will be filled with party-goers.

Nearly every picnic table at Compo Beach is already reserved -- and nearly every one has human beings doing the reserving. A man and his son brought this tent, to keep them cool during the long afternoon.

Nearly every picnic table at Compo Beach is already reserved — and nearly every one has human beings doing the reserving. A man and his son brought this tent, to keep them cool during the long afternoon.

There are no rules, however, about reserving spots on the rest of the beach. By noon, many folks had already staked out their spots.

There are no rules, however, about reserving spots on the rest of the beach. By noon, many folks had already staked out their spots — and left.

Most importantly, tonight there will plenty of places where people can "go."

Most importantly, tonight there will plenty of places where people can “go.”

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Westport life

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Caddying, Roman Candles And Cops

Posted on April 8, 2013 | 50 comments

Jono Walker comes from a long line of Westporters.

Very long — as in Bennetts and Schuylers, who lived on South Compo Road before the Revolutionary War.

Jono’s in Pennsylvania now, but he keeps up with his hometown — and thinks of it often. He publishes a blog — Jono’s Book Reviews — where he adds his own vivid personality to critiques of books from a variety of genres.

Jono Walker

Jono Walker

(His love of literature is inherited. Jono’s mother, Joy Walker, spent decades as a much-loved Staples English teacher.)

He recently blogged about  Richard Ford’s new novel Canada. The book brought up some some “long forgotten childhood fears about how life as you know it might suddenly unravel.”

Those fears took root in Westport. Here’s his story:

It was the summer between 8th and 9th grade. I was a caddy at Longshore, working for guys like Joe Nistico, Sally Peppers and the Izzo brothers.

This cadre of elite Saturday morning golfers was made up of teachers, cops and local business owners who sponsored Little League teams and financed the Memorial Day Parade and fireworks at Compo. They peppered their golf rounds with hilarious off-color jokes, and if they ever missed a 2-foot putt with money on the line, their long pearls of non-repeating curse words were heart-stirringly inventive.

Not only were these men the undisputed kings of Longshore in those days, they were the heart and soul of Westport. While others rode the train into the city, these guys stayed in town and made things run. By no means were they saints, but they were as honest as they were rough around the edges.

Longshore was a bit rougher back in the 1960s. So were the golfers.

Longshore was a bit rougher back in the 1960s. So were the golfers.

A kid named Griff — a classmate at Bedford Junior High — instituted a regular poker game on Saturday afternoons that summer. It cranked up just when we were coming in from our morning rounds flush with cash. With 2 burly bodyguards in tow, he’d plunk down on the caddy bench, pull out his deck of Bicycle Playing Cards, flash a wise guy’s smile and ask, “Ready for some poker, gentlemen?”

He fleeced us week in and out. We were easy marks.

One Saturday, after stuffing another wad of our cash into his corduroy Lee jeans, Griff announced that he had some cherry bombs and M-80’s he could sell us at 5 bucks per handful. I wanted in.

The plan was to meet at Compo Beach just before the fireworks display. We’d do the deal right down at the waterline. The best place, he said, to make a transaction like this was out in a big crowd in plain sight. Nobody would suspect a thing.

FireworksAt the appointed hour I stood near the brick bathhouses and found myself face to face with that wise guy smirk. Because Griff’s hands were full he asked me to stick the bill in his back pocket, and be quick about it. He said it was my lucky day, thrust both grocery bags into my arms and turned around.

I watched him disappear nonchalantly into the crowd, and peered wide-eyed into the Grand Union bags. They were crammed full of M-80s, ash cans, cherry bombs, Roman candles, and string after string of fire crackers.

I couldn’t believe it! The sweet, exotic smell of gunpowder wafted into the  summer air. “Jackpot!” I cried to myself — just as the heavy hand of the law clamped down on my shoulder from behind.

I will never forget the shame of being the person inside the head that policeman puts his hand atop as he assists it into the back seat of a waiting squad car. I sat there feeling scared and queasy for what seemed like hours, as the officer sat up front filling out paperwork.

Finally, he turned around to face me with a smile I wasn’t sure how to read.   It was my first good look at his face. Immediately I recognized him as one of the cops I knew from Longshore, which sent a fresh new rush of heat to my ears.

He whistled through his teeth and said,” Your old man’s sure gonna be pissed now, innit he?”

50 Comments

Posted in Beach, Longshore, Looking back, People, Police, Teenagers

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A Westport 3rd

Posted on July 3, 2009 | 3 comments

These are not Westport fireworks. I found this image on the web. If I didn't tell you, though, you'd never have known.

These are not Westport fireworks. I found this image on the web. If I didn't tell you, though, you'd never have known.

Happy 3rd of July!

As Westport readies our own unique celebration — we shoot off fireworks any time between the 1st and the 6th, but never the 4th — here are a few thoughts, tips and reminders for tonight:

  • Plan ahead! Want a coveted South Beach picnic table?  Get there early.  A rule of thumb is a couple of hours earlier than whatever you think is reasonable.  Be a good do-be, and designate (or hire) an actual human being to hold the fort.  “Reserving tables” with ghost tablecloths, balloons and flower vases is not cool.
  • Be ready to move. In mid-afternoon, a well-choreographed vehicular ballet takes place.  All cars must vacate the beach at 4 p.m.; only folks holding fireworks tickets can drive back in at 5.  Some people try nefarious tricks to avoid paying the $30 per car fee.  That’s just wrong.  Fireworks cost money — these don’t come from some roadside stand in South Carolina — and all proceeds benefit the Westport PAL.  NOTE:  Tickets must be purchased in advance, at the Longshore Parks and Rec office during business hours, and at police headquarters any time.
  • Enjoy the show. And by “show” I mean entertainment and people-watching.  There is usually a marching band, and an imported fife-and-drum corps.  This year’s added attraction:  For the Heart, a group of show tune-singing teenagers, performs at the cannons at 6:45 p.m.  Wherever you plant yourself, take time to meander along the beach, seeing and being seen. The street scene on Soundview Drive is particularly lively. This is Westport “community” at its best.
  • Let your children go. Unless your kids are 2, don’t worry if they wander off with friends.  Independence Day is all about freedom.  There’s nothing better for a Westport child than to roam the beach with buddies, surrounded by (but blissfully apart from) other happy people of all ages.  And in today’s cellphone and GPS-enabled age, it’s not like anyone can get lost.  NOTE TO TEENAGERS:  When the fireworks start, sit down and watch.  Making cell calls — and texting — is not an appropriate way to honor our country.
  • Forget the weather. Face it:  Summer will arrive in June of 2010.  Pack an extra layer; throw some rain gear in with the watermelon and Pampers, and chill (ho ho).  A couple of years ago clouds rolled in at exactly 9:15, and the fireworks were less than fiery.  Most people took it in stride; a few boneheads demanded their money back.  After what we’ve been through the last year, a bit of rain on our 3rd of July parade is the least of our worries.
  • Stick around when it’s over. Yeah, leaving the beach makes I-95 look like the Indy 500.  But it lasts for only an hour.  Don’t race to your car as the last firework explodes.  Stay where you are; relax; enjoy the evening.  Your kids don’t need to get to bed (tomorrow’s the real 4th), and you don’t need to stress out in the parking lot.  If you’re not driving:  Open that extra bottle of wine!

Happy birthday, America.  At 233, you’re better than ever!

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Posted in Beach, Westport life

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