Tag Archives: Memorial Day parade

Roundup: Spring In Full Swing: Memorial Day Grand Marshal, Pops Concert, Taste of Westport …

Posted on May 12, 2026 | 2 comments

Once again, the Memorial Day parade is honored to honor a World War II veteran.

Herb Podel is this year’s grand marshal, for the May 25 event.

The 101-year-old longtime Westporter served in the Pacific Theater. He was attached to a Seabee unit as an aviation and electronics specialist. Their primary focus was preparation for the planned invasion of Japan.

A resident here since 1965, Herb spent decades contributing to the community through volunteerism, leadership and civic engagement. The father of 2 daughters, Alison Bricken and Jacqueline Podel, he owned a company that manufactured recreation equipment for many years.

Herb has received 2 awards from the town of Westport recognizing his volunteer efforts. He served for many years as president of the Saugatuck Senior Cooperative board. He founded and facilitated the longtime Cultural Salon discussion group in Westport, and held numerous roles at Temple Israel.

Herb now lives at The Residence at Westport. He continues to be an active member of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, where he regularly participates in classes, discussion groups, special events and community lunches.

In February of 2025, Herb Podel celebrated his 100th birthday at the Senior Center with director Wendy Petty (right) and then-2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore.

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Speaking of the Memorial Day parade: Westport groups, civic organizations and businesses interested in participating in the community event should register here. The deadline is May 17.

(Photo/Kelly Freitag)

All ages, and all kind of groups, “march” in the Memorial Day parade.

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Hard to believe, but the Westport Pops Concert is now 10 years old.

From its first performance in 2016, the Staples High School-meets-Levitt Pavilion event became a beloved (and quickly sold-out) tradition.

This year’s show is Friday, June 5. Featured musicians include the nationally recognized Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble One, Choralaires, Sonora, Orphenians, Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, and small group ensembles.

James Naughton returns as emcee.

The Levitt lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO chair); the concert begins at 7. Tickets are free, but a donation of $15 per ticket is suggested to help offset production costs.

Tickets are available at wpsarts.org/staplesmusic on Friday, May 22 at 9 a.m.; first-come, first-served.

Westport Pops poster graphic inspired by senior Connor Yuan.

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Another great Westport tradition is also near. And it too celebrates a milestone.

The 20th annual Taste of Westport returns Wednesday, June 3 (6 p.m., Fairfield County Hunt Club). As they’ve done for 20 years, the area’s top restaurants and mixologists will host an evening of great food, drinks and community — all for a wonderful cause.

The fundraiser benefits CLASP Homes. All proceeds help provide group homes and 24/7/365 services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

Restaurants serving up their favorite dishes include Gabriele’s, The Bridge, Nômade, Massi Co, The Whelk, Artisan and Dandelion — and many others.

Guests will also enjoy signature cocktails, a Champagne and caviar bar, and a bourbon tasting experience. A silent auction adds to the fun.

A few tickets remain. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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One more event of note: A few foursomes remain for the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 10th annual Golf for Good tournament (May 18, Aspetuck Valley Country Club).

he Westport Weston Family YMCA is proud to announce its 10th Annual Golf for Good Charity Golf Tournament, taking place on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Aspetuck Valley Country Club.

Proceeds support the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, enabling individuals and families to participate in programs regardless of financial circumstances. Funds also support youth sports and camp, Parkinson’s wellness and independence programs, cancer survivorship support, and access for veterans.

For more details and to register, click here.

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We’re not sure how many Westporters follow the Library of Congress on Twitter (aka “X”).

But it’s a good thing for “06880” that Josh Berkowsky does.

A recent tweet celebrating National Cartoonist Day (May 5 — we all missed it) gave several examples of cartoons drawn on letters by soldiers in World War II.

Two very colorful ones were sent from a Sgt. Duquette in San Francisco, to Mrs. Gerald Duquette, on Sturges Highway here.

They are not the work of Sgt. Duquette. Josh says that the Library of Congress website credits the art to his friend, Technical Sgt. Samuel Lionel Boylston of South Carolina.

The recipient is Duquette’s wife, “Mrs. Gerald Duquette.”

One more local connection: Tom Duquette is a frequent “06880” commenter. He always adds “SHS ’75” (Staples Class of 1975).

Tom: If you’re reading this, please click “Comments” to let us know the connection!

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Four properties are on the agenda, for the Blight Prevention Board’s May 14 meeting (7 p.m., Zoom):

  • 20 Center Street
  • 5 Hiawatha Lane
  • 7 Hiawatha Lane
  • 20 Meeker Road

20 Center Street

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Norwalk’s Mike Camacho will not have far to travel Thursday.

The drummer headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (May 14, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).

He’ll be joined by bassist Phil Bowler, pianist Steve Einorson, trumpeter Josh Bruneau and saxophonist Nathan Bellot. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Spring foliage continues spectacularly, on Hillandale Road (and many other spots, all around town).

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo comes from Greens Farms resident Bob Weingarten.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … in honor of 2 World War II stories today (Herb Podel and Sgt. Duquette, above):

(We don’t want to toot our horn, but since our first “06880” in 2009, we’ve posted over 20,000 stories — and haven’t missed a day. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Looking back, Staples HS, YMCA

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Roundup: Cribari Bridge Meeting Tonight, Basketball Championship Saturday, Memorial Day Parade In May …

Posted on March 19, 2026 | 1 comment

Tonight’s main event — a public meeting about next steps for the Cribari Bridge, with representatives of the state Department of Transportation — begins at 6 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium.

Can’t be there? It will be livestreamed at www.westportct.gov, and aired on Optimum channel 79.

The Cribari Bridge leads from Saugatuck (above) to Greens Farms. (Photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography.com)

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Meanwhile, Saturday’s main event will be the state high school basketball championship.

The Staples boys team — already 2-time FCIAC champions — competes for their first Connecticut crown since 1937.

Tip-off is 8:30 p.m., at Mohegan Sun.

Sure, it’s late — and at the other end of the state. But it’s been nearly a century since Westporters have been able to cheer the Wreckers on in a state boys basketball final.

Go Wreckers! And go Westporters — see you Saturday night at Mohegan Sun!

The Staples boys basketball team. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

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Looking ahead: The theme for the Memorial Day parade float contest has been announced.

And — looking back — it’s a great one: “250 Years of Honor and Service.

Certificates will be awarded in 6 categories: Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful, and Best Overall Float.

Of course, we already know the winner in the Overall category.

It’s the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

After all, they’ve won for the last 250 years.

Another Y’s Men Memorial Day parade float winner. This one won in 2021. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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In their continuing effort to UnPlastic Westport, Sustainable Westport will show “Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics.” The documentary explores the alarming spread of microplastics throughout our planet — and our bodies.

The event — following a sold-out showing at SXSW — is April 9 (6:30 p.m., Greens Farms Academy). A panel discussion will follow the screening.

It’s free — but click here to register.

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Westport Professionals Network co-founders Lisa Fedorchak and Katie Gervasio, analyzed the current job market, at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.

The WPN connects local college students and young professionals with job and networking opportunities. Volunteers offer mentorship and advice, in person and online.

“Right now, this is a tough time,” said Fedorchak. “The young professional unemployment rate is 10.5%.”

Lisa Fedorchak (speaking) and Katie Gervasio, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport resident Vivek Kanthan wants to end the drought of Americans ascending to the top of Formula 1.

“06880” last checked in just over a year ago, when he signed with the Formula 4 team Griffin Core by Campos — the top-ranked team in that division.

Since then, Kanthan won his first F4 race, captured Rookie of the Year honors, and set several records, including the single lap speed mark in Mexico City.

Last weekend, the 15-year-old placed 1st at the Spanish Winter Championship.

Entering his second F4 season, Kanthan invites “06880” readers to follow him on Instagram, and via his website.

Vivek Kanthan

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For more than 4 decades, The Susan Fund has provided college scholarships to Fairfield Country residents who have been diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life, and attend (or plan to) enroll in an institution of higher learning.

The Fund was established in 1980 in memory of her Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $2 million in scholarships to more than 300 students.

The deadline is near — April 1 — for applications for the 2026 school year. To apply or to learn more about the Susan Fund, click here.

The 2025 Susan Fund awardees.

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G. Love, Donavon Frankenreiter and Moon Taxi bring their “Rolling Together Revue Tour” to the Levitt Pavilion on June 23.

Tickets go on sale Friday (March 20, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase.

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On May 2, the Nolan Team at Compass is sponsoring a town-wide tag sale. It will likely be Westport’s biggest ever.

Residents can participate by hosting a sale at their own home.

It’s a great way to get plenty of publicity. The Nolan Team handles all promotion (including a sign for your lawn or driveway). Your address will be included on a map, and all publicity.

Shoppers can plan their own route, and visit multiple sales all day.

To participate, and for more information, click here.

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300 years of passageways in Weston is the topic of an April 19 book talk at the Weston History & Culture Center.

Artist Julie O’Connor will discuss her 2008 book, “Doors of Weston.”

The lecture is free, but registration is required.  Click here.

doors are accessible “portals” to understanding the evolution of Weston and its people over the last three centuries, as we celebrate America and Weston since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The Center says, “doors are accessible ‘portals’ to understanding the evolution of Weston and its people over the last 3 centuries, as we celebrate America and Weston since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”

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“Playhouse Playmakers” — the Westport Country Playhouse children’s education program — runs Saturdays (1 to 4 p.m.), from April 11 through May 30.

Together, middle school students create an original play, then present a staged reading for family and friends. Click here for more information, and registration.

Evette Marie White, Playhouse Playmakers director.

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between March 11 and 17.

A 44-year-old Woodside, New York man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, following 2 shoplifting incidents at Walgreens. Both involved allergy medications. One was of $2,659 worth of merchandise; the other was $1,964. He was extradited after being incarcerated for an unrelated matter in New York.He was held on a $40,000 bond.

A 50-year-old Redding man was charged with sexual assault, after a complaint by a restaurant employee that a customer had used his hand to pinch the victim’s buttocks.

A 44-year-old Plymouth, Massachusetts man was charged with failure to appear. He was held on a $25,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 9 citations
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Failure to obey traffic commission regulations: 4
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Articles obstructing view: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Failure to cancel registration within 10 days: 1

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Celia Campbell-Mohn often sees these male and female red-tailed hawks, near Timber Lane.

The other day, she snapped a loving look between them, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming “Doors of Weston” event (item above), and in order to get a good crowd:

(Tell all the people about all the events you learn about through “06880.” And while you’re at it, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Police, Politics, Saugatuck

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Memorial Day Parade 2025 Gallery

Posted on May 26, 2025 | 4 comments

Skies were blue, and the temperature perfect, for today’s Memorial Day parade.

On the way to the parade, at the Saugatuck Church. 

A couple of thousand military veterans, first responders, band musicians, young athletes, older Y’s Men, plus a wide range of others — including the grand marshal, Judge Edward Karazin — marched, ambled, danced, rode and scootered, from the start at Saugatuck Elementary School to the end in Parker Harding Plaza.

Vietnam veteran and grand marshal Judge Edward Karzin, with his wife Renee. (Photo/Tom Feeley)

A couple of thousand more spectators — like the parade-goers, of all ages — cheered them (and their favorites) on.

Then, the largest crowd in memory filled Veterans Green for the annual ceremony honoring the reason for the day: the 1.35 million Americans who have given their lives for our country, from the 1770s to now.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker noted that the diversity of America’s military is one of its strengths.

Nick Rossi sings the national anthem. From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Brien Horan.

Grand Marshal Karazin recounted his years growing up here — including riding his bike in the Memorial Day parade, and graduating from Staples High School in 1957 — and called the day “a living, loving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” He urged Westporters to reflect on their lives, and “give back to the town, to help it and others.”

Connecticut National Guard Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan — a Westporter — gave a ringing address.

He noted that, unlike in other countries, American servicemembers swear allegiance not to a leader or political party, but to the Constitution. That means, he said, allegiance to core principles like freedom of speech, and due process under law.

To loud cheers, he encouraged young people to think about the military, and its adherence to those important values.

The Fire Department’s traditional early morning ceremony. (Photo/Sal Liccione)

Veterans remember POWs and MIAs.

Westport Police were out in force.

The Y’s’ Men’s float is always a winner. This year, it honored the USO.

It’s a family affair.

Clowning around.

It’s not a parade without a fife and drum corps.

Former Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk.

The sentiment of the day.

Honor guard.

Staples trumpeter Gargi Karve plays the mournful “Taps.” (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

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It’s Memorial Day! Send Your Parade Photos!

Posted on May 25, 2025 | Comments Off on It’s Memorial Day! Send Your Parade Photos!

The Memorial Day parade — one of Westport’s favorite events — returns tomorrow.

If you’ve been here a while, you know it’s Westport at its small-town best. If you’ve just arrived from Manhattan or Brooklyn: You may not know it, but this is one of the reasons you moved here.

(NOTE: It steps off Monday at 9 a.m., from Saugatuck Elementary School. Be sure to stick around at 10:30, for the ceremony at Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. And bring the kids!)

Everyone has a favorite spot to watch from: the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. A Post Road sidewalk. The stone walls in front of Myrtle Avenue homes.

Everyone has a favorite band, float or marcher to photograph too.

But why share them only with a few hundred dear pals, casual acquaintances and random how’d-they-get-on-my-list Facebook “friends”?

Tomorrow, let all of Westport see “your” Memorial Day parade. Send a few (not all!) of your photos to “06880” (email: 06880blog@gmail.com). Deadline: noon. Please include brief identification, if needed, and of course your own name.

I’ll post some (not all!) in the afternoon.

And be creative! We want special photos, for our special parade.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

(Photo/Charlie Scott)

(Photo/Diane Yormark)

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Roundup: Memorial Day Grand Marshal, Board Of Ed Agenda, Senator Blumenthal …

Posted on May 14, 2025 | 5 comments

A well-known and longtime Westporter will lead the Memorial Day parade as grand marshal: Judge Edward Karazin.

Shortly after marrying in 1965, he joined the Army. Deployed to Vietnam as a civil affairs officer, he served as a MACV advisor in the Pacification Program. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.

Following his service, Karazin returned home to pursue his passions for law and community. He was a lawyer and judge, providing pro bono legal work for veterans, and continues to support Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 in Westport.

He has spoken regularly at schools about his military experience, leads the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Stamford courthouse, and is an active participant in veterans’ events and local parades

Judge Karazin has also been a Little League coach and board member, Pop Warner board member, lector at Assumption Church, and instructor for in-service training with the Westport Police Department. He was also an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, teaching legal writing and family law.

The Memorial Day parade is May 26. It begins at 9 a.m. on Riverside Avenue, continues on Post Road East to Myrtle Avenue to Main Street, and ends at Parker Harding Plaza.

A special program begins immediately after the parade, at Veteran Green across from Town Hall.

Judge Edward Karazin

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The Board of Education meets tomorrow (Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., Staples cafeteria).

Among the key agenda items: a recommendation from superintendent Thomas Scarice on smartphones and wearable technology, and a redistricting update.

The meeting begins with 15 minutes of comment by the public, on non-agenda items.


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The Sanity Podcast — Westport journalist Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerata’s extremely educational and entertaining podcast — dropped its most sizzling episode ever this week.

Senator Richard Blumenthal came to the Content Studio on Saugatuck Avenue. He said that “no other scandal in American history” compares to President Trump’s crypto dealings, meme coin scams, and foreign cash grabs.

“Is America sliding into autocracy?” Dave and Alisyn ask. “Discover how $300 million was made in 100 days, and what Congress refuses to stop.”

The Sanity podcast is available here, as well as on Spotify and iTunes. Or you can click below:

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Mr. Pickleball is hanging up his racquet.

At the age of 96, Tom Lowrieis resigning as Westport’s pickleball ambassador.

The new ambassador — selected by USA Pickleball — is Brandon Osterhout. A native Westporter, Staples High School graduate and local business owner, he is as active a player has Tom has been for years.

Brandon will continue to promote the sport, through tournaments, social events, exhibitions, and new courts.

“Thank you for your years of friendship, and your shared love of pickleball,” Tom says. “You will still see me around the courts, waving from the sidelines.”

Thanks for all your service, Tom. This would not be a pickleball paradise without you!

Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)

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Westport has plenty of talented young artists.

But they get lots of help from their art teachers. And those instructors are very talented too.

The Westport Art Teacher Exhibition features work from educators across the district, including Stephanie Sileo, Mark DeRosa, Paula Morgan, Timothy Soper, Cecily Anderson, Carla Eichler, Cameryn Robinson, Denise Cuccia, Angela Simpson, and Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.

The exhibition runs May 12–23 at One River School of Art + Design. A reception is set for Friday (May 16, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). The public is invited. More information on the exhibit is available here.

(Paula Morgan)

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Seen downtown: L’Occitane on Main Street is closed for renovations. They’ll reopen later this month.

Meanwhile, around the corner on Church Lane, Fig Linens is closing. “Everything must go,” the sign says.

(Hat tip and photos/Sal Liccione)

Just a few yards away, Mrs. London’s finished with her/its loadout. The final day was Sunday. New York-based Maman takeks over soon.

The final item in the truck: the cappuccino machine.

(Hat tip and photo/Matt Murray)

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It’s cool that Leo is the first American pope.

But he’s from Chicago — 840 miles from here. We can’t really claim him as one of our own.

Still, he’s got at least one connection to this area. Check out Pope Leo XIV singing “Feliz Navidad” — the jangly, popular, not-very-religious-at-all Christmas tune written and performed by Weston’s own José Feliciano.

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Andrew Wilk is a Big Name in entertainment.

The Westporter is a 5-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and director of network television. He has worked with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renee Fleming, Audra McDonald and Kelli O’Hara.

He is also a noted stage director and writer. But symphony conducting remains his first love. He is a frequent musical director and conductor at the Paper Mill Playhouse, and been involved with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.

This Saturday (May 17), Wilk will be at Waterbury’s Palace Theater. He will conduct the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for a night of music and memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals.

The show will include musical numbers from “The Phantom of the Opera,”
“Ragtime,” “Evita” and “Dreamgirls,” plus “Over the Rainbow,” “Memory” and “Tomorrow.”

Tickets and more information are available here.

Andrew Wilk with one of his Emmys, at his Lincoln Center office.

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Pianist/composer Ted Rosenthal headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, May 15, VFW Post 399, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows, dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 veterans and students).

He’ll be joined by trumpeter Josh Bruneau, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg Wall. Tickets are available here.

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Steven Lewine died peacefully on April 13. He was 67, and had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease just 10 days earlier, and spent that time surrounded by his many loved ones.

At age 15, the Great Neck, Long Island native was hit by a truck while walking to school. Hespent several weeks in a full body cast. Doctors told him his survival was due to strength and luck. He often referred back to this experience to tap into a deep well of resilience and optimism.

He became the first person in his family to go to college. Steve studied Spanish and business in New York, Mexico, Canada, Arizona and Spain, earning 2 master’s degrees. He married Blandine in 1984. He had a career in investment banking, working across Latin America and spending 5 years in São Paulo, Brazil.

In 2013 he married Julie. He built a second career as a financial advisort. In 2021 he endowed the Lewine Global Engagement Fund at his alma mater, SUNY Brockport, to facilitate international experiences like the ones that shaped him.

He was passionate about the Rotary Club, through which he organized fundraising and service trips to schools and nonprofit organizations in Latin America.

Steve is survived by his wife Julie; their children Chris (Natalie), Nico (Pallavi), Gabby (Jimmy), Cara Miller (Cory) and Cody Wright (Laura), and grandchildren Leonardo, Jaya, Isabelle, and Owen, and siblings Julie, Bob and Barbara. Steve was also a father figure to his late brother Danny’s eldest daughter Patricia (Jason), and counted her daughter Rosalie among his grandchildren.

A memorial service is set for May 29 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). with a celebration of life to follow that day from 5-7 p.m. at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the CJD Foundation.

Steve Lewine

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” shows a rhododendron. Photographer Bob Weingarten notes that it flowers from the bottom up.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … Happy National Night Shift Workers Day!

(“06880” works 24/7 — including the night shift — to bring you all of Westport’s news, events, photos and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Parade Is ON (As Of Now)

Posted on May 27, 2024 | 1 comment

Despite the threat of rain, today’s Memorial Day parade is ON.

That’s as of 8:20 a.m. If conditions change, the parade may be canceled.

As of now too, the ceremony that follows the parade on Veterans Green — at approximately 10:30 a.m. may be moved indoors, at Town Hall.

Members of the military know they must be flexible. The same goes for parade-goers today.

Fingers crossed. See you along the route (we hope).

Memorial Day parade, 2023. (Photo/Michael Chait)

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Memorial Day: We Remember

Posted on May 27, 2024 | 1 comment

On December 4, 1943, the Saturday Evening Post cover featured Westport illustrator Stevan Dohanos’ painting of our town’s Honor Roll.

It stood in front of the old Town Hall (now Don Memo and Walrus Alley restaurants). The magazine called it “Honoring the Dead.”

In fact, it honored all the Westporters then serving in World War II. In late 1943, victory was not yet assured. It was a terrible time. Many of those whose names were outside Town Hall did not make it home.

Town Hall is now on Myrtle Avenue. Plaques across the street — on Veterans Green — memorialize Westporters killed in several wars. This is the one for World War II:

Veterans Green is also where a ceremony takes place, immediately after today’s parade (approximately 10:30 a.m.). It is sobering and inspiring; mournful and uplifting.

It does not take long. There are a couple of speeches, some rousing march music, the laying of a wreath, the playing of “Taps.”

So many Westporters have sacrificed so much, to ensure the freedoms we have today.

The brief Veterans Green ceremony is one small way by which we can honor them.

If you have been to the Memorial Day ceremony, you know what I mean.

If you have never been: Make this the year to go.

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Memorial Day Parade: Please Send Photos!

Posted on May 26, 2024 | Comments Off on Memorial Day Parade: Please Send Photos!

The Memorial Day parade is one of Westport’s greatest town events.

Everyone has a favorite spot to watch from. Everyone has a favorite band, float or marcher to photograph.

But why share them only with a few hundred dear pals, casual acquaintances and random how’d-they-get-on-my-list Facebook “friends”?

Tomorrow, let all of Westport see “your” Memorial Day parade. Send a few (not all!) of your photos to “06880” (email: 06880blog@gmail.com). Deadline: 2 p.m. Please include brief identification, if needed, and of course your own name.

I’ll post some (not all!) in the afternoon.

And be creative! We want special photos, for our special parade.

Seen along the Memorial Day parade route.

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Roundup: Gloria, StoryFest, Downtown Parking …

Posted on May 17, 2024 | 2 comments

Gloria is gone.

The oyster boat — lovingly cared for by Alan Sterling during his long life, then a Gray’s Creek icon for years after the oysterman’s death, before falling victim to weather and age — was dismantled and removed yesterday.

It had been cast up on land during a very high tide a few months ago.

Nothing remains of Gloria today.

Except many, many memories.

Sic transit gloria mundi.

Gloria, in better days. (Photo/Betsy P. Kahn)

Gloria, after being washed ashore. (Photo/Larry Hoy)

The final journey, in a flatbed truck. (Photo/Larry Hoy)

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A celebration of Leonard Everett Fisher’s life is set for June 24 (3 to 6 p.m., Westport Library).

The date is special. It would have been the noted illustrator/artist, longtime civic volunteer and proud World War II veteran’s 100th birthday.

Donations in his and his wife’s name can be made to “Margery & Leonard Everett Fisher Endowment for Children’s Books in the Arts,” c/o Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Leonard Everett Fisher (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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From its start as “Saugatuck StoryFest,” the Westport Library’s annual literary festival has grown rapidly.

It’s now the largest annual such even in Connecticut, and one of the biggest in the Northeast.

The 7th edition — set for Friday, September 20 through Sunday, September 22 — will be the most genre-spanning of all.

Headliners include author/essayist/editor Roxane Gay (Bad Feminist, Difficult Women), best-selling writer Christopher Golden (Hellboy, The House of Last Resort), and award-winning author Claire Messud (The Emperor’s Children, This Strange Eventful History).

This year’s StoryFest features a special tribute to the Publishers Weekly editor (and Westport Library friend) Sybil Steinberg, who died earlier this year, and a PitchFest workshop.

Other authors scheduled to appear are Kerstin Bakis, Julia Bartz, Clay Chapman, May Cobb, Rachel Harrison, Isi Hendrix, Don P. Hooper, Gabino Iglesias, Hal Johnson, Chris Knapp, Ryan La Sala, Josh Malerman, GennaRose Nethercott, Anna Noyes, Courtney Preiss, Oliver Radclyffe, Ainissa Ramirez, Shannon C.F. Rogers, Hugh Ryan, Peng Shepherd, and Diana Sussman.

Jennifer Baker will conduct a live recording of her podcast, Minorities in Publishing, while editor Ellen Datlow returns to the Library’s Trefz Forum for a panel discussion with authors from her latest anthology.

Additional attendees will be announced throughout the summer.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

StoryFest headliners (from left): Claire Messud, Roxane Gay, Christopher Golden.

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Looking for a place to park downtown?

“06880” can’t get you an exact spot. But we can point you in the right direction.

So can signs like these:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Clicking on the QR code brings up the Discover Westport page, with maps and statistics on 20 downtown parking lots.

Some — like the Senior Center — might be off most people’s radars. But there’s plenty of good information.

And the drone photos are pretty cool.

PS: If you don’t want to bother with the QR code, just click here.

Taylor Place parking lot, by Jesup Green.

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The line of march is set, for the Memorial Day parade (Monday, May 27, 9 a.m.).

Westporters know this is a community highlight of the year. If you’ve never been: Don’t miss it. Find a spot along the route — from Saugatuck Avenue on Riverside Avenue, right on the Post Road, left on Myrtle Avenue — and enjoy the music of marching bands, the fun of tons of kids, the spirit of civic groups, and a salute to first responders and (of course) our veterans.

Be sure to stick around for the half-hour ceremony on Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. It’s meaningful and important. The speeches are brief, but the service is inspiring.

The parade includes:

Connecticut Alumni Drum & Bugle Corps
Westport Police Department
Westport Volunteer EMS
Westport-Weston CERT
Grand Marshal Charles P. Lamb

Dignitaries: Selectwomen, RTM members
Westport Community Band
Connecticut Veterans Honor Guard
August Matthias Post 63 – American Legion & Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 – Veterans of Foreign Wars, with VFW Auxiliary 399 Westport Float
Scouts BSA Westport

Nash Drum Corps
Westport Fire Department
Y’s Men of Westport/Weston
League of Women Voters
Staples High School Marching Band
Staples High School Cheerleaders
Westport Library
Girl Scouts of Westport
Westport PAL
Westport Soccer
Westport Little League
Coleytown/Bedford Combined Middle School Bands
Westport Woman’s Club
St. Paul Christian School

CLUB203
My Team Triumph
Knights of Columbus – Westport
Westport Rotary Club
Suzuki Music School
Westport Pride
United Methodist Church of Westport-Weston
Builders Beyond Boarders
Westport Garden Club
Westport Sunrise Rotary
Westport Transit District
Col. John Chester Fife & Drum Corps
Westport Weston Family YMCA
Masonic Lodge
Junior Colonial Fife & Drum Corps of Westbrook, CT

A small part of the 2023 Memorial Day parade (Photo/Charlie Scott)

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Igor Pikayzen — Westport’s favorite home-grown violinist — brings his Festival Edelio back to his hometown.

This summer’s 2 concerts have something for everyone: the defiance of Shostakovich, charm of Saint-Saëns, joy of Gershwin, beauty of Brahms and more.

Several talented artists will join the 2005 Staples High School graduate (who went on to Juilliard, then earned a master’s degree from Yale, and a doctor of musical arts at CUNY).

Concerts are June 9 and 16 (7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). There is a wine reception after each. Click here for more information, and tickets.

Igor Pikayzen

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Judge Frederick Freedman died peacefully at his Westport home on Wednesday. He was 95. .

Born in Bridgeport, he moved with his parents to London for several years, but they returned to the US just before World War II. He Freedman graduated from Bassick High School, and earned a BA from the University of Connecticut, then a law degree from Yale in 1954.

He was a first lieutenant in the Air Force JAG during the Vietnam War.

He practiced law with Brody and Brody, P.C. until 1981 when Governor O’Neill appointed him to the Connecticut Superior Court bench.

In 1992 Judge Freedman was appointed to the Connecticut Appellate Court by Governor Lowell Weicker. He served as chief administrative judge, senior judge judge trial referee.

He retired from the bench in 2012, after 30 years. He then became counsel at Halloran & Sage’s Westport office.

He loved spending time with his family, traveling, good food, reading, playing golf, dogs, and a great joke.

His family says, “Judge Freedman was an honorable, impeccable man, honest, loyal, fair, with a sweet, tender, gentle disposition, and a brilliant mind. He was known for his exceptional sense of humor and his dignity, his fastidious attention to detail, and his wonderful taste in clothes.”

Judge Freedman is survived by his wife of 68 years, Dorothy (née Nevas) of Westport; his children Janet Freedman of Westport; Susan (Rev. Dr. Mark L. Heilshorn) Filan of Newtown, and Ellen (Steven) Nevas Freedman Wilner of New York City, and grandchildren, Eric (Dayane) Zimmerman, Mee Mee and Hallie Filan of Newtown, and Samantha and Kasey Wilner of New York City; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Hon. Alan H. and Janet Nevas of Westport, and nieces and nephews Andrew (Jodie) Nevas, Dr. Debra (Dr. Jonathan Abrams) Nevas and, and Nathaniel (Leslie Radel) Nevas.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday (May 21, 9:30 a.m., Temple Israel). Burial will follow at Independent Hebrew Cemetery in Norwalk. For more information and to share a condolence message, click here.

Memorial contributions may be made to Yale Law School Fund, Financial Aid/Career Options Assistance Program.

Judge Frederick Freedman

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Have you ever heard of a lesser yellowlegs?

I hadn’t.

Whether you’re a birder or not, Paul Delano’s submission for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows us all its fragile beauty.

(Photo/Paul Delano)

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And finally … on this day in 1971, “Godspell” opened at New York’s Cherry Lane Theatre. It became the third-longest-running off-Broadway production of its day.

(Day by day, “06880” brings you news, events and more — all Westport, 24/7/365. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Downtown, Environment, Library, Obituaries

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Remembering Bill Vornkahl

Posted on January 28, 2024 | 15 comments

William F. Vornkahl III died Friday. He was 93 years old.

Westporters knew — and loved — him as “Bill.”

His other nickname was “Mr. Memorial Day.” For 54 years — ever since 1970 — he organized, orchestrated and led Westport’s annual parade.

It was an enormous undertaking. The moving parts — the marchers, the floats, the route, the ceremony on Veterans Green — were many, and daunting.

But it was a labor of love.

Bill Vornkahl was many things: a Korean War veteran, member of the Westport Veterans Council, volunteer firefighter, Little League coach, member of Staples High School football’s sideline crew.

He was a proud veteran, and an equally proud Westporter. He will be deeply and lovingly missed.

Bill Vornkahl, at last year’s Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Visitation is set for this Thursday (February 1, 4 to 8 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). Bill’s funeral is Friday (February 2, 11 a.m., St. Paul Church, Easton Road).

In 2018, “06880” honored Bill Vornkahl as our Unsung Hero. Here is that story:  

On Monday, Westport celebrates Memorial Day.

We do it with one of the town’s most popular and beloved events of the year: a fun, wonderful and wide-ranging parade, followed by a solemn yet uplifting ceremony across from Town Hall.

It’s a huge undertaking. Hundreds of town employees and volunteers pitch in to make it all work. It seems effortless, but it’s anything but.

None of it would happen, though, without the leadership of Bill Vornkahl.

This will be the Westporter’s 49th year at the helm. When he started in 1970, the parade may have included Spanish-American War veterans. Today there are only a few who served in World War II.

Vornhkahl — now 88 years old — is a Korean War vet. He spent 14 months on the island of Hokkaido, Japan, working as a high-speed radio operator in the 1st Cavalry Division.

In 2013, he was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

Bill Vornkahl

Vornkahl has been a member of the Westport Veterans Council even longer than he’s run the parade: 57 years.

From 1996 to ’99 he was treasurer of Westport’s War Monument Committee, helping place memorials to various wars on Veterans Green.

He joined the Greens Farms Volunteer Fire Company in 1950. He’s served as secretary/treasurer of both that company and Saugatuck Hose Company #4, and as president of the Westport Volunteer Fire Company from 1973 to ’93.

He coached Little League for more than 20 years, and for over a decade was part of the Staples High School football sideline crew.

Vornkahl has dedicated his life to Westport. Of all he’s done, the Memorial Day parade is his special passion. He makes sure it all happens flawlessly.

In 2015, Bill Vornkahl and 3 Girl Scout Daisies recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Of course, the one thing he can’t control is the weather. The last 2 years, predictions of rain have canceled the parade, and moved the ceremonies indoors.

You may have seen him inside Town Hall, introducing the color guard, bands and speakers.

This Monday, we all hope he’ll be outdoors on Veterans Green, doing the same.

He’ll be busy — as he has been every Memorial Day since 1970. So now is the best time to thank him for all he does.

Veterans usually don’t like honors. But Bill Vornkahl is a true Unsung Hero.

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In 2020, COVID canceled Westport’s Memorial Day parade.

But our town did not forget its veterans — or Bill Vornkahl. “06880” That day, “06880” reported:

This might have been a lonely Memorial Day for Bill Vornkahl.

As “06880” reported this morning, the 90-year-old Korean War veteran recently lost his wife of 65 years.

And this year — for the first time in the 50 years he has organized Westport’s annual parade and tribute to fallen service members — the entire event was canceled, due to COVID.

But his family arranged a socially distanced cookout in the driveway of his Cross Highway home.

And in mid-morning — just like every year at Town Hall — Vornkahl heard “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Taps.”

Nick Rossi sings the national anthem.

The national anthem was sung stirringly by Nick Rossi. The 2019 Staples High School graduate — now a student at Boston College — is a veteran of Veteran’s Green. He played and sang at last year’s ceremony.

The mournful brass notes were sounded by Sam Atlas. The 2018 Staples grad is a trumpet major at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, where she plays in the orchestra, wind ensemble and chamber groups.

Sam Atlas plays “Taps.”

It was a fitting tribute for the man who is Westport’s “Mr. Memorial Day.” And he responded as any soldier would:

(Photos/Janine Scotti)

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It was a Bill Vornkahl tradition to close every Memorial Day ceremony with “It Is The Soldier,” a poem by Charles H. Province. “06880” is honored to post this, in honor of “Mr. Memorial Day,” Bill Vornkahl.

It is the soldier, not the minister
Who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the soldier, not the reporter
Who has given us freedom of press.

It is the soldier, not the poet
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the soldier, not the campus organizer
Who has given us freedom to protest.

It is the soldier, not the lawyer
Who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the soldier, not the politician
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the soldier who salutes the flag,
Who serves beneath the flag,
And whose coffin is draped by the flag,
Who allows the protester to burn the flag.

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Posted in History, Looking back, Obituaries

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