Brilliant Dazzles Locals during Southport Visit

Brilliant Dazzles Locals during Southport Visit:

Briggs Cunningham’s classic schooner comes home

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield Citizen News)

6/1/11

Southport, CT – Trim, well-heeled and dressed to impress, she looked outstanding for her 79 years, sitting proudly dockside.

The storied schooner “Brilliant” was back home, if only for a quick visit, in Southport Harbor Wednesday afternoon, attracting boaters, history fans and long-time area residents. Once owned by late Southporter Briggs Cunningham, the vessel is now maintained by Mystic Seaport in Mystic, CT, and is used for annual training programs.

Standing mid-ship on the nearly 62-foot-long, 30-ton craft, Captain Ham Moore shared some of Brilliant’s history. “She was built for Walter Barnum in 1932 by Henry B. Nevins Yard in City Island, NY, one of the premiere boat builders of that era,” he said. “The designer was Olin Stephens of Sparkman and Stephens. After Barnum, the boat changed hands several times until Cunningham took possession in the mid-1940s. He started a youth sailing program with it at Pequot Yacht Club.”

When Cunningham donated the ship to Mystic Seaport in 1953, he specified that it continue to be used as a training vessel. Today, she sails May through October, providing weekend trips for adults in the spring and fall and five- and ten-day training programs for teens in the summer. She is also available for school groups and charter. She sails with three full-time crewmembers – a captain, mate and cook – and a complement of eight students.

“We can sail her with fewer people on board, but I wouldn’t want to be out with fewer than six,” said Chris Freeman, Director of Individual Giving at Mystic Seaport, who was on hand to give tours.

“We were down in Oyster Bay for the past week-and-a-half and decided to pay a visit to the ship’s home port,” said Moore. “It hasn’t been here since the mid-90s and there were a lot of friends of the ship and Seaport with whom we wanted to reconnect, while bringing a little of the Seaport down to here. She starts her teen service in a couple of weeks.”

Moore said Brilliant has been continuously well maintained over the years but that she is also exceptionally well built, meant to be very seaworthy and heavier than the fiberglass and carbon fiber construction of today’s boats.

Moore added, “She’s largely original other than the deck, which was replaced five years ago. She’s also been updated with modern safety and navigation equipment, as an inspected vessel that’s currently in use. She still sails 100 days a year and has carried over 10,000 people in her days at the Seaport.”

Walking the deck and admiring the brass fittings, Lewis Huffman of Fairfield said, “I love old boats. I’ve seen Brilliant at the Seaport but never had a chance to board her before. I personally used to own a wooden boat. I hope I look this good at 79. She’s perfect.”

Another visitor, Westporter Pam Collins, said, “My husband and I own a 38-foot sailboat. This is absolutely gorgeous, and very well maintained. It looks to be comfortable and well outfitted, especially for its age. I would love to go for a sail on it sometime.”

Visitor W. Stevens Sheppard, a long-time Southport resident, said Brilliant is the largest boat he ever remembers seeing in Southport Harbor and that Cunningham was very generous with his time, often taking out friends and neighbors for a sail. “I grew up on a schooner with the galley forward like Brilliant,” he said. “That’s an older design element.”

Looking out on the Harbor and the great lady moored there, Pequot Yacht Club Master Refinisher Chris Hughes said, “Brilliant is part of Pequot’s history and Briggs’ name speaks for itself. He was a top-notch sailor and did a lot for the junior sailing program here.”

View Finder: Memorial Day Parade’s Soggy Start

View Finder: Memorial Day 
Parade’s Soggy Start

Crowd’s spirit not dampened from morning thunderstorm

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 6/2)

5/30/11

Fairfield, CT – As the skies darkened, buckets of rain came down, thunder rumbled and lightning flashed early morning Monday, it seemed as if Fairfield’s Memorial Day parade, scheduled for a 10 a.m. start, would be a wash. Miraculously, the storm passed, revelers dried off the chairs and tarps they had placed along the parade route and the event commenced as scheduled. Despite air that quickly became heavy and humid, crowds cheered and clapped as dozens of parade entries passed. This included all the various school, military, police and fire groups, veterans organizations, Shriners and more, successfully sending another parade occasion into the town’s history books.

New Ordinance Curbs Chair Set-up before Memorial Day Parade

New Ordinance Curbs Chair Set-up before Memorial Day Parade:

Most obey guidelines 

along parade route

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 5/29)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

5/29/11

Fairfield, CT – Per a new town ordinance, 10 a.m. Sunday was the official time after which people were permitted to set out their chairs and blankets curbside to watch the Memorial Day parade, set to commence exactly 24 hours later, Monday morning. Though a Patch tour of the Old Post Road found more than two dozen individual set-ups already established by that time, most of these had just been placed on Saturday. In recent years past, it was not uncommon to see equipment set up days – even a week – in advance, so it was clear the new rules had registered. As Sunday morning ticked away, vans and cars started to pull up and unload, staking claim to coveted plots.

Gay Gasser, a resident at 740 Old Post Road, said the ordinance was a good one but mostly because it gave her a chance to get some yard maintenance done. “It gave me the opportunity to get the lawn mowed,” she said. “With chairs there, I can’t do it. I also don’t like the tarps there for long, as they kill the grass. When we first moved here, in May 1985, I’d wake up the kids at 6:30 on Memorial Day morning to put our chairs out. As the years went by, other people swooped in to take the space. That’s really o.k. as we’ve got the driveway, but last year it got ridiculous, with stuff going up over a week in advance.”

Gasser added, “I can see it for the older folks, putting chairs out, or for little kids, but a day before, not a week before.”

Just pulling up to place her chairs, Fairfielder Kathy Fish said her husband may have initiated the chair-placing tradition. “David, who passed six years ago, started putting chairs out in advance about 20 years ago,” she said. “He would have all our neighbors, friends and relatives drop their chairs and blankets at our house a week in advance. We didn’t know whose stuff was whose. On the day of the parade, he would wake up at 5 a.m. and bring everyone’s chairs down here. It was a big family thing. People picked up on it but, over the years, just started coming earlier and earlier.”

Fairfielder Lynn Olins was surprised to see many chairs already set up when she pulled up just after 10 a.m. to stake her claim in front of St. Paul’s Church. “We’ve been doing this for years,” she said. “Our family always has kids that march in the parade, so we like to get a good view. I thought the ordinance was fine.”

Just establishing their own plot, the Atkins Family, who declined to give first names, also thought the ordinance was worthwhile. “If I lived along here, I’d probably get irritated with chairs being set up for days and days in advance,” said one of the family members. “We read about a month ago about the new rules and planned to come down here this morning. We found a great spot.”

The Strazar Family, of Stony Creek, CT, was o.k. with the new guidelines as well, and looked forward to the parade experience. “We raised our kids in Fairfield and marched in it for years,” said Elizabeth Strazar. “My mom’s still here and this is the first time we’ve come back in 10 years. We were planning on coming here tomorrow morning at 7 to set up, but my mom said that people were already setting up and suggested we rush down. This is a good thing as it makes the process more democratic, as everyone is setting up in the same window.”

Offering a contrasting view, Tom Brennan, the homeowner at 970 Old Post Road, thought the new ordinance was silly and a waste of money. “It’s the most ridiculous, asinine law that has been passed in the 25 years that I’ve lived here,” he said. “I have a 200-foot frontage on the Old Post, which is filled every year with friends and total strangers. Some of those total strangers have become friends. We’re asking the taxpayer to pay for the police to enforce the regulation and the town to pay for the ridiculous signs that say people can’t do it, while in a fiscal crisis with taxes out of control. All this parade does is bring smiles to everyone’s faces.”

Among the new friendships Brennan forged over the years were two couples that started showing up about 14 years ago. “They now have 14-year-old children and still continue to come here,” he said. “My house is always open for coffee and donuts.”

As Brennan returned to a yard chore, his granddaughter Ella, 5, mentioned that, this year, they would be setting up a lemonade stand out front, to raise money for Relay for Life. The stand honors Ella’s uncle Ryan, who lost his battle with cancer February 28.

Sea Memorial Ceremony Pays Tribute to Those Lost at Sea

Sea Memorial Ceremony Pays Tribute to Those Lost at Sea:

Dignitaries, veterans and citizens flock to South Benson Marina

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

5/28/11

Fairfield, CT – It was a multi-faceted occasion and a highlight of the area’s Memorial Day weekend celebration.

Held Saturday morning at South Benson Marina, the Sea Memorial Ceremony, coordinated by National Association of Naval Veterans (NANV) Chaplain Dave Russell and facilitated by both town departments and various veterans and active military organizations, paid tribute to servicemen from all branches of the military that lost their lives at sea.

The event commenced at 9:30 a.m. at the entry to the marina, with a raising of the American flag at the toll house. In the presence of assembled V.F.W., American Legion and Disabled Veterans, Joe Bender, a local V.F.W. commander, said, “We are assembled to express sincere reverence and gratitude to those who served our country and gave their life both on the land and sea.”

While the Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band played “Amazing Grace”, the flag was hoisted up the pole to half-mast by two members of Boy Scouts Troop 82. Fellow troop members stood in formation nearby, joined by State Representative Tony Hwang.

All gathered then strolled to the Gas Dock to join a larger crowd that included town dignitaries, veterans, active servicemen and Coast Guard members from New Haven. Among the crowd was Acting First Selectman Sherri Steeneck, Selectman James Walsh, Town Clerk Betsy Brown, Judge Daniel Caruso, Senator John McKinney, Police Chief Gary McNamara, Fire Chief Dick Felner, Former Police Chief Joe Sambrook, State Representative Brenda Kupchick, State Representative Kim Fawcett, Congressman Jim Himes and U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman.

Looking on with great respect, Felner said, “I’m proud to be here. I was in the Marine Corps and admire the veterans. If it wasn’t for all these old timers, we wouldn’t be here today. Dave Russell should be commended.”

As servicemen representing the Navy, Coast Guard, Marines and Merchant Marines stood in line along the dock, Captain Roger Crossland, U.S. Naval Reserve (Ret.), stood atop the bow of the Tea Totaler, one of three private yachts and a Coast Guard patrol boat moored there, and addressed the crowd, which lined the bank of the inlet by the bait shack. Crossland, dressed in a white uniform with abundant medals on the breast pocket, welcomed both veterans and active duty soldiers that had recently returned from Afghanistan.

“This is a Fairfield tradition in keeping with a long maritime tradition,” said Crossland. “We remember those resting and those in watery graves without a marker. We are here to honor, not to grieve.”

Commander of NANV’s Port 5 local chapter and Master Chief for the Ceremony, Richard Iannucci took roll call from all the groups then Chaplain Frank Wismer offered a Sea Service Prayer, expanding upon Crossland’s remarks. “We gather to honor those whose sacrifice and courage through military service has secured the ideals upon which our nation is founded,” he said.

Wismer’s prayer was followed by Fairfield Ludlowe High School Chorale students’ rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner” and then a symbolic recognition of veterans of foreign wars and conflicts wherein attending veterans of those campaigns stepped forward and saluted on behalf of their fellow comrades.

A reading of the names of local veterans that “passed on to their final reward” ensued, accented by the toll of a bell as each name was introduced.

Trumbull resident and Annapolis graduate Edward C. Lovely then spoke about Commodore John Barry and the efforts of the Fairfield Hibernians to spur Congress to have the Irish-born navy man officially recognized as the first commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. “In the space of 58 years, he rose from a humble cabin boy to senior commander of the entire United States fleet,” he said. “He fought the first and last battles of the Revolutionary War.”

After the Piper Band performed an encore of “Amazing Grace”, Korean War naval veteran Phil Sera and Dave Schultz, son of late Merchant Marine Ed Schultz, tossed overboard from the stern of the moored Hideway a ceremonial wreath. This rite was briefly delayed due to veteran Frank Slovenski, who was standing amongst veterans along the dock, suffering heat stroke. Slovenski was removed on a gurney by medical personnel.

The dockside ceremony concluded with the firing of three rounds from rifles toted by a quartet of V.F.W. veterans, the playing of Taps by buglers Steve Smith and John Convertito, a second chorale group number and the awarding of plaques to Iannucci and Crossland for their support of the event.

Though the Ceremony had officially ended, a flotilla of six watercraft, including the four moored boats dockside along with Fairfield Marine Police and Coast Guard Auxiliary, motored out into the fog-obscured Sound to drop and set adrift the wreath that had earlier been released but retrieved.

“Back to our Roots” Exhibit Hits the Ground Running

“Back to our Roots” Exhibit 
Hits the Ground Running:

Historical Society looks at Westport’s agrarian history

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

5/27/11

Westport, CT – It was a story of indigenous peoples, hardy settlers, toughened farmers and bohemian artists, all of whom have called the area home and contributed to its colorful agrarian history.

Early evening Friday, a new exhibit titled “Back to our Roots” opened at Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place. Its timeline begins in the “pre-contact” era when local land was forested and shared with wildlife, continues through Puritan and Colonial times, carries up through the Civil War, when Westport was the largest supplier of onions to General Grant’s army, and wraps with a look at modern-day Wakeman Town Farm. Additional exhibit features include a collection of photographs of area stone walls by Larry Untermeyer, vintage tools housed in the adjoining 1846 Bradley-Wheeler Cobblestone Barn, historic barn photos shot by Larry Silver and watercolor depictions of local landscapes by Hardie Gramatky. The opening was attended by several dozen people, who enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres as they browsed.

Society Board President Dorothy Curran spoke about the origins of the exhibit. “It started as a conversation between Molly Donovan, who recently passed, and Wakeman Town Farm,” she said. “We quickly realized that the story about going back to our roots was bigger than Wakeman Town Farm alone and wanted to put it in a larger context.”

Curran provided a synopsis of each significant timeline era. “In early times, pre-European contact, indigenous peoples grew corn, beans, peas and Jerusalem artichokes,” she said. “They lived by the shore in the summer and inland in winter to be close to game. When Roger Ludlowe arrived during the Pequot War and found salt meadows, he established a foothold for farming, which was initially just to keep villagers alive. As they began to clear area land, lumber and fish became main exports.”

In 1670, the Puritans divided a significant portion of the Fairfield/Westport area into “Long Lots”, as a legal protection of land ownership against the crown, and more actively farmed. “Onion farmers would take carts to the shore, load up with seaweed and spread it on their fields as fertilizer,” said Curran. “Try to find an abundance of seaweed now,” she challenged.

 In 1806, the first market boat from Saugatuck made its way to New York City. “These boats ran daily, taking farm produce to the city and bringing back goods to the farmers,” said Curran.

However, because Westport was so favorably situated for sail-based commerce in general, by the 1840s, only 40% of Westporters were still farming. Maritime commerce then shifted to railroad commerce, which made it feasible to supply Grant’s army.

“By the late 19^th century, as farms in the Midwest expanded, local farms declined and were abandoned,” said Curran. “At the same time, a new trend was happening that was unique to Westport and Weston. Artists, many from the Midwest who had moved to New York, took the train to Westport and discovered its great beaches, but also area barns that they converted to studios. As such, there are nearly 250 local barns that have been preserved. A large number of these, about 100, are concentrated in the greater Compo area due to the convenient location at the time of local trolley service and proximity to the train.”

Exhibit visitor Robbie Barnes found the exhibit very complete and informative. “I grew up in the area and it’s fascinating to learn about its roots,” she said.

Mike Aitkenhead, Program Director of Wakeman Town Farm, took interest in the stone wall photos. “When you think about the amount of work involved in creating the walls, it’s pretty impressive,” he said. “When all of these houses fall down, the walls will be the remaining relics.”

Liz Beeby, a Westport resident for the past 45 years, connected with much of the more recent lore. “I recognize many of the names here – the Wakemans, and Fillows for example,” she said. “I remember when there was a Fillow flower shop in town. I feel a huge historical connection to Westport.”

The “Back to our Roots” exhibit runs through September 2. For more information, visit www.WestportHistory.org.

Seniors Host Senior Citizens at School Breakfast

Seniors Host Senior Citizens 
at School Breakfast:

FLHS Class of 2011 pay tribute 

to town’s elders

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield Citizen News)

5/27/11

Fairfield, CT – It was a delightful morning for all in attendance as seniors young and old met and mingled over a sit-down breakfast.

Held Friday morning in Fairfield Ludlowe High School’s cafeteria, the 5th annual “Seniors Serving Seniors” breakfast was an opportunity for 20 graduating senior classmen to honor 120 local senior citizens. The event included a menu of pancakes, eggs and waffles, live musical entertainment provided by the FLHS Jazz Ensemble, student singers and a raffle for school hats and t-shirts. A sea theme prevailed with centerpieces of sand and shells, and shell necklaces were given to each attendee.

“This is really an opportunity to give back and helps create good relations with people in town,” said Bridget McHugh, Senior Class Advisor and the lead event organizer. “Kids get a lot of bad press, so this is a chance for the older population to see some of the good work that we do here.”

Director of Pupil Services Frank Tatto, a co-coordinator, said the morning’s turnout was the best response to date. “Our older citizens love seeing the kids, love the music and are full of stories about their own high school experience,” he said. “This is a valuable part of our community, the history of Fairfield. It’s a way to thank them.”

Helping greet seniors as they arrived onsite and were shuttled by a golf cart from their cars to the cafeteria, Counselor Tony Samuelian said the event is one of his favorites. “It’s a real big day,” he said. “There’s not a person here who doesn’t get a kick out of this. I get a kick seeing them so happy. Something as simple as breakfast makes all the difference in the world.”

Attendee Barbara Figlar, grandmother of FLHS senior Chris Amicucci, a guitarist playing with the ensemble, appreciated the gesture. “This is an extraordinary gift to us seniors,” she said. “We’re fortunate to have the school system we do here in Fairfield.”

Senior citizen Nancy Roche agreed with Figlar, saying, “This is absolutely wonderful. Fairfield offers a lot to us seniors. We really appreciate it. I walked from my house downtown and brought a lot of my friends.”

Attendee Marcelle Conrad was reminded of her school days. “I’m a Roger Ludlowe grad and I feel like I’m eating together with my old classmates,” she said, adding, “I admire this generation. They’re very giving.”

As for the younger senior counterparts, Senior Class President Zach Tobin said, “It feels good to give back to folks that have done so much for the town, and country. They’re very interesting to talk to and have some great feedback.”

As seniors finished their meals, Tatto welcomed the gathering, joking, “It’s great to look out at this cafeteria and see so many young people. I thought I was at the teen center.”

Following the meal, the ensemble and singers performed several numbers, which inspired a handful of students to draw seniors to their feet to dance. The raffle capped the morning, awarding FLHS swag to attendees based on information they had supplied. For example, Laura Coleman, at age 96, was tapped as Most Senior Female. Peggy Seach had the most grandkids, with 14. Julie Schempp had the distinction of being married longest, at 70 years.

Equally notable, Bert Andren was recognized for being one of four generations to have attended Ludlowe. “In our family, my mother was the first graduate of Ludlowe, then me in ’55 and my son in ’82,” he said. “Now my grandson, Reid, who’s captain of the tennis team, is graduating,” he said. “I have nine grandchildren in the Fairfield school system, so there’s more on the way to carry on a great tradition.”

Staples’ Top Performers Honored at Dinner

Staples’ Top Performers Honored at Dinner:

Sixteen students noted as 

“cream of the crop”

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Westport News)

5/25/11

Westport, CT – The future looks pretty bright judging by the distinguished group of students that was gathered in a foyer area outside Staples High School’s auditorium.

The sixteen seniors have held the highest academic positions for their four years at the school and were being recognized at an annual High Honors Dinner Wednesday evening.

“This is our future, the cream of the crop,” said Dee Hychiko, a sophomore level assistant. “They have achieved the highest grade averages in school.”

Jim Farnen, grade level administrator for the senior class and assistant principal, explained that the top high achievers represent a percentage of the total senior class. “It varies each year based on total class size,” he said. “This honor goes back decades. It’s a celebration and night for the high performers to come together and be acknowledged in front of teachers, parents and administrators. Each honoree chooses a special person from the school to speak about and introduce them.”

Staples Principal John Dodig said the event is the highlight of the year. “We have a high school with an inordinate number of high achieving kids,” he said. “Even in that reality, these kids have worked just a little harder and really achieved over the last four years. All are going to prestigious schools, where they will be surrounded by people just like them. But they always come back and tell us year after year that they feel more prepared because of their Staples experience.”

The honorees themselves echoed that sentiment. “I think one of the biggest things I take away from Staples is an improvement in my critical thinking,” said Adele Shenoy. “I’m looking into medicine so that will be key. I feel like the past four years went by really quickly and couldn’t have done it without my parents’ support and teachers’ guidance.”

Fellow honoree Nicole Seo’s takeaway was how to put things in perspective and take a step back. “Staples has prepared us so well,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s ending. I’m so excited for the future and am hoping to study comparative media at M.I.T.”

Chenchen Feng, who wants to be a doctor and is headed to Duke University, said, “Staples helped me determine my strengths and weaknesses.”

Beaming at their progeny, assembled parents like Joan Berlin gushed with pride. “This is a big deal,” she said. “It’s amazing to us how much our son Michael has achieved. We had heard good things about Westport schools and moved up from Manhattan when he was in 4th grade. Michael can hold his own and will have no problem transitioning to college.”

As proud as the parents were administrators, like calculus teacher Robin Sacilotto. “This group is extremely bright but also very fun,” she said. “It’s hard to have that combo. You want to hang out with them. They’re amazing kids. It’s a great moment but I’m sad to see them go.”

Summing up the mood best, Farnen, who assumed a podium to address the gathering, said, “We will leave Staples this evening with a strong sense that our collective futures and the futures of our children and grandchildren will no doubt be brighter this century due to the leadership, work ethic and brilliance of these very impressive young men and women sitting next to us.”

2011 High Honors Students include: Michael Berlin, Chenchen Feng, Jordan Glick, Tessa Green, Joshua Greenberg, Ellen Kaminski, Justin Kleiner, Eric Lubin (Valedictorian), Todd Lubin (Salutatorian), Cole Manley, Peter Menz, Rachel Myers, Nicole Seo, Adele Shenoy, Caroline Wu and Timothy Yang.