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.

Buglers Step Up to Play Taps Live at Military Honors Funeral Services

Buglers Step Up to Play Taps Live at Military Honors Funeral Services:

Bugles Across America group pays its respects

By Mike Lauterborn

(for Fairfield Citizen News)

5/22/11

Fairfield, CT – There are 400,000 or so funerals each year in the United States for military veterans and active duty military men and women. They are entitled to a live bugler to play the Sounding of the Taps but there are simply not enough buglers in the military to cover these services. Filling the void is Bugles Across America (BAA), with almost 7,000 horn-playing members nationwide who have stepped up on a volunteer basis to cover the shortage. A dozen Connecticut-based members met up in the University Commons room at Sacred Heart University early Sunday afternoon to get to know one another and discuss logistics.

A meeting coordinator, Fairfield resident Steve Smith, a bugler whose day job is retail packaging sales, provided some background about the group. “BAA was formed in 2000 by Tom Day, a Marine and horn player all his life,” he said. “The directive passed by Congress entitling military deceased to a bugler also said if none is available, the service providing the funeral honors may play a high quality recording of Taps on a stereo player or electronic insert for a bugle. Tom thought the idea of a recording was undignified and committed himself to ensuring a live performance whenever possible.”

Smith said that the organization receives requests through its website from each state’s National Guard, funeral homes and individuals and families of the deceased.

As to his own involvement, Smith said, “I started playing trumpet in 5th grade and continued through high school in marching bands and a youth symphony in Atlanta, where I was raised. My father saw an article about BAA and passed it off. It peaked my interest and I joined this past January. I’ve played five services so far. I feel like I’m giving back and it’s an honor to play for the family. From the get-go I thought this was for me as long as I could do it. I love playing anyway, but more than anything, I like that I’ve found something I’m really committed to. Live Taps is an important part of a military service.”

Smith said there had been a high volume of service requests in Connecticut due to Army National Guard budget cuts, and the Guard was more than happy to have the BAA’s help.

The state director of the BAA, Jon Worley, from Glastonbury, gave background about his own involvement. “I assumed my role back in January and my responsibility is to coordinate the organization’s state activities and fill requests,” he said. “I was really a lifelong guitar player until three years ago when I picked up a bugle. I’m also a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, which is an organization of volunteers who attend (upon invitation) military funerals as a show of respect and to interfere with the activities of any protestors that may also attend the funeral. That was my introduction to the use of a digital bugle and the shortage of real buglers.”

Worley said it took him a year to learn to play Taps adequately. “To date I’ve covered about 150 services – 40 this year alone for BAA,” he said. “The 150 include services for other military and police organizations. It’s very personally rewarding and definitely the right thing to do. For a full military service, one bugler plays Taps. For other types of services – police or fire, for instance – two or more buglers will play Echo Taps, which uses a cascade effect.”

Believed to be the youngest member of the BAA, Will Evans, 14, from East Haddam, CT, spoke about his start. “My uncle, Pierre Guertin, who’s a musician and bugler, told me about BAA,” he said. “I was already playing trumpet at Nathan Hale-Ray Middle School and had gotten pretty good. I was in the Eastern Regional Band, too, entry to which is by audition only. It seemed like a good idea and, as I got into it, I realized how important it was. I saw the family members crying. It was very touching.”

Evans said his age sometimes throws people. “Initially, the families are a little unsure, but then they realize that I’m capable and they are very moved,” he said.

For more information about Bugles Across America, visit www.buglesacrossamerica.org

Ladies Literary Luncheon Booked Solid

Ladies Literary Luncheon 
Booked Solid:

Full turnout at Patterson Club to meet author Kelly Corrigan

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 5/27)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

5/26/11

Fairfield, CT – Book enthusiasts, library fans and busy women just needing a little break were all on hand for an exclusive engagement with a best-selling author.

The 2^nd Annual Ladies Literary Luncheon, hosted by Friends of the Fairfield Public Library (FFPL), was held early Thursday afternoon at the Patterson Club, 1118 Cross Highway. The highlight of the event was Kelly Corrigan, author of “Lift” and “The Middle Place”, who was on hand to sign books and address the gathering. The event also featured a cocktail reception, sit-down lunch, raffle drawing for gift baskets and Nanci Lewis from Sweet Rexie’s offering free chocolate samples. The presentation was sold out, attended by 240 local women.

Khorshed Randeria, FFPL President, said the luncheon idea was something the group had seen other organizations do successfully and thought would be a good incorporation into its fundraising activities. “Last year, we hosted Mireille Guiliano, author of ‘French Women Don’t Get Fat’, and it was very popular,” she said. “When we advertised this year, we sold out at least a month in advance.”

In addition to aforementioned activities, organizers presented a video, “Bringing the Community Together: Our Fairfield Library System”, providing a system overview, and offered attendees the opportunity to buy a book plate. The way the plate worked is that an attendee could purchase a copy of one of Corrigan’s books, for a minimum $25 donation, a personalized dedication would be affixed inside the book jacket and the book would be donated to the library.

“More than just a fundraiser, the idea of the event is to bring people together in a beautiful setting to celebrate authors, reading, libraries and friendship,” said Town Librarian Karen Ronald. “Our attendees are community supporters and aligned with the library.”

Attendee Kyle Ann McCarthy, huddling with a few pals, was a Corrigan fan and said her work had personal relevance. “I love Kelly’s book ‘The Middle Place’ and its subject matter about a young mother who gets cancer,” she said. “Her father also gets cancer, and he’s her idol. It’s a funny, warm, tearjerker. It has real significance to me as a Relay for Life team member.”

Attendee Jen Gardner said the event was great on a couple of levels. “We want to support the Fairfield Public Library – they have amazing programs – and it’s a great Ladies Day Out.”

Lois Caron also wanted to support the library and was attending on the urging of fellow International Book Reading Group members. “I look forward to learning more about Kelly Corrigan, with whose work I’m not familiar.”

As for the author, who flew in for the event, she was impressed with area landscapes and glad to support a good cause. “I live in California and am used to postage stamp-sized yards. Coming up along the Merritt, I loved seeing all the green, the great lawns and the long driveways.”  

Whiz Kid: Natalie Steele

Whiz Kid: Natalie Steele

National PTA Reflections 

Award of Excellence winner

By Mike Lauterborn

(Posted to Fairfield.Patch.com 5/27)

© 2011. All Rights Reserved.

5/24/11

Fairfield, CT – To her mother’s recollection, the slender, energetic 8-year-old had been writing as long she could form letters, and was always singing. She put those passions together to compose music and recently received national recognition for her efforts.

When she’s not playing the piano, Natalie Steele, a North Stratfield Elementary School second grader, is writing and singing songs. “I’m writing two songs right now,” she said, in a recent sit-down along with mom Tina. “One is called ‘Gentle Hand and a Friend’; the other is ‘I Can Fly.’ I get a tune in my head and then start thinking of words. I write all my songs down now in a composition book. I used to write them on scraps of paper until my mom got me the book to help keep me organized.”

Natalie figures she has written ten full songs, though says, “I’ve got lots more in my head. Some become poems.”

Back in November, there was a call for entries through the school’s PTA for submissions to the Reflections Program, which is a National PTA-sponsored opportunity for students to express themselves and receive positive recognition for their artistic efforts. The theme for the 2010-11 school year was “Together We Can.”

“Natalie had participated in the Reflections Program each year since kindergarten, first in visual arts then in literature,” said Tina. “She didn’t get recognized for her work but decided to keep trying. So this past January, she entered again, in the musical composition category.”

Natalie entered a song titled “Together Is Where We Need to Be.” About its subject matter, Natalie said, “The beginning related to problems like crime, cancer, starvation and pollution – things that made me sad. The second part was about things that people can do together to make the world better.”

Over 50 kids from the school submitted work and Natalie’s piece was selected among others to be forwarded to the Connecticut State PTA. “She won first place at the state level in her age group and in the music composition category,” said Tina. “Then the state submitted her piece to the National PTA and she was subsequently one of six students in all of Connecticut honored at the national level. Of those six, she was the only one at the primary level (pre-school through second grade). She was also only one of three students across the country to win the National PTA’s Award of Excellence in Music Composition at the primary level.”

Natalie’s feat was quite the achievement given that there were over 500,000 entries nationally from ages pre-school to 12^th grade.

Tina recalled the moment the family was notified. “We received a phone call from our PTA President Karen Lynch, who told us the news and that Natalie will be receiving a $200 cash award, silver-plated Reflections Medallion and a certificate and letter signed by the National PTA president,” she said. “She’s also going to be recognized in the annual PTA Reflections online gallery.”

“I started crying,” said Tina, in reaction to the news. “The chances were so slim for her to win. I was overwhelmed and so proud.”

As for Natalie, “I screamed at the top of my lungs and jumped around and couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I said to my mom that night, when I was going to bed, ‘I’m so proud of me.’”

Natalie said she would probably continue writing songs, singing them and entering the Reflections contest. “What if I won next time?” she wondered aloud. “That would be cool!”

“Together Is Where We Need To Be” by Natalie Steele

Crimes and cancer, people starving, pollution, oil spills, lots of suffering, and war.

But, together, is where we need to be.

And when we are, that’s where the love will be.

We can work together every day and in our own special ways,

and when we do,

we’ll bring peace to our earth.

I could help someone learn to read.

She could help a girl tie her shoes.

He could donate money, food and clothes.

We could all help each other,

and when we do,

we’ll bring peace to our earth.

Together, is where we need to be.

And when we are, that’s where the love will be.

We can work together every day and in our own special ways,

and when we do,

we’ll bring peace to our earth.