OK, I admit it – I got up to watch the Royal Wedding spectacle. And why wouldn’t I? It was history in the making (and I’m all into history now as I am heavily entrenched in researching the American Civil War for a series of articles for the Fairfield Citizen as well as building my family tree). I doubt I will, in my lifetime, see Prince William become king, so watching him marry the beautiful Kate was a treat. And, besides, it was a nice break from everything – work, family responsibilities, the other world events.
Prior to going to bed Thursday night, I debated about getting up at all, never mind in time. But, alas, my internal clock was aware and I arose at 4:57 a.m. – just in time to get downstairs and see the Royal Family enter Westminster Abbey. The cat, however, was completely confused, but pleased by my early-morning rise.
I love all the pomp and circumstance and glitter – probably because I never had and never will have them in my life. Living vicariously through someone else has its bonuses. I felt the ceremony itself was a little understated, probably reflecting the couple, who seem, well, so normal despite the extravagance – but wonderful nonetheless.
I was a little annoyed reading some Facebook friends’ comments as the ceremony was going on. I think some of them doth protest too much. And I know there were others who probably were drinking tea and eating scones and wearing fancy hats. (Right, Tracy?)
I also was thrilled to know that one of my longest and dearest friends and her husband actually were there. I couldn’t help but try to find their faces in the crowd of millions. I can’t wait to hear all about it when she returns home.
But now it’s back to real life – a trip to the dump, unloading the dishwasher, more research, maybe read a book. And definitely try to enjoy this beautiful weather.
Thanks, Will and Kate, for the escape.
Archive for April, 2011
A welcomed distraction
Get green
Head over to Fairfield’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday.
The celebration, which takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Fairfield Warde High School, is an extravaganza. It wasn’t in the beginning. It started out small – almost like an experiment. But it quickly caught on and now is a daylong affair that has everything from green-related vendors to music to food.
Sponsored by the Fairfield Earth Day Committee, which is made up of town officials and ordinary citizens, the event is a good way to learn how to live greener and why we should live greener. Committee Chairman Larry Kaley writes on his group website, “We are looking forward to this important celebration that highlights the people and projects that are making an environmental difference in Fairfield. We encourage the entire town to participate.” Visitors, he says, will get the answer to the question, “How green is our town?”
Among the highlights are the ability to recycle cell phones, eyeglasses, rechargeable batteries, blue jeans, computer ink cartridges (and get a free replacement) and electronics. The documentary “Bag It” will be shown and there will be an auto show featuring alternative fuel sources and technologies. Also participating is the Dynamic PTA Green Team, the Fairfield Organic Teaching Farm and a number of local businesses. There are some activities for kids too.
You will be hard-pressed not to find something that interests you.
We can all work together becoming a little greener. Here’s your ticket to finding out how.
Help clean up a neighborhood
The Fairfield Beach Residents Association is conducting a clean-up of the neighborhood’s streets in celebration of Earth Day. The clean-up takes place on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to noon; the rain date Sunday, April 24.
The group is meeting at the Penfield Beach parking lot for coffee and doughnuts. Trash bags and equipment will be provided, and participants are asked to wear sturdy clothes and shoes, sunglasses and gloves.
The organizers say that the clean-up is a good way to meet neighbors, get some exercise and beautify the neighborhood.
For more information, call FBRA president Paige Herman at 203-259-0747.
A fair way to honor Dickman
These things are certainties: Carl Dickman loved his town, his state, his country, his family and golf. I can’t vouch for the order of preference but I can confirm that golf was one of his greatest loves and pastimes.
Carl, who died earlier this year, served his town, state and country in various capacities, and when he was not being a public servant and community leader, he could be found on the links. In fact, he served on a few committees, boards or associations involving golf – all to make the game more enjoyable and accessible for the diehard duffers or the occasional player.
So it is without a doubt that he would be proud and honored to have the South Pine Creek Par 3 Golf Course named in his memory. And that is just what the Board of Selectmen did recently. Friends of Carl’s wanted to honor him in some way for all of his contributions. Putting his name on the golf course off South Pine Creek Road is perfect. Not only because of his love of the game, but because the course is in the 132nd General Assembly District, which Carl served for 10 years after retiring as a selectman.
Tom Flynn, the chairman of the Board of Finance and a friend of Carl’s, was among those who led the cause to honor Carl and told the Board of Selectmen that the action goes beyond renaming a golf course. As reported in the Fairfield Citizen on April 5, Flynn said, “Above all else, I am recommending that Carl be recognized not just for his actions as a selectman/legislator and his decades of service to the town as an elected official, but for his efforts in educating and mentoring future generations of town leaders on how to conduct themselves appropriately, in a bipartisan fashion and in accordance with proper rules and care for our town.”
Now, the golf course will have a more distinctive name. Can’t you just hear people saying, “Let’s play a round at Dickman.”
Walkers and cyclists need safe areas
On any day of the year and in all kinds of weather, walking, cycling and running enthusiasts take to the streets of Fairfield. Those three activities provide some of the best cardio workouts – and at little or no cost. Fairfield is blessed with miles of beaches, two high school tracks and lots of roadway.
Problem, though, with the last one is that walkers, cyclists and runners have to share the roads with motorists, some of whom drive too fast, too recklessly, too unfocused and too often with a cell phone held to their ears.
To help get a handle on bike and pedestrian access and safety throughout town, the Fairfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan Advisory Committee will be conducting a public forum at 7 p.m. April 14 at Osborn Hill School, 760 Stillson Road. A reception with committee members takes place at 6:30 p.m.
At the forum, attendees will learn about the 2010 bicycle and pedestrian survey, the sidewalk inventory and the infrastructure. The public will be asked to help identify streets and areas of special concern; possible bike routes, lanes and racks; and other issues.
The committee is made up of residents and representatives from various town departments and the Greater Bridgeport Regional Planning Agency, which provided a grant. In a press release on the town’s website, committee Chairman Kirstin Etela said, “Walkable and bikable communities enjoy a higher quality of life and a more vibrant local economy. With all of Fairfield’s wonderful amenities including its beaches, historic districts, distinctive neighborhoods, and a thriving downtown, Fairfield has a great opportunity to maximize these benefits with a comprehensive biking and walking plan.”
I agree. As a walker myself, I regularly travel through the Stratfield/Brooklawn area (usually from April through October – I hate the cold) and often will be out for an hour or so doing about 4 miles. My walking area, fortunately, was blessed with new and improved sidewalks a couple of years ago. But not all areas of town are so lucky.
I also drive through the Greenfield Hill area of town on some occasions and often have to slow around cyclists, who don’t have much room to ride. But they often choose that section of town because of its hills and bucolic atmosphere. Trouble is, the roads are not wide enough to handle both cyclists and some vehicles, like those wide (and completely unnecessary) SUVs.
I will be curious to see what the committee comes up with regarding a comprehensive biking and walking plan.
For more information, attend the session or contact Lauren Lanham at 203-256-3030 or Etela at 203-256-9015.
