Editorial: Community Events

skatepark-opening
The renovated Greenwich skatepark was opened to the public over the weekend, as skaters were out in force to celebrate. (John Ferris Robben photo)

We come together as community in many different ways. Some are happy. Some are sad. Some are vigilant. This week we gathered on the 16th anniversary of the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

It was a beautiful evening, as friends and neighbors gathered with family members of those who were killed, at the memorial overlooking Cos Cob Harbor.

The ceremony was brief but poignant. Prayers were offered. Our national anthem was sung by three very talented Greenwich High School students. And then each name of the 33 victims with ties to Greenwich was read, followed by the sounding of a bell. The ceremony concluded with the Civil War-era cannon at Riverside Yacht Club being fired and the great boom echoing back and forth across the harbor. Wells Noonan, who organized the event, is to be congratulated on creating this opportunity for our community to come together.

Later that evening, a second ceremony was held at the Glenville Volunteer Fire Department. In front of a large piece of steel from the Trade Center in New York City, our first responders came together to honor those who ran into the buildings as others were fleeing. As sunset and darkness ensued, it was a solemn reminder of what heroism means.

Over the next few weeks there are more opportunities for us to come together. This Saturday is the annual 19th Annual Fall Festival & Hawk Watch at the Greenwich Audubon. This a great family event where you can see live raptor shows, meet a kangaroo and bearded dragon, or even take a goat for a stroll. It should be fun!

If you are a foodie, your wait for Greenwich Food & Wine Festival is almost over. Next weekend Roger Sherman Baldwin Park will be transformed into a food lover’s paradise. This is the Friday and Saturday event that celebrates our area’s rich culinary landscape and showcases innovations in the food and beverage industries.

We have attended for several years and always had a remarkable time. It is fun to watch our community come together, enjoying terrific food and camaraderie. The music is always a high point as well! This year, in addition to the multi-Grammy winning band Train performing, our own Ian Murray of Vineyard Vines fame will be playing with his band and a possible surprise guest. If you have not purchased your tickets yet, don’t wait! This year promises to be just as fun as previous years. Proceeds from the event will benefit multiple charitable organizations, including Mario Batali Foundation (main beneficiary), Greenwich Parks & Recreation Fund, Friends of James Beard Benefits and more.

And if you are if you are not still in a food coma on Sunday, there is the annual Go Wild event in support of the Greenwich Land Trust. Now in its 18th year, this event was the brainchild of David Ogilvy and others to preserve and protect open space in Greenwich. Held at Conyers Farm, where else in town can you get a hot air balloon ride? There is a lot to do for whole family.

On the last weekend of September there is one more community event to consider. A new event called The Last Taste of Summer that is the brainchild of our own Scot Weicker, who leads the Greenwich Town Party to success every year, and Daphne Dixon. Held on September 30, it offers one more chance to hear live music at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park before it goes into hibernation. There will be 30-plus craft brews to be sampled as well as food trucks and craft vendors. The day is being organized by Live Green Connecticut and all proceeds will benefit Zero Waste Programs.

There are many other events as well, but these are a few that celebrate the diversity of our community. Enjoy!

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