Archives for October 2017

(l-r) The Monk family welcomes home their sailor, Dylan Monk who, in three weeks, will be marrying Samantha Dabek. L-r, Dennis Monk, Sarah Monk, Samantha Dabek, Dylan Monk, and Pat Monk.

story & photos
by Eva Bunnell

On the warm, sunny, afternoon of Wednesday, October 4th, family members, friends, and various Navy personnel awaited the return of the USS Missouri to its homeport at the Naval Submarine Base in New London.
Family members of the 132-member crew-15 officers and 117 enlisted sailors- could barely contain their excitement and pride. And who could blame them. Proud American military families are the backbone of the world’s most elite naval force on any water.
The USS Missouri, under the command of Cmdr. Fraser Hudson, is a fast-attack multi-mission, submarine that enables “five of the six Navy maritime strategy core capabilities-sea control, power projection, forward presence, maritime security, and deterrence.” Commissioned on July 31, 2010, the Missouri returned to its homeport after months away from its New London homeport, while “executing the Chief of the Naval Operation’s Maritime Strategy in supporting national security interests and Maritime Security Operations.” The submarine is “designed to excel in anti-submarine warfare; anti-ship warfare; strike warfare; special operations; intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance” among many other features that help protect our country. It is “377 feet long with a beam of 34 feet.”
On Wednesday, however, what mattered most to those gathered just beyond the pier, was that the Missouri contained a most precious cargo, its officers and sailors. Pat and Dennis Monks, of East Rutherford, New Jersey, along with their daughter, Sarah, “couldn’t wait” to see and welcome home their son and Sarah’s brother, Dylan, who is a sailor on the Missouri.
Dennis Monk shared proudly that “Prior to joining the Navy, Dylan became a firefighter, just like me. When he became a firefighter, I told him he became my brother. When he joined the Navy, he became my hero.” Standing beside the family at the pier, was Dylan’s fiancé, Samantha Dabek. Adding to the excitement of the day, the family shared that in three weeks the couple will be welcoming family and friends to their wedding. It is set to take place at Yosemite National Park.
As is the custom for submarine crews returning to home port, those who are first in line for a hug and kiss are chosen by lottery. The couple chose for “First Kiss” was Kim and Anthony Rossi, Chief System Technician Submarine. The Rossi’s are from Florida and Arizona, respectively. They met, however, in Groton. Those chosen for “First Hug” were Hannah and Michael Wirth, STSC.
Watching families reunite, and listening to their shouts of joy on first seeing one another, it was hard not to be emotional. These families endure what many civilians do not-separation from one another in service to our nation’s global security. And they do so, with strength.
To the crew and families of the USS Missouri, and to all military and their families-thank you for your sacrifice and service.

(l-r) Caroline O’Brien, co-owner, CC O’Brien’s, Mia Byrnes, owner, Mia’s, Hannah Francis and Leah Mosier, serve fabulous food fare during the Food Stroll Sept. 14 at the Bricks and Murals Festival. Fittingly for the sports bar, CC O’Brien’s wall features the Stonington vs Westerly Football Rivalry mural.

by Karen Koerner

The Bricks and Murals Festival Sept. 13-17 on the streets and alleys of downtown Westerly, RI and Pawcatuck united communities. The 15 colorful and cultural murals that resulted from the Festival depicted the two communities in two states as one. It also reunited Walldogs from around the world who nurture traditional hand-painted sign and mural techniques.
Murals depicted historic and cultural aspects of Westerly and Pawcatuck that give the unique community its character. From a Pawcatuck River mural designed by internationally-known Walldog Anat Ronen, to illustrations of the industries, mills, trains and trolleys that connected Westerly and Pawcatuck to the world, to the rowdy and still-relevant Stonington vs Westerly High School Football Rivalry, topics resonate with residents.
Tucked in an alley next to Mel’s Downtown Creamery in Pawcatuck, the tallest of the 15 murals was coming to life Sept.14. It depicts a determined worker rebuilding after the devastating Hurricane of 1938. Lifelong Stonington resident Ann Mudge recalled the family stories of the day the killer storm appeared from nowhere and swept away the life of the grandmother she never knew.
Ann explained that her grandmother, Nellie Poutray, was enjoying Misquamicut Beach with friends Sept. 21, 1938 when the unexpected storm approached. “They were at a church picnic,” Ann related. The minister drove to the beach to see if his parishioners wanted a ride home. They said no. He drove away just before the women were swept into the ocean. “There was a tidal surge. If it hadn’t been for the tidal surge they would have got out of there,” Ann said as she watched the Walldogs paint the mural depicting the destruction of that day and reconstruction.
About 100 Walldogs participated in the Bricks and Murals Festival, a first for New England. Walldogs converge each year on towns that arrange for walls and themes. Each mural had a paid project leader who designed and directed painting of the mural by volunteer Walldogs. Cameron “Cam” Bortz, a local sign painter and long-time Walldog, coordinated the Walldogs. A committee of business and civic leaders headed by Wendy Brown, owner, Brown Group Real Estate, coordinated logistics.
Walldogs spend only a few days together each year during painting festivals, but they are a close group. What Cam calls, “my tribe.”
Westerly Council Member Jean Gaugnier worked with Cam early on to launch the Bricks and Murals Festival. Jean and Lisa Konicki, Executive Director, Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce, hope the murals will add one more reason for tourists to come to Westerly Pawcatuck.
Walldog Jay Robert Allen said the Walldogs felt honored to be part of the community for a short time, and to leave public art of value. “All we’re doing is holding a mirror up to you, Westerly and Pawcatuck. Look at yourselves.”