Gazebo Fire Early on the morning of Monday June 21st, neighbors of Pinkney Park called the Rowayton Fire Department to report that the beloved gazebo was in flames. The all-volunteer RFD responded and put the fire out but the damage was done. The gazebo had almost burned down to the ground. Neighbors reported that there were people in the gazebo around 11 PM the night before and it sounded like there was some type of party at that time.   The gazebo was given to the Rowayton Historical Society by Dr. Henry J. “Hank” Gloetzner in memory of his wife of 55 years, Lois Boye Gloetzner who passed away in 1995. Lois was deeply involved in community affairs, including working with the Bell Island Improvement Association, the United Church of Rowayton, St. Joseph’s Church, and Norwalk Hospital Women's Board. Dr. Gloetzner lived on Bell Island for 90 years and died on June 1, 2010 at age 95.   Rowayton’s Fire Marshal Ed Carlson has been investigating but his preliminary ruling is that the cause is undetermined. The Sixth Taxing District’s insurance company has been contacted and has already sent an adjuster to review. We found the original gazebo company and expect to replace the gazebo exactly as it was.

Status of Rowayton Fireworks   Unfortunately, there will be no fireworks in Rowayton this Fourth of July weekend. For a variety of reasons, all beyond Rowayton’s control, it was not viable to have fireworks at Bayley Beach this Fourth. The Rowayton Civic Association, the organizer of the fireworks, is working hard to re-schedule fireworks for later this year. The RCA will still be having a music on July 4th at Bayley starting at 4:30 (see details below). As in past years there will be a lottery for tables starting at 11:00A on July 4th.  Plans have not been finalized for re-scheduling but options being considered include having fireworks during the Labor Day Weekend or maybe having them as part of the Sixth Taxing District’s 100th Birthday celebration this Fall. Watch the 6TD eblasts for updates.

Rowayton School Pond Update As many residents know, since the State of Connecticut re-built the dam, the water depth and circulation at the Pond has dropped materially. The duck weed has grown exponentially. While the Pond is owned by the City of Norwalk, and not the Sixth Taxing District, the City does not currently have any funds budgeted for any work there. The 6TD has been working on the Pond project since May 2018 but we had to engage both the State of Connecticut and the City of Norwalk. We looked at a range of options (including introducing carp) and an aerator was deemed the best solution (other than dredging which is a very costly undertaking).   The 6TD decided to find the funds to install an aerator. We got bids last year but this was a bigger endeavor than realized as we need to bring electricity to the site (solar power would not generate enough energy to run the aerator).  It has taken months to get the electrical connection and now the aerator will not be delivered until August because of delays in the supply chain. The duck weed will be skimmed off at the time of installation so the aerator can function and to prevent future growth. We may have to do additional surface skimming once the aerator is operating to keep it clean only this year. Next season we should not have any duck weed since the aerator will be working from early next spring. The 6TD will provide updates as we make progress.

Di's Sea Shanty - Open for Business Anchor down this summer at Di's Sea Shanty - Rowayton's hidden gem for casual summer eats. From the popular Bacon, Egg and Cheese, to the famous chicken salad sandwich to off the grill burgers, we have something for everyone. Bring the kids down for lunch, spend the evening for dinner, bring a cooler and watch the sunset, no better place in town than Bayley to eat a meal. During the week, open at 11:00 AM weather permitting until 6-630P – longer if people are at the beach. Starting July 4th weekend, on weekends they will open at 9A and serving breakfast until 1130A, followed by their lunch menu. For questions reach out to Di at 203-623-3117.

Rowayton Civic Association RCA events are back with a vengeance this summer - every weekend there is something for everyone. Visit  www.rowaytoncivicassociation.org for details.

The 2021 Summer Music Festival is back with some incredible acts. Our first concert will be on July 4th at Bayley Beach. The show will feature three local Rowayton bands; ROWCO, Petting Zoo, and then The Sound Waves all getting started at 4:30. Bring a cooler and kick off your shoes for a show to remember! And, check out the full summer lineup here and at the bottom of this eblast.

Come celebrate 50 years of the River Ramble on Saturday, July 10th at 11 a.m. in Pinkney Park from 11A - 3P. This beloved day will feature kids games and water slides, a petting zoo, a silent and live auction, Live Music by Summer Feet, a Food Tent with a raw bar, pulled pork and chili from The Rowayton BBQ Company and grilled delicacies from The Grill Boys. And, of course, the beer boys will be present featuring beer from new SONO Brewery Space Cat.

On August 14th, join the RCA for our first Rowayton Movie Night. Come set up your picnic blanket, and bring your whole family to enjoy a showing of Moana at the Community Center. Details on ticketing to come but save the date for an outdoor movie, music from the WEBE-108 van, and food trucks including John the Baker, Crazy Taco-Mex, and Kona Ice.

As part of the Labor Day Weekend festivities, the RCA will host our annual Volleyball Tournament on Sunday, September 5th at Bayley Beach. Co-ed teams of local residents ages 14 can join the fun.

Lastly, the RCA’s legendary Comedy Night is back on Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11 at the Rowayton Community Center starting at 6:30 p.m. Grab your group and book your tables at the in-person presale for Rowayton Residents on Saturday, July 24th at the Community Center starting at 7:30 am. Online ticket sales will take place on Monday, July 26th at 10am, link to follow! The RCA would like to thank our event sponsor William Raveis Real Estate.

Shakespeare on The Sound 25th Anniversary Show: A Midsummer Night's Dream June 15-July 3 at 7pm in Pinkney Park. Join us as we journey into the magical world of A Midsummer Night's Dream for a 90-minute pandemic love story adventure. Tickets are available at www.ShakespeareOnTheSound.org

Rowayton Fire Department The Rowayton Fire Department will be hosting its first annual Golf Tournament on Monday, July 12 at Sterling Farms from 10:00 - 4:00. The cost to play is $600/foursome that includes greens fees, a cart, lunch at the turn, and an awards reception. We only have a limited amount of slots available. Prizes will be awarded to the Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and the winning foursome. Reach out to aameyerson@gmail.com to sign up a team.

Rowayton Arts Center Next up at RAC is “Community Sponsored Awards,” the annual member’s exhibition representing their best work of the year with cash prizes provided by individuals and businesses in the area (on view through July 25). Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday 12–5 pm or Saturday and Sunday 10 am–1pm.   The summer class schedule for adults begins in July both online and in the studio: painting, drawing, collage, silk scarf painting and more. There are also 3-Day Art Workshops for Kids planned throughout the summer and a new ceramics class! More info: rowaytonarts.org/education Visit rowaytonarts.org and follow @rowaytonarts.

Skip the Plastic Norwalk Instead of throwing away unwanted items, Skip the Plastic Norwalk has compiled a list of where to donate or return them—from packing peanuts to pet supplies. Books? Bikes? Wire hangers? We have information about those things, too. Please click here to check “resources” on our website and let us know if you have anything to add to the list.

Rowayton Historical Society Come test your history skills! Our new exhibit will be open Fridays from 2:00 - 4:00 pm during the Farmers Market, Tuesday mornings from 9:30-11:30, and by appointment. Admission is free to members, $5 for non-members.

Porch Jam Porch Jam is back, coming to Rowayton on Saturday, September 4th. There are 25 Rowayton homes who have generously donated their porches for 25 bands to play on between 1-6pm. Soak up the music to benefit a great cause! To purchase tickets visit our EVENTS PAGE.

Turkey Trot Save the Date, 9:30A Thanksgiving Morning, for the Rowayton Turkey Trot. A local Thanksgiving tradition now in our 11th year. Run or walk the 5k or 1 mile course, build an appetite for that turkey, and raise money for some great local causes

City of Norwalk Equity Discussion - July 21 Led By Us & Associates (LBU) has been contracted by the City of Norwalk to establish Equity Framework and lead several community discussions. A part of the important work is to engage and listen voices in the community. Please join us on the evening of Wednesday July 21, 2021, for a District E open discussion around equity and what that means for Norwalk.  LBU will be facilitating this discussion around equity, we need to hear from you, and we want to hear ALL perspectives!!! What are your thoughts on Equity in Norwalk? Agenda Introduction of facilitators & LBU ( 3-5 minutes.)  Condition Analysis Interactive presentation (20-35 minutes) : Explains the process in with an interactive approach  Discussion around Conditions (35-40 minutes) : Participants[ actively engage in process using phones or they can write it down.  The exact time and place of the meeting will be announced next week but this will take place on the evening of Wednesday July 21st.