One of the six permanent objects of Kiwanis is “To provide, through Kiwanis clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service and to build better communities.” Weston Kiwanians enjoyed camaraderie on a sunset cruise of Norwalk Harbor on Saturday evening, July 20, 2024.

Captain Mark Schlegel piloted Norwalk Seaport Association’s 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaran slowly through outer Norwalk Harbor as the Captain’s Mate Katy told stories of merchants and sailors that have used this waterway for centuries. We learned how Native Americans and English settlers enjoyed the bounty of Long Island Sound and how captains of industry used this area to develop trade routes that went as far as the West Indies. The narrative gave a new understanding of Norwalk historically, and also reflected the importance of this scenic harbor today.

As the C.J. Toth traveled from the harbor into Long Island Sound, we enjoyed close-up views of several of the Norwalk’s islands and the beautiful homes built on them. Our cruise passed three historic lighthouses: Peck Ledge, Green Ledge, and, the maritime icon of Connecticut, Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Architecturally stunning, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse is a perfect example of Victorian stone masonry. Green Ledge and Peck Ledge are fine examples of spark plug lighthouses, of which only 33 remain in the United States.

Pictured way above are Jennifer Barron, Bob and Ellen Uzenoff, and Social Events Committee Co-chairs and event organizers Karen Chrisley and Jacqui Morrison with Sheffield Island Lighthouse in the background. Not pictured: James and Max Morrison.

We embarked with overcast skies providing a welcome respite from the seasonally hot weather. As we returned to the dock we were rewarded with a beautiful pink sunset over Norwalk Harbor. Photograph by Karen Chrisley.