Additional Arrest In September Bayberry Lane Carjacking
Per Westport Police Department Press Release
On October 18th, Vincys Baez, (DOB:06/03/03), of Waterbury was arrested at Stamford Superior Court for his involvement in the September 17th carjacking incident. Baez was the second individual captured on the surveillance camera. He was charged with:
- Home Invasion - Burglary 1st
- Robbery by Carjacking - Assault 3rd
- Reckless Endangerment - Larceny 1st
- Robbery 1st - Conspiracy to Commit Robbery 1st
He is being held on $500,000 court set bond and was to be arraigned on October 18th.
On October 6th, with the assistance of the Waterbury Police Department, Westport Detectives took Garrett Gibbs DOB 04/19/2001 of Waterbury into custody for his involvement in the September 17th, 2023 carjacking incident following an intense investigation. After securing a warrant for his arrest and utilizing various law enforcement techniques, officers located Gibbs in Waterbury.
Gibbs was charged with the following crimes and is currently being held at the Westport Police Department on a court ordered $500,000.00 bond and was assigned a court date of October 16th, 2023 at Stamford Superior Court charged with: Home Invasion & Burglary 1st.
Westport Police Detectives have completed their investigation into the carjacking incident
Thousands Enjoy Connecticut's Largest Music Festival, Sound On Sound in Bridgeport
An estimated 50,000 plus music lovers converged on Bridgeport's Seaside Park on the last day of September and first day of October to enjoy a long list of some of music's best known and loved performers, including local boy John Mayer who was born a few miles away.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Mayer was the closing act of the two day extravaganza which had few if any of the issues which had been problematic the previous year and was introduced by non other than the Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont. Lamont proudly proclaimed the John Mayer loves Connecticut and we love him right back.
Howard Saffan, owner of the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater was one of the organizers of the event and in fact had booked Mayer a decade ago at the Webster Bank Arena, which Saffan also owned and which was Mayer's last CT appearance.
Margo Rae Price, an American country singer-songwriter, producer, and author based in Nashville played on Sunday as well
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Hozier, famous for his hits, Take Me To Church and many others Followed Margo Price on Sunday.
The torrential rains the week before made for a fairly mucky Saturday, however measures were taken to make the grounds more visitor friendly including mulched walkways throughout the venue.
Parking was spaced out all around the venue, with police at many of the side streets insuring traffic flowed. Parking within waking distance was available early in the day. A new attraction this year was a giant Ferris wheel providing excellent views of the concert, the grounds and Long Island Sound.
A young couple brought their 10 year old to the concert to celebrate here birthday that day, while another little cutie enjoyed her first music festival.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In true “Festy” tradition, there was a very diverse audience. The energy levels varied as well, from cheering and screaming to “nap time”.
The headliners on Saturday were the Red Hot Chili Peppers known for such top hits as Californication, Give It Away, Under The Bridge and By The Way and has had sales in the hundreds of thousands. They had not played a CT stage in nearly twenty years. Also appearing that first day was the Trey Anastasio Band led by the former Phish lead guitarist, the Gin Blossoms and several others throughout the day.
Visibility of the performers was good almost anywhere, but premium ticket holders were provided with optimum viewing.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Mt. Joy performed as Sunday wel,l but the crowd really got revved up with the appearance of Alanis Morissette who thrilled her fans with her hits Isn't It Ironic and You Ought To Know, songs which have played continuously on radio since their release in the 90's.
Sunday's weather was picture perfect and much of the mud had dried making navigating the extensive site much easier. One of the first performers was Deep Banana Blackout, anther locally based band formed by Jen Durkin and James “Fuzz” San Giovanni both of Fairfield County. "Fuzz" is also seen frequently with his band Caravan Of Thieves.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Between the multiple tents, a great number of food and drink vendors and various merchandise available, the brief times between acts offered a chance to browse the grounds and check out the crowd.
The Giant Ferris wheel became even more spectacular as the sun was setting and the lights of the venue began to shine.
The rising moon added a dramatic backdrop.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Clergy, Political Leaders & Community Gather at Temple Israel Westport To Stand With Israel
A standing room only crowd of more than 900 people gathered on Monday night to show solidarity with the people of the State of Israel after the savage brutality they endured over the weekend.
Photos: Screenshots via Temple Israel Live Feed. Story by J.C. Martin. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The somber event displayed the gravity of what has happened as members of the clergy from the Jewish community were joined in prayer with Senator Richard Blumenthal and Governor Ned Lamont, who had attended several such events that day. Leaders of both the U.S. and of Israel have both expressed that this day was the worst in the history of Israel with the greatest number of fatalities since at one time since the holocaust.
The event was hosted by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Temple Israel, along with The Conservative Synagogue, B'nai Israel and Chabad of Westport as well as Jewish congregations from all over Fairfield County.
The first to speak was Carin Savel, CEO of Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County (above left) followed by opening remarks by Rabbi Michal S. Friedman of Temple Israel (center). Next, a young man named Ofek Moscovich, (right) the Federation’s Shaliach (emissary from Israel) spoke about Israeli Memorial Day and the fact that most Israelis eventually have someone that they loved who died in service to the country and who is honored on Israeli Memorial Day.
A Prayer for the State of Israel was led by Ofek Moscovich, Rabbi Elana Nemitoff-Bresler (Temple Israel) Rabbi Sarah Marion (Congregation B’nai Israel Bridgeport) Rabbi Ita Paskind (Temple Beth El Norwalk) Rabbi Jason Greenberg (Temple Shalom Norwalk). This was followed by Cantor Julia Cadrain, Cantor Becky Mann, and Cantor Jessica Silverberg who led moments of music. Cantor Mann played guitar. Cantor Silverberg is from TCS, and Cantor Mann and Cantor Cadrain are from Temple Israel.
Senator Blumenthal than spoke passionately about his commitment to supporting Israel in providing what they need to defend the nation. He, like many in the audience, had relatives in Israel, his were cousins who were on their way to their join their units in whatever deployments that will soon begin.
The Senator was followed by Governor Lamont who was eloquent as well in his condemnation of the atrocities and firm in his determination to help support our Israeli allies who have suffered so much. Those impassioned speeches were followed by more solemn music by Lu Yehi along with the Cantors. Next, remarks by Carin Savel expressing gratitude to the Senator, Governor and all the local elected officials, of which many were in attendance. Psalm 121 was performed. A prayer for the hostages was then given by Rabbi Josh Ranter and Rabbi Colin Brodie. All in attendance then joined for the Mourner's Kaddish, prayer which is given immediately following a death, the anniversary of a loved one's death, spoken collectively and serves as an affirmation of Jewish faith as well as a reminder that no mourner is alone in their grief.
Photos: Screenshots via Temple Israel Live Feed. Story by J.C. Martin. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
After a moment of silence there was a last musical performance by Cantors Becky Mann and Julia Cadrain. Closing remarks where presented by Rabbi Evan Schultz. Congregation B'nai Israel Bridgeport and Rabbi Zachary A. Plesent of Temple Israel.
The night came to an end with everyone in the sanctuary singing Hatikvah a 19th century poem which is the National Anthem of the State of Israel.
Security for the event was quite apparent, with a Westport PD patrol car's flashing lights visible through the sanctuary window behind the speakers. Temple Israel Executive Director Bryan Bierman organized logistics and engaged private security on site as well.
Countries all over the world proudly displayed the flag of The State Of Israel. At left, #10 Downing St., London, center, Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, nest, Paris City Hall.
How You Can Help - Statement From The Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County:
When collective action is needed, Jewish Federations are there. Now, more than ever, our friends and family in Israel need your support.
We have opened the Swords of Iron Fund to support Israel. Your donation will be combined with the gifts of your neighbors and friends and will help victims of terror and provide trauma support.
Am Yisrael Chai. Click below to donate To The Swords Of Iron
https://shalomct.salsalabs.org/SwordsofIronFundraisingForm/index.html
Style, Glitz, Glamor And Artistry Abound At MoCA Westport Surrealist Soireé
On Saturday, MoCA Westport hosted its first community fundraiser in four years; the very first at their home at 19 Newtown Turnpike, Westport. The art center moved from it's small Riverside Ave location in 2019 when they began a one year renovation of the former Martha Stewart studios after a over one year major renovation.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Surrealist Soireé brought together 150 guests to celebrate and provide critical support arts programming in our community.
Guests arrived as their surrealist selves and donned outfits that evoked the theme of the evening. They were delighted by an aerialist and stilt walking performers, and were able to enjoy the current exhibition Purvis Young: This is the Life I See, on loan from the Collection of Lynne and Jack Dodick.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
MoCA Westport is committed to fostering connections through the arts by presenting inclusive, inspiring, and diverse experiences.
Specifically, its fundraiser was organized to ensure that the museum can continue to offer meaningful and thought-provoking art exhibitions, a truly unique selection of world music, classical, folk, and jazz performances, and a broad assortment of art classes for all ages and abilities, while ensuring that their programs are accessible to all.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
To learn more about upcoming exhibits, concerts and events visit: MoCAWestport.org
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.