The “Y’s Men Classical Music Society Presents A Performance By Staples Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra On March 4th At Saugatuck Congregational Church
Members of the acclaimed Staples Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra along with Co Directors Carrie Mascaro and Jeri Brima (far left) They will perform a free concert on Tuesday, March 4 in the Saugatuck Congregational Church Sanctuary, beginning at 2:45 pm. (contributed photo).
About The Y’s Men of Westport-Weston Classical Music Society: Since 2016, the Y’s Men Classical Music Society offers educational and inspirational programs of classical music from the 17th century through contemporary times. It is one of more than 30 diversified activities offered to the group's 500 plus membership of Westport and Weston retired and semi-retired men. The Society meets monthly from September through May on the first Tuesday of the month. Members and their guests are welcome.
About The Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra: The Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, a distinguished part of the Staples Music department, first formed over 50 years ago. This select ensemble is composed of committed and skilled string students who undergo an audition process each spring. Typically, around 45 students from grades 9-12 audition, showcasing their abilities through a chosen solo, scales, arpeggios, and sight reading. This year, 30 members have been chosen to participate in the Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, alongside a smaller Amati Cello Ensemble comprising four members. Prior to the pandemic, the program was robust enough to sustain two separate chamber orchestras, reflecting its long-standing tradition and continued appeal among young musicians.
Students from our music program have gone on to attend prestigious institutions such as Berklee College of Music, along with notable alumni who have studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Many have advanced their careers by performing with esteemed ensembles like the Cleveland Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Additionally, their chamber orchestras participate in regular performances at off-campus venues, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA). Beyond these organized events, students also perform in smaller groups throughout the community. Recently, middle school and high school chamber orchestras collaborated for a festival concert, allowing older students to mentor younger musicians, fostering a continued interest in music as they transition into high school.
The Chamber Orchestra at Staples High School benefits from the collaborative expertise of both Carrie Mascaro and Jeri Brima, who co-teach the ensemble. With over three decades of experience in the Westport Public Schools, Mascaro brings a wealth of knowledge and a proven track record in music education, alongside her active role as a conductor for the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestras and her commitment to chamber music. In contrast, Brima's background includes a significant nine years in the Chicagoland area, where she honed her skills before joining Staples six years ago. Her focus has recently shifted to scholarly pursuits as she works towards her doctoral degree in music education. Together, they create a rich learning environment for the students, blending performance practice with academic rigor, while fostering a love for orchestral and chamber music.
Students rehearse for two hours each week from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, demonstrating their commitment to excellence in music. In addition to these rehearsals, they are required to participate in a 30-minute sectional each week, balancing this with their other commitments. Their dedication is evident not only in their practice and performance skills but also in their organizational efforts, as they maintain a snack schedule for the rehearsals. This level of commitment and planning showcases the strong work ethic and camaraderie among these dedicated musicians.
WRECKERS WIN FCIAC CHAMPIONSHIP!
Wednesday night, Senior Captain Adam Udell led Staples Wreckers Basketball to the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference, defeating the number one ranked Ridgefield Tigers 68-58. Wearing #1, quite fittingly, Udell was the game MVP, leading all scorers with 24 points including two 3-pointers. The game was played at the Mahoney Arena at Fairfield University and most of the arena's 3,500 seats were filled with cheering fans who roared at almost every time a basket was scored.
Photos By J.C. Martin, story by Jake Sullivan and J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
When the final buzzer sounded, the celebration began.
On a special night in which the FCIAC basketball championship made its debut in the beautiful Leo D. Mahoney arena on the campus of Fairfield University, the #2 seeded Staples Wreckers squared off against the #1 seeded Ridgefield Tigers. Ridgefield drew first blood to start the game on layup by Senior Alex Hickey (20 points), and it started off quite even.
The Ridgefield Tigers noticeably changed their defense from the first meeting just 7 days earlier, this time seemingly sagging off anybody not named Dhilan Lowman (sophomore, 6 points). A tip-in layup just before the first quarter buzzer by senior Charlie Bowman (6 points) gave the Wreckers a 9-8 lead after 1. In the second quarter, the Wreckers started to find themselves through their fast-paced offense as a result of their intense man-to-man defense.
Photos By J.C. Martin, story by Jake Sullivan and J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Quick baskets by Junior Mason Tobias (11 points, 4 rebounds) and sophomore Austin Heyer (2 points 2 assists 2 rebounds) followed by free throws from Junior Matt Corrigan (19 points) led to a quick Ridgefield timeout to start the second quarter. The Staples Wreckers’s depth was on display in the second quarter as multiple players got in the game and Joined the scoring party. The Wreckers led Ridgefield 30-21 at the half.
Coming out of the locker room, the second half was all about Adam Udell (24 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds) and Corrigan, who scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half. A couple gambles defensively and missed box-outs led to three pointers for the Ridgefield Tigers, which seemingly kept that in the game as the third quarter closed with a score of Staples 47 Ridgefield 39. The fourth quarter was all Staples, who seemed to score right after any basket by the Ridgefield Tigers. This trading-of-baskets proved to happen too late in the game for the Ridgefield Tigers.
Photos By J.C. Martin, story by Jake Sullivan and J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Coming out of the locker room, the second half was all about Adam Udell (24 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds) and Corrigan, who scored 13 of his 19 points in the second half. A couple gambles defensively and missed box-outs led to three pointers for the Ridgefield Tigers, which seemingly kept that in the game as the third quarter closed with a score of Staples 47 Ridgefield 39. The fourth quarter was all Staples, who seemed to score right after any basket by the Ridgefield Tigers. This trading-of-baskets proved to happen too late in the game for the Ridgefield Tigers.
The Staples faithful erupted as Adam Udell rifled a pass in the paint to Corrigan, who scored an and-1 layup to give Staples a 61-48 lead with 3:28 to go. After that, Ridgefield was in desperado mode and forced to foul, sending Udell to the free throw line, where he continued his poise. The crowd erupted again as Senior Charlie Bowman dribbled out the clock and the Staples bench jumped for joy. This FCIAC championship is the first since 1963, and is particularly special for the school, who had lost back-to-back conference championships in 2023 and 2024.
Photos By J.C. Martin, story by Jake Sullivan and J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Wreckers are not done this season, as they now head in the division 1 state tournament, hosting Kolbe Cathedral on March 4 at 6:30 PM.
The Staples cheerleaders did their best to contribute to “the sixth man”, revving up the Staples fans, who were outnumbered by the Ridgefield fans in the 3,500 seat Mahoney Arena. The crowd noise when ever either team made a great play was at times deafening. At one point, when it appeared that the momentum was with Staples, the Wreckers fans began chanting, D A V I D G O L D S H O R E!!
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
When The Final Buzzer Sounded, The Celebration Began!
The Spales Wreckers Starting Five with their newly awarded FCIAC Championship medals.
Head Coach Goldshore made the rounds, hugging everyone he could, including his Mom (bottom, right) who was delighted with her son’s huge victory.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Some of the team members receiving their medals. At bottom left, Adam Udell with his medal and MVP plaque. Udell lead all scorers with 24 points.
Head Coach David Goldshore with his FCIAC Championship team members.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Proud parents take to the court to congratulate their boys and pose for some photos. At right, MVP Adam Udell is interviewed my members of the media.
Wreckers Prevail in Tourney Semi-Final: Next Stop, FCIAC Final!
Wreckers defeat Fairfield Ludlowe 56-46 in thrilling FCIAC semi-final in Wilton on Monday.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above: Wreckers are introduced and face the flag for the National Anthem.
In a meeting of contrasting paces, the Ludlowe Falcons found themselves down 8-4 to the Staples Wreckers after the first quarter, despite the slow-tempo favoring the Falcons. Staples Junior Mason Tobias got it going in the second quarter, scoring 6 of his 13 points off of crafty post moves as well as poised free throws. Still the Ludlowe Falcons tilted the game to their pace, with the low halftime score of Staples 16 Ludlowe 14.
Coming out of halftime, Junior Matty Corrigan (15 points) found his rhythm offensively ,scoring 11 points in the third quarter, right after he picked up his third foul. Corrigan found himself primarily in transition, scoring an up and under layup that wowed the Staples faithful before drilling his lone three pointer of the game. As the pace of the game started to pick-up and tilt more towards the fast-pace that the Staples Wreckers desired, the Ludlowe Falcons weren’t done yet. Senior Charlie Mahoney (13 points) hit all 3 of his three pointers in the second half, most of which were well contested by the Staples defense. Senior Ryan Torello also found himself, scoring 10 of his 19 points in the third quarter.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Early in the fourth quarter, the score was Staples 41 Ludlowe 39 when sophomore Dhilan Lowman (6 points) drilled his second trey from the top of the key to give the Staples Wreckers some breathing room. It was all Staples from there, led mostly by senior point guard Adam Udell who scored 13 of his 15 points in the second half. The final score was Staples 56 Ludlowe 46.
As always, Staples Cheerleading brught their “A” game, keeping the energy in the stands at the maximum.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
As the clock’s final minutes wound down, the Wreckers bench showed their appreciation. Staples Principal Stafford Thomas is joined by Matt Jacowlefff , Staples Special Education teacher and Associate Head Football Coach and Staples Assistant Principal Jim Farnen. At right, a young Wreckers basketball fan looks admiringly with good reason at Head Coach David Goldshore as Dave puts his arm around him. The youngster is Justin Goldshore, Coach’s son.
As the team heads to the bench after the buzzer, there are congrats and high-fives all around. Head Coach Goldshore takes a moment to share some thoughts with Ludlowe’s Head Coach John Dailey, then enjoys the sweet victory with an FCIAC official.
The Staples Wreckers find themselves back in the FCIAC championship game for the third year in a row as they travel to the Mahoney Arena on the campus of Fairfield University this Wednesday, February 26 at 7:30 PM. This time, they will be taking on the #1 seeded Ridgefield Tigers, whom Staples defeated in the last regular season meeting just 5 days ago 81-69. The Staples Wreckers lost last year’s FCIAC championship game to Trumbull in overtime, and in 2023, Staples lost to Danbury. This is definitely one you won’t want to miss!
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
We were able to corral a few of the Wreckers for a photo before they joined the rest of the team to celebrate the hard-fought victory.
We felt it was important to recognize this Ridgefield Tiger player who, in a moment of true sportsmanship, consoles A Fairfield Warde player whom the Tigers had just defeated in the first semi-final match-up.. We would like to commend that player for a display of empathy and class which is unfortunately not a common occurrence. Well done young man!
Today Marks Three Years Of The Horrific War In Ukraine
Today marks three years since the Russian federation began it's unprovoked attack on the nation of Ukraine, and Mark Yurkiw is again responding.
Above, volunteers load a container with supplies and equipment bound for Ukraine this weekend. Contributed photos.
Today marks three years since the Russian federation began it's unprovoked attack on the nation of Ukraine, and Mark Yurkiw is again responding.
Mark Yurkiw is an artist living in Westport and the son of Ukrainian parents who came to the US in 1949. When the war began, Mark, whose first language is Ukrainian, immediately began efforts to help the country as it struggled to defend itself against a brutal invasion by Russia, working with two non-profits, Ukraine Aid International and Ridgefield Responds.
For 3 years he has made this his mission, gathering donations, organizing volunteers and he has made several trips to Ukraine to see first-hand the needs of this nation as it fights for it's very survival against a brutal dictator. He, along with other volunteers have sent multiple containers of the things needed to support Ukraine from medical supplies and equipment to humanitarian items for the people who in some cases have lost everything as Russia bombs homes, apartment buildings, schools and civilian targets.
He has helped with efforts by Westporters to support her Ukrainian sister city, Lyman
Mark is still working hard to Ukraine and this weekend Mark and his volunteer friends have been hard at work once again.
Mark gave WestportLocalPress this comprehensive update on his latest efforts to aid Ukraine, even as she faces a different political landscape in the United States and what that may portend:
Ridgefield Connecticut - 2/21/25
"Out of a matter of Urgency at 8:30 Friday morning a 40ft container truck arrived at the warehouse shed for loading medical equipment bound for Ukraine stored at the Ridgefield Transfer Station. Four and a half hours and 10 Ukrainians with 2 forklifts got about 45 pallets loaded so tightly packed the doors had to be pushed shut with the forklifts for muscle. Ross Voytovych with his mother Nadia, who took inventory, ran the operation to coordinate packing the pallets with the help of volunteers that showed up to help.
Thanks to the disaster relief organization, Ridgefield Responds Non-Profit, and Ridgefield’s First Selectman they are able to store what is collected at the town Transfer Station. This was the 5th shipping container sent to the front lines over the last 3 years, just from Ridgefield. All donated, this shipment, valued over a hundred thousand dollars, came mostly from an assisted living facility in Wilton. This wasn’t the first time ten volunteers came from all over Fairfield County to help. When Putin’s war first began, one Ukrainian family in Redding kept a container truck parked in their driveway, people would come at all hours with donations. Each time the truck was full it left for the Jersey shore to be loaded onto a ship. Now at the beginning of the 3rd year of this unnecessary war the Ukrainians in Fairfield county are working harder then ever to get what’s needed.
Mark Yurkiw had been to the front lines in Ukraine in October. The trip was to assess what the hospitals there needed while delivering chest compression bandages and tourniquets to the people and soldiers on the front lines. Mark Yurkiw traveled across Ukraine from west to east to deliver lifesaving humanitarian aid to the front lines near Kharkiv in the east."
Volunteers braved the early morning cold to organize and load pallets and packaging to be loaded into the shipping container to be sent to Ukraine.
Mark has provided a 15 minute video on Youtube which immerses you in how the people in Ukraine integrate their daily lives with this senseless terrorism. We suggest you view this video to see what Mark has found and helped to accomplish in Ukraine.
Here is the link to that video: https://youtu.be/AEGWEjRvZSA
Mark told WestportLocalPress, "There is already another container load in the warehouse getting ready to go. The next step to get it to the Ukraine Aid International warehouse in Kharkiv, Ukraine. With the help of UAI which was started in Westport, Ridgefield Responds, and your help we can get it there to save lives.
….all we need right now is another $8,000 for shipping to get it there.
YOU can save a life by making a Tax Deductible Donation to Ridgefield Responds for shipping right now."
To help Mark with his mission visit the websites below:
Donate To Ridgefield Responds: www.ridgefieldresponds.org
To learn more abut Ukraine Aid International: www.ukraineaidinternational.org
At left, the process of packing the shipping container from floor to ceiling has begun.
Wreckers Tame Tigers In Ridgefield Regular Season Finale
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In the last game of the regular season Wednesday night in Ridgefield, the #2 ranked Staples Wreckers faced #1 Ranked Ridgefield. In what was expected to be a tough contest, the Wreckers needed to bring their "A Game". They did just that. Staples won the opening tip-off, scored the first basket, and never looked back. The led from buzzer to buzzer, defeating Ridgefield by the score of 81-69.
The Wreckers starting five were introduced, psyched to take on #1, followed by a Ridgefield student singing an outstanding rendition of the National Anthem.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A minute and a half in saw the Wreckers score 4 quick points, followed by Dhilan Lowman draining one of his 6 three-point baskets, on his way to a 20 point game. Ridgefield called a 30 second timeout after the 3 pointer apparently concerned with stopping the Wrecker momentum. It did not. Ridgefield cut the lead to 4 points with a minute left in the first quarter, but Staples held the ball until the final 3 seconds when they found the net from beyond the arc to end the period with a 5 point advantage.
Ridgefield closed the gap to 3 points early in the second quarter however the Wreckers went into the locker room with an 7 point advantage, thanks to a pair of 3-pointers by Lowman. The game was physical and intense. Above: (bottom right), the Staples bench rises to their feet after one of Lowman’s 3-pointers finds it’s mark.
The fourth quarter was no better for the Tigers as in the final 3 minutes they tried fouling at every turn in, trying to cut the lead, however it was to no avail. In addition to Lowman's streak of 3-pointers which was a career high, player of the game Mason Tobias shot a blistering 80% from the field on 10 attempts, scoring 21 points and scooped up 8 rebounds.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, right, Staples fans take to their feet in the final minute cheering as the Wreckers take the big victory.
With the regular season concluded, Staples, with a record of 13-2 in the FCIAC and 17-4 overall will open the FCIAC tournament quarter finals on Saturday, seeded #2 behind #1 Ridgefield. They will face #7 Wilton, 8-7 in conference at 2:00PM at Fairfield Warde High School. A victory in Fairfield will take the Wreckers to the semi-finals on Monday at either 5:30 or 7:30PM at Wilton High.
The Wreckers are ranked #4 in CIAC Division 1 and will face some serious competition when the state tournament begins.
Westport's Shonda Rhimes Says See 'Ya To The Kennedy Center For The Arts
Shonda Rhimes being interviewed at the Westport Library’s Martin Luther King celebration last month. Photo by J.C. Martin for Westport Local Press
Trump's takeover of the organization prompts several board resignations and artist cancellations.
Story by J.C. Martin for Westport Local Press
Shonda Rhimes, who was treasurer of the Kennedy Center, one of Americas premier arts organization has resigned that position.
The Center made its public debut on September 8, 1971, with a gala opening performance featuring the world premiere of a Requiem mass honoring President Kennedy, a work commissioned from the legendary composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein.
Honorees have included a who's who of America's greatest and most beloved members of the arts community. The Kennedy Center Honors was televised earlier this year with Francis Ford Coppola, Bonnie Raitt, Arturo Sandoval, the Grateful Dead and Apollo Theater receiving the 2024 honors. The list of those honored would fill a few pages here and include Earth, Wind & Fire, The Eagles, Sally Field, Henry Fonda, Cher, Reba McEntire, Lin-Manuel Miranda, George Clooney and Bob Dylan.
Forbes Magazine's story cites a "War On Woke Programming" Forbes Kennedy Center The story has appeared in multiple media outlets including The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Post and NPR.
Trump previewed his vision to usher in " a new age in arts and culture" last week when it was reported that he would appoint himself as chair of the center.
Trump, who has never attended the Kennedy Center, has fired numerous board members and replaced them with people from his inner circle including White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, her deputy Dan Scavino and second lady Usha Vance.
Staples Wreckers Top Hatters 42-34 In Danbury
Above left: Mason Tobias scoring one of his game high 19 points. Right: Matty Corrigan starts the transition after grabbing one of his 6 rebounds.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
On a special night honoring the senior players and cheerleaders at Danbury High School, the Staples boys basketball team played the role of spoiler. Staples started off the game very well defensively, jumping out to a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter led by junior captain Mason Tobias (#11) who scored 5 points and junior Matty Corrigan (#35) who added 4 points in the first period.
Coach Dave Goldshore and his staff get the team ready to take the floor after a time out.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Danbury battled hard throughout the game and fought back, and threatened Staples which led by one point at the close of the third quarter, 29-28. The 4th quarter saw the Wreckers expand their lead to 6 points just past the midway point, holding off the Hatters who were held to only 2 more points in the final minutes.
Mason Tobias, forward (#11) lead all scorers with 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds which ultimately led the way for the Wreckers with his craftiness in the paint as well as some timely free throws. Forward Matty Corrigan (#35) was productive across the board, scoring 10 points, adding 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and 3 steals to help the Wreckers to victory. Staples won the game 42-34, and looks to continue their success on Friday night when the Cadets of St. Joseph come to Westport (7:00 PM tip-off).
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
We would be remiss if we did not give a shout out to the championship Danbury Cheerleading Hatters, who have dominated cheer competition in the FCIAC and the state. The squad won their seventh straight FCIAC conference team title and scored their third straight state title last year. Below: they perform one of their signature moves, lining up for back flips which thrilled the crowd.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
And now, THIS!
A snowman was made in an effigy of Adolph Hitler, complete with a swastika and stick positioned as an arm forming a Nazi salute.
Snowman photo courtesy of 06880.
Westport Police Department & First Selectwoman Update:
On 1:00 PM on Tuesday February 11, Westport Police issued the following press release:
In response to numerous inquiries from various media outlets, The Westport Police Department is releasing the following information about a recent antisemitic incident.
On the night of February 9th, Westport Police were notified by a local Rabbi to the existence of a snowman with antisemitic features at the Newman Poses Preserve. The person who found the snowman notified the Rabbi and a local blog. On the morning of January 10th, the Westport Police initiated an investigation which included responding to the Newman Poses Preserve where a snowman was located, but without any antisemitic symbols. We contacted the complainant and spoke with him about the incident. He reported finding the snowman at approximately 5:40 PM on Sunday, January 9th while walking in the Newman Poses Preserve. The complainant reportedly took a photo of the snowman and then removed the antisemitic symbols prior to leaving the preserve.
The Westport Police Department is investigating the incident and asks anyone who knows who is responsible for this incident to contact the Westport Police Department at (203)341-6000. Furthermore, we ask that incidents like this be reported immediately to the Police Department so they can be investigated in a timely manner.
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker stated, “This incident does not reflect the beliefs of our community. Westport strives to be a welcoming community, where everyone feels like they belong. I will continue to lead with that goal as my North Star and will work with the Police Department to ensure everyone feels safe and heard.”
WPL Note**
The WPD requests that all incidents of hate be reported ASAP so that a police response can occur as quickly as possible, as this will hep in any investigations.
WESTPORT LOCAL PRESS ORIGINAL POST:
Town officials and civic leaders at ever turn, have made it clear that the Town of Westport is a welcoming community where acceptance and tolerance is the standard to which we hold ourselves.
Recently an example of the kind of hate which is unacceptable anywhere, especially here, appeared in a strange and bizarre form in one of our town open spaces, The Newman-Poses Preserve, located off Bayberry Lane near the intersection of Easton Rd. The preserve is the only public memorial approved by the family of the late Paul Newman as a way to honor the actor and philanthropist.
Westport PD was notified and reaction was swift in town and in the area, with posts on 06880 and reporting in area newspaper websites and local television including News12 Connecticut.
A response by the CT chapter of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) came in the form of the statement above, which references the ongoing incidences of anti-semitism in CT, saying in part, "At a time of rising hate and antisemitism, we all upon community leader to speak out against this hat. Hate is not child's play."
An ADL post on their website in April, 2024, the organization reported, "Antisemitic Incidents in Connecticut Soared 170 percent in 2023". Westport, which has large and thriving Jewish community and several synagogues has been highly visible in it's support for the community and for Israel as the hostage crises continues, has seen more than it's share of anti-semitic incidents and rallies in support of Israel.
Link to the ADL post: Antisemitic Incidents Soared In 2023
Some of these have been reported here in the Westport Local Press:
Another Example Of Anti-Semitism Appears In Westport
Bridge Rally Marks 300 Days Of Captivity For Israeli Hostages
Vigil Tonight To Mark 300 Days Of Captivity Of The Israeli Hostages
Feed The Birds (Tuppence a Bag)
OK, BOOMERS! You know where this song is from, don't you? (Link below)
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
But, did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month?
We are taking this opportunity to remind Westporters that winter is a great time to feed our beautiful backyard songbirds. We took these photos in our backyard this week. One of the best loved birds we see all the time is the male Northern Cardinal, pictured above. Here, is seen taking cover in a thicket, awaiting his chance to visit a nearby feeder, then getting a little bit closer.
About the Northern Cardinal
From ebird.org: Striking and familiar backyard bird throughout most of eastern North America; also occurs in the southwestern U.S. and fairly extensively in Mexico. Crest, large red bill, and long tail render this species distinctive even with a poor view. Male is entirely red with a black face. Female is brownish overall with redder wings and tail. Usually seen in pairs or small groups near dense cover, especially thickets near forest edges. Frequently visits bird feeders.
Learn more: https://ebird.org/species/norcar
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The photos above are of the Common Grackle which appears in large flocks at this time of year. They can often mob backyard feeders and con often overpower other birds trying to enjoy a meal.
About the Common Grackle
Those unfamiliar with birds often mistake Grackles for crows, or members of the extended crow family. To learn more about Grackles: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Grackle/id
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In the photos above, a female Northern Cardinal shares a thicket with a house sparrow. At center, a Dark-eyed Junco, a species of sparrow common in our area in winter, has found a black oil sunflower seed.
About the Dark Eyed Junco
Unique sparrow with incredible variation between populations. Generally patterned with gray, white, and shades of tan. All have pinkish bills and white outer tail feathers.
To learn more about Grackles: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/id
And, for those who are not Boomers, or perhaps children of Boomers, here is the answer to the song title above, Feed The Birds, (Tuppence A Bag):
Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag) YouTube link: https://youtu.be/XHrRxQVUFN4?si=xfnP78l5Biablk43
STORMAC Hockey Falls To New Milford
STORMAC, the co-op hockey team consisting of Staples, Norwalk High and Brien McMahon of Norwalk, met New Milford Hockey on their home ice at the Canterbury School's O'Neill Arena, battling fiercely for 3 periods, however their efforts fell short, leading to a 4-0 loss.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
New Milford found the net first with less than three minutes in the period, and less than a minute later put another goal on the scoreboard.
Above, right: What the STORMAC fans lacked in numbers, they made up for in enthusiasm. These superfans braved the freezing cold, making the 40 mile, 50 minute trek to New Milford to support their team.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The second period was back and forth, and the New Milford goaltender stood tall. STORMAC went on a push and battled hard but weren't able to cash in on their opportunities. New Milford added two more goals in the third period cementing the victory.
STORMAC goalie Mason Mountain had a strong game, making 45 saves.
The boys are back in action Saturday at Milford Ice against Newington at 8 PM.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
