Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll A Smash!
The inaugural street festival, the Soundview Summer Stroll was by any measure a great success. Instead of cars streaming down Soundview Ave, which runs from the Compo Beach Parking lot, along the beach and ends at Hillspoint and Compo Rd. South, the well-known and picturesque street was filled with Westporters having fun.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
This wonderful, free, family friendly event was presented by Dan Woog’s 06880 Blog and the Compo Beach Improvement Association, with an assist from Westport Parks & Rec Department and Westport PD.
There were several great bands, including Rock, Paper, Soul which is pictured here which kicked the party into high gear.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The band got folks literally dancing in the street, both the very young and the not-so-young. They played a long set of varied genres, from rock to pop to Motown.
They may have gigs that paid a bit more, but Rock, Paper, Soul have probably never had a better view while they performed.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Crowd estimates over the course of the 6 hour event was as high as possibly 3,000, including town officials (L. to R.) Kristen Mott Purcell, District 1 RTM member who assisted in organizing the event, First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Westport Fire Dept. Deputy Chief Matt Cohen, Westport FD’s Jennifer Petrosinelli and co-organizer 06880’s Dan Woog.
The band got folks literally dancing in the street, both the very young and the not-so-young. They played a long set of varied genres, from rock to pop to Motown. The wall was a perfect spot to enjoy the music and watch your friends pass by.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
There were some delicious food offerings provide in part by Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci which offered a great menu at the same attractive prices as the store, which is not always the case at many fairs and festivals. There was also delicious OG’s delicious gelato, another offering from Romanacci’s Old Mill Grocery.
Romanacci’s had a long line of hungry festival-goers eager to enjoy their fine food, amazing pizza and delicious Italian-style gelato. Dan Woog (center pic) was one of the happy faces waiting for a treat.
Kids had a ball with lots of activities for the little ones, including face painting, crafts and a chance to create a little street art. There were games like tug-of-war and balloon toss that kept them busy. Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Not-To-Be Missed Soundview Summer Stroll This Sunday
Another great summer tradition (we hope) will begin in Westport on Sunday, the Soundview Summer Stroll which takes place July 28th on Soundview Drive at Compo Beach.
Sound view Drive will be closed to traffic from Compo’s Soundview parking lot to the jetty at the intersection of Compo Rd. South and Hillspoint Rd.
This wonderful family friendly event is presented by Dan Woog’s 06880 Blog and the Compo Beach Improvement Association, with an assist from Westport Parks & Rec Department and Westport PD. the fun kicks-off at 11:00AM and will run to 5:00PM. There will be live music from four bands and the usual kid-friendly activities such as face painting, crafts and a balloon artist.
The Compo Beach Playground Committee will be running the schedule. Planned events will include a tug of war on the each hour, with the Water Balloon Toss to follow 20 minutes later and next, an inflatable relay race. Food will be available menu favorites from Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
The event is free, but a beach emblem is required to park. This will be a great, must be-there event so be sure to stop by and get in on the fun.
Plein Air Painting With Flags Flying
Local artist John Forgione can frequently be seen around town at his easel with brush in hand, capturing the many wonderful scenes in Westport. On this day he took advantage of the flags of more than 100 nations which were flying on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge for last months jUNe Day celebration (WestportLocalPress jUNe Day).
John’s work has been displayed and sold through a variety of Connecticut art shows and galleries including the Fine Line Art Gallery, NEST Arts Factory, New Pond Farm, Rene Soto Gallery, Mark Twain Library, Metro Art Studios, and out of his home studio and gallery in Easton.
John told WestportLocal, “I've lived right next to Westport nearly my entire life (Weston and Easton), and I've always enjoyed the people, the history, and the amenities the town of Westport has to offer. The international flags being flown on the Saugatuck bridge are a high-energy visual, and I was naturally attracted to the scene ... doing my best to capture the day and express the positive energy with paint and brush.” John added, “My lifelong love of nature, and a strong influence of the French and American Impressionists drive my passion for “Plein Air” Painting. I truly enjoy the emotional and physical challenges of painting outdoors, working quickly and fervently to capture the effects of light, weather, form, architecture and nature in my work.”
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Food Drive This Saturday At Stop & Shop Westport To Benefit Homes With Hope’s New Food Pantry.
Homes With Hope pantry shelves need filling at our new pantry location at 1655 Post Road East, Westport.
The Westport Police Department, Stop & Shop, the Rotary Club Of Westport and Westport Sunrise Rotary will be hosting a Food Drive to achieve this goal. This important food drive will be held on Saturday, July 20th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Stop & Shop, 1790 Post Road East, Westport. Westport police officers and volunteers will accept non-perishable food items, and other necessities, as well as cash donations in front of Stop & Shop.
All donations will directly support Homes with Hope in order to offer support for residents dealing with food insecurity. The Gillespie Center provides food services to their resident clients, those at risk of homelessness and those in need in our community.
For more information about Homes with Hope please go to: Homes With Hope.org
We thank Stop and Shop and all of our continually generous donors for their support and look forward to seeing you all at Stop & Shop!
Westport-based Homes with Hope is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Fairfield County. The agency provides emergency shelter for men and women, supportive housing for individuals and families, a community kitchen and food pantry, youth development and mentoring programs as tools to achieve and maintain an independent life.
We ask for your support and generosity to help make this food drive a success.
Fireworks Light Up The Sky At Norwalk’s Calf Pasture Beach
One of the many spectacular fireworks shows that took place earlier this month was at Norwalk’s Calf Pasture Beach. The show was the highlight of the July 4th celebration at the beach, which included live music by one of Fairfield county’s favorite bands, the Funky Dawgs who have played many times in Westport.
Fireworks continued the week of the 4th with Ridgefield holding their display on Sunday the 7th after threat of rain postponed their planned Saturday show. Rain also postponed the show at Darien High School set for Friday July 12th and will instead take place this Friday, July 14th.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Please click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Signs of patriotism and the celebration of our nation’s founding were everywhere. Norwalk PD marine unit kept boaters at a safe distance.
Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling and his first lady Lucia were on hand to enjoy the festivities and the beautiful fireworks show. Kids were having fun with bubble guns, while teens were enjoying the newly popular game of spike ball while others displayed their skill at Pepsi-Pong.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Please click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The brilliant shells were varied and many and were reflected in the waters of Long Island Sound.
Some folks went all out on their red, whit and blue. Teens took a moment from their game to show off for the camera. The day was a perfect opportunity for dads to dance with their kids and grandmothers to bond with their grandchildren. Not all who gathered for the event and show were born in the USA. One woman was fully prepared to dig a very large whole. We did not ask what the purpose was. Some may have been too young to fully understand the big party, but they enjoyed it nonetheless.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Please click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Always a crowd favorite, CT based Dawgs band. Their website states that they “are one of the premier touring acts on the live music scene today. It is impossible not to enjoy yourself during a show as they play a contagious upbeat mix of original music, hip hop, funk, and today’s top hits with a brass twist.” they have played nationally and have appeared with such notables as Tower Of Power, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Twiddle when they played Westport at the Levitt and more.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Please click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
There was a sea of smiles as visitors enjoyed the beach, the music and each other as they awaited the start of the show.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Please click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
As darkness approached the excited crowd got their own little start on the show as street entertainers showed their skills.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Please click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Paddlin’ At Compo Cove
This family found respite from the heat recently by paddling at Compo Cove.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Another Example Of Anti-Semitism Appears In Westport
Three of the volunteers from Run4TheirLives hanging new posters showing the faces of the hostages kidnapped in the October 7th attack on Israel to replace the tattered and destroyed posters hung after the October 7th attack. Those posters were torn down earlier this week. No word on if the group will replace them again.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com.
The day before the jUNe Day celebration in town of the United Nations and Westport’s commitment to the rights of the peoples of the world and to their freedom and safety, a group of volunteers replaced the tattered posters which had appeared on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge shortly after the brutal Hamas attack on Israel, with new posters.
The more than 100 new posters were laminated to protect them from the weather and were securely hung with strong zip ties, all at the cost of several hundred dollars to the volunteers who are part of the Run4TheirLives organization.
On Wednesday it was discovered that all of the posters had been ripped from the bridge railings, a feat which required some effort as the thickly laminated sheets were attached quite securely, and a fair amount of time depending upon how many individuals were involved in the effort.
The group provided a statement to WestportLocaPress shortly after jUNe Day, where a silent protest (WestportLocal: In Their Silence) of over 100 people appeared at the jUNe Day commemoration to keep attention focused on those victims of the attack:
“In February, many of the hostage posters hung on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge after the October 7th Hamas massacre in Israel, were torn down, ripped, and strewn across the ground. Those that remained grew faded in the nine months since the attack. In response, members of the Westport chapter of Run4TheirLives, reprinted and laminated new posters. Today, those posters representing the remaining 116 hostages thought to remain in captivity – many alive, too many dead – were rehung as part of a local jUNe Day silent protest of 150 Westporters against the UN’s abject silence in the face of definitive and graphic evidence of the sexual atrocities Hamas has committed against women on and since October 7th, and the agency’s involvement and complicity in the attack itself, not to mention its refusal to aid in the release of the hostages, representing 54 nationalities.”
Run4TheirLives is a global volunteer organization of humanitarian citizens who march weekly as a reminder of the hostages in captivity. Westport is one of 212 such groups worldwide.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
June’s Sidewalk Sale Scenes
There were bargains galore at Downtown Westport’s annual Sidewalk Sale Days held on the last weekend of June. The excellent weather, coupled with the Great Duck Race and the annual jUNe Day celebration added to Saturday’s very busy shopping day. Some of the shoe deals brought some big smiles to these ladies. We don’t know if this bulldog made the purchase at Vineyard Vines or he was just guarding his human’s purchase.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Not only were the sidewalks filled with shoppers, there were lots of purchases being made. Several Main St. stores told WestportLocalPress that sales were noticeably better than last year, with more traffic and more purchases being made.
One store which was experiencing their first Sidewalk Sale was very pleased with the number of shoppers visiting their store. The appearance of a 10 week old Golden Retriever puppy stopped many shoppers in their tracks to give some love and get some puppy kisses. Another pup seemed pretty comfortable in his owner’s lap after lunch.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
The multi-national brand Rhone which offers men’s and women’s clothes was positioned right on the corner, a short distance from to the very local Two Oh Three, the ifestyle brand celebrating CT life. We noticed more than a few people quizzically looking at this sidewalk “dressing room” which even seemed to draw notice from one four-legged “shopper”. It appeared to be more of an attention getter than an actual dressing room.
They may not have been shopping much, but these dogs seemed more than happy to greet passers-by.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
It Is Hot. It Is REALLY Hot!
The Westport Office Of Emergency Management sent out a press release today telling us just how hot it will be, and for how long, urging folks to take precautions where necessary and reminding us of where we can go to stay cool, at least for a while. Locations like the Senior Center, MoCa Westport, the Westport-Weston Family YMCA and the Westport Museum for History and Culture were among the locations mentioned in the release. Hours of operation were listing in the press release below.
PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT OVER NEXT SEVERAL DAYS
Cooling Centers Are Open Across the State and Can Be Located by Calling 2-1-1
(WESTPORT, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is advising Connecticut residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact the state beginning this afternoon and remaining in effect through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The current forecast indicates that temperatures over this period during the daytime will rise into the 90s and the heat index will be between 95 and 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures are expected to be very uncomfortable, with lows only falling to the 70s and dewpoints also in the 70s.
“It’s been pretty warm over the last several days and it’s about to get warmer, particularly over the next several evenings,” Governor Lamont said. “Anyone who is vulnerable to heat and humidity is advised to take precautions. Cooling centers are open throughout Connecticut and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.” The purpose of the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief.
Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Emergency Management Director, is advising people in Westport, particularly those who are most vulnerable to heat and humidity, to take precautions. “Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1, view the online list at 211ct.org, or stopping by the below sites open in our community,” said Chief Marsan.
Cooling Center Locations and Hours of Operations:
Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Avenue Monday - Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Closed on Sat & Sun
MoCa Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Westport Weston Family YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane Monday– Fri 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sat-Sun 7:00 AM-6:00 PM
Westport Museum for History and Culture, 25 Avery Place Tues – Sat 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on Sun & Mon
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
- Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
- People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
- People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
- People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
- People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
Stay cool: Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
- Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers). Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
- Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.
- Drink more water than usual.
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Remind others to drink enough water.
No Revenge For Westport Football Club Against The Visiting UN Team
The fierce rivalry on the Soccer pitch between the Westport Football Club and a talented United Nations team, comprised of soccer players from all over the world took place once again last week as part of jUNe Day. The match took place at Saugatuck school and although Westport fought valiantly, victory once again eluded them.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The UN coach Aliamane Bacar Said described the match this way:
“This year’s game was announced as a grudge match with the Westport FC soccer team wanting to avenge their 9-7 loss of last year against the UN Soccer Team. However, the UN Soccer team got up early to a 2-0 lead thanks to two goals from Markus (from USA), just before injuring his hamstring and puling out of the game. Westport FC came back into the game thanks to an own goal from the UN center back. The game went to half time with the UN leading 2-1. The UN Team had over 20 players, and that required a lot of rotation by the UN coach Said (from the Comoros Island).”
“The Westport team seized the opportunity and pushed to tie the game. However, they were denied multiple times by the UN’s excellent goalkeeper, Salah Areikat (from Palestine). This push left more space in their defense and allowed AJ (from Nigeria/USA) to use his speed and score his two goals in the second half, in addition to the goal of a young midfielder (from Morrocco) who came in to give captain Mirko Montuori (from Italy) a breather. This ended the game with the score of 5 to 1 in favor of the UN Soccer Team who retained the trophy from last year.”
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The game was not a as physical as last year’s and both teams fielded younger and more technical squads. Unlike last year, the UN Soccer Team brought their own goalkeeper, a young player from Palestine who made 2 big saves with the Westport striker advancing alone on goal. He made many other saves to ensure this time that the UN Team did not concede any goal from a Westport player. The game ended with friendly handshakes and a group picture of both teams. The UN Soccer Team expressed its appreciation for the warm welcome received from the people of Westport and the spirit of friendship and fair play that was expressed during the entire game.
Westport FC coach Damien McClave added:
This was a close game played in great spirit. The first half saw Westport go down 2.0. We scored first in the second half with a great goal by Peter Dorgai our Man of the Match. That goal was assisted by Dario "Kaka" Decarvalho. As the game went on the UN team’s youth and speed were a big factor and they ran out 5.1 winners. Honorable mentions go to Mariusz Jasinski "goalie" on a fine performance. As well as Ritchy Jean Pierre, Brian Diez and Chris Gavrielidis on fine performances. Let just say the better team won but we'll be back next year for the 50th anniversary game.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
