Fifth Straight Shut-Out For Staples Boys Soccer!
Wreckers Boys Soccer continues to dominate the FCIAC West division with their 5-0 record, leading Greenwich which is 4-0-1. In a very physical game where the Danbury Hatters fought tooth-and-nail for 80 minutes, the Wreckers held on to a 1-lead in the first half and left the pitch victorious.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Second year Head Coach Liam Witham has to be pleased with his team so far this season. Witham told WestportLocalPress, saying, "Another good win today as we came away with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Danbury. I thought we played well overall and created a couple of really good chances that could have made it 2-0 and given us a little more breathing room. Credit to Danbury though they played very well, made things difficult for us, and pushed us right until the end. The goal came from Adrian, who produced a really good finish after a great assist from Noah, while Zach Delman made a couple of important saves when we needed him."
Coach Witham continued, "The standout performance for me today was Ciaran Kennedy. He’s new to the varsity group, came in at outside back, and was absolutely brilliant. A big shoutout also has to go to the entire back line and the work the whole team is doing defensively. Five games, five wins, five clean sheets. We know there’s still plenty to improve on, particularly being more clinical with our chances, but we couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season."
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
To see more photos of this big win and to support Staples Sports on WestportLocalPress, contact the photographer J.C. Martin at: admanjcm@yahoo.com
Come support Wreckers Soccer at their next game when they host Fairfield Warde on Friday at 4:00pm at Wakeman.
The CT United Motorcycle Ride: 25 Years Of Commemoration, Remembrance And Tribute
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The annual ride which attracts riders from all over the tri-state area and even Massachusetts took place on Sunday, August 30th, beginning again at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. This is the 25th CT United Ride which takes riders through nine Fairfield County towns along the 60 mile route. The weather was perfect, and more than 1,000 riders traveled from Westport, through northern Fairfield county and then on to Bridgeport for a barbecue.
For a quarter of a century, since the horrific attack on our country on September 11, 2001, one of the most prominent of events which commemorate that day, the 2,977 lives brutally taken away, and a grim and lasting legacy, has been the CT United Motorcycle Ride. By now, most of eastern Fairfield County is reminded of 9/11 and the sacrifice of New York’s Bravest and New York’s Finest and so many others.
2,606 people were in the World Trade Center and on the ground perished as a result of the attacks and the subsequent collapse of the towers.
2,192 civilians (including eight EMTs and paramedics from private hospital units)
343 membersof the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
71 law enforcement officers including 23 members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD)
37 members of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD)
1 fire marshal of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) who had sworn law enforcement powers (and was also among the 343 FDNY members killed)
1 member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 1 member of the New York Fire Patrol (FPNY)
1 member of the United States Secret Service (USSS). This included a bomb-sniffing dog named Sirius.
92 passengers and crew of American Airlines Flight 11 were killed. 65 people aboard United Airlines Flight 175 were killed.
64 people aboard American Airlines Flight 77 were killed. 44 people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 were killed.
The attack on the World Trade Center's North Tower alone made the September 11 attacks the deadliest act of terrorism in human his
Speaking during the ceremony is former Fairfield Police Chief Gary Macnamara. Also on stage are classical and opera singer Jodi Keogan, CT United Executive Director for 25 years, Fred Garrity, Jr., a third person, Peter Brown, President of the CT Uniform Professional Firefighters Association, Westport First Selectman Kevin Christie, CT Attorney General William Tong, Westport Fire Department Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Police Corporal Craig Bergamo and current Fairfield Police Department Chief Michael Paris.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, left to right, Attorney General William Tong, Westport Fire Department Chief Nick Marsan, Westport PD Corporal Craig Bergamo and Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris salute as the Pledge Of Allegiance is read. Next is Westport First Selectman Kevin Christie, and Congressman Jim Himes with AG Tong. At right, a fire bell is rung which is done often at a ceremony where a firefighter has died in the line of duty. A special sequence—most notably the traditional "5-5-5" or "three sets of five" strikes—was tolled to signify their "last alarm" and final return to quarters.
Hundreds listen to Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums which has been part of the opening ceremony for many years.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Connecticut Firefighters Pipes and Drums was founded in 1992, and is the main statewide service pipe band.
More than 1,000 motorcycles are lined up waiting for the ride to begin and to leave Sherwood Island State Park..
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Everywhere one would look, the Red, White and Blue dominates the view, with many of the bikes proudly flying Old Glory. This ride brings together many different people from many different backgrounds, all with the goal to “Never Forget” September 11th.
Motorcycle Patrol Officers from multiple area police departments await the start when they will take the lead as the procession winds its way on the 60 mile journey. Representing Westport PD are Detective Sergeant Rachel Hall and Officer Dominique Carr, center of group and below, left.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Riders leaving Sherwood Island will pass under this giant American flag provided by the Norwalk Fire Department.
The riders are on their way onto I-95, led by CT State and local motorcycle patrol units.
Westport FD Engine 5 crew post up at the entrance to I-95 South, assisting drivers who want to enter the highway find an alternative route.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Riders in Trumbull as they near the end of the 60 mile route head south on Park Ave. in Trumbull.
As they head south toward Seaside Park in Bridgeport, the final destination, riders are greeted once again by Old Glory, provided by the Long Hill all Volunteer Fire Department.
Each year thousands of spectators gather at their front yards, neighborhood gathering places and parking lots along the way to cheer on the riders. Here the crowd at Park Ave. in Trumbull show their love for the riders who are, for the 25th time, honoring the thousands lost on that terrible September day.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Long Hill FD volunteers wave as the riders pass under their proud flag display. Below, the last of the riders follow along with an AMR ambulance which rides along each year to be prepared for any potential issue which fortunately did not occur as the ride was perfectly run.
Long Hill Volunteers respectfully fold their flag as the riders have passed.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One of the many rows of motorcycles parked at Bridgeport’s Seaside Park as the riders are treated to lunch provided each year by a generous contribution from Bridgeport’s Vazzi’s Catering, longtime sponsor of the event.
Riders enjoy their lunch at Seaside Park picnic tables as they relax after their 60 mile journey.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Vivo Family: Devoted To Service
Of the many amazing folks who rode this and many other years Westport Local Press was honored to meet and speak with the Vivo's, a family which understands the true meaning of service and sacrifice.
Above, left to right, Myrna Vivo, daughter Lina Vivo, and son George Vivo Jr. This was the first time mother and daughter rode together on this year's CT United Ride.
Lina and George served first in the military. U.S. Army Captain Lina Vivo served two tours, one in the Afghanistan withdrawal and another at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Brother George Vivo, Jr. served one tour and was a Senior Airman based at Joint Base San Antonio, TX and NSA Texas, one of the National Security Agency's four primary Cryptologic Centers in the United States.
Upon the conclusion of their military service, both George Jr., and Lina joined the law enforcement community. Lina serves with the CT State Police Troop G, Bridgeport. George is an officer with Bridgeport Police Department and is President of the Bridgeport Police Hispanic Society, Inc.
Above, center and a bit camera “reluctant” is family patriarch George Vivo Senior who is likely the inspiration for his children’s pursuit of service to their country and their community.
The senior Vivo was a Bridgeport police officer for over 35 years, a Detective, Acting Sergeant, and was one of the very first Members for Bridgeport’s Tactical Narcotics and Vice Team TNT with his twin brother John Vivo in the 80’s when crime and drug trafficking in the city was at its highest.
He retired as a key member of the department's accident reconstruction and fatal team where he taught and guided new officers in the field how to conduct multi-investigative traffic accidents and analysis.
The wear visible in the flag above indicates this American flag has more than a few miles flying proudly.
The 25th Annual CT United Motorcycle Ride Roars Through Westport On Sunday, August 30, 2026
This rider from last year makes it clear the importance of keeping the memory of those we lost on 9/11 alive and in our hearts and minds.
Photos and story by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.com
The annual ride which attracts riders from all over the tri-state area and even Massachusetts will take place on Sunday, August 30th, beginning again at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport. This is the 25th CT United Ride which takes riders through nine Fairfield County towns along the 60 mile route. Since this is the 25th year and the weather is expected to be perfect, as many as 2,500 riders or more may be expected to travel the procession from Westport, through northern Fairfield county and then on to Bridgeport for a barbecue and booths of vendors offering the finest in motorcycle gear.
Event Executive Director Fred Garrity, Jr. invites everyone to see this annual spectacle as motorcycles of every kind and configuration roar through towns along the route, which is lined with multiple thousands of spectators each year, to see the red, white and blue adorning the bikes and riders and to support and cheer them on!
See what the excitement is all about from our previous event coverage: CT United Ride, WestportLocalPress
Learn more about the ride at: CT United Ride.com, or email: info@ctunitedride.com
Click on any image above to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Police Department warns of traffic delays and road closures.
WPD Traffic Advisory:
On Sunday August 30, 2026, the CT United Ride will travel through nine area towns, including Westport, to pay tribute to the victims and first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The event is Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute as well as the largest motorcycle ride in the state. This marks the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 which will likely see an increased turnout.
The motorcade will continue to use the established route which starts at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport at approximately 11:30 am and continues through Westport into Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield; ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport.
The procession travels from Sherwood Island State Park onto the Sherwood Island Connector where the riders will then take Interstate 95 southbound from Exit 18 to Exit 17. The riders will then travel north up Saugatuck Avenue (Route 136) from Exit 17, continue north on to Riverside Avenue (Route 33) to Wilton Road, and across the Wilton town line. The route is closed and continuous, meaning that with the assistance of a police escort the participating motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Motorists should anticipate extended traffic delays along the procession’s route which could potentially last 45 minutes or longer. Although delays are to be expected please be mindful of those we lost 25 years ago, as well as their families who are with us today, as it certainly is a day for remembrance and reflection.
It is recommended that wherever possible alternate routes should be sought to avoid these areas as they will be rendered completely impassable until the entire procession clears.
Staples Girls Basketball Hosts Their First Summer Slam Jam
On August 22nd, the Staples Girls Basketball program hosted its first Summer Slam Jam 3 on 3 tournament at Staples High School. The tournament was held from 9am-2:30pm for grades 3-8. In addition to the tournament, the youth players participated in three point contests and skills challenges with hopes of winning each respective trophy! Over 60 youth basketball players participated in the event and had the opportunity to meet players and coaches from the Staples Girls Basketball Program. It was a fun filled day of competition and was a great day to bring the community together.
contributed photos.
Wreckers Varsity Head Coach Tommy Sparks, left and Assistant Coach Tara Bennett and the Staples Girls Basketball Team with the 3rd/4th grade Summer Slam Jam participants. Coach Sparks led the Wreckers to 2nd place in the FCIAC last year and the semi-finals of the Division II State Championship. He is working to train players to reach varsity level skills.
Above, left, Staples Girls Basketball players Kennedy Do(center) and Presley Heyer (right) pose with a few of the contest participants and above right, Assistant Coach Tara Bennett, Varsity Captain Chloe Smith ('24-25 1st Team All FCIAC, '25-26 2nd Team All FCIAC) , Assistant Coach Jim O'Donoghue all helped run the event.
Head Coach Sparks described the event this way: “The boys team has utilized this is as a fundraiser for their program. We decided to emulate it for the girls and try it this summer. It was a great opportunity to raise money for the program and also created excitement within the basketball community in town. It allowed youth players to interact with current HS players and build connections between the youth and HS programs. We pride ourselves on establishing synergy within the entire basketball community from the rec level to the HS level. Other schools may not do exactly this. They have their own ideas of how to raise money for their programs. We decided to utilize this because it also gives parents an opportunity to see their kids compete in a fun-filled day at their future school".
Coach Sparks told WestportLocalPress, “Fundraising goes towards pre-game attire, basketball supplies, pre-game meals and extracurricular team activities. Generally, the school has a flat rate of funding. We just raise the difference for everything we need.”
Above: At the conclusion of the 3 on 3 games, girls had the opportunity to compete in a skills contest and 3 point shooting contest.
Head Coach Tommy Sparks, Asst. Coach Tara Bennett and the Staples Girls Basketball Program with some of the 5th/6th Grade participants.