Westport Jewel Wakeman Town Farm Hosts 10th Annual Harvest Fest Fundraiser
The weather gods smiled on the event planners for Saturday night’s 10th annual Harvest Fest celebration with unseasonably warm temps and a Harvest Moon. This annual fundraiser allows the Wakeman Farm team to raise money for annual programs and scholarships, as well as a long-awaited barn renovation. The tickets sold out within hours, and more than 270 guests enjoyed a fun stations-style cocktail party, featuring food by local vendors including Barcelona Wine Bar, The Spread, Nit Noi Providions, Milestone Restaurant, Herbaceous Catering, Marcia Selden Catering and Tony Pizza Napolitano.
The signature cocktails were created by celebrated mixologist Ed Hernandez, and all the wine, been and bubbly was generously donated by Greens Farm Spirits. Held under a festive tent draped in twinkling lights, the event wrapped with a stellar live auction and paddle raise that raised $80,000 and counting, as the auction committee decided to leave the silent auction until 6 pm this Tuesday, due to multiple requests from revealers who said they were ‘having too much fun eating and drinking to place a bid.’ View the auction here: https:Harvestfest2022.givesmart.com
The event was made possible by a team of incredible volunteers, from teens to notable local politicians and community members who lent a hand making floral arrangements, working check-in desks, serving hors d’ oeuvres wrangling sponsors, and ensuring a beautiful Farm experience for all.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
I-95 Southbound Shut Down for Shooting Investigation; Heavy Traffic Hits Local Streets
The State Department of Transportation has announced that I-95 southbound is shut down through Westport’s exits 18 and 17 this afternoon as the Connecticut State Police continue an ongoing investigation. Unofficial reports cite the investigation stems from possible evidence tracking along the I-95 corridor, while the Fairfield Police Department announced that I-95 will be shut down from Exit 18 until Exit 10 for the police activity. Fairfield County towns along Route 1 are reporting heavy traffic as both private cars and interstate trucks avoid the shutdown and hit the local streets on their journeys to all points south. Most of the Connecticut State traffic cameras have been turned off from Darien through Westport, though the ones remaining on show a completely deserted freeway. WestportLocal.com for more information as it becomes available.
UPDATE
Darien Police Department Press ReleaseAt approximately 3:42 AM on Wednesday 09-14-2022, a Darien Police Sergeant observed a vehicle operating slowly S/B on Noroton Ave. in the area of Maple Street. The vehicle and operator then approached the Sergeant and reported that two subjects within the vehicle had been shot.
Darien officers provided immediate medical care to the victims; Darien EMS responded to the scene and transported two male subjects to Stamford Hospital for treatment. Darien PD officers remained on scene to secure the scene/vehicle and to assist the Connecticut State Police.
This investigation into this shooting incident is being conducted by the Connecticut State Police and the CSP Western District Major Crime Squad. There is no ongoing threat to the public at this time. Maple Street will be closed at Noroton Ave. for some period of time this morning as the investigation continues.
There are no indications that any crime occurred within the Town of Darien. All further inquiries concerning this investigation should be directed to the Connecticut State Police.
****** End of Release *****
Donald B. Anderson
Chief of Police
Closures Galore: Main Street, Elm Street, Jesup Road, Exit 18
Main Street was shut down due to a gas leak earlier today and is still blocked from Post Road to Avery Place and from Elm Street to Church Lane. The Exit 18 ramp to I-95 was also closed earlier today for police activity, according to the State Department of Transportation, and is still closed while unknown investigations continue. Jesup Road just joined the list as wires were down in the area of the Police Department, closing the road to all traffic. All incidents appear to be disconnected and simply a recipe for traffic in the community.
Fire Department: Gas Leak near Brooks Corner on Main Street; Avoid Area
The Westport Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 10 this morning for the report of a gas leak on Main Street in the area of Brooks Corner, Elm Street. The area has been closed off and the public is warned to avoid the area while they manage the situation.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 7 to 13 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 58. West wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 11 to 13 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Clear, with a low around 51. North wind around 6 mph.
High Tides
2:30 AM / 2:39 PM
Low Tides
8:42 AM / 9:16 PM
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 20; State Positivity Rate 9.31%
The State Department of Public Health reported 20 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was up to 9.31% while 341 people remain hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,811 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths [+1 death]
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.31% [up from 8.74%]
The Westport RTM is Seeking a Candidate for a District 2 Vacancy
The Westport Representative Town Meeting (RTM) is seeking candidates for a District 2 representative to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Christine Meiers Schatz. In accordance with the Town Charter, Section C5-8C, the vacancy must be filled by a registered voter residing in RTM District 2. No party affiliation is required since Westport’s RTM is non-partisan. The term expires November 28, 2023.
Residents of RTM District 2 interested in being considered to fill the vacancy are invited to send a resume on or before September 23, 2022 to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton at JDunkerton@westportct.gov.
10th Annual Slice of Saugatuck Wows Westport Again
The 10th anniversary of the Slice of Saugatuck Festival was well attended under sunny skies. Over 2000 people came to taste and see what Westport's second downtown had to offer. 7 bands were playing in every corner of the neighborhood, 4 bouncy houses were filled with excited children and people strolled the streets enjoying samples of food from two dozen eateries.
"What I liked most was seeing all the smiling faces," said Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Chamber and originator of the festival. "Saugatuck is a special place and this event shows it off like no other. I think people really got to see that."
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Catching A "Lift" At The Slice Of Saugatuck
One visitor to Saturday's Slice Of Saugatuck got a "lift" from Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas, right, and one of the Board Of Directors for the Catch A Lift Fund, Andrew Berman. Both men are veterans and Berman's organization was founded to support and aid in the recovery of U.S. Servicemen dealing with the effects of involvement in military conflicts.
The organization's mission statement is this: Since our founding in 2010, the Catch A Lift Fund has helped thousands of post 9/11 combat injured veterans regain their mental and physical health through gym memberships, in home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs and a peer support network. Catch A Lift vets are seeing and feeling results including dramatic weight loss, reduction in medications, improved sleep patterns, and strengthened relationships with family and friends, thanks to their healthier lifestyle. Our veteran testimonials attest that CAL has "saved their lives"; the greatest impact of all. You may learn more about the Catch A Lift Fund at https://catchaliftfund.org/
Photo By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Morning Weather Report
Today
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8am, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly between 8am and 2pm. Cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 83. Light and variable wind becoming southwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 59. West wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 81. West wind 7 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Clear, with a low around 59. West wind around 6 mph.
High Tides
1:44 AM / 2:03 PM
Low Tides
7:57 AM / 8:28 PM