Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 3; State Positivity Rate Up, Hospitalizations Down
The State Department of Public Health reported 3 more COVID-19 cases in Westport over the past day. The State positivity rate was up to 9.55% while 333 people remain hospitalized around the State.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 5,814 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 40 deaths
State Daily Test Positivity: 9.55% [up from 9.31%]
Westport Fire Department, Southern Connecticut Gas, Westport Public Works End Gas Leak
Press Release
At 10:02 AM, the Westport Fire Department received a call from contractors working at 136 Main Street for an odor of gas in the building. Arriving firefighters found an active gas leak inside the building filling with natural gas.
Along with 136 Main Street, the neighboring buildings on Main Street and Elm Street were evacuated as a precaution. All on-duty firefighters were called to the scene, and hoselines were deployed as a precaution. Southern Connecticut Gas Company responded to the leak and was not initially able to locate the shut-off. Westport Public Works assisted with finding and accessing to bring the incident to a safe conclusion.
Once the buildings were metered and deemed safe, all occupants were allowed back into the buildings. Fairfield and Norwalk Fire Departments provided mutual aid station coverage and responded our or behalf to three emergencies in Town.
Thousands Pay Tribute To Those We Lost On 9/11 With the 21st CT United Motorcycle Ride Throughout Fairfield County On Sunday, 9/11/22
For the 21st year as many as 3,000 riders from Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and as far as Long Island converged early Sunday morning at Westport's Sherwood Island State Park to begin a thirty mile ride throughout Fairfield County.
After leaving Sherwood Island at around 11:30 AM riders traveled approximately 60 miles through Wilton (Georgetown), Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield, before arriving at Seaside Park in Bridgeport at about 2:00 PM where they gathered for a lunch provided by ride sponsors including Vazzy's restaurants.
The riders thrilled what the CT United website says may number more than 15,000 cheering spectators along the route. Riders left under Westport and Norwalk Fire Department spectacular giant flags suspended from ladder apparatus and riders were greeted all along the route with similar welcoming flags provided by local fire departments.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
The program began with opinion ceremonies at about 10:30 AM where spectators heard remarks give by Founder and Executive Director Fred Garrity Jr,who has said that the event is "“for those that lost their lives, for those that gave their lives, and for those that continue to put their lives on the line each day — that’s why we ride.” The crowd pledged allegiance to the flag, heard a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem and somberly listened as a fire bell rang out 11 times.
Westport's First Selectwoman Jen Tooker addressed the crowd along with Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Congressman Jim Himes who represents the 4th district which includes Westport and much of Fairfield County. Also speaking were sponsor attorney John Haymond and Gold Star Parents Pat Parry and Wilfredo and Vicki Perez.
The ride first began shortly after the tragic attacks on 9/11/2001 and has grown during the proceeding years according to Garrity who is quoted as saying “It’s lasted because of the people that support it — both those (who stand along) the route and the riders themselves”. “People continuously say never forget. This is one of the ways you never forget.”
Just prior to beginning the ride, the crowd heard and felt the appearance of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter, possibly from the CT National Guard as it did a fly-by, circling the park as one of the service members on board surveyed the riders and spectators.
As always, there were as many configurations of motorcycles as there were riders. And also as always, there were large numbers of former military, current and former police officers, firefighters and many female riders. There were multiple bike clubs and associations, including Polska Sfora, a Polish riders group, a Latin American Association and even a Christian riders group, Servants Of Christ.
Riders were escorted by police departments who were reported to number more than thirty departments including a dozen or more motorcycle units and also patrol cars from the Connecticut State Police.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Riders Arrive At Their Destination, Seaside Park In Bridgeport
Bridgport Police Motorcycle Escort Leads The Riders Into Seaside Park
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
