Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 65. Breezy, with a north wind 15 to 20 mph.
Tonight
Clear, with a low around 39. North wind 6 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 64. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South wind 6 to 9 mph.
Westport Dog Festival this Sunday: “Springtime is dog time in Westport”
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is pleased announce that the 7th Annual Westport Dog Festival will be held on Winslow Park on Sunday May 21st from 10am to 4pm. The festival is once again being produced in association with TAILS the local charitable organization that promotes spay/neutering of animals.
“Springtime is dog time in Westport,” said Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the WWCC. “This festival will be a great day for the family. It’s a three ring circus of activities that will celebrate everything dog, so bring yours.“
The event will take advantage of the large field on Winslow Park, often called the dog park, with multiple informative and exciting demonstrations, goofy competitions, Police K9 presentation, obstacle course, kids activities, food trucks and more.
Demonstrations sponsored by M&T Bank will include guide dogs and training exhibitions and of course the police K9 presentations The obstacle course sponsored by by Garavel Autogroup will have dogs run course and the winner will get a year’s supply of dog food. Completions sponsored by Spot on Veterinary will offer prizes for; best tail wager, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 lbs and dog that most looks like its owner. Judging will be done by many of the Town’s elected officials. There will be adoptables and information about all our outstanding non-profits, sponsored by Earth Animal.
The presenter and lead sponsor of the event is Choice Pet. “We are thrilled to again be the main sponsor of the Westport Dog Festival,” said William Dellipoali, Director of Merchandising and Purchasing. “the moment we opened our Westport location in 2012, it was apparent that this is a community of kindred spirits who truly value the special relationship to their animal companions. The array of activities is absolutely outstanding, and we know that this will be an unforgettable family event for dog lovers, furry and otherwise.”
Surrounding the main activities will be over 60 pet-related vendors, picture taking, caricatures, face painting, balloon bending and lots of give-a-ways as well as an assortment of food trucks. Sponsor WEBE 108 will be broadcasting live from the event and will be offering tickets and prizes on air the week prior to the event.
Parking is available at many of the private lots along the post road graciously offered by neighboring businesses. Look for these designated lots along the post road.
The Festival entrance fee is $10 per person and $30 for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children). Proceeds will benefit nonprofit organizations. So far over $36,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups from the prior festivals.
Dog owners may register for the competitions online or at the festival. All information about the festival can be found at www.westportwestonchamber.com/dogs. A rain date is set for Sunday June 4th.
Fire Department Bans all Outside Burning due to Wildland Fire Warnings
Effective immediately, Westport Fire Marshal/Open Burning Official Terrence Dunn has banned all outside burning until further notice due to extremely dry conditions. The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the entire state.
Fire Marshal Dunn said, “This ban includes all recreational campfires and fire pits. Please recognize that brush fires will spread rapidly possibly threatening homes and property. Do not try to self-extinguish and call 911 immediately.”
A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger.
17th Annual Taste Of Westport Brings Large Crowd To The Inn At Longshore
Great cocktails, amazing food and an awesome band brought Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and former First Selectman Jim Marpe to the Taste Of Westport on Wednesday night, joining CLASP development director Robin Hammond.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport-based nonprofit CLASP, which provides homes for adults with autism and other developmental disabilities, held their most important fundraiser of the year last night at the Inn at Longshore in Westport. The 17th annual Taste of Westport was a huge success, welcoming close to 400 guests and surpassing the organization’s fundraising goal.
The highlight of the evening was the delicious food and drink: from savory appetizers and mouthwatering entrees to decadent desserts and signature cocktails, every palate was satisfied. Chefs from more than two dozen local establishments partnered with CLASP to create an unforgettable and exquisite culinary experience, all in support of a great cause.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The event also included an impressive silent auction with items including tickets to Yankees and Giants games, fine wines, diamond jewelry, and dining packages from many local restaurants. In between familiar tunes performed by Fairfield County favorite, the Bar Car Band, CLASP president Tracy Flood thanked guests for attending and encouraged them to bid. “Your generosity enables CLASP to continue providing programs and services that enrich the lives of the people we serve,” she said.
Taste of Westport has grown in the last few years, welcoming not only CLASP family and friends, but many community members who are drawn by the impressive list of participants. “It was heartwarming to see our long-time supporters alongside so many new faces,” Flood said. “It’s truly a testament to the power of our community to come together to make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities.”
For more information about CLASP and the work they do in the community, visit www.clasphomes.org.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Girls Celebrate Senior Day With 7-0 Win Over Brien McMahon
The Staples Varsity Girls Tennis team won their 11th match in a row today against Brien McMahon high school, bringing their overall record to 12-2. Their last match is on Thursday against Ludlowe High School in Fairfield. The girls celebrated Senior day with their families before the match.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
"This is a powerhouse group of seniors," says coach Jena Wider. "they are a tour de force on and off the court." Captains Karenna Birns, Caroline Caggiano and Audrey Kercher, all seniors have played on the Varsity squad for the entirety of their Staples careers. Birns is going to Georgetown, Caggiano to Vanderbilt and Kercher to University of Florida. Rounding out the senior lineup is veteran Jenna Kornbluth, who has also played on the Varsity team for her length of her high school career--going to Carnegie Mellon in the Fall.
Lucia Wang, (above, second from right) returning for her second year on Varsity and the school's valedictorian --will head to Duke and Alana Zitomer to the University of Wisconsin. "The team is totally united and it has been a pleasure coaching them this season," says Wider. "we love our seniors dearly and they will be sorely missed."
Other members of the Varsity team include: juniors Chloe Francis and Sarah Marron' sophomores: Rhiya Anand, Maddie Hendley, Lola Lamensdorf, Bridget Menninger and Sadie Yanks, and lone freshman: Isabel "Ruthie" Alfageme. "Our team has a lot of heart," says Wider. "we started off the season with a few disappointing losses, but completely rallied to bring our record to 12-2.”
“The sky's the limit to where this team can go." Karenna Birns and Audrey Kercher have played the latter half of the season as the first doubles team and will pose a significant threat in the upcoming FCIAC and state tournaments.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 73. Northwest wind 7 to 11 mph.
Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 49. North wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Northeast wind 6 to 8 mph becoming east in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 44. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Westport Teen Wins National “Call for Kindness” Competition
Press ReleaseLocal Connecticut young leader, Leigh Foran, 16, wins national Call For Kindness competition sponsored by Riley’s Way Foundation that encourages young leaders to apply for grants that fund initiatives that strengthen their communities and inspire kindness.
Foran is the founder of Inclusion and Diversity through Education and Awareness (IDEA), an organization whose goal is to spread awareness surrounding empathy, respect, and inclusion through early education. By leading various lessons at local libraries and preschools, IDEA teaches children to appreciate the differences across their peers and communities through activities such as read-alouds and hands-on arts and crafts sessions.
The national Call For Kindness Competition builds on Riley’s Way’s work to invest in a youth-led kindness movement, providing young people with the programs, support and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers. To date, Riley’s Way has awarded hundreds of inspiring young leaders across the country with up to $3,000 each to fund their projects. In addition to funding, Foran will join the Riley’s Way Fellowship, consisting of mentorship, professional development, and peer-learning.
“The 2023 Call For Kindness winners reflect critical issues top of mind for young people today,” shared Dr. Christine O’Connell, Executive Director of Riley’s Way. “They have answered the call to make a difference in their communities, adding to a national movement for kindness.”
“Being part of the Call For Kindness makes me feel empowered to make a difference in my community,” said Foran, one of forty nationally-recognized 2023 Call For Kindness Winners. “I am so thankful for the support from the Foundation, which will continue to guide me in achieving my goal of creating a more inclusive world.”
"The Call For Kindness inspires and draws in exceptionally gifted young leaders who are driven by a deep passion to make the world a better place," expressed Ian Sandler, Co-Founder and Board Chair of Riley's Way. "These remarkable young leaders hold the key to tackling the world's most pressing issues, and we believe that by investing in them, we can help them turn their ideas into reality. Whether they are just beginning to explore their ideas or have advanced plans, we strive to support and encourage them to imagine a better future and work tirelessly toward it."
About IDEA
IDEA creates unique lesson plans that each take a multi-step approach to thoroughly explain important topics regarding belonging and kindness with students, such as respect, empathy, and inclusion at various CT preschools and libraries. By having a multi-step, engaging teaching strategy guided by the help of professional educators, IDEA hopes to effectively and appropriately reinforce these inclusive ideas with the children they work with. After receiving encouraging feedback from parents, teachers, and community members, IDEA is confident that they will create a deep sense of belonging and acceptance both today and far into the future.
About Riley’s Way Foundation
Riley’s Way is a national nonprofit that invests in and supports the next generation of kind leaders. They provide young people with the programs, support, and inclusive community they need to thrive as changemakers, including seed funding for social impact projects, coaching and skill-building, networking opportunities, and a peer community. Riley’s Way supports young leaders around the country to envision change and achieve it. Mackenzie and Ian Sandler established Riley's Way in 2014 in memory of their daughter Riley Hannah Sandler, whose kindness and friendship undergird its work. Three flagship programs implement the mission: The Call For Kindness, Riley’s Way Councils, and an annual Youth Leadership Retreat. Since its founding, Riley’s Way has supported more than 3,000 young leaders across the US with over $2M in grants, workshops, and programming.
Staples Boys Tennis Shuts Out St. Joe's Of Trumbull 7-0
The Wreckers won each match on Thursday May 4th, however three scheduled matches were unable to proceed as St. Joe's did not have their full roster able to compete resulting in defaults wins for Staples.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Singles Results:
Junior Hayden Frey defeated Billy Kibbey in straight sets. Junior Jared Even, Sophomore Sheryas Gorre and Senior Henry Matar were each awarded the win by default.
Doubles results:
1. Senior Captain Alex Guadarrama & Sophomore Lucas Ceballos-Cala defeated St. Joe's Guenther Bartolone & Mark Berlen 6-0, 6-0.
2. Sophomores Mattie Guadarrama & Clint Graham defeated Daniel Lee & Dylan Lehnring, 6-2, 6-0.
3. Freshman Patrick Tesoriero & Senior Captain Holden Dalzell defeated Dominic Bray & Tommy Rizzitelli, 6-3, 6-0.
The Wreckers will face the Senators of Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk on Monday May 8th at 4:00PM
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Girls Lacrosse Defeated By New Canaan
The Staples Girls Lacrosse team (4-7 overall) faced powerhouse New Canaan (11-1 overall) at home Thursday and although fighting hard the entire game, were defeated 15-2. The Rams held the Wreckers scoreless in the first half and found the net time after time. Both Wreckers goals came in the second half.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Said Coach Nicole Gerosa, "With a tough schedule this year in a season where we have faced a lot of unforeseen circumstances losing key players to injuries we are so proud of the team for keeping a positive outlook and continuing to cheer each other on. We have younger players that have stepped up and are filling major roles on the field especially on defense." Among those younger players are Sophomore Katie Fitzgerald, #17 and Anna Petrosino, #5 each of whom have started all season.
Coach Gersoa added, "There is still a lot of work to do and we’re setting some high goals for the team for the remaining regular season games. Senior Captain Jaden Mello and Junior Keira Best, committed to play collegiately at Davidson, have continued to be consistent threats on offense contributing at least one point in every game this season. There is still a lot of work to do and we’re setting some high goals for the team for the remaining regular season games."
Staples scorers were Jaden Mello and Keira Best with 1 goal each. Goalkeeprs Clair Sandhaus had 4 saves with Athina Sarmiento adding 6 saves.
The Wreckers face the Spartans of Amity Regional High School, Woodbridge at home on Saturday, May 6th at home.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Business Gathering Celebrates Cinco De Mayo
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held their annual Cinco de Mayo Business After Hours on Thursday, hosted by Brown Harris Stevens Real Estate. The event provided the opportunity for some great conversation and networking at the end of the work day.
Over 40 members of the business community enjoyed delicious Mexican food including empanadas, tacos and of course guacamole, salsa and chips sourced from numerous local venues as well as wine, Sangria and Margaritas at the Chamber of Commerce's monthly early evening networking event.
Over 40 members of the business community enjoyed delicious Mexican food including empanadas, tacos and of course guacamole, salsa and chips sourced from numerous local venues as well as wine, Sangria and Margaritas at the Chamber of Commerce's monthly early evening networking event.
Next month the event will be held on the patio of La Plage at the Longshore with it's beautiful views of Long Island Sound in collaboration with the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday June 21st.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.