They Grow Up So Fast!
It's hard to believe that just two months ago the Terrain Osprey juveniles in these photos were little chicks, small enough to hold in the palm of your hand (below, left pic, see: https://westportlocal.com/news/osprey-update-its-triplets).
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Within 30 days of hatching, the young birds will be 70-75% of their adult weight. The chicks will fledge about 55 days after hatching but will use the nest as home base until they migrate in September. Young ospreys will stay dependent on their parents until the young are able to fish for themselves, which these two seemed to in no big hurry to learn.
These "teenagers" were anxiously awaiting their next meal, and were quit vocal about their need for dinner. They were squeaking for nearly an hour, hoping Mom and Dad would be bringing fresh fish. After not getting their food delivery they flew effortlessly to the nearby pine trees at the back of the Terrain parking lot. Upon landing in the pine trees, they continued demanding to be feed (above left) and after another 15 minutes of squawking, they gave up and chose instead to give their feathers a good preening (above, right).
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Library and Y's Men Presented Howard Saffan, Owner And President of The Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
Mr. Saffan, the owner, developer, and president of the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, provided an insider’s look at this highly acclaimed, world-class venue on August 3rd at The Westport Library in a presentation co-sponsored by the Library and the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Mr. Saffan was introduced first by Dewey Loselle, President of the Westport-Weston Y's men (L), then by Dick Kalt, ( C) the organization's director of communications. Mr. Saffan (R ) spoke at length about the detailed and very expensive process of building what many of the music and concert industry's legendary performers have heralded as an exceptional concert venue and one in which they want to return to again and again.
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Now in the midst of its second season, the Amphitheater is a conversion of the former Harbor Yard Ballpark, previously home to the Bridgeport Bluefish. The Amphitheater showcases many of music's superstars, and Saffan will discuss the development of the amphitheater, the relationship with Bridgeport, and the exciting renaissance of live contemporary music shows and the Sound on Sound Festival. The Amphitheater is the premier music venue in Connecticut, presenting live shows with The Beach Boys, Temptations, Rod Stewart, James Taylor, Jackson Browne, Santana, and many more.
As part of his presentation Mr. Saffan provided photos and videos and proudly described the many features and amenities which sets this facility apart from other concert venues. He provided clips of some of the major music industry stars who have performed worldwide describing how exceptional this facility is and how happy they are to appear here. Speaking in one of the video clips was Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl who performed at and became one of the early fans of the amphitheater.
Howard provided fascinating background on his long career, how he started his first business, a window and door factory in Bridgeport, which he sold after his start as a bankruptcy attorney and clerked for a Federal Bankruptcy judge. That career began when he graduated from Brooklyn Law School and achieved a B.S. in finance from Syracuse University.
Howard later became CEO of the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, and spoke of how he always wanted to be associated with the sports business. He tried being a legal assistant for a famous sports agent but couldn’t stand dealing with the large egos of the athletes he represented. At this point he left the legal profession, the window business which he subsequently sold for a large profit at age 36. He then bought a major interest in a leading golf driving-range company that was going into bankruptcy. Later, he took over a Shelton, CT facility, the popular Sports Center of Connecticut. That facility is unique in that it is the only double decker NHL-sized ice arena in the world where various local hockey teams could train.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Several audience members were afforded the opportunity to ask Howard questions and he coyly demurred when one questioner asked about a major announcement he would be making on a future project which he alluded to in his earlier remarks.
One of the teams that trained there was the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He joined the team as President and after 9 years became CEO. Finally in 2011 he bought the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport which he converted to one of the most successful sports and entertainment arenas in CT. He features college and professional ice hockey and basketball and includes popular music groups, singers and shows such as Cirque de Soleil. This season the arena had the highest attendance ever and Howard continues to be a very successful entrepreneur.
As if all this was not enough of a resume of achievements, at one point in his career Saffan oversaw management of the New York Islanders hockey club and Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
The audience mingled prior to the start of the event. Audience members listening intently to Saffan's presentation included (L) Jeff Weiser, RTM Moderator, E. Bruce Bonner of the Y's Men organization (C) and Westport based real estate developer, investor and one of Howard’s attorneys, Roger Leiffer, (R) seated next to his wife Beryl.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Other audience members included Robin Hammond of CLASP Westport with Levitt Board member Dave Briggs (L), Agata Slattery of the Westport Library, Y's Men's Dewey Loselle, Mr. Saffan, Westport Library's Jennifer Bangser and Y's men's Dick Kalt. At right are Dick and Howard.
Tacombi Readies For Monday With Friends & Family Soft Opening
On Monday, the newest offering in Westport’s array of dining options Tacombi will officially open.
To get ready for the big day they held a two-day friends and family soft opening giving their team a chance to iron out any wrinkles in operations and to give Westporters an opportunity to enjoy their great food at family-friendly prices.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above left is Tacombi’s management team: Anthony Simkin, Annamaria Ferencz- Managing Partner , Petagaye McLaughlin and Javin Bell. Center photo, server Chloe brings an order to Alexander and Janelle of Westport. At right First selectwoman Jen Tooker with Annamaria Ferencz, Zoltan Pongracz and Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
Tacombi, known for its full-flavor tacos, cocktails and ice-cold beers, is excited to announce the opening of its newest location in Westport, Connecticut on August 7th [1680 Post Road, Westport]. With over 17 locations across New York City, Long Island, Miami and the Greater Washington D.C. area, the brand is excited to expand its footprint with its first location in Connecticut, offering the Westport community of families, young professionals and longtime residents to indulge in authentic Mexican food and culture.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
This new taqueria is centrally located near the Long Lots & Coleytown neighborhoods, just down the road from exits 18 & 19 off of I-95 and close to local public transit, making this taqueria accessible to all in the area. The colorful 2,966 sq foot free-standing location offers speedy and convenient service, with the option to order at the counter or via QR code tableside. The space offers an indoor-outdoor setting with an expansive outdoor seating area, where guests can dine under canopies, the perfect place to indulge in tacos during the warmer months.
The menu at Westport brings together distinct flavors and recipes from across Mexico’s 32 states, offering a selection of Tacombi’s popular menu items like Corn Esquites, Baja Crispy Fish Tacos, Tacos de Birria, and Gringa Quesadillas with Mexico City style Al Pastor roasted pork. The taqueria will serve cocktails including its classic Margaritas, Spiked Hibiscus, which is smoky mezcal with fresh Hibiscus flower; Paloma, Tacombi’s take on the beloved Mexican cocktail, made with tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit, and agave; Piña Colada, a tropical favorite pairing dark rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream, along with other Tacombi classic cocktails as well as non-alcoholic beverages like house-made Aguas Frescas and Lupita sodas.
With each new opening, the taqueria participates in growing the impact of The Tacombi Foundation, a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance Mexican communities through education and food accessibility. As part of the foundation, The Tacombi Community Kitchen provides food for people in need by donating thousands of quality and reliable Mexican meals prepared in the kitchens of Tacombi taquerias. With its opening in Westport, The Tacombi Community Kitchen will begin working with local non-profits such as Open Doors, which has been a resource for people dealing with poverty and homelessness in the greater Norwalk area for over 40 years, along with Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center and Thomas Merton Center, two organizations fighting food insecurity in the local Westport area.
Tacombi’s Westport location is open from 11am to 11pm. For more information visit www.tacombi.com or @tacombi on Instagram.
Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay (the River, actually)
A couple relaxes alongside the river at sunset.
Photo by J.C. Martin