J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Parker Harding Parking Problem; What WAS She Thinking

We have all seen various examples of bad parking in Westport. Some are more flagrant than others and some leave one scratching their head in amazement at the sight of such poor or sometimes dreadful parking of an automobile. We wonder, is it lack ability to park properly, or lack of consideration for those who are inconvenienced. Was it due to some dire emergency to which someone had to respond immediately. Who knows?

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com 

Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

This particular example raises the question, just what was the driver of this silver BMW thinking? She parked her vehicle substantially enough into the driving lane to cause other drivers to thread their way through the narrow lane which was left. Smaller cars could maneuver more easily but larger vehicles like the SUV's ubiquitous here in town sometimes had to have the passenger exit the car and guide their vehicle through to open area sometimes coming perilously close to the offending vehicle. Cars backed up down the roadway and people walking to their parked cars also had difficulty.

After about 15 minutes of watching we saw a Westport PD officer arrive on scene. She looked over the situation and then drove her cruiser around the lot to position it blockading the lane to prevent drivers from being in the middle of the mess.

After 10 minutes or so of this, the operator of the BMW appeared and the officer and she had a conversation, about what, we can only guess as WPD did not provide details up inquiry by WestportLocal.

We were not able to determine if the driver just returned as a matter of course or if WPD was somehow able to reach her and request she return to remove her car. We could confirm is a ticket was issued, or a warning. The issue ended as the driver drove her vehicle (the wrong way) toward the patrol car and then exited the Parker Harding.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  

Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Westporters and Visitors Enjoyed Last Weekend's Beautiful Weather, This Weekend Looks Anything But Beautiful

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com 

Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Last weekend's beautiful summer-like weather brought people outdoors everywhere from downtown to Compo beach to enjoy the temps in the mid 70's and the warm sunshine. This weekend does not look like it will bear any resemblance to that be delightful weather.

Rain is expected to blanket the area both Saturday and Sunday as a result of tropical rainstorm Ophelia which may put a damper on one of Westport's favorite events, Saturday's Rotary Lobster Fest held each year at Compo beach.

The beautiful impatiens in front of Anthropologie and at Bedford Square were full and lush but it will not be long before a freeze one night ends their beautiful display. One passer-by in his car may have smelled the great food being enjoyed by lunch time diners sitting at the many tables at downtown restaurants including a young woman visiting Westport from NYC.

Newly installed, very stylish bike racks on Main St. and Church Lane come in handy as they did for Jeff Cuff of Westport who parked his Lectric e-bike at this one. Some of the company's higher end e-bikes go for as much as $1500.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Meanwhile, at Compo Beach folks enjoyed catching some rays and a few even went for a swim as the water temps were actually mild. Some strolled through the beach, others did the picnic thing or walked along Soundview.

The playground at Compo was a busy scene with children and their parents enjoying some playtime. There was a birthday party at the outdoor pavilion for a young man who was clearly a Buffalo Bills fan

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Inside the brick pavilion, Hannah Makmale, who won a gold medal at the annual U.S. Rowing Youth National Championship in Sarasota, Florida in June rowing for the Saugatuck Rowing Club, celebrated her 16th birthday with a group of her Weston friends.

A seagull who had been eyeing first one door and then the next at Hook'd On The Sound, hoping for an opportunity to grab a snack. He finally made his move and was very unceremoniously escorted out by one of their employees.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Later, in Saugatuck, the bubble tent domes at Rizzuto's were replaced earlier this season with tent canopies adorned with flowers, garlands and other decorations creating a lovely tropical ambience. for their dinner guests.

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Public Forum On Car Jacking & Thefts Tonight At Town Hall

In collaboration with First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, the Westport Police Department will host a Public Forum on Public Safety as it relates to car thefts, vehicle break-ins and the recent carjacking incident.  The event will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Avenue.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion focusing on the safety concerns voiced by members of our community.  Chief Koskinas and members of the command staff will present the ongoing work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force that was formed due to the increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area.

The event will be live streamed on the Westport Town Website:

 https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/office-of-information-technology/live-and-archived-meetings

Interested residents may also view a Westport  What's Happening Podcast of an interview with First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Chief Of Police Foti Koskinas on the topic.In this very important episode Chief Koskinas and First Selectwoman Tooker discuss the recent carjacking incident and auto thefts in Westport and how to prevent them.

Most important says Chief Koskinas is: LOCK YOUR CAR

http://www.vimeo.com/866134786

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

BUSTED! Westport Police Make Arrest In Sunday Carjacking

On Tuesday members of Westport PD's Detective Bureau arrested a 16 year old juvenile in connection with the carjacking that occurred on Sunday September 16th. Westport Detectives, as part of the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force on Monday executed a search warrant of a residence in Berlin, CT.

Based on information obtained by the Westport Detective Bureau, a warrant to search a residence in Berlin, CT was secured. On September 18, 2023, the warrant was executed by members of the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force, of which Westport is a member, along with members of Berlin Police Department. During this search four stolen motor vehicles were recovered, one of which was the Aston Martin taken during the carjacking (above, center).

A 2021 BMW 530i that was stolen from Westport on September 16 and used in the carjacking was also located during the search (above, right). Finally, a BMW stolen from Ridgefield (above, right) and a Porsche stolen from Rhode Island (below, right) were also recovered. Twenty-nine-year-old Derek McGill, (above, left) who lives at the home where the stolen cars were found, was placed under arrest by the Bridgeport Auto Theft Task Force but does not currently have charges pending in Westport. He is being held on a $250,000 bond and has been charged with the following crimes: Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st Degree (4 Counts), Conspiracy to Commit Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st (1 Count), Payment Card Theft (1 Count). Illegal Operation of a Chop Shop (1 Count), Conspiracy to Commit Illegal Operation of a Chop Shop (1 Count

A second search warrant was also executed today.

According to Westport PD Lt. Eric Woods:

On September 19, 2023, Westport Police Detectives, the Connecticut State Police Violent Crime Task Force, and members of the Waterbury Police Department executed a second search warrant on a residence in Waterbury, CT. A handgun with an extended magazine was seized. A sixteen-year-old juvenile who resides in the home was arrested by Westport police after evidence linking him to the carjacking was uncovered. He was charged with the following crimes: Strangulation 1st Degree, Robbery by Carjacking, Burglary 1st Degree, Criminal Attempt to Commit Larceny of Motor Vehicle 1st Degree, Assault 3rd Degree. After conversation with juvenile prosecutors, an additional charge of home invasion has been filed against the 16 year old juvenile.

Contributed photos supplied by Westport Police.

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Home Invasion/Car Jacking On Bayberry Lane On Sunday Under Investigation By Westport Police

The assault and car jacking was captured by homeowner’s video camera.

A Bayberry Lane homeowner got the shock of his life after pulling his Aston Martin into his garage when two individuals entered his garage and began the terrifying assault which was captured on the homeowners video camera. Video of the event was released to the media by Westport Police.

Westport PD Press Release On Sunday 9.17.23:

On Sunday, September 17, 2023 at approximately 3:50 PM Westport Police responded to a residential burglary and carjacking on Bayberry Lane.  The complainant reported that as they returned home and pulled into their garage, two (2) suspects entered the garage.  The suspects assaulted the complainant while they were seated in the vehicle and subsequently stole their blue Aston Martin after forcibly removing the victim.  It is believed that the suspects arrived at the residence in a dark blue BMW, as this vehicle was seen fleeing with the stolen vehicle. The complaint suffered minor injuries as a result of the assault but declined medical attention.  Broadcast messages were sent to neighboring towns and Connecticut State Police.  Both of these vehicles were reported to be last seen traveling north on  Route 8.  The Westport Police Detective Bureau is currently investigating and anyone with information is asked to contact us at (203)341-6080.

It is believed that our victim was targeted and followed back to their residence. Therefore, Westport Police are encouraging residents to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior to 911.

WPD Update on Monday 9.18.23:

There have been no significant developments in the investigation as of this writing.  The Aston Martin has not been recovered and there have been no arrests.  The dark blue BMW that was involved was later reported stolen from Norwalk..

Westport police to host public forum on this and Car theft issuesI.

n an additional Press Release on Monday by Westport PD, the department announced it will be hosting a forum on public safety do to the seriousness of this incident and the number of vehicle thefts in town over the last 18 months or even earlier.

WPD Press Release:

In collaboration with First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, the Westport Police Department will host a Public Forum on Public Safety as it relates to car thefts, vehicle break-ins and the recent carjacking incident.  The event will take place on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 7:00 PM in the Westport Town Hall Auditorium, 110 Myrtle Avenue.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas will lead a discussion focusing on the safety concerns voiced by members of our community.  Chief Koskinas and members of the command staff will present the ongoing work of the Regional Auto Theft Task Force that was formed due to the increased car thefts and vehicle break-ins in the area.  Special attention will be given to police practices that are utilized to combat the theft of vehicles.  The forum will provide information and instructions to increase situational awareness and help our community avoid being victims of these crimes.

We hope to see everyone Wednesday at this important and informative meeting.

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Not The Electric Slide, This Will Be The Lateral Slide

The bridge replacement on I-95 over Saugatuck Avenue is proceeding along on time.

The much needed bridge replacement on I-95 over Saugatuck Avenue is being done using the highly efficient technique of Slide-in bridge construction (SIBC), more commonly known as "lateral slide". This is one of several Accelerated Bridge Construction (ABC) technologies being promoted by the FHWA Every Day Counts program. For those who don’t remember, the Electric Slide was all the rage a few years back. This slide offers a more substantial benefit.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Information on this project is available at www.i95norwalkwestport.com. https://www.i95norwalkwestport.com/

Ironworkers from union local 424 and local 15 work in the blazing sun recently with temperatures in the mid 90ºs and feel-like temps over 100. It wasn't easy for Larry, Bernie, Shai, Willie and John on a day like this, but they did their jobs as they do whatever the weather might be.

Connecticut has received many millions of dollars for infrastructure improvements:

CT has been the recipient of major federal funding for this and other major infrastructure projects. WesportLocalPress spoke with Josh Morgan, CT DOT spokesperson who told us, "Billions of dollars in Federal funds for Connecticut are going towards improving our infrastructure, helping grow the economy, connecting communities, and creating safe and accessible passageways for more people. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform our state and make it safer and more accessible for everyone. As a result of this funding, we are doing more projects than ever before and accelerating existing projects so they can be completed sooner. These investments would not be possible without the support of Connecticut’s Congressional Delegation, who championed this bill, and Governor Lamont and the state legislature, who have provided us with the matching state funds to leverage new federal grant opportunities. The Federal infrastructure law is making a difference in Connecticut."

To see what slide-in bridge construction looks like you can go to a similar bridge replacement project ins Southington from several years ago: www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAAMx0W-7S8

As you will see quite often on union construction jobs, workers insure the Amercian flag takes a prominent position on the jobsite.

The bridge replacement is on schedule to be completed next month over the course of two weekends. This will result in weekend lane closures on both the northbound and southbound sides of I-95. While the roadway will remain open, CT DOT is advising motorists to avoid the area during the weekend work. Details about the date and time of lane closures and alternate routes will be published in advance of the work beginning.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

There are several informative websites to learn about how CT is improving the roads and bridges we drive on day and night.

Morgan further provided additional information and links to see just what is being accomplished to improve the entire state of Connecticut's infrastructure, which has significantly increased use by more and heavier vehicles in recent years.  

Morgan's DOT Info:

Here is a link to our end of year Infrastructure Law press release that highlights projects and provides a lot of numbers:https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/CTDOT-Press-Releases/2022/CTDOT-Highlights-Investments-in-First-Year-of-Infrastructure-Law/. Please note, Commissioner Giulietti has since retired and our current Commissioner is Garrett Eucalitto. Also please note, that release came out two weeks before we were alerted that we received a $158 million Federal grant, which was part of a new program created by the Infrastructure Law:https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/CTDOT-Press-Releases/2022/Federal-Infrastructure-Grant-for-Gold-Star-Memorial-Bridge-Rehabilitation.

 Here is link to a map we have that shows projects and funding type, including the Infrastructure Law:https://ctdot.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/52e9ba95ad914e34b149966420e9db08.

On that map, there are multiple projects happening in the same area, so if you click on part of 95 for the Norwalk/Westport job, you may have to click through some arrows to get it. And here is a map that shows all active projects in the state: https://connecticut-ctdot.opendata.arcgis.com/apps/497d9f93de1247378faceff72434b8a6/explore. Same note as before with the arrows to move around projects that overlap.

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Blessing All Creatures Great And Small; Buddhist Blessing Of The Animals

Ani Lobsang Tendrol, a nun placed a wrapped object called a a Compassion Sutra on the animal's head and Prayers are placed on the head as a transmission to the animal. Next, monk Lobsang Nyima sprinkles blessed water with a peacock feather. The monks will also bless photos, either print or phone pics.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

On Saturday the monks of the Do Ngak Kunphen Ling Tibetan Buddhist Center for Universal Peace (DNKL) in Redding held their annual Blessing Of The Animals at the Center on Putnam Park Rd., Redding which began more than a decade ago.

There are various Animal Blessings held each year in Fairfield County but none are quite like the Buddhist blessing in Redding which has been held for more than a decade. While you will see many dos and the occasional kitty at the others, the DNKL Blessing it is not unusual to see horses, like the Icelandic ponies pictured here. They are from Farm Jibe-iT nearby, which also brought several of their goats to be blessed, including one of their "Yoga goats" (Google Goat Yoga) which has been know to jump on the back of the farm's ponies. It is not unusual to see a kitty-size carrier and upon looking more closely, seeing a large white rat or other such creature. All are welcome here!

About 70-80 people ore more attend each year to seek the blessing from the monks, waiting patiently in line, passing under the Tibetan prayer flags. Tibetan prayer flags are used to promote peace, wisdom, and compassion. The bright cloth flags are printed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. Tibetans believe that the prayers will be spread by the wind, bringing goodwill and auspiciousness to all beings. Buddhist are well known for their love of and compassion for all living things including animals which is a part of what makes this such a special event to many visitors each year.

When they pet parents reached the front of the line Ani Lobsang Tendrol, a nun placed a wrapped object called a a Compassion Sutra is placed on the animal's head and Prayers are placed on the head as a transmission to the animal. Next, monk Lobsang Nyima sprinkles blessed water with a peacock feather. The monks will also bless photos, either print or phone pics.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Above, left this pet Dad brought his Briard and his GoldenDoodle for their blessings.

The names of the monks & nun above from left to right are: Lobsang Nyima, Geshe Nawang Kalsong, Geshe Lobsang Dhargey (Main Teacher at DNKL). and Ani Lobsang Tendrol (Nun).

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Following this the monks and nun recite a series of prayers in Tibetan and then in English.

One of those prayers says in part:

Please always bestow fortune and blessing to these animals,

and always be their protectors and saviors.

Always conquer their enemies, and always bestow liberation on them-

Liberate them from illness, untimely death, negative karma and the chain of suffering

and liberate them from the miserable circumstances that lack leisure and opportunity.

About the animal blessing

The objective of the blessing is to imprint seeds of happiness for the animals so they have a successful rebirth. They receive oral transmissions from the mantra's that are recited for health and success in the next life.  Mantra's are words that comprise and symbolize a multitude of meanings and prayers that not only help in this life but in future lives.  The Compassion Sutra is touched to their head and this transmission of compassion and the blessed water is considered to extend hope for the animal for miracles in a future life.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

About the Do Ngak Kunphen Ling Center

Visitors are welcome at the Center at 30 Putnam Park Rd., Redding, a half hour north of Westport on either Rout 53 or Route 58, both beautiful designated as CT Scenic Roads. DNKL promotes peaceful living through teachings, study, meditation and community service. Its unique program integrates the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism with stewardship of its historic New England landscape. DNKL follows the spiritual tradition and lineage of His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

The Dalai Lama visited CT in 2012 as a joint collaboration between DNKL and Western Ct State University.  Due to his Holiness' age he is not traveling outside of India, and we do not expect another in-person visit. 

Located in the former home and estate of UNICEF founding director Maurice Pate and former Sweet Briar College president Martha Lucas Pate, the center is dedicated to benefit and serve others. Do Ngak Kunphen Ling (DNKL) is located on 100 acres of meadows and woods, with rock lined stream that feeds two ponds, a prayer wheel, stone bridge and a charming farmhouse all contributing to a stunning landscape. The name Do Ngak Kunphen Ling literally means The Place of Sutra and Tantra for the Benefit of All.

Under the direction of Geshe Lobsang Dhargey and the other resident monks, we provide basic classes on Buddhist philosophy and meditation along with more advanced systematic studies. Most of the classes are non-secular based.  The courses and activities encourage a more compassionate daily life, new insights into the reality of our existence and the transformation of negative emotions, thoughts and actions.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

DNKL hosts and contributes to public talks, spiritual festivals, interfaith dialogues, and events with families and community organizations to promote compassion and the wisdom found in Buddhist teachings. DNKL also engages in humanitarian activities, such as assisting Tibetan monks and children with basic education and health needs.

Next Year’s Event:

A Tibetan Cultural Event is being held next year to run in conjunction with the Blessing Of The Animals on September 14, 2024 For this event they will not only have the animal blessing but will also have food, Tibetan dance and crafts.

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As Bob Dylan Once Said, "The Times They Are A-Changin'".

Newtown held its 61st annual Labor Day Parade on Labor Day this year with one very noticeable difference. For the first time, before the first group of marchers left the staging area, town workers used heavy equipment to put concrete barriers in place on each road which led to the parade route. The heavy equipment stayed in place along with Newtown PD and Fire Department vehicles. The action was taken to insure the safety of marchers and spectators in light of recent vehicle attacks on parades and public events.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge.

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J.C. Martin J.C. Martin

Newtown’s 61st Labor Day Parade Enjoyed By Thousands

Connecticut’s only Labor Day Parade was a big hit as always with thousands of viewers lining the parade route from the famous flagpole, down Rt. 25 and back to Church Hill Rd.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The annual event lasts nearly two and one half hours as floats, bands, town sports teams passed by eager onlookers. The 2nd Governors Horse Guard, based in Newtown proudly passed by the cheering crowd. The Horse guard is a state militia unit which technically a part of the U.S. Cavalry.

Grand Marshal Monsignor Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown drove the route in a vintage Stanley Steamer an antique steam powered automobile

This being the unofficial start of the election campaign season, Connecticut’s politicians and political hopefuls made sure they were seen waving to the crowds. In a display of bi-partisanship, Governor Lamont took a moment to pose with Republican State Senator Tony Hwang whose district includes Newtown.

Above, right: One of the pilots who flys for the New Milford Police Department waves to the crowd below. NMPD Deputy Chief Wilcoxson responded to a request from Newtown PD for a flyover by New Milford's police helicopter, which they incorporated into a training session. The pilot was Mr. Tom O'Halloran who is ex-military and currently an airline pilot and instructor for the the NMPD Mr. O'Halloran is currently training an NMPD officer. That officer was also at the controls, co-pilot in training Lt. Earl Wheeler, patrol division commander.  The large black object on the nose of the helicopter is a forward looking infrared sensor which can detect people or animals in total darkness.

The street in town were adorned with patriotic decorations and many of the homes were hosting Labor Day Parties to view the parade.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The local VFW made sure Old Glory waved proudly from their float, decorated with lots of red, white and blue.

A lovely young woman made sure to hand out American flags to those who reached out for one.

The children are always amazed by the sights and sounds of the marchers and bands. Above, right, Monsignor Robert Weiss, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, the parade Grand Marshal.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Local martial artist students shared the route with a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

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Scorching Temperatures On Thursday Deterred Some Westport Farmer's Market Shoppers

Temperatures in the mid 90's with high humidity on Thursday kept traffic at the Westport Farmer's Market down from its usual robust numbers, but vendors were still selling their amazing produce, bread, food products, flowers and a variety of gourmet items.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Since 2006 when Paul Newman and Michel Nischan first floated the idea which resulted with the market opening their “doors“ in the parking lot of the Westport Country Playhouse, this highly acclaimed venture which started with only 14 vendors and and about 500 shoppers that opening day, has grown by leaps and bounds.

Paris (from Westport) carefully searches for the perfect bouquets of flowers from one of the flower vendors at Thursday’s Farmers Market

The Westport Farmer's Market is an institution cherished by the late Gordon Joseloff, who served two terms as Westport‘s First Selectman. In fact, Joseloff, along with his Second Selectman Shelly Kassen, were instrumental in moving the market to it's current home at 50 Imperial Ave. next to The Westport Women’s Club. Joseloff and Kassen in fact secured the property for the WFM and arranged to pave the lot on which the market now stands along with ample parking alongside the vendor booths and overflow parking available in the lower lot.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Seacoast Mushrooms brings beautiful and hard-to-find mushrooms from their farm in Mystic.

According to Executive Director Lori L. Cochchran-Dougall, "Gordon and Shelly Kassen were instrumental in the success of WFM. They secured the Imperial Lot for the market by paving the lot for the market, helping WFM become a 501c-3, finding me to run the market and assisting in identifying the address of 50 imperial Ave as WFM's physical address. These actions are what helped make WFM an institution in Westport."

Photographs of the Market were a staple of Gordon‘s ubiquitous online publication, “WestportNow.com“ which he founded and ran for many years until his passing in 2020.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

One of the other reasons for the growth and success of the market can be attributed to an exceptional array of fresh farm produce and unique gourmet items which bring visitors returning every week. The market satisfies Westport’s increasing demand for high quality, fresh, healthy food which finds its way to our tables each week. 

Adding to all that, Cochchran-Dougall said, is that they maintain "the strictest guidelines in the state." She told WestportLocalPress,  "We are producer only. Not a craft market. All prepared foods must have one locally farmed and approved item in them. The market is blooming with 45 vendors! Food trucks, GMO free vendors, organic farmers, pizza, yoga, chef demos, tamales, and an eager, hungry lunch crowd. We now welcome thousands of eager shoppers every week."

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The WFM summer season runs from May through November. The Winter Market then opens at Gilbertie's Herbs and Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane, Westport, just off Riverside Ave.

Find out for yourself all that the WFM vendors have to offer. The full list of vendors with links for more info can be found here:

www.westportfarmersmarket.com/vendors/

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com 

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