Enjoy Hot Coffee And Hotter Cars Saturday Morning At Interstate+Lakeland’s Westport Design Center
The Interstate+Lakeland Westport Design Center, 800 Post Road East, the area’s premier showroom for high end and luxury products for building or remodeling your dream home will be hosting “Cars & Coffee” at their Design Center on Saturday May 18th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The WDC staff has numerous auto enthusiasts who have partnered with the Ridgefield Motor Club and The Auto Spa of Fairfield to present some of Fairfield County’s finest classic, vintage and late model exotic automobiles for car aficionados and admirers. Some of the world’s most renowned brands will include Ferraris, Porsches, Lamborghinis and others will be on view. All are welcome to visit and enjoy coffee, espresso, craft beverages and pastries served by Caffé Bon’s mobile coffee house.
Guests are invited to also visit the Design Center and see some of the finest in luxury building products, specialty doors and windows and their huge selection of high end home design hardware and accessories.
Design Center Manager Frank Bowron said, “The dramatic way we display our products at the IDC is similar to what you might find on the showroom floor of a high-end auto dealer. Just like you'd need to take a car for a test drive, you'll need to visit the Westport IDC to imagine yourself in your new home.”
Touch-A-Truck Proves It; Kids Love Trucks!
With many folks observing that kids are spending much of their time on screens of one kind or another one thing became perfectly clear on Saturday at the the annual Westport Touch-A-Truck; Kids love trucks! And so do their parents.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Hosted by the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School and held at the Imperial Lot, 50 Imperial Avenue, Westport, hundreds of visitors wandered through an impressive array of all manner of trucks including big rigs, dump trucks, and industrial cranes and other heavy equipment which were available for viewing from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Kids made a beeline to Westport’s Fire, Police and EMS vehicles as well as a State Police cruiser manned by Westporter Joey Bairaktaris (below right) who recently became a trooper with the Connecticut State Police.
One of the big attractions was the Roaming Railroad which took attendees for a ride throughout the vehicles and equipment on exhibit. The popularity is clear from the long line which appears in the photo above and below.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Animal Control Officer Peter V.K. Reid (bottom, left) brought a couple of pups rescued by him with the hope that a potential adopter might fall in love. One of the more popular stops on the tour was an ambulance belonging to Westport Volunteer Emergency Medial Service. Crew Chief Jaimie Bairaktaris shows a couple of fascinated kids some of the life-saving equipment he and his EMS colleagues regularly employ to treat patients when responding to EMS calls.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Boys Tennis Notch 7th Straight Victory; Defeat Trumbull 5-2
Wreckers Boys Tennis continues to burn up the courts with this seventh strait win. They faced the Trumbull Eagles on Thursday at home and the Wreckers won 2 of 4 singles matches and they defeated the Eagles in all three doubles matches.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
They are now 11-2 for the season after Saturday’s victory over Fairfield Warde and will face Danbury at home on Monday at 4:00PM. Junior Alex Cozzolino and Freshman Kieran Anand prevailed in their singles matches and Juniors Lucas Ceballos-Cala and Co-Captain Noah Wolff were defeated. Doubles matches were all Staples with wins by Mattie Guadarrama (Jr.) / Hayden Frey (Sr. Captain), Jared Even / Clint Graham (Sr.) and Aleko Vergakis (So.) / Shreyas Gorre ((Jr.)
Singles Scoring:
1. Justin Ilie (T) def. Noah Wolff (S) 6-3, 7-6 2. Dean Jackson (T) def. Lucas Ceballos-Cala (S) 7-6, 6-1
3. Alex Cozzolino (S) def. Peter Bahr (T) 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 4. Kieran Anand (S) def. Andre Esperitu (T) 6-1, 6-0
Doubles Scoring
1. Mattie Guadarrama / Hayden Frey (S) def. Neel Jakka / Johnnie Iacci (T) 6-0, 6-0 2. Jared Even / Clint Graham (S) def. Josh Jacob / Jackson Sanderson (T) 6-7, 7-6, 10-8 3. Aleko Vergakis / Shreyas Gorre (S) def. Rithik Gunda / Jason Orlick (T) 6-3, 6-4
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples LAX Falls To New Canaan, 1-5
Two-time defending state champion Staples Wreckers Boys Lacrosse faced a fired-up New Canaan Rams team at home on Thursday, and despite fighting hard on defense and leading 1-0 at the end of the first quarter, the Wreckers were unable to find the net more than once early in the match. Tristan Schaefer, unassisted put Staples only goal on the scoreboard.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The tone of the game changed quickly, with New Canaan returning to the field in the second quarter scoring in just over the first minute to tie the match 1-1. Just two minutes later the Rams scored again going, into the locker room at the half leading by a goal. Again, they scored quickly after the break to bring the score to 3-1 and New Canaan would then go on to score twice more.
Staples was only able to win 2 out of 10 face-offs putting pressure on goalie Josh Marcus who had 9 saves, closely matching the 10 saves for New Canaan goalies Cam Lyden and Jack Crowell, however the Rams fired more shots than the Wreckers resulting in the win for New Canaan.
Staples Head coach Will Koshansky told WestportLocalPress, “Our defense played very well, our offense generated good scoring opportunities but did not put the ball in the net. We had 21 shots. Need to score more than 1 goal to win. Credit to their defense and goalies, however if we would have shot at an average level instead of very poorly I think the outcome would have been different.”
Staples will again take the field on Saturday at 3:00 for a non-conference match against St. John’s Prep of Massachusetts which will be preceded by the Wreckers annual Sticks For Soldiers event which begins at 2:30 PM.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A future Wreckers star kept an eye on the match as did a Blue Merle Boston Bulldog. Wreckers fans included some girl’s team members posing for a few snaps.
Come And Touch-A-Truck On Saturday In Downtown Westport
The Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School is hosting their annual Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday at the Imperial Lot, 50 Imperial Avenue, site of the Farmer’s Market and Remarkable Theatre on Saturday, May 4th.
The event will open at 9:00 AM and will run until 1:30PM. Be advised that the projected 4 day closure of I-95 for the demolition of the Fairfield Ave. bridge in Norwalk will continue to impact Westport traffic. Westport PD suggests allowing for increased travel time.
Traffic not withstanding, the popular event which is a major fundraiser for the school is expect to draw hundreds of families to enjoy getting up close and personal with all manner of trucks including big rigs, dump trucks, and industrial cranes and other heavy equipment. Fire, Police and EMS vehicles will also be available to inspect. All our favorite family activities will be there as well, including face painting, crafts,and food trucks and live music.
The school describes the annual event this way, “Our annual Touch-A-Truck inspires young minds, allows children to explore with their senses, and provides our contributors an opportunity to promote to the community. A wide array of vehicles and other child-centered activities make it an event, eagerly anticipated by area children and families.” They note that, “The event will have a designated ‘Quiet Time’ from 9:00am-9:30am. NO horns/sirens/loud noises until the 9:30am countdown to noise!”
The event’s generous sponsors include Bartaco and Interstate Lakeland Lumber.
Admission is $35. per family and all proceeds will benefit The Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School.
Near & Far Aid Gala Fashion Show At Mitchell’s Wows The Crowd!
The Near & Far Aid Spring Gala Friday night at Mitchell’s (WestportLocalPress Tuesday April 30) was a smashing success and one of the brightest highlights was the fashion show.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Professional models and volunteers showed off the latest in designer fashions from Mitchell’s line of fine clothing and accessories. Photos from the Fashion Show here illustrate great new looks available at Mitchell’s.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
You’re Invited: Westport Moms Invitation For Thursday Night Out
Westport Moms, which is part of the Local Moms Network, was created by two moms and Westport residents – Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post – seeking to go beyond word of mouth and offer an up-to-date, informational, and exciting reference for local families who want to stay in the know about everything within the community. Here, you will learn about schools, restaurants, sporting events, camps, music and dance classes, museums, new store openings and interesting products and so much more!
The WestportMoms blog covers a wide range of topics and experiences having to do with everything Westport (and beyond), and the joyous confusion that comes along with being a parent.
On Thursday night, May 2, they will be holding an event at Birchwood Country Club, 25 Kings Highway South to which you are invited. The event will run from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM will be a combination shopping boutique and panel discussion and will be hosted by numerous leading Westport and area women, including Melissa Bernstein of Melissa & Doug, CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota and several others and will be moderated by style & beauty expert Jenn Falik.
Mark Twain Beckons: Annual Frog Frolic Returns On Saturday
On Saturday, May 4th, the outdoor space in front of the Redding Community Center will be transformed into an all-day festival filled with live music, food trucks, games and crafts, including bounce houses and a bubble garden for the littlest ones. The venue is only 30 minutes north of Westport and is well worth the short ride.
The Annual Frog Frolic Festival, organized by and benefiting the Mark Twain Library, is in its 27th year as a mainstay that welcomes Spring to the community by creating a place where people of all ages can come together.
“I love that families can come and hang out, grab lunch at a variety of food trucks and jam out to music! All while their kids eat too much cotton candy and play games and crafts galore!” said Meghan Huszagh, who is chairing the event this year.
File Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Fan favorites from last year’s music line-up will be back, including the folk band Hitch and the Giddy Up and the Country/Americana group North County, plus original rock from the local high school student trio that make up VooDoo Dream. And, two new additions for this year are Moonrise Cartel and the Joel Barlow Acapella Group.
A variety of food trucks also returning from last year’s festival include sweet treats from All Belgium waffle truck, paella from Redding’s own Salas Foods, polish cuisine from Colossal Kielbasa, pizza from 900 Degrees Pizza Truck and food to please even picky eaters (hotdogs, tacos, burgers, breakfast sandwiches!) from Bethesda Grill Truck. In addition to food for purchase from the trucks, a concession stand and homemade cupcakes from the Redding Neighbors and Newcomers can be purchased as well as caffeinated drinks from Redding-based Quartertone Coffee and beer and hard seltzers at the beer tent.
The spirit behind the Frog Frolic is the much-loved short story by Twain, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, which introduced the world to the witty voice of Mark Twain. The first Frog Frolic was hatched to raise a few dollars for art supplies for children’s story times and eventually grew to an event that adds considerable revenue to the Library’s bottom line.
"The Frog Frolic Family Festival is special to the Mark Twain Library because it lets kids join in on the fundraising fun by doing what they do best - being kids,” added Mark Twain Library Director Erin Dummeyer. “And you may just see some adults getting in on the action as well."
Additional Frolic attractions include a robust Silent Auction open to any and all to bid online plus a demonstration from students taught by local karate master Sensei June, who has been a regular at this event over the years.
The Frolic takes place outside (rain or shine) from 10:00am to 4:00pm and in front of the Redding Community Center @ 37 Lonetown Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair and stay all day as the entertainment is FREE and will be ongoing throughout the festival. Tickets are on sale on location to participate in the games and crafts and for food items from the concession stand. Food truck fare will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Mark Twain Library.
File Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Near & Far Aid Spring Gala Fundraiser Returns To Mitchell’s
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
For the 29th year, Near & Far Aid has held their much loved Spring Gala thanks in part to the very generous support of the MItchell family and the various corporate and private contributors, sponsor and donors who help this organization which together has resulted in granting over $1,000,000.00 local Fairfield County agencies. Near & Far Aid funds programs that provide hands on support for struggling households. The impact of these programs lays a strong foundation for the next generation.
This year’s theme was Formula For Aid, and the entire event revolved around race car imaging and decor.
In keeping with the Formula For Aid race car theme, a variety of Ferraris, both now and vintage were on display greeting arriving guests.
The organization’s mission to “target poverty and change lives” is made possible in part from funds raised from this exceptional event. Although the event has passed donations are always greatly appreciated.
To learn more visit: Near & Far Aid, and to make a donation visit: Donate to Near & Far Aid.
Adding to the atmosphere of Forumula racing, Land Rover Of Fairfield provided this Jaguar Formula E race car. Formula E cars look very similar to the legendary Formula 1 racing series which has been around for decades. The key difference: The are EV’s, elctric powered race cars which provide exceptional acceleration with speeds up to 200 MPH from cars with the equivalent of 400 horsepower, and due to the same Regenerative braking on current EVs they can create as much as 50% of their own battery power, charging as they brake.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Craft cocktails, beer and wine accompanied a delectable selection of Hors D’Oeuvres from Selden Catering as guests gathered and mingled at the bars and gaming tables while the violinist from Fiddler’s Dream strolled through the venue providing the perfect musical backdrop.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The waving of the checkered flag signaled guests to come to the runway and await the start of the live auction with MC/Auctioneer David Price and Auctioneer Elyse Luray who presented an amazing array of generously donated items.
The live auction is always an exciting component to the event and guests are excited to place a winning bid on one of the fabulous items generously provided by sponsors and contributors.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
They included “Shoes For A Year” where the winner can go to Mitchell’s each month and select a pair of luxury designer shoes from a selection of designer brands, a prize valued at nearly $10,000. Dream vacations like the Big Sky experience, the VIP Italian Getaway and a VIP wine experience at Lokoya Estate in Napa Valley. Past live auctions have raised as much as $300k and more. When several bidders were close in their generous bids the auctioneers awarded duplicate wins, doubling the funds raised and making the second highest bidder quite happy.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Guests were able to see just how their generosity helps this in need with the presentation video with clients of Near & Far Aid telling their stories.
After their signature Fashion Show (see WesportLocalPress on Thursday May 2nd) where professional models and area volunteers showed the audience some of the finest in this season’s fashions, guests were served more delicious foods including tempting dessert offerings. The crowd then shifted to the bars and the dance floor, where Fiddler’s Dream got the party off with a mix of live music and a high energy D.J. produced dance mix.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
First Night Of Passover; Chag Sameach!
The Jewish holiday of Passover began Monday at sunset and continues for six more days. As many people are aware the holiday commemorates God leading the Jews from Egypt where they had been enslaved.
Chabad.org describes it briefly: “On Passover, we celebrate how G‑d took the Jewish People (Israelites) out of Egypt, where they had been enslaved by Pharaoh. With Moses as His representative, G‑d brought 10 plagues upon the Egyptians until they agreed to send the Jews from their land. When we read the Haggadah at the Seder meal, we retell this story to our children, who will one day retell it to their children. Also known as the story of Exodus, it is recorded in the Bible and is important to the Jewish people because it tells us how G‑d chose us to be His special people, which helps us understand our purpose and meaning in life”. (many Jews do not spell out the name of God in writing)
Most people who have Jewish friends are aware that the first night of Passover, or Pesach, is when the Seder is held in Israel and on the second night if one lives outside of Israel according to Chabad.org however many Jews in the U.S. and elsewhere hold Seder on the first night.
The Seder is thought of as the meal by many non-Jews, however Seder means order in Hebrew, and there are actually 15 steps in a Seder. The Seder is a feast that includes reading a book called "Haggadah," drinking four cups of wine, telling stories, eating special foods, such as Matzah and bitter herbs, telling the story of the Exodus, when the Jews left Egypt, singing, and other Passover traditions.