The Great Duck Race And jUNe Day Returns On Saturday
Sunny, the giant Sunrise Rotary Duck has taken his place at Jesup Green to promote Saturday’s Great Duck Race. A lighted sign display reminds folks that there will be no parking on June 28th night and all day the 29th as the Jesup Green parking lot will be the site for all of the vendors, exhibitors and booths for family activities for the day.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
On Saturday June 29th Westport once again hosts UN dignitaries from all over the world for jUNe Day and The Great Duck Race and Family Fun Faire, which runs from 10:00 AM until 2PM.
Remarks will be given by UN dignitaries at 10:30 to open the jUNe day activities.
The big race will be held at 1:00 PM and the lucky winners will be awarded the first place prize of $5,000, second pace prize of $1,000, with $500. being awarded to the 3rd through 10th place finishers.
About the Great Duck Race:
Helmed by Steve Violette, the Great Duck Race was initiated in 2009 as a trial to see if a duck race would work in Westport. The event was a smashing success, nearly doubling expectations for money we were able to raise for charity.
Every year, the Race generates tens of thousands of dollars...all of which is distributed to local and international charities!
See a list of recent charity recipients here: WestportSunriseRotary.org
To see WestportLocal’s coverage last year of the Great Duck race click here: 14th Annual Great Duck Race
To see last year’s coverage of jUNe Day, click here: jUNe Day: When The World Comes To Westport
Longshore Lunch Al Fresco
This little brown rabbit came out of the woods in the afternoon near the Longshore Sailing School to dine in a delicious field of grass and clover, which rabbits do enjoy. Rabbits often avoid being seen in plain sight in open areas for fear of predators such as hawks.
Perhaps this little one was feeling confident as he was enjoying his lunch in the shadow of one of the two Osprey platforms at Longshore, both of which are occupied by a nesting pair. The male is very active, and the second platform further down the exit road also has an active nesting pair. The formidable Osprey presence at Longshore probably discourages hawk activity as Osprey are not eager to share their space wth other raptors.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com.
Shellfish On The Menu For Compo Beach Oystercatchers
One of the Oystercatcher pair which has nested at Compo has found a tasty meal in between the rocks at the shoreline of South Beach where they have nested for the last few years.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
For the last several years a pair of Oystercatchers have called South Beach at Compo home where there are not that many natural predators and have nested and attempted to raise their families. Chicks have hatched in years past but it is not well known what their success rate is as to their survival. This pair did hatch chicks this year. Two were spotted a couple of weeks ago, however there was no sign of the babies last week when these photos were taken. This pair for some reason has chosen Compo’s South Beach instead of nesting on one of the islands off of the coast of Connecticut where many of their species can be found.
After sitting quietly in the sand for some time, this bird decided it was time to stroll down to the waterline to search for something to eat. She looks carefully and spots her target, quickly plucking a mollusk of some kind from between the rocks.
AllAboutBirds.org describes these beauties this way, “A boldly patterned shorebird with red-yellow eyes and a vivid red-orange bill, American Oystercatchers survive almost exclusively on shellfish—clams, oysters, and other saltwater molluscs.” and they add, “American Oystercatchers are the only birds in their environment with the ability to open large molluscs such as clams and oysters (except for large gulls that drop clams onto pavement).” They caution, however, “American Oystercatchers don’t always win out in their battles against oysters and clams. Occasionally, a shellfish gets its revenge by clamping down on an oystercatcher’s bill and holding the bird tight.”
Named Oystercatchers in 1731 by English naturalist Mark CatesbyThe Amrican Oystercatcher is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the state of CT erects "fencing" wire and signs warning viewers and beachgoers to keep their distance to encourage successful breeding.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Named Oystercatchers in 1731 by English naturalist Mark CatesbyThe Amrican Oystercatcher is protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the state of CT erects "fencing" wire and signs warning viewers and beachgoers to keep their distance to encourage successful breeding.
After enjoying it’s snack it was time to clean those feathers, splashing and spraying water.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Mystery Fly Fisherman Tries His Luck
He probably is not a famous celebrity masked up to conceal his identity in order to enjoy some quiet time fly fishing on Gray’s Creek. More than likely he is trying to keep the bugs out of his mouth, the opposite of what he is hoping for from the creek’s inhabitants. He may be hoping to be one of the lucky anglers who can catch a largemouth or striped bass, or possibly a bluefish, species which have been reported to Fishbrain.com as having been caught.
Photo and caption by J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Make Music Day 2024 Returns Tomorrow, June 21st
To learn more visit any of the links below:
Make Music Day is tomorrow, Friday June 21st and is worldwide one-day event bringing musicians and audiences together in cities and towns the world over. The event began in France in 1982 and has since spread to 120 countries this year with a total of 5,000 concerts and music events taking place one that one day alone.
Connecticut’s sixth annual Make Music Day in 2023 featured more than 400 free musical performances across fourteen regional chapters, brought together by the Connecticut Office of the Arts, to coordinate a diverse day of music-making statewide, open to all.
Story by J.C. Martin
Billboard Magazine’s website says” The celebrations seek to bring out the musician in all of us, regardless of skill level, with outdoor concerts, jam sessions, lessons and music-making of all kinds”.
Visit Billboard.com for more general info on Make Music Day. Local info can be found below.
Although Westport, surprisingly is yet to join in this celebration of music, there are Make Music Day events in several surrounding towns. Neighboring towns include Fairfield, Southport, Norwalk, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Bethel and many others The event provides performances in multiple locations and times in each city and town. Events begin at 9:00AM and continue throughout the day. To find info on the towns and cities in CT which are participating visit MakeMusicDay/Fairfield.org or visit CTvisit.com for complete local listings.
FTC Fairfield has a full slate of performers beginning at 4:30PM
Notably, FTC, the Fairfield Theatre Company which has brought both national and local recording artists to their two venues located in downtown Fairfield for many years will host their concert beginning at 4:30PM and will run until 10:00PM, a welcome time slot considering the current “heat dome” over Fairfield County.
Their website says “Make Music Fairfield is a town-wide music festival with over 110 performances. Click the 'Learn More' button to view the full schedule.” This free event will take place outdoors in The Parking Lot outside The Warehouse. You can bring your own chair if you'd like, We will also have games/activities for adults and kids. Concessions and restrooms will be open inside The Warehouse. In the event of bad weather, the show will be moved inside The Warehouse. Steakinit food truck will be on site and tastings are provided by our sponsors Downeast Cider and Mezcalum
The FTC website offers complete details on their performances at FairfieldTheatre.com including performer schedules and videos.
Final Fun Day At The Fair!
The much loved and eagerly anticipated Yankee Doodle Fair had a great run again this year. The final day was Sunday and there were smiles and laughter for both the young and the young at heart as they enjoyed the rides and challenged themselves at the various games. Here is our collection of photos showing all the fun!
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The big winners were spotted carrying the giant prizes and trying to balance them while eating treats purchased at the various concessions.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
At 5:00 PM the rides were stopped and the trailers were closed up as Stewart Amusements got ready to bring the smiles, laughter and great family memories to the next town.
Westport Volunteer EMS Announces Jaime Bairaktaris As Next President
Crew Chief Jaime Bairaktaris teaching children, one of his passions, about the functions of EMS Ambulance life-saving equipment at this year’s Westport Touch-A-Truck.
Photo by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.com
17 June 2024 [Westport, Connecticut]. Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service, Inc. (“WVEMS”) announces the election of Westporter Jaime Bairaktaris as the non-profit’s next president. At 26 years old, Bairaktaris - a Board member and Westport EMS Crew Chief - will be the youngest person to have held the position when he succeeds current president and EMT Michael Burns on July 01. [click here for press release photos]
Bairaktaris began volunteering in 2013 as a Staples High School freshman and has served nearly 3,000 hours since. He was named Volunteer of the Year in 2016 and Crew Chief of the Year in 2022. Outside of volunteering, Bairaktaris is proud to work as a support staff member at Redding’s John Read Middle School and recently finished a term on the Westport Representative Town Meeting for District 4.
Current president Mike Burns will transition to serve as Vice President to continue his work on the organization's new endowment goals that will allow long term financial sustainability. Burns’ dedication and leadership have significantly contributed to WVEMS's growth and stability during an unprecedented time in history following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nonprofit's mission is to save lives by supporting Westport Emergency Medical Service, which operates and manages the Town's 911-response ambulance service. Bairaktaris' goals will include initiatives for current volunteers while finding ways to attract and grow the next generation of EMTs. He also looks forward to strengthening public education, alongside the organization’s team of volunteer instructors, with new classes focused on mental health.
“Westport EMS is a second home to me - and its members, a second family. I’m excited for this opportunity to foster our organization’s mission to save lives in our community,” says Bairaktaris.
WVEMS has a “bright future”, Bairaktaris added as he described incoming volunteers and big updates - including the purchase of new, custom-built ambulances funded by the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust, Westport Woman's Club, and Walter and Marilyn Joy Samuels Charitable Foundation Trust. “I’m excited for the growth we’ll see in the next few years.”
Westport Volunteer EMS looks forward to growing and continuing its mission to help save lives while it celebrates 45 years of “volunteers answering the call.”
For more info on Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, visit WestportEMS.org.
Greenwich Polo Season Opened Sunday With Double-Header
High Goal Polo returned to the Greenwich Polo Club which opened the 2024 season on Sunday, June 9th with the first round of the American Cup series. The season promises lots of exciting polo action as teams compete in the only high goal tournaments on the east coast of the U.S. in the summer season.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In the first match Steel Polo/Jeffries defeated Amara Quench 11-10 in a thrilling sudden death overtime victory.
The second match saw the legendary Round Hill Polo squeak by the challengers Maccabi Polo by the score of 6-5.
Greenwich Polo Club will host three more matches in June with gates opening at 1:00 PM and three more in July, each Sunday with play beginning at 3:00 PM. There is a break after the July 21st match and play returns on August 25th continuing through September 15th.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Greenwich Polo tickets start at $50. per car for open lawn seating with premium options available. Gates open at 1:00 PM. Guests picnic on the grounds bringing their favorite foods and beverages and several gourmet food trucks offer a great menu with craft cocktails offered at the Pony Bar. Leashed dogs are welcome.
The teams all were on stage to complete the celebration.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
After the match the fun continues as guests gather at the Pony Bar and Dj's start the dancing. Delicious Argentinian barbecue is also available.
The next match open to the public takes place on June 12th. Tickets and schedule information is available at GreenwichPolo.com.
Polo fashions are always a big part of the fun and energy of the day.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A view of the east lawn seating, a great place to bring your party.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A group of friends from Westport came to enjoy the match and the excitement. From left to right are: Pamela Onorato, Nicole Lenino, Alexis Maida and Kristen Onorato.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A group of friends show off their athleticism for camara and phone pics.
After the awards presentation the beautiful stage background creates an opportunity for guests to capture the special day.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
And when the match ends, the Pony Bar Party begins!
Catherine Violet Hubbard Lives On At Catherine’s Annual Butterfly Party
This very special event is in honor of Catherine, one of the Angels who were lost at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012.
The idea of Catherine’s “Butterfly Party” was inspired by a true story, where a Monarch Butterfly landed on Catherine and she whispered to it “tell your friends that I am kind.”
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Catherine’s Butterfly Party is held each year at the massive Fairfield Hills complex in Newtown. Over the course of the day up to 12,000 (not a typo) people come to celebrate Catherine and the other beautiful children from Sandy Hook Elementary. This year would have been Catherine’s 18th birthday and she and some other children would have graduated high school.
Adding to the special day, in honor of Catherine's 18th birthday, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is partnering with the North American Butterfly Association to symbolically rename the Monarch Butterfly the ‘Catherine Butterfly.' Catherine’s whispering to the Monarch Butterfly which landed on her hand, “tell your friends that I am kind.” was the inspiration behind the renaming and the sanctuary's commitment to creating, conserving and protecting Monarch habitats.
Animals was one of Catherine’s passions and this event brings 25 animal adoption organizations together to offer more than two hundred beautiful dogs, cats, turtles, hamsters, guinea pigs & more who are searching for their furever homes!
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Beautiful adult cats and a couple of very frisky kittens were also on hand to find the perfect humans to give lots of love and kisses.
Pictured above are State Representative Mitch Bolinsky, Catherine’s Mom Jennifer Hubbard, State Senator Tony Hwang, Earl Wheway, and First Selectman Jeff Capeci who were on hand to speak about the work of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation and to read the Official Statement of Governor Ned Lamont and to present a Certificate Of Special Recognition from U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal.
In honor of the symbolic monarch renaming, Senator Richard Blumenthal sent an official Senate Citation for today’s dedication. The Senator was unable to attend as he was part of a contingent in Normandy honoring the anniversary of D-Day. In addition, the sanctuary is so grateful for the official proclamation received from the Governor of Connecticut.
Several hundred attendees came to the stage for the presentation and there was a large media presence to document the comments of Jenny, State Senator Hwang and the other speakers.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Children and their parents delighted in meeting and getting up close and personal with some of the many beautiful animals the rescue organizations brought to the event. Ther were many pet related vendors, local artisans, food trucks, live music, entertainment & endless activities for kids!
SGT. Daniel Gebhardt and SGT. Kathrie Platt of the 928th Military Police Detachment puts military working dog Unit through his paces to the appreciation of the large audience.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In addition to the many rescue organizations there was a great live music performance and photo ops in front of a special background with Catherine’s beautiful words blended into the wings of one of her beloved butterflies.
Several great food trucks were on hand to feed the hungry festival-goers. There were also horses including mini horses, a few reptiles and a couple of llamas to add to the special atmosphere of love for all creatures.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Dozens of hard-working volunteers helped make the epic event a tremendous success. The CVH Animal Sanctuary is committed to helping animals in need find the loving homes they deserve. Thanks to their sponsors, Catherine’s Butterfly Party always remains FREE to participating rescues AND the public. This allows hard working animal welfare groups to focus on their animals while we take care of everything else.
It was clearly a love-fest for humans and their new animal friends, and there was even a chance to see some spectacular raptors.
To help the mission of the CVH Foundation and to learn more including updates on the construction of their beautiful new Sanctuary located at 8 Commerce Rd. in Newtown contact: info@cvhfoundation.org, tel: (866) 620-8640 and visit the CVH Foundation
Homes With Hope Airs 40th Anniversary Documentary At Branson Hall Sunday
The crowd of more than 80 people applauds CEO Helen McAlinden as she thanks board members.
On Sunday, Homes With Hope honored Dr. James Gillespie who was instrumental in developing the Interfaith Housing Association which is now the well-known Homes With Hope organization. As part of the event the organization screened for a second time their 40th Anniversary documentary film created by Livio Sanchez, formerly of Westport.
The documentary includes over 50 testimonials, each with a unique message in creating Homes with Hope's legacy. From the humble beginnings to the monumental milestones, the storytellers have narrated tales of resilience and the collective spirit that had shaped the organization.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above left and right, CEO Helen McAlinden adressed the crowd, including giving a shout-out to VP and Chief Operating Officer Paris Looney, center.
The Gillespie Center, operated by Homes With Hope is an emergency shelter for single men, and home to the Community Kitchen and Food Pantry was dedicated to Dr. Gillespie in 1989. The screening was attended by more than 80 people, many of James’s family members including sons Bryan and Craig, volunteers, and local supporters. Homes’ former CEO Jeff Wieser who led the organization for several years was also in attendance.
Homes with Hope, formerly the Interfaith Housing Association opened in 1984 as a homeless shelter for single men, and occupied a retired firehouse owned by the Town of Westport. Local religious organizations worked together to create the Interfaith Housing Association in response to an increased number of homeless individuals, primarily men, who were turning to them for aid. The documentary includes reporting on the growing housing crises which has touched Westport and has only grown substantially in CT in recent years.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A collection of memorabilia from years past was available for viewing.
Homes with Hope has grown significantly since 1984. As the need began to increase, they realized that food and shelter alone were not enough to help people move from homelessness to self-reliance.
In response, Homes with Hope expanded the support services and housing options currently available to our clients by providing the resources needed for them to be successful in their journey out of homelessness. The organization also operates Hoskins Place, located in the same building, is a 4-bed emergency shelter for single women.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.