June’s Sidewalk Sale Scenes
There were bargains galore at Downtown Westport’s annual Sidewalk Sale Days held on the last weekend of June. The excellent weather, coupled with the Great Duck Race and the annual jUNe Day celebration added to Saturday’s very busy shopping day. Some of the shoe deals brought some big smiles to these ladies. We don’t know if this bulldog made the purchase at Vineyard Vines or he was just guarding his human’s purchase.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Not only were the sidewalks filled with shoppers, there were lots of purchases being made. Several Main St. stores told WestportLocalPress that sales were noticeably better than last year, with more traffic and more purchases being made.
One store which was experiencing their first Sidewalk Sale was very pleased with the number of shoppers visiting their store. The appearance of a 10 week old Golden Retriever puppy stopped many shoppers in their tracks to give some love and get some puppy kisses. Another pup seemed pretty comfortable in his owner’s lap after lunch.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
The multi-national brand Rhone which offers men’s and women’s clothes was positioned right on the corner, a short distance from to the very local Two Oh Three, the ifestyle brand celebrating CT life. We noticed more than a few people quizzically looking at this sidewalk “dressing room” which even seemed to draw notice from one four-legged “shopper”. It appeared to be more of an attention getter than an actual dressing room.
They may not have been shopping much, but these dogs seemed more than happy to greet passers-by.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
It Is Hot. It Is REALLY Hot!
The Westport Office Of Emergency Management sent out a press release today telling us just how hot it will be, and for how long, urging folks to take precautions where necessary and reminding us of where we can go to stay cool, at least for a while. Locations like the Senior Center, MoCa Westport, the Westport-Weston Family YMCA and the Westport Museum for History and Culture were among the locations mentioned in the release. Hours of operation were listing in the press release below.
PREPARE FOR EXTREME HEAT OVER NEXT SEVERAL DAYS
Cooling Centers Are Open Across the State and Can Be Located by Calling 2-1-1
(WESTPORT, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont is advising Connecticut residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable, to take precautions ahead of the extreme temperatures that are forecast to impact the state beginning this afternoon and remaining in effect through 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The current forecast indicates that temperatures over this period during the daytime will rise into the 90s and the heat index will be between 95 and 100 degrees. Overnight temperatures are expected to be very uncomfortable, with lows only falling to the 70s and dewpoints also in the 70s.
“It’s been pretty warm over the last several days and it’s about to get warmer, particularly over the next several evenings,” Governor Lamont said. “Anyone who is vulnerable to heat and humidity is advised to take precautions. Cooling centers are open throughout Connecticut and can be located by calling 2-1-1 or visiting 211ct.org.” The purpose of the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the hot conditions. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies, municipalities, and other partners to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 to make sure that information regarding cooling centers is available statewide, providing a location to get some relief.
Chief Nick Marsan, Westport Emergency Management Director, is advising people in Westport, particularly those who are most vulnerable to heat and humidity, to take precautions. “Anyone in need of a place to get out of the heat can locate their nearest cooling center by calling 2-1-1, view the online list at 211ct.org, or stopping by the below sites open in our community,” said Chief Marsan.
Cooling Center Locations and Hours of Operations:
Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Avenue Monday - Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Closed on Sat & Sun
MoCa Westport, 19 Newtown Turnpike Monday - Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Westport Weston Family YMCA, 14 Allen Raymond Lane Monday– Fri 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM Sat-Sun 7:00 AM-6:00 PM
Westport Museum for History and Culture, 25 Avery Place Tues – Sat 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Closed on Sun & Mon
Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others:
- Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
- People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
- People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
- People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
- People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.
Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:
Stay cool: Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
- Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers). Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
- Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
Stay Hydrated: Because your body loses fluids through sweat, you can become dehydrated during times of extreme heat.
- Drink more water than usual.
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
- Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
- Remind others to drink enough water.
No Revenge For Westport Football Club Against The Visiting UN Team
The fierce rivalry on the Soccer pitch between the Westport Football Club and a talented United Nations team, comprised of soccer players from all over the world took place once again last week as part of jUNe Day. The match took place at Saugatuck school and although Westport fought valiantly, victory once again eluded them.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The UN coach Aliamane Bacar Said described the match this way:
“This year’s game was announced as a grudge match with the Westport FC soccer team wanting to avenge their 9-7 loss of last year against the UN Soccer Team. However, the UN Soccer team got up early to a 2-0 lead thanks to two goals from Markus (from USA), just before injuring his hamstring and puling out of the game. Westport FC came back into the game thanks to an own goal from the UN center back. The game went to half time with the UN leading 2-1. The UN Team had over 20 players, and that required a lot of rotation by the UN coach Said (from the Comoros Island).”
“The Westport team seized the opportunity and pushed to tie the game. However, they were denied multiple times by the UN’s excellent goalkeeper, Salah Areikat (from Palestine). This push left more space in their defense and allowed AJ (from Nigeria/USA) to use his speed and score his two goals in the second half, in addition to the goal of a young midfielder (from Morrocco) who came in to give captain Mirko Montuori (from Italy) a breather. This ended the game with the score of 5 to 1 in favor of the UN Soccer Team who retained the trophy from last year.”
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The game was not a as physical as last year’s and both teams fielded younger and more technical squads. Unlike last year, the UN Soccer Team brought their own goalkeeper, a young player from Palestine who made 2 big saves with the Westport striker advancing alone on goal. He made many other saves to ensure this time that the UN Team did not concede any goal from a Westport player. The game ended with friendly handshakes and a group picture of both teams. The UN Soccer Team expressed its appreciation for the warm welcome received from the people of Westport and the spirit of friendship and fair play that was expressed during the entire game.
Westport FC coach Damien McClave added:
This was a close game played in great spirit. The first half saw Westport go down 2.0. We scored first in the second half with a great goal by Peter Dorgai our Man of the Match. That goal was assisted by Dario "Kaka" Decarvalho. As the game went on the UN team’s youth and speed were a big factor and they ran out 5.1 winners. Honorable mentions go to Mariusz Jasinski "goalie" on a fine performance. As well as Ritchy Jean Pierre, Brian Diez and Chris Gavrielidis on fine performances. Let just say the better team won but we'll be back next year for the 50th anniversary game.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Happy 248th Birthday America!
Photo by J.C. Martin and Story By The Founding Fathers For WestportLocalPress.com Click on the image to enlarge.
How Old Is America? The Simple Answer:
The simple answer is that as of the July 4, 2024, the United States is 248 years old. The United States is 248-years-old because the Declaration of Independence was ratified by the US Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The passing of the Declaration of Independence meant that the thirteen original British colonies in North America ceased to be colonies and officially (at least according to them) became a sovereign nation.
Today is a great day for parties, barbecues, etc. It is also a great day to read the Declaration Of Independence.
But there is more to it than that.
On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to declare independence. Two days later, it ratified the text of the Declaration. John Dunlap, official printer to Congress, worked through the night to set the Declaration in type and print approximately 200 copies.
The written Declaration of Independence was dated July 4th but wasn't actually signed until August 2nd. Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the document, although all were not present on that day in August. Two of the Declaration's signers died 50 years to the day (July 4, 1826) after the document was adopted. Both were presidents -- Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. They died within hours of each other. More can be found on the National Archives Website.
Below is a start and the link to the full Declaration, one of the greatest documents ever written by man.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
Here is the link: The Declaration Of Independence
Simply SPECTACULAR! Compo PAL Fireworks Thrill Once Again
Thanks to Westport PAL, the town, and of course the continued tremendous generosity year after year by Westport's Melissa and Doug Bernstein and their eponymous company, the skies lit up once again on Tuesday night.
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
As usual, PAL and Melissa & Doug provided a beautiful show with stunning visuals and an explosive finale.
Among those strolling Soundview Ave. were RTM member Kristin Schneeman, former First Selectman Jim Marpe, RTM member Jimmy Izzo, a random guy passing buy who jumped in the photo-op, along with Karen Persau, second selectwoman Andrea Moore and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Some brought chairs and blankets, other erected illuminated tents and tables adorned with various forms celebrating Old Glory. They began arriving earlier in the day to stake out their patch of the beach, returning later with all manner of refreshments and their delicious food to get the party started. Some of Compo’s lifeguards had the night off to relax and enjoy the festivities.
For several years, this group of friends have gathered and made it clear they are celebrating the birth of the United States with a gigantic American flag brilliantly lit when the sunset.
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
As always, a sea of Westporters cover every inch of Compo beach waiting for the big show.
Among those showing their red, white & blue was RTM’s Andrew Collabella with his favorite holiday pants.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
We thought something looked a little off when the barge carrying the fireworks showed up off the beach. We wondered if they noticed it was pointing toward Long Island, and how long it would take to correct.
As it turned out, the skillful tug boat captain had it all figured out and spun the barge around in just a few minutes, with what looked like an assist from WPD Marine Division.
And there it was, ready to fire the first shots of the show with the sponsor, Melissa & Doug’s logo glowing in the evening light.
The young and the even younger made sure their patriotism statement was seen by all.
Quack! Quack! Quack! Duck Race Greater Than Ever!
The Sunrise Rotary held one of Westport’s favorite events, The Great Duck Race and family festival at Jesup Green, and the crowd was one of the biggest ever. “Sales” of the ducks continued well past the 1:00 PM planned start time for the race making the event a tremendous fund raiser for the sunrise Rotary. The crowd filled the hill behind the race course all the way up to the entrance of the library, clearly showing the excellent turnout.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, the more than 3,000 Ducks were placed into the bucket of the A J Penna front loader which then drove carefully to the start of the sluice. The Ducks were first dropped into the holding pond area before being released to head “down stream” into the finish box where the 10 winning ducks were plucked out by Duck Race volunteers and were then carefully placed in plastic bags numbered one through ten. First Selectwoman Jen Tooker acted as emcee during the race which was documented by News 12.
Westport Fire Department gave the ducks a helping hand by generating a current toward the finish line and spectators watched excitedly as the ducks “raced” toward their destination.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Camera phones of the spectators and even the volunteers captured all the excitement as the Ducks slowly found their way toward the finish line.
There were lots of games and activities for kids at the event including creative games like toss the beanbag into the toilet, which hopefully will not be duplicated at home. When the race had concluded it was time to breakdown the “course”, and some of the kids decided to splash and play in the water as it slowly drained out.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The event is made possible each year through the generosity of the many sponsors. Great food was available all day from food trucks.
Tomorrow’s Fireworks Will Draw Thousands And Heavy Traffic
Scenes from last years Fireworks by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.
Westport Police Department issued it’s yearly advisory to alert everyone for what to expect, what to know and what to do.
WPD Press Release 7.1.24:
The annual PAL fireworks display is set for Tuesday July 2, 2024, with a rain date of Wednesday July 3, 2024. This is the largest annual Westport event featuring heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic affecting all roads south of Greens Farms Road between Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road. It is recommended that spectators plan to arrive early as traffic delays are inevitable. Daytime Compo Beach visitors are reminded that the beach closes at 4:00 PM. Only those vehicles with fireworks passes hanging on their rearview mirrors will be allowed to remain within the beach. All others will be ticketed or towed. The beach should reopen to ticket holders by 5:00 PM, however this determination will be made by Westport Parks and Recreation staff.
Pedestrians attending the fireworks are reminded not to walk on the roads and to use sidewalks when going to and from Compo Beach. It is recommended that pedestrians wear bright clothing and parents please always keep an eye on small children!
For ticket holders:
Access to the PAL Fireworks display will be through South Compo Road only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be open to only those with residences south of that intersection.
Firework attendees should display the ticket prominently on the rearview mirror so it can be seen clearly when traveling to the event.
All ticket holders must be inside Compo Beach by 9:00 PM. No vehicular beach traffic will be allowed south of the Minuteman statue after that time.
Handicap parking is available between the cannons and the pavilion. Handicap spaces are limited and will be provided on a first come first served basis.
For those who do not have tickets:
Vehicles without a ticket will not be able to go any further towards Compo Beach than the Minuteman statue.
Enjoy this wonderful event!
jUNe Day 2024: Westport Welcomed The World
On Saturday June 29th Westport held it's 59th annual welcome to the people of the world in conjunction with The United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and the International Hospitality Committee. In the background of this photo, a large group of protesters appears presenting their opposition to the UN’s position on the Israel/Gaza situation. See WestportLocal: They Spoke Loudly…
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Delegates to the UN as well as staff members were given a warm welcome once again and were offered the opportunity to visit some of Westport's exceptional amenities such as Wakeman Town Farm, Compo Beach, Earthplace and the Longshore Golf Course among others. They also got to witness first-hand a Westport Institution, The Sunrise Rotary's Great Duck Race.
A fierce rivalry on the Soccer pitch is also an annual event where The Westport Football Club took on the United Nations team, comprised of soccer players from all over the world at the Saugatuck school. (story and photos to follow, check WestportLocalPress later this week)
Each year flags from countries the world over are flown on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge in downtown Westport. Ms. Cohen (1920-2002) was a highly accomplished woman who was deeply involved with the UN and was a staunch champion supporting NGO affiliates at UN Headquarters. This year about 170 flags were flown representing most of the 193 member nations of the UN. The countries are selected in conjunction with the town and they excluded the flag of Russia in 2022.
Ms. Steinkraus Cohen founded the UN Association of Southwestern CT which co-organizes the event each year. This event celebrates the anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter which was signed on June 26, 1945, in San Francisco, at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organization, and came into force on October 24, 1945.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The jUNe Day program began with a greeting from Mr. Willard Hass, President, NA-USA Southwestern CT Chapter. Mr. Hass was followed by First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker who welcomed the international contingent to Westport. A message from United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was delivered by the Guest of Honor, Mr. Christian Saunders. Mr. Saunders is the Under-Secretary-General, Special Coordinator on Improving the UN Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. The important highlights from the message of UN Secretary-General Guterres which which were delivered by Under-Secretary-General Saunders were:
“Every June, the Town of Westport welcomes UN staff members, delegates and friends to join together and celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Charter. This annual event stands as a reminder of the essential role the Charter plays in ensuring peace, stability and cooperation in a difficult and fractured world. The values embodied by the Charter are timeless: peace, dialogue, human rights, international law, and solutions through solidarity.
We need these values more than ever, as we grapple with huge global challenges like conflicts, climate change, poverty, hunger and inequality.”
“The work that you all do has embodied this essential call to action. I urge you to continue championing the vital causes of peace, sustainable development and human rights for all. Together, we can build a better future for everyone, everywhere. “
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
UN visitors and jUNe Day volunteers listen to the remarks by the speakers including Under Secretary-General Saunders and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Tooker welcomed everyone saying “It is my pleasure to welcome you to our beautiful town as we have done for over 50 years.” She added, “I know this is an opportunity for you all to get out of the city” and that “This is the perfect place to do just that.” Booker referenced the pro-Israel silent protest telling the crowd, “People here embrace freedom of expression as you see here today. And this is the way we do things in Westport, respectful, civil, peaceful, adding, “Many members of our community have experienced deep, acute and lasting pain since the horrific attack on October 7th. Just as the UN promotes robust dialogue, so do we here inWestport. And that is what you see here this morning.”
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In Their Silence, They Spoke Loudly
A silent protest for the hostages taken on October 7th accompanied Westport’s annual jUNe Day celebration.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport has been celebrating jUNe Day for over half a century. This town’s paradigm of tolerance, inclusion acceptance of everyone regardless of their race, creed, color, sexual preference, and generally their political perspective is bedrock principal here. This year was no exception however it was the first year that such a large group of perhaps 100 people respectfully confronted in public, the UN’s position on the horrific events of October 7th in Israel with which we are all familiar.
And in keeping with the tone of civility which is also a part of Westport’s heritage for much or all of the time we have been celebrating people of all nations on jUNe Day, this year was a little different. Protesters challenging how the UN has addressed the hostage crises gathered alongside the sluice for the Great Duck Race and spoke loudly, not with megaphones and clever chants, but with posters, flags, and T-shirts including several a stark and bold hashtag message, “#END JEW HATRED” which, when Googled brings you to the website EndJewHatred.com where their banner reads “Justice For The Jewish People”. What started as a small group of folks when the word went out turned into a large demonstration of unity and solidarity between the people of Westport and beyond, with the people of Israel in their silent, yet very loud cry for the end to the hostage crises.
Below are the comments of one of the organizers, Dori Bomback who provided them to WestportLocalPress. They are Ms. Bombacks views and are not a statement by WestportLocal :
“A few of us have organized a silent protest rally against this year's invitation of UN employees for jUNe Day. We will be partnering with the CT chapter of #EndJewHatred. The rally will be taking place in the morning during the breakfast and welcome speeches. It will be SILENT out of respect to the town and some of the superfluous events taking place tomorrow. Selectwoman Tooker and DPC Paulson are completely aware of our intentions. I do not know how big or small it will be. We will be holding up signs and wearing t-shirts.
We are Westporters. We are Westport neighbors who support the town's economy. We are Jews. Maybe some of us are non-Jews. We are Zionists. We are parents.
Maybe some of us have college students who are facing extreme anti-semitism on their campuses.”
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Bomback continued, “We are angry about the UN's egregious bias against Israel and the fact that our tax dollars are being used to host representatives of the United Nations, particularly this year, after the horrific events of October 7, and the consistently glaring antisemitic/anti-israel efforts to delegitimize the only Jewish state. Here is a little context for you to understand better what we are protesting.
The UN has done nothing to release the remaining 116 hostages, representing 54 different countries— not just Israel, over the last nine months. The UN was silent on the rape and sexual violence used against Israeli women on 10.7 for months. Staffers of the UN agency of UNRWA were directly involved in the 10.7 Hamas attack and subsequent murder and kidnapping of Israelis. The UN will still not condemn Hamas using its name. The UN singles out Israel with resolution after resolution while countries like N. Korea and Iran are barely sanctioned. And, finally, the preposterous false charges of genocide against Israel are meritless, counterproductive and hypocritical.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
We understand that jUNe day has gone on here for 50 + years. We understand that in its inception, it was not meant to be a political statement or event, however, today, the UN is a highly politically divisive organization and inviting their employees to our town for a day in the sun is simply no longer acceptable to us. Sometimes, the status quo needs to change and just because we’ve operated one way for 50 years, doesn’t mean it’s appropriate going forward. We are all for international hospitality, but we should be hosting an organization that stands for universal equality for all.”
Westport Gets Ready For jUNe Day 2024
Dozens of flags from all around the world fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in welcome for the UN officials and staff who will be in town on Saturday June 29th for Westport’s annual jUNe Day celebration.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The UNA Southwestern Connecticut Chapter and the Town of Westport for the 59th time has invited our friends from the United Nations Staff and Missions to be our guests in Westport for a day of summer fun! This tradition was started in 1965 and we’ve never missed a year.