SEPTEMBER 11, 2001: ATTACK On Our Nation
On Sunday, hundreds of bikers gathered at Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park for the annual CT United Ride, Connecticut’s largest 9/11 tribute which marked it’s 23rd year this year. The event has been held as a memorial to honor the fallen heroes who tragically lost their lives as result of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
SOURCE: Wikipedia, Casualties of the September 11 attacks
2,606 people were in the World Trade Center and on the ground perished as a result of the attacks and the subsequent collapse of the towers.
2,192 civilians (including eight EMTs and paramedics from private hospital units)
343 members of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY)
71 law enforcement officers including 23 members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD)
37 members of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD)
1 fire marshal of the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) who had sworn law enforcement powers (and was also among the 343 FDNY members killed)
1 member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
1 member of the New York Fire Patrol (FPNY)
1 member of the United States Secret Service (USSS).This included a bomb-sniffing dog named Sirius.
92 passengers and crew of American Airlines Flight 11 were killed.
65 people aboard United Airlines Flight 175 were killed.
64 people aboard American Airlines Flight 77 were killed.
44 people aboard United Airlines Flight 93 were killed.
The attack on the World Trade Center's North Tower alone made the September 11 attacks the deadliest act of terrorism in human history
Year after year these motorcycle riders from all over the tri-state area gather for a 60 mile run throughout much of Fairfield County, beginning in Westport and continuing through Wilton, Georgetown, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield, before arriving at Seaside Park in Bridgeport at about 2:00 PM where they gathered for a lunch provided by ride sponsors including Vazzy's restaurants.
Entrance ramps on I-95 at the Sherwood Isle connector were closed to allow the long procession to safely enter the highway, which can take more than 1/2 an hour.
Riders were encouraged to wear their red, white and blue and they needed no encouragement. The beauty of the American Flag was on full display and this day they perhaps displayed an extra level of beauty as they waved proudly on bike after bike, with some almost as large as the motorcycle upon which they flew. At right, Westport’s Motorcycle Unit which escorted the ride along with several other town units included Corporal Bergamo, Officer Carr, Officer Hall and Officer Thompson.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Riders gather for the opening ceremony as founder and executive director Keith Garrity introduced local officials to offer their comments.
Connecticut Firefighters Bagpipes entered before the podium to start the ceremony with an emotional rendition of Amazing Grace.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The program began with opening ceremonies at about 10:30 AM with the Pledge of Allegiance which was followed by the National Anthem dramatically performed by Jodi Keogan of Westport, (bottom, right) classically trained in performing opera and oratorio, and who also sings Broadway, pop, and music from the Great American Songbook.
Then, Fire Fighter Sean Kelly (bottom, right) rang a fire bell 11 times in honor of the fallen. Spectators next heard remarks given by Founder and Executive Director Fred Garrity Jr, who has said that the event is “for those that lost their lives, for those that gave their lives, and for those that continue to put their lives on the line each day — that’s why we ride.” Fred has devoted hundreds and hundreds of hours over the years putting together an event which can only be described as an epic undertaking
Following remarks by executive director Garrity, government officials including U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (top, right), Congressman Jim Himes (bottom, left) Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Lou DiMici, Secretary, Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Of America, of CT along with Treasurer Steve Michalovic to his left.
Before heading over to their bikes, riders listen to the comments of the speakers, phones in hand memorializing the moments, with many showing the emotion of the day. There was frequent applause as they listened to each speaker. There are smiles in some of these photos but the mood of the day prior to the start of the ride has always been very somber. Everyone in attendance carries some very strong memories of that horrific day and the days that followed.
Below are photos of just some of the more than 1,000 riders who paid $30. each to be a part of this historic annual event. Funds are used to help support organizations which help first responders and their families.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A few of the dedicated volunteers who help keep everything on track.
Executive Director Fred Garrity takes a minute for a photograph with the motorcycle patrol officers who will lead the procession on their 60 mile journey which will be seen by an estimated 20,000 onlookers who have learned over the years to stake out a great spot to witness the beauty and the sound which can take nearly 1/2 an hour to pass them by.
Finally, the moment arrives and normally tranquil Sherwood Island roars to life as more than 1,300 powerful motorcycles fire up and begin their journey lead by mortorcycle units from Westport and several of the other area towns.
Bad Weather Postpones Slice Of Saugatuck And Japan Society Fall Festival
Tomorrow was to be a very busy day in Westport but the weather often has the final say for outdoor events. The Slice of Saugatuck, after being lucky in the weather department for most of it’s 12 year history, was postponed again this year, as it was last year due to the forecast of rain on Saturday. It will instead be held next Saturday, September 14th from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM.
Slice Of Saugatuck file photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.com
The other popular event, the Japan Society Fall Festival held each year on Jesus Green adjoining the Westport Library will now take place on Sunday, September 8th.Their Fall Festival features Taiko drumming, the traditional Bon Odori Dance as well as booths featuring Japanese crafts and other products. To learn more visit: FC Japan Society.
To see our prior coverage of this event visit WestportLocal Japan Celebrates Fall.
Japan Fall Festival file photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.com
CT United 9/11 Tribute Motorcycle Ride Returns To Westport On Sunday
File Photos of 2022 CT United Ride by J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com To see our coverage of 2022 ride visit WestportLocal CT United Ride
Traffic Advisory – CT United Ride Update From Town Of Westport:
Expect Delays In Town As Procession Passes
On Sunday September 8, 2024, the CT United Ride will travel through nine area towns, including Westport, to pay tribute to the victims and first responders of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. The event is Connecticut’s largest annual 9/11 tribute as well as the largest motorcycle ride in the state.
The motorcade will continue to use the route established last year which starts at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport at approximately 11:30 am and continues through Westport into Wilton, Redding, Bethel, Newtown, Monroe, Trumbull, and Fairfield; ending at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. The procession travels from Sherwood Island State Park onto the Sherwood Island Connector where the riders will then take Interstate 95 southbound from Exit 18 to Exit 17. The procession will then travel north up Saugatuck Avenue (Route 136) from Exit 17, continue north on to Riverside Avenue (Route 33) to Wilton Road, and across the Wilton town line. The route is closed and continuous, meaning that with the assistance of a police escort the participating motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Motorists should anticipate extended traffic delays along the procession’s route which could potentially last 45 minutes or longer. Although delays are to be expected please be mindful of those we lost over 20 years ago, as well as their families who are with us today, as it certainly is a day for remembrance and reflection.
It is recommended that wherever possible alternate routes should be sought to avoid these areas as they will be rendered completely impassable until the entire procession clears. To learn more visit CT United Ride.
Traffic advisory for myTeam Triumph Triathlon early Sunday morning from Town of Westport
The myTeam Triumph Triathlon will be taking place this coming Sunday (September 8th). Motorists should expect to see a large volume of both runners and bicyclists between 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at the following locations: Compo Beach and Longshore Park as well as Hillspoint Road, Greens Farms Road (between Hillspoint and S. Compo), Compo Road South (between Greens Farms and Hillspoint), and Compo Beach Road. Motorist traveling through these areas should expect some brief delays.
The police department asks that motorists use extra caution when driving on the affected roads.
Summer’s Last Hurrah, Labor Day Fun At Danbury Car & Truck Festival
One of the the area’s largest car shows is the annual Danbury Car & Truck Festival which was held on Labor Day at Danbury’s Rogers Park and featured several hundred cars of all genres from antique and vintage to high performance, exotics and American muscle cars, both contemporary and historic.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Thousands attend each year in this important fund raiser for Ann’s Place a 33 year old nonprofit based in Danbury that provides completely free counseling, support groups and wellness classes for anyone facing cancer in the region and goes to help support cancer wellness services. Thousands of people facing cancer come to Ann’s Place for support, all at no charge. To learn more about this outstanding, organization visit: Ann’sPlace.org.
Some of the finest examples of automotive excellence at this show included iconic cars like the ’65 Mustang which led the Pony Car craze 50 years ago which gave us legends like the Chevrolet Camaro and the Pontiac Firebird and so many others. Only the king of the pony cars, the Ford Mustang is still in production today. There were hot rods which defined the ’50’s in the automotive world like the iconic ‘57 Chevy which helped define the ‘50’s, as well as perfectly restored cars from the World War Two era.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The '30's are known as the era of cars designed so visually beautiful as to considered works of art in the field of automotive design. The '30's are known as the era of cars designed so visually beautiful as to considered works of art in the field of automotive design, such as this stunning Auburn. They were an integral part of the Art Deco period in American history and is one the most notable styles of cars ever and included sister nameplates such as Cord and Duesenberg.
This red, white and blue beauty is dedicated to Marine Corporal Bobby W. McCarty, Jr. and veterans and first responders and is adorned with memorabilia and signatures of law enforcement and military members.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
There were a also a variety of unusual vehicles including the Tesla Cybertruck (below, right) which features a nearly indestructible (under normal conditions) stainless steel body and is one of the most unusual designs of the contemporary automotive market. Also in the category of “the unusual” is the low-rider BatBike, a tribute to the Batman franchise.
Kids love cars and in addition to getting behind the wheel to show off their driving readiness, one young “ enthusiast drove her pink EV Lamborghini around the site to get a glimpse at the other beautiful vehicles on display.
Then, there was the nightmare.
The Nightmare is a very serious show car, with the theme of many well known horror movies with some of the finest high performance features and artwork seen at the show.
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.
From The Freshest Produce To Fine Food To Fresh Flowers, Westport Farmer’s Market Has It All!
A small sample of the many wonderful offerings at the Westport Farmer's Market
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. Each week hundreds and hundreds of shoppers seek and find an exceptional array of fresh farm produce and unique gourmet items which brings them back every week. The market satisfies Westport’s increasing demand for high quality, fresh, healthy food which finds its way to our tables each week.
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.
The non-stop flow of eager customers as they try to choose what delicious offerings they will be taking home to their families.
When visiting the market, many gourmet cooks will make a stop at Seacoast Mushrooms, (above, right) Seacoast is a local mushroom farm based out of Mystic, CT that supplies dozens of the state's top restaurants, as well as several different farmers markets across CT. The farm grows up to ten varieties of mushrooms, all of which are bursting with flavor and provide a vast amount of health benefits. To learn more about all they have to offer, visit Seacoast Mushrooms.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
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. they assisted in WFM becoming
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."
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One delicious offering is from Sprout Juice Bar, (above, left) which is a great example of the mission of the Westport Farmer’s Market. Owner Anderson Leite told WestportLocalPress,”We pride ourselves on sourcing the finest ingredients directly from local farmers who share our commitment to sustainability and quality. Our approach to juicing is as much about supporting our community as it is about delivering nutrient-packed beverages. We collaborate with local farmers to source the freshest fruits and vegetables, ensuring that each juice is not only delicious but also packed with the natural vitamins, minerals, and enzymes.”
But our commitment to sustainability goes beyond our ingredients. We're dedicated to reducing waste and giving back to the very farms that supply us. After we press our juices, the remaining pulp and vegetable/fruit remnants are returned to the farmers. These byproducts are used to feed their animals and create organic compost that enriches the soil for growing more of the vibrant produce we use in our juices. This closed-loop system helps us minimize waste and reinforces our connection to the local agricultural community.
Leite added, “For the past four seasons, we have proudly participated in the Westport Farmers Market, a renowned community gathering under the leadership of Executive Director Lori Cochran-Dougall. Lori’s unwavering dedication to providing fresh, local, and seasonal food—grown with sustainable practices—aligns perfectly with our own values.” To learn more visit SproutRawJuice.com
There is always a line at Boxcar Cantina which features authentic Northern new Mexican cuisines, which moves beyond Southwest/Tex-Mex food. Delicious dishes at reasonable prices makes this booth a "must visit" stop at the Market.
There is plenty of seating for those who cannot wait to get home with their goodies, or who want to enjoy their Boxcar lunch. Gourmet cooks need sharp knives to craft their dishes and often drop off their cutlery for sharpening while the do their shopping.
The WFM is open on Thursdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and their 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 the WFM vendors have to offer. The full list of vendors with links for more info can be found here: Westport Farmers Market
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.