Slice Of Saugatuck - Simply Scrumptious!
Saugatuck become the epicenter of Westport’s restaurant scene on Saturday when one of our town’s premier neighborhoods hosted the annual Slice Of Saugatuck after it was postponed from It’s original date, last Saturday due to bad weather.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In addition to being able to taste some delicious samples from Saugatuck’s finest eateries, there were multiple live bands playing throughout the event, from The Little Pub parking lot on Riverside, to Bridge Square, the center of the festivities, to Railroad St. which was converted into a pedestrian zone.
(Photos, clockwise) Hungry attendees waited patiently for the offering at The Bridge at Saugatuck, newly opened at the site of the famous Mansion Clamhouse and most recently Parker Mansion. Another happy diner enjoyed fine Peruvian fare from Lomito on Saugatuck Ave. Great Italian was offered by Maria Funicello and her staff served up delicious tastes of Italy from Tutti’s, a Saugatuck institution for more than 20 years operated by Maria and her husband Pasquale. One of several bands kept the energy up and the party hopping.
The line for the Bridge at Saugatuck indicated the great samples that awaited diners at the front of the line.
Crowds packed Bridge Square and purchased their tickets and Rizzutos offered the kids not one but TWO bounce houses to take a break between bites. Two more bounce houses were on site elsewhere at the Slice.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The historic Saugatuck Firehouse is a must-visit stop for kids who have the chance to climb aboard a working fire truck, get a "fire-helmet", take photos and see the inside of the fire house.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Row one above shows kids dancing to the band playing at the plaza between The Whelk and Momu ice cream. Next, the line at Lomito is always long as attendees await their delicious, generous offering (center). Bill Rizzuto offers their signature Ceviché and the very creative Crab Meat Arancini (rice balls), made with both white and black rice and served with their Cajun Remoulade. The restaurateur estimates they will provide more than 800 samples of their dishes. At far right, a mom and her kids enjoy some treats from Dunkin Donuts.
Bottom row: The popular Kawa Ni had a long line as well as guests sampled their tasty cuisine. Bands all over inspired some to work their dance magic.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Japan Meets Westport At Jesup Green
The audience watches intently as New York Taiko Aiko Kai drumming shows their skills in this Japanese traditional art form which dates back thousands of years.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Each year for the last 18 years, with a one year exception for COVID, the Japan Society of Fairfield County, a non-profit membership organization comprised of people who are interested in Japan and Japanese culture has held a Fall Festival on Jesup Green in Westport. Last Sunday the sights and sounds of Japan were on full display to hundreds of visitors who who treated to a variety of Japanese traditions going back in some cases, hundreds of years and beyond.
The first presentation was the spectacular Taiko drumming by New York Taiko Aiko Kai, who’s pounding rhythms and dramatic showmanship captivated the audience. The function of Taiko has varied throughout history, ranging from communication, military action, theatrical accompaniment, religious ceremony and concert performances.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Mr. Tomoe Sato of the Consulate General of Japan's New York office speaks to the audience at the start of the event.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker (left) speaks to the crowd about Westport’s involvement with this event through the years. JSFC President Jackie Alexander (center) describes the activities of the day and both join Mr. Tomoe Sato for a quick photo.
A traditional Bon Odori Festival is usually held in July or August, however the event was moved to September a few years ago, technically this is too late to hold a traditional Japanese Bon Odori Festival so the event was renamed a Japanese Fall Festival but we still included Bon Odori activities.
Attendees are invited to don the summer yukata kimono and join the Bon odori dances. The women leading the instruction of the dances are from the BondanNYC group.
Five Bon Odori dances were performed, led by BondanNYC. They included Tanko Bushi, coal miner’s song from the Kyushu area. The Hanagasa Ondo, or “hat dance” from Yamagata, Awa Odori, from Tokushima Prefecture in Shikoku, A-I-U-E-Ondo and Tokyo Ondo, from Tokyo.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Sensei Robert Brody owner and chief instructor of Aikido Of Norwalk readies his students to begin a demonstration of the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido.
The crowd enthusiastically enjoyed the students as they demonstrated Aikido, a unique martial art that emphasizes peaceful conflict resolution by harmonizing with an opponent’s energy and redirecting their attack. Unlike Karate, which focuses on strikes, Aikido shares more similarities with Judo, as it involves joint locks and throws to neutralize an attack.
This portion of the event featured several dedicated students, including Brian Lasher, who helped Brody showcase a dynamic bokken (wooden sword) demonstration called Kumitachi. Other students included Dylan Saurawal, who skillfully performed ukemi (falling techniques), Jeff Tang and who practiced in preparation for his Shodan (black belt). Elizabeth Shields and Katherine Gunya also participated, demonstrating techniques as blue and yellow belt students, respectively. Additionally, Kia Starn led a seated meditation, or seiza, a regular practice at the dojo to cultivate focus and inner peace.
The large crowd was kept busy with several performances to enjoy and several vendors to visit.
Dancers formed a circle to join instructors in performing several of the Bon Odori dances. They also enjoyed the opportunity for selfies with famous Japanese cultural icons like Hello Kitty and Pikachu, the electric-type mouse and the mascot of the Pokémon franchise.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The audience was treated to “Balloon Plays” by Noriko “Emma” Oshiro. Ms. Oshiro translated a Japanese folktale into English to create her balloon play. She narrates the story and creates the costuming/balloon characters. Her “actors” move about or use the balloon characters according to the narrator’s story. This year there were two plays; The Story of Obon and the Water Lanterns, and The Story of the Signs of the Zodiac.
There was a Japanese Marketplace with several booths and tables where vendors offered a variety of Japanese products, art and crafts including handmade hats, pottery, Tengui Art, Origami and crystal and stone Jewelry and so much more.
Taiko drumming by New York Taiko Aiko Kai gave several performances, bringing their high energy show again as the afternoon progressed.
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.
Superintendent: “In moments like these, words just fall short. “
From Westport Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice: “Good evening,
I truly don't know how to start this message. These are among the hardest messages to deliver and process as both a father and a member of the WPS community. Tonight, as I embrace and say goodnight to my 16 year old son, my mind will be miles away.
I am deeply saddened to inform you that one of our students, Staples High School Senior Max Harper, tragically passed away in a motor vehicle accident this afternoon. This loss is heartbreaking for our school and extended community, and I know many of you, along with our students, will feel its impact in the days ahead.
In moments like these, words just fall short. But what we can offer is our unwavering support to those affected by this tragedy, beginning with Max’s family. Please come together during this difficult time—lean on one another and extend compassion to those who are grieving.
In order to ensure that our faculty and staff are fully prepared to appropriately receive our students tomorrow, Staples High School will operate on a two hour delay. All other schools will open at their normal times. The entire faculty will come together, grieve, and be provided guidance and language on how to support our students when they arrive, when they see them in Connections, and also throughout the day.
For any students needing support prior to the opening school, the Staples counseling staff will be available to provide support to individuals and small groups of students.
Staples Principal, Stafford Thomas, will send a follow up email this evening to the Staples families and staff outlining the plans for the day, beginning with the early morning support, and the measures put in place to support students.
All athletic games will be canceled tomorrow but teams will be permitted to meet for light practices or team meetings in order to provide students a place to be with one another after school.
Finally, as you say goodnight to your children, remember this moment and how precious our time together truly is.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Westport Public Schools”