Super Beautiful Super Moon
Photo and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Tonight and last night we were once again treated to an extraordinary sight in the sky, known as the Super Moon. This happens 3 or 4 times each year, always in consecutive months. This phenomenon is caused when the full moon appears when closest in it's orbit around the Earth. This year, Super Moons occurred last on Monday, August 19th, with a second on Tuesday, September 17th.
We can expect the final one occurring on Friday, November 15th, which will be known as the Beaver Moon and will be at it's brightest around 4:30 PM. When occurring in October it is known as the Hunter's Moon. This sight can continue to be enjoyed through Friday morning.
Wreckers Field Hockey Coasts To Win Over Danbury
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The greatest challenge for Staples Field Hockey on Monday in Danbury was trying to stay warm! Temperature on the filed was 55º degree, with an intense wind making feel more like 45º or colder, which had no effect on this teams performance. The outcome was clear and the girls took a moment before the 4th quarter to show their enthusiasm.
The Hatters were no match for the Wreckers and only avoided handing Staples their 11th shut-out of this stellar season by scoring their only goal with mounts to go in the fourth period. The Wreckers 11-1 victory brings their record to 12-0 and they are first in the FCIAC east division, ahead of 2nd place Ludlowe of Fairfield.
Coach Ian Tapsall described the game this way, "Staples coasted to an 11-1 victory over Danbury managing to rest senior players and try a team structure that should mimic the team for next season." That line-up bodes well for next season, given the lop-sided victory.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wrecker's scoring was pretty balanced with Oakley Wilson leading with 3 goals, followed by Leah Larit with 2 goals.
Six more Wreckers scored one goal each including Emma Larit, Tyla Ozgen, Catherine Cirasuolo , Lucy Hill, Mary Stevens, Ella Ledenko.
The 11 goal victory was facilitated with assists by Emma Larit, Leah Larit and Daisy Hackett
Watching the game from the sidelines, players were bundled up, including one player who wrapped herself in a blanket to fight the wind chill.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Danbury Hatter goalie had a rough day, but still manged multiple saves. At right, the JV squad ran a few laps prior to their match-up. They did in fact achieve a shut-out and also scoring 11 goals.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wreckers Football On A Roll, Routing Westhill 47-0
The Staples Wreckers, defending state champions are clearly on a roll. Whether it is passing or running the football or their stifling defense, evidenced by the QB sack by the defense, the Wreckers are fire! They are undefeated, 4-0 in the early season and are fresh off of a resounding defeat of Stamford’s Westhill High, with a 47 point shutout in their last game on October 4th. They had a bye last Friday and will face New Canaan in a day game on Saturday, October 19th.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples receiver Shane Sandrew, (sr.) grabs another pass from quarterback Nick Weil, (jr.) despite what looks like pass interference. Sandrew posted 75 yards on receptions including a 41 yard completion. QB Weil completed 10 of 14 attempts for gains of 163 yards. His scrambling ability continues to keep pressure on the opposing defense with 3 carries for 27 yards.
Weil finds wide receiver Nathan Smith for one of two TD receptions, which were the result of his 88 yards on receptions. Head coach Adam Behrends and his staff are laser focused, constantly directing efforts during the game.
Pink Out!
Staples fans support their annual Pink Out, wearing the color in support of breast Cancer Awareness.Players participated as well with pink wristbands, towels, t-shirts and even some socks. Not to be left out Westport PD officer Batlin work the pink emblem uniform shirt he wore last year as well. Some younger Wrecker fans made sure their support was clear.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples & PAL Cheerleaders Pumped Up The Crowd
The hard-working Staples cheerleaders give it their all, as usual, at the half-time performance.
Westport PAL cheerleaders came to perform with their Staples "big sisters" and received their own cheers from the crowd.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Both the Staples squad and PAL Cheerleaders gathered mid-field for this group photo.
Wreckers Football Tailgate Party - Westport Style
A scene from Friday night's tailgate party before the home game against Westhill High of Stamford.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Before last Friday’s game against Westhill of Stamford, parents of Wrecker’s team Captain Charley Leahy, Raleigh and Pat took the traditional home game up a notch. The parents of the five team captains are asked to organize the tailgate parties for the home games. This year, it's been a mix of food trucks, parents stepping up and manning the grill and people bringing food to share with others.
This particular party had, as the photos clearly show, a pink theme as part of the Pink Aid night celebrated by the fans and the Wreckers football team to support the cause of breast cancer awareness and research. Many of those at this tailgate party are Staples alums who were happy to contribute to the celebration and the worthy cause.
Chef and restaurateur Matt Storch flanked by Sous chefs Sawyer Nessel and Bowen Redgate.
Charley’s parents Raleigh and Pat Leahy have always been huge fans of Saugatuck Provisions and the Match family of restaurants. They are loyal customers who get all of their meats and other speciality items at the store. Pat told WestportLocalPress, “Matt Storch and his staff are awesome and I always look forward to making a visit because of that.”
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Tailgaters were offered delicious house made sausages, Korean BBQ drums and Big Match Burgers.
Pat reached out to Matt a few weeks ago to see if he'd consider serving the tailgate for the game against Westhill. Pat said, “He gave us a very fair deal and brought his two rock star Sous Chefs, Sawyer Nessel and Bowen Redgate to prepare and serve the food. It was a huge hit and I hope shined a big spotlight on Saugatuck Provisions and how lucky we are to have a place like that in town. Matt grew up in Westport and is a Staples graduate, which made it even cooler.”
After devouring the delicious BBQ and sausages and burgers, the desert table was particularly inviting with lots of gourmet and even some homemade treats.
Staples and Pink Aid were clearly the themes of the evening, after which the Wreckers treated the hometown crowd to an overwhelming victory over Westhill.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Wreckers get ready for the night's action.
Pink Aid Night At Staples To Fight Breast Cancer
This Pink Aid Awareness club is a Staples High School club owned by co-presidents Alex Hackett and Riley Sklar. In the photo above are (L-R) Alexa Falik, Riley Appel and Payton Dolnier.
On Friday before the Staples - Westhill football game the club set up at the entrance to the field to raise money for Pink Aid. Staples students Georgia Allen, Cami Barger, Riley Appel, Alexa Falik and Payton Dolnier gave out bracelets, receiving donations to Pink Aid to help support the battle against breast cancer.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
October 6, 2023 - One Year of Bring Them Home
More than 300 people gathered at Compo Beach on perfect fall Sunday to mark one year since the brutal Hamas attack on Israel, to rally in support of those who were kidnapped and who remain captive in Gaza.
Photos By J.C. Martin. Story by Lynn Rabinovici Park For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Three local Westport moms came together, for the second time, to organize a meaningful community gathering to support the hostages, Israel, and the Jewish community as they marked the one year anniversary of the barbaric October 7th Hamas terror attack in Israel. 365 days later, 101 hostages, dead and alive, still remain captive in Gaza.
Lynn Rabinovici Park, who had a vision for a concert by the sea, had the goal alongside Inda Sade and Sharon Suchotliff to bring the community together to stand in solidarity with the hostages, call for unity, and to change the year long call from "Bring Them Home Now" to "Release the Hostages Now."
Eleven year old Chloe Robbin of Westport sings with accompaniment by Liang-Fang Chang, the Director of Music Ministry at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
The beach was lined with 101 chairs, gathered by the community, each with a kidnapped poster and a blue or white balloon attached. A strong visual for how much 101 is. Front and center were two orange balloons, 2 tiny chairs and a kid's table with toys and books on it. A batman costume draped on Ariel's chair. A heartbreaking set up for Ariel (5 years old) and Kfir Bibas (1 year old), the beautiful red headed children, who were brutally kidnapped with their parents from their home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. The family remains in Gaza with no information as to their whereabouts or wellbeing.
Above left photo: The audience listens as Temple Israel's Cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann, with guitar soothed broken hearts with songs such as "Shalom Alecheim," Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah", Matisiyahu's "One Day" and an Israeli classic "Yerushalayim shel Zhav." Center photo: Organizers of the event (L. to R.) Sharon Suchotliff, Inda Sade and Lynn Rabinovici Park console each other as they listen to the Cantors from the Westport’s Temple Israel.
Top row: The audience listens intently as co-organizer Inda Sade, fighting back tears, speaks about her cousin, Ronen Daichman who was murdered by Hamas terrorists along with 379 other innocents at the Nova music festival in the Re’im forest of Southern Israel. Ronen was 49 years old, a husband and father of two children. She is comforted by Mrs. Rabinovici Park. Bottom left: Ronnie Mandler, father of one of the organizers stands with Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore (center) and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker. The second photo shows State Representative Jonathan Steinberg of the 136th Assembly District of Westport.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Rabbi Josh Ratner of Temple Or Hadash of Fairfield offered a prayer for the hostages and Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of Temple Israel offered a blessing for the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces). Idan Chen, cousin to former hostage Sapir Cohen, shared his personal feelings and experience. The town heard a musical performance from 11 year old, Chloe Robbin, accompanied by Liang Fang-Chang, the Director of Music Ministry at Saugatuck Congregational Church on the keyboard. Jennifer Tooker, Westport's First Selectwoman offered words of support and comfort for the Jewish Community. Selectwoman Tooker told WestportLocalPress “we were proud to stand with our community in support of bringing the hostages home safely.” Ms. Chang-Fang added, “Saugatuck Congregational is proud to support our Jewish siblings and hopes the 101 hostages will be home as soon as possible.”
Israeli flag and "Release The Hostages Now" lawn signs were available for all to take with them as well as End Jew Hatred T-shirts. Waters were donated by Fresh market, bagels and coffee from Starbucks, balloons from Party Hardy, and pastries from local favorite Coffee Ann. The event ended with a community singing of Israel's National Anthem, "Ha Tikvah" (The Hope) and "Am Yisrael Chai." At the conclusion of the event, many people remained at the beach enjoying the beautiful weather and discussing the gravity and heartbreak of one year since October 7th.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
There was a visible presence by the Westport Police Department as there are at any of the gatherings or rallies which occur frequently in town.
Staples Girls Soccer Defeats Trumbull in Final Two Minutes
The girls celebrate victory upon successful completing a penalty kick in the final two minutes of the match.
Friday’s Girls Soccer matchup against Trumbull High was about as tight as could be, with neither team being able to find the net for most of the entire contest. The teams were very evenly matched throughout the entire match.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
It wasn’t until the final two minutes when the Wreckers caught a break. Natalie Chudowsky created a chance with a shot on goal. It was blocked with a Trumbull hand and Staples was awarded a Penalty Kick. Natalie was able to get her shot past the Trumbull goalkeeper and convert the PK into the bottom corner, securing a 1-0 victory for the Wreckers.
The celebration after the winning goal was scored was joyful. Coach Barry Beattie gives an interview and then does the post-game summary with the excited but very attentive team.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wreckers Field Hockey Celebrates Senior Day With 10-0 Shut-Out Over Brien McMahon
Staples field hockey girls are all smiles after completely overpowering Brien McMahon High School of Norwalk. All five seniors each scored a goal in Friday's victory at home.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Combining a high powered offense with a suffocating defense that prevented an serious shots on goal, keeping McMahon scoreless, the Wreckers had a lot to celebrate, especially the senior girls. Goals by Storey Ahl, Emma Larit, Tyla Ozgen, Sofia Fidalgo and eventually Alex Hackett. combined to score half of Staples 10 goals.
The remaining five goals were scored by Leah Larit, who found the back of the net twice, Daisy Hackett, Lucy Hill and Mary Stevens. Sofia Fidalgo contributed to the scoring with three assists, with another by Emma Larit.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The girls not only stepped up their game, they stepped up their celebrating.
Dustin Nickerson Stands Up For Home With Hope At Fairfield University
Homes with Hope’s signature stand up comedy event was held Saturday September 28th, was their 17th annual event and was attended by over 650 people at the University’s QuickCenter For The Arts.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Following their pre-show gala (photos below) Dustin Nickerson, an in demand comic on the rise gave the packed house laugh after laugh with one great story after another. Nickerson, who in 2020 released his debut comedy special “Overwhelmed” which is currently one of the highest rated specials on Amazon Prime Video.
In addition, he’s been featured on Comedy Central and Netflix by Kevin Hart, the Late Late Show with James Corden, is a regular on After Midnight with Taylor Tomlinson, Fox, Hulu and can regularly be heard on Sirius Radio XM. Online, his stand-up clips and jokes have received tens of millions of views and his podcast, Don’t Make Me Come Back There, has over 3 million downloads.
To learn more visit: DustinNickerson.com
Homes With Hope, who’s mission to stop help people dealing with housing insecurity and loss honored the commissioner of the Department housing Seila Mosquera-Bruno at the event for all her support. HWH CEO Helen McAlinden (above, left) spoke about the organization’s efforts to deal with the housing crises in our area. Helen was followed by event Co-Chairs Becky Martin and Allyson Gottlieb. McAlinde , and was then joined by Commisioner Mosquera-Bruno who spoke about the state of CT’s cooperation with Homes With Hope (above, right).
Katherine Murray, (above, left) Marketing and Development Director talked about the needed renovations and services to Home’s properties. One of the fortunate clients helped by the organization spoke passionately about how their housing program changed his life significantly.
Commissioner Mosquera-Bruno has assisted Homes With Hope with 3 major projects. First, the renovations of The Gillespie Center Homeless Emergency Shelter and Haskins Place Shelter which shelter 19 homeless individuals nightly in Westport right behind Tiffany’s jewelery store.
Second, Susie’s Houses/project Return is also getting renovated and will be a home for 6 homeless young women with a priority for 18 to 24 year olds. Third, with the support of the Commissioner and the Department of Housing and Garden Home Fund, Richard Freedman, Homes with Hope acquired 19 apartments at 122 Wilton Road which will be 100 percent affordable and will prioritize the working poor who can’t afford to live in the town of Westport where many live and work locally in jobs like the service industry, landscaping, restaurants, grocery stores, babysitting, cleaning homes, social service workers, and other local agencies.
All are exciting and happy to join the wonderful community of Westport where they can become productive members of the community and raise their families. It is a very exciting time for Homes With Hope’s President and CEO Helen McAlinden.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Before Nickerson's performance a live auction was held and thanks to the generosity of Westport area residents, more than $150,000 was raised and will help support Homes With Hope programs.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The huge tent erected for the annual Homes With Hope Gala which preceded the stand up comedy event was filled to capacity. Guests were treated to a variety of tasty dishes and hors d'oeuvres.
Attending the glamorous Gala were many notable Westport area guests including (top, left to right) actor James Naughton and wife Sara with Home’s CEO Helen McAlinden, former State Senator from Westport Will Haskel and his new bride Katie Cion, state representative for Westport Jonathan Steinberg and wife Nancy, RTM moderator Jeff Weiser. Also, (bottom, l. to r) Police Chief Foti Koskinas, wife Christina and friends, artist Miggs Burroughs, Clasp Development Director Robin Hammond and former WestportNow photographer Dave Matlow. Others included former First Selectman Jim Marpe and Westport Fire Department Chief Nick Marsan, RTM member Sal Liccione (photos below).
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Events To Commemorate The October 2023 Attack On Israel
Clergy and political leaders will join peaceful protestors at two events. All are welcome.
On Sunday, October 6th @ 11 AM the Westport chapter of RunForTheirLives will commemorate the tragic anniversary of the October 7th massacre with a massive, peaceful and apolitical march through town – carrying signs to remind passersby of the 101 hostages that remain in captivity, both living and dead. We will be joined by local clergy of multiple denominations as well as local community leaders. The Westport chapter joins 230 RunForTheirLives chapters worldwide in keeping hope and awareness alive for both the hostages and their loved ones.
