Always A Dog Festival Show-Stopper, Westport PD K-9 Unit Shows The Right Stuff
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Police Department Corporal James Loomer (left) introduced Westport’s Finest K-9s once again at this year’s Westport Dog Festival. The K9 Unit demonstration is the highlight of the event and spectators line the perimeter of the demonstration area to watch the officers show the exceptional skills of their K9 partners. Corporal Loomer spoke at length on the actions of the unit in their mission to protect and serve Westport and the surrounding area, as they often respond to requests for assistance from other area police departments.
At right, Corporal Dave Scinto and his partner K9 Grizz, a German Shepherd from the Czech Republic, where many police K9’s are raised and trained, show the strength and ferocity which makes these K9s a formidable tool to police departments here and the world over.
Above, Officer Ryan Kardamis dons the protective garments used in training as he takes on the role of decoy as he is “attacked” multiple times by K9 Brutte, a Belgian Malinois. Officer Kardamis is new to Westport PD, serving the department for about a year and a half. K9 Brutte is a certified patrol and narcotics detection K9, as is Scinto’s dog Grizz. Corporal Loomer actually has a second dog, K9 Ambo who is certified in explosive detection.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
After performing in the demonstration, Corporal Scinto rewards K9 Grizz with his favorite ball. Part of the dog’s training consists of playtime with the ball after completing tasks. The ball is really the only reward the dog looks forward to after performing his duties.
Above left, Corporal Loomer has his dog’s attention fixated on the ball, waiting for a chance to chase it. Corporal Scinto demonstrates the tenacity of his dog who will not let go of the protective sleeve until commanded to do so. Grizz happily claims his prize after wrestling the sleeve away from Scinto.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Most of the folks attending the event found their way to the K9 demonstrations. Spectators in the audience engaged in a Q&A session with corporal Loomer while waiting for the demonstration to begin. Several of the spectators were of the four legged kind, including the German Shepherd above, who looks like he’d be ready to join the force and get into the action.
Westport's Annual Dog Festival Brings Lots Of Fun For Dog Lovers
Westport's annual Dog Festival returned to Winslow Park on Sunday and drew more than 2,500 visitors and more than 700 dogs. There was every kind of dog imaginable and they and their humans enjoyed a variety of activities including competitions like Best Kisser and Best Lap Dog Over 50 pounds. Visitors saw the wonderful pets available through pet adoption specialists including Adopt-A-Dog in Armonk, NY, one of the areas most active shelters.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
These three beautiful snow-white Samoyeds, including the young puppy at right drew lots of attention and got lots of love from the festival visitors. Originally bred in Siberia, the Samoyed is a herding dog with a thick, white, double-layered coat.
Above, these two English Bulldogs a very distinctive breed with a very devoted following were fascinated by the long haired Chihuahua they spotted when he hopped out of his doggie-stroller. Next is a very rare Tibetan Spaniel a breed which we have never seen before, and the very fluffy Pomeranian. Last, the wonderful Basset Hound seemed very interested in posing for a photo.
Photos are available, contact the photographer, J.C. Martin at: admanjcm@yahoo.com
One new organization at this year's event was Open Road Rescues, INC. is a new nonprofit that transports animals at heavily discounted or free rates from shelters often saving them from the euthanasia list and bringing them to their foster or furever homes. They travel nationwide and assist rescue organizations in finding fosters and adopters due to their high number of followers on social media. From left to right is Samantha, Aubrey, owner Kristy Kokolakis, and Sondra Psomas.
Also represented at the event as always was the CT Humane Society, which will be opening a new facility soon which will be featured in Westport Local Press later this month. A volunteer is pictured here along with staffers Jarred Barnes and Kayleigh Shettleworth.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
More than 30 vendors offered everything the discerning pet owner must have, including Westport's Earth Animal which donated a portion of their sales to the Westport Police Department K-9 Unit which helps them pay for training and even bullet/knife resistant vests for their K-9's. A stroller came in handy when this Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, one of the sweetest and most loving breed had enough trekking through the park. Volunteers from T.A.I.L.S., The Alliance In Limiting Strays offered lots of sheik and stylish apparel and accessories to raise funds for their volunteer run organization which saves hundred of cats each year.
Sme of The fabled North Shore Animal League on Long Island, acknowledged to be the largest no-kill animal shelter in the world brings their animal adoption bus to Westport every year to help T.A.I.L.S. show and take adoption applications for multiple beautiful cats and kittens to hep find their forever homes. Some of those available for adoption are pictured above.
Some of those available for adoption are pictured above. More can be seen at: TailsCT.org
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
No Obstacle Course This Year, But They Did Get In A Good Run.
In past years one of the spectators favorite attractions was the doggie obstacle course, where dogs would run through a fenced course where they had to jump over hurdles, through a tunnel or other impediments as they chased a cloth lure through the course. (see Westport Local: Good Boy and Celebrates Canines to see how it was done in years past.
The lure travels at high speed and is almost impossible to catch. Spectators lined the course to enjoy all the action and athleticism of the canine competitors. Owners could purchase action photos of their pup as they scrambled after the lure.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
For some reason, although it was clearly advertised on the website for the event, there was no obstacle course, only a run around in a circle. The dogs and the owners who paid $10. or $15. for one or two runs according to the sign at the entry enjoyed it, but few watched for the most part. Pictured here are some of the canine athletes in action.
These dogs clearly did enjoy the run, and since this is a day for the dogs, that was great time.
Photos are available, contact the photographer, J.C. Martin at: admanjcm@yahoo.com
Staples Tennis Continues To Dominate
Staples tennis is fire this year! The girls team brought their record to 10-1 after defeating Danbury on May 8th (WestportLocal - Staples Defeats Danbury) and the Wreckers boys advanced their record to 14-1 by defeating the Tigers in Ridgefield on Thursday, May 15th.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples won 3 of 4 singles matches including a grueling 3rd set tie-breaker by Senior Captain Noah Wolf over his opponent Ridgefield's Nathanael Campos, 6-1, 5-7 and 10-7 in the longest match of the day.
Ridgefield's Aakarsh Patel needed a third set tie-breaker to defeat Staples' Junior Aleko Vergakis who was loudly cheered by his team as the played and after finishing their match in a strong showing of team support.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In other singles action, talented Freshman Sebastian Elizondo dominated his match against Eujah Yurkovsky in straight sets, 6-0, 6-1. Junior Robert Jacob was unstoppable as well in his 6-0, 6-0 defeat of Wyatt Kehlmann.
Senior Captain Noah Wolff stretches to return a shot in his match against Nathanael Campos in his 3 set, tie-breaker victory.
In doubles play, Senior Captains Brett Lampert and Lucas Cegallos-Cala also triumphed in straight sets over Ridgefield's Pajak & Kleinman, 6-0, 6-2. Also with straight set 6-0, 6-3 victories were Senior Henry Grossberg and Sophomore Kiernan Anand who prevailed over Basker & Resnick.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In the thrid doubles match, Senior Matthew Darien joined Sophomore Jonny Greenspan to defeat the team of Reiner & Utomo, 6-1, 6-1
Staples talent is quite evident with only one lass this day. Standout players having a great year include undeeateds Mattie Guadarrama and Shreyas Gorre with 9-0 and 10-0 doubles play victories this season other team members.
Please note, these and other photos are available for purchase and will help support Westport Local Press in continuing to cover Staples High School athletics. Please contact the photographer at admanjcm@yahoo.com
Great Start For Westport Farmers’ Market 2025 Season
The Westport Farmers' Market opened their 19th season to crowds of 1,500+ people who returned again this year to find delicious and healthy offerings from their favorite vendors.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
WIth 52 vendors, longtime FM favorites Fort Hill Farm, Riverbank Farm and Beaver Brook Farm celebrated the ongoing stream of new faces while welcoming back longtime shoppers. This year, the Westport Farmers' Market welcomes new vendors and more enticing lunch items with expanded seating options for in-market dining.
To enhance the opening day's experience, a DJ named Doey Joey joined guitarist Gianni Leito, providing a delightful musical backdrop. Many filled their freshly launched Friend of the Market bags, which can be purchased for a donation of $40 at the WFM tent. All proceeds from the Friend Of Market donations offsets the vendors' fees. The atmosphere was vibrant, highlighting the sense of community that this farmers' market hosts each season.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
She Worms Composting is a local “soil-ution” business serving Fairfield County, transforming food waste into nutrient-rich compost through vermicomposting—a method known for producing high-quality worm castings. In addition to composting services, the business offers educational workshops, a composting curriculum for children, and sells premium worm castings. Find @shewormscomposting on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to learn more and stay connected.
A tribute was held for Jon Jaeger honoring his contributions and impact within the Westport Farmers Market community. Market organizers have described him as “a special member of the WFM family,” highlighting his dedication and warmth. Jaeger, who worked at the Fort Hill Farm booth, was also the longtime operator of the Greens Farms Cut Flower Exchange. Sadly, he passed in March.
Sustainable Westport has a presence at the WFM (above, photo #2) and this day were offering raffle tickets to win an EGO battery powered leaf blower. Westport's ban on gas powered leaf blowers goes into effect this month. Starting on May 15, 2024, the use of handheld and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in town. Sustainable Westport has teamed up with a coalition of local partners to bring you “Your Yard, Our Climate” — a community-wide initiative focused on transforming our personal outdoor spaces into thriving, climate-resilient habitats.
Young visitors enjoy the WFM experience getting high-fives from vendors and enjoying some tasty WFM treats.
There is something for every discriminating foodie at the WFM, from pizza baked in a mobile brick oven, to scrumptious bagels, kombucha and excellent Thai food.
Above, Mae Farrell offers kids visiting the WFM a chance for some interactive, artistic fun with her Get Growing Program. Mae told Westport Local Press, “Our main goal with the Get Growing Program is to engage children and families, providing them with enriching activities at the market while emphasizing the importance of shopping and supporting locally each week.”
The Westport Farmers Market is indeed recognized as one of the best in the state, and even nationally, according to CT Insider. Specifically, it's been named the third favorite farmers market in Connecticut by American Farmland Trust (AFT), and has also been recognized as the 10th best in the country and the sixth top in the Northeast.
There is always a line at Bubble & Brew, a WFM shopper favorite, offering fine teas, coffee and baked goods.
Upon leaving the WFM the tagline Who Grows Your Food resonates deeply. The market is held every Thursday, from 10 AM -2 PM, rain or shine, through November 13th, at 50 Imperial Avenue, Westport and provides plenty of parking at the Imperial lot and also at the Westport Library parking lot.
The Westport Farmers Market is recognized as one of the best in the state, and even nationally, according to CT Insider. Specifically, it's been named the third favorite farmers market in Connecticut by American Farmland Trust (AFT), and has also been recognized as the 10th best in the country and the sixth top in the Northeast.
To learn more abut all the WFM has to offer visit: Westport Farmers’ Market.
Westport Garden Club Offers Plants For Mother's Day
Two Garden Club volunteers were ready to assist shoppers in bringing home a living gift which will last for years for the Mom's their life.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
On Saturday, May 10 at 9:30 am, eager shoppers lined up for the Westport Garden Club’s annual plant sale featuring over 1,200 homegrown perennial plants from members’ gardens. A special feature is the section of CT Native Plants that brings shoppers from around the state. Also popular: tomatoes, and new this year: a collection of unique Clematis.
Earthplace offered a children’s table with nature-inspired activities, The Westport Library Book Store displayed garden-related books and Edgewise provided tool sharpening services. Sustainable Westport joined the club for the first time and shared sustainable garden tips.
Proceeds from the sale support the club’s civic projects including the maintenance of local public gardens, educational programming, and grants to environmental non-profit organizations, among other projects. For more information, visit: WestportGardenClub.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Above, Edgewise Kitchen was on site to offer knife sharpening. One shpper made sure her Mother’s Day Card was ready for delivery along with plants for Mom.
Photos J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.