Our Heroes Past & Present - Memorial Day Parade 2025
Westport’s much-loved Memorial Day Parade 2025 brought thousands to town on a beautiful sunny day with perfect temperatures to enjoy the celebration of our heroes.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The crowd began to line the streets at 8:30 AM and by the start time of 9:00 AM, everyone had gathered to enjoy the parade.
Westport PD motorcycle unit leads off as they do each year, lights flashing as they smiled and nodded to the spectators.
Following the motorcycle unit, the honor guard marched and next, command staff including the newly named Chief David Farrell led their officers across the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge.
Veterans from the Marines, Army, Navy and National Guard presented their colors and the well-known POW-MIA flag which commemorates those who endured captivity and those who have never returned home after service to their country.
Several of the marching bands crossing the bridge received cheers and applause from the crowd.
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Members of te Westport Fire Department including Chaplain Father Cyrus Bartolome, Pastor, Church of the Assumption.
It’s not every one gets to ride on a firetruck. These two seemed pretty happy to do so.
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This vintage Jaguar XKE, also know as E-Type was a much admired vehicle as it passed by the crowd. A supercar of the 60’s and early 70’s, the E-Type had one of the longest hoods in any vehicle of its era, and was one of the few cars to do 0-60 MPH under 7 seconds and had a rated top speed of 150 MPH.
Passing by in another beloved classic vehicle, a Cadillac Eldorado convertible carries the Grand Marshal, Judge Edward Karazin Jr. as it has frequently done for past Grand Marshals. Judge Karazin has had a stellar career filled with accomplishments. He entered the U.S. Army in 1965 where he became a civil affairs officer serving in Viet Nam. His multiple awards included the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.
Another American classic, a 1968 Ford Mustang was packed with girls waving the red, white and blue.
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The ubiquitous Jeep Wranglers led a mini parade of SUV’s, one of which had a giraffe that for some reasons was wearing an Indians jersey, and that had to duck to avid hitting the stop lights.
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Members of the Staples High School music program proudly perform. They also attended the Memorial Commemoration after the parade concluded., playing for the audience at Veteran’s Green.
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Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service members, marching. The organization relies on donations from the community to fund their operations, saving lives everyday.
The Westport Women’s Club always invites our favorite Minuteman (or maybe second favorite after the iconic statue on Compo Rd.), aka, Miggs Burroughs.
Closing out the parade near the town hall reviewing stand, the Pyramid Shriners, from Stratford are a favorite part of any parade as they circle and weave in their famous tiny gas-powered cars.
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This Day We Remember, We Honor, We Thank The Men And Women Of The United States Armed Forces
The color guard for the Memorial Day Commemoration; (L to R) Corporal Frank Veno USMC, Sergeant First Class Buyile Rani CT Army National Guard, Corporal John D’Eilus U.S. Army, Lieutenant Commander Phil Delgado U.S. Navy (Retired), Corporal Albert Strazza USMC, Corporal Patrick Adams USMC flank the commemorative wreath before the World War One Doughboy statue at Westport’s Veterans Green.
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Father Cyrus Bartolome, Pastor, Church of the Assumption, Westport, and Chaplain of the Westport Fire Department offers the Benediction at the Memorial Day ceremony on Monday.
After the bands, the floats, the marchers and all that the Westport Memorial Day Parade provides have left, a number of spectators fill Westport’s Veterans Green for the most important event of this day; the celebration and the recognition of the brave men and women of the Armed Forces of The United States of America who have fought for our country.
From left to right, Staples grad Nick Rossi, now attending college returned to sing his amazing rendition of the National Anthem which he as done for the last several years. Grand Marshal, the Honorable Judge Edward Karazin, Jr. salutes the flag during Rossi’s National Anthem performance as does Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan.
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Following Father Bartolome’s Benediction, remarks were then delivered by Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan. Judge Karazin, Jr. then gave his address. This year’s Grand Marshal, Edward Karazin Jr. has had a stellar career filled with accomplishments beginning with his entering the U.S. Army in 1965 where became a civil affairs officer serving in Viet Nam. His multiple awards included the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.
Upon his return home and discharge from service, a Boston College graduate, Karazin earned his law degree from Fordham University. He then began working in a private law practice then served as an assistant state prosecutor before being named to the Superior Court bench in 1990. He performed pro bono work on behalf of other veterans and in 2021, he was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. Judge Karazin leads the Veterans Day ceremony each year at the Stamford Superior Courthouse and continues to support veteran events
His service to the community was extensive is well, volunteering o coach Little League and serving on their board as well as the board of Pop Warner football and is a lector at the Church of the Assumption in Westport. He taught legal writing and family law as an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury.
Judge Karazin receives assistance with his sash before taking his place on stage to await his introduction and then began his remarks. Attending the event, at right one of America’s most celebrated living nurses, Doris Troth Lippman holds the medal given to her at her induction into the CT Veterans Hall of Fame. LIppman served as a US Army Captain and wound nurse during the Viet Nam war.
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The crowd give a round of applause for Judge Karazin upon the conclusion of his remarks.
Judge Karazin proudly stands with Father Bartolome. At right, Westport Police Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson observes the ceremony along with newly named Chief Of Police David Farrell.
There are always a number of veterans in attendance, however there are fewer and fewer each year. It is singular objective of ceremonies like ours to remind us all of the service and sacrifice of our military veterans. It is important for us to recognize and honor that service as the number of those we honor continues to cecline each year.
As of early 2024, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that approximately 66,000 American World War II veterans were still alive. This represents a significant decline from the 16.4 million Americans who served during the war. The surviving veterans are now largely in their 90s or older. The number of living WWII veterans is projected to continue to decline rapidly, with projections suggesting that the last ones will pass away in the early 2040s.
Approximately 0.5% or fewer of the 16.4 million Americans who served in World War II are still alive, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This means that less than 70,000 veterans are still alive today. Approximately 5% of all living veterans in the United States are Korean War Era veterans. This translates to roughly 767,000 veterans who served during the Korean War (1950-1953) still alive. The median age of Korean War Era veterans is 88, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Approximately 30% of living US veterans served during the Vietnam War era (1950-1973), with around 5.6 million veterans alive today. A more precise estimate suggests there are about 5.4 million Vietnam War veterans alive today. More than 500 Vietnam veterans die every day; many reside in hospices and long-term care facilities.
Since 2001, between 1.9 and 3 million service members have served in post-9/11 war operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, and over half of them have deployed more than once. (Brown University: https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/costs/human/veterans) Many times that number of Americans have borne the costs of war as spouses, parents, children, and friends cope with their loved ones’ absence, mourn their deaths, or greet the changed person who often returns.
In comparison to the civilian population, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are facing elevated rates of suicide and mental illness, drug and alcohol dependence, car crashes, and homelessness. They and their families also experience higher rates of divorce as well as homicide, child abuse, and child neglect by both parents left behind and returning veterans.
The Staples High School Band, under the direction of Kevin Mazzarella (Director of Bands, below) and Caitlin Serpliss (asst. band director) proudly marched in the Westport Memorial Day parade.
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This Band of over 60 musicians diligently prepared “Logan’s Order” and practiced our marching for this important event. Taps trumpeters were Samuel Abramowitz (above, left) and Gargi Karve. Following “Logan’s Order” two members of the Westport Police Department fired a 3 volley salute.
The color guard, representing the Army, Navy, Marines and National guard stand in silent, reverent attention for the entire presentation.
At the conclusion of the service, the color guard retire the colors. At left are Staples High School Band’s Caitlin Serpliss (asst. band director) and Kevin Mazzarella (Director of Bands).
The 118th Airlift Squadron (118 AS) is a unit of the Connecticut Air National Guard 103d Airlift Wing stationed at Bradley Air National Guard Base, Windsor Locks, Connecticut, performed flyovers of their C-130 Hercules for several Memorial Day Parades including Westport and Norwalk. The C-130H, a very familiar sight to the veterans in the audience, is a primary tactical airlifter, supporting the transport of personnel and cargo to various locations. It can perform airdrops of troops and equipment into hostile areas, even from rough runways. It was an imposing sight as it flew overhead.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Staples Boys LAX Demolishes Fairfield-Ludlowe in FCIAC Tournament Quarter Final
After a disappointing loss to perennial powerhouse Darien, Staples Boys Lacrosse came roaring back with a vengeance, pounding Fairfield Ludlowe with goal after goal to notch a 16-2 victory in the Wreckers FCIAC quarter final. Staples scoring juggernaut was led by tri-captain Tristan Schaefer, a senior who scored a career high 7 goals and assisted on yet another.
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Adam Udell, also a senior tri-captain and a standout Staples athlete who led Wreckers to their first FCIAC basketball title in five decades added another goal and assisted on four more. Joining in on the offensive onslaught was senior Will Fleming with 3 goals of his own and another assist.
Junior Justin Halky added two more goals and another assist, while sophomore Ean Frankel assisted on 3 and scored one as well. Juniors Tristan Benton and Jake McGeehan each found the Ludlowe goal with one apiece. Sophomore Hunter Pallai assisted with two Wreckers scores.
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While Wrecker Moms were all smiles, clearly delighted with the efforts of their boys, the Dads seem a bit reserved.
The Ludlowe goalie (first 3 photos) had a very difficult task defending against Schaefer, Fleming, Halky and their teammates, unable to stop goal after goal. Josh Marcus (photo 4) had quite a different experience as he stops a Fairfield shot from finding the back of the net.
A hard hit by a Fairfield-Ludlowe at the sideline took off senior Will Fleming’s helmit and nearly his mouth guard as he hits the turf.
Head Coach Will Koshansky was well please with the Wreckers return to dominance after the Darien loss, telling Westport Local Press, "I was excited to see how much energy the boys came out with right from the start. When we show up like that we typically have a fast start and play to our strengths. With a goalie like Josh and our faceoff guys Eric Skolnick and Jake Davis winning draws, we can keep feeding our offense the ball. Koshansky also credited the return of senior Davis Crandall's defensive efforts after dealing with an injury saying that Crandall "bolstered our back line and helped hold them to two goals."
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Staples, seeded #2 will take on #3 seed Ridgefield in the semi-final at Wilton High School on Tuesday, May 27th at 4:30 PM. When asked about that match-up, Coach Koshansky told us, "We are excited for another opportunity to put on our uniforms to represent our program on Tuesday. Ridgefield is a strong team and we know we will need to be focused and ready to play to win that game."
Please note** Photos are available by contacting J.C. Martin at: admanjcm@yahoo.com
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Moms high-five after another Wreckers goal. Head Coach Koshansky is all smiles as his staff gives some post-victory notes to his players on this game, and the upcoming semi-final against Ridgefield on Tuesday.
The Newest Compo Beach Playground Official Opening This Weekend
The small army of volunteers, 600 strong worked for two weeks in April and May to make this wonderful project a reality. Prior to that, the Compo Beach Playground group's goal was to raise $650,000 to bring the new playground to the children and people of Westport. Thanks to the incredible generosity of this town, the group raised more that $740,000 bringing the project to life.
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The playground was designed by the firm of Playgrounds by Design, headed by the fantastic Lee Archin, who is working on site alongside his crew and the volunteer army. Lee has playground design and construction in his DNA by this point in his career, having worked for for 18 years for the company that built the first Compo playground in 1989, Leathers & Associates, now known as Playgrounds By Leathers, before starting his own company.
This was an all-hands-on-deck community project and several companies including Harmony Design Build. The O'Dell Group, Bluewater Home supplied workers to make this exceptional project come together.
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Contractor Playgrounds by Design's staff, Matt Benjamin, founder & owner Lee Archin and Hugh “island boy” Clark.
Lee Archin told Westport Local Press, “We’re honored to play a role in both preserving and reimagining a cherished part of this community’s history. My name is Lee Archin and I am the owner and founder of Play By Design. We were a full-service custom playground company, and our mission is to create inclusive, accessible play spaces that reflect the needs of the community. This project is especially meaningful, not only because of its historic significance, but also due to its unique location along the water. It’s a rare opportunity to help design a space that’s both beautiful and inclusive — a place where families of all abilities can come together and create lasting memories.”
Volunteers included town officials. Above, left, RTM member Sal Liccione, Ali Cammeyer, wife of RTM's Michael Cammeyer, and Board Of Finance's Danielle Dobin get busy with shovels in hand. At right, RTM member Andrew Collabella takes the controls of a skid steer, or skid-steer loader, a compact heavy equipment machine.
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Above, left, Sheldon Kahan, CEO of Interstate Lumber on the Post Road in Westport stopped by to see the activity. Interstate donated lumber and hardware upwards of $30,000. The call for donation of tools needed for volunteers to assist in construction was answered by Rick Benson and Mike Bennett and other community members who donated over 100 hand and power tools.
One of the larger new pieces of equipment took multiple workers several hours to assemble and install.
Here are some of the wonderful new pieces of equipment that make the new playground an exciting place to play:
Innova Rocker; rope venture climber; cirrus swing; orb rocker, Brava swing, stem play activity panels, cradle bridge and accessible ice cream truck.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Boards and bricks which were donated by many Westport and area families were carefully removed and are available by contacting: CompoPlayground@gmail.com
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Always A Dog Festival Show-Stopper, Westport PD K-9 Unit Shows The Right Stuff
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Staples Girls Tennis Continues Their Winning Ways
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Staples Girls Tennis is enjoying an impressive season, currently holding a record of 10-1, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Greenwich Cardinals. In their most recent match on Thursday, May 8th where they hosted Danbury High School, the team had to pause mid-match due to a mandatory delay due to the threat of lightning.
PIctured above, freshman Olivia Lazar (L) readies to fire a backhand, junior Isabel Alfageme (next and last) was a force at the net scoring multiple points on volleys, and senior Maddie Hendley returns a serve with a backhand shot.
The break did nothing to slow the Staples momentum and they left the courts with a decisive 6-1 victory. Their multiple strong performances continue to showcase the team's dedication and skill on the court as they strive for success in the upcoming FCIAC tournament.
Above, solid forehands by Lazar (L), junior Rachel Guzman, sophomore Dylan Leher and an overhead by Alfageme.
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Match Results, Singles:
Olivia Lazar (Freshman) lost to Sydney Radachowsky 3-6, 1-6 (Danbury), Amelia Berkowitz (Sophomore) beat Emilia Schweitzer 6-1, 6-0 (Staples)
Sadie Yanks (Senior) beat Stephany Reyes 6-3, 6-4 (Staples), Azita Vazhayil (freshman) beat Aitana Perez 6-4, 6-0 (Staples)
Doubles Match Results:
Isabel Alfageme (junior) and Rachel Guzman (Junior) beat Leisha Sutadher/Gabrielle Judnarine 6-3, 6-2 (Staples)
Emma Kantor/Maddie Hendley (seniors) beat Janavieve Hannon/Shiela Andrade 6-0, 6-1 (Staples)
Dylan Lehrer(soph)/Devyn Peffer (junior)beat Rosy Siguenza/Gabriela Zhunid 6-0, 6-2 (Staples)
Photos are available, contact the photographer J.C. Martin at: admanjcm@yahoo.com
The Daffodils Are Gone, But The Tulips Return With Spectacular Colors
The daffodils, once vibrant and cheerful, have now become beautiful memories captured in countless photographs. As they gracefully fade from the scene, the spotlight shifts to the tulips, which are making a striking appearance all over town. Particularly along Myrtle Avenue, the landscape is transformed into a colorful palette, showcasing a stunning array of orange, pink, and red hues.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
These tulips have attracted the attention of passers-by, who are drawn to the lively contrasts against the backdrop of spring. The vivid blooms stand out, reminding everyone of the season's renewal and beauty. Walking along Myrtle Avenue, one can witness this colorful display, a welcome sight as nature continues to awaken and flourish. The transition from daffodils to tulips marks another chapter in the annual floral spectacle that enriches the community.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Always a stunning display, the Wisteria that adorns the arbor of this Imperial Avenue home is in full bloom, transforming passing through the front door into a delightful experience. The spectacular beauty and astonishing vigor of Wisteria are best showcased when grown as a small tree, referred to as a standard. Long racemes of fragrant flowers emerge in May, gracefully cascading from lush green foliage, which has been artfully shaped through careful pruning. As a gentle breeze passes, the blossoms sway softly, creating a serene atmosphere that enhances the charm of this charming home.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.