Happy Easter Westport!
Today is Easter Sunday when Christians celebrate the Resurrection. What about Passover? Often they coincide closely, not this year. Why? Since the turn of the century, Easter has overlapped with Passover every year but three: In 2005, 2008 and 2016.
In 2024, Passover will begin on April 22 and end on April 30. This also happens to be a Jewish leap year. Leap years are built into the lunar calendar because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter than the solar year, so an extra month is added to certain years to make up the difference.
While Easter is fixed to the full moon, spring and Sunday, the Jewish calendar is fixed to Passover.
"The entire Jewish calendar is meant to keep Passover in the springtime," said Rabbi Jeremy Ruberg of the New City Jewish Center. "The Torah said Passover happens in aviv (spring in Hebrew), therefore we need to make sure Passover is in the spring."
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Message Of Peace From Saugatuck Congregational
A well-lit peace symbol beckons passers-by to consider the message of the season in front of Westport’s Saugatuck Congregational church on the Post Road. The Church welcomed Reverend Kari J. Nicewander recently as Intentional Interim Pastor, posting this message on their website:
“It is with great joy that we introduce Reverend Kari J. Nicewander, who accepted our call to serve as our Intentional Interim Pastor. Kari’s first sermon as our pastor was Sunday, January 7. Kari comes to us with over twenty years of experience in ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ, most recently as Senior Pastor of Immanuel Church of Christ in Hartford. Please join us in welcoming her to Saugatuck!”
Positioned behind the peace symbol the Church spelled out in big blue & white letters, “Join us in welcoming our amazing new Pastor Kari”.
Photo By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Greenwich Celebrate's St. Patrick's Day Again!
The Greenwich Hibernians Association held their 48th annual St. Patrick's Day Sunday on a beautiful, sunny day, marching down Greenwich Avenue past a couple of thousand “Irish For The Day” celebrants. Former Representative Town Meeting Moderator Thomas Byrne was chosen as this year’s Grand Marshal.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Leading off the parade were more than two dozen police motorcycles from across Fairfield and Westchester counties. Representing Westport Police Department were Officer Rachel Hall (above, in front) a 10 year police veteran who has been with Westport PD for 8 of those years. Joining Hall was Officer Dominque Carr, (above, behind Hall) a 3 year Westport PD veteran.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Irish step dancers paused several time along the march down The Avenue to show off their skills.
Greenwich Fire Deparments once again proudly displayed their vintage firefighting apparatus which served them well in years gone by. Several current and former Miss and Mrs. Connecticuts brought their own touch of glamor to the procession, even a few pretty impressive watercraft “floated” their way down The Avenue.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Many spectators dressedfor the occasion and arrived early to stake out a good viewing position.
Many of the spectators looked more like participants as they displayed their finest St. Patrick’s Day attire and accessories.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Area bikers were up to the task of bringing the energy of the day front and center while Adopt-A-Dog brought their rescue pups, some of which had their own take on the celebration. Of course, the Shriners did their thing, weaving in and out and as usual there were a couple of breakdowns and those unhappy drivers could do nothing more than steer as they were towed the rest of the parade route.
Joining the parade this year was U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Greenwich resident.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, (bottom left), Erin Martschenko received her plaque as 2023 Girl’s Rugby coach of the year is also pictured surrounded by her team (2nd photo).
There were martial arts demonstrations performed by students of the White Tiger Tae Kwan Do dojo.
Photos And Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport PD Update On Yesterday’s Marine Rescue
First responders gather yesterday to effect the rescue of Saugatuck Rowing Club rowers when their boats capsized.
The Westport Police Department released an updated press release this morning regarding yesterday’s rescue of 29 members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club when their rowing sculls and chase boat capsized near Cockenoe Island when the weather quickly turned bad.
This morning’s press release:
Westport Police Marine Division continue the investigation into the boating incident. As of this morning, the following information is known:
* One of the capsized rowing sculls has not been recovered and is missing. The other two sculls were brought to Compo Marina last night.
* The “chase boat” that sank has been located, submerged near Cockeone Island, and will be recovered later this afternoon.
* Both rowers who were transported to Norwalk Hospital and treated for cold exposure have been released from the hospital.
* The total number of rowers/coaches involved in this incident stands at 29. We have determined that 19 people were in the water and 10 (9 rowers and 1 coach) were able to remain in their vessels.
* The investigation will focus on any weather advisories that were posted, available life jackets, experience of the rowers and coaches, and suitability of the vessels.
As the Chief stated last night, Westport Police are looking to help prevent this from happening again and we feel this investigation will aid in that mission.
Westport Police Update: An update on the ongoing situation was provided this afternoon, saying, ”the operation this afternoon to locate and recover the sunken ‘chase boat’ operation has been suspended. Weather conditions, small craft advisory, and some erroneous location information has guided this decision.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club released a statement today regarding the rescue of their rowers:
Mihaela Ungureanu, CEO of the rowing club said that they want “to understand the circumstances fully and to identify any areas where the club's safety measures can be improved.”
She said, “First and foremost, we are grateful that all 29 individuals involved in the incident are safe and accounted for," adding that "Two students had hypothermia and were taken to Norwalk Hospital, and they have recovered. Our rower’s well-being remains our utmost priority, and we commend the swift and effective response of the authorities involved in ensuring their rescue."
Another view of the first responders at yesterday’s marine rescue.
All photos courtesy of Westport Fire Department.
“we all show up to help”; 29 Rowers Rescued from Long Island Sound
Westport Fire Department photoPress Release:
Westport Police, Westport Fire, and Westport EMS responded to Compo Beach on a report that there were numerous people in the water after a boat they were operating capsized. Responding units found a chaotic scene of youths swimming to shore, arriving by boat, and some still in the water near Cockenoe Island. First Responders immediately began providing care to those individuals who were on shore and coordinating the recovery of people in the water. While accounting for and locating all the people involved, medical care was provided, and two individuals were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
At this time the initial investigation indicates that three (3) rowing sculls and one (1) chase boat launched from Saugatuck Rowing Club. Each rowing scull is 60 feet long and held nine (9) rowers ranging in age from 14-18 while the chase boat was operated by their coach. When the boats reached the area of Cockenoe Island, the weather began to change, and the rowers attempted to return to the rowing club. The rowing sculls began to take on water causing two of them to capsize throwing 18 people into the water. These individuals swam to the chase boat and began to hang onto the side of that boat which caused the chase boat to sink as well. Another chase boat from the rowing club arrived on scene and began to shuttle people to Compo Beach Marina.
At the time of this incident the air temperature was approximately 40 degrees, and the water temperature was 44 degrees.
In total there were 29 people from the rowing club that were involved in this incident.
The following agencies assisted Westport Emergency Services with this incident:
Fairfield Police Marine Division
Stamford Police Marine Division
Noroton Fire Boat
Norwalk Police Marine Division
Norwalk Fire Marine Division
US Coast Guard
The following Emergency Medical Services provided a combined 8 ambulances and 20 personnel:
Norwalk Hospital
American Medical Response (AMR)
Darien EMS
Westport Board of Education assisted by providing a school bus to transport the individuals from Compo Beach to Saugatuck Rowing Club.
“This was truly a team effort” Chief Koskinas stated. “We are grateful for our surrounding agencies who assisted us with this incident and remind our communities that when a large scale event, like this, happens we all show up to help.”
New Date For Firefighter’s Whiskey Tasting To Fund Replacement Of AED’s For First Responders
This 2nd annual event was originally scheduled for Friday, April 26th, but has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, April 24th. The Westport community is gathering to raise funds for replacing the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) machines used by first responders.
Hosted by the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation, the event will be held at Autostrada of Westport from 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. It promises to be an enjoyable evening filled with entertainment and elegance, right in the heart of our town. Attendees will be welcomed with a red-carpet entrance and can enjoy drinks, delicious bites, and participate in a silent auction featuring contributions from local donors.
The goal of this fundraising gala is to ensure that every Fire, Police, and EMS vehicle in our community is equipped with functional AED machines, which are crucial in emergency situations. AEDs are portable devices that deliver an electric shock to the heart to correct abnormal rhythms, particularly during sudden cardiac arrest. This condition occurs when the heart's natural electrical system malfunctions, and prompt treatment is vital to prevent fatalities. The existing AEDs in Westport are reaching the end of their lifespan and require replacement, with a fundraising target set at $75,000.00.
Westport Firefighter Robert Lenois, President of the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation, emphasized, “AEDs are a crucial piece of equipment needed to have a positive outcome during a cardiac arrest. The money donated during this event is going to save lives.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas expressed appreciation for the Foundation's efforts and highlighted the significance of AEDs in their emergency response procedures. “The Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation should be applauded for their efforts. AEDs are an integral tool when we respond to cardiac arrest events. Westport’s first responders have used AEDs successfully and have saved the lives of many people in Westport.”
All members of the community who wish to support this cause are invited to join the event on April 26th. Together, we can contribute to the safety and well-being of our friends, neighbors, and loved ones through our collective generosity.
Tickets can be purchased online here: 2nd Annual Whiskey Tasting
Various Sponsorship packages are also available for businesses and organizations interested in demonstrating their commitment to community health and safety. For more information, please contact rlenois@westportct.gov
UConn Fans Turn Mitchell’s Westport Into Husky Heaven
On Wednesday night Mitchell’s on the Post Rd. in Westport hosted a truly one-of-a-kind event when they brought the legendary UConnHead Coach Geno Auriemma and his many members of his 2024 Big East Champion Women’s Baskeball team to meet their fans, celebrate their accomplishments and to raise funds for their student athlete involved charity, Bleeding Blue For Good.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, left, Page Bueckers joins Legendary UConn Women’s Basketball coach Geno Auriemma on stage to speak with the nearly 200 Husky fans gathered for the event. At right, Husky KK Arnold joins Auriemma and the moderator.
The was a sea of smiling faces at the event as nearly 200 members of Huskey Nation ranging in age from elementary schoolers to one gentleman who was 100 years young. Fans waited on lines to take photos with UConn stars such as Paige Bueckers who at guard is averaging over 21 points a game, Aziz Fudd, KK Arnold, Qadence Samuels, Ashlynn Shade, Ice Brady, who stepped in when starting center Aaliyah Edwards left a game recently with an injury, and other teammates. Fans came through the door carrying almost anything that could be signed, from posters to player-numbered jerseys, basketballs, sneakers and even photo mat boards and frames.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The UConn players were gracious, charming and patient, maintaining their big smiles through some serious writer’s cramps trying to make clear signatures on some very difficult-to-sign items. Geno and his team made sure every fan got the most out of what may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for many.
Coach Auriemma has built a virtually unrivaled women’s basketball program over his 39 years with the University Of Connecticut and is the winningest coach in NCAA history in terms of National Championships with 11, edging out another legendary coach, UCLA’s John Wooden. Auriemma was only one of 9 women’s basketball teams to have perfect season when in the 2015-2016 season they went 38-0. There was no more dominant program or team in the country in the 2010s than UConn as it won four straight national championships and went 151-14 from 2012-16. In 2004 Coach Auriemma joined Men’s Basketball Coach Jim Calhoun when both men and women became the first division one program to win national titles in the same year, a fee repeated in the 2013-2014 season.
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.
One very dedicated Husky fan, Ivy Toi, a Long Lots 4th grader was going to make the most of here meeting one of her “sheros” Paige Bueckers who wears a trademark elaborately braided hairstyle each game. Ivy, who may be destined to join a Uconn Husky squad one day as she was PAL 4th grade Blue Team Defensive Player of the year, went to Wendy Buten at Moxie Salon who created a perfect replica of Buckers well-known braids. She is pictured here with Coach Auriemma, father John and brother, Bedford Middle 6th grader Everett. Above, left, Ivy poses with Paige, right, Coach Auriemma signs memorabilia for Ivy’s Dad and brother.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Among those attending Wednesday’s event were former First Selectman and Husky fan Jim Marpe, (left). At right, Mitchell’s founder Jack Mitchell (L) and Bill Mitchell (R) and Bruce Blanchard (C).
UConn teamates with autographed Husky Basketballs which were offered at $500. and were quickly snatched up.
Following the speaker’s portion of the event a Q &A session provided the audience to ask questions of Coach Auriemma.
KK Arnold tries, albeit with only partial success, to get Coach to perform his famous “Victory Dance” which he debuted after the Women won the Big East Championship title in 2023.
To see how winning another in a long string of titles over his 39 year career with the University Of Connecticut affects Coach Auriemma, click: Geno Auriemma Victory Dance.
More About Bleeding Blue For Good:
Bleeding Blue for Good provides name, image, and likeness opportunities for UConn student-athletes that help them make a difference.
Bleeding Blue For Good holds clinics, helps support other charitable organizations such as the Tommy Fund. Their involvement and presence substantially boosts charitable event contributions. The presence of the UConn men at a recent Tommy Fund event increased their social media stats by a factor of 10. They recently joined with the UConn Red Cross Club made up of students which holds blood drives and reports to the CT Red Cross.
When speaking to the audience, the organization’s President and Co-Founder, John Malfettone spoke of their recent blood drive efforts. Many blood drives have some attendance, however when UConn Men’s Center Donovon Clingan tweeted that team members would be at the drive, within 16 hours every single slot was filled. According to the Red Cross, every unit of blood saves three lives and as a result of their presence at the drive, they saved 135 lives that day! The Huskies posed for pics and singed autographs delighting those who made donations.
Learn more and how you can help: Bleeding Blue For Good
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Another Overtime Defeat For Staples
It was another setback for Staples in post season tournament play, after Wreckers Basketball also suffered an overtime loss in the FCIAC final last week. On Monday night Staples Boys Ice Hockey faced top seeded BBDI, one of the two best teams in the state in the CIAC State Tournament opening round on that team’s home ice at the Danbury Ice Arena. Staples, which has struggled this year with a record of 7-12-1 faced the co-op team of Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury and Immaculate, SCC/SWC Division III champion Ice Cats with a record of 16-3-1. The Wreckers started the game hot, scoring their first goal just minutes into the first period.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples sophomore goalie Mason Mountain (what a great name) stopped shot after shot on goal in the first and kept that streak alive through the second period. The Wreckers may have surprised the Ice Cats, protecting the net and then scoring another goal in the second period. The Cats fought back, scoring in the third period and trailed the Wreckers by a goal. With under a minute to play and with Mountain fiercely protecting the net the Staples fans were on their feet expecting to advance to the next round.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The drama continued until, just 5.5 seconds before the final buzzer, the Ice Cats Jovanni Smeriglio, a Brookfield High school junior found a chink in Mountain’s armor and with a tip in front of the net over Mountain's shoulder, they sent the match into sudden death overtime. The hometown crowd which filled the arena leapt to their feet and roared their approval. BBDI scored within 3 minutes into the OT period for a great come-from-behind victory, ending the hopes for the Wreckers to advance in the next round of the CIAC State Tournament.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Coach Matt Bonn told WestportLocalPress, “I couldn't be more proud of this group. It was an awesome journey, and they showed a lot of grit and resilience against the #1 team in the state. It was an honor to coach these seniors, some of them for three or four years. Seeing everyone's growth and development on and off the ice was special. Once a Wrecker, Always a Wrecker”.
Staples scoring was provided by forwards #10 junior Cooper Paul and senior #9 Tyler Dimaio with assists from #23 senior Trey Wilson. Goalie #1 Mason Mountain had 42 saves.
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Overtime Heartbreaker In FCIAC Tournament
After a big victory over Ridgefield in the FCIAC semi-final round on Tuesday night the Wreckers came up short and were defeated by the Trumbull Eagles 70-67 in overtime.
There was lots of excitement at the start of the FCIAC Championship match-up between Staples and Trumbull, and it continued throughout the entire 32 minutes of regulation play and into the overtime period as the lead changed time after time. Each score, missed bucket or foul call caused a roar in the crowd. The teams were pretty evenly matched Thursday night at the Wilton Field House as evidenced by the overtime which resulted in a 3 point victory for the Trumbull Eagles in the final minute.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Things started off well for Staples with senior Nick Sikorski hitting two treys and one each added by sophomore Sam Clachko and senior Caleb Smith. Offense and defense were both working for Staples in the first period giving them a 16-10 lead with just under 3 minutes remaining and they increased the lead to 7 a minute later. Trumbull recovered and cut the lead to 2 points at the buzzer. A quick Eagle score tied the game a minute into the second quarter. Staples then pulled ahead by one and grew the lead to 4 points midway through the second and then to ten, their biggest lead on the night.
They went into the locker room ahead 40-32 to raucous cheers by the Wrecker faithful.
The Wreckers were firmly in control for most of the 3rd period, leading by as many as 9 points. The game became very physical and aggressive defense by Staples resulted in 3 starters getting into foul trouble. Although each side played hare defensively, many of the foul calls favored the Eagles.
The end of the third saw Staples leading 51-44 with the fans pumping up the energy, but Trumbull was not gong to let up, cutting the lead to 3 after two minutes of play and trying things up 55-55 midway through the period. Defense was tight for both teams with each only scoring a bucket making the score 57-57 when the buzzer sounded ending regulation play.
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The energy level at the start of overtime was intense and Staples quickly put 2 points on the scoreboard. Trumbull quickly tied and grabbed a 2 point lead which then went to the Wreckers. The tension was high with a minute left to play and the Eagles up by a point. With 18 seconds left to play it appeared there would be no FCIAC title for Staples this year as they trailed by 3 with Trumbull having possession. and with 3 of their best players, Udell, Smith and Tobias already having fouled out in the last two minutes of the game.
Junior Adam Udell lead the Wreckers scoring with 20 points followed by sophomore Mason Tobias who added 15 points. Smith finished with 8 points and Charlie Bowman added 2. Clachko grabbed 8 rebounds and Smith added 6 more with Udell, Tobias and Sikorsky each pulling down 4 more.
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The final score of 70-67 was a crushing defeat for a Wreckers especially after controlling much of the contest. Wreckers fans were clearly heartbroken as was coach Goldshore and the fans and cheerleaders tearfully attempted to console each other.
The Wreckers will face a big challenge in their next game, in the CIAC state tourney, seeded #12, as they take on 5th seed East Catholic on their home court in Manchester on Thursday at 6:30PM.
Above, L. to R., Sam Clachko receives his runner up plaque, Eagle fans swarm the floor after their big win, Staples head coach Dave Goldshore congratulates Trumbull head coach Buddy Bray. Below; there was a lot of emotion by disappointed fans and coach Goldshore after Staples defeat. Coach Goldshore, News 12 Coach of the Year in 2023 has much to be proud of, leading the Wreckers to their second straight FCIAC final after leading them to their first ever FCIAC final last year.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Wreckers Led To FCIAC Tournament Final By Sam Clachko’s Career High 40 Points!
On Tuesday night in Wilton High School The Wreckers boys basketball team faced the Ridgefield Tigers, ranked #2 in the state, ranked #1 and undefeated in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference, with only one loss this season. The Tigers were the favorite on paper but the Wreckers didn’t get that memo. Certainly sophomore stand-out Sam Clachko missed it, as evidenced by his career-high 40 points, half of which were the result of his seven 3-pointers and his 11 out of 12 foul tries, and 4 field goals.
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The game started badly for Staples as they missed both outside shooting and on lay-ups while Ridgefield was able to score both out of in in the paint. When the first quarter buzzer sounded the Tigers held a 15-7 lead, which they extended to 8 points with 3 minutes remaining the second period. Only two minutes later the Wreckers cut that lead to two points, and tied the game shortly thereafter. When the third period began with the score 27-25 Ridgefield, the Wreckers started hitting their shots and at the same time, limiting Ridgefield’s strong offense. Ridgefield took a 5 point lead briefly at the three minute mark, but by the buzzer Staples was back on top with a two point lead.
The fourth period was a whole new game behind Clachko’s red-hot shooting bolstered by Adam Udell who finished with 13 points and the Wreckers went into overdrive and by one minute into the fourth quarter they were up by 8 points. The Tigers mounted a comeback attempt cutting the lead three minutes later to four points. The Wreckers dominated the rest of the final stanza convincingly holding an 11 point lead with three minutes remaining. The final minute seemed to take an hour with Ridgefield immediately fouling following the inbound pass to try to slow the Wreckers, but several of those fouls were on Clachko and he was finding the net each time, missing only one foul try in 12 attempts.
Nick Sikorsky scored 6 points and Caleb Smith added 5.
The Wreckers scored a big 15 point victory over one the state’s best basketball teams and will face the Trumbull Eagles at 7:00 PM on Thursday night at neutral site Wilton High again for the FCIAC championship, in which the Trumbull coach has yet to be victorious.
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After the game, Clachko told WestportLocalPress the team was anxious to face Trumbull who had defeated them in the regular season. Clack added, “We watched all the film, we knew we were the better team and we showed it to them.” Clachko, when asked about the flat first quarter said the Coach Goldshore “blew us up on it”, no doubt inspiring the team to reach their potential for the remainder of the game.
Goldshore, when asked about the poor showing in the first quarter strongly praised their opponents, telling WestportLocal, “They are good, they are really good and they take you out of your stuff” adding “their energy and their discipline and their commitment to what they do is really special. They didn’t lose a game in the conference all year.
Above: Sam Clachko shoots a final foul shot in the last few seconds of the game. Wreckers fans celebrate a big win and surround the team at the buzzer.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples Cheerleaders Rally The Wrecker Faithful In FCIAC Semi-Final
The Ridgefield Tigers fans were cheering loudly, especially in the first quarter when their team controlled the game convincingly, the the Wrecker Cheerleaders were not to be outdone in keeping the Wrecker fans energy up. The performed several times showing off their training and athletic prowess with multiple moves including awesome pyramids and seemingly endless backflips, charging up the crowd and convincingly reminding the team that they were supported and they were loved.
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.
