In Sight

Kayakers set up camp on Shea Island for Yak Jam 2010, the Third Annual Kayaker Jamboree in Norwalk.  The group launched at Calf Pasture Beach and paddled out to Shea Island.  The weekend long event includes an environmentalist presentation, group paddles, an island cleanup and camping.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

I couldn’t have asked for a better day to be out on Long Island Sound with a group of friendly kayakers.  Former Advocate reporter Wynne Parry (now a freelancer) and I were lucky enough to hitch a ride on a power boat out to Shea Island with a very kind man named Tom.  I have a great photo of Tom if anyone knows how to find him (the email he gave me is incorrect.)  The friendly pirates are on Shea Island through tomorrow so if you’re out on the water, stop by and join in the island cleanup.   And if you see a boat named “Still Cruisin” tell Tom to contact me at The Advocate.

Edward Grady paints the fence in front of the house where he has lived for 35 years.  The house, on Madison Place, was built in 1850.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

I just returned from vacation and I struggled a bit today getting back in the work groove.  I drove around for an hour before I spotted Edward’s red cap against the red fence.  I knew immediately that I had found my shot.  Adding to that relief was his warm welcome and excitement over being photographed.  Not a bad way to ease back into my work week.

TOP: People line up at the concession stand at the Big Apple Circus “Bello Is Back!” show at Mill River Park.  ABOVE: “Grandma” the clown greets visitors to the big top before the start of the show.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

If you get a chance, check out the show in Mill River Park through July 25th.  Cool acts, great music and cotton candy…doesn’t get much better than that.

TOP: Crew members fold up a large tarp under the tent before raising the big top at the Big Apple Circus in Mill River Park.  ABOVE: The crew put poles in place to support the sides of the tent.  The Big Apple Circus opens on Friday, July 9th and runs for 26 performances through Sunday, July 25.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

A spectator watches as dancers wait to compete in the sword dance division of the Highland Dancing Competition at The 87th Annual Round Hill Highland Games at Cranbury Park in Norwalk, Conn. on Saturday July 3, 2010.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

Nothing like some Scottish dancing and pipe bands to celebrate the 4th of July but that’s where I found myself today on this holiday weekend.  This event always amazes me because the mere site of grown men in kilts tossing telephone poles across an open field is sure to provide great visuals.  Not to mention the dancers, pipers and drum bands.  Everyone’s a little Scottish on the 4th of July.

TOP: Jesse Rand, 18, is Stamford High School senior and has dual citizenship – US and Israel.  He skateboards at the Scalzi Skate Park  ABOVE: Mary Ann Lawlor, 70, is a retired attorney and educator who now volunteers at the Stamford Historical Society.

Kathleen O’Rourke/The Advocate

Photographers from all four CT Hearst newspapers have spent the past two weeks photographing people throughout the state and asking them “What does America mean to you?” for a July 4th special section.  I’ve met some amazing people and enjoyed spending time with each and every one.  Thank you to all my “models” for taking the time to pose for a portrait and share what America means to you.  And also the group of boys at the skate park who agreed to stop skating for 15 minutes to pose in the background.  Oh, and that one kid who held my reflector.  Check out the entire package in this Sunday’s Advocate.  Have a happy and safe holiday.