Two Westport Clergy Involved in New Paltz Same-Sex Marriage Ceremony Today

Two clergy from Westport's Unitarian Church were among six Unitarian Universalist ministers who married 25 same-sex couples today in New Paltz, N.Y.

Rev. Barbara Fast File photo

The marriages were performed in defiance of prosecutors who have charged two ministers with performing the ceremonies without a license.

The Rev. Barbara Fast, an associate minister at the Westport church, and the Rev. Debra Haffner, a community minister, were among those performing the ceremony, according to a church source.

While there was a small police presence, they did not interfere or cite the ministers, the source said.

Asked whether she feared being arrested for participating, Haffner replied: "I had no choice but to be here," according to the Kingston (N.Y.) Daily Freeman.

Last week, the Rev. Marion Visel, another community minister at the Westport church, performed same-sex marriages in New Paltz and received a warning letter from the local district attorney.

Today's weddings were held at the Lefevre House Bed & Breakfast. There were no arrests and only one person showed up across the street from the inn to protest, James Fallarino, a spokesman for the ceremony organizer, told the AP.

The Revs. Kay Greenleaf and Dawn Sangrey are to be arraigned Monday on misdemeanor charges of solemnizing civil marriages without a license for performing same-sex marriages March 6.

They repeated their actions last week assisted by Visel and others. Greenleaf was also among the ministers officiating today.

Greenleaf and Sangrey will plead not guilty to the charges and are ready to take the issue to court, said their lawyer Robert Gottlieb.

Ulster County District Attorney Donald Williams said marriage laws make no distinction between public officials and members of the clergy who preside over wedding ceremonies.

Greenleaf and Sangrey face the same charges filed against New Paltz Mayor Jason West, who last month drew the state into the national debate over same-sex unions.

West married 25 gay and lesbian couples Feb. 27 in a highly publicized ceremony. He is now under a court order temporarily halting the weddings.

Fire Damages Post Road East Body Works Salon

Fire caused extensive damage to a second floor body works salon on Post Road East today. Quick work by firefighters kept the flames from spreading to the rest of the building. There were no injuries.

A witness across the street from the building at 719 Post Road East said she was pumping gas at the Cumberland Farms service station when she noticed a bright flash on the left side of the structure.

"Out of the corner of my eye I noticed what I thought was a welding arc and thought 'who the hell is welding out in the open like that' because it was so painful to look at," she told WestportNow. "Then I realized it was a fire."

Someone else at the service station dialed 911 as flames licked up the side of the building and workers began scurrying out of the first floor Effi's Salon, she said.

Assistant Fire Chief Robert Kepchar said the fire apparently started on the outside of the building on the second floor. The Fire Marshall said later the cause was traced to an electrical problem.

Upon arrival, firefighters saw flames extending up the left side of the building, the department said in a news release.

They advanced a hose line to the second floor to the Advanced Body Works office and ventilated the roof to release smoke to aid in extinguishing the flames, the release said.

Firefighters were hampered in getting to the heart of the fire because it was near a live power line coming into the building.

Workers from Connecticut Light and Power were summoned and shut down the power, allowing firefighters to extinguish the flames, according to the release.

The alarm came in at 5:09 p.m. and the town's four engine companies, ladder truck and assistant chief's car with a dozen on-duty personnel responded. They were aided by 15 off-duty personnel and three volunteers. The last unit left the scene at 7:20 p.m.

Mutual aid engine companies from Fairfield and Wilton covered Westport while crews worked at the scene.

Telling the Story

Westport Fire Department Assistant Chief Robert Kepchar tells a local television station about today's fire on Post Road East. Firefighters can be seen working around the second floor area where the fire began on the outside of the building. There were no injuries and damage was confined to the second floor. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Firefighters Clean Up After Post Road East Fire

Firefighters work at a fire at 719 Post Road East today. Assistant Chief Robert Kepchar said the fire apparently started on the outside of the second floor of the building and may have been electrical. It damaged a top floor body works office with smoke and water damage to a beauty salon below. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Fire Damages Post Road East Beauty Salon

Fire damaged a beauty salon and second floor body works office today at 719 Post Road East. Firefighters on the roof wet down pieces of wood pried from the burning building. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Essay: Impressions of the Martha Stewart Trial

Courtroom or Classroom, Wall Street or Sesame Street?

By Randee Mia Berman
Special to WestportNow.com

A frigid February day. 40 Centre Street. Home of the Martha Stewart “obstruction of justice” trial. As I approached the foreboding Federal Courthouse building, I flash back. I'm dressed all in pink, from my suede hat to my silk scarf and chenille gloves, just as I’d been over a decade ago, entering the conference room of the Martha Stewart Living offices in the Time-Life Building. Special Reports

Okay, it's Spring and Time for the Car Wash, Baby

By Fran
WestportNow Consumer Correspondent
fran@westportnow.com

While you were asleep early today, spring arrived, believe it or not.
Westport Wash & Wax at 791 Post Road East frequently turns over the day’s proceeds to Westport’s Interfaith Housing Association. WestportNow.com photo

And even though there's still some slush, mud, salt and sand on the road, you can get into the season by making your roadster spic and span.

You could do it yourself, of course, but for those Westporters who prefer their soap and suds to come down from on high, here's the lowdown on what it will cost.

Basic cost of combined interior/exterior car wash:

Westport Wash & Wax 14.99
Splash $15.50
Sparkling Clean $20
Fred’s Car Wash $24.99 (Exterior only $7.99)
Majestic European Detailing $25

And here is what they charge for the full service:

(Extent of actual service varies by location.)

Majestic European Detailing $90
Sparkling Clean $125
Fred’s Car Wash $130
Splash $130
Westport Wash & Wax $139 (sedan price)

Saturday, March 20, 2004

11 a.m. - Westport Historical Society - Lecture "The Mechanicals of Your Old House"

The Other Female Westport CEO on a National Magazine Cover This Week

Westport's Ann Fudge is BusinessWeek's cover story this week. BusinessWeek photoWhich female Westport CEO is on the cover of a national magazine this week? If you guessed Martha Stewart, you'd be right – but thanks to Ann Fudge, it's not the only correct answer.

BusinessWeek features Fudge in a cover story that states: "Ann Fudge's two-year break from work changed her life. Will those lessons help her fix Young & Rubicam?"

In May, 2003, the 52-year-old Fudge was named chairman and CEO of what is now called Young & Rubicam Brands, as well as Y&R, its flagship ad agency. (See WestportNow May 13, 2003).

It was a news-making appointment – she became the first black woman to head a large ad agency and the first appointed with a marketing background but no Madison Avenue experience.

And she did it after an almost two-year hiatus from the business world.

"In February, 2001, Ann Fudge did something that has become achingly common among high-powered career women. She quit," reported BusinessWeek.

"After a quarter-century as a rising star in Corporate America and just one year after she had been promoted to run a $5 billion division of Kraft Foods Inc. (KFT ), Fudge walked away.

"She didn't do it for her two sons, who were already grown and embarked on careers of their own. She didn't do it to accept another turnaround challenge, building on her reputation for reviving brands from Minute Rice to Maxwell House.

"Like a number of her peers, she simply wanted to define herself by more than her professional status, considerable as it was, and financial rewards, sizable as they were."

"It was definitely not dissatisfaction," Fudge told the magazine. "It was more about life."

"For Fudge, that meant cycling around Sardinia and going to movies on Sunday nights," BusinessWeek said.

"It meant finally enjoying her Westport (Conn.) home, where she had done little more than grab a few hours sleep amid the grind of corporate life – 'things like going out on the deck and writing in my journal.'

"It meant rising to do yoga instead of racing to work, reading books about moving the soul instead of moving products, and sitting down to dinner with her husband, Rich, instead of grabbing a slice of pizza at the office.

"And, perhaps most refreshing for a woman cast as a role model for much of her career, it meant anonymity.

"I loved it. You drop off the map, and nobody cares about you anymore," Fudge said.

The magazine said Fudge's 10 months on the job have won over many employees and clients, but not all.

Miami Cool, Not

Westporter Vanessa Galan is just back from spring break in Florida and woke up to a six-inch plus snowfall today. She quickly got to work and decided to share her creation with WestportNow readers. In case you can't make it out, the sign says "Welcome to Miami!!" Vanessa, 19, is a sophomore at Wheaton College in Massachusetts. Thanks for sharing, Vanessa! (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Vanessa Galan for WestportNow.com

Westport Winter Scene One Day Before Spring

With the Westport public schools closed for a snow day, Winslow Park was crowded today with sledding and other snow activities. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Property Transfers March 7-14, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period March 7-14, 2004:

Norton M. and Rosalind Luger to Stone Ridge Builders LLC, 9 Riverfield Drive, $400,000.

J. Brooks and Joyce Colburn to M & R Development LLC, 54 Maple Ave. South, $830,000.

MBMVest LLC to Frank J. and Arlene L. Avellanet, Lyons Plains Road, $97,500.

Tracey A. O'Connell to 190 Wilton Road Holdings LLC, 190 Wilton Road, $485,000.

Westport PAL Harlem Rockets Game Postponed

The Harlem Rockets basketball game, hosted by the Westport Police Athletic League (PAL), scheduled for tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Staples High School, has been postponed due to the snowstorm. A new date will be announced.

One-Day-Before-Spring Snow Closes Schools

The Westport public schools canceled classes today because of a one-day-before-spring snowstorm.

Friday, March 19, 2004

9:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Commission for Senior Services

Brown President Speaks of Importance of Diversity

Dr. Ruth Simmons, president of Brown University, spoke today to TEAM Westport about the importance of diversity on college campuses, in towns like Westport and throughout American society. Clockwise from bottom: Cynthia Swift, Fairfield University, consultant to TEAM Westport; Bernicestine Macleod Bailey, TEAM member, Weston playwright David Wiltse, Harold Bailey, chair of TEAM Westport, and Simmons. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Brown University President Guest of Westport Multiculturalism Group

Ruth J. Simmons, president of Brown University, was special guest today at a meeting of TEAM (Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism) Westport at Town Hall. Simmons has been president of the university since 2000 and is the first African American to lead an Ivy League institution. She previously had been president of Smith College in Northampton, Mass. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

First Selectwoman Addresses Siting Council

Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell addresses today's Town Hall meeting of the Connecticut Siting Council as it considered a request to raise the height of a town-owned communications tower on Bayberry Lane. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Connecticut Siting Council Considers Bayberry Lane Tower Expansion

Members of the Connecticut Siting Council visit the Bayberry Lane tower site today. The balloon indicates new tower height. WestportNow.com photoThe Connecticut Siting Council met in Westport today to consider an application to increase by about 50 feet the height of a town-owned communications tower on Bayberry Lane.

If approved, the tower will provide improved cell phone coverage, better emergency radio communications, and enhanced coverage for the Staples High School radio station, according to the Westport Fire Department.

Members of the council met at the tower, adjacent to the Westport-Weston Health District, to inspect the site and see a balloon simulating the requested increase.

They then headed to an afternoon and evening public hearing at Town Hall.

According to Eric Fine, a Westport Fire Department communications specialist, the tower height would increase from its present 100 feet to 150 feet and would actually involve constructing a new tower adjacent to the present one.

He said in addition to present occupants Cingular, Verizon, and Sprint, the tower operator, SpectraSite Communications, Inc., would add Nextel, AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile.

The tower serves Westport's emergency services as well as the FBI and also is used by WWPT-FM, the Staples student-run radio station.

"It's a win-win for the town," Fine said. "We get better coverage and a little more revenue."

He said he has been in touch with one neighbor who has expressed some concern about the work but otherwise the project has evoked little public interest.

Both the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance have already reviewed the tower replacement, which involves no town funding, he said.

Firefighters Quickly Douse Fire in Crawl Space

A Hillspoint Road homeowner who started a fire in her fireplace got an unexpected surprise when it spread to a crawl space under her house.

Responding Westport firefighters had to follow a circuitous route to find the flames before dousing them.

Assistant Chief Gene Maloney said the homeowner reported she started a fire in her first floor living room fireplace Wednesday and later smelled smoke while on the third floor.

"The homeowner returned to the first floor, saw fire coming from the floor in the area immediately in front of the fireplace hearth and dialed 911," Maloney said.

Three engines, the rescue truck and the shift commander's car responded to the 4:47 p.m. call at 195 Hillspoint Road, quickly snarling traffic in the busy Old Mill Beach area. They were later joined by the ladder truck.

"First arriving firefighters followed a circuitous route and entered the basement crawl space at the rear of the building to extinguish the fire in the sub floor and structural members above," Maloney said.

He said fire damage was limited to the fireplace hearth, adjacent sub floor, and underlying wood structural members.

There were no injuries. Cause of the fire is still under investigation. The last fire department apparatus cleared the scene at 5:52 p.m.

Martha Stewart Asks Help From Friends

Westport's Martha Stewart is asking for a little help from her friends to stay out of prison.

The Web site www.gawker.com said she sent a letter to about 100 of her closest pals asking them to write letters saying nice things about her to Manhattan Federal Judge Miriam Goldman Cedarbaum, who could sentence Stewart to 10 to 16 months in June.

"Many people have inquired as to whether they can help by writing to Judge Cedarbaum about my sentence," she wrote in the letters dated March 12 and bearing the address of her Turkey Hill Road South home.

"If you would be so kind to write such a letter, please include your opinion of my character, my work ethic, my integrity and my probity."

Stewart requested that her friends back up their opinions with "any memorable experiences you have had with me."

She also asked that the character reference letters be sent to her lawyers, who plan to pass them along to Cedarbaum.

Stewart concluded: "I deeply appreciate all of your good wishes and encouragement. Of course, your support means a great deal to me and my family."

The letter was signed, "Cordially, Martha."

Thursday, March 18, 2004

2 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Connecticut Siting Council public hearing
2:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - TEAM Westport
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning & Zoning Commission

Hillary Clinton Sets April 3 Westport Fundraiser

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will appear at a $1,000-per-person Westport fundraiser April 3.

The Saturday noon brunch honoring the New York Democrat will take place at the Bayberry Lane home of Bob and Yvette Rose, according to invitations from Clinton's "Friends of Hillary" group.

Rose, a senior managing director at Bear Stearns, is a longtime Democratic Party fundraiser and has hosted past Westport fundraisers for President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore.

In addition to the Roses, the event's host committee includes Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell; state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and Ellen Camhi, chair of the Stamford Democratic City Committee.

Also: Nancy DiNardo, chair of the Trumbull Democratic Town Committee and co-chair with Rose of the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee; actor Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni; New York socialite Patricia Duff, and Mort Zuckerman, chairman and editor-in-chief of U.S. News & World Report and chairman and co-publisher of The New York Daily News.

Hillary Clinton last held a fundraiser in Westport on Sept. 21, 1999, when she was running for her Senate seat.

The event, at the home of film executive Harvey Weinstein, raised $275,000 and was co-hosted by Paul Newman, Joanne Woodward and Martha Stewart.

Democratic Party sources said Westport Democrats are also trying to schedule a fundraising visit by Sen. John Kerry, the likely Democratic Party presidential nominee.

Leaman: No Town Traffic Study Planned for YMCA Mahackeno Site

Selectman Carl Leaman, filling for First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell, told today's citizens brown bag lunch the town has no current plans to do a traffic study of the area around the Camp Mahackeno site the Westport-Weston YMCA says will be its new home.

Leaman was responding to a question from Candice Savin, a resident of the Mahackeno area who said neighbors of the sprawling YMCA property were concerned about increased traffic that would result if the Y relocated from its longtime downtown facility.

"It's something the town might consider, but we have not been asked to do anything (regarding a traffic study)," Leaman said.

News reports in recent days have said that the Y has finally decided to relocate to the Mahackeno site after outgrowing its 78,000-square foot headquarters at the corner of Post Road East and Main Street which it has occupied since 1923.

Leaman said of particular concern to the town would be possible extension to the site of a sewer line as a septic system would be unable to handle the size of the building that the Y reportedly envisions.

In response to Leaman's comments, Savin pressed him further to ask if the town might undertake a traffic study if requested by residents of the busy area adjacent the Exit 41 of the Merritt Parkway. He responded that the town would consider it.

Leaman said he was filling in for Farrell while she marched in Bridgeport's St. Patrick's Day parade.

Farrell officially announced Monday her intention to seek the Democratic nomination to oppose Republican Rep. Christopher Shays for his 4th Congressional District seat in November.

The View From Room 309

This was the snowy view from Town Hall's Room 309 during today's Citizens Brown Bag lunch. Selectman Carl Leaman substituted for First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell who was off marching in Bridgeport's St. Patrick's Day parade. The bad weather also kept many regular attendees away from the weekly lunch. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Martha Stewart’s Daughter: “She Feels Like Her Life Was Wasted”

Westport’s Martha Stewart is "disappointed over feeling like her life was wasted" after being convicted for lying about a stock sale, her only child says.

"Everything she did is ignored over something that trivial, that maybe didn't happen," Alexis Stewart says in an interview on CNN's "Larry King Live" to be broadcast today.

She said, in excerpts released by the network, that her mother is "incredibly saddened" by the verdict, delivered by a federal jury March 5.

She said a prison sentence would be "incredibly wrong," but she predicted her mother would handle it well.

Alexis Stewart, 38, told CNN her mother would not emerge from the ordeal bitter.

"She's too, ironically, forgiving and kind and - I know people don't know that, but she was incredibly generous and she gives too much, I think," the daughter said.

While Stewart’s company has not speculated on the possibility, Alexis Stewart has been mentioned by some Martha Stewart supporters as a possible heir to her mother's media empire.

But she said she was not interested in taking over her mother's role as leader of the conpany.

"I'm not so goal-oriented," she said. "I'm more interested in environmental-type issues."

She said she and Stewart have "different personalities," but added: "I'm proud to be Martha Stewart's daughter."

Gotta Getta Guinness

By Fran
WestportNow Consumer Correspondent
fran@westportnow.com

Still on the subject of draft beer on tap: On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s got to be Irish. So if you’re hankering for a tall frothy Guinness, here’s where to find it. Accept no substitutes – unless it’s Harp or otherwise Irish, of course.

Guinness on Tap (Pint):

Mario’s Place $2.25 (Harp Only)
Black Duck $3.30
Matsu Sushi $3.35
Dunville’s $4
Bogey’s $4.50
Viva Zapata $5
The Little Kitchen $5
Mansion Clam House $5
The Peppermill $5
Tavern On Main $5
V Restaurant &Wine Bar $5
Vine Mediterranean Grill & Pizza $5
Splash $6

And Now for a Real Irish Deal

Three Bears goes Irish. File photo

If you are Irish or otherwise inclined to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, here’s a real deal.

The Three Bears is having a special buffet of Irish specialties including corned beef and cabbage, Irish fish and chips, Irish stew, corn bread, Irish soda bread, and vegetable salad.

Three bottled Irish beers (Killian’s Red, Harp and Guinness) are included in the price of $25 per person.

Kids 12 and under pay $13, and get unlimited non-alcoholic “Shamrock Shakes”. (Your guess is as good as mine.)

Go, enjoy. You may want to let the office know you’ll be getting in late Thursday morning.

Wednesday, March 17, 2004

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag Lunch
7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Conservation Commission
7:30 p.m. - Westport Library - Library Board
8 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - RTM Education Committee

Main Street Looks Like Christmas

Westport's Main Street looked more like a Christmas scene tonight than the eve of St. Patrick's Day and four days before spring. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Spring is Only Four Days Away

By early evening, a few hours after today's snow began, the scene across the Saugatuck River looked more like mid-winter than four days before the start of spring. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Country Playhouse Announces 74th Summer Season in Ridgefield

With its home undergoing renovation and modernizing, the Westport Country Playhouse is on the road this summer in Ridgefield and today announced its reduced two-play season as well as a special six-evening performance by Paul Newman in a play about a blacklisted writer.

Running from June 24 to July 11 at the Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and
the Performing Arts will be "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me," written by Frank McGuinness and directed by Ethan McSweeny.

The second play, which runs from July 29 to Aug. 15, is Moliere's classic comedy "The School for Husbands."

Details of the season were announced at a news conference in Ridgefield. (See photo on Arts & Leisure page.)

Set in 1980's Beirut, Lebanon and inspired by a true story, "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" depicts the imprisonment of three Westerners in the Middle East and the bonds formed between them.

"The School for Husbands" is set in 17th century France and pits two brothers against each other as their young brides-to-be assert their independence.

The production will be directed by Doug Hughes, who last season directed the acclaimed Playhouse production of "All My Sons."

Newman will appear in the title role in "Trumbo" in six evening performances available only to current Westport Country Playhouse subscribers and donors of $100 and more.

Direct from a recent off-Broadway run, "Trumbo" is about the blacklisted screenwriter and novelist, Dalton Trumbo, and the loss of his freedom of speech.

Trumbo, who died in 1976 at the age of 71, was a member of the Hollywood Ten, a group who refused to testify before the 1947 U.S. House Committee on Un-American Activities about alleged communist involvement.

He was blacklisted and, in 1950, spent 11 months in prison, convicted of contempt of Congress.

"Dalton" will run Tuesday through Thursday, July 13-15, and Monday through
Wednesday, July 19-21.

The final performance on July 21 will be a benefit performance to raise funds to support the Playhouse's annual operations, with a reception following the show.

Newman, husband of Playhouse artistic director Joanne Woodward, has performed in previous Westport Country Playhouse special events "Love Letters," "For the Children," and "Ancestral Voices."

He also appeared in the Playhouse production of "Our Town" in 2002, which later transferred to a limited run on Broadway and was taped for airing on Showtime and PBS.

Newman was nominated for the Tony, Emmy, and SAG awards for his performance in "Our Town."

Tickets, at $90 each, are available on a first-come, first-served basis for
the performances on July 13, 14, 15, 19 and 20 to those subscribers and
donors who receive the offer in the mail.

Prices for the benefit performance on July 21 are $250 for the balcony, $500 for rear orchestra, and $750 for front orchestra.

Orchestra tickets also include admission to a post-show reception featuring cocktails, hor d'oeuvres and desert and "Mr. Newman plans to drop by," according to a Playhouse announcement.

Late Winter Snow

Today's late winter snowstorm started out as a light dusting. The view is of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge looking west across the Saugatuck River. Schools dismissed early because of the storm, which forecasters said could dump four to seven inches on the area. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Schools Dismiss Early

Today's late winter snow storm prompted the Westport public school system to dismiss students early.

The schools and dismissal times:

Staples High School and Coleytown Middle School 11:45 a.m.

Bedford Middle School, Coleytown Elementary School, and Saugatuck Elementary School 12:15 p.m.

Green's Farms Elementary School, Kings Highway Elementary School, and Long Lots Elementary School 1 p.m.

Long Lots Road Head-On Collision Injures Two

A head-on collision today on Long Lots Road near the Fairfield County Hunt Club injured two persons. Westport EMS transported one of the drivers to the hospital in serious condition. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Thom Burrows for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, March 16, 2004

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Human Services Commission
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201- Administrative Review Committee
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Arts Advisory Committee
5 p.m. - TownHall Room 201 - Tree Board

Westport Minister Awaits Charges in New Paltz Same-Sex Marriages

Rev. Marion Visel File photoA minister from Westport's Unitarian Church who performed same-sex marriages over the weekend in New Paltz, N.Y. awaited criminal charges today after two ministers who performed marriages with her were cited by police.

Dawn Sangrey and Kay Greenleaf were charged with misdemeanors for violating the state's domestic relations law by solemnizing 13 marriages without a license on March 6.

They also performed 25 marriages this past weekend along with the Rev. Marion B. Visel of Westport's Unitarian Church. (See WestportNow March 13, 2004) and could, along with Visel, face additional charges for that.

Sangrey and Greenleaf could face up to a year in jail for the same actions as New Paltz Mayor Jason West.

The 26-year-old Green Partry mayor brought the national furor over gay marriage to New York by performing 25 gay marriages last month before he was ordered by a judge to stop.

Visel, a resident of Hamden, Conn., said she would continue to perform the gay marriages, knowing that she will likely be charged next.

"I think that despite the consequences, we feel that this really is an issue of justice," she said.

Robert Gottlieb, a Suffolk County attorney representing Greenleaf, 64, of Poughkeepsie, and Sangrey, 62, of Bedford Hills, said they will plead not guilty in New Paltz Town Court Monday.

"The decision to prosecute members of the clergy is terribly misguided and an abuse of our criminal justice system," Gottlieb said. "This entire issue has no place in the criminal courts."

Legal experts and human rights advocates said that the charges brought by Ulster County prosecutors are likely the first levied against clergy who commonly conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies.

Ulster County District Attorney Donald Williams said although he supports the rights of clergy to perform religious marriages, Greenleaf and Sangrey went beyond that by officiating at civil ceremonies.

The ministers issued affidavits of marriage to the 13 couples.

In a statement, Williams said the law makes no distinction between public officials and members of the clergy who preside over wedding ceremonies.

Williams said the New Paltz marriages were "drastically different" from religious ceremonies because Greenleaf and Sangrey publicly said they considered them civil.

Some Unitarian ministers, Greenleaf included, have been performing ceremonies for gay couples since well before the issue erupted onto the national stage.

"It is not our intention to interfere with anyone's right to express their religious beliefs, including the right of members of the clergy to perform ceremonies where couples are united solely in the eyes of the church or any other faith," Williams said.

More gay marriages are expected in New Paltz again this weekend, said Charles Clement, a spokesman for the New Paltz Equality Initiative, which has taken charge of the burgeoning movement.

"We're going to move forward with four ministers and 25 couples," said Clement.

The clergy stepped in after West was ordered by a state judge to temporarily stop performing the ceremonies in response to a civil suit.

Unitarian ministers have officiated at religious ceremonies for same-sex couples for more than 35 years. Some churches also offer the couples premarital counseling.

Unitarian Universalists, with roots in a movement that rejected Puritan orthodoxy in New England, support a free search for spiritual truth.

Atheists and pagans are a significant part of their membership. Jews, Buddhists, Christians and others sometimes join to maintain their traditions without having to accept, wholesale, their denominations' creed.

The Unitarian Universalist Association said in a statement today that it supported the two ministers to act on their own best judgment.

"Unitarian Universalists believe that equal marriage rights for all is a matter of justice," the statement read. "And in the long run, we have faith that justice will prevail."

Norwalk Mayor Backs Farrell

Norwalk Mayor Alex Knopp added his words of support today for Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell's run for Congress. He spoke at the South Norwalk train station, Farrell's last stop of the day on her "Victory 2004 District Swing" officially announcing her candidacy to oppose Republican Christopher Shays. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Ted Diamond for WestportNow.com

House Speaker Praises Farrell at Stamford Stop

Speaker of the House Moira Lyons had words of praise for Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell today at Farrell's announcement in Stamford of her candidacy for Congress. The site was Stamford's William Pitt Early Childhood Development Center. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Ted Diamond for WestportNow.com

Farrell Bridgeport Announcement Draws Political Luminaries

Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell's Bridgeport announcement today of her candidacy for Congress drew Democratic political luminaries to the Schwerdtle Stamp Co. They included (l to r) Comptroller Nancy Wyman, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, Treasurer Denise Nappier, Bridgeport Mayor John Fabrizi, and state Sen. Ernest Newton. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Ted Diamond for WestportNow.com

Martha Stewart Resigns from Her Company's Board

Westport's Martha Stewart is off the board of her Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia company.

Stewart, who was convicted March 5 of obstruction of justice and conspiracy, will assume the position of founding editorial director, the company said today.

"I am taking this action today because it is in the best interests of MSO and because I think it's the right thing to do," Stewart said in a statement.

"I am heartsick about my personal legal situation -- and deeply sorry for the pain and difficulties it has caused our employees."

"Everyone at MSO recognizes the seriousness of Martha's situation and is deeply saddened," Sharon Patrick, the company's chief executive, said in the statement.

"However, all of us also believe that the company and our constituencies benefit most if we are able to continue to take advantage of Martha's creative inspiration and capitalize on her prodigious skills and experience in the domestic arts -- from cooking, to gardening, to crafts, to homekeeping."

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia said it created the new position of founding editorial director -- "a role that reflects our desire for Martha to continue to make an important contribution to our business."

The company's board said "the benefit of Martha's unique creative talents and contributions is in the very best interests of MSO and its shareholders."

The company expects Stewart to continue to provide inspiration for product design and development, write two pending books and provide input on the MSO brand through her new post.

The board plans "to identify a qualified person" to replace Stewart as a director.

Farrell Kicks Off Campaign, Says Shays Inattentive to Regional Issues

Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell officially kicked off her campaign today to unseat veteran Republic Congressman Christopher Shays.

She portrayed him as inattentive to growing regional transportation woes and said he had undergone a "startling" change in his voting record that has hurt Fairfield County.

"I have no personal animus against Christopher Shays," Farrell told about 50 supporters at Oscar's Deli on Main Street.

It was the first of four district appearances announcing her candidacy touted as a "Victory 2004 District Swing."

"This is not about an individual," she said, adding that the race should not be partisan but about "issues and accountability."

"Look at Christopher Shays' (voting) record." Farrell said. "It has changed. It is startling."

Calling Shays "much less of an independent source," Farrell ticked off a list of votes Shays has cast and issues that he has supported that she said have not been in the best interests of his Fairfield County constituents.

Among them was the federal No Child Left Behind Act aimed at improving the nation's schools.

She said it was a "one-size-fits-all" unfunded federal mandate "that penalizes everybody" and chided her opponent about holding a weekend forum in Stamford on its impact.

"I don’t know why Christopher Shays would vote for it and then come back to the electorate last week and ask them what they think," Farrell said.

She said he also started out disapproving of school vouchers and now supports them.

Shays had voted for deficit-building tax cuts and has been supportive of President Bush's "go-it-alone" foreign policy, she said.

"It doesn't work," Farrell said. "We must maintain relationships off our shores," adding: "You don't decide to act unilaterally and pick up the pieces later."

She said she was "motivated to run especially now because I disagree with the policies of the Bush administration and the right-wing Congress."

Farrell said if Shays were re-elected, one of the first votes he would cast would be for House Majority Leader Tom DeLay.

Farrell said in her seven years as Westport's chief executive, she has worked hard to better the lives of her constituents, including trying to improve the region's transportation problems.

In contrast, Shays "has not been focusing his attention on local issues," she said.

She said while it would be unfair to put the Interstate-95 traffic congestion at Shays' feet, he could have been more aggressive in seeking solutions, especially federal funding for new rail cars on the New Haven Line.

Farrell said Shays' support of increasing the gasoline tax to raise funds for purchase of new cars was a "defeatist conclusion." "I'm not convinced we can't do better," she said.

Farrell said she was "sick of begging" for money for transportation needs and wanted to be elected so she could demand funding. "I want to go down to Washington and be in everyone's face," she said.

Farrell said she would be supportive of first responders to make sure that they had the equipment and training to meet the needs of a world with increased terrorist threats.

"The federal government has been too slow" in funding them, she said.

At one point when she began a statement with "If you send me to Washington…" she was interrupted with a shout of "We will!"

Farrell, who has been active in addressing regional issues as head of the Metropolitan Planning Organization of the South West Regional Planning Agency, said she understands the importance of regional cooperation and paying attention to local issues.

Repeating the political mantra that "all politics is local," Farrell said when she goes to Staples football games she is always on the sidelines as close as she can get to the field.

"The best place to be is where the action is," she said. "That's what it's been like for me for the past 10 years (as First Selectwoman and Board of Finance member)."

Obviously referring to Shays, she said there is a different view on the 50-yard line sitting halfway up in the stands.

"The safety net is at the local level, Farrell said. "This where the rubber hits the road."

The Westport chief executive, who began her political career as a PTA activist, recalled that Westport Republicans as well as Democrats and independents had supported her in her earlier bids for public office.

She appealed for similar support in her Congressional race.

Farrell said she had been most influenced in her life by her parents, her church and scouting and said she would carry their teachings with her to Washington.

Selectman Carl Leaman acted as emcee at the announcement, saying Farrell's candidacy had made the 4th Congressional District "in play" and no longer a safe Republican seat.

In a statement, Shays said: "I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent the people of the 4th Congressional District and look forward to the campaign in the fall."

Joining in the delicatessen ceremony were state Sen. Andrew McDonald of Stamford and Diane Jepsen, wife of state Democratic Party chair George Jepsen, who was unable to make the Westport event.

Westporters speaking on behalf of Farrell included Gwen Campbell, a member of the Representative Town Meeting, longtime friend Laurie Boynton, Cathy Colgan, who said she was a Democrat filling in for her Republican commuter husband, Bob, and Mickey Herbst, a local businessman.

Several of them had spoken at earlier Farrell announcements of her candidacy for Board of Finance and then First Selectwoman.

Farrell followed her Westport appearance with stops in Bridgeport, Stamford and Norwalk.

The Bridgeport appearance at the Schwerdtle Stamp Co. included Mayor John Fabrizi, Secretary of the State Susan Bysiewicz, Treasurer Denise Nappier, Comptroller Nancy Wyman, and John Olsen, president of the Connecticut AFL-CIO.

The Stamford announcement at the William Pitt Early Childhood Development Center included Mayor Dan Malloy, state House Speaker Moira Lyons, and city Democratic chair Ellen Camhi.

Marcia Lieberman, mother of Sen. Joe Lieberman, had been expected in Stamford but could not attend due to illness, according to campaign spokesman Adam Wood.

He said "about 80 to 100 persons" attended the Bridgeport and Stamford announcements.

The afternoon Norwalk event at the South Norwalk train station included guests Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro from Connecticut's 3rd District and Mayor Alex Knopp.

If the 48-year-old Farrell ousts the 58-year-old Shays, she would become the first Democrat elected from the district in 35 years.

The last Democrat elected to Congress from Connecticut’s 4th District was Donald J. Irwin, who served from 1965 to 1969. He later went on to become mayor of Norwalk.

Irwin was at the Norwalk and Bridgeport announcements to offer support for Farrell.

Leroy D. Downs, another Norwalk Democrat, served from 1941 to 1943.

Farrell would also become the third Westporter to represent the 4th District since the start of the 20th century.

The others were Stewart B. McKinney, who served in Congress from 1971 to 1987 – and whom Shays succeeded – and John Davis Lodge, who served from 1947 to 1951 before becoming governor in 1951.

Both McKinney and Lodge were Republicans.

Supporters Turn Out for Farrell

About 50 supporters were on hand at Oscar's Deli today as Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell officially announced her candidacy for Congress. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Farrell: "This Race is Not About a Person But the Politics He is Supporting"

Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell, in officially announcing her candidacy today to challenge Republican Christopher Shays, said the race is "not about the person (Shays) but the politics that person is supporting." With her at Oscar's Deli was husband Win. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Farrell Makes It Official

Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell officially kicked off her campaign for Congress today with a formal announcement at Oscar's Deli on Westport's Main Street. She followed with similar appearances in Bridgeport, Stamford and Norwalk. With her are husband Win (l) and Selectman Carl Leaman. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Monday, March 15, 2004

8 a.m. - Oscar's Delicatessen, Main Street - Westport First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell formally announces candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Congress
7:30 p.m. - Staples High School, Room 516 - Board of Education anticipated executive session
8 p.m. - Staples High School Library - Board of Education

Candle Sets Curtains Ablaze

A candle burning in a bathroom set some curtains ablaze tonight at a home on Oak Street, fire officials said. The homeowner managed to douse the flames prior to arrival of firefighters. There were no injuries.

Assistant Chief Larry Conklin said there was moderate fire and smoke damage to the bathroom and minor smoke damage to an adjoining bedroom. The Fire Marshall's office estimated damage at about $3,000.

The department received the call at 8:23 p.m. and the last unit left the scene at 9:11 p.m.

Library Winter Book Sale Draws Crowds

Today was the second day of the Westport Public Library winter book sale and the children's section was one of the most popular places. More than 100 people lined up before Saturday's opening and 40 more were on line at opening time today. The sale continues Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (everything half price) and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon (everything free). (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Marshmallow Pyramids

Bedford Middle School was the site Saturday of Westport's annual "Minds in Motion" workshop sponsored by the Westport schools, the Connecticut Association for the Gifted, and Westport Advocates for Gifted Education. Students are shown building marshmallow pyramids in the Westport Art Center's "Molding Marshmallows" workshop. See another photo on education page. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Sunday, March 14, 2004

1 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Winter book sale