Westporter John Vlahos, TV Writer, Dies at 87

John Vlahos, a scriptwriter who earned an Emmy for "The Defenders," has died at his Westport home. He was 87.

A native of Springfield, Ohio, Vlahos grew up working in the family restaurant,
playing violin and acting in school plays and local theater.

After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University, he moved to New York City to become an actor, but segued into writing instead.

Vlahos served as a Navy lieutenant in the South Pacific during World War II,
and then returned to New York, where he wrote sketches for a Broadway musical review called "New Faces."

During an extensive career, Vlahos amassed credits for screenplays on 17 films, 70 radio shows, and about 52 network television live and film dramas.

They included episodes of "The Philco Television Playhouse" in 1948 and the oft-replayed 1969 television movie "Silent Night, Lonely Night."

In addition to "The Defenders,"he wrote for such series as "Route 66," "The Nurses" and "Marcus Welby, M.D."

Vlahhos died April 8 at his Crawford Road home. He had been a Westport resident for almost 50 years and was active in community affairs.

He served on the library board, was a troop leader for the Cub Scouts, and created numerous religious liturgies which were performed for the most part at the Unitarian Church in Westport.

His wife of 56 years is Olivia Vlahos. They met in 1939 at the Old Wharf Theatre, in Provincetown, Mass.

They have three children: Dr. Michael Vlahos and his wife Kelley Beaucar Vlahos; Melissa Vlahos and her husband Dr. Donald Siwek; and Stephanie Vlahos and her husband Kevin Peters.

He is also survived by three grandchildren, Kelsey Siwek, 12; Max Siwek, 11; and Ian Vlahos, 1 year. He also is survived by a sister, Maxine Stamas and her husband Nick; a brother, Lester Vlahos; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Boys Scouts of America, Fine Arts Radio WMNR in Monroe, and the American Printing House for the Blind.

"Damn Yankees" at Greens Farms Academy

Upper School students at Westport's Greens Farms Academy will be performing the musical production of "Damn Yankees" at 7:30 p.m.. tonight after an opening night performance Friday. See another picture on ARTS & LEISURE page. Contributed photo

Survivors of Armenian Genocide in Westport

Today marks the 89th anniversary of what is now called the Armenian Genocide and among those recalling it are the owners of the well-known Westport food store The Organic Market. See STORY by WestportNow Community Correspondent Juliet Balian.

Saturday, April 24, 2004

7:30 p.m. - Greens Farms Academy -- Upper School production of "Damn Yankees"
8 p.m. - Pequot Library, Fairfield - Westport Arts Center presents jazz guitarist Larry Coryell

Westporters Make History on the Queen Mary 2

As well-known experts on the town's past, Westporters Barbara and Allen Raymond are used to recounting the history of others.
Westporters Allen and Barbara Raymond were all smiles as they set out on their historic voyage. Contributed photo

But now they are makers of history themselves. They were among the first trans-Atlantic voyagers on Queen Mary 2, the world's biggest ocean liner.

"I've been on a lot of trips to a lot of countries, but this was the most amazing thing," said Allen Raymond today after the couple returned home on the ship Thursday to a spectacular New York Harbor welcome.

"The ship is the last word in everything. The service is great, the food spectacular, and the structure itself unbelievable."

"It was like being invited to a party and it lasts six days," said Barbara Raymond.

Allen Raymond said while others had planned for years – before the ship was even built – to make a bit of history, he and his wife did it on the spur of the moment.

"Something crossed my desk about it and we decided to do it," he said. Added Barbara Raymond, "It was an online thing – one of those deals where they send you an online vacation offer."

The Raymonds flew to London April 10 and after five days boarded the ship in Southampton.

Some rough weather on the voyage provided some anxious moments for the 2,400 passengers.

"It was really one night that was troublesome," Barbara Raymond said. "One wave hit us so hard that the whole ship shuddered. I got kind of scared."

Allen Raymond got seasick but recovered after receiving an anti-nausea shot from a ship's nurse. "I didn't get sick but Allen and a lot of others did," Barbara Raymond said.

"They hadn't had a chance to test it (the ship) in rough waters," she said. "I think they were very pleased with the way it performed."
The Queen Mary 2 just makes it under the Verranzano Bridge Thursday as it enters New York Harbor in this photo from the deck by Westporter Allen Raymond. Contributed photo

"It was one Hell of a storm," Allen Raymond said. "They handed out a chart to show how bad the storms were and this was 9 out of 10 -- with 10 being the worse."

Both Raymonds said the ship was so huge that they and others often got lost.

"The hallway to the stateroom was so long that you couldn’t see the people on the other end," Allen Raymond said. "It was a quarter mile long," Barbara Raymond noted.

Coming into New York Harbor – including a tight squeeze under the Verrazano Bridge – was something they will never forget.

"It was very exciting," said Barbara Raymond, "and I don't get excited very easily."

Despite the movies, lectures, and other onboard activities, including a planetarium, Barbara Raymond said she was glad she did the once-in-a-lifetime experience but once was enough.

"I'll not do it again," she said. "I don't like big ships."

"She said that?" said Allen Raymond when informed of his wife's remark during a separate telephone interview from his Norwalk office. "That's news to me."

"It was an experience that lasts a lifetime," he said. "It was awesome."

Asked if he would do it again, he paused and then replied, "I think I probably would."

Westport's Sean Mulcahy on NFL Draft "Bubble"

Westport's Sean Mulcahy says "I’m on the bubble" over chances of being drafted for National Football League play this weekend.

The 6-foot-6, 292-pound four-year standout defensive lineman at the University of Connecticut and 2000 Staples grad made the comment in an interview with the Middletown Press.

Joe Linta, Mulcahy’s Branford-based agent, agrees with that assessment, the newspaper reported.

But he also believes that if Mulcahy falls off the draft bubble, his chances of playing in the NFL are still excellent.

"I’m much more convinced of him playing in September than being drafted on Sunday," Linta said.

The first three rounds of the draft are Saturday -- beginning at noon on ESPN -- and the final four rounds are held Sunday.

If Mulcahy’s name isn’t called then, Linta said it’s a lock that he’ll sign as a free agent somewhere Sunday night and be headed to a mini-camp Monday.

"I know I’ll be on a team Monday morning and that’s all I can ask for," Mulcahy said.

"It will be a dream come true to be on a team. Monday isn’t a thing to me right now because you really don’t get paid until you make a team in September."

State Senate Approves funds for New Rail Cars for New Haven Line

The state Senate has approved funds to purchase new cars for Metro-North's New Haven Line.

The Senate quickly passed the bill Thursday with no debate. The measure had sailed through the House a week ago.

House Speaker Moira Lyons and Gov. John G. Rowland announced a $60 million plan in March to upgrade the aging line.

Along with the $25 million in bonding, it includes $35 million in funding that was previously planned for new cars.

The money would be used to immediately purchase 20 cars, adding 2,000 seats to the busy line.

About 30 percent of the 343 cars on the New Haven Line fleet were sidelined this winter because of snowstorms, cold weather and age.

Planning & Zoning Approves Long Lots School Parking Project

The Westport Planning & Zoning Commission tonight, by a 6-1 vote (Cochrane against) approved with conditions an application by the School Building Committee to expand and reconstruct the parking lot at Long Lots Elementary School. The plan calls for space for 196 cars, a bus drop/pickup area, parent drop/pickup area and storm drainage improvements The project now goes to the town funding bodies. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com

Westport's Paul Newman Urges Princeton Abandon Binge Drinking

Westport's Paul Newman has appealed to Princeton University to end a campus tradition in which participants binge drink, trying to consume a beer an hour for 24 hours.

Newman's Day, set for Saturday, derives its name from an apocryphal quote attributed to the actor: "24 beers in a case, 24 hours in a day. Coincidence? I think not."

On Newman's Day, students have been known to show up for class inebriated or with beer poured into coffee mugs, according to an AP report. Part of the event's challenge is to make it through classes.

Last week, Westporter Leo Nevas, Newman's lawyer, sent the university a letter calling for the tradition to stop.

"Mr. Newman is disturbed by the use of his name in conjunction with this alcohol-related event, and he would like to bring an end to this tradition," the university's newspaper, The Daily Princetonian, quoted the letter in a story last Friday.

Nevas inquired about the origins of the tradition and urged the University to put an end to the practice, after apparently misconstruing it as a University-sponsored activity, said Dean of Undergraduate Students Kathleen Deignan.

Deignan said she responded to the letter to clear up the misunderstanding.

"We clarified that [Newman's Day] is not sanctioned by the University and in fact we go the other way — we try to stop it," she said.

Nevas and Newman's Westport office referred questions today to Warren Cowan, the actor's publicist. Cowan said Newman was traveling, and he did not know whether his client wished to make a comment, the AP reported.

Darryl Peterkin, director of studies, notified freshmen and sophomores by e-mail Wednesday that university policy forbids participating in drinking games and that campus authorities intended to step up their vigilance on Saturday.

Since the event falls on a Saturday this year, there was concern some students would also observe it today, the week's last day of class for most students.

Princeton spokeswoman Patricia Allen said the university does what it can to discourage alcohol abuse, including offering awareness programs and providing grants for alternative social events.

The association with Newman's name apparently is especially troubling for the actor. His son, Scott Newman, 28, died of a drug overdose in 1978. Newman founded a center in his son's name to help prevent substance abuse.

The university's student health board has urged faculty members to wear T-shirts opposing observance of the event. The shirts read "Celebrate Newman's Day 2004 ..." on the front "... by honoring Scott's memory" on the back.

Farrell Urges Committee to Consider Full Physical Revaluation of Properties

Westport First Selectman Diane G. Farrell today told her Revaluation Working Group she was considering a full physical revaluation of town properties instead of a statistical reval for the postponed 2003 property assessment. She said she was thinking about the alternative because it might be more cost-effective and ensure a more fair and accurate assessment. The committee agreed to consider it as an option pending further investigation. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Update: Woman Dies in Accident on Greens Farms Road

A woman motorist was killed today when her car drove off Greens Farms Road and hit a tree, police said.

The accident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. near Beachside Avenue.

The woman was later identified as Nancv E. Gendreau, 55, of 398 Greens Farms Road, Westport.

The car ended up close to Interstate-95, leading to some initial confusion that it occurred on that roadway.

Police said the state police initially received a call about a car on I-95 southbound just south of the Beachside Avenue overpass.

"A short time later it was determined that the vehicle involved had actually been traveling west on Greens Farms Road and failed to negotiate a right curve at the intersection of Beachside Avenue," a police statement said.

"At that point, it traveled through a wire guardrail, down the embankment, bordering I-95 and struck a tree where it came to rest."

The statement said the driver was treated at the scene by an American Medical Response ambulance from Fairfield and transported to Norwalk Hospital where she was pronounced dead a short time later.

Police asked anyone who may have witnessed the accident to call them at 341-6080.

Gendreau, an 11-year Westport resident, was an accounts payable surpervisor with Stew Leonard's of Norwalk where she was employed for 30 years.

She had also been a mentor in the Norwak school system.

Suvivors include her husband, Roy, her mother Agnes Garvey Eggleston of Norwalk, daughters Robyn G. Frank and her husband Peter of Windham. N.H., and Melissa G. Barrett and her husband David of Columbia, Md., as well as four grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a brother, Dennis Eggleston.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 203 East Ave., Norwalk. Interment will take place at Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms Road, Westport.

Friends may call Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Collins Funeral Home, 92 East Ave., Norwalk.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Kidney Foundation of Conn. , Affiliate of National Kidney Foundation, 920 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, CT 06107.

Former Westporter James Kaminsky Out as Playboy Editorial Director

James Kaminsky, who said he got his first glimpse of Playboy as a teenager growing up in Westport, is out as the magazine's editorial director, according to AdAge.com.

Quoting a company spokesman, AdAge said Kamisky, who was brought into the post amid much publicity in September 2002, would move to an as-yet-unspecified inter-divisional role at the company.

Formerly the executive director of Maxim, Kaminsky had replaced Arthur Kretchmer, who had been Playboy's editorial director for 30 years.

The move was widely seen as a bid to update Playboy's formula and an effort to fend off stiff competition from magazines such as Maxim, the report said.

Update (April 23, 2004): The Chicago Sun-Times said Kaminsky, 42, is being given the job of vice president, special projects at Playboy Enterprises, according to the company.

In his new role, he will "explore brand expansions" and create spin-offs of the magazine into other media, such as television and movies, it said.

"Jim and our editors have done an impressive job in executing Playboy's new editorial direction, a move that has generated results in the form of higher newsstand sales" and more ads, said Hugh Hefner, Playboy's founder and editor in chief, the Sun-Times reported.

AdAge said for the last half of 2003, Playboy failed to meet its rate base, or circulation guaranteed to advertisers, of 3.2 million. However, newsstand sales rose 4.2% to 369,229.

In an interview last summer with Toronto’s Globe and Mail, the newspaper reported that “Kaminsky started reading Playboy when he was 15 and restless in the tony but boring Connecticut town of Westport." (See WestportNow June 7, 2003)

It added, "(His dad left the mag lying around the house.) It gave him a view of a larger world.”

Kaminsky's father was the late Leonard P. Kaminsky, a former chair of Westport's Planning and Zoning Commission and member of the Board of Assessment Appeals.

He died last Jan. 12 at the age of 76 while vacationing in Hawaii.

Watching Film Festival Submissions

Members of the Westport Youth Film Festival Committee recently gathered at the Westport Arts Center to go over more than 300 submissions for the May 22 event at the Fairfield Community Theatre. They are (l to r standing) Stephen Davis-Koss, Lindsay Rothenberg, and Emma Wiseman; ( l to r seated) Michel Ann O'Mally, Chris Casey, and David Burstein. Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

WN Fact Check: Westport's Top 10 Taxpayer List

If you thought your tax bill was high, check out these figures. WestportNow asked the office of the Westport Tax Collector to provide a "Top Ten" list of the town's taxpayers.

Westport's Top 10 Taxpayers

1. Nyala Farms Inc. office complex (account A) - $771,496.20
2. Connecticut Light & Power Co. (utility poles and equipment) - $387,750.45
3. 55-57 Greens Farms Road office complex - $198,356.85
4. Irving Byelas Irrevocable Trust 1790 Post Road East, Stop & Shop - $173,599.68
5. Luella Davis, 60 Beachside Ave. - $170,379.68
6. Westport View Corp. Center LLC office complex 8 Wright St. - $162,968.80
7. Westport Benenson LLC, 1595 Post Road East - $159,382.84
8. Nyala Farms Inc. office complex (account B) - $149,738.49
9. Howard Juster, 1850 Post Road East - $130,250.04
10. 130 Beachside Ave. Corp. - $129,321.40

The top 10 taxpayers collectively contribute $2,433,244.52 to the town coffers.

Thursday, April 22, 2004

7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning & Zoning Commission Work Session
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning & Zoning Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - TEAM Westport Committee

Westport Schools Arts Collection Wins State Award

It was lights, camera, action at Bedford Middle School today in honor of the Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection winning a 2004 Governor's Arts Award given by the Connecticut Commission on Arts, Tourism, Culture, History and Film. Mollie Donovan, historian and a senior committee member for the collection, was interviewed by Karen Zeitlin, a producer for New Haven station WCTX, in preparation for the June 15 awards ceremony in New Haven. The Westport collection was one of seven recipients of the prestigious award. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Surfin' the Waves

This kite boarder at Compo Beach had the water to himself late today. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com

Community Correspondent Report: Westport Loses Another Bookstore

By Jessica Bram and Dave Matlow
WestportNow Community Correspondents

Westport has lost another independent bookstore – Hannslik & Wegner International Bookstore on Railroad Place.
Johanna Straczek has closed her popular Hanneslik & Wegner bookstore on Railroad Place after 17 years. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

"It just got too much," said Johanna (neé Hannslik) Straczek, who has run the store with her late husband, John, at the site opposite the Westport railroad station since 1987. She closed it last week.

For almost two decades, it has been a reliable and unique source for Westport’s many inquisitive global travelers, as well as mail order customers around the world.

Its surprisingly tranquil storefront facing the busy station was prized by customers for its exhaustive inventory.

If you needed a topographical map of the Makalu base camp in the Himalayas, the gorgeously illustrated “Eyewitness Guide to Warsaw,” an easy-carry laminated street map of Paris, an Urdu Bible, or the entire world atlas on CD-ROM, Hannslik & Wegner was the place to go.

The wood-paneled shelves and cabinets contained international and topographical maps (but a few old Connecticut maps as well), travel guides, language-learning materials, multi-language dictionaries (available in 80 languages), and books and periodicals printed in foreign languages.

There were also rare and antique books and the store offered rare book appraisals and book repair.

If you were stuck for a miniature Swedish flag to place on the dinner table to welcome an international guest, you could find it there, too.

Hannslik & Wegner is a victim of ever rising overhead, more restricted international travel, Internet competition, and the growth of national bookstore chains.

“Fewer travelers are exploring Asia, Africa, Australia and other far away destinations," said the Austrian-born Straczek, a resident of Weston.

"At the same time overhead costs have risen including heat, rent, advertising and the high cost of the Euro."

In a town where the local mega-bookstore has now managed to put five of Westport's small, community bookstores out of business in recent years, it was truly miraculous that Hannslik & Wegner managed to survive so long in its unique niche.

Asked if she were sad over the store closing, Strazek responded with a quick "no."

"I'm not giving up the business, just the store," she said. "We will be continuing business on the Internet."

But for many Westporters, the loss of the unique bookstore will still be felt deeply.

Until the Web site is up and running, Straczek can be reached at Johanna@hannslikandwegner.com.

With the closing of Hannslik & Wegner, the Pymander Book Shop at 215 Post Road West remains as Westport's sole indpendent bookstore.

But books nowadays make up only a small part of its inventory of music CDs, tapes, novelties, incense, and other items.

Volunteers Donate Another Ambulance to Westport

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell today accepted on behalf of the town a new ambulance donated by the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. The $125,000 vehicle is the 10th ambulance and 17th vehicle the volunteers have purchased and given to the town through their fundraising efforts in their 25-year history. Joining her at today's presentation at the weekly brown bag lunch were (l to r) WVEMS volunteers Diane Salvo, Pasquale Salvo, president of the group, and Alan Stolz. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Wednesday, April 21, 2004

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag Luncheon
7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Conservation Commission

Westport Property Transfers April 12-16, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period April 12-16, 2004:

Bernard S. Berkoff to J. Brooks and Joyce Colburn, Unit 44 Whitney Glen, $305,000.

Estate of Stephen W. Lindemann to Residential Development Group Pheasant Lane, 2 Pheasant Lane, $750,000.

Antony J. and Stephanie M. Lantier to Christian Lum and Rachel Haber, 10 Maplewood Ave., $512,000.

Vesta Development Corp. to Summer Hill Associates LLC, 17 Summer Hill Road, $1,580,000.

Brian Morris to Peter and Catherine Siroka, 12 Center St., $950,000.

Malgorzata Piekarski Trust to Mark I. and Marilyn E. Oestreicher, 18 Danbury Ave., $1,995,000.

Robert C. and Leslie O. Wheeler Jr. to Jeffrey A. and Marnie M. Nusbaum, 31 Old Hill Road, $2,388,000.

Bruce E. and Barbara A. Paver to William P. Man, 28 Westfair Drive, $410,000.

Diane E. Bernhard to Joseph L. and Alicia Danna, 18 Pequot Trail, $1,640,000.

Heine Development Corp. to Holland Park Developers LLC, 64 Lyons Plains Road, $775,000.

Helen R. McElwee to Bernard P. Izzo Jr., 8 Colonial Drive, $465,000.

Brian G. and Glenda Mason Kammerer to Meryl Hertz and Glenn Delgado, 1 Woodland Drive, $1,100,000.

Greg Brockwell to Rocco Anthony Alianiello, 7 Hyatt Lane, $785,000.

Dolores Roetter to Kurt J. Vonholzhausen, 200 Hillspoint Road, $925,000.

Connie S. Maniatty to K J U LLC, 24 Minute Man Hill, $1,400,000.

Westport to Request Pedestrian Crossing Light at Busy Post Road Intersection

If you have ever tried to cross the street at the busy intersection of Post Road East and Compo Road North and South near Winslow Park you know it's a tricky and often dangerous feat. But help is on the way.

The Board of Selectmen, acting in its capacity as the Traffic Authority, will take up a motion at its April 28 meeting to request the Connecticut Department of Transportation to include an exclusive pedestrian phase on the traffic signal at the intersection.

Seek Approval of Increase in Railroad Parking Permit Fee

The Westport Board of Selectmen will consider a $50 increase – from $175 to $225 – for an annual permit to park at Westport's railroad stations.

The board will take up the almost 29 percent increase at its Wednesday, April 28 meeting at 5 p.m. in Room 309 of Town Hall.

According to an agenda for the meeting, the increase was requested by the Westport Police Department and would take effect July 1.

The date is also when a proposed 5.5 percent fare increase takes effect on the Metro-North New Haven Line.

Selectman Carl Leaman said the parking permit fee increase was due to increased costs of security, snow removal and other maintenance issues at the Wesport and Greens Farms stations.

But he said even with the increase, Westport still has one of the lowest railroad parking fees among towns on the New Haven Line.

Leaman said the fee was last raised several years ago from $125 to $175 per year.

In a letter to the board requesting the increase, Deputy Police Chief David Heinmiller said the $50 increase would provide an additional $160,000 to railroad parking "to allow us to continue to maintain and improve our parking lots and facilities as commuters have come to expect."

He said a survey of five nearby communitieis showed costs of railroad parking permits ranged from $650 in Norwalk to $230 in Southport.

Sunset at Old Mill

This portion of Old Mill Beach was deserted at sunset Monday and made for a pretty picture. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, April 20, 2004

10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
5:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Tree Board

Farrell Gets Attention at Democratic Party Fundraiser

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell got plenty of attention at tonight's Democratic Party fundraiser in Southington, including some advice from New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, prominently mentioned as a vice presidential candidate.

Many of the 1,200 guests attending the 56th annual Jefferson-Jackson-Bailey dinner at the Aqua Turf Club sported blue and white "Diane Farrell for Congress" stickers and Richardson called attention to her during his keynote address.

"Look around you, future Congresswoman, don't forget those people who are supporting you, remember them when you are elected," said Richardson, a former member of Congress, U.N. ambassador, and secretary of energy under President Clinton.

The first-term Democrat is considered to be on the short list of running mates for presidential candidate John Kerry.

He told reporters he is happy governing his state and has no plans to leave anytime soon but declined to completely rule it out.

"I've always said that I love my job. I have unfinished business in New Mexico," Richardson said. "I've got the best job in the world already."

Richardson said he will do all that he can to get Kerry elected.

He said for Democrats to regain the White House, they must dwell on the party's positive offerings such as job creation and helping all families achieve the "American dream" rather than criticize the Bush administration.

The significance of a New Mexico governor being invited to speak at a Connecticut political event was not lost on Richardson.

"It means I'm not just out in the West. I'm not just a regional leader," he said.

Richardson thanked Westporter Bob Rose for helping arrange his appearance at the dinner. "Bobby Rose brought me here," he said.

Rose, who is the Democratic Committee finance co-chairman, said the dinner was expected to raise about $300,000.

Can Summer Be Far Off?

Today's summer-like weather with the temperatures in the upper 70s brought Westporters to Compo Beach until late in the evening. Some sat on the beach, some walked, and this youngster enjoyed a sunset skateboard session. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Newman Performance Tickets at Playhouse Available With Subscription

The Westport Country Playhouse announced today that tickets are now on sale -- with the purchase of a subscription -- for its production of "Trumbo" with Gordon MacDonald and Paul Newman.

The performances are on July 13-15 and July 19-20 at the Ridgefield Playhouse, home of the Playhouse productions while the Westport facility is undergoing renovation. Tickets are priced at $90 each.

Tickets are also available for a special benefit performance of "Trumbo" on Wednesday, July 21 at 8 p.m., the announcement said.

"Trumbo" benefit tickets are $750 and $500 for orchestra seating, which includes admission to a post-performance reception with special guests.

Balcony tickets, for the performance only, are $250. Proceeds will support the Westport Country Playhouse annual fund.

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

It was written by Trumbo's son Christopher Trumbo and will be directed by Peter Askin.

The not-for-profit Westport Country Playhouse is under the artistic direction of Joanne Woodward.

The Playhouse and will re-open in 2005, its 75th anniversary. While under renovation, performances will be held at Ridgefield and other Fairfield County locations.

For information on the complete 2004 season and directions to the various temporary venues, visit www.westportplayhouse.org or call (203) 227-4177.

Foggy Morning

An early morning fog covered the Westport area today. This was the scene at about 6 a.m. on I-95 in the Saugatuck River Bridge area as seen from a Department of Transportation camera. DOT photo

Monday, April 19, 2004

6:30 p.m. - Staples High School, Room 516 - School Building Committee Staples Subcommittee

Westporter Harold Levine Elected Chair of Bridgeport Musical Group

Westporter Harold Levine has been elected chair of the Music and Art Center for Humanity (MACH), headquartered in Bridgeport.

MACH was established 26 years ago by Patricia Hart to provide arts enrichment in music, art, dance and theater for children with special needs in Bridgeport.

Levine, a retired advertising executive, was chair of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for many years, and was responsible for bringing Ailey Camp to Bridgeport with the Music and Arts Center as the sponsor.

On Saturday evening May 1, the Ailey II Company will perform at the Klein Auditorium to benefit MACH and Ailey Camp. Tickets may be purchased by calling 203-345-4800, ext 150.

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell is serving as a member of the Honorary Committee.

In addition, Mayor John Fabrizi has announced that he is proclaiming Saturday May 1, as "Judith Jamison Day" in Bridgeport in honor of her contributions to the dance world as Artisitic Director of the Ailey Company and her stature as role model to African American Women.

He will make a special presentation to her prior on stage at the Klein.

Sunday, April 18, 2004

3 p.m. Westport Public Library -- Poet's Voice: Ruth Stone