Crossing the Monkey Bridge

Taking her turn today on the monkey bridge at the Scouting Expo at the Saugatuck Congregational Church was Sarah Wiles, 10, a fourth grader at Kings Highway Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Meeting Sophie

Sophie, a Westport police bloodhound, makes a new friend with handler Officer Ryan Paulsen at today's Boy Scout and Cub Scout Expo at the Saugatuck Congregational Church. WestportNow.com photo

Reading and Sleeping at Long Lots Elementary

Westport Schools Supt. Elliott Landon was one of the readers in the all-night Long Lots Elementary School fifth grade "read-in/sleepover." The annual event is aimed at encouraging reading among elementary school students. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Shays Announces District Art Competition Winners

U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays today announced the winners of the 2004 4th District Congressional Arts Competition held at the Westport Arts Center.

Local judges observed 48 artistic submissions from high school students in the district.

The winner was Natalie Birinyi of Southport for her photograph entitled "Dominican Boy." Natalie is in the 10th grade at Greens Farms Academy in Westport.

Runners up were Brian Kelly, a senior at Darien High School, for his silkscreen, "Love Park," and Laura Smith, a senior at Masuk High School in Monroe, for her acrylic painting "Invoked Memory."

Honorable Mentions included:

Ivan Kitaire Kolbe, Cathedral High School, Bridgeport, Grade 12, "Boy Scout Camp, Uganda, age 12"

Michael Weithers, Fairfield Prep, Fairfield, Grade 11, "Portrait of Peter in the Kitchen"

Kaitlin Mehlhope, Darien High School, Darien, Grade 11, "Woman With a Purse"

Alyssa Beers, Masuk High School, Monroe, Grade 12, "Neon"

"The students who participated in the Congressional Arts Competition have shown extraordinary creativity and talent," Shays said. "The participants should be proud of their accomplishments."

"The competition is a source of pride for the students and parents who participate," said Anne Lanford, Gallery Coordinator at the Westport Arts Center.

"They are excited to see their work hang in the gallery and the Westport Arts Center is glad to be a part of that special occasion.

"This is a wonderful chance for our local students to express their creativity and share it with others."

Entitled "An Artistic Discovery," the Congressional Arts Competition is a celebration of America's young artistic talent.

Pieces were submitted from high schools in Westport, Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Norwalk, Redding and Stamford.

Natalie's work will be displayed for one year in the walkway between the U.S. House of Representatives and the Capitol.

She will receive a round-trip ticket to Washington, D.C. from Warren Travel so she can attend the opening reception on Tuesday, July 13.

Last year, Emily Lindberg, then a sophomore from Darien High School, was selected to represent the 4th District in Washington for her submission "The Wanderer."

The Congressional Arts Competition began in 1982 as an attempt to offset reductions in federal grants for arts programs by giving our creative students the chance to have their talents recognized nationwide.

Since then, more than 650,000 students have participated in the competition and the works of thousands of young American artists have been showcased in a passageway to the Capitol.

Westport Youth Film Festival Underway

The Westport Youth Film Festival got underway today at Fairfield's Community Theatre. The all-day event was screening 78 films out of more than 300 entries submitted. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Rockin' at the Westport Women's Club

The Westport Women's Club rocked Friday night as the BDS band (Bouchard, Dunaway & Smith) performed in a Westport/Weston Chamber of Commerce sponsored event. Drummer Neal Smith of Westport formerly played with Alice Cooper. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ann Sheffer for WestportNow.com

Saturday, May 22, 2004

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Fairfield Community Theatre - Westport Youth Film Festival
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Saugatuck Congregational Church - Boy Scout and Cub Scout Expo

Getting Presidential

Westport First Selectwoman and Democratic congressional candidate Diane G. Farrell greets Democratic presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry tonight at a fund-raiser at musician Paul Simon's home in New Canaan.WestportNow.com photo

Rivals Congratulate Westport Volunteer EMS on its 25th Anniversary

The 25th anniversary dinner tonight of Westport's Volunteer Emergency Medical Service at the Inn at Longshore included guests U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays and Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell. Both praised the volunteers for their service and devotion to the community. See another photo on COMMUNITY page. WestportNow.com photos

Feds Charge Government Witness with Perjury in Martha Stewart Trial

In another strange twist in the stock fraud trial of Westport's Martha Stewart, federal authorities today charged a government witness with lying on the witness stand.

But they said the false testimony did not make her conviction invalid.

Prosecutors said they had discovered false statements made on the stand by Larry F. Stewart, a national ink expert who works at the Secret Service.

A government news release said prosecutors did not believe any of the new information called into question the "integrity or validity" of the convictions of Martha Stewart and broker Peter Bacanovic.

Martha Stewart was convicted March 5 of lying about why she sold 3,928 shares of ImClone Systems stock in 2001, just before the stock price plunged.

The government said it had uncovered eight separate false statements made by Larry Stewart, who is no relation to Martha Stewart.

Among the alleged false statements by Larry Stewart was that he took part in an August 2002 examination of a key piece of evidence, a brokerage worksheet that Bacanovic used to track Stewart's portfolio at Merrill Lynch & Co.

During the trial, Larry Stewart testified that a notation of "(at)60" on the worksheet had been made in a different ink than other marks on the sheet.

Larry Stewart of the Secret Service said infrared and ultraviolet light tests had confirmed differences between the "(at)60" entry and other marks.

"The '(at)60' entry is a different ink than the remaining entries on the document," the scientist said.

Stewart had contended she had an agreement with her broker to sell Imclone shares when the price fell to $60 per share. Prosecutors suggested the allegedly different ink on the reference to 60 showed it was added later.

Under cross-examination, the ink expert had testified it was impossible to tell how many pens had been used to mark on the document. Bacanovic's team contended he simply used different pens in his work.

Shares in Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. had jumped 15 percent afternoon when news of the pending announcement broke.

Westport Library Holding Juried Advertising Competition

The Westport Public Library wants to improve its ability to reach out to the community and is taking advantage of the creative talent of Westporters to do it.

The library announced it is sponsoring a juried competition for a new library marketing campaign that is open to all advertising agencies, creative and marketing executives who work or live in Westport.

“There are a tremendous number of advertising, promotion and marketing executives who live and work in Westport,” said Library Director Maxine Bleiweis.

“We wanted to utilize their talents in developing advertising and marketing concepts that can be effectively used by the library.”

Bleiweis contacted a number of senior marketing executives who are library enthusiasts and asked them to form a Marketing Committee.

The committee will develop a strategy statement and contact all Westport area advertising, marketing and design firms.

Led by Bleiweis, the committee includes Maggie Mudd, head of the library’s Planning Committee; Harold Levine, former chairman of Levine, Huntley, Schmidt & Beaver; Sheryl Green, former senior vice president of marketing for Snapple; and Steve Lance, executive vice president of the Westport-based creative resource group Unconventional Wisdom.

The competition is for promotional campaign to promote library usage and make residents aware of the changing role of the Westport Public Library in their community.

Green developed the creative brief for the library.

“The Internet revolution, the introduction of wireless technology and the explosion of single-office/home-office entrepreneurs have made the library a new hub of activity," she said.

"Young moms, students and organizations are using the library’s resources in ways we never imagined even five years ago.

"We need to get the word out that this is not the library you remember as a child.”

Participating companies and individuals will be briefed by Bleiweis and the Marketing Committee in a special “meet’n’greet” Tuesday, June 1 at 5:30 p.m. in the library's McManus Room.

Then participants will have six weeks to develop a print ad, radio commercial and new home Web page for the library.

Entries will need to be submitted by Aug. 15, when they will be judged by a panel of retired Westport advertising executives.

The panel will include Levine; Ken Olshan, former president, Wells, Rich, Greene; Tony Angotti, former partner of Angotti, Thomas & Hedge; and Richard Seclow, former president, Geer DuBois.

All entries will be on display in the library during the month of September. A special ceremony will be held Sept. 28 to announce gold, silver and bronze winners.

“We’ll try to get the entrants and winners as much exposure and publicity as possible,” said Lance.

“There are a lot of advertising and marketing people up here. It’d be great to give them some exposure, let them meet one another and harness some of that energy for a good cause.”

Mudd added, “We need to deliver the message that the Westport Public Library has surprising and powerful new resources available to assist the community.”

All companies and individuals who wish to participate in the competition should contact mbleiweis@westportlibrary.org to join their peers at the June 1 special briefing.

Dusk at Cedar Point

Dusk at Westport's Cedar Point Yacht Club made for a pretty picture Thursday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Bridge Street Bridge Stuck Open Briefly

State personnel conducting routine maintenance on the Bridge Street Bridge today opened the swing bridge and then found that it had become stuck and they could not close it. It took more than half an hour to fix the problem.

Traffic backed up in the Saugatuck area as the workers pondered the mid-morning dilemma.

It was the second day in a row that workers had opened the swing bridge for maintenance.

The work began shortly after 10 a.m. and was expected to be completed in a short time, according to police. But it was not until about 11:20 a.m. that workers were able to get the bridge back in place and open the roadway.

Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell at Westport Event

Lt. Gov. M. Jodi Rell Thursday night addressed approximately 120 members and guests of the Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners at the organization’s 2004 Distinguished Achievement Awards Banquet and Networking Gala at the Inn at Longshore. She drew laughter when she noted that the question most frequently asked of her husband these days is “How is Jodi holding up?” WestportNow.com photo

Friday, May 21, 2004

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Westport Transit District
9:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Commission for Senior Services
2:30 p.m. - Westport Senior Center - Commission for Senior Services annual meeting
7 p.m. - Inn at Longshore - Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service 25th anniversary dinner

Westport League of Women Voters Tag Sale Friday and Saturday

Workers setting up for the annual Westport League of Women Voters tag sale Friday and Saturday take a break today from their chores. The sale, held in an empty store front four doors down from Trader Joe's on Post Road East, is on from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Shown (l to r) are Pat Coplen, Clare Clark, Phyllis Hirschfield, Lynn Crager, tag sale co-chair Athena Ploumis Bradley, and Marika Panagopulos. Kitty Graves for WestportNow.com

Board of Finance Sets Mill Rate

Westport Board of Finance members debate tonight before setting the mill rate for the next fiscal year at 20.6, up from the current 20.1, or about a 3 percent tax increase. The board decided to slightly reduce its earlier projected rate of 20.8 mills in anticipation of funds to be added to the town's Grand List from a backlog of building permits now being processed in the assessor's office. Shown (l to r) are Rick Benson, Jeff Mayer, Shelly Kassen, chair Steve Ezzes, Charles Haberstroh, Kevin Connolly, and Gavin Andrerson. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Talking Taxes

Westport Finance Director Don Miklus addresses the Board of Finance tonight before it set the mill rate for the next fiscal year. Picture is from the town cable channel. WestportNow.com photo

Leisurely Spring Lunch on Main Street

If you were lucky, you were able to have a leisurely spring lunch at Main Street's Tavern on Main restaurant today. The temperature edged near 70 under brilliant sunshine. Forecasters said warmer, more humid weather was on the way. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Pediatrician Pleads Guilty in Health Fraud Case

A Westport pediatrician pleaded guilty today in a Hartford court to health care fraud.

Suvarna Shah, 62, who practices in Norwalk, admitted in U.S. District Court that she bilked a children's vaccine program of more than $350,000 between 1997 and 2002.

Federal officials say the prosecution of Shah was the first of its kind in the
United States.

Shah admitted that she billed Medicaid and private insurers for vaccines that are provided free of charge by the federal-state Vaccines for Children Program.

She pleaded guilty to one count of health care fraud and one count of tax evasion, both felonies. She was released on $100,000 bond.

"She abused the program for her own profit,'' U.S. Attorney Kevin O'Connor said following a court hearing, according to an AP report.

Prosecutors and Shah's lawyer agreed she did not cheat her patients, who received full medical attention.

William Bloss, Shah's lawyer, said her guilty plea "had nothing to do with the quality of patient care. It was outstanding care.''

"She deeply regrets doing what she did,'' he said.

Shah, who is a citizen of India and has practiced in the United States for 30 years, could be deported after she serves her sentence.

In the plea agreement, Shah would serve between 18 months and two years in prison, instead of the maximum of 15 years on both counts. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Shah will pay restitution of $700,000 in taxes, penalties and fines. And in a civil settlement with the U.S. attorney's office, Shah will reimburse about $318,000 to Medicaid and $230,000 to private insurers.

During the investigation, authorities seized more than $700,000 in cash in her office and a safe deposit box, O'Connor said.

Authorities also are investigating allegations of fraud by other doctors, he said.
"It's a handful of providers,'' O'Connor said. "This is not systemic.''

The Vaccines for Children Program was established in 1993 by Congress following a measles epidemic in the early 1990s.

The federal Centers for Disease Control said more than half of the children who had measles were not immunized.

The program is available to children 18 and younger who are eligible for Medicaid and have no health insurance.

HealthNet Inc., a Los Angeles-based federal insurance contractor, tipped the FBI about suspected fraud, prompting the investigation of Shah, prosecutors said.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said he would ask the Department of Public Health to strip Shah of her medical license.

Bridge Street Bridge: Testing, Testing

State workers swung open the Bridge Street Bridge today as part of routine maintenance. The road closure backed up traffic in Saugatuck, but work was completed by noon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Full House for Jim Calhoun

UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun spoke to a full house at today's Y's Men meeting in Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

UConn's Jim Calhoun Addresses Y's Men

UConn basketball coach Jim Calhoun, fresh from a White House appearance Wednesday with his national championship team, addresses Westport's Y's Men today. He quipped that he was pleased that he "got a visa to visit Fairfield County" – the "State of Fairfield County." WestportNow.com photo

Martha Stewart Safety Matches Not So Safe

As if she didn’t already have enough troubles, Westport's Martha Stewart now has a problem with her signature product line – some of her safety matches are not safe.

Kmart said it is recalling almost 600 boxes of Martha Stewart Everyday safety matches because they may ignite upon impact and could pose a fire hazard.

The matches are 11 inches long and come in a yellow checkered box with the UPC code 045774700237 printed on the back.

The matches were manufactured in China and sold for about $2 at Kmart stores from January through March.

People should stop using the matches immediately and return them to the store where they bought them for a full refund.

All Quiet at Mill Pond

All was quiet on Westport's Mill Pond this morning. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Westport Hosts Student Art Competition

Westport Arts Center gallery coordinator Anne Landford hangs art work by Fairfield County students in preparation for today's judging of the 2004 4th Congressional District Art Competition. Now in its 18th year, the competition was established to offset reductions in federal grants to arts programs. Winners will be showcased in the passageway to the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This year's awards ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Republicans Nominate Sen. Judy Freedman for 10th Term

Republicans meeting in Westport have nominated state Sen. Judith G. Freedman for her 10th two-year term to represent the 26th District.

The district covers Westport, Weston, Wilton, Bethel, New Canaan, Redding and Ridgefield.

Democrats meet Monday and are expected to nominate Westporter Arlo Ellison, a political newcomer, to oppose Freedman, the first opponent she has had in several elections.

Thursday, May 20, 2004

7:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - TEAM Westport Committee
8 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Board of Selectmen special public hearing
10 a.m. - Saugatuck Congregational Church - UConn Coach Jim Calhoun addresses Y's Men
1:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Board of Education Food Service Advisory Committee
2 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Revaluation Working Group
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - Board of Finance public hearing
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - Board of Finance anticipated executive Session
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Planning & Zoning Commission
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Board of Finance public hearing

Southwest Connecticut Power Women

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell addresses a meeting of the professional women's organization Women in Management tonight in Stamford. The subject was "women in politics." Joining her were New Canaan First Selectman Judy A. Neville (l) and Darien First Selectman Evonne Klein. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Wreckers Beat New Canaan 7-1 in Playoffs Tune Up

Staples freshman Matt Greco steals second today as he ignited a four-run seventh inning that helped the Wreckers beat New Canaan 7-1 at New Canaan. See SPORTS. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Property Transfers May 7-10, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period May 10-14, 2004:

Phyllis Komansky to Ileen Thomas, 2 Evergreen Ave., $750,000.

Mark S. and Rosemarie Bauer to Adam Schoor and Annie Moy, 6 Hyatt Court, $929,000.
50 Gorham Ave.: sold for $1.65 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Richard F. and Kara P. Williams to Jennifer B. Kleiner, 4 Keyser Road, $1,105,000.

Curtis A. Maddock to Elmer VanBuren and Phyllis Jean Crager, Unit 105 35 Bridge St., $151,385.30.

John David and Linda L. Duebendorfer to Thomas H. and Cynthia S. Bonafair, 111 Sturges Highway, $3,350,000.

Land Goup Inc., to Panagiotis Ninios and Lori-Ann Belcastro, 50 Gorham Ave., $1,650,000.

Robert E. Deegan and Susanna Parry to Trisha and Michael J. Beck, 19 Maplewood Ave., $552,500.

Carlo Palmer and Betty Cabral to Betty Cabral, 42 Richmondville Ave., $267,500.
Carlo J. Palmer and Betty Cabral to Betty Cabral, 44 Richmondville Ave., $367,500.

Estate of Valerie Chesson to Robert F. Ganley, 124 Riverside Ave. #3, $453,000.

Michael and Alicia B. Carew to Susan Wexler, Unit 327 Lansdowne, $815,000.

Police Add One, Promote Two

The Westport Police Department went to full strength today with the swearing in by First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell of Alicia Forzano, 25, of Cheshire as its latest recruit. Joining them at today's Town Hall ceremony were (l to r) Jerry Shannon, a 30-year veteran who was promoted to sergeant, and Sean Kelley, a 2000 recruit, who was promoted to detective. Contributed photo

Pair Charged in False Robbery at Westport Bank

Westport police have arrested a Milford woman and a West Haven man in connection with making a false report about an armed robbery last Saturday at the rear of a bank on Post Road East in an effort to cover up a larceny. (See WestportNow May 15, 2004)

Police question Jennifer Labelle, 26, of Milford (on ground), Saturday after she reported she was robbed by a man with a gun. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Thom Burrows for WestportNow.com
A third person is still being sought in connection with the incident, Sgt. David Kassay said today.

The scheme involved staging a pretend robbery in the Fleet Bank's rear parking lot at 980 Post Road East to cover up a theft of about $8,000 from the Cumberland Farms service station and convenience store at Post Road East and Hillspoint Road, according to a police source.

Jennifer Labelle, 26, and Harold Barnes, 37, were charged with second degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, Kassay said. He said she was employed at Cumberland Farms.

In addition, Labelle was charged with falsely reporting an incident while Barnes was also charged with possession of marijuana.

Police said Labelle told detectives that a black man wearing a baseball cap put a gun to her face as she was about to make a deposit for her employer in the bank's night deposit box and made off with the money.

"Detectives found inconsistencies in her story and concluded that she had filed a false report," Kassay said.

He said subsequent investigation resulted in a partial recovery of the money and the arrest of Barnes in West Haven where he was also found to be in possession of marijuana.

Labelle posted a $2,500 bond and was given a court date of May 25, Kassay said. Barnes was arraigned Monday in Norwalk Superior Court where bond was set at $25,000.

Picture Postcard on the Saugatuck

A morning mist covered the Saugatuck River today near the I-95 bridge. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

RTM Finance Committee Recommends Reval Postponement

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Finance Committee Tuesday night recommended postponement of the 2003 property assessment to no later than October 2006 as permitted by a new state law.

The vote was 5-1. The full RTM will consider the request at its June 1 meeting.

First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, who Monday announced the appointment of William Gaffney, the current assessor in Milford, as the new town assessor, came under intense committee questioning before the vote.

She said the goal when Gaffney is aboard in June is to work toward a full physical revaluation by Oct. 1, 2005, but no later than 2006. She said it would have to be done by an outside firm and estimated the cost at about $700,000.

"By taking the opportunity of postponement, we have the opportunity of doing it really right," Farrell said.

The First Selectwoman announced March 4 that the town was seeking state permission to postpone its 2003 assessment after discovery of a backlog of 1,700 building permits dating to 1998 that had not been included in the Grand List.

At the same time, she announced she was putting assessor Glenn Werfelman on leave. He retired May 1.

Michael Rea, District 8, said he opposed the measure because he first wanted an audit of the assessor's office. He also said he thought no action should be taken on approving a postponement until the new assessor takes over his post next month.

"I'm looking for a little credibility in that office," he said. "The taxpayers are reeling."

In addition, Rea said, he wanted the town try to recover funds from J. D. Ryan Associates, the firm that conducted the aborted 2003 assessment for $300,000.

Farrell responded by saying she was not sure what an audit of the office would achieve.

She also said she would be in close touch with Gaffney before he formally takes over his post and that he supports a postponement in favor of a full physical reval.

As for seeking funds from Ryan, Farrell said, "Not all of Ryan's (2003 property) data is valueless." She said his work would be incorporated into the new assessment.

Don Miklus, Finance Director, said of John Ryan, the firm's head: "He did the job he was required to do (but) there were certain ends that were not within the parameters."

The assessment had come under intense criticism by residents, some of whom thought some assessments were too low and some who thought they were too high.

Mary Webber, District 2, recalled that previous town property assessments had also been postponed. "This is not the first time – we have a perfect record of making a mess," she said.

She suggested that the town try something it had not done before – conduct the physical revaluation in house.

Webber said that Gaffney had conducted Milford assessments in house and wondered why the town was thinking of doing otherwise.

Miklus responded that Gaffney had a much larger staff in Milford that enabled the town to do the assessment itself.

He said Gaffney felt there was not sufficient time for Westport to do it in house this time but that it might be able to do it the next time.

Farrell said Gaffney would play a key role in developing the requirements for an outside firm to conduct the revaluation as well as in formulating the model to be used.

Farrell also told the committee that the town would be entering into a consulting contract with Garson Heller -- a member of the Board of Assessment Appeals who will resign the post as a result -- to work on the town's property assessment database.

She said Heller, who had worked on the New York Stock Exchange computer system in his professional career, was a perfect candidate because of his computer expertise and knowledge of Westport's property landscape.

Farrell explained that Werfelman had failed to "freeze" the 2002 property database before Ryan began working on it and now the town had to try to recreate it in order for the new tax bills to be sent out.

Miklus said the contract calls for Heller to be paid $9,500 and that the job was expected to take two to three weeks.

(Editor's Note: The editor of WestportNow is also Moderator of the RTM.)

New Long Lots Parking Lot Closer to Reality

A new parking lot at Long Lots Elementary School – where parents and school officials have long complained that inadequate parking causes dangerous conditions – is a little closer to reality.

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Finance and Education Committees Tuesday night unanimously recommended an appropriation of $2,455,950 for completion of the project.

The full RTM will take up the measure at its June 1 meeting pending Board of Finance action later this week.

Members of the School Building Committee (SBC) told a joint meeting of the committees that the cost might seem especially high because the project actually involves more than parking spaces.

Allen Bomes, a committee member who also serves on the RTM, said land use bodies had required the SBC to incorporate long-needed drainage improvements in the plan – something he said added almost $600,000 to the cost.

He also said because of delays by the land use bodies in approving the measure, work can no longer be completed this summer and would have to be done in stages.

Bomes said Russell Blair, Long Lots Subcommittee chair, had estimated there was about a $100,000 price tag to do the work in phases.

But Bomes said there was also some good news – the project cost had been reduced by $26,250 from what had originally been submitted to the Board of Finance and the RTM.

The committees' recommendation was contingent on approval of the appropriation by the Board of Finance at its meeting Thursday.

Wednesday, May 19, 2004

8 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Workforce Housing Committee
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
7:30 p.m. - Westport Library - Library Board

GOPers Nominate Ken Bernhard for Fifth Term as State Rep

State Rep. G. Kenneth Bernhard was nominated for his fifth term tonight in the 136th District by a caucus of Westport Republicans. Bernhard is flanked by his wife, Alice, (r) and Elizabeth Kuechenmeister (l), a member of the Republican Town Committee. The Democrats are expected to nominate Joe Mioli, a member of the Representative Town Meeting, next week to oppose him. Bernhard beat Mioli two years ago by about 300 votes. WestportNow.com photo

Tony Randall Played at Westport Country Playhouse

Actor Tony Randall, who died Tuesday at the age of 84, had a Westport connection at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Records show he directed 1953's "Down in the Valley" and acted in 1959's "Arms and the Man" at the Westport landmark.

He also participated in a benefit for flood victims at Hartford's Bushnell Memorial in 1955, according to the Hartford Courant.

Rotarians Hear of Teen Substance Abuse Dangers

Marriage and family therapists Claire Gelissen (l) and Susan Raphael of Westport-based Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention and Recovery told the Westport Rotary Club today that Fairfield County has the highest substance abuse among teens in Connecticut. They cited the county's affluence as a factor but also said there is a heightened awareness here by parents to the dangers faced by their children. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

"Martha Stewart Living" TV Show to Shut Down

Westport's Martha Stewart, facing a possible prison sentence, will no longer have her television show, much of it produced at her Westport production facility.

The show's producers announced today that "Martha Stewart Living" will be put on hiatus after this season winds up. One source estimated as many as 40 layoffs in Westport as a result.

Production of the award-winning syndicated television show, distributed by King World Productions, will continue for the remainder of the 11th season, through September.

"I am deeply sorry that it has become necessary for the show to go on hiatus until my personal legal situation is resolved," said Stewart, founder of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc.

"I hope to resume our close collaboration just as soon as I am able to do so."

Stewart was convicted March 5 of lying about why she sold 3,928 shares of ImClone Systems stock in 2001, just before the stock price plunged.

Stewart, who owns 61 percent of the media empire, also stepped down as chief creative officer and resigned from the company's board. She assumed the title of founding editorial director.

She had resigned as chairman and chief executive officer last June after being indicted. She is expected to be sentenced June 17, and faces 10 months to 16 months in prison.

Martha Stewart Living said it will continue production of "Petkeeping With Marc Morrone" and accelerate its development of special and new programming such as "Everyday Food."

While not directly citing the Westport television production facility on Newtown Turnpike, the company did say that "consistent with this announcement, the company will also adjust staffing levels within the television business segment."

A source familiar with the operation said as many as 40 people employed in Westport could be laid off.

It said the company will take a restructuring charge of up to $2 million in the second quarter of 2004.

In making the announcement, Sharon Patrick, president and CEO, said: "In consideration of many factors, we concluded that taking a hiatus in new series production for the 2004-2005 season is the right strategy for the Martha Stewart Living Television show and the long-term interest of our company.

"We thank King World Productions and our long-standing loyal affiliates for their support and understanding of our decision.

"We are also pleased at the expressed interest of stations and distributors in returning Martha Stewart Living, when available, to future lineups.

"That speaks directly to the quality and contribution of our talented professionals. We can't thank them enough."

In her statement, Stewart added, "Words cannot convey my appreciation and admiration for the skills and dedication of our talented television employees, for the joy and pride I derive from our work together, and for the immeasurable contributions they have made and will continue to make."

At the same time, Stewart said she wanted "to express my gratitude for the continuing support of our millions of dedicated viewers all over the country, and look forward to rewarding their patience and loyalty in the future."

Foggy Morning

A morning fog slowed traffic on I-95 today. The scene is the bridge over the Westport's Saugatuck River as seen from a Department of Transportation traffic camera. DOT photo

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Human Services Commission
8:30 a.m. - Staples High School, Room 516 - Board of Education Curriculum Materials Review Committee
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Arts Advisory Committee
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
5:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Tree Board
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Republican Party caucus to endorse G. Kenneth Bernhard as state representative candidate from 136th District
7:45 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - RTM Finance and Education Committees

Author Woody Klein Talks About Brown v. Board of Education Decision

Westport author Woody Klein addressed a Westport Public Library audience tonight about the book he edited, "Toward Humanity and Justice: The Writings of Kenneth B. Clark Scholar of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Decision." Today is the 50th anniversary of the historic ruling. Clark was a major influence on modern equal rights laws. His social science papers, according to Klein, were the basis for the decision that made segregation in public schools illegal. About 60 persons attended the event. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Staples Clinches FCIAC Playoff Berth With 3-2 Win Over Stamford

Pinpoint pitching by starter Ben Brooks and reliever John Baumann (seen above) combined for a Staples Wreckers 3-2 win over Stamford today and a berth in the FCIAC playoffs. See SPORTS. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Blumenthal Says Connecticut Law Does Not Allow Same-Sex Marriages

In a long-awaited opinion, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said today Connecticut law does not allow for same-sex marriages.

Blumenthal's opinion comes in response to queries from Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell and other local officials and a letter from Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney questioning if laws in any state permitted gay couples to marry.

Connecticut's marriage laws have not been analyzed since 1980, when the attorney general's office ruled that state statutes did not specifically define marriage.

Blumenthal said there is nothing in Connecticut law that allows or authorizes marriage licenses to be issued to same-sex couples.

Blumenthal said Connecticut statutes refer to a "bride" and "groom" and a "husband" and "wife" and said these terms are commonly understood to refer to a man and a woman.

He declined to say whether Connecticut can recognize same-sex marriages from out of state.

"An answer would require me to make law, not interpret it," Blumenthal said.

Romney said in a letter to leaders in 49 states that out-of-state gay couples would be prohibited from marrying when same-sex marriage became legal in Massachusetts unless the laws in their home state permit the marriages. The first marriages began taking place Monday in Massachusetts.

Blumenthal said it would be up to Romney to decide whether to allow Connecticut couples to marry in Massachusetts.

"The bottom line here is that the legislature and only the legislature has the authority to grant this authority to same-sex couples," Blumenthal said.

Farrell, who had asked Blumenthal to interpret Connecticut's laws regarding same-sex marriage, said she would adhere to his opinion and not perform same-sex marriages.

"I want to do my job to the fullest extent and I do believe in equal rights for all Americans," said Farrell, a justice of the peace who had said she would perform gay marriages if they were deemed legal.

"I think we need to recognize that, at the end of the day, people have the right to pursue their own happiness."

She agreed the issue would be a major source of debate in the next legislative session.

"We will have to wait until the good folks in Hartford take action, and at that point, assuming that they recognize that this is a legal union, I would be happy to perform ceremonies," said Farrell, a Democrat who is challenging U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, a Republican, for the 4th Congressional District seat.

UPDATE: Westport Hires Milford Assessor

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell today announced she has hired William H. Gaffney, III, assessor for the town of Milford and 2003 "Assessor of the Year," as the town's new assessor.

"I'm delighted Bill is coming aboard," she said. "He has spectacular credentials and will bring stability to the department that will now be focused on implementing a full physical revaluation in 2005."

She said Gaffney will begin work June 21.

Gaffney, assessor in Milford since 1992, was among four finalists for the position and accepted the job Friday, Farrell said.

He takes over from Glenn Werfelman, who Farrell says failed to inform her of a backlog in building permit paperwork in his office that led to postponing the 2003 property assessment for a year.

Farrell placed him on leave March 4 and he retired effective May 1.

Gaffney is a veteran assessor who last year was named "Assessor of the Year" by the Connecticut Association of Assessing Officers, Inc. Prior to joining Milford, he was assistant assessor in Fairfield from 1979 to 1992.

Last month, he addressed a meeting of the Revaluation Working Group, the
group appointed by Farrell to review the postponed 2003 assessment.

He explained how Milford handles its assessment in house and suggested Westport might consider doing the same.

The group has indicated its preference to conduct a full physical revaluation rather than a less accurate statistical update.

The General Assembly last week approved a bill giving communities the option of delaying a reval for up to three years.

Farrell is expected to ask the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) on June 1 to approve a postponement – a necessary requirement under the new state legislation.

Gaffney will have his work cut out for him. The town has already hired a firm to help clear up the building permit backlog but it is unlikely that it can conduct a full physical reval in house so a firm must be hired.

Meanwhile, the Reval Working Group, along with the RTM Finance Committee as well as members of the Board of Finance, are pressing for a full investigation of the assessor's office.

Monday, May 17, 2004

7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Author Woody Klein talks about his book "Toward Humanity and Justice: The Writings of Kenneth B. Clark Scholar of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Decision." Today is the 50th anniversary of the historic ruling.

Compo Scene

The view of the water from a picnic table a Compo Beach Sunday was quiet and serene. But neighboring tables were crowded as well – see picture below. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

A Perfect Way to End a Sunday

What a perfect way to end a warm and sunny Sunday – with a Compo Beach picnic and cookout. Many Westporters had the same idea late today and all available space was taken. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Minister Joins Hartford Rally Supporting Same-Sex Marriages

The Rev. Marian Visel: rallied in clerical garb. Cablevision News-12 photo A Westport minister who performed same-sex marriages in New Paltz, N.Y. and was later served with a warning letter was among hundreds of people who converged on Hartford today for a rally on the eve of legalized gay marriages in Massachusetts.

The Rev. Marian Visel of Westport's Unitarian Church said she attended the rally in clerical garb because she felt it important to make a statement that religious leaders favor gay rights.

"Civil marriage is a civil right," Visel told Cablevision News-12. "I want everyone's rights to be honored in the state."

Two months ago, Visel was given a warning letter by a local district attorney after participating in the marriage of gay couples in New Paltz, N.Y. No further action was taken.

Subsequently, the other four ministers at the church also participated in similar ceremonies in New Paltz.

Both supporters and opponents of same sex marriages rallied in Hartford. About 700 gay couples, their children and supporters gathered in support of recognizing gay marriage in Connecticut.

Earlier in the day, around 115 gay marriage detractors voiced their opinions, occasionally clashing verbally with opponents.

At midnight Monday, Massachusetts becomes the first state in the country to legalize gay marriages.

Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has said he will release his opinion on the legality of same-sex marriage in the state on Monday.

Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has said couples who do not own property in that state, or who can't marry in their home states, will not be issued licenses.

Many at the Hartford rally, carrying signs that read "Make love legal in Connecticut" and "Love is tender and knows no gender," said they would wed as soon as legally possible.