Sunday NY Times: $1 Million Often Buys a Westport Teardown

To Westporters savvy about housing prices, it's nothing new, but Sunday's New York Times cites Westport as among southern Connecticut communities where $1 million often buys a teardown.

Two of the three pictures illustrating the newspaper's Connecticut section cover story show Westport homes, one for sale for $1.1 million and other for $2.3 million.

Ten years ago, $1 million bought a "pretty high-end home, but $1 million now is pretty much entry level," said Mary Palmieri Gai, a broker at William Raveis of Westport.

"A million buys a tired house on half an acre or less that is waiting to be knocked down," she said.

According to the Times, in Westport and Darien the average price of single family homes hit the $1 million mark in 2002.

The newspaper said in Westport, the proportion of homes selling for $1 million or more between Jan. 1, 2003 and March 31, 2004, was 46 percent of sales, No. 3 behind New Canaan (66 percent) and Greenwich (60 percent).

Many real estate agents in southern Connecticut said even $1 million is not really a standard by which a home becomes truly impressive.

Homes that induce a mild "wow," Gai told the Times, sell for at least $2.5 million, but even then, "brokers have become so jaded that it's the land that makes them say 'wow' and not the house."

Saturday, May 29, 2004

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Staples High School - Westport Handcraft Show

Gasping for Gas

By Fran
WestportNow Consumer Correspondent
fran@westportnow.com

I’m not going to tell you something you don’t already know: the price of gas is outrageously exorbitant.
Westport Sunoco: the low-price leader. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

With fuel prices skyrocketing, it’s more than worthwhile to scout around for the best price. Here’s what a precious gallon of gas will cost you around town today.

Price of Regular/Premium Gas
All self-serve unless noted otherwise

Westport Sunoco, 322 Post Road East, 2.119 / 2.319
Gulf (Cumberland Farms), 690 Post Road East, 2.159 / 2.359
Greens Farms Getty, 1830 Post Road East, 2.159 / 2.359
Citgo (DeMattia’s), 786 Post Road East, 2.179 / 2.429
Greens Farms Shell, 1530 Post Road East, 2.189 / 2.399
BP Amoco, 1510 Post Road East, 2.199 / 2.459
Mobil Self-Serve, 1060 Post Road East (near Barnes & Noble), 2.219 / 2.459

Bridge Garage Mobil, 558 Riverside Ave., 2.239 / 2.439
Riverside Sunoco (Full serve only)*, 240 Riverside Ave., 2.279 / 2.459
Christy’s Service, 161 Cross Highway, (“Plus” available only) 2.359
Westport Getty, 271 Post Road East, 2.369 / 2.599
Compo Exxon, 485 Post Road East (near Westport Fire Department), 2.399 / 2.599
Mobil Westport Center Service, 302 Post Road East (across from Getty), 2.469 / 2.599

*Riverside Sunoco offers a deal that’s nothing to sneeze at: 5 cents off all grades on Wednesdays and Sundays. Bring the Sunday Times and wait in line.

Now for the good news: the weather is going to be gorgeous all weekend, and with the Compo Beach lifeguards on duty, Longshore pools clean and sparkling, and the best Memorial Day parade this side of the Mississippi, there’s no reason to leave Westport.

So you won’t be spending a penny on gas!

Whatever you do, have a safe and happy Memorial Day weekend.

Deadline June 14 for Westport Arts Center’s Members' Show

As the second anniversary of the Westport Arts Center (WAC) gallery approaches, preparations are underway for the center's annual members’ exhibition, "The Big Show 2004," which opens in mid-July. Deadline for submissions is June 14.

The show is an all-inclusive, multimedia visual arts exhibit held each summer that is open to all artists who are members of the Westport Arts Center.

"The 'Big Show' is aptly named for the quantity of work exhibited," said Miggs Burroughs, a local artist and one of the organizers of the exhibit.

"I'm always impressed by the depth of talent and creativity we have here in our own backyard.

"It's a great opportunity for artists because it is not a judged or juried show. With this kind of open-call exhibition, artists can show experimental work without a fear of rejection."

With WAC’s growing membership -- up almost 50 percent since the gallery and offices opened in June 2001 -- this year’s members' exhibition will be divided into two parts.

The July 9-Aug. 6 period is for artists whose last names begin with A-K, and Aug. 13-Sept. 10 for artists whose last names begin with L-Z.

The entry form deadline for both parts is the same: Monday, June 14.

Artists who would like to participate in the exhibition are required submit their entry forms and update their membership before the June 14 deadline.

Entry forms and WAC membership information are available on the WAC Web site or by calling 203-222-7070.

The Westport Arts Center’s Gallery is located at 51 Riverside Ave, Westport. The gallery is open seven days a week: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; weekends, 12-4 p.m. Admission is free and open to all.

Westport Country Playhouse Box Office Opens June 8

The Westport Country Playhouse has announced that tickets will be on sale to the general public on Tuesday, June 8, at 10 a.m., for all performances and events in its 2004 summer season.

The sale includes the special event "Trumbo" featuring Gordon MacDonald and Paul Newman.

The Playhouse's box office is now located at The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts, where the majority of this season's performances will be staged while major renovation is underway at its Westport home.

Two full productions will be presented in partnership with The Ridgefield Playhouse.

"Someone Who'll Watch Over Me," written by Frank McGuinness and directed by Ethan McSweeny, will play June 24 through July 11.

Inspired by a true story, the timely drama depicts the imprisonment of three Westerners in the Middle East and the bonds formed between them thanks to wit, imagination, and indomitable human spirit.

Molière's classic comedy, "The School for Husbands," will run July 29 through Aug. 15.

Translated by Richard Wilbur and directed by Doug Hughes, who last season directed the acclaimed, "All My Sons" at the Playhouse, the plot pits two rothers against each other as their young brides-to-be assert their ndependence.

Hughes is nominated for a 2004 Tony Award for directing Broadway's "Frozen."

Symposia to discuss the background of each play, its historical context, and its meaning today follows the performance on Wednesday, June 30 and Aug. 4.

Talk Backs are scheduled on Thursday, July 8 and Aug. 12 when members of the company will engage in a lively discussion and Q&A with the audience after the show. There is no additional charge for these events.

A shuttle bus is available round-trip Westport to Ridgefield leaving on Sunday, June 27 and Aug. 1 at 1 p.m., and Tuesday, July 6 and Aug. 10, at 6 p.m., one hour before show time at an additional charge. Reservations are necessary.

The performance schedule is somewhat changed from past seasons. There are now two performances on Sundays, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. (except Sunday, July 4). In addition, there is an earlier starting time on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

Other performances are Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m. (opening Saturdays, June 26 and July 31, at 7:30 p.m.), and Saturday twilight shows at 4 p.m.

Tickets will also be available on June 8 for the following:

An Arts Festival with The Second City National Touring Company on July 16, performing classic scenes, songs, social satire, and improvisation.

The 8th Annual Doo-Wop and Oldies Spectacular on July 17, featuring Emil Stucchio and the Classics, The Shangri-Las, and Kenny Vance and the Planotones.

And "Time for Three" on July 23, a hot, up-and-coming trio playing an eclectic mix of jazz, bluegrass, and classical.

The Arts Festival also includes Gordon MacDonald and Paul Newman appearing
in "Trumbo," on July 13-15, and July 19-20, with a benefit performance on
July 21.

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 is written by his son, Christopher Trumbo, and directed by Peter Askin.

A Film Series will feature screenings of classic movies followed by a discussion with special guests in collaboration with the Community Theatre Foundation, Fairfield.

Gene Wilder and New York Times critic Janet Maslin will talk about "Young Frankenstein" on June 29 and Jane Powell will be joined by Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborne following "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" on July 6.

Also, Joanne Woodward and Stewart Stern, author of "Rachel, Rachel," will discuss the film on July 20 and 22, and Keir Dullea will be interviewed by Brooks Newspaper critic Susan Granger after "2001: A Space Odyssey" on Aug. 3.

All films will be at the Community Theatre Foundation, with the exception of July 22 at The Ridgefield Playhouse.

The popular Kid's Playhouse will reside at Westport's Saugatuck Elementary School where four shows await children ages 4 and up: "Sittin' around Grover's Corner: Songs & Stories from Public Radio" by David Grover and the Big Bear Band on July 9.

Also, "Big Bad Wolf vs. Lord Underwearface von Schtinker" by Second City Children's Theatre on July 16; "The Lizard of Oz" by Bugs & Balloons on July 30, and "Really Good and Funny Songs" by Child's Play Touring Theatre on Aug. 6.

What's New Inside WN: A 95th Birthday, Etc.

To help readers keep up on what's new inside WestportNow, we introduce this occasional note to keep you up to date:

On the COMMUNITY page: Marian Harding celebrates her 95th birthday...A Better Chance appoints a new board...the Westport Historical Society prepares for its new "Westport By the Sea" exhibit.

On the ARTS & LEISURE page: The Westport Arts Center readies its Builders Beyond Borders exhibit...the Westport Youth Film Festival names its winners...WestportNow's new Wine Talk column by Chris Grimm.

On the BUSINESS page: Westport's Jane Sherman accepts an award from Congressman Christopher Shays for Norwalk-based Alden O. Sherman Co. Inc. joining the CONNSTEP program.

Compo Playtime

The late afternoon Thursday was a good time for playing on Compo Beach. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Alex Nitkin for WestportNow.com

Friday, May 28, 2004

No public meetings scheduled.

Reminder -- if you have events you would like listed in the WestportNow calendar, please e-mail editor@westportnow.com at least three days in advance.

Heartbreak at Staples

In moving remarks to a Staples High School assembly today, Mariann Hudak of Stratford told of the accident that killed her 21-year-old daughter, Laurie. She died in a Fairfield crash on Nov. 25, 2001, when a friend who had been drinking and driving crashed into a utility pole. Husak, a member of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), took part in "Grim Reaper Day 2004" aimed at warning of the dangers of drinking and driving. WestportNow.com photo

Welcome to School

Staples High School students found these wrecked cars waiting for them outside school today – a reminder of the dangers of drinking and driving. WestportNow.com photo

Ready for Splashdown

The pools at Longshore Club Park are sparkling clean and ready for the first cannonballs of the season when they open Saturday. The Longshore pools will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. all three days of Memorial Day weekend. WestportNow.com photo

Westport Property Transfers, May 17-21, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period May 17-21, 2004:

Jill and Maarten Nederlof to Stephen Kent Curry, 41 Old Road, $1,425,000.

Brooke M. Dojny to Eric and Jennifer Ross, 39 Burr Farms Road, $985,000.

Waler and Karen Joelson to Wikram and Ashima S. Nair, 28 Colony Road, $938,500.

Ruth Solway to Richard C. Montanaro, 15 St. John Place, $614,250.

Wanda J. Knoebel to Jeanne W. DeSalvo, 12C Cross Highway, $475,000.

Carol G. Moore and Jean Leonard to Jackquelin and John Cutrone, 78 Cross Highway, $1,100,000.

Pauline and Paula Crotty to Carol Demont, 3 Crescent Park Road, $259,000.

Coverbridge Lane Properties LLC to Wilson Seth and Emily R. Warren, 8 Burnham Hill Road, $2,450,000.

Philip P. and Margaret M. Schaeffer to Danette M. Stephens, 197 Hillspoint Road, $1,126,750.

Lyn Harding c/o M. Cusa to Paul Moss, 12 River Oaks Road, $898,000.

C. Gerald Paolella to John David and Linda L. Duebendorfer, 5 Roosevelt Road, $2,275,000.

Richard Ellenbogen and Debra Weissman to Andrew and Melissa Parker, 4 Marilane Road, $1,280,000.

Jerome and Audrey Link to Kallie Gordon, 3 Kirock Place, $495,000.

Westport Home and Land Co. LLC to David Finkel, 14 Terra Nova Circle Unit 32, $979,385.

Land Group Inc. to Amber M. Brookman, 5 Stoneboat Road, $2,550,000.

Westport Home and Land Co. LLC to Joseph and Maria Katz Anastasi, 85 Terra Nova Circle Unit 53, $788,094.

Estate of Mary K. Grant to Tradwell Ave LLC, 27 Treadwell Ave., $604,000.

MBMVest LLC to Thomas D. and Helen H. Lasersohn, 304 North Ave. (75 percent Westport), $4,721,544.

Milton E. and Sheilah Kleinman to Turnkey Associates Inc., 24 Burr Farms Road, $905,000.

Hugh E. and Meredith Hass to Shawn P. Teed, 38 Danbury Ave., $1,852,300.

Ronald K. Tenay to Jeffrey and Kane Peterson, 1 Sturges Hollow, $1,450,000.

RTM Committees Rebuke Parks & Rec Commission on Winslow

By Chris Grimm
WestportNow Community Correspondent

Two committees of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) have voted overwhelmingly to recommend "passive use" zoning for Winslow Park – a direct rebuke to a recommendation by the town's Parks and Recreation Commission.

The RTM Parks and Recreation Committee voted Tuesday night while the RTM Long Range Planning Committee voted Wednesday night.

At its May 10 meeting, the Parks and Recreation Commission had voted unanimously to recommend that the Planning and Zoning Commission adopt two Dedicated Open Space and Recreation District (DOSRD) classifications that could be applied to Westport parks and open spaces.

The P&Z will discuss amending zoning regulations to add these two classifications at its June 3 meeting.

Immediately following the vote to adopt the two DOSRD zones, the Parks and Rec Commission surprised attending residents by voting to recommend classification of Winslow Park as an "active use" DOSRD #2 zone.

This 4-1 vote came following unanimous opposition by attending residents but little discussion among the commission members.

The classification would have allowed for the placement of "playgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts, beaches, and other active organized sports in developed recreation areas" in Winslow Park.

In supporting the classification, commission chairman Mark Smith stated a desire to not tie the hands of Westporters in 20 or 30 years.

He said they may need the space to house facilities for sports that "may not even have been invented yet."

In voting 4-0 (with one abstention) to recommend DOSRD#1 ("passive use") classification to the P&Z for Winslow Park, the RTM Parks and Rec Committee expressed a clear desire to maintain Winslow Park in its current state -- as a park dedicated to passive recreational use.

Committee members noted that while compelling needs might necessitate zoning variances to meet town requirements for appropriate use of Winslow Park in the long term, the burden of proof will be with those who want to change Winslow Park from its current state.

Members expressed concern that, in the future, DOSRD#2 ("active use") classification might be interpreted as an endorsement of recreational facility development at Winslow Park.

At its Wednesday meeting, the RTM Long Range Planning Committee echoed the Parks and Rec Committee votes, with 6-0 tallies in favor of both motions.

The committees will present their recommendations at the June 3 P&Z meeting.

Editor's Note: The opinions and accuracy of information in this article are the responsibility of the contributor, who is an RTM member from Distict 5 and a member of both committees cited in the article. The editor of WestportNow is also Moderator of the RTM.

Westport's Erica Feidner: She has the Ivory Touch

Move over Martha Stewart and Ann Fudge and make room for Erica Feidner -- Westport's latest female business executive on the cover of a national magazine.
Erica Feidner performs in March at Long Lots Elementary School. Long Lots Elementary School photo

Feidner, the top salesperson for Steinway and Sons pianos in New York City, is the cover story in June's Inc. Magazine.

A profile accompanies her photograph and highlights her success as a salesperson, musician and burgeoning inspirational speaker.

"The whole thing came together in a magical way," Feidner told the Bennington (Vt.) Banner in explaining how she came to be the cover story.

Feidner grew up in Bennington and every Saturday attended Juilliard's pre-college division in New York.

But certain twists in her life, well-documented in an eight-page New Yorker article in 2001 by author James B. Stewart, made her decide to attend business school in New York City, the report said.

She ended up at Steinway in 1992 and slowly made her way back to performing on the piano, for clients and for herself.

Feidner and Stewart have kept in touch since the article was published, she said. Stewart purchased a Steinway piano from her during the time of the article, and since then, he has put on a yearly recital at Steinway's recital series with Feidner's help.

At a reception for Stewart's most recent recital, Feidner was having wine and cheese and got talking to a woman who worked for Inc. Magazine. Feidner clicked with the woman instantly.

"Within 30 seconds we were laughing hysterically," she said, and the meeting eventually led to the cover story.

The newspaper said the magazine article is one of many new aspects of Feidner's life that signify big changes are in the works.

"For 38 years, everything was golden. Then for a year, everything collapsed," said Feidner, who is about to turn 40.

The last year has been hard, she said. She suffered from a slipped disc in her neck that left her on bed-rest for two months, she moved from New York City to Westport, and she divorced her husband, although it was an amicable separation, she said.

"My body was saying you have to slow down," said Feidner.

She had been working at Steinway 60 to 70 hours a week, where she met with clients by appointment and worked with them as a "matchmaker," like the New Yorker article says, to find their perfect Steinway.

Feidner now spends 30 to 50 hours in the office at Steinway, but still expects to sell about $3.5 million worth of pianos in 2004, according to the Inc. Magazine profile.

Thursday, May 27, 2004

2 p.m. - Town Hll Auditorium - Revaluation Working Group
7 p.m. - Toquet Hall - Youth Commission
7: 30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Commission
7:30 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Builders Beyond Borders art exhibition
opening reception

Board of Selectmen Sends Compo Dog Regs Back to Parks & Rec

The Westport Board of Selectmen decided today to put off action renewing current regulations regarding dogs at Compo Beach pending a meeting with the Parks and Recreation Commission that could lead to additional concessions to dog owners.

First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, saying she was "genuinely conflicted" by the issue, took her cue from Selectman John Izzo who said he wanted to end the controversy by allowing dogs off leash on all sandy areas before 9 a.m. from Oct. 1 to April 1.

The Parks and Recreation Commission had specifically turned down the proposal during recent hearings in which it endorsed current regulations minus a "sunset clause" added by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) that limited the rules to one year.

Selectman Carl Leaman, Farrell's fellow Democrat on the board, said he favored the Parks and Recreation Commission position that allowing dogs off leash on all sandy areas before 9 a.m. would deny beachgoers a dog-free area to walk in the early morning hours.

Farrell suggesting putting off any action on the regulations until the board could meet jointly with members of the commission to work out a potential compromise.

"This issue has to be put to bed," Izzo told the meeting. "My view is to grant the dog owners the hour extension because I really want to stop this (annual review of the regulations). I'm fed up with it."

The issue of dogs at Compo has long been a controversial one. Two years ago, the Parks and Recreation Commission approved rules dividing the beach into on-leash and off-leash areas from Oct. 1 to April 1.

The RTM endorsed the rules but two years in a row added the sunset clause so they could be reviewed after a year to see how they were working.

Stuart McCarthy, Parks and Recreation director, told the meeting that the current regulations had been found to be "effective and fair."

"Compliance with the regulations has been very good and the Parks and Recreation Commission and Department see no reason to alter the regulations," he said.

But dog owners at the meeting disagreed. They said their usage survey showed very few beachgoers in the off-season before 9 a.m.

They said use of the entire beach in the early morning hours would greatly enhance their ability to run along the sand and play with their animals.

Dodd Makes it Official: He's for Farrell

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell thanks Sen. Christopher Dodd for his formal endorsement today in her 4th Congressional District race at an event at the South Norwalk train station. Norwalk Mayor Alex Knopp and local state legislative candidates were also on hand. WestportNow.com photo

Westport's "Click It or Ticket" Campaign Nets 67 Drivers

The Westport Police Department's "Click It or Ticket" campaign, part of a national effort to get drivers to use their seat belts, has netted 67 drivers since it began Monday, a spokesman said today.

Sgt. Jerry Shannon said 13 drivers were ticketed Monday and another 54 on Tuesday. The ticket carries a $37 fine.

The two-week enforcement drive, which runs until June 6, is based on a proven public health model to increase belt use called “high visibility enforcement,” according to law enforcement officials.

The Westport Police Department will conduct seat belt checkpoints, saturation patrols and other special enforcement activities during the period, according to police officials.

Westport Man Not Missing in Vermont After All

Vermont state police say a 24-year-old man, whom his Westport parents believed was missing, has been spotted in numerous locations in northern Vermont and is reportedly safe, the Caledonian-Record reported today.

The newspaper said Matthew Harris, who had been coordinating a meditation course at a Buddhist meditation retreat in Barnet, Vt., was reported missing by officials from the retreat May 19.

He had left the facility on foot with a hiking stick and backpack the day before.

An exhaustive search of the property as well nearby areas failed to turn up any signs of him, the report said.

State police Sgt. Robert Clark said Tuesday that Harris was seen buying an apple at a nearby store the same day he walked out of the retreat and was also spotted hitchhiking.

Harris' father, Paul, had said it was unusual for him to just take off without saying where he was going. He believed his son was missing, the newspaper said.

Clark said he spoke with Harris' parents and told them about the sightings. At that time, he was told by the Harrises they had received an e-mail from Matthew saying he did not want to tell anyone where he was.

Clark said Matthew had written in his e-mail he had met some people and was following their cause. "He does not want to be found," he said.

Matthew, according to Clark, also has taken some money out of his bank account.

"He's not missing," he said. "He's a free spirit. He should have had the decency to let his parents know what's going on. He's a 24-year-old doing his own agenda."

Medusa for the Day

Long Lots Elementary School's fifth grade Tuesday celebrated the end of its unit on Greek culture with a "Greek Olympics Day" featuring both ancient and modern games. Teacher Lisa Loechner dressed as Medusa for the day. Medusa was once a beautiful maiden whose hair was her chief glory. But as she dared to vie in beauty with Athena, the goddess punished her by changing her beautiful ringlets into hissing serpents and making her a frightful monster, the sight of which turned all living things into stone. Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Wednesday, May 26, 2004

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag Luncheon
5 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Selectmen
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - RTM Long Range Planning Committee

Westport Democrats Nominate Joe Mioli for 136th District Seat

Joe Mioli is congratulated by Democratic Town Committee chair Martha Aasen after his nomination. Contributed photo Westport Democrats tonight nominated Joe Mioli, a member of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), as its candidate for the 136th District legislative seat to oppose incumbent Republican G. Kenneth Bernhard.

The two faced each other for the same seat two years ago with Bernhard winning by 323 votes out of 8,401 votes cast.

Mioli, 66, is a former owner of Westport Pizzeria on Main Street and had become widely known to many Westporters during his tenure at the restaurant.

He was elected to a two-year term on the RTM last November.

Getting into the Swing of Summer

Sunny skies, temperature in the low 70s, what better weather for a round of golf today at Westport's Longshore Club Park. Parks and Rec department workers are getting ready for a busy summer kicked off by the Memorial Day holiday weekend. WestportNow.com photo

Suspicious Suitcase Touches Off Bomb Scare

A suspicious suitcase touched off a brief bomb scare today at Westport's Inn at National Hall on Post Road West.

But upon closer inspection, the culprit turned out to be a battery-operated toothbrush in the luggage belonging to a guest, according to Westport Police Sgt. Jerry Shannon.

An earlier report had described it only as a type of vibrating machine.

Police and fire units responded to the incident shortly after 4 p.m. at the hotel at the intersection of Route 33 and Post Road West.

Going Where the Money Is

The Westport Rotary Club made its annual community partnership grants today at its meeting at the Inn at Longshore. Rotary members and representatives of the recipients pose for a group shot. See a different angle and other photos on COMMUNITY page. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Hoping for the Best, Training for the Worst

Members of the Westport Police Department and Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service wound up training today on how to respond to hazardous materials incidents involving weapons of mass destruction. Instructor Bruce Kelly, a Westport firefighter, explains the equipment on the Westport-based Mid-Fairfield County Hazardous Materials truck. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Student Arrested in New Hampshire Drug Bust

Police in Durham, N.H. say a Westport student studying at the University of New Hampshire was one of 11 university students arrested in the third wave of drug arrests near the university since January, according to The Union Leader.

The newspaper said undercover police arrested Jack E. Kelhoffer, 18, of Westport, and charged him with Class A felony possession with intent to sell a controlled drug and Class A misdemeanor possession of a controlled drug, according to police Capt. Paul Dean.

Kelhoffer was arrested two weeks ago and scheduled for a June 24 arraignment in Durham District Court.

Police said most of the drug arrests were for one ounce of marijuana or less.

Durham and UNH police have arrested at least 29 people, including UNH and high school students, on drug charges since January, the newspaper said.

Class A felony convictions carry a maximum jail sentence of 14 years while a Class A misdemeanor can bring up to a year in jail.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004

8:30 a.m. - Staples High School, Room 516 - Board of Education Curriculum Materials Review Committee
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201A - Planning & Zoning Commission Fence Committee
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - Architectural Review Board
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Zoning Board of Appeals
8 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201-201A - 136th Democratic Legislative Convention

Dems Nominate Newcomer Arlo Ellison for 26th District Senate Seat

With his daughters Jessica and Chloe at his side, Westporter Arlo Ellison accepts the applause of fellow Democrats tonight as they nominated him to run for the 26th state senate seat at a meeting at Westport Town Hall. Ellison will face veteran Republican Judith G. Freedman, also a Westporter, who has only been challenged one other time by a Democrat in the past decade. The district covers Westport, Weston, Wilton, Bethel, New Canaan, Redding and Ridgefield. WestportNow.com photo

Westport's Paul Newman Dedicates Sixth Hole in Wall Gang Camp

Westport's Paul Newman, joined by movie-star buddy Bruce Willis and other celebrities, has unveiled the sixth of his Hole in the Wall Gang camps for chronically ill children.

The camp was dedicated this weekend in Lake Hughes, Calif., on the edge of California's high desert.

"A lot of people have ideas and never do anything about them," Newman said at the dedication of Painted Turtle Camp.

"A lot of people have dreams and never do anything about them. When you have ideas and dreams, you do something about it, and that's what we've done here.

"There's going to be a lot of comfort here, a lot of sweetness here."

The camp, with its whale-shaped, wheelchair-accessible swimming pool and gardens planted to minimize allergens, is designed for children too ill to attend a traditional summer camp.

"It's a very special thing they're doing here," said Willis, posing for pictures with visitors. "Like Paul said, it's easy to have ideas. It takes a lot more to do something about it. These guys are doing something about it."

After the 173-acre camp's dedication, guests took a tour and were entertained by Sugar Ray, violinist Joshua Bell and dancer Savion Glover.

The facility, a former recreational vehicle campground, cost $28 million to convert to Painted Turtle Camp.

The actor, whose Westport-based Newman's Own food products company has given more than $150 million to charities since 1982, helped get the camp off the ground.

Newman and fellow actors Jack Nicholson, Julia Roberts and Matt Damon also raised $2 million with a benefit stage performance, and the Los Angeles Lakers donated the gym's floor.

Newman's first Hole in the Wall Gang Camp opened in 1988 in Ashford, Conn. The seventh is scheduled to open later this year in North Carolina.

Report: Martha Stewart Lawyers to File New Appeal This Week

Lawyers for Westport's Martha Stewart are hard at work on another motion for a new trial based on perjury charges against a key government witness, according to ABC News.

Last week handwriting expert Larry Stewart was charged with perjury. The perjury charge stems from his testimony about ink on a stock brokerage worksheet.

That worksheet was key to the prosecution's case.

ABC News has learned Stewart's lawyers will present a motion for a new trial sometime this week.

The judge threw out a previous motion early this month.

Rude Awakening

A United Parcel Service tractor trailer driver apparently fell asleep at the wheel on I-95 today and the cab of his truck went off the northbound roadway near the Compo Road South overpass. The trailer remained on the highway. The driver was taken to Norwalk Hospital by Westport EMS. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Close Call

Firefighters survey the scene today where the cab of a United Parcel Service tractor trailer went down an embankment off of I-95 at the Compo Road South overpass. There were no injuries on the local roadway in the incident shortly after 6 a.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Monday, May 24, 2004

11:30 a.m. - Westport YMCA - Gordon Joseloff, editor/publisher, WestportNow.com addresses Y's Women
8 p.m. - Staples High School Library - Board of Education

Teens Report on Builders Beyond Borders Projects

Area high school students and their parents met in Westport Town Hall today to hear reports on Builders Beyond Borders projects this spring. The Westport-based non-profit group provides high school students with opportunities to experience international service projects in order to promote cooperation and understanding among people of different backgrounds and cultures. Elizabeth Scheffler, 18, a Greenwich High School student who grew up in Westport, reports on her work in the Dominican Republic where she helped construct a multi-purpose center. WestportNow.com photo

Staples Students Join in Habitat Effort in Stratford

Westport Staples High School students from the the Key Club and the Habitat Club joined forces today to work on a multifamily project in Stratford as part of the efforts of Habitat of Greater Bridgeport. Seen here are (l to r) Jon Sellon, David Rada, Bryan Stenson, and Lucas Rose. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Hadley Rose for WestportNow.com

TGIB (Thank God It’s Barbeque)

By Fran
WestportNow Consumer Correspondent
fran@westportnow.com

Just when I was about to give up hope entirely, spring has sprung in Westport. Which means one important thing in my household: barbeque.
Time for a refill. WestportNow. com photo

With Memorial Day weekend less than a week away, gas grillers like me won’t want to get caught short without a spiffed up barbeque grill and a full tank of propane.

Here’s where to have yours refilled, buy a new one, or even swap a new filled one for your old tank.

First a few words of caution from my friend Fire Marshall Fred Baker:

1. When transporting your propane tank after refilling, secure the tank in a well-ventilated spot in your vehicle. Drive directly home or to where it will be used.

2. Never leave the tank unattended in a hot car or car trunk where the heat may cause the gas pressure to increase and allow gas to escape.

3. Never take the propane tank into the house, and always keep it upright.

4. Inspect the grill and tank for signs of winter wear and tear before you get started, and replace worn parts as needed, especially hoses and regulators.

5. Make sure to use only a propane tank with the new triangular-shape valve.

If you have an old one, the only way to dispose of it is by bringing it to the Fire Marshall’s office at 515 Post Road East (across from IHOP) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call the Fire Department at 341-5010 with questions.

Here’s where to have your propane tank refilled:

Stew Leonard’s, 100 Westport Ave. Norwalk $9.95
De Mattia’s Fuel Co. (aka Citgo gas station), 786 Post Road East, Westport, $12
The Rural Gas Company, 271 Post Road East, Westport $13.50

You can also swap your tank for a filled one at:

Stop & Shop, 1790 Post Road East $17
BP Amoco Service Station, 1510 Post Road East $17.99

And to buy a new filled tank:

De Mattia’s Fuel Co. $36.95
Stew Leonard’s $41.33
The Rural Gas Company, $45
Stop & Shop $50

Finally Stop & Shop will exchange your old tank for a new filled one for $34.99.

Enjoy, and don’t forget the marshmallows!

WN Wine Talk: Oregon Pinot and Alaska Salmon Winning Combo

WestportNow today launches a new feature – a wine column by Westporter Chris Grimm. It is the first of what we hope will be a number of columns contributed by Westporters reflecting their interests or hobbies. If you would like to contribute similar columns, please contact the editor. For today's debut Wine Talk column, go to the ARTS & LEISURE page.