June 05, 2004
Narrow Escape
A landscaping truck burns on the I-95 exit 17 southbound off-ramp today. Westport firefighters quickly doused the flames but not before the truck was heavily damaged. The occupants managed to escape without injury. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com
Unhidden for a Day
The Westport Historical Society presents is 13th annual Hidden Garden Tour Sunday, including this seaside beauty above. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and advance tickets are on sale at the WHS today from noon to 3 p.m. for $22 for WHS members and $30 for non-members. Day-of-tour tickets are $35. Details are available at the society's Web site. Contributed photo
Milk Prices on the Rise
By Fran
WestportNow Consumer Correspondent
fran@westportnow.com
Milk prices are rising, too. File photo Last week, I told you it pays for Westporters to shop for a gallon of gas. This week I've got the same advice about a gallon of milk. Whether it's your SUV guzzling gas or the kids guzzling cow juice, shop around.
While it seems as if the two commodities have been rising in price almost in tandem recently, those who study such things (and surely that includes someone in Westport) say milk actually is outpacing gasoline in the rate of increases.
I won't bore you with all the details, but like gasoline, such things as federal price supports, additive issues, and even international factors (mad cow disease?) are affecting our milk prices.
At least that's what the pointy head-types tell us. Me, I think it's the popularity of the Atkins no-carb thing which has got people off milk.
The bottom line: just be glad your SUV drinks unleaded instead of whole milk.
So here's the low-down on Westport area milk prices, which, like gasoline, are apt to change rapidly:
Price of a Gallon of Whole Milk
Costco, Norwalk, $2.85
Walgreens, 1870 Post Road East. $3.19
Trader Joes, 400 Post Road East. $3.39
CVS, 397 Post Road East, $3.59
HayDay, 1385 Post Road East,.$3.69
Eckerds, 1080 Post Road East. $3.69
Stop and Shop, 1790 Post Road East, $3.79
Shaw's, 605 Post Road East, $3.82
Fast Stop Food Mart, 20 Saugatuck Ave., $4.19
The Country Store and Deli, 332 Wilton Road, $4.29
BP Amoco Service Station, 1510 Post Road East, $4.29
Christy’s Country Store, 161 Cross Highway, $4.50
Wild Oats, 399 Post Road West, $4.59
Saturday, June 5, 2004
7:30 p.m. - Quick Center, Fairfield - Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Funny Girl"
8 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Community Theatre presents "The Laramie Project"
June 04, 2004
TEAM Westport Sponsors "Laramie Project" Community Conversation
A controversial play about the murder of a gay student in Laramie, Wyo., will be the focus for a community discussion by Westport's diversity commission known as TEAM Westport.
The group is sponsoring the discussion June 18 immediately following that evening's performance of "The Laramie Project" at the Westport Community Theatre in Town Hall.
Director David Roth and several cast members will join audience members in an exploration of the play's themes, and its applicability to Westport.
"The Laramie Project" explores the murder of gay student Matthew Shepard in 1998, and that Wyoming cowboy-and-college town's reaction to it. Ten actors portray 84 roles, including Shepard's two killers, his father and friends.
"June is Gay Pride month, so it is a particularly appropriate time for Westporters to think about issues of sexuality and community," said TEAM Westport chairman Harold Bailey.
"'The Laramie Project' is an excellent vehicle to prompt this consideration."
"Every citizen's feelings and actions help make a town the place that it is," he said.
"And everyone reacts differently when a horrible event happens in a community's midst. This play provokes audiences to think about the connection between thoughts and words and deeds."
"This is such a powerful subject, yet the script is not heavy-handed," said director Roth.
"The audience is not told what to think, and it is not a 'morality' play. It is a snapshot of a town in crisis, much more about the town than about the incident. In some ways, it is an Our Town for the new millennium."
All audience members are invited to attend the community conversation following the 8 p.m. performance. Tickets are $12 to $16.
For reservations or additional information, call the Westport Community Theater box office at 203-226-1983.
Westport School Retirees to be Honored
The Westport Board of Education today announced the teachers and administrators retiring from the school system this year who will be honored at a reception Monday.
They include:
Bedford Middle School
Joyce Campbell
Christine Cimino
Richard Rollins
Coleytown Elementary School
Barbara Hauer
Coleytown Middle School
Antoinette Gombeda
James Welsch
Green's Farms Elementary School
Connie L. Miller
Ann Reeves
Grace Welsch
King's Highway Elementary School
Linval G. Sinclair
Saugatuck Elementary School
Brita Nilsson
Staples High School
Elliot Kraut
Bruce McFadden
Barbara Sands
Arlene Johnson
Pupil Services
Ken Hanson
Music Theatre of Connecticut's "Funny Girl" This Weekend
Westport-based Music Theatre of Connecticut presents the Tony Award-winning musical "Funny Girl" Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Quick Center for the Performing Arts, Fairfield. The production features students ages 11-16. Details at the MCT Web site. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
On the Wireless Mark
About 60 persons turned out Thursday night to hear technology consultant Mark Mathias speak at the Westport Public Library about home automation and wireless technologies. Using a table lamp and other props, he demonstrated how anyone can set up a home system that can turn lights on or off, view each room in the house, and open and close gates from wireless remote controls. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Friday, June 4, 2004
4 p.m. - Staples High School - Staples Boys Volleyball Team, winners of their second consecutive FCIAC title, begin their defense of their state titlle with a quarterfinal match against Joel Barlow
8 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Community Theatre presents "The Laramie Project"
June 03, 2004
Old Westport Library Sold for $11.95 Million
One of Westport’s best known landmarks, the former Westport Public Library building, was sold today for $11.95 million, according to a filing in the Town Clerk’s office.
The old library: pricetag $11.95 million. WestportNow.com photo
A Westport-based partnership, whose principals include real estate investors David Waldman and Drew Friedman, sold the building at the intersection of Post Road East and Main Street to Winwest Library LLC of Greenwich.
The Winwest group also owns the former Eddie Bauer building diagonally across the street where a new Tiffany store will open in the fall.
The old library building tenants include Starbucks, a furniture store and a clothing store.
The original building was built by Morris K. Jesup and opened as the town's library in 1908. An addition was added a half century later.
The structure continued in use as the town library until the present library was opened in 1986 on Jesup Green.
The town sold the library building in 1986 to private individuals for $2.8 million, considered a high sum by many who thought it would fetch much less.
Cedar Brook Café Drive-In
A woman motorist was slightly injured today when she drove her car into the side of the Cedar Brook Café at Cedar Road and Post Road East. The bar was not open at the time. Cause of the accident is under investigation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Surveying the Damage
A Westport firefighter surveys the damage after a woman motorist drove her car into the side of the Cedar Brook Café today on Cedar Road. Building officials said the bar would be closed until repairs are made. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Steam from Roof Sends Firefighters Scurrying
A report of smoke coming from a roof – which turned out to be steam -- sent Westport firefighters scurrying today to a home near the Fairfield line when the caller said there was a wheelchair-bound person in the house.
The call came in shortly after 9 a.m. to a home on Pheasant Lane, off of Meeker Road. As with all calls of a possible structure fire, off-duty personnel were summoned as well.
The call took on added urgency when the caller said there was a person in a wheelchair on the second floor of the home who was unable to get out.
Police and firefighters were on the scene within a few moments. They quickly discovered that what appeared to be smoke was actually steam coming from the roof, fire officials said.
Judy Blume Visits Long Lots
Popular children’s author Judy Blume had Long Lots Elementary School students spellbound Wednesday as she talked about her works, including “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Susan Bachman for WestportNow.com
Community Theatre Debuts "Laramie Project"
The Westport Community Theatre Friday debuts its final production of the season, "The Laramie Project." The work by Moisés Kaufman and members of The Tectonic Theatre Project is directed by David Roth, artistic director and theatre teacher of Staples Players at Staples High School. The play is about the savage murder of gay college student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyo. in 1998. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 8 p.m., and Sundays June 6, 13, and 20 at 2 p.m, and Thursday June 10 at 8 p.m. More information is available at the company's Web site. Contributed photo
Down by the River Early in the Morning
John Stewart of Norwalk was out early Wednesday fishing for striped bass on the Saugatuck River in Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com
Fairfield County Preservationists Hold Planning Session
The newly-formed Fairfield County Preservation Trust (FCPT) held the first of three planning sessions Wednesday at the Westport Public Library.
Preservationists met at the library. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Representatives of 11 of the 23 towns and cities in Fairfield County met to discuss preserving the architectural heritage of the communities. Jim Leahy, a strategic planning consultant, led the session.
Additional meetings will be held June 16 and July 7.
The FCPT's primary mission is to educate and advocate the preservation of historically significant houses, buildings and landscapes and to preserve the unique New England character of these communities that are threatened by sprawl.
John Lupton, former executive director of the Westport Historical Society, is the founding president of FCPT.
Thursday, June 3, 2004
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning & Zoning Commission
June 02, 2004
Sunny Riding
This rider at Westport's Fairfield County Hunt Club managed to find some sunshine amid afternoon thunderstorms today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com
Westport Property Transfers May 24-28, 2004
Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period May 24-28, 2004:
David A. and Victoria Vance Harrell to Peter Jiser, 21 Guyer Road, $624,900. 
Kenneth and Jacqueline Gattoni to John C. and Amanda J. Wilson IV, 5 Pebble Beach Road, $899,000.
Irene E. Cosgrove Trust to William G. Cohen, 19 Baker Ave., $381,250.
Irene E. Cosgrove to William G. Cohen, 19 Baker Ave., $381,250.
Michael and April Book to Royal Bank of Scotland, 1 Crawford Road, $2,010,000.
Dominic and Lisa Rispoli to Alan C. and Margaret N. Boehmer, 23 Sandhopper Trail, $1,610,000.
Alan C. and Margaret N. Boehmer to Josephine L. Gierrer, 21 Duck Pond Road, $1,090,000.
Richard Thomas Kronic et als to Glenwood Development LLC, 4 Glenwood Lane, $650,000.
Philip and M. Linda Schumacher to Jeffrey Michael and Patricia J. Hingst, 95 Cross Highway, $1,775,000.
Richard F. Kornutik to Andrew M. and Kelley Schutte, 12 Sunnyside Lane, $1,215,000.
Westport Home and Land Co. LLC to Barbara S. Hennes, 83 Terra Nova Circle, $831,616.
Daniel L. Krulewitch and Julie Uris to Creative Windows LLC, 67 Saugatuck Ave., $415,000.
Jennifer Skemp O'Grady to 148 South Compo Road LLC, 148 Compo Road South, $525,000.
Christopher J. and Christine Coyne to Thomas C. and Veronica Hofstetter III, 15 Bridge St., $750,000.
Paul J. and Shannon K. Warburg to Marc D. Lewis, 38 Otter Trail, $1,450,000.
Jan Cavanagh Trust to Kenneth and Paula Russo, Long Lots Road/Bulkely Ave., $50,000.
L. Dale and Toni M. Burmeister to Clause and Sacha Murmann, 11 Caccamo Trail, $950,000.
Stephanie Bass to Geoffrey M. Minsky, 26 Woods Grove Road, $675,000.
Dale Woodruff-Kong to Nancy A. Cihi, Unit 522 Harvest Commons, $699,000.
Claudia Saunders to Michael B. and Ileene S. Lazar, 123 Greens Farms Road, $1,750,000.
James T. and Marta Flavin to Spencer S. and Danielle Richlin, 33 Fillow St., $850,000.
Blossom Ungar to Adam and Katie Gordon, 1 North Pasture Road, $842,500.
Maureen J. Miskovic to Charles B. and Anne P. Hamlin, 12 Green Acre Lane, $2,275,000.
John S. and Claire K. Hunter to Jeffrey D. and Denise D. Hotch, 47 Park Lane, $762,000.
Tina Decker to Gurdeep S. and Navdeep K. Dhindsa, 1 Saviano Lane, $45,000.
Joan Saviano Estate to Gurdeep S. and Navdeep K. Dhindsa, 1 Saviano Lane, $457,500.
Joni Sansabrino formerly known as Joni Saviano to Gurdeep S. and Navdeep K. Dhindsa, 1 Saviano Lane, $45,000.
Tony Francis to Gurdeep S. and Navdeep K. Dhindsa, 1 Saviano Lane, $45,000.
Michael Greenberg and Associates LLC to 3 Stony Point Road Associates LLC, 3 Stony Point Road, $7,000,000.
Marcos A. and Roseli Torres to Ellen V. Chikarova, 9 Oakview Lane, $365,000.
Comment on WestportNow Martha Stewart Story Draws Attention
A comment made on a WestportNow story by the ex-wife of a Secret Service employee charged with perjury after testifying in the stock fraud of Westport's Martha Stewart is drawing national attention.
A gossip column on the MSNBC Web site carried a story about the comment posted Tuesday as did the SaveMartha.com Web site.
Under the headline "Was the Secret Service employee who testified against Martha Stewart set up?," MSNBC reported that "Larry Stewart (no relation to the domestic diva) was recently charged with perjury in connection with his testimony against Martha Stewart. But now Stewart is getting defended from an unlikely defender: his ex-wife."
It continued: "'The person who came forward alleging that Larry Stewart lied at Martha’s trial is the same person who filed complaints about Larry approx. 3 years ago.' Larry Stewart’s ex-wife wrote in a letter to WestportNow.com."
"'I think it was found that she intentionally and maliciously twisted things around to try to get Larry fired, possibly trying to get his job or to get back at him because she doesn’t like or agree with his management style," Sue Stewart wrote.
Sue Stewart said she was married to Larry Stewart for 19 years and is “no fan” of her ex-husband and even bears “some resentment and anger towards him.” But she also insists “I totally support him and believe that he is innocent!!”
Sue Stewart said her ex was devoted to his career and there’s no way he would risk it to get Martha Stewart convicted.
In an e-mail message to MSNBC, Sue Stewart said, “People have to think this situation is bizarre and will hopefully question and research it."
She added, “I have spoken to Larry several times since he was arrested, and so have our daughters, mutual friends and neighbors, and even my family (his ex family). We’re all supportive of him and are in disbelief that this is happening.”
It Began With "Begin the Beguine"
The Staples High School jazz concert Tuesday night started off with "Begin the Beguine" featuring a trombone solo by junior Robert Nitkin. See another photo on ARTS & LEISURE page. WestportNow.com photo
NY Times Spotlights Staples Grad's NY Dining With Kids Venture
Today's New York Times spotlights Staples grad Dan Lowenstein's new venture that eases some of the strain of dining out with the kids.
Called PlayDine, the company operates adult-supervised play centers at New York City restaurants.
The centers relieve parents of "the usual burden of distraction while waiting for the food ('Don't eat the whole bread basket!') to the missed entrée ('But Dad, I have to go to the bathroom now!') to the post-entrée whining ('Can't we have dessert at home?')," the newspaper said.
Lowenstein, a 1986 Staples grad and son of Westporters Dick and Ellie Lowenstein, has now expanded the venture to several Manhattan restaurants, winning plaudits from harried parents, the Times said.
Lowenstein, 36, is the father of two boys -- Ben, 5, and Arthur, 4. They are pictured together in a photo accompanying the Times story. More information is available at the PlayDine Web site.
RTM Approves $2.45 Million to Expand Long Lots Parking Lot
The Long Lots Elementary School parking lot, long a safety concern for school administrators and parents, is closer to being fixed following Representative Town Meeting (RTM) approval of $2,447,502 to expand it.
The town's legislative body acted at its monthly meeting Tuesday night only hours after the Board of Finance, meeting in special session, had approved the expenditure.
During the RTM debate, there were several failed attempts to reduce the appropriation on issues not directly related to enhancing the safety of the lot and providing more spaces.
Dick Lowenstein, District 5, proposed a symbolic $14,000 cut that related to a house that was being torn down as part of the project.
He said the RTM should "send a message" through the reduction that it favored affordable senior and workforce housing.
A $385,000 cut was proposed by Jorgen Jensen, District 9, who said non-parking lot improvements such as fixing drainage issues on adjoining playfields should be a separate appropriation.
School officials said the related improvements had been imposed as conditions by town land use boards and that separating them would mean starting the approval process all over again.
RTM approval of the appropriation drew cheers and applause from Long Lots parents. They had campaigned for many years, with backing of school administrators and police officials, to improve the school's parking situation.
"It's an accident waiting to happen," said Russ Blair, chair of the subcommittee of the School Building Committee working on the project.
Board of Education member Steve Halstead said by approving the project, the RTM would finally complete an effort he and others began in 1998 to address traffic safety issues at the district's schools.
Wednesday, June 2, 2004
7:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - TEAM Westport Committee
10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
10:50 a.m. - Staples High School, Room 963 - Board of Education hearing for SHS students on school start time
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens brown bag lunch
4 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Beautification Committee
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Flood and Erosion Control Board
June 01, 2004
RTM Okays Reval Postponement; Farrell Promises Independent Assessor Audit
The Westport Representative Town Meeting (RTM) tonight approved postponement of the town’s real property revaluation to 2005.
It acted by unanimous vote after First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, in a reversal of her previous position, promised an independent, third-party audit of the assessor’s office.
It was discovery of a backlog in building permits in the assessor’s office – some going back to 1998 -- that prompted Farrell to announce March 4 that she would seek to postpone the revaluation.
Since then, Gov. John G. Rowland has signed a law enabling Connecticut municipalities, by action of their legislative bodies, to postpone revaluations for up to three years.
Members of the Board of Finance and of the RTM Finance Committee had urged Farrell to conduct a full audit of the assessor's office in the wake of the backlog discovery.
But until now she had resisted, saying she was not sure what such an audit would accomplish.
"I think the way to ensure that it will not happen again is to have a third party come in and do a rehash of what happened," Farrell told the RTM.
"We need to have safeguards in place to make sure it doesn't happen again, no matter who is here."
Members of the Reval Working Group appointed by Farrell have urged that the town conduct a full physical revaluation instead of the less accurate statistical update.
The resolution approved by the RTM calls for the revaluation to be postponed to at least Oct. 1, 2005, but no later than Oct. 1, 2006.
Farrell said she was confident with the hiring of William Gaffney, currently the assessor in Milford, that the town would be able to conduct a fair and accurate revaluation. He starts work in Westport June 21.
"It is our intent to get this done as expeditiously and accurately as possible," she said.
Farrell said that problems in the assessor's office that led to the need for postponement of the revaluation had caused deep distress in her administration and she was determined to fix them.
"No one should think that this has not had a profound effect on this administration," she said, adding that no town official had taken lightly what occurred.
(Editor's Note: The editor of WestportNow is also Moderator of the RTM.)
More from Westport Memorial Day 2004
WestportNow is pleased to present more pictures from Monday's Westport Memorial Day parade – these were inadvertently delayed in transmission to our news desk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com
Thanks for the Ride
Riding is a lot less tiring than walking for these young lacrosse players in the Memorial Day parade. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com
Make Way for the Brownies
Brownies had fun marching in the Memorial Day parade Monday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com
Report: Westport Closing Prompts Animal Dumping
Cats and dogs are being dumped in lower Fairfield County as the Connecticut Humane Society's Westport shelter remains closed for renovation, local animal control officials and advocates say, according to today's The Advocate of Stamford/Norwalk.
The renovated Westport shelter will be able to hold 300 animals and offer improved veterinary facilities, said Cheryl Rice, a Humane Society spokeswoman in Newington. The Westport shelter is scheduled to reopen this summer, she said.
The Humane Society, a private nonprofit organization based in Newington, operates shelters in Newington, Bethany and Waterford, which are too distant to accept pets from Stamford and Greenwich, animal control workers said.
Several animal control officials and welfare groups in lower Fairfield County said they are struggling to keep up with increased demand to accept abandoned pets, the newspaper said.
The number of abandoned cats and dogs has increased in Greenwich, said Greenwich Animal Control Officer Allyson Halm. She believes it is the result of the Westport closing.
"It has put a pressure on more Fairfield County agencies to accept more kinds of animals," she said.
Many owners are dumping animals, believing they will be rescued, Halm said.
Animal control officers in Stamford say the Westport shelter's closing has led to more phone calls from owners seeking to surrender their animals.
Local cat rescue groups also have been swamped, said Lynn DellaBianca, an animal control officer in Stamford.
Shelters are trying to make up for the temporary loss of the Westport facility. Kennel space at Adopt-A-Dog in Armonk, N.Y., is at capacity or more with dogs and cats, said Marsha Biggar, Adopt-A Dog's adoption director.
"I could fill the kennel three times and still have animals I have to turn away," she said.
Still, the group found room for three small dogs from the Stamford pound this week to ease crowding there, Biggar said.
Tuesday, June 1, 2004
7:30 a.m. - Staples High School, Room 516 - Board of Education public hearing for SHS staff on school start time
8:30 a.m. - Staples High School Conf. Room - Board of Education Superintendent's Curriculum Materials Review Committee
10 a.m. - Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
6:30 p.m. - Town Hall Lobby - Long Lots parking lot video presentation
6:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - RTM Education Committee
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Shellfish Commission
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Special Board of Finance meeting
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - RTM Public Protection Committee
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - RTM (cable coverage channel 79)
May 31, 2004
Honoring Westport's Soldiers
Staples High School senior Kevin Walker (r) plays taps as veterans lay a wreath during today's Memorial Day ceremony at Westport's Veterans Green. See more photos below and on COMMUNITY page. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Memorial Day Parade Was Largest Ever
Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell addresses today's Memorial Day ceremony at Veterans Green. It followed a Memorial Day parade under sunny skies that was the largest in Westport's history. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Spotting a Familiar Face
Spotting a familiar face in today's Westport Memorial Day parade brought shrieks of delight to these onlookers. WestportNow.com photo
Staples Band Plays On
The Staples High School band was among several bands in today's Westport Memorial Day parade.(CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Everyone Loves a Parade
Everyone loves a parade, even Westport's four-legged citizens who lined the parade route of today's Memorial Day march. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Westport Firefighters Carry Flag Flown in Iraq
The Westport Fire Department Memorial Day parade marchers today carried an American flag flown over Baghdad during the war in Iraq. The flag, behind the larger one carried by the department's honor guard, was signed by members of a Marine battalion, one of whom has since been killed in action. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Westport Selectpersons Greet Crowd
Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell and Selectman Carl Leaman wave to today's Memorial Day crowds. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com
World War II Vets Get Big Hand
The World War II vets got a big hand from today's Memorial Day parade watchers. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Westport Police Honor Guard on Parade
The Westport Police Department honor guard was one of the first units in today's Memorial Day parade. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com
Salute from the Air
A military jet flies over today's Westport Memorial Day parade in salute. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com
Old Fire Engine Always a Favorite
One of Westport's old fire engines, always a crowd favorite, makes the turn at Myrtle Avenue during today's Memorial Day Parade. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Martha Stewart Reportedly Seeking Community Service Deal
Westport's Martha Stewart is reportedly seeking to do community service work teaching poor women to start their own businesses, in exchange for a shorter stint behind bars.
Stewart has offered to perform 1,000 hours of community work with Women's Venture Fund, a New York-based non-profit organization, Newsweek magazine reported.
Stewart was convicted March 5 on one charge of conspiracy, one charge of obstruction of justice and two charges of making false statements to investigators.
She has a June 17 sentencing hearing and could face 10 to 16 months in prison.
Women's Venture Fund president Maria Otero is reported to have sent a letter to U.S. Judge Miriam Cedarbaum, who presided over Stewart's trial, about the benefits the domestic icon could offer women in the program.
Lawyers for Stewart have declined to comment on the report. Stewart's legal team has said it plans to appeal her conviction after authorities charged a prosecution witness in the case with perjury.
The witness, Larry F. Stewart, is a national ink expert who works at the Secret Service. The government said it had found eight separate false statements made by him on the stand and charged hium with two counts of perjury.
The government has insisted the perjury charge will not affect Stewart's conviction.
Westport Fire Memorial Day Parade Unit Carries Flag Flown in Iraq
Firefighters carry flag flown in Iraq in today's parade. WestportNow.com photo Today's Westport Memorial Day parade included an American flag of special significance – a flag flown over Baghdad during the war in Iraq.
The Westport Fire Department gave the flag an honored place directly behind the department's honor guard.
Assistant Chief Chris Ackley received the flag from his nephew, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Edward Ackley serving with the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines based at Twenty-Nine Palms, Calif.
The flag at the time of delivery was signed by all the members of Ackley's platoon.
Unfortunately, since the delivery date, one of the members who had signed the flag was killed in the line of duty, Chris Ackley said.
The Marine died in an incident in the city of Fallujah, where insurgent activity has been especially active.
The flag will be placed on public display at fire headquarters to honor all the men and women who have served in both peace and war.
Words from a Vet
Clayton Chalfant, 80, a World War II vet and grand marshall of this year's Westport Memorial Day parade, delighted the crowd with his formal and informal remarks today at Veteran's Green. Among those watching were (l to r) Paula Castiglia, Selectman John Izzo and First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Sharing a Laugh
Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell shares a laugh with Memorial Day parade Grand Marshal Clayton Chalfant during today's parade. With them are Selectman Carl Leaman and former Selectman Betty Lou Cummings. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
A Perfect Day for a Parade
Westport's Memorial Day parade went off under sunny skies today. This colonial marching band paused before the reviewing stand in front of Town Hall. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Watching the Boats Go By
Sunday's sunny skies and warm temperature made for a good day to watch the sailboats go by at Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com
On Guard
Westport's award-winning lifeguards get ready for a busy season at Compo Beach. Shown (l to r) are Pippa Ellis, 18, Westport; Brendan Nangle, 18, Westport; Anna Dowdle, 19, Westport; Kristen Kelley, 21, Weston; John Gelini, 20, Westport, and Brendan Kelly, 18, Weston. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com
Monday, May 31, 2004
9 a.m. - Memorial Day Parade steps off from Riverside Ave.
May 30, 2004
Handcraft Show Numbers Down Due to Nice Weather
Visitors to the 38th annual Westport Handcraft Show at Staples High School today were fewer in number than in past years, artists said, because of the nice weather. Artist Megan Brogden of Weston (c) helps a customer. The two-day show was sponsored by the Westport-Weston Cooperative Nursery School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Westport Firefighters Douse Fire Under Walkway
Westport firefighters quickly doused an early morning fire today under a wooden walkway of a home where garden mulch had recently been applied near wiring for an outdoor lighting fixture.
Assistant Chief Gene Maloney said the homeowner at 11 Bluewater Hill saw smoke coming from the underside of the walkway leading from the driveway to the front entrance and called in the alarm at 4:44 a.m.
Firefighters used a saw to cut away the structure to gain access to burning wood under the walkway.
"The fire appeared to have started on the surface of a wood joist adjacent to outdoor lighting fixture wiring and recently applied garden mulch," Maloney said.
Firefighters remained on the scene until 5:48 a.m. A mutual aid engine company from Fairfield relocated to Westport fire headquarters while Westport personnel dealt with the Bluewater Hill incident.
The Fire Marshal's office is investigating, Maloney said.
Sunday, May 30, 2004
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Staples High School - Westport Handcraft Show
