Compo Beach Balancing Act

Skateboard enthusiasts gathered at Compo Beach today for an afternoon of competition sponsored by Norwalk's Ski Market. Among the first place winners were Westporters Tyler Karmen, 11, and Russell Bisanti, 12. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Public Safety Commissioner Proposes I-95 Cameras to Catch Speeders

Public Safety Commissioner Arthur Spada has proposed installing cameras to catch speeding motorists on Interstate-95, including the portion in Westport. Tickets would be mailed to those caught.

At a meeting Friday, Spada also proposed establishing a traffic court to deal with the increased number of infractions.

He said the state's courts were a "toothless tiger" when it comes to enforcing laws against speeding, the Hartford Courant reported.

The commissioner also proposed widening I-95 where possible, establishing an exclusive lane for trucks.

And he said the state should consider creating a "value lane" in which motorists would pay a toll to drive on a less-congested roadway.

Spada offered his ideas at a discussion among state legislators and police and transportation officials.

The meeting was called following five serious accidents involving tractor-trailers on I-95 between New Haven and New York in the past six months.

Funeral Today for Westporter Killed in Boston Bicycle Accident

Funeral services were held today at St. Luke's Church in Westport for Kirsten Anne Malone, 29, a 1993 Staples grad, who died Tuesday in Boston as a result of injuries received when she was hit by a car while bicycling.

She was the daughter of William N. and Carol A. Rondelli Malone of Ambler Road, Westport.

The Boston Globe reported that Malone was riding her bike near the intersection of Franklin and Lincoln streets in Allston last Saturday and was hit by a car, according to Boston police.

Malone, who was not wearing a helmet, suffered severe head injuries and died Tuesday at Massachusetts General Hospital. Police are investigating the accident, the newspaper said.

The Boston Herald quoted witnesses as saying she didn't appear to see the car and rode into its path.

Malone grew up in Westport and after Staples attended Boston University where she graduated in 1997 with a bachelor of arts in photo journalism.

She went on to study at the Massachusetts College of Art, graduating in 2003 with an additional bachelor of arts in fine arts.

She was planning to attend the Chicago Art Institute, where she was one of only a handful of applicants accepted for the masters of fine arts program.

Her professors remarked that she was the only graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art ever to be accepted to this prestigious program.

Her other honors and accomplishments included selection for the Staples High School Student Drug Educators Program, selection for the Washington, D.C. Summer Internship and selection for a semester at Brian McMahon High School Center for Japanese Study, which included two weeks study in Japan.

In 2003, she was the winner of the Stephen Paine first place scholarship in Boston, which included a month-long exhibition of her artistic works at Newberry Street's Copley Society Gallery.

She was known for her tremendous artistic talents, her drive for perfection in her work and her full-throttle approach to life, according to an obituary prepared by her family.

She always exhibited immense love and loyalty towards family and friends, and was the life of every gathering. She was a true free spirit, the family said.

The Boston Globe reported that Malone spent much of last year looking for a boyfriend -- sort of.

It said while she was a student at Massachusetts College of Art, she created a mock ''resume" that examined and poked fun at her love life. Listed as the art project's objective: a mature and meaningful relationship.

She posted the resume online, and thousands of potential suitors responded, the newspaper said.

The off-beat need for expression that fueled such a project was just one of the things friends said they will miss about her, according to the Globe.

'The Love Resume was such a huge art project," said Aliza Shapiro, a friend from Dorchester.

''She included all the e-mails she received. It was just a quirky way of looking at dating in the modern world. She was very innovative like that."

''She was into experimental and conceptual art and looking at women's issues," said Joseph Coelho, who dated Malone for two years, the newspaper said.

Coelho later played in the same band, The Faux, in which Malone sang and played keyboard. The band will not perform without her.

''We decided that we just can't do it anymore," Coelho said. ''Her personality was so integral."

Online message boards popular with Boston-area artists were filled with postings about Malone, also a former member of The Statue Factor, according to the newspaper.

Malone, who dressed in vintage clothes and sometimes went by the name ''Lady K," often pedaled through the city on her bike, to and from art shows and performances, supporting other artists, friends said.

''She had the uncanny knack for always being at the coolest rock shows, art events and off-the-wall parties," said Ernesto Gianola of Cambridge.

Her family didn't always know what to make of Malone, who often came home with her hair a different color, but was always fun to be around, according to the newspaper.

''She was an awesome aunt to my children," said her sister, Candace Waldee, of Marietta, Ga., whose children are 2, 5, 7.

''She would come by and play non-stop -- pretend and dress-up games, stuff most adults wouldn't play. My kids didn't consider Aunt Kirsten a grown-up. They didn't understand that concept."

Survivors in addition to her parents, include her brother, Joseph Malone and his wife, Patricia, of Glenn Ellen, Ill.; her sister, Candace and her husband, Timothy Waldee; nieces and nephew, Carolyn, Benjamin and Grace Waldee all of Marietta, Ga.; her grandmother, Gladys Sterling and her husband, Arthur, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Middle East in Cambridge, where The Faux often played, is planning a memorial concert, possibly in September, a manager said, the Globe reported.

Friends hope to increase bicycle safety awareness in her memory.

In exchanges on Internet message boards this week, they have talked about creating a fund to help people buy bicycle helmets, according to the newspaper.

Cooling Down at "Senior Bash" at Longshore

Comfortable, oversize plastic chairs, live music, good raffle prizes, and perfect weather combined to make a successful "Senior Bash" Friday night at Longshore Club Park following the Staples High School graduation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Saturday, June 19, 2004

11 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Greens Farms Academy - Southport-Westport Antiques Show
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Unitarian Church - 3rd annual "Fairfield County Gay Pride" celebration
Noon - 11 p.m. - Westport Woman's Club - Yankee Doodle Fair
8 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Community Theatre presents "The Laramie Project"

Congratulations from the Superintendent

Supt. of Schools Elliott Landon addresses today's Staples High School commencement exercises. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Happy It's Over

Two happy Staples grads make their way out of the Field House following commencement today. WestportNow.com photo

Master of Ceremonies

Staples senior Tyler Rackliffe was master of ceremonies for today's Staples commencement. He will attend Muhlenberg College in the fall. WestportNow.com photo

Snapping History

Parents and family members snap pictures as members of the Staples High School Class of 2004 enter the Field House for today's commencement exercises. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Staples Class of 2004 Graduation Day

More than 300 seniors graduated at Staples High School today in the school's 117th commencement exercises. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Making the Scene

Among those attending today's Staples graduation were (l-r) Nancy Harris, assistant superintendent for business, and Board of Education members Lewis Brey, Mark Mathias, Mary Parmelee, and Mark Owades. WestportNow.com photo

Leading the Parade

Leading the procession into the Field House for today's commencement exercises were Robert Franzis, assistant principal, Amy Chen, valedictorian, and Tyler Rackliffe, master of ceremonies. Jessica Bram for WestportNow.com

Rainy Westport Thursday Night

Fog, high humidity, and rain showers had many Westporters staying home Thursday night. This is the view of the Ruth Steinkrause Cohen Memorial Bridge across the Saugatuck in the town's center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Wine Talk: Dad Wants Steak (And a Little Cabernet)

This Sunday, be nice to Dad! WestportNow Community Correspondent Chris Grimm in his latest Wine Talk column says believe him when he tells you that Dad doesn’t want fish, he doesn’t want chicken, and he doesn’t want to start his Atkins diet quite yet.

Dad wants steak! And nothing can wash down that steak better than a Cabernet Sauvignon. See ARTS & LEISURE page.

"Bloomsday 100" Part 4: A Dublin Dinner with “Ulysses”

Westport's four-day celebration of the Bloomsday centennial culminated Thursday night with an authentic Irish Pub dinner and genuine camaraderie. About 40 attendees shared food, song, limericks and stories at Colin’s Irish Pub in Fairfield. See Westport Community Correspondent Juliet Balian's report on the ARTS & LEISURE page. Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Deadline is Today for Westport Arts Center Members' Show Submissions

Today is not just the last day of school in Westport. It's also the final day for artists, aspiring artists and other creative types to submit their entry forms for "The Big Show 2004," the members' show held each summer at the Westport Arts Center.

The 4 p.m. deadline is for paperwork only; the actual artwork is due shortly before the show opens.

This year, "The Big Show 2004"is divided into two parts, a testimonial to WAC’s increase in membership, up 58 percent since 2001.

Part I exhibits work by artists whose last names begin with letters A-K and opens on Friday, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. Part II will show work by artists whose last names begin with L-Z and opens on Friday, Aug. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

A key ingredient of WAC’s annual menu since the 1970s, the annual members' show is an all-inclusive, non-selective, multi-media exhibit open to all members of the Westport Arts Center.

Because artists are encouraged to submit work produced during the last 12 months, the exhibit is also a timely snapshot of the regional creative community at work in any given year.

Gay Pride Day Set for Saturday at Westport's Unitarian Church

Westport's Unitarian Church will be the setting Saturday for the third annual Fairfield County Gay Pride event sponsored by Fairfield County’s Triangle Community Center.

The Norwalk-based group is in its 13th year serving the Fairfield County lesbian/gay/bi-sexual/transgendered community.

Last year’s event drew more than 700 people. With recent intense media coverage of the same-sex marriage debate, the group decreed this year's Pride theme to be "Our Time is Now."

Speakers at the Saturday event will include Stamford Mayor Dan Malloy, Congressman Chris Shays, State Sen. Andrew MacDonald, State Sen. Bill Finch, State Rep. Bob Duff, and Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell.

There will also be live music, children’s entertainment, table vendors, food, volleyball games, and, for the first time, a Pride dog show. The event will be held rain or shine.

For more information, got to www.ctgay.org or call Maureen Boylan at (203)973-0905

Friday, June 18, 2004

9:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Commission for Senior Services
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Greens Farms Academy - Southport-Westport Antiques Show
2 p.m. - Staples High School - Graduation ceremony
5 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Westport Woman's Club - Yankee Doodle Fair
9 p.m. - Longshore Club Park - "Senior Bash" for Staples High School graduating seniors

Afternoon Thunderstorms Keep Crowds from Yankee Doodle Fair

The Yankee Doodle Fair opened for its 97th annual run today at the Westport Woman's Club, but late afternoon thunderstorms and the threat of more bad weather kept many people away. The fair continues through Sunday. WestportNow.com photo

Westport Library to Mark Morris K. Jesup's 174th Birthday Monday

Jesup with his dog, Bruce. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) File photoTo many Westporters, Jesup is a familiar name – Jesup Green and Jesup Road are central to the town's center.

But probably not many Westporters know the name comes from the Jesup family, one of Westport's oldest.

Morris Ketchum Jesup is perhaps the best known Jesup. A native Westporter, he went on to make his mark in the world but never forgot his hometown.

Among his gifts to Westport was the first Westport Public Library dedicated in 1908.

On Monday, the library will mark his 174th birthday with an all-day celebration recalling the era in which he lived.
The "old" Westport Library from a 1910 postcard. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) File photo

The festivities will feature Mr. and Mrs. Jesup in costume and lots of giveaways, such as commemorative bookmarks, brochures with word puzzles, free sashes with “Happy Birthday” and Morris Jesup stickers for the kids.

The library café will offer special prices for the event.

Jesup donated funds for construction of the "old library" on Post Road East as a memorial to his paternal and maternal ancestors who had been identified with the fortunes of Westport for many years.

"He never lived to see it himself," notes author William Adams Brown in his 1911 biography, "Morris Ketchum Jesup, A Character Sketch."

"Delayed in its erection by unforeseen contingencies, it was not ready for occupancy until October, 1907, at which time Mr. Jesup was too ill to attend the dedication."

He died Jan. 22, 1908. The library was dedicated April 8, 1908.

Jesup was born in Westport on June 21, 1830, to parents Charles Jesup and Abigail Sherwood.

Forced at an early age to care for his mother and siblings following the death of his father, Jesup was unable to attend college but instead went into the business world, beginning as a clerk in a locomotive manufacturing company.

Through persistence and perseverance, Jesup established his own railroad financing business, and began to invest his profits in various charities.

A few noteworthy recipients of his philanthropy include the YMCA, of which he was a founding member; the New York State Chamber of Commerce, of which he became president in 1899; and the American Museum of Natural History, of which he served as president for 29 years.

His interests ranged far beyond New York society as well -- he was a supporter of Commander Robert Peary's expedition to map the confines of Greenland, and went on to enable Peary's 1909 discovery of the North Pole as president of the Peary Arctic Club.

The 174th birthday celebration will last throughout the day Monday. For more information, call 291-4840.

Walking Home, Cinderella-Style

Some Bedford Middle School eighth graders walk home, Cinderella-style (shoes missing), across Wakeman Park Wednesday night after the school's "moving up" ceremony (aka graduation) and dance. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Westporter to Carry Olympic Torch in New York Saturday

Westport's Ernest Verina III is readying for his moment to shine this weekend.

He'll be among the more than 100 people selected to carry the Olympic flame through New York City on Saturday and one of only 480 Americans chosen for the honor.

"I can say I grabbed a little moment," the 1995 Staples grad told New York Newsday.

Verina, 26, works in New York for the Department of Homeland Security where he is a special agent in drug trafficking cases.

He was nominated for the honor by his wife.

"He has taken the humble path to help keep America safe," Jennifer Verina wrote in her application to the Coca Cola Company, the newspaper said.

Coca Cola is a presenting sponsor of the Torch Relay and chose some of the New York City-area's most inspirational citizens to carry the Olympic Flame as part of the first-ever global Olympic Torch Relay.

The flame was lit in Ancient Olympia on March 25 and brought to Athens' marble stadium, where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

It burned at the stadium until June 4, when it began a 46,800-mile global journey across six continents, 27 countries and 33 cities with some 11,000 runners.

Other U.S. cities hosting the torch include Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Atlanta.

Torchbearers were selected for their ability to inspire others and make a positive difference in people's lives.

The list of torchbearers includes the famous, like rap entrepreneur Sean "P. Diddy" Combs and television anchor Paula Zahn; athletes, like former gymnast Nadia Comaneci and figure skater Sarah Hughes; as well as the not so famous, like Verina.

The torchbearers selected through the Coca-Cola nomination program represent approximately one-third of the participants who will march the Olympic Flame through New York streets.

The remaining New York City-area torchbearers were chosen by the Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games Athens 2004, and Samsung, the Relay's co-presenter.

Each torchbearer will carry the flame approximately 300 to 500 meters and will be accompanied by escort runners along the route.

Torchbearer nominations were accepted in the form of 100-word essays, which described why the candidates are inspirational.

"Bloomsday 100" Part 3: "Ulysses" on Stage

Wednesday night was the third night of Westport's "Bloomsday 100" celebration and this time the characters of James Joyce's "Ulysses" were presented in the flesh. WestportNow Community Correspondent Juliet Balian continues her coverage of events marking the centennial of Leopold Bloom's epic walk through Dublin in the the world's mostly highly acclaimed modern novel. See ARTS & LEISURE page.

Thursday, June 17, 2004

5 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Westport Woman's Club - Yankee Doodle Fair
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning & Zoning Commission

"Moving Up" at Bedford MIddle School

Bedford Middle School eighth graders had their “moving up” ceremony tonight (aka, graduation). They are the first graduating class to have gone all three years at the new Bedford Middle School.The auditorium was unable to handle the crowd of 1,200 (some 237 eighth graders and their families—each student was permitted only four tickets), so the presentation of certificates was held in the gym. Principal Angela Wormser addresses the students and guests. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Celebrating at the Ball Game

Under the direction of music teacher Anne Hadden, the Long Lots Elementary School chorus sang the Star Spangled Banner to open the Bridgeport Bluefish game against the Somerset Patriots Tuesday evening. The entire school celebrated the completion of a successful year with a Long Lots family outing for the game.(CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Westbank Shopping Center Sold for $3.4 Million

The Westbank Shopping Center at 221 Post Road West has been sold to Westbank Shopping Center, LLC, a local investor, for $3.4 million, it was announced today.

The 8,400-square foot retail center built in 1966, has four tenants – a dry cleaner, liquor store, nail salon and restaurant.
Westbank Shopping Center: sold for $3.4 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The announcement was made by HK Group, the Westport-based commercial realtor.

Westbank had been owned since 1986 by Westbank Shopping Center Associates, a partnership with Vasilios Nikifordis of Norwalk as general partner.

HK Group was the sole broker involved in this transaction. Senior Vice President Franco Fellah represented the seller; and chairman Ted Hampe produced the buyer.

HK’s Peter Jennings will be property manager for Westbank, the announcement said.

Attorneys involved with this sale were George Guidera of Weston for the buyer; and Robert Slavitt of Norwalk for the seller.

Long Lots School Parking Lot Expansion Plan on His Shoulders

Russ Blair, chair of the School Building Committee subcommittee overseeing the expansion of the Long Lots Elementary School parking lot, leaves Town Hall today following opening of bids for the $2.45 million project. Blair, seen carrying the project's plans on his shoulder, said he was pleased with the bids submitted and that work would get underway this summer. WestportNow.com photo

Westport Property Transfers June 7-11, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period June 7-11, 2004:

Christos Menenlaou Ioanna Pinotsi to Andrew Case Braskamp, 6 Drumlin Road, $555,000.

Kara Riggle Edwards to Darlene and Paul Letersky, 19 Roosevelt Lane, $1,520,000.

William J. McGuinness to Mary Ellen Sullivan, 15 Remlin Court, $604,000.

Michael J. Geraghy Trust to Richard A. and Margaux G. Fuchs, 79 Clinton Ave., $750,000.

Susan Oliver Trust to Richard A. and Margaux G. Fuchs, 79 Clinton Ave., $750,000.

Naomi Levine to Fred and Shirley Grossman, 312 Lansdowne, $695,000.

Pamela Camarda to Tracy Hinson, 370 Wilton Road, $570,000.

Ernest, John and David Pramer Jr., to Joanne and Sheldon Kahan, 24 Manitou Road, $1,400,000.

Melvin S. and Ileane Eisenberg to Carol and John Cravenho, 1 Hyde Lane, $825,000.

John L. and Debra I. Owens to S. and V. Marion LLC, 27 Marion Road, $755,000.

Ann S. Kessler to Adam L. Dener and Carla Schine, 5 Gorham Ave., $544,700.

K U Realty LLC to Paul G. Carpenter, 2 RiversideAve., $550,000.

Anne R. and William Rowlands to Anna M. Andriuk, 20 Tupelo Road, $851,000.

Diana Ewers Wyckoff to 14 Hunting Lane LLC, 14 Hunting Lane, $525,000.

Tanya Hartman to Craig S. and Sylvia A. Grannan, 72 Valley Road, $519,000.

Cathy Wynne Shavell to William John and Louise Peter Jr., 76 Kings Highway North, $1,000,000.

8 Hockanum LLC to Robert B. Earle, 8 Hockanum Road, $2,450,000.

Paul D. Levy to Paul D. Levy George D. Levy Trust/George D. and Karen S. Levy Trust, 4 Devon Road, $1,727,879.57.

Joseph A. and Tracy S. Troy III to Sallie Moore Liben, 8 Smicap Lane, $900,000.

"Bloomsday 100:" Westport Hosts Second U.S. Showing of "Bloom"

Today is "Bloomsday 100," the centennial of Leopold Bloom's epic walk through Dublin in James Joyce's "Ulysses." Westport Tuesday night hosted only the second U.S. showing of the new movie version called "Bloom." WestportNow Community Correspondent Juliet Balian reports on the event on the ARTS & LEISURE page.

Westport Country Playhouse Presents Symposium on Middle East Captivity

A symposium, "Beiruit 1985: Psychology of Captivity," will be presented by the Westport Country Playhouse on Wednesday, June 30, following a performance of "Someone Who'll Watch Over Me," a play about the imprisonment of three Westerners in the Middle East.

The symposium program, to be held at the Playhouse's temporary summer venue in Ridgefield, provides the audience with guest speakers' in depth insights and observations about the play followed by an interactive dialogue, according to a Playhouse announcement.

The symposium speakers will be Joshua Kronen, a doctoral candidate at Yale University's Ph.D. program in modern Middle Eastern history, ABD Status, and Dr. Douglas Lane, a post-doctoral associate at Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry.

Kronen will place the play in its historical and political perspective. Lane will provide observations on the psychology of those held hostage.

Kronen will complete his degree in 2004. He has a master's degree in philosophy in Middle East history.

His dissertation is entitled "Institutionalizing Martyrdom: Revolution and War in the Islamic Republic of Iran 1979-89."

Lane will take his post as a clinical assistant professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, in July 2004.

His background in his field is expansive and along with extensive research includes conducting psychological evaluations and neuropsychological screening evaluations, psychotherapy with children and families, crisis situations and emergency circumstances, the announcement said.

In addition to the symposium, a "Talk Back" is scheduled on Thursday, July 8, when members of the company will engage in a discussion and question and nswer with the audience after the show. There is no additional charge for these events.

"Someone Who'll Watch Over Me" is written by Frank McGuinness and directed by Ethan McSweeny.

Inspired by a true story, the play takes place in Beirut, Lebanon and depicts the imprisonment of three Westerners, an American, an Irishman, and an Englishman, and their struggle for sanity and survival.

While major renovation is underway at the Westport venue, the play will be staged from June 24 to July 11 in partnership with The Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts, at the Ridgefield location.

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens brown bag luncheon
7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Conservation Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Education anticipated executive session
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Zoning Board of Appeals anticipated executive session
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Library Board
7:30 p.m. - Saugatuck Elementary School -- "Celebrate Ulysses on Stage," Bloomsday, the celebration of the events of June 16, 1904, comes to life on stage as Patricia Englund directs actors reading sections from "Ulysses"

Governor Rowland Honors Westport Schools Art Collection

The Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection was among recipients today of a 2004 Governor's Arts Award given by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell joined Gov. John G. Rowland on stage at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven as he presented the award to Mollie Donovan, historian and a senior committee member for the collection. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Linda Gramatky Smith for WestportNow.com

Showing Hometown Pride

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell shows some hometown pride as she addresses today's New Haven ceremony where the Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection received a 2004 Governor's Arts Award as Gov. John G. Rowland looks on. Farrell praised the collection and noted it includes "Picassos, a Matisse, a Calder, and art by Westporters Hardie Gramatky, who wrote 'Little Toot,' Steve Dohanos and Howard Munce." See another photo on ARTS & LEISURE page. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Linda Gramatky Smith for WestportNow.com

Westport Rotary Clubs Present $50,000 to Interfaith Housing

Westport's two Rotary Clubs today presented two checks for $25,000 each to the Interfaith Housing Association to advance the IHA's goal of increasing permanently affordable supportive housing in the community. Taking part in the presentation were (l-r) John Fitzgerald, president of the Westport Rotary Club; Jane Ross, Sunrise Rotary; Peter Powell, president IHA; Audrey Sparre, IHA VP of operations; Bill Scheffler, Westport Rotary; and Valery Austyn, president of Westport Sunrise Rotary Club. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Democratic Women Honor Ruth Ashcraft

The Democratic Women of Westport today presented its Silver Donkey Award to Ruth Ashcraft. The award is given each year to honor an outstanding woman Democrat. The group also announced this year's recipient of its Staples tuition grant award is Megan Vena, who will attend Ithaca College in the fall. She is the daughter of Westport's first female police officer, Linda Vena. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jessica Bram for WestportNow.com

Yankee Doodle Fair Opens Thursday

The Yankee Doodle Fair has been a Westport tradition for almost a century. When it opens Thursday at the Westport Woman's Club on Imperial Avenue, the event will mark its 97th year.

The fair includes the traditional rides, amusements of all types, food, game booths, plants, books, baked goods, but also a silent auction and a raffle featuring one week in a luxurious Florida condo and two round-trip tickets from JFK to anywhere Jet Blue flies (Saturday only).

The fair will be open Thursday and Friday 5 p.m to 11 pm; Saturday, noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.

The Westport Woman's Club is a not for profit, charitable organization. Proceeds from the Yankee Doodle Fair will benefit worthy area charities.

Key Seniors at Staples

Staples High School principal John Brady congratulates the three nominees for the prestigious Key Award at Monday's night's awards ceremony -- Glenn Thrope, Emily Reasor and Kira Ganga-Kieffer. The students are nominated by the staff and then voted on by the students and it is the highest honor for a senior. The winner this year was Emily Reasor. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Kerry Long for WestportNow.com

Bloomsday 100: Westporters Show Hunger for Joyce

For millions of people, June 16 is an extraordinary day. On that day in 1904, Stephen Dedalus and Leopold Bloom each took their epic journeys through Dublin in James Joyce's "Ulysses," the world's most highly acclaimed modern novel..

“Bloomsday," as it is now known, has become a tradition for Joyce enthusiasts all over the world.

The Westport Public Library Monday night kicked off its four-day "Bloomsday 100" celebration with a talk by Dr. Johanna Garvey, chair of the English Department at Fairfield University.

WestportNow Community Correspondent Juliet Balian reports on the event and other "Bloomsday 100" celebrations this week planned by the library. See ARTS & LEISURE page.

Tuesday, June 15, 2004

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Human Services Commission
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
5:30 p.m. -Town Hall Room 201 - Tree Board
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Screening of "Bloom, The Film," a screen version of "Ulysses"

A Triple Thank You

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell thanks Jenni, Julie and Jessie Lunde, 10-year-old triplets who are fifth grade students at Long Lots Elementary School, during today's town annual meeting at Town Hall. The girls organized a project called "Kids Connected" in which they arranged for birthday gifts for themselves and friends instead to go to children in need. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Farrell Holds Annual Town Meeting

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell addresses today's annual town meeting at Town Hall. The event is required by Town Charter and in the past has included reports from each town department, board and commission. Farrell said she decided to streamline this year's meeting by making the reports available on the town Web site. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Feds Deny Recognition Again to Tribe

The Golden Hill Paugussett tribe, which has long sought federal recognition and hope of opening a casino in Bridgeport, today was again rejected in its bid for federal recognition.

Westport is among a number of southwest Connecticut communities that have opposed establishment of a casino in Bridgeport.

The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs ruling, a final decision, said that the tribal group made no progress in proving its case since a preliminary denial 18 months ago.

The BIA also declined to recognize them in 1999, but the Paugussetts won a reconsideration on appeal.

Tribal leaders said they would appeal this decision as well.

“We are extremely disappointed with today’s decision,” said Chief Quiet Hawk, Council Chief of the Golden Hill Tribe, in a statement issued from the Trumbull-based group.

"The Tribe will move forward to present its case, both in the court of appeals and the federal court. This tribe, the Golden Hill Tribe, will receive justice one way or another."

The Paugussetts failed to fufill the most basic criteria: the group could not prove it has survived since historical times. Its members failed to provide evidence that they are truly Paugussett Indians.

The tribe was denied recognition because it could not show that it has existed continuously and that its members lived as an Indian tribe with an organized tribal government.

The tribe also could not prove that its members actually descend from the historical Golden Hill Paugussett tribe.

The tribe will now return to federal court and press lawsuits seeking the return of hundreds of acres of land it says was stolen from the tribe hundreds of years ago.

Tribal lawyers say they will try to convince a judge to grant federal recognition to the tribe of 350 members.

Connecticut's three Republican Congressmen -- Christopher Shays, Rob Simmons and Nancy Johnson -- said in a joint statement the decision was justified.

"It was clear from BIA's initial assessment of the Paugussett's petition that they failed to meet the seven criteria established to achieve federal recognition," the statement said.

"The bottom line is, the Golden Hill Paugussetts were unable to prove political, social and economic continuity from pre-colonial times and, in light of that fact, the BIA made the right decision."

"The Golden Hill Paugussetts have failed at every step in the process - despite numerous opportunities - to prove its case," Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said.

"This is a very welcome victory for the public interest, but it's no cause for complacency or overconfidence. This tribe has threatened repeatedly that it will retaliate for denial of recognition by filing thousands of land claims."

Sports: Westport FC Wins First National Tourney Game

Westport FC, the defending state champion over-30 soccer team, won its first national tournament game Sunday, defeating Pittsford, N.Y. 1-0 in a driving rainstorm in the Rochester suburb.

Mark Noonan (Staples '83) fired a blistering shot with 18 minutes to go. Chris Mitchell (SHS '91) was there to put in the rebound.

A spectacular save on a breakaway by former professional goalkeeper Alex Deegan (SHS '91) with three minutes to play assured victory.

The next round in the national tournament is set for Westport, on the weekend of June 26-27, exact time and site to be determined.

New Westporter

An American Kestrel has joined the Connectciut Birds of Prey exhibit at Westport's Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center. The bird impaled its wing on a stick and now cannot survive on its own in the wild. It will reside with the other species ambassadors in the outdoor bird cages at Earthplace. Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Monday, June 14, 2004

4 p.m. - Veterans Green (rain - Town Hall lobby) - Annual Town Meeting
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Education anticipated executive session
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Parks and Recreation Commission

Westport Library Honors Martin Scorsese

The Westport Public Library today honored film director Martin Scorsese with its sixth annual Westport Public Library Award at its annual "Booked for the Evening" fundraising gala. Scorsese told the crowd that although he was passionate about film from an early age, his love of books only came later in life. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Paying Tribute to Scorsese

Among those paying tribute today to film director Martin Scorsese at the Westport Public Library were (seated front row, l-r) Alec Baldwin, Joanne Woodward, Paul Newman, Verna Bloom, and Jay Cocks. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Library Audience Treated to Scorsese Clips

The audience at today's Westport Public Library tribute to film director Martin Scorsese was treated to excerpts from some of his films, including his soon-to-be-released "The Aviator," the story of aviation pioneer Howard Hughes, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Alec Baldwin. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Sellout Crowd for Library's "Booked for the Evening"

A sellout crowd of about 500 persons turned out today for the Westport Public Library's "Booked for the Evening" tribute to film director Martin Scorsese. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Paul Newman on Martin Scorsese

Paul Newman talks about director Martin Scorsese as wife Joanne Woodward looks on at today's Westport Public Library "Booked for the Evening" tribute to Martin Scorsese. See more photos on COMMUNITY page. WestportNow.com photo

Dusk on the Saugatuck

Dusk Saturday evening on the Saugatuck was a pretty picture. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux Roche for WestportNow.com

Off to the Prom

Saturday night was prom night for Westport Staples High School seniors. This group poses before getting into the stretch limo and heading off to Stamford. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

More Staples Prom Goers

Also heading off to the Staples prom Saturday night in Stamford were (l-r) Zack Klomberg. Christie Ashway, Ankur Shah, Erin Ostreicher, Grant Burgess, Katherine Zippen, Devin Hanrahan, Sam Ortega, David Koren, Reggie Yemma, Stephanie Kranes, Evan Rock, John Serbell, Jenna Stoyack, Will Bartholemew, and Ashley Oost-Lievense. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Andy Yemma for WestportNow.com

Farrell Attending National League of Cities' Transportation Meeting

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G Farrell is in Chicago this weekend attending the National League of Cities' Transportation Infrastructure and Services Steering Committee (TIS) meeting.

Farrell was appointed in 2002 to the TIS committee for her regional work on transportation.

The 36-member TIS committee, which is comprised of city officials from across the country, is charged with developing national transportation policy.