One Year Anniversary of Blackout

Today is the one year anniversary of the Northeast blackout. Some sections of Westport lost power for more than eight hours. Here the downtown area is illuminated only by the light of a local television crew. (See WestportNow, Aug. 15, 2003) (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Wine Talk: A Taste of Connecticut

WestportNow Contributing Editor Chris Grimm recently took a day driving the western section of the Connecticut Wine Trail. He writes, "I can think of no better way to gain an appreciation of local wines than by visiting the vineyards, wineries and tasting rooms of the Nutmeg State." See his report on the ARTS & LEISURE page.

Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004

2 p.m. - Saugatuck Elementary School - Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Grease"
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - The Holmes Bros., blues
8 p.m. - Bedford Middle School - Staples Summer Theater presents "Footloose"

Getting a Good Look

The Westport Art Center tonight debuted its "Big Show 2004 – Part 2" members' exhibition. It runs until Sept. 10. Story and more pictures on ARTS & LEISURE page. Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

One Woman Slightly Injured in Easton Road Crash

One woman suffered minor injuries today in a three-vehicle accident at the intersection of Easton Road and Wisteria Lane. Light rain was falling at the time of the crash shortly before 5 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

A Good Morning for a Compo Run

Today's forecast of heavy rains with a flood watch in effect kept most people away from Westport's Compo Beach, leaving plenty of room for running along the sand. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Friday, Aug. 13, 2004

6:30 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Opening reception "The Big Show 2004 -- Part II" members' exhibition
7:30 p.m. - Saugatuck Elementary School - Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Grease"
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Celebration, one of the metropolitan area's premier party bands
8 p.m. - Bedford Middle School - Staples Summer Theater presents "Footloose"

"Footloose" at Bedford Middle School This Weekend

Staples Summer Theater presents “Footloose” Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. at Bedford Middle School. The Broadway hit follows the struggles of one young man who is determined to bring fun and dance music back to a small town where it's been labeled a sinful and unlawful activity. The production is directed by Staples veteran Al Pia and features college and high school students from the area. (CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE) Lauren Nadler for WestportNow.com

Westport Property Transfers Aug. 2-6, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk's office for the period Aug. 2-6, 2004:

David D. and Caterine W. Squires to Donald and Sung Gaynor, 106 Greens Farms Road, $485,000.

Richard and Abby Parower to John Cuseo, 59 Colony Road, $880,000.

Johan E. and Kirsten Capra Eveland to Erice S. and Jill Kreutzer Orent, 89 Old Hill Road, $1,347,875.
89 Old Hill Road: Sold for $1,347,875. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

James W. and Suzette L. Bunnell to Maureen Dewan, 4 Oxbow Road, $1,660,000.

David B. Lawner to Michael and Helen Lim Nishi, 10 Quarter Mile Road, $890,000.

Michael S. and Joan P. Gilbertie to Ransom B. Jones, 34 Treadwell Ave., $925,000.

Paul Anne Walsh to 29 Marine Ave LLC, 29 Marine Ave., $760,000.

Mitchell H. and Amada S. Bodian to Susan Jaffee Tane, 14 Bermuda Road, $3,315,000.

Francesca A. and Maddalena N. and Gabriella Polletta to Sarah Sheikh and Kevin Blunnie, 66 Maple Lane, $770,000.

Jonathan Deleighton Squires to David R. Chang and Weihong Lu, 1 Harborview Road, $1,604,000.

Westport Home and Land Co. LLC to Ann I and A. Donald Rully Trust, Unit 43 66 Terra Nova Circle, $824,222.

Munson Properties LLC to Ismo and Monica Eva Maria Haka, 18 Sandy Hill Terrace, $1,315,000.

Westport Home and Land Co. LLC to Patricia Gladys Disley, Unit 45 61 Terra Nova Circle, $996,281.

Estate of Ellen B. Schlossberg to Adam P. Graf and Alysa F. Mendelson-Graf, 14 Beechwood Lane, $795,000.

Westport Home and Land LLC to Lloyd Lyman Mahone Trust and Marion Campen Mahone Trust, Unit 15 48 Terra Nova Circle, $855,667.

Lois M. Clark to Carousel Development Inc., 39 Sherwood Drive, $1,100,000.

D. Sophocles and Marylu G. Dadakis to Jorge and Lauryn M. Fries, 4 Quintard Place, $1,038,500.

Ray Meyerson to Jeffrey F. and Leisha M. Mamera, 5 Compo Hill Ave., $1,336,035.

Westport Home and Land LLC to Thomas F. Succimarra, Unit 42 67 Terra Nova Circle, $847,421.

Brian P. and Cynthia A. Fandetti to Myles and Carolyn Greenberg, 15 Tarone Drive, $972,000.

Andrew and Janice Greenberg to Eric S. and Heather B. Jordan, 27 Coleytown Road, $3,225,000.

Ann I. and Donald Rully Trust to David S. and Cheryl S. Montoya, 5 Tall Trees Drive, $1,295,000.

Lester F. Bottone Jr. to Interfaith Housing Association of Westport, 10 West End Ave., $525,000.

Land Group Inc., to Domenick R. and Juana E. Fumai, 159 North Ave., $1,950,000.

Jordan and Andrea Rawicz Sklar to Patricia Braca, 3 Grays Farms Road, $979,000.

Westport Board of Selectmen Approves Tax Deferral Plan

Westport's Board of Selectmen, trying to ease the financial pain of residents caught up in the building permit backlog in the assessor's office, has approved a plan allowing some homeowners to defer payment of taxes owed to the town.

The plan, approved at a lengthy meeting Wednesday night, would allow property owners with a total incremental tax of $5,000 or more and with a home with an updated gross assessed value not exceeding $750,000 to defer taxes for an additional year beyond April 2005.

Those taxpayers owing less than $5,000 will be granted an additional payment period only upon filing of an affidavit and a showing of unusual financial or other circumstances.

The policy adopted by the board said "every effort will be utilized by the board to preserve the confidentiality within the limits of the law, including referring to filings by property address."

At Selectman John Izzo's request, the board voted separately on a provision of the policy providing for 18 percent interest to be charged if payments are not made in a timely manner.

Izzo opposed the provision, but First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell and Selectman Carl Leaman voted for it.

Among those opposing the additional deferment period beyond April 2005 was former Board of Assessment Appeals member Garson Heller.

He argued that other taxpayers, in effect, have been subsidizing homeowners who made improvements on their homes but have yet to be charged additional taxes and should not bear additional financial burdens on their behalf.

The permit backlog was discovered in the assessor's office in February and led to Farrell postponing the Oct. 1, 2003 revaluation.

The state subsequently permitted the town to put off its revaluation for up to three years. Westport decided to conduct a physical revaluation of all real property and hopes to complete it by Oct. 1, 2005 but no later than Oct. 1, 2006.

Selectmen Okay $37.7 Million Funding Request for Sewer Plant Upgrade

The Westport Board of Selectmen, acting in its capacity as the Water Pollution Control Authority, has approved a recommendation to request spending $37.7 million to upgrade Westport's sewage treatment plant.

The action was taken at a lengthy Board of Selectmen meeting Wednesday night. First Selectman Diane G. Farrell and Selectman John Izzo voted in favor while Selectman Carl Leaman was opposed.

The unusual split between Democrats Farrell and Leaman – with Republican Izzo casting the second affirmative vote – was over how much should be paid for the upgrade from the Sewer Fund and General Fund.

Steve Edwards, public works director, said Farrell and Izzo approved a 50-50 split while Leaman favored 25 percent from the general fund and 75 percent from the Sewer Fund.

Edwards said he anticipates going to the Board of Finance in September and Representative Town Meeting (RTM) in October for approval of the funds.

He said Westport would be eligible for a state grant of approximately $8,579,000 while the remaining funds would be available through a low-interest loan of 2 percent.

According to figures supplied to the board by Edwards, he anticipates raising the annual sewer use fee per unit from the current $258 per year to $398 per year to cover the expenditure.

He said the fee would likely be raised in three stages to soften the impact of the increased charge.

Edwards estimated that debt service for the proposed upgrade would be about $2.38 million per year which, if paid entirely by the Sewer Fund, would require a sewer user fee of approximately $543 per single family residential unit.

Westport's sewage treatment plant is about 40 years old and will not continue to meet effluent requirements, according to the town official.

"What we have is a window of opportunity," Edwards said. "It (the plant) is not broken, but we are eligible for federal and state funding and if we wait two or three years, we definitely will be out of compliance."

He said he anticipates that it will take about three years to construct the upgrade.

Approximately 90 to 95 percent of the town's commercial users and 40 percent of the town's residences are on sewer, according to Edwards.

New Entry to Staples High School

Workers have cut through the new entrance to Westport's Staples High School off of North Avenue. The $74 million renovation and explansion project is on target for occupation of the first phase at year's end. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Moving into “Natural Living” Market

The company founded by Westport’s Martha Stewart, continuing to reshape itself while she prepares to serve a prison sentence, is moving into the “natural living” market.

Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia Inc. said today it was acquiring two new publications, Body & Soul magazine and Dr. Weil's Self Healing newsletter for $6 million in cash.

Body & Soul was published by New Age Publishing, Inc., and the newsletter was published by Thorne Communications, Inc. Janesse Bruce, the CEO of both, will continue to run the Body & Soul brand for MSO, the company said.

Body & Soul, founded in 1974 as the New Age Journal, covers healthy eating, exercise, natural medicine and mental health, among other topics. The magazine, which changed its name in 2001, is published eight times a year and has a circulation of 200,000.

"Body & Soul provides MSO with the opportunity to both enter a new, promising market and to launch 'natural living' as a new 'omni' lifestyle category and brand for the company," MSO President and CEO Sharon Patrick said in a statement.

The newsletter was started in 1995 and is based on the theories of Dr. Andrew Weil, who advocates combining natural medicine and Western medicine.

MSO has been trying to distance itself from founder Martha Stewart, who was convicted in March on charges she lied to investigators about a stock sale.

Her sentence, five months in prison and five months of house arrest, was stayed pending appeal. She was also fined $30,000.

Last week, the company announced the launch of "Everyday Food," a television show based on the magazine /by the same name that will air on PBS stations. It also said it planned to eliminate its catalog business by the end of the year.

Westporters Revive The Remains Rock 'n' Roll Group at NY Festival

"All Good Things," the story of The Remains, a 1960s rock 'n' roll group that included Staples grads Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, opens Friday at the New York Fringe Festival. Directed by Staples Players artistic director David Roth, the production involves a number of former Staples Players. The Remains were the opening act for the Beatles during their 1966 tour. More information is available here. Kerry Long for WestportNow.com

Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004

8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - From Yangzhou With Love, performers from Westport's Chinese sister city present a program of music, song and dance

Judge Denies Application Involving Martha Stewart Trial Ink Expert

A federal judge in Manhattan today declined to throw out perjury charges against the ink expert who testified at the trial of Westport's Martha Stewart about a stock worksheet that was used as evidence.

Stewart and former stockbroker Peter Bacanovic, sentenced to five months in prison apiece for lying about a stock sale by the celebrity homemaker, used the alleged lies to argue unsuccessfully for new trials.

Larry Stewart, no relation to Martha Stewart, is accused of lying repeatedly on the witness stand, mainly by exaggerating his role in ink-analysis testing of the worksheet.

His lawyers say the Secret Service ink expert stands by his testimony, and also argued that his alleged perjury was not "material" to the jury's consideration of the case. The judge disagreed.

"Whether an expert witness was personally involved in the conduct of the testing is obviously something that would be significant to a jury, to the jury's evaluation of the testing," said Judge Denny Chin of Manhattan federal court.

Chin also refused to move the trial from New York to Washington, where Larry Stewart lives.

The government, in arguing against a new trial for Martha Stewart, repeatedly said the alleged lies by Larry Stewart would not have swayed the jury.

But Chin found that argument "is really an apples-and-oranges comparison" because the legal standards are different for perjury and for granting new trials.

Larry Stewart remains on "indefinite suspension" from the Secret Service, said his lawyer Judith Wheat. The rulings pave the way for the case to go to trial Sept. 20.

Asked outside court whether he had anything to say, Larry Stewart said: "Lots. I can't."

Martha Stewart and Bacanovic were each sentenced last month to five months in prison and five months of house arrest for lying about why she sold ImClone Systems Inc. stock in 2001. They are free pending appeal.

Stew Leonard's Recalls Deli Ham

Stew Leonard's Dairy Store said today it is voluntarily recalling 245 pounds of deli ham that may contain listeria monocytogenes.

Eating food contaminated with listeria monocytogenes can cause high fever, severe headaches, neck stiffness, abdominal pain, nausea and diarrhea.

The infection may be more serious or even fatal among young children, frail or elderly people, or those with weak immune systems.

Stew Leonard's said it was recalling Canadian Brand Maple Ham, produced by Russer Foods, that may contain listeria monocytogenes.

There have been no illnesses associated with the product and Russer issued the recall as a cautionary measure, store officials said.

The ham was only sold at Stew Leonard's Norwalk store. The chain also has stores in Danbury and Yonkers, N.Y.

The product being recalled may have been sold to consumers at the deli department between Aug. 5 and Aug. 9, the company said.

Consumers who may have purchased the product should return it to the store for a full refund.

Consumers seeking more information can call toll-free 866-658-0019.

Rotary Hears of Need for Norwalk Mentors

Sheri L. McCready, public affairs officer of the Norwalk public schools, told Westport Rotary Club members Tuesday about the Norwalk Mentor Program that provides one-on-one relationships between a student and an adult volunteer. Mentors spend a minimum of one hour each week during school time with their student. New mentors are needed. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Stewie the Duck Visits Y to Promote Water Safety

Stewie The Duck, the mascot of the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation, made a guest appearance at the Westport/Weston YMCA’s Hafaday summer aquatic program Tuesday. Stew Leonard, Jr. is surrounded by the Hafaday program participants and counselors,as Stewie The Duck shares water safety pointers with the children. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Music Theatre of Connecticut Presents "Grease"

The Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Grease" this weekend at Saugatuck Elementary School. The fully staged and costumed musical production features students ages 10 and up. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. More info at www.musictheatreofct.com. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004

7:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - TEAM Westport Committee
10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
7 p.m. Levitt Pavilion - Trent Arteberry: Mime Out Loud
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Selectmen
7:30 p.m. - Westport Library - Library Board

Getting Ready

Artist Herman Roggerman places his Direct Metal sculpture "Little Marianne" on a stand in the Westport Arts Center gallery as it gets ready for its "The Big Show 2004 – Part Two" members' exhibit opening Friday and on view through Sept. 10. Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004

7:30 p.m. Levitt Pavilion - Moxie and The Denns with JP Cormier

Sports: Staples Girls Soccer Coach Announces His Resignation

Staples High School girls soccer coach Lee Brown told a team meeting tonight that he is resigning to take a collegiate coaching job.

In an e-mail to soccer families, Brown, 34, said, "For some time now I have been working closely with several collegiate teams and, as a result, have been offered an assistant's job at the NCAA Division 1 level.

"An opportunity like this is very rare and after careful consideration I accepted the offer to advance my coaching career."

Brown, who has been the Staples girls coach only for a year, said he and the Staples athletic director have been actively searching for suitable candidates and hope to have a replacement named shortly.

Westport's Dave Kashetta Elected Tri-Captain of Boston College Eagles

Staples 2000 grad Dave Kashetta has been elected a tri-captain of the Boston College football team, it was announced today.

Shortly before practice today Coach Tom O'Brien announced that defensive tackle Tim Bulman (Milton, Mass,), defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka (Indianapolis, Ind.), and tight end Kashetta were elected 2004 captains by a team vote.

Kiwanuka was an All-Big East first-team selection last year and has been named to several preseason All-America teams.

Bulman is an all-star candidate who has been a solid member of the defensive unit in all three previous seasons.

Kashetta saw significant action in all 13 of BC's games last year and takes over the starting tight end spot vacated by the graduated Sean Ryan.

The team opens at Ball State on Thursday, Sept. 2. The Sept. 11 home opener vs. Penn State will kick off at 8 p.m. and will be televised by ABC.

Learning About Historical Costumes

Erin Bliss, 17, of Westport, presents a program to seniors at the Norwalk Senior Center using some of the costumes from the Westport Historical Society collection. The Staples senior created the program as a newly-elected member of the National Honor Society. She will present the program at the Westport Center for Senior Activities on Aug. 17. Contributed photo

Fire Causes Evacuation of New Hampshire Camp Owned by Westporter

An early morning fire today destroyed an outbuilding and led to the evacuation of a New Hampshire summer camp for children owned by Westporter Alan J. Stolz. No one was injured.

The Westport resident told WestportNow that about a dozen children plus several more children of camp staffers were at Camp Cody on the shores of Lake Ossipee in Freedom, N.H. when the fire was discovered about 6:40 a.m.

"The children and staff evacuated to a nearby ballfield without incident," Stolz said. "We did a nose count and all were accounted for. We do practice drills repeatedly for just this kind of emergency."

Stolz said about 75 adults -- about 40 staff and 35 people associated with a religious group sponsoring children arriving today -- were also there.

The fire broke out in a converted woodworking shop that was being used as a meditation chapel, Stolz said. He said it was "burned to the ground" by the time firefighters from Freedom and neighboring communities put it out.

Assistant Fire Chief Justin Brooks said there were some late-night visitors to the chapel, but it doesn't look like they had anything to do with the fire, reported WMUR-TV.

Stolz said firefighters had not determined the cause of the blaze.

Camp Director Philip Ross released a statement saying that the evacuation went well and all Camp Cody activities will continue as planned, WMUR-TV said.

Stolz, a volunteer crew chief with Westport EMS, has owned the camp since 1959.

Accident Near Wild Oats Sends One to Hospital

A two-car accident on Post Road West at the Norwalk line in front of Wild Oats today sent one person to Norwalk Hospital. Westport firefighters clean up a spill after the 11:30 a.m. crash, which caused a traffic jam in the area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Another Crash at Post Road East and North Compo

No one was injured today in a two-car crash at the intersection of Post Road East and Compo Road North in Westport at about 8:20 a.m., but the incident tied up traffic in the area. It is the same intersection where singer-actress Eartha Kitt flipped over her SUV last Thursday after colliding with another car. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Picture Perfect

The weekend clear skies and low humidity produced some good picture-taking opportunities, including this scene at Westport's Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Monday, Aug. 9, 2004

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Parks & Recreation Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Zoning Board of Appeals

Perfect Ending to a Perfect Weekend; With a Cherry on Top

By Fran
WestportNow Consumer Correspondent
fran@westportnow.com

At one of Westport's establishments catering to the well-dressed set Saturday night, an elegantly coiffed diner was overheard to let out a sigh.

“Do you remember when this place served hot fudge sundaes, with real hot fudge?” she asked wistfully as she dabbed at her chocolate sauce-topped dish of ice cream. “It’s just not the same …”

This got me to wondering: Is it still possible to find that priceless bit of Americana in Westport?

Although I found surprisingly few restaurants in town that serve hot fudge sundaes – and no, chocolate sauce wouldn’t do – I did find a few that do. And what better way to end a perfect Westport weekend?

Since it may be necessary to go a bit far afield to find the genuine article, I’ve thrown in a few Norwalk and Fairfield locations along with Westport.

Also listed is how late each will stay open tonight. Because let’s face it, you’re going to be hit with the urge.

As always, please write me if I’ve missed any.

Here’s how much a genuine two-hard-scoop hot fudge sundae with whipped cream, nut topping and a cherry will set you back. Price includes tax.

Friendly’s, 3671 Post Road East, Southport. Until midnight. $3.17
IHOP, 520 Post Road East. Until 10 p.m. $3.17
Dairy Queen (soft ice cream only, size medium), 1902 Post Road, Fairfield. Until 11 p.m. $3.45
Carvel, 1025 Post Road East Until 11 p.m. $3.85
Baskin Robbins 31 Flavors, 180 Post Road East. Until 10 p.m. $4.15
Cold Stone Creamery, 46 North Main St., Norwalk (next to SoNo Crown movie theater). Until 11 p.m. $5
Joe’s American Bar and Grille, 750 Post Road, Fairfield. Until 10:30. $5.30
Ben and Jerry’s, 14 Post Road East. Until 11 p.m. $5.60

Enjoy!

Red Barn Kitchen Fire Doused

A small grease fire broke out today in the kitchen of the Red Barn restaurant on Wilton Road but was quickly extinguished by an automatic wet chemical system, fire officials said.

The 1:30 p.m. blaze did not cause any significant damage and no one was injured. The restaurant was not evacuated.

Westport Water Wrats Triumph in "Swim Across the Sound"

Westport's YMCA Water Wrats swim team took first place in the relay event of Saturday's 15-mile "Swim Across the Sound" fund-raiser to support cancer treatment and screening.
Westport YMCA Water Wrats Keenan Koss, 16, of Fairfield, and Frisk Driscoll, 17, of Westport were part of the winning relay team. WestportNow.com photo

Dozens of swimmers participated in the event that started in Long Island and ended in Bridgeport.

Christina Bladek, 17, of Easton, was captain of the Westport team, the relay victor for the second year in a row.

Keenan Koss, 16, of Fairfield, touched the platform for the Wrats on the Bridgeport side.

Four Westport residents joined them on the team – Dave Platow, Frisk Driscoll, Chris Halstead, and Anna Smith.

The swimmers left Port Jefferson at 9 a.m. and Koss hit the finish platform at 3:30 p.m.

Officials at Saint Vincent's Medical Center said year-round events associated with the swim bring in about $2.5 million dollars each year.

Deb Cashin, 33, of Cheshire was the individual champion.

The event has been taking place since 1987, when Fairfield University student Jeff Keith raised $5,000 for his swim after losing a leg to cancer.

Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004

7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Joe Carter, Brazilian jazz quartet