Patrons Keeps Library Auto Checkout Busy Today

A Westport Public Library patron tries out the library's automated checkout system today. The rainy Saturday weather made it an ideal time to visit the library. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Rainy Saturday Fender-Bender

A minor accident on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge across the Saugatuck River in Westport's center slowed traffic today. There were no injuries. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Heading Off to India

Three Westport senior Girl Scouts are heading off to India next month as part of an international seminar. The girls will spend two weeks in India attending an international seminar entitled “Peace in a Women’s World” at Sangam, one of four Girl Scout World Centers, as well as participating in community service with Maher, a local agency for destitute women and children. To fund the trip, they are hosting two evenings of dinners at Westport's Bombay Bar and Grill – Jan. 17 and 31 at 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $22 for adults and $15 for children aged 5-12. Pictured (l-r) are Maggie Ewing, Rebecca Kamins, and Kelley Fong, all 17-year-old Staples High School seniors. Contact troop_553@yahoo.com or call Sharon Fong at 341-0888 for reservations or more information. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Shays Visits Indonesia Province Hit by Tsunami

Rep. Christopher Shays was among a delegation of seven U.S. congressmen who visited Indonesia's tsunami-hit Aceh province today, meeting injured survivors in a field hospital and getting a firsthand look at the devastation, according to an AP report.

The Connecticut 4th District congressman and the others flew from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, to Medan in eastern Sumatra and then helicoptered to the USS Abraham Lincoln before going to Banda Aceh.

Rep. Christopher Smith, a New Jersey Republican, said the biggest challenge facing the huge aid operation that's underway will be keeping up momentum after the initial emergency phase is over.

"We can't have compassion fatigue here," he told reporters at the airport in Banda Aceh, the provincial capital, according to the AP.

Winter Weather Advisory in Effect

A winter weather advisory was in effect for the Westport area this morning as the National Weather Service said areas of freezing rain were likely.The rain may be mixed with sleet at times, it said. The freezing rain is expected to change over to plain rain by late morning. View is from a Department of Transportation camera on I-95 near the bridge over the Saugatuck River in Westport. DOT/WestportNow.com photo

Update: Bedford Students Mock Trial Quarter Final Competition Postponed

Students from Westport's Bedford Middle School Mock Trial Team were supposed to head off to MIddlesex Superior Court today for the state quarter finals, but bad weather caused a postponement.
Members of the Bedford Middle School Mock Trial Team. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The school’s two teams won three out of four trials at the regional competition in December to advance to the next round, now tentatively rescheduled for Jan. 29.

The case this year involved criminal computer conspiracy. Bedford’s 28-member team, which includes four students serving as bailiffs and alternates, has been practicing since October.

The competitors receive a packet of information which includes six witness affidavits, a statement of facts, and many pages of detailed rules for how to conduct the case.

The team members must come up with their own opening and closing statements, and devise their own plans for direct and cross examination of witnesses.

Students who serve as witnesses must memorize all the information in the affidavit, and hold their ground well during direct and cross examination.

Coaches for the team, Bedford teachers Anne Fernandez, Lynn Hall and Kerstin Warner, say they are very proud of the progress student have made in their critical thinking, poise and presentation skills.

The school system thanked two volunteer attorney coaches, William Sappone and Jennifer Goldstein, who have given their time and attention to help students sharpen their legal acumen.

Off to the Dance

In a scene repeated all over Westport Friday night, these Staples High School students gathered for a before-the-dance snapshot before heading off to the Red and White Ball at the Inn at Longshore. Funds raised from the event for high school girls sponsored by The County Assemblies benefits youth-related charities. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Mony Reuven for WestportNow.com

Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005

2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. - Saugatuck Elementary School - Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Willy Wonka"
8 p.m. - Greens Farms School - Westport Arts Center presents jazz guitarist Larry Coryell

Westport Arts Center Debuts "Solos"

The Westport Arts Center tonight held an opening reception for its "Solos" exhibit by six artists – Victoria and Mark Caluneo; Robert January; Seth Lewis; Lee Anne Miller; Sarah Petruziello, and Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz. The exhibit was juried by Robin Zella, director of the Housatonic Museum of Art. It runs through Jan. 28. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Westport Property Transfers Dec. 27-29, 2004

Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period Dec. 27-29, 2004:

Steven T. and Susan Calzone to Stephen Norman Nash, 5 Davenport Ave., $520,000

Marie A. Dipisquale to Schmiedeck Construction LLC, 29 Old Hill Farms Road, $1,385,000

Ruth Lopreato to Joseph A. and Maria C. Driscoll, 327 Wilton Road, $400,000

Donna M. Gilbertie to Amy Formato, 16 Wassell Lane, $160,283

Wilma S. Sielert to John Caropresso and Carol Greunke, 15 Tomahawk Lane, $789,000

Denise Pearl to Francesco and Marilyn D. Puzzuto, 11 Berndale Drive, $1,100,000

Tianshu Zhang and Chen Chi Tsao to Net Ten Properties, 41 Westfair Drive, $586,000

David A. and Andrea T. Knight to David L. and Evelyn M. Quigley, 1 Marvin Place, $1,950,000

John B. and Patricia C. Davis to Denise Pearl, 18 Burr School Road, $1,845,000

Deborah Flood fka Deborah L. Niles, to William and Lisa P. Dodge, 10 Warnock Drive, 20 percent interest, $126,000

Charles C. Ferguson Jr-Tr to William E. and Lisa P. Dodge, 10 Warnock Drive, 80 percent, $512,000

Daniel J. and Robin M. Cherniack to Michael J. and Christian H. Suppan, 6 Westway Road, $1,455,000

Congratulating New Fire Department Recruits

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell congratulates new Westport Fire Department recruits (l-r) Justin Moser and Tobias Ostapchuk after swearing them in today. The addition of Moser, 24, of Southbury, and Ostapchuk, 32, of Darien, brings the department's strength to 58. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Tiffany: Westport Store Off to "Exceptionally Strong Start"

Tiffany & Co. Inc. said today sales in its new Westport store were off to an "exceptionally strong start" and contributed to a 12 percent overall sales increase in the November-December holiday period for the luxury retailer from the prior year.
Flashback: Tiffany's Westport store opened Nov. 5 with a "Breakfast at Tiffany's" event for local merchants. WestportNow.com photo

Mark L. Aaron, vice president of investor relations, told a conference call for analysts that sales in the New York flagship store were up 11 percent while sales in the six stores in the New York suburban region were roughly equivalent to last year.

"We are also experiencing an exceptionally strong start in our new store in Westport, Conn., although it is likely having a cannibalization effect on a couple of New York area stores," he said.

The Westport store opened Nov. 5 in the location which formerly housed Eddie Bauer at the corner of Post Road East and Taylor Place. Part of the ground floor retail space has yet to be sublet.

Bill McGuinness, director of the Westport Tiffany, said, “We had an exceptionally strong start, not just from the holiday season but from the day the doors opened.”

He added that the store’s people-counter, which tracks the number of customers entering the store, recorded thousands of customers each day during the two weeks before Christmas.

“I’ve seen customers from all over Connecticut, not just Fairfield County,” said McGuinness. “There are people coming in from New Haven, Hartford, and the shoreline towns above New Haven, such as Guilford and Madison.”

McGuinness said the best-selling items during the holiday season were sterling-silver bracelets and diamonds, including engagement rings and one-of-a-kind diamond pieces.

“The sterling silver heart-tag bracelet just flies out the door,” he said. “And the bracelet of silver beads is also popular.”

Tiffany said total sales for the two months rose 12 percent to $673.8 million -- even though it had a lackluster performance in Japan. It noted that diamond jewelry and watches were among its best-selling items.

The New York company backed a lowered forecast for the current year, after a tough third quarter, and said that, for 2005, it expects 10 percent to 12 percent earnings growth and 8 percent to 10 percent growth in sales.
____
Emily Laux contributed reporting for this story.

Friday, Jan. 7, 2004

6:30 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Opening reception "Gallery Solos"
7:30 p.m. - Saugatuck Elementary School - Music Theatre of Connecticut presents "Willy Wonka"

Music to Laugh By

Concert pianist David Hollander delighted the Westport/Weston Y's Men today with a demonstration concert and a musical show-and-tell with funny anecdotes. It was a return performance for the Wilton resident, author of "Concert Goers Survival Guide," popular with neophyte concert goers. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Robert Frost-Like

Today's overnight snowfall left only a few inches in most of Westport but enough to make the Saugatuck River estuary near Kings Highway look like a Robert Frost wintry scene. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Bedford and Bridgeport Gifted Students Join for Archaeology Study

The Connecticut Association for the Gifted has awarded a grant to an archaelogy workshop linking sixth grade students at Westport's Bedford Middle School with eighth grade students from Bridgeport's Longfellow School, it was announced today.

The $2,250 grant, written by Bedford teacher Kerstin Warner and Longfellow teacher Bonnie Hole, will bring the students from the two schools together in a study of archaeology that includes several field trips.

Students will meet together to hear Dr. Nick Bellantoni, the Connecticut State Archaeologist, travel together to the archaeology labs at Yale University, and share a hands-on archaeology experience at the Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center.

The Connecticut Association for the Gifted is a non-profit volunteer organization created to support the needs of gifted youngsters across the state.

Westport Fire Department Adding Two Recruits

The Westport Fire Department has announced the addition of Justin Moser and Tobias Ostapchuk as Westport firefighters.

The two will be sworn in Friday at 2:30 p.m. in a ceremony at Westport fire headquarters.

The addition of the two firefighers brings the department strength to 58, according to Deputy Chief Chris Ackley, with one position still open.

Moser. 24. of Southbury, is certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) as well as Firefighter I and II, and confined space rescue. He has been a volunteer in Newtown for the past six years where he is currently assistant chief.

Moser has been employed by Newtown Emergency Communications Center as a dispatcher since November 1999. He is currently attending Naugatuck Community College in the pursuit of a fire technology degree.

Ostapchuk, 32, of Darien, is certified as an EMT, Firefighter I and II, Fire Officer I and II, Fire Instructor, Hazmat and Disaster Response Management.

In 1996, he became a volunteer in Darien where he is currently assistant chief. He also is a volunteer for Greenwich where for the last five years he has been employed by the Greenwich Fire Department as director of recruitment for volunteers.

Ostapchuk attended Saint Michael's College where he received a degree in business administration.

Save the Children Call Center One of the Busiest Places in Westport

The call center at Westport's Save the Children on Wilton Road is one of the busiest places in Westport these days. The charity Wednesday had its second highest one-day call volume – 2,200 calls -- from Asian tsunami donors, eclipsed only by 2,500 calls one day last week. Staff members are seen manning some of the 25 phone lines today. Volunteers are still needed to answer phones in non-business hours. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Storm Causes Two-Hour Opening Delay for Westport Schools

The Westport public school system is on a two-hour delay today because of the overnight snowfall, the superintendent's office announced.

Westport Office Vacancy Rate Holding Steady

The Westport office vacancy rate as of Jan. 1 stands at 15.2 percent, the same level as seen in July 2004, according to Ted Hampe, chairman of Westport's HK Group.

HK Group tracks some 172 office buildings, with square footage totaling 2,620,000 SF of which 397,000 SF were vacant on Jan. 1.

An additional 35,000SF were being offered for sub-lease or future direct lease, reflecting planned tenant moves, the company said.

Therefore, the office availability rate was 16.5 percent on Jan. 1, a slight improvement versus last July.

Recent Westport availability and vacancy trends are summarized below:

Available Vacant
January 2001 2.4% 2.2%
January 2002 13.9% 8.9%
January 2003 17.6% 16.8%
January 2004 17.5% 16.8%
July 2004 17.3% 15.2%
January 2005 16.5% 15.2%

“The Westport office leasing market has been quite stagnant over the last six months," said Hampe.

“Westport vacancy levels are a bit below the Fairfield County average and the improving economy should begin to increase leasing results during 2005."

Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Commission

Icy RoadsPredicted Overnight

Tonight's mixture of rain and snow is barely discernible in the lights of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge in Westport's center spanning the Saugatuck River. Forecasters said overnight snow accumulation would be small but that the concern for drivers in the morning would be icy roadways. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Country Playhouse Announces 2005 Apprenticeship Program

If you are a high school student with an interest in theater, the Westport Country Playhouse 2005 apprenticeship program might be for you.

The Playhouse has announced that applications are now being accepted for the program, which runs from June 28 to Aug. 21. Deadline for applications is April 1.

Apprentices rotate through work assignments and performance responsibilities so that each is exposed to the many facets of a theatrical production.

Work assignments include scene construction and painting, properties, company management, marketing and theatre administration. Performance responsibilities include running crew, concessions, front of house and
parking.

Apprentices are also offered educational opportunities that enhance their experience. Apprentices attend two classes a week in which they study the
plays from the season.

Artist Hours take place once a week and involve discussions with Playhouse staff and guest artists. Past guest artists have included Paul Newman, James Naughton, Walter Dallas, Jane Curtin, Jeffrey DeMunn, and Artistic
Director Joanne Woodward.

One of the concluding events of the program will be the Apprentice Showcase which will provide the apprentices with an opportunity to perform.

The Apprenticeship Program is designed for high school students who have completed grades 10, 11, or 12.

Application information can be found on the Playhouse Web site.

Rell Calls for Unity; Mioli Sworn In as Westport State Rep

Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who underwent breast cancer surgery nine days ago, received a thunderous welcome from state legislators in Hartford today, among them Westport's new Democratic state Rep. Joseph Mioli. She called on them to work together "with a new sense of inspiration."
Westport state Rep. Joeseph Mioli at today's opening legislative session in Hartford. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Rell, 58, a former member of the state House of Representatives, was greeted with a loud chorus of cheers and a lengthy standing ovation. Many of the lawmakers who filled the Hall of the House wore pink ribbons, signifying their support for breast cancer research.

"You know I get embarrassed," Rell said smiling, pleading with the crowd to stop the applause.

It was emotional moment for Rell, accompanied by members of her family. Aside from it being her first official public appearance since her successful mastectomy and reconstructive surgery on Dec. 27, today marked the first time that Rell has given the traditional State of the State address.

She spoke a short time after Mioli and other legislators were sworn into office. The 66-year-old former owner of Westport Pizzeria defeated veteran Republican lawmaker G. Kenneth Bernhard by 363 votes in November. He is the first Democrat to hold the seat in more than 30 years.

On the Senate side, among those sworn in for another term was veteran Republican Judith G. Freedman. The Westporter easily defeated Democrat Arlo Ellison in November to retain her seat.

Rell started her nearly 12-minute speech by thanking people for their prayers and later made a pointed reference to her surgery in calling for an end to partisan politics.

"I have been unexpectedly confronted with my own mortality as I was told that I had cancer," she said. "Yes, I am looking through different eyes now. Eyes more focused on what is truly important, what is truly necessary."

Rell became governor last summer after her three-time Republican running mate, former Gov. John G. Rowland, resigned amid scandal. Rowland recently pleaded guilty to a federal corruption count and faces prison time.

Rell said she wanted to reform the state's ethics and elections system, promising to deliver "bold proposals" in the coming days.

"We must be trusted to always place the public's good above our own and to always choose fairness over favoritism," Rell said. "We must accept the mantle of leadership with a new sense of inspiration."

Shays to Visit Southeast Asia to Assess Tsunami Relief

Rep. Christopher Shays departs today for Southeast Asia to assess tsunami relief efforts and work with Westport's Save the Children charity to protect orphaned children, according to an announcement by his office.

Shays, who defeated Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell in November to retain his 4th Congressional District seat, is chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats and International Relations.

"Our nation understands tragedy and we grieve the unfathomable loss Southeast Asia experienced during the holiday season," Shays said.

"We need to interact with relief organization personnel on the ground, in person, to assess how our country can best support the battered region in the weeks and months ahead."

As chairman of the House subcommittee, Shays has oversight of the Department of State, Department of Defense and USAID.

This trip will help Shays understand in greater detail the aid efforts of these agencies and additional issues which need to be addressed in the region, the announcement said.

It will also serve as a learning tool for the United States' emergency preparedness and response.

Shays noted the tsunami has left thousands of children orphaned and vulnerable to exploitation and trafficking.

He is a lead sponsor of the Women and Children in Conflict Protection Act, which would authorize funds for efforts to protect women and children in complex humanitarian emergencies.

While in Indonesia, Shays will meet with the U.S. ambassador, receive a briefing on U.S. military relief efforts on the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln, take a helicopter tour of Banda Aceh, visit refugees, and meet with the Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajudn, the announcement said.

Shays will work with Save the Children on the charity's efforts to do protect orphaned children. He will also visit Thailand and Sri Lanka, according to the announcement.

Shays will travel with a Congressional delegation lead by Rep. Jim Leach (R-Iowa), chairman of the International Affairs Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Others on the delegation, which will return Jan. 13, include Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Mike Ferguson (R-N.J.), Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) and Wayne Gilchrest (R-Md.).

Save the Children Says Thanks

Westport's Save the Children has been so overwhelmed by the generosity of Americans, especially its Fairfield County neighbors, to its appeal for donations to its Asian tsunami relief fund that it proclaimed its thanks in banners outside its Wilton Road headquarters. The charity has raised $21 million so far and says it still needs volunteers to help answer phones. Call (203) 221-4000 to volunteer. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Firm Pays $275,000 to Settle Software Piracy Claim

A Westport firm that manages billions of dollars for clients around the world has paid a software manufacturers' watchdog group $275,000 to settle a claim that it had unlicensed copies of software programs installed on office computers, the group said today.

The Washington, D.C.-based Business Software Alliance (BSA) said Westport's Bridgewater Associates, Inc., an investment management firm at 1 Glendenning Place, was one of two Connecticut firms making settlements.

The other was A.W. Hastings, a supplier for the building material industry, headquartered in Enfield. It paid $80,022.

In addition to making their payments, the companies agreed to delete any unlicensed copies, purchase replacement software and strengthen their software management practices, the BSA said in a news release.

Bridgewater Associates, Inc., which says on its Web site that it has more than $92 billion under management from clients around the world, paid BSA $275,000 after a self-audit revealed that it had unlicensed Adobe, Microsoft and Symantec software on its computers, the group said.

A self-audit at A.W. Hastings revealed that it had unlicensed Adobe, Autodesk and Microsoft software programs on its computers, the BSA said.

Most investigations begin with a call to BSA’s hotline, 1-888-NO PIRACY, or with a report to BSA’s Online Reporting Form, at www.bsa.org., the group said.

It said this was the case with the Connecticut settlements announced today. BSA’s attorneys contacted the companies and they cooperated with BSA and voluntarily conducted self-audits, the group said.

“Companies should treat software just like any other asset and have a comprehensive software management program in place to ensure compliance,” said Bob Kruger, vice president of enforcement for BSA.

“BSA encourages businesses to conduct a software audit and acquire the necessary licenses to meet copyright requirements.”

BSA quoted a spokesperson for Bridgewater Associates as saying, “Bridgewater Associates fully recognizes and respects the intellectual property rights of others. Appropriate measures to ensure that this situation will not recur have been implemented. We are pleased to have been able to resolve this matter expeditiously and amicably.”

Jonathan D. Hoyt, treasurer of A. W. Hastings, said, according to the BSA, “A.W. Hastings has implemented a new management program, allowing us to monitor our software installations. We have emphasized to our employees the importance of making sure all programs installed have a license.”

Businesses trying to determine whether their organizations are using unlicensed software can download the free software audit tools at www.bsaaudit.com, the BSA said.

It said a recent independent study showed that 22 percent of software in the United States is unlicensed. Last year, the United States lost nearly $6.5 billion as a result of software piracy, according to the group.

BSA members include Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Avid, Bentley Systems, Borland, CNC Software/Mastercam, Internet Security Systems, Macromedia, Microsoft, Network Associates, SolidWorks, Sybase, Symantec, UGS and VERITAS Software.

Health District Schedules Flu Clinics for Residents Aged 50+

The Westport Weston Health District has announced it will begin telephone registration for flu vaccinations for residents 50 years of age and older on Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Individuals interested in receiving the flu vaccine should call the Westport Weston Health District at (203) 227-9571 for an appointment.

All Medicare Part B participants are asked to have their cards available when registering.

The health district said it is conducting telephone registrations for the clinic in order to facilitate effective administration of the vaccine and to eliminate long waits.

The two methods of payment are $20 cash or Medicare Part B (medical insurance). All Medicare participants must bring their Medicare cards with them for verification and billing purposes.

Smart Choice for CT (Health Net) and Evercare Choice (United Health Care) are not accepted.

“It’s not too late to get vaccinated against influenza,” said Judy Nelson, district director of health. “There is a limited supply of vaccine that we can make available to those over 50 years of age and older.”

For more information call the health district health information line at (203) 222-3875. This infoline will be updated regularly. Also, information will be available on the district’s Web site at www.wwhd.org.

Bad Weather Causes Early School Dismissals, Cancellation of Town Meetings

With a mixture or rain and sleet already falling and more bad weather on the way, the Westport schools announced early dismissal today and evening town meetings were canceled.

The superintendent's office said Staples High School would be dismissed at 11:45 a.m., the middle schools and Saugatuck Elementary at 12:15 p.m, and all other schools at 1 p.m.

The Board of Finance and Flood and Erosion Control Board meetings scheduled for tonight were canceled.

Calm Before the Storm

Westport's Compo Basin showed no signs of an approaching storm at sunset Tuesday. Forecasters said the area could get as much as six inches of snow today through Thursday morning. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Richard Barnett for WestportNow.com

Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2004

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309 - Citizens Brown Bag lunch - CANCELED
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Board of Finance anticipated executive session - CANCELED
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Flood and Erosion Control Board - CANCELED
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Board of Finance (live coverage on Cablevision Channel 79) - CANCELED

Rell Nominates Former Westport Teacher to State Appellate Court

Gov. M. Jodi Rell has nominated a former Westport teacher, Herbert Gruendel, to the state's Appellate Court.

The Branford resident would succeed Judge Thomas G. West, a Danbury resident who reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 and retired in November.

The 58-year-old Gruendel, a Democrat, has served as a Superior Court judge since 1998. Appointed by former Gov. John Rowland, he currently serves as Chief Administrative Judge for the Family Division of the Superior Court.

He worked in private practice at the law firm of Jacobs, Grudberg, Belt & Dow, P.C. from 1984 to 1998. The New Haven firm now represents Rowland in a federal corruption case.

Law is a second career for Gruendel. He was a public school principal in Branford and a teacher in Westport before attending the University of Connecticut School of Law where he earned his law degree with honors in 1984.

He earned his bachelors degree in English Literature from Drew University in 1969, a masters degree in American Studies from the University of Maryland in 1971, a masters degree in American Civilization from the University of Pennsylvania in 1974 and a masters degree in Educational Administration from Rutgers University in 1976.

The Appellate Court is the lower of the state's two appeals courts and has jurisdiction in a wide range of civil and criminal matters, other than cases involving capital crimes. The appointment is subject to legislative confirmation.

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Staples Grad Addresses Rotary

Matt Davies, a Staples High School graduate who won the Pulitzer Prize for editorial cartooning last April (See WestportNow April 6, 2004), told today's Westport Rotary Club meeting at the Inn at Longshore that he has more freedom than just about anyone else at his newspaper. "I can say things editors can't say," he said. But he lamented the shrinking number of editorial cartoonists in the country, saying there are about 85 paid cartoonists today, down from 150 about 10 years ago. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Two Westport Students Cited by Stamford Symphony

Two eighth grade students at Westport's Bedford Middle School are among 10 winners of a citation from the Friends of the Stamford Symphony Orchestra recognizing talented musicians from Fairfield County.

Elisa DeBeradino and Carlyn Kessler were named winners of the 2004 Roger Nierenberg Young Musician Commendation Award. The award is named for the longtime conductor of the Stamford Symphony.

DiBeradino was recognized for her excellence in performing on the string bass, electric bass, and as a vocalist. Kessler was cited for her excellence in performing on the cello.

Each winner was selected at the recommendation of their teachers and judged on the basis of their musical accomplishments.

They will appear onstage at the Palace Theatre with Music Director candidate David Loebel at the Jan. 23 concert of the Stamford Symphony.

The award includes a cash prize, free concert tickets, a music reference book, a certificate, and a post-concert reception.

"These talented youngsters represent the future of live music," said SSO Executive Director Barbara Soroca. "I am amazed each year at the immense talent of the eighth graders who receive this award."

Star Power

Westporter Betsey Lebow was a recent guest on the Hollywood set of "Bewitched" where she spent time with one ot its stars, Will Farrell. The film will be released this summer. Lebow, a WestportNow contributing photographer, won the opportunity through a fund-raiser last fall for Westport's A Better Chance (ABC). A similar opportunity will be offered at this year's fund-raiser on April 2. More information is avaiilable on the ABC Web site. Contributed photo

Westport Police Chief to Address Y's Women Jan. 10

Barely days after marking his first anniversary as Westport police chief, Alfred R. Fiore will be guest speaker Monday at the Westport/Weston Y’s Women meeting.
Flashback: Al Fiore is sworn in as new police chief on Jan. 2, 2004. WestportNow.com photo

The 48-year-old Fiore, who was sworn in last Jan. 2, will speak about new challenges in police work in the past three years since 9/11. The meeting begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Westport YMCA.

While Westport is not a major target of terrorists, its proximity to Manhattan makes terrorism a major concern, according to Fiore, a 26-year department veteran.

Fiore will talk about what the Westport Police Department is doing to protect its citizens from domestic terrorism. Among other things, he will discuss the police communication system and how area police departments cooperate with each other.

Fiore joined the Westport Police Department as a patrolman in July 1978, rising through the ranks to Deputy Police Chief in March 2003 before being named Chief by First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell in December 2003.

Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005

10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Golf Advisory Committee

Westport Teardowns Jumped 43 Percent in 2004

The number of demolition permits issued in 2004 in Westport jumped 43 percent -- to 106 compared to 73 the year before, Building Department figures showed today.
The owner of 4 Smoky Lane demolished a 1951 house last week after building this new home elsewhere on the 1-acre property. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Local real estate agents said favorable interest rates plus the shortage of buildable land in the community accelerated the demolitions, which have been featured in WestportNow's "teardown of the day" series since last October.

In 2002, there were 75 demolition permits issued.

The last demolition permit issued in 2004 was on Dec. 29 for 2 Lowlyn Road, which was featured as WestportNow's teardown on Nov. 16.

A day before, the department issued a permit for demolition of a home at 4 Smoky Lane, off of Hillspoint Road. The 1951 home, featured by WestportNow Nov. 19, was taken down soon afterward. The owner, meanwhile, had built a new house elsewhere on the 1-acre lot and occupied it in October.

Firefighters Heard the Crash at Headquarters

Westport firefighters heard the crash today when two cars collided outside their Post Road East headquarters. No one was seriously injured in the accident. One of the motorists involved retrieves some belongings from the trunk of his car before it is removed from the scene. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Fire Alarm Disrupts First Day in New Staples Building

Students and teachers were in the new wing of Westport's Staples High School for less than 90 minutes today before they had to evacuate when the fire alarm went off. There was no fire and firefighters said they were investigating the cause. Everyone was allowed back in a short time later. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Getting the All Clear

Staples High School Principal John Dodig (r) gets the all clear from Westport Fire Department Lt. John Plofkin today after firefighters responded to a fire alarm in the new wing of the school. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Welcome Back

Staples High School Principal John Dodig watches as students and staff return to classes through the new main entrance after a fire alarm sounded less than 90 minutes after school began today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Students Return to Classes Through Still Unfinished Entrance

Staples High School students make their way back to classes today after a fire alarm went off shortly after school began. A temporary fence surrounds the tile Staples seal on the floor of the new main entrance which has yet to be completed. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Back to Work

With many people off for the Christmas and New Year's holidays, it was back to work today for many Westport commuters. They lined up to get on the 8:13 to a.m. to Grand Central. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Down to the Wire

Students will occupy part of the new $74 million Westport Staples High School today. Preparations went almost down to the wire to get 34 classrooms ready for students returning from the holiday break. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Monday, Jan. 3, 2005

8 p.m. - Staples High School Library - Board of Education (live coverage on Cablevision Channel 78)

A Compo Balancing Act

Westporter Jerry Kuyper said the balmy New Year's Day weather was just too good for him to resist creating a rock sculpture at Compo Beach. Kuyper was recently highlighted in the "Connecticut 24/7" volume of the "America 24/7 series." His art can be seen more directly in his online Photo Album, with images of precariously balanced mixed constructions from Maine to Switzerland (CLICK TO ENLARGE). Contributed photo

A Beautiful End to a Beautiful New Year's Day

What a better way to end a summer-like New Year's Day than a hand-holding sunset stroll at Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Richard Barnett for WestportNow.com