Braving the Cold Waters

Today's annual Penguin Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach attracted a large crowd of enthusiasts who braved the cold waters of Long Island Sound to benefit the Special Olympics. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Taking the Plunge

It was everyone in the water today at Westport's Compo Beach for the annual Penguin Plunge.The event, sponsored by Special Olympic Connecticut’s southwest region, raises funds to support the organization’s fitness training and competition programs for disabled children and adults in Connecticut. These were some of the high school participants. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

All for a Good Cause

Jim Lyons (l, in skirt), a retired member of the Bridgeport Police Department, was among those braving today's 33-degree weather to take part in the Penguin Plunge at Westport's Compo Beach to benefit the Special Olympics.(CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Westport Library Annual Winter Book Sale Underway

The Westport Public Library's annual winter book sale got underway today. The sale runs until 5 p.m. today, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday (all items half-price) and 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday (all items free). This weekend’s sale is one of three held each year by the Friends of the Westport Library. All proceeds benefit the Westport Library. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

All Gone: 1 Canning Lane

The house at 1 Canning Lane off Turkey Hill Road South came down Friday. It was featured as WestportNow's teardown of the day Feb. 12, 2005. Built in 1965, it sold in January for $632,500. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Staples' Remi Ray Takes 600-Meter Race in Boston

Staples junior Remi Ray (No.767) moves on the outside into the lead in the 600-meter race to finish first at the New England Indoor Track Championship Friday night in Boston. Ted Sullivan/Staplesrunning.com photo

Anchor Man

Staples junior Remi Ray runs the anchor leg of the boys 4x400 meter relay at Friday night's New England Indoor Track Championship in Boston. The Wreckers finished sixth in the event. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ted Sullivan/Staplesrunning.com photo

Named All-New England

At Friday night's New England Indoor Track and Field Championships in Boston, the Staples 4 x 400 relay team (l to r) of Will Caffrey, Jason Hanrahan, Remi Ray and Rob Stewart placed sixth by running this season’s best time of 3:28.66. The four athletes were named All-New England and plan to compete this coming weekend at the National Scholastic Indoor Championships. Ted Sullivan/Staplesrunning.com photo

Saturday, March 5, 2005

8:30 a.m. - Compo Beach - Penguin Plunge registration and plunge at 10 a.m.
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Annual winter book sale

All Gone: 14 Hunting Lane

The house at 14 Hunting Lane near Bulkley Avenue North came down today. Featured as WestportNow's teardown of the day Nov. 2, 2004, it sold last June for $525,000. It was built in 1952. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Edwin K. Dimes, Prominent Westporter, Dies at 81

Ned Dimes: Stressed "give something back to the community." Contributed photoEdwin K. "Ned" Dimes, a longtime prominent Westport attorney and former chairman of the Board of Finance, died today after a lengthy illness, friends said. He was 81.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East, Westport.

He was the husband of S. Antoinette Morton Dimes.

Ira Bloom, one of Dimes' partners, said,"Our law firm has lost a friend and colleague. But the community has lost one of its most prominent citizens.

"Ned always believed and stressed to all of us that we should give something back to the community. That is why he was always such an active volunteer in the government and in other organizations.

"This is a loss not only for his wife, children and grandchildren, but for the town as well."

Born in Hartford, Conn., in 1923, Dimes grew up in Wethersfield, Conn. Upon graduation from high school, he was recruited by Wesleyan University to play soccer and was named to the All New England Soccer Team.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the early 1940s and served as a B-24 pilot in World War II based in Italy. Upon completing his service, he re-entered Wesleyan University where he was Phi Beta Kappa and earned a B.A. in 1947, with High Honors and Distinction in Economics.

After receiving his degree from Wesleyan, he attended Yale Law School, earning a L.L.B. in 1950.

After graduating from Yale, Dimes joined what is now the law firm of Wake, See, Dimes and Bryniczka where he spent his entire legal profession.

He was a member of the Connecticut, Fairfield County/Regional and American Bar Associations and was admitted to practice in all courts, including the Tax Court and Supreme Court of the United States.

He recently served on the Board of Delegates and Board of Governors of the Connecticut Bar Association and was a State Trial Referee for over 20 years.

During his 55 years in Westport, Dimes was active in town government, community activities, and his church.

He served on Westport’s Board of Finance for 18 years, 14 as chairman and president of the Westport Pension Board.

He served on the Westport’s Representative Town Meeting, Recreation Commission, Public Site and Building Commission, an alternate on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and a Trustee of the YMCA.

At Saugatuck Congregational Church, he served several terms as chairman of the board of trustees and as a Deacon.

For the past 50 years, Dimes was a member of Saugatuck Hose Co. No. 4 and served as the group's attorney and trustee. He also belonged to the Minuteman and South Norwalk Boat Clubs.

Surviving family members in addition to his wife are his three daughters: Martha Dimes of Durham, N.C.; Deborah and her husband Robert Cameron of Germantown, Tenn., and Kimberley and her husband, Owen McDonald of Billerica, Mass. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Susan and Robert Cameron.

Media Interest in Westport Continues Regarding Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart may be gone from Westport, but media interest in what Westporters think about her release from prison continues. A TV truck took up a position before dawn on Post Road East in Westport's center to get early morning reaction. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Martha Stewart Released From Prison

Martha Stewart was released early today from a federal women'ls prison in Alderson, W. Va., after serving five months for lying to investigators about a stock trade.
Free at last: Martha Stewart waves as she boards a plane at Greenbrier Valley Airport, W. Va MSNBC/WestportNow.com photo

Stewart left the prison at 12:30 a.m., according to a statement distributed to reporters at the prison gate.

She later boarded a private jet at Greenbrier Valley Airport along with her daugher Alexis. She was smiling broadly and waved to photographers but made no statement.

Cable news channels broadcast live coverage of automobiles leaving the prison. One network had live shots from a helicopter overhead following her two-car motorcade.

She will spend the next five months on home confinement at her 153-acre estate in Bedford, N.Y. She arrived there within three hours of her release after her jet landed in New York.

A sport utility vehicle carrying Stewart drove through the prison gate past reporters and about 15 fans without stopping.

About a half-mile from the prison a cardboard sign said, "Goodbye Martha. From fans and friends in Alderson, West Virginia."

Late Thursday, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia announced its namesake would make no public comments after her release, but that a written statement would be posted on the company's Web site.

As the jet was departing, a statement attributed to Stewart appeared on her Web site:

"The experience of the last five months in Alderson, W. Va., has been life altering and life affirming. Someday, I hope to have the chance to talk more about all that has happened, the extraordinary people I have met here and all that I have learned.

"I can tell you now that I feel very fortunate to have had a family that nurtured me, the advantage of an excellent education, and the opportunity to pursue the American dream.

"You can be sure that I will never forget the friends that I met here, all that they have done to help me over these five months, their children, and the stories they have told me.

"Right now, as you can imagine, I am thrilled to be returning to my more familiar life. My heart is filled with joy at the prospect of the warm embraces of my family, friends and colleagues. Certainly, there is no place like home."

Lady Wreckers Gain Victory

The Lady Wreckers overpowered Simsbury 61-43 tonight at home to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2005 Division LL Basketball Tournament. Marilyn Smith for WestportNow.com

Making the Shot

Staples sophomore Kelly Romano shoots and lands a foul shot in tonight’s girls’ basketball playoff game. Dominating in every second of the game, the Lady Wreckers defeated Simsbury 61-43. Staples goes on to play Manchester in the next round of playoffs. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Madeleine Roche for WestportNow.com

Staples Lady Wreckers Move on to Quarterfinals With 61-43 Win

The Staples Girls Basketball team continued their winning ways in the Staples gym tonight by defeating Simsbury High School 61-43.
Moving up: Lady Wreckers advance to quarter-finals. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

With the victory, the Lady Wreckers advance to the quarterfinals of the
2005 Division LL Basketball Tournament.

Staples' stingy defense, and 22 points and eight rebounds from Kelly Romano were keys to the win. The game marked the final home performances from senior co-captains Jackie Printz and Michelle Shea.

On Saturday, Staples will take on Manchester High School, an 83-48 winner over Newtown. Manchester promises to be quite a challenge, as they are undefeated and the top ranked team in the state.

The game will take place at 7:45 p.m. at Sheehan High School in Wallingford.

Martha Stewart's Continued Ties to Westport Uncertain

Stewart and mother: Mom now lives in Westport house. File photoWith all the attention focused on Martha Stewart's imminent release from a West Virginia prison and her serving five months of house arrest in Bedford, N.Y., her continued ties to Westport -- her hometown for three decades -- are unclear.

But all indications are that while her television studio will remain here and she will retain her Turkey Hill Road South farmhouse property, Westport will no longer be her primary residence.

A move to Bedford was something Stewart contemplated for quite some time -- long before the ImClone stock scandal changed her life forever.

In 2002, addressing the Westport/Weston Y's Men group, she talked about her purchase of the 153-acre Bedford property two years earlier.

"I have no plans to sell my Turkey Hill Road home," she said, according to a newspaper account at the time. "My mom has agreed to move there if I move to Bedford, N.Y., where I have a 21st century farm."

In fact, according to friends, Stewart's elderly mother, Martha Kostyra, moved into her Turkey Hill Road South residence not long after Stewart began serving her prison sentence last October.

Stewart's appearance before the Westport group in February 2002 followed by two years an article in The New York Times Sunday Magazine in which she detailed reasons why she was leaving Westport, but never really did.

"I have tried very hard not to move," she wrote in the Times. "I've been a resident of Westport, Conn., for almost three decades -- 28 years -- and it makes me sad just to think about leaving my beloved Turkey Hill house.

"But this town, as beautiful as it is, just doesn't work for me any longer. So I've decided to pack up for someplace new."

Stewart told the Y's Men that some parts of the article had been changed after she wrote it and said she would not be writing for the newspaper again.

Under the terms of Stewart's house arrest, she can spend 48 hours a week out of her Bedford residence going to work.

Since her television studio is in Westport – and so is her mother – friends expect her to come to town regularly after she gets out of prison.

But they say no longer will she call Westport home -- unless, of course, she changes her mind again.

Westport Property Transfers Feb. 21-25, 2005

Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period Feb. 21-25, 2005:

Agnes M. Kondub aka Agnes Z to Sotirios Zachariadis, 2 Brooklawn Drive, $700,000

Paula M. Brovender to Arthur Hull and Lisa Jill Hayes III, 3 Harding Lane, $1,200,000

Estate of Ethel Gorham to Concord St. LLC, 11 Twin Falls Lane, $870,000

Virginia Kaufman to Andrew and Stephanie Culllimore, 12 Lyndale Park, $630,000

Robert W. and Nadene R. Beck to Peter and Barbara Godfrey, 19 Jennings Court $1,299,000

Estate of Roslyn Alix Snow to Warren L. Raum, 408 Riverside Ave. 50 percent interest, $250,000

Estate of Roslyn Alix Snow to Warren L. Raum, 48 Crescent Road, 50 percent interest, $195,000

Estate of Roslyn Alix Snow to Warren L. Raum, 16 Crooked Mile Road, 50 percent interest, $268,500

Today's Westport Teardown: 45 Compo Road South

Today's WestportNow teardown is 45 Compo Road South. The house, built in 1900, is on the Historic District Commission agenda for next Tuesday at which time an application for a demolition permit will be reviewed. The house sold last May for $710,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Abel Bradley House Focus of Hartford Meeting

Preservationists trying to save the 200-year-old Abel Bradley House on the Westport-Fairfield border and one of the owners of the structure who want to knock it down appeared in Hartford Wednesday before the State Historic Preservation Council.

Eleanor Dickey, president of the Coalition for the Preservation of Bradley House, said the council asked owners to delay demolition of the house an additional 45 days.

"The state does not have the power to make this request binding, but owners Mark Iuraduri and Mike Horvath indicated a willingness to comply," Dickey said.

A Bridgeport Superior Court judge has issued an injunction against demolition of the house at least until Monday. The court will hold a hearing then to determine whether the injunction will be lifted or extended. (See WestportNow Feb. 24, 2005)

Dickey said although the building was listed on the State Historic Preservation Council's agenda as "report only - not an action item," the unusual presence of so many advocates led the council into extensive discussion of the threat to the house.

She said the council listened to presentations from herself, Allen Bomes, a member of Westport's Representative Town Meeting (RTM), as well as from Horvath. Council members also viewed photographs of the house and maps of the site.

"After extensive discussion and consultation with legal counsel, they requested that the demolition be delayed for an additional 45 days," Dickey said.

She said during that time the owners could consult with the the State Historic Preservation Office and take advantage of the free architectural expertise that the state could offer them if they decide to incorporate the existing building in their new construction rather than demolishing it.

"They also requested the owners to return to the Preservation Council's April meeting to discuss the matter further," Dickey said.

Also present at the meeting was Connecticut State Archaeologist Nicholas Bellantoni from the Office of State Archaeology.

Bellantoni expressed concern about archaeological remains that could be destroyed by demolition activity on the site, which has been relatively undisturbed for decades. Dickey said.

Thursday, March 3, 2005

10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201A - Planning and Zoning Commission Fence Committee
3 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Planning and Zoning/Conservation Commissions
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning public hearing

Ethics in Everyday Life

Westport's Saul Haffner Wednesday addressed seniors at Westport's Center for Senior Activities on "Ethics in Everyday Life." Haffner is professor emeritus of management at Fairfield's Sacred Heart University, a former member of Westport's Representative Town Meeting, and a WestportNow contributing photographer. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Happy Birthday to Us: WestportNow Turns 2

WestportNow marked its second anniversary today as Westport's 24/7 news and information source.

Gordon Joseloff, editor and publisher, said in a statement: "WestportNow readership has tripled in the past year and continues to grow every day.

"I am thankful for the support and encouragement shown by Westporters as well as readers across the country and around the world.

"But I am especially grateful to the small army of volunteer photographers, writers, and other citizen journalists who contribute every day and help keep WestportNow up-to-date. It could not be done without them.

"Our third year will see expanded coverage and new features that will better serve the community and continue to make WestportNow a national trend-setter in online local journalism."

FBI, State and Local Police Nab Two in Westport Drug Raid

An early morning raid today by FBI agents, state and local police on a home at 132 Greens Farms Road in Westport resulted in the arrest of two men on drug charges, authorities said. The arrests were linked to a months-long, large southwest Connecticut drug investigation.
Police target: 132 Greens Farms Road. Neighbors saw a man led away in handcuffs. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

The sudden and intense police activity in the quiet area across from Edgemarth Hill Road and adjoining Signal Lane stirred neighbors shortly after 6 a.m. One said she saw at least one man led out of the two-story yellow and white structure in handcuffs.

Police activity was still going on at 7:30 a.m. as a parent and her son watched from across the street while they waited for a school bus. Police removed several boxes from the house and plainclothes officers were seen taking pictures inside, neighbors said.

Ronnie Navarro, 46, and Lawrence Gaynor, 45, were taken into custody by the FBI Bridgeport Safe Streets Task Force, State Police, Westport detectives and Westport's SWAT team, as well as Bridgeport, Trumbull, and Norwalk detectives, the officials said.

The U.S. Attorney's Office in Bridgeport said they were among five persons arrested today in Westport and Bridgeport on drug-related charges. A sixth person was still being sought, a spokesman said.

Police seized more than 1.3 kilograms -- almost 3 pounds -- of marijuana from the Westport home and $22,000, Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Hernandez told the Connecticut Post.

The arrest warrant affidavit said Navarro had a 1978 murder conviction in Vancouver, British Columbia, and Gaynor had been previously convicted of marijuana possession in New York.

They appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitzsimmons in Bridgeport and were ordered held without bail, the spokesman said.
Investigating: plainclothes officers converge on 132 Greens Farms Road. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

The arrest warrant affidavit said task force agents used informants, surveillance and wiretaps to amass evidence against the two. They were cited as being linked to suspects arrested Feb. 19 in raids in Bridgeport and Trumbull, at least one of whom was accused of operating a large-scale cocaine and crack ring.

The affidavit said Navarro and Gaynor were believed to have been involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and the distribution of marijuana as well as using a telephone to facilitate a drug deal.

It said they were engaged in criminal activities conducted over an extended period and committed "on an almost daily basis during the relevant portion of the wiretap investigation."

During the course of the investigation, investigators intercepted a call in which Navarro said that "he owns and is in possession of a firearm," the affidavit said.

The document sought court permission to seize Navarro's Lincoln Town Car which it said constitutes "the proceeds of narcotics trafficking activity and/or were used to facilitate the commission of narcotics trafficking offenses."

The Connecticut Post reported today that a state corrections officer was among those charged in the southwest Connecticut federal drug investigation that also snared a Bridgeport police detective accused of distributing prescription drugs.

A Westport police spokesman said the investigation had been going on for several months. The arrest warrant affidavit said a federal court order authorizing the monitoring of Navarro's cell phone was issued last Oct. 29.

Child Identification Program Set for March 12

Westport Tax Collector George Underhill told today's Town Hall brown bag lunch about a child identification program being conducted March 12 at Westport Fire Department headquarters. The 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. program is being sponsored by the Connecticut Freemasons. Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

TV Show Seeks Westporters

A television production company is looking for Westporters interested in taking part in a television show that pays participants for hidden treasures lying around their home.

A producer for New York-based Leopard Films contacted WestportNow and asked for help in finding Westport residents who might want to participate in a show called "Cash in the Attic."

It currently is a hit British program, according to producer Tara Carey and can be seen on BBC America. A U.S. version is being produced for HGTV (House & Garden Television).

"We're looking for enthusiastic families in the Connecticut area who want to take part," she said in an e-mail message to WestportNow.

A description of the program on the company's Web site says: "Have you got a household luxury you've always wanted and a house full of interesting items you're willing to sell? Do you want to de-clutter your home and make some money at the same time?

"Our expert appraiser will be sent to your house to rummage through all the forgotten clutter that's bursting out of your basement and bulging out of your closets. Then they'll help you to get the best money for your antiques and collectibles by selling them at auction."

The company asks Westporters interested in participating to fill out an online application form found on the HGTV Web site.

More information about the program or Leopard Films can be found at www.leopardfilms.com.

Westport Firm Launches TV Show Focusing on Diabetes

A Westport company is launching a new cable television show and multimedia network focusing on diabetes.

Six advertisers have signed on as inaugural sponsors of "dLife" that will debut March 20 at 7 p.m. ET on CNBC.

The sponsors are Atkins Nutritionals, Becton Dickinson, Beiersdorf, Colgate, Novo Nordisk and Roche Diagnostics. Several others will be announced shortly.

"We're proud to be in the company of these great marketers as partners and leaders in the diabetes community," said Howard Steinberg, a Westporter who is CEO of dLife parent LifeMed Marketing, headquartered on Ketchum Street.

The dLife media network consists of dLifeTV, http://www.dLife.com, an interactive center for the diabetes community, dLifeRadio, a newsletter, and a direct mail program.

dLifeTV will be co-hosted by Nicole Johnson Baker, former Miss America and author (type 1 diabetes); Mother Love, the radio and TV personality and motivational speaker (type 2 diabetes); Jim Turner, TV and movie actor (type 1 diabetes); and comedian J. Anthony Brown (type 2 diabetes). Dr. Bob Arnot, TV medical journalist, formerly of ABC, CBS, and NBC, serves as medical contributor.

In addition, celebrities and sports figures who live with diabetes -- including multiple Olympic gold medallist swimmer Gary Hall, Jr. -- have signed on as contributors, according to a company announcement.

Business advisors to dLife include Tom Rogers, vice chairman of TiVo and former CEO of Primedia and NBC Cable Networks; movie producer Jerry Zucker; and former MSNBC president Erik Sorensen, who is producing dLifeTV.

Early Morning Visitors

FBI agents, assisted by State Police as well as Westport and Norwalk detectives, raided a house at 132 Greens Farms Road early today and arrested two men in connection with a federal drug investigation, a Westport police spokesman said. The house had been under surveillance for several months. Federal officials later identified them as Ronnie Navarro, 46, a convicted murderer, and Lawrence Gaynor, 45, and said they were linked to a large southwest Connecticut drug investigation that has already resulted in a number of arrests. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Sledding Fun

Tuesday's overnight snowfall and closing of schools sent many Westporters to Winslow Park for a day of sledding. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Andrea Maritzer Fine for WestportNow.com

Going Down: 25 Waterside Terrace

Demolition began Tuesday on a house at 25 Waterside Terrace in Westport's Longshore Club Park area. It was featured as WestportNow's teardown of the day on Jan. 13, 2005. Built in 1942, it sold in December for $1.8 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport RTM Postpones Action on Underage Drinking Ordinance

The Westport Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Tuesday night voted to postpone indefinitely action on a controversial underage drinking ordinance that would have allowed police to ticket underage drinkers on private property.

The 18-14 vote came after more than three hours of debate. The vote means the ordinance – in its present form – cannot be considered by the RTM this session, which ends in November. However, proponents may introduce an amended motion at any time.

The RTM acted after voting down earlier motions to postpone action until June or July. Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell before the vote told the RTM that she would view a vote to postpone indefinitely as "unacceptable" because the body would not have had an opportunity for "full debate."

(Editor's note: the editor of WestportNow is also Moderator of the RTM.)

Staples Lady Wreckers Advance to "Sweet 16"

With their 68-57 victory Tuesday night over Bunnell High School, the Staples Lady Wreckers basketball team advanced into the "Sweet 16" of the Division LL of the Connecticut State Girls Basketball Tournament.

The teams moves on to play Simsbury High School, which upset Farmington on a last second basket 44-43. Staples is the ninth seed in the tournament and Simsbury is the 25th.

Because the Wreckers are the higher seeded team, the game will take place Thursday night in the Staples gym at 7 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on the Staples student station, WWPT, 90.3 FM at 6:50 p.m. with Staples students Greg Kaplan and Patrick Toole calling the action.

Wednesday, March 2, 2005

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag Luncheon
4 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Beautification Committee
6 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - School Building Committee Staples Subcommittee
7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Special Board of Finance Public Hearing

Neighboring Youngsters Enjoy Westport Ice Rink

Some Bridgeport kids got to enjoy Westport's Longshore Club Park PAL ice skating rink recently thanks to Westport's Lydian Asset Management and its founder and managing member, David C. Frezio. Shown are children from The Cardinal Sheenan and the McGivney Community Center. They and other youngsters from neighboring communities were provided with transportation, ice time, skates and refreshments. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed Photo

Giving Back to the Community

Members of Westport's Lydian Asset Management are shown recently at Westport's Longshore Club Park PAL ice skating rink. Their generosity has allowed youngsters from neighboring towns to use the rink. Shown are (l-r) Mark McKeown, Joe Scarengella, Dave Friezo and Will Attard. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed Photo

Compo Playground Committee Meets Sunday

Volunteers seeking to rebuild Westport's Compo Beach playground will meet Sunday to fill remaining slots on the Compo Beach Playground Committee and update members on the design firm selected for the project.

The meeting will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road.

The Compo Beach Playground Committee hopes to rebuild the playground next spring in a community-driven makeover that replicates the community rebuilding of the playground in 1989. (See WestportNow Jan. 26, 2005)

The effort is being undertaken by the Westport Young Women’s League, Parks and Recreation Department and the Westport Police Athletic League.

“An amazing thing happened in 1989 – a group of dedicated and hardworking volunteers worked tirelessly together to provide a wonderful gift for the children and parents of this community,” said Suzanne Dodge, chair of the committee.

“With this new project to replace the outdated playground, we are looking to recreate that same sense of community and ensure that it is done entirely ‘by the kids, for the kids and from the community.’”

The project calls for all aspects other than the engineering to be handled by the community, including design by Westport elementary schoolchildren and construction by an army of volunteers with all costs covered by funds raised from the community.

The committee estimates the project will cost about $110,000. While a small portion of funds has already been collected, the committee is counting on donations of money and resources to make construction of the new playground possible.

Donations should be sent to the Compo Beach Playground Committee c/o WYWL 44 Imperial Ave., Westport CT 06880. Checks should be made out to “Compo Beach Playground Fund.” Those wishing to join the volunteer effort can visit the project’s Web site for more information.

In a news release, the committee said there already has been tremendous interest by the community and most of the committee’s positions have been filled, but there remain significant roles to fill.

Among the remaining open positions:

Design Day Coordinator – Oversees ‘Design Day’ in which local elementary schoolchildren have the opportunity to determine the elements that will be included in the playground.

Food Coordinator – Takes charge of acquiring the food and organizing meals for workers during construction and main events (i.e. Design Day, Unveiling Day, etc.)

Volunteers Coordinator - Two or more people will coordinate the efforts of many volunteers, particularly during the first stages of the project when the call-a-thon takes place.

Construction Captains – Work alongside the construction consultants from the design company, overseeing and instructing crews and helping to maintain quality.

Donated Materials Coordinator – Acquires the donated materials and works with the team that will purchase materials that are not donated for the project and helps to oversee the distribution during construction.

Update: Westport Schools Closed Today

Westport public schools are closed today due to the weather, the superintendent's office announced. Earlier, it was announced there would be a two-hour delay.

Talking Transportation: Yet Another Fare Hike?

By Jim Cameron
Special to WestportNow

The cost of riding Metro-North has gone up again. And while these higher costs, effective today, are described as “fare policy changes” rather than fare hikes, the effect is the same -- higher costs for riders.

But didn’t we just have a fare increase a few months ago? You’re right. Fares went up 5.5 percent on Jan. 1, following a 15 percent hike in July 2003. And there are probably more fare hikes to come before our new cars arrive in 2008 or so.

What’s most interesting about these latest hikes is the way they were approved. But first, the details on who is affected.

If you have friends or co-workers living in New York City who “reverse commute” out to Connecticut each weekday morning, they’ll now be facing “peak” fares for one-way or 10-trip tickets. Those fare hikes are as much as 57 percent.

For everybody: if you don’t buy your ticket before you get on the train, you’ll now be hit with a surcharge of up to $5.50, instead of $3.

Even if there’s no ticket machine on your platform (heading eastbound from most stations, for example), you must cross to the other side and get a ticke or pay up. Seniors and the handicapped are exempted.

The idea behind this “surcharge” is to encourage greater use of the expensive new ticket vending machines which are replacing human ticket sellers.

Metro-North says on-board conductors shouldn’t be playing banker, but should be running the trains. So having folks get their tickets before boarding will save them time in fare collection.

Maybe so, but a $5.50 penalty, even on a local fare of as low as $2.50? Aren’t we supposed to be encouraging people to ride the trains, not penalizing them?

I’ve reviewed internal Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) reports on this surcharge and they and Metro-North admit that only 10 percent of the daily on-board ticket buyers will likely be persuaded to change their lazy (evil?) ways.

That means the railroad stands to gain $660,000 a year in added revenue from this new “fare policy change,” and that’s why I call this the hidden fare hike.

I love the new ticket machines (hint: tickets are even cheaper bought online). But I hardly see conductors as being over-worked. Most of the ride they’re sitting in their cubicle reading the newspaper.

How often have you been on a train and seen conductors fail to collect all tickets? On over-crowded trains with many standees, this means thousands of dollars in lost revenue per train.

According to an MTA audit, $9 million a year is lost in revenue due to uncollected fares. It is especially a problem with out-bound trains where passengers board at Stamford, Norwalk or Bridgeport.

Conductors walk the cars asking for “Stamford tickets” and an honest few offer them up. The rest enjoy a “free ride" -- on the rest of us.

Metro-North regulations say that conductors should issue seat-checks when fares are collected. That way they know who has paid and who hasn’t. If you don’t see that being done, or if you see people riding for free, challenge your conductor.

What’s most galling about these new fare hikes is that they were proposed by the MTA and were rubber-stamped by CDOT. Despite two public hearings where 56 people spoke out in unanimous opposition to the MTA / CDOT plan, CDOT Commissioner Stephen Korta approved them, with little fanfare.

This was the same week that Gov. M. Jodi Rell was announcing that Connecticut needs a seat and a vote on the MTA Board so we can protect the interest of our commuters.

(Editor's Note: Jim Cameron has been a Darien resident for 14 years. He is vice chairman of the Connecticut Metro-North Shore Line East Rail Commuter Council and a member of the Coastal Corridor Transportation Investment Area, one of five Transportation Investment Areas established by the Connecticut General Assembly in July 2001 to develop 20-year strategic plans for each of the state's major transportation corridors. He is also a member of the Darien Representative Town Meeting. The opinions and accuracy of information in this article are the responsibility of the contributor. E-mail him at jim@camcomm.com or www.trainweb.org/ct)

Today's Westport Teardown: 40 Sherwood Drive

Today's WestportNow teardown is 40 Sherwood Drive in the Old Mill Beach area. A demolition permit application is under review. The house, built in 1930, sold in February for $1.5 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, March 1, 2005

10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
6 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Youth Commission
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Shellfish Commission
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Representative Town Meeting (live coverage on cable channel 79)

Westport's John Baumann Wins Ivy League Rookie Award

Westport's John Baumann has earned Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors for games ending Sunday, according to the Web site collegesports.com.

Baumann led his Columbia University basketball team in scoring this weekend, averaging 15.5 points per game and four rebounds per game in just over 20 minutes per contest. The 2004 Staples grad shot 13-of-16 from the floor for a blistering .813 percentage.

He totaled 14 points in 24 minutes vs. Princeton and finished with 17 points in 17 minutes vs. Penn. Baumann has now scored in double-figures in three consecutive contests. In each of the three, he established new career-highs, with 17 points vs. Penn being his best yet.

This is the first weekly honor for Baumann, but the fourth for a Columbia rookie this season. Columbia plays its final two games this weekend, when they travel to Brown on Friday and Yale on Saturday.

Farrell Urges Continued Negotiations on Abel Bradley House

Farrell: "Negotiate a reasonable price." WN photoWestport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell today urged the owners of the 200-year-old Abel Bradley House on the Westport-Fairfield border to continue to negotiate a "reasonable" sale price with those seeking to save it from demolition.

Addressing a Town Hall news conference, Farrell said she was pleased that a Superior Court judge in Bridgeport had issued an injunction putting off destruction of the house until at least March 7.

She said she had met with preservationists and owners of the property earlier to try to come to agreement on price and urged them to "come back to the table to negotiate a reasonable purchase price."

The owners of the home have set a $1.2 million price tag on the property while preservationists have said they have raised $850,000 toward purchase of the property. (See WestportNow Feb. 24, 2005)

Westport Library Patron Picks Oscar Winners

Westport's Peter Perry knows his movie stuff. The Westport Public Library patron correctly chose the six top winners in Sunday night's Oscar ceremony in Hollywood.

Out of 57 entries dropped in a ballot box in the library's audio-visual department, his was the only entry that chose Best Picture ("Million Dollar Baby"); Best Director (Clint Eastwood); Best Actor (Jamie Foxx); Best Actress (Hillary Swank); Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman) and Best Supporting Actress (Cate Blanchette).

For his Oscar expertise, Perry won a $10 gift certificate to use in the library store or the library’s As You Like it Café, according to Sheri Szymanski, head of the library's access services.

PAL Longshore Rink Extends Season Through Sunday

The Police Athletic League (PAL) ice skating rink at Westport's Longshore Club Park, which had been scheduled to close Tuesday, has extended its winter season through Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Westport Democratic Town Committee Cancels Meeting

The Westport Democratic Town Committee has canceled its scheduled meeting tonight due to weather, chair Martha Aasen announced. She said the meeting would be rescheduled.

Farrell and Y Officials Meet the Press on Relocation Issue

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell (c), along with officials of the Westport/Weston YMCA, met with reporters at Town Hall today in what Farrell said was "a response to a public stirring up" of talk that the Y still wanted its new headquarters on the town-owned Baron's South property. The Y officials said this was not true and that even if the town made Baron's South available, the preferred location was the Y's Camp Mahackeno Outdoor Center in northwest Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Staples Girls Basketball Tourney Game Postponed Until Tuesday

Tonight's state tournament girls' basketball game at Staples High School has been postponed until Tuesday at 7 p.m. due to weather.

The ninth-seeded Lady Wreckers (15-5) will host the 24th-seeded Bunnell High School (11-9) of Stratford in a first round game in the Connecticut Class LL tournament.

If you can't make it to the Staples gym, you can hear all the action on WWPT
90.3 FM, the Staples student-run radio station. Sophomores Greg Kaplan and Patrick Toole will call the game starting at 6:50 P.M.

Farrell: "I'll Run in 2006;" But for What?

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, who came close to knocking Rep. Christopher Shays out of his 4th District seat, is back on the campaign trail; but exactly which trail remains a mystery, the Connecticut Post reported today.

"I definitely intend to run in '06," Farrell said in a recent interview, according to the Washington-datelined report.

What the Democrat won't say is for which office. She is considering either a rematch against Republican Shays or running for statewide office. She will decide in the next few months, the newspaper said.

"I am conferring with good friends and family," she told the Post.

Farrell is also doing the little things necessary for anyone planning to run for office showing up at community events, attending political functions and calling on Capitol Hill power brokers, the newspaper said.

Monday, Feb. 28, 2005

7:45 p.m. - Room 201 - RTM Health and Human Services Committee - CANCELED

Getting Ready for Book Sale

Volunteers sort through books in preparation for the Westport Public Library's annual winter book sale. It begins next Saturday and runs through Tuesday, March 8. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Today's Westport Teardown: 8 Guyer Road

Today's WestportNow teardown is 8 Guyer Road off Valley Road. A demolition permit has been applied for. The house was built in 1954. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Winslow Park Winter Scene

This entry to Westport's Winslow Park looked like a New England calendar scene Saturday. Andrea Maritzer Fine for WestportNow.com