Up, Up and Away

Pete O'Gorman of Norwalk took advantage of today's sunny weather to do a little kite flying at Westport's Sherwood Island State Park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Compo Balancing Act

The jetty off of Hillspoint Road near Westport's Compo Beach provided an opportunity for some rock balancing displays Friday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Richard Barnett for WestportNow.com

Two Westporters Indicted on Drug Charges

A federal grand jury has indicted two Westport men on drug charges following their arrest in an early morning raid earlier this month, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced Friday.

Kevin J .O'Connor, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, said a federal grand jury sitting in Bridgeport returned the indictments which had remained partially under seal pending the arrest Friday of four other men in Bridgeport.

Ronnie Navarro, 46, and Lawrence Gaynor, 45, of 132 Greens Farms Road, Westport, were indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. They were arrested March 2 in a raid carried out by federal, state, and local law enforcement agents. (See WestportNow March 2, 2005)

The indictment seeks forfeiture of Gaynor's Greens Farms Road home, his car, and $22,000 in cash seized at the home. If convicted, Gaynor faces up to 10 years and fines up to $500,000, while Navarro faces penalties up to five years of imprisonment and fines up to $250,000, O'Connor said.

In Fashion

The Staples High School Eighth Annual Varsity Fashion Show and Auction was held tonight at Mitchells of Westport. Senior honoree Tom Chu and junior Maddy Gantz showed off some of the fashions. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

A Big Coach P Thank You

Staples football coach Marce Petroccio thanked Shelley Moll, retiring varsity cheerleading coach, at tonight's Varsity Vogue Fashion Show and Auction. She is leaving after seven years coaching and putting on the popular fund-raising event. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Showing Off

Brian Weverbergh and Sarah Shapiro were among the models at tonight's Staples High School fashion show at Mitchells of Westport. The event benefited the varsity cheerleaders, football and basketball teams. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Cheerleader Farewell

Graduating Staples senior cheerleaders got together with coach Shelley Moll (3rd l) for a picture at tonight's Staples High School Varsity Vogue Fashion Show and Auction. They are (l-r): Alexa Kerepesi, Erin McGee, Kate Ostreicher, Alison Jacobs and Sarah Shapiro. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Property Transfers March 7-11, 2005

Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period March 7-March 11, 2005:

Miriam Slater to One Country LLC, 1 Country Road, $1,350,000

To-Jo Enterprises LLC to Evelyn C. Weintraub, 165 Cross Highway, $735,000

Theodore and Valerie A. Schweitzer to James Aselta, 8 Burnham Hill Road, $1,565,000

Richard J. and Linda A. Rohr to Miriam Slater, 313 Lansdowne, $855,000

Mark and Lori Silverman Altschuler to Allyson Juviler and Eric Greifenberger, 124 Old Road, $795,000

Lisa Moskowitz to Mathrew J. and Nicole C. Mascera, 1 Hickory Drive, $1,495,000

Estate of John Wassung to Land Group Inc., 2 Marvin Place, $900,000

L J D Financial LLC to Land Group Inc., 3 Iris Lane, $660,000

Brennan Builders LLC to Robert L. and Jeannine K. Hallam, 46 Westfair Drive, $1,418,960

Estate of Frances C. Stonehouse to 54 Bayberry Lane LLC, 54 Bayberry Lane, $662,500

Samuel L. and Nancy R. Gault to Thomas M. and Patricia D. Cope, 5 Country Lane, $3,200,000

Kenneth I. Handler to Daryl and Patricia Sinclair, 6 Pebble Beach Lane, $1,410,000

Alan Circle to John P. and April Maguire, 68 Coleytown Road, $3,210,000

16 Woodhill Road LLC to Robert M. and Marya M. Moskowitz, 16 Woodhill Road, $1,885,000

Geraldine Donoghue to Robert J. and Donna M. Lorenz, 3 Bittersweet Lane, $1,035,000

Craig J. and Maribeth Landau to Prudential Residential Services Ltd Partner, 18 Tally Drive/0 Hogan Trail, $679,900

Prudential Residential Services Ltd Partner to James L. and Anna J. Dadamo, 18 Tally Drive/0 Hogan Trail, $679,900

Fu Wang Wang byTr to Alice Hui Hsu, 21 Crescent Park Road, $35,000

Josieane Marie-France Delepine to Hugh and Meredith Haas, 3 Hemlock Hill Road, $1,215,000

Rowland Sentenced to Year in Prison

Former Gov. John G. Rowland was sentenced today in New Haven for a year in jail as a result of a federal corruption investigation.

"I am ashamed to be here today, and I accept full responsibility for my actions," Rowland told U.S. District Judge Peter C. Dorsey.

The three-term Republican governor told Dorsey that he lost sight of his ethical judgment and developed a "sense of entitlement and even arrogance," he said. "I let my pride get in my way."

Rowland was sentenced to one year and one day in prison, four months home confinement and three years of probation. He was also ordered to perform 300 hours of community service and to pay a $10,000 fine, as well as approximately $72,000 to the State of Connecticut and approximately $35,000 to the Internal Revenue Service.

Rowland, 47, pleaded guilty in December to a corruption charge, admitting that he accepted more than $100,000 in chartered trips to Las Vegas, Vermont vacations and repairs to his lakeside cottage.

He resigned from office July 1 in the midst of an impeachment probe.

Appeals Court: Judge Can Modify Stewart Punishment

An appeals court has ruled that the judge who sentenced Martha Stewart can modify the punishment of the Westport homeowner who has about 4-1/2 months of home confinement in Bedford, N.Y. left on her original sentence.

The U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals, in an order dated Thursday, sent the sentencing portion of Stewart's case back to the trial judge to determine if a change is needed.

Such orders have become routine in federal cases after the Supreme Court ruling in January that makes sentencing guidelines advisory rather than mandatory.

U.S. District Judge Miriam Cedarbaum had sentenced Stewart to five months in prison and five months of home confinement. Released from prison on March 4, Stewart is required to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet, but is allowed to leave home 48 hours a week to work.

Cedarbaum's chambers would not comment on whether the judge planned to resentence Stewart.

Stewart was convicted last year of conspiracy, making false statements and obstruction of justice for lying about a stock trade.

She has appealed the conviction to the Second Circuit, which heard arguments in the case on Thursday. The three-member panel will issue a ruling on the case at a later date.

From Long Lots to Bridgeport: Birthday Wishes

Westport's Long Lots Elementary School families donated more than 600 toys this week to Bridgeport's Evergreen Network, which works with low income families afflicted with AIDS or HIV. This is the third year that Long Lots has collected toys for the network's Birthday Closet program. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Water Rats Swim Team Aids Tsunami Victims

The Water Rats swim team of the Westport/Weston YMCA Thursday presented Westport's Save the Children charity with a $17,500 check for its tsunami relief fund. The youngsters raised the money through a two-day swimathon last month in which they swam more than 350 miles. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Friday, March 18, 2005

8 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Board of Finance/Board of Education work session
9:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Commission for Senior Services
6:30 p.m. - Mitchells of Westport - Staples Varsity Vogue Fashion Show

Judge Extends Injunction on Abel Bradley House Demolition

A Bridgeport Superior Court judge today extended a temporary restraining order against demolition of the Abel Bradley House until the court rules on a case brought by neighbors to prevent demolition of the 200-year-old house.

Eleanor Dickey, head of a group trying to prevent demolition of the house on the Westport-Fairfield border, said a ruling issued Tuesday by Judge Julia Dewey "was not sufficient to continue the temporary injunction, as it would have expired next week."

Therefore, she said, the attorney representing her group asked for and was granted a court order that the "ex parte temporary injunction" – a ruling decided by a judge without requiring the plaintiff to be present -- must remain in effect until the court decides on the application for a temporary injunction.

The court said Tuesday that the ruling will not come before April 18.

Today's Westport Teardown: 3 Plunkett Place

Today's WestportNow teardown is 3 Plunkett Place off North Avenue near Staples High School. A demolition permit application is pending. The Historic District Commission will consider the application at its March 22 meeting. The house was built in 1925. (CLICK TO ENLARGE Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Dog Alerts Homeowner to Fire; Both Escape Unhurt

A 12-year-old poodle named Chloe is being credited by a Westport homeowner today for alerting her to a fire that heavily damaged their split level home in northwest Westport. She and the dog escaped unharmed.
Narrow escape: a dog alerted a homeowner to today's fire on Highwood Lane. (CLICK TO ENLARGE WestportNow.com photo

The 82-year-old woman said she was in the kitchen of her Highwood Lane home shortly before 11 a.m. when she heard the dog whimpering and went to investigate. She was confronted by heavy black smoke coming from the other end of the house.

"I grabbed the cordless phone, took the dog and got out and dialed 911," she said.

Arriving firefighters found heavy flames extending from an attic area.

Because the area has so few fire hydrants, Wilton's tanker truck responded on automatic mutual aid as Westport firefighters laid out more than 1,400 feet of hose to the nearest hydrant on Newtown Turnpike.

Fairfield sent an engine to Westport fire headquarters to cover while Westport's on-duty, volunteers, and on-call personnel fought the blaze.

One Westport firefigher suffered a minor cut to his hand battling the flames and was treated at the scene.

Assistant Fire Chief Eugene Maloney said cause of the fire, which caused extensive damage throughout the home, was under investigation. American Red Cross personnel responded to aid the homeowners.

Fire Heavily Damages Westport Home

An elderly woman and her dog escaped unhurt today as a fire ripped through their split level home on Westport's Highwood Road. Westport firefighters asked for Wilton's tanker truck to assist in the area in northwest Westport where fire hydrants are few. They laid out more than 1,400 feet of hose to reach the nearest hydrant on Newtown Turnpike. Cause of the blaze, which heavily damaged the living areas and attic of the 30-year-old home, was under investigation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Morning Scene

Today's morning sunshine brightens up the boardwalk on the west side of the Saugatuck River in Westport's center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Miggs Burroughs for WestportNow.com

Thanks from Westport for a Job Well Done in Iraq

Soldiers of the 590th Field Services Co., 10th Mountain Division, at New York's Fort Drum recently returned from Iraq and were presented with a proclamation from Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell commending them. The unit was "adopted" by the Westport Fire Department while overseas thanks to the efforts of Deputy Chief Chris Ackley and Firefighters Peter Nichio and Thomas Richmond with assistance from Town Hall's Wade Hampton. Lt. Col. John Schulz, commander of the 548th Corps Support Battalion, presented the Westport citation to Lt. Melissa Pratt. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed Photo

Westport's Own "Gates" Project

Art imitates life…or is it life that imitates art? A series of bright orange banners has been erected just outside the main entrance to Westport's Greens Farms Elementary School. Inspired by Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s "The Gates" project exhibited in Manhattan’s Central Park last month, members of a fifth grade class at the school created and installed their own “Gates Project” that is on view through March 25. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Fifth Graders Create "The Gates Project" at Greens Farms School

Visitors to Westport's Greens Farms Elementary School are seeing orange these days.
Seeing orange: Second-grader Arianne Goodell with Art Smart parent volunteers Margaret Allen (l) and Marianne Goodell (r) under "The Gates" at Greens Farms Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Students from a fifth grade class have created their own "The Gates" project at the school.

It is part of the school's Art Smart program, a PTA-sponsored art education program in each of Westport’s five elementary schools run by parent volunteers.

Parents Marianne Goodell and Margaret Allen collaborated on the project with the 20 fifth graders last week. Permission was granted to place the gates on the front porch of the school by Principal Dan Sullivan earlier this month.

Some facts about Westport's "The Gates" project as provided by the school:

-- "The Gates (GFS)" were unfurled in front of Green’s Farms School on March 15 and will remain through March 25.

-- Four gates, 10 feet high and 5 feet wide, stretch along 34 feet of the front porch of the school

-- 120 square feet of orange colored vinyl table cloth was cut and attached to hang down to 6 feet above the ground.

-- 100 linear feet of PVC tube was painted orange and used to construct the gates.

-- 150 pounds of dry concrete was mixed to make the bases for the gates.

-- The $130 cost of the project was funded mostly by Art Smart, a PTA-funded school program.

-- "We don’t know what will happen to the materials once the project comes down."

Thursday, March 17, 2005

6 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Assessment Appeals
7 p.m. - Toquet Hall - Youth Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Public Hearing

Westport Aids in Fighting Norwalk Fire

Westport firefighters, acting under a mutual aid agreement, responded to Norwalk tonight as a general alarm fire swept through a large building in the city's Harbor Avenue area.

Westport's Engine Co. 2 from the Post Road East headquarters initially responded to cover Norwalk's Westport Avenue fire station but then was assigned to the fire scene to help supply water, according to Lt. John Plofkin.

He said Westport firefighters laid out 1,000 feet of hose and had to link up with a New Canaan unit to complete a feed from a hydrant on West Avenue to a Norwalk engine.

"We almost ran out of hose," he said.

Meanwhile, Westport's Engine Co. 4 from Saugatuck responded to the Westport Avenue station to provide coverage.

In all, six Westport firefighters spent more than three hours providing assistance to Norwalk. Westport called six personnel back to duty to replace those sent to Norwalk, Plofkin said.

Board of Finance Approves $50.29 Million Town Budget

The Westport Board of Finance tonight approved the $50,298,177 town side of First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell's proposed 2005-06 fiscal year budget.

It will consider the $93.9 million portion requested by the Board of Education on March 29. The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will then take up the budgets on May 2 and 3.

"The process this year has been quite extensive," said board chair Steve Ezzes at the session's outset. He explained that board members had held a public review meeting with town departments and some members had also met individually with department heads.

Public Works Director Steve Edwards told the board that he had exhausted his $350,000 snow removal budget for the year with about $440,000 already expended. He said he hoped to recover $60,000 to $70,000 of that from federal aid.

"I'm hoping this is an abnormal year," Edwards said. "We have gotten hit heavy the last few weeks. For the most part, we were doing well up until the middle of February when the bottom fell out."

He also said work will begin within the next week on an upgrade of the town sewage treatment plant. A state funding package for the $37 million project was approved last month.

"I think the town is going to see a good enhancement of that facility over the next few years," Edwards said.

Farrell took time in the meeting to pay tribute to two longtime department heads who will be retiring soon – Kathy Barnard, director of Planning and Zoning, and Judy Nelson, director of the Westport Weston Health District. They both were given standing ovations.

The board commended Jo Fuchs Luscombe, chair of the School Building Committee, and her panel members as they begin to wind down their operation supervising school constuction projects in town.

"It's been a long eight years," said Fuchs Luscombe, who was appointed to the position by the RTM in 1997.

Board member Gavin Anderson praised Ezzes, Selectman Carl Leaman, and Finance Director Don Miklus for their oversight of the town's pension funds.

He said because of their expertise, this was the first time in six years that the town had found it necessary to fund the municipal pension plan. The board approved a $697,051 appropriation.

The Board of Finance will meet in a work session with the Board of Education Friday morning.

(Editor's Note: The editor of WestportNow is Moderator of the RTM.)

Playhouse Reopens for 75th Season; Partners with Westport Arts Center

The Westport Country Playhouse, under the artistic direction of Joanne Woodward, today announced details of its 75th anniversary summer season when it reopens its doors after a $17.8 million renovation.
Back Home: Westport Country Playhouse announced its 75th anniversary season at a Westport news conference today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

It also said it will partner with the Westport Arts Center on other programs in the fall and winter months. Woodward will direct one play in the four-production summer series running June 16 through Sept. 4.

"This is my swan song – the fifth season. It's been a trip, I can tell you," said Woodward, who is giving up her post at the end of the year to become artistic director emeritus. She spoke at a news conference at Westport's Acqua Restaurant.

She said there was one common theme running through selection of "Finian's Rainbow," Dear Brutus," "The Member of the Wedding," and "Journey's End" – "those plays Joanne always wanted to do and better do it now."

“Finian's Rainbow” will reopen the Playhouse, June 16 through July 3. The musical, combining fantasy, folklore, romance and humor, includes such well known songs as “How Are Things in Glocca Morra?,” “Old Devil Moon,” “Look to the Rainbow,” and “If This Isn't Love.”

“Dear Brutus,” a whimsical and funny play about second chances, is written by J.M. Barrie, author of “Peter Pan.” It will be presented July 7 - 24, directed by Gregory Boyd, artistic director of the Alley Theatre in Houston.

Carson McCullers' “The Member of the Wedding,” a coming-of-age tale set in a small Georgia town, will play July 28 – Aug. 14.

Woodward, a Georgia native, said, “It is home country for me, bringing back so many memories of my childhood, both the good and the bad. So much is stirred in me that I will direct it myself.”

She added, "I haven't directed a play in three years now, and it's the most wonderful thing I can think of."

“Journey's End” by R. C. Sheriff, directed by Gregory Boyd, is set for Aug. 18 – Sept. 4. “This play is one of the finest anti-war pieces every written, yet it is also about human decency, comradeship and trust---even in the most traumatic surroundings,” Woodward said.

"I don't believe in war," she told reporters. "I don't see what it does."

For the first time in its history, the Playhouse will follow its summer season with its first-ever winter season of plays, with one play in October, a holiday show in December, plus a third production in March 2006.

The holiday show, running Dec. 1 – 18, will be “David Copperfield” by Charles Dickens. The October and March productions are not yet selected.

Prior to the official season opening, actor Christopher Plummer, a Weston resident, will headline the Playhouse's 75th Anniversary and Reopening Gala presentation of “A Word or Two, Before You Go,” written, arranged and performed by Plummer, on Friday, June 3, at 6:30 p.m.

The “Ninth Annual Doo-Wop and Oldies Spectacular,” will take place Friday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. and Chicago City Limits will bring sketch comedy and improvisation to the Playhouse stage on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.

“Funny Mondays” will showcase new comedy works, read by professional actors, without sets or costumes. The comedy readings, titles to be announced, are scheduled on Oct. 17 and Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.

“Tuesdays at Seven” will offer film screenings accompanied by special guests talking about their experiences in making them.

“The film series was such a hit last season that we've made it a regular part of the Playhouse experience,” said Woodward, who will star with her husband, Paul Newman, in the mini-film festival.

The motion pictures will be “The Verdict” on Sept. 27, “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds” on Oct. 4 and “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge” on Oct. 11. Special guests will be announced.

Playhouse officials also said it will team with the Westport Arts Center to co-present artists in a partnership it is calling "Arts in the House."

Kicking off the programming will be Odetta, known for her interpretations of African-American musical traditions, producing a unique blend of blues, folk and spirituals, on Saturday, Sept. 17 at 8 p.m. Opening for Odetta will be actor/musician Guy Davis, contemporary blues artist.

“Selected Shorts,” also an Arts in the House presentation, will be sponsored by WSHU Public Radio Group on Wednesday, Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. The evening will offer some of the Playhouse's favorite actors reading contemporary and classic short fiction, hosted by Isaiah Sheffer and taped for broadcast on National Public Radio as part of its popular series.

Jonatha Brooke, singer/songwriter and underground sensation, will be an Arts in the House presentation on Saturday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m. Brooke has been recording albums that merge folk and pop since the early '90s.

Arts in the House will present Charlie Chaplin silent films accompanied by their original scores played by the country's leading vintage American musical group, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra, on Tuesday, Dec. 27 for two performances.

At 7 p.m., two classic films, “The Kid” and “The Adventurer,” will be screened. At 2 p.m., there will be a shortened program for children 10 and up with a showing of one film only, “The Kid.”

Woodward said programming for children and developing their interest in the theater was a major priority for her.

“I couldn't count the number of people who have come up to me on the street and told me about their first experiences at the Playhouse, as youngsters, at one of our plays for children,” she said. “We hope to introduce the next generation of youth to theatre with our Family Festivities series.”

The Pushcart Players will begin the series with their production of “Peter and the Wolf” on Sunday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m and 4:30 p.m., preceded by an introduction to musical instruments by members of the Norwalk Youth Symphony.

"The Velveteen Rabbit,” will be produced by Mum Puppet Theatre on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Direct from off-Broadway, “Children's Letters to God,” a new musical inspired by the international best-selling book, will play Sunday, Nov. 20 at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Also part of the Family Festivities series will be the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra accompanying the silent film, “The Kid,” starring Charlie Chaplin, on Tuesday, Dec. 27 at 2 p.m.

Subscriptions to the 2005 four-play summer series and 2005-2006 three-play winter season and tickets to all special events, including the 75th Anniversary Reopening Gala with Christopher Plummer, Arts in the House, Family Festivities, Funny Mondays and Tuesdays at Seven, are now on sale.

Non-subscription tickets for the four summer productions will be available May 23, beginning at 10 a.m. Winter season non-subscription tickets will be available on Sept. 19. Tickets may be purchased at the Playhouse box office or via mail, fax, phone, or the Internet.

The 75th anniversary season sponsor is U.S. Trust. Corporate sponsor is Deloitte. Media sponsors are Brooks Community Newspapers, Fairfield County Weekly and WSHU Public Radio Group.

Support provided by the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. The 75th Anniversary Season Re-Opening Gala is sponsored by Bank of America, Bank of New York, Black Bear Wine & Spirits, Cohen & Wolf, Factset, Northern Trust, Pfizer, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tiffany & Co., and Westport Resources.

For more information on the 75th anniversary season, call the box office at (203) 227-4177, or visit www.westportplayhouse.org.

Woodward on Playhouse Season Theme: "Plays Joanne Always Wanted to Do"

Joanne Woodward, artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse, was among those on hand today as the Playhouse announced its schedule for its 75th anniversary summer season at a Westport news conference. Woodward, who is giving up her post at the end of the year, said there was one common theme running through selection of "Finian's Rainbow," Dear Brutus," "The Member of the Wedding," and "Journey's End" – "those plays Joanne always wanted to do and better do it now." WestportNow.com photo

Checking Out the Longshore Scene

Checking out the scene Tuesday at Westport's Longshore Club Park was this visitor. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Staples Players to Present "Fun Shakespeare"

Director David Roth (c) and crew are hard at work on rehearsals of the Staples Players' spring production next month of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Described by one participant as "Fun Shakespeare," the show is set in the 1960s and will include a rock soundtrack featuring the Beatles, The Who, The Rolling Stones, The Doors, and other icons of the decade. It runs April 1,2,3,8,9. Tickets can be purchased on the Players Web site. On April 8, there will be a large Players reunion featuring the cast of the 1966 Staples production of the same play. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Kerry Long for WestportNow.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag lunch
5:30 p.m. -Turner Trailers - School Building Committee Staples Subcommittee
6 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Assessment Appeals
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Conservation Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Board of Finance budget hearing
8 p.m. - Westport Library - Library Board

Field House Full House

There was a full house in the Staples High School Field House tonight for the Westport schools' town-wide band festival. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Warming Up

There was a large turnout tonight as the Westport Public Schools held a town-wide band festival at Staples High School in celebration of “Music in Our Schools” month. Bedford Middle School sixth grader Eric Sawyer warmed up with his trumpet before the concert. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Children Helping Children

Students from Stamford's Stillwater Elementary School visited today's Westport Rotary Club meeting to donate $441.10 they raised for Rotary's tsunami relief fund. The students' teacher learned of the Rotary effort through a club member. The funds will go toward helping children in Thailand. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Herbal Talk

Featured speaker at the Westport Center for Senior Activities' "Green Thumb Series" Monday was Sal Gilbertie from Gilbertie's Herb Gardens in Westport. He shared the story of how he got involved in herbs and brought samples for guests to touch, smell and enjoy. The series will continue on Mondays during March, April and May from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. For further information, call (203) 341-5099. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Longtime Westport Music Teacher John Hanulik Dies at 71

John M. Hanulik, a member of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and longtime music teacher in the Westport school system, died Monday night at Norwalk Hospital. He was 71.

First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell named Hanulik to the committee in 2003.

Mollie Donovan, co-chair of the arts group, said he was "a very valuable member who brought a great store of musical knowledge to the committee and his input will be greatly missed."

Hanulik taught music -- vocal, band, orchestra and music theory -- in the Westport school system at all levels -- elementary, junior and senior -- for more than 37 years.

A wake will be held at the Harding Funeral Home in Westport on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at St. Luke Church in Westport on Friday at 10 a.m.

Getting Ready for "March Madness"

CBS Sports personality and Westporter Jim Nantz addressed the Westport Rotary Club today on the day of the start of "March Madness" -- the first game is tonight. Nantz, who has broadcast the annual college basketball classic for 20 years, said "March Madness" helps to unify the country because all parts of the nation are represented. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Court Denies Bid to Dismiss Abel Bradley House Demolition Injunction

A Bridgeport Superior Court judge today denied an attempt by owners of the Abel Bradley House to dismiss a case brought by neighbors to prevent demolition of the 200-year-old house.

Judge Julia Dewy issued her ruling after earlier hearing arguments that the court does not have jurisdiction in the matter, according to Eleanor Dickey, head of a group trying to prevent demolition of the house on the Westport-Fairfield border.

The judge said she will begin a hearing on the neighbors' petition to prevent demolition of the structure on or after April 18. Until that time, the injunction against destruction of the home remains in effect.

A lawyer for the house's owners, developers Mike Horvath and Mark Iuraduri, had argued at a March 10 hearing that considering a private home for the National Register – one of the reasons neighbors cited in seeking the injunction – depends on the owner's consent, and the owners have objected.

Shays Honored for Work in Arts

Rep. Christopher Shays, whose parents were both performers and met in the theater world, was honored today for his work in supporting the arts in the United States.
Honored: Westport's Ann Sheffer was among those honoring Rep. Christopher Shays in Washington today. Contributed photo

At a Washington breakfast, the 4th District Republican was cited by the Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America, in conjunction with the United States Conference of Mayors.

Shays received the 2005 National Award for Congressional Arts Leadership which recognizes distinguished service on behalf of the arts.

Among those traveling to Washington for the ceremony was Westporter Ann Sheffer, an arts patron who has been active in Americans for the Arts, the Connecticut Arts Council, as well as Westport's Arts Advisory Committee.

“I grew up in an arts family," Shays told the meeting. "My parents, both performing actors, met in the theater. Listening to my father play the piano each night and hearing stories from their days on the stage gave me an appreciation for creative expression."

He added, “The arts and humanities have had a profound impact on my life, and I want Americans of every generation, class, race, and creed to have the same opportunities, should they so choose.”

Shays has co-chaired the Congressional Arts Caucus since 2003, annually cosponsoring successful floor amendments to increase funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

As co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus, Shays later joined Rep.Louise Slaughter (D-NY) and Americans for the Arts in releasing its 2005 Creative Industries Report.

The report shows arts businesses grew at a faster pace than the national average, while arts jobs shrank at a slower rate than the national average.

"The arts industry is an economic force in our nation," said Shays. "Every Congressional District in the country has arts businesses and employees, and in the 4th District, our arts are thriving, helping our tourism and economy grow."

The report showed in the United States, there are 578,487 arts-centered businesses, employing 2.97 million people. This represents 4.4 percent of all businesses and 2.2 percent of U.S. employment.

From 2004-2005, the arts industry outpaced total U.S. business growth, expanding at a rate of 5.5 percent versus 3.8 percent economy-wide. The total number of jobs in the U.S. shrank 1.9 percent, while employment in the arts only dropped 0.79 percent, according to statistics released by Shays' office.

In Connecticut's 4th District, Dun & Bradstreet data showed there are 3,052 arts-related businesses employing 12,424 people, placing the district as the 11th highest Congressional District in the nation for the number of arts businesses.

In a state-by-state comparison, Connecticut has the fifth highest number of arts businesses, with 9,309 businesses employing 39,796 people.

"Having grown up in an arts family, I know the arts' intrinsic value, as well as their economic and education benefits," Shays said. "These numbers show that both the 4th District and our state value the arts as well."

Rell Names Westport’s Bernhard to Judicial Review Council

Gov. M. Jodi Rell today named G. Kenneth Bernhard of Westport to serve on the state’s Judicial Review Council.
Ken Bernhard: Named by Rell to judicial panel. File photo

Bernhard, an attorney and former Republican state representative who was narrowly defeated in last November's election by Democrat Joe Mioli, will serve a term ending Dec. 1, 2006, the governor's office announced.

“I’m very pleased to nominate Ken to this important post,” Rell said. “Ken is a man of integrity and has a tremendous knowledge of state government and the law. I am confident he will be an excellent addition to the Council.”

The Judicial Review Council investigates complaints against judges, workers’ compensation commissioners, and family support magistrates and makes recommendations regarding their reappointment and, in the case of judges, appointment to a different court.

The council can admonish, censure, or suspend any of them for up to one year or recommend to the Supreme Court a longer suspension or removal from office.

Judges, commissioners, and magistrates can be disciplined for, among other things, prejudicial conduct, violation of ethics and financial rules, neglect or incompetence, failure to perform duties, conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude, or temperament adverse to justice.

The council consists of 12 regular members and 13 alternates appointed by the governor with the General Assembly’s approval. The 12 regular members are three judges, three attorneys, and six people who are neither.

The alternates consist of judges, attorneys, and other people who serve when a regular council member is disqualified and compensation commission and family support magistrate members to serve when the council is considering complaints against commissioners or magistrates.

The council must investigate complaints and, if it finds probable cause, hold hearings. Its proceedings are, for the most part, confidential unless the subject of the investigation wants them public. But if the council finds probable cause and holds a hearing, it must be public.

The accused official has a number of due process rights such as legal representation and the ability to present evidence and confront witnesses.

Today's Teardown: 59 Crescent Road

Today's WestportNow.com teardown is 59 Crescent Road, off of Post Road East. A demolition permit application is pending. It sold this month for $470,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Showing Some Signs of Spring

Westport's Saugatuck River began to show some signs of spring Monday. Today's forecast called for mostly sunny skies with a high in the 40s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

8:30 a.m. - Town Hal Room 201 - Human Services Commission
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Arts Advisory Committee
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
5 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201A - Youth Commission Executive Committee
5:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Tree Board
6 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Assessment Appeals
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102- RTM Public Works/Finance Committees
8:15 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - RTM Finance/Public Protection Committees
9 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - RTM Finance /Parks and Recreation Committees

Connecticut National Guard Spokesman to Address Y's Men

Lt. Col John R. Whitford, spokesman for the Connecticut Army National Guard, will speak at the weekly meeting of the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston on Thursday, March 24.

Whitford will talk about what the Connecticut National Guard has been doing since Sept. 11, 2001, what benefits it offers, and how the community can help in getting word out about the Connecticut National Guard, an announcement said.

The meeting begins at 10 a.m.at the Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East.

Interfaith Housing Food Pantry Out of Protein Food Items

Westport's Interfaith Housing Association's food pantry is out of protein food items, the charity said today.

The news came as the group said for the eighth straight year, it will participate in a fund-raising challenge by Alan Shawn Feinstein Family Foundation. The foundation will divide $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide to help them raise funds during March and April.

Each agency will reap a share of the grant that represents its portion of the total amount of money and food donated between March 1 and April 30.

“Any contribution received by IHA in March and April will be matched by the Feinstein Family Foundation," said the Rev. Peter Powell, IHA president. "The match is a proportional one, not a dollar for dollar match, and has been an important source of income for IHA.”

He said the challenge is "particularly important to IHA today because the Food Pantry is out of protein food items to both give to families that come to us for food and to feed the residents of the homeless shelters."

Powell added, "We are out of tuna fish, canned stews, meaty soups, meaty pasta sauces, peanut butter and all other high protein foods. The demand at the Food Pantry has been especially high so far this year and we do not anticipate a decrease in the need."

He asked that those willing to help bring food donations to the Gillespie Center, 45 Jesup Road, Westport. Money donations can be sent to IHA 49 Richmondville Ave., Suite 112, Westport, CT 06880, or by visiting the IHA Web site.

CLASP Homes to Honor Farrell

Westport's CLASP Homes will honor Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell as its second annual wine tasting Thursday, March 31.

The 6:30 p.m. event will be held at Black Bear Wines and Spirits, 221 Post Road West, Westport,and benefit CLASP Homes, a local non-profit organization supporting people with developmental disabilities.

Cost of admission is $40 per person. A silent auction will also be held. For further information, call (203) 226-7895 ext. 144, purchase tickets at Black Bear Wines and Sprits, or visit the CLASP Web site.

Voluntary Action Center to Honor Westporter

The Voluntary Action Center of Mid-Fairfield County will honor Westporter Frank T. MacInnis, chairman and CEO of EMCOR Group, Inc., at its corporate leadership breakfast April 5, it was announced today.
Frank MacInnis: Honored by VAC. File photo

MacInnis will receive the Corporate Leadership Award from the group at the 7:30 a.m. event at the Dolce Conference Center in Norwalk.

Norwalk-based EMCOR is a Fortune 500 leader in mechanical and electrical construction, energy infrastructure and facilities services globally.

The Norwalk-based Voluntary Action Center said the company is being honored for its "long tradition of community service and corporate citizenship, including its ongoing support of volunteerism."

The breakfast kicks off the center’s celebration of National Volunteer Month.

Today's Westport Teardown: 68 North Ave.

Today's WestportNow.com teardown is 68 North Ave., not far from Staples High School. A demolition permit application is pending. Built in 1946, it sold last October for $755,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Sherwood Island Dawn

Westport's Sherwood Island State Park on a recent morning. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Monday, March 14, 2005

10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Historic District Commission Subcommittee
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - Board of Education anticipated executive session
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Parks and Recreation Commission

Joanne Woodward to Direct Play "I Always Wanted to Do"

Joanne Woodward, artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse, gave a sneak preview today of the the Playhouse's 75th anniversary season at its newly refurbished facilty to a group of Playhouse supporters at Fairfield's Patterson Club. Woodward will direct one of four plays to be presented, one she described as. ""The one I always wanted to do." Official announcement of the season events will be made Wednesday. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Winter Scene

The Saugatuck River as seen from near the Westport Public Library in Westport's center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Meeting the Press

A standing room only crowd turned out today to hear a panel discussion on "Censorship, Spin and Propaganda – Challenges to a Free Press" at the Westport Woman's Club. Sponsored by the Democratic Women of Westport and the Westport Democratic Town Committee, participants included (l-r) John Kiermaier, former president and CEO, Channel 13/WNET; Eric Burns, host of Fox News Watch; Lawrence Grossman, former president NBC News and PBS; Diane Wildman, director of editorial services, Cablevision and former NBC News correspondent; and Gordon Joseloff, editor/publisher WestportNow.com and former CBS News correspondent. All are Westport residents. See The Stamford Advocate report on the discussion. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Crash Shuts Bridge Street

A one-car accident early today took out a utility pole and part of a wall on Westport's Bridge Street. The driver was not seriously injured, but Bridge Street between Imperial Avenue and Compo Road South remained closed until 2:20 p.m. while utility crews worked to replace the pole. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Chip Stephens for WestportNow.com

Sunday, March 13, 2005

4 p.m. - Westport Woman's Club - Democratic Women of Westport and Westport Democratic Town Committee present panel discussion on "Censorship, Spin and Propaganda -- Challenges to a Free Press"