Historic Request

Some Roosevelt Road residents want their Compo Beach enclave to win historic status, and on Tuesday, May 10, at 7 p.m. Westport's Historic District Commission (HDC) is scheduled to review the neighbors' request. The HDC will also be asked to accept a report reviewed by the Connecticut Historical Commission and the Westport Planning and Zoning Commission. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Sherwood Island Rainscape

Westport was mostly green and gray today, with constant rain and chilly temperatures. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Friends of Westport Library Honors Carol Gluckman

The Friends of the Westport Public Library Friday night honored Carol Gluckman (inset) at its annual meeting. The Beachside Express a cappella group from Greens Farms Academy serenaded Gluckman (inset) for her years of service bringing a variety of authors to offer lectures at the Westport library. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Something Old is Something New at Old Westport Town Hall

There were plenty of dignitaries on hand Friday for the official opening of the Hudson United Bank in the former Westport Town Hall on Post Road East. Doing the ribbon cutting was Kenneth Neilson, CEO and chairman of the bank (2nd l). He was joined by (l-r) Denise Torv, Westport Historical Society executive director; First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell; Police Chief Alfred R. Fiore, and Mar Jennings, the bank's vice president and area director. The bank and the Society joined together for the special celebration called "Something Old is. . . Something New!" (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Andrea Maritzer Fine for WestportNow.com

Today's Westport Teardown: 3 Garden Lane

Today's WestportNow teardown is 3 Garden Lane off of Church Street South. A demolition application is pending for the home built in 1952. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

New Westport Fire Chief Ackley Sworn In

By James Lomuscio
WestportNow Special Correspondent

First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell swears in Westport's new Fire Chief Christopher Ackley today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.comThe classroom at Westport's fire headquarters was so packed with firefighters, police, EMS personnel, town officials, and firefighters from other towns today that many quipped the town's fire marshal would have to issue a summons.

But this event -- the swearing in of Christopher Ackley as the town's new fire chief -- drew applause and accolades instead. Ackley, a 27-year department veteran who served as the town's deputy chief, replaces Denis McCarthy who is leaving the chief's post after two years to become fire chief in Norwalk.

"I'm really awed in the faith you have in me to fill this position," said Ackley, 49, shortly after being sworn in by First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell. "I'm going to do my best to respect that trust."

Among the more poignant moments were when Ackley's wife Jill took the chief's badge unhooked from McCarthy and placed it on her husband, and the embrace between Ackley and McCarthy that followed.

"We started in this department the same day, July 10, 1978," McCarthy recalled, "and of that group that started, Chris was the strongest firefighter. And he has continued to be the strongest firefighter. We all look up to him."

It was standing room only as Christopher Ackley was sworn in as Westport's fire chief today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

McCarthy credited Ackley with co-founding the town's Hazmat Team and the Joint Police Department/Fire Department Dive Team.

"When you look at what is progressive in a fire department, he's the one who pushed us forward," McCarthy said.

Rick Gough, who served as chief before McCarthy and has since started his own construction company in Trumbull, said seeing his former brother firefighter assume the top job was something he had to see.

"I wouldn't miss it because it's another step in the legacy of the department," Gough said. "Chris will do very well. He has the respect of the department, and he's led by example."

Farrell described Ackley as "impetuous, tenacious and experienced." "And he has a lot of heart," she said about Ackley who served as an instructor for the Connecticut State Fire School and a Team Leader of the Department Mask Services Unit. "He would really lay down his life for anybody in this room ... He's a chief who's a firefighter first."

Ackley, who was joined at the ceremony by his parents and siblings, as well as his wife, put a sobering spin on the party atmosphere by saying that firefighters "will always be in harm's way and possibly killed."

"It's the duty of the leader to make sure that we protect them," he added to another round of applause.

Lt. Michael Michelsen of the Wilton Fire Department said he worked many times with Ackley on shared incidents and the Hazmat Team.

"He's a gentleman, he's fair, he's honest, and it's a pleasure to see him reach this level of success," Michelsen said.

Among Westport officials who turned out for the ceremony were Police Chief Al Fiore, Board of Finance member Gavin Anderson, and state Rep. Joseph Mioli.

"I've known Chris for years, and he's been an excellent firefighter," Mioli said. "I'm proud that we grow our own replacements in Westport and that we don't have to go outside."

Twenty-legged Earthworm Created at Earthplace

A giant earthworm puppet will be featured at Saturday's Earth Day festival at Westport's Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center. Ten people can walk in the puppet, which was created last week by kids in the April recess workshop. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 10 Woodside Lane. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Applause, Applause!

The historic -- and revamped -- Westport Country Playhouse got rave reviews with a temporary certificate of occupancy issued by the town today. The playhouse, ready to raise the curtain on its 75th Anniversary season, had been closed for more than a year as it underwent extensive renovations. Pictured from left to right are Fire Marshall Fred Baker, Gillian Kaeyer of Turner Construction, and Steve Smith, Buildings Department director. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

19 Baker Avenue Meets a Backhoe

WestportNow's Dec. 22, 2004 Teardown of the Day, 19 Baker Avenue, was demolished today. The house, built in 1976, was sold in May 2004 for $762,500. Baker Avenue runs between Compo Road South and Imperial Avenue. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Today's Westport Teardown: 9 Blind Brook Road

Today’s WestportNow teardown is 9 Blind Brook Road in the Old Hill area. A demolition application is pending for the home built in 1952. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Greens Farms Academy Hosts Actor/Producer Matt Salinger

Actor/producer Matt Salinger visited Westport's Greens Farms Academy Thursday as part of its James M. Coyle Endowed Visiting Scholars Program. He attended classes and gave a public lecture afterwards. The visiting scholars program was set up by school trustees to introduce students and the community to people of scholarly and contemporary interest. Salinger is the son of author J.D. Salinger. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport/Weston Y Announces Capital Campaign Chairs

The Wesport/Weston YMCA today announced that three area families will head its capital campaign in connection with its planned move from downtown Westport to its Camp Mahackeno property.

Bill Gault, Bill Mitchell, and Arthur Tauck will serve as the campaign's honorary chairpersons. Nancy and Sam Gault, Ginger and Jim Donaher, and Chris Mitchell and Robin Tauck will serve as co-chairs.

The Y also announced it will now formally operate under the name "Westport Weston Family Y."

Westport/Weston families -- the Gaults on the left side, the Mitchells in the center, and the Taucks to the right -- unveil the new Westport Weston Family Y name. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Memory Wok

By James Lomuscio
WestportNow Special Correspondent

As steam rose from the simmering wok in the kitchen this morning, Johnny Wong was out in the alley alongside his restaurant, The Ships Corner Chinese Take-out, to supervise the placement of a dumpster. After 20 years in the heart of Westport's downtown at 23 Jesup Road, the restaurant will close for the last time tonight at 10.
Owner Johnny Wong founded the restaurant 20 years ago. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.comThe woks, pots, and pans will be washed one last time, Wong said, before being tossed into the dumpster Friday.

"I lost my lease, and five weeks ago the landlord sent me a letter that I would have to be out," said Wong. "On Monday I'm going to give the key to the landlord.

"My customers, they're all hurt," he added, tapping his chest. "A lot of customers are looking for a place for me to stay in Westport."

For the past 18 months since Wong's lease from Greenwich-based Win Proprties, Inc. expired, his business has been surviving on a month-to-month basis. Wong says he has paid a total of $5,000 a month in rent and taxes, an amount he is sure will climb in the event he finds another location in Westport.

"For the past two years I've just been working for the landlord," said Wong, adding that he and six others will be out of work tomorrow.

Wong, who immigrated to the Westport from Hong Kong 22 years ago, said The Ships Corner was his first business in the United States, "and I've been very lucky because the Westport and Weston people have been very nice customers."

"And I've had customers from all over, from Wilton, Fairfield, and Norwalk, too," he said.

Wong said he is closing just before his busiest season, noting that summer visitors to the Levitt Pavilion routinely stopped in before or after concerts to buy take out. He also drew patrons from the teen center, Toquet Hall, as well as summer patrons who wanted to eat Chinese takeout on a bench beside the Saugatuck River.

The restaurant bore a name similar to the restaurant, The Ships, a popular Post Road gathering place around the corner during the early 1980s, and for many The Ships Corner was the last vestige of that era. The Ships Corner was even mentioned in the murder mystery novel "Ticked Off" by Gaila Ozaki Perran.

Wong, who owns a house a Richmondville Avenue with his wife Judy, son Andrew, 13, and daughter Amy, nine, says he plans to still live in Westport even if he does not find another suitable in-town business location. Some customers have suggested that he open another place near the Southport line, "but there are three Chinese restaurants within a mile there."

Wong insists that wherever he reopens, it won't be too far from his longtime customers.

"I want to stay in Westport," he said.

Wong takes his final lunch orders at the Jesup Road location. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport/Weston Y Officials Address Y's Men on Planned Move

Y's Men guest: YMCA Executive Director and CEO Dick Foot answers questions. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.comSenior officers of the Westport/Weston YMCA were guest speakers at today's Y's Men meeting at the Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Speakers included Dick Foot, CEO and exectutive director; Rosemary Halstead, president of the Board of Directors; Ian Bruce, first vice president and Board member; and Allen Raymond, chairman of the Board of Trustees. The topic was the proposed plan to relocate the YMCA from downtown Westport to Camp Mahackeno.

Westport/Weston YMCA officials will make a similar presentation on Monday to the Y's Women at their weekly meeting at 11 a.m. in the Board Room on the second floor of the YMCA's Bedford Building, 59 Post Road East.

Bedford Middle School Artists Exhibit Multitude of Talents

Eighth-grade artist Obiju Dan-Udekwe was surrounded by an admiring crowd of students as he worked on a caricature of Kevin Clark (far right) at Bedford Middle School's Student Art Exhibition Wednesday night. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

An eighth grade Chamber Ensemble played a concert of classical music that enhanced the atmosphere for art lovers at Bedford Middle School's Student Art Exhibition Wednesday night. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Mason Adams Dies at 86

Mason Adams
IMDB File photoLongtime Westport resident Mason Adams, the actor best known for his role as the easygoing managing editor on television's "Lou Grant" show, died of natural causes Tuesday at 86 in his Upper East Side home, The New York Times reported today.

Mason, who had received three Emmy nominations for his TV role, was also the voice over pitchman for the J. M. Smucker Company with his signature line, "With a name like Smucker's, it has to be good." His warm, grandfatherly, Rockwellian voice and screen presence, won the actor recognition as an embodiment of Americana.

Adams, who began his career in radio, was also a stage actor. The Times reports his last play was the Roundabout Theater's production of Arthur Miller's "The Man Who Had All the Luck" in 2002.

Adams moved to Westport in 1957 when he married Margot Fineberg, and they also maintained a home in Manhattan. Besides his wife, he is survived by a daughter Betsy, and son, Bill.

Lower Fairfield County Area is Nation's Richest

People living in the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk metropolitan area earned enough money in 2003 for each person to have $60,803, making it the nation's richest on a per capita basis.

The region's income easily topped the next-highest, the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif., area, which had a per capita income of $46,958. The nation's per capita income in 2003 was $31,472.

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis released its annual report on metropolitan area personal and per capita income Wednesday. Per capita income is the total amount of money earned through wages, benefits, Social Security and income from businesses divided by the number of people living in an area.

The BEA said wages nationally increased by 2.5 percent between 2002 and 2003, while proprietors' income increased by 8.5 percent and employers' contributions to employee pension and insurance funds increased by 10.7 percent during the period. The BEA did not release this data for the metropolitan areas.

Connecticut's four major areas all ranked among the top 50 in per capita income. The Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford area ranked 18th with per capita income of $38,131. New Haven-Milford was 25th with $36,127 and the Norwich-New London area ranked 34th with $35,147.

Thursday, April 28, 2005

6 p.m. —Westport Library, McManus Room--Counselors from the Norwalk chapter of SCORE, a resource partner with the U.S. Small Business Administration, present an interactive workshop on "Six Concepts of Business Success"
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Commission public hearing (live coverage on cable channel 79)

Longshore's Splash Restaurant to Reopen Thursday

The Splash Restaurant, closed since Christmas morning by a fire at Westport's Inn at Longshore, will reopen Thursday night, manager Kevan Sheehan said today.

The restaurant's dining area and kitchen were damaged by the early morning blaze that began in the hotel's basement and worked its way to the roof through interior walls. (See WestportNow Dec. 25, 2004)

The Inn managed to reopen its ballroom four days later in time to host a wedding reception but took longer to repair five guest rooms damaged in the blaze.

Happy 170th Birthday Westport!

Today's Brown Bag lunch included a birthday cake for Westport which this year marks its 170th birthday. Westport became a separate entity from Norwalk and Fairfield on April 28, 1835, when Daniel Nash led the charter that was signed in Hartford. Joining First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell (2nd l) for the celebration were (l-r) Mollie Donovan and Joan Miller of the Westport Schools Permanent Art Collection, and Town Clerk Patricia H. Strauss. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Showing Off

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farell (l) and Town Clerk Patricia H. Strauss today showed off a reproduction of the original Westport Town Charter that was created on parchment in 1935 -- Westport's 100th birthday -- by artist Edward Ades. The event was part of a celebration of Westport's 170th birthday during the weekly Brown Bag Luncheon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Brainstorming the Compo Beach Playground

The Coleytown Elementary Student Leadership Council shared their ideas for a new Compo Beach playground today with John Dean, the playground designer from Leathers & Associates. Dean will present his new design for the facility at a community presentation in the Long Lots Elementary School auditorium tonight at 7 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Westport Rated Almost at Bottom on State Ethics Survey

Westport rates almost at the bottom of a list in a survey by a state watchdog group of city and town ethics laws.

The survey by Connecticut Common Cause was released Tuesday at a Hartford news conference.

Among the cities and towns in the Westport area, Stamford and Bridgeport scored the highest on the survey, with a 5, followed by Darien, Fairfield and Weston, which got at 4. Easton, Greenwich, Norwalk, New Canaan and Wilton scored 3s. Westport got a 1. The lowest rating was 0.

The group said while Westport had a code of ethics, it did not fare well in its other ethics-related survey categories.

But it said most of the other communities in the state did not do well either. Out of a possible score of 10 in the survey, the state's 169 cities and towns had an average score of 2.2.

Common Cause said if the Legislature passes a pending municipal ethics reform bill, cities and towns would get a passing grade on ethics compliance.

The municipal ethics bill and others under consideration by the Legislature come in the wake of former Gov. John Rowland's July resignation over a scandal that included free gifts and jet travel from state contractors and subordinates.

The report found that 69 towns don't have a code of ethics. Of those, only six require department heads, boards or counsels to act on local ethics board recommendations. Only 10 towns require local officials to disclose the source of their incomes and just one town requires municipal lobbyists to register.

Common Cause said it researched all 169 municipal codes of ethics and used the state's model code of ethics as a barometer.

It graded the communities on whether they had any of 34 different standards, including whether they had an ethics code, required financial disclosure of income sources by public officials, required officials to accept and act on recommendations of their ethics commission, limited gifts, prohibited officials from representing private interests before municipal agencies or required disclosure of potential conflicts of interest.

Westport's Town Charter contains a conflict of interest section and recently the town's auditors asked members of all elected and appointed boards and commissions to acknowledge in writing their adherence to the provisions. The pertinent section (C38-2) reads:

"No Town employee or any member, whether elected or appointed, of any Board, Commission, Agency, Committee, Department or of the Representative Town Meeting of the Town shall participate in any official capacity in the hearing or decision upon any matter in which such person has, directly or indirectly, a personal or financial interest. In the event of such disqualification, such fact shall be entered on the records of the commission or board.

"Any Town employee or any member, whether elected or appointed, of any Board, Commission, Agency, Committee, Department or of the Representative Town Meeting of the Town shall disclose any financial interest or any personal beneficial interest, either directly or indirectly, in any contract or purchase order for supplies, materials, equipment or services furnished to or used by the Town. Such disclosure shall be immediate and thereafter shall be made annually to the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Westport. This disclosure shall not apply to the mere ownership of up to 5% of the outstanding shares of publicly traded companies.

"No Town employee or any member, whether elected or appointed, of any Board, Commission, Agency, Committee, Department or of the Representative Town Meeting of the Town shall accept or receive, directly or indirectly, from any person, firm or corporation to which any contract or purchase order has been awarded by the Town, any money, or anything of value whatsoever, or any promise for future reward. This prohibition shall not apply to political contributions made in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, nor to items of de minimus value."

In addition, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) has an Ethics Committee as well as a separate section (A162-20) in its Rules of Procedure which says:

"The Town Charter provides that no member shall, in his or her official capacity, participate in the hearing or decision upon any matter in which he or she has a financial interest. All members should be most sensitive to permitting any appearance of such a conflict to exist, even though a complete disclosure of all circumstances would show that an actual conflict did not exist in a particular case. The individual member shall decide in any given situation whether he or she is faced with such conflict. Such decision shall not preclude the Representative Town Meeting from determining that a conflict of interest does, in fact, exist; but the determination of the Representative Town Meeting shall not prevent the member from voting or participating."

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

Gull and Scull

A sea gull had a bird's eye view of the scull activity Tuesday on the Saugatuck River near Westport's center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Hudson United Bank Celebrates Opening New Office in Old Town Hall

The old Westport Town Hall on Post Road East is almost a century old and Friday will host a celebration that ties the old with the new.
Former Town Hall: an old postcard view. (CLICK TO ENLARGE File photo

Hudson United Bank of Westport and The Westport Historical Society are joining together for a special celebration called "Something Old is. . . Something New!" as the bank celebrates the grand opening of its new Westport office in the historic building at 90 Post Road East.

On display in the bank’s lobby and offices will be a selection from the Society’s collection of vintage fashions and accessories popular in 1900s, most of which have not been on public display for 15 years.

The new headquarters for Hudson United Bank is a turn of the century-building, circa 1908.

A gallery space on the bank's third floor will showcase World War II military uniforms -- including Westport's own Paul Newman’s -- in addition to a collection of rare, vintage World War I posters that urge the folks back home to buy V-bonds to support their troops.

The public is invited to view the Bank’s new Westport headquarters and enjoy the nostalgic exhibits of a time gone by. Parked outside the building will be classic cars from Concours d’Elegance, on special display for the evening. The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and continues until 9 p.m.

"A Taste of Westport" May 5 is Diner's Delight

If you've always had a desire to sample the best of what Westport's restaurants have to offer but worried about spending the time and money, your opportunity has arrived.

In a first for Westport non-profits, CLASP Homes on Thursday, May 5, is presenting a tasting sampler called "A Taste of Westport." The 6 p.m. event (5 p.m. if you buy the VIP ticket) at the Westport Inn, 1595 Post Road East, promises to be a gourmet's delight.

Here is a partial listing of who is going to be offering what:

Tarantino's Restaurant: whole poached salmon covered with thin slices of cucumber and served wit dill sauce; Rigatoni Vodka, pink cream sauce with onions and smoked bacon.

Tengda Asian Bistro: sushi and sushi rolls

Splash Restaurant and Bar: rock shrimp ceviche and cassava chips with aioli; mixed Thai chicken summer rolls with peanut vinaigrette

Seminara's Ristorante: saffron risotto stuffed with mozzarella and fried; sesame and almond-crusted tuna with tomato chutney

Da Pietro's: Maryland crab-cakes over mesclun salad, served with dijon mustard sauce

The Riverhouse Tavern: shitake mushroom toasts; shrimp poppers

Wild Oats: Oprah's Chicken Salad, Sea and Earth Salad and Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

In addition, there will be Galaxy Cookies of Westport. Beverages will be supplied by Black Bear Wines & Spirits, Jewel of Russia and Diageo.

Auction items include donations from Tiffany & Co., Jet Blue Airways, and Virgin Atlantic, among others.

Tickets are $50 in advance and $60 at the door. The VIP reception is $75. Tickets are available at Black Bear Wines & Spirits; the Westport Inn, CLASP Homes, or online at www.tasteofwestport.com.

WestportNow.com is one of the media sponsors of the event.

Talking Transportation: Amtrak’s Acela Woes

By Jim Cameron
Special to WestportNow

Amtrak’s flagship train, the 165-mph Acela, is in the shop again, this time with troubling cracks in its disc brakes. While the railroad and Bombardier are scrambling to find a fix and get these trains back on track, it seems an appropriate time to ask “how did we get in this mess?”

In the mid-1980s, Amtrak knew that in order to survive, it had to upgrade its aging Amfleet cars. (I wish the Connecticut Department of Transportation – CDOT -- and Metro-North were as proactive in fleet replacement!)

While Amtrak’s Metroliner was running New York to Washington in under three hours, the equipment could never make serious time on the increasingly important, but oh-so-curvaceous, New York-to-Boston run.

While NYC to DC is pretty much a straight shot, the Boston run has so many curves that trains complete 11 complete circles on the 240-mile run. And Amfleet cars don’t tilt, forcing slower speeds.

Rather than straighten out the tracks, Amtrak decided to smooth out the curves with car-tilting technology. The best tilting technology is found on the ABB-built X2000, a Swedish train that runs between Stockholm and Gothenburg, a similarly curve-challenged run.

So Amtrak brought an X2000 train set to the United States and put it to the test. The train performed flawlessly, as I can attest from riding it several times in 1992.

Amtrak also experimented with the German ICE (Inter-City Express) train which runs on dedicated tracks in Europe at similarly high speeds. The ICE Train didn’t fair as well because it doesn’t tilt.

A German engineer on one run I took on the ICE Train in 1993 complained that US track beds are poorly maintained, causing a very rough ride. Typical engineer -- blaming the tracks, not their train.

Having experimented with two of the best high speed train technologies in the world, which did Amtrak chose? Neither. Rather than go with a proven, off-the-shelf technology, Amtrak decided to “reinvent the wheel” and build its own high speed train, mostly because (now financially-troubled) Bombardier offered attractive financing.

Big mistake, both in slowing the introduction of this badly needed train and, as we’ve seen once again, designing in as many problems as solutions.

No sooner was Acela built and put on the Northeast Corridor for testing than they discovered that somebody goofed at the drawing board. Acela was built 4 inches wider than planned. Tracks in Connecticut are too close together to allow two tilting Acela’s, traveling in opposite directions, to clear each other as they pass.

Already Acela was crippled, losing its key technological advantage along one of the longest stretches of its run.

Amtrak sued Acela’s manufacturer Bombardier, and they sued Amtrak. During testing, Amtrak found Acela’s wheels were suffering excessive wear. Later, defective bolts were found.

After finally getting one Acela trainset in service in December 2000, new problems developed -- cracks in crucial “yaw dampers.” Those were fixed and Acela went back in service.

But reliability issues and constant repairs then forced Amtrak to suspend weekend service. And now, the cracks in the disc brakes.

Don’t get me wrong. I love Acela and gladly pay the higher fares to ride it whenever possible, even to save just a few minutes of travel time. I just wish that Amtrak had got it right the first time and built a train that’s both fast and reliable.

Finally, about this name “Acela,” dreamed up at big expense by the branding experts at IDEO. As Amtrak’s current CEO David Gunn once noted, “Everyone knows what Acela is. It’s a basement!”

(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)

Republican State Central Chairman to Speak May 10

William A. Hamzy, the newly elected chairman of the Connecticut Republican State Central Committee, will be the special guest speaker at the next meeting of the Westport Republican Women.

The meeting will be held Tuesday, May 10, at 11 a.m. at the home of Kendal Gardner Anderson, 109 Cross Highway.

Hamzy, who is also the state representative from Bristol, will discuss “what’s up and going on” in Hartford and answer questions.

Hamzy was elected state chair in January with the endorsements of both Gov. M. Jodi Rell and Rep. Nancy Johnson of the 5th Congressional District.

He has served in the House of Representatives since 1995, and has been Assistant Minority Leader since 2003. He continues to serve on local panels and is actively involved in community affairs.

In addition to his many political and charitable accomplishments, he also has been a Biddy Basketball coach and Babe Ruth baseball coach.

The meeting is open to all interested, and will be followed by a light luncheon. Please call Lillian Krause (227-6471) or Rita Lener (222-7744) to RSVP.

Saugatuck Rowing Club Names Larry Kurzner Commodore

Larry Kurzner: new Commodore. Contributed photoWestport's Saugatuck Rowing Club (SRC) has named Westporter Larry Kurzner its Commodore for 2005-2006.

As Commodore, Kurzner will serve as the club’s liaison with U.S. Rowing, the sport’s national governing body, and other regional and international rowing organizations, as well as presiding over club events and committees.

Kurzner has rowed competitively since his days as captain of the Clark University crew. He has been a national medalist eight times in the last five years and was the captain of the club's 2004 U.S. Rowing National Championship Masters team.

After college and before joining SRC when he moved to Westport with his family in 1996, Kurzner rowed at clubs in Boston, New York and Norwich and London.

Kurzner recalls competing in two of the world’s toughest regattas, The Head of the Charles in Boston and the Annual Vesta International Veteran’s Head of the River Race in London, England as the most challenging events in 25 years of rowing.

Kurzner, a human resources outsourcing professional, recently joined Aon as a senior vice president. He has a BA degree in international relations and political science from Clark University and an MBA from Northeastern University.

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag Luncheon
5:30 p.m. - Turner Trailers - School Building Committee Staples Subcommittee
6 p.m. - Bedford Middle School - Second annual student art exhibition
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - RTM Planning & Zoning Committee
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Selectmen
7 p.m. - Long Lots Elementary School -- Unveiling of Compo Beach playground design
7:30 p.m-- Westport Library McManus Room - "Artists in Conversation" - Noted architect Jim Polshek, whose recent projects include the Clinton Presidential Library and Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, joins in conversation with Yale School of Architecture critic Carter Wiseman; co-presentation with Westport Arts Center

Flying High at Compo

The kite surfers returned to Westport's Compo Beach today. The temperature reached 63F under sunny skies at Bedford Middle School but only got into the upper 50s near the water. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Andrea Maritzer Fine for WestportNow.com

Staples Golfers Team Up With Seniors

The Westport Center for Senior Activities and the boy's and girl's golf teams from Staples High School recently teamed up for the Friendship through Fitness golf tournament to raise money for the Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities. All proceeds will go toward maintaining the fitness room at the center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Sprucing Up Post Road East and the Sherwood Island Connector

Westport's Kowalsky Brothers construction company today worked on a beautification project at the intersection of Post Road East and the Sherwood Island Connector. The planting project will include a sign welcoming visitors to Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Staples Grad Makes Carnegie Hall Debut as Composer

Former Westporters Vic Arrington and Peggy Arrington pose with their son, composer and Staples grad Devin Arrington, 27, at a reception Monday Night at New York's Carnegie Hall following the world premiere performance of Devin's chamber music piece "Jerusalem" by the New York Youth Symphony. Devin performs regularly with the Westmoreland Symphony in Greenburg, Pa., and teaches violin and composition in Pittsburgh His parents recently moved to Hilton Head S.C. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Rick Benson for WestportNow.com

Chris Ackley Named New Westport Fire Chief

Outgoing Westport Fire Chief Denis McCarthy (l) congratulates Deputy Chief Chris Ackley on today's announcement that Ackley, a 26-year veteran of the department, will succeed him. Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell said she will swear in Ackley at 2 p.m. Friday. McCarthy has been named chief in Norwalk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Allen's Clam House Barn Taken Down

An 1800s barn on the former Allen's Clam House property – now town-owned -- on Hillspoint Road at Old Mill came down today. The Historic District Commission gave its approval to the demolition at its April 12 meeting. (See WestportNow April 12, 2005) (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

RTM Consideration of Noise Ordinance Postponed

A Westport noise ordinance submitted by residents and scheduled to be considered at next week's session of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) has been postponed until June at the residents' request.

They asked for the postponement during a meeting Monday night of the RTM Ordinance Committee, the first committee to consider the suggested ordinance. The proposed measure imposes tighter restrictions on construction and other activities.

The Ordinance Committee recommended that other RTM committees, including Public Protection, Environment and Planning and Zoning, consider the proposal and that the town attorney's office then revise it based on committee and public input.

The measure will be taken up again at the RTM's June 7 meeting, according to RTM Moderator Gordon Joseloff. The RTM's May 2 and 3 meetings are mainly devoted to annual budget matters but non-budget items will be considered as well.

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

Honoring Library Volunteers

The Westport Public Library Monday night honored its youth and "Reading to Rover" volunteers. Children's librarian Lynn Perrigo oversaw the 700 hours of work put in by 67 children. Frances McCabe and her lab Onyx were one of 10 owner and dog teams who enjoyed many hours listening to children read aloud to them. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Arts Advisory Committee
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - RTM Public Works Committee
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201A - Youth Commission Underage Drinking Subcommittee
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Zoning Board of Appeals

Taking Aim at Big Houses

By James Lomuscio
WestportNow Special Correspondent

Are McMansions a well-heeled homeowner's right or a neighborhood blight that threaten Westport's charm and, ultimately, its quality of life? These and other big house concerns are expected to be aired at two public meetings next month, the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission's Big House Committee decided today.
Planning and Zoning Commission Chair Eleanor Lowenstein (2nd r) addresses the P&Z's Big House Committee today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The meetings slated for Tuesday, May 17, at 10 a.m. and Wednesday, May 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall auditorium will set the stage to see if any changes to the town's residential zoning regulations are in the wings, officials say.

"Once we get information, we will have the time to sit down and study them," said Eleanor R. Lowenstein, P&Z chairman. "The next time around it will be a public hearing on (residential zoning) changes."

Katherine Barnard, Planning and Zoning Department director, said the planned meetings sprung from numerous resident concerns both for and against the proliferation of massive homes.

"We are getting a variety of comments with some people saying that all these new, big houses are overwhelming," Barnard said, "and then there are comments from the other side saying that our zoning regulations are already too restrictive."

She added that the public is also welcome to submit written comments to the committee.

Westport is just one of several Fairfield County towns grappling with the McMansion issue, along with Fairfield, Milford, Orange and Stratford. Residents worry these big houses dwarf existing homes and rob communities of their timehonored character.

Over the past few years the big house debate has become a national phenomenon in affluent communities, as towns in Westchester County, New Jersey and California have imposed everything from house size limits to energy use restrictions.

In Westport, house size is regulated by lot coverage and setback requirements.

In an A Zone, one with a half-acre lot or less, building coverage including outbuildings is limited to 15 percent, and total coverage must not exceed 25 percent including things such as a driveway or a swimming pool.

For larger lots, one acre in a AA Zone or two acres in an AAA Zone, there is no limit on house size as long as the residence is no more than three stories and the total coverage does not exceed 25 percent.

Theoretically, in a AAA Zone, a homeowner could garner as much as 20 percent house coverage, enough for a 17,000-square-foot McMansion, as long as the house has a short driveway.

"We don't see that type of footprint, and I don't want to send out dramatic messages," said Barnard, noting that many other factors, such as wetlands and deep slopes, go into residential zoning regulations.

The town's P&Z has been grappling with the big house issue since the mid-1990s, but no regulations have been passed. However, with an increase in teardowns and more permit applications for larger homes, the P&Z seems to be digging in at the heels with the scheduled public meetings set by the committee today.

"I think it's important to find out what the community would like to see," said Barnard. "When you talk about property, its people's major investment. And when you talk about changing regulations, people get antsy."

Longtime YMCA Employee Charlie Moffat Dies at 68

Charlie Moffat, who served on the staff of the Westport/Weston YMCA for 37 years as a member services representative, custodian, health center attendant, and chief of laundry operations, has died at the age of 68, the YMCA announced today.
Paul Newman was among those paying tribute to Charlie Moffat on his retirement in 1998. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Moffat, known for his cheery "Have a nice day!" greeting, died Thursday after a long illness.

At a retirement tribute offered on the occasion of Moffat's 61st birthday on March 26th, 1998, retired YMCA Executive Director Matt Johnson said that Moffat had been one of the most dependable and conscientious YMCA employees he ever worked with.

Johnson recalled fondly the Monday night men's fitness group in which Moffat played volleyball at the YMCA.

Bill Mitchell, a Westport business leader and former YMCA trustee, said in 1998: "I call him the Mayor Emeritus of the YMCA. He has become such a positive fixture there, someone you always wanted to see and who would make your day. He really personifies the spirit of this community."

Sally Silverstein, YMCA senior director of sports and recreation, recalled coming to the YMCA as a young girl when Moffat worked at the YMCA member services desk.

A memorial service for Moffat will be held on Saturday, May 7 at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church of Westport, 49 Weston Road.

Westport attorney Edgar See and YMCA Senior Director of Aquatics Bob Knoebel, who are handling Moffat's affairs, said that charitable contributions in memory of Moffat may be made to the Westport/Weston YMCA.

Westport's Ship's Corner Chinese Take Out Closing

The signs on the doors and window tell the story -- Ship's Corner Chinese Take Out, a downtown Westport presence for 20 years, is closing this week. Owner Johnny Wong said his landlord gave him notice last month and he is looking for another location after two decades at 23 Jesup Road opposite the Westport Public Library. The restaurant's last day is Thursday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photos

Westport Property Transfers April 18-22, 2005

Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period April 18-22, 2005:

Joanne N. Harding to John F. and Ann Marie Fanning, 207 Compo Road South, $710,000

David A. and Elizabeth A. Forgash to Andrew F. and Linda G. Schwartz, 2 Ledgemoor Lane, $2,100,000

Normandy Riverside Investors LLC to Riverside Office 321-329 LLC, 321-329 Riverside Ave., $17,600,000

Normandy Riverside Investors LLC to Riverside Office 285 & 355 LLC, 285 & 355 Riverside Ave., $36,550,000

Lindsey W. Girden to Russ and Leslie Paparo, 33 Mayflower Parkway, $1,852,000

Richard & Rhoda Berke to Anat Ben Shahar and Dorron Segal, 27 Crawford Road, $1,020,000

Barbara D. Whipple to Pak Holdings LLC, 7 Fillow Street, $545,000

Eleanor M. Chapnick to Jaunsz Chomik, 82 Roseville Road, $855,000

Robert C. and Monica E. Moore to Joseph V. and Lisa C. Glennon, 6 Wilton Terrace, $990,000

Elizabeth Breck to Adam T. Derrick, 21 Compo Beach Road, $1,525,000

Vincent J. Gallo to Elizabeth Breck, 21 Turkey Hill Road North, $610,000

Stone Ridge Builders LLC to Richard A. & Margaret H. Bartolotta, 167 Compo Road South, $1,850,000

Eric Seth Jordan to Terumi LLC, 3 Tupelo Road, $860,000

Westport's Dave Kashetta, Snubbed in NFL Draft, Signs With Redskins

It was a long Sunday for Westport's Dave Kashetta. The former Staples High School football standout and Boston College tight end was not among players chosen in the National Football League Draft.

But a short time later he signed as a free agent with the Washington Redskins.

"I'm really excited," he told reporters later. "I definitely feel I have a lot to prove now."

The 2000 Staples grad, who is listed at 6 feet 3 1/2 inches and 247 pounds, last season made 22 catches for 218 yards with four touchdowns for the Eagles. He will join the Redskins at rookie camp this weekend in Washington.

Today's Westport Teardown: 19 Bermuda Road

Today's WestportNow teardown is 19 Bermuda Road in the Saugatuck Shores area. A demolition application is pending. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport/Weston Y Officials to Address Y's Men and Y's Women

The Westport/Weston YMCA's plans to move from its downtown Westport location to its Camp Mahackeno facility will be the subject of two talks before the Y's Men and Y's Women groups this week and next.

Richard A. Foot, YMCA executive director and CEO and members of his staff will address the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston at the group's weekly meeting on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Saugatuck Congregational Church, 245 Post Road East.

He will make a similar presentation on Monday, May 2, to the Y's Women at their weekly meeting at 11 a.m. in the Board Room on the second floor of the YMCA's Bedford Building, 59 Post Road East.

In both addresses, Foot will talk about the Y's “Imagine the Possibilities” campaign to build a new full-facility Y to be located on the Y's 32-acre Mahackeno campus and how it will serve the community now and in the future.

Foot will discuss the selection Robert A. M. Stern Architects to design the new Y and will present preliminary site concept drawings, according to announcements from the groups.

Monday, April 25, 2005

10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - Planning and Zoning Big House Committee
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201A - RTM Long-Range Planning Committee
8 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - RTM Ordinance Committee

Getting the Compo Beach Playground Ready for the Summer

Volunteers helped fix up the Compo Beach playground today to get it ready for the summer season. Many of the workers were from the original Compo Beach Playground Committee that worked to make the playground a reality in 1989. A new committee has been formed to update it next year. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com

Sunday Morning Shovel Brigade

Among the volunteers helping to get the Compo Beach playground ready for the summer today were Toni Rubin (l) and Betsy Wacker. They both served on the original Compo Beach Playground Committee 16 years ago that built the present playground, which will undergo a makeover next year in a similar community-driven effort. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com

"Ride of Silence" May 18 to Honor Injured or Killed Bicyclists

A nationwide memorial ride to honor bicyclists who have died or suffered severe injuries comes to Westport next month.

A "Ride of Silence" to remember and honor those who have been injured or killed on public roadways, will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 18, starting in the parking lot next to the Luciano Park ball field at the Westport railroad station.

The event is not a typical charity ride, according to organizer Tom Steinert-Threlkeld of Weston. In fact, there is no charity. There are no brochures, no T-shirts, no sponsors.

There is only silence. And a slow-paced ride on public roads, to demonstrate that cyclists care about fallen cyclists and how those who still are able to ride can peacefully share roadways with motorists, Steinert-Threlkeld said.

The ride is open to riders of all ages and skill levels. At no point will the pace of the ride exceed 12 miles an hour. Once under way, riders remain silent, in unspoken respect for what can happen and has happened to bicyclists on the roads all motorists and cyclists share.

The ride, held during Bike Safety month, aims to raise the awareness of cyclists to the need for courteous, law-abiding cycling; and, of motorists, law enforcement and city officials that cyclists have a legal right to public roadways, according to Steinert-Threlkeld.

Rides of Silence are now held in more than 50 cities across the United States and Canada. They began in 2003, after endurance cyclist Larry Schwartz of Wylie, Texas, was hit by the mirror of a passing bus and killed.

For more information on Fairfield County’s initial Ride of Silence, contact Tom Steinert-Threlkeld at 917-613-5256 or tst@tstonramp.com.