Reminders Everywhere

There was no avoiding the fact that today was "Grim Reaper Day" at Staples High School. The Teen Awareness Group (TAG) at Staples sponsored the event to raise student awareness that someone in the United States is killed in an alcohol-related automobile accident every 30 minutes. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Galen Blumenthal for WestportNow.com

Celebrating an Undefeated Season

Staples Girls JV Softball Coach Ejay Clark gets the cold water treatment from left fielder Lindsay Wolson,15, after the Lady Wreckers completed a perfect 17-0 season today with an at home 16-0 victory over Darien. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Leading the JV Lady Wreckers to Victory

Sophomore Liz Johnston, 15, pitched a one-hit game in today's 16-0 Staples Girls JV softball victory over Darien, completing an undefeated season. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Perfect Season

Members of the Staples Girls JV softball team pose for a team photo following today's 16-0 victory over Darien, capping a perfect 17-0 season. Shown are, front row (l-r): Brittney Weinsoff (sophomore), Aly Campbell (freshman), Charlotte Green (sophomore), Leah Garzone (freshman);middle row (l-r): Liz Bomes (sophomore), Paige Rudzin (freshman), Arianna Grand (sophomore), Stacy Crain (sophomore), Michelle Lobello (sophomore); back row (l-r): Coach Ejay Clark (sixth grade science teacher at Bedford Middle), Jen Bottone (sophomore), Liz Johnston (sophomore), Anna Wiggin (freshman), Emily Abramson (sophomore), and Lindsey Wolson (freshman). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Senior Center Usage More Than Doubled in 2004

The Commission for Senior Services held its annual meeting today at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. Susan Pfister (l), senior services coordinator, reported as part of a slide presentation that with the opening of the new center in January 2004, the number of participants engaging in center activities in 2004 more than doubled over the previous year when the center was at Staples High School -- 75,600 duplicated participations in 2004 vs 35,280 in 2003. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Woodward Looks to the Future as New Playhouse Sets to Open

By James Lomuscio
WestportNow Special Correspondent

Seeing the Westport Country Playhouse transformed from a small summer theater into a year-round center four times its original size, one has to ask Joanne Woodward: "Any pangs of nostalgia for the funky old, albeit drafty barn that showcased stars of stage and screen for the past 75 years?"
Joanne Woodward (with associate artistic director Anne Keefe): No nostalgia for old theater (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

"No," the theater's artistic director says emphatically. "I do think back on it fondly, but not when rain was falling down on your head as you were performing, or when the air conditioners weren't working in the summer."

There's something else that salves those given to sentiment for the old place. The new theater, despite its expansion from 10,000 to 40,000 square feet, has maintained much of the old charm with roughhewn beams and timber trusses, recycled wood and the original fixtures.

The walls near the front lobby are also going to be decked with posters of plays performed throughout the years to keep the playhouse historically rooted.

Even the new stage carries pieces of the old one, Alison Harris, the playhouse's CEO, pointed out. Sections of wood two-and-a-half square feet are strategically placed at the entrances and exits backstage.

"Joanne wanted all of the actors and actresses to step onto the old stage when they came out," Harris said.

In short, the new theater designed by Princeton-based Farewell Mills Gatsch Architects seems as much historic preservation as expansion.
New Playhouse: as much historic preservation as expansion. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

"I think what the designers have accomplished is simply brilliant," said Woodward who is scheduled to cut the ribbon for the new theater Monday at 9 a.m. in the company of Lt. Gov. Kevin Sullivan.

In an office on the theater's second floor, Woodward and Anne Keefe, associate artistic director, reminisced about how they and a few others came up with the idea for the playhouse's expansion back in 1999.

"A group of us got together in cramped quarters and talked about it, and then the idea just grew," Woodward said, adding that the task originally seemed insurmountable.

But fundraising performances and galas later, not to mention last season's temporary move to the Ridgefield Playhouse, the goal was met.

The playhouse has already reached $28 million of its $30.6 million goal for its expansion and operational costs. The renovation itself cost $18.7 million, Harris said.

The new playhouse boasts an expansive lobby, one Harris says could alone accommodate the old house's audience. The theater has 580 seats, including the balcony. For theatergoers who need to step out in between the acts, there is a wraparound porch for inclement weather.

There are also expansive dressing rooms, a green room, plus a huge room resembling a lumber yard where a tech crew was already designing sets. Downstairs there are offices for 20 employees.

One thing Woodward admitted she would miss is the old playhouse's center aisle, now replaced by two side aisles.

"But I'll get over it," she said, noting that six years of fundraising, plus 13 months of construction will prove worth it when the curtain for a special performance on Friday, June 3.

That night Westonite Christopher Plummer inaugurate the new theater with a one-man play he has written, "A Word or Two Before I Go."

"I love this season, because after all, I picked it," quipped Woodward, adding that the 75th season will officially open with "Finnian's Rainbow" on June 16.

Compared to other years, however, this will be a seemingly endless season, she said, now that the playhouse is year-round.

"I haven't caught my breath yet," Woodward said. "And I won't get a chance to until after 'David Copperfield' runs in December. After that I'm retiring."

Opposed to "Historic Overlay" Change

The Westport Planning and Zoning Commission Thursday night considered a request to extend "historic overlay" zoning to residential areas. The request was made by those trying to save the Abel Bradley House on the Westport-Fairfield border. Among those in the audience who opposed the change were developers Mark Iurardi (l) and Mike Horvath, owners of the Bradley House. Iurardi said the concept was too restrictive and unjust to home owners. The P&Z took no action and is likely to take the issue up at its next work session. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WesportNow.com

In Honor of Safe Boating Week

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell Thursday presented a plaque to the Saugatuck River Sail and Power Squadron in honor of Safe Boating Week. Taking part in the ceremony were (l-r): Harrison Valante, past commander; Farrell; John Luscombe, past commander; Grant Kominek, past commander; Russ Levine, education officer, and two of his grandchildren. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Friday, May 20, 2005

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Westport Transit District Director's Meeting
9:30 a.m. - Westport Center for Senior Activities, 21 Imperial Ave. - Commission for Senior Services

Barry McCabe Named Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal

Barry McCabe: honored as parade grand mashall. Contributed photoBarry McCabe, a longtime Westport resident and dedicated community volunteer with a distinguished military record as a World War II Navy Frogman, has been selected as the Grand Marshal of Westport’s Memorial Day parade.

The announcement was made by William Vornkahl, president of the Veterans Council which is organizing the parade and services to be held Monday, May 30, at 9 a.m. The colorful event annually attracts thousands of participants and spectators to the town's center.

McCabe, 81, began his military career with enlistment in the Navy’s V-12 officer training program in July 1943. He was commissioned an Ensign at Columbia University in October 1944.

Just prior to his commissioning, he volunteered for Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT), precursor of today’s Navy SEALs. After training at Fort Pierce, Fla, and Maui, Hawaii, he joined UDT 21 in the Pacific as assistant platoon leader.

Before Aug. 14, 1945, when Japanese Emperor Hirohito announced to his people that the war was over, UDT 21 had just returned from action in the Okinawa Islands. Instead of being decommissioned, McCabe's team was flown to Guam, where members boarded a ship for Japan.

It was the first ship to enter Tokyo Bay on Aug. 28, 1945, before Japan’s unconditional surrender was signed aboard the USS Missouri on Sept. 2, 1945. UDT 21’s mission was to destroy armament, suicide boats, mines and midget submarines to make it safe for U.S. troops to land.

After returning to the states a month later, McCabe was promoted to Lt. j.g. After his honorable discharge in July 1946, he entered the University of Michigan and graduated in 1948 with a Business Administration degree. He spent the next 50 years in marketing, advertising and public relations.

McCabe and his wife, Kathy, have lived in Westport for 40 years. They have twin daughters, Janet and Margie, a son, Richard, all Staples graduates, and four grandchildren. Currently he is on the board of the Westport-Weston Y’s Men, member of the Navy League and does consulting for the Fairfield County Chorale.

He is also actively involved in a local program physically testing, mentoring and training young men who want to be Navy SEALs.

The parade will start at the Saugatuck Elementary School on Riverside Avenue at 9 a.m. More than 50 groups and organizations will participate in the parade which honors those who have died defending their country.

There will be a dozen floats, several marching bands and veterans from major conflicts, namely World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Desert Storm and the Gulf War. Many will be in uniform, some accompanied by their families and others who want to march along the mile-long parade route.

This year the Westport Veterans Council announced that the theme of the parade and the floats will be: Supporting the Men and Women Who Are Serving Around the World in the Armed Forces.

The theme is based on the Veterans Council mission to support all of the country’s service people, around the world in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Coast Guard, defending the nation's freedoms.

Awards will be presented for floats in the following categories: Best Development of the Theme; Best Youth Organization Float; Most Creative Float; Best Community Organization Float; Most Colorful Float, and Best Overall Float.

The parade’s route, which unchanged from last year, will be up Riverside Avenue to the Post Road West, turn right, cross the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge, then Post Road East to Myrtle Avenue, left on to Myrtle Avenue past Westport Town Hall and the reviewing stand to Parking-Harding Plaza.

Memorial Day ceremonies will be held on Veteran’s Green, across from Town Hall and will include soloists singing the National Anthem, God Bless America and America the Beautiful, plus brief remarks by Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, Vornkahl, and McCabe.

Talk of the Towns

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell and Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss addressed today's Westport-Weston Y's Men meeting and answered questions about the state of their towns. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

A Hole in the Wall Gets Repaired

Under clear skies, mason Mort Antera used his time-honored skills today to repair a section of brick wall that had been knocked down by a car on Westport's South Compo Road near Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com

Today's Westport Teardown: 25 Sturges Commons

Today's WestportNow teardown is 25 Sturges Commons off Sturges Highway. The house, built in 1938, sold last month for $1,050,000. The demolition application will be heard by the Westport Historic District Commission. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

New Paintings of an Old Battle

The Westport Public Library's Great Hall is hosting an exhibit of new World War II oil paintings by Weston artist Dough Leigh. Leigh depicts his lasting teenage combat memories from the Battle of the Bulge. The exhibit continues through June 30. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Westport Scouts Support Troops on Memorial Day

Westport’s three Cub Scout Packs and three Boy Scout Troops will be working together on Memorial Day, Monday, May 30, to organize a town-wide collection of usefull items to be sent to U.S. troops serving abroad.

In conjunction with the Westport Historical Society and a national organization known as GIVE2THE TROOPS, the scouts will collect donated items for the troops on the Society's lawn at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Avery Place from 8 a.m. until 30 minutes after the town commemorative ceremonies on the adjacent town Veterans Green.

In addition, the scouts will have a patriotic float in the parade and serve lemonade and popcorn. Information on how to join Cub Scouting or Boy Scouting will also be available. Scouting is a values-based outdoor program for boys ages 5-18.

GIVE2THETROOPS is a several years old private, not-for profit organization founded in Fairfield, with seven branch offices nationwide. It collects cards and letters, snack food, toiletries, entertainment items, and miscelaneous personal items for distribution to troops serving overseas.

All funds are raised from the community/country to pay for shipping the boxes of donated items to military units serving in combat zones abroad.

The Westport scouts will deliver all donated items and funds to the Fairfield office for immedate shipment to the troops. The most popular items requested are snacks such as Slim Jims, instant drink mixes, protein bars, salted nuts or pumpkin seeds; small travel sized toiletries (but no hotel samples); entertainment items such as mini travel games, CDs, DVDs, X-box or PS2games, and batteries, and sunglasses, pre-paid ATT phone cards, and black or white socks.

Visit www.give2thetroops.org for a complete list of items to be donated. For further information, contact Rick Benson at (203) 227-4895, chairman of the Westport Scouters Association.

Actor Frank Gorshin, Former Westporter, Dies at 72

Frank Gorshin: lived here 1980-1998. File photoFormer Westporter Frank Gorshin, the master impressionist and character actor best known as the Riddler on the 1960s “Batman” television series, died Tuesday in Burbank, Calif.. He was 72.

Gorshin lived in Westport from 1980 to 1998 and often was seen driving around town in a silver-colored Rolls-Royce bearing a license plate that said STOLEN.

He received an Emmy nomination for his role on the "Batman" series and more recently brought comedian George Burns to life in a one-man Broadway show.

Gorshin died at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, where he had been hospitalized for three weeks.

"He put up a valiant fight with lung cancer, emphysema and pneumonia," his estranged wife, Christina, said in a statement.

Gorshin had just finished the national tour of the Tony-nominated "Say Goodnight, Gracie" before he was hospitalized with pneumonia. The show opened on Broadway in 2002 and ran for 364 performances.

Gorshin’s final performance will be broadcast tonight on the CBS series “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”

He did more than 40 impressions, including Al Jolson, Kirk Douglas, Bobby Darin, Dean Martin and James Cagney.

Gorshin’s movie roles included “Bells are Ringing” (1960) with his idol Dean Martin, and a batch of fun B-movies such as “Hot Rod Girl” (1956), “Dragstrip Girl” (1957), and “Invasion of the Saucer Men” (1957).

Gorshin moved to Westport in 1980 from Greenwich. He remained here until 1998 when he returned to the Los Angeles area.

Gorshin is survived by his girlfriend, Haji; a son, Mitchell, of Orlando, Fla.; his sister, Dottie Roland, of Pittsburgh; and a grandson. A private funeral will be held.

New Westport Country Playhouse Set for Debut

The Westport Country Playhouse looks almost ready for its 75th season debut after a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the renovated building is set for Monday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Thursday, May 19, 2005

7 p.m. - Toquet Hall - Youth Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Commission Public Hearing

Westport Property Transfers May 9-13, 2005

Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period May 9-13, 2005:

Michael J. and Jill C Pengue to D. Michael Frey and Rachel Barere, 144 Hillspoint Road, $1,875,000

Ruth R. Winnick Qual Personal Resitrust to Turnkey Associates Inc., 18 Burr Farms Road, $1,100,000

Oak Ridge Building LLC to Kenneth D. and Meryl C. Hoffman, 11 Oak Ridge Park, $1,740,000

John and Kimberly L. Mullen to Christopher Cocco, 5 Ambler Road, $725,000

H. Harold Houston to Hewitt Relocation SVC Inc,, 7 Sipperleys Hill Road, $1,700,000

Able Construction Inc, to Nisa B. and Mellin Mellin, 55 Clinton Ave., $1,599,000

Lawrence D. and Karen F. Ellman to Dimitri Offengenden, 12 Stony Brook Road, $1,426,000

Richard A. and Christina G. Staufenberger to Karin Shaw, 6 Sherwood Drive, $1,495,000

Christopher Kaminski and Valerie Vernay to Talat Fattahi, 7 Sue Terrace, $640,000

H and H Development LLC to James B. and Eileen P. Francis, 10 Park Lane, $1,595,000

Michael E. and Karin M. Shaw to Dana Cohen, 151 Roseville Road, $2,600,000

Estate of Ann R. Merry to Carolyn J. Olsen, 68 Grove Point Road, $639,000

Board of Finance Sets Mill Rate; Ezzes Announces Resignation

The Westport Board of Finance tonight set a mill rate of 21.3 after hearing that its chair, Steve Ezzes (r), is resigning. Ezzes, who had led the board since 1997 and been a member since 1995, said the mill rate will result in a 3.4 percent tax increase. The Democrat, seen chatting with Vice Chair Shelly Kassen after the meeting, said he has purchased a house in Weston and that his resignation will be effective in June. WestportNow.com photo

Westport Historic District Commission Supports "Overlay Amendment"

In a bid to save the Abel Bradley House from becoming another Westport teardown, the Historic District Commission (HDC) Tuesday night voted to recommend the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commission approve a proposed amendment to extend "historic overlay" zoning to residential areas.

Currently, historic overlay can only be applied in nonresidential zones to save historically significant buildings not on state or national historic registers from demolition.

"The result of tonight's meeting may ultimately lead to saving the Bradley House, which would be wonderful," said Eleanor Dickey, president of Coalition for Preservation of the Bradley House, who proposed the zoning change.

"But more importantly, it may, if the P&Z passes the amendment, lead to the preservation of more of Westport's historic heritage all over the town.

"I am thrilled that the (Historic District) commission has produced a set of criteria that will allow us to take this amendment to P&Z with the ability to state with confidence what its actual effect would be," she added.

The HDC criteria includes houses already listed on the Historic Resources Inventory for eligibility. Also eligible are buildings that would meet the state's criteria to be included on a register of historic places.

Dickey said that if the P&Z passes the proposed amendment, it will still have a minor effect on teardowns in town since less than 10 percent of Westport's homes are on the inventory. The P&Z is scheduled to take up the subject at its meeting Thursday.

All Gone: 188 Post Road West

The former Steele's Garage at 188 Post Road West came down today. (TOP) The property changed hands in December, 2004, for $900,000. The new owner, Westport Land Partners, LLC, intends to construct a 3,100-square foot retail store (BOTTOM) featuring a two-story atrium with a small mezzanine. The architect is Daniel Conlon Architects of Georgetown. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Top: WestportNow.com photo;Bottom: Contributed graphic

A 1986 View: Steele's Garage

Steele's garage as seen in this 1986 photo. The building, erected in 1930, was demolished today to make way for a retail store. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Sherwood Island Friends to Host DEP Commissioner Sunday

The Friends of Sherwood Island will host Gina McCarthy, the newly-appointed commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), at its annual meeting Sunday.

The event will also honor Judy Nelson, who recently retired after 20 years as director of the Westport Weston Health District.

McCarthy will be keynote speaker at the 8 a.m. session at the Sherwood Island Pavilion. The meeting is open to the public.

"Gina is like a breath of fresh air," said Hope Hageman, the Friends past president and current membership chair. "She is very interested in parks, especially the nature center we are currently building at Sherwood Island."

Hageman said Nelson will receive the "True Friend of Sherwood Island Award" in recognition of her partnership with park staff "in preserving the Sherwood Island ecosystem."

"I have known and respected Judy well, and she has done so much to protect the park," said Hageman. "Even in the park's darkest hours, she has stood with us to assure a positive image of the park."

Among many things, Hageman lauded Nelson for her vigilance in testing the beach's waters, inspecting the concession stands, and being "responsible for all the hygienic standards at the park.

Wednesday, May 18, 2005

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag Luncheon
1 p.m. - 21 Imperial Ave. - Westport Center for Senior Activities Policy Planning Board
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Conservation Commission
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Board of Finance anticipated executive session
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Library Board
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Board of Finance Public Hearing

"Farming the Sound" Day Trip Planned for June 1

Noting that Connecticut is second only to Louisiana in the production of oysters, the Natural Resources Council of Connecticut, Inc. has scheduled a day trip set to leave from Westport's Sherwood Island State Park, Wednesday, June 1, at 9 a.m.

"This special day is designed to celebrate our rich coastal resource in Connecticut, meet farmers of the sea and provide a behind-the-scenes look into the aquatic realm of Long Island Sound, designated an Estuary of National Significance," said Erin O'Hare, council secretary.

Meeting at Sherwood Island, participants are scheduled board a coach bus to the State Aquaculture Division and the National Marine Fisheries Service Laboratory in Milford. They are expected to return by bus for lunch at Sherwood Island's picnic shelter.

This will be followed by a scheduled bus tour to Talmadge Brothers, Inc.'s shellfish operation in Norwalk, O'Hare said, from which there will be a boat ride out to the oyster beds. The cost is $25, which covers transportation and lunch, but not the Sherwood Island parking fee. For further information, call (203)743-0306.

Click It or Ticket Campaign Set

Westport motorists not wearing seatbelts will be targeted by an aggressive Click It or Ticket Mobilization scheduled from May 23 through June 5, Westport Police Department officials announced today. Each ticket carries a $37 fine.

“Because we’ve seen first-hand the severe injury and death that often result from not wearing a safety belt, we will be showing zero tolerance for anyone not buckled up," said Lt. Dale Call.

"Unless you want to risk a ticket -- or worse, your life -- remember to wear your belt. We want everyone on the road to remember to buckle up -- every trip, every time.”

In Westport, Call said officers plan to conduct checkpoints at numerous locations throughout the day and evening.

Across the state, about 170 agencies will be involved in the stepped-up enforcement effort during this period, as will more than 12,000 law enforcement agencies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

Westport Rotary Club Donates to Local Charities

Representatives from 26 area non-profits attended today's Westport Rotary Club luncheon at the Inn at Longshore to pick up checks totaling $18,500 from the club as part of its annual charitable giving effort. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Meetings with Staples Principal Finalist Set for May 23

The community will have three opportunities Monday, May 23, to met with the single finalist for principal of Staples High School, Westport School Superintendent Elliot Landon said in a letter to parents.

A meeting with middle school and high school parents is scheduled from 9:55 to 10:45 a.m. in Room 609, the Staples band room. Those unable to attend, Landon added, can come to community meetings set for 1:20 to 2:15 p.m. and from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Room 1028 at Staples.

The name of the finalist, who will replace interim Principal John Dodig who has held the post for a year, has not been released. Dodig has filled in for John Brady, the Staples principal who left for a superintendent's job in another Connecticut district.

"This candidate has the support and endorsement of the Staples High School Principal Selection Committee, a group consisting of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and the Superintendent of Schools," Landon wrote

Still, he welcomes community input. "Your input is vital to the success of our search." Landon said.

P&Z Commission Holds Public Hearing on Big Houses

Longtime Westport resident and attorney Leo Nevas was among those who addressed today's Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on big houses. The panel will hold an evening session May 25 at 7:30 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Many Residents Urge Caution in Drafting Big House Regulations

Today's Planning and Zoning Commission hearing on big houses lasted almost two hours. Many speakers lamented the large number of big houses that have gone up in Westport but at the same time cautioned the commission about trying to impose tighter regulations belatedly and thus threatening the value of homes. Resident Richard Stein said if they did, he'd accuse members of "stealing my retirement fund." (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Firefighters Rescue Dog from Winslow Park Fallen Tree

Happy ending: Fire Chief Chris Ackley points to where today's dog rescue occurred. WestportNow.com photoIn a delicate operation with a happy ending, Westport firefighters today rescued a dog that had become stuck in a fallen tree while chasing a possum deep inside Winslow Park.

"I can't believe the job they did," said owner Linda Mezzullo of Westport after firefighters sawed the tree in several places and finally freed her dog Baxter, a black and tan Coonhound mix, after he had been trapped for about half an hour. "Thank God for the Westport Fire Department."

The drama began shortly after 7 a.m. when Mezzullo, a 39-year-old executive recruiter, took Baxter and Tyr, a Shepard mix, to the park for a walk.

"Baxter ran off after something, which he does very often, but this time he didn't come back," said Mezzullo. "Then Tyr began barking and pulling me towards this tree that had fallen way in the woods. I could hear him (Baxter) but could not see him and said, 'No way could he be in that tree.'"

But when she determined that was exactly where he was, she asked a passerby to summon help and Westport firefighters arrived moments later.

"It was a difficult rescue," said Fire Chief Chris Ackley, who stopped by the scene on his way to work. "You had this dog stuck inside the tree as well as the possum, which was hissing at the guys while they worked."
Saying thanks: Linda Mezzullo, holding her dog Tyr, thanks Westport Fire Chief Chris Ackley for the rescue of her dog Baxter. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Mezzullo said at one point, Baxter stopped barking, adding, "I said, 'Oh my God, he's probably suffocated.' "I was afraid they were going to cut off a paw or something." She said the noise of the chain saw was also scary for both Baxter and the possum.

Finally, the tree was cut open, the possum scampered out and ran away, and Baxter was freed. Firefighters also found a dead possum in the tree. Mezzullo's husband took Baxter to a vet for a checkup as well as the dead possum to be tested for rabies.

Later, the couple learned that Baxter would have to be put in quarrantine for a week because of possible rabies exposure.

"I mean, have you ever heard of such a thing," said Mezzullo. "Maybe you could say this was the WestportNow 'teardown of the day' because of all the work involved. Thank God it ended the way it did."

Moms Through Kids' Eyes

Emily Ritter, 5, of Westport with mom Deborah Ritter. Emily won third place in the 4-6-year-old art competition. Contributed photoBy James Lomuscio
WestportNow Special Correspondent

If art can express emotions in ways that words cannot, the "Draw Your Mom" Mother's Day art contest sponsored by Mitchell's of Westport offered a huge canvas of expression to children 10 years old and younger.

The drawings have been on display at Mitchell's since they were submitted, and Monday, nine winners who picked up their prizes Saturday were announced. The children each received Toys 'R Us gift certificates, and the moms took home certificates to Warren Tricomi Salon of Greenwich.

Winners were selected from three age groups: up to 3-years-old, 4-to 6-year-olds, and 7- to 10-year-olds .

In the first category the winners were: Ruby Baxley, 3, of Weston who won first place; Patrick Meskers, 3 1/2, of Fairfield in second place; and Everett Zelson, 3, of Weston in third.

In the second category, Ella Rose Baxley, 5, of Weston placed first, Julia Silbert, 4, of Weston won second, and Westporter Emily Ritter, 5, won third.

For the next group, it was a tie between 9- and 10-year-old sisters Jill and Clare Detrick-Yee of Wilton for first place. Olivia Taylor, 8, of Fairfield came in second, and Emily Weyrauch, 9, of Weston took third.

"Many of Westport's finest little artists submitted their drawings, and we had quite the hard time trying to pick the best drawings," said Lauren McTaggert, marketing coordinator for Mitchells/Richards.

Tuesday, May 17, 2005

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Human Services Commission
9 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Administrative Review Committee
10 a.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning & Zoning Commission
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Arts Advisory Committee
5:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Tree Board
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - Historic District Commission
7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Public Forum with Connecticut House Speaker James Amann
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Zoning Board of Appeals

Democrats Announce for November Race

Westport Democrats pose for photographers tonight at Westport Town Hall following the announcement by Gordon Joseloff, moderator of the Representative Town Meeting, and Shelly Kassen, vice chair of the Board of Finance, that they are candidates for First and Second Selectmen in November's election. Shown (l-r) are: Martha Aasen, chair of the Democratic Town Committee; Kassen; Joseloff; First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell; Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and Mark Marcus, vice chair of the Democratic Town Committee. Joseloff is also editor/publisher of WestportNow.com. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

All Gone: Buildings Behind John's Best Pizza

The buildings behind John's Best Pizza Restaurant at 351-361 Post Road West came down today. The property was the WestportNow teardown of the day April 7, 2005. John' s Best opened here in 1968. It will be demolished in the fall after a new strip mall is built and will make a new home in the shopping complex, along with a Peoples Bank branch and other stores. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Student Wins 4th Congressional District Art Competition

Winner: "Self-Portrait" by Anna Horowitz. Contributed photoStaples High School senior Anna Horowitz has won the 2005 4th Congressional District Arts Competition, "An Artistic Discovery," with a pastel entitled "Self Portrait."

A reception and exhibit were held at the Westport Arts Center Saturday. Her art teacher is Angela Simpson.

Beginning in June, Anna's artwork will hang for one year beside works from other congressional districts in the passageway between the House office buildings and the United States Capitol.

"Having grown up in an arts family, I know how valuable creative expression is for students' growth," said Rep. Christopher Shays, co-chair of the Congressional Arts Caucus.

"I applaud all the participating students and their teachers for their enthusiasm about the visual arts and this competition."

The runners-up were Natalie Birinyi, a Southport resident and junior at Greens Farms Academy, with her photograph entitled "Lava, No. 7," and Sarah Biggers, a Fairfield resident and a senior at Greens Farms Academy, with her watercolor entitled "Fruit Market."

Their pieces will be on display in Shays' Connecticut offices for the year. The judges also awarded 17 honorable mention prizes.

"Mad Dog" Russo Headlines Sportsmen Banquet May 24

Chris "Mad Dog" Russo: Sportsmen guest of honor. Contributed photoChris "Mad Dog" Russo of WFAN's "Mike & Mad Dog" show is scheduled to be guest of honor at the 2005 Sportsmen of Westport National Honoree annual banquet Tuesday, May 24 at Norwalk's Continental Manor.

Now in its 44th year, the Sportsmen Awards annually grant five $1,000 scholarships to Staples High School graduates who have excelled academically and athletically.

"It is a very special event because we honor these graduates, as well as former sports players in the Town of Westport that have excelled exceedingly well," said Peter D'Amico, Sportsmen co-president.

For example, several years ago the Sportsmen honored 83-year-old Art Reale, "who received every letter in sports at when he was at Staples High School," D'Amico said.

Tickets are $40 and can be purchased at Junior's Hot Dog Stand on Riverside Avenue, Calise's Food Market on Post Road East, Settlers & Traders Real Estate Co., or by calling Karen DeFelice at (203) 341-1365 or D'Amico at (203) 227-6279.

Coyote Kills Cat in Westport's Pumpkin Hill Road Neighborhood

A coyote with a cat in its mouth was spotted in the backyard of a home in Westport's Pumpkin Hill Road area at 7 a.m. today, Westporter Joel Hallas reported.

Hallas, out for his morning walk with his Golden Retriever Rusty in the one-acre-zoned neighborhood south of Cross Highway, learned about the incident after he met up with a woman who "appeared to be a little bit shaken."

"She had walked out to pick up her newspaper, and her attention was drawn to it by the shriek the cat made when it was killed," he said.

Hallas added that the cat did not belong to the woman, and its owner is unknown.

"I saw a coyote there around midnight about two years ago, but I never saw one since, and I thought it was an isolated incident," Hallas said.

Over the past decade coyotes have been drawn to Fairfield County by the proliferation of deer.

"We have a lot of deer here," Hallas said. "I've seen as many as 16 at one time."

Officer Peter D'Amico, animal control officer, said that three dogs have been lost to coyotes in the past 10 years.

"They were all small dogs," D'Amico said.

While coyotes rarely attack dogs in the company of humans, Hallas cautioned that a rabid coyote could pose serious threats to dogs and owners.

"Owners of small pets, even small children should take appropriate safety measures," he said. "While coyotes will not normally attack full-size people, a rabid animal is unpredictable and will act out of character."

Fallen Westport Police Officer Honored in Washington, D.C. Ceremony

A group of Westport Police Department members traveled to Washington, D.C. Friday to honor a fallen colleague as part of the 17th annual candlelight vigil held at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The ceremony honored 153 law enforcement heroes who in 2004 made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as 262 additional fallen heroes whom history had until this point forgotten. Added to the memorial this year was Auxiliary Police Officer Aldo J. Santini of the Westport Police Department. Santini, 47, was killed in the line of duty while working on Westport’s police boat in 1964. He was injured on July 26, 1964, while assisting a grounded boat off Saugatuck Shores, and died on Aug. 1, 1964 from his injuries. Westport officers accompanying Santini's daughter, Anita Santini (front row, 2nd l), to the ceremony included front row (l-r): Chief Al Fiore and Officer Linda Vena; back row (l-r): Honor Guard Officers Eric Woods, Foti Koskinas, Philip Restieri, Anastasia DeLuca, and Lt. Dale Call. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Walking Home

A resident of Saugatuck Island walked home with his dog along a path near the Cedar Point Yacht Club over the weekend. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Not Even a Nibble

By James Lomuscio
WestportNow Special Correspondent

Flyfishers along Westport's Ford Road Sunday said catches have been unimpressive this season at the William "Doc" Skerlick Saugatuck River Trout Management Area.
Trying his luck: Mike Westerholm of Fairfield fishes along Ford Road Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomucio for WestportNow.com

"From what I've been hearing the fishing hasn't been too good this year," said John Berube of Fairfield as he whipped his weighted line in vain and plodded in hipwaders breast high in the water. "I've seen bugs on the water but only one rise."

The last nibbles he had were two weeks ago, Berube said, when he pulled in two small brown trout.

Mike Westerholm, too, said he couldn't understand why the fish weren't biting. "I know they stock this place," he said, adding that perhaps all the new home construction in the area has had an impact.

Over the past year a new development of large homes has gone up across from the river.

"And there's a new house being built up the river," Westerholm of Fairfield added. "It could be it the cause, but I don't know what the reason is."

One possibility, mused Berube, is that this spot, a time-honored favorite among anglers, is over fished.

"This area gets a lot of pressure," he said.

Troutless, a more seasoned flyfisher up stream shrugged as he left for his car.

"It's awful," he said.

Monday, May 16, 2005

7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Selectmen Special Public Hearing
7:30 p.m. - Bedford Middle School, Room 130 - Board of Education anticipated executive session
8 p.m. - Bedford Middle School Cafeteria - Board of Education
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Democratic Town Committee

In Appreciation

Today was Commissioning Day at the Compo Marina for the Minuteman Yacht Club. Per Sorensen, Commodore of the club, presented a plaque to First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell in appreciation of her support of the boating community. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) John Luscombe for WestportNow.com