Westport Property Transfers June 6-June 10, 2005

Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period June 6-10, 2005

John C. Kaeser to David and Amelia M. Lehman, 17 Fairfield Ave., $1,495,000

Jean Saldo to the Estate of Fred Niebur, Unit 12 Whitney Glen, $510,000

Cynthia A. Buffinton Revocable Trust to Geoffrey Hamlin and Kristen Peters, 21 Compo Parkway, $2,225,000

Allan B. Nielsen to Evelyn Foster, 116 Valley Road, $725,000

John William and Carol Ann Waxman to Steven and Jacqueline M. Homscheid, 39 Danbury Ave., $1,730,000

Westport Estates LLC to Anthony and Stephanie Fasone, 9 Partrick Lane, $2,600,000

Henry P. Baer Jr. to Minesh H. Patel and Seyoung K. Koo, 107 Cavalry Road, $899,000

Ildiko Horvath to Next Door Investments LLC, 223 Bayberry Lane, $825,000

Christine A. Evans to 37 Highland LLC, 37 Highland Road, $805,000

Barry and Ellen Steinhardt to Peter M. Zaffina, 41 Marion Road, $740,000

Axis Point Group Holdings LLC to Dana Ann Griffin, 23 Sturges Commons, $2,715,000

Patricia S. Smith to Sarah S. Oldham and Arnold H. Rutkin, 5 Sea Spray Road, $3,150,000

Enjoying the Thrills

A mother and daughter enjoy the thrills Friday at Westport's Yankee Doodle Fair. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Laura Glickstein for WestportNow.com

Saturday, June 18, 2005

noon - 11 p.m. - Westport Woman's Club - Yankee Doodle Fair
7:30 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - "Finian's Rainbow"

Report: Tazewell Thompson Has Inside Track as Playhouse Artistic Director

Tazewell Thompson: may be next Playhouse artistic director. Syracuse Stage photo Tazewell Thompson may become the next artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse succeeding Joanne Woodward, the Hartford Courant reported today.

The Playhouse board is set to meet Monday. A Playhouse spokesperson could not confirm the report by Courant writer Frank Rizzo. However, a source close to the Playhouse said the report was accurate.

Thompson, a director who has worked extensively in a variety of regional houses, directed "The Old Settler" at Westport in 2003, and his own play "Constant Star" at Hartford Stage in 2001.

His work has also appeared at New York's Manhattan Theatre Club, The Public Theater and Classic Stage Company. Thompson was artistic director of Syracuse Stage in the early '90s.

Anne Keefe, associate artistic director of The Westport Country Playhouse (l), introduces "The Old Settler" company in July 2003, including director Tazewell Thompson (2nd l). WestportNow.com photoIf named, Thompson would be one of the few African Americans to head a major American regional theater, the Courant said, adding: "A Thompson selection would show indicate (sic) the board is going for a strong artistic leadership."

The Playhouse opened its newly renovated and expanded $17 million theater Thursday night with a production of "Finian's Rainbow."

In 2004, Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage, where Thompson had served as Artistic Associate/Resident Director, listed his credits this way:

Director Tazewell Thompson’s rich work history at Arena Stage includes Cheryl West’s "Jar the Floor" and "Before It Hits Home," Federico Garcia Lorca’s "Yerma" and Bertolt Brecht’s "The Caucasian Chalk Circle."

His play "Constant Star" has had productions at Hartford Stage, Arena Stage, Actor’s Theatre of Louisville, Fla., Stage and Syracuse Stage. Thompson directed "Porgy and Bess" at New York City Opera and on Public Television’s “Live from Lincoln Center,” for which he received an Emmy nomination.

Thompson has worked at the world’s leading opera houses including La Scala, Bastille Opera, Tokyo Opera, Teatro Real and San Francisco Opera. He has been commissioned to write plays for Arena Stage and South Coast Repertory.

In 2003, the Syracuse Post-Standard presented this timeline of Thompson's career:

1978: Tazewell Thompson makes his Syracuse Stage debut as an actor in "The Butterfingers Angel."

1989: Thompson makes his Stage directing debut with "How the Other Half Loves."

1992: Thompson leaves artistic associate position at Washington D.C.'s Arena Stage to succeed Arthur Storch as Stage's second artistic director.

1995: Thompson takes the Stage world premiere of "Holiday Heart" into New York for a production at Manhattan Theatre Club.

1995: Thompson abruptly resigns. Despite negotiations to retain him, he refuses to stay.

1995: Thompson takes a production of "Porgy and Bess" on an international tour from Beijing to Paris to Italy. Eventually, he is hired by New York City Opera to mount another production of the Gershwin folk opera.

1999: Thompson's first play, "Constant Star" premieres at PlayMakers Repertory in North Carolina. Several productions follow.

2001: Glimmerglass Opera signs Thompson to direct "Dialogue of the Carmelites," a production that also plays at New York City Opera.

2003: "Constant Star" returns Thompson to Syracuse Stage for its ninth regional theater presentation.

Noted Westport Tennis Player Dies of Injuries in Vermont Accident

Steve Ogilvy: nationally-ranked senior tennis player.Contributed photo Stephen H. Ogilvy, a Westporter who was a nationally-ranked senior tennis player, has died of injuries sustained in an auto accident in Ludlow, Vt., authorities said.

Ogilvy, 88, who lived on Valley Road in Westport, died Thursday in Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H., according to the Rutland Herald. He had been returning home from a tennis tournament in Killlington, Vt.

A longtime member of Saugatuck Congregational church where he was active in the men's group, Ogilvy competed in many senior tennis tournaments. In 2004, he was ranked No. 13 nationally among men's 85 singles. He had held the No. 1 spot in New England in every age division beginning at 55.

Ogilvy was driving a newer model Cadillac into opposing traffic Wednesday in Ludlow and collided with a tractor-trailer truck driven by Michael W. Maxwell of Plymouth, Ind., police said.

Police said witnesses reported the Cadillac had veered into the northbound lane several times before the crash occurred.
Steve Ogilvy: 1997 photo.

The tractor-trailer was traveling at a slow rate of speed, apparently in an effort to stop, police said.

Firefighters had to extricate Ogilvy from the Cadillac using heavy-rescue equipment.

Both drivers were taken to Springfield Hospital.

Ogilvy was then taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center by ambulance, where he died early Thursday morning, according to police.

Family members said Ogilvy had driven to Killington Wednesday morning and although he lost the match 6-2, 6-4, was extremely pleased with the way he played.

Stephen Hunter Ogilvy was born Nov.9, 1916 in New Rochelle N.Y. and was the son of the late Dr. Charles and Evelyn Ogilvy of New Rochelle, N.Y. He graduated in 1935 from Northwood School and from Princeton University in 1939 cum laude with a B.A. in English. Ogilvy also attended Columbia University Graduate School.

Known affectionately by his family as "Tennis," Ogilvy penned a postcard to
each of his nine children every week for more than 30 years.
Alicia and Steve Ogilvy: married 64 years (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Ogilvy worked for the Shell Oil Co. for five years following service in the Merchant Marines. In 1946, he founded the AA Hearing Aid Center, and has two sons, Peter and David, working in a Bridgeport and a Stamford office, respectively.

Ogilvy helped found the Connecticut Hearing Aid Dispenser's Organization in 1949.

Beginning at age 9, his love of tennis spanned a lifetime. He played almost every day of his adult life, family members said.

His accomplishments and recognition include Bridgeport champion 13 out of 15 years, Westport champion 32 out of 37 years, achieving the No. 1 ranking in the Eastern Section in the 45 and 55 age divisions, and achieving the No. 1 ranking in the New England Section in the 55, 65, 70, 75, 80 and 85 age divisions.

He was an honorary lifetime member of the Westport Tennis Club, and was inducted into the USTA/New England Tennis Hall of Fame in 1995.

In a 1997 interview with Tennis USTA, Ogilvy said he started playing tennis in the days of white flannel pants and wood racquets. He said he played while at Princeton but was never the best player there. He kept working on his game and improving. Steve Ogilvy: undated photo.

His greatest moment was his induction into the New England Hall of Fame when he had 53 people, the largest contingent of supporters, at the induction ceremony, the magazine said.

All nine of his children and their spouses and several of his 30 grandchildren were on hand to celebrate his finest moment. At the induction, master of ceremonies Bud Collins said the Hall of Fame should induct Ogilvy every year because he draws the largest crowd.

Ogilvy credited his wife, Alicia, whom he met on court, for his tennis success, the magazine reported.

While she cared for the children, he played in tournaments and practiced daily. She "tolerated" his tennis, he said. In fact, Alicia taught her children to play since Ogilvy was always too busy competing on the court.

"I couldn't have done all this without my wife's support," Ogilvy said. "She took care of everything. She was my tournament manager. She massages my aches and pains away."

Alicia Ogilvy told the magazine: "I believe if you love to do something, you should do it. He was hard to live with if he didn't play tennis."

Ogilvy, who suffered from an aching shoulder at the time of the magazine interview, said: "My tennis is terrible right now because of my bad shoulder. (But) I would rather still play and lose. I love the game that much. It's like a religion with me."

Ogilvy was an active member of the Westport/Weston YMCA , the Saugatuck Congregational Church and Temple Lodge No. 65 as a 32nd degree mason.
Ogilvy family: standing (l-r): Michael Ogilvy, Dr. Christopher Ogilvy, Peter Ogilvy, David Ogilvy, and Steve Ogilvy Jr. Seated (l-r): Suzanne Ochs, Steve Ogilvy, Alicia Ogilvy, Wendy Hitzrot, Joan Holden and Lynne Fox. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Besides tennis, Ogilvy loved classical music and boating. Stephen Ogilvy's enthusiasm for life and his generous and enduring spirit will be sorely missed by all who knew him, his family said.

Ogilvy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Alicia Vallado Ogilvy, of Westport; nine children: Wendy Hitzrot, of Exeter, N.H.; Suzanne Ochs, of Severna Park, Md.; Lynne Fox, of Sheepscot, Maine; Stephen Ogilvy, of Sea Cliff, N.Y.; Joan Holden, of Alexandria, Va,; Peter Ogilvy, of Fairfield; Dr. Christopher Ogilvy, of Winchester, Mass.; Michael Ogilvy, of New Bedford, N.H., and David Ogilvy, of Westport; also 30 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Ogilvy's life will be held at the Saugatuck Congregational Church in Westport on Saturday, July 9 at 10:30 a.m. The family has requested that any contributions be sent to the Saugatuck Congregational Church or the Westport/Weston YMCA.

Today's Westport Teardown: 16 Woodside Ave.

Today's WestportNow teardown is 16 Woodside Ave. in the Old Hills section. Built in 1925, the property changed hands last month for $1,135,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Levitt Pavilion Announces Summer Schedule

Westport's Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts will celebrate its 32nd summer of free entertainment under the stars beginning Sunday, June 26.
The Beach Boys will perform in a benefit concert Friday, Aug. 5 at the Levitt Pavilion. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The Beach Boys and Dave Mason will perform at separate ticketed events in August to raise funds for the Levitt, an announcement said.

The season will run through Sunday, Aug. 28, and offer more than 50 nights of free entertainment with a different format each evening to suit all ages and tastes.

The theme of each night: Sunday, Jazz and Big Band; Monday, mostly dark; Tuesday, Potpourri; Wednesday, Children's Series; Thursday, Classical and Cabaret; Friday, Party Bands; Saturday, Blues/Folk/Rock.

The Beach Boys will perform a special concert on Friday, Aug. 5, and Dave Mason, a founding member of the rock Supergroup, Traffic, and 2004 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will perform on Friday, Aug. 12.

Sponsored by SAAB of Westport, the Beach Boys concert proceeds will help to underwrite the 52 free nights of entertainment. Tickets range from $50 to $250.

Mason will return with his new band for a performance to benefit the Pavilion's Education and Outreach Programs. Admission is $25 and tickets.

The RiverSwing Dance Series, sponsored by Weston Capital Management LLC, will also return for dance aficionados this season.

While live music and dancing under the stars is a Pavilion tradition, now dance lessons and a dance floor will be in place for the four programs in this series ranging from American swing to Cuban salsa. Instruction begins 45 minutes prior to show time, organizers said.

The announcement said guests should bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets, or may enjoy refreshments at the Pavilion's concession stand.

The Pavilion is located on Jesup Road in Westport's center behind the Westport Public Library. There is ample free parking, with rain locations for the children's series and selected performances.

For general information or for concert updates, call the concert hot line (203) 221-4422, or visit the Pavilion's Web site, www.levittpavilion.com

The full calendar of events:

Sunday, June 26, 7 p.m.
Dynasty's Caribbean Fiesta
Featuring island music, calypso, limbo dancers, stilt-walkers and
more. S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Monday, June 27, 7 p.m.
Dancing Thru the Decades
YMCA Award Winners perform tap, ballet, jazz and hip-hop. S

Tuesday, June 28, 8 p.m.
U. S. Navy Band
Salute the big-band era and beyond with this show-stopping 16-piece
military band. S
Host: VFW Post 399

Wednesday, June 29, 7 p.m.
The Hall Family
Everyone's favorite musical group returns for the 14th year. Pre-show
festivities begin at 6:30. S
Sponsor: Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation

Thursday, June 30, 8 p.m.
The Two Tenors
Two celebrated voices and a program of Italian and Irish classical and
romantic favorites. S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Friday, July 1 - No Performance
Enjoy the P.A.L. Fireworks at Compo Beach

Saturday, July 2, 8 p.m.
The Crawdaddies
Cajun, zydeco, funk, swing, soul, reggae, roots, rock, and an
incomparable style of their own. S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Sunday, July 3, 7 p.m.
Rondi Charleston
Backed by an all-star quintet, her abundant talent and sumptuous voice
put an elegant new twist to jazz standards. S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Monday, July 4 - No Performance

Tuesday, July 5, 8 p.m.
Westport Community Band
Our town's own talented musicians continue a proud Pavilion tradition.
S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Wednesday, July 6, 7 p.m.
Magic of Lynn
Lyn reappears to dazzle us with incredible eye-popping, jaw-dropping
magical tricks. S
Sponsor: Westport Young Woman's League

Thursday, July 7, 8 p.m.
Mark Verselli, Comedian & Impressionist His comedy and singing voice
bring audiences to their feet coast to coast.
S
Sponsor: Parks and Recreation

Friday, July 8, 8 p.m.
Steve Riley & the Mamou Playboys
These Cajun musicians create a unique genre of rock'n'roll known as
swamp pop. S
Sponsor: Evi Allen Special Program Fund

Saturday, July 9, 8 p.m.
Early Clover
A charismatic singer and stirring renditions of classics made famous
by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding and Sam Cooke. S
Sponsor: Evi Allen Special Program Fund

Sunday, July 10, 7 p.m.
The Giacomo Gates Quartet
The smooth and smoky jazz of Gershwin, Porter and Ellington. S
Sponsor: Connecticut Light & Power Company

Monday, July 11 - No Performance

Tuesday, July 12, 8 p.m.
Golden Angels Jazz Band
Dixieland plus! Everyone's favorites, from Jelly Roll Morton to Hoagy
Carmichael. X
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Wednesday, July 13, 7 p.m.
Jeffrey Friedberg & Bossy Frog Band
Fun, funky and hip, come dance and sing along! S
Sponsor: Westport Young Woman's League's. Bring goods for their Food
Drive to benefit local agencies.

Thursday, July 14, 8 p.m.
Moxie
New arrangements of great swing tunes showcase three-part vocal
harmony and jazz rhythm section. S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Friday, July 15, 8 p.m.
Mo' Guajiro
Cuban salsa, deliciously brash and fun! Dance lesson 7:15. S
Sponsor: Weston Capital Management LLC

Saturday, July 16, 8 p.m.
Irish House Party
A grand tradition: The Gaelic-American Glee Club, house band,
step-dancers and guests. S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Sunday, July 17, 7 p.m.
Eight to the Bar
Swing, boogie-woogie and jump blues! S
Sponsor: Country Living Associates

Monday, July 18 - No Performance

Tuesday, July 19, 8 p.m.
Phil Rosenthal & Bluegrass Union
Five master musicians and some of the finest fiddling and harmony this
side of Grand Ole Opry! S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Wednesday, July 20, 7 p.m.
Circus Minimus
The one man circus-in-a-suitcase is a joyous celebration of the
imagination.
S

Thursday, July 21, 8 p.m.
Michael Coppola Trio
Memorable jazz sprinkled with classical favorites. X
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Friday, July 22, 8 p.m.
DNR
Fairfield County's all-physician rock-n-roll band plays a most
excellent mix of danceable music. X
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Saturday, July 23, 8 p.m.
HooDoo Blues Band
The winners of the CT Blues Society Challenge are sure to bring the
house down. S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Sunday, July 24, 7 p.m.
Richard Thomas & Friends
A tribute to the greatest singers of our time: Nat King Cole, Lou
Rawls and Sinatra. X
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Monday, July 25 - No Performance

Tuesday, July 26, 8 p.m.
Comedy Club I
Sit down for stand-up as three comic cut-ups deliver a night of laughs.
Rated PG13. S

Wednesday, July 27, 7 p.m.
Mother Goose Jazz Band
A strikingly original, toe-tappin', brassy introduction to jazz for kids.
S
Sponsor: Westport Young Woman's League

Thursday, July 28, 8 p.m.
Armstrong Chamber Ensemble
A program of classical summer joys, sensitive artistry and astute
musicianship. S

Friday, July 29, 8 p.m.
Gunsmoke
Authentic western swing and honky-tonk from the tri-state area's most
popular and awarded country band. Dance lesson 7:15. S
Sponsor: Weston Capital Management LLC

Saturday, July 30, 8 p.m.
3rd Degree
Rardi and friends return from paying their dues in NYC. Their
danceable rock and R&B covers have made this band a Pavilion legend.
S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Sunday, July 31, 7 p.m.
Vince Giordano & his Nighthawks
From Martin Scorsese's The Aviator, the big band plays the swinging
jazz of the 20s and 30's. S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Monday, Aug. 1 - No Performance

Tuesday, Aug. 2, 8 p.m.
102nd Army Concert Band
Thirty-five of our nation's finest musicians and a program of
patriotic favorites. S
Host: VFW Post 399

Wednesday, Aug. 3, 7 p.m.
Trent Arterberry: Mime Out Loud
His blend of classic mime and music has been mesmerizing audiences
worldwide. S
Sponsor: Westport Young Woman's League

Thursday, Aug. 4, 8 p.m.
Jodi Keogan & Friends
A light-hearted combination of opera, Broadway and cabaret. S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Friday, Aug. 5, 9 p.m.
THE BEACH BOYS
The legendary superstars in a special performance to benefit the Pavilion.
Charge tickets by phone: 226-7600.
Sponsor: SAAB of Westport

Saturday, Aug. 6, 8 p.m.
The Shrdlu Band
Danceable swing, Irish fiddle and steamy swamp music mixed in with
jazz, blues and rock standards spanning the decades. S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Sunday, Aug. 7, 7 p.m. Faker Five
For dancing, or simply listening! Tunes by Taj Mahal, Eric Clapton,
Maceo Parker, Santana and more. X
Sponsor: Downtown Merchant's Association

Monday, Aug. 8 - No Performance

Tuesday, Aug. 9, 8 p.m.
The Denns
Serving up a tasty mixture of country, folk, blues and all that jazz!
S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Wednesday, Aug. 10, 7 p.m.
Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion
The folk duo performs an entertaining mix of their own songs and those
of others. S

Thursday, Aug. 11, 8 p.m.
Chris Norman Ensemble
The music of Maritime Canada, Scotland and Ireland: "Chris is a flute
player of spectacular and imaginative virtuosity" - New Yorker Magazine.
S

Friday, Aug. 12, 8 p.m.
THE DAVE MASON BAND
The rock'n'roll Hall of Famer in a special performance to benefit the
Pavilion. Charge tickets by phone: 226-7600.
Sponsor: Ryan Beck & Co.

Saturday, Aug. 13, 8 p.m.
Ceili Rain
The music of this infectious Celtic flavored pop-rock band deserves to
be heard by the entire world. S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Sunday, Aug. 14, 7 p.m.
Richie Hart Quartet
Traditional jazz stylings by stellar guitarist Richie, Rick Petrone on
bass and Joe Corsello, drums. S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Monday, Aug. 15 - No Performance

Tuesday, Aug. 16, 8 p.m.
Comedy Club II
Three more comedians and an encore laugh night. Rated PG 13. S

Wednesday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
Grumbling Gryphons Children's Theater "A magical weave of
storytelling, music, mythology and masks" - NY Times. Children's
Workshop 6:00. S
Sponsor: Westport Young Woman's League

Thursday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m.
West Point Jazz Knights
A bravura performance by the members of the U.S. Military Academy. S
Host: VFW Post 399

Friday, Aug. 19, 8 p.m.
Celebration
Get on your feet and dance to your favorite music from the past to the
present. Dance lesson 7:15 p.m. S
Sponsor: Weston Capital Management LLC

Saturday, Aug. 20, 8 p.m.
Banjo Dan & the Midnight Plowboys
The first American bluegrass band to tour the U.S.S.R. plays a
dazzling mix of Cajun, country, rock'n roll, jazz and blues. S
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Sunday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
Roomful of Blues
Four Grammy Award nominations: "The hottest blues band around!" -
Count Basie. Dance lesson 6:15. S
Sponsor: Weston Capital Management LLC

Monday, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.
Broadway Under the Stars
A cabaret featuring Music Theatre of Connecticut's young stars of
tomorrow. S

Tuesday, Aug. 23, 8 p.m.
Connecticut Ballet
Beautifully trained dancers in a program of classical and contemporary
ballet. S

Wednesday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m.
Dazzling Mills Family
National juggling and unicycle champions: "Hilarious and wonderful" -
NY Times. S
Sponsor: Westport Young Woman's League

Thursday, Aug. 25, 8 p.m.
Mill River Band
Experience a special blend of acoustic rock, country blues and western
swing. X
Sponsor: Parks & Recreation

Friday, Aug. 26, 8 p.m.
The British Beat
Everything from the Beatles' early days through Sargent Pepper,
Abbey
Road and beyond. S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Saturday, Aug. 27, 8 p.m.
Doc Wallace Trio
They take the rollicking music out of the tin-roofed pavilions and
rodeo grandstands of Texas and give it new life on NYC stages, and now
CT. S
Sponsor: Allied Domecq

Sunday, Aug. 28, 7 p.m.
The Fairfield Counts
Enjoy the big band sound and swing with these popular area favorites.
S Please bring canned goods for the Woman's Club Food Closet.
Sponsor: Westport Rotary

Rain location codes:
S = Saugatuck Elementary School, 170 Riverside Avenue; X = No rain
location.

Compo Beach Basketball Tourney to Benefit Compo Playground Project

Compo Beach will be the site of a basketball tournament next month to benefit reconstruction of the Compo Beach playground.

The two-day event on Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17 will be open to men and women and children. Participants will be grouped into two categories – "13 and Under" and "Over 13," according to Suzanne Dodge chair of the playground project.

Prizes for the winners will include official NBA gear, signed merchandise and other prizes provided by local merchants, she said.

Mike Greenberg, host of the "Mike and Mike in the Morning Show" on ESPN will emcee the awards ceremony after the tournament finals on Sunday.

Proceeds will go to the Compo Beach Playground Project, a community-driven initiative to rebuild the children’s playground on Compo Beach in April 2006.

Teams will consist of up to four members; three players and one substitute, and can be a mix of men, women and children. The entry fee is $100 per team ($120 after July 1) and $25 for individual registrants. Singles will be grouped into teams on the morning of the event.

In the event of rain, the tournament will be played Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25.

To register, get a copy of the tournament rules or get more information, visit www.wywl.com and click on the link for the tournament or e-mail basketball@wywl.com.

Chater Oak Foundation Seeks Bikers and Walkers

The Charter Oak Challenge Foundation, a Westport-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families in greater Bridgeport, still has spaces available in its Bike Tour and Walkathon.

The Fifth Annual Charter Oak Classic Bike Tour will be held Sept. 9-11. The Bike Tour covers 240 miles from Westport to northwest Connecticut and back.

Lodging and meals will be provided and riders will have access to trained medical personnel, bike mechanics, complimentary massages and professional support staff. Riders are expected to raise or contribute at least $2,500 to Charter Oak.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, walkers will meet near the Bike Tour’s route, walk a scenic and well-marked path for 5 to 6 miles and join the riders for lunch. Walkers are expected to raise or contribute at least $500 to Charter Oak.

Charter Oak was founded to help children and families who have the ability to succeed but need financial support to realize their potential. Foremost among its goals is to reduce poverty in families in greater Bridgeport.

The Foundation began in 2001 as a college scholarship fund for students from Bridgeport. Almost 60 students have received scholarships already, including one who recently graduated from college and 15 who will begin college this fall.

The Foundation’s sponsor pays all administrative, operating and tour expenses, so 100 percent of contributions from tour participants and their sponsors will directly support Charter Oak’s scholarship program. Charter Oak has raised in excess of $1.5 million since its inception.

To sign up to ride or walk call (203) 226-2307 or visit www.charteroakfoundation.org.

Friday, June 17, 2005

9:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Commission for Senior Services
5 p.m. - 11 p.m. - Westport Woman's Club - Yankee Doodle Fair
6:30 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Opening reception "Summer Shorts" members' exhibition
8:30 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - "Finian's Rainbow"

Connecticut Press Club Hosts Talk by Journalist James Lomuscio on New Book

The Connecticut Press Club tonight hosted a talk at the Westport Historical Society by journalist James Lomuscio who has just published a book about the 1940s flooding of the village of Valley Forge in Weston to make way for a Bridgeport Hydraulic Co. reservoir. The publisher of "Village of the Dammed," University Press of New England, says it tells the story of the "historic rise and fall of one New England town, with sweeping implications for environmentalism and the sanctity of open spaces facing the onslaught of modern development." Lomuscio is a contributing editor of WestportNow. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Moment of Silence at Coleytown Middle Graduation

Guests at Coleytown Middle School's graduation ceremony tonight observed a moment of silence for Douglas Dauz, a Coleytown Middle physical education teacher who died Wednesday night after a brief illness. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Andy Yemma for WestportNow.com

Walking the Midway in Westport

The 98th annual Yankee Doodle Fair opened tonight under cloudy skies that later gave way to a downpour. The fair, sponsored by the Westport Woman's Club, runs through Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Popular Coleytown Middle Teacher Douglas Dauz Dies After Brief Illness

Doug Dauz: "will be sorely missed by all." CMS photoGrief counselors went to Westport's Coleytown Middle School today following announcement of the death of Douglas P. Dauz, a popular physical education teacher who had been ill only a short time.

Dauz, 52, was diagnosed with lung cancer only six weeks ago and died Wednesday night at Norwalk Hospital, according to school staff members. He had been associated with Coleytown Middle for almost 30 years.

"Several children went home crying," said one teacher, who added that the news was especially crushing coming only hours before tonight's Coleytown Middle School graduation ceremony. Three grief counselors were on hand at the school during the day.

"The entire school community mourns the loss of Doug Dauz," said Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon. "Beloved by colleagues, students and parents, he will be sorely missed by all."

Dauz joined Coleytown's special education center in 1976 as an aide and became a physical education teacher in 1991, a schools spokeswoman said.

Born in Queens, N.Y., on Jan. 17, 1953, he was the son of the late Joseph and Josephine (Inderato) Dauz. He grew up in Bayside, N.Y., where he attended Sacred Heart School and graduated from Bayside High School.

Dauz was a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University and did graduate work at New York University.

In addition to his Coleytown teaching duties, he was an advocate for the physically challenged and had been a longtime coach for the Cerebral Palsy Olympics.

Dauz loved to work in the outdoors and was an accomplished stone mason. He had a passion for his Yellow Boxster.

In addition to his wife, Nancy (Palladine) Dauz, a teacher at Coleytown Middle School, survivors include two sons, Zaachery, 20, and Jacob Dauz, 13, both of Sandy Hook, Conn.; a brother, Steven Dauz of Hicksville, N.Y.; a sister, Diane Bassin of Manhattan, N.Y., an aunt, Sandra Andinolfi of Port Jefferson, N.Y; his best friend, Scott Alvarez of Oakland, Calif., and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday in St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown, Conn. Interment will follow in Newtown Village Cemetery.

Friends may call Monday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St. Newtown. Contributions may be made to the Douglas P. Dauz Memorial Fund, c/o Coleytown Middle School, 255 North Ave., Westport, CT 06880. A memorial service will be held at Coleytown Middle School at a later date.

CBS Puts Martha Stewart Movie on Fall Schedule

CBS announced today that its on-again, off-again movie about Martha Stewart is back on and timed to take advantage of a heavy dose of Martha planned for the fall.

CBS originally planned to air the unauthorized, made-for-television movie about Stewart's rise-and-fall during last month's crucial end-of-season ratings period.

But the network pulled "Martha: Behind Bars" in April, a month after Stewart was released from a minimum-security prison for women in West Virginia.

Stewart still maintains a home in Westport (although it is rumored to be on the market) as well as a studio here but is spending her house arrest term at her estate in Bedford, N.Y. She will complete her sentence in early August.

Stewart, 63, served five months at the Alderson prison camp following her conviction in March 2004 on criminal charges related to a personal stock sale.

At the time that CBS yanked the Stewart film, industry observers speculated that executives at the Viacom unit decided against rushing out the Cybill Shepherd-starring movie and opted instead to wait until the fall, when Stewart is expected to become once again a center of media attention, CNN reported.

Stewart is scheduled to star in two new television shows starting in September. She will host a daily talk show on NBC starting Sept. 12 and will appear later in a prime time spinoff of "The Apprentice" reality program.

In addition to a television campaign, Stewart is expected to appear on magazine covers and will host segments of an around-the-clock radio channel that Martha Stewart Living will produce for Sirius Satellite Radio later in the year.

"Martha: Behind Bars" is the second unauthorized drama about Stewart.

Shepherd, who also played the lifestyle celebrity in the first movie, will portray Stewart from the day her company went public in October 1999 to her release from prison in March.

Court Rules Public Has Right to GIS Information in Greenwich

In a case watched closely by Westport and other towns upgrading technology, the Connecticut Supreme Court has ruled that the public has a right to see aerial photos and other records of Greenwich despite concerns about privacy, crime and terrorism.

The high court ruled unanimously Wednesday that Greenwich must release its computer database of aerial photographs and maps known as a geographic information system. The court said the town failed to show the records are exempt from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act because of security concerns.

"Such generalized claims of a possible safety risk do not satisfy the plaintiff's burden of proving the applicability of an exemption from disclosure under the act," the high court said.

Attorneys involved in the case said the ruling sets a precedent.

"This is the first appellate level decision on the issue of security and access to government geographic information systems in the country that we're aware of," said Mitchell Pearlman, executive director of the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission.

Greenwich officials have said that the uncontrolled release of detailed information on infrastructure, public safety facilities, schools and celebrities' homes in electronic form could lead to breaches in security and privacy. The town has been reluctant to disclose the records to the public since the Sept. 11 attacks.

Westport's Representative Town Meeting earlier this month approved spending $420,000 on a Web-based Geographic Information System. During the debate on the appropriation at the RTM and Board of Finance, several residents expressed security concerns related to making the information easily available to the public.

Westport Organ Finds New Home in Maine

A 115-year-old organ from Westport's Church of the Assumption has found a new home in Maine.

Over the past year, the pipe organ was moved from Westport to its present home in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Newcastle, where it is currently residing comfortably in the balcony of the new sanctuary, the Lincoln County News reported.

The organ was built in about 1890 by the Boston organ building firm of Cole and Woodberry. Although it may have been built for another church originally, it has spent the past several decades in the Church of the Assumption in Westport, the newspaper said.

The instrument was located with the help of the Organ Clearing House, and has been reassembled, with help from volunteers, under the guidance of Jay Zoller of Newcastle.

The Organ Clearing House is an organization whose purpose is to save old organs which would otherwise be destroyed. The organ has mechanical connections (or trackers) between the keys and the valves.

The organ is small as pipe organs go, but still contains 564 pipes, all of which may be heard on Friday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m. as Zoller will present an organ recital to dedicate the organ in its new home, the newspaper said.

New Board of Finance Leadership

The Westport Board of Finance Wednesday night elected Shelly Kassen (4th l) its chair and Jeffrey Mayer (3rd l) its vice chair. Both are Democrats. The leadership change followed the resignation last month of Steven Ezzes, board chair. Other members include (l-r) Rick Benson, Allyson Stollenwerck, Kevin Connolly, and Gavin Anderson. Charles Haberstroh was absent. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestrportNow.com

Thursday, June 16, 2005

5 p.m. Westport Woman's Club, 44 Imperial Ave. - 98th Yankee Doodle Fair opens
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Commission

Board of Finance Okays $1.55 Million for Synthetic Turf Fields

Four new synthetic turf athletic fields for Westport took a step closer tonight with Board of Finance approval of a $1,550,000 appropriation. Parks and Recereation Department official Dan Devito (at podium) and Stuart McCarthy, department director, explained to the board that the town would advance the money, which would be repaid, except for interest costs, by private donations. The appropriaton now goes to the Representative Town Meeting. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport Library Unveils Hardie Gramatky Drawings

The Westport Public Library tonight unveiled two drawings by the late Westport illustrator Hardie Gramatky, perhaps best known for his “Little Toot” children’s books, for its children’s area. The drawings, which had been rolled up in storage, were framed with funds provided by the friends and family of Westporter Howard Matson in honor of his mother, Rita, who died last October. Shown at tonight’s ceremony are: (l-r) Linda Gramatky Smith of Westport, Hardie Gramatky’s daughter; Maxine Bleiweis, Library director, Howard Matson, and his daughter, Lesley, 11, who will be a sixth grader in the fall at Bedford Middle School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Schools Raised $4.7 Million for Save the Children Tsunami Relief

Westport-based Save the Children said today that more than 3,000 schools across the country raised more than $4.7 million for its tsunami relief and recovery efforts.

Community groups, such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, raised an additional $2.3 million, the charity said.

"Taken together these contributions represent the single largest amount of money ever raised by children to help other children struggling to survive a natural disaster," said Charles MacCormack, president and chief executive officer of Save the Children.

"About $1 in every $10 we received in private donations for tsunami relief has come from children. That's an incredible response."

The earthquake and tsunami in Asia last December killed more than 176,000 people in 11 countries and left about 50,000 missing and hundreds of thousands homeless.

As a result of the contributions, Save the Children expects to have enough money to meet the cost of its relief and recovery program for children and families affected by the tsunami over the next five years, MacCormack said

"We are enormously grateful to all those who have responded so generously to help the most vulnerable victims of the tsunami tragedy - the children," MacCormack said.

"We are now asking that people consider giving to Save the Children 's emergency and long-term development work in more than 40 countries around the world, including the United States."

Yankee Doodle Preparations Underway

Work was underway today in preparation for Thursday's opening of the 98th annual Yankee Doodle Fair at the Westport Woman's Club. The rides and booths are being supplied for the first time this year by Dreamland Amusements, which also does the Italian Festival in July in Westport's Saugatuck area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow photo

Westport Woman Proposes Montana Land Swap to Benefit U.S. Forest Service

Bennett Creek Cabin: involved in Westporter's Montana land swap. U.S. Forest Service photo A Westport woman has offered a Montana land swap and donation to the U.S. Forest Service that would increase public holdings by 250 acres, according to an AP report.

In return, Muffie B. Murray, who lives in the Greens Farms area, would receive other land and a rental cabin about 40 miles north Livingston, Mont., the report said.

Murray owns most of the land surrounding the existing Bennett Creek Cabin, which sits on a 160-acre national forest parcel near the headwaters of the Shields River.

Murray and Gallatin National Forest officials have worked out a proposal in which Murray would get the 160 acres and the cabin in exchange for 408 acres, the report said. She would also pay $72,000 toward building a replacement cabin about a mile away.

The land she would give up is valued at $1.6 million. The land she would obtain is valued at $640,000.

Federal rules require land swaps to be done on a value-for-value basis, but an appraisal said Murray's land was worth far more than the national forest land. She is swapping 160 acres of her land and donating the other 248 acres, plus the money to build the cabin.

Murray has owned ranchland in the valley since the early 1980s and has been talking about a swap with the Forest Service since 1994, the AP said. At least two previous land swap proposals fell through.

Murray was not available to comment, according to someone who answered her phone today.

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
Noon - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Citizens Brown Bag Luncheon
7 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Conservation Commission
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Library Board
8 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309/307 - Board of Finance

He's Key at Staples

Staples senior Rei Chiang, winner of the coveted Staples Key Award, receives congratulations at tonight's annual awards presentation. Finalists for the award were Aaron Lennon and Alicia Berenyi. The students are nominated by the staff and then voted on by the students. It is the highest honor for a senior. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Proud Mom and Grandmother

Senior Alicia Berenyi receives congratulations from her mom and grandmother after tonight's annual Staples High School awards ceremony. Alicia was a finalist for the presitigious Key Award and was among the winners of the Principal's Award. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow photo

Staples Senior Attends Washington Reception for Arts Winners

Rep. Christopher Shays welcomes Staples senior Anna Horowitz to the U.S. Capitol today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photoStaples High School senior Anna Horowitz went to Washington, D.C. today to be honored for winning the 2005 4th District Congressional Arts Competition.

Accompanied by her mother, Lisa, Anna attended a reception for her and other winners at the U.S. Capitol as guest of Rep. Christopher Shays.

Her artwork will hang for one year beside works from other congressional districts in the passageway between the House office buildings and the Capitol.

Anna, who submitted a pastel entitled “Self Portrait," was named winner in the competition held last month at the Westport Arts Center.

There were 57 pieces submitted by high school students from 11 schools in the 4th District. (See WestportNow May 16, 2005).

Assistant Greenwich Planner Named New Westport P&Z Director

Laurence Bradley: new P&Z director. Contributed photo First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell today announced the appointment of Laurence Bradley, assistant town planner in Greenwich, as Westport's new Planning and Zoning Department director.

He replaces Katherine Barnard who is retiring after 18 years service to the town. His appointment is effective June 21.

In a news release, Farrell said Bradley's professional and academic career closely mirrors Westport's requirements for the position. He has been assistant town planner in Greenwich since 1999 and previously served as a planner and associate planner in Westchester County's government.

His background includes extensive reviews in local planning, including site plan and subdivision reviews, coastal area management and zoning regulation development and enforcement, the announcement said.

Bradley, a resident of Carmel, N.Y., holds a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners and has extensive knowledge of general planning and land use issues, the announcement said.

"We are delighted that Larry has agreed to join the town's team," Farrell said. "We look forward to his arrival at Town Hall. I am confident that with Larry's experience and vast knowledge, he will be a valuable asset to our community."

Honored by Democratic Women of Westport

The Democratic Women of Westport today honored Carol Gluckman with the group's 2005 Silver Donkey Award at its annual meeting at a private home in Westport. Gluckman, a Westport resident since 1954 and a founder and former president of the organization, was cited for her almost half a century of efforts on behalf of the town's Democrats. She currently serves on Westport's Human Services Commission. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Allyson Stollenwerck Sworn In as New Board of Finance Member

Westport Town Clerk Patricia Strauss (r) swears in Allyson S. Stollenwerck Monday as a new member of the Board of Finance. Stollenwerck, an attorney with Save the Children, was appointed to her post June 14 by the board to replace Steven Ezzes, the panel's chairman, who resigned because he is moving out of town. She will serve until November 2007. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Here's to You Jackie Robinson

Jackie Robinson played a role in Monday''s annual meeting of the Westport/Weston YMCA. Bob Knoebel of the Y presented the meeting with a copy of a program for the 34th annual Y meeting held May 19, 1958, which had been signed by the Brooklyn Dodger great. Robinson had attended the meeting as a vice president of the Chock Full o' Nuts Co. and signed it for Charlie Moffat, a longtime Y employee. Knoebel found the program when going through Moffat's apartment following his death in April. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Flag Day Spruce Up

Joseph Kowalsky III, 17, spruces up the newly planted traffic island at Post Road East and the Sherwood Island Connector in advance of today's Flag Day observance. Kowalsky Bros. Construction of Westport maintains the island. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, June 14, 2005

7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Historic District Commission
7 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Special Board of Selectmen Public Hearing
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - Architectural Review Board
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Zoning Board of Appeals

Westport Young Woman's League Names Executive Board

The Westport Young Woman's League announced its 2005-06 Executive Board at its annual June dinner at the Patterson Club in Fairfield. Shown standing (l-r) are: Ann-Marie Grey, Sponsors; Ann Marie Fox, Ways and Means; Joanne Heller, past president; Josephine Raimondi, president; Julie Uman, vice president; Kristin LaFleur, Long-Range Planning; Michele Albano, Minuteman; Seated (l-r): Michele Ippolito, secretary; Holly Hellman, Creative Arts Festival; Georgiana Platt, treasurer, and Meg Himes, Internal Communications. Missing: Ria Freydl, Public Relations, and Fran Rackson, Community Service.The League's membership drive is underway until Sept. 9. Visit www.wywl.com for information and an application. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Picnic in the Park

Members of the Y's Women, aided by a cool breeze from Long Island Sound, held their annual meeting and picnic at Westport's Sherwood Island State Park today. Entertainment was provided by the “Grandmas and the Grandpas" barbershop quartet and there was a catered lunch. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Sherwood Singing

The “Grandmas and the Grandpas" barbershop quartet provided entertainment at today's Y's Women annual meeting and picnic at Westport's Sherwood Island State Park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Brown Bag Lunches Take Summer Break After June 22

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell announced today that the weekly citizens' brown bag lunch will take a summer break after the Wednesday, June 22 meeting and resume again Sept. 7.

"Mrs. Farrell wishes all residents a safe and enjoyable summer season," said an announcement. It urged residents to contact her office during the summer if they have any concerns, suggestions or questions.

Staples Coed Water Polo Team Captures State Title

The Staples High School coed water polo team captured the state public high school Class L Championship Thursday night with a 11-7 victory over East Lyme at Staples. The match was intense as Staples took an early lead and East Lyme closed the gap in the fourth quarter. About 100 spectators enjoyed the first home water polo game in Staples history.The team is shown with Coach Mike Laux afer the game. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Mark Smith Resigns as Chair of Parks and Rec Commission

Mark Smith: moving to Fairfield.WN photoWestport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell today announced the resignation of Mark A. Smith as chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission. He has served since January 1998.

Under his tenure, the panel had considered a range of controversial issues including dogs on the beach, recreational fees, and renovations to town facilities.

Farrell said Smith, 60, was planning to move to Fairfield. She did not announce a replacement as chair but a meeting notice posted last week identified Frank Kniesel as chairman.

Farrell asked members of the public to contact her if they desired to fill the vacancy on the commission.

Farrell said Smith, who had previously served on the Parks and Recreation Commission from 1988 to 1989, "has been an extremely dedicated volunteer, contributing numerous hours, effort and hard work to our community."

She added, "Under Mark's leadership, the Parks and Recreation Commission has taken up many difficult initiatives involving hundreds of hours in public hearings.

"From dogs on the beach to golf fees to recreation building renovations, Mark has been committed to finding the best solutions for our community. Westport will miss Mark and his lovely wife, Pat. We wish them the very best."

Residents interested in being considered for the vacancy on the commission should send an e-mail to selectman@ci.westport.ct.us, a fax to (203) 341-1038, or a letter to 110 Myrtle Ave., Westport, CT 06880.

Going Down: 44 Pumpkin Hill Road

Within hours of posting as today's WestportNow teardown, the house at 44 Pumpkin Hill Road came down. See below. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Today's Westport Teardown: 44 Pumpkin Hill Road

Today's WestportNow teardown is 44 Pumpkin Hill Road off Terhune Drive in the Staples High School area. The house, built in 1961, changed hands last month for $1,181,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Monday, June 13, 2005

7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Parks and Recreation Commission
8 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Democratic Town Committee

Close Call

A 63-year-old Westport woman escaped serious injury tonight when she lost control of her new car on Beachside Avenue and flipped over. Westport firefighters had to extricate her from the Mercedes sedan, which they said had only about 300 miles on it. Westport EMS transported her to Norwalk Hospital after the 10:30 p.m. crash. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport 13-Year-Old Gets Softball Sportsman Award

Casey Richards, a 13-year-old Bedford Middle School student, today was awarded the John Ward Sportsmanship Award for her play in the Softballl Junior (13-14 year old) League. Making the presentation were (l-r) Bill Meyer, former Little League vice president, Sue While, league vice president, and Doug Johnston, her coach. Meyer explained that the honor, whose recipients are voted on by the league’s coaches, is named in memory of John Ward, a prominent and popular coach who died in 1990. For 15 years, it has been given to an eighth grader who exhibits the attitude and dedication that contribute to the team’s and the league’s success. Johnston coaches the Firecrackers, which coincidently Ward also coached. Meyer recalled how Ward used to set off firecrackers whenever the team won a game. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Marilyn Smith for WestportNow.com

Gardening on the Green

Wesport's Veterans Green hosted a garden show as part of today's Westport Historical Society Hidden Garden Tour. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Garden Visit

Guests visit one of the stops on today's Westport Historical Society Hidden Garden Tour. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

WestportNow Survey: Bubble Theory Deflated, Here Anyway

By James Lomuscio

While there's plenty of talk about a real estate bubble nationally, those who know the Westport real estate market best don't give it much credence, according to a WestportNow survey.
Westport housing boom: experts say there's no bubble here. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WN photo

"When you talk about a bubble bursting it's just not going to happen, especially in Westport, Connecticut, because it's always going to be a desirable place to live," said Stephen Apgar, publisher of the Westport-based Mortgage Journal.

With all due respect to Alan Greenspan, if not Newtonian physics, Apgar said escalating housing prices don't necessarily foreshadow a precipitous drop, particularly here.

"A bubble bursting is when you have IBM stock at $120 and it drops to $60," he said. "That simply can't happen to real estate in this area."

He added, "A correction may be a more accurate term than a bubble."
Stephen Apgar: bubble "just not going to happen" in Westport."

Stephen Habetz, owner of Threshold Mortgage Co. in Westport, agreed. Even during the recession-triggered real estate price dip between 1988 and 1991, Westport's housing prices "didn't even come close to dropping 10 percent," he said.

Then the worst case scenario in Fairfield County happened in Bridgeport where housing prices dropped as much as 30 percent. But that was due to other factors: sky high taxes, rising crime and municipal bankruptcy.

The region as whole, however, held strong mainly due to its proximity to New York City coupled with a high quality of life. Today, Fairfield County real estate fortunes have been turbo charged by long-term, fixed interest rates below 6 percent.

"They have decreased because mortgage investors have such faith we will not have inflation," he stressed, "and that's because investors know the government is keeping inflation in check."
Michael Dimshaw: interest rates are key.

Michael Dinshaw of Prudential Connecticut Realty in Westport, citing Multiple Listing Service statistics, said the average sales price in Westport for 2004 was $1.3 million, a 17 percent increase from $1.13 million the year before. Fairfield County prices jumped 19 percent from $660,000 to $783,00.

"The bottom line is interest rates are having a major impact on the buoyancy on the market, and until they go up rapidly, I don't see there being a major impact on the market," Dinshaw said.

Since Jan. 1 to June 10, 158 homes in Westport have sold, Dinshaw said. There are 380 active and pending listings for single- and multifamily homes, condominiums and land. Prices span a low of $419,000 to $15 million, with the average list price at $2.18 million.

While not an Achilles heel for Westport, houses built for speculation, especially those in the $2 million plus range, are increasing inventory, according to real estate agents. This causes houses to remain on the market longer, which in turn forces sellers to be more competitive and ultimately affects the price.

"What we're seeing is a lot of new construction and increased inventory over $2 million, and only about 25 percent of them are selling," said Michele Genovesi, owner of Michele & Company at William Raveis in Westport.
Michelle Genovesi: "going to see some adjustments."

"It's supply and demand. It's what Business 101 tells us, and we're going to see some adjustments down the line.

"And there's a lot of inventory down the line, and a lot of our customers are New York commuters," she added, "so they work their way up to us."

The increase in $2 to $3, even $5 million spec houses, she said, can be attributed to escalating land prices in Westport, or in many cases here, a lot with a home to be razed, the seemingly ubiquitous teardown.

If a builder is spending close to $1 million for the lot, to make a decent profit after construction, prices often have to exceed $3 million.

"That's because builders don't see a profit unless they can sell at a price three times what they paid for the lot," Genovesi said.
Karen Scott: "more choices now."

Not just spec houses, but huge equity gains, too, are adding to the town's inventory as homeowners, especially those nearing retirement, opt to cash in on the market, said Karen Scott of KMS Partners LLC in Westport.

"There are more choices now," said Scott. "Green's Farms is an area where houses would rarely be for sale. Now, we're seeing a lot more of those houses on the market. People have more choices than just the spec house."

Scott added that despite a growing inventory that has given buyers an upper hand, "One area that appears to be hot across the market is the beach."

"Houses near the beach, on the water or with deep water docks always sell," she said.
Bunny Mostad: "everybody wants to live here."

Bunny Mostad of Westport's ReMax added that while an over supply of spec houses has slowed the $2 to $3 million market, "houses in the $700,000, $800,000 and $900,000 range will keep on selling."

"There's a good market for them," she said. "Everybody wants to live here."

Perhaps the fact people are at least concerned about a potential bubble or correction is a reality check in an era reminiscent of the 1990s irrational exuberance. Still, even with such caveats, agents, buyers and sellers, can't deny the fact the real estate market is the best it has been.

"At the same time I'm having the best year ever," said Genovesi, "and I would definitely put my money in real estate than in the stock market."

Apgar put it this way: "Unlike that IBM stock you can live in your house."

Editor's note: WestportNow welcomes your comments on this article but due to repeated profanity and spam, anonymous comments will no longer be published. Send your comments, with a real name, legitimate e-mail address, and daytime phone number (for verification purposes only) to comments@westportnow.com.

Study Time: Hitting the Books...and Computer

The Westport Public Library has been crowded with students studying for exams this week. Among them were Joey Rappaport (l) and Aly Campbell, both Staples students. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Galen Blumenthal for WestportNow.com

The Yankee Doodle Fair is Coming to Town

The 98th annual Yankee Doodle Fair opens Thursday and runs through Sunday at the Westport Woman's Club, 44 Imperial Ave.

Sponsored by the club, the fair raises funds for charitable organizations and social services around Fairfield County.

Organizers said the event is bigger than ever and will feature rides such as the Deluxe Sizzler, Chance Twister, and bumper cars. There also will be games of chance, kiddie rides and a raffle with prizes. Food will be available in many areas and there will be a book sale in the club auditorium.

Admission to the fair is free, but there is a charge for individual rides and games. Hours are Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 8 p.m.

Sunday, June 12, 2005

10 a.m. - Westport Historical Society - Hidden Gardens Tour