Music That Works

Tonight's entertainment at Westport's Levitt Pavilion was provided by The Crawdaddies. The Baltimore-based band was founded in 1995 on the premise of "why not, it might just work," according to its Web site. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Dancing the Night Away

Tonight was a good dancing night at Westport's Levitt Pavilion with music provided by The Crawdaddies. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Westporter William Brink, Journalist, Dies at 89

Longtime Westporter William J. Brink, a former managing editor of The Daily News of New York who was responsible for one of the most memorable headlines in American journalism, FORD TO CITY: DROP DEAD, died Friday in Norwalk, The New York Times reported today. He was 89.

The cause was congestive heart failure, his son William A. Brink said. Brink had lived for many years on Birchwood Lane.

Set in huge bold letters, the headline screamed across Page 1 of the paper on Oct. 30, 1975. In six taut syllables, it brought home its message with the power of a knockout punch: At the height of New York's fiscal crisis, President Gerald R. Ford had declined to bail the city out, the Times said.

Those six syllables, as Ford later acknowledged, almost certainly lost him New York State in his 1976 race against Jimmy Carter, and with it, the presidency.

Brink and his wife, the former Jenny Lou Dwyer, were married in 1947, and lived in Westport for the past 40 years.

Born in Indianapolis, Brink graduated from Indiana University in 1940 with a B.A. in journalism.

After serving in the Army Air Corps, he worked as a reporter and copy editor on the Indianapolis Star and as a rewrite man for United Press.

He joined Newsweek magazine, where he covered the Kennedy-Nixon campaign and rose to senior editor.

Brink arrived at The News in 1970 as assistant managing editor, and served as managing editor from 1974 until his retirement in 1981.

In addition to his wife and son, Brink is survived by three other sons, Timothy, John and Robert; and a brother, Paul.

Honoring a Legend: Mortimer Levitt

Mortimer Levitt, a longtime Westporter whose philanthropic activities include Westport's Levitt Pavilion, was recently honored by Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell for his efforts on behalf of the arts in Westport. Levitt, 98, has authored a number of books including one two years ago: "Ninety-Six and Too Busy to Die: A Life Beyond the Age of Dying." Between Farrell and Levitt is Levitt's wife, Mimi. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Saturday, July 2, 2005

4 pm. and 8:30 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - "Finian's Rainbow"
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - The Crawdaddies, Cajun, zydeco, funk, swing, soul, reggae, roots, rock, and an incomparable style of their own

Compo Party Time, No Fireworks Needed

Despite the absence of fireworks and a forecast of thunderstorms, parties went on in and around Westport's Compo Beach tonight. This group of beachgoers said they were determined to have a good time no matter what. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com

The Sign Tells the Story

A sign at the entrance to Westport's Compo Beach told the story – tonight's scheduled fireworks have been postponed until Tuesday, July 5. One Parks and Recreation Department official said it was only the second time in recent years that the fireworks were postponed due to bad weather. He said the last time it happened, only about two-thirds of the originally anticipated crowd showed up on the makeup date. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

New Lifeguards Report to Sherwood Island But Not to Lifeguard Stands

New lifeguards reported to Westport's Sherwood Island State Park today as promised Thursday by Gov. M. Jodi Rell – but they were not on duty. For yet another day, the beaches were left unguarded as the newly hired lifeguards received additional instruction. According to Park Supervisor Toby Buff, 13 or14 lifeguards, all with Red Cross or YMCA certification, reported to the park today and received training specific to Sherwood Island. He said that they should all be ready to be on beach duty Saturday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Fuel Spill at Compo Marina

A boat refueling at Westport's Compo Marina today dumped gasoline into the marina waters. Fire officials said about 10 gallons of gasoline failed to get into the boat's tank due to a faulty connection and ended up in its hull. An undetermined amount made its way into the water. Westport firefighters used foam and hoses to dissipate the spilled fuel. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com

Report: Westport Man Buys Fireworks in Ohio

A Westport man traveled to Ohio to buy $1,000 worth of fireworks for his backyard 4th of July party, a Pittsburgh newspaper reported today.

In a story on a booming fireworks business in Ohio towns bordering Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review said among customers buying fireworks they could not purchase in their home state was Rafael Cotto of Westport.

It said he purchased the fireworks at Wholesale Fireworks in Hubbard, Ohio, which was offering a buy-one, get-one free sale.

"Even with the twofer offer, Rafael Cotto spent $1,000 at Wholesale for a planned neighborhood celebration," the report said.

"Cotto drove 6 1/2 hours from his Westport, Conn., home to pick up the fireworks that will entertain 60 or more people this weekend. He did it last year on a whim.

"People loved it," the newspaper quoted Cotto as saying. "They said it was better than what they saw at the beach (display). The police asked one of my neighbors, 'Are you guys doing that thing again?' and said they'll help keep the area clear. Me and my buddy will set up everything, get all the hoses lined up."

The newspaper said Cotto bought "only the big stuff" -- anything with 35 to 50 shots. "I want to light one wick and walk away," he said.

A check of the Westport telephone directory showed no listing for Rafael Cotto but there was one listed in Bridgeport.

Westport Postpones Fireworks Until Tuesday

Westport's fireworks celebration scheduled for tonight has been postponed until Tuesday, it was announced today.

"The operative word in the forecast was 'severe,'" said Stuart McCarthy, Parks and Recreation director, referring to a forecast of severe thunderstorms.

"It's not a good night for a party," said Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell.

A meeting of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to Monday, July 11, according to Gordon Joseloff, RTM moderator.

(Editor's note: Joseloff is also editor of WestportNow.com)

Today's Westport Teardown: 11 Dexter Road

Today's WestportNow teardown is 11 Dexter Road off of Bulkley Avenue North. The house, built in 1946, was sold in May for $660,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Friday, July 1, 2005

8:30 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - "Finian's Rainbow"
9:15 p.m. - Compo Beach - Fireworks celebration - POSTPONED UNTIL TUESDAY, JULY 5

Report of Attic Fire Turns Out to Be Smoldering Light

Westport firefighters tonight responded to a report of an attic fire at a home in the Saugatuck Shores area. It turned out to be a smoldering halogen light circuit in the living room ceiling.

Assistant Chief Robert Kepchar said firefighters shut down power to the light and stopped any further damage to the home at 2 Driftwood Point.

Four fire engines, the ladder truck, and shift commander's vehicle responded to the 9:12 p.m. alarm with a total of 13 firefighters, he said. They left the scene at 9:49 p.m.

The Fire Marshall's office was investigating the cause of the fire, Kepchar said.

All-Female Crew Wins U.S. Youth Sailing Championship

Sailing champs: Leigh Hammel, 16, (l) and Emily Dellenbaugh, 15. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNowcomHistory was made today as the four-day 2005 U.S. Youth Sailing Championship hosted by Westport's Cedar Point Yacht Club came to an end.

For the first time in the 23-year history of the event, an all-female team has won the doublehanded Club 420 fleet. Emily Dellenbaugh, 15, of Easton, Conn., and Leigh Hammel, 16, of Warren, Vt., took the honors.

They demonstrated great consistency throughout the event by always finishing in the top six of seven races in the 50-boat fleet.

Thomas Barrows of St. Thomas, USVI, was victorious in the Laser class and Kyle Rogachenko of Collegeville, Pa., won the Laser Radial class.

Racing was intense in the Club 420 fleet with the overall lead changing several times throughout the championship.

In the end, only six points separated the top three finishers in the event with Tyler Sinks and Myles Gutenkunst (San Diego, Calif./Mill Valley, Calif.) taking second place and San Diegans Adam Roberts and Nicholas Martin finishing third.

Dellenbaugh attributed her team's win to "lots of practice." She and Hammel have been sailing together for about a year and when they're not sailing together, Dellenbaugh practices in her Club 420 with her sister Rebecca.

Dellenbaugh and Hammel take home US SAILING's Manton Scott Memorial Trophy.

In the Laser fleet, competing for his third time in the championship was the charm for Thomas Barrows (St. Thomas, USVI), who defeated 34 competitors to take home the National Championship title.

"This year's event was the best competition I've ever been in," said Barrows, adding that his high school sailing experience and a recent Advanced Racing Clinic in Newport, R.I. helped him prepare for the championship.

With 23 points total, Barrows finished seven points ahead of the second-place finisher Robert Noonan (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and 10 points ahead of current U.S. Youth World Team-member Royce Weber (Surf City, N.J.) who finished third.

By winning the event, the 17-year-old Barrows has received US SAILING's Robert L. Johnstone III Trophy and has also qualified to compete in the U.S. Singlehanded Sailing Championship for US SAILING's O'Day Trophy to be sailed at Alamitos Bay Yacht Club in Long Beach, Calif., on Aug. 17-21.

With a total of four wins in seven races in the 25-boat Laser Radial fleet, Kyle Rogachenko took the lead on the first day and held on to it throughout the championship.

This event served as great practice for Rogachenko who was recently named to the 2005 Laser Radial Youth World Team and will represent the United States at the Laser Radial World Championship in Brazil in December of this year.

David Hernandez (Miami, Fla.) finished in second place overall, one spot higher than last year's event when he finished third. John Moulthrop of Middlebury, Conn. finished third overall.

The David M. Perry Perpetual Sportsmanship Trophies were awarded to the sailors voted by their peers as most sportsmanlike in each fleet. The awards went to Fred Strammer (Nokomis, Fla.) in the Laser fleet, Zeke Horowitz (Sarasota, Fla.) in the Radial fleet, and to Club 420 skipper Tyler Sinks and crew Myles Gutenkunst.

For more information about the 2005 U.S. Youth Sailing Championship, including complete results, daily reports, and photos, visit www.ussailing.org/championships/youth/youthchamp.

Westport Property Transfers June 20-24, 2005

Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period June 20-24, 2005:

Vincent R. and Sandra M. Galasso to Davi W. Kane, 12 Sachem Trail, $785,000

William L. Novotny to Daniel R. Goldemen and Alice Ann Potts, 12 Edge Hill Lane, $861,500

John and Stella Seo to Michael J. Seo and Jane Y. Lee, 1 Diamond Hill Lane, $1,550,000

Ray L. Meyerson to 15 Rices Lane LLC, 15 Rices Lane, $950,000

Richard and Georgia Kornutik to John and Young A. Cho Seo, 69 Bayberry Lane, $4,050,000

Estate of Florence H. Mackesson to Woodside Associates LLC, 16 Danbury Ave., $897,500

Estate of Florence H. Mackesson to Donald J. and Martha B. Ercole, 14 Danbury Ave., $897,500

Michael S. Liebow to Joyce Riccio, 36 Spicer Road, $840,000

Rell Says 11 Lifeguards to Report to Sherwood Island Friday

Gov. M. Jodi Rell said today that the lifeguard shortage at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport has been successfully addressed just in time for the busy 4th of July weekend.

"Eleven fully-trained lifeguards will report to duty at Sherwood Island on Friday and I couldn’t be happier with the public’s response to my special appeal," Rell said in a statement.

"I want to publicly thank each of the lifeguards for responding to this call to public service, and I want to publicly thank our staff at the Department of Environmental Protection for their speedy response in solving this problem."

The governor praised Commissioner Gina McCarthy, saying she "has done a remarkable job under a tight deadline. She has done her agency proud."

After learning of the lifeguard shortage this week, Rell posted a notice on the state’s Web site and urged the public to call the State Parks Division to get more information about working at the park.

"The lifeguards are fully-certified and fully trained," Rell said. "They will be paid $9 and hour. Our DEP will continue to interview potential lifeguards on Friday as well.

Rell had said in a statement issued Wednesday that the lifeguards who quit at Sherwood Island last week had been hired at $9.50 per hour but were compensated at a $1-per-hour less "due to a clerical error."

The governor's statement added:

"I am thrilled with this outcome and the public should rest easy knowing that these lifeguards will be on the Sherwood Island beach keeping a close watch on the water and keeping folks safe all summer long.

"Having lifeguards on the Sherwood Island staff sends exactly the right message. The Rell Administration is committed to treating each one of our parks like the treasures they are, and that commitment extends to staffing, salaries, and equipment.

"If there is a problem at a state park or beach, I want to know about it immediately so that we can take action. Connecticut residents should look at their state parks with pride. As governor, I will settle for no less.”

Rumors of Demise of Westport Italian Festival are False

By James Lomuscio

Rumors that Westport's 22nd Annual Festival Italiano next week will be the final one due to a dearth of young blood and volunteers are false, according to the festival's coordinator.
Westport's Italian Festival: still going strong. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com file photo

"Not at all," said Roberta Delladonna Troy, for the past six years the coordinator of Festival Italiano, also dubbed the Italian Festival.

"It's a rumor. The Italians are strong, and we're going to go for it. It's certainly not going to be my last festival."

Scheduled to kick off Thursday evening, July 7, with a parade down Riverside Avenue to Luciano Park off Franklin Street, the festival is set to run through Sunday night, July 10.

In the mode of an Italian street fair, each year it draws more than 100,000 visitors to its concession stands, rides and musical acts in Italian and English.

How the rumor of this being the last festival got started, Troy said, is anybody's guess. However, some say the rumor can be attributed to the fact that the festival's key planners and workers have since died, moved out of town or have grown too old to take on the responsibility.

Troy, who is also president of Loggia Francesca Lodge of the Westport Sons of Italy, which sponsors the event, says her organization currently has 110 members, and about 30 have volunteered to work on the festival.

Originally known as the St. Anthony Feast, the event dates back to the early 1900s in Saugatuck, which was unofficially zoned as Westport's Italian section.

Westport's Italians, who helped build the railroad before deciding to lay down their own tracks toward the American Dream in Saugatuck, were historically segregated, and their children even attended a separate elementary school, the Saugatuck School.

The festival thrived through the mid-1900s, but ceased in the 1950s after the Connecticut Turnpike cut through the Italian section, which virtually decimated Saugatuck.

In 1983, Louis Santella, who owned the Riverside Barber Shop, his brother Chip Santella, Peter Romano Sr. and John LaBarca, host of the radio show, Italian House Party, on the then Westport station WMMM, resurrected the festival, and it has drawn huge crowds since.

In recent years, Chip Santella and Romano have since died, and Louis Santella has moved to Florida. LaBarca, who several years back served as the festival's grand marshall, also won't be there this year, since he is scheduled to be in Italy at the time, Troy said.

On top of that, Troy said, it has been difficult getting volunteers to set up the tents, put out chairs and help with the wiring.

"People are getting up there in age, and the younger generation doesn't care to get involved," Troy said.

While all of these factors may have fueled the rumor mill, Troy stressed, they no way portend the festival's demise.

"Rumors, just like anything else, get started," she said. "With the help of God and our health hopefully Festival Italiano will continue for years. It's a wonderful thing for the community."

This year's event boasts longtime Saugatuck resident Angelo Veno as grand marshall, more than 30 rides including a 90-foot-high Ferris wheel, plus a petting zoo, and 17 food vendors.

Musical acts include the Italian songs of Frencesco and the group Odiessa, plus American acts including Johnny Maestro and the Brooklyn Bridge and the Del Vikings.

William Cribari, a retired special police officer who grew up in Saugatuck and a former grand marshall, also shrugged off rumors that this would be the last parade.

"It will never happen," he said, "and I've marched in every one. It's nice. It's a nice festival. It reminds me of the old days."

Editor's note: WestportNow welcomes your comments on this article but due to repeated inappropriate anonymous comments, all anonymous comments have been removed. If you would like to comment, send it with a real name, legitimate e-mail address, and daytime phone number (for verification purposes only) to: comments@westportnow.com.

Rell to Mark First Year in Office With Open House Friday

Gov. M. Jodi Rell said today she will mark her first anniversary in office by holding a public open house Friday at the State Capitol.

Rell will greet visitors on the first floor of the Capitol from noon to 2 p.m.

"This is an opportunity for me to say ‘thank you’ to the people of Connecticut for the confidence and trust they have placed in me,” Rell said in a statement.

"I have had so many wonderful experiences during this past year and I want to personally express my deepest gratitude to the public.

"I am proud to be the governor of this great state, and I feel we are truly making a difference. I encourage everyone to take some time out of their day, tour the State Capitol, and say ‘hello.’"

Visitors will enter the Capitol through the west entrance which is handicapped accessible. Members of the public are asked to carry photo identification with them, Rell's office said.

Limited public parking will be available on the Capitol grounds, in the Legislative Office Building Garage, and at the state lot on the corner of Oak Street and Capitol Avenue.

Rell respectfully requests that no gifts, including flowers, be brought for her by members of the public, her office said.

Richard Foot Resigns as Westport/Weston Y CEO/Exec Director

Dick Foot: will be consultant to Connecticut YMCAs. Contributed photoRichard A. Foot, exercutive director and CEO of the Westport/Weston YMCA since 1996, has submitted his resignation to become a consultant to 25 YMCAs around Connecticut.

“I just felt it was time to look at other opportunities,” Foot, 58, said today. His resignation becomes effective Aug. 15.

Foot, who has been among the Y’s leadership planning a controversial move from its downtown headquarters to its Camp Mahackeno site in northwest Westport, said he would remain for the time being in Westport in the new post.

“I’ll be employed by the national YMCA organization serving as a consultant to 25 YMCAs in Connecticut,” he said. “It is something I am looking forward to.”

Foot recalled that he spent 13 years as president and CEO of the YMCA in Cambridge, Mass., before coming to Westport.

“I’ve had 22 years with YMCAs and 34 years of involvement with non-profits,” he said. “Nine years in my present job is consistent with length of time in previous positions.”

James Hardin, associate executive director of the Y, said Foot announced his resignation at a board meeting Wednesday. He said the board will engage in a national search for a replacement.

Both Foot and Hardin said the resignation would not affect the Y’s planning timetable to make its move to Mahackeno. “There’s a strong, committed board in place,” Foot said. “They’ll move ahead.”

In a news release issued this afternoon, the Y said it has already begun its search for a successor and day-to-day operations will continue to be overseen by Hardin, its chief operating officer.

The Y's board of trustees and board directors said in a joint statement:

“Dick has given his entire life to the goals and mission of the YMCA. We have been incredibly fortunate to have benefited from his direct service for many of those years right here in Westport.

"Dick is a passionate individual who is dedicated to helping build stronger kids, families and communities. The greater Westport and Weston communities are far better off thanks to his efforts.

"We are confident the community will benefit from Dick remaining part of the Y organization here in Connecticut and wish him every success in this next stage of his career in community service.”

Foot said: “It has been an honor for me to serve this Association since 1996. As the seventh individual in 82 years to serve as the chief executive officer of this venerable organization, I am profoundly grateful to the dedicated volunteers on the YMCA’s governing boards who have expressed their confidence in me and provided me this opportunity to serve.

"It has been a career long ambition to work with our national organization, YMCA USA, and I am incredibly excited to now have that opportunity.”

Foot added, “The Westport Weston Family Y is at an historic juncture, engaged in a visionary and ambitious program to build a new Y for this community and the organization is fortunate to have corps of dedicated employees and volunteers who will ensure the completion of this project.”

Beach Gathering

This week's unfriendly beach weather did not deter some visitors to the marina area at Westport's Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Today's Westport Teardown: 263 North Ave.

Today's WestportNow teardown is 263 North Ave. near Coleytown Middle School. The home was built in 1840. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Thursday, June 30, 2005

2 p.m. and 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - "Finian's Rainbow"
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - RTM Environment Committee
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - The Two Tenors, a program of Italian and Irish classical and romantic favorites

Westport's Eckerd Drug Store Closing?

There are rumors that Westport's Eckerd drug store at 1086 Post Road East, next to Barnes & Noble, will close its doors next week. A WestportNow reader said she had been told presciptions have been sent to the Stop & Shop pharmacy. A manager on duty at Eckerd said she was not authorized to comment. A source at Stop & Shop confirmed that the supermarket was getting customer prescriptions from Westport's Eckerd. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Friday Car Wash to Benefit Homeless

The Rev. Peter Powell hopes those who want their cars clean and sparkling this 4th of July weekend will head to Westport Wash & Wax Friday for the car wash's fifth annual Good Neighbor event.

All of the day's gross sales will be donated to Powell's Interfaith Housing Association (IHA) of Westport-Weston, Inc., a nonprofit social service agency that serves the town's homeless.

"Last year they did $6,030 on the day of the car wash, and they gave the gross amount to Interfaith Housing," said Powell, IHA's president and CEO. "Their cost was not taken out at all. It makes a statement on their commitment to the community."

Scott and Laila Tiefenthaler, owners of Westport Wash & Wax, quietly and without fanfare five years ago approached Powell with the offer after learning about IHA's mission and services.

"They were talking to a former board member, and they said they wanted to do something to help out locally," Powell recalled. "So, we gave them a tour of our services, and Scott was impressed with what we do. We're not just a cot and a hot.

"There's a work ethic here that he believed in with our job training and mentoring programs. So, this is the fifth year they'll be doing it."

According to Powell, the IHA shelters men, women and families, all of them people who have lost their homes for a variety of reasons including mental illness, substance abuse, job loss or domestic hardship.

The organization also helps people in crisis by providing them with groceries and clothing in order to prevent them from becoming homeless.

"We're hoping that people want to have a clean car for the 4th of July weekend, and that they will come to Westport Wash & Wax," Powell said.

"And we (IHA) will have people there all day, too, for those who don't know about us and would like to learn more."

One year, Powell noted, a man who came in for a car wash was so moved by IHA's mission that he chose a weedy patch in front of the town's soup kitchen, the Gillespie Center, as an Adopt-A-Spot.

The area has since been transformed into a beautiful garden replete with its own sprinkler system.

Heather Cavanagh, IHA's director of community relations, today asked that the Westport community drive in on Friday to support the event, especially since the IHA's "food pantry is very low, and the demand keeps increasing."

Rell Says Progress Being Made in Sherwood Island Lifeguard Shortage

Gov. M. Jodi Rell:"resources must and will be provided." File photoGov. M. Jodi Rell said today that progress is being made in addressing the lifeguard shortage at Westport's Sherwood Island State Park.

In a statement, Rell expressed optimism that lifeguards will be on duty at the park by this 4th of July weekend.

"I am pleased to announce not only that DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) is interviewing seven interested lifeguard candidates for Sherwood Island, but also that we plan to pay the lifeguards who are hired between $9 and $9.50 an hour,” Rell said.

A number of the lifeguards who quit last weekend cited lower pay compared to other area beaches and not receiving promised pay raises.

“In addition, a lifeguard training class is being conducted in Trumbull this week and the state is recruiting candidates from that class," Rell said.

"My goal is to have lifeguards in the chairs at Sherwood Island this weekend, and I think we can do it.”

When Rell learned of the shortage, she posted a notice on the state’s Web site and urged the public to call the State Parks Division to get more information about working at the park.

The governor received a status report from the DEP on complaints about problems with equipment and wages for the lifeguards at the park, the statement said.

“Despite complaints about equipment, the DEP informs me that all necessary safety equipment utilized by the lifeguards is fully functional,” Rell said.

Soon after Rell's statement, one of the lifeguards who quit, Zack Klomberg, 19, of Westport, said her comments were not accurate.

"This is simply not true," Klomberg said in a posting on WestportNow. He added, "The lifeguards at this state park do not have the quality of equipment to safely or effectively do their job."

"I am sure if the governor went to the island and saw what there is to work with, she would be embarrassed to have Connecticut represented in such a way."

In her statement, Rell addressed pay issues at the park.

“I also asked DEP to provide me with a report on salary issues at the park," she said. "The lifeguards who quit had been hired at $9.50 per hour.

"Due to a clerical error, their first checks were not accurate – they were compensated $1-per-hour less than what they should have been paid. This error was explained to the lifeguards, who were told the error would be corrected – but they still quit."

Rell added, "While this short-term status report is encouraging, it is clear to me that our low pay for lifeguards is making it increasingly difficult to hire lifeguards.

"The long-term solution to this perennial problem must involve reallocating our summer budget to allow for salary increases."

She said, “Sherwood Island is one of Fairfield County’s busiest beaches, and a premium must be put on safety. The lifeguards and all who staff the park must have all the tools they need.

"It is simply unacceptable to hear reports of radios and other equipment that do not work. I will not tolerate people’s safety being put at risk due to a lack of resources. The resources must, and will, be provided."

Rell thanked DEP Commissioner Gina McCarthy for the report.

"I want to thank Gov. Rell for all of her assistance with this matter," McCarthy said. "Thanks to her leadership, we are close to resolving the lifeguard situation at Sherwood Island just in time for the holiday weekend."

Westport Doctor Sentenced to Probation

A Westport pediatrician was sentenced today to three years probation and a $10,000 fine on charges of defrauding the Medicaid program and private health insurance companies as well as on tax evasion charges.

Suvarna Shah, 63, of 5 Pier Way Landing, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Christopher F. Droney in Hartford, according to Kevin J. O'Connor, U.S. Attorney for Connecticut.

Shah, who practiced in Norwalk, as a result of her conviction faces likely deportation, O'Connor said. She is a native of India. He said she will also likely be barred from submitting claims to the federal Medicare and Medicaid programs.

The physician had previously entered into a civil settlement agreement in which she agreed to pay $317,925.88 to the federal and state governments, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

She had also provided restitution in the amount of $229,194.86 to private insurance companies as well for claims she submitted for vaccines she received free-of-charge from the Vaccines For Children program, a statement said.

In addition, Shah paid $682,595.16 to the Internal Revenue Service to settle her liability, including interest and penalties, for tax evasion for the years 1996 through 2001.

Under the federal sentencing guidelines, Shah had faced a sentence of 18 to 24 months imprisonment.

In departing downward from the recommended sentencing range, Droney cited the "truly exceptional" contributions Shah had made by providing medical services to the under-served South Norwalk community, and that Shah was forced to close her medical practice, and will likely be deported, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

"Health care providers who commit fraud face severe penalties," O'Connor said."This office will not hesitate to prosecute such conduct."

The official said the case is part of "Operation Free Shot," an investigation by the Health Care Fraud Task Force.

The program focuses on Connecticut health care providers who bill Medicaid and other insurance programs for childhood vaccines the providers received free-of-charge from the Vaccines For Children (VFC) program, a joint federal/state program that provides childhood immunizations, O'Connor said.

Under the VFC Program, doctors and other health care providers receive free vaccines distributed by the Department of Public Health, and agree not to bill Medicaid or any other third-party for the cost of the vaccines.

The provider may recover a minimal fee for administrative costs associated with inoculating a child.

In violation of these rules, Shah billed Medicaid and other insurance plans for the vaccine doses she received free from the VFC Program, the U.S. Attorney said.

From 1997 through 2002, she received more than $350,000 from Medicaid and private insurance companies for vaccines she received free-of-charge from the VFC program, O'Connor said.

O'Connor noted that "Operation Free Shot" involved coordination among various federal and state authorities and agencies, and praised the cooperation and assistance from all involved.

"An integrated approach to fighting health care fraud is a powerful deterrent," said O'Connor. "And Connecticut intends to lead the nation in aggressively investigating and prosecuting such cases."

He urged anyone with information of health care fraud to contact the FBI Health Care Fraud hotline at (203) 785-9270.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Sheldon of the Criminal Division, and Richard M. Molot of the Civil Division, and auditor Susan Spiegel.

Rell Calls Transportation Bill "Historic Step Forward"

Gov. M. Jodi Rell today called the General Assembly’s approval of her transportation initiative a “historic step forward for Connecticut.”

"This initiative hits the fast lane as soon as the bill hits my desk,” Rell said in a statement.

"This is the boldest transportation proposal in Connecticut in two decades, and these desperately needed improvements are crucial to our economic success.

"I will be working closely with the Department of Transportation and other state agencies to make sure these improvements are felt as soon as humanly possible."

Talking Transportation: New Trains on Track

By Jim Cameron
Special to WestportNow

There’s finally good news for Metro-North commuters. New trains are on the way!

In special session, the Connecticut Legislature has approved Governor Rell’s bold initiative to spend more than $1 billion on almost 350 new rail cars. But don‘t expect to ride these new cars until 2008 or, more likely, 2009.

Consultants are already drawing up the engineering specs for the proposed M8 twin-car sets, one car powered under the wire (in Connecticut) with its sister-car relying on third rail power (in Westchester and into Grand Central Terminal).

Each car will power the other in its respective territory. Mind you, this is just the concept and has yet to be proven on paper or on the tracks.

After the engineering request for proposal goes out in September, a car-builder will hopefully be approved by fall of 2006, and construction will begin. This is a small car order by railroad standards, and a rather sophisticated engineering task, so bids may not be plentiful, or cheap.

While closely following the design of the Bombardier-built M7 cars now running on the Hudson and Harlem branches of Metro-North, the new M8s could be built by French, Japanese or even Korean manufacturers. (There hasn’t been an American rail-car builder since the Budd Company closed decades ago.)

By avoiding use of federal money, and bonding this purchase ourselves, we avoid onerous “buy American” requirements.

According to Metro-North President Peter Cannito, car delivery, in lots of 100, would begin in late 2008. Then there will be necessary testing and break-in before the new cars can enter service.

While this long overdue replenishment of the aging Connecticut fleet is good news, there may still be a bumpy ride ahead until the new cars arrive, especially in the next four winters when the fleet is most challenged by the elements.

New shops are being built in New Haven and the refurbishment of the oldest M2 cars continues (at about four cars a month). That will mean better servicing for our 30+ year old fleet and better reliability from the rehabbed cars.

But the problems of overcrowding will continue. On an average day, 15 percent of our fleet of 343 cars is shopped for repairs or inspections. And only 75 percent of all trains have enough cars for a full consist. Despite fare increases, ridership is up 4 percent. That means standees.

After the disastrous winter of 2003-2004, the legislature came up with a token investment in more equipment. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) was able to negotiate a great deal on some used railcars from Virginia Railway Express, a commuter railroad smart enough to upgrade its fleet before it was ridden into the ground.

But the 26 VRE cars we acquired were of little help because we didn’t have enough locomotives to pull them.

Finally, a year later, CDOT has now signed a lease with Amtrak for eight used diesels which it hopes will be put into service by the end of this year.

The Amtrak diesels and VRE passenger cars (still in their original livery, or colors) will run on Shore Line East and the Danbury and Waterbury branch lines. The locomotive-pulled Bombardier cars now running on those lines will be brought down to the mainline to round out the fleet.

Don’t expect more trains -- just more cars on existing, chronically-short trains.

So, kudos to our elected officials for finally getting our mass transit system back on track. Now, let’s hope for commuters’ patience and mild winters, until the new cars show up in three or four years.

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

Hazy Westport

A view looking west across Westport's Saugatuck River Tuesday. That's Assumption Church through the haze.The weather forecast called for more patchy fog in the morning today with a chance of showers and thundershowers later in the day. Humid with highs in the mid 80s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Board of Ed Selects Michael McGovern to Fill Brey Seat

The Westport Board of Education has selected Michael McGovern to fill the unexpired term of Lewis Brey who resigned because he is moving out of town.

The board, at a meeting Tuesday night, also voted to appoint Jim Marpe to replace Brey as secretary of the board. Brey had 30 months remaining in his term.

All votes were unanimous except that Marpe abstained from voting for himself as secretary. Mark Mathias was absent.

Linda Merk-Gould and Marpe were the only Republicans left on the board after Brey's resignation. By Town Charter, the selection of a replacement had to come from Republican ranks.

Wednesday, June 29, 2005

10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
2 p.m. and 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - "Finian's Rainbow"
7 p.m. - The Levitt Pavilion - The Hall Family returns for the 14th year

Going Down: 5 Roosevelt Road

A house at 5 Roosevelt Road in the Compo Beach area came down today as neighbors watched. Built in 1923, the home was purchased in May 2004 for $2,275,000 and was featured as WestportNow's teardown of the day on Feb. 8, 2005. The replacement house will be the first new home on the street since the 1940s. Most of the houses on Roosevelt Road were built in the 1920s and 1930s. Residents had applied to rezone the street as an historic district but later changed their minds. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

No Lifeguards at Sherwood Island Park Worries Westport Police

By James Lomuscio

Although the Westport Police Department does not patrol Westport's Sherwood Island State Park, Police Chief Al Fiore said today he is nonetheless concerned about reports that lifeguards have walked off the job there -- especially with the busy Fourth of July weekend just days away.

"While we don't patrol the state park, we routinely respond there on ambulance calls," Fiore said, "and often our police officers are called to assist on disturbances and alike."

"It (the walk off) would have the potential for additional calls for service," he added. "You don't want to see any bathing areas not attended by lifeguards."

Bathers in trouble at the state park, he said, would require assistance from the town's police Marine Division, Emergency Medical Services and Fire Department.

Local news reports said that the busy beach's remaining three lifeguards quit over the weekend citing poor working conditions, low pay and expanded duties. The park has openings for 10 lifeguards.

A mother of a lifeguard employed at the park, who asked not to be identified, said her son told her that the state had reneged on promised pay raises and had failed to provide the proper equipment for the lifeguards to do their job.

She also said the teen lifeguards at times feared for their safety when confronted by large numbers of unruly beachgoers.

"I think he is really upset," she said. "He even went out and bought some equipment with his own money to do the job. He wants to help people but he can't."

Christine Ashway, a lifeguard from Wilton, told Cablevision News-12: "We couldn't communicate with anyone else in the park. Heaven forbid an emergency occurs, we couldn't get an ambulance in, we couldn't get the fire department in. We couldn't get anything."

Zack Klomberg, 19, a Westport resident who is an EMT and volunteer firefighter, was hoping to work his third summer at the park but quit along with the others.

"I'm hoping that for once someone will care about this life guarding program,"
he told News-12.

"Maybe with all the media attention and the public outcry that the state will finally realize, hey, this is probably one of the most busy beaches in the State of Connecticut and it needs to have a very cutting edge, progressive lifeguarding program."

Visitors to the park today received fliers at the entrance booths warning in English and Spanish that there were no guards on duty. The notices advised people to look after small children and not allow non-swimmers into deep water.

State officials said they would try to recruit lifeguards from an area American Red Cross lifesaving certification class.

Pamela Adams, the DEP's director of Connecticut's 100 state parks, said her department received calls today from four lifeguard volunteers. If they meet DEP standards, they could be up in Sherwood Island's lifeguard perches by this weekend, she said.

Adams added that her department is also waiting to recruit new lifeguards undergoing training and awaiting Red Cross certification by the Trumbull Parks and Recreation Department.

But even if the volunteers turn out to be unqualified and no new lifeguards are are on board by Friday, Adams said the park, which expects about 7,000 this weekend, will remain open.

"We're hopeful that we will have people here, and if we don't we will do what we did in the past, issuing written notices both in English and Spanish, and having a flag warning system clearly posted and park aids patrolling," she said.

"These officers cannot pull people out of the water, but they can make the appropriate contacts.

"We not going to close the park," she added. "We want people to enjoy the outdoors We're asking parents to keep an eye on their children, not to go out into deep water, and if you can't swim, wear a lifejacket. That will provide an extra measure of safety for you.

U.S. Navy Northeast Showband in Levitt Spotlight

The U.S.Navy Northeast Showband performed at Westport's Levitt Pavilion tonight. Music selections included standards by Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller as well as a jazzed up rendition of "America the Beautiful." (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Big Band Sound at the Levitt

Young and old enjoyed the big band sound from a U.S. Navy band at Westport's Levitt Pavilion tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo

Taking a Break

Taking a break today in Sarasota, Fla., are three members (r) of Westport's Saugatuck Congregational Church Youth Group helping build homes there for Habitat for Humanity. Westporters Lisa Feistel, Rebecca Bub, and Erin Ogilvy smile for the camera while a local volunteer crew leader looks on. They arrived Sunday and return home Saturday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Doreen Birdsell for WestportNow.com

Off to Build in Florida

Members of Westport's Saugatuck Congregational Church Youth Group, seen here in front of the church Sunday, are in Sarasota, Fla., on their fouth annual mission to help the local Habitat for Humanity build on a 70-home tract of land. The group includes: students Savion Agard, Nicholas Boak, Rebecca Bub, Alex Crosby, Desiree Dabice, Rob Haigh, Sam Hedricks, Emily Laugham, Erin Ogilvy, Stephen Ogilvy, Mike Reasor, Tyler Ross, and chaperones The Rev. John Danner, Lisa Fistel and Doreen Birdsell. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

A Westport Tradition: 4th of July Fireworks Not on 4th of July

By Jonathan Thrope

When Westport holds its 4th of July fireworks celebration Friday, July 1, at Compo Beach, it will be doing what it has always done – celebrating the national holiday on a day other than July 4.
Flashback: Compo fireworks lit up the sky on July 2, 2004. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

It is not a matter of having to pay holiday overtime or lack of manpower as many people believe, according to Police Athletic League (PAL) organizers.

It's simply that they do not want to have to shoo people off the beach at 4 p.m. on a busy 4th of July.

A fireworks event on the 4th of July would make it a "very, very hard job for us to clear the beach and set up for the fundraiser," said John Anastasia, PAL vice president and former Westport deputy police chief.

“The beach is too crowded,” he said.

Organizers -- who hope to sell 2,000 car passes for the fireworks show at $30 apiece -- need to clear the beaches in late afternoon in order to empty the parking lots to make way for those who have paid to get their cars in, Anastasia said.

Police Chief Al Fiore, who sits on the PAL board, agrees with the date decision.

"It would not be fair to the taxpayers to be told that they have to leave the beach on a holiday so that we could turn the beach over for the annual fireworks display," he said.

"Hence we always hold the event as close to the 4th as possible without doing it on the holiday or a weekend."

Westport is not the only area town that has scheduled fireworks on a day other than July 4. Stamford will also hold its event Friday, Rowayton on Saturday, and Norwalk, Ridgefield, and New Canaan on Sunday.

Steven Benko, New Canaan's recretation director, said that he did not believe the Independence Day celebration would be dampened by the premature fireworks since the entire weekend is really going to be one big holiday celebration.

Only Wilton among area towns will hold its 4th of July celebration on the 4th of July.

A spokesperson for Fireworks by Grucci in Brookhaven, N.Y., the pyrotechnics company staging Westport's celebration, said many towns have opted to launch their fireworks days earlier since July 4 this year is on a Monday, and more people will likely show up for a Friday night or weekend show.

She added that the cost is the same, whether Friday or Monday. Westport's PAL is paying about $50,000 for the barge, fireworks and associated entertainment.

Area residents had mixed feelings about a 4th of July celebration not on the 4th of July.

“As long as there are fireworks, I am happy,” said Lucas Levin, who is going into senior year at Staples High School.

Sylvia Schulman of Norwalk also does not mind when the fireworks take place.

“It doesn’t really matter when it is to me,” she said.

She was under the false impression that the town saves money by having the earlier fireworks, and therefore thought it made economic sense.

Still, Nancy Kuhn-Clark of Weston, a reference librarian at the Westport Public Library, was not pleased with the non-4th of July date.

“I think it should definitely be on the 4th,” she said. "That is Independence Day, and that is historically correct.”

Westport's July 1 fireworks date this year actually does commemorate a nation's independence – Canada. Canada Day, formerly known as Dominion Day, marks the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada.

And if it rains in Westport on Friday? The fireworks will be rescheduled for Tuesday, July 5.

Prior to the fireworks, the Junior Colonial Fife and Drum Band is scheduled put on an hour performance, and balloons will be available to children. Tickets are $30 per car and are available from the Parks and Recreation Department and the Westport Police Department.

Camp Compo Underway

Monday was the first day at Camp Compo at Westport's Compo Beach. Youngsters enjoyed a hot game of volleyball. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Jamie Tanzer, 7, is One for the Books

Honored guest: Jamie Tanzer Contributed photo By James Lomuscio

Jamie Tanzer, a 7-year-old Westporter, recently had an opportunity that few adults, let alone children, do.

She received a special invitation to a ribbon cutting ceremony with U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) at a new elementary school library in Mount Vernon, N.Y

"I kind of felt proud," said Jamie, who attended the event two weeks ago with her mother Nancy Judson. "When we went to the thing, I was the youngest kid there."

The honor for Jamie, who will enter third grade at Westport's Coleytown Elementary School in the fall, and her mom, too, stemmed from a newspaper article her mother read.

It led to them being instrumental in raising funds and collecting books for the impoverished library at Mount Vernon's Edward Williams Elementary School.

"I had read an article last year in the New York Times about an elementary school in Mount Vernon, and the gist of it was that their library was horrible," said Judson.

"The books they had basically stopped at 1960. They had no books about computers, even no books about African Americans, which is what the population of that school had become."

Judson said she read the article to Jamie, "and it made us so sad we decided to do something." So the two collected all of their own books, searched out books for sale at the Westport Public Library, even filled up the equivalent of a shopping cart at Barnes & Noble.

And over last summer Jamie and her mother sold lemonade in town and raised as much as $500 that they sent along with cartons of books to the school.

Judson said she was not the only one who had been moved by the article. Funds poured in for the library to buy computers, and about 9,600 new texts were donated.

Judson said she and Jamie, while thrilled about being invited to the ribbon cutting, wanted to be low key about their involvement. Judson instead wrote a letter to Jamie's teacher who then passed it on to Coleytown Principal Kay May who alerted the media.

"Your class should know that one person can make a difference and that, thanks to Jamie¹s efforts, and the efforts of kids like her, the school received 9,600 books donated to them, and received thousands of dollars for shelving, painting, carpentry, media centers and more," Judson wrote.

"The kids are able, for the very first time, to take out books, and to have access to books that other kids take for granted like Harry Potter and Dr. Seuss."

For Jamie, the trip to Mount Vernon was also an eye opener.

"When I went into the library it was all new and clean," said Jamie, "but when I looked at the school it looked very poor, not like the one I go to."

Tuesday, June 28, 2005

10 a.m. - Earthplace - Sasco Brook Pollution Abatement Committee
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Planning and Zoning Commission Big House Committee
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Architectural Review Board
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Zoning Board of Appeals
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - "Finian's Rainbow"
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - U.S. Navy Band salutes big bands

Farrell Pays Tribute to Marcia Lieberman, Mother of Sen. Joe Lieberman

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell today said the death of Marcia Lieberman, mother of Sen. Joe Lieberman, was sad but a celebration of a life well lived.

Marcia Lieberman, who became an iconic figure in the vice presidential and presidential campaigns of her son, died Sunday in Stamford. She was 90.

In a statement, Farrell said: "The passing of Marcia Lieberman is indeed sad, but should be a celebration of a life well lived. I first met Marcia in New Hampshire when she was campaigning for her son Joe in his bid for the presidency.

"On a very cold Sunday morning in Salem, N.H., Marcia Lieberman joined Joe and his family in a very tiny VFW Hall, and in spite of the temperature, beamed with pride during her son's speech.

"This past fall, we celebrated Marcia's 90th birthday at Congregation Agudath Sholom in Stamford. The same pride radiated from Marcia as she heard tributes from her children and grandchildren, as well as her friends and neighbors.

"Marcia was a very independent-spirited woman who would always offer sweets when visitors arrived at her home, along with loving support and a few opinions as well. She was an extraordinary role model for all who knew her. Our memories will be of a strong, loving wife, mother, friend and mentor. She was quite a lady!"

Youth Sailing Championship Underway off Westport

The 2005 U.S. Youth Sailing Championship got underway today under overcast skies in Long Island Sound off Westport. Westport's Cedar Point Yacht Club is hosting the four-day event which has attracted 160 entrants under 20 from all over the country. Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com