July 09, 2005
Two Escape Serious Injury in Crash
Two people escaped serious injury this afternoon in a two-car crash at the intersection of Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South in Westport. A woman driver of the car on the right is comforted after the accident. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Telling About a Close Call
A Westport policeman interviews a driver involved in a two-car crash today at the intersection of Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South in Westport. The 18-year-old Weston youth was in the car that rolled over, seen in the rear. He escaped with a scraped arm and shoulder after the car's airbags deployed. The woman driver of the second car also was not seriously injured when her vehicle came to rest against a stone wall. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
One Man Slightly Injured in Basement Fire
A worker staining a basement floor suffered minor burns today when fumes ignited a small flash fire in a home on Easton Road, fire officials said.
The fire self-extinguished and the man initially refused treatment but later was transported to Norwalk Hospital by Westport EMS. Damage to the home was minor, according to Assistant Chief Jonathan Gottfried.
Firefighters responded to a 911 report of an explosion and fire in the basement of the home at 130 Easton Road at 1:57 p.m. On arrival seven minutes later, they found that contractors working in the basement spraying a flammable concrete stain caused an ignition and flash fire, Gottfried said.
"One of the contractors received a minor second degree burn on his hand and was treated by firefighters at the scene and then turned over to Westport EMS," he said.
"Apparently the flammable staining product was ignited by a pilot light from the home's heating plant, causing an ignition and flash fire which self-extinguished."
He said there was some minor flame damage in the basement area. "However, the outcome could have been much worse based on the flammability of the product being sprayed," Gottfried added.
He said the department urges all residents and contractors to be cautious in using flammable painting and staining products within enclosed and confined areas. Any questions or concerns can be addressed to the Fire Marshall's Office at (203) 341-5000.
Compo Fishing
After the storms of Friday, the fishermen came to Compo Beach today to bask in the warm sunshine and fish on the rocks jutting off the beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Hey, Get Your Lemonade and Cookies Here
Today was "Lemonade and Cookie Day" around Westport to raise funds for rebuilding of the Compo Beach playground. At the Westport Public Library, brothers Alex, 4, and Brendan Schoff, 6, of Westport, did the honors along with sisters Grace, 6, and Hope Goodrich, 4, of Weston, and their moms. The community-driven initiative to rebuild the playground will take place in April 2006. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com
Today's Westport Teardown: 12 Mills St.
Today's WestportNow teardown is 12 Mills St., off of Post Road East near Balducci's. The house, built in 1915, sold in May for $625,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Lemonade and Cookies Sale Benefits Compo Playground
Children and parents will sell lemonade and cookies to thirsty Westport residents and visitors today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. to benefit the Compo Beach Playground Fund.
"Lemonade and Cookie Day" donations of all sizes will be accepted for one cup of lemonade and one cookie with 100 percent of the net proceeds going to the community-driven initiative to rebuild the children’s playground on Compo Beach in April 2006.
"This is the first in a series of fundraisers we are planning to have in order to achieve our financial goals to give this town a brand new facility at the beach,” said Suzanne B. Dodge, chair of the playground project.
Lemonade and cookie stands will be set up at several locations, including Shaw’s, Super Stop and Shop, Trader Joe’s, Talbots Mens Shop, Jesup Green, Right Start Store ( 289 Post Road East), the now-closed Eckerd Drug Store next to Barnes & Noble, Gap Kids, Chroma, and Westport Wash and Wax.
Playground t-shirts will also be for sale at some of the stands.
“The combination of the annual sidewalk sales and this fundraiser should really bring together the community spirit here in Westport,” said Rebecca Ellsley, co-chair of the Playground Committee.
Saturday, July 9, 2005
Noon - Luciano Park - Italian Festival
7:30 p.m. Westport Country Playhouse - "Dear Brutus"
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Early Clover, a singer who will offer renditions of classics made famous by the likes of Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Sam Cooke
July 08, 2005
Basketball Tourney to Benefit Compo Playground Postponed
The 3-on-3 basketball tournament scheduled to be held on the courts at Compo Beach on Saturday. July 16, and Sunday, July 17, has been postponed, organizers said today. A tournament and basketball event will be slated for the fall.
"This time of summer is jam packed with commitments for Westporters as kids and teens head off to summer camps, are on family vacations and are working summer jobs,” said Suzanne Dodge, chairman of the Compo Beach Playground Project.
"Based on the feedback we received from those interested in playing in the tournament and having a fun-filled day of basketball, we would best serve the community and the Compo Beach Playground Project by holding the event in the fall, giving more folks the opportunity to participate.”
For more information, vsit www.wywl.com and click on the link for the tournament or e-mail basketball@wywl.com.
Westport Country Playhouse Announces "Season of Change" Productions
The Westport Country Playhouse said today it will follow its traditional summer season with a series of three theatrical productions from October
2005 through March 2006.
The newly renovated Playhouse will now serve as a year-round center for performing and cultural arts, including a yearly summer season.
Reflecting the additional programming as well as a succession in artistic leadership, the autumn through spring period is dubbed the "Season of Change," an announcement said.
Joanne Woodward, who has served as artistic director since 2001, will resign her position at the end of this year to become Playhouse artistic director emeritus.
She will remain an active member of the Playhouse board of directors, and will work on educational program development, among other areas.
Tazewell Thompson, stage and opera director and playwright, will succeed Woodward as artistic director on Jan. 1.
"As we move outside the summer months, the 'Season of Change' offers a variation on the way we offer tickets to our patrons," said Chance Farago, Playhouse director of communications.
"Instead of a traditional subscription package, we will offer 3-Packs, which carry similar benefits as a subscription. 3-Pack purchasers will be seated before the general public can purchase individual plays, and will be able to exchange their tickets as in the summer."
He said future programming will be more varied than in the past. "We may offer a series of workshops, short-run dramatic or musical works, as well as full-length plays," Farago said.
3-Pack purchasers will be given advance opportunities to buy in the future, but their tickets will not be linked to specific renewable seat locations.
The 'Season of Change' is a collaboration between Woodward and Thompson. Woodward will select the first two plays, and direct one. Thompson will direct two, and select one, the announcement said.
The first play of the season will be directed by Thompson and run from Oct. 27 through Nov. 12.
Tne announcement said several titles are being considered including: "Berlin to Broadway with Kurt Weill," a musical revue; "The Underpants," a comedy by Steve Martin; "The Last Five Years," a musical composed by Jason Robert Brown; "Awake and Sing," a drama by Clifford Odets; "Fallen Angels," a comedy by Noel Coward; "Auntie and Me," a play by Morris Panych; or "an exciting project yet to be discovered."
Woodward selected, and will co-direct with associate artistic director Anne Keefe, a holiday classic, Charles Dickens' "David Copperfield." The family production, playing Dec. 1 - 17, is adapted by Giles Havergal, the Olivier and Drama Desk Award-winning director of "Travels with My Aunt."
Thompson has selected, and will direct, the final play of the "Season of Change," a co-production with Washington, D.C.'s Arena Stage, a pioneer of the regional theatre movement. "On the Verge or The Geography of Yearning"
by Eric Overmeyer will be presented March 9 through March 25, 2006.
The performance schedule for the "Season of Change" will be Tuesdays at 7 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 8:30 p.m.; Sundays at 7:30 p.m. (first week only); matinees on Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.; and Saturday twilight shows at 4 p.m.
Opening night (first Saturday) begins at 7:30 p.m. with no 4 p.m. show on that day. During the third week of production, there will be a student matinee on Thursday at 11 a.m.
Special series will feature the popular TalkBack series, where members of the company return to the stage after the performance on the second Thursday evening for a lively discussion with the audience. Symposium Sundays also return with knowledgeable guests who are invited to speak with the audience after the first Sunday matinee.
A new fixture in the Playhouse schedule will be a series of Open Captioned performances on the second Sunday matinee. Open captioning is a text display located on the side of the stage.
Scrolling the words in synchronization with the performance, it assists people with varying degrees of hearing loss, as well as hearing audience members who might not catch every word during a performance.
Advance ticket sales, now available to the general public, are by 3-Packs, which include a ticket to the same seat for each of the three productions. 3-Packs are priced at $105 to $225 each for three shows.
Current summer season subscribers will have seating priority on 3-Pack orders received by July 29. All orders will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis.
Single tickets, on sale Sept. 19, are $35 to $75 each.
Special events, including music, comedy, film, readings of short fiction and new plays, and a Family Festivities series will also be a major part of the Playhouse's "Season of Change" from autumn through spring, the announcement said.
3-Pack purchase is available by fax or mail, or by visiting the Playhouse during a performance of the current production, "Dear Brutus," through July 24.
For an order form or for more information, call the box office at (203)
227-4177 or visit the box office. Information about the Playhouse is also available at www.westportplayhouse.org.
Joanne Woodward to Speak at Library Monday
Longtime resident Joanne Woodward, artistic director of the Wesport Country Playhouse and director of "The Member of the Wedding" opening there later this month, will be keynote speaker Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the McManus Room of the Westport Public Library.
Woodward will speak at the library's "Before Act I" program about her role as director and the role that the set and costumes play in the production, set to open July 28.
Library officials said Woodward would be joined by Lori Churba, costume designer for "The Member of the Wedding," who plans to show her design sketches at the event.
"Before Act I" is free and open to the public. No reservations are required though seating is limited. For further information call (203) 291-4840.
Westport Burning
A power line burns on the ground of Westport's River Lane this afternoon as heavy rains pelted the area. Fire and police closed off part of River Lane until utility company workers arrived to shut down the line. By mid-afternoon, about 1 ½ inches of rain had fallen in Westport since midnight. Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Westport Tightens Security; Rell Briefs Local Officials
Westport has tightened security around its railroad stations and tunnels following the terrorist attacks in London, Police Chief Al Fiore said today.
Fiore, Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell, and Fire Chief Chris Ackley were on a conference call earlier in the day with Gov. M. Jodi Rell. She briefed local officials on stepped up transit security measures around the state.
"In addition to what the state is doing, we have stepped up our patrols of the railroad stations here in town," Fiore said. "Our patrol officers will be out of their vehicles and on the platforms as trains arrive and depart."
Westport has two Metro-North stations – the larger one at Saugatuck and the smaller one at Greens Farms. Both are normally closely monitored by police officers but usually from their vehicles.
"We will supplement those officers with detectives and officers that are normally assigned to administrative duties," Fiore said. "We will also be patrolling the tunnels and parking lots as well."
A statement by Rell's office said she briefed mayors and first selectmen, fire and police chiefs and local emergency directors around the state on actions the state has undertaken to safeguard mass transit systems following the London attacks.
In addition to state police patrols on Metro-North and Amtrak trains to and from New York City, state troopers will be patrolling the three major Connecticut Transit garages, located in Hartford, New Haven and Stamford; private carrier lots, such as DATTCO Inc. in New Britain; and the 16 Transit District lots around the state, including Norwalk, Rell said.
Also, National Guard troops will be posted at bus and train stations and will provide additional security at large ferry terminals in New London and Bridgeport.
The state police Emergency Services Unit has conducted threat and security assessments at the Connecticut Transit facilities, and guardsmen will be conducting threat assessments at train and bus stations, the statement said.
"The actions we are taking are reasonable and prudent,” Rell said. “Our goal is to make our mass transit systems even safer.
"I say ‘even safer’ because we believe they are already quite safe. There is no information that indicates a threat to our region, but it makes common sense to take some reasonable precautions."
Rell said people should not be afraid to ride trains, buses or ferries.
“We do want them to help us by keeping an eye out for anything suspicious – especially unattended baggage or packages – and alerting uniformed transit personnel or security officers if they spot something amiss," the governor said.
"But people should also know we are doing everything we can to make our transit systems as safe as they can be."
Westport's Office Vacancies Lowest in Years
As of July 1, Westport's office vacancy rate was 11 percent, down from 15.2 percent a year ago and the lowest it has been since 2002, Ted Hampe, chairman of HK Group, a Westport commercial Realtor, said today.
The Westport Office leasing market has made substantial progress in the last year, particularly since Jan. 1, said Hampe.
"The leasing of a vacant 36,000-square-foot building at 55 Post Road West plus numerous smaller leases have been responsible for this result, and the outlook for the balance of 2005 is favorable,” he said.
HK Group tracks 172 office buildings with square footage totaling 2,620,000 out of which only 289,000 square feet were vacant on July 1. An additional 30,000 square feet was being offered for sublease or future direct lease, Hampe said, which reflects planned tenant moves.
"Therefore, the office availability rate was 12.2 percent on July 1, a dramatic improvement versus last July," Hampe said.
Westport's office vacancy rate in 2003 was 16.2 percent and 12.8 percent in 2002. While the current rate is an improvement over recent years, today's vacancies are still considerably higher than only 6.7 percent in 2001.
Hampe added that on the retail front vacancy levels have dropped to 3.8 from 4.7 percent last year.
Some 53,000 square feet out of an inventory of about 1,405,000 were available at mid-year, according to Peter Jennings, HK's director of commercial and residential property management services.
Jack Klugman to Receive Cancer Society Award at July 17 Westport Event
Jack Klugman: cancer survivor. File photoActor Jack Klugman has been selected by the American Cancer Society (ACS) to be the recipient of the first-ever Champions of Hope Award to be presented at its 10th annual "Broadway on Beachside" event in Westport Sunday, July 17, it was announced today.
Jim Calhoun, University of Connecticut head basketball coach and a cancer survivor, is scheduled to present the award to Klugman, 83, best known for his portrayal of the slovenly sportswriter Oscar Madison in "The Odd Couple" television series.
Karen Rouse, senior vice president of marketing and communications for the ACS's New England Division, said the award is “for giving voice to the fight against cancer through education and advocacy.
She said that Klugman, who lost a vocal cord to cancer in the early 1990s, has since continued his stage and on television acting while supporting health issues and doing an ACS public service announcement.
In addition to "The Odd Couple," which ran from 1970 to 1975 and for which he won two Emmy awards, Klugman starred in several classic films including "Twelve Angry Men" and "Days of Wine and Roses."
He also won an Emmy for his work on the television series "The Defenders" and appeared in four episodes of the "The Twilight Zone." He also starred in his TV hit "Quincy, M.E.," which ran from 1976-1983. He was married to Westport actress Brett Somers, who co-starred with him in "The Odd Couple."
"Broadway on Beachside" highlights Broadway performances and celebrities, and culminates with a grant presentation to ACS researchers. The event has raised more than $3 million and funded 11 cancer researchers since its inception in 1995.
Co-chairs of the event include Cissy and Donald Hornung and Maggie and Bob Hornung. There is a minimum donation of $300 per person to attend. For further information contact Gayle Alswanger at (203) 563-1513 or e-mail gayle.alswanger@cancer.org.
"Dear Brutus" Debuts at Westport Country Playhouse
J.M. Barrie's "Dear Brutus" debuted Thursday night at the Westport Country Playhouse. The second production of the summer, it runs through July 24. Pictured are front (l-r): Emma Roberts, Meg Gibson, Noble Shropshire (kneeling), Beth Fowler, and Corinne Chandler. Rear (l-r): Cheryl Lynn Bowers, Curzon Dobell, Christopher Evan Welch, Simon Jones, Allison Mackie, and Patrick Horgan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) T. Charles Erickson/Westport Country Playhouse photo
Westport's Charter Oak Awards Scholarships to Bridgeport Students
The Westport-based Charter Oak Challenge Foundation awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships to 15 students who recently graduated from Bridgeport high schools.
Andy Boas, Charter Oak's president, said each scholar will receive $10,000 over four years and a laptop computer.
The amount of each scholarship escalates each year, he added, from $1,000 in the student’s freshman year to $4,000 by senior year. Each recipient is also paired with a trained adult mentor who provides guidance throughout the student’s college years.
"The students chosen have overcome tremendous obstacles to become leaders in their schools and communities,” said Boas.
"Educating Bridgeport’s young people is crucial to future revitalization of the city, and we are confident that these students will take full advantage of the opportunities a college education affords.”
The 2005 Charter Oak Scholars and the schools they are attending: Vanessa Berrios and Hanha Bou, graduates of Central High School who will attend Syracuse University; Harding High School's Patrisa Buster who is attending Princeton; Daniela Castellanos of Harding High School who is going to Fairfield University; Qin Chen of Bassick High School who will attend Fairfield University, and Central High School's Diana De los Santos who has been accepted to Harvard.
Also: Sherwayne Gordon of Harding High School who will attend University of Connecticut; Harding High School's Karla Henriquez who is off to Arizona State University; Hasan Henry of Central High School who is going to University of Connecticut; Harding High School's Tracyann Johnson who had been accepted at Temple University; Michael Otzel of Kolbe Cathedral High School going to University of Connecticut, and Victor Santos of Central High School attending University of Connecticut.
Also: Ana Soto of Bassick High School attending Wesleyan University; Marsha Techeira of Harding High School who will attend University of Connecticut, and Bassick High's Michael Tran who will attend University of Connecticut.
Charter Oak was founded in 2001 to help children and families in the Bridgeport area. The scholarships are aimed at academically talented students who need financial support to realize their potential.
Foremost among the organization's goals, Boas said, is to reduce poverty in the region. Since the fall of 2003, Charter Oak has donated more than $1 million to 25 organizations in the Bridgeport area.
Boas said the scholarship program, the largest of its kind in the area, has a 95 percent retention rate, almost four times the 25 percent graduation rate among all Bridgeport students who go to college.
Westport Property Transfers June 27-July 1, 2005
Property transfers as reported by the Westport Town Clerk's office for the period June 27-July 1, 2005:
Patrick A. and Kristen W. McDonald to Tryton 31 Cross Highway LLC, 31 Cross Highway, $815,000 
Paul C. and Alicia M. Zec to Karin Burgher, 16 Ostend Ave., $1,500,000
Dany Lee Lennon- and Tyree Montague to Todd and Hilary Reichhelm, 7 Cross Brook Lane , $1,250,000
Patricia Giannuzzi to Xenofon and Maria Tziolis, 35 Burnham Hill, $1,600,000
Daniel W. and Susan M. Oehlsen to Geoffrey R. and Deborah S. Erickson, 19 Hitchcock Road, $1,025,000
John D. and Amy C. Gay to Andrew Genser and Julia Marx, 22 Rayfield Road, $1,585,000
Cranbury Road LLC to Thomas G. and Cynthia J. McLaughlin, 42 Cranbury Road, $2,195,000
Lynn Flaster Paul to Douglas M. Nagourney, Unit 184 Regents Park, $850,000
Scott and Lynn Prowitt Smith to Keith D. Davis, 16 Franklin Ave., $1,219,000
Lorcan D. O’Connor and Sarah E. Kelly to Rosemary Halstead Trust, 4 Sunny Lane, $635,000
Erwin Hosono and Elizabeth L. Axelrod to Sirva Relocation LLC, 10 Hen Hawk Lane, $1,585,000
Sirva Relocation LLC to Buckmaster Dewolf and Rosemary H. Ratcliff, 10 Hen Hawk Lane, $1,585,000
Thomas F. and Marcia N. McGee to Sean and Brenda McGee, 138 Compo Road North 1/3 interest, $275,462.97
Steven L. and Brittain Leigh Ezzes to Cathy and Alan Circle, 2 Elliot Lane, $1,700,000
Todd M. and Susan Jane Blumenfeld to John D. and Lynn Flaster Paul, 4 Hooper Road, $1,125,000
Phillip James Kann and Virginia M. Maddock to Olav Vaagen, 1 Tiffany Lane, $1,245,000
Dylan and Melissa C. Remley to Jeffrey J. and Mary Ellen V. Conway, 18 Horseshoe Lane East, $1,090,000
Evan and Nancy Wilsnack to Michael Hayes, 58 Washington Ave., $1,100,000
John and Mary M. Kocsis to Alison Rivard, 19 Bulkley Ave. North, $795,000
Paul Schienberg to Jason J. and Renae L. Decaprio, 16 Drumlin Road, $525,000
Dominick and Christine Depinto to Christopher Baildon and Amy M. Ruda, 6 Charcoal Hill Commons, $2,410,000
Elizabeth N. and Scott W. Andrews to Paul D. and Carolina F. Stubbs, 37 Park Lane, $910,000
James E. Wolf to Jennifer A. Sanan, 8 Sterling Drive, $1,295,000
Hayes B. and Clare S. Clark to Cendant Mobility Fin Corp., 22 Wedgewood Road, $1,613,139
Cendant Mobility Fin Corp. to William F. and Hilary Wechsler Gibson, 22 Wedgewood Road, $1,613,139
Jordan B. and Rajal S. Young to Stephen R. and Rachel M. Hansen, Unit 6 Riverside Walk, $540,000
Weston Writer Evan Hunter, Honored by Westport, Dies at Age 78
Evan Hunter, the prolific writer born Salvatore Lombino who wrote under the Hunter name as well as Ed McBain and several others to become one of America's best-known mystery and crime novelists, died Wednesday in Weston of cancer of the larynx, his agent said. He was 78. In September 2003, Hunter (box) was among those honored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee at a Westport Town Hall ceremony. He startled the audience with his gravely voice and finger constantly held to a white button on his throat, explaining he lost his vocal chords to cancer and was speaking with a synthetic voice. Hunter ended his brief talk with thanks to Westport and the Arts Advisory Committee for selecting him as an honoree. “Art is all about voices,” he said. “And Westport is all about art.” Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Friday, July 8, 2005
6 p.m. - Luciano Park - Italian Festival
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Cajun musicians create a unique genre of rock 'n' roll known as swamp pop
8:30 p.m. Westport Country Playhouse - "Dear Brutus"
July 07, 2005
Westport's Italian Festival Opens
Westport's Italian Festival opened tonight for a four-day run. The festival, which began in 1982, has raised $1.6 million over the years which it has distributed to 40 charities. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Dunking for a Good Cause
Among those getting a dunking tonight at Westport's Italian Festival was Neil Harding of Fairfield. Harding is a crew chief with Westport's Volunteer Emergency Medical Service and operates the Harding Funeral Home in Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Dignitaries in Line of March
Among dignitaries marching tonight in Westport's Italian Festival parade were (l-r) Selectman John Izzo, State Rep. Joe Mioli, State Sen. Judith Freedman, former Second Selectman Betty Lou Cummings, and Representative Town Meeting Moderator Gordon Joseloff (who is also editor of WestportNow). They paused as the parade came to a brief stop along Franklin Street en route to Luciano Park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
Crowd Pleaser
Chauffeured by Bill Schefler, Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell was greeted by cheers and well wishes tonight as she arrived at Luciano Park at the start of Festival Italiano (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
Westport Shows Solidarity With Britain Following Terrorist Attacks
In a display of solidarity with Britain following today's terrorist attacks in London, two Union Jacks flew on Westport's Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge in the town's center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com
Italian Festival Gets Underway Tonight
Westport's Italian Festival opens tonight and runs through Sunday. Carmine Cenatiempo, owner of Calise's, was among those making preparations today at the festival site near the Westport train station. The event kicks off with a parade along Riverside Avenue at 6:45 p.m. to the festival grounds. For more information, visit www.festivalitaliano.info. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
As Rumored, Westport's Eckerd Drugs Shuts Down
Eckerd Drugs, at 1096 Post Road East next to Barnes & Noble, shut its doors for good Wednesday night without notice – except for WestportNow's June 29, 2005, exclusive story reporting rumors of a closure. A sign posted in the store window said prescriptions have been transferred to the Westport Stop & Shop pharmacy and photos to the Eckerd store in Fairfield. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
Rell Signs $1.3 Billion Transportation Initiative at South Norwalk Station
Gov. M. Jodi Rell today used the South Norwalk train station as a backdrop for signing the $1.3 billion Transportation Initiative that includes funding for rail cars, buses and highway improvements.
Rell thanked legislators, in particular those from Fairfield County, for their work in passing the measure.
"Connecticut commuters, especially those here in Southwestern Connecticut, have endured grueling gridlock for too long," she said. "Today, I can assure them that help is on the way.”
Rell said the bill represents the most ambitious transportation improvement program for Connecticut in more than two decades.
"I am happy to say that this bill passed with nearly unanimous support – proving that transportation issues transcend politics in Connecticut,” the governor said.
“I am extremely grateful to the General Assembly for its bipartisan handling of this crucial legislation.”
Thursday, July 7, 2005
6:45 p.m. - Riverside Avenue - Italian Festival parade
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Planning and Zoning Commission
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 201/201A - Golf Advisory Committee
7:45 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - RTM Finance Committee
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Mark Verselli, comedian
8 p.m. Westport Country Playhouse - "Dear Brutus" opening night
July 06, 2005
Rell Promises Sherwood Island to Have Full Lifeguard Coverage by Weekend
Gov. M. Jodi Rell, acknowledging that Westport's Sherwood Island State Park was not fully covered by lifeguards for the busy 4th of July holiday as she had promised, said today that the shortage should be corrected this weekend.
As reported exclusively by WestportNow Monday, only the park's West Beach had lifeguard coverage on the holiday while the larger East Beach, where waters are rougher, went uncovered. Park Supervisor Toby Buff said lifeguards were still in training. (See WestportNow July 4, 2005)
Upwards of 18,000 persons visited the beach Monday, some of them swimming in an area of the East Beach clearly marked by a "No Swimming" sign. Westport fire and ambulance personnel responded to at least two incidents in the park.
"At least 13 fully-trained lifeguards will be on duty at Sherwood Island this weekend, and that number should be sufficient to provide coverage of the entire beach,” said Rell in a statement.
"This is a large beach, with rough and calm sections of water. On all sections of the beach, safety must be our top priority. With every new lifeguard we add, we take another step forward in protecting those who visit and swim at this busy beach."
After lifeguards quit in a dispute over pay, working conditions and what they said was defective or lacking equipment, Rell issued a call for replacement lifeguards and promised they would be in place for the 4th of July.
Rell said her administration would continue to monitor staffing levels at Sherwood Island as well as the rest of Connecticut's parks and beaches.
Dodig Wants Staples Principal Job Permanently; Vows to Remain 5 Years
By Jonathan Thrope
John Dodig, the interim principal of Westport's Staples High School since last October, said today he wants to do away with the interim label and become the school's long-term leader. 
John Dodig (meeting with community members today): Being with students makes me feel "young, happy, vibrant." Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Addressing about 15 teachers, parents, and reporters at a "meet the finalist candidate session" at Town Hall this morning, Dodig, 61, said that if selected for the job, he would remain at Staples for at least five more years.
"I had no idea that the fit would be as good as it is,” Dodig explained. He said being with the students “makes me fell young. It makes me feel happy. It makes me feel vibrant.”
His announcement was an unexpected twist in the principal search that began in October when former Principal John Brady, who himself started as interim principal but later took the job permanently, left to become the superintendent of the Amity, Conn., school district.
In May, Diana Lindsay, principal at Ridgefield High School, was introduced to the Westport community as the lone finalist for the job of Staples principal. But a day after meeting with Westport students, teachers, and community members, she abruptly withdrew her candidacy.
Once she was no longer an option for next year, many assumed that Dodig would continue to be interim principal until a replacement could be found.
However, it came as both a surprise to him, and the community members at the meeting, that he planned on staying at Staples for five more years.
Initially, Dodig explained, he never thought his tenure at Staples would ever last more than a year. After retiring as headmaster of Fairfield High School in 2004, following 11 years on the job, he thought his teaching career was over.
However, after having the first summer off since being 13 years old, Dodig was approached by Westport’s Superintendent Elliott Landon and asked to fill in as interim principal following Brady’s departure. Dodig said he agreed to be principal with the sole intention of staying for just a year.
However, according to Dodig, he first began to reconsider his decision while watching the Staples Player’s production of "Cabaret" in November. While watching the musical, he said, he could not believe that a public school was putting on such a fantastic performance.
He explained that he is an “old theater guy” and he was extremely impressed by what the Players had put together.
In December or January, he told Landon that, if needed, he would stay at Staples for another year and then just two or three weeks ago, he decided he would make at least a five-year commitment to Staples.
If he gets the job, it will mark the fourth school he has been principal at in his lengthy 35-year teaching career which began in Bahgdad, Iraq. There, he explained, he lived in a monastery and taught for a year. However, he had to leave for safety concerns after the Baathists got control of the country.
After fleeing Iraq and “hitchhiking around the world” with some friends, he returned to the United States where he became a math teacher at a junior high school in New Haven. There, while working for nine years, he introduced algebra into the curriculum for gifted students. Soon, the course expanded to the point where he even taught it after school.
Then, following the recommendation of his wife, he became assistant principal at Daniel Hand High School in Madison, Conn. He was brought in there, he said, because of his interest in the arts, and for six years, he successfully expanded the cultural arts in the school to the point at which he created the Madison Arts Society.
Following his stint at Daniel Hand High School, he got his first principal job at Cheshire High School. There, he held the job for eight years, and was named Connecticut’s Principal of the Year along the way.
Following his lifelong trend of never staying put, he left Cheshire and served as principal at New Haven's Wilbur Cross High School for just a year. It was a “wild and crazy place” he explained, and he was too old to deal with it.
The next year, he began his 11-year tenure as headmaster at Fairfield High School. He retired in 2004 thinking that he was done working in schools. 35 years in the teaching profession, he thought, was just the right amount.
However, when Landon came to interview him for the job, he couldn’t say no.
Now, after almost a year at Staples, he has ambitious plans for the future. He said one of his main objectives if hired would be to make classes more in depth and not so broad. He would like more classes to delve deeply into certain topics and not cover so many so quickly.
He also says that he would try to implement some sort of internship program for seniors in the second semester so that they have a "meaningful experience" after being accepted into college.
Finally, he said he wants to “give everyone an opportunity to shine.” He doesn’t just want the outstanding athletes and students to be recognized, but rather everyone in one way or another. He wants to let all students have “15 minutes of fame at some point in high school.”
There will be two additional opportunities to meet and question Dodig at noon and 7:30 pm. in room 309 at Town Hall.
Staples Finalist Candidate is Interim Principal John Dodig
The finalist candidate for principal of Westport's Staples High School is a familiar figure – John Dodig, who has served as the school's interim principal since last October. Dodig, 61, met with community members this morning, the first of three such sessions today. He said he didn't make his final decision to apply for the job until two or three weeks ago. He said if selected, he would remain at least five years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Wednesday, July 6, 2005
8 a.m., noon and 7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 309 - Staples principal finalist meets community
10:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - International Hospitality Committee
2 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Revaluation Working Group
4 p.m. - Room 201 - Beautification Committee
7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Magic of Lynn, magical tricks
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Auditorium - Board of Finance
7:30 p.m. - Room 201 - Flood & Erosion Control Board
July 05, 2005
Rain Fails to Dampen Fireworks Spirits
Westporters had to endure a rain shower before tonight's Compo Beach fireworks but those who stuck it out were rewarded with a spectacular 24-minute show. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Smaller Crowd for Fireworks
Tonight's Compo Beach fireworks, postponed from Friday, attracted a smaller crowd as a result. Proceeds went to the Westport Police Athletic League. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Getting Out of the Rain at Compo
A brief but heavy rain shower had visitors to Westport's Compo Beach scurrying for cover tonight as they awaited the 4th of July fireworks show. The event was postponed from Friday when rainy weather was forecast but never materialized. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Walking in the Rain
A heavy rain shower preceded tonight's Compo Beach fireworks but most beachgoers stuck it out to enjoy the show. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com
Celebrating at Compo
A father lights a sparkler for his daughter at Compo Beach tonight before the fireworks show. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Spirit of 1776
The Junior Colonials Fife and Drum Corps from Westbrook, Conn., gave a touch of 1776 before tonight's Compo Beach fireworks. Here they passed partygoers along Soundview Drive. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
Getting Ready for the Fireworks
Visitors to Westport’s Compo Beach get ready to watch tonight’s postponed 4th of July fireworks. Despite overcast skies and the threat of showers, hundreds coverged on the beach for the annual event. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com
Westport Police Chief: Fireworks a Go Tonight
Despite a forecast that includes the possibility of showers or thunderstorms, Westport Police Chief Al Fiore said tonight's scheduled fireworks at Compo Beach are a go.
"The barge is in the water and we're full steam ahead," said Fiore, who sits on the board of the Police Athletic League (PAL) which is staging the event.
The fireworks were originally scheduled Friday night but were postponed because of a forecast that included severe thunderstorms. The bad weather never materialized, at least over Compo.
"I had some friends in Trumbull who said it poured for an hour," Fiore said. "In retrospect, I think we made the right decision. We're keeping our fingers crossed for tonight."
Westport Fireworks Backyard-Style
While Westport's official (postponed) fireworks marking Independence Day are tonight at Compo Beach, a number of Westporters celebrated the July 4th event Monday night with their own backyard pyrotechnics. This was the scene at a home on Cross Highway. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
10 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
9:15 p.m. Compo Beach - Fireworks
July 04, 2005
Jamming the Beach on the 4th of July
A parade of cars waited to get into Westport's Compo Beach today. As parking lots filled, Parks and Rec employees directed 4th of July visitors to park on the grass near the marina. The beach will host the town's postponed fireworks display Tuesday night. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomusicio for WestportNow.com
Doubling Up at Compo
There was no shortage of lifeguards at Westport's Compo Beach today. In view of the large number of 4th of July visitors, the Parks and Recreation Department doubled up coverage. Among those keeping watch: Jaclyn Printz (l) and Steven Papen. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com
Busy 4th of July at Compo
Westport's Compo Beach experienced one of its busiest days ever today as thousands spent their 4th of July holiday soaking up the sun. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
Thousands Visit Sherwood Island But Find Lifeguards in Short Supply
Despite a promise by Gov. M. Jodi Rell that lifeguards would be on duty this 4th of July at Westport's Sherwood Island State Park, thousands of visitors showed up today to find only one of the park's two beaches with lifeguard coverage.
Visitors to Sherwood Island State Park today ignored a "No Swimming" sign in an area of the East Beach that lacked lifeguard coverage. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Six lifeguards were on the park's West Beach at mid-day, but the larger East Beach – where the crowds were bigger and the waters rougher – had none. Visitors instead were greeted by several signs saying "No Lifeguard on Duty."
The signs did not dissuade thousands from using the East Beach, some of whom ventured into the water in an area clearly marked "No Swimming."
"They're still undergoing training," said Park Supervisor Toby Buff, referring to the lifeguards, when reached by telephone in mid-afternoon. "We have lifeguards on the West Beach and we hope to have the whole beach covered in a couple of days."
Thirteen guards were hired last week after the park's 10 lifeguards earlier quit, citing low pay, non-working or missing equipment, and expanded duties.
Rell became personally involved in the dispute by issuing a public appeal for replacement lifeguards. In a statement Wednesday, she said the lifeguard shortage at Sherwood Island had been successfully addressed just in time for the busy 4th of July weekend. (See WestportNow June 29, 2005)
A lifeguard keeps watch today over swimmers at the West Beach of Westport's Sherwood Island State Park. There was no lifeguard coverage on the East Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
"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," Rell's statement said.
"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."
One of the lifeguards who was on duty said today he believed that some of the replacement lifeguards hired were found to have improper paperwork or other issues that apparently prevented their deployment.
Buff said he believed three of the replacement lifeguards had expired CPR certifications but that they would soon be recertified. He said he was not aware of any other problems affecting the replacements.
Buff said he anticipated about 18,000 visitors at Sherwood Island today following about 16,000 who showed up Sunday.
Westport fire and EMS units responded to two ambulance calls at the beach this afternoon within minutes of each other -- one for a man who suffered a seizure, another for a child with a back injury.
Police Chief Al Fiore earlier expressed concern about the lifeguard problem at Shewood Island. He said not having the beach fully staffed had the potential of requiring increased calls for service there by Westport personnel. (See WestportNow June 28, 2005)
Flying the Flag at Compo
A visitor to Westport's Compo Beach flew the flag in honor of the 4th of July today as she awaited guests at her cookout. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Lifeguards on 4th ofJuly Duty at Sherwood Island (Partially)
Replacement lifeguards were on the job on the 4th of July at the West Beach of Sherwood Island State Park today as promised by Gov. M. Jodi Rell after other lifeguards quit over pay and working conditions. But it was a different story on the bigger, busier East Beach – see photo below. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Sherwood Island -- No Guards on East Beach
Sherwood Island's busy East Beach was without lifeguards today despite Gov. M. Jodi Rell's announcement that lifeguards would be on duty the 4th of July weekend. Guards were in place on the West Beach. Park Supervisor Toby Buff said the lifeguards were still undergoing training and that was why the East Beach was uncovered. He said he expected about 18,000 visitors to the park today after 16,000 on Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Special Meaning on 4th of July
The display outside the Westport Historical Society took on special meaning this 4th of July. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com
Renewing of Vows
Westporters Kim and Mark Mathias renewed their wedding vows Sunday after 20 years of marriage (their official anniversary date is Wednesday). "Perhaps the best addition this year was the inclusion of Nicole, (7), as the flower girl," said Mark, a member of the Westport Board of Education. Kim is a member of the Representative Town Meeting. The ceremony was held at the Saugatuck Congregational Church with The Rev. John Danner presiding. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
The Westport View of Norwalk's Fireworks
Norwalk's fireworks display Sunday night at Calf Pasture Beach was visible to those gathered at Westport's Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Laura Glickstein for WestportNow.com
July 03, 2005
Mother Nature's Fireworks
Mother Nature provided her own kind of fireworks tonight at Westport's Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com
Compo Play
Youngsters enjoyed some sunset water play tonight at Westport's Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Laura Glickstein for WestportNow.com
Westport Woman's Club Elects Officers
The Westport Woman's Club recently installed its new board with Barbara Levy leading the club for 2005-2006. Pictured standing (l-r) are: Rose Jordan, secretary; Linda Clair, second vice president; Barbara Levy, president; Leah Scherzer, first vice president, and Emily Dinsdale, treasurer. Sitting, (l-r): Eileen Petropoulos, club historian; Sally Shauer, curio cottage representative; Fay Farquhar, co- chairman house;, Betty McGrath, co-chairman programs, Audrey Rabinowitz, community services; Wendy Mckeon, membership; Catherine Smith, grounds, and Ann Rossell, communications. Missing are Linda Amos, co-chairman house; Maryann Razzano, rentals; Barbara Raffel, co-chairman programs, and Jean Golden, parliamentarian. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Playhouse Symposium on Second Chances Set
A symposium, “Illusions and Second Chances,” is scheduled to be presented by the Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, July 10, at 5:30 p.m. following the afternoon performance of "Dear Brutus."
The whimsical play by J. M. Barrie, the author of “Peter Pan.” is about second chances and paths not taken. A second performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. that day.
Free and open to the public, the symposium features Toni Dorfman, director of undergraduate theater studies and associate professor of theater studies at Yale University, and Lois Spivak, Ph.D, a psychologist and sex therapist with a private practice in Woodbridge.
They plan to discuss Shakespearean illusions and references in “Dear Brutus,” and how second chances in relationships work out in the real world. The play's title, “Dear Brutus,” comes from Shakespeare's “Julius Caesar."
"Dear Brutus” is set on Midsummer's Eve, when a group of strangers is invited to an isolated English country manor. They question why have they been invited, who is their strange, childlike host, and what they have in common.
The answers lie in the mysterious woods that appear for just one night each year.
The second production in the Playhouse's 75th Anniversary Season, “Dear Brutus” is scheduled to run from Thursday through July 24.
It is directed by Gregory Boyd, artistic director of the Alley Theatre in Houston, and winner of a 2005 Connecticut Critics Circle Award for his direction of “Travesties” at Long Wharf Theatre.
For ticket information, call (203) 227-4177, or purchase online at www.westportplayhouse.org
Lemonade Break
After serving seven customers in front of his South Compo Road home today, Callum Stirton, 4, decided to sample his own lemonade, while his father, Kerry, and mother, Mary, holding sister, Eleanor, approved. Standing on the far right is Jack Fisher, 14, who stopped his bike to quench his thirst for 50 cents. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) James Lomuscio for WestportNow.com
4th of July Holiday Weekend Sunday Draws Crowds to Compo
A stiff breeze kept the temperature in the upper 60s but that did not deter crowds who packed Westport's Compo Beach today. Parking spots were in short supply because of the many who made their way to the beach on the Sunday of the 4th of July holiday weekend. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Gordon Joseloff/WestportNow.com photo
Clear Sailing
After a night of threatening thunderstorms that never materialized, Saturday dawned bright and sunny, providing clear sailing weather for those setting out for the day from the marina at Westport's Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Sunday, July 3, 2005
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Rondi Charleston sings jazz standards
