Little Boys and a Big Fire Engine

The Westport Public Library welcomed about 200 children to its Big Wheels to the Rescue day. Youngsters were able to see a fire engine, ambulance, police car and police dog close up. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynne Perrigo for WestportNow.com

Today's WestportNow Teardown: 43 Sturges Highway

Today's WestportNow teardown is 43 Sturges Highway. Built in 1916, the property changed hands this month for $847,000. A demolition application is pending. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Saturday, July 30, 2005

7:30 p.m . - Westport Country Playhouse - "The Member of the Wedding"
8 p.m . - Levitt Pavilion - 3rd Degree, rock and R&B

Country at the Levitt

Gunsmoke, a popular tri-state country band, performed tonight at Westport's Levitt Pavilion. Dancers swayed to the group's authentic western swing and honky-tonk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Learning Some New Moves

Before tonight's concert at Westport's Levitt Pavilion, guests enjoyed some country dance instruction. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Westport Property Transfers July 18-22, 2005

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

Gary M. Stibel to Amy S. Benjamin, 11 Covlee Drive, $3,372,500

Alan C. Benjamin to Elliot and Barbara Cooperstone, 6 Marvin Place, $2,120,000

Masayasu and Emiko Koizumi to Carel and Brigid Vandermerwe, 38 Marion Road, $989,000

Lawrence E. Janes and John W. Williams Jr. to Andrew J. Thomas and Randall Alan Hammond, 64 Bayberry Lane, $2,299,000

John F. and Christine Wilkes Beninati to 554 17th street LLC, 43 Crescent Road, $980,000

Pieka Construction Inc. to Christopher D. Quigley, 129 Imperial Ave., $1,700,000

Ralph G. and Stephanie B. Sorley Jr. to Steven M. and Sarah Prager Smith, 9 Mallard Lane, $1,300,000

Land Group Inc. to Jackie and Steven J. Selby, 36 Morningside Drive North, $2,100,000

Lewis D. Brey and Jean M. Robinson to Michael and Paige A. Scherer, 3 Bushy Ridge Road, $1,050,000

James and Ann Corbett to Charles H. and Jane D. Gibbons, 25 Burritts Landing South, $2,050,000

Jason A. and Ali W. Bovis to Antonio Flavio De Lima and Sara Maria De Sousa Lima, 33 Hillandale Road, $720,000

David A. and Felisa A. Wind to John F. and Christine Wilkes Beninatti, 6 Court of Oaks, $1,475,000

Estate of Lee M. Stannard to Piotr J. Toczek, 352 Westport Road, $510,000

Eric S. and Jill F. Kreutzer Orent to Rebecca L. Brownstein, 4 Oakwood Lane, $735,000

Kurt Sussen to Joseph Franchi and Anna Vitola, 5 Willowbrook Drive, $613,900

Dennis G. Maxwell III to David G. Call and Marion Leaman, 66 High Point Road, $1,087,500

David A. Michelle Titlebaum to Ian Ellis, 2A Stony Point Road, $1,765,000

Axis Point Group Holdings LLC to David and Michelle Titlebaum, 32 Colony Road, $2,339,000

Estate of Perry Basome to Sterling Homes LLC, 23 Silver Brook Road, $950,000

Linda A. Keller to Lynda Lee Lathan, 1 Lyndale Park, $800,000

Sherwood Homes LLC to Athina Livanos Meehan, 287 Wilton Road, $2,812,200

Friday, July 29, 2005

8:30 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Westport Transit District Directors
8 p.m . - Levitt Pavilion - Gunsmoke, country music
8:30 p.m . - Westport Country Playhouse - "The Member of the Wedding"

Classical Music Night at the Levitt

It was classical music night tonight at Westport's Levitt Pavilion with a performance by the Armstrong Chamber Ensemble. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Broadening Public Interest in Chamber Music

The violin and piano duo of Helen and Andrew Armstrong performed classical pieces under the stars tonight at Westport's Levitt Pavilion. The two internationally known musicians are part of the not-for-profit chamber music group, Armstrong Chamber Concerts. The organization, founded 21 years ago by Helen Armstrong, aims at broadening public interest in and knowledge of chamber music through performance and education. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Paying Tribute to the Levitt Pavilion's Founder

Mimi Levitt, wife of the late founder of the Levitt Pavilion, Mortimer Levitt, and members of her family, were in the audience at tonight's Levitt Pavilion performance. The concert was dedicated to the memory of Mortimer Levitt and his contribution to the arts. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Rell Travels to Southport for Bill Signings

Gov.M. Jodi Rell traveled to Southport today to sign into law four bills that will protect the state’s environment and safeguard the health of Connecticut’s residents.
Protecting the environment: Gov. M. Jodi Rell signs bills in Southport today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Greenburbs.com photo

During a bill signing ceremony at historic Southport Harbor, Rell said, “Enacting these laws means that we are taking new and stronger steps to protect our air, our water, our land and our wildlife.

"It also means we are taking additional steps to protect the health and well being of our citizens.

“These new initiatives will benefit us all right now. But they will also make certain that our children and our grandchildren are able to enjoy the natural beauty of Connecticut and live full and healthy lives in our state."

Rell was joined at the ceremony by several members of the General Assembly, local officials and residents, including some from Westport, representatives of numerous organizations concerned with environmental issues, and Gina McCarthy, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The measures included:

• An Act Concerning the Minimum Water Flow Regulations

This bill will lead to improved regulation of rivers and streams –to better protect wildlife, water quality and outdoor recreation. The bill requires the DEP to put into effect by December 2006 new regulations concerning water flow on the state’s rivers and streams.

• An Act Concerning A Connecticut Clean Car Incentive Program

This special act requires DEP to lead a study on incentives the legislature can consider next year to encourage people to purchase cleaner and more fuel-efficient cars. Implementation of these recommendations will lead to a reduction in pollution and the build up of greenhouse gases and also conserve energy.

• An Act Establishing a Connecticut Diesel Plan

This special act requires DEP to develop a plan to reduce diesel emissions – which are a significant source of air pollution especially in urban areas. The plan will be ready for consideration by next year’s General Assembly.

• An Act Concerning Pesticides at Day Care Facilities

This bill prohibits the use of lawn care pesticides on the grounds of public and private elementary schools and day care centers after 2008. Use of these products at schools where young children spend much of their day has raised a number of health concerns.

Farrell Seeks Energy Plan Delay

Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell has written to Connecticut's congressional delegation seeking a delay in implementation of what opponents say will be a costly energy plan for southwest Connecticut, it was announced today.

In a letter released by Farrell's office, the Westport official called on delegation members to support legislation which would delay for two years a two-zone energy pricing scheme the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) plans to impose on Connecticut and all New England states.

"The Locational Installed Capacity Market Proposal (LICAP), proposed by FERC, is ill-conceived," Farrell said.

Earlier this month, Rep. Christopher Shays said he had written to Rep. Joe Baron, chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, to request a one-year delay of LICAP.

He said the plan could result in the average Connecticut customer's electric bill increasing between 21 and 24 percent over the next five years -- the largest rate increase in the history of New England.

James Hardin Resigns as Westport Downtown Merchants President

The Westport Downtown Merchants Association (WDMA) today announced the resignation of James M. Hardin as its president due to the "press of work" and "some health issues."

The group's board of governors elected David Waldman, current vice president, to fill out Hardin's term, and elected Lee Papageorge as vice president, an announcement said.

Waldman is a principal in the realty firm of David Adam Realty, and Papageorge is the owner of Westport's Oscar’s Deli.

Hardin, associate executive director of the Westport Weston YMCA, first joined the WDMA board of governors July 1, 2002.

Originally he served as chair of the Membership Committee and worked as a volunteer on the annual Fine Arts Festival for the past three years.

"Hardin stated his reasons for the resignation had to do with the press of work at his occupation and some health issues," the announcement said.

“It has been a pleasure and privilege to have worked with a great group of people dedicated to the betterment of downtown Westport," Hardin said.

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward Nominated for Emmy Awards

They've both won Emmy Awards before but not until this round did Westport's Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward receive nominations for the same piece of work, the HBO series "Empire Falls."

Newman was nominated in the category "Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie" while Woodward received hers for "Outstanding Actress in a Miniseries or Movie."

"It's a deliight," said Woodward in a statement issued today by the Westport Country Playhouse, where she is artistic director. "We've never been nominated for the same movie. It's fun."

CBS is scheduled to air the 57th annual Primetime Emmy Awards Sept. 18 from Los Angeles. The nominations were announced July 14.

Westport Firefighters Assist in Wilton Parking Garage Fire

Westport firefighters today assisted the Wilton Fire Department at a fire in a parking garage.

The mutual aid call came in at 10:07 a.m. for a fire in a three-story parking garage at 50 Danbury Road, according to Assistant Chief Jonathan Gottfried and Lt. Ken Lombardi.

Westport's Engine Co. 2, led by Lombardi, arrived on the scene and assisted Wilton units in extinguishing two vehicles that were on fire on the garage's second floor, a news release said.

Multiple vehicles as well as the parking structure sustained smoke damage, fire officials said. There was also possible structural damage to the parking deck in the area of fire origin.

The Westport engine remained on the scene for about 40 minutes. Additional manpower was called to staff Westport units while Engine 2 was in Wilton, the officials said.

Compo Lifeguard Competition Canceled

A lifeguard competition scheduled for 6 p.m. today at Westport's Compo Beach has been canceled, according to Kristen Kelley, waterfront director for the Parks and Recreation Department. "The reason was there were not enough entries," she said.

SAAB of Westport Sponsors Aug. 5 Beach Boys Concert at the Levitt

For the seventh year, SAAB of Westport will sponsor the Annual Gala Concert to benefit the Levitt Pavilion. This year's Aug. 5 event features The Beach Boys. Pictured (l-r): Gala Co-Chair Kevin Lally, Pat Ryan, president of SAAB of Westport, and Freda Welsh, executive director of the Levitt. Proceeds of the concert will underwrite the more than 50 nights of free entertainment at the Levitt this year. Tickets for the 9 p.m. concert are limited and range from $50 to $250. For more information, visit the Levitt Web site or call (203) 226-7600. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Westport EMS Launches New Driver Program

Ever been interested in volunteering at Westport's Volunteer Emergency Medical Service but don't have time to take the lengthy Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course? Now there's a new role you can play – ambulance driver.

Westport's EMS has launched a new category of volunteers –EMS Ambulance Driver, according to Deputy Police Chief David Heinmiller.

"EMS drivers are an integral part of the EMS response team and the creation of this new volunteer position allows current, highly-trained EMT and paramedic crews to devote all their time to patient treatment," he said.

In addition to being trained to drive emergency vehicles, these volunteers will be responsible for the inspection and minor maintenance of the ambulances, he said. They also will assist crews with scene safety, equipment and supplies, and patient movement.

EMS drivers may elect in the future to transition to an EMT crew member following completion of an EMT course and State of Connecticut certification, Heinmiller said.

Interested individuals in good health, with a good driving history, and who are 21 years of age should submit an application to Westport EMS at 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.

Applications may be downloaded from the Westport EMS Web site, at EMS headquarters, or by calling (203) 341-6030.

Volunteers do not have to be Westport residents, Heinmiller said, adding, "We gladly welcome residents of neighboring cities and towns."

A Postal Smile for the Camera

A Norwalk-based production company was shooting on Westport's Wakenor Road Wednesday for a 10-part children's series on "The Community." The show is aimed at teaching children about people who work in their community. Roy MdDonald, the series' producer-director, captured Sheresha Rainey delivering mail to Westporters. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Students Present "Almanac! The Musical"

Students in the Westport Summer Theatre Camp are presenting "Almanac! The Musical" tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Bedford Middle School. Admission is free. Kelly Powers, Lauren Jent and Sami Schwaeber, a hillbilly family, are shown reading the "Farmer's Almanac" the old-fashioned way compared to the new way presented in the production. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Thursday, July 28, 2005

7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Sherwood Mill Pond Committee
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Planning and Zoning Commission
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Armstrong Chamber Ensemble
8 p.m . - Westport Country Playhouse - "The Member of the Wedding" (opening night)

Rell Calls for Energy Conservation

Gov. M. Jodi Rell today urged Connecticut residents to reduce energy consumption, especially in a large area of southwestern Connecticut, as power demands have risen due to extraordinarily high temperatures and humidity levels.

"With temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s and humidity in the low 70s, the demand for power is reaching all-time highs particularly in southwestern Connecticut,” Rell said in a statement.

“That area of the state – from Waterbury to New Haven to Greenwich – has been put under a power watch by the region’s power grid operator, ISO-New England, and by Connecticut Light & Power.

“I am asking everyone to immediately begin conserving power – please turn off unnecessary lights and appliances and anything else you can to help, especially if you live in the region of the state where the power watch is in effect,” the governor said.

“We are expecting relief later this evening in the form of a cold front that is expected to bring some thunderstorms and cool things off a little, but that front is not likely to arrive until after the power demand peaks in the mid- to late afternoon.”

As the governor called on residential customers to conserve, CL&P asked business customers to also reduce their power usage. The conservation measures are voluntary, but if heeded will do a great deal to ensure continued service during the unusually high demand period.

Westport Weston Health District Issues Heat Warning

By James Lomuscio

With more than 90-degree temperatures that have thinned even beach attendance, the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) today cautioned residents to be aware of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and to take steps to protect themselves.
Hot: the temperature sign at the Bank of America branch on Post Road East told the story this afternoon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

“Most heat-related deaths occur during the summer,” said Sue Jacozzi, WWHD health educator. “By knowing your risk and what prevention measures to take, heat-related illness and death can be prevented.”

Jacozzi added that the WWHD has not yet received any reports of heat-related illnesses in town, and she hopes that an awareness campaign will keep it that way.

Maura Romaine, spokesperson for Norwalk Hospital, said while there have been no emergency room admissions for heat exhaustion and heat stroke, "We are seeing a lot more people coming in with respiratory problems, such as asthma, because of the heat."

Jacozzi said people suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating, but under some conditions, sweating isn't enough, Jacozzi said.

If a person’s body temperature rises rapidly, very high temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs, she said.

Heat exhaustion, she explained, occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of water and salt contained in sweat. It can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.

Warning signs include: heavy sweating; paleness, muscle cramps; fatigue; weakness; dizziness; headache; nausea; vomiting and fainting.

More serious is heat stroke, which includes: red, hot and dry skin with no sweating; a rapid, strong pulse; a throbbing headache; dizziness, nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness.

Jacozzi warned that everyone is susceptible to heat-related illnesses, although the elderly, very young, and people with certain chronic diseases are at greater risk.

Some behaviors that also put people at increased risk, Jacozzi said, are: alcohol consumption; strenuous outdoor activity; and taking medications that inhibit perspiration and impair the body's ability to regulate its temperatures.

"Air conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat related illness and death," Jacozzi said.

Other suggestions for preventing a heat-related illness include: drinking water or nonalcoholic fluids frequently; wearing lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing; and reducing or eliminating strenuous activities.

She also recommended periodically checking on neighbors who do not have air conditioning.

“Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention," Jacozzi said. "Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.”

WestportNow Gas Price Survey: Prices Soar With Temperature

In the heat of the summer, gas prices in Westport are at a high along with the temperature. Here's a rundown of current gas prices around town compared to a WestportNow survey in August 2003. By shopping around, Westporters can save 17 cents per gallon on regular at self-serve stations and a whopping 47 cents per gallon over highest full-service station. The * denotes a full-service-only gas station. All prices were rounded to the nearest hundredth and they are subject to change on a daily basis. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Reporting and Graphic by Jonathan Thrope for WestportNow.com

Going Down: 11 Fillow St.

Neighbors and the new property owner, Richard Crane (r), gathered Tuesday to watch 11 Fillow St. come down. The half-acre property, with a house built in 1956, changed hands in May for $702,500. Fillow Street is off Clinton Avenue off of Main Street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

10:30 a.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – International Hospitality Committee
7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Mother Goose Jazz Band

Summer Play Westport-Style

Today's summer play for Bennet, 8, and Rose, 10, Propp included watching the house at 5 Ambler Road come down. Featured as the WestportNow teardown of the day April 22, 2005, the property sold in May for $725,000. Ambler Road is off of Turkey Hill Road North. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Rell Says Sherwood Island State Park to Get Modernization Funds

Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced today that Westport's Sherwood Island State Park will benefit from a $600,000 modernization study to upgrade utilities at three of the state’s major beaches.

The funds are expected to be approved when the State Bond Commission meets Friday, an announcement said.

The funding will help create comprehensive mapping and utility masterplans for Sherwood Island as well as for Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison and Rocky Neck State Park in East Lyme, the announcement said.

"Reinvigorating our state park system is a massive undertaking and we must start by assessing the long-term physical needs at our largest beaches,” Rell said.

"To do that requires us to do a thorough check of topography, roads, buildings and utilities on the land. We want to do this facelift right.”

Westport's Marks Shuttle Launch With its Own Rocket Launch

On the day that NASA successfully launched space shuttle Discovery, Westport had a rocket launch (box) of its own today. Isabelle Palmer pulled the trigger to launch a water-powered bottle rocket at Bedford Middle School Her father, Richard Palmer, is a high school science teacher from Ansonia who is teaching the inter-district Space Camp at Westport Continuing Education's summer school. The campers will be launching several types of bottle rockets over the next few days at Bedford. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

Bridgeport Talk in Westport

Nancy Hadley, Bridgeport's recently appointed director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development, gave members of the Westport Rotary Club today a rapid-fire update on efforts underway to improve Bridgeport's economy. Addressing a luncheon at the Inn at Longshore, she said Mayor John Fabrizi's drive to put a new face on Bridgeport includes $100-a-day-fines for anyone who fails to clean up blighted areas. She also said no developer in Bridgeport has to "pay to play" and upon meeting them, gives them a card with phone numbers of the FBI and U.S. Attorney in case someone did not get the message. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Compo Cool

Slurping sodas and sticking toes in the water were among ways visitors to Westport's Compo Beach tried to stay cool today. The temperature at Coleytown Middle School hit 97F in early afternoon but it was cooler near Long Island Sound. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Community Gardeners Seek New Home

By Jonathan Thrope

Members of the Westport Community Garden Project probably once thought that the hardest part of gardening in Westport was protecting their crops from the unabated deer population. But after six years without anywhere to plant, they’ve learned that acquiring land may be even harder.

Since being evicted from Wakeman Park six years ago due to the construction of Bedford Middle School, Westport’s community gardeners have been looking for a new home. Three years ago, Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission agreed that a section of the former Jaeger Property, at 11 Hyde Lane next to Long Lots Elementary School, would be allotted to the gardeners.

But today, the property is still filled with brush, trees, and no garden.

Westporters interested in creating a community garden met at the Westport Library Monday night to discuss the viability of having one at the Jaeger site. Tor Sporre, co-chairman of the Westport Community Garden Project, said that the plan was to have 40 plots of land 40 feet by 20 feet. for local gardeners who don’t have room to plant crops on their own property.

However, unnaturally high concentrations of arsenic in the soil at the Jaeger property have put the feasibility of the garden into question.

In a letter to Sporre, Kip Kolesinskas, a state soil scientist, wrote that arsenic occurs naturally in soil, plants, and animals. According to several gardeners at the meeting, the arsenic level at the site is above normal since arsenic used to be in pesticides and the Jaeger property was once a farm.

In the letter, Kolesinskas wrote that a report by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a subset of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, states that arsenic absorption in homegrown fruits and vegetables is unlikely to cause any harmful health effects to those gardening in the contaminated soil or those eating the food harvested from the soil.

However, at the meeting, some gardeners worried that certain people, due to either their age or some sort of medical condition, might be affected by the arsenic in ways that the majority of people would not be.

Sporre said there are two options as to how the Jaeger property can be turned into a garden. First, they can put in raised beds, which would mean each 40 by 20 plot would be above ground in an enclosed container made of lumber. This would allow the gardeners to have several feet of top soil devoid of arsenic contamination. However, several members agreed that this would be extremely costly.

The other option is using the land as is, without raised beds, and accepting that the arsenic is not a problem. Before a decision is made, though, the gardeners in attendance agreed that more arsenic testing should be conducted in the proposed area.

Sporre, along with others at the meeting, suggested that the gardens would not only benefit those who directly maintain them, but that they could be used as an educational tool. Sporre said that he had met with Chef Cecily Gans, head of the Culinary Arts Department at Staples High School, and that she had expressed interest in getting Staples students involved in the garden.

Also, since the site is directly across form Long Lots Elementary School, some thought they could get the youngsters involved.

There was even a member of the Fairfield PTA in attendance of the meeting who said that Fairfield is looking into having some sort of garden for its schools to encourage students to start eating healthier.
On Aug. 11, Sporre, along with other gardeners, will be meeting with First Selectwoman Dianne Farrell as well as other town officials to discuss the feasibility of having a community garden at the Jaeger property.

According to Sporre, in 1997 Farrell promised that the gardeners would get a new plot of land once they were evicted from Wakeman, and he’s still waiting to see if that promise will be fulfilled before her term is completed.

Tuesday, July 26, 2005

6 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309/307 – Board of Selectmen
7:30 p.m. – Room 309 – Architectural Review Board
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Zoning Board of Appeals
7:30 p.m. – Compo Beach Open Covered Pavilion – RTM Parks & Recreation Committee
8 p.m - Town Hall Room 102 - RTM Rules Committee
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion -Comedy Club I

Teen Movie Night at the Levitt

Almost 100 people turned out tonight at Westport's Levitt Pavilion for the inaugural outdoor movie night sponsored by the Westport Youth Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department. They watched the 2004 film "Napoleon Dynamite." Another teen movie night is scheduled Aug. 15. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Community Garden Advocates Meet

Westporters interested in establishing a community garden on the former Jaeger property on Hyde Lane met at the Westport Public Library tonight and later at the site near Long Lots Elementary School. They discussed the heavy metal presence in the soil at the location and possible ways for remediation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Westport Woman's Club Installs High-Speed Wireless Internet Access

The Westport Woman's Club has installed high-speed wireless Internet access at its club house on Imperial Avenue. Maryann Razzano (l), Westport Woman's Club Rentals chairman, and Barbara Levy, president, check out the connection. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Unhealthy Air Forecast for Tuesday

The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection and the Enviromental Protection Agency today predicted that air quality on Tuesday will be unhealthy in the western half of Connecticut due to elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone, commonly called smog.

The agencies also said they expected elevated levels of particulate matter in this same area on Tuesday.

Anyone can be affected by ozone, but groups particularly sensitive include children and adults who are active outdoors, and people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, the agencies said.

Sensitive people who experience effects at lower ozone concentrations are likely to experience more serious effects at higher concentrations. Still, even the healthiest people may find it difficult to breathe when ozone levels are very high.

When particulate concentrations in the ambient air are elevated, people with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are the groups most at risk, according to the agencies.

SWRPA to Host Presentation on Floating LNG Terminal Proposal

A special meeting of the South Western Regional Planning Agency (SWRPA) will be held Monday, Aug. 1 at 7 p.m. for a presentation on the floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal that is proposed for Long Island Sound, it was announced today.

Westport is a member of SWRPA, which is made up of eight southwest Connecticut cities and towns.

The meeting will take place in SWRPA’s conference room on the third floor of the Stamford Government Center at 888 Washington Boulevard. The public is encouraged to attend, an announcement said.

The project is being proposed by Broadwater Energy, a joint venture of Shell and TransCanada Corp.

According to Broadwater’s Web site, “. . . the New York and Connecticut region, in particular, faces a critical period over the next 10 to 15 years in meeting the energy needs of consumers.”

To meet this growing demand, Broadwater has proposed constructing a facility “resembling a large ship” to be moored in Long Island Sound to receive shipments of LNG from tanker ships.

The facility would be approximately 1,200 feet long, 180 feet wide and 75 to 100 feet above the water line. It would be located in New York State waters, approximately nine miles from Long Island and 11 miles from Connecticut, in the broadest area of the Sound.

The proposal has generated concern among elected officials and environmental groups on both sides of the Sound, including Save the Sound and the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, which have strongly criticized the project, the SWRPA announcement said.

According to Save the Sound’s Web site, the project “poses a significant threat” to the Sound, which was designated by Congress as an “Estuary of National Significance.”

The Web site cites potential impacts to water quality and wildlife, the possibility of a terrorist attack on the facility, and noise and visual impacts.

According to Bob Wilson, SWRPA’s executive director, the presentation is intended to educate regional decision makers and the public on the benefits and risks associated with the proposal, not be a debate.

“We hope people will come out to learn as much as they can about this proposal, because one way or the other, they’re going to be impacted by it,” said Wilson.

SWRPA was established in 1962 and is governed by a 22-member board appointed by the chief elected officials and planning commissions of the Agency’s member municipalities. Members include Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Stamford, Weston, Westport and Wilton.

The Agency provides regional land-use, transportation and emergency planning services to its eight municipalities.

Bridgeport Economic Issues Focus of Rotary Talk Tuesday

Economic issues facing Bridgeport will be the topic of the Westport Rotary Club's luncheon Tuesday featuring guest speaker Nancy L. Hadley, the city's recently appointed director of the Office of Planning and Economic Development.

The public is invited to attend the Inn at Longshore event from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., an announcement said.

Hadley has served under three governors, three mayors and one county executive in Connecticut and New York State in her 28-year public sector career. In Connecticut, she served as commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles from 1993 to 1995 under both the Weicker and Rowland administrations.

Prior to her Bridgeport appointment, Hadley was deputy commissioner of planning in Westchester County. She worked with government, non-profit agencies and developers to increase opportunities to house Westchester's workforce and residents in need.

Today Hadley continues as president of The Hadley Group LLC, a management-consulting group. She received a B.A. from Manhattanville College, and is a graduate of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government program for senior executives in state and local governments.

The Westport Rotary Club is an organization of local business and professional leaders who work as volunteers on a variety of local and international projects to improve the quality of life in their home and world communities.

The Westport Rotary Club meets Tuesdays from 12:15 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Inn at Longshore. Guests are welcome at the luncheons and to apply for membership, the announcement said. Interested individuals should contact Westport Rotary Club President Peter Powell at 226-3426.

Youth Commission, Parks & Rec Inaugurate Teen Movie Event Tonight

"Napoleon Dynamite:" inaugural Levitt Pavilion teen movie event. File photoThe Westport Youth Commission and Parks and Recreation Department invite teens to attend an inaugural outdoor movie event "Napoleon Dynamite" tonight at 9 p.m. at the Levitt Pavilion.

Rain location is nearby Toquet Hall on Post Road East.

Teens of all ages are encouraged to bring their blankets and chairs, enjoy the beautiful setting and laugh out loud at the quirky comedy, an announcement said.

The 2004 film tells the story of a listless and alienated teenager who decides to help his new friend win the class presidency in their small western high school, while he must deal with his bizarre family life back home

Monday, July 25, 2005

7:45 p.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – RTM Ordinance Committee
9 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Westport Youth Commission and Parks and Recreation Department present inaugural outdoor teen movie event "Napoleon Dynamite"

Woodward Wraps Rehearsals for "The Member of the Wedding"

Joanne Woodward, artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse and director of "The Member of the Wedding" opening Thursday, wrapped rehearsals today for the play. She was the first to use the new rehearsal space on the campus of the Playhouse -- the space which had formerly been the scene shop. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Sunday NY Times Features Hilla Rebay and her Westport Connection

Today's Sunday New York Times Connecticut section features a story about Hilla Rebay, an early champion of modern art who lived in Westport for almost 30 years and helped Solomon R. Guggenheim build his art collection and museum.

Rebay's life and work is featured in an exhibit at the New York museum which runs through Aug. 10. Earlier this year, the Westport Historical Society also had an exhibition of Rebay's art and an account of her life in Westport. (See WestportNow March 20, 2005)

Brisk Sales

Flower and vegetable sales were brisk this weekend at the Starhusky farm stand on Westport's Maple Avenue North. John Starhusky bags a selection for a customer. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ron Malone for WestportNow.com

Repeat Winner

Jo Rasmussen, president of Westport's Longshore Women's Golf Association and owner of Fitness Works in Playhouse Square, admires her latest golf trophy. She was champion and medalist at the 2005 H. Smith Richardson Women's Golf Association Championship at the H. Smith Richardson golf course in Fairfield. This is Rasmussen's second straight victory, having won the championship in 2004 as well. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Local Actors Making Debut in "The Member of the Wedding"

Three local actors will make their professional theatrical debuts in the Westport Country Playhouse production of "The Member of the Wedding" opening Thursday. They are (l-r) Emma Wiseman of Weston, Samantha Kindler of Westport, and Brett Aresco of Westport. The production is directed by Joanne Woodward, Playhouse artistic director. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Off to the Races

Members of the Saugatuck Rowing Club load a trailer before departing today for the Diamond States Regatta in Delaware. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Barbara Levy for WestportNow.com

Westport's A. E. Hotchner Recalls Old Friend Hemingway

A. E. Hotchner: Westporter recalls days with Hemingway. File photoNewspapers around the country today are featuring an Associated Press story about Westport's A.E. Hotchner and his relationship with Ernest Hemingway.

More than 40 years since Hemingway took his own life, Hotchner has forgotten nothing about his old friend and father figure: his books and the sound of his voice, the way he would put his hand over his mouth when he laughed, the AP said.

Feminists, animal rights advocates and others have taken on Hemingway, but for Hotchner, the author remains the ideal as both man and writer, someone who burned the fat off American prose and made a religion out of experience and adventure, the report said.

"He's the bellwether," the 85-year-old Hotchner told the AP. "He's the bar that's too high to jump, but nevertheless you know that somebody once jumped it. His lust for life, his embracing of so many layers of living was just incredible."

Sunday, July 24, 2005

3 p.m - Westport Country Playhouse "Dear Brutus"
7 p.m . - Levitt Pavilion - Richard Thomas and Friends, a tribute to the greatest singers of our time