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Friday, May 09, 2008

RTM Will Consider Plastic Bag Ban Ordinance

Four members of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM), the town’s legislative body, are seeking to ban the distribution of plastic bags by Westport retail stores.

Six months after their proposed ordinance goes into effect, all Westport retail establishments would be prohibited from “the use of plastic bags for retail checkout of purchased goods.” Instead, they would be required to offer customers recyclable bags and/or reusable bags.

Thirty days after a third warning, violators would be subject to a $150 a day fine under the proposed law.

“The proposed ordinance reverses the negative effects on our local environment from non-biodegradable plastic checkout bags provided in Westport,” said the petitioners in an explanation accompanying the proposed law.

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Readying for Today’s Westport Garden Club Sale

The Westport Garden Club is holding its annual plant sale today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saugatuck Congregational Church on Post Road East. Members were setting up for the sale on Thursday. Each of the 68 members was responsible for raising and bringing 20 or more plants for the sale. Proceeds will benefit local civic projects such as the greening of the Post Road, plantings around Town Hall, and colonial cemeteries. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Friday, May 9, 2008

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Saugatuck Congregational Church - Westport Garden Club Annual Plant Sale
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Earthplace - “Recycled Into Art,” works by Harrat Sommerhoff
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Color in 3D”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Found”
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Hall-Brooke Community Room (47 Long Lots Road) - Friends of Hall-Brooke Mothers’ Day Weekend Art Show
6:30 p.m. - Westport Police Department Training Room - CERT Basic Training Class: Course Review, Disaster Scenario, and Graduation
7:30 p.m. - Long Lots Elementary School - Music Theatre of Connecticut School presents “Grease”

Thursday, May 08, 2008

“Taste of Westport” Fund-Raiser Draws Large Crowd

Tonight’s “A Taste of Westport” fund-raiser for Westport’s CLASP Homes drew a large crowd to the Westport Inn on Post Road East. Officials of CLASP said it was the largest crowd ever for the event, now in its fourth year. CLASP Homes is a not-for-profit organization that provides homes and opportunities for people with developmental disabilities (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Full House for Library Mark Twain Lecture

Tonight’s Westport Public LIbrary lecture on Mark Twain drew a full house. The second talk in the “Spoken Word” series on Twain featured Mark Schenker, associate dean of Yale College. He was introduced by Simone Dubow. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Return of the Egrets

The Egrets have returned to Westport. This one was spotted today searching for food near Compo Cove. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Compo Mill Scene

A house at Westport’s Compo Mill Cove is all dressed up for spring. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Westport Youth Film Festival to Screen 65 Films on Saturday

The Fifth Annual Westport Youth Film Festival (WYFF), a program of the Westport Arts Center, will screen 65 films throughout the day on Saturday from 11a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bedford Middle School.

WYFF is the only youth film festival in the world run by high school students showing films made by high school students. This year WYFF received approximately 300 films from local, domestic and foreign filmmakers who are currently in high school. The entries were first viewed by Team WYFF, whose members chose 65 films to be shown at the festival. 

Films are 30 minutes or under in length and assigned to nine categories: drama, comedy, music video, public service announcement (PSA), documentary, animation, experimental, facing history and WYFF Jr. (younger than high school students).

“The list of distinguished professionals judging films and speaking at WYFF this year is remarkable. From Sundance winners to presidents of production companies, the prestige of this year’s lineup is the best we have ever had,” said Diana Snyder, WYFF director. 

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Artist at Work

Westport artist Paul Gallant was caught with brush in hand at his easel as he painted another of his beautiful landscapes. This one was of a spring scene along the Saugatuck River from Grace K Salmon Park, a favorite spot for artists and photographers. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Shellfish Permits to be Issued

Conservation Director Alicia Mozian has announced that the Westport Shellfish Commission will begin issuing permits for recreational shell fishing beginning Thursday, May 15.

Permits will be required on June 1 allowing for a grace period for those who may not know that a permit is now needed, she said.

“This marks a major achievement in what was a long haul in trying to reclaim jurisdictional control that had been taken away from the town by the decision of the Connecticut Supreme Court that control belonged to the state,” said Mozian.

A change in legislation passed in 2007 put the Cockenoe Flats shellfish beds under local jurisdiction. 

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Westport and Weston Selectmen Report to Y’s Men

Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss (l) and Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff delivered their annual town reports today to the Y’s Men of Westport Weston. Topics covered ranged from regional concern about changed airline flight paths and I-95 congestion to controlling deer in the towns and the future of the Westport Weston Family Y.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Flood Watch Issued

The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y.  has issued a flood watch for Westport and portions of the tri-state area.

An advisory said 2 to 3 inches of rain are expected with localized higher amounts. It said significant urban and small stream flooding is possible in the
watch area based on current forecasts.

Residents are advised to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings, the advisory said. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.

Residents with basements that are prone to flooding should take action at this time to protect property, the advisory said.

Westport Sunset

Wednesday’s sunset as seen from the Ned Dimes Marina at Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Thursday, May 8, 2008

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Earthplace - “Recycled Into Art,” works by Harrat Sommerhoff
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Color in 3D”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Found”
5 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Voluntary Action Center of Mid-Fairfield Volunteer Recognition Reception (doors open at 4:30 p.m.)
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. - Westport Inn - 4th Annual Taste of Westport CLASP Homes benefit
7 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Kids Family Film Classics: “James and the Giant Peach” (1996)
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Planning & Zoning Commission Work Session
7 p.m. – Town Hall Westport Fire Headquarters – Public Site & Building Commission
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - SpokenWord: “As Webster is My Witness” discussion of Mark Twain’s work by Mark Schenker
8 p.m. - Seabury Center - Westport Arts Center presents solo artists Eliza Gilkyson, John Gorka, and Cliff Eberhardt

Wednesday, May 07, 2008

Power Outage Hits Westport Customers

UPDATE More than 1,500 Westport customers were without power for just under three hours tonight, according to the Connecticut Light and Power Company Web site.

CL&P blamed equipment failure for the outage which began at 6:41 p.m. and lasted until 9:28 p.m. It affected portions of Riverside Avenue, Kings Highway North,and Wilton Road, according to the utility company and Westport emergency officials.

A CL&P official said the cause was a cable fault along Wilton Road. He said 591 customers were out on and off of Kings Highway North, and another 332 customers out on and along Wilton Road, for a total of 923.

However, the CL&P Web site during the outage said more than 1,500 customers were in the dark.

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King of the Mountain

Matthew Huber, 2, of Bethel, climbs a mountain of just delivered sand to Westport’s Compo Beach today. The sand will be used for Saturday’s seventh annual Castles in the Sand fund-raiser for the Interfaith Housing Association. The noon to 4 p.m. event involves families, friends and co-workers of all ages teaming up to create sand sculptures. Rain date is Sunday noon to 4 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Sunday Farmers Market to Open May 18 in New Location

Selectwoman Shelly A. Kassen announced today that the Westport Sunday Farmers Market will open on May 18 at a new location—the upper Imperial Avenue parking lot.

The market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and will run weekly rain or shine through Oct. 19.  In addition to the Celebrate Westport Committee, the Connecticut Farm Fresh Co-op Association will sponsor the market, with Alexis Gazy, of Gazy Brothers Farm, as the executive director.

“We are thrilled to have a Sunday market again this year in Westport and to co-sponsor it with the Connecticut Farm Fresh Co-op,” said Kassen. 

Celebrate Westport Committee member Rebecca Howe said, “Sunday’s market move to the upper Imperial Avenue parking lot will offer more space for vendors and parking for shoppers. We look forward to a successful season.”

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Westport Property Transfers April 14 - 18, 2008

Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period April 14 - 18, 2008:

Leona M. Robison to Fairfield County BK Corp., 20 Compo Road South, $5,800,000

Anna C. Cesana to Jeanette Arbulu, 183 Roseville Road, $1,160,000

Jonathan J. and Laura E. Roberts to Grace Cho, 220 Riverside Ave. #D12, $825,000

Family Y Public Hearings Schedule Revised

Westport Planning & Zoning Director Laurence Bradley has announced that the Planning and Zoning Commission has made adjustments to its schedule to accommodate the need for additional time for public hearings on the Westport Weston Family Y application. 

The commission expects the public comment segment of the hearings to begin on Monday, May 12, and has added Wednesday, May 14 to its schedule in the event that the public comments require more than a single session, he said.

In addition, to the already designated dates for the Y application of May 12, May 19 and May 29, the commission has added May 22, and has put May 20, and May 28 in reserve by securing the Town Hall Auditorium, Bradley said.

“The commission will announce at the end of each meeting a general schedule of what they expect to cover in the upcoming meetings,” he said. 

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RTM Approves 2008-09 Budget; BOF to Set Mill Rate May 21

With this week’s approval of Westport’s 2008-09 budget by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), the final step in the process is for the Board of Finance to meet May 21 to set the new mill rate.

The RTM Monday night approved First Selectman Gordon Joseloff’s municipal budget of $59.6 million, a 3.93 percent increase over the current year, and on Tuesday approved the $109.2 million education budget, a 5.15 percent increase.

The combined town and education budget is $168.7 million and represents a 4.72 percent increase over the current year.

In setting the mill rate, the Board of Finance will weigh anticipated revenues and expenditures as well as determine how much, if any, it wants to take from the town’s reserves to be applied to the budget expenses. The mill rate is the tax per dollar of assessed value of property. The current mill rate is 13.73.

In the Bag

The task of cleaning Westport’s Minuteman Statue is attracting a lot of attention this week. Francis Miller, one of those involved in the cleaning of the 1910 statue, said the wrapping around the Minuteman is to protect it from the debris while removing multi-layers of paint that had been applied to the stone base over the years. With good weather, Miller said that the statue could possibly be uncovered by Thursday. If the weather does not cooperate, he said it may delay the “unveiling” until Monday. Pictured is Dylan Locke power washing the stone base of the Minuteman. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

A Chip off the Minuteman’s Base

As the task of cleaning the Minuteman Statue continues his week, Francis Miller of ConservArt is concentrating on the removing the accumulation of many layers of paint that he has found covering the stones at the base of the statue. While the Minuteman Statue does recieve regular scheduled cleaning and polishing, Miller said that it has clearly been a very long time since stone base has been cleaned. Miller holds a chip of the paint that he and his assistant, Dylan Locke, have thus far removed from the stones. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Gone Fishing

A fisherman tred his luck in the channel at Westport’s Burying Hill Beach on Tuesday as temperatures soared into the 80s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Earthplace - “Recycled Into Art,” works by Harrat Sommerhoff
9 a.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Non-union Supervisory Pension Board
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – International Hospitality Committee
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Color in 3D”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Found”
4 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Beautification Committee
6:30 p.m. - Westport Fire Department Training Room - CERT Basic Training Class: Fire Safety & Suppression and Light Search & Rescue
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Green Energy Task Force
7:30 p.m. - Westport Woman’s Club - Chabad of Westport hosts “An Evening with Dennis Prager”
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Pamela Paul, “Parenting, Inc.”
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Flood & Erosion Control Board

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

Deidre Imus: “Try Sleeping in a Room With a Mosquito”

For the second time in just under a year, Westport author Deidre Imus tonight used a Westport Public Library podium to promote green living. She talked about her latest book, “Growing Up Green: Baby and Child Care: Volume 2” and brought smiles as she began her talk by saying: “Don Imus in the back: turn off your cell phone. I can hear your voice. This is MY program.” She said she is deeply committed to a “green” healthy way of life and quoted an African proverb to show how important each person is in helping the environment: “”If you think you are too small to have an impact, try sleeping in a room with a mosquito.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Spring Cleaning

Some of Westport’s streets and sidewalks received a thorough spring cleaning today. This was the scene on North Main Street near Willowbrook Cemetery. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Mioli to be Honored on Italian Day at Capitol

Rep. Joe Mioli, a Westport Democrat, will join House Minority Leader Larry Cafero, a Norwalk Republican on Wednesday as the two are honored during the second annual Italian Republic Day at the State Capitol in Hartford.
Joe Mioli: “I am deeply honored.” File photo

Hosted by Lt. Governor Michael Fedele, The Italian Center Cultural Committee and The Council Italian-American Organizations, the ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. in the Old Appropriations Room at the Capitol, and include a flag-raising ceremony at 10 a.m. on the South Lawn.

“I am deeply honored to be considered in such high regard by the Italian-American community throughout the state,” Mioli said. “I have never forgotten my Italian heritage, and am thrilled to be a part of the Democratic process in the state.”

The Italian Republic Day celebration was created by Fedele and the two Italian-American organizations to commemorate the return of Democracy to Italy on June 2, 1946. Both Mioli and Cafero were recognized due to their service to the state and the preservation of their Italian heritage.

Cooling Off

Westporters Max, 6, and Olivia, 4, cool off with ice cream at Westport’s Compo Beach today. The temperature hit an unofficial 81 during the afternoon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Westport Bank Robber Apprehended in New Jersey

Bank surveillance photo of robber. Contributed photoThe Asian male who robbed Westport’s Commerce Bank on Main Street in January dressed as a woman has been apprehended in New Jersey, Westport police said today.

Huy Trong Luong, 39, of Jersey City, N.J., was apprehended Monday following an attempted robbery in Chatham. He fled a Commerce Bank branch when a teller yelled for help, New Jersey authorities said.

Police say they found a black wig, sunglasses, a Dolce & Gabbana hat and a black jacket in the minivan he was driving. Also recovered in Luong’s vehicle was a hoax bomb, according to Lt. David Kassay, Westport police Detective Bureau commander.

Authorities say he told them he robbed four banks in New Jersey and three in Connecticut, and attempted to rob another in New Jersey. 

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“Play-Club” Discusses Playhouse’s “Pavilion”

The Westport Country Playhouse today hosted a “Play-Club” discussion about its next play, Pavilion” by Craig Wright. Anne Keefe, co-artistic director (c. striped shirt), and director Chad Rabinowitz (wearing hat) fielded questions from the public. The Playhouse describes “Pavilion” as “a masterful blend of comedy and drama” that is “both hysterically funny and overwhelmingly touching as it deals with human relationships on a cosmic scale.” The play begins previews Tuesday and runs through May 31. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Save the Children Releases Annual Mothers’ Index

Save the Children, the Westport-based independent global humanitarian organization, today released its ninth annual Mothers’ Index that ranks the best and worst places to be a mother and a child.

The Mothers’ Index, highlighted in the organization’s State of the World’s Mothers 2008 report, compares the well-being of mothers and children in 146 countries, more than in any previous year.

Nordic countries sweep the top rankings of the best places to be a mother, while countries in sub-Saharan Africa dominate the bottom tier. Sweden tops the list, while Niger ranks last among countries surveyed. The United States places 27th this year, one slot down from last year’s ranking.

The top 10 countries, in general, have very high scores for mothers’ and children’s health, educational and economic status, while the 10 bottom-ranked countries are a reverse image, performing poorly on all indicators.

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Actress Patricia Englund Entertains Woman’s Club

Actress Patricia Englund of Westport was the featured attraction at Monday’s monthly meeting of the Westport Woman’s Club. Englund has performed for the Alcoa Hour, Armstrong Circle Theatre, and Kraft Television Theatre. She also starred in Broadway plays including “The Long Watch,” “As You Like It,” and several movies, including “Stagestruck” with Henry Fonda. Accompanied by Ted Simons on the piano, Englund entertained her audience with songs from past performances. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Outside Study

Temperatures climbed to 70 degrees on Monday, making it a good day to study outside at the Westport Public Library. The warm weather is expected to continue through Wednesday before rain is in the forecast. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

7:30 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – TEAM Westport Committee
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Earthplace - “Recycled Into Art,” works by Harrat Sommerhoff
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Administrative Review Committee
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Color in 3D”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Found”
1:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – 191 Hillspoint Road Committee
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Shellfish Commission
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201/201A – Special Board of Finance Meeting
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – RTM Budget Meeting (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Deirdre Imus, “Growing Up Green”

Monday, May 05, 2008

Spring Cleaning

The Doughboy Statue at Veteran’s Green in Westport got a spring cleaning by Dylan Locke. The statue designed by J. Clinton Shepherd was formally dedicated Nov. 5, 1930 in honor of Westporters who died during World War I. It was moved from the original site on Post Road and East at Long Lots Road in 1986 to its location opposite Town Hall.  The Minuteman Statue on Compo Road South also was cleaned today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Polishing for Memorial Day

The Minuteman Statue on Compo Road South at the intersection of Compo Beach Road got a scrub and shine today in preparation of Memorial Day. The Doughboy Statue at Veterans Green also was polished today. Francis Miller, founder of ConservatorArt, said the two statues are cleaned, polished and repaired every two to three years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Annual Mother’s Day Art Show Opens Friday

A dozen regional artists will show works at the Sixth Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Art Show in the Community Room of Hall-Brooke Behavioral Health Center this weekend.

The show opens Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday hours are 5 to 8 p.m., with a Meet-the-Artists reception that will feature the awarding of the $500 Best-in-Show prize. Sunday “Bring your Mom” hours are noon to 4 p.m.

Admission, refreshments, and chances on door prizes are free of charge.

Participating artists from Westport include Sophie Acheson, Miggs Burroughs, Karen Ford, and Katherine Ross.

Farrell Endorses Himes for Congress

Flashback: Former Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell greets supporters on election night in November 2006. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ted Horowitz for WestportNow.com
Westport’s former first selectwoman, a two-time Congressional candidate, swung her endorsement to Jim Himes, the Democratic candidate for the Congressional 4th District against incumbent Christopher Shays.

In a press statement, Farrell described Himes as a man “with his finger on the pulse of the needs of families” who “understands the needs of the district.” Noting Himes’ involvement at the local level, as well as his support of her own runs for Congress, Farrell praised Himes’ “important work for families in this area.”

“It’s a huge honor for me to get Diane’s endorsement for this race,” said Himes in the statement.

In a press event on Sunday in Stamford, Farrell was asked how Himes’ run would be different from her own, and she said Himes will succeed because Shays’ continued support for Bush’s economic policies “will give voters pause.”

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Arts Center to Hold Art Discussions

Artist Russell Maltz kneels next to part of his site-specific installation, “Painted/Stacked Westport,” on view at the Westport Public Library River Walk and the Westport Arts Center deck through June 8. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Eileen Wiseman for WestportNow.com
The Westport Arts Center is sponsoring two discussions on May 14 and May 23 about the exhibition, “Color in 3D: Found, Applied & Readymade.”

The exhibit is now showing at the Westport Arts Center Gallery and Westport Public Library through June 8.  Both talks are open to the public.

“Public Art in Context,” featuring the installation artist Russell Maltz, whose work, “Painted/Stacked Westport,” is on view at the Westport Public Library River Walk and the Westport Arts Center’s deck, and Jennifer McGregor, visual arts director of Wave Hill and a founding advisor of the Public Art Network, is scheduled for Wednesday, May 14 at 7 p.m. in the main gallery of the Westport Arts Center on Riverside Avenue.

McGregor and Maltz will talk about the role of public art today. The focus will primarily be on the work by Russell Maltz, “Painted/Stacked Westport.”

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River Scene

With warmer temperatures and clear skies on Sunday, many took some time to sit along the Saugatuck River. Temperatures are expected to rise close to 70 degrees today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

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