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Saturday, February 04, 2012
Just Ducky
A pair of ducks drifts along the Saugatuck River in Westport’s center on Friday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Saturday, February 4, 2012
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Toy Stories”
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Bedford Middle School (88 North Ave.) - 4th Annual Chowdafest Competition (CT Food Bank benefit)
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Next Stop: Westport!” & “The Cold War in Our Backyard”
1 p.m. - Westport Public Library - 13th Annual Crossword Puzzle Contest
4 p.m. and 8 p.m. - MTC MainStage Studio Theatre (246 Post Road East) - “Almost, Maine”
5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. - Westport Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Ave.) - “Waiting in the Wings Cabaret” benefit
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Friday, February 03, 2012
Opening Night Curtain Call for ‘Almost, Maine’
Westport’s MTC MainStage Theatre tonight debuted the romantic comedy, “Almost, Maine.” Actors (l-r) Kate Sparer, Tim Reilly, Cynthia Hannah, and Jim Schilling, take a bow following the opening night performance in Westport’s Colonial Green, 246 Post Road East. Performances are weekends through Sunday. Feb 19 at 8 p.m. with matinees on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. For information, call (203)454-3883 or visit http://www.musictheatreofct.com. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Comings and Goings: Aux Delices Succeeds Arcudi’s
The Aux Delices French bakery and cafe will open at 1035 Post Road East, Westport “some time in May,” according to co-owner Greg Addonizio (above). The location formerly was occupied by Arcudi’s Restaurant. Peter Jennings of Westport-based Bayberry Property Management said that the Arcudi family’s 30-year lease on the site had recently expired. The new Westport location for Aux Delices with be the fourth cafe in Fairfield County owned by Addonizio and his wife, Debra Ponzek. Addonizio said that the new cafe which will serve beer and wine will seat 45, have outdoor seating in the spring and feature a large bakery. He describes the ambience of his four locations as “cafes with gourmet food and a bakery team of 15 chefs.” Having started the business in Riverside in 1995 with his wife, he said that their other similar establishments are located in Greenwich (opened in 2000) and Darien (2004). In addition, “We have a ‘commissary’ in Stamford and a cafeteria in Old Greenwich,” he said. The commissary is a large, commercial kitchen where they offer adult and children’s cooking classes. Addonizio said Aux Delices also offers the option of conducting cooking classes in the privacy of homes. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Farmers Market ‘Fork It Over’ Event Raised $30,000
Last Saturday night’s “Fork It Over” fund-raiser for the Westport Farmers Market raised “upwards of $30,000,” Lori Cochran, market director, said today. “Celebrating six years with new and old friends surrounded by local food inside Sal Gilbertie’s greenhouse was a dream come true,” she said. She said the funds will be used to build a new website, and increase educational and outreach programming. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
WWPT to Air Fund-Raiser on Saturday
WWPT-FM, the Staples High School radio station at 90.3 FM, will hold a fund-raiser Saturday to enable it to expand its news and sports coverage.
The 10 a.m . to 4 p.m. event, which can also be heard online at wwptfm.com, will have as its theme Super Bowl halftime bands, according to Will Kanter, the station’s public relations director.
“That means that the music of all the bands which have performed – from Madonna to Bruce Springsteen and all in between,” he said.
Last November, WWPT won first place in a competition for the best high school radio station in the nation. (See WestportNow Nov. 20, 2011)
Police: Money Missing from Main Street Liquor Store
UPDATE What police first believed to be a robbery of a Main Street liquor store today turned out to be a larceny involving cash left on the counter by a customer.
The larceny occurred a tKing’s Corner of Westport liquor store, formerly Parkway Liquors, at 339 Main St. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Police said about $700 was taken from the King’s Corner of Westport liquor store, formerly Parkway Liquors, at 339 Main St., at about 4:30 p.m. today. No force was used, police said.
A clerk in the store said another customer had purchased liquor for a party, leaving the cash on the counter. As the clerk helped the customer to her car, a man walked in, grabbed the cash, and left, the clerk said.
Police alerted area police departments to be on the look out for a silver Porsche driven by a white male, in his 40s, 5-foot-10, 200 pounds.
More "Police: Money Missing from Main Street Liquor Store"
Making Birthday Gifts Special
Westport sisters Brooke Redmer, 8, and Claire, 11, recently donated bags of food to Westport’s Homes with Hope Gillespie Center pantry. When Claire’s 11th birthday approached in mid-January, she asked her friends and family to give her presents of packaged foods rather than anything for her personally. “Then I could donate the food to the Homes with Hope shelter,” she said. The girls and their mother, Lori, started volunteering about two years to serve dinner to the Gillespie Center residents. The Saugatuck Elementary School fifth grader said that she reached her goal of collecting 111 cans of food to commemorate her 11th birthday. Jeff Wieser, president of Homes with Hope, said he admires the Redmer family for volunteering to serve dinners to residents. “We encourage other families to serve evening meals.” he said. “It helps remind many that it offers an exposure to another side of Westport.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
State Invests $500,000 in Westport Health Startup
Connecticut Innovations, the state’s quasi-public authority responsible for technology-based economic development, has made an investment of $500,000 in Westport-based MyCare Inc. through its Seed Investment Fund.
The investment in the startup at 979 Post Road East is part of a $1 million round of funding, also involving Intersection Health Partners, also of Westport, an announcement said.
MyCare’s core product is a proprietary search engine tool that allows users to access and analyze data in any electronic medical record in near real-time.
“CI’s investment represents a critical step in MyCare’s success in bringing powerful new clinical data search and care delivery technology to the provision of patient care,” said Matt Walton, chief executive officer and co-founder of MyCare.
More "State Invests $500,000 in Westport Health Startup"
Curran Cadillac Site: Work in Progress
The dismantling demolition of the former home of Curran Cadillac, 561 Post Road East, is in progress. Plans are in process to replace the structure with one that will be the home of Terrain, a shop for eco-friendly growing supplies, home and garden décor, furniture, containers, gifts, personal care items, locally sourced and prepared artisan foods. It was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on Nov. 4, 2011. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Property Transfers Jan. 16 - 20, 2011
Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period Jan. 16 - 20, 2012:
Leonard J. and Sharon Stea to 26 Buena Vista LLC, 26 Buena Vista Drive, $850,000
Harold I. and Diane Zeidman to Daniel and Julie Byer Gray, 17 North Pasture Road, $2,000,000
Monica E. Moore to Francis J. and Cecilea Van Steenberge, 121 Newtown Turnpike, $1,250,000
Eric J. Schwartzman and Kerry S. Barlas to Alexander H. Chingas, 7 Iris Lane, $855,000
More "Westport Property Transfers Jan. 16 - 20, 2011"
Finally—A Roof Over Westport’s Railroad Platform
It took eight months, but there finally is a new canopy roof over the New York-bound platform at Westport’s Metro-North railroad station. The Department of Transportation, which completed work this week, cited manufacturing delays in getting the new roof up. The roof construction had been partially completed three months ago. (See WestportNow Nov. 8, 2011) (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Gearing Up for Super Bowl Sunday
Many of Westport’s restaurants and bars such as River House Restaurant, 299 Riverside Ave., are gearing up for Sunday’s New York Giants vs. New England Patriots at Super Bowl XLVI. The Westport Center for Senior Activities is hosting a Super Bowl party beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
GIS Training Sessions Set
Westport Town Engineer Peter Ratkiewich has announced that the Westport Engineering Division will be offering training sessions on the use of the newest release of the web-based GIS (Geographical Information System) viewer on Thursday, Feb. 16, and March 1 in the Town Hall auditorium.
The training sessions will highlight various uses of Westport’s GIS system. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Westportct.gov graphic
There will be a morning session from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and an afternoon session from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on both days.
A Geographic Information System is a system designed to capture, store, manipulate, analyze, manage, and present all types of geographically referenced data. The town’s GIS viewer on its website allows the public to view all properties in town using precise measurements.
Tasks that can be done using the GIS system include: locating properties to prepare Planning and Zoning or Conservation mailing lists; reviewing aerial photos of town; reviewing property information for boundaries and zoning designations; checking the location of designated wetlands and flood zones; reviewing building permits, and reviewing septic system information.
More "GIS Training Sessions Set"
Friday, February 3, 2012
9 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Commission for Senior Services
9:30 a.m. - Westport Arts Center - ArtCafé
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Toy Stories”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Next Stop: Westport!” & “The Cold War in Our Backyard”
8 p.m. - MTC MainStage Studio Theatre (246 Post Road East) - “Almost Maine”
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Earthplace Gathering
Westport’s Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center hosts a number of creatures within its walls, but there are many more outside—as seen today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Saugatuck Dig
Workers today were completing underground utility work on Riverside Avenue near the Westport Metro-North station which forced closure of one lane of traffic. Workers said both lanes would be open on Friday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow WestportNow.com
‘Almost, Maine’ Debuts Friday at MTC Mainstage
The MTC Mainstage Theatre Friday night debuts “Almost, Maine,” a romantic comedy by actor and playwright John Cariani. The play is performed with four actors, including Tim Reilly (l) and Katie Sparer. It includes nine vignettes that take on life and love in a small, mythical town in far northern Maine on a cold, clear moonless Friday night. Performances are weekends through Sunday. Feb 19 at 8 p.m. with matinees on Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. The MCT Mainstage is located at 246 Post Road East. For information, call (203)454-3883 or visit www.musictheatreofct.com. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Late Addition to ‘Toy Stories’ Exhibit
A late addition to the Westport Arts Center’s current “Toy Stories” exhibit is by Westport artist Tammy Winser. She shows off her mini artwork called “Which came first, the bacon or the eggs?” The show, which runs through March 18, features the work of 33 other artists who work with toys in a range of media. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Assessor: Westport’s Grand List Up 1 Percent
Despite a weakened economy, new construction and home renovations helped Westport’s Grand List grow by 1 percent in 2011, Westport Town Assessor Paul A. Friia announced today.
Paul A. Friia: new construction helped boost Grand List. Contributed photo
Friia said as required by state statute, he signed the Oct. 1, 2011 Grand List by Tuesday’s deadline.
The net 2011 Grand List of $9,655,275,688 represents a total increase of approximately 1 percent from the net 2010 Grand List of $9,553,989,667, he said. The list is the sum of the assessed value of all taxable property – real estate, motor vehicles, and personal property.
Motor vehicles and personal property are valued annually, while real estate is updated based on the market values determined as of the town’s revaluation date of Oct.1, 2010.
More "Assessor: Westport’s Grand List Up 1 Percent"
Orkand Responds and Admonishes
By James Lomuscio
Rabbi Robert Orkand: asks that disagreement “not be as public.” Contributed photo
In a letter to congregants of Westport’s Temple Israel on Wednesday, Rabbi Robert Orkand reiterated that there is nothing amiss with major personnel changes resulting from his plans to retire after 30 years effective June 2013.
He also cautioned some congregants against “evil speech or gossip,according to Jewish law, the gravest of sins.”
Last week, Diana Muller, president of the executive committee, announced the departures of Senior Rabbi Robert Orkand, Associate Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf, two cantors and the temple’s executive director over the next six to 18 months. (See WestportNow Jan, 26, 2012)
Orkand stressed last week that it was “not a shakeup,” and that his decision to retire from the 850-member congregation “necessitated other decisions.”
More "Orkand Responds and Admonishes"
Reliving A Childhood Memory
Westport artist Susan Malloy, 87, remembers climbing on the cannons at Compo Beach as a child. On Wednesday, she decided it was such a beautiful day, she’d try it again. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Sunset Reflections
Wednesday’s sunset as seen at Westport’s Gray’s Creek between Longshore Club Park and Compo Beach Road. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Thursday, February 2, 2012
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Toy Stories”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Next Stop: Westport!” & “The Cold War in Our Backyard”
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Gilbertie’s (7 Sylvan Lane) - Westport Farmers Market Winter Market
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Overcoat Film Series: “His Girl Friday”
5 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Westport Senior Center - “Estate Planning & Taxes,” Shelby Wilson and Jan Bryniczka
7 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing (live coverage cable channel 79, AT&T channel 99, and westportct.gov)
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – RTM Finance & Public Protection Committees
8:15 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – RTM Employee Compensation Committee
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
$15,000 Approved for Baron’s South Appraisal
By James Lomuscio
Saying the more information the better, Westport’s Board of Finance tonight unanimously approved an appropriation of $15,000 to conduct an appraisal of the 22.7-acre town-owned Baron’s South property.
First Selectman Gordon Joseloff made the request at the suggestion of the finance board since the parcel at 60 Compo Road South is being considered for a senior housing complex.
Joseloff said the appraisal was necessary “so that we go into this with our eyes wide open.”
“I am happy to accede to your request because in the end it would be of value to both of us,” Joseloff said.
More "$15,000 Approved for Baron’s South Appraisal"
Westport Rabbi Calls for Review of East Haven Arrests
Westport Rabbi Robert Orkand was among religious leaders today calling for examination of convictions of defendants arrested by four East Haven police officers now facing federal charges stemming from a racial-profiling investigation.
Westport Rabbi Robert Orkand of Temple Israel speaks at today’s news conference in East Haven. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ctmirror.org photo
“We believe that convictions based on arrests founded on racial prejudice and misconduct by EHPD should not be allowed to stand,” said Orkand of Temple Israel.
Orkand suggested that Connecticut’s Police Officers Standards and Training Council should also get involved in an investigation of the town’s department
Added The Rev. James Manship, speaking to reporters from the basement of his own St. Rose of Lima Church in Fair Haven: “Look—this is just an enormous problem. We’re not going to get out of this in a few days, a few months.”
More "Westport Rabbi Calls for Review of East Haven Arrests"
February Heat Wave
Temperatures in Westport today climbed into the 60s on the first day of February as measured by the Bank of America sign on Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Field Hockey Dreams Come True
Three tri-captains of the Staples High School Field Hockey team dreamed of playing field hockey on a college level someday and now their dreams have come true. At a news conference at Staples today, they announced their college selections and signed their letters of intent. Emily Ashken (l) is going to Michigan and will major in kinesiology (exercise science) and sports management); Callie Hiner (c) is going to Georgetown where she will major in international political economy, and Misha Strage is going to Colby in Maine where she will major in psychology (she wants to work with soldiers returning home afflicted with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome). All three players and their coach, Cecily Anderson, agreed that the highlight of this season was not only winning the FCIACs for the first time in 17 years, but defeating the Darien team to break Darien’s 93-game winning streak going back to 2007. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Tractor-Trailer Accident Backs Up I-95
Southbound traffic on the I-95 bridge over the Saugatuck River in Westport is backed up late today because of an accident involving an overturned tractor-trailer between Exits 14 and 15 in Norwalk. The Department of Traffic said only one lane southbound was open. DOT photo
Going Down (Finally): 1 Red Coat Road
The house at 1 Red Coat Road, near Merritt Parkway Exit 41, came down today. The colonial-style, 1900-home is located on a one-acre property and changed hands in March 2007 for $585,000. A demolition permit had been applied for more than four years ago when it was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on Oct. 18, 2007. However, demolition was delayed, prompting many complaints from neighbors about its deteriorated condition. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Eckman for WestportNow.com
Tenants Set for Historic 15 Powers Court
By James Lomuscio
Built in 1835 as a residence for Westport slaughterhouse workers, the preserved structure at 15 Powers Court will soon house a behavior therapy group, principals of SIR Development LLC have announced.
Robert Haroun (l) and Kevin Holtzman outside 15 Powers Court adjacent to the Westport Country Playhouse (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
The Dialectical & Cognitive Behavior Therapy Center has leased the building’s 2,500 square feet, as it plans to relocate from its 29 Imperial Ave. location.
“We are looking forward to moving into our new, custom-built offices in a central location,” Kevin Holtzman, a psychologist and founder of the therapy group, said about the move.
The building is located near the Westport Country Playhouse at 25 Powers Court. All of the property was originally part of a slaughterhouse used for a New York City leather manufacturer in the hat trade, according to the Westport Historical Society (WHS).
More "Tenants Set for Historic 15 Powers Court"
Unusual Cloud Formation
The current warm weather has produced not only spring-like temperatures but also unusual cloud formations. This sky view was taken from Westport’s North Avenue. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Temple Turmoil: Upset Congregants Take to the Web
By James Lomuscio
Rabbi Robert Orkand: one of five Temple Israel employees departing. Contributed photo
Upset by sweeping personnel changes announced last week, congregants at Westport’s Temple Israel, have launched their own website, tiwestportvoices.com.
The site already has 12 pages of letters that range from expressing shock to asking the Board of Trustees to reconsider to questioning their future membership.
Last week, Diana Muller, president of the executive committee, announced the departures of Senior Rabbi Robert Orkand, Associate Rabbi Alysa Mendelson Graf, two cantors and the temple’s executive director over the next six to 18 months. (See WestpotNow Jan, 26, 2012)
Orkand stressed last week that it was “not a shakeup,” and that his decision to retire after 30 years from the 850-member congregation “necessitated other decisions.”
More "Temple Turmoil: Upset Congregants Take to the Web"
January Out Like a Lamb
It’s usually March that goes out like a lamb, but January ended Tuesday with not only a pretty sunset over the Longshore Channel in Westport but spring-like temperatures in the upper 50s. More unseasonably warm weather is forecast for today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
10 a.m. - Westport Public Library - Jobseekers: Energize Your Job Search
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Toy Stories”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Next Stop: Westport!” & “The Cold War in Our Backyard”
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – UN Hospitality Committee
6:15 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Shellfish Commission
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Flood & Erosion Control Board
8 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Board of Finance Public Hearing (live coverage cable channel 79, AT&T channel 99, and westportct.gov)
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Realtime NY Metro-area traffic reports from Traffic.com
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers Jan. 16 - 20, 2011MORE >>
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