Monday, May 20, 2013
Gray Day
It was a gray and rainy Sunday at Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Eckman for WestportNow.com
Monday, May 20, 2013
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “SOLOS 2013”
6 p.m. – Staples Room 1025C – Board of Education Executive Session
7:30 p.m. – Staples Cafeteria B – Board of Education Public Meeting (live coverage cable channel 78, AT&T channel 99, and www.westport.k12.ct.us)
7:30 p.m. - Town Hall Room 102 - Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA)
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Ron Berler, “Raising the Curve: a Year Inside One of America’s 45,000 Failing Public Schools”
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Ceremony Marks Start of Boating Season
The 47th annual Commissioning Day ceremony for Westport’s Minuteman Yacht Club was held today at the Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach. Commodore Stewart Reitler (l) welcomed members and friends .Guests participating in the ceremony, marking the official start of the boating season, included Selectman Charles Haberstroh, Library Director Maxine Bleiweis, and the the Rev. Allison J. Patton, pastor of the Saugatuck Congregational Church. Established in 1966, the Minuteman Yacht Club was organized to promote the pleasures of boating in Westport and on Long Island Sound. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Raising the Flag at Ned Dimes Marina
Westport Minuteman Yacht Club Rear Commodore Per Sorensen today observes the raising of the flag by Boy Scouts Andrew Berry, David Dickison, Richard Costello and Dylan Murray of Troop 100 at the 47th annual Commissioning Day ceremony. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Transit District Update
The Westport Transit District issued the following update for Monday:
No service on the G1 and G2 shuttles to the Greens Farm’s station.
There will be a shuttle service from the Greens Farm’s station to the Saugatuck station. These will be vehicles with a limited carrying capacity. It will run a continuous loop during peak hours. There is no charge for this service.
Regular Saugatuck shuttles S1, S2, S3, S4, and Imperial lot will operate. ADA and door-to-door service will operate on a regular schedule.
Clearing the Tracks
Workers clear the rails today at the Bridgeport site of the derailment and train collision. Officials said by late today, all train cars involved had been removed. Metro-North officials said service disruptions will continue well into this week. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) MTA photo
Westport Police Detail Monday Traffic Plans
UPDATE The Westport Police Department said today with Metro-North running limited service Monday from Saugatuck—and none from Green’s Farms—commuters from Westport should expect riders from points east to take buses to Westport for trains to Grand Central Terminal.
“This will have a significant impact on the Saugatuck station,” a statement said. “Additional police personnel will be on duty.”
“At this time, Metro North estimates that they will be running at about 75 percent capacity from Westport,” the statement said.
“All bus drop-offs and pick-ups will be on Railroad Place.”
More "Westport Police Detail Monday Traffic Plans"
State DOT Outlines Monday Transportation Plan
The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced a Connecticut commuter service plan in effect for Monday and until further notice on the New Haven Line that includes limited service from Westport to Grand Central Terminal.
The service plan requires buses in some locations, it said.
For the morniing peak period, the plan calls for a local service between Bridgeport, Fairfield Metro, Fairfield and Westport Stations (no bus service from Green’s Farms and Southport Stations) with limited train service from Westport Station.
There will be regular train service from South Norwalk Station to Grand Central Terminal.
More "State DOT Outlines Monday Transportation Plan"
Metro-North Service from Westport on Monday
UPDATE Metro-North train service will extend to Westport on Monday on a limited basis, the state Department of Transportaton said today as state and local officials braced for a transportation crush due to the New Haven Line service outage.
Crews worked today to clear the tracks in Bridgeport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) News 12-Cablevision photo
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, in a televised address at 6 p.m., urged residents not to travel if at all possible and once in New York, if that is their destination, to consider overnighting there. He said rainy weather will add to the travel woes.
“If at all possible, avoid the mess altogether and work from home or go in later, if you can,” he said. “The delays will not be limited to mass transit—as more people get behind the wheel, traffic on our highways will be worse.”
Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said that police were preparing for extra traffic around the Sauagatuck area, especially incoming buses from other stations He said commuters in any case should plan on a delayed commute.
More "Metro-North Service from Westport on Monday"
Jumping the Curb
An SUV jumped the curb into some hedges and a Jeep on Westport’s Riverside Avenue at No. 472 today. It was not known if there were any injuries. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Eckman for WestportNow.com
Malloy to Give Transit Update at 6 p.m.
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy returned to the Bridgeport train derailment site today to get an update on progress clearing the tracks. He scheduled a 6 p.m. statement from the State Armory in Hartford to give a rail update and outline plans for alternate transporation for New Haven Line riders. Contributed photo
Working Out Before 5K Kidney Foundation Walk
Participants wokred out at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport today before the inaugural 5K walk to raise funds for the National KIdney Foundation and raise awareness of the risks of kidney disease. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Sunday, May 19, 2013
10:15 a.m. - Sherwood Island State Park - National Kidney Foundation’s Fairfield County Kidney Walk (walk begins 11:15 a.m.)
11 a.m. - 2 p.m. - JoyRide Cycling Studio (1200 Post Road East) - Second Annual Kickin’ Cancer! Ride & Family Fun Day
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “SOLOS 2013”
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Music: RAVE ON!
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - The Usual Suspects: “Busman’s Honeymoon” & “The Attenbury Emeralds”
3 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “The Dining Room” (last day)
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Honored at Ball
Nancy Gault of Westport, president of the board of the Westport Arts Center, presents William Felton of Weston, first vice president, with an award at tonight’s Art Noir Ball 2013 at the Steel Shed in Norwalk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Party Time
The Steel Shed in South Norwalk was transformed into a party place for tonight’s Westport Arts Center’s Art Noir Ball 2013. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Saturday Night Art Fever
Scenes from tonight’s Westport Arts Center Art Noir Ball 2013 at the Steel Shed, South Norwalk. Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Fracture in Track Found, Shuttle Service in Works
Investigators said late today that they found a fracture in a section of the eastbound track, where Friday night’s Metro-North derailment in Bridgeport apparently began.
An injured passenger is lifted off one of the trains moments after the crash. Photo from YouTube.com
But the investigators are unsure whether the fracture happened before the derailment or as a result of it.
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Earl Weener said the broken rail is of substantial interest to investigators and a portion of the track will be sent to a lab for analysis. He said the Federal Bureau of Investigation made a preliminary assessment of the crash and “decided no foul play” was involved.
Meanwhile, Metro-North train service between New Haven and South Norwalk is indefinitely suspended, as is all Amtrak service between New York and New Haven. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said full service may not be restored until “well into next week.”
More "Fracture in Track Found, Shuttle Service in Works"
MTA Update: No Full Service Likely ‘Well Into Next Week’
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) tonight issued the following update on the Bridgeport train collision:
Passengers help each other off one of the trains moments after the derailment and crash. Photo from YouTube.com
“MTA Interim Executive Director Tom Prendergast and Metro-North President Howard Permut today again visited the scene of Friday’s evening’s derailment and subsequent sideswipe in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
“The National Transportation Safety Board, with the full support and assistance of Metro-North Railroad, the MTA Police Department, Federal Railroad Administration, Connecticut DOT, and Bridgeport Police, is conducting an exhaustive investigation that will determine the cause of the incident.
“The thoughts of entire MTA family are with those injured in this incident and their loved ones. We thank the first responders who assisted with safely removing the passengers from the trains and transporting those who were injured to area hospitals.
More "MTA Update: No Full Service Likely ‘Well Into Next Week’"
Artsy Welcome to Art Noir Ball
Guests at tonight’s Westport Arts Center Art Noir Ball 2013 at the Steel Shed in South Norwalk were greeted by these high stepping ladies. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Meeting at Comic-Con
About 100 persons attended today’s Comic-Con celebration of the world of comics at the Westport Public Library. It featured a cartoon-drawing workshop with comic artist Christopher Hart and a talk by comic author Paul Kupperberg. Pictured is children’s librarian Lynne Perrigo dressed as Super Space Princess Librarian. She is flanked by Ben Goldschlager, 16, a Staples High School junior, and senior Emily Greenberg, 18. Westport teens have been working on the event for months. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phylllis Groner for WestportNow.com
World of Comics Comes to Westport
Scenes from today’s Comic-Con celebration of the world of comics at the Westport Public Library. Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
In Tune
Guests at the Westport Center for Senior Activities today were entertained by the Wreckers in Tune, a community-oriented musical group of gifted Staples High School students. Contributed photo
All Aboard
Travelers to New York rush to get aboard and get seats at the Metro-North South Norwalk station today as Metro-North ran limited service from there to Grand Central Terminal because of Friday night’s train collision in Bridgeport. It was uncertain when service would be resumed east of South Norwalk. Westport and state officials were scrambling to arrange bus service from Westport to South Norwalk in time for the Monday morning commute.. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Waiting Game
It was a crowded platform at the Metro-North South Norwalk starion today as New York-bound passengers waited for a train. Metro-North service was running only from South Norwalk to Grand Central Terminal because of Friday night’s train collision in Bridgeport.. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Viewing the Damage
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and other officials view the damaged track at the Bdrigeport train collision site today. Contributed photo
Morning After
Sen. Chris Murphy, Congressman Jim Himes, and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy get an update from NTSB officials today at the train collision site in Bridgeport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Westport Cabs Busy Doing Norwalk Shuttle
With no train service in Westport today because of the Friday night collison in Bridgeport, Westport cab drivers were busy shuttling passengers to and from the South Norwalk train station. “I’ve had five fares today so far—three from Westport to South Norwalk and two from South Norwalk to here (the Saugatuck station),” said Westport Taxi driver Nehemiah Reid (above). He said he attracted one fare from a woman who was standing on the New York-bound platform waiting for a train. “I said to her, ‘What are you waiting for, there are no trains today,’” he said. “She asked me ‘why?’ I told her about the train wreck. She said she did not hear about it.” Reid said he then drove her to the South Norwalk station. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Malloy: New Train Cars Performed Well
Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said today the new M8 train cars, with up to date safety fearures, may have prevented more serious injuries in Friday’s night’s Bridgeport train collision. He told a briefing at the collision site that the state Department of Transportation has already arranged for removal of the damaged train cars from the rails once the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the site to the railroad. About 70 persons were injured in the collision, with eight remaining in the hospital, three in criical condition, Malloy said. Train service is suspended between South Norwalk and New Haven with no definite word when it will be resumed. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) News12-Cablevision photo
NTSB: 7-10 Day On-Scene Investigation
Gov. Dannel P Malloy and investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) met with reporters today at the Metro-North train collision site in Bridgeport. Earl Weener, an NTSB official, said the on-scene investigation could take seven to 10 days but that does not mean the service shutdown will take that long. He said the initial examinaton could take a day and a half at which time the scene will be turned over to Metro-North to begin to clear the tracks. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said he was told by the NTSB chairman work will progress as quickly as possible. Sen. Chris Murphy said the investigation will not be hurried “so we can get it right.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) News12-Cablevision photo
Metro-North Saturday Service
Metro-North said early today due to the train collision in Bridgeport, New Haven Line train service remains suspended between South Norwalk and New Haven until further notice.
Reduced, hourly service will operate between South Norwalk and Grand Central Terminal, an advisory said.
Regular service will operate between Stamford and Grand Central Terminal. Regular service will be in effect on the New Canaan and Danbury Branches.
Bus service will be in effect between Waterbury and Bridgeport with no train connections. Yankee game day service will be in effect between Stamford and Yankees-E. 153rd Street Station.
Compo to San Francisco on Bikes
Alec Bernard of Westport and Allie Wills from Texas, two Cornell University students, Friday started their 3,543-mile bike trip across the country at Compo Beach. They are raising money for an organization called CITTA, which provides hospitals, water and schools for some of the poorest areas in India, Nepal and Mexico. They plan to finish in San Francisco in 43 days. To check their website and track their progress, or find out more about CITTA, visit www.americabybicycle.wix.com/bikeforgood. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Saturday, May 18, 2013
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “SOLOS 2013”
10:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Westport Weston Family Y - Holistic Health Day
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Sherwood Island State Park - Nature Center Opening Day
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Comic-Con
2:30 p.m. - Earthplace - Critter Encounter
3 p.m. and 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “The Dining Room”
6 p.m. - Steel Shed (140 Water Street, Norwalk) - Westport Arts Center “Art Noir Ball”
7:30 p.m. - Westport Weston Family Y - Youth Fun Night (4th-7th grade)
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Friday, May 17, 2013
Finally Arriving at Greens Farms by Cab and Bus
Following the train collision in Bridgeport, the Greens Farms train station was mostly deserted late tonight. A bus dropped off several commuters who walked to their cars. A police officer said, “The cab business seemed to be brisk tonight as many commuters arrived in cabs, rather than by bus, to retrieve their vehicles from the parking lot.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
MTA: FBI Among Agencies Probing Train Collision
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) tonight issued the following statement on today’s Metro-North train collision in Bridgeport:
“At approximately 6:10 p.m., a Metro-North train (the 4:41 p.m. departure from Grand Central, due to New Haven at 6:32 p.m.) traveling to New Haven with an estimated 300 passengers derailed in the vicinity of the I-95 overpass in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
“A passenger train traveling in the opposite direction carrying an estimated 400 passengers on the adjacent track (the 5:30 p.m. departure from New Haven-State Street, due Grand Central at 7:18 p.m.) then struck the derailed train.
“Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has deployed MTA Chairman Tom Prendergast to the scene as well as additional MTA and emergency personnel and resources. The governor has spoken with Gov. Dannel Malloy of Connecticut to coordinate the two states’ responses.
More "MTA: FBI Among Agencies Probing Train Collision"
Last Train Out?
Passengers board a New York-bound train at the Westport station shortly after 10 p.m today, more than four hours after the train collision in Bridgeport. There was speculation it was a train caught up between Westport and Bridgeport by the collision. Metro-North said all train service is suspended between South Norwalk and New Haven. Westbound service will originate out of South Norwalk making all stops to Grand Central Terminal, an advisory said. Eastbound service will make all stops to South Norwalk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Realtime NY Metro-area traffic reports from Traffic.com
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers May 6 - 10, 2013MORE >>
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What a joke! I hope the BOF does their job…
[Editor’s note: The following comment has been edited to delete…
Thanks Diane
No kidding? What a surprise!
approx. 5,0000 sq, ft, in two and one half stories…
Going Round and Round at SpinOdyssey
Video Update: Westport Family Y Struggles to Reopen
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Note: WestportNow Publisher Gordon F. Joseloff is also First Selectman of Westport