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Letters
WestportNow welcomes letters from readers on matters pertaining to Westport and Westporters. Those of 300 words or less are given preference. Letters are edited for grammar, clarity, and accuracy. Publication shall be at the sole discretion of WestportNow. Third-party or anonymous letters, those signed with a pseudonym, or letters appearing in other publications are not published.
A postal address, e-mail address if available, and day and evening telephone numbers are required for verificiation purposes, although this information is not published. Letters may be submitted by e-mail to , via fax at (203) 286-2099, or by mail to 150 North Ave., Westport, CT 06880.
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Y’s Men: Feel Sacred Obligation
To the Editor:
In regard to Memorial Day, the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston are pleased to be able to participate in the annual parade. For the Y’s Men participation is quite meaningful, probably due to the age of our members (a majority served in our armed forces).
To us, each year we conceive, design and build a float not to entertain, to win a prize, or promote our club. We feel a sacred obligation to honor our veterans who served our country.
Many died, and all were changed by their military service. Our float is a gift to the community with the hope that spectators might, for just a brief moment, reflect regarding what a great country we share and the debt we owe to those who served.
Neil Coleman/ Mario Sa’Couto
Y’s Men Presidents
Westport
Sunday, May 09, 2010
CSC “Dismissed Out of Hand” Objections to Substation
To the Editor:
The residents of Westport, specifically Greens Farms, have multiple objections to the proposed CL&P substation at 6 New Creek Road. At the Thursday Connecticut Siting Council (CSC) meeting we listened to the Council’s consideration of the project and were eager to hear them discuss our objections submitted to them in writing over the past three weeks.
Instead, what can be heard on the Web audio link is the Council dismissing out of hand our most serious concern about the proximity of a powerful cell phone tower to the proposed site.
Despite our letters stating the location of the cell tower to the proposed site, the Council can be heard debating the location of the tower, deciding that we are referring to a tower much further away at the Westport police station and then dismissing our concern about the tower because in their opinion the tower is too far away to have an impact.
Their casual disinterest in what is arguably a huge environmental incompatibility issue for the proposed site is troubling at best. The CSC, it is my understanding, is responsible for making a determination of public need AND environmental compatibility for the proposed project.
More "CSC “Dismissed Out of Hand” Objections to Substation"
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
She Loves “She Loves Me”
To The Editor:
I just finished seeing “She Loves Me” at our charming Westport Country Playhouse. By chance the readers don’t go further than this sentence, let me shout from the top of Da Pietro’s to all of you: DON’T MISS THIS MUSICAL!!
As the Playhouse celebrates its 80th anniversary, it has kicked off this unbelievable season with a smash hit! This show is a delightful, romantic, funny, charming and nostalgic musical. From the moment the curtain went up until it went down I grinned from ear to ear.
The set was spectacular! ( I can’t believe what the set designers can make on our special Westport stage). The music is uplifting and the lyrics are witty and at times downright hysterical.
The costumes make you remember a more stylish time in our history and the wonderful etiquette depicted representative of an era gone by it motivated me to bring my children to see it. ( I’m even going to a matinee so I can get Pietro out of the kitchen for a relaxing and rejuvenating afternoon).
To prove to all of you, my neighbors, how much I want you to see this show, I will even encourage you further. I will give anyone who brings in to Da Pietro’s a ticket or ticket stub for any performance of “She Loves Me” a free glass of wine or dessert with the purchase of a lunch or dinner entree.
I will see you all at the Playhouse this summer, a season not to miss!
Janine Scotti
Owner Da Pietro’s Restaurant,
Westport
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Library Staff Worked Above and Beyond During Storm
To the Editor:
As Charles Dickens once penned, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
The storm that took most people by surprise resulted in 12,000 Westporters converging at the public library over March 14-16 to find warmth, a sense of security, and connectivity in both definitions of the word.
The same people who say “the library is like my second home” were finding it was their first home for two, three, and even four days. One person said,
“It was like having a friend’s house to go to.”
The library staff worked tirelessly and with tremendous grace while the library stayed open for longer hours. In addition to their regular responsibilities they ran out for extra power cords and food, set up extra tables, demonstrated how to link into the wireless network, checked phone numbers for you to call on the status of your situation, and looked up information on food spoilage following hours and days of no refrigeration.
More "Library Staff Worked Above and Beyond During Storm"
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Opposed to Linxweiler Property Plan
To the Editor:
My name is Marc Fischer. My wife Lori and I are 11 year residents of Westport. We live at 9 Sue Terrace. I’m a 48 year-old father of two elementary school age girls and the COO of a financial services firm. We love our town and our neighborhood, but until recently we’ve not been overtly active in town politics. That has changed.
The proposal, initiated by IHA, for the development of the Linxweiler property has garnered a lot of press lately…and rightly so. My family and I stand in opposition to the plan. I understand the proposal has been withdrawn, but will likely be submitted again soon, and I’d like to list my points clearly, so they’re unambiguously on the record. The proposal in any form should be rejected because:
The project defies the Linxweiler will. The will states that Ms. Linxweiler desired the property be left as green space. Defying a will is a reprehensible thing to do, and effectively puts an end to any future bequests to the town. The town would never be able to un-ring that bell.
A 75-year lease is excessive. Entering into a 75 year lease is fiscally dangerous and irresponsible.
More "Opposed to Linxweiler Property Plan"
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Thank You from Special Olympics
To the Editor:
Thank you, Westport. It is only because members of the Westport community have caring hearts and warmly embrace Special Olympics and its annual Penguin Plunge event that 475 people enthusiastically plunged into the chilly water at Compo Beach on March 6th to demonstrate support for people with intellectual disabilities and a record-breaking $130,000 was raised to fund Special Olympics’ local, year-round programs.
The Westport Penguin Plunge continues to be the largest plunge in the state for Special Olympics Connecticut and the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut, Southwest Region of the year.
Yes, it is an event we depend on to ensure we serve our athletes all year round with programs that change attitudes about people with intellectual disabilities and change the lives of all who are involved. Westport hosting and participating in this event means so much to our organization.
The Westport crew of volunteers that organizes and helps to run this event does a phenomenal job and ensures everyone has a safe, fun experience. Thank you to Chief Chris Ackley, Firefighter Jonathan Gottfried and the Westport Firefighters, Sgt. Dave Farrell and the Westport Police, Mike Falbo and friends with Westport Parks & Recreation Department, the amazing dive team and the members of the medical response team who gave of their time and talents.
More "Thank You from Special Olympics"
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thanks from the Westport Weston Health District
To the Editor:
On behalf of the Westport Weston Health District, we extend our sincere thanks to our Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) and Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). The Westport Weston Wilton MRC, and the Westport CERT, comprised of volunteers from our communities, donated over 420 hours of service in response to the H1N1 influenza pandemic. Our successful efforts were made possible through the service of our MRC and CERT teams.
The Westport Weston Health District has vaccinated over 3,800 individuals. Our partnership with the MRC, and the support of our CERT team, provided both medical and non-medical volunteers, who provided support in several ways. Volunteers answered phone calls, scheduled appointments, conducted patient screening, assisted with parking, directed patients inside the clinic, distributed health and emergency preparedness literature, and assisted our nurse vaccinators.
We are extremely grateful to these volunteers. Again, our success in providing the H1N1 vaccine to those in need is largely attributed to their support and generous donation of their time and skills. Thank you!
Ken Kellogg, Mark Cooper, and Monica Wheeler
Westport Weston Health District
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Responding to Westporter’s Heroism
To the Editor:
While reading the riveting article about fellow Westporter Lucia Palmieri (See WestportNow Jan. 30, 2010), I unexpectedly found myself crying.
I sat breathless as I read how Ms. Palmieri heroically pulled off the Hutch to follow an SUV which had just veered off the Parkway over a steep embankment and into a half-frozen pond.
I felt an immense pride for Ms. Palmieri (even though I do not know her personally) and an equally appalling disgust for the other samaritans’ dismissive actions. I know it must have been the thought of children possibly being in the car that decided her selfless response.
As a mother of three, I know what that lioness feeling is like. You lose mind of yourself and just do. I was also caught up by the familiar Westport name--Palmieri.
I remember when my husband and I moved to Westport 20 years ago. One of the first people we met was “Grandma” Palmieri at Palmieri Nursery
I remember her sitting outside, advising us on various plants we were purchasing (as we were landscaping our new house and beginning our new lives with our first baby in tow).
Mrs. Palmieri Sr. struck us as the warmest and most endearing woman. She told us she thought our baby’s name (Michael) was a bee-utiful name and we immediately warmed to her accent and smile.
It wasn’t lost on me as I read this article of another Palmieri being a guardian angel for a total stranger while endangering herself. With winter in full swing and the “blues” always hovering, I suddenly felt hopeful again. I love our community and every once in a while I’m reminded why.
Diane Unger-Yormark
Westport
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Questions About Sealant Odor
To the Editor:
Parents of children at the Hillspoint School that was evacuated due to fumes from a roofing sealant need to ask these questions:
* Did anyone ask for the name of the chemical in the roof sealant?
* What are the Material Safety Data information for these chemicals.
* Was the contractor advised not to use the chemicals in the vicinity of children?
* How long were the children and teachers exposed to the chemicals before they were evacuated?
* Who authorized the application of the roof sealant during the school day?
* Was that person qualified to make a decision that exposed children to hazardous substances? Who oversees the use of toxic substances at schools?
I was seriously and permanently injured by a roofing sealant applied during the school day at the school where I was teaching in Mississippi. School officials lied to the media that no one was seriously injured.
It only takes a short time to cause injury to respiratory, eye and brain tissue. It sometimes takes a lifetime to diagnosed that toxic chemicals caused the damage.
Fumes from roofing sealant have caused injuries to school children all across the nation. Even though the EPA recognizes that children are more vulnerable to toxic injury, there are no laws preventing the use of toxic chemicals like roofing sealant while school children and personnel are present.
When I asked the questions above, the school and contractor attempted to cover it up. School officials at my school were more concerned with their liability and politics than with providing medical care for the injured.
I am now an activist to protect children from toxic injury and for healthier schools. For stories about toxic justice, news and resources about schools and toxic risks, visit http://www.nancyswan.com and follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ToxicJustice
Nancy Swan
Mobile, Ala.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
A Caution for Postal Service Users
To the Editor:
Twice over the last few weeks, while walking our dog, I have found stamped, unpostmarked mail in strange places near the road. In both cases, within a mile of Staples High School, the mail turned out to be very important communications including significant personal checks.
Upon investigation, it turned out that in both cases, the mail had been left in personal rural mailboxes for pickup.
While I have, as has at least one of the parties involved, notified the US Postal Inspector, I would recommend that Westport residents not leave mail for pickup in their street boxes unless they won’t be inconvenienced if it doesn’t get to its destination.
Joel R. Hallas
Westport
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Thanks from Westport Police
To the Editor:
The members of the Westport Police Union and Westport Police Benevolent Association would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the extremely generous contributions we received during our 2009 Holiday Toy Drive.
The toy drive which is held annually, sponsored by the Westport Police Union and the Westport Police Benevolent Association, and run by its members, has historically been tremendously successful. This year was no different.
We were able to donate gifts to several hundred children throughout Fairfield County who otherwise would not have received toys for the holidays.
Toys were distributed to organizations such as the Interfaith Housing Association (Westport), Carver Community Center (Norwalk), Norwalk Community Health Center (Norwalk), Bridgeport Council of Churches (Bridgeport), St. Charles Urban Center (Bridgeport), Burroughs Community Center (Bridgeport), the New Haven Domestic Violence Shelter (New Haven), and local individual families in need.
The project would not be nearly as successful if it weren’t for the individuals and local businesses that show their support, concern, and generosity toward the underprivileged in our area.
Each year as the members of the Westport Police Department collect the donations, we are deeply touched by the generosity and caring that is displayed. To see not only adults demonstrate the true spirit of the holidays, but children as well, is truly heartwarming.
Special thanks to the Athletic Shoe Factory, Vautrin Auto, 95.9 The Fox Radio, and Sign Smarts, for their assistance in the logistical aspects of our efforts and their generosity. Without them, we couldn’t have done it.
With thanks from the bottom of our hearts,
The Men and Women of the Westport Police Department
Westport
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Questions RTM Decision
To the Editor:
I have to question the decision by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) to overturn Planning and Zoning Commission’s (P&Z) decision to amend the zoning regulations to allow the Inn at National Hall to have offices on the first floor.
What is wrong with this change? As a small retail business owner in the downtown area, this change along with moving the “historic building” on the corner of Wilton Road to free up traffic, would have done nothing but bring more business to the downtown and surrounding areas.
I don’t profess to be a smart person; but I have been blessed with a little common sense. A vacant Inn will do little or nothing for our local economy.
Occupied office space, by a well run company with a vested interest in the property, would do nothing but enhance our local merchants; and more importantly maintain the property to the highest of standards.
What I think we are forgetting here is that people who work in offices; tend to shop, buy supplies, take clients to lunch, and do other things that require infusing money into the local economy. To have an empty building owned by a bank, getting ready for a fire sale is not good business.
I have a lot of respect for our RTM and its members, as well as the people involved in overturning this text amendment.
But we have to remember is that we are not talking about a 102,000 square foot building in a residential AAA zone like the YMCA’s proposed move to Mahackeno. It’s a simple change of use of an already designated commercial property.
What we have here is a good company, trying to work with P&Z to make a commercial piece of property work. When you look at this zone change it totally makes sense. A dead area would come back to life, the town would reap the benefits of commercial tax revenue to go along with a revitalized area. What would be wrong with that?
Sometimes in affluent communities, highly educated people tend to lose sight of one of the most important assets in the decision making process: common sense.
I think if a little common sense would’ve been applied to the process in this text amendment change, all parties could’ve walked away with a deal that would’ve worked for everyone.
Jimmy Izzo
Westport
Saturday, January 09, 2010
The Day the Workroom Fell Silent
To the Editor:
I received a phone call from my old friend Zak, on the seventh of January, at almost the same minute that in another place the other man most intertwined with my time in Staples Players passed away quietly. He left us way too soon. He helped create my joyous teen years.
His name was Mr. Joseph W. Ziegahn. To the thousands of other students who loved him; myself especially, he was simply Ziegahn.
My mother once said that she received a good less headaches from me during high school because I was too busy studying stagecraft and doing backstage theater under the tutelage of Ziegahn to get into trouble.
It all started when I had him for seventh grade art class, then four years of Staples Players. Those four years shaped me. Like the clay on the wheel in his classroom he molded me. If any teacher could teach a student how to be a man, he was Ziegahn.
I am not a person of extravagant gratitude except when I finished high school and towards Ziegahn. To enumerate my gratitude for all Ziegahn did for me, I will tell about how I said goodbye to Staples Players.
I was 18 and I spent almost a month’s pay on a pewter knife engraved “THANKS JWZ, FROM DEA” as a surprise for him. The gesture was so that every time he used that tool to create art, he would remember how much he helped one crazy kid survive high school. He helped many kids survive high school or junior high in 39 years as a teacher.
I learned how to swing a hammer and build a table as well as be polite and talk to a lady from this man. I learned how to lift with my knees and not with back as well as how not to be afraid to ask a girl to prom. Ziegahn was from South Dakota and I married a girl from South Dakota. That’s only fair; he taught me (at 15) that the girls I wanted to talk to were just as nervous as I was.
Every day, every single day I think about all he taught me. I remembered that quite well the day I met my wife and the life lesson came back, I was a nervous 29 year-old and so was she. Mostly I’m impressed that Ziegahn could teach me all that and make me laugh.
I watched him one day, during our annual haunted house, transform me into Mr. Spock from Star Trek with less than $5 worth of makeup. I think Paramount could have used him. I watched him teach Zak about lighting, Lindsay about costumes and even a dozen of more my peers how to stage student productions.
In the more than 25 years he was technical director, he probably saw more than 10,000 students. I would bet most of us feel the same way, I apologize that it’s an old cliché but “we shall not see his like again.”
I called him two months ago, not to say ‘good-bye;’ but to say ‘thank you.’ I told him that everyone has one teacher they look back on as the one that influenced them the most and he was mine. For all this I am grateful.
For his quarter century, Ziegahn put in 14-hour days. Arriving in the workroom hours before school then running stagecraft alongside after school clubs or rehearsals. He’d then leave hours after us invariably. I went pre-K through 12 in Westport and I can tell you this, no one, no one in the education profession showed more caring or concern for students than Joe Ziegahn.
This is why I implore the powers that be to host a tribute to Ziegahn on the main stage at Staples High School. Drape the chair that bears his name with a curtain and ribbon like a ‘missing man formation’ gesture and let more than a quarter of a century worth of students that loved him fill that auditorium one last time. Not for me or what he did for me, but for of the thousands of other Westport students who loved him like I do.
Thank you.
David E. Arcudi
Vice President, Technical, Staples Players, 1995-6
Prop Master, Staples Players 1994-1996
Staples High School Alumnus, 1996
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Kudos for the Westport Library
To the Editor:
With our nearly two-year-old grandson Henry visiting for the holidays, my wife visited Earthplace and several other venues looking for suggestions about ways to entertain our special visitor.
She also went to the Westport Library and would you believe they have Grandkits designed for such occasions. The kit includes CDs books, games and toys well suited for little tykes.
They are on loan, of course, but we were absolutely floored by this brilliant idea which will certainly enliven Henry’s visit.
Grandkits? There sure are some clever and imaginative folks in our midst.
Gil Ghitelman
Westport
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Congratulations on Blue Ribbon School
To the Editor:
As a retired school principal here in Nebraska, and having formerly worked closely with Dr. Cary Bell as his assistant principal at Boys Town, Neb., I wish to acknowledge his school’s achievement as regards their recent excellent recognition as a Blue Ribbon School.
What an honor, but it is not surprising since I know Dr. Bell and always admired him for his leadership and caring attitude towards kids and staff.
Please extend to him and his staff my most sincere congratulations and best wishes.
Kirk Estee
Omaha, Neb
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