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Sunday, April 30, 2006

Compo Playground Has “Soft” Opening

The new playground at Westport’s Compo Beach had a “soft” opening tonight. Organizers had hoped to be finished in time for a dedication ceremony this afternoon, but they ran behind schedule and put off the official opening until next Saturday. Nevertheless, they roped off the unfinished areas tonight and let youngsters give the playground a test run for about an hour, much to their delight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Betsey Lebow for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 07:25 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Sand Play

A visitor to the new Compo Beach playground tries out a sand shovel during tonight’s “soft” opening of the new Westport attraction. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

04/30/06 07:22 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Symposium Follows World Premiere of “Thurgood”

“Thurgood: The Law and the Man,” a Sunday Symposium, was presented today by the Westport Country Playhouse following the world premiere of James Earl Jones in “Thurgood,” based on the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Symposium guest speaker was Stephen L. Carter, Yale University professor of law, who previously served as a law clerk for Marshall. He said the quality that impressed him the most about Marshall was his ability to relate to people on a human level no matter what disagreements he might have with their views or politics. Symposium moderator was Hyla Crane, Playhouse education director. “Thurgood” continues through May 21. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

04/30/06 05:36 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Full House for “Thurgood” Premiere at Playhouse

The Westport Country Playhouse parking lot was full today for the world permiere of James Earl Jones starring in “Thurgood,” based on the life of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. Jones won a standing ovation from the afternoon audience. “Thurgood” continues through May 21. For information and tickets, call the box office at (203) 227-4177 or visit www.westportplayhouse.org. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 05:25 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

A Walk in the Park

Former Westport tree warden Don Snook explains the trees in Winslow Park today during the Westport Historical Society’s tree walk in the park. About 20 persons took part in the event, one in the Society’s “Destination Westport” series. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 05:06 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Checking the Chains

A volunteer checks the chains today at the new playground under construction at Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) David Dreyfuss for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 02:26 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Getting a Helping Hand

A construction volunteer gets a helping hand from another volunteer standing behind him while working on the playground project at Westport’s Compo Beach today. Crews will be working through 9 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 01:00 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Playground Volunteers Continue Work

Volunteers swarmed through the new playground construction site today at Westport’s Compo Beach. They will be working until 9 p.m., and volunteers are welcome to stop at the site any time. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 12:59 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Walking for March of Dimes at Sherwood Island

About 1,000 persons took part in today’s March of Dimes WalkAmerica event at Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park. Last year’s event raised $1.1 million and organizers hoped to top that this year. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

04/30/06 12:58 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Having Fun at Sherwood Island

Grace Shattuck, 4, of Fairfield, was among those taking part in today’s March of Dimes WalkAmerica event at Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park. Grace’s mother, Laura, was on the organizing committee for the walk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 12:47 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Making His First 5K Race

Laurie Wright and son James Rubin, 10, finish today’s 5K Minute Man race at Westport’s Compo Beach. James is a fourth grader at Green’s Farms Elementary and this was his first 5K race. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 12:45 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Going Strong at 87

George Whitney, 87, of Orange, Conn., started running at age 80. He finished today’s 5K Minute Man race at Westport’s Compo Beach in 36:51. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 12:43 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Bridgeport Runner Wins 5K Minute Man Race

Francisco Garcia of Bridgeport was the winner of today’s Minute Man race at Westport’s Compo Beach, finishing in 16:55. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 12:40 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Good Day for a Race

More than 800 runners took part in today’s Minute Man race at Westport’s Compo Beach. These runners were entrants in the 5K run. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

04/30/06 09:21 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Starting the Race

Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff fires the starting gun for today’s 5K Minute Man race at Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jessica Bram for WestportNow.com

04/30/06 09:13 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Sunday, April 30, 2006

8 a.m. - Compo Beach - Minute Man Race
11 a.m. - Sherwood Island State Park - March of Dimes WalkAmerica
2 p.m. - Winslow Park - Tree walk (meet at Westport Historical Society at 1 p.m. for fitness walk to park)
3 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “Thurgood”
4 p.m. - Westport Woman’s Club - Democratic Women of Westport and Westport Democratic Town Committee host forum for 4th Congressional District candidate Diane Farrell

04/29/06 11:03 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Dogs and Dogs

Dogs to eat and dogs that eat mingled at the Westport Historical Society today for its “Cool Dogs and Hot Dogs” event. Visitors to its “Dogs at Winslow” got a hot dog bonus on the Society lawn. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

04/29/06 05:56 PM Comments (1) • Permalink •

Playground Dedication Delayed

Despite more than 600 volunteers working today, organizers of the Westport Compo Beach playground build said they will not be finished in time to hold the planned dedication Sunday afternoon. They said they will reschedule the event for next weekend. View is through a playground ring. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

04/29/06 05:24 PM Comments (1) • Permalink •

Playground Build in Homestretch

Today was the fifth and busiest day yet of construction of the new playground at Westport’s Compo Beach. Organizers are hoping to be complete by Sunday’s scheduled afternoon dedication. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

04/29/06 01:10 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Sherwood Island State Park Seeks Lifeguards

State officials are seeking to fill lifeguard slots at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport and other beaches in order to avoid last summer’s shortages.

The state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been contacting high schools and colleges in hopes of reaching potential applicants for the approximately 80 spots around the state, including 12 at Sherwood Island.

The popular beach was left shorthanded just before the busy Fourth of July weekend when three of its lifeguards quit. (See WestportNow July 4, 2005).

Gina McCarthy, DEP commissioner, has told Westport officials that a new manager has been hired for Sherwood Island and that wages have been raised in order to improve lifeguard coverage this year.

04/29/06 01:00 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Blumenthal Explains Opposition to LNG Facility

Attorney General Richard Blumenthal (r) addressed the Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club Friday night and explained his opposition to the proposed Broadwater liquid natural gas terminal in Long Island Sound. With him is Steve Knapp, commodore of the Westport club. Type your caption here. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bill Balch for WestportNow.com

04/29/06 12:43 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

“Cool Dogs and Hot Dogs” at Historical Society

The Westport Historical Society today hosts its “Cool Dogs and Hot Dogs” event from noon to 2 p.m. All guests to the current “Dogs at Winslow” exhibit will get free hot dogs and there is 20 percent off all dog items in the Society’s gift shop at 25 Avery Place. Andrea Fine (l) and Mollie Donovan make preparatons for the day. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

04/29/06 06:39 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Friday, April 28, 2006

Saturday, April 29, 2006

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center, 10 Woodside Lane - Earth Day celebration
Noon - 2 p.m. - Westport Historical Society, 25 Avery Place - “Cool Dogs and Hot Dogs” event with free hot dogs to guests attending the “Dogs at Winslow” exhibit
8 p.m. - Seabury Center, 45 Church Lane - Westport Arts Center presents folk singer John Gorka with special guest David Francey

04/28/06 11:03 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Staples Edges Newtown 6-5 in Homecoming Game

Staples edged Newtown 6-5 in a come-from-behind victory tonight in its 2006 varsity baseball homecoming game at Bridgeport’s Bluefish Stadium at Harbor Yard. The win, which saw Staples overcome a 4-0 deficit, improved the Westport team to 6-4 on the season. It was Newtown’s first loss this year. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

04/28/06 09:53 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Key Player

Staples senior and co-captain Wyatt Moss was among key players in tonight’s 6-5 win over Newtown at Bridgeport’s Harbor Yard. The Wrecker homecoming game under the lights drew a big crowd from Westport. Ryan Healy pitched a complete game for the win. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

04/28/06 09:47 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

All About Color

Tonight’s “Art Smart Museum Night” at Westport’s Long Lots Elementary School attracted students and their families. This second grade mural “Circles in the Square—All About Color” included individual paintings which were inspired by Sonia Delaunay. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

04/28/06 09:33 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Making the Mummy Scene

Westport’s Long Lots Elementary School tonight hosted its “Art Smart Museum Night.” A young visitor surveys a fifth grade exhibit of “Egyptian Sarcophagi - Ancient Egyptian Mummy Cases.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

04/28/06 09:13 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Lending a Hand

Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff was among volunteers lending a hand today at Compo Beach on the fourth day of construction of the new playground. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

04/28/06 05:09 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Day Four of the Playground Build

Today was the fourth day of the Compo Beach Playground construction in Westport. Crews will continue to work today, Saturday and Sunday before a dedication ceremony scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Sunday. New volunteers are welcome. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

04/28/06 03:19 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Raising the Roof

Volunteers work on constructing the roof at the new Compo Beach Playground in Westport today. The construction of the new playground goes through Sunday, and walk-in volunteers are welcome at the beach to help. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jennifer Connic for WestportNow.com

04/28/06 02:27 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Spring Cleaning at the Cemetery

Westport Garden Club members spent a portion of today cleaning up Compo Colonial Cemetery. The group helps care for various parks and gardens in Westport with clean-up, trimming and planting. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

04/28/06 01:03 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Getting Ready for Earth Festival

Beekeeper Leslie Huston sprays water on a frame of honeybees and their queen today as she transfers them to their new observation hive at Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center in Westport. The Backyard Beekeepers Association is one of the many environmental community groups that will be exhibiting information at the Earthplace’s Earth Festival Saturday. The festival, which runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., will feature a live bear cub and endangered animals, free-flying hawks and owls, music performances, a giant puppet parade and exhibits from local environmental community groups. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

04/28/06 11:30 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Postcard View

Westport’s Saugatuck Congregational Church takes on a postcard view amid the spring foliage. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Paul Cohen for WestportNow.com

04/28/06 10:00 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Sprinkler Causes Flooding at Green’s Farm School

A broken fire sprinkler pipe caused some flooding at Westport’s Green’s Farms Elementary School Thursday night, fire officials said.

Firefighters responding to an automatic alarm at the school at 17 Morningside Drive South at 10:55 p.m. opened the front doors and found water gushing down the front steps, said Assistant Chief Robert Kepchar.

“Upon investigation, it was quickly determined that a large diameter sprinkler pipe had broken, dumping large amounts of water in the main hallway and down to the lower level,” he said.

The firefighters immediately shut down the sprinkler system and used large squeegees to push the water out of the building, Kepchar said.

More "Sprinkler Causes Flooding at Green’s Farm School"

04/28/06 04:54 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Special Education Survey Results to Be Presented

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Westport school officials will see the first results of a survey of special education parents during the Board of Education meeting Monday night.

Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon said representatives from Glen Martin Associates, the firm that completed the survey, will be on hand to make a presentation.

The board meets at 8 p.m. at Bedford Middle School.

Landon said the results will not be available to anyone—including the board and himself—before the meeting.

More "Special Education Survey Results to Be Presented"

04/28/06 04:00 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •