Saturday, September 30, 2006
Staples Shuts Out Harding 33-0
Staples shut out Harding at Bridgeport today 33-0, improving to 3-0 on the season. Senior Kenny Lozyniak carries the ball while Nick VanVlamertynghe (60), Roger Muchnik (32), and Matt Santora (78) block. Next Saturday the Wreckers take on Trumbull in the homecoming game. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Betsey Lebow for WestportNow.com
Lebow Scores Career-High Three Touchdowns
Staples senior Alex Lebow grabs a pass in today’s 33-0 win over Harding at Bridgeport. Lebow racked up 113 yards and a career-high three touchdowns on 15 carries. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Betsey Lebow for WestportNow.com
Saturday Morning Accident Ties Up I-95
Southbound traffic backed up on I-95 in Westport at about 9 a.m. today because of a two-car accident on the Saugatuck River Bridge. A Westport EMS ambulance can be seen making its way to the accident. EMS transported two persons to Norwalk Hospital. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Friday, September 29, 2006
Westport Arts Center Hosts Exhibit Reception
The Westport Arts Center Friday night held an opening reception for its “Allegories of Displacement” exhibit. Standing in front of one of the pieces on display, “Hard Rain,” are (l-r)) Murray Kronick, Susanna Heller, the artist, William Di Fazio and Sylvia Kronick. The evening was well attended with a wine and cheese reception. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Saturday, Sept. 30, 2006
1:30 p.m. - Bridgeport - Harding High School - Staples football vs Harding
Staples Boys Soccer Earns Another Shutout Win
Nicky Hoberman (blue) heads a ball out of danger in Staples’ 1-0 win over New Canaan today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Amy Lamb for WestportNow.com
Matt Lamb’s penalty kick—his third in as many games—was the difference as the Staples boys soccer team shut out New Canaan 1-0 at the Rams’ field today.
The Wreckers’ victory—their sixth shutout in seven matches—raised their record to 6-0-1. Staples’ next test comes Wednesday (4 p.m.), against a tough Wilton team at Kristine Lilly Field.
Lamb’s penalty kick came after Brendon Cristobal drove into the box and was fouled. Cristobal, Preston Hirten and Russell Oost-Lievense were dynamic attackers throughout the afternoon.
Defensively, they teamed with Keaton Cristobal to neutralize Jeff Leach, the Rams’ All-American player.
Telling of Life and Death
The Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities today kicked off a new series “Know Your Neighbors” with Bill Meyer giving a talk titled “End of Life Choices.” The well known Westporter talked about his highly emotional experience and spiritual decision to help his terminally ill father end his life. He talked about his close relationship with his father and the factors that lead up to the decision. Meyer was ultimately arrested in 1994 for second degree manslaughter, which could have included a prison sentence of up to 10 years. The case attracted national media attention. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Getting the Meals Ready
Michel Nischan, chef and co-owner with Paul Newman of the new restaurant The Dressing Room, prepares “preview” meals to get ready for the opening on Oct. 6. The restaurant is adjacent to the Westport Country Playhouse. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Rell Announces $50,000 Funding for Westport Firehouses
Gov. M. Jodi Rell announced today that $50,000 in new state funding for improvements to firehouses in Westport is expected to be approved at the Oct. 6 meeting of the State Bond Commission.
Flashback: Gov. M. Jodi Rell visits Westport Fire Headquarters Sept. 14 and is welcomed by Chief Christopher Ackley. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“This money will allow Westport to make necessary upgrades and renovations at its firehouses,” said Rell, who visited Westport fire headquarters Sept. 14 to proclaim “First Responders Day.”
“We want to do all we can to make sure our first responders have the finest facilities and equipment. They deserve it. This is good news for Westport.”
The request had been originally submitted by state Rep. Joe Mioli of Westport. “I am glad the governor has supported the request and look forward to the State Bond Commission approving it,” he said.
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Celebrating
Westport’s newest fire recruits celebrate with gifts of sponges and scouring pads from Platoon 1 after their swearing in today at Westport Fire Headquarters. They are (l-r) David Janofsky, Kevin Dumas, Michael Scalzo, and Turker Askoy. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Firefighter Recruits Join Westport Department
New firefighter recruits (l-r) Michael Scalzo, 24, of Newtown; David Janofsky, 21, of Bethel; Kevin Dumas, 24, of Milford and Turker Aksoy, 33, of Bethany take the oath of office from First Selectman Gordon Joseloff during a ceremony today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
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The Westport Fire Department welcomed four new recruits today who will fill in slots as other firefighters are promoted to officer positions.
The new firefighters are Turker Aksoy, 33 of Bethany, David Janofsky, 21, of Bethel, Michael Scalzo, 24, of Newtown and Kevin Dumas, 24, of Milford. They were the top candidates out of a pool of 235 candidates, said Fire Chief Christopher Ackley.
“They are the cream of the crop,” he said.
Ackley told the recruits they were joining one of the last honorable professions and they will be their brothers’ keepers.
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WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 8 West Branch Road
Westport officials are currently reviewing an application to demolish the house at 8 West Branch Road. The house was constructed in 1967. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
New Metro-North Schedule Makes Minute Change
Metro-North has announced a schedule change for its New Haven line effective Sunday that has almost all trains departing from Westport to New York one minute earlier on weekdays and weekends.
The railroad said in an announcement that the changes were made to accommodate an overhead wires construction project in the vicinity of South Norwalk.
New Haven to New York trains will depart one minute earlier from Milford, Stratford, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Southport, Green’s Farms, Westport, East Norwalk, and South Norwalk, Metro-North said.
The railroad urged riders to check for new departure times effective Sunday.
Westport Property Transfers Sept. 18-22, 2006
Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period Sept. 18-22, 2006:
Joseph L. Karmanosky to Pekia Construction Inc., 6 Pleasant Valley Lane, $975,000
Roozbeh Akhundzadeh to Richard A. Calacci, 1 Otter Trail, $500,000
Matthew S. and Jill Eisenberg to Sean P. and Carianne Hynes, 23 Long Lots Lane, $855,000
Mitchell H. Cohen to Elizabeth C. Z. Petti, 308 Compo Road South, $2,845,000
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Parenting Presentation Slated at Staples
The Staples High School Teen Awareness Group (TAG) together with Westport and Wilton Youth Services will host parenting educator James Jones to speak on Tuesday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. at the high school.
Jones is the author of the books “Are Your Kids Driving You Crazy?: How to Avoid Devastating Parent Traps” and “Your Children Will Whistle While They Work.” He is also the founder of the Familyhood Education Foundation.
“TAG believes Dr. Jones’s presentation will benefit parents of children of all ages, people who some day want to have children, grandparents, and anyone who works with kids,” said Mia Backon, a Staples senior at Staples High School TAG president.
TAG is a Staples club that has coordinated events focusing on awareness and prevention in the Staples and Westport communities over the last six years.
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Thursday, September 28, 2006
Coffee Break
The sun came and went from behind the clouds Thursday as some found the time to take a coffee break outside the Westport Public Library along the Saugatuck River. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Friday, Sept. 29, 2006
8:30 a.m. – Room 309 – Westport Transit District
6:30 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Opening: Allegories of Displacement
7 p.m. - Port Fjord in Cos Cob - IHA’s Jazz on the Sound
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - Doo Wop and Oldies Spectacular
8 p.m. - Town Hall Community Theater - “Copenhagen”
Examining Science Education
Westporter Linda K. Froschaur, Weston middle school teacher and K-8 Science Depatrment chairwoman, is the president of the National Science Teachers Association, and she spoke at today’s Y’s Men of Westport/Weston session. Her subject was “Searching for the next Sputnik.” She said not since the the launching of the Soviet Sputnik satellite in 1957 has science education received the level of attention it is now experiencing. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Riding the Wind
It was a windy day today at Westport’s Compo Beach, and three kite riders caught some of it for a ride in Long Island Sound. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Last Month of the Market
Fall items are popping up at the Westport Farmers Market as it enters its final month. Pumpkins are among the items now available. The market runs each Thursday at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Oct. 26 at the Westport Country Playhouse. Vendors are already planning for next year. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Keefe Joins Playhouse Board of Directors
Anne Keefe: Left associate artistic director position on Tuesday. Contributed photoAnne Keefe, former Westport Country Playhouse associate artistic director, now has a place on the playhouse’s Board of Directors.
She took the position on Wednesday.
Keefe returns to her roots where she began her affiliation with Westport Country Playhouse seven years ago when she was first appointed to the board in 1999.
She served as ex-officio member of the board for the last five years since she was appointed associate artistic director by Joanne Woodward in 2001.
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Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Heading South
Westport gardeners have noticed Monarch Butterflies in recent days as they migrate to Mexico for the winter. They feed on the nectar of fall blooming flowers, such as this yellow goldenrod plant. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Thursday, Sept. 28, 2006
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - Farmers Market
10 a.m. – Earthplace – Sasco Brook Pollution Abatement Committee
5:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201A – Emily McLaury House Committee
6 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Planning & Zoning Commission Work Session
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – Sherwood Mill Pond Committee
7:15 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Youth Commission
8 p.m. – Town Hall Green Room – Board of Assessment Appeals
Stem Cell Research Topic of Community Conversation
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A Connecticut Health Center chair said tonight she believes the country’s debate on stem cell research needs to move beyond the status of an embryo.
Audrey R. Chapman is the first holder of the Healey Endowed chair in Medical Humanities, Law and Ethics at the University of Connecticut Health Center, and she led a community conversation at the Westport Public Library tonight on the issues surrounding stem cell research.
She said the controversy over embryotic stem cell research is because embryos are needed.
Many believe life begins at conception, she said, and feel the embryos should not be destroyed.
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Staples Boys Soccer Earns Another Shutout
Wrecker Greg Bachman moves upfield against Fairfield Warde. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Amy Lamb for WestportNow.com
The Staples boys soccer team played its patented short-passing game well today, earning a 4-0 victory at Fairfield Warde.
Now 5-0-1, the Wreckers travel to New Canaan (Friday, 4 p.m.) for a showdown with the defending state champions.
Preston Hirten scored the middle two goals, both off assists from Eric Meyer. One was a clever chip over the goalkeeper’s; the other was a hard, low rocket. Matt Lamb started things off with a penalty kick, while Greg Bachman blasted in the final tally.
“This was a nice effort,” said head coach Dan Woog. “We knocked the ball around; we found people’s feet; we went forward with numbers, and we created some nice chances. Week by week, we want to add different elements to our game.”
Westport Y Trustees Approve Building Sale
The Westport Weston Family Y Board of Trustees voted Tuesday night to proceed with the sale of their downtown building complex, the Y said today.
The unanimous approval of the sale, recommended by the organization’s board of directors, enables authorized representatives of the Y to conduct negotiations with finalists in a bidding process that began last spring, according to a news release.
The Y is proceeding with plans to construct a new 100,000-square foot facility at its Camp Mahackeno site off Wilton Road, a project that has drawn opposition from neighbors and other Westporters.
“The Family Y will continue to operate in its current Post Road location for a number of years to come as our new facilities plan moves forward,” the announcement said.
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Broadway Talk
Actors Brian Murray and Marian Seldes, two of Broadway’s leading artists, took part Monday night in the Westport Arts Center “Artists in Conversation” series at the Seabury Center. The two, who have played together in some of the 20th century’s most daring plays, talked about their careers, their friendship and their process of creation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
County Assembly and Red and White Ball Signups Saturday
The 69th County Assembly Charity Ball and Red and White Charity Ball Committees are holding information sessions and signups Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at Westport’s Toquet Hall.
The committees will be collecting names and addresses of Westport junior and senior girls who wish to receive an invitation to subscribe to these dances, an announcement said.
Due to liability issues, the invitations to these dances can no longer be mailed directly to the junior and senior girls from an official Staples’ class list, organizers said.
The names generated from signups at Toquet Hall will determine this year’s list. Formal invitations will be mailed on Nov. 9.
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Westport to Receive $166,489 CL&P Refund
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has announced that his office has a won a court case that requires Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) to pay 81 towns and cities about $8 million in refunds for overcharging them for streetlights.
Westport will receive $166,489 as part of the settlement.
Blumenthal’s office successfully defended a June 2005 Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) decision ordering CL&P to pay the refunds plus interest, reduce its streetlamp rates and provide municipalities with more information so they could better decide whether to buy or lease streetlights.
The DPUC found that CL&P had overcharged towns and cities since 1986.
CL&P appealed the ruling to Superior Court. On Aug. 29, a Superior Court judge upheld DPUC’s ruling. CL&P has decided not to appeal, according to a news release Tuesday from the Attorney General’s office.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Shady Walk
It’s been cool times for those walking in the shade at Westport’s Winslow Park with temperatures dropping as fall has set in. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2006
10:30 a.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – International Hospitality Committee
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309/307 – Board of Selectmen (live coverage cable channel 79)
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Community Conversation: Stem Cell Research
Westhill Edges Staples 2-0 in Girls Soccer
Allie Walsh (r) pressures her opponent in today’s Staples girls soccer game against Stamford’s Westhill High School. Staples gave up two goals and lost 2.0. The girls are now 3-3-0 on the season. Their next game is away at Greenwich High School on Thursday at 4 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Mary Cooperman for WestportNow.com
Start Time Issues Brought to School Board
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West Hartford high school students will have the opportunity to start school later, but Westport students already have a similar luxury.
During Monday’s Board of Education meeting, Hadley Rose, RTM District 3, said the board should examine the West Hartford plan.
Under the plan, he said, school would still run 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and there would be no impact on extra curricular programs, including sports.
In West Hartford, he said, juniors and seniors are being given the opportunity to schedule a study hall during first period.
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Well Known Westporter Ralph Sheffer Dies at 93
Ralph Sheffer: shown celebrating his 92nd birthday last year. WN File photoRalph Sheffer, a key figure in the arts, politics, education, and business of Westport in a career that spanned 60 years—including a record 10 years as moderator of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) from 1959 to 1969—died today at his Westport home, his daughter, Ann Sheffer said.
Sheffer, who turned 93 last week, had been in declining health for some time.
“Westport has lost a leader and a treasure,” said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, who ordered town flags flown at half-staff in Sheffer’s honor. “He truly was one of the ‘town fathers.’ We are deeply saddened by the news and extend our sincere condolences to the Sheffer family.”
Ann Sheffer said the family will be sitting shiva Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at her home at 19 Stony Point Road. A memorial service has been scheduled for Westport Town Hall on Monday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m.
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Library to Hold Community Conversation
Audrey Chapman: Discussing stem cell research. Contributed photoWith the debate about stem-cell research a continuing headline in the news, the Westport Public Library is presenting a Community Conversation on the topic on Wednesday at 7:30 pm, in the McManus Room.
Audrey R. Chapman will lead the discussion on the ethics of research on human stem cells. She is the first holder of the Healey Endowed chair in Medical Humanities, Law and Ethics at the University of Connecticut Health Center.
The program is free and open to the public.
For more information, call 203-291-4840 or visit www.westportlibrary.org.
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PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers Sept. 18-22, 2006MORE >>
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