Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Private Service Held for Paul Newman
Paul Newman’s family held a private service for him Monday and later attended a reception at Westport’s Dressing Room restaurant, which he had opened two years ago, according to published reports.
The Newman family held a reception at the Dressing Room restaurant at the Westport Country Playhouse following a private service. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The New York Post quoted close friend and fellow Westporter A. E. Hotchner as saying that Newman, who died Friday of cancer at the age of 83, was cremated. “It’s all over,” he told the newspaper.
Only Newman’s wife, Joanne Woodward, his five daughters and a few select friends attended the private service, the reports said.
After the ceremony, a 7 p.m. small reception was held in his honor at the restaurant, which adjoins the Westport Country Playhouse, the reports said. Woodward is the Playhouse artistic director.
Library Sets Up Paul Newman Memory Book
The Westport Public Library has set up a memory book where visitors can write their thoughts about Paul Newman. The book will be presented to the Newman family, according to library officials. The Newman family has been a strong supporter of the library and its activities. A similar book is available at the Westport Historical Society, another Newman favorite cause. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Joan Hume for WestportNow.com
School Bus Strike Averted
UPDATE A possible strike by Westport school bus drivers has been averted, Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon said today.
Landon, who had warned parents and town officials last week that a strike was a possibility at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, did not provide details. (See WestportNow Sept. 26, 2008)
An official of the New Britain-based Dattco bus company said 75 Westport drivers were covered in the talks with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.
Marie Caron, who identified herself as a Westport school bus driver in a comment posted below this story, said workers by a vote of 27 to 23, rejected a company offer “of a raise for pennies on the dollar and no other benefits.” She said they then voted 39-11 to authorize a strike.
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WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 19 High Point Road
An application is in process for a permit to demolish the house at 19 High Point Road, off Long Lots Road. Built in 1954, the one-story ranch has 3,164 square feet and is situated on a 1.03-acre property. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Cannon Shot
Monday was a good day for picture taking at Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Westport Public Schools - Rosh Hashanah - School Holiday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Unique Perspectives: Photography by Six Westport Artists”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “WestportNow Photographers: The Best From the Best”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Julia Bradley Wheeler - Life at 25 Avery Place”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Optimism”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center Studio Gallery - “Campaign Wishes”
6 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Riverfront along the Saugatuck Rowing Club - Rosh Hashanah “Tashlich” Ceremony led by Beth Israel Rabbi Yehoshua Hecht
Monday, September 29, 2008
NY Times: Westport’s Plastic Bag Ban Laudable But…
The New York Times said in an editorial in Tuesday’s edition that Westport’s recent action in passing an ordinance banning plastic bags at retail checkout “is laudable but will have only a limited effect.”
The full text of the editorial: “Westport, Conn., this month became the latest of a handful of communities to ban some plastic bags. The bags, which have only a brief, useful life, can survive forever in landfills and are of enormous concern to not only environmentalists but local officials who are running out of places to put their trash.
“Westport’s ordinance will take effect in six months and applies to bags dispensed at checkout counters. Others, like dry cleaning bags, will be exempted. The aim is to reduce litter and encourage customers to tote their groceries in reusable cloth bags.
“The town’s stand is laudable but will have only a limited effect on what is, after all, a statewide problem. The Connecticut Legislature rebuffed a proposed statewide ban last year. Massachusetts and Maine considered similar bans and also backed down.
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Staples Hosts Cross Country Meet
Westport school children enjoyed a day off from school today as the teachers attended a day of workshops. While the teachers were involved in their meetings, members of the Staples High School Cross Country Team were involved in a meet of their own. Under clear skies, the team hosted a meet that also included, Danbury, Darien and St. Joseph’s High Schools. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Setting a Pace
Samantha Oberlander, a freshman on the girls varsity cross country team, took the lead as the runners began their race today. Staples hosted Danbury, Darien and St. Joseph’s High. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Staples Girls Soccer Defeats Wilton 3-1
Staples junior Julia Byrne (in white) goes for the ball in today’s Staples Girls Varsity soccer game. The Lady Wreckers defeated Wilton 3-1. The team is 6-2 on the season, the team’s best start in recent years. Up next, the girls face Stamford High School on Friday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Mary Cooperman for WestportNow.com
Westport Ponders Ways to Honor Paul Newman
Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff said today he had received numerous inquiries from residents about ways the town might honor Paul Newman, who died Friday at his Westport home at the age of 83.
“I’ve had many people ask me since the news of his passing how Westport might honor him,” he said. “But anything that we might do would have to be with the family’s blessing.”
He said he had conveyed to those close to the Newman family a request for some guidance on any town honor.
“There is plenty of time to do this,” Joseloff said. “One thing we do know is that Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward have for many years declined honors in their hometown and elsewhere. We would not want to do anything that would not meet with the family’s approval.”
Westport Library Plans Newman Film Tribute
The Westport Public Library announced today it has scheduled a film tribute this week to Westporter Paul Newman, who died Friday at the age of 83.
The library announced the following schedule of film showings:
“Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” on Thursday, at 10 a.m.; “Hud” on Thursday at 2 p.m; “The Color of Money” on Friday at 10 a.m., and “The Sting” on Friday at 2 p.m.
All showings will take place in the McManus Room
Spotlight on Westport as it Mourns Paul Newman
Reporters and television crews made the rounds in Westport again today in the aftermath of Friday’s death of Paul Newman. Maria Menounos of “Access Hollywood” and an entertainment correspondent for NBC’s “Today” show used the Westport Historical Society as a backdrop for her report. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Another Westport Bank Changes Hands in Financial Crisis
Citigroup has agreed to buy Wachovia’s banking operations in a deal facilitated by the government, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said. New York-based Citigroup will pay $2.1 billion to Wachovia for its retail bank, corporate and investment bank and wealth-management business. The FDIC said Wachovia didn’t fail, and that all depositors are protected and there will be no cost to the Deposit Insurance Fund. Wachovia, which had pursued rapid growth with relentless acquisitions of weaker rivals, had also been discussing a deal with Wells Fargo. Wachovia’s branch in Westport is located at 422 Post Raod East, next to Trader Joe’s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Property Transfers Sept. 8 - 12, 2008
Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period Sept. 8 - 12, 2008:
Kathleen T. O’Brien to David Eller and Larry Eller, 20 Cross Street Unit 4, $307,362 
Hyun S. Higbie to Victor P. and Natallia Dragun, 35 Whitney St., $600,000
Pinnacle Peak Inc. to Christina L. Hunt, 2 Clapboard Hill, $4,000,000
Barry and Bibi F. Downer to Zhu Wu, 19 Crescent Park Road, $385,000
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Can Halloween Be Far Behind?
Westport local garden centers are displaying pumpkins ready to carve. The town’s annual Halloween parade for youngsters will be held at 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 29 on Main Street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Monday, September 29, 2008
Westport Public Schools - Staff Development - Student Holiday
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Unique Perspectives: Photography by Six Westport Artists”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “WestportNOW Photographers: The Best From the Best”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Julia Bradley Wheeler - Life at 25 Avery Place”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Optimism”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center Studio Gallery - “Campaign Wishes”
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Touching a Truck for a Good Cause
Aidan Guernsey, 3, of Norwalk climbs up for a closer look at an excavating vehicle at today’s third annual Touch a Truck event at Chief Samuel J. Luciano Park in Westport’s Saugatuck area. The event benefited Safe Kids-Fairfield County, a not-for-profit organization founded 10 years ago to train children under 14 years of age on how to prevent unintentional injuries. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Rough Road
Some residents of Westport’s Greens Farms area were out on Hillandale Road today protesting the recent resurfacing of Hillandale, Iris Lane and Church Street using a road surface treatment known as chip seal. The technique is less expensive than full asphalt repaving but results in a rougher surface, some loose chip stones immediately after it is put down, and louder noise from rolling tires. The town’s Public Works Department says it is using the treatment on less traveled roads because of skyrocketing asphalt costs. Residents sought signatures seeking a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) review of the town’s use of the surface treatment. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Anne Hardy for WestportNow.com
Getting Together at League of Women Voters Brunch
The League of Women Voters of Westport held its annual fall brunch today, for some the unofficial start of the local campaign season. Among those attending were: (second row, l-r) John Hartwell, Democratic candidate for state senate 26th District; Kim Fawcett, incumbent Democratic candidate for state representative 133rd District; Jackie Cutrone, LWV chair of the brunch; Pat Porio, host of the brunch: First Selectman Gordon Joseloff; Nitzy Cohen, Republican candidate for state representative 136th District; (first row) Joan Burnett, president of LWV of Connecticut, and Toni Boucher, Republican candidate for state senate 26th District. Missing from the photo are Jim Himes, Democratic candidate for the 4th Congressional District who arrived late; incumbent Republican Rep. Christopher Shays of the 4th Congressional District who was in Washington, and Joe Mioli, incumbent Democratic state representative 136th District who was ill. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Luciano Playground Rededicated
The playground at Saugatuck’s Chief Samuel J. Luciano Park was rededicated today. The Police Benevolent Association, Police Athletic League and the Sons of Italy funded the new equipment in conjunction with the Westport Parks and Recreation Department. The ceremony was followed by the third annual Touch a Truck fundraiser event for the benefit of Safe Kids-Fairfield County, a not-for-profit organization founded 10 years ago to train children under 14 years of age on how to prevent unintentional injuries. Pictured are (l-r): Tony Palmer whose construction company recently installed the new children’s play set, Police Chief Al Fiore, Dan DiVito of the Parks & Recreation Department, Officer Ned Batlin, president of the Police Benevolent Association, Deputy Chief Gary Golas, and Roberta Troy, president of the Sons of Italy. Luciano died in 1970 at the age of 57. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Alums Help Celebrate Staples Boys Soccer 50th Anniversary
Scores of alumni, from the classes of 1958 through 2008, returned to Loeffler Field on Saturday for the Staples boys soccer program’s 50th celebration. Many of the alums – now scattered around the country, working in law, medicine, education, entertainment and many other fields – posed at halftime of the Wreckers’ 6-0 win over Stamford. The alums also enjoyed social gatherings, food, and an enormous round-robin soccer tournament (the classes of the 1990s were victorious). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Carl McNair for WestportNow.com
Rainy Saturday
Despite Saturday’s rain, the sea gulls were not the only ones enjoying some activities in the waters off Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Sunday, September 28, 2008
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Imperial Avenue parking lot - Westport Farmers Market
11 a.m. - Luciano Park - PBA, PAL, & Sons of Italy rededication ceremony of the playground at Samuel Luciano Park
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Luciano Park - Touch-a-Truck fundraiser for Safe Kids
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Unique Perspectives: Photography by Six Westport Artists”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “WestportNow Photographers: The Best From the Best”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Julia Bradley Wheeler - Life at 25 Avery Place”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Optimism
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center Studio Gallery - Campaign Wishes
2 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Westport Community Theatre: “The Best Man”
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Kathryn Harrison, “While They Slept”
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Melissa Newman: Her Father Was “Awesome to the End”
Melissa Newman: “He was just incredible.” WTNH.com photoMelissa Newman, one of Paul Newman’s five daughters, spoke briefly to reporters today outside the Newman’s Westport home, saying her father was “awesome to the end.”
The legendary actor died Friday night at the age of 83 while surrounded by family and close friends.
“He was just incredible,” said Melissa Newman, 47. “The whole thing was really—we’re really blessed and very, very lucky, We had awesome people helping us and – it was as beautiful as it could be.”
Asked about her father’s legacy, she said :”Just look out for each other, and that’s what he was all about. And he was awesome to the end, and he’s an awesome guy, and his spirit will be with us forever and ever and ever.”
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Staples Rolls Over Stamford 35-7
Brandon Pacilio gains ground for Staples in today’s Wrecker home opener 35-7 victory over Stamford. Staples improved to 3-0 on the season. The players and fans observed a moment of silence to mark the death of Paul Newman. Staples next plays Ridgefield at 7 p.m. Friday at Ridgefield. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dan Gelman for Staplesfootball.com
Media Gather Outside Newman Home
As the world learned of Friday night’s death of Paul Newman, members of the media gathered today outside the North Avenue entrance (above) to his Westport home as well as a second entrance on Coleytown Road. His daughters in a statement said: “During this difficult time, we ask for privacy for our family.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Playhouse Flags Lowered in Honor of Paul Newman
Flags at the Westport Country Playhouse flew at half staff today in honor of Paul Newman, who died Friday night at his Westport home at the age of 83. Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward had a long association with the Playhouse, where Woodward currently is artistic director. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
All Quiet at Paul Newman Home
A red car and security barriers blocked the driveway to Paul Newman’s North Avenue home in Westport today where he died Friday night at the age of 83. His publicist said he was surrounded by family and close friends. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Playhouse “Deeply Saddened” by Newman Death
Ann Keefe, artistic director of the Westport Country Playhouse, issued the following statement today on the death of Paul Newman, who has been associated with the Playhouse since 2000:
“The Westport Country Playhouse board of trustees and staff are deeply saddened by the passing of Paul Newman, a compassionate humanitarian. Our hearts go out to Joanne Woodward and her family, who have shown extraordinary strength and spirit during this difficult time.”
Newman appeared in Westport Country Playhouse productions of “Love Letters” (2000), “Ancestral Voices” (2000 and 2002), “For the Children” (2001), “Trumbo” (2004), “Come Be My Love” (2007) and a revival of Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” (2002), which transferred to Broadway and was filmed for Showtime and PBS.
He participated in audience talkbacks following Playhouse screenings of “The Verdict,” “Mr. and Mrs. Bridge” and “The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds.” He was a member of the Playhouse’s advisory council to the board of trustees since 2000.
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Newman’s Own Remembers Paul Newman
Remembering the life and legacy of Paul Newman, Westport-based Newman’s Own Foundation issued a statement today from Vice Chairman Robert Forrester
:
“Paul Newman’s craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all.
“Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one’s life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance.
“An exceptional example is the legacy of Newman’s Own. What started as something of a joke in the basement of his home, turned into a highly-respected, multi-million dollar a year food company. And true to form, he shared this good fortune by donating all the profits and royalties he earned to thousands of charities around the world, a total which now exceeds $250 million.
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Paul Newman Dead at 83
UPDATE Paul Newman died at his Westport home Friday night. He was 83.
Paul Newman: A Westporter for almost 50 years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WN file photo
Newman had been ill for some time with what published reports said was lung cancer. Publicist Jeff Sanderson said he was surrounded by his family and close friends.
“His death was as private and discreet as the way he had lived his life,” Sanderson said in a statement. He said that a week ago, Newman sat with one of his daughters in a garden, took in the late summer beauty, and said very quietly, “It’s been a privilege to be here.”
An actor, film director, entrepreneur, race car driver, racing team owner and humanitarian, Newman won numerous awards, including an Academy Award, two Golden Globe Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a Cannes Film Festival Award, and an Emmy award.
Westport Little League Games Canceled
Westport Little League announced that all fields are closed today due to bad weather and all games canceled.
“Depending on weather today, we will determine later if fields will open Sunday for practices or possibly makeup games if desired,” an announcement said.
Soggy Gulls
Some sea gulls found a roadway at Westport’s Compo Beach to ride out Friday’s heavy rain. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Saturday, September 27, 2008
9:30 a.m. - Staples High School cafeteria - Staples soccer 50th anniversary alumni breakfast; vs Stamford at 10 a.m.
10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Compo Beach Cannons - Westport Historical Society Destination Westport Tour: “The British Are Coming!”
11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Trends in Technology: “Fixing Those Old Family Photos” by Michael Franco
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Unique Perspectives: Photography by Six Westport Artists”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “WestportNow Photographers: The Best From the Best”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Julia Bradley Wheeler - Life at 25 Avery Place”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Optimism
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center Studio Gallery - Campaign Wishes
1 p.m. - Toquet Hall Teen Center - Photo Scavenger Hunt
1 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Earthplace - Scarecrow-making Party
1:30 p.m. - Staples High School - Football vs Stamford
2 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Rock Band @ the Library
8 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Westport Community Theatre: “The Best Man”
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PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers Sept. 8 - 12, 2008MORE >>
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