Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Parkway Scene
Westport and Norwalk firefighters tonight responded to a report of a car into a tree in the northbound lanes of the Merritt Parkway just prior to Exit 41 in Westport. A Norwalk ambulance transported one person to the hospital. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Comings and Goings: No More Knoyzz
Amid the economic reverberations heard through Westport, the Knoyzz teen apparel shop at 147 Post Road East, across the street from the main Post Office, closed it doors to business on Feb. 20. The Westport-based chain was one of six stores, all of which are now closed according to the owner, Richard Moskowitz of Westport. The other locations were in Greenwich, New Canaan, Glastonbury, Rye Brook and Mt. Kisco. “We’re moving on to the next chapter in our lives,” he said. “This economy is not helping anyone.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
New in Westport: Paw-radise
Another entrepreneurial business, Paw-radise, a dog and cat grooming salon, has opened at 9 Post Road West in Westport. Owner Aleida Kohen, a Fairfield resident shown with her pet Daisy Mae, an 8-year-old Pomeranian, spent her career in wholesale banking but “always wanted to operate the kind of grooming salon that I would want to bring my own dog to.” The Brazilian-born Kohen provides a range of services including grooming and aroma therapy for dogs and cats. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
High Point Road Visitor
A back yard visitor spotted on Westport’s High Point Road. Rebecca Nissim for WestportNow.com
Lobbying for the Arts
Westporter Ann Sheffer was among more than 500 persons from around the country in Washington, D.C. today for Arts Advocacy Day, and she stopped in to see freshman Congressman Jim Himes, who represents Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District. The visitors talked to their congressmen about the importance of funding for the arts and arts education—particularly as part of the economic stimulus effort and because of all the jobs in the creative industries. Sheffer is chair of the Arts Action Fund, which promotes support for the arts at the federal, state, and local levels. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Last Licks
Satchel, a Westport resident and frequent visitor to Compo Beach, got in a last swim of the season today at the beach. The seasonal ban on animals at the beach begins Wednesday. Alan H. Martin for WestportNow.com
Westport Bank Robber Pleads Guilty
Bank surveillance photo of robber. Contributed photoA New Jersey man who robbed Westport’s Commerce Bank on Main Street in January 2008 dressed as a woman pleaded guilty in a Camden, N.J. federal court today to bank robbery charges, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
Huy Trong Luong, 40, of Jersey City, N.J. admitted to robbing or attempting to rob nine banks in New Jersey and Connecticut over a five-month period in 2008 and getting away with more than $39,000, prosecutors said.
The U.S. Attorney’s office said he specifically pleaded guilty to two counts of bank robbery associated with the April 20, 2008, robbery of Commerce Bank in Bergenfield, N.J. and the Jan. 11, 2008, robbery of a Wachovia branch in Greenwich.
Luong also admitted committing the other seven robberies, and all of the conduct will be taken into consideration at sentencing, prosecutors said.
More "Westport Bank Robber Pleads Guilty"
Norwalk Community College Head Deals With the Unprepared
By Dave Matlow
David Levinson: facing 21st century educational dilemma. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westporter David Levinson knows first hand what happens when schools don’t adequately prepare their students for college.
As president of Norwalk Community College, the “under-prepared student” is a problem he faces every day, he told the Westport Rotary Club today.
“At NCC, 70 percent of those admitted need to take at least one sub-college-level course to prepare them for college level studies,” Levinson said.
This burdens the taxpayer twice, he explained. The first time is when a resident pays local taxes for high school education.
More "Norwalk Community College Head Deals With the Unprepared"
WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 67 West Parish Road
An application for a permit is in process to demolish the house at 67 West Parish Road in Westport’s Greens Farms area. Built in 1913, the one-story, vernacular-style home has 888 square feet and is situated on a .35-acre lot. Because it was built more than 50 years ago, the application will be reviewed by the Historic District Commission at its April meeting. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Library Founder Seeks Facebook “Friends”
A sign under a bust of Morris Ketchum Jesup, founder of the Westport Public Library, proclaims that he is on Facebook, the social networking Internet site, and ready to accept “friends.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport/Weston Health District (180 Bayberry Lane) - Free training course: Lead-Safe Work Practices for painting, remodeling, maintenance
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Presidents, Politicians & Popular Heroes”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Art of the Birdhouse”
10 a.m. - Westport Public Library - Jobseekers Resource Seminar
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Arts Advisory Committee
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 104 – Board of Assessment Appeals
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Jimmy Breslin, “The Good Rat: A True Story”
7:45 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – RTM Long Range Planning Committee
Monday, March 30, 2009
Ed Board Rejects Superintendent’s Call for Budget Restoration
The Westport Board of Education tonight by a 5-2 vote rejected a recommendation by Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon (r) that it seek restoration of the $1.4 million cut by the Board of Finance from its proposed 2009-10 budget of $96 million. (LaFleur and Taylor opposed.) Chairman Don O’Day (c), citing a $3 million cost of already negotiated wage increases, for the first time said he would seek to make up some of the cut through union wage concessions. But Ed Huydic, head of the teachers union, said he was “unequivocally opposed” to renegotiating its contract. The union official did reiterate, however, what he said was a “creative cost-saving” offer for a retirement incentive plan which he said the board had previously rejected. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Sprout Closing on Post Road East
Sprout, a Westport retail store specializing in baby, toddler’s and children’s clothing, is closing after one year in business at 1799 Post Road East in the Garelick and Herbs plaza. The owner, Rebecca Henley, a Fairfield resident, said the store, which opened in March 2008, is closing because of a combination of the slow business climate and a lease dispute. She said the store will close before April 15 and until then everything is 40 to 60 percent off and “we are selling all the fixtures down to the flooring.” Henley, a longtime corporate marketing professional, said she considered opening at another location but “it’s very expensive to do so” in this economic climate. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Sign of the Times
The vehicle lot at the now defunct Curran Cadillac dealership on Westport’s Post Road East was deserted today—the day the U.S. government called for the resignation of the General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner. Curran closed in February after 40 years in business. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Police Make Two Prostitution Arrests
Westport police said today they had arrested two women on prostitution charges after they offered their services on the Internet.
Both women were arrested in separate incidents at the Westport Inn, said Lt. David Kassay, commander of the Detective Bureau.
Helen Marks, 30, of Stamford, was arrested Thursday after an undercover officer answered an Internet ad and she offered to perform “an erotic massage,” he said. She was released on $200 bond with a Norwalk Superior Court date set for April 6.
On Friday night, detectives received information that another female involved with a Web site ad for erotic services had checked into the hotel, Kassay said.
More "Westport Police Make Two Prostitution Arrests"
Honoring Our Heritage: 7 Maple Ave. South
Debra Belanger is honoring Westport’s heritage by displaying a Westport Historical Society plaque identifying her home at 7 Maple Ave. South as the Samuel T. Jennings house which was built c.1858. The Jennings house was initially built at Post Road East and Maple Avenue South but moved sometime prior to 1952 to its current location when the Greens Farms Shell Service Center was built. Belanger purchased the house in 2006 and was told that “it was built in 1930” but during renovations she found beams and wide planked floors which indicated an early date. The early date of c.1858 was discovered during research by the Westport Historical Society. Belanger said that it was an “absolute pleasure and a rich learning experience to restore this house.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Weingarten for WestportNow.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Westport/Weston Health District - Wellness Clinic, adults and children
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Presidents, Politicians & Popular Heroes”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Art of the Birdhouse”
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Wastewater Management Committee
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Family Program: Draw On! Kick-off Workshop (Grades K+): “Harold and the Purple Crayon”
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 104 – Board of Assessment Appeals
7:30 p.m. – Staples High School, Cafeteria B – Board of Education (televised, cable channel 78)
7:30 p.m. – 180 Bayberry Lane – Westport/Weston Health District Public Meeting
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Internet safety presentation (for parents and students)
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued
The National Weather Service in Upton N.Y. has issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Westport and parts of Fairfield Couny until 9:30 p.m.
At 8:28 p.m., National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing nickel size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph.
This storm was located near Bedford or near Mount Kisco and moving northeast at 45 mph.
Rain Doesn’t Keep Beach Visitors Away
Dogs and their owners were at Westport’s Compo Beach today despite the wet weather. The annual ban on animals at the beach goes into effect Wednesday on Wednesday until Oct. 1. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Tracing F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Westport Connection
There was an unexpected overflow audience today at the Westport Historical Society for a lecture on “Westport in the World of F. Scott Fitzgerald.” Westporter Deej Webb (r), a history teacher in New Canaan, traced the history of Fitzgerald, who lived with his wife Zelda in Westport in 1920, with two of his novels, “The Great Gatsby” and “The Beautiful and Damned.” Webb, who grew up in a house near the Compo Road South home that the Fitzgeralds rented for a time, said he was able to identify some Westport areas that he said undoubtedly were the ones described in “The Great Gatsby.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Compo Launch
Breezy early spring days make for ideal kite flying conditions at Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Sunday, March 29, 2009
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Dalton Conley, “Elsewhere USA”
3 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - Westport in the World of F. Scott Fitzgerald by Deej Webb
4 p.m. - United Methodist Church (49 Weston Road) - Gabriel Fauré‘s “Requiem” conducted by Leslie C. Smith
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Kristin Chenoweth Entertains at Playhouse Benefit Concert
Actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth entertained tonight at a Westport Country Playhouse benefit and afterward mixed with guests at a reception. Pictured (l-r) are Michael Ross, Playhouse managing director; Joanne Woodward, former co-artistic director, Chenoweth, and Anne Keefe, former co-artistic director. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
In Touch With Trucks
Rob Hordon of Westport and his son Nate, 2, were among the many visitors who enjoyed exploring various types of trucks today at Coleytown Elementary School at a “touch-a-truck” event sponsored by the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Working the Machine
Willie Walsh, 2, of Westport put his imagination to good use and “drove” the back hoe like an expert at today’s “touch-a-truck” fund-raiser for the Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School at Coleytown Elementary School. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Arcudi’s Restaurant Near Opening
A new sign was placed at the soon to be opened Arcudi’s Restaurant at 1035 Post Road East. The owner, former First Selectman Joe Arcudi (inset), said that he hopes to open “in about 10 days.” He said since he may not have a liquor license for a few months, customers will be allowed to bring their own bottles of wine. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Preparing Easter and Passover Goodies
Westport’s Al’s Angels charity group today prepared more than 1,200 Easter and Passover baskets to be distributed to area needy. The group’s founder, Westporter Al DiGuido, thanked the volunteers whose work becomes even more important in these difficult economic times. More information on the group’s work may be found on its Web site. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Stephen Rubin for WestportNow.com
Defining Skills for 21st Century Students
About 100 persons participated today in a “Community Conversation” at Westport’s Staples High School aimed at defining skills Westport students will need to achieve fulfilling personal and civic lives and to attain successful careers in the 21st century. Melissa Paolini (l), principal of Coleytown Elementary School, and Maria Castelluccio, principal of King’s Highway Elementary School, displayed results of their breakout group. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ben Joseloff for WestportNow.com
Mini Links at the Library
Westporter and ESPN personality Mike Greenberg tees off today with his family at the Westport Public Library’s unique mini-golf fund-raiser. More than 350 children were involved in the event that snaked through the library’s stacks. Chaired by Melissa Kane, it was sponsored by the Friends of the Westport Library. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Saturday Morning State Budget Talk
About a dozen persons turned out today for a talk on the state budget at Westport Town Hall hosted by state Sen. Toni Boucher and Rep. Joe Mioli. First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff (r) introduced the legislators who addressed budget issues for more than two hours. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The Numbers Tell the Story
Among slides shown today at a Westport Town Hall talk on the state budget was one that showed the recent sharp decline in tax revenues. State Sen. Toni Boucher, a Republican, and Rep. Joe Mioli, a Democrat (at podium), hosted the session which attracted about a dozen persons. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Nigerian Human Rights Activist Addresses Westport Audience
Hafsat Abiola, a Harvard-educated Nigerian human rights, civil rights and democracy activist, was guest speaker Friday night at Westport’s Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center. The event was sponsored by the Connecticut Council of Vital Voices and Earthplace. Abiola founded and directs the Kudirat Initiative for Democracy which seeks to advance democracy in Africa by strengthening organizations and initiatives that support women.The Vital Voices Global Partnership is an international nonprofit organization that identifies, trains, and empowers emerging women leaders and entrepreneurs around the globe. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Nell Mednick for WestportNow.com
Earthplace Hosts Nigerian Human Rights Activist
Westport’s Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center, Friday night hosted a lecture by Nigerian human rights, civil rights and democracy activist Hafsat Abiola.The event was sponsored by the Connecticut Council of Vital Voices and Earthplace. Pictured are members of the Vital Voices Connecticut Council Steering Committee: back row: Elyse Nelson (head of the Washington, D.C. Vital Voices Global Partnership), Roberta Cooper (Westport), Thuy Tranthi (Westport), Avonne Seidman (Westport), Hafsat Abiola, Carol Mack (Weston), Joanne Krantz (Fairfield) and Lisa Teixeira (Westport). Front row: Amanda Glendinning (Ridgefield), Shelia Weiss (Westport), Nancy Wergeles (Weston), Susan Glendinning (Ridgefield), Sadie Gunuey (Weston) and Amy Kalafa (Weston). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Nell Mednick for WestportNow.com
Dog Days at the Beach
As the number of days that dogs will be permitted on Westport’s beaches dwindles down, many dogs and their owners are making sure to take advantage of beautiful spring days such as Friday. Sue Beagley, a dog trainer from Norwalk, brought along her two Bernese Mountain dogs, Sophie, 4, and Cubbie, 6. Bernese Mountain dogs were once used as carting dogs in Switzerland. Sophie and Cubby are cousins whose mothers were sisters. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Saturday, March 28, 2009
9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Coleytown Elementary School - Westport Weston Cooperative Nursery School’s 4th Annual Touch-A-Truck fundraiser
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Public Library - The Library’s First Mini-Golf Tournament
10 a.m. - noon - Town Hall Auditorium - Forum on Connecticut budget with state Sen. Toni Boucher and Rep. Joe Mioli
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Green’s Farms School (17 Morningside Drive South) - Green’s Farms School Spring Market
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Presidents, Politicians & Popular Heroes”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Art of the Birdhouse”
12:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. - Bedford Middle School - Connecticut Association for the Gifted and the Westport Public Schools sponsor “Minds in Motion”
6:30 p.m. - Unitarian Church - A Better Chance Dream Event fund-raiser
7 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - Kristin Chenoweth benefit concert
7 p.m. - Toquet Hall Teen Center - Senators Community Foundation “Cabaret Night”
7:30 p.m. - Staples High School Black Box Theatre - Staples Players, “12 Angry Men”
Realtime NY Metro-area traffic reports from Traffic.com
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers March 9 - 13, 2009MORE >>
ARTS & LEISURE
BUSINESS
COMMUNITY
HEALTH & FITNESS
EDUCATION
Norwalk Community College Head Deals With the Unprepared
Ed Board Rejects Superintendent’s Call for Budget Restoration
OBITUARIES
POLITICS
REAL ESTATE
SPORTS
SPECIAL REPORTS
MORE >>
My sincere sympathy to the children and loved ones of…
My deepest sympathy to “Polly"s loved ones. I remember many…
And a Ducati….!!!
Taking one of Westport’s cabs from here to S. Norwalk…
A friend, and an asset of the community for many…
Reader nominations welcome:
Metro-North Train Schedule
Real-Time MN Train Info
Westport Bus Schedule
Coastal Link Bus Schedule
Westport Town Web site
Westport School District
Westport Public Library
Westport Parks & Recreation
PAL Ice Rink
Westport Health District
Animal Shelter Adv. WASA
Westport Arts Center
Westport Historical Society
Westport Data
Westport Crime Reports
Earthplace
We Green Westport
Green Village Initiative
Neighbors & Newcomers
Westport Cinema Initiative
Westport Locals for Locals
League of Women Voters
Chamber of Commerce
Downtown Merchants Assn.
Levitt Pavilion
Sherwood Is. Nature Center
National Weather Service
Westport Tide Table
Westport Area Restaurants
Westport Yellow Pages
Westport Area Movie Times
Westport Map
Westport Census Info
RSS 2.0
Atom
2 Farm Shares
The Better Crumb
BookTrib
Chicken Spaghetti
Crisis Management for Business
CT Bites
CT News Junkie
Dayle's Poetry
Deirdre’s Sloppy Studio
Enterprise CT
Farewell Travels
Fishing-Foto-Fun (Dick Alley)
Friends of Westport Parks/Rec
French Food & Me
Hostile Entry
Gordon's Journal
Got Questions? Ask Doris
Illuminara
Jane Green
Jessica Bram's Blog
Kosher Like Me
Living with Technology
MacaroniKid
Major Knitter
Make & Mingle
Much Ado About Stuffing
Neurotwitch
Nina Pomeroy Photography
Open the Door
Our Town Crier
Prill Boyle's Defying Gravity
RE Gem of the Week
Robert Steven Williams
Robin's Resources
Simply Chicks
Sherwood Island Friends
Sphere
Taking the Kids
Videler Photography
Westport Commuter
Westport Weather Website
Westport's Knitting Librarian
Who, What, When–and Y
Wild Side of Westport
Y's Women
Suggest a Westport-area blog by sending email to
Note: WestportNow Publisher Gordon F. Joseloff is also First Selectman of Westport