Thursday, April 30, 2009
Educator Urges Students to Make Budget Views Known
Westport Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon (r) addressed students at Staples High School today and urged them to talk to their parents so they make their views known before a crucial budget vote next Tuesday by the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), the town’s legislative body. Landon, with Principal John Dodig looking on, said some RTM members were seeking an additional $1 million reduction in the education budget following a $1.4 million cut by the Board of Finance. He warned that more cuts will have negative effects on the school system for years to come. Contributed photo
Lunchtime Budget Talk at Staples
John Dodig, principal of Westport’s Staples High School, fielded questions about the town’s education budget today at several lunchtime meetings at the school. Dodig and Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon said budget reductions could lead to reduced property values as people move here because of the quality of Westport schools. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Second Graders Version of Monet’s “Haystacks”
Tonight’s “Museum Night” at Westport’s Coleytown Elementary school featured work by second graders in Stacey Crouch’s class—their version of “Haystacks,” a series of impressionist paintings by Claude Monet. The Art Smart Program is geared to all students in elementary school, and is taught by volunteer parents, following the curiculum of each grades. Here, students studied how the light and shadows of the seasons can change the same scene. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ariane Stiegler for WestportNow.com
Longshore View
Sailboats on the water today as viewed through the pavilion at Westport’s Longshore Club Park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Martha Nachman for WestportNow.com
IHA to Dedicate New Saugatuck Housing Facility on July 25
The Rev. Peter Powell, president of the Interfaith Housing Association, announced that its new housing at 10 West End Ave. in the Saugatuck area will be dedicated on July 25. IHA broke ground on the six-unit supportive housing facility last fall. (See WestportNow Sept. 22, 2008) IHA received several community grants—including from the Westport Rotary Club and the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club—to help purchase the property that led to the house being named the Westport Rotary Centennial House. The property at 10 West End Ave. was demolished on Sept. 5, 2008. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Officials Meet on Flu Outbreak; Mask Sales Soar
Westport’s emergency management team met today to discuss the town’s preparations for a pandemic flu outbreak while getting an update from state officials, including Governor M. Jodi Rell. First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff convened the mid-day meeting as Westport pharmacies reported a run on protective masks as well as medications used to treat swine flu. “Westporters need to know that we have plans in place to cope with a flu outbreak and while there is a need for vigilance, there is no reason for panic,” he said. Among those also participating in the meeting were Fire Chief Christopher Ackley, Police Chief Alfred Fiore, Mark A. R. Cooper, director of the Westport Weston Health District, Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon, and Human Services Director Barbara Butler.
More "Westport Officials Meet on Flu Outbreak; Mask Sales Soar" UPDATE A federal judge in Hartford today sentenced Westporter Robert D. Graham, a former General Re Corporation executive and former member of the Westport Board of Finance and Planning and Zoning Commission, to one year and one day in prison and fined him $100,000 following his conviction on fraud charges. The sentence, which is to be followed by two years of supervised release, was handed down by Judge Christopher Droney, who again rejected federal sentencing guidelines in sentencing Graham, 61. He is the last of five former Gen Re and American International Group, Inc. (AIG) officials to be sentenced since they were convicted in February 2008 following a five-week jury trial. (See WestportNow Feb. 25, 2008). “I realize there are no do-overs in life,” Graham told Droney. “Nothing I can say or do now can change what has happened or its impact on the lives of others or on me. Your honor, I regret that more than words can adequately express.”
More "Westporter Gets One Year on Fraud Charges" Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state Department of Health has identified two students at Fairfield University as probable for swine flu. Rell advised municipal officials and school superintendents of the test results in a conference call this morning. The governor also announced during the conference call that two cases in East Haddam came back negative for swine flu. With the Fairfield suspected case, this brings the total number of probable cases in Connecticut to five. All of the individuals are recovering and did not require hospitalization. Testing done at the DPH Laboratory on samples from two students at Fairfield University determined that the Influenza A virus isolated is non-subtypeable, which means that these cases are not regular seasonal influenza viruses. Neither one of the cases reported recent travel.
More "Rell: Two Suspected Swine Flu Cases at Fairfield University" A Westport family was awakened by a smoke alarm early today after fire broke out in their home’s laundry room from oil-soaked rags used to clean outdoor furniture, a fire official said. Firefighters quickly extinguished burning materials located on the floor of the second floor laundry room of the large, three-story home at 5 High Point Road, said Assistant Chief Eugene Maloney. Fire damage was limited to some scorching of the exterior surface of the washing machine and water damage was minimal, he said. Firefighters used fans to vent smoke from the house. There were no injuries. Maloney said the homeowner said her family was awakened by activated smoke detectors which led to the 5:02 a.m. 911 call.
More "Oil-Soaked Rags Touch Off Laundry Room Fire" Westport will hold a public shred day on Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to noon, at 180 Bayberry Lane at the Westport Weston Health District. Residents may shred up to five boxes (12” x 18”) per household free of charge. “This is an opportunity for Westporters to dispose of personal, confidential and sensitive papers such as bank statements, canceled checks, credit card statements, tax papers, medical records,” said First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff. “Shredding personal papers helps insure protection against identity theft, in addition to spring cleaning file cabinets. Our environment also benefits since all material will be recycled.”
More "Westport Public Shred Day Set for May 9" The Westport News has moved from its Norwalk office to Fairfield and will be published from the office of the sister Hearst Corp. weekly newspaper the Fairfield Citizen, a source at the newspaper said today. Callers to the Westport News number in Norwalk today were told to call Fairfield. Hearst announced Friday the elimination of 44 jobs at its Connecticut newspapers and among those affected were Will Rowlands, Westport News editor since 2004, and Carol King, Lifestyle Editor, the source said. (See WestportNow April 24, 2009) The company said it plans to eliminate another 80 positions within three months as part of a consolidation and cost-cutting effort. Also leaving Hearst was Patricia Hines, the 23-year editor of the Fairfield Citizen. Taking over as editor is Frances Moore, a Fairfield resident and a graduate of Sacred Heart University who will also oversee the Westport News, the source said.
More "Westport News Moves to Fairfield, Makes Staff Changes" The leaders of Westport, Weston, and Wilton said today they have reviewed emergency pandemic flu preparations with their emergency management officials as well as the director of the Westport Weston Health District following outbreaks of swine flu in the United States. The three communities are grouped together by the Connecticut Department of Public Health for purposes of responding to pandemic flu and other health emergencies. “We have had emergency plans in place for some time and are confident that our towns and Health District are prepared and will be able to respond appropriately should there be a need,” said Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff. “It is vital that our residents be familiar with the flu symptoms and follow the instructions of the health professionals in the case of illness,” said Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss.
More "Westport, Weston, Wilton Review Flu Outbreak Preparations"
Russell Levine, pharmacist and owner of Colonial Surgical Supply and Druggist, Inc. on Post Road East reported a run on protective masks and anti-flu medicine. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The Taxman Goeth: Underhill Retiring After 16 Years on Job
Westport Tax Collector George Underhill, 71, told colleagues today he is retiring after 16 years on the job. “This is a new chapter in my life – it’s time to move on,” he said. Underhill, whose wife, Carol, works in the Fire Department, said he had decided to accept the town’s early retirement plan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.comLines at Parks & Rec for Beach Emblems
With beach emblems required at Westport town beaches beginning Friday, there were lines of residents today at the Parks & Recreation office at Longshore Club Park to pick them up. “It’s been like this all week” according to Steve Rubin, a department employee. Residents were reminded that applications for beach emblems and other Town of Westport season passes are available online at www.westportrecreation.com.
(CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.comWestporter Gets One Year on Fraud Charges
Robert Graham: “I realize there are no do-overs in life.” WN file photoRell: Two Suspected Swine Flu Cases at Fairfield University
Oil-Soaked Rags Touch Off Laundry Room Fire
Museum Night at Bedford
Westport’s Bedford Middle School Wednesday nght hosted its annual Museum Night titled “Art in the Middle Ages.” The exhibition was compiled by art teachers Lynne Karmen, Cecily Cowburn and Peter DiFranco. They were aided by a committee headed by local parent, Kim Getschow. The show featured a variety of work by sixth to eighth grade students in a mixed media format. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Kristin Rasich Fox for WestportNow.comThursday, April 30, 2009
8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. - Staples High School - Zon Del Barrio, Latin dance and music
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. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Home”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Not Picture Perfect”
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Planning & Zoning Commission Work Session (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Sheryl Kayne, “Immersion Travel USA”
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “Around the World in 80 Days”
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Enjoying His 31-Cent Scoop
Aiden Cohen, 2, of Norwalk enjoyed his 31-cent scoop ice cream tonight at Baskin-Robbins in Westport as the ice cream chain held its Third Annual 31-Cent Scoop Night in conjunction with the national Volunteer Fire Council. Members of the Westport Volunteer Fire Department and a fire engine were on hand to help out with the festivities. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.comHelping the Cause
Members of the Staples High School varsity girls lacrosse team were among those turning out at the Westport Baskin-Robbins tonight for the company’s Third Annual 31-Cent Scoop Night. Members of the Westport Volunteer Fire Department are in the background. Baskin-Robbins honored America’s firefighters with a $100,000 donation to the National Volunteer Fire Council National Junior Firefighter Program. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.comHudson Valley Bank Officially Opens Westport Branch
Hudson Valley Bank, a Westchester-based bank with $2 billion in assets, officially opened its Westport branch today at 420 Post Road West. Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff (3rd l.) joined James J. Landy (5th l.) president and CEO, and other bank officials and dignitaries in cutting the ribbon. The bank had a “soft” opening last fall. Landy said he was pleased with the response of the Westport community to the bank’s services aimed at individuals, businesses, professional service firms and not-for-profit organizations. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com31-Cent per Scoop Ice Cream Today at Baskin-Robbins
Baskin-Robbins will host its Third Annual 31-Cent Scoop Night today from 5 to 10 p.m. at all Baskin-Robbins locations nationwide, including the Westport store at 180 Post Road East. Baskin-Robbins is partnering with the national Volunteer Fire Council, the nation’s leading non-profit association representing the interests of the volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services. Members of the Westport Volunteer Fire Department will be there along with a Westport Fire Department fire engine. Pictured is last year’s event. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.comCruising Along the Saugatuck
Members of Westport’s Saugatuck Rowing Club go through their paces Tuesday on the Saugatuck River near Westport’s center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.comWednesday, April 29, 2009
10 a.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Kristin Delfau, “Turbo-Mom’s Guide to Saving Money Without Wasting Time”
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. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Home”
2 p.m. and 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “Around the World in 80 Days”
5 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Baskin-Robbins, 180 Post Road East - 31-Cent Scoop Night assisted by Westport Volunteer Fire Department
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Hendrie Weisinger, “The Genius of Instinct”
8 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Board of Finance Government Efficiency Subcommittee
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - CT GreenScene, Fairfield County GreenDrinks
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Hanging His Fellow Artists
Westport artist Miggs Burroughs hangs a lenticular portrait of fellow Westport artist Howard Munce in advance of the opening of his show “Journeys” Saturday at the Fairfield Public Library. Other portraits include local artists Roe Halper, Enid Monroe, Tracy Sugarman, Nina Bentley, David Rogers, Alberta Cifolelli, and Arthur Burke. The show opens Saturday 5-7 p.m. in the Bruce S. Kershner Gallery and will feature 25 lenticular images. The technology involves using a lenticular lens to produce images with an illusion of depth, or the ability to change or move as the image is viewed from different angles. The show runs through June 14. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photoMexican-Born Poetic Prodigy Visits Staples
Ekiwah Alder- Beléndez, a 21-year-old Mexican-born poetic prodigy, addressed students today at Westport’s Staples High School in honor of Latin Culture Week. Born with cerebral palsy, Ekiwah began composing poetry at the age of 3 and is the author of three volumes of poetry. Staples teacher Marylou Huisking (l) coordinated efforts to bring him to Staples under the sponsorship of the Westport PTA Cultural Arts Committee. Contributed photoWestport Public Shred Day Set for May 9
300th Volleyball Victory for Staples Coach Bruce Betts
Bruce Betts (c), head boys volleyball coach at Westport’s Staples High School, achieved his 300th career coaching win Monday with a 3-0 victory over Harding at Staples. Betts, who started the volleyball program in 1987 but did not play official matches until the FCIAC recognized boys volleyball as a varsity sport in 1991, has a 300-52 career record. After the match, players, parents, and fans gave him two signed volleyballs and a banner. Rob Goddu for WestportNow.comBench With a View
A man on a bench enjoys the view of the Saugatuck River in Westport’s center on Monday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.comTuesday, April 28, 2009
8:45 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. - Staples High School - Ekiwah Adler Belendez, Poet
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. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Home”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Not Picture Perfect”
Noon - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Robert Sullivan, “The Thoreau You Don’t Know”Canceled
7 p.m. - Staples High School Auditorium - Free screening of documentary “No Kidding, Me Too!” by Joe Pantoliano about mental health disorders
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – RTM Finance Committee
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – RTM Transit Committee
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Zoning Board of Appeals (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Architectural Review Board
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “Around the World in 80 Days”
Monday, April 27, 2009
Westport Youth Festival Holds Fundraiser
Zach Bomes, a Staples sophomore, and Ann Lupo, a Weston senior and a volunteer for the Westport Youth Film Festival, purchase tickets tonight at the Bow Tie Cinema in Norwalk from Westporter Sandy Lefkowitz, coordinator of the Westport Youth Film Festival. Tonight’s fundraiser preview film performance featured Sam Mendes’ “Away We Go.” Mendes’s works include “American Beauty” and “Revolutionary Road.” The Westport Youth Film Festival will be held on May 9 with 60 selected short films to be shown at Town Hall and Toquet Hall. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.comWestport News Moves to Fairfield, Makes Staff Changes
Happy 80th Birthday Bill Meyer
Longtime Westporter Bill Meyer (shown with wife, Carolyn) got an 80th birthday surprise today at the girls softball game he was umpiring—a birthday cake. Meyer has been involved in Westport Little League, Y’s Men, Sunrise Rotary, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), and myriad other organizations and causes during his tenure in Westport. The Parks and Recreation Commission later honored him at its meeting and Westport First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff (next to Meyer in baseball cap) read a proclamation marking his birthday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.comFirefighters Quickly Extinguish Greens Farms Roof Fire
Westport firefighters today quickly extinguished a roof fire on a Greens Farms Road home near where workers had earlier been soldering a gutter. Assistant Fire Chief Robert Kepchar said firefighters responded to a 4:29 p.m. 911 call from 253 Greens Farms Road reporting smoke in the stairwell to the second floor. Firefighters opened up the roof area to get at the flames while others inside opened up the interior wall and extinguished the fire that was traveling up the rafter bays on the interior of the roof, he said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photoWestport, Weston, Wilton Review Flu Outbreak Preparations
Brooke Astor Biographer Addresses Y’s Women
The author of a book about the late New York socialite Brooke Astor addressed the Y’s Women of Westport Weston today as the Manhattan trial got under way of Astor’s son and another man accused of taking advantage of her diminished mental status. Frances Kiernan, author of “The Last Mrs. Astor,” said Astor, who died two years ago at 105, had her “highs” and her “lows.” “I first met Brooke Astor at 97 at the Carlyle Hotel for lunch,” Kiernan said. “She was a vibrant glamorous woman still running her foundation. It was sad to see her later in life when she was 100, she was not the woman I had first met…..I never did intend to write of how diminished she was.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.comWalking at Low Tide
Laine Ambrose and Jonathan Lorenz, both kindergarteners at Wesport’s Kings Highway Elementary School, walk at low tide on Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Clara Ambrose for WestportNow.comSunday Spin
A classic car took in the beauty of Long Island Sound during a Sunday spin along Westport’s Hillspoint Road near Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.comJetty Jump
A weekend visitor to Westport’s Compo Beach found playing on the jetty was a fun way to spend her time. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.comMonday, April 27, 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. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Home”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Not Picture Perfect”
Noon - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Lynne Griffin, “Life Without Summer”
6 p.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – Board of Finance Revenue Enhancement Committee
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – RTM Planning & Zoning Committee
7 p.m. - Bowtie Royale 6 (542 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) - Benefit for Westport Youth Film Festival: showing of “Away We Go”
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201/201A – Parks & Recreation Commission
7:30 p.m. – Staples High School, Cafeteria B – Board of Education
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Dr. Jennifer Wider, “The Doctor’s Complete College Girls’ Health Guide”
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PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers April 6 - 10, 2009MORE >>
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Crumbs Bake Shop Opening, April 18, 2009
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