Monday, August 31, 2009
Noted Cookbook Author Sheila Lukins, Staples ’60, Dies at 66
Sheila Block Lukins, a former Westporter and 1960 Staples High School graduate whose “The Silver Palate” cookbook helped popularize gourmet cooking in America’s home kitchens, has died. She was 66.
Sheila Block Lukins: co-author of “Silver Palate” cookbook. File photo
Lukins, who also operated a pioneering gourmet takeout shop, died Sunday at her home in New York City, announced Parade magazine, where she had been food editor.
Lukins was diagnosed with brain cancer three months ago.
“The Silver Palate” is one of the top 10 best-selling cookbooks of all time. She wrote it with her business partner, Julee Rosso, in 1979, two years after they opened one of the nation’s first gourmet takeout shops, in New York City.
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Forbes: Westport No. 130 on Most Expensive Zip Code List
Westport, which often can be found near the top of the nation’s most expensive places to live, comes in at No. 130 on Forbes’ new list of “America’s 500 Most Expensive ZIP Codes.”
The magazine said the economy has hit these exclusive enclaves hard, with home prices taking major hits.
“The ZIP codes on our list saw a 7 percent average drop in asking price, and in many places prices fell even more,” Forbes said. “Overall, only one-fifth of America’s Most Expensive ZIP Codes saw prices rise—and in a few of those places the data were skewed by a single high-priced listing.”
It said Westport (06880), at No. 130, had a median home asking price of $1.44 million and that home prices here had tumbled 17 percent over the past year. It said there were 444 properties on the market here with 144 average days on the market.
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Waiting for the Striping
UPDATE After a rain delay, workers have completed repaving a portion of the parking lot on the New Haven-bound side of the Westport station in Saugatuck. The lot will be reopened upon painting of the striping, which they hope to get done by Wednesday, according to town officials. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Himes to Address Rotary on Health Care Reform Tuesday
Congressman Jim Himes (D-4) will be guest speaker Tuesday at the Westport Rotary Club and will address health care reform and other issues. 
Congressman Jim Himes addresses an audience at Westport’s Conservative Synagogue on Aug. 17 after a trip to Israel. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
The meeting is at noon at the Inn at Longshore. Guests are welcome and there is a $20 per person fee for lunch for nonmembers.
Himes begins a series of Town Hall meetings on health care reform tonight in Greenwich—Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. He will hold another at the same time on Wednesday at Norwalk High School and Thursday in Bridgeport at City Hall.
Himes is a first-time congressman, having defeated longtime Republican incumbent Christopher Shays in the 2008 election. This is his first appearance before the Westport Rotary Club since taking office.
Preservation Award Winner: 4 Burritt’s Landing
The house at 4 Burritt’s Landing in Westport’s Saugatuck area is among eight winners of the Historic District Commission 2009 Preservation Awards to be presented in a Town Hall ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. Owned by Winston and Ruby Allen, it is known as the Allen House, c. 1958. It was designed by Chicago architect Roy Binkley, Jr., a disciple of the Bauhaus school of architecture founder Mies van der Rhoe. “This award is being given in recognition of your exceptional efforts to restore and preserve this important mid-century modern house,” the HDC said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Monday, August 31, 2009
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Human / Nature” by Nancy Reinker
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Group Show II”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Heads & Hands” by Kristin Rasich Fox
7 p.m. - Toquet Hall Teen Center - Goodbye Etc. (Acoustic)
7:30 p.m. – Staples High School, Cafeteria B – Board of Education (televised on Channel 78)
8:30 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Teen Flix: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off”
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Dancing the Night Away
Darien residents Matthew Millar and Penny Evans dance to the big band rhythms of the Fairfield Counts tonight in the 2009 season finale of Westport’s Levitt Pavilion. Millar said they have been to the Levitt many times and love to dance here but were disappointed that repeated rain limited their visit this summer to four or five. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Levitt Season Finale
The 17-piece Fairfield Counts orchestra conducted by Dick Buriant performed its big band repertoire for a large crowd tonight on the final night of the Levitt Pavilion’s 2009 season. The audience was entertained with favorites such as “Little Brown Jug,” “South of the Border,” “You Made Me Love You,” “Tuxedo Junction,” and many others. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Larson, in Westport Visit, Predicts Health Care Passage
Connecticut Congressman John B. Larson (D-1), newly elected chairman of the U.S. House Democratic Caucus, told a Westport audience today he believes “some healthcare bill will pass in some form in honor of (the late Senator Ted) Kennedy because healthcare reform was his life’s work and goal.” Larson was guest at a reception at the home of Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler. He is serving his sixth term representing the Hartford area and is now the fourth ranking Democrat in the House. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Final Farewell to Westport’s Leo Nevas
Family and friends today escort the coffin of Westport attorney Leo Nevas from Norwalk’s Congregational Beth El en route to a cemetery. Hundreds attended the service for the legendary Westporter who died Wednesday at the age of 97. (See WestportNow Aug. 27, 2009) Among them was a member of the family of the late Nobel laureate and Soviet dissident Andrei D. Sakharov who said her entire family joined in mourning the passing of the renowned fighter for international human rights. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Filling the Boot for Muscular Dystrophy
UPDATE Westport firefighters joined the fight against neuromuscular disease and “filled the boot” for the Muscular Dystrophy Association at Westport’s Compo Beach today. Westport Firefighters Local 1081 has been a staunch supporter of MDA for many years. This year’s goal was to raise $2,000 for the cause. At the end of the day, that was far surpassed with $3,653 collected. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Easy Riders
Motorcyclists taking part in today’s ninth Connecticut United Ride make their way along Wilton Road near Newtown Turnpike in Westport on their 60-mile journey from Norwalk to Bridgeport through 11 communities to honor 9/11 victims and raise money for charities. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Salute for 9/11 Victims
Participants in today’s ninth annual Connecticut United Ride to honor 9/11 victims salute as they pass by the intersection of Post Road West and Wilton Road in Westport. The 60-mile ride, involving more than 1,500 motorcyclists, made its way from Norwalk to Bridgeport, passing through 11 Fairfield communities in all. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
A Wave for Westporters
A motorcyclist taking part in today’s ninth annual United Ride honoring 9/11 victims exchanges waves with several onlookers at the intersection of Post Road West and Wilton Road. The 60-mile ride from Norwalk to Bridgeport through 11 Fairfield communities raises money for charitable causes. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Police and Firefighters Support 9/11 Ride
Police officers and firefighters from throughout the state took part in today’s Connecticut United Ride to honor 9/11 victims. The riders are seen as they neared Post Road West on Riverside Avenue in Westport. Police closed down intersections along the route as the more than 1,500 riders went by. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Sunday, August 30, 2009
7 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Entrance road to Compo Beach - Westport firefighters’ “Fill the Boot” campaign to raise funds for Muscular Dystrophy
11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. - Saugatuck Congregational Church (245 Post Road East) - Sunday Farmers Market
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Human / Nature” by Nancy Reinker
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Group Show II”
3 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “That Championship Season” (symposium follows)
7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Fairfield Counts
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Opening Night for “That Championship Season” at Playhouse
It was opening night tonight at the Westport Country Playhouse for “That Championship Season,” the one act Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and New York Drama Critics Circle Award-winning play which runs through Sept. 12. Taking their bows are (l-r): Skipp Sudduth, Robert Clohessy, John Doman (who plays the role of coach), Lou Liberatore and Tom Nelis. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Opening Night Crowd
There was a reception for the opening night audience tonight following the debut of the Westport Country Playhouse’s current production of “That Championship Season,” directed by Playhouse Artistic Director Mark Lamos. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Levitt Show Moves Indoors Tonight
Due to the inclement weather, tonight’s Levitt Pavilion performance featuring the Gas House Gorillas, sponsored by HSBC Premier, will move indoors to Saugatuck School, 170 Riverside Ave.
Show time is 8 p.m. and admission is free for this popular jump blues band.
For more details, visit www.levittpavilion.com.
Animal Shelter Advocates Seek Westport Top Dog
Supporters of Westport’s Animal Shelter are seeking Westport’s “top dog.”
The group, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA), has announced a photo and essay contest to find the top canine in town as part of a fund-raiser for Westport’s municipal animal shelter.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) on Tuesday will consider a $95,000 appropriation request approved by the Board of Finance last month to renovate the shelter, adjacent to Westport’s sewage treatment plant.
The funds raised by WASA will supplement the town spending.
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Preservation Award Winner: 24 Compo Parkway
The house at 24 Compo Parkway is among eight winners of the Westport Historic District Commission 2009 Preservation Awards to be presented in a Town Hall ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. The HDC recognized owners Marc and Tracy Prosoff for undertaking an extensive rehabilitation which enabled the historic home to be preserved. The HDC noted that its cultural significance includes stories that both Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia and actor Frederic March were once in residence. “While some may have given in to the financial temptation of tearing down and building a new structure, you have chosen to find solutions that retain, enhance and preserve the integrity of this historic home,” the HDC said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Saturday, August 29, 2009
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. - Kings Highway Elementary School Playground - Kindergarten Meet-Up
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Human / Nature” by Nancy Reinker
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Group Show II”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art”
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Heads & Hands” by Kristin Rasich Fox
7 p.m. - Toquet Hall Teen Center - Rachel Browne w/ Kyle Gilbride, Laura Meyer and Suns
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion Saugatuck Elementary School - Gas House Gorillas
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “That Championship Season” opening
Friday, August 28, 2009
Comings and Goings: Riverside Barber Closing But Moving
The Riverside Barber Shop in Westport’s Saugatuck section closes on Saturday after 82 years in the same location. The late John Santella opened the shop in 1927 and it was then owned by his son, Lou. Owner Pat Vigilio (r), the shop’s owner since November 1999, will reopen at a new location on Tuesday at 231 Post Road West at the upper level of Greg & Tony’s Salon. Vigilio announced that he is donating the barber pole to the Westport Historical Society. Pictured with him are Allen Raymond, a longtime customer, town historian, and a past president of the Society, and Tina, a hair stylist who will also move to the new location. Riverside Barber and adjacent DeRosa’s Restaurant are making way for the Saugatuck Center development by the Gault family. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Property Transfers Aug. 10 - 14, 2009
Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period August 10 - 14, 2009:
Adam Gordon to Jeffrey R. and Paige M. Schwartz, 1 North Pasture Road, $1,380,000 
Bruce W. and Judith Burke to Gilbert Eric and Lauren Renee Keizer Nathan, 15 Sandhopper Trail, $1,625,000
Karin Burgher to Peter C. and Dana R. Greer, 16 Island Way, $1,300,000
Guido Erich Karl and Louise Patricia Schmidt to Alberico Zenzola and Sabine H. De Zenzola, 14 Sandy Hill Terrace, $1,500,000
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Preservation Award Winner: 81 Clapboard Hill Road
The house at 81 Clapboard Hill Road is among eight winners of the Historic District Commission 2009 Preservation Awards to be presented in a Town Hall ceremony at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12. Owned by Charles C. and Judith H. Reid, it is known as the Morehouse-Taylor House, c. 1727. The HDC said in its award note that the interior of the house reveals “extraordinary insight into the lives of the inhabitants of the 18th century.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Flash Flood Watch Issued
The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y. has issued a flash flood watch for Westport and area through Saturday afternoon.
It said showers and embedded thunderstorms tonight and Saturday will result in 2 to 3 inches of total rainfall.
Local higher amounts are possible, an advisory said.
The coverage and intensity of the showers will decrease during the afternoon, the Weather Service said.
Weather Delays Completion of Railroad Parking Renovation
Due to today’s rainy weather conditions, the line painting of the new pavement in a portion of the parking lot on the New Haven-bound side of the Saugatuck Railroad station could not be completed, the Westport Police Department said.
The No.. 3 parking lot will remain closed to commuter parking until the painting contractor can paint the new lines, which in turn must wait until the pavement is dry, said Depty Police Chief Dale Call in a statement.
He said the Railroad Parking Division of the Westport Police Department regrets the delay and apologizes for any inconvenience to its customers.
Tonight’s Levitt Pavilion Show Moves Indoors
Due to the inclement weather, tonight’s Levitt Pavilion performance featuring the Mill River Band will move indoors to Saugatuck School, 170 Riverside Ave.
Show time is 8 p.m. and admission is free for this popular group which plays a unique blend of acoustic rock, country blues and western swing.
For more information, visit www.levittpavilion.com.
“The Breath of Life” is Playhouse Final Play of 2009 Season
The Westport Country Playhouse announced today that its sixth and final play of the 2009 season will feature Jane Alexander and Stockard Channing in Sir David Hare’s “The Breath of Life,” running Sept. 29 through Oct. 17. 
Jane Alexander and Stockard Channing will star. Contributed photos
Mark Lamos, named artistic director in February at the Playhouse, will direct.
“The Breath of Life” was first produced at the Theatre Royal in London in 2002 in a production directed by Howard Davies and starring Judi Dench and Maggie Smith.
“I saw ‘The Breath of Life’ when it premiered in London and was seduced by its quietly profound and wonderfully intelligent depiction of two women who share an obsession that has deeply affected their lives,” said Lamos.
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Himes Moves Norwalk Health Care Forum to High School
UPDATE & CORRECT Wednesday’s Norwalk health care forum hosted by Congressman Jim Himes (D-4) has been moved from City Hall to Norwalk High School, his office announced today.
A media advisory said the move was made “in response to concerns over disrupting previously scheduled events at City Hall and in the interest of gathering input from as many constituents as possible.”
The advisory said interest in the event has significantly increased over the past week, and Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia and the congressman agreed “it would be prudent to secure another venue.”
The forum will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Norwalk High School auditorium, 55 County St.
____
An earlier version of this story erroneously said the forum was on Tuesday.
Bird’s Eye View
Some seagulls get a bird’s eye view of doings at Westport’s Compo Beach from the roof of the pavilion. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Friday, August 28, 2009
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Human / Nature” by Nancy Reinker
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Group Show II”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Heads & Hands” by Kristin Rasich Fox
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Mill River Band
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “That Championship Season” preview
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Two Stamford Men Linked to Three Westport Bank Robberies
Two Stamford men have been arrested on bank robbery charges in a string of robberies this summer in lower Fairfield County, including three in Westport, Stamford police said.
A robber hits Westport’s TD Bank in May. Contributed photo
Both were arraigned in state Superior Court today in Stamford. Police identified them as Spero Moschos, 28, and Christopher Davis, 34. Moschos has no criminal record, they said, while Davis has an extensive arrest record.
Among their Westport targets, police said, were First County Bank, 1260 Post Road, at 4:45 p.m. on May 8, and TD Bank, 50 Charles St. at 5:49 p.m. on May 15 and again at 1:45 p.m. on May 16. (See WestportNow May 16, 2009)
Moschos was linked to a bank robbery in Harrison, N.Y., Wednesday, the same day Stamford police obtained a warrant for his arrest connecting him to an Aug. 20 robbery in Wilton, detectives said.
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Westport Teacher of the Year on Making a Difference
Michael Aitkenhead: teaching tomorrow’s leaders. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
By Dave Matlow
Westport’s newly named Teacher of the Year said today he’s often asked if he really wants to make a difference, why doesn’t he teach in Bridgeport, for example.
The answer for Staples High School science teacher Michael Aitkenhead, as he explained it to fellow teachers at a district-wide pre-school meeting at Bedford Middle School, is fairly simple.
“I chose Westport because this is where I can make the greatest impact on tomorrow’s leaders,” he said. “They (the students) don’t realize it yet that they are tomorrow’s leaders.”
Aitkenhead, whose passion is the environment and who teaches AP environmental science, has been a teacher at Staples five years.
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Westport Education’s Finest and Teacher of the Year
UPDATE Staples High School science teacher Michael Aitkenhead (3rd l) today was named Westport’s Teacher of the Year for 2010. Announcement was made at a district-wide back to school meeting of Westport educators at Bedford Middle School which included a video about the district’s five Teacher of the Year candidates. (See WestportNow Aug. 12, 2009) Pictured with Aitkenhead are fellow finalists (l-r): Daniel Geraghty, a Staples English teacher; Carol Kochefko, who teaches German at Staples; Janet Adams, a first grade teacher at Long Lots Elementary School, and Jennifer Dunn, a first grade teacher at Coleytown Elementary School. Aitkenhead will be honored at a Board of Education meeting in September. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
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PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers Aug. 10 - 14, 2009MORE >>
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Noted Cookbook Author Sheila Lukins, Staples ’60, Dies at 66
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Noted Cookbook Author Sheila Lukins, Staples ’60, Dies at 66
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Bob Lasprogato and Uptown Jazz Sextet at Levitt Aug. 16, 2009
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