Saturday, July 31, 2010
Driver Suffers Fatal Heart Attack, Crashes Into Stone Wall
UPDATE A 79-year-old Shelton man apparently suffered a heart attack before crashing his car into a fire hydrant and stone wall tonight in front of 69 Cross Highway, according to reports from the scene. The driver, later identified as Anthony “Tony” DiMatteo, was unresponsive and in cardiac arrest when police arrived, the reports said. He was later pronounced dead at Norwalk Hospital (see obituary). Arriving firefighters found a Westport EMS EMT performing CPR on him on the ground next to the car, according to Assistant Fire Chief William Dingee. Firefighters aided in performing CPR and the driver was taken to Norwalk Hospital. The man’s wife, who told police her husband complained of chest pains before losing control of the car, was also taken to the hospital in a separate ambulance. Dingee said her injuries were minor. Fire units remained on the scene for three hours to provide lighting while police conducted a detailed investigation of the scene, something usually done when a fatality is involved. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Washboard Slim Returns to Levitt After 20 Years
Washboard Slim and the Bluelights, a jug band, returned to Westport’s Levitt Pavilion tonight for the first time in 20 years, according to the band’s creator, Peter Menta (3rd r) aka Washboard Slim. Menta said his Hamden-based group has been largely influenced over the years by other jug bands, blues bands and early jazz artists such as Louis Armstrong and Bessie Smith. Cynthia Fabian, the band’s spokesperson, vocalist and instrumentalist (she said she plays a “kick-ass kazoo”), described the band’s sound as “humorous music with serious overtones…similar to the Spike Jones band (of the 1940s and 1950s era)” “We’re not just about playing the blues, but getting rid of the blues,” she said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Collecting Food for the Needy
Westport Firefighter Kevin Dumas today checks over food donations at Westport Fire Headquarters, one of several Connecticut fire stations designated as collection points in support of Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s announced statewide “Day of Caring & Compassion.” The donations of nonperishable food will help replenish the state’s two main food pantries, Foodshare and the Connecticut Food Bank. Dumas said by 10:30 a.m. “we’ve collected a lot of food contributions and we’re only half way through the morning collection period.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Dropping Off a Donation
Good samaritan Westporter Joan Zimmerman rushes off to her Saturday morning schedule after dropping off packaged food contributions today at the Westport Fire Department in support of the statewide “Day of Caring & Compassion.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Rell: State Accepting Applications for New Health Plan
Gov. M. Jodi Rell today announced that applications are now available for a new federally funded health care plan specifically designed for individuals with pre-existing conditions that prevented them from getting health care insurance in the past.
The Connecticut Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan, administered by the state Department of Social Services, will use $50 million allocated to Connecticut under the federal health care reform bill.
The governor approved launch of the program after her administration was able to successfully lower premiums by 35 percent over initial estimates to put costs within reach of many Connecticut residents, an announcement said.
Premiums for adults under the new plan start at $285 monthly for those under 30 and rise gradually by age to a high of $893 for adults 65 and older.
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CCLU Lawyer: P&Z Decorum Policy is “Problematic”
By James Lomuscio
The Westport Planning and Zoning Commission’s new decorum policy banning signs and T-shirts expressing a view is “problematic” according to an attorney for the Connecticut Civil Liberties Union (CCLU).
Supporters of the Westport Family Y’s move to Mahackeno wore yellow T-shirts at the opening of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s hearings on the application in March 2008. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
“Messages on T-shirts are often a constitutionally protected form of expression,” said David McGuire, the CCLU’s staff attorney based in Hartford.
“A ban on speech related to an item before a municipal body is problematic because it constitutes the most highly protected form of speech.”
McGuire was reacting to the new policy approved last week which says: “In order to minimize disruptions or distractions, the following behaviors will not be permitted at our meetings: displays of any kind on any surface including but not limited to clothing and signs.”
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Westport Fire Department Collecting Food Today
The Westport Fire Department today from 9 a.m. to noon is participating in a statewide “Day of Caring & Compassion” as fire stations around Connecticut collect donations of nonperishable food to help replenish the state’s two main food pantries.
“Mark it on the calendar. July 31 will be the day we can all help fill the shelves the shelves of Foodshare and Connecticut Food Bank,” Gov. M. Jodi Rell said in a statement last month. (See WestportNow July 14, 2010)
“Fire departments around the state made our 2009 campaign such a success that we are delighted to have them again this year as partners.”
The governor said the economy is still very volatile and the need remains great for many families who continue to struggle to make ends meet.
More "Westport Fire Department Collecting Food Today"
Friday Night Sunset Show at Compo
Dozens of Westporters and their guests stayed late at Compo Beach for Friday night conversation, cooking and cocktails and were treated to another pretty sunset show. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Saturday, July 31, 2010
9 a.m. - noon - Westport Fire Headquarters (515 Post Road East) - Collection point, non-perishable food for Connecticut food pantries
11 a.m. - noon - Earthplace - Woods Explore
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Kids’ Wall” 10th Anniversary
2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. - Earthplace - Critters & Crafts (ages 3-10)
3 p.m. - Sherwood Island Nature Center - “Come Plant with Us”
7:30 p.m. - Staples High School - Staples Players Summer Theatre: “Rent”
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Washboard Slim & the Bluelights
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Friday, July 30, 2010
Westport Property Transfers July 12 - 16, 2010
Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period July 12 - 16, 2010:
Antonio A. and Fatima Pugas to Michael and Mody K. Brown, 301 Main St., $970,000
R B Properties to 5 Flower Farm Lane LLC, 5 Flower Farm Lane, $4,750,000
Louise S. Couffer Est. to Amanda V. and Marc W. Rowley, 28 Woods Grove Road, $537,500
Richard Christopher Montanaro to Heidi Mitchell, 5E Gorham Ave., $1,345,000
More "Westport Property Transfers July 12 - 16, 2010"
Westporters Pay Tribute to Fallen Bridgeport Firefighters
Westporters were among thousands paying tribute today at funeral services in Bridgeport for two fallen Bridgeport firefighters. First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff, Chief Christopher Ackley and Deputy Chief Jonathan Gottfried led the Westport contingent that included many off-duty firefighters. Other off-duty firefighters helped man Bridgeport firehouses while their Bridgeport counterparts attended the services, including the one above at St. Augustine Cathedral for Lt. Steven Velasquez, 40. A later service was held for Firefighter Michel Baik, 49, at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church. The two died Saturday while fighting a house fire. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Sad Mission
Attorney General Richard Blumenthal chats with Westport Fire Chief Christopher Ackley (l) and Deputy Chief Jonathan Gottfried today outside St. Augustine Orthodox Church in Bridgeport where a funeral service was held for Bridgeport Fire Lt. Steven Velasquez. He and Firefighter Michel Baik died fighting a house fire on Saturday. First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff was also at the funeral along with Gov. M. Jodi Rell, Senator Christopher Dodd, Congressman Jim Himes, and other state and local leaders. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Comings and Goings: AAA Leaving Saugatuck After 20 Years
The AAA Travel office, located in the strip of stores at 20 Saugatuck Ave. in Westport’s Saugatuck area for the past 20 years, is closing its office at the end of the business day today. It is not leaving Westport, however. See below for its new home. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Comings and Goings: AAA Travel Office to Post Road East
The Westport AAA Travel office is relocating from 20 Saugatuck Ave. to its new office at 419 Post Road East in the Compo Shopping Center. The new office opens on Monday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Scenic Westport
A view along the Saugatuck River in Westport on Thursday near the Saugatuck Rowing Club. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Friday, July 30, 2010
9:30 a.m. - Westport Arts Center - ArtCafé
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Kids’ Wall” 10th Anniversary
7:30 p.m. - Staples High School - Staples Players Summer Theatre: “RENT”
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Cracked Ice
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Another View: Twitter and Facebook Deserve Police Use Too
By J. Michael Lomuscio
With Westport Police Deputy Chief Dale Call’s announcement that the department will begin issuing text message alerts to notify residents of downed trees and power lines, closed roads, and other traffic snags, Westporters will surely be able to save time behind the wheel and drive more safely during emergencies, too.
Putting in place the notification system, called Nixle, is a good step, and residents should sign up. The department’s plan however is missing a few components, namely Twitter and Facebook.
Chief Call decided against using these social media networks as notification platforms because of their Facebook’s accessibility and Twitter’s security, telling the Westport News:“The problem with Twitter is that it’s really easy to pretend to be somebody else. It can take very little effort for someone to pretend to be at the Westport police and send things out to people.”
He’s right to be cautious, but Twitter has taken a step to guard against these abuses by offering “Verified Accounts.” This system can establish the authenticity of government authorities so that users know who to trust - it’s something the department should consider.
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Westport Tea Group Meets Again
About two dozen persons attended a meeting tonight of the Westport Tea Group at the Westport Public Library. Led by Westporter Dean Slack, they discussed “the role of taxes in our economy and our individual freedom to save or spend.” Unlike the group’s first meeting two months ago (See WestportNow May 24, 2010), there was no request that reporters not name names or photographers avoid shooting faces. Those present did not include John Izzo, a former unsuccessful candidate for first selectman who has identified himself as chair of the Westport Tea Party. Republican candidates present included state Senator Toni Boucher and Nitzy Cohen who is challenging endorsed GOP candidate Stephen Rubin in the Aug. 10 primary in the state representative race in the 136th District. The group will meet again Aug. 5. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Police Arrest Three for Credit Card Fraud
An alert liquor store clerk’s call to police today led to the arrest of a New York trio on credit card fraud and identify theft charges, Westport police said.
Police recovered fraudulent credit cards, credit card statements, and a credit card reader from their vehicle, indicating they were involved in an organized credit card fraud and identity theft operation, said Lt. John Calka.
He said they had hit five Westport businesses in all. The haul was significant enough to raise the interest of the U.S. Secret Service which is assisting in the investigation, Calka said.
The investigation began when a clerk at Castle Wine and Spirits, 1439 Post Road East, called police to report a customer’s credit card had failed to be approved and that the store had received calls from other merchants warning of similar experiences with the trio.
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It Takes Two to Tango
Infiniti Tango was tonight’s attraction at the Levitt Pavilion. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Pay as You Go: New Sewer Fees Called Equitable
By James Lomuscio
Should a single person pay the same sewer use charges as an active family of six despite obvious discrepancies in the number of showers, loads of laundry and toilet use?
Users of the town’s water pollution control facility will have a new way of calculating their sewer use fees. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport’s Board of Selectmen does not think so, and acting as the Water Pollution Control Authority, voted Wednesday for more equitable sewer fees based on usage effective Sept. 1.
“The bottom line is that this is a fairer method,” said First Selectman Gordon Joseloff. “Right now everyone pays the same rate to be hooked up to a sewer, whether they are an empty nester or have six kids.”
The new plan prorates sewer use based on the amount of water each home uses via an Aquarion Water Company meter, Joseloff said. Water in equals water going out, he said, not including warmer months with garden and lawn irrigation.
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Brisk Business at Farmer’s Market
Despite the heat and humidity, today’s Westport Thursday Farmer’s Market did a brisk business with corn a fast seller. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Westport Man Held By Fairfield Police on Drug, Other Charges
A Westport man with a long history of run-ins with police was arrested by Fairfield police early today on drug charges. He later threatened police and made terrorist statements.
Charles Vosgueritchian: held on $10,000 bond. Contributed photo
Charles H.Vosgueritchian, 31, of West Parish Road, was arrested following a complaint that he was panhandling on the corner of Post and Unquowa Roads and at Dunkin’ Donuts on the Post Road, police said. He later rode off on his bicycle and police caught up with him in Southport.
Police said they found a glass pipe with cocaine residue in his baseball hat along with steel wool with burn marks on it and folds of paper with a dusting of white powder.
At the Police Department, police said Vosgueritchian became combative, yelling and spitting at officers and refusing to be fingerprinted. He also uttered threats, saying, “This is why buildings are blown up in this country. Your time will end soon and this is why your people are all dying,” according to police.
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Playhouse’s Annual Gala Honors Stephen Schwartz
Stephen Schwartz: composer honored on Sept. 13. Photo by Joan LaurenThe Westport Country Playhouse announced today that its 2010 Gala will honor musical theater composer Stephen Schwartz on Monday, Sept. 13, at 6 p.m.
A star-studded production, “The Magical Music of Stephen Schwartz,” will recognize Schwartz’s innumerable songwriting contributions to American theater and film, an announcement said.It said Gala artists will be announced soon.
“The fund-raising event will include pre-show cocktails and sumptuous fare, a performance and post-show champagne and dessert party,” the announcement said. In addition, there will be a silent auction of unique and one-of-a-kind items throughout the evening.
Honorary gala chairs are Kate and Bob Devlin of Southport; gala chairs are Kim and Niv Harizman of Westport. Gala lead corporate sponsors are Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd., Westport Resources, and NewAlliance Bank. Additional corporate support includes Bank of NY Mellon and Catamount Wealth Management.
Comings and Goings: Fleece Opens on Main Street
Brooks Brothers new children’s store Fleece officially opened at 10 a.m. today at 136 Main St., next to the traditional Brooks Brothers store. The Westport store marks the 192-year-old retailer’s first foray into girl’s apparel. While boys’ is not a new category for Brooks Brothers, the Fleece collection represents a new direction and focus by the retailer, which includes not only tailored clothing but a new emphasis on sportswear. The Fleece shop is accessible through its front door entrance as well as through a passageway between it and the adjacent Brooks store. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Sunset Watching
Recent sunsets at Westport’s Compo Beach have drawn many watchers and provided romantic settings. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Thursday, July 29, 2010
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Kids’ Wall” 10th Anniversary
10 a.m. - Westport Public Library - Jobseeker Special: “Orientation to Healthcare Careers - Part 1”
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Sizzling Summer Film Series: “Being Julia” (2004)
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Jesup Green - Westport Public Library: Outdoor Messy Crafts (all ages)
7 p.m. – Auditorium – Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
7:30 p.m. - Staples High School - Staples Players Summer Theatre: “RENT”
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Infiniti Tango
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Five Westport Officers Graduate from Police Academy
Five Westport police officers today graduated from the Connecticut Police Academy in Meriden. Pictured are: (back row, l-r): Officer John Lachioma, Officer Paul Wargo, Officer Scott Morrison; (front row) Officer Michael Ruttenber and Officer James Loomer. The 22-week training session came after a selection process that began in October 2009. After 400 hours of field training, it is anticipated the five will be ready to patrol on their own in October. Attending today’s ceremony were Chief Alfred Fiore, Deputy Chief Dale Call, Captain Samuel Arciola and Captain Foti Koskinas. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
If a Tree Falls and There’s No One There to Remove It ...”
By James Lomuscio
For Larry Perlstein of Westport’s Highwood Lane, getting a fallen tree removed from blocking his private road since last Thursday’s storm has been an exercise in frustration. Today was day six, and he was still counting.
The downed tree on Highwood Lane that fell last week and only was removed today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Perlstein for WestportNow.com
But by 2 p.m., he noticed the tree leaning on wires was finally gone, the road clear.
“It’s been removed, amazingly,” he said. “The truck came in and out without us seeing who it was.”
He assumes it was AT&T, but he is not sure. The reason—no one initially would take responsibility for the tree, he said, a matter exacerbated by the fact his road is off Newtown Turnpike which straddles Westport, Wilton and Weston.
More "If a Tree Falls and There’s No One There to Remove It ...”"
Westport Firefighters to Cover Bridgeport During Funerals
Ten Westport firefighters will help cover Bridgeport on Friday as that city’s fire department and thousands of others attend funeral services for two Bridgeport firefighters who died in the line of duty on Saturday.
Deputy Chief Jonathan Gottfried said Westport’s Engine Co. 2 and Rescue Co. 3 from headquarters—each with four firefighters—will be deployed to Bridgeport firehouses and Assistant Chief Andy Kingsbury and an aide will act as the city’s safety officers.
All of the Westport firefighters are donating their services for the assignments, he said.
Scores of off-duty Westport firefighters and volunteers as well as thousands of firefighters from around the region are expected to attend the services for Lt. Steven Velasquez and Firefighter Michel Baik. They died fighting a house fire on Elmwood Avenue. (See WestportNow July 24, 2010)
Brooks Brothers Fleece Children’s Store Opens Thursday
Just in time for back to school shopping, Brooks Brothers announced today it will debut its highly anticipated children’s line in the company’s first freestanding Brooks Brothers Fleece for Boys and Girls store in Westport on Thursday. 
The new children’s store is located at 136 Main St. in space formerly occupied by Crabtree & Evelyn in the Brooks Corner shopping complex and next door to the longtime Brooks Brothers traditional store.
The store will feature more than 700 square feet of sportswear created by Brooks Brothers’ guest designer Nikki Kule.
The new location will also mark the introduction of Brooks Brother’s first ever girl’s collection of sportswear, party dresses, blazers and accessories all bearing a whimsical version of the brand’s iconic signature sheep label, an announcement said.
More "Brooks Brothers Fleece Children’s Store Opens Thursday"
Westport Police Urge Residents to Get ‘Nixled’
Forget Twitter or Facebook if you want real-time information from the Westport Police Department. Instead, think Nixle. 
That is the name of the social networking service the department announced today will launch on Sunday enabling Westporters to access the latest bulletins from police.
“The service, created by Nixle, LLC delivers trustworthy and timely neighborhood-level public safety and community event notifications by Web, e-mail and text message,” an announcement said.
“This service will be used for general information and incidents which do not necessarily rise to the level of a CodeRED activation, although both can be used together.”
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Steinberg Receives Public Funding in State Rep Race
Democrat Jonathan Steinberg announced today that his campaign for state representative from the 136th District which includes most of Westport has received $26,000 of public funding under the Connecticut Citizens’ Election Program.
Jonathan Steinberg: will run campaign “on a budget.” Contributed photo
This funding was made available once the Steinberg campaign raised the required $5,000 from district residents and filed with the State Election Enforcement Commission certifying his eligibility for the funds, according to Allen Bomes, campaign treasurer.
“These funds will allow the campaign to begin putting our plan into action, and start us moving toward a Nov. 2 win.” Steinberg said. “And because the funds in hand are all I can spend, I must run my campaign on a budget, just as I will ask our state to do.”
Steinberg, deputy moderator of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM), will face either the endorsed Republican Party candidate Stephen Rubin, a fellow RTM member, or Nitzy Cohen, the challenger and loser in the state representative race two years ago, following the Aug. 10 Republican primary. They have also received public funding.
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Playhouse Sets “Perfect Proposal” Contest
In conjunction with Westport Country Playhouse’s production next month of “I Do! I Do!,” the musical about marriage, the theater is hosting “The Perfect Proposal Contest.”
Participants are requested to write, in 300 words or less, how they were asked, or asked someone else, to say, “I Do!” Photos are welcomed, but not required. Deadline for entries is Tuesday, Aug. 10 at noon.
The top five finalists will receive two complimentary tickets to the Playhouse’s second annual Date Night on Friday, Aug. 13, when the contest winner will be announced.
Date Night includes 6 p.m. pre-show reception with light fare by Da Pietro’s Restaurant, select beverages, sweets, romantic music and 8 p.m. performance of the musical “I Do! I Do!”
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Heading Home
Frankie and Malcolm Davies get ready to launch her kayak in deeper water Tuesday night at Westport’s Compo Beach. They were among members of the Y’s Men of Westport Weston and their families who attended the group’s weekly summer night out at the beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Realtime NY Metro-area traffic reports from Traffic.com
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers July 12 - 16, 2010MORE >>
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