WestportNow.com - Westport, Connecticut's 24-hours News and Information Source

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Into the Woods

Two Weston teens and a German exchange student escaped serious injury tonight when they said their driver swerved to avoid a deer on Westport’s Ford Road near Clinton Avenue and went into the woods, hitting a tree. Two of the occupants were taken to Norwalk Hospital. Westport firefighters provided lighting as a tow truck operator pulled the vehicle from thick overgrowth. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

08/31/10 10:55 PM Comments (3) • Permalink •

Getting Ready for Earl: Keeping Hip Waders in the Attic

By James Lomuscio

WestportNow.com Image
Tom Feeley: Hoping Earl “will just go away.” Contributed photoOne of the first things Tom Feeley did upon moving to his Fairfield Avenue home near Westport’s Compo Beach was to buy a pair of hip waders.

It was not because he fishes, he said, but because of stories he had heard about beach roads flooding during bad storms, such as the 1992 nor’easter that ruined his friend’s classic Porche.

But in the years Feeley has lived at the beach, he says storms have never gotten too bad.

“The hip waders are in the attic,” he said. “I’ve lived here for 10 years, and I’ve never put them on.”

More "Getting Ready for Earl: Keeping Hip Waders in the Attic"

08/31/10 09:38 PM Comments (1) • Permalink •

Westporters Aid in Creating Bridgeport Community Garden

Westport GVI and Builders Beyond Borders (known as B3) got together today in Bridgeport to finish building and planting a community garden in the Marina Village neighborhood. Westport GVI member Karen Sussman initiated the project and worked with Deirdre Price organizing and leading the team of volunteers. B3 leader Craig Skinner organized the students and “worked tirelessly” for two days to complete the project, according to GVI officials. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

08/31/10 08:43 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Giving Instructions

Sal Gilbertie of Westport’s Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens gives planting instructions today for the plants he donated to a community garden project in Bridgeport built by Builders Beyond Borders volunteers. The garden was a project of Westport’s GVI and B3. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

08/31/10 08:40 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Working on a Facelift

Work continued today on the facelift to the strip of stores at 606 Post Road East owned by Westport’s Kowalsky family. The shopping complex will soon be the new home of the Vincent Palumbo Salon, operated by Vincent Palumbo, former principal of Peter Coppola Salon. It opens in September in 4,200 square feet. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/31/10 06:37 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Vincent Palumbo today looks over the new premises for The Vincent Palumbo Salon, formerly the Peter Coppola Salon on Wilton Road, which opens Sept. 8 in the newly renovated shopping plaza at 616 Post Road East. Palumbo said that the area in the rear of the property has been resurfaced for parking more than 50 cars. He said the Peter Coppola Salon at 20 Wilton Road will have its final day of business on Saturday after 13 years in that location. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/31/10 06:28 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

EMS Chiefs: CPR Training Can Save Lives

Westport EMS crew chiefs Martin Iselin (l) and Marc Hartog told the Westport Rotary Club today that if more Westporters learned CPR, it would make the community safer and undoubtedly save lives. “Seattle is a community where CPR training is widespread,” Hartog said. He said such training combined with a rapid EMS response and a short time to defibrillation, has dramatically improved the survival rate for witnessed cardiac arrests in Seattle. He said Westport EMS offers frequent CPR courses and urged residents to take advantage of the training opportunity. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/31/10 06:19 PM Comments (2) • Permalink •

Staples Science Teacher Dies at 43

UPDATE Stephen G. Roberts, a science teacher at Westport’s Staples High School, died Sunday in New Haven while undergoing a routine procedure in a hospital, Principal John Dodig said today. He was 43. WestportNow.com Image
Stephen G. Roberts: “looked forward to meeting new students.” Contributed photo

In an e-mail to Staples parents, Dodig said: “I received very sad news over the weekend that science teacher Steve Roberts died while undergoing a routine procedure in the hospital.

“As you may know, he was very ill last year with cancer but worked diligently with his doctors to put up a good fight. He returned to us last year to complete his teaching assignment and to be with his students.”

Dodig said Roberts taught summer school for four weeks “and looked forward to meeting his new students this year.”

More "Staples Science Teacher Dies at 43"

08/31/10 05:33 PM Comments (1) • Permalink •

Policed Arrest Shoplifter Found With Machete

Westport police today arrested a 34-year-old Bridgeport man after he was spotted taking $200 in personal care goods from the CVS store at 397 Post Road East. When arrested, he had a machete with him in his car, they said.

Police said the suspect was tracked to the back lot of Honda of Westport, 1372 Post Road East, after officers spotted his car on the Post Road.

In his possession was more than $200 in personal care products which were taken from CVS, police said. Also located in his vehicle was a two-foot machete.

Police said Jose Fontanze of Bridgeport was charged with larceny and operating a motor vehicle while under suspension. He was held on $10,000 bond for a court appearance on Sept. 14.

08/31/10 02:14 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

All Gone: 18 High Point Road

The house at Westport’s 18 High Point Road, off Long Lots Road, was demolished Monday. Built in 1956, the one-story ranch had 2,192 square feet and was situated on a 1.01-acre property. It was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on March 26, 2010. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/31/10 07:37 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

One-Car Crash Sends One to Hospital, One to Jail

UPDATE A one-car crash on Hillspoint Road near Westport’s Compo Beach early today sent one person to the hospital and the other to jail on driving while intoxicated charges.

The car struck a utility pole and Connecticut Light and Power Company workers said it could take four or five hours to replace the pole.

The accident occurred shortly after 1 a.m. Police said shortly after 7 a.m. that the roadway was reopened to traffic.

Westport EMS transported the injured person to Norwalk Hospital.

08/31/10 01:34 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Sunset Sail

Monday night’s sunset as viewed from the South Beach at Westport’s Compo Beach was another winner. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

08/31/10 12:15 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

8:30 a.m. - Town Hall Room 201 - Administrative Review Committee
10 a.m. - Westport Public Library - Stop & Swap summer reading club for adults
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Kids’ Wall” 10th Anniversary
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Summer Group Members Show
5 p.m. - Coleytown Elementary School playground - Incoming kindergartners and families get-together

See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar

08/31/10 12:05 AM Comments Closed • Permalink •

Monday, August 30, 2010

Recommendations for Special Ed Top School Board Agenda

By James Lomuscio

The strengths and weaknesses of Westport Public Schools’ special education programs took center stage tonight as the Board of Education heard recommendations for services improvements from a task force of parents and educators.

At times the report seemed awash in educational jargon and an alphabet soup of acronyms foreign to most, but its focus—to better serve special education students and their parents—remained clear.

The eight-member Special Education Task Force, responding to a 2009 survey by Diagnostics Plus, found that while improvements have been made since the last 2006 survey, six areas still required comprehensive action.

Cyndy Gilchrest, director of pupil services, presented the report along with several members of the task force including Lynn Sellon, Barbara Fischetti, Wendy Sobelman and Marina Derman.

More "Recommendations for Special Ed Top School Board Agenda"

08/30/10 11:12 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Hurricane Earl—The Track

Westport town officials today stepped up emergency planning efforts as forecasters predicted Hurricane Earl could churn near the New England coast on Friday. This is the 11 p.m. map issued Tuesday by the National Weather Service. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) National Weather Service map

08/30/10 11:07 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Westport Sightseeing Leads to Jail for Two

Two men who said they were driving from Florida to Massachusetts and stopped in Westport to sightsee have been arrested on various drug charges, Westport police said today.

Ryan O’Donnell, 19, of Port Orange, Fla., and Robert O’Neill, 32, of Rockland, Mass., were stopped after they went through a red light at Post Road West and Riverside Avenue and then made an illegal U-turn, said Lt. Arthur Belilie.

Police said a police officer stopped them, became suspicious, and when O’Neill stepped out of the vehicle, a large clear baggie containing pills later identified as Oxycodone fell from his waistband to the ground in front of him.

A search of the vehicle turned up $789.95 in miscellaneous small bills, 309 pills of Oxycodone Hydrochloride of various dosages, 1.7 grams of marijuana, a box of plastic baggies, a scale and other assorted drug paraphernalia, police said.

More "Westport Sightseeing Leads to Jail for Two"

08/30/10 11:03 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Selling Lemonade for a Good Cause

Hallie Spear, 9, and her friend Maisie Prince, 8, both students at Westport’s Long Lots Elementary School, were selling lemonade today on the corner of Long Lots Road and Hyde Lane. The two young friends were working to raise money for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a pediatric charity started by a little girl named Alexandra (Alex) Scott who at the age of 4 while suffering from a form of cancer called Neuroblastoma decided she wanted a lemonade stand in order to raise money to give to doctors for cancer research. Sadly, Alex died at the age of 8 in 2004. But her family continued her fundraising efforts by establishing the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. Maisie’s mother, Emily Prince, said the girls came up with this idea and then put together their colorful and creative lemonade stand all on their own. As of mid-afternoon, the girls had raised about $50 for the foundation. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

08/30/10 06:54 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Officials Tour Long Lots Shelter, Rev Up Emergency Plans

Westport officials today toured Long Lots Elementary School, the town’s designated shelter during emergencies, as part of its review of emergency preparedness plans.
Westport officials check a stack of cots stored at Long Lots Elementary School today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

“This had been scheduled some time ago and it’s purely coincidental that it came while we are gearing up for possible hurricane-related issues later this week,” said First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff.

The officials toured designated areas for sleeping and eating and checked on hundreds of cots stored at the school for use during emergencies.

Also on the tour were Fire Chief Christopher Ackley, the town’s emergency management director, Deputy Fire Chief Jonathan Gottfried, Human Services Director Barbara Butler, Police Sgt. Richard Frazier, Ernest Heidleberg of Westport CERT (Community Emergency Response Team), and others.

More "Officials Tour Long Lots Shelter, Rev Up Emergency Plans"

08/30/10 03:47 PM Comments (1) • Permalink •

Going Down: 7 Salem Road

The house at Westport’s 7 Salem Road, off Roseville Road, was demolished today. Built in 1964, the two-story colonial had 2,208 square feet, was situated on a 1.04-acre property and changed ownership this month at $870,000. It was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on Aug. 13, 2010. The demolition attracted many curious onlookers from the neighborhood, a mix of entertainment and social gathering. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/30/10 03:15 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Two Injured in Three-Vehicle Easton Road Crash

Passersby comfort one of the drivers involved in a three-vehicle accident just before 12:30 p.m. today at the intersection of Westport’s Easton Road and North Avenue. Westport firefighters had to extricate two female drivers from their vehicles and Westport EMS transported them to Norwalk Hospital. Witnesses said it appeared one of the vehicles ran a stop sign, sideswiped a pickup truck, and ran into the rear of the second car (white vehicle at rear) traveling eastbound. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

08/30/10 01:05 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

“I Don’t Know What Hit Me”

Firefighters and EMS personnel prepare one of two persons injured in a three-vehicle accident today at North Avenue and Easton Road for transport to the hospital. The woman told witnesses she was en route to a housecleaning job when her car was struck in the rear and pushed off the road. “I don’t know what hit me,” she said. Neither driver’s injuries appeared to be life threatening. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/30/10 01:03 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Rendering Aid

One of the drivers involved in a three-vehicle accident today at Westport’s North Avenue and Easton Road is placed on a stretcher for transport to Norwalk Hospital. (The photo has been softened to protect the patient’s identity.) (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

08/30/10 01:02 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Rear-Ended

The damage to an SUV is evident after it was rear-ended by a second car (rear) on Easton Road near North Avenue today, according to witnesses. The contents of the car belonging to the female driver en route to a housecleaning job nearby were strewn around the accident scene. Both drivers were transported to Norwalk Hospital. The driver of a pickup truck clipped by one of the cars in the crash was uninjured. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

08/30/10 01:00 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Accident Aftermath

Debris is scattered over the roadway and sidewalk near North Avenue and Easton Road today following a two-car and pickup truck accident shortly after noon today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/30/10 12:58 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Schools: More Students, New Teachers and $$$ Challenges

By James Lomuscio

The Westport Public Schools will see 60 more students, 27 new teachers and three new principals as they open their doors on Wednesday.

A school bus on the media of Post Road East at Long Lots Road reminds residents that Westport schools open on Wednesday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The schools will also be doing more with less, school board members say, as the $94.6 million town approved school budget is a 1.6 percent increase over last year, less than contractual obligations for salary increases.

On a positive financial note, Donald O’Day, chairman of the Board of Education, noted that the school system will garner a $500,000 savings by switching its health plan for teachers from Anthem Blue Cross to Cigna, a switch permitted via the contract hammered out between the school board and the Westport Education Association, the teachers’ union.

“The good news is that the school system continues to be very well run from a financial standpoint,” O’Day said. “The board and the administrators are doing everything they have to do to keep the schools running as best they can with the budget they have been allocated.”

More "Schools: More Students, New Teachers and $$$ Challenges"

08/30/10 05:00 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Compo Juggler

A juggler made use of stones at Westport’s Compo Beach Sunday to perform his feats. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

08/30/10 12:15 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Monday, August 30, 2010

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 - “The Kids’ Wall” 10th Anniversary
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Summer Group Members Show
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Stop & Swap summer reading club for adults
7:30 p.m. - Staples Cafeteria B - Board of Education (televised on channel 78)

See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar

08/30/10 12:05 AM Comments Closed • Permalink •

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Update: Keeping Close Track of Hurricane Earl

UPDATE Forecasters say Hurricane Earl, now in the Caribbean, could impact the Northeast over the Labor Day weekend. It is too early to tell whether the storm could make landfall, they said. They said it is likely the storm will bring rough surf and swells between three and four feet as well as dangerous rip tide conditions along the shore at a time when the Westport area is expected to be in the throes of a late-summer heat wave. The map of Earl’s projected path has been updated as of 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 30. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) National Weather Service map

08/29/10 11:10 PM Comments (1) • Permalink •

Westport Restaurant Week Kicks Off

Business was brisk at Westport’s Matsu Sushi restaurant today as it and 11 other restaurants participating in Westport Restaurant Week kicked off a week of specially priced lunch and dinner menus. The event, the second of the year, is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and runs through Sept. 4. Although it’s not on the special menus, Matsu Sushi offers the popular WestportNow Roll named after a certain local Web site. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/29/10 10:07 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Lingering Into the Night

Many visitors to Westport’s Compo Beach tonight lingered long into the evening as balmy temperatures and a pretty evening sky made for a perfect end to the weekend. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

08/29/10 09:40 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Fishing at Sunset—The Boys

Some boys try their hand at fishing tonight at sunset at Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

08/29/10 09:30 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Fishing at Sunset—The Girls

Westporters Julie, 11, Amelia, 11, and Mathilde, 10, tried their hand at some sunset fishing tonight on the jetty at Westport’s Compo Beach South Beach. 10,from Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

08/29/10 09:25 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Last Dance for the Summer at the Levitt

Westport’s Levitt Pavilion closed out its 37th summer season of free concerts tonight with the Fairfield Counts performing Big Band numbers. The night, sponsored by the Westport Rotary Club, drew one of the largest crowds of the summer. It was the 30th appearance of the Fairfield Counts at the Levitt. Westporter Geri Zatcoff and John Follis of Stamford danced to “Take the A Train.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/29/10 09:20 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Large Crowd for Levitt Finale

There was a large crowd on hand tonight for the final performance of the 37th Westport Levitt Pavilion season. The 17-member Fairfield Counts band performed for the 30th time at the Westport venue. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

08/29/10 09:18 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Westport Sketchbook: Saugatuck Scene

Westport artist and illustrator Elaine Clayton took her sketchbook to the Saugatuck area of Westport at Bridge Street and Riverside Avenue. Main See more of her work at illuminara.com. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Elaine Clayton for WestportNow.com