Monday, February 28, 2011
Granger on Oscars: Communication is ‘Issue of Our Time’
By James Lomuscio
Susan Granger (addressing Y’s Women): “Behind-the-scenes snippets are just wonderful.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Celie Rosenau for WestportNow.com
Beyond the glitz and glamour that enveloped Sunday night’s Academy Awards, Westport’s acclaimed movie critic Susan Granger saw an overarching theme that exemplifies the time we live in—communication.
“The two major film contenders, ‘The King’s Speech,’ and ‘The Social Network’ are about communication, which is the most important issue of our time,” Granger said in her talk “The Oscars and Beyond” to the Y’s Women that met at the Unitarian Church today.
Produced by Westport Beachside Avenue resident Harvey Weinstein, “The King’s Speech” choreographed the painstaking attempts that Britain’s King George VI made to overcome his stuttering problem as he deals with the day’s newest technology, radio.
The movie won four top Oscars. In addition to best film, screenwriter David Seidler won for best screenplay, Colin Firth, best actor, and Tom Hooper, best director.
More "Granger on Oscars: Communication is ‘Issue of Our Time’"
Harder Driving in Parker-Harding
A car carefully avoids a pothole today in Westport’s Parker-Harding parking plaza. Warming weather and heavy rains have contributed to the appearance of more potholes around town. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Surfing the Saugatuck: First Retail Tenant for New Development
Downunder owner Kim Beaumont poses with Saugatuck Center developers Sam Gault (l) and Jim Donaher. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Saugatuck Center, the new Gault-owned mixed-use development overlooking the Saugatuck River in the heart of Westport’s Saugatuck area, has signed its first retail tenant – a kayaking and paddle boarding rental, instruction, and surf shop called Downunder.
The signing was announced today and a news release said the shop will open on Memorial Day weekend, just in time for the unofficial start of summer, in a 2,000 square foot street level space.
“Reclaiming this beautiful piece of waterfront property for the enjoyment of the entire community has always been a top priority for us,” said Sam Gault of Hamilton Development, the real estate arm of Gault Energy and Stone.
“Downunder is the ideal anchor tenant for transforming this area into a fun destination for outdoor and water sports enthusiasts, alike.”
More "Surfing the Saugatuck: First Retail Tenant for New Development"
Going Down: 33 Woodside Ave.
The house at 33 Woodside Ave., in Westport’s Old Hill area, was demolished today. Built in 1934, the 1-3/4-story cape had 1,286 square feet, was situated on a .6-acre property and changed hands in December 2010 at $975,000. It was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on Nov. 4, 2010. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Pottery Barn Shut for Facelift
Westport’s Pottery Barn at 27 Main St. has closed for renovations. Store officials asked town permission to place dumpsters in the rear of the store for seven weeks beginning Tuesday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Odor of Gas Forces Evacuation of Main Street Bank
UPDATE Customers and staff were evacuated from the Chase Bank branch on Westport’s Main Street today after a caller said a gas odor was detected in the area. But a check by firefighters found no problem.
The Chase Bank at 184 Main St. was evacuated briefly. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
The call from the bank at 184 Main St. came in at about 11:10 a.m.
Firefighters said they could not detect a gas odor in the bank building nor did they find anything around the exterior, including the roof.
There have been several reports of odors of gas in the Westport center area around Elm Street and Main Street in recent weeks, all of which have been investigated by Southern Connecticut Gas Co.
Snow Melt
UPDATE Above freezing temperatures and rain—almost an inch by mid-day today in some areas—have helped melt snow piles around Westport, including outside the Westport Public Library. The forecast called for rain all day today with a flood watch in effect from 10 a.m. today through late tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Special Weather Statement
The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y. has issued a Special Weather Statement as of 6:43 a.m.
Isolated pockets of freezing rain possible into the morning commute.
While most of interior portions of the lower Hudson Valley, Fairfield County, and the remainder of coastal Connecticut have had the temperature rise above freezing, there are still a few isolated areas with temperatures at or just below the freezing mark.
As a result there will be patches of freezing rain in this area over the next hour or so until temperatures rise above freezing.
Enjoying the Sun
Two elegant Whippets enjoyed the sunshine on Sunday afternoon at Compo Beach. They are Brazil (l), a 4-year-old therapy dog at Stamford Hospital, and puppy Canis, who is in training to become a therapy dog. Their owner and trainer is Don Smith of Darien who has been training “healing hounds” for many years. Smith’s dogs also participate in library programs where children read aloud to canine listeners and are welcome visitors to area hospice patients. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Monday, February 28, 2011
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 Sketch Class: A Westport Tradition” and “Art From The Heart”
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Sunday, February 27, 2011
River House Diners Kick Off Restaurant Week
Early evening diners at the River House, 299 Riverside Ave., kicked off Westport Restaurant Week today. It is one of 16 Westport area restaurants participating in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual dining event that runs through Saturday. Each restaurant is offering a special prix fixe lunch and dinner menu. Other participating restaurants include Acqua Ristorante, Blue Lemon, Bobby Q’s Barbeque & Grill, Bombay Club, Coromandel, DaPietro’s, La Villa Trattoria, Manolo, Mansion Clam House, Matsu Sushi, Rizzuto’s Wood-Fired Restaurant and Bar, Splash Restaurant & Bar, Tarantino’s, Tavern on Main, Thali, and Via Sforza. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Flood Watch Issued
The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y. has issued a Flood Watch for Westport and area from Monday morning through late Monday night.
It said total rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches with locally higher amounts are possible across the tri-state area on Monday.
Rain will develop after midnight and continue into the early afternoon Monday ahead of a warm front. A second area of rain with scattered thunderstorms is then forecast to move in from the southwest in the afternoon and early evening hours, an advisory said.
This rainfall combined with the nearly saturated grounds from the 1 to 2 inches of rainfall that fell on Friday will exacerbate the flood threat.
Photo Shoot
A young visitor to Westport’s Compo Beach today took advantage of the warmer weather with temperatures in the upper 40s to shoot a close up of the cannons. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Saugatuck View
A view along the Saugauck River on Westport. The picture was taken on Riverside Avenue near Treadwell Avenue. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Sunday, February 27, 2011
2 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Westport Community Theatre: “Mauritius”
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors at the Library: Bob and Ellen Kaplan, “Hidden Harmonies”
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Staples Falls to Bassick in FCIAC Tourney
The Staples boys basketball team tried to keep it close tonight but came up short, losing 83-70 to Bassick of Bridgeport and its 7-foot center Anthony Allen in an FCIAC quarterfinal game at Fairfield Ludlowe.
The Staples Wreckers basketball team finished 15-5 this season—the best record in years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Elaine Rankowitz for WestportNow.com
Staples senior Gabe Seidman scored a season-high 30 points, but he and his teammates could not stop Allen, who scored 25 points.
Staples had lost to the Lions earlier in the season by four points and knew they had to contain Allen to win. Bassick led 37-28 at the half.
Despite losing in the FCIACs, Staples now concentrates on the CIAC Class LL Tournament which begins a week from Monday.
WestportNow on the Road: Getting Ready for the Oscars
WestportNow contributing photographer Phyllis Groner is in Hollywood as excitement builds for the 2011 Oscar ceremony on Sunday. She provides a glimpse of the activity around the motion picture capital as preparations are under way. Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
In a Fog
Westport’s River Lane was fog-covered early Friday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Sketch Class: A Westport Tradition” and “Art From The Heart”
2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Earthplace - Critters & Crafts (ages 3+)
7 p.m. - Toquet Hall Teen Center - Middle School Night
8 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Westport Community Theatre: “Mauritius”
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Friday, February 25, 2011
Water at the Beach
Today’s heavy rains quickly flooded the entrance road to Westport’s Compo Beach. By late afternoon, almost 2 inches of rain had fallen on the area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Burglars Knew Homeowner, Police Say
By James Lomuscio
UPDATE Two Westport burglaries near each other Thursday night and late today involved suspects known to the homeowners, police said. Three persons were arrested.
Police arrested two juveniles Thursday night and are seeking others for burglarizing a home on Calumet Road, Police Capt. Sam Arciola said today. He said the suspects knew the residents of the home.
The burglary took place on Calumet Road off of Clinton Avenue. Google map
“I wouldn’t cause an alarm,” Arciola said. “It seems to be an isolated incident. The people that are involved with this incident are familiar with residents of the house.”
Late this afternoon, police were called to a home on nearby Sniffen Road on a report of a break in there. A witness said he saw a blond woman leaving the home a short time earlier carrying black suitcases. This incident, too, appeared to involve someone known to the homeowner.
More "Burglars Knew Homeowner, Police Say"
Main Street Road Problem
A section of Westport’s Main Street road surface caved in today at the corner of St. John Place. According to a worker on site, the damaged section also underwent repairs on Tuesday to seal a leak in an underground water main. Main Street traffic was limited to one lane for several hours while workers performed a temporary repair to correct unsafe conditions. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Property Transfers February 7 - 11, 2011
Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period Feb. 7 - 11, 2011:
SIR-7 Elizabeth LLC to Karen Hirschberg Tr., 7 Elizabeth Drive, $1,750,000
Bruce Betts to Paul E. Betts, 44 Park Lane, 50% Interest, $375,000
Peter Babej and Deborah S. Chase to Yong Li, 1 Flower Farm Lane, $3,900,000
U S Bank N A-TR to Hanne B. Strange, 5 Charlotte Place, $422,000
More "Westport Property Transfers February 7 - 11, 2011"
Westport 2011 Top Dog Picture Dedicated
A Westport Town Hall ceremony today marked the dedication of a photo of the Westport Top Dog of 2011. Sarah, a Pointer-Lab mix belonging to (l-r) Ruth Kalla Ungerer and Richard Ungerer, won the title after competing in the Westport Animal Shelter Advocates (WASA) photo/essay competition. The photo, which joins one of last year’s winner on a wall outside the Town Clerk’s Office, was taken by Helen Klisser During, WestportNow contributing photographer, at a Compo Beach ceremony in October. It was framed as a donation by Rockwell Art and Framing. First Selectman Gordon Joseloff was joined in the ceremony by Julie Loparo, WASA president. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory Issued
The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y. has issued an Urban and Small Stream Flood Advisory for minor flooding of poor drainage areas in Westport and area until 3:15 p.m.
At 11:10 a.m. National Weather Service Doppler radar indicated moderate to occasionally heavy rain across the advisory area. Rainfall rates of one quarter to locally one half an inch per hour through 3 p.m. is possible.
Excessive runoff from this storm will cause flooding of urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses as well as other snow-clogged drainage areas and low lying spots.
Also expect sharp rises across smaller stream, some of which may approach caution stage or even bankfull later this afternoon, the Weather Service said.
Future Home of Westport Post Office?
An end unit is vacant in Westport’s Playhouse Square that appears to be the one the U.S. Postal Service has set its eyes on for the future home of the Westport Main Post Office. A representative of the shopping center owners would not confirm a specific location in the center that has been targeted by the Postal Service. But the Postal Service had said last summer that an end unit in the center was one of those under consideration when its present Post Road East facility is sold. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Library Director Assails Malloy’s Proposed Cuts
By James Lomuscio
Maxine Bleiweis: “This is like taking away the foundation.” Contributed photoImagine having a Weston library card and being told you cannot withdraw a book from the Westport Public Library. Or from any Connecticut library outside of your hometown.
To make matters even more restrictive, your hometown library cannot request the book you want from another state library that has it.
Though it sounds like dystopian fiction, if not gleaned from from the days of horse and buggy, Westport Library Director Maxine Bleiweis says it is a strong possibility if Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s budget plan is approved.
Malloy’s proposed budget calls for cutting $281,000 from the Connecticar, a van system that transports books to and from all of the state’s libraries, academic and public.
More "Library Director Assails Malloy’s Proposed Cuts"
High Wind Warning Issued
The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y. has issued a High Wind Warning for Westport and area which is in effect from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today.
It said west 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts up to 60 mph and localized wind gusts above 60 mph are possible, especially late this afternoon and early this evening.
The strongest winds are expected late this afternoon and early this evening immediately ahead of and after the passage of a cold front this afternoon, the Weather Service said.
The high winds will bring down trees and power lines, it said.
River Walk at Twilight
Westport’s river walk at the Westport Public Library at twilight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com
Friday, February 25, 2011
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “The Sketch Class: A Westport Tradition” and “Art From The Heart”
9:30 a.m. - Westport Arts Center - ArtCafé
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Vacation Family Movie: “How to Train Your Dragon”
7 p.m. - Toquet Hall Teen Center - Fast Trac w/ Forgetting Fame, MayOr West, Nick Zanca
8 p.m. - Westport Town Hall - Westport Community Theatre: “Mauritius”
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Woman’s Club Seeks New Members
The Westport Woman’s Club held a reception tonight for prospective new members. WWC Communications Director Denise Kuendig said that the Club has more than 300 active members and growing. She reminded prospective members that the efforts of the WWC benefit many not-for-profit operations in Fairfield County, provide scholarships for Staples students, collect food that is distributed in support of Westport’s Human Services recipients, and much more. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Police Nab Two in Burglary, Third Sought
Westport police tonight arrested two youths in connection with a burglary in the Clinton Avenue area, according to reports from the scene.
A third suspect was being sought in the incident on Calumet Road off of Clinton Avenue, the reports said.
Assessment Appeals Down Dramatically
By James Lomuscio
Despite a 13 percent decrease in property values, Westport Assessor Paul Friia said today that more property owners seem content with their assessments compared to five years ago.
Paul A. Friia: more people “happier” with assessments. Contributed photo
He bases his observation on the fact that only 249 property owners are contesting their 2010 assessments before the Board of Assessment Appeals (BAA) compared to 850 following the 2005 revaluation —a more than 70 percent drop.
Of the 249 who have made applications to go before the BAA at Town Hall beginning Tuesday, 181 are residential property owners, 43 commercial owners, and 21 own assessed business personal property, such as office furniture and information systems, he said.
“Hopefully, it shows that there are more people who are happier with their assessments this time around, and it translates into less work for the Board of Assessment Appeals and less of a chance for litigation for the town than there was in 2005,” Friia said.
More "Assessment Appeals Down Dramatically"
Comings and Goings: House of Clement to Main Street
The House of Clement, an interior design studio with an emphasis on European furniture, opens Sunday at 181 Main St., Westport, in the facility previously occupied by Waterworks. French-born owner Gilles Clement said he has lived in the United States for 14 years and earned a Masters in design at Fairfield University. Now a Stamford resident, he retains interior design offices at 101 Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Comings and Goings: Blue Chip Eatery to Saugatuck
A new casual dining restaurant, the Blue Chip, will open in the space formerly occupied for 14 years by Jasmine, 60 Charles St., in Westport’s Saugatuck area, until its closing last September. The site is just up the street from the 30 Charles St. building that soon will house celebrity chef and restaurateur Mario Batali’s Tarry Lodge Enoteca & Pizzeria. Partner Dean Marino said the Westport Blue Chip will be the second after the initial Blue Chip restaurant in Danbury which opened in May 2010. He said he is cautiously optimistic they can open by late June. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Realtime NY Metro-area traffic reports from Traffic.com
PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers February 7 - 11, 2011MORE >>
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Note: WestportNow Publisher Gordon F. Joseloff is also First Selectman of Westport