Thursday, June 30, 2011
Budget: Cities and Towns Win, State Employees Lose
By Mark Pazniokas
www.ctmirror.orgThe House Democratic majority and the administration of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy agreed today to spare municipalities from proposed cuts in state aid, a change that will come at the expense of additional layoffs of state employees if a failed concession deal is not salvaged.
The Democratic majority in the House refused to grant Malloy’s request for authority to cut municipal aid by 2 percent, so Malloy instead says he will impose as many as 1,000 layoffs above the 5,500 previously announced.
But the legislators are gambling that SEBAC, the coalition of state employee unions, can deliver on its promise to salvage concessions voted down last week in voting by individual unions. SEBAC’s board has delayed indefinitely what was expected to be a pro forma acceptance of those votes.
“Our hope is that we don’t do any of these cuts, and that the state employees eventually ratify the agreement and avert all layoffs and avert all cuts. That’s our number one hope,” said House Speaker Christopher G. Donovan, D-Meriden.
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The Artist Cuts the Cake
Artist Christo cuts a “Christo Welcome to Westport” cake tonight following the opening of the Westport Arts Center’s exhibit featuring his work and that of his late wife Jeanne-Claude. A post opening dinner was held at the Westport home of Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Portrait of an Artist
Artist Christo is all smiles tonight at a reception at the Westport Arts Center. The Center is hosting an exhibit featuring two works in progress by Christo and his late wife Jeanne-Claude: “Over the River, Project for the Arkansas River, State of Colorado,” and “The Mastaba, Project for the United Arab Emirates.” The exhibit includes original artworks — collages, drawings and films — created in preparation for the two projects that Christo plans to complete in the coming decade. The exhibit runs until Sept. 4. Doreen Birdsell for WestportNow.com
Welcoming Christo to the Westport Arts Center
The Westport Arts Center tonight held an opening reception for internationally known environmental artist Christo (c),who with his late wife Jeanne-Claude, is the subject of its current exhibit. Welcoming him is Helen Klisser During (r), the center’s director of visual arts, and Westport artist Ann Chernow, who is an old friend of Christo’s. Her late husband Burt Chernow authored the 2002 work “Christo and Jeanne-Claude: A Biography.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Work in Progress Since 1977
A visitor to tonight’s Westport Arts Center reception in honor of environmental artist Christo looks at his work in progress since 1977, titled “The Mastaba: Project for the United Arab Emirates,” a work of art/architecture made of approximately 410,000 horizontally stacked oil barrels. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Autograph Time
Artist Christo signs a photo of his 2005 “The Gates” exhibit in New York’s Central Park during a reception tonight at the Westport Arts Center. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Parks & Rec: Only 30 Fireworks Tickets Left
Ten minutes before the Westport Parks & Recreation Department closed today there were only 30 tickets left for Friday’s fireworks at Compo Beach, said Rick Guinta, the department’s administrative manager.
A sign at the entrance to Compo Beach reminds visitors of the fireworks. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
“We’re going to take the remainder to the Police Department tonight, and if they don’t sell outright, I’ll take back half tomorrow, and well split the difference selling the rest,” Giunta said about the tickets costing $30 each.
A dispatcher at the the Police Department said they had some tickets left, too, but would not give a number. All of the money raised will go to the Police Athletic League, which is sponsoring the event.
“I have a feeling they may not make the night at the Police Department, and they will be sold out,” Giunta added.
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Old Mill Beauty
A home on Westport’s Old Mill Beach takes on a patriotic look. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 42 High Point Road
An application for a permit to demolish the house at Westport’s 42 High Point Road, off Long Lots Road, is in process. Built in 1957, the two-story colonial has 3,586 square feet and is situated on a 1.32-acre property. Because the house was built more than 50 years ago, the application will be reviewed by the Westport Historic District Commission. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Car Fire on Bridge: The View From Below
A car fire today shortly before 10 a.m. on the I-95 bridge over the Saugatuck River sent black smoke at first and then white smoke into the sky as Westport firefighters got it under control. The smoke was visible from Westport’s downtown area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Car Fire on I-95 Saugatuck Bridge Shuts Down Traffic
A car fire on the I-95 bridge over the Saugatuck River in Westport today sent thick black smoke over the area and forced the shutdown of southbound traffic. Westport firefighters brought the blaze under control shortly before 10 a.m. View is from a traffic camera. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) DOT photo
Traffic Stop
Southbound traffic on I-95 came to a halt today as Westport firefighters put out a car fire on the bridge over the Saugatuck River. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Camp Pickup Ends with DWI, Disorderly Conduct Arrest
A 55-year-old Westport man faces drunk driving and disorderly conduct charges after he went to Camp Mahackeno to pick up his daughter and got into a shoving match with a counselor, police said today.
The incident occurred Tuesday afternoon at the camp operated by the Westport Weston Family Y, said Capt. Sam Arciola, and involved Gerard R. Gaspel of 15 Partrick Lane.
He was charged with operation of a motor vehicle while under the influence and two counts of breach of peace, police said. He posted $1,000 bond and was given a court date of July 8.
Police were called to Camp Mahackeno on a report of a disturbance, Arciola said. He said when camp staff would not release Gaspel’s child to him because he was not on the authorized pick up list, he became unruly, Arciola said.
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House of Flags
A house on Westport’s Greens Farms Road is ready for the 4th of July. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Thursday, June 30, 2011
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Imperial Avenue Commuter Lot - Westport Farmers Market
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Christo and Jeanne-Claude Exhibition
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - Exhibit, “Back to Our Roots”
6 p.m. - Sherwood Island Nature Center - “Piping Plovers and Least Terns: Endangered Species”
6 p.m. - 8 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - opening reception, Christo and Jeanne-Claude Exhibition
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - 102nd Army Band
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
RTM Committees: ‘Control Deer Without Hunting’
By James Lomuscio
In separate straw votes, three Westport Representative Town Meeting (RTM) subcommittees agreed tonight to recommend to the full legislative body that the town’s deer herd needs to be controlled, but ruled out any lethal means as it voted to uphold the town’s hunting ban.
After eight months of public hearings and debate, the RTM’s Health and Human Services, Public Protection, and Environment Committees voted 9 to 5 that the deer population needed to be controlled. It also voted 13 to 1 to uphold the town’s hunting ban. Richard Lowenstein, District 5, was the only dissenting vote.
While the decision won praise from animal rights activists present, Peter Knight, the lead petitioner who had suggested culling the herd via sharpshooters, called the decisions “ridiculous.’
“I think it’s ridiculous to talk about controlling deer without some form of culling,” Knight said. “How do you reduce the population? You either starve them or you shoot them.”
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Kiwanis Awards Scholarships
The Westport Kiwanis Club today gave out $8,000 worth of scholarships to Staples High School graduates during a luncheon at the VFW in Westport. Pictured (l-r) are Cory Bacon, Nicole Brill, Farrel Levenson, Rose Levenson, Whitney Andrews and Mario Lisanti. Other recipients include Michael and Christopher Giunta. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Adam Slez, Former Staples Footballer, is Now Dr. Slez
Call him Dr. now—Adam Slez, a 1999 Staples graduate where he was a captain of the football team, has been awarded a doctorate in sociology from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. 
Adam Slez: former Staples football captain earns Ph.D. Contributed photo
Winner of the John H. Kolb Award for outstanding academic achievement, Slez is a summa cum laude graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and a Phi Beta Kappa member.
He has accepted a two-year post doctoral fellowship at Princeton University where he will pursue his own research agenda in The Center for the Study of Social Organization and teach “The Sociology of American Political History” in the Sociology Department.
His wife, Jennifer Huck, who holds a Master of Sociology degree, earned a second Master in Library and Information Sciences also from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. She has accepted the position as the new Systems and Emerging Technology Librarian at the Biddle Law Library, University of Pennsylvania.
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New Board of LWV of Westport Get Together
The new and old board of the League of Women Voters of Westport got together today at the home of Jill Greenberg. Pictured are members of the new board (front row l-r) Barbara Licker; Lois Green; Jackie Gordon; Andi Turner, and Celestine LaCroix; (back row) Becky Ruthven; Marilyn Smith; Jan Fraser; Joyce Netherton; Yvonne Senturia and Doris Skutch. Missing: photographer Phyllis Groner; Nancy Bloom; Sarah Menchaca, Nita Cohen; Elaine Weinstein, and Carol Stein. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Gas Main Leak Forces Main Street Closure
Westport’s Main Street was blocked by emergency vehicles and shut down shortly before 2 p.m. today because of a leak in a 1 and 1/4-inch gas pipeline that had been struck by a work crew. Firefighters evacuated two buildings on Main Street while utility crews shut down the line. Main Street was closed for about 45 minutes. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Gas Line Struck, Main Street Buildings Evacuated
UPDATE Workers at a small park at Westport’s Post Road East and Main Street struck a gas main today, forcing evacuation of two buildings at 9 and 17 Main St.
Utility crews work to shut down a gas leak today on Westport’s Main Street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Police blocked off Main Street at Post Road East after the incident which occurred shortly before 2 p.m. At 2:17 p.m. the line was shut down, said Assistant Chief Rob Yost.
A crew from Southern Connecticut Gas Co. was on the scene working in the small park adjacent to the old library. Main Street was reopened to traffic at 2:40 p.m.
A supervisor from the utility said a inch and a quarter line had been severed. There were no injuries.
Playhouse Celebrates 80-Year Run
By James Lomuscio
With a colorful cake that looked like an architect’s rendering of the place, the Westport Country Playhouse today celebrated its 80th anniversary in an outdoor ceremony that looked at its past and to its future. 
Champagne, a Playhouse model cake, and proclamations made up today’s 80th birthday celebration for the Westport Country Playhouse. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Replete with music, proclamations from First Selectman Gordon Joseloff and state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg and champagne toasts, the event piqued the memories of playhouse alumni and supporters.
“It was a wonderful place,” said Dr. Warren Pitsey of Fairfield, who had worked as a summer stock production assistant from 1949 to 1951.
The retired pathologist recalled working alongside Claudette Colbert when she starred there in “Island Fling.”
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Happy 80th Birthday Westport Country Playhouse
The Westport Country Playhouse today marked its 80th birthday with a cake and champagne reception on its outside patio. Westport First Selectman Gordon Joseloff presented a proclamation to Artistic Director Mark Lamos while state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (r) read a proclamation from Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Both documents proclaimed today Westport Country Playhouse Day in Westport and Connecticut. Playhouse Managing Director Michael Ross looks on. And yes, that is a cake model of the Playhouse courtesy of CakeSuite of Westport. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Powers Up First Electric Charging Station
By James Lomuscio
They threw the switch today on Westport’s first electric vehicle charging station, powering up a Chevrolet Volt with electricity produced by 109 photovoltaic panels atop the roof of the office building at 495 Post Road East.
Leo Karl plugs in his Chevrolet Volt today as David Friezo, building owner at 495 Post Road East, and Tony Eason of ElektronSolar look on. The charging station, Westport’s first, is powered by solar panels on the roof. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“They’ve been working on this for the past thee months,” David Friezo, the building’s owner, said of Westport-based ElektronSolar that designed the system and charging station in the parking lot.
“It’s truly green because you’re not taking power from the grid. You get the energy off the roof, and you plug your car in here. It’s the real deal.”
Tony Eason, owner of ElektronSolar, noted that the charging station is one of only a handful in the state, “and I’m sure the only solar powered one.”
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Summer Night
Lights along the Saugatuck River in Westport’s center on Tuesday night. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – RTM Ordinance Committee
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - Exhibit, “Back to Our Roots”
11 a.m. - Westport Country Playhouse garden - Celebration of WCP 80th Birthday
7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - The Hall Family
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – RTM Health & Human Services, Public Protection & Environment Committees
8 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Board of Trustees, Westport Library Association
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Real Estate Report: Time on Market Dropping
By Judy Szablak
Westport’s real estate market remains healthy due in part to educated sellers. Over the past year or so, we have seen a lot of home sales with three digit market times. 
This enchanting custom-built home on 27 Morningside Drive South is listed for $2,050,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker Riverside/KMS Partners LLC
However the last seven days have shown single family and condominium closings that reflect an average of just over two months time on the market. This surpasses our surrounding towns’ statistics by a wide margin.
While we see the market somewhat stabilizing, sellers perception of value has also become more realistic. When a home is priced correctly, it will sell faster and not linger on the market, and that is evidenced very well by this week’s report.
Homes: There are 379 single family homes on the market and their average list price is $2,101,113. The median list price is steady at $1,289,950. These homes have been listed for sale an average of 106 days.
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Striking Up the Band Not at Levitt
The second night of Westport’s Levitt Pavilion season moved indoors tonight to Saugatuck Elementary School for a performance by the Westport Community Band. Directed by Fairfield resident Sal LaRusso, the band’s conductor for 23 years, the 60-piece group offered a range of pop music including musical themes from “Cabaret” and “Gone with the Wind,” mixed in with classical selections as well as marches. LaRusso said that the Westport Community Band has been featured on the Levitt schedule every year since 1978—a 33-year run. He said the Community Band was formed in 1977, four years after the Levitt’s first season in 1973. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Investment Banker: Financial Terrorism Not Just Fiction
Investment banker and first time thriller author H.T. Narea told the Westport Rotary Club today that financial terrorism – the subject of his new novel “The Fund”—is a possibility. The Greenwich resident, addressing the group’s weekly meeting at the VFW Post, said that in spite of the financial collapse of 2008 and the rhetoric about fixing the financial system, market fundamentals today have the same risk as in 2007. Speaking about the current financial fragility in Greece, Narea said, “They don’t know who holds the debt—that’s the plot of my novel.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Malloy Recommends Layoffs, $54M Cut in Town Aid
By Keith M. Phaneuf
www.ctmirror.orgGov. Dannel P. Malloy has recommended almost 5,500 state employee layoffs, elimination of 1,000 other vacant positions and a $54 million cut in municipal aid to help offset the unrealized savings from the failed union concession deal.
It was unclear from limited details released late this afternoon how much savings could be achieved over the next two fiscal years from the 6,466 recommended job cuts.
Malloy spokeswoman Colleen Flanagan wrote that commissioners and other agency heads will be charged with finding the $700.7 million in savings needed to balance finances in the $20.14 billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1, and another $901.2 million in the $20.4 billion budget for 2012-13.
And though the governor’s budget agency, the Office of Policy and Management, “thinks the number of suggested layoffs will help them get there,” Flanagan wrote, “some commissioners might choose to lay off more people” to achieve their savings target. “Some might choose to lay off a lower number and find additional savings elsewhere.”
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Slow Go Through Westport
A morning rush hour accident on I-95 southbound in Westport sent much traffic spilling over on to the Post Road today and heavy traffic continued throughout the afternoon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Eckman for WestportNow.com
Shake Shack Nearing Completion
Westport’s newest burger entry, Shake Shack at 1849 Post Road East on the Fairfield line, is nearing completion. Restaurant officials told the Planning and Zoning Commission they aimed to open in July, but the exact date is not known. A worker at the site would not be more specific saying, “I can’t leak any information.” Serving hamburgers, hot dogs, french fries and milkshakes, Shake Shack has six locations, five in New York and one in Miami. The first Shake Shack opened in July 2004 in New York City’s Madison Square Park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Malloy: Legislature May Have to Force Change
By Mark Pazniokas
www.ctmirror.orgGov. Dannel P. Malloy said today he will explore legislative options to curtail what he called state government’s unsustainable, long-term health and pension costs, but he refused to say if he will seek a curb on collective-bargaining rights for state employees.
“We attempted to do that through negotiation. That has failed,” Malloy said. “The people of Connecticut still need systemic change and still need to have a sustainable relationship with their employee base, which is a way of saying there is more than one way to get that done.”
But exactly how he does propose to get that done?
Under repeated questioning by reporters, Malloy was unwilling or unable to be more specific, just as state union leaders failed Monday to specify how they might salvage a tentative labor savings deal rejected last week, even as they promised to try.
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Tonight’s Levitt Pavilion Concert Moves Indoors
Based on forecast of possible thunderstorms this evening, the Levitt Pavilion show featuring the Westport Community Band has been moved to the Saugatuck Elementary School at 170 Riverside Ave., the pavilion’s official rain location.
According to Freda Welsh, the pavilion’s executive director, the show will begin at 8 p.m., and admission is free. For further information, visit the Levitt Pavilion website http://www.levittpavilion.com
Bridge Beautification Shovel Ready
By James Lomuscio
Windswept and overgrown, the 20-year-old gardens on the east side of Westport’s Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge have become an eyesore.
A groundbreaking ceremony today launched the renovation of the “Gateway Gardens” at the east end of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
But with the groundbreaking today of “Gateway Gardens,” that image is poised to improve as a makeover of the gardens commences next week on both sides of the Post Road.
With shovels in their hands, First Selectman Gordon Joseloff, Nancy Carr and Angela Trucks, co-chairs of the Westport Beautification Committee, and principals of Wilton-based The LaurelRock Company, landscape architects, held a ceremonial groundbreaking with nine others near the bridge. The project will be completed by July 17, Joseloff said.
“We’re going to have a low hedge along the border with some ornamental grasses and a lot of color, waves of color with perennials and annuals,” said Bert DeMarche, who owns LaurelRock with his father Dickson DeMarche. Their company is funding the project.
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