Sunday, July 31, 2011
‘Road Rash’ Injuries for Motorcyclist and Passenger
A motorcycle driver and passenger sustained minor “road rash” injuries tonight after the motorcycle slid off Beachside Avenue and into the gate at Burying Hill Beach, according to the Westport Fire Department.
Shift Commander William Dingee said firefighters, police and EMS personnel responded at 7:11 p.m. to the accident.
While the injuries were described as minor, he said, the passenger required transport by EMS to Norwalk Hospital for further observation.
The accident is under investigation by Westport Police.
Close Call on Center Street
A resident of Westport’s Center Street was awakened at 3 a.m. today by a loud noise. Upon investigation, she found a large chunk of tree with some of its branches resting on the home’s roof. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
‘Jocko’ Saltus Remembered at Mansion Clam House
By James Lomuscio
They came in droves to the Mansion Clam House in Westport’s Saugatuck section today to remember and pay tribute to local restaurateur Donald “Jocko” Saltus III, 53, who died in Stonington last week after a brief illness.
Friends and family of Jocko Saltus gathered at the Mansion Clam House in Westport’s Saugatuck area to remember him. Saltus owned the restaurant from 1987 to 2005. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Soltus, who in 1987 had bought and put his signature on the Mansion, a Westport mainstay since the 1950s, was remembered as gregarious, friendly and someone with a great sense of humor by friends, family and other Westport restaurateurs.
He sold the Mansion in 2005 to open Tavern on Main, which he later sold before moving to Stonington.
“His biggest love was the Mansion,” said Matt Saltus, his brother.
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Green WACky Fun
The Westport Arts Center hosted “WACky Family Day Goes Green” today. As usual, it offered opportunities for children and families to make art in a creative community environment. WAC partnered with Green Village Initiative GVI AND Melissa & Doug to offer environmentally aware projects. WAC was filled laughing happy families together creating fun creations. Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Black-eyed Susan Welcome
Black-eyed Susans welcome visitors to Westport’s Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Sunday, July 31, 2011
10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Saugatuck Congregational Church (245 Post Road East) - Sunday Farmers Market
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Christie’s Country Store (161 Cross Highway) - Farmers Market
11 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Family Y Mahackeno Outdoor Center - Summer Sunday
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Christo and Jeanne-Claude Exhibition
2 p.m. - Sherwood Island Nature Center - A Place Called Hope “Live Birds of Prey” program
7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Michael Coppola Trio and the Young Lions
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Gas House Gorillas at Levitt
A large crowd converged on Westport’s Levitt Pavilion tonight to hear the Gas House Gorillas, a New York City-based rhythm and blues band, led by vocalist Rick Fink who is also the songwriter. Fink describes the band’s music as “specializing in jump blues in the style of Louis Jordan and Wynonie Harris, with a dash of rockabilly.” He said he gets upset when the band’s music is referred to as a “swing band.” Pictured (l-r) are: Dean Shot (guitar), Rick Fink (vocals), Noel Sagerman (drums), Jerry Scaringe (bass) and Jim Davis (sax). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Branch Down on North Avenue
Friday’s heavy rain and strong winds may have contributed to the weakening of a large tree branch that fell across one lane in front of 19 North Ave., near Long Lots Road today. Police Officer Craig Bergamo used an ax to cut the fallen branch to help get it ready to be cleared from the area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
CT Challenge Raises $1.057 Million
More than 1,100 cyclists participated today in the seventh annual CT Challenge bike ride and raised $1,057,000 for cancer survivors, organizers said.
The cyclists gathered at Westport’s Fairfield County Hunt Club for the event which had riders registered for courses of 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100 miles.
“We want to thank all of the riders and volunteers from across Connecticut and across the country who joined us to ride in support of cancer survivors, making it a truly great statewide event and a great day for Connecticut,” said Bob Mazzone, the executive director of CT Challenge.
“There are now more survivorship programs in Connecticut than anywhere else in the U.S. today and we are proud to be providing support to many of them. The CT Challenge Bike Ride makes it all possible.”
Driver Uninjured in Greens Farms Crash
UPDATE An early morning crash involving a Range Rover traveling along Greens Farms Road between Clapboard Hill Road and Sherwood Island Lane left a Westport woman uninjured but with a charge of driving while intoxicated on her birthday, police and fire officials said.
Assistant Fire Chief Robert Kepchar said the vehicle veered off the road, crashing into a utility pole, splitting it in half, at about 12:15 a.m. The crash left it dangling, he said.
Police later identified the driver as Erika Horn Miller of 302 Compo Road South, who turned 38 today. She was charged with operating under the influence and failure to keep right and released on $500 bond for a Aug. 11 court date.
Police said an officer could smell alcohol on her breath and that she failed field sobriety tests. She was taken into custody and was found to have breath test alcohol level results of .1675 and .1627 which is over the legal limit of .08, according to police.
More "Driver Uninjured in Greens Farms Crash"
Going Down: 60 Coleytown Road
The house at Westport’s 60 Coleytown Road has been demolished. Built in 1963, the two-story custom colonial has 3,897 square feet and is situated on a 2.89-acre property. It was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on May 17, 2011. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Staying Young at Heart
By Phyllis Groner
The documentary “Old Is ... ,” which choreographs what keeps older adults young and vibrant, proves that age is relative. The film drew more than 100 to the Westport Center for Senior Activities Friday, and most agreed the 40-year-old documentary’s theme is timeless.
Tracy Sugarman (l) and Bill Buckley introduce their short documentary. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Created by local artist and author Tracy Sugarman and documentary film producer Bill Buckley, the film demonstrates that seniors who stay active lead longer, productive lives.
Local illustrator Howard Munce, who spoke on a panel following the film, offered proof. At 95, the Westport illustrator still draws and serves as a mentor to other artists, even setting up their exhibits.
“Westport is a great town for any artist,” said Munce, calling the Westport School Collection of 1,000 works “a marvelous thing that can’t be duplicated in any other town.”
Staples Players Gift to Save the Children
Staples Players Summer Theatre performers in “Jesus Christ Superstar” presented Save the Children with a check for $3,000 to go toward tornado relief. The money was raised during Staples Players’ spring production of an original musical revue, “Ages & Stages.” “Jesus Christ Superstar” runs at Staples today at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at http://www.staplesplayers.com or at the door. Pictured are incoming senior Gregg Bonti and outgoing senior Max Samuels presenting the check to representatives of Save the Children. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Kerry Long for WestportNow.com
Remembering John Lennon
The Nu-Utopians, formed last September by band members Rex Fowler and Tom Dean, celebrated the 70th birthday (Oct. 9, 2010) of the late John Lennon Friday night at Westport’s Levitt Pavilion. They played their interpretations of his famed works including “Across the Universe,” “Dear Prudence,” “Revolution,” “Beautiful Boy,” “Come Together,” and others. The eight-member band includes the father-daughter duo of Robby and Maggie, 15, Coffin. The performance was moved indoors to the Saugatuck Elementary School auditorium because of the wet weather. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Saturday, July 30, 2011
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - Christo and Jeanne-Claude Exhibition
Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - Exhibit, “Back to Our Roots”
2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. - Staples High School - Staples Players present “Jesus Christ Superstar”
4 p.m. & 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “Lips Together Teeth Apart” (last day)
7:15 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Gas House Gorillas (RiverSwing Series)
7:30 p.m. - Staples High School Theatre - Staples Players Summer Theatre/Westport Continuing Education: “Jesus Christ Superstar”
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tornado Warning is Canceled
The National Weather Service canceled the tornado warning for southern Fairfield Country.
Tornado Warning Issued for Lower Fairfield County
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado warning for southern Fairfield County until 7 p.m.
When a Tornado Warning is issued it means that strong rotation has been detected in the storm. A tornado may already be on the ground or expected to develop shortly. If you are in the path of this dangerous storm, move indoors and to the lowest level of the building. Stay away from windows. If driving, do not seek shelter under a Highway overpass.
The safest place to be during a tornado is in a basement. Get under a workbench or other piece of sturdy furniture. If no basement is available, seek shelter on the lowest floor of the building in an interior hallway or room such as a closet. Use blankets or pillows to cover your body and always stay away from windows.
Improving Westport’s Power Supply
Traffic was detoured for several hours today near the Greens Farms Metro-North train station while workers installed an underground power supply as part of the new CL&P substation project. The utility said the new facility will provide more power and fewer outages in the area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Westport Officials Meet With Metro-North
UPDATE Westport officials today met for an hour with representatives of Metro-North about the July 22 stalled train incident that left several hundred persons in a New Haven-bound train for up to an hour in 100-degree heat near the Greens Farms station.
“Today’s meeting was highly productive,” First Selectman Gordon Joseloff said in a statement about the meeting at Westport Police Headquarters.
“We identified a number of areas where we believe we can improve communication with Metro-North on such emergencies.” He did not go into details.
Following the incident, the Westport Fire Department said there were communication issues with Metro-North about the location of the train and delayed notifications. Metro-North has said prompt notifications were made to the Westport Police Department about the train.
A Metro-North statement echoed Joseloff’s remarks that the review was useful.
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Levitt Show Moves Indoors
Due to the forecast for thunderstorms tonight, the Levitt Pavilion will move “The Nu-Utopians: Celebrating the Songs of John Lennon” to the air-conditioned auditorium at Saugatuck Elementary School, 170 Riverside Ave.
Showtime is 8 p.m. and admission is free. With the exception of water, food and drinks are not allowed in the school. Visit the Pavilion’s website for more information: http://www.levittpavilion.com
Federal Debt Crisis Triggers Westport Rating Review
Westport and its Aaa bond rating as well as those of 162 local governments in 31 states have been placed on review for possible downgrade because of the U.S. debt crisis, Moody’s Investor Service announced.
“These actions relate to Moody’s July 13 decision to place the Aaa government bond rating of the United States under review for downgrade, and reflect the rating agency’s assessment that some Aaa public finance ratings would likely be indirectly affected” by a deterioration of the U.S. debt situation, a news release Thursday said.
Moody’s said in the event that the U.S. government Aaa rating is downgraded, it will determine the outcome of each review by evaluating the strength of the affected community and, among other factors, its reliance on federal spending.
Westport has had a Aaa rating for years and Moody’s reaffirmed it at the time of its most recent bond issue last November (see WestportNow Nov. 1, 2010).
Westport Property Transfers July 11 - 15, 2011
Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period July 11 - 15, 2011:
Diana Casareale to Deutsche Bank National Trust, 35 Partrick Road, $950,000
Peter A. and Caren L. Corraine to Luciano and Marta Sieber, 63 Richmondville Ave., $910,000
Angelina Carusone to Rocco Petretta, 8 Hale St. 1/7 interest, $32,500
Ernest HP Schwerin Est. to Peter C. Harrar and Elizabeth M. Sacksteder, 54 Whitney Glen, $335,000
More "Westport Property Transfers July 11 - 15, 2011"
Being Even Better ‘Best Buddies’
By Stevie Klein
Four Westport Staples High School students dedicated to helping the intellectually and developmentally disabled have returned home from the Best Buddies International Leadership Conference inspired to bring about change.
Matt George, Greg Bonti, Jillian Pecoriello,and Sami Schwaeber at Indiana University. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
“We are all working together to make sure our schools include everyone as equal human beings,” said Staples senior Sami Schwaeber who attended the conference last weekend at Indiana University along with seniors Greg Bonti, Jillian Pecoriello, and Matt George .
“There is no reason someone should be denied a table at lunch or a group from prom,” Schwaeber added. “We need to break down these huge barriers, which shamefully still exist.”
Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies is an international, nonprofit, volunteer organization with about 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters in 50 states and in 50 countries worldwide, according to its website.
More "Being Even Better ‘Best Buddies’"
Sailboats Aplenty
There were sailboats aplenty on Thursday off the shoreline of Westport’s Longshore Club Park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Friday, July 29, 2011
9:30 a.m. – Room 309 – Baron’s South Committee
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”
7 p.m. - Toquet Hall Teen Center - No Outlet, Stereo Story, Margari, Sea Rhapsody, Back to Normal
7:30 p.m. - Staples High School Theatre - Staples Players Summer Theatre/Westport Continuing Education: “Jesus Christ Superstar”
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “Lips Together Teeth Apart”
9 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - The Nu-Utopians
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Doobie Brothers Play to Enthusiastic Audience
An enthusiastic audience greeted the Doobie Brothers tonight at Westport’s Levitt Pavilion annual summer gala. Hundreds turned out for the benefit which enables the Levitt to offer 50 free nights of summer entertainment annually. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Crowding the Stage
Fans of the Doobie Brothers crowded the stage area to dance to their music. The band has sold 30 million albums in the United States since the 1970s. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Getting Ready for the Show
Mimi Levitt (l) and Butzi Moffitt enjoy the Jesup Green party before tonight’s Doobie Brothers performance at the Levitt Pavilion. Levitt’s late husband Mortimer was a millionaire businessman/patron of the arts and benefactor of the Levitt Pavilion. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Environment Chief: ‘Facing Era of Limited Resources’
Daniel C. Esty, commissioner of the state’s newly consolidated Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), told a Friends of Sherwood Island audience at the park’s Nature Center tonight that Connecticut is facing “an era of limited resources” to deal with environmental issues. He said this is forcing it to forge important partnerships with such groups as the Friends of Sherwood Island and Westport-based Green Village Initiative to achieve desired goals. “I am thrilled with what the Friends have done and what the Park looks like,” he said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Welcoming DEEP Commissioner to Westport
Daniel C. Esty (c), the state’s new commissioner of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), is welcomed to Westport tonight as he visited Sherwood Island State Park for a lecture to Friends of Sherwood Island. With him (l-r) are state Sen. Bob Duff of Norwalk, Sheila O’Neill, Friends’ co-president, Roma Stibravy of Norwalk; state Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, and First Selectman Gordon Joseloff. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Congressmen Seek Investigation into Westport Train Stall
Two members of Congress today called on Metro-North to conduct a full investigation into Friday’s stalled train incident in Westport that left hundreds of passengers sweltering in 100-degree heat.
Passengers aboard a stalled Metro-North train seek relief in the shade at Westport’s Greens Farms station on Friday after they were stuck on a New Haven-bound train for up to an hour. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
Reps. Jim Himes (CT-4) and Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) whose districts include the railroad’s New Haven Line, made the request in a joint letter to Jay H. Walder, CEO of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and Howard R. Permut, president of Metro-North.
While acknowledging antiquated equipment may have contributed to the incident, the lawmakers added: “But the treatment of passengers and lack of communication between Metro-North employees and commuters cannot be tolerated.”
Metro-North and Westport officials will meet Friday in Westport to review the incident in which the Westport Fire Department contends there was a delayed notification to them about the stalled train from Metro-North—something the railroad has denied.
Gentle Persuasion at Farmers Market
After weeks of frustration with the owner of a vehicle continuing to park in the area used by the Westport Thursday Farmers Market at Imperial Avenue, market organizers today tried a new tactic—they wrapped the car in yellow barrier tape and sold 50 cent sticky notes for market visitors to leave a message for the owner. Proceeds went to the market. Said one note: “What a sad world you must live in!! Think of others sometimes.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Sending Multiple Messages
The owner of a car who ignored parking restrictions where the Westport Thursday Farmers Market is held got a few messages today from market visitors via sticky notes posted on the vehicle. Market organizers sold the notes for 50 cents with proceeds going to the market. The large sign on the back window says: “Our friend here doesn’t read the no parking sign. Donate 50 cents (to WFM) and leave a note asking not to park here.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Doobie Brothers Prep Work
Westport’s Levitt Pavilion today was busy with preparations for tonight’s gala benefit concert starring the Doobie Brothers. Forecast for tonight called for temperatures in the upper 60s with a chance of thunderstorms. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Levitt Gala Tonight With Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers headline the Levitt Pavilion’s annual summer gala tonight. The rock band has sold 30 million albums in the United States since the 1970s. Show time is 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. pre-concert cocktail party for premium ticket holders. The benefit makes possible more than 50 nights of free entertainment. Contributed photo
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PROPERTY TRANSFERS
Westport Property Transfers July 11 - 15, 2011MORE >>
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