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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Real Estate Report: Unpleasant Surprise for Public

By Judy Szablak

The latest Case-Shiller Report out today was clear in revealing what most industry experts already know, but the general public may be in for an unpleasant surprise.

This home on 4 Ledgemoor Lane is listed at $2,395,000. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Photo courtesy of the Higgins Group Real Estate/Westport.

After a much publicized rise in new home starts by various reporting agencies, many people thought that the positive news might be a signal for a much needed change in the market.

However, today’s report shows that the New York MSA fell 1.1 percent in November, and is down 2.3 percent from the same time last year, and the 10-city composite is now just about 1.0 percent above its low from April 2009.

Chairman of the Index Committee at the S&P Indices, David Blitzer said, “Despite continued low interest rates and better real GDP growth in the fourth quarter, home prices continue to fall.

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01/31/12 10:36 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

WestportSTORIES Debuts

The Westport Public Library tonight introduced the first of a new series, WestportSTORIES, a community project comprised of live and recorded cable channel and Internet streaming interviews with individuals who make make up Westport’s contemporary life. The guest for the first interview in the series, created by Westporter Mark Mathias (l), was Michael Miller, a Westport resident since 1992 and currently senior vice president for technology strategy at Ziff Brothers investments, and the former editor-in-chief of PC Magazine. The second installment of the series is scheduled for Feb. 28 when Mathias’ guest is David Pogue who writes the tech column for The New York Times and Scientific American and also on CNBC every Thursday, writes and produces stories for “CBS Sunday Morning,” and has starred in a NOVA miniseries on PBS, called “Making Stuff.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/31/12 09:49 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Feds Expand Indictment in Gupta Insider Trading Case

Federal prosecutors today expanded their insider trading case against Westporter Rajat Gupta, a former Goldman Sachs Group Inc. director, saying the illegal activity lasted longer and involved more trades than alleged. WestportNow.com Image
Rajat Gupta: new allegations made. File photo

A new indictment filed in Manhattan federal court expanded the period in which Gupta, 63, supposedly provided illegal tips to his friend Raj Rajaratnam, the Galleon Group hedge fund founder now serving an 11-year prison term following his insider trading conviction.

The charges now relate to trades that prosecutors said Rajaratnam made between March 2007 and January 2009 in the stock of Goldman and Procter & Gamble Co., where Gupta was also a director.

Gupta, a former chief of the consulting firm McKinsey & Co., is the most prominent corporate executive to face insider trading charges in a wide-ranging federal probe since Rajaratnam was arrested in October 2009. He has pleaded not guilty.

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01/31/12 05:13 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Police Chief: ‘Incivility Breeds More Incivility”

With the Westport jewelry robbery-murder investigation “more or less resolved” with the Spanish suicide of the suspected killer, Police Chief Dale Call today turned his attention to incivility in Westport in a talk to the Westport Rotary Club at the Inn at Longshore. “We see a lot of lack of civility in town and it drives a lot of our complaints,” he said. “Incivility breeds more incivility.” As to the murder investigation, he said federal investigators had limited him in what he could say but added: “I don’t think we could be any prouder of the work that a lot of people have done on this. If anything, it’s been a textbook case on how different law enforcement agencies can work together.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/31/12 03:27 PM Comments (3) • Permalink •

Praise…and a Parking Ticket Handover

Longtime Westporter Larry Aasen (l) praised Westport Police Chief Dale Call today after his talk to the Westport Rotary Club at the Inn at Longshore. “I’ve been listening to police chiefs almost every year for 25 years coming to Rotary and your talk was the best,” said Aasen. He then added, handing a piece of paper to the chief: “And here’s a parking ticket I’d like you to take care of for me.” Amid much laughter, Call took the paper, but it was not known what action, if any, he took on it. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/31/12 03:22 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Tales of the P&Z

Eleanor Lowenstein, who recently completed serving 12 years on Westport’s Planning and Zoning Commission, was guest speaker today at a luncheon of the Democratic Women of Westport. She reviewed her years on the commission and answered questions. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

01/31/12 03:08 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Martha Reports on Westport Scene

Former Westporter Martha Stewart devotes her blog today to a report on Saturday night’s “Fork It Over” benefit for the Westport Farmers Market. Stewart, pictured with Sal Gilbertie, owner of Gilbertie’s Herb Gardens which hosted the event and is home to the winter Farmers Market, called it “a really fun and delicious event.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Themarthablog.com photo

01/31/12 02:16 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

In the Can

Westport Fire Chief Andy Kingsbury demonstrates Monday night how residents should dispose of fireplace ashes. He spoke at an emergency preparedness forum at Town Hall organized by the Westport-Weston Health District. He said since improper disposal of fireplace ashes was pinpointed as the cause of a Christmas Day fire in Stamford that left five dead, there have been several other fires traced to the same cause. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/31/12 10:09 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

At the Ready

Westport town department heads took part Monday night in an emergency preparedness forum at Town Hall organized by the Westport-Weston Health District. Speakers emphasized repeatedly the need for residents to take steps in advance to be prepared for flooding, power outages, or other emergencies that will stretch the town’s ability to respond to multiple calls for help. The session was broadcast live on the town cable channel and streamed on the Internet and will be available for viewing on the town website. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/31/12 10:05 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Compo Twilight

Twilight as seen from Westport’s Compo Beach Road overlooking the Ned Dimes Marina. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

01/31/12 12:15 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

9:30 a.m. - Westport Public Library - Jobseeker Special: Cover Letters, Thank You Notes, & More
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Toy Stories”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Next Stop: Westport!” & “The Cold War in Our Backyard”
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - WestportSTORIES: interview, Michael Miller (broadcast live on channel 79 & ATT channel 99)

See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar

01/31/12 12:05 AM Comments Closed • Permalink •

Monday, January 30, 2012

Board of Ed Hears Opposition to Language, Gym Cuts

With a large crowd on hand, the Westport Board of Education tonight heard more criticism from parents to proposed cuts in sixth grade French language classes and grades 1 through 5 gym classes in Superintendent of Schools Elliott Landon’s proposed $100.5 million 2012-13 budget. The board will vote on the budget on Feb. 6. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/30/12 10:57 PM Comments (3) • Permalink •

Landon Listens

Westport Superintendent of Schools Elliott Landon tonight listens to parental criticism of language and gym class cuts in his proposed $100.5 million 2012-13 budget. Landon said the proposal will lead to more effective structuring of class time. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/30/12 10:52 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Nile Rogers: ‘Music Became a Crutch’

By Dave Matlow

Songwriter, guitarist and producer Nile Rogers addressed an overflow crowd at the Westport Public Library’s McManus Room tonight prior to a book signing for his memoir, “Le Freak: An Upside Down Story of Family, Disco and Destiny.”

Nile Rogers addresses a Westport Public Library audience tonight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Born in 1952 in Greenwich Village and raised in 1960s southern California, Rogers, with a touch of pain and humor, told the crowd about his difficult youth.

“I remember my first report card on which the teacher wrote ‘Nile doesn’t pay attention in class,’” he said.

Rogers said he was surprised at that comment because “I went home and told my mother about the all the adventures I had—just observing everyone in the class. I thought I was paying a lot of attention.”

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01/30/12 10:07 PM Comments (2) • Permalink •

Staples Students Moves Into Final Speech Contest Round

Staples High School junior Andrew Bowles was selected as one of three finalists out of 11 contestants in the semi-final round of the Westport Rotary Club Four-Way Speech Contest held at Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business on Sunday. Bowles, who selected the topic of the validity of online piracy regulations, was the recipient of the $500 first place award in the quarter final round held at Westport’s Town Hall on Jan. 17. Bowles now advances to the Rotary District finals where he will compete with two other finalists on Feb. 11 in New Haven. He is pictured speaking on Jan. 17. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/30/12 06:19 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Coming (Possibly): New Restaurant in Manolo Space

The basement Patagonia space at 8 Church Lane recently vacated by Café Manolo may house a new restaurant by early summer. Vicente Siguenza, co-owner of the popular restaurants 55 Degrees Wine Bar and Restaurant in Fairfield and Cava in New Canaan, confirmed today that he and partner Mario Lopez are in talks with landlord David Waldman. “We are working on the lease but it is not finalized,” he said. “We would love to come to Westport. It’s a beautiful town. The downtown is amazing, We’ve had an interest (to come to Westport) for years, even before Zest (the restaurant before Manolo) went in there.” He said if talks are successful, the new restaurant would feature northern Italian cuisine, have a wood-burning oven and a wine bar. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/30/12 05:45 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Malloy Gets Final Approval for Jackson Lab Investment

By Keith M. Phaneuf

www.ctmirror.org

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy today secured Connecticut’s investment in a major genetic research initiative—but not before one more partisan debate.

The State Bond Commission voted 8-2 to release $291 million, which will pay to build a new 173,000-square-foot research center for The Jackson Laboratory on the University of Connecticut Health Center campus in Farmington. The funds also will provide equipment and furniture for the facility, and will subsidize roughly one-third of operating costs for the next decade.

Financed over years, the $291 million investment will cost the state another $153 million in interest charges, according to a projection from nonpartisan legislative analysts.

The project had been identified and developed by the administration, and the General Assembly granted preliminary approval for the financing during a special session in late October.

Click here for more of story

01/30/12 05:19 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Fan Head Gear

A shopper at Westport’s Stop & Shop gets into the Super Bowl spirit today. Food and liquor stores as well as bars and restaurants were getting ready for Sunday’s contest between the New York Giants and New England Patriots in Indianapolis. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/30/12 05:11 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Comings and Goings: Spotted Horse Riding to Church Lane

The new restaurant on Church Lane in the preserved and renovated 1802 federal-style Sherwood House is called the Spotted Horse and will open in mid-March, according to co-owner Kevin McHugh (r). Landlord David Waldman (l) announced last July that McHugh and Tommy Febbraio, both Staples High School graduates who operate the popular Gray Goose Café in Southport, had signed a 20-year lease. (See WestportNow July 21, 2011) (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/30/12 04:45 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Driving Into the Sunset

Drivers heading west at the Westport-Norwalk line on Sunday were treated to this colorful sight. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

01/30/12 12:15 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Monday, January 30, 2012

8 a.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Board of Finance Audit Subcommittee
8 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Planning & Zoning Downtown Initiative Subcommittee
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Toy Stories”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Next Stop: Westport!” & “The Cold War in Our Backyard”
11 a.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Pension Investment Committee
7 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Westport/Weston Health District Emergency Preparedness Forum (live coverage cable channel 79, AT&T channel 99, and westportct.gov)
7 p.m. – Staples Room 333 – Board of Education Executive Session
7:30 p.m. – Staples Cafeteria B – Board of Education Public Meeting (live coverage cable channel 78, AT&T channel 99, and www.westport.k12.ct.us)
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Nile Rodgers, “Le Freak,” A Behind-the-Scenes Memoir of an Extraordinary Musical Journey
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Green Task Force

See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar

01/30/12 12:05 AM Comments Closed • Permalink •

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Strong Cold Front to Bring Winds, Snow Dusting

The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y., said tonight a strong cold front will cross the region from west to east between midnight and 4 am. Monday.

In its wake, there will be a brief period of westerly winds ranging from 20 to 25 mph with 40 to 45 mph gusts expected, a statement said.

Widely scattered snow showers and flurries will accompany the cold front as well, it said.

This will result in a dusting of snow in a few spots.

01/29/12 11:32 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Evoking Memories of the 1950s

Two cars from the 1950s greeted visitors to today’s opening reception for the new Westport Historical Society exhibit “Next Stop: Westport 1950s.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

01/29/12 08:10 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Going Back in Time

The Westport Historical Society today opened its exhibit “Next Stop: Westport 1950s” which focuses on that decade when Westport was a mecca for writers of numerous major television series and Hollywood films and the settings for many of these productions. Many actors who starred in these productions also came to live in Westport. The exhibit, which includes photographs, videos, and artifacts from that era, including aprons from a housewife, remains on view through April 30. A companion exhibit with the film “Cold War in Our Backyard” by Westport filmmaker Lisa Seidenberg uses images to evoke the rational and irrational responses to the fears of Communism aroused by Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Larry Untermeyer and Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

01/29/12 08:05 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Changing of the Guard at Historical Society

At today’s Westport Historical Society’s annual meeting the election of its new president, Susan Wynkoop (l) was made official as the two-year term for Dorothy Curran (2nd l) expired. Wynkoop thanked Curran, for her service. “Because of you, this organization is a better and stronger place,” she said. “We thank you for continuing to make the foundation of this historic home and the Westport Historical Society a very sound one.” Seated with them are Elliott Netherton, vice president, finance who retired from the board after 17 years service, and Michaela McCall, secretary. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/29/12 05:39 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Overflow Audience for Playhouse Family Performances

An overflow Westport Country Playhouse audience of a wide range of ages enjoyed the 1 p.m. performance today of “The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales” as part of the Playhouse’s Family Festivities Series in the Winter program. Both the 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. performances were sellouts, according to a Playhouse official. The show was directed by Richard Barletta and Kevin Kingston. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/29/12 04:50 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

‘Stinky Cheese Man’ Draws Large Crowds

The Stinky Cheese Man, portrayed by Rawson Vint, performs today in “The Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales” in the Westport Country Playhouse Family Festivities Series, part of the Winter at the Playhouse program. Today’s two performances were sold out. The play is based on the popular 1992 children’s compendium of fractured fairy tales by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/29/12 04:45 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Pouring It On

Robert Reilly, owner of Luxe Modern Wine & Cocktails, pours a glass of wine Saturday night as the new Westport Main Street wine bar marked its first week in business. He said he and wife Renee were very pleased with the warm Westport welcome their business has received. The wine bar hopes to add outside tables at its 190 Main St. location as the warm weather arrives. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

01/29/12 01:00 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Social Climber Levene Left Gun with Realtor

By James Lomuscio

UPDATE Andrew Robert Levene was well known in exclusive Pennsylvania foxhunting and land preservation circles, leaving the handgun he used to murder Westport jeweler Yekutiel Zeevi Dec. 8 with an unsuspecting Realtor friend there before fleeing to Spain, a Pennsylvania newspaper reported Saturday.

The Realtor, upon hearing of the Levene’s arrest in Barcelona, Spain on Tuesday following an aggressive, six-week investigation by Westport and federal authorities, turned the weapon into the police, The Daily Local News of West Chester, Pa. reported.

Westport Police Chief Dale Call was unavailable for comment on the report.

Meanwhile, the Spanish newspaper El Pais said Spanish police had Levene’s Barcelona apartment under surveillance for days before his arrest and inside they found the clothing allegedly worn on the day of the crime: a green coat, brown pants and cowboy boots. It published a picture of the exterior of the modern-looking building with a small garden in its entry way.

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01/29/12 12:14 AM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Noon - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Toy Stories”
1 p.m. and 4 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales”
1:30 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - WHS Annual Meeting
2 p.m. - Westport Public Library - “The Arrogant Years,” Lucette Lagnado
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - Opening Reception: “Next Stop: Westport!”

See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar

01/29/12 12:05 AM Comments Closed • Permalink •

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Sold Out Audience for Play With Your Food Gala

Play With Your Food’s 10th Anniversary was celebrated tonight at Dragone’s Classic Motorcars on Westport’s Post Road West and featured a musical revue “Two for the Road” highlighting classic theater and cool cars. The festive event was sold out. It was catered by Blue Lemon, Matsu Sushi, Garelick and Herbs and 20 other local restaurants. The cast of 12 professional actors was directed by Carole Schweid. See more photos here. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Pamela Einarsen for WestportNow.com

01/28/12 11:25 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Party With Your Food

The 10th anniversary of Play With Your Food, the lunchtime play reading series, was celebrated tonight at Dragone Classic Motorcars in Westport. Surrounded by classic cars, 200 guests enjoyed an evening that began with wines, cocktails and assorted hors d’oeuvres. Entertainment consisted of dancing, singing and comedy skits under the supervision of artistic director Carole Schweid and Nancy Diamond, executive producer. Musical direction was provided by pianist David Harris. Appropriate to the classic car setting, the skits began with excerpts from “Two for the Road” and continued with “In My Merry Oldsmobile.” Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

01/28/12 11:17 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

‘Being Elmo’ Screens in Westport

The Westport Cinema Initiative, the nonprofit with the goal of reopening a movie theater in Westport, today hosted a screening of the film “Being Elmo” at Westport’s Christ & Holy Trinity Church. The film is about puppeteer Kevin Clash who plays the popular Elmo figure on “Sesame Street” All ages gathered for the screening and stayed for the talk back with two of the “Sesame Street” longtime puppeteers. Children brought puppets which they made and shared their voices. Picrured (l-r) are Larry Perlstein WCI Board member, Carmen Osbahr, Hensen puppeteer, Pam Arciero, Hensen puppeteer, and Doug Tirola, WCI vice president of programming. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Lefkowitz for WestportNow.com

01/28/12 06:01 PM Comments (0) • Permalink •

Gottesman Library Research Area Dedicated

The Westport Public Library Friday honored Westporter Gene Gottesman, a donor and patron of its reference and research services, at a ceremony Friday marking the dedication of the research area named for him. “We are so happy to have patrons like Gene, and so fortunate to be the recipient of his gift,” said director Maxine Bleiweis. “He’s enriched the Library so that many others may benefit from it as well.” Pictured (l-r) are Jocelyn Barandiaran, senior vice president of the Library’s Board of Trustees, Helen Reisler , Gottesman’s sister of Somers, N.Y., who came to Westport to witness the ceremony, Gottesman and Bleiweis. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

01/28/12 02:42 PM Comments (1) • Permalink •

Saugatuck Parishioners Get Fire Tour

Two months after a fire heavily damaged their Saugatuck Congregational Church on Westport’s Post Road East, church members today toured the damaged structure for the first time since the investigation into the Nov. 20 blaze was concluded with no cause found. A group of approximately 30 congregants divided into three groups were led by church trustees John Walsh and Betsy Gillespie and treasurer John Loeck. In showing the choir room where sheet music was stored Walsh said, “about 41,000 sheets of music were destroyed.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com