Sunday, January 01, 2012
Everyone Into the Water
The sky was sunny and the temperature a brisk 42 degrees today as swimmers took the plunge at Westport’s Compo Beach in a fund-raiser for Westport’s Save the Children. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Comings and Goings: Art’s Deli Opening Soon
The return of the popular Westport food establishment, Art’s Deli, that closed in 1990 following the passing of Arthur Falcone “hopefullY” will occur next weekend at 13 Post Road West, according to its new owner, Rich Falcone, Arthur’s son. Falcone, 55, a Fairfield resident said the deli will open seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and until 2 p.m. on Sundays. Falcone—pictured with father-in-law Mike Veno, 86, of Norwalk, said his wife Carol is a Spanish teacher at West Rock School in Norwalk for the past 33 years. They have two sons, Richard, Jr, 25, and Christopher, 22. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
Opening Day for New Post Office
It was opening day today for Westport Main Post Office at its new home in the Playhouse Square shopping complex on Post Road East. Longtime clerk Linus Croffy was among familiar employees to welcome customers. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Eckman for WestportNow.com
Friday, January 06, 2012
Reward Offered for Andy’s Safe Return
Andy, visiting from Massachusetts, went missing New Year’s Eve at approximately 9:30 p.m. His owners, Michael and Jordina Ghiggeri, haven’t been able to find him since and today offered a $1,000 reward for his safe return. Andy disappeared from Guard Hill Road, at the top of Clinton Avenue/ Ford Road (click for map). Andy is an 11 year-old Corgi, friendly, and has a microchip. If you find him, please contact the Ghiggeris via local number 203-557-3659 or the Ghiggeris’ cellphone 781-264-5243. A larger photo of Andy can be found here: “Have You Seen Andy the Corgi?” WestportNow Jan. 1, 2012. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Close Call
Weston firefighters hose down one of two cars involved in a crash today on Westport’s Cavalry Road at Viking Green. One person was transported to Norwalk Hospital. Westport and Weston firefighters responded to the scene near where the Westport, Weston, and Wilton town lines come together. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Moon Over the Saugatuck
Scene along the Saugatuck River near Westport’s center on Saturday evening. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Comings and Goings: Liquor Locker Relocating
By Dave Matlow
After almost 44 years on Westport’s Main Street, the Liquor Locker is moving to the Compo Shopping Center near Gold’s Deli.
Harvey Skolnick: moving after almost 44 years on Main Street. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
“I’m really excited,” said owner Harvey Skolnick. “It’s a new venture, this change after all these years. And the new location is not far from here so it’s basically the same for my clientele.”
The move from 68 Main St. for one of the few remaining privately owned retail stores on Main Street will come “in the spring,” Skolnick said.
“The rent for the same amount of space—about 1,100 square feet—will be about half of what I pay on Main Street,” he said.
More "Comings and Goings: Liquor Locker Relocating"
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Water Picnic
The picnic table in the riverside parking lot behind the Westport Arts Center on Riverside Avenue was waterborne today as moderate coastal flooding hit parts of western Long Island Sound. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Cold Calling
A skater at Westport’s Longshore Club Park pauses on the ice today to do some some cold calling. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Monday, January 23, 2012
Allen Raymond Honored With Street Naming
The Westport Weston Family Y will rename the private access road to its Mahackeno Outdoor Center—longtime home of its summer day camp and site of the planned new Family Y facility—“Allen Raymond Lane” in honor of the former Y President, trustee emeritus and longtime civic leader. The announcement came Sunday at a party celebrating Raymond’s 89th birthday, held at the home of Bonnie and Bill Strittmatter. Bonnie Strittmatter serves as president of the Family Y’s volunteer board of directors. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Suspect Captured in Westport Jeweler Murder
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut today announced the arrest of a suspect in the Dec. 8 murder of Westport jeweler Yekutiel Zeevi, 65. It said Andrew Robert Levene, also known as Robert Thomas, 41, was arrested Monday in Spain. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Feds Release Photo of Westport Murder Suspect
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Connecticut today released this photo of Andrew Robert Levene, also known, as Robert Thomas, 41, who it said earlier had been arrested in Spain on Monday for the Dec. 8 murder of Westport jeweler Yakutiel Zeevi. It said those “with information that may be helpful to the investigation are encouraged to call the Westport Police Department at 203-341-6025.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Update: Westport Murder Suspect Found Dead
Andrew R. Levene: was arrested in Barcelona. Contributed photo
UPDATE Andrew R. Levene, arrested in Barcelona, Spain on Tuesday in the murder of Westport jeweler Yukutiel Zeevi, has been found dead, the U.S. Embassy in Madrid said today.
The embassy said in a statement that American officials were notified today of Levene’s death and that Spanish authorities are investigating, according to The AP.
La Vanguardia, Barcelona’s leading newspaper, said Levene hanged himself in Modelo Prison using items such as clothing. It quoted “sources close to the case.”
Earlier, The Hartford Courant, quoting law enforcement sources, said Levene had killed himself in his cell but did not say how.
More "Update: Westport Murder Suspect Found Dead"
Friday, January 27, 2012
Crayon Art at ‘Toy Stories’
Artist Christian Faur created this art work using 10,000 wax crayons. It is part of the Westport Arts Center’s “Toy Stories” exhibit which opened tonight featuring toy-related works by 33 artists. Faur said his crayon art was inspired by seeing his young daughter using them. The exhibit runs through March 18. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Saturday, January 28, 2012
The Whelk: Newest Addition to Westport Dining Scene
The Whelk, the fish-centric dining spot from Westport Le Farm owner Bill Taibe and Massimo Tulio of Norwalk’s Fat Cat Pie Company, has opened at its Riverside Avenue waterview location in the new Saugatuck Center development owned by the Gault family. After nights of friends and family dining and the official opening, the restaurant will be closed from today until it reopens Tuesday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
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
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
Sunday, January 29, 2012
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
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
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
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
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
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
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Unusual Cloud Formation
The current warm weather has produced not only spring-like temperatures but also unusual cloud formations. This sky view was taken from Westport’s North Avenue. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Going Down (Finally): 1 Red Coat Road
The house at 1 Red Coat Road, near Merritt Parkway Exit 41, came down today. The colonial-style, 1900-home is located on a one-acre property and changed hands in March 2007 for $585,000. A demolition permit had been applied for more than four years ago when it was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on Oct. 18, 2007. However, demolition was delayed, prompting many complaints from neighbors about its deteriorated condition. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Eckman for WestportNow.com
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Reliving A Childhood Memory
Westport artist Susan Malloy, 87, remembers climbing on the cannons at Compo Beach as a child. On Wednesday, she decided it was such a beautiful day, she’d try it again. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Saturday, February 04, 2012
Chowdafest Draws Large Crowd
UPDATE Chowdafest IV kicked off Super Bowl weekend today at Westport’s Bedford Middle School. This uniquely football themed chowder competition has quickly become one of the largest in the state. The festival is conducted by volunteers from the Unitarian Church in Westport in an effort to tackle hunger for The Connecticut Food Bank. Late today the winners were announced: Classic: Mansion Clam House (Westport); Creative: Ginger Man (Norwalk); Soups and Bisques: Crab Shell (Stamford). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Eight Letter Word for Everyone’s Annual Event
Staff at the Westport Public Library today organized a special crossword birthday greeting for Library Director Maxine Bleiweis in keeping with the today’s 13th annual Crossword Puzzle Competition. The cake was presented by Hedi Lieberman (r) who was joined by Will Shortz, crossword puzzle editor of The New York Times. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com
Sunday, February 05, 2012
Showing Off the Big One
Art’s Deli owner Richard Falcone Sr. shows off of of the 6-foot grinders customers ordered up today for Super Bowl parties. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Monday, February 06, 2012
40 Years Ago: An Historic Handshake
The Westport Public Library’s McManus Room was packed tonight as journalist, author, and lecturer Bernard Kalb (r)—with help from former U.S. Ambassador to Burma Burton Levin—recalled the 1972 Nixon trip to China that thawed U.S-Chinese relations. Two decades earlier in Geneva, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai had been mortally offended when Secretary of State John Foster Dulles spurned his offered hand. On arrival in Beijing, Nixon paused to clap before extending his hand, which Zhou vigorously shook for 14 seconds. That handshake abruptly ended more than two decades of U.S. and Western isolation of China. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Friday, February 10, 2012
Comings and Goings: Achorn’s Leaving Main Street
By Dave Matlow
UPDATE Achorn’s Pharmacy, a fixture of Westport’s downtown since 1927 and the oldest independently owned business on Main Street, will soon relocate to Playhouse Square, according to owner Ajay Desai.
Achorn’s Pharmacy, a downtown mainstay for 85 years, will soon relocate to Playhouse Square. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Desai who assumed ownership in March 2011, having purchased the business from Ed Levinstim, said he is ending Achorn’s 85-year downtown presence because his lease expires in May and the landlord has quoted “extremely high rent” to remain at that site.
The relocation of Achorn’s—the sole remaining pharmacy downtown—is another milestone in the departure of independently-owned businesses from downtown Westport.
Last month Harvey Skolnick, owner of the Liquor Locker, announced his business was leaving its Main Street location after 44 years and relocating to the Compo Shopping Center. He said the move was motivated by sharply increasing rent and a reduced attraction of shoppers to Westport’s downtown. (See WestportNow Jan. 10, 2012)
Note: WestportNow Publisher Gordon F. Joseloff is also First Selectman of Westport