Westporter Gary Stromberg, co-author of “The Harder They Fall,” addressed the Westport Rotary Club this afternoon at the Inn at Longshore. Stromberg’s book reveals thoughts, feelings, regrets and beliefs of celebrities in recovery from drug or alcohol dependence.  He described his book as a series of stories that invoke the emotional range of humor, tragedy, heart-warming realities and eventually redemption. In the 1960s, Stromberg represented many rock stars including Jefferson Airplane.(CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Westport Police Department welcomed Officer Charles Carr (l) Monday as he was sworn in by First Selectman Gordon Joseloff (c). He was previously an officer in Bridgeport for five years. Jill Ruggiero (r), an officer in Westport for five years, was also promoted to detective. She is the first woman detective in the Westport department. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

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The Westport Board of Education will examine the district’s compliance with special education laws once a survey of parents involved in the program is completed.

The board discussed moving forward with a compliance review during its meeting Monday night, but it elected to wait until the survey of special education parents is completed.

School officials have been looking to complete such a review since last fall, but have run into a number of roadblocks including lack of interest in local firms wanting to complete the project.

Schools Superintendent Elliott Landon said he would expand his search for a firm to complete the review.

A lone jogger meets spring at Westport’s Compo Beach Monday as the seasons officially changed. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

8 a.m. – Town Hall Room 309/307 – TEAM Westport Committee
8:30 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Human Services Commission
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Arts Advisory Committee
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Administrative Review Committee
1 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Historic District Commission
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309 – Board of Assessment Appeals
7:45 p.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – RTM Finance, Public Protection and Employee Compensation committees
8 p.m. – Westport Country Playhouse – “On the Verge”

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The Westport school district’s budget may increase at least by 25 percent in the next five years, according to conservative estimates completed by school administrators.

The Board of Education received a budget projection out to the 2011-12 fiscal year during its meeting tonight.

The budget is estimated to be $105.4 million that year. School officials have presented an $83 million for the 2006-07 fiscal year.

Board of Education Chairwoman Mary Parmelee said the figures could be much higher, however, because the figures are based on the more conservative student population projections.

U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays to address Y’s Men. Contributed photoU.S. Rep. Christopher Shays, R-4, will speak to the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston on Thursday at 10 a.m.

The subject of is talk is “Washington Update.”

The Y’s Men meet at Saugatuck Congregational Church at 245 Post Road East.

Shays was first elected to Congress in 1987 representing the district. He represents 17 communities in Southwest Connecticut, including Westport.