Gault Inc.‘s polar bear: sympbol of dangers of global warming, (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Saturday’s Castles in the Sand fund-raiser for Interfaith Housing Association produced a number of winners, including one by Westport’s Gault, Inc. depicting a polar bear.

“Gault’s polar bear is especially meaningful because of what it represents: a living symbol of the dangers of global warming,” said a company representative in an e-mail to WestportNow. Gault was not mentioned in Saturday’s story. (See WestportNow May 10, 2008)

“As the event sponsor, and the company that donated all of the sand used to create these wonderful masterpieces, Gault is hoping that you will be able to include a follow-up story about their polar bear, which was a real crowd favorite,” the message said.

The spokeswoman said Gault is teaming up with the not-for-profit organization Polar Bears International (PBI) to launch a major energy conservation and education program this summer. 

A judge has ordered bond to remain at $1 million for a Westport accountant accused of stealing $500,000 from a Westport asset management firm.

Noel Lara, 40, of 25 Saugatuck Ave., is charged with first-degree larceny from MUUS Asset Management, 228 Saugatuck Ave., according to court records. (See WestportNow May 9, 2008) Judge Burton Kapan, in ordering bond to remain at $1 million, transferred the case to Stamford Superior Court where more serious cases are heard.

Westport police said Lara, a native of the Philippines, is accused of embezzling more than $500,000 at MUUS. His arrest warrant has been sealed because the investigation is ongoing and few details are available.

Lara is to appear in court for his arraignment on the larceny charge May 27.

Colorful blossoms brightened a stormy, gray afternoon Monday on Westport’s Morningside Drive South. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Westport’s Burying Hill Beach was among low lying areas hit by coastal flooding today as a storm system, accompanied by high winds, passed off the coastline. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Westport did not get much rain today but it did get strong winds as a storm passed in the Atlantic. Some visitors to Compo Beach had fun as the storm produced high waves. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Former Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell was guest speaker at today’s meeting of the Westport Weston Y’s Women. She described her duties as a member of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States in Washington, D.C. She said she is responsible for voting on Ex-Im Bank transactions in excess of $10 million. “Connecticut is small but mighty” among the top manufacturers of export products, she said. She noted that a company in Torrington, Conn., manufacturing fuel cells could not have been successful if the Export-Import Bank had not guaranteed its loan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

High winds contributed to a tree snapping and falling on power lines in front of 48 Hillspoint Road early this afternoon.  No power outage was reported in the neighborhood.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com