A wreath today marked the spot on Post Road East where Billy Ford, 49, was struck and killed on Dec. 23 as he crossed the street to his home. A former custodian at Staples High School, he was employed at Trader Joe’s. Westport police ask anyone with information about the accident to contact them at (203)341-6000. Ellen Naftalin for WestportNow.com
Winslow Fun
New Year’s Eve Salute to United Nations
New Year’s Eve Winter Challenge
Getting Ready for First Night
Snow, Slippery Roads Cause Crashes
A rash of crashes on Westport area roadways today accompanied a New Year’s Eve snowstorm that forecasters said would whip up winds of more than 50 miles per hour
A car slid off Westport’s Partrick Road and into a tree during today’s snowstorm. There were no injuries. It was one a rash of weather-related accidents on area roadways. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
A three-car crash on Wilton Road near Marilane sent one person to Norwalk Hospital. Traffic in the area which is a main route between Westport and Wilton was snarled as police shut down roadways around the accident scene.
Westport firefighters also responded to a one-vehicle accident in the southbound lanes of the Merritt Parkway between Exits 41 in Westport and 40 in Norwalk. Reports said a vehicle slid off the roadway.
Minor accidents were reported on Greens Farms Road near Wake Robin Road, on Partrick Road, and on Hermit Lane.
High Wind Warning Issued
The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y. has issued a high wind warning for Westport and area in effect from 1 p.m. to midnight.
Easterly winds will shift to the northwest as rapidly intensifying low pressure passes east of the region this afternoon, an advisory said.
Once the winds shift to the northwest this afternoon, they will quickly increase to 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph continuing into tonight.
During the height of the storm—late this afternoon into early this evening—a one- to three-hour period of 30 to 40 mph winds with gusts up to 60 mph is likely, the advisory said.
Fuel Efficient
Wednesday, December 31, 2008 – NEW YEAR’S EVE
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Westport Historical Society – “Unique Perspectives: Photography by Six Westport Artists”
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Westport Historical Society – “WestportNow Photographers: The Best From the Best”
3 p.m. – Midnight – various Westport locations – First Night
3 p.m. – 11 p.m. – Westport Town Hall – First Night events and activities
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Westport Arts Center – First Night, children’s book reading and artwork
4 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Westport Historical Society – First Night Westport family fun stop
4 p.m. – Midnight – Jesup Green – First Night: bonfire, food, music
6 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Westport Arts Center – First Night: watch award-winners from the 2008 Westport Youth Film Festival
7 p.m. – Toquet Hall Teen Center – Westport-Weston First Night “Battle of the Bands”
7:15 p.m. – Westport Arts Center – Watch the fireworks from the WAC deck
First Night Set for Wednesday
First Night Westport/Weston 2009 is ready to go despite a weather forecast that calls for 2 to 5 inches of snow on Wednesday. All one needs is $15 for a button to take part in the 15th annual New Year’s Eve celebration. There are a dozen fun-filled venues with more than 30 different shows to choose from locations all around Westport. The fun begins at 3 p.m. and continues to midnight with fireworks to usher in the New Year. For more information visit the First Night Web site. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com