Enjoying First Night festivities today at the Westport Public Library were Westporters Francesca, 4 and Timmy, 7 along with their parents Gioia Riccio and David Sullivan. The electric trains were one of many activities drawing visitors to Westport’s downtown area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Serving Up New Year’s Eve Meal for the Homeless
Westport Rotary Club members are decked out in New Year’s Eve hats to add panache to the holiday evening dinner serving tonight for residents of Westport’s Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center on Jesup Road. Working the kitchen shift were (l-r) Carleton Cleveland, Jenniann Barile and Diane Bentley, Barile’s high school friend and visitor from Roseland, N.J. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Our Annual New Year’s Gift to Readers
For Westport, the year 2010 brought much news—storms and tragedies but also many times of joy and the breathtaking beauty. And WestportNow was there every day to document it all.
A traveler just off the train at Westport in May 2010 looks for a ride. It was not known why she was dressed in costume—a picture from WestportNow’s 2010 Year in Review. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
So once again, WestportNow presents as a New Year’s gift to our readers a review of the past year through the eyes of Westporters who contributed photos, video and illustrations to WestportNow in 2010. CLICK HERE
Dozens of persons contributed to WestportNow this year, and we are grateful for your help. Whenever you have a photo, video, or news item to share with your neighbors, send them to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
We are pleased to continue to be your No. 1 online source for breaking and ongoing news coverage. Even though you now have more choices online, you continue to come to WestportNow in increasing numbers—just as you have every day since 2003.
We now average more than 400,000 page views a month and 55,000 unique visitors, making WestportNow the most cost-effective advertising medium in Westport. Please patronize our advertisers and spread the word about WestporNow.
We are grateful for your ongoing support and look forward to continue to serve Westport in 2011. Best New Year wishes!
Westport Officer Uses Taser to Subdue Suspect in Fairfield
A Westport police officer used a Taser to subdue and capture a fugitive early today after he led police on a car chase from Norwalk into Westport and then on I-95 to Fairfield, Norwalk police said.
It was the second time in two months that a Westport officer has used a Taser in subduing a suspect—both times in other communities—and only the second time since the town approved their purchase after much debate in October 2008.
Norwalk police identified the suspect as Cesar Fulton, 50, whose last known address is 70 Cottage St., Bridgeport.
He was charged with assault, criminal attempt, possession of narcotics and illegal manufacture, distribution, sale or prescription. He is also facing motor vehicle infractions and will appear in court on Monday.
Party Time
Metro-North Reports Ticket Machine Snafu
Metro-North said today that ticket machines at all stations excluding Grand Central Terminal continue to not accept credit or debit for ticket purchases.
It advised travelers to purchase your ticket at the station or on board the train using cash.
Jennifer D. Burke, 53
Jennifer Dean Burke of Ridgefield, beloved wife of Michael A. Burke, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Dec. 25 following a long and courageous battle with brain cancer. She was 53.
Jennifer D. Burke: former Westporter. Contributed photo
Born in Barnesville, Ohio the beloved daughter of Evan Benedict Dean and Janice Amberg Dean of Westport, she was raised in Alton, Ill. and Rochester, N.Y. prior to moving to Westport. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Fairfield University.
Jennifer was employed at Xerox and later the General Electric Co. where she retired as a vice president. Wherever she worked, Jennifer was admired and respected by her fellow workers for her outstanding leadership skills.
Jennifer was an inspiration to many and showed the way to deal with life’s hardest challenges with dignity and good nature. She was a member of the G.E. Elfun Society.
Library Sunset
Friday, December 31, 2010 – First Night
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Westport Historical Society – “Putting Westport on the Map” & “Zoom in on Westport”
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Westport Arts Center – “Kid Kulture” and “facebook fACEs”
3 p.m. – Seabury Center (45 Myrtle Avenue) – World premier, “The Legend of Silkboy”
4 p.m. – Downtown Westport – First Night Celebration
7 p.m. – midnight – Toquet Hall Teen Center – Adam Currie Band followed by DJ Tommy at 9:15 p.m.
9:30 p.m. – Downtown Westport – Fireworks
See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar
Adrien “Sonny” Sarrazien
Adrien “Sonny” Sarrazien died on Dec. 19 at his home in Westport.
He was survived by his wife Nancy Sarrazien, and children: David, Doreen, Robert, John Sarrazien, and Michele Whipple. He has five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He worked for C.R. Gibson for 37 years as a truck driver. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Condolences cards may be mailed to 346 Main Ave, Norwalk CT 06851 Att: Doreen. The family will hold a private gathering at a later date.