Trader Joe’s on Post Road East in Westport today was offering Valentine’s Day $9.99 roses it called “the perfect bouquet for the perfect price.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

It was shoulder-to-shoulder today in the Valentine’s Day card aisle of Westport CVS at 397 Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

A motorists heading southbound on I-95 between Exits 17 and 16 escaped serious injury when her car crashed into the center median.  Arriving Westport firefighters found steam coming from the engine compartment, but there was no fire, said Assistant Chief Robert Kepchar. The woman, the only occupant of the car, declined medical treatment. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Westport Woman’s Club Waiting in the Wings Cabaret today presents “Love’s Funny: An Evening of Sweet and Silly Love Songs.”
Staples High School ninth graders (l-r) Maddy Rozynek and Sydney Robinson and Bedford Middle School eighth grader Claire Smith are performing in tonight’s Westport Woman’s Club fund-raiser. They all performed in the Bedford production of “Bye Bye Birdie” but tonight will be the first time they’ve performed as a trio. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Songs and comedy sketches with a Valentine’s Day twist feature emerging New York performers – musicians, comedians, Broadway hopefuls in an intimate cabaret setting.

Performances are at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with all proceeds to benefit the philanthropic programs of the Westport Woman’s Club.

Patron tickets are $40 and include a complimentary glass of wine or beverage and Munson’s truffles. General tickets are $25.

The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y. has issued the following Special Weather Statement:

A moist southwest flow off the ocean in combination with temperatures in the teens has resulted in heavy black ice formation in spots across Long Island and southern Connecticut this morning.

Motorists should exercise extreme caution and allow for extra braking distance… particularly on bridges and overpasses.

By James Lomuscio

The revised revaluation notices that went out this week show a $38 million decrease of assessed value for Westport’s $9 billion worth of residential and commercial real estate for 2010, according to Westport Assessor Paul A. Friia.
Paul A. Friia: informal hearings “very civil.” Contributed photo

Of the 373 property owners who had contended their assessments were too high, 271 had their assessments go down, and 99 stayed the same, Friia said on Friday. The hearings also proved a double-edged sword for the unlucky 13 whose assessments went up, he said.

The informal hearings were held at Town Hall from late December throughout January with representatives from Northampton, Mass-based Vision Appraisal Technology, the firm hired to conduct the state-required property assessment. The updated valuations are available here.

Property owners who still feel their assessments—and subsequent property taxes—are too high can go before the Board of Assessment Appeals in March. Applications, which must be filed by Tuesday, Feb. 22, are available in Friia’s office or online at www.westport.gov.