Month: October 2016 - Page 31

Thursday, September 21, 2023

Controller Reports a Balanced Budget – But Has Big Concerns

By Keith M. Phaneuf

www.ctmirror.org

State Comptroller Kevin P. Lembo today raised concerns — for the second consecutive month — about the stability of the current state budget, though he stopped short of reporting a deficit.

In his latest monthly budget forecast, Lembo affirmed the conclusion of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration that the $19.7 billion budget adopted in June for 2016-17 is on pace to finish $200,000 in the black, just as it was written.

But Connecticut’s chief fiscal watchdog also expressed caution about both spending and revenue trends in the current budget.

Republican legislative leaders already have said they believe state finances are in deficit and that Malloy is masking this problem to help his fellow Democrats in the legislature’s majority survive this fall’s state elections.

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Compo Monday

Sunny weather and temperatures in the mid-70s made for a summer-like day today at Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Mark Molesworth for WestportNow.com

Innovative Organizations Sought for Venture Funding

Westport’s Social Venture Partners Connecticut (SVP Connecticut) wants to close the opportunity gap in Connecticut.

The venture philanthropy organization once again is seeking innovative organizations operating in Connecticut interested in receiving multi-year grants of up to $25,000 per year and pro bono strategic consulting.

The group announced that it is accepting letters of interest for investment with a submission deadline of Monday, Oct. 17. All submissions must be made online at the SVP Connecticut website, http://www.socialventurepartners.org/connecticut.

A public information session to learn more about SVP Connecticut and its innovative model of engaged philanthropy will be held on Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the McManus Room of the Westport Library.

WHS Exhibit Features Max’s Retrospective

For almost six decades, a tiny store on Westport’s Post Road East was at the center of the town’s arts community.

The Max’s sign came down in May 2015, nine months after the store’s closing. This photo became a poster for the exhibit. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

First as Fine Arts Stationers beginning in 1956 and later as Max’s Art Supplies, owner Max Kaplan doled out not only paints and pastels but camaraderie and commiseration.

Shuttered in 2014, the store is making a comeback beginning Friday with an exhibit at the Westport Historical Society called “Art to the Max.”

It features original art that graced Max’s windows from 1975-2014, including hand-drawn calendars by longtime Max’s employee Nina Royce.

Monday, October 3, 2016 – Rosh Hashanah

Westport Public School are closed.
9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. – Westport Weston Family YMCA – Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. – Westport Arts Center – “MORE Than Words”
10 a.m. – Westport Senior Center – Senior Center Policy & Planning Board
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Westport Arts Center – Drop-in Class: Upcycled Foam Sculptures (Ages 5-12)
4 p.m. – Westport Library – All About Beanstack: For Grownups
6 p.m. – Westport Library – Tabletop Games for Adults
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Golf Advisory Committee

See more events: Celebrate Westport Calendar

Sunday, October 2nd, 2016

Jews Prepare to Celebrate New Year

Jews in Westport today joined those around the world in preparation for celebrating Rosh Hashanah. The holiday representing the Jewish New Year 5777, begins tonight and continues through Tuesday. Westport Selectman Avi Kaner’s family prepared to host a festive meal (above) with guests who have flown in from Israel. Traditions include dipping apples in honey to symbolize a sweet year and serving round challah with raisins. Another festive tradition is enjoying pomegranates with their abundant seeds. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

‘Great Chowder Day’ Draws Thousands to Chowdafest

By James Lomuscio

On one end of East Beach at Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park today defending champion Joe Carpentieri was ladeling out his award-winning Manhattan clam chowder.

Thousands attended Chowdafest at Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

“This is a great chowder day,” said Carpentieri, owner of Dunville’s in Westport’s Saugatuck section.

Across the expanse of chowder serving tents with lines more than 100 persons deep at times, Casey Hillyer agreed the gray skies and chilly, damp air blowing in from the Long Island Sound made for the perfect chowder day.

“The is great weather,” said Hillyer, an employee of Pike Place, another defending champion that took first prize for its New England Clam chowder last year.