Bedford Middle School students today held a dress rehearsal for this weekend’s production of “Peter Pan.” A cast of more than 70 seventh and eighth graders helps Peter and friends fly in the beloved classic. Performances are Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m, and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.bedfordactinggroup.com or at the door—$15 for adults and $10 for students. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Dancing Captain Hook and More
The Bedford Acting Group has a dancing Captain Hook and more in this weekend’s production of “Peter Pan.” Tiickets for the Bedford Middle School production are availabe at http://www.bedfordactinggroup.com or at the door—$15 for adults and $10 for students. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com
Comings & Goings: Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center Opening
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center is leasing 2,900-square feet of space at 1800 Post Road East, previously occupied by People’s United Bank, according to Franco Fellah, executive vice president of Westport’s HK Group.The shopping center is anchored by Stop & Shop. Founded in 1994, the business already has established locations in Trumbull, Shelton, Stratford and Fairfield, Fellah said. The Westport space is currently under construction and should be ready to open for business in very early 2017, he said. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Key Lawmaker: Need to Talk About Raising Revenues
By Keith M. Phaneuf
As analysts outlined a grim picture today that could include further cuts to state social services and reversing recent enhancements in local aid and transportation, one key lawmaker insisted officials must discuss raising revenue in 2017.
Though it is premature to target specific measures — such as tax increases, fee hikes or tolls — Rep. Toni E. Walker, D-New Haven, said trying to offset surging debt costs in the next state budget solely with cuts “is going to be devastating” to Connecticut.
“I believe there are things out there that we need to look at, that we have turned up our nose to” over the past year, she said. “We have to look now, and we have to look at who is suffering in this state.”
Walker, a New Haven Democrat who co-chairs the Appropriations Committee, made her comments after a three-hour briefing on budget trends by executive and legislative branch analysts.
WN on the Scene: Art Basel Miami 2016
Art Basel Miami, North America’s foremost international modern and contemporary art fair, takes place at the Miami Beach Convention Center beginning Thursday and runs through Sunday. It is the sister fair to the original Art Basel, founded in Basel, Switzerland in 1970. Helen Klisser During, artistic director emeritus of the Westport Arts Center and WestportNow contributing photographer, was among VIP guests today getting a preview. Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com
Weston Historical Society to Host Westport B&N Book Fair
The Weston Historical Society will host a book fair at the Barnes & Noble store in Westport on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to help raise money for the society.
“This is an opportunity to do some holiday shopping and help preserve Weston’s history,” an announcement said.
In addition to books, there are countless other gift items, including Nooks, DVDs, music, toys and games, and craft and home items.
When people use WHS book fair ID 10254813 at checkout, the Weston Historical Society will receive up to 20 percent of all merchandise and café purchases that day.
Dorothy C. Shook, 94
Dorothy C. Shook of Essex, a former Westport resident, died Nov. 27 at Essex Madows. She was 94.

Dorothy Shook: former Westporter. Contributed photo
While residing in Westport, she was the longtime secretary of the local chapter of P.E.O., a philanthropic organization which promotes the advancement of and provides educational opportunities for women.
She was an assistant registrar of voters in Westport for over a decade and was the bookkeeper for the family-owned business, Television Workshop, Inc. for many years.
More recently she was a resident member representative to the board of directors for the Essex Meadows Retirement Community and served on the welcoming committee.
WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 88 Morningside Drive South
An application for a permit to demolish the house at Westport’s 88 Morningside Drive South is in process. Built in 1900, the 2-1/2 story custom colonial has 6,159-square feet, is situated on a 3.24-acre property and changed ownership in August 2015 for $2.8 million. Because the house was built more than 50 years ago, the application will be reviewed by the Westport Historic District Commission. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
All Gone: 17 Soundview Drive
Most of the demolition of 17 Soundview Drive was completed today despite a heavy rain. Demolition of the 1918-built house overlooking Compo Beach began Monday but workers said because of the structure’s close proximity to the property line and roadways, the job would take two or three days. The two-story conventional changed ownership in June 2015 for $2,466,000. It was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on March 25, 2016. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo
All Gone: 10 Westport Ave.
The house at Westport’s 10 Westport Ave., in the Compo Beach area, came down today. Built in 1930, the two-story conventional had 1,626-square feet, is situated on a .11-acre property and changed ownership in September for $1,355,000. It was the WestportNow Teardown of the Day on July 29, 2016. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo