Westport-based Terex Corporation, a world leader in heavy construction equipment manufacturing, has donated a trailer-mounted generator light tower to the Town of Westport’s emergency services, First Selectman Gordon F. Joseloff announced today.
Westport officials and representatives of Westport-based Terex Corporation show off the new emergency lighting platform the company has donated to the town. Pictured (l-r) are: Assistant Fire Chief Larry Conklin; Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Kingsbury; Fred Feuerhake, director, Global Community Relations, Terex; First Selectman Gordon F Joseloff; Tim Ford, president, Terex Aerial Work Platforms; Fire Chief Christopher Ackley, and Deputy Police Chief Gary Golas. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

“We are deeply indebted to Terex for this gift,” Joseloff said.  “Even in these difficult economic times, once again Terex has demonstrated its commitment to be an exemplary corporate citizen in Westport, and we are extremely grateful for its generosity.” 

“This piece of equipment will allow Westport Emergency Services to provide high intensity lighting at emergency and non-emergency scenes,” said Fire Chief Christopher Ackley. “The supplementary lighting will ensure the safety of the public and emergency service workers.”

He said having a small, portable lighting unit will free up the need to use larger vehicles such as the rescue truck or an engine company to provide emergency lighting when required.

Amid the economic reverberations heard through Westport, the Knoyzz teen apparel shop at 147 Post Road East, across the street from the main Post Office, closed it doors to business on Feb. 20. The Westport-based chain was one of six stores, all of which are now closed according to the owner, Richard Moskowitz of Westport. The other locations were in Greenwich, New Canaan, Glastonbury, Rye Brook and Mt. Kisco. “We’re moving on to the next chapter in our lives,” he said. “This economy is not helping anyone.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Another entrepreneurial business, Paw-radise, a dog and cat grooming salon, has opened at 9 Post Road West in Westport.  Owner Aleida Kohen, a Fairfield resident shown with her pet Daisy Mae, an 8-year-old Pomeranian, spent her career in wholesale banking but “always wanted to operate the kind of grooming salon that I would want to bring my own dog to.” The Brazilian-born Kohen provides a range of services including grooming and aroma therapy for dogs and cats. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Sprout, a Westport retail store specializing in baby, toddler’s and children’s clothing, is closing after one year in business at 1799 Post Road East in the Garelick and Herbs plaza. The owner, Rebecca Henley, a Fairfield resident, said the store, which opened in March 2008, is closing because of a combination of the slow business climate and a lease dispute. She said the store will close before April 15 and until then everything is 40 to 60 percent off and “we are selling all the fixtures down to the flooring.” Henley, a longtime corporate marketing professional, said she considered opening at another location but “it’s very expensive to do so” in this economic climate. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The vehicle lot at the now defunct Curran Cadillac dealership on Westport’s Post Road East was deserted today—the day the U.S. government called for the resignation of the General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner. Curran closed in February after 40 years in business. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

A new sign was placed at the soon to be opened Arcudi’s Restaurant at 1035 Post Road East. The owner, former First Selectman Joe Arcudi (inset), said that he hopes to open “in about 10 days.”  He said since he may not have a liquor license for a few months, customers will be allowed to bring their own bottles of wine. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Across the street from the recently closed Conte’s Restaurant in Westport’s Saugatuck area, a new pizza and pasta restaurant, Julian’s Brick Oven Pizza, has opened at 539 Riverside Ave. The restaurant, owned by Mike Sias of Stratford, is located in the site formerly occupied by Arthur Avenue Italian specialties. There are two other brick Oven Pizza shops owned by Sias—the original shop in Bridgeport and one in Monroe. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

UPDATE In another indication of changing times, Conte’s Restaurant & Grill at 540 Riverside Ave. in the Saugatuck area has closed. A sign on the front door said the restaurant will relocate to the Westport Inn at 1595 Post Road East. But John C. Hunt, Jr., general manager of the Westport Inn, said: “The plans for a restaurant have not been solidified. We’ll have a better idea in mid-April.”  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Actor James Naughton of Weston was at the Westport Public Library tonight to introduce his friend Riki Ott, author of “Not One Drop—The Betrayal and Courage in the Wake of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill.” Today is he 20th anniversary of the devastating oil spill in Alaska whose damage to the environment is still much in evidence. Ott said ruefully, “Senator Stevens of Alaska promised that ‘not one drop of oil’ would fall on Alaska”—hence the name of her book. Ott is a former Prince William Sound fisherman and longtime activist around the 1989 oil spill. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com