Westport Ski and Sport opens Monday at 877 Post Road East at the intersection of the Sherwood Island Connector, according to co-owner Chad Gagnon (above). Gagnon described the store as “a high end boutique” featuring ski apparel with familiar brands such as Kjus, Bogner, M.Miller, Obermeyer, Arcteryx, Marmot, Prana, and Exofficio.  “We are a full service ski shop offering ski rentals, leasing packages, servicing and repairs on all equipment,” he said. “In the summer we will sell yoga and travel wear, beach cruisers and kid’s bikes, along with bike servicing.”  Gagnon said the store is owned by the Alberino family who started the former New Canaan Ski and Sport shop 39 years ago and the Ridgefield Ski and Sport shop at 197 Ethan Allen Highway in 2004. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Fairfield County Bank President Daniel Berta told the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club today that “housing is bringing us out of the recession and the Westport housing market is performing well—better than other nearby communities such as Weston and Ridgefield.” Berta pointed out that because consumers represent 70 percent of the gross national product, house purchases are a significant measurement of emergence from a recession. In reference to the critical role of community banks, Berta said these institutions represent 50 percent of loans to businesses under $5 million, which he categorizes as small businesses. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By Dave Matlow

After 80 years in one family, Westport’s Citgo gas station, 786 Post Road East, will go up for sale next week.

Kurt Osterberg has worked at the gas station his grandfather founded since 1986. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Kurt Osterberg, grandson of Joe DeMattia, the founder of the business, and an employee since 1986, confirmed the divestiture plan and merely cited the economy. The current owner of the business is Osterberg’s mother, Gloria, 75, who resides in Niantic with her husband Ken, 80.

Osterberg said when his grandfather started the business at its current location in 1931 or 1932, they pumped Standard Oil gas.

Then in the late 1930s, the station switched to the Shell brand which continued for about 50 years, then converted to the Texaco brand for about 10 years and then Citgo from the mid-1990s, he said.