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Thursday, July 02, 2009

Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period June 15 - 19, 2009:

James A. and Laurel J. Krzeminski to Paragon Relocation Resources Inc., 7 Blind Brook Road, $970,000

Paragon Relocation Resources Inc. to David T. Kimball, 7 Blind Brook Road, $970,000

Antonio and Maria Casablanca to 88 Clapboard Hill LLC, 88 Clapboard Hill Road, $2,450,000

Wynn G. and Doreen T. Blueberg to Rana M. Buckner, 1 Grist Mill Lane, $1,164,500

More "Westport Property Transfers June 15 - 19, 2009"

Seventeen members of the Westport Weston Family Y Exhibition Gymnastic Team ages 11-16 took silver in the USA Gymnastics International Sport and Cultural Festival in Fort Worth, Texas. The girls competed in Gymnastics For All Challenge against teams from the United States, Germany, Denmark, Mexico, and Venezuela. Additionally, the girls were chosen to perform a special evening performance by the Pan American Gymnastic Union and finished the week with a special invite to perform in The Festival Gala before closing ceremonies. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Soap and lotion seller Crabtree & Evelyn Ltd., which has its Westport store at 136 Main St., says it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, a victim of the recession and management missteps. The company, a unit of Crabtree & Evelyn Holdings in Britain, said it would continue to operate its stores and would honor gift cards and returns as it reorganizes under bankruptcy protection. The company said it would close some stores and try to renegotiate leases for others. It currently operates 126 stores in 34 states and employs about 950 people. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow/WestportNow.com file photo

Westport firefighters today rescued a Saugatuck resident from his basement apartment after a neighbor spotted his stove on fire that had spread to nearby cabinets.
A stove and cabinets were damaged in a basement apartment fire early today on Hiawatha Lane. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The neighbor called 911 at 6:16 a.m. after smelling smoke at 35C Hiawatha Lane and seeing smoke and flames through a window, said Assistant Chief William Dingee.

First arriving firefighters forced entry into the apartment and shut off the stove while others began a search of the apartment using a thermal imaging camera, he said.

They located the occupant asleep on his bed, removed him from the apartment, and administered oxygen until arrival of Westport EMS, Dingee said. The man was transported to Norwalk Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, he said.

More "Firefighters Rescue Resident in Stove Fire"

A banner at Westport’s Compo Beach reminds visitors of the PAL fireworks on Friday. Tickets are available at the Westport Police Department and at the Westport Parks and Recreation offices at Longshore Club Park. Tickets are $30 per car and must be purchased in advance. The rain date is Monday. On Friday, Compo Beach will be closed at 4 p.m. and reopened at 5 p.m. for fireworks ticket holders. The fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m. See a video of last year’s fireworks here. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Wind surfers and kite surfers were in the waters of Long Island Sound Wednesday off of Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. - Imperial Avenue Commuter Parking Lot - Westport Farmers’ Market
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Heads & Hands” by Kristin Rasich Fox
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Sentimental Shipbuilding”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “2009 Solos Show”
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Crazy Hair Day (Grades 2-4)
6 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Family Program: “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “tick, tick ... Boom!”
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Paul King Big Band Orchestra

Wednesday, July 01, 2009

There was some minor flooding at the former Allen’s Clam House property on Sherwood Mill Pond today after the thunderstorm at high tide.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Westport’s Independence Day fireworks this year will have a new feature—the Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) will present the musical revue ensemble For The Heart.
The For the Heart ensemble from the Connecticut Music Theatre will perform before the fireworks on Friday. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

The group will perform from 6:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday by the cannons at Compo Beach. The fireworks will go off at 9:15 p.m. Car passes at $30 are available at Westport police headquarters and the Parls & Rec Department office at Longshore.

Founded in 2005 by MTC student Caley Beretta, For The Heart is a community service group that has been performing classic Broadway show tunes at elderly assisted living facilities as well as special performances for events, including Westport/Weston First Night.

The group started with eight friends and has grown to feature more than 40 performers. Friday’s performance will mark For The Heart’s 25th show. 

More "Fireworks to Feature For The Heart Musical Revue"

For the ninth year, Westport Wash & Wax has turned over Good Neighbor Day receipts to Interfaith Housing Association (IHA)/Homes with Hope.The day-long fund-raiser was held last week. Pictured at the check presentation are (l-r) Kirsten Allen, IHA community relations assistant; The Rev. Peter Powell, IHA president and CEO, and Westport Wash & Wax owners Scott Tiefenthaler and Craig Tiefenthaler. “Thanks to their support, we are able to provide the best of services to our clients and especially to continue to provide supportive housing and emergency shelter,” said Powell. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Karen Mahar for WestportNow.com

Westport’s Jesup Road was partially closed to traffic today as the town’s paving program included the busy roadway in its repaving program. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Levitt Pavilion’s children’s series will open tonight with the Hall family, but the show will be moved indoors to Saugatuck School, 170 Riverside Ave., due to the threat of thunderstorms. 

Show time is 7 p.m. and admission is free.

UPDATE A tractor-trailer today took down wires in Bridge Square at the intersection of Bridge Street and Riverside Avenue--the second such accident there in three weeks.

Police initially closed off the intersection as they awaited utility crews to respond to the scene. But after assessing the situation, they reopened the roadway to traffic as the downed wires were off the roadway. There were no injuries.

The accident occurred shortly after 4 p.m. as the evening rush hour train traffic was about to begin. The tractor-trailer was able to move across the street to the parking lot of the former Conte’s Restaurant.

In the early morning hours of June 13, another tractor-trailer brought down wires at the same intersection. (See WestportNow June 13, 2009)

The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y. has issued a flash flood watch for Westport and area from midnight tonight through Thursday evening.

Recent heavy rainfall has left saturated soil conditions across the area, a late afternoon advisory said.

Weak low pressure and an associated warm front moving up toward the area from the south will spark numerous showers and thunderstorms from late tonight into Thursday evening, some of which may produce torrential rainfall, it said.

Rainfall of 1 to 2 inches with locally higher amounts of 2 to 4 inches could lead to flash flooding of small streams, urban and poor drainage areas, the advisory said. 

Congressman Jim Himes has secured $265,000 in federal funds for the Westport Fire Department to replace an aging emergency generator at fire headquarters.
Jim Himes:“This funding...will improve the safety of our entire region.”Contributed photo

“Maintaining our ability to respond to disasters and terrorist attacks is critical to our personal and economic security,” said Himes in supporting the appropriation, part of a Homeland Security appropriations bill. “This funding for the Westport generator will improve the safety of our entire region.”

The Westport Fire Headquarters houses Westport’s Emergency Operations Center as well as units from the Fairfield County Hazardous Materials Response Team and the Regional Communications and Command Response Unit.

The funding will allow the purchase of a new generator that will supply emergency standby power for the entire headquarters complex. Without the new generator, the ability to maintain and receive communications from other agencies during an emergency could be significantly compromised, Himes said.

More "Himes Announces Funding for Westport Fire Department"

Wind gusts of about 20 miles per hour, much less than the 60 mph forecasters said was possible, accompanied the thunderstorm that moved through the Westport area shortly before 1 p.m. today. Scene is Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untemeyer for WestportNow.com

This was the view from Westport’s Compo Beach as a severe thunderstorm hit the Westport area shortly before 1 p.m. today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

UPDATE A severe thunderstorm moved through the Westport area shortly before 1 p.m. today, dropping about a half inch of rain before moving off to the east.
Westport firefighters today investigated a possible lightning strike at this house on Victoria Lane off Cross Highway.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

A National Weather Service advisory said a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for the area at 12:22 p.m. and the storm hit the Westport area about 20 minutes later.

While the advisory said the storm was capable of producing damaging winds in excess of 60 mph, unofficial readings said gusts reached no more than 18-20 mph.

Westport firefighters responded to a reported lightning strike on Victoria Lane off Cross Highway.

More "Severe Thunderstorm Moves Through Area"

UPDATE All trains into and out of Grand Central Terminal are experiencing up to 15 minute delays due to track conditions, Metro-North Railroad said.

By 10 a..m, the railroad reported near normal service had been resumed.

Westport regulators are reviewing an application to acquire a demolition permit for a house at 8 Manitou Court in the Compo Road South area.  The 1965-built, two-story brick colonial has 2,772 square feet and is situated on a 2.76-acre waterfront property. Ownership changed hands in February at $3.125 million. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Some hanging baskets add color at Christie’s Country Store on Westport’s Cross Highway. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – UN Hospitality Committee
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Heads & Hands” by Kristin Rasich Fox
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Sentimental Shipbuilding”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “2009 Solos Show”
2 p.m. and 8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “tick, tick ... Boom!”
7 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - The Hall Family (pre-show festivities at 6:30 p.m.)—Show moved to Saugatuck Elementary School, 170 Riverside Ave., due to threat of thunderstorms.
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Flood & Erosion Control Board

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Judge Douglas Mintz and Roberta Palmer of the judicial branch of the Stamford Superior Court told the Westport Rotary Club today that Connecticut offers the most advanced in the nation foreclosure mediation program to help homeowners who are at risk of foreclosures. Palmer, director of the state’s program, said that only 35 percent of those eligible for foreclosure mediation have applied for the benefits of the program. According to Mintz and Palmer, in the period from July 1, 2008, to March 31, 2009, the program has succeeded in modifying the loans for 948 houses and mediated arrangements for 1,313 families to remain in their houses. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Tonight’s Levitt Pavilion performance by the Westport Community Band has been rescheduled for Monday, July 6, due to inclement weather.  Showtime will be 8 p.m. and admission is free.

Today was the start of the acquasize class sponsored by the Westport Center for Senior Activities and Westport Parks and Recreation Department at Longshore Club Park. The teacher is Westporter Ruth Sherman who is well known for her classes at the Family Y and for her bicycling for good causes.  Any Westport senior may sign up for the free classes which are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:40 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Sherri Brooks Vinton: market visitors can learn cooking tips and tricks. Contributed photoThe Thursday Westport Farmers’ Market will feature weekly cooking demonstrations from area chefs through Nov. 19, organizers announced today. 

The demonstrations will feature products available in the market and will offer eaters tips and tricks for working with local, seasonal foods, said Sherri Brooks Vinton, market director.

The cooking lessons and tastings will be held in the community tent, a 40-seat tented area sponsored by the Town of Westport as part of this year’s Celebrate Westport programming. 

The Westport Farmers’ Market sees the demonstrations as an integral part of their commitment to eater education, Brooks Vinton said. 

More "Westport Thursday Market to Feature Chefs"

A fisherman at Westport’s Compo Beach watches the Long Island Sound activity as he waits for a bite. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Westporter Diana Zaslow was greeted by this visitor under a bench near her garage. Gone for the day, she found the fawn still there on her return. “My husband and I did some gardening and carefully walked around the baby,” she said in an e-mail to WestportNow. “It did not run away.  I thought it might be sick or hungry so I brought out some baby carrots and lettuce.” The animal ran into the woods but returned later in the day. “Later in the afternoon the mother deer came back and the baby got up and followed the mother across my yard and into the woods,” Zaslow said. “I guess the baby said, ‘My mother left me here for the day and this is where she will find me again.’” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Diana Zaslow for WestportNow.com

The National Weather Service in Upton, N.Y., has issued severe thunderstorm watch for Westport and area in effect until 7 p.m.

The view from Westport’s Compo Beach Monday at dusk. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Heads & Hands” by Kristin Rasich Fox
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Sentimental Shipbuilding”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “2009 Solos Show”
7 p.m. - Westport Public Library - TEAM Westport presents “Sonia Sotomayor for Supreme Court Justice: Good Nomination or Bad?”
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “tick, tick ... Boom!”
8 p.m. - Levitt Pavilion - Westport Community Band

Monday, June 29, 2009

A couple of fishermen at Westport’s Compo Beach check out a sea robin one of them hauled in. The sea robin fish has large wings like a bird and when caught makes a croaking noise similar to a frog. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

The Westport Basketball League teams played hard to win tonight at Westport’s Compo Beach. Tonight it was Team Mox vs Croakie Mafia. The teams play Monday and Tuesday nights. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Carey and Doug Weber are honoring Westport’s heritage by displaying a Westport Historical Society plaque identifying their 16 Bridge St. home as the Frederick Hotchkiss house which was built in 1877. This Italianate house was built by Hotchkiss on land he purchased from Isaac Allen. The Webers purchased the house in 1994 after moving here from New York City. “We both love the look, feel and history of old houses,” said the Webers. “By enjoying what has remained of the past, we are better able to appreciate the dynamics possibilities of the present.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Weingarten for WestportNow.com

9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. - Westport/Weston Health District - Wellness Clinic, adults and children
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Years in the Making: Ageless Artists, Ageless Art”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Historical Society - “Heads & Hands” by Kristin Rasich Fox
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Sentimental Shipbuilding”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “2009 Solos Show”

PROPERTY TRANSFERS

Westport Property Transfers June 15 - 19, 2009
MORE >>

ARTS & LEISURE

Fireworks to Feature For The Heart Musical Revue

Flying at the Levitt

BUSINESS

Crabtree & Evelyn Files for Bankruptcy

Westport $12.5 Million Bond Sale Goes to PNC Capital Markets

COMMUNITY

Woman’s Club Installs New Officers

Taking Part in “Got Mitzvah?” Day

HEALTH & FITNESS

Patagonia Employees Win Bike Challenge

Westporter Appointed Nurse Chaplain at Norwalk Hospital

EDUCATION

Turning the Tassels

Cheers for the Grads

OBITUARIES

Joseph J. Phillips Jr., 68

Harry Zeimer, 88

POLITICS

Boucher: State’s Tax Policy Costing Jobs, Revenue

Democratic Women of Westport Meet

REAL ESTATE

Westport Property Transfers June 15 - 19, 2009

WestportNow Teardown of the Day: 8 Manitou Court

SPORTS

Winners

Staples Shines at New England Track and Field Meet

SPECIAL REPORTS

Memorial Day 2009 photos
 
Our Quest for the Best Margarita in Westport
MORE >>

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