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Thursday, May 15, 2008

Watchful Eye

Visitors to Westport’s Compo Beach Wednesday enjoy a snack under the watchful eye of a sea gull. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Thursday, May 15, 2008

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Earthplace - “Recycled Into Art,” works by Harrat Sommerhoff
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Color in 3D”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Found”
7 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
7:15 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201/201A – Westport Youth Commission
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Gaming and Gadgets
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “The Pavilion” preview

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Twain Talk

Daniel Cruson, an archeology teacher at Joel Barlow High School in Redding and president of the Archeology Society of Connecticut, was the guest speaker tonight in a Westport Public Library lecture series on Mark Twain. He spoke of periods of Twain’s life showing the effect that Connecticut had on him as a writer, and the impact that he had on the communities in which he lived, including his unique architectural contributions. The series ends Monday with a one-act musical revue of Twain’s stories and wit called “Twixt, beTween & beTwain.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

In Safe Hands

A Westport firefighter hands over a cat to David Johnson, 58, after it was found in a house at 16 Crooked Mile Road tonight where flames broke out in a kitchen ceiling. Johnson, a tenant in the house, was alerted to the fire in an adjoining apartment by a smoke alarm. The cat belongs to the homeowner who was not at home. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Cat Rescued in House Fire

David Johnson holds a cat rescued tonight at 16 Crooked Mile Road after fire broke out in a kitchen ceiling. Johnson, one of three tenants in the house, said the cat belongs to the homeowner who is currently hospitalized following a car accident. Firefighters at rear enter the kitchen to put out hot spots after the ceiling flames were extinguished. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Crooked Mile Road Fire Damages Kitchen Area of Home

Smoke can be seen coming from the rear of a house at 16 Crooked Mile Road tonight as flames damaged the ceiling of a kitchen. A resident of one of three apartments in the house said a smoke alarm alerted him to a fire in an adjoining apartment. He attempted to put out the flames before firefighters arrived. Damage was limited to the ceiling area. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

P&Z Continues Hearings on Y Application

The Westport Planning and Zoning Commission tonight held another session on the application of the Westport Weston Family Y to move its facilities to its Camp Mahackeno location. Before the meeting, young members of the Y’s swim teams walked to Town Hall to attend the meeting. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Firefighters Rescue Incapacitated Roof Worker

Westport firefighters today rescued an incapacitated worker at a home on Wakeman Road. Assistant Chief Andrew Kingsbury said the man was applying protective oil to the wood shingle roof when he became stuck. Although he was not injured, due to a previous knee injury he was unable to get down from the roof on his own. Firefighters secured him with a harness and safety rope and assisted him safely to the ground. Kingsbury said the successful outcome of the incident in large part can be credited to fellow workers who called the fire department rather than attempting to rescue the man themselves. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Water Main Break Disrupts Saugatuck Area

UPDATE Workers installing a new utility pole struck a water main shortly after 9:30 a.m today near the intersection of Saugatuck Avenue and Treadwell Avenue in Westport’s Saugatuck area. The water also apparently affected an AT&T fiber optic cable, and several residents said they lost Internet service for a while. Water flooded a basement at 443 Saugatuck Ave. and hundreds of customers were without water in the area. Water pressure dropped to many others. Aquarion Water Co. said it had restored service to most residents by mid-day and full service to the rest by 6 p.m. The outage affected a number of restaurants in the area which, because of the lack of running water, were unable to serve lunch. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Home Sweet Home

A robin has built a nest on the front door wreath of a Westport home and has so far laid two eggs. “I guess our Compo Road South antique has enough curb appeal that Westport’s wildlife prefer the front door rather than our trees,” said Damon J. Conte in an e-mail to WestportNow. Damon J. Conte for WestportNow.com

Compo Fun

Visitors to the playground at Westport’s Compo Beach on Tuesday had fun as temperatures reached 70 in some parts of Westport under mostly sunny skies. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Earthplace - “Recycled Into Art,” works by Harrat Sommerhoff
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Color in 3D”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Found”
Noon - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library - Nicholas Mancini, “A Hairdresser’s Revenge”
6:15 p.m. - Christ & Holy Trinity Church - Appalachian Mountain Club presents “Peru: Beyond the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu” by Craig Evans
6:30 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
7 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Painted/Stacked Westport” with artist Russell Maltz and art expert Jennifer McGregor
7:40 p.m. - Westport Public Library - SpokenWord: The Impact of Mark Twain in Connecticut, Danial Cruson
8 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - “The Pavilion” preview

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Theater Talk

Westport Country Playhouse Artistic Director Anne Keefe and “The Pavilion” Director Chad Rabinovitz savor the moment following the first preview of the show tonight. “The Pavilion,” which opens Saturday and runs through May 31, is the first outing as director for Rabinowitz. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Police Arrest Five Teens for Assault

Westport police said today they have arrested five 17-year old Norwalk youths for their involvement in assaulting a 17-year old Weston youth at a Westport residence two months ago.

On Sunday, March 9, an ambulance was requested at a Westport residence where an assault victim needed medical attention, police said in a news release.

The victim was transported to Norwalk Hospital for injuries sustained in the assault, detectives said. 

Information given to the police was that the Weston youth was assaulted by a group of youths from Norwalk the previous evening, police said.

More "Westport Police Arrest Five Teens for Assault"

Only a Drill

Westport firefighters today practiced extricating car crash victims using hydraulic rescue tools. The use of multiple air bags, seat belt tension devices, and higher density metal content than in older vehicles have made such rescues more complex and potentially dangerous to rescuers. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Fire Damages Empty Westport School Bus

An empty Westport school bus caught fire today on Interstate-95 in Fairfield, police said.

The driver said she smelled smoke as she approached the southbound Exit 19 ramp.

By the time Fairfield firefighters arrived, the engine compartment was fully involved.

The small school bus was heavily damaged by the flames, firefighters said.

Westport Property Transfers April 21 - 25, 2008

Westport property transfers as reported by the Town Clerk’s office for the period April 21 - 25, 2008:

Challenge Homes Assoc. to Clasp Homes Inc., 24 Pine Drive, $114,000

Benefactor Home Assoc. to Clasp Homes Inc., 44 Kings Highway South, $43,000

Gregory B. Brown and Donna Brennan-Brown Tr. to Armand J. Wolff and Cynthia M. Murdock , 21 Berkeley Road, $1,350,000

Gerald Hugh Lloyd-Thomas to Maria Kolbin, 4 Palmieri Road, $710,000

Group Cites Danger to Fairfield County from Nuclear Plant

The Radiation and Public Health Project used a news conference today at Westport’s Earthplace, The Nature Discovery Center, to warn of dangers from the Indian Point nuclear power plant in Buchanan, N.Y. Joseph Mangano ( l), executive director of the project, said a new report on high radioactivity levels in baby teeth and high child cancer rates suggest that two Indian Point nuclear reactors may be harming the health of Fairfield County residents. He was joined by Gail Merrill, a New Canaan resident and breast cancer survivor, and Larry Kaley of Fairfield in opposing renewal of Entergy’s licenses to operate the plant for 20 more years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Hunting

A group of young egrets hunting for small fish in the shallow waters during low tide at Westport’s Burying Hill Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Larry Untermeyer for WestportNow.com

Castles in the Sand: There was a Polar Bear Winner, Too

Gault Inc.’s polar bear: sympbol of dangers of global warming, (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
Saturday’s Castles in the Sand fund-raiser for Interfaith Housing Association produced a number of winners, including one by Westport’s Gault, Inc. depicting a polar bear.

“Gault’s polar bear is especially meaningful because of what it represents: a living symbol of the dangers of global warming,” said a company representative in an e-mail to WestportNow. Gault was not mentioned in Saturday’s story. (See WestportNow May 10, 2008)

“As the event sponsor, and the company that donated all of the sand used to create these wonderful masterpieces, Gault is hoping that you will be able to include a follow-up story about their polar bear, which was a real crowd favorite,” the message said.

The spokeswoman said Gault is teaming up with the not-for-profit organization Polar Bears International (PBI) to launch a major energy conservation and education program this summer. 

More "Castles in the Sand: There was a Polar Bear Winner, Too"

Judge Orders Bond to Remain at $1 Million for Accountant

A judge has ordered bond to remain at $1 million for a Westport accountant accused of stealing $500,000 from a Westport asset management firm.

Noel Lara, 40, of 25 Saugatuck Ave., is charged with first-degree larceny from MUUS Asset Management, 228 Saugatuck Ave., according to court records. (See WestportNow May 9, 2008) Judge Burton Kapan, in ordering bond to remain at $1 million, transferred the case to Stamford Superior Court where more serious cases are heard.

Westport police said Lara, a native of the Philippines, is accused of embezzling more than $500,000 at MUUS. His arrest warrant has been sealed because the investigation is ongoing and few details are available.

Lara is to appear in court for his arraignment on the larceny charge May 27. 

Color on a Gray Day

Colorful blossoms brightened a stormy, gray afternoon Monday on Westport’s Morningside Drive South. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

8:30 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Human Services Commission
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Earthplace - “Recycled Into Art,” works by Harrat Sommerhoff
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Color in 3D”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Found”
10 a.m. - Westport Public Library - Jobseekers Resource Seminar
10 a.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – Westport Youth Commission Mentor Meeting
11 a.m. – Town Hall Room 201/201A – BOE Health & Wellness/Food Service Advisory Committee
7 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309/307 – Historic District Commission
7 p.m. - Westport Country Playhouse - A Taste of Tuesday reception followed by “The Pavilion” preview
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - Authors@the Library: Stewart Reifler, CEO Pay
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Zoning Board of Appeals (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
7:30 p.m. – Parks & Recreation Building Conference Room – Longshore Golf Clubhouse Committee
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201 – Architectural Review Board

Monday, May 12, 2008

Burying Hill Flooded

Westport’s Burying Hill Beach was among low lying areas hit by coastal flooding today as a storm system, accompanied by high winds, passed off the coastline. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

It’s Shays vs. Himes

The Democratic Party tonight endorsed Jim Himes of Greenwich to face incumbent Republican Christopher Shays for the 4th Congressional District seat in November’s election.

Himes accepted the party nomination in a convention at a Bridgeport school. Republicans endorsed Shays, a Bridgeport resident, over the weekend at a convention in Darien. Many Westport party faithful attended each of the conventions.

If successful, Himes would become the first Democrat elected from the district since 1966.

Former Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell was unsuccessful in two attempts to unseat Shays, now the lone Republican congressman from New England.

More Twain at the Library

The third presentation of the “Spoken Word” at the Westport Public Library tonight featured David E. E. Sloane, professor of English at the University of New Haven. With banjo, top hat and other props, he informed and entertained the audience and read passages from many books of the era to illustrate Mark Twain’s humor. The next lecture will be on Wednesday with Daniel Cruson speaking on “The Impact of Mark Twain in Connecticut.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Storm Fun

Westport did not get much rain today but it did get strong winds as a storm passed in the Atlantic. Some visitors to Compo Beach had fun as the storm produced high waves. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Farrell Addresses Y’s Women

Former Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell was guest speaker at today’s meeting of the Westport Weston Y’s Women. She described her duties as a member of the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States in Washington, D.C. She said she is responsible for voting on Ex-Im Bank transactions in excess of $10 million. “Connecticut is small but mighty” among the top manufacturers of export products, she said. She noted that a company in Torrington, Conn., manufacturing fuel cells could not have been successful if the Export-Import Bank had not guaranteed its loan. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

High Winds Down Tree

High winds contributed to a tree snapping and falling on power lines in front of 48 Hillspoint Road early this afternoon.  No power outage was reported in the neighborhood.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Learning Girl Scout Skills

The eighth grade Westport Girl Scouts hosted Brownie Skills Days at Camp Aspetuck in Weston in which first and second grade Brownies learned about camping out. The eighth graders taught the younger girls what to pack, how to wash their dishes and fire safety. The favorite part for all was roasting marshmallows and making s’mores. Pictured are girls from Coleytown Troop 272 enjoying making s’mores. Early bird registration for Girl Scouts will be held at Christ & Holy Trinity Church on May 28 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Cited by Architectural Digest

Westport architect Valerie Schweitzer poses in front of her studio on Blue Water Hill which was named as a finalist in Architectural Digest’s recent “Open Audition” competition. Her studio is on the grounds of her home where she lives with her husband, Ted, and two daughters. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Setting Sail

Sunday’s sunny skies with light winds made for good sailing on Long Island Sound off of Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Monday, May 12, 2008

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. - Earthplace - “Recycled Into Art,” works by Harrat Sommerhoff
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Color in 3D”
10 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Westport Arts Center - “Found”
3:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 309/307 – Board of Selectman (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
6:30 p.m. – Town Hall Auditorium – Planning & Zoning Commission Public Hearing (live coverage cable channel 79 and westportct.gov)
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 201/201A – Parks & Recreation Commission
7:30 p.m. – Town Hall Room 102 – Special Board of Education with Anticipated Executive Session
7:30 p.m. - Westport Public Library - SpokenWord: Mark Twain’s Humor, Dr. David E.E. Sloane

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Happiness is a Day at the Beach

A young lady enjoyed her weekend visit to Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lynn U. Miller for WestportNow.com

In the Swing

The playground at Westport’s Compo Beach was a busy place today on Mother’s Day. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Westport Teen Scrabble Players: C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S

An official checks the board as Westporters Matthew Silver (l) and Logan Rosen look on. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
What’s a nine-letter word that describes two eighth graders from Westport’s Bedford Middle School who competed in this weekend’s national scholastic Scrabble competition? C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S

Matthew Silver, 14, and teammate Logan Rosen, 13, won $5,000 for their efforts in the two-day 2008 National School Scrabble Championship which ended Saturday night in Providence, R.I. They competed against 99 other two-person teams of fifth through eighth graders from 23 states.

“It feels really exciting,” said Matthew, who also won last year with a different partner (she was too old to qualify this year). “It was fun event. Even if we didn’t win, it was a lot of fun.”

Logan agreed, adding: “I knew we were a good team. I wasn’t sure we would win but was hoping for the best. I actually thought it was going to be harder.”

More "Westport Teen Scrabble Players: C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N-S"

Westporters Win National School Scrabble Championship

Bedford Middle School eighth graders Logan Rosen, 13, (c) and Matthew Silver, 14, won the 2008 National School Scrabble Championship Saturday night in Providence, R.I. The Westport duo defeated a team from Tucker, Ga., to win the $5,000 top prize. It was the second national championship in a row for Matthew who won last year with a different partner. ESPN will broadcast the contest in August. Contributed photo

Playing Under Pressure

Westporters Matthew Silver, 14, (l) and Logan Rosen 13, (hidden) compete in the final round Saturday night of the 2008 National School Scrabble Championship in Providence, R.I. against Joey Krafchick, 13, of Roswell, Ga., and his teammate, Dorian Hill, 13, of Tucker, Ga. The Bedford Middle School eighth graders won $5,000 for their efforts. The contest began Friday with 100 teams of students in grades five through eight from 23 states competing in six rounds of play. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Good Day for Kite Flying

Saturday was a good day for kite flying at Westport’s Compo Beach. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Beach Walk

Not everyone was building sand sculptures at Westport’s Compo Beach on Saturday. Some took advantage of the sunshine and mild temperatures for a walk in the sand. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

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