Feb. 2, 2007 - Super Bowl Sunday

Have A Ball

Make this a Super Bowl  Sunday for the entire family.  Stop by the Westport Center for Senior Acivities, from 1-4 P.M., for food and drinks, games and contests, cheerleaders and streaming video .  The entire community is invited, free of charge, for an afternoon of fun for all ages.  This is the second year that the Friends of the Westport Center for Senior Activities is hosting the event.  The Center is located at 21 Imperial Avenue.  For additional information, call 203-341-5099. 

Jan. 2, 2007 - Model Airplane Club

Up,Up and Away.....

Dec. 14, 2006 - Y Sold

going, going...SOLD!!

While debate over the future home of the Westport Weston Family Y continues, the fate of the present site appears to have been resolved.  This week, it was announced that the downtown Y buildings were sold to Bedford Square Associates LLC, for more than $20 million.  The Y will continue to occupy the buildings for the next 3-5 years.  After that, the developers have promised an exciting renovation, comprising the 3 R's...retail, residential and restaurant.  The facade of the Bedford building will be kept intact but the Weeks building, in the rear, will be torn down.

Edward Thomas Bedford founded the Y, in downtown Westport, in 1923.  For the past 83 years, the Bedford building has remained a Westport landmark, at the corner of the Post Road and Main Street.  Controversy continues, over moving the Y out of its downtown location.  The Y is planning to build its new facility, on property it owns, at Camp Mahackeno.  The latest hurdle to the project is getting approval from the Conservation Commission.  The third public hearing was held this week, with neighbors and other Westport residents continuing to voice concern over the size of the proposed septic system and the possible environmental impact, especially if the system should fail or not operate as expected.  Public hearings continue on January 22.

To learn more about the Westport Weston family Y, go to http://www.westportymca.org

Dec. 1, 2006 - Rink at Longshore

Westport on Ice                                         

Last week, the ice skating rink at Longshore Club Park, opened for the season.  Each fall, as the outdoor tennis season winds down, the front courts are converted to an ice skating rink.  The rink is owned and run by the Westport Police Athletic League (PAL), and serves as a major fundraiser for their programs.  Skate rentals are available and refreshments and meals can be enjoyed in the heated eating area of the Longshore Pavilion.  Joey's by the Shore runs the food concession, offering snacks to full meals.  This year, they have also added a brick oven pizza.

General admission is $9 per session for adults or $7 with a handpass.  Children, to age 17 pay $6.25 or $5 w/handpass.  Group rates, private parties, seasonal passes and lessons are also available.  For more information, call 203-226-RINK or go to http://www.wpalrink.com

Nov. 25, 2006 - Westport Community Theatre

Now Playing

The Westport Community Theatre has been entertaining local audiences since 1956.  For 22 years they had a nomadic existence, staging their productions in various locations, in Westport, Weston and Fairfield.  In 1978, after the old Bedford Elementary School was converted into the Westport Town Hall, the community stage company created a theatre, downstairs.  Today, from their permanent home, they not only produce 7 mainstage productions, but also conduct theater workshops and run a year round experimental theatre company, known as ETC.

"An Inspector Calls", by J.B. Priestley, is the current production.  It is directed by Davina Porter and produced by Glenna Kean.  The play will run from November 24 thru December 10, with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 P.M., Sundays at 2:00 P.M. and Thursday, November 30 at 8:00 P.M.  Tickets are $12-$16.  For more information: http://www.westportcommunitytheatre.com

Nov. 8, 2006 - Westport Election Results

Shays Stays

Waiting in line to cast my vote, at 7:30, Tuesday morning, was the first indication that this year's, local, voter turnout would be strong.  That early evidence was confirmed, as 73% of registered, Westport voters, showed up at the polls, to make their choices known. Westporters are fairly evenly divided across party lines, with unaffiliated voters accounting for the majority.

                                          Westport Registered Voters                     

Unaffiliated	36.8%
Democrat	32.9%
Republican	30.2%

In a hotly, contested race, Democrat Diane Farrell failed her second attempt to unseat incumbent Christopher Shays, as U.S. Representative, from the 4th Congressional District.  She did make good on her prediction to carry Westport, where she most recently served as first selectwoman.  Farrell edged out Shays, in her hometown, 6,356 to 5,626.  Libertarian candidate, Phil Maymi, received 101 votes.

Another closely watched race was for U.S. Senator.   After losing the Democratic primary, Joe Lieberman, running as an Independant, garnered 52% of Westporter's votes.  Ned Lamont, the Democratic candidate, captured 42% of the vote, with Republican, Alan Schleshinger trailing at 6%.   

In the Governor's race, Westporters reflected the state results, with 64% casting their vote for Republican, incumbent Jodi Rell.  Democratic candidates carried Westport, for other state positions.

Westport Election Results

 U.S. House 4th Congr District         U.S. Senator                  Governor and Lt Governor

     5626  Christopher Shays        694  Alan Schleshinger           7531  Rell and Fedele 
     6356  Diane Farrell                5081  Ned Lamont                   4151  DeStefano and Glassman 
       101  Philip Z. Maymin          6229  Joe Lieberman                    19  Zdonczyk and Garcia 
                                                        9  Timothy A. Knibbs               46  Thoornton and deSmet 
                                                      29  Ralph A. Ferrucci

Oct. 31, 2006 - Westport CT Voting Districts

     Count Me In

Westport voters will go to the polls, on Tuesday, November 7, to choose the candidates they want to represent them, in the State and Federal government.  Locally, one of the most hotly contested races is for United States Representative in the 4th Congressional District.  Democrat Diane Farrell, the former first selectwoman of Westport, is making her second bid to unseat Christopher Shays, the 19-year, Republican incumbant.   The race for United States Senator is another contest, of national prominance, in which Westporters will make their choice known.  After losing the Democratic primary to Ned Lamont, Joe Lieberman is running as an Independant, in his bid to return to the Senate for a fourth term.  Alan Schlesinger is the Republican candidate.  Whatever your choice, let your voice be heard.  Here is the list of polling places, where Westporters can cast their votes.

Jul. 10, 2006 - Westport Fine Art Festival

Picture Perfect

Main Street will be hopping, this weekend, when the Westport Downtown Merchants Association holds its 33rd Annual Outdoor Fine art Festival.  Over the years, the festival has become much more than a juried art show.  In addition to displays from applicants representing more than 23 states and two foreign countries, there will be musical entertainment, children's activities and food vendors. 

On Saturday evening, of the show, there will be a block party featuring music of the Blue Steam Band.  The block party will run from 5:30 to 8:30.  To commemorate this year's show, T-shirts, with designs from Staples High School Art students, will be available for sale.  For more information, go to

http://www.westportdma.com/Art%20Festival.cfm

Jul. 1, 2006 - Westport Festival Italiano

Jun. 15, 2006 - Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts

The Price is Right

Wondering how to spend your summer evenings?  Head over to the Levitt Pavilion, on the banks of the Saugatuck River, Tuesday thru Sunday, where you can enjoy 50 free, open-air concerts.  Each evening has its own designated entertainment focus.  Enjoy sultry Sundays, listening to jazz, blues or big band tunes.  Wednesday evenings are family affairs, with performances that the kids will enjoy.  Thursdays feature classical and theater music, while Fridays and Saturdays are hopping to party bands, rock, folk and R&B.

 Wednesday and Sunday performances generally start at 7 P.M., while most other evenings begin at 8.  Plan on coming down early.  The gates open up an hour and a half before "curtain" time, to allow you to picnic and stake out your favorite spot.  Along with picnic baskets, don't forget your blanket, lawn chairs, citronella candles and bug spray.  There is plenty of free municipal parking and concession stands will be open for non-ticketed events, selling ice cream, chips, candy, soda and water.

 The Levitt has been bringing Westport, free-of-charge, summer entertainment, for 33 years.  To help underwrite these concerts, each summer, they also sponsor ticketed events.  Make sure to mark your calendars, this year, for July 28th, a not-to-miss, motown evening, featuring the Temptations and the Four Tops.  August 18th. Dickey Betts (the "Ramblin' Man, founding member of the Allman Brothers Band) and Great Southern will have you rockin' the night away.

For a complete calendar of performances, go to:

http://www.levittpavilion.com/Pavilionpages/calendar.htm

May. 24, 2006 - 99th Annual Yankee Doodle Fair

The Yankees are Coming

The Westport Summer Season of  events will kick off on Thursday, June 15, when the Westport Woman's Club hosts the 99th annual Yankee Doodle Fair.  The Fair, which lasts through Sunday, June18, will offer something for the whole family.  The kids will enjoy the amusement park rides, while Mom and Dad can place bids at the silent auction or choose their favorite items at the book and bake sale, and there will be food for everyone.  Admission is free and the net proceeds will benefit Fairfield County social agencies and charitable organizations. The Westport Woman's Club is located at 44 Imperial Avenue.  For additional information, call 227-4240.

May. 2, 2006 - Student Lunch Account

E-Meal

School lunches, in Westport, are going hi-tech!  Beginning May 1, Westport parents can now deposit money into a student lunch account, for their children.  Students are issued a debit card that works as an ATM card.  Using the card, lunch purchases are deducted each time the student buys lunch.  When the lunch account dips below $8.00, an envelope is sent home as a reminder to refill the account.  Parents may also request an activity report showing them what their child has purchased.  Sorry kids - no more just snacks and drinks, for lunch.

Apr. 16, 2006 - Castles in the Sand

Get out your pails and shovels.  Saturday, May 13th, marks the 5th annual, Sand Castle

Build-A-Thon, at Compo Beach, from Noon to 4:00 P.M.  Proceeds from this event will benefit the Interfaith Housing Association. The minimum amount to participate is $100, for a 10' X 10', Big Lot, which will accomodate four sand sculptors.  Larger groups can participate by reserving a 20' X 20', Really Big Lot, for $300.  Reservations must be in by May 9th.  For information or to volunteer, call 203-226-3426 x11 or go online at: www.ihawestport.com

Apr. 7, 2006 - Spring has Sprung

The best sign that spring is here and summer is on it's way, began this week, when the Parks and Recreation Office at Longshore Club Park began issuing parking emblems, handpasses and permits.  Summer program registration will begin tomorrow, April 8, at Bedford Middle School Cafeteria, from 7 A.M. thru 10 A.M.  Registration will continue at the Parks and Rec office, starting April 10.  Registration for summer programs must be done in person, and will be limited to one course per program until June 1.

Mar. 24, 2006 - There's still time!!

It's been 15 years since a group of Westport citizens got together to build the Compo Beach Playground.  From April 25-30, a new group, assisted by some of the original volunteers, will again meet to rebuild the playground.

Volunteers and tools are still needed.  Come on down, for what will certainly be a fun and rewarding experience.  For information or to make a donation, log on to http://www.wywl.com

Mar. 20, 2006 - Last call

The deadline is here.  All Westport who want to dispute their new tax assessment have until close of business (4:30 P.M.), today, Monday, March 20, 2006, to do so.  For all you procrastinators, including moi, you can download the appeals form at http://www.westportct.gov/agencies/financesandtaxes/assessor/appeals.htm

To date, some 300 Westporters have applied for a hearing.