(click on image to enlarge)
The white Christmas in Southport is being rained away the day after Christmas.
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Southport Snowman's last day
(click on image to enlarge)
The white Christmas in Southport is being rained away the day after Christmas.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Southport Saturday
(click on image to enlarge)
At Ye Yacht Yard Saturday afternoon during the wind storm.
(click on image to enlarge)
At the boat launch looking towards the Lower Wharf.
(click on image to enlarge)
View from Southport Beach looking towards McKenzie's Point at about low tide.
View from Southport Beach looking towards McKenzie's Point at about low tide.
(click on image to enlarge)
At the Southport-Westport border near Sasco Creek on Pequot Avenue.
At the Southport-Westport border near Sasco Creek on Pequot Avenue.
Osborne House still intact-buyer wanted
A home that harkens back to a simpler era, and stands out amongst its much more modern neighbors along Kings Highway West, can still be saved. Town records date the dark brown Colonial-style Osborne House (with a saltbox roof) to circa 1734, though it could be even older.
Located at 909 Kings Highway W., the home has been on the market for close to two years. The state of the economy hasn't helped as far as finding a buyer. Munson Builders, which owns the 2,040 square foot structure, is committed to finding someone who wants to occupy the space, according to real estate agent Hope Kern.
Munson Builders doesn't want to tear it down, but if no buyer comes forward, it will be forced to level the house and build anew.
"The home is looking for that special buyer that wants a piece of history," said Kern.
The home was recently advertised in the Connecticut Preservation News, according to a newsletter put out by the Connecticut Trust. More specifically, it was featured in the "endangered" real estate section of the newsletter, called "Historic Properties Exchange," to raise awareness about it.
Christopher Wigren, deputy director of the Connecticut Trust, told the Fairfield Citizen he has been to the house, toured the inside and found it to be "really charming."
He said the visit was sort of like a trip back in time. Framing is visible on the inside, there's paneling on the walls, old floor boards and two fireplaces off of the central chimney. There's also a stone basement, according to Wigren.
There were two additions put on the home around the 1950s but those additions (an expanded kitchen and an artist's workshop/studio) were done in a way that matched the scale and look of the home. A low-level stone wall surrounds much of the property. The home sits on a quarter-acre property. What looks like the property's side yard is also on the market as an undeveloped quarter acre. However, one could buy the property the home sits on, as well as the quarter-acre parcel next to it and retain its charm. The stone wall in front of the historic home begins on Kings Highway West and wraps around to Oxford Road. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14053705
Located at 909 Kings Highway W., the home has been on the market for close to two years. The state of the economy hasn't helped as far as finding a buyer. Munson Builders, which owns the 2,040 square foot structure, is committed to finding someone who wants to occupy the space, according to real estate agent Hope Kern.
Munson Builders doesn't want to tear it down, but if no buyer comes forward, it will be forced to level the house and build anew.
"The home is looking for that special buyer that wants a piece of history," said Kern.
The home was recently advertised in the Connecticut Preservation News, according to a newsletter put out by the Connecticut Trust. More specifically, it was featured in the "endangered" real estate section of the newsletter, called "Historic Properties Exchange," to raise awareness about it.
Christopher Wigren, deputy director of the Connecticut Trust, told the Fairfield Citizen he has been to the house, toured the inside and found it to be "really charming."
He said the visit was sort of like a trip back in time. Framing is visible on the inside, there's paneling on the walls, old floor boards and two fireplaces off of the central chimney. There's also a stone basement, according to Wigren.
There were two additions put on the home around the 1950s but those additions (an expanded kitchen and an artist's workshop/studio) were done in a way that matched the scale and look of the home. A low-level stone wall surrounds much of the property. The home sits on a quarter-acre property. What looks like the property's side yard is also on the market as an undeveloped quarter acre. However, one could buy the property the home sits on, as well as the quarter-acre parcel next to it and retain its charm. The stone wall in front of the historic home begins on Kings Highway West and wraps around to Oxford Road. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14053705
The Osborne/Bulkley House in 1891
909 King's Highway West, Osborn/Bulkley House
Southport, Connecticut
Description: Note found with glass plate negative: "The Seth Bulkley house on the corner of Kings Highway & Oxford Place. Now belongs to Marietta Hall (1944). June 11, 1891." (This note contains the one definite clue as to the date when the notes found with the glass plate negatives were written--1944.) On an original print made from this plate is marked "Edward T Hall, Photographer." Seth Bulkley's daughter, Mary, was the second wife of Edward T Hall, Sr and the mother of Marietta, Edward T Jr, Clinton and Eugene Hall. Mary Bulkley Hall was killed in an accident at a Southport railroad crossing in 1886. Her children inherited this house, 909 Kings Highway West, from her estate. This house was built by Capt John Osborn-1 c1675-80 according to Cigliano & Schwarz, Southport, The Architectural Legacy of a Ct Village (page 8). It was deeded to his son Samuel Osborn in 1702. See _Packet_ Apr 1994 photos #522-524.
Creator: V. Louise Higgins
Publisher: Pequot Library Association
Date: 11 June 1891
Format: Photograph
REFERENCE URL: http://pequotlibrary.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p1038coll5&CISOPTR=103&CISOBOX=1&REC=3
Fairfield Museum & History Center happenings
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Holiday Express Train Show
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Fairfield Museum & History Center
Description: Enjoy a unique train-filled experience. Enjoy scenic train set layouts from local train clubs. Fun for the whole family!
Fee: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, MEMBERS and children 5 and under FREE.
For more information contact info@fairfieldhs.org
Monday, December 28, 2009
Community Day
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Fairfield Museum & History Center
Description: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Enjoy an afternoon of stories and activities at Fairfield Museum while viewing the Holiday Express Train show.
Fee: Members free, non-members free with admission.For more information contact info@fairfieldhs.org
Holiday Express Train Show
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Fairfield Museum & History Center
Description: Enjoy a unique train-filled experience. Enjoy scenic train set layouts from local train clubs. Fun for the whole family!
Fee: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, MEMBERS and children 5 and under FREE.
For more information contact info@fairfieldhs.org
Holiday Express Train Show
Time: 12:00 pm
Location: Fairfield Museum & History Center
Description: Enjoy a unique train-filled experience. Enjoy scenic train set layouts from local train clubs. Fun for the whole family!
Fee: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, MEMBERS and children 5 and under FREE.
For more information contact info@fairfieldhs.org
Monday, December 28, 2009
Community Day
Time: 1:00 pm
Location: Fairfield Museum & History Center
Description: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Enjoy an afternoon of stories and activities at Fairfield Museum while viewing the Holiday Express Train show.
Fee: Members free, non-members free with admission.For more information contact info@fairfieldhs.org
Holiday Express Train Show
Time: 10:00 am
Location: Fairfield Museum & History Center
Description: Enjoy a unique train-filled experience. Enjoy scenic train set layouts from local train clubs. Fun for the whole family!
Fee: $5 adults, $3 students and seniors, MEMBERS and children 5 and under FREE.
For more information contact info@fairfieldhs.org
First Car Of New Metro-North Fleet On Display In New Haven
video: http://www.courant.com/community/new-haven/hc-new-haven-trains-1225.artdec25,0,223273.story
Hundreds of Metro-North passengers got a glimpse of gleaming, factory-fresh rail cars on Christmas Eve, but it will be nearly the holiday season of next year before anyone gets a chance to ride them.The railroad put the first of its new M-8 cars on display at Union Station for a few hours, giving Gov. M. Jodi Rell a chance to lead TV camera crews on a tour. She pointed out new features: ergonomic seats, winged headrests, spacious bathrooms, bike racks and LED signs that will show the name of each station as the train arrives."The cleanliness, the newness — it's like getting new bicycles or a new car," Rell said. "It's Christmas Eve. What better present could we ask for?"Over the next five years, Metro-North plans to phase in 300 of the high-tech Japanese-designed M-8s to become the front-line fleet on its busy line between New Haven and Manhattan. As the M-8s gradually go into service, the railroad will retire and scrap its fleet of decrepit 30- and 35-year-old M-2s."Our commuters have been very patient — that patience is paying off," said Rell, who promised when she took office in 2004 to modernize the fleet. The New Haven line carries more than 30 million riders a year, and is heavily used by Fairfield County residents commuting to New York City.Delays have already put the fleet transition nearly a year behind the original schedule. But on Thursday, Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. President Akira Hattori assured Rell that his company is prepared to keep to its timetable. The first of the cars are being built in Japan, but most of the order will be assembled in Lincoln, Neb."We have just started to manufacture in Nebraska," Hattori said.Metro-North expects to receive enough of the roughly $2.3 million cars to make up a full train by late winter, and will put them through more than a half-year of testing. If everything works, the first cars will go into regular service late next year and factory production will be ramped up to put out 10 a month. Fares will increase when the new trains start running.Metro-North will operate the trains, but Connecticut is buying them. So far, the state is the only customer for the newly designed M-8s. They are considered complex because they can switch between using overhead power wires or a third rail. They also have single-panel doors — unlike most trains and subways that use twin half-panel doors — and two heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems intended to prevent breakdowns.Curious passengers on Thursday glanced across platforms to Track 8, where the two new cars were on display. The angular design, glistening red paint and polished metal surfaces made the M-8s stand out from the grimy, tired-looking trains shuttling to Manhattan.
READ MORE: http://www.courant.com/community/new-haven/hc-new-haven-trains-1225.artdec25,0,223273.story
Other sources:
http://www.westportnow.com/index.php?/v2/comments/26043/
http://darien.patch.com/articles/new-m8-cars-debut
Hundreds of Metro-North passengers got a glimpse of gleaming, factory-fresh rail cars on Christmas Eve, but it will be nearly the holiday season of next year before anyone gets a chance to ride them.The railroad put the first of its new M-8 cars on display at Union Station for a few hours, giving Gov. M. Jodi Rell a chance to lead TV camera crews on a tour. She pointed out new features: ergonomic seats, winged headrests, spacious bathrooms, bike racks and LED signs that will show the name of each station as the train arrives."The cleanliness, the newness — it's like getting new bicycles or a new car," Rell said. "It's Christmas Eve. What better present could we ask for?"Over the next five years, Metro-North plans to phase in 300 of the high-tech Japanese-designed M-8s to become the front-line fleet on its busy line between New Haven and Manhattan. As the M-8s gradually go into service, the railroad will retire and scrap its fleet of decrepit 30- and 35-year-old M-2s."Our commuters have been very patient — that patience is paying off," said Rell, who promised when she took office in 2004 to modernize the fleet. The New Haven line carries more than 30 million riders a year, and is heavily used by Fairfield County residents commuting to New York City.Delays have already put the fleet transition nearly a year behind the original schedule. But on Thursday, Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. President Akira Hattori assured Rell that his company is prepared to keep to its timetable. The first of the cars are being built in Japan, but most of the order will be assembled in Lincoln, Neb."We have just started to manufacture in Nebraska," Hattori said.Metro-North expects to receive enough of the roughly $2.3 million cars to make up a full train by late winter, and will put them through more than a half-year of testing. If everything works, the first cars will go into regular service late next year and factory production will be ramped up to put out 10 a month. Fares will increase when the new trains start running.Metro-North will operate the trains, but Connecticut is buying them. So far, the state is the only customer for the newly designed M-8s. They are considered complex because they can switch between using overhead power wires or a third rail. They also have single-panel doors — unlike most trains and subways that use twin half-panel doors — and two heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems intended to prevent breakdowns.Curious passengers on Thursday glanced across platforms to Track 8, where the two new cars were on display. The angular design, glistening red paint and polished metal surfaces made the M-8s stand out from the grimy, tired-looking trains shuttling to Manhattan.
READ MORE: http://www.courant.com/community/new-haven/hc-new-haven-trains-1225.artdec25,0,223273.story
Other sources:
http://www.westportnow.com/index.php?/v2/comments/26043/
http://darien.patch.com/articles/new-m8-cars-debut
Friday, December 25, 2009
Fairfield library unwraps book drive for Bridgeport schools
Currier and Ives collided with Norman Rockwell at the Pequot Library on Wednesday evening as a horse-drawn wagon gave rides through a winter wonderland, while inside, children drank cider and sang Christmas carols.
The event was the annual Holiday Caroling Party at the landmark library in the Southport section of town, which this year for the first time included a book drive to benefit public school libraries in Bridgeport.
Although between 400 and 500 adults and children turned out for the event, relatively few were seen with armloads of books to donate to the inner-city schools just a few miles to the east. Still, Dan Snydacker, Pequot's executive director, said he was happy with the size of the pile of donated books.
"This is the first time that we've had a book drive for Bridgeport schools," he said. "It's actually coming along much better than we thought it would. People are responding nicely to it. A lot of folks are bringing in books, and that's very gratifying."
"We donated 'Goosebumps,' 'Who was Albert Einstein' and an 'Indiana Jones' book ---- books that our kids enjoyed when they were little," said Susan Mudd of Penfield Road.
Page Tremain, who arrived with her two preschool daughters in tow, said that she's been at the festive event for the past three years. "I even took dancing lessons in this very room when I was in junior high." She also donated a book for the cause.
The Tremain girls were among the 100 or so children engaged in the crafts table activities, which included decorating sugar cookies and making pine cone bird feeders.
Out in the lobby, an eight-member girls' a capella group from Greens Farms Academy in Wesport, the Harbor Blues, performed "Sleigh Ride," "Carol of the Bells" and other holiday standards. Meanwhile, a bonfire crackled outdoors while bundled-up patrons lined up in the driveway for rides in the wagon.
"The need in the inner-city school libraries is as big as ever and, unfortunately, the underserved schools just don't have enough books," Snydacker said. "The book is still be basis of education."
The book drive for Bridgeport schools was the brainchild of Pequot board member Ruth Frantz. Library officials said that it dovetails with the Books of Teachers program that's part of the library's huge summer used book sale. In that program, inner-city teachers each get to pick out $100 in used children's books for their classrooms.
Snydacker said the book drive will continue through Jan. 5. "I think that folks like the idea," he said. "We want to have them delivered by the time school starts up again in January." READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14064433
The event was the annual Holiday Caroling Party at the landmark library in the Southport section of town, which this year for the first time included a book drive to benefit public school libraries in Bridgeport.
Although between 400 and 500 adults and children turned out for the event, relatively few were seen with armloads of books to donate to the inner-city schools just a few miles to the east. Still, Dan Snydacker, Pequot's executive director, said he was happy with the size of the pile of donated books.
"This is the first time that we've had a book drive for Bridgeport schools," he said. "It's actually coming along much better than we thought it would. People are responding nicely to it. A lot of folks are bringing in books, and that's very gratifying."
"We donated 'Goosebumps,' 'Who was Albert Einstein' and an 'Indiana Jones' book ---- books that our kids enjoyed when they were little," said Susan Mudd of Penfield Road.
Page Tremain, who arrived with her two preschool daughters in tow, said that she's been at the festive event for the past three years. "I even took dancing lessons in this very room when I was in junior high." She also donated a book for the cause.
The Tremain girls were among the 100 or so children engaged in the crafts table activities, which included decorating sugar cookies and making pine cone bird feeders.
Out in the lobby, an eight-member girls' a capella group from Greens Farms Academy in Wesport, the Harbor Blues, performed "Sleigh Ride," "Carol of the Bells" and other holiday standards. Meanwhile, a bonfire crackled outdoors while bundled-up patrons lined up in the driveway for rides in the wagon.
"The need in the inner-city school libraries is as big as ever and, unfortunately, the underserved schools just don't have enough books," Snydacker said. "The book is still be basis of education."
The book drive for Bridgeport schools was the brainchild of Pequot board member Ruth Frantz. Library officials said that it dovetails with the Books of Teachers program that's part of the library's huge summer used book sale. In that program, inner-city teachers each get to pick out $100 in used children's books for their classrooms.
Snydacker said the book drive will continue through Jan. 5. "I think that folks like the idea," he said. "We want to have them delivered by the time school starts up again in January." READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14064433
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Blizzard of 1888 in Southport
(click on image to enlarge)
Blizzard 1888, Harbor Road?
Southport, Connecticut
Photographer: Roderick P Curtis.
Southport, Connecticut
Photographer: Roderick P Curtis.
Creator: V. Louise Higgins
Publisher: Pequot Library Association
Date: 16 March 1888
Format photograph
Publisher: Pequot Library Association
Date: 16 March 1888
Format photograph
REFERENCE URL: http://pequotlibrary.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p1038coll5&CISOPTR=127&CISOBOX=1&REC=5
Proposed Fairfield pension board appointee drops out
How much experience does a citizen need to volunteer for a town board or commission?
That question was raised when a proposed appointee to the town's Employee Retirement Board came under scrutiny at a recent meeting of the Representative Town Meeting's Legislation and Administration Committee meeting.
Andrew Baumgardner, a Democrat who ultimately withdrew his name from consideration, is a CPA with experience as a tax professional and currently works at Mastercard Worldwide. Baumgardner's appointment failed at the L&A Committee, with none of the 10 members voting in favor.
"The pension board is unlike any other board or commission," said RTM Majority Leader Jamie Millington, R-9. "They are entrusted to deal with millions of dollars in investments."
Town officials have stepped up scrutiny of the town's two pension funds took a hit when the Bernie Madoff investment scandal broke a year ago. At the time, the town's pension investment through a feeder fund into Madoff's holdings was valued at $42 million and the town's retirement fund was thought to be fully funded. Without the Madoff money, it was valued at $310 million and hit a low of $220 million in March. Since then, the funds have recovered some of the losses, with an approximate total value of about $262 million.
Millington said the RTM has the responsibility to look out for the best interests of the town. "We feel strongly that we need experienced people on the pension board and that sentiment became crystal clear at the subcommittee meetings," he said.
There were two openings on the Employees Retirement Board, and the second appointee, Nora D. Farlekas, an unaffiliated voter, was approved unanimously at both the committee and full RTM level. Farlekas has worked for IBM's pension plan since 1997.
"There's no question in my mind that Mr. Baumgardner was very eminently qualified for an appointment like that," First Selectman Kenneth Flatto said this week. "The issue, which is a fair issue to debate, is how many of the pension board members should strictly be appointed based on having a career in investments."
Flatto said he holds a strong opinion that the makeup of both pension boards should be split between investment professionals and those who are not. "You get a lot more scrutiny and a lot more need-to-know questions from people who are not investment professionals,' he said. "They add a healthy dose of skepticism." READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14049626
That question was raised when a proposed appointee to the town's Employee Retirement Board came under scrutiny at a recent meeting of the Representative Town Meeting's Legislation and Administration Committee meeting.
Andrew Baumgardner, a Democrat who ultimately withdrew his name from consideration, is a CPA with experience as a tax professional and currently works at Mastercard Worldwide. Baumgardner's appointment failed at the L&A Committee, with none of the 10 members voting in favor.
"The pension board is unlike any other board or commission," said RTM Majority Leader Jamie Millington, R-9. "They are entrusted to deal with millions of dollars in investments."
Town officials have stepped up scrutiny of the town's two pension funds took a hit when the Bernie Madoff investment scandal broke a year ago. At the time, the town's pension investment through a feeder fund into Madoff's holdings was valued at $42 million and the town's retirement fund was thought to be fully funded. Without the Madoff money, it was valued at $310 million and hit a low of $220 million in March. Since then, the funds have recovered some of the losses, with an approximate total value of about $262 million.
Millington said the RTM has the responsibility to look out for the best interests of the town. "We feel strongly that we need experienced people on the pension board and that sentiment became crystal clear at the subcommittee meetings," he said.
There were two openings on the Employees Retirement Board, and the second appointee, Nora D. Farlekas, an unaffiliated voter, was approved unanimously at both the committee and full RTM level. Farlekas has worked for IBM's pension plan since 1997.
"There's no question in my mind that Mr. Baumgardner was very eminently qualified for an appointment like that," First Selectman Kenneth Flatto said this week. "The issue, which is a fair issue to debate, is how many of the pension board members should strictly be appointed based on having a career in investments."
Flatto said he holds a strong opinion that the makeup of both pension boards should be split between investment professionals and those who are not. "You get a lot more scrutiny and a lot more need-to-know questions from people who are not investment professionals,' he said. "They add a healthy dose of skepticism." READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14049626
Monday, December 21, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Sunset at Pine Creek Sunday
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Holiday Run For Toys December 20th
Snow fall doesn't fell spirits
Though the snow that swept across the region this weekend caused the usual chaos of accidents and event closings, some state residents, like a small group of runners in Fairfield, braved the weather, just for the fun of it.
Saturday night, the storm started dropping snow steadily around 8 p.m. after it pummeled southern states earlier in the day, just days before the official start of winter.
By Sunday morning, many coastal Connecticut communities reported 10 inches or more, according to unofficial estimates from the state Department of Transportation. Many church services and religious classes were closed or delayed as a result.
According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, the state's average snowfall for December is 10.4 inches and the record snowfall for a December is 45.3 inches, set in December 1945. The most snow a single storm dropped on the state was 50 inches in a four-day blizzard in March of 1888, according to the Ohio Weather Library, which keeps these statistics.
Area airports all suffered cancellations Saturday evening and airlines were working to return to normal schedules on Sunday and into Monday.
But people with relatives flying in or flying out, should still check with their airlines to see if there are any delays.
Metro-North Railroad canceled its special shopper trains headed into New York City on Sunday, but spokesperson Marjorie Anders said the railroad expects everything to be back to normal for Monday morning's commute.
She said one train was taken out of service on the New Haven Line on Sunday, which meant those passengers were late getting into New York, but the railroad maintained a Sunday schedule.
State and local police reported a few accidents throughout the day and night Saturday as people slid into each other driving around. State Police at Troop G in Bridgeport reported three accidents Saturday night, citing people for driving too fast for conditions or following too close, though only minor injuries were reported.
Statewide no major accidents, injuries or deaths were reported as a result of the snowstorm.
While state and municipal plows continued to work into Sunday afternoon trying to clear up the roads, people could be seen outside enjoying sledding, with some even running a 5 kilometer charity race in Fairfield.
"At first I'm thinking I won't get anyone," said Holiday Toy Run Race Director Marty Schaivone, who was anticipating calling off the 5 kilometer event Saturday night. "Then I started getting e-mails saying 'I'll see ya there.'"
So Schaivone delayed the start by an hour and 20 people, ranging from 6 years old to 81, showed up at the Scandinavian Club in Fairfield.
"It doesn't surprise me," he said of runners coming out for the race. He said the police were there to close the roads, but traffic wasn't much of a problem anyway because many people stayed off the streets.
"It wasn't bad. It was kind of a nice brisk run," Schaivone said. Schaivone is a veteran runner and director and said the storm wasn't that bad, at least if you compare it to the blizzard in February 1978, when then-Gov. Ella Grasso ordered all state roads closed.
Dr. Rob Peattie, of Bedford, Mass., a former resident of the area was in town visiting friends, and he clocked the winning time of 22 minutes, 20 seconds. Andrea Williamson-Hughes of New Canaan clocked the best time for women with 25.59.
Ed Regner, 81, of Torrington finished in 44 minutes.
Schaivone said people just wanted to enjoy the run and turn in their toys for the Fairfield Police Toy drive in person, rather than at the station. The police deliver the toys to kids all over the region.
Schaivone said there's a move afoot to run a sequel on the 27th, sort of a Christmas on New Year's toy drive that will let anyone who missed this run take a shot at the course. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14037985
Saturday night, the storm started dropping snow steadily around 8 p.m. after it pummeled southern states earlier in the day, just days before the official start of winter.
By Sunday morning, many coastal Connecticut communities reported 10 inches or more, according to unofficial estimates from the state Department of Transportation. Many church services and religious classes were closed or delayed as a result.
According to the state Department of Environmental Protection, the state's average snowfall for December is 10.4 inches and the record snowfall for a December is 45.3 inches, set in December 1945. The most snow a single storm dropped on the state was 50 inches in a four-day blizzard in March of 1888, according to the Ohio Weather Library, which keeps these statistics.
Area airports all suffered cancellations Saturday evening and airlines were working to return to normal schedules on Sunday and into Monday.
But people with relatives flying in or flying out, should still check with their airlines to see if there are any delays.
Metro-North Railroad canceled its special shopper trains headed into New York City on Sunday, but spokesperson Marjorie Anders said the railroad expects everything to be back to normal for Monday morning's commute.
She said one train was taken out of service on the New Haven Line on Sunday, which meant those passengers were late getting into New York, but the railroad maintained a Sunday schedule.
State and local police reported a few accidents throughout the day and night Saturday as people slid into each other driving around. State Police at Troop G in Bridgeport reported three accidents Saturday night, citing people for driving too fast for conditions or following too close, though only minor injuries were reported.
Statewide no major accidents, injuries or deaths were reported as a result of the snowstorm.
While state and municipal plows continued to work into Sunday afternoon trying to clear up the roads, people could be seen outside enjoying sledding, with some even running a 5 kilometer charity race in Fairfield.
"At first I'm thinking I won't get anyone," said Holiday Toy Run Race Director Marty Schaivone, who was anticipating calling off the 5 kilometer event Saturday night. "Then I started getting e-mails saying 'I'll see ya there.'"
So Schaivone delayed the start by an hour and 20 people, ranging from 6 years old to 81, showed up at the Scandinavian Club in Fairfield.
"It doesn't surprise me," he said of runners coming out for the race. He said the police were there to close the roads, but traffic wasn't much of a problem anyway because many people stayed off the streets.
"It wasn't bad. It was kind of a nice brisk run," Schaivone said. Schaivone is a veteran runner and director and said the storm wasn't that bad, at least if you compare it to the blizzard in February 1978, when then-Gov. Ella Grasso ordered all state roads closed.
Dr. Rob Peattie, of Bedford, Mass., a former resident of the area was in town visiting friends, and he clocked the winning time of 22 minutes, 20 seconds. Andrea Williamson-Hughes of New Canaan clocked the best time for women with 25.59.
Ed Regner, 81, of Torrington finished in 44 minutes.
Schaivone said people just wanted to enjoy the run and turn in their toys for the Fairfield Police Toy drive in person, rather than at the station. The police deliver the toys to kids all over the region.
Schaivone said there's a move afoot to run a sequel on the 27th, sort of a Christmas on New Year's toy drive that will let anyone who missed this run take a shot at the course. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14037985
Laid-off Wall Streeters take stock, start fresh
Eighteen months without a job. Fourteen months. Twelve.
It's been a long, dry spell for many of the suit-clad Wall Streeters who were handed their pink slips before hardly anyone was talking recovery.
But sit down with a handful of ex-finance industry employees volunteering to work for free as interns in a city-sponsored retraining program, and they seem almost ... happy.
In the current economy, it's an uncommon reaction to the loss of a job. But for some finance workers, many of whom spent years working insane hours at high-pressure jobs -- often at the expense of more personal passions -- the sudden stop has offered a time to reflect and reconsider.
Thrust off the rat race treadmill, some are thinking hard about how and whether they want to get back on.
"It's really easy when you take that first job and you start building some work experience, to get stuck in a pattern," said Matt Gatto, a former Lehman Bros. investment manager.
Gatto, 35, called the 14 months he's been jobless "exciting" and "liberating."
After years of doing little more than work, the one-time philosophy major has taken over much of the child care for his 2-year-old son. He's finished his MBA, gone back to the gym and learned how to cook. And he's decided that when he does head back to the office, he wants a professional life that's aligned with his personal values -- in the nonprofit world or in a company focused on social change.
Successful spouses, princely savings and lucrative severance packages have made this sort of self-exploration an attainable luxury for some laid-off finance sector employees.
For Agatha Melvin, the roughly 18 months she's been unemployed have offered the global-operations consultant a chance to look ahead.
Back when she was working 15-hour days, she had no clear vision of her future. In what she calls the "pressurized environment" of finance, she had little time to think at all. Now, after living off her savings for a year and a half, she says she has a renewed sense of what's important.
She may go back to working long days, but she'll be carefully considering whether the work is satisfying enough to be worth the hours she pours into it. This time, she'll be evaluating job offers on more than money.
After all, she says, "time is a commodity you can never get back."
Two decades after Arnold Chu made the transition from working in aerospace to applying his math skills to the world of finance, he is again planning for a transition after being laid off from his job as a manager last year. His year of unemployment has been a period of emotional highs and lows, he says, but he, too, has found it freeing.
"The benefit of uncertainty is you're not locked into something already," he says. "That's one of the liberating aspects of it."
Finance workers, even those who have seen departments decimated and their entire industry upturned, may find it easier than most to embrace uncertainty, says Caitlin Zaloom, a professor of social and cultural analysis at New York University who has studied the culture of Wall Street.
"It's already how they understand themselves, to be risk-takers," says Zaloom. "To get laid off may just be integrated into a narrative of profit and loss that they have dealt with day in and day out on Wall Street."
As Chu looks to carve a place for himself in the new financial landscape, he says in some ways he is grateful for the disruption in his life.
"If you're coasting along, there's less challenges," says Chu, who along with his colleagues declined to say how much he made before he was laid off. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14029334
It's been a long, dry spell for many of the suit-clad Wall Streeters who were handed their pink slips before hardly anyone was talking recovery.
But sit down with a handful of ex-finance industry employees volunteering to work for free as interns in a city-sponsored retraining program, and they seem almost ... happy.
In the current economy, it's an uncommon reaction to the loss of a job. But for some finance workers, many of whom spent years working insane hours at high-pressure jobs -- often at the expense of more personal passions -- the sudden stop has offered a time to reflect and reconsider.
Thrust off the rat race treadmill, some are thinking hard about how and whether they want to get back on.
"It's really easy when you take that first job and you start building some work experience, to get stuck in a pattern," said Matt Gatto, a former Lehman Bros. investment manager.
Gatto, 35, called the 14 months he's been jobless "exciting" and "liberating."
After years of doing little more than work, the one-time philosophy major has taken over much of the child care for his 2-year-old son. He's finished his MBA, gone back to the gym and learned how to cook. And he's decided that when he does head back to the office, he wants a professional life that's aligned with his personal values -- in the nonprofit world or in a company focused on social change.
Successful spouses, princely savings and lucrative severance packages have made this sort of self-exploration an attainable luxury for some laid-off finance sector employees.
For Agatha Melvin, the roughly 18 months she's been unemployed have offered the global-operations consultant a chance to look ahead.
Back when she was working 15-hour days, she had no clear vision of her future. In what she calls the "pressurized environment" of finance, she had little time to think at all. Now, after living off her savings for a year and a half, she says she has a renewed sense of what's important.
She may go back to working long days, but she'll be carefully considering whether the work is satisfying enough to be worth the hours she pours into it. This time, she'll be evaluating job offers on more than money.
After all, she says, "time is a commodity you can never get back."
Two decades after Arnold Chu made the transition from working in aerospace to applying his math skills to the world of finance, he is again planning for a transition after being laid off from his job as a manager last year. His year of unemployment has been a period of emotional highs and lows, he says, but he, too, has found it freeing.
"The benefit of uncertainty is you're not locked into something already," he says. "That's one of the liberating aspects of it."
Finance workers, even those who have seen departments decimated and their entire industry upturned, may find it easier than most to embrace uncertainty, says Caitlin Zaloom, a professor of social and cultural analysis at New York University who has studied the culture of Wall Street.
"It's already how they understand themselves, to be risk-takers," says Zaloom. "To get laid off may just be integrated into a narrative of profit and loss that they have dealt with day in and day out on Wall Street."
As Chu looks to carve a place for himself in the new financial landscape, he says in some ways he is grateful for the disruption in his life.
"If you're coasting along, there's less challenges," says Chu, who along with his colleagues declined to say how much he made before he was laid off. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14029334
Southport landmark transformed into art gallery
Katherine DeBevoise Cissel and Sarah Kelsey Biggers (both recent college graduates who majored in art history).
"If we were in England, no one would question the idea of purchasing a silver tea service" costing thousands of dollars for a special wedding gift, Eliasoph said. "Everyone would just assume that, 50 years from now, the gift would endure and be passed down as a family heirloom."
Quality art, he said, has the same type of allure.
"You could take a $5,000 vacation . . . and that would be wonderful, but ephemeral," Sissy Biggers added. "Great art lasts for generations."
Sissy Biggers explained that the renovation of the building was spurred by the January closing of the Village Hardware. In May of 1926, according to research by the Southport Conservancy, Jesse Harris moved his hardware store from Southport Harbor (on the site where the Pequot Yacht Club now stands) to a "new one-story brick building . . . just west" of the current Switzer's Pharmacy on Pequot Avenue.
For generations, the hardware store endured, operating under various names and owners, developing into a community gathering spot.
With the closing, "we felt sad for Southport. Many of us had grown up with this building in our lives; for many of us it was more than a hardware store; it was a meeting place. It was always a place of such vitality; we wanted to keep it that way."
She said that she and her husband felt strongly that "the village's distinct character needed to be preserved with an appropriate use of the building."
And one way to do this would be with an art gallery that could become a community gathering spot in the tradition of the gay "salons" of Paris in the 1920s -- when artists, musicians, writers and their supporters would regularly gather in one another's apartments and garrets to discuss the hottest cultural trends.
With that in mind, the Biggers joined forces with Eliasoph to lease the old hardware store -- which was then in a state of disrepair -- from Switzer's Pharmacy owners John and Gerald Ringel. The lease was signed on July 1.
"We had no idea what we had here, what an extraordinary building this is," Sarah Biggers said. "The (wainscoted) walls were covered in peg boards and the two natural skylights were covered with paper."
"The space is quite remarkable and, heretofore, unrealized," Sissy Biggers added, noting that the space was reclaimed with the advise of Southport architect Jack Franzen.
And in addition to its spacious first floor, the building has a huge attic that is stacked over an adjoining building, allowing the gallery to store and exhibit art pieces with enormous dimensions.
Currently on display in the main gallery are about 80 works, primarily paintings. Also featured are a few pieces of sculpture and delicate pieces of ivory "handbuilt" porcelain (dishes, vases and bowls, from about $50) by Lisa Strachan of Martha's Vineyard.
An array of styles are featured, including figurative, abstract, contemporary realism and hyper realism, from such legendary artists as Milton Avery (1885-1965), Paul Cadmus (1904-1999), Jared French (1905-1988), Robert Vickrey (born 1926), and Stanley Boxer (1926-2000, whose work, coincidentally, will be the subject of a retrospective Feb. 11 to March 28 at the Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport).
Among the renowned area artists on view are Alanna Fagan, of Milford; Heidi Palmer, Leona Frank, Janet Slom and the duo of Serge Clement and Marina Kamena, all of Westport; and Jane Sutherland of Fairfield.
Spotlighted artists of the month are hyper-realist Robert Jackson, a Kinston, N.C.,native, and Fairfield native Tucker Robbins, who creates organic sculpture.
Sissy Biggers said that the gallery will work to realize its dream of becoming an arts salon by offering a regular slate of special events for the general public and by its community outreach work. Gallery managers Biggers and Cissel pointed out that 2 percent of all sales will be donated to two Fairfield nonprofits: the Pequot Library and the Fairfield Museum and History Center.
And beginning in February, the gallery will inaugurate a monthly First Friday get-together; the free events, from 5 to 8 p.m., will feature receptions with noted artists.
"We are like a vineyard," Eliasoph said. "We're trying to plant deep roots here . . . to cultivate something special. . . to create a respectful use of this historic environment."
WHEN YOU GO
Southport Galleries is at 330 Pequot Ave. in the center of Southport, which is a section of Fairfield, off Exit 19 of Interstate 95 It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays noon to 4 p.m., and by appointment. It will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day. For additional information, call 203-292-6124 or visit www.SouthportGalleries.com. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14026743
"If we were in England, no one would question the idea of purchasing a silver tea service" costing thousands of dollars for a special wedding gift, Eliasoph said. "Everyone would just assume that, 50 years from now, the gift would endure and be passed down as a family heirloom."
Quality art, he said, has the same type of allure.
"You could take a $5,000 vacation . . . and that would be wonderful, but ephemeral," Sissy Biggers added. "Great art lasts for generations."
Sissy Biggers explained that the renovation of the building was spurred by the January closing of the Village Hardware. In May of 1926, according to research by the Southport Conservancy, Jesse Harris moved his hardware store from Southport Harbor (on the site where the Pequot Yacht Club now stands) to a "new one-story brick building . . . just west" of the current Switzer's Pharmacy on Pequot Avenue.
For generations, the hardware store endured, operating under various names and owners, developing into a community gathering spot.
With the closing, "we felt sad for Southport. Many of us had grown up with this building in our lives; for many of us it was more than a hardware store; it was a meeting place. It was always a place of such vitality; we wanted to keep it that way."
She said that she and her husband felt strongly that "the village's distinct character needed to be preserved with an appropriate use of the building."
And one way to do this would be with an art gallery that could become a community gathering spot in the tradition of the gay "salons" of Paris in the 1920s -- when artists, musicians, writers and their supporters would regularly gather in one another's apartments and garrets to discuss the hottest cultural trends.
With that in mind, the Biggers joined forces with Eliasoph to lease the old hardware store -- which was then in a state of disrepair -- from Switzer's Pharmacy owners John and Gerald Ringel. The lease was signed on July 1.
"We had no idea what we had here, what an extraordinary building this is," Sarah Biggers said. "The (wainscoted) walls were covered in peg boards and the two natural skylights were covered with paper."
"The space is quite remarkable and, heretofore, unrealized," Sissy Biggers added, noting that the space was reclaimed with the advise of Southport architect Jack Franzen.
And in addition to its spacious first floor, the building has a huge attic that is stacked over an adjoining building, allowing the gallery to store and exhibit art pieces with enormous dimensions.
Currently on display in the main gallery are about 80 works, primarily paintings. Also featured are a few pieces of sculpture and delicate pieces of ivory "handbuilt" porcelain (dishes, vases and bowls, from about $50) by Lisa Strachan of Martha's Vineyard.
An array of styles are featured, including figurative, abstract, contemporary realism and hyper realism, from such legendary artists as Milton Avery (1885-1965), Paul Cadmus (1904-1999), Jared French (1905-1988), Robert Vickrey (born 1926), and Stanley Boxer (1926-2000, whose work, coincidentally, will be the subject of a retrospective Feb. 11 to March 28 at the Housatonic Museum of Art in Bridgeport).
Among the renowned area artists on view are Alanna Fagan, of Milford; Heidi Palmer, Leona Frank, Janet Slom and the duo of Serge Clement and Marina Kamena, all of Westport; and Jane Sutherland of Fairfield.
Spotlighted artists of the month are hyper-realist Robert Jackson, a Kinston, N.C.,native, and Fairfield native Tucker Robbins, who creates organic sculpture.
Sissy Biggers said that the gallery will work to realize its dream of becoming an arts salon by offering a regular slate of special events for the general public and by its community outreach work. Gallery managers Biggers and Cissel pointed out that 2 percent of all sales will be donated to two Fairfield nonprofits: the Pequot Library and the Fairfield Museum and History Center.
And beginning in February, the gallery will inaugurate a monthly First Friday get-together; the free events, from 5 to 8 p.m., will feature receptions with noted artists.
"We are like a vineyard," Eliasoph said. "We're trying to plant deep roots here . . . to cultivate something special. . . to create a respectful use of this historic environment."
WHEN YOU GO
Southport Galleries is at 330 Pequot Ave. in the center of Southport, which is a section of Fairfield, off Exit 19 of Interstate 95 It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sundays noon to 4 p.m., and by appointment. It will be open regular hours on Christmas Eve; closed on Christmas Day. For additional information, call 203-292-6124 or visit www.SouthportGalleries.com. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14026743
The Giving Fund continues to help those in need
With everyone wrapped up in his or her own holiday activities, donations for The Giving Fund -- a philanthropic partnership between the Connecticut Post and three area social service agencies -- has been a little slower than normal.
The project, which launched Thanksgiving day, is a collaboration of the Post, the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County and the nonprofit social service organizations Family & Children's Agency in Norwalk and FSW in Bridgeport. Every Thursday until Jan. 7, the Post will run stories of people in the region who require assistance with such basics as utility payments, rent, food, and car repairs. The stories run with a coupon for donations, and all money collected goes directly to those requesting help. Donations are tax deductible.
Between Dec. 8 and this Tuesday, readers donated a total of $2,370, according to David Kennedy, chief operating office of the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. That's a bit less than the weekly average to date, Kennedy said, but that's understandable. This time of year "is pretty distracting," and he's confident donations will pick up.
Kennedy also encouraged local businesses and employees to think about The Giving Fund as a beneficiary for any holiday collections they might be running.
A total of $17,332 has been collected through the fund thus far, including an $8,000 donation from People's United Bank. Kennedy said $14,962 of that has already been distributed to the people requesting help and, judging from what he's heard from Family & Children's Agency and FSW, the reaction from the recipients seems positive. Kennedy said someone at FSW even told him some of those receiving the gifts are interested in writing thank-you notes to the donors.
Overall, he said, he's still amazed that the community has reacted so strongly and positively to The Giving Fund. Kennedy said he's heard from many people who enthusiastically commended the fund for reaching out to specific people. "The reaction to this is phenomenally positive," he said. "I'm so pleased with the response in the community."
For more information on the services provided by the participating agencies, call FSW's intake coordinator at 203-368-5601 or call Ingrid and Family & Children's Agency at 203-855-8765, ext. 5742 (or 203-525-5742).
Note: These calls should be about services only. Only those featured in the Connecticut Post Giving Fund stories will receive financial assistance based upon donations.
#31
Ms. Williams is a single mom with one child still at home. She is also a guardian of two other young children. Ms. Williams is in very poor health, requires oxygen 24 hours a day, and is unable to work because of her health issues. Last year, Ms. Williams fell behind paying her electricity bill because she needed to have her car fixed in order to transport her children. The power company has adjusted her charges to about $200 a month, which, in general, Ms. Williams is able to pay. However, she still has a large outstanding balance, and a gift of $500 would help reduce the balance and relieve the stress that it causes Ms. Williams.
#32
Ten-year-old Johnny and his six-year-old brother Miguel live in separate foster homes in Bridgeport. Their social workers and foster parents try to get the boys together as often as possible because it brings such joy to both of them. When they are together, they talk about their dreams for themselves and each other. They hope to be firefighters when they grow up. A gift of $800 would make it possible for the boys to attend an overnight camp this summer so they can further build their sibling relationship.
#33
Maria and her spouse recently lost their jobs. They have six children, and they are behind on their rent and struggling to cover their basic needs. A gift of $800 will ease some of their financial burdens.
#34
Pedro and Josephine live in Bridgeport with their two children. They both work full-time as laborers. Though they have a limited income, they make enough money to support their family, living paycheck to paycheck. Pedro and Josephine are attempting to adopt their niece, who is an orphan living in Peru. The costs of the adoption are substantial, but they are committed to bringing their niece to the United States to live with them. A gift of $900 would assist this family with their living expenses so they can afford the costs of becoming a family for their niece.
#35
Jane is a 60-year-old recently divorced female who is in need of furniture for her apartment. Jane is a survivor of domestic violence who became homeless after leaving her abusive husband of 15 years. Jane was unable to retrieve any of her items from her former home, but has slowly been adding items to her new apartment. A gift of $500 would assist her in beginning to build a new home for herself.
#36
Rosa and her family live in Bridgeport. Rosa is currently working a part time job. The family recently lost their belongings in a fire. They would benefit from a gift amount of $1,000 to be able to purchase a bed/frame, bedding and small appliances and other household items they lost in the fire.
READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14011507
The project, which launched Thanksgiving day, is a collaboration of the Post, the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County and the nonprofit social service organizations Family & Children's Agency in Norwalk and FSW in Bridgeport. Every Thursday until Jan. 7, the Post will run stories of people in the region who require assistance with such basics as utility payments, rent, food, and car repairs. The stories run with a coupon for donations, and all money collected goes directly to those requesting help. Donations are tax deductible.
Between Dec. 8 and this Tuesday, readers donated a total of $2,370, according to David Kennedy, chief operating office of the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County. That's a bit less than the weekly average to date, Kennedy said, but that's understandable. This time of year "is pretty distracting," and he's confident donations will pick up.
Kennedy also encouraged local businesses and employees to think about The Giving Fund as a beneficiary for any holiday collections they might be running.
A total of $17,332 has been collected through the fund thus far, including an $8,000 donation from People's United Bank. Kennedy said $14,962 of that has already been distributed to the people requesting help and, judging from what he's heard from Family & Children's Agency and FSW, the reaction from the recipients seems positive. Kennedy said someone at FSW even told him some of those receiving the gifts are interested in writing thank-you notes to the donors.
Overall, he said, he's still amazed that the community has reacted so strongly and positively to The Giving Fund. Kennedy said he's heard from many people who enthusiastically commended the fund for reaching out to specific people. "The reaction to this is phenomenally positive," he said. "I'm so pleased with the response in the community."
For more information on the services provided by the participating agencies, call FSW's intake coordinator at 203-368-5601 or call Ingrid and Family & Children's Agency at 203-855-8765, ext. 5742 (or 203-525-5742).
Note: These calls should be about services only. Only those featured in the Connecticut Post Giving Fund stories will receive financial assistance based upon donations.
#31
Ms. Williams is a single mom with one child still at home. She is also a guardian of two other young children. Ms. Williams is in very poor health, requires oxygen 24 hours a day, and is unable to work because of her health issues. Last year, Ms. Williams fell behind paying her electricity bill because she needed to have her car fixed in order to transport her children. The power company has adjusted her charges to about $200 a month, which, in general, Ms. Williams is able to pay. However, she still has a large outstanding balance, and a gift of $500 would help reduce the balance and relieve the stress that it causes Ms. Williams.
#32
Ten-year-old Johnny and his six-year-old brother Miguel live in separate foster homes in Bridgeport. Their social workers and foster parents try to get the boys together as often as possible because it brings such joy to both of them. When they are together, they talk about their dreams for themselves and each other. They hope to be firefighters when they grow up. A gift of $800 would make it possible for the boys to attend an overnight camp this summer so they can further build their sibling relationship.
#33
Maria and her spouse recently lost their jobs. They have six children, and they are behind on their rent and struggling to cover their basic needs. A gift of $800 will ease some of their financial burdens.
#34
Pedro and Josephine live in Bridgeport with their two children. They both work full-time as laborers. Though they have a limited income, they make enough money to support their family, living paycheck to paycheck. Pedro and Josephine are attempting to adopt their niece, who is an orphan living in Peru. The costs of the adoption are substantial, but they are committed to bringing their niece to the United States to live with them. A gift of $900 would assist this family with their living expenses so they can afford the costs of becoming a family for their niece.
#35
Jane is a 60-year-old recently divorced female who is in need of furniture for her apartment. Jane is a survivor of domestic violence who became homeless after leaving her abusive husband of 15 years. Jane was unable to retrieve any of her items from her former home, but has slowly been adding items to her new apartment. A gift of $500 would assist her in beginning to build a new home for herself.
#36
Rosa and her family live in Bridgeport. Rosa is currently working a part time job. The family recently lost their belongings in a fire. They would benefit from a gift amount of $1,000 to be able to purchase a bed/frame, bedding and small appliances and other household items they lost in the fire.
READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14011507
Pine Creek Beach early Sunday morning
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Snow storm starts late, but makes presence known
The much-hyped blizzard of 2009 crept into Connecticut early Saturday night, with snow hitting the ground several hours later than meteorologists forecasted, but ultimately bringing a slow and steady dumping of snow and wind.
Forecasts for the storm varied widely, with some meteorologists predicting as little as 6 inches to as much or more than 20 inches of snow, tracking up the Atlantic seaboard from the outer banks of North Carolina into southern New England.
At the onset of the storm, Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered a partial activation of the state's Emergency Operations Center at the William A.O'Neill Armory in Hartford.
"Critical state agencies will be monitoring the storm and any effects it may have on our roads, mass transit and utilities, as well as other potential problems. All of the state Department of Transportation's snow plows as well as contractors "are standing by to clear roads and highways," Rell said, adding that Saturday night it appeared that "the bulk of the storm" would "arrive overnight," which she hoped would give the state a "head start on getting and keeping the highways in good shape."
The forecast for today calls for the snow to end in the morning and skies becoming partially sunny, with temperatures ranging from a low of 20 to a high of 34 degrees.
In anticipation of heavy accumulation, a number of municipalities have ordered parking bans and alternate side of the street parking in Bridgeport. A parking ban will remain in effect in Trumbull until 6 p.m. Sunday on the travel portions of all town roadways. State Police reported that traffic throughout the day was especially light on all interstate highways as motorists headed meteorologists' forecast to run errands early or stay put if they didn't have to go anywhere.
Snow started falling in Connecticut shortly after 7 p.m., in southern Fairfield County and in coastal communities along Long Island Sound. Unlike typical nor'easters, this one is dumping more snow along the coastal portions of the state than interior regions. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14035326
Forecasts for the storm varied widely, with some meteorologists predicting as little as 6 inches to as much or more than 20 inches of snow, tracking up the Atlantic seaboard from the outer banks of North Carolina into southern New England.
At the onset of the storm, Gov. M. Jodi Rell ordered a partial activation of the state's Emergency Operations Center at the William A.O'Neill Armory in Hartford.
"Critical state agencies will be monitoring the storm and any effects it may have on our roads, mass transit and utilities, as well as other potential problems. All of the state Department of Transportation's snow plows as well as contractors "are standing by to clear roads and highways," Rell said, adding that Saturday night it appeared that "the bulk of the storm" would "arrive overnight," which she hoped would give the state a "head start on getting and keeping the highways in good shape."
The forecast for today calls for the snow to end in the morning and skies becoming partially sunny, with temperatures ranging from a low of 20 to a high of 34 degrees.
In anticipation of heavy accumulation, a number of municipalities have ordered parking bans and alternate side of the street parking in Bridgeport. A parking ban will remain in effect in Trumbull until 6 p.m. Sunday on the travel portions of all town roadways. State Police reported that traffic throughout the day was especially light on all interstate highways as motorists headed meteorologists' forecast to run errands early or stay put if they didn't have to go anywhere.
Snow started falling in Connecticut shortly after 7 p.m., in southern Fairfield County and in coastal communities along Long Island Sound. Unlike typical nor'easters, this one is dumping more snow along the coastal portions of the state than interior regions. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14035326
Holiday Run For Toys December 20th
Sunday, December 20 at 9:30 a.m.
SNOW NOTICE:This event has no postponement date. The organizors will be on site. In case of very poor weather we will still be collecting toys for the Ffld Police toy drive. If you decide not to join us we hope you'll be able to drop your toys at the Ffld Police station on Reef Rd- right near the Gazebo on the center of town.
The course -like last year- will be completely on the road and not on the trail portion. We will decide on race morning whether the 'weather' will turn the event into an untimed "Fun Run" or not.
We are praying for the best and prepping for the not so good! We hope you'll be with us either way to join in the festivities. The Scandinavian Club will be warm! Scandinavian Club, South Pine Creek Road, Fairfield, CT
$8 pre/$10 post Plus a new unwrapped toy!
EVENT SCHEDULE
7:45 am - 9:15am Registration
9:20 am Announcements and Lineup
9:30am Event Starts
10:00am Post Race Food
10:30am Awards ceremony
HIGHLIGHTS
All abilities of runners and walkers are welcome.
Post race food includes baked goods and hot beverages.
Course is weather dependent. We will have two courses available.If conditions permit you will run part of the course on a trail. If weather is notcooperative, entire course will be on roads.
http://www.clubct.org/Races/holiday/Holiday.html
Friday, December 18, 2009
FPCH at Southport
(click on image to enlarge)
August 21, 2008
FPCH passes through Southport, Ct., on track 2 on Metro North's New Haven Line on it's trip east from the NY&A and Fresh Pond, NY.
Copyright David T Horree
August 21, 2008
FPCH passes through Southport, Ct., on track 2 on Metro North's New Haven Line on it's trip east from the NY&A and Fresh Pond, NY.
Copyright David T Horree
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Ye Yacht Yard Thursday
(click on image to enlarge)
Shell on the workbench.
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Southport Beach at low tide on Wednesday sunset
(click on image to enlarge)
From Southport Beach on Pequot Avenue looking towards McKenzie's Point.
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
View from Beachside Avenue in Westport on Wednesday evening looking towards Sasco Hill and McKenzie's point. At the right of the point is the end of Fairfield Beach Road.
Firewood buying made simple
With colder weather ahead, along with high fuel prices and the popularity of energy-saving stoves and fireplace inserts, demand for firewood is high. The Department of Consumer Protection is offering some simple tips for getting a fair load of quality firewood without getting burned.
· Before you buy firewood or bring it home yourself, check with your community to see if there are any restrictions about where it can be placed on your property, how close it can be to adjoining properties and how much you can have.
· Buy your firewood from Connecticut wood dealers who are in the business of supplying firewood. Don't burn construction scrap or wood from other questionable sources. It’s strongly recommended that you buy Connecticut grown wood -- importing firewood from other parts of the country could easily import invasive pests like the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer. The Connecticut Agricultural Station has information about identifying these pests and others at its website: www.ct.gov/caes.
· The price per cord of wood varies, depending on whether you are buying green or dry firewood. Green firewood is wood that has been recently cut and is still too wet to burn well. Dry, or seasoned, firewood has been stacked and dried for a period of at least six, but preferably twelve months. Green wood also creates creosote buildup in your chimney, while dry firewood burns efficiently and does not promote creosote buildup. If you're buying for this winter, you must get seasoned firewood. Oak, maple, elm and other hardwoods burn longer, generate more BTUs of heat and produce longer lasting coals.
· If you burn wood, particularly soft wood, you should get your chimney cleaned and inspected each year.
· The best way to know you're getting a fair price per cord is to check prices with multiple wood dealers in your area. It's also a good idea to ask friends, family and neighbors where they get their wood and how much they pay per cord. Currently, seasoned firewood in Connecticut is selling about $220 a cord, depending on the type of wood and area of the state.
· Know the length of wood that your stove, fireplace or fireplace insert can burn. The standard length for firewood is 16 inches, although some larger wood-burning units can take wood as large as 20 inches or more. Make sure you ask for the length you need when ordering firewood.
· Understand what a cord of wood is. A standard cord is a stack of wood that measures 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long and totals 128 cubic feet in all. Regardless of whether you order your wood chopped into lengths that will fit your stove or fireplace, once it’s delivered and stacked, a full cord will still measure a total of 128 cubic feet.
· If possible, go to the wood seller, check out the wood, load it and take it home yourself. Have firewood stacked on pallets to keep it off the ground.
· If you have firewood delivered, be home when it arrives, pay a little extra to have it stacked upon delivery, and then measure it. If you ordered a full cord and it isn't 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long or a total of 128 cubic inches, don't pay for it until the full cord is provided.
· While it can be difficult to tell whether you got a full cord from your wood dealer until you actually stack it, in general, two full-size pickup truckloads of wood equals one cord, and four compact pickup truckloads of firewood equals one cord. Remember, however, it must be stacked before it can be accurately measured.
· Because burning wood cleanly to minimize negative effects on air quality impacts is important, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommends using wood burning stoves that are of latest possible technology, are well maintained and in good working order. Anyone considering outdoor wood burning furnaces should be aware of all state and local regulations governing their use. Additional information on air quality aspects of wood burning can be found at: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2684&Q=321780
· Further information about purchasing firewood can be found in the Forestry section of the Department of Environmental Protection’s web site at: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2697&q=322792&depNav_GID=1631%20
· Finally, consumers who cannot resolve a dispute with a seller about a firewood delivery are welcome to contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-713-6168 or 1-800-842-2649. READ MORE: http://www.ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp?Q=449512&A=3618
· Before you buy firewood or bring it home yourself, check with your community to see if there are any restrictions about where it can be placed on your property, how close it can be to adjoining properties and how much you can have.
· Buy your firewood from Connecticut wood dealers who are in the business of supplying firewood. Don't burn construction scrap or wood from other questionable sources. It’s strongly recommended that you buy Connecticut grown wood -- importing firewood from other parts of the country could easily import invasive pests like the Asian Longhorned Beetle and Emerald Ash Borer. The Connecticut Agricultural Station has information about identifying these pests and others at its website: www.ct.gov/caes.
· The price per cord of wood varies, depending on whether you are buying green or dry firewood. Green firewood is wood that has been recently cut and is still too wet to burn well. Dry, or seasoned, firewood has been stacked and dried for a period of at least six, but preferably twelve months. Green wood also creates creosote buildup in your chimney, while dry firewood burns efficiently and does not promote creosote buildup. If you're buying for this winter, you must get seasoned firewood. Oak, maple, elm and other hardwoods burn longer, generate more BTUs of heat and produce longer lasting coals.
· If you burn wood, particularly soft wood, you should get your chimney cleaned and inspected each year.
· The best way to know you're getting a fair price per cord is to check prices with multiple wood dealers in your area. It's also a good idea to ask friends, family and neighbors where they get their wood and how much they pay per cord. Currently, seasoned firewood in Connecticut is selling about $220 a cord, depending on the type of wood and area of the state.
· Know the length of wood that your stove, fireplace or fireplace insert can burn. The standard length for firewood is 16 inches, although some larger wood-burning units can take wood as large as 20 inches or more. Make sure you ask for the length you need when ordering firewood.
· Understand what a cord of wood is. A standard cord is a stack of wood that measures 4 feet high by 4 feet wide by 8 feet long and totals 128 cubic feet in all. Regardless of whether you order your wood chopped into lengths that will fit your stove or fireplace, once it’s delivered and stacked, a full cord will still measure a total of 128 cubic feet.
· If possible, go to the wood seller, check out the wood, load it and take it home yourself. Have firewood stacked on pallets to keep it off the ground.
· If you have firewood delivered, be home when it arrives, pay a little extra to have it stacked upon delivery, and then measure it. If you ordered a full cord and it isn't 4 feet high, 4 feet wide and 8 feet long or a total of 128 cubic inches, don't pay for it until the full cord is provided.
· While it can be difficult to tell whether you got a full cord from your wood dealer until you actually stack it, in general, two full-size pickup truckloads of wood equals one cord, and four compact pickup truckloads of firewood equals one cord. Remember, however, it must be stacked before it can be accurately measured.
· Because burning wood cleanly to minimize negative effects on air quality impacts is important, the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recommends using wood burning stoves that are of latest possible technology, are well maintained and in good working order. Anyone considering outdoor wood burning furnaces should be aware of all state and local regulations governing their use. Additional information on air quality aspects of wood burning can be found at: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2684&Q=321780
· Further information about purchasing firewood can be found in the Forestry section of the Department of Environmental Protection’s web site at: http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2697&q=322792&depNav_GID=1631%20
· Finally, consumers who cannot resolve a dispute with a seller about a firewood delivery are welcome to contact the Department of Consumer Protection at 860-713-6168 or 1-800-842-2649. READ MORE: http://www.ct.gov/dcp/cwp/view.asp?Q=449512&A=3618
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Mackey & Guasco move into new Southport digs
The job market is tough, but Maureen Mackey and Luisa Guasco, founders of Mackey & Guasco Staffing Associates are busier than ever at their new location at Tide Mill Landing at 2425 Post Road in the Southport section of Fairfield.
"We get 300 to 400 resumes a week when we're doing heavy advertising. The volume has tripled since the October crash. For every job, there are three or four great people," said Mackey, who moved her office from Darien about three weeks ago. "Temp is definitely picking up."
Many applicants are unemployed, while others are certain that they are going to lose their jobs, but some are simply seeking positions that offer better pay, Mackey said, adding that companies seem to be more willing to hire.
"It's not going gangbusters, but there's definitely a sense of hope. If the stock market goes well, we're usually four to six months behind," she said. "As soon as lending picks up, people will have more money to float their payrolls."
Noting that most of the agency's clients come from Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Darien and Westport, Mackey said their willingness to travel to the new Southport office indicates their desire to find a job, although it requires a lengthy commute.
"In today's economy, a candidate will come from anywhere for a job. The philosophy has changed. If they aren't willing to drive to Southport, that's a tell-tale sign about their character," said Mackey, whose agency focuses on positions in office administration and human resources, as well as some marketing and accounting.
As companies and job hunters have become more sophisticated in their use of the Internet and other communications devices, it has become easier to serve them, she said, noting that distance is less of a barrier.
Mackey & Guasco, which has three full-time and two-part staffers also has been impacted by the recession. The owners laid off a full-time employee.
They quickly have acclimatized to the 1,100-square-foot space, which Mackey and Guasco, both Fairfield residents, found by networking after learning that their building in Darien was being sold and converted into residential use. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14003876
"We get 300 to 400 resumes a week when we're doing heavy advertising. The volume has tripled since the October crash. For every job, there are three or four great people," said Mackey, who moved her office from Darien about three weeks ago. "Temp is definitely picking up."
Many applicants are unemployed, while others are certain that they are going to lose their jobs, but some are simply seeking positions that offer better pay, Mackey said, adding that companies seem to be more willing to hire.
"It's not going gangbusters, but there's definitely a sense of hope. If the stock market goes well, we're usually four to six months behind," she said. "As soon as lending picks up, people will have more money to float their payrolls."
Noting that most of the agency's clients come from Stamford, Norwalk, Greenwich, Darien and Westport, Mackey said their willingness to travel to the new Southport office indicates their desire to find a job, although it requires a lengthy commute.
"In today's economy, a candidate will come from anywhere for a job. The philosophy has changed. If they aren't willing to drive to Southport, that's a tell-tale sign about their character," said Mackey, whose agency focuses on positions in office administration and human resources, as well as some marketing and accounting.
As companies and job hunters have become more sophisticated in their use of the Internet and other communications devices, it has become easier to serve them, she said, noting that distance is less of a barrier.
Mackey & Guasco, which has three full-time and two-part staffers also has been impacted by the recession. The owners laid off a full-time employee.
They quickly have acclimatized to the 1,100-square-foot space, which Mackey and Guasco, both Fairfield residents, found by networking after learning that their building in Darien was being sold and converted into residential use. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/ci_14003876
Fairfield reaches out to fire victims
Sometimes it takes the ugliness of a tragedy to see the beauty around you.
Tommy Xie, a Fairfield University professor who relocated from Illinois to Connecticut in August, lost his home last week after a blaze destroyed multiple units at the Quincy Condominiums complex on Hulls Highway. However, in the week that has passed, he has experienced an outpouring of generosity from friends and associates as well as the kindness of strangers.
"The enormous amount of help we have gotten from this community is much more memorable than the accident itself," said Xie, who moved to Fairfield with his wife Stella and 5-year-old daughter Catherine.
Jim Fitzpatrick, assistant vice president of student affairs, has done a lot of the work regarding donations for Xie and his family. In addition, Fitzpatrick coordinates the off-campus housing for university staff and had the Xies in a new residence within 48 hours of the fire, something which the family is very grateful for.
The 31-year-old Xie said he's now only about 200 yards from the campus' main entrance. The house was recently acquired by the university and Xie can stay there until at least May.
Xie said he and his family have been overwhelmed by all kinds of help but one highlight is that soon after the fire, university officials told him that he, Stella and Catherine are welcome to eat in the campus center, free of charge, until the end of the school year.
Fitzpatrick has been collecting cash donations, checks, food, blankets, quilts, clothes and toys.
"At this time of season, you hope something like this happens but you never know," said Fitzpatrick. He has found out that despite the current economic times, the Fairfield University community doesn't hesitate to dip into their pockets or purses to help one of their own.
And while it's "very simple" to give cash or write a check, Fitzpatrick said many have taken the time to head out to the store to buy clothes and toys, for example, for the Xies' 5-year-old daughter.
The most expensive item ruined in the fire was a brand new piano, purchased in October for about $12,000. Xie, who plays classical and jazz, had planned to teach piano to his daughter.
Catherine may be young but she understands what happened. Visiting the old place a day after the fire last week, she became really sad when she saw the Christmas tree lying on its side. It was decorated the night of the fire. Fortunately when she saw her new home, "it completely turned her around," said Xie.
Before the transition from one home to another, the American Red Cross covered a stay at the Fairfield Inn, as well as provided stipends to buy winter wear and other clothing. The university also allowed the Xie family to take any furniture they wanted from the old Jesuit residence and put it in their new home.
Dr. James Simon, chairman of the English department and director of the university's journalism program, told the Fairfield Citizen Monday that a department Christmas party was held over the weekend and faculty presented Xie -- who teaches English 11 and online journalism -- with toys for his daughter.
"We want her to have as normal a Christmas season as possible," said Simon.
Xie's colleagues have also offered to babysit while Xie and his wife turn their new house into a home. In addition, representatives of Mill Hill Elementary School -- which Catherine attends -- have agreed to put her in the after-school program free of charge. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14006614
Tommy Xie, a Fairfield University professor who relocated from Illinois to Connecticut in August, lost his home last week after a blaze destroyed multiple units at the Quincy Condominiums complex on Hulls Highway. However, in the week that has passed, he has experienced an outpouring of generosity from friends and associates as well as the kindness of strangers.
"The enormous amount of help we have gotten from this community is much more memorable than the accident itself," said Xie, who moved to Fairfield with his wife Stella and 5-year-old daughter Catherine.
Jim Fitzpatrick, assistant vice president of student affairs, has done a lot of the work regarding donations for Xie and his family. In addition, Fitzpatrick coordinates the off-campus housing for university staff and had the Xies in a new residence within 48 hours of the fire, something which the family is very grateful for.
The 31-year-old Xie said he's now only about 200 yards from the campus' main entrance. The house was recently acquired by the university and Xie can stay there until at least May.
Xie said he and his family have been overwhelmed by all kinds of help but one highlight is that soon after the fire, university officials told him that he, Stella and Catherine are welcome to eat in the campus center, free of charge, until the end of the school year.
Fitzpatrick has been collecting cash donations, checks, food, blankets, quilts, clothes and toys.
"At this time of season, you hope something like this happens but you never know," said Fitzpatrick. He has found out that despite the current economic times, the Fairfield University community doesn't hesitate to dip into their pockets or purses to help one of their own.
And while it's "very simple" to give cash or write a check, Fitzpatrick said many have taken the time to head out to the store to buy clothes and toys, for example, for the Xies' 5-year-old daughter.
The most expensive item ruined in the fire was a brand new piano, purchased in October for about $12,000. Xie, who plays classical and jazz, had planned to teach piano to his daughter.
Catherine may be young but she understands what happened. Visiting the old place a day after the fire last week, she became really sad when she saw the Christmas tree lying on its side. It was decorated the night of the fire. Fortunately when she saw her new home, "it completely turned her around," said Xie.
Before the transition from one home to another, the American Red Cross covered a stay at the Fairfield Inn, as well as provided stipends to buy winter wear and other clothing. The university also allowed the Xie family to take any furniture they wanted from the old Jesuit residence and put it in their new home.
Dr. James Simon, chairman of the English department and director of the university's journalism program, told the Fairfield Citizen Monday that a department Christmas party was held over the weekend and faculty presented Xie -- who teaches English 11 and online journalism -- with toys for his daughter.
"We want her to have as normal a Christmas season as possible," said Simon.
Xie's colleagues have also offered to babysit while Xie and his wife turn their new house into a home. In addition, representatives of Mill Hill Elementary School -- which Catherine attends -- have agreed to put her in the after-school program free of charge. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14006614
Town unveils new neighborhood watch program
The Fairfield Police announced Friday the creation of a new neighborhood watch program, called "Neighborhood Watch Net," aimed at bolstering ties between residents, police, firefighters, the health department and town hall.
The program will be centered on a secure Web site -- not yet created -- where information can be passed between town departments and volunteer neighborhood leaders, and then disseminated from the leaders to their participating neighbors through e-mail.
The police department is now looking for volunteers to serve as leaders for their respective neighborhoods.
"We already rely heavily on community involvement, but this should better the communication and working relationships between police and residents," said Deputy Police Chief Gary McNamara. He added that pieces of the former Neighborhood Watch program will be incorporated with new ideas, initiatives and technology.
Already, one man, Gerry Allessi, who lives in the Stratfield area, has come forward. Allessi said that in less than three weeks he has collected around 240 e-mail addresses from neighbors, many of whom have been concerned for some time about upticks in burglaries and car break-ins.
"It just took off like wildfire," he said. "I had 130 to 140 e-mail addresses after just two days and they've been piling up about 15 to 20 a day."
Allessi said that there is a Neighborhood Watch sign by his house but no corresponding program. That, says McNamara, is symptomatic of the former program.
"It's always been a constant fight against citizen complacency," he said. "When there's not a problem in an area, continuing involvement has been very difficult to find."
Said Allessi of new initiative: "We have to be proactive, to just keep an eye on things. It's important and helpful to get as many people involved as possible."
For now, Allessi has been working closely with police spokesman Sgt. James Perez. If anyone in his area hears of a crime or burglary, he said, they can e-mail him for official information. He then contacts the police department and forwards the information to the 240 e-mail addresses on his list.
Eventually, a coordinator will oversee the Web site and act as a clearing-house for all the information shooting back and forth between neighborhood leaders and departments. But first, neighborhood leaders will need to partake in a training session in January to flesh out their specific roles and discuss what to expect, Perez said. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14006609
The program will be centered on a secure Web site -- not yet created -- where information can be passed between town departments and volunteer neighborhood leaders, and then disseminated from the leaders to their participating neighbors through e-mail.
The police department is now looking for volunteers to serve as leaders for their respective neighborhoods.
"We already rely heavily on community involvement, but this should better the communication and working relationships between police and residents," said Deputy Police Chief Gary McNamara. He added that pieces of the former Neighborhood Watch program will be incorporated with new ideas, initiatives and technology.
Already, one man, Gerry Allessi, who lives in the Stratfield area, has come forward. Allessi said that in less than three weeks he has collected around 240 e-mail addresses from neighbors, many of whom have been concerned for some time about upticks in burglaries and car break-ins.
"It just took off like wildfire," he said. "I had 130 to 140 e-mail addresses after just two days and they've been piling up about 15 to 20 a day."
Allessi said that there is a Neighborhood Watch sign by his house but no corresponding program. That, says McNamara, is symptomatic of the former program.
"It's always been a constant fight against citizen complacency," he said. "When there's not a problem in an area, continuing involvement has been very difficult to find."
Said Allessi of new initiative: "We have to be proactive, to just keep an eye on things. It's important and helpful to get as many people involved as possible."
For now, Allessi has been working closely with police spokesman Sgt. James Perez. If anyone in his area hears of a crime or burglary, he said, they can e-mail him for official information. He then contacts the police department and forwards the information to the 240 e-mail addresses on his list.
Eventually, a coordinator will oversee the Web site and act as a clearing-house for all the information shooting back and forth between neighborhood leaders and departments. But first, neighborhood leaders will need to partake in a training session in January to flesh out their specific roles and discuss what to expect, Perez said. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_14006609
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Ye Yacht Yard in 1920's
(click on image to enlarge)
A very rare photo of Ye Yacht Yard from the 1920's extracted by Lew Corbitt from a frame of a 16mm film taken by A.O. Jennings. Special thanks to Arthur Jennings for contributing this photo.
A very rare photo of Ye Yacht Yard from the 1920's extracted by Lew Corbitt from a frame of a 16mm film taken by A.O. Jennings. Special thanks to Arthur Jennings for contributing this photo.
Pine Creek Tuesday
ACO to host its first concerto competition for young musicians
As part of its goal to provide encouragement and enrichment for serious music students in the region, the Fairfield-based American Chamber Orchestra will soon inaugurate a concerto competition -- and its three winners all will be given the opportunity to perform with the group at a June 12 concert.
Competition Chairwoman Nancy Weber has announced that the nonprofit ACO is accepting applications through Jan. 17 for the event, which will take place Feb. 27 to 28 in the auditorium of the Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave., in the Southport section of Fairfield. The event finals, which will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, are open to the general public, free of charge. Judging will be by a panel of music professionals.
"What makes this competition different" than most, Weber pointed out, is that "there will be three winners instead of one.
"The winners will not only receive a cash prize (of $200 each), but will actually be invited to perform with the orchestra," she added.
Weber explained that the competition is open to all music students, 12 through 18 years of age, who are residents of Fairfield and New Haven counties; the registration fee is $30.
According to Weber, contestants may perform any movement of any major concerto, with the exception of the late Romantic period and works by modern composers. (These limitations are not a matter of musical preference, but rather the ACO's prudent attempt to contain costs for the competition and related concert, as rental costs for scores of 19th and 20th century works can often be outlandishly expensive for a small orchestra, the ACO explained.) READ MORE: http://www.newstimes.com/entertainment/article/ACO-to-host-its-first-concerto-competition-for-284560.php
Competition Chairwoman Nancy Weber has announced that the nonprofit ACO is accepting applications through Jan. 17 for the event, which will take place Feb. 27 to 28 in the auditorium of the Pequot Library, 720 Pequot Ave., in the Southport section of Fairfield. The event finals, which will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 28, are open to the general public, free of charge. Judging will be by a panel of music professionals.
"What makes this competition different" than most, Weber pointed out, is that "there will be three winners instead of one.
"The winners will not only receive a cash prize (of $200 each), but will actually be invited to perform with the orchestra," she added.
Weber explained that the competition is open to all music students, 12 through 18 years of age, who are residents of Fairfield and New Haven counties; the registration fee is $30.
According to Weber, contestants may perform any movement of any major concerto, with the exception of the late Romantic period and works by modern composers. (These limitations are not a matter of musical preference, but rather the ACO's prudent attempt to contain costs for the competition and related concert, as rental costs for scores of 19th and 20th century works can often be outlandishly expensive for a small orchestra, the ACO explained.) READ MORE: http://www.newstimes.com/entertainment/article/ACO-to-host-its-first-concerto-competition-for-284560.php
Friends reflect on Smith's dedication to charity
As the Fairfield Fire Department pieces together its investigation into a fire that severely damaged four units at Quincy Condominiums late Tuesday night, part of their work will undoubtedly involve the death of Shirley Smith.
Smith, 88, was found dead Wednesday in her condo, which was adjacent to the fire at the Hulls Highway complex. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported yesterday that the cause of death was smoke inhalation.
On Wednesday morning, Smith's family was sorting through her belongings in the condo. The front and rear doors were open and the smell of smoke was evident in the unit.
In a condo across the courtyard from Smith's was Ted Barry. He was fielding calls from friends and family who were calling to make sure he was OK, as word about the fire spread through various media outlets.
Barry, who had slept through the sirens and ensuing noise during the night, was shocked when he learned of Smith's death. "Wow, that's terrible," he said several times. "That's unbelievable."
While he said Smith pretty much kept to herself, he saw her nearly every day in the "close-knit community" at Quincy and in downtown Southport. Barry is a Realtor based out of William Pitt
Sotheby's office on Pequot Avenue, which is up the street from the Fairfield Women's Exchange, where Smith was a long-time volunteer.
"She was a lady in every sense of the word, elegant, charismatic. She never had a bad thing to say," said Louise Heasman, president of the Fairfield Women's Exchange, a nonprofit that raises funds to donate to charities through its shop on Pequot Avenue.
"I was really sad to hear of her passing," she added.
Volunteers at the exchange on Wednesday described Smith as a lady with a lovely personality, who was fun to work with and was dedicated to the nonprofit and its cause of supporting women and children in the community.
Heasman said, "As well as being a past president, Shirley contributed for several years on our Gifts Committee, helping to select wonderful organizations."
The 2009 beneficiaries of Fairfield Women's Exchange charitable effort are, in alphabetical order: The Bethel Recovery Center; The Center for Women and Families; Emerge; Homes with Hope; Project Return; and ReFocus Outreach Ministry.
"She was a hard worker," Heasman said. "She volunteered right up until the end." READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/local/ci_13974237
Smith, 88, was found dead Wednesday in her condo, which was adjacent to the fire at the Hulls Highway complex. The state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported yesterday that the cause of death was smoke inhalation.
On Wednesday morning, Smith's family was sorting through her belongings in the condo. The front and rear doors were open and the smell of smoke was evident in the unit.
In a condo across the courtyard from Smith's was Ted Barry. He was fielding calls from friends and family who were calling to make sure he was OK, as word about the fire spread through various media outlets.
Barry, who had slept through the sirens and ensuing noise during the night, was shocked when he learned of Smith's death. "Wow, that's terrible," he said several times. "That's unbelievable."
While he said Smith pretty much kept to herself, he saw her nearly every day in the "close-knit community" at Quincy and in downtown Southport. Barry is a Realtor based out of William Pitt
Sotheby's office on Pequot Avenue, which is up the street from the Fairfield Women's Exchange, where Smith was a long-time volunteer.
"She was a lady in every sense of the word, elegant, charismatic. She never had a bad thing to say," said Louise Heasman, president of the Fairfield Women's Exchange, a nonprofit that raises funds to donate to charities through its shop on Pequot Avenue.
"I was really sad to hear of her passing," she added.
Volunteers at the exchange on Wednesday described Smith as a lady with a lovely personality, who was fun to work with and was dedicated to the nonprofit and its cause of supporting women and children in the community.
Heasman said, "As well as being a past president, Shirley contributed for several years on our Gifts Committee, helping to select wonderful organizations."
The 2009 beneficiaries of Fairfield Women's Exchange charitable effort are, in alphabetical order: The Bethel Recovery Center; The Center for Women and Families; Emerge; Homes with Hope; Project Return; and ReFocus Outreach Ministry.
"She was a hard worker," Heasman said. "She volunteered right up until the end." READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/local/ci_13974237
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Pine Creek Beach Sunday morning
(click on image to enlarge)
Looking towards Port Jefferson, NY.
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
PTP offers fitness training freedom
What do you get when you mix a 3025-square foot state of the art physical training facility with top professional fitness trainers? The answer is PTP of Southport. PTP is an acronym for personal training professionals. Located in the Friendly's shopping plaza, 3683 Post Rd., the new facility is the fourth location for the personal training franchise founded in New Canaan in 1998 by Jason Baer of Easton. Other PTP franchises are in Wilton and Ridgefield.
Here, Christopher Thomas, owner and director, a 1995 Fairfield University graduate, combines his professional business major expertise and experience with his personal physical accomplishments as an amateur triathelete in managing the new facility.
"Unique" is the word Thomas stated to describe PTP, which combines the two key characteristics that bring success to individual fitness training: equipment and trainer. Each client is matched with a certified personal trainer who offers one-on-one instruction.
"We keep it safe," says Thomas, during a recent interview following an hour of personal instruction with two Westport sisters Caitlin and Elizabeth McVaney, 15 and 13, respectively. Their parents signed up their daughters for instruction for as Caitlin noted, the training keeps them physically fit "and it's something we'll be able to do for life."
Thomas emphasized the safety factor in personal fitness training and why it is important for clients to work one-on-one with a trainer who offers guidance in the proper form. In addition to safety and executing the proper form, another key factor in working with a personal trainer is the education. Thomas said it is important that the client knows and understands the how and why of each aspect of the training and how it benefits the body. He and his staff offer "the appropriate exercise" for each individual client. READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/local/ci_13974196
Here, Christopher Thomas, owner and director, a 1995 Fairfield University graduate, combines his professional business major expertise and experience with his personal physical accomplishments as an amateur triathelete in managing the new facility.
"Unique" is the word Thomas stated to describe PTP, which combines the two key characteristics that bring success to individual fitness training: equipment and trainer. Each client is matched with a certified personal trainer who offers one-on-one instruction.
"We keep it safe," says Thomas, during a recent interview following an hour of personal instruction with two Westport sisters Caitlin and Elizabeth McVaney, 15 and 13, respectively. Their parents signed up their daughters for instruction for as Caitlin noted, the training keeps them physically fit "and it's something we'll be able to do for life."
Thomas emphasized the safety factor in personal fitness training and why it is important for clients to work one-on-one with a trainer who offers guidance in the proper form. In addition to safety and executing the proper form, another key factor in working with a personal trainer is the education. Thomas said it is important that the client knows and understands the how and why of each aspect of the training and how it benefits the body. He and his staff offer "the appropriate exercise" for each individual client. READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/local/ci_13974196
Friday, December 11, 2009
Cold and windy at low tide Friday morning at Pine Creek
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Very low tide looking up Pine Creek on Friday morning. The sandbar continues to reform and grow.
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Storm Tide early 1950's Southport Harbor
(click on image to enlarge)
"The gangway is the south float at YYY and was, brand new circa 1952 or 1953. Frank Romano took the photo from Harbor Road over the page wire fence that butts up to the corner of YYY. The shed across the harbor is the tennis pavilion of the Country Club which is still there today. Frank took the photo from Harbor Road over the page wire fence that butts up to the corner of YYY. Frank was a commercial photographer who worked for various area papers and for the paper in Fairfield. A very nice gentleman and a good photographer." -Arthur Jennings
Original members of the BC&MMR
(click on image to enlarge)
Henry H. Perry and Benjamin A. Bulkley, original members of the BC&MMR.
-Arthur Jennings' Collection
Ogden House Candlelight Tour Friday Dec.11
Celebrate the holidays while glimpsing life during the mid-18th century. Take a tour of Ogden House and enjoy holiday refreshments. Located at 1520 Bronson Road, Fairfield. $3 per person.
Date(s): 12/11/2009
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location of Event: Ogden House located at 1520 Bronson Road, Fairfield
Sponsoring Organization: Fairfield Museum and History Center
Contact Name and Phone Number: Amanda Nadolny 203-259-1598
E-mail address: info@fairfieldhs.org
Date(s): 12/11/2009
Time: 4:30pm-7:30pm
Location of Event: Ogden House located at 1520 Bronson Road, Fairfield
Sponsoring Organization: Fairfield Museum and History Center
Contact Name and Phone Number: Amanda Nadolny 203-259-1598
E-mail address: info@fairfieldhs.org
Needed: presents for Fairfielders
Debbie Sheiman walked into Eileen Gombos's office Monday afternoon with a gift-bag that held a dress she bought for her 3-year-old granddaughter.
"I bought it on the Internet, but I didn't see it has Christmas decorations on the collar," she said. "We're Jewish. We've no need for that."
She plopped the bag on a table beside a stack of coupons, flyers and pamphlets. She pulled a clump of tissue paper out and unwrapped a plaid jumper. It was red, white and green with tiny hollies sewn into the collar.
"It's just too cute not to have another little girl wear it," she said, holding the dress at arms-length. "Some little girl will look just adorable in it for Christmas."
Gombos nodded. "We will find someone special for that dress," she said.
Gombos is a social worker at the town's Human and Social Services department, located at the Fairfield Senior Center on 100 Mona Terrace. She's charged with matching families facing tough times with local donors who want to help provide gifts and basic necessities for the holidays.
Last year, 39 families in town signed up for assistance through the Holiday Giving Program. This year, more than 60 families have signed up. READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/ci_13959406
"I bought it on the Internet, but I didn't see it has Christmas decorations on the collar," she said. "We're Jewish. We've no need for that."
She plopped the bag on a table beside a stack of coupons, flyers and pamphlets. She pulled a clump of tissue paper out and unwrapped a plaid jumper. It was red, white and green with tiny hollies sewn into the collar.
"It's just too cute not to have another little girl wear it," she said, holding the dress at arms-length. "Some little girl will look just adorable in it for Christmas."
Gombos nodded. "We will find someone special for that dress," she said.
Gombos is a social worker at the town's Human and Social Services department, located at the Fairfield Senior Center on 100 Mona Terrace. She's charged with matching families facing tough times with local donors who want to help provide gifts and basic necessities for the holidays.
Last year, 39 families in town signed up for assistance through the Holiday Giving Program. This year, more than 60 families have signed up. READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/ci_13959406
Ice cold low tide at Sasco Beach Friday morning
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Ice cold winds at low tide on Friday morning at Sasco Beach.
Special needs study designed to fill in the gaps
The Board of Education on Tuesday night approved a research project that aims to gain a clear understanding of the decision-making difficulties experienced by youth with intellectual disabilities, and how to assist them to become more effective decision-makers in important areas of their lives.
Columbia University-based Linda Hickson, director of the Center for Opportunities & Outcomes for People with Disabilities, said she and other professionals will work with students (ages 15 to 21), parents, and staff to identify key areas of difficulty.
"Then," she said, "we will develop and evaluate an intervention tailored to the needs of the students."
The intervention will teach students about making decisions in situations involving peer relationships and peer pressure and it will give them a structured strategy to use for making decisions in those situations. Students with disabilities are entitled to a free, appropriate education until age 21.
"We feel that this transition period from school to full participation in the community as an adult is a critical period," said Hickson.
Results and recommendations will subsequently be shared with parents and staff in May.
READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/local/ci_13974234
Columbia University-based Linda Hickson, director of the Center for Opportunities & Outcomes for People with Disabilities, said she and other professionals will work with students (ages 15 to 21), parents, and staff to identify key areas of difficulty.
"Then," she said, "we will develop and evaluate an intervention tailored to the needs of the students."
The intervention will teach students about making decisions in situations involving peer relationships and peer pressure and it will give them a structured strategy to use for making decisions in those situations. Students with disabilities are entitled to a free, appropriate education until age 21.
"We feel that this transition period from school to full participation in the community as an adult is a critical period," said Hickson.
Results and recommendations will subsequently be shared with parents and staff in May.
READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/local/ci_13974234
Rare trade card for clipper ship MARY OGDEN
(click on image to supersize)
"Trade card for Clipper Ship, MARY OGDEN, launched 1854, owned by George Bulkley, of Southport, Connecticut." -Arthur Jennings' collection
Hospital department named for Daly
A humble man who spent his life deflecting honors for his many heroic deeds on battlefields and in his community was memorialized Thursday with a lasting tribute.
Although World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Michael J. Daly, a lifelong Fairfield resident, had turned down numerous offers to have highways, bridges and buildings named in his honor, Daly relented shortly before his death in July 2008 when a request came from officials at St. Vincent's Medical Center.
Daly's family members joined about 150 people at the medical center Thursday for a dedication ceremony that named the emergency department The Michael J. Daly Center for Emergency and Trauma Care. The Rev. Samuel Scott, who officiated at Daly's funeral, offered the invocation, and the color guard comprised representatives of the Fairfield American Legion Posts 143 and 74, and Disabled Veterans of America Chapter 19.
"I think this is the most appropriate thing that could be done for him because he loved this hospital more than anything else he did," said Margaret Daly, of Fairfield, Michael Daly's widow.
"This is a beautiful tribute," said Blair Miller, Daly's stepdaughter, who traveled from her home in Ashville, N.C., for the ceremony. Miller said Daly was a moving force in her life and many others' lives.
Daly was among the first lay members of St. Vincent's board of directors, serving for more than 30 years and becoming the longest-serving board member in its 106-year history.
"Michael was a board member like no other. His loyalty had no boundaries," said Ronald J. Bianchi, president of St. Vincent's Foundation and senior corporate vice president of St. Vincent's Health Services. Bianchi said Daly acceded to the honor only because he knew of the good that would be done in the emergency department.
Susan L. Davis, president and CEO of St. Vincent's Medical Center, called Daly a gentle giant and "the conscience of the board," and said giving approval for the use of his name was the most generous of gifts Daly gave the medical facility.
"We are honor-bound to make Mike proud. Naming this center after him is our way of remembering Mike forever," Davis said.
In an emotional tribute, Jonathan Dawson, of Norwalk, read a letter he wrote to his longtime friend shortly before Daly died, in which Dawson illuminated Daly's personal philosophy about duty and service to others. Dawson said Daly always did the right thing and was "an extraordinary teacher about honor, dignity, humility and charity,"
"There could be no greater honor for my father than to name this emergency department after him; this place of great caring, this safety net for the community," said Deirdre Daly, Daly's daughter, shortly before she and other family members unveiled the interior signs for the refurbished emergency center, which will open in January. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13973515
Although World War II veteran and Medal of Honor recipient Michael J. Daly, a lifelong Fairfield resident, had turned down numerous offers to have highways, bridges and buildings named in his honor, Daly relented shortly before his death in July 2008 when a request came from officials at St. Vincent's Medical Center.
Daly's family members joined about 150 people at the medical center Thursday for a dedication ceremony that named the emergency department The Michael J. Daly Center for Emergency and Trauma Care. The Rev. Samuel Scott, who officiated at Daly's funeral, offered the invocation, and the color guard comprised representatives of the Fairfield American Legion Posts 143 and 74, and Disabled Veterans of America Chapter 19.
"I think this is the most appropriate thing that could be done for him because he loved this hospital more than anything else he did," said Margaret Daly, of Fairfield, Michael Daly's widow.
"This is a beautiful tribute," said Blair Miller, Daly's stepdaughter, who traveled from her home in Ashville, N.C., for the ceremony. Miller said Daly was a moving force in her life and many others' lives.
Daly was among the first lay members of St. Vincent's board of directors, serving for more than 30 years and becoming the longest-serving board member in its 106-year history.
"Michael was a board member like no other. His loyalty had no boundaries," said Ronald J. Bianchi, president of St. Vincent's Foundation and senior corporate vice president of St. Vincent's Health Services. Bianchi said Daly acceded to the honor only because he knew of the good that would be done in the emergency department.
Susan L. Davis, president and CEO of St. Vincent's Medical Center, called Daly a gentle giant and "the conscience of the board," and said giving approval for the use of his name was the most generous of gifts Daly gave the medical facility.
"We are honor-bound to make Mike proud. Naming this center after him is our way of remembering Mike forever," Davis said.
In an emotional tribute, Jonathan Dawson, of Norwalk, read a letter he wrote to his longtime friend shortly before Daly died, in which Dawson illuminated Daly's personal philosophy about duty and service to others. Dawson said Daly always did the right thing and was "an extraordinary teacher about honor, dignity, humility and charity,"
"There could be no greater honor for my father than to name this emergency department after him; this place of great caring, this safety net for the community," said Deirdre Daly, Daly's daughter, shortly before she and other family members unveiled the interior signs for the refurbished emergency center, which will open in January. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13973515
Board gets early jump on education budget
A new high school schedule that would expand instructional hours and cost around $1 million for additional staff; needed expansion of cafeterias at the two high schools that will come in around $3 million; a plan to make some headway in the district with technology and maintenance, which have been deferred for three years -- these were some of the things Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ann Clark told the Board of Education Tuesday night were the administration's priorities for the next budget cycle.
Many of the priorities mentioned at the meeting haven't been defined in dollars yet. Rather, Clark was trying to get a feel for what the board would support so the administration doesn't have to waste time putting things in the budget that will more than likely be denied.
The board, as a whole, supported all of the priorities, but chairman Sue Brand and new member Paul Fattibene questioned whether the timing is right to go forward with the new high school schedule. John Mitola, former vice chairman of the Board of Education, brought up another priority for similar reasons.
"My sense is there's no realistic way the town's going to spend $3 million to bump out our cafeterias in these economic times," he said.
Brand said Fairfield Ludlowe High School already exceeds its capacity of 1,400. Presently, the lunchroom cannot accommodate its population, even with 20 percent of the student body skipping lunch to take an eighth class. That situation will only be made worse if the new schedule is adopted and everybody has a lunch, Brand said.
The proposed high school schedule -- the main goal of which is to increase instructional time -- would change the school day from a seven-period day with a lunch to an eight-period day with an embedded lunch. Currently, some students choose to take a course instead of a lunch, according to Brand.
The education board appreciated getting an early indication of what to expect in the budget as well as to provide some input.
"The more time the board has to understand the reason for the budget request, the more time the town has, and with a greater understanding comes a validation of the request," said Brand, who added the board usually doesn't see the budget until January, and then only has about two weeks to review and approve a modification of what was presented.
Board of Education member John Mitola said he basically supports the priorities Clark spoke of Tuesday night, but admitted that could change when the board gets the figures on all of the requests.
Clark said four new buses will be needed at the middle school level; large increases in expenses for medical benefits are expected; Social Security will likely stay flat but the contribution for non-certified employees to the town pension fund will likely increase; special education reimbursement from the state may go down as much as 30 percent; and school officials want to maintain class-size guidelines as well as maintain the team structure at the middle schools.
Clark said the district is expecting an additional 129 students next year, and new Board of Education member Tim Kery, doing some quick math, said that alone will cost the district around $1.7 million. Clark said in a phone interview Wednesday that population increase will largely be felt at the middle and high school levels.
While Clark is disappointed there won't be any new programs, she said that is the result of the current economy.
"It's important that we all be aware of the balancing act we're trying to do with the economy and meeting the needs of the students," she said. Also, First Selectman Ken Flatto said in a recent press conference that he wants the overall budget (town and education) to have a 0 percent increase. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13974241
Many of the priorities mentioned at the meeting haven't been defined in dollars yet. Rather, Clark was trying to get a feel for what the board would support so the administration doesn't have to waste time putting things in the budget that will more than likely be denied.
The board, as a whole, supported all of the priorities, but chairman Sue Brand and new member Paul Fattibene questioned whether the timing is right to go forward with the new high school schedule. John Mitola, former vice chairman of the Board of Education, brought up another priority for similar reasons.
"My sense is there's no realistic way the town's going to spend $3 million to bump out our cafeterias in these economic times," he said.
Brand said Fairfield Ludlowe High School already exceeds its capacity of 1,400. Presently, the lunchroom cannot accommodate its population, even with 20 percent of the student body skipping lunch to take an eighth class. That situation will only be made worse if the new schedule is adopted and everybody has a lunch, Brand said.
The proposed high school schedule -- the main goal of which is to increase instructional time -- would change the school day from a seven-period day with a lunch to an eight-period day with an embedded lunch. Currently, some students choose to take a course instead of a lunch, according to Brand.
The education board appreciated getting an early indication of what to expect in the budget as well as to provide some input.
"The more time the board has to understand the reason for the budget request, the more time the town has, and with a greater understanding comes a validation of the request," said Brand, who added the board usually doesn't see the budget until January, and then only has about two weeks to review and approve a modification of what was presented.
Board of Education member John Mitola said he basically supports the priorities Clark spoke of Tuesday night, but admitted that could change when the board gets the figures on all of the requests.
Clark said four new buses will be needed at the middle school level; large increases in expenses for medical benefits are expected; Social Security will likely stay flat but the contribution for non-certified employees to the town pension fund will likely increase; special education reimbursement from the state may go down as much as 30 percent; and school officials want to maintain class-size guidelines as well as maintain the team structure at the middle schools.
Clark said the district is expecting an additional 129 students next year, and new Board of Education member Tim Kery, doing some quick math, said that alone will cost the district around $1.7 million. Clark said in a phone interview Wednesday that population increase will largely be felt at the middle and high school levels.
While Clark is disappointed there won't be any new programs, she said that is the result of the current economy.
"It's important that we all be aware of the balancing act we're trying to do with the economy and meeting the needs of the students," she said. Also, First Selectman Ken Flatto said in a recent press conference that he wants the overall budget (town and education) to have a 0 percent increase. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13974241
Smoke inhalation cause of death in Fairfield condo fire
An 88-year-old resident of the Quincy Condominiums found dead the morning after an overnight fire destroyed two units in the complex died of smoke inhalation when she stayed in her home as other units were evacuated, officials said Thursday.
Shirley Smith was found dead in her bedroom Wednesday morning in the aftermath of the late-night Tuesday fire at the Hulls Highway complex. The building was evacuated during the fire and about 15 residents went to a temporary shelter at Fairfield Ludlowe High School.
Smith's death was officially attributed to smoke inhalation Thursday after an autopsy conducted at the office of the state's chief medical examiner.
"It does not appear she ever left," Assistant Fire Chief Chris Tracy said, although emergency personnel had checked on her unit during the fire.
The cause of the fire, which started on the exterior wall of an upper unit on the opposite side of a fire wall from Smith's unit, is still under investigation by police and the fire marshal's office. Tracy said the investigation will also look into how much smoke filtered into Smith's unit, which is on the lower level. "Her unit was two units over and on the lower level," Tracy said. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13968765
Shirley Smith was found dead in her bedroom Wednesday morning in the aftermath of the late-night Tuesday fire at the Hulls Highway complex. The building was evacuated during the fire and about 15 residents went to a temporary shelter at Fairfield Ludlowe High School.
Smith's death was officially attributed to smoke inhalation Thursday after an autopsy conducted at the office of the state's chief medical examiner.
"It does not appear she ever left," Assistant Fire Chief Chris Tracy said, although emergency personnel had checked on her unit during the fire.
The cause of the fire, which started on the exterior wall of an upper unit on the opposite side of a fire wall from Smith's unit, is still under investigation by police and the fire marshal's office. Tracy said the investigation will also look into how much smoke filtered into Smith's unit, which is on the lower level. "Her unit was two units over and on the lower level," Tracy said. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13968765
Holiday Express Train Show
HolidayExpress Train Show
Now Open Weekends! Saturday & Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Delight in the magic of model trains and beautiful holiday scenery.
Open Weekends thru January 3, 12pm – 4pm;
Open Vacation Week: December 28 – 30, 10am – 4pm, and New Year's Eve: 10am – 12pm
$5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, FREE for kids ages 5 and under and members of the Museum.
Visit www.fairfieldhs.org for more information. Sponsored by GE and People's United Bank.
Now Open Weekends! Saturday & Sunday, 12pm – 4pm
Delight in the magic of model trains and beautiful holiday scenery.
Open Weekends thru January 3, 12pm – 4pm;
Open Vacation Week: December 28 – 30, 10am – 4pm, and New Year's Eve: 10am – 12pm
$5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors, FREE for kids ages 5 and under and members of the Museum.
Visit www.fairfieldhs.org for more information. Sponsored by GE and People's United Bank.
Southport Congregational Church Christmas Tree in 1900
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Christmas Tree, Southport Congregational Church
Southport, Connecticut
Photographer: Edward, Clinton or Eugene Hall (series printed from 4 glass plate negatives)
Creator: V. Louise Higgins
Publisher: Pequot Library Association
Date: 27 Dec 1900
Format: Photograph
REFERENCE URL: http://pequotlibrary.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p1038coll5&CISOPTR=117&CISOBOX=1&REC=5
Southport Congregational Church Christmas Concert Dec. 13
CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Featuring:
Darwin Shen - Violin
and
Li-Pi Hsieh - Piano
Sunday, December 13
3 p.m.
Southport Congregational Church
Free-will offering to benefit:
“The Artists for Charity Children’s Home”
a home for HIV+ orphans
in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Candy House Workshop at Burr Mansion Dec.19th
Candy House Workshop at Burr Mansion
Saturday, December 19
1pm - 3pm
Make edible candy houses at the Burr Mansion! $15 per house for museum members, $20 per house for non-members. This popular program fills up quickly, and pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Please call 203-259-1598 to make your reservation. The Burr Mansion is located at 739 Old Post Road in Fairfield.
Saturday, December 19
1pm - 3pm
Make edible candy houses at the Burr Mansion! $15 per house for museum members, $20 per house for non-members. This popular program fills up quickly, and pre-registration and pre-payment are required. Please call 203-259-1598 to make your reservation. The Burr Mansion is located at 739 Old Post Road in Fairfield.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
19th annual Tree of Light December 10 in Southport 6pm
Tree of Light is an opportunity to take pause from the rush of the holiday season to spend quality time with family and friends in the warmth of a community ceremony to remember lost loved ones. The Tree of Light ceremonies give great comfort to the bereaved during a time noted by celebrations no longer able to be shared with their loved ones. Tribute donations from individuals illuminate symbolic tree lights in memory of their beloved and memorialized names are read aloud during the candlelit and tree lighting ceremonies.
The colors of the memorial lights are symbolic of the qualities of the VNS Hospice at Home™ program: comfort (green), dignity (blue) and peace (white).
Proceeds from the Tree of Light will benefit VNS of Connecticut’s Hospice at Home™ program to provide assistance with costly medications, treatments, equipment and medical supplies, respite services for caregivers, bereavement counseling and training for the hospice volunteer program. Most significantly, funds raised help us provide hospice care to underserved patients and their families, who would not otherwise be able to afford our services.
The 19th annual Tree of Light will be held simultaneously in 11 towns on December 10. All ceremonies begin at 6:30 p.m. except in Southport at 6 p.m.
The start time of the Southport Tree of Light to 6 p.m. and coincides with the Southport Village holiday stroll. Southport’s Tree of Light is held at Chase Bank.
For more information and to illuminate a light(s) in memory of a love one, residents should call (203) 366-3821, email TreeOfLight@vnsct.org or visit http://www.vnsct.org/ to download the registration order form. Orders must be received by November 30 to ensure that names are printed on the Tree of Light Memorial Roll. Requests to name lights will be accepted after November 30, but memorialized names may not be printed, but will be read aloud as part of the Memorial Roll.
(click on image to enlarge)
Robinson Cottage
(click on image to enlarge)
Robinson Cottage
Main Street at Rose Hill Road
Southport, Connecticut
Description: The house was built circa 1795 by John Robinson Jr. In 1929 the property was purchased by the Sasquanaug Association for Village Improvement and was restored as a memorial to the founding of the association in 1887. The house (a private residence) and grounds are maintained by the Sasquanaug Association.
Creator: V. Louise Higgins
Publisher: Pequot Library Association
Format: Photograph
REFERENCE URL: http://pequotlibrary.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p1038coll5&CISOPTR=462&CISOBOX=1&REC=2
Christmas Toy Collection at Wakeman
Show your holiday spirit! The Keystone Club will be collecting toys for children at the McGivney Center in Bridgeport, the Stratford Southend Community Center and Burroughs Community Center. Please take an ornament off the Christmas Tree (available in the lobby throughout December). The ornament you choose will identify the age and gender of a child needing a present. Simply drop off your unwrapped donation toWakeman by Thursday, December 17th. Thank you for your generosity. http://www.wakemanclub.com/node/7
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
In wake of Southport condo fire, cause of woman's death, fire probed
A late-night fire that destroyed two second-story units at the Quincy Condominiums apparently started outside the Hulls Highway complex, but the death of an elderly woman whose body was found in a neighboring unit is not believed to be directly related to the blaze, officials say.
The specific cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to Fire Marshal William Kessler.
Fire and police officials are also awaiting word from the state medical examiner's office on the cause of death of 88-year-old Shirley Smith, who lived in a lower-level unit adjacent to the units severely damaged by the fire.
Smith was discovered several hours after the fire was put out and power was restored as firefighters were checking each unit for potential fire hazards, according to Assistant Fire Chief Chris Tracy.
Whether Smith's death was caused by smoke from the fire, Tracy said, is not known at this time. He said the woman's unit was on the other side of a fire wall from the blaze.
"It's impossible to know at this point," Tracy said of the cause of Smith's death. "Some smoke had migrated into the other units," he said, but it appeared "minimal."
Deputy Police Chief Gary MacNamara said the medical examiner came to the scene and scheduled an autopsy for Thursday. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13959679
The specific cause of the fire is still under investigation, according to Fire Marshal William Kessler.
Fire and police officials are also awaiting word from the state medical examiner's office on the cause of death of 88-year-old Shirley Smith, who lived in a lower-level unit adjacent to the units severely damaged by the fire.
Smith was discovered several hours after the fire was put out and power was restored as firefighters were checking each unit for potential fire hazards, according to Assistant Fire Chief Chris Tracy.
Whether Smith's death was caused by smoke from the fire, Tracy said, is not known at this time. He said the woman's unit was on the other side of a fire wall from the blaze.
"It's impossible to know at this point," Tracy said of the cause of Smith's death. "Some smoke had migrated into the other units," he said, but it appeared "minimal."
Deputy Police Chief Gary MacNamara said the medical examiner came to the scene and scheduled an autopsy for Thursday. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13959679
Crash causes Post Road shut-down
Early Wednesday morning, a vehicle struck a United Illuminating utility pole, knocking the pole off its base and dropping live wires across the Post Road.
At approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning, the Fairfield Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle accident with injuries on the Post Road near Lacey Place. A passerby witnessed a sport utilty vehicle strike a utility pole head on causing the vehicle to crash into a building. Fairfield Engine 2, Rescue 1, Car 3 and Westport Fire Department Engine 5 responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, crews found the utility pole was snapped at the base and was suspended over the Post Road by the wires only. Firefighters operating at a structure fire on Hulls Highway reported seeing a bright flash in the sky from the high power lines as they shorted out causing a power outage along the Post Road including numerous residential and commercial buildings.
The driver of the car, a 22-year-old woman, was being evaluated on scene for injuries by ambulance personnel. Name not available at time of report.
Due to the damage, utility workers were unable to make the area safe form electrical hazards. Fairfield Firefighters remained on scene as a precaution. The Post Road remains completely closed in the area of the accident between lacey Place and River Street.
READ MORE AND PHOTO: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/breakingnews/ci_13954849
At approximately 2:30 a.m. this morning, the Fairfield Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle accident with injuries on the Post Road near Lacey Place. A passerby witnessed a sport utilty vehicle strike a utility pole head on causing the vehicle to crash into a building. Fairfield Engine 2, Rescue 1, Car 3 and Westport Fire Department Engine 5 responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, crews found the utility pole was snapped at the base and was suspended over the Post Road by the wires only. Firefighters operating at a structure fire on Hulls Highway reported seeing a bright flash in the sky from the high power lines as they shorted out causing a power outage along the Post Road including numerous residential and commercial buildings.
The driver of the car, a 22-year-old woman, was being evaluated on scene for injuries by ambulance personnel. Name not available at time of report.
Due to the damage, utility workers were unable to make the area safe form electrical hazards. Fairfield Firefighters remained on scene as a precaution. The Post Road remains completely closed in the area of the accident between lacey Place and River Street.
READ MORE AND PHOTO: http://www.fairfieldcitizenonline.com/breakingnews/ci_13954849
Fairfield Giants Pee Wee football eliminated in Florida
The Fairfield Giants were just two wins away from the Pee Wee Pop Warner National championship.
Unfortunately, they ran into a buzzsaw.
The Giants' dream of advancing to the Division II Pee Wee National Championship game ended on Tuesday as the Far West Jets beat Fairfield, 28-0 on Tuesday morning in Orlando, Fla.
The Jets advanced to the Division II final where they will play the Lee Summit (Mo.) Titans.
The Giants reached the semifinal game by winning in the quarterfinals on Monday.
The Giants defense rose to the occasion yet again, pitching another shutout as the Pee Wees defeated Sparks (Nev.) Wildcats 14-0 on Monday in Orlando.
Michael Pellegrino ran for a 25-yard-touchdown in the first quarter behind the tough blocking Connor Boyle, David Klein, George Seymour and Nat King, which put the Giants on the board from the start. Connor Bercik boomed home an extra point to put the Giants ahead 8-0.
The Giants scored again in the second quarter when the Pee Wees drove the ball down the field with strong runs by Pellegrino and Chris Howell. Chad Peterson finally closed the drive with a one-yard run to put the Giants ahead 14-0.
The Giants defense came up big in the second half as the Pee Wee defense twice snuffed out Wildcats' drives with interceptions. Brett Dammeyer snuffed out a Sparks' drive with an interception at the Giants' 25-yard line as the Wildcats were going in to score. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13959413
Unfortunately, they ran into a buzzsaw.
The Giants' dream of advancing to the Division II Pee Wee National Championship game ended on Tuesday as the Far West Jets beat Fairfield, 28-0 on Tuesday morning in Orlando, Fla.
The Jets advanced to the Division II final where they will play the Lee Summit (Mo.) Titans.
The Giants reached the semifinal game by winning in the quarterfinals on Monday.
The Giants defense rose to the occasion yet again, pitching another shutout as the Pee Wees defeated Sparks (Nev.) Wildcats 14-0 on Monday in Orlando.
Michael Pellegrino ran for a 25-yard-touchdown in the first quarter behind the tough blocking Connor Boyle, David Klein, George Seymour and Nat King, which put the Giants on the board from the start. Connor Bercik boomed home an extra point to put the Giants ahead 8-0.
The Giants scored again in the second quarter when the Pee Wees drove the ball down the field with strong runs by Pellegrino and Chris Howell. Chad Peterson finally closed the drive with a one-yard run to put the Giants ahead 14-0.
The Giants defense came up big in the second half as the Pee Wee defense twice snuffed out Wildcats' drives with interceptions. Brett Dammeyer snuffed out a Sparks' drive with an interception at the Giants' 25-yard line as the Wildcats were going in to score. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13959413
Body found in unit next to Southport condos hit by fire
A body has been found this morning in a unit of the Quincy Condominiums, next to several other units destroyed by fire last night.
The victim appears to be an elderly resident, who apparently died of cardiac arrest and not as a direct result of the fire at the complex on Hulls Highway in the Southport section of town.
The fire struck units 22-28, according to Fire Chief Richard Felner. The call came in at 11:37 p.m. from a tenant in a rear unit.
"I saw it coming down the road. When I arrived the flames were 20, 30 feet in the air," he said.
READ MORE AND SEE PHOTOS: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13959679
The victim appears to be an elderly resident, who apparently died of cardiac arrest and not as a direct result of the fire at the complex on Hulls Highway in the Southport section of town.
The fire struck units 22-28, according to Fire Chief Richard Felner. The call came in at 11:37 p.m. from a tenant in a rear unit.
"I saw it coming down the road. When I arrived the flames were 20, 30 feet in the air," he said.
READ MORE AND SEE PHOTOS: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13959679
Another Southport Tub Race circa 1890's
(click on image to enlarge)
"Original print (on heavy cardboard) of a Southport Tub Race, {date of this photo unknown, (estimated 1890's)}". "Tub Racing" was mentioned as a sport in the 1890's (and documented in photos also into the 1920's). (C. M. Bulkley, Mill River, Southport, Reminiscences of the Past pages 25-26). People seen gathered at the BC&MMR, and also on what is now called Perry Green. From: Arthur Jennings' collection.
Storm wreaks havoc in southwestern Connecticut today
A mix of snow, sleet and rain is being blamed for various problems across southwestern Connecticut.
The storm knocked out power to some buildings in Norwalk and also left some intersections without working lights. Firefighters were called to the South Norwalk train station to rescue people from two elevators that got stuck after losing power.
Police say the bad weather caused an SUV to slam into a pole on Post Road near Lacey Place in Fairfield.
Video of Post Road accident at River Street area of Southport early this morning:
http://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=239775&position=1&news_type=news
The storm knocked out power to some buildings in Norwalk and also left some intersections without working lights. Firefighters were called to the South Norwalk train station to rescue people from two elevators that got stuck after losing power.
Police say the bad weather caused an SUV to slam into a pole on Post Road near Lacey Place in Fairfield.
Video of Post Road accident at River Street area of Southport early this morning:
http://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=239775&position=1&news_type=news
Fire forces 28 from their homes in Southport
An early morning fire in Fairfield forced 28 people from their homes and left one firefighter injured. An elderly woman was found dead in one of the units from cardiac arrest, but investigators don't know if her death is directly related to the fire.
Firefighters from Westport, Bridgeport and Fairfield were called in to contain the fire at the Quincy Condominiums just off the Post Road on Hulls Highway.
Fire officials say the evacuated residents were taken to an emergency shelter set up at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. One firefighter was also injured and taken to Bridgeport Hospital.
Video at news12.com:
http://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=239770&position=3&news_type=news&rand=62419584
Firefighters from Westport, Bridgeport and Fairfield were called in to contain the fire at the Quincy Condominiums just off the Post Road on Hulls Highway.
Fire officials say the evacuated residents were taken to an emergency shelter set up at Fairfield Ludlowe High School. One firefighter was also injured and taken to Bridgeport Hospital.
Video at news12.com:
http://www.news12.com/articleDetail.jsp?articleId=239770&position=3&news_type=news&rand=62419584
Wednesday morning at Pine Creek Beach
(click on image to enlarge)
Stormy and high wind conditions at Pine Creek Beach early Wednesday morning, while other parts of the area received several inches of snow.
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
7am Wednesday: Post Road closed in Southport-downed power lines and pole
Post Road is closed Wednesday morning due to downed power lines and pole from an overnight car crash on the Post Road between Lacey Place/River Street/Sasco Hill Road in Southport. Watch News12 for current updates. http://www.news12.com
Southport fire strikes condominiums
Firefighters were battling a blaze at the Quincy Condominiums on Hulls Highway early Wednesday morning.
The fire involved units 22-28, according to Fire Chief Richard Felner. The call came in at 11:37 p.m. from a tenant in a rear unit.
"I saw it coming down the road. When I arrived the flames were 20, 30 feet in the air," he said.
Felner said a firefighter fell from a rear window and was taken to Bridgeport Hospital but was not seriously injured.
Flames were still visible at 12:45 a.m., and the rear of the apartment was in charred ruins.
Nearby units were evacuated, and residents wearing coats or wrapped in blankets stood outside, huddled in groups waiting to see if they could return to their homes.
Smoke could be seen billowing in the night sky, and firefighters were spraying the condominiums with water from hoses.
Police were directing traffic on the Post Road, and some lanes were closed.
Fire companies from Fairfield, Westport and Bridgeport battled the blaze, Felner said, adding, "With a fire like this you need the manpower."
READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13957067
The fire involved units 22-28, according to Fire Chief Richard Felner. The call came in at 11:37 p.m. from a tenant in a rear unit.
"I saw it coming down the road. When I arrived the flames were 20, 30 feet in the air," he said.
Felner said a firefighter fell from a rear window and was taken to Bridgeport Hospital but was not seriously injured.
Flames were still visible at 12:45 a.m., and the rear of the apartment was in charred ruins.
Nearby units were evacuated, and residents wearing coats or wrapped in blankets stood outside, huddled in groups waiting to see if they could return to their homes.
Smoke could be seen billowing in the night sky, and firefighters were spraying the condominiums with water from hoses.
Police were directing traffic on the Post Road, and some lanes were closed.
Fire companies from Fairfield, Westport and Bridgeport battled the blaze, Felner said, adding, "With a fire like this you need the manpower."
READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13957067
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Southport Tub Racing in 1920's
(click on image to enlarge)
Old Yacht Club dock & water sports
Southport, Connecticut
Description: Photographer: Wells Curtis? This was taken in the early 1920's when the BC&MMR had become the first Pequot Yacht Club. The yacht club rented the building in 1921. The photographer is believed to be Wells Curtis, son of Roderick P, Curtis. In the right foreground are people in "tubs." "Tub Racing" was mentioned as a sport in the 1890's. (C. M. Bulkley, Mill River, Southport, Reminiscences of the Past pages 25-26).
Creator: V. Louise Higgins
Publisher: Pequot Library Association
Date: 1920's?
Format: Photograph
REFERENCE URL: http://pequotlibrary.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p1038coll5&CISOPTR=142&CISOBOX=1&REC=2
4th of July Watersports-"Tub Racing" in Mill River in 1890
(click on image to enlarge)
4th July Water Sports, Southport Harbor
Southport, Connecticut
Description: Photographer: Roderick P Curtis. On the reverse of this print is written: "Corner of one of the onion sheds & the old Yacht Club." Note the trees in front of the Winthrop Perrys [750 Harbor Rd] & Mrs Cornelius Perrys [780 Harbor Rd]." (The handwriting has been identified by Ann Curtis Carstensen as that of her mother, Mrs. Wells Curtis, dau-in-law of Roderick P Curtis.) Photo believed to be of the July 1890 "mammoth" entertainment put on by the Pequot Council (composed of Southport men) and the Sasquanaug Association noted in Charlotte Malvina Bulkley's _Mill River...Reminiscences_ pages 25-26. "...4th of July [1890] entertainment...was very fine.... The Tub Race in the river created a gathering of people... crowds from the surrounding country added to our own population...." Photos 106 & 107 were taken from the same vantage point at slightly different times on the same day. (Differences are seen in the position of the "tub racers, " etc.) The Ffld Hist Society has a third photograph of the same event. It appears to be an extension of the same scene, showing the view west (to the left of photo #106)--all three Meeker onion sheds are visible. A copy of this picture is in Banks pictures ff page 112. The caption is: "July 4, 1890--Water Sports on Southport Harbor in front of Meeker's Warehouses--'water walking on the harbor.'" It is assumed this third photograph was also taken by Roderick P Curtis. Buildings in this photo are, left to right: 1. corner of a Meeker onion shed; 2. BC & MMR clubhouse (see photo #93); 3. Chas Jennings buildings & docks--drugstore, grain/feed store; 4. far right, 3-story structure, Jelliff brick building (now PYC).
Creator: V Louise Higgins
Publisher: Pequot Library Association
Date: 4 July 1890
Format: Photograph
REFERENCE URL: http://pequotlibrary.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p1038coll5&CISOPTR=647&CISOBOX=1&REC=1
Southport's The Great Swamp Fight Archaeology
View Sheila Sabo's The Great Swamp Fight, Southport, Connecticut Archaeology:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNmtZ1c4Z60
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNmtZ1c4Z60
The Scandinavian Club Christmas Glögg Party
The Scandinavian Club Christmas Glögg Party
December 19, 2009
Description: Join us at The Scandinavian Club, 1351 South Pine Creek Road Fairfield, CT to experience the rich and fascinating Scandinavian Christmas traditions. Sing along to fun Scandinavian holiday carols, while feasting on traditional casseroles, Swedish meatballs with lingonberries, ham, gravlax, herring, rice pudding, coffee, bulla, & Glögg!! Glögg is a traditional Scandinavian punch often served at Christmas time. So come celebrate with us and dance to the music by C&J Productions! RESERVATIONS A MUST by December 14.
$25.00 x _____ = $ __________ (for Club Members);
$30.00 x _____ = $ __________ (for Non-Members);
TOTAL = $ __________. Mail to: 1149 Fairfield Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Make checks payable to Scandinavian Club. Cheers! Kippis! Skål!
Date(s): Saturday, December 19, 2009
Time: Cocktails at 6 pm , Smörgåsbord buffet at 7 pm
Location of Event: 1351 South Pine Creek Road Fairfield, CT
Sponsoring Organization: The Scandinavian Club of Fairfield
Contact Name and Phone Number: Leena Krook (203) 254-0932
E-mail address: Leena@Krook.net
READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldct.org/cgi-bin/calendar.pl?view=Event&event_id=2659
December 19, 2009
Description: Join us at The Scandinavian Club, 1351 South Pine Creek Road Fairfield, CT to experience the rich and fascinating Scandinavian Christmas traditions. Sing along to fun Scandinavian holiday carols, while feasting on traditional casseroles, Swedish meatballs with lingonberries, ham, gravlax, herring, rice pudding, coffee, bulla, & Glögg!! Glögg is a traditional Scandinavian punch often served at Christmas time. So come celebrate with us and dance to the music by C&J Productions! RESERVATIONS A MUST by December 14.
$25.00 x _____ = $ __________ (for Club Members);
$30.00 x _____ = $ __________ (for Non-Members);
TOTAL = $ __________. Mail to: 1149 Fairfield Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Make checks payable to Scandinavian Club. Cheers! Kippis! Skål!
Date(s): Saturday, December 19, 2009
Time: Cocktails at 6 pm , Smörgåsbord buffet at 7 pm
Location of Event: 1351 South Pine Creek Road Fairfield, CT
Sponsoring Organization: The Scandinavian Club of Fairfield
Contact Name and Phone Number: Leena Krook (203) 254-0932
E-mail address: Leena@Krook.net
READ MORE: http://www.fairfieldct.org/cgi-bin/calendar.pl?view=Event&event_id=2659
Monday, December 7, 2009
Southport Harbor watercolor
(click on image to enlarge)
Southport Harbor watercolor, 25" x 30"
http://www.elisabethmadden.com/landscapes/2.html
Howard Burr's Chris Craft Safari at YYY
(click on image to enlarge)
Howard Burr's Chris Craft, Safari on the timbers at Ye Yacht Yard.
Howard Burr's Chris Craft, Safari on the timbers at Ye Yacht Yard.
Southport skipper Arthur O. Jennings Jr. in 1930's
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
(click on image to enlarge)
Arthur O. Jennings Jr. of Southport, businessman, sailor and a founder of Pequot Yacht Club, seen here sailing his yacht, Contest, a magnificent yawl, in the 1930's.
Many thanks to his son Arthur Jennings for contributing this window to the past.
Celebrate and Help Fairfield
First Selectman Flatto announced “Celebrate and Help Fairfield”, as a special holiday 2009 initiative to celebrate and seek to help Fairfield’s local business and merchant community, while simultaneously helping senior citizens who may not be able to get out and around to celebrate the holiday season. During this holiday season, residents are being asked to shop and dine locally to support all of Fairfield’s local businesses. In addition, the First Selectman is asking businesses as well as residents to donate a holiday gift (of $20 or more) purchased from or donated by a local merchant for a homebound or needy senior citizen household.
For Fairfielders who wish to pledge/sign up for our program, please fill out this short form: http://www.fairfieldct.org/helpfairfield.htm
For Fairfielders who wish to pledge/sign up for our program, please fill out this short form: http://www.fairfieldct.org/helpfairfield.htm
Fairfield cafe's recipe for success: Keep things raw
Cooper Boardman sat at the counter perusing the menu at Catch a Healthy Habit Cafe for about 10 seconds before deciding on his order: a pina colada smoothie.
"They're really good," said Cooper, who was celebrating his birthday Monday. "I love them." He does indeed. His pina colada smoothie was nearly gone by the time his mother, Barbara Boardman, got her order, a mixture of coconut water, coconut meat, avocado, cucumber and lemon.
Glen Colello and partner Lisa Storch were at a loss for what to call for Boardman's recently dreamed up concoction. Among the choices they bandied about at their new Unquowa Road raw food eatery were "Green Dream" and "Green Cream of Coconut." Open since the day before Thanksgiving, Storch and Colello believe theirs is the only completely raw food restaurant in the state. It had previously been located in West Haven, where Storch said most customers were from out of town.
The small cafe, decorated in muted earth tones, also sells organic food like goji beans, natural lotions and books on nutrition.
Storch doesn't want people to be scared off by the "raw" food theme. "It's healthy vegan food," she said, adding people might come in for a smoothie and want to learn more about raw food.
The premise behind the raw food movement is that heating food above 118 degrees kills natural enzymes, making it more difficult for the body to digest, leaving that sluggish feeling after a meal. "It's draining when you
eat cooked food," Storch said. "It takes up a lot of energy."
Instead of a grill and oven, diners at Catch a Healthy Habit will find juicers, blenders and dehydrators. The dehydrators are used, Storch said, to reduce the moisture in the gluten- and dairy-free bread and cookie doughs so that they look like, well, bread and cookies. In addition to smoothies, there are salads and sandwiches.
The two met when Colello was working as an assistant at the Institute for Integrated Nutrition, where Storch was attending class.
Storch has been a vegan since she was about 14, but for Colello the switch to more natural foods came while he was the program director at the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in the Southport section of town. "I was in a getting-healthy phase," Colello said, and found himself lecturing the teens there about the downside of sugar-filled sodas and sports drinks. When the club's executive director said unless Colello had earned a nutrition degree that he didn't know about, Colello should stick to running programs. "I totally respected that," Colello said, and that's when he found the institute.
He left the club that year, 2005, and spent the next two years as a nutrition counselor.
READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13945616
"They're really good," said Cooper, who was celebrating his birthday Monday. "I love them." He does indeed. His pina colada smoothie was nearly gone by the time his mother, Barbara Boardman, got her order, a mixture of coconut water, coconut meat, avocado, cucumber and lemon.
Glen Colello and partner Lisa Storch were at a loss for what to call for Boardman's recently dreamed up concoction. Among the choices they bandied about at their new Unquowa Road raw food eatery were "Green Dream" and "Green Cream of Coconut." Open since the day before Thanksgiving, Storch and Colello believe theirs is the only completely raw food restaurant in the state. It had previously been located in West Haven, where Storch said most customers were from out of town.
The small cafe, decorated in muted earth tones, also sells organic food like goji beans, natural lotions and books on nutrition.
Storch doesn't want people to be scared off by the "raw" food theme. "It's healthy vegan food," she said, adding people might come in for a smoothie and want to learn more about raw food.
The premise behind the raw food movement is that heating food above 118 degrees kills natural enzymes, making it more difficult for the body to digest, leaving that sluggish feeling after a meal. "It's draining when you
eat cooked food," Storch said. "It takes up a lot of energy."
Instead of a grill and oven, diners at Catch a Healthy Habit will find juicers, blenders and dehydrators. The dehydrators are used, Storch said, to reduce the moisture in the gluten- and dairy-free bread and cookie doughs so that they look like, well, bread and cookies. In addition to smoothies, there are salads and sandwiches.
The two met when Colello was working as an assistant at the Institute for Integrated Nutrition, where Storch was attending class.
Storch has been a vegan since she was about 14, but for Colello the switch to more natural foods came while he was the program director at the Wakeman Boys and Girls Club in the Southport section of town. "I was in a getting-healthy phase," Colello said, and found himself lecturing the teens there about the downside of sugar-filled sodas and sports drinks. When the club's executive director said unless Colello had earned a nutrition degree that he didn't know about, Colello should stick to running programs. "I totally respected that," Colello said, and that's when he found the institute.
He left the club that year, 2005, and spent the next two years as a nutrition counselor.
READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13945616
Pequot Swamp Monument in 1915
(click on image to enlarge)
Pequot Swamp Monument, Old Post Road
Southport, Connecticut
Description: B/w post card. Printed on front: "Pequot Swamp Monument. Southport, Conn." The card appears to be of same series as photo #437, 177, all thought to be c 1915. The monument was erected in 1904 by the Sons of Colonial Wars. This view shows it in its original location on the then-Post Rd, now the Old Post Rd, Southport. The cut-off built in 1931 left the monument on a secondary rather than main thoroughfare. As part of the Farifield tercentenary celebration in 1939, the monument was relocated to its present location, the triangle at the intersection of the Old Post Road and the Post Road.
Creator: V. Louise Higgins
Publisher: Pequot Library Association
Date: c 1915
Format: Photograph
REFERENCE URL: http://pequotlibrary.cdmhost.com/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/p1038coll5&CISOPTR=360&CISOBOX=1&REC=11
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Road aid for Fairfield paved with good intentions, bumpy outcome
The Board of Selectmen heard some good news and bad news about a federal grant Wednesday.
The good news is that the town will receive up to $95,000 for safety improvements on the Post Road and Fairfield Beach Road.
The bad news is that the Post Road work will likely mean a torn up Route 1 -- for the third time in recent months.
About $50,000 from the grant will be used to fix a "significant" drainage problem caused by a blocked pipe under the Post Road near the downtown intersection with Sanford Street.
The state Department of Transportation recently finished repaving the Post Road through the downtown area, which meant weeks of dug-up roads, closed traffic lanes and disappearing parking spaces. That work came on the heels of a project to install high-voltage power lines underground along the Post Road route, which was completed last year.
First Selectman Kenneth Flatto said the town had hoped to have the grant money in place and the drainage repair work started prior to the state's repaving project, but because of bureaucratic requirements, that didn't happen. "They lumped this grant in with all the federal stimulus grants," Flatto said, which created additional requirements, including the public hearing held during the selectmen's meeting.
He said he doesn't think the drainage repairs will be anywhere near as extensive or disruptive as the state repaving project. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13919146
The good news is that the town will receive up to $95,000 for safety improvements on the Post Road and Fairfield Beach Road.
The bad news is that the Post Road work will likely mean a torn up Route 1 -- for the third time in recent months.
About $50,000 from the grant will be used to fix a "significant" drainage problem caused by a blocked pipe under the Post Road near the downtown intersection with Sanford Street.
The state Department of Transportation recently finished repaving the Post Road through the downtown area, which meant weeks of dug-up roads, closed traffic lanes and disappearing parking spaces. That work came on the heels of a project to install high-voltage power lines underground along the Post Road route, which was completed last year.
First Selectman Kenneth Flatto said the town had hoped to have the grant money in place and the drainage repair work started prior to the state's repaving project, but because of bureaucratic requirements, that didn't happen. "They lumped this grant in with all the federal stimulus grants," Flatto said, which created additional requirements, including the public hearing held during the selectmen's meeting.
He said he doesn't think the drainage repairs will be anywhere near as extensive or disruptive as the state repaving project. READ MORE: http://www.connpost.com/fairfield/ci_13919146
Season's first snowfall on Saturday night
(click on image to enlarge)
Snow on this Jeep early on Sunday morning near the bath house at Pine Creek.
Snow on this Jeep early on Sunday morning near the bath house at Pine Creek.
Tide Mill Sunday morning
(click on image to enlarge)
View of Southport Harbor from the Tide Mill on Sunday morning.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
