Patriotic Hues from Compo Shoreline
An umbrella gave for a patriotic look along Compo Beach’s shoreline this afternoon. Photo by Nancy Lally for WestportLocal.com
Memorial Day Weekend Sailing Regattas bring Competition to the Coast
Members of local sailing schools and yacht clubs took to the coastal sections of Long Island Sound for sailing regattas and some friendly holiday weekend competition. WestportLocal.com photo
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 59. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tomorrow
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Light southwest wind increasing to 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Tomorrow Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 6 mph.
Calm after the Storm: Rainbow Brightens Staples High School
A spot of color marked the end of some rain showers as rainbows could be seen across the community. Photo by Paige Schwartz for WestportLocal.com
One Casualty during Compo Storm
The only casualty of this afternoon’s storms was a lifeguarding chair along Compo’s southern shoreline. The waterfront was immediately evacuated as the storm made its way closer, a standard procedure that the Compo Beach lifeguards prepare for each season. WestportLocal.com photo
Westport Police: Several Roads Closed as Cleanup Continues
A quick moving storm knocked out power to 393 homes in Westport while closing several roadways as trees and branches came down onto the streets and wires below. Westport had the second most power outages in the State, with Newington reporting nearly 1,000 outages. The Westport Police Department provided a list of affected roads in the community as the clean up continues. WestportLocal.com photo Roads closed as of 4:00 PM:
55 Long Lots Rd: Tree limb partially blocking road.
220 South Compo Road: Closed due to wires.
73 Turkey Road South: Closed due to downed tree.
330 Post Road West (Westbound) Lanes: Closed due to downed tree.
Greens Farms Road at Maple Avenue: Closed due to downed tree.
Greens Farms Road at Maple Lane: Closed due to downed tree.
Westport Fine Arts Festival Survives Rain; Beautiful Weekend Ahead
With downpours quickly sending artists and customers running for cover - sun and warmth will make its way into the community to provide welcoming weather for the second half of the all-weekend Westport Fine Arts Festival. The renowned Main Street festival will continue until 5:00 this evening, and will run tomorrow from 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. WestportLocal.com photo
Compo Boats Tossed, Turn in Heavy Winds
Several of the sail boats and catamarans flew from their trailers, or dragged them along, as heavy winds caused destruction at Compo Beach this afternoon. WestportLocal.com photo
Branches Down on Ferry Lane East
Sudden thunderstorms, wind, rain, and hail brought down trees and branches across the community - like this scene here on Ferry Lane East off of Compo Road South. WestportLocal.com photo
Mark Howard LeMoult, 59, Died; “…always remember his roaring laugh, unyielding hugs and his gentle heart and soul”
Mark Howard LeMoult, age 59, of Norwalk, lost his life suddenly while behind the wheel of his cherished 1968 Pontiac Catalina on Monday afternoon, May 23, 2022.
Born in Bronxville, NY, the son of the late Adolph LeMoult and Carole Calkins Furgess, he was raised in Westport and had been a lifelong area resident. He attended Staples High School and graduated from The Culinary Institute of America. Mark was a highly esteemed chef and leader in his industry. His culinary vocation began at the age of 13, squeezing limes at Viva Zapata, where his love for the industry blossomed. Mark went on to work at some of the area's finest establishments including Café Christina in Westport, the Hudson River Club and Rainbow Room in NYC and Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich. He had been the Executive Chef at the Field Club of Greenwich for the past 14 years.
He met his adored fiancée, Elizabeth, while working together 21 years ago at Beacon Restaurant in Stamford. One of the highlights of Mark's professional career was serving as the President of the Club Chefs of Connecticut from 2006-2010. Because of his loyal dedication to his craft and the Field Club, Mark zealously worked nights and weekends limiting his attendance at many personal functions, affectionately earning him the family nickname of "The White Rhino" as sightings were elusive but exciting to all.
An incredibly dedicated father, Mark enjoyed camping, river rafting and spending as much quality enjoyment with his sons as possible. He always carved time out of his busy schedule to have "Tuesday Dad Days," many of which were spent barbecuing and cheering on the NY Yankees. Mark would check in with his boys daily and had the utmost pride in them both. His favorite places to visit were Lake George and Cape Cod with family. He was an avid NY Yankees fan (especially of Paul O'Neil #21) and absolutely loved to get his hands dirty planting in his garden. He cherished his two dogs Leo & Teddy and loved mornings at the dog park and walks through the neighborhood. He was a true cigar aficionado and relished his evening smoke to relax after a long day. Mark and Elizabeth enjoyed entertaining in the backyard with friends and family around the firepit, concerts at the Levitt Pavilion and experiencing wonderful meals at local restaurants where Mark reveled in supporting other industry & hospitality professionals.
All those who knew him will always remember his roaring laugh, unyielding hugs and his gentle heart and soul. Mark's legacy will live on through his two dynamic sons, Scott LeMoult of Stamford and Eric LeMoult of Fairfield; his loving fiancée, Elizabeth Kenny of Norwalk; three revered brothers, Michael LeMoult and his wife Mary of Trumbull, Chris LeMoult and his wife Carole of Trumbull and Kevin LeMoult of Murrells Inlet, SC; the mother of his children, Ellen LeMoult of Fairfield; his stepfather, Bert Furgess of Murrells Inlet, SC, and several incredibly loved nieces and nephews who adored their uncle. Mark forged deep connections with every person that he met and leaves behind an infinite circle of very dear friends and colleagues. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kelly LeMoult.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 545 Stratfield Road, Fairfield. Interment will follow in Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends may be received by the family Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. Cheerful attire is encouraged to honor the vivacious life that Mark lived. In lieu of flowers or other recognition, the family requests that donations be made in Mark's LeMoult's memory to the Culinary Institute of America's scholarship fund at www.ciachef.edu/give. For information or to offer an online condolence, please visit www.SpearFuneralHome.com