Morning Weather Report: Snow Possible Tonight
Today:
Sunny, with a high near 41. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.
Tonight:
A 40 percent chance of snow, mainly after 4am. Increasing clouds, with a low around 30. Calm wind.
Tomorrow:
A chance of snow before 10am, then a slight chance of rain between 10am and 1pm. Cloudy through mid morning, then gradual clearing, with a high near 43. Calm wind becoming west around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Tomorrow Night:
Mostly clear, with a low around 29. West wind 3 to 5 mph.
New Neighbor: BondVet "Primary & Urgent Care for Pets” to Downtown
BondVet, located inside historic 1 Main Street, has announced its arrival to Westport after the previous tenant, Freshii, ceased operations. The location sits between Post Road East and Parker Harding Plaza - the new office and its neighbor Starbucks share what was originally an addition to the first Westport Library. Beginning in Cobble Hill, Brooklyn in 2019, BondVet has locations in Washington DC, Boston, and New York - with Westport being their first Connecticut satellite. The website describes it as both an urgent care and primary care office for pets, for when “an ER visit is not necessary, but a primary care clinic may not be able to make time for [the pets].” There’s no word on the exact opening date yet. WestportLocal.com photo
Staples Wreckers Notch Big Win Against Strong Ridgefield Tigers Team With 61-54 Victory
Wreckers take the court again after a time out in their 61-54 Victory over Ridgefield on Friday Night
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Friday night, Staples Boys Basketball opened their FCIAC schedule by beating 4-time defending league champion Ridgefield on the Tigers home court, 61-54. Chris Zajac, the 6'8" senior co-captain led the way for the Wreckers with 17 points 14 rebounds. Zajac, number 12, was dominant on both ends of the court by both battling from the post and intimidating Tiger scoring attempts playing virtually the entire game. Senior guard co-captain Cody Sale proved difficult for Ridgefield defenders scoring 16 points including a perfect 7-7 from the foul line, guard Gavin Rothenberg, another Staples senior chipped in with 10 points.
The game was back and forth early with the teams tied at 11-11 at the end of the first quarter. Rothenberg hit a 3 pointer to give Staples a 16-13 lead early in the 2nd quarter, a lead they would not give up the rest of the night.
The Wreckers lead would be challenged when Ridgefield cut the lead to 47-45 midway through the 4th qtr, but Rothenberg hit another huge 3 point shot to push the lead to 5. After a defensive stop on a Tiger possession, Zajac found an open Adam Udell on the wing and he drained a 3 pointer to extend the lead to 8. The game was closer than the final score would indicate with Ridgefield fighting like the championship calibre team they are until the final buzzer sounded. Coach Goldshore was pleased with this "great team win" against what he said might be one of the best programs in the state, a "great team from top to bottom" and a "very well coached team".
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
This FCIAC season opener was the first conference game for the Wreckers new Head Coach Dave Goldshore, who took over the program after Staples long-time coach Colin Devine turned over the reins to Goldshore, his assistant for the last five years. Coach Goldshore was a 3-sport athlete and was a freshman at Michigan where he had a front row seat to top-tier Division One coaching when Michigan's "Fab Four" won the national championship.
Jubilant Wreckers fans streamed onto the court and surrounded the team after the final buzzer sounded.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Partly sunny, with a high near 44. Calm wind becoming northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 26. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.
Tomorrow
Sunny, with a high near 41. Calm wind.
Tomorrow Night
A 40 percent chance of snow after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Calm wind.
Westporter Opens New Studio in Wilton
Press Release
"It's not the period, it's the piece," -- Tom Roth, owner, Montage Modern. That quote typifies who we are and what we strive for in our pursuit of timeless treasures of design at Montage Modern.
Westport native, Tom Roth has always had a passion for vintage items and antiques. It was a natural transition from his store and workroom, Weathervane Hill in Norwalk, which specialized in home furnishing fabrics and furniture, to Montage Modern.
Distinctive Montage Modern inventory includes home and executive office furnishings, period lighting, original art ... each piece is vintage, from mid-century modern to art deco, to mod and is beautifully restored to its original condition.
Saarinen, Eames, Baughman, McCobb and Knoll are some of the masters of modern design, and we constantly search out their work. But our aesthetic does not end there. We believe that simplicity of design and the finest materials available are the elements that create a piece that will stand the test of time. That is the challenge. Finding and creating those "gems," not just as an object but as a conversation piece to be appreciated and loved for generations.
Whether the piece is from Italy, France, Denmark, Germany, or created by our own design team and manufactured in our facility in Connecticut the one constant element that runs through the grain of everything we touch is integrity. That integrity does not end there. Every conversation, every issue, every sample sent, every shipment made reflects that mind set. We never lose sight of our mission. To deliver a piece of furniture and a pleasant, rewarding experience, both to be valued for years to come.
Montage Modern curates, specifies and sells to individuals and designers direct via the company website ...
... as well as through high-end online marketplaces such as 1stDibs and Chairish, and by appointment at our Wilton studio. Specializing in seating, storage, tables, lighting and accessories, the works span from home decor to office decor and everything in between. We look for things with clean lines and classic design, and love to share the history and personality of every item.
Montage Modern has partnerships with high-end design firms all over the U.S. including New York, Los Angeles and Miami, and services Interior Designers & Decorators, Architects and individuals in the U.S., Europe and Asia, and Celebrity clientele as well.
Modern Montage ... expertly curated selection of original 20th Century design, restored & refined. Authentic. Customizable. Re-Orderable.
Visit our online studio:
Wilton, CT 06897
Town Clerk: RTM Representative Needed for District 6
Press ReleaseTown Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton announced today that the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) is seeking candidates for a District 6 representative to fill the vacancy created by the passing of Cathy Talmadge. In accordance with the Town Charter, Section C5-8C, the vacancy must be filled by a registered voter residing in RTM District 6. No party affiliation is required since Westport’s RTM is non-partisan. The term expires November 21, 2023.
Residents of RTM District 6 interested in being considered to fill the vacancy are invited to send a resume, on or before January 20, 2023, to Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton at JDunkerton@westportct.gov.
US Attorney: Westport Investment Advisor Pleads Guilty to Federal Tax Charge
Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Joleen D. Simpson, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England, announced that THOMAS PACILIO, 64, of Westport, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sarala V. Nagala in Hartford to a federal tax offense.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in 2011, Pacilio and his partner started Clapboard Hill Advisors LLC, a financial services business headquartered in Westport. In 2013, Pacilio created Alcamo Holding Corporation Inc. (“Alcamo”), an 1120S corporation, and transferred his Clapboard Hill Advisors partnership interest to Alcamo. In 2014, Pacilio, through Alcamo, and his partner, through a separate 1120S corporation, sold Clapboard Hill Advisors to McGladrey Wealth Management LLC (“McGladrey”). Under the sale agreement, McGladrey agreed to make a lump sum payment at closing. Thereafter, Pacilio was to become an employee of McGladrey for three years subject to a non-competition provision. In addition to being paid a salary by McGladrey, if Pacilio remained an employee, Pacilio would receive a $350,000 payment on each anniversary of the sale for three years. He would also receive a portion of McGladrey’s annual gross revenue of up to $150,000 for the first year, $350,000 for the second year, and $450,000 for the third year.
In pleading guilty, Pacilio admitted that, for the 2015 through 2018 tax years, he filed individual income tax returns that omitted installment payments related to the sale of Clapboard Hill Advisors to McGladrey. In total, he omitted approximately $1,476,425 that should have been reported either as ordinary income or as capital gains, which resulted in a tax loss of $286,328 to the IRS.
Pacilio pleaded guilty to one count of filing a false tax return, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of three years. Judge Nagala scheduled sentencing for April 6.
Pacilio is released on a $350,000 pending sentencing.
This investigation is being conducted by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather L. Cherry.
Wendy Petty Announced as next Director of Westport Center for Senior Activities
Contributed photoFirst Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that Wendy Petty has been appointed as the Director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA), effective February 1. The WCSA is an operation of the Town of Westport's Department of Human Services under the supervision of Westport's Human Services Director Elaine Daignault.
Wendy, a Fairfield resident, comes to Westport with a depth of experience and commitment to the senior community. She served as the Weston Senior Activities Center Director for the past 11 years and worked in Weston's Department of Social Services and corporate settings.
Under Wendy's leadership, Weston's Senior Center saw significant growth that helped to expand the center's offerings through fundraising, capacity-building, and advocacy. She has a strong history of establishing partnerships with local organizations, volunteer networks, colleagues, and social services agencies to realize innovative social and recreational opportunities for seniors.
First Selectwoman Tooker said, “Wendy's collaborative approach makes her an ideal candidate to lead the WCSA after the retirement of long-time Director Sue Pfister.”
Originally from Southern California, Wendy and her husband Jim raised their children in Weston, CT, and recently moved to Fairfield. She has a B.A. in Counseling and Human Services from Notre Dame de Namur University.
In addition to her specialty in senior services, Wendy is proficient in non-profit operations, team leadership, grant and program development, and budget administration.
“I am very happy to welcome Wendy to Westport's Center for Senior Activities,” said Tooker. “She brings professional expertise, operational management, and local knowledge to the Human Services team and, most importantly, to the WCSA.”
Added Petty, “I am very excited to join WCSA's team and look forward to building on their success as an exemplary hub for local seniors. Together, we will continue to provide the best possible care and service to the senior community.”
In her free time, Wendy enjoys running, taking long walks with friends, and spending time with family. Wendy and Jim are also active in the local car enthusiast community and enjoy weekend rallies on the beautiful back roads of Connecticut.
In addition to Wendy's appointment, effective February 1, 2023, First Selectwoman Tooker promoted Holly Betts to Assistant Director of WCSA and Jason Wilson to Program Specialist, effective January 1, 2023.
“The Senior Center's success can be attributed to a variety of factors, including a Town administration that prioritizes seniors, participants who both contribute and drive programming, and our professional staff members who facilitate connections and run the programs day in and day out,” said Daignault. “Under Sue Pfister's leadership, the WCSA's dedicated team helped to build the center of Westport's dreams.”
Daignault added, “Today, we prepare for a new era of growth and prosperity for our most esteemed senior residents. I could not be more excited to welcome Wendy to the team.”
Morning Weather Report
Today
Rain, mainly before 2pm. Patchy fog. High near 41. Northeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming northwest in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
A slight chance of rain before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. Northwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Tomorrow
Partly sunny, with a high near 44. West wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly cloudy during the early evening, then gradual clearing, with a low around 26. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
RTM Called to Review Planning and Zoning Decision on Changes for Saugatuck
Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton and Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Moderator Jeff Wieser notified the public today that the RTM will hold a special public meeting on Tuesday, January 17 at 7:30 PM via ZOOM to review the Planning and Zoning Commission’s December 12, 2022 decision regarding Text Amendment #819 (to create a new zoning district, §24C, General Business District/ Saugatuck Marina (GBD/SM) and Map Amendment #820 (to modify the Westport Zoning Map to rezone eleven (11) properties from General Business District (GBD) to proposed §24C, General Business District/Saugatuck Marina (GBD/SM).
Pursuant to the Westport Town Charter C10-4, “any action by the Planning & Zoning Commission adopting, amending or repealing any zoning regulation or fixing or changing the boundary of any zoning district, or a negative 8-24 report by the Commission shall be subject to review by the Representative Town Meeting…”
Text Amendment #819 and Map Amendment #820 were adopted by the Planning & Zoning Commission on December 12, 2022 and the legal Notice of Decision was published on December 16, 2022. On December 22, 2022, petitioners submitted a request to the Town Clerk to place the item on the RTM Agenda for its review.
RTM Committee(s) will hold public meetings on Thursday, January 5, Tuesday, January 10 and Thursday, January 12 (if necessary) via ZOOM – details available at https://www.westportct.gov/about/advanced-components/meeting-list-calendar
The January 17, 2023 public hearing will be held via ZOOM with further instructions to follow. It will also be live streamed on the Town’s website at www.westportct.gov, and accessible on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020.