Westport Police: Body Found Floating in Greens Farms Business Park

Google Maps view of 55 Greens Farms Road, which is off of Greens Farms Road between Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road. 

Westport Police Department

On April 3rd, 2023, the Westport Police Department responded to the area of 55/57 Greens Farms Rd on a report of a body floating in a retention pond on the property.  Responding units located the party and confirmed that they were deceased.  The investigation is currently in its infancy and the identification is being withheld pending notification to the next of kin.

Update:

Errol Whyte, age 62, of Stamford, CT was positively identified as the deceased person found this morning.  Mr. Whyte had been missing since December 29th, 2022 and was the subject of a missing person investigation by Stamford Police Department.  Westport Police Detective Bureau will now conduct a death investigation to try and determine the circumstances leading to Mr. Whyte’s death.  

The Westport Police Department extends our sincerest condolences to the Mr. Whyte’s family as they navigate these difficult times

Morning Weather Report

Today

Showers likely, mainly after 5pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 51. Light south wind increasing to 8 to 13 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Showers, mainly after 2am. Areas of fog after 2am. Low around 47. Southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Tomorrow

Showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Areas of fog before 8am. High near 66. Breezy, with a south wind 13 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tomorrow Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 36. Southwest wind around 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Westport Historic District Releases Survey about Local History and Culture

The Historic District Commission is inviting residents to participate in a survey that will help guide and inform the adoption of the Town’s  Historic Preservation Plan.

Certified Local Government Coordinator Donna Douglass noted, “In 2022, the Town of Westport was granted a Certified Local Government (CLG) grant to hire a consultant, PaleoWest, to create a town wide Historic Preservation Plan. The purpose of the plan is to establish a long-term vision for historic preservation in the community, and to create a set of achievable goals and strategies for strengthening the Town's historic preservation program.” 

She continued, “Westport residents are encouraged to participate in the following survey that will help identify what is important to them in regard to local history, culture, and the built environment. For the purposes of this survey “historic preservation” refers to the practice of maintaining and preserving significant sites, buildings, landscapes, local history, and culture.” 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/F9YFSD7

The Westport Historic District Commission (HDC) is the primary body responsible for administering the Town's historic preservation program and to reach its preservation goals. For more information about historic preservation and the HDC, visit the HDC webpage.

Westport Country Playhouse Seeks Volunteer Ushers for 2023 Season

Press Release

As Westport Country Playhouse prepares to launch its 2023 Season on April 11, the historic theater is seeking volunteer ushers to greet patrons, scan tickets, distribute programs, answer audience questions, and direct patrons to their seats. In exchange, ushers are invited to view free-of-charge the performance at which they serve. To become familiar with the theater and tasks, ushers will receive an orientation prior to their first shift. 

“Westport Country Playhouse is a community hub for theater, art, ideas, and fellowship,” said Kelly Richards Mikolasy, Playhouse house manager, who is in charge of the usher team. “We encourage anyone interested in volunteering as an usher to become an ambassador for our theater. We rely on the support of our community volunteers and are excited to welcome them to the Playhouse family!”

Volunteer ushers must be over the age of 18, unless accompanied by a guardian who will usher alongside the minor. Ushers will be paired to work together as a team. As an ambassador to the Playhouse, ushers must be patient, courteous, friendly, and helpful to patrons under all circumstances and speak honestly and positively about shows, events, facility, and policies. Dress code is white shirts and black skirts/pants. Ushers must be able to read small print in low light. 

Ushers are allowed to sit for the performance in the back of the theater if seats are available and must be willing to relinquish their seat should the house manager ask. Ushers must be able to stand for the length of the performance in case no seats are available. They must stay for the entirety of the performance as there are required duties throughout and at the end of the performance. 

With Playhouse capacity over 500 seats, ushers must be capable of handling large crowds in normal and emergency situations. Ushers take direction from the house manager and must be able to listen and respond to the house manager’s reasonable requests.

Ushers sign up for a performance date and are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. They may be asked for a back-up date if slots have filled for the date requested. If an usher needs to cancel their scheduled shift, the house manager needs 24 hours’ notice in order to fill that slot. Rescheduling for that production is not guaranteed. 

The Playhouse’s 2023 season includes the Tony Award®-winning musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” celebrating in sassy song and dance the legendary composer Fats Waller, playing April 11 through April 29; a reimagining of “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” the suspenseful thriller of blackmail and revenge, running from July 11 through July 29; and “School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play,” a buoyant and biting comedy exploring the universal similarities and glaring differences facing teenage girls across the globe, playing from October 24 through November 11. The complete schedule is available at westportplayhouse.org. 

All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.

For ticket information, visit www.westportplayhouse.org/visit/box-office/ or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse) and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

Morning Weather Report

Today

Sunny, with a high near 45. Wind chill values between 20 and 30 early. Northwest wind 11 to 13 mph.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 29. Northwest wind 5 to 8 mph becoming calm after midnight.

Tomorrow

A 30 percent chance of rain after 2pm. Increasing clouds, with a high near 53. Light south wind increasing to 9 to 14 mph in the morning.

Tomorrow Night

Rain, mainly after 2am. Steady temperature around 49. South wind 8 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Staples Announces 21 Seniors to Graduate with High Honors

Front Row (L-R): Ryan Sidney Salik, Kyle Thomas Ambrose, Krishna Reddy, Matthew Lee Shackelford, Tom X Zhang, Jaden Emma Mello, Eva Strom Simonte, Quinn Julia Mulvey, Meredith Leigh Mulhern, Sharmila Abbie Green, Lucia Julianne Wang, Rebecca Hope Schussheim, Lilly Brooke Weisz
Back Row (L-R): Witt Moore Lindau, Colin Alexander Morgeson, Nikhil Kanthan, Ethan Jet Tober, Katherine Elizabeth Valante, Reilly Katherine McCaffrey, Julia Morgan Herlyn, Janna Harrison Moore. Contributed photo

Westport Public Schools

Twenty one exceptional students have been honored with the distinction of graduating with High Honors from the Staples High School Class of 2023. A student will be designated with "High Honors" if his/her academic grade point average falls in the top 4 percent of the graduating class.  

According to Principal Stafford W. Thomas, Jr. , “This class, is extremely talented and the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment, is that these students were involved in a number of extracurricular activities and various aspects of school life which took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well.  We were lucky to have had them for four years and we will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come.  Congratulations Class of 2023 High Honors students!”

The following students are the class of 2023 High Honors honorees: Kyle Thomas Ambrose, Sharmila Abbie Green, Julia Morgan Herlyn, Nikhil Kanthan, Witt Moore Lindau, Reilly Katherine McCaffrey, Jaden Emma Mello, Janna Harrison Moore, Colin Alexander Morgeson, Meredith Leigh Mulhern, Quinn Julia Mulvey, Krishna Reddy, Ryan Sidney Salik, Rebecca Hope Schussheim, Matthew Lee Shackelford, Eva Strom Simonte, Ethan Jet Tober, Katherine Elizabeth Valante, Lucia Julianne Wang, Lilly Brooke Weisz, Tom X Zhang. 

Percy Jackson: The Musical; Young Actors Hit the Coleytown Stage this Weekend

(L-R): Grover (Joey Vazquez), a winged Fury (Lily Bottner), Annabeth (Lyla McEntee) and Percy (Denver Razza).

Coleytown Company

If you have no plans this weekend (or even if you do), please come out and support the Coleytown Company of Coleytown Middle School in their musical production:  The Lighting Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical.  This play is based on the book by Rick Riordan, a book you can encourage your children and/or students to read after the show!

And this is not your average middle school play; these kids have talent and the adults supporting them hail from Broadway itself.  Immerse yourself in the phenomenal theater program our public schools offer and get your kids ready for their very own close-ups in years to come!  

Tickets available at:  https://www.showtix4u.com/event-details/71054 

Westporter Included in Governor’s List for Connecticut Superior Court Nominations

Governor Ned Lamont’s Office

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is nominating 20 jurists to serve as judges of the Connecticut Superior Court. The court currently has 40 judicial vacancies. Additionally, Governor Lamont is nominating two jurists to become family support magistrates.

“Selecting nominees to become judges is one of the most important duties that I have as governor because these individuals will become responsible for ensuring that justice is administered fairly and without prejudice, and that everyone who comes before the court is treated equally and with respect,” Governor Lamont said. “Our court system works best when it reflects the diversity, experience, and understanding of the people it serves. These individuals I am nominating have the qualifications that meet the high standards the residents of Connecticut deserve on the bench. Justice delayed is justice denied, and these new judges will help ensure the judicial branch is able to decide cases promptly and efficiently.”

The Superior Court nominees include:

• Mark Altermatt, 62, of Bolton: Altermatt graduated from Washington and Lee University and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College School of Law. He currently serves as a partner at David G. Hill and Associates. Prior to this, he was partner at Halloran Sage, LLP, where he spent most of his legal carrier litigating civil matters, including the conduct of trials, mediations, and arbitrations. He has been practicing law for 34 years.

• Moira Buckley, 53, of Glastonbury: Buckley graduated from St. Anselm College and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is currently an Assistant Federal Defender in the Office of the Federal Defender for the District of Connecticut. For more than 25 years, she has practiced criminal defense work in state and federal courts at the trial and appellate levels. She has also practiced in the private and public sectors.

• Patrick Caruso, 55, of Madison: Caruso graduated from the University of Connecticut and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the Quinnipiac College School of Law. He is currently serving as an Assistant United States Attorney. For nearly 20 years, he has supervised investigations and prosecutions of drug trafficking organizations. He also currently serves as the office’s opioid coordinator and, in this capacity, leads drug awareness presentations at high schools, middle schools, and professional organizations throughout Connecticut.

• Vikki Cooper, 52, of Fairfield: Cooper graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is currently Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of Stamford. Prior to this, she was Deputy Corporation Counsel for the City of New Haven and directed all litigation brought against the city. She also worked as a litigation associate at Carmody and Torrance, LLP and other private firms, and practiced in various areas, such as asbestos litigation, employment law, and commercial litigation.

• Gregory C. Davis, 60, of Bloomfield: Davis graduated from Tufts University and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Georgetown University Law Center. He currently works at The Travelers Companies, Inc. since 1997, where he serves as Senior Counsel in the Strategic Resolution Group and his responsibilities include, but are not limited to, managing and resolving complex cumulative injury litigation related to asbestos, hazardous waste, and other toxic torts. Prior to this, he worked at the law firm of Murtha Cullina and the legal department of Northeast Utilities (currently known as Eversource). He currently also serves as Deputy Mayor for the Town of Bloomfield.

• Lynn Alvey Dawson, 64, of Cheshire: Dawson graduated from Boston University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University School. She currently is a solo practitioner at the Law Office of Lynn Alvey Dawson, where she represents a diverse clientele that includes children and adults in family, juvenile, criminal, and probate matters. She has practiced law for 34 years.

• Karen L. DeMeola, 53, of Tolland: DeMeola graduated from the University of Connecticut and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law.  She is currently Assistant Dean for Diversity, Belonging, and Community Engagement at UConn Law. Prior to her current role, she began her legal career as a civil litigator. She also held several administrative positions at UConn Law, and currently serve as an adjunct professor. She was the president of the Connecticut Bar Association during the 2017-2018 bar year.

• Paul R. Doyle, 59, of Wethersfield: Doyle graduated from Colby College and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He is currently a member and partner of Kennedy Doyle LLC, a general practice law firm. He also simultaneously served in public office for 27 years, including three years as a member of the Wethersfield Town Council, 12 years as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives, and 12 years as a member of the Connecticut State Senate.

• Daniel J. Fox, 46, of Stamford: Fox graduated from Loyola University and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from New England Law School. He is currently a partner at Curtis, Brinckerhoff and Barrett, P.C., where he focuses on municipal law, civil litigation, estates and trusts, corporate law, and real estate. For 12 years he served as a member of the Connecticut House of Representatives for the 148th Assembly District.

• Matthew Larock, 47, of Weatogue: Larock graduated from Dickinson College and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Miami School of Law. He currently works in the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office, where he is a Deputy Associate Attorney General and Chief of the Employment, Labor, and Workers’ Compensation Section. From 2004 through 2013, he served as an attorney with the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. He began his legal career in private practice where he represented parents and children in child protection proceedings and served as a special public defender in juvenile matters.

• Ann F. Lawlor, 55, of North Haven: Lawlor graduated from Providence College and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from New England Law School. She is currently a Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney, Fairfield JD at geographical area #2 in Bridgeport. She worked in private practice for a few years before joining the Division of Criminal Justice in 1999. Since then, she has worked as an Assistant State’s Attorney, the last nine years of which have been in Bridgeport, serving for seven years in Part A and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney at GA #2 since 2021.

• Walter A. Menjivar, 35, of West Hartford: Menjivar graduated from Vanderbilt University and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. He is currently an Assistant Attorney General in the Connecticut Attorney General’s Office. He serves in the special litigation section and previously worked in the health and education section, representing state agencies in state and federal courts. He was formerly the Associate General Counsel in the Office of the Governor, where he provided legal counsel to the Governor and executive state agencies. Prior to his public service, he was a litigation associate at Day Pitney LLP.

• Yamini Menon, 46, of Westport: Menon graduated from John Hopkins University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from American University Washington College of Law. She currently works as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Civil Litigation Bureau of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney. Prior to this, she was with the Division of Criminal Justice for 18 years. She has handled criminal trials, habeas corpus trials, habeas corpus appeals, and juvenile delinquency matters on behalf of the Division of Criminal Justice. Additionally, she served as a legal aid attorney with Connecticut Legal Services representing clients in housing court.

• Thomas J. O'Neill, 57, of Fairfield: O’Neill graduated from Stonehill College and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University Law School. He is currently a partner at Day Pitney LLP and a member of the firm’s Finance Probate and Commercial Litigation Business Unit and Pro Bono Committee. His practice focuses on a wide range of commercial and civil litigation matters in both state and federal courts, including landlord tenant disputes, foreclosures, lender liability, corporate ownership disputes, tort claims, and alleged unfair trade practices. Prior to this, he was a Victim Compensation Commissioner presiding over appeals from denials of applications for victim compensation.

• Richard J. Rubino, 54, of West Hartford: Rubino graduated from Southern Connecticut State University and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Ohio Northern University College of Law. He is currently a Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney in the Hartford Judicial District and has served as a prosecutor with that office since 2000. During his tenure with the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice, he has been predominantly focused on the prosecution of serious felony matters.

• Thomas J. Saadi, 53, of Danbury: Saadi graduated from Western Connecticut State University and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University. He is currently the Commissioner of the Connecticut State Department of Veterans Affairs and a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve. Prior to becoming Commissioner for the department, he served for almost six years as its Chief of Staff and two years as its General Counsel. He also spent 15 years as a Connecticut Assistant Attorney General and Special Prosecutor. He has 18 years of continuous service in the Army Reserve as a Judge Advocate providing legal support from the company to division levels.

• Sharon A. Skyers, 54, of New Haven: Skyers graduated from Duke University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law. She is currently a managing partner at Skyers, Skyers and Harrell, LLC, which she co-founded. Her practice has a primary concentration on personal injury cases and commercial and residential real estate transactions. She also focusses on business matters, serving as outside counsel to corporations and small businesses. She has been practicing law for 30 years.

• Jennifer J. Tunnard, 57, of Ridgefield: Tunnard graduated from Fordham University and obtained her Juris Doctor degree from Touro College, Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center. She is currently a sole practitioner at the Law Office of Jennifer DeCastro Tunnard, where she primarily works as a litigator/trial attorney handling a vast array of matters from criminal law, personal injury, family, and real estate law as a plaintiff and defense attorney. Prior to entering private practice, Tunnard was a former Assistant District Attorney for the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for six years where she worked in the Appeals Unit and Domestic/Sex Crimes Unit. She has been practicing law for 30 years.

• Emily Wagner, 47, of West Hartford: Wagner graduated from Skidmore College and obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Connecticut School of Law. She currently serves as an Appellate Public Defender at the Connecticut Division of Public Defender Services, where she has spent the past twelve years. She began her legal career clerking for the Honorable Christine S. Vertefeuille, former Associate Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court. She then spent four years as an associate at Shipman and Goodwin LLP.  She also teaches the Appellate Defense Clinic at Quinnipiac University School of Law.

• Jason Welch, 50, of Bristol: Welch graduated from Hamilton College and obtained his Juris Doctor degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law. He currently works for the Connecticut General Assembly as the Chief Legal Counsel to the Senate Republican Office. Previously, his practice focused on professional liability, insurance coverage, and construction and business disputes working for the firms of Cummings and Lockwood, LLC and McCarter and English, LLP, as well as the insurance company Beazley Group. He has served in the Connecticut Army National Guard and the United States Coast Guard Reserves. He also served two terms as a member of the Connecticut State Senate for the 31st Senatorial District.

The family support magistrate nominees include:

• Jacquelyn B. Kercelius, 35, of Hamden: Kercelius graduated from Fordham College Lincoln Center and earned her Juris Doctor from Quinnipiac University School of Law. She is currently employed by the Connecticut Judicial Branch as an Assistant Clerk in Family Matters for the Judicial District of New Haven at Meriden. Prior to this, Kercelius worked in civil litigation, engaging in both plaintiff and defense work and representing government entities, such as the New Haven Housing Authority and New Haven Board of Education. Thereafter, she served as a director for a nonprofit specializing in individuals with chronic and persistent mental illness. She also served as a member of the board of directors for the Junior League of Greater New Haven community service organization and as a mediator for the Connecticut Bar Association’s Resolution of Legal Fee Disputes Program.

• Charlene W. Spencer, 58, of Vernon: Spencer graduated from the University of Connecticut and earned her Juris Doctor from the Western New England University School of Law. She is currently an Assistant Attorney General in the Employment Rights Section, where she defends the State of Connecticut in employment discrimination matters filed in federal court and state court, as well as administrative matters brought before the Commission of Human Rights and Opportunities. She has been with the Office of the Attorney General for the last 32 years in different roles, including the Child Support Division.

The Office of the Governor is forwarding the names of these nominees to the General Assembly for its advice and consent.

Morning Weather Report

Today

Areas of drizzle with a chance of rain before 8am, then areas of drizzle with a chance of showers after 8am. Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. North wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. North wind 5 to 7 mph.

Tomorrow

Sunny, with a high near 52. North wind 6 to 8 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.

Tomorrow Night

A 20 percent chance of showers before 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. South wind 10 to 13 mph becoming west after midnight.

Police: “Disturbing” Social Media Post Prompts Police Response to Schools

Stock WestportLocal.com photo

Press Release

On March 27th, 2023 at approximately 7:15am the Westport Police Department responded to a residence on a report of a disturbing social media post.  The complainant is a student at a local school and felt concerned about going to school based on the content of the post.  Responding officers immediately identified the source of the post and working with the School Resource Officer and the Detective Bureau, we were able to identify the person responsible.  Working in concert with the schools and our investigators, Officers were sent to each school until we were able to locate the responsible party.  By 8:00am, our officers located the responsible party and determined that there was no threat.