Movie theaters — remember them?! — are back.
The Bow Tie “Ultimate Royale” multiplex on US 1 — just over the border in Norwalk — reopens tomorrow. Features include “Monster Hunter,” “The Croods,” “Wild Mountain Thyme,” “Elf,” The Midnight Sky,” “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” “Honest Thief” and “Tenet.”
The experience will be different than in pre-pandemic days. For example:
- 100% reserved seating …
- … but only 50% capacity
- A temporary waiver of all advanced ticketing fees
- Selling seats in an alternating pattern so each customer has an empty seat on either side
- Contact-free purchasing of tickets and concession items
- Mandatory face masks (unless eating or drinking at your seat)
- Plexiglas barriers at box office and concession
- Frequent cleaning
- Limitations on restroom and lobby capacities.
You can also book a private movie party” for up to 20 guests.
No word on whether you will still pay $22 for a 10-pound box of Jujubes. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Christmas caroling — remember that?! — returns to the Unitarian Church this Saturday (December 19, 3 to 4 p.m.).
It’s COVID-conscious of course: in the large parking lot, with masks and social distancing required.
In Unitarian spirit, there will be a mix of secular songs and Christmas carols. Everyone will use phone flashlights to sing “Silent Night” at dusk. Feel free to bring an instrument too!.
In the holiday spirit, if you want to join but don’t want to actually join people, email events@uuwestport.org for the Zoom link.
Not quite the Unitarian Church parking lot, but you get the idea.
Chloe Hackett is a Staples High School sophomore. She’s an athlete too.
As she and her family searched for a way to help others during the pandemic, they found Leveling the Playing Field. The non-profit seemed perfect.
It collect new and gently used sports and playground equipment, then distribute it to needy youth organizations. And it was founded by Syracuse University alums — Chloe’s parents’ alma mater.
“My sisters and I play field hockey, ice hockey and softball year round,” Chloe says.
“Sports have taught us teamwork, discipline, commitment, determination and how to compete. They’ve given us an after-school outlet, and the opportunity to make friends. We are fortunate to live in an amazing town with so many opportunities, access to a wide variety of sports and the equipment to play them.”
This weekend (Saturday and Sunday, December 19-20, 10 a.m. to noon, at The Granola Bar), the Hacketts are collecting donations.
Cleats, field hockey sticks, lacrosse equipment, bats, hockey skates, footballs, softball gloves — it will all make a difference. Click here for a full list of acceptable and non-acceptable items.
If you can’t make it this weekend, the Hacketts have your back. They’ll leave a box in front of the restaurant, and make pickups daily.
The Hackett girls already have donations! From left: Alex, Chloe, Daisy. (Photo/Julianne Mulvey)
Melissa & Doug — the international toy company, and the Westport couple named the Bernsteins behind it — keep a low profile.
The company (and the couple) do many good things, out of the limelight. Here’s one that deserves notice.
They’ve partnered with the Whole Foods, selling toys in stores and online. Between December 20-24, 1% of sales at Whole Foods will support Whole Kids Foundation’s child nutrition programs.
Stock up on good food and great toys. And help children eat well. Melissa & Doug — and kids you’ll never know — will thank you. (Hat tip: Johanna Rossi)
Westport abstract expressionist painter David Stephen Johnson made his European debut earlier this year.
To share in his good fortune — and do his part to help local first responders — from now through mid-January, he is donating all proceeds of his Works on Paper sales to Norwalk Hospital.
Click here for some of the Works on Paper that make original, thoughtful holiday gifts (and support the community).
More of Johnson’s pieces can be viewed at his Compo Beach studio, by (socially distanced) appointment. Email studio@davidstephenjohnson.com, or call 970- 376-5058.
To see other works, click here or follow hisInstagram page: @david.stephen.johnson.art.
David Stephen Johnson
And finally … on this date in 1865, Franz Schubert’s “Unfinished Symphony” premiered. The composer died nearly 40 years earlier, from either typhoid fever or syphilis. Just 31, he had composed more than 600 vocal works, 7 complete symphonies, sacred music and operas, along with piano and chamber music.
