Roundup: Winter Lights Festival, Grace Power, Olympics …

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The days are getting lighter. But it’s still mid-February.

This Saturday (February 12, noon to 9 p.m.), you can help make things brighter. Westport’s 2nd annual Winter Lights Festival takes place on Jesup Green.

The event — co-sponsored by Next Teens, Toquet Hall and MoCA Teens –is a fundraiser to fight food insecurity.

Eveyone attending the event will help create an immersive winter-themed experience, including a walk-through light path. The festival includes a fully stocked craft-makin space for families to create fun decorations, which will be included in the path.

The walkway will be lit at 5 p.m. At that time, Up Next will announce a new community initiative.

The festivities continue afterward at Toquet Hall, with Game Night and free  hot chocolate.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Last year’s Winter Lights Festival.

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When “Life & Beth” debuts on Hulu next month, most eyes will be on star Amy Schumer.

But Westporters will look for Grace Power. The Staples High School sophomore — who was part of last year’s Players radio shows — can be seen in 7 episodes, as “Young Liz.”

Click below for the show’s trailer:

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Employees and customers at People’s Bank North Compo Road branch are mourning the sudden death of Peter Harrington, the popular and very caring manager there. He spent 38 years with People’s.

Other mourners include members of the Westport Rotary Club, where he was an active and gregarious member.

The Brooklyn native grew up in New Jersey and Connecticut. He was a graduate of Fairfield Prep and Notre Dame University, where he majored in economics.

Peter is survived by his wife of 41 years, Pamela, and their children Matthew and Lauren.

Peter Harrington

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Some Westporters love the Olympics. Some loathe them. Others care only because our neighbor Julia Marino earned a silver medla.

But no one driving on Pumpkin Hill near Colony Road can ignore these signs of support. Go USA! indeed.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo includes a somewhat unnatural — but closely related — subject.

Paul Delano writes: “I was strolling along the Riverwalk around Levitt Pavilion Tuesday, and saw some mallards swimming in Deadman Brook. Lo and behold, a colorful wood duck was hanging out with them.”

(Photo/Paul Delano)=======================================================

And finally … Roberta Flack turns 85 years old today! Hard to believe — and hard to believe this achingly beautiful song is almost 50 years old.

7 responses to “Roundup: Winter Lights Festival, Grace Power, Olympics …

  1. Very sad to hear about Mr. Harrington’s passing. He was always very kind and helpful to us.

  2. Arline Gertzoff

    Deeply saddened to hear about Pete Harrington Always helpful a hearty laugh and truly interested in the customers Always kept me updated Rest In Peace to a fine gentleman

  3. Wendy Crowther

    I have an interesting backstory to “Killing Me Softly.” It was originally recorded by Lori Lieberman who had co-written it with Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel. Lieberman claimed that she’d been inspired to write the song after attending a Don McLean concert because she was so taken by his words and music.

    Why do I know this? Because Lieberman performed at my college (Gimbel and Fox were with her). A friend of mine wrangled an interview with them – we met them in an apartment in NYC. Roberta Flack heard Lori’s recording of Killing Me Softly when listening to the in-flight music offerings on an airplane. Flack loved it and contacted the right people and subsequently recorded it.

    Lieberman’s version never topped the charts but Roberta Flack’s version did.

  4. I’m truly heartbroken to learn about Pete Harringtons tragic passing.
    He was so warm and welcoming. Always smiling and laughing. What a terrible shock for his wife and children, and for his peoples family, many of whom have worked with him for so many years.
    This is such sad news.
    I will never pass peoples on post road east without seeing his happy smile.
    My most sincere condolences to his family and all who loved him.
    Rest In Peace Pete.
    Ciara

  5. Isabelle Breen

    Condolences to the Harrington family and People’s bank colleagues. He was a really nice guy; always helpful and upbeat.

  6. Audrey Hertzel

    So sorry to read about Pete Harrington’s passing. I met with him the week before and we talked about retirement being in the not too far future for the both of us. He was one of Westport’s most friendliest and helpful professionals and will be missed. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Peter.