The Westporter Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation thanks the community for their generous donation: nearly 1 ton of coats and other winter items.
Last week, firefighters packed and transported it all to the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
Special thanks go to volunteer coordinator Anna Rycenga, Staples Service League of Boys, the Westport Public Schools, and many town employees who supported the project.
Firefighters and friends, ready to head to Bridgeport.
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Also very successful: the Hackett family’s gently used sports equipment drive.
They collected gear for Leveling the Playing Field — a non-profit organization that helps underprivileged youngsters.
Like the firefighters, the Hacketts thank the community for their outpouring of support.
Bill, Gina, Alex and Daisy Hackett, with donated sports equipment.
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“The Wiz” is being revived on Broadway.
Of course, there’s a Westport connection.
Actually, two.
The original script was by Bill Brown, a longtime resident.
And the revival is co-produced by Ari Edelson.
After he starred with Staples Players — including directing the groundbreaking production of “Falsettos” — the 1994 alum graduated from both Yale and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama.
He’s gone on to fame as a producer and director in the US and Europe.
Performances begin March 29. Click here for more information. (Hat tips: David Roth, Kerry Long)
A few years ago, Ari Edelson was honored with a Westport Arts Center Horizon Award. (Photo/Emily Hamilton Laux)
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Staples High School senior Jackson Cregan has made history.
Already an Eagle Scout, he received the Boy Scouts of America’s highest conservation award. He is only the third Scout so honored in Connecticut, in 108 years.
Jackson got the Distinguished Conservation Service Award for completing 2 projects, and earning 13 natural science and conservation merit badges.
For his first project, he restored and created new dunes at Sherwood Island State Park. Jackson planted over 6,000 square feet of beach grass to do so, to prevent erosion.
Jackson Cregan, at Sherwood Island State Park.
Most Westporters spent yesterday scurrying around. With only 2 days until Christmas, it was a hectic — not a holly, jolly — time.
But “most” is not all.
At Compo Beach, a group of friends had plenty of time for football:
Meanwhile, not far away — despite air temperature of 27 degrees — a couple lounged in the water.
Their dog had a different idea.
To honor actor Paxton Whitehead, who died earlier this year, Westport Country Playhouse re-released “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” a radio drama from 2020.
Whitehead — who performed the role of Ebenezer Scrooge — had graced the Playhouse stage many times previously.
The re-release includes an introduction by incoming artistic director Mark Shanahan, highlighting Whitehead and his career in the performing arts.
Click below to see:
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The boats are all gone from Ned Dimes Marina.
All that’s left are the docks and the reeds — and this wintry “Westport … Naturally” scene.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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And finally … in honor of the “Wiz” revival:
(Ease your fingers on down to this link. Please click here to support “06880.” Thank you — and Merry Christmas!)
Bravo, Jackson Cregan. Great work! Mother Earth is smiling on you! You are a great role model for young and old alike. We need more stewards of the earth such as you.