Sure, it’s short notice.
But you’re going to be spending a very short time in the water, right?
Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County are sponsoring a Polar Plunge today — Monday, January 1, 11 a.m., at Compo Beach.
It’s a fundraiser for the Israel Emergency Fund.
Donations will help pay for evacuation, transport, housing and support for frontline communities; trauma relief and psychosocial support; emergency medical services and health care, volunteers, and much more, for victims of Hamas’ October 7 attacks.
Click here to register, and more information.
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Whether you’re a football fan or not, Westporters should pay attention to today’s national semifinal game between #1 Michigan and #4 Alabama (January 1, 5 p.m., ESPN).
On the roster for the undefeated Wolverines (that’s Michigan, for you non-football fans): Jake Thaw.
A Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate (and football and basketball star), he’s a punt return specialist and wide receiver.
Jake is a senior, in the Ross School of Business.
Let’s go, Michigan!
Jake Thaw
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If you invited Nile Rodgers to your New Year’s Eve party, and he said he was already taken: He’s telling the truth.
Our Westport neighbor spent last night in Hollywood. He performed with his band Chic, as part of ABC-TV’s awkwardly named say-goodbye-to-’23 show, the awkwardly named “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.”
Here’s a screenshot, in case you really need proof:
(Photo/Matthew Mandell)
Not to be outdone, CBS featured another Westporter: Brad Tursi.
The 1997 Staples High graduate (and former soccer star) is lead guitarist and vocalist with Old Dominion, the multiple award-winning country band.
Brad Tursi. (Photo/Matthew Mandell; hat tips, Neil Brickley and Karen Kramer)
If you know of any other local New Year’s Eve entertainers we missed — José Feliciano? Keith Richards? — click “Comments” below.
ENCORE: CBS featured another Westporter last night too: meteorologist Lonnie Quinn.
Our had a busy night on the tube, for sure. And Matthew Mandell managed to catch all of it.
Lonnie Quinn (left). (Photo courtesy of Matthew Mandell)
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Like many restaurants, La Plage celebrated New Year’s Eve with a special party.
The staff was ready. Here was the scene, a few hours before midnight:
After a brief break starting today, the Longshore restaurant will reopen January 5 for dinner, with a new winter menu.
Speaking of restaurants: Don’t forget “06880”‘s guide. Click here — or click the “Restaurants” tab at the top of our blog (or the bottom of our iPhone or Android app), for a list of local spots, complete with menu and website links.
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Want to ring in the new year with a nice oil painting of Westport?
How about this one by Arnold Knauth. It’s listed on eBay for $595 (or best offer):
Don’t recognize it?
Neither do I.
The listing says “Westport, CT.” It looks more like Westport, VT. (Except there is no such place.)
Mary Gai — who spotted the artwork, and sent the link to “06880” — wonders if it could be the now-flattened hilltop where the Gault development is now.
Seems kind of mountainous for that location.
If readers have any idea where this could be in Westport — or where else it could show — click “Comments” below.
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Tammy Barry checks in with the first “Westport … Naturally” feature of 2024. It shows the last kayak of 2023, for these folks:
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
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And finally … in honor of today’s Polar Bear Plunge (story above):
(If your New Year’s resolution is to support “06880,” you’re in luck. Just click here. Thank you!)