Usually, the New Year’s Day Polar Plunge experience involves wading quickly into — and even more quickly out of — Long Island Sound.
This year’s experience was better — as in, warmer. At least, the air was not frigid yesterday.
There were 3 Polar Plunges yesterday, at Compo Beach. All were special experiences — especially the one that raised funds for Experience Camps.
That’s the Westport-based national, no-cost program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. The Polar Plunge celebrated the opening of their newest location, set for KenMont and KenWood Camp in Kent, Connecticut this August.
Missed the Plunge (by mistake, or on purpose)? You can still donate. Just click here.
Click here for Dave Briggs’ video.

(Photo/Dave Briggs)
A bit later, this was the scene at the Polar Plunge to benefit Abilis:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)
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Forget s’mores and hot cocoa. Winter is really pizza time.
All winter long, Tony Pizza Napolitano continues making his wood-fired, Neopolitan/Brooklyn-style pies at Wakeman Town Farm.
Every Monday, he posts his weekly menu on his Facebook page (TonyPizzaNapolitano and confirms) whether he will be at the Farm (usually Tuesday).
Then: Pick it up. And enjoy!

Tony Pizza Napolitano, at Wakeman Town Farm’s wood-fired oven.
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There is always something new at MoCA CT.
Soon, there will be a new executive dirctor.
After 5 years at the Newtown Turnpike institution, Ruth Mannes has stepped down.
MoCA CT is searching for a new executive director.
Durng her tenure, 100,000 visitors have enjoyed 26 exhibitions by artists like Helmet Lang, Anselm Reyle, and Ann Weiner, plus 60 musical performances by Wynton Marsalis, Samara Joy, the Danish String Quartet and others.
MoCA has become the home of the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition, while Camp MoCA and other programs have served 4,000 learners of all ages.
A search committee has begun the process of appointing Mannes’ successor. Questions, nominations and resumes can be sent to careers@mocact.org.

Ruth Mannes (Photo/Kerry Long)
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Last night marked the final day of Hanukkah. There were plenty of happy faces at Steve and Linda Stein’s house — including this one:

(Photo/Linda and Steve Stein)
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Before the New Year’s Eve thunder, there was this bank of clouds over Saugatuck Shores.
A final sendoff to a stormy 2024? An omen of the year to come?
Or just a mesmerizing photo for “Westport … Naturally”?
You decide.

(Photo/Lou Rolla)
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And finally … Roger Miller was born on this date in 1936. The country music singer/songwriter died in 1992, at 56, from lung and throat cancer.
(Did we mention it’s a new year? And that means you can make a 2025 contribution to support “06880”? Just click here — and thank you!)
