Westporters of all ages celebrated the season Friday, at Wakeman Town Farm’s annual holiday tree lighting.
The event included Staples High School’s jazz duo, On the Count of Two; musicians from Greens Farms and Saugatuck Elementary Schools; Staples band members, and goodies from The Granola Bar and Sweet P Bakery.
The main attraction saw 1st Selectman Kevin Christie and Bill Constantino — a Wakeman family member — keep a generations-old tradition alive.
Many attendees donated diapers, toys and food, for neighbors in need.
(Photo/Irish Flare Photography)
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Yesterday’s Roundup included an item on the Staples Orphenians performance Friday at Radio City Music Hall.
The elite choral group opened for the Rockettes, on one of the world’s most famous stages.
Here’s the back story.
Despite a train delay, the 47 singers and director Lauren Pine arrived in time for a behind-the-scenes tour.
Orphs then sang 2 songs before the 1 p.m. show: “Winter’s Heart” by Mark Hayes, and a swinging Kirby Shaw version of “Jingle Bells.”
Later — as noted in yesterday’s report — they gave an impromptu performance, after a photo in front of the Rockefeller Center tree.
Staples Orphenians, at Radio City Music Hall.
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Diane Lowman teaches writing at the Senior Center.
She recently asked one of her students — a 101-year-old World War II veteran named Herb Podel — for one important lesson he’d like to pass along.
He replied simply, “Be kind.”
Diane says, “Amen. Thank you, Herb.”
I agree.
And I am also quite impressed that, in his second century of life, Herb is still an avid student!
Herb Podel
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The Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates and pedestrian walkway renovation project is moving along.
This was the scene Friday:
(Photographer/Matt Murray)
It reminded Matt Murray of Stonehenge.
Let’s hope it lasts as long.
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Today’s “Westport .. Naturally” photo comes with a question: Can you spot the chick peeking out from this Terra Nova nest?!
(Photo/John Maloney)
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And finally … Harry Chapin was born on this date, in 1942. The singer-songwriter/philanthropist and hunger activist died in an automobile accident on the Long Island Expressway. He was 38.
(Harry kept the change. If you’ve got any spare change hanging around, we’re happy to have it too. Just click here, and you’ll support “06880” — your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Chick @ 0800 hours ‼️
Congratulations to Herb. He models how to age successfully and gracefully and achieve longevity!