The River of Names was created to bring Westport together.
Unfortunately, over the past few days it’s become a symbol of division.
The motives of organizations and individuals — and their reputations — have been questioned, maligned and impugned. Fingers have been pointed (and middle fingers raised), by folks who always worked together — and always should.
The time has come to put all that vitriol aside. Sure, it’s the holiday season. But it’s also the right thing to do.
The River of Names, when it hung in the lower level of the Westport Library.
The River of Names is clearly a beloved, integral part of Westport. It means a lot to many people — those who contributed to it, or whose families did. Those who bought tiles in loved ones’ memories. (And not just “historical” tiles. Hundreds of others simply bear names and dates.)
It is, quite simply, an important piece of our town.
But it’s not a perfect one.
A number of people and groups have worked behind the scenes to seek a resolution to the tile mural situation. Several themes have emerged:
The Westport Library seems willing to extend the storage lease, while discussions about a solution continue.
There may be places in the Library where it could be rehung — for example, the Komansky Room — with structural improvements.
If the Library is not a feasible spot, other places — Town Hall or the Main Street pedestrian tunnel, perhaps — might work.
Because of its construction, it’s unfeasible to cut the mural. Its “river-like” theme mirrors Westport history — but it’s incomplete. More information and details, more nuance, a more modern interpretation of that history is crucial. Residents and visitors alike must understand where our town came from, so we can appreciate — and make it better — today and tomorrow.
Wherever it goes, the River of Names needs to be put in context. It was a work of an earlier time — a snapshot of some historical moments.
Many other moments were omitted. We’ve learned of more, and our views of our history have changed, in the years since.
The time is ripe to add supplementary and interpretive material. It can be done in many ways, using old-fashioned tiles or new technology.
The “River of Names 2.0” could even be a fantastic new fundraiser for the Westport Library.
Let’s turn the corner on the River of Names controversy. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
We’re all on the same page. Let’s all work together — the Library, Westport Museum for History & Culture, TEAM Westport, Westport Arts Advisory Council, other town organizations, and individuals on all sides of the debate — to find a solution.
Please add your positive thoughts to the “Comments” section.
That’s right: Only constructive, positive comments will be allowed. No name-calling, shaming or negativity at all. Thank you.
Wreaths Across America is a national program, honoring fallen servicemembers, and all who serve. Over 2 million volunteers take part, in all 50 states and overseas.
This year, for the first time, Westport joined in.
On Saturday, Scouts from Troops 139 and 39 honored Westport veterans buried at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road. They placed a remembrance wreath on each grave, after a short but moving ceremony.
Kudos to the Scouts, and local coordinator Patty Kondub. Among many other activities, she’s vice president of the VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 Auxiliary.
Thanks too to all who donated, to help decorate our veterans’ graves. It sounds like the start of an important new Westport tradition.
Scouts who participated in Saturday’s Wreaths Across America event.
Our “06880” Roundup often links to David Pogue’s “CBS Sunday Morning” segments. Our Westport neighbor frequently films his pieces here — at his home, on his street and in random spots around town.
Yesterday, he offered a double dose of Westport. He interviewed Nicholas Britell, The composer — who scoed “Succession,” “Moonlight,” “12 Years a Slave” and “The Underground Railroad,” among others — moved here at age 13. He graduated from Hopkins School in New Haven in 1998, then headed to Juilliard and Harvard.
Pogue — who has his own musical theater chops, including stints as a Broadway musical director, conductor and arranger, before wandering off to become a New York Times tech writer, PBS “Nova” personality and CBS “professional explainer,” among many other things — interviewed Britell.
They talked about how movie scores are written. Or not written. The Westport native noted that sometimes, it’s best to leave the music out altogether.
An accident yesterday temporarily shut down Riverside Avenue, and sent one person to the hospital.
Westport Fire and Police Departments, and EMS, responded to the vehicle rollover. After stabilizing the vehicle and removing the occupant, firefighters used grip hoists to perform a controlled roll and put the car back on its wheels.
The scene on Riverside Avenue. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Frank Sisson describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo:
“This magnificent tree spotlit by the late afternoon sun, and the stripes painted by its shadows and those of its fellow trees in the golden hour lighting around 3:30 p.m. at Winslow Park seemed particularly striking and photo-worthy.”
Two of the Top 10 most streamed movies last weekend were holiday films.
And both have strong Westport connections.
“Spirited” (Apple TV+) ranked 7th overall for the weekend. The musical comedy retelling of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” starring Will Ferrell and Ryan Reynolds (also shown in theaters) was written in part by 2003 Staples High School graduate Justin Paul, and his songwriting partner Benj Pasek (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”). Justin also served as an executive producer.
Right behind “Spirited,” in 8th place, was “Something From Tiffany’s” (Amazon Prime Video). The rom-com is directed by 2002 Staples grad Daryl Wein (and produced by Reese Witherspoon).
Justin and Daryl were good friends at Staples. They were in Orphenians and Staples Players together — and 20 years ago this weekend, shared the stage for the annual Candlelight Concert. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)
The Greens Farms train station COVID testing site — run since last January by Progressive Diagnostics — closed on Thursday. The move was made to accommodate normal station operations and concessions.
Progressive’s same-day COVID, flu and RSV tests remain available at their Norwalk and Wilton sites. Clients can schedule appointments online, or walk in.
Progressive Diagnostics’ Covid PCR tests detect the presence of viruses even before symptoms begin. Results are delivered the same day. The company also offers telehealth, connecting patients with professionals who can discuss symptoms and provide orders for flu and/or RSV tests.
PS: As Bob Weingarten notes, free COVID tests are available online from the US government. Click here for details.
The ever-changing Winslow Park Animal Hospital front lawn has gone whole hog for the holidays.
Their decorations are a welcome treat for anyone — and by that, I mean “everyone” who waits at the Post Road light between the Westport Country Playhouse and Playhouse Square.
But you’re never too old to have a Westport Library exhibit.
His botanical paintings are featured in the Sheffer Gallery, from now through February 28. An artist talk and reception, with Rauh and Miggs Burroughs, is set for January 29 (2 p.m.).
“06880” reader Larry Bartimer urges everyone to see the exhibit.
“What an amazing man!” Larry says. “He is the most alert and intelligent 97-year-0ld man I have ever met. He should be celebrated. He kept us captivated at his Library show.”
In a supporting — but very important — role: dozens of red and white poinsettias.
The holiday plants enriched an already wonderful show. Lynn Untermeyer Miller captured a small part of the array, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Dino Danelli — one of the greatest drummers in rock history — died Thursday in New York. He was 78, and had been in ill health for several years.
Inspired by Buddy Rich and Gene Krupa, he helped make the Rascals one of the first American bands to capitalize on the success of the British Invasion.
The New York Times says Danelli “merged percussive virtuosity with a rock sensibility. Like Ringo Starr of the Beatles, he set the template for the rock drummer archetype: disciplined and precise, but with a flair that drew the crowd’s eye.”
When the Rascals were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, Steven Van Zandt — who played with Danelli — called him “the greatest rock drummer of all time.” Click here for a full obituary.
(“People everywhere just got to be free.” But “06880” isn’t free to produce. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
The Staples High School Music Department celebrated the holiday season last night with its 82nd annual Candlelight Concert.
It was stunning.
The choral symphonic and jazz ensembles awed the full auditorium with their voices and musicianship. The program — from the traditional, lovely “Sing We Noel” through the stunning “Nutcracker Suite,” rousing “Jubilate Deo” and clever production number, to the powerful “Home Alone Suite” and rousing “Hallelujah Chorus” finale — was both proof that our town’s young artists are very alive, quite well (and superbly well-trained), and that even in times of uncertainty and division, all can be right in Westport.
Thanks to all who produced and participated in last night’s Candlelight. Two more (sold-out) concerts continue today.
The “Sing We Noel” processional. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
It’s still hard to believe Sue Pfister is retiring.
The beloved Senior Center director has spent 36 years serving Westport with plenty of kindness, tons of care and tremendous competence.
The town gets a chance to say goodbye and share memories on Wednesday, December 28. An open house (1:30 to 4:30 p.m.) is set for her beloved Senior Center.
Can’t make it? Drop in virtually. Just click here; the passcode is “retirement.”
Did you know that black plastic can’t be recycled?*
So what can you do?
Bring your washed, clean, black plastic takeout food containers (and matching lids) to the Westport Farmers’ Market the next 2 Thursdays (December 22 and 29, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane).
Food containers will be used by Fridgeport Outdoor Food Pantry to repackage large trays of donated prepared foods into smaller portions for people facing food insecurity. Many recipients reuse the containers many times over.
The event is co-sponsored by Sustainable Westport and Food Rescue CT
*Why can’t black plastic be recycled? Optical sorting systems used to sort recycling cannot identify it as “plastic.” When black plastic is placed incorrectly with other items it contaminates the overall recycling stream reducing its value. In addition, black plastic has a hazardous level of toxins that increase in the recycling center. So whenever you can: Refuse or reuse black plastic!
¡Felicidades! to José “Feliz Navidad” Feliciano and his wife Susan.
The longtime Weston residents are the proud grandparents of twin grandsons. Their daughter Melissa and her husband Charles announce the birth of Theodore “Theo” Jose and Beau William Erickson.
They arrived 5 weeks early, weighing 3.13 and 6.02 pounds respectively.
They’re home and thriving, with Theo coming home on his mother’s birthday.
José and Susan say: “The Feliciano and Erickson families are blessed, and thrilled beyond words. So many prayers offered by so many good and loving people … we are incredibly grateful.”
The bar for our Entitled Parkers feature is extremely high. Usually, someone hogging 2 spaces won’t make the cut. “06880” readers demand something even more egregious: 3 spaces perhaps, or a vehicle completely covering a sidewalk.
But this Very Important Person takes today’s (Trader Joe’s) cake.
He — and you know it’s a guy —
Takes not just 2 spots, but they’re both handicap reserved.
Westport Sunrise Rotary’s guest speaker yesterday was Lexi Shereshewsky.
Founder and Executive Director of the Azraq Education and Community Fund (formerly The Syria Fund) — a non-profit providing education programs and hands-on humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees and other vulnerable families living in Jordan — she’s no stranger to the group. Sunrise Rotary is a longtime supporter.
Lexi Shereshewsky and Rick Jaffe, past president of Westport Sunrise Rotary.
These are much less controversial. They’re part of the holiday season too.
Remember: This is your feature. All readers are invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!
Ho ho ho!
“Happy Chanukah” (Amy Schneider)
Untitled. Artist Anne Bernier writes: :Getting crafty at Christmas with some watercolor gnome bookmarks..”
“Abstract Tiles” (Patricia McMahon)
“Friendship Sloop ‘Jolly Buccaneer” — India ink on a clear negative, printed in reverse. This Christmas card was created by artist Peter Barlow, a while ago.
Untitled (Kathleen Burke)
“Kiss Me” — Galapagos Islands. Photographer Mike Hibbard explains: “There are so many people who are not loved, not hugged, and not kissed. It is so painful to be lonely and not ‘kissed.’ This brings tears to my eyes and my heart. I am blessed to be loved, and hugged, and kissed. Let’s please give our love, hugs, and kisses to those in need.”
Untitled (Tom Doran)
“Where Have All the Flowers Gone? The Girls Have Picked Them Everyone!” (Steve Stein)
Posted onDecember 14, 2022|Comments Off on Roundup: WestportREADS, Orphenians Sing, Playhouse Plays …
For over 20 years, the Westport Library has offered one book for the entire community to read — and celebrate — together.
This year’s WestportREADS selection is “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” Angeline Boulley’s young adult novel features 18-year-old Daunis Fontaine, a Native teen who must navigate family tragedy, new relationships, and an FBI investigation to root out the corruption in her community.
The author will deliver a keynote address on February 16, in the Trefz Forum. Events leading up to her appearance include:
PageTurners Book Club discussion (January 17, 11 a.m., Westport Library)
WestportREADS skating afternoon (January 21, 1 to 5 p.m., Westport PAL Longshore rink)
WestportREADS book discussion (February 2, 7 p.m., Westport Library).
More events will be announced soon.
Boulleyis a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan. She served as her tribe’s education director, and assistant executive director and on the board of regents at Bay Mills Community College before becoming director for the Office of Indian Education at the U.S. Department of Education.
At the age of 54, she recently published her first novel.
Angeline Boulley (Photo/Marcella Hadden)
“Firekeeper’s Daughter” is a #1 New York Times bestseller, and a Reese Witherspoon Hello Sunshine Book Club YA Pick. It is being adapted by Netflix for TV with former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground.
Copies of the book are available for borrowing now at the Library. Itis also available as an e-book and audiobook. For more information on WestportREADS, click here.
A longstanding Westport Rotary Club tradition returned yesterday. The Staples High School Orphenians performed a holiday show.
The half-hour a cappella concert was held in the acoustically resonant sanctuary of Green’s Farms Congregational Church. From “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairies” to “Silent Night,” it was a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays.
Conductor Luke Rosenberg leads the Orphenians at the Westport Rotary Club holiday show, in Green’s Farms Church. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
“Yesterday was the last day to donate equipment for a shipment to Ukraine. The response was fantastic. Three more generators showed up, and a dozen sleeping bags, and more.
“But yesterday I got a message that the shipping departure date is postponed until next Wednesday.
“There were many people who wanted to donate but couldn’t do it in time. They now have one more week.”
Donations can be brought to 190 Cross Highway and left by the barn. For questions or pickup arrangements, call Mark: 646-873-0050.
Donations for Ukraine — in the country’s familiar blue and yellow colors.
Lake Gallery is where talented local photographers show stunning large-scale images, taken from around the world.
Westporters Ron Lake and Nancy Breakstone host an opening reception this Friday (December 16, 6 to 8 p.m., 33 Elm Street) of their work.
This is Ron’s second gallery, after opening Focus in 2020 in Woodstock, Vermont. Nancy has curated shows at Earthplace, the Carriage Barn in New Canaan and Rene Soto Gallery in Norwalk.
When COVID shut the Westport Country Playhouse, they reached audiences with a new/old idea: Playhouse Radio Theater.
The curtain has risen again. But the innovative series continues.
Next up: a holiday audio play. “A Merry Little Christmas Carol” — with original music and clever sound effects — airs on WSHU on Christmas Eve (December 24, 6:06 p.m. following the news). It will be rebroadcast Christmas Day (December 25, 1:06 p.m.).
Click here for the livestream. Click here for frequencies and locations. Click here for the link via the Playhouse website (available through January 1).
“A Merry Little Christmas Carol” is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, adapted from his play of the same name, and based on “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens. Shanahan is curator of Playhouse Radio Theater, in addition to curating the Playhouse Script in Hand play reading series.
WCP artistic director Mark Lamos narrates, with noted Playhouse actors like Paxton Whitehead (Scrooge). Running time is 2 hours.
Longtime Westport Public Schools director of personnel Nancy Bonvini died peacefully last week. She was 88, and lived in Fairfield.
Following her retirement in 1999, she volunteered at Black Rock School, and was a tutor at Mercy Learning Center.
She enjoyed listening to good music, was an avid reader, and enjoyed time by Long Island Sound and surrounded by nature.
A service will be held tomorrow (Thursday, December 15, 11 a.m. Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Interment will follow in St. Michael’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, friends may consider a donation in Nancy’s memory to Mercy Learning Center, 637 Park Ave., Bridgeport, CT 06604.
The story last March was grim. One Saturday night, a 64-year-old Westport woman supplementing her income by driving for Uber Eats picked up an order at Golden Pizza, in Westfair Plaza.
Inside the restaurant, she saw someone enter her unlocked car. When she went outside to prevent the theft, she was brutally assaulted. She suffered a serious head injury, and was intensive care for days.
Westporters were outraged. Quickly, a GoFundMe campaign was created. It raised over $33,000. The money paid for medical bills — she had no health insurance — and her long rehabilitation, as she learned to walk again.
The outpouring of support was “life-changing,” the woman says.
But that’s not the end of the story.
The woman’s name is Katherine “Pearl” Miller. She’s a watercolor artist, whose paintings and prints of richly detailed whimsical character hang in kids’ rooms throughout the US and Italy.
Katherine “Pearl” Miller
In 2020, she wrote a book. “Help Santa!!!” is a clever, light-hearted and rhythmic story about kindness, in which children get a chance to help St. Nick with a chimney problem.
Each book includes a “Magic Key” that — when young readers hold it in their hands and think “magical thoughts,” then hang on their door on Christmas Eve — can help them “help Santa.”
Each book comes with a “magic key.”
But this is not a story that suggests you buy “Help Santa!!!” for your child.
It’s far better than that.
Pearl has agreed to sell 250 of the books for $12.99 each. (The price on her website is $19.95; on Amazon, they’re $16.95.)
Right now, the books are in a storage unit. They can be distributed this Friday at 5 Bridgeport elementary schools: Curiale Elementary, Geraldine Claytor Magnet Academy, Barnum, Skane and Luis Muñoz Marin.
Bridgeport school administrators are thrilled. Usually, donors offer used books. This will provide brand-new hardcover books to 250 children, right before Christmas. And they’ll feel empowered “helping” Santa get down the chimney.
The book — and the magic key.
This is where “06880” readers come in. The books can only be distributed if we cover the cost.
That should be easy. As noted, each book is just $12.99. Ordering one (or more) for a Bridgeport child could not be easier.
Venmo $12.99 (per book) to @katherine-miller-177.
A year ago, Westporters banded together to help a woman. We did not know her name. We knew only that she’d been beaten on a Saturday night, while delivering meals to supplement her income.
Now we know her name. We know her back story. We know how far she’s come — and how eager she is to help others.
The next step is easy. Once again, here’s the Venmo: @katherine-miller-177.
Just before 1 a.m. today, a car went off the road, into the Saugatuck River.
The Westport Fire Department responded with 3 engines and a rescue truck. Firefighters wearing cold water rescue suits removed the lone occupant, who was trapped in the vehicle.
Westport EMS transported the patient to the hospital, with unknown injuries.
Westport firefighters in action early this morning. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Speaking of accidents: Another of those baffling midday, clear weather crashes took place yesterday, at the Hillandale Road/Morningside Drive South intersection.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
With the way people drive these days, though — and the so-much-to-do pressure of the holidays — perhaps it’s not that surprising.
Just keep this image in mind the next time you want to gain 2 seconds at a stop sign.
Or think that your errand is more important than everyone else’s.
A recent “06880” story on what’s for sale — illegally — in Westport smoke shops and convenience stores noted that recreational marijuana sales have not yet begun in Connecticut.
Yesterday, state officials announced that adult-use marijuana sales will begin January 10.
More sites will be approved in coming months. None are in Westport. The Planning & Zoning Commission has — at least for now — banned non-medical marijuana sales here.
Click here for a full report on recreational cannabis stores statewide.
A Teen Business Holiday Shop fills the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum today (Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
An array of creative, high-quality products — jewelry, services and more — are on sale. All were created by local teenage entrepreneurs.
The event is sponsored by Up | Next Teens. The student-founded and run organization teaches teens the principles of entrepreneurism, with a commitment to social activism.
A portion of the proceeds will help fun the group’s efforts to help alleviate food insecurity.
PS: There’s live music, baked goods — and gift wrapping too!
Staples High School Class of 2010 graduate Luke Hammerman is the digital audience manager for the National Military Family Organization. The non-profit supports and enhances military families through advocacy and programming.
Luke wants Westporters to know about the group’s holiday drive — and remind them that Tuesday is the anniversary of the National Guard’s founding (in 1636!).
He also found this link to an inspirational “06880” story about some Westport military families in years past.
During World War II, 8 of the 12 Cuseo brothers enlisted in the military. Bottom row (from left): Charles, Robert, James, George. Middle: Angelo, father James, mother Lucia, Albert. Top : Nicholas, Frank, Anthony, William, Joseph, Michael. Not pictured: Mildred.
Westport will be well represented at “Layers Revealed” — the new exhibit at Norwalk Art Space.
Photographer Jerri Graham and artist Melissa Newman are in the show, which explores “all of life’s intricacies and complexities.”
“Slowly, the layers of our lives are revealed and once they are, we fully come through,” Graham says. Through “each frame of the camera,” she aims to highlight “a fraction of a second of a life that will be lived for a time unknown. Within these fractionated layers, we find our lives and ourselves.”
“Layers Revealed” encourages viewers to explore the many cycles and layers of humanity, nature, beauty, creation and decay.
At the opening reception Thursday (December 15,, 6 to 8 p.m., 455 West Avenue, Norwalk), Graham will take portrait photos at a pop-up space.
She’ll also host 3 portrait photo sessions (December 18, 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.; January 8 (10 a.m. to noon) and January 15 (noon to 2:30 p.m.). Book sessions at 203-252-2840; donations are accepted. Students ages 13 to 18 who are interested in helping Graham (and learning about lighting, composition and more) can apply here.
On January 15 (3 p.m.), Graham will give a talk. On January 28 (11 a.m.), Newman — who is also a vocalist — will join guitarist Tony
Lombardozzi for a jazz brunch performance at The Norwalk Art Space.
“In With the Old” — a Discovery+ series — features old-home enthusiasts transforming abandoned structures.
In the current season 3, Staples graduates Brian and Megan Austin Philpott work their magic on a “little Weston cabin.”
Also shown: former Westport Planning & Zoning Commission member Al Gratrix. Spoiler alert: It’s his grandchildren’s log cabin. (Hat tip: Chip Stephens)
The Dartmouth College Brovertones serenaded Staples High’s Choralaires yesterday, with tunes ranging from Hozier to The Beach Boys.
Luke Rosenberg’s singers were especially excited to hear SHS 2020 graduate Sam Laskin. They asked plenty of questions too, about college and a cappella life.
Sam Laskin (front row, 3rd from left), the Brovertones, and the Staples Choralaires.
There’s a new event on the Westport benefit calendar.
On March 19, Sunset Wine Party hosts a wine tasting at the Inn at Longshore. All net proceeds go to Berni & Murcer, a non-profit supporting area children with cancer.
The event includes grazing tables, music, and private VIP rooms
And finally … another little known — but hugely important — music pioneer has died.
Jim Stewart, a white man who who with his sister founded Stax Records — the hugely successful R&B/soul label — died Monday in Memphis. He was 92.
A country and rockabilly fan who “had scarcely seen a Black person till I was grown,” his work with artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett and Carla Thomas helped create the soundtrack of the ’60s and early ’70s.
His house band — Booker T. & the M.G.s — included Black and white musicians, an enormous step for the very segregated city of Memphis.
There is always a surprise in our online art gallery.
This week’s surprise is that there is only one holiday-themed submission.
But there are plenty of colorful works, covering — as usual — a wide range of themes and mediums.
This is your feature. All readers are invited to contribute. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions.
All genres are encouraged. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage and (yes) needlepoint — whatever you’ve got, email it to 06880blog@gmail.com. Share your work with the world!
“Love Birds.” Artist Susan Gold Falkenstein says the title “signifies my admiration for their presence in nature, and the idea that love is the emotion that brings me the most joy.”
“Some Spring Cheer at Holiday Time” — Greenhouse at Naumkeag Lights, Stockbridge, Massachusetts (Laurie Sorensen)
“A Victorian by the Sea” — Thimble Islands (Peter Barlow)
Before Thanksgiving gets too far away, here’s a shout-out to Lucia Palmieri.
The native Westporter cooks meals every year for the holiday — and then gives them away.
This year, it was 10 whole turkeys. (She does 4 at a time, in her ovens.) Then she makes bone broth.
Lucia Palmierii reflects on her Thanksgiving turkeys. She cooks 4 at a time.
This month, she organized a “Santa Run.” A fire truck (and Santa) will come to her house. She’ll supply a fire and hot chocolate; she’ll lead some carols.
In return, guests bring a wrapped gift — and donate $25 to the Fire Department.
Lucia does it all despite a demanding international concert touring schedule. She’s a very talented opera singer. She’s sung at Carnegie Hall, at the US Open, and on ESPN, Bravo, ABC and NBC.
She specializes in Italian and Latin songs — and Italian cooking. (Liza Minnelli, Jon Bon Jovi, Kenneth Cole and the late Marvin Hamlisch have raved about her food.)
Lucia Palmieri, on stage.
Lucia always thinks of others. She does her good deeds quietly, and spectacularly. Thanks, and congratulations: You’re this week’s well-deserved Unsung Hero. (Hat tip: Kathy Calise)
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com, with details.)
(You can be a hero too! Please click here to support “06880.” Thank you!)
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