Roundup: Club203, Elvis, Shakespeare …

Posted on December 11, 2024 | 6 comments

In just 2 years, Club203 has earned a cherished spot among Westport’s non-profits.

Part of Westport’s Department of Human Services, and the town’s Commission on People with Disabilities, the organization provides monthly social gatherings for adults with disabilities.

Now, Club203 has earned a $10,000 check.

The Westport Woman’s Club presented the Ruegg Grant on Monday. It’s one of the ways the WWC gives back to the community, by funding projects focused on social services, health, safety, arts and education. The grants were established by former club member Lea Ruegg.

Westport Woman’s Club, Club203 and Human Services Department officials (from left): Vera Rhimes, Erin Gensel-Cancro, Nancy Austin, Virginia Ferrari, Sharuna Mahesh, Stacie Curran, Audrey Rabinowitz, Elaine Daignault.

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Elvis is in the building!

Well, he will be on December 20 (7:15 p.m.). The building is VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue).

As for Elvis, who has been dead for nearly 50 years: The evening is called “Blue Christmas with ‘The King.'”

It’s a tribute to the rock ‘n’ roll icon, including his Top 40 hits, along with his Christmas songs.

Tickets are $35 ($30 for VFW members), and include a buffet. Click here, or call 302-312-3774.

The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll

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An even more dead legend — William Shakespeare — is in the news too.

Diane Lowman has joined Shakespeare Birthplace America’s board of directors.

An essayist, memoirist, poet and Shakespeare scholar, she served as Westport’s first poet laureate (2019-22).

Lowman’s first memoir, “Nothing But Blue,” chronicled her experiences aboard a German container ship during college. Her latest, “The Undiscovered Country: Seeing Myself Through Shakespeare’s Eyes,” narrates her journey of self-discovery through the lens of Shakespeare’s works.

Lowman earned an MA in Shakespeare studies from the University of Birmingham’s Shakespeare Institute (2017), an MBA from Pepperdine University, and a BA in economics from Middlebury College. She teaches writing, Shakespeare, and yoga/mediation, and divides her time between Westport and Stratford-Upon-Avon, England.

Diane Lowman with her favorite author, at Stratford-Upon-Avon.

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Having a high school All-American athlete is a feather in any program’s cap.

Staples High School has not one, but two, this year.

Senior Annabel Edwards and junior Natalie Chudowsky were named to the 63-person United Soccer Coaches All-America squad. Both play midfield.

Chudowsky is one of only 4 girls — and the only 11th grader — to be named to the team for the third time. She has been an All-American since freshman year. She is also a regular call-up for US national youth team camps.

Edwards will play soccer at the University of Chicago next fall. Chudowsky has already committed to Duke University, beginning in 2026.

Edwards and Chudowsky will be honored next month, at the United Soccer Coaches convention in Chicago.

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 Speaking of sports: Rugby and football are very popular. But many parents have safety concerns.

This winter, Westport PAL will offer tackle and fitness winter clinics. The goal is to prepare 5th through 8th graders in Fairfield County to feel safe, confident and effective in tackle situations.

The focus is on development of core fitness, stamina, strength and skill.  

Coaches include an international jiu-jitsu professor, a former US national team rugby player, and college football athletes.

PAL officials say, “Although no contact sport is entirely without risk, substantial evidence demonstrates that removing the head from direct contact significantly reduces the potential for harm.

“In recent years, both collegiate and NFL teams have increasingly adopted ‘rugby tackle’ techniques to protect athletes. We believe youth athletes deserve the same skill level of protection.

Click here for information on dates, location, fees, registration and more.

Proper technique minimizes injuries.

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Just in time for the 12 Days of Christmas: 11 Artist of Connecticut, at Picture This/Nylen Gallery (772 Post Road East).

And instead of 5 golden rings: 5 are from Westport: Nina Bentley (assemblage and prints), Linn Cassetta (mixed media on wood), Gali Katz (etchings), Judy Katz (porcelain vessels) and Tom Kretsch (photography).

Another — Marjorie Sopkin — grew up here. 

An opening reception is set for this Friday (December 13, 5 to 7 p.m.). The show runs through January 11. The show is curated by John Bygott.

“Over Yonder” (John Bygott)

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The Westport Astronomical Society free lecture series continues December 17 (8 p.m.), with a special free classroom lecture.

Dr. Debra Wallace — deputy branch chief for astrophysics at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center — will join remotely. Her topic is pretty big: “Exploring the Vast Cosmic Structures of the Universe.” Click here for more information.

It’s also the WAS Pre-Winter Solstice Holiday Party.

Santa has his eye on the universe.

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A pair of speakers from the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants addressed yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club lunch meeting.

They described the work of the 105-year-old non-profit. Through offices in Bridgeport, Stamford, Hartford and Waterbury, they provide legal aid, educational programs and social services for refugees, immigrants and survivors of human trafficking and torture. They also teach job placement skills and financial literacy.

Susan Schnitzer, president and CEO of the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, and Deo Byakisaka, assistant director of refugee services, at yesterday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Amy Swanson sent this image yesterday, with a seasonally appropriate note: ”

(Photo/Siobhan Crise)

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Staples High School Class of 1988 graduate William Westcott died suddenly on December 2.

The youngest of 6 children, he studied fine art at Washington University in St. Louis, followed by an apprenticeship under his mentor, the artist Mike Skop.

Bill then became a marketing and business strategist, for over 30 years.

After moving to New York City he met his wife, Jill. They raised their family in Tribeca.

His family says, “He was generous to a fault and for anyone who needed help, never a question asked. He was a fixer in every sense of the word. He had a creative superpower, a natural knack for building and a work ethic bar none.”

Bill loved road trips, vacation adventures, cookouts with family and friends, sailing, history and movies.

His desire to share with his children the values of small-town life led to their first summer place in Old Saybrook. Bill transformed a little bungalow into a comfortable weekend cottage, with room for kids and guests.

Bill is survived by his wife, Jill Cunniffe; children Greta, Finn and Luke Westcott of New York, and Old Saybrook, and siblings Mitch of Fort Myers, Florida, Wendy of Litchfield, Annie MacPhail of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Mary Thomajan of Belmont, Massachusetts; many nieces and nephews, and his terrier Norman. He was predeceased by his brother Mike.

A memorial is planned for January 4 in New York City. Details will be announced on SwanFuneralHomeOldSaybrook.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to the ALS Association in memory of Bill’s father and brother Michael.

Bill Westcott

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Tree branches, clouds and sky comine in this compelling mid-December  “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … in honor of Elvis’ December 20 concert at the VFW (story above):

(We’ll have a blue Christmas, if you take “06880” for granted. We rely on the generous support of readers. Please click here to make an end-of-year, tax deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Obituaries, Sports

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Henry Lehr: Famous Name Returns To Famed Spot

Posted on December 11, 2024 | 5 comments

For decades, Henry Lehr was a legendary Main Street women’s store.

Nearby, on the Post Road, Schaefer’s Sporting Goods was equally beloved.

Years later, they’re back — 2024 style.

Alex Lehr — Henry’s son — has opened a new shop, with the old name (and menswear too). It fills the space formerly occupied by Fig, just down from Barnes & Noble.

Before that — when the bookstore was a movie theater — the store was Schaefer’s. Generations of Westporters bought baseball gloves, soccer cleats and skis there.

Alex Lehr’s road back to Westport winds through Southampton and Indiana.

He grew up here, and attended Kings Highway Elementary, Bedford Middle School and Greens Farms Academy.

It was off to Indiana University, New York, then back to the Hoosier State. From college on he worked for American Colors, the brand started by his father. Alex made his way up from the factory to head of sales.

Alex Lehr, with the belt collection in his new store.

In 2004, Henry retired. Alex took over. His wife Shannon also joined the business.

American Colors was a wholesaler, selling at trade shows to 200 specialty stores around the world. Westport customers include Great Stuff and Katherine H.

When COVID closed trade shows, Alex pivoted to retail. It was a world he knew well.

Henry Lehr and his wife had moved to Westport in 1977. They owned a New York store, and soon added one on Main Street. (Today, it’s the site of Shoe-Inn.)

Through its closing in 2014, after the death of their daughter Camilla who ran it, it was one of the town’s most popular women’s shops.

Henry Lehr on Main Street, soon after it closed. (Photo/Dave Matlow for WestportNow)

In 2021, Alex Lehr opened a pop-up American Colors by Henry Lehr store in Southampton. It was an instant hit.

A surprising number of customers were Westporters. Many urged him to come back to their (and his) hometown.

The Hamptons location was great, but it was seasonal, with transient customers, Alex says. As he considered a permanent shop, he realized this was the place to do it.

Attorney and real estate investor Jim Randel found him the Fig/Schaefer’s space.

Schaefer’s Sporting Goods is the 3rd store from the left, next to the Fine Arts Theaters and an art supply store. Fred Cantor took this photo in 1976 — around the time Henry Lehr opened on Main Street.

It was perfect. It reminds Alex of the Henry Lehr shop on Main Street. It looks out on the Post Road, with plenty of visibility. The tin ceiling gives off the perfect vibe.

A pop-up shop there in July, with just a few racks of clothes, was very successful. Renovations began when it closed.

Two weeks ago, American Colors by Henry Lehr opened officially.

During the pop-up, customers told Alex that Westport lacked the kind of casual, comfortable, contemporary clothing men wanted. The new store now includes menswear, and a collection of vintage belts.

Alex Lehr, inside American Colors by Henry Lehr. 

There’s more to come. After the holidays Alex will add a home store, with antiques, vintage clothing, gifts, and a made-to-measure area for men and women.

“I’ve come full circle. It’s fun to be back,” Alex says. Women bring Henry Lehr clothing they bought 30 or 40 yeas ago. He repairs some of those well-worn pieces for them.

The Westport store may be a prototype for satellite locations. Still, he envisions this as always the flagship.

Casual, contemporary clothing. 

As Alex finished giving a tour of the new store, a customer walked in.

Unprompted, she said, “This is the talk of the town!”

(American Colors by Henry Lehr is open 7 days a week, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

(“06880” often reports on the Westport business scene — old, new, and old ones that are new again. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Looking back

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Pic Of The Day #2792

Posted on December 10, 2024 | 2 comments

Crescent moon, from Church Lane (Photo/Peter Chelico)

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Roundup: CNN’s Alisyn Camerota, WFD’s Santa Run, UNC’s Marisa Shorrock …

Posted on December 10, 2024 | 11 comments

Alison Camerota surprised her many fans Sunday — first on Instagram, then on the air — by announcing it was her last day with CNN.

After 10 years with the network, the Westport resident signed off with a smile.

Alisyn Camerota’s Instagram post.

She recalled interviewing “presidents and heroes and extraordinary people (in) peak career experiences that I had dreamed of since I was a teenager.”

She thanked her colleagues and her viewers, and encouraged them to follow her on Instagram (@alisyncamerota) for updates on what’s ahead.

In a social media post minutes later, she said: “I’m on to new horizons. I’ll just share this bit of wisdom. New horizons are great when you’re ready for them. There have been times in my life when I was not ready to leave a place that I loved and that was really sad and really hard. But I think am ready to leave this place that I’ve loved.”

Before joining CNN in 2014 — where she was a co-anchor on “New Day,” “CNN Newsroom,” “CNN Tonight” and, most recently, “CNN Newsroom” — Camerota worked at Fox News.

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The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation “Santa Run” is one of Westport’s most cherished traditions.

(Spots are limited. IYKYK).

For a donation to the Firefighters Foundation, Santa arrives by fire truck to drop off a present at a (limited number of) children’s houses.

Kids, stop reading here! The gift is dropped off at the firehouse previously, by the parents.

This weekend, for the third year in a row, Staples High School’s Service League of Boys (SLOBs) joined the firefighters.

They helped the little ones spread joy, fend off the Grinch, and make the holidays special.

Pausing for a photo opp, at the annual Santa Run.

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Westport has another NCAA Division I national champion.

Marissa Shorrock is a goalkeeper on the University of North Carolina women’s soccer squad. The Tar Heels won their 23rd championship last night in Cary, North Carolina. They defeated Wake Forest University 1-0.

The 2020 Staples graduate was not in the nets (teammate Clare Gagne was named the tournaments Most Outstanding Defensive Player). But she’s got her championship ring.

At Staples, her 14 shutouts as a senior helped her team to a 19-1-2 season. She also played 4 years of varsity lacrosse and basketball, helping the hoopsters to the state semifinal.

Shorrock walked onto the Bowdoin College soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams, before seasons were canceled due to COVID. She transferred to Yale University, appearing in 22 games over 3 years at Yale after walking-on midseason in 2021. She started 20 matches. Shorrock helped the Bulldogs break the program’s consecutive shutout record, and tie the record for shutouts in a season in 2022.

After graduating with a degree in economics from Yale last spring, Shorrock transfered to UNC with one more year of eligibility. (Hat tip: Don Kubie)

 

Marisa Shorrock, with the national championship trophy, and her new cap. (Photo courtesy of David Shorrock)

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WEST boutique hosts a special “Sip & Shop” event this Thursday (December 12, 6 to 8 p.m., 117 Post Road East).

20% of all purchases, and 20% of the proceeds, go to Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, the great arts non-profit for underserved youngsters.

One Hope Winery and The Granola Bar will be on hand too.

WEST boutique. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Yogi Bear stopped by the Westport Police Department/Westport PAL  toy drive this past weekend.

He donated to the great cause, and thanked the officers for all they do.

The toy drive continues this coming weekend. New, unopened and unwrapped toys for all ages and genders — along with cash to buy toys — will be collected at Athletic Shoe Factory (1560 Post Road East) Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can also drop off unwrapped toys at Police headquarters on Jesup Road (any time), or Awesome Toys & Gifts and The Toy Post, during business hours.

Yogi Bear and friends, at the Police Department’s toy drive collection spot: Athletic Shoe Factory. (Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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Birchwood County Club is usually about golf, tennis, swimming and dining.

This weekend, they added gingerbread house decorating to the list.

150 youngsters, along with parents and grandparents, gathered for the annual holiday brunch, and creative fun.

Gingerbread house decorators, hard at work. (Photo/John Schmidlin)

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The Y’s Women had 2 special guests yesterday.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker talked about issues on many residents’ minds. She reported that while Post Road traffic remains a big problem, many stop signs and sidewalks have been added all around town.

Parking is still a work in progress.

The 1st selectwoman also discussed Longshore improvements (more pickleball courts, an 18-hole golf clubhouse, a pool upgrade), and Long Lots Elementary School construction (expected to begin this spring, with completion in 2027).

After Tooker’s talk, Y’s Women enjoyed a holiday concert by Staples’ elite Orphenians a cappella group, in the acoustically wonderful Green’s Farms Church.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (center), with Y’s Women president Vera DeStefano and vice president Catherin Albin.

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Congratulations to Staples’ December Students of the Month.

Seniors Olivia Berg and William Vanamee, junior Madeline Leventhal, sophomore Nathaniel Maurillo and freshmen Gabriella Juliano and Kai Massicott were nominated by their teachers.

They make Staples a welcoming place for peers and teachers, and are, principal Stafford Thomas says, “the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together.”

From left: Kai Massicott, Gabriella Juliano, Olivia Berg, Madeline Leventhal,  Nathaniel Maurillo, William Vanamee.

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Michael Mossman has done it all.

After apprenticing as a youngster with jazz legends Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and others, the trumpeter forged a brilliant career as a soloist, arranger, music director and educator.

This Thursday he brings his talents to Jazz at the Post (December 12, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service from 7; $20 tickets, $15 for veterans and students).

Mossman willk be joined by pianist Jeb Patton, bassist Phil Bowler, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows what Michele Sorensen says was left untouched after bulldozers renovated Riverside Park:

(Photo/Michele Sorensen)

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And finally … on this date in 1817, Mississippi became the 20th US state.

(“06880” is your hyper-local source of news you can use. If you appreciate our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Media, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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All They Want For Christmas …

Posted on December 10, 2024 | 2 comments

One of the many popular attractions at Saturday’s “06880”/ Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll was our “Letters to Santa” mailbox.

Outside Savvy + Grace, kids were invited to fill out a wish list. (First, they had to check a box: Were they good all of the time, some of the time, or naughty but nice?)

Sending lists to Santa, at Savvy + Grace. (Photo/Terry Brannigan)

Surprisingly (or not), no one asked for an electric leaf blower. Or world peace.

But here is what’s on the wish list of Westport boys and girls. (Plus a couple of older folks, who slipped in.)

Guinea pig, hoverboard, bitzee, new ipad, digging kit, shark teeth, polaroid color camera, paint pottery set, matilda the book, karaoke machine

A ferret, drone, robo-dog and taylor swift

Canny cane, hot coco (from a child on Esen Rode — fortunately a sibling wrote “Easton Road”)

Sewing machine

A Hawaii/Bahamas vacation, and a lot of clothes!

This wish probably did not come from a child.

A dog named Murphy

Uggs, Lululemon, Avatar Nation, a Rhone

Basketball cards and NBA tickets

Telascope

Baseball cards, vr headset (I live in west port connetict)

Can I have a horse and a cat

Thank you for all the preasants

A beautiful year full of experiences with my host family ❤

What’s on your list? Click “Comments” below.

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Pics Of The Day #2791

Posted on December 9, 2024 | 3 comments

This weekend, Susan Garment took her camera to Longshore.

She captured the end of the golf year, the start of the skating season, and 2 never-changing scenes: a tree, and ER Strait Marina.

(Photos/Susan Garment)

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2nd Closing Announcement Of The Day: Mexicue

Posted on December 9, 2024 | 20 comments

Main Street just lost another eatery.

Mexicue served its last chips, fajitas and margaritas this week.

The 2-old-restaurant — in the space previously occupied by Bobby Q’s and, before that, Onion Alley — struggled to fill the large dining room and patio.

Mexicue’s 2 New York locations (Midtown and NoMad), and the one in Stamford, remain open.

Empty tables at Mexicue.

The closing follows the apparent shutdown of 159 Main (the successor to Rye Ridge Deli and, before that, Oscar’s). A sign on the door said, “We are closing for a few days to carry out necessary upgrades.” But the interior has been dark, with no work being done.

(Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Roundup: Weston Fire, Staples Football, Westport Soccer …

Posted on December 9, 2024 | 10 comments

The Thanksgiving Day fire just over the border in Weston destroyed one family’s home. It disrupted the holiday for their 26 guests — and for dozens of firefighters and other first responders from several towns.

Carmine Cenatiempo did not battle the blaze. But he deserves a shout-out nonetheless. Weston Emergency Medical Technician Ben Frimmer writes:

“Our crew was on scene for over 16 hours. When an event like that happens, we feed our teams in the field.

“It’s challenging to find food at 6 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Curtis Gunn called Carmine (who owns Calise’s Market in Westport.

“Within an hour and a half, he had left his own Thanksgiving meal, cooked and delivered food to feed the team. I was quite impressed with his selflessness.”

Carmine Cenatiempo, at his deli.

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Both Staples High School football games this year this year against Greenwich were shutouts.

Each team won one of them.

Unfortunately for the Wreckers, the Cardinals’ victory came yesterday, 14-0 in the semifinals of the state “LL” (extra large schools) tournament. 

It was revenge for the visitors, who were trounced 27-0 at the same Paul Lane Field on Thanksgiving Day.

Staples — ranked second in the state tourney ends the season 10-2. Greenwich, seeded #3, advanced to the title game against #5 West Haven. The game is set for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, at Central Connecticut State College.

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Speaking of sports: There was a reunion of sorts in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Staples graduates Lau ten Cate and Dylan Hoke were on opposing teams — for Amherst and Connecticut College, respectively — in the championhship match of the NCAA Division III men’s soccer tournament.

After scoreless sregulation and overtime, Amherst won 4-3 on penalty kicks.

Ten Cate — who played for Beachside’s MLS Next academy team during his high school years — has been injured this year, and did not play in the final. Hoke, a former Wrecker and Beachside athlete, played 93 minutes. He had an excellent freshman season for the Camels.

Lau ten Cate (left) and Dylan Hoke

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Every Sunday since Hamas invaded Israel on October 7, 2023, a group of residents has marched through town. They remind passersby of the need to bring the hostages home.

Yesterday, Jennifer Wolff reports, they were joined by a special guest: Santa Claus.

The Big Guy even chanted: “Bring them home now!”

Santa Claus, with yesterday’s Run4TheirLives marchers.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is even more intriguing than usual.

Can you come up with a clever caption? Email 06880blog@gmail.com!

(Photo/Pat Weist)

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And finally … on this date in 1851, the first YMCA was established n North America. It opened in Montreal.

(Sports, politics, heroes — they’re here today, and every day, at “06880.” If you appreciate our hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Local business, Politics, Sports, Staples HS, Weston

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The Porch Shuts Its Door

Posted on December 9, 2024 | 12 comments

The Porch at Christie’s — the latest iteration of the Cross Highway store that has served the neighborhood, and beyond, since 1926 — will close December 21.

Owners Andrea and Bill Pecoriello say:

It is with a bittersweet heart that we share some important news. While we’ve cherished every moment at The Porch, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our doors December 21.

The Porch at Christie’s 

This was not an easy choice, but it is one that will allow us to fully dedicate our time and resources to the growth and expansion of Sweet P Bakery.

The Porch was originally created to be the retail home for Sweet P Bakery, our non-profit bakery dedicated to providing training and meaningful job opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Over the past 3 ½ years, The Porch has grown beautifully, becoming a beloved community gathering spot. However, to truly focus on Sweet P Bakery’s growth and impact, we have to make this difficult choice.

We’ve poured our hearts into developing our new colossal cookie gift boxes, which are now available for nationwide shipping through sweetpbakery.org. This exciting expansion allows Sweet P Bakery to continue growing and creating even more opportunities. Our incredible team of 12 bakers will be baking these delicious treats you’ve come to love from our commercial kitchen in Norwalk.

Rest assured, your favorite Sweet P treats won’t disappear, We’re working on ways to continue offering them in various locations. We’ll keep you updated on where you can find specific items. In the meantime, explore our growing list of wholesale partners or get your colossal cookie fix at sweetpbakery.org.

We are exploring many options for a new tenant to take over the beautiful space on Cross Highway. If you know someone who might be interested, please reach out.

To all of our customers, many of whom have become like family, thank you. Your kindness and support over the years has meant the world to us. We especially loved serving our young guests and hope they continue spreading our message of kindness and inclusion.

Greeting customers at The Porch.

We’ll be open until December 21, serving delicious food and sharing our warm hospitality. We’ve even extended our hours on Thursdays and Fridays until 4 pm to welcome middle and high schoolers for after-school snacks.

Please stop by to say goodbye and hello.

In the words of Dr. Seuss, “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”

With gratitude,
Andrea and Bill Pecoriello and the team at The Porch

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Posted in Local business

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Rockin’ Around The Christmas Radio

Posted on December 9, 2024 | 1 comment

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Santa Claus is coming to town. And all I want for Christmas is you.

If those sentiments — and the songs that deliver them, in stores, at parties and (especially) on the radio — make you want to strangle every Santa, elf and frosted snowman you see: You have company.

But I’m not part of it.

I am — much to my own amazement — one of the many, many, many Americans who actually likes holiday music.

We do know it’s Christmas. Baby, it’s cold outside. Baby, please come home!

Those thoughts bring joy to my world.

It’s not just me. It’s radio listeners everywhere. They hear what I hear.

And they love it.

But don’t take my word for it. Just ask Jeff Warshaw.

He’s the CEO of Connoisseur Media. From his office overlooking the Post Road in downtown Westport, he oversees 13 stations. They’re a who’s who of Fairfield and New Haven Counties: WEBE 108, WPLR, Star 99.9, WICC.

Jeff Warshaw, in his Connoisseur Studios office. The guitar is signed by Jeff Beck. He is not known for Christmas music. (Photo/ Dan Woog)

Connoisseur also owns 5 New York stations, including Long Island’s WALK 97.5.

Last month — right around Thanksgiving — WEBE and WALK both switched to Christmas music.

From now through December 25 — 24/7 — that’s all they play.

Audiences love it. So do advertisers. (And Warshaw).

Ratings numbers shoot way up. (And profits.)

Feliz Navidad! Let’s go for a sleigh ride. And walk in a winter wonderland.

WEBE 108 is our area’s “feel good” station, Warshaw says. “It’s where people relax.” Christmas music is a natural fit.

But — wham! — it’s not the usual 35+ demograpic that listens this month.

Christmas music brings people back to a special time in their lives. Whether you’re 75, 55, 35 or 15, hearing those songs makes you feel good.

So whether you remember Christmases from long, long ago — or, in the case of a teenager, last Christmas — you like hearing the old familiar carols play.

(Well, not actually carols. With the exception of an outlier or two like “O Holy Night,” you won’t hear actual Christmas music, like from 18th century Europe.)

Year after year, we get the modern version. But — unlike the other 11 months, when each radio station’s playlist is sliced into ever-finer demographic segments — the  Christmas music universe includes everyone from Gene Autry, Bing Crosby, Burl Ives, Johnny Mathis, Brenda Lee and Andy Williams, to Chuck Berry, Elton John, the Beach Boys, the Jackson 5, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson and Taylor Swift.

(With the occasional chipmunks, Red Baron, and grandma-killing reindeer thrown in. Along with — every once in a long while — Adam Sandler.)

Throw together that crew on your radio station on, say, December 26, and you’ll see how quickly your pre-set gets deleted.

Every once in a while too, a new tune is added to the list. Every once in a while, one drops off. That’s why the “Christmas Shoes” song — the one that made everyone despise, unfortunately, a kid without enough money to buy them for his dying mother — has gone to the great pile of melted vinyl in the sky.

I call that a Christmas miracle.

Step into Christmas. Let it snow. And someday at Christmas, there’ll be peace on earth.

Warshaw is proud that his stations are more than just Rudolph, Little St. Nick and 5 golden rings.

WEBE’s special Christmas wish promotion — okay, “Maritime Chevrolet Home for the Holidays” — is a month-long chance for listeners to nominate friends, neighbors and co-workers who need merchandise, cash, and special care.

Over on WPLR, morning hosts Chaz & AJ run a toy drive that, Warshaw says, brings in 6 figures worth of gifts every year.

It’s a chance for the station, and everyone who works there, to do good. For merchants to give back. And for everyone to get in the holiday spirit.

Then of course, it’s back to the music.

Make no mistake: The songs you hear are not randomly generated. There’s a science to the playlist. The audience that tunes in year after year hears a balance between classics and contemporary tunes.

I imagined that the men and women who work at Connoisseur hate being surrounded by all that pumpkin pie and caroling.

I imagined wrong.

“They love it,” Warshaw says. “They get constant emails and calls from listeners, saying thanks for making them feel good.”

After all, we need a little Christmas. There’s no place like home for the holidays. Where we’re rockin’ around the Christmas tree, simply having a wonderful Christmastime. 

(Put another dime in the record machine — and then send a few more bucks to “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Merry Christmas!)

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