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.
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)
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)
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.
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.
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.
And finally … on this date in 1817, Mississippi became the 20th US state.
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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 ❤
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
And finally … on this date in 1851, the first YMCA was established n North America. It opened in Montreal.
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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
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!)
The one at Kings Highway Elementary School is one of the most distinctive. That made it easy for so many readers to nail it, as the site of last week’s Photo Challenge. (Click here to see.)
Victor Belyaev, Andrew Colabella, Amy Schneider, Ann Bacharach, Fred Rubin, Jodie Aujla, Seth Schachter, Peter Barlow, Beth Berkowitz, Jill Turner Odice and Edward Karazin all recognized the distinctive crown feature.
Several readers added the back story: The school opened in 1926 — nearly 100 years ago — as Bedford Junior High. It lay across the field from what was then Staples High School (now Saugatuck Elementary).
In 1958 — when Staples moved to North Avenue — the Riverside Avenue building became Bedford Junior High. The old Bedford was, in turn, Westport’s newest elementary school. (Burr Farms and Hillspoint followed quickly, in those post-war baby boom years. Coleytown El was built just 5 years previously.)
Today’s seasonally appropriate Photo Challenge is below. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
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