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.)
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Another accident at the crash-prone Cross Highway/Bayberry Lane intersection sent one person to the hospital just before noon on Monday.
The collision — which closed Bayberry for a while — began when a driver headed toward Fairfield on Cross Highway ran the stop sign. The vehicle slammed into a car headed south on Bayberry. That automobile then hit the front of a car stopped at the northbound Bayberry stop sign.
The motorist who went through the stop sign was treated by EMS and transported to Norwalk Hospital for minor injuries.
The 3-car accident at the intersection of Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
Back in 2020, the Hackett family wanted to do something meaningful to give back to those in need.
All avid athletes, they chose a project that connects with them, and their Westport community. (It also helps clear out clutter.)
Working with Leveling the Playing Field — a non-profit organization helps underprivileged youngsters who need sports equipment — they’ll collect new and gently used sports and playground equipment.
They’ll be at the Granola Bar this Saturday and Sunday (December 10 and 11), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Hackett family, with just a few of their many donations.
You must have stuff lying around: cleats, field hockey sticks, lacrosse equipment, bats, ice hockey skates, footballs, softball gloves, soccer shin guards, etc. Click here for a full list of items — you’ll be amazed at what you forgot you have.
So clean out your garages, sheds and basements. It’s time to level the playing field for everyone!
For more information about this amazing organization, click below:
Gift cards allow survivors the dignity to purchase what they most need or want for their families. Suggested retailers include Stop & Shop, ShopRite, Amazon, Target and Walmart.
Gift cards can be left with the dispatch center in the lobby of the Westport Police Department (50 Jesup Road), between now and December 13.
Staples High School Class of 2020 graduate Terry Brannigan has many talents.
He’s double majoring in physics and music at Wesleyan University. He’s minoring in IDEAS (Integrated Design, Engineering and Applied Science). He’s a varsity wrestler.
And now — as wrestling season is just ramping up — he’s released a new song.
“Sunshine Serenade” is a blend of musical styles, from metal to R&B. Terry has been working on it — evolving and growing — the song for years.
“It finally bloomed into this rollercoaster that it is now,” he says.
Click here to stream “Sunshine Serenade,” on your favorite platform.
Posted onDecember 7, 2022|Comments Off on Staples Student Directors Star At Young Filmmakers’ Forum
Staples High School pulses with exciting, challenging classes.
But there are many chances to learn outside the classroom too.
Staples Independent Learning Experience is one path. Students spend a semester or full year working independently or collaboratively, on a project they’re passionate about.
They’re supported by an Independent Learning Experiences teacher, and a faculty mentor.
Last school year, 6 students directed and produced films. On December 20 (6:30 p.m.), the Westport Library will host their international premieres. Afterward, media studies teacher/advisor Lauren Bullock will moderate a talkback, with the filmmakers.
Staples students have access to sophisticated video equipment and editing software.
The films at the Westport Young Filmmakers’ Forum include:
Chucknea’s Biopic (Filmmaker: Jacob Friedman)
An ex-criminal-turned-interdimensional defense officer investigates a lead on a former crime partner, only to discover a more sinister plot for revenge that implicates the security of all dimensions.
Plus One Filmmakers: Leah Chapman, Tate Mullineaux) Co-dependency and instability challenge 2 teens, as they try to deal with everyday life.
Sincerely, Nadia Filmmaker: Elen Macaluso) Struggling with mental health issues, a high school girl reflects on her life.
Edges of Love (Filmmaker: Ben Seideman) A couple preys on unsuspecting victims in a twisted game of betrayal, manipulation and psychosis.
Crucible (Filmmaker: Jack Rein) A timid youngster suffering from domestic violence is transformed into a confident vigilante, as his family collapses onto him.
If you’re thinking of amateur attempts made with cheap equipment held by shaky hands — think again.
This is 2022. These high school kids have been taught well.
They’ve learned a lot on their own, too.
See their last high school films on the Westport Library’s big screen.
You will probably see their work in years to come.
On a much larger one.
(“06880” covers all the arts, and all the ages. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Staples Student Directors Star At Young Filmmakers’ Forum
The Planning & Zoning Commission continued its discussion of the Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal last night.
P&Z members and proponents of the plan — which includes hotel, retail, residential and waterfront space near the train station — spoke about height, floor area ratios and requirements for public open space.
Votes on text and map amendments — necessary for the project to move forward — may be taken at the next P&Z meeting (Monday, December 12).
The last time we checked in with Vivek Kanthan, he had qualified to represent the US in the 2022 ROK Superfinal World Karting Championship in Italy.
He did win. But now the 13-year-old Westporter is a world champion.
Vivek Kanthan: world karting champion.
The venue was South Garda Karting Track in Lonato, Italy. Ninety racers from 25 countries qualified through their own national competitions.
The event is raced over 4 days. Competitors are eliminated, until only 36 drivers remain for the Superfinal world title.
Vivek won all 4 elimination heats, with a perfect score. He was the first American ever to do so.
In a very tactical, skillful and tense Superfinal, he executed a switchback passing maneuver on the last lap, to win by 0.077 seconds. Racers from Australia and Romania were 2nd and 34d, respectively.
Next year, Vivek moves up a race category. He will continue to compete in Europe against the world’s best kart racers. To follow his Instagram, click here.
Westport Book Shop’s December artist exhibitor is Westporter Jarvis Wilcox. Seven oil paintings featuring nature, landscapes and still life are on display in the Jesup Green used book store. A reception is set for December 10 (5 to 7 p.m.).
Wilcox painted in upstate New York for a decade, then in the Hamptons for 25 years. He now lives here, and is a member of the Artists Collective of Westport, and Silvermine Guild.
All artwork on display is available for purchase. To see more of his work, click here.
Steve Davis returns to VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 on Thursday (December 8), for Jazz at the Post. He brings some great collaborators too.
Davis — one of the most widely recorded trombonists today — will feature selections from his latest CD, “Correlations,” and his Grammy Award-winning original compositions.
He’ll be joined by saxophonist/”Jazz Rabbi” Greg Wall, pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Jason Clotter and drummer Jason Tiemann.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. There is a $15 cover. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
Take a culinary tour of Italy — without leaving Westport.
Chef Robert L. Gorman leads the first in a series of Wakeman Town Farm dinners on January 6 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.).
In Tim’s Kitchen, guests will experience many flavors of Italy. Chef Robert starts with imported salami and cheeses; moves on to tagliatelle Bolognese and a variation on bistecca Fiorentina with gremolata and harvest-roasted vegetables, ending with classic tiramisu. He’ll discuss the background of each course, too.
Click here for tickets ($150 each) and more information.
And finally … today is the 53rd anniversary of Altamont.
On this day in 1969, a free Rolling Stones concert turned violent. 18-year-old Meredith Hunter was stabbed to death by Hells Angels security guards. There were 3 other deaths; scores of injuries; many stolen vehicles, and lots of property damage.
Less than 4 months after Woodstock, Rolling Stone magazine called it “rock and roll’s all-time worst day.”
On Saturday evening, Lynn Untermeyer Miller joined hundreds of other Westporters for our 2nd annual Holiday Stroll.
But while they strolled leisurely between the dozens of stores and restaurants with special offerings — plus Santa, face painters and carolers — Lynn was hard at work.
The talented “06880” photographer has a special fondness for downtown. A Westport native (and 1971 Staples High School graduate), she remembers the days of mom-and-pop shops, and the special energy everyone felt this time of year.
It’s still there. There are many special places to feel it, all around Main Street.
Lynn captured much of the magic Saturday night. Here is some of what she saw:
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker returns, for another Y’s Men of Westport and Weston podcast.
This week she answers questions sent in by residents about traffic impacting the downtown plan, and whether it will include a study.
She also discusses the very important role the Department of Human Services plays in town, offering financial and support services to families in need.
It’s especially important during the holidays, when economic and other pressures are strong. Tooker provides important information about DHS programs, and how to access them.
The Ralphola Taylor Center is a Bridgeport community organization serving low- income children.
They earn points for good behavior during after-school activities, and doing their homework. At the Holiday Store each year, the youngsters redeem their points to buy holidays presents for their families.
It’s a fantastic motivator for good behavior. The children feel proud and empowered to provide joy to their loved ones — which in turn reinforces their good behavior.
There are 2 Westport stores where shoppers can buy items that Ralphola Taylor Center children then “purchase” for their families: Savvy + Grace (146 Main Street) and Awesome Toys (Compo Shopping Center).
You can also order from the stores online. Click here for Savvy + Grace; click here for Awesome Toys.
Savvy + Grace — and Awesome Toys — both help kids and families. Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Speaking of giving: Barbara Tirola was among the many Westporters who dropped off toys this weekend, at the Westport Police Department and Police Athletic League drive for underprivileged children in Fairfield County.
Barbara Tirola and friends.
It’s on next weekend too. Officers will accept new, unopened and unwrapped toys — plus cash donations — in the ASF Sports & Outdoors parking lot (1560 Post Road East) Saturday and Sunday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Toy collection boxes are also available all week at:
“Jay Myself” (Saturday, December 10) is an intimate, behind-the-scenes documentary on the fascinating life of photographer and artist Jay Maisel, directed by noted Westport photographer Stephen Wilkes.
The film documents the sale of Maisel’s 35,000-square foot, 100-year-old landmark building in Manhattan (“The Bank”), showing a man grappling with time, life, change and the end of a New York era. The screening will be followed by a conversation with Wilkes.
“The Art of Making It” (Sunday, December 11) examines the lives of 17 compelling young artists navigating emerging careers in the contemporary art world. Who gets seen? Who gets left behind? The screening will be followed by a conversation with the producer, director and featured film artist.
Each event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. Tickets include cocktails and light bites. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
And finally … on this day in 1848,President James K. Polk told Congress that large amounts of gold had been discovered in California. The Gold Rush was on!
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