One of the many fun features of last Saturday’s Holiday Stroll was the collection box at Savvy + Grace for kids’ letters to Santa.
(SPOILER ALERT: If you are 8 years old or younger, and/or still believe in Santa Claus, stop reading now!)
Santa — aka as “I,” aka as Dan Woog, founder of “06880” which co-sponsored the Stroll with the Westport Downtown Association — already responded to those dozens of letters.
At least, to the ones that included addresses. And the ones I could read and/or understand. Don’t they teach handwriting and spelling in kindergarten anymore?
Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton, with her Santa letter box at the Holiday Stroll. (Photo/Dan Woog)
So what do kids want in 2025, an era in which toddlers play with iPads, Disney owns marketing rights to the entire planet, and toys now come equipped with AI “brains”?
Lots of Legos. Roller skates. Stuffed animals. Skateboards. Nerf guns.
Those are the kinds of things Santa/I can relate to. At a time when he/I think the world has gone cuckoo, and his elves are threatening to unionize, we give a sigh of relief that at least some Westport kids are still, well, kids.
Need proof? Here’s a particularly thorough one. I like Mateo’s clarity (including “I want my games digital”).
“Ill be okay if I dont get everything” was a particularly nice touch.
Of course, other letters gave him/me pause.
One letter writer requested “an orange jeep, vacation to London, hand warmers and gummi bears.” (Perhaps this was not written by a 6-year-old. One clue: It was signed “MaryAnne.” Today’s kids do not have normal names. Brooklyn, Serafina, Kierra, Vienna, yeah. But not MaryAnne.)
Then there’s Xander. (Great name!) In addition to a sweatshirt with a Ram truck, and a “cool bracelet,” he asked for “a good day with my family.” Well done, kid!
And someone who didn’t sign his or her name, but asked for “health for my grandparents, myself and my friend Itty Bitty” — very sweet. Though Santa/I wonder why he didn’t include his parents. There wasn’t a word count on the form.
But this one really tugged at the heartstrings:
Santa can’t fulfill every wish. But that’s a window into what is on at least one child’s mind this season.
We’ll end with Sophia. She asks for a lot, from an iPhone (if possible 🙂 ) and 3D printer, to manga, bubble products, and popcorn and snow cone machines.
Santa/yours truly would need a special sack for her house alone.
But there — nestled between croissant jellycat and baking supplies — is “world peace” 🙂
Thanks, Sophie. Santa (and I) will see what we can do.
(So what does “06880” wish for? We don’t need Legos or Jellycats. We would love world peace. But if you really want to get us something, please click here to support this blog. Ho ho ho!)
Over 2,000 Westporters (and out-of-towners) of all ages (especially kids) filled downtown yesterday afternoon (and evening).
They posed for photos with Santa (and Buddy and his elves) (and in a photo booth), roasted s’mores, petted piglets, caroled with the Orphenians, sent letters to Santa, dropped off toys for the Police drive, got face paint, shopped and enjoyed store giveaways, met neighbors and friends — and did it all in perfect almost-winter weather.
The 5th annual Holiday Stroll was by far the biggest and best yet.
S’mores by Nômade, elves and more. (Photo/John Walker)
Co-sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association and “06880,” it’s our gift to the town. And the town embraced it.
Thanks to all who made it happen — especially the hard-working WDA crew (Maxx Crowley, Beth Meyer, Huong Belpedio, Brian Spurr and others). Thanks to Santa; the fabulous Staples Orphenians, characters and face painters; the retailers and restaurants and non-profits who welcomed all and handed out “stuff” — and everyone who strolled.
Staples Orphenians’ first stop, above Brandy Melville. Other caroling spots: the clock, “Tunnel of Love,” and Bedford Square courtyard. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport sure rocked around the Christmas tree.
And the brand-new, but looks-like-its-been-there-forever, Main Street clock.
At the clock: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, “06880” founder Dan Woog. The WDA donated the clock to the town; the WDA and “06880” co-sponsor the Holiday Stroll. (Photo/John Walker)
A classic shot. (Photo/John Walker)
Staples Players Scarlett Shope, Claire Kresser, Ellis Maroney and Seamus Brannigan are all in character. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Riverside Realty’s piglets were favorites. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
Senior Cat Betit conducts the Orphenians. The day before, they sang at Radio City Music Hall. . (Photo/Dan Woog)
Orphenians singing at the clock. (Photo/John Walker)
Listening to the Orphenians. (Photo/John Walker)
(Photo/John Walker)
Annette Norton’s Savvy + Grace mailbox was filled with dozens of letters to Santa. The popular downtown store also sponsored the photo booth. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Final preparations are underway for this Saturday’s Westport Downtown Association/”06880″ Holiday Stroll.
Among the attractions: Savvy + Grace is sponsoring an Airstream photo booth, and a “Letters to Santa” station. All supplies for letters will be provided. And (if there’s a return address) Santa will personally answer all letters.
The Holiday Stroll (Saturday, December 6, 4 to 7 p.m.) also includes caroling with the Staples Orphenians, selfies with Santa and Westport’s favorite piglet, face painting, a DJ, giveaways from restaurants and retailers, and 6 dozen store specials.
Here are the latest signups (new since Monday):
Brooks Brothers: 30% off nearly everything
Earthplace: 10% off Winter Solstice Campfire on December 21 (register here on Saturday)
La Source: Enter to win a $500 gift card, with every purchase of $100 or more
Il Pastaficio: Focaccia di recco, Italian hot chocolate, salame di cioccolata; gift card for 10% off purchases of fresh pasta boxes and sauces
Scout & Molly’s: Free gift with $200 purchase
American Colors by Henry Lehr: 20% off Hampton Wash and American Colors clothing
Everything But Water: Fit sessions; $25 off $150+ with Beach Club signup
Johnny Was: 40% off sale; gift with purchase; free gift wrapping.
This year, they are bringing two exciting experiences: an Airstream Photo Booth and a Letters to Santa station with all supplies provided.
“A Sherlock Carol” — the family-friendly production based on both Sherlock Holmes and “A Christmas Carol” — returns to the Westport Country Playhouse for a third great year.
There are 8 performances, from December 13 through 21.
The New York Times “Critics’ Pick” is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director. The Westport production is one of 30 “Sherlock Carol”s happening around the world, including Australia, Canada, England and the US.
Meanwhile, over 35 vendors will pack the Senior Center December 12 (1:30 to 4:30 p.m.), for a holiday craft and gift sale.
In addition to a wide array of special items, including wood-turned pieces, pottery, fused-glass art, glass ornaments, beaded gemstone jewelry, clocks, silver jewelry, handcrafted necklaces, earrings, potholders, art and painted glass, origami, painted shells, birdhouse ornaments, holiday centerpieces, wreaths, decoupage shells, watercolor gifts, children’s books, mystery novels, painted baby shoes, quilted art, home décor, baby blankets, knits, scarves, Pearl’s famous salad dressing, holiday cards, tableware, specialty ceramic painted tiles (and much more!), there’s free gift wrapping — and cookies baked by the National Charity League.
The Longshore golf course closes for the winter this Sunday (December 7).
Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri says, “We are pleased to have been able to extend the 2025 season this far into December. On behalf of head pro Jon Janik, golf course superintendent Sean Charles and the entire staff, we wish all our loyal golfers a happy and healthy new year. We look forward to seeing you in the spring.”
But golfers can still swing. Two Westport businesses — The Clubhouse and Sticks — offer simulators for practice.
Two great choral groups — the Dartmouth Brovertones and Staples Orphenians — bring holiday music and more to Saugatuck Congregational Church this Sunday (December 7, 7 p.m.).
The free program includes classic pop songs, along with Christmas favorites.
Lovingly preserved homes and beautiful fall weather were the perfect combination for yesterday’s very educational, very high energy and very fun “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.
Over 130 guests toured 2 properties on Greens Farms Road (both once owned by the Bedford family), and 2 other equally cool ones, on Long Lots Road and Wilton Road.
“06880” board members Dan Donovan and Bill Scheffler flank KMS Team at Compass members Mary Ellen Gallagher and Susan Seath, at 249 Greens Farms Road. Built by Edward T. Bedford, its interior is similar to the 1923 Westport YMCA building — which he endowed too.
Huge props to our friends at KMS Team at Compass, who helped organize the event, and provided historical background and other materials; Pat Shea of Coldwell Banker, who is involved with one of the Bedford homes, and the “06880” board of directors, who greeted visitors warmly and offered additional insights.
In a town filled with new construction, residents love to take a peek into homes that have stood for a century or two. There are many around — and we’ll show off 4 more great ones next year.
Totney and Rick Benson, admiring the Prohibition Era-bar at 209 Wilton Road. The young owners have renovated it with an eye toward its 155-year-old history.
And speaking of “06880” activities: The 5th annual Holiday Stroll returns Saturday, December 6!
From 4 to 7 p.m., the Westport Downtown Association and “06880” present a now-traditional, action-packed and family-friendly kickoff to the holidays.
The Orphenians will sing. Santa and other characters will pose for photos. There’s a DJ, face painting, food, special deals for shoppers, and much more — including a dedication of the new WDA clock.
More details coming soon. But for now: Save the date!
Which means that on Wednesday, thousands of yard signs will be obsolete.
Most candidates do a good job of removing them, within the 48 hours required by law.
But what next?
Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members recycle theirs. Many run every 2 years; it’s a non-partisan body, so their signs just say their name and district.
Yet the signs for those running for boards and commissions — often on a ticket with others — are instantly outdated.
They might save the metal stands. The signs themselves are destined for landfill.
Unless someone has a better idea.
Can artwork be created, perhaps as a school project? Is there another use for them?
I have no idea. But “06880” can start a good discussion.
If you know a good use for thousands of suddenly useless yard signs, click “Comments” below.
Yard signs near the transfer station. Is that where they will all end up? (Photo/Matt Murray)
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Speaking of the election: Early voting ended yesterday. It was the first time in Connecticut, for local races.
After 2 weeks, 16.7% — 3,177 out of 19,020 eligible Westport voters — cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 1,772 of 7,945 eligible voters (22.30%)
Republicans: 488 of 3,332 eligible voters (14.65%)
Unaffiliated: 899 of 7,588 eligible voters (11.85%)
Of course, how they voted will not be known until tomorrow night. “06880” will have the results when they are announced, some time after 8 p.m.
Lucia Scotti (left) came home yesterday from the University of Connecticut, to vote at Town Hall. She was joined by her parents, Janine and Pietro.
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Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lysney Addario’s new film, “Love+War” — a documentary about her work in conflicts around the globe — has gotten great reviews.
The Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor this month is well-known artist Darcy Hicks.
Specializing in metal leaf and oil paint, she is drawn to anything that reflects aggressive light.
Hicks is the director of education at the Norwalk Art Space, which provides free art and music education to low-income students. The Westport native earned a bachelor’s in fine arts from Smith College, a master’s of education from Lesley University, and an MFA in creative writing from Fairfield University.
A reception is set for November 12 (6 p.m.). All artwork on display is available for purchase. 25% of the proceeds will be donated to the Arbor Day Foundation, which has planted half a billion trees.
Darcy Hicks, with her work at the Westport Book Shop.
Drivers taking advantage of this train station spot are going to have to wait a lot longer than 15 minutes.
(Photo/John McCarthy)
Donut Crazy closed in April.
But in terms of outdated signs, this one has nothing on Jesup Green.
A sign there indicated a Minnybus stop.
Nearly 40 years after the diesel bus made its last run.
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Get your game on!
SLOBs — the Staples Service League of Boys, a hard-working and very popular organization — hosts a 3-v-3 basketball fundraiser. Proceeds go to Staples Tuition Grants — a very worthy cause for the teens — in memory of their friend Perrin Delorey.
The November 21 event (6 p.m.) includes pizza. Registration is $25 per participant; Venmo @jhgillman.
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Jeff Lea — the winningest coach in Staples boys soccer history — has just won again.
The 2nd permanent head coach — who served in 1970, then from 1978 to 2002, and won 5 state championships plus 12 FCIAC titles en route to a 357-77-42 record — will be inducted on March 7, at the Doubletree in Bristol.
Lea’s selection brings to 12 the number of Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame inductees with Staples ties. They include Loeffler, Steve Baumann, Paul Hunter, Tim Hunter, Jim Kuhlmann, Kyle Martino, Ken Murphy, Kevin Murphy, Mark Noonan, Mike Noonan and Dan Woog.
Jeff Lea (far left), with members of the 1970 state championship team (from left): Tracy McIntosh, Fred Cantor, Neil Brickley, Steve McCoy.
And finally … that early darkness yesterday caught you by surprise, right?
It happens every year, when Daylight Savings ends justlikethat.
But don’t worry. Only 125 days until it begins again.
(“06880” is more than just a blog. We sponsor an annual house tours, 2 strolls a year, and a variety of good causes. But we can’t do it without you! Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Another 13 retailers, restaurants and merchants have joined the 3rd annual “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.
That’s over 3 dozen participants — with more joining all the time. (A couple are in Saugatuck, making this a true community event.)
The Saturday, December 2 (5 to 7 p.m.) event is very family friendly. There’s a visit from Santa, special kids’ activities, photo booth, holiday music from the Orphenians, caroling and more. Youngsters can drop off letters to Santa too (he’ll personally answer each one, with a self-addressed envelope).
Headquarters is a tent outside Savvy + Grace.
A small part of last year’s Holiday Stroll crowd. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Among the treats:
Arogya Holistic Healing & Tea: Hot tea to go
Artistex Salon & Spa: Buy 1, get 2 free; sale on service packages
Awesome Toys & Gifts: Giveaway (TBD)
Basso Restaurant & Wine Bar: 15% off for guests mentioning the “06880” Stroll (seating between 4 and 6 p.m.)
Bond Vet: Swag and treats
Castle Wine & Spirits: Expert wine pairings, with hand-picked selections
Clarendon Fine Art: Bubbly, tasty treats, décor and music; framed, limited edition still life from Tim Fowler (valued at $300)
Cove Collective: 10% off; wine, champagne and a sweet treat
Crafty Kids: TBA
Don Memo: Festive holiday beverage
Fred: Holiday treats
Gogi Steakhouse: $40 vouchers for dine-in customers
Gordon Fine Arts: Light hospitality and hot mulled cider
Hummingbird Healing Center: Discounted Harmonic Egg session of $99.99; free gift to everyone visiting the center on the 2nd floor
Jeweled Coquette: 14K gold “express” permanent bracelet for $100; hot cocoa bar
Johnny Was: GWP while supplies last; raffle to win a $250 gift card
Kerri Rosenthal: 20% of all KR products; rosé and Prosecco
Lomito: Peruvian-style hot chocolate with Peruvian paneton or rotisserie chicken mini-sandwich
Naturino Kids Shoes & More: 25% off single item all day long
Nômade: Firepit to make your own s’mores
Party Harty: 10% of all Westport-related merchandise
Rhone: Holiday cheer, wellness and gift giving
Rive Bistro: Festive cocktail
Savvy + Grace: A “north Pole” mailbox for kids’ letters to Santa; holiday cookies
Scout & Molly’s: 20% off total purchase
Serendipity Labs: Complimentary week of co-working
Sorelle Gallery: 20% off in store, all day
South Moon Under: 20% off when you spend $100 or more
Stretch Zone: Stretches and free stretch vouchers
The Tailored Home & Studio Café: Complimentary Santa’s cookies and hot chocolate; 50% off on all pillows
Town of Weston Ukraine Sister City Partnership: Apple cider, water, bracelets, ornaments
Toy Post: Free giveaway to children
Vivid Cottage: 5 free holiday cards with purchase
WEST: $50 gift card for holiday shopping, through December 31
Westport Book Shop: free gift with purchase, and coupon valid through December 31
Whip Salon: $10 gift card for stopping to say hi (18 and over); holiday treats
Williams Sonoma: Hot apple cider and peppermint bark
Winfield Street Coffee: $3 hot chocolates with candy canes
Merchants and restaurants wishing to participate should click here, to fill out an online form.
Questions? Email Huong Belpedio (operations@westportdowntown.com) or Jessica Isaacs (marketing@westportdowntown.com).
Posted onNovember 25, 2022|Comments Off on More Retailers, Restaurants Join Holiday Stroll
Every day, the Holiday Stroll adds more stores and restaurants.
From Main Street, Church Lane and the Post Road to the west bank across the river, downtown will rock with Santa Claus, carolers, kids activities, shopping and restaurant deals, and free cocoa and nibbles.
The December 3 event (5 to 7 p.m.) is co-sponsored by “06880” and the Westport Downtown Association.
Among the recent additions: Greens Farms Academy’s Harbor Blues will sing holiday songs at 5 p.m. Staples High School’s Orphenians follow at 6:30. Both will be at the tent in front of Cold Fusion.
The Staples Orphenians, at last year’s “06880” Holiday Stroll.
In addition, Nick Calabrese — a professional singer and music teacher — will lead anyone who wants to join on a carol sing through downtown.
A box will be set up for donations for the PAL holiday toy drive. Feel free to bring an unwrapped, new gift (or two!).
Meanwhile, here’s the latest list of Holiday Stroll participants:
Bartaco: Hot chocolate on their patio
Basso: TBA
Black Bear Wines & Spirits: 15% off all wines
Blossom + Stem: Complimentary mini-bouquets, and a chance to win a fresh holiday prize
Bobbles & Lace: Glass of wine & Bobbles Bucks ($$$ off your purchase)
Bridgewater Chocolates: Complimentary chocolate tastings and hot chocolate
Brooks Brothers: The entire store is 30% off all weekend
Capuli: Giving out churros
Cold Fusion Gelato: Handing out wrapped chocolates
Don Memo: Giving out festive adult and children’s beverages
Don Memo is one of many participating Holiday Stroll restaurants.(Photo/Katherine Bruan)
Fred: Complimentary holiday treats
Jeera Thai: 20% off on takeout meals
Joe’s Pizza: Garlic knots
Kerri Rosenthal: 15% off read-to-wear and accessories
La Fenice: Buy 1 regular coffee, get 1 free
Le Route Aartisan Chocolates: Free hot chocolate
Lift Wellness Group: Discount on bundled psychotherapy and nutrition services; gift cards with 10% discount
Lux Bond & Green: Refreshments and surprises
Manna Toast: Hot chocolate
Megan’s Martha’s Vineyard Boutique: 20% off, and a giveaway bundle
Moxie Salon & Beauty Bar: Spin The Wheel to Win! 20% off hair extensions; $20 off voucher; $25, $50, $75, $100, $200 gift certificates; complimentary spray tan or blowout; $50 off Balayyage or Ombre; complimentary makeup application, girls hair tinsel and/or braids
Nomade: Candied almonds in bamboo cone, and cookies
Noya Jewelry: Hot holiday drinks
Across the river, Noya will particpate too.
Rye Ridge Deli: Free hot chocolate, tea, coffee
Savvy + Grace: Holiday treat, and mailbox for kids to drop off letters to Santa
Scout & Molly’s: 20% off purchase, light snacks
Sorelle Gallery: Gif boxes with discounts from 5 to 15% for any Holiday Collection item; light festive refreshments (prosecco, candy canes, sparkling water, etc.)
The Cashmere Sale of Westport: Holiday candy
The Tailored Home & Studio Café: Complimentary Santa’s cookies and hot chocolate; 50% off sale on all pillows
The Toy Post: A small toy for each child
Upnorth: 20% off, and a giveaway
West: Raffle for $150 gift card (no purchase necessary); winner drawn at 7:30 p.m.
Walrus Alley: Happy hour prices for food and drinks
Westport Book Shop: Free book, and a coupon for a future visit
Winfield Street Street Coffee: Hot cocoa and cruffins (pecan cinnamon rolls with a croissant dough)
Yoga45: Participation in a yoga event.
Comments Off on More Retailers, Restaurants Join Holiday Stroll
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