It’s become an “06880” tradition to greet readers on Christmas Day with a video of our friend and neighbor — Weston’s own José Feliciano — singing the world’s most favorite bilingual holiday song.
And this is the greatest live version of the jingly, jangly, jaunty tune.
So to everyone in our 06880 community — and 06883, and everywhere else “where Westport meets the world”:
¡Feliz NavidadPróspero año y felicidad!
¡
For the second year in a row, our friends in Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine have enjoyed a better Christmas, thanks to the generosity of our friends in our other sister city: Marigny-Le-Lozon, France.
In the years following World War II, Westporters sent hundreds of holiday gifts to the boys and girls of the small Normandy town. They never forgot Westport. (The name lives on, in a plaza, pharmacy and Town Hall meeting room.)
Two years ago, our Marigny amis suggested we both help another war-torn town, 80 years later.
Since then, Lyman — in the Donetsk region, not far from invading Russian troops — has received much-needed support from Westport and Marigny.
The most recent gifts were to 500 youngsters, many of whom have been forced from their homes. Thanks to Marigny, they will still have Christmas.
Plans are underway for the children of Lyman to correspond with their counterparts in France.
Of course, the need for help in Lyman remains great. Westporters are now raising funds to send students there to a therapeutic camp in the Carpathian Mountains. They’ll reunite with friends, while teachers and counselors help them feel like kids again.
To donate, please click here. Under “Designation,” choose “Westport-Lyman sister city” from the dropdown menu. You can also choose a monthly or one-time donation. If you use the mail or Venmo option, please make a note: “For Westport-Lyman.”
Christmas in Ukraine.
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The long-range forecast predicts a temperature of 47 on New Year’s Day.
And rain.
The warm temperature is good news for Polar Plungers. The rain — hey, when you jump in Long Island Sound on January 1, you’ll get wet anyway.
The Polar Plunge — set for 11 a.m. New Year’s Day, at Compo Beach — is Abilis’ annual fundraiser.
For 74 years, the non-profit has provided programs and services for children and adults of all abilities from birth throughout their lives, with day, transition, employment and residential programs.
The “Freezin’ for a Reason” Polar Plunge will raise funds for Abilis’ Gardens & Gifts Shop. Located in Greenwich, it provides retail job skills training and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
For more information about Abilis’ Compo Beach Polar Plunge, and to register, click here.
Freezin’ for a reason, on January 1, 2024.
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Another great organization is Catch a Lift. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.
For the past decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift. Residents have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club.
The vets give plenty back in return — as role models, and serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.
Catch a Lift has completed another successful, important year. Whether you’ve been involved with them or not, you’ll find the video of this year’s 10th annual event — held on the September 11 weekend at the Patterson Club — very inspiring.
Then click below, for the 2024 Catch a Lift highlight reel:
To learn more about Catch a Lift — including how to donate — click here. (Hat tip: Adam Vengrow)
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Getting back to cold weather sports:
Bob Weingartens spotted this scene during yesterday morning’s brief snowfall, on Hillandale Road:
He writes: “Teens are never cold. But I was.”
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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature often includes beach scenes and/or dogs. One canine in particular — Patricia McMahon’s Levon — is a regular subject.
Reindeer: never.
Of course, there’s a first time for everything …
(Photo collage/Patricia McMahon)
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And finally … if it’s Christmas, it’s time for the Greatest Christmas Song Ever.
Of course, it comes courtesy of our good friend and neighbor José Feliciano.
It’s unclear in the video below who is having more fun: the audience or José.
But who cares? Feliz Navidad indeed!
Comments Off on Roundup: Marigny, Lyman, Polar Plunge …
Posted in Beach, Children, Politics, Teenagers, Weather
Tagged Abilis, Jose Feliciano "Feliz Navidad", Lyman Ukraine, Marigny-le-Lezon, Polar Bear Plunge
In a first for Staples High School sports — and perhaps for any team anywhere in the country — the boys soccer team broadcast last night’s match at Norwalk on a drive-in movie screen.
With a limited number of spectators allowed due to COVID at most schools — and Norwalk banning even parents — the Wreckers have livestreamed all their games this year.
GKess Films of Cheshire provide high-def quality video. WWPT-FM students provide play-by-play; alumni athletes, former coaches and other soccer aficionados add color commentary.
Cars filled with parents, siblings, younger players and random soccer fans headed to the Remarkable Theater Imperial Avenue parking lot for tailgating, and the game. They honked their horns and flashed their lights when Haydn Siroka and Alan Fiore scored early goals, and when Sebi Montoulieu saved a penalty kick.
Staples won 2-1 — their 3rd consecutive victory — and perhaps a new tradition was born.
A scene from the big screen at the Remarkable Theater. (Photo/Neil Brickley)
Good news from the Westport Library!
Starting Monday, November 9, they’ll expand hours, institute cart-side pick-up, and will offer access to the media studios, Maker Space and Children’s Department (by appointment).
New hours are Monday through Friday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). The Library will remain closed on Sunday.
Patrons can browse for materials in the Library, place them on hold remotely, or do so by calling 203-291-4807. Items placed on hold can be picked up in the tent outside the building at any time during operating hours. This replaces the current curbside pick-up arrangement.
Delivery services will continue for residents who are homebound or in a high-risk category that prevents them from visiting the Library.
The Library is also adding printing services to its 3 Express computers. and will reintroduce loans from in-state Libraries.
Shopping in the Library store will continue in person or virtually by appointment. Click here to schedule.
The Library will continue to limit the number of people in the building to 100 at any time.
Tony Award-winning actor and noted director James Naughton is also a noted animal advocate. He writes:
Having lived in Weston for 43 years, and been raised in Connecticut, I count myself very lucky to have shared this wonderful, woodsy environment with nature’s creatures.
Just in the last 6 months while sequestered, we were entertained daily by a couple of foxes raising their 5 little kits in our yard, then a family of groundhogs and a raccoon family. Owls hoot in the woods , hawks circle overhead, and we watch out for fawns crossing the roads.
When some of these animals aren’t so lucky — hey are orphaned or encounter an automobile they (and we) are lucky to have a place to take them right here.
Dara and Peter Reid created Wildlife in Crisis, and have been its stewards for over 30 years.
Normally, they take in 5,000 animals a year. This year they’ve taken in an unusually large number of creatures–and they need our help.
They’re a 501C3, and depend on charitable contributions. Click here, and watch a 10-minute video of them releasing back into the wild some of the animals they’ve raised or rehabilitated.
It’s inspiring, and a delight to show to your children and grandchildren. Then please: Make a donation.
Jim Naughton with a baby possum.
Speaking of famous Weston residents: This year marks the 50th anniversary of one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. The other day, singer-songwriter Jose Feliciano popped into a Norwalk TV studio to talk with Telemundo about the jazzy, jangly classic.
Click here to see. The interview is in Spanish. But if you don’t speak it: no hay problema.
The song — and Jose’s exubertant personality — are universal.
Want $10,000?
Saturday (October 31) is the deadline to apply for a Westport Young Woman’s League Super Grant.
They’re awarded to local organizations working in areas like food insecurity, education, and health and wellness.
Despite the impact of COVID on fundraising, the WYWL continues to support our community. For a grant application, click here. To learn more, click here.
Halloween is not yet here.
But Christmas is, at Anthropologie downtown.
Can spring be far behind?
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
And finally … thanks to Jose Feliciano and Anthropologie, “06880” officially kicks off the holiday season:
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