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Roundup: ‘Twas The Day After Christmas …

Posted on December 26, 2023 | 7 comments

So there’s no such thing as Santa?

Well, how do you explain this:

For the past 4 years, Santa has posted on a Westport Facebook page. Parents can request him to come to their home. He visits as many as possible — greeting kids personally — on Christmas Eve (presumably before he does his chimney thing).

It’s amazing how much this Santa resembles Josh Philip — the Westport dad who volunteers his time as a PAL football commissioner.

Come to think of it, the Santa who appeared at the WestportMoms holiday event at The Porch at Christie’s looked a lot like Josh too.

But … nah.

Just a remarkable coincidence.

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So there’s no such thing as Santa (Part 2):

Well, how do you explain this scene yesterday, on Compo Hill at Sterling Drive?

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

Clearly, the Big Guy was in the midst of work. Looks like his sleigh broke down, and he had to transfer all his toys to an auxiliary one.

Either that, or he saw the big blue Tyvek-wrapped house on Hillspoint, and just gave up.

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After all the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping, this was the Main Street scene yesterday morning:

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

Today — 24 hours later — downtown is back to normal.

Just think of all those wrong size, wrong color, wrong style gifts to exchange!

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A few hours later, Compo Beach was packed.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

The temperature was in the mid-50s. There was not a snowflake in sight.

Merry Climate Change Christmas!

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Sorry to get all grinchy, just the day after the holiday.

But this was a “gift” someone left yesterday at Winslow Park:

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

Really, someone? This is what you think of your park, your town, and everyone in it?

Too bad there are 364 days left until Christmas. Santa really needs to bring you some decent human values, and the basic concept of understanding that the world does not revolve around you alone.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a study in, well, nature, from Lansdowne Condominiums:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally …Laura Lynch, a founding member of the Dixie Chicks, died in an automobile accident in Texas on Friday. She was 65.

Click here for a full obituary.

(Looking for a way to celebrate Boxing Day? Please click here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

7 Comments

Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Totally random

Tagged Josh Philip, Main Street, Winslow Park

Roundup: Kelli O’Hara, Tax Deferment, Santa Claus, More

Posted on December 23, 2020 | 4 comments

Tony Award winner — and Westporter — Kelli O’Hara joins Richard Thomas and the Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, and Bells at Temple Square in a holiday special.

It premiered last week, and runs through January 11 on PBS stations. But you don’t have to wait — just click here to see. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)

Kelli O’Hara, on the PBS special.

Westport is offering another tax relief deferment program for eligible taxpayers for the January installment period.

It is an extended grace period on tax payments to assist taxpayers suffering financial hardship due to COVID-19. Eligible taxpayers can utilize the program for January tax bills on real estate, personal property, motor vehicles and sewer assessments. Payments made any time within 3 months from each bill’s due date will not incur interest charges or penalties.

Applications for deferment must account for one of the following hardships:

Household has suffered a reduction in income of at least 20 percent due to COVID-19.
Business or nonprofit revenue from October 2020 to January 2021 is expected to be reduced by at least 30 percent compared to the same time last year.
For landlords: Income is significantly reduced. Landlords can also provide proof of forbearance programs offered to their own tenants to be eligible.

Applicants must submit documentation. Click here for the application form and additional information.

Those who were eligible for tax deferment last April or July must apply again for the January payment deferral.

Santa — aka Josh Philip — has been a busy boy.

He personally visited 89 Westport homes over the past few weeks. Kids of all ages were thrilled to see him.

Just a warm-up for tomorrow night, of course. But — like all those Westport Country Playhouse shows that move on to Broadway — there’s no pbetter place than here to warm up for the Big Time.

Ho ho ho! Santa visits one of dozens of Westport homes. (Photo/Rose Phllip)

If you clicked on the link to today’s lead story listing scores of worthy local charities to consider donating to this holiday season — check it again. Readers have suggested more than a dozen more, in areas ranging from domestic violence and child advocacy to the Farmers’ Market and Susan Fund.

Click here for the updated list. And give generously!

And finally … I’ve always liked Eric Clapton. And I’ve loved Van Morrison.

But their latest release — a collaboration — makes me wonder if they’ve spent too many years too close to their amps.

“Stand and Deliver” is a 4 1/2-minute rant against government-imposed lockdowns. It was released on Friday, in the midst of Britain’s battle against rapidly rising COVID cases, and news of a new strain that threatens to wreak more havoc.

At last proceeds go to Morrison’s Lockdown Financial Hardship Fund, which helps musicians facing difficulties as a result of the virus and lockdowns.