Tag Archives: Town Hall holiday tree

Roundup: Tree Lighting, Poinsettia Sale, US Constitution …

Posted on December 2, 2025 | 4 comments

Westport’s holiday tree is lit.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie led the ceremony yesterday, accompanied by the Staples Orphenians, town poet laureate Donna Disch, and a small group of children who counted down the numbers.

The tree is in front of Town Hall, on Myrtle Avenue.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie leads the countdown …

… and poses with the Orphenians …

… ta da! (All photos/Dan Woog)

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The 85th annual Candlelight Concert is the Staples Music Department’s gift to the town. This year’s shows are Friday, December 12 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, December 13 (3 and 8 p.m.).

The always-hot tickets went on sale this morning at 9 a.m (www.StaplesMusic.org). They’re free — but donations to the Staples music program are greatly appreciated.

There are other ways to support our young musicians too. The poinsettias that decorate the stage can be ordered here, then picked up at the end of the final show.

Also available, at all performances: “Candlelight Cookies” from Alina’s. They’re just $6 — and each includes a coupon for a free cupcake. Click here to order. 

Finally: Staples’ Tri-M Music Honor Society again sponsors “CanDelight” — a canned food donation drive benefiting the Homes for Hope food pantry. Collection bins will be in the lobby before every concert.

Poinsettias set the stage for Candlelight. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Nearly every seat was filled last night, for the Westport Country Playhouse’s final Script in Hand reading of 2025.

 “What The Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck was one of the most timely in the long-running and popular series.

The star, Nina Hellman, grew up in Westport and was a member of Staples Players. She now lives in Brooklyn with her husband Jeremy Shamos, who was also in the show.

Every audience member received a copy of the US Constitution. (Hat tips: Susan Garment and Dave Matlow)

The “Constitution” crew, Standing (from left) Liz Beatty (stage manager), Jocelyn Shek, Nina Hellman, Mark Shanahan (Playhouse artistic director), Amanda Charlton (director). Seated: Jeremy Shamos. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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New Yacht City’s tribute to music of the 1970s and ’80s — Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald and more — rocks the VFW this Saturday.

Doors open at 6 p.m. The band comes on at 8. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here to purchase. 

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The Westport Farmers’ Market winter location — Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center — is warm and cozy.

It’s the perfect place for “Operation Warm Hug.” This Thursday and Saturday (December 4 and 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), they’re collecting new and gently used coats, hats, mittens and gloves, for nOURish clients in Bridgeport.

All donations are “warmly” welcomed.

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Meanwhile, not far from the VFW, Railroad Place was closed temporarily yesterday morning.

A truck on the 1-way section of Franklin Street took down a utility pole, which landed on a car. There were no injuries.

(Photo/Robin Frank)

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Acoustic band On the Trail brings their bluegrass/contemporary pop/traditional blend of music to Voices Cafe this Saturday (December 6, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).

Tickets for the “toe-tapping” show are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

On the Trail

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Tickets are going fast for the Bedford Theatre Community’s “Annie Jr.”

The show — featuring 6th grade performers, and 7th and 8th grade mentors, runs December 4-7.  Click here for tickets, and more information.

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A Holiday Pop-Up Shop is set for December 10 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; The Residence at Westport, 1141 Post Road East).

It features pottery, jewelry and other gifts, all from local artisans.

The Residence at Westport.

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Guitarist Paul Bollenback and pianist Dave Kikoski highlight this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 4; 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Post 399).

They’re joined by bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonisthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1DCWLJ4m8U Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information. 

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Former Staples High School basketball player Geoffrey Lavaty died November 3, at his Wilton home. He was 86.

The Bronx native grew up in Westport, and graduated with the Class of 1957.

After Rollins College he served for 2 years in the Army, then moved to New York. He sold radio time, then partnered with his father. Their firm — Frank and Jeff Lavaty Associates — represented commercial artists and illustrators, many of them from this area.

Jeff and Ebba Von Koch were married in 1968. They lived in New York and Wilton.

Jeff was an oil painter, displaying his work in local galleries and public buildings. He was also a skilled pool player, an avid freshwater fisherman, a fan of the New York Giants, Knicks, Fats Domino, Pavarotti and Cabernet Sauvignon.  

He is survived by his wife; sisters Judy Strauss (Jeffrey) and Jane Cooke (Donald), and cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be private.

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It’s not an urban — er, suburban — myth.

Squirrels actually do store nuts for the winter.

This guy was just doing his job, oblivious to JD Dworkow’s “Westport … Naturally” camera nearby.

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … Charles Edward Ringling, co-founder of the Ringling Brothers Circus, was born on this date in 1863.

Coincidentally. this is also the date on which his younger brother John Ringling, also a co-founder, died in 1936.

(It’s no laughing matter: “06880” relies on reader support to bring you the daily Roundup — and everything else we do. Please click here to support our “big tent” work. Thank you!)

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Obituaries, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Tooker, Turkeys, Trees …

Posted on November 22, 2025 | 6 comments

Jen Tooker’s 16 years of service to Westport — as 1st selectwoman, 2nd selectwoman, and a member of the Boards of Finance and Education, and Conservation Commission — were celebrated last night, at Romanacci.

Organized by former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, it brought together people from every chapter of Tooker’s public life.

In the room were former Westport Select Board members Jim Marpe, Avi Kaner and Tammy Pincavage, plus many other elected town officials and longtime friends who worked with her, and admired her dedication.

Tooker was surprised when she walked in, and touched by the outpouring of appreciation. Kaner notes, “there were heartfelt stories, laughter, and genuine gratitude for her steady leadership, warmth and unwavering commitment to Westport and its residents.”

Jen Tookekr (2nd row, 2nd from right, with former 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe), at Romanacci.

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The Westport community has come through — big time.

Yesterday, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen and Lieutenant Rob Lenois — president of the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation — joined volunteers with the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Thanks to the generosity of the Westport community, they donated 1,000 turkeys — and sides — to support a 3-day Great ThankGiving Project event.

Well done, Westport Fire Department — and Westport neighbors!

From left: Tatyana Rozetta, Bridgeport Rescue Mission volunteer manager; Westport Deputy Chief Matt Cohen; Laurie Molner, BRM director of development; Lieutenant Rob Lenois, Westport Firefighter Charitable Foundation president. 

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But wait! There’s more! On Wednesday, “06880” posted a story on a partnership between A&S Westport Fine Foods and the Conlon Amendola law firm.

They were donating 50 full Thanksgiving dinners — fresh turkeys, hams and sides — to families at Capital Prep Harbor School in Bridgeport.

They hoped a few readers could provide funds for dessert (pies).

The phones did not stop ringing. Within 24 hours all 50 pies were sponsored, by residents and former Westporters across the country.

Dr. John Corino of Norwalk Dental Arts, and an anonymous loyal A&S customer, added generous donations, allowing the meals to be increased even more.

The meals were prepared by A&S. They were delivered yesterday, then unloaded and distributed by the school’s National Honor Society students.

The drive was so successful, A&S and Conlon Amendola are planning another for Christmas, also for Capital Prep Harbor School.

Come on, “06880” readers! Email chefalpiz@gmail.com to learn how you can help.

From left: Patricia Pizzirusso (A&S), Jacquelyn Conlon and Bonnie Amendola (Conlon Amendola), Chenelle James and Dr. Joan Miller (Capital Prep Harbor School), with a few of the 50 dinners.

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And now, turning to the next big holiday:

The town’s annual tree lighting is set for the Town Hall lawn on Monday, December 1 (5 p.m.).

The Staples High School Orphenians will sing. The Westport Museum for History & Culture provides hot chocolate.

And — as always — little kids will count down to the big reveal.

Let there be (holiday) light! Here’s a look back at 2024. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport was one of hundreds of participants yesterday, in the first of 2 “Fall of Freedom” days.

The event — “an urgent call to the arts community to unite in defiance of authoritarian forces sweeping the nation” — involved galleries, museums, comedy clubs, theaters and concert venues across the country, with exhibitions, performances and pubic events.

Locally, the Westport Library hosted a showing of “The Librarians.” The award-winning 2025 documentary shows an unlikely group standing up as “first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment rights.”

With just 2 weeks notice, a full house filled the Trefz Forum, for the screening and a discussion. Panelists included (below from left, in photo): Westport screen and stage writer and Columbia University professor Trey Ellis; director/producer Kim A. Snyder; producer Maria Cuomo Cole; Connecticut state librarian Deborah Schander, and author Oliver Radclyffe.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Board of Finance has some big-ticket items on the agenda, for their December 3 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Among them:

  • $3,574,260 for Board of Education building projects.
  • $330,000 to address a “critical technology initiative.”
  • $220,000 for “analysis, design, permitting and preparation of constructive documents for the replacement of the Longshore Water Supply System.”
  • $440,000 for “an analysis, design, permitting and preparation of constructive documents for the replacement of the Easton Road Sidewalk.
  • $124,000 to replace the Levitt Pavilion stage.

 Up for replacement: the Levitt Pavilion stage. (Photo/JC Martin)

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By now, you must have heard of Staples Players’ stupendous production of “Les Misérables.”

The whole town is talking about it.

With a Players record-setting 10-show run, there are 3 more opportunities: today (Saturday, November 22, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, November 23, 2:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

We’ve hailed the 70-plus actors often. They deserve all their kudos, and more.

But let’s not overlook the spectacular 30-piece pit orchestra, or the dozens of students (and adults) who constructed the jaw-dropping set.

We can’t show the musicians. They’re off stage (though hopefully they’ll get a bow tonight or tomorrow).

But here’s a look at the scenery (and lighting).

Enjoy! It will be up for — well, one day more.

(Photo/Peter McCrea)

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Speaking of Staples accomplishments: 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario is one of the most acclaimed photojournalists in the world.

The Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellow winner has covered famines, civil wars, maternal mortality and more for National Geographic (among many others).

As part of the “Ask a Nat Geo Expert Anything” series, Addario speaks answered questions about the perils of her work, the personal price she pays, and how to get into photography.

Click here for her fascinating 10-minute video responses. (Hat tip: Johanna Rossi)

Lynsey Addario screenshot, from NatGeo.

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A reminder: This week’s Westport Farmers’ Market is Tuesday — not Thursday. Let the farmers and vendors enjoy Thanksgiving!

The site and time is the usual, for the winter event: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.

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Work is underway at the Ned Dimes Marina dock.

One resident believes this is the first renovation in 30 years.

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that Westport’s own Kelli O’Hara is starring in Tom Hanks’ Off-Broadway show, “This World of Tomorrow.”

She’s not the only Westporter involved.

Staples High School Class of 2008 graduate Leo Stagg is listed as “Head Automation” for the production.

We’re not not sure what that means. But it comes right after “Head Carpenter,” and just before “Head and Deck Electrician.” So Leo — who learned his tech chops with Staples Players — is one of the many unheralded crew members, without whom the curtain could not rise. (Hat tip: Lisa Marriott)

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Bob Weingarten spotted — and sends along — today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

He writes: “I just saw these trees changing from summer into winter, at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.  Amazing how uniform the change is.”

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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 And finally … in honor of the changes of the season (above):

(We’ll “leave” you with this: “06880” relies on reader support. If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else we do — please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Library, Local business, Local politics, Staples HS

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Roundup: Tree Lighting, Holiday Giving, Wreath Sale …

Posted on December 6, 2024 | 4 comments

With a countdown by little kids (and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker), some blasts from the Westport Fire Department’s trucks, and the flick of a switch, the Town Hall holiday tree was officially lit yesterday.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and her helpers.

The Staples High School Orphenians provided music. The Westport Museum for History & Culture added hot chocolate.

Choral director Lauren Pine leads the Staples Orphenians.

The ceremony was quick, fun — and cold.

The tree will shine brightly, throughout New Year’s.

The tree — and the fire trucks that salute it. (All photos/Dan Woog)

At the start of the ceremony, Westport poet laureate Donna Disch offered this special poem, called “Lights Up”:

We spar with darkness in December.
The day’s light fed and put to bed by four.
We resist with hymns and gingerbread,
wreathes and songs, Dancer, Prancer,
Cupid, Vixen and that soul who steers the sleigh.
Tonight we gather to sing and illuminate our living tree.
No chainsaw teeth, for us, nothing felled, hoisted or hauled.
We affirm the ever of living and green and spatter our spruce with stars.
And so our noble tree reminds us to trust the truth we know.
There is living. And there is loving.
And there is no more light than that.

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The Westport Human Services Department’s annual Holiday Giving Program is in full swing.

And it’s important.

The department is seeing more families in need. Parents are dealing with unemployment, underemployment, rising costs, and other stresses.

With multiple jobs and tight budgets, there is little or no money left over for gifts.

100% of donations go directly to families in need.

Click here for the  “Family to Family Seasonal Holiday Giving Program,” or mail a check to Department of Human Services, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

Westport residents facing financial difficulties can contact Human Services for free, confidential consultation and assistance. Call 203-341-1050, or humansrv@westportct.gov.

Questions? Contact Annette D’Augelli: adaugelli@westportct.gov; 203-341-1183.

A little gift goes a long way.

Westporters will be out in force this weekend, buying Christmas trees and gifts.

But don’t forget holiday wreaths!

Scout Troop 36 is selling wreaths Saturday (December 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and Sunday (December 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Wreaths are $30 and $45. Baked goods are also available.

Funds will help projects like the installation of Eastern bluebird houses and bat boxes at Earthplace. The troop also partners with Sustainable Westport each year, for a mattress recycling drive.

Troop 36 Scouts, and a few of their wreaths.

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As the story above shows, Westporters help neighbors.

They also help strangers — who have become friends — thousands of miles away.

Luca Caniato is a senior at Staples High School, and president of Il Circolo Italiano (the Italian Club). He writes:

“For many children in Rione Sanità, Naples, the holiday season doesn’t come with the joy and celebration it should. This year, we have the opportunity to bring a little extra Christmas magic into their lives.

“Centro La Tenda, a beacon of hope in this community, provides a safe haven for these children, offering them education, support, and the chance to dream beyond their circumstances. With your help, we’re raising funds to buy Christmas gifts for these children. It’s a simple but meaningful way to spread holiday cheer and show them they are cared for.

“Every donation, no matter the size, will go directly toward purchasing gifts that will bring smiles and joy to these kids.

“Let’s come together to create a Christmas full of hope, happiness and community for the children of Centro La Tenda. Thank you for your generosity, and for helping make the holidays a little brighter for those who need it most!”

Click here to donate.

Children at Centro La Tenda, in Naples.

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You may be tired of hearing “Jingle Bells” (and/or “Jingle Bell Rock”) everywhere you turn.

But the Westport Weston Family Y’MCA’s Jingle Bells Jamboree is well worth checking out.

The Saturday, December 14 family event (5:30 to 7 p.m.) includes ornament decorating, face painting, a bouncy house, and a bus ride/light show to the “North Pole” (Mahackeno Outdoor Center).

Once at Beck Lodge, children will meet Santa, explore his holiday workshop, enjoy free hot cocoa and snacks, and create a special ornament for display in the Y lobby.

A pizza truck will be on-site, serving food.

Tickets for the Jingle Bells Jamboree are $10 for Y members, $20 for non-members (admission is for children only; adults go free). Parents are required to accompany their children. Click here to purchase.

Jingle Bell Jamboree, at the Y.

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The curtain rises tonight on the Bedford Acting Group’s production of “Shrek: The Musical.”

The young actors and tech crew have worked hard on their comedic timing, beloved music, fun costumes, great puppetry and spectacular sets (with help from a “Saturday Night Live” designer).

the beloved fairytale to life with stunning performances, hilarious comedic timing, and unforgettable music.

Shows are tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.); tomorrow (Saturday, 3 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday (3 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and cast lists.

Bedford actors (from left): Maya Greenblatt, Beya Altman, Dylan Post, Genevive Watras,  Maya Steigler, Olivia Wollowick.

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Ed Simek writes: “My was driving yesterday, when suddenly her ‘low tire pressure’ light went on.

“She drove to Fetzer Tire to have it checked out. The first question they asked was, ‘Have you been near Staples today?’

“We live next to the high school, so the answer was yes. Fetzer said that 7 cars pulled in already, with the same problem.

“Apparently a truck near the school spilled a box of 3-inch drywall screws all over the road.

“The guy at Fetzer pulled a screw out of our tire. One woman had 5 screws in her tires.

“I guess there’s not much we can do about it, except warn people. I’m sure there are still many screws lying in the road.”

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Johanna Keyser Rossi could not tell what kind of bird this was. It took off too quickly.

But it’s a good candidate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. If you know the name, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of the YMCA’s Jingle Bell Jamboree (story above), here is the song you hoped I wouldn’t post.

Fortunately, it’s not the ubiquitous Bobby Helms version. This is one you may not have heard.

Plus, it’s not the song you always hear from this group, either. Party on!

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for everything Westport-related. If you enjoy learning about our community — and don’t mind the occasional song like this — please click here. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Staples HS, YMCA

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Pics Of The Day #2421

Posted on December 4, 2023 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2421

Dozens of Westport boys and girls helped 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker light the Town Hall tree this evening. 

Staples High School’s elite Orphenians sang. There were candy canes and cookies for all.

Let the bright lights shine!

(From left): Selectwomen Candice Savin, Andrea Moore and Jen Tooker, and former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, ready to ring in the holidays.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker introduces the Orphenians. Director Lauren Pine is at right.

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening …? 

Heaps of kids help 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker count down from 5 …

… and the tree is lit!

The view from Myrtle Avenue. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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Posted in Categories, Children, Local politics, Westport life

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Roundup: Malone Refuse Gets Scammed; Turkey Trot T-Shirt Goes Viral …

Posted on December 2, 2022 | 6 comments

Kristen Stroud posted this important — but depressing — information on social media:

“My family owns Malone’s Refuse Service. A customer brought to our attention that someone is fraudulently soliciting holiday tips.

“The person placed these cards (photo below) in mailboxes, hoping the customer will then mail them a holiday gift. This person is not employed by Malone’s Refuse Service. We will be reporting it to the police.

“Between this scam and all of the recent issues with check washing and mail being stolen, if you would like to gift your actual refuse collector, you can email me at malonesrefuse@gmail.com and we will figure out the safest way to do so.”

Calling Sherlock Holmes!

Or really, any 1st grader who can read.

With the address provided, it should not take long to crack this case wide open.

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Every organization in Westport (and beyond) asks Miggs Burroughs for favors.

He always obliges.

For over 30 years, the talented and generous artist/graphic designer (and longtime runner) has designed t-shirts for the Pequot Running Club’s annual “Turkey Trot.” Proceeds go to the club, and charity.

They’re great souvenirs. Then they end up in the bottom of runners’ drawers, replaced by their next race t-shirt.

This year Miggs commemorated 45 years of Turkey Trotting. He chose historic national and world events from those past years, and included them in the design.

Uh oh.

A Tik Tok user named “Crawlie” — who did not run in the race, and apparently had way too much time on her hands — did not like Miggs’ choices. She posted her thoughts.

@crawlie

#greenscreen my outfit is giving miscallaneous star wars girlie but i cant do anything about it now #thanksgiving #fyp #kellyclarkson

♬ original sound – crawlie

For reasons known only to Tik Tok users, Crawlie’s post has received over 688,000 views. It’s generated more than 2,800 comments.

Most people did not share her outrage.

In fact, requests to buy t-shirts have poured in from across the country.

Take that, Crawlie!

PS: Another Tik Toker attempted a Billy Joel/”We Didn’t Start the Fire”-style video. It’s pretty weak. Still, it gives you an idea of the “controversy” surrounding the shirt.

https://www.tiktok.com/@lucybiggers/video/7169625172947815723?is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7169625172947815723&web_id=7172301626379765291

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Staples High School’s elite Orphenians sang …

… and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker made brief remarks (including a shout out to the Public Works Department, for decorations). She then asked kids in the crowd to join her, counting down “3 … 2 … 1!” …

… and wham! Last night, Westport’s Christmas (aka Holiday) tree was lit, in front of Town Hall by Myrtle Avenue.

(Photos/Dan Woog)

Missed it? No problem!

There’s another tree lighting tonight (Friday, 4:30 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm). Stick around for carols and treats, too.

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Speaking of Christmas songs: The Saugatuck Caroling Crawl returns a week from tomorrow (Saturday, December 10).

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event was last held in pre-COVID 2019.

This year once again, 6 Staples Orphenians will sing holiday songs, moving from one restaurant to the next. They’ll hit 14 in all.

Carolers begin their rounds at the Boathouse at 6:30 p.m. They’ll head to Parker Mansion, Kawa Ni, The Whelk, Tutti’s and the Black Duck, before making their way to Railroad Place to sing at Tarantino, Harvest, Romanacci and Allium.

They finish by 8:30 p.m., after entertaining diners at Match Lobster Burger, Rizzuto’s, Viva Zapata and Dunville’s.

Participating Orphs include Sophia Betit, Madelyn Spera, James Dobin-Smith, Alyssa Lee, Deneil Betfarhad and Ethan Tober will be performing.

Reservations are recommended.

 

A scene from the 2018 Caroling Crawl.

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The Westport Farmers’ Market adds a special “Holiday Artists’ Market” a week from tomorrow (Saturday, December 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane). The market features a wide range of handcrafted gift ideas, from 25 local artists.

Carolers will entertain. Bubble & Brew will provide cold and hot beverages, plus sweet treats.  Chef Dan Kardos will bring his Oak & Oar food truck too. “Mark(et)” the date right now.

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Yesterday’s “Roundup” featured a Jeep smushing a traffic pylon on Main Street.

Today we feature a different scene, from almost the exact same spot:

After zipping past several prominent “One Way/Do Not Enter” signs, the driver continued the wrong way, refusing to back up or turn around — even when told to. (Had she looked around, she might have noticed every other car pointed in the other direction.)

The driver never stopped (or acknowledged reality). She just kept going, all the way to the Post Road.

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‘Tis the holiday season. So Westport Country Playhouse ends its 2022 Script in Hand series on December 12 with …

… “Bad Jews.”

Spoiler alert: It’s a comedy.

The night after their grandfather’s funeral, 3 cousins engage in a verbal (and sometimes physical) battle. There’s Daphna Feygenbaum, a “Real Jew” who is volatile, self-assured and unbending; her equally stubborn cousin Liam, a secular and entitled young man with a shiksa girlfriend Melody in tow, and Liam’s brother Jonah, who tries to stay out of the fray.

There’s live music at 6 p.m. in the lobby before the show. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Baby, it’s cold outside. But Misty shows off her fashionable winter coat, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … Lucy Biggers tried to mock the Turkey Trot t-shirt, by channeling her inner Billy Joel (story above).

She failed miserably. Here’s how it’s done:

(You won’t get a souvenir t-shirt for supporting “06880” — just our eternal thanks. Hopefully, that’s enough. Please click here to donate.)

 

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Techno Claus, Tree Lights, Trailer Park …

Posted on December 7, 2021 | 7 comments

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Santa Claus comes once a year.

Techno Claus too.

The “CBS Sunday Morning” staple — aka David Pogue (don’t tell the kids!) made an earlier-than-usual appearance in 2021. He told “06880” he wanted to make sure there were no supply chain issues with any suggestions.

As usual, much of the segment was filmed in David’s Westport home. Both Santa and Techno Claus know it well.

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David Meth likes the Wakeman Town Farm Christmas tree lights. A lot.

He does not like the lights on the Town Hall tree.

(Photos/David Meth)

David says: “The lack of warmth lighting up the Christmas tree at Town Hall is its usual, typical, surgical, antiseptic white—an embarrassment to the town. Yet it goes on year after year without change or care by the administration, who seem to lack an understanding of how color positively affects people.

“The town is very clear as it  expresses an attitude that announces: ‘Get it done to say it’s been done.’ The warmth exuded from the tree at Wakeman Farm is what we should expect—welcoming, full of life and color for all.”

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Rod Serling has not lived in Westport for 60 years. And he’s been dead for 45.

But visitors to Sherwood Island have recently experienced a “Twilight Zone” moment. There — in the middle of our beautiful, wooded beachside state park — sits a decrepit trailer park.

(Photo/Werner Lipeolt)

Has it sat there — unnoticed — for years? But wait — why is there a trailer park in a state park?

Because it’s a movie set, silly!

As “06880” has reported several times, Netflix is filming “Mr. Harrigan’s Phone” there. The Stephen King thriller stars Donald Sutherland and Jaeden Martell, and will be released next year. 

When, presumably, the Black Bear Trailer Park is just a long-ago memory.

PS: How about some kind of Oscar for that set designer?!

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Youn Su Chao has resigned from the Board of Education.

Her replacement must be a registered Democrat. Letters of application should be submitted by email (lgoldstein@westportps.org) or to Westport Board of Education, Town Hall Room 307, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. The deadline is next Monday (December 13).

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The Greens Farms Garden Club does wonderful work. And not just in the 06838 zip code.

The other day, members beautified the Gillespie Center men’s shelter downtown. They weeded, trimmed, raked, pulled vines and planted daffodils all around the property across behind Barnes & Noble (and around the corner from Tiffany).

The area was so overgrown, it was hard to find the stone wall or bench in the area.  Now it looks great.

Early next spring, Garden Club members will trim back larger shrubs, and add more plantings.

Greens Farms Garden Club members take a brief break at the Gillespie Center.

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Tonight (Tuesday) at 7 p.m., the state Department of Transportation hosts a virtual public information meeting about the replacement of the Greens Farms Road Sasco Brook bridge.

The presentation will be recorded. Click here for instructions on how to access the meeting, and how to provide comments or ask questions.

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Joel Robert Hallas (W1ZR) died peacefully at home in Westport on Thanksgiving morning, with his family by his side, after a hard 3 -year fight against pancreatic cancer. He was 79.

Joel was an electrical engineer, sailboat owner and expert in telecommunications and amateur radio. He wrote 7 books about ham radio and antennas.

A 1960 graduate of Greenwich High School, he served in the Army from 1962-65. Stationed in Frankfurt, Germany, he earned the rank of E5 in the Signal Corps. He then graduated with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from the University of Connecticut.

While working at Raytheon, Joel earned a master of science in electrical engineering from Northeastern University. He also worked for Norden Systems, GTE, IBM, Seagram’s and AT&T, on radar and telecommunications projects. He taught telecommunications at the Rochester Institute of Technology from 1993-1997.

In Westport he was known for sailing his sloop Windfall on Long Island Sound, with family, friends, co-workers, Y’s Men and his golden retrievers. He twice served as commodore of the Minuteman Yacht Club. He was appointed to the Parks & Recreation Commission, where he headed the committee that was instrumental in improving Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina, including the concrete flotation docks that increased capacity and convenience.

At the end of his career Joel joined the staff of the National Association of Amateur Radio as technical editor of their journal QST. He wrote a popular monthly column and did a podcast called “The Doctor is In,” answering technical questions from hams.

Among the books Joel wrote are Basic Radio; Basic Antennas; The ARRL Guide to Antenna Tuners; Hamspeak; The Care and Feeding of Transmission Lines; Understanding Your Antenna Analyzer, and The Radio Amateur’s Workshop.

Joel is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy Gatrall Hallas; daughter Katie J. (Mike) Phillis, and son Dr. Stephen J. (Dr. Sabrina Noel) Hallas.

Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held this spring.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature includes many wild animals.

Today we feature man’s best friend. James Melino and Nellie work together in James’ home office. What a team!

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And finally … today in 1842, the New York Philharmonic presented its first concert ever. Happy 179th birthday!

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Posted in Beach, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Local politics, Media, Obituaries, Transportation

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Let There Be Lights!

Posted on December 3, 2021 | 6 comments

There are many ways to mark the holiday season in Westport.

The lighting of the tree in front of Town Hall is a great one.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker did the honors a few minutes ago. She was joined by her father and daughter, the Staples Orphenians, a gaggle of kids, and plenty of Westporters who are glad that — after a COVID-induced year off — this hometown tradition is back.

The Orphenians sang holiday tunes …

… former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe wheeled his grandson Charlie …

… his successor Jen Tooker led the countdown …

… and the 2021 holiday tree was lit. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Posted in Downtown, Entertainment, Local politics, Westport life

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