Christ & Holy Trinity Festival Of Lessons & Carols Celebrates Christmas
The 21st annual Festival took place on Sunday at Westport's Christ & Holy Trinity Church.This event celebrating the birth of Jesus has the sanctuary filled to capacity each year as the choir of C&HT performs traditional popular Christmas carols and religious songs along with readings from scripture.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The event began when the choir entered the church by candlelight singing "Once in royal David's city", introduced by a boy chorister and accompanied by organist Jonathan Vaughan. As the service progressed, young choristers as well as adult singers were featured in several pieces, and cellist Cheryl Labrecque accompanied the choir in "Carol of the Magi" by John Rutter.
The lessons, which are readings from the Holy Bible from the books of Genesis, Isaiah, Luke, Matthew, and John were each read by a different member of the church, choir and community, including Connecticut State Senator Ceci Maher.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Each lesson was followed by a carol sung by the 32-voice intergenerational choir, or a hymn sung by the congregation. All of the music sung, which spanned several centuries, was related to the biblical texts which preceded them, so some lyrics may have a more sacred connotation than the secular versions frequently heard. The tradition of Lessons & Carols dates back to the Church Of England in 1880. A special broadcast of the Festival from King's College, Cambridge, England will be aired by WSHU Public Radio at 91.1 FM on Christmas morning at 10:00 AM.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
On Christmas Eve at 3:00 CHT Church will present The Christmas Crèche, the birth of Jesus as told in story, movement and song headlined by Broadway star Kelli O'Hara, seven-time Tony nominee and winner of the 2015 Tony for Best Actress in a Musical.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The sanctuary was filled for this special event. After the service, Santa directed guests downstairs to Branford Hall for refreshments and a wonderful array of homemade appetizers and delicious desserts.
The Season Of Lights Reminds Us Of Better Days To Come
The Christmas tree here is located on Held Lake on Weston Rd. in Weston, and has been done every year for many years by one of the homeowners and is something we always look forward to seeing during the Season Of Lights.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
The Westport area is beautiful any time of year, but the holidays bring us a special beauty thanks to the hard work and creative of those around us. Known as the Season of Lights, the holidays of Christmas and Chanukah is a time for connecting with family and friends, and the light displays around us help to share the feelings of warmth and hope and the promise of even better days ahead. Whether it is a Christmas tree or a Menorah, these symbols can inspire us and remind us of just how lucky we are.
This Weston Rd. home has also taken advantage of the reflections in the pond to create even more magic with the three reindeer and a variety of whimsical creatures.
Perhaps the largest and most elaborate holiday display in our area is on Weston Rd. in Westport, with a multitude of glowing figures and beautifully lighted trees.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Downtown Westport's Sparkling Holiday Glow
The benches in front of Savvy & Grace will likely be a place to pause for a moment, especially for tonight's Holiday Stroll which begins at 5:00PM
We all recognize the beauty that is Downtown Westport all year long. During the holidays, our merchants add an extra level of beauty with brilliant lights and festive decorations, making downtown even more special for the holiday shopping season. From London's on Church Street (above left and below), to Anthropologie & Co. in Main Street's iconic former YMCA building (center) to Serena & Lily on Elm Street (right), Downtown Westport’s sparkle creates a most inviting ambience for shoppers and diners making the most of their holiday season.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
It's Official: 'Tis The Season As Westport Lights The Tree
The vaunted Staples High Orphenians choral ensemble gather before Westport Town Hall's Christmas Tree Thursday night.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker ushered in another holiday season at this year's Town Hall tree lighting. Ms. Tooker introduced the Orphenians, led for the second year by Staples Choral Activities Director Lauren Pine, and they began the program by performing Joy Shall Be Yours, followed by Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas and the requisite Jingle Bells.
Tooker then introduced Westport's new Poet Laureate Donna Disch (above, right) who read her poem "LIGHTS UP" composed for the occasion and which included the line, "We affirm the ever of living and green and spatter our spruce with stars."
The Orphenians concluded with Deck The Halls as setting the stage for the lighting of the tree.
A crowd of about 100, bundled up against the cold listen to the Orphenians selections of holiday favorites.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A crowd of about 100, bundled up against the cold listen to the Orphenians selections of holiday favorites.
As is done every year, the First Selectwoman invites some of the children in the crowd to help with the countdown to the big moment, and cheers by all accompany the flash of light as the tree is lit.
As part of her remarks, Jen also noted the efforts of Westport DPW in getting the tree ready for the event as they do each year, which takes the entire day to accomplish. The nearly 50 foot tree is out of reach for the town bucket truck so the town has contracted with The Davey Tree Expert Company for the last several years which brings a pair of very tall bucket trucks enabling them to wrap the approximately 3500 LED lights around the tree, in the day-long project.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
ABOUT THE ORPHENIANS: Founded by Dr. George Weigle in 1960, the Orphenians have been the premiere vocal ensemble in Westport for more than six decades. Over those many years, the Orphenians have performed across the globe; including nearly every country in Europe, the United State's West Coast, Australia, Hawaii and will be performing in Spain (summer of 2025). Under the direction of Staples' new high school choral director, Lauren Pine, this year's ensemble consists of 40 auditioned students ranging from 9th to 12th grade. Known for their many holiday performances and seasonal concerts throughout the town of Westport, they have become an integral part of the local community during the holiday season and year round.
They can be seen several times throughout the holiday season including Saturday night for the Downtown Holiday Shop ‘ Stroll, the Winter Concert at Saugatuck Congregational on Sunday at 7:00 PM for their annual free concert where they will be joined again by the Dartmouth Brovertones: SaugatuckChurch.org
The group is currently trying to raise funds for a planned June, 2025 trip to Spain for an international choral festival under the direction of Dr. Rollo Dilworth.
The Orphenians want to ensure that every student can participate regardless of financial circumstance and will be "caroling for a cause" as well as hosting a mid-winter gala which will be held in March. (follow WestportLocalPress to learn more)
In addition to our own fundraising goals, we will be contributing all additional proceeds to the Voces8Foundation, who are working to establish a music education hub right here in Westport! The group is asking anyone who can help to donate at: www.orphenians.com
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The lobby of Town Hall decorated with a Menorah and a Christmas tree, compete with presents.
Gobble, Gobble, Gobble! Happy Thanksgiving From Westport Local Press!
Scenes from last year’s Stamford Balloon Spectacular. Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocaPress.com.
We know that many folks in town will be watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade as they prepare today's feast. Stamford presents it's Balloon Spectacular each year to celebrate the holiday. We were unable to cover this year's parade but we would like to share our coverage from last year with our readers.
Click here: to view last year’s article: Stamford Balloon Spectacular Happy Thanksgiving everyone from Westport Local Press.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com.
Westport Sunrise Rotary Uncorks Wines And Generosity For Local Charities
The 35th annual Westport Uncorked Wine Tasting hosted by Westport Sunrise Rotary and held at the Longshore raised over $20,000 for 30+ local charities. Over 300 local movers and shakers enjoyed some unique wines and wonderful food pairings. There was even a surprise appearance by the beloved Sunny the Duck mascot to announce next year’s Great Duck Race on June 28.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Wine: The Fine Wine Company of Westport, led by Cory D’Addario, again provided the extraordinary wines for Westport Uncorked. It is their portfolio and their wine point of view. Cory offered over 100 wines for our tasting. The wines were chosen for specific reasons, never chosen for price or just to have more wines available.
Cory is committed to offering wines with sustainable, organic or bio-dynamic practices in the respective vineyard. She is very selective, tasting every wine and looking for qualities beyond price. The Fine Wine Company of Westport believes in integrity from the vineyard to the supplier and in the store. The Fine Wine Company (as Fine Wine and Liquor Locker) has been our wine host for over 30 years, and we are truly grateful for their commitment to this event.
The Exceptional Venue: The Inn at Longshore was once a private estate built in 1890 and is one of the premier locations in Fairfield County to host an event. A wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, holiday party, corporate seminar, company picnic, or yearly charity event all make sense in this incredible, well-loved space. A world class chef and the engaging inn staff provide welcoming service, and unique opportunities for enjoying an event in a historic and vibrant venue.
The Inn at Longshore is still considered a "Jewel" of Westport, CT and is nestled between an 18-hole golf course and Long Island Sound. Year round views of the water and surrounding landscape are breathtaking, and truly unexpected.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Field Of Flags Tributes Honor Those Who Served For Veterans Day
500 American Flags wave proudly at Veterans Park in Norwalk
In Fairfield County, tributes to our military veterans have been created for Veterans Day each year in area cities and towns.
One of the most prominent displays of patriotism and appreciation for their service can be seen at Veterans Park, 42 Seaview Ave., East Norwalk just before the drawbridge to SoNo. It is a truly inspirational sight. 500 large flags wave in the breeze which is nearly constant from neighboring Long Island Sound.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The 2024 Norwalk tribute (photos above and below) began ten years ago by the Norwalk Exchange Club and consisted of 100 flags and has expanded each year to its current total of 500. This event has been recognized as a regional site by the Veterans Day National Committee and is one of only 56 sites in the U.S. and the only one in Connecticut that honor those who have served with this awe inspiring display.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The line of flags lead past a monument to recipients of the purple heart which is flanked by benches for visitors to pause and reflect on the service and sacrifice of America’s heroes.
The town of Fairfield creates their Field Of Valor each year in Jennings Park, near the Bob's shopping center on the Post Road.with more than 300 American Flags The Kiwanis Club of Fairfield organizes the event and the cost is offset by contributors who may sponsor a flag for $25.00 which they can keep or donate back for use next year. A dedication ceremony was held on Sunday, November 3rd and the inspiring display will be on view through November 17th.
The Town of Westport and VFW Post 399 will host Veterans Day services on Monday, November 11 at 11:00 AM in the Town Hall auditorium, 110 Myrtle Avenue. The public is invited.
At 10:30 AM, the Westport Community Band will present a “Patriotic Salute to All Veterans” program which will include marches and patriotic tunes.
To the north in Danbury, the Student Veterans Organization at Western Connecticut State University has placed more than 2,000 flags at the university's downtown campus on White Street with the assistance of Danbury Police and Danbury Fire Department personnel. Those flags will can be viewed until Tuesday, November 12th.
Another view of the 500 American flags at Veterans Park in Norwalk.
Halloween Parade Turns Main Street Into Treat Street
We know that the presidential election is probably stressing out one side or the other, or perhaps both today, so we thought a look at the smiles and joy and unity everyone felt at one of Westport's favorite family events might be a wonderful diversion.
Here are the photos of all the clever, inventive and very cute trick-or-treaters who stormed the Main St. merchants in waves to fill their buckets and bags with Halloween goodies.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.comClick on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
This adorable row of future trick-or-treaters were getting their first glimpse of their futures on Halloweens to come.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In row two above, the photo on the right shows Staples Players who are promoting their upcoming show, ELF The Musical, a hilarious show based upon the contemporary classic film starring Will Ferrell. Santa is being played by Yusef Abdallah and Chloe Carson is playing Jovie.
Seamus Brannigan is playing the lead, Buddy The Elf and he told WestportLocalPress, “it’s one of the most fun roles I have ever played. Seeing the show come together in the rehearsals is getting me more exited than ever for opening night. This family friendly friendly show is great for all ages.”
Tickets are available at www.staplesplayers.com
After storming Main St., the crowd gathered at Veteran's Green for more treats and give-a-ways courtesy of Westport Parks & Recreation, the Police Athletic League and the Westport Downtown Merchant's Association.
The DJ got the crowd dancing in between enjoying the treats everyone received on the way.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Letter from the Editor: Follow the Leader
Birds following their leader high above Main Street on Sunday evening.
From the Editor:
On Halloween night I was able to hand out candy in the Compo Beach neighborhood with one of my fellow EMTs. Though I thought I bought enough candy, we ran out at around 7:30 - just as a group of teenagers walked towards us and our EMS vehicle.
“We’re all out” I shouted, anticipating them turning around or pelting me with eggs.
One of the boys kept walking towards me; I braced for impact as he opened his pillowcase and said “Here! Take what you want for other kids.” As he did this, another boy rushed over and offered his candy, too. If I could have given them every piece of candy that we handed out that night, it still wouldn’t have been enough to show how impacted I was by their act of kindness.
A while later, a toddler ran up to us holding out two Reese’s Cups - his grandfather explaining to me that the child wouldn’t go back to the house without us taking his Reese’s. We ate them immediately as he ran back to his stoop to wave to us as we drove away; peanut butter stuck to the roofs of our mouths.
—I knew I wanted to write an email ahead of the election tomorrow, but knowing that people will be upset regardless of who “wins” challenged me. So I wrote down “candy” in my Notes app as a story for this email, because regardless of any election and who are leaders are: we will be in charge of our own kindness, and we always have been.
Yesterday I sat at Gold’s and, after botching the Wordle, noticed a table of three teenagers. They sat amongst Dunkin Donuts bags and other garbage all over the table. I got annoyed thinking that they would be leaving it to be cleaned up by the staff.
And then, again, I was proved wrong. One stood up, wiped his crumbs into his plate, and took his trash to the bin. The other two followed. They all went back to push in their chairs, and checked to make sure it was clean before they paid and left. I added the phrase “cleaning table” to my Notes app before I walked out, too; making sure my spot was clean, too.
Those two good moments sit amongst an unknown amount of good in our community - some of it noticed, some unnoticed. I’d like to think there’s more good than bad, but that’s just me. I’d also like to think that they have nothing to do with who’s elected because in that moment: they were the leaders; they can’t even vote.
Those two good moments also sit against a stark backdrop of tension and division that unfolds ahead of any political season. I see it in the news, in social media, in conversation. You may see it, too. They aren’t just political comments - they’re personal and designed to hurt. I’d also like to think that they, too, have nothing to do with who’s elected because in those moments: we are the leaders. We are responsible for the hatred or anger that we foster or push.
—I am not confident in what tomorrow’s election will bring.
I am confident that whatever happens tomorrow - however you vote/d - our community will still have good in it come Wednesday morning because our kindness is not reliant on who’s elected, or who isn’t elected.
We always have a choice to follow “the leader” - to fall in line behind them. Who is a “leader”?
I hope as we go through this week, that we all follow the leaders who guide us to be better humans - not just political leaders - but our own local leaders, right down to our local teenagers and toddlers who lead us to remember that we are in control of our own kindness.
Go vote if you haven’t already, and regardless of who our next elected officials are: we are in charge of our kindness, not them.
I’ll remember that every time I have a peanut butter cup stuck to the roof of my mouth.
In partnership,
Jaime Bairaktaris
Westport Celebrates Halloween!
A home in this downtown neighborhood shows it's halloween spirit.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.ei downtown neighborhood
Whether it is the annual Halloween Parade on Main Street, a family favorite in town for years, or the wonderful elaborately decorated Halloween homes all over town, Westport celebrates their love for this fall holiday in a big way. Here are just a few of the spookiest and scariest best!
These Compo Beach neighborhood animatronic cats flexing their muscles certainly gave pause to any canine passers-by who might think of taking them on.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The folks at this Bradley Street home certainly spared no expense or effort in creating an attention grabbing display with this beautiful presentation to show their Halloween spirit.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.