Season of Lights Begins on Hills Point Road
This home on Hills Point Road began the Season of Lights with a bright display of Christmas lights that brightens their neighborhood as days darken quicker and temperatures begin their seasonal decline. WestportLocal.com photo
The One that Westport Wants: Standing Ovation for Staples Players - GREASE Performances Continue
(click to enlarge) As the Staples Players took to their final number, members of the audience took to their feet in a standing ovation for the Players show. All photos by WestportLocal.com(click to enlarge) WestportLocal.com photoThe music of Grease filled the Staples High School corridors Sunday afternoon as the Staples Players continued their on-stage performance of the seventies classic.
Last Spring the Staples Players celebrated their return to the stage - after over two years - during their opening night of Words, Words, Words… and Music; the socially-distant audience was capped at 1/3 capacity.
With 100% capacity approved for Grease, the Players’ opening night on Thursday celebrated a full audience for the first time since 2019.
The anticipated magic that the Players are known for brought a tangible feeling of excitement before Sunday afternoon’s performance; some of the younger audience members couldn’t even remember their last Staples show without social distancing separating them from their neighbors.
(click to enlarge) WestportLocal.com photoHowever when the house lights dimmed, the packed house greeted the performers as they took to the stage. The energy was electrifying (no, not hydromatic) as the dozens of Westport teens danced, sang, and coiffed their hair to the toe-tapping families below. Through special effects, lighting, and pure talent - the hundreds in attendance were unknowingly transformed back to the 1950s for the remainder of their Sunday.
With Grease, the Staples Players continue to add another layer of “getting back to normal” for Westport; the community converged on the local high school auditorium while taking time to catch up with friends and neighbors seated near them or during the show’s intermission.
Another local tradition revived.
Due to popular demand, the Players added an additional feature of the show for this Thursday night. Tickets are still available, with all funding going to support the widely renowned acting group and the work that they do. All audience members must be masked while indoors, and must present proof of COVID-10 vaccination or testing.
For more information, visits staplesplayers.com.
Veterans Day Ceremonies Begin at 10:30 AM
The Town of Westport’s Veterans Day Ceremony will be held at the VFW on Riverside Avenue. The Westport Community Band will perform a patriotic concert at 10:30, just prior to the start of the ceremony at 11:00 AM.
From the Town of Westport Parks and Recreation DepartmentPhil Delgado, VFW Post 399, announced today that the Town of Westport will hold Veterans Day services on Thursday, November 11 in the main parking lot of the VFW 399 located at 465 Riverside Avenue, Westport, CT. The program will begin at 10:30am with a patriotic concert by the Westport Community Band. The services will begin at 11:00am. The public is invited.
The program will also include remarks and a Proclamation issued by First Selectman Jim Marpe; placing of a memorial wreath by members of VFW Post 399; and Taps will be played by Westport Community Band trumpeters.
We recommend that participants and attendees use their judgement regarding masks, particularly if they are in a higher risk category for severe COVID illness.
In case of inclement weather, services will be moved to the main hall within the WFW. The Town’s current COVID protocols require that unvaccinated individuals be masked if the event is moved indoors.
Halloween in Westport: Trick or Treating “Tips and Tricks”
Photo by Jaime Bairaktaris for WestportNow.com/October 2019, Compo Beach. With treat or treating back this year after the pandemic lockdowns - local neighborhoods are preparing for thousands of ghouls and goblins to arrive for their sweet treats. The Westport Police Department has issued safety tips to keep families safe as Westport’s youngest residents turn to the local streets to celebrate. The police department keeps a presence in the most popular trick or treating hotspots, such as the Compo Beach neighborhood and Gault Avenue neighborhoods, while motorists are reminded to watch for crossing costumes. Trick or treating usually begins in the community around 4:00 PM and can be expected to slow down when the community’s teenagers have figured out all the candy has gone for the year.
Westport Police DepartmentWith Halloween almost upon us, the Westport Police Department would like to offer some safety tips. If everyone adheres to the following suggestions a safe and fun Halloween should be had by all:
Trick or Treaters:
Young children should always be accompanied by an adult.
Agree on a specific time when older children should come home.
Only go to homes where the outside lights are on.
Stay Visible – Carry a flashlight/glow sticks and consider affixing glow tape to costumes and bags.
Never assume a car can see you as visibility is low.
Use sidewalks and crosswalks.
Travel in groups.
Carry a cell phone – Make sure you and your kids can easily reach one another.
Never enter a stranger’s home.
Have an adult examine all candy prior to eating and avoid homemade treats made by strangers.
Drivers:
Be mindful of pedestrians.
Do not speed through neighborhoods.
Use extreme caution – Many trick or treaters are hard to see due to dark colored costumes.
The police department wants everyone to be safe, so please review these safety tips with children who will be trick or treating. Additionally, extra officers will be out on patrol during Halloween night.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!