Glimmering Evergreens on North Avenue
Towering evergreen trees and the bright twinkle of lights brought a warm glow to the “far end” of North Avenue this evening, just near Coleytown Middle School. WestportLocal.com photo
Christ and Holy Trinity Festival of Lessons & Carols
The 18th annual Festival took place on Sunday at Westport's Christ & Holy Trinity Church.
First, the choir entered the church by candlelight to the sounds of organist Terence J. Flanagan and harpist Krisi Shade who accompanied the choir and choristers. Each "lesson", quotes from the Holy Bible including from Genesis, Isiah, Luke, Matthew and John were read by a different member of the community including First Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker reads one of the lessons.
Each lesson was followed by carol. 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.
On Christmas Eve at 3:00 C&HT 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 WestportLocal.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Unitarian Church Hosts Christmas Carols & Holiday Songs
Minister of Music Reverend Ed Thompson directing “the choir”.
About three dozen people gathered around the warming fire on Sunday at Westport's Unitarian Church to sing a variety of Christmas classics such as Angels We Have Heard on High, Joy To The World, and fun songs like Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and Jingle Bells. For The Twelve Days Of Christmas, twelve members of the "choir" each sang their part. Minister of Music Reverend Ed Thompson who led the caroling said, "That in spite of the pandemic and in spite of the cold there are times when we remember how important it is to experience joy". Reverend Thompson was joined by Senior Minister Dr. John T. Morehouse who dressed dapperly for the event in his red vest and tie, along with his decorated top hat. On Sunday December 26th there will be a dramatic reading of Dylan Thomas' "A Child's Christmas in Wales". Everyone is welcome.
Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocal.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery
Westport COVID-19 Cases Up 45 over Weekend; State Hospitalizations up 101 Patients; Governor Gives Briefing
The Westport-Weston Health District and the State Department of Public Health reported 45 new COVID-19 cases for Westport over the weekend. The State’s daily test positivity rate was up to 6.85% while hospitalizations were up 101 patients, totaling 837 patients across the State. The Governor discussed the recent increase, the important of “boosting”, and how even Santa Claus has began to use the Smart Card vaccination verification app ahead of the holiday celebrations during his COVID-19 briefing.
Westport total positive or probable cases: 2,357 cases.
Westport total COVID-19 Deaths: 32 deaths.
State Daily Test Positivity: 6.85% [up from 6.78%]
State Hospitalizations: 837 patients [+101]