Since then, Pierluigi Mazzella’s bakery (whose name means “made by hand” in Italian) has risen faster than the sourdough bread, focaccia, biscotti and pastries he makes in his Westport commercial kitchen.
The other day — in the midst of his very busy panetone-making Christmas season — Forbes stopped by for an in-depth profile.
Click here to read.
The best part of the story is this quote from Pierluigi:
I think most of my customers love me as much as I love them. We have customers that have been so loyal and so supportive since day one. A funny thing is, my customers are noticing the growth of Fatto a Mano and tell me they are afraid I will become too famous and forget about them. But I will never. Every single one of them is the reason why I can do what I do.
Pierluigi Mazzella, and his Fatto a Mano panettone. (Photo courtesy of Forbes/Lisa Nichols with Bread & Beast Photography)
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For Sustainable Westport, a challenge grant is the gift that keeps on giving.
So far this holiday season, 115 residents have contributed to the town’s environmental advisory group.
Inspired by the outpouring, the generous donor who issued the initial challenge has doubled down. If Sustainable Westport receives a total of 150 gifts by December 31, the donor will add another $5,00.
That will fund programs like Refill Not Landfill, the Residential Energy Learning Series, Clean Up Westport Day, Green Building awards, mattress and box spring recycling, the “Abundance” film screening and panel, a Sustainable Hospitality Guide, and more.
Click here to donate. Click here to learn more about Sustainable Westport.
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At Staples High School, Clay Singer was known as a talented actor (Players) and Orphenians.
He went on to perform in shows like the national tour of “The Band’s Visit.”
In February, his voice will join “The Voice” Season 16 winner Maelyn Jarmon. They’ll star in “The Last Five Years,” at The Drowned Lands in Warwick, New York.
Click here for details and tickets.
Clay Singer and Maelyn Jarmon.
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Before yuletide fades too far into the background, here’s a look back at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport candlelight Christmas Eve service.
Senior minister Rev. Alan Taylor is at the right. (Photo/David Vita)
Candlelit congregation. (Photo/Rob Zuckerman)
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Hey!
That is, Henry Hey.
Pianist/keyboardist/music director Henry Hey headlines tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 28, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service starting at 7; $15 music charge).
Hey has toured and recorded with David Bowie, George Michael and Rod Stewart, served as musical director for Kennedy Center extravaganzas, and played with some of the most compelling jazz artists in the world.
He’ll be joined by bassist Hannah Marks, drummer Jon Wikan, and saxophonist Greg Wall. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
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Christmas night fog over Burritt’s Creek produced this spooky “Westport … Naturally” scene:
(Photo/Richard Jaffe)
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And finally … on this day in 1927 “Show Boat” — considered to be the first true American musical play — opened on Broadway.
Nine years later, Paul Robeson starred in a groundbreaking film version:
This too is from the 1936 film:
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