The town’s Christmas tree at Town Hall delights youngsters gathered around First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker during the annual lighting ceremony Monday evening. / Photos by Gretchen Webster
The Staples High School Orphenians performed holiday music for the gathering.

By Gretchen Webster

WESTPORT — Calling the town’s annual tree lighting “a very proud tradition,” First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker asked those at the Monday event to “appreciate each other — the differences as well as the things we have in common.”

“We can face any challenge,” she said. “We can be sure Westport is a welcoming community for everyone.”

A festive note for the occasion was performed by the Staples High School Orphenians chorus, perched on the Town Hall steps, singing a medley of holiday favorites. Many of the students, directed by Lauren Pine, joined the festive spirit by wearing Santa hats.

An “official” start to Westport’s holiday season was provided by, from left, Selectwomen Candice Savin and Andrea Moore, First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker and former First Selectman Jim Marpe.

After her welcome remarks, Tooker gathered young children around her to watch as twinkling lights on Town Hall’s towering tree were turned on.

Then, thanking the Department of Public Works for stringing the sparkling strands around the tree’s stately boughs, the first selectwoman proclaimed: 

“I leave tonight inspired to spread the joy of the holiday.”

Freelance writer Gretchen Webster, a Fairfield County journalist and journalism teacher for many years, was editor of the Fairfield Minuteman newspaper for 10 years and teaches journalism at Southern Connecticut State University.

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