Sen. Richard Blumenthal today presented a commendation to Westport pianist Frederic Chiu for his efforts over the years to use music as a bridge for cross-cultural communication and peace. The presentation took place at a morning ceremony hosted by the Westport impressario at his Beechwood Arts home on Weston Road “to send healing energy through music to the people of France,” where Chiu lived for 12 years and where his children and many other family and friends still reside. He was joined by wife Jeanine Esposito. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

Sen. Richard Blumenthal today offers words of praise for Westport pianist Frederic Chiu for his efforts over the years to use music as a bridge for cross-cultural communication and peace. He spoke at a special reception and concert by Chiu at his Weston Road home. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Westport pianist Frederic Chiu plays musical selections today at a morning ceremony at his home where he was honored with a special commendation by Sen. Richard Blumenthal. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Phyllis Groner for WestportNow.com

Scenes from tonight’s Westport Historical Society Holiday Soiree at Lillian August in Norwalk. Larry Untermeyer, Lynn U. Miller, and J.C. Martin for WestportNow.com

The Westport Historical Society tonight held its Holiday Soiree at the Lillian August Design Center in Norwalk in advance of its annual Holiday House Tour on Sunday. Travis Worrell (l) of Westport Auction and Ed Gerber of the WHS presided over the live auction. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) J.C. Martin for WestportNow.com

Members of the Westport Arts Center’s Teen Advisory Council held their first Music Slam! event tonight. The acoustic jam session involved local teen musicians who were encouraged to bring their own instruments and jump in for an improvisational song or two. Teens enjoyed live music, pizza and community. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Lindsay Heffernan for WestportNow.com

Westport artist Miggs Burroughs today installs a light box featuring an historic postcard of Compo Beach in the newly painted and renovated east tunnel at the Metro-North Westport station at Saugatuck. The art installation is a cooperative venture of the Westport Arts Center and its artistic director emeritus, Helen Klisser During, and the Westport Police Department, which oversees the railroad property. Burroughs created lenticular images of historic Westport scenes and their modern counterparts in 16 light boxes, which are available for sponsorship. Contact the Arts Center for more information. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

Westport Library volunteers today prepared the Great Hall for the 11th annual holiday book and gift sale. Heli Stagg, library retail manager, said all the books are “gift quality” and include many categories including children’s cooking, art, fiction adn no-fiction. She said during the two-day sale an additional 10 percent discount applies to all gift merchandise. “We have lots and lots of shrink wrapped CDs and DVDs too – all discounted,” she said.  All proceeds go to the library. Hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com