Tag Archives: Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Roundup: Cribari Bridge, Parks & Rec, Dave Brubeck …

Posted on February 16, 2024 | 12 comments

After nearly 5 years, there’s finally some action on the William F. Cribari Bridge.

The state Department of Transportation is preparing a long-overdue environmental document. It will examine many issues pertaining to the 133-year-old swing span over the Saugatuck River.

It will include a “preferred alternative” — probably, a replacement.

When the document is published, there will be public hearings and comments. DOT will then forge ahead.

Yesterday, the South Western Region Metropolitan Planning Organization moved ahead with an endorsement for a $4.1 million addition to the DOT’s Transportation Improvement Plan for the design phase for the bridge.

William F. Cribari Bridge (Photo/Sam Levenson)

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Hot off the mic!

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of TCS recently returned from a trip to Israel, with Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel, and congregants from the 2 synagogues.

Soon after he returned, Rabbi Wiederhorn sat with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, for the Y’s Men’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast.

Click below to listen to their informative, emotional conversation.

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Spring and summer Westport Parks & Recreation Department program offerings are now viewable online.

There will be 2 online registration dates.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 5   for Camp Compo and RECing Crew only.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6 for all other spring and summer programs.

Officials urge residents to login in to their online account to verify family information.

In the profile, choose “Manage Family Member” on the bottom right. Then, on the “My Family Members” page, click on the first name in the column. Verify date of birth, and the correct grade (as of December 31, 2024). Then hit “save.”

Unable to log in? Email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152. Office hours are weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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The Westport Fire Department responded with 4 fire engines, 1 ladder truck and the shift commander to a fire last night on Burr Farms Road.

First arriving companies found heavy smoke coming from the garage. Entry was made, and firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.

All occupants safely evacuated the house. There were no injuries.

The WFD reminds everyone to have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their homes. Homeowners were alerted to this fire by a smoke detector.

Westport EMS and Police assisted on scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Aftermath of the Burr Farms Road fire.

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Dave Brubeck — a longtime area resident who earned a Kennedy Center Honor, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, before his death in 2012 a day before his 92nd birthday — lives on.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is set for a special fundraising event March 9, (Westport Library). Proceeds support the Library’s vast array of free programs and offerings.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet is led by Chris (bass and trombone) and Dan Brubeck (drums), sons of the jazz legend. They recorded their first record in 1966. Rounding out the group is guitarist Mike DeMicco and pianist Chuck Lamb.

They have performed across North America and Europe, including Newport, Detroit, Montreal, The Hollywood Bowl, and Monterey Jazz festivals.

General admission tickets are $75. VIP tickets ($125) include a pre-event reception with the Brubeck family and gifts, including a vinyl LP exclusive pressing of “Time OutTakes,” featuring previously unreleased takes from the original Brubeck masterpiece “Time Out” — the first jazz album to sell 1 million copies.

 Click here for tickets, and more information.

Brubeck Brothers Quartet

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Next up in the Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand series: “The Trip To Bountiful” (March 11, 7 p.m.).

Carrie Watts dreams to escape the city, and return to simpler times in her beloved Bountiful, Texas. On her risky journey she encounters kindness and compassion — and makes a remarkable discovery about the true meaning of home.

Click here for tickets ($30), and more information.

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Also at the Playhouse: Rodgers & Hammerstein’s classic musical “Cinderella” — originally seen on Broadway in 2013 — is set for a limited run this weekend and next. Dates are February 17-25.

Click here for more information, including the all-star cast and tickets.

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MoCA Westport’s current “60s Mod” exhibition showcases iconic works by established artists, and submissions from high school artists who interpret the era.

One influential featured artist — and quite appropriate for Black History Month — is the late Richard Hunt. He pioneered using industrial machine imagery as a staple of modern art.

Inspired by modernism and abstract expressionism, the sculptor took to junkyard metals to recreate organic figures. His monuments to civil rights heroes include Martin Luther King Jr., Mary McLeod Bethune, Jesse Owens and Ida B. Wells.

At 35, he was the first African American to have a retrospective at the Museum of Modern Art, and the first to serve on the National Endowment for the Arts governing body. The MoMA has presented 12 exhibitions of his work.

MoCA Westport’s exhibition features a Hunt lithograph and serigraph. The Westport Arts Collection curated this exhibition, and has 21 other prints related to his 3-dimensional sculptures. 

Click here for more information on the exhibit.

Richard Hunt, in his studio.

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In the 1940s, whist parties were all the rage in Weston. James and Cleora Coley — the last owners of the history Coley house — won many tournaments.

They return March 27 (6:30 p.m.), when the Weston History & Culture Center hosts its own event. That’s the site of the same Coley house where James and Cleora lived (and played).

The evening includes its card playing, and retro-inspired snacks and cocktails. Experienced players will be at each table of 4 to teach whist, and assist.

Tickets are $15 each; click here to purchase.

Whist!

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Snowmen linger all over Westport, after Tuesday’s storm.

This one — a bit the worse for wear (and warmer weather) entertains beachgoers at Old Mill:

(Photo/Jill McGrath)

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Meanwhile, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature stars Anne Bernier’s tunnels and perches, made by her son and daughter (ages 15 and 10) for Toby (the dog). They stood yesterday, despite the melting snow.

Today will be mostly sunny, with a high of about 42. Saturday may bring snow showers.

(Photo/Anne Bernier)

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And finally … today is the 101st anniversary of Howard Carter’s unsealing of the burial chamber of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, as well as the birthdays of Sonny Bono (he would have been 89 years old) and Ice-T (66).

I’m pretty sure this is the first time in history that King Tut, Sonny Bono and Ice-T have appeared in the same sentence.

(“06880” is indeed “Where Westport Meets the World.” But we can’t do it without your support. Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

12 Comments

Posted in Arts, Beach, Library, Local politics, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

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Scarice: Community Conversation Planned; Vigilance Needed

Posted on December 16, 2023 | 23 comments

Yesterday, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sent a message to all Westport Public School parents. He wrote:

My apologies for the late timing of my message below. I wanted to be certain that the school community heard directly from me before the weekend.

As many of you are aware, an article circulated Thursday with a Westport parent’s account of antisemitic bullying directed at their child.

This comes at a time when there is a frightening rise in antisemitic incidents in our country. I know this, and am deeply saddened that our Jewish community is understandably feeling so vulnerable.

Let me be clear: antisemitism is vile, and is never tolerated in our schools.

When we receive reports of antisemitism, including those described in the article, we always respond and take action to keep our students safe and issue appropriate consequences, including discipline.

While we do all we can to teach our students about the impact of their words and actions, incidents do occur. For more information about how we address these matters, please see my comments on the “06880” blog.

Today, I spoke with the director of the Connecticut ADL, as well as Rabbis Friedman (Temple Israel) and Wiederhorn (The Conservative Synagogue). They shared with me how members of the Jewish community are feeling, and we had a chance to talk about what we can do moving forward.

As one important step, I am looking forward to joining them in a community conversation next month. I also look forward to continuing these conversations with other members of our community.

We will continue to be vigilant in the face of antisemitism and all other forms of hate. Of course, there’s always more work to be done. We ask that you continue to share any concerns you have with members of our administrative team.

23 Comments

Posted in Education, religion

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“06880” Podcast: Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

Posted on November 13, 2023 | 2 comments

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn has served The Conservative Synagogue in Westport for over 15 years.

He is president of the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston, and past president of the New York Board of Rabbis.

The other day, Rabbi Wiederhorn joined me at the Westport Library for a wide-ranging conversation. He discussed his move from Las Vegas to Westport (“a very good bet”); religious life here; the importance of his interfaith work, and the aftermath of Hamas’ terrorist attacks, both here and in Israel (where his 2 children live; his daughter is part of the IDF).

Rabbi Wiederhorn provides an insightful, nuanced and timely view of his synagogue, his faith, and our town. Click below to view:

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Posted in Library, Media, religion

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Scarice: After Terror Attacks, Schools Care For All Students

Posted on October 20, 2023 | 11 comments

Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel earlier this month is an international event.

But it has local implications.

At the beginning of last night’s Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice spoke heartfully about what the incident means, for our students — and for him.

I can speak on behalf of the Board when I reiterate that our hearts are broken for the unspeakable acts of violence and terror that occurred in Israel the weekend of October 7, and now the continued violence that is sure to engulf the region, and world, for the foreseeable future.

Together with the community, the Westport Public Schools stand against all forms of hate and violence, including of course the desecration of human life, the murder and the kidnappings of innocent citizens in Israel.

With the Board, we stand in solidarity in condemnation of these acts, and ready to support all those impacted by these atrocities.

This week I had the fortune of meeting with 4 of our local rabbis: Rabbi Wiederhorn, Rabbi Friedman, Rabbi Kantor and Rabbi Wall. This will be followed by a subsequent meeting with the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston

I asked for this meeting in search of wisdom and knowledge … but also in search of thought partners in how to best support our Jewish students, and the Jewish community of Westport.

As Rabbi Kantor pointed out to me, there are 15 million Jews in the world, and 7 million live in Israel.

It is not just a high likelihood … it is a fact that many of our Jewish students have a direct connection to family, friends and loved ones in Israel.

That puts our schools in a position where we must provide necessary school- based supports

As Rabbi Wiederhorn pointed out to me, Israel is at war with the terror group Hamas. Collectively our local rabbis want, and pray for, peace with all neighbors, here, and internationally.

I also had the opportunity to connect with former executive director of the Connecticut ADL, Steve Ginsburg.

I had the chance to work with Steve in confronting a very public issue a couple of years ago. We became friends. And as a friend, Steve shared some wisdom with me that I would like to share with the community.

As the local rabbis cautioned me about historical increases in antisemitism following international incidents such as October 7, they noted concern for all students.

Steve also wisely advised that we remain on high alert for incidents of Islamaphobia. He indicated that historically, incidents of Islamaphobia rise following international incidents such as October 7.

We are a public education system.  We have a lane.  Although I am comfortable expressing my moral clarity on violence directed towards innocent children, elderly, families, etc. anywhere, I am mindful of my professional lane when speaking publicly on these matters. And I am quite confident that my comments will not be received with unanimous support.

That said, in my lane, I am the same exact superintendent for each and every one of our approximately 5,400 students.

Our job as public educators is to support the growth and development of our students.

That work is optimized in an environment marked by physical and emotional well-being, one in which students feel safe, and an abiding sense of belonging and affiliation. This is the foundation of all learning.

As I said in my message to the community, as much as we try, the chaos and evils of the outside world penetrate the walls of our schools. When this happens, we respond to the best of our abilities.

Rather than divide and scatter, as chaos and evil can do, we work to pull closer together as a wider Westport school community to serve our students.

This means every student. We won’t be perfect, but it will not be due to a lack of caring.

11 Comments

Posted in Education, Politics

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Scarice Details School Security, Support Efforts After Attack On Israel

Posted on October 14, 2023 | 4 comments

In the wake of last weekend’s attack on Israel — and several security issues that followed this week, at schools across the country — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers these words to the Westport community:

Like all of you I have watched and listened in horror to the atrocities committed in Israel over the past week. Categorically together with you, the Westport Public Schools stand against, and condemn, all forms of hate and violence.

Our job as public educators is to support the growth and development of our students. That work is optimized in an environment marked by physical and emotional well-being, one in which students feel safe, and an abiding sense of belonging and affiliation. This is the foundation of all learning.

As much as we try, the chaos and evils of the outside world penetrate the walls of our schools. When this happens, we respond to the best of our abilities.

Rather than divide and scatter, as chaos and evil can do, we work to pull closer together as a wider Westport school community to serve our students. This is evident in how our teachers and support staff earnestly seek resources to support our students, in how our police and first responders organize to ensure our schools remain safe, and in how local community groups, such as our faith community and town Human Services Department mobilize in times of need.

In the Spirit of Our Shared Humanity
I came across this last night.  In the spirit of our shared humanity, in the face of inhumane acts, I find this to be someone who can sometimes say the difficult things out loud while transcending whatever boundaries exist between us.  I’m dating myself a bit here, and I’m not even a diehard U2 fan, but as I experienced a range of emotions this week, from abject sadness to outright fury, his voice and language spoke to me, and I hope it resonates with you.

School Security
Given the current and enduring climate of social media, I’d like to reiterate my security message to the school community from September. I expect a continued assault on our senses from social media in the coming weeks and months. Social media has proven to exploit some of the very worst of humanity. These messages will likely stir profound fear.

Yet I want to assure our school community that we have tremendous resources in place to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff.

Last month the town approved funding for additional armed police officers who are assigned exclusively to our campuses. These 4 school security officers are dedicated entirely to patrol our campuses.  They do not act as general patrol officers for our town, but as police officers for our school campuses.

One SSO is assigned to each of the following:  Coleytown Middle and Elementary; Kings Highway/Saugatuck Elementary, Staples High/Bedford Middle, and Greens Farms/Long Lots.  Their schedules align with arrival and dismissal times of the schools.

In addition to these 4 police officers assigned to our schools, the district hosts another police officer, a school resource officer at Staples High School. This officer implements the “triad model” of “school resource officer policing”: educator, informal counselor, law enforcement officer.

Ed Wooldridge is Staples’ highly regarded and very popular school resource officer.

Furthermore, each school has a full-time security guard who is assigned to the interior of our schools.  Together with the building administration, each security guard is in close contact with each campus assigned SSO.

As the building administration and security guards work to ensure safety inside our schools, the SSOs are assigned to patrol our school campuses, school grounds, and assist with traffic, pedestrians, and overall safety measures. SSOs are invited in our schools by building administrators when necessary.

Above all, these additional officers significantly increase response time in the event of an emergency, a critical strategy in school security.

We are on high alert every day. This is the reality of school security in the modern world. We are well resourced and prepared each day to provide a safe learning environment.

Other Responsive Efforts to Coordinate Support for Students
In order to coordinate our responsive efforts, I discussed our approach with the PTA presidents from all 8 schools in our monthly meeting on Wednesday. This group is instrumental in providing me feedback from the parent population.  Furthermore, this group of parent leaders/volunteers offers consequential input into the district’s decisions and has an ongoing opportunity to share insights and feedback from the parent population. I am a better educational leader as a result of their critical feedback.

In addition, I reached out to Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, president of the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston, to schedule a meeting next week with the local rabbis as I seek additional guidance on how to best support our Jewish students. This will be followed by a subsequent meeting with the Interfaith Clergy Association of Westport and Weston.

Our team has been in contact with Jewish Family Services in order to coordinate and provide support to Jewish families or staff in need. Jewish Family Services provides open office hours with trained social workers who offer clinical support in the following areas for those in need:

  • coping with emotional responses to trauma
  • expressing grief and fear
  • finding comfort in community

Finally, I held the monthly meeting of our district Leadership Team, composed of all 45 district administrators. We reviewed our security protocols, discussed how to best support students and staff, and coordinated resources within, and outside, the school buildings.

Support for Families In Talking with Your Children
One of our roles as educators is to provide parents with resources to support the development of your children. Although this is a very challenging topic, the following resources should prove helpful if you are struggling with a discussion with your child:

Please do not hesitate to contact one of our counselors, school psychologists, or building administrators if you need additional support and guidance with your child.

4 Comments

Posted in Education, Police, Politics, religion

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Roundup: Post-Election, Police Reports, NY Post …

Posted on November 17, 2022 | 5 comments

The League of Women Voters welcomed Westport’s registrars of voters — Democrat Deb Greenberg and Republican Marie Signore — for post-election coffee yesterday, at VFW Post 399.

The registrars said that nearly 65% of eligible Westporters voted in last week’s election The statewide average was 57%.

They noted an increase in young voters, and hailed the efforts of Staples High School students — many of them not yet eligible to cast ballots — for their work at the polls.

“We have amazing poll workers,” Greenberg said. “The first things we do after an election are thank them, and pay them.”

Connecticut LWV president Laura Smith said that for registrars everywhere, Election Day is long, but satisfying and worthwhile.

Smith also hailed the voting process in Connecticut. “It’s safe and secure,” she said. “There are so many checks and balances.”

Though it may mean more work for registrars, there was praise that a ballot measure to allow the General Assembly to provide for early voting passed, by about a 60-40 margin.

If legislators approve, details like where exactly to vote, and for how long, would be ironed on. Connecticut is one of only 4 states — with Alabama, Mississippi and New Hampshire — to not provide early voting.

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The Westport Police have released arrest reports for November 9-16.

Six people were detained in custody.

One had many counts: larceny, 1st degree; conspiracy to commit larceny; forgery; conspiracy to commit forgery; telephone fraud; conspiracy to commit telephone fraud; criminal impersonation; conspiracy to commit criminal impersonation; illegal use of credit card; conspiracy to commit illegal use of credit card; fraudulent use of automated teller machine; conspiracy to commit fraudulent use of automated teller machine; identity theft; conspiracy to commit identity theft. and failure to appear.

An accomplice was charged with larceny 4th degree; forgery; telephone fraud; illegal use of credit card; criminal impersonation; fraudulent use of automated teller machine; identity theft — and conspiracy to commit all those acts.

There was one arrest for identity theft; receipt of money, goods, services by illegal credit card use; larceny, 2nd degree; forgery, and criminal impersonation.

One person was arrested for possession of controlled substance (narcotics); drug paraphernalia; tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, and interfering with an officer/simple assault.

One person was charged with 2 counts of both larceny, 6th degree, and conspiracy to commit a crime.

One person was charged with violation of a restraining order (threatening).

The following citations were issued:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Stop signal violation: 2
  • Insurance fails to meet minimum requirements: 2
  • Failure to grant right of way; 1
  • Stop sign violation: 1
  • Failure to obey control signal: 1
  • Failure to keep plates readable: 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Simple trespass: 1
  • Public disturbance: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1.

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Arline Gertzoff was a proud 1964 Staples High School graduate. After her death this fall, Staples Tuition Grants has created an award in her honor.

STG encourages Arline’s many friends — from her work with the jUNe Day United Nations hospitality committee, to the Representative Town Meeting and local politics — to donate in Arline’s honor. Click here for that link; click here to learn more about Arline.

Staples Tuition Grants provides over $400,000 a year, to over 100 graduating seniors and alumni already in college. Click here to learn more about STG.

Arline Gertzoff

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The long Thanksgiving weekend will be filled with activities at Earthplace. They’re perfect for visiting relatives and friends (and everyone else).

Two miles of trails are open from dawn to dusk. Walk off your Thanksgiving turkey — or see one in the wild. The 62-acre wildlife sanctuary includes fields, forests, ponds and a stream. Some trails are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Click here for a trail map.

“Saturdays at Earthplace”: Explore the sanctuary, create art, climb trees, identify flora and fauna, get dirty, catch bugs and enjoy the great outdoors. All ages. Click here for details.

Family campfire (Saturday, November 26, 1:30 to 3 p.m.). A guided activity with s’mores and animals. Click here for details.

“Story and Animal Program” runs Mondays through Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. For children 5 and under. Click here for details.

Birds of prey feeding takes place daily at 11 a.m. Learn about diets, behavior and care.  Click here for details.

Earthplace also offers holiday shopping (reusable water bottles and travel straws, t-shirts, hoodies, hats, stuffed animals, books, honey and more), and science box kits with themes like acids and bases, birds, ecosystems, plants, pollution and polymer ($35 per box; call 203-557-4400 or email info@earthplace.org).

One of Earthplace’s many trails. (Photo/Rowene Weems)

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The New York Post does not often cover high culture.

But the tabloid takes note of Beechwood’s Arts & Innovation Series — as well as Beechwood itself.

The Weston Road home of internationally renowned pianist Frederic Chiu and his wife, artist Jeanine Esposito, is on the market for $2.59 million. Built in 1806, the magnificent 7-bedroom home on 2.63 acres has been the site of a decades-long series of events, bringing together creative people from the worlds of music, art, dance, design, food and more.

The Post recounts some of Beechwood’s history too, from visits by Abraham Lincoln, George Washington and Frederick Law Olmsted (and possibly Buffalo Bill and Rock Hudson).

Click here for the full New York Post story. Click here for the real estate listing.

Beechwood

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The Staples High School girls soccer team is getting ready to defend their state championship.

The Wreckers got 3 goals from the Chudowsky sisters — 2 by Natalie, 1 from Evelyn — to shut out Glastonbury 3-0 last night, at Naugatuck High. Staples was ranked 3rd in the state “LL” (extra large school) tournament. The Titans were 2nd.

This Saturday or Sunday (day and time TBD) at Trinity Health (formerly Dillon) Stadium in Hartford, coach Barry Beattie’s squad will face top-rated Cheshire. They edged Ridgefield 2-1 in the other semifinal.

Last year the Wreckers and Ridgefield shared the title, after tying 0-0 through 80 minutes of regulation play, and 30 minutes of overtime.

This year, one team will definitely win. State tourney rules have been changed, adding penalty kicks to decide a winner instead of co-champions.

The Staples girls soccer team. (Photo/JC Martin courtesy of Westport Local Press)

In other Staples sports news, sophomore Annam Olasewere broke 2 state records in the girls swimming state meet.

Her 1:47.86 finish at 200 meters smashed a 17-year-old mark. Annam then busted her own record by .26 seconds in the 100 freestyle with a 49.88 time.

Overall, the Wreckers finished 5th, with 431 points. Ridgefield won the team title, with 761.

Annam Olasawere

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Greens Farms Academy’s new theater director Kellie Comer is getting ready for her first musical there.

The Upper School’s “The Lightning Thief” opens tonight (Thursday, 7:30 p.m.). Shows continue tomorrow and Sunday at 7:30, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $5 at the door. Click here to read more about the show, and its director.

Kellie Comer (Photo courtesy of GFA Dragon Digest)

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Fitness studios are not often known for the art on their walls. But TAP Strength is not your average health-and-wellness spot.

The downtown space was filled last night for an art show. Miggs Burroughs, Bonnie Edelman and Alex Silver displayed their work.

Today at TAP, it’s back to working out.

Ola Bassio (left) ws the model for artist Miggs’ Burroughs sign-language work. (Photo/dan Woog)

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Also last night: The Conservative Synagogue‘s Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn and his wife Riki were feted by the New York Board of Rabbis. The couple received a 2022 Humanitarian of the Year Award, at the Pierre Hotel.

A former president of the board, Rabbi Wiederhorn’s most recent humanitarian effort was delivering clothing, food and other aid to Ukrainian refugees in Poland, in the early days of Ukraine’s war with Russia.

The rabbi and his wife were in good company last night. Former US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer received the same Humanitarian of the Year honor.

Rabbi Jeremy and Riki Wiederhorn, at last night’s awards ceremony. (Photo/Avi Kaner)

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Neither Matt Murray nor I know what kind of bird this is.

But we’re sure “06880” readers can identify today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, taken on Hillspoint Road.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of today’s Great American Smokeout:

(If you enjoy our daily Roundup, please consider contributing to “06880.” Click here to help.)

 

 

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Posted in Environment, Police, Real estate, religion, Sports

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Roundup: Voters’ Guide, Traffic Study, Halloween …

Posted on October 28, 2022 | 2 comments

The print version of the Westport League of Women Voters’ voter guide has gone the way of much of the print media: It’s disappeared..

But the LWV still provides important information. And it works for anyone, anywhere in the United States.

Just click on vote411.org. Enter your address. You’ll see every race being contested at your polling place. Clicking any office and candidate’s name brings up plenty of background information.

It’s a rich resource. And a lot better way to decide who to vote for than yard signs. (Hat tip: Charles Wiseman)

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In August, the Board of Finance unanimously approved funds for a traffic and safety study of Cross Highway, at the North Avenue and Bayberry Lane intersections.

Monitoring devices have been installed. They’ll measure things like traffic volume and patterns.

No — they’re not cameras catching stop sign violators.

Although that might not be a bad idea.

Traffic monitoring device at North Avenue/Cross Highway stop sign. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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Westport Chinese Takeout — the bare bones, simply named but popular restaurant on Saugatuck Avenue at Franklin Street, closed recently.

The location is historic. It was the original site of the Arrow Restaurant. The Nistico family eventually moved their famed Italian eatery to larger digs on Charles Street.

When the Arrow’s run ended there, it became Jasmine — a Chinese restaurant. When that closed, the owners opened the much smaller Westport Chinese Takeout — in the Arrow’s first spot.

Jasmine then became Blu Parrot, and later Mystic Market. Now it too is gone.

And the original Chinese Takeout owners sold to others too.

For now, a phone message says: “We’re sorry. Westport Chinese Takeout is no longer in business. In the meantime, we’re getting ready to bring you the best of Peruvian food at this location. We’ll see you soon!” 9(Hat tip: 

Westport Chinese Takeout is now closed.

Halloween alert: Tomorrow (Saturday, October 29, 2 to 4 p.m.) — not Monday — the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston hosts their annual (and very popular) “Trunk or Treat,” 

The parking lot will be filled with car trunks from church and community members, Staples PRIDE, and more, decorated for (non-scary) Halloween. Kids (up to age 12) can pick up candy and other goodies.

It’s free for the community — but there’s a chance to give back too. The church is collecting canned goods for the Person to Person food pantry. A donation of 5 cans of food per child attending is requested.

All (kids up to age 12) are indeed welcome at the United Methodist Church’s “Trunk or Treat” tomorrow. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of Halloween: Wednesday’s downtown parade was a smashing success.

We can’t ask the kids — they’re still devouring their candy — so here’s the perspective of a parent. Tyler Errickson writes:

“Westport is a special town, and my son Henry had a special time at the Halloween parade. He was proud to mount the Westport fire truck, on a very special day.”

Henry Errickson, on a fire truck at the Halloween parade. (Photo/Tyler Errickson)

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Jonathan Alloy reports on a long-running projecct:

“The bridge on Bayberry Road North Extension saw major progress on Thursday: The deck rails arrived.

“Each of the 7 concrete and steel rails is more than 50 feet long, and weighs over 19 tons.

“They came from Vermont, each on its own special 24-wheel trailer truck. A portable crane lifted them into place.

“Instead of being flat, the rails are built with a camber (arc) to allow for flex with weight and weather. Inside the concrete, steel cables allow for that bending.”

The trucks caused a traffic mess on Bayberry. Westport Police soon straightened things out.

Plenty of work remains. But yesterday marked a big step forward.

Trucks line Bayberry Lane yesterday morning …

… and work is completed yesterday afternoon. (Photos/Jonathan Alloy)

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Everyone in the world knows about TED Talks.

Everyone in Westport should know about TEA Talks.

The free Thinkers, Educators, Actors — “TEA” — event returns to the Westport Library on Sunday, November 6. Among the notables: an Emmy-winning composer, Oscar-nominated filmmaker, former Westport Teacher of the Year, and many more.

They’ll share the Trefz Forum stage, to explore provocative, topical subjects in the arts. Particularly apt for an event impacted for 2 years by COVID, they’ll consider the effects of recent history on creativity in film, music and visual art.

Were home-bound artists more or less creative? What new ways were discovered to express one’s creativity? Does the public now consume the arts differently from the way it did before?

Westport textile and fashion designer Shobana Mani converses with Oscar-nominated New York City filmmaker Kevin Wilson Jr.

Dr. Richard Epstein (Westport musician, dentist and WPKN radio host) speaks with Emmy Award-winning composer, music supervisor and pianist Michael Whalen

Westport 2013 Teacher of the year Cecily Anderson discusses the state of the arts with Westport artist Tom Berntsen and Norwalk street-muralist 5ive Fingaz.

TEA Talks is sponsored by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee. An audience Q-and-A and refreshments follow the presentation. For more information, click here.

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There’s a big honor ahead for The Conservative Synagogue‘s Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn and his wife Riki.

Next month, the New York Board of Rabbis presents the Westport couple with  Humanitarian Award.

They’ll be in good company. Receiving the same award: former US Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer.

The event is November 16, at the Pierre Hotel. Click here for tickets and more information. (Hat tip: Avi Kaner)

Riki and Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn.

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Speaking of honors: The Westport Garden Club earned several honors at this week’s Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut’s 93rd annual awards luncheon.

The club received the Certificate of Achievement – Arboreal for planting a swamp white oak at Grace Salmon Park for “Oaktober 2021.”

They also won a Certificate of Achievement – Historic, Memorial and Public Gardens for their 2022 renovation of the Nevada Hitchcock Garden at the Cross Highway/Weston Road intersection.  The garden — established in 1941 — was reworked to focus on native and pollinator plantings.

Two members received individual awards. Andi Turner was given a Certificate of Individual Achievement for her work as horticultural chair. At each meeting, she shares well researched and informative best practices .

The Tribute Award in Landscape Design went to Ellen Greenberg, a Westport Garden Club past president, for her leadership in the club and community, involving a diverse array of partners including the Waltersville School Garden Project with Pivot Ministries, Wakeman Town Farm Pollinator Gardens, a Kaboom playground project in Bridgeport, and  Aspetuck Land Trust’s Green Corridor Initiative and Haskins Preserve Project.

Westport Garden Club members at the Nevada Hitchcock Garden.

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Many Westporters know Pippa Bell Ader for her environmental activism.

She’s also a talented potter. Next Thursday (November 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), she’ll sell her work at the Westport Farmers’ Market (Imperial Avenue parking lot).

All money raised at the “Urban Farming and Food Justice” fundraiser go to Green Village Initiative. The non-profit grows food, knowledge, leadership and community, through urban gardening and farming, to create a more just food system in Bridgeport.

Can’t make it to the Farmers’ Market, but interested in helping Pippa and GVI? Email bellader@gmail.com.

Pippa Bell Ader’s pottery.

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MoCA Westport’s next 2 “Cocktails and Conversation” events are set.

On November 3 (6 p.m.), Diana Mashia — founder and CEO of Invest In Her Art — discusses “the power of story, and the role that narratives play in shaping identity, fandom, advocacy and positive social impact.” She’ll lead a conversation around “how to better utilize stories and the arts to build awareness and advance women and non-binary people.” Click here to register.

On November 10 (6 p.m.), exhibition co-curators Tom Berntsen, Liz Leggett and Ruth Mannes describes the design and installation of MoCA’s current exhibition, “From the Pen to the Knife,” and the fascinating story of artist Marian Christy. Click here to register.

Both events are free; advance registration is requested. Access to the exhibit beforehand is free; cocktails and drinks are available for purchase.

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You may have to slow down to read this Halloween-themed sign on Bridge Street, near the Cribari Bridge:

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

It says “Fast Drivers are Scary.”

That’s true all year round. But especially now when it gets dark early, but people are still out walking, running and riding bikes.

Slow down — particularly on Halloween!

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Here’s another Halloween photo:

(Photo/Anne Bernier)

Anne Bernier explains: “Anyone has seen ‘Stranger Things 4’ episode 3 (or has heard the Kate Bush song ‘Running Up that Hill’) will understand the floating Halloween decoration my 8th grader Luke created. Hopefully it won’t scare off any potential trick-or-treaters.”

Beware: It’s in the Old Hill neighborhood.

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Yogi Bear has appeared in “06880” before.

But never like. Cathy Malkin snapped this great “Westport … Naturally” photo the other day.

Because what’s more natural than a pair of skeletons hanging out in lawn chairs on Fairfield Avenue?

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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And finally … Charlie Daniels was born on this day, in 1936. The singer/ songwriter/guitarist/fiddler died in 2020, at 83, after a stroke.

(Once again, “06880” is jam-packed with stuff. Once again, we hope you’ll click here to support our work.)

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Posted in Environment, Politics, religion, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Unsung Heroes #233

Posted on March 30, 2022 | 1 comment

The drumbeat of news from Ukraine is relentless. It’s tragic, horrific, frightening  — there really are not enough words to convey how Westporters feel.

Sitting safely thousands of miles away, we wonder what we can do.

Some, like Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn and Buck Rosenfeld, travel overseas to help.

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, with supplies.

Others, like Stephan Taranko and Mark Yurkiw — both with Ukrainian heritage — use their words and art to keep the plight of their countrymen in the forefront of our minds.

Mark Yurkiw, with his Ukraine installation on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

Still others, like Darcy Hicks and Bean Corcoran, organize rallies.

Miggs Burroughs at last weekend’s rally. The QR code provides quick access to donations through Save the Children Ukraine. (Photos/Rowene Weems Photography)

And many, many more — our neighbors and friends — respond to requests by organizations like Wakeman Town Farm to collect clothes, toys, medical supplies and money.

Those who help are not doing it to be heroic. The true heroes are on the ground, 4,500 miles from Westport.

But many people here do what they can. If you’ve done anything over the past month — organized or attended a rally, donated needed goods or funds, posted information on social media, flew a flag, whatever — thank you.

It’s a small gesture, but it speaks volumes. Mark Mathias has changed his outdoor lights, to show support for the embattled nation of Ukraine. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

And keep doing it. It does make a difference.

(Photo/Susan Woog Wagner)

 

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Rabbi Wiederhorn’s Mission

Posted on March 14, 2022 | 2 comments

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of The Conservative Synagogue is a man on a mission — to Ukraine.

He reports:

Our group of 18 rabbis arrived in Warsaw [yesterday] afternoon with huge duffel bags of medical supplies and luggage filled with clothing, food, and other humanitarian items.

After leaving the airport, we traveled to the JCC in Warsaw where we were met by the Chief Rabbi of Poland, Michael Shudrich, and other members of the Jewish community. Rabbi Shudrich explained how the community quickly formed a Crisis Management Center to address the refugee crisis.

Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn, with supplies.

We learned that there are 3 types of Jewish refugees who come to Poland: those who plan to make Aliyah to Israel; those who have friends or family in Poland or other countries and are looking to join them, and those who really don’t know where there want to go.

This third category of refugees are the most vulnerable and in need of assistance. Throughout the day, while we encountered the work of the Jewish community in Poland, we were told repeatedly that they are helping everyone, whether they are Jewish or not. Nobody is asked whether they are Jewish when they come seeking help.

Next, we went to Novotel, a hotel that is serving as the center for the Jewish Agency for Israel, and where refugees can obtain visas in order to make Aliyah. We met with several refugees who are making Aliyah on Tuesday. Their stories are heartbreaking.

Among the people we met was “Katya,” who recently crossed the border with her 9- and 4-year-old sons, leaving her husband behind to fight in Ukraine. She said until the Russian tanks got close to her town, they didn’t believe they would have to leave their home — they simply could not imagine this happening just a couple of weeks ago.

The volunteers who are working around the clock said that the refugees are coming with lots of strollers and very little luggage. They are overwhelmingly women and children (the men are in the army), and they are arriving with essentially the clothes on their back.

From Novotel we headed towards Lublin, stopping at Srodborow along the way. There, at a refugee transit center, we delivered the non-medical supplies we brought with us.

We also met with the President of Warsaw Jewish community, Leszek Piszewski, who explained how they have organized the community to help. My wife’s 4th and 5th grade classes at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy had made cards. I delivered them to the refugees who are making Aliyah, as well as the children at the transit center in Srodborow.

Delivering cards, from the Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy.

In Lublin we went to Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin, a yeshiva that was one of the largest in the world in the 1930s. Today the Yeshiva is Hotel Ilan, which serves as a refugee donation center and temporary housing facility.

We met Agnes Littman, a young Jewish woman from Lublin who runs a dance school during the day and helps run the refugee donation center at night. She hasn’t slept much since the end of February. Agnes told us that many of the refugees not only come to “receive,” but they also offer to help others as well, however they can.

Now back at the hotel after a late night, we are getting on the bus at 6 a.m. to travel to the Ukrainian border. We will deliver medical supplies while visiting a train station and border crossings.

B’virkat Shalom (with blessings of peace),
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn

(Hat tip: Avi Kaner)

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Posted in Politics, religion

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Scarice Offers Update On Cheshire Football Game Bias Allegations

Posted on September 30, 2021 | 6 comments

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice provides this update on allegations of antisemitism and racism at last Friday’s Staples High School football game, at Cheshire High: 

As the community is aware, there were allegations made on social media Friday evening including: antisemitic and racist comments made in the stands, the presence of a Confederate flag, and the waving of an Israeli flag. Since that time,  the voices of individual students throughout this investigation have given us a clearer picture of events and a constructive plan to move forward.

School administrators and law enforcement from both Cheshire and Westport immediately commenced investigations. From the outset the Anti-Defamation League, through Connecticut Regional Director Steve Ginsburg, offered and provided their support to both communities.

Over the past 5 days the town’s respective athletic directors, high school principals, first selectmen and police chiefs communicated directly with each other. I have spoken to the Cheshire Superintendent nearly every day since Friday.

The Cheshire Public Schools administration and police departments have shared their findings with our administration as a result of their interviews with eyewitnesses, including the 2 students who brought the Israeli flag to the game. Seven Staples cheer team students were interviewed by Staples principal Stafford Thomas, as well as a student of color who was the recipient of disgusting racial slurs via social media.

Screen shot of the Israeli flag, in the Cheshire High School student section. It was later removed.

Along with Chief Foti Koskinas, First Selectman Jim Marpe and Steve Ginsburg, I had the opportunity to meet with Westport area rabbis and Jewish communal leaders on Monday, as well as a group of Westport community Black leaders yesterday. This proved to be critically important, as Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of The Conservative Synagogue followed up by speaking directly to Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Scolnic of Temple Beth Shalom in Hamden, who knows the students who brought and waved the Israeli flag.

Finally, the time between last Friday night and today provided Westport community members the opportunity to share any eyewitness accounts, as well as their thoughts and concerns.

From the beginning, the Westport Public Schools fully committed to finishing our investigation by speaking with every student or community member personally impacted by these events. The process was thorough and comprehensive. I am confident that we have clarity on what happened Friday night, as well as a constructive plan to move forward.

An Israeli flag was waved throughout much of the game Friday night by 2 Cheshire students, particularly when Cheshire scored or Staples committed a penalty. After halftime, members of our cheer team approached the Cheshire Police to ask that the Israeli flag be taken down. Although the Cheshire Police and administration confirm they directed the students to take the flag down, there are Staples student reports of the flag waving later in the game.

After the game the social media account, “Wreckers SuperFans,” and the Staples cheer team, posted an image on Instagram of the Israeli flag waving in the Cheshire student section with a message about anti-Semitic and racist remarks and insulting chants throughout the game, as well as the waving of the Confederate flag.

Staples Superfans waved a banner in 2018.

Both school administrations confirmed that chants of “Daddy’s money” were directed at Staples students and players.  This was not done in unison with the waving of the Israeli flag. Racist or antisemitic chants were not corroborated.  There is no corroboration of the presence or sighting of a Confederate flag.

The Staples and Cheshire “SuperFans” respectfully communicated late Friday evening through social media, and the “Wreckers SuperFans” took down the post following that discussion.  The cheer team post was taken down following a communication with the Staples cheer coach.

Saturday morning, a Staples student of color who was not at the game posted a comment on a friend’s Instagram responding to the earlier post about the game.  He posted, “The audacity.” What transpired in response was a series of horrific and unspeakable racial slurs directed towards this Staples student. The source of the slurs was an untraceable “burner” account, which is a social media account used to post anonymously to avoid having posts traced. This is most disturbing, and we offered to provide support for this student.

In the investigation, the Cheshire administration shared that the 2 students who waved the Israeli flag are Jewish. and that they brought the flag to the game because it was a school spirit “Red, White & Blue Nite” in the student section. In response to doubts about this claim, in my meeting with the Westport area rabbis and Jewish communal leaders on Monday, Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of The Conservative Synagogue offered to speak directly to the Rabbi of Temple Beth David in Cheshire to offer his services in resolving this matter.

Rabbi Wiederhorn was referred to Temple Beth Shalom in Hamden, where the 2 boys worship, and spoke directly to Rabbi Dr. Benjamin Scolnic. Rabbi Scolnic shared that he has known the boys their entire lives, that he knows them very well, that they are not mean-spirited,  and that they are very proud Jews. Rabbi Scolnic is completely confident that there was no malice or antisemitism intended, and that unfortunately these accusations have mischaracterized the 2 boys.

Based on feedback from the Cheshire administration, the Cheshire police department, the Westport area rabbis and Jewish communal leaders, Rabbi Scolnic, and our partners with the ADL, I have no reason to question these conclusions.

High school sporting events can be raucous and intense. The school spirit from these events can be palpable. However, for visiting teams, these types of events can be intimidating. Traditionally in high school sports, the goal of the fan section is to vigorously cheer for the home team, while at times taunting and making the visiting team uncomfortable.

Some members of our community have questioned the intent of the waving of the Israeli flag. In fairness, our Staples athletes and fans have experienced antisemitism at athletic events in the past. Westport has a considerable Jewish community, and approximately one-third of the cheer team is Jewish.

The waving of the Israeli flag at a high school sporting event played against a town with a considerable Jewish population is peculiar. It is not necessarily right or wrong, but in my 25+ years in education, I have never witnessed the Israeli flag, or any other national flag except the U.S. flag, waved at a high school sports event.

The series of events, the history of antisemitism directed towards our students, the peculiarity of the waving of the Israeli flag at a football game, along with the intensity of the night, contributed to a considerable sense of threat on the part of Staples students. It is critically important to affirm the impact of the night on our students and to support them as we constructively move forward, and to meaningfully learn from these events.

Again, I have no reason to question the conclusions of the Cheshire administration, the Cheshire police department, the Westport area rabbis and Jewish communal leaders, Rabbi Scolnic of Temple Beth Shalom, and our partners with the ADL.

However, it is important to note again that heinous, racist, untraceable messages were indeed sent through social media to a Staples student of color in the aftermath of this game. These messages have been turned over to the police, and we will continue to offer support to this student.

In discussions with Cheshire Superintendent Dr. Jeff Solan, and with valuable feedback from the Staples cheer team parents and Connecticut Regional Director of the ADL Steve Ginsburg, Dr. Solan and I will offer an invitation to the Cheshire and Staples students involved to convene, facilitated by the ADL, so that amends can be made and appropriate closure can be provided to both groups of students. In dealing with young adults, there are opportunities for learning experiences in events such as these.

Finally, we invite all of the students involved to participate together in the “Walk Against Hate” on October 10 in Hartford.

The administration is committed to encouraging and supporting students who come forward with concerns about how they, or others, are treated.  Going forward, the district will clarify the reporting process for students with concerns at athletic events and extracurricular activities.

Again, it is critical that the community understands the level of transparency and thoroughness that we have taken to address this matter. We remain committed to fighting antisemitism and racism in any form.

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Posted in Police, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

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