Tag Archives: ADL Connecticut

Scarice: Update On “No Place For Hate,” Phone-Free Schools, AI Vision, More …

Posted on May 29, 2025 | 5 comments

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sends this update to all families of the school community:

Although the weather does not quite feel like it, we are rapidly approaching the end of the school year. My house is now full again with 2 returning college students joining their little brother, a high school junior, for summer break. The fridge is emptying faster, the laundry pile is growing taller, and the Wi-Fi is under more pressure than ever — but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’d like to provide the school community with some updates as we begin to close out the school year.

Last Student Day/Graduation
Our last student day will be an early dismissal on June 13.  The Staples High School Class of 2025 graduation is scheduled for June 11, at 6:00 p.m. on the football field.

We are almost there!  With longer days (when it’s actually sunny!), spring sports and activities, and our collective attention span pointing towards summer, it can be challenging for our kids to stay engaged. In the spirit of a strong finish, we ask for your partnership in keeping our students engaged over the final couple of weeks.

Field Days
Field days are a cherished tradition in our elementary schools.  We have worked to provide access for parent spectators this year, quite a challenge with parking constraints.

In addition, Staples will hold the first annual Staples Field Day (“Wrecker Fest ‘25″). Even with less than ideal weather conditions forecasted, these days will provide lasting memories for our students, staff and families.

Celebrating Our Commitment: All WPS Schools Designated as “No Place for Hate”
This year, our district deepened our decades-long partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) by committing each of our 8 schools to earn the “No Place for Hate” designation, a national, student-led initiative aimed at combating bias and bullying.

I am thrilled to share that every one of our schools has met the criteria to be officially recognized as a “No Place for Hate” school.

This milestone reflects the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff who have led meaningful, school-specific activities that promote empathy, respect, and understanding. The program empowers school communities to stand against all forms of prejudice and build a culture of inclusion.

The “No Place for Hate” initiative aligns with our district’s long-standing belief that a safe and supportive learning environment is foundational to student success. As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing schools where every student feels a strong sense of belonging.

Phone-Free Schools Update
Last June, I recommended restricting access to smartphones and wearable technology during the school day across all grade levels.

Since then, our phone-free initiative has been successfully implemented across all elementary and middle schools. Students at these levels now benefit from a learning environment free from the distractions of personal devices.

Throughout this year, we have continued to study and discuss extending this approach to Staples High School, culminating in my final recommendation to the Board of Education on May 15 (see pages 14-36) to establish a bell-to-bell phone-free school day.

The Board expressed support for this direction, while requesting that a detailed implementation plan be developed before final approval.

We are now taking the next step.

This summer, the administrative team will draft a comprehensive implementation plan. This will address key considerations, including:

  • Operational logistics and containment mechanisms
  • Implications for classroom instruction
  • Potential phased-in approaches and flexibility for upperclassmen
  • Strategies to ensure clarity and consistency

Once the draft is complete, it will be reviewed and refined with input from a working group composed of faculty, students, and parents.

Importantly, the charge of this group is not to determine whether to move forward with a phone-free day, but to guide how we implement it effectively.

We look forward to working in partnership with our school community as we take this important step toward enhancing focus, well-being, and authentic engagement at Staples. We will continue to share updates as this work progresses.

A Bold Strategic Vision for AI in Westport Public Schools

As I’ve shared throughout the year, I made a bold recommendation to the Board of Education: to position Westport Public Schools as a national leader in public education’s artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

This vision began to take shape in real time. This year, Westport was honored to be one of only seven districts in Connecticut selected to participate in a statewide AI pilot program. The pilot was a resounding success—allowing us to explore where AI can meaningfully enhance teaching and learning, and just as importantly, where it may not yet be appropriate or effective.

Guided by our unwavering commitment to maintaining the humanity of our schools, and to augment—not replace—the work of our educators, we are taking the next step.

This summer, we will be developing a set of strategic objectives for AI that clearly define Westport’s vision for the thoughtful integration of this powerful tool. These objectives will address four key areas:

  • AI and the Student
  • AI and the Teacher
  • Ethical Considerations
  • Operational Efficiencies
  • “Future-Proofing” Our Schools

Our work will be framed by a set of essential questions that guide inquiry, reflection, and innovation, each embedding our values. The resulting draft plan will be shared with the Board of Education, culminating in a final presentation when we reconvene in September.

Westport’s leadership in this space is not just about technology—it’s about ensuring our students and teachers are prepared, protected, and empowered in a rapidly changing world.

My best to you and your family.

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Posted in Education

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Roundup: Gillespie Center Rededication, ADL “Hitler Snowman” Statement, RTM & BOF Meetings …

Posted on February 11, 2025 | 4 comments

Governor Ned Lamont cut the ribbon yesterday, at the rededication of the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place in downtown Westport.

With 15 and 5 beds respectively — and a newly expanded food pantry, renovated kitchen, and additional meeting rooms — the Homes with Hope facility is better equipped than ever to serve underhoused and hungry residents.

Lamont was joined by Connecticut Housing Commissioner Seila Mosquerra-Bruno, State Senator Ceci Maher, State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore,, Homes with Hope CEO and president Helen McAlinden, Homes with Hope co-founder and former director Rev. Peter Powell, Westport Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and several Representative Town Meeting members.

The Gillespie Center is named for the shelter’s co-founder, Dr. Jim Gillespie. Hoskins Place honors another early housing supporter, Rev. Ted Hoskins of Saugatuck Congregational Church.

The ceremony also included Susie’s Place. Formerly known as Project Return — and named for that organization’s former director Susiei Basler — the Compo Road North house has room for 6 at-risk women, ages 18-24.

After renovations, it will open April 1.

To learn more about Homes with Hope and its services, click here.

Homes with Hope CEO, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker nad Governor Ned Lamont (center, holding scissors and ribbon), at yesterday’s Gillespie Center rededication.

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A statewide organization reacted swiftly to yesterday’s story about a snowman fashioned to look like Adolf Hitler, in the Newman Poses Preserve.

Calling themselves “deeply concerned,” ADL Connecticut said: “The swastika is the symbol adopted by Hitler as the primary emblem of the Nazis. The Holocaust was a singularly evil event, and it is inappropropriate and offensive to make light of it. At a time of rising hate and antisemitism, we call upon community leaders to speak out against this hate. Hate is not child’s play.”

The ADL sent a report about hate and harassment. “Swastikas are very prevalent in gaming and online, and kids see them often,” they said. Click here to read.

Westport’s Democratic Town Committee reposted the ADL’s message, echoing it in “the strongest of terms.”

TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey Jr. sent a statement to “06880.” Noting it was “personal” — not from the town’s multicultural organization — he said, “Whether hidden on a remote trail or in plain sight, such homages to hatred are heinous and must be condemned.

While some forces within our nation are pushing us pell-mell toward the outlawing of even their discussion, we must steel ourselves at every level to call them out and see them for the poison they represent to our community, and humanity itself.”

The “Hitler” snowman, in Newman Poses Preserce.

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The Representative Town Meeting Planning & Zoning, and Environment, Committees meet jointly tonight (Tuesday, February 11, 7 p.m., Town Hall room 201).

There is one agenda item: “Review of the Old Mill Pond walkway, gate and properties.”

Discussion is expected to include whether the public has the right to access Compo Cove, via the formerly open, now locked gate at the end of the walkway.

Click here to see the entire meeting packet, including documents.

Access to Compo Cove will be discussed at tonight’s RTM committee meetings.

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Tonight also marks the first of 3 consecutive nights of Board of Finance 2025-26 budget discussions.

All meetings take place in Town Hall room 309, beginning at 6 p.m.

The schedule:

Tonight (Tuesday, February 11): Human Services, Parks & Recreation/Wakeman Town Farm, Public Works/Sewer Fund.

Wednesday, February 12: Transit District, Police, Fire.

Thursday, February 13: Earthplace, IT, Library, Health District, Pension/ Insurance/Transfers/Other General.

Click here for a link to the full proposed 2025-26 budget.

Budget discussions begin tonight at Town Hall.

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Layla’s Falafel is known for its great Middle Eastern food.

Now it’s helping hungry folks, in our back yard.

The Post Road East restaurant has partnered with local non-profit Filling in the Blanks. They have pledged $12,000 to fund their Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry in Bridgeport, at the end of this month. The pantry feeds over 475 families in need, offering fresh and healthy food.

Layla’s is donating $2 for every pint of $8 hummus sold at their Westport, Fairfield and Stamford locations. It’s made fresh daily; it’s vegan, gluten-free and seed oil-free — and includes 3 fluffy pita breads.

Donations can also be made through the QR code below.

Layla’s hummus.

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Everyone needs a warm hug.

This Thursday (February 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) marks the Westport Farmers’ Market’s annual Operation Warm Hug. It was postponed a week, by snow.

At their Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center winter home, Market volunteers will collect lightly used coats, hats, mittens, sweaters and sweatshirts, to share with nOURish in Bridgeport.

Our neighbors are cold. Let’s warm them up!

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For the first time ever last night, Staples Orphenians — the high school’s elite a cappella group — joined Bedford and Coleytown Middle Schools’ cameratas for a joint Choir Festival.

The event, at Bedford, follows a similar three-schools jazz show at Staples.

Choir members enjoyed rehearsing together during the day. More joint music programs are planned for the future.

Choral directors (from left) Christina Dominguez, Lauren Pine and Jason Phillips, sporting their respective school logos.

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Timing is everything.

Yesteray, “06880” posted a story on Stitch Haven. Beth Berkowitz is the new owner of the store formerly known as Westport Yarns.

When the piece was published, a new sign was not yet ini place.

Just hours after the story appeared, the “Stitch Haven” sign was installed.

You can find all your knitting and crocheting needs there on Post Road East, next to Westport Hardware and Cava, across from Fresh Market and Terrain.

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The Y’s Women were recently treated to a chair yoga session, by practitioner Paula Schooler and model Katherine Ross.

Members enjoyed the expansive mind-body session.

Y’s Women yoga, at Green’s Farms Church.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit unusual.

Bob Weingarten writes: “A large tree was slated for removal from Center Street by the town in December.  A town crew removed most of the top of the tree and sides in early January. but left what is shown below — probably because of all the wires.

“This removal is now waiting for (probably) Eversource.”

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … in honor of the rededication of the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place, and the upcoming reopening of Susie’s Place (story above):

(“06880” is your home for hyper-local news about Westport — our non-profits, businesses, schools, residents, beaches, history and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Politics, Restaurants

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Roundup: Antisemitism, Board of Ed, Sweets & Ice Cream …

Posted on December 15, 2023 | 3 comments

Stacey Sobel — regional director of ADL Connecticut (Anti-Defamation League), and a former Westporter — provides an important update on increased antisemitism and hate nationwide at Temple Israel on Tuesday (December 19, 7 p.m.).

It will be followed by a discussion with Rabbi Michael Friedman, to explore how Westport can fight hate. The Conservative Synagogue joins Temple Israel and the ADL as sponsors.

The event is free, but registration is required. Click here for tickets.

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The Board of Education welcomed Jill Dillon, at last night’s meeting.

But she soon won’t be the newest member. Christina Torres announced her resignation, effective January 1. She recently assumed new responsibilities at her work as a school administrator in Westchester.

The Democratic Town Committee will recommend a replacement, who will be voted on by the board.

Also last night, the BOE re-elected Democrat Lee Goldstein as chair, and chose Republican Dorie Hordon as vice chair.

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WestportMoms invites families to get in the holiday spirit tomorrow (Saturday, December 16).

From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Porch @ Christie’s, they’re sponsoring photos with Santa (and/or a dreidel), face painting, games, music, ornament making and cookie decorating.

The “Winter Wonderland” cost is $20 per family.

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Heard on the street:

An “artisanal ice cream shop” will replace Saugatuck Sweets, on Riverside Avenue.

And Retreat Sweets will take over for Dunkin’ next to Layla’s Falafel on the Post Road, at Maple Avenue North.

The sign promises “Korean hot dog, bubble tea, mochi donuts.” A quick Google search to learn more came up empty.

(Photo/Rob Haroun)

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In May, “06880” reported that Cava — a national chain specializing in pitas and salad bowls — would take over the space next to Westport Hardware, across from Fresh Market.

That now seems unlikely. The sign is down, and non-pita-type boxes fill the space.

One source says a mattress store will move in. Rest assured, we’ll let you know as soon as we hear anything new. (Hat tip: Tom Foran)

What we’re missing if Cava does not come.

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Westport Police arrested 2 men on failure to appear warrants, between December 6 and 13.

Besides those custodial arrests, police issues these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 15 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 7
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Improper use of marker plates: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to carry registration: 2
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Traveling at an unreasonable speed: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to drive in proper lane: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 1

If you don’t appear at your court date, you’ll be arrested.

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Earlier this week, lifelong Westporter John Brandt told a large Library audience that “music is the soundtrack of our lives.”

Then — using a variety of media — he proved it.

Brandt’s Y’s Men of Westport and Weston presentation ranged from Leonard Bernstein, Martha Graham, George Balanchine and Aaron Copland to Staples High School. Video clips included “The Nutcracker,” Fred Astaire, Jimmy Cagney, Gene Kelly and “A Chorus Line.”

All, Brandt said, contributed to his love of music.

If you missed it — no problem! Click below to see (and hear) it all:

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Every night, a local non-profit organization or family provides dinner for around 2 dozen residents of the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place.

Last night it was the Westport Rotary Club’s turn. Below (from left) retired anesthesiologist Joe Carpenter and retired journalist Ron Henkoff prepared and served the meal.

 (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Looking for roses?

They’re still blooming on the Riverwalk, by the Westport Library. Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this beauty the other day — just perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in  honor of WestportMoms’ family-friendly event tomorrow at The Porch at Christie’s (story above):

(There are just 10 days till Christmas. But you can make a tax-deductible donation to “06880” today — or any day. Just click here. Thank you!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Local business, Police, religion, Restaurants

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Stacey Sobel: New ADL Head Battles Hatred, Old And New

Posted on March 1, 2022 | 9 comments

As incidents of antisemitism, racism and other forms of hatred rise nationally — and yes, in this area — the work of the ADL is more important than ever.

The Connecticut chapter is one of the most active among the nonprofit’s 25 affiliates. And Westporters play an outsized role in it.

A number of locals serve on the board. Many more are financial supporters.

Recently, Westporter Stacey Sobel was named statewide director. She took over from Steve Ginsburg — another resident.

Sobel has been in town since 1989. Pregnant with her first child, she came for the same reasons as so many others: “fantastic schools, amazing access to water, the arts, the reputation of people as being open-minded, intelligent and interesting.”

She put her career as a corporate attorney on hold, for “the honor and privilege” of raising 3 sons. But she plunged into volunteerism, as president of Temple Israel and Westport Hadassah, and roles on PTAs, soccer and baseball teams, and much more. In 1998 Sobel was honored by the ADL for community leadership.

Stacey Sobel at work. A letter from former ADL director Abraham Foxman, noting Sobel’s 1998 award, hangs on the wall.

As her boys grew older, Sobel returned to the paid workforce. She spent 13 years with non-profits, the last 10 as executive director of Westport-based Child Advocates of Connecticut.

Last fall, a recruiter called about the ADL job. Working for the organization — whose mission is to fight antisemitism and all forms of bigotry, extremism, hate crimes, and promote civil rights, interfaith and inter-group understanding, and peace in the Middle East — had always been her dream.

After several intense rounds of interviews, Sobel got the job.

ADL Connecticut is both proactive and reactive, she says. They provide anti-bias and Holocaust education and training to schools, police departments and the FBI.

They respond to incidents of bias too. Within the past weeks they’ve addressed white supremacy stickers found in neighborhoods, students doing a “Heil Hitler” salute, and racist comments in a workplace.

“Connecticut reflects the rest of the nation,” Sobel notes. “People are very siloed. There’s a lot of hostile discourse. Whether it’s discussion of critical race theory at Board of Education meetings or emails about controversial topics, things get heated. Connecticut is not immune.”

Stacey Sobel

The ADL tries to build coalitions between groups, the director says. That way, they can address incidents with a united front.

Since joining ADL, Sobel has been impressed with the professionalism of many people around the estate. A recent collaboration with the FBI and Fairfield chief of police reiterated for her their commitment to keeping communities safe.

It’s a constant battle. Hate speech is increasing — including places like video games, where parents may not see or hear it. The national ADL office has an expert on gaming. Sobel hopes to arrange an event with him in Connecticut.

“I firmly believe hate is learned,” Sobel adds. “That means it can be unlearned. Under the surface, all of us were are created with the same stuff.”

Stacey Sobel (3rd from left) with her family (from left): son Steven and his girlfriend Sara; son Michael, son David and his wife Jackie.

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Posted in Politics

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Roundup: Playhouse Interns, Livestreams, ADL …

Posted on January 27, 2022 | 3 comments

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In 1946 — just 15 years after its founding — the Westport Country Playhouse established an internship program. Among its graduates: a kid named Stephen Sondheim.

Now nationally recognized as a formative experience for aspiring arts professionals, it’s named for another Westport icon: Joanne Woodward.

This summer — after a 2-year COVID hiatus — the Joanne Woodward Internship Program returns live. Internships in stage management, props/scenic painting, wardrobe, marketing, company management, education, and development will run from May 28 to August 21.

In addition to working directly with senior staff, interns participate in weekly seminars. They hear a variety of guest speakers, including Playhouse staff members, visiting designers and artists, commercial producers and more. The pay is $560 a week.

The application deadline is March 11. Click here for the form.

Stephen Sondheim (crouching, top of photo), during his 1950 internship. The photo was taken at the Jolly Fisherman restaurant. Also in the photo: future film director Frank Perry (front row, left) and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).

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Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice says:

“Given the rapid drop in COVID cases among our middle and high school students, and the small number of students in quarantine, we will return to regular classroom instruction, and discontinue the use of live-streaming cameras.

“The last day of livestreaming cameras in our secondary classrooms will be tomorrow (Friday, January 28). Pending additional cases or quarantine, there will be zero Staples High and Coleytown Middle students in isolation or quarantine after today, and only 5 students in isolation and 2 in quarantine at Bedford Middle School.

“We will continue to peel back mitigating measures prudently, based on our local experience and input from public health advisors.”

No Coleytown Middle School students in isolation or quarantine!

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ADL’s Connecticut chapter is a national leader in the fight against antisemitism and bigotry.

And — like its previous director — its new leader is a Westporter.

Stacey Sobel succeeds Steve Ginsburg. Most recently, she spent nearly a decade as executive director of Child Advocates of Connecticut, serving abused and neglected children.

As a volunteer, Sobel was president of Temple Israel, and president of Westport’s Hadassah chapter.

Sobel also was in private law practice, and served in the general counsel’s office of Continental Can Company. The Long Island native l is a graduate of Lafayette College, and Boston University School of Law.

Stacey Sobel

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TAP — the personal wellness team in downtown Westport — and Fleet Feet are partnering on the weekend of February 4-6. TAP members get 10% off merchandise at the running store.

In other words: Work out. “Run” across the street to Sconset Square. Then pick up something special for your valentine a week later.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a barren — but beautiful — Sherwood Island scene.

I’m betting that 48 hours from now, it will look quite different.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … on this date in 1880 Thomas Edison received a patent for his incandescent lamp.

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Posted in Arts, Education, Local business, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Domestic Violence, Anti-Semitism …

Posted on April 19, 2021 | 4 comments

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Victims of domestic violence have so much to deal with. Getting basic supplies for their young children should not be one of them.

Now through Sunday (April 25), Westport’s Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting supplies. Needed items include car seats in new or like-new condition (tags attached, to check expiration date), strollers, diapers, wipes, lotions and baby wash, and new bottles.

To arrange contactless pickup, email co-chair Jillian Cabana: wdvtf06880@gmail.com.

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Saturday is the big day: CLASP Homes’ “Un-Scavenger Hunt.” (“Un?” It runs all day, at your convenience. It’s not a race.

There are tons of clues, covering Westport trivia, history, art, pop culture and more. You answer by posting photos, videos, texts and GPS check-ins on the app. Bonus points are given for creativity, ingenuity and humor (costumes, props, songs, pets … you get the idea).

Prizes include sunset cruises; a private tour and wine-and-cheese reception at Dragone Classic Motorcars with George Dragone; Broadway tickets and more.

There are separate prizes for students in grade 12 and below (including cash). And a special prize for the organization that registers the most teams.

The Un-Scavenger Hunt raises funds for CLASP. For nearly 40 years they’ve  provided care, support and inspiration to adults with autism and developmental disabilities.

Click here for tickets. Click here for the Goosechase app, which will be used. You can practice on it too, until the event goes live.

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We may pretend it’s not happening. But people — even in Westport — make Holocaust “jokes,” and talk insensitively about Jewish traditions and lives. I’d guess teenager in Westport has heard something.

In response, ADL Connecticut is organizing a virtual “Fairfield County Teen Leadership Summit on Anti-Semitism.” It’s Tuesday, April 27 (7 to 8:15 p.m., Zoom).

A teen panel will share personal stories. Attendees will learn skills to stand up to anti-Semitism, be resilient and become empowered as school leaders. Click here to register. For more information, email swalden@adl.org.

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A couple of nature shots. First, a swan stepping into the Saugatuck River …

(Photo/Paul Delano)

… and a hungry gull at Sherwood Island State Park.

(Photo/Gene Borio)

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And finally …  today in 1775, the Revolutionary War began. The patriots beat back the British at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The rest is history.

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Posted in Environment, Teenagers

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Roundup: Sweet Photos, Trash, Pumpkins, More

Posted on October 9, 2020 | 2 comments

Westporters love Tom Kretsch’s photos. They love Saugatuck Sweets. And they love Al’s Angels.

So plan to stop by the ice cream shop patio on the river tomorrow (Saturday, October 10, 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.). Kretsch will display his evocative images — many of his home town.

A percentage of all sales benefits Al’s Angels, the nonprofit started by Saugatuck Sweets owner Al DiGuido to help families with children battling cancer, and families with food needs.

(Photo/Tom Kretsch)

Last weekend, 35 mothers and daughters from Westport’s National Charity League spent a cleaning Compo Beach. The effort supported NCL’s philanthropy partner, Save the Sound.

Volunteers removed over 45 pounds of garbage from the beach. They found PPE, plastic bags, straws and food wrappers, along with 235 cigarette butts, 160 bottle caps and 33 balloons. Data collected will help Save the Sound stop debris at its source. 

A small bit of all the trash.

What’s new at the Senior Center?

Its first-ever pumpkin decorating contest. It’s October 30 (11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.).

Submissions will be judged on originality and scariness. Members can vote for their favorite pumpkins while picking up a drive-through lunch (chicken pot pie, salad, roll, cookie and Halloween treats) from staff members (in costumes).

Seniors can enjoy their meal while socially distancing in the parking lot. Prizes include a Halloween goodie bucket, and a gift card for a Senior Center luncheon.

Lunch is $8. The cost to enter the contest: free (and priceless).

ADL Connecticut’s 10th annual Walk Against Hate will look from the first 9. Though participants can’t join together physically, they’ll still send a powerful message.

Individuals, families, friends, colleagues and teammates are invited to get creative. They can walk wherever they want, from October 12-18. Registration is free, though fundraising is encouraged to help ADL fight anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of hate.

Fundraisers who give or get more than $50 get an ADL bandanna. The first 1,000 people to raise over $150 receive t-shirts.

ADL Connecticut has a strong Westport presence. Director Steve Ginsburg lives here; so does Walk Against Hate chair Claudia Cohen.

Jill Nadel chairs the outreach committee). Terry Bernard, Shelly Herst, Margie Jacobson, Ken Backman, Sara Weiner (co-chair of the education committee), Bret Weiner, Chuck Harris, Liz Kaner, Lynne Goldstein and John Kaufman are all on ADL’s state board. Many other Westporters serve in other capacities.

To register for or donate to the Walk Against Hate, click here.

Instead of a traditional luncheon, the American Cancer Society’s annual “Women Leading the Way to Wellness” event (Wednesday, November 18), is on Facebook Live.

There’s an option to buy a $125 “Wellness Box” to enhance the viewing experience. The boxes are valued at over $175, and include products from The Granola Bar, Performance Physical Therapy and West.

Click here for more information.

And finally … this is the birthday of John Lennon. He would have been — are you ready? — 80 years old today.

 

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Posted in Environment, Local business, Organizations, Saugatuck

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ADL Raises Voices, Inspires A “Show Of Unity”

Posted on October 31, 2019 | 3 comments

For decades, the ADL has helped Westport.

Now it’s time for us to return the favor.

The organization — the Connecticut chapter of what was originally called the Anti-Defamation League — has:

  • Offered anti-bias training programs for teachers, students, parents and community members
  • Provided Holocaust education
  • Responded to anti-Semitic and other hate incidents
  • Sponsored Police Chief Foti Koskinas for a special course on extremist and terrorist threats, for senior-level law enforcement personnel
  • Helped begin the Kool to be Kind initiative
  • Worked with Staples High School staff on the new “Connections” program
  • Brought former neo-Nazi Frank Meeink, and ex-Westboro Baptist Church members Megan and Grace Phelps-Roper here
  • Worked with every synagogue in town on the interactive “Words to Action” program, for students from middle school through college.

“We will always be there for our community,” says ADL Connecticut director Steve Ginsburg, a Westport resident. “Now, we’re bringing the community together with a ‘show of unity.'”

It will be quite a show. “ADL Voices” is a major fundraiser, on Saturday, November 9 (Klein Auditorium in Bridgeport, 8 p.m.).

Trombone Shorty — the New Orleans-based jazz, funk, R&B, hip hop, pop and rock trombone, trumpet, organ and tuba player — will star.

Trombone Shorty

Award-winning gospel artist Pastor Marcia Fountain will solo. David Letterman’s bandleader Paul Shaffer emcees. Westporter Sarah Green serves as artistic director.

The Voices Choir — a talented, diverse group of musicians, singers and dancers from across Fairfield County — will perform, along with the Pivot Ministries Choir from Bridgeport.

Students from Staples High School, the Bridgeport public schools and Neighborhood Studios will sing, along with those from Fairfield Prep, Fairfield University, Keys Bridgeport and the Manhattan School of Music, and various church and synagogue choirs.

Westport Academy of Dance’s senior company introduces a piece specially choreographed for the event.

Other Westporters involved include the Staples Service League of Boys; ADL board member and event chair Claudia Cohen, along with many volunteers.

It’s truly be a “unifying” night. The fundraising benefit and community gathering is designed to “bring people together, foster dialogue and build mutual respect,” Ginsburg says.

It will also be very entertaining, quite inspirational, and tons of fun.

(For more information, including tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click here. Major sponsors include Bercham Moses LLP, Norwalk Hospital and Terex.)

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Trevor Noah Headlines “Show Of Unity” Event

Posted on September 18, 2018 | Comments Off on Trevor Noah Headlines “Show Of Unity” Event

An evening with Trevor Noah sounds special.

But the Anti-Defamation League Connecticut offers a lot more than just watching “The Daily Show.”

On November 11, the comedian/political commentator headlines ADL’s 2nd annual “Voices: A Show of Unity” event. Noah will talk intimately with the audience about his life and the world — tying it all in with ADL’s ongoing fight against bigotry, extremism and hate crimes, and for civil rights, interfaith and inter-group understanding.

Trevor Noah (Photo/Gavin Bond)

Noah knows. Born in South Africa to a black mother who converted to Judaism and a white father, his youth under apartheid was difficult. His parents could not be seen in public together.

Since replacing Jon Stewart as “Daily Show” host 3 years ago, Noah has been a leading voice for unity. Last year, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

“He’s funny. But he won’t be doing stand-up,” says Steve Ginsburg, a Westporter and ADL’s statewide director. “This will be a chance to hear his take on the world.”

The “Voices” event is both a fundraiser and a community-builder. The ADL gives free tickets to many local organizations, including Project Return, Bridgeport’s Neighborhood Studio, the Triangle Community Center, and churches, mosques and synagogues.

Westporters will have a strong presence at Noah’s show. Sarah Green — co-founder of Kool To Be Kind — serves as artistic director. Claudia Cohen is event chair; Jill Nadel is vice chair.

Westporters will also sing in the choir, joining musicians from Bridgeport and other towns.

“There will be diverse voices on stage — and in the audience,” Ginsburg notes.

“We’ve seen a large spike in incidents of bigotry and bias,” he adds. “The ADL has worked hard to respond. And we’re doing education programs to try to prevent them.”

They’ve been active at Staples High School and with local police. This summer, Police Chief Foti Koskinas attended ADL training for law enforcement in Washington, DC.

The ADL event also features a civil rights award, in memory of Irwin Hausman. It goes to Lorella Praeli, who as a Dreamer child was taunted for her Hispanic heritage, and the loss of a leg.

The ADL provided support. She’s now head of immigration efforts for the American Civil Liberties Union, and works closely with the ADL on anti-bullying efforts.

“Voices: A Show of Unity” is set for November 11 — Veterans Day. Tickets are provided to vets’ groups, and service members will be honored at the event.

(“Voices: A Show of Unity” is November 11, 5 p.m. at the Klein Auditorium in Bridgeport. Tickets go on sale September 27. For more information, click here or call 203-530-7456. )

 

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