Tag Archives: Dr. Clarence Jones

Roundup: Super Bowl, Self-Defense Sessions, Westport Pride Scholarships …

Posted on February 3, 2024 | 1 comment

Over 400 people packed the Library last month to hear Dr. Clarence Jones, Martin Luther King’s 93-year-old speechwriter and confidant.

Next week, he’ll have an audience of 100 million,

Foundation to Combat Antisemitism — a group created by New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft — will air its first Super Bowl commercial ever. It will feature Dr. Jones.

“I know I can speak for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. when I say without a doubt that the Civil Rights movement (including the passage of the Civil Rights and Voting Acts) would not have occurred without the unwavering and largely unsung efforts of the Jewish people,” Jones told FCAS.

“With hate on the rise, it is as important as ever that all of us stand together and speak out. Silence is not an option. I’m glad that I’ve lived long enough to partner with Robert Kraft and FCAS to continue to spread the message to the widest possible audience — the Super Bowl.” (Hat tip: Howard Edelstein)

Dr. Clarence Jones (far right) at the Westport Library for last month’s Dr. Martin Luther King celebration with (from left) New York Congressman Ritchie Torres, and NBC host and Westport resident Craig Melvin. (Photo/Caitlin Jacob)

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Tomorrow (Sunday, February 4, 11 a.m.) marks the second walk calling for the release of hostages held by Hamas.

The event is part of Run for Their Lives, a movement in more than 180 cities worldwide.

“The goal is to bring continued awareness to the hostages representing multiple  nationalities still in captivity in Gaza,” organizers say.

“This is not a religious or political event. It’s about innocent civilians being held by terrorists, and not about the war.

“This is a peaceful walk. Children and dogs are welcome.”

For more details and the location of the walk, click here. The walks will continue every Sunday, until the hostages are returned.

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Make money on the Super Bowl!

The Staples Rugby Club is holding a “squares fundraiser.” Boxes are $20. Payouts are $100 for the first 3 quarters, $200 for the final. All net proceeds help fund the Staples boys and girls rugby programs.

Payment is due February 9. Numbers will be assigned February 10.

Payment can be made by Venmo (@staplesrugbyclub) or by clicking here. For more information, click here.

Staples High School rugby team.

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Statistics show that 1 in 5 girls ages 15 to 17 are sexually assaulted. In college, the figure is 1 in 5 women, 1 in 16 men.

In response, the Staples High School cheerleaders are organizing a self-defense fundraiser, with the Westport Police Department and Fit Club Jiu-Jitsu. The event is Sunday, February 11 (2 sessions — 9:30 to 11:30 a.m; 12:30 to 2:30 p.m.) at Fit Club, 1496 Post Road, Fairfield).

Instructors include Joe Oppedisano, detective Beth Leetch, and officers Mike Ruttenber and Rob Curcio.

The cost is $75 per person. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Rowan Center in Stamford, which works with victims of sexual assault.

Space is limited. To register, and for more information, email StaplesWreckersCheer@gmail.com.

Staples High School cheerleaders.

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Westport Pride is offering 2 $1,000 scholarships this spring. One is for a Staples High school student; the other is for a non-Staples student, elsewhere in Fairfield County.

Applications are open to “anyone who has planned or been a part of activism- centered activities or organizations aimed at bettering the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community, for any members of the LGBTQ+ community who feel their experience as a young queer person has shaped their perspective and an aspect of themselves, or LGBTQ+ individuals who produced an art piece that highlights history, struggle or triumphs in the LGBTQ+ community.”

Click here for the Westport Pride Staples Scholarship; click here for the Westport Pride Fairfield County Scholarship. The deadline for both is May 1.

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The teenager who was convicted of seriously injuring a 64-year-old Uber Eats driver during a 2022 Westport car robbery was sentenced to 6 months in prison yesterday.

Jason Minor, 18, of New Haven was handed the sentence — which also includes a 5-year suspended sentence, and 5 years of probation — after violating a program that could have ended with the charges against him being dropped, CT Insider reports.

Longtime Westporter Katharine Miller was delivering Uber Eats to supplement her income. She was assaulted picking up an order, and suffered a head injury. Residents donated $33,000 to help defray medical and rehabilitation bills.

After her recovery, Miller repaid that generosity forward. She had written a children’s book, and offered it at a low price — with every sale a donation to Bridgeport elementary schools. Click here to read that heartwarming story.

Katherine Miller in 2022, with Bridgeport students holding “magic keys” that were part of her book donation drive. She initiated the project after being assaulted as an Uber Eats driver. Yesterday, her assailant was sentenced to 6 months in prison.

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The other day, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport put on a barn dance.

As soon as the music started, a hawk flew into a tree, just outside the church.

He stayed for a while. “I guess he liked the music,” says Johanna Keyser Rossi. She enjoyed watching him — and photographed him, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … it’s not often that a rock star’s mother’s death rate a New York Times obituary.

But it’s not often that one has an impact on her like Adele Springsteen’s did.

Bruce’s mom — who died Wednesday at 98 — rented him his first guitar when he was 7, then encouraged him and his musical passion in the face of her husband’s lack of steady work and mental illness. (Click here for a full obituary.)

I understood Adele’s importance to her son — and to musical history — when I sat in the second row for “Springsteen on Broadway.”

Among the Boss’ many moving stories, the one about his mother stands out.

She was several years into Alzheimer’s, he said. “But the need to dance, that need to dance, is something that hasn’t left her. She can’t speak. She can’t stand. But when she sees me, there’s a smile.”

And then he launched into a loving, lovely version of “Dancing in the Dark.”

(You wouldn’t want “06880” to go dark, would you? Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Media, Politics, Sports, Staples HS

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Unsung Heroes #319

Posted on January 17, 2024 | 2 comments

For 18 years, Westport has celebrated Martin Luther King Day in a special way.

Through speakers, panels, videos and arts performances, we’ve learned a lot.

But Sunday’s event was extra-special.

Dr. Clarence Jones — Dr. King’s speechwriter, personal attorney and confidant — offered a behind-the-scenes view of his friend’s public and personal lives.

Hundreds of people of all ages — from Westport and beyond — packed the Westport Library.

They were enlightened, inspired, mesmerized and energized by the 93-year-old Dr. Jones’ passion, stories and insights. He made the past come alive; he tied it to today, and pointed toward tomorrow.

Attendees called it “profoundly moving,” “wonderfully emotional,” and “a day I’m proud to say I’m a Westporter.”

Dr. Clarence Jones greets attendees after his talk. (Photo/Matthew Slossberg)

For nearly 2 decades, several organizations have worked together to make Martin Luther King Day meaningful.

In much of the nation, it’s a day off from work or school. In Westport, it’s an educational tool — and a reminder that while our history is imperfect, and much work remains to be done, every individual has the power to take a stand, and make a change.

Dr. Jones was joined by 2 other noted speakers: Senator Richard Blumenthal, and New York Congressman Ritchie Torres. Westport resident and NBC News anchor Craig Melvin led the discussion.

From left: Congressman Ritchie Torres, Craig Melvin, Dr. Clarence Jones. (Photo/Caitlin Jacob)

But the afternoon belonged to Dr. Jones. And none of it would have happened without a true “team.”

Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council initiated our town’s annual Martin Luther King Day celebration.

This year’s event was a partnership between the Westport Library, TEAM Westport, and the Westport Country Playhouse.

To all who envisioned a townwide Dr. King celebration nearly 2 decades ago, and to all who made this year’s event particularly impactful: Thank you.

You are truly our Unsung Heroes of the Week.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To help support this hyper-local blog, click here. Thank you! To see Dr. Jones’ full presentation, click below.)

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Roundup: Dr. Clarence Jones, Taylor Swift, Joe Tacopina …

Posted on January 16, 2024 | 9 comments

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King famously said: “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

If you missed Sunday’s Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Westport Library, you should run, walk or crawl to this link:

 

Dr. Clarence Jones — King’s 93-year-old speechwriter, personal attorney and friend — delivered an emotional and inspirational master class in history, justice, and the power of one individual to change the world.

Many of those who were there Sunday will want to watch the video too.

And for all of us, Dr. Jones’ words will resonate for years to come.

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Calling all Swifties!

The Westport Country Playhouse hosts a special show, with songs from every Taylor Swift era.

Spoiler alert: The hottest entertainer on the planet won’t be there. But “powerhouse voices” will sing Swift’s songs.

The February 2 event (7 p.m.) is a benefit for the WCP’s Woodward Internship program. Tickets are $55, $65 and $75. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

She won’t appear at the Playhouse on February 2. But “powerhouse voices” singing her songs will be there.

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Donald Trump has lost another lawyer.

This one is our neighbor: Westporter Joe Tacopina.

The New York Times reported yesterday:

Joseph Tacopina, the trial lawyer on Donald J. Trump’s legal team with the most successes defending high-profile clients, will no longer represent the former president in his criminal trial in Manhattan, according to a notice sent to the court on Monday.

Mr. Tacopina also withdrew on Monday from another case in which he was still legally representing Mr. Trump: an appeal of the verdict in a lawsuit brought by the writer E. Jean Carroll. Mr. Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and defamation last year and was ordered to pay Ms. Carroll $5 million.

It was not clear why Mr. Tacopina decided to withdraw, and he declined to comment.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

Attorney Joseph Tacopina sat at former President Trump’s left hand, at an arraignment in April. (Photo/Curtis Means for EPA)

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Judy Michaelis of Coldwell Banker sends this real estate report:

“Across the board, 2023 was flat compared with 2022.

“Days on market, 68, is same as the last 2 years.

“The median sales price – $2,000,000 — is the same as last year.

“The list to sales price is just over 1% of asking price, same as last year.

“The only thing that has changed is that our sales are down 24%, and that is because we had a lack of inventory.”


This 6-bedroom, 6 1/2-bathroom, 6,585-square foot house, on 4 acres at 69 Beachside Avenue, is listed for $7,950,000.

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Village Pediatrics has just finished a major renovation.

Their rooms have an outdoor theme (skiing, camping, water activities, biking, outer space). A fun rainbow goes the entire length of the office; it’s an “all are welcome here” shoutout for everyone to see.

To show off their new space, Village Pediatrics hosts an open house this Thursday (January 18, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., 323 Riverside Avenue). Providers will be there to meet “new patients, and expecting patients.”

They’ll answer questions about their practice, which includes daily walk-in sick visits for acute issues, weekend availability for sick and well visits, late hours on Thursday evenings, Saturday check-ups, 24/7 on-call provider for emergencies, extended time at well visits, in-house lactation consults, ADHD and anxiety medication management, Accutane — and ear piercing.

Questions? Email office@villagepedi.com. Click below for a tour of their newly renovated space.

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Valentine’s Day is next month.

But the Westport Young Woman’s League Galentine’s Bingo is January 31 (7 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church).

Tickets are $30, and include bingo (with prizes from local vendors), and light refreshments. Click here to purchase, and for more information. The event is BYOB.

Proceeds help fun WYWL’s Grants Program. Last year, the organization donated $90,000 to charities and nonprofits.

Questions? Email funddevelopment@wywl.com.

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We never tire of photos of clouds over Compo Beach. They constantly change; we never see the same scene twice.

Jim Hood took today’s “Westport … Naturally” shot a few days ago. It’s another winner.

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Library, Local business, Organizations, Politics, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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Dr. King’s Speechwriter Ties His Legacy To Today

Posted on January 15, 2024 | 9 comments

Inklings writer and Staples High School senior Caitlin was on the scene yesterday, for the standing room only Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration at the Westport Library. She writes:

Dr. Clarence Jones’ inspiring remarks offered an emotional, behind-the-scenes look at the civil rights movement. But they also highlighted events in today’s headlines.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speechwriter and personal attorney spoke  about interfaith groups, especially the Jewish community, and how King’s “I Have a Dream” speech has evolved.

Other notable speakers included Senator Richard Blumenthal and Congressman Ritchie Torres. The conversation was moderated by NBC host Craig Melvin.

Educated at both Columbia, Jones — now 93 years old — is widely known for writing the first 8 paragraphs of the “I Have a Dream Speech,” along with the metaphor about how America had given black people a “bad check.” Jones claims that this was the most meaningful speech, as it spoke to the time he was forcibly given a promissory note without any prior notice.

“When I was drafting the speech, there was nobody to come in and say ‘paid full.’” Jones said. “So I wanted to put Martin in the power of speaking to the nation.” 

Fr0m left: Congressman Ritchie Torres, Craig Melvin, Dr. Clarence Jones. (Photo/Caitlin Jacob)

Discussing injustice, Jones pointedly included the allyship between the Black and Jewish communities. 

He believes that moments such as the Israel-Palestine conflict have loosened the ties between the 2 groups. He says this relationship is important to him, given that many Jewish leaders had “wept” during the time of the “I Have a Dream Speech.”

“I have not once been worried that the relationship between [Jews and Blacks] has been more threatened than it is today,” Jones said.

Other highlights of the speech included Jones’s response to King’s legacy, claiming that his own legacy is due to the work of King. Jones also believes that without the work of King, much of the racial justice progress within the United States would not be possible.

“With the exception of Abraham Lincoln, and the Emancipation Proclamation, Martin Luther King, Jr. may have done more to achieve racial, economic and political justice than any other person in the past 400 years in the history of the United States,” Jones said.

Dr. Clarence Jones greets well-wishers after yesterday’s event. (Photo/Matthew Slossberg)

Beyond Jones’s words, Melvin — the NBC host and Westport resident — cited the importance of having someone such as Jones to speak to the way King’s speeches legacy has evolved. 

“My children only know the legacy of King and the monumental success it had,” Melvin said. “You, on the other hand, know what it was like to give such a speech at the time.”

Ritchie Torres, the Bronx congressman and a friend of Jones, explained the effect King’s speech had on people such as him, and discussed the value having a confidant such as Jones provides in a contemporary world.

“Dr. Jones said earlier that he’s here in person,” Torres said. “And that’s not something that we take for granted. This is a moment that each of us are going to cherish for the rest of our lives.”

The conversation with Jones comes at a time when Westport — and the nation — grapples with issues of diversity. Senator Blumenthal stressed the importance of hearing about diverse experiences. Jones, he said, has affected and inspired the entire state of Connecticut in various ways.

(The 18th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration was a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, and the Westport Country Playhouse, as well as the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council — the 2 groups that hosted the inaugural celebration in 2006.)

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Craig Melvin, Trey Ellis, Senator Blumenthal Join MLK Celebration

Posted on January 9, 2024 | 1 comment

Several very big names join guest of honor Dr. Clarence B. Jones for the 18th annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration this Sunday (January 14, 3 p.m., Westport Library).

NBC News anchor and co-host of the 3rd Hour of TODAY Craig Melvin will moderate the discussion. Violin virtuoso Kersten Stevens performs, while novelist, playwright and filmmaker Trey Ellis introduces Dr. Jones. Melvin and Ellis are Westport residents.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal and Representative Ritchie Torres of New York will also speak.

“I couldn’t envision a more incredible lineup for what promises to be a memorable afternoon,” says Westport Library director Bill Harmer.

“The appearances speak to the remarkable life and accomplishments of Dr. Clarence B. Jones and the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”

The 18th annual celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, and the Westport Country Playhouse, as well as the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council, the 2 groups that hosted the inaugural celebration in 2006.

The celebration is free to attend (registration is highly encouraged). There will be a livestream available on the Library’s YouTube channel.

The day’s guest of honor, Dr. Jones, served as legal counsel, strategic advisor, and draft speechwriter to Dr. King from 1960 until King’s assassination inn 1968. He wrote the first 7 paragraphs of the iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.

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Roundup: Sister City Help, Long Lots Meeting, Sustainable Challenge …

Posted on December 16, 2023 | 4 comments

Westport’s drive to supply 2,000 homes in Lyman, Ukraine — our sister city — with heat this winter is nearing its goal.

We set out to raise $60,000 — the amount needed to pay for 2 wood pellet machines. Each provides enough pellets to heat 1,000 homes, all of them nearly destroyed during the long Russian siege.

Thanks to 2 large anonymous donations, and many smaller ones, we are at the $55,000 mark. We hope to raise the final $5,000 this weekend, so the machines can be delivered by New Year’s.

$30 will heat one home. $300 will heat 10. $3,000 will heat 100 homes — and bring us thisclose to our goal.

To donate by credit card, click here; then click the “I want to support” box; then select “Westport — Lyman Sister City.” Scroll down on the Donate page for other options: mail, wire transfer and Venmo. Thank you!

To learn more about the machines from Brian Mayer — the Westporter who co-founded Ukraine Aid International, which delivers aid directly to Lyman — click below:

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On Monday (December 18, 7 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission continues its discussion of the Long Lots Elementary School building project.

Click here for the Zoom link.

The project continues.

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Sustainable Westport announces its first-ever Community Giving Challenge.

If 100 followers make a gift to the town’s environmental advocacy organization by December 31, a generous Westport has pledged to donate $5,000.

“Reaching our goal will demonstrate our community’s commitment to sustainability and allow us to expand our sustainability programs, educational initiatives, and community outreach efforts,” officials say.

Click here to donate, and for more information.

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Jo Ann Miller was told by her postal carrier that all the mailboxes on Blue Coat Lane — off North Avenue — were hit by a thief. Similar thefts were reported on Greens Farms Road.

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Don’t raise the flag on your mailbox.

To be even more safe — because thefts occur even when flags are not raised: Take your mail to the post office, and deposit it inside.

Pro tip: The Greens Farms post office — in front of the train station — has much easier parking.

Your best bet, any time of year. (Photo/Bobbie Herman

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Oops!

Yesterday’s “06880” reported that — contrary to our previous reporting — Cava would not be opening next to Westport Hardware.

We were right the first time.

The casual restaurant — featuring pitas and bowls — will indeed open, in mid-January.

Meanwhile, a mattress store — which we said erroneously would take over the intended Cava space — will actually move in in the same strip mall, near the UPS Store.

We apologetically eat our words. (Hat tip: Megan Brownstein)

A few offerings from Cava.

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This year’s Martin Luther King Day observance will be special.

Dr. Clarence B. Jones — the slain civil rights leader’s longtime speechwriter and confidant — will be the guest of honor, at Westport’s 18th annual celebration. He speaks at the Westport Library on January 14 (3 p.m.).

Dr. Jones served as legal counsel, strategic advisor, and draft speechwriter to King from 1960 until his assassination in 1968. He wrote the first 7 paragraphs of King’s historic “I Have a Dream” speech.

Dr. Jones worked with many leaders of the movement, serving as a liaison between King and Malcolm X, James Baldwin and Robert F. Kennedy, among others.

Dr. Jones carries on King’s legacy. As a lawyer, civil rights leader and business executive, he has maintained close personal friendships and working relationships with Muhammed Ali, James Baldwin, Harry Belafonte, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee and Lorraine Hansberry, among others.

Dr. Jones is chair of the Spill the Honey Foundation, which brings together historic and contemporary voices of the Black-Jewish alliance to achieve social justice non-violently. He also founded the Dr. Clarence B. Jones Institute for Social Advocacy, and serves as the founding director emeritus of the Institute for Nonviolence and Social Justice at the University of San Francisco.

In 2021, Dr. Jones received the Thurgood Marshall Award from the American Bar Association, the highest recognition given by the ABA.

The Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, Westport Country Playhouse, and the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy and Council. Click here for more information.

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Speaking of the Library: A full house Thursday enjoyed the 2nd of 3 “Short Cuts Film Festival” evenings.

This month’s theme was “documentaries. Director Luchina Fisher discussed her film with producer Nancy Diamond, after the screening of 4 short docs.

The final “Short Cuts” screening is January 18. Click here for more information, and tickets.

Nancy Diamond (left) and Luchina Fisher, on stage at the Short Cuts Film Festival.

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Connecticut Children’s — the state’s only healthcare system dedicated exclusively to the care of kids — has received a $1 million commitment from the David and Geri Epstein Private Foundation to support the hospital’s Westport Specialty Clinic, as well as research with statewide and nationwide impact.

The infusion center at the new Westport Specialty Clinic was named for Geri Epstein at a ceremony last month.

Infusion Center patient Rhys (left) with his parents, Kia and Ryan; Connecticut Children’s president and CEO Dr. Jim Shmerling, and David & Geri Epstein Private Foundation trustee Karen Hess.

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Here’s Sherwood Mill Pond in late fall, off of Grove Point.

It’s a different angle of a familiar scene — just right for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … news of thefts from mailboxes (story above) brought this classic to mind.

Forget the abysmal, rolling-their-eyes lip synching. Just realize that when he recorded the gruff, blue-eyed soul vocal with the Box Tops, Alex Chilton was just 16 years old.

(Hey: You don’t have to mail a contribution to “06880.” Just click here to donate with a very safe credit card, Venmo or Zelle transfer. Of course, you CAN send a check too. Whichever way: Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Education, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Local politics, Politics, Restaurants

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