Tag Archives: Harold Bailey

Roundup: State Of The Town, MLK Day, Board Of Finance …

Posted on January 20, 2026 | 7 comments

The “State of the Town” meeting has become a mid-winter Westport tradition.

But this year’s event (February 1, 2 p.m., Westport Library) will feature 2 somewhat-new faces.

Kevin Christie makes his first appearance as 1st selectman. And Abby Tolan will represent the Board of Education, in place of chair Lee Goldstein.

They’ll speak about 2025 achievements, upcoming projects and initiatives, and answer questions. 

The event is co-sponsored by the Westport Sunrise Rotary and Westport Rotary Club. It will also be livestreamed; click here for the link.

Kevin Christie and Abby Tolan

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On Saturday, Professor Jelani Cobb inspired a large Westport Library crowd, with his words about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s life and legacy.

The town’s Martin Luther King Day celebration continued last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

A free screening of “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality” drew another rapt audience. Trey Ellis — executive producer of the film about the noted civil rights attorney’s struggle to create greater fairness in the criminal justice system — was joined in conversation by TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey.

Ellis — a novelist, 2-time Emmy- and Peabody-winning filmmaker, playwright, essayist, and professor at Columbia University’s School of the Arts — also led the conversation with his Columbia colleague on Saturday.

Both events were a partnership with the Library, Playhouse, TEAM Westport, the Westport Museum for History & Culture, and the Westport/Weston Clergy Association. 

Trey Ellis (left) and Harold Bailey. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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The Board of Finance is one of Westport’s most important elected groups.

Members scrutinize and pass the town budget, and send it to the Representative Town meeting for final approval. They set the mill rate.

And although their meetings are open to the public — and their phone numbers and email addresses are on the town website — they’re looking for ways to be even more open and transparent.

Which is why they’re offering “office hours.”

Once a month at least one BOF member will be at the Westport Library, for casual conversations with Westport residents.

They’ll listen to concerns, answer questions, and explain how the town plans and oversees its finances.

There are 2 sessions each, on the third Thursday of each month: 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The first is this Thursday (January 22).

No appointment is necessary. Just head up to the 2nd floor meeting rooms.

The fiscal year 2024 town (non-educational) budget.

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The Joggers Club is warming up for its 6th year of working with young runners/

It’s a fun group — organized by age and level, so everyone runs with friends.

All youngsters in kindergarten through 8th grade are welcome, regardless of experience. They meet every Sunday (April 5 through June 7), from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples High School track. The cost is $199.

There is a different theme each week., including long runs, games and races. The final session is a track meet and field day (with a free ice cream truck).

Email thejoggersclub@gmail.com for more information. Click here for the website.

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Westport’s favorite jazz singer — Melissa Newman — returns to “Jazz at the Post” this Thursday (January 22; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).

She’s backed by an equally talented band of popular regulars: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets.

Melissa Newman

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Amid all the white snow last weekend, Jill Grayson spotted one bit of red.

Enjoy her hopeful “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Jill Grayson)

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And finally … in honor (sort of) of the Joggers Club’s program for kids (item above):

(You don’t have to run anywhere, to support “06880.” You’re already at your device. Just click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you so much!)

7 Comments

Posted in Children, Economy, Entertainment, Library, Local politics, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Carjacking Plea, Lanternflies, Crabs …

Posted on August 30, 2024 | 12 comments

The 17-year-old charged in connection with last September’s carjacking of an Aston Martin from the garage of a Bayberry Lane home would not face a home invasion charge — if he agrees to serve 8 1/2 years in prison.

Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Moran made the offer on Tuesday, at State Superior Court in Stamford. It came “in light of the defendant’s age, behavior while being out on release and lack of adult record.”

The teenager has until October 9 to make a decision. Click here for the full story, on CT Insider.

Footage from a security camera of last September’s carjacking.

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Spotted lanternflies are (ugh!) back.

But we don’t have to just sit back and look at their fascinating and ugly selves.

Joe Schnierlein, Aspetuck Land Trust offers these tips, via the Pennsylvania Department of Forestry:

SQUISH THEM

And when you do so, do it well. One adult can lay about 80 eggs.

REMOVE ALL TREE OF HEAVEN

The Tree of Heaven is also invasive, so you are doing double duty. Click here for information.

WRAP TREES AND BUSHES WITH STICKY TAPE

Wrap tape around a tree or shrub. Lanternflies get stuck as they climb up the plant. Tape made by Catch Master (4 30-foot rolls for about $24 is so sticky that you also need to put screening or mesh about 1/2 to 1 inch over the sticky tape, to keep birds from getting stuck in it.

SPRAY WITH VINEGAR & SOAP, OR VINEGAR ALONE

Reports are that this is effective. however, plants may react to the acidity.

REMOVE THE EGG MASSES

Click here to see the lanternfly’s life cycle. Spotted lanternfly egg masses can be laid on any surface (outdoor furniture, fence posts, etc.).

Spotted lanternflies last year, at Winslow Park. (Photo/Michael Mossman)

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A reader writes:

“The Old Mill neighborhood is fed up with the blue crab industry that has arisen on our pristine beach.

“Participants arrive from New York State around low tide anytime after 5 p.m., when they can park legally on Hillspoint Road adjacent to the two concrete stairways down to the beach.

“They often come in groups of 15 at all hours of darkness, each with a bright LED flashlight fastened to their head. The lights disturb the precious marine ecosystem, and the surrounding neighbors’ sleep.

Old Mill crabbers, with LED lights.

“The crabbers harvested crabs the night the town closed the beaches to swimming as a result of the recent huge rainstorm. This could cause serious illness to unsuspecting consumers at the end of the commercial supply chain.

“Perhaps most disconcerting is the trash left behind each night, next to where they park: beer bottles and cans, plastic bottles, food packaging, wet socks, used rubber gloves, cigarette butts, plastic buckets and more.

Old Mill garbage.

“This is just what we see. Who knows what they are discarding in the water that is hidden.

“The town needs to prohibit overnight parking in this area starting at 5 p.m. to any vehicle without a Westport beach permit, and needs to patrol the Old Mill parking lot after 10 p.m.

“This abuse must stop. Our beaches are not intended to support a commercial industry, especially one unsupervised and unchecked by health officials.”

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Registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department programs begin online this coming Wednesday (September 4, 9 a.m.).

Click here to see all programs.

To prepare: Sign in to your online account. Under “Account Options,” you’ll see your name with a pencil next to the edit button. Select the edit button; then choose the “Contact Info” tab.

Verify that your email address is current; select the save button at the bottom. You will be directed back to the “account options” page.

Under your family name, you will see your family members. Follow the steps below for each family member.

  • select “manage family members”
  • choose a name from the list
  • Under “Family Member Information,” make any necessary changes. Make sure that the grade (if applicable) is correct; hit “Save.”
  • Go to “Contact Information” to verify your cell/home phone, and provide carrier if interested in receiving text messages. Make sure your email is current. Click “Save.”
  • Continue this process for every family member.

Have an address change? Email recreation@westportct.gov.

If you are not able to log into your online account, do not create another profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov or call 203-341-5152.

Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities — the non-profit that helps children with learning and attention differences reach their full potential — has a new short video.

It tells the story of who the group is, and what they do, while inspiring and comforting parents of kids with LD and ADHD.

The film — which features honorary chair Henry Winkler – was created by Westporter Robert Steven Williams.

All interviews wee conducted at the Southport School. Click below to watch:

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Storyfest — the Westport Library’s 7th annual genre-spanning literary festival (and the largest in Connecticut), celebrating all forms of storytelling — is just 3 weeks away.

The event kicks off Friday, September 20, with a keynote conversation with Roxane Gay and Oliver Radclyffe. Saturday (September 21) features a full panel lineup, 2 live podcast recordings, and a dedication to Westport literary icon Sybil Steinberg. Pitchfest caps off the weekend on Sunday (September 22).

Click here for full details.

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Earthplace calls this a “wonder-‘fall'” time of year.

The environmental and educational center welcomes September with live performances, foraging and wildlife programs, a community volunteer clean-up day, a “Harvest Homecoming” including a nature walk, canoe paddle, family campfire, after-school activities and more.

For details, click here.

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The honors keep coming for Harold Bailey Jr.

Yesterday, “06880” reported that the longtime resident/TEAM Westport chair/Westport Country Playhouse board member will be honored — with his wife Bernicestine McLeod Bailey — at the WCP gala with Kristin Chenoweth and Mary-Mitchell Campbell on Saturday, September 14.

The previous week — on September 6 ( 2 p.m.) — Bailey will be featured at the Senior Center, through their “This is Your Life” project.

A collaboration with The Legacy Project USA, it’s an up-close-and-personal look at the lives of friends and neighbors, both well known and quiet — before and during their time here.

Rozanne Gates, co-owner of The Legacy Project, will moderate the event. The public is invited.

Harold Bailey Jr.

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Hummingbirds don’t usually fly too quickly to be photographed.

But this one hung around in Marvin Frimmer’s yard long enough to be captured — photographically, of course — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Marvin Frimmer)

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And finally … today is National College Colors Day. We’ll celebrate with 3 of the greatest college fight songs in the history of athletics.

Feel free to disagree.

(Here’s one thing no one has to fight over: support for “06880.” We all agree: This is where Westport meets the world. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)

12 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, Library, Police

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Roundup: Harold & Bernicestine Bailey, Back To School Parents, BSA Scouts …

Posted on August 29, 2024 | 2 comments

The Westport Country Playhouse’s gala fundraiser, celebrating WCP alumni Kristin Chenoweth and Mary-Mitchell Campbell — featuring their performances of Cy Coleman’s greatest hits, plus a roster of special guests — is a great draw.

But Harold Baily, Jr. and Bernicestine McLeod Bailey’s many friends have another reason to attend.

The couple — longtime Westport residents, and volunteers in a wide array of local activities (including the Playhouse) — will be honored with Leadership Awards.

The event is Saturday, September 14 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Bernicestine McLeod Bailey and Harold Bailey Jr.

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Dr. Nikki Gorman has relaunched her popular Instagram series, Tiktokdoc.

The popular Village Pediatrics doctor partnered with health influencer Dr. Tania Elliott on her most recent — and very timely — post: “4 Things Every Parent Should Know About Back to School.”

What are they? Click below!

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As a new school year begins, it’s a great time to be a Scout.

Or join a troop.

Middle school boys and girls are invited to learn about Scouting’s “family, fun, friends and a lifetime of adventure,” including camping, hiking, biking and backpacking.

Troop 139 (girls) and Troop 39 (boys) typically meet together once a week. There is at least 1 outing per month, and community service projects throughout the year.

The Troops host a welcome campfire at Greens Farms Congregational Church on Tuesday, September (7 p.m.) for 6th-8th graders to learn more.

Questions? Email Troop 139 Scoutmaster Katherine O’Brien: kjobrien72@mac.com.

Scouts from Troops 39 and 139 enjoy a mountain biking and ziplining weekend at Berkshire East.

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Westport Police made 7 custodial arrests between August 21 and 28 — including one following the motor vehicle accident that closed the Merritt Parkway, and a search for fleeing suspects, near Clinton Avenue on Sunday.

That arrest — of an 18-year-old from Waterbury — began on July 14, with the theft of an unlocked Mercedes Benz from an open garage in Westport. A warrant was issued for that person’s arrest.

On Sunday, the same person was in another stolen vehicle that crashed. He fled the scene, was apprehended, and taken to Norwalk Hospital for injuries sustained in the crash. He was charged with evading responsibility, burglary, larceny of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle.

He was released on a $75,000 bond, and is due September 18 in Stamford Superior Court.

A 32-year-old Westport resident was charged with risk of injury to a child and disorderly conduct, after he and a family member were involved in an argument with pushing and shoving, while the other person was holding a child. He could not post a $100,000 bond.

A 36-year-oldl Greenwich man was charged with assault and breach of peace, after an incident at La Plage Restaurant. The complainant reported that the man was intoxicated, and assaulted him for no apparent reason. He then attempted to assault other patrons, and was restrained until police arrived.

A 23-year-old Norwalk man was charged with reckless driving, traveling unreasonably fast, engaging police in pursuit, failure to obey stop sign, failure to display lights and reckless endangerment, following an investigation into a July 25 incident after police attempted to stop a vehicle after a minor motor vehicle violation on Greens Farms Road near Hales Road. The driver refused to stop, and began driving erratically and aggressively attempting to elude police. The officer disengaged, but obtained the license plate. The driver posted a $25,000 bond, and has a September 13 court date at Stamford Superior Court.

A 37-year-old Stamford man was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, following too closely, failure to obey a stop sign, and illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license and without insurance, following investigation into a January accident with injuries at Greens Farms Road and Hales Couort.

A 59-year-old Queens man was arrested for failure to appear, following a 6 a.m. disturbance Tuesday on Wilton Road. When police arrived, he was found to have an active re-arrest warrant.

A 36-year-old Philadelphia man was charged with larceny and identity theft, following an investigation into an October report that 2 checks were stolen from the blue USPS box outside the Playhouse Square post office, altered and deposited. He posted a $25,000 bond, and has a September 30 date at Stamford Superior Court.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 24 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 15
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 7
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Disorderly conduct: 2
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • assault: 1
  • Criminal mischief: 1
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Transporting a child 2-5 years old, under 40 pounds without restraints: 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

 

Children two to five years old, or weighing less than 40 pounds, must use a child restraint with a 5-point harness. It’s the state law!

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Tracy Porosoff has been having fun with Merlin, an app that identifies birds by their sounds.

But you don’t need high-tech to name this bird — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — which has been hanging out a lot recently, in her yard.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … Today is the 100th anniversary of the birth of Dinah Washington. The 1950s jazz vocalist was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama in 1924. She died just 39 years later, in Detroit.

(You can make a difference in our “06880” day. Please click here, to support our work. [It’s tax-deductible.] Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Children, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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TEAM Westport Teen Essay Contest Prompt: Hate Speech

Posted on January 31, 2024 | 2 comments

TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest is always timely.

This year’s topic is particularly so.

It’s about hate speech.

All students attending public or private high school — and those who live in Westport, and attend high school elsewhere — are invited to participate.

The prompt says:

The regulation of hate speech must balance limiting speech that may be considered offensive, threatening, or hurtful with the constitutional right of free expression.

In 1,000 words or less, with respect to speech that targets specific people or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, and/or LGBTQIA+ identification, consider the guidelines one should set for themselves within Westport’s schools and in our community.

Explain how a diversity of opinions can be safely and respectfully shared. Are the rules different in a school community than on social media? 

The entry deadline is March 4. Click here for rules, and information on submissions.

Subject to the volume and caliber of entries received, at the discretion of the judges up to 3 cash prizes will be awarded. The first prize is $1,000, second prize is $750, and third prize is $500.

The Westport Library co-sponsors the event. A ceremony for the winners will be held there May 6.

“In our current environment, hate speech seems to rend the fabric of our society further on a daily basis.” says TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey Jr. “We look forward to this input from our young citizens to help us inextricably mend that fabric well into the future.”

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker adds, “This community encourages constructive, respectful dialogue. As representatives of our talented and thoughtful population, the youth of Westport can be instrumental in sharing diverse ideas that ensure that everyone who lives, works, plays, and learns here feels welcomed and valued.”

The essay contest is in its 11th year. Prior challenges have tackled topics from white privilege and Black Lives Matter to micro-aggressions and dialogue. Essays have drawn widespread attention and engagement, in Westport and beyond.

“As a library, our goals are to foster inclusivity, understanding, awareness, and the free and open exchange of ideas so that we all can grow and thrive — as individuals and as a community,” notes Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer.

“The annual TEAM Westport Teen Diversity Essay contest uniquely illustrates that commitment, all while engaging young people throughout Westport to consider and work through the important and complex issues of the day.

“Combating hate speech should be a commitment for everyone, in Westport and beyond. I look forward to reading the essays put forth by our town’s talented and thoughtful teens. The Westport Library is once again proud to support the essay contest and honored to host the 2024 honorees.”

2 Comments

Posted in Library, Politics

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Police Probe Antisemitic Flyers

Posted on July 24, 2023 | 11 comments

Westport Police are investigating hate flyers, found today on driveways in the Partrick Road neighborhood.

The flyers — in plastic baggies, weighted down with rice — included content that was “somewhat random and incoherent,” a WPD statement said, “but was antisemitic in nature.”

The tagline said, “Every single asset of abortion is Jewish.”  The flyer listed prominent Jewish men whose work, it claims, was responsible for easing restrictions on terminating pregnancies and allowing the availability of contraceptives.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker said, “I am grateful to the Police for managing this latest issue with expediency and professionalism. Westport will use all of its available resources to combat this hate and to strongly message that these statements and sentiments do not have a place here in Westport.”

“In collaboration with the Connecticut ADL, TEAM Westport and local officials, we will continue to make strides to ensure that Westport is a place where everyone is welcome, and everyone feels that they belong. Safety is always a top priority.”

TEAM Westport Chairman Harold Bailey, Jr. added, “This hate-filled vitriol is an assault on the fabric and values of every segment of the Westport community. We all stand in solidarity as Westporters in our firm rejection of both the message and messenger.”

Police ask anyone in the Partrick Road area to review surveillance cameras from yesterday evening (Sunday, July 19) through today, and report anything suspicious to the Detective Bureau: 203-341-6080.

11 Comments

Posted in Police, religion

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In Polarized Times, Westporters Seek Common Ground

Posted on April 21, 2023 | 5 comments

Mia Bomback is a Staples High School sophomore. She is not yet old enough to vote.

But, she writes: 

I am beginning to develop my political awareness. And in our increasingly divisive society, the slippery slope that is civil discourse is confusing and overwhelming. As such, I feel so privileged to be one of 2 local high school students on a brand new town-led initiative that has set out to create space for all voices.  

In the wake of complex controversies, Common Ground Initiative is a Westport organization comprised of 11  figures of different ages, races, genders, sexual orientations, political and ethnic backgrounds.

We are united by a shared goal: a desire to make Westport a comfortable place for uncomfortable conversation.

Mia Bombeck

Members of the Common Ground Initiative include former 1st selectman Jim Marpe, Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer, TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey Jr., and other local professionals.

Adam Vengrow, a founding member of CG, says that the initiative was founded in response to increased tension in Westport’s political climate over the past 2 years. 

 “The goal of CG,” he explains, “is to create a safe space for open conversation, where people can learn to agree to disagree, and understand each other’s points of view.”  

Over the past few months, we have planned for our inaugural event and the introduction of our mission to the wider Westport community. Through a series of open forums and guest speakers at the Westport Library, we hope to teach and encourage attendees to engage in open, honest and healthy dialogue.

Senator Roy Blunt

The first of many CG-led discussions will be held on May 2 (7 p.m.), and will feature a moderated conversation with former United States senator Roy Blunt of Missouri, and opportunity for audience engagement. Westporter Steve Parrish will moderate the event.

For Westport, CG provides a platform for freedom of conversation and expression. As the world becomes more globalized, respect and tolerance of other viewpoints become even more crucial. This starts at the community level.

As I grow up, I’ll no doubt encounter many different perspectives. From college to the workplace and beyond, learning to agree to disagree is a skill worth its weight in gold.

For more details on the May 2 Common Ground event. click here.

(“06880” gives a voice to teenagers like Mia Bombeck — and all Westporters. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

5 Comments

Posted in Library, Politics

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Little Rock 9 Hero Inspires Library Audience, Students

Posted on May 25, 2022 | 4 comments

Near the end of Carlotta LaNier’s talk at the Westport Library last night, she described the first time she told her story publicly. It was at a high school in a white suburb of Denver.

When she was done, a boy said in astonishment and anger, “I’m in 11th grade. How come I never knew about the Little Rock 9 before?”

Most of the audience here had probably heard of the Little Rock 9. But most — like me — also had just a vague notion of who they were.

We’ve seen somewhere — though maybe not in social studies class — photos of 9 young Arkansas students, as they integrated Central High School in 1957. The most iconic is this:

That’s Elizabeth Eckford — not Carlotta. But she’s in this image:

She and 8 other teenagers were escorted to and from Central High by members of the 101st Airborne Division. They were called out by President Eisenhower, after Governor Faubus and the Arkansas National Guard failed to allow black students into the all-white school — 3 years after the Supreme Court ruled that racial segregation in schools was unconstitutional.

Even the presence of soldiers in the halls could not stop 2,000 white students from pushing and tripping the Little Rock 9. They could not stop the white kids from putting gum on the black kids’ seats, or throwing water on their clothes.

The soldiers could not prevent Little Rock from closing every school the entire next year, in a desperate attempt to stop integration. And they certainly could not stop adults from bombing Carlotta’s house when she was a senior, or other adults from firing Carlotta’s father, and the parents of other Little Rock 9 students, from their jobs.

But the white students could not stop history. And no one could stop Carlotta from graduating on May 30, 1960 — with honors.

Although this photo shows the Little Rock 9 studying, the reality was different, Carlotta LaNier says. Because all 9 were in different classes — and because they had no white friends to call for study help — they were on their own for schoolwork.

She told her powerful, inspiring — and, though historic, still all too real today — story on the Library’s huge screen, from her Colorado home. The event was moderated by Steve Parrish, A Westporter for 3 decades, he is a longtime friend of Carlotta’s sister, Tina Walls. In 2017, Steve wrote a deeply moving story for “06880” about the 60th anniversary celebration of those September 1957 days.

Introducing last night’s event, TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey called Carlotta — the youngest member of the Little Rock 9 — “one of America’s heroes.” He too made history come alive, describing his own excitement when, as a child in Tennessee, he learned in his all-Black school that integration would now be the law of the land.

TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey introduces Carlotta Walls LaNier. (Photo/dan Woog)

Carlotta spoke of her own childhood. She swam in segregated pools, checked books out of a Quonset hut library, and climbed rickety stairs to reach her segregated movie seats.

But she spoke too of the Black teachers — many with master’s degrees — who pushed her to study and work hard, and her parents who did the same.

As she moved on, to talk about the harrowing first month trying to walk through the storied doors of Central — at the time, one of the top 40 high school in the country — and of the lonely 3 years that followed, many in the Library audience felt anger and shame. Many of the hundreds watching at home no doubt felt the same.

Carlotta LaNier on the Westport Library big screen. Steve Parrish (right) led the discussion. (Photo/Dan Woog)

It took 30 years from those days for Carlotta to tell her story publicly. She did not seek the limelight, and the day after graduation she left Little Rock, vowing never to return.

But when she spoke to that high school class in Colorado, she realized the importance of speaking out. By the time of their 50th anniversary celebration in 2007, she and the other 8 students had raised nearly $1 million for scholarships.

Ten years later, at that 60th anniversary, they were lauded as heroes by many Americans — including a fellow Arkansan, former President Clinton.

But Carlotta’s final words were not about her own heroism.

Everyone can be a hero, Carlotta implied: “True heroism starts with one brave decision to do the right thing.”

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An hour before Carlotta’s presentation, she spent time on Zoom with students from Staples High School, and Bridgeport and New Haven.

The teenagers may or may not have heard of Carlotta Walls LaNier in their own history classes. But they were prepared with excellent questions.

“Can people change?” one teenager asked.

“Yes,” Carlotta said — “if they are open to accept different experiences, and learn from them. If you are true to yourself, you can learn on a daily basis.”

Central High School, 65 years ago. Despite decades of progress, race remains a deeply divisive issue in America today.

“How did your teachers treat you?”

Some did not want to teach her, and treated her badly, she said. One of the worst was a Spanish teacher.

She praised her biology teacher, who encouraged her every day. He was a Central High graduate, she noted, and a Korean War veteran.

She paused. Then she told the students: Her biology teacher was the son of her Spanish teacher. His exposure to the world outside where he grew up made all the difference.

“Can you ever forgive people?”

“I forgave them a long time ago,” Carlotta responded. “I had to. I had to stay above all that was going on. That’s how I got through it.”

The final question was about “our better angels.”

“It’s hard to find them,” Carlotta admitted. “But I know they’re out there. That’s why it’s so important to learn, and talk about, our country’s history.”

She encourages all young people to do that. Besides, she noted: “History is being made right now.”

4 Comments

Posted in History, Library, Politics

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TEAM Westport Membership Challenged

Posted on January 31, 2022 | 58 comments

An attorney representing 2 Westporters has charged TEAM Westport with violating the town charter, and state statute.

In an email to 1st Selectman Jen Tooker, Vincent Marino — representing Zack Alcyone and Camilo Riano — says that since its formation in 2005, the town’s multicultural organization has “failed to satisfy the minority representation requirement and has included ineligible members. As a result, the Committee has conducted business in violation of the law, and in recent years, in absence of a quorum.”

Marino says that TEAM Westport includes 14 members, and that by charter and state statute, no more than 9 can be from one political party. He lists 11 Democrats, one unaffiliated, and one resident each of Weston and Redding, along with a 15th ex officio member. (Click here for TEAM Westport committee members, as listed on the town website.)

He charges also that “only electors of the Town may be appointed to serve on elected or appointed boards and commissions of the Town.” Two other members, he says, no longer live in Westport.

Marino says that at least 5 members — including chair Harold Bailey Jr. — have served longer than the charter allows.

He demands that 9 members be advised that they are no longer eligible to serve; that “all prior action of the Committee is to be considered void,” and that the 5 remaining members cannot conduct business in the absence of a quorum.

If Marino’s concerns are not addressed by Friday, he says his clients are “prepared to seek a writ of mandamus” (judicial remedy).

Members of TEAM Westport — the acronym stands for Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism — “live and work in Westport or Weston,” its website says. Members are appointed by the first selectman.

The committee was created in 2003, by Democratic 1st Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell. “Westport’s traditional ties with neighboring Weston quickly added volunteers from Weston with the sponsorship of Weston First Selectman Woody Bliss,” the website notes.

In 2005, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) voted to name TEAM Westport an official municipal committee. Democrat Gordon Joseloff and Republicans Jim Marpe and Jen Tooker have continued their support of the group.

Tooker’s office did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

(Full disclosure: I was a member of TEAM Westport at its inception in 2003. I resigned when I began the “06880” blog.)

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Anonymous Website Responds To TEAM Westport Statement

Posted on January 29, 2022 | 43 comments

A few minutes ago, I received an email from the obviously fake account of “Wes Porter.” 

It read:

If you have any journalistic integrity you will publish this response in full, which is now circulating. You cannot publish a story, give one side a full opportunity to respond and then silence the other side. 

In fact, I first gave voice to the anonymous “Westport Parents 06880” post objecting to TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Contest on Friday. A number of readers objected — you don’t allow anonymous comments on your blog, they said, so why do you allow an entire anonymous post?

My answer was that it was circulating in town, people were talking about it, and I wanted to open up my “Comments” section to readers for an important debate.

A number of comments in support of the anonymous statement came from fake email accounts, or used false names. That’s against “0688o” policy. I did my best to remove them.

Meanwhile, I had asked Harold Bailey, TEAM Westport chair, to respond. He sent a statement last night; I posted it this morning.

Normally, that would be the end of things. I don’t want “06880” to become a place for hurling back and forth statements, with the expectation I’ll highlight every one. Both sides have had their say.

Furthermore, “journalistic integrity” also includes knowing the source of what one prints. Woodward and Bernstein knew who Deep Throat was. They kept it quiet, as I would with the anonymous “Westport Parents” site. I believe it is legit, and run by Westport parents, but I can’t even be sure of that.

However — in the interest of furthering this discussion, and because it offers a different take on the essay prompt — I will post the anonymous response here. I will then allow TEAM Westport to respond if they wish, giving each side 2 stories. And that will be it.

I reiterate too: “06880” policy is that all commenters use full, real names. That has not changed. If you have something to say, you must stand by it publicly, with your full, real name. And I reserve the right to require proof that you are who you claim to be.

Here is the statement from “Wes Porter”:

We appreciate Mr. Bailey’s response to our concerns, although he put forth a series of misrepresentations about our statement in order to distract the community from and avoid confronting the most important point we are making. There was absolutely nothing in our statement to suggest we sought to stop any child in Westport from expressing his or her point of view on any topic.

Screenshot of the “Westport Parents 06880” home page.

We are passionate supporters of first amendment rights and free expression. It is misleading for Mr. Bailey to suggest that all criticism against his group is anonymous, as many individuals in town have been outspoken on areas of disagreement, and many others have lent their names to the ideas we have presented by sending emails to elected officials and making supportive statements on social media. We did not at all criticize the basic premise of an essay contest on racial themes, and we explicitly lent support to the idea of a town body that celebrated diversity.

There is of course nothing wrong with or unconstitutional about any American sharing his or her experiences or opinions on racial topics. Rather, our statement was narrowly focused on the chosen essay topic because of its ideological slant. This year’s essay contest steers students to accept and lend support to a particular political ideology with regard to racial matters, namely “antiracism.”

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

As we explained with reference to Ibram X. Kendi, antiracism is a philosophy that calls for the proactive use of racially conscious discrimination by government to remedy perceived inequities in the distribution of goods and services along racial lines. We view this philosophy of antiracism as fundamentally unconstitutional or perhaps, more precisely, “anti-constitutional.”

Antiracism (which actually now has its own page on our Town’s website) is the guiding philosophy of the “equity” movement to which our Town government now appears to be fully committed, thanks in no small part to TEAM’s pressure/coercion on this subject. With the forthcoming equity study recommendations, it is possible that antiracism will become the guiding philosophy of our schools.

Thus, it is urgent that our community take a very hard look at what antiracism is really all about. Recent examples of antiracism in action include policies enacted by hospital systems in various states to prioritize non-white patients in the delivery of life-saving COVID treatments. These policies, which are flagrantly unconstitutional and will likely be defeated in the courts, lack any basis in medical science. They are instead driven by the politics of “equity” that has ascended just in the past few years, in Westport and across the country.

Antiracism is, by design, difficult to criticize. Any religion or belief system that vilifies those who disagree with it should be inherently suspect, but antiracism takes it to a new level by defining itself in negative terms. For isn’t an anti-antiracist a racist? While our anonymous approach appears to be infuriating to many (“how can we destroy them personally for disagreeing with us if we don’t know who they are?”), it is necessary for that very reason for us to have this philosophical debate. TEAM has already personally attacked residents of this town by pushing for the official censure of someone who was willing to challenge their ideas and actions.

John McWhorter

We are anti-antiracists, but we are not racists. We object to antiracism for many of the same reasons African-American intellectuals from John McWhorter to Ian Rowe to Glenn Loury object to it. We object to antiracism and the resulting politics of equity because we believe they promote an unconstitutional and illegitimate public purpose: the creation of laws and policies designed to achieve an “equitable” distribution of goods and services along arbitrarily defined racial categories. “To each according to his membership within a government defined racial identity category” cannot become the 21st century interpretation of “all men are created equal.”

We continue to believe this year’s essay contest topic tends to promote an ideology, in violation of Westport Board of Education policy, which means Westport schools must not participate in any way with this essay contest. The ideology being promoted is antiracism. A possible solution to this problem would be to reword the essay contest in a way that is ideologically neutral. We propose the following language:

In 1,000 words or fewer describe the challenges people in your community face speaking about race, including the risk of harsh accusations if their views do not conform to certain expectations. Should instances of systemic racism be addressed through the implementation of more systemic racism? What are the advantages and pitfalls of abandoning the colorblind approach to issues that we have relied upon since the Civil Rights movement?

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TEAM Westport Responds To Diversity Essay Controversy

Posted on January 29, 2022 | 25 comments

In response to the uproar that followed announcement of TEAM Westport’s 9th annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest, Harold Bailey — chair of the town’s multiculutral organization — issued this statement:

In TEAM Westport’s 19-year history, there is no initiative of which we are more proud than the annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest.

Over the past 8 years, it is also the initiative which has garnered the greatest acclaim and respect for the town of Westport. From school systems regionally, statewide, and nationally to CNN, the stature of the town has been raised and the town has responded to the insights of its youth with a combination of respect, pride and (often) awe.

In general, the awe has been due to the breath-taking courage and talent required of winning essayists to deliver their searing insights with genuinely brilliant language. Those insights have included first-hand accounts of the impact of “othering” written by White, Black, Asian-American, Latinx, etc. students providing their voices on aspects of race, religion, ethnicity and LGBTQ-IA+ (TEAM Westport’s focus areas by charter).  We invite you to read all 25 winning essays at www.westportct.gov/essays.

Now, through a combination of website and emails, anonymous source(s) have declared that

  • Insights from African-American, Asian-American, Latinx and White students about the toxicity of racial micro-aggressions on their lives and their peers were racist.
  • A White student’s exposition of her marginalization due to the “dumb blonde” stereotypes was unconstitutional.
  • The frank discussion of the marginalization faced by an LGBTQ-IA+ student after coming out was un-American.

Essentially, these anonymous source(s) contend that the Town of Westport should be outraged that these voices were ever heard and ensure that no others are heard in the future.

Last year’s TEAM Westport Teen Essay Contest finalists (from left): Curtis Sullivan, Maxwell Tanksley, Jaden Mello.

That contention is patently absurd and diametrically opposed to the town of Westport’s “Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” ratified by the Board of Selectmen (including our current first aelectwoman) on October 13.

It is one thing to criticize adults with a viciousness including accusations of Nazi-ism, but far more troubling to dismiss the insights of our children as ideology trolling for dollars while bullying future participants and their parents.

(From left): TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey, with essay contest winners Chet Ellis, Angela Ji, Daniel Boccardo and Olivia Sarno.

The TEAM Westport Teen Diversity Essay Contest was created to give teens in our community an opportunity to reflect on, express, and open up constructive conversations about race and identity based on each teen’s lived experience. If you support the Teen Diversity Essay Contest and its continuation, there are two ways you can help:

  1. Say so. Send an email addressed to the RTM (RTM-DL@westportct.gov), Board of Selectmen (selectman@westportct.gov), Board of Education (boe@westportps.org) and Superintendent of Schools (tscarice@westportps.org).
  2. Contribute. TEAM Westport receives no funding from the town of Westport. All contest prizes are funded via independent contributions. Tax deductible contributions may be made via to TEAM Westport, c/o Department of Finance, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.

  3. TEAM Westport contest judges (from left) Jaina Shaw and Dr. Judith Hamer, and (far right) Mary-Lou Weisman flank 2016 essay contest winners Ellie Shapiro, Ali Tritschler and Jacob Klegar.

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