Tag Archives: Martin Luther King Day

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Tacopina, the trial lawyer on Donald J. Trump’s legal team with the most successes defending high-profile clients, will no longer represent the former president in his criminal trial in Manhattan, according to a notice sent to the court on Monday.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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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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Roundup: Saugatuck Zoning, MLK Day, Remarkable Bookcycle …

Posted on January 6, 2023 | 26 comments

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will hold a special public hearing on January 17 (7:30 p.m., Zoom) to review last month’s Planning & Zoning Commission decision to create a new zoning and map amendment in Saugatuck.

The vote rezoned 11 properties, and could pave the way for the new Hamlet at Saugatuck retail/hotel/marina project.

The RTM’s Planning & Zoning Committee planned to hold a public meeting to review the P&Z Commission’s decision last night. However, due to a Zoom glitch allowing a maximum of 100 people to attend at a time, with more seeking to participate, the meeting was canceled.

Further meetings are set for January 10 and 12, via Zoom (7 p.m.). The RTM Transit Committee will also meet on Monday, to discuss Saugatuck. Click here for agendas and details.

Details on the January 17 public hearing have not yet been released. It will be livestreamed at  www.westportct.gov, and aired on Optimum channel 79 and Frontier channel 6020.

The shaded area includes the new text and map amendment boundaries.

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This year, Westport celebrates more than Martin Luther King Day.

It’s a full Martin Luther King weekend.

On Saturday (January 14), the Westport Library features several community events.

Junauda Petrus and local artists offer workshops in creative mediums, culminating in a panel discussion on justice, art and healing. They include:

11 a.m. to noon:  Writing Workshop with Shanna T. Melton, a poet, painter and art educator in Bridgeport. The author of “Unraveling My Thoughts” and founder of The Writer’s Group, she is also an arts consultant who integrates social justice and community engagement in her creative workshops, performances and events.

Noon to 1 p.m.: Self-Portrait Workshop with Alicia Cobb, a visual artist, fine body painter and teaching artist in Bridgeport. She honors her ancestors, and creates art for those who couldn’t. Breaking away from conventional canvas and concepts, Alicia creates stories of survival and beauty on human skin and through fine art.

1 to 2 p.m.: Art Workshop

2 to 3 p.m.:  Workshop with Junauda Petrus, a creative activist, writer, playwright and multi-dimensional performance artist. Born on Dakota land, West-Indian descended and African-sourced, her work centers around Black wildness, futurism, ancestral healing, sweetness, spectacle and shimmer.

3 to 4 p.m.: Justice, Art and Healing panel discussion with Junauda Petrus and guest artists; moderated by Connecticut poet laureate, author and artist Antoinette Brim-Bell,

Click here for more details about the free Library events, and registration.

On Sunday (January 15, 3 p.m.), Petrus will deliver a keynote address at the Westport Country Playhouse.

The program includes a dance performed by the Regional Center for the Arts.

Click here to register for the free Westport Country Playhouse event.

The Playhouse — partnering for the weekend with the Westport Library, TEAM Westport, Westport/Weston Interfaith Council, and Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy, says:

“Together, we invite our entire community — those who live, work, study and participate in the life of Westport, Fairfield County, and adjacent counties — to join us as we begin the work needed to continue King’s call to action, as urgent now as it was in 1968.

“For members of a community such as Westport, that begins with a challenge to understand our place of comfort and the work we each, as individuals, need to do to transform ourselves and our society into a more equitable and just one.”

Westport’s 17th annual Martin Luther King Day celebration begins next Friday (January 13), with Petrus leading student workshops in various schools.

Junauda Petrus

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The Remarkable Bookcycle is enjoying its winter home on Main Street, outside Savvy + Grace.

It’s all good. Except: It needs books!

They can be dropped off in the Bookcycle itself, or with Annette Norton in her Savvy + Grace. (No yellowing softcovers, please.)

The back story: Jane Green — yes, that Jane Green — and her husband Ian Warburg created the Remarkable Bookcycle as a tribute to the beloved pink book shop — the Remarkable — that sat on the Main Street/Parker Harding Plaza corner for 34 years.

The Bookcycle is a free library that moves between Compo Beach and Main Street — reminding everyone, Jane says, “of the many charming idiosyncrasies, and the many creative people, that made us fall in love with Westport in the first place.”

Jane Green, and the Remarkable Bookcycle on Main Street.

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As contributions for Westport’s sister city of Lyman, Ukraine continue to come in — $4,500 over the past 2 days — our 3-week fundraising total stands at $246,300.

That’s just $3,700 of our $250,000 goal.

Meanwhile, Brian and Marshall Mayer — native Westporters, and our partners on the ground through the Ukraine Aid International organization they founded — are in Europe. They are sourcing material and goods to help Lyman, as it emerges from several months of Russian occupation.

Tax-deductible donations can be made to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International. Please click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other tax-deductible donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo). You can also donate directly, via Stripe (click here). 

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Food for thought: The Westport Library’s January 10 (7 p.m.) event.

Michel Nischan dishes on “Dinner Disrupted: The Power of Food.”

The Library says: “Food has the power to transform. From where it is grown through consumption, food transforms us along its journey from seed to plate. But what journey is your food taking? And is it reaching everybody? Do we all have access to healthy and nutritious foods?”

Nischan — former partner with Paul Newman in The Dressing Room restaurant; 4-time James Beard Award-winning chef; founder and president of Wholesome Crave, which sells responsibly sourced, plant-forward soups to large-scale dining facilities, and co-founder of Wholesome Wave, the nonprofit food equity organization — will talk about food access, food choice, and how to create a more equitable and sustainable food system.

Click here for more information.

Michel Nischan

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Yesterday’s Roundup mentioned a new store — Courtgirl — moving into 125 Main Street soon. They sell tennis and golf products in private clubs, pro shops and sports stores. This will be their first retail outlet.

Patti Brill — one of Westport’s 12 zillion pickleball players — wondered if “tennis products” included her sport.

The answer: Yes! Courtgirl will sell pickleball gear.

I don’t play. (I know, I know …). So I don’t know what “pickleball gear” is.

But I’m sure everyone else in Westport does.

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This year’s CT Challenge is July 29.

The bike tour that raises money for cancer survivors through 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100-mile rides through Connecticut (and virtually) draws dozens of Westport cyclists (and contributors).

Registration opens January 17. Click here for details.

And they’re off!

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A morning ritual for many Westport girls is getting together for coffee.

Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” ritual for many local gulls.

(Photo/Tammy Barry)

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And finally … today — January 6 — has joined December 7 as days that will live in infamy.

 (“06880” relies entirely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)  

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Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Local politics, Saugatuck, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: MLK Day, Old Mill Seawall …

Posted on January 18, 2022 | 4 comments

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SHow did your child celebrate Martin Luther King Day?

Students in MoCA Westport’s MLK Day Art Camp for ages pre-K through grade 3 created projects honoring the teachings and legacy of the civil rights leader.

According to MoCA’s Leslie LaSala, youngsters learned that “King believed our lives must be lived intentionally and without regret; that words have meaning, and that we must speak up against injustice.”

MoCA offers a variety of school recess art camps. The next is set for February break.

Learning about Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., at MoCA’s holiday camp.

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Rick Benson writes:

“If Burying Hill is being evaluated for a jetty replacement, please don’t forget the sea wall at Old Mill. It has been breached in 3 places for several years. The center section looks like it could collapse, as so many stones have been washed out.”

Rick sent this photo from yesterday morning, as the tide flowed in.

(Photo/Rick Benson)

Rick adds: “The ‘fishing pier[ separating Compo Beach from South beach was ravaged by the last 2 years of winter storms, moving huge boulders way out of alignment. It starts just west of the cannons, all the way to the end.”

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Three serene swans in the Sound highlight today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Jonathan Prager)

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And finally … in 1788, the first elements 736 convicts from Great Britain arrived in what was to become the penal colony in Australia.

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Children

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Sunday’s MLK Program Postponed

Posted on January 14, 2022 | 2 comments

The program scheduled for this Sunday — celebrating the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., featuring author Heather McGhee — has been postponed.

Due to the worsening COVID situation, she made the difficult decision to delay upcoming speaking engagements. She looks forward to another opportunity to honor Dr. King’s legacy in Westport, when large gatherings become tenable.

The sponsors — Westport Library, Westport Country Playhouse, TEAM Westport, Westport/Weston Interfaith Council, and the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy — will announce a new date as soon as possible.

Heather McGhee

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Posted in Library

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Roundup: Mask Mandate, Shop Local, Jonathan Greenfield

Posted on December 9, 2021 | 14 comments

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The sign at the Stop & Shop entrance says masks are required for entrance.

A young boy was not wearing one. A shopper asked his mother why not.

“Mind your f—- business,” the mother replied.

“This is a public store with a sign in front mandating a mask,” the first shopper said.

“Mind your f—ing business,” the boy’s mom repeated.

It escalated from there, says Jo Ann Miller, who saw the whole thing.

When the mini-drama was over — and the manager said masks were not, in fact, mandate — he was asked, “Why not take down the sign?”

“Good point,” he said.

Two days later, the sign was still there.

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Speaking of shopping: Shop local! In fact, shop Local to Market!

Need a nudge to head to the food/gifts/and more store on Main Street at Parker Harding Plaza? Here’s what they’ve got:

This Saturday (December 11, 1 to 4 p.m.), Sam from Locavore Kitchens will have artisanal shortbread cookies to taste (and buy). Luke Molina — like Sam, from Westport — will play guitar. And there’s a 10% discount all day, in honor of the 4 to 7 p.m. Holiday Stroll.

Next Saturday (December 18, 2 to 5 p.m.), Netown’s Neviana’s winery is on hand for the Market’s first “Sip & Shop.” Plus, Luke Molina returns with his guitar.

The next day (Sunday, December 19, 1 to 4 p.m.) there’s more wines. These are from Stappa Vineyards in Orange. Jim Saxon provides musical entertainment. Santa will show up too, from 12:30 to 2.

Every day through December 17, orders are taken for Michele’s Pies (apple, apple crumb, pecan and chocolate bourbon pecan). Delivery (at Local to Market) is midday December 22.

Oh yeah: Local to Market also sells art, created by members of the Artists Collective of Westport. The current show features works by Nina Bentley, Miggs Burroughs, Louise Cadoux, Lynn Carlson, Susan Fehliinger, Jane Gilman Fleischner, Holly Hawthorn, Amy Kaplan, Julie Leff, Fruma Markowitz, Guy Phillips. Katherine Ross and Lee Walther.

It doesn’t get more local than that!

Art and more at Local to Market.

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Just across the street from Local to Market, George Billis Gallery hosts an opening reception this Saturday (4 to 6:30 p.m.) for their newest exhibition.

Featured artists include Connie Connally. Shivani Dugar, Glen Hacker, Abby Modell and Leslie Lewis Sigler. Click below for a video of Sigler creating her paintings.

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It wasn’t much: an early evening dusting.

But yesterday’s snowfall was just enough to make us realize that winter is pretty much here.

We’ll take scenes like this one (near Compo Beach) any day. From now until late February, anyway.

(Photo/Mona Patel)

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Yesterday’s “06880” Unsung Heroes were FedEx, UPS and other deliverypersons.

Of course, not every delivery goes as planned. Jeanine Esposito sent this photo:

(Photo/Jeanine Esposito)

She writes: “Given the stories of late deliveries and drivers going rogue, we were curious to see this U-Haul truck parked in the Imperial Avenue lot. Its entire contents were spread around the parking lot, including packages marked Zappos, Away, and other retail and online outlets.

“A person sat on the passenger side looking relaxed and texting, but there was no sign of a driver. I’m not sure what’s up, but would love to know if there’s a story there.”

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When Jonathan Greenfield died after an inspiring struggle against ALS, his many friends mourned.

But the multi-talented Westporter lives on.

His wife Iris Netzer Greenfield and her amazing team created a table book, capturing Jonathan’s life in photographs. His photographs.

Among Jonathan’s many accomplishments, he was a documentary-style photographer. His works “bring to life the juxtaposition of darkness and controversy, flecked with humor and surprise. 

All proceeds benefit Breathe 4 ALS. The foundation — set up by Jonathan and iris — supports research efforts for genetic ALS, provides Wim Hof breathing method trainings, and leads in ALS activism.

The book comes in platinum, gold, silver and hardcover editions. Click here to order. (NOTE: The site loads slowly. Be patient!)

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Christmas is 2 weeks away. New Year’s follows a week later.

Which means Martin Luther King Day is not far behind.

On Sunday, January 16 (3 p.m.), Dr. King’s life will be celebrated at the Westport Library by Heather McGhee. She’s the author of The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together; her TED talk, “Racism Has a Cost for Everone” reached 1 million views in just 2 months.

The free event is co-sponsored by the Library, Westport Country Playhouse, TEAM Westport, Westport/Weston Interfaith Council and the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy.

The program also features a recital by the Bridgeport Boys Choir, and a dance performed by the Regional Center for the Arts.

To register for either the in-person event or the livestream, click here.

Heather McGhee

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Congratulations to Westport’s 12-year old karting racer Vivek Kanthan.

He is the 2021 SuperKarts USA SuperNationals XXIV Vice Champion. Vivek competed in the “Super Bowl” of competitive national kart races recently in las Vegas.

This year Vivek moved up a racing category, to the Mini Swift Race category for 10-13-year-olds. He reached speeds up to 70 miles an hour.

Vivek Kanthan

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It’s been a while since we’ve had a good “Westport … Naturally” praying mantis photo.

This shot of Connecticut’s state insect (!) comes courtesy of Jonathan Prager.

(Phoro/Jonathan Prager)

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And finally … Donny Osmond turns 64 years old today. It seems like just yesterday when those were the sweet and innocent, puppy love days.

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Library, Local business, Media, Sports, Weather

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Roundup: Winter Sports, Papal Prayer, Youth Survey, More

Posted on January 12, 2021 | Comments Off on Roundup: Winter Sports, Papal Prayer, Youth Survey, More

Staples High School’s winter sports season moved a step closer to a (long-delayed) reality yesterday.

The state Department of Public Health told the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference — the organizing body for high school sports — that low- and moderate-risk sports (basketball, ice And fnahockey, indoor track, swimming and gymnastics) can begin practicing a week from today (January 19).

The CIAC will meet Thursday to approve the plan. The first games could be played February 1, though that date may be pushed back.

Safety protocols include masks at all times, including competition, social distancing on the sidelines, and perhaps no spectators other than parents. There can be no multi-team indoor track meets.

High-risk sports (wrestling and cheer) will be allowed only small-group practices, with no competitions.

Still, for winter athletes and coaches — whose seasons were canceled abruptly last March, when COVID first struck — the fact that abbreviated seasons may begin soon was welcome news.

Janine Scotti writes:

I was almost home yesterday morning, my heart still heavy from the events of the last week, when I saw what appeared to be a bag’s worth of garbage strewn along Riverside Avenue.

I knew that if I had called Public Works, they could not arrive before some of the trash ended up in the Saugatuck River. With no other option, and inspired by the images of Congressman Andy Kim on his hands and knees cleaning the floor of the Capitol, I hurried home to grab gloves and a trash bag.

When I returned, a passerby walking a beautiful golden retriever said the garbage had probably fallen from a vehicle on its way to the dump.

As I loaded the mess into the bag I had brought, I realized it had been collected from the nearby church. Amid the papers were handfuls of small cut-out hearts.  As a collector of hearts of all shapes and sizes, I smile as I continued my work.

As I was getting ready to head home, I found one last item: a 3 x 3 laminated card. On the front was an image of Pope John XXIII. On the back, was this prayer:

I am certain it was no accident that the litter caught my attention yesterday, as a way for me to find this message and share it.

After this tragic week in our democracy, this unexpected find gave me the reassurance I was looking for. I hope that no matter what your political party or faith, it also brings you comfort and hope, today and in the future.

Bullying. Lack of non-car transportation. Lack of affordable activities. Vaping, drinking and drugs. Apathy. Gender issues.

Those are some of the things Westport youngsters deal with.

How important are they to kids, and adults? The Westport Youth Commission wants to know.

They’ve developed a needs survey, broken down into elementary, middle, high school and post-high school/college ages. Anyone can take it; you can identify yourself as a student, parent with kids in schools, adult without students in schools, or a professional working with Westport youth.

The goal is to understand what the community wants, to better cater to those needs. Click here for the survey.

A multiracial, intergenerational cat of more than 60 performers — including Westporters — celebrates Martin Luther King Day every year, at Bridgeport’s Klein Auditorium.

COVID changed those plans. This year’s event next Monday (January 18, 2 p.m.) is virtual

Connect-Us — the non-profit suburban and urban partnership that provides after-school opportunities for Bridgeport youth, which sponsors the celebration, notes:

“Dr. King had a dream that inspired the world to create more harmonious, developmental, and humane communities, cities, and countries.” Each year, the Connect-Us community creates performances and writes letters to Dr. King letting him know what their dreams are — or why they don’t have dreams.

This year’s show is called “Bridgeport Has a Dream: Building Bridges Across Fairfield County.” It will be streamed for free on Facebook and the Connect-Us website. It will also be available on those platforms after the event.

And finally … today is National Kiss a Ginger Day. Unfortunately the world’s most famous ginger — Baker — died in 2019.

Comments Off on Roundup: Winter Sports, Papal Prayer, Youth Survey, More

Posted in Organizations, religion, Sports, Staples HS

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MLK Celebration: A Week Of Introspection And Inspiration

Posted on January 10, 2021 | Comments Off on MLK Celebration: A Week Of Introspection And Inspiration

This year more than ever, it’s important to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

And — now more than ever — it’s vital to do it on more than just Martin Luther King Day.

Layla F. Saad

The town is already gearing up for next Sunday’s conversation with Layla F. Saad, author of the compelling “Me and White Supremacy.” The livestreamed event is set for 12 noon. (Click here to register. Click here for more details.)

But that’s just the start of a week-long series of virtual events. For the first time, Westport is expanding its MLK celebrations beyond a single keynote.

Rev. Alison J. Patton of Saugatuck Congregational Church says, “In recent years we have shifted the focus of the Dr. King celebration from a remembrance of his groundbreaking leadership to an occasion to deepen our understanding of the continuing impact of systemic racism. There’s a need to equip ourselves to more effectively unmask and dismantle racism in our lives and community.”

Saad’s talk will be followed 2 days later by a panel discussion on “Me and White Supremacy: What Can I Do Next?”

The January 19 session (7 p.m.) focuses on the process outlined in Saad’s best-selling workbook, a 28-day challenge “to combat racism, change the world and become a good ancestor.” Click here to register.

The week culminates with “New Works/New Voices,” an evening of original monologues in response to Saad’s “Me and White Supremacy” (Thursday, January 21, 7 p.m.). It’s a world premiere, with Gracy Brown, Tenisi Davis, Tamika Pettway and Terrence Riggins sharing new works exploring themes surrounding racial justice. Click here to register.

Monologue authors ready for world premiere.

There’s more next month. February will include many opportunities for “profound personal engagement on the impact of white supremacy and privilege,” says TEAM Westport’s Bernicestine McLeod Bailey. Details will be announced soon.

TEAM Westport is co-sponsoring the Martin Luther King celebration, with the Westport Libraray, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Weston Interfaith Council and Westport Weston Interfaith Clergy.

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Dr. Kendi’s Journey

Posted on January 19, 2019 | 2 comments

Exactly one year ago, Dr. Ibram X. Kendi was the keynote speaker at Westport’s annual Martin Luther King Day ceremony. A full house listened raptly as the winner of the 2016 National Book Award for Nonfiction described exactly what it means to be anti-racist.

It was a powerful, insightful lecture. Attendees contributed almost $3,000 toward anti-racism training in Westport.

Dr. Ibram X. Kendi

In the weeks following, the MLK Planning Committee — TEAM Westport, the Westport Library, Westport Playhouse and Westport Weston Interfaith Council — worked with Dr. Kendi and his team to develop anti-racism training for senior management of key organizations in Westport. It includes town government, the police and the school system.

The year-long, successful pilot project is now in the action stage.

Dr. Kendi’s impact on Westport has been profound.

And it came while he was engaged in his own, very different struggle.

Last week, the Atlantic published a first-person piece by Dr. Kendi. Titled “What I Learned From Cancer,” it describes his whipsawing emotions as he was diagnosed with — and then battled — Stage 4 colon cancer.

It’s powerful, personal and raw. During grueling chemotherapy, he continued to research and write his new book, “How to Be an Antiracist.” It was, he says, “perhaps my way of coping with the demoralizing severity of the cancer and the overwhelming discomfort of the treatment, furiously writing and fighting, fighting and writing to heal mind and body, to heal society.”

Dr. Kendi’s Atlantic piece ties together his professional work, and his new insights into America’s healthcare. He writes:

America’s politics, in my lifetime, have been shaped by racist fears of black criminals, Muslim terrorists, and Latino immigrants. Billions have been spent on border walls and prison walls and neighborhood walls, and on bombs and troops and tax cuts—instead of on cancer research, prevention, and treatment that can reduce the second-leading cause of death.

Any politician pledging to keep us safe who is drastically overfunding law and order, border security, and wars on terror—and drastically underfunding medical research, prevention, and health care—is a politician explicitly pledging to keep our bodies unsafe.

Harold Bailey — chair of TEAM Westport, who with Rev. Alison Buttrick Patton of Saugatuck Congregational Church has helped lead the local anti-racism initiative — notes that Dr. Kendi’s Playhouse talk last year was his first public appearance after being diagnosed with cancer.

Bailey — but few others — knew of that back story as they worked through the year together.

Today, Dr. Kendi stands a good chance of joining the 12% of people who survive a Stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis.

In fact, on Wednesday, January 30 (8 p.m., Quick Center for the Arts) he will be the keynote speaker at Fairfield University’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation. (Click here for details.)

As for Westport: This year’s 13th annual Martin Luther King celebration scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday, January 20, Westport Country Playhouse) has been postponed. A new date has  not yet been announced.

The keynote speaker will be James Forman, Jr. He wrote the 2018 Pulitzer Prize winner for general nonfiction: “Locking Up Our Own: Crime and Punishment in Black America.”

James Forman Jr.

He is a leading critic of mass incarceration and its disproportionate impact on people of color. The Brown University and Yale Law School graduate clerked for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. He then spent 6 years as a public defender.

Forman has contributed op-eds and essays to the New York Times, The Atlantic, The New Republic, The Nation, and the Washington Post.

(For Dr. Kendi’s full Atlantic article, click here.)

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MLK

Posted on January 15, 2018 | 28 comments

This story has become a Martin Luther King Day tradition on “06880.”

Today is Martin Luther King Day. Westporters will celebrate with a day off from school or work.  Some will sleep in; others will ski, or take part in a Staples basketball clinic for younger players. Few will give any thought to Martin Luther King.

Twice, though, his life intersected this town in important ways.

Martin Luther KingThe first was Friday night, May 22, 1964. According to Woody Klein’s book Westport, Connecticut, King had been invited to speak at Temple Israel by synagogue member Jerry Kaiser.

King arrived in the afternoon. Kaiser and his wife Roslyn sat on their porch that afternoon, and talked with King and 2 of his aides. She was impressed with his “sincerity, warmth, intelligence and genuine concern for those about him — our children, for instance. He seemed very young to bear such a burden of leadership.”

King’s sermon — to a packed audience — was titled “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.” He analogized his America to the time of Rip Van Winkle — who also “slept through a revolution. The greatest liability of history is that people fail to see a revolution taking place in our world today.  We must support the social movement of the Negro.”

Westport artist Roe Halper presented King with 3 woodcarvings, representing the civil rights struggle. He hung them proudly in the front hallway of his Atlanta home.

Artist Roe Harper (left) presents Coretta Scott King with civil rights-themed wood carvings.

Within a month Temple Israel’s rabbi, Byron Rubenstein, traveled south to take place in a nonviolent march. He was arrested — along with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King.

In jail, the rabbi said, “I came to know the greatness of Dr. King. I never heard a word of hate or bitterness from that man, only worship of faith, joy and determination.”

King touched Westport again less than 4 years later. On April 5, 1968 — the day after the civil rights leader’s assassination in Memphis — 600 Staples students gathered for a lunchtime vigil in the courtyard. Nearby, the flag flew at half-staff.

A small portion of the large crowd listens intently to Fermino Spencer, in the Staples courtyard.

A small portion of the large crowd listens intently to Fermino Spencer, in the Staples courtyard.

Vice principal Fermino Spencer addressed the crowd. Movingly, he spoke about  his own experience as an African American. Hearing the words “my people” made a deep impression on the almost all-white audience. For many, it was the 1st time they had heard a black perspective on white America.

No one knew what lay ahead for their country. But student Jim Sadler spoke for many when he said: “I’m really frightened. Something is going to happen.”

Something did — and it was good. A few hundred students soon met in the cafeteria. Urged by a minister and several anti-poverty workers to help bridge the chasm between Westport and nearby cities, Staples teachers and students vowed to create a camp.

Within 2 months, it was a reality. That summer 120 elementary and junior high youngsters from Westport, Weston, Norwalk and Bridgeport participated in the Intercommunity Camp. Led by over 100 Staples students and many teachers, they enjoyed swimming, gymnastics, dance, sports, field trips, overnight camping, creative writing, filmmaking, photography, art and reading.

It wasn’t easy — some in Westport opposed bringing underprivileged children to their town — but for over a decade the Intercommunity Camp flourished.

Eventually, enthusiasm for and interest in the camp waned. Fewer Staples students and staff members wanted to devote their summer to such a project.  The number of Westporters willing to donate their pools dwindled. Today the Intercommunity Camp is a long-forgotten memory.

Sort of like the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. Even on his birthday.

MLK speech

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