But 3 years earlier — on April 12, 1961 — another iconic activist spoke at the same synagogue.
During Black History Month, we recall James Baldwin’s lecture. This information comes from a story on the writer’s Connecticut decade (1954-63) by Andrew Lopez, a research support Librarian at Connecticut College. He writes:
The public lecture on the “Negro mood” was organized by Marjorie Koster Beinfield and other members of the synagogue’s social action committee.
James Baldwin, in his Connecticut days.
Marjorie and her husband, Malcolm Beinfield, were involved in many causes promoting equal rights and social justice in the early 1960s.
Their daughter, Harriet Beinfield, was 14 years old at the time and remembers Baldwin’s talk, and asking him how he tolerated white people.
She recalls with admiration his generosity in responding to her.
Malcolm Beinfield, a longtime Westport physician and surgeon, had done his medical residency at Harlem Hospital in the 1940s – the same hospital where Baldwin was born on August 2, 1924.
Lopez also notes that Baldwin wrote much of his historic essays “The Fire Next Time” at the home of his agent, Robert Park Mills, in Norwalk.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
The Beinfield family, not long before James Baldwin’s Westport visit.
This story has become a Martin Luther King Day tradition on “06880.” At this point in our nation’s history, today — more than ever — we should think about the history of our nation before Dr. King was born.
And where we are, nearly 6 decades after his death.
Today is Martin Luther King Day. Westporters will celebrate with a day off from school or work. Some will sleep in; others will shop, or go for a walk. Few will give any thought to Martin Luther King.
Twice, though, his life intersected this town in important ways.
The first was Friday night, May 22, 1964. 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.”
Martin Luther King, with Sarah and Tema Kaiser at their home on Brooklawn Drive, before his Temple Israel appearance. Their brother Michael had a cold, and was not allowed near Dr. King.
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 Halper (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 to Fermino Spencer.
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.”
Dr. Martin Luther King
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.
Martin Luther King Day bonus feature:In the late 1950s, Westporter Tracy Sugarman took his son Dickie, and Dickie’s friend Miggs Burroughs, to a picnic in Stamford.
Rev. Martin Luther King was there, at the invitation of the host: Jackie Robinson.
Sugarman — a noted illustrator – was also a civil rights activist.
Miggs — a junior high student — took the Minox “spy” camera he’d bought earlier that summer.
He still has those photos. Here are the 2 pioneering Black Americans: Martin Luther King and Jackie Robinson.
Sustainable Westport takes their mission seriously.
And means much more than just composting, recycling and electric vehicles.
Next month, the non-profit teams up with the Senior Center and Westport woman’s Club to collect lightly used durable medical equipment, to support Wheel It Forward. Click here for a full list of items (there are many!).
Crutches, canes, wheelchairs and similar items can be dropped off at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), on Saturday, November 15 (8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, November 16 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
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In 2022 Westport Writers’ Workshop lost longtime instructor Jessica Speart to breast cancer.
To honor her life, and so many others affected by the disease, they’re hosting a fundraiser this Thursday (October 16, 6:30 p.m.).
This is not your usual gala. It’s not even a party.
For $50, participants can join instructor and breast cancer survivor Christine Pakkala in writing to prompts.
In a Heartbeat — the life-saving organization that offers free screenings for children, teens and young adults, to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest — celebrates 10 years of saving lives this Thursday (October 16).
From 6 to 9 p.m. (Aitoro Appliances, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk), guests will enjoy great food from restaurants like Kawa Ni and Gruel Britannia, raffles and a live auction.
Nearly 80,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s in Connecticut.
Many more family members and friends are affected by the disease, as caregivers.
On October 26 (10 a.m.), the annual Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s steps off at a new location: Sherwood Island State Park. Dave Briggs is the MC.
Angela Buchdahl is one of the most influential rabbis in America — and a longtime colleague and mentor of Temple Israel’s Rabbi Michael Friedman and Cantor Julia Cadrain.
On October 28 (7 p.m.) she’ll be at Temple Israel, discussing her new book. “Heart of a Stranger” is a stirring account of her journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming an internationally admired religious leader. Click here to register, and for more information.
With speeches, music and many rainbows, Westport celebreated Pride today.
The 5th annual event — sponsored by Westport Pride — drew a couple of hundred members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies, to Jesup Green.
Several speakers — including state and local legislators, human rights advocates, and Miss Connecticut USA Shavana Clarke, the first openly lesbian state titleholder — noted how far the LGBTQ community has come in terms of acceptance and legal righs, and yet also how endangered some of those gains are.
Shavana Clarke talks about her religious upbringing as a Jamaican female, and the community she’s found now as a queer woman.
But despite the political climate, and the heat and humidity, the mood was upbeat.
Pride is a day of celebration. After proclamations from State Senator Ceci Maher and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, the entertainment began.
Happy Pride!
From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Westport Pride co-president Brian McGunigle and his kids, and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
From left: Kevin Christie (Board of Education), Amy Wistreich (Planning & Zoning Commission), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, State Senator Ceci Maher, Westport Pride co-presidents Brian McGunigle and Kayla Iannetta, State Representative Dominique Johnson, Connecticut Against Gun Violence chair Melissa Kane, StartUp Westport co-founder Peter Propp.
Temple Israel cantor Julia Cadrain, and assistant cantor Becky Mann.
But a variety of businesses in Saugatuck Center invite everyone to block party this Sunday (June 22, 2 to 4 p.m.).
In and around the Whelk plaza, there will be live music, small bites, lawn games, and fun for all ages. It’s sponsored by “your favorite local businesses.”
See you there!
Block party time!
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Alex Edelman — called “the Jewish voice of his generation,” whose shows blur the line between standup comedy and narrative-driven storytelling — brings his show to Temple Israel next month (July 30, 7 p.m.).
And finally … on this date in 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died during childbirth. Her husband, Mughal emperor Shah Jahan I, spent the next 17 years building her mausoleum. Today we know it as the Taj Mahal.
The topic of yesterday’s Y’s Men panel, before a packed Westport Library crowd, was “how the media covered the first 100 days of the Trump administration.”
But panelists roamed freely, with most talking more generally about the role of the media in today’s polarized world.
Congressman Jim Himes noted that the founding fathers believed the press must be independent of the president. However, he said, “I don’t think any media outlet can or should be impartial. It’s up to as news consumers to learn and understand bias. If we can’t do that, then democracy is in danger.” He said he was “harsher on citizenry than the media.”
Former Fox News and CNN journalist (and Westport resident) Alisyn Camerota said, “We’re taught in journalism school to be conscious of our biases, and to check them at the door.”
She added, “It’s hard and perilous to be a journalist right now. We’re in the middle of an earthquake. Institutions are shaking and collapsing around us. We’re in the middle of the 1st Amendment doorway. When the shaking stops, will still have ’60 Minutes’ or CNN?”
The good news, she said, is that as journalists “scatter” from traditional media outlets, they wind up at “thousands” of places like Substack and podcasts. There, there are “no overlords.”
Veteran News12 anchor Rebecca Surran discussed the difficulty of maintaining “down-the-middle” coverage, particularly as economic woes hit outlets like hers, and news sources like the AP are banned from the White House.
She warned that although there are “thousands of ways to get news today, don’t stay in an echo chamber. Consume news you don’t feel comfortable with, too.”
Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe noted that despite the demise of papers like the Westport News and Minuteman, Westport is not a “news desert” like many locations. He cited coverage by “06880,” and reporting by Westport Journal.
Fairfield University assistant professor of politics Aaron Weinstein called the ability to undersand a poll “one of the most imporant skills” a citizen can have.
From left: Aaron Weinstein, Jim Marpe, Rebecca Surran, Alisyn Camerota, Jim Himes, John Brandt. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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HB 5002 — the omnibus housing bill that could bring big changes to municipalities across the state — has been passed by the Connecticut House of Representatives and Senate. It now awaits Governor Lamont’s signature.
This morning, Westport 1st Selectman — in her capacity as a gubernatorial candidate – said:
“If signed into law by Governor Lamont, House Bill 5002: An Act Concerning Housing and the Needs of Homeless Persons, will be the biggest assault on local zoning control in Connecticut in over 30 years.
“Framed as a measure to help our homeless population, instead it represents a fundamental change in how communities make decisions, plan for the future, and serve the needs of all residents.
“The negative consequences will be felt for decades to come as it undermines local town operational management and zoning, and the voices of residents in decision-making.
“A one-size-fits-all approach does not work. HB 5002 will fundamentally transform local zoning across our beautiful state, radically changing the face of our unique towns and cities without any planning, infrastructure investment or regard for our natural resources. It’s time for housing policy that respects our residents and business owners, our environment, and the autonomy of our municipalities.
“Advancing affordable housing and ending homelessness are goals that I not only believe in, but have taken action on. As Westport’s 1st Selectwoman, I have helped champion a common-sense, collaborative approach to create diverse housing. This includes pursuing text amendments to convert Town-owned buildings to affordable housing, and deed-restricting Town-owned property to serve as congregate housing (the first in the State to do so).
“Westport received the Community Champion Award by the CT Coalition to End Homelessness as a result of our innovative efforts. This is the work towns can do with community support, local decision-making and visionary leadership. HB 5002 strips planning and zoning control from our towns and gives it to the state and to developers. That’s wrong for Connecticut. That’s wrong for our residents and our business owners. We can do better.”
The kids-first nonprofit is running 2 grade-level track and fitness clinics, from June 23 through July 17, at the Staples High School track.
They combine athletic training with specialized event instruction.
The session for grades 3-7 (9 to 10:30 a.m.) focus on specific events. The one for grades 7-8 (10:30 to noon) includes strength, movement and flexibility. More details and registration is available here.
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To honor Pride Month, Temple Israel invites the entire LGBTQ+ communities — and allies — to a “joyful and inclusive Pride Shabbat.”
The June 13 (6:30 p.m.) service includes music from the temple’s artist in residence, Elana Arian. It will be followed by a festive oneg (social gathering), and more music by Arian, with Cantors Julia Cadrain and Becky Mann.
A celebration of the life of Carol Randel — the longtime Westport, noted professor and beloved civic volunteer, who died last week — is set for 4 p.m. on June 29. The public is invited.
The setting is appropriate: the Saugatuck Rowing Club. That’s where Carol discovered herself as an athlete, found joy on the water and camaraderie with teammates. She won plenty of medals there too.
Carol Randel
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Humans prefer to fish alone.
These guys — not so much.
Mark Laclair spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene on Harbor Road.
The Board of Finance was scheduled to meet June 4, to discuss a $98 million appropriation for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
That meeting — for discussion only — has been rescheduled for June 5 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). The funding amount has been reduced to $93 million.
A second Long Lots meeting is set for June 11. A vote may be taken then.
Meanwhile, before the full Representative Town Meeting votes on the final approval, the RTM Education Committee discusses the request for funding.
That meeting takes place June 10 (5:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
The current Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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At 10 p.m. Tuesday on Roseville Road near Joanne Circle, a coyote standing near the wood line lunged at a dog. The owner quickly took the dog inside.
Westport Animal Control advises:
Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard.
While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.
Coyotes can be successfully driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).
If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. Retreat gradually, but keep eyes on the coyote. Be assertive and noisy (yell or use a whistle).
A fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected encounters. Deer fences do a poor job of excluding smaller species like coyotes. They often slip underneath.
Motion-sensitive lights help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night, and help deter coyotes.
Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but on occasion they tussle with larger pets. Even larger pets benefit from supervision.
Coyotes can be active day or night.
Coyotes are found throughout North America. They are adaptable and opportunistic. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only 1 recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America.
But they do pose risks to pets.
Compo Beach area coyote. (Photo/Richard Gabor)
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One of Westport’s signature (and most fun) fundraisers is just a week away.
“Taste of Westport” takes over the Inn at Longshore on June 5 (6 p.m.). 100% of the proceeds go directly to CLASP, which provides homes and services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.
This year’s lineup of superb food and great drinks is the biggest ever. There’s a first taste from ănăn (the team behind Nômade), and first-time participants The Bridge at Saugatuck, The Whelk, Bar Bushido, The Blondinit and Barcelona.
Plus a caviar bar by Nordic Fish (paired with Moët Champagne), along with returning favorites like Gabriele’s, La Plage, Don Memo, Artisan and more.
And … a martini bar, signature cocktail, Oggi gelato, Bridgewater chocolate …
The silent auction features a Lime Rock driving experience, tickets to “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” weekend getaways, wines, designer jewelry, opera tickets, a block party package with live entertainment, a week of dinners from participating restaurants, and (of course) more.
The only thing slower than Post Road traffic is the pace of the Post Road renovation.
But occasionally, work is done.
Here’s the view by Volvo of Westport:
(Photo/Michael Calise)
Notice we said “work is done.” Not necessarily “progress.”
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From the road to the water … Eric Bosch sends this photo:
He writes: “The ‘bug light’ blinks every 3 seconds just off the canons, marking the entrance from Long Island Sound into the Saugatuck River.
“In my 60+ years here, I’ve never seen it pulled into Compo Basin.”
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Pride Month parties continue on June 22.
Westport Pride presents “Fête en Blanc” (June 22, 6 to 9 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture). The fundraiser for The Circle Care Center — a Norwalk-based HIV prevention and treatment organization — celebrates “community, culture and compassion.”
The outdoor event incudes music, dancing, drinks, raffles and auctions. Attendees can purhcase Latin-inspired cuisine from a food truck — and should wear white. (That’s a tribute to the “white parties” in the LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s and ’90s, which raised funds for HIV/AIDS awareness and support.)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 21 and 28.
A 40-year-old New Rochelle, New York woman was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny and forgery, after a report that various Webster Bank branches were scammed out of $3,000 since January. The woman allegedly deposited forged money orders into her account. She was held on $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
Driving while texting: 4
Failure to renew registration: 2
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Driving the wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
Following too closely: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.
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Richard Silverman — cantor emeritus of Temple Israel — has died.
The temple says: “A cantor is the voice of a congregation, and from 1988 to 2013, Cantor Silverman was our voice.
“His was the voice that helped us greet Shabbat and holidays, the voice of Jewish celebration and Jewish comfort, the voice that supported b’nei mitzvah students in preparation for their milestone day, and the voice upon which our prayers ascended to the Divine. Cantor Silverman played a very special role in the lives of so many in our congregation, and his memory and music will be an abiding blessing.”
Cantor Richard Silverman is survived by his wife Batya, children Sarit and Elan (Heather), and grandchildren Sarah, Jacob and Emilie.
A funeral will be held on June 3 (11 a.m., Temple Israel), and livestreamed. Shiva will be observed on June 3 following the burial until 8 p.m., and June 4 and 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. (with a minyan at 6:30 each evening) at River Valley Retirement Community (101 Oakview Dr, Trumbull).
Cantor Richard Silverman
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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, the eagle has landed (at Compo Beach).
In the flurry of news about affordable housing, Staples coaches, the Hamlet, the Cribari Bridge, Long Lots Elementary School and the Community Gardens — are we forgetting anything? — we missed an important occasion yesterday.
Yesterday marked the 190th anniversary of the founding of Westport.
The official date of our establishment as a separate town — cleaved off from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield — was May 28, 1835.
We apologize for the oversight. But don’t worry: May 28, 2035 is already on our calendar. (Hat tip: Harris Falk)
(The proper gift for a 190th birthday is … uh, we have no idea. The proper gift for “06880” — today, and every day, is a contribution to support our work. Thank you for clicking here!)
Applications must be made at least 7 days in advance. They’re limited to 1 reservation per household per season (a second may be granted, based on availability).
The centerpiece is Westport Pride’s townwide celebration (Saturday, June 22, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Jesup Green). Music, food, vendors, rainbows and much more — and (of course) everyone is invited!
Two weeks earlier (June 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Saugatuck Congregational Church hosts a family picnic and party on their front lawn
LGBTQ families — and allies, or course, — are invited to enjoy a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, crafts, hot dogs, cake, and more.
For more information, call 203-227-1261, or email sarah@saugatuckchurch.org.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Temple Israel has a host of activities planned for Pride Month too. They include:
“Unspoken” screening and discussion (June 10, 6 p.m.). The film is about a closeted teen in a religious community who discoverd that he might not be alone. A discussion with writer/director Jeremy Borison follows. Register here.
Pride Shabbat and concert with Elana Arian (June 13, 6:30 p.m.) open to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
Rainbow challah bake (June 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) — to be shared the next day, at Westport Pride. Open to all; register here.
Temple Israel is also organizing its first LGBTQ+ affinity group — a safe place for those who identify with the community, and allies. For more information, email jcadrain@tiwestport.org.
Meanwhile, Weston celebrates its own Pride on June 3 (4 to 6 p.m., Town Green, 56 Norfield Road).
They’ll raise a rainbow flag, hear from local officials supporting the town’s inclusive culture, and (in conjunction with the Weston Library) host a craft- and Pride-themed story time.
Oh, yeah: There’s an ice cream truck too!
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The Westport Library’s spring book sale opened yesterday, with a rush.
But there are still plenty of great volumes — and music, movies and more — available.
Hours are:
Today (Saturday): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (almost everything half-price)
Monday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fill our logo bag for $10 per bag, or your own equivalent bag for $8, or buy individual books at half-price).
A tiny portion of the many books. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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The Architectural Review Board meets on May 27 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Among the agenda items: “To review and comment on the proposed construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School/Stepping Stones Pre-School…. Comments offered at the meeting will be considered in anticipation of further zoning review and approvals.”
So far, only general drawings have been shown of a new Long Lots School.
In just a few weeks,”Sunday Gravy” — the talk radio show hosted by Chris O’Dell (Staples High School athlete and coach), Mac DeVito (Staples football legend and coach), and Brian Philpott (son of Staples’ football defensive coordinator) — has gained a devoted following.
The conversation and banter is wide-ranging, casual, and always interesting.
Tomorrow’s show — from 12:10 to 1 p.m., on 95.9 FM and 600 AM WICC should be especially intriguing.
The 3 hosts will dive into the recent controversy involving the non-renewal of Staples boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense.
O’Dell has intimate knowledge of the situation. He was part of the Staples soccer staff for 20 years, and worked closely with Oost-Lievense.
“Sunday Gravy” is broadcast throughout southern Connecticut. But it’s very much a local production. Shows are taped at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — and the 2 stations are owned by Westport-based Connoisseur Media.
“Sunday Gravy” crew, at Verso Studios (from left): Mac DeVito, Brian Philpott, Chris O’Dell.
As they prepare to leave Westport after several decades, Carl Swanson and JoAnn Miller must dispose of several large, compelling — but heavy — sculptures by their longtime friend, the late Kelley Spearen.
One has already found a new life. The couple donated it to Wakeman Town Farm, not far from their home off North Avenue.
The move was made recently. Today, it’s the newest — and most intriguing — addition to the Cross Highway farm.
The mural showing early-20th century Westport life — a decades-long feature of the long-gone Townly restaurant — was resurrected when Banana Republic moved in.
That store was briefly replaced by Oka. Now it’s gone.
But the mural can be seen, as work is done inside.
(Don’t be a snake! If you read “06880” — and you’re here doing just that — please toss us a few bucks, to support our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
Reaching the United States as refugees is a daunting task.
Getting resettled after arrival can be just as difficult.
For nearly 10 years, the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Committee has offered life-changing help. They have resettled Afghan and Syrian families in East Norwalk, Black Rock and Stratford.
Assistance includes finding housing, furnishings and clothing; arranging healthcare, language and driving lessons, school registrations and job interviews; providing transportation, emotional support, and much more.
One of the resettled Syrian families …
The volunteers are as diverse as the men, women and children they help. The county-wide coalition includes Westport’s Temple Israel, The Community Synagogue and Green’s Farms Congregational Church, along with First Church Congregational of Fairfield, and Norwalk’s Al Madany Center.
The families they aid gain a foothold in the area, and take the first steps toward achieving the American Dream. It’s a runway to self-sufficiency and, ultimately, full assimilation.
They return value to the community through cultural enrichment, diversity and economic growth.
… and the other.
But IIRC volunteers gain something too: the chance to work with others they might not otherwise meet, and the opportunity to pay forward the assistance that they, or their relatives, may once have received.
John McGeehan has been involved with the IIRC since its inception. He has seen the public perception of refugees shift, from sympathy to suspicion.
“Refugees are people who have been invited here. They’re thoroughly vetted by the State Department.”
“But at the national level, refugees are being conflated with all immigrants as ‘all bad,'” he says.
“That flies in the face of our heritage, as a nation of immigrants. America’s formal refugee resettlement program was the biggest in the world.”
Resettling a refugee family takes an enormous amount of time and effort (as well as money).
Last fall — after resettling an Afghan family of 11 — the IIRC was not ready to aid another one. But when the Trump administration suddenly defunded Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, a well-respected Connecticut non-profit — and placed an indefinite pause on refugee arrivals affecting more than 1,600 Afghans with flight tickets in hand, plus over 40,000 Afghans already approved for visas — IIRC decided to take on an Afghan family of 8 that IRIS had been working with.
An Afghan father and daughter, resettled in Connecticut.
“All that’s left is community involvement,” says McGeehan.
“Thirty seconds after I wrote to all the clergy” proposing to welcome the new Afghan family, he notes, “Rabbi Friedman said: ‘We’re in!'”
Temple Israel’s involvement has been significant.
So are the rewards.
A Syrian man — part of the first family the temple helped — has become an imam leading Norwalk’s mosque, Rabbi Friedman says proudly.
A “refugee Shabbat” has become a cherished tradition. Resettled Afghans and Syrians join other IIRC congregations in a night of prayer and sharing.
“This is the fulfillment of a number of Jewish principles and values,” the rabbi says. “It is an important part of who we are, and what we do.”
“All of the families in our temple came as immigrants. Often, they fled persecution. They found freedom and opportunity in the United States. It’s our responsibility to help others travel the same journey. Passover reinforces that narrative.”
He also praises the interfaith component of the IIRC, and the work of its lay volunteers. “This is what their Jewish or Christian values impel them to do.”
Through the IIRC, McGeehan says, “I and many others have become part of refugees’ families.
“We’ve met volunteers from other towns, and other faiths.
“We’ve gained an intimate understanding of our shared humanity. It really is true that ‘there but for the grace of God …”
The IIRC says, “The US has a long tradition of resettling refugees, rooted in inspiring generosity and the immigrant roots of each one of our citizens.
“There is no better way to contribute to our national self-interest and, at the same time, answer God’s call to give fearlessly.”
But, they note, their work extends beyond religion.
“Whether you see this as God’s work, or the nation’s work, the need is great. Helping to change the life of another helps repair the world.”
(To donate to the Interfaith Refugee Resettlement Committee’s fund for the Afghan family. click here. For more information on the IIRC, click here.)
Herb Podel turns 100 this Saturday. Family and friends celebrated his birthday at Rizzuto’s yesterday.
He has lived in Westport since 1966 — nearly 60 years.
In that time Herb has embraced the local cultural and tennis scenes, and is now an avid participant at the Westport Senior Center.
He was an original occupant of the 35 Bridge Street building (after its conversion from Saugatuck Elementary School), and served as president of the co-op for over 10 years.
He now lives at The Residence at Westport. That’s where you can send “Happy 100th Birthday” cards: Herb Podel, c/o The Residence at Westport, 1141 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880.
Happy 100th, Herb Podel!
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Martha Stewart is back.
The lifestyle mogul — who kick-started her career in Westport, and later became America’s first self-made female billionaire — was the subject of 2 recent documentaries, on CNN and Netflix.
That introduced her to a new generation. They’re intrigued by all things Martha — including her first (of 100) book, “Entertaining.”
Published in 1982, it’s been long out of print. Copies have sold for more than $1,700 online.
Now it’s being reissued.
Her new fans see her as a “cool, badass woman,” she told The New York Times yesterday. Click here for the full story. (It includes a 1982 photo of Martha in her Turkey Hill kitchen.)
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Next month (Sunday, March 9, 3 p.m.), Temple Israel will host a screening “A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting.”
The HBO documentary will be followed by a panel discussion, about how security training saved lives that day.
Join us for a screening of HBO’s powerful documentary, A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, followed by a panel discussion to learn how security training saved lives that day.
Panelists include Stephen Weiss, who was in the building in 2018 when a gunman entered and killed 11 worshipers, and wounded 2 others and 4 police offices; Bryan Bierman, Temple Israel executive director who has grown it into a national gold standard for security practices, fostering strong partnerships with local and federal agencies, and Marc Silverman, acting US Attorney for Connecticut.
And finally … happy 88th birthday (!) to Roberta Flack.
(What better way to start your week than with Roberta Flack — and “06880”? If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else on this hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
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“All of the families in our temple came as immigrants. Often, they fled persecution. They found freedom and opportunity in the United States. It’s our responsibility to help others travel the same journey. Passover reinforces that narrative.”
