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Leaf blowers — those must-have yet most-hated suburban scourges — are the subject of a proposed Representative Town Meeting regulation.
The RTM Ordinance Committee meets March 25 (7:30 p.m., conference call). They’ll discuss these rules:
- Summer (May 16-October 14): Gas-powered leaf blowers not permitted; electric/battery-powered leaf blowers allowed.
- Fall cleanups (October 15-November 30): Gas- and electric/battery-powered blowers allowed.
- Winter (December 1-March 31): Gas-powered blowers not permitted; electric/battery-powered blowers allowed.
- Spring cleanups (April 1-May 15): Gas- and electric/battery-powered blowers allowed.
In addition:
- No leaf blower of any kind may be used before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m.
- No more than 1 leaf blower (regardless of power source) may be used simultaneously on any site less than 2 acres in size.
- No gas-powered leaf blower may be used on any state or federal holiday.
- Exceptions: If the 1st Selectman declares an emergency, then gas-powered leaf blowers and/or electric/battery-powered leaf blowers may be used as necessary.
Fines (property owner is responsible):
- $100 for 1st offense (after a warning)
- $200 for 2nd offense
- $
500250 for third or subsequent offense.
The public can call in to the meeting: 646-876 9923. The meeting ID is 850 4769 6393. The passcode is 788806.
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Paper Source — the Chicago-based stationery store chain — closed 11 stores in the past year.
The downtown Westport shop — between Bank of America and Barnes & Noble — remains open.
It is corporate owned. A recent story on the Well-Appointed Desk blog notes that headquarters “bought a bunch of product from small makers, declared bankruptcy so they would not have to pay the bills, then sell it in the stores for 100% profit.”
It’s great to shop local. But caveat emptor: Supporting this Westport business may mean complicating situations with its corporate owner. (Click here for the full story.)
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The weather’s nice. Time to get the kids moving!
The Joggers Club has opened a group for youngsters. Led by experienced runners, the focus is on form, endurance and fun.
It “runs” Sundays, 2 to 3:15 p.m., April 4 to May 2 at the Staples High School track.
Space is limited to 20 children, grades 3 to 8. The cost is $50 per child.
The Venmo account is “TheJoggersClub-Westport.” Questions? Email thejoggersclub@gmail.com.
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This evening Wednesday, March 10, 6:45 p.m.), Congressman Jim Himes hosts a “telephone town hall.” He’ll discuss the American Rescue Plan. Audience members can ask questions during the call. Click here for the link.
Congressman Jim Himes, at Bedford Middle School.
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Looking for another COVID test center?
There’s an under-the-radar spot right under our noses. Yale New Haven Health operates a drive-through operation at 140 Mill Plain Road in Fairfield, just off I-95 Exit 21.
Hours are by appointment only. Click here for more information, or call 833-275-9644. (Hat tip: Carol Waxman)
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Westport’s MaryGrace Gudis is one of 4 new members of Norwalk Hospital’s board of directors.
Director of the Norwalk Hospital Foundation Board since 2011, she has spent more than 1,000 hours researching and compiling the hospital’s history.
Active at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, MaryGrace is also involved in initiatives providing college educational assistance to disadvantaged students.
The Southern Methodist University graduate has held senior communications positions in the financial industry, including director of public information and senior liaison to the board of directors at the Federal Reserve Bank. Her husband Mark is on the board of directors for Nuvance Health, Norwalk Hospital’s parent company.
MaryGrace Gudis
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Last month, “06880” reported that the Tristate Coalition for Fair Internet Service is working on legal challenges to Optimum/Altice through the New York State Attorney General’s office, and promoting alternate providers. They’re also collecting data on customer experiences with the longtime cable service.
That survey data was lost when Google disabled the account without the group’s knowledge. They’re appealing. Meanwhile, they created a new survey.
They ask people to complete the Optimum/Altice survey, even if it was already done before. Click here for the link.
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The Webb Road goose is ready for every holiday. Next up: St. Patrick’s Day!
(Photo/MaryLou Roels)
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And finally … exactly one year ago today, COVID-19 was officially declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization.
You know: WHO.
