Town government can be dry, even dull, work.
But over 150 Westporters at the Westport Library yesterday heard 5 Representative Town Meeting members passionately describe their work on our town’s legislative body.
Andrew Bloom, Jimmy Izzo, Lauren Karpf, Pam Kopack and Kristin Mott Purcell represent different generations, and lengths of service.
But they share a reverence for the RTM. Over 75 years old, it is one of the last such forms of government in Connecticut.
The 5 members spoke about their work on a variety of committees; the insights they gain into Westport’s issues and residents; the importance of non-partisanship; the satisfaction they get giving back to the town (despite some long hours) — and the RTM’s unique seating arrangement.
After the panel, attendees had a chance to meet representatives from their own district. Town organizations, including the Boards of Education and Finance, and League of Women Voters, had informational tables too.
The “Community Conversation” event was arranged by RTM members David Rosenwaks and Claudia Shaum, through Nancy Kail’s RTM communications committee.
RTM members (from left): Jimmy Izzo, Kristin Mott Purcell, Lauren Karpf, Pam Kopack and Andrew Bloom. “06880”‘s own Dan Woog moderated the event. (Photo/Nancy Kail)
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Congratulations to Inklings!
The Staplesl publication is one of only 6 in the nation to earn a Columbia Scholastic Press Association “Gold Crown,” for hybrid (web and newspaper) general magazine coverage.
This is the CSPA’s highest recognition.
And — as anyone who has seen Inklings’ consistently superb coverage knows — it is well deserved.
Two pages from the print version …
… and the award-winning staff …
… with advisors Joseph Delgobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco (standing, far left and far right).
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Every parent knows the importance of car seats.
But most parents don’t know that 73% of them are misused, or improperly installed.
On April 3 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the Westport Police Department offers a free “car seat check.”
Just drive (carefully!) to police headquarters on Jesup Road. Your car seats will be checked by a certified child passenger safety technician. The event is co-sponsored by Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital.
Qustions? Cll Corporal Craig Bergamo: 203-810-9559.
Buckle up — correctly!
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A demolition permit has been filed for 8 Newtown Turnpike.
The legal notice lists the age of the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 1,710-square foot home on 3/4 acre as “155 years.”
But other sources say it was built in 1830 — making it 195 years old.
The house was once owned by Warner Brothers actor Lawrence Williams, and Maggie Williams of the Theater Actors Workshop of Westport.
8 Newtown Turnpike.
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Many Westporters use their Connecticut driver’s license as ID at airport security.
Check yours now, to see if there’s a gold star in the upper right corner.
If not, as of May 7 you won’t be able to use it to fly.
That’s when the federal “Real ID” requirement takes effect.
Jim Cameron — CT Mirror’s transportation columnist — explains the post-9/11 background to the law, and the long extensions that will finally expire.
Most importantly, he explains how to get a “Real ID” license, at the Department of Motor Vehicles. Click here to read.
CT driver’s license, with “Real ID” gold star. (Courtesy of CT Mirror)
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How does plant migration help expand our native plant palette during climate change?
That’s the subject of this Friday’s Aspetuck Land Trust “Lunch and Learn” webinar (March 27, noon to 1 p.m.).
The Zoom talk will examine the role humans play in helping move plants (and animals), to aid in seed dispersal. Click here to register, and for more information.
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Former Westport resident Adrienne Berman died Friday at the Watermark in Bridgeport, where she lived. She was 86.
The Chicago native moved to New York City, where she met her husband Bill. She career in retail, first as a business owner and later as the New York showroom manager for Brown Jordan Furniture. Her leadership and keen eye for design left a lasting impact.
Her family calls her “the heart and brain of her home, always providing love, wisdom, and unwavering support to those she cherished most.
Adrienne is survived by her husband; daughter Randy (Scott Ellis), son Larry (Betsy), and grandchildren Robert Zachary Ellis and Jacquelyn Ellis, Madalyn Culnane, and Jake and Josh Berman. She was predeceased by her son Jason.
A private service is planned.
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We’ll be seeing a lot more flower photos soon, in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Here’s an early season crocus:
(Photo/Wendy Levy)
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And finally … on this day in 1721, Johann Sebastian Bach dedicated 6 concertos to Margrave Christian Ludwig of Brandenburg-Schwedt. We know them today as the Brandenburg Concertos.
(“06880”: Where Westport meets the world. And you get the Brandenburg Concertos, too! If you enjoy your hyper-local, and always intriguing, blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Regarding Ct. “real ID” operators license, there is a AAA store at 495 Westport Ave. Norwalk.Just over the Wspt/Nwlk town line directly across the street from Freds Car Wash. They do Ct. op. licenses. In theory it’s by appt. but it seems there are slow times and they handle walk-ins. I was there as a walk-in and was in and out in 12 minutes. Bright cheery and friendly clerks. Beats going to the MVD..
I think DMV gets a bum rap. My dealings with them have been seamless, for years.
Real ID. DMV, Norwalk. 15 mins. Boom. (Very friendly dude behind the window.)