By a 29-6 margin Tuesday night — and following 2 hours of debate — the Representative Town Meeting turned down a petition by resident John McCarthy.
If passed, the measure would have compelled the RTM moderator to place on the agenda any matter brought to it by 20 electors. Defeat of the measure now allows the moderator discretion in whether or not to bring a petition before the body.
McCarthy told “06880”: “This statement by the RTM invalidates over 150 years of precedent and takes away the right of Westport voters to petition the town government on matters that they find important.
“This is a low point for the RTM and the individual members who voted against making a statement that would have affirmed a right of Westporters which has been assumed to exist for generations.”
RTM moderator Jeff Weiser told “06880”: “Despite a lot of the concern by certain residents during this challenge to the way the RTM has always acted, the RTM, through its impressive volunteer members, will continue to be an extraordinary, transparent, democratic institution that Westport will be proud of. “
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Westport’s Department of Human Services and Domestic Violence Task Force honor it by collecting used cell phones and iPads, to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Norwalk and Stamford.
The DVCC provides free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children in Westport, Weston and surrounding towns.
Used cell phones or iPads are given to clients to assure their safety, and avoid tracking by their abuser. Devices should be no more than 4 years old, and reset to factory settings.
Donation bins are located at Westport Town Hall and the Senior Center. they’re available weekdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Other events this month include:
- Tomorrow (Friday, October 6, 11 a.m.): A Domestic Violence Month proclamation at the Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road.
- Wednesday, October 18 (7 p.m., Senior Center): The DVTF hosts a screening and discussion of “The Fire That Took Her.”
- Thursday, October 19: Wear purple and get coffee with the Domestic Violence Awareness sleeve at Kneads, Garelick & Herbs, Coffee An’, The Porch and Winfield Street Coffee; then snap a selfie and join the social media campaign with the hashtag #purplethursday, and tag @DVCCCT and @WESTPORTDOMESTICVIOLENCETASKFORCE on Facebook.
For more information on all events, click here or email humansrv@westportct.gov. To get involved with the Domestic Violence Task Force, email jcabana@westportct.gov.
Cell phones can be lifesavers for domestic violence victims.
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CLASP’s Rockin’ Halloween Bash is coming soon (October 20, 6:30 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company).
For 5 days only — tomorrow (Friday) through Tuesday, October 10 — there’s a special sale: 25% off $45 tickets.
The event includes light bites, and music by Band Central. All proceeds benefit CLASP’s mission of providing loving homes and inspirational opportunities for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Costumes are optional. For tickets and more information, click here.
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It’s been 18 months since Charlie Capalbo died, a month before his 24th birthday.
But the Fairfield hockey player — and grandson of Westport writer Ina Chadwick — continues to be remembered, and memorialized, every day.
He battled acute myelogenous leukemia for 5 years. He was in remission 3 times, and survived several life-threatening complications.
He maxed out every chemo, radiation, immunotherapy available. A bone marrow transplant from his younger brother Will in 2019 bought him some good time.
He overcame lower extremity paralysis from treatment twice, relearning to walk both times while at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.
Friends and strangers are raising funds for AML research. They’re nearing the $500,000 mark.
Will is now the men’s lacrosse graduate assistant coach at Jacksonville University. He’s gotten the entire program involved.
Click here to help with the fundraising cause.
Jacksonville University men’s lacrosse raises money in Charlie Capalbo’s memory.
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Wakeman Town Farm’s pastoral setting serves as today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo:
(Photo/Nancy Dodderidge)
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And finally … on this date in 1962, the Beatles’ first single — “Love Me Do” — was released in Britain.
The world was never the same.
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