Virtual Book Launch Tonight for Westport Author
Photo from the Westport Library.
The Westport Library will host a virtual book launch tonight at 7:00 PM for Westport author Elizabeth Chatsworth, and her new book “The Brass Queen.”
Chatsworth, who also works for the Library, said during a Connecticut Post interview that “The Brass Queen is a funny, fantastical adventure in a steam-powered world” and would serve as an antidote to the winter blues. Registration is required, and can be found at the Westport Library website.
Author Elizabeth Chatsworth. The Connecticut Post
Letter: “Westport Democratic Town Committee Responds to the Insurrection in Washington, DC”
From the Westport Democratic Committee Chair Ellen Lautenberg
Ellie Wiesel once said, “We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.”
The events of this week in Washington DC should shock anyone who believes in the rule of law and the Constitution of the United States. The U.S Capitol was attacked and occupied, not as an act of protest but in an attempt to prevent Congress from carrying out its constitutional duty of certifying the states’ electoral votes for president. The mob that descended upon the Capitol was encouraged by the President of the United States, who simultaneously attempted to convince his vice president to illegally throw out the votes. There is no other term to describe this but an attempted coup.
That action was not singular but was preceded by 4 years of unrestrained rhetoric of division and damage. We have seen what can happen when good people, regardless of political perspective, keep silent. It is imperative that all community members and leaders at any level, regardless of party affiliation, speak out against such behavior.
As Westporters, we can strive for unity in the face of such divisiveness. We can convey our disagreements in a civil manner and listen with open minds to others' perspectives.
We urge all Westport citizens to stay engaged in a respectful manner. Together, we can continue the important work of democracy.
The Westport DTC
Teenager Arrested for Disorderly Conduct, Interfering with an Officer
From the Westport Police Department:
On Sunday November 15, 2020 at approximately 2:03 a.m., Westport Police officers responded to a residence on Saugatuck Avenue on a report of a disturbance. As the officers were attempting to investigate the complaint, Brian Vasquez reportedly started to become unruly. He allegedly began to yell at as well approach individuals whom an officer was trying to interview. Additionally, Mr. Vasquez was reported to have repeatedly ignored the officers’ commands to cease engaging in the above behaviors. He was ultimately transported to the hospital for treatment of an injury he received earlier in the evening.
An arrest warrant was sought and subsequently granted for the arrest of Mr. Vasquez.
On Saturday January 9, 2021, Mr. Vasquez was taken into custody by officers from the Stamford Police Department in connection to the active warrant related to this case. He was turned over to the Westport Police and per the warrant, he was charged with Disorderly Conduct as well as Interfering with an Officer. Mr. Vasquez was released on a promise to appear and is scheduled to be arraigned at Norwalk Superior Court on Thursday February 25, 2021.
Advanced Vaccine Registration Opens Thursday For 75+ Group; Westporter Writes with Advice, Hope
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont stated yesterday that the COVID-19 Vaccine phase 1b, which will include those 75 year old and older, as well as other essential workers, will begin as early as this week.
The governor announced that advanced registrations will begin this Thursday for those in the 75 and older crowd. Registrations will take place through the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS), however a new phone booking system will be announced within the next few days. Other members of this next phase will include education and childcare workers, as well as critical infrastructure employees, social service employees, and other adults who would be in more at-risk or congregate settings. Visit the State’s Vaccine Administration Portal for more information.
Westporter, New Yorker, and acclaimed author Roberta Seret writes to those in the next phase of the vaccine administration - describing her experience signing up for the vaccine, and the hope that came with it.
NOTES FROM THE UNDERGROUND: A VACCINE SEEKER OFFERS SOME HINTS
It has finally arrived, the day I have been dreaming of, a day more important than any birthday. A COVD-19 vaccine. How I coveted my friends before me who had already smiled as they felt the injection on their skin. I wished it had been me so I could hug my two-week-old grandson.
But I couldn’t allow my heart to stay above the earth too long. I had to prepare to make sure that my inoculation #1 went well so I could line up for #2 and then be free.
Before I left my computer’s digital portal of registration, I noticed a small button to the right of the screen: MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR #2.
I panicked. They did not say in all the directions and papers I had read what vaccine I was getting. Pfizer? Moderna? 21 days apart or 28 days? Before I could lament further and lose that little red button, I clicked on it and saw a calendar icon pop up. I remember I had put in the mouth of one of my fictional characters, “When in doubt, go with your guts.”
Moderna my instincts told me.
The next day, my doctor-friend confirmed that survival instincts do have merit.
Being that I am lucky to have two residences, Westport and Manhattan, I opted to get the vaccination in New York. Every day counted for me as I smiled and cried looking at photos of my 14-16-day-old grandson, soon to be 21-60-days-old.
As a person who makes her “TO DO LIST” even days before the day to do begins, I began.
The professor-writer in me would like to share it so you, too, can return to last year’s joys and make up for that one year lost.
FOR YOUR POCKETS: TO INCLUDE
Consent forms completed and signed. (Not all sites include this link and option. Be ready with a pen to sign at the time of inoculation.)
Proof of appointment. (Again, not all sites send you a text or email message to reconfirm. I took my cell phone if my email proof would be needed.)
Paperwork to prove I am who I am. (Medical insurance, photo I.D., driver’s license, pharmacy telephone number.)
Mask. (It Ain’t over 'til It’s Over. I took my strongest mask, my newest one.)
A glance at my medicine cabinet to make sure I have aspirin or Tylenol if I react with a fever. A friend even took an EpiPen, just in case.)
Cell phone. I wanted to be prepared if I had to call my grandson’s father. I remembered a quote from John Steinbeck: “A boy becomes a man when a man is needed.
I was ready now to feel that needle in my arm and inject me with HOPE.
Roberta Seret