Books: The Original Laptop

By CURT CLARK

Published: Jul 18, 2008 12:00 am

To the Editor:

Each year the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library book sale volunteers are given a T-shirt with a book-related saying on the back. This yearâs quote, âBooks: The Original Laptop,â took on new a meaning when, despite a tight economy and very high gas prices, book lovers from all up and down the East Coast made their way to what they consider to be the best organized book sale with the best quality inventory. This we were told over and over by our customers. This tells us that libraries and books are still very important in our society. It also makes us proud to be able to find good homes for all the donated books.

Consequently, the Board of the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library thanks the following for their support in making the 33rd Annual Book Sale a huge success:

A Sign Depot; Tony Posca, Andreaâs Pastry Shop; Boy Scout Troop 70; Betty and Megan at Carminuccioâs; C.H. Booth Library Board of Trustees and library staff; Chartwells Food Service; Crystal Rock Water; Jeff Dymerksi, Dunkinâ Donuts; McKinney Communications; Newtown Police Department; John W. John III, Isaac Osborn, and Philomena Conti, Panera Bread; Pudelz; Reed Intermediate School staff, especially Donna Denniston, Bea Gellert, and the custodial staff; Nancy Crevier and The Newtown Bee; the Town of Newtown; Dave at World of Wine and Spirits; and last but not least all the volunteers â without you it wouldnât happen.Â

The proceeds of the book sale directly enhance the libraryâs book, audio books, and DVD collections, its subscription services, as well as its technological needs.

Sincerely,

Denise Kaiser

Mary Maki

Pat Marshall

Julie Starkweather

Peter Stern

25 Main Street, NewtownÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â July 16, 2008

Elections Have Consequences XI

Pump The Brakes On Vehicle Theft This Summer

Says ‘No’ Vote Sidestepped Due Diligence

It’s About Dialogue Amongst Neighbors — Not Regulation

Friends Grateful To The Community

es, Councilman Pisani used strong words—but let’s not pretend there isn’t real frustration behind them. When a serious and measured question about protecting public safety, reducing taxpayer costs, and improving traffic control is met with performative outrage and political theater, frustration is more than justified. It’s earned. I too will continue to vote for those who will fight for everyone's rights. Newtown deserves leadership that's not afraid to speak the truth and to suggest positive change.

Replies To Pisani

Speaking of SMH, Ackert’s comment is the perfect example of why Newtown’s public discourse has become so toxic. He accuses Councilman Pisani of ignoring the will of “26 out of 30” people—as if 30 people in a room define the will of an entire town. That’s not how representative government works, and it's certainly not how thoughtful policymaking should be conducted. Ackert runs a Facebook group that has made a habit of weaponizing process. At nearly every turn, he threatens lawsuits over minor procedural points, creating unnecessary hurdles and sowing fear. This isn't civic engagement—it's obstruction, dressed up as activism. And it comes at a cost to taxpayers, town staff, and the very businesses that help keep Newtown vibrant. Councilman Pisani raised a valid question about whether it’s worth exploring an ordinance that could both protect protestors and save the town $225,000 in police overtime. He didn’t propose banning protests. He didn’t even draft an ordinance. He asked whether we should consider one. For that, he’s met with mockery and personal attacks. It’s telling that his critics can’t engage with the substance—they just yell “stupid” louder and hope no one notices. If Mr. Ackert is so sure of his position, perhaps he should stop threatening lawsuits and start presenting ideas that balance safety, fiscal responsibility, and smart development. Until then, spare us the righteous indignation.

Pisani to Sue Newtown – Part 1

I’ll gladly stop referring to the group as a “mob” when they stop behaving like one at public hearings. Expressing a different point of view is one thing—drowning out speakers, jeering at volunteers, and weaponizing misinformation is another. That kind of conduct deserves to be called out plainly. As for the projects you referenced, I agree—repurposing existing structures such as the Taunton Press and redeveloping long-blighted properties are welcome improvements. But those projects weren't met with the same level of opposition because they built on what already existed. When development touches vacant land—even when owned privately—this same group regularly mounts loud, emotional campaigns that ignore property rights and long-term planning needs. Newtown is a wonderful place to live, largely due to thoughtful planning and strong leadership. That includes the courage to say yes when it's easier to say no. I appreciate respectful disagreement. What I don’t accept is a pattern of obstruction disguised as community concern. Let’s all raise the level of discourse—but that also means calling out tactics that are meant to intimidate or mislead.

Who is Calling Newtowners Stupid?

Sorry Lynn, not letting you get away with this. Yes, we all have the constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully but NO, no one ever said anything about taking that right away. You just made it up.

Expresses Opposition To Proposed Assembly Ordinance

A small Newtown business lost important revenue because of the protest. Traffic was disrupted causing a safety concern. Newtown taxpayers paid for police OT because the PD had to react to the protest rather than be prepared in advance. God forbid, if there was loss of life or property, Newtown could be liable legally for negligence. Your comment sounds like Liberal Woke thinking and apparently you are more sympathetic to protestors than to Newtown. Non-issue? In Kerrville TX the legislative body had the chance to vote for a flash flood siren warning system. They thought it was a non-issue. Now, over 200 people are dead and families are destroyed. No way does the town not get expensively buried in court should it be foolish enough to NOT go down this path.

Assembly Ordinance?

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