People, Places, and Things: 3-26-15

In praise of CoppingerAfter voting to confirm Miguel Funez’ appointment to the License Commission on Tuesday, City Council members took time to praise the man Funez replaced: Richard Coppinger.”Dick Coppinger has served the community. He has been loyal and his whole family has been public servants,” Ward 3 Councilor Darren Cyr said.After Coppinger’s term on the three-member commission expired last June 1, Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy appointed Funez, a former councilor at large candidate, to the commission.Coppinger served on the commission for 13 years.Coppinger’s service on the commission and his former tenure as Ward 3 councilor prompted Council President Daniel Cahill to describe him as “a complete gentleman.” Councilors voted 10-0 to confirm Funez’ appointment with Cyr voting present “out of respect for Dick Coppinger.”Coppinger’s brother is Police Chief Kevin Coppinger, and their late father, Joseph, was police department captain of detectives.Change a life, become a foster parentJoin Plummer Foster Care for a MAPP/Foster Parent Training:When: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., April 14, 28 and May 5, 12; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., April 11, 25 and May 9. Location: Plummer Foster Care, 278 Broadway St., second floor, Lowell, Mass., 01854. Please contact Jennifer Knapp-Hernandez, recruitment specialist, to become pre-approved for the training, 978-935-9691, [email protected].