Muriel Kramer was back on the dais at the Select Board meeting last night, though not in her usual seat. 

On December 6, Kramer suffered a stroke while walking with a friend in Boston. Days later she reported that she’d received “exactly the care she’d needed” and was on her way to making a full recovery. 

As is customary for the Chair of the Select Board, Kramer typically presides over meetings from the middle of the rostrum, turning to her colleagues on both sides before speaking herself.  But at the outset of last night’s meeting, Kramer made a brief announcement. 

After thanking the community for the “outpouring of support and well wishes” she and her family received, she said “you may have noticed that I am sitting to the far left, and that will make it easier for me to conduct the meetings only focusing in one direction.” Kramer then added that she would not be using a screen for reading, and instead would be reverting to paper materials. 

Though not confirmed, Kramer may be experiencing lingering muscle paralysis on her left side, making it challenging to turn in that direction. Stroke victims can also suffer from photosensitivity, making it uncomfortable to look at bright screens for long periods.  

If Ms. Kramer hadn’t made the announcement, the changes likely would have escaped the attention of even the most attentive viewer. Last night, she appeared as sharp as ever, driving through the dense agenda and bringing the meeting to a close on time.