Month: August 2018

Murphy On Disinformation

#WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), both members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, on Tuesday introduced an amendment to the FY 2019 Defense Appropriations bill that would transfer $40 million to the U.S. Department of State for the Global Engagement Center (GEC), as authorized in law and agreed to in a joint Memorandum of Agreement, to expose and counter foreign propaganda and influence. The $40 million allotted for FY 2018 has not yet been transferred to the GEC.

 

Murphy and Portman introduced the Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act, which was signed into law  in December 2016. The law improved the ability of the United States to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation by establishing the Global Engagement Center (GEC), which is charged with leading the U.S. government’s efforts to counter foreign propaganda and disinformation.  

 

“Countering Russia will take close coordination with all of our allies, but there are precise actions that Congress can take right now to strengthen our defenses,” said Murphy. “Fighting propaganda will help small democracies resist Russia’s interference and stand on their own two feet.”

 

“We must ensure the State Department’s Global Engagement Center has the resources to counter efforts to undermine our, and our allies, democratic institutions and values,” Portman said. “Congress has already made clear that the key players in our government, including the Defense Department need to have skin in the game in this effort.  That means contributing resources. The State Department has a plan ready to execute on this funding and it’s long overdue for the Defense Department, with Congressional approval, to get this funding transferred. The fact that Russia continues to advance their disinformation efforts makes clear the need to ramp up these programs.  Now is not the time for us to shortchange them through lack of funding.”

 

The Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act authorized the State Department to request $60 million annually for two years from the Department of Defense for the GEC to help counter foreign propaganda and disinformation being waged against the United States and our allies by state and non-state adversaries.

 

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New Voluntary Registry for People with Disabilities

#Westport CT – First Selectman Jim Marpe announced today that the Westport Police Department, in partnership with the Department of Human Services, is launching a new Voluntary Registry for People with Disabilities.

Mr. Marpe noted that the confidential and voluntary registry service will assist officers and other emergency services personnel in the event of an incident involving vulnerable citizens with disabilities.  The goal is to enhance first responders’ proficiency in addressing the needs of residents whose disability may make them susceptible to miscommunications, misinterpretations of behaviors and many other avoidable scenarios.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas stated, “Under the program, residents can voluntarily enroll themselves (or family members) in a confidential database informing emergency workers of special circumstances or needs in the event of an emergency or a routine call to the home.”

Human Services Director, Elaine Daignault noted that the “Commission on People with Disabilities has been instrumental in spearheading this project consistent with their mission of ensuring that Westport is a town where people with disabilities have the opportunity and support to enjoy full and equal access to lives of independence, productivity, inclusion and self-determination.”

Jim Ross, the Chair of the Commission on People with Disabilities, which he helped establish in 2017, added, “This initiative was one of the first identified by the Commission and we are gratified to be a part of such an amazing collaboration between Town departments and the community.  It shows that Westport is a community that is invested in strengthening services and opportunities for people with disabilities. The Voluntary Registry is an important step in our collective efforts to enhance inclusivity and equality in town.”

The Voluntary Registry may also serve as an Equity Action objective of the Town’s Sustainable Connecticut application, a voluntary certification program to recognize thriving and resilient Connecticut municipalities.  Westport’s Green Task Force is working with town officials to identify initiatives that meet the Sustainable CT criteria for consideration.  In this case, the Registry may meet the goal to build and strengthen municipal processes to be more inclusive, cohesive, and representative of all community members, now and in the future.  These system-wide, structural changes are an important step in creating open and equitable communities, according to the Sustainable CT guidelines.

Residents who may benefit from the registry are encouraged to register by downloading the form from this link:https://www.westportct.gov/index.aspx?recordid=346&page=33, stop in to the Town of Westport’s Human Services Department in Room 200 at Town Hall, or request that an application be mailed to them.  One on one assistance in completing the forms is also available by appointment by calling 203-341-1050 or you may make further inquiries via email at Humansrv@westportct.gov.

 

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Call 911 If You Can, Text 911 If You Can’t

Text-to-911 is now available in Connecticut. To use Text-to-911, enter the numbers “911” in the “to” or “recipient” field …on a mobile phone or other handheld device. Text a brief message that includes the location of the emergency and what services are needed (police, fire, ambulance). After that, answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call center.

The Town of Fairfield’s Emergency Communications Center is fully operational for your voice or text request for service.

For more information on the Text-to-911 system and to see a demonstration of the capability, visit www.Text911CT.org

 

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4th Annual Step Up For The Brave Stair Climb Challenge

#BRIDGEPORT, CT–  Homes for the Brave has a great workout challenge for you: the 4th Annual Step Up For The Brave Stair Climb Challenge at Webster Bank Arena on Saturday, September 15th.

The Step Up For The Brave Stair Climb Challenge is the organization’s signature fundraising event, which challenges participants as they walk, run or race up and down hundreds of steps. Funds raised will support programs that help homeless Veterans from our area to get back on their feet.

“This event is a great way for the community to honor and remember those who served and continue to serve our country and keep us safe,” said Vincent Santilli, CEO/Executive Director of ABRI/Homes for the Brave. “Invite your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to come to join in the fun for this great cause.”

Registration is open to participants ages 8 and over. A fee of $35/person includes a great workout, a light breakfast, an event shirt and the chance to help homeless veterans get the housing and services they need. On September 15th check-in starts at 8:00am and the stair climb itself begins at 9:00am sharp. Visit www.homesforthebrave.org/stepupforthebrave to register. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Webster Bank Arena is located at 600 Main Street in Bridgeport, CT.

For those that aren’t up for the workout, but still want to contribute, a virtual team can be created to support the organization. Event proceeds will benefit Homes for the Brave, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing safe housing, case management, life skills coaching and vocational services to homeless individuals, primarily veterans.

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Bridgeport News: Crash Closes Park Avenue

12:33pm–#Bridgeport CT– Police are checking to see if a medical condition cause a middle aged woman to clip 3 trees in the median before crashing into a fourth at Park Avenue at Beach Place (not to be confused with Beach Street and Park Street on the East Side).  The woman was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

 

Westport News: LIFEGUARD SCHEDULE FOR BURYING HILL BEACH

#Westport, CT – The Town of Westport Parks and Recreation Department announced today that lifeguards will be on duty at Burying Hill Beach from 10:00am to 6:00pm through Sunday, August 26. Effective Monday, August 27 through Friday, August 31, no lifeguards will be on duty at Burying Hill Beach.

Lifeguards will be on duty at Burying Hill Beach from 10:00am to 6:00pm from Saturday, September 1 through Monday, September 3 (Labor Day).

Compo Beach lifeguards will be on their regular schedule through September 3, 2018.

Beach emblems are required through September 30, 2018.

 

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