State Funds Given to Cities to Assist in Halting Gun Violence

HARTFORD, CT – Today, state Senator Dennis Bradley (D-Bridgeport) released the following statement in response to an announcement by Governor Ned Lamont that Bridgeport, Hartford and New Haven will each receive funding to increase police staffing levels to assist in the prevention of gun violence and violent crime in the summer months. The cities will each receive $25,000 to cover the cost of increasing staffing levels to curb violent crime. The funds will come from the state’s Justice Assistance Grant Program.

“I am grateful for these funds to assist the Bridgeport Police Department in protecting and serving our community,” said Sen. Bradley. “I want to ensure people who live, work, play and visit the Park City know beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are safe and secure in our city. While I am pleased these funds will go towards ensuring the safety of our city’s residents and those who visit, I am also aware of the sometimes contentious relationship communities of color can have with law enforcement. I firmly believe we need the police to fully immerse themselves into the community to understand the people they are protecting. I am confident this will be end result of this funding, and will lead to a safer Bridgeport as we continue on into the summer months.”

The cities will receive the following:

  • Bridgeport: Addition of uniformed State Police troopers who will patrol specific areas with local police personnel.
  • Hartford: Addition of State Police detectives assigned to violence reduction; Hartford will temporarily remove an HPD detective from the Statewide Narcotics Task Force to return to work exclusively in Hartford for a short time frame
  • New Haven: Addition of a State Police detective assigned to violence reduction.

Each city will also be loaned State Police personnel to assist in creating violence reduction initiatives. They will also go along with local officers on patrols.

During the 2019 Regular Legislative Session, the senator held a press conference on the Park City’s East End to call for the re-opening of the police substation. Joined by the mayor, city council people and members of the community, Sen. Bradley stated that increased community policing will bolster the staffing numbers for local police. He added that effective community policing can also strengthen the relationship law enforcement has with the community. The senator said when law enforcement becomes part of the community, the likelihood of an adversarial relationship that can at times materialize between communities of color and the police greatly declines.

 

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Turning Wasted Food into Garden-Friendly Compost: New Pilot Program To Show Residents How

Wasted food is a huge and growing problem – 30 to 40% of the US’s food supply eventually goes to waste and, when discarded in landfills, is a major source of methane, a potent “greenhouse gas,” according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But, food waste represents an appealing opportunity as well – and Fairfield wants to help Town’s residents make the most of it.

The Sustainable Fairfield Task Force (SFTF) and the Town’s Solid Waste and Recycling Department and Commission has launched a new pilot program to encourage residents to recycle their food waste into beneficial compost, either through home composting or curbside pickup.

Although food waste can be readily transformed into a nutrient-rich soil supplement for use in home gardening and landscaping, currently only about 5% of the millions of tons of food discarded annually is diverted from landfills and incinerators for recycling.

“Recycling food waste has a considerable payback, helping to cut emissions of harmful greenhouse gases as well as the cost of trash hauling and disposal,” said resident volunteer and Flood and Erosion Control Board member Becky Bunnell who developed this pilot program in collaboration with the SFTF and the Town. Ms. Bunnell added, “Residents who turn their food waste into compost at home see the benefits first-hand, in healthier gardens and lawns. We want to encourage residents to learn more about just how beneficial and easy it is to recycle food that is otherwise wasted.”

The pilot program includes:

Free Seminars on Home Composting: SFTF member Mary Hogue and Fairfield resident Dan Martens will demonstrate how to compost food scraps at home. The seminars will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2019 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm at the Fairfield Woods Branch Library, 1147 Fairfield Woods Road and Thursday, August 8, 2019 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm at the Fairfield Main Library, 1080 Old Post Road. Attendees will receive a free under-sink composting bin and sample composting bags and can also receive a 20% discount on a backyard bin that can be purchased at the Solid Waste and Recycling Department in Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Road.

Curbside Food Waste Pickup: For the first 20 Fairfield residents who sign up, Curbside Compost will offer a free month of food waste pick-up and recycling (normally $32/month). Curbside pickup is ideal for residents who cannot easily compost at home and, because the waste is recycled at a commercial composting farm, the hauler can accept many items not suitable for home recycling. To sign up, please contact www.curbcompost.org and mention the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force for the one-month free offer.

The pilot program has been funded by a $1,000 grant from Novamont secured by Mr. Martens, who is vice-president of the company’s North American operations.

For more information or questions, please contact Becky Bunnell at (203) 550-6540.

 

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Complimentary Rides for Vets to the VA Hospital in West Haven

The Bigelow Center has partnered with the Trumbull Human Services Department and Greater Bridgeport Transit to provide monthly rides to Veterans to the West Haven VA Hospital. The new service, for all area Veterans, began in July and continues this and every month, on the last Friday of each month. The bus will stop at the Bigelow Center at 8:30 AM then proceed to the Trumbull Senior Center before departing for the VA Hospital in West Haven. The bus is to leave the VA by 3:00 PM, once all appointments of those on the trip have ended. The rides are free to Veterans and those accompanying them for appointments. Registration is required a week in advance at either senior center. Please call 203 256-3166 for more information or to register.Our July newsletter is available online and at the Bigelow Center. Click here to see it.

 

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#Bridgeport Ct–On 07/22/2019 this 2019 Kubota Excavator model KX0574R3 was stolen from 955 Connecticut Avenue (Innovation Center). The excavator is orange and has the company’s name “J.P Philban” on the arm along with shamrock decals on the rear. Serial number 29552.

Anyone with information please contact Bridgeport Police Robbery/ Burglary Squad at 203-581-5246

 

Bridgeport News: Ground Hog Day

2019-07-23 @ 3:19pm–#Bridgeport CT– Bridgeport Hospital called police to report that a 3 year-old was bit by a groundhog on Bishop Avenue.

I also did not confirm with Luis Enrique Poma-Rodriguez if this was post that matters.  To quote Luis: “This wasn’t some drug dealer or murder this was kids doing stupid things why spread news that doesn’t benefit anyone smh”

 

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Stratford News: Disorderly Conduct Arrest

#Stratford CT–On 07-19-2019 Andre Larson age 19 of Bridgeport and Elijah Sampson age 20 of Bridgeport were arrested along with two local juveniles ages 14 and 15. The group was approached by an Officer who was investigating a complaint of cyclists who have been loitering in and near Longbrook Park blocking traffic and harassing residents. As the Officer approached the group fled on their bikes. While fleeing, the group rode through the park and splash pad area where small children were playing. Officers apprehended the group a short time later. Lawson was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Interfering and Violating Town Ordinance Reckless or uncontrolled Bicycle Operation. Sampson was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Interfering and Violating Town Ordinance Reckless or uncontrolled Bicycle Operation. The two juveniles were also charged with Disorderly Conduct, Interfering and Violating Town Ordinance Reckless or uncontrolled Bicycle Operation.

(Stratford Police Press Release)

 

Fairfield Little LeagueCapture the Connecticut State Title

The Fairfield Little League Girls Softball (FLLGS) 11u All-Stars battled Bristol and the weather on Thursday to capture the Connecticut State title. The team beat Bristol twice in the best of three game state championship tournament at Dougiello Park. It marked two firsts for the league, as it was the first time Fairfield has hosted a State Championship tournament and the first time FLLGS has won a state title on its home turf.

 

The post season was a team effort, as all players contributed to the final 4-1 record. Both Francesca Colangelo and Emily Dowd were counted on to pitch well against a strong group of opponents. Fairfield battled teams from Wilton and Seymour to reach the championship round. The team began with an opening game loss to Seymour 4-2, so it did not look like their run would be very long. But, a miraculous 1-0 win against Wilton, (where the team was actually no hit) turned their fortunes around. In the finals of the Sectionals, they came from behind 3 different times over two days (due to a weather suspension) to outlast Seymour 4-3 in 8 innings. Patty Greene was a star of the game with the walk off hit with two outs and two strikes.

 

The team was Managed by Matt Colangelo, with Coaches, Steve DeBernardis and Ed Tournas. “We have a great group of girls who picked each other up every game”, said Colagnelo, “It was a different contributor every night that made a difference in winning the championship” he continued. The victory marks the second straight year FLLGS has brought home the 11U State Championship. It is the 4 th State Championship for FLLGS overall in the past 3 years.

 

About FLLGS Fairfield Little League Girls softball is its own independent little league program and represents the entire town of Fairfield. It is the largest girls softball program in Fairfield County and one of the largest in the State of CT with over 350 players participating in spring, summer, and fall seasons. The league offers levels of play from T-Ball to Juniors spanning the ages of 6-14. For information on programs and how to join please visit www.fllgs.org or email us at info@fllgs.org.

 

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