Month: May 2020

Bridgeport During the 1918 Pandemic

If you try to research newspaper articles on the pandemic of 1918 you would have difficulty as the news articles were mostly about World War I.  I found an article from the Bridgeport Telegram dated October 31, 1968 on the 50th anniversary of the flu.  The Center for Disease Control (CDC) is uncertain where the H1N1 flu strain originated.  Some say Central Asia or like in this article cites Fort Riley, Kansas with its first case on March 15, 1918, where the flu spread throughout Europe by soldiers and sailors.  Again, the world’s interest was World War I and the media at the time didn’t want to spread additional fears of the flu among soldiers and sailors so the reporting from Europe relied on independent country reports.  Spain was the country that frequently reported their sick and the flu was dubbed the Spanish Flu.  It is estimated that about 500 million people or one-third of the world’s population became infected with this virus.  This flu was second only to the Black Plague of the middle ages.

The article said Bridgeport was lightly hit by the virus.  October 31, 1918 had peak deaths of 24.  The day before that was 21 and 18 before that.  During the worst part of the flu schools, churches, theaters, and other gathering places.  The article mentions of heavy death tolls in India with the Ganges River flowing thick with bodies of the dead.  Also affected were monkeys and baboons in Sierra Lorne that were susceptible to lung infections.

Leading the fight in Bridgeport was Doctor Walter H. Brown, the city’s health inspector.  A special hospital was set up for flu victims at the “Hillside home”.  Bridgeport and St. Vincent’s Hospital did not allow visitors to see any of their patients.  By the end of September, with almost 200 cases reported, Dr. Brown asked the police for strict enforcement of laws forbidding spitting in public places.  Health inspectors also visited theaters to remove patrons who appeared to come down with the virus.  By October the theaters were disinfecting the theater at least once a day.  On October 21 the superintendent reported that over 6,000 students were reported to be absent from school.

 

Other cities like the nation’s capital required citizens to wear protective gauze masks before being allowed on the trolley.  Other places required armbands for those indicating the wearer was checked by a doctor and found not to be sick with the flu.  In late October, in nearby Fairfield St. Thomas Church was closed and open-air masses were given on Sundays.   All schools, theaters, churches, and other public places were closed in Stamford and Waterbury.

 

A cold snap in late October and early November saw the highest daily deaths but also the lowest number of new cases.  Dr. Brown said “Good cold weather is just what is needed to straighten out conditions”.  Dr. Brown had thought the worst was behind the city.  By November 7th the number of new cases was down to 48 and declared the epidemic broken.

 

On November 10, Bridgeport celebrated the abdication of the German Kaiser and held the city’s largest parade in history.  The Spanish Flu was last reported on November 16 when Doc Brown reported just 19 new cases and 8 deaths over the 24 hour period.   Fifteen years would pass before medical researchers were able to isolate the stain and develop a vaccine.

 

I’m happy to report the volume of calls EMS has been called to for our current pandemic has dropped off sharply from last week’s numbers.

 

 

 

Fairfield News: Teen Charged In Car Break-Ins

FAIRFIELD — Chief Christopher Lyddy reports that the Fairfield Police Department charged a 16-year-old boy after he allegedly provided officers with a false name while being questioned about car break-ins in a neighborhood early Thursday morning.

A JUVENILE MALE, AGE 16, OF FAIRFIELD, was charged with Interfering With an Officer.

At approximately 2:05 a.m., Fairfield Police responded to the area of Toilsome Hill Road and Prospect Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers spoke to a resident who said he was awoken by his barking dog and looked outside to see two individuals rummaging through his neighbor’s car.

The interior light was on in the vehicle and it looked as though the vehicle had been rifled through.

The man who called police told officers that he saw two individuals wearing dark colored clothing who fled on foot when they saw him.

While searching the area, officers located another vehicle with its interior light on that had been rifled through.

A short time later, a Fairfield Police officer came upon a teen wearing dark colored clothing standing at the nearby corner of Toilsome Hill Road and Park Avenue. The officer spoke to the teen and noticed some items, including a change purse, on a wall near where the teen was standing. None of the items were determined to have been stolen from the vehicles in question.

The teen identified himself to the officer and through the subsequent investigation it was determined that the teen had given the officer a false name and date of birth.

After determining his true identity, the officer learned that the boy was known to Fairfield Police after having been arrested for allegedly being in possession of a stolen car on April 24 in Fairfield.

The boy was issued a summons to be arraigned in juvenile court at a later date and was returned home.

The incidents remain under investigation by the Fairfield Police Department. Anyone who is believed to have been a victim of a car break-in in the area or noticed any suspicious activity overnight is asked to call FPD at 203-254-4800.

These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

This press release is made possible by:

Southport News: Smoke Condition In The Train Station

2020-05-21@9:38am–#Southport CT–#Fairfield CT–#cttraffic–#mta– Firefighters were called to the Southport train station for an odor of smoke inside the building.  Firefighters arrived and had trouble locating the source so additional personnel was called to the scene.  After a short while it was found to be a light transformer as the source.

 

Senators Want Loan Forgiveness

WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led a group of ten Senators introducing the Strengthening Loan Forgiveness for Public Servants During the COVID-19 Crisis Act, legislation that would provide student debt relief to public health workers, police officers, and others who dedicate their careers to public service. Many of these public servants have been playing a central role in helping communities across the country respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“For all who are risking lives and making untold sacrifices, what better way of saying thanks than to relieve the crushing weight of student debt,” said Blumenthal. “This step, expanding opportunities to alleviate financially crippling burdens, is a win-win for them and our nation. These public servants have earned every dime of this recognition.”

 

The bill expands the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLFP) to provide meaningful student debt relief to those in public service. It would eliminate uncertainty for borrowers, and further incentivize public service by allowing borrowers to receive forgiveness for their loans in qualifying intervals. It also provides support for public servants and frontline workers whose employment may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), and Patrick Leahy (D-VT).

“One way we can support our nation’s most dedicated public servants, many of whom are on the front lines of this crisis, is by strengthening the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program,” said Warren. “We owe it to our nurses, teachers, first responders, and other public servants to get them the student loan forgiveness Congress promised them.”

 

“We want to help people who dedicate themselves to public service—like teachers, police officers and public health workers in Minnesota and states across the country—by expanding the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program,” said Smith. “Our legislation would help provide student debt relief to these workers, and focuses on supporting public servants and frontline workers whose employment may have been affected by the pandemic.”

 

“No individual willing to serve their community in a public service career should be held back from their calling due to the high cost of paying off their student loans,” said Cardin. “This legislation reinforces our commitment to those front-line public service employees, as well as ensuring that they will be held harmless if laid off by an employer as a result of COVID-19 related revenue losses.”

 

“A powerful way for us to show our gratitude to the public servants on the front lines of the coronavirus crisis is to provide them much needed relief from student debt,” said Markey. “This legislation is a powerful signal that public service is rewarding in terms of contribution to our country and loan forgiveness. I am proud to join Senator Blumenthal and my colleagues in introducing this important bill.”

 

“Now more than ever, we’re seeing just how much we rely on the work of first responders, police officers and health care workers,” said Feinstein. “Supporting these and other public servants by bolstering the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a commonsense measure that will make a real financial difference for thousands of people. We also must ensure that any public servant who loses their job due to the pandemic will still qualify for loan forgiveness while the pandemic continues and be able to continue receiving credit once they return to work. I’m proud to join my colleagues on this bill.”

 

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Norwalk News: Food Drive

#Norwalk CT–Norwalk Police Officers, the Norwalk PBA, and the Norwalk Police union have sponsored a donation of a truck of food. On Friday, May 22, 2020 at 8:30 am St Philips church will be running a food drive, and officers will be there to unload the delivery. This is a food bank to support families that have been impacted by COVID 19. Food will be distributed at the church this Friday at 8:30. This program is run on donations, and Lieutenant Brian Cunningham has organized donations from members of the Norwalk Police Department, the Norwalk PBA, and the Norwalk Police Union to sponsor a truckload of food. If any members of our community are interested in participating in this cause or making a donation they can contact Father Sudhir of St Phillips Church. We invite members of the media to attend this event.

 

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Fairfield Police Charges Man with Breaking Into Local Businesses

FAIRFIELD — Chief Christopher Lyddy reports that the Fairfield Police Department arrested and charged a man with breaking into several commercial businesses in Fairfield in recent months.

DANIEL OLER, AGE 48, OF BRIDGEPORT, was charged with five counts of 3rd Degree Burglary.

OLER was held on $25,000 bond and was transported to Bridgeport Superior Court.

Beginning on Jan. 26, the Fairfield Police Department started receiving reports about a rash of overnight commercial burglaries, in which forced entry was gained by spinning the locking mechanism to the front doors of the businesses. Similar burglaries had been occurring throughout Connecticut and law enforcement investigators believed that the same suspect was allegedly responsible.

In Fairfield, five burglaries were reported between Jan. 26 and March 17:
  • On Jan. 26, Chaves Bakery, 401 Kings Highway East, had an alarm activation at 1:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officers observed that the front door lock had been spun off and money was taken from the bakery.
  • On Feb. 13, Kings Deli, located at 751 Kings Highway East, had an alarm activation at 11:51 p.m. Investigating officers observed that the front door lock had been spun off. A small amount of money was taken from the cash register.
  • On Feb. 16, it was reported that an overnight burglary had occurred at China Wok, 1873 Black Rock Turnpike. Entry to the restaurant was made by spinning the lock and money was stolen from the register.
  • On Feb. 20, Blue Cactus, 2445 Black Rock Turnpike, had an alarm activation at 3:39 a.m. Officers observed the front door lock had been spun off. Two cash drawers and an undisclosed amount of cash were taken from inside the restaurant. Surveillance video showed a male wearing a dark colored sweatshirt and gloves go behind the counter and take the two drawers.
  • On March 17, the owner of Chef’s Table, located at 1138 Post Road, reported an overnight burglary in which the front door lock was spun out. The cash drawer containing an undisclosed amount of money was stolen.
Through the subsequent investigation and through working with multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state, the suspect was identified as OLER. OLER is known to police.
An arrest warrant was issued for OLER and on May 8, OLER was observed by a Fairfield Police detective outside of a restaurant on Howard Street. As the detective approached OLER, he began to briskly walk away from the restaurant down an alley. OLER was taken into custody a short distance away from the restaurant and was placed under arrest without further incident.
“This was great investigative work by our department and I would like to thank the other local departments who assisted in the investigation,” Chief Lyddy said. “Our business owners in Fairfield work extremely hard and hopefully this will put an end these types of break-ins.”
These are allegations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.

 

Westport Update

Westport, CT – First Selectman Jim Marpe provided the following message and update today:

This weekend’s reopening plan for the Compo Beach and Soundview Parking Lots, as well as reopening of play at Longshore Golf Course with restrictions, was successful. In general, everyone was respectful, aware, and accommodating to the social distancing and having masks available when not able to maintain six-foot distances. I appreciate the efforts everyone made, including residents and Town staff, that helped insure a positive outcome.

There remains, however, some who are choosing not to adhere to the CDC recommendations. In order for us to be successful in our reopening efforts, we must self-monitor and request that everyone comply with the recommendations outlined for the general health and well-being of all. We are in uncharted territory, and gentle reminders to those around us are encouraged. Remember, whenever you leave your home, you are wearing a mask to protect your neighbors, and they are wearing one to protect you. Please have a mask readily available (around your neck, NOT in your pocket) and be prepared to carefully pull it up and over your mouth and nose at any time. Parents, please remind your children that the rules apply to them as well. Together, we can meet the challenges that face us all during these unprecedented times.

Re-Open Advisory Team:

 

The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team will hold a public meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 11:00 AM. It will be held electronically, live streamed on www.westportct.gov, and broadcast on Westport’s Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020.  Emails to the Advisory Team may be sent to reopenteam@westportct.gov.

For information on town services and facilities status reopening plans: www.westportct/reopen

 

Restaurants Re-Opening:

 

On Tuesday, May 12, 2020, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 7MM, which primarily modifies state and local law to streamline the application and approval process for outdoor dining and outdoor display of retail goods. The Town of Westport will be streamlining and expediting the process for those applicants seeking approval for outdoor dining.  The application form and a detailed description of the rules will be made available on the town’s P&Z website this week (www.westportct.gov/pnz).

These Applications will be approved by administratively with an expected response time within 10 days of the application receipt date.  The Planning & Zoning Commission has waived any requirements for a hearing on these applications to allow for an expedited reopening of outdoor dining in Westport

The ReOpen Westport Advisory Team is working with Westport retailers and the Selectman’s Office for administrative approvals on the use of town property for the outdoor display of retail goods.

Phase 1 Reopening Date Revised for Barbershops and Hair Salons

Hair salons and barbershops were initially included in Phase 1 of Connecticut’s reopen plan, which begins May 20. According to a release today, however, Governor Lamont said that after having extensive discussions with owners and employees of these businesses it is in everyone’s best interests to provide for some additional preparation time and also align the state with its regional partners.

Tax Relief Program REMINDER:

The tax relief program application for April’s tax payment is due this Friday, May 22.   The deadline for the July payment is July 1, 2020. www.westportct.gov/TaxRelief.

 

WWHD Update:

Executive Director of the Westport-Weston Health District Mark Cooper reports:

Phase 1 of reopening Connecticut businesses begins next week. The WWHD has been hard at work contributing to both state and town planning efforts, as well as training for the anticipated surge in testing and contact tracing. Wide-spread testing and contact tracing are key components of a successful and steady reopening process. The WWHD’s Community Health staff will be performing contact tracing for our local community. While some municipalities across Connecticut have opted to rely on the State Department of Public Health to do the tracing, the WWHD expects have the ability to manage the volume of calls in-house.

From the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in Westport and Weston, WWHD staff has been contact tracing infected individuals. We anticipate that the number of positive tests will increase with wide-spread testing, so capacity has been augmented accordingly. Staff will be joined in the efforts by the Westport Public School nurses who have generously volunteered to help our community with this important work. Additionally, Medical Reserve Corp volunteers, under the direction of Emergency Management Director, Mike Vincelli, have answered the call for assistance during this crisis. We are incredibly grateful for all of these amazing, knowledgeable volunteers.  Our volunteers have completed the necessary training modules and will be supervised by WWHD’s Director of Clinical Care, Dr. Louis D’Onofrio.  This team effort will enable the Health District to reach out to impacted individuals to educate them on safe practices, self-isolation measures, and to answer any questions.

Parks & Rec:

 

Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava also announced today the anticipated opening of the Longshore Club Park and Staples High School tennis courts on May 27.  Play will be limited to singles play and will only be allowed on courts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 at Longshore and courts 2, 4, and 6 at Staples.  Additional restrictions will be in place and will be posted on the tennis page of the Parks and Recreation Department website www.westportrecreation.com.  Use of the Longshore tennis courts will require advanced reservations with payment by credit card only, no walk-ups will be permitted.

The opening of the Longshore Pool complex is delayed until further notice, as is the staffing of lifeguards at Compo Beach and Burying Hill Beach, as the Town awaits further guidance from the State.

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