Month: September 2020

Bridgeport Holiday Schedule

Bridgeport, CT – In observance of Labor Day, City of Bridgeport reminds residents of City services that will be delayed or closed during the holiday weekend.

Transfer Station

Closed Monday, September 7th. (Open on Saturday, September 5th, 7am – 3pm)

The Transfer Station is owned and operated by the City of Bridgeport to provide community access to environmentally responsible disposal and recycling services. The facility is open to the public year-round; Monday-Saturday, 7 am-3pm. For a list of acceptable items, please see the Transfer Station Rules & Regulations at Bridgeportct.gov/TransferStation or call (203) 576-7753.

Sanitation and Recycling pick-up routes

Labor Day pick-up will remain on schedule; Monday routes will not be affected by the holiday.

Brown bag collection (delayed)

Monday pickup is delayed until Tuesday.

*If pick-up is further delayed, do not remove bags from the curb—the public facilities crew will service your neighborhood as soon as possible.

For additional information, visit bridgeportct.gov/PublicFacilities.

Parks Holiday Schedule

All City of Bridgeport parks will be open for the holiday weekend through Labor Day, September 7th; 8 am-8 pm, with Splash Pads open 10 am-6 pm.   Park Permits will remain a requirement for entry to Seaside, Beardsley, and St. Mary’s. All park attendees must follow COVID-19 safety protocols; 50% capacity, individuals must social distance and wear face-covering when appropriate. Beardsley Park & Seaside Park bathrooms will be open from 8 am to 8 pm. All other neighborhood bathrooms will be open from 10 am to 6 pm. Lifeguards will be on duty from 10 am – 6 pm.

For additional information, visit https://www.bridgeportct.gov/parksandrec

Bridgeport Port Jeff Ferry schedule

The Bridgeport Port Jeff Ferry will be running a three-boat schedule Monday, September 7th.  There will also be a 10 pm trip from both ports. Visit the Ferry website for additional information: https://88844ferry.com/

Parking Meter Fees

Collection of Downtown parking meter fees will resume Tuesday, September 8, 2020, at 8 am. Parking meter info can be found here, https://bridgeportct.gov/parkingmeters with a map of meter locations here: http://bridgeportparking.com/meter-location-map.pdf.

Testing sites

Hartford Health Care                                      2979 Main Street Bridgeport, CT                               Saturday September 5th 8am- 4pm

North End Library                                          3455 Madison Avenue Bridgeport, CT                      Saturday, September 5th 9am- 12pm

Southwest Community Health Center            Veterans Memorial Park                                             Saturday, September 5th 9am- 12pm

Islamic Center                                                 703 State Street Bridgeport, CT                                            Saturday, September 5th 9am- 3:30pm

Bridgeport Hospital                                        226 Mill Hill Avenue Bridgeport, CT                                Saturday, September 5th 9am- 3pm

Bridgeport Hospital                                        226 Mill Hill Avenue Bridgeport, CT                        Sunday, September 6th 9am- 3pm

Bridgeport Hospital                                        226 Mill Hill Avenue Bridgeport, CT                        Monday, September 7th 8am- 12pm

 

 

The City of Bridgeport is reminding residents to adhere the COVID-19 safety guidelines administered by the state. For more information on testing sites visit bridgeportct.gov/covid19testing

 

But our sponsor will be open!

(photo taken before COVID scare)

Bridgeport News: Shooting

2020-09-03@6:00pm–Many of you contacted us about a shooting on William Street on Thursday.  Police said the Bridgeport Police responded to a ShotSpotter activation for the area of Arctic and William St. Upon arrival police were able to recover several shell casings and subsequently reports of vehicles struck by gunfire. In addition, a vehicle was impounded by Police that was involved in a motor vehicle on-scene. No reports of injuries had occurred. This is still an active investigation.

The Bridgeport Police Department needs our community’s assistance in ensuring we bring any one responsible for this to justice. Anyone with information is asked to contact BPD TIPS line at 203-576-8477.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

PUSH FOR VA TO COVER K2 VETERANS’ TOXIC EXPOSURE CARE

#WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced legislation today, mandating the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provide health care and benefits to all veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad Air Base (K2) in Uzbekistan and have illnesses associated with the toxic substances found at the site.

“This bill will bring life-saving relief to hundreds – and potentially thousands – of veterans who were exposed to extremely harmful toxins in the black goo and glowing ponds reported at K2,” said Blumenthal. “When we send people to war, we make a commitment and accept an obligation to treat them no matter the costs. We know that K2 veterans are suffering from cancers and other illnesses at a great rate, so the VA has no time to waste to make good on this commitment. Lives are at stake.”

 

“The Pentagon has known for years that our U.S. troops were exposed to cancer causing toxins while serving in Uzbekistan and it’s simply wrong for the VA to deny them health care and disability benefits. The VA has taken a similar approach in the past, delaying recognition and compensation for American veterans exposed to toxic substances like Agent Orange in Vietnam, and with military burn pits in Iraq and Afghanistan, while veterans became sick and died. We can’t let that happen again,” said Baldwin. “Our legislation does right by those who served at K2 and were exposed to health risks. We have a commitment to these troops and we need to keep it.”

Blumenthal and Baldwin’s legislation would give K2 veterans access to VA benefits by creating a “presumption of service connection” for illnesses associated with exposure to multiple toxic substances and ground contaminants at the Uzbek site caused by runoff from a chemical weapons decontamination site, an exploded missile storage facility, an abandoned fuel storage facility, as well as asbestos and low level radioactive processed uranium. The legislation mandates the VA provide health care and benefits to the K2 veterans with any diseases associated with the toxins found at K2 and allows K2 veterans to register in VA’s Open Burn Pit Registry to improve data on incidence of disease.

An estimated 7,000 U.S. servicemembers deployed to the K2 military site, an old Soviet base leased from the Uzbek government with proximity to Al Qaeda and Taliban targets in northern Afghanistan, from 2001-2005. The U.S. Army directed an intelligence review and environmental health study of the site in 2001, finding multiple toxins and ground contaminants. In April 2020, the VA announced that it would study illnesses among K2 veterans including cancers, but results from the study are not expected for at least 18 months.

The legislation has been endorsed by the Wounded Warrior Project, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).

“Many veterans who served at the Karshi Khanabad (K2) base have developed serious health issues due to exposure to toxicants,” said Wounded Warrior Project Vice President of Government Affairs Jose Ramos. “The K2 Veterans Care Act of 2020 will provide these veterans the hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care they need and deserve. We thank Senators Blumenthal and Baldwin for introducing this bill and look forward to working with them to ensure its passage in the Senate.”

“Veterans who served at Karshi-Khanabad were exposed to a litany of toxic substances,” said Veterans of Foreign Wars Deputy Director Matthew Doyle. “The VFW is proud to support this legislation, which would rightfully provide disability benefits and care to veterans who developed health conditions as a result of their exposure at K2.”

 

“We know that the thousands of veterans who served at Karshi Khanabad Air Base in Uzbekistan were exposed to toxins, burn pits, and depleted uranium; however, they are not currently eligible for health care or benefits for any diseases or conditions related to those exposures, said DAV Deputy National Legislative Director for Benefits Shane Liermann. “DAV fully supports the K2 Veterans Care Act of 2020, as it would provide health care eligibility and establish a framework for presumptive diseases that could lead to benefits for these veterans. We thank Senator Blumenthal for his leadership and his commitment to the men and women exposed to toxins during their military service.” 

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

https://www.bmwofbridgeport.com/

Fairfield News: Distribution Of Hurricane and Emergency Backpacks

Fairfield, CT (September 4, 2020) Director of Human and Social Services, Julie DeMarco, is pleased to announce the department has distributed Hurricane and Emergency Backpacks to 100 at-risk Fairfield residents. Through the generosity of our many Senior Services Providers in the community and the Friends of the Bigelow Center, at-risk seniors and residents who may be challenged by basic preparations in a pandemic, received a backpack with basic supplies they may need in an emergency.

“Older adults and persons with special needs might need to plan for additional time, assistance and/or resources in case of emergency,” said DeMarco. “Taking steps now, before an emergency, can reduce the stress an incident can cause and ensure everyone knows the plan to best care for loved ones during and after any crisis.”

The backpacks include essentials for preparedness: batteries, flashlight, non-perishable foods, medications, first aid kit, waterproof bags for important documents (insurance policies, advanced healthcare directives, legal documents, social security cards, birth and marriage certificates, passports, and a list of important phone numbers), masks, gloves, notepads and pens, and water.

“Emergency backpacks are one of many steps, not only for our homebound residents, but for all of our seniors, to take to prepare for an emergency. If and when the next storm comes to Fairfield, whether hurricane or blizzard, you should have supplies ready and have a plan. Know your natural supports -your friends, neighbors and families,” said DeMarco. “Maybe a neighbor has a generator and can keep insulin cold; maybe a friend can keep your phone charged; perhaps your family can help you stock up on groceries? Do you have a place to stay if power is out for a prolonged period? The more you know and the more you plan, the calmer you will be if something does happen.”

The Department is grateful to the generosity of The Rotary Club of Fairfield, Sheraton HomeCare, Synergy Homecare, Waveny LifeCare Network, Atlantic Home Loans, Senior Helpers, ComForCare, Assisted Living Services, Attorney Jim Hughes, and the Friends of the Bigelow Center.

For questions or additional information, please contact Fairfield Human and Social Services at 203-256-3166.

 

This news report is made possible by:

 

Fairfield News: Cop Hit-Driver Flees & Caught

Police UPDATE: On Thursday 9/3/2020 at approximately 8:00pm, a Fairfield Police Traffic Enforcement Sergeant was struck by a suspected drunk driver while working a State DUI Grant. This Grant is entirely dedicated towards the identification and removal of reckless and drunk drivers from the roadways.

 

Fairfield Police Emergency Communications Center received a radio transmission from a Fairfield Police Sergeant that he had just been involved in a motor vehicle collision on the Old Post Road near South Benson Road. The striking vehicle crossed over the double yellow lines while traveling east bound on the Old Post Road, causing the Sergeant to perform a proactive avoidance maneuver to minimize the impact. The striking vehicle sideswiped the police vehicle and immediately fled the scene. The Sergeant radioed for assistance, then followed the striking vehicle which pulled to the side of the road a couple hundred yards away where a motor vehicle stop was initiated.

 

The operator of the vehicle, identified as Erin Daley (DOB 5/23/1990) of 258 West Cedar Street, Norwalk was not injured during the accident. Additionally, the front seat passenger in her vehicle was not injured. After a police investigation of the incident, she was arrested and charged with Driving Under the Influence (14-227a), Evading Responsibility (14-224b) and Failure to Maintain Proper Lane (14-236). At headquarters, a chemical analysis found Daley’s Blood Alcohol Content to be nearly three times the legal limit. She was released after posting a $1,000 Bond and is scheduled to appear in court on 9/29/2020.

 

Fortunately, the Sergeant was not injured and both vehicles sustained minor damage. This is the second police vehicle struck by a suspected drunk driver in Fairfield within a two-week period.

 

2020-09-03@8:19pm–#Fairfield CT– A person hit a police car on the Post road and took off, and police caught up to her on Belmont  Avenue.

Stratford News: Library Happenings

The Stratford Library Children’s Department continues to offer stimulating programs for local kids and their families.  The Library is currently offering limited computer use for adults with reservations and contact-free Take Out borrowing services, online programs, take and go program kits, Reference Chat and 24/7 online access to ebooks, audiobooks, movies and music.  Staff will take calls Monday-Saturday, 10am-5 pm.

 

Storytimes

Fall storytimes at the Library are currently taking place and meet online via Zoom – registration via the website at stratfordlibrary.org on the Events page. On Tuesdays, at 10:30 am, families with children ages 3 to 5 can join Preschool Storytime for stories and songs. On Thursdays at 10:30 am, Baby Lapsit meets for children ages 0 to 18 months with a caregiver. Lapsit will include rhymes and bounces as well as time for parent discussion and sharing. On Mondays at 10:30 am, Toddler Time will meet for children ages 1 to 2 and will include songs, rhymes, and other pre-literacy activities. Storytime will not meet September 28. On Saturdays, there will be a DIY Storytime posted on the Kids page at stratfordlibrary.org/kids that can be enjoyed on your own. Visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org or call 203.385.4165 for more information on storytimes or other programs.

 

Grab’n’Go Art Class

Grab’n’Go Art Class at the Library will meet online via Zoom on Tuesday, September 22 at 7 pm for ages 3 to 12. Register on the Library’s website at stratfordlibrary.org on the Events page. Registered participants will be notified about picking up a free craft kit at the Library before the class. Visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org or call 203.385.4165 for more information.

 

Homework Help

The Stratford Library Children’s Department will provide online homework help via Zoom on Thursday nights at 6:30 pm beginning September 24. Families with children grades Kindergarten to six are welcome to sign up – via the Library’s website at stratfordlibrary.org on the Events page – for homework help with teen volunteers. Register for each week separately – space is limited to the number of tutors available each week. Children should bring homework to the Zoom that they can show to their tutor. Homework Help cannot replace medically prescribed or special needs tutoring. This program is supported by the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund and the Vicki Soto Memorial Fund. For additional information, visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org or call 203.385.4165 for more information.

 

Nutmeg Book Group

The Stratford Library’s Nutmeg Book Group will discuss “New Kid” by Jerry Craft on Tuesday, September 29 at 7 pm. Children grades 4 to 6 are invited to participate in the online discussion via Zoom. Register on the Library’s website at stratfordlibrary.org on the Events page. Registered participants will be notified about picking up a free copy of the book at the Library before the discussion, courtesy of the Carol Pieper Memorial Fund. Visit the website at stratfordlibrary.org or call 203.385.4165 for more information.

 

This press release was made possible by:

 

Visit Scap’s Website at:
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