Bridgeport News: Oil Spill

At around 3:04 PM today, a boat was reported sinking at the dock near the 100th block of Grovers Avenue. The boat was unoccupied and was spilling oil at the time of the report.

No injuries have been reported. Authorities are currently investigating the incident and working to contain the oil spill.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

2024-07-11@3:04pm

BLUMENTHAL INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO PROTECT FEDERAL WHISTLEBLOWERS FROM RETALIATION

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] — U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today introduced the Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act to shield federal employees who report information to Congress from retaliation.

Under current law, federal employees are guaranteed the right to petition or provide information to Congress. However, without adequate protections in place, individuals who do so can face termination or retaliation.

The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act ensures that all federal employees, contractors, and applicants are able to file an administrative complaint if their right to share information with Congress has been interfered with or denied. Additionally, if corrective action is not reached within 180 days of filing a complaint, the legislation allows whistleblowers to pursue a lawsuit in federal court and seek a range of relief, including lost wages and benefits.

“Whistleblowers must be protected against retaliation when they bravely reveal waste, fraud, and abuse,” said Blumenthal. “This measure will strengthen safeguards for anyone reporting government misconduct and empower them to seek relief if they face retaliation. Congressional whistleblowers are essential to our democracy, and they deserve vigorous protection.”

“Whistleblowers are absolutely essential to exposing executive branch abuse of power and allowing Congress to fully exercise its oversight and legislative authorities,” said Joe Spielberger, policy counsel at the Project on Government Oversight (POGO). “However, without real enforceability against retaliation, they are often left hung out to dry simply for exercising their rights. The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act ensures that whistleblowers can seek relief when they face retaliation for disclosing information to Congress. POGO is grateful for Senator Blumenthal’s leadership on this issue, and we urge Congress to pass this important and timely legislation.”

“Federal whistleblowers are essential to maintaining accountability and transparency within the government,” said David Williams, president of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance. “Checks and balances cannot be upheld without information flowing to Congress. Without protection for whistleblowers, that information halts and puts billions of taxpayer dollars at risk. The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act shields people who disclose government wrongdoing. The Taxpayers Protection Alliance is proud to support whistleblowers and this important legislation.”

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ed Markey (D-MA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) joined Blumenthal in introducing the legislation.

The Congressional Whistleblower Protection Act is endorsed by Whistleblowers of America, Government Accountability Project, POGO, Union of Concerned Scientists, National Whistleblower Center, and Taxpayers Protection Alliance.

Stratford Health Department to Offer Annual Childhood Immunization and Physical Clinics

The Stratford Health Department is excited to announce its Annual Back-to-School clinics, aimed at providing immunizations and physicals to school-age youth under the age of 19. The series of clinics will take place at the Birdseye Municipal Complex located at 468 Birdseye Street in Stratford.

Each clinic will offer physical examinations and immunizations to ensure that students are ready to start the school year healthy and protected against preventable diseases.

Clinic Dates and Times:

DateTime
Thursday, 8/15/20242:00pm – 6:30pm
Tuesday, 8/20/20248:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday, 8/22/20242:00pm – 6:30pm
Tuesday, 8/27/20242:00pm – 6:30pm
Thursday, 8/29/20248:30am – 4:30pm
Tuesday, 9/3/20248:30am – 4:30pm

“We are thrilled to offer our annual Back-to-School clinics to help ensure that our students are healthy and ready for the upcoming school year,” said Kristina Agapito, Public Health Nurse Supervisor. “Our goal is to provide accessible and affordable healthcare services to families in Stratford.”

The cost for physical examinations is $80. Immunization prices are as follows: the first vaccine is $20, the second vaccine is $10, and any additional vaccines received during the same appointment are $5 each.

Incentives will be provided to individuals who schedule early appointments and keep their appointments. These incentives include gift cards for parents and giveaway bags for the children.

“We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity to ensure their children are up-to-date on their vaccinations and receive necessary physical examinations,” said Andrea Boissevain, Health Director of Stratford. “Preventive healthcare is key to maintaining overall wellness, and we are here to support our community every step of the way.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Kristina Agapito at 203-385-4090.

Introducing the Royal Court of the Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County, Inc. 2024

Fairfield County, CT — The Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County, Inc. proudly presents the Royal Court for 2024, a distinguished group of young ambassadors representing the vibrant culture and heritage of Puerto Rico. This year’s Royal Court members are Esperanza Alvarado, Isabella Rios, Emanuel Vazquez Jr., Cameron Elijah Amado, and Aaliyah Vazquez. These exceptional individuals embody the spirit and pride of the Puerto Rican community.

Esperanza Alvarado

At just seven years old, Esperanza Alvarado from Stratford has been crowned Little Miss Puerto Rico of Fairfield County 2024. A student at Six-to-Six Magnet School, Esperanza is known for her infectious smile, love for dancing and singing, and natural leadership qualities. She is a budding entrepreneur, promoting her jewelry business on Instagram (@esperanzaalvarado_official) and running weekend lemonade stands. Esperanza dreams of becoming a dance teacher and hopes to use her title to inspire others while celebrating her cultural heritage.

Isabella Rios

Isabella Rios, representing Orocovis, Puerto Rico, is the Jr. Miss Puerto Rico of Fairfield County 2024. Thirteen years old and residing in Naugatuck, CT, Isabella is a 9th grader at Lauralton Hall in Milford, CT. She has been honing her musical talents at Star Factory and taking Salsa lessons with Luti Dance Company since she was seven. Isabella, who aspires to be a singer and attorney, will perform in “The Wizard of Oz” at the Bijou Theater from July 26 to July 28, 2024. Known for her community involvement and church activities, Isabella continues to give back to her community.

Emanuel Vazquez Jr.

Emanuel Vazquez Jr., 14, proudly represents Camuy, Puerto Rico, as the Teen Mr. Puerto Rico of Fairfield County 2024. A graduate of Cesar A. Batalla School, Emanuel will be starting his freshman year at Bassick High School. With aspirations of becoming a criminal investigator and Bridgeport police officer, Emanuel is dedicated to his intellectual preparation. His favorite hobbies include playing football, basketball, and baseball, cooking, and enjoying Spanish food. Emanuel’s motto, “everything in life is possible if you have faith and constancy,” reflects his commitment to success.

Cameron Elijah Amado

Ten-year-old Cameron Elijah Amado represents Villalba, Puerto Rico, as Little Mr. Puerto Rico of Fairfield County 2024. A student at Assumption Catholic School in Fairfield, Cameron is known for his ambition, kindness, and outgoing personality. He dreams of becoming a geologist and professional entertainer and currently develops his talents at the piano. Cameron enjoys singing, dancing, basketball, theme parks, and spending time with family. He is dedicated to influencing other kids to engage in cultural and community activities and serves as a role model for those who may lack confidence.

Aaliyah Vazquez

Sixteen-year-old Aaliyah Vazquez proudly represented Villalba, Puerto Rico, in the Miss Puerto Rico of Fairfield County pageant. A dedicated student in the Agriscience and Biotechnology program at Trumbull High School, Aaliyah plans to pursue Urban and Community Studies at the University of Connecticut. Passionate about youth advocacy, she is also an accomplished dancer and swim team member. Aaliyah values family deeply and is committed to creating supportive environments in her community. She aims to use her platform to promote genuine connections and self-acceptance, educating youth on the importance of real-life interactions over digital distractions.

The Puerto Rican Parade of Fairfield County, Inc. is thrilled to have these remarkable young individuals as part of the 2024 Royal Court. Their dedication to their community, cultural pride, and personal achievements serves as an inspiration.

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SUMMER CONCERT SET AT STRATFORD LIBRARY

New England Guitar Society Returns LIVE on July 20

           The Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street in Stratford, CT will welcome back the popular New England Guitar Society in a live concert on Saturday, July 20 at 2 pm. The concert is free and open to the public.

          The New England Guitar Society was established to create a nurturing environment for classical guitarists to meet, share ideas, perform, compose, teach and grow as musicians. Each season the society holds member meetings, and invites guest artists to perform public concerts and hold master classes at the Milford Arts Council and online.

 For the library concert, NEGS will present a classical guitar journey with music by John Johnson, Hirokazu Sato, Matteo Carcassi, Fernando Sor, Francisco Terrega and Andras Segovia among others.  The five musicians are Bob Fritz, Peter Lewis, Suzan Maxey, John Maxwell Steinhoff and Richard Vencus.

The free concert will be held in the Library’s air-conditioned Lovell Room beginning at 2 pm on July 20.  No reservations will be taken. 

For further information call the Library at: 203.385-4162 or visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Structure Fire

2024-07-09@9:36pm–#Bridgeport CT– Bridgeport firefighters responded to a call at 199 Yacht Street for a reported structure fire. Although no active flames were found, one individual suffered burns and was transported to Bridgeport Hospital. The apartment in the seven-story building was filled with smoke, which the firefighters helped to ventilate. The fire marshal is en route to investigate the incident.

Town of Fairfield Social Services Launches Outreach Registry for Vulnerable Residents

Fairfield, CT – July 9, 2024 – Fairfield Social Services is pleased to announce the launch of an Outreach Registry aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable residents during town-wide emergencies. This initiative is designed to provide essential support by offering wellness calls to those who may require assistance during critical situations.

The Outreach Registry is specifically tailored for Fairfield residents who are 65 years and older, as well as individuals who are homebound or disabled. Residents who wish to be included in this registry are encouraged to complete a simple form to express their interest in receiving wellness calls during emergencies.

To register, interested individuals can complete the form available on the Fairfield Social Services website or request one by contacting Social Services directly. Completed forms can be submitted via email to socialservices@fairfieldct.org or mailed to Fairfield Social Services at 100 Mona Terrace, Fairfield, CT 06824.

“We understand the importance of community support, especially during challenging times,” said Julie DeMarco, Director of Fairfield Social Services. “The Outreach Registry is a proactive measure to ensure that our vulnerable residents receive the assistance they need when it matters most.”

For more information about the Outreach Registry or to request a registration form, please contact Fairfield Social Services at 203-256-3170 or visit our webpage.

About Fairfield Social Services

Fairfield Social Services is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all residents by providing comprehensive support and resources. Through various programs and initiatives, including the Outreach Registry, Fairfield Social Services strives to promote independence, well-being, and community resilience.

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