Yesterday, November 11th, at 3:05PM the Bridgeport ECC and Police received a ShotSpotter activation for the 40th block of Elmwood Avenue. Bridgeport Police immediately responded to the scene and out of an abundance of caution placed Curiale School on Lock-In/Lock-Out. At this time that protective measure has been lifted.
At 8:25PM yesterday, November 11th, a ShotSpotter activation was received at the Bridgeport ECC and Bridgeport Police for Highland Avenue. On-scene preliminary reports indicated weapons discharged between unknown parties. No reported injuries and Bridgeport Police continues their on-going investigation.
Bridgeport Police are actively investigating both incidents at this time and is asking anyone with information regarding the shots fired to contact the Bridgeport Police TIPS Line at 203-576-TIPS (8477).
First Selectman Vicki Tesoro addressed the community yesterday evening regarding heightened security at Tashua Elementary School following a recent social media post by a school teacher that included the school’s address and phone number. While no threats were reported over the weekend, the Trumbull School District and Trumbull Police maintained a police presence at the school on Monday out of caution, ensuring a safe and quiet day for students and staff.
At approximately 2:45 PM, a threatening email was received, claiming that a bomb had been placed on school grounds. The school immediately enacted a stay-put protocol, and Trumbull Police swiftly responded to secure the area, conducting a comprehensive search of the building and grounds. After thorough inspection, the threat was determined to be non-credible, and dismissal proceeded as scheduled.
Chief Michael Lombardo has assured the Tashua community that a police presence will continue on campus, supported by additional security guards to reinforce school safety. The Town of Trumbull, the Trumbull Police Department, and the Trumbull School District remain committed to prioritizing the safety of students and staff.
State Senator Tony Hwang issued the following statement regarding his re-election as State Senator of Connecticut’s 28th District.
“This widespread support – and this wide margin of victory – is humbling and inspiring. We won by more than 5,600 votes: nearly 10 percentage points. We won in each town: Bethel, Easton, Fairfield, and Newtown. We won with support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. We won by staying positive, by staying connected, and by remaining focused on issues people care about, like making Connecticut more affordable for everyone.
I am grateful to the people of the 28th Senate District for reviewing my record of service and re-electing me in such a convincing fashion. I will continue to put people over politics. I will continue to work tirelessly and collaboratively to improve the quality of life in all of our communities.
I am deeply grateful to the residents who entrusted me with your vote, allowing me the privilege of representing you for another term as your state senator. In this election, the people of the 28th Senate District have shown that progress and integrity can indeed triumph over divisive politics. This victory represents a commitment to people over politics, a sentiment that means everything to me.
Public service matters profoundly. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of our constituents and strive to make Connecticut a better place to live, work, and raise our families.
I am immensely proud of our campaign – a campaign rooted in positivity, empowerment, and sustainable solutions. It has been an effort guided by experience, independent thinking, and a commitment to always being present and engaged in our community. My heartfelt thanks to the countless friends and volunteers who shared in our mission, giving their time and passion toward a common goal for the community we love.
The challenges ahead in Connecticut are significant, but our vision for a more affordable and collaborative approach has resonated with so many. I am ready to keep building a future that respects our differences, our neighbors, and our shared values as Connecticut residents.
We have just come through a difficult and divisive election cycle, marked by gaslighting, disinformation, and manipulated narratives. This type of discourse – filled with labels, assumptions, and even social media bullying – does more harm than good, eroding public trust in public service and our collective sense of community.
How do we move forward and change this divisive culture? I believe it starts with resilience, kindness, and connection. I’m inspired by the remarkable individuals I’ve met along the way, like Jeannette Maré of Ben’s Bells, Jennie Hubbard of the Catherine V. Hubbard Animal Sanctuary, former Newtown First Selectwoman E. Patricia Llodra, and Monsignor Robert Weiss of St. Rose of Lima Church. Each of them has shown me the power of:
Resilience in the face of challenges,
Kindness that is steady and unwavering,
Resistance to anger and negativity,
A drive to connect and build community,
And a determination to remain hopeful and solution-focused, no matter the hardship.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my incredible family – my best friend and wife, Grace, our wonderful daughter, Christina, and our kind-hearted son, Peter. Their constant support and sacrifices have been the foundation of my work in public service.
Thank you once again for your trust and support. I am honored to serve you and remain committed to doing so with integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.”
With humble gratitude, State Senator Tony Hwang 28th CT State Senate District Connecticut General Assembly
Today’s Vehicle Fire is a parked car that suddenly caught on fire behind the Nutmeg bowling alley at 802 Villa Ave in Fairfield. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and there was no extension to any of the other vehicles.
Trumbull Police arrested a local Bridgeport man for his part in a “smash and grab” jewelry heist at the Kay’s store in the Trumbull Mall that occurred in April earlier this year. Javon Thorbourne, age 30, of Hancock Avenue, was identified as one of the three (3) masked thieves who smashed the glass display cases with hammers and stole several thousand dollars’ worth of jewelry, while shoppers were watching nearby. The suspects fled from the mall on foot and escaped in a dark four-door sedan, which was later recovered. Thorbourne who was later identified as one of the suspects, was arrested and charged for his involvement in these crimes.
On April 17th, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Trumbull Police received several calls reporting the theft, and shoppers were alarmed by the loud noise of the shattering glass that was mistakenly thought to be a gunshot. It was later determined that no weapons were involved, and no injuries were reported. Trumbull detectives collected evidence, interviewed numerous witnesses, and investigated this incident where over $85,000 worth of jewelry was reported to have been stolen. Detectives were able to identify and locate the suspect vehicle which led to the identification and involvement of Thorbourne, which led to his arrest. Police are continuing their investigation into identifying the remaining involved suspects.
Thorbourne, who was already incarcerated and being arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court for other crimes, was processed and charged with Larceny in the 1st, degree, Conspiracy to Commit Larceny in the 1st degree, Criminal Mischief in the 1st degree, and Breach of Peace. He was held on a $250,000 and arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court on Thursday, November 7.
Anyone with further information on this theft are asked to contact the Trumbull Police Department at (203) 261-3665. Tips can also be sent anonymously via Citizen Observer/tip411 text message to the Trumbull Police Department, by texting the keyword TRUMBULLPD and your tip to 847411 or Anonymous Internet tips can be sent to Town of Trumbull Police website at https://www.trumbull-ct.gov/225/Submit-Anonymous.
November Storytimes The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers weekly storytimes for children at 10:30 am. On Mondays, Toddler Time meets for ages 0-2. On Tuesdays, Preschool Storytime meets for ages 3-5. Baby Lapsit meets on Thursdays for babies 0-18 months. Friday Fun offers stories and songs for ages 1-5. Enjoy early literacy activities and meet other families at Library storytimes! (No storytimes on Monday, Nov 11, Thursday, Nov 28, and Friday, Nov 29). Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Book Scientists The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers Book Scientist kits for children ages 3-12, with books and activities based on the child’s age. This month’s theme is Outer Space (Nov 15). Return the Library books when they are due and keep everything else! Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Super Mario Bros. Party The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. will host a Super Mario Bros. Party on Saturday, November 9 at 2:30 pm for children ages 6-10 in the Children’s program room. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Impressionist Painting Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for an Impressionist art workshop on Wednesday, November 13 at 4 pm for children ages 8-13. Learn about the Impressionism art movement and create your own painting. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org.
Junior Scientists: Bones The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers a Junior Scientists Grab ‘n’ Go kit on the Skeletal System for families with children ages 4-8. Pickups begin on Thursday, November 14. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Kids Lego Robotics Club Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for a Lego Robotics workshop on Thursday, November 14 at 2:00 pm for children ages 7-12. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Storytime with Little Teeth Dentists The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers a storytime with Little Teeth Dentists on Tuesday, November 19 at 10:30 am for ages 3-7. Learn about dental care in a fun storytime. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Fall Art: Collage The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers a Fall Art Collage program on Tuesday, November 19 at 4 pm for children ages 7-12. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Ready for Kindergarten Grab ‘n’ Go The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers Ready for Kindergarten grab ‘n’ go activity kits for ages 3-5. November kit pickup begins on Wednesday, November 20. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Learn to Crochet The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers beginner crochet lessons on Wednesday, November 20 at 6 pm for ages 9 and up. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Mini Foods Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. for Mini Foods on Thursday, November 21 at 4 pm for grades 5-7. Please note some food items may contain allergens. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Treefort Science: Lightboxes The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers Treefort Science activities on Friday, November 22 at 3:30 pm for ages 5-7, exploring Lightboxes. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Make Thanksgiving Cards for Seniors Celebrate the community with a drop-in craft event to make Thanksgiving Cards for seniors on Saturday, November 23 during Library hours. All ages are welcome. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Piano w/ Friends: Chords The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers a Piano with Friends: Chords class on Saturday, November 23 at 2:30 pm for ages 7-12. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Nutmeg Book Group The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers the Nutmeg Book Group for readers in grades 4-6. November’s book is Chester Keene Cracks the Code by Kekla Magoon. The discussion is on Monday, November 25 at 6 pm. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Science Club: Sink Or Float Join the Stratford Library Children’s Dept. Science Club for a Sink or Float activity on Tuesday, November 26 at 6 pm for ages 7-12. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
Math Grab ‘n’ Go: Addition The Stratford Library Children’s Dept. offers a Math grab’n’go kit on addition for ages 5-8. Pickups begin on Wednesday, November 27. Registration is required. To register, visit stratfordlibrary.org, then choose Events. For more information, call 203.385.4165 or visit stratfordlibrary.org/kids.
A woman was reportedly hit by a car traveling around 15mph at Main and Capitol Avenue according to unconfirmed radio reports. She was transported to the hospital with unknown injuries.
On Tuesday, October 22, the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame (CWHF) hosted its 31st Annual Induction Ceremony and Celebration at the Bushnell Center for Performing Arts. The event honored the achievements of Connecticut women by inducting three pioneers into The Hall, awarding the Eileen Kraus scholarship to a CT graduate, and recognizing three Spotlight award recipients.
The following women were inducted into the Hall of Fame for their accomplishments as Creative Catalysts:
Sara Bronin (Hartford): Architect, attorney, professor, and policymaker
Melissa Bernstein (Westport): Entrepreneur, creative, and author
Barbara Summers (Hartford): American writer, educator, and fashion model
This year’s Eileen Kraus Scholarship Awardee is Yasmeen Galal, a recent Woodland Regional High School graduate who is now studying Computer Science and Government at Harvard University.
During the ceremony, the following women were recognized as this year’s Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame Spotlight award recipients:
Crystal R. Emery: Producer, writer, filmmaker, activist, and CEO of URU The Right to Be, Inc.
Jesse Lazowski: Founder, CEO, and Creative Director at Marlo Laz Jewelry
Shelley Quiala: Senior Artistic and Development Strategist at the International Festival of Arts & Ideas
The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame honors the achievements of women by celebrating their legacies and telling their powerful stories, inspiring women and girls to realize their limitless potential. For more information about The Hall and how to get involved, visit www.cwhf.org.
PHOTO:Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame leadership with the 2024 inductees and their families.