Month: March 2025

New York Times Editors’ Choice Author Reverend Lynn Casteel Harper to Speak at Quick Center, March 17

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (March 4, 2025) — Fairfield University’s College of Arts and Sciences Master of Fine Arts program will host a lecture by Reverend Lynn Casteel Harper, essayist, minister, and chaplain, on Monday, March 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Quick Center for the Arts. The event is free and open to the public.

Harper’s On Vanishing: Mortality, Dementia, and What it Means to Disappear is a New York Times Book Editors’ Choice selection that weaves together intimate reflections on her own family’s history with dementia. She also draws on her work as a pastor and nursing home chaplain, as well as scientific, medical, and historical perspectives on the disease. During the event, she will converse with National Book Award-winning author and Fairfield Professor Phil Klay.

In addition to being a New York Times Editors’ Choice, On Vanishing was a Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle selection for 2021 and was featured on the Gold Foundation’s 2021 Reading List for Compassionate Clinicians. Harper’s works have appeared in Kenyon Review Online, Salon, The Paris Review, North American Review, The Christian Science Monitor, NPR’s Think, The Sun Magazine, and more. She is a recipient of the Barbara Deming Memorial Fund grant and was awarded the 2017 Orison Anthology Award in Nonfiction.

This evening at Fairfield with Reverend Lynn Casteel Harper is part of the Inspired Writers Series, which serves as a companion to the MFA in Creative Writing program, offering engaging discussions with top authors. Designed to inform, inspire, and entertain, the series provides invaluable insight for writers while welcoming all participants into thought-provoking literary conversations.

Register to attend the March 17 event with Reverend Lynn Casteel Harper at quickcenter.com. This event is free and open to the public.

Bridgeport News: UPDATE on Ash Street alleged shooting: No Reported Injuries

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Bridgeport police responded to Ash Street after a woman was seen running outside, yelling for help, and knocking on a resident’s door, claiming she had been shot. Emergency responders, including AMR and the Bridgeport Fire Department, arrived at the scene and found no visible injuries, but the woman was still taken to a local hospital for evaluation. No further details are available at this time.

ATTORNEY GENERAL TONG SECURES COURT ORDER BLOCKING TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FROM FREEZING FEDERAL FUNDS

(Hartford, CT) — Attorney General William Tong and a coalition of 22 other attorneys general today won a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration to block its illegal policy that would freeze funding for essential federal agency grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs. Judge John J. McConnell of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island today granted the preliminary injunction after Attorney General Tong and the coalition sued the Trump administration to stop the funding freeze.

“This is a major early victory, signaling the strength of our case and the brazen lawlessness of Trump’s overreaching executive order. Let’s not forget what Donald Trump did on January 27—this was a blanket freeze on trillions of dollars of federal funding, hitting every corner of our government. This was no idle threat. On the day we sued, Head Start funding was down. Medicaid funding was frozen. We sued immediately, and the court orders we have secured are what is now standing in the way of Donald Trump defunding our police, our highways, energy assistance, and our schools. This fight is far from over, but we are prepared to stay in court for as long as it takes to protect Connecticut families and Connecticut jobs,” said Attorney General Tong.

The administration’s funding freeze policy, issued through an array of actions, including a January 27 memorandum from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), illegally withheld trillions of dollars in federal funds for states and other entities like nonprofit organizations and community health centers. The policy caused immediate chaos and uncertainty for millions of Americans who rely on state programs that receive these federal funds.

Attorney General Tong and the coalition sued the administration over the freeze on January 28, and on January 31, the court granted the attorneys general’s request for a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking the freeze’s implementation until further order from the court. On February 7, Attorney General Tong and the coalition filed motions for enforcement and a preliminary injunction to stop the illegal freeze and preserve federal funding that families, communities, and states rely on. On February 8, the court granted the motion for enforcement, ordering the administration to immediately comply with the TRO and stop freezing federal funds. On February 28, Attorney General Tong and the coalition filed a second motion for enforcement seeking to stop the Trump administration from freezing hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to the states from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Today, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted Attorney General Tong and the coalition’s request for a preliminary injunction, halting the implementation of the administration’s policy. The Court concluded that the states had demonstrated a high likelihood of success on their claims that the actions making up the funding freeze policy were unlawful. In today’s order, the Court also required the administration to provide evidence of their compliance with regard to unfreezing FEMA funds by March 14 and to alert all agencies about the Court’s order.

The lawsuit is led by the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island. Joining the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

Carjacking Arrest: Suspect Nabbed Months After Violent Incident in Norwalk

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Norwalk police have arrested 27-year-old Michael Maldonado in connection with a violent carjacking that took place on Burwell Street last November. Maldonado, who was masked during the attack, smashed a car window while two people were inside, driving off with one passenger still in the backseat before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing. After an extensive investigation, police identified Maldonado—who was known to one of the victims—and secured an arrest warrant. He was taken into custody on March 6, 2025, and faces multiple charges, including robbery by carjacking, unlawful restraint, and violation of a protective order. His bond was set at $100,000, with a court appearance scheduled for March 7.

Anyone with additional information can contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111 or submit anonymous tips online at www.norwalkpd.com. Anonymous text tips can also be sent by texting “NORWALKPD” followed by the message to TIP411 (847411).

Westport Downtown Association & Youth Commission Partner to Launch New Student Discount Program

Westport, CT – The Westport Downtown Association (WDA) and Westport Youth Commission (WYC) have partnered to introduce a new student discount program, offering savings to students and educators at 25 local businesses, including Rhone, Original Pancake House, Vineyard Vines, Pizza Lyfe, Theory, Glowbar, Joe’s Pizza, Basso, The Bridge, and many others. Full details are available at http://www.westportdowntown.com/student-discount-program.

WDA President Maxx Crowley said, “The Downtown Association is excited to launch another program to attract shoppers to Westport and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with the Youth Commission in targeting students and educators with a program that highlights great values from our great merchants.”

WYC member Jake Shufro (SHS ’26) approached the WDA with a novel collaborative solution to revive the discount program and foster sustainability as a Commission project.  Shufro said, “I didn’t want past experiences to shut the door as a win-win program like this needs to be in our town. After working with the WDA, I knew they held the key to making this work.”

Kevin Godburn, Director of Youth Services, praised the collaboration saying, “This has been a great opportunity for our student leaders to work with the local business community and encourage peers to shop and socialize in town. With each program, the students learn a lot about what works and what doesn’t. We’re excited about this current version and look forward to its long-term success.”

High school and college students (including community college) can access discounts by presenting a valid student ID or Schoology account. Educators qualify with active credentials. Simply show your ID or credentials at checkout to save.


Brian Spurr, WDA Community Director, said, “The Westport Student Discount Program is designed to welcome students into the heart of downtown while helping them stretch their budgets and to show appreciation for local educators.” Andrew Colabella, RTM District 4 Representative, adds, “ It’s important to revive this program, incentivizing students to work play live in Westport, but also support small local businesses, giving growth to our economy”

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About the Westport Youth Commission: The Westport Youth Commission, appointed by the First Selectwoman and staffed by the Department of Human Services, is comprised of 15 Westport high school students and an equal number of Westport adults. Responsible for promoting the positive development of all youth in their families, schools, and community, and among their peers. The Commission assesses the needs and interests of young people in Westport, encouraging programs, and developing resources to respond to these needs. It serves as a catalyst for programs and activities that promote the positive development of youth in their families, schools, community and among their peers.

“Sunday Afternoon Talks” at Stratford Library: James Joyce’s Finnegans Wake Examined on March 16

The Stratford Library will continue “Sunday Afternoon Talks,” its series of informative and entertaining talks featuring prominent local guest speakers, on Sunday, March 16 at 2 pm. Guest speaker John O’Connor will discuss “Exploring Finnegans Wake.” The talk is free and open to the public.

Finnegans Wake by James Joyce is a complex novel that blends dream and reality. It’s known for its difficult plot, made-up words, and puns. John O’Connor attended Bucknell University, where he majored in English literature. He spent a junior semester abroad in London, England, where he first read A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce and was hooked. While there, he first looked at Finnegans Wake and was puzzled but interested. Later, he went to Berkeley, California, on a vision quest to study the Wake and visit Wake expert Professor John Bishop at Cal Berkeley. When he returned, he began disseminating the actual words of Finnegans Wake, which is the basis of his talk at the Stratford Library.

The “Sunday Afternoon Talks” series, hosted by Charles Lautier of Stratford, is held from 2-3:30 pm in the Stratford Library Lovell Room, 2203 Main Street, Stratford.

For further information, visit: www.stratfordlibrary.org or call the Library at 203-385-4162.

Two Arrested in Ansonia Street Robbery as Police Condemn Bystanders’ Inaction

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On March 5, 2025, the Ansonia Police Department obtained arrest warrants for the March 1, 2025 robbery complaint that occurred on the street in front of 370 East Main Street, The Spot restaurant and lounge. While the beginning of this case and investigation showed the downside of social media with people more interested in recording and posting the incident and not reporting it. Once the video was posted there were numerous people who responded and provided information to help identify the involved parties. The information coupled with the work of Detective Shawn Mendenhall resulted in the arrest of Tashira Sparks and Carl Octavio Brown for their involvement in the incident. Sparks was the female in the video and Brown was the male recording.

Tashira Sparks, age 19, of Ansonia was charged with Robbery Third Degree, Conspiracy to Robbery Third Degree, Larceny Second Degree, Conspiracy to Larceny Second Degree, Threatening Second Degree, Unlawful Restraint First Degree, and Breach of Peace Second Degree. Sparks was held on a $250,000.00 bond to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on March 6, 2025.

Carl Octavio Brown, age 29, of Bridgeport was charged with Robbery Third Degree, Conspiracy to Robbery Third Degree, Larceny Second Degree, Conspiracy to Larceny Second Degree, and Breach of Peace Second Degree. Brown was held on a $250,000.00 bond to be arraigned at Derby Superior Court on March 6, 2025.

The following is a statement from Chief Williams.

“Last evening, detectives and officers from the Ansonia Police Department obtained arrest warrants and took two suspects into custody for the robbery in front of The Spot in Ansonia. 

As Chief of the Ansonia Police Department, I am outraged by the recent street robbery in which a victim was attacked while bystanders stood by, recording the crime for social media instead of calling for help. This is not just disappointing—it is disgraceful.  Let me be absolutely clear: this is not an accurate depiction of the residents of the City of Ansonia. When someone is being victimized, the right thing to do is to step up—call 911, get help, do something. Instead, people chose to pull out their phones and chase social media attention while an innocent person was suffering. That is completely unacceptable. Criminals thrive when people choose apathy over action. Every second wasted recording instead of reporting puts victims at greater risk and allows criminals to escape justice. We cannot allow this kind of behavior to become normal. Let me also issue a challenge to our society—be better. If you see something, do something. Your phone should be a tool for calling for help, not for exploiting someone’s pain for likes, clicks and shares.


I want to thank those that have stepped up after the fact to provide information on the suspects in this case.”   

Women Lead the Way in Habitat CFC’s Weekend Build: Celebrating International Women’s Day

BRIDGEPORT, CT – Join Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC) Women Build volunteers on International Women’s Day as they assist construction staff on a build site in Fairfield. Volunteers with varying skill levels and backgrounds will join in support of Habitat’s mission and in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.

The volunteer construction activity will take place at 240-246 Greenfield Street, Fairfield, CT, with parking available in the adjacent parking lot, on March 8, 2025, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm. Most construction efforts will take place in the morning, before the noon lunch break. Sponsored by ASML, the volunteer group will include volunteers from various corporate neighbors and committed community members (both men and women).

Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat CFC, stated, “Women Build is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with purpose and determination. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate exactly that—the strength, skill, and leadership of women who are making a great impact in our Coastal Fairfield County community. Whether picking up a hammer for the first time or bringing years of experience, every volunteer plays a role in our mission to address the affordable housing crisis while also building a brighter future for families in need.”

Women Build is Habitat CFC’s program to engage and empower women in Habitat CFC’s work. No experience is needed—Site Supervisors provide relevant construction training onsite. Volunteers must be ages 18+ to participate in a Women Build volunteer day. Learn more at habitatcfc.org/women-build.

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