Month: September 2025

STRATFORD LIBRARY TEEN EVENTS IN OCTOBER

10/1, 10/15: 4:30-5:30 pm: Teen Lingo Lounge
Have you been looking for a fun way to learn or practice a new language? Come connect with others and help each other perfect this skill. We will also use the library’s database Transparent Language as a guide. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

¿Has estado buscando una forma divertida de aprender o practicar un nuevo idioma? Ven a conectar con otros y ayúdense mutuamente a perfeccionar esta habilidad. También utilizaremos la base de datos de la biblioteca, Transparent Language, como guía.

10/4: 1:00-2:30 pm: Taylor Swift Listening Party
Taylor’s new album is dropping — and we’re celebrating in style! Come hang out with fellow Swifties as we listen to the new album, decorate heart-shaped sunglasses, make Taylor-themed bookmarks, and frost your own Pop-Tarts (Taylor’s favorite snack, obviously!). Bring your besties — and maybe your friendship bracelets. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Lovell Room.

10/6: 4:30-6:00 pm: Teen Monster Munch and Make
Spooky season is here! Come create your own pumpkin patch dirt cup to eat while learning how to make your very own spooky garland to take home and hang up! Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

10/16: 6:00-7:00 pm: Night of Crystals and Tea Leaf Reading
Teens: Join Rachel, The Replanted Witch, for a night of crystals and tea! We will explore the ways that we can use crystals in jewelry; healing, create a crystal tipped wand, and then cast a fun spell together. Then we will explore the art of tea leaf reading and learn how to look for messages hidden in the leaves. Grades 6-12. Registration required. Location: Board Room.

10/20: 3:00-4:30 pm: Zombie Barbies
Zombie Barbie returns! Come and celebrate Halloween by making cheerful dolls dressed in pink into brain eating zombies! We’ll supply everything; you bring your creative ideas! We will put them on display and take pictures when you are finished. Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Teen Department.

10/22: 4:30-6:00 pm: Karaoke Spooktacular
The spooky season is upon us! Come enjoy some karaoke tunes with friends. We will have games, crafts and sweet treats. But don’t forget, come dressed in your favorite costume! Grades 6-12. No registration required. Location: Lovell Room.

Walk the Extra Mile at Compo Beach with Rach’s Hope! Fourth Annual Family Fun Walk – Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 3 PM

Westport, CT — Lace up your sneakers, grab your family and friends, and head to Compo Beach on Sunday, October 5th at 3:00 p.m. for Rach’s Hope Family Fun Walk: Walk the Extra Mile 2025. This heartwarming and lively event combines community, music, food, and fun—all in support of families facing the unimaginable challenges of critical illness.

Hosted by Fairfield County non-profit Rach’s Hope, this one-mile beach walk has quickly become a cherished annual tradition. Walkers of all ages will join together at Ned Dimes Marina to celebrate community spirit, honor the legacy of Rachel Doran (Staples High School Class of 2015), and raise funds to provide food, transportation, and lodging for families with children in Intensive Care Units across the country.

Adding a special touch to the walk, participants are invited to join Rachel’s grandfather as he continues his inspiring personal pledge to walk 1,000 miles each year in her memory.

The afternoon doesn’t stop at the finish line—guests can look forward to:
● Live acoustic music from Fairfield’s own Ellis Island Acoustic
● Fresh, hot slices from Pizza Pie Wagon gourmet pizza truck
● Beer and wine compliments of Greens Farms Spirit Shop
● Signature black-and-white cookies
● Exclusive Rach’s Hope swag!

“This event is about more than just taking steps by the beach,” said Lisa Doran, of Rach’s Hope. “It’s about walking together—shoulder to shoulder—with families who need our strength, our resources, and our love.”

All proceeds directly support Rach’s Hope’s mission to ease the financial and emotional burden for families during the toughest moments of their lives.

This is a rain-or-shine celebration. Tickets and donations can be made at RachsHope.org.

Event Details:
● Sunday, October 5, 2025
● 3:00 p.m.
● Compo Beach – Ned Dimes Marina, Westport, CT
● Tickets, donations & info: RachsHope.org

About Rach’s Hope:
Founded in memory of Rachel Doran, who passed away at 21 after a critical illness, Rach’s Hope, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Connecticut non-profit dedicated to helping families nationwide with children in intensive care units.

MURPHY, BLUMENTHAL SUPPORT BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION TO REPEAL TRUMP’S ILLEGAL, UNION-BUSTING EXECUTIVE ORDERS

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) co-sponsored the Protect America’s Workforce Act – bipartisan legislation to repeal two of President Trump’s union-busting executive orders and restore collective bargaining rights and workplace protections for federal workers.

These executive orders, issued earlier this year by Trump, revoked collective bargaining rights for a majority of federal employees under a false national security pretext. While federal employee unions do not negotiate pay or benefits, collective bargaining agreements do protect federal employees from retaliation, discrimination, and illegal firings, while promoting resources for whistleblowers and veterans.

“This assault on the collective bargaining rights of federal workers is about one thing: making it easier for Trump to fire qualified employees and replace them with his loyalist cronies. It’s just another tactic to intimidate federal workers and prevent them from calling out the corruption and illegality going on inside this administration. This bill terminates Trump’s lawless executive orders and protects hundreds of thousands of hardworking public servants so they can continue their important work without fear of retaliation from the president,” said Murphy.  

“President Trump’s executive orders are a blatant attempt to silence and sideline the public servants who keep our government working for the American people,” said Blumenthal. The Protecting America’s Workforce Act defends not only federal workers’ rights, but also their dignity. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort that restores fairness and ensures that no administration can trample on the legal protections our public servants have earned. Immediate legislative action is necessary to provide strong protections that workers deserve.”

The Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CRSA) grants the president authority to limit collective bargaining agreements when there is a national security concern. President Trump’s executive orders, however, sought to take advantage of the CRSA by inappropriately classifying two-thirds of the federal workforce as having national security missions in order to claim the authority needed to cancel valid union contracts.

This legislation also has the support of the AFL-CIO, Actors’ Equity Association, Alliance for Retired Americans, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of Musicians, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), Communications Workers of America (CWA), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), Federal Education Association, International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots, LIUNA – the Laborers’ International Union of North America, National Education Association, National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE-IAM), National Nurses United, National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Seafarers International Union, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD), United Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, United Auto Workers (UAW), United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and United Steelworkers (USW).

This legislation was also cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

Bill text is available here.

Bridgeport Public Schools Building and Operations DepartmentMaximizes Resources with New Cleaning Technology

Bridgeport, CT – Bridgeport Public Schools Building and Operations Department is introducing new technology to increase efficiency, lower costs, and make the most of every resource while providing students and staff with a clean and safe environment.

The department recently launched the TASKI Ecobot 50 Pro, an autonomous floor scrubbing machine, at Harding High School. Capable of cleaning 10,000 to 20,000 square feet in just four hours, the Ecobot allows staff to streamline daily operations, focus on other essential maintenance needs, and keep critical areas such as school cafeterias and kitchens consistently spotless and sanitary.

“Every minute and every resource counts when it comes to keeping our schools operating at their best,” said Jorge Garcia, Chief Operating Officer. “This technology lets our team work smarter, ensuring that time and staff are used where they have the greatest impact and that our kitchens and cafeterias meet the highest standards of cleanliness.”

The Ecobot will expand next to Bassick High School, Central High School, and Fairchild Wheeler Campus as the department phases in the equipment districtwide. By reducing labor hours, chemical use, and water consumption, the Ecobot is projected to generate significant cost savings that can be reinvested directly into classrooms and districtwide programs.

“Bridgeport Public Schools is committed to doing business differently to better serve our students and families,” said Interim Superintendent Dr. Royce Avery. “By streamlining operations and investing in the right tools, we are maximizing our resources, saving money, and directing those savings back into the district where they can support teaching and learning.”

The Ecobot 50 Pro uses smart navigation, real time sensors, and water saving technology to maintain exceptional cleanliness while reducing energy and chemical use. This innovation reflects the district’s focus on operational efficiency, long term sustainability, and responsible financial management.

Milford Man Arrested on Inciting, Stalking, Threatening & Harassment Charges

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., Detectives from the Eastern District Major Crime Squad and Milford Police served an arrest warrant on Frank David of Milford. David was located, taken into custody without incident, and transported to Troop G – Bridgeport for processing.

According to State Police, David is charged with Inciting Injury to Persons or Property (C.G.S. 53a-179a), Stalking 2nd Degree (C.G.S. 53a-181d), Threatening 2nd Degree (C.G.S. 53a-62), and Harassment 2nd Degree (C.G.S. 53a-183). He was held on a $250,000 court-set bond and was scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on September 19, 2025.

Westport Fire Department Awarded a Grant for Swiftwater Rescue Training

Westport, CT – September 25, 2025 – The Westport Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant of $94,952 through FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. The AFG program is a highly competitive national initiative that helps fire departments across the country strengthen their emergency response capabilities.

This award will fund swiftwater rescue technician training for Westport firefighters. The program will include hands-on, scenario-based instruction in moving water environments, providing firefighters with the critical skills to perform rescues during flooding, coastal incidents, and other water emergencies. With Westport’s proximity to rivers, streams, and Long Island Sound, the training will ensure the department is fully prepared to protect residents and support neighboring communities through regional mutual aid.

“Our firefighters are often called to respond to emergencies during severe weather and flooding events in our community,” said Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan. “This funding provides us with the resources to receive advanced training that will keep both our residents and our first responders safe during rescue operations.”

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker added, “We are grateful for this grant, which ensures our department is prepared with the highest level of readiness. Investing in our firefighters’ training is ultimately an investment in community safety.”

The award comes at a critical time as Connecticut and other coastal communities continue to face an increase in extreme weather events and flooding. By strengthening water rescue readiness, this grant helps ensure Westport remains resilient in the face of these challenges.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides direct financial assistance to eligible fire departments nationwide to help them meet their firefighting and emergency response needs. The program focuses on ensuring that first responders have the tools and training necessary to protect the public and emergency personnel from fire and other hazards.

The Westport Fire Department extends its appreciation to FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security for this award, and to the Town of Westport leadership for their continued support of public safety initiatives.

Fairfield Police Arrest Man in August Anti-Semitic Graffiti Case; Hate Crime Charges Filed

John Kuhn, 68, of Bridgeport, turned himself in at Fairfield Police Headquarters and was arrested in connection with a series of anti-Semitic vandalism incidents that occurred throughout August in Fairfield. Multiple locations were defaced with Stars of David altered with swastika-like tails, causing approximately $3,000 in damage; similar incidents were also reported in nearby communities.

Following a comprehensive investigation, Fairfield Police Detectives identified Kuhn as a suspect. After interviews, detectives determined his actions were motivated by current events between Israel and Palestine.

Kuhn was charged with three counts of Intimidation Based on Bigotry or Bias 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief 1st Degree, and three counts of Criminal Mischief 2nd Degree. He was issued a $30,000 court-set bond and brought to court the same day.

Fairfield Police condemned the acts of hate and thanked community members whose reports and surveillance footage helped resolve the case. Anyone with information about similar incidents can contact the Fairfield Police Detective Bureau at (203) 254-4840, text tips by sending FPDCT and a message to 847411 (Tip411), or submit online at fpdct.com/tips.

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