The Annual Vincent Penna Jr Memorial Car Show, hosted by the Italian American Police Society of Southern CT, will be held this Sunday, August 11, 2024, at 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT. The car show is raising funds for the Vincent Penna Jr Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship awards funds to the education of local children in the community.
Vincent Penna Jr passed away unexpectedly in December of 2020 at the age of 51, leaving behind his wife and teenage sons, in addition to countless family members, friends, colleagues, and fellow officers who admired his passion for his family and community. Vincent Penna Jr was an officer with Westport for 26 years, becoming the Deputy Chief of the Department before his retirement in 2017.
This event is expected to have hundreds of classic and exotic cars and thousands of automotive enthusiasts. There is a $20 fee to enter your car, no cut-off years, and spectators are free. There will be live music by Clue and the Honkytones, raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies, and more. Thanks to more than 150 sponsors, the IAPS of CT will be giving away more than $40,000.00 in prizes.
STRATFORD, CT, August 8, 2024—The Town of Stratford will be hosting its ninth annual “Kids’ Day” at the Stratford Farmers Market on Monday, August 26th from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Paradise Green in Stratford, CT.
This family-friendly and fun-filled back-to-school event offers a wide range of healthy activities that are perfect for the entire family. The goal is to captivate young minds with the wonders of fresh, locally grown produce through a variety of engaging and interactive activities.
“Kids’ Day,” said Mayor Laura R. Hoydick, “is a perfect example of intergenerational efforts put on by the Town and its many partners. This opportunity for connection and education continues to bring great benefit to all ages in our community. I am looking forward to attending this year’s Kids’ Day and hope that you participate in this opportunity for community engagement across ages.”
Tom Dillon, the market’s manager, shared his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to bring Kids’ Day back to the Stratford Farmers Market. It’s a wonderful opportunity for children and families to enjoy the market and learn about healthy eating and local produce.”
Greta Broneill, Assistant Director of Health, added, “Events like Kids’ Day are essential for promoting community health and wellness. We are excited to see families come together to learn about and enjoy healthy living.”
Activities will include gardening, yoga, Zumba lessons, health information, touch-a-truck with the Stratford Fire Department, story-time with the Stratford Library, giveaways, and much more!
Kids’ Day at the Stratford Farmers Market is part of a larger initiative to increase access to healthy, locally grown foods in partnership with Get Healthy CT Coalition. Get Healthy CT (GHCT), a coalition of businesses and community organizations, including Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, local health departments, and social service agencies, collaborates to prevent and reduce obesity in the greater Bridgeport and New Haven regions.
Mark your calendars and bring the whole family to Kids’ Day at the Stratford Farmers Market. The event is free of charge. Call the Stratford Health Department at (203) 385-4090 or visit the Stratford Health Department’s social media pages for Kids’ Day updates, the schedule of events, and possible weather-related cancellations.
Police are looking for a white sedan wanted in an armed robbery in the Whitney Road Route 25 exit 9 area. That is almost verbatim on the unconfirmed radio report and there are no further details.
(Westport, CT) The Westport Police Department is actively investigating a motor vehicle crash that occurred this evening at approximately 6:45pm on Imperial Avenue in the vicinity of Post Road East. The crash involved a vehicle striking two pedestrians, resulting in significant injuries. Westport Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services were promptly dispatched to the scene following a 911 call. Upon arrival, first responders provided immediate medical attention to the injured pedestrians, who were subsequently transported to Norwalk Hospital for further treatment. Their current conditions are listed as critical. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicle was traveling north on Imperial Avenue when it veered off the road and struck the pedestrians on the sidewalk. The crash site was secured, and traffic was temporarily redirected to ensure the safety of all individuals in the area. The Westport Police Accident Investigation Team is partnering with the Fairfield Police Accident Investigation Team. They are conducting a thorough examination of the scene and collecting evidence to determine the cause of the crash. The Westport Police Department urges anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has relevant information to contact Detective Erin Shaw at 203.341.6023. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses. We appreciate the public’s patience and cooperation as we work diligently to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
Westport, CT—Human Services Director Elaine Daignault announced the launch of the Town’s annual Back-to-School and Afterschool Child Care Campaign today. The Family-to-Family fundraising campaign helps income-eligible Westport families and students prepare for the upcoming academic year.
According to Daignault, “As exciting as the back-to-school season is, many Westport families face difficult financial decisions as they navigate the rising cost of food and housing expenses combined with the additional burden of purchasing school supplies and clothing for their children immediately following summer childcare and camp expenses that have stretched their budgets.”
Human Services Family-to-Family programs rely on community donations to provide crucial resources for Westport’s financially insecure families. Community contributions allow Human Service to:
distribute Walmart gift cards to bridge the financial gap for families who must purchase school supplies, backpacks, clothing, and other essentials to prepare their children for the new school year.
provide families with crucial aftercare financial assistance for children who require safe, enriching, and nurturing environments after school so their parents can continue to work and provide for their families.
“Community donations provide more than financial support; they also create a community connection for families that can often feel disconnected from their peer groups, offering financial and moral support during difficult times,” said Daignault.
Tax-deductible donations of any amount will directly and positively impact the lives of those in need. No contribution is too small; every dollar counts in Human Services’ efforts to support hardworking families. To contribute:
ONLINE – go to www.westportct.gov/donate to access Westport Human Services’ donation portal “We Care Westport” and click “Family to Family Programs—Seasonal Program.”
BY MAIL – with checks payable to the “Town of Westport Human Services” (Family Programs- BTS or Afterschool Program in the memo line) at 110 Myrtle Ave Westport, CT 06880.
DROP OFF – Walmart gift card donations to Westport Human Services Room 200 at Town Hall.
Family Program Specialist Annette D’Augelli adds, “Thank you in advance for your consideration and support in making the Back-to-School and Afterschool Childcare Program successful. Together, we can create an environment where every student has the tools to thrive academically and achieve their full potential.”
For more information, the Westport Human Services care team can be reached at (203)341-1050 or humansrv@westport.gov. If you or a friend need help, rest assured that every inquiry is confidential, with professional social workers providing a listening ear and resources to assist in determining available resources and support.
Initial Campaign Launch Includes a New, Limited-Time State Program To Remove Lead Paint From Homes at No-Cost to Homeowners and Landlords
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced the launch of Lead Free CT, a new campaign overseen by the Connecticut Department of Public Health with the goal of protecting children from the harmful health impacts of lead and creating a lead-free Connecticut.
Its objectives of include:
Making older homes where children or pregnant people live lead safe;
Collecting information on all known lead service water lines in Connecticut;
Replacing lead pipes that bring water to homes, childcare centers, and schools;
Supporting families who find lead in their home or water;
Offering funding to get Connecticut communities lead-free;
Having all Connecticut children tested for lead;
Raising awareness of lead testing and safety among parents; and
Educating communities, contractors, and landlords on lead laws and safety.
A key component of the Lead Free CT campaign includes the launch of a lead abatement program, which is providing homeowners and landlords with the opportunity to make older homes lead-safe by removing lead paint hazards at no cost. Funded by $20 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act, this limited-time program will help in the safe removal of lead hazards from homes, including family childcare settings. Participation in this program is entirely voluntary and free of charge to homeowners and landlords. The Connecticut Department of Public Health is partnering with the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to administer the program.
To view eligibility details and apply, visit leadfreect.org. This is a limited-time program, so those who are interested are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
“Every year, more than 1,000 Connecticut children are impacted by lead,” Governor Lamont said. “Lead poisoning can affect our children by causing health and brain changes that may impact them through school years and beyond – causing behavior problems, poor performance, and a risk of long-term, negative impacts. Based on the data of children tested in Connecticut, where blood lead levels trigger the requirement for environmental testing of the home, lead-based paint and lead dust in pre-1978 homes are the largest contributors to childhood lead exposure in homes.”
“Harmful lead exposure should not happen to any child,” Connecticut Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, said. “It is 100% preventable. The Department of Public Health is investing in our communities so that every child can grow up safe from lead. Children under age six, and especially those aged one to three, are most vulnerable to lead exposure. In Connecticut, children of color and children from neighborhoods with high poverty rates are disproportionately impacted by these risks.”
“Connecticut has many beautiful houses, many of which were built prior to 1978,” Connecticut Public Health Deputy Commissioner Lisa Morrissey, MPH, said. “In these homes, windows, doors, walls, baseboards and railings were coated with lead-based paint. This is a unique opportunity to remove lead hazards before a child is exposed at home or in a childcare setting. The funding will ensure that children can grow up in a lead safe environment.”
“I am thrilled that we are partnering with the Connecticut Department of Public Health to help keep our children safe from lead exposure,” Jim Shmerling, DHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Connecticut Children’s, said. “This initiative allows Connecticut residents to make their older homes lead safe. It’s a big step forward in protecting our kids and ensuring safe, stable homes for all families in our communities.”
“This $20 million initiative will ensure that more Connecticut families are growing, playing, and learning in safe, lead-free homes,” U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “Lead poisoning can cause devastating and irreversible damage, especially to children, and I am thrilled to see federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars being used to tackle this critical health hazard. I applaud Governor Lamont and Commissioner Juthani for championing this program and making a real difference in the lives and health of Connecticut families.”
“We passed the American Rescue Plan in Congress to ensure states and communities had the resources they needed to recover from the pandemic and bolster public health,” U.S. Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01) said. “Lead is far too commonly found in historic New England homes, leaving Connecticut’s children especially vulnerable to lead poisoning. I applaud Governor Lamont, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and Connecticut Children’s for using this funding to assist homeowners with the removal of dangerous lead paint and take on the challenge of protecting our kids from lead poisoning and other dangerous toxins.”
“I applaud Governor Lamont’s efforts to rid Connecticut of harmful contaminants and mitigate fears of lead poisoning for children,” U.S. Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04) said. “I am especially heartened that federal dollars provided by the American Rescue Plan Act will help state officials deliver this smart, comprehensive solution for Connecticut’s families.”
The Connecticut Department of Public Health plans for subsequent phases of the Lead Free CT campaign to include community engagement for lead service line replacement and testing drinking water for lead at daycares and schools.
