🎃 Bridgeport’s “Manor” on North Avenue Is a Halloween Must-See (Volume UP!)

If you’re driving down North Avenue near Wood Avenue in Bridgeport, don’t miss the spooky fun happening at what locals are calling “The Manor.” This home’s yard is fully decked out for Halloween with playful ghouls, skeletons, and frightful fun that’s perfect for all ages. It’s one of those displays that makes you smile and shiver at the same time — pure Halloween spirit in the heart of the city.

Maybe the creator of the Manor will post a video once everything’s lit up — we’d love to see it in all its eerie glory!

Know of other fun or spooky displays in Bridgeport, Fairfield, or Stratford? Drop your favorites (and the nearest cross street) in the comments so we can feature them on DoingItLocal! 👻🍬

GOVERNOR LAMONT PROCLAIMS OCTOBER AS DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has proclaimed October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in Connecticut. This proclamation honors the contributions and achievements of Connecticut residents with disabilities in the workplace. This year marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

“Disability Employment Awareness Month is a significant time to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of workers with disabilities,” Governor Lamont said. “It highlights the importance of inclusive employment policies and practices that benefit both employers and employees. Connecticut is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workforce where people of all abilities are appreciated and integrated into the business community, enriching the diverse tapestry of our workplace and our state.”

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services helps individuals with disabilities find, keep, and advance in their jobs. The state agency offers various services such as vocational counseling, job search assistance, on-the-job training, and support for employers.

“This 80th anniversary of Disability Employment Awareness Month is a time to recognize the importance of inclusive employment and honor the contributions of people with disabilities in the workforce,” Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter said. “The 2025 theme, Celebrating Value and Talent, calls on employers, communities, and governments to work together to build a workforce that truly values both talent and inclusion.”

“The contributions of individuals with disabilities in our workplaces help make our communities stronger and more inclusive,” Developmental Services Commissioner Jordan Scheff said. “The Connecticut Department of Developmental Services celebrates the unique talents and life experiences individuals with disabilities bring to the workplace and we’re committed to advocating for meaningful and fulfilling employment opportunities for all individuals we support.”

“Employers throughout Connecticut have 80,000 jobs available and need workers at all career levels,” Labor Commissioner Danté Bartolomeo said. “Every employee brings a unique set of skills and abilities to the workplace – it’s what makes our economy strong and competitive. Whether you are brand-new to the job market or an expert in your field, the Connecticut Department of Labor and American Job Centers can help you find a meaningful job.”

Assistance for jobseekers with disabilities is available virtually and in-person. For more information:

  • Visit the Department of Aging and Disability Services website for more information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities at ct.gov/ads.
  • Connect with the Department of Developmental Services to get resources and job information for individuals with intellectual disabilities at ct.gov/dds.
  • Visit one of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended). More information is available at portal.ct.gov/ajc.
  • Explore CTHires, which serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training. More information is available at portal.ct.gov/cthires.
  • Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled across the state. For a full schedule, visit portal.ct.gov/dol/divisions/american-job-centers/recruitment-events.

Town of Trumbull Announces Annual Fall Festival on the Town Hall Green

Trumbull, CT — October 3, 2025 — The Town of Trumbull invites residents and visitors to the annual Fall Festival on the Town Hall Green & Gazebo—a free, family-friendly celebration featuring games, hands-on activities, music, and seasonal treats. The event is rain or shine and designed for all ages.

Event Details

  • Date: Sunday, October 26, 2025
  • Time: 10:00 AM–2:00 PM
  • Location: Town Hall Green & Gazebo
  • Admission: Free • Rain or Shine

Activities

  • Lawn Games
  • Pumpkin Decorating
  • Crafts with Trumbull Nature & Arts Center
  • Long Hill Fire Dept Truck Encounter
  • Photo Booth by Kait Snook Art & Design
  • Brewberry Café Pastry & Coffee Truck
  • Face Painting by Abrakadoodle
  • DJ Nick Luca

Come celebrate the season with neighbors and friends and enjoy a fun, relaxed day on the Green.

Tri-Shop Sweep on Barnum Ave: 5 Charged, 17 Pounds Seized in Stratford–Bridgeport Raid

In August 2025, Stratford Police Department’s Narcotics, Vice & Intelligence (NVI) Unit developed information about ongoing illegal cannabis sales tied to three nearby smoke shops: Star Smoke & Variety (2339 Barnum Ave, Stratford), On Your Way Convenience & Smoke Shop (2248 Barnum Ave, Stratford), and Loco Smoke Shop (1742–1746 Barnum Ave, Bridgeport)—all within 0.35 miles of each other. Search warrants for all three locations were approved by the Bridgeport State’s Attorney’s Office on September 23, 2025, and executed simultaneously at about 1:00 p.m. on September 26, 2025 by NVI Detectives with support from Stratford Detectives Bureau, Stratford SRT, Bridgeport Police Task Force Officers, and Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) agents. During the operation, detectives seized approximately 17 pounds of illegal cannabis materials and products, $3,537 in cash, and a Lexus sedan; asset forfeiture proceedings are pending.

Arrests and charges include: Rami Sawan (at On Your Way) — Conspiracy to Commit/Sale 1KG+ Cannabis; Operation of a Drug Factory; Producing/Selling Cannabis Without a License (released on $50,000 bond; court Oct. 8, 2025). Raghavendra Tulluru (at Star Smoke & Variety) — Conspiracy to Commit/Sale 1KG+ Cannabis; Operation of a Drug Factory; Producing/Selling Without a License; Interfering with Police (released on $50,000 bond; court Oct. 8, 2025). Fu Munazza (at Loco Smoke Shop) — Conspiracy to Commit/Sale 1KG+ Cannabis; Operation of a Drug Factory; Producing/Selling Without a License (released on $50,000 non-surety bond; court Oct. 8, 2025). Anas Alsaedi (owner of all three shops) was stopped at about 1:35 p.m. while driving a Lexus eastbound on Boston Ave with a license plate registered to a different vehicle; he was identified, taken into custody, and charged with Conspiracy to Commit/Sale 1KG+ Cannabis; Operation of a Drug Factory; Producing/Selling Without a License (released on $50,000 bond; court Oct. 8, 2025). Abdulrahman Essa (listed as sole proprietor of the three shops) surrendered at headquarters at about 7:00 p.m., and was charged with the same three offenses (released on $50,000 bond; court Oct. 8, 2025).

Bridgeport Crime Down 30% Year-to-Date; Q3 Shows Continued Progress Across Major Categories

The Bridgeport Police Department reports a continued decline in overall crime through the third quarter of 2025. Year-to-date (YTD) Part I crimes are down 30.25% compared to the same period in 2024 (860 vs. 1,233), with significant reductions in shootings and several major offense categories.

Year-to-Date Highlights (as of Sept. 28, 2025)

  • Total Part I Crime: 860 (↓ 30.25% from 1,233 in 2024)
  • Murder: 2 (↓ 80%, from 10)
  • Robbery: 86 (↓ 50%, from 172)
  • Sexual Assault: 29 (↓ 42%, from 50)
  • Aggravated Assault: 157 (↓ 29.28%, from 222)
  • Burglary: 186 (↓ 29.81%, from 265)
  • Motor Vehicle Theft: 400 (↓ 22.18%, from 514)

Shooting Metrics (YTD vs. 2024)

  • Shooting Incidents: 30 (↓ 34.78%, from 46)
  • Non-Fatal Shooting Victims: 33 (↓ 28.26%, from 46)
  • Fatal Shooting Victims: 2 (↓ 77.78%, from 9)

Q3 2025 Snapshot (July–September)

  • Total Part I Crime: 281 (Q1: 280 | Q2: 299)
  • Murder: 0
  • Sexual Assault: 4
  • Robbery: 26
  • Aggravated Assault: 56
  • Burglary: 61
  • Motor Vehicle Theft: 134

“These results reflect focused, data-driven deployment and close collaboration with community partners,” the department noted. “We will continue to track emerging patterns and keep residents informed with quarterly updates.”

Stratford 911 Dispatchers Honored with Unit Citation at Statewide EMS Awards Ceremony

Stratford, CT – The Town of Stratford is proud to announce that three of its 911 Dispatchers — Estefani Escalante, Suzanne (Suzi) Smolinsky, and Paul Tighe — were recognized with a Unit Citation during the State of Connecticut EMS Advisory Board Awards Ceremony, held September 25, 2025, at the Mohegan Sun Conference Center.

The award honored the dispatchers’ professionalism, teamwork, and dedication during a critical emergency incident earlier this year involving an overturned boat in the Housatonic River with four people on board.

Dispatcher Estefani Escalante answered the initial 911 call and remained on the line with the distressed caller, who eventually entered the water and drifted toward Long Island Sound. For nearly an hour, Escalante provided calm reassurance, gathered and relayed GPS coordinates, and worked closely with Stratford’s public safety partners to guide rescuers to the scene. Her steady presence and life-saving instructions played a vital role in ensuring all four individuals were rescued safely.

Meanwhile, Dispatchers Paul Tighe and Suzanne Smolinsky assumed Escalante’s other duties at the Communications Center — dispatching police, fire, and EMS units, while also handling additional 911 and non-emergency calls from the public. Their ability to seamlessly step in allowed operations to continue efficiently and effectively while supporting the active rescue effort.

“This team of Dispatchers demonstrated that in public safety there is no replacement for compassion, patience, and the willingness to help others,” said JP Sredzinski, Stratford Public Safety Dispatch Superintendent, who joined the dispatchers in receiving the award. “Their ability to work together as a team and with the other Town of Stratford public safety agencies, as well as surrounding partners, allowed for a positive outcome to what could have been a tragic incident.”

Mayor Laura R. Hoydick also praised the dispatchers, stating: “Stratford is fortunate to have these professionals dedicated to keeping our community safe. The calm leadership shown in the dispatch center, combined with the extraordinary efforts of our first responders and regional partners, turned a potentially devastating situation into a successful rescue. This recognition is a testament not only to the individual dispatchers but also to the strength of teamwork in Stratford’s public safety system.”

The Connecticut EMS Advisory Board, in partnership with the Connecticut EMS Councils, presents these awards annually to recognize outstanding contributions and commitment to the state’s emergency medical services system.

Mayor Hoydick, on behalf of the entire Town of Stratford, congratulates Dispatchers Escalante, Smolinsky, and Tighe on this well-deserved honor and thanks them, along with all responding agencies, for their unwavering service to the community.

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