Norwalk News: Arrests Made in Vape Shop Raids for Illegal Sales and Possession

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On June 7, 2024, at approximately 6:30 PM, members of the Special Services Division executed search and seizure warrants at two Smoke Shops on Washington Street in Norwalk, CT, following numerous complaints about vape and tobacco sales to minors and illegal marijuana sales. At Sono One Stop, located at 83 Washington Street, Evary L. Zorrilla Jr. was charged with the illegal sale or manufacture of cannabis, possession of cannabis, and two outstanding warrants for illegal tobacco sales to minors. Contraband seized included various THC products, marijuana pre-rolls, edibles, and a small amount of cash.

At Exotic Smoke Shop, located at 68A Washington Street, Barsha Sapkota was charged with possession of cannabis, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, and the sale of 1 kilogram or more of cannabis. Contraband seized included a large quantity of THC vape products, gummies, marijuana pouches, pre-rolled joints, and cash.

For further information or to submit anonymous tips, the public can contact the Norwalk Police Tip Line at 203-854-3111, send tips via the Norwalk Police website at www.norwalkpd.com, or submit anonymous text tips by typing “NORWALKPD” followed by the message to TIP411 (847411).

Stratford Library Celebrates “On Juneteenth”

Dr. Immacula Cann Is Guest Speaker on June 19
The Stratford Library Reference Department will present “On Juneteenth” on Monday, June 19 from 7-8 pm. The program is held in conjunction with the nationwide observance of Juneteenth National Independence Day, a federal holiday which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States.
Guest speaker for “On Juneteenth” is Dr. Immacula Cann, Grand Marshall for the annual Juneteenth parade held at Seaside Park in Bridgeport, Connecticut. According to Dr. Cann, “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized and to be the spokesperson for Juneteenth.  Juneteenth is so much more than a parade. It’s an American holiday – not just for Black people – and it’s an opportunity to raise awareness and to bring the message of hope that we are all in this together, that we are more connected.”
Cann will present a PowerPoint presentation for her Library talk. She is a Board Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Registered Nurse, with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice Degree. She has chosen mental health and trauma in the minority community as the 2024 theme.  “On Juneteenth” begins at 7 pm on June 19 in the Stratford Library’s air-conditioned Lovell Room. It is free, and open to the public. For further information
visit the Library website: https://stratfordlibrary.libcal.com/event/11437348 or call: 203.385.4164.

Fairfield Arts Commission to Host Artist Networking Event


Fairfield, CT – The Town of Fairfield’s Arts Commission invites all artists,
creatives and enthusiasts to join them at the first “Fairfield Arts Mixer”,
which will be held on Wednesday, June 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at
the Black Rock Theater, located at 1935 Black Rock Turnpike in Fairfield. Lite
refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
The “Arts Mixer” networking event is an outgrowth from the Community
Conversation on the Arts workshop that the Fairfield Arts Commission held
earlier this year. “We heard from workshop attendees that they were
looking for opportunities to meet and engage with other artists,” remarked
Fairfield Arts Commission Vice-Chair Connor Deane, who is hosting the
inaugural event at the Black Rock Theater. “The Commission felt that
holding regular networking events at different venues throughout Town
was something that we could do fairly quickly and didn’t require a lot of

resources,” agreed Commission Chair Charlie MacDonald. He noted that
the Arts Commission is looking to hold these mixers quarterly.
The event is free of charge, but advanced registration is strongly encouraged
as space is limited. To register, please go here. All registered attendees will
receive a special promo code to purchase discounted tickets to the evening’s
showing of Black Rock Theater’s production of Rent. For further
information, please contact the Office of Community & Economic
Development via email at arts@fairfieldct.org.

About the Fairfield Arts Commission
The Fairfield Arts Commission is an official body of the Town of Fairfield,
comprised of nine volunteers appointed by the First Selectman. The purpose
of the Fairfield Arts Commission is to stimulate, foster, facilitate and
encourage the development and appreciation of artistic and cultural
activities within the Town of Fairfield. Following their appointment in 2023,
the members have been working toward achieving statewide recognition of
an arts and cultural district in Fairfield.

Memorial Sloan Kettering and Hartford Health Care Announce Partnership to Transform Cancer Care in Connecticut

Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) and Hartford Health Care are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership aimed at transforming cancer care delivery for patients in Connecticut. The collaboration, announced during a special event attended by healthcare leaders and dignitaries, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance access to high-quality cancer care across the state.

The partnership between MSK, a world-renowned cancer center, and Hartford Health Care, a leading healthcare system in Connecticut, represents a commitment to advancing cancer care through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise. By leveraging MSK’s expertise in cancer research and treatment protocols and Hartford Health Care’s extensive network of facilities and healthcare professionals, the partnership aims to elevate the standard of cancer care and improve patient outcomes.

During the event, speakers highlighted the importance of the partnership in addressing the growing incidence of cancer and the need to provide comprehensive, personalized care to all patients. They emphasized the shared vision of both organizations to end cancer for life and underscored the significance of collaboration in achieving this goal.

The partnership will focus on enhancing access to cutting-edge cancer treatments, expanding participation in clinical trials, and providing ongoing education and training for healthcare professionals. By combining MSK’s research and clinical expertise with Hartford Health Care’s commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, the collaboration aims to set a new standard for cancer care delivery in Connecticut and beyond.

“Look For The Helpers”

Mr. Rogers, inspired by his mother’s wisdom, often reminded us to “look for the helpers” during times of crisis. This timeless advice was exemplified by Bridgeport’s own Joe Gritts. Known for his work as a social media content producer, Joe was traveling back to town when he encountered a severe accident on I-95 in Westport. Despite his camera typically capturing his every move, Joe’s immediate response to the gravity of the situation was to offer assistance to those in need.

His actions underscore an important lesson: in the face of adversity, the presence of compassionate individuals—helpers—can make all the difference. Joe’s instinctual decision to help, prioritizing human compassion over his professional habit of documenting everything, reminds us all to look for and be inspired by the helpers when we witness serious events unfold.

LEGO Spike Essential Kits at Stratford Library

The Stratford Library Children’s Department has announced the purchase of 6 LEGO Spike Essential Kits for their young patrons. The new purchase was made possible from a grant received from the Stratford Rotary Cl
The kits come with everything children need to build their LEGO project. Using a Chromebook, children follow instructions and, upon finishing, they are then able to program their project to move. The Children’s Department is planning two related events this summer on Tuesday, June 11 at 4 pm and Saturday, August 24 at 2:30 pm. Registration required online: www.stratfordlibrary.org.

Update on I-95 Crash

Westport firefighters responded to a report of a car crash with injuries on I-95 Northbound between exits 17 and 18. The initial dispatch included Engine 4, Engine 5, Rescue 3, and the Shift Commander.

Engine 4 arrived first and found a heavily damaged vehicle pinned under the guard rail with one person still inside. The crew performed an initial assessment of the patient, set up a protective hose line, and helped stabilize the vehicle. Rescue 3 and Engine 5 then arrived and stabilized the vehicle further. They used hydraulic and battery-operated rescue tools, known as the “Jaws of Life,” to free the trapped driver.

The occupant was freed from the vehicle in 12 minutes, and Westport Emergency Medical Services (WEMS) took over patient care and transported the person to the hospital.

During the incident, Engine 2 was called in for extra manpower. The Connecticut State Police (CSP) were on the scene to investigate and manage traffic. The last fire unit left the scene at 9:50 PM.

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