New Takeout Concept from the Founders of Village Bagels Aims to Grow Through Franchising
Fairfield, CT — The Riina family officially opened their newest venture, Bar Bagel, with a ribbon cutting ceremony on May 1st on Black Rock Turnpike. The new bagel shop is a streamlined, takeout-focused offshoot of the well-established Village Bagels, originally founded in 1995 by John Riina.
With 30 years of experience in the bagel business, Riina developed Bar Bagel as a quick-serve concept designed for convenience without sacrificing quality. Unlike Village Bagels, which includes a full delicatessen, Bar Bagel offers a simplified menu and experience, making it an ideal model for future franchising.
The long-term vision is to expand Bar Bagel through franchising, offering everything from recipes and store buildout support to training in operations and baking.
The store is managed by John’s son, Rocco Riina, who oversees daily operations, scheduling, and food preparation. With a background in graphic design, Rocco also created the Bar Bagel branding and website, positioning the new business for modern growth.
The ribbon cutting was attended by local supporters, family, and friends, all welcomed with enthusiasm and appreciation from the Riina family. As the business grows, Bar Bagel intends to bring its takeout-focused model to more communities across the country.
Bridgeport firefighters were called for a structure fire at Oak and George Street. Their quick response kept the fire from spreading to the rest of the structure.
Deputy Police Chief David Farrell as Chief of Police
Westport, CT — First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has announced the appointment of Deputy Chief David Farrell as Chief of the Westport Police Department, effective May 23, 2025. Farrell will succeed Chief Foti Koskinas, who is stepping down after 29 years of distinguished service.
“Dave Farrell is the clear and natural choice to lead our Police Department forward,” said First Selectwoman Tooker. “His integrity, experience, and deep understanding of this community make him an extraordinary leader. I have complete confidence in Dave, and I am genuinely excited about what’s ahead under his leadership. This is a promising time for our Police Department, and Dave is the right person to guide us into the future.”
In 2021, Chief Farrell was promoted to Deputy Chief, overseeing the budgets for the Police Department, Police Garage, Emergency Medical Services, Railroad Division, and Animal Control. He worked closely with the RTM and First Selectwoman’s Office on the Civilian Review Panel which is now the Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board. Chief Farrell currently serves as the Director of Emergency Medical Services and the Director of Railroad Operations.
Chief Farrell is a certified Emergency Medical Technician. He has served as a Crisis/Hostage Negotiator with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and was a proud member of the Westport Police Department Honor Guard. He has also held leadership roles within the department’s labor organizations, serving as Vice President of both the Westport Police Union and the Westport Police Benevolent Association.
Chief Farrell volunteered with the Special Olympics, organizing multiple charity fundraisers and the annual Torch Run. Throughout his career, he has received numerous departmental awards, including a Chief’s Commendation, an Honorable Service Award, a Lifesaving Award, and multiple Unit Citations. He was also recognized with a service ribbon for his contributions to the Town of Newtown, CT in 2012, and a leadership pin for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Farrell holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut. He resides in Fairfield with his wife, Alison, and their two daughters, Olivia and Jocelyn.
Reflecting on his appointment, Farrell shared, “I’m truly honored to step into this role. I’m thankful for the chance to serve as Chief and excited to work with our officers and the Westport community. This town is something special — we’re all about community, looking out for one another, and keeping each other safe. That’s what makes Westport strong, and that’s the kind of spirit I’ll bring to everything we do at the police department.”
As the department prepares for this leadership transition, additional organizational announcements will follow shortly — signaling a new chapter for the Westport Police Department.
Two second-degree nursing students were recognized for outstanding performance during clinical rotations at a partner medical center.
FAIRFIELD, Conn. (April 28, 2025)— Tatum Nordin ’25 and Taylor Walker ’25, nursing students at Fairfield University’s Austin Campus, were honored with Flower Bud Awards by St. David’s North Austin Medical Center. The prestigious award recognizes exceptional students who embody the core qualities of compassion, empathy, and professionalism during their clinical rotations.
Nordin and Walker are in their third semester of the Accelerated Second Degree Nursing program at the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies. They were assigned to St. David’s as part of their Medical-Surgical Nursing II course.
“The qualities for which Tatum and Taylor received recognition are fundamental to Fairfield’s Jesuit identity and the Egan School’s vision, mission, and purpose,” said Christina Trezza, MSN, RN, CNE, CCM, instructor of the practice and clinical coordinator in Austin. “It is no surprise that these exceptional students are turning heads with their outstanding and compassionate care for patients. I am so proud of them.”
The Flower Bud Award draws inspiration from the DAISY Award, an international nomination-based award given to registered nurses who demonstrate extraordinary compassion and outstanding clinical skills. The DAISY Foundation recognizes the Flower Bud Award as a companion award for nursing students.
Nordin and Walker received their award certificates in a ceremony attended by several of their Fairfield classmates, the nurse manager, and the chief nursing officer at St. David’s. The two students were celebrated for their dedication to excellence, exemplified by their enthusiasm for learning and clinical experiences.
“Nursing school is incredibly challenging, so this recognition is a sign that all my hard work is paying off,” said Walker. “I am genuinely grateful for the acknowledgement and support from St. David’s.”
Modest and sincere, Walker was quick to recognize her friends and faculty at Egan Austin. “I would not be at this point without my classmates, clinical instructor, and nursing professors,” she said. “This award honestly belongs to everyone!”
5/1: 3:00–4:30 PM — Homeschoolers Meet-Up This is a meet-up for tween and teen homeschoolers to connect. Enjoy an hour in the Teen Department to talk, play games or read some books. Grades 6–12. Registration is required.
5/5: 3:00–4:30 PM — Cinco de Mayo Drop-in Craft Stop by the Teen Department to celebrate Cinco de Mayo! We’ll make a craft, play music, and eat some snacks while learning about this Mexican celebration. Grades 6–12. No registration required.
5/8: 3:30–4:30 PM — Volunteer Open House The 2025 Summer Volunteer Open House is coming soon! Mark your calendar if you’re interested in volunteering in the Children’s, Teen, and/or uCreate Department this summer. The meeting will cover applications, registrations, responsibilities, and schedules. Teen & uCreate applications: accepted 5/8–5/22. Children’s applications: accepted until 5/30. More info: www.stratfordlibrary.org/volunteer. Grades 8–13 (must have completed 7th grade). Location: Board Room.
5/8: 4:00–5:30 PM — Cake Pop Fun! Are you ready for some Cake Pop Fun? Let’s work together to create these sweet treats and make one for a special woman in your life in honor of Mother’s Day. Location: Lovell Room. Grades 6–12. Registration required.
5/12: 4:30–5:30 PM — Express Yourself: The Singing Bowl Experience This unique program includes a brief lecture on the history of Tibetan singing bowls, a discussion on sound healing, and hands-on practice with the instruments. Ends with a group meditation. Location: Lovell Room. Grades 8–12. Registration required.
5/18: 3:30–4:30 PM — Stress ReDUCKtion May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Paint your own giant rubber ducky and enjoy provided snacks. Location: Teen Department. Grades 6–12. No registration required.
5/20: 4:00–6:00 PM — Kindness Hour Special Event (All Ages) Join Bunnell High School’s Kinder Connect Club & the Stratford Library Teen Department to create gift baskets for children at Yale New Haven Hospital. Bring items to donate or help decorate and pack. Donations accepted at the Teen Desk anytime. All ages. No registration required.
5/22: 3:30–4:30 PM — Homeschoolers Meet-Up A repeat of the May 1 meet-up. Grades 6–12. Registration is required.
Stratford, CT – On April 23, Stratford Police arrested 29-year-old Mark Febres after a domestic violence investigation led them to the Top Quality Vibes Bar in Orange. Febres, who is a convicted felon and the subject of a full no-contact protective order, was found with a Glock 43X firearm and taken into custody without incident.
Febres was charged with Criminal Violation of a Protective Order, Harassment 1st Degree, and Stalking 2nd Degree. He is being held on a $200,000 bond with a court date set for April 25. The Orange Police Department took custody of the firearm and secured an additional arrest warrant, with further charges including Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Carrying a Pistol without a Permit. Febres faces an additional $500,000 bond related to those charges.
A man was stabbed on Hanover Street Wednesday morning, prompting a police investigation. Emergency responders transported the victim to the hospital for treatment. His condition has not yet been released.
A water rescue was triggered at Glenwood Park in Bridgeport tonight. A religious group, according to witnesses, used a baby doll as a sacrifice that was allegedly thrown into the water. Firefighters performed a full-scale search to ensure it was the doll that triggered the call. I overheard the group was cited for the incident.
