Governor Directs Flags to Half-staff following Ambush, Murder of Two Bristol Police officers Overnight

Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff in honor of two officers from the Bristol Police Department who were shot and killed in the line of duty late last night while responding to a domestic violence situation involving family at a private residence in Bristol. A third officer was also shot and has been seriously injured.

The names of the officers involved have not yet been released as their families are in the process of being notified.

Flags should be lowered immediately and remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined. Accordingly, since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification when flags should be returned to full-staff.

“The loss of two officers from the Bristol Police Department who were killed in the line of duty while responding to an emergency call of domestic violence is a senseless tragedy, and my prayers are with their families, loved ones, and fellow officers,” Governor Lamont said. “I also ask the residents of Connecticut to keep in their prayers a third officer who was shot while responding to this emergency and is currently in the hospital with serious injuries. This is a devastating reminder of the dangers that police officers face every day to protect our families and neighbors from all kinds of situations. These officers are heroes and will always be remembered for the honorable service they provided to their town and their state. This continues to be an active situation, and I’ve directed DESPP Commissioner James Rovella and the Connecticut State Police to support the Bristol Police Department and greater community in every way they can.”

Morning Weather Report

Today

A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Cloudy, with a high near 70. Southeast wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds. Low around 56. Southeast wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a half and three quarters of an inch possible.

Tomorrow

A 30 percent chance of showers before 8am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 69. West wind 3 to 7 mph.

Tomorrow Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 45. Northwest wind 3 to 5 mph.

Robert “Bob” Weiss Died; “He will be missed by his loving family”

Robert E. Weiss (Bob), 1930 – 2022, died at his home in Westport, CT after an eight-year challenge with Lewy Body Dementia. His family was with him at the time of his passing.

Bob was born in the Bronx and attended James Monroe High School and New York University. He honorably served in the Coast Guard during the Korean War. Bob retired after many decades as president of F.M. Weiss Realty Company. He was an inveterate collector. His passions included antique cars, toys, stamps, tools of every shape and form, and DIY projects (for himself and unsuspecting neighbors).

He will be missed by his loving family: his wife of 67 years, Sylvia Weiss (Adler); his children, Amy Weiss (John Yankovich), Liz Weiss (Timothy Carruthers), and Marian Cherrone (Jim); his grandchildren, Joshua Carruthers, Simon Carruthers, and Andrea Yankovich; and his many friends.
He was predeceased by his older brother, Murray Weiss, and his parents, Albert and Sophia Weiss.

Donate your iPads and Phones for the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Norwalk and Stamford

Press Release

In recognition of  Domestic Violence Awareness month, the Department of Human Services and the Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting used cell phones and iPads to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) of Norwalk and Stamford. The DVCC provides free and confidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children in Westport, Norwalk, Stamford, New Canaan, Darien, Weston, and Wilton.

Residents are encouraged to donate used cell phones or iPads (no older than four years old) that have been re-set to factory settings. Cell phones are given to DVCC clients to ensure their safety and avoid possible tracking by their abuser. 

Donation bins are available at Westport Town Hall at 110 Myrtle Avenue or the Westport Center for Senior Activities at 21 Imperial Avenue. Throughout October, both sites will accept donations Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

If you have any questions regarding this program, please call Margaret Pinheiro at 341-1050 or via email at humansrv@westportct.gov. For more information about the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, please visit www.dvccct.org.

Slate Skies

Steely skies and mild chop marked this afternoon over the Sound. Photo by Nancy Lally for WestportLocal.com

Morning Weather Report

Today

Patchy fog before 8am. Otherwise, increasing clouds, with a high near 72. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.

Tonight

A 20 percent chance of showers after 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 57. South wind 6 to 9 mph.

Tomorrow

A chance of showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. High near 71. South wind 7 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Tomorrow Night

Showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 2am, then a chance of showers. Low around 54. South wind 8 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.

Westport Neurosurgeon Named to “SpineLine’s” 20 Under 40 List

Dr. Yanamadala is also with Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute Spine Wellness Center in Westport. Contributed photo

Neurosurgeon Vijay Yanamadala, MD of the Hartford HealthCare Ayer Neuroscience Institute at St. Vincent's Medical Center was recently named to SpineLine’s annual 20 under 40 list. The list showcases the North American Spine Society (NASS) bright, young physicians under the age of 40. The SpineLine committee selects the most deserving individuals based on accomplishments to date, community service and philosophy of care.

Dr. Yanamadala is the medical director of spine quality for Hartford HealthCare. He has published more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, 25 book chapters and 45 abstracts. He also was awarded a 2017 NASS Resident and Fellow Research Award. In 2021, Dr. Yanamadala performed the first awake spine surgery at Hartford HealthCare and became the first surgeon in New England to perform an awake spinal fusion.

Selectwoman Asks for Public Input on Longshore Capital Improvement Plan

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that the next phase of public input for the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan will be taking place in the upcoming weeks.

The Town’s consultant, Stantec, will be presenting preliminary concept diagrams during the October 19, 2022 Parks and Recreation Commission public meeting starting at 7:30 pm which will be held via Zoom (link to be included in posted agenda when available at Public Meeting Calendar)

Multiple open house opportunities will be available for residents to speak directly with the consultants and view the diagrams in person.  

Open House Schedule

Location:  Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT  06880

Wednesday, October 26: 10am – 11:30am, 3pm – 4:30pm, 7pm – 8:30pm

Saturday, October 29:  9:30am – 11am, 1pm – 2:30pm

Director of Parks and Recreation Jennifer Fava stated, “The open houses are a great opportunity for residents to receive an overview of the materials and see the diagrams up close. Each open house session allows for people to come and go freely, as each will include multiple brief overviews and an opportunity to ask questions, make comments, and provide feedback to the consultants.”  

Parks and Recreation Commission Chair Dave Floyd said,  “We are excited about moving this process forward and encourage people to attend the Zoom meeting on October 19 to hear a detailed presentation and then to follow up by attending one of the open house sessions to provide feedback.” 

The presentation will be available on the project website Stantec Longshore Club Park starting October 20, 2022.  If unable to attend any of the open house sessions, the accompanying survey will be available on the project website as of October 31, 2022.  The project website is also accessible from the Parks and Recreation Department home page Parks&Rec 

Morning on the Platform

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The New York-bound tracks were extended as dozens of late morning commuters awaited the incoming, on time, train into Manhattan. WestportLocal.com photo

Local Residents Host Cocktails for a Cure to Raise Awareness and Funding for Pancreatic Cancer Research

Six Fairfield County residents —brought together by their loved ones’ experiences with pancreatic cancer and their relentless commitment to cure this devastating disease—are hosting Cocktails for a Cure on Friday, November 11, at the Carriage Barn Arts Center in New Canaan. Every dollar of every donation to the event supports the Lustgarten Foundation, the world’s largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research. 

“With a five-year survival rate of just 11% and cases on the rise, we urgently need to raise awareness and increase research funding, so families aren’t shattered by the loss of loved ones like my family was,” said Jessica Newshel, event co-chair who became involved with Lustgarten after losing her uncle in 2006. “Cocktails for a Cure allows us to come together for an evening of hope and healing, as we remember the lives of our loved ones who have passed away and celebrate the growing number of survivors.” 

Attendees will enjoy an evening of food and cocktails, an auction, and comedy from pancreatic cancer survivor, John Ziegler. This year’s event comes at the heels of a successful one last year that raised just under $60,000. 

“My husband, Neil, is a pancreatic cancer survivor, and he couldn’t have gotten to where he is today without all of the past research that Lustgarten supported. We’re honored to help the Foundation accelerate research progress, providing the potential for more tomorrows for all patients,” said Anne Hamilton, event co-chair. “We’re grateful for the support of the rest of the committee and our generous sponsors, especially our Platinum Sponsor, BNY Mellon Wealth Management.” 

Visit https://events.lustgarten.org/event/cocktails-for-a-cure/e428256 for more information.