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2015 Barnum Festival Ringmaster Announced

Gregory J. Gnandt, 55, a philanthropist and general contractor from Trumbull, has been chosen as the 2025 Barnum Festival ringmaster. Gnandt, who revived the festival’s car show fundraiser into a popular event with concerts, food trucks, and vendors at Z-Topia in Monroe, has a long history with the festival. Growing up in Bridgeport, Fairfield, and Trumbull, the Barnum Festival was a cherished family tradition for Gnandt, who always dreamed of being the ringmaster. Gnandt’s life has been marked by community service, including organizing the first memorial after the Sandy Hook tragedy and the Green Ribbon Ride for the victims' families. He’s also involved in fundraising for St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound and is a 20-year Free Mason and Shriner.…

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GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF THE LEAD FREE CT CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM THE HARMFUL HEALTH IMPACTS OF LEAD

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…

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Stratford News: Joint Task Force Arrests Heroin Dealer, Seizes Drugs and Firearms

https://youtu.be/mIQZYNYgL5o The Stratford Police Narcotics, Vice, and Intelligence Unit, in collaboration with the FBI Safe Street Task Force, conducted an investigation into Angel Nunez, identified as a mid-level narcotics dealer trafficking and selling significant amounts of heroin laced with fentanyl. On July 23, 2024, investigators, with the assistance of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Bridgeport Police Task Force, executed search warrants at a residence identified as Nunez’s stash apartment. They seized approximately 15.2 grams of raw heroin, packaging material, and items used to process heroin. Additionally, two firearms, an assortment of ammunition, and a tactical vest were found and confiscated. As a previously convicted felon, Nunez is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was taken into custody at his…

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MURPHY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING FOR ALL KIDS

45 Percent of Children Nationwide Lack Summer Learning Opportunities, Citing Cost As Biggest Barrier WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Friday introduced the Summer for All Act, legislation to provide high-quality summer enrichment opportunities to kids and families who otherwise would not have access to these programs. The bill would establish two new grant programs to provide long-term, direct funding that would help community-based organizations provide free summer camp and other activities to underserved kids and support states in the planning and implementation of initiatives to address summer programming gaps in sustainable ways. In 2021, Murphy secured a dedicated set-aside in the education funding in the American Rescue Plan for summer…

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Stratford Library Events in the Second Half of July

Summer Storytimes: Summer storytimes continue through July, with various sessions including Music Time, Preschool Storytimes, and Baby Lapsit. Children’s Craft Table: Weekly summer crafts with teen volunteers continue throughout July (closed July 4). The craft table is open Monday-Thursday, 10am-12pm and 2pm-6:30pm, and Fridays from 10am-12pm. Book Scientists: Book Scientist kits with the theme "National Parks" will be available on July 26. Registration is required. Stomp Rockets: A Stomp Rockets program for ages 6-10 will be held on Wednesday, July 17, at 2pm. Registration is required. Kindness Club: The Kindness Club meets on Thursday, July 18, at 4pm for ages 6-11. Registration is required. Stuffed Animal Sleepover & Picnic: Drop off stuffed animals on Tuesday, July 23, from 4:30-6:30pm and…

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