Friday, September 29, 2023

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Connecticut Residents Join in Protesting the Death of George Floyd

By Jim Welch and Harriet Jones

www.ctmirror.org

Protesters in Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport, New London, and other parts of Connecticut joined a nationwide call for action today following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis police custody. The protests come as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to unfold — one day after the Gov. Ned Lamont signed an executive order that further relaxes state restrictions related to the virus.

{Westport sent several officers to Bridgeport in response to a call for help from Bridgeport police. It was not immediately known where they were deployed.}

Demonstrators wearing masks gathered in Colt Park and Bushnell Park in Hartford and marched in the street to the State Capitol — causing temporary delays for buses and traffic. The crowd leaving from Bushell Park marched by the Hartford Public Safety Complex on its way to the Capitol. Demonstrators held signs to protest Floyd’s death, criticize police, brutality, and show unity.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin said in a statement that the protest was both powerful and peaceful.

Enjoying Summer-Like Weather at Compo

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UPDATE Summer-like weather with sunny skies and temperatures approaching 80 drew crowds to Westport’s Compo Beach today. Parks & Rec employees shut down entry as the 50% threshold for parking was reached. State officials closed Sherwood Island State Park when parking lot capacity was reached there. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Ben Joseloff for WestportNow.com

Robert P. Scholl, Prominent Attorney, 88

Robert P. Scholl, a prominent former Westport attorney and the man who always said, “super duper!” when asked how he was, died May 28 in Middlebury. He was 88.

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Robert Scholl: always “super duper” Contributed photo

Scholl practiced law in Westport for more than 55 years and served in numerous elected and appointed positions. He represented the Greens Farms Association for many years and was the longest serving member of the Westport Volunteer Fire Department.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Carolyn Barton Scholl; his brother, Donald B. Scholl (Margaret) of Westchester, Pennsylvania; four children (Jennifer Scholl Swanson (Dick) of Westford, Massachusetts; Jeffrey B. Scholl (Deborah) of Stratford; Gregory H. Scholl (Kelly) of Clearwater, Florida; and Anthony T. Scholl (Donna) of Royal Palm Beach, Florida); four granddaughters (Winry, Jessica, Emily, and Sara) and one special-needs cat, Sophie Scholl of Middlebury (and yes, he wrote this obituary). He is also remembered by a niece, three nephews, and countless friends across the globe.

Born May 29, 1931 in Englewood, New Jersey, he grew up in Tenafly and moved to Connecticut in 1947, where he lived the rest of his life in New Canaan, Wilton, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Greens Farms, Westport (40 years), and Middlebury.

First Selectman, Police Chief Issue Statement on Events in Minneapolis

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe and Police Chief Foti Koskinas issued the following joint statement today about the events in Minneapolis.

We certainly can be counted among the many municipal and law enforcement leaders who were horrified and deeply disappointed by the recent tragedy in Minneapolis.

The Westport Police Department, like so many others across our country, has worked diligently to build relationships and trust within our communities; a trust which we and our national partners in law enforcement recognize must be incrementally earned and always carefully maintained. Fostering this trust among our community through a steadfast dedication to public service continues to be our top priority.

During difficult times such as these, it is important to reaffirm that the Westport Police Department remains resolutely committed to pursuing the goals of its mission statement through the fair and equitable treatment of all of those we encounter.

Lamont Says Connecticut’s COVID-19 Hospitalizations Dropped Dramatically

By Jim Welch

www.ctmirror.org

Hospitalizations due to the COVID-19 pandemic experienced the largest one day drop to date, Gov. Ned Lamont said today, while other public health data indicate positive trends are continuing as the state gradually reopens its economy.

Numbers released today show 577 people are now hospitalized with COVID-19, a drop of more than 70 people since Thursday. The governor said it was the largest one day decline to date. The state reported 203 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total to 41,762 total cases overall.

Lamont said social gatherings inside homes and other buildings can increase to 10 people and outdoor gatherings can increase to 25. The previous state guideline was to limit gatherings to five people.

“Outside is safer than inside,” Lamont said.

Marpe Appeals for Mask Use, No Congregating at Compo

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe today issued an appeal for residents to wear masks and not congregate at Compo Beach.

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Compo Beach was virtually empty late today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Bob Weingarten for WestportNow.com

Touching on reopening of restaurants, retail stores, and beaches, in a statement he implored “everyone to respect the work that everyone has accomplished so far that benefits all of Westport.”

Compo Beach drew special attention. “While it is important that everyone wear a mask and socially distance everywhere in town, it is especially relevant for those who are utilizing the sidewalks and areas surrounding Compo Beach,” he said.

“The limited width of the sidewalks, combined with the increased number of people utilizing the sidewalks, boardwalk and side streets in that area necessitates increased precautionary measures.

Mark S. Graham, Former Co-Owner WMMM AM, 64

Mark Seward Graham, who was co-owner of Westport’s WMMM AM for several years and spent more than 25-plus years in the broadcast business, working on air in major markets and throughout Connecticut, has died suddenly in Fairfield County. He was 64.

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Mark Graham: broadcaster. Contributed photo

Graham, a Fairfield resident, was multi talented as a broadcaster, entertainer, moderator and business owner along the way.

His public speaking background goes back to his early days in grade school, and at Suffield Academy (1972-1975). Mark’s desire to work in radio was fostered by Suffield’s own on-campus AM radio station, WSAR AM, where he had a weekly air shift, and ultimately became program director and station manager.

He also cut his teeth for the broadcast business by interning during the summer at Westport’s WMMM AM and WDJF FM, which is now WEBE FM, in Bridgeport.