Category Archives: Fire Buzz
Danbury’s Irish-Americans Kick Off 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations with Parades & More
DANBURY, CT—After two years of cancellations due to the global pandemic, Danbury’s Irish-Americans are glad to celebrate their Silver Anniversary at the 25th Annual Danbury St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The month-long celebrations kicked off on Sunday, Feb. 20th with their St. Patrick’s Day Parade fundraiser at Molly Darcy’s, followed by the St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Saturday, March 5th. Not even a “bomb cyclone” could stop Danbury and New Fairfield area Irish-Americans from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Fairfield (Danbury’s parade will be held on 3/20/22). New Fairfield resident Peter Hearty was presented with a proclamation from State Senator Julie Kushner for his contributions to the town by organizing the 52nd annual New Fairfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Danbury’s Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians hold the St. Patrick’s Day Ball annually the first Saturday in March at the Amber Room where they honor the man and woman of the year. This year, Richard Hawley, of Danbury, and Wendy Mitchell, of Brookfield, were named the Hibernians of the Year. Hawley was recognized for his years of fundraising at the annual golf classic and for starting the setback league. Mitchell was recognized for her efforts to raise funds for the club at last year’s “SHAMROCKAPALOOZA” benefit concert, serving as co-chair of the parade for the last five years, and serving as state recording secretary and webmaster, division Catholic Action and publicity officer.
The Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation and the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center kicked off their month-long St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the annual Irish Ball on March 5, 2016. Danbury’s new Mayor Dean Esposito presented Mitchell and Hawley with a proclamation from the City of Danbury for their dedication the mission and helping to preserve Irish culture in the greater Danbury area. Senator Julie Kushner presented a proclamation to both from the State of Connecticut.
The duo will have the distinct honor of leading the City of Danbury’s parade on Sunday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m., along with their fellow Hibernians, Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums Corps, Newtown Horse Guard, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, local politicians and officials, Danbury and surrounding town’s fire departments, Danbury police, and other marching units. The Danbury St. Patrick’s Day Parade is co-chaired this year by Kevin Hearty and Catherine Bach.
The following events are planned for St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, March 17, 2022:
- 9 a.m. Bethel flag raising, 1 P.T. Barnum Square, Bethel
- 11 a.m. – Mass at St Peter Church, Main St. Danbury with prayers in English and Gaelic
- 12 p.m. – Irish flag raising at Danbury City Hall, Deer Hill Ave. followed by refreshments
- 12:30 p.m. on – Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center (GDICC), 6 Lake Ave., Danbury, corned beef, cabbage, Shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, and refreshments. The GDICC has Guinness and Harp on tap as well as a wide variety of other libations. Local Irish dance schools will perform and live bands Fiddlesuice and Steve O’Tree & Friends will play traditional Irish favorites.
On Saturday, March 19th, Two Roads Brewery is sponsoring a “Tap Takeover” with Tipperary Knights, $5 Two Roads specials, raffles, and more!
The 25th Annual Danbury St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held this year on Sunday, March 20, 2022. It is being sponsored by Title Sponsor, Townsquare Media Danbury, Platinum Sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Danbury, Gold Sponsor UK Gourmet and Dream Home Realty of CT. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. at Center and Main Street, Danbury in front of St. Peter Church.
Parade Day is Sunday, March 20, 2022:
- 2 p.m. Greater Danbury St. Patrick’s Day parade begins in front of St. Peter Church, Main and Center Streets
- Shuttle buses will begin at 12 p.m. at the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center, 6 Lake Ave., Danbury
- Corned beef & cabbage, Shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, and refreshments will be sold at the Danbury Irish Club, 6 Lake Ave., Danbury. Local Irish dance schools and live bands will perform traditional Irish favorites.
Questions? Call the club at (203) 739-0010 or email DanburyIrish@gmail.com.
Photo: Wendy Mitchell, 2022 Danbury Lady Hibernian of the Year, Richard Hawley, 2022 Danbury Mens Hibernian of the Year
Photo Credit: Marion Lynott, Irish Flare Photography
Candlewood Lake Authority Shares Important Water Safety Tips
BROOKFIELD, CT—Marine Patrol is Ready for the Season!
Memorial Day weekend marked the official opening of the summer season. The Candlewood Lake Authority Marine Patrol are the first responders on the entire lake measuring 11 miles long, 2 miles wide, and 65 miles of shoreline spanning five towns. The Patrol strives to ensure all boaters share a safe recreational experience on the lake.
Assistant Chief of Marine Patrol Henry Dyson encourages all boaters to take extra time to do a safety check before they head out on the water. Many boaters have a checklist for opening and closing the boat. Create a personal checklist for essential safety gear.
- Make sure your drain plugs are in prior to launch.
- If you aren’t a mechanic, it is a good idea to have a certified boat maintenance professional give your vessel a once-over before you put the boat in the water to make sure it is seaworthy.
- Be sure you add fresh fuel.
- 4. Check the expiration date for appropriate safety equipment including your fire extinguisher. If you shake your fire extinguisher you should feel powder moving around inside the device. If the powder is not moving inside have the extinguisher checked by a fire professional or replace it. Instrumentation must be in the green. Check your vessel horn, and if you use one, your air horn.
- If safety gear is still in its original packaging, open it so you can quickly access it in case of emergency.
- Check the condition of your life vests, moldy or torn PFD should be replaced. Make sure all PFDs are the appropriate size for each passenger. Add an extra life vest if you pick up a passenger or two – or if you need to be a good citizen for someone in distress.
- Put a map of the lake in an easily accessible compartment.
- Make sure you have a charged cell phone and if you have one, an extra battery pack for longer days on the water.
Chief Nick Mellas urges boaters to use caution on the water this early in the season.
- Seasonal storms can cause large debris to be moved from the islands or personal property into the lake. Be on the lookout for natural obstacles and floating docks or vessels which may come loose around the lake.
- Water levels are variable, pay careful attention to hidden hazards.
- Be sure you read and understand what buoy markers are in your line of sight, give hazard buoys a wide berth. Never tie your vessel to a marker buoy.
- Before May 31, you must wear a life jacket on a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Beginning June 1 and through October 31, you must have a life jacket with you, and you should always make sure you wear it.
- Lake temperatures at this time of year can be in the 55 to 60-degree range. Did you know that there is no difference between lake temperatures of 30 vs 60 degrees Fahrenheit? Hypothermia or cold shock can affect you in a matter of minutes and without a life vest, you may not survive. 50 -60 is the danger zone.
Boat traffic on Candlewood Lake can be particularly busy on the weekends. Boaters are encouraged to be courteous of fellow boaters and to be good citizens of the lake. Marine Patrol will be actively present on the water this summer. Don’t hesitate to stop and ask a question or just to say hello. We will see you on the lake!
What you need to know about operating a vessel on Candlewood Lake
Licensing and Safe Boating Certificates (SBC) –
CLA encourages all boaters to take a Boating Safety course and earn a state of CT Safe Boating Certificate (SBC) to keep you – and others – safe on the waters.
- An SBC is required for Connecticut residents, owners of real estate in Connecticut, and anyone using Connecticut waters more than 60 days a year.
- Connecticut recognizes certificates from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Rhode Island for use on our waters.
- All personal watercraft (PWC) operators on Connecticut waters must possess a Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation (CPWO) from DEEP.
Water Skiing Endorsement
Emily’s Law was passed in 2015 in Connecticut for operators of a vessel engaged in water skiing, tubing, or any passengers riding in the wake. Operators:
- must be at least 16 years old.
- must hold the appropriate license and/or certificate (see above)
- must hold a Connecticut DEEP-issued Safe Water Skiing Endorsement.
Anyone who held a valid license and/or certification before October 1, 2015, is grandfathered from the endorsement requirement. If you received an SBC after October 1, 2015, and your SBC doesn’t already include the endorsement, you need to take the two-hour towing endorsement available free of charge through the online sportsman licensing system.Water Skiing, Wakeboarding, Surfing and Tubing Safety Reminders
- By law, water skiing is towing anyone behind a vessel under power. This includes surfing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
- Operators must comply with the DEEP Safe Water Skiing Endorsement regulations.
- There must be a responsible person at least 12 years of age on board to assist the operator and observe the progress of the person being towed.
- Towing a passenger behind a vessel is not permitted from one half-hour past sunset to sunrise and when weather conditions limit visibility to less than 10 yards.
#DanburyCT #JusticeforGeorge Peaceful Protest Ends in Group Split, Shutdown of Highway: #CTTraffic
All information in this article was due to the incredible live coverage from Al Robinson, owner/editor of My Left Nutmeg. To watch his entire live stream, please click here.
DANBURY, CT—Danbury’s peaceful protest began with a crowd gathered in front of the Danbury Police Department (DPD) shouting the names of victims of police brutality and soon turned into chants of “F**k the police.” After about five minutes of chanting, one of the leaders invited the crowd to take a knee out of respect for the death of George Floyd.
“Let me speak, I’ve earned that. I don’t need to prove [inaudible], I wear it every day,” one of the speakers said. “Let the Chief speak.”
Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour addressed the crowd by saying he has been doing everything he can to address racial tensions because “it’s not right,” and “maybe this time will be different.”
While speaking, someone in the crowd interrupted the Police Chief yelling, “I am the victim of police brutality.” Another asked the question about what sort of diversity training the police does which was answered as “eight hours, every couple of years.”
Chief Ridenhour acknowledged that the diversity training protocols that are in place are not enough and they need to be changed.
As tensions grew, the shouts from the crowd made it difficult to hear the police chief. Mayor Mark Boughton also attempted to address the crowd, however, someone grabbed his microphone, according to Al Robinson of My Left Nutmeg, and the crowd and viewers were unable to hear what he had to say.
After about 20 minutes, the protesters split into two groups—one walking to the Danbury Public Library, and the other going to the highway.
The protesters who shouted, “Black Lives Matter” and “No justice, no peace” assembled on the highway, causing it to be temporarily shut down on I-84 at Exit 5. Police from Newtown, Danbury, and State Police kept control of the crowd and no one was hurt.
Reporter Al Robinson of My Left Nutmeg said he had “mad respect” for the police who “did a good job keeping everyone safe.
Danbury Police Sgt. John Krupinsky said, “Working together can always get things done.”
Robinson said for the most part people were peacefully demonstrating and expressing their frustration on the lives lost due to past incidents of police brutality. He ended his live stream by saying:
“We shouldn’t be here are looking for anything to pop off or anything violent. We should be here honoring why people are here in the first place—because a black man was murdered in broad daylight by the police again and enough is enough. Enough has been enough for a long time.”
The protest was organized by Solomon James and the Western CT Democratic Socialists.
Photo credit: Screenshot from Al Robinson’s Live video posted on My Left Nutmeg
To watch his entire live stream, please click here.
CT Cooling Centers Near You, Heatwave, Excessive Heat Watch, Flash Flood Watch & More
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT— The National Weather Service has issued a number of watches in our area as temperatures rise. As the heatwave approaches, residents should pay special attention to the elderly, young children, and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition.
Call 2-1-1 or click here for a list of cooling centers near you.
From the National Weather Service: A Hazardous Weather Watch has been issued for Northern Fairfield County and Westchester. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect through late this evening and a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH is in effect until 10 p.m. tonight. There is also an EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening according to to the National Weather Service.
A Special Weather Statement was also issued by the NWS:
“A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD… SOUTHEASTERN NEW HAVEN AND SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX COUNTIES… At 517 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Milford to near Norwalk. Movement was east at 30 m.p.h. Winds in excess of 40 m.p.h. are possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include… Bridgeport, New Haven, Norwalk, Milford, Wallingford, Shelton, Guilford, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Chester, Fairfield, Hamden, Stratford, Trumbull and Branford.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect now through 10 p.m. this evening for the following counties:
- FAIRFIELD, HARTFORD, LITCHFIELD, MIDDLESEX, NEW HAVEN, NEW LONDON, TOLLAND, WINDHAM.
Finally, an Excessive Heat Watch was also issued for Northern Fairfield, Southern Fairfield, Southern New Haven, Northern Westchester, Southern Westchester, and surrounding counties. The EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening from 12 p.m. Saturday through 10 p.m.
According to the NWS:
“Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at- risk population who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.
Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoors. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.”
It’s also important to remember to keep your pets cool in excessive heat. Here are some tips from ABC 7 News:
- * Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
- * Exercise early and late: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
- * Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like Pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- * Never leave a pet inside of a parked car on a hot day. Even with the windows open, extreme temperatures inside a parked can could quickly lead to fatal heat stroke for your pet.
- * Keep cats safe by installing screens in your windows. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them often during summer months.
- * Prepare with your pet: Pet food, water, medications and supplies should always be included in your emergency preparedness plans and “go bags.”
Some local towns are already announcing cancellations of events, and others have posted important information about cooling centers. Check your town’s website for more details.
Photo by DaPuglet via Flickr Creative Commons
#CTTraffic Alert: Large Sinkhole Causes Traffic Problems in #DanburyCT
Photo by Farley Santos
DANBURY, CT — Drivers around Danbury and Bethel will want to use caution and take alternate routes as a large sinkhole has formed on Shelter Rock Road in Danbury.
“To all our neighbors: A sinkhole has formed on Shelter Rock Road near the intersection with Cross Street. Traffic is being diverted through Cross Street. Please try to avoid the area if possible. The City’s Public Works department is on it. I’ve spoken with the Foreman and repairs are underway. It will be a long night for our City’s Public Works crew. I will update as needed.”
While areas like Florida are more prone to sinkholes, Connecticut has seen a large amount of rain. According to USGS.giov, a sinkhole is formed when the ground below the land surface cannot support the land surface and eats away at the rock below.
“Cover-collapse sinkholes may develop abruptly (over a period of hours) and cause catastrophic damages. They occur where the covering sediments contain a significant amount of clay. Over time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sinkhole into a shallower bowl-shaped depression. Over time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sediment transform the steep-walled sinkhole into a shallower bowl-shaped depression.”
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
Who & What is ‘CT Buzz News’ and How Can I Share My Business Information? Find Out Here!
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Hello CT Buzz News readers, followers, and new group members! We’ve seen a recent large spike in traffic on our website and many new members joining our 10 group Facebook pages so we wanted to explain who we are and how it works with sharing posts and information in our groups.
CT Buzz Media is a news and information website with a passion to help small businesses and nonprofits in our community. We encourage residents and readers to shop local and strive to do the same. The main towns we cover are Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, New Fairfield, New Milford, Redding, Ridgefield, and Southbury but we also occasionally cover Monroe, Wilton, and surrounding towns.
Wendy grew up in Sandy Hook, attended Bethel High School and graduated from Newtown High School. She has also lived in Brookfield and New Milford and now lives in Ridgefield with her husband, 23-year-old son, 19-year-old daughter, and 5-year-old rescue dog, a black lab mix. Her oldest son lives in Brooklyn and is a SAG/AFTRA actor in NYC. Wendy is very connected to the community and serves on a number of boards and committees as a volunteer.
Now that you know about all CT Buzz and its Queen Bee, learn how to share your story and your news on our website and social media pages.
- LIKE the main CT Buzz Media page by clicking this link: https://m.facebook.com/ctbuzzmedia/?__nodl&_rdr
- Join the CT Buzz Media (Group Page) Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CTBuzzMedia/
- Only share ***ONCE a week, on “Follow Friday” and only post on the town where the event is located and the main CT Buzz Group Page. Ex: If your business is in Ridgefield, only post on Ridgefield CT Buzz & CT Buzz Media Group pages. The CT Buzz Group page is for any town in CT.
Wendy is an award-winning marketing manager, regional editor, entrepreneur and communications professional with expertise in brand development, strategic communications, print design, project management, and marketing. As the founder of CT Buzz Media, Wendy creates positive and innovative aesthetically-focused storytelling for small and large business owners across industries ranging from nonprofits to attorneys and medical practitioners. She has been featured on national news sites and is an award-winning writer and marketing professional.
Wendy sits on the Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation’s Board of Directors, manages all publicity and marketing for the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #58, creates marketing campaigns. manages events from concept to completion for audiences of up to 3,000 and much more. The Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Wendy brings a diverse background to her role, with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofits including fundraising and events, over 15 years of marketing and communications experience, and 25 years of customer engagement including 10 years in retail and restaurant management.
Wendy has won numerous awards, attended dozens of leadership workshops and brings passion, energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to her work.
•Winner: Townvibe Reader’s Choice Awards 2017, Best Art/Music School, Arts & Nature School of Ridgefield.
•Awarded #7 of “Top 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013” in the Greater Danbury Area by Hearst Media Services for volunteer work at the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids, a nonprofit I founded in response to the tragic school shootings of 12/14.
Opioid Awareness & Prevention Forum to be Held at Danbury High School
DANBURY, CT — The City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services and Danbury Public Schools are hosting an Opioid Awareness & Prevention Forum at Danbury High School, Black Box Theater located at 43 Clapboard Ridge Road in Danbury, Conn. on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the forum is to educate residents about opioid drug prescriptions, opioid misuse, and opioid addiction treatment resources in an effort to prevent opioid-related deaths in our community.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 130 lives are lost daily to opioid-related drug overdoses. In 2017, The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) reported that approximately 1,038 deaths were attributed to opioid overdose in Connecticut.
The misuse of, and addiction to opioids, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The CDC estimates that the total economic burden of prescription opioid misuse in the United States is approximately $78.5 billion a year. This includes the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
To address the opioid epidemic in Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH), and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) recently announced efforts to address the rise of opioid addiction across the State of Connecticut.
The City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services and Danbury Public Schools are collaborating with medical professionals, community groups and police authorities to provide guidance on how to address the opioid crisis as a community.
The goal of organizers is to prevent opioid overdose-related deaths in the community by raising awareness. Residents in Danbury and surrounding areas are invited to join in the community-wide effort to prevent opioid overdoses.
This press release was submitted by The City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services Department. To submit a press release email CTBuzzNews@gmail.com.
Photo by Robert Greene via Flickr Creative Commons
2 Fires in Bethel Require Mutual Aid From Area Fire Departments, Forcing One School Closure on Monday
BETHEL, CT — Bethel and area fire crews had a busy Sunday battling not one, but two blazes this afternoon, one at Clarke Business Park and the other at Bethel Middle School. No injuries have been reported thus far, according to the Bethel Fire Marshal who posted the following message on their Facebook page:
FD operating at a fire in Clarke Park. We are monitoring the smoke and runoff with DEEP for hazards. No hazardous issues at this time. If the smoke is in your area you can close windows in your home. We will update as needed.
The fire departments were also called according to a report on the school district’s Facebook page. The middle school will be closed on Monday, the district stated in their letter to parents:
PLEASE READ IMPORTANT MESSAGE BELOW:
Dear Parents/Guardians, & Staff,
At approximately 1 PM this afternoon there was a fire in an isolated area within the building at Bethel Middle School. The fire department responded promptly and the fire was extinguished. Clean up operations will begin soon but we are in the process of evaluating the impact of the fire on the electrical panels. Therefore, Bethel Middle School and ONLY Bethel Middle School will not be in session tomorrow, Monday, May 20, 2019. As we have more information, we will be in contact with you.
Mutual aid was called in from Danbury, Brookfield, Weston, Trumbull, Shelton, Roxbury, Redding and Monroe, the News-Times reported.
In the Bethel Middle School fire, Bethel Fire & EMS reported that the building’s sprinkler system contained the fire before units arrived. After the BMS fire, crews were dispatched to Francis J. Clarke Park for a structure fire.
Stony Hill Fire said to avoid the area of the industrial park due to large amounts of smoke in the area. The business park is located at Francis J. Clarke Circle in Bethel along Route 53.
This is a developing news story. CT Buzz News will update as more information becomes available.
Photo via Google Maps
CT Buzz News 