STORMAC Hockey Falls To New Milford
STORMAC, the co-op hockey team consisting of Staples, Norwalk High and Brien McMahon of Norwalk, met New Milford Hockey on their home ice at the Canterbury School's O'Neill Arena, battling fiercely for 3 periods, however their efforts fell short, leading to a 4-0 loss.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
New Milford found the net first with less than three minutes in the period, and less than a minute later put another goal on the scoreboard.
Above, right: What the STORMAC fans lacked in numbers, they made up for in enthusiasm. These superfans braved the freezing cold, making the 40 mile, 50 minute trek to New Milford to support their team.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The second period was back and forth, and the New Milford goaltender stood tall. STORMAC went on a push and battled hard but weren't able to cash in on their opportunities. New Milford added two more goals in the third period cementing the victory.
STORMAC goalie Mason Mountain had a strong game, making 45 saves.
The boys are back in action Saturday at Milford Ice against Newington at 8 PM.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Bridgeport Law Firm Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder Files Suit On Behalf Of FBI Agents
Yesterday, the firm filed suit against both as yet unamed defendants as well as the U.S. Department of Justice and the United States Of America on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA) for multiple causes of action relating to the current administrations ongoing actions concerning the potential threats to those agents.
J
osh Koskoff, who is well known for his firm's achieving a one billion dollar judgment against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones on behalf of Sandy Hook families for his repeated false claims that the tragic killing of 20 young children and 6 staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School was a hoax and that the parents faked their own children's deaths.
The 23 page Complaint filed in the Federal District Court for the District Of Columbia, alleges, in part actions called for by one of the leaders of the of the proud boys, Enrique Tarrio, against one of the Special Agents by name. Tarrio was pardoned by Trump along with all of those convicted for the assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021.
The allegations also includes, among others First Amendment and Due Process Violations including "Intentional Violation of Privacy Interests and reputational harm.
The suit references "The FBI employs approximately 13,800 Special Agents. Approximately 12,000 of the FBI’s 13,800 Special Agents are members of FBIAA."
.
National new reporting has claimed that something in the neighborhood of 6,000 agents and FBI employees were somehow connected to the the investigation of the riot at the Capitol.
The remedies requested in the suit include "Enjoin Defendants from any further collection or dissemination of personally identifiable information of Plaintiffs and other similarly situated persons; and Writs of Mandamus. Mandamus is an order from a court to an inferior government official ordering the government official to properly fulfill their official duties or correct an abuse of discretion. See e.g. Cheney v. United States Dist. Court For D.C. (2004) . In theory, the Court could order officials of the DOJ and others to take certain actions as part of the relief sought by the plaintiffs.
To follow this case as it progresses visit the Federal Court Website: USCourts.gov and click on Search For A Case
The Press Release from the Koskoff firm is as follows:
FBI Agents Association Files Temporary Restraining Order to Block Trump Administration from Releasing Names of Special Agents Targeted for Work on January 6 Investigations
WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Bureau of Investigation Agents Association (FBIAA), alongside several anonymous FBI Agents and employees, today filed a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Department of Justice (DOJ) to prevent the mass public release of names of Agents and FBI employees who worked on cases related to the criminal events that occurred on January 6, 2021.
The TRO, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, asserts that there is clear evidence the Justice Department intends to publicly disclose the names of employees it plans to demote, transfer, or terminate—apparently as a form of retaliation and stigmatization. The TRO argues that such disclosure would violate both statutory and constitutional law.
“FBI Special Agents who risk their lives protecting the country from criminals and terrorists are now being placed on lists and having their careers jeopardized simply for doing their jobs,” said FBIAA President Natalie Bara. “Exposing the names of FBI Agents and employees on these lists would put the safety of these individuals and their families at risk. Further, this reckless action would create a chilling effect within the law enforcement community and weaken the Bureau’s ability to combat criminal and national security threats.”
“The DOJ’s plan to release the names of FBI agents who investigated January 6th is an appalling attack on non-partisan public servants who have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities and our nation. It is clear that the threatened disclosure is a prelude to an unlawful purge of the FBI driven solely by the Trump Administration’s vengeful and political motivations,” said attorney for the FBI agents Chris Mattei of Koskoff, Koskoff & Bieder. “Releasing the names of these agents would ignite a firestorm of harassment towards them and their families and it must be stopped immediately.”
In recent weeks, as part of their Senate nomination hearings, Attorney General-nominee Pam Bondi and FBI Director-nominee Kash Patel both committed that FBI Agents would be afforded due process and protected from retaliation based on their case assignments. Director-nominee Patel further reiterated this commitment in a meeting with the FBI Agents Association, where he emphasized that Agents would not face retribution for carrying out their lawful duties. The public exposure of Agent and employee names would directly contradict these commitments.
"Releasing the names of the FBI agents would create a significant harm to the agents and their families. We oppose releasing names of those agents who were fulfilling their duties as federal law enforcement officers, said a Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) spokesperson.
Today’s legal filing urges the Court to intervene to prevent the public release of Agents’ identities to uphold the principles of fairness, protect those who serve in good faith, and ensure that FBI Agents can perform their vital mission of safeguarding the American people.
New Westport Parks & Rec Director To Take Office On February 18th
Town Of Westport Press Release February 4, 2025:
First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker announced today that the Town of Westport has hired Erik Barbieri as the new Director of Parks and Recreation, effective February 18, 2025. Mr. Barbieri brings over 25 years of experience in parks and recreation management to the town, having led major municipal recreation initiatives and facility development projects throughout Connecticut.
First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Erik to Westport. His extensive leadership in parks and recreation, combined with his commitment to community engagement and facility excellence, makes him an outstanding choice to lead our Parks and Recreation Department into the future.”
Barbieri joins Westport from the City of New Britain, where he has served as Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services since 2015. In this role, he managed seven divisions, including parks, recreation, a golf course, cemeteries, senior and veteran services, and disability programs. Under his leadership, New Britain successfully completed multi-million-dollar capital improvement projects, including the $10.5 million reconstruction of Osgood Park and the $5.4 million rehabilitation of AW Stanley Park. His expertise extends to overseeing major city-wide events, developing innovative recreation programs.
Prior to his tenure as Director, Barbieri served as Superintendent of Recreation for New Britain, where he oversaw large-scale youth programs, after-school initiatives, and the transformation of local parks and sports facilities. His leadership resulted in enhanced community engagement, increased program accessibility, and the successful hosting of high-profile sporting events, including international soccer exhibitions, and managing the operational budget.
Barbieri is a graduate of the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation Management. His technical skills include expertise in municipal recreation software and budgeting systems, ensuring efficient operations and fiscal responsibility.
In his new role in Westport, Barbieri will oversee the town’s parks, beaches, recreational facilities, and community programs, working to enhance public spaces, expand recreational opportunities, and continue the tradition of excellence in parks and recreation services.
Avian Flu Strikes Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo
Photos above, courtesy of Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo's are their Bald Eagle, Barn Owls and their magnificent Amur Leopard. Their exhibit birds are safe and receiving special care. None have been affected.
One of our area's true gems, Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport has detected a case of Avian Flu
Beardsley Zoo Press Release:
Bridgeport, CT – (January 30th, 2025) – Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo (CBZ) has received preliminary results of Highly Pathogenic Avian Flu (HPAI), commonly known as avian flu, following testing of a deceased Cotton Patch goose on grounds, Tuesday, January 28th. In response, the zoo has taken additional steps above and beyond already established protective measures to ensure the health and safety of its birds, animals, staff, and guests. The zoo is working closely with state and federal partners, including U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to follow guidelines and conduct ongoing reviews as a result of the detection.
Health and safety precautions had already been enacted at CBZ in response to HPAI cases reported in Connecticut. Out of an abundance of caution for the wellbeing of zoo animals, staff and guests, additional and increased measures have been implemented.
They have enacted protocols to protect their beautiful bird collection which include a temporary closing of the farmyard and outdoor aviary, limited staff contact to care providers and specialists, and they will use dedicated tools, disinfected after each use and increased PPE for staff.
CBZ is reporting, "Birds in nearby exhibits that did not have direct contact with the affected flock, including ravens, peafowl, and turkeys, will be quarantined and tested to ensure that staff with proper PPE can monitor the flock. (*Update: these particular birds (such as guinea fowl, peacocks, raven) were tested, and we received preliminary results last night – test was negative for HPAI). In accordance with state and federal guidelines, the zoo has humanely euthanized the remaining affected birds in the pond community (12 birds total) that may have been exposed to HPAI, to prevent the possible spread of the disease."
To help support this wonderful zoo, visit: Beardsley Zoo.org. To Donate, click: Donate To Beardsley Zoo