Tag Archives: The Shores

Roundup: New Road Rules, Mental Health Facility, Closet Factory …

Posted on October 15, 2026 | 1 comment

NEW RULES OF THE rOAD

New state motor vehicle laws went into effect October 1.

And breaking them could cost you.

According to Asia Rutledge of On the Marc media, “Connecticut’s new distracted driving law goes beyond texting. Drivers can be ticketed for holding or supporting a phone, using it outside hands-free mode, reading or typing messages, or having videos visible while driving — even while stopped at a red light.”

There are exceptions for navigation and driver-assisted systems.

NOTE: Distracted driving violations can increase insurance rates by 64% — that’s $1,083 a year.

The first violation for passing a stopped school bus brings a $450 fine. Subsequent violations can cost up to $1,000, and result after a third time in loss of license. Our “06880” Police Reports routinely note these violations — including multiple offenders.

Texting — even while stopped — is illegal.

 

THE SHORES: official welcome

The Shores — the new name for what was once St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health, and for decades before that, Hall-Brooke Hospital — has been operating quietly, but effectively, in Westport since Hartford HealthCare took over St. Vincent’s.

This week, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie joined company officials, including CEO Jeffrey Flaks, for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Welcoming The Shores to Westport. CEO Jeffrey Flaks (7th from left), 1st Selectman Kevin Christie (9th from left), and others. (Photo/Dave Briggs)

“06880” reporter Dave Briggs was at the ceremony. Click here or below for his interviews.

The Shores offers 76 beds, for acute adult cases, children and adolescents, and a mood and anxiety program.

A new Welcome Center — open 6 days a week, including evenings — allows people to talk with clinicians. If admission is appropriate, it happens quickly. If not, they may be referred to one of the outpatient facilities.

CLOSET FACTORY OPENS DOORS

Last year, Westport residents Dan and Melanie bought the local Closet Factory, across from Stop & Shop.

She is an interior designer, with a background in residential and commercial work. His background is in entrepreneurship and investing.

Their goal was to create a welcoming space where people could possibilities for their homes, from an organizational upgrade to a larger custom project.

Their new showroom includes a wide range of displays, styles and finishes, going far beyond closets. The staff handles everything from design consultation through installation, with all cabinetry manufactured in Bethel.

They work closely with local interior designers, builders and architects. A grand opening is set for this Saturday (October 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

 

BINGO! CLUB203 SCORES

Club203’s Halloween Bingo Party filled the Westport Center for Senior Activities last night with dozens of people in creatives costumes.

Members of the social club for adults with disabilities enjoy laughter, games, and plenty of Halloween fun.

Volunteers led by Holly and Paul Betts, along with caller Doug Brill and cookie decorating ace Avery Horne, made the evening extra special.

Bingo! (Hat tip and photo/Stacie Curran)

jane austen at 250

A free Sunday Symposium on October 25 (after the 3 p.m. Westport Country Playhouse performance of the world premiere of “Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley”) explores “Pride and Prejudice” author Jane Austen’s legacy, 2 1/2 centuries after her birth.

Moderator Kelle Ruden is a member of the Jane Austen Society North America.

The show runs from October 20 through November 7. Celebrating Austen’s 250th anniversary year, it is a lively ensemble comedy about marriage, ambition, and the thrill of changing one’s destiny. For more information and tickets, click here.

 

SPEED KILLS

This Coleytown area family manages to, um, kill 2 birds with one stone.

They send an important message — with a Halloween twist.

(Photo/Julie Whamond)

 

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

We’re not sure what happened here yesterday.

But this is not something you want to see when you come back to your car at the Westport train station.

(Photo/Dave Briggs)

OBITUARY: MARTIN SLATTERY

Former Westport YMCA aquatics director, swim instructor, lifeguard and Water Rats coach Martin Slattery died October 1, after a long illness. He was 53. 

In addition to his Y work, he was an automotive service manager with Subaru and Park Place Lexus. In every role he enjoyed working with people, solving problems, and helping others succeed.

Martin enjoyed attending car shows, refining his automotive detailing skills, and working on projects in his garage. His other interests included music, exploring the outdoors, discovering a great bargain, and enjoying a good meal or cup of coffee.

In his later years Martin faced significant health challenges, including end-stage renal failure. He always maintained a positive attitude. He died of heart failure during a dialysis treatment.

Martin is survived by his wife Deborah; sons Cadyn and Meryk; parents Martin and Margaret Slattery; sister Maureen, and brother Michael.

There will be a celebration of Martin’s life on October 22 (10 a.m., Allen Family Funeral Options, Plano, Texas).

POLICE REPORTS

Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 7 and 13.

A 41-year-old Westport Man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening, after a complaint about a 2-day period in which the man made repeated threats of physical harm, while brandishing a knife. He was held on a $100,000 bond.

A 42-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, following an investigation into 3 incidents in August in which the man was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, and was verbally aggressive and threatening. He was released on a $500 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations

Traveling unreasonably fast: 4

Texting while driving: 4

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • School zone violation, 2nd offense: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Transporting a child under 5 without restraints: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper rear lights: 1

Children need car seats!

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE daY

Wendy Levy spotted today’s interesting “Westport … Naturally” image on Old Road.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … we missed this yesterday: the 100th anniversary of the publication of “Winnie-the-Pooh.” So, as the classic tale begins its 2nd century:

(“06880” has several decades to go, to reach the 100-year mark. You can help us get there. Please donate, by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Obituaries, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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Unsung Hero #440

Posted on July 15, 2026 | 7 comments

Not many people have the honor of being stopped — on the street, at the post office, in restaurants — by people who say, “Thank you. You saved my life.”

Dr. Bruny Germain does.

Regularly.

Most Westporters have never met him. But for those who have, he is indeed an Unsung Hero.

Dr. Germain retired last month, after 47 years as a psychiatrist. He worked not in private practice, but at the hospital now known as The Shores Mental Health, part of St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Decades earlier, it was Hall-Brooke Hospital.

Dr. Germain was beloved by colleagues as well as patients. His impact on all was profound.

Dr. Bruny Germain

The Haiti native came to the US in 1975. After residency at the University of Connecticut, he considered moving to Atlanta or Florida. But he started dating a woman from Wallingford. He interviewed with Hall-Brooke’s Elisabeth Solomon and Rosalie Aberman — and stayed in the Land of Steady Habits for the next 5 decades.

Dr. Germain had many roles, including several stints as medical director. But he always treated patients. Direct care was his passion.

The last time he missed work was 33 years ago. He was not sick, he explains; his daughter was, and his wife was working.)

Much has changed in the psychiatric profession. Under managed care, stays are shorter. There is more outpatient treatment.

Mental illness is less stigmatized today than in years past — though it has not disappeared. Dr. Germain wants patients, and their families, to know that mental health is no less important than physical health.

Dr. Germain — a distinguished life fellow of the American Psychiatric Association — is not calling this step “retirement.” It’s a “sabbatical,” allowing him to spend more time with his wife and grandchildren.

The Shores’ chief of psychiatry Dr. Tobias Wasser is filled with admiration.

“He’s been here longer than I’ve been alive,” Dr. Wasser says. “I came in as his ‘boss.’ But he was so gracious.

“His longevity is a testament to his commitment to the most ill individuals, struggling to recover from mental health challenges.

“He’s a gracious colleague. He’s onboarded many generations of psychiatrists.”

Dr. Bruny Germain, with Shores colleagues. They were not born when he began practicing at the facility, then called Hall-Brooke.

“He’s also a wonderful teacher. We partner with Quinnipiac’s medical school, and he’s won Teacher of the Year.”

Dr. Germain’s early training was in the classic Freudian model, Dr. Wasser says. But as the field changed, he adapted well.

“He’s very thoughtful. He explains things clearly. He instills hope,” Dr. Wasser adds.

Dr. Germain is also “gregarious, outgoing and fun-loving.” Both doctors are part of the same tennis group, and Dr. Germain has played into his 70s.

Dr. Wasser has seen a number of Dr. Germain’s patients return later. Some request him again. Others simply come back to thank him.

If they haven’t already done so, in a chance meeting on the street, in the post office or at a restaurant.

Congratulations, Dr. Bruny Germain, on your 47 years serving patients, on your “sabbatical” — and as your well-deserved selection as this week’s “06880” Unsung Hero. (Hat tip: Lisa Wexler)

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)

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