Type Away Cait

(left to right) Jessica Sionni-Gray, Zainab Cole, Dr. Sarah Cross and Sharelle Sorensen pose in hallway of Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.   photo courtesy: Yale New Haven Health NEW LONDON — Lawrence + Memorial Hospital was named as a 2026 High Performing hospital for Maternity Care for the first time by U.S. News & World Report yesterday, according to a press release. “The U.S. News & World Report rankings serve as a meaningful reflection of the high standards we set for maternity care,” said Richard Lisitano, president of L+M. “This recognition speaks to the skill, compassion, and dedication of our teams, and reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional care to every patient who turns to us for maternity care. We are honored to be acknowledged among the best in the country.” It is the highest award a hospital can achieve in U.S. News's annual Best Hospitals for Maternity Care study. In an evaluation of 901 hospitals across the United States for its 2026 ratings...

Simone De Beauvoir is best known for her works such as “The Second Sex” and “The Woman Destroyed,” but little is known of her novellas, including "A Misunderstanding in Moscow." Set in the 1960s Nicole and Andre are an old married couple from Paris who go to Russia to visit Andre's daughter, Macha, from a previous marriage. On this trip, readers will observe how despite being married for years, Andre and Nicole grow apart and have become strangers. The ever-changing Russia and dialogue about the politics of the Cold War serves as a comparison to that of the marriage between Nicole and Andre in which they have in a way unfamiliar to each other and themselves. There are misunderstandings and confusion between the East and West just as there can be in families. De Beauvoir writes what Andre reflects:      Perhaps they would enable socialism to triumph, but their version of it would bear no       relation to the one his parents, his comrades, and he himsel...

(Reading Diaries #2 was published on my blog before Reading Diaries #1. This diary entry is labeled as such as this was written before Reading Diaries #2. This was also written before it was announced that a new adaptation featuring Jacob Elordi and Margot Robbie is going to be made.) The first time I ever read "Wuthering Heights" was October of 2022. This is one book that really stuck with me and is by far my favorite work of gothic literature  ever. I recently purchased a copy of "Wuthering Heights" —more specifically, my second copy— at a bookstore in Galway.  I can't put into words of a single feeling to describe what it was like to read one of my favorite classics on that wet Autumn October day on the bus ride from Galway to Dublin, glimpsing between the pages I'm reading and admiring the sky out the window as it darkens and turns to evening.  Despite the very limited time I got to view the countryside landscape of Ireland from a bus passenger's pe...

(left to right) Ginny Monk,  Jacquen Byron,  Krista Neilson, and Jim Foster discuss the film and potential solutions to affordable housing. 28% of working families in Norwalk struggle to afford the basic cost of living. Norwalk’s Median Home Value has risen from $402,925 in 2017 to $629,874 in 2025. A $93,087 salary —that’s a $45.09 hourly wage— is considered low-income for one person. “I think we need to have a story to communicate and have a dialogue with regard to why affordable housing is valuable. It’s not a question of ‘Should we.’ It’s a question of 'How do we?'" said Jim Foster, the chair of Westport Affordable Housing Committee, yesterday night at Norwalk Community College. Foster was speaking in regards to not only Fairfield County, but the film “Room For Us? Confronting Nantucket’s Housing Crisis ." Presented by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, in partnership with Norwalk Film Festival, Centers for Housing Opportunity and the Housing Collective, the...

Greenwich Police Department  GREENWICH — A Port Chester man accused of grabbing a child on her way to school turned himself in to the Greenwich Police Department yesterday, police officials said.  A warrant was out for the arrest of Hector Vargas, 31, for an incident that happened on Sept 11 where he allegedly grabbed a middle school student from behind. He was charged with Unlawful Restraint, Reckless Endangerment and Breach of Peace in the second degree; Sexual Assault in the fourth degree; Stalking in the first degree and Risk of Injury to a child. He remains in custody on a $250,000 bond and was transported to Stamford Superior Court for arraignment, police said. “The successful resolution of this case was made possible through the invaluable information shared by the local community, which proved instrumental in identifying the alleged perpetrator,” they said in a social media post. “The department commends the vigilance and cooperation of Greenwich residents throughout t...

NORWALK — A man died after crashing his car into the stone wall of the East Norwalk Historical Cemetery around 2 a.m., police officials said. Patrol officers, the Norwalk Fire Department and Norwalk EMS, were dispatched to the scene where they found 24-year-old Anthony Martinez in critical condition.  Emergency personnel provided medical attention and transported him by ambulance to Norwalk Hospital. He later died from his injuries.  Based on preliminary findings, Martinez was driving his car eastbound on Van Zant Street when he continued through the intersection of East Avenue before striking the wall. The crash is still under investigation and they urge anyone with information to contact Crash Reconstruction Unit Officer Christopher Wasilewski at 203-854-3035 or CWasilewski@norwalkct.gov. Anonymous tips can also be sent using 1 of the 3 ways to the following contacts: - Norwalk Police Tip Line:  203-854-3111 - texting “NORWALKPD” followed by the message to 847411 - visi...

Toys from Dollar Tree are displayed on a shelf.  The Westport Police Department, in partnership with the Police Athletic League and Police Benevolent Association, will host their annual Holiday Toy Drive on the first two weekends of December from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1560 Post Road East, according to a press release. “We respectfully ask for your support and generosity to help create lasting memories for children in need in our community as we believe that every child deserves to feel the magic and joy of the holidays,” Lt. Anthony Prezioso said. Volunteers from the police department will be in the parking lot of ASF Sports and Outdoors, where they will also be accepting cash donations.  Those who are unable to make it can donate to the following toy box stations starting Dec. 1.: Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT ASF Sports & Outdoors Store, 1560 Post Road East, Westport, CT Awesome Toys & Gifts, 429 Post Road East, Westport, CT The Toy Post, 180 ...

NORWALK — A 6-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle in the area of 11 Seaview Ave. around 3:45 p.m. on Thurs., Norwalk Police officials said. Norwalk Police, the Norwalk Fire Department and Norwalk Hospital EMS, were immediately dispatched. Patrol officers found the child on the sidewalk and adjacent grass area of the westbound lanes. First responders began providing emergency medical attention. The boy suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Norwalk Hospital. The Norwalk Police Crash Reconstruction Unit responded along with the Identification Unit to investigate the scene.  The driver of the vehicle was traveling eastbound when he ran west across the roadway and was struck. The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with investigators. The accident is still currently under investigation.  Any witnesses are asked to contact Crash Reconstruction Unit Officer Equi by phone at 203-854-3035 or email at TEqui@norwalkct.gov. Information can also be shared anonymously by call...

It's a sunny day and the air is cool and crisp when I stumble upon Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea, a quaint little tea shop nestled in the heart of Stamford's downtown center. The setting is well-lit and it's a weekday, so it's very quiet.  A vintage 70s-looking deck of UNO cards sits on a yellow table, creating a warm inviting touch. I look at the menu that hangs on the wall.  should I get a tea, milk tea, brown sugar pearl tea, or winter special? After pondering between a fruity one and one that's coffee-based, I decide to go with one that a friend recommended to me: the brown sugar pearl with coffee.  I order it with light ice as I do with most drinks to enable me to get more of the product. If there's one thing I remember from chemistry class, it's mass over volume. I watch as the server begins to prepare it for me.  Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea is located at 215 Main Street. According to the website, the story behind this chain all started with a pineapple and, o...

Nelson Ambulance Service and its affiliates are located at  208 Quinnipiac Ave. NORTH HAVEN — Yale New Haven Health System celebrated its purchase of Nelson Ambulatory Service and its affiliates at 208 Quinnipiac Ave. at 2:30 p.m. today. “Knowing the critical nature of our prehospital connections as well as intrahospital work, this has been a missing component of our health system I think for some time,” said Chris O’ Connor, CEO of YNHHS. “Now we can begin to both leverage and enhance what we can offer to our patients.” Chris O' Connor CEO of YNHHS speaks at Nelson Ambulatory Service headquarters. This acquisition will expand access for Nelson’s existing patients to the full complement of resources available under the YNHHS umbrella, providing additional support to strengthen medical transport in the region. Planning between the parties started in January. “Meeting with various management and staff has been a great experience," said Saleem Khan, President and CEO of Nelson Am...

Volunteers (left to right) Nicholas Satta, Paul De Regt, Jessica Barszcz, Kristin Ysais, Michell Wallace, Rachel Morrison, Lauren Lengyel, and Jenny Louis stand in front of mobile food bank. BRIDGEPORT— Bridgeport Hospital, in partnership with CT Foodshare , will serve its 20,000th distribution of food at their mobile pantry, located at 267 Grant St., on Nov. 26 at 9 a.m., according to a press release.  “We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone,” said Gina Smith, manager of Community Health in the Office of Health Equity and Community Impact. “We see firsthand how many families in our community face challenges meeting their basic needs. Through partnerships like this one with CT Foodshare, we’re not just addressing food insecurity, we’re helping relieve stress for families and showing them that their community cares.” According to Feeding America , it is estimated that more than 516,000 Connecticut residents are food insecure. Of them, over 122,000 are children.  The in...

photo credit: Yale New Haven Health Greenwich Hospital team holds the Grade A Hospital Safety Grade projecting ongoing excellence. GREENWICH— Greenwich Hospital has again earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade for its fourth time, according to The Leapfrog Group , an independent national nonprofit focused on patient safety. “I’m proud to recognize our dedicated team for their exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to delivering safe, high-quality care,” said Robert Blenderman, president of Greenwich Hospital. The grade is based on over 30 measures, including the number of errors, accidents, injuries and infections, as well as the hospital's systems to prevent them. “As a high reliability organization, we are committed to consistently delivering safe, efficient and high-quality care. This achievement reflects our unwavering focus on patient safety and clinical excellence,” said Dr. Karen Santucci, chief medical officer. Westerly Hospital, also part of Yale New Haven Health, ...

photo credit: Cait Malilay Nov. 2024 (from the unpublished drafts) "Love in the Time of Cholera." I've had this book for about 4 years now. It was sitting on my shelf unread until last Spring. I annotated the heck out of it, yet I still have yet to complete it. Here I find myself, over a year later, and still haven't returned to it. After a little over 200 pages in, I stopped because, well, I felt that the plot was just moving way too slow and the story was getting a little too repetitive. In sum, it's basically about a guy named Florentino Aziza, who is a hopeless romantic that becomes intoxicated by the beauty of Fermina Daza. He was only 18 years old. He becomes so obsessed with her, follows her, and despite her choosing a far wealthier man who is a doctor over him, he reserves her heart for her over a span of 50 years. However, that isn't to say that he hadn't had his fair share of love affairs (622 to be precise). The first time I heard about "Lo...

photo credit: Cait Malilay It's been a while since my last post, a long 8 month hiatus to be exact. Cait's Plate is back.  This time we're revisiting Conwell Coffee Hall, a large cafe situated in the financial district, just steps away from the New York Stock Exchange.  Last time I visited, I had the avocado toast, and for my returning audiences, you'll recall that I said next time, I'll try their French toast. Here's my take.  I'm next in line when I hear the artsy-looking cashier inquire to the customer in front of me, "Are you performing tonight in our show? I don't believe we've met. I'm [Jane Doe]." I look up form my menu and that's when it hit me. I'm reminded that this cafe serves as an advertisement for their immersive theatrical production, "Life and Trust." Gullible goers, such as tourists, would be enraptured by the atmosphere, and believe that there is some kind of glamorous -with a touch of tragic- history...

photo credit: Cait Malilay Pasta de Pasta, located at 192 1st Ave., is a new restaurant that opened in East Village last June. If you're a pasta lover and you're looking for a reasonably priced dish, then this is the place for you. You can get a fresh in-house pasta for as low as $9.90. I heard about this place on Instagram and I knew I just had to try it for myself. Customers are given the option of their sauce and any additional toppings. If you've seen other posts, what probably caught your attention is that it's only $9.90, but that only goes for the simple Fettuccine Alfredo. It is, however, made in a parmesan wheel cheese.  If you get Fettucine pasta noodles with any other sauce, it will be extra. The restaurant is very inviting and there is a window where you can witness the magic that goes into making it.   photo credit: Cait Malilay I'll be honest, the first time that I went there, the pasta was hot, but the noodles were a little sticky. My second visit was...

Conwell Coffee Hall, located at 6 Hanover Street, is a coffee shop and eatery in Life and Trust, a performing arts center.  photo credit: Cait Malilay From the moment I walked through the revolving door and up those steps, I was immersed back in time to the 1920s. I was greeted by a large art deco painting. photo credit: Cait Malilay I take a look at the menu and see the typical cafe assortment of coffee and teas, but wait...there's a whole section labeled "TOASTS?" Count me in! Being a California native, of course I'm going to order the avocado toast.  My mom orders the crab toast. Now...the beverage of choice. Since it's afternoon, we decide to go with something light, a cappuccino.  We are given a number and to our left, we see the seating area.  In the back there's leather couches and coffee tables. Spread out are rows of tables, so we see that we are going to be sitting pretty close knit with other groups. When we're trying to find a spot to sit, a ge...

  New York Times bestselling author Dustin Thao (left) celebrates the release of the paperback version of "You've Reached Sam" with his first ever book tour with booktuber Jack Edwards (right).   photo credit: Cait Malilay BROOKLYN, Ny. — New York Times bestselling author Dustin Thao celebrated the release of the paperback version of "You've Reached Sam," on July 2 with a Q+A hosted by booktuber Jack Edwards, at Barnes and Noble, located at 194 Atlantic Ave.  This was Thao's first ever in person book event in the U.S. "It's sort of about getting a second chance to speak with someone you've loved and lost," he said. The 2021 young adult fiction book centers on 17-year-old Julie, whose life falls apart when she loses her best friend and boyfriend Sam. She calls his cell phone one more time just to listen to his voicemail, but to her surprise, he picks up on the other line. When asked about the inspiration behind "You've Reached...

photo credit: Cait Malilay ***TRIGGER WARNING:** This book contains descriptions of physical and emotional abuse, and pedophilia.  Consent is a powerful and raw 2020 memoir written by Vanessa Springora. Written 3 years after the launch of the #MeToo Movement, the 285-page novel recounts her experience as a 14-year-old in a relationship with an older man, a well-respected writer, who Springora only refers to as "G." Springora first encountered Gabriel Matzneff, 50, at a dinner party that was full of literary intellectuals.  She writes that her mother, who works in publishing, mistakenly thinks that he is interested in her, but no. Her mother is far from his type. He prefers teenagers and even younger, some as young as eleven. Didn't she know that? After all, that's what his works are all about. He admits his sexual experiences in the writings that are published by the company her mother works for.  "A father, conspicuous only by his absence, who left an unfathomab...