<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Danbury Library is proud to announce that it has received one of the inaugural 2025 Excellence in Public Libraries Awards from the Connecticut State Library, recognizing the library’s outstanding commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This prestigious award celebrates the library’s innovative Sensory Space, which officially opened on March 29, 2023, during the community’s Autism Awareness Ceremony.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Sensory Space was first envisioned in 2018 when Emanuela Palmares, a dedicated community partner, approached library leadership with a proposal to create a welcoming, supportive area for patrons with autism and other sensory processing needs. At the time, no other library in Connecticut offered a facility like this—positioning Danbury as a trailblazer in library accessibility.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanks to a state Construction Grant and generous support from the Friends of the Danbury Library and the local community, the library undertook a transformative renovation of its junior floor. The project included the installation of semi-soundproof glass walls and the design of a calming, inclusive space equipped with adjustable lighting and a thoughtful mix of active and passive sensory elements.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Since opening, the Sensory Space has seen remarkable engagement, with over 1,000 reservations made during the 2024–2025 fiscal year. The library continues to enhance the space based on user feedback and now serves as a model for other libraries across the state, providing guidance for those seeking to develop similar resources.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Library Director Katie Pearson expressed her gratitude for the award, stating:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Receiving the inaugural Excellence in Public Libraries Award for Accessibility and Inclusion is a profound honor, reflecting our unwavering commitment to ensuring everyone in Danbury feels welcome and has equitable access to knowledge and resources. This recognition inspires us to continue innovating and expanding our services, fostering a truly inclusive environment for all."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">State Librarian Deborah Schander also praised the library’s leadership:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Connecticut's libraries are exemplars of innovation and community engagement. We are thrilled to recognize the Danbury Library with this new award."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information about the Sensory Space or other library initiatives, please contact Rodrigo Fuenzalida at 203-797-4505 ext. 7743.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Danbury Public Schools is proud to announce key leadership appointments for the 2025–2026 school year: two new middle school principals and one new elementary assistant principal.</p><ul><li><strong>Andrew Lambo</strong> has been named Principal of <strong>Broadview Middle School</strong>.</li><li><strong>Mike Flynn</strong>, currently Interim Principal at <strong>Westside Middle School</strong>, has been appointed as the school’s permanent Principal.</li><li><strong>Jenny Lopez</strong>, currently Principal of the Reach &amp; Endeavor Programs, will serve as Assistant Principal at <strong>Stadley Rough Elementary School</strong>.</li></ul><p><strong>Andrew Lambo</strong> comes to Broadview from Danbury High School, where he served as Assistant Principal of the Art, Engineering, and Design Academy. With more than 12 years of experience in Danbury schools, he has taught first and third grade, as well as ninth grade special education. Following the pandemic, Lambo took on the role of Dean of Student Support, leading efforts to assist students during school reopening and fostering partnerships with community-based learning organizations. Known for energizing instructional teams, Lambo’s leadership has consistently driven strong academic outcomes. He will be a tremendous addition to the Broadview Middle School community.</p><p><strong>Mike Flynn</strong>, a 28-year veteran of Danbury Public Schools, began his career teaching at Great Plain Elementary School. Over 25 years, he instructed second through fifth grade, including bilingual classrooms. Flynn transitioned to middle school administration, first serving as Assistant Principal before stepping in as Interim Principal at Westside this past school year. The school community is pleased to welcome him as the permanent Principal.</p><p><strong>Jenny Lopez</strong> is in her 25th year as an educator. She began her career teaching elementary students in New York City, then became an administrator in Norwalk Public Schools. She later joined Danbury Public Schools as Assistant Principal at Stadley Rough Elementary before moving on to lead the Reach and Endeavor Programs, which support middle and high school students in alternative learning environments. A passionate advocate for elementary education, Lopez now returns to Stadley Rough to continue her leadership at the elementary level.</p><p>Danbury Public Schools congratulates these dedicated educators and looks forward to the continued success of the students and staff they will serve.</p>

<p>Bethany Archiere of Danbury was among more than 280 SUNY Oneonta students who earned Provost's List honors for the spring 2025 semester.</p><p>To qualify for the Provost's List, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade-point average while carrying a course load of 12 hours or more.</p><p> Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="https://email.meritpages.com/ss/c/u001.P9uBsNWLPUyJ9XkjQak3CZ8SyMYimzZvwK4lTfn8Leo/4h8/fO4mjiTqT3G-zkjsr0aKng/h0/h001.a-nm-m3p5-nkb8VcaFe5o5884dikTHGmlgXTfLXn13M" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://suny.oneonta.edu</a></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CityCenter Danbury is thrilled to announce the return of the highly anticipated ‘Danbury Street Festival’ event, closing down and transforming Main Street from White St. - West St. into a vibrant pedestrian-only festival on Saturday, June 14th, from 12 pm to 6 pm.&nbsp; The 2025 Danbury Street Festival promises a day filled with local artisans, vendors, food trucks, live music, interactive exhibits, cultural experiences, and a family fun zone, making it a must-attend event for all ages!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As part of our ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Danbury, the Danbury Street Festival will shine a spotlight on the gems that are the core components of our community and beyond.&nbsp; With over 70 artists and vendors, along with three live performance stages, strolling characters, interactive experiences, Downtown Danbury will come alive with non-stop energy!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Attendees can look forward to:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Artisans and Vendors: Explore a diverse array of handcrafted goods and unique finds from over 70 local artisans and vendors.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Live Performances: Enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the festival, showcasing the talents of local musicians and performers.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Family Fun Kids Zone: From GIANT Slides, faces painters, cotton candy, interactive games, and some fun heroic character appearances, you won’t want to miss out on the FUN!</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Food Trucks: Indulge in delicious bites from a variety of food trucks offering a wide range of culinary delights.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Beer/Wine Garden: Come to our BAR-do Garden where adults can enjoy a wide variety of beers and wine, while playing some games in our garden.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Interactive Exhibits and Cultural Experiences: Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and cultural experiences that celebrate the rich diversity of our community.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Don’t miss out on the 2025 Danbury Street Festival – the ultimate celebration of summer in downtown Danbury.&nbsp; Join us for a day filled with fun, entertainment, and community spirit!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We want to thank our sponsors for making this event possible for our community to enjoy with families and friends!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ventura Law – Main Sponsor</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Union Savings Bank – Stage Sponsor</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Performance Imports – Stage Sponsor</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Stage Sponsor</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please note: This event is weather dependent.&nbsp; In the case of heavy rain or severe wet weather, the event will NOT be held.&nbsp; Please stay tuned for weather-related updates on our website at </span><a href="https://danburystreetfestival.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">danburystreetfestival.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and on our social media channels @CityCenterDanbury on Facebook and Instagram.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><strong>DANBURY, June 5 –&nbsp;</strong>For five decades, The Center for Empowerment &amp; Education (CEE) has stood as a beacon of safety, healing, and hope for survivors of domestic and sexual violence across Norther Fairfield and Southern Litchfield County. On June 4, that legacy was honored and uplifted at CEE’s 17th Annual Hearts of Hope Breakfast, held at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield.</p><p>As part of its yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration, CEE welcomed more than 200 community members, leaders, and supporters to reflect on its impact and rally around a vision for a future free from violence. Founded in a Danbury kitchen in 1975, CEE has grown into a trusted regional leader in prevention, education, and advocacy—reaching over 20,000 students, professionals, and community members in 2024 alone.</p><p>The Candlewood Inn once again demonstrated its generous spirit by donating the event space, full-service breakfast, and staff support—making the morning possible at no cost to the organization. CEE extends its heartfelt gratitude for their enduring partnership and warm hospitality.</p><p>This year’s Service Above Self award was presented to the Ridgefield Thrift Shop (RTS), honoring their long-standing commitment to giving back. Since 2007, RTS has been a steadfast supporter of CEE’s mission. In 2025 alone, RTS awarded grants to 74 local nonprofits and provided 13 Ridgefield students with scholarships valued at $7,500 each.</p><p>“We are proud to recognize the Ridgefield Thrift Shop as this year’s Service Above Self honoree,” said Samantha Flynn, Chief Development Officer at CEE. “Their legacy of compassion and unwavering support for our community—especially their long-standing partnership with CEE—exemplifies the very spirit of this award. From empowering local nonprofits to investing in the future of Ridgefield students, RTS continues to be a driving force for good.”The keynote address was delivered by Wendy Bernard, an advocate, attorney, veteran, and founder of Bernard Law Group. A retired Major and Brigade Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve, Bernard captivated the audience with her powerful, personal story of resilience—moving from survivor to thriver with courage, wit, and wisdom.</p><p>“This event reminds us that healing is possible, and hope is powerful,” said Ashley Dunn, CEO of CEE. “At a time when demand for our services continues to rise, our work is only possible because of partners like the Ridgefield Thrift Shop and the Candlewood Inn. Their belief in our mission—and in every survivor’s right to safety and dignity—fuels our journey forward. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we recommit to a future where all people live free from fear and violence.”</p><p>If you’d like to get more involved with CEE and help us continue the work of changing stories from survivor to thriver, contact us at&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:thecenter@thecenterct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">thecenter@thecenterct.org</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>James Madison University is pleased to announce that the following students made the Dean's List for the spring 2025 semester.</p><p>Congratulations to Danbury residents Alyssa Gagnon, who is majoring in Health Sciences - BS and Olivia Muller who is majoring in Psychology - BA.</p><p>Founded in 1908, James Madison University is a public university located in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley. JMU is one of the nation's leading lights in higher education, where students enjoy engaging relationships with world-class faculty who drive education innovation and support advanced research. With state-of-the art amenities and facilities, students have access to NCAA Division 1 athletics. JMU also has the highest post-graduation job levels of all Virginia colleges.</p>