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Apr 15, 2025

Sen. Hwang Highlights the Dangers of Distracted Driving

BRIDGEPORT, CT – State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield), as Republican leader of the CT General Assembly’s Transportation committee, hosted an informational briefing at State Police Troop G Barracks in Bridgeport to raise awareness about the escalating dangers of distracted driving. Distracted driving has become a leading cause of car crashes in the U.S. In 2023, 3,275 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers. While more than 700 injury crashes involve distracted driving on a typical day in the U.S.(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mimuqVRe-Y" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Watch Press Conference Here</a>)The danger of texting while driving is widely recognized by drivers, with<a href="https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/texting-driving-statistics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;"> 96% of those surveyed by AAA</a> believing it poses a grave threat to their safety. Despite this, 39% of drivers admitted that in the month prior, they had read a text or email while driving—and another 29% admitted to typing while driving.Senator Hwang was joined by a coalition of state and local leaders, including AAA Northeast’s Lauren Fabrizi, State Police Trooper Jannina Bonilla, CT Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Joe Cristalli, Jr., Watertown Police Chief & CT Police Chief Association Vice President Joshua Bernegger, and Newtown Police Chief David Kullgren. Each roadway safety experts offered valuable perspectives on the shared responsibility to protect Connecticut’s drivers, bikers and pedestrians.“Distracted driving is not just a personal risk—it’s a public danger that puts everyone on the road in jeopardy,” said Senator Hwang. “When you take your eyes off the road for any reason, you’re essentially driving blindfolded. Just five seconds of distraction at 55 miles per hour means you’ve traveled the length of a football field without seeing or recognizing dangers on the road.”Senator Hwang emphasized that increased driver distraction is making it significantly more difficult for law enforcement to do their jobs. “Our officers are already under enormous pressure. We must do more than expect them to enforce the rules—we must equip them with the tools, support, and policy framework to keep our roads safe,” he said.He also praised the strong collaboration between state, local law enforcement and CT DOT, underscoring the importance of their roles not just as enforcers and policy makers, but as partners in public roadway safety. “This is not about punishment—this is about prevention and accountability and awareness,” Senator Hwang added. “We need to change the paradigm of behavior before preventable tragedy strikes.”The event featured comments from law enforcement officials and traffic safety advocates who echoed the senator’s concerns and shared stories and data about the impacts of distracted driving on communities across Connecticut.“It is incredibly important for us to come together this distracted driving awareness month to highlight the staggering number traffic deaths caused by distracted driving both nationwide and in Connecticut,” said Lauren Fabrizi, Spokesperson for AAA. “The consequences of distracted driving continue to impact the lives of far too many people. In Connecticut, from 2020-2024, there were more than 26,000 crashes involving distracted drivers, with over 5,000 crashes last year alone. While talking, texting, and scrolling through social media are among the most common forms of distraction, we once again remind drivers that things like adjusting GPS, eating, drinking, putting on makeup, or even attending to passengers can be dangerous too.”“We are here to call attention to distracted driving, a public safety issue that’s become a preventable crisis on our roads. Every day were seeing how distractions cause crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Connecticut and across the country,” added Joe Cristalli Jr., Assistant Director of CTDOT Highway Safety Office. “This is completely unacceptable, and we need to do more to raise awareness about this crisis, and hold distracted drivers accountable. Throughout the month, in partnership with local and state police, as well as federal partners, we are ramping up efforts to educate the public and enforce distracted driving laws across the state.”“Despite all these (vehicular) advancements, the fundamentals of vehicle operation have not changed—our vehicles must still be driven. The steering wheel must be turned, the throttle and brakes need to be operated, all of which requires the driver to be paying attention to one simple thing: driving. To this extent, our advancements in technology have worked against us. We now have handheld electronic devices with over 100,000 times the computing power of the equipment that guided the Apollo 11 moon landing,” remarked COPA Chief Bernegger. “These devices are constantly sending us information, and seeking a response, even when we are driving an automobile. The simple truth is, if we are paying attention to our phones instead of the road in front of us, then all of those vehicle and roadway safety advancements won’t save us from a collision. Please put the phone away when you are driving.”“Number one priority for law enforcement across our state and our colleagues standing with us today, is to protect the public. One of the ways we do that is through targeted enforcement. It is not to punish, it is to protect our residents, our citizens, our businessowners,” added Newtown Police Chief Kullgren. “Distracted driving kills hundreds of people across our nation, causes hundreds across Connecticut. We ask you one simple thing: please put down the phone, and focus on driving safety.”“It takes a mere five seconds for anything life changing to happen. So, what I want to reiterate is if you are on the roadway driving, just be mindful the person to the left or the right of you, we all share the same mission—we all want to get to our destination safely,” said State Police Trooper Jannina Bonilla. “Avoid all distractions, and keep in mind also that, myself, my colleagues, and DOT, we all have family to get home to. So avoid all distractions, put the phone down, and keep your eyes on the road.”Senator Hwang concluded by calling for a continued statewide effort to raise awareness, strengthen distracted driving laws, and foster collaborative solutions that prioritize prevention and safety over prosecution and citations.

Apr 15, 2025

Fairfield U. StartUp Teams and Investors Gear Up for April 24 Showcase

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — On Thursday, April 24, 2025, five teams of business students will engage in a riveting Shark Tank-style pitch event, presenting their startup ideas to investors for seed funding ranging from $2,500 to $12,500. Serving as judges, the investor panel features alumni, business experts, and C-suite executives including Gonzalve Bich, CEO of BIC. Together, they will decide which student team delivers the best pitch. The StartUp Showcase is more than a culmination of the students' hard work; it offers the opportunity for real-time feedback and immediate outcomes for their businesses. The event will take place before a live audience at the Regina A. Quick Center for Performing Arts and will also be available for viewing via livestream.The StartUp Showcase's five teams of student-entrepreneurs have worked for a year alongside mentors to perfect their business plans and practice their pitches. In addition to a $5,000 Audience Favorite award, this year's event will introduce a new prize for the team whose business is recognized for having the greatest societal impact.The top pitch will be awarded a Grand Prize of $12,500 with additional awards for runner-up companies. “The Fairfield StartUp program has long been a platform for innovative ideas and I look forward to engaging with these promising teams, evaluating their pitches, and sharing insights with the students," said Gonzalve Bich. "This inspiring program fosters creativity and strategic thinking, and I can't wait to see how this year’s showcase develops.”Meet This Year’s Teams:Clean N’ Go Powerwashing is an exterior cleaning company that serves residential and commercial customers across Long Island, N.Y. They offer tailored cleaning solutions based on customer needs, including house washing, driveway cleaning, roof washing, paver cleaning and sanding, and more.Creditcare is a digital microfinance business based in Zambia, Southern Africa. Their mission is to utilize technology and alternative data to provide financial services to underserved individuals and businesses across Zambia. They focus on empowering their clients by offering tailored loans and agency banking services to help them achieve their goals and improve their livelihoods.I'mCookin' is a smart meal-planning app designed to make healthy eating accessible and stress-free for young adults and college students. Their platform provides easy, personalized recipes, generates custom grocery lists, teaches cooking skills, and helps users balance health, time, and budget constraints.Manus is a web-based platform revolutionizing early-stage investing with enhanced financial due diligence. By quantifying key KPIs and valuation milestones, Manus optimizes the due diligence process so investors can make better investment decisions and accurately analyze risk. Its intuitive interface enables real-time scenario modeling, standardized reporting, and AI-driven predictive analytics to streamline collaboration and maximize ROI for investors.MiniMinds is an AI-powered learning disability diagnostic tool that uses game-based activities to help detect early developmental delays in children. By providing data-driven insights, it supports early intervention and personalized learning strategies.Evaluating the teams on their pitches and awarding the seed funding amounts will be the job of this investor panel of industry experts: Gonzalve Bich has served as director and CEO of BIC since May 2018; Joe Bronson ’70 is currently the CEO and principal of The Bronson Group, LLC, a business advisory group focused on operational and financial consulting; Chris Hillock ’00 leads the portfolio development function for Dell Technologies Capital, the venture capital arm of Dell Technologies; Celine King ‘23 is the founder and CEO of GreenIRR Inc., a disruptive carbon accounting platform designed specifically for the trucking industry; and Robert W. Liptak, P’27 is a senior managing director in the Blackstone Life Sciences group and a member of its investment committee.Hosting the 2025 StartUp Showcase event is Mariana Antaya ’23. Antaya is a product manager at Microsoft Teams and founder of quantifAI — a fintech startup that commenced at Fairfield's StartUp Showcase in 2022. Antaya actively mentors on product management, big tech, and startups on Tik Tok and in her online community, Product House.For more information on the teams, panelists, host, and livestream information visit <a href="https://fairfield.edu/startup/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fairfield.edu/startup</a>.Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.

Apr 15, 2025

Fairfield Bellarmine Students Receive Romero Award for Service & Leadership

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Ana Aguirre FB’25 and Jaheim McKie FB’25 are the first-ever recipients of Fairfield University's Romero Award, which recognizes students in the associate’s degree program who exemplify the spirit of a Catholic, Jesuit education through academic excellence, leadership, and a commitment to service.The award is named after <a href="https://www.vaticannews.va/en/saints/03/24/st--oscar-romero--martyr.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">St. Oscar Romero</a> of El Salvador, a martyred hero of faith, justice, and peace who was canonized in 2018.Aguirre and McKie were selected for the Romero Award from a remarkable pool of Bellarmine classmates nominated by faculty, staff, and students. Aguirre was cited for her high academic achievements while also serving as a Humanitarian Action fellow and a Community-Engaged Research fellow in the Center for Social Impact. As the Fairfield Bellarmine program launched, she played a key role in strengthening her classmates’ social network while acting as a bridge-builder between Fairfield’s North Benson and Bellarmine campuses. Active in volunteer projects and Campus Ministry, Aguirre described herself as a spiritual person who felt called by God to Fairfield Bellarmine.“At the time, I didn't know why, but after seeing how beautiful the campus was and how beautifully the faculty and administration treated everyone, I was inspired to pursue my degree at Fairfield Bellarmine," Aguirre said. “The dedication that the staff puts into their work is incredibIe; I feel like receiving this award shows what they did for me — their actions and their support — that’s what this award represents to me.”McKie is the founder of Brothers of Bellarmine, a group that promotes mentorship, support, and community among male students. He too demonstrated high academic commitment while participating in campus leadership roles and club sports. Known for his vibrant personality and his willingness to help others, McKie has been actively involved in the Black Student Union, contributing to initiatives that amplify Black voices and support cultural awareness. Among nominees for the Romero award, McKie stood out for creating spaces of belonging and encouragement, embodying the spirit of service, leadership, and justice celebrated by the Romero Award. “What makes receiving the award so meaningful is the recognition of hard work and dedication,” said McKie. “It signifies that the time, effort, and challenges I've faced have been worthwhile and it motivates me to continue striving for excellence as I move forward in my academic and career journey.”McKie and Aguirre will receive their associate’s degrees alongside their Fairfield Bellarmine classmates at Commencement Exercises on Thursday, May 15. In the fall, both students plan to continue their Fairfield education towards bachelor’s degrees—in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business for McKie, and in the College of Arts and Sciences for Aguirre, who has chosen to major in psychology."I think that Bellarmine shaped my academic and career goals by forcing me to practice more critical thinking and step out of my world, 'my little box,' to think more about other cultures, other beliefs, and other ideas," said Aguirre. "It's what led me to have a greater love for psychology and has inspired me to hopefully work toward my master's and maybe a PhD."Reflecting on his two years at Fairfield Bellarmine, McKie said, “As the first-ever graduating class, we have witnessed the program's growth and evolution, and it's been an exciting journey.” He noted the importance building strong relationships with professors and peers, “because those connections will be invaluable throughout your academic and career journey.”Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.

Apr 15, 2025

U.S. News & World Report Ranks Fairfield’s Grad Programs Among Top 20 Nationally

FAIRFIELD, Conn. —Fairfield University continues to demonstrate its commitment to academic excellence with strong results in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools Rankings. The University’s graduate programs, recognized across a variety of fields, highlight Fairfield's ongoing dedication to providing a top-tier education that prepares students for success in today’s ever-evolving professional landscape.Among these, the graduate programs in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business earned impressive rankings that underscore the strength and innovation of the school’s business education offerings. Graduate business programs rose in multiple categories including Accounting, Marketing, Finance, and Business Analytics, along with a new ranking in Management MBA programs. Best Business Schools Specialty Rankings:<ul><li>#13 in Best Accounting Programs (T) nationally, #1 in Connecticut</li><li>#14 in Best MBA Marketing Programs (T) nationally, #1 in Connecticut</li><li>#17 in Best Finance MBA Programs (tie) nationally, #1 in Connecticut</li><li>#20 in Best Business Analytics MBA Programs (T) nationally, #1 in Connecticut</li><li>#21 in Best Management MBA Programs (T) nationally, #2 in Connecticut, after Yale</li></ul>Fairfield Dolan’s Part-time MBA Program ranked #56 among the best nationally, and #2 in Connecticut after Yale.Fairfield's Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing & Health Studies earned notable recognition with a six-spot rise to #52 in Best Nursing Schools: Master's Programs (T)—second only to Yale in the state of Connecticut. The Egan School was also ranked in the following categories, including a seven-spot jump in the Nursing-Midwifery category to #10, where it holds the #1 spot in Connecticut: Fairfield Egan Rankings:<ul><li>#10 in Nursing-Midwifery (T) nationally, #1 in Connecticut</li><li>#60 in Nursing-Anesthesia (T), nationally, #2 in Connecticut</li><li>#74 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice (T), nationally, #3 in Connecticut</li></ul>The School of Education & Human Development’s graduate program in Social Work has also been recognized, earning a spot at #142 (T).Fairfield University offers a transformative educational experience that combines rigorous academics with hands-on learning opportunities, innovative research, and community engagement. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition, the University’s graduate programs also emphasize service to others, preparing students to become leaders who make a positive impact in their chosen professions and communities. Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.

Apr 15, 2025

SHU Students Race to Pack Over 20K Meals in Effort to Battle Hunger

FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University volunteers raced to pack more than 20,000 meals during an annual day of teamwork, positivity and friendly competition aimed at battling hunger in the area.The Hunger Project brings volunteers together to prepare meals for those in need within their local community. The yearly tradition started in 2018, and it is one of the final activities of SHU’s Social Justice Week, which was created to bring positive change to the world.SHU’s mission and culture staff run the Hunger Project in collaboration with the University’s first-year programs, graduate student life and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society. This year’s beneficiary was <a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IeNJgsWRFduklcosJj7MirPMzDucrTZhb40Be9Fut8vNTRQZAoPECLsNxNgAYUyNP46N_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgz90S9ZXJRXMCQ30klXxRir-2BzbywMeQ2JdUlVCZvpitB-2BZf9VWoMg2MQA1BKo4lNSrfIK8E3jSc8IYRV5lleH8fokfADvgEnSW5zVTOx7zhzSshGBOS-2Bw44qxthL2hV39uEdbOhX-2BaNQGi0746Hc3jZbLmHL2p0MG6uJoFWYGO3uNcgR-2B254ehS8X9d1LbDMstixa5SDS5P2naOBiDWuwtTeOpL0XcuxwgehWUa5SFTvqRNG201bX-2Fbiyeg6AYDa-2Fi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">nOURish Bridgeport</a>, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending food insecurity and scarcity in Bridgeport.Volunteers gathered in the lobby of Pierre Toussaint Hall for the annual event, where they found energetic music, hair nets and hand sanitizer. They split up at a half dozen tables with the goal of packing as many meals as they could in the time allotted.Students and staff bonded with one another in the race to pack meals, creating a uniquely united atmosphere. <a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IeNJgsWRFduklcosJj7MilnEHTn9op5II8vxrh9uQefPgUKUrS5CN6XktGd-2FDP9v-2F25b1sETe4eokBBrMhpUzg-3D-3D5qN2_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgz90S9ZXJRXMCQ30klXxRir-2BzbywMeQ2JdUlVCZvpitB-2BZf9VWoMg2MQA1BKo4lNSrfIK8E3jSc8IYRV5lleH8fkDjN2LYYKrQ4RgXhC2Y3-2B-2BgfvzJJXHgQKZz4Hr9reh1fZQ9V4gmIF4zM3PC8qO5RTKiOxchaywp6oAQT0PD3KvMVqynwIFaZ27UALVBrZeKNtFTd7uHqQQheNBwjMNZPO4FCo8Sc2L5G4ZUC2pmgo7Qp-2FUMg6LZHcYXiJLjWRCv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">Annie Johnson</a>, SHU’s director of community engagement, was noticeably proud of the student volunteers and the energy they brought to this year’s project.“Engaging with the Greater Bridgeport community, students gain real-world experience by applying the content they are learning in the classroom to nonprofit and school-based organizations,” Johnson said. “These experiences increase their sense of civic responsibility and bridge the gap between higher education institutions and the local community, fostering trust and building relationships with local leaders.”<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IeNJgsWRFduklcosJj7MilnEHTn9op5II8vxrh9uQefxqBGqVFe2ohXMtxW3vPb9varJKEOx-2FTt283QAKVuGArjV3Tb-2FcRkuCa7X2CXTFyI-3DZR-a_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgz90S9ZXJRXMCQ30klXxRir-2BzbywMeQ2JdUlVCZvpitB-2BZf9VWoMg2MQA1BKo4lNSrfIK8E3jSc8IYRV5lleH8fn-2BOddHHV83nNITNm4FjmkkGTdEILhYET8tEAcAceRvJtCYBtBRBAz968z2fJ-2FWdlR2lo08NF-2BoCxwen7YNRJ-2BfYNpQ0nMTlG9GkM24ap-2FnPa8ZTBF2s-2FYBh7REZLFWjEmas-2FN8VMP3TpLue1kjpztgR-2BCfeiIpufRuREsRFgL0d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">Tori Vacca</a>, associate director of first-year programs at SHU, said packing meals for the Hunger Project has long been a cornerstone of University life. “I vividly remember this event from my time here as a student, so it was full circle to be introducing it to a new generation of students,” she said. “Events like this are so special because you see everyone come together for a cause larger than themselves and demonstrate that sense of community that we associate with SHU.”<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IeNJgsWRFduklcosJj7MilnEHTn9op5II8vxrh9uQeey-2FsoR6vXVm6FyukeDizhdUoTIn67Hzc-2FkzSMX2-2F5vtZp4bd0y2mIgvBQX5-2Bj-2BHoY-3Dj4yl_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgz90S9ZXJRXMCQ30klXxRir-2BzbywMeQ2JdUlVCZvpitB-2BZf9VWoMg2MQA1BKo4lNSrfIK8E3jSc8IYRV5lleH8fvafDrbx00ljmf797oz86dwcbyEaHalc8t0Dty8dY4tcoF-2FjVP-2F8eAMXcUXq53W2XdsTbQcuG1j9BsTEQFuMSiBWxjx0oazTO4ULfmZxe64f69hKOX3yN7Qi6chD7I2qRQP5pSYdDbbCIC-2BomfOXC2ruHf13jeDCyNRJUQf0uDGJ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">Erin Rederscheid</a>, coordinator of community partnerships for SHU, spoke about the importance of the event and its contributions to the week as a whole. “Now, more than ever, the people of Greater Bridgeport need our help in combating food insecurity,” she said. “Hosting the Hunger Project was another step SHU could take in helping support that cause. All the SHU clubs and organizations that supported this event were thrilled to be able to host it during SHU’s annual Social Justice Week, fostering the idea that we must unify to create a better tomorrow, and that starts with making sure no one is left hungry.”About Sacred Heart UniversityAs the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers more than 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart, a Laudato Si’ campus, stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 390 Colleges: 2025 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. <a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.3KYkKCumCfJCrG2op2AWQGMH8NA2HszzKFMqxExvHODSk-2BOFF79ZsNqAVERw9U232SSq_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgz90S9ZXJRXMCQ30klXxRir-2BzbywMeQ2JdUlVCZvpitB-2BZf9VWoMg2MQA1BKo4lNSrfIK8E3jSc8IYRV5lleH8fqkKYzc9YVkgdeKvzZjqylGSVdmUaheguWM9fF-2FELBX8HAVXVeSGCEFmKMC93kuqGXfq2a-2FgU4uPeURjVwh1CCKyYPmo3ddoXw99QCl7mU6DlEfYyKOEEwRcXpnhOBCBT-2Fh5coJbG3aqGbHi9YDoAdZ8lcyJoRuhqe-2BbFupIV8F-2B" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">www.sacredheart.edu</a>

Apr 15, 2025

"Chanticleer" Vocal Ensemble to Perform at Trinity Southport, April 27

SOUTHPORT, CT—Trinity Episcopal Church is proud to present multiple GRAMMY® Award-winning vocal ensemble <a href="https://www.chanticleer.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 93, 255);">Chanticleer</a> at a special concert on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.Known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for their wide-ranging repertoire and dazzling virtuosity, Chanticleer is one of the most prolific recording and touring ensembles in the world, selling over one million recordings and performing thousands of live concerts to audiences around the world. The group was lauded by the Boston Globe as “breathtaking in its accuracy of intonation, purity of blend, of color and swagger of style”.Rooted in the Renaissance, Chanticleer’s repertoire has been expanded to include a wide range of classical, gospel, jazz and popular music and to reflect a deep commitment to the commissioning of new compositions and arrangements.Named for the “clear-singing” rooster in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, Chanticleer continues to maintain ambitious programming in its hometown of San Francisco, including a large education and outreach program, and an annual concert series that includes its legendary holiday tradition “A Chanticleer Christmas”. “Chanticleer is known around the world for their virtuosity, diverse pallet of vocal colors, and entertaining performances,” said Trinity’s Music Director Robert Kwan. “We are excited to host them in Southport!”This concert is the latest in Trinity’s “Music Under the Spire” series.WHAT: World-Renowned “Chanticleer” Vocal Ensemble to Perform at Trinity SouthportWHEN: Sunday, April 27 at 4:00 pm WHERE: Trinity Episcopal Church, 651 Pequot Avenue at the Corner of Center Street, Southport, CT (Exit 19 off of i-95)COST: $65 plus feesTICKETS: Tickets can be purchased <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chanticleer-tickets-915389403347?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 93, 255);">here</a>.PHONE: (203) 255-0454About Trinity Episcopal Church<a href="https://www.trinitysouthport.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(75, 93, 255);">Trinity Episcopal Church</a> is located in the historic seaside district of Southport at 651 Pequot Avenue (at Center Street) and welcomes seekers of all denominations. Trinity’s mission is to provide a vibrant 21st century Episcopal community that inspires spiritual growth, nurtures genuine connections and promotes charitable service

Apr 14, 2025

Team Woofgang & Co. To Host Annual Party with a Purpose: Raise the Woof!

Fairfield, CT -- Team Woofgang & Co. (TWC) is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated annual fundraiser, Party with a Purpose: Raise the Woof!, taking place on June 5, 2025 at Park City Music Hall in historic Black Rock. This unforgettable evening, featuring live music, dancing, and exciting opportunities to give back, serves as TWC’s biggest fundraising event of the year.This year, we are excited to present The Pawsome Award, honoring an individual and a business that have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and advocacy for adults with special needs. TWC will proudly recognize both Dr. Michelle Smith of Fairfield Preparatory School and M&T Bank for their outstanding contributions within our community. Through their generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment, they exemplify the spirit of service and inclusion, inspiring others to create meaningful change.Guests with Premium Tickets will kick off the night in style at 6:00 PM, enjoying VIP entrance and exclusive access to the backstage annex lounge. General admission begins at 6:30 PM, opening the doors to a vibrant evening filled with fantastic live entertainment by Band Central, delicious food and drinks, a paddle raise, and an exclusive silent auction.All proceeds from this fundraiser will offset the growing costs of Team Woofgang’s programming. Your support will directly impact our ability to provide these much needed services free of charge to team members and their families. Team Woofgang & Co is a non-profit organization committed to empowering adults with a wide range of intellectual and developmental disabilities through vocational skill training, life-long learning, and social opportunities. Our Team Members participate in two unique curriculums that include producing, packaging, marketing, and selling handmade dog treats and pet toys. Team Woofgang & Co. is committed to offering our services at no charge to team members or their families. As we do not discriminate or charge for our services, 100% of our funding needs to be raised from the generosity of those who believe in our mission. Don’t miss this inspiring night of celebration, connection, and community! To become a sponsor, purchase tickets, make a donation or learn more about Team Woofgang & Co., visit <a href="http://woofgangco.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent;">woofgangco.org</a>.