<p><span style="color: black;">Beth-El Center is pleased to invite you to a special </span><strong style="color: black;">Wine &amp; Dine</strong><span style="color: black;"> event to support those in our community who turn to us for food, shelter and support services. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Please join us on </span><strong style="color: black;">Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Bin 100 Restaurant</strong><span style="color: black;"> in Milford for an evening of fine wine, gourmet food and charitable giving.</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Guest are invited to immerse themselves in an outstanding 5 course culinary experience accompanied by wine pairings from Napa Valley's Copper Cane Wine &amp; Spirits.</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Support Beth-El's vital mission of aiding members of our community on their journey back to self-sufficiency and stable housing. Together, we can make a difference while enjoying an exceptional night out. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Register today! Tickets: $135 per person </span><a href="https://bethelcenterct.org/website/publish/newsroom/newsDetail.php?Wine-Dine-Event-239=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethelcenterct.org/website/publish/newsroom/newsDetail.php?Wine-Dine-Event-239</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A MAN NAMED CASH: A Tribute to The Man in Black at The Palace Danbury on Sunday March 9 2025 3PM</strong></p><p>Danbury, CT&nbsp;– On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM, The Palace Danbury will proudly present&nbsp;<strong>A Man Named Cash: A Tribute to The Man in Black.</strong></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j3b7yTDsujU?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><strong>A Man Named Cash&nbsp;</strong>offers an authentic tribute to the timeless music and story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. The show stars Eric Hofmanis, who was previously handpicked by the Johnny Cash Estate through a nationwide audition to serve as the lead vocalist for&nbsp;<em>Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience</em>.</p><p>Eric now brings his exceptional talent to this fresh new tribute show, honoring Cash’s legendary legacy with unparalleled authenticity. This show offers a unique and exciting perspective, taking audiences on a journey through nearly 50 years of Cash’s iconic career—from his energetic Sun Records days to his soulful revival with American Recordings. Fans will hear unforgettable hits like "I Walk the Line" and the haunting "Hurt," with Eric delivering Cash’s raw emotion and powerful storytelling.</p><p>Joining Eric is Connecticut native and Laurelton Hall High School graduate Megan Houde, who effortlessly steps into the role of June Carter Cash. Her natural chemistry with Eric brings Johnny and June’s legendary partnership to life, capturing June’s charm, wit, and humor, while adding a dynamic layer that enhances the show.</p><p>Together, Eric and Megan deliver an unforgettable performance, capturing the heart and soul of Johnny and June’s enduring legacy. With a captivating blend of music, passion, and storytelling,&nbsp;<strong>A Man Named Cash&nbsp;</strong>transports audiences on a powerful journey through the lives and music of two of country music’s most beloved figures.</p><p><strong>Event Details:&nbsp;</strong>Sunday Matinee, March 9, 2025. Doors open at 2:00 PM. Show starts at 3:00 PM. Reserved Seating. Tickets are $39.00 and can be purchased in advance online at&nbsp;<a href="https://f7cqvsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018Zah2XMjcdrk1QxA0WH4SFKU8CCmBw3xMfCL5k7y2PoFS-XUzbETO5tGSKFbeVkmlJZd8-diky96ULLS4xfCzrjsogbu2PpVeKN5KiMlzTL2l7xAHGpA8QpZsVKZBGL9e7BK5enUmvTAwk1tkTF8OwZVsXJQW6LO&amp;c=nPEFLz0LlUdiz2rYZ8kF59k5sMAC0N97ip4T0S3FZV6u-0S8NU8iYA==&amp;ch=Gs-uCJZFM42CfMnXrRt3-np-1pJeyKoDTyhJqFshBfoiOyJodMipWQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 126, 246);">www.thepalacedanbury.com</a>, by phone at (203) 794-9944, or at the box office starting one hour before showtime. Free parking for patrons.</p>

<p>Milford, CT – Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall invites you to Irish Night on Saturday, March 1, at 7:30 p.m. This cherished tradition celebrates the school's deep connection to Irish culture and hospitality, inspired by Catherine McAuley, who founded the Sisters of Mercy in Dublin in 1831. Irish Night honors Lauralton’s heritage while raising funds for scholarships.</p><p>Doors open at 6:45 p.m., welcoming guests with the stirring sounds of the award-winning Fairfield Gaelic Pipe Band before The Night Visitors take the stage. Formed after the retirement of the Highland Rovers, The Night Visitors continue the tradition of Irish music with a rock 'n' roll attitude. For the third year in a row, champion Irish step dancers from the Brennan-Lucey Irish Dance Academy will bring the spirit of traditional Irish céilis to life with their jigs and reels.</p><p>"One of the great things about Irish Night is that there is something for everyone," said Lauralton’s Director of Advancement, Kathleen Kearns Donahue ’80. "We draw guests from all over Fairfield and New Haven counties. The event also brings together the parent community, alumnae, and faculty and staff for an evening of fellowship. Most importantly, we raise much-needed dollars for scholarships."</p><p>Back again this year is the optional "Best Table" contest, where guests can showcase their creativity with themed table decorations. Coffee, tea, and a dessert buffet will be provided, while guests are welcome to bring their own beverages, ice, and snacks.</p><p>Tickets are $25 per person (ages 21+). A limited number of tickets will be available at the door, but this event often sells out—get yours today! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit <a href="www.lauraltonhall.org/irishnight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.lauraltonhall.org/irishnight</a>.</p>

<p><span style="color: black;">The Network of Executive Women (NEW) was honored to be recognized by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce at their Annual Meeting and Awards of Distinction event in January. The organization was recognized alongside many other incredible individuals and businesses from the local community, receiving the Business Community Impact of the Year Award. For over 45 years, NEW has worked to address the common interests of businesswomen in the community and help them grow and prosper. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Being honored with this award reflects the hard work and dedication of their amazing members (past and present), as well as the unwavering support from the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce and the local community. NEW’s President (July 2024 - June 2025), Danielle Rownin stated, “On behalf of the incredible women who empower and support one another—beginning with our visionary founder, Phyllis Holt—I am honored and grateful to accept this award on behalf of the Network of Executive Women.”</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">The organization which was founded in 1979 is excited to continue growing their network of incredible women and working to make an impact in their community. Stay up to date on ways you can support their ongoing efforts by visiting their website, </span><a href="https://networkofexecutivewomen.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">networkofexecutivewomen.org</a><span style="color: black;"> or following them on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/networkofexecutivewomen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">Facebook</a><span style="color: black;"> or </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/3316024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">LinkedIn</a><span style="color: black;">. </span></p><p><strong style="color: black;">About Network of Executive Women</strong>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: black;">Network of Executive Women (NEW) is an organization that addresses the common business interests and issues of women in executive, professional and entrepreneurial roles through the exchange of ideas, information, and experiences.&nbsp;For more information visit, </span><a href="https://networkofexecutivewomen.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">networkofexecutivewomen.org</a><span style="color: black;">.</span></p>

<p>Join the Milford Garden Club on Tuesday, February 11th&nbsp;for our program entitled:&nbsp;“Tips and Techniques for Effective Landscape Pruning” presented by Dan Dalton, Master Arborist and professor of Horticulture.&nbsp;Dan will demonstrate how to make your plants flourish with great pruning practices.&nbsp;Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from an expert.</p><p>Dan’s presentation begins at 1:00 pm and will be held at the DAR Chapter House, 55 Prospect Street, in Milford.&nbsp;The admission fee is $5.00. payable in cash or check.&nbsp;To reserve your table space, please text or call Membership Chair Bunny Elmore by February 9th&nbsp;at 203-848-7459.</p><p>The Milford Garden Club’s mission is to advocate for the preservation and restoration of our natural environment, and to beautify and educate our community through programs and civic projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We meet monthly on Tuesdays from September through June.&nbsp;If you are interested in joining the Milford Garden Club please contact Bunny Elmore at 203-848-7459.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Joan Cretella, Board Chairperson of Bridges Healthcare announced that applications are now being accepted for<strong> </strong>The Barry Kasdan Scholarship for the pursuit of a graduate or undergraduate degree in human services and The Stella Cretella Scholarship for those in pursuit of higher education through graduate or undergraduate degrees focusing on advocacy and policy reform in mental health services.</p><p><strong>CRITERIA FOR AWARDING THE SCHOLARSHIP</strong></p><p>Three $1,500 scholarships will be awarded.&nbsp;The successful candidates must meet the following criteria:</p><p>1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be a Bridges employee, or spouse, child or grandchild of a Bridges employee, <u>or</u><strong> </strong>a resident of Ansonia, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, West Haven, or Woodbridge Connecticut</p><p>2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Must be pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in human services; or must be pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree in mental health advocacy / public policy</p><p class="ql-align-justify">3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For high school applicants, must be completing high school or have GED equivalent in the year the scholarship is awarded. Completed applications are due no later than March 31, 2025. Applications can be submitted online using the&nbsp;<a href="https://hipaa.jotform.com/build/243504246828156" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Bridges Healthcare Board Scholarship Application</a> which can be accessed at <a href="http://www.bridgesct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.bridgesct.org</a>.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:scholarship@bridgesmilford.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">scholarship@bridgesmilford.org</a> with any questions.</p><p>These scholarships were established by Bridges’ Board of Directors, the Board Endowment Fund Committee, and the Board Scholarship Committee in honor of Barry Kasdan’s 30+ years of leadership and service to Bridges Healthcare, Inc. and in memory of Stella Cretella’s 40+ years in advocating for mental illness health reform in Connecticut and her 10+ years serving on the Board of Directors at Bridges Healthcare, Inc.</p><p>Mr. Kasdan<strong> </strong>was appointed President and CEO of Bridges, then known as Milford Mental Health, in 1984. Under his leadership, the organization grew from a small mental health agency with 22 employees to an integrated healthcare system with 160 employees. Bridges Healthcare, Inc. continues to grow in size and scope serving over 5,000 area residents in Ansonia, Bethany, Derby, Milford, Orange, Seymour, Shelton, Stratford, West Haven, and Woodbridge.</p><p>Ms. Cretella<strong> </strong>was a firm believer in higher education, especially for women.&nbsp;She was a pioneer in mental health advocacy, awareness and treatment through her volunteerism on the board of directors for both Region II in Connecticut of the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) and Bridges Healthcare, Inc.</p><p><span style="color: black;">For more information about Bridges’ programs and services, visit </span><a href="http://www.bridgesct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">bridgesct.org.</a></p>