<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><strong>Trumbull, CT&nbsp;</strong>—<strong style="color: rgb(0, 32, 92);">&nbsp;</strong>The Kennedy Collective Autism Learning Network announces a new Social Skills Group that explores the dynamics of familial, friendship, and workplace relationships for individuals with autism between the ages of 15 - 20. </p><p>The pilot program utilizes evidence-based practices, including multiple exemplar training, behavior skills training and reinforcement to focus on developing skills and goals.The Social Skills Group will meet from 6:00 – 7:00PM at The Kennedy Collective, 2440 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull, CT on the first Monday of every month beginning May 6, 2024. The price to participate is $35/session and the program accepts Husky Insurance (*parts A, C and D only).</p><p>“We are very excited to offer this new program to our broader community,” commented Don Seipel, VP, Behavior Analytic Services at The Kennedy Collective. “Too often, parents and caregivers of children &amp; young adults with developmental disabilities are told what their child cannot do. Through our Social Skills program, we help identify what the individual can do and utilize that information to develop a learning plan to help set goals and jump start their skills development.”</p><p>To register, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thekennedycollective.org/support-services/autism-learning-network" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">https://www.thekennedycollective.org/support-services/autism-learning-network</a>. For more information, email Don Seipel at&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:don.seipel@thekennedycollective.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">don.seipel@thekennedycollective.org</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The Kennedy Collective Autism Learning Network provides opportunities for children, teens, and young adults on the Autism Spectrum to engage in age-appropriate social and recreational activities that also integrate skill-building strategies.&nbsp;A variety of immersive programs are offered throughout the year, with many opportunities for people with Autism to feel supported, connected, and empowered.</p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend April 26-28</strong></p><p>HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/docent-led-tour-it-will-go-on-09d42" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>It Will Go On Docent Led Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCa Westport</strong></p><p>Fridays - Sundays 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm</p><p>It Will Go On examines the written word, tracing the complex ways in which text and by extension literature are utilized by contemporary artists. </p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/lewis-carrolls-alices-adventures/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures</strong></a></p><p><strong>Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26 to May 12, 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>We are all familiar with Alice’s adventures, but this version is arrestingly different. Not children’s theatre - meant for adult audiences.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/the-executioners-wife-a-new-musical/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Executioner’s Wife</strong></a></p><p><strong>Milford Arts Council</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26 to May 12, 7:30 pm</p><p>Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc. presents a new musical by Bert Bernardi and Justin Rugg. Recommended for adult audiences (13 and over). Fridays &amp; Saturdays at 7:30pm. Sundays at 2pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/moca-some-noise-open-mic-night-poetry-month-special" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Moca Some Noise- Open Mic Night </strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCa Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26, 6:30 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>Get ready for this poetry month special featuring acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry! Everyone is invited to participate and attend.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ode-to-joy-comes-to-connecticut/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ode To Joy Comes To Connecticut</strong></a></p><p><strong>Trinity Episcopal Church</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the 200th anniversary of the world premiere of perhaps THE most famous piece of orchestral music ever written: Beethoven’s towering Ninth Symphony – the first symphony ever to feature vocalists and a chorus. </p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/grease/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>“Grease”</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Wilton Playshop</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26 to May 11, 8:00 pm</p><p>Get ready to shake, rattle and roll as The Wilton Playshop brings the electrifying and timeless musical, “Grease,” to life on stage! </p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/whose-barn-is-it-anyway-at-theater-barn-april-26th/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Whose Barn Is It Anyway?</strong></a></p><p><strong>Ridgefield Theater Barn</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate Spring with some laughter. Matt Austin will host an evening of unpredictable fun. Seating is cabaret-style, &amp; the audience is invited to bring food and drinks.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/greylan-james/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Greylan James</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Palace Theatre</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>It’s been a whirlwind year for Greylan, to be sure: he’s been tirelessly writing and recording his forthcoming debut project with BMLG Records, toured with Old Dominion this past summer, before heading out with Cole Swindell this fall..</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/shorebird-walk-with-connecticut-audubon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Shorebird Walk with Connecticut Audubon</strong></a></p><p><strong>Coastal Center at Milford Point</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 8:00 am - 10:00 am</p><p>The exhibition IMAGES Featured Photographer: Isabel Chenoweth pulls from the artist’s series of photographs, Connecticut’s Tidal Zones, where she explores the state’s wetlands and tidal areas, delicate ecosystems critical to the conservation of animals like shorebirds and the preservation of natural resources. </p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/stamford-history-center-tag-sale-fundraiser/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Spring Tag Sale Fundraiser</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Spring into action because the Stamford History Center Tag Sale Fundraiser is your opportunity to find treasures and gifts large and small! Antiques, furniture, art, books, jewelry and more. We recommend arriving early for the best selection.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/puppetry-guild-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Puppetry Guild Day</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm</p><p>A day packed with puppets featuring two special performances of Spinning Straw into Gold, an original fairy tale created by Roland Duprey which tells the tale of a young woman tasked with turning worthless straw into shimmering gold for the King. .</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/tequila-and-mezcal-tasting-party---fundraiser-for-the-weston-history-culture-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tequila And Mezcal Tasting Party</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a week early at the Tequila and Mezcal Tasting to benefit the Weston History &amp; Culture Center. Sample a variety of tequila and mezcal donated by Diageo.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/performing-arts-at-moca-natalia-kazaryan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Performing Arts At Moca With Natalia Kazaryan</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>From Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, pianist Natalia Kazaryan has been hailed by The New York Sun for her “prodigious ability,” remarking that she “immediately established an atmosphere of strength and confidence.” She is “a marvel among marvels … fascinating, elegant” (Nice-Matin) and “incredible” (All Classical Portland).</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/american-rso-in-concert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>TRANSCENDENT – RSO in Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Anne S. Richardson Auditorium at Ridgefield High School</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>The Program includes: Finlandia - Jean Sibelius. Vier letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs) - Richard Strauss. Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 47 - Dmitri Shostakovich</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/american-chamber-orchestra---april-27-2024-7-30pm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>American Chamber Orchestra</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall at Norwalk City Hall</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>The orchestra shares the stage with The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut under the baton of Maestro Christopher James Hisey. On the program are Beethoven's Choral Fantasy with pianist Will</p><p>Duchon, Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine, Handel's Zadok the Priest and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ftc-comedy-presents-tanael-joachim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Comedy Presents: Tanael Joachim</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne at FTC</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:45 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>TJ is a standup comedian who has made appearances on Gotham Comedy Live on AXS TV and on Good Day New York on FOX. He is based in New York City but was born and raised in Haiti. TJ has a very laid back, smooth, and conversational style and he jokes about race, society’s idiosyncrasies, and the inherent contrast between life in Haiti and America. Some people say his humor is smart and eye-opening; he would probably agree with these people.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ftc-presents-pink-talking-fish" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ftc Presents: Pink Talking Fish</strong></a></p><p>T<strong>he Warehouse at FTC</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish are all more than just bands... they are Phenomenons. Their creations have artistically inspired people and their mindblowing live performances have brought people together to form a special sense of community around the love for their favorite band.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/birdwatching-with-the-ct-audubon-society/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Birdwatching with the CT Audubon Society</strong></a></p><p><strong>Seaside Park</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 10:00 am - 11:00 am</p><p>Come on a birdwatching walk through Seaside Park. We will be joined by Stefan Martin of the Audubon Society who will provide us with tips and information on the world of birdwatching!</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/artists-authors-and-actors-in-darien-a-bus-tour-of-their-historic-homes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artists, Authors, and Actors in Darien</strong></a></p><p><strong>A Bus Tour of Their Historic Homes</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Actor Frank Latimore, award-winning artist Dorothea Warren O'Hara, and acclaimed author Erskine Caldwell are among many talented and renowned artists, authors, and actors that once called Darien home.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/contemporary-art-and-the-brant-foundation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sabrina Marsalisi, Director of Education at The Brant Foundation Art Study Center</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Ridgefield Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>Come hear Sabrina Marsalisi, Director of Education at The Brant Foundation Art Study Center, discuss the topic of contemporary art at The Brant Foundation.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/jennifer-butler-spring-fashion-show-at-fairfield-public-library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jennifer Butler’s Spring Fashion Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Public Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Friends of the Fairfield Library present Fairfield fashion designer Jennifer Butler’s Spring/Summer collection for women and men in the Bruce Kershner Gallery at Main Library.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/architreks-travels-of-architecture-addicts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Architreks: Travels of Architecture Addicts</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Canaan Museum &amp; Historical Society</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>When Peter Swanson and Bob Gregson met in 1976, it quickly became evident that they shared a passion for modern architecture. </p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/sesame-street-live-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sesame Street Live</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Palace Theatre</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello! </p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Bridges Healthcare's Rock the Dock for Mental Health event is&nbsp;planned for Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 5:30pm at Lisman Landing, 37 Helwig Street, in Downtown Milford.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, the event will feature an exclusive performance by local band, The Alpaca Gnomes and include light fare and drinks. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://give.classy.org/RocktheDock?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3nnC1JRsYtOKbZBT5og9KilXxNpxstfXc0gQVVVCX9mJEc7-RnPQOlycg_aem_AWUxpcpGsnnDcEQFXtgARPhgvPjF8lFTAOiDAuQ6uL-bJtrapsPlYeq3D0t5aOlNP0930uw6BH54aKry-K8UwmJP" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 151, 255);">https://give.classy.org/RocktheDock</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">. Sponsorship opportunities available.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Proceeds from the event will&nbsp;support&nbsp;the mental health, recovery and prevention services that we provide to more 8,000 local&nbsp;people annually.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);"></span></p>

<p>Co-producers Bert Bernardi and Jimmy Johansmeyer of the award-winning Pantochino Productions are now accepting applications for the 2024 Evan Faram Memorial Scholarship.</p><p><br></p><p>The scholarship, in memory of founding Pantochino member Evan Faram is presented to a graduating Milford area student who is furthering their education in theatre or music. Presented by Pantochino since 2020, the scholarship memorializes Evan Faram who was a founding member of the company. The Texas-born actor and entrepreneur was a graduate of Southwestern University who performed in theaters across the country and internationally. He played the title role in Pantochino’s “Teen Santa” and also appeared in “Special Breakfast.” His young life was taken by a drunk driver in 2019. “We will always remember Evan for his talent, generosity, charisma and his zest for life,” said Bernardi.</p><p><br></p><p>Applications will be accepted now through May, 2024.</p><p><br></p><p>Pantochino Productions is a professional, not for profit theatre company in Milford specializing in family theatre. It is widely acclaimed for its innovative, original musical theatre offerings, Summer Theatre Camps, Classes, After School Drama programs and Teen Theatre. The multi Award winning company is recipient of three 2023 “Best of Milford” Awards, many Broadway World Connecticut Awards and the Cultural Contribution Award presented by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce.</p><p><br></p><p>More information about the Evan Faram Memorial Scholarship can be found online at<a href="http://www.pantochino.com/evan-faram" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.pantochino.com/evan-faram</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>The Greater Bridgeport Symphony (GBS) will close out its 78th season with "A Bridge to Beethoven" on Saturday, April 13 at The Klein in Bridgeport, 8:00pm. The final concert of the season, "Building Bridges," will be led by Principal Guest Conductor Eduardo Leandro and will feature a dramatic cello solo by Dr. Nicholas Hardie.</p><p>This fifth concert will mark the beginning of “Round Two” of GBS’ continuing search for a new Music Director. Leandro is one of four candidates vying to fill the vacant position that was held by Eric Jacobsen from 2014 to 2023. "A Bridge to Beethoven" will be Leandro’s final concert and will be the last chance the audience has to participate in the decision and rate his performance for the season.</p><p>A highlight of the concert will be the appearance of cellist Dr. Nicholas Hardie on the Shostakovich “Cello Concerto No. 1.” Hardie is in demand as a soloist nationally and has been GBS’ Principal Cellist for many years. “GBS has had the gift of Nick’s amazing musicianship leading our cello section for some time, and now we’ll get to see and hear him right up front,” says GBS’ President Mark Halstead. “We’re exceptionally fortunate to have great players like Nick in our musician family.” GBS’ March concert also featured a soloist from within the orchestra; flautist Keith Bonner who has been GBS Principal Flautist since 2016.</p><p>The concert will begin with a movement from Prokofiev’s “Symphony No 1,” and end with Beethoven’s celebratory “Symphony No. 8.” “We’ve spent the season showing the bridges between different types of music, between different cultures and different eras,” says GBS President Mark Halstead. “In this concert, we’ll be drawing parallels between Beethoven and these two Russian masters, who revered Beethoven. We hope you’ll all enjoy!”</p><p>“This is always an exhilarating time in our season as plans are underway to bring a wealth of talent and excitement to the GBS stage as we look forward to premiering our 79th season of extraordinary performances for the whole family,” says GBS Executive Director Phyllis Cortese.</p><p>There will be a Pre-Concert Talk before the show at 7:00pm to learn more about the music of the concert. Tickets are $18.00 to $65.00 (all fees included), available through <a href="http://www.gbs.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">www.GBS.org</a> or by calling (203) 576-0263. Group rates and Family Pack Deals are available by calling GBS. All kids under 19 get in for just $10.00, and accompanying adults get 15% off their ticket purchases.</p>

<p>TRUMBULL, CT (April 4, 2024) Make-A-Wish Connecticut has teamed up with Chaz and AJ, the co-hosts of Connecticut’s most popular morning show “Chaz and AJ in the Morning,” heard on 99.1 WPLR FM and 95.9 WFOX FM to help grant a child’s wish.</p><p>Six-year-old Camryn from Guilford bravely battles leukemia. Her one true wish was to have a playhouse in her backyard – “a place for her and her sister to play and hangout without their parents.”</p><p>“I’m proud to be part of something that will put a smile on Camryn’s face while shining a light on the great work that Make-A-Wish Connecticut does every day, while also making AJ suffer at the same time,” said Chaz.</p><p>“I’m thrilled to once again be a part of making a child’s wish come true by working with the Make-A-Wish organization,” added AJ.Starting on Thursday, April 4th, Chaz and AJ will begin accepting donations at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wplr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wplr.com</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.959thefox.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">959thefox.com</a>. The show hopes to raise $10,000 to pay for Camryn’s playhouse. On Friday, April 5th, to help generate excitement and donations, AJ will be traveling across Guilford throughout the day dressed as Taylor Swift, Camryn’s favorite singer, for ‘The Errors Tour.” AJ will visit local businesses and entertain the community, singing Taylor Swift karaoke.</p><p>&nbsp;“Chaz and AJ’s commitment to giving back and the support of their community is amazing,” said Pam Keough, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Connecticut. “We are grateful to them and their listeners for their passion for our mission and their generosity to help make life-changing wishes come true.”</p><p>&nbsp;“The Errors Tour” on Friday begins at 9 a.m. at Premiere Subaru in Branford.</p><p><br></p>