<p><br></p><p>LeAnn Rimes, the internationally acclaimed multi-platinum selling singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter, is set to perform at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 8:00 p.m.</p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t5cB9lEXxdA?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p>With over 48 million units sold worldwide, Rimes has earned a stellar reputation in the music industry. She is the recipient of two Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards, two World Music Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards, two Country Music Association Awards, and a Dove Award.</p><p>At just 14 years old, Rimes became the youngest solo artist ever to win a Grammy Award, taking home the title of “Best New Artist.” The following year, at age 15, she made history again by being the first country artist to win “Artist of the Year” at the Billboard Music Awards.</p><p>Don’t miss this opportunity to experience LeAnn Rimes’ incredible voice and unforgettable performance in an intimate setting.</p><p><strong>Purchase tickets here</strong>: <a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/WordVerification_Check.asp?LineType=0&amp;LineID=4715&amp;backurl=%2F%2Ftickets%2Eridgefieldplayhouse%2Eorg%2Forderticketsvenue%2Easp%3Fp%3D4715&amp;forwardurl=%2F%2Ftickets%2Eridgefieldplayhouse%2Eorg%2Forderticketsvenue%2Easp%3Fp%3D4715%26src%3D&amp;_ga=2.93330141.1312090720.1737068700-915362228.1727189977&amp;_gl=1*1q8jd02*_gcl_au*MTQyMTgyNjM2OC4xNzM1NDA2NzI1*_ga*OTE1MzYyMjI4LjE3MjcxODk5Nzc.*_ga_M21VN3HWBD*MTczNzEyNzA1NS41NC4wLjE3MzcxMjcwNTUuNjAuMC4w*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTczNzEyNzA1NS41NC4wLjE3MzcxMjcwNTUuNjAuMC4w" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ridgefield Playhouse</a>.</p><p>For more information, visit the <a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/leann-rimes-ridgefield-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ridgefield Playhouse website</a>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">ACLU of Connecticut &amp; Local Individuals to Host Free Civil Rights Town Hall on Jan. 22 </strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">The ACLU of Connecticut announces a Civil Rights Town Hall event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 22, at the Student Center Theater at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury at 181 White Street. This event is free and open to the public of all ages. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Your voice and your concerns about Civil Rights and Liberties in a Second Trump Administration deserve to be heard. Just two days after Trump's presidential inauguration, join hosts Glori Norwitt, Emanuela Palmares, Lisa Scails, Jessica Mancini, State Senator Julie Kushner, and ACLU staff for an opportunity to get clear and accurate information from legal, policy, and advocacy experts about the issues you care most about: reproductive justice, immigration, LGBTQIA+ rights, the First Amendment, policing and racial justice, artificial intelligence, and more. Ask questions of the experts and make your voice heard in your community while learning about the ACLU's civil rights and liberties landscape in 2025. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">"The ACLU of Connecticut is hosting these events all over the state, and we know Danbury is a place where communities </span><em style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">must</em><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);"> be informed about their civil rights and liberties," said advocate Glori Norwitt, who is a host of the January 22 event. "We encourage anyone with anxiety, concerns, or an interest in how federal and state governments work to come hear from these civil rights and liberties experts. People have power, and joining together in public spaces creates solidarity and opportunities to learn about your rights."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Check-in and socializing begins at 6:00pm. Speakers begin at 6:30pm. Question and Answer at 7:00pm. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">Please RSVP to the free event here: </span><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aclu-of-connecticut-civil-rights-town-hall-danbury-tickets-1083081097719?utm_experiment=test_share_listing&amp;aff=ebdsshios" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 120, 212);">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/aclu-of-connecticut-civil-</a></p>

<p>Groovin’&nbsp;in New Fairfield&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(46, 46, 46);">is proud to welcome back&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: red;">COLD CHOCOLATE&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(46, 46, 46);">with special guest&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: red;">RACHELSUMNER</strong><span style="color: red;">&nbsp;</span><span style="color: rgb(46, 46, 46);">on Saturday, February 1&nbsp;at 7:30pm, at the New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;Doors open at 6:45 pm.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>PLEASE NOTE:&nbsp;If you don't purchase tickets ahead of time, please call 203-746-1142 before you purchase tickets at the door to make sure we still have tickets available and&nbsp;the&nbsp;show has not sold out</strong>.&nbsp;Tickets can be purchased in advance at the New Fairfield Senior Center or by mail with cash or by check. Checks can be mailed to:&nbsp;Groovin' in New Fairfield,&nbsp;c/o New Fairfield Senior Center, 33 Route 37, New Fairfield, CT 06812.&nbsp;(NOTE: please leave sufficient time if you are using the mail option.)&nbsp;Please include all contact information (name, address, phone, email) on your ticket requests.&nbsp;All sales are final.&nbsp;For more information, contact us at 203-746-1142 or email us at&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:grcoffeehouse@gmail.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">grcoffeehouse@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Enjoy a moderately-priced dinner catered by Bruno’s Restaurant before the show.&nbsp;&nbsp;Choices include:&nbsp;&nbsp;Eggplant Rollatini, Chicken Francese, Pizza, Coffee, Tea, Water and Homemade Desserts. Free water fill-up&nbsp;&nbsp;if you bring your own reusable water bottle!</p><p>Please note our upcoming shows and mark your calendars:</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday, March 29, 2025&nbsp;&nbsp;7:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Kerri Powers</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday September 27, 2025&nbsp;&nbsp;7:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;TBD</p><p>·&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Saturday, November 8, 2025 7:30pm&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The Clement Brothers</p><p><strong style="color: red;">Cold Chocolate&nbsp;</strong>is a genre-bending Americana band that fuses folk, funk, and bluegrass to create a unique sound all their own. Featuring Ethan Robbins on guitar, Ariel Bernstein on percussion, this power duo from Boston is impressing audiences throughout New England and beyond. Punctuated by tight harmonies and skillful musicianship, and with a focus on songwriting, Cold Chocolate has quickly gained recognition for their original music and high-energy shows. The band has shared bills with Leftover Salmon and David Grisman, and regularly performs at venues and music festivals up and down the East Coast.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.coldchocolatemusic.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.coldchocolatemusic.com</a></p><p><strong style="color: red;">Rachel Sumner&nbsp;</strong>is no stranger to the stage. She spent her early career on the bluegrass circuit, singing and writing with the genre-bending roots group Twisted Pine. Since setting out on her own, Sumner's songs have been critically acclaimed: winning the 2021 John Lennon Award in the folk category for her song "Radium Girls (Curie Eleison);" earning a spot in the Kerrville New Folk Competition; and being chosen four consecutive years as one of the top Massachusetts entries in NPR’s Tiny Desk Competition. Rachel Sumner &amp; Traveling Light released their debut LP in the summer of 2022 to critical acclaim.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.rachelsumnermusic.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.rachelsumnermusic.com</a><strong style="color: rgb(46, 46, 46);">About Groovin’ in New Fairfield</strong><span style="color: rgb(46, 46, 46);">:&nbsp;&nbsp;Groovin’ in New Fairfield seeks to develop and promote ongoing, regularly scheduled live music programs in New Fairfield and surrounding areas.&nbsp;&nbsp;It is a non-profit organization supported by sponsors, local businesses, grants from charitable organizations and patron donations and is staffed by volunteers.&nbsp;&nbsp;It operates under the New Fairfield Parks and Recreation Commission.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.groovininnewfairfield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.groovininnewfairfield.com</a></p><h5><br></h5><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of particularly frigid conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">High temperatures during this period are forecast to be in the mid to upper twenties, and overnight lows are expected to be in the single digits and teens. Winds are expected to be out of the northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts potentially reaching 40 miles per hour.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.211ct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(31, 100, 229);">211ct.org</a>to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The purpose of the state’s severe cold weather protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:</p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.</li></ul><p class="ql-align-justify">For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CT<em>Prepares</em>&nbsp;website at&nbsp;<a href="https://ct.gov/ctprepares" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(31, 100, 229);">ct.gov/ctprepares</a>.</p>

<p>Danbury CT - SCORE Western Connecticut, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering vibrant small business communities, is calling on professionals, retirees, and business leaders to join its team of volunteer mentors. By volunteering, you can play a pivotal role in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals and strengthen the local economy.</p><p><strong>Why Volunteer with SCORE?</strong></p><p>SCORE mentors provide free, confidential business mentoring and educational workshops to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. These services have proven invaluable in helping local businesses thrive. Research shows that businesses with SCORE mentors have a 70% higher survival rate after five years, compared to those without mentorship.</p><p><strong>Who Can Volunteer?</strong></p><p>SCORE is looking for professionals with expertise in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, human resources, or industry-specific knowledge. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, retiree, corporate executive, or experienced business owner, you can make a difference by sharing your knowledge and experience. Passion for giving back and strong communication skills are essential.</p><p><strong>Benefits of Volunteering:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Personal Fulfillment</strong>: Help local businesses thrive and make a lasting impact.</li><li><strong>Professional Development</strong>: Enhance your mentoring, coaching, and leadership skills.</li><li><strong>Community Connection</strong>: Strengthen ties to your community and join a network of like-minded professionals.</li></ul><p><strong>How to Get Involved:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Apply Online</strong>: Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.score.org/page/volunteer-score%20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.score.org/page/volunteer-score</a>&nbsp;to submit your application.</li><li><strong>Start Mentoring</strong>: Begin making a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and small business owners.</li></ol><p><strong>About SCORE Western Connecticut</strong></p><p>SCORE Western Connecticut is part of a nationwide network of 10,000+ volunteer mentors. The chapter is dedicated to helping local businesses succeed through free mentoring and educational programs. By empowering small businesses, SCORE contributes to building a stronger, more resilient economy.</p><p><strong>Join us in empowering the next generation of business leaders. Volunteer with SCORE Western Connecticut today!</strong></p>

<p>Join us on Saturday, November 30 that 4:30 PM to meet the talented author in person. She will be signing copies of both The Girls of Haviland (2023) and the new release sequel Beyond Haviland (2024)</p><p><br></p><p>About the author: "I'm a self published author and elementary school teacher. I'm so very excited for the debut of my first YA novel, The Girls of Haviland. I love nothing more than researching women's history. I am particularly drawn to the history of the Hudson Valley Region in New York, the Women's Suffrage Movement, and the World War One years.</p><p><br></p><p>The idea for The Girls of Haviland came to me when I saw a picture of students at a private girls' school taken at the turn of the twentieth century in Carmel, New York. I used this picture and archival articles from a local newspaper to create a historical fiction story that examines issues which will resonate with contemporary readers."</p><p>Find out more about the author at <a href="https://deborahoswald.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://deborahoswald.com/</a></p><p><br></p><p>Light refreshments will be served. Free parking. Restrooms available.</p><p><br></p><p>The BookSmiths Shoppe <a href="https://booksmithsshoppe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://booksmithsshoppe.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(111, 114, 135);">100 Reserve Road #1st Floor Danbury, CT 06810</span></p><p><br></p><p>RSVP here: <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-signing-with-author-deborah-oswald-saturday-1130-at-430-pm-tickets-1091747027749?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/book-signing-with-author-deborah-oswald-saturday-1130-at-430-pm-tickets-1091747027749</a></p><p><br></p>