<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join the Royal Family at Armando's in Bethel for an Exclusive Cruise Night!</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Set sail on an evening of inspiration and adventure at </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Meet the Royal Family" </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">at Armando's Restaurant, located at </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">47 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, on </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">February 5th</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. This event is hosted by Expedia Cruises Brookfield.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Discover the world of cruising with an exclusive presentation featuring </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises,</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Silversea Cruises</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. With three remarkable cruise lines under the Royal Caribbean umbrella, this event has something for everyone—whether you’re planning a family vacation, a luxurious getaway, or an adventure to explore new horizons.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Space is limited, so RSVP is a must!</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Secure your spot by clicking </span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221tribrand2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email Mary Villamana&nbsp;</strong><a href="mailto:mvillamana@expediacruises.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>mvillamana@expediacruises.com</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Interested in adding “award winner” to your resume? The Connecticut Press Club announced today the opening of its annual state-wide contest. All communicators are invited to submit their 2024 published work – be it a news article, personal essay, book, blog, public relations or social media campaign, photographs, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Connecticut Press Club’s popular Communications Contest, which rewards excellence in 63 categories, will be judged by professionals with corresponding expertise.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Categories include:</strong></p><p>online and print news articles and columns</p><p>personal essay</p><p>social media campaigns</p><p>nonfiction, fiction, poetry, young adult and children's books</p><p>specialty articles in the arts, food, business, education, travel and more...</p><p>page design, editing, photography and graphics</p><p>radio and TV</p><p>podcasts and blogs</p><p>advertising and PR</p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</span> is a complete list of categories.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to the professional competition, the Connecticut Press Club is holding a High School Communications Contest. Entries must be produced by a current high school student or a recently graduated student who produced the work in their senior year between February 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025. Entries must have been published or broadcast by a school or professional publication in a recognized medium for the category. i.e., a school, local, or national newspaper, website, etc.&nbsp;</p><p>To enter, follow the directions on the <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);">contest site</span>.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Email </span><a href="mailto:CTPressClub@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CTPressClub@gmail.com</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> with questions.&nbsp;</span></p><p>A few requirements to keep in mind:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Eligibility:&nbsp;Communicators who live and work in Connecticut are eligible to enter. Work published from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024, is eligible.&nbsp;</li><li>Contest Fees:&nbsp;The fee is $25 for the first entry and $15 for Connecticut Press Club members (click here to join); non-members pay $30 for the first entry and $20 for each additional entry. High school entry fees are $10 per entry.&nbsp;Entrants do not need to be members of the CT Press Club.</li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Deadlines:&nbsp;The </span><span style="color: rgb(30, 30, 30);">Early Bird deadline is January 29, 2025 at noon EST. </span><em style="color: rgb(30, 30, 30);">A one-time $25 fee will be assessed to all entrants after this date. The </em><span style="color: rgb(30, 30, 30);">final deadline is February 19, 2025 at noon EST. The final deadline for entrants submitting books is February 5, 2025 at noon EST.</span></p><p>We will celebrate the winners with a cocktail party and awards celebration in the spring.</p><p>Anyone who receives a first-place award in the Connecticut Contest will&nbsp;be eligible to enter the National Federation of Press Women National Communications Contest, provided annual NFPW membership dues have been paid.&nbsp;(Membership dues can be paid when you register for the contest.)</p><p>The Connecticut Press Club is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), and includes both male and female members. The club welcomes all types of communicators: writers, editors, bloggers, authors, educators, public relations professionals, media photographers, students and more. Plans for the coming year include lectures by sought-after speakers, professional development workshops, networking and social outings. For more information, e-mail <a href="mailto:ctpressclub@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);">ctpressclub@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><em>Photo Caption: The Connecticut Press Club announces their annual contest for work published in 2024. Here at last year’s event (from left) are Contest Director Tom Renner, Vice President Prowitt, Keynote Speaker Alisyn Camerota, Director of Publicity Aline Weiller, and President Michele Turk. </em></p>

<p><strong><em>The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary invites the public to honor their special someone while making a difference to animals in need.</em></strong></p><p>This Valentine’s Day, a little love can go a long way! This February, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary invites the public to celebrate the people who touch their lives while helping the animals who touch their hearts through BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLY tributes.&nbsp;</p><p>At the sanctuary, a gift today is also a gift for tomorrow, promising a second chance for hundreds of animals in need. Each $100 Beautiful Butterfly directly supports Catherine’s Butterfly Party, the sanctuary’s largest pet adoption event of the year. Each honoree will receive a lovely Valentine’s card by February 14 along with a touching message about what the honor entails.</p><p>And because appreciation can hardly be contained to a single day, the recipient’s name will be etched on a Beautiful Butterfly ornament fluttering in the wind at this year&amp;#39;s Catherine’s Butterfly Party – a free celebration welcoming thousands in a mission to help animals find forever families.</p><p>So, this Valentine’s Day, join the CVH Animal Sanctuary to spread love and make a difference one beautiful butterfly at a time! All orders must be received by February 7 to ensure card delivery by Valentine’s Day. Learn more or order today at<a href="https://news.hamlethub.com/newtown-connecticut/stories/cvhfoundation.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> cvhfoundation.org.</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Set sail for an evening of inspiration and adventure at "Meet the Royal Family", hosted by Jim and Mary Villamana and taking place at Armando's Restaurant, 47 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT, on February 5th at 6:00 pm.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Discover the world of cruising with an exclusive presentation featuring Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises—three exceptional cruise lines under the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella. Whether you’re dreaming of a family escape, a luxurious retreat, or a globe-trotting adventure, this event has something for everyone.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join us for a glass of wine and light bites as we explore the exciting possibilities these cruise lines offer.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We look forward to seeing you there! But space is limited so remember to RSVP early to reserve your spot.</span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </strong></p><h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="ql-cursor"></span>RSVP </span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221tribrand2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email Mary Villamana&nbsp; </strong><a href="mailto:mvillamana@expediacruises.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>mvillamana@expediacruises.com</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<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><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Martha Stewart, lifestyle icon and renowned animal lover, has once again highlighted the beauty of pet adoption by welcoming a silver-shaded Persian cat named Magnolia into her home. Magnolia’s journey, facilitated by the local Bedford Hills, NY, non-profit Rock ‘N Rescue, shows the heartwarming impact of finding a forever family for rescue animals.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Rock ‘N Rescue proudly announced on Instagram that their first adoption of 2025 was none other than Magnolia, once named Angel, rescued from NYC Animal Care Centers. Now, Magnolia is thriving at Cantitoe Corners, Martha’s picturesque farm. “This kitty hit the literal catnip pot!” shared Rock ‘N Rescue, who celebrate finding extraordinary homes for their rescues.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Martha detailed her experience on Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/marthastewartblog/#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">marthastewartblog</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> sharing her admiration for Rock ‘N Rescue and encouraging others to adopt pets: “I urge anyone looking for a pet to check out local rescues and shelters – there are so many desirable and wonderful animals waiting for homes.”</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"><span class="ql-cursor"></span>Rock ‘N Rescue specializes in connecting families with happy, healthy pets that can also serve therapeutic purposes. While cats are their focus, they work tirelessly to find homes for a variety of animals.Martha’s Instagram post concludes with,"Pet adoption... it’s a very good thing."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more about Rock ‘N Rescue and how to adopt your new best friend at</span><a href="https://www.rocknrescue.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> rocknrescue.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p>