<p>Spring has arrived in spectacular fashion at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, where over&nbsp;<strong>30,000 daffodils</strong>&nbsp;are now in full bloom across the vineyard’s rolling hills. Carefully planted between the grapevines last fall, these cheerful yellow blooms were placed one bulb at a time with a single goal in mind—to delight our guests with a magical springtime display.</p><blockquote>Despite a bout of chilly April weather, the daffodils have emerged beautifully, creating a breathtaking scene rarely seen in a vineyard setting. This floral showcase offers guests a uniquely immersive experience that blends nature’s beauty with the vineyard’s charm.</blockquote><blockquote>“We envisioned a spring where guests could sip wine while surrounded by golden blooms,” said the team at Aquila’s Nest. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision come to life—and even more exciting to know these fields will only grow more stunning as the daffodils multiply year after year.”</blockquote><blockquote>This Sunday, guests attending our&nbsp;<strong>annual Egg Hunt</strong>&nbsp;will also get to enjoy the daffodil bloom in full effect. The event is&nbsp;<strong>almost sold out</strong>, and it’s one of the most whimsical ways to experience the vineyard’s springtime magic.</blockquote><blockquote>To view the daffodil fields, guests must reserve&nbsp;<strong>outdoor seating</strong>&nbsp;or book one of the vineyard’s signature experiences, including:</blockquote><ul><li>Igloo Spheres / Fairy Gazebos</li><li>The Forbidden Fireplace</li><li>Pergola with Fire Pits</li><li>Fire Pit Circles</li></ul><blockquote>Each reservation offers a beautiful view to this limited-time bloom—perfect for springtime celebrations, date nights, and unforgettable photo moments.</blockquote><blockquote><strong>Reservations are required</strong>&nbsp;and can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aquilasnestvineyards.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.aquilasnestvineyards.com</a>. The daffodil bloom is expected to peak over the next few weeks, so early bookings are encouraged.</blockquote><blockquote>Come raise a glass to spring among the daffodils at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards—where nature, wine, and wonder intertwine.</blockquote><p><br></p>

<p>Spring Book Donation Day, sponsored by the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, is set for Sunday, April 27, 2025 from noon to 5 pm in the rear parking lot of the C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown. Volunteers will be on hand to help you unload your vehicle and to provide tax receipts.</p><p>Your donated items enable the Friends to raise money for the Booth Library at the big annual summer book sale (scheduled for July 11-15, 2025 at Reed Intermediate School), the annual Holiday Sale in early December, and the Friends-operated Little Book Store, which is open year-round near the main circulation desk on the second floor of the library. We’ve posted our donation guidelines at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boothbooksale.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(130, 166, 171); background-color: transparent;">boothbooksale.org</a>. For more information, you can also contact the Friends at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:boothbooksale@yahoo.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boothbooksale@yahoo.com</a>&nbsp;or leave a message at 203-270-4537.</p>

<p>Ann’s Place&nbsp;<a href="https://www.annsplace.org/all-events/2025/fashion-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">fashion show</a>&nbsp;will take place on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at The Ridgefield Playhouse. Get ready to celebrate inspiring community members who are taking the stage to make a difference! Fashions are curated by Elegant Ridgefield.</p><p>Ann’s Place is a haven of hope, providing comfort and support to those facing cancer and their loved ones. This year’s fashion show fundraiser brings the community together in a celebration of strength.</p><p><strong>Meet our next model - Ann Fowler-Cruz</strong></p><p>"I'm an estate planning attorney and partner at Cohen and Wolf. Over the years, I’ve seen too many loved ones—clients, friends, and family—impacted by cancer. I’m walking for my mom, who died of colon cancer, my best friend of 55+ years who is a survivor, and two friends currently in the fight.</p><p>As the oldest model on the runway this year, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to support Ann’s Place—a nonprofit offering free services to cancer patients, from counseling to wellness programs.</p><p>Please help me support this incredible cause by donating under my name. Let’s make a difference together!"</p><p>Support Ann here:</p><p><a href="https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/ann-fowler-cruz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/ann-fowler-cruz</a></p><p><strong><em>Your support makes a real impact—every donation helps those in need navigate their cancer journey with care and hope.</em></strong>This exciting event will showcase spring and summer fashion curated by&nbsp;<strong>Elegant Ridgefield</strong>, modeled by familiar faces from the local community. Attendees can also look forward to an entertaining show hosted by&nbsp;<strong>comedian Christine O’Leary</strong>, live and silent auctions, and a raffle featuring fantastic prizes.</p><p>Tickets available for purchase through the Ridgefield Playhouse Box Office:&nbsp;<a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/on-the-runway-familiar-faces-benefitting-anns-place-ridgefield-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">On the Runway - Familiar Faces Benefitting Ann's Place | Ridgefield, CT | Ridgefield Playhouse</a></p><p>To learn more about Ann's Place please click on link&nbsp;<em>-&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.annsplace.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Ann's Place</a></p>

<p>Castle Hill Farm in Newtown, Connecticut, is set to host its annual Easter Egg Hunt from Saturday, April 12 through Monday, April 14, 2025. This family-friendly event offers a unique Station Scavenger Hunt experience, where children can collect toy-filled eggs at various farm-themed stations, interacting with animals along the way. Egg cartons will be provided for collecting eggs, eliminating the need to bring baskets.​</p><p><strong>Event Details:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Dates:</strong> Saturday, April 12; Sunday, April 13; Monday, April 14​</li><li><strong>Location:</strong> Castle Hill Farm, 25 Sugar Lane, Newtown, CT 06470​<a href="https://danbury.macaronikid.com/events/67d0c3674905211969853c76/-egg-hunt--castle-hill-farm?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Macaroni KID Greater Danbury+1Mommy Poppins+1</a></li><li><strong>Booking:</strong> Individual time slots starting at 10:00 AM​</li><li><strong>Ticketing:</strong> Each participating child requires a ticket; adults do not need tickets​</li><li><strong>Footwear:</strong> As the event is outdoors, attendees are advised to wear appropriate footwear, such as farm shoes or rain boots​</li><li><strong>Pets:</strong> No pets are allowed at the event​</li></ul><p>In case of unfavorable weather conditions, alternative dates will be arranged, or attendees may request a voucher for the full ticket value to use at a future event.​</p><p>For more information and to book tickets, please visit Castle Hill Farm's official website <a href="https://www.castlehillfarm.net/egg-hunt-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.castlehillfarm.net/egg-hunt-1</a></p>

<p><strong>Singer-Songwriter Jonatha Brooke to Headline The Flagpole Radio Café in Newtown on May 10</strong></p><p><em>Newtown, Conn. – April 10, 2025</em> — Producers Barbara Gaines and David Wheeler announce an extraordinary evening of music and comedy as <em>The Flagpole Radio Café</em> returns to the Edmond Town Hall stage on <strong>Saturday, May 10, 2025</strong>, featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter <strong>Jonatha Brooke</strong>. Now in its sixteenth season, the beloved variety show blends original comedy sketches with musical performances by a seasoned house band and guest artists, all within the intimate charm of Newtown’s historic theater.</p><p>Brooke, known for her evocative blend of folk, melodic pop, and roots rock, will headline the evening’s performance. Her career began in the early '90s with the folk-pop duo <em>The Story</em> before she emerged as a powerful solo artist. Over the years, Jonatha has collaborated with a wide range of artists—from Katy Perry to The Courtyard Hounds—and has written music for Disney films, television, and even the theme for Joss Whedon’s <em>Dollhouse</em>.</p><p>Her theatrical work is equally noteworthy. In 2014, Brooke wrote, scored, and starred in <em>My Mother Has 4 Noses</em>, a one-woman show that enjoyed a critically acclaimed off-Broadway run and was named a Critics’ Pick by <em>The New York Times</em> and <em>Time Out</em>. A McKnight Artist Fellow, she has also earned top honors from the International Acoustic Music Awards and Independent Music Awards for her songwriting and recordings.</p><p>The Flagpole Radio Café, reminiscent of <em>A Prairie Home Companion</em>, has earned a loyal following throughout New England with its unique format: an alternating rhythm of musical interludes and comedic sketches performed by a gifted ensemble of local artists. The evening promises something special with <strong>Austin Scelzo</strong>, an accomplished fiddler, joining the house band for the night.</p><p>Past guest artists have included Peter Yarrow, Patty Larkin, Tom Chapin, Livingston Taylor, and Loudon Wainwright III—underscoring the show’s reputation for booking top-tier talent.</p><p>The performance begins at <strong>7:00 pm</strong> at <strong>Edmond Town Hall</strong>, located at <strong>45 Main Street</strong>, just steps from Newtown’s iconic flagpole. Tickets are <strong>$45</strong> and available at <a href="http://www.flagpoleproductions.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.flagpoleproductions.org</a> or at the door.</p><p>To learn more about Jonatha Brooke, visit <a href="http://www.jonathabrooke.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.jonathabrooke.com</a>. For a preview of the show and past performances, visit <a href="http://www.flagpoleproductions.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.flagpoleproductions.org</a>.</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Clear out the clutter and support a cause that truly matters: Shred for a Cause this Saturday, April 12 from 9 am to noon at Expedia Cruises, 67 Federal Road in Brookfield.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Bring your boxes of unwanted documents for secure, on-site shredding, and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families receiving end-of-life care.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A suggested donation of $15 per box* will directly benefit Regional Hospice, a nonprofit organization that has provided compassionate care to patients and their loved ones in homes and care facilities for more than 40 years.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">To learn more about their mission, visit</span><a href="http://makingthebestofeveryday.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> makingthebestofeveryday.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">*Please limit boxes to a maximum size of 12" x 12" x 16".</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1009746737385569?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p>