<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scoop Up Some Fun with Fairfield County Bank!</span></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join the Fairfield County Bank team today, Friday, May 30, from 3 to 5 PM at Sweet Ashley’s Ice Cream (248 East Ave, Norwalk) for a sweet treat—and some smart savings tips.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fairfield County Bank is picking up the tab on your ice cream, so bring your questions and your appetite! While you enjoy your favorite scoop, chat with friendly financial expert Nicole Turosky, CFP®, CDFA® about how a 529 College Savings Plan can help make future tuition bills a little less stressful.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It’s the perfect mix of sprinkles and smarts. See you there!</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*Limit one (1) coupon per person. One (1) Small Scoop of Handcrafted Ice Cream valuing $5.25 will be awarded and is not redeemable for cash. Offer only valid today, May 30, 2025.</em></p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County Appoints Former United Way CEO Kim Morgan as New President</strong></p><p><span class="ql-cursor"></span>The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County is proud to announce the appointment of Kim Morgan as its new President, effective June 1, 2025. Kim brings more than three decades of leadership in nonprofit management, strategic innovation, and community impact, poised to lead the organization into its next stage of growth and impact.</p><p>Kim most recently served as Principal of LifeVest Strategies, where she provided interim executive leadership and consulting to nonprofit and social impact organizations. Her career includes a successful tenure as CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut, where she led the development of Prosperi-Key®, a nationally recognized digital platform connecting working families to resources with dignity and choice.</p><p>Throughout her career, Kim has championed programs focused on youth development, early childhood education, financial empowerment, and food security. She has designed and scaled initiatives that raised millions of dollars to support underserved families across Connecticut.</p><p>Kim succeeds Bernadine Venditto, who led Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County for over 20 years, leaving behind a legacy of growth and stability. The Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive executive search in partnership with DH Search of Boston, MA. Kim was selected as the top candidate from a pool of outstanding applicants.</p><p>“We are thrilled to welcome Kim Morgan as the next President of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County,” said Mike Steinharter, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Kim is a visionary leader with a deep commitment to youth development and financial empowerment. Her track record, energy, and values align perfectly with JA’s mission and future direction.”</p><p>“I am truly excited to join Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County,” said Kim Morgan. “This is an organization with a stellar reputation for educating youth and preparing them for the future. I look forward to working alongside a passionate team dedicated to building brighter futures for students across our region.”</p><p>Kim holds a master’s degree in management communications and an undergraduate degree in psychology. She serves on the boards of Danbury and New Milford Hospitals and Western CT Coalition. Kim and her husband, long-time foster and adoptive parents, reside in New Fairfield, CT.</p>

<p><strong>Bridgeport, CT</strong>&nbsp;- Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of Ponya, an 11-month-old female red panda from the Detroit Zoo. Ponya makes her public debut this week in the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, a state-of-the-art exhibit complete with indoor and outdoor viewing areas, climbing structures, and temperature-controlled spaces throughout the seasons.</p><p>Ponya, born in 2024 at the Detroit Zoo, has been captivating visitors with her playful antics and inquisitive nature. Her move to Connecticut is part of a collaborative effort among AZA-accredited institutions to ensure the long-term survival of red pandas through carefully managed breeding programs.​</p><p>Later this month, Dorji, our male red panda, will be transferred to another AZA-accredited institution as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Dorji joined Beardsley Zoo in May 2024 from Utah's Hogle Zoo and has been a beloved resident, known for his sweet and curious demeanor.</p><p>In Dorji’s place, a young male red panda from another AZA accredited facility will soon join Ponya. This pairing has been strategically planned through the SSP program.&nbsp;The SSP program aims to maintain populations of species that are designated, threatened or endangered. Through habitat preservation, public education, and coordinated breeding efforts, the program aims to bolster red panda populations both in the wild and in human care.</p><p>Visitors are encouraged to visit the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat to welcome Ponya and learn more about red panda conservation efforts. For those unable to visit, the zoo offers a live webcam feed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-cams.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-cams.html</a>, available daily from 8:30AM to 6:00PM.​For more information and to plan your visit click here&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.beardsleyzoo.org</a>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend May 30-April 1</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">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.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/barnum-festival-concert-food-truck-festival-mullet-badboy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Barnum Festival Concert &amp; Food Truck Festival: MULLET &amp; Badboy</strong></a></p><p><strong>1545 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe</strong></p><p>Friday May 30, 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>An evening of good food, good company and the sounds of Mullett &amp; Badboy!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-wedding-singer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Wedding Singer</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Canaan High School, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Friday May 30, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Watch the talented cast bring this beloved romantic comedy to life on stage. The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer's sparkling new score does for the '80s what Hairspray did for the '60s. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-sweet-remains" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Sweet Remains</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne at FTC, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Friday May 30, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>THE SWEET REMAINS is the very rare all-independent band to have nearly 60 MILLION SPOTIFY streams and counting! They're also unusual on today's music scene as a band headed by 3 gifted singer-songwriters, each of whom contribute to the writing and 3-part harmonies that define the band's sound.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/element-115" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ELEMENT 115</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bijou Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday May 30, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>If you love Steely Dan / Genesis / Tears for Fears / Kansas / Bowie Then you would Love this Band. Seasoned Musicians Performing Music that gives you Goosebumps and you will Jump out of your seats! Please like us on Facebook and follow us from show to show!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethel-ct-pride-parade-celebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel CT Pride Parade &amp; Celebration</strong></a></p><p><strong>Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday May 31, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community at our FREE parade and celebration!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/harmony-on-the-hill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Harmony on the Hill</strong></a></p><p><strong>Talmadge Hill Community Church, Darien</strong></p><p>Saturday May 31, 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>Talmadge Hill Community Church welcomes you to our annual spring concert, Harmony on the Hill. It is our wish to bring harmony to our world through the gift of music by the talented musicians who are part of our special community. We’ll be offering a selection of piano, flute, guitar and vocals, ranging from folk and rock to jazz and classical.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/keys-to-empowerment-a-dueling-pianos-charity-night-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Keys to Empowerment: A Dueling Pianos Charity Night 2025</strong></a></p><p><strong>Ponus Yacht Club Inc, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 31, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pmJoin us for an unforgettable evening at Keys to Empowerment: A Dueling Piano Charity Night! This high-energy fundraiser will be a night of music, dancing, laughter, and giving back. At Ready to Empower, we believe mental health is the foundation for strong communities. Join us for Keys to Empowerment, to raise funds for vital mental health services for women in need and launch our groundbreaking initiative to support educators through mental wellness - Ready EmpowerEd. Together, we’ll empower women, educators, and communities to thrive!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/harmony-lodge-200th-anniversary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Harmony Lodge 200th Anniversary</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Canaan Historical Society, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Saturday May 31, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>A special in-person event commemorating two centuries of history and tradition. We invite you to be a part of this milestone occasion as we honor our past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. Come together with fellow members and friends for a night of dinner, drinks, and dancing. Let's make this anniversary a memorable one! See you there!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-british-rock-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The British Rock Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bijou Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 31, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The British Rock Show delivers an electrifying live experience, celebrating all the legendary hits from the golden age of British Rock!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/food-truck-festival" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Food Truck Festival</strong></a></p><p><strong>Schenck’s Island and Chess Park, Wilton</strong></p><p>Sunday Jun 1, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>Enjoy great food, immersive experiences, community unity, all while supporting Wilton’s museum at the Wilton Historical Society’s Food Truck Festival. On Sunday, June 1st, from 11am to 4 pm join Wilton Historical at Schenck’s Island and Chess Park, 202 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT 06897, to feast from a collection of the area’s finest food trucks, with all proceeds to benefit the Society.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/black-diamond-battle-league-presents-point-blank-range" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>BLACK DIAMOND BATTLE LEAGUE PRESENTS: POINT BLANK RANGE</strong></a></p><p><strong>Creative Venue &amp; Rentals, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Sunday Jun 1, 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gallery-exhibition-opening-reception-e9e87" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The 15th Biennial Miniature Print International Exhibition Opening Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Sunday Jun 1, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>We are honored that many of the artists included in the exhibition will be able to attend the reception. Don’t miss this chance to meet the artist and gather with other print enthusiasts as you enjoy light appetizers and beverages.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/5-00-pm---five-year-anniversary-spring-showcase-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Five Year Anniversary Spring Showcase 2025</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Sunday Jun 1, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate our singers and five years of Greenwich A Cappella!</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;</p><p>Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has officially launched its new research vessel, R/V&nbsp;<em>Sound Explorer</em>, just in time for summer. The vessel gives Aquarium visitors the opportunity to learn about nature, wildlife and conservation in Long Island Sound onboard its “floating classroom” with public tours starting in June. </p><p>As part of the organization’s commitment to being “An Aquarium without Walls,” the R/V&nbsp;<em>Sound Explorer</em>&nbsp;provides a vital new opportunity for marine education and research in Long Island Sound and supports hands-on learning for all. The Marine Life Encounter Cruise invites visitors to learn about the biodiversity of the Sound alongside Aquarium scientists and educators, featuring a plankton tow that brings up fish, crabs, mollusks and more. For those looking for a more casual cruise, the Sunset Cruise offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the Norwalk islands and surrounding wildlife. Private charters for school, scout, camp and other groups are also available.</p><p>“Our onboard education programs bring students and families right into the heart of our work,” said&nbsp;Jason Patlis, President &amp; CEO of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. “We are thrilled to offer our visitors an up-close-and-personal look at Long Island Sound to learn about how we are all connected to – and responsible for – this unique ecosystem.”</p><p>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has had a rich history on onboard programming since it opened in 1988. Over the past 22 years, Aquarium vessels have hosted more than 85,000 passengers to celebrate the natural beauty and learn about the unique animal habitats of Long Island Sound. The Aquarium’s other vessel, t<span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">he R/V&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">Spirit of the Sound&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">was the first-ever, hybrid-electric, battery-powered research vessel in the U.S. when she launched in 2014 and is currently off-hire while being repowered with a new system.</span>&nbsp;The Fowler Family, including The Maritime Aquarium’s Board Chair Clay Fowler, generously supported the expansion of the Aquarium’s fleet to include the R/V&nbsp;<em>Sound Explorer</em>.</p><p>“We are so pleased to be able to offer our visitors onboard programming once again,”&nbsp;<strong>said Board Chair Clay Fowler</strong>. “The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is committed to connecting people personally to Long Island Sound, so they can be awed by the beauty of this place and inspired to protect it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Educational tours for school groups are already underway; public tours on R/V&nbsp;<em>Sound Explorer&nbsp;</em>begin June 25, 2025. Passengers must be over 42 inches tall and if under 18 accompanied by an adult.</p><p>More details and tickets are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.</p><p>The Maritime Aquarium is located at 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, Connecticut.</p>

<p><strong>Bridgeport, CT</strong>&nbsp;- Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of Ponya, an 11-month-old female red panda from the Detroit Zoo. Ponya makes her public debut this week in the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, a state-of-the-art exhibit complete with indoor and outdoor viewing areas, climbing structures, and temperature-controlled spaces throughout the seasons.</p><p>Ponya, born in 2024 at the Detroit Zoo, has been captivating visitors with her playful antics and inquisitive nature. Her move to Connecticut is part of a collaborative effort among AZA-accredited institutions to ensure the long-term survival of red pandas through carefully managed breeding programs.​</p><p>Later this month, Dorji, our male red panda, will be transferred to another AZA-accredited institution as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Dorji joined Beardsley Zoo in May 2024 from Utah's Hogle Zoo and has been a beloved resident, known for his sweet and curious demeanor.</p><p>In Dorji’s place, a young male red panda from another AZA accredited facility will soon join Ponya. This pairing has been strategically planned through the SSP program.&nbsp;The SSP program aims to maintain populations of species that are designated, threatened or endangered. Through habitat preservation, public education, and coordinated breeding efforts, the program aims to bolster red panda populations both in the wild and in human care.</p><p>Visitors are encouraged to visit the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat to welcome Ponya and learn more about red panda conservation efforts. For those unable to visit, the zoo offers a live webcam feed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-cams.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-cams.html</a>, available daily from 8:30AM to 6:00PM.​For more information and to plan your visit click here&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.beardsleyzoo.org</a>.</p>