<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank is pleased to announce the recent graduation of Sarah Ibrahim, Service Operations Manager (Rowayton Branch) and Luis Lucero, Assistant Vice President and Assistant Controller, from the Norwalk Leadership Institution.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Norwalk Leadership Institute is a well-established and respected professional development program, with a distinct focus on the local community. Through a series of informative and interactive sessions, and a community-focused group project taking place over an eight-month course, this program provides insight into the community and its key issues, while also affording the opportunity to learn and work with others in an intimate and collegiate environment. </span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mr. Lucero’s community project was through the Carver Foundation, focusing on before and after school care for public school students and families. Ms. Ibrahim’s group project was spent with Open Doors in Norwalk, assisting in providing resources to persons experiencing homelessness.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We are honored to welcome another class of Norwalk Leadership Institution graduates into our team,” said Andrea Coreau, Executive Vice President of Retail Banking and Operations Leader and Norwalk resident. “Not only did this program offer the graduates valuable insights into leadership, but they also learned a great deal about the vibrant community in which they live and work.”</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To learn more about the Norwalk Leadership Institution, please visit: </span><a href="https://www.greaternorwalkchamber.com/nli.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.greaternorwalkchamber.com/nli.html</a></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Photographed, from left to right:&nbsp;Glen Leblanc, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Lending Officer. Luis Lucero, Assistant Vice President, Assistant Controller. Sarah Ibrahim, Service Operations Manager, Rowayton. Andrea Coreau, Executive Vice President, Retail Banking and Operations Leader. Mike Stacey, Vice President, Branch Manager.</em></p>

<p><strong>Rowayton, CT</strong>&nbsp;(April 29, 2024) –&nbsp;<strong>Shakespeare on the Sound</strong>&nbsp;will celebrate its 28th summer season with a very unique production of&nbsp;<strong><em>Romeo &amp; Juliet</em></strong>&nbsp;by&nbsp;<strong>William Shakespeare</strong>, directed by&nbsp;<strong>Claire Karpen</strong>. Performances will begin on&nbsp;<u>Wednesday, June 12 and continue through Sunday, June 30 at&nbsp;</u><strong><u>Pinkney Park</u></strong><u>&nbsp;(177 Rowayton Avenue) in Norwalk, CT. Opening Night is Saturday, June 15 at 7pm</u>. For more info&nbsp;<a href="https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/4564?id=259194.5199.1.4cd3b5ba4907e696f503188ee5bea2a3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(64, 224, 208);">www.shakespeareonthesound.org</a>.</p><p>Shakespeare's iconic star-crossed lovers’ passion and defiance traverse violence and foolish hatred in this enduring and cautionary tale of forbidden love, feuding households, and fateful consequences. Since its first performance in the mid 1590’s the story of&nbsp;<em>Romeo and Juliet&nbsp;</em>is a timeless testament to the power of love over hate.</p><p>“One thing that struck me about Romeo and Juliet is how young they are - and the passion, vibrancy, and defiance that comes with youth,” says director&nbsp;<strong>Claire Karpen</strong>. “These kids have hopes and dreams that are chafing against a world fractured by mistakes inherited from the previous generation. To capture that teenage electricity, set it in tension with a crumbling world, and honor the rich and beautiful history of the play itself, we came up with this concept: six students trespass in the ruins of a church to engage in a clandestine ritual, the retelling of&nbsp;<em>Romeo and Juliet</em>. As they flirt, tease, fight and fall in love, they will help us discover the story anew. It will be innovative, immersive, and virtuosic; and it will conjure an experience for the audience that is romantic and thrilling; hilarious and devastating; contemporary and classic. And above all, I hope it can remind us that love remains the ultimate act of defiance.”</p><p>The six-member cast includes&nbsp;<strong>Kendall Cafaro</strong>&nbsp;(<em>Juliet</em>, as cast),&nbsp;<strong>Ray Huth</strong>&nbsp;(<em>Tybalt</em>, as cast),&nbsp;<strong>Noah Michal</strong>&nbsp;(<em>Lady Capulet</em>, as cast),&nbsp;<strong>Jahsiah Mussig</strong>&nbsp;(<em>Mercutio</em>, as cast),&nbsp;<strong>Jater Webb</strong>&nbsp;(<em>Romeo</em>, as cast), and&nbsp;<strong>Amelia Windom</strong>&nbsp;(<em>Nurse,</em>&nbsp;as cast).</p><p>The creative team is&nbsp;<strong>Brian Prather</strong>&nbsp;(<em>set design</em>),&nbsp;<strong>Jamie Roderick</strong>&nbsp;<em>lighting design</em>),&nbsp;<strong>Grier Coleman</strong>&nbsp;(<em>costume design</em>),&nbsp;<strong>Chad Rains</strong>&nbsp;(<em>sound design</em>),&nbsp;<strong>Tommy Rose</strong>&nbsp;(<em>properties</em>),&nbsp;<strong>Sean Fletcher Griffin</strong>&nbsp;(<em>fight director</em>), and&nbsp;<strong>Amaal Saifudeen</strong>&nbsp;(<em>intimacy director</em>) and&nbsp;<strong>Malia Robbins-Zust</strong>&nbsp;(<em>technical director</em>).&nbsp;<strong>Aaron Simms</strong>&nbsp;is&nbsp;<strong>Managing and Producing Director</strong>. The production stage manager is&nbsp;<strong>Lauren Jackson</strong>. The assistant stage manager is&nbsp;<strong>Abba Wilson.</strong></p><p>Enjoy Shakespeare’s finest romantic poetry, fantastic fight choreography, superb cast, and delightful design elements underneath the stars at the open-air stage. Rowayton, CT is located forty-seven miles north of NYC in southern Fairfield County, Connecticut. Trains to Rowayton depart from Grand Central Terminal and travel time is 1 hour. Free parking located at Old School Field on Witch Lane, down the road from Pinkney Park.</p><p><em>Romeo &amp; Juliet</em>&nbsp;will be presented from June 12-June 30. The performance schedule and ticketing options are:</p><p><strong><u>EVENING PERFORMANCES</u></strong></p><p><strong>Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday &amp; Sunday at 7pm</strong></p><p>General admission tickets are $25 for adults, and $10 for seniors over 65 and students, $5 children 12 and under.</p><p><strong><u>"1597" MATINEE PEFORMANCES</u></strong></p><p>Saturday, June 15 at 1pm</p><p>Saturday, June 22 at 1pm</p><p>Saturday, June 29 at 1pm</p><p>In honor of the year&nbsp;<em>Romeo and Juliet</em>&nbsp;was published, general admission tickets to matinee performances will cost only&nbsp;<strong>$15.97</strong>,<strong>&nbsp;$10</strong>&nbsp;for seniors over 65 and students,&nbsp;<strong>$5</strong>&nbsp;for children 12 and under.</p><p><strong><u>PAY-WHAT-YOU-WILL SHAKESPEARE</u></strong></p><p><strong>Tuesday Performances at 7pm</strong></p><p>General admission tickets to Tuesday evening performances on&nbsp;<u>June 18 &amp; 25</u>&nbsp;are “Pay What You-Will” to create access for everyone! Suggested donation amounts are&nbsp;<strong>$25</strong>&nbsp;for adults, and&nbsp;<strong>$10</strong>&nbsp;for seniors over 65 and students,&nbsp;<strong>$5</strong>&nbsp;for children 12 and under.</p><p>For General Admission tickets, blankets/chairs will NOT be provided, however, you are encouraged to bring your own!</p><p><u>Tickets for all performances can be purchased in advance, either online&nbsp;</u><a href="https://email.cloud.secureclick.net/c/4564?id=259194.5200.1.bdf13f994ec76ee2c7d2dcee35326b94" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(64, 224, 208);"><u>here</u></a><u>, by phone at 203-957-1006, or day-of in Pinkney Park</u>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Wall Street Neighborhood Association Presents the Second Installment of Rockin’ River Street</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>THE ULTIMATE KENTUCKY DERBY BLOCK PARTY</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Saturday, May 4, 3-10 PM, River Street, Norwalk, CT</em></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Rockin’ River Street, a community-driven initiative spearheaded by WSNA board members and local restaurateurs BJ Lawless (<a href="https://www.bjryans.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>BJ Ryan’s</u></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bjryansbanchouse.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>Banc House</u></a>) and Greer Fredericks (<a href="https://www.greersoutherntable.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>Greer Southern Table</u></a>), presents The Ultimate Kentucky Derby Block Party, Saturday, May 4, 3-10 PM. Building on the momentum of February’s Mardi Gras Celebration, Rockin’ River Street, a joint venture created by BJ and Greer, the Kentucky Derby block party takes these spirited community events to a whole new level.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Get ready for a day of fun and excitement in a family-friendly setting, complete with a large viewing screen for pre-Derby coverage and “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” Spectators are invited to join in the tradition by dressing in their finest Derby attire and sporting those fabulous over-the-top hats. Dress up for a chance to win the Best Dressed and Best Hat awards. It wouldn’t be a Kentucky Derby party without traditional bourbon-based mint juleps and creative cocktails, which will be available in the premium spirit-sponsored cocktail tent. Indulge in southern-inspired foods from Greer Southern Table, Banc House, and Derby eats in the food tent.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Live music throughout the day includes performances by Cherry Pie Band (5-7 PM), Otis &amp; The Hurricanes (8-10 PM), and DJ Boodles between band sets. Place your bets at Norwalk’s OTB located just 50 yards away from the festivities. Plenty of parking is available at Yankee Doodle Garage, Zone 2005 on your Park Mobile App.</p><p><br></p>

<p>Journey below the surface of the ocean and experience life through the eyes of a sea turtle in the awe-inspiring “Turtle Odyssey 4D” now playing at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.</p><p>In this 12-minute film, join Bunji, an Australian green sea turtle, as she navigates the dangers of life at sea and grows into a thriving adult along the way. Encounter sharks, octopuses, whales, and more on a beautiful journey filled with special effects that will make viewers feel like they are swimming alongside her.</p><p>In addition to “Turtle Odyssey 4D,” guests can view BBC Earth’s “OCTOPUS: Blue Planet II 4D Experience,” which explores dynamic oceanic landscapes and one of the most captivating creatures that dwells there.&nbsp;</p><p>Tickets are $7 or $6 for Aquarium members. They can be purchased with or without Aquarium admission.</p><p>For more info, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 194);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.</p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZkkvYN0hc7w?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p>

<p>This year’s edition of RIDGEFIELD INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL shines the spotlight on several filmmakers from the surrounding area, starting with Easton, CT filmmaker,&nbsp;<strong>Karen Thorsen</strong>, whose taut and compelling, award-winning documentary,&nbsp;<strong>JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE OF THE TICKET</strong>&nbsp;opens the festival on&nbsp;<strong>May 16th</strong>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong>The Prospector Theater</strong>. Using rarely-seen archival footage, the film melds intimate interviews with the author and civil rights luminary, along with interviews with Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and Frances Foster, public speeches and vérité glimpses of Baldwin. There will be a reception at 7pm, catered by GALLO Ristorante in the Star Bar of the Prospector Theater, followed by the 8pm screening and a Q&amp;A with the filmmaker, moderated by RIFF Board Member, Lisa Cambridge-Mitchell.</p><p>Darien, CT filmmaker&nbsp;<strong>Eden Wright</strong>&nbsp;is 5th generation in the film business and currently co-stars in "City on a Hill" (Showtime) produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. She made her acting debut as a toddler on "Sex and the City" (HBO), co-starred on the series "Are We There Yet?" (TBS), and was featured in a Bill Gates sketch on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" (NBC). She brings her short film&nbsp;<strong>CUTTER</strong>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<strong>RIFF’s PSYCH NIGHT!</strong>&nbsp;On&nbsp;<strong>Friday,</strong>&nbsp;<strong>May 17th at 9pm.&nbsp;</strong>When her newest client sends them both out to sea, a desperate maritime hairdresser learns an important lesson about internet strangers; the hard way.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Norwalk resident&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Ethan Isaac’s</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;film&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">THE SUGAR MAKER</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;profiles Ridgefield resident, farmer and maple syrup producer, Pete Campbell. Filmed on location at Campbell's Horseshoe Farm in Ridgefield, Campbell gives the viewer a unique insight into the art of maple sugar making, and his deep connection with his land. Isaac is principal owner of Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, CT and is a multi-talented creative, music producer, songwriter, and vocalist. THE SUGAR MAKER screens as part of&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">HEROIC DOCS 2 </strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Saturday, May 18th at 5pm in Theater 2.</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Fairfield CT resident and prolific short form filmmaker,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Brian Russell</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, returns to RIFF with his short film,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">NOT THE SAME CLARENCE</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, starring James Naughton. The film portrays a man who must come to terms with his fathers Alzheimer's disease. Brian and his son, Samuel B. Smith worked together on the film to bring it to life.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Saturday, May 18th 12pm, Theater 2.</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">HOW TO PAINT A PEACE SIGN</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;by filmmaker&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Rick Gomez</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;takes an intimate look at grief and healing as Redding, CT artist Dave Daignault teaches viewers a technique to paint prominent peace symbols and, in the process, gives his audience the tools necessary to cope. Rick Gomez has been acting in film and television for the last 30 years. Some of his television credits include HBO's Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning mini-series "Band of Brothers,” and the Peabody Award-winning drama "Justified." Rick currently plays Patrick Kennedy on Apple TV's, "Silo," starring Rebecca Ferguson. He wrote and directed "An Uncandid Portrait," which world premiered at the Tribeca film festival in 2021. Rick says of the film, “I have been friends with Dave Daignault for over 30 years. When his wife's life ended by suicide in 2020, and he decided to move from the barn where they raised their children and painted enormous peace signs for the entire neighborhood to experience, I knew I had to document that departure. What we created was an ode to the power of art and hope and a simple philosophical strategy to cope with grief.”</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">HEROIC DOCS 2, Saturday, May 18th at 5pm Theater 2. </strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Norwalk filmmaker,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Alix Speyer Bacher</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;gives us a look inside the world of roller derby with her very entertaining film,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">DON’T BE DAINTY… IT’S DERBY!</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;Played by women young and old, the emerging sport of roller derby has confident, powerful, female-identifying athletes with bodies of every size and shape, at its core. The skaters explain how liberating it is to experience the aggressive power that has long been traditionally reserved for male athletes. Alix is an award-winning independent filmmaker. Her lengthy career in production includes credits in a range of media: broadcast, news, advertising and marketing. In her first documentary, she and Sundance Award-winning cinematographer,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Laela Kilbourn</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;unpack an under-the-radar amateur sport that’s poised to emerge as a blueprint for the future of women’s sports.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">HEROIC DOCS 2, Saturday, May 18th at 5pm Theater 2.</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">All films will screen at The Prospector Theater - 25 Prospect Street, Ridgefield from May 16-18.</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">“I am thrilled to bring so many local filmmakers to screen their films at the beautiful Prospector Theater,” states festival founder/director, Joanne Hudson. “Our goal is to create an ecosystem for independent filmmakers in Connecticut.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Many of these filmmakers will also take part in the&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">MAKE YOUR MOVIE</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;panel on&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">May 17th 2pm</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;at the&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Lounsbury House</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">. This panel moderated by filmmaker,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Daniel Schechter</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;(LIFE OF CRIME, AFTER CLASS, SUPPORTING CHARACTERS) will help to assuage your fears about taking the leap into filmmaking.</span></p><p><strong>Please visit RIFF’s website&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.riffct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>https://www.riffct.org</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;for more information and tickets.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>The Maritime Aquarium is seeking new volunteers to join its team as gallery ambassadors. Tuesday, April 23, through Thursday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Aquarium staff will be located near the main entrance of the facility to discuss the opportunity and to help potential volunteers fill out applications&nbsp;</p><p>People who apply in-person will receive a free ticket to a 4D movie.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;“We’re excited to welcome new members into our volunteer family here at the Aquarium during National Volunteer Week. Volunteers in our program provide a great service to the community by enriching the lives of others,”&nbsp;said Director of Guest Services Cristy Moriarty.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Gallery ambassadors play a critical role in helping the Aquarium to fulfill its mission. They interact with guests of all ages, teaching them about conservation and facilitating interactions with animals. Benefits include duo membership, free parking, and discounts at cafes and the gift shop.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Gallery ambassador applications are available on a rolling basis. To learn more about the Aquarium’s range of volunteer positions and benefits, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/volunteer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.maritimeaquarium.org/volunteer</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>