<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">As the days grow longer and the warmth of summer approaches, ACT of Connecticut is gearing up for an exciting season of youth education programs. From the Summer Teen Conservatory to the Summer Stars Showcase, there are plenty of opportunities for young performers to shine on stage.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Last Chance to Audition for Summer Teen Conservatory</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The last day to audition for the Summer Teen Conservatory is May 3rd. This intensive program, running from July 8 to July 20, is designed for 7th to 12th graders who are passionate about musical theater. Rehearsals take place Monday to Friday from 11AM to 5PM, leading up to a fully-staged production on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 7pm. Led by ACT of Connecticut's Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine, participants will work on an original musical theater piece, specially crafted for the cast.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Register </strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6fv1jsCgWk-IOyIuBaYMoEcJMGLlwrB74YslwlkZHnT3QIA/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Don’t Miss Out on Summer Stars Showcase</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Registration is still open for the Summer Stars Showcase, but spots are filling up fast. This program, running from July 22 to August 3, is open to incoming 2nd to 6th graders. Participants will rehearse Monday to Friday from 9AM to 3PM, culminating in a performance of MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE JR.! on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 2pm. Alongside the production, students will learn basic musical theatre skills, including vocal technique, choreography, and improvisation.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Register </strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdapiv-uobL3mjH__hh_dZLOA5C5WF3BFKMnPXJ4yr-RT2VOA/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Both programs offer a unique opportunity for young performers to develop their talents, learn from industry professionals, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at ACT of Connecticut this summer.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">For more information and to register, visit</span><a href="https://chat.openai.com/c/actofct.org/education" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"> </a><a href="https://www.actofct.org/education" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">https://www.actofct.org/education</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">or email </span><a href="mailto:education@actofct.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">education@actofct.org.</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"> Start your summer on a high note with ACT of Connecticut!</span></p><p><br></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><strong><u>66 Sanfordtown Road, Redding</u></strong></p><p>Sophisticated country retreat in sought-after location including architecturally designed antique reproduction main barn featuring a long covered veranda overlooking the magnificent saltwater pool and spa; attached cabana with TWO spacious changing rooms/outdoor showers; plus just completed 1 bedroom carriage house apartment above the detached 2 car garage. This enchanting compound offers flowering specimen trees/gardens; stone terraces; cedar fencing and pergola; red barn shed; woodlands at the back of the great lawn bordering open space, and expansive sky views. </p><p>Enjoy bucolic privacy with gracious front stone wall and long Belgian block-lined circular drive. Step through the custom barn door into a charming vestibule, then up to the impressive great room with floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace; notable millwork with built-ins, wide board floors, and planked coffered ceiling; plus wall of windows and French doors overlooking the covered porch and pool entertaining area. The inviting kitchen features a center bar/island, </p><p>Viking double ovens, gas range, and Subzero fridge, adjoining the light-filled glass dining room. Enjoy tranquil views and veranda access from living room, dining room, and first-floor primary bedroom/den. </p><p>Total 2,345sf in the main home with 3 bedrooms, 2 full/2 half baths; plus additional 501sf in detached 1 bedroom apartment with full bath, top of line kitchen, spacious living room/dining room, plus laundry and 2 zones heat and A/C. Attention to detail with over $500K of improvements including state-of-the-art new HVAC. Redding - "The VT of CT" yet only 60 miles to Midtown.</p><p>Take a virtual tour of the property <a href="https://www.seetheproperty.com/456864" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>To learn more about this property, contact Laura Freed Ancona <a href="https://www.williampitt.com/our-agents/list/lauraancona" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Artists, Authors, and Actors in Redding: Historic House Tour</strong></p><p>May 5, 2024 | 1:00 p.m. | 4 Hours (Approx.)</p><p>&nbsp;Visit several home interiors on our bus tour, and see and learn about many more buildings along the way!</p><p>&nbsp;The quiet town of Redding has been home to many talented and renowned artists, authors, actors, and other notable individuals for generations, including Leonard Bernstein, Jessica Tandy, and Mark Twain. Join us to tour a great collection of their historic homes.</p><p>&nbsp;This is a one-time-only event, space is limited. Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://histoury.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://histoury.org/</a>&nbsp;to book your spot. And take a look at our other Artists, Authors, and Actors tours in Darien!</p><p>&nbsp;The bus start/stop location will be at Redding Senior Center, 37 Lonetown Road, Redding. Parking available.&nbsp;</p><p>This tour has been approved by AIA for 4 AIA Continuing Education Learning Unit Credits</p><p>&nbsp;Adult: $75</p><p>Student: $49</p>

<h2 class="ql-align-center"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Live Music, Food Trucks &amp; Fun @ Annual Frog Frolic Festival</span></h2><p class="ql-align-center"><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">May 4th @ the Redding Community Center</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">REDDING, CT, April 26, 2024– On Saturday, May 4th, the outdoor space in front of the Redding Community Center will be transformed into an all-day festival filled with live music, food trucks, games and crafts, including bounce houses and a bubble garden for the littlest ones. The Annual Frog Frolic Festival, organized by and benefiting the Mark Twain Library, is in its 27th year as a mainstay that welcomes Spring to the community by creating a place where people of all ages can come together.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;“I love that families can come and hang out, grab lunch at a variety of food trucks and jam out to music! All while their kids eat too much cotton candy and play games and crafts galore!” said Meghan Huszagh, who is chairing the event this year.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fan favorites from last year’s music line-up will be back, including the folk band Hitch and the Giddy Up and the Country/Americana group North County, plus original rock from the local high school student trio that make up VooDoo Dream. And, two new additions for&nbsp; this year are Moonrise Cartel and the Joel Barlow Acapella Group.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A variety of food trucks also returning from last year’s festival include sweet treats from All Belgium waffle truck, paella from Redding’s own Salas Foods, polish cuisine from Colossal Kielbasa, pizza from 900 Degrees Pizza Truck and food to please even picky eaters (hotdogs, tacos, burgers, breakfast sandwiches!) from Bethesda Grill Truck. In addition to food for purchase from the trucks, a concession stand and homemade cupcakes from the Redding Neighbors and Newcomers can be purchased as well as caffeinated drinks from Redding-based Quartertone Coffee and beer and hard seltzers at the beer tent.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The spirit behind the Frog Frolic is the much-loved short story by Twain, </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, </em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">which introduced the world to the witty voice of Mark Twain. The first Frog Frolic was hatched to raise a few dollars for art supplies for children’s story times and eventually grew to an event that adds considerable revenue to the Library’s bottom line.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">"The Frog Frolic Family Festival is special to the Mark Twain Library because it lets kids join in on the fundraising fun by doing what they do best - being kids,” added Mark Twain Library Director Erin Dummeyer. “And you may just see some adults getting in on the action as well."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Additional Frolic attractions include a robust Silent Auction open to any and all to bid online plus a demonstration from students taught by local karate master Sensei June, who has been a regular at this event over the years.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Frolic takes place outside (rain or shine) from 10:00am to 4:00pm and in front of the Redding Community Center @ 37 Lonetown Road. Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair and stay all day as the entertainment is FREE and will be ongoing throughout the festival. Tickets are on sale on location to participate in the games and crafts and for food items from the concession stand. Food truck fare will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Mark Twain Library.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Free parking.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Credit cards accepted.</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information visit </em><a href="https://www.mtlfrogfrolic.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><em>https://www.mtlfrogfrolic.org/</em></a><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or call 203-938-2545.</em></p>

<p>National Foster Care Month is in May. The Town of Bethel is honored to host an event to promote the significant need for foster parents in Connecticut.</p><p>Currently, Connecticut has 3,100 children in foster care. At this time, there are approximately 2,000 families fostering children in Connecticut, including a significant number of grandparents and other relatives caring for children in their extended families.</p><p>The Annie C. Courtney Foundation, Inc. (Annie C) has partnered with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) since 2014. Together, with DCF, Annie C will hold a presentation on May 2 in hopes of finding more Bethel area families for children in foster care. During the presentation, you will have an opportunity to hear from DCF staff and a local foster parent. There are so many supports available to guide you on your journey to being a sense of comfort and guidance for a child/ren going through a very difficult time. Extensive training is provided, local support groups, regular social worker support and HUSKY healthcare coverage for all children. If needed, respite care is available to foster families when fostering a child for longer durations.</p><p>If you ever considered being a foster parent and want to learn more, please join us on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 5:30pm in the Bethel Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, located at 1 School Street Bethel, CT. As this event is limited to 45 people (two people per household), please RSVP by calling Megan Alworth-Khazadian at 203-794-8537 or via email at&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:alworth-khazadianm@bethel-ct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">alworth-khazadianm@bethel-ct.gov</a>. Please leave your phone number if you call, as she will call you to confirm receipt and space availability.Under DCF, the goal for most of these children is family reunification. The commitment may be as short as a week or a month, or over a year. Reunification with kin is 60%. Adoption may occur for a small number of children for whom reunification is not possible.</p><p>The event will last approximately 30- 45 minutes. Pizza will be provided.</p>