Stories

<p><strong>EV Chargers</strong></p><p>The Board of Selectmen voted to move forward with a project to replace the EV charging stations in the lot next to Varano Bakery and at the train station. The project would also include new chargers at Town Hall, Bethel High School, and the library. The project primarily funded through energy rebates through Eversource and chargers provided by <a href="https://qiontech.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">QiOn</a>, who has their R&D operation right here in Bethel.</p><p><strong>SCADA Town Meeting</strong></p><p>The Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance have approved the recommendation of the Public Utilities Commission for the Water System Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) upgrade project. There will be a Town Meeting on Thursday, May 29th at 7 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room A at 7 pm. If the $1.2 million project is approved, there will be a machine referendum for residents on June 10th. The funding for the project will come from grants and low interest loans that are repaid by Bethel water customers.</p><p><strong>P&Z Affordable Housing</strong></p><p>Planning and Zoning has continued public hearings for 53 Taylor Rd. (8-30g affordable housing 20 units) and 72 Reservoir Rd. (8-30g affordable housing 6 units) on Tuesday, May 27th at 7 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room D. The commission will also be discussing possible changes to TOD boundaries and an 8-30g project at 48/50 Nashville Road. Learn more at <a href="https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethel-ct.gov/2025-zoning</a>.</p><p><strong>Billing Error</strong></p><p>From the Tax Collector: Some Bethel residents received a Notice of Intent to Lien in error, a few days prior to the due date, or after paying taxes. We offer our sincerest apologies and are taking steps to ensure this does not happen again in the future.</p><p>Table Talk</p><p>Join community members for another discussion in the Table Talk 2 series “Table Talks Islam and Judaism – The Basics” on Wednesday, May 28th at 11 am at Daily Fare inside the Bethel train station. Bring your curiosity and your questions and enjoy an honest and informative discussion with a Palestinian-American Muslim and an Israeli-American Jew. TABLE TALK 2 is sponsored by <a href="https://www.mybrotherfromanothermother.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">My Brother From Another Mother</a>. Email <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">info@MyBrotherFromAnotherMother.org</span> with any questions.</p><p><strong>Summer Kickoff</strong></p><p>There are a few more days left to purchase tickets online to the Family Summer Kickoff at the Bethel High School. The summer kickoff event raises money for Bethel Schools on Friday, May 30th from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Bethel High School. All Sports Boosters is also supported at the event. Visit <a href="http://www.betheledfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.betheledfoundation.org</a> for info and tickets. After May 29th, pay at the door.</p><p><strong>Post Prom</strong></p><p>Help our BHS Seniors have a safe prom night! Post Prom is a free overnight event for all BHS Seniors, whether or not they attend prom; prom dates are also welcome. It is a night of food, games, raffles, and other fun activities with friends. Explore options to support the event <a href="https://sites.google.com/view/bhspostprom2025?usp=sharing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a>. In addition, on Sunday, June 1st a portion of proceeds for dine and dine out at Portofino Restaurant and Wine Bar will be donated to post prom!</p><p><strong>Library Events</strong></p><p>On Thursday, June 5th at 6:30 PM the Library will be presenting <a href="https://bethellibrary.assabetinteractive.com/calendar/aww-shucks-a-history-and-tasting-of-oysters-with-community-shellfish/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aww Shucks: A History and Tasting of Oysters With Community Shellfish</a>. Join Bob and Ali from Community Shellfish as they talk about the history of oysters and oystering in lower Fairfield County. They will also share their experience working with local oyster farmers in Maine, a demonstration of how to correctly shuck an oyster, and sample! Warning: this program contains shellfish.</p><p>On Saturday June 7th from 12 PM to 4 PM, celebrate the start of summer with a special community event: Tie-Dye Saturday! This event will be held in the library parking lot. Bring your own 100% white cotton item to tie-dye for free. Choose a 45 minute individual or family appointment that works for you. There will be 3 tie-dye options available and after care instructions will be provided.</p><p>Register for these and other amazing Bethel Public Library events at <a href="https://www.bethellibrary.org/events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.bethellibrary.org/events/</a>.</p><p><strong>Dr. Mike’s 50th!</strong></p><p>Mark your calendar for a special day in Bethel. On Saturday, June 7th at 1 pm, stop by Dr. Mikes and help them celebrate their 50th anniversary! There will be plenty of free toppings and a drawing to learn how to make ice cream and a free gallon to take home! Learn the story behind Dr. Mikes at <a href="http://www.drmikesic.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.drmikesic.com</a>.</p><p><strong>Shoutouts</strong></p><ul><li>Congratulations to Rayan Mathivanan who won the 2025 CT 4th grade state chess championship! The state-level chess championship tournament is conducted by the CT State Chess Association.</li><li>A shoutout to Nicholas Gusitsch and Mackenzie Messinger from Bethel Middle School and Emma Yale and Yuvraj Soni from Bethel High School for earning The Western Connecticut Superintendent Award! The award recognizes their commitment to community service, demonstration of academic prowess, and leadership in the school community. Well done!</li><li>Congrats Mia Marschner for 100 career goals! Way to go!</li><li>A shoutout to boys lacrosse on their win against Weston in the opening game of the SWC Championship!</li><li>Congrats to Greg Henry for his Friends of Bethel award presented by the Bethel Public Schools! He has supported the community is so many ways, most notably as the Prez of Bethel All Sports Boosters and a member of the Parks and Recreation Commission.</li><li>Congratulations to the Bethel boys cross county and indoor/outdoor track teams who are SWC Champions! It is their 5th straight undefeated season!</li></ul><p>Town Hall is closed on Monday to observe Memorial Day.</p>

<p>To conclude our Nurses Week celebrations, the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) team was honored at Danbury City Hall on Tuesday, May 20th. Mayor Roberto Alves presented each nurse with a citation recognizing their “outstanding service and unwavering dedication” as part of the NFP program in Danbury.</p><p>In his remarks, Mayor Alves highlighted how the work of NFP nurses “not only improves lives, but also builds stronger, healthier futures for parents and children alike.”</p><p>RVNAhealth President and CEO Theresa Santoro attended the event, along with several community partners, including Fernanda Carvalho, Director of Health and Human Services for Danbury; Indira Meza, Patient Experience and Community Partnerships Manager at CIFC; and Mallory Paige, a parent ambassador from the Office of Early Childhood. In Theresa's remarks, she also acknowledged the vital contributions of the non-nursing staff, including Melissa Smith, Katelyn Scribner, and Laura Shulman Cordeira whose support and commitment is essential to the program’s success.</p><p>Learn more <a href="https://rvnahealth.org/services-nurse-family-partnership" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://rvnahealth.org/services-nurse-family-partnership/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Memorial Day Weekend May 23-25</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/brian-dolzani-band-album-release-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Brian Dolzani Band: Album Release Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne at FTC, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Friday May 23, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>Fairfield-native singer/songwriter Brian Dolzani celebrates his tenth album release at this special full band show on Stage One. The Endless Sky is a new collection of songs that finds Brian doing what he does best, looking in all directions: up, down, outward, and inward. You’ll hear songs about being Open to Surprise, the deeper love of Moonlit Love, and the title quote: ‘The endless sky is where I point my arrow / I wonder just how far there is to go’, from I Wonder. The Endless Sky will be released in early May.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fiber-2025-exhibition-at-silvermine-galleries-c7c32" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fiber 2025 Exhibition</strong></a></p><p><strong>Silvermine Galleries, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Friday May 23, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>This international exhibition seeks to showcase the best of contemporary fiber art that reflect the breadth of functional or non-functional works that use fiber and/or fiber art techniques in traditional or innovative ways. Artwork in this exhibition may be made from natural or high tech materials that reference fiber and that blur the lines between art, architecture and craft.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/2025-cruise-and-tour-to-sheffield-island-lighthouse-museum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cruise and Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>Sheffield Island Lighthouse Museum, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>The Norwalk Seaport Association has owned, restored and maintained Sheffield Island Lighthouse since 1986 and is the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Friends group for the Norwalk Islands.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/art-in-the-park-free-art-workshops-for-kids-families" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Art in the Park: FREE Art Workshops For Kids & Families.</strong></a></p><p><strong>Whittingham Discovery Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm </p><p>Complimentary workshops guided by experienced art instructors, open to the public, for Elementary & Middle School. No registration necessary. Art supplies provided. Take home art!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/exhibitions-highlights-tours---saturdays-b118b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Exhibitions Highlights Tours</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Experience the highlights of the Bruce Museum’s exhibitions during a guided tour that is free with museum admission. No reservations are required but capacity is limited to twenty people on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check in with the front desk if you wish to join. Tours depart from the bottom of the staircase in the Grand Hall.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/candlelight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Candlelight</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bijou Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm </p><p>Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/live-music---indie-folk-soul---goldenoak-in-bethel-ct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GoldenOak</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwood, Bethel </strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>GoldenOak consists of brother-sister folk duo (Lena Kendall - Vocals / Clarinet & Zak Kendall - Guitar / Vocals) and is rounded out by up-right bassist Mike Knowles and Drummer Jackson Cromwell. Their soaring harmonies and thoughtful lyrics are rooted in the wild beauty of Maine and the urgent need for climate action. With a sound that blends rich orchestration and indie folk soul, they’ve shared stages with The Ghost of Paul Revere, Lady Lamb, and Blitzen Trapper and now they bring their lush, intimate live show to Greenwood Features this Memorial Day weekend.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/orchestra-lumos---yo-yo-ma-in-our-common-world" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Yo-Yo Ma with Lumos Orchestra in Franz Josef Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.1</strong></a></p><p><strong>Palace Theatre, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 7:00 pm</p><p>A miracle of the Classical style’s essence to balance nature in the world around us and human nature. He will also play Antonín Dvořák’s Silent Woods, Dvořák’s farewell to his homeland in the old country as he embarked on his momentous trip to New York City and the New World.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/kompa-vs-raboday-flag-day-celebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Kompa Vs Raboday Flag Day Celebration</strong></a></p><p><strong>In The City, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 9:00 pm - 11:59 pm</p><p>Tonymix performing live for memorial weekend and the haitian flag day edition “ou pa ka pala”.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-tribute-to-neil-diamond-one-hot-night-c8a7b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Tribute to Neil Diamond: One Hot Night</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>For ten years, One Hot Night has been the Northeast’s premier Neil Diamond tribute. Featuring the spot-on vocals and engaging personality of Tommy Lynn as Neil, this 10-piece show band delivers the ultimate Neil Diamond experience.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p>Join us for our <strong>Scholarship Fundraising Golf Tournament at Heritage Village</strong> on <strong>Monday, June 16th</strong> at <strong>Silo Point Country Club</strong>, located at <strong>137 E Hill Road #418C, Southbury, CT</strong>. Enjoy a day on the green in support of a meaningful cause.</p><p><strong>$160 per player | $550 per foursome</strong></p><p><strong>Tournament Schedule</strong></p><p><strong>10:00 AM</strong> – Registration Opens</p><p> <strong>11:00 AM</strong> – Driving Range Opens</p><p> <strong>11:00 AM – 12:30 PM</strong> – Lunch</p><p> <em>Menu includes: hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, BBQ pulled pork, veggie burgers, house slaw, house-made potato chips, cookie & brownie platter, soda, tea, and water.</em></p><p><strong>12:30 PM</strong> – Shotgun Start</p><p> <strong>5:00 PM – 7:00 PM</strong> – Dinner & Raffles</p><p><strong>Registration Form:</strong> <a href="https://files.constantcontact.com/b9be30a2901/3b8317d5-037b-4561-9e1b-9c3f7c32bd11.png?rdr=true" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to register</a></p>

<p><strong>Bergstrom Well Project</strong></p><p>The Bergstrom well water treatment plant is on track for service to Bethel Water Department customers later this summer. The main line to our system was filled and disinfected this week and the well pump was installed. Pressure tests will be done next week, followed by cleaning and disinfecting the tanks and equipment inside the water treatment building and installation of some additional equipment. After years of planning, the $12.3 million project is almost complete.</p><p><strong>Bethel Utilities SCADA Project</strong></p><p>The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has been working on a Water System Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) upgrade project since 2018. The bids were opened and the PUC recommended the $1.2 million project to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance for approval at their meetings next Tuesday, May 20th. If approved, Board of Selectmen will likely set a Town Meeting for May 30th in Town Hall Meeting Room A. As with the Bergstrom well, the funding will come from grants and ratepayers, but the project will require a machine referendum with all residents in June. Stay tuned for more info.</p><p><strong>Tax Sale</strong></p><p>From the Tax Collector: The Town of Bethel will hold a tax sale of delinquent properties on Thursday, July 17th at 10 am in Town Hall meeting room A. Inquiries regarding procedures or payoff can be directed to Attorney Adam J. Cohen with Pullman and Comley, LLC at 203-330-2230 or <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">ajc@pullcom.com</span>. Information on properties for sale are posted in the Town Hall lobby.</p><p><strong>House Fire</strong></p><p>Our volunteer fire departments did an outstanding job responding and saving a home this week, as well as neighboring homes. We also owe thanks to crews from Danbury and Brookfield who responded as mutual aid. There was significant damage to the structure and will take some time to repair. If you would like to help out the family, please visit <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/um2nzd-support-a-familys-recovery-from-house-fire?lang=en_US" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.gofundme.com/f/um2nzd-support-a-familys-recovery-from-house-fire?lang=en_US</a>.</p><p><strong>Youth Commission Alternate</strong></p><p>We are looking for a Republican to serve as an alternate for the Youth Commission. The Youth Commission is charged with implementing a youth program and studying the needs of our young persons with regard to employment, health, recreation and welfare They also analyze public and private services available to Bethel youth and encourage development and coordination of public and nonprofit agencies and organizations that serve the youth of Bethel. Call 203-794-8540 or email <span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">firstselectman@bethel-ct.gov</span>.</p><p><strong>Wildcat for a Day</strong></p><p>Win a chance to be a “Wildcat for A Day” and hang out with the BHS Girls tennis team for an afternoon. No tennis skills required and you get a group photo with the team! Click <a href="https://bethel-high-school-all-sports-booster-club.square.site/product/2025-girls-tennis-raffle-bhs-wildcat-for-a-day/243?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> for more info and raffle tickets!</p><p>BPL Shredding Fundraiser</p><p>The Friends of the Bethel Library are having a Shredding Day fundraiser for the library tomorrow, May 17th from 9 am to 12 pm in the library parking lot. Look for the Lawlor Graphics shredding truck where you can just drive through with your bags or boxes of paper. For just $1.00 /lb. you can safely dispose of confidential papers and help the library! (cash, check and charge accepted).</p><p><strong>St. Thomas’ Parm Dinner</strong></p><p>St, Thomas' Church is hosting their final chicken and eggplant parm dinner before their summer break tomorrow, May 17th at 5 pm! Dinner includes chicken and eggplant parm, pasta, salad, bread and dessert. Eat in or take-out. Reservations preferred, so please fill out their form tonight at <a href="https://www.stthomasbethel.org/Dinner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.stthomasbethel.org/Dinner</a>.</p><p>Pickleball!</p><p>The Bethel Pickleball community invites you to a Grand Reopening celebration on Sunday, May 18th from 10 am to 1 pm. Drop by and check out the new courts behind BHS, hear about pickleball plans for the spring and summer, and play a pickleball game, or three! Thanks again to the BOS and BOF for supporting the improvements!</p><p><strong>Memorial Day Parade</strong></p><p>The Bethel Memorial Day parade steps off at 2 pm this Sunday, May 18th in front of Whitlock’s Restaurant, travels east on Greenwood Ave., turns on to PT Barnum Sq. and ends on School St. with a ceremony in front of Town Hall.</p><p><strong>Bethel Arts in View</strong></p><p>Check out the latest in the Bethel Arts in View series with the opening reception for the Nina McKitty - Flower Portraits Exhibit at La Zingara this Sunday, May 18, from 5 pm to 7 pm. The exhibit remains open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 pm to 8 pm and ends on July 13. Learn more at <a href="http://www.bethelartsct.org/events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.bethelartsct.org/events/</a>.</p><p><strong>Family Summer Kickoff</strong></p><p>Mark your calendars for the Family Summer Kickoff at the Bethel High School and celebrate the start of summer! Have fun and raise money for Bethel Schools on Friday, May 30th from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Bethel High School. You can also support All Sports Boosters at the event. Visit <a href="http://www.betheledfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.betheledfoundation.org</a> for info and tickets. After May 29th, pay at the door.</p><p><strong>Shoutouts</strong></p><ul><li>A huge shoutout to Bethel Police Benevolent Association working supporting The Bethel Fish and Game Fishing Derby! It's great to see how the PBA supports our community!</li><li>Congrats Sriyan Desiraju on his wins at the Connecticut Invention Convention State finals! He took the CASE Award for outstanding innovators in 7th & 8th grade, CT Science Center Award for young students whose inventions represent outstanding combinations of ingenuity and creativity, and the Amazon Innovation Award recognizing an exceptional inventor who exemplifies the core characteristics of ingenuity and entrepreneurship in the field of consumer goods and technologies.</li><li>A huge shoutout to the Bethel Patriotic Association and the Bethel Garden Club for honoring those who gave all for us. Together they provide and plant the red geraniums around town, in our cemeteries, and at our memorials. The organizations also work together to provide wreaths on memorials and veterans monuments for this and every Memorial Day. <u>Stop by the Bethel Garden Club Plant Sale tomorrow, May 17th from 9:00am to 1:00pm in the rear lot of Bethel Methodist Church.</u></li><li>Congrats to Ryan Kovacik and Lia Kantor, BHS Athletes of the Week! Ryan had a great win in the 800 meter this week and Liz set a school record in triple jump. Boys end the season at 13-0 and girls 12-1. Great job!</li></ul>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend May 16-18</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/celebration-gala-w-kool-the-gang" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Celebration Gala W/Kool & The Gang</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday May 16, 5:30 pm - 9:45 pm</p><p>The Stamford Palace's Annual Gala w/Kool & The Gang! This year they honor the good work of Lynne Colatrella & Michael Fedele. This is a red carpet, disco-themed celebration of the arts, The Palace, & 2 extraordinary individuals. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethe-pride-s-book-club" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Pride's Book Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Come discuss a book on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. There will be a catch up session at the end of the year to review everything from the year!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-to-host-medal-of-honor-recipient-jim-doc-mccloughan-for-special-dinner-and-memorial-ceremony" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Medal of Honor recipient Jim "Doc" McCloughan</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Come to Norwalk for a weekend of remembrance, reflection, and community recognition at the Norwalk Inn. Jim McCloughan was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2017 by President Donald Trump for his acts of extraordinary bravery and heroism while serving as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. From May 13 to May 15, 1969 , McCloughan risked his life numerous times to rescue and treat wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/studio-andreas-presents-parker-s-tangent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Parker's Tangent</strong></a></p><p><strong>Studio Andreas, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Join us for our first live music event of the year! We're so excited to welcome Parker's Tangent, a New Haven-based band with a unique blend of blues and art-rock, to the studio. Led by Leslie VanEtten Broatch's soulful vocals, the group also features Arthur Bargar (guitar), Hal Klein (bass), Joe Rosano (drums), and Ken Ryu (violin). Their set will showcase original compositions that highlight the band’s chemistry and musical range.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-don-giovanni" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony & Don Giovanni!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>The Orchestra presents its season finale with great music and soloists! This will be an event not to be missed.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/garner-arts-festival" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GARNER Arts Festival</strong></a></p><p><strong>GARNER Arts Center, West Haverstraw</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>Festival partner, TRADE AND PROSPER, will present a thoughtfully curated "Retro/Vintage Market", offering handmade crafts, eye-catching retro/vintage clothing, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind ephemera. Enjoy delicious samples from Hudson Valley’s premier makers, bakers, and top-shelf distilleries! Pairs well with a taste of North Rockland, as offered at our festival food court and beer garden.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rediscover-greenwich-greenwich-avenue-walking-tours" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rediscover Greenwich: Greenwich Avenue Walking Tours</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Sunday May 18, 10:30 am - 11:30 am</p><p>Historic buildings will become canvases for large-scale murals featuring archival images of what those places looked like in the past, with text and images drawn from the Historical Society’s collections and interactive QR codes, that when scanned, share those unique stories. The murals, designed by Untapped New York’s artist Aaron Asis, will debut in conjunction with a new series of guided walking tours exploring the history of Greenwich Avenue and its local businesses led by Justin Rivers, Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer and Christopher Shields, Historical Society Director of Library and Archives.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/connecticut-s-own-conversations-for-oboe-and-piano" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Connecticut's Own: Conversations for Oboe and Piano</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton LIbrary, Wilton</strong></p><p>Sunday May 18, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Ralph Kirmser and Kyong Hee Cho are once again our guest performers for a piano and oboe concert.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="http://www.trejanicole.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Treja Nicole Photography</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">!</span></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Tréja London, founder of </span><a href="http://www.trejanicole.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Treja Nicole Photography</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I started my business out of passion and enjoyment of photographing people. I knew I wanted to make a career out of it ever since I was gifted a camera for my 16th birthday. Once I graduated college and worked for a large photography company it made me realize this was something I wanted to pursue as a business. It has now been 5 years of business and 11 years of photographing.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As of right now, brand photo sessions are the most popular. I enjoy helping other small businesses make an impact with professional images.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The local business I use is Union Savings Bank for business banking. Molten Java I enjoy their hot teas while I edit photos.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit </span><a href="http://www.trejanicole.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Treja Nicole Photography</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> online </span><a href="http://www.trejanicole.com/" 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);">, and make sure to follow along on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/trejanicole/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/trejaxnicole/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Instagram</a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">.</strong></p><p><br></p>