<p><span style="color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">Bridgeport, CT - Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo has teamed up with Bridgeport’s newest spot, Foolproof Brewery, to launch a limited-edition “Beardsley Brew”.&nbsp;The big debut is open to the public and takes place on Thursday, November 7th, from 4:30–6:30 PM to celebrate the release of this special brew. The brew label features stunning hand-sketched art of amazing animals created by a talented Connecticut artist. 100% of proceeds from every brew purchased directly supports Zoo Education Programs.</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">We're thrilled to invite all local eateries to join us in this mouthwatering celebration of culinary delights. Whether you're a beloved neighborhood gem or an up-and-coming hotspot, this is your chance to showcase your unique flavors to food enthusiasts from all around. For our cherished community members and visitors eagerly awaiting this event, stay tuned to discover which of your favorite restaurants will be participating. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">Get ready to embark on a gastronomic adventure filled with delectable dishes, special menus, and unforgettable dining experiences. Let’s make this year’s Restaurant Week the most delicious one yet!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">Learn more </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1066027618293126" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/events/1066027618293126</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Bridgeport, CT</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">&nbsp;–-&nbsp;Six animals are competing for the coveted title of Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo in this year’s fun and exciting election. The election will decide the Zoo’s fifth Mayor, the highest-ranking animal official who will showcase the important role of animal ambassadors. Last year’s winner, Tahu the river otter, whose campaign slogan was “Ready to Dive In,” spent most her term swimming upstream while also promoting conservation and the benefits of clean water for our ecosystem.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">The 2024 race introduces a new lineup of contenders vying for the top spot:</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Dumbledore the Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog:</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">&nbsp;You can’t miss this brightly colored candidate! Dumbledore, the Yellow-Banded Poison Dart Frog or Bumblebee Dart Frog, is ready to leap into this race and believes he is the best choice for Zoo Mayor because he is not afraid to stand out from his opponents. Dumbledore promises to accomplish so much during his term as Mayor of the Zoo that you will question if his abilities are magic. His campaign slogan is “Vibrant Leadership for a Brighter Future!” Text 2025ZooMayor5 to 71777 to vote for Dumbledore.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Post Makoi the Koi Fish:&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Making a splash as the first ever mayoral candidate to represent the Zoo’s Greenhouse, Post Makoi the Koi is excited to dive into uncharted waters. Since the Zoo achieved Level One Arboretum Status this past year, Post Makoi believes he has the advantage over his opponents to help the Zoo reach Level 2 Arboretum Status since he spends his days swimming amongst the greenery. His campaign motto is: “Making Waves for a Greener Tomorrow!” Text 2025ZooMayor2 to 71777 to vote for Post Makoi.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Willow the Eastern Mud Turtle:&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Sure and steady in her decision to run for Mayor, Willow the Eastern Mud Turtle says she is best suited for the job because she is not afraid to get her feet on the ground and handle the dirty work. Willow says that real progress isn’t about sprinting but instead knowing when to dig in for the long haul. Her campaign motto is “Making Change from the Ground, Up!”&nbsp;Text 2025ZooMayor1 to 71777 to vote for Willow.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Berry the Red Panda:</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">&nbsp;An expert at knowing how to balance responsibilities, Berry the Red Panda says whether you are high up in the trees, or down on the ground, she will be a Mayor for all at the Zoo. Berry spends much of her day behind the scenes in her habitat busy working on her plans to move the Zoo forward and said she is “Red-y” to climb to new heights with your support. Her campaign slogan is, “Let’s Make Paws-itive Change Together!”&nbsp;Text 2025ZooMayor7 to 71777 to vote for Berry.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Nuna the Andean Bear:&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">One of the newer residents of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is throwing her paw into the pool of candidates for Mayor this year. Nuna, the Andean Bear, believes that her fresh perspective as a newer resident will allow her to bring new and progressive ideas to the Zoo. Andean Bears are accustomed to navigating steep cliffs, thick forests, and unpredictable terrain and Nuna believes this experience has adapted her with resilience, and the ability to stay focused on what matters. Her campaign slogan is “More than just the Bear Necessities!” Text 2025ZooMayor6 to 71777 to vote for Nuna.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">Ethel the Guinea Hog:</strong><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">&nbsp;Mother to five guinea hog piglets, Ethel the Guinea Hog says that her ability to keep her rambunctious little ones in line proves that she’s the right candidate for the job. While she says she has a lot of ideas for the Zoo, she does not plan to hog the spotlight and says there will be room for everyone at her farm table. Ethel’s campaign slogan is “Don’t go Hog Wild- Vote for Ethel!” Text 2025ZooMayor8 to 71777 to vote for Ethel.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">“The election for Mayor of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is a fun and engaging way for the public to connect with our animals while supporting our fundraising efforts,” said Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. “Each candidate is working hard to win over voters, making this a lively and competitive race. Unlike other elections, we encourage everyone to vote early, vote often, and stuff the ballot box for their favorite candidate.”The election will be decided by all tallied text and online votes. The voting begins on Tuesday, October 22nd&nbsp;and the polls close at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 5th. The public is invited to vote for the candidate of their choice by making a one-dollar donation for each vote via text to the number identified in the candidate profile, or online at</span><a href="https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2025ZooMayor" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(124, 172, 186);">https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/2025ZooMayor</a><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">The winning Mayor will hold a 12-month term. All donations to the ballot box will support the Zoo’s mission of conservation, education, research, and fun.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">For more information,&nbsp;visiting hours, and other zoo attractions, please visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://about:blank/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(124, 172, 186);">www.beardsleyzoo.org</a><span style="color: rgb(89, 89, 89);">.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fairfield County Bank is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Peter Aylward to Mortgage Originator. Peter will be helping clients purchase and refinance their homes, operating out of Fairfield County Bank’s Bridgeport and Fairfield offices.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mr. Aylward has been helping clients achieve their dream of homeownership for over 25 years and looks forward to deepening his connection to the community in which he serves. His goal is to help his clients understand not only their full buying potential but also the array of financing options they have available through the Bank. Peter believes that educating his clients is a vital part of his role as a Mortgage Originator.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">“We are thrilled to have Peter joining our team,” said Amy Raymond, Senior Vice President of Retail Lending. “His extensive career in the mortgage industry will allow him to expertly serve our clients across lower Fairfield County.” Peter will be responsible for building relationships with current clients and developing new ones, along with supporting his colleagues in retail banking, insurance, and investment services.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">Peter is a life-long Fairfield County resident, whose local market knowledge will prove invaluable to his clients. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family outdoors and cheering on a New York sports team in any given season.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">To learn more about Peter, please visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybankmortgages.com/PeterAylward.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.fairfieldcountybankmortgages.com/PeterAylward.html</a></p>

<p><strong>BRIDGEPORT, CT&nbsp;</strong>—&nbsp;<a href="https://housatonicmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><strong>Housatonic Museum of Art (HMA)</strong></a>&nbsp;at Connecticut State Community College Housatonic has partnered with Art Bridges Foundation in Bentonville, Arkansas, to present “Storytelling Through the Art of Julie Buffalohead”, a free community program on&nbsp;<strong>Wed., Nov. 20</strong>.&nbsp;</p><p>This event is the result of an Art Bridges Learning &amp; Engagement project that is centered around&nbsp;<em>Resurrection&nbsp;</em>by Julie Buffalohead, a celebrated Native American artist and member of the Ponca Tribe of Oklahoma. A hands-on artmaking workshop and discussion will explore the themes found in Buffalohead’s work, which is on loan from the Art Bridges Collection and currently on view in the Beacon Hall Event Center.&nbsp;</p><p>Attendees will engage in the artmaking workshop led by Darlene Kascak, Educational Outreach Ambassador at the Institute for American Indian Studies and a Schaghticoke Tribal Nation storyteller. Drawing inspiration from Buffalohead’s&nbsp;<em>Resurrection</em>, participants will create memory bead necklaces as active storytelling tools that deepen their connection to the painting.</p><p>As part of the event, Dr. Royce K. Young Wolf&nbsp;(Hiraacá, Nu’eta, and Sosore, ancestral Apsáalooke and Nʉmʉnʉʉ) —&nbsp;the inaugural Assistant Curator of Native American Art at Yale University Art Gallery&nbsp;and the Collection Manager of the Native North American and Indigenous Collection at the Yale Peabody Museum —&nbsp;will lead a discussion on the cultural significance of the artwork and Buffalohead’s broader impact as a Native American artist.</p><p>The partnership between Art Bridges and the HMA represents a pioneering effort to integrate student-led programming with professional, community-based art education. With this initiative, two community college interns have taken on key roles in selecting the artwork, applying for the grant and conceptualizing and delivering the event, underscoring the potential of community colleges to drive innovative art experiences. These students collaborated closely with Buffalohead, as well as Kascak and Dr. Young Wolf, and have helped shape a program that fosters engagement with Native American perspectives.</p><p>“We are incredibly proud of our CT State Community College students and their willingness to dive into an experimental project. The interns were involved in the very beginning of the project and guided our thinking and discussion around this unique opportunity,” said&nbsp;J<strong>ennifer Reynolds-Kaye, PhD, Director of the Housatonic Museum of Art.&nbsp;</strong>“We are grateful to the collaborative spirit of Art Bridges, CT State Community College, and our event facilitators, Dr. Young Wolf and Darlene Kascak. We are excited to create a powerful and meaningful experience with Buffalohead’s work for our community college students and learners of all ages.”<strong><u>Event Details</u></strong></p><p><strong>What:</strong>&nbsp;Storytelling through the Art of Julie Buffalohead</p><p><strong>When:</strong>&nbsp;Wednesday, November 20, 2024</p><p><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp;3-6 p.m.</p><p><strong>Where:</strong>&nbsp;Housatonic Museum of Art, Beacon Hall Event Center, 900 Lafayette Blvd., Bridgeport, Connecticut. Free parking in the CT State Housatonic parking lot, 870 Lafayette Blvd.</p><p>This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP at&nbsp;<a href="https://housatonicmuseum.org/index.php?option=com_rsform&amp;view=forms&amp;layout=edit&amp;formId=53" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">bit.ly/hma-buffalohead-rsvp</a>.</p><p>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://housatonicmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">housatonicmuseum.org</a>&nbsp;to learn more.</p>

<p>LifeBridge Community Services, a leading provider of behavioral health services in greater Bridgeport, has secured a $200,000 grant to promote positive outcomes in one of Bridgeport’s largest high schools by training school personnel, implementing social-emotional learning (SEL) programming, and increasing students’ access to mental health services. The Community Violence Intervention grant is funded by Connecticut Department of Public Health and administered by Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center. Funding is awarded to community-based organizations and municipal entities to provide community violence intervention and prevention services.</p><p>“LifeBridge partners with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement officials, and the public to help prevent acts of violence, treat the effects of exposure to violence, and to promote trauma-informed practices. This programming was developed in partnership based on identified needs, and we look forward to continuing our work with Principal Thompson and the Harding High School community,” explained Edith Boyle, President and Chief Executive Officer at LifeBridge.</p><p>Bridgeport’s violent crime rate is 75% higher than the national average and has the highest number of family homicide victims in the state. Since schools resumed in-person learning post-pandemic, incidents involving weapons increased by 79% and physical/verbal confrontations increased by 38% statewide. In addition to violence and safety, access to mental health services has emerged as one of the top issues of greatest concern in the Bridgeport region to reduce the prevalence of unhealthy coping mechanisms. </p><p>Principal Vernon Thompson of Warren Harding High School added, “LifeBridge will provide an extra layer of support for my team and students to reduce adverse incidents, suspensions, and expulsions and improve student functioning, social connectedness, and resilience.” </p><p>The project will use the Trauma-Informed Multi-Tiered Systems of Support framework, to align academic, behavioral, and social-emotional learning using evidence-based interventions to promote positive behaviors. At the universal level (Tier 1), school personnel will gain access to Community Resiliency Model training to promote a shared understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and how resiliency can be restored or increased using a skills-based approach. At a targeted level (Tier 2), the SEL curriculum, School-Connect, will be integrated into wellness classes, teaching skills like empathy and communication to reduce bullying and aggression. For students who need more intensive support (Tier 3), LifeBridge will be on-site at the school to address the root cause of disruptive behavior through therapeutic counseling. The program will launch on November 12, 2024.</p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>About LifeBridge</strong></p><p>LifeBridge Community Services is a leading non-profit provider of behavioral healthcare in greater Bridgeport, supporting children, adolescents, and adults through mental health and substance use recovery. LifeBridge is a member of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network – a collective effort to raise the standard of care and improve access to evidence-based services for children experiencing trauma nationwide and facilitates Connecticut’s first Trauma-Informed Community of Practice (TI-CoP). For more information, visit <a href="http://www.LifeBridgeCT.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.LifeBridgeCT.org</a><u>.</u></p>