<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank continues its support of Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT) with a $7,500 donation, in addition to the sponsorship of BNT’s Annual Benefit.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Founded in 1986, Building Neighborhoods Together, formerly Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, is a HUD-certified nonprofit organization committed to addressing income inequality and homelessness by creating safe, affordable housing, and providing comprehensive housing and financial counseling services to low-and-moderate-income families across Fairfield County. BNT stands as the leading provider of certified housing counseling in Connecticut, with bi-lingual counselors serving both English and Spanish-speaking clients.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Having passionate, engaged partners like Fairfield County Bank is invaluable to BNT,” said Charles Griggs, Director of Administration &amp; Fund Development at BNT. “We are incredibly grateful for their contribution to our success through their volunteerism and donations.” </p><p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank mortgage officers have provided first-time homebuyer education classes to BNT clients as well as volunteering at on-site events geared towards financial education. “Partnering with BNT on their initiatives such as the Empowerment Resource Academy (ERA) and their first-time homebuyer seminars aids in our commitment to financial education and literacy,” said Tanya Parker, Vice President of Risk Management and Community Reinvestment (CRA) Officer at Fairfield County Bank.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">This donation will support BNT’s ability to fund key staffing, technology, and operational expenses to enhance their capacity to provide affordable housing development, financial literacy programs, and housing counseling services. Additionally, BNT will be launching mandated financial literacy curriculum across Bridgeport Public Schools, which is anticipated to reach over 1,000 students in the first two years.</p><p><br></p>

<p><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gudddhy-tlluktiylh-k/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);"><strong>Governor Lamont Announces Nearly 23,000 Connecticut Residents Will Have $30 Million in Medical Debt Erased Under First Round of State’s Newly Launched Partnership With Nonprofit</strong></a></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that nearly 23,000 Connecticut residents who have medical debt will be notified in the coming days that some or all of that debt has been eliminated under the first round of a major initiative his administration launched through a partnership with the national nonprofit organization&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gudddhy-tlluktiylh-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>Undue Medical Debt</strong></a>.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The nonprofit contracts with state and local governments and leverages public investments to negotiate with hospitals and other providers on the elimination of large, bundled portfolios of qualifying medical debt owed by patients whose income is at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level or who have medical debt that is 5% or more of their income. (The current federal poverty level is an annual income at or below $31,200 for a family of four.) Because these medical debts are acquired in bulk and belong to those least able to pay, they cost a fraction of their face value.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Under this first round, the Lamont administration invested approximately $100,000 from the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and Undue Medical Debt was able to negotiate with a secondary market partner (i.e. collections agency) and a national provider to acquire approximately $30 million in qualifying medical debt for Connecticut residents.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">There is no application process for this medical debt relief and it cannot be requested. Instead, residents whose debt has been identified for relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt indicating which debt or debts have been eliminated. Letters under this first round will be delivered to Connecticut residents through the U.S. mail beginning December 23, 2024.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>**<em>Download</em>: To view an example of the letter individuals will begin receiving in the coming days,&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gudddhy-tlluktiylh-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>click here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Lamont said that his administration intends on continuing to partner with Undue Medical Debt to enact further rounds of medical debt elimination. The governor and the Connecticut General Assembly worked together to make $6.5 million in ARPA funding available for this initiative.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">In addition to this initiative, Governor Lamont&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gudddhy-tlluktiylh-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>recently signed legislation</strong></a>&nbsp;enacting a law that prohibits health care providers and hospitals in Connecticut from reporting a person’s medical debt to credit rating agencies for use in credit reports. That new law – which went into effect on July 1, 2024 – was enacted to protect patients who may have otherwise been apprehensive about seeking essential medical care for fear that any inability to pay could negatively impact their credit rating.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc., a not-for-profit, professional theatre company in Milford has added a new performance of “Dorothy’s Christmas in Oz” on Sunday, December 22 at 5:30pm&nbsp;at the Milford Arts Council, The MAC on Railroad Avenue in downtown Milford.</p><p>The new musical mash-up by Bert Bernardi and Justin Rugg find Dorothy in Kansas longing for the excitement, friendship and magic of her previous journey to Oz.&nbsp;This time, she travels over the rainbow on a mission to celebrate the holidays and find what she misses most—family. All of Oz’s familiar characters return along with some new ones like the jolly old elf in the red suit! There’s all kinds of unexpected moments, sight gags, jokes and plenty of memorable music.</p><p>“It’s a hot ticket,” says co-producer Bert Bernardi. “Performances have seen capacity crowds and all of our upcoming shows are all nearly full—the demand for tickets prompted us to add one more performance,” he added.&nbsp;Co-producer Jimmy Johansmeyer said “We’re so happy to be able to add one more performance and give audiences of all ages the chance to take a holiday trip over the rainbow with some favorite Oz and holiday characters.”</p><p>The cast includes Pantochino company members Mary Mannix, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Maria Berte, Don Poggio, Valerie Solli,&nbsp;Jimmy Johansmeyer and Rugg. They are joined by Killian Meehan, Chad Celini, Leanne Onofrio, Justin Amaro and Katie Durham. Three young actors join the company for this production, Ella Bedenbaugh, Davis Burke and Brennan Simonelli. The production also features the ‘quintessence of effervescence’ herself, Victoria Sautee.&nbsp;</p><p>The musical features sets by Von Del Mar, costumes by Johansmeyer, lighting by Jakob Kelsey, sound by Tyler Kittleman and Christina Ronquillo will stage manage. The production is sponsored by Berchem Moses PC.&nbsp;</p><p>“Dorothy’s Christmas in Oz ” features cabaret seating. Audiences are invited to bring their own food and drink to enjoy during the performance. The Milford Arts Council, The MAC is located at 40 Railroad Avenue South on the east bound side of the Metro-North tracks. Free parking is available in the train station lots at showtime. Further details and tickets are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://pantochino.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pantochino.com</a>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend December 13-14</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/silvermine-holiday-art-craft-sale-7e990" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Silvermine Holiday Art &amp; Craft Sale</strong></a></p><p><strong>Silvermine Galleries</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 13, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>All art and crafts for sale are created by Silvermine School of Art Adult Students and Silvermine Instructors. You will find ceramics, paintings, sculptures, prints, jewelry, drawings, photographs, fiber arts, cards, ornaments, and more at affordable prices to fit every budget.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-shop-n-stroll-at-ct-audubon-in-fairfield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Shop 'N Stroll</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connecticut Audubon Society Fairfield Nature Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 14, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Shop for nature-inspired gifts from local artisan vendors while delighting in the joyous sounds of acapella holiday carols. Enjoy a brisk walk on the Sanctuary trails, then grab a cheesy bite from the Melt Mobile Food Truck.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gbs-s-final-candidate-leads-12-14-holiday-show-daughter-of-leonard-bernstein-jamie-narrates-signs-books" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GBS's Final Candidate Leads Holiday Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 14, 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>After an exhaustive search over two seasons, GBS is down to the wire as the competition to become the next Music Director ends. Maestro Waddell will present a family-friendly “concert of storytelling,” highlighted by some of the greatest stories in music, including Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf narrated by special guest Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the late great Leonard Bernstein. GBS is proud to feature photos of Mexican wolves during the narration, provided by Jack Bradley, a photographer for Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/winter-light-reception-at-art-place-gallery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Winter Light Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Art/Place Gallery</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>This is an All-Member show that includes work in a variety of mediums, sizes, and interpretations of the theme.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pequot-library-and-shakespeare-on-the-sound-present-a-christmas-carol" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Shakespeare on the Sound Present: A Christmas Carol</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Join Pequot Library and Shakespeare on the Sound for drinks and delight at our joint fundraiser, culminating in a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Year after year, the trained actors from Shakespeare on the Sound delight audience members young and old with the quintessential tale of holiday spirit.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/odysseys-a-musical-journey-through-the-world-of-video-games" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Odysseys: A musical journey through the world of video games</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Presbyterian Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Norwalk Gamer Symphony Orchestra takes you on a journey through some of video game's most expansive and memorable worlds in our next show, Odysseys. Join us as we quest in search of Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X, 2001), trample a path on the moon (DuckTales, 1989) and traverse the desert wastelands of Journey's (2012) barren but provocative landscape. We hope you can join us for this fun evening of music and exploration! For more information, go to<a href="http://www.norwalkgso.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.norwalkgso.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.norwalkgso.org</a></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/yuletide-harmonies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Yuletide Harmonies</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>The Fairfield County Chorale (FCC) will present a joyous program of holiday music on December 15 at Norwalk Concert Hall. The Chorale launches its 62nd season with an intriguing program reaching from the Baroque to the 20th century. Similarly, the musical selections were composed in countries across the western world – from Germany to Hungary to the UK. Music Director David Rosenmeyer will conduct.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-service-of-nine-lessons-and-carols" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols</strong></a></p><p><strong>St. Mark's Episcopal Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm</p><p>Now a perennial favorite, uniting the St. Mark’s Choir, Choristers, and Soloists, the story of our redemption is told – both in word and song – from the story of Adam and Eve to the arrival of the Magi at the Manger. Carols and hymns are sung by the Choir and by all. Conducted by the Director of Music Ned Tipton. Dr. Michael Burnette will accompany the service.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/brass-and-organ-christmas-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Brass and Organ Christmas Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Presbyterian Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>First Presbyterian Church of Stamford invites you to immerse yourself in the Christmas sound of four trumpets, two French horns, 3 trombones, 1 tuba, 2 percussionists, and an organ with over 4000 pipes. Minister of Music Kevin Bailey and the New York Symphonic Brass present the 34th annual Brass and Organ concert. Suggested donation of $25 for the freewill offering.</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;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><br></p><p>On Saturday, January 11, 2025, downtown New Haven will come alive with the energy of Girl Scouts gathering for the “Girl Scout Round Up: Cookie Rally &amp; Entrepreneur Fair.” Hosted by Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) at the Omni New Haven Hotel, this annual event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and serves as the official kick-off to the highly anticipated Girl Scout Cookie season.</p><p>The event, now in its second year, is expected to welcome more than 300 attendees and offers workshops on money management, leadership, entrepreneurship, customer care, cybersecurity, and presentation skills.</p><p>“The Girl Scout Round Up: Cookie Rally and Entrepreneur Fair is one of our most popular events because it equips Girl Scouts with hands-on techniques to enhance their cookie businesses,” said Elicia Pegues Spearman, CEO of Girl Scouts of Connecticut. “Everyone leaves the event informed, excited, and empowered to make this Cookie Sales Season their most successful yet!”</p><p>Attendees can participate in six Badge Activity Stations to work on Entrepreneurship and Financial Literacy badges, visit over 30 company vendors—including M&amp;T Bank, Junior Achievement, and the UConn Extension Financial Literacy Education Program—and explore the Girl Scout Activity Zone featuring indoor archery, hula hoop games, and SWAPS (small tokens of friendship exchanged among Girl Scouts).</p><p>“Beyond business skills, this event highlights life-balancing activities that reinforce the four primary pillars of Girl Scouts: STEAM, Entrepreneurship, Life Skills, and the Outdoors,” added Spearman. “Our goal is for attendees to leave with a deeper appreciation for the amazing year-round programs Girl Scouts offers.”</p><p>Other highlights include a Summer Fun Zone showcasing camp and travel opportunities, sing-a-longs, the Council Shop featuring the latest Girl Scout gear, and workshops on yoga, mindfulness, fire safety, and self-defense. A Volunteers Lounge provides a space for attendees to connect with GSOFCT management team members.</p><p>The event is open to all girls in grades K-12 with an adult chaperone. Pre-registration is available until January 3, 2025, at <a href="https://www.gsofct.org/en/sf-events-repository/2025/great-girl-scout-round-up-2025----dbjcsa---new-haven--ct.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Connecticut Events</a>. For more information, contact Customer Care at 800-922-2770 or <a href="mailto:CustomerCare@gsofct.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CustomerCare@gsofct.org.</a></p><p>Girl Scout Cookie season officially begins on January 24, 2025, with order-taking, followed by statewide booth sales starting March 22, 2025.</p><p><em>Photo: The 2nd Annual Girl Scout Round Up: Cookie Rally and Entrepreneur Fair will be held at the Omni New Haven Hotel at 155 Temple Street, offering workshops on leadership, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy to hundreds of attendees.</em></p><p><em>Credit: Girl Scouts of Connecticut</em></p>

<p><strong>Bridgeport, CT – December 12, 2024</strong> – The Bridgeport Downtown Special Services District (DSSD) is pleased to announce that Downtown Bridgeport has been selected for the Connecticut Main Street Center’s (CMSC) 2025 Main Street Accelerator program. This prestigious six-month virtual program focuses on applying the nationally recognized Four Point Approach to Main Street Management, fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems that align with and enhance local neighborhood identities.</p><p>The Bridgeport DSSD will collaborate with Groundwork Bridgeport, the Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council, and the City of Bridgeport’s Office of Planning &amp; Economic Development to bring this initiative to life. Together, they aim to develop strategies that support downtown businesses and invigorate the community.</p><p>Downtown Bridgeport is one of four Connecticut communities chosen for the program, alongside Bethel, East Hartford, and Enfield. Beginning in January 2025, team members will engage in a dynamic curriculum featuring guest speakers, contributions from organizations such as Sustainable CT and Preservation Connecticut, coaching calls, and group assignments.</p><p>Participants will learn innovative approaches to downtown development and Main Street management while tackling a specific challenge unique to their community. Successful completion of the program may qualify teams for grant funding from CMSC. To date, CMSC has awarded $15,000 in grants to past Main Street Accelerator teams from Georgetown, Norwich, and Thomaston.</p><p><strong>Michelle McCabe</strong>, CMSC Executive Director, shared her enthusiasm for the new cohort:</p><blockquote>“I’m thrilled to welcome our newest cohort to the Accelerator program, which has proven itself to be instrumental in helping communities build their capacity to address main street challenges. Through Accelerator, the teams learn and practice the Four Point Approach while collaborating with like-minded peers from other Connecticut communities. It’s wonderful to see the camaraderie that develops as much as the skills and action plans.”</blockquote><p><strong>Photo Caption:</strong> The 2025 Main Street Accelerator participants enjoyed an in-person kickoff luncheon in downtown Wallingford on December 5, captured by CMSC.</p><p>To learn more about the Connecticut Main Street Center and the Main Street Accelerator program, visit <a href="https://ctmainstreet.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CTMainStreet.org</a>.</p>