Stories
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Town's budget process for 2025 - 2026 is underway. A joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance to consider the Board of Education's proposed budget is scheduled on Thursday, February 13th at 7 p.m. in the Brookfield High School Media Center. In mid-February, the Board of Selectmen will begin its deliberations on my recommended budget.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Below are the main dates for the upcoming budget process:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">First Selectman budget due to the Board of Selectman by February 15</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Board of Selectmen budget due to the Board of Finance by March 2</span></li></ul><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Board of Selectmen Meeting</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Monday, February 3 at 7 p.m., Meeting Room 133. The meeting agenda will be posted on the town </span><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKO3KIx94cK2DtW3mck7zATf73BNNOg8VjHSJS7KXoAhzlAN2CHidoEsatqcrTnQd-kaFWEFDIQX3x7FAhH-Cm06MBD50rZQaNVWDTHceUTovQzFlPFh_kRY7Z53shBC8HvgOsC-Kb_t8&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">website</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> the Friday afternoon before and live-streamed and recorded for viewing.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Coffee with the Community</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*This event is scheduled on the last Saturday of the month unless otherwise noted.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">February 22, 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. at the New Brookfield Market located at 277 Whisconier Rd.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Town Hall Closures</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wednesday, February 12 - Lincoln's Birthday</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Monday, February 17 - Washington's Birthday</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Take the PUBLIC SURVEY: Plan of Conservation and Development</strong></p><p><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKL94QrucqMF3AOSVlZHmtN3FmeGJEWmVo1MYEGKvDEKSBIRzSxZjcjwsT7Mf7tEK4wAOA67jrpfB9qP1eajM_6_gwHzt6hpc41pdWdOPZG1YIrfoU6v31PeFszA3eCsgHA==&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">www.surveymonkey.com/r/BrookfieldPOCD</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">PUBLIC WORKS</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please use caution during snowstorms and remember:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">When garbage pick-up coincides with a snowstorm, please keep your garbage cans off the street and either behind the curb or in your driveway. They can get in the way of the plows.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Please do not park your vehicle on the road or in the town right-of-way during snowstorms. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Remove any items that would prevent plowing off the road.</span></li></ul><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">REGISTRAR OF VOTERS</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We’re excited to announce some new updates to our website! We’ve launched a brand-new page titled </span><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKL94QrucqMF3Ds8m5pCsWntim6hvB3BkVFNlB7ztcd4b7OHHTRT_knR5jYLkJR8Jn6u8IuIwFuTGuOGiJCtEi1DqK4YuOEwYmsd0Z-hB_9Ujmfu458Si4bR_843EIqofLPlXISf5JO8ca3U_YLCEUvmVk4W2cJWLDerdhEYzIyE-&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Election Officials 101</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, where you can find everything you’ve ever wanted to know about being an election official and how elections are run. If you're interested in working at the polls, you can also find an application on the page.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Additionally, we’ve added a new </span><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKL94QrucqMF3X3O6ASBQ4BR9mW8ksvPkSkR9kcemghi9EYF8zY9AufR1f90M2pud2t7cns0nUTHR4WWHaGGDpaRccMvHQP8qM6KCmNNe1SdxQSVeYyvhruwi30vVW7vXSw==&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">FAQ</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> section, designed to answer your most common questions about registering to vote, elections, and the voting process.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit our website today to explore these updates and learn how you can get involved!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">TAX COLLECTOR</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The last day to pay without penalty is February 3, 2025.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Payments can be made by mail, the online portal, or visiting our office during business hours. We accept personal checks, money orders and bank checks. We only accept cash up to $500.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please see </span><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKLtk2q-iq1B__7J-MiuR5I-CKeooC9aWuApWDF-I1zTOlkDpGxGPwwz9EwxOuOAAy67A_TD5soCuczI0StUUhiIFmHxBWQI2I5YGl6eW7FbemX6bW7zkolxKjSIrDr-TMA==&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.brookfieldct.gov/tax-collector</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> for additional information.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you have any questions, call or email the office at 203-775-7304 or </span><a href="mailto:tax@brookfieldct.gov." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">tax@brookfieldct.gov.</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">TOWN ASSESSOR</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you no longer have your vehicle, please email our office the plate receipt and proof of what happened to the vehicle to </span><a href="mailto:assessor@brookfieldct.gov." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">assessor@brookfieldct.gov.</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you closed your business in town, instructions and forms can be found on the town </span><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001W2utXEdIC3b1iiia8opHJLKDYykRKgOIoKp_4_Xr0wFLwitgLeTeqKdJRDk0p9_A7A8YvmezE7ef6gEWTzOPucWcPxM8miUPdwk47P8EtTzLQdzZ-jDvR_fPUbzo7po0xBnoxyXdyjRMP6ecpxg5cfapwxG3H0xUo-Dc_q-y2yoLiCSe6Mz6kD5A8mkpRdz6roDOivKd0VE=&c=tJmAwh1zOuWTsX3mLcQ-wJB9Uw-drHWTLDMh-nk1enlKlQH85JE8HA==&ch=AaCNvoiS3y5WBN2pgy_UW357bLaqwD4PPUcEU5asrwYtQJoE9UDABw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">website</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Seniors and Veterans forms for the tax relief programs will be out the first week of February 2025. If you were on the programs in prior years, your forms will be mailed directly to you. If you just moved here and you are a veteran, please file your DD-214 with the Town Clerk. If you are over 65 on or before December 31, 2024 and have never been on the elderly tax relief program or are new to Brookfield, please go to the town </span><a href="https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001W2utXEdIC3b1iiia8opHJLKDYykRKgOIoKp_4_Xr0wFLwitgLeTeqFK8nISkLmG_CMFPljgT1P3ws8aYWHcFpbZMFzxSG_nBudcu5dnHL5ImOqdPQnckHZHsjDzTDrGRYj3OmFL3WSuFog7KWX3RtAYjh9ua00ZwMp11Um3CMfWlCTEjjnvsU0dYzy5j9vzwbH3UkVH5-OM=&c=tJmAwh1zOuWTsX3mLcQ-wJB9Uw-drHWTLDMh-nk1enlKlQH85JE8HA==&ch=AaCNvoiS3y5WBN2pgy_UW357bLaqwD4PPUcEU5asrwYtQJoE9UDABw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">website</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you have any questions, please call our office at 203-775-7302.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">TOWN CLERK</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We’re excited to introduce PropertyCheck, an opt-in property alert notification system!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With a free and simple opt-in and personalized alert creation, residents can access this additional layer of protection against property fraud. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit </span><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKN7UtW2NKT8WnuPM4BAQe5g3EK5im0LijwsJidtQu5eN2YiIEoQIaubQcZrsg7O2qzuaPlBYemoRusW_lMjxpyYjhWt8tXHj_JHc0YSFt7nQe5T83HFxMqZd1_uwhXFHNQPLcCa25-CY5pEKS3lE-lg=&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.brookfieldct.gov/town-clerk/links/propertycheck</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to enroll. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for step-by-step instructions, visit the </span><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKN7UtW2NKT8WEQAsW0aCJIqFcTbTbLp3WGJs3SinzWxWMxzrFk-iwE-iMt70iw4-Q1qIa7QIum_BwbNLt3hnqvfesGdoHNLSXF5ioS4O6huc9jn7dj8q58LFRFtvr5wPBDvBiUym525QcpBcECotGPNy7e9oSInAKm2exEE3vCjs&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Town Clerk’s webpage</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To learn more about PropertyCheck, visit </span><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKN7UtW2NKT8Wiq2xpKREo61EbgMa50rdK1m0u6e72ihkwe7VvnprHqsno-lZaHPrPUycT2KcebKaZrWG5WEq8g7IHpJu07FZZQ_uj-fepFCAUTwIgqxvhmU=&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://cottsystems.com/propertycheck/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fire Marshal's Office</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Protect your family from the dangers of Carbon Monoxide</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it is colorless and odorless. It is undetectable to the human senses, so people may not know that they are being exposed. CO poisoning can occur when a fuel-burning appliance or machine, such as a furnace, heater, or generator, is not working or vented properly.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms, and outside sleeping areas. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms every month. Have a home fire escape plan and practice your plan at least twice a year. Make sure everyone knows how to escape your home if there is a fire.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For additional fire safety information, contact the Brookfield Fire Marshal's Office at (203) 775-7306, or email </span><a href="mailto:fire@brookfieldct.gov." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">fire@brookfieldct.gov.</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Be sure to follow us on Facebook: </span><a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001xU5ZkwXiFTT9dyYbs52YR_8gHuIAi1uiCHOzmfPX9Md5ua_9o2fUKOguH-ycqrt6ycx19LgPnQhx4zhxXGETNjxrHbXHTts55oAmgJftD_C3-MdEvvC3Lwu4p44Hl-rPA1kTj8qaZ_h7auuafhncac1POHzEg2frSWJ13LMftqs=&c=UNAzvU-vDkRqhuzG5GBO00rjlu3WHQj1t6no85Sf9SDd1RbTGibkng==&ch=Zax_fw5TdYF-XSgwkf3MF7vZFhdiXon4pMAevYDQYLAGtHLXZBhvQQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.facebook.com/BrookfieldFMO</a></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Set sail for an evening of inspiration and adventure at "Meet the Royal Family", hosted by Jim and Mary Villamana and taking place at Armando's Restaurant, 47 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT, on February 5th at 6:00 pm.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Discover the world of cruising with an exclusive presentation featuring Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises—three exceptional cruise lines under the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella. Whether you’re dreaming of a family escape, a luxurious retreat, or a globe-trotting adventure, this event has something for everyone.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join us for a glass of wine and light bites as we explore the exciting possibilities these cruise lines offer.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We look forward to seeing you there! But space is limited so remember to RSVP early to reserve your spot.</span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </strong></p><h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span class="ql-cursor"></span>RSVP </span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221tribrand2025/" 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);">.</span></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email Mary Villamana </strong><a href="mailto:mvillamana@expediacruises.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>mvillamana@expediacruises.com</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p><strong>Head to Brookfield Library on Sunday, February 9, 1:00 – 3:00 PM to create a Heart FELT Gift for Valentine's Day!</strong></p><p><strong>For Ages 10–18</strong></p><p>Join us for a special Valentine’s Day workshop where you’ll learn basic hand-sewing skills to create your own personalized felt pouch. Choose between two charming designs—a leaf or a heart—and craft a one-of-a-kind gift for someone special or a keepsake for yourself.</p><p>No sewing experience? No problem! This workshop will teach you the foundational stitches needed to complete your project. For those with more advanced skills, opportunities to personalize your pouch and work at your own pace will ensure a fun and creative experience.</p><p>The workshop is led by <strong>Carrie W.</strong>, a talented local embroidery and textile artist, known for her stunning creations showcased at the recent Mini Renn Faire. Discover more of Carrie’s work <a href="https://brookfieldlib.librarycalendar.com/event/felt-pouch-craft-20821" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Spaces are limited, and <strong>registration is required</strong>. Sign up now <a href="https://brookfieldlib.librarycalendar.com/event/felt-pouch-craft-20821" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> to reserve your spot!</p><p>Make this Valentine’s Day extra special with a heartfelt, handmade gift.</p>
<p>Link is for fall 2024 dean's list. Two Brookfield students listed</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://rwu.meritpages.com/updates?c=62" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://rwu.meritpages.com/updates?c=62</a></p>
<p>The American Red Cross is helping one family – two adults<span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);"> </span>– two children after a fire yesterday on Chickadee Ln., Brookfield. The Red Cross provided assistance to meet the family's immediate needs. Responders included: Arthur Hopkins, Nancy Lavoie, Michael Gabriel, Ginger Flynn and Lisa Sgamboti.</p><p>The Red Cross also provided a recovery envelope containing information helpful to families recovering from a fire, including tips on cleanup; notification of important contacts; dealing with damaged items and more. The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits containing personal care items such as deodorant, toothbrushes, shaving supplies and other items a resident might need when suddenly displaced from their home by a fire.</p><p>Those affected will connect with Red Cross caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan. The Red Cross is able to provide assistance through the generosity of our donors and commitment of our volunteers.</p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">DANBURY, CT, January 13, 2025</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">—</span> The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) proudly announces its 50th anniversary in 2025, marking half a century of dedication to preventing and responding to interpersonal violence. What began as a courageous effort in a humble kitchen in 1975 has evolved into a beacon of hope and empowerment for countless individuals in the community. This milestone celebration reflects on CEE's legacy, honors the steady support from the community, and envisions a future free from interpersonal violence.</p><p><strong>A Legacy of Courage and Commitment</strong></p><p>Fifty years ago, three visionary women—Alice Chapman, Mary Elizabeth Corso, and Bonnie Law—came together in a kitchen, driven by an unwavering dream of a world free from violence and inequality. Their grassroots movement led to the founding of The Women's Center of Greater Danbury. In 2021, the organization rebranded into The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) to better represent their commitment to serving all individuals, regardless of gender. From those humble beginnings, CEE has steadfastly championed the cause of supporting victims and survivors of interpersonal violence, striving to build a community where every person is treated with dignity and respect.</p><p><strong>Impacting Lives, Strengthening the Community</strong></p><p>Throughout its journey, CEE has been a lifeline for victims and survivors, providing critical services, advocacy, and support. The impact of CEE’s work is felt in the stories of those who have found safety, healing, and empowerment through its programs. Thousands have been educated through CEE’s prevention programs, creating a ripple effect of awareness and change that strengthens the fabric of the community. As CEE celebrates this golden anniversary, CEE renews their commitment to a future where every individual can live free from the threat of interpersonal violence.</p><p><strong>Honoring the Pillars of Strength</strong></p><p>As CEE celebrates this significant milestone, they extend their deepest gratitude to the pillars of its strength:</p><p><strong>The Founders:</strong> The bravery and vision of CEE’s founders ignited a movement that has touched countless lives. Their courage to dream and act laid the foundation for the future.</p><p><strong>The Staff:</strong> The dedication, adaptability, and passion of CEE’s staff drive the mission forward, meeting the ever-changing needs of those served. Their steadfast commitment is invaluable.</p><p><strong>The Board of Directors:</strong> The leadership and guidance of CEE’s Board of Directors has been instrumental, steering the organization through challenges and triumphs alike.</p><p><strong>The Ambassadors Council: </strong>The Ambassadors Council has consistently championed CEE’s mission, leveraging their networks and support during crucial moments to advance the mission and vision.</p><p><strong>The Community:</strong> The unwavering support and belief in CEE’s mission have been the cornerstone of its success. The community has stood with CEE for 50 years, making its work possible.</p><p><strong>The Donors: </strong>The generosity of CEE’s donors fuels its programs and enables the continuation of critical work. Their investment in a future free from violence is deeply appreciated.</p><p><strong>The Volunteers:</strong> The time and commitment of CEE’s volunteers continue to fill the gaps and ensure that victims and survivors have the resources to begin and stay on their healing journey.</p><p><strong>From 50 to the Future</strong></p><p>Looking ahead, CEE remains steadfast in its commitment to elevating the voices of victims and survivors. The organization will continue to advocate for change, break down barriers, and ensure that support is accessible to all who need it. Prevention education programs will remain at the forefront of CEE’s efforts, working tirelessly to prevent interpersonal violence before it occurs and fostering a culture of respect and equality.</p><p><strong>Join the Journey</strong></p><p>The Center for Empowerment and Education invites everyone to join in celebrating this momentous occasion throughout 2025. The year-long celebration will include various events and initiatives designed to engage, inspire, and mobilize the community. Together, lasting change can be achieved, advocacy for change continued, and empowerment provided to those who need it most.</p><p>Join in celebrating The Center for Empowerment and Education's 50th anniversary at their Annual Dinner on April 11, 2025, at the Amber Room Colonnade. This milestone event will be an evening of reflection, gratitude, and hope, honoring CEE’s founders and the incredible impact CEE has made on the community.</p><p>For more information about the 50th-anniversary celebrations and how to get involved, please visit<a href="http://www.thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.thecenterct.org.</a></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">At 2:59 pm today, Friday, January 17, the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company (BVFC) reports it was dispatched to Riverford Road for a deer partially through the ice. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">According to BVFC, "The deer was successfully removed from the hole and assisted to the Bridgewater side of the Lake without injury. Crews operated on scene for approximately an hour."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">To view additional photos, visit BVFC on Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrookfieldFD" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/BrookfieldFD</a></p>