Stories
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Center for Empowerment & Education Hosts 17th Annual Hearts of Hope Breakfast and Celebrates 50 Years</strong></p><p><strong>DANBURY, June 5 – </strong>For five decades, The Center for Empowerment & Education (CEE) has stood as a beacon of safety, healing, and hope for survivors of domestic and sexual violence across Norther Fairfield and Southern Litchfield County. On June 4, that legacy was honored and uplifted at CEE’s 17th Annual Hearts of Hope Breakfast, held at the Candlewood Inn in Brookfield.</p><p>As part of its yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration, CEE welcomed more than 200 community members, leaders, and supporters to reflect on its impact and rally around a vision for a future free from violence. Founded in a Danbury kitchen in 1975, CEE has grown into a trusted regional leader in prevention, education, and advocacy—reaching over 20,000 students, professionals, and community members in 2024 alone.</p><p>The Candlewood Inn once again demonstrated its generous spirit by donating the event space, full-service breakfast, and staff support—making the morning possible at no cost to the organization. CEE extends its heartfelt gratitude for their enduring partnership and warm hospitality.</p><p>This year’s Service Above Self award was presented to the Ridgefield Thrift Shop (RTS), honoring their long-standing commitment to giving back. Since 2007, RTS has been a steadfast supporter of CEE’s mission. In 2025 alone, RTS awarded grants to 74 local nonprofits and provided 13 Ridgefield students with scholarships valued at $7,500 each.</p><p>“We are proud to recognize the Ridgefield Thrift Shop as this year’s Service Above Self honoree,” said Samantha Flynn, Chief Development Officer at CEE. “Their legacy of compassion and unwavering support for our community—especially their long-standing partnership with CEE—exemplifies the very spirit of this award. From empowering local nonprofits to investing in the future of Ridgefield students, RTS continues to be a driving force for good.”</p><p>The keynote address was delivered by Wendy Bernard, an advocate, attorney, veteran, and founder of Bernard Law Group. A retired Major and Brigade Judge Advocate in the U.S. Army Reserve, Bernard captivated the audience with her powerful, personal story of resilience—moving from survivor to thriver with courage, wit, and wisdom.</p><p>“This event reminds us that healing is possible, and hope is powerful,” said Ashley Dunn, CEO of CEE. “At a time when demand for our services continues to rise, our work is only possible because of partners like the Ridgefield Thrift Shop and the Candlewood Inn. Their belief in our mission—and in every survivor’s right to safety and dignity—fuels our journey forward. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we recommit to a future where all people live free from fear and violence.”</p><p>If you’d like to get more involved with CEE and help us continue the work of changing stories from survivor to thriver, contact us at <a href="mailto:thecenter@thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thecenter@thecenterct.org</a>. </p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">Referendum Vote - Tuesday, May 20</strong></p><p>On <strong>Tuesday, May 20, from 6 am - 8 pm </strong>the town will vote upon the appropriations recommended by the Board of Finance for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. Said appropriations are in the total amount of $91,175,774 consisting of the sum of $55,439,392 for the Board of Education portion of the Budget and the sum of $35,736,382 for the Town Government portion of the Budget. See sample ballot below.</p><p>District 1 - St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church</p><p>District 2 - Brookfield High School</p><p>District 3 - Brookfield High School</p><p>You can find additional information about the budget and referendum on the town <a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001o64GOxDTe73DhrtBMdHeoeoKDskmyFtnEpkwesGUPNjtcUuhVOl7MLw4HGtU8AmHPZphn7vxwmFTtlwqbAJjqzQTowfCTFeqrmd-QMSzCyHR0CjFUjpKXDj5G1fk88oenPqiEwZmeUQlQTu22Ck8HaK0H5UZwHsuNsSkFjeaik97mRmjOyy80Jk7E4Z_cDDaE1RcdLbQ9P8=&c=u_0a7eNJY31P6gasQE575Mr5j1gAjYELVLRQYp1oajN2-LjXKuOfng==&ch=kEQ9p1XHgIZYY8G1XeT_zm6gzUxYhpDbQV_l4LYYQGqM8W4TYAAxag==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">website</a>. </p>
<p>United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut (UWCWC) is thrilled to announce the continuation and expansion of its Seedlings to Sprouts initiative in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s CT Grown for CT Kids grant program. Now entering its second year, Seedlings to Sprouts is increasing access to fresh, local produce and nutrition education for young children, families, and child care providers in Danbury and New Milford. </p><p>Launched in April 2024 as part of UWCWC’s Cora’s Kids Family Child Care Network, Seedlings to Sprouts’ innovative farm-to-school approach empowers family child care providers with the tools and support needed to create onsite fruit and vegetable gardens. These gardens serve not only as a source of fresh food but as interactive classrooms where children learn to grow, harvest, and appreciate the importance of nutritious eating. The program also connects families served by these providers to nutrition education courses and free, fresh local produce, promoting a holistic and community-wide impact.</p><p>“In its first year, Seedlings to Sprouts showed us the power of connecting children to their food and their community,” said Elizabeth Quiñonez, Senior Director of Early Childhood Initiative at UWCWC. “The program is giving young children, their families, and Cora’s Kids providers in Danbury and New Milford a chance to connect with food, farms, and each other to create meaningful learning experiences and share them as a community. With the support of the CT Grown for CT Kids grant, we’re deepening our impact by expanding on-site gardens, offering culturally relevant nutrition education, and partnering with local growers to ensure that every child has access to fresh, local produce.” </p><p>In 2024, Seedlings to Sprouts supported six providers with garden beds and 175 providers and families with nutrition education and produce vouchers, impacting an estimated 380 children. In 2025, with renewed funding, the program will establish eight new on-site gardens at provider locations in Danbury and New Milford, serving an additional 60 children. Through one-on-one coaching, providers will integrate developmentally and culturally appropriate nutrition curriculum into their programs, helping children connect with the gardens and develop healthy eating habits. </p><p>To improve access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables, the program will transition from a produce voucher system to a food box delivery model, with coordinated drop-offs at 25 provider locations. The boxes will be supplied by Project FoodBox, a medically tailored grocery initiative from grower-packer-shipper SunTerra. Each box will include approximately 10 pounds of 100% Connecticut-grown produce, designed by Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) using evidence-based practices to meet the nutritional needs of children ages 0 to 5. <strong style="color: inherit;">Key components of the expanded program include:</strong> </p><ul><li>One-on-one coaching to help providers incorporate garden-based nutrition lessons into their curriculum. </li><li>Hands-on gardening experiences for children, reinforcing healthy eating habits from an early age. </li><li>1,200 food boxes with 100% CT Grown produce distributed bi-weekly across 25 locations, serving 150 providers/families over four months. </li><li>Continued partnership with UConn Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), delivering six culturally relevant nutrition and cooking classes to providers and families. </li><li>Onsite child care offered during nutrition classes to remove barriers to participation. </li></ul><p>By bridging the gap between child care settings, local agriculture, and family engagement, Seedlings to Sprouts creates a full-circle experience that promotes healthy habits, community resilience, and food security. </p>
<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Brookfield’s Expedia Cruises Hosts Adults-Only Travel Night Featuring Sandals Resorts and Virgin Voyages</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a cocktail aboard a luxury cruise or lounging beachside at an all-inclusive resort—without the kids in tow—this is your invitation to turn that dream into a plan.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Join Jim and Mary Villamana, owners of the full-service travel agency Expedia Cruises in Brookfield, for an evening of wine, light bites, and insider tips on the best in adults-only vacations. On Wednesday, May 21, at Del Primo Ristorante & Bar in Brookfield, guests will hear from experts at Sandals Resorts and Virgin Voyages, two brands that have redefined what it means to get away in style.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This relaxed, informative gathering will showcase the newest offerings, exclusive itineraries, and elevated experiences tailored specifically for adults. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a milestone celebration, or simply in need of a grown-up getaway, Jim and Mary’s team of Vacation Consultants can help you find your perfect escape.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Event DetailsDate: Wednesday, May 21, 2025</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Time: 6:30 PM</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Location: Del Primo Ristorante & Bar, 450 Federal Rd, Brookfield, CT</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">RSVP by May 18:</span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/sandalsvirgin2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> Learn more and reserve your spot here</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Space is limited, so don’t wait. Pour a glass, pull out your calendar, and start dreaming!</span></p>
<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">THIS: Traveling the world while helping others plan their dream trips?</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">THAT: Sitting at a desk all day in a 9-5 job?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">If you're passionate about travel and love helping others experience the world, becoming a Vacation Consultant with Expedia Cruises™ could be the perfect fit for you!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to an exciting, flexible career where you can make a real impact on people’s lives.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For more information, call (203) 429-5589 and ask to speak with Mary or Jim, local owners and operators of </span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut's first-ever Expedia Cruises </a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">- a full-service travel agency located at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield.</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">The Ridgefield Theater Barn recently opened registration for their new Spring workshop, Little</span><em style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;"> </em><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">Theater. </span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Taught by KATIE KELLY</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">May 5-28 (4 classes) $250</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">A workshop for our youngest theater kids! An opportunity to introduce theater to kids 6-8 years old in a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. They will engage in improvisation and stage performance and learn to tap into their creativity through games, songs and movement activities.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">STARTS MONDAY, 5/5/2025</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Mondays: 4:45-5:30pm</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">4 Weeks: 5/5/25-5/28/25 (4 sessions)</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">CLASS DATES:</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/5/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/12/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/19/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/26/25 NO CLASS</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Wednesday, 5/28/25</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">RTBK workshops are geared toward kids grades 3 through 12 with an interest in acting, improv, singing, or musical theater. The programs are non-audition based, inclusive to all and offer a fun, nurturing environment where kids can be themselves. Financial aid and scholarships are available to any student.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">For more information, including full descriptions, a complete schedule, workshop and package prices, and registration details, please visit the Barn website, </span><a href="http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">. Those with questions regarding financial support should reach out to Executive Director Pamme Jones at </span><a href="mailto:executivedirector@ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">executivedirector@</a><a href="ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a></p><p><br></p>
<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SPRING into Action and Embark on a Journey of Discovery with River Cruising</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now through April 25, during </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises' Legendary Rivers and Tours Sale</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, travelers can enjoy exceptional added value on select river sailings and guided tours. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises Brookfield, a locally owned and operated full-service travel agency, invites you to experience the beauty of river cruising, where iconic waterways, historic cities, and immersive cultural experiences come together in one unforgettable voyage. This boutique style of travel takes you beyond the typical tourist trail, with stops in charming villages and small towns where authentic local traditions thrive.</span></p><p><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/promotion/legendary-rivers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Book now</strong></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to receive exclusive </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia® Extras</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, which may include:</span></p><p> • Up to $200 onboard credit</p><p> • Savings of up to $500</p><p> • Free onboard gratuities</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These offers are available on select itineraries and are subject to availability.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To learn more or plan your next adventure, visit Expedia Cruises Brookfield </span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/promotion/legendary-rivers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>online</strong></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or call (203) 429-5589. Explore our limited-time offers and start planning a memorable journey! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises is located at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield, CT.</span></p><p><br></p>