Stories
<p><strong style="background-color: rgb(247, 247, 247); color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">Brookfield Library will host "Making Charcuterie Boards" on Monday, November 4 at 6pm in the Community Room.</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Back by popular demand and just in time for holiday season entertaining. Learn how to make crowd-pleasing meat & cheese boards with Professional Caterer Diane Holland. She will share her techniques to create beautiful and delicious charcuterie boards. Come for the talk, stay for the yummy samples!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Learn more and register </span><a href="https://brookfieldlib.librarycalendar.com/event/making-charcuterie-boards-19240" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://brookfieldlib.librarycalendar.com/event/making-charcuterie-boards-19240</a></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><em>Student crew of 30 to present election night coverage of races and key issues</em></p><p>DANBURY, Connecticut — A dedicated student crew at <a href="https://www.wcsu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span>is taking full advantage of their technological tools and social media expertise to present WestConn’s 14th annual “Election Connection” news production providing local coverage of Connecticut races as well as weather updates and exploration of important issues.</p><p>Since its debut in November 2011, “Election Connection” has provided election night coverage of news and race results featuring an anchor team of students, supported by student reporters covering key races and voter concerns. This year’s show airs on election evening, <strong>Tuesday, November 5</strong>, from 8 p.m. to midnight.</p><p>Election Connection will stream over YouTube at <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@wcsuelectionconnection3148" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WCSU Studio Election Connection</a>, Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElectionCT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/ElectionCT</a> and on the WestConn website at <a href="http://www.wcsu.edu/live" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wcsu.edu/live</a>. A radio simulcast will air on WXCI-91.7 FM. Social media access is available on X (Twitter) at <a href="https://x.com/ElectionCT" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://x.com/ElectionCT</a>.</p><p>Executive Producer Dr. JC Barone,<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span>professor of Communication and Media Arts, observed that students participating in the interdisciplinary course that produces “Election Connection” have been staying late after class and working weekends because a commitment to the program drives them.</p><p>Under Barone’s supervision, the student production team is led by Producers Yianna Kariotis, of East Haddam, and Gabriel Wilkins, of Washington Depot; Director Edmar Rocha, of Danbury; and Field Manager Laumega Lamour, of Danbury. Anchors for the show are Garth Betts, of Watertown; Joanne Ortiz, of New Milford; and Buster Comaskey, of New Milford. Election Connection’s race analyst Logan Montalto, of Middlebury, will deliver updates on state and national races of import. Other students in leadership roles include studio floor manager Shauna Llamas, of New Hartford, and meteorology students Jasmine Edmunds, of Rocky Hill; Luke Theriault, of Terryville; and Cameron Kurasz, of Norwich,</p><p>Other students performing various reporting and production roles are Brian Armstrong, of New Milford; Cesar Arnao, of Danbury; Shane Carolan, of Cortlandt Manor, New York; Michael Cruz, of Danbury; Mathew Garcia, of Mamaroneck, New York; David Goodman, of Ridgefield; Peter Jennings, of Danbury; Daniel Joseph, of Waterbury; Brandon LaRose, of Uncasville; Andrew Lewis, of Danbury; Justin Niles, of Brewster, New York; Steffi Otero, of Danbury; Camila Paredes, of Danbury; Andrew Soto, of Norwalk; Richard Stefan, of Danbury; John Stefanopoulos, of Fairfield; and Peter Trinchillo, of New Fairfield. Technical streaming support is provided by Scott Volpe, Associate Director of Media Services & Instructional Technology.</p><p>Barone has drawn from his extensive professional experience to design the course as a vehicle to train students in media and news production for the demands of today’s job market. “This year’s election is important with the presidential and down ballot races to report on,” he said. “Word has spread that this is an educational experience that will help students in their careers regardless of what their discipline is.”</p><p>WestConn’s “Election Connection” productions have earned recognitions from professional organizations in the communications field, including <a href="http://beaweb.org/festival/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">honors</a> in the category of Studio Multi-Camera Production at the national <a href="http://beaweb.org/festival/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Broadcast Education Association’s Festival of Media Arts</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span>as well as <a href="https://newenglandemmy.org/student-awards-2-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Student Production Awards</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span>from the <a href="https://newenglandemmy.org/student-awards-2-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences Boston/New England</a>. Additional recognitions include <a href="https://www.tellyawards.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Telly Awards</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span>for Live Coverage and a Communicator Award of Distinction from the <a href="http://aiva.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">International Academy of the Visual Arts</a>. “Our goal is consistently to deliver quality programming to the community and Connecticut,” Barone said.</p><p>For more information, contact Barone at <a href="mailto:baronej@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">baronej@wcsu.edu</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"> </span>or Communications and Marketing at <a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>. </p>
<p><strong>CatVideoFest </strong>is Coming to Danbury—Laughs and Cats Galore!</p><p>Calling all cat lovers! On Saturday, November 16, <strong>CatVideoFest</strong> is taking over The Palace Danbury with a collection of hilarious, heartwarming, and downright adorable cat videos. From viral sensations to classic favorites, this family-friendly event has something for everyone—and it’s all for a good cause.</p><p>As <em>The Wall Street Journal </em>put it, “Watching silly cat videos is good for you,” and we couldn’t agree more. But <strong>CatVideoFest </strong>is more than just a fun night out. Every ticket sold helps raise money for local animal shelters and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of cats in need. Since 2019, the event has raised over $150,000 for shelters worldwide, supporting adoption, fostering, and volunteer programs.</p><p class="ql-align-center"><a href="https://f7cqvsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VBTd4Nr1JI4fTdtdVflV6JN8RcpRqNynAfCCa9NjNai5sCOLEIY92ywxFFO-EtCz_sTTMx5Op10CZdyTRQjwh12nc3oKjgLrj_eNWd57w8Z3-kCGo3r-4n1HbocYcWpQgBBMKxsbmXgFE5tVGoStk7S7iLsrF0Aswy5WgZP8OmGUOfH-0SO1sihZWFveupyo&c=x2xyMPRGXRsPuXJpY57TMtJ63YuyT0Yxue-enBX1fnRC_0nhA5cewg==&ch=nrjNJ8Z76cMjs9wJSUrQtxAIHI66y8dCCiNvZWo125h9DbDw8J2gyA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 126, 246);"><strong>SNEAK PEEK HERE</strong></a></p><p>This year, <strong>The Palace Danbury</strong> is proud to partner with the<strong> Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS)</strong>. Since 1974, DAWS has rescued over 32,000 animals from high-kill shelters and has been a lifeline for countless others in our community. A portion of every ticket will go directly to DAWS, ensuring that your support stays local and helps cats right here in Danbury.</p><p>Whether you’re a dedicated cat lover or simply looking for a fun night out, this 75-minute show offers plenty of laughs while supporting cats in need. Join us at <strong>The Palace Danbury </strong>for a one-of-a-kind film festival that makes a real impact.</p><p>All tickets $20. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at <a href="https://f7cqvsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001VBTd4Nr1JI4fTdtdVflV6JN8RcpRqNynAfCCa9NjNai5sCOLEIY920-3ki3tqu_AjRJkYURCFcbfORburMO7TYn-dcSo0vXu-kBianGDepJHnyPDEUap-gR20qy1cD4I_6QnAEbSn2BKZRZ3hkW7SItLgzlVJbsR&c=x2xyMPRGXRsPuXJpY57TMtJ63YuyT0Yxue-enBX1fnRC_0nhA5cewg==&ch=nrjNJ8Z76cMjs9wJSUrQtxAIHI66y8dCCiNvZWo125h9DbDw8J2gyA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 126, 246);">www.thepalacedanbury.com</a>, by phone at (203) 794-9944, or at the Box Office one hour before showtime.</p>
<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Redding Roadhouse Luxury Travel Brunch - Thank You!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Last Sunday, October 13, Brookfield-based Expedia Cruises, Connecticut’s first Expedia Cruises agency, hosted a Luxury Travel Brunch at Redding Roadhouse. While enjoying a delightful brunch, attendees learned about many travel opportunities and possibilities. Co-owner Mary Villamana remarked, “We had a fine afternoon today with our fabulous travel partners Dale Woods (Ponant Cruises) and Leigh Sassone (Kensington Tours). Many thanks to them for showcasing these amazing luxury travel providers. Also a big shout out to our Vacation Consultants - Bob Cristadoro, Linda Rich, Stephanie Bush and Ivy Pearson who helped make this a success!”</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Embark on Luxury Sailing Around Sicily Summer 2025!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Join Mary and Jim Villamana, owners of Connecticut’s first Expedia Cruises location, for an unforgettable journey next summer on the Circumnavigation of Sicily with PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys! This unique voyage offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Sicily's rich history and stunning landscapes while traveling alongside world-renowned experts in art history and ancient cultures, Gary Radke and Andrew Becker.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This luxury sailing adventure will take place August 29 – September 6, 2025, aboard the elegant 184-guest Le Bougainville.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Limited space! Secure your spot today by emailing Mary at </strong><a href="https://mailto:mvillamana@expediacruises.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>mvillamana@expediacruises.com</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> or calling (203) 429-5589.</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Highlights of the Trip:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Visit the ancient Greek cities of Agrigento and Syracuse, and the ruins of Carthage.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Discover Medieval Erice: Wander through this picturesque hilltop town, known for its two castles.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Wine-Tasting on Mount Etna: Savor the flavors of Sicily on the slopes of this famous volcano.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Witness Stromboli's Active Lava: Watch for lava flows from one of Italy's most active volcanoes.</span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Visit Expedia Cruises in Brookfield </span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221</a></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(26, 25, 24);">Annual HRRA Recycling Billboard Contest. The theme this year is: “Batteries Can Cause Fires!” Student’s artwork should teach residents that batteries do not belong in your trash or household recycling. Their artwork should promote how to properly dispose of batteries.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 25, 24);">Regional winners could win $500, $75, $50 or $25 prizes for their artwork!</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(26, 25, 24);">Students should visit the HRRA contest webpage </strong><a href="https://uvgbbmeab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0017XQXCrbrBJ3owrYcUJIPlbxoSN_Gvq0Y7VNompCSjyy4rINNAFn62XjWpnpNUf5Qj6MqJvLmPfTlsISOssxq9KHLK_Q6-lVf-Rv-eiUw5Hxbr-wdMjG7AhozUTqWkRqml1jhdV-Evv8IMBcM8iuYpipOrZ2IzxHDmqD3C2jjIGMvwtQwnHbrDg==&c=7FgCCHDZU3lIAdLrhWZHe6wOeH5vh0GwiR8QurNs7oV68EKfBKLB-w==&ch=8glRb00bGwDWOrV-pqyrP0EKmgxlSk8A4Mc_iFXYbXA0Gmsuolmy7g==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(26, 99, 25);"><strong>HERE</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(26, 25, 24);"> for a complete list of rules, to print a template as well as get information on why this theme is so important!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 25, 24);">Original artwork should be submitted by </span><strong style="color: rgb(26, 25, 24);">Friday, November 15, 2024</strong><span style="color: rgb(26, 25, 24);"> in the collection box at the Town Hall vestibule or a collection box inside each Wilton Public school building. We are excited to see the inspiring messages our students create this year!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(26, 25, 24);">Learn more </span><a href="https://hrra.org/annual-billboard-contest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://hrra.org/annual-billboard-contest/</a></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/1010962214/"></iframe><p><br></p>
<p>DANBURY, Connecticut — <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/art/gallery/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Gallery</a> at <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/svpca/svpa-center/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Visual & Performing Arts Center</a> at <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University</a>, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury, will present the exhibit “Meticulous: Methodical Approaches to Making Art,” on view October 24 through December 8, 2024. It features the work of artists <a href="http://www.darlenecharneco.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Darlene Charneco</a>, <a href="https://kathygreenwoodart.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathy Greenwood</a>, <a href="https://www.michiyoihara.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Michiyo Ihara</a>, <a href="https://nathanmeltz.com/home.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nathan Meltz</a>, <a href="https://www.aliyahsalmon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Aliyah Salmon</a>, and Christopher Werner.</p><p>An opening reception is scheduled at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24.<strong> </strong>at The Gallery at the Visual & Performing Arts Center. Regular gallery hours are Tuesday through Thursday noon to 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 1 to 4 p.m. Admission to the reception and exhibition is free and open to the public; donations to support the programs of the Department of Art will be accepted. Reservations to attend the opening reception should be made online at <a href="http://www.wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com</a>.</p><p>This exhibit gathers artists who have a methodical approach to creating art as an aspect of their practice, employing specific systematic procedures, processes, and techniques in the act of creation. These approaches may lead the artist to utilize distinctive media or introduce distinct parameters to their practice, whether in the initial conception of an artwork or in the physical act of making. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The methodology may or may not be conscious or by design; in either case it contributes to a compulsory, organic process that is unique to the artist. Participating artists work in a variety of media including </span>assemblage, drawing, printmaking, painting, textiles and sculpture.</p><p>Darlene Charneco has developed a ritual process to create her pieces using hammered nails that create a tactile carpet of “hopes, wishes, and aspirations.” Kathy Greenwood works with salvaged textiles from her home and family life, painstakingly knotting and weaving scraps into new, fortified structures that harken to their previous domestic existence. Inspired by nature, Michiyo Ihara’s abstract pen and ink drawings metaphorically explore the dynamic yet transient nature of existence itself. Nathan Meltz uses experimental printmaking techniques that depict industrial and mechanical imagery in his multi-media works, highlighting technology’s ever-encroaching role in society. Aliyah Salmon has embraced the “slow craft” technique of hand tufted rug hooking, where she combines culturally relevant symbols from the Black/Caribbean community that reframe simplistic narratives of Black American femininity. Christopher Werner mines his own collection of studio, workshop, household, and other objects to create a personal nomenclature that he catalogues and categorizes in assemblage and sculpture.</p><p><strong>Biographical notes</strong></p><p><strong>Darlene Charneco: </strong>Born in New York City, Darlene Charneco is a contemporary LatinX artist whose mixed-media artworks explore people, networks, homes, and communities as part of a larger organism’s growth stage. Her work has been exhibited throughout the United States at venues including the Katonah Museum, the Hunterdon Museum, The Islip Art Museum, and the Parrish Art Museum, and is featured in the book “The Map as Art: Contemporary Artists Explore Cartography” by Katherine Harmon. She was awarded the 2017 Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant and is represented by PRAXIS, NYC. Charneco lives and works on the East End of Long Island. Her art is part of the Guild Hall and Parrish Museums permanent collections and she has created several large-scale commissions for private and national collections in Washington, DC. </p><p><strong>Kathy Greenwood: </strong>Kathy Greenwood is an artist and curator. Since 2016, she has served as the Director of Exhibitions and Programs at Albany International Airport – a public art program recognized nationally for the quality and scope of its presentations. Greenwood curates exhibitions for the airport’s dedicated galleries, guides the selection and installation of numerous large-scale, site-specific projects throughout the terminal, and coordinates multiple satellite museum exhibitions. She has been a guest speaker, juror, co-curator and contributor to many exhibitions and events in the Northeast region and throughout the U.S. Greenwood earned an M.F.A. in textiles from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and a B.S. in Studio Art from the College of Saint Rose. Her paintings and sculptures are based in the structure and character of domestic textiles and the associations they invoke.</p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Michiyo Ihara: </strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Japanese-born artist Michiyo Ihara uses just paper and pen or pencil to create artwork that expresses the complexity of the universe, inviting viewers into a world where a plant’s delicate beauty intertwines with the human spirit’s ever-changing nature. Through meticulously crafted drawings, she creates a visual narrative that explores the profound connection between the fleeting moments of blossoming flowers and the evolving essence of the soul. Ihara lives and works in Brooklyn, New York.</span></p><p><strong>Nathan Meltz: </strong>Nathan Meltz is the founder and curator of the Screenprint Biennial, celebrating its 10th anniversary with an exhibition at the Janet Turner Museum in Chico, California, through Dec. 13. He is a senior lecturer in the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, New York. Meltz earned his M.F.A. at the University of Albany in 2010 and uses collage, printmaking, animation and other graphic arts to comment on the ubiquitous presence of technology in contemporary life.</p><p><strong>Aliyah Salmon: </strong>Aliyah Salmon earned her B.F.A. in textile design from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2018 and currently resides and works in Brooklyn, New York. Her artistic focus investigates the intricate crossroads of black femininity and the Afro-Caribbean diaspora in contemporary America. Through textiles and collage, her work challenges and reframes simplistic narratives surrounding Black identity, while delving into themes like isolation, childhood, and the subconscious. Utilizing traditional textile methods like hand tufting with an Oxford punch needle and bead embroidery alongside modern materials and collage techniques, Salmon embraces “slow craft” to construct dream-like compositions featuring tufted depictions of symbols, products, and culturally significant items from the Black/Caribbean community, serving as shorthand for broader discussions on black femininity, hair politics, and diasporic experiences.</p><p><strong>Christopher Werner: </strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Christopher Werner grew up in Columbia County, New York, where being in nature and working in his father’s construction business imbued him with a profound, experiential love for materials and process. He holds a B.F.A. in Sculpture and Drawing from SUNY Purchase, and a B.S. in Chemical and Biological Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, where he earned the Coonley Prize. Werner utilizes the synergistic benefits of these two disciplines in his studio practice, and as the director of Engineering at Ecovative (Green Island, New York), a mushroom mycelium technology company. He has been artist in residence at Rural Projects (Gallatin, New York), GREEN Projects (New Orleans, Louisiana), SOLAQUA (Chatham, New York), and Arts, Letters, & Numbers (Averill Park, New York).</span></p>
<p><strong>Paint a Mini Pumpkin & Brew a Magical Potion</strong></p><p>Join us for a fun-filled evening where you can paint a mini pumpkin while enjoying a magical concoction you brew yourself from our "potion bar." Mix together a combination of sodas, juices, syrups, fruits, and edible glitter into a mini cauldron that you can take home!</p><p>Costumes are encouraged! Please note that painting can get messy, but we’ll have disposable plastic aprons available if needed.</p><p><strong>Event Details:</strong></p><p><strong>Date:</strong> Thursday, October 24th</p><p><strong>Time:</strong> 6:00 - 7:30 PM</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Community Room</p><p><strong>Grades:</strong> 6 - 12</p><p><strong>Registration Required</strong></p><p>To learn more and to register, visit the <strong>Brookfield Public Library</strong> online at <a href="https://www.brookfieldlibrary.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.brookfieldlibrary.org</a>.</p><p><strong>More Teen Programs in October</strong></p><p><strong>Chess Club</strong></p><p>Thursday, October 10th</p><p>4:00 - 5:00 PM</p><p>Calling all chess players! All skill levels and ages welcome.</p><p><strong>Chess Club</strong></p><p>Thursday, October 24th</p><p>4:00 - 5:00 PM</p><p>Calling all chess players! All skill levels and ages welcome.</p><p><strong>Game Night</strong></p><p>Thursday, October 10th</p><p>7:00 - 8:00 PM</p><p>Play board games, card games, or our Nintendo Switch.</p><p><strong>Improv Workshop</strong></p><p>Saturday, October 26th</p><p>12:15 - 1:45 PM</p><p>Create characters and scenes in this improv workshop.</p><p><strong>Teen Book Club</strong></p><p>Wednesday, October 16th</p><p>4:30 - 5:15 PM</p><p>This month’s read is <em>The Turn of the Screw</em> by Henry James.</p><p><strong>Teen Writers' Club</strong></p><p>Tuesday, October 29th</p><p>4:30 - 6:00 PM</p><p>Do writing exercises and meet other teen writers.</p><p>To learn more or to register for these programs, visit <a href="https://www.brookfieldlibrary.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.brookfieldlibrary.org</a>.</p><p><br></p>