November 30, 2023 (Greenwich, Conn.) – Calling all writers! The Connecticut Press Club (ctpressclub.org) announced today the official opening of its annual state-wide contest. All communicators are invited to submit their 2023 published work – be it an essay, book, blog, public relations or social media campaign, photograph and beyond.  

Would you like to add “award-winning” to your resume? 

If you wrote a news article or personal essay, published a book, started a blog, created a social media campaign, or snapped a photograph you're particularly proud of, enter your work in the Connecticut Press Club’s popular Communications Contest, which rewards excellence in a wide range of categories. 

Entries in 63 categories will be judged by professionals with corresponding expertise. Categories include:

• online and print news articles and columns

• personal essay

• social media campaigns

• nonfiction, fiction, poetry, young adult and children's books

• specialty articles in the arts, food, business, education, travel and more...

• page design, editing, photography and graphics

• radio and TV

• podcasts and blogs

• advertising and PR

In addition to the professional competition, the Connecticut Press Club is holding a High School Communications Contest. Entries must be produced by a current high school student or a recently graduated student who produced the work in their senior year after February 1, 2023. Entries must have been professionally published/produced or published/produced by a school or professional publication in a recognized medium for the category. i.e., a school, local, or national newspaper, website, etc. 

To enter, follow the directions on the contest site. 

Email CTPressClub@gmail.com with questions. 

Here is a complete list of categories. 

A few requirements to keep in mind: 

• Eligibility: Communicators who live and work in Connecticut are eligible to enter. Work published from January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2023, is eligible. 

• Contest Fees: The fee is $25 for the first entry and $15 for Connecticut Press Club members; non-members pay $30 for the first entry and $20 for each additional entry. High school entry fees are $10 per entry. 

• You can apply to join the CT Press Club HERE.

• Deadlines: The Early Bird deadline is January 17, 2024 at noon EST. A one-time $25 fee will be assessed to all entrants after this date. The final deadline is February 7, 2024 at noon EST. The final deadline for entrants submitting books is January 31, 2024 at noon EST.

• We will celebrate the winners with a cocktail party and awards ceremony in the spring.

• Anyone who receives a first-place award in the Connecticut Contest will be eligible to enter the National Federation of Press Women National Communications Contest, provided annual NFPW membership dues have been paid. (Membership dues can be paid when you register for the contest.)

The Connecticut Press Club is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), and includes both male and female members. The club welcomes all types of communicators: writers, editors, bloggers, authors, educators, public relations professionals, media photographers, students and more. Plans for the coming year include lectures by sought-after speakers, professional development workshops, networking and social outings. For more information, e-mail ctpressclub@gmail.com.

Image shows Adair Heitmann, right, receiving awards from Connecticut Press Club Contest Director Thomas Renner. 

The holidays are all about “giving back” and what better chance to do so than at the fourth annual Stuff-A-Cruiser Gift Drive! Be a part of the “holiday cheer” on Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The seasonal event is sponsored by the New Milford Police Department to benefit the town’s Social Services Santa Fund.  Meet the officers, the Litchfield Crossings Family...cruisers and U-hauls will be parked and ready to be stuffed with goodies in the parking lots of event sponsors Kohl’s and Big Lots, both located in the Center. 

Says Sgt Jim Dzamko of the New Milford Police Department,” Of course, kids love toys, but we also welcome backpacks, school supplies, bikes and skateboards even gift cards and cash.  Clothing like gloves, jackets, sneakers, socks and scarves, socks, and hats are welcome but should be new.’ Thanking everyone in advance for their generosity he gave a shout-out and special thanks to Candlewood Motors, located at 514 Danbury Rd, New Milford for donating a U-Haul trailer for use at the event. 

Adds Kristen Gizzi, Executive Director of Litchfield Crossing,” We are pleased to be, once again, sponsoring this generous community event. We invite and encourage all of our friends, neighbors the entire community to help  us stuff a cruiser, and make the holidays even more joyous, especially for the town’s tots, tweens and teens.”

Litchfield Crossings is located at 169 Danbury Road, New Milford, CT. www.litchfieldcrossings.com For more event info, contact Sgt Dzamko at jdzamko@newmilfordpolice.org. 

Making Charcuterie Boards on Tuesday, December 12 at 6:30 pm

The Brookfield Library welcomes Professional Caterer Diane Holland to demonstrate step-by-step how to create beautiful and delicious meat and cheese platters to fit any party budget. The stunning creation is guaranteed to be a highlight of any gathering this season. 

The artsy industrial vibe of The Warehouse at Fairfield Theater Company was the backdrop for Fairfield County Bank's annual Client’s Reception last night, an event that celebrates both banking customers and the community.

Fairfield County Bank walks the walk and talks the talk when it comes to community.  Last year, the Client Reception was at The Ridgefield Playhouse and the year prior, at The Maritime Aquarium. As Stephen Wooters, Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer pointed out. “When you put your money in Fairfield County Bank, it stays in Fairfield County—strengthening our communities."

Complimenting the trendy bi-level venue, acoustic guitar maven Bob Curiano performed soft and pop rock favorites on stage as guests enjoyed an array of passed culinary delights by Norwalk-based event company, ONTHEMARC.

Prior to the mainstage event, a presentation by Jodi Bennett Seth, currently the global head of corporate communications for TikTok, Wooters welcomed guests and bank President, Dan Berta and CEO Dave Schneider shared words of gratitude to clients and banking professionals in attendance. 

“Protecting Your Company’s Reputation in the Digital Age” was the focus of Jodi’s engaging presentation. 

As the global head of corporate communications for TikTok, Jodi is responsible for protecting the company's reputation. Over the course of her career, she has both prevented and navigated public scrutiny of major brands and organizations including Facebook and Amazon. She also worked alongside high-profile politicians including U.S. Senator John Kerry and U.S. Rep. John Dingell. 

Jodi spoke about the necessity to take a thoughtful, authentic and strategic approach in order to preserve and protect your company’s reputation in a world where social media provides the opportunity for people around the globe to broadcast their views. “Establishing a strong online presence, defending yourself against inaccurate or negative accusations and being transparent will safeguard your brand's image,” Jodi stated.

Following Jodi’s presentation, guests visited food stations that were located on each level of The Warehouse while enjoying cocktails and camaraderie.

Fairfield County Bank’s 2023 Client Reception was immensely successful!

Thank you to Fairfield County Bank for being part of the fabric of our community and for supporting nonprofits and small businesses throughout the county!

Learn more about Fairfield County Bank https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/

Governor Ned Lamont, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Representative John Larson (CT-01), U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-02), U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), U.S. Representative Jim Himes (CT-04), and U.S. Representative Jahana Hayes (CT-05) today announced the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has selected ten projects in Connecticut for a total of nearly $2 billion in federal funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The grants are funded through the Northeast Corridor (NEC) Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, which received an increase of $24 billion thanks to the IIJA.

This NEC Federal-State Partnership investment will be supported by nearly $400 million in state funding that Governor Lamont and members of the State Bond Commission voted to approve in October.

Connecticut will receive a total of $1,998,799,600 in funding for ten projects, including:

• $826.65 million for the Connecticut River Bridge Replacement Project: This project includes construction to replace the existing 116-year-old Connecticut River bridge between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, with a modern and resilient new moveable bridge immediately to the south of the existing structure. The bridge serves the NEC main line as well as Amtrak’s intercity services, Connecticut Shore Line East commuter service, and freight operators.
• $465 million for the WALK Bridge Replacement Project: This project will replace the existing deteriorated bridge with a resilient bridge structure to improve safety and reliability of rail service along the New Haven Line and NEC, while improving navigational capacity and dependability for marine traffic in the Norwalk River.
• $245.92 million for the Devon Bridge Replacement Project: This project will provide a safe and reliable bridge crossing for rail over the river and marine navigation under the rail. The Devon Bridge serves as a critical transportation link between Stamford and New Haven on MNR’s New Haven Line and between New York and Boston on Amtrak’s NEC and carries 6,300 passengers every day.
• $122.8 million for the New Haven Line Power Improvement Program: This project is a phased approach to replace power equipment across three areas of the New Haven Line Power System, including replacement of two signal substations, two balancing substations, and power apparatus at three supply substations.
• $119.32 million for Devon Bridge Interim Repairs: This project will ensure the bridge can be structurally reliable until a major rehabilitation or replacement can occur as described in the Devon Bridge Replacement description above.
• $104.87 million for the Hartford Line Rail Program Double Track Phase 3B Project: This project will improve three single-track sections (totaling approximately 6.2 miles of track improvements) to double track sections to increase the frequency and speed of passenger rail service and to address the intercity transportation needs of Connecticut, Central Massachusetts, Boston, and Vermont.
• $71.65 million for the New Haven Line Track Improvement and Mobility Enhancement Part 1 and 3: This project includes project development and final design for track improvements between mileposts 56.8 and 60.1 on the New Haven Line in Connecticut as well as reconstruction of seven rail overpass bridges and upgrade of all tracks to FRA Class 6 standards, track realignments, installation of a new interlocking, replacement of catenary system components, and railbed drainage improvements.
• $23.2 million for the Saugatuck River Bridge Replacement: This project will replace the bascule bridge which carries four railroad tracks over the Saugatuck River in Westport, which will improve safety and allow increases to the maximum authorized speed through this section of track.
• $15.4 million for the New Haven Line Network Infrastructure Upgrade Project: This project will provide security infrastructure upgrades at stations throughout Metro-North Railroad territory and at Cos Cob bridge and network connectivity at 60 locations by connecting them into the 144-fiber optic back bone.
• $4 million for the New Haven to Providence Capacity Planning Study: This project is a planning study for future infrastructure, speed, and capacity improvement options between New Haven and Providence, Rhode Island.

In addition to the $1.1 billion received by the Connecticut Department of Transportation in this round of grants, the FRA has also provided a letter of intent to the state agency committing upwards of $2 billion for the future construction of the Devon Bridge Replacement Project.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program funds capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service.

Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off event on Saturday, November 4 from 9am to 2pm at Brookfield High School, 45 Long Meadow Hill Road.

For the towns of: Bethel.Bridgewater.Brookfield.Danbury.Kent.New Fairfield.New Milford Newtown. Redding.Ridgefield.Roxbury.Sherman.Weston.Wilton

This event is facilitated by the Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority (HRRA) www.HRRA.org. 

To learn about what items will be accepted, click here.

Questions? Email: Info@HRRA.org

PROTOCOL for this event: - REMAIN IN YOUR VEHICLE AT ALL TIMES. - Place items at the back of your vehicle. - Please have your identification ready. - Workers will remove contents from your vehicle

The Breath of Life features Dan Forrest’s celebration of joy and life woven with the pain of loss. The concert will also feature Forrest’s Light Beyond Shadow and Alway Something Sings, Astor Piazzolla’s Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, and Two Songs by American composer Amy Beach. Under the direction of Eric Dale Knapp, The Breath of Life will feature soloists Francesca Federico, soprano, Miriam Liske-Doorandish, cello, Max Vladimiroff, piano, and renowned organist and pianist, Linda Sweetman-Waters. The Connecticut Choral Society will also be joined by ORCHESTRANEXUS and the Nexus Choral Artists.

Please join us on Friday, November 10th at 7:30 pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown or Saturday, November 11th at 3:00 pm at North Congregational Church, 11 Main Street North, Woodbury, or Sunday, November 12th at 3:00 pm at Valley Presbyterian Church, 21 West Whisconier Road, Brookfield. General Admission is $25 and tickets may be purchased online or at the door.

To purchase tickets or to learn more about The Breath of Life, The Connecticut Choral Society, Our Voices United, and the amazing works in store for our 2023/2024 season, visit us at: www.ctchoralsociety.com and LIKE/FOLLOW us on Facebook & Instagram @connecticutchoralsociety.

The Brookfield Library is celebrating the season with some wonderful programs during the month of November!

Create festive flutes to kick off your holiday season on November 3. Join us on November 4 for The British Invasion to learn about this dynamic period in our country’s musical history.

Kids are off from school on Election Day, but all ages should stop by for our Furry and Scaly Animal Friends program on November 7, and then cast a vote for their favorite critter. Celebrate November with a special storytime on November 18.

This month, The Art Gallery welcomes the artwork of Lauren Sanders in Interior Forests, showcasing unique creations that evoke the beauty of nature. Speaking of nature, are you a nature lover? Teens and adults can learn about Mushroom Identification for Beginners on November 11.

Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? Get started on yours at the Library at our Start Your Novel program on November 6th, for ages 11 and up. Teens and parents will not want to miss the opportunity to learn about The New Digital SAT on November 14.

In addition to our fall storytimes, kids can join our seasonally-themed STEAM, Wall Hanging Craft, Builders, and Science Explorers activities, as well as an in-person Food Explorers event to make mini-gingerbread cheesecakes.

Get a jump on your holiday shopping and buy local at the Friends of the Brookfield Library Annual Holiday Boutique in our Community Room on November 18.

Attention regional history buffs! We have a great new service: a searchable, digitized database of the Brookfield Journal and the Housatonic Times.

Please see our website for details regarding dates, times, and registration details for all of the exciting programs listed above, along with our regular storytimes, book clubs, craft programs, and career skills workshops offered in November.

Don’t forget: as with other town offices, the Library will be closed on Friday, November 10 in honor of Veterans’ Day, as well as Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Election day is Tuesday, November 7th

You can view Town of Brookfield Sample Ballot and learn more about the Charter Questions on the Ballot by visiting Brookfield Town Clerk’s Elections, Primaries and Referendums page.

Check your polling location by clicking HERE.

The Brookfield Arts Commission will be hosting a Gingerbread House Contest for all Brookfield residents.

Here’s your chance to have your creative masterpieces displayed for all of Brookfield to view!

Houses and all decorative components must be made from edible materials. Entry displays should be no more than 2’ by 2’ and all structures should be mounted on a solid base. Prizes for best in show will be awarded to adult and youth age groups.

Gingerbread houses should be dropped off at Town Hall on Monday, December 4, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

To register (required) and for more information, please email brookfieldartscommissionct@gmail.com

Visit Brookfield Arts Commission https://brookfieldarts.org/

The Festival of Crafts at Whisconier Middle School in Brookfield begins at 9am on November 4 and supports Brookfield Historical Society.

34th annual event featuring unique crafters, and a fundraiser for the Brookfield Historical Society. This is not a first come-first served application process. Festival organizers and the Historical Society select the crafters.

The Brookfield Systemwide PTO and the Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company are proud to announce that our annual Trunk or Treat has returned!

This is one of the most popular free family events in Brookfield and is planned for this Saturday, October 28 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Brookfield Volunteer Fire Company, 92 Pocono Road, Brookfield.

Tickets are now ON SALE for the Brookfield Education Foundation's 2023 Thanks for Giving Gala. Our annual event takes place on Friday, December 1st at the Candlewood Inn, 7PM - midnight. 

Please join us for a fun night at the beautiful Candlewood Inn. We'll have a delicious dinner, DJ, dancing along with live and silent auctions. We’ve got some fantastic auction items that include exclusive Brookfield Public School experiences, great getaways, sem-professional and professional sports outings, fun nights out packages, local business experiences, and some beautifully curated items for your home! Proceeds from the event support our mission to provide resources for lifelong learning for Brookfield residents of all ages. 

Visit our website for more details and to purchase your tickets today! https://www.brookfieldeducationfoundation.org/thanks-for-giving-2023/