<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">It was the spring of shutdowns, when school halls fell silent and kitchens became classrooms. While their peers logged into Zoom, Owen and Julien stepped outside—into the woods and got to work. The two middle schoolers began foraging wild ramps from the forest floor—those elusive, pungent, leafy greens that send chefs into a frenzy each spring.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Searching for a home and chefs to bestow their treasures, the duo cleaned their ramps and headed to&nbsp;Bernard’s.&nbsp;“The restaurant wasn’t open—we were doing takeout only,” recalls Sarah Bouissou, who, at the time, owned Bernard’s and Sarah’s Wine Bar with her husband, Chef Bernard. “They came to us with these beautifully cleaned ramps. And every year since, when the ramps are ripe, they call.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Five seasons later, the tradition continues—Owen and Julien, now high schoolers, still harvest the woods like pros, delivering their haul to Bernard and Sarah’s new venture, À Table. This season alone, they’ve sold 35 pounds of ramps to Sarah and Bernard. “We’ve probably purchased 100 pounds from them over the years,” Sarah says with admiration. “They’re putting money away for college.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">À Table transforms the boys’ harvest into an ephemeral lineup of dishes: ramp pesto, potato ramp soup, braised ramps, ramp fricassée. Sarah calls the vegetables “hyper-seasonal”. “One month and they’re done. Get them while you can.” Meaning - NOW!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">BTW: ramps, for the uninitiated, are wild leeks—part of the allium family, kin to garlic and onion. Found in the damp, shady corners of North American forests, they carry a bold, garlicky flavor and a cult-like following among chefs and foragers alike.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Here, we sit down with the local farmers to find out what seeds their annual harvest.&nbsp;So yes, spring is fleeting. But in the short window between mud and bloom, Owen and Julien return to the woods, where their quiet labor sustains a tradition—and feeds a community, one ramp at a time.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Q: What first inspired you to forage ramps?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A: The first thing that inspired us to pick ramps was the Hickories farm in Ridgefield. They explained to Julian what ramps were and how you can pick them. Then the next day, after we all tasted them and saw how good they were, we met up at Julian's house, came up with the idea and started calling restaurants!</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Q: Where and how do you do this?</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A: Exactly where we find our Ramps has been sworn to secrecy, but we can tell you that you can normally find them in marshy-ish areas near a stream or pond. The area generally can’t be too dry, but also can't be too wet. Many of you could probably find them in your backyard if you looked hard enough. Picking the ramps is simple. We use shovels and pick the bulbs, the roots, the stems, and the leaves all on one clump.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Q: How has your relationship with Chef Bernard and Sarah evolved over the years—from that first sale to now?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A: Our relationship between Chef Bernard and Sarah has always been very good, and we think that it has definitely gotten better as the years go by. The first few years, they probably only bought from us because we were young, local kids, but as the years went on, Sarah and Bernard have counted on us to bring upwards of 20 pounds a week! Over the past five years, we came out of our shell and we are now comfortable talking to them - and other restaurant owners, of course.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Q: How do you divide the work between the two of you—from harvesting to cleaning and preparing the ramps for sale?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A: Everything we do is 50/50. Everything we pick, clean, prepare, and how much money we ultimately make is divided 50/50. Sometimes, if one of us is super busy one week, if one had to pick more one week, then the other would pick more the following week.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Q: With college on the horizon, do you see yourselves continuing this seasonal tradition, or is this your final harvest?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A: We definitely see ourselves doing this at least one more season. We really enjoy this small business we have going on and we would love to keep it going. While we hope to go to at least Julian's junior year of high school and Owen's senior year, we are unsure whether to continue. Julian can’t really see himself doing this solo. However, you never really know what the future holds.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">So yes, spring is fleeting. But in the short window between mud and bloom, Owen and Julien return to the woods, where their quiet labor sustains a tradition—and feeds a community, one ramp at a time.</span></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>The Center for Empowerment &amp; Education Announces 17th Annual Hearts of Hope Breakfast: Honoring Service, Uplifting Survivors</strong></p><p>The Center for Empowerment &amp; Education (CEE) is proud to announce its 17th Annual Hearts of Hope Breakfast, taking place on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at The Candlewood Inn in Brookfield, Connecticut—a change in timing. CEE looks forward to springtime at The Candlewood Inn. This inspiring event unites the community around a shared vision: to build safer, more empowered communities, and support survivors of domestic and sexual violence.</p><p>Hearts of Hope is one of CEE’s premier fundraising and awareness events, gathering supporters, advocates, and changemakers to reflect on the life-changing impact of CEE’s services—and an urgent call to action to raise critical funds that directly benefit local individuals and families navigating domestic and sexual violence.</p><p>This year, CEE will proudly present the “Service Above Self” Award to the Ridgefield Thrift Shop (RTS). Since 1937, RTS has been a cornerstone of community generosity—staffed entirely by volunteers and donating all revenue to local nonprofits. CEE has been a grateful recipient of RTS’s ongoing support since 2007, most recently receiving funding to support its community impact initiatives.</p><p>“Hearts of Hope is more than a fundraising event—it’s a powerful reminder that when we come together as a community, we create lasting change. Every dollar raised and every story shared helps ensure that survivors are met with safety, dignity, and the support they need to heal. We are honored to recognize the Ridgefield Thrift Shop for their legacy of compassion, and we look forward to welcoming our community this June to celebrate hope, courage, and the power of collective action.” —Ashley Dunn, President &amp; CEO, The Center for Empowerment and Education</p><p>The 2025 program will feature Wendy Bernard as the keynote speaker—an advocate, attorney, and military veteran. With 24 years of distinguished service in the armed forces and a successful legal career in the Waterbury area, Wendy brings a powerful and deeply personal message. A survivor of interpersonal violence, Wendy’s journey of resilience and leadership is sure to inspire and empower attendees.</p><p>CEE invites community members, business leaders, and allies to join us for this moving and mission-driven event. Together, we can ensure that every survivor has access to the resources, respect, and hope they deserve.</p><p>To purchase tickets, sponsorships or program ads, please visit: <a href="http://www.thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thecenterct.org</a></p><p>Or contact Linda Cummins, Special Events Manager at 203-731-5200 x232 or <a href="mailto:linda.c@thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linda.c@thecenterct.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">If you or someone you know needs support, our no-cost confidential hotlines are available 24/7. Please call, CEE is here, we believe you, and we support you. </span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">It is with great pleasure that </span><a href="https://email.meritpages.com/ss/c/u001.pzLsSHaO_trJDJO85aH7RcHaAWv4TsFugSyn3NQkYzk/4gg/fPvTtZeHTtar65cXk8tRLA/h0/h001.whoiudOLBonGukIo_totLFC9oiYMx-Hkz_f1si9s6PI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Southern New Hampshire University</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> (SNHU) congratulates Danbury residents Jose Fabian, Samantha Clarke and Mark Carrillo for being named to the Spring 2025 Dean's List. The spring terms run from January to May.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.5 to 3.699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.</span></p><p><a href="https://email.meritpages.com/ss/c/u001.2MAbPpABZpoNwpazzwdE_uSqFsMlaGEjfiAOHW2OhwU/4gg/fPvTtZeHTtar65cXk8tRLA/h1/h001.LkA7_1dxYu8Sn6cMaho_bIP1CDcMcZ7KoXicae5ZTIM" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. </span></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">Last March, eight world-renowned musicians performing as the Essex Octet enthralled the Danbury Concert Association’s audience. (“It felt like we were in the presence of greatness!” a long-time DCA subscriber noted.) Seven of those virtuosos will be back in Danbury by popular demand&nbsp;on&nbsp;</span>Saturday,<span style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">&nbsp;June 7, at 3:00 p.m.&nbsp;to conclude the DCA’s 2024</span><strong style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">–</strong><span style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">25 season. (DCA regular patrons should note that this performance will take place on a Saturday, not&nbsp;Sunday, afternoon.)</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">The Essexes’ return engagement will feature a performance of the Beethoven Septet in E Flat Major, Op. 20, one of the composer’s most popular works, and his String Trio in C Minor, Op. 9, for&nbsp;violin, viola, and cello. The septet players are&nbsp;Ani Kavafian, violin; Steven Tenenbom, viola; Peter Wiley, cello; Nina Bernat, bass; David Shifrin, clarinet; Frank Morelli, bassoon; and William Purvis, horn.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(16, 16, 16);">The concert will be presented in the&nbsp;350-seat Veronica Hagman Concert Hall at the Visual and Performing Arts Center (VPAC) on the Western Connecticut State University campus,&nbsp;43 Lake Ave&nbsp;Extension, Danbury.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Single tickets for the&nbsp;Saturday, June 7&nbsp;performance are $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite (<a href="http://wcsuvpac.eventbrite.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">wcsuvpac.Eventbrite.com</a>) until curtain time, or on the day of the performance at the VPAC box office (203-837-8732).&nbsp;Admission is free for ages 18 and under, courtesy of the Danbury Cultural Commission.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">For more information, see&nbsp;<a href="http://danburyconcert.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">danburyconcert.org</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The National at Golf Performance Center is teeing up a summer of friendly competition with Tuesday night Men’s League and Thursday night Ladies League play. The Men’s League kicks off May 27, with the Ladies League following on June 3. Both leagues begin at 7:30 PM with two-person teams and a shotgun start.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Registration fee is $30.00, and green fees are reduced to $15.00 for league nights. Points are awarded each week—18 for first place, 17 for second, and so on—leading up to bragging rights and prizes at the season’s end.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You’ll hit the course as the sun goes down and finish under the lights. The National Short Course is now open at night, offering a fast, fun, and public 9-hole round designed to be completed in under 40 minutes.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Whether you're chasing a title or just out for an unforgettable evening on the greens, The National is your place to play.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Spots are limited to 18 teams per league. Learn more and register:</span></p><p><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/summer-golf-league/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/summer-golf-league/</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is one of 80 organizations that will receive a $10,000 grant from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, to replace federal money that has been withdrawn.</p><p>The money will supplant a $10,000 Challenge America grant from the National Endowment for the Arts announced in January this year. The Cultural Alliance applied for that money from the NEA to support the agency’s marketing and accessibility needs ─ primarily for the local Creative Youth Development program.</p><p>Joel Wachs, President of the Andy Warhol Foundation, said small arts organizations make important contributions to society’s cultural lifeblood by giving artists in every corner of the country a platform from which to be seen and heard. “We want them to know that we see the extremely difficult circumstances under which they are operating, and we value and appreciate their work,” Wachs said. “We are committed to providing some semblance of stability and continuity during this time of unprecedented upheaval.”</p><p>Elizabeth Smith, Executive Director of the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, said agencies like hers work with other organizations to assert shared values. “We at the Frankenthaler Foundation are pleased to partner with the Warhol Foundation to support the health of visual arts organizations by stepping forward to assist with these vital and timely funds,” Smith said. “While our missions focus support on the visual arts, our shared hope is that this effort may inspire peer funders to support Challenge America grantees working outside of the visual arts, who remain in urgent need of assistance.”</p><p>The Creative Youth Development Program, which the Cultural Alliance has overseen for two years, offers an array of arts-based services, encompassing drawing, painting, music, poetry, theater, and more. By encouraging participants to express their stories, thoughts, and aspirations through various creative mediums, the program cultivates stronger social connections and equips young individuals with the skills to make a positive impact on their communities.</p><p>Cultural Alliance Executive Director Lisa Scails said the grant from the Warhol and Frankenthaler foundations is “a life saver” and will allow the organization to continue its work to fortify community connections and bolster support for individuals in the arts.</p><p>“This generous funding is a gift and turned a difficult situation around so we can keep going,” Scails said. “We are back on track to continue our mission and elevate the cultural vibrancy of our community.”</p><p>The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) informed Scails this month of changes to its grantmaking policy priorities, which will fund projects in line with the federal administration's focus areas. In response, Scails accepted NEA’s invitation to appeal the decision and present a case demonstrating how the Cultural Alliance program aligns with the updated priorities.</p><p class="ql-align-center">#</p><p><span style="color: black;">The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut is a leading arts service organization in Western Connecticut. We connect with artists, creative entrepreneurs, arts, and cultural organizations in the region, and provide support to them. We engage with the public, businesses, and government leaders to advance the arts and to integrate creativity in communities. We are an independent 501C-3 nonprofit organization and designated regional arts organization for DECD CT Office of the Arts and Western Connecticut Council of Governments. Major support provided by the CT Office of the Arts. For more information visit </span><a href="http://www.cawct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.cawct.org</a><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>