<p>CityCenter Danbury is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual event, the "Downtown Chowdown," in partnership with the City of Danbury. This vibrant celebration invites the community to indulge in delicious cuisine from multiple food trucks and enjoy live music in the heart of downtown with co-workers, family, and friends.</p><p>Mark your calendars for the "<em>Downtown Chowdown</em>," running from May 1st to June 26th, every <em>Thursday from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm</em>. Join us on the City Center Green [1 Ives St, Danbury, CT 06810] for an unforgettable culinary experience filled with delicious food, live music, and community camaraderie.</p><p><strong>For more information visit </strong><a href="https://citycenterdanbury.com/event/downtown-chow-down-may-june-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://citycenterdanbury.com/event/downtown-chow-down-may-june-2025/</a></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank is honored to announce the recent graduation of Michelle Luis,&nbsp;Assistant Vice President, Small Business Lending Manager, and Paul Lutsky,&nbsp;Vice President, Commercial Lender, from the Connecticut School of Finance &amp; Management (CSFM).&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The graduates were honored at a ceremony on April 11&nbsp;at the Trumbull Marriot Hotel. CSFM&nbsp;is a&nbsp;two-year&nbsp;banking education&nbsp;and management program&nbsp;with class work including&nbsp;banking theory, practices and procedures, capital markets and management functions.It is&nbsp;a proven management development staple within the Connecticut banking industry&nbsp;designed to increase the knowledge of the participants in their own specialties and, at the same time, introduce them to a wide range of banking topics&nbsp;and scenarios.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Paul and Michelle did an incredible job balancing the&nbsp;rigorous undertaking&nbsp;that is CSFM while continuing to provide our Commercial Lending clients with the highlight level of service,” said Dan Berta, Fairfield County Bank President. “We look forward to the implementation of&nbsp;their newfound knowledge&nbsp;and&nbsp;are exceedingly proud of their achievement.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Ms. Luis&nbsp;has been with the Bank for 24&nbsp;years&nbsp;and has served as the Small Business Lending Manger&nbsp;since 2020. She works diligently with&nbsp;local small&nbsp;businesses&nbsp;to&nbsp;find the&nbsp;right financial product that will&nbsp;grow their business&nbsp;through property&nbsp;acquisition,&nbsp;working&nbsp;capital,&nbsp;orequipment financing. She is a lifelong Fairfield County resident and away from the office, enjoys traveling with family and friends.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Mr. Lutsky&nbsp;joined Fairfield County Bank in 2021.&nbsp;With&nbsp;more than&nbsp;20 years of experience, Paul is committed to working tirelessly to ensure the goals of his clients are met. Covering Fairfield County, his responsibilities include both establishing new relationships between clients and Fairfield County Bank and enhancing existing client relationships through a suite of commercial&nbsp;loan,&nbsp;consumer&nbsp;deposit, and wealth management products, while managing a commercial lending portfolio.&nbsp;Outside of the office, he is an accomplished&nbsp;golferand serves on the Central&nbsp;Connecticut Coast YMCA Finance Committee. </p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Photographed, from left to right: Virginia Turnbull, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Leader. Glen LeBlanc, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Lending Officer. Michelle Luis, Assistant Vice President, Small Business Lending Manager. Paul Lutsky, Vice President, Commercial Lending. Daniel Berta, President. David Schneider, Chief Executive Officer.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Visit&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.fairfieldcountbank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><em>www.FairfieldCountBank.com</em></a></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Celebrate Women’s Golf Day at The National at The Golf Performance Center!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Grab your clubs and join us for a fun-filled day on the green! On Sunday, June 1 from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, The Golf Performance Center in Ridgefield invites women of all ages and skill levels to celebrate Women’s Golf Day on The National Short Course—a world-class 9-hole course designed for both challenge and ease.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Event Schedule:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">10:30 AM ~ Arrival, Networking &amp; Mingling</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">11:00 AM ~ Full Swing &amp; Short Game Clinic on the practice range</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">12:00 PM ~ Mimosa Bar &amp; Brunch Bites</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">12:30 PM ~ Shotgun Start on The National (9 Holes)</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Whether you're new to the game or a seasoned player, The National offers a refreshing alternative to the traditional round—designed to be completed in under 40 minutes, it's fast, fun, and family-friendly.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This is also a great chance to experience The National, now open for public play. Located at 824 Ethan Allen Highway, Ridgefield, The Golf Performance Center is redefining the way we play and learn golf.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Register now:</span></p><p><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/womens-golf-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/womens-golf-day/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about The National:</span></p><p><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/the-national/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/the-national/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Let’s raise a glass (or a club) to the women who swing, chip, and drive the game forward!</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Ann’s Place&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.annsplace.org/all-events/2025/fashion-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">fashion show</a><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">&nbsp;will take place on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at The Ridgefield Playhouse. Get ready to celebrate inspiring community members who are taking the stage to make a difference! Fashions are curated by Elegant Ridgefield.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Ann’s Place is a haven of hope, providing comfort and support to those facing cancer and their loved ones. This year’s fashion show fundraiser brings the community together in a</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Celebration of strength.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Meet Jacqueline Ondrey,&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://m.ed/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);"><strong>M.Ed</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">&nbsp;LCSW – Clinician at Ann’s Place</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">With a Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Sacred Heart University and a focus in grief and loss, Jacqueline brings both personal and professional experience to her work. After</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">losing a loved one to cancer, she transitioned from teaching to oncology social work, where she now provides individual counseling, facilitates support groups, and coordinates the free wig program at Ann’s Place.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Jacqueline splits her time between Connecticut and coastal Maine, where she enjoys hiking with her dogs, kayaking, reading, and time with family.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Support Jacqueline and the work she does:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/jacqueline-ondrey-m-ed-lcsw-clinician-at-ann-s-place" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">On the Runway- Familiar Faces - Jacqueline Ondrey</a><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/stories/M.Ed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a><a href="M.Ed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">M.Ed</a><a href="https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/jacqueline-ondrey-m-ed-lcsw-clinician-at-ann-s-place" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">,</a><a href="https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/jacqueline-ondrey-m-ed-lcsw-clinician-at-ann-s-place" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">&nbsp;LCSW, Clinician at Ann's Place's Fundraiser on Donorbox</a></p><p><strong><em>Your support makes a real impact—every donation helps those in need navigate their cancer journey with care and</em></strong>&nbsp;<strong><em>hope</em></strong>.<strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong>This<strong>&nbsp;event will</strong> showcase spring and summer fashion curated by&nbsp;<strong style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Elegant Ridgefield</strong><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">, modeled by familiar faces from the local community. Attendees can also look forward to an entertaining show hosted</span></p><p>by&nbsp;<strong style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">comedian Christine O’Leary</strong><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">, live and silent auctions, and a raffle featuring fantastic prizes.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">Tickets are available for purchase through the Ridgefield Playhouse Box Office:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/on-the-runway-familiar-faces-benefitting-anns-place-ridgefield-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">On the Runway - Familiar Faces Benefitting Ann's Place | Ridgefield, CT | Ridgefield Playhouse</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">To learn more about Ann's Place please click on link&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);">-</em><strong style="color: rgb(100, 116, 139);"><em>&nbsp;</em></strong><a href="https://www.annsplace.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Ann's</strong>&nbsp;Place</a></p>

<p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A guided community walk to support sustainability planning through public input</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The WCSU CT Futures Lab and the Sustainable CT Danbury Team invite all Danbury residents to join Walk With Danbury 2025, a free event on Tuesday, April 22 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., starting at the Danbury Museum &amp; Historical Society parking lot (43 Main Street).</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The event features a slow, guided walk through downtown, where participants will team up with WCSU students to share observations about how the city can become more livable, connected, and sustainable. Feedback gathered will help inform local decision-making and contribute to Danbury’s broader sustainability goals.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">By participating, community members will help identify everyday strengths and challenges that can shape future investments—like improving sidewalks, transit access, green space, and neighborhood infrastructure. The event also supports a citywide effort to include more voices in planning decisions through direct, on-the-ground engagement.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Schedule:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Gathering and project orientation</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. – Guided walk with observation and feedback activities</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">• 5:30 – 6:00 p.m. – Community discussion and light refreshments</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All are welcome. Residents are encouraged to bring family and friends, wear walking shoes, and dress for outdoor weather. Spanish and Portuguese interpretation will be available, and the RSVP form is also accessible in multiple languages.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To RSVP and learn more, click on the link&nbsp;</span></p><p><a href="https://forms.office.com/r/V4SN7LKQD0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://forms.office.com/r/V4SN7LKQD0</a></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Friends of the Danbury Library: Spring Bag Sale on Thursday, Friday, &amp; Saturday, April 24, 25, &amp; 26 from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM</strong></p><p>Fill a bag with books, CDs, and DVDs for just <strong>$10 per bag</strong>.</p><p>Bring your own grocery-sized bag—or we’ll provide one for you. (<em>Rare and collectible items not included.</em>)</p><p><strong>Location:</strong></p><p> Friends’ Little Red House Book Store</p><p> 15 Main Street, Danbury</p><p> (Access via the South Street School entrance; parking available behind the Little Red House.)</p><p><strong>Payment methods accepted:</strong></p><p> Cash, checks, or credit/debit cards</p><p><strong>Regular Store Hours:</strong></p><p> Thursday–Saturday, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM</p><p>For updates and closure notices, please visit our website or call:</p><p> <strong>203-794-7477</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>All proceeds benefit Danbury Library programs.</strong></p>