<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="https://mvpguttersroofing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">MVP Gutter and Roofing&nbsp;</a></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Valeska Bernal, founder of MVP Gutters and Roofing.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We started our business as a continuation of a proud family tradition. For generations, our family has owned and operated gutter companies, passing down not just skills, but a deep-rooted commitment to quality workmanship and honest service. Growing up in that environment, we learned the value of hard work, integrity, and treating every customer like family. When it came time to take the next step, we decided to expand the family trade by moving into the roofing industry. It felt like a natural evolution—building on our legacy while meeting a broader range of needs for the homeowners and communities we serve. Our business is more than a job—it's our family's passion and purpose.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">What is your best-selling product or service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As a family-owned business rooted in generations of craftsmanship, we proudly offer complete exterior solutions with a focus on quality, reliability, and style. Our services include custom gutter installations in a wide variety of styles—ranging from standard K-style to half-round, European, and commercial-grade systems. We also specialize in asphalt roofing for both residential and commercial properties, backed by a 10-year workmanship warranty on all roof replacements. As GAF-certified contractors, we bring industry-leading standards and trusted expertise to every project, ensuring lasting protection and peace of mind for our customers.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">Have you "reimagined" your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We have stayed true to the values our family has always believed in—honesty, quality, and fair pricing. As a small, family-owned company, we don’t carry the overhead that big corporations do, so we don’t believe in inflating prices just to boost profits. Instead, we focus on delivering real value—quality work at a fair rate, with transparency every step of the way. Our goal isn’t to make a quick buck; it’s to build lasting relationships with our customers and be the kind of company people can genuinely trust."&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">MVP Gutters and Roofing is located at 3 Robins Lane in Brookfield. Call</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">203-628-6914 go online </span><a href="https://mvpguttersroofing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://mvpguttersroofing.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and follow along on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558166075626&amp;mibextid=wwXIfr&amp;rdid=JpqpjoWMWQyY7PWR&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F15HvZtsgwL%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook </a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/themvpguttersandroffing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">themvpguttersandroffing</a></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Get ready to tee it up in style. The nonprofit USA Junior Golf Federation is proud to partner with Midspring women’s golf apparel to host a fun-filled Women’s Golf Day celebration on Sunday, June 1, on The National short course at The Golf Performance Center.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Midspring, co-founded by childhood best friends and Ridgefield High School grads Meredith (Maher) Carmody and Shannon (Galowski) Arniel, blends performance with polish. Their high-quality line of women’s golf apparel transitions effortlessly from the course to the everyday.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Our line is designed with three pillars at the foundation of all of our styles: performance functionality, flattering fits and fashion femininity. We appeal to the most experienced of players as well as the novice recreational golfer and have clientele spanning all ages and stages. Regardless of your level of play, we hope our styles make you feel confident as you move throughout your day from the course, to courts, to calls, to carpools, to cocktails and everywhere in between,” says Carmody.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Women’s Golf Day isn’t just swings and putts—it’s a Sunday well spent. Think good company, a little golf guidance, tasty bites, bubbly in hand, and a breezy 9-hole round on The National. Guests will also have the chance to shop Midspring’s latest collection and enjoy a mimosa bar and brunch bites throughout the morning.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Grab your girls, your clubs, and make your way to The Golf Performance Center for a morning of fun, fashion, and fresh air. Whether you're a seasoned player or just golf-curious, this event is a great way to get into the game—or just enjoy a mimosa while browsing some great gear. No clubs? No problem. Registration is required to play, no need to register if you’re just stopping by to sip and shop.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"We’re thrilled to partner with Midspring to promote Women’s Golf Day! We want to work together to engage, empower and support girls and women through golf to build a foundation that creates a network to support the continuation of golf no matter what skill level while engaging in a charitable cause at a local level,” says Kim Genzburg, Executive Director of USA Junior Golf Federation.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The National, a 9-hole course designed for speed and enjoyment, offers a refreshing take on the game—quick enough to play in under 40 minutes and open for public play. Located at 824 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield, The Golf Performance Center is changing how we play, learn, and love golf.A portion of the event proceeds from Midspring sales will support the USA Junior Golf</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Federation’s scholarship program at The Golf Performance Academy.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Register here:</span><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/womens-golf-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;</a><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);">About Midspring</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Midspring creates refined, functional golf apparel for women who want to feel comfortable, capable, and confident. Designed to transition seamlessly from a morning on the green to the rest of your day, Midspring is committed to celebrating the everyday athlete in every woman. Learn more</span><a href="https://midspringsport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://midspringsport.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://midspringsport.com/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">About USA Junior Golf Federation</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A 501(C)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and educating the next generation of aspiring junior golf athletes. The Federation is committed to providing junior golfers at The Golf Performance Academy with the financial assistance and support they may need to enable them to excel on their way to playing collegiate golf and beyond. Learn more here (I don't know how to embed the link :) )</span><a href="https://usajuniorgolffederation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://usajuniorgolffederation.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">https://usajuniorgolffederation.org/</a></p>

<p>Thomas C. Rafter, 59, of Danbury, formerly of Port Chester, NY, life partner of Phyllis Boughton of Danbury, died on Monday, April 28, 2025 at the Regional Hospice and Home Care Center, Danbury.</p><p>Mr. Rafter was born in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York on January 3,1966 a son of Patrick D. and Virginia (Triolo) Rafter.&nbsp;He attended New York schools and was a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.</p><p>A professional chef by trade, Mr. Rafter was a general manager with Restaurant Associates by Compass Group, N.A.</p><p>Tom’s number one joy was cooking, entertaining and caring for all his family and friends.&nbsp;He was a giver and not a taker, always sharing a smile and a kind word with everyone he met.&nbsp;In fact, he would much rather give than receive.</p><p>In addition, he enjoyed gardening and spending time in his backyard with nature.&nbsp;</p><p>He loved the ocean and found solace by the sea.</p><p>He was a great man who touched many hearts.</p><p>He was a member of Friends of Bill.</p><p>In addition to his life partner Phyllis Boughton, he is survived by his step-mother, Lucy Rafter, two brothers. Patrick Rafter and James Rafter as well as several nieces and nephews.</p><p>In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother Robert Rafter.</p><p><strong>A Celebration of Life will be announced.</strong></p><p><strong>Burial will take place in the Cemetery of the Resurrection, Staten Island, New York.</strong></p><p><strong>There will be no calling hours.</strong></p><p><strong>Contribution in his memory may be made to the Families Network of Western CT, 5 Library Place, Danbury, CT 06810</strong></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 &amp; 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 &amp; 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;">&nbsp;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>Danbury, CT (April 28, 2025) — 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.&nbsp;</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.”&nbsp;</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.&nbsp;&nbsp;</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.&nbsp;</p><p><strong style="color: inherit;">Key components of the expanded program include:</strong>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>One-on-one coaching to help providers incorporate garden-based nutrition lessons into their curriculum.&nbsp;</li><li>Hands-on gardening experiences for children, reinforcing healthy eating habits from an early age.&nbsp;</li><li>1,200 food boxes with 100% CT Grown produce distributed bi-weekly across 25 locations, serving 150 providers/families over four months.&nbsp;</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.&nbsp;</li><li>Onsite child care offered during nutrition classes to remove barriers to participation.&nbsp;</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.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p>

<p>The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) celebrated a remarkable milestone on Friday, April 11, hosting its Annual Dinner at the Amber Room Colonnade to mark <strong>50 years of uninterrupted service</strong> to the community. Themed <em>From Fifty to the Future</em>, the event brought together more than 350 guests to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future.</p><p>The evening highlighted the outstanding contributions of this year’s award honorees:</p><ul><li><strong>Honoring the Past</strong>: CEE Founding Members Alice Chapman, Betti Corso, and Bonnie Law</li><li><strong>Honoring the Present</strong>: Current CEE Staff</li><li><strong>Honoring the Future</strong>: The inspiring young women of <em>Girls Inspiring Girls</em> at Newtown High School</li></ul><p>Guests were welcomed by Honorary Chairs <strong>Pamela Chapman</strong> and <strong>Carla (Corso) Pierce</strong>, whose leadership helped shape a meaningful evening of celebration and giving. The program also featured <strong>Dave Price</strong>, WNBC Weather Anchor, as the evening’s spirited auctioneer, rallying enthusiastic support for CEE’s mission.</p><p>Proceeds from the event support CEE’s <strong>no-cost crisis intervention and prevention programs and services</strong>, including ongoing education and awareness efforts to reduce and prevent interpersonal violence across the region.</p><blockquote>“Interpersonal violence isn’t a thing of the past—it’s an epidemic that continues to affect individuals and families right here in our own community. Every day, more survivors find the courage to come forward, asking for safety, support, and to be believed. And the truth is, we are in the fight of our lives.</blockquote><blockquote>We’re fighting for the resources and staffing it takes to respond quickly, effectively, and inclusively. We’re fighting to ensure every survivor is met with compassion and care. This work doesn’t stop, because the need doesn’t stop.</blockquote><blockquote>And the future we’re building—a future that’s safe, survivor-centered, and free from violence—depends on the choices we make right now. It depends on each of us choosing not to look away, but to invest in services that are truly for everyone—because interpersonal violence doesn’t discriminate, and neither can our response.”</blockquote><blockquote> — <em>Ashley Dunn, President &amp; CEO, The Center for Empowerment and Education</em></blockquote><p>CEE extends heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who made this milestone event possible.</p><p>To view event photos or make a contribution, visit <a href="https://www.thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thecenterct.org</a>.</p>