Stories

Teen Safe Driving Video Contest Hosted by the Connecticut DMV and Travelers

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that teenage students and high schools in Connecticut can win up to $26,000 in prizes by entering a submission into Connecticut’s 16th&nbsp;annual&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-ghhlhdl-tlluktttuu-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>Teen Safe Driving Video Contest</strong></a>&nbsp;hosted by the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and Travelers.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The contest calls on teens to create video public service announcements with compelling messages that motivate their peers to always practice safe driving whenever getting behind the wheel.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens in the United States. In 2022, there were 2,514 people killed in crashes across the country involving a teenage driver between the ages of 15 and 18.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The contest is open to all public, private, and home-schooled high school students in Connecticut between the ages of 14 and 18. Students are required to produce a creative, unique, and effective video public service announcement no longer than 45 seconds in length that highlights interactions between drivers and other teens and illustrates ways to practice safer driving habits while obeying Connecticut’s teen driving laws. The videos must also address at least one specific Connecticut teen driving law.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">DMV Commissioner Antonio “Tony” Guerrera was the House chairperson of the General Assembly’s Transportation Committee in 2008 when he helped lead the effort to enact major reforms within Connecticut’s laws aimed at increasing safety for teen drivers.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Since the contest began, nearly 5,000 students representing 120 high schools across Connecticut have participated.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">To read the full contest rules and instructions on how to submit a video, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-ghhlhdl-tlluktttuu-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>ct.gov/teendriving/contest</strong></a>. The deadline for submissions is February 3, 2025.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">To watch winning videos from previous years,&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-ghhlhdl-tlluktttuu-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>click here</strong></a>.</p>

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Flags To Half-Staff Monday in Honor of Botsford Fire Rescue Assistant Chief

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags in Connecticut lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Monday, November 4, 2024, in honor of Botsford Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Pete Blomberg, who died in the line of duty. A funeral service in First Assistant Chief Blomberg’s honor is scheduled to be held on Monday at St. Rose of Lima Roman Catholic Church in Newtown.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“First Assistant Chief Pete Blomberg dedicated his career to fire prevention and the safety of our communities, and his line of duty death is an awful tragedy,”&nbsp;Governor Lamont said. “My prayers and condolences are with his family and friends, his fellow firefighters who serve with Botsford Fire Rescue, the entire Newtown community, and all first responders who selflessly serve the public.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.</p>

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Union Savings Bank's 8th Annual "Stock the Closet" Supports Local Students

<p>Union Savings Bank (USB) has proudly wrapped up its 8th annual "Stock the Closet" drive, an initiative aimed at providing much-needed school supplies to students across western Connecticut. This year, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of customers, employees, community members, and donors, more than 5,000 essential items were collected—ranging from backpacks and notebooks to art supplies and classroom necessities. This adds to the more than 52,000 items donated since the program’s inception.</p><p>The USB Teachers' Closet® initiative, which started as a grassroots effort driven by passionate USB employees, has now blossomed into a bank-wide mission that impacts schools across Connecticut.&nbsp;It is designed to support both students and teachers alike to ensure students have the basic tools they need to succeed in the classroom. The program currently supports four elementary schools in Danbury, Norwalk, and Torrington: Morris Street Elementary School, South Street Elementary School, Brookside Elementary School, and Vogel-Wetmore Elementary School.</p><p>The "Stock the Closet" drive is more than just a one-time event; it is an integral part of the bank’s larger mission to support local education. Bank employees are heavily involved as well, donating, organizing, packing, and distributing the supplies. Through community involvement and ongoing donations, USB aims to continue its impact, with plans to expand the program to even more schools in 2025.</p><p>Recognizing the ongoing need for classroom supplies, Union Savings Bank remains dedicated to keeping the Teachers’ Closet fully stocked year-round, ensuring that students and teachers have access to vital tools such as crayons, markers, scissors, and binders. By easing the burden of purchasing these necessities, USB aims to enhance learning environments and equip students for success.</p><p>“What started as a small project has turned into a vital resource for schools in our communities," said Chelen Reyes, President and CEO of Union Savings Bank. "Our Teachers’ Closet is not just about donating supplies—it’s about empowering students and teachers with the resources they need to thrive, and we’re grateful to everyone who has contributed to its growth."&nbsp;</p><p>USB customers and community members are invited to help support the Teachers’ Closet year-round by donating school supplies at their nearest branch or by ordering online through the Teachers' Closet Amazon Wish List, where items are shipped directly to the bank for distribution.</p><p>"Our goal is to make sure the Teachers’ Closet is always well-stocked so that no child goes without the supplies they need to succeed in school," added Michele Bonvicini, Executive Director, USB Foundation. "Whether through in-person donations or online orders, every contribution makes a meaningful difference."</p><p>For more information on how you can contribute to Union Savings Bank's Teachers’ Closet initiative, including how to donate or purchase from the Amazon Wish List, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.unionsavings.com/community/teachers-closet/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Teachers’ Closet</a>.</p>

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Maura Ruby Succeeds P.J. Prunty as President and CEO of Greater Danbury Chamber

<p><em>Danbury, CT</em> – The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors has appointed Maura Ruby as the organization’s new President and CEO. This leadership change follows P.J. Prunty’s move to his new role as Director of Development for Bright Ravens Development, LLC in Danbury.</p><p>Throughout his tenure, especially during the pandemic, P.J. played a crucial role in sustaining business resources, assembling a skilled team, revitalizing the Chamber’s programming calendar, and integrating the Newtown and Brookfield chambers. His efforts significantly advanced the Chamber’s mission to support the business community. Martin Morgado, Chairman of the Chamber Board, stated, “We are grateful for P.J.’s stewardship over nearly seven years and look forward to his continued involvement as a valuable member of the Greater Danbury Chamber.”</p><p>Reflecting on his time with the Chamber, P.J. Prunty commented, “It has been a tremendous opportunity to serve the businesses and nonprofits in Greater Danbury, and I look forward to staying connected to the community in my new role.” He added, “I am thankful for the guidance and support of the Board of Directors and the dedicated staff at this outstanding Chamber.”</p><p>Maura Ruby, a highly respected figure in the community, will depart her long-standing role as General Manager of the Danbury Fair Mall, where she has worked since 1993. Her career there has been marked by over 31 years of achievements in community engagement, operational management, leasing, and asset oversight. Ruby’s leadership has driven business development initiatives, redevelopment projects, and public-private partnerships, establishing her as a catalyst for business growth and innovation.</p><p>In her new role, Ruby intends to use her extensive experience and deep local connections to strengthen the region’s economic landscape. “Maura brings extensive expertise in the business community and a keen understanding of the region’s economic and philanthropic backbone,” noted Chairman Martin Morgado, who is also President &amp; CEO of Savings Bank of Danbury. “Her network of relationships across legislative and municipal sectors will serve our members exceptionally well.”</p><p>Ruby, a former Vice Chair on the Chamber’s Board of Directors and a long-time advocate, said, “With the talented team we have and the strong foundation of our membership, the Greater Danbury Chamber has an incredible opportunity to become the premier business advocacy organization in Western Connecticut.” She added, “I am excited to elevate our business community’s awareness of our resources and foster workforce development.”</p><p>Questions? Email info@<a href="danburychamber.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">danburychamber.com</a></p><p>*Image courtesy Linkedin</p>

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Dutton Joins Alpha Metalcraft Group As Director of Program Management

<p>Danbury, Conn./October 31, 2024 -- Alpha Metalcraft Group announced Ian Dutton, a resident of East Hampton, Conn. who has a range of experience working in top-tier manufacturing environments, has been named Director of Program Management.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dutton will oversee program management activities across AMG’s manufacturing facilities to ensure customer satisfaction with its valued customer partners. Dutton will drive the successful execution of new product introductions, financial management and continuous improvement initiatives all while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance with AS9100 certifications.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Dutton, a graduate of Keene State College in New Hampshire, has served in various leadership roles throughout his career. He served as the Associate Director of Program Management at PharmEng Technology, a Canadian-based company that provides services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries. Dutton oversaw major projects across the United States and Latin America, successfully building strong client relationships and managing multiple project teams.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;He also served as operations manager for Eaton Cummins Automated Transmission and operations supervisor for Firth Rixson. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has expertise in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement and operational excellence.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“Ian’s hands-on experience in driving excellence in the program management function, implementing strategic initiatives and ensuring adherence to organizational directives will directly contribute to AMG’s continued growth,’’ said Alec Searle, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMG. “His experience, combined with his strong focus on maximizing input and customer satisfaction, make him an invaluable asset to our team.”</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;AMG operates manufacturing sites in Danbury and Bethel, Conn., and Commack, N.Y. and is a high-precision metal forming manufacturing platform that provides mission-critical components and assemblies for aerospace, defense and medical markets.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;For more information on AMG, visit <a href="http://www.alphametalcraft.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.alphametalcraft.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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Learn About Wooster Schoool on Friday at Starbucks in Danbury!

<p><strong>Are You Ready To Invest In Your Child’s Future?</strong></p><p><strong><em>Join Us For A Cup Of Coffee at Starbucks, 13 Mill Plain Road, Danbury, CT on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 9:30 - 11:00 am.</em></strong></p><p>Through a balance of rigor, challenge, and support, Wooster students thrive at every level - from grade 5 through grade 12. Coffee is on us and we look forward to chatting about your child’s school story and how Wooster provides students endless and personalized opportunities to achieve excellence!</p><p><a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/admission/upcoming-events/coffee-with-wooster-nov1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Let us know you are coming!</a></p><p>Invest in your child today and help them reach their highest potential.</p><p>To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.woosterschool.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.woosterschool.org/</a>&nbsp;or contact Wooster School Admissions at (203) 830-3916.</p>

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Why Small Businesses Matter in Danbury: Tom Caruso Photography

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet award-winning photographer,</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tom Caruso</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Photography is my true passion. I have been active in photography for over 50 years and I always had my camera in hand wherever I went. People loved seeing actual prints of my photos before social media. The introduction of social media exposed my work to a wider audience. After posting my photos on Facebook, several of my friends noted that I missed my calling and should have been a professional photographer. In February, 2020, with the encouragement of friends and family, I started my company, </span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Tom Caruso Photography LLC.</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">My best selling service is real estate photography. Several real estate businesses have used my services to photograph homes and commercial properties, especially drone images. Both have appeared in several real estate websites. Other popular products are my autumn landscape images and these images can be seen on my website at </span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/Autumn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/Autumn</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you reimagined your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I love living in Connecticut. One way my business was reimagined is that I'm traveling across the state photographing its natural beauty and entering these images in local photography contests to gain exposure and to explore my new home. One of my photos recently won the Kent Chamber of Commerce Photo Contest in the Downtown category as a professional. The addition of a drone has led to some major innovations in my products and services.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Tom Caruso Photography’s website </span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and follow Tom’s photographic journey on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/tom-caruso-photography-llc-100063621876667/" 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/tomcarusophotography/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">tomcarusophotography</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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