Stories

Eastern student Jennifer Roos of Danbury honored at English Night

<p>English majors were honored at the close of the fall 2023 semester during English Night, an annual celebration in which awards and presentations were given and students were inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta honor society.</p><p>Elementary Education and Liberal Studies major Jennifer Roos '26 of Danbury was inducted into Sigma Tau Delta.</p><p>"Bringing together majors and their families to celebrate their hard work and tenacity," said Ferruci, "to honor that work by becoming part of a larger community means that we, again, recognize how even though we seem to work in isolation, we do so in the company of friends, colleagues and strangers, and with the support of those who love us. How can you not stand in awe of the written word -- that we read, that we write ourselves -- when you see the ways it forges such a community of scholars?"</p><p>"Much of what we do in English studies is done in isolation," said Steve Ferruci, chair of the English Department. "English Night is an antidote to that, a reminder that we have a community of like-minded individuals who share a love of reading and writing. It's a reminder that even when we labor away on our own, we are in conversation with others through the texts they have written, the conversations we have had and the texts we write ourselves."</p><p><br></p>

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Visit the Easter Bunny at Danbury Fair Mall through March 30!

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hop on over to see the Easter Bunny in H&amp;M Court through Saturday, March 30. For the easiest experience, pre-book your photo session </span><a href="https://www.danburyfairmall.com/BunnyPhotos?dm_i=5BOZ%2CM908%2C529G6I%2C2JTWA%2C1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>Bunny schedule:</strong></p><p>March 18 - March 30:</p><p>Monday-Saturday: 11AM - 7PM</p><p>Sunday: 12PM - 6PM</p><p>Special Experiences:</p><p>Pet Nights March 11 &amp; 18 from 4pm to 8pm</p><p>Bunny Cares March 17 at 10:30am</p>

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 Greater Danbury Spring Career Fair on April 3 at Danbury Fair Mall

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Greater Danbury Spring 2024 Career Fair will take place on Wednesday, April 3rd from 3 to 6 p.m. (snow date 4/4)</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">at Danbury Fair Mall. Open to the public! All are welcome!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Sponsored by the Danbury Chamber of Commerce &amp; the WCSU Career Success Center. </span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Employers are always being added - please check back to see updates </em><a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess/career-fair" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess/career-fair/</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(68, 68, 68);">Employer</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.careers.abcsupply.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">ABC Supply Co. Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.abilitybeyond.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Ability Beyond</a></p><p><a href="https://careers.bankerslife.com/careers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Bankers Life</a></p><p><a href="http://btwanewhaven.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Booker T. Washington Academy</a></p><p><a href="http://www.buffalolodging.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Buffalo Lodging Associates</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ccsu.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Central Connecticut State University – Admissions</a></p><p><a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/locations/ct/brookfield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Chick-fil-A Brookfield, CT</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nationalguard.com/connecticut?utm_campaign=fy24paidsearch&amp;utm_source=89&amp;utm_medium=c2bingbrand-1698858976&amp;utm_content=web&amp;gclid=ff9869d2b725127546470c4f13b1650b&amp;gclsrc=3p.ds&amp;msclkid=ff9869d2b725127546470c4f13b1650b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Connecticut Army National Guard</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ct.gov/deep/site/default.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP)</a></p><p><a href="http://www.breakthrubev.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Connecticut Distributors Inc.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ctjuniorrepublic.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.uwwesternct.org/danburyworks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">DanburyWORKS</a></p><p><a href="http://www.devereux.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ebnercamps.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Ebner Camps</a></p><p><a href="https://careers.enterprise.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Enterprise Mobility</a></p><p><a href="https://equitable.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Equitable Advisors</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ess.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">ESS</a></p><p><a href="https://www.expresspros.com/DanburyCT/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Express Employment Professionals - Danbury, CT</a></p><p><a href="https://jobs.tsa.gov/law-enforcement" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Federal Air Marshal Service</a></p><p><a href="https://www.fbijobs.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.bop.gov/jobs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Federal Bureau of Prisons</a></p><p><a href="http://www.danburychamber.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce</a></p><p><a href="http://www.greenchimneys.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Green Chimneys</a></p><p><a href="http://www.holeinthewallgang.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Hole in the Wall Gang Camp</a></p><p><a href="http://hvcu.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Hudson Valley Credit Union</a></p><p><a href="https://www.impea.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Imperial Electronic Assembly, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.restaurantdepot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Jetro Restaurant Depot</a></p><p><a href="http://www.kellyservices.com/global/home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Kelly Services</a></p><p><a href="http://www.mhconn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Mental Health Connecticut, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.joinstatepolice.ny.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">New York State Police</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nsbonline.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Newtown Savings Bank</a></p><p><a href="http://www.nemitchell.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Norbert E. Mitchell Co., Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://norwalk.nm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Northwestern Mutual - Norwalk</a></p><p><a href="http://www.oakridgewaste.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Oak Ridge Waste and Recycling</a></p><p><a href="https://www.pmc1.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">PMC-STS, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.sbdanbury.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Savings Bank of Danbury</a></p><p><a href="http://www.silverhillhospital.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Silver Hill Hospital</a></p><p><a href="http://www.workplace.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">The WorkPlace</a></p><p><a href="https://www.glastonburyct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Town of Glastonbury</a></p><p><a href="https://www.manchesterct.gov/Employment-Opportunities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Town of Manchester</a></p><p><a href="https://www.secretservice.gov/careers/special-agent/STAR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">U.S. Secret Service</a></p><p><a href="https://www.unionsavings.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Union Savings Bank</a></p><p><a href="https://www.websteronline.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Webster Bank</a></p><p><a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) – Career Success Center</a></p><p><a href="https://www.yardscapeslandscape.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 240);">YardScapes Landscape Professionals</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

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On the Children's Shelf: When your secrets go viral…

<p>How do you keep things private in a digital age? When things can easily be shared online? When hackers can access devices and cloud storage, is anything ever really safe?</p><p>In “In Case You Missed It” by Sarah Darer Littman we see what happens when your safe protected cloud storage is hacked and shared online. Sammy, a high school junior is busy with the APs and getting her driver’s license. She keeps a personal diary on her computer so her little brother can’t find it and read it.</p><p>Sammy’s dad is the CEO of a major bank. He is under enormous stress because there are protesters outside the bank protesting bank actions. Sammy is aware of his stress, but she’s a teenager busy with her own school stress. While it might seem like there is no overlap, their whole world is turned upside down when hackers hack into bank documents then turn their attack on her father, personally. They hack into the family’s cloud storage and start sharing everything they find online…including Sammy’s personal diary.</p><p>Every thought, every frustration, the time she lied to her parents…all out there for her classmates and parents to read. Things at the bank are worse than ever and her dad stays at work for days on end because he is dealing with the issues there. Her entire school has read her diary, her friends are furious and refuse to speak to her. The ultimate irony in Sammy’s mind is that her mom tells her not to read any of their emails or texts shared online but Sammy’s mom reads her diary. On top of losing her friends, Sammy is caught lying to her parents through her diary and is now grounded. While Sammy’s secrets are on the internet being read, so are her parents’ secrets and Sammy learns the biggest secret they’ve been keeping from her. Definitely check out this book to see what happens when all those private thoughts and email exchanges are now available for the whole world to read.</p><p>This YA book is well written and readers of all age can identify with the question – how safe is anything online? The story flows well, is captivating and took turns I didn’t expect (which I really enjoy in a book). Friendships end, family dynamics change, Sammy learns a lot about herself, her real friends, and if you have to choose who is going to snoop through your diary….she’d rather it was just her little brother. I highly recommend this book.</p><p>Jessica Collins is an award-winning writer. Her column "On the Children's Shelf" has earned multiple Connecticut Press Club awards and national recognition. Read more on her blog: <a href="https://onthechildrensshelf.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://onthechildrensshelf.com/</a></p>

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Join the Egg-stravaganza at the 2nd Annual Easter Festival on the Danbury Green!

<p>CityCenter Danbury, in collaboration with Tiaa Candy, invites you to hop into spring and celebrate the joyous occasion of Easter at the&nbsp;<strong>2nd Annual</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Easter Festival on the Green!&nbsp;</strong>Scheduled for&nbsp;<strong>Saturday, March 30th, from 2pm to 6pm</strong>, this egg-citing event promises a day filled with entertainment, Easter eggs galore, and delightful photo opportunities with the one and only Easter Bunny!</p><p>&nbsp;The festival welcomes everyone to join in the festivities, offering something for every member of the family.&nbsp;Whether you're a seasoned egg hunter or a first-time festival-goer, there's plenty to enjoy. Here's what's in store:</p><p>&nbsp;<em><u>Egg-cellent Entertainment:</u></em>&nbsp;Prepare to be dazzled by a lineup of fun-filled entertainment, including live music, interactive performances, and more. The stage will come alive with excitement throughout the day!</p><p>&nbsp;<em><u>Easter Eggstravaganza</u></em>: Dive into a sea of colorful Easter eggs scattered across the green. Children and adults alike can embark on an egg-hunting adventure and discover hidden treasures around every corner.</p><p>&nbsp;<em><u>Photo Opportunities:</u></em>&nbsp;Capture precious memories with the Easter Bunny himself! Don't miss the chance to strike a pose and snap some unforgettable photos to cherish for years to come.</p><p><em><u>Talent Showcase:</u></em>&nbsp;Showcase your skills and talents in our Talent Show! Whether you're a singer, dancer, musician, or have another talent to share, we invite you to take center stage. To enter the Talent Show, simply email Tiaa Candy at<strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">tiaacandy@gmail.com</strong>&nbsp;<em>by Friday, March 20th.</em></p><p>&nbsp;"We're thrilled to host the 2nd Annual Easter Festival on the Green," says Lazaro Chavez, Executive Director of CityCenter Danbury. "It's a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate the spirit of Easter, and enjoy a day filled with joy and laughter."</p><p>&nbsp;Admission to the Easter Festival on the Green is free for all.&nbsp;So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and join us for an egg-stravaganza of an event that promises fun for the whole family!</p><p>&nbsp;For more information and updates&nbsp;<a href="http://www.citycenterdanbury.com/event/easter-festival-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.citycenterdanbury.com/event/easter-festival-2024/</a>&nbsp;or follow us on social media @CityCenterDanbury.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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Danbury Collective Hosts Community Meeting to Forge Paths To Youth Success

<p>On Tuesday evening, the Danbury Collective held an impactful community meeting that brought together a diverse group of area parents, community members, municipal and organizational leaders to address challenges facing Danbury children and families.&nbsp;The gathering at the Family &amp; Children’s Aid building at 80 West Street was a significant opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the Collective's mission of fostering educational equity, enhancing support systems for the youth of Danbury, and harnessing the collaborative power of community members and organizations.&nbsp;</p><p>“The opportunity that we have with our youth is all about connecting the dots, cradle-to-career,” said Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves. “We have so many organizations that are doing great things in different areas. Having the Danbury Collective bring them together to address problems in our community is only going to form a better outcome for everything we do.”&nbsp;</p><p>The well-attended meeting focused on the Danbury Collective’s current three key areas of action: advancing early childhood education, combating chronic absenteeism and bolstering learner engagement, and promoting youth mental health. The event provided a platform to discuss the citywide collective impact Cradle-to-Career initiative that aims to align resources and collaboratively address the systemic challenges faced by children and youth in Danbury.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“After seeing the effects of the pandemic on our students in Danbury Public Schools, the key areas of action for the Danbury Collective are of the utmost importance,” said Interim Superintendent Kara Casimiro.&nbsp;“These types of organizations are the catalyst for change, and they are the only way that we will get leverage in the community to achieve the student outcomes that we are aiming for.”&nbsp;</p><p>“We believe that all children should have access to opportunities to thrive,” expressed Melissa Hannequin, Executive Director of the Danbury Collective. “We understand that every person and child has individual needs, and we are committed to helping them meet those outcomes.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The meeting's success was a testament to the city's collaborative spirit and the shared commitment of all stakeholders to the well-being and future success of Danbury’s young population. Elizabeth Quinonez, Director of the Early Child Care Initiative and co-chair of the Danbury Collective’s Early Childhood Education Working Group emphasized that “Early childhood education, access to resources, and advocating for policy change must be a part of our strategy for taking collaborative action.”&nbsp;</p><p>Grace Molina, Vice Chair of the Collective’s Advisory Council, a Danbury parent, and a Danbury Public Schools employee, added, “In order for us to know what supports are needed in the Danbury community, we need parent voice. Parents know their child better than anyone else, so we need to hear from parents from all walks of life – working parents, at-home parents, parents that speak English or another language as a first language.”&nbsp;</p><p>The event audience is hopeful for the collaborative efforts and parents are looking forward to tackling the issues we see every day in the schools. A Danbury parent, Mallory Paige, expressed, “My hopes for my children and the youth in the community is that they all thrive while breaking down barriers that will prevent them from becoming who they are destined to be and to build bridges that will reshape what community is and feels like.”&nbsp;</p><p>The Danbury Collective joins the ranks as the fifth collective impact Cradle-to-Career initiative in Connecticut, and the fourth in the service area of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. United Way serves as the backbone organization, providing essential funding, fiduciary services, and strategic support to ensure the initiative’s success. This collaborative effort signifies a crucial step towards enhancing the lives of Danbury’s children and youth, promising a future where every child can thrive from cradle to career.&nbsp;If you would like to join this innovative effort, please contact Melissa Hannequin, Executive Director, at&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(255, 114, 0);">melissa.hannequin@unitedwaycwc.org</span>&nbsp;or 203-826-8299.</p>

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Are You Ready To Explore Wooster School?

<p><em>A Better School for Next Year</em></p><p><strong><em>Realize your child’s Excellence at Wooster School!</em></strong>&nbsp;Wouldn't it be great if you could visit us right now? You can! Bring the sights of Wooster directly to you from the comfort of your home with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/uploaded/virtualtour/index.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our virtual tour</a>. See our beautiful campus and innovative learning spaces, and then&nbsp;<a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/admission/visit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">schedule a tour</a>&nbsp;to come see us in person!</p><p><strong><em>Invest in your child today and help them reach their highest potential.</em></strong></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><p><br></p>

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