Stories

Yacht Rock Fever at The Tokeneke Club April 27

<p class="ql-align-center">The Darien Foundation's Yacht Rock Fever benefit will be held on Saturday April 27, 2024, at the Tokeneke Club.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-center">Tickets are on sale now! Purchase tickets <a href="https://donorbox.org/events/546882" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://donorbox.org/events/546882</a></p><p class="ql-align-center">This year, in honor of The Darien Foundation’s 25th anniversary, we are taking the event up a level with a special disco theme.&nbsp;&nbsp;We are also thrilled to be welcoming “The Right On Band” which has rocked stages around the world (including the White House!).</p><p class="ql-align-center">We hope to see you at the Tokeneke Club for Yacht Rock Fever!</p><p class="ql-align-center">Learn more <a href="https://donorbox.org/events/546882" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://donorbox.org/events/546882</a></p>

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Filling in the Blanks - Unite to Fight 5K on Sunday April 7

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Filling in the Blanks - Unite to Fight 5K</span> Unite to Fight 5K on Sunday April 7 at 7:30 am at <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Waveny Park.</span></p><p>Let’s run out childhood hunger! Sign up today for&nbsp;<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewCanaan/UnitetoFight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193); background-color: transparent;">Filling in the Blanks’ Unite to Fight 5K</a>&nbsp;on April 7, 2024, at Waveny Park, New Canaan, Kids Fun Run 8:15 a.m., 5K Run/Walk 8:45 a.m. To elevate your commitment to the cause, register as a fundraiser and spread community awareness of our mission. Take advantage of this year’s special offer of&nbsp;<strong>FREE</strong>&nbsp;pre-race training with fitness coach, Monica Concha, at Waveny Park, dates and times vary.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Register <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewCanaan/UnitetoFight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewCanaan/UnitetoFight</a></p><p>Filling in the Blanks fights childhood hunger by providing children in need with weekend meals. FITB serves over 7,000 children with weekend meal bags, 5 school-based pantries and The Fresh Food on the Move mobile food pantry.&nbsp;FITB purchases 99% of the food for these programs, and events like the Unite to Fight 5K play a crucial role in meeting the increased needs of local communities.&nbsp;</p>

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FC Buzz Weekend of Art & Culture in Fairfield County March 15-17

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</p><p><strong>Max Creek</strong></p><p><strong>StageOne at FTC, Fairfield</strong></p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-max-creek/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">FRIDAY Mar 15</a> and <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-max-creek-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">SATURDAY MAR 16</a>, 7:45 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>In those rare instances that a band reaches its fifth decade, it’s usually a result of stardom. In 40+ years Max Creek has been small, big, regionally-huge, medium, and any other size one can think of; they’ve never graced the cover of Rolling Stone, but you’d be hard pressed to find a music fan in the Northeast that hadn’t heard of them.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-scott-bradlees-postmodern-jukebox-the-10-tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – The ’10’ Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Warehouse, Fairfield</strong></p><p>FRIDAY Mar 15, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>When New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created Postmodern Jukebox out of a basement in Queens in 2011, his goal was simple: to remake the pop hits of today into the classic sounds of the legends of yesterday. Miley Cyrus became The Platters. Bruno Mars became Frank Sinatra. The Spice Girls became The Andrews Sisters. Guns ’n’ Roses became Bessie Smith.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/lenihan-dancers-performance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Performance by Lenihan Dancers</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library, Southport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 10:30 am - 11:30 am</p><p>The Lenihan School of Irish Dance troupe returns to the Library for a St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Enjoy a spirited costumed performance from one of the leading dance schools in the New England and New York area.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/open-house-event-at-saugatuck-rowing-and-fitness-club-westport-ct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Open House Event at Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club, Westport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>The event kicks off the property’s spring season and welcomes the public to tour the facility, learn about its world-class rowing program, visit the fitness center (membership incentives offered), meet the rowing coaches and fitness team, and experience the Boathouse Restaurant.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/exhibition-on-screen-painting-the-modern-garden-monet-to-matisse-nr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Painting The Modern Garden: Monet To Matisse </strong></a></p><p><strong>The Avon Theatre, Stamford</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16 to Mar 20, 11:00 am - 8:30 pm</p><p>For many great artists the garden has long been considered a desirable subject for the expression of colour, light and atmosphere. This dazzling film takes a magical journey from the gallery to the gardens, to Giverny and Seebüll and other glorious grounds favoured by artists. Here we discover how early twentieth century artists designed and cultivated their own gardens to explore contemporary utopian ideas and motifs of colour and form. Sat: 3/16 at 11 am, Sun. 3/17 at 11 am, Wed. 3/20 at 7 pm</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/childrens-author-talk-with-maryjo-scott/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Author Reading with MaryJo Scott</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Welcome a local author and award-winning illustrator , who will read her new children's book "Sam &amp; Lucy." The book tells the story of a little boy and his best friend, an aging chicken who needs lots of extra love as she lives out her days. Amazon calls it "a tender story of love, loss and appreciating the friends we have while they're with us." After the reading there will be an activity for children and a book signing; books will be available for purchase at the event.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/local-author-talk-sharon-cohen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Local Author Talk: Sharon Cohen</strong></a></p><p><strong>Easton Public Library</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Sharon L. Cohen will talk about the many ways that Connecticut mills and factories contributed to World War II victory, as documented in her new book, Connecticut Industries Unite for WWII Victory.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftcs-st-patricks-day-celebration-with-the-night-visitors-and-green-eyed-lady/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>FTC’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with The Night Visitors and Green Eyed Lady</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Warehouse, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 3:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>The leprechauns will be out and about again this year! The Night Visitors were born out of the</p><p>retirement of the Highland Rovers and are continuing the tradition of Irish music with a rock 'n' roll attitude. Colleen, Steve, Greg, CJ, and Mike bring their unique styles and experiences together to create a distinct sound influenced by Irish, classic rock, bluegrass, new wave, and modern pop. Hailing from Fairfield and New Haven counties, the Night Visitors perform all over the state for Irish-themed and non-Irish events.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/the-greater-bridgeport-symphony-gbs-ushers-in-spring-with-flute-fusion-march-16-at-the-klein-in-bridgeport-ct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Flute Fusion</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>The concert is the fourth installment of five in this season’s concert series, Building Bridges. Guest conductor Eduardo Leandro leads the show and will feature NYC flutist Keith Bonner who is part of the Grammy® nominated Borealis Wind Quintet and will showcase his virtuosity with Debussy’s “Afternoon of a Faun” and Schubert’s “Symphony No. 5.” The concert will highlight acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator Jessie Montgomery’s “Coincident Dances” and Paul Schoenfield’s “Klezmer Rondos,” another composition showing the magic of the flute.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/jason-pritchard-art-place-show-and-reception/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jason Pritchards Art/Place Show and Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>art/place gallery, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Mar 17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>This exhibition offers a unique journey showcasing the evolution and progression of his oil painting style capturing the essence of Cape Cod's coastal scenery. It highlights a selection of his earlier Cape Cod seascapes, beginning near the Bourne Bridge and continuing town by town, spanning over 50 miles down the Cape, before concluding with the most recently painted pieces from Harwich.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ridgefield-guild-of-artists-focus-on-3-d-walk-and-talk-sunday-march-17th-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Focus On: 3-D Walk and Talk</strong></a></p><p><strong>Ridgefield Guild of Artists</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Mar 17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm join<strong> </strong> for , to hear 5 artists in the current show speak about their inspirations, where they are coming from, and maybe where they are going. The five are: Anne Brecher, Mary Harold, Katushka Millones, ILo Milton, and Sherri Rossini.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/norwalk-symphony-shakespeare-on-the-sound-partner-for-concert-on-march-17-2024-300pm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony &amp; Shakespeare on the Sound Partner for Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk City Hall</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Mar 17, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Immerse yourself and your family in an afternoon with the professional musicians of the Norwalk Symphony as they bring Shakespeare to life through music, acting, and jest. The music of Romeo and Juliet by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev are paired with Shakespeare on the Sound's "R+J4evr" for</p><p>an unforgettable fusion of music and theatre. Enjoy the presentation by guest conductor, Christopher D. Bell, students from Norwalk Youth Symphony side-by-side with our musicians, and the winner of our 12th Annual Concerto Competition, Gia Lin, performing the 1st movement of Korngold's Violin Concerto.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/fcbuzz-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

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Saint Joseph's Parenting Center Breakfast Features Speaker Liz Murray

<p>Saint Joseph's Parenting Center's 15th Annual Benefit Breakfast will feature keynote speaker Liz Murray, renowned author of the international bestseller "Breaking Night: My Journey from Homeless to Harvard." The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, at 7 am at Serafina at the Italian Center in Stamford, located at 1620 Newfield Avenue.</p><p>Liz Murray is an American memoirist and inspirational speaker, known for her remarkable journey from homelessness during her high school years to acceptance at Harvard University. Her life story was portrayed in Lifetime's television film "Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story."</p><p>The event aims to support Saint Joseph Parenting Center's vision of a world free of child abuse and neglect. The center's mission is to strengthen families at risk by providing parenting education and support.</p><p>Tickets for the event can be purchased at <a href="https://sjpcenterstaff.org/annualbreakfast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">sjpcenterstaff.org/annualbreakfast</a>. Learn more about the Saint Joseph Parenting Center and its mission at <a href="https://sjpcenter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">sjpcenter.org</a>.</p>

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Darien Library’s Seed Library will open for the season this Friday, March 15th

<p>New to seed starting? We have flowers, vegetables, climbing vines, native seeds, how-to resources, and so much more!</p><p>Whether you are a seasoned gardener or just beginning to explore your green thumb, our Seed Library offers you the opportunity to plant, grow and learn. It is our mission to increase community awareness of all the benefits that gardening and growing plants from seed have on us all. We hope that the growing process, from seed to plant, will foster a common, shared appreciation of all living things.</p><p>Share your gardening experiences with us on social media by tagging us&nbsp;<strong>@darienlibrary</strong>&nbsp;and using the&nbsp;<strong>#LoveMyDarienLibrary</strong>&nbsp;on&nbsp;<a href="http://twitter.com/darienlibrary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(35, 98, 179);"><strong>Twitter</strong></a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/DarienLibrary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(35, 98, 179);"><strong>Facebook</strong></a>, or&nbsp;<a href="http://instagram.com/darienlibrary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(35, 98, 179);"><strong>Instagram</strong></a>.</p><h2>How to Take Seeds</h2><ol><li>Ask about the Seed Library at&nbsp;the Welcome Desk.</li><li>Plan on taking 2 seeds for every plant you intend to grow this season. For example, if you want 5 sunflower plants, take 10 seeds.</li><li>Note the growing instructions on the back of the seed envelope. If you have a camera on your phone, take a picture of the instructions so you have an extra copy! Please let us know if you need a copy of the planting instructions.</li><li>If you need more seeds than what is provided, please use the extra envelopes. Make sure you label your envelope with the seed variety!</li><li>Help us determine what to get next season and stay in the know about future gardening events by leaving your name, email address, and the seeds you took.</li></ol><p><br></p>

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Darien Community Association announces exciting updates to The 203 Project

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent;">DARIEN, CT (March 14, 2024)—</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Darien Community Association (DCA) today announced updates to The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse at the Darien Community Association presented by exclusive media partner CTC&amp;G (Connecticut Cottages &amp; Gardens).&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Located at 274 Middlesex Road in Darien, CT the Showhouse will be open from Friday, March 21 until Sunday, March 24, 2024. Tickets are available at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://dariendca.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dariendca.org/</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">. The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse at the Darien Community Association will be featured editorially in the July/August issue of CTC&amp;G and on&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.cottagesgardens.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cottagesgardens.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">“What an incredible opportunity to showcase local talent while giving back to the community at the same time,” said DJ Carey, Editorial Director of CTC&amp;G. “We are excited to feature The 203 Project in the pages of CTC&amp;G.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Kelly McGovern Garden Designs and Mary Manning of MM Studio, Art Curator, join the previously announced group of designers and landscapers collaborating on the designer showhouse. These include&nbsp;</span>Alicia Sands Tiberio of Alicia B. Designs and Dorset and Pond,&nbsp;<span style="background-color: transparent;">Carey Karlan of Last Detail Interior Design</span>,&nbsp;<span style="background-color: transparent;">Elena Phillips Interiors, Fiona Leonard Interiors,&nbsp;</span>JG O'Neil Designs,&nbsp;<span style="background-color: transparent;">Karen Bow Interiors, Catherine and Christine Kelly of Kelly Interiors,</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Krista Fox Interiors, Joanne Matteson of Matteson Landscape Architecture, Nielsen’s Florist, Prudence Bailey of Prudence Home and Design, Sarina Galu Interiors and William Lyon Designs.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">In addition to offering self-guided showhouse tours, The 203 Project has added several events including:&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Thursday, March 21-Sunday, March 24 A Pop-Up Art Gallery curated by Mary Manning and featuring artwork by P. </span>Andre Arguimbau, Peter Layne Arguimbau, Donna Collins, Carol Conze, William Davis, Chris Filmer, Lori Glavin, Hanneke Goedkoop, Dana Goodfellow, Elizabeth Higgins, Cate Leach, Lori Leckliter, Pam Lindberg, Cara McCabe, Dorothy McClure, Mary Morant, Bambi Riegel, Katie Southworth, Lisa Thoren, Meg Tweedy, Karen Vogel, and Diane Weeks<span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Friday, March 22, 12-2PM with Peter and P. Andre Arguimbau, owners of Northeast Hardwood and Mariner Gallery&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Friday, March 22, 2-4PM co-hosted by DJ Carey, Editorial Director of CTC&amp;G</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Saturday, March 23, 10-12PM co-hosted by Stefanie Jones, The Realistic Organizer</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Saturday, March 23, 12-2PM book signing with Jane Beiles, award-winning interior design photographer</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Saturday, March 23, 2-4PM co-hosted by the Homes203 Team and USBank&nbsp;</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Thursday Opening Night Cocktail Party, Friday event with&nbsp;Peter and P. Andre Arguimbau and the Sunday Jazz Brunch have sold out.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">The 203 Project: A Sustainable Showhouse at the Darien Community Association is presented by exclusive media partner CTC&amp;G and supported through the generosity of both local and corporate sponsors including (new sponsors in bold): A Little Something White Bridal Boutique, Alchemy Celebrations,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Arhaus,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Atria Darien,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Baywater Properties,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">BMW of Darien,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Compass,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Darien Carpet,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Darien Men’s Association,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Darien Sport Shop, David Harvey Jewelers, Diane Browne Catering,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Elli Travel Group,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Farrow &amp; Ball,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Gault, J. </strong>McLaughlin <strong style="background-color: transparent;">Luppino Landscaping and Masonry LLC, Meredith &amp; Whitney George,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Michael Joseph’s Catering, Navesink Wealth Management,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Neil Hauck Architects,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Nielsen’s Florist and Garden Shop, OKA,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Outdoor Design Living,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Palmer’s Market, Ring’s End,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Ruddy Builders, Shoreline Painting, Social Decor, The Gardener’s Center, The Homes203 Team,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Linen Shop, Tile America,&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Torrco, Turner Painting Service, USBank,&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Visual Comfort &amp; Co.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">The 203 Project also thanks several community ambassadors as noted at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://dariendca.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dariendca.org/</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">. Tickets for house tours and special events are available at&nbsp; </span><a href="https://dariendca.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dariendca.org/</a> <span style="background-color: transparent;">All proceeds from the Showhouse will benefit the Darien Community Association, a privately-funded nonprofit, and the DCA Scholarship program. The DCA Scholarship program offers need-based scholarships to Darien High School students.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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The Maritime Aquarium Offers Discounted Tickets for Scouts

<p>(Norwalk, CT) – Calling all troop leaders! The Maritime Aquarium is offering discounted tickets and programming to help scouts earn badges that focus on wildlife and the environment. Girl Scout Day will be held on Saturday, March 23, and BSA Scout Day for Cub Scouts and BSA Scouts will be held on Sunday, March 24.</p><p>&nbsp;“The hand-on learning activities and behind the scenes tours available to scouts are designed to foster an interest in environmental stewardship, and teach them how to think critically about today’s most pressing conservation issues,”&nbsp;<strong>said Vice President of Education Tom Naiman.</strong>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Discounted admission is $19 for adults and $14 for children. To receive this discount with walk-up tickets, one child in the party must be dressed in a scout uniform or related apparel. All scouts must be accompanied by an adult while exploring the Aquarium outside of programs.</p><p>&nbsp;Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts are encouraged to register for programs in advance as there is limited availability. Badge programs vary in price.</p><p>&nbsp;In addition to scout days, troops can book sleepovers at the Aquarium on various dates throughout the year. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/scout-programs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.maritimeaquarium.org/scout-programs</a>.</p>

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