Fairfield, CT | HamletHub

Stories

Dec 06, 2024

Experience the Magic of Honey Bees in Weston

WESTON, CT – As honeybees huddle in their hives to stay warm this winter, new and aspiring beekeepers from across southern Connecticut and New York will be swarming to Bee School, an engaging introduction to the art and science of beekeeping.On four consecutive Monday evenings—January 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2025—participants will meet from 7–9 PM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 285 Lyons Plain Road, Weston, CT, to learn the fundamentals of beekeeping. Under expert guidance (Andy Hatt, David Blocher and Chris Rountos), attendees will explore topics such as selecting equipment, mastering essential techniques, and managing common pests and diseases.“What better way to anticipate spring than by planning for a colony of bees in your garden to produce honey?” says Andy Hatt, Master Beekeeper, Bee School instructor and incoming President of the Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA), which hosts the program.Tuition for Bee School is $60, which includes a one-year membership in the Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA). Current BYBA members can attend for $30. Membership offers a wealth of benefits, including pairing with an experienced mentor, participating in hands-on workshops with live colonies at the club’s bee yard, and learning from renowned regional and national guest speakers. Members also gain access to the Wannabee program for children and monthly virtual meetups tailored to beekeepers of all skill levels. Over the years, Bee School has even become a unique and thoughtful holiday gift for aspiring beekeepers.Bee School is the gateway to a thriving community of beekeeping enthusiasts. Hatt emphasizes that hobby beekeepers who lack organizational support often struggle, making the Back Yard Beekeepers Association’s network invaluable. “Participants quickly see that they’ve joined a welcoming group of like-minded individuals,” Hatt says. “Our members are passionate about the outdoors, the environment, pollination, gardening, honey production, and teaching these practices to their children. Through Bee School, attendees gain knowledge and skills that can last a lifetime.”Whether you’re dreaming of harvesting your own honey, supporting pollinators, or simply curious about the fascinating world of bees, Bee School provides the knowledge and support needed to begin your beekeeping journey.Visit the website to learn more about Bee School and to register. <a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/kogEXbCh94s/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fbackyardbeekeepers.com%2F" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://backyardbeekeepers.com</a>The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) is one of the Nation’s largest regional clubs for beekeeping hobbyists with over 400 members. Some of their members are just getting started as beekeepers, and some have enjoyed this hobby for years. All share an interest in the wonderful and remarkable world of the honey bee. The mission of BYBA is to provide their membership with a forum for sharing knowledge and mutual interests in beekeeping, and to educate and promote the benefits of beekeeping to the public. For more information, please visit <a href="https://backyardbeekeepers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">backyardbeekeepers.com</a>Contact Paula Wolf at <a href="mailto:paulawolf@email.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">paulawolf@email.com</a> for more information.

Dec 05, 2024

FC BUZZ Weekend Includes An Afternoon of Opera at Fairfield Public Library

FC BUZZ Weekend December 6-8HamletHub 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.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/irving-berlin-s-white-christmas-the-musical-41670" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical</a>Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) MainStageFriday Dec 6, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pmFairfield County’s award-winning professional theatre company continues its 38th season with Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical. Based on the timeless and beloved film, this heartwarming musical adaptation promises to delight audiences of all ages with its uplifting story and classic songs. The production runs from December 6th through the 22nd with performances on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm, Sundays at 2pm. White Christmas will also have two Thursday performances on December 12th and 19th at 7pm.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-stacked-workshop-paint-to-promo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">A STACKED Workshop: Paint To Promo</a>The Norwalk Art SpaceSaturday Dec 7, 11:00 am - 2:00 pmPersonal branding as an artist can be overwhelming. Artists’ statements, photographing your work, and managing a social media presence are just a few responsibilities outside of making good art. Learn thoughtful ways to market your work better and boost your self-promotion with helpful tips and resources for artists.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-extra-extra" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Artist Talk Exhibit Extra Extra</a>Flinn GallerySaturday Dec 7, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pmCreating a kind of psychology of visual experience, Palma Blank, Stephen Maine and Doreen McCarthy employ a variety of juxtapositions in their work. By questioning notions of both depth and flatness, illusion and objecthood, or gravitational force and weight, the viewer can connect imaginatively and physically with the artworks presented in Extra Extra.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/abiodun-oyewole---founder-of-the-last-poets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Abiodun Oyewole – Founder of The Last Poets</a>Burroughs-Saden LibrarySaturday Dec 7, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pmMr. Oyewole is a founding member of the American musical spieling group, The Last Poets – originally formed a poetry reading in honor of Malcom X. The group’s message, deeply rooted in Black Nationalism, became well recognized in African American society and part of the Black Arts Movement. The Last Poets along with the artist Gil Scott-Heron are credited as having had a profound effect on the development of hip-hop music. Their spoken word albums preceded politically laced Rhythm and Blues projects, such as Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, and foreshadowed the work of hard-hitting rap groups like Public Enemy and Dead Prez.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-special-with-kristen-young-violin-and-joe-bush-piano" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Holiday Special with Kristen Young and Joe Bush</a>MoCA CTSaturday Dec 7, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmJoin Kristen Young, violin and Joe Bush, piano for a festive holiday concert that beautifully blends classical masterpieces with your favorite holiday pop tunes! They will perform innovative arrangements that challenge traditional boundaries, creating a refreshing take on seasonal favorites. From the intricate harmonies of classical pieces to the lively rhythms of contemporary hits, this concert promises a captivating blend of sound that will resonate with all.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/hot-cool-jazz-the-jerry-bergonzi-alan-bartus-duo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Hot & Cool Jazz: The Jerry Bergonzi / Alan Bartus Duo</a>Wilton LibrarySaturday Dec 7, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pmWilton Library is proud to present the Jerry Bergonzi / Alan Bartus Duo with Jerry Bergonzi on sax and Alan Bartus on piano. This duo will present their original music along with American Songbook jazz standards. The collaboration between the artists began in Europe, where they performed several tours across different countries. Their unique sound creates a shapable musical process with a message whose goal is to deliver it to the listener. Each artist is given space both as a composer and as an interpreter in this duo format.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/hip-hop-nutcracker" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Hip Hop Nutcracker</a>Stamford Center for the ArtsSaturday Dec 7, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pmJust like the original, Maria-Clara and the Nutcracker Prince go on a dream adventure battling a gang of mice, visiting the land of sweets and learning the lessons of the holiday season. Innovative digital graffiti and visuals transform the landscape of E.T.A. Hoffmann’s beloved story from traditional 19th century Germany to the vibrant, diverse sights and sounds of contemporary New York City. Through the modern, self-expressive gaze of hip hop culture, the dynamic performers of The Hip Hop Nutcracker celebrate the magic of the entire holiday season on the most inclusive holiday of them all – New Year’s Eve, a time for new beginnings.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/buffalo-rose-at-voices-cafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Buffalo Rose</a>Voices CafeSaturday Dec 7, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pmBuffalo Rose is a charismatic six-piece modern folk/indie band from Pittsburgh, PA. They take the singer-songwriter tradition to a new level by crafting original songs which are emotive, meticulously arranged, and inspired by a world of idiosyncratic influences that never let a dull or predictable moment creep in. John Platt, of WFUV, founding of New Folk Initiative, gives a clue of what is in store: “Their sound is intoxicating - the combination of their tight string band rhythm and their supple harmonies.”<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-market-at-metro-art-studios" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Holiday Market</a>Metro Art StudiosSunday Dec 8, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pmJoin the artists of Metro Art Studios and guest artists for a unique holiday shopping experience on Sunday, December 8, from 12 to 4 PM. Visit three floors of studios and find affordable art, jewelry, home decor, stationery, holiday decorations, fashion, and so much more for everyone on your list. Handmade and handcrafted gifts are the best! Background Coffee is serving coffee and tea with proceeds going to childhood cancer research. Our gallery and gift shop will also be open. Visit<a href="https://www.metroartstudios.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"> </a><a href="https://www.metroartstudios.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://www.metroartstudios.org/</a> for more information or call 203-450-6720. Free parking on site. ADA accessible.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/an-afternoon-of-opera-with-stefano-russo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">An Afternoon of Opera with Stefano Russo</a>Fairfield Public LibrarySunday Dec 8, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pmMr. Russo will perform songs of the season, accompanied by pianist Jacob Wang , followed by selections from Puccini , in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Italian composer's death. There will then be a reading from Mr. Russo's latest book of poetry, Beyond the Chains of the Mind, and one final aria performed by Mr. Russo to conclude the program. Autographed books will be available for purchase.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-concert-with-whim-n-rhythm-yale-s-a-cappella-group-at-the-carriage-barn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Holiday Concert with Whim n' Rhythm, Yale's A Cappella Group</a>Carriage Barn Arts CenterSunday Dec 8, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pmEnjoy a stunning performance by Yale’s celebrated A Capella group Whim n Rhythm, accompanied by a wine tasting with Gratsi Wines & Red Grape. Enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Carriage Barn and personalize an ornament to take home! Whim n Rythm’s repertoire includes well loved holiday classics and spans genres ranging from jazz standards to soulful ballads to pop and rock classics. Songs may include fan favorites by Fleetwood Mac and Madonna, old classics from the Beatles and Frank Sinatra, and upbeat contemporary numbers by Beyonce and Chappell Roan.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-s-joys-of-the-season-holiday-pops" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Norwalk Symphony's Joys of the Season "Holiday Pops"</a>Norwalk Concert HallSunday Dec 8, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmDon’t miss this event joined by soloists, musicians from the Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts and dancers from the New England Academy of Dance! And a visit from a jolly elf!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/postmodern-jukebox" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Postmodern Jukebox</a>Stamford Center for the ArtsSunday Dec 8, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pmEven in our futuristic age of AI chatbots and virtual realities, there is still nothing in the world that compares with the thrill of hearing classic genres of music, performed live by a group of exceptional singers and musicians that have truly mastered the ability to move an audience.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fairfield-county-children-s-choir-winter-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Fairfield County Children's Choir Winter Concert</a>Klein Memorial AuditoriumSunday Dec 8, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pmThe renowned Fairfield County Children’s Choir will kick off its 30th Anniversary Season with a “Best of the FCCC Winter Concert” on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 P.M. at The Klein Memorial in Bridgeport. Join us for a celebration of the holiday season that honors our legacy and supports our mission to provide all children the opportunity to participate in a musical experience that is challenging, rewarding, and enjoyable!

Dec 04, 2024

Fairfield Dolan Professor Recognized Among Top 50 Undergraduate Professors

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Joan Lee, PhD, professor of accounting and a Deloitte Fellow in Accounting in the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, has been named one of the 50 Best Undergraduate Professors according to Poets and Quants.The selection process included the evaluation of over 1,000 nominations from around the world, focused on both teaching excellence and research contributions. For its research evaluation, Poets & Quants considered factors such as the volume of a professors Google Scholar citations, media coverage, research and writing awards, and industry impact. Criteria also included teaching awards and professors’ contributions to their schools and departments. Dr. Lee has been teaching undergraduate students at Fairfield University since 1997, offering courses in Introduction to Financial Accounting, Introduction to Managerial Accounting, and Business Ethics. In her most recent paper, Dr. Lee presents an innovative approach to integrating professional skills (“soft skills”) into accounting education, without compromising technical content. In her business ethics courses, she demonstrates a deep commitment to her students, openly expressing her passion for both their development and the importance of ethics in the curriculum.Accounting education, Ignatian pedagogy and ethics are key areas of research for Dr. Lee. A licensed CPA in the state of New York, Dr. Lee earned a PhD in accounting from New York University, and an MBA in finance, and a bachelor’s of science in accounting from Fordham University.Dr. Lee has been widely recognized for her teaching and scholarly contributions. Her accolades include: the Innovation in Accounting Ethics Education Award of the Public Interest Section of the American Accounting Association (jointly with Dawn Massey) in 2024; the American Accounting Association Outstanding Educator Award in 2019; the Fr. Robert J. Spitzer, S.J. Award from Colleagues in Jesuit Business Education in 2014; the Innovation in Accounting Education Award from the American Accounting Association (jointly with Dawn Massey) in 2001. She was named Alpha Sigma Nu Teacher of the Year in 2008 at Fairfield University. Dr. Lee serves on multiple editorial boards of academic journals and is an editor of the Journal of Jesuit Business Education. She is a past president of Colleagues in Jesuit Business Education, and has served on its board since 1999.Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 43 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.

Dec 04, 2024

Westport Playhouse to Stage Family-Friendly "A Sherlock Carol" Dec. 17-22

Westport, CT - Westport Country Playhouse will stage “A Sherlock Carol,” a family-friendly holiday production based on two classic tales, “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” a classic Sherlock Holmes story, and “A Christmas Carol,” from Tuesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 22. The inventive plot of intrigue and suspense, infused with holiday cheer and music, features familiar characters from the literature of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens. The play returns to the Playhouse by popular demand after a run last year.Nominated for a 2022 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Play and selected as a “Critics’ Pick” by The New York Times, the play is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director. “’A Sherlock Carol’ turns the tables on Dickens and Doyle’s characters, revisiting them in ways audiences have not seen before,” said Shanahan. “At its heart, ‘A Sherlock Carol’ is a tale of the resurrection of the spirit, in which Sherlock Holmes, in a fit of despair, struggles his way back from a dark place. He is guided by the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge, who charges Holmes with becoming his best self and living up to his famed talents as the world’s foremost consulting detective.”The play is set in 1894 London on Christmas Eve as a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge.“’A Sherlock Carol’ is a perfect show for young theatregoers and we hope it will invite them into a lifelong love affair with the theatre,” stated Shanahan. “It aims to be a smart, sophisticated, and warm-hearted comedy to share with a child or grandchild.“Our six actors play multiple roles, creating theatre magic with the flip of a hat or a quick costume change in the wings, entering and exiting as different characters in a matter of moments,” Shanahan added.The entire cast will reprise their roles from last year’s Playhouse production. Cast members are Drew McVety as Sherlock Holmes (Westport Country Playhouse: virtual playreading of “A Sherlock Carol,” Script in Hand playreading of “The Scream”; Broadway: “Bandstand,” “The Front Page,” “The Last Ship,” “Cyrano de Bergerac,” “Billy Elliot,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Spamalot,” “Frozen,” “Big River” – Special Tony Award, “Titanic,” “The Heidi Chronicles”; Off-Broadway: “A Sherlock Carol,” Drama Desk nomination for “Corpus Christi”); Byron St. Cyr as Ebenezer Scrooge (theatre artist, writer, musician; Off-Broadway: “A Sherlock Carol”; regional theater: “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Dames at Sea,” “Billy Elliot”; national tours: “Miss Saigon,” “My Fair Lady”; <a href="http://byronstcyr.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">byronstcyr.com</a> or @BSCjr on Instagram); Joe Delafield (Westport Country Playhouse: “The 39 Steps,” “The School for Husbands,” Radio Theater’s “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” Script in Hand playreadings of “Christmas at Pemberley,” “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”; Broadway: “Tartuffe”; Off-Broadway: “Fashions for Men,” “Outward Bound”; television: “The Sopranos”; MFA from NYU’s Graduate Acting Program).Dan Domingues as Dr. Timothy Cratchit, Mr. Topper, Ralph Fezziwig, and Constable Hopkins (Westport Country Playhouse: virtual playreading of “A Sherlock Carol”; Off-Broadway: “The Tempest,” “Fidelis”; film: “Run All Night”; MFA from A.R.T. Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at Harvard; creator and co-host of “Hot Date,” a podcast for movie fans); Isabel Keating as The Countess of Morcar, Martha Cratchit, Mary Morstan, Abigail Fezziwig, Caroler, and Woman in Restaurant (Westport Country Playhouse: virtual playreading of “A Sherlock Carol,” Script in Hand playreading of “Mrs. Christie,” “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”; Broadway: “Doubt: A Parable,” “Wicked,” “It’s Only a Play,” “Hairspray,” “Spider-Man,” “Enchanted April,” “The Boy from Oz” - Tony Award nomination, Drama Desk and Theatre World awards; Off-Broadway: “A Sherlock Carol”; television: Emmy Award-winning PBS American Masters “Judy Garland: By Myself”); and Sharone Sayegh as Emma Wiggins, Fan Gardner, Inspector Lestrade, and Mrs. Windigate (Westport Country Playhouse: “The 39 Steps,” Script in Hand playreadings of “Mrs. Christie,” “As Bees in Honey Drown,” “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” “Letters to Our Daughters”; Broadway: “Come From Away,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Mamma Mia!”; co-writer of new musical “The Game Boy”; Syracuse University alum; <a href="http://sharonesayegh.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">sharonesayegh.com</a>).Playwright and director Mark Shanahan is Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator. He recently directed “The 39 Steps,” the Playhouse’s inaugural production for the 2024-25 season. He also directed his own adaptation of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” in partnership with Agatha Christie Ltd., which premiered at the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre. He is the author of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” “See Monsters of the Deep,” the Off-Broadway and regional hit comedy “The Dingdong,” as well as numerous radio plays as creator of the White Heron Ghost Light series, featuring Christopher Plummer, Judith Ivey, Rhonda Ross, and other notables. Shanahan has directed at stages around the country such as Alley Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Virginia Stage, Arkansas Rep, White Heron, Mile Square Theatre, Hudson Stage, Theatre Squared, Fulton Opera House, Weston Playhouse, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Florida Rep, Penguin Rep, Merrimack Rep, The Cape Playhouse, and many more. As an actor, Shanahan has appeared on and Off-Broadway (“The 39 Steps,” “Tryst,” “The Shaugraun,” and others) and at many celebrated regional theatres. Shanahan has appeared on the Westport Country Playhouse stage in “Journey’s End” (2005), “David Copperfield,” directed by Joanne Woodward and Annie Keefe, (2005), “Sedition” (2007), “Tryst” (2008), and “Around the World in 80 Days” (2009), and numerous Script In Hand readings. Shanahan is also the creator and curator of Westport Country Playhouse Radio Theater, in partnership with WSHU Public Radio, and served as writer/director of the Playhouse radio adaptation of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” and as director of scripts commissioned for the series. <a href="http://mark-shanahan.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">mark-shanahan.net</a>. The creative team includes James J. Fenton, set design; Linda Cho, costume design; Alyssandra Docherty, lighting design; and John Gromada, music and sound design. Production stage manager is Becky Fleming.  Assistant stage manager is Amadi Cary.  Anissa Felixof the original Off-Broadway cast will serve as assistant director as recipient of a Playhouse directing fellowship. Props are loaned by the original production designed by Anna Louizos. Additional support provided by Fat Goose Productions and TheatreNerd Productions.As a child, Shanahan became hooked on Sherlock Holmes stories. “I was that kid reading ‘The Hound of the Baskervilles’ under the covers with a flashlight,” he said. “I really devoured those stories, and they stayed with me.” As an actor, Shanahan performed in a production of “Sherlock Holmes and The West End Horror,” and as a director, he helmed numerous Sherlock Holmes plays on stages across the country, from serious takes to spoofs on the character.“With all that in mind, eventually it came time for me to gin up a little bravery and try my own hand at writing a Sherlock Holmes story for the stage,” Shanahan noted. “Dickens and Doyle were essentially my inspiration and my collaborators - the angels on my shoulders. I’m only borrowing the characters that they invented through their genius, playing with them to create a fun, uplifting, new tale that stays true to the spirit of both of the authors’ original works.”Performance schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. The play is recommended for age 7and up. Running time is 108 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.Single tickets start at $35 and are subject to change based upon availability. Student tickets are $20. For information on special offers, as well as options for pay-what-you-will and library passes, visit <a href="http://www.westportplayhouse.org/visit/box-office/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">www.westportplayhouse.org/visit/box-office/</a>.Pre- and post-show offerings include Opening Night on Tuesday, December 17, featuring a post-show reception with cast, crew, and creative team, following the 7 p.m. show; Together at the Table, on Wednesday, December 18, at 5:30 p.m., offering a pizza dinner to families or groups with student-age children; and Pride Night, on Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m., featuring a cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, with a limited open bar from Trevi Lounge and appetizers from Walrus Alley. During the run of “A Sherlock Carol,” the Playhouse will be giving back to the community, benefiting individuals and families served by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Norwalk Toys for Tots, and Homes with Hope. Donations may be dropped off in the collection boxes located in the Playhouse lobby during box office hours, Tues. through Fri., 12 to 5 p.m. “A Sherlock Carol” Production Partner is Claire Wilkes; Corporate Partner is RBC Wealth Management. Production Patron is Laura Z. Barket; Corporate Production Patron is Westfair TV Audio. Opening Night Sponsor is RDM Financial Group at Hightower; Together at the Table Sponsors are Paige and Jodi Couture, with generous support from Westport Rotary. 2024 Programming and Season Sponsor is Barbara Streicker. Media sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.For “A Sherlock Carol” information and tickets, visit: <a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/a-sherlock-carol/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/a-sherlock-carol/</a>A complete schedule of Playhouse events is available at <a href="http://westportplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportplayhouse.org</a>. All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.For Westport Country Playhouse information and tickets, visit <a href="http://westportplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportplayhouse.org</a> or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), Instagram (wcplayhouse), and YouTube (WestportPlayhouse). Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport.

Dec 04, 2024

Fairfield's Holiday Shop & Stroll Set For Wed. Dec. 11

FAIRFIELD, CT — The public is invited to participate in Fairfield’s 12th Annual Holiday “Shop & Stroll” on Wednesday, December 11. The event is co- sponsored by the Town of Fairfield and the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce. Participating shops along the Post Road in Fairfield will offer extended hours and an assortment of complimentary seasonal refreshments to shoppers. The evening will kick off with Happy Hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. at The Sinclair, located at 1229 Post Road. There will be special discounts on food & drinks and a limited number of free “Buy Local Fairfield” tote bags with goodies from local merchants. Organizers will partner once again with Fairfield University’s Alumni Association to help them collect new, unused teddy bears as a part of the schools annual Teddy Bears with Love Drive, now in its 26th year. Please consider bringing a teddy bear or stuffed animal to the Pre-Event Happy Hour. All collected items will be donated to children at local area hospitals. This year’s Holiday Stroll will feature caroling from members of the Fairfield Prep choir program and members from the Warde a cappella program as well as a performance from the Fairfield Prep Jazzuits. Cast members from the Connecticut Dance School’s upcoming production of The Nutcracker will also be moving around downtown during the event. Weary shoppers looking for a quick pick-me-up can swing by Sherman Green to enjoy a fireside lounge and grab free hot cocoa and s’mores courtesy of BE Chocolat. This year’s event includes retailers along the Post Road, from the Brick Walk Promenade to Heritage Square! Featured retailers and participants as of press time include: Apricot Lane Boutique, Bailey Jaymes Boutique, Beach Kraft, Bluepoint Home, Capri, Ciao Bella Boutique, Element 50, The Fairfield University Store, Fowler Sakey & Team, Friends of the Fairfield Public Library, Henry C. Reid, Here For You Clothing, In the Mood Intimates, Island Outfitters, Jane and Mercer, Kelli and Crew, Marathon Sports, No. 299, NicholsMD of Fairfield, Olive My Stuff, PEHT Shop, Sacred Heart University Community Theatre, Team Woofgang & Co., The Beehive, The Give Collective, The Two Oh Three, Vintage Garden and the Wine N Cheese Day Spa. Fairfield Chamber of Commerce President Beverly Balaz said, “The Chamber of Commerce is happy to be partnering with the Town on this festive event as it will give our businesses another opportunity to open their doors to the community, meet new customers from surrounding towns and, together, help celebrate the holiday season with a wonderful shopping experience!” The public is invited to visit the special event website at <a href="http://www.experiencefairfieldct.org/shopnstroll" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.experiencefairfieldct.org/shopnstroll</a> for more information on participating retailers, restaurants, activities and special offers.

Dec 04, 2024

"In the Distance" By Hernan Diaz Named WestportREADS 2025 Selection

Westport, CT - Among other storytelling mediums, books offer an extraordinary immersive experience, comparable to the joy of traveling to a new destination or engaging with a friend. Despite the solitude of reading, the act of getting lost in a good book is an enduring force of imagination that brings communities together to discuss, debate, and delight in its wonder.<a href="https://catalog.westportlibrary.org/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&type=Keyword&term=in%20the%20distance%20hernan%20diaz&by=KW&sort=RELEVANCE&limit=TOM=*&query=&page=0&searchid=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">In the Distance</a> by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz isn’t just a good book, it’s a great book — and even better than that, it is the <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/westportreads-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">WestportREADS 2025</a> book selection.The Westport Library is thrilled to announce this year’s selection and even more excited to <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-keynote-conversation-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-hernan-diaz-on-in-the-distance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">welcome Diaz to the Trefz Forum on Thursday, February 13</a>, for a conversation about his first novel, the story of a poor Swedish immigrant’s transformation into a legendary outlaw in the American West. Limited copies of the book <a href="https://catalog.westportlibrary.org/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&type=Keyword&term=in%20the%20distance%20hernan%20diaz&by=KW&sort=RELEVANCE&limit=TOM=*&query=&page=0&searchid=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">are available for borrowing now</a>, with the full allotment of volumes arriving Friday, December 13. In the Distance is also available as a digital copy (e-book).Part book club, part reading challenge — and more than anything, a season of literary revelry brought to life by the Library’s dynamic happenings — WestportREADS is a special community experience that is entirely its own. Created in 2002, this landmark event serves as an occasion to bond over a great book and is designed to deepen our community’s engagement in literature throughout Westport and across Fairfield County.Each winter brings a new WestportREADS book selection, with unique events and programs that connect readers to the story — and each other — in thematically captivating ways. Throughout January and February, get ready to head out west and experience an unconventional hero’s journey in the age of the Gold Rush with <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-in-the-distance-book-discussion-group/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">book discussions</a>, <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-family-event-pioneer-sewing-bee/2025-02-08/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">crafts for all ages</a>, and other immersive events centered around In the Distance.<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-a-19th-century-tableau-gold-sex-religion-and-race-in-the-making-of-the-united-states-west/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">A lecture led by U.S. historian Kris Klein Hernández</a> kicks off the WestportREADS festivities on Thursday, January 16, followed by a film series screening <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-film-series-first-cow/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">First Cow (2019)</a>, <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-film-series-the-gold-rush/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">The Gold Rush (1925)</a>, and <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-film-series-meeks-cutoff/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Meek’s Cutoff(2010)</a> on Fridays, January 17 and 24, and February 7, respectively. Discussion groups are recurring throughout January and February, with a <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-book-pub-at-walrus-alley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Book Pub at Walrus Alley</a> on February 4 offering a chance to meet new people, form connections, and unite in our shared love of reading. Take this opportunity to not only read a great book, but to engage with your community as well.In the Distance was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the PEN/Faulkner Award and the winner of the Saroyan International Prize, the Cabell Award, the Prix Page America, and the New American Voices Award, among other distinctions. It was also a Publishers Weekly Top 10 Book of the Year and one of Lit Hub’s 20 Best Novels of the Decade.Much like his own journey growing up between Argentina and Sweden, and later settling down in New York, Diaz intended to subvert traditional stereotypes and story structures within the western genre.Håkan Söderström, In the Distance’s protagonist, travels east in search of his brother, moving on foot against the great current of emigrants pushing west. Driven back again and again, he meets naturalists, criminals, religious fanatics, swindlers, Indians, and lawmen, and his exploits turn him into a legend. In the Distance defies the conventions of historical fiction and genre, offering a probing look at the stereotypes that populate our past and a portrait of radical foreignness.Diaz told The Paris Review, "The experience of foreignness has determined my entire life. I wanted to recreate that feeling. In doing so, I tried to transcend the obvious fact that the protagonist is a foreigner. I tried to make genre and even language itself feel foreign. But at the same time, this is a very American story, which makes us remember that foreignness is part of the American experience to begin with ... I couldn’t think of a better way to say what I think about this country — which I love despite its enormous flaws — than through this book."Past WestportREADS selections include The Art Thief by Michael Finkel, Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab, Towards a More Perfect Union: Confronting Racismby Layla Saad, and Exit West by Moshin Hamid, among others.For more past WestportREADS selections, and to learn more about the annual event, visit the <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/westportreads-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">WestportREADS homepage</a> on The Westport Library website.WestportREADS is supported through a generous bequest by the estate of Jerry A. Tishman.Story link: <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/in-the-distance-by-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-hernan-diaz-is-the-westportreads-2025-selection/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/in-the-distance-by-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-hernan-diaz-is-the-westportreads-2025-selection/</a>WestportREADS landing page: <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/westportreads-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/westportreads-2025/</a>Keynote conversation: <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-keynote-conversation-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-hernan-diaz-on-in-the-distance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-keynote-conversation-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-hernan-diaz-on-in-the-distance/</a>About The Westport LibraryFounded in 1886, built in 1908, and transformed in 2019, The Westport Library is one of the most active and innovative public libraries in the nation, devoted to enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the community. Among its many highlights are a full collection of books for children, teens, and adults; an engaging and colorful Children’s Library; a MakerSpace; a Library of Things; a Seed Library; a robust café and store; and professional art installations that rotate throughout the year. The Westport Library is also home to Verso Studios, replete with an SSL hybrid analog sound studio and broadcast control suite featuring a state-of-the-art console and six robotic cameras, and the Trefz Forum, an open, flexible space that can accommodate up to 600 patrons and features an 18-foot video wall, 35-foot stage, state-of-the-art sound, and theatrical lighting. Situated in the heart of downtown Westport overlooking the scenic Saugatuck River, The Westport Library annually hosts StoryFest, the largest literary festival in Connecticut, and VersoFest, its multi-day music and media festival. Above all, the Library strives to serve the whole community as a vibrant gathering spot where people of all ages come to seek information, gain knowledge, exchange ideas, and share experiences. For more information, visit <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportlibrary.org</a>.About WestportREADSCreated in 2002, WestportREADS is a way for the Westport community to bond over a book and is designed to deepen our community’s engagement in literature. Throughout January and February, there will be events and programs centered on this year’s selection, In the Distance, plus book discussions, celebrations, and much more. It is a chance to not only read a great book but to engage with the community, meet new people, and celebrate our shared love of reading. For more information, visit <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/westportreads-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportlibrary.org/westportreads-2025</a>.

Dec 03, 2024

Westport Woman's Club Seeks Applications for Service Grants

Westport, CT - The Community Service Committee of The Westport Woman's Club (WWC) is calling for applications from local non-profit organizations in Fairfield County for the Club’s annual 2024-2025 Community Service Grants. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 15. • Grants are given to non-profit organizations in Fairfield County for projects that will make a continuing difference in the community. • They may be in the form of funds or for a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. Funds cannot be used for payroll. • Grants are considered each year to deserving organizations in education, health and safety-related programs, and in the arts. Over $400,000 in Community Service Grants have been awarded by the WWC to non-profits since 1999.   If you are a Fairfield County-based non-profit and have a project planned for 2024 - 2025, please submit your application by Wednesday, January 15, 2025 by mail to The Westport Woman’s Club, c/o CommunityService Grant Committee, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. Due to the number of applicants expected, we cannot accept requests by email. More details and the application can be found online at <a href="http://www.westportwomansclub.org.due/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.westportwomansclub.org.</a>In addition to the annual Community Service Grant, theWestport Woman’s Club supports local organizations through their Ruegg Grant, college scholarships, volunteer efforts, and more. The Westport Woman’s Club, organized in 1907, is a non-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to volunteerism and the raising of funds in support of the educational, charitable, cultural and public health services in Westport and surrounding towns. Join The Westport Woman’s Club; we’re looking for new members!  Make friends, do community good and support important charitable causes, be part of the social activities as well as partake in the fun of upcoming events -including the WWC’s annual, community-beloved Yankee Doodle Fair plus the WWC’s Spring Gala to be held April 5, 2025.  You do not have to be a Westport resident to join the WWC. Please contact the WWC office at 203-227-4240 or visit <a href="http://www.westportwomansclub.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 93, 143);">www.westportwomansclub.org</a> for more info.