<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Westport, CT— Westport Farmers' Market is thrilled to announce the kickoff of its highly anticipated summer season, promising exciting new offerings and programming to delight visitors of all ages.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Beginning on Thursday, May 9 and continuing every Thursday through November 14, the market will highlight an abundance of locally farmed food, community engagement initiatives and entertainment to make this season truly unforgettable.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">A number of new vendors will be at the market this year, including Cato Corner Farm—a beacon of artisanal excellence, renowned for its extraordinary dairy products. Food enthusiasts can look forward to a wider selection of lunch options, and vendors will be unveiling new products, adding even more excitement and variety to the market experience. From fresh produce to artisanal food, there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">To add a refreshing twist to the festivities, opening day attendees can join in a celebratory kombucha toast at noon. Savor the tangy goodness of Cross Culture Kombucha while celebrating the spirit of community and sustainability WFM is known for.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">For young market goers, this year’s Get Growing program offers an all-star lineup of activities aimed at nurturing a love for local food and nature in our youngest market attendees.</span>&nbsp;And to e<span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">nhance the vibrant atmosphere, Park City Presents will organize live music throughout the season, setting the perfect backdrop for a day of shopping and local fun.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">In line with its commitment to environmental responsibility, Westport Farmers' Market will implement stricter guidelines this year aimed at reducing plastic usage and as they get closer to a waste-free model. WFM is proud to announce that the market will also ONLY host farmers and products exclusively from Connecticut-based businesses.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">"We're thrilled to kick off another fantastic season at the Westport Farmers' Market," said Lori Cochran-Dougall, executive director. "With our exciting lineup of vendors, programming, and sustainability initiatives, we're committed to providing our community with a vibrant and enriching market experience that celebrates local agriculture, promotes sustainability, and fosters community connections."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">For more information and updates, please visit&nbsp;</span><a href="http://westportfarmersmarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">westportfarmersmarket.com</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">&nbsp;and follow @westportfarmersmarket on social media.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">About Westport Farmers’ Market</span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The award-winning Westport Summer Farmers’ Market is held every Thursday from 10 to 2 at 50 Imperial Avenue in Westport, Connecticut</em><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">. It is a beloved community institution dedicated to supporting local agriculture, fostering sustainable practices, and promoting healthful living. Since its founding in 2006 by Paul Newman and Michel Nischan, the market has been a hub of activity, connecting farmers, artisans, and consumers in a vibrant and welcoming environment. By prioritizing sustainability and programming, WFM inspires positive change and fosters a brighter and greener future for our community.</em></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>WFM receives philanthropic support from Aitoro Appliance; Alma Mexican Foods; Badass Bagels (Sugar &amp; Olives); Boxcar Cantina; Dharma Massage Therapy; Doc’s Maple; The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center; Espalier Natural Botanics; Gault Family Companies; Gilbertie’s Herbs &amp; Garden Center; High Light Rituals; Ideal Fish; Indigo Wellness; Ivy’s Gourmet; Kawi Ni; Lift Wellness; Nancy Thiel Architecture &amp; Design; Park City Presents; Pause + Purpose; Sandra Petrino Realty; Stylish Spoon TAP Strength; Terrain Cafe;Theory; Tranzon Auction Properties; and Wave Hill Breads.</em><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong></p><p><br></p>

<p>Norwalk, CT – Journey below the surface of the ocean and experience life through the eyes of a sea turtle in the awe-inspiring “Turtle Odyssey 4D” now playing at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/ZkkvYN0hc7w?si=-E2P-zA5CEnw4zUp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(149, 79, 114);">Watch the “Turtle Odyssey 4D” Trailer</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In this 12-minute film, join Bunji, an Australian green sea turtle, as she navigates the dangers of life at sea and grows into a thriving adult along the way. Encounter sharks, octopuses, whales, and more on a beautiful journey filled with special effects that will make viewers feel like they are swimming alongside her.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to “Turtle Odyssey 4D,” guests can view BBC Earth’s “OCTOPUS: Blue Planet II 4D Experience,” which explores dynamic oceanic landscapes and one of the most captivating creatures that dwells there.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Tickets are $7 or $6 for Aquarium members. They can be purchased with or without Aquarium admission.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more info, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(149, 79, 114);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK&nbsp;</strong>is home to over 7,500 animals of hundreds of species, and works to ignite a connection to Long Island Sound and the ocean to enrich the lives of all people. The Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos &amp; Aquariums and receives support from the State of Connecticut DECD’s Offices of Culture and Tourism. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(149, 79, 114);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts will showcase three Grammy Award winners for a special one-night-only performance of jazz standards on Friday, May 3, 2024 at 8 p.m.&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">The performance, entitled </span><em style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">Duets</em><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">, will feature pianist Chucho Valdés, vocalist Dianne Reeves, and saxophonist Joe Lovano. Together, the three performers have a combined 12 Grammy Awards.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">Chucho Valdés is an 82-year-old pianist who is deemed one of the most influential figures in modern Afro-Cuban jazz. He has won an astounding six Grammys and three Latin Grammy Awards throughout his 60-year career. Valdés is perhaps best known as the founder, pianist, and main composer and arranger of Irakere, a landmark Cuban music ensemble. He is a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and has been inducted into the Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">A stunning five-time Grammy Award winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album, singer Dianne Reeves has virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&amp;B stylings that have garnered her multiple awards, an honorary doctorate of music from Juilliard, and the honor of being named a 2018 National Endowment of the Arts Jazz Master. Her multi-octave range and magical, timeless voice have captivated audiences around the world.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">Joe Lovano is a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, composer, and arranger who has been named </span><em style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">DownBeat </em><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">magazine's “Jazz Artist of the Year” twice. Lovano has released nearly 40 albums as leader or co-leader and has collaborated with many legendary musicians, including McCoy Tyner, Hank Jones, Joshua Redman, Bill Frisell, Branford Marsalis, Jim Hall, and Paul Motian.</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">“To have three Grammy Award-winning artists on our stage, performing together, is a magical moment for the Quick. Each of these performers is a true legend, and we can’t wait to hear them perform their original takes on some of the most well-known jazz standards,” said Lori N. Jones, director of programming and operations for the Quick Center.&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">In addition to the performance, tickets will be available for a special Spring Soirée to close the Quick Center’s season of live events.&nbsp;</span></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">The Quick Center thanks the Cindy Raney Team and WPKN for serving as sponsors of this performance. This event is also made possible through the generous support of Norman and Celeste LaCroix. Tickets are now on sale on quickcenter.com for $50 and $30 for Quick Members; a $100 Spring Soirée ticket includes entry to the concert. For more information, contact the Quick Center Box Office at 203-254-4010, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Westport, CT — Westport Farmers Market (WFM) is thrilled to announce the relaunch of its beloved Recipe Program, now with a fresh twist that promises to tantalize taste buds and inspire home cooks everywhere. This revitalized initiative brings together the best of local cuisine, spotlighting the culinary expertise of esteemed chefs, vendors, and food connoisseurs from the WFM community.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Over the years, WFM has amassed a treasure trove of delectable recipes on its website, ranging from beloved classics to innovative culinary creations. Now, in collaboration with renowned Chef Jessica Bengston of Terrain Cafe, WFM is set to elevate this program to new heights.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">"We are excited to breathe new life into our Recipe Program and showcase the culinary talent that thrives within our community," said Chef Bengston. "Through a series of engaging videos, we aim to celebrate local flavors, highlight seasonal ingredients, and empower individuals to create delicious dishes in their own kitchens."&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Recipe Program will feature a lineup of esteemed culinary stars, each sharing their expertise and unique culinary creations with the WFM community. The current roster includes:</span></p><p>• January: Steph Webster of CTBites + Marysol Castro of CTBites, METS &amp; More</p><p>• February: Tyler Hodge Hoo Doo Brown BBQ&nbsp;</p><p>• March: Jason Epstein&nbsp;</p><p>• April: Clark Neugold of Marygolds, Foundry Kitchen &amp; Tavern&nbsp;</p><p>• May: Julia Dzafic of Lemon Stripes</p><p>&nbsp;• June: Emily Mingrone of Tavern on State, Fair Haven Oyster CO, Provision on State&nbsp;</p><p>• July: Katie McKeown from XYZ&nbsp;</p><p>• August: Samantha Yanks of Westport Magazine</p><p>• September Jared Falco of Bar Rosina's&nbsp;</p><p>• October Liz Rueven of Kosher Like Me&nbsp;</p><p>• November Damon Sawyer of 29 Markle CT&nbsp;</p><p>• December Matthew Mancusco of The Art of Eating&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">From mouthwatering barbecue to gourmet delicacies and everything in between, these culinary luminaries will offer insights, tips, and tricks to help food enthusiasts of all levels elevate their cooking game.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">"We are immensely grateful to Chef Bengston and all our featured guests for their enthusiasm and dedication to this program," said Lori Cochran-Dougall, Executive Director of Westport Farmers Market. "Their passion for local, seasonal ingredients shines through in every recipe, and we can't wait to share their culinary inspiration with our community."&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Stay tuned for the debut of these exciting recipe videos, coming soon to the Westport Farmers’ Market website and social media channels. For more information about the Recipe Program and other upcoming events at Westport Farmers Market, including Opening Day on May 9, 2024, visit&nbsp;</span><a href="http://westportfarmersmarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">westportfarmersmarket.com</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>About Westport Farmers’ Market</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>The award-winning Westport Farmers’ Market is held every Thursday from 10 to 2 at 50 Imperial Avenue in Westport, Connecticut. WFM is committed to providing fresh, local, healthy, and seasonal food. It aspires to create a fun, safe, and healthy community environment for</em></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>education and socialization. Its mission is to increase awareness, knowledge, and support for local producers focused on sustainable and healthy growing practices.</em>&nbsp;For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="about:blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.westportfarmersmarket.com</a><span style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">&nbsp;</span>and follow WFM on social at Instagram andFacebook</p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>WFM receives philanthropic support from: Aitoro Appliance;&nbsp;Alma Mexican Food;&nbsp;Badass Bagels (Sugar &amp; Olives); Boxcar Cantina; Dharma Massage Therapy; Doc’s Maple; The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center; Espalier Natural Botanics; Gault Family Companies; Gilbertie’s Herbs &amp; Garden Center; High Light Rituals; Ideal Fish; Indigo Wellness; Ivy’s Gourmet Granola; Kawi Ni; Lift Wellness; Nancy Thiel Architecture &amp; Design; Park City Presents; Pause + Purpose; Sandra Petrino Realty; Stylish Spoon; TAP Strength; Terrain Cafe; Theory; Tranzon Auction Properties; and Wave Hill Breads.</em></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Bridgeport, CT</strong>- The Housatonic Community College Foundation, in collaboration with the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Housatonic, is excited to announce winners of the 2nd annual Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Competition. This event hosted on April 25th showcased the best of student entrepreneurial talents across the state.</p><p>Thanks in part to a partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Everyday Entrepreneur program, this competition provided an excellent opportunity for students enrolled in any of the twelve Connecticut State Community College campuses to pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges and compete for over $12,000 in prizes.</p><p>This event not only provides financial support but also a platform for students to gain valuable feedback on their business ideas, connect with industry professionals, and further their entrepreneurial ambitions. The Werth Center at Housatonic plays a pivotal role in sponsoring and supporting this enriching student experience. Launched in 2022 with a million-dollar gift from Peter Werth, philanthropist and Founder, CEO, President, and Chairman of ChemWerth, Inc., this resource helps students launch and grow their small business.&nbsp;After a preliminary round of 60-second video submissions, 20 student finalists presented their businesses to the panel of judges including Julian Pierce, Director, Economic Opportunity at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, Gwendolyn Brantley, Founder and Executive Director of ACCESS Educational Services, Inc., and Ricardo Vidal, Director of Lending for the Community Economic Development Fund.</p><p>Students enthusiastically pitched their business ideas which focused on food services, unique book publishing, specialized accounting services, custom embroidery, hair care, tech and equipment rentals, and more. All twenty student finalists received $100, and the winning eight student presenters included the following:</p><ul><li><span style="color: windowtext;">First place winner of $2,500-&nbsp;</span>Aileen Berrios Ramos from CT State Asnuntuck for her business Berrios Accounting Services</li><li>Second place winner of $1,750- Elizabeth Soderholm from CT State Housatonic for her business Textile Tattoos</li><li><span style="color: windowtext;">Third place winner of $1,500- Shian Earlington&nbsp;</span>from CT State Asnuntuck for her business Vendii</li><li>Fourth place winner of $1,250- Tiffany Blackwell from CT State Housatonic for her business CRE-A-TIFF WRITES</li><li>Fifth place winner of $1,000- Matthew Kodnia from CT State Housatonic for his business The Dancing Jerk</li><li><span style="color: windowtext;">Sixth place winner of $750- Andreas Menegatos from CT State Housatonic for his business&nbsp;</span>Phrygian Beats Music</li><li>Seventh place winner of $500- Sarah Amato&nbsp;<span style="color: windowtext;">from CT State Housatonic for her business</span>&nbsp;Grapevine Botanicals</li><li>Eighth place winner of $250- Evan Smith from CT State Tunxis for his business&nbsp;Van Anthony's Steakhouse</li></ul><p>“We are proud to host this meaningful event that spotlights the exceptional entrepreneurial skills of CT State Community College students,” stated Kristy Jelenik, Executive Director of Housatonic Community College Foundation.&nbsp;“The cash prizes offer winners a tangible reward to move their business idea forward.&nbsp;Overall, the competition provided students with valuable feedback, networking opportunities, and a chance to realize their professional goals. With support from the Werth Center, our students are empowered to achieve their small business dreams.”</p><p><strong>About the Housatonic Community College Foundation:</strong></p><p>The Housatonic Community College Foundation supports educational excellence and innovation at Housatonic Community College. Through scholarships, faculty development, and funding of special projects, the Foundation empowers students to pursue quality education and training. Learn more:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.housatonicfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.HousatonicFoundation.org</a></p><p><strong>About the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:</strong></p><p>Established in 2022, the Werth Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at CT State Housatonic supports entrepreneurial efforts among students and community members. Funded by Peter Werth and the college foundation, the Center features a Makerspace and members benefit from individualized business coaching, workshops, marketing tools and more. They can also compete for grants and promote their products through pop-up shops and monthly pitch competitions.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>About NACCE:</strong></p><p>The National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 at Springfield Technical Community College in Massachusetts. NACCE supports community college leaders and educators through conferences, webinars, a biweekly newsletter, a quarterly journal, podcasts, and other resources. It promotes an entrepreneurial mindset and provides practical tools and curriculum to enhance entrepreneurship education in classrooms and communities.C</p>

<p>FAIRFIELD, CT - On April 25, 2024, at approximately 5:40AM, the Fairfield Police Department received a report of car alarms activating in the area of Ann Street and Nichols Street with two male subjects seen on bicycles wearing face masks. There had been a similar complaint earlier that morning, at approximately 1:36AM, of two males attempting to enter vehicles in the Penfield Road area.</p><p>Officers responded to the immediate area and did not initially locate anyone. As officers began to expand their search for suspects, they observed two individuals matching the description in the 500 block of Post Road. The subjects were riding bicycles and entered the McDonald’s located at 536 Post Road.</p><p>A uniformed Fairfield Police Officer attempted to make contact with the subjects inside the restaurant, at which point both males fled on foot out the back door. Officers pursued and apprehended one of the subjects, identified as Nazareth Sinclair (DOB 12/05/2002) of Bridgeport, CT, who was found hiding under a vehicle parked in the parking lot of Stop &amp; Shop at 1160 Kings Highway Cutoff. Sinclair was found to be in possession of a firearm, which he attempted to conceal underneath the parked vehicle.</p><p>Further investigation revealed that Sinclair was in possession of currency and personal items linking him to larcenies reported in the area. He was also found to be subject to multiple warrants for his arrest issued by various jurisdictions, including Fairfield.</p><p>Nazareth Sinclair (DOB 12/05/2002) was charged with the following, stemming from the aforementioned incident. Bond was set at $25,000 for this incident.:</p><ul><li>CARRYING A PISTOL W/O A PERMIT (53a-103)</li><li>CRIMINAL POSSESSION OF A FIREARM (53a-217)</li><li>BURGLARY 3RD DEGREE (53a-103)</li><li>LARCENY 5TH DEGREE (53a-152a)</li><li>INTERFERING WITH AN OFFICER (53A-167A)</li></ul><p>Sinclair was also charged on an outstanding arrest warrant out of Fairfield pertaining to a case from August 23, 2023, in the 1400 block of Kings Highway in Fairfield. The investigation of this case identified Sinclair as a suspect in a theft from a motor vehicle where he later used the credit cards he removed from a vehicle to purchase merchandise at numerous locations. Bond was set at $25,000 for this incident.</p><ul><li>BURGLARY 3RD DEGREE (53a-103)</li><li>LARCENY 5TH DEGREE (53a-125a)</li><li>ILLEGAL USE OF PAYMENT CARD (3 counts) (53a-128d)</li><li>RECEIVING GOODS FROM ILLEGAL USE OF PAYMENT CARD (53a-128g)</li></ul><p>Additionally, Sinclair was charged as follows resulting from a number of outstanding arrest warrants from other jurisdictions:</p><ul><li>VIOLATION OF PROBATION (53a-32) out of the Milford Probation Office. Bond set at $10,000.</li><li>FAILURE TO APPEAR 1ST DEGREE (53a-172) out of the Stamford Judicial District. Bond set at $25,000</li><li>VIOLATION OF PROBATION (53a-32) out of the Milford Probation Office. Bond set at $10,000.</li></ul><p>Sinclair was held on a total of $95,000 bond and transported to Bridgeport Superior Court on April 25, 2024.</p><p>The identity of the second subject is not known at this time. Anyone with information or who may have relevant home surveillance footage of the suspects are asked to contact the Fairfield Police Department at (203) 254-4840.</p><p>"We commend the swift and diligent actions of our officers in apprehending the suspect, thereby removing a repeat offender and an individual in possession of a firearm from our community. Their commitment to public safety is exemplary and reflects the dedication of the Fairfield Police Department to serving and protecting our residents."&nbsp;</p><p>Anonymous tips can be submitted via the Fairfield PD mobile app or by texting the keyword FPDCT plus your message/tip to 847411 (Tip411). Tips can also be submitted online at <u>www.</u><a href="https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield-connecticut/stories/fpdct.com/tips" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><u>fpdct.com/tips</u></a> <em>(Note: When sending a tip by text message, text keyword FPDCT to 847411, add a space, type in your tip information, and hit send.) </em></p>