Fairfield's HamletHub https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield Mon, 27 Mar 2023 07:27:05 -0400 HamletHub.com CT Audubon Announces Spring Programs & Events https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51622-ct-audubon-announces-spring-programs-events51622-ct-audubon-announces-spring-programs-events https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51622-ct-audubon-announces-spring-programs-events51622-ct-audubon-announces-spring-programs-events

Fairfield, CT - The Connecticut Audubon Society Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street, invites the public to its Spring Programs & Events:  

Peeper Prowl
Friday, March 31 

6:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

A telltale sound of early spring is the high-pitched chorus of spring peepers. Join Connecticut Audubon in Fairfield for an evening adventure on Friday, Mar. 31, at 6:30 p.m. Head into the Larsen Sanctuary on a guided walk to listen and look for these tiny frogs and other secretive animals, like spotted salamanders, hidden around the trails and ponds. Appropriate for ages 6 and up. The Center at Fairfield is located at 2325 Burr Street. Cost: CAS Members $20/person, non-members $25/person. Must pre-register. www.ctaudubon.org/2023/02/peeper-prowl-4/.
 

Larsen Sanctuary Bird Walk 

Wednesday, April 5 

9:30 to 11 a.m

Connecticut Audubon Educator/Naturalist Dave Havens leads an exploration on the Larsen Sanctuary Trails looking and listening for native bird species and early migrants. With its diverse habitats of mixed hardwood forest, ponds and wetlands, the Sanctuary is frequented by more than 180 species of birds throughout the year. Must pre-register. CAS Members $20/person, non-members $25/person. The Center at Fairfield is located at 2325 Burr Street. Must pre-register. www.ctaudubon.org/fairfield-programs-events/
 

Full Moon Hike 

Thursday, April 6 

7 p.m. 

Experience the nocturnal world on a Full Moon Walk, Friday, Feb. 10 in Connecticut Audubon’s Larsen Wildlife Sanctuary, 2325 Burr St., Fairfield. Naturalist-guided stroll begins at 7 p.m., then head indoors for hot cocoa and visit with an owl. For all ages. CAS members $3/person, family max. $10; Non-members $6/person, family max $15. Must pre-register. www.ctaudubon.org/2023/02/full-moon-hike/ 

After-School Nature Explorers 

Thursdays, April 6 – May 25 

3:45 to 5 p.m. 

When the school day is over, students in kindergarten through Grade 2 will look forward to being outside and becoming nature explorers in this springtime after-school series at Connecticut Audubon’s Center at Fairfield. Meets Thursdays, 3:45 to 5 p.m., April 6 – May 25. Teacher/naturalist leads hikes in the Sanctuary to investigate wildlife up close and do fun, hands-on experiments. Sign up for the series or single sessions. The Center is located at 2325 Burr Street in Fairfield. More info and register at: www.ctaudubon.org/fairfield-programs-events/
 

April Break Camp 

Tuesday, April 11 – Friday, April 14 

10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Young nature lovers, ages 4-5 and grades K-2, are invited to Connecticut Audubon’s April Break Camp in Fairfield, April 11 – 14. Have fun and outdoor adventures while welcoming back the animals and plants that have been hiding all winter. Teacher naturalists will lead campers on investigations in the Larsen Sanctuary to see what nature is up to this time of year. Days will include hikes with log rolling, games, crafts and visits with animals. Sign up for one or more days. Meets at the Center at Fairfield, 2325 Burr Street. Pre-registration required. ctaudubon.org/fairfield-programs-events/  

 

Spring Gala Celebrates 125 Years of Education, Conservation and Advocacy 

Saturday, April 22 

6:30 to 11 p.m. 
Brooklawn Country Club, Fairfield 

Connecticut Audubon is celebrating 125 years of protecting Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats with a Spring Gala at Brooklawn Country Club in Fairfield, Saturday April 22, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. The festive fundraising evening includes dinner, dancing, fantastic auction items and more. Support for this event will enable the continuation of Connecticut Audubon’s award-winning science-based education, community conservation programs and legislative advocacy for generations to come. More information and tickets at: www.ctaudubon.org/2021/09/springgala/.  

Spring Bird Seed Sale
Saturday April 15
 

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Connecticut Audubon’s Nature Store in Fairfield will offer a 20% discount on all bird seed during its one-day spring seed sale, Saturday, April 15. With springtime nest building and nestlings on the way, it’s a perfect chance to stock up for the season. Knowledgeable staff can help with seed selection and answer general bird feeding questions. Pre-ordering with curbside pick-up available. The Center at Fairfield’s Nature Store is located at 2325 Burr Street.www.ctaudubon.org/fairfield-nature-store/.
 
More Info:

203-259-6305, ext. 109

Building and Nature Store open Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Trails open daily, dawn to dusk
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bornies@optonline.net (Liza Hickey ) Events Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:47:50 -0400
CT Audubon Spring Gala: Sat. April 22 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51621-ct-audubon-spring-gala-sat-april-2251621-ct-audubon-spring-gala-sat-april-22 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51621-ct-audubon-spring-gala-sat-april-2251621-ct-audubon-spring-gala-sat-april-22

Fairfield, CT - Connecticut Audubon is celebrating 125 years of protecting Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats with a Spring Gala in Fairfield, Saturday April 22, from 6:30 to 11 p.m. at Brooklawn Country Club. The public is invited to mark this milestone with a festive fundraiser event that includes dinner, dancing, fantastic auction items and more. Most importantly, your support will enable the continuation of Connecticut Audubon’s award-winning science-based education, community conservation programs and legislative advocacy for generations to come.

More information and tickets at: www.ctaudubon.org/2021/09/springgala/.  

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bornies@optonline.net (Liza Hickey) Events Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:41:08 -0400
MyCTSavings: Retirement Plan At No Cost https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/life/51620-myctsavings-retirement-plan-at-no-cost51620-myctsavings-retirement-plan-at-no-cost https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/life/51620-myctsavings-retirement-plan-at-no-cost51620-myctsavings-retirement-plan-at-no-cost

Connecticut - The State of Connecticut mandates that businesses with 5 or more employees offer a qualified retirement savings program for their employees.
 
More than 600,000 private-sector workers do not have access to a retirement savings plan through their employer. MyCTSavings, offered through the Office of the State Comptroller, is working to change that, by offering a retirement plan at no cost to businesses, with the convenience of automatic payroll deductions for employees.
 
The deadline for employers to sign up for the program is March 30, 2023.
 
You can find program details at www.myctsavings.com
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bornies@optonline.net (Fairfield Chamber ) Life Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:38:22 -0400
VersoFest 2023 to Feature Autographed Vinyl Record Giveaway, Silent Auction https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51619-versofest-2023-to-feature-autographed-vinyl-record-giveaway-silent-auction51619-versofest-2023-to-feature-autographed-vinyl-record-giveaway-silent-auction https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51619-versofest-2023-to-feature-autographed-vinyl-record-giveaway-silent-auction51619-versofest-2023-to-feature-autographed-vinyl-record-giveaway-silent-auction

Westport, CT - VersoFest 2023 will feature two headlining concerts and an array of experts in the fields of music, media, and more, providing a multitude of opportunities to explore and create over a four-day immersive experience. 

And if they play their cards right, attendees could leave with an autographed album to boot.

Some of VersoFest’s headliners and guests, including legendary producer Steve Lillywhite, Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler, and Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth, will be autographing copies of their vinyl records that will be up for giveaway and auction during the festival.

Two of those albums will be part of the VersoFest record giveaway. Festivalgoers can submit their entries for the giveaway starting with the March 30 kickoff concert featuring rising American rock band Sunflower Bean, with submissions open through the festival’s completion on Sunday April 2 — a day that will include a record fair, presented by Record Riots, from 11 am to 4 pm, and a vinyl record panel brunch featuring WPKN DJ Alec Cumming, producer Dooley-O, Kraftjerkz Records’ Kid Ginseng, WFUV DJ andHouse of Wax host Eric Holland, New Haven Independent arts reporter Karen Ponzio, and moderated by the Zambonis’ Dave Schneider.

Additionally, there will be a silent auction held Saturday and Sunday of the festival (April 1-2). Those in attendance will be given an opportunity to bid on a wide variety of signed albums associated with several of the festival’s speakers and guests. The highest bidder will receive the signed copy, with all proceeds going to support future VersoFest endeavors.

“This is a really cool opportunity to bring home some of the best vinyl albums produced in the last 50 years,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “Beyond that, these signed copies are collector’s items — a keepsake to enjoy for its own sake, to commemorate what we think will an unforgettable four days celebrating music, media, and creativity, and a unique way to raise money so we can bring this festival back to Westport and the tri-state area next year and again in the years to come.”

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Story link: https://westportlibrary.org/versofest-2023-to-feature-autographed-vinyl-record-giveaway-silent-auction/

VersoFest 2023 landing page: https://westportlibrary.org/services/verso-studios/versofest2023/

Tickets and Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/versofest-2023-1725919

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bornies@optonline.net (EJ Crawford ) Events Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:34:56 -0400
Westport Playhouse & BOA Mark 20-Year Partnership https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/places/51618-westport-playhouse-boa-mark-20-year-partnership51618-westport-playhouse-boa-mark-20-year-partnership https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/places/51618-westport-playhouse-boa-mark-20-year-partnership51618-westport-playhouse-boa-mark-20-year-partnership

Westport, CT - In order to stage its productions every season, Westport Country Playhouse relies on more than ticket revenue alone. In fact, only about 40% of the theater’s budget is covered by box office sales. The remaining 60% is contributed by individuals, foundations, government and corporations.

A supporter of the arts throughout Southern Connecticut, Bank of America is the Playhouse’s longest-standing Corporate Production Sponsor, a partnership that spans 20 seasons. Dedicated to building cultural understanding through the arts, Bank of America believes that cultural institutions, from museums to theaters, play a key role in enriching local communities.

“Ensuring that the theater arts continue to flourish in Southern Connecticut is critical for engaging local communities and expanding our horizons through powerful performances and stories on stage,” said Bill Tommins, President, Bank of America Southern Connecticut. “The Westport Country Playhouse is a local gem and valued community partner. As returning Corporate Production Sponsor (for our twentieth year), we look forward to seeing this season’s impact on newcomers and seasoned theatergoers alike.”

Bank of America’s latest sponsorship at Westport Country Playhouse is “Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical,” winner of the 1978 Tony Award® for Best Musical, from April 11 through April 29. The musical revue is an exciting new vision directed and choreographed by Jeffrey L. Page, a Broadway director and choreographer for Beyoncé. Page’s production received a “Critic’s Pick” in The New York Timeswhen it played Barrington Stage Company in Massachusetts last summer. The versatile, five-member cast features a contestant from “X Factor” and “The Voice” and two finalists from “American Idol.” 

With a score of 30 songs primarily composed by Fats Waller, the musical revue is a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance and the jazz, blues, and swing music of the 1920s and 1930s. The tunes of Fats Waller will energize, enlighten, and entertain as well as provide insight into a vibrant time in American history and music.

“The Playhouse is extremely proud of our partnership with Bank of America, celebrating its 20-year milestone,” said Gretchen Wright, interim managing director. “Together we have produced memorable productions, including ‘In the Heights’ and ‘Man of La Mancha’ in recent years. The mutual support has helped the Playhouse increase our visibility in the community, achieve visionary artistic goals, and enrich the cultural mark we make here in Connecticut.”

Wright noted, “While many corporations withdrew community grants and partnerships during the peak of the pandemic, Bank of America made a point to continue supporting the Playhouse. For that we are extremely grateful.”

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is conceived by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. Co-producers are Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA, and Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY. The play is recommended for age 12 and up. Running time is approximately two hours with one intermission.

More info on “Ain’t Misbehavin’” at https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/aintmisbehavin/

All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.org, or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse) and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

Photo: Westport Country Playhouse’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” cast members Jay Copeland and Paris Bennett. Photo by Ron Heerkens Jr.

 

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bornies@optonline.net (Pat Blaufuss ) Places Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:32:13 -0400
SHU Hosts 3rd Annual E-Sports Showcase https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51617-shu-hosts-3rd-annual-e-sports-showcase51617-shu-hosts-3rd-annual-e-sports-showcase https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51617-shu-hosts-3rd-annual-e-sports-showcase51617-shu-hosts-3rd-annual-e-sports-showcase

Fairfield, CT - Sacred Heart University will host the third annual Connecticut Esports Showcase. This collegiate tournament will allow Connecticut's premier collegiate esports programs to compete for the Connecticut Esports Showcase title. 

For the first time, the showcase will be offered as a hybrid event with matches taking place online on Saturday, April 1, and at the Dr. Michelle C. Loris ’70 Forum at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield on Sunday, April 2.

The two-day event will feature four games: Rocket League, Overwatch, Valorant and Smash Ultimate. These games will be played throughout the weekend via single and double-elimination brackets with an in-person championship held on Sunday to declare a winner. You can find the brackets here: https://ctesportsshowcase.com/. The showcase will feature an in-person spectator arena, a live broadcast, as well as prizes for individual performances and team achievements. The tournament will be a great opportunity for Connecticut universities and colleges to compete against each other and demonstrate the industry’s rapid growth. Local high schools are invited to view the event. 

Organized by SHU’s academic esports program, the event will feature the following returning schools and teams competing: Sacred Heart University, Albertus Magnus College, Central Connecticut State University, Connecticut College, University of Connecticut, Fairfield University, University of Hartford, Mitchell College, Post University and Southern Connecticut State University.

Join via Twitch to view the showcase or in SHU’s Dr. Michelle C. Loris ‘70 Forum at 5401 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT. The in-person portion is only available on Sunday. Those interested can tune in on Twitch on both Saturday and Sunday. 

The event will be held Saturday, April 1, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Sunday, preliminary rounds will take places from 10 a.m. to noon. The finals for all four games will begin at 12:30 p.m. An awards ceremony will close out the weekend.

###

About Sacred Heart University

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu

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bornies@optonline.net (Kim Swartz ) Events Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:27:42 -0400
FC Buzz Weekend of Art and Culture in Fairfield County March 24-26 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51616-fc-buzz-weekend-of-art-and-culture-in-fairfield-county-march-24-2651616-fc-buzz-weekend-of-art-and-culture-in-fairfield-county-march-24-26 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51616-fc-buzz-weekend-of-art-and-culture-in-fairfield-county-march-24-2651616-fc-buzz-weekend-of-art-and-culture-in-fairfield-county-march-24-26

FC Buzz Weekend March 24-26

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 the 15 towns in our region of coastal Fairfield County and each Wednesday issues our free eBuzz newsletter with a selection of the hundreds of events posted to our website.

Acoustic Alchemy

FTC StageOne, Fairfield

Friday, Marcy 24, 7:45 pm

This Grammy-nominated band is known for playing a distinctive blend of jazz, classical, flamenco, and new age. Top Ten Billboard jazz albums include The Beautiful Game, Grammy-nominated AArt, and Roseland, the latter of which marked the group's 30th anniversary. If you are into sophisticated instrumentals, this one’s for you.

“Pinky Patel: New Crown, Who Dhis Tour”

The Ridgefield Playhouse

Friday, March 24, 8:00 - 9:30 pm 

Get ready for hilarious commentary from the PTA mom turned creator, comedian and personality with a TikTok fan base of over 5 million. Pinky is best known for her viral videos from her glam cave. Don’t miss this fresh new comedian as she makes her Playhouse debut!

Cold “Year of the Spider” 20th Anniversary Tour

Wall Street Theater, Norwalk

Friday, March 24, 8:00 - 10:00 pm

Who’s ready to rock? These hard rockers  and nu-metal champions are featured on a dynamic 4-band bill that includes Divide the Fall, Awake for Days, Sygnal to Noise and Death Valley Dreams. It’s a live peek of the new album that hit No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200, on its way to Gold.

The Garden Shed

The MAC – Milford Arts Council

Saturday, March 25, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Be the first to witness Connecticut's best up and coming bands, artists, and fashion presented by MC Doozy. This multi-genre show includes acts ranging from punk, to RnB, Indie and rock. Featuring: Pond View, Amar, Esmer, Brooke Dougan, SB Khi, with guest performer Edwin Camille. 

Bushwhacked! and Other Short Plays by Rosemary Foley

Greenwich Theatre Company

Saturday, March 25, 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 26, 2:00 pm

Celebrate Women’s History Month by entering the unique world of legendary local comedic playwright Rosemary Foley - featuring six absurd, satirical and darkly-funny short plays, along with three intimate monologues about Rosemary's life. Rosemary is a decades-long member of Connecticut's Theatre Artists Workshop, where she workshopped many of the plays in this production. 

Family Time at the Museum

The Norwalk Art Space 

Sunday, March 26, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Calling all families! Experience a deeper understanding about how museums and art can be fun and meaningful through observation, drawing and sharing. This free event is open to students ages 11 and up | 16 spots per class | Registration required.

“In Light Of” Art Exhibit

Metro Art Studios, Bridgeport

Sunday, March 26, 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Don’t miss this stunning exhibit playing on light and dark, textures, and materials - dealing with themes of perception, environment, connection, and separation; many serene on the surface with depth and undercurrents for the viewer to explore. Participating artists include Tamara Dimitri, Nadia Martinez, and Debbie Smith. On view through May 6th in the ground floor Crown Gallery, Thursdays through Saturdays, 12-4 pm.

“Camera Works” Walk and Talk

Ridgefield Guild of Artists

Sunday, March 26, 2:00 - 4:00  pm

It’s the final view of this popular exhibit with a Walk and Talk featuring four of the participating artists in this year's show: Ralph Baskin, Debra Burger, Andrew Graham, and Phillip Stark. Come and hear them speak about their methods and inspirations.

“Norwalk Symphony Meets Beethoven”

Norwalk Concert Hall

Sunday, March 26, 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Members of the Norwalk Symphony will sit side-by-side with members of the Norwalk Youth Symphony's Principal Orchestra for this performance. Featuring the 2021 Concerto Competition Winner, Sadie Goodman, with Georges Hues' Fantasie for Flute and Orchestra and Beatrice Low performing the 1st movement of Wieniawski's Violin Concerto #2. Also on the program: Beethoven's Egmont Overture and Symphony No. 6. 

See these and discover hundreds more events on the FCBUZZ EVENTS page at https://culturalalliancefc.org Sign up for the Cultural Alliance eBuzz to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.

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kerry@ducey.org (Lorie Lewis) Events Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:23:46 -0400
RVNAhealth Proudly Introduces the Parkinson’s Center https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/life/51602-rvnahealth-proudly-introduces-the-parkinson-s-center51602-rvnahealth-proudly-introduces-the-parkinson-s-center https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/life/51602-rvnahealth-proudly-introduces-the-parkinson-s-center51602-rvnahealth-proudly-introduces-the-parkinson-s-center

RVNAhealth proudly announces the opening of the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center, located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease, affecting an estimated 10,000 people in CT, with the incidence of newly diagnosed cases rising. With the opening of its Center, RVNAhealth aims to become a premier and integral Parkinson’s resource to those diagnosed, their caregivers, and medical teams.

The Parkinson’s Resource Gap

Gigi Weiss, MSPT, CADDCT, LSVT BIG, AIB-VR, Parkinson’s Center Director, explained the importance of this new RVNAhealth community resource, “People with Parkinson’s and their and families are frustrated! We’ve heard numerous stories from patients who felt somewhat stranded and confused after their PD diagnosis. Truth of the matter is that a playbook for Parkinson’s doesn’t exist and there are very limited local resources available to help. At RVNAhealth, we realized we had the ability to fill this gap and make a difference in the lives of the PD community. Many do not realize that they can effectively slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease with the proper tools, resources, education, and support. We are here to provide that Parkinson’s support to the whole patient – mind, body, spiritual – with these needs met all in one place.”

About the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center

The RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center is a multi-disciplinary team, certified through the Parkinson’s Foundation, that works together to help each center member from all angles of health. The rehabilitation team consists of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists – all LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD certified. Additional resources of the Parkinson’s Center include a dedicated medical doctor, registered nurse, and registered dietitian; a team of mental health professionals, including social work and spiritual care; a resource library comprised of local and national resources; a video library of exercises and support tools; a monthly newsletter; and access to the RVNAhealth Continuum of Services.

Kate Campbell, DPT, SCS, Cert. MDT, CSCS, LSVT BIG, Parkinson’s Center Program Manager, provided more details, “The Parkinson’s Center aims to become a central resource to help develop, coordinate, and support the best possible proactive attack against Parkinson’s disease for our members. Here, people with Parkinson’s will take control of a difficult diagnosis with the help of trained specialists to support them, their caregiver and family. In addition to supporting our members and family, we look forward to partnering with the medical community to develop the most needed programs to support their Parkinson’s patients.”

The Center is comprised of three main components: exercise classes led by physical therapists; monthly programs, including support groups to address mental health, activities to promote social engagement, and education on disease awareness and management; and “PD Bootcamp”. Campbell described RVNAhealth’s unique PD Bootcamp, “PD Bootcamp is an eight-week intensive program that leads the person with Parkinson’s through bi-weekly exercise classes and one-on-one sessions with members of the Parkinson’s Center interdisciplinary clinical team to create an individualized care plan to help them continue living their best life with Parkinson's.”

RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s Center Kickoff Starts in April!

April officially kicks off the opening of the Parkinson’s Center with a few key community events, including an exercise lecture on April 6th at the Ridgefield Library and a cooking class on April 12th at RVNAhealth--all focused on Parkinson’s disease. All event and registration details can be found online through the RVNAhealth calendar at rvnahealth.org/calendar.

On April 20th, RVNAhealth will host a “Welcome to the Parkinson’s Center” event at its offices in Ridgefield. Attendees will meet the entire team, experience short lecture discussions, and learn more about what the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center has planned. Vendors with Parkinson’s-related offerings and expertise will also be available. Details and registration can be found on our website calendar or by contacting us at 203.438.5555 x1082. You may also learn more about the Parkinson’s Center at rvnahealth.org/parkinsonscenter.

Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA, President and CEO of RVNAhealth, “I am extremely proud of the work our team has put into creating this much-needed program for those affected by Parkinson’s. The Parkinson’s Center is an excellent example of how we continue to grow and evolve in our mission to serve the lifelong health and wellness needs of our communities. We look forward to sharing our Parkinson’s Center with those affected and giving each person and their family the tools and confidence to live their best life.”

RVNAhealth is a private, non-profit, mission-driven organization founded and focused on care and dedicated to serving the lifelong health and wellness needs of individuals in the 35+ communities we serve across Connecticut. While our name and services have evolved since our founding as a home health care agency in 1914, our guiding principles have remained steadfast: a mission to serve, exceptional patient care, and a commitment to excellence in quality and service.

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kerry@ducey.org (Lisa Fleming) Life Thu, 23 Mar 2023 02:33:16 -0400
Celebration for Dr. Mary Ann Carolan’s Award-Winning Book, March 27 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51614-celebration-for-dr-mary-ann-carolan-s-award-winning-book-march-2751614-celebration-for-dr-mary-ann-carolan-s-award-winning-book-march-27 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51614-celebration-for-dr-mary-ann-carolan-s-award-winning-book-march-2751614-celebration-for-dr-mary-ann-carolan-s-award-winning-book-march-27

Fairfield, CT - Please join Fairfield University's College of Arts and Sciences for a celebration of the publication of Orienting Italy: China through the Lens of Italian Filmmakerswritten by Mary Ann Carolan, PhD, professor of modern languages and literatures and founding director of the Italian Studies program, on Monday, March 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Kelley Center Presentation Room.

This book, published by SUNY Press in September 2022 and winner of the 2022 Book Award for Performance and Visual Culture from the American Association of Teachers of Italian, explores contemporary Italian filmmakers' fascination with China and the Chinese in both documentary and fictional films.

"In Orienting Italy Mary Ann Carolan has achieved a difficult task in the humanistic and interdisciplinary scholarship on Italy and China," said Gaoheng Zhang of the University of British Columbia. "She has provided an eminently readable and yet well-contextualized text on major Italian films about mainland China and Chinese in diaspora. This is the first book in any language that offers an at once panoramic and close-up view of Italian cinematic representations of China from the late 1950s to the early 2010s. Carolan considers both documentary and fiction films, and both widely viewed major productions and little-known gems, carefully explaining the filmmakers' diverse experiences with China. This is a must-read for anyone with an interest in understanding the Italian tradition of screening China and Chinese people over the past few decades."

Orienting Italy begins by considering documentaries shot in China in the 1950s and 1970s by Carlo Lizzani and Michelangelo Antonioni as a way of offering the West images of this physically and culturally remote land. The investigation continues with Bernardo Bertolucci’s Academy Award-winning view of a historical Middle Kingdom in The Last Emperor (1987) and Gianni Amelio's stark depiction of Italian economic exchange with contemporary China in The Missing Star (2006).

Dr. Carolan's book concludes with both fictional tales and documentaries that recount the wave of Chinese migration to Italy in the late 20th century in the works of Stefano Incerti (Gorbaciof, 2010) and Andrea Segre (Shun Li and the Poet, 2011) and Riccardo Cremona and Vincenzo De Cecco (Miss Little China, 2009). Today, a new chapter in the relationship between Italy and China has emerged in the form of transnational collaborations in the art and business of filmmaking.

This event, which is sponsored by the Humanities Institute, the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures, and the Italian Studies Program, is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

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Fairfield University is the modern Jesuit University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico 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.

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rpiazzaroli@fairfield.edu (Fairfield University ) Events Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:15:50 -0400
Theatre Fairfield’s Final Show of the 2022-23 Season: Eurydice by Sarah Ruhl, April 19-23 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51612-theatre-fairfield-s-final-show-of-the-2022-23-season-eurydice-by-sarah-ruhl-april-19-2351612-theatre-fairfield-s-final-show-of-the-2022-23-season-eurydice-by-sarah-ruhl-april-19-23 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51612-theatre-fairfield-s-final-show-of-the-2022-23-season-eurydice-by-sarah-ruhl-april-19-2351612-theatre-fairfield-s-final-show-of-the-2022-23-season-eurydice-by-sarah-ruhl-april-19-23

Fairfield, CT - Theatre Fairfield, Fairfield University’s resident production company, will complete its 2022-2023 season with Eurydice, by Sarah Ruhl, a feminist twist on the classic Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Eurydice will be performed Wednesday, April 19 through Friday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, April 22 and Sunday, April 23.

Performances will be held in person in the Wien Black Box at the Quick Center for the Arts. Tickets are now on sale at the Quick Center Box Office: $10 general admission, $5 for all students. Call the box office at 203-254-4010 or buy tickets online at quickcenter.fairfield.edu

In Ruhl’s play, Eurydice is the protagonist; she is searching for her identity and her truth as a woman and as a human being. Although Eurydice is still defined by her relationship to the two men in her life — her father and husband — she is making her own choices of how she will live, die, and deal with her grief, loss, and love. Martha S. LoMonaco, PhD, professor of theatre, in her final production as resident director for Theatre Fairfield, is pleased to conclude her work as a feminist theatre historian, activist, and director with this production.

“Ruhl has evolved into a fiery feminist dramatist in the 20 years since she wrote Eurydice but the seeds of that emergence are clearly in this play,” said Dr. LoMonaco. “[It’s] a softly feminist play which follows the journey of a young woman, not unlike all the young woman at Fairfield University, seeking to figure out who she is and what she wants on her terms: not on society’s, not on her parents’, not on her partner’s, but in her own way. It’s very empowering and very, very beautiful.”

Dr. LoMonaco also hopes that their production captures the beauty of Ruhl’s script.

“I think anyone, especially a college student, can relate to the idea of discovering yourself despite the obstacles when you’re thrown into a new environment,” says Lillie Kortrey ’23, the student-actor playing Eurydice. “[She] spends the duration of the play finding her own identity, all while experiencing love, loss, and grief, which is something the classical Greek myth and subsequent interpretations don’t give her the opportunity to do.”

The Eurydice cast features Ben Dressel ’26, Nora Jacobi ’25, Lillie Kortrey ’23, Anthony Lupercio ’26, Emily Sheridan ’24, Alyssa Suarez ’25, and Liam Tuohey-Kay ’26. The production’s artistic team includes Producer Lynne Porter, Costume Designer Julie Leavitt, Movement Choreographer Brad Roth, Set Designer Karl Ruling, Lighting Designer Lynne Chase, Technical Director Anne Kendall, Stage Manager Margot Weiss, Assistant Stage Managers Grace Galasso ’26 and Cara Rommeney ’26, and Intimacy Director Jamie Monahan. An original score for the production is being composed and will be performed live by Michael A. Ciavaglia ’04, DMA, co-director of the Music program in the College of Arts and Sciences, with Violist Elizabeth Messier ’26 and Bass Guitarist Andrew Margaritis ’26 of Fairfield’s Music Program.

Theatre Fairfield is Fairfield University’s resident theatre company, run by the Theatre Program. Theatre Fairfield produces four productions every year. It also serves as a platform for community engagement. It is a positive and professional learning environment, run on a professional theatre model. The Wien Blackbox Theatre in The Quick Center for the Arts is their performing home and their theatre classroom is in Canisius Hall on Fairfield’s campus. For more information on how the original Orpheus and Eurydice evolved and for Theatre Fairfield’s dramaturgical work, visit theatre-fairfield.org.

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Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 36 states, 47 foreign countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico 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.

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rpiazzaroli@fairfield.edu (Robby Piazzaroli) Events Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:11:51 -0400
Patti LuPone in Concert at Westport Playhouse June 15 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51615-patti-lupone-in-concert-at-westport-playhouse-june-1551615-patti-lupone-in-concert-at-westport-playhouse-june-15 https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51615-patti-lupone-in-concert-at-westport-playhouse-june-1551615-patti-lupone-in-concert-at-westport-playhouse-june-15

Westport, CT - Broadway legend Patti LuPone will take the stage at Westport Country Playhouse for one-night-only, in her solo show, “Don’t Monkey with Broadway,” on Thursday, June 15, at 8 p.m. The three-time Tony Award winner will explore how her life-long love affair with Broadway began, and the unpredictability of the Great White Way. She’ll reflect on her theatrical career through interpretations of classic Broadway show tunes by the likes of Richard Rodgers, Lorenz Hart, Jule Styne, Stephen Schwartz, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, and Irving Berlin.  

“I can't wait to join you at the Playhouse for a special guest appearance by one of the most amazing Broadway stars ever, the incomparable Patti LuPone,” said Mark Lamos, Playhouse artistic director. “Since being chosen by legendary director Harold Prince to play the title part in ‘Evita’-- just shortly after she graduated from Juilliard-- this astonishing performer has continued to thrill audiences, bring them to tears of joy or emotional empathy, and always make her work both indelible and completely fresh. Like the greatest stars, she brings all of her distinctive, one-of-a-kind self to whatever she does, yet she constantly remakes herself to fit the role or the song or the show. This promises to be an evening of powerhouse entertainment you're likely never to forget.”

Lamos added, “Some wonderful sponsors and friends of the Playhouse, people who promote its continuing health during these troubled times for the performing arts, have come together to make this evening possible. Without them, we couldn't have brought Patti's blazing, now legendary, star to our stage.” 

Patti LuPone recently won her third Tony Award for her performance as Joanne in Marianne Elliott’s critically acclaimed production of the Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical “Company.” In addition to her two previous Tony Award-winning performances in the original Broadway production of “Evita” and the 2008 Broadway production of “Gypsy,” her NY stage credits include: “War Paint” (Tony, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations), “Shows for Days,” “The Seven Deadly Sins” (NY City Ballet), “Company” (NY Philharmonic), “Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown” (Tony, Drama Desk, OCC Award nominations), “Sweeney Todd” (Tony, Drama Desk, OCC nominations), “Noises Off,” “The Old Neighborhood,” “Master Class,” “Anything Goes” (Tony nomination, Drama Desk Award), “Oliver!,” “Accidental Death of an Anarchist,” “The Water Engine,” and “The Robber Bridegroom” (Tony and Drama Desk nominations). London: “Company” (Olivier Award, What’s on Stage Award), “Master Class,” “Sunset Boulevard” (Olivier Award nomination), “Les Misérables” and “The Cradle Will Rock” (Olivier Award for her performances in both productions). Opera: “The Ghosts of Versailles” (LA Opera), “To Hell and Back” (SF Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra), “Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny” (LA Opera-debut), “Regina” (Kennedy Center).

Film credits include: “Beau Is Afraid” opposite Joaquin Phoenix (opening April 2023), “The School for Good and Evil” (Netflix), “Last Christmas,” “Cliffs of Freedom,” “The Comedian,” “Parker,” “Union Square,” “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Witness.” TV: Marvel’s “Agatha” (upcoming), “Hollywood,” “Pose,” “Mom,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Penny Dreadful” (Critics Choice Award nomination), “Girls,” “American Horror Story” (“NYC” and “Coven”),” “30 Rock,” “Glee,” “Frasier” (Emmy nomination), three seasons as Libby Thatcher on ABCs “Life Goes On.” She is a founding member of both the Drama Division of The Juilliard School and John Houseman’s The Acting Company and the author of The New York Times best-seller “Patti LuPone: A Memoir.”

LuPone last appeared at the Playhouse in “The Ladies Who Sing Sondheim” in 2006, along with Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, and Barbara Cook. The performance saluted composer Stephen Sondheim, who began his theatrical career as an intern at the Playhouse in 1950.

Music direction for “Don’t Monkey with Broadway” is by Joseph Thalken. The production is conceived and directed by Scott Wittman.

Tickets are $75, $150, and $250.  All audience members are invited to meet and mingle together at a post-performance party.

This fundraising event is underwritten by Judy and Scott Phares, Roz and Bud Siegel, and Marietta Battaglia White. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) organization. All proceeds from this event will support the non-profit, professional, producing theater, its work on stage, with schools, and throughout the community.  

More information at https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/patti-lupone/

All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.org, or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse) and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

Photo Attached:  Patti LuPone  Credit: Michael Allan Galvez

ABOUT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE
Founded in 1931, the mission of Westport Country Playhouse is to enrich, enlighten, and engage the community through the power of professionally produced theater of the highest caliber and the welcoming experience of the Playhouse campus. The not-for-profit Playhouse provides this experience in multiple ways by offering live theater experiences of the highest quality, under the artistic direction of Mark Lamos; educational and community engagement events to further explore the work on stage; the New Works Initiative, a program dedicated to the discovery, development, and production of new live theatrical works; special performances and programs for students and teachers with extensive curriculum support material; Script in Hand play readings to deepen relationships with audiences and artists; the renowned Woodward Internship Program during the summer months for aspiring theater professionals; Family Festivities presentations to delight young and old alike and to promote reading through live theater; and the beautiful and historic Playhouse campus open for enjoyment and community events year-round. 

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bornies@optonline.net (Pat Blaufuss ) Events Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:09:54 -0400
Spring Into Fun at CT's Beardsley Zoo https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51611-spring-into-fun-at-ct-s-beardsley-zoo51611-spring-into-fun-at-ct-s-beardsley-zoo https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51611-spring-into-fun-at-ct-s-beardsley-zoo51611-spring-into-fun-at-ct-s-beardsley-zoo

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is pleased to release its calendar for April through June 2023. Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Zoo, as many of the animals are more active in cool weather, so make plans to get outside with the family for fresh air! The Zoo plans fun and educational special events and seasonal programs for the entire family, most of which are free with the cost of admission. Calendar subject to change without notice. Please check BeardsleyZoo.org or Facebook (@ConnecticutsBeardsleyZoo) for the most up to date information.

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $19.00; children (ages 3 -11) is $15.00, senior admission (62 and older) is $15.00 and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. 

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is located at 1875 Noble Avenue, Bridgeport, Connecticut, and parking at the zoo is free of charge. 

DAILY HOURS

The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9-4, year-round. 

Peacock Café: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Grill closes 30 minutes before closing. 

Carousel: Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Final ride at 3:45 p.m.

 

April 2023

April 1, Tickets on Sale for Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari!

Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari is a great night out for couples and individuals over 18!   Join us in June for a fabulous night of great fare from local vendors and tastings of 100 different wines and more than 60 different beers from around the world and close to home. This beautiful summer evening at the Zoo sells out quickly so don’t wait to get your tickets. https://www.beardsleyzoo.org

April 2, World Autism Awareness Day

Light It Up Blue! If you have family members with sensory issues, we offer a quiet space, sensory backpacks, and an understanding of people of all abilities. 

April 5, Facebook and Instagram Live, Farmyard Animals, 1 p.m.

Join us for a discussion about all the Farmyard animals that charm children and adults year-round, and then let’s talk National Zoo Lovers’ Day. 

April 8, National Zoo Lovers Day

This would be a perfect day to visit a zoo and be one of the millions of people who visit them each year. Enjoy seeing your favorite animals and have a fun-filled day. A few zoo facts: Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo opened in 1922 and is 101 years old. The Zoo is home to more than 350 animals, primarily North and South American and northern Asian species. Many endangered species make their home at the Zoo, including an Amur tiger and Amur leopards, Mexican and red wolves, red pandas, and many more.

April 9, Easter Sunday

The Zoo is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.! Come celebrate with the children. 

April 19, Party for the Planet Facebook and Instagram Live, 1:00 p.m.

Join us online and find out what you can do to help the Zoo celebrate Earth Day.

April 20, Zoo Tots: Rainforest Adventure! 10:30-11:00 a.m.

This monthly 30-minute program, for children 22 months to four years who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, crafts, and live animals. This session is “Rainforest Adventure!”  Spend your rainy April showers inside our Rainforest and discover all the animals that call this place home. $25 for one tot and up to two guardians; add another tot for $10. To reserve a space in the program, register here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html

April 22, Earth Day, 1:00-3:00 p.m.

The Zoo is celebrating Earth Day by sharing information on the important part that each of us can play in protecting our fragile natural environment. Six tables at the Zoo will offer information on: How you can help the planet; How accredited zoos save species with our Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) programs; Citizen Science initiatives—FrogWatch and Monarch Watch; the New England Cottontail Conservation Program; Cool Blue Bridgeport with a focus on Climate Change, and teen volunteers share their plans to visit Yellowstone National Park. 

April 22-23 Party for the Planet; Pequonnock River Clean Up, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Join us for our annual Earth Day program. Come join the Zoo for either of two separate Pequonnock River Cleanups in Bridgeport.  Up to 50 individuals each day can sign up to help the Zoo clean up Beardsley Park. The clean-up will be held from 9:30 am-12:00 pm. We will supply gloves, trash bags, paper pickers and companionship: you bring your energy and desire to help clean up the earth! Families are welcome. Sign up through the website at https://www.beardsleyzoo.org

In 2022, we cleaned up 800 pounds of garbage and filled 25 garbage bags!  

April 28-May 1, City Nature Challenge with the Maritime Aquarium

Invented by community science staff at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and California Academy of Sciences, the City Nature Challenge is an international effort for people to find and document plants and wildlife in cities across the globe. It’s a bio blitz-style competition where cities are in a contest against each other to see who can make the most observations of nature, who can find the most species, and who can engage the most people.Download the iNaturalist app on your phone, take a photo of an item in nature and upload it. Instructions and registration here: https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/city-nature-challenge

April 29-30, Party for the Planet; Pequonnock River Clean Up, 9:30 a.m. -12 p.m.

Up to 50 individuals each day can sign up to help the Zoo clean up Beardsley Park. The clean-up in the park will be held from 9:30am-12:00pm each day. We will supply gloves, trash bags, paper pickers and companionship: you bring your energy and desire to help clean up the earth! Families are welcome. Sign up through the website at https://www.beardsleyzoo.org

April 26, Evening Lecture Series: Animal Observation, Fairfield University,

7 p.m. 

Fairfield University’s U RIZE program students in conjunction with Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo are studying zoo animal behavior. Students studied leopard calls, behavior in red wolves, breeding behavior in white-naped cranes, and aggression in trout, among other topics. The lecture will take place at Fairfield University. 

 

May 2023

May 6, Photography Walkabout with Jack Bradley, 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Zoo Volunteer Jack Bradley will lead a group of 12 intermediate photographers in a hands-on morning session at the Zoo. You must have a basic working knowledge of cameras to join the group. Join Jack for tips on photographing animals from birds to bison, and tigers to trout. Class size is limited; sign up is required.  $25 fee, payable in advance, plus $19 Zoo admission. Members pay only the $25 fee. Sign up through the website at https://www.beardsleyzoo.org

May 7, Mother’s Day

Connecticut’s only Zoo wants to thank all mothers and grandmothers. Enjoy this special day by visiting animals and then having lunch together in the Peacock Pavilion.

May 10, Be Bear Aware Panel, 7:00-8:30 pm., Carousel Building

The Zoo has assembled a cadre of bear experts to answer all your questions on living safely with black bears, and more! This very informative evening will address concerns about wild bears, share information on what bears are really like, what they need, and discuss how we can help to promote bear conservation and habitat protection. Plus, learn about our new Andean bear habitat opening in just 10 days! 

May 17, Evening Lecture Series: The Bear Reality, Felicia Ortner, CT Master Wildlife Conservationist, 7 p.m.

Bears have become victims of misunderstandings, fueled by media, literature, and word of mouth. The population of black bears has increased in Connecticut over the last four decades and will continue to grow. This program will share information on the American black bear, the state’s only resident species in the wild, to improve our understanding and tolerance and reduce conflicts with our wild bear neighbors. The lecture will be presented via Zoom and in person. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with light refreshments provided. Sponsored by the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free.  To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html

May 19, Endangered Species Day, Facebook & Instagram Live, 1 p.m.

Endangered Species Day is an opportunity for people of all ages to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species and everyday actions they can take to help protect them. This year, we’re celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. A table with information on Endangered Species will be set up at the Zoo from 1 to 3 p.m. 

May 20, Grand Opening Andean Bear Habitat, 11:00 a.m.

Help us celebrate the Grand Opening of our newest habitat for Andean bears! We’ll bring the cake and beverages along with special presentations on these beautiful and endangered South American bears, returning to the Zoo after an absence of several years. This large and beautiful habitat for the arboreal (tree-climbing) bears features a very special guest viewing area. Zoo Educators will be on hand from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with exciting information about these “spectacled” bears. The first 100 guests to arrivce will receive an Andean bear water bottle!

May 24, Zoo Tots: Wolf Wednesday!  10:30-11:00 a.m.

This monthly 30-minute program, for children 22 months to four years who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, crafts, and live animals. This session is “Wolf Wednesday!” Have a howling good time in our Wolf Observation Learning Facility (W.O.L.F. Cabin) and join the pack for stories, crafts, and learning all about wolves here at the Zoo. $25 for one tot and up to two guardians; add another tot for $10. To reserve a space in the program, register here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html

May 31, World Otter Day, Facebook and Instagram Live, 1 p.m.

World Otter Day brings all otter species to our attention. It focuses on raising awareness about how important otters are and also highlights the threats they face. Threats faced by otters include the huge trade in these animals for pets and fur. 

May 27-28-29, Family Favorite Chris Rowlands LIVE; 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 3:00 pm; May 27: Farmin’ Fever sponsored by The Farm Bureau

Chris is famous for getting everyone involved through singing and dancing—even bringing kids up on stage with him! Rowlands brings animals to life through kid-friendly songs, dance, puppets, and colorful props. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along on stage as he shares his self-penned songs about animals and their environment. Free with paid admission to the Zoo. Shown at 11 am, 1 and 3 pm. daily. Each performance is 30-35 minutes long. 

May 29, Memorial Day

All active service members and veterans get in free, and their families get 20% off the price of tickets. 

 

June 2023

June 1, Photography Goes Wild Photo Contest Begins

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is proud to announce its fifth annual photography contest is open for submissions, an opportunity for the Zoo’s many dedicated amateur and professional photographers to submit their best work for public viewing. The contest is sponsored by Milford Photo.  Judging will take place mid-July, with an in-person show held on Thursday, July 27 in the Zoo’s Hanson Building. 

June 3, Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari, 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Wild Wine, Beer, and Food Safari is a great night out for couples and individuals over 18!   Join us for a fabulous night of great fare from local vendors and tastings of 100 different wines and more than 60 different beers from around the world and close to home. This beautiful summer evening at the Zoo sells out quickly so don’t wait to get your tickets. Tickets go on sale April 1, 2023. 

June 10, Milford Photo Day at the Zoo, 10 am. to 2 p.m.

Join the photography professionals from Milford Photo at the Zoo as they demonstrate new cameras, lenses, and techniques for the best animal photos. 

June 14, Zoo Tots: Farmyard Fun!  10:30-11:00 a.m.

This monthly 30-minute program, for children 22 months to four years who are accompanied by an adult, may include stories, games, crafts, and live animals. This session is “Farmyard Fun!”  Cultivate a sense of wonder in our fabulous farmyard! Tots will explore domestic breeds, enjoy stories on the family farm, and enjoy a craft near our big red barn in the Adventure Amphitheater. $25 for one tot and up to two guardians; add another tot for $10. To reserve a space in the program, register here: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-tots.html

June 18, Father’s Day

Come spend the day at the Zoo with your family!

June 21, Evening Lecture Series: Horseshoe Crab Monitoring, Jo-Marie Kasinak, M.S., 7 p.m.Sacred Heart University Biology Professor Jo-Marie Kasinak will present Project Limulus: a community-based research study examining the ecology of the Long Island Sound horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) population. “Horseshoe crabs are a foundational species for their ecosystem. They are invaluable to human health, because their blood is used to make Limulus amebocyte lysate, which tests vaccines and other medical devices to ensure they are not contaminated with bacteria. Anyone who has received a flu shot or a COVID-19 vaccine can thank horseshoe crabs,” says Kasinak.  The lecture will be presented via Zoom and in person. The cost is $10 for each lecture, with light refreshments provided. Sponsored by the Zoo’s Volunteer Council. Volunteers are free.  To purchase tickets: https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/evening-lectures.html

June 22, World Rainforest Day, Facebook & Instagram Live, 1 p.m.

World Rainforest Day celebrates the importance of healthy, standing rainforests for climate, biodiversity, culture, and livelihoods, and convenes a global movement to protect and restore them. 

# # #

About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo:

Let Your Curiosity Run Wild! Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating its 101st year, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Amur tiger and leopards, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves.  Other highlights include our Spider Monkey Habitat, the prairie dog exhibit, and the Pampas Plain with giant anteaters and Chacoan peccaries. Guests can grab a bite from the Peacock Café and eat in the Picnic Grove.  As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the Zoo’s website at beardsleyzoo.org

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bornies@optonline.net (Lisa Clair ) Events Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:45:36 -0400
Why Small Businesses Matter in Fairfield: Background Coffee Company supports pediatric cancer research https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/places/51507-why-small-businesses-matter-background-coffee-company51507-why-small-businesses-matter-background-coffee-company https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/places/51507-why-small-businesses-matter-background-coffee-company51507-why-small-businesses-matter-background-coffee-company

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Background Coffee Company!

Three questions with Jim McCaffrey and Phil Ambrosino, owners of Background Coffee Company.

Why did you start your business?

We started our coffee business to sell freshly roasted specialty coffee and do some good in the background. My friend and I started this business because we have always loved coffee and shared so many road trips where coffee was the spark to great conversations and ideas. We both were also inspired by companies such as Bombas, Tom’s Shoes, and others that have used their profits to give back to society in a meaningful way.

We started small by donating $1 per bag of coffee sold and would donate in $200 increments to charities we felt a strong connection with. After about two years of bouncing around from charity to charity, we decided to focus our donations on pediatric cancer. Currently, 50% of our proceeds go to Infinite Love of Kids Fighting Cancer an NJ-based charity with a local CT chapter. Most recently we were able to donate $1,000 to them with the help of our amazing customers. Currently, Jim McCaffrey (co-owner) is vice president of Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer & I joined their board in 2023.

This video goes a great job summing up where we have been and where we are now. Watch it here.

What is your best-selling product/service?

We offer blended coffees and single-origin coffees, both of which are always 100% specialty coffee. Our blend names are a call to our mission to help raise funds for pediatric cancer and our single-origin coffees focus on the story of the origin, producer, and process.

We have two best-selling coffees, the first one is #MoreThan4 which is our light/medium roast consisting of a blend of Guatemalan and Ethiopian coffees. The name of this blend is a call to bring attention to the way federal funding for pediatric cancer is distributed. Only 4% of the funding for federal cancer research goes to pediatrics. #MoreThan4 is the rallying cry to change that.

Our other best-selling coffee is our dark roast blend Bellringer. This blend is made from Sumatran coffee and will give you the full flavors of cocoa, dark cherry, and a hint of toastiness. The name of this blend is a hat tip to the moment when a cancer patient’s treatment cycle is over and upon leaving the hospital they get to ring a bell. Bellringer is a celebration of that moment.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

We are always looking for ways to increase our impact. My friend and I started this business while holding down 9-5 jobs. We would like to increase our wholesale customers to show more people how delicious specialty coffee can be and raise awareness (and funds) for pediatric cancer research. We would love for local businesses that serve coffee to consider switching to our coffees and help do some good in the background.

Jim and Phil would like to nominate Fairfield School of Music to be featured next!

Visit Background Coffee Company online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook, and Instagram pages as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

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daliborboldis@gmail.com (Dan) Places Wed, 22 Mar 2023 06:40:00 -0400
Prospects at The Prospector Theater Speak Out on World Down Syndrome Day https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/neighbors/51610-prospects-at-the-prospector-theater-speak-out-on-world-down-syndrome-day51610-prospects-at-the-prospector-theater-speak-out-on-world-down-syndrome-day https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/neighbors/51610-prospects-at-the-prospector-theater-speak-out-on-world-down-syndrome-day51610-prospects-at-the-prospector-theater-speak-out-on-world-down-syndrome-day

Today, Tuesday, March 21, 2023 is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), a global awareness day that has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012.

The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome, according to WDSD official website.

The Prospector Theater says, “Happy World Down Syndrome Day! This year's theme is "with us, not for us." We want YOU to work with us in creating more competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities!” 

Check out the Prospector’s video featuring several Prospects including 40-year-old Kris Mann who says, “I have Down Syndrome, and I love it… if they don’t like it… that’s them, not me.”

Learn more about the Prospector: www.ProspectorTheater.org

 

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kerry@ducey.org (Kerry Anne Ducey) Neighbors Tue, 21 Mar 2023 12:24:39 -0400
Tom Henske, Total Cents to Bring Financial Literacy for Kids to The Westport Library https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51609-tom-henske-total-cents-to-bring-financial-literacy-for-kids-to-the-westport-library51609-tom-henske-total-cents-to-bring-financial-literacy-for-kids-to-the-westport-library https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield/events/51609-tom-henske-total-cents-to-bring-financial-literacy-for-kids-to-the-westport-library51609-tom-henske-total-cents-to-bring-financial-literacy-for-kids-to-the-westport-library

Westport, CT - On Sunday, March 26, Tom Henske, Westport resident and a leader in the financial industry for nearly three decades, will bring hisTotal Cents program to the Library’s Trefz Forum for a talk, followed by a panel discussion with fellow experts. The goal: to help parents, grandparents, and guardians get comfortable with teaching their kids about money and the importance of finances. 

The event, Raising Financially Savvy Kids with Tom Henske, will begin at 2 pm in the Library’s Trefz Forum. The event is free; registration is encouraged.

“It's fitting that The Westport Library jumped at the chance to bring financial literacy to the forefront of parents in our community,” said Henske. “Everyone sees the clear value and importance of developing good financial habits in our children. It's time for parents to take ownership of this part of their child's development, and that effort is going to start on March 26.

“My hope is that Westport becomes the epicenter for teaching parents how to talk to their kids about money, and in doing that, we will change the way our entire country addresses this important topic.”

Joining Henske in conversation will be Caroline Barneyauthor, inspirational speaker, and parent of two Staples High School students; John Lanza, author of The Art of Allowance and an expert of youth financial literacy; and Kathy Soderholm, former Wilton High School personal finance teacher and founder of The Good Bookkeeper, a full-service bookkeeping company specializing in nonprofit organizations.

Henske’s efforts with Total Cents include a bookIt Makes Total Cents: 12 Conversations to Change Your Child’s Financial Future, published in 2022, and a podcast he developed in collaboration with the Library. Total Cents is also active on TikTok, with videos produced in collaboration with Total Cents interns from Staples High School.

“Tom’s knowledge and expertise is exceeded only by his passion for finance and teaching kids how to be responsible stewards of their own futures,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “Add that up and you have a session that promises to be informative, engaging, and fun. Plus, Tom brings with him an all-star panel well-versed on communicating to parents and with kids from the youngest ages. You won’t want to miss this event.”

Event information at a Glance:

Raising Financially Savvy Kids with Tom Henske

Sunday, March 26 

2 pm

The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880

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Story: https://westportlibrary.org/event/raising-financially-savvy-kids-w-tom-henske/

Event listing: https://westportlibrary.org/event/raising-financially-savvy-kids-w-tom-henske/

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/raising-financially-savvy-kids-w-tom-henske-tickets-537933923847

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bornies@optonline.net (EJ Crawford ) Events Tue, 21 Mar 2023 05:57:32 -0400