<p>On April 11, 2025, The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Friday Leads Group donated $600 to the Beth-El Center homeless shelter and community kitchen in Milford. The Group’s 25+ members donated to Beth-El to support their vision of a community where everyone is home, and all are fed.</p><p>Through the Center’s six transformational programs and services, they work to improve the daily lives of people experiencing homelessness and hunger in the Milford to Guilford shoreline areas and the lower Naugatuck Valley.</p><p>Beth-El Center serves individuals and families by providing temporary shelter and feeds over 150 meals daily in the community kitchen. Their clients include veterans, elderly and people working through poverty, physical and mental illness and catastrophic events.</p><p>According to Richard Popilowski, Beth-El’s Chief Development Officer, “This donation from the Chamber Friday Leads Group will be doubled as part of our current Double the Hope matching campaign. Their $600 gift has become $1200 thanks to our matching donors.”</p><p>The Milford Chamber Friday Leads Group, which meets weekly to connect people and businesses to help them grow, makes a quarterly donation to a local charity/nonprofit to make a positive impact in the community.</p><p>For more information or to donate to Beth-El Center, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bethelcenterct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 93, 143);">https://www.bethelcenterct.org</a>. For more information or to join the Milford Chamber, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://milfordct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 93, 143);">https://milfordct.com/</a></p>

<p><a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IeNJgsWRFduklcosJj7MilnEHTn9op5II8vxrh9uQeey-2FsoR6vXVm6FyukeDizhdCZFZXwW91P1jE-2FDp3M-2BDwAebdQS7-2BSVHXho3DfihOYo-3D3lCU_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgzThEdq0-2FOxLCZaPsK-2BDklNdC5Ja3BlV3A00oIp0YUweCnqT4OYaH9T8Yjn-2BjECkKGggyLrISj31GXh2l9L1elga0orO5hwkpapvVsjKWRP9ZmUISCabAierTk1Dzz40XVgxO8uoouXchCV3TV-2BMPuDfcnUZAYtyOyB8p4J9W95oU0MeAlP7DgZyMdENfQtMNEbVM1HFYGNx4hfI7G9TDsG3qe1fVIT1HlJv6IabhoZc3JM8eQRDeQ00Owq9jk20V7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">Elizabeth Luoma</a>, executive director of the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IeNJgsWRFduklcosJj7MilnEHTn9op5II8vxrh9uQefeRTTx0S7HCIdLiKK-2FhklZ5Rp768EVZT7x-2BKAEzae7Sr2bxYBO6FaY2L2SN9w5mw-2BvwIrEBqDrUcyD7C4J6kqOJAg0E8Zy614hcJpiXvnSWw-3D-3DaFrn_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgzThEdq0-2FOxLCZaPsK-2BDklNdC5Ja3BlV3A00oIp0YUweCnqT4OYaH9T8Yjn-2BjECkKGggyLrISj31GXh2l9L1elgd7dlOnaUjEMoMHWosOjk5RrPUuBLoLf6-2BCFMD2UUcYz5rzNPgyVR1XEKhFhYHz6iP1eUxzCrxC95lry-2FInoP-2F0VMq4Ppta4pAgGxvfXb6JjwjlDX4ZglsLxdcBuYdPkdevM3hPQBfV-2B7knhc9ZggNPEg1ZdzfOSh5wJ-2FS-2F6qjeI" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">Center for Teaching &amp; Learning</a>&nbsp;at Sacred Heart University, will be sharing her love of the written word as the new poet laureate for her hometown, North Haven. She began her two-year municipal position March 6.</p><p>Luoma earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts, then went on to earn a certificate in college teaching preparation as well as a Master of Philosophy and a Ph.D. in cell biology from Yale University. In addition to teaching at SHU, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses at Yale and Southern Connecticut State University.</p><p>While science and teaching are her obvious fortes, the arts have always been a part of Luoma’s makeup. She was quite young when she began experimenting with words and artistic expression. “Around mid-elementary school, playing with rhymes and alliteration became an outlet for me,” she said.</p><p>Music and lyrics, as well as a love for writing, inspired her and fed her passion for poetry. “I would get a new cassette or CD and immediately take out the lyrics and start analyzing them to see what they meant and how they related to my life,” she recalled.</p><p>Luoma finds poetry’s shorter form ideal for creating a written piece that can describe something that is fleeting. “There is so much meaning in poetry, and often that meaning is about capturing a moment in time,” she said. After writing a poem in the moment of inspiration, a writer might look back at it and feel differently, she added, and they might play with the words, the rhyme and the rhythm to create their final piece.</p><p>Luoma generally writes for herself or for loved ones. “People approach poetry in different ways,” she said. “For some, it’s a personal passion; for others, it’s a professional dedication. It was always more personal for me.”</p><p>Now Luoma will have a chance to add a public dimension to her craft. As North Haven’s poet laureate, she will promote the creation and enjoyment of poetry by developing programs for town residents. She also will write original poems for civic events and represent North Haven in the Connecticut Council of Poets Laureate, for which Sacred Heart’s other resident poet laureate, Rick Magee, serves as secretary.</p><p>It was an application in her hometown newspaper, the&nbsp;<em>North Haven Citizen,</em>&nbsp;that sparked her interest in the poet laureate position. After seeing the posting, Luoma wrote herself a note, “Should I apply?” Her husband, Jeff, saw the note on the kitchen counter and told her simply and succinctly, “Yes!” Her application included poems and awards from throughout her life, from a national poetry award as a 6th grader to her high school valedictory address, which she composed entirely in rhyme. She also shared a list of her ideas for activities to bring North Haven residents together to experience poetry.</p><p>Luoma sees her commitment to poetry over the next two years as a homecoming of sorts. Because her studies led her into a career in cell biology and STEM education, poetry became less of a focus. She is excited to see it reemerge as a part of her daily life.</p><p>The&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IeNJgsWRFduklcosJj7Mipi-2BuDjxLts6EssvUSyN085yRvmDvhsWhbUdgZ7weR7pkb5s8fAZVUz-2FgOtxOX6sVZ29R3a0-2B3-2FLpR48GXCWxc2wufDdy7zUs6YCmR0o8OfRg2TJ_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgzThEdq0-2FOxLCZaPsK-2BDklNdC5Ja3BlV3A00oIp0YUweCnqT4OYaH9T8Yjn-2BjECkKGggyLrISj31GXh2l9L1elgdm6-2BySqP99F4O6bn5cN9F7orG2jx5IzsNI-2FrAtbTDne3B4qqtt4-2FgEEHPtYzv9AmBufe2zJXtrh7-2FWKKyuU3SBiA10lCQjaQ-2F41I1mF5XlrOtVAFx90lxeYWgECfmxAiP6j-2BzyCjdghyg3Oi08eYyVGJ0uh9iHBkyiXe87lp7j-2B" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">North Haven Memorial Library</a>&nbsp;will host a reception April 1 at 6 p.m. to introduce Luoma to residents. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring their own poems to read. There will be snacks and drinks. The public can register for this event on the&nbsp;<a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.IeNJgsWRFduklcosJj7Mipi-2BuDjxLts6EssvUSyN085yRvmDvhsWhbUdgZ7weR7pkb5s8fAZVUz-2FgOtxOX6sVZ29R3a0-2B3-2FLpR48GXCWxc2wufDdy7zUs6YCmR0o8OfRj2GE_FrbdBNjFDoEa-2F9q6J5rbxTv-2FYob5s2OonmKskZDAI3GbhEJtfSPFgoDWHq8Bubs2uS2iETCIFkazkr2vsQt5zP8tZqSrdLReTPnffLPp1eIja2d2KKQnzOnkBTIkERgzThEdq0-2FOxLCZaPsK-2BDklNdC5Ja3BlV3A00oIp0YUweCnqT4OYaH9T8Yjn-2BjECkKGggyLrISj31GXh2l9L1elge2y8WZVmgB0VL5KzayUui4C8qJQkXo6ZoKPUs4yY4f3zHFmgPxp6nVVykeYCLROGj2vXT5Zh7u2x8cqgTIauE-2Bw9EqgE5k0xttZ8Mztsw1rOVTt9gEt-2FncTAU9drr3p3p8LHR5D1DCv0L2OPCetB99i5phRpdyE-2BNd3AzoGD0f4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">North Haven Memorial Library website</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>Luoma wants to hear how the town’s residents already interact with poetry and find out what programs they would like offered to deepen their experiences. As an educator, she is excited to work with the library to create events for people of all ages to enjoy reading and writing poetry. North Haven residents are encouraged share their ideas for town poetry initiatives with Dr. Luoma at&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:northhavenpoet@gmail.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">northhavenpoet@gmail.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>Photo: Presenting Luoma (right) with her award are North Haven Third Selectman Nancy Buemi and First Selectman Michael Freda.</em></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc., a professional, not for profit theatre company in Milford will debut “Tiaras Over Teaneck” Friday, April 25 at the Milford Arts Council, The Mac in Downtown Milford. The new musical comedy plays through May 11.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Tiaras Over Teaneck,” featuring book and lyrics by Bert Bernardi and music by Justin Rugg follows two beauty pageant contestants and their nagging mothers on their way to Atlantic City. But the merry journey comes to a grinding halt when they find themselves in a roadside motel room in Teaneck where everything that could possibly go wrong, does including the east coast black out of 1965.&nbsp; Slamming doors, mistaken identities, bloopers, blunders and a cast of colorful characters are all part of the ridiculously entertaining antics.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“It's fast, funny and full of laughs,” said writer/director Bernardi, “And I think that’s something we all need right now,” he added. “The characters are so colorful, the situation completely unhinged and the action is just plain frantic,” he continued.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The cast includes Pantochino company members Mary Mannix, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Maria Berte, Valerie Solli, Rachelle Ianniello, Jimmy Johansmeyer, and Rugg. They are joined by Killian Meehan, Tracey Marble and Katie Durham. The two pageant contestants are played by Sydney Yargeau who appeared in Pantochino’s “The Rocky Horror Show,” and Leanne Onofrio who was seen here in “Dorothy’s Christmas in Oz” and “Panto of the Opera.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Tiaras Over Teaneck” features setting by Von Del Mar, costumes by Johansmeyer, lighting by Jakob Kelsey, sound by Tyler Kittleman, musical direction by Rugg and stage management by T. M. Gadomski.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now in its fifteenth season, Pantochino Productions is widely acclaimed for its innovative, original musical theatre offerings, Summer Theatre Camps, Classes, After School Drama programs and Teen Theatre. The multi Award winning company is recipient of two “Best of Milford” Awards, many Broadway World Connecticut Awards and the Cultural Contribution Award presented by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce. The 2024-25 Pantochino season is sponsored by the Connecticut Post Mall and Dennis Beirne of William Pitt Southeby’s International Realty.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Performances of “Tiaras Over Teaneck” are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm, and Sundays at 2pm. The show is recommended for adult audiences and those over the age of thirteen, Seating is cabaret-style and audiences are invited to bring their own food and drink to enjoy during the performance. The Milford Arts Council, The MAC is located at 40 Railroad Avenue in Downtown Milford. Parking is free at showtime in all train station lots. Tickets are available online at</span><a href="http://www.pantochino.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> www.pantochino.com.</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Note, tickets are not available at the Milford Arts Council.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Milford’s 2025 Saint Patrick's Day Parade will step-off on Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 1:00pm. The parade begins at the Wasson Field Parking Lot on W. Main Street and marchers will make their way through the traditional downtown parade route to the North Broad Street gazebo. Please be aware that parking restrictions for the parade will be in place on Saturday, March 11 and downtown streets will be closed to vehicular traffic beginning at 12:00pm.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Image courtesy Downtown Milford. Learn more about the Parade on their FB page </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/downtown-milford-connecticut/milford-annual-st-patricks-day-parade/2724235187755036" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p><span style="color: black;">Beth-El Center is pleased to invite you to a special </span><strong style="color: black;">Wine &amp; Dine</strong><span style="color: black;"> event to support those in our community who turn to us for food, shelter and support services. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Please join us on </span><strong style="color: black;">Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Bin 100 Restaurant</strong><span style="color: black;"> in Milford for an evening of fine wine, gourmet food and charitable giving.</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Guest are invited to immerse themselves in an outstanding 5 course culinary experience accompanied by wine pairings from Napa Valley's Copper Cane Wine &amp; Spirits.</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Support Beth-El's vital mission of aiding members of our community on their journey back to self-sufficiency and stable housing. Together, we can make a difference while enjoying an exceptional night out. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Register today! Tickets: $135 per person </span><a href="https://bethelcenterct.org/website/publish/newsroom/newsDetail.php?Wine-Dine-Event-239=" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethelcenterct.org/website/publish/newsroom/newsDetail.php?Wine-Dine-Event-239</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A MAN NAMED CASH: A Tribute to The Man in Black at The Palace Danbury on Sunday March 9 2025 3PM</strong></p><p>Danbury, CT&nbsp;– On Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM, The Palace Danbury will proudly present&nbsp;<strong>A Man Named Cash: A Tribute to The Man in Black.</strong></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j3b7yTDsujU?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><strong>A Man Named Cash&nbsp;</strong>offers an authentic tribute to the timeless music and story of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash. The show stars Eric Hofmanis, who was previously handpicked by the Johnny Cash Estate through a nationwide audition to serve as the lead vocalist for&nbsp;<em>Johnny Cash: The Official Concert Experience</em>.</p><p>Eric now brings his exceptional talent to this fresh new tribute show, honoring Cash’s legendary legacy with unparalleled authenticity. This show offers a unique and exciting perspective, taking audiences on a journey through nearly 50 years of Cash’s iconic career—from his energetic Sun Records days to his soulful revival with American Recordings. Fans will hear unforgettable hits like "I Walk the Line" and the haunting "Hurt," with Eric delivering Cash’s raw emotion and powerful storytelling.</p><p>Joining Eric is Connecticut native and Laurelton Hall High School graduate Megan Houde, who effortlessly steps into the role of June Carter Cash. Her natural chemistry with Eric brings Johnny and June’s legendary partnership to life, capturing June’s charm, wit, and humor, while adding a dynamic layer that enhances the show.</p><p>Together, Eric and Megan deliver an unforgettable performance, capturing the heart and soul of Johnny and June’s enduring legacy. With a captivating blend of music, passion, and storytelling,&nbsp;<strong>A Man Named Cash&nbsp;</strong>transports audiences on a powerful journey through the lives and music of two of country music’s most beloved figures.</p><p><strong>Event Details:&nbsp;</strong>Sunday Matinee, March 9, 2025. Doors open at 2:00 PM. Show starts at 3:00 PM. Reserved Seating. Tickets are $39.00 and can be purchased in advance online at&nbsp;<a href="https://f7cqvsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0018Zah2XMjcdrk1QxA0WH4SFKU8CCmBw3xMfCL5k7y2PoFS-XUzbETO5tGSKFbeVkmlJZd8-diky96ULLS4xfCzrjsogbu2PpVeKN5KiMlzTL2l7xAHGpA8QpZsVKZBGL9e7BK5enUmvTAwk1tkTF8OwZVsXJQW6LO&amp;c=nPEFLz0LlUdiz2rYZ8kF59k5sMAC0N97ip4T0S3FZV6u-0S8NU8iYA==&amp;ch=Gs-uCJZFM42CfMnXrRt3-np-1pJeyKoDTyhJqFshBfoiOyJodMipWQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 126, 246);">www.thepalacedanbury.com</a>, by phone at (203) 794-9944, or at the box office starting one hour before showtime. Free parking for patrons.</p>