Protecting our pollinators begins with us.  Why should we care? Learn about the plight of the Monarch Butterfly, the honey bee, and the endangered native bumble bees.  Learn how we can do our part to save these fascinating pollinators. The Humble Honey Bee Honey Company is a Connecticut Farm Bureau Member, Litchfield County

Milford resident Dominick Buccitti, a graduate student working toward his MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences, is featured in the Western New England University's (WNE) upcoming episode of The College Tour, a groundbreaking series from Emmy-nominated producers Alex Boylan, Lisa Hennessy, and Burton Roberts, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video. 

Hosted by The Amazing Race winner Alex Boylan, The College Tour travels the country, highlighting the diverse landscape of colleges and universities and showcasing the many resources and opportunities available through the lens of current students.

This exciting episode features ten outstanding student ambassadors for WNE from different corners of campus sharing their unique experiences and giving audiences a peek into their lives as Golden Bears.

Looking back on his experience at the University, Buccitti reflects on the academic preparation he received. "Choosing the right major for you may seem difficult, but at Western New England, you don't have to decide until your sophomore year," said Buccitti. "In my sophomore year, I took a microbiology course with a lab component. This hands-on learning made me realize that I enjoyed working in a lab and wanted to pursue research."

During his time at WNE, he grew in ways he never thought possible, mainly because of his involvement in leadership through various roles. As a result of the support that Buccitti received from faculty and staff at Western New England, he built the academic foundation he needed to enter an MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

This series is a vehicle to help students around the nation connect with higher education, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future without traveling anywhere. The College Tour offers viewers a comprehensive look at campuses nationwide, highlighting the many resources and opportunities that are helping students thrive. WNE is proud and excited to be part of this inspiring series and showcase what makes the Golden Bear experience unique.

"Western New England University offers students an extraordinary experience, and we're so excited to share that on The College Tour," says Boylan. "For students, choosing which college to attend is a monumental decision, and this episode gives prospective students a first-hand look at what makes Western New England University so special."

Don't miss this chance to get an inside look at WNE's vibrant and dynamic campus. Tune in to The College Tour on Amazon Prime Video or view the episode on the WNE University website and The College Tour website. This promises to be an inspiring and motivating journey that highlights the exceptional opportunities available at Western New England University.

Generative Poetry Writing at the Milford Public Library, Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30pm

Poet Joan Glass will guide attendees through the poetry writing process starting with writing prompts to get ideas flowing, providing a space for poets of all experience levels, from curious beginners to experienced writers. Bring an open mind and the willingness to be creative. Writing materials will be provided.  

In 2016, the Milford Public Library, in partnership with the Milford Arts Council, established the position of Poet Laureate of the City of Milford. During his/her four-year term, the Poet Laureate acts as an advocate for poetry, literature and the arts and will contribute to the City's poetry and literary legacy through public readings and participation in civic events.

Milford Public Library, March 25 at 11am

Bill Gates has said that the invention of ChatGPT, and other Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, is as big of an invention as the internet itself. Learn how these intelligent search and creation tools work, and how they can be used to do many things from idea generation and iteration, to writing and illustrating short stories, or essays on many different subjects. Let's discuss the potential impact that these tools may have on our economic system in the years ahead, and what they mean for intellectual property. 

Dylan Longley of Milford has been named to the Champlain College Dean's List for the Fall 2022 semester.

Students on the Dean's List have achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher during the semester.

Making the Dean's List is a tremendous achievement in any year. Many of the high achievers balance their classes with serious jobs, internships, clubs, and volunteering, as well as a global pandemic. We congratulate you on this great accomplishment and honor.

Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, not-for-profit, private college in Burlington, Vermont, with additional campuses in Montreal, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland

The Milford Environmental Concerns Coalition (ECC) will host an Earth Day 2023 celebration on Saturday, April 22 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on the famous downtown Milford Green. 

This family-oriented event is free to the public, and will feature numerous how-to exhibits including recycling, composting, and how to start your own “plogging” club. There will also be numerous activities for children. Sweet Louise & the Monkey River Band will perform from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The ECC welcomes nonprofit environmental groups, musicians, artists, educators, civic organizations and businesses to to set up a table. No fee is required to participate, but each group must supply and set up its own table. Organizers are encouraging groups that will feature activities and/or displays to inform and engage the public on environmental issues. To reserve space, go to www.milfordearthday.org and complete the online exhibitors application.

According to ECC President Ann Berman Berman, a number of environmental groups and agencies have already signed on, including the UCONN Extension Gardeners, Alice’s Re-loved Workshop, the Milford Arts Council, the CT Audubon Society Coastal Center at Milford Point, Haven’s Harvest, and Beth-El Center. The City of Milford has provided planning and logistical support.

Aaron Lurie of Milford has been named to the Champlain College President's List for the Fall 2022 semester.

Students on the President's List have achieved a grade point average of 4.0 or higher during the semester. Lurie is currently enrolled in the Game Programming major.

Making the President's List is a tremendous achievement in any year. Many of the high achievers balance their classes with serious jobs, internships, clubs, and volunteering, as well as a global pandemic. We congratulate you on this great accomplishment and honor.

Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a small, not-for-profit, private college in Burlington, Vermont, with additional campuses in Montreal, Canada, and Dublin, Ireland. 

It Takes a Village

*Names changed to protect privacy
by Deb Kelleher -Executive Director, Annie C. Courtney Fdtn.

We’re all familiar with the saying, “It takes a village.” For one foster mom, her “village” is truly a godsend, enabling her to care for children whose needs would overwhelm most parents.

Alicia always wanted to be a foster parent, her whole life. As a single adult, it seemed like a good way to experience parenting and, even, under the right circumstances, form a permanent family.  In 2017, she completed the training through CT Department of Children and Families and began her foster care journey. For the first two years, Alicia cared for a number of kids, all of whom either returned home to their parents or moved on to another family. Along the way, Alicia became certified to care for children with complicated medical issues. She’d found her calling. In July of 2019, Alicia received the call to care for a 5 month old baby boy with medical issues. Little did she know that this boy would remain with her forever, beginning a journey that also would include reuniting him with his two older sisters, all of whom are now adopted by this single mom.

Alicia is the kind of woman who loves hard, a woman with a soft place in her heart for children in need. This description would embarrass her as she desires no recognition for her selflessness. Shortly after the adoption of her 3 children, while chatting with a foster parent friend, Alicia heard about another little boy in DCF care who desperately needed a family – a 7-year-old little boy named Phillip with very significant medical needs. As a special education teacher, she was likely more comfortable with children whose needs can be complex and challenging, but the hands-on care – that is something entirely different. What Alicia knew though, was that this little boy needed a family and DCF was struggling to find the right fit for him. She wondered if the right fit could be her. This drove her to stretch out of her comfort zone, take a leap of faith that help would be there when she needed it, and ask about bringing Phillip into her growing family.  Alicia reached out to the DCF supervisor.

Jean Norvig is the supervisor for the foster care division unit in DCF supporting Alicia. Jean has done this work for many years and has deep relationships with many of the families who foster children from the Greater Danbury area. Jean and Alicia and Alicia’s support worker, Jerry, as well as Phillip’s DCF team of workers and supervisors met and talked about Phillip’s needs and Alicia’s ability to meet those needs. One advantage Alicia has is that as a special education teacher she has summers off making some of the challenges around childcare a bit more doable. She is also comfortable with children with differing abilities. They talked about how the department could help find support for Alicia given the big job she was willing to take on. Between all of them, they figured out how to make it work so Phillip could be cared for by Alicia. Ultimately, a decision to place Phillip in Alicia’s home was made and Phillip came home in January 2022.

Phillip is a sweet child. He is non-verbal and uses a wheelchair. He is fed through a feeding tube, and he requires assistance with all activities of daily life from bathing to dressing. He has an ongoing relationship with his dad and his sister which Alicia supports as she does for each of her children. Alicia’s girlfriend, Yvette, was a part of the decision to care for Phillip. Like Alicia, she has known Phillip since he was two, and Alicia says, “Yvette was fully supportive and onboard for bringing him into our family.” Even though they do not live together, Alicia and Yvette consider themselves family. Yvette also is a part of Phillip’s “care team.”  She went to the hospital and completed the same training Alicia received so that she could care for Phillip.  She frequently takes Phillip to doctors’ appointments. She is regularly in the home and always lends a helping hand. She is an occupational therapist, and so well-suited to meet Phillip’s needs. She provides overnight care on the rare occasions when Alicia treats herself to a little self-care.

Here’s where the rest of the village comes in. Many of Alicia’s friends and colleagues agreed to jump in when needed. Two different foster parents care for the children when there are early dismissals at school and during the four teacher in-service days over the school year when Alicia is required to work. Phillip needs one-on-one support with daycare as well as after-school care. Another friend helped out after school. Early morning care became the last hurdle. And after a few bumps in the road, Jean came up with the perfect plan – a “retired” foster mom named Darlene. Alicia, smiling, recalls it like this: “Jean had been reaching out to all her contacts. And then she remembered Darlene, a former foster mom so Jean reached out to her. And it ended up working and she got trained. Pretty sure she fell in love with all four kids.” Not only did Darlene agree to provide Phillip’s support before school, it turned out that Alicia would need her on Monday afternoons also and Darlene quickly jumped in to help.

Darlene and Jean began their relationship close to 21 years ago when Darlene became licensed to care for infants. Darlene describes herself as “a helper who likes being in the background.” Caring for babies in foster care was a perfect fit for her. Over her 21 year “career,” Darlene cared for 21 infants, the longest one for three years, each baby either returning home or moving on to adoption. Recently, she retired her license, explaining that she felt it was the right time to step down.  Jean approached her about Alicia’s need for before-school care and after some thought, Darlene agreed to help. She missed her foster care work, and this seemed like a good match for someone who no longer wished to provide full time care. Darlene explained, “You know, it's hard just to stop doing something like that.” Darlene lights up when she talks about Phillip.  Thinking back to when she first met him, Darlene said, “I was a little nervous because I wasn't exposed to Phillip's disabilities, but he's the cutest little thing. And even though he doesn't speak, he's non-verbal. He communicates with his eyes. It's hard not to fall in love with him.”

At first, Darlene just provided before school care. But within two weeks, this connection morphed into more than just childcare. Darlene explains, “I'm a foodie. I've been cooking for people for a long time. That's how I care about people. For years, Darlene was a stay-at-home mom. She says, “When I went out into the workforce, I went into catering. It's hard to understand the emotional and physical strains on Alicia. She’s just amazing to me So, I talked to her workers to see what I could do to help her, besides caring for Phillip. They said, ‘Oh, she's very self-sufficient. And, you know, she doesn't really require anything’ but I know the stronger you show yourself; the less people offer to help you.”

When it turned out that Darlene was needed on Monday afternoons for after school care, this all came together in her head. Monday night dinners. Initially, she worried that she might insult Alicia, so she reached out to Jean for advice. “She thought it would be okay to ask Alicia. And she said “no” right away. But I told her that I wanted to help, that I know how much is on her plate. And so, she finally said okay. So now I'll cook breakfast for the kids occasionally and bring it in the mornings. Because she has to get four kids ready, and she seems like she's good, but everyone can use help.” So, Darlene regularly prepares Monday night dinners for Alicia and her kids. Darlene says that Phillip loves to look at the food even though he is unable to eat it.

Darlene likens these dinners to her time as a foster parent. “People that don't foster say that you're taking care of somebody's kid and you're giving it up? And I don't know how many times I heard that. I don't know how you do that. I would get too attached. Well, I'm not a selfish person.” She believes that this did not win her a lot of friends, but she is comfortable with her life’s work. She goes on to say, “It's not about us. It's about them. Help the children, don’t help me.” So, this is what she does. She sees this as not only helping Alicia but as a way for her to continue to help the children.

Alicia really appreciates the meals and everything Darlene is doing for her. And Darlene is thrilled to be able to cook and bake for her little “adopted” family.  She takes great pride in trying to think up new and interesting meals – and especially desserts – Darlene’s favorite to make. On Hanukkah, Darlene made a beautiful spread for the family including homemade applesauce. Alicia texted her over and over that evening to say how delicious it was, so it is on Darlene’s list to repeat again. Darlene loves to bake so each Monday comes with a delicious dessert. Recently, she made black and white cookies. Alicia says, “Darlene also made everybody individualized Christmas presents. She sews so I asked her to adapt some clothing for Phillip, and she did that as well. She's multitalented.” Alicia goes on to say, “And I think she empathizes with me as well. So, it's nice to have that person there supporting us.”

Alicia, like all foster parents, does not know how long Phillip will be with her but for the time being Alicia and Darlene and the rest of Alicia’s village will pour all their love into Phillip allowing him to live his best life.

Recently, our agency director spoke with Jean rand the subject of these dinners came up. Jean was hoping we could collaborate and come up with some funding to offset the cost of the dinners Darlene so generously provides. So, we went to the community to raise money and folks generously responded. So far, we have raised over $300 to help offset the cost of the food. While Darlene was not looking for assistance with the costs, in this economy, we all felt that Darlene’s gift of time and talent should be met with equal community backing. Foster care is a labor of love and commitment. No one can do this kind of “job” entirely on their own. Most foster parents, like Alicia, develop a “village” of supporters, all helping in different ways. When a burden can be shared, almost anything is doable. There are over 3000 Connecticut children just like Phillip and Alicia’s other children deserving of a “village” to meet their needs. When we each do a little, a lot can get done. And these children deserve our best.

For more information on all the different ways you can help a child in foster care, please give our office a call at 475-235-2184.

Gift cards for Darlene and other helpers like her are needed and welcome. Donations can be made via Venmo to @AnnieCCourt.

Volunteers to provide a meal or respite are always in short supply and truly appreciated. Connecticut needs more foster parents like Alicia, and all our foster parents need their own village of helpers.

In the words of the writer, James Baldwin, “For these are all our children, we will all profit by or pay for what they become.”

Let’s be their village, let’s love them and care for them and help them achieve their highest potential.

On March 14, 2023, an officer observed a vehicle in the lot of the Connecticut Post Mall that they recognized from a previous incident in which the driver, Kayvon McCoy engaged officers in pursuit.

McCoy had an active arrest warrant stemming from this incident. Police initiated a traffic stop and determined that McCoy was the operator of the vehicle. McCoy was taken into custody on the arrest warrant. The vehicle was unregistered and uninsured. During an inventory of the vehicle, numerous items of contraband were located.

Found inside the vehicle:

1) Bottle of prescription drugs filled with different types of pills, several testing positive for MDMA/Ecstasy

2) Pink pill bottle with no labeling containing various pills, several testing positive for MDMA/Ecstasy

3) Black plastic bag containing numerous amounts of counterfeit bills

4) Loaded revolver

5) Spent shell casing

During the investigation, it was determined that McCoy was the subject of a Criminal Protective Order, prohibiting him from possessing a firearm.

Kayvon McCoy, Date of Birth 8/21/1996, has an address of 600 Orchard Street, New Haven.

He was charged with:

Criminal Possession of a Revolver

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Illegal Possession of a Weapon in a Motor Vehicle

Violation of a Protective Order

Illegal Possession of Prescription Drugs 

Warrant: Evading Responsibility

Failure to Renew Registration

Mandatory Security Requirements

Improper Use of Registration

Failure to Drive in Proper Lane

McCoy was held on a $25,500 bond and appeared in Milford Court on March 15, 2023.

The Denise D'Ascenzo Foundation invites people of all ages to join its second annual fundraising walk in memory of Connecticut’s beloved news anchor, Denise D’Ascenzo. The two-mile health walk steps off on Saturday, April 29^th at 10:00 a.m. on Quinnipiac University’s Mount Carmel campus in Hamden, Conn., with part of the proceeds to be donated to the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD).

The flat walk course winds through the picturesque Quinnipiac University campus, beginning and ending at the school’s recreation center. This event will offer something for the whole family. Participants and spectators will enjoy food and beverages. Numerous kids’ activities including carnival games, clowns, balloon animals, bubbles, and magicians will start at 9 a.m. and can be enjoyed throughout the event.

“We are excited to host this event in honor of Denise’s legacy as one of Connecticut’s longest-serving news anchor, broadcasting on Channel 3 for over 33 years and, just as importantly, as a wonderful human being,” explains Wayne Cooke, Denise’s husband and the Executive Director of The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation. “We selected the National Organization for Rare Diseases (NORD) to receive part of funds raised in order to continue to spread the kindness she showed others, especially those facing life’s challenges.” NORD’s mission is to identify, treat, and cure of rare disorders through programs of education, advocacy, research, and patient services.

You can register to walk in-person online. Participants are encouraged to raise funds from friends and associates or donate to The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation which will donate part of the event’s proceeds to NORD. Raise $200 or more and receive a complimentary walk entry! Awards will be presented to the top fundraisers. Email jody@jbsports.com to learn more about fundraising.

Sign up now to register, sponsor, donate or raise funds for the April 29^th event.
To register and get full information, go to thedenisefoundation.com or runsignup.com/Race/CT/Hamden/DeniseDAscenzoWalk

The health and safety of participants, volunteers, walk staff, and the community is the event’s top priority. The event will meet or exceed all local and state health requirements.

JB Sports LLC, coordinator of the Faxon Law New Haven Road Race and the Ion Bank Cheshire Road Race, organizes the event. For more information about the walk, go to www.jbsports.com or call 203-481-5933.

The Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to continue Denise’s legacy of love and kindness by supporting advances in medicine and health, women’s and children’s issues, and journalism studies. The Foundation was established shortly after the broadcaster’s sudden death in December 2019. Since then, the Denise D’Ascenzo Foundation has raised funds for community donations, including Hartford Hospital workers in the fight against the Coronavirus pandemic, Connecticut Foodshare as part of Connecticut’s Millions of Meals campaign, the American Heart Association, Dress For Success Hartford, and Mary’s Place, and A Center for Grieving Children & Families in Windsor. For more information about the Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.thedenisefoundation.com.

Westport, CT - Westport Country Playhouse announces the addition to its 2023 season of more Script in Hand playreadings, New Works playreadings, Family Festivities presentations, and Mic in Hand musical events, a new spin-off of the Script in Hand series.

“The pandemic’s impact on theater attendance and ticket sales forced us to cut back our 2023 season from five productions to three,” said Gretchen Wright, interim managing director. “As promised, we’re now filling in the gaps in our performance calendar with additional broadly appealing programming. We plan to be open more often, with more entertainment options for our community.”

Wright added, “Stay tuned for other exciting events to come!”

The inaugural Mic in Hand musical concert will be “Ari Axlerod - A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway,” on Monday, May 15, at 7 p.m. The internationally acclaimed, award-winning show honors the songs, stories, and contributions to American musical theater by Jewish composers, such as Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Schwartz, and Carole King. Tickets are $25.

Agatha Christie’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” a Script in Hand playreading on Monday, June 12, at 7 p.m., is newly adapted for the stage by Mark Shanahan from Christie’s novel. Shanahan, Script in Hand curator, will also direct. The plot focuses on a murder, a mansion, a mysterious cast of suspects, and a puzzle which can only be solved by the great Hercule Poirot himself. Hailed by as “the best whodunit ever written,” the masterpiece of detective fiction cemented Agatha Christie's reputation as the "Queen Of Crime."

The remaining Script in Hand season will include newly added dates August 21 and September 18, and previously announced November 13 and December 11. Titles for these evenings will be announced soon. 

Script in Hand playreadings offer intimate storytelling as professional actors bring the words to life without sets or costumes. The series is supported by Joyce Hergenhan and the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation. Tickets are $25.  

New Works and Family Presentations 

New Works at the Playhouse will offer readings of three brand new theater pieces and an opportunity for audience members to meet the playwright in the lobby following the reading. The series is dedicated to the incubation of plays, musicals, and other works of theater, the development of which are important not only to the Playhouse stage, but to the vitality of the larger art form.

The New Works at the Playhouse series begins with “Bad Accents,” on Monday, April 24, at 7 p.m., written by Matthew Greene and directed by Liam Lonegan, Playhouse assistant artistic director. What starts out as a light-hearted, murder-mystery dinner party among old friends quickly turns into a whodunit in its own right, as crimes from the past resurface in deadly and outrageous ways. Other dates in the New Works at the Playhouse series are June 5 and October 2, titles to be announced. Tickets are $25.  New Works at the Playhouse is sponsored by Marietta Battaglia White.

Newly added Family Festivities presentations include two musicals, “The Pout-Pout Fish” on Sunday, May 21, and “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” on Sunday, June 4.  Each show is produced by TheaterWorksUSA.  Performances, at 1 and 4 p.m., are approximately one-hour in length. Tickets are $25 each.  Family programming is supported by Roz and Bud Siegel.

“The Pout-Pout Fish,” for grades pre-K through two, is a sweeping oceanic musical adventure based on The New York Times bestselling series by Deborah Diesen, with illustrations by Dan Hanna. With a cast of whimsical puppets and live performers, the plot focuses on Mr. Fish who sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl and discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout. 

“The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” for grades K through five, is about a class that gets lost on the way to the planetarium. However, Ms. Frizzle saves the day by blasting into outer space for an epic interplanetary field trip. 

The Playhouse’s three-production 2023 season includes the Tony Award®-winning musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” celebrating in sassy song and dance the legendary composer Fats Waller, playing April 11 through April 29; a reimagining of “Dial ‘M’ for Murder,” the suspenseful thriller of blackmail and revenge, running from July 11 through July 29; and “School Girls; or, The African Mean Girls Play,” a buoyant and biting comedy exploring the universal similarities and glaring differences facing teenage girls across the globe, playing from October 24 through November 11. 

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

For more information and tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.org, email boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org, or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, Tuesday through Friday, 12 to 5 p.m. Stay connected to the Playhouse at westportplayhouse.org, on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse), and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse). Westport Country Playhouse is located at 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. 

Photo: Westport Country Playhouse presents “Ari Axlerod - A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway,” on Monday, May 15, at 7 p.m.

Fairfield, CT - Fairfield University's Irish Studies Program has been hosting its "Irish in Film” Series for 16 years now, and it has become a beloved tradition for both the University community and the wider public. This year's lineup features four award-winning films, each introduced by a faculty member with expertise in Irish Studies. Each screening is free and open to the public, and will take place in the DiMenna-Nyselius Library’s Multimedia Room; light refreshments will be served.

William Abbott, PhD, associate professor of history at Fairfield and director of the Irish Studies Program, will introduce the films and provide context for the historical events portrayed in the story.

On Wednesday, March 22, at 7 p.m. the series continues with The Secret of Kells, a 2009 animated film directed by Tomm Moore and Nora Twomey. The movie tells the story of a young boy living in a medieval Irish monastery who embarks on a quest to complete a legendary book. Maurice Rose, PhD, associate professor of art history, will introduce the film.

On Wednesday, March 29, at 7 p.m. the series presents Brooklyn, a 2015 romantic drama directed by John Crowley and written by Nick Hornby, based on the 2009 novel of the same name by Colm Tóibín. Set in the 1950s, the film follows a young Irish immigrant who moves to New York City and must navigate the challenges of starting a new life in a foreign land. Nels Pearson, PhD, professor of English and expert in Irish literature, will introduce the film.

Finally, on Wednesday, April 12, at 7 p.m. the series concludes with The Secret of Roan Inish, a 1994 family drama directed by John Sayles based on the 1957 novel Secret of the Ron Mor Skerry, by Rosalie K. Fry. Set in a remote fishing village in Ireland, the film tells the story of a young girl who discovers that her family has a mystical connection to the sea. Robert Epstein, PhD, professor of English at Fairfield, will introduce the film.

“The ‘Irish in Film’ Series is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in Irish culture, history, and literature to experience some of the best films from Ireland and the Irish diaspora,” said Dr. Abbott, “They range from lighthearted comedy to intense (and often tragic) drama, and from animated films to documentaries.” 

The series is free and open to the public, and each screening is followed by a question-and-answer session with the faculty member who introduced the film. Don't miss this chance to explore the rich and diverse world of Irish cinema!

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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.

The Kennedy Collective Autism Project is partnering with Band Central to present ‘Spectrum of Rock’, an evening of amazing Rock & Roll music, joy, and fellowship. Band Central was founded by Rob Fried, Connecticut’s own, musician, investment guru and philanthropist, as a platform to create fundraising events that connect giving with joy and entertainment.

In addition to an amazing line-up of local musicians, ‘Spectrum of Rock’ will feature Joe Bouchard, Co-Founder of the iconic 1970s Blue Öyster Cult Band! The event will be held at Park City Music Hall in the dynamic Black Rock area of Bridgeport on Wednesday, March 22 from 7:00 – 10:00 PM.

Proceeds from the event will support The Kennedy Collective Autism Project which provides opportunities for children, teens, and young adults to engage in social and recreational activities while learning skill-building strategies. A variety of immersive programs - including Among Friends Theater Company, Creative Connections, Hanging with Friends, Parents Empowering Parents, Saturday Social, Transition Opportunities for Postsecondary Success, and more - are offered throughout the year, providing opportunities for individuals and families to feel supported, connected, and empowered.

The public is invited to "show up, get down and do good" (Band Central’s Mantra!) and support The Kennedy Collective Autism Project’s vital mission of providing inclusion, skills training, community involvement and creative exploration for young people on the Autism spectrum. 

To purchase tickets, visit the Park City Music Hall website.

To learn more about The Kennedy Collective and how you can support and participate, please visit www.thekennedycollective.org

Milford St. Patrick's Day Parade will step off on Saturday, March 11 at 1pm

The parade will begin at Wasson Field Parking Lot on W. Main Street. Marchers will make their way through the traditional parade route to North Broad Street Gazebo. The route is about 45 minutes. There will be parking restrictions in place, so plan accordingly.

We are excited to announce Linda Hardiman as our 2023 parade Grand Marshal. Linda has been a Milford resident since 1973 and a long-time community servant as a City Constable. Linda was a charter member of the Irish Heritage Society and participated, with her late husband Marty, in organizing the Milford Saint Patrick's Parade for many years.

*Image and information courtesy Milford St. Patrick's Day Parade Facebook page.