<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">New Canaan resident Christopher Dunleavy, an eighth-grader at Saint Mary School in Ridgefield, is not your typical teenager. While he enjoys babysitting, playing basketball, and engaging in video games with friends, it's his compassionate initiative that truly sets him apart. Shown here is Christopher with fellow New Cannanite Carter in front of The Toy Chest in New Canaan, just one of the outings this duo embarks upon!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As part of his Saint Mary School Capstone Project—a year-long program that encourages students to pursue meaningful, self-directed learning—Christopher has dedicated himself to making a meaningful difference in the life of his neighbor, Carter, who lives with cerebral palsy.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Cerebral palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle tone, and posture. Understanding the challenges Carter faces, Christopher embarked on a mission to ensure his friend feels included and valued. "Everyone is a child of God, and everyone deserves to have a great life," Christopher explains. His goal is to be a consistent companion to Carter, engaging him in activities and fostering a sense of belonging.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Here, we sit down with Christopher to find out more about his time with Carter and to learn about what’s at the heart of this special friendship.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Can you share one of your favorite memories or moments from your time spent with Carter?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">My favorite memory is when Carter's mom was explaining something to him, and he just rolled his eyes because he had to pause the video game. Carter has one of the best eye rolls ever!</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What have you learned about friendship and inclusivity by getting to know Carter?</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">I have learned that friendship is one of the most important things in life, because just seeing one of your friends can make your day. Your friends are also always there for you to cheer you up, and you can always count on them.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">How has your perspective on helping others changed since you started spending time with Carter?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">My perspective on helping others has changed a lot since I first started to babysit Carter. I realized that you get an amazing feeling when you help out kids like him, and just everyone in general.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What do you hope others take away from your project and the way you’ve supported Carter?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">I hope that people are moved by this, and I hope that people can cherish every moment they have with their friends. I also hope people can try to go out of their way to help people like Carter.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Thank you to Christopher for sharing this story of love, friendship and compassion. You are living Mother Teresa’s message: “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend April 4-6 </strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">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 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/verso-university-presents-a-guided-art-tour-of-fairfield-university-art-museum-s-dawn-dusk-exhibit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Guided Art Tour of Fairfield University Art Museum’s 'Dawn &amp; Dusk' Exhibit</strong></a></p><p><strong>Verso University, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 4, 10:30 am - 11:30 am</p><p>Take a break from the everyday and immerse yourself in the art of the late 19th and early 20th century Tonalist movement. Fairfield University Adjunct Professor of Art History Ive Covaci will lead an exploration of the paintings in this exciting and evocative show.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/healthy-eating-on-a-budget-the-price-is-right-for-your-health" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Healthy Eating on a Budget: The Price is Right for Your Health</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bethel Public Library, Bethel</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 4, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Eating healthy doesn't have to break the bank! Join us for an engaging presentation on how to eat that is both good for your health and for your wallet. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/decades---wilton-library-s-spring-gala-fundraiser" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>“Decades” Spring Gala Fundraiser</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Library, Wilton</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 4, 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The evening will honor the past decades, bring us together for a festive party, and raise funds to help ensure a strong future. T</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/la-cage-aux-folles-be789" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>La Cage Aux Folles</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music Theatre of CT, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 4, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Fairfield County’s award-winning professional theatre company, concludes its 38th season with the Tony Award winning musical, La Cage Aux Folles. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bruce-birthday-bash" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bruce Birthday Bash</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate with them, as they mark two years of art, science, and discovery in their new building!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/re-framing-95-interactive-art-installation-and-walking-tours" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Re-Framing 95: Interactive Art Installation and Walking Tours</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Enjoy a unique, interactive art installation and guided walking tours around the Greenwich Historical Society campus and the National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rediscover-greenwich-historic-tours-and-art-installations" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rediscover Greenwich: Historic Tours and Art Installations</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Greenwich Historical Society and Untapped New York present Rediscover Greenwich: A series of on- and off-site interactive tours, art installations and exhibitions. Launching on April 5th and on view through June 30th.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ct-innovation-and-industry-sikorsky-aircraft-with-art-gottlieb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>CT Innovation and Industry: Sikorsky Aircraft with Art Gottlieb</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bridgeport Public Library, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Local historian Art Gottlieb will give a special presentation on the history of Sikorsky Aircraft, the well known aviation company that was primarily located in Stratford, CT and a leading innovator and supplier of helicopters.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/opening-reception-for-ellen-gordon-s-a-creative-journey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Opening Reception for Ellen Gordon's "A Creative Journey"</strong></a></p><p><strong>GR Art Gallery, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>This exhibition is a retrospective of paintings and drawings by the artist created since 2009. In 2009 Ms. Gordon had her first solo exhibition entitled “A Creative Journey” at the Stamford Mayor’s Gallery. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/master-organist---james-o-donnell-organist-emeritus-of-westminster-abbey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Master Organist - James O’Donnell-Organist Emeritus of Westminster Abbey</strong></a></p><p><strong>Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Internationally recognized as a conductor, organist and teacher, James O’Donnell has performed all over the world. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-25th-annual-putnam-county-spelling-bee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Canaan Library, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Connecticut Stage Company is once again bringing Broadway stars back to New Canaan for their second show this season with the hilarious musical: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-andes-music-of-the-mountains" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Andes: Music of the Mountains</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Join INTEMPO for their annual Cultural Crossover Concert, celebrating The Andes: Music of the Mountains, in partnership with the Norwalk Youth Symphony. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/voices-cafe-presents-lucy-kaplansky-with-dustin-lowman-opening" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Lucy Kaplansky with Dustin Lowman Opening</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>This concert promises two of the best singer/songwriters you will ever get to see, and we are thrilled to have them with us for just this one Spring evening. Scott Simon shares, "utterly beautiful and affecting, Lucy sings songs from her life that have resonance in ours.” The New Yorker shares “Lucy is a truly gifted performer, with a bag full of enchanting songs.”</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/absolute-queen-with-special-guest-absolute-def-leppard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Absolute Queen with Special Guest Absolute Def Leppard</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>ABSOLUTE QUEEN has spent hundreds of hours in the studio studying Queen’s many layered harmony vocals and instrumentation to bring you the most authentic sounding Queen Live experience. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/returning-a-solo-exhibition-featuring-bri-custer-20171" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Returning: A Solo Exhibition featuring Bri Custer</strong></a></p><p><strong>Sorelle Gallery, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 5, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>Bri Custer is a plein air painter investigating perception, memory, and color through the New England Landscape. She is currently a full-time artist based in Concord, New Hampshire with her husband Bryan, daughter Helen, and their hound-lab mix, Vinny.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/farm-forest-all-terrain-5k-run" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Farm &amp; Forest All-Terrain 5K Run</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 6, 8:00 am - 10:30 am</p><p>The Run Route will include paved paths throughout Heckscher Farm, scenic nature trails, wooden boardwalks and more. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fred-elser-first-sunday-science-introduction-to-shellfishing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fred Elser First Sunday Science: Introduction to Shellfishing</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Bruce Museum Seaside Center, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 6, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>This event coincides with low tide so come prepared to spend some time in the mud. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bruce-experiences-tanka-poetry-reading-and-translation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bruce Experiences: Tanka Poetry Reading and Translation</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 6, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Join them for a special afternoon of Japanese tanka poetry reading in translation with author and editor Nancy Matsumoto! The reading and discussion will take place in the gallery with the Isamu Noguchi: Metal the Mirror exhibition, on view April 5–November 16, 2025.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/project-music-king-school-present-the-10th-annual-el-sistema-residency" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>PROJECT MUSIC &amp; King School present the 10th Annual El Sistema Residency</strong></a></p><p><strong>King School Performing Arts Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 6, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>Each year, El Sistema Residency brings together young musicians from across the East Coast for a powerful weekend of artistic collaboration, cultural exchange, and collective music-making.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/michael-feinstein---because-of-you-a-tribute-to-tony-bennett-featuring-the-carnegie-hall-ensemble" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Michael Feinstein - Because of You: A Tribute to Tony Bennett Featuring the Carnegie Hall Ensemble</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 6, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Michael Feinstein’s close friendship with Tony Bennett adds a profound layer to this tribute, as their camaraderie brings authenticity and depth to each note performed. </p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> </p>

<h4 class="ql-align-justify">Join us for a Kentucky Derby Party to benefit the New Canaan Inn! Come out to The Inn, 73 Oenoke Ridge,&nbsp;where doors will open at 5:30pm on Saturday, May 3rd&nbsp;for Mint Juleps, hors d’oeuvres and viewing of the 151st&nbsp;Run for the Roses. Financial proceeds benefit The Inn. $150 per person, click&nbsp;<strong>Kentucky Derby Ticket</strong>&nbsp;below to purchase. Can’t attend? Click&nbsp;<strong>Kentucky Derby Donation</strong>&nbsp;below to donate. Thank you for your support of the New Canaan Inn.</h4><p>Purchase tickets <a href="https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?id=1.&amp;name=E344664" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong><u>2025 Clean Your Mile</u></strong></p><p>We need your help once again to beautify our Town, Parks, schools and neighborhoods!&nbsp;The Town of New Canaan, is joining forces with the Chamber of Commerce and Planet New Canaan for the 2025&nbsp;<strong><em>Clean Your Mile</em></strong>.&nbsp;For the last several years, the&nbsp;<strong><em>Clean Your Mile</em></strong>&nbsp;effort has included three key components: New Canaan citizens individually tackling neighborhoods; community groups scouring public spaces including parks and schools; and the Chamber's efforts with merchants to clean up sidewalks, storage areas and parking spaces surrounding the shops and restaurants in the downtown village district.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><em>Clean Your Mile</em></strong>&nbsp;is scheduled for the week of&nbsp;<strong>April 21-April 27&nbsp;</strong>but you are welcome to participate anytime! Individual volunteers and members of numerous community organizations help give New Canaan its annual spring cleaning, beautifying our Town and environment. Youth Groups and Civic organizations are asked to clean the Parks, parking lots, schools and public areas where they have volunteered in previous years.&nbsp;We welcome families to organize neighborhood teams to clean up roadside trash on their street.&nbsp;All help is appreciated.&nbsp;</p><p><em>Please note that</em>&nbsp;upon completion of neighborhood CYM collection, volunteers are asked to notify the Highway Department with the location of bags for pick up by calling 203-594-3704.&nbsp;Volunteers are asked to secure bags for pick up and place on grassy shoulder and not along roadways.</p><p>New this year, Walter Stewart's Market and Planet New Canaan, will be providing a promotional give-away, while supplies last, for those who participate in Clean Your Mile - details forthcoming.</p><p>Garbage bags and a limited supply of grabbers for loan are available for pick up at the Town Hall-Public Works Department or Inland Wetlands.&nbsp;Dumpsters will be located in the train station commuter lot Friday-Sunday.&nbsp;Remember to work safe when cleaning roadside.</p><p><br></p>

<p>New Canaan, CT – Filling in the Blanks (FITB), a nonprofit dedicated to combating childhood hunger, is excited to announce its Seventh Annual Unite to Fight 5K, set to take place on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Waveny Park in New Canaan, CT. This event is a vital part of FITB’s ongoing mission to provide nutritious meals to children in need over the weekends.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">The race will generate essential funding for FITB to continue supporting 10,000 children weekly at locations across Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam Counties through their weekend meal program and school-based pantries. Proceeds from the race will also support FITB’s newest initiative, The Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry. The mobile pantry launched in October 2023 and, to date, has served 698,000 pounds of food to thousands of local families, specifically in Norwalk, Bridgeport and Stamford. With less than 1% of food donated to FITB’s program, funding from the race plays a pivotal role in addressing the growing demand for FITB’s multiple food assistance programs for families struggling with food insecurity.</span></p><p>This year’s event is proudly sponsored for the third consecutive year by&nbsp;<strong>Silver Golub &amp; Teitell LLP</strong>.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">"The Unite to Fight 5k supports the incredible and, unfortunately, necessary work that Filling in the Blanks does to combat childhood hunger in Fairfield County and beyond. And it's a fun event for all the family." says&nbsp;</span>Silver Golub &amp; Teitell partner Peter Dreyer.</p><p>Register today at&nbsp;<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewCanaan/UnitetoFight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/NewCanaan/UnitetoFight</a></p><p>For more information on Filling in the Blanks visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fillingintheblanks.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">https://www.fillingintheblanks.org/</a></p>

<p>The New Canaan Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Clubs of New Canaan and Stamford are proud to announce that they will combine efforts this year and host the 2025 Community Cup – a charity golf event. As both the Chamber and the Rotary’s mission is to serve the community, winnings from the event will be directed to local nonprofit organizations.</p><p>The Tournament will be held at the Silvermine Golf Club on Monday May 19th, 2024.&nbsp;The afternoon kicks off with a barbecue lunch followed by a 1:00 pm shotgun start and played in a “Shamble” format. Four local businesses will be donating prize money for the teams with the lowest net score, to the local nonprofit of each foursome’s choosing – a real win-win! There will be a casual cocktail party and buffet dinner after the 18-hole tournament where other members of the community can join in on the fun.</p><p>The opportunity to play for your favorite local charity will not end with the top teams. There will be other challenges during the play (i.e., Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin) sponsored by a variety of local businesses. These contests will give all players the chance to have their winnings donated to charitable organizations as well.</p><p>While the goal of the 2025 Community Cup is to raise funds to support the Rotary’s Charitable works and the community events produced by the Chamber, we can all agree that a round of no-stress golf is an enjoyable way to make new connections and provide an opportunity to mix and mingle with nearby business and community leaders.</p><p>Learn more and register <a href="https://newcanaanchamber.com/2025/03/24/2025-community-cup-sign-up" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://newcanaanchamber.com/2025/03/24/2025-community-cup-sign-up/</a></p>