Stories
<p>NEW FAIRFIELD PARK & RECREATION TOWN FAIR</p><p>Saturday, October 19th</p><p>12-5PM On Memorial Field (behind Town Hall)</p><p>The O N L Band & Westchester Circus Aerial/Acrobatic Arts performing throughout the day.</p><p><br></p><p>Entertainment Sponsors: The Nicholas J. DiTullio Foundation, New Fairfield Animal Hospital, NF Democratic Town Committee, New Fairfield Mobil, Savings Bank of Danbury, and World Champion Taekwondo</p><p><br></p><p>• Over 50 Local Businesses & Organizations offering FREE giveaways, crafts, games, lessons, and more!</p><p>• NF Fire Department Truck Showcase</p><p>• Children's activities</p><p>• Food and Beverages by Biscotti’s Restaurant, Moonlight Mobil Kitchen, & Jesse’s Ice Cream</p><p>• Beer & Wine Garden by Biscotti’s Restaurant</p><p><br></p><p><strong>For information call:203-312-5633</strong></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>US Senator Blumenthal to join progressive “Evening of Education & Action” this Monday, Sept 30 at the Ridgefield Playhouse</strong></p><p>US Senator Blumenthal will join the local progressive convention “Evening of Education & Action” which focuses on issues including the possible effects of Project 2025, reproductive rights, immigration, housing, civil rights, and the economy. This Monday Sept 30 at the Ridgefield Playhouse, six expert speakers will “educate” and 24 organizations will have “Action Tables” where attendees can learn more about causes that resonate with them.</p><p>“We know that people are overwhelmed. Women have died because of abortion bans. Housing is limited. The presidential election looms. We created this event so that people could feel in control; they can hear experts, ask questions, and chat with a huge range of organizations in-person,” said Ridgefield resident Glori Norwitt, who organized the event with friends Jessica Mancini and Erin Byrne.</p><p>Speakers will cover a range of important topics:</p><ul><li>Dan Barrett, Legal Director of ACLU of CT, speaking on Project 2025</li><li>Amanda Skinner, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, speaking on reproductive rights</li><li>Glenda Armstrong, President of Danbury NAACP, speaking on civil rights</li><li>Dan O’Keefe, speaking on the economy</li><li>Sarah Fox, CEO of CT Coalition to End Homelessness, speaking on housing</li><li>Maggie Mitchell Salem, Executive Director of IRIS, speaking on immigration</li><li>Afterward, Q&A will be moderated by Karen DuBois-Walton.</li></ul><p>In the lobby of the Playhouse, 24 organizations will have “Action Tables” where attendees can learn more, sign up to volunteer, and/or donate, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Moms Demand Action</strong> (gun violence prevention)</li><li><strong>She Leads Justice</strong> (advocating for under-resourced, marginalized women in CT)</li><li><strong>Community Food Rescue / CAAWC</strong> (helping people and strengthening community)</li><li><strong>203 Action</strong> (tri-partisan community activist group)</li><li><strong>New American Dream</strong> (immigrant support re-education, health & civic engagement)</li><li><strong>Girls With Impact</strong> (business and leadership education for girls)</li><li><strong>The Center for Empowerment and Education</strong> (domestic violence, sexual assault, bullying, separation, divorce, self-esteem)</li><li><strong>Make the Road CT</strong> (improving healthcare for CT immigrants)</li><li><strong>Planned Parenthood SNE</strong> (essential health care, abortion care, sex education)</li><li><strong>PPVotesCT </strong>(advocacy for reproductive rights)</li><li><strong>CT Against Gun Violence</strong> (gun violence prevention)</li><li><strong>ACLU of CT Rise Pac</strong> (defend and expand civil rights and liberties)</li><li><strong>Danbury NAACP</strong> (civil rights to eliminate race-based discrimination)</li><li><strong>CT Coalition to End Homelessness</strong> (organizing and assistance to end homelessness)</li><li><strong>Triangle Community Center</strong> (programming and resources for LGBTQ+ community)</li><li><strong>Ridgefield Pride</strong> (programming and resources for LGBTQ+ community)</li><li><strong>Bethel CT Pride</strong> (programming and resources for LGBTQ+ community)</li><li><strong>Apex Community Care</strong> (advocacy and health services)</li><li><strong>Ridgefield Democratic Town</strong> <strong>Committee </strong></li><li><strong>IRIS</strong> (assistance for refugees and immigrants from around the world) </li><li><strong>ReSisters</strong> (grassroots activists promoting progressive causes)</li><li><strong>The Reach Fund of CT</strong> (provides financial assistance to abortion patients in CT)</li><li><strong>States United</strong> (gun violence prevention)</li></ul><p>Additionally, ACLU of CT Rise PAC has partnered with <strong>Ben & Jerry’s</strong> and will serve free ice cream, to remind everyone of the importance of voting.Attendees can also chat with current and prospective legislators in the lobby. Confirmed to join are State Senator Julie Kushner, State Senator Ceci Maher, State Senate Candidate Nick Simmons, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, State Rep Farley Santos, and State Rep Candidate Savet Constantine.</p><p>Attendees can purchase $10 tickets at<a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/wilton-connecticut/stories/impactmultiplying.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"> </a><a href="impactmultiplying.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">impactmultiplying.com</a> or at the door.</p><p>Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages at “impactmultiplying”.</p><p>Doors open at 6:00pm. Speakers begin at 6:30pm.</p>
<p>The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) will hold its annual SafeWalk virtually the weekend of October 4th – October 6th, 2024. SafeWalk’s Honorary Chair this year is Ridgefield resident, Kathy Graham. SafeWalk is CEE’s premier event to unite the community in our vision to create safer communities free from interpersonal violence for all individuals in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties <span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">as well as</span> raise much-needed funds to support our no-cost programs and services. Safewalk is one of CEE’s three major fundraising events and contributes to nearly 50% of the organization’s budget which is raised through private donations. </p><p>Individuals and teams are encouraged to walk, run, and fundraise from the comfort of their own home/communities. Choose a time anytime that weekend that works with your schedule, hop on a treadmill, walk around your neighborhood, or meet up with a group of friends and don your SafeWalk t-shirt (included with the registration fee.) Hashtag your photos to #safewalk2024. People of all ages are encouraged to participate and create their own personal peer-to-peer fundraising page to encourage family and friends to sponsor them with a donation. You can visit <a href="http://www.thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.thecenterct.org</a> to get started!</p><p>There is also an option to register your pet. Pet registration includes a pet bandana. Participants are encouraged to walk with their pets and send CEE the photos at <a href="mailto:linda.c@thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">linda.c@thecenterct.org</a>.</p><p>“CEE offers <strong>hope</strong> that your life can be different - that you can and are entitled to live a life free from violence. CEE offers resources to their clients - 24/7 hotlines, counseling, and a shelter for those fleeing violent situations who have nowhere else to go. They go into our schools to teach our youth about healthy relationships, but to offer these no-cost services CEE needs monetary support. Safewalk is one of the many ways we can fundraise to support their critical work,” says Kathy Graham, Honorary Co-Chair.</p><p>To create a fundraising team or sponsor this event, please contact Linda Cummins, Special Events Manager at 203-731-5200 x232 or linda.c@<a href="thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thecenterct.org</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">If you or someone you know needs support, our no-cost confidential hotlines are available 24/7. Please call, CEE is here, we believe you, and we support you. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">Domestic Violence Hotline (203)731-5206</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">Sexual Assault Hotline (203)731-5204</span></p>
<p>September 23, 2024 - The public is invited to Wisdom House Retreat & Conference Center in Litchfield for an Open House celebration of the 75 years of the presence of the Daughters of Wisdom, the founders of Wisdom House, in Litchfield.</p><p>The Open House will be held from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5th, with official remarks at 3:45 p.m. in the chapel, followed by light refreshments.</p><p>The mission of the Daughters of Wisdom is the “seeking and contemplation of Divine Wisdom in a world that hungers for meaning, justice, and compassion.”</p><p>Originally founded in France in the early 18th century by St. Louis-Marie de Montfort and Blessed Marie Louise Trichet, the Daughters of Wisdom established their presence in Litchfield in 1949 by creating a novitiate in a rural farmhouse, a training center for young women interested in joining the order of the Daughters of Wisdom.” The farmhouse still stands on the current property. In the 1960s, as the order grew the adjacent, expansive brick building was built and later became Wisdom House, an interfaith retreat and conference center.</p><p>Through the past 75 years, the Daughters have significantly contributed to health care, education, spiritual development, and charitable efforts throughout the local region. Their work in Litchfield includes involvement with their brother community, the Montfort Missionaries at the Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield.</p><p>Today Wisdom House is a well-recognized retreat and conference center that welcomes thousands of people, offering hospitality as well as programs in spirituality, wellness, the arts, education, social justice, and ecology for individuals, as well as academic, civic, nonprofit, and business organizations. “Every year, we welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs,” stated executive director Deborah Kelly. “Remarks and special displays on October 5th will reflect on the notably rich history of the Center, plus recognition of their 75 years of contributions to the Litchfield County region, and a review of events through the decades that have honored the spiritual and charitable work of the Daughters of Wisdom.”</p><p>During the October 5th Open House, several sisters from the Daughters of Wisdom order will provide insights into the history of Wisdom House along with other special guests.</p><p>Between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. on October 5th, visitors will be invited to view special exhibits created for this 75th celebration and to stroll through the Retreat and Conference Center and across the beautiful grounds in the rural Litchfield Hills countryside.</p><p>Wisdom House Retreat and Conference Center is at 229 East Litchfield Road in Litchfield. The October 5th Open House event is free. Reservations are not required but are encouraged by visiting <a href="http://www.wisdomhouse.org/programs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.wisdomhouse.org/programs</a> or calling Wisdom House at 860-567-3163.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that President Joe Biden has <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gdlykjl-thjikyltn-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>approved</strong></a> his <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gdlykjl-thjikyltn-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>request</strong></a> for a major disaster declaration due to the historic rainfall and extreme flooding that impacted towns and cities in western Connecticut on August 18, 2024.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">By approving this declaration, President Biden is making federal funding available to affected individuals in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County. Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. President Biden has also authorized funding for hazard mitigation measures to be implemented statewide.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“This historic weather event caused significant damage to homes and businesses in western Connecticut, and the approval of this major disaster declaration means that individuals will be able to access federal funding to support their recovery efforts, particularly when it comes to the rebuilding of uninsured infrastructure,” <strong>Governor Lamont said</strong>. “I appreciate President Biden for approving this declaration, which will be a major benefit for the people who were impacted by this storm. I also thank FEMA and the Small Business Administration for working with my administration to make this declaration possible.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gdlykjl-thjikyltn-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>www.DisasterAssistance.gov</strong></a>, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gdlykjl-thjikyltn-q/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>FEMA app</strong></a>. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, through collaboration with FEMA and the Small Business Administration, is working to identify locations in the impacted counties to open disaster recovery and business recovery centers that will provide in-person support to help affected individuals apply for assistance. An additional announcement will be made once those locations and hours of operations are identified.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p><br></p>
<p><strong>Local Jeweler and supplier to ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" Anne Koplik is holding a Showroom Sale today and tomorrow, September 14 & 15 at their location, 173 Main Street in the Village of Brewster, NY.</strong></p><p><strong>Sale hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days.</strong></p><p><br></p><p><strong>All of their jewelry is handmade in Brewster and you will find a huge selection of one of a kind pieces at up to 75% off their regular everyday prices.</strong></p><p><strong><em>Parking is available in the front and rear of the building</em></strong></p>
<p>Ridgefield Theater Barn's production of The Prom is a heartwarming and thought-provoking celebration of individuality and acceptance. The talented cast, led by Audra James as Emma, Marilyn Olsen as DeeDee Allen, Anthony Laszlo as Barry Glickman, Rachel Rosado as Angie Dickinson, and Michael Valinati as Trent Oliver deliver standout performances that captivate the audience from start to finish.</p><p>The show tells the story of Emma, an Indiana high school student that just wants to take her girlfriend to the Prom. The local PTA steps in to protect "The Children...." and it makes it to Twitter. Meanwhile, In New York City, a quartet of self-absorbed Broadway performers, coming off a horrendous opening night, decide to find a cause to polish up their images. One scroll</p><p>through Twitter (Now X) lands them in small town Indiana coming to "rescue" Emma and be her champions. Things do not go to plan, and everyone, from the ensemble to the stars, travel growth arcs of action with beautiful toe tapping music by Matthew Sklar, and a sweet parable in the book and lyrics by Chad Beguelin/book by Bob Martin.</p><p>Ms. James’ Emma anchors the show with her midwestern charm and vocal chops, reeling us in one great song after another. The duet "Dance With You" with Ms Sussman's Alyssa, is poignantly beautiful.</p><p>The Broadway "Stars" are hilarious, with all four of them at the top of their game. The</p><p>juxtaposition of their lives and narcissisms play so well against the midwestern small town, and in the end, all of them grow, and find their empathic humanity.</p><p>Mr. Laszlo as Barry Glickman walks the tightrope of camp and humanity expertly, and Ms. Olsen's Deedee is Faith Prince incarnate, with a powerhouse voice and depth of feeling that keeps this role, which could be played as a two-dimensional caricature, firmly rooted in a three dimensional tour de force.</p><p>Speaking of powerhouse voices, it is not until the 10th number and just two from the end of the first act before we hear Mr. Hawkins played by Fred Rueck sing. But sing he does in the number "We Look To You" with one of the warmest baritones around, serving tenderness and strength simultaneously.</p><p>Michael Valinati as Trent Oliver takes the ensemble to school with his hilarious 2nd act number, "Love Thy Neighbor" and Ms. Rosado in her duet with Ms. James "Zazz," is breathtaking. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Karen Warheit's Mrs. Greene. the PTA head spearheading the opposition to Emma's participation in the Prom.</p><p><br></p><p>As antihero's go, she does a yeoman's job of being the villain while at the same time, revealing the grey areas of the heart. The ensemble’s energy is infectious, with highlights including Zach Hudson as Sheldon Saperstein, Sarah Paschal as Shelby, Zoe Anderson as Kaylee, David Chuba as Kevin, Robert Failia as Nick, and Kristin Aug as Mrs. Greene's Friend. The supporting cast, both adult and teen, brings an incredible level of talent and enthusiasm to the stage, including Heather Burlant, Garrett Levine, Liza Kaplan Montanino, Benjamin Olsen, Carlie Zucker, Matthew Donovan, Denise Hubbard, Katie Kelly, Craig David Rosen, Jasmin Salas, Kimberly Shay, and Charlotte Walsh. Every single member of the Ensemble has a distinct character that carried through all their appearances, and just the logistics of having them all on stage dancing shows the commitment to the piece and the respect for the choreography. Director Debra Lee Failla's inspired direction, Bonnie Gregson's on-point and technically impressive choreography, and John Failla's perfect musical direction of the talented live</p><p>orchestra create a seamless and exhilarating production. The show's energy is palpable, and the cast clearly pour their hearts into every number.</p><p>Overall, The Prom at Ridgefield Theater Barn, now in its 60th season, is a must-see for fans of the classic musical. The talented cast, combined with the energetic direction and choreography, create a truly unforgettable experience celebrating love, acceptance and the power of change.</p><p>Performances take place Friday and Saturday evenings from September 6th through September 28th at 8pm, with Sunday matinees September 15th and 22nd at 5pm.</p><p>SPECIAL PERFORMANCES: Friday, September 13 - Family Night! (no alcohol), including</p><p>Pre-Show Community Panel on Resources for LGBTQ+ Youth; Sunday, September 15th, Pay-What-You-Want matinee. Tickets are $40 for adults, $35 for seniors/students/veterans. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. Tickets can be purchased at <a href="https://ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org./" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org.</a></p>