<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced this year’s National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Congratulations to New Canaan resident Eric Huang, a student at New Canaan High School, who was named a National Merit $2500 Scholarship winner. Huang’s probable career field: Computer Science.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">By the conclusion of this year’s competition, more than 6,930 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $26 million. NMSC finances most of these single-payment National Merit $2500 Scholarships. Corporations and company foundations that sponsor awards through NMSC help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of paying administrative fees. Donations made to NMSC’s President’s Fund also provide funding for some National Merit $2500 Scholarships awards. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">Join us under the moonlight for our annual gala and fundraiser on the beautiful campus of the New Canaan Museum &amp; Historical Society on May 30 at 6:30 pm. We will dance to the music of Fake ID Band and dine on delicious food prepared by Diane Browne Catering. There will be cigars and spirit tastings on the Historic Trail. You will be supporting our fabulous museum dedicated to New Canaan and its vibrant history. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">This event sold out last year, so don’t delay-get your&nbsp;</span><a href="http://nchistory.org/events-and-programs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(35, 63, 146); background-color: transparent;"><strong>tickets&nbsp;</strong></a>($325) <span style="color: rgb(112, 112, 112);">today!</span></p>

<p><strong>Protect Your Privacy at Fairfield County Bank’s Shred Day in Norwalk</strong></p><p>Fairfield County Bank is helping community members take a proactive step in protecting their privacy with a free Shred Day event on <strong>Saturday, May 10, 2025</strong>, from <strong>9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.</strong> at the <strong>Broad River Office</strong>, located at <strong>121 New Canaan Avenue, Norwalk, CT</strong>.</p><p>Open to the public, the event invites individuals and households to safely dispose of sensitive personal documents, reducing the risk of identity theft. Whether you're clearing out old tax returns, medical records, utility bills, or other paperwork containing confidential information, this is a secure and convenient way to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.</p><p>Common items accepted include:</p><ul><li>Tax documents</li><li>Medical records</li><li>Utility bills</li><li>Credit card statements</li><li>Payroll information</li><li>Any documents with personal identifying details</li></ul><p>Hosted in partnership with ProShred Security, the event is part of Fairfield County Bank’s ongoing commitment to community security and financial wellness. Please note that Fairfield County Bank is not affiliated with ProShred Security.</p><p>To learn more about what to bring and what to expect, visit:</p><p> <a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/ShredDays2025/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/ShredDays2025/index.html</a></p><p>Have questions? Contact Fairfield County Bank at 203-431-7431 </p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Get ready to tee it up in style. The nonprofit USA Junior Golf Federation is proud to partner with Midspring women’s golf apparel to host a fun-filled Women’s Golf Day celebration on Sunday, June 1, on The National short course at The Golf Performance Center.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Midspring, co-founded by childhood best friends and Ridgefield High School grads Meredith (Maher) Carmody and Shannon (Galowski) Arniel, blends performance with polish. Their high-quality line of women’s golf apparel transitions effortlessly from the course to the everyday.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Our line is designed with three pillars at the foundation of all of our styles: performance functionality, flattering fits and fashion femininity. We appeal to the most experienced of players as well as the novice recreational golfer and have clientele spanning all ages and stages. Regardless of your level of play, we hope our styles make you feel confident as you move throughout your day from the course, to courts, to calls, to carpools, to cocktails and everywhere in between,” says Carmody.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Women’s Golf Day isn’t just swings and putts—it’s a Sunday well spent. Think good company, a little golf guidance, tasty bites, bubbly in hand, and a breezy 9-hole round on The National. Guests will also have the chance to shop Midspring’s latest collection and enjoy a mimosa bar and brunch bites throughout the morning.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Grab your girls, your clubs, and make your way to The Golf Performance Center for a morning of fun, fashion, and fresh air. Whether you're a seasoned player or just golf-curious, this event is a great way to get into the game—or just enjoy a mimosa while browsing some great gear. No clubs? No problem. Registration is required to play, no need to register if you’re just stopping by to sip and shop.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"We’re thrilled to partner with Midspring to promote Women’s Golf Day! We want to work together to engage, empower and support girls and women through golf to build a foundation that creates a network to support the continuation of golf no matter what skill level while engaging in a charitable cause at a local level,” says Kim Genzburg, Executive Director of USA Junior Golf Federation.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The National, a 9-hole course designed for speed and enjoyment, offers a refreshing take on the game—quick enough to play in under 40 minutes and open for public play. Located at 824 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield, The Golf Performance Center is changing how we play, learn, and love golf.A portion of the event proceeds from Midspring sales will support the USA Junior Golf</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Federation’s scholarship program at The Golf Performance Academy.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Register here:</span><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/womens-golf-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/womens-golf-day" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/womens-golf-day/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">About Midspring</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Midspring creates refined, functional golf apparel for women who want to feel comfortable, capable, and confident. Designed to transition seamlessly from a morning on the green to the rest of your day, Midspring is committed to celebrating the everyday athlete in every woman. Learn more</span><a href="https://midspringsport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://midspringsport.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://midspringsport.com/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">About USA Junior Golf Federation</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A 501(C)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and educating the next generation of aspiring junior golf athletes. The Federation is committed to providing junior golfers at The Golf Performance Academy with the financial assistance and support they may need to enable them to excel on their way to playing collegiate golf and beyond. Learn more here (I don't know how to embed the link :) )</span><a href="https://usajuniorgolffederation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://usajuniorgolffederation.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">https://usajuniorgolffederation.org/</a></p>

<p>Every Friday from June 13 through Labor Day (excluding July 4) | 4 to 7 pm head to The Aldrich for Happy Hour! Free with Museum admission; Add two alcoholic beverage tickets for $10 for Members or $12 for Non-Members ages 21+</p><p>Every Friday this summer, we’re keeping the Museum open late until 7 pm for a lively and relaxing happy hour experience. Enjoy tours featuring hand-selected works from our current exhibitions led by Aldrich Educators and unleash your creativity with fun, hands-on activities and games in The Studio. Or simply unwind in our newly renovated Sculpture Garden, where you can mingle with friends and enjoy the outdoors. Sip on $6 wine and seasonal beers from Nod Hill Brewery while you take in the art and atmosphere.</p><p>Ease into your weekend before heading into town for dinner. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Happy Hour Fridays at The Aldrich offer a delightful jumpstart to your weekend!</p><p>*Please note there will be no Happy Hour on Friday, July 4.</p><p>Learn more and purchase tickets <a href="https://thealdrich.org/events/sunday-afternoon-sessions-5-2-2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<h4>Important Vendor Information for Saturday July 19th Please Read Before Submitting Application</h4><p>Event Date: Saturday July 19th 9:00 am – 4:00 pm</p><ul><li>Elm, Forest and Main Street between Burtis and East Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic creating a “pedestrian mall”</li><li>All vendor/organization booths will be placed on the Street</li><li>Plan on dropping off all equipment and have your vehicle off the Street by 7:45 am</li><li>Outside vendor space allowance is 10 x 10. Street level existing retailers have the entire width of their store front</li><li>Each vendor is responsible for their own tents, tables chairs etc</li><li>The Application is not complete until both Booth Fee and Membership dues are paid.&nbsp;</li><li>Application,&nbsp;Membership Dues and Booth Fee payments are due NO Later than Friday June 21st</li><li>Each approved vendor will receive an email&nbsp;confirming their exact placement and final day of instructions by July 9th.</li></ul><p><strong>Your Sidewalk Sale application is not valid until Chamber Membership Dues are up to date. The Chamber Office will review the Business/Organization’s application and if Chamber Membership Dues are not current, email a 2025 Dues invoice within 48 hours. Dues and Vendor Fee must be paid by June 21st in order to participate.</strong></p><p><a href="https://newcanaanchamber.com/sidewalk-sale-vendor-application-page/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255); background-color: rgb(31, 176, 93);">REGISTER NOW</a></p><p><br></p>