Stories

On the Children's Shelf: When your secrets go viral…

<p>How do you keep things private in a digital age? When things can easily be shared online? When hackers can access devices and cloud storage, is anything ever really safe?</p><p>In “In Case You Missed It” by Sarah Darer Littman we see what happens when your safe protected cloud storage is hacked and shared online. Sammy, a high school junior is busy with the APs and getting her driver’s license. She keeps a personal diary on her computer so her little brother can’t find it and read it.</p><p>Sammy’s dad is the CEO of a major bank. He is under enormous stress because there are protesters outside the bank protesting bank actions. Sammy is aware of his stress, but she’s a teenager busy with her own school stress. While it might seem like there is no overlap, their whole world is turned upside down when hackers hack into bank documents then turn their attack on her father, personally. They hack into the family’s cloud storage and start sharing everything they find online…including Sammy’s personal diary.</p><p>Every thought, every frustration, the time she lied to her parents…all out there for her classmates and parents to read. Things at the bank are worse than ever and her dad stays at work for days on end because he is dealing with the issues there. Her entire school has read her diary, her friends are furious and refuse to speak to her. The ultimate irony in Sammy’s mind is that her mom tells her not to read any of their emails or texts shared online but Sammy’s mom reads her diary. On top of losing her friends, Sammy is caught lying to her parents through her diary and is now grounded. While Sammy’s secrets are on the internet being read, so are her parents’ secrets and Sammy learns the biggest secret they’ve been keeping from her. Definitely check out this book to see what happens when all those private thoughts and email exchanges are now available for the whole world to read.</p><p>This YA book is well written and readers of all age can identify with the question – how safe is anything online? The story flows well, is captivating and took turns I didn’t expect (which I really enjoy in a book). Friendships end, family dynamics change, Sammy learns a lot about herself, her real friends, and if you have to choose who is going to snoop through your diary….she’d rather it was just her little brother. I highly recommend this book.</p><p>Jessica Collins is an award-winning writer. Her column "On the Children's Shelf" has earned multiple Connecticut Press Club awards and national recognition. Read more on her blog: <a href="https://onthechildrensshelf.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://onthechildrensshelf.com/</a></p>

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Easter Eggventure Spring Celebration at Mill Hill on Saturday, March 23

<p>Join the City of Norwalk for an Easter Eggventure Spring Celebration at Mill Hill on Saturday, March 23rd from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM! This event includes an egg hunt for children under the age of nine, crafts, and springtime fun in the heart of Norwalk!</p><p>This year, the egg hunt will last for 15 minutes, ensuring a thrilling experience for all attendees. Keep an eye out for special golden eggs hidden throughout the grounds, each guaranteeing a fun prize! To ensure fairness, please only take one golden egg each, leaving the rest for fellow participants to discover.</p><p>After the egg hunt, the Easter Bunny will be available for pictures. Enjoy exciting activities, including balloon masterpieces crafted by Balloon Whimzy, perfect for photo ops and decor. Families can also paint their own mini flowerpots and plant wildflower seeds. Free coffee and treats will be available to keep everyone energized and refreshed.</p><p>Parking will be available at the Yankee Doodle Garage at 3 Burnell Boulevard and Norwalk City Hall at 125 East Avenue. For more information about this event, please click <a href="https://www.visitnorwalk.org/?fbclid=IwAR2vmQuBH-TqpdOrbXVc_jmqVSY0UdgsO3QNNa7OgTa8z6s8KYjx7BIasdk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></p>

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NEW Norwalk High School/P-TECH Norwalk Building, Construction Underway!

<p>Most recently, Norwalk Public Schools (NPS) announced that construction is underway for the new Norwalk High School/P-TECH Norwalk building. </p><p>While NPS and the City are looking forward to having this new state-of-the-art space for students, staff, families and the community, we fully understand that the construction process may cause some inconvenience for the community. Throughout the next three to five years, NPS and the City of Norwalk intend to keep you apprised of upcoming construction events so you can plan accordingly. Operations at the current Norwalk High/P-TECH school will continue throughout construction as well as operations at our neighborhood schools, and we want to make sure the construction activity on the fields doesn’t interrupt the learning experience and environment of our students and staff.</p><p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1.5/16/1f3eb.png" alt="🏫" height="16" width="16">NPS has created a School Construction website where the community can stay abreast of ongoing updates on the project that you can visit at <a href="https://www.norwalkps.org/departments/operations/school-construction?fbclid=IwAR2Z7q8Wvg1r1yA23PgZ9cBPAVVF5UjCY6GTjVREKx-cBFBpjeTmNXcnBm8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">https://www.norwalkps.org/.../operations/school-construction</a>. To learn more about the Norwalk High School / P-Tech Norwalk project, please visit <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.norwalkps.org%2Fdepartments%2Foperations%2Fschool-construction%2Fnorwalk-high-school%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR21M8BaL_Vhd-HpzEDjv-LZEQ2H8SQOCOIZvH0oxZ4HWtYSlAqQuEUlDbA&amp;h=AT1h_lQCPiqt1LouOv8ZzP8Zl052yYMuAMv8aTEGyy8WOzG8DPE3fJHVM4nDXJ7riSsYg2LKrsiLg4wAbjBqqMdoNcHjxYfB__RjkxNtqiWS_Aow9eKeN04XVGX27QQ&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2kWmD8j4n6Luuc4P_d1FrjsTzsIpvR3GJMh8I5l-zY9QegSI_N2ENc3LQbpaGWpCICxdT8jCOzQ84z5GMwoABOKO6k5QjRK33Djq76qPqw93e1Vt4luzxWGY5vGLavZPEKYF1X_KzJaMor68B3zQpVr8cqob87JzuWIIJhUHFO0aRlJqBUXpUPjtSFp-cjmp_bG1hVMA0rUf-Vdg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">https://www.norwalkps.org/.../school.../norwalk-high-school</a>.</p><p>A few updates for the month of March:</p><p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1.5/16/1f3eb.png" alt="🏫" height="16" width="16">Gilbane Building Company, the construction management company for the NHS/P-TECH project, is on-site and mobilizing.</p><p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1.5/16/1f3eb.png" alt="🏫" height="16" width="16">This week, the week of March 11th, fencing will start to go up around the construction site. This will not have an immediate impact on campus traffic, but it will close the football field and track.</p><p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1.5/16/1f3eb.png" alt="🏫" height="16" width="16"> Next week, the week of March 18th, some student parking will be affected (reassignments will be done by the NHS/P-TECH staff).</p><p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1.5/16/1f3eb.png" alt="🏫" height="16" width="16">During the week of March 29th, student parking on campus will be closed and relocated to Andrew’s Field. Drop off and pick up will be modified. To learn more information regarding NHS/P-TECH student parking please visit <a href="https://nhs.norwalkps.org/about/school-overview/nhs-news/nhs-board/~board/norwalk-high-school/post/student-parking?fbclid=IwAR3IE3jlFRIuNWq_Jy4nMawn10HHjtOIYXD51Kd2eeDplGFP5xwtBGlG_Dk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">https://nhs.norwalkps.org/.../norwal.../post/student-parking</a></p><p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1.5/16/1f3eb.png" alt="🏫" height="16" width="16"> For any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our Customer Service Team at (203) 854-3200 or <a href="mailto:customerservice@norwalkct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">customerservice@norwalkct.gov</a> </p><p><img src="https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t81/1.5/16/1f3eb.png" alt="🏫" height="16" width="16">NPS and the City of Norwalk thank the community for their patience during the construction phase. </p><p>In this post is a photo of what the Norwalk High/P-TECH school will look like once construction is completed. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NorwalkPS?__cft__[0]=AZWobmCKQE-xHYADGf8egzGG_0Gx8RyjLT3g5lKZyKzSKYbQKsBBTnpdIvhRXb4u8swHmzUyP_--cNv6tWLjIj93tv5n3cmZV0AaqUWGQ_psNqX3JQs6kbc1_t5_QbMyWH4DU6p8DetYBDzrSL3_Ta2stI_9uKBN1iQ8-JEXlH5JKgubVGer2EvPqx2MzGWb-Ks&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">Norwalk Public Schools</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: var(--blue-link);">Follow along by liking the City of Norwalk on Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofNorwalk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/CityofNorwalk</a></p>

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FC Buzz Weekend of Art & Culture in Fairfield County March 15-17

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">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><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Max Creek</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">StageOne at FTC, Fairfield</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 from 7:45 pm - 12:00 am</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In those rare instances that a band reaches its fifth decade, it’s usually a result of stardom. In 40+ years Max Creek has been small, big, regionally-huge, medium, and any other size one can think of; they’ve never graced the cover of Rolling Stone, but you’d be hard pressed to find a music fan in the Northeast that hadn’t heard of them.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – The ’10’ Tour (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-scott-bradlees-postmodern-jukebox-the-10-tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Warehouse, Fairfield</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">FRIDAY Mar 15,&nbsp; 8:00 pm - 12:00 am</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created Postmodern Jukebox out of a basement in Queens in 2011, his goal was simple: to remake the pop hits of today into the classic sounds of the legends of yesterday. Miley Cyrus became The Platters. Bruno Mars became Frank Sinatra. The Spice Girls became The Andrews Sisters. Guns ’n’ Roses became Bessie Smith.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Performance by Lenihan Dancers (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/lenihan-dancers-performance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pequot Library, Southport</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SATURDAY Mar 16, 10:30 am - 11:30 am</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Lenihan School of Irish Dance troupe returns to the Library for a St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Enjoy a spirited costumed performance from one of the leading dance schools in the New England and New York area.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Open House Event at Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/open-house-event-at-saugatuck-rowing-and-fitness-club-westport-ct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club, Westport</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SATURDAY Mar 16, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The event kicks off the property’s spring season and welcomes the public to tour the facility, learn about its world-class rowing program, visit the fitness center (membership incentives offered), meet the rowing coaches and fitness team, and experience the Boathouse Restaurant.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Painting The Modern Garden: Monet To Matisse (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/exhibition-on-screen-painting-the-modern-garden-monet-to-matisse-nr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Avon Theatre, Stamford</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SATURDAY Mar 16 to Mar 20, 11:00 am - 8:30 pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For many great artists the garden has long been considered a desirable subject for the expression of colour, light and atmosphere. This dazzling film takes a magical journey from the gallery to the gardens, to Giverny and Seebüll and other glorious grounds favoured by artists. Here we discover how early twentieth century artists designed and cultivated their own gardens to explore contemporary utopian ideas and motifs of colour and form. Sat: 3/16 at 11 am, Sun. 3/17 at 11 am, Wed. 3/20 at 7 pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Author Reading with MaryJo Scott (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/childrens-author-talk-with-maryjo-scott/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SATURDAY Mar 16, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Welcome a local author and award-winning illustrator , who will read her new children's book "Sam &amp; Lucy." The book tells the story of a little boy and his best friend, an aging chicken who needs lots of extra love as she lives out her days. Amazon calls it "a tender story of love, loss and appreciating the friends we have while they're with us." After the reading there will be an activity for children and a book signing; books will be available for purchase at the event.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Author Talk: Sharon Cohen (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/local-author-talk-sharon-cohen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Easton Public Library</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SATURDAY Mar 16, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sharon L. Cohen will talk about the many ways that Connecticut mills and factories contributed to World War II victory, as documented in her new book, Connecticut Industries Unite for WWII Victory.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">FTC’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with The Night Visitors and Green Eyed Lady (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftcs-st-patricks-day-celebration-with-the-night-visitors-and-green-eyed-lady/%5C" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Warehouse, Fairfield</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SATURDAY Mar 16, 3:00 pm - 12:00 am</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The leprechauns will be out and about again this year! The Night Visitors were born out of the retirement of the Highland Rovers and are continuing the tradition of Irish music with a rock 'n' roll attitude. Colleen, Steve, Greg, CJ, and Mike bring their unique styles and experiences together to create a distinct sound influenced by Irish, classic rock, bluegrass, new wave, and modern pop. Hailing from Fairfield and New Haven counties, the Night Visitors perform all over the state for Irish-themed and non-Irish events.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Flute Fusion (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/the-greater-bridgeport-symphony-gbs-ushers-in-spring-with-flute-fusion-march-16-at-the-klein-in-bridgeport-ct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SATURDAY Mar 16, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The concert is the fourth installment of five in this season’s concert series, Building Bridges. Guest conductor Eduardo Leandro leads the show and will feature NYC flutist Keith Bonner who is part of the Grammy® nominated Borealis Wind Quintet and will showcase his virtuosity with Debussy’s “Afternoon of a Faun” and Schubert’s “Symphony No. 5.” The concert will highlight acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator Jessie Montgomery’s “Coincident Dances” and Paul Schoenfield’s “Klezmer Rondos,” another composition showing the magic of the flute.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jason Pritchards Art/Place Show and Reception (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/jason-pritchard-art-place-show-and-reception/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">art/place gallery, Fairfield</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SUNDAY Mar 17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This exhibition offers a unique journey showcasing the evolution and progression of his oil painting style capturing the essence of Cape Cod's coastal scenery. It highlights a selection of his earlier Cape Cod seascapes, beginning near the Bourne Bridge and continuing town by town, spanning over 50 miles down the Cape, before concluding with the most recently painted pieces from Harwich.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Focus On: 3-D Walk and Talk (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ridgefield-guild-of-artists-focus-on-3-d-walk-and-talk-sunday-march-17th-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield Guild of Artists</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SUNDAY Mar 17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm join</span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for , to hear 5 artists in the current show speak about their inspirations, where they are coming from, and maybe where they are going. The five are: Anne Brecher, Mary Harold, Katushka Millones, ILo Milton, and Sherri Rossini.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Norwalk Symphony &amp; Shakespeare on the Sound Partner for Concert (learn more </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/norwalk-symphony-shakespeare-on-the-sound-partner-for-concert-on-march-17-2024-300pm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Norwalk City Hall</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SUNDAY Mar 17, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Immerse yourself and your family in an afternoon with the professional musicians of the Norwalk Symphony as they bring Shakespeare to life through music, acting, and jest. The music of Romeo and Juliet by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev are paired with Shakespeare on the Sound's "R+J4evr" for an unforgettable fusion of music and theatre. Enjoy the presentation by guest conductor, Christopher D. Bell, students from Norwalk Youth Symphony side-by-side with our musicians, and the winner of our 12th Annual Concerto Competition, Gia Lin, performing the 1st movement of Korngold's Violin Concerto.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">See these and discover hundreds more events on the </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/fcbuzz-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> page at </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Sign up for the </span><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</span></p>

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Red Cross helps two families after fire on Day Street in Norwalk

<p>The American Red Cross is helping two&nbsp;families – two adults<span style="color: rgb(31, 73, 125);">&nbsp;</span>– one child after a fire yesterday&nbsp;on Day Street, Norwalk.&nbsp;The Red Cross provided assistance to meet the families'&nbsp;immediate needs. Responders included:&nbsp;<span style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242);">Heather Dunn, Ginger Flynn, Max Morenberg</span><u>,&nbsp;</u><span style="background-color: rgb(242, 242, 242);">Selah McKenney and Kathy Wong</span>.</p><p>The Red Cross also provided a recovery envelope containing information helpful to families recovering from a fire, including tips on cleanup; notification of important contacts; dealing with damaged items and more.&nbsp;The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits containing personal care items such as deodorant,&nbsp;toothbrushes, shaving supplies and other items a resident might need when suddenly displaced from their home by a fire.</p><p>Those affected will connect with Red Cross caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan. The Red Cross is able to provide assistance through the generosity of our donors and commitment of our volunteers.</p><p><br></p>

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Community Investing Pilot for Historically Underfunded Small Businesses

<p class="ql-align-center">Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Partners with Honeycomb Credit to Launch a Community Investing Pilot in Fairfield County for Historically Underfunded Small Businesses</p><p><strong>NORWALK, CT</strong> (March 13, 2024) – Fairfield County’s Community Foundation (FCCF) announces a new initiative aimed at helping entrepreneurs in the region overcome financial barriers. In partnership with Honeycomb Credit, this collaborative effort introduces a community investing pilot program specifically designed to support local Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPoC) entrepreneurs in low to middle income neighborhoods who have historically faced challenges in securing credit or loans to grow their businesses.</p><p>By leveraging Honeycomb’s innovative crowdfunding platform, this funding program allows small business owners to borrow directly from their customers, community members, and FCCF itself. The initiative aims to address a glaring economic gap in Fairfield County which has the second highest rate of income inequality among all metropolitan areas in the country.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">“We need a&nbsp;stronger&nbsp;entrepreneurial support ecosystem for Black and Latino small business owners&nbsp;in&nbsp;Fairfield County&nbsp;– which has&nbsp;the second-highest rate of income inequality among all metropolitan areas in the country,” said Mendi Blue Paca, President &amp; CEO.&nbsp;“With&nbsp;median wealth of white households&nbsp;being&nbsp;8 times greater than Black households and nearly 5 times greater than Latino households, current and potential Black and Latino entrepreneurs often lack&nbsp;access to the personal financial capital needed to invest in starting&nbsp;and growing businesses.&nbsp;Our partnership with&nbsp;Honeycomb&nbsp;is one way we can help them overcome the barriers they face.”</span></p><p><strong>A Commitment to Growth and Equity</strong></p><p>Supporting efforts to increase equitable opportunities for our community members to increase their income and build assets is one of the four strategic focus areas outlined in the Community Foundation’s strategic plan, Fairfield County Forward (LINK). This includes investing in partners like Honeycomb to support skill-building and business growth for entrepreneurs.</p><p>FCCF has committed $200,000 to kickstart the community investing pilot, signaling a strong commitment to fostering an inclusive economic environment where all entrepreneurs have the opportunity to succeed. Business owners seeking capital of $25,000 or more are invited to apply for an initial investment of $10,000 from the FCCF to help realize their growth ambitions.</p><p><strong>Understanding the Model: Crowdfunding for Community Empowerment</strong></p><p>Honeycomb Credit’s model stands out by enabling entrepreneurs to tap into the financial power and support of their own communities. This approach not only facilitates access to needed funds but also strengthens community ties, markets the business, and builds a network of potential partners.</p><p>“This partnership provides BIPoC small businesses the platform to capitalize on their community networks, " said Alex Quesada, of FCCF’s finance and administration team. “Too often, small business success has been limited to those who can leverage longstanding, intergenerational connections to open doors. These entrepreneurs have strong ties to their community and neighborhoods. Honeycomb is an opportunity to leverage <em>that </em>social capital into direct investment into their community.”</p><p><strong>Eligibility and Application Process</strong></p><p>The pilot program is open to BIPoC entrepreneurs from low-to-moderate-income communities in Fairfield County. Interested applicants are encouraged to start the conversation by learning more about the loan process and scheduling a chat with Honeycomb Credit at: <a href="https://www.honeycombcredit.com/grow" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.honeycombcredit.com/grow</a></p><p><strong>Join Us in Supporting Community Investment</strong></p><p>The FCCF invites the community to play an active role in this pilot by sharing information with potential applicants and supporting local business campaigns on Honeycomb. For those able, investing in these businesses can make a significant difference to their success and the overall vitality of our community.</p><p><br></p>

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Norwalk Mayor Rilling welcomes The Sports Haus to the community!

<p><strong>Today, Norwalk Mayor Rilling welcomed </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/thesportshaus?__cft__[0]=AZVxYRIDb41sfilp-P3mIpckjdxd_QleHm4snbRJ821FsapHmc5izK-G3YHhg4DibPehDeOL1Z8Tf7ehjAdirP-wvWRPUDHTGZM8pZe3QHu8FVuXJze4El5ExWI8XlSDqmDAZn3oWTFhMb00USL-wYiC1ZcFYpQiWewf3aDthIPWmCuIHGafasOqbL_Fe0XWPXg&amp;__tn__=-]K-R" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>The Sports Haus</strong></a><strong> to the community!</strong></p><p>Their state-of-the-art facility features five padel courts, four pickleball courts, two golf simulators, and space for socialization. </p><p>The facility is located at 129 Woodward Avenue in South Norwalk and offers various memberships, including individual, couples, senior, and a special deal for Teachers/First Responders. Their activities are also open to Non-Members for each activity. They also host private events from birthdays to corporate events and everything in between! </p><p>You can learn more about their facility by visiting <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsports.haus%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1rDo3RBzXDl99LwF6pXYRLYUPj0sHO4WyeJ9ASPLorpGUcRGkCndPfP1I&amp;h=AT1IgYYc-ItWWP4_fWKkFNL8WEityIC5KCIj3u5xXAntloSQNQhvMPU48qjNOI2stwH939HY8GzpfsmQ4-rIatEwcDGyAT7xBwVyw_0GCIvgRDoMLU3mOYo58NAoPtY&amp;__tn__=-UK-R&amp;c[0]=AT2ao6dgzFpAJ6K_i9oHg8mwR_9KLttD8ManJhy640hOPIKN_OU-806eDk_E-MUIkgmYo7lnxHbouWh9RMuMtUGLugzNr6JH6nfa2iOFNvJz1yqHYLL2BfDLvkILb3IzMb3qNaVzNWtGc8PLaqNP8g1WZcSgZR7D6ddLLKhsRx386NkyZZrL9ZfZ5_KijJqAfeHg95wEtWufF_3_773bPg2h" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://sports.haus/</a> or contacting their team at 866-625-8215 or <a href="mailto:hello@sports.haus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">hello@sports.haus</a></p><p>To view a video of the Opening event, visit the City of Norwalk on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CityofNorwalk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/CityofNorwalk</a></p>

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