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<p>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has officially launched its new research vessel, R/V <em>Sound Explorer</em>, just in time for summer. The vessel gives Aquarium visitors the opportunity to learn about nature, wildlife and conservation in Long Island Sound onboard its “floating classroom” with public tours starting in June. </p><p>As part of the organization’s commitment to being “An Aquarium without Walls,” the R/V <em>Sound Explorer</em> provides a vital new opportunity for marine education and research in Long Island Sound and supports hands-on learning for all. The Marine Life Encounter Cruise invites visitors to learn about the biodiversity of the Sound alongside Aquarium scientists and educators, featuring a plankton tow that brings up fish, crabs, mollusks and more. For those looking for a more casual cruise, the Sunset Cruise offers a unique perspective on the beauty of the Norwalk islands and surrounding wildlife. Private charters for school, scout, camp and other groups are also available.</p><p>“Our onboard education programs bring students and families right into the heart of our work,” said Jason Patlis, President & CEO of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk. “We are thrilled to offer our visitors an up-close-and-personal look at Long Island Sound to learn about how we are all connected to – and responsible for – this unique ecosystem.”</p><p>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has had a rich history on onboard programming since it opened in 1988. Over the past 22 years, Aquarium vessels have hosted more than 85,000 passengers to celebrate the natural beauty and learn about the unique animal habitats of Long Island Sound. The Aquarium’s other vessel, t<span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">he R/V </span><em style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">Spirit of the Sound </em><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">was the first-ever, hybrid-electric, battery-powered research vessel in the U.S. when she launched in 2014 and is currently off-hire while being repowered with a new system.</span> The Fowler Family, including The Maritime Aquarium’s Board Chair Clay Fowler, generously supported the expansion of the Aquarium’s fleet to include the R/V <em>Sound Explorer</em>.</p><p>“We are so pleased to be able to offer our visitors onboard programming once again,” <strong>said Board Chair Clay Fowler</strong>. “The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is committed to connecting people personally to Long Island Sound, so they can be awed by the beauty of this place and inspired to protect it.” </p><p>Educational tours for school groups are already underway; public tours on R/V <em>Sound Explorer </em>begin June 25, 2025. Passengers must be over 42 inches tall and if under 18 accompanied by an adult.</p><p>More details and tickets are available at <a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.</p><p>The Maritime Aquarium is located at 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, Connecticut.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Memorial Day Weekend May 23-25</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/brian-dolzani-band-album-release-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Brian Dolzani Band: Album Release Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne at FTC, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Friday May 23, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>Fairfield-native singer/songwriter Brian Dolzani celebrates his tenth album release at this special full band show on Stage One. The Endless Sky is a new collection of songs that finds Brian doing what he does best, looking in all directions: up, down, outward, and inward. You’ll hear songs about being Open to Surprise, the deeper love of Moonlit Love, and the title quote: ‘The endless sky is where I point my arrow / I wonder just how far there is to go’, from I Wonder. The Endless Sky will be released in early May.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fiber-2025-exhibition-at-silvermine-galleries-c7c32" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fiber 2025 Exhibition</strong></a></p><p><strong>Silvermine Galleries, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Friday May 23, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>This international exhibition seeks to showcase the best of contemporary fiber art that reflect the breadth of functional or non-functional works that use fiber and/or fiber art techniques in traditional or innovative ways. Artwork in this exhibition may be made from natural or high tech materials that reference fiber and that blur the lines between art, architecture and craft.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/2025-cruise-and-tour-to-sheffield-island-lighthouse-museum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cruise and Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>Sheffield Island Lighthouse Museum, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>The Norwalk Seaport Association has owned, restored and maintained Sheffield Island Lighthouse since 1986 and is the official U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Friends group for the Norwalk Islands.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/art-in-the-park-free-art-workshops-for-kids-families" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Art in the Park: FREE Art Workshops For Kids & Families.</strong></a></p><p><strong>Whittingham Discovery Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm</p><p>Complimentary workshops guided by experienced art instructors, open to the public, for Elementary & Middle School. No registration necessary. Art supplies provided. Take home art!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/exhibitions-highlights-tours---saturdays-b118b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Exhibitions Highlights Tours</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Experience the highlights of the Bruce Museum’s exhibitions during a guided tour that is free with museum admission. No reservations are required but capacity is limited to twenty people on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check in with the front desk if you wish to join. Tours depart from the bottom of the staircase in the Grand Hall.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/candlelight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Candlelight</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bijou Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/live-music---indie-folk-soul---goldenoak-in-bethel-ct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GoldenOak</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwood, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>GoldenOak consists of brother-sister folk duo (Lena Kendall - Vocals / Clarinet & Zak Kendall - Guitar / Vocals) and is rounded out by up-right bassist Mike Knowles and Drummer Jackson Cromwell. Their soaring harmonies and thoughtful lyrics are rooted in the wild beauty of Maine and the urgent need for climate action. With a sound that blends rich orchestration and indie folk soul, they’ve shared stages with The Ghost of Paul Revere, Lady Lamb, and Blitzen Trapper and now they bring their lush, intimate live show to Greenwood Features this Memorial Day weekend.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/orchestra-lumos---yo-yo-ma-in-our-common-world" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Yo-Yo Ma with Lumos Orchestra in Franz Josef Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.1</strong></a></p><p><strong>Palace Theatre, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 7:00 pm</p><p>A miracle of the Classical style’s essence to balance nature in the world around us and human nature. He will also play Antonín Dvořák’s Silent Woods, Dvořák’s farewell to his homeland in the old country as he embarked on his momentous trip to New York City and the New World.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/kompa-vs-raboday-flag-day-celebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Kompa Vs Raboday Flag Day Celebration</strong></a></p><p><strong>In The City, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 9:00 pm - 11:59 pm</p><p>Tonymix performing live for memorial weekend and the haitian flag day edition “ou pa ka pala”.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-tribute-to-neil-diamond-one-hot-night-c8a7b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Tribute to Neil Diamond: One Hot Night</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>For ten years, One Hot Night has been the Northeast’s premier Neil Diamond tribute. Featuring the spot-on vocals and engaging personality of Tommy Lynn as Neil, this 10-piece show band delivers the ultimate Neil Diamond experience.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p><strong>Women & Investing: Empower Your Financial Future - </strong><em>An Evening of Insight, Conversation, and Confidence-Building</em></p><p>Fairfield County Bank invites you to an inspiring evening designed specifically for women looking to take charge of their financial future. Whether you're starting your investment journey or seeking new strategies to grow your portfolio, <em>Women & Investing</em> will provide the insights, tools, and personalized guidance you need to invest with clarity and purpose.</p><p>Hosted at the <strong>Cranbury Branch Office (26 Chestnut Hill Road)</strong>, this event takes place on Thursday, May 22 at 6pm and offers more than just a presentation—it’s a conversation. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage one-on-one with <strong>Nicole Turosky, CFP®, CDFA®</strong>, Vice President at Fairfield County Bank and Financial Advisor with Osaic Institutions, Inc.</p><p><strong>What to Expect:</strong></p><p> – A guided presentation on the fundamentals of investing</p><p> – A look at the unique financial challenges women face</p><p> – Practical advice on investment options and how to build a personalized action plan</p><p> – One-on-one time with a local financial advisor</p><p> – Giveaways, refreshments, and a chance to win a <strong>Garden Gift Basket</strong>*</p><p>This empowering event is a thoughtful step toward financial confidence and independence. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and connect with others on a similar journey.</p><p><strong>Presented by:</strong></p><p> <strong>Nicole Turosky, CFP®, CDFA®</strong></p><p> VP, Fairfield County Bank</p><p> Financial Advisor, Osaic Institutions, Inc.</p><p> 📧 Nicole.Turosky@OsaicInstitutions.com</p><p>For more details, visit <a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Fairfield County Bank</a>.</p>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="https://www.winstonstrategicpartners.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Winston Strategic Partners, LLC</a> </h2><p>Meet <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Diane Winston, founder of </span><a href="https://www.winstonstrategicpartners.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Winston Strategic Partners</a>.</p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your business motto?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">My position was eliminated as part of a corporate restructure following the September 11 attacks on our nation. However, with 20+ years of corporate experience in senior product and project management, training, and strategic communication roles, I was able to land a two-year contract as an independent consultant to lead the communications for a global HR transformation. This engagement revealed the value and scope of my experience, which gave me the courage to launch my firm in 2005.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our best-selling service is supporting change as it impacts organizations (change management), their people (leadership development training and coaching), and their desire to establish or maintain an inclusive culture (DEI).</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you reimagined your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yes, I was focused on strategic change management communications services when starting out. However, since then, in response to client requirements, we've added services that complement our core offerings, including leadership development training, executive coaching, DEI program support, graphic design, media buying, professional photography and videography, and foreign language interpretation and translation services. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Winston Strategic Partners online </span><a href="https://www.winstonstrategicpartners.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.winstonstrategicpartners.com/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on X </span><a href="https://x.com/WinstonStrat" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://x.com/WinstonStrat</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and LinkedIn @</span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/winston-strategic-partners/about/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">strategic-partners</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:dwinston@winstonstrategicpartners.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">dwinston@winstonstrategicpartners.com</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">series possible!</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend May 16-18</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/celebration-gala-w-kool-the-gang" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Celebration Gala W/Kool & The Gang</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday May 16, 5:30 pm - 9:45 pm</p><p>The Stamford Palace's Annual Gala w/Kool & The Gang! This year they honor the good work of Lynne Colatrella & Michael Fedele. This is a red carpet, disco-themed celebration of the arts, The Palace, & 2 extraordinary individuals.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethe-pride-s-book-club" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Pride's Book Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Come discuss a book on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. There will be a catch up session at the end of the year to review everything from the year!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-to-host-medal-of-honor-recipient-jim-doc-mccloughan-for-special-dinner-and-memorial-ceremony" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Medal of Honor recipient Jim "Doc" McCloughan</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Come to Norwalk for a weekend of remembrance, reflection, and community recognition at the Norwalk Inn. Jim McCloughan was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2017 by President Donald Trump for his acts of extraordinary bravery and heroism while serving as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. From May 13 to May 15, 1969 , McCloughan risked his life numerous times to rescue and treat wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/studio-andreas-presents-parker-s-tangent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Parker's Tangent</strong></a></p><p><strong>Studio Andreas, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Join us for our first live music event of the year! We're so excited to welcome Parker's Tangent, a New Haven-based band with a unique blend of blues and art-rock, to the studio. Led by Leslie VanEtten Broatch's soulful vocals, the group also features Arthur Bargar (guitar), Hal Klein (bass), Joe Rosano (drums), and Ken Ryu (violin). Their set will showcase original compositions that highlight the band’s chemistry and musical range.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-don-giovanni" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony & Don Giovanni!</strong></a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"></strong><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>The Orchestra presents its season finale with great music and soloists! This will be an event not to be missed.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/garner-arts-festival" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GARNER Arts Festival</strong></a></p><p><strong>GARNER Arts Center, West Haverstraw</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>Festival partner, TRADE AND PROSPER, will present a thoughtfully curated "Retro/Vintage Market", offering handmade crafts, eye-catching retro/vintage clothing, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind ephemera. Enjoy delicious samples from Hudson Valley’s premier makers, bakers, and top-shelf distilleries! Pairs well with a taste of North Rockland, as offered at our festival food court and beer garden.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rediscover-greenwich-greenwich-avenue-walking-tours" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rediscover Greenwich: Greenwich Avenue Walking Tours</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Sunday May 18, 10:30 am - 11:30 am</p><p>Historic buildings will become canvases for large-scale murals featuring archival images of what those places looked like in the past, with text and images drawn from the Historical Society’s collections and interactive QR codes, that when scanned, share those unique stories. The murals, designed by Untapped New York’s artist Aaron Asis, will debut in conjunction with a new series of guided walking tours exploring the history of Greenwich Avenue and its local businesses led by Justin Rivers, Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer and Christopher Shields, Historical Society Director of Library and Archives.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/connecticut-s-own-conversations-for-oboe-and-piano" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Connecticut's Own: Conversations for Oboe and Piano</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton LIbrary, Wilton</strong></p><p>Sunday May 18, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Ralph Kirmser and Kyong Hee Cho are once again our guest performers for a piano and oboe concert.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Two artists were commissioned to create participatory objects to be experienced in the Museum’s newly renovated Sculpture Garden</strong></p><p><a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=a59a8a825c&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum</strong></a> is pleased to present the <strong>2025 </strong><a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=219f2c1f57&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><em>Aldrich Box</em></strong></a>. Inaugurated in 2021, the <a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=6fdb4a44ad&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><em>Aldrich Box</em></strong></a> is an ongoing annual series featuring a year-long traveling exhibition housed in a box, available for loan to the public free of charge. For this series, the Museum commissioned artists to create participatory objects meant to be handled and to travel beyond the boundaries of its walls. This year’s edition will feature two artists: Mongolia-based artist Jantsankhorol Erdenebayer, which will debut in July, followed by Kingston, NY-based artist Koyolzintli in September. Their contributions will be on view for an entire year.</p><p>In past years, the public has been invited to take the <a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=8d06b408f1&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><em>Aldrich Box</em></strong></a> home to engage with the contents in varied environments. This year, for the first time, the <a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=a59c9541a1&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><em>Aldrich Box</em></strong></a> will be sited on the Museum’s campus for the public to interact with en plein air. Visitors will access the <a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=e9de9237c4&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><em>Aldrich Box</em></strong></a> by checking in at the Museum’s Front Desk during open hours to obtain a key and instruction guide.</p><p>Jantsankhorol Erdenebayar has created <em>Channeling our human energy for the journey ahead</em>, 2025, an object he describes as a “travel kit,” featuring a copper outer shell adorned with imagery of human ears and an interior outfitted with faux fur, a mirror, and goat horns. Erdenebayar’s practice spans sculpture, video and performance, drawing from Mongolian mythology and exploring themes of resistance, protection, and survival. For the <a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=d9852fb6a0&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><em>Aldrich Box</em></strong></a>, Erdenebayar focused on the concept of nomadism—a foundation of Mongolian culture and ancestral traditions—symbolizing a profound connection to the natural world. By transforming the museum visitor into a traveler, Erdenebayar’s object has been reimagined as a “treasure purse,” shrine, or shamanistic tool. Equipped with a handle to suggest its portability, its reflective copper surface alludes to Mongolia’s significant copper industry. The goat horns inside evoke movement, strength, and protection, while the mirror serves not only as a tool for self-reflection, but also as a symbolic portal to the spirit realm.</p><p>Koyolzintli’s practice encompasses sculptures, drawings, photographs, performance, and video. Born in New York and raised between the Pacific coast and the Andean mountains of Ecuador, Koyolzintli’s research into pre-American sound instruments has influenced her <em>objetos sonoros – Sound Objects</em>, which she believes hold and carry forward ancestral memory, ritual, and storytelling about the land and indigenous wisdom. For the <a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=80871ea16d&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><em>Aldrich Box</em></strong></a>, Koyolzintli will create <em>Whistling Jar</em>, 2025, a work activated by water. “Its resonance,” she explains, “will connect the latitude of The Aldrich to that of our celestial super star, the Sun.” <em>Whistling Jar</em> will be accompanied by instructions on how to play it, as well as a brief meditation to be performed before activation. For the artist, this work is deeply connected to the land, the position of the Sun over the Museum’s Sculpture Garden, and the birds singing in the trees, carrying both ceremonial significance and site-specific resonance.</p><p>Jantsankhorol Erdenebayar (b. 1992, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia) earned a BA from City University of New York, Hunter College in 2015 and an MFA from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2019. His works have been shown in numerous locations globally including BLUM, Los Angeles in 2020; Frieze, New York in 2020; Half Gallery, New York in 2021; Art Basel Miami Beach in 2021; Red Ger Creative Space, Arts Council of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in 2022; Art Basel Hong Kong in 2024; Lkham Gallery, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia in 2024. In 2019, Erdenebayar represented Mongolia at the 58th Venice Biennale.</p><p>Koyolzintli (b. 1983, New York, NY) lives and works in Ulster County, New York. Nominated for the Prix Pictet in 2019 and 2023, her work has been exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C.; the United Nations, New York, NY; the Parrish Art Museum, Water Mill, NY; Princeton University, Princeton, NJ; Aperture Foundation, New York, NY; and Paris Photo, France. She has had two solo exhibitions at Miyako Yoshinaga Gallery, New York, NY; a solo exhibition at Leila Greiche, New York, NY; and was included in <em>Flow States – LA TRIENAL</em> 2024 at El Museo del Barrio, New York, NY. Koyolzintli has performed at venues including the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York, NY; Wave Hill, Bronx, NY; Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens, NY; the Brooklyn Museum, New York, the Queens Museum, New York; Performance Space, New York, NY; Dia Chelsea, New York, NY; and Ann Street Gallery, Newburgh, NY. Koyoltzintli has taught at California Institute of the Arts, School of Visual Arts, International Center of Photography, and the City University of New York. She has received multiple awards and fellowships including at the Musée du Quai Branly, Paris; New York Foundation for the Arts; We Women; the Latinx Artist Fellowship by the US Latinx Art Forum (USLAF); and most recently the Anonymous Was a Woman award. Her first monograph, <em>Other Stories</em>, was published in 2017 by Autograph ABP.</p><p><a href="https://thealdrich.us11.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee247c786df390b919fc2b0cf&id=298489a3b6&e=05ba91ffce" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong><em>Aldrich Box</em></strong></a> is organized by Director of Education Namulen Bayarsaihan and Diana Bowes Chief Curator Amy Smith-Stewart.</p>

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont is applauding the Connecticut House of Representatives for approving legislation on Tuesday that requires all school districts statewide to adopt a policy on the use of smartphones by students in K-12 public schools as part of an effort to promote distraction-free learning in the digital age.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The legislation, which is included in section five of <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-wtuykid-tlluktttuu-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>House Bill 7009</strong></a>, as amended, directs local and regional boards of education to use <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-wtuykid-tlluktttuu-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>the policy guidance document</strong></a> crafted by the Connecticut State Department of Education in the development of their local smartphone policies. Districts will be required to adopt a policy in time for the start of the 2026-2027 school year and continue having an approved policy each school year thereafter.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Young people learn best when they are actively listening to classroom instruction and interacting with their teachers and peers, not swiping, clicking, and scrolling,” Governor Lamont said. “In this day and age when technology is causing addictions and distracting people from developing social skills in interpersonal communication, school districts should have policies that promote a healthy balance on the use of personal devices. The state has developed guidance that provides a clear framework, and this legislation requires each school district to review that document and adopt their own local policies on this issue. I applaud the bipartisan members of the Connecticut House of Representatives for approving this legislation, especially the leadership of Education Committee co-chair Representative Jennifer Leeper, and I urge the Senate to pass it in concurrence with the House so that I can sign it into law.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The legislation will next be transmitted to the Senate for its consideration. That chamber must approve the bill by the end of the 2025 Regular Session, which concludes on June 4.</p><p><br></p>