<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend November 22 - 24</strong></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/community-open-house" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Community Open House</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Norwalk Art Space</strong></p><p>Friday Nov 22, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Connect with your community and celebrate creativity at The Norwalk Art Space Community Open House, November 22nd. See all of the beautiful artwork and delight in the musical performances from the Fall semester students who attended FREE art and music classes. Take in all that this wonderful Art Space and our Community Partners bring to the region and offer families in Norwalk and the surrounding area. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/och-oy-a-considered-cabaret" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Och &amp; Oy: A Considered Cabaret</strong></a></p><p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse</strong></p><p>Friday Nov 22, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>The show’s main title “Och &amp; Oy!” plays on Cumming’s Scottish and Shapiro’s Jewish backgrounds. The subtitle “A Considered Cabaret” are nods to Shapiro being known for ‘All Things Considered’ and Cumming for the show ‘Cabaret.’ Their show combines the best bits of public radio with the best bits of a musical, where they have deep, thought-provoking conversations and also entertaining perhaps slightly bawdy musical numbers. What comes together is an old-fashioned cabaret that offers a mix of songs, Q&amp;A. and personal storytelling – which both men have been doing in various ways for decades.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/2024-heida-hermanns-international-music-competition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>2024 Heida Hermanns International Music Competition</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT</strong></p><p>Friday Nov 22, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>The 2024 Heida Hermanns International Music Competition is for talented pianists ages 18-35 worldwide to compete. They aim to showcase exceptional piano performances and promote music entrepreneurship in musicians. The competition includes an online preliminary round and an in-person final round where participants demonstrate their technical prowess, interpretive skills, and musical expression. It’s a platform for emerging artists to gain recognition and connect with the global music community.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sm-nc-nights-out-whiskey-woodfire" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SM&amp;NC Nights Out: Whiskey &amp; Woodfire</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 23, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Sips and Slices are perfect companions! Join us in the Knobloch Family Farmhouse for a night of “spirited” whiskey exploration paired with freshly made New Haven Style pies by the one-and-only Sally’s Apizza.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/greenwich-symphony-orchestra-bella-hristova-violin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bella Hristova, Violin</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Symphony Orchestra</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 23, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>Audiences are thrilled by the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra's mix of contemporary and classical selections performed by accomplished professional musicians and world-renowned soloists, under the direction of Tony Award-winning Music Director, Stuart Malina.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-smithereens-with-guest-vocalist-robin-wilson" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Smithereens with Guest Vocalist Robin Wilson</strong></a></p><p><strong>Ridgefield Playhouse</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 23, 8:00 pm - 11:45 pm</p><p>Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock’n’roll for more than 40 years. Today, The Smithereens include original members: Jim Babjak (guitar,) Dennis Diken (drums,) and Mike Mesaros (bass), with a rotation of special guest vocalists. This show will feature Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/former-u-s-poet-laureate-billy-collins-debuts-water-water-poems" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Water, Water: Poems</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Nov 24, 4:00 pm - 6:30 pm</p><p>Come to the literary event of the season when Billy Collins, the former Poet Laureate of the United States will introduce Water, Water: Poem<strong>s</strong>, a wondrous new collection focused on the joys and mysteries of daily life. And on our stage for the first time - Collins meets Brubeck - where poetry and jazz come together in a very special pairing! In Water, Water, Collins combines his vigilant attention and respect for the peripheral to create moments of delight. Common and uncommon events are captured here with equal fascination, be it a cat leaning to drink from a swimming pool, a nurse calling a name in a waiting room, or an astronaut reciting Emily Dickinson from outer space. With his trademark lyrical informality, Collins asks us to slow down and glimpse the elevated in the ordinary, the odd in the familiar. It’s no surprise that The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal both call Collins one of America’s favorite poets.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/jack-lawrence-fall-concerts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jack Lawrence Fall Concerts</strong></a></p><p><strong>Klein Auditorium</strong></p><p>Sunday Nov 24, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Concert 1, 1 PM : Steel Pan Future Stars, Junior Stars, and All Stars, and Percussion, Jazz II, Saxophone, and Jazz I Orchestras. Concert 2, 4 PM : String, Sinfonia, and Virtuosi Orchestras. Classical selections, plus music by American songwriter Jack Lawrence. Concert 3, 6:30 PM : Principal &amp; Philharmonic Orchestras. Our 88 Principal Orchestra musicians will perform the “New World Symphony” (Symphony No. 9) by Antonin Dvorak under the baton of Christopher Hisey. The Philharmonic will perform works by Schubert, Sibelius, and Dvorak. In addition, GCTYO will present its inaugural Inna Berson Wetmore Excellence in Teaching Award to Bernice Friedson, longtime music educator and former Concertmaster of the Greater Bridgeport Symphony</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the FCBUZZ EVENTS page at<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the Cultural Alliance eBuzz to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Darien, CONN</strong> (November 15, 2024) — Person to Person (P2P), a leading nonprofit dedicated to assisting individuals and families in lower Fairfield County, is pleased to announce the addition of two distinguished leaders, Isis-Rae Goulbourne and Jeffrey Houle, to its Board of Directors. With their expertise and commitment to community, Isis-Rae and Jeffrey will strengthen P2P's mission to build stability and economic opportunity for those served by the organization.</p><p>Isis-Rae Goulbourne is an award-winning community change-maker and entrepreneur based in Stamford.</p><p>As the founder of The City Events Group, Isis-Rae has redefined community engagement in Connecticut by</p><p>connecting individuals around shared ideas and local events. She currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer</p><p>and Head of Events at Realist Lab, where she supports early-stage entrepreneurs in building</p><p>robust networks and economic opportunities. In addition to her entrepreneurial pursuits, Isis-Rae serves on the Board of the Village Community Foundation's Kitchen Accelerator program, the Regional Advisory Council of the Women's Business Development Council, and is a business advisor within the WeRule network. Her leadership and commitment to empowering communities make her an invaluable asset to the P2P Board.</p><p>"I am very excited to join the Person to Person board and to be part of an organization that fosters dignity, resilience, and opportunity for so many in lower Fairfield County," said Isis-Rae Goulbourne. "I look forward to working alongside a dedicated team to support initiatives that provide families with essential resources and a clear path to economic stability."</p><p>Jeffrey Houle is a partner at Carmody Torrance Sandak &amp; Hennessey LLP, where he specializes in commercial real estate transactions and corporate governance. Jeff’s extensive experience includes assisting clients across all aspects of real estate, from acquisitions to leasing to financing and governance. A Stamford native and University of Connecticut graduate, Jeff returned to Stamford after law school and is actively involved in the local community, also serving on the Board of Directors for the Stamford Chamber of Commerce. He brings a wealth of knowledge in legal strategy and governance to his role on the P2P Board.</p><p>“I am very honored to have joined the Board of P2P and look forward to helping this great organization further its mission of creating all-around stability for families and individuals in our lower Fairfield County communities,” said Jeffrey Houle.</p><p>"We are thrilled to welcome Isis-Rae and Jeffrey to the Person to Person Board of Directors," said Nancy</p><p>Coughlin, CEO of Person to Person. "Their dedication to community building and deep professional expertise will be instrumental in helping us expand our services and impact across lower Fairfield County. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and energy they bring to our organization."</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend Beginning November 15-17</strong></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fantastic-stories-meet-wondrous-visions-art-exhibition---opening-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Opening Reception of</strong>&nbsp;<strong>"Fantastic Stories Meet Wondrous Visions" Art Exhibition</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Library</strong></p><p>Friday Nov 15, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Fourteen area artists from Wilson Avenue Loft Artists will bring holiday spirit to Wilton Library's November-December art exhibition "Amazing Stories and Wondrous Visions." Wilson Avenue Loft Artists (WALA), founded in 2007, is located on the border of Norwalk and Rowayton and provides studio spaces for artists working in a variety of media, including painting, collage, printmaking, sculpture, and photography. WALA's goal is to provide a supportive environment for making artwork and connections to the arts community, especially during their annual Open Studio Weekend.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-marketplace" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Marketplace</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT</strong></p><p>Friday Nov 15, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Shop a curated selection of local artisans, offering unique, items perfect for everyone on your list. Plus, your $10 ticket includes admission to MoCA CT’s current exhibitions, blending holiday shopping with a cultural experience.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/elf-the-musical-fddd5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ELF the Musical</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Friday Nov 15, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>ELF The Musical is the hilarious modern Christmas classic about Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toy-making abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This must-see Broadway holiday production is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/historic-homes-tour-colonial-wilton" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Historic Homes Tour: Colonial Wilton</strong>!</a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Settlers arrived in Wilton in the 17th-century, with a written account of the area around 1640. From wilderness, to parish, to official town in 1802…Homes that were built by these founding Wilton families continue to beautify the landscape today, including great examples of the Saltbox, Georgian, and Federal styles.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/open-day-at-new-pond-farm-education-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Open Day</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Pond Farm Education Center</strong>!</p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Stop by to learn more about our stunning landscape, the diverse habitats, our fascinating history, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, in addition to our warm and welcoming staff. Meet our new calves, piglets, and other barnyard residents, tour our Woodland Indian encampment, explore our trails, visit with our delightful program animals, and enjoy a delicious farm treat!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-space-we-exist-in-curated-by-larry-ossei-mensah-15c05" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"The Space We Exist In" curated by Larry Ossei-Mensah</strong></a></p><p><strong>Heather Gaudio Fine Art</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>Heather Gaudio Fine Art is pleased to present The Space We Exist In, a ground-breaking exhibition curated by the renowned Ghanaian-American art curator Larry Ossei-Mensah. This is the first time the gallery invites a guest curator to organize an exhibition. The group show will open on November 16th and will run through January 18th, 2025. The public is invited to attend an opening reception and curator talk on Saturday, November 16, 4-6pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/easton-arts-council---juried-photography-exhibition-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Easton Arts Council Juried Photography Exhibition Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Easton Public Library</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>The juror, Johnes Ruta will present two first place winners with $100 for our Easton and General categories.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-and-violins-of-hope---november-16-2024" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony and Violins of Hope</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Members of the Norwalk Symphony are honored to be included in a concert featuring string instruments rescued after the Holocaust. The concert will take place on November 16, 2024 at 7:00pm at the Norwalk Concert Hall and will include explanations and demonstrations of these historic instruments by docents and the luthiers.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pride-of-new-york-playing-the-annual-gregg-and-clare-burnett-memorial-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Pride of New York playing the Annual Gregg and Clare Burnett Memorial Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Gaelic-American Club</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>A not-to-be-missed evening of traditional Irish music by some of the best-known musicians this side of the Atlantic-- Joanie Madden, Brian Conway , Billy McComiskey and Brendon Dolan. An opportunity to hear these multiple award-winning traditional musicians who have performed around the world and have many, many recordings and honors among them. Sponsored by the Shamrock Traditional Irish Music Society and the Gaelic-American Club of Fairfield.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-celebration-of-the-music-of-rev-ed-thompson-by-nyc-s-choral-chameleon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Celebration of the Music of Rev. Ed Thompson by NYC's Choral Chameleon</strong></a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"></strong><strong>The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport (“UU Westport”) invites the community to join in celebrating their Minister of Music, the Rev. Dr. Edward Thompson, who is retiring from UU Westport after more than 46 years. Dr. Thompson who has led the congregation’s renowned choral music program, is also a prolific composer and his works will be performed by NYC’s Choral Chameleon Ensemble. 7:30 PM on Saturday, November 16. Ample parking is available and the building is wheelchair accessible.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/arttalk-by-artist" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ArtTalk</strong></a></p><p><strong>Artworks Gallery on the Green</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Full Circle- Showing 5 years of work by Gloria Santoyo Ruenitz. A Mixed Media artist working primarily on encaustic paint. Her work is abstract and narrative. Each layer tells a story.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pre-holiday-stamford-history-center-tag-sale-weekend-04cb6" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Pre-Holiday Tag Sale</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Nov 16, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>SHC Fall Tag Sale Fundraiser returns November 16th from 9am - 3pm with an Encore Day on November 17th. This is your opportunity to find treasures and gifts large and small! Antiques, furniture, art, books, jewelry and more. We recommend arriving early for the best selection. All proceeds benefit Stamford History Center.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-greenwich-art-society-is-offering-drawing-painting-for-the-serious-young-artist-9a613" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Drawing &amp; Painting for the Serious Young Artist</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Greenwich Art Society</strong></p><p>Sunday Nov 17, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm,</p><p>This four-week workshop is for students who want to improve their drawing skills and transition into painting. Drawing fundamentals such as composition, light and shadow, negative space and mark making will be covered. Painting in black and white will lead to painting in the gray scale. We will touch on color theory and paint with acrylics for the last class.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-violins-of-hope-for-kids-families" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony &amp; Violins of Hope for Kids &amp; Families</strong></a></p><p><strong>Discovery Science Museum &amp; Planetarium</strong></p><p>Sunday Nov 17, 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Norwalk Symphony has partnered with members of the Holocaust Resource Center to share music and information about the Holocaust with children and families.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/weston-stories-local-lore-storytelling-event" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Weston Stories &amp; Local Lore Storytelling Event</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</strong></p><p>Sunday Nov 17, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate Tellebration! Do you love sharing family history with others? Love local lore and want to tell some tall tales? Are you a long-time Weston or Fairfield County resident who has interesting stories to tell? Then join the Weston History &amp; Culture Center and storyteller, Arnie Pritchard of The Connecticut Storytelling Center on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at 2pm at the Weston History &amp; Culture Center for the “Weston Stories and Local Lore Storytelling Event”. It’s an interactive afternoon of storytelling in celebration of Tellebration – a storytelling phenomenon, made up of dozens of storytelling happenings all over the world.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gallery-exhibition-opening-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Gallery Exhibition Opening Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking</strong></p><p>Sunday Nov 17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Be among the first to see the prints included in the new exhibitions. Meet some of the artists in our member community. Gather with other print enthusiasts as you enjoy light appetizers and beverages.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sunday-soundscapes-trio-ondata---beethoven-haydn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sunday Soundscapes: Trio Ondata - Beethoven-Haydn</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston Public Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Nov 17, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>Trio Ondata is a New Haven-based ensemble consisting of violinist Michael Ferri, cellist Miriam Liske-</p><p>Doorandish and pianist Anthony Ratinov. Formed at the Yale School of Music in 2022, this bold and exploratory ensemble swiftly garnered attention on the national stage, winning the Silver Medal and the inaugural Horszowski Trio Prize at the 2022 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. In the same year they won the Yale School of Music Chamber Music Competition, and in 2023 they received both the Gold Medal and the Audience Choice Awards at the Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the FCBUZZ EVENTS page at<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">&nbsp;https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the Cultural Alliance eBuzz to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Wreaths Across America’s Annual Escort to Arlington Announces Stops in Connecticut</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>The nation’s longest veterans’ parade is coming to your community as it travels down the East Coast!</em></p><p><strong>COLUMBIA FALLS, Maine and CONNECTICUT – November 13, 2024 -&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong>Wreaths Across America (WAA) is proud to announce the commencement of its annual “Escort to Arlington,” the nation’s longest veterans’ parade. This event is meant to honor and remember our fallen heroes, while instilling the value of freedom in the next generation.</p><p>&nbsp;The official route, available for viewing on the nonprofit’s&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5bPbpp-2BWILO06s4FZCdvJL1S3aHxFn7DOLLTZzlJAa8vnr3U5gYsRU5nlhohM1qdDWx9c1-2BJuaCsstMAOqWF3w-3DWGgF_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN69wdivLhDeSjhI6aIYdwha0OXY0W3rP-2BUxQH7nP3mzU5yhrqwRIEMWSEIxI2jqcajGDNqM4vrv-2FcB8IuehtQMPSrL5sH66v27wmplnIODPQ0f-2FywRIA7EuqQxmiZtg-2F2Vsg1n6YjDm4qlSu5juyRTzMmc7bASC90f8sdp5nGU58cJCv-2FLmr-2FDulCVErEDoutn2CqVXSU1nXDvUzzenQdPzQhsCX4z1Wdm6TtQPkx2JB2I1OF6iyOmTPkFzQEcs-2FYQ-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><u>website</u></a>, will make stops at schools, memorials, and various locations down the East Coast. Unless specified otherwise, these events are open to the public and the community is encouraged to attend and welcome the escort as it arrives in the area. Please note that arrival times are approximate.</p><p><strong>The Escort and its participants will be making stops on Tuesday, December 10, at:</strong></p><ul><li>James Hillhouse High School, New Haven, CT&nbsp;- 12:30 PM (ceremony limited to invited guests)</li><li>St. Ann Club, Norwalk, CT - 3:45 PM (limited to invited guests only)</li></ul><p>This year’s Escort to Arlington participants will include the current national president of American Gold Star Mothers, Inc., Patti Elliot, among many Gold Star family members – fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters, wives and children. Additionally, the current national president of Blue Star Mothers, Inc., Rebecca Stafford, will join the trip along with Blue Star family members. Veterans representing many eras and Veteran Service Organizations (VSO), such as The American Legion National Vice Commanders Charles “Chuck” Robbins and Joseph “Joe” Lysaght, and American Legion Auxiliary National President Trish Ward, will all be traveling on the week-long journey. Members of the Patriot Guard Riders, Patriot Riders, and law enforcement from departments across Maine and New England will provide escort to ensure safe transport for all participants throughout the week.</p><p>On Saturday, December 14, 2024, the nation will come together to observe National Wreaths Across America Day. Over 4,800 participating locations nationwide will host ceremonies to commemorate this special day. This event serves as an opportunity for communities to pay their respects to our fallen servicemembers.</p><p>To find a participating location near their community, volunteer to place wreaths, or make a $17 sponsorship to place a remembrance wreath for a local veteran laid to rest in their area can follow this&nbsp;<a href="https://u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.gqh-2BaxUzlo7XKIuSly0rC5bPbpp-2BWILO06s4FZCdvJKYFzr-2BOAVBvyu14I5O7ak4U6mOo6HMJNGtvAPz5ongoWm1gXsy-2BBBfridJH8NqBY0-3D2ibf_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61q1gufQgi3uo3sO5-2BIoQsNjgf4iqXmt9uazDd1G1KzkN69wdivLhDeSjhI6aIYdwha0OXY0W3rP-2BUxQH7nP3mzU5yhrqwRIEMWSEIxI2jqcajGDNqM4vrv-2FcB8IuehtQMPSrL5sH66v27wmplnIODPQcOhDi1j0yXq17Xrni-2BTKgzWcYb9MpnmZDSEd5kN-2FslUkjS4DkInwL4r-2BtFl0Eu14xSHszokChUIqxRIQH3S1BGTjKvJMVefj5UVjSiI5XyMJEmh1Onij8hqSqrLiwOKf8twoUu8CJrrRE44FCvxfYQ-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><u>link</u></a>. Together, we can honor the fallen, show gratitude to those who serve, and impart the significance of freedom to future generations.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, November 12, the Norwalk Health Department announced the success of its annual Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program campaign. Each year from May through October, this initiative focuses on educating pre-teens and teens in the Norwalk area about three essential vaccines: the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent certain cancers, and two vaccines to protect against meningitis (meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B).</p><p>As part of the “Win/Win/Win with the Big 3” campaign, IAP staff encouraged healthcare providers to discuss these critical vaccinations with their adolescent patients. Teens and pre-teens who spoke with providers in Norwalk, Westport, or Wilton about any of the three vaccines—or who received a dose—could enter a raffle to win an iPad. The medical offices with the most entries received a complimentary lunch for their staff.</p><p>The campaign’s “Win/Win/Win” concept emphasizes three benefits: immunity for young people and the community, a chance for patients to win an iPad, and a thank-you lunch for participating healthcare staff. This year, a 16-year-old from Westport won the iPad after consulting his provider about the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Willows Pediatric Group and Bay Street Pediatrics, both based in Westport, received lunch for their efforts in promoting the vaccines.</p><p>The 2024 campaign saw over 1,390 raffle entries, the highest number in three years, indicating that over 1,390 pre-teens and teens had important discussions with their healthcare providers about HPV and meningococcal disease.</p><p>The HPV vaccine is vital in preventing cervical and other types of cancers in both men and women, with HPV responsible for approximately 37,000 cancer cases annually in the U.S. Meningococcal disease, though rare, can be fatal, with a mortality rate of one to two out of every 10 cases.</p><p>“These three vaccines are safe, effective, and protect against serious illnesses that can lead to cancers, disabilities, and even death,” said Pam Bates, BSN, RN. “It’s essential for pre-teens and teens to discuss these life-saving vaccines with their healthcare providers, as early vaccination offers the best protection.”</p><p>The Health Department’s IAP Program collaborates with families, healthcare providers, and the community to ensure timely vaccinations for children and adults. For more information about the Health Department’s vaccination services, please visit <a href="http://www.norwalkct.gov/vaccines" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.norwalkct.gov/vaccines</a>.</p><p><em>Photo Caption:</em> Deanna D’Amore, MPH, Director of Health, draws the name of the Westport resident who won an iPad as part of the IAP Program’s raffle. The raffle was part of the “Win/Win/Win with the Big 3” campaign, promoting the importance of three essential vaccines for pre-teens and teens.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fairfield County Bank is committed to giving back to our community, and we hope you will join us by stopping by one of our branch offices and donating to support children in need. Our 2024 Toy Collection Drive will be benefitting&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.toysfortots.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Toys for Tots</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, supporting&nbsp;</span><a href="https://98q.com/pages/98q-bags-bears-2023" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">98Qs Bags and Bears</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;benefitting&nbsp;</span><a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DCF" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">CTDCF</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://thecircleofcare.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Circle of Care</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;and is running through Friday, November 29, 2024, at all of our branch locations.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information, please visit:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://fairfieldcountybank.com/toy-collection/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Join Us in Supporting our Neighbors in Need this Holiday Season</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.&nbsp;</span></p>