Stories
<p>Congratulations to Redding residents Brooke Bishop and Madilyn Stietzel for being named to the Fall 2024 Honor Roll at The University of Mississippi, reserved for students who earn a semester GPA of 3.5 to 3.74.</p><p>To be eligible for honor roll designation, a student must have completed at least 12 graded hours for the semester and may not be on academic probation during the semester.</p><p>The University of Mississippi, affectionately known as Ole Miss, is the state's flagship university. Included in the elite group of R1: Doctoral Universities - Highest Research Activity by the Carnegie Classification, it has a long history of producing leaders in public service, academics and business.</p>
<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank recently announced the 2024 recipients of the Bank’s Leadership Award and Volunteer of the Year Award.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Employees across Fairfield County Bank are nominated by colleagues and the winners are announced and celebrated at the Bank’s holiday party. This year, Kathy Graham, Vice President and Branch Manager of the 150 Danbury Road Branch in Ridgefield, and Clyde Martin, Office Services Associate were the Leadership Award Recipients. Juli Weckman, Cash Management Associate, received the Volunteer Award.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kathy Graham has been an integral part of Fairfield County Bank’s presence in Ridgefield for over 30 years, assuming key roles in both the Main Street branch and 150 Danbury Road branch. She is deeply committed to her clients and their financial needs as well as championing non-profit organizations in the community. Ms. Graham is also a previous Volunteer of the Year winner. As Branch Manager, Kathy is responsible for developing new client relationships and providing exceptional service to the branch office’s client base while overseeing branch colleagues and overall operation.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Clyde Martin has been with the Bank since 2018 and has proved invaluable in his role. The Office Services team supports every department at the Bank for any necessary materials. As Office Services Associate, Clyde is responsible for mail distribution and processing, overseeing the Bank’s record retention process, and incoming supply orders.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Although in two very different ways, Kathy and Clyde each have a profound impact on our organization,” said Daniel Berta, President of Fairfield County Bank. “Clyde personally assists nearly every single member of the Bank, helping make our operations seamless. Kathy is the consummate professional, setting an example for countless colleagues and embodying the Bank’s core values. She offers her clients financial solutions comparable to those of oversized banks, while delivering exceptional customer service through the strong relationships she has built over the years. Kathy is deeply committed to her community, dedicating her time to volunteering with several charities she is passionate about. We are grateful for their service and thrilled to honor them as our Leadership Award winners this year.”</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mrs. Weckman dedicates countless hours of her personal time to charitable organizations, contributing over 250 volunteer hours in 2024. In addition to her volunteer efforts, she works tirelessly as an Employee Champion in the Bank’s Charity of the Month program. As part of the Volunteer of the Year award, the Bank donates an additional $1,000 to a local charity selected by the winner, further supporting the Bank’s commitment to giving back to the community. When choosing Animals for Life, Juli said, “Animals for Life is incredibly near and dear to my heart, as my husband and I have been volunteers at the shelter for three years. Four of our seven cats have come from Animals for Life, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our newest was a 'foster failure' who came to stay with us during the flooding in Naugatuck this past August. We fell in love with her instantly and knew she needed to be part of our family. I love being able to play a role in making the lives of animals better.”</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about Fairfield County Bank </span><a href="http://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(94, 168, 215);">FairfieldCountyBank.com</a></p>
<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CALENDAR OF MEETINGS</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Friday, January 24, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/agenda/planning-commission-site-inspection-3-marchant-road/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">3:00 p.m. at 3 Marchant Road-Planning Commission Site Inspection</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/agenda/planning-commission-site-inspection-117-umpawaug-road/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">3:30 p.m. at 117 Umpawaug Road-Planning Commission Site Inspection</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Monday, January 27, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/er9-joint-operating-committee-special-meeting-3/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">4:30 p.m. via Zoom-ER9 Joint Operating Committee Special Meeting</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/region-9-finance-and-operations-committee-11/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">5:30 p.m. at ER9 Offices-Region 9 Finance and Operations Committee</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/board-of-finance-14/2025-01-27/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:30 p.m. via Zoom-Board of Finance</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tuesday, January 28, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/easton-board-of-education-redding-board-of-education-curriculum-committee-meeting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">6:00 p.m. at JBHS-Easton & Redding BOE Curriculum Committee Special Meeting</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/planning-commission-3/2025-01-28/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:00 p.m. at Town Hall-Planning Commission</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/region-9-board-of-education-11/2025-01-28/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> 7:00 p.m. at JBHS-Region 9 Board of Education</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/er9-joint-boards-meeting/2025-01-28/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:00 p.m. at JBHS-ER9 Joint Boards of Education Meeting</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Monday, February 3, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/park-and-recreation-commission-2/2025-02-03/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:00 p.m. at Community Center-Park and Recreation Commission</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/event/republican-town-committee-2-2025-02-03/2025-02-03/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:30 at Town Hall-Republican Town Committee</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CT DEEP Fisheries Division</span></p><p><a href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/general-information/ct-fishin-tips" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">CT Fishin’ Tips</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Employment</span></p><p><a href="https://townofredding.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ON-CALL-WEEKEND-Building-Custodian-Job-Posting-23.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facilities Custodian</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- On Call Weekends</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Heritage Senior Center</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/January-2025-Heritage-Center-Classes-Events.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">January News & Programs</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Legal Notices</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Special-Town-Meeting-action-01-21-25.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Action taken at Special Town Meeting January 21, 2025</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">New Pond Farm Education Center</span></p><p><a href="https://newpondfarm.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Programs and Activities</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mark Twain Library</span></p><p><a href="https://marktwainlibrary.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">News and Programs</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Recycling Center/Transfer Station</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Holiday Closure- February 17, 2024</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Redding Land Trust</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><a href="https://reddingctlandtrust.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Events and Programs Coming Up</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Registrar of Voters</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> REGISTRAR OF VOTERS OFFICE CLOSED TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Granite</span></p><p><a href="https://thegranitechurch.org/events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Programs and Events</a> including <span style="color: rgb(29, 28, 28);">Orchestra Lumos and Valentine's Craft</span></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Set sail for an evening of inspiration and adventure at "Meet the Royal Family", hosted by Jim and Mary Villamana and taking place at Armando's Restaurant, 47 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT, on February 5th at 6:00 pm.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Discover the world of cruising with an exclusive presentation featuring Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises—three exceptional cruise lines under the Royal Caribbean Group umbrella. Whether you’re dreaming of a family escape, a luxurious retreat, or a globe-trotting adventure, this event has something for everyone.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join us for a glass of wine and light bites as we explore the exciting possibilities these cruise lines offer.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We look forward to seeing you there! But space is limited so remember to RSVP early to reserve your spot.</span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> RSVP </strong><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221tribrand2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>here</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email Mary Villamana </strong><a href="mailto:mvillamana@expediacruises.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><strong>mvillamana@expediacruises.com</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend January 24-26</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/night-at-the-museum-wild-wetlands" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Night at the Museum Wild Wetlands</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 24, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>A family evening of crafts, activities, and adventures for kids of all ages. Come dressed in your favorite pajamas or duck-inspired attire!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-s-annual-young-artists-festival-concerto-competition" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony's Annual Young Artists Festival & Concerto Competition</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 25, 11:30 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>Festival 1 & 2 will start at 11:30 on Saturday, January 25 at Norwalk City Hall. Junior and Senior Competitions will run concurrently. The Concerto Competition will start at 2:00pm in the Concert Hall.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-met-live-in-hd---verdi-s-aida" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Verdi’s Aida</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 25, 12:30 pm - 4:15 pm</p><p>American soprano Angel Blue takes the lead as the Ethiopian princess caught between love and country in a new production of Verdi’s Aida by Michael Mayer. The staging immerses audiences in the grandeur of ancient Egypt with intricate projections and dazzling animations. Romanian-Hungarian mezzo-soprano Judit Kutasi stars as Aida’s rival, Amneris, alongside Polish tenor Piotr Beczała as the soldier Radamès, completing opera’s greatest love triangle. Met Music Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts the performance.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/new-year-new-members-our-annual-new-member-exhibit-2f464" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>New Year-New Members Our Annual New Member Exhibit</strong></a></p><p><strong>Loft Artists Association</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 25, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Featuring recent work of five new Loft Artists members. The exhibition includes work from; Chantal Disler, Jeff Hyman, Christine Kwon, David Pollard, Marc VanDermeer.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-anette-millington" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artist Talk: Anette Millington</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 25, 2:00 pm -3:00 pm</p><p>Anette Millington is an Assistant Professor of Fashion Systems and Materiality at Parsons School of Design and Associate Director of the Textiles MFA Program. Her interdisciplinary creative practice focuses on patterns and spans print, textiles, and sculpture. Anette abstracts flora and fauna—flowers, butterfly wings— to design new protective surfaces and symbols. She explores the psychological dimension of symmetry, building magic and metaphor from mathematics. In her Artist Talk, Anette will share more about her residency project: creating small-scale sculptures from wood-block printed paper.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/new-barrel-launch-event-for-sono-1420-finished-at-sea-bourbon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>New Barrel Launch Event for SONO 1420 Finished at Sea Bourbon</strong></a></p><p><strong>SoNo 1420 America's Maritime Distillery</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 25, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>1420 Finished at Sea bourbon follows in the traditions of pre-prohibition bourbon makers who aged their whiskey on flatboats floating on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Instead of flatboats on rivers, SONO 1420 whiskey is aged and exposed to the elements on the Long Island Sound aboard oyster boats operated by Norwalk, Connecticut’s Copps Island Oysters. The result? A full-bodied bourbon that embodies SONO 1420’s maritime environment while embracing the whiskey making traditions of old.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/reflections-on-light-eea14" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Reflections on Light"</strong></a></p><p><strong>Heather Gaudio Fine Art</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 25, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm</p><p>Creating the visual discourse at the gallery will be paintings by Miya Ando , Pegan Brooke and Kathleen Jacobs alongside sculptures by Ann Gardner. These artists share a preoccupation with the nature of light and its ephemeral qualities. Fleeting aspects and impermanent moments are harnessed and captured into serene visual experiences intended to give the viewer pause and consider our relationship with nature. Each artist uses their specific medium and unique process to create beautifully contemplative and nuanced artworks that are sublime records of time, place and experiences. Including Miya Ando’s work in the exhibition is made possible with the generous collaboration of Sundaram Tagore Gallery in New York City.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sensory-friendly-morning" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sensory Friendly Morning</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk</strong></p><p>Sunday Jan 26, 8:00 am - 9:30 am</p><p>From 8:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. all Aquarium galleries and exhibits will be open with lights dimmed and music and other sounds turned down or off. For those wanting to include a short film in the 4D theater, guests can enjoy a film wearing 4D glasses, but with sounds lower and theater lights brighter, and without any of the sensory effects. Plus, enjoy a special seal feeding at 9 a.m. in Pinniped Cove with our Animal Husbandry Team.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/guided-gallery-tour-greenwich-during-the-revolutionary-war-a-frontier-town-on-the-front-line" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Guided Gallery Tour Greenwich During the Revolutionary War: A Frontier Town on the Front Line</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society</strong></p><p>Sunday Jan 26, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Gain deeper insights and information on the exhibition with Greenwich Historical society staff-led guided tours every other Sunday. Bring the kids and enjoy the “Let’s Learn” interactive exhibition feature. Take the opportunity to tour the National Historic Landmark Bush-Holley House before or after the gallery tour to learn more about how the Bush family navigated the formation a new nation.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/puzzle-competition-sponsored-by-the-toy-room" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Puzzle Competition Sponsored by the Toy Room</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bethel Public Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Jan 26, 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm, hosts a<strong> </strong>. Join us as we host a Ravensburger Puzzle contest sponsored by our neighbor and friend The Toy Room! Race opposing teams to complete a 300 piece puzzle. Teams can consist of up to five members aged 6 and up, and must have one adult (age 21 and over) or be accompanied by a parent/guardian for the duration of the competition.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethel-arts-in-view---wier-farm-artist-collective-a67d8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Arts in View - Weir Farm Artist Collective</strong></a></p><p><strong>La Zingara Restaurant</strong></p><p>Inspired by the lush landscape of Weir Farm, the artists bring us visions of Connecticut terrain in all seasons and times of day. Rolling hills, historic buildings, flowers in bloom and magnificent trees serve as inspiration for the varied expressions of this group of talented artists.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>
<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Celebrate 25 Years of the Ridgefield Playhouse: Become a Member Today!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This year marks a significant milestone for the Ridgefield Playhouse as we celebrate 25 years of inspiring and enriching the community through performing arts. There’s never been a better time to become a member and support this cherished cultural gem!</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Membership Has Its Privileges</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">By becoming a member, you’re not only helping preserve and grow a beloved community institution but also gaining access to incredible perks: early ticket access, VIP parking, invitations to exclusive events, and more.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Membership options start at just $120 per year and offer levels to suit every kind of patron—from single memberships to the all-inclusive concierge membership. No matter your level, your support contributes to fulfilling the Playhouse’s mission: </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">to entertain, enrich, and educate our community and surrounding areas, and to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.</em></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">MEMBERSHIP LEVELS & BENEFITS</span></h3><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">SINGLE MEMBERSHIP $120</span></h3><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ability to purchase up to two tickets before the public</span></li></ul><p><a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/MembershipSelection.asp?type=1&origType=0&_gl=1*10pwdng*_gcl_au*MTkwNjk1ODg3MC4xNzE5NDk3MzY3LjU0MzU1MzM4OS4xNzE5NDk4OTI5LjE3MTk0OTg5MzA.*_ga*MTQ5NTgxMDc1My4xNzE5NDk3MzY3*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTcxOTUxNDIwNS40LjEuMTcxOTUxNDgzOS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.70109264.1700499487.1719497368-1495810753.1719497367" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">PURCHASE SINGLE MEMBERSHIP</a></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Family MEMBERSHIP $200</span></h3><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ability to purchase up to four tickets before the public</span></li></ul><p><a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/MembershipSelection.asp?type=1&origType=0&_gl=1*10pwdng*_gcl_au*MTkwNjk1ODg3MC4xNzE5NDk3MzY3LjU0MzU1MzM4OS4xNzE5NDk4OTI5LjE3MTk0OTg5MzA.*_ga*MTQ5NTgxMDc1My4xNzE5NDk3MzY3*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTcxOTUxNDIwNS40LjEuMTcxOTUxNDgzOS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.70109264.1700499487.1719497368-1495810753.1719497367" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">PURCHASE FAMILY MEMBERSHIP</a></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Gold MEMBERSHIP $500</span></h3><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ability to purchase up to eight tickets before the public</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">VIP Parking</span></li></ul><p><a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/MembershipSelection.asp?type=1&origType=0&_gl=1*10pwdng*_gcl_au*MTkwNjk1ODg3MC4xNzE5NDk3MzY3LjU0MzU1MzM4OS4xNzE5NDk4OTI5LjE3MTk0OTg5MzA.*_ga*MTQ5NTgxMDc1My4xNzE5NDk3MzY3*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTcxOTUxNDIwNS40LjEuMTcxOTUxNDgzOS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.70109264.1700499487.1719497368-1495810753.1719497367" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">PURCHASE GOLD MEMBERSHIP</a></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Platinum MEMBERSHIP $750</span></h3><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ability to purchase up to ten tickets before the public</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Invitation to Annual Holiday Party</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">VIP Parking</span></li></ul><p><a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/MembershipSelection.asp?type=1&origType=0&_gl=1*10pwdng*_gcl_au*MTkwNjk1ODg3MC4xNzE5NDk3MzY3LjU0MzU1MzM4OS4xNzE5NDk4OTI5LjE3MTk0OTg5MzA.*_ga*MTQ5NTgxMDc1My4xNzE5NDk3MzY3*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTcxOTUxNDIwNS40LjEuMTcxOTUxNDgzOS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.70109264.1700499487.1719497368-1495810753.1719497367" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">PURCHASE PLATINUM MEMBERSHIP</a></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP $1,200</span></h3><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ability to purchase up to 12 tickets before the public</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Invitation to Annual Holiday Party</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">VIP Parking</span></li></ul><p><a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/MembershipSelection.asp?type=1&origType=0&_gl=1*10pwdng*_gcl_au*MTkwNjk1ODg3MC4xNzE5NDk3MzY3LjU0MzU1MzM4OS4xNzE5NDk4OTI5LjE3MTk0OTg5MzA.*_ga*MTQ5NTgxMDc1My4xNzE5NDk3MzY3*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTcxOTUxNDIwNS40LjEuMTcxOTUxNDgzOS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.70109264.1700499487.1719497368-1495810753.1719497367" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">PURCHASE DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP</a></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">CONCIERGE MEMBERSHIP $3,500</span></h3><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Advance notice of events</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Patron liaison for all ticketing needs***</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The ability to purchase 2 Premium Orchestra reserved seats for every event*</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ability to purchase additional tickets</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">VIP Parking</span></li></ul><p><a href="https://tickets.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/MembershipSelection.asp?type=1&origType=0&_gl=1*10pwdng*_gcl_au*MTkwNjk1ODg3MC4xNzE5NDk3MzY3LjU0MzU1MzM4OS4xNzE5NDk4OTI5LjE3MTk0OTg5MzA.*_ga*MTQ5NTgxMDc1My4xNzE5NDk3MzY3*_ga_NNWX5Z8R64*MTcxOTUxNDIwNS40LjEuMTcxOTUxNDgzOS42MC4wLjA.&_ga=2.70109264.1700499487.1719497368-1495810753.1719497367" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">PURCHASE CONCIERGE MEMBERSHIP</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more about Ridgefield Playhouse and find out what’s on stage </span><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/</a></p>
<h3>Understanding Microplastics and the Power of Stewardship</h3><p><strong>Thursday, January 30, 7:00 PM</strong></p><p>Microplastics are everywhere—marine and freshwater ecosystems, food, air, and even drinking water. Join consultant, educator, researcher, and explorer <strong>Dr. Tim Keyes</strong> on <strong>Thursday, January 30, at 7:00 PM</strong>, to delve into this critical environmental issue and explore the results of sampling conducted across the country, including studies at New Pond Farm in Redding.</p><p>Following the discussion, attendees will view <strong>The Voice of the Hudson</strong>, a 50-minute documentary chronicling the 2023 journey of eight high school students down the length of the Hudson River, from the Adirondacks to Manhattan. Along the way, they collected water samples and reflected on the importance of stewardship, teamwork, and resilience. The film showcases what young people can achieve when given the right resources and environment.</p><p><strong>Meet the Presenter: Dr. Tim Keyes</strong></p><p>Dr. Tim Keyes brings a wealth of experience to this event as a consultant, educator, and explorer. Through storytelling, he has bridged business and environmental data to inspire strategic action. Tim is the founder of <strong>Evergreen Business Analytics, LLC</strong>, based in Redding, which supports financial institutions and nonprofit citizen science projects.</p><p>He is also an active lead researcher for The Sierra Club Connecticut, focusing on outdoor air and water quality, and teaches in the Master’s in Business Analytics programs at Sacred Heart University in Connecticut and Wake Forest University in North Carolina. Additionally, Dr. Keyes serves on the board of <strong>New Pond Farm Education Center</strong>, deepening his commitment to environmental education.</p><p>Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about the impact of microplastics and witness an inspiring film about youth-driven environmental action.</p><p>Register <a href="https://marktwainlibrary.org/events/the-voice-of-the-hudson-movie-discussion-in-person-2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://marktwainlibrary.org/events/the-voice-of-the-hudson-movie-discussion-in-person-2/</a></p>