<p>Broadway stars and alumni will be making their way from New York City to Fairfield, Connecticut on September 22, 2024, to perform in “The Best of Broadway,” a benefit for Sandy Hook Promise. In an evening to honor lives taken in the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, a group of extraordinary Broadway stars will lift up their voices to raise funds and awareness to prevent gun violence.</p><p>Proceeds from the event will go to Sandy Hook Promise (SHP), a leading national nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent gun violence. The financial support will allow them to teach more people the warning signs of potential gun violence and how to get help. Their signature Know the Signs programs are proven to have averted at least 16 planned school shooting attacks, hundreds of youth suicides, and countless other acts of violence.</p><p>This star-infused evening of music and dance features Broadway stars from the casts of: <em>Phantom of the Opera, Les Miserables, Chicago, City of Angels, CATS, Jekyll &amp; Hyde,</em> and more. Hosted by Tony award winner James Naughton and legendary folk star Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step, the performance is the first of its kind in Connecticut.</p><p>Cast members as of July 2024 include:</p><ul><li><strong>James Naughton</strong>: Tony Award Winner, <em>City of Angels, Chicago</em></li><li><strong>Craig Schulman</strong>: Former Phantom &amp; Jean Valjean, <em>Les Miserables</em></li><li><strong>Ted Keegan</strong>: Former Phantom, National Tour</li><li><strong>Keith Buterbaugh</strong>: Former Raoul and Phantom, Broadway, National Tour</li><li><strong>Dodie Pettit</strong>: Original Cast <em>Phantom, Ballet Populaire, Christine</em></li><li><strong>Frank Mastrone</strong>: Original Cast <em>Phantom, Title Role, Jekyll &amp; Hyde, Les Miserables</em></li><li><strong>Terry Eldh</strong>: <em>Phantom</em> Broadway, Carlotta</li><li><strong>Scott Mikita</strong>: <em>Phantom</em> Broadway, Multiple roles, 7500 shows</li><li><strong>Paul Schoeffler</strong>: Broadway <em>Rock of Ages, Sunset Blvd, Beauty and the Beast</em></li><li><strong>Robert Cuccioli</strong>: <em>Jekyll &amp; Hyde</em> plus AZTEC TWO-STEP 2.0</li></ul><p>Also on the program are student scholarship recipients from Connecticut Dance School in Fairfield, a student chorus from Wiremill Academy of Performing Arts in Redding, a special screening of the trailer for “A Father's Promise,” and an auction led by Joe Gray - the opening act at the Apollo for 25 years. A list of VIPs (to be announced in September) will be in attendance, including Mark Barden and Nicole Hockley, co-founders and CEOs of Sandy Hook Promise.</p><p>Dodie Pettit, co-producer, explains, “We are coming together to add our voices and spirit to help Sandy Hook Promise continue to spread their good works. We put this show together with the incredible generosity of my Broadway family who have donated their talent and time to raise money and awareness for one of the most important causes of our time. After my husband, Rex (Fowler), was approached to donate his song ‘Living in America’ for the new Sandy Hook film <em>‘A Father’s Promise’</em> and appear at their NYC concert film debut in December 2023, we were deeply moved by the Sandy Hook Foundation. I approached Nicole Hockley and Mark Barden about producing a fundraising concert, and ‘The Best of Broadway’ was born.”</p><p>“The Best of Broadway” is proudly sponsored by Moffly Media, Lamar Advertising, Wings4Peace, and Westport Downtown Association. Sponsorship opportunities are open through August 16th. Contact Dodie Pettit at graypet@aol.com if you are interested in sponsoring the event, offering a monetary or in-kind donation, or advertising in the program.</p><p>For tickets, the full cast list, and more information, visit <a href="http://broadwaypromise.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">broadwaypromise.com</a>.</p>

<p>Alison&nbsp;N.&nbsp;Kopec, of Redding,&nbsp;was named to second&nbsp;honors on the Clark University Dean's List. This selection marks outstanding academic achievement during the Spring 2024 semester.</p><p>Students must&nbsp;have a GPA of 3.8 or above for first honors or a GPA between 3.5 and 3.79 for&nbsp;second honors.</p><p>Founded in 1887, Clark University is a liberal arts-based research university that prepares its students to meet tomorrow's most daunting challenges and embrace its greatest opportunities. </p>

<p><strong><u>For Sale: Estate of Mary Travers: 70&nbsp;Limekiln&nbsp;Road, Redding</u></strong></p><p>Once in a lifetime opportunity to own the enchanting estate of the iconic and beloved Mary Travers, part of the legendary trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, famous for such songs as the 1963 hit "Puff the Magic Dragon" and "Leaving on a Jet Plane". Mary found peace, tranquility and inspiration in this historic 1730 farmhouse, where she lived from 1966 until her death in 2009. </p><p>This artistic antique will delight with authentic wide board floors, exposed beams, and 2 original fireplaces, plus a magnificent post and beam great room addition with soaring vaulted ceilings, massive stone fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and French doors to the "secret gardens". There is beauty to behold in all directions with abundant perennial flowers and mature trees; steps up to the in-ground pool and pool shed; delightful "summer house" with stone fireplace; stone walls, walkways, and more. Total 2,323 sf in the main home with 1st floor primary suite featuring fireplace, full bath, walk-in closet, and French doors opening to a secluded wisteria covered porch with magical views of the recirculating waterfall and pond; plus second floor with 3 additional inviting bedrooms and shared hall bath. </p><p>The main level also features the bright kitchen with beamed/vaulted ceiling, AGA stove, and whimsical soapstone sink, plus light-filled breakfast area, built-ins and adjoining butler's pantry/laundry. This rambling estate also boasts a 1,058 sf, two-story, 1 bedroom guest cottage with kitchen, sitting room and full bath, currently rented. </p><p>Estate being sold as-is.&nbsp;</p><p>Take a virtual tour of the property: <a href="https://www.seetheproperty.com/466307" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.seetheproperty.com/466307</a></p><p>To learn more about this property, contact Laura Ancona <a href="https://www.williampitt.com/our-agents/list/lauraancona" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend July 26-28</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/moca-some-noise---open-mic-night" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>MOCA SOME NOISE OPEN MIC NIGHT</strong></a></p><p><strong>Moca CT</strong></p><p>Friday Jul 26, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Join Moca Ct for an Open Mic night featuring acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry! Everyone is invited to participate and attend.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ftc-presents-mystic-bowie-s-talking-dreads" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>MYSTIC BOWIE'S TALKING DREADS</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Theatre Company</strong></p><p>Friday Jul 26, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>These guys are so much more than a reggae-tribute of the Talking Heads’ top hits. Picture that famously funky frequency, picked up on the sun-bathed beaches of Jamaica and put through a Caribbean kaleidoscope. Fronted by Connecticut's own, Mystic Bowie, Talking Dreads will be Burning Down The House. As a former member of the Tom Tom Club, a band that includes Talking Heads founders Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, Mystic Bowie infuses fresh life into Talking Heads' classic catalog with his high octane mix of roots reggae, ska and rock. "Talking Dreads cover Talking Heads songs as shimmering one-drop reggae jewels. Tom Tom Club vet Mystic Bowie covers Talking Heads songs by swapping out urbanity for roots and sincerity.” – Salon</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fairfield-museum-summer-camps-614e7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SUMMER CAMPS</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Museum</strong></p><p>Friday Jul 26, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>These unforgettable summer camps are designed for kids ages 7-12 and bring history to life through art-making, gallery exploration, outdoor play on the Museum Commons, and many more hands-on activities. Each week features a different theme inspired by the Museum’s rich collections and exhibitions. Whether your child has an interest in archaeology, history, or the arts, you’ll be sure to find a program that’s right for them. Adventures in Art Camp | July 22-26 Spy Camp | July 29-August 2 Innovation Camp | August 5-9 Archaeology Camp | August 12-16 | SOLD OUT! History Camp | August 19-23</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-greenwich-art-society-is-offering-a-new-workshop-colored-pencil-the-painterly-way" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A NEW WORKSHOP!! COLORED PENCIL: THE PAINTERLY WAY</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Art Society</strong></p><p>Saturday Jul 27, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm</p><p>You read correctly! Learn how to approach color pencil in a way that resembles pastel painting with the aim of finishing a drawing using color pencils within a short period of time. Color pencil may possibly be one of the most misunderstood mediums often treated in a slow and tedious manner. But what if we could use it as a brush in a painterly way? Participants would be introduced to a quick layering system derived from the way pastelists use hard and soft pastels for sketching on toned surfaces. If you love color pencils this crash course will help you discover other ways to express your artwork through this fun medium.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cody-wolfe-live-bijou-theatre-bridgeport-connecticut" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>CODY WOLFE LIVE</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Bijou Theatre</strong></p><p>Saturday Jul 27, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Get ready to Bring Country Back with Nashville Recording Artist and Trend Setting Country Singer/Songwriter Cody Wolfe. From his breakup hit "Better Without You" to fan favorite "Don't Blame Your Drunk On Me" and songs from his new album "Bringin Country Back" be prepared for a full band, live show full of original music that you'll be singing along with from the very first note. ​</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/weston-what-lies-beneath-exhibit-3d8b5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>WESTON...WHAT LIES BENEATH EXHIBIT</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</strong></p><p>Sunday Jul 28, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The yard of one of Weston’s oldest homes, the Peter Thorp House, reveals its past lives. Through objects, rare photographs, videos, and hands-on activities, discover what lies beneath and who lived above. Kids can dig for artifacts in the exhibit's fun Kids Corner.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/summer-concert-series-paul-gabriel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SUMMER CONCERT SERIES WITH PAUL GABRIEL</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bartlett Arboretum &amp; Gardens</strong></p><p>Sunday Jul 28, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Paul Gabriel is a Blues Music Award nominee, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and New England Music Hall of Fame inductee.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/parker-s-tangent-concert-at-music-at-the-barn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>PARKER'S TANGENT CONCERT </strong></a></p><p><strong>MUSIC AT THE BARN</strong></p><p>Sunday Jul 28, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Parker’s Tangent is an established rock band based out of New Haven, CT. They play all original rock music based on blues and roots sources. Their wonderful female lead singer has been compared to Grace Slick and Nora Jones. The band is rounded out by drums, percussion, lead and rhythm guitars, bass and violin. Their music ranges from poetic, quiet and touching, to bluesy and rocking! Parker’s Tangent has performed together for over 19 years and has performed at Toads' Place, the main stage of the New Haven Green, The International Festival of Arts and Ideas, Westport’s Blues, Views and Bar-B-Que Festival, the Phoenix, Long Wharf Theater and many more.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artisan-marketplace-summer-series-4e573" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ARTISAN MARKETPLACE SUMMER SERIES</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT</strong></p><p>Sunday Jul 28, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>This year’s Artisan Marketplace will be held outdoors, providing a beautiful and spacious setting for visitors to explore a wide variety of unique, handcrafted items. From jewelry and pottery to textiles and artwork, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. The galleries inside will also be open to enjoy our latest exhibition. The Artisan Marketplace Summer Series is a perfect opportunity for families and friends to spend a leisurely afternoon supporting and discovering the talent and creativity of local artisans. We continue to accept vendor applications – click here to apply!</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><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Step into enchantment. This Mini Compound is nestled on 2+ acres of tranquility. At the heart, is an elegant 1820 Colonial Farmhouse meticulously maintained offering 1,848 square feet of living space featuring 4 Bedrooms &amp; 1.5 Baths – each room is a testament to its architectural heritage, Hardwood Floors, exposed beams, &amp; exquisite Millwork + a beautifully renovated Kitchen blending modern convenience seamlessly with 1820s craftsmanship.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">A covered front porch &amp; patio with a serene fountain providing the perfect retreat. Adjacent to the Farmhouse, a 1,204 sq ft 2-story Studio built in 2000 offers a versatile space ideal for a Home Office, Guest quarters or Artist’s Studio.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Adding to the magic, the 1,443 square foot Pool House/Party Barn built in 2007 brings the “WOW”. Upon entry, you are greeted by a sun-filled interior with 10-foot ceilings, radiant heated slate floors, &amp; expansive windows overlooking a fabulous rear yard. The Pool House boasts an updated Full Bath, Kitchenette, expansive Loft with limitless possibilities as a Bedroom, office, art studio or Gym.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The 20-foot Heated Pool is nestled amidst lush landscaping, offering a private oasis with a sleeping cottage, outdoor shower &amp; meditation garden. This property offers a lifestyle of sophistication and comfort, Minutes to shopping &amp; restaurants. Approximately 1 hr. to NYC.</span></p><p>For full listing details, please visit <a href="https://karlamurtaugh.com/portfolio/279-black-rock-turnpike-redding/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://karlamurtaugh.com/portfolio/279-black-rock-turnpike-redding/</a></p><p>Karla Murtaugh Homes Team</p><p>203-856-5534</p><p>470 Main Street</p><p>Ridgefield, CT 06877</p><p>Compass CT </p><p>Lic. in CT &amp; NY</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Join the Fight Against Hunger: Hillside Food Outreach&nbsp;Seeks Volunteers for Food Delivery</strong></p><p><strong>Danbury, CT</strong>&nbsp;<strong>(July 22, 2024) –</strong>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hillsidefoodoutreach.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: purple;">Hillside Food Outreach</a>, a nonprofit dedicated to delivering high-quality, nutritious food to low-income and limited mobility families, seniors, and the chronically ill in Fairfield, Westchester, and Putnam Counties, is calling on the community to join its mission. The organization, which provides food deliveries free of charge to over 2,000 individuals twice per month, is in urgent need of volunteers to help meet the rising demand.</p><p>Hillside Food Outreach relies on a dedicated network of more than 350 volunteers to deliver nutrient-dense groceries to those in need. The organization is seeking additional delivery volunteers to ensure that no household on its waitlist of over 100 families goes hungry. Volunteers typically deliver to up to six households, fostering trust and long-term relationships with the clients they serve.</p><p>“Hillside volunteers are a lifeline for many in our community,” said Kathy Purdy, CEO and Founder of Hillside Food Outreach. “They play a critical role in providing not only food, but also companionship and hope to those who are often isolated and struggling.” Clients include elderly residents who lack transportation and who are unable to carry heavy grocery bags, veterans, people who are housebound due to disability, and patients suffering from chronic illnesses who require healthy diets.</p><p>According to a&nbsp;<a href="https://map.feedingamerica.org/county/2022/overall/connecticut?mc_cid=b091b16f86&amp;mc_eid=daf2309202" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: purple;">recent report</a>&nbsp;by Feeding America,&nbsp;468,150 people in Connecticut are now food insecure, an increase of 23 percent.&nbsp;This alarming trend is part of a national issue, with more than 17 million American households experiencing food insecurity in 2022, the largest increase since the 2008 economic crisis. Hillside Food Outreach is witnessing this surge firsthand and is struggling to meet the increased demand for its services.</p><p>“Food insecurity rarely exists alone,” noted Purdy. “It can cause significant emotional and psychological distress, contributing to a deeper sense of isolation. Our mission is to combat these issues by providing nutritious food and human connection.”</p><p>Community members have several options to support Hillside Food Outreach:</p><ul><li><strong>Become a Delivery Volunteer:&nbsp;</strong>Help deliver food directly to those in need.</li><li><strong>Volunteer at the Warehouse:</strong>&nbsp;Assist in stocking shelves and preparing deliveries.</li><li><strong>Make a Donation:</strong>&nbsp;Financial contributions are crucial for sustaining Hillside’s operations. Consider a one-time donation or join the&nbsp;<em>Hunger Heroes</em>&nbsp;program with a monthly contribution.</li><li><strong>Advocate for Change:</strong>&nbsp;Raise awareness about food insecurity with elected officials and push for policies that improve access to healthy food.&nbsp;</li></ul><p>“Working to reduce food insecurity is a challenging task, but it’s incredibly uplifting when clients share how our food deliveries have positively impacted their health and overall quality of life,” Purdy said. “Even a few hours a month can make a significant difference. In our latest survey, 98 percent of Hillside clients reported feeling more food-secure, and 97 percent of parents said their children are eating more fruits and vegetables.”</p><p>Hillside Food Outreach is headquartered in Mount Kisco, N.Y. and operates in Fairfield County through its Danbury, CT satellite location. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, call 914-747-0095 or visit&nbsp;<a href="http://hillsidefoodoutreach.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: purple;">hillsidefoodoutreach.org</a>.</p>