Stories
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend May 9-11</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/tacos-tequila-at-the-sm-nc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tacos & Tequila at the SM&NC</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Come savor the flavor at a night of taco tasting and tequila exploration in our Knobloch Family Farmhouse alongside ambassadors from exceptional tequila brands. Enjoy an array of authentically made tacos and sides expertly prepared using only the freshest ingredients. Our event partner, BevMax, will be on hand to place orders for full bottles of any of the products you sample.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/prints---pottery---painting-artists-of-studio-402-282ef" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Prints - Pottery - Painting, Artists of Studio 402</strong></a></p><p><strong>Easton Library, Easton</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>The three women in this exhibition have shared a studio space since 2016 at the AmFab Arts Studios in Bridgeport. Holly Hawthorn is a mixed media artist who works in porcelain, collage and printmaking. The subject of her art often revolves around ocean themes. Deborah Dutko is an accomplished illustrator whose artistic explorations have led her to a love of clay in all its forms. Her illustrative talents are manifest in her amazing pet portraits done in watercolor technique.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-comedy-series-cbf26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret Comedy Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the Cabaret Comedy Series—exclusive nights of stand-up comedy featuring a rotating lineup of top-notch comedians. Each show brings a unique blend of wit and humor to the stage, promising unforgettable evenings of laughter and good times. Grab your tickets now and join us for a comedy experience like no other!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/30th-birthday-open-house" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>30th Birthday Open House</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Every studio in the building will be in operation, creating limited edition 30th Anniversary prints as you watch. There will be hands-on activities throughout the day, and a birthday cake celebration.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-day-gold-and-glitter-in-vienna-be70a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Family Day: Gold and Glitter in Vienna</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bellarmine Hall, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Inspired by the artwork on view in our exhibition Famous & Family: Through the Lens of Trude Fleischmann. Learn more about the exhibition here! The first session will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m. During this Family Day event, kids ages 4-10 will get to create Gustav Klimt's "Tree of Life" and self-protraits as Adele Bloch-Bauer, aka "The Woman in Gold"!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-lisa-tannebaum-in-a-mother-s-day-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Lisa Tannebaum in a Mother's Day Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>Celebrate Mother's Day with a beautiful Harp Concert!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/under-the-sea-summer-theatre-gala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Under The Sea" Summer Theatre Gala</strong></a></p><p><strong>Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Dive into an unforgettable evening at The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s 22nd Anniversary Gala, “Under the Sea,” Saturday, May 10th, at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT. A whimsical evening to benefit the Summer Theatre’s Season and Educational Programs . This special night’s honorees are philanthropists Robert Miller and Kathy Klingenstein , along with Broadway’s Arbender Robinson, a true journeyman of the stage. The evening will feature performances by stars of our upcoming summer Broadway production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Come meet our Stars, Gala Committee, Trustees and fellow Patrons for an enjoyable experience.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-of-the-mendelssohn-choir-through-the-years" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Music of the Mendelssohn Choir Through the Years</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Church Congregational, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>A 40th anniversary concert & silent auction.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-power-of-song-for-justice-a-tribute-to-peter-paul-mary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Power of Song for Justice: A Tribute to Peter, Paul & Mary</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The term “folk music” has become interchangeable with Peter, Paul & Mary. In 1962, with the nation still recovering from the McCarthy era, the civil rights movement taking shape, the Cold War heating up, and a nascent spirit of activism in the air, Peter Yarrow, Noel (Paul) Stokey and Mary Travers came together to foster folk music’s potency as a social, cultural and political force. This concert brings together some of our current era’s most talented folk artists, Peter and Maura Kennedy, Mustard’s Retreat’s David Tamulevich and Libby Glover, and Weston native Suzanne Sheridan, sharing their experiences through song, bringing alive once again the power of song for justice.</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><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced this year’s National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Congratulations to </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cade Fravel</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> of Redding, a student at Joel Barlow High School, who was named a National Merit $2500 Scholarship winner. Fravel’s probable career field is </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Diplomatic Service</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">By the conclusion of this year’s competition, more than 6,930 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $26 million. NMSC finances most of these single-payment National Merit $2500 Scholarships. Corporations and company foundations that sponsor awards through NMSC help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of paying administrative fees. Donations made to NMSC’s President’s Fund also provide funding for some National Merit $2500 Scholarships awards. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Brookfield’s Expedia Cruises Hosts Adults-Only Travel Night Featuring Sandals Resorts and Virgin Voyages</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a cocktail aboard a luxury cruise or lounging beachside at an all-inclusive resort—without the kids in tow—this is your invitation to turn that dream into a plan.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join Jim and Mary Villamana, owners of the full-service travel agency Expedia Cruises in Brookfield, for an evening of wine, light bites, and insider tips on the best in adults-only vacations. On Wednesday, May 21, at Del Primo Ristorante & Bar in Brookfield, guests will hear from experts at Sandals Resorts and Virgin Voyages, two brands that have redefined what it means to get away in style.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This relaxed, informative gathering will showcase the newest offerings, exclusive itineraries, and elevated experiences tailored specifically for adults. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a milestone celebration, or simply in need of a grown-up getaway, Jim and Mary’s team of Vacation Consultants can help you find your perfect escape.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> RSVP by May 18:</span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/sandalsvirgin2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Learn more and reserve your spot</a><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/sandalsvirgin2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Space is limited, so don’t wait. Pour a glass, pull out your calendar, and start dreaming.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">COMING UP THIS WEEKEND!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">May 3</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SHRED DAY 9AM-12PM</span><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TOWN-OF-REDDING-SHRED-DAYS-flyer-2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scout Troop #15 Spaghetti Dinner – 5-8PM</span><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-Spaghetti-Dinner-Flyer.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mark Twain Library Frog Frolic - learn more </span><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/redding-connecticut/mark-twain-librarys-frog-frolic-family-festival-on-may-3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">May 1-3 </strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Frozen Jr. on stage at Joel Barlow High School. For tickets visit:</span><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/redding-connecticut/stories/MS.Booktix.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> MS.Booktix.com</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">May 4 </strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Redding Cleanup Day</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Looking Ahead</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">New Pond Farm Education Center “Golf Outing & Pickleball Tournament”</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">June 9</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Danbury Animal Welfare Society “Putt Fore Paws”</span></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);">Monday, May 5, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/annual-region-9-district-meeting/" 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 Annual District Meeting</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/park-and-recreation-commission-2/2025-05-05/" 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://reddingct.gov/event/republican-town-committee-2-2025-02-03/2025-05-05/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:30 p.m. at Town Hall Hearing Room-Republican Town Committee</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tuesday May 6, 2025</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. at Redding Community Center Annual Budget Referendum</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/conservation-commission-2/2025-05-06/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:00 p.m. at Town Hall-Conservation Commission</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/redding-board-of-education-14/2025-05-06/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:00 p.m. at JRMS-Redding Board of Education</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/board-of-finance-14-2025-03-24-2025-05-06/2025-05-06/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">8:15 p.m. via Zoom-Board of Finance</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wednesday, May 7, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/ives-trail-task-force-3/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">9:30-11:00 at Town Hall Conference Room-Ives Trail Task Force</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/brown-bag-lunch-with-first-selectwoman-7-2025-04-02/2025-05-07/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">12:00 p.m. at Town Hall Conference Room-Brown Bag Lunch with First Selectwoman</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday, May 8, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/gilbert-and-bennett-wire-mill-advisory-committee-6-2025-02-13/2025-05-08/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">6:00 p.m. via Zoom/Town Hall-Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill Advisory Committee</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/fire-district-2-commissioners-meeting-2/2025-05-08/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:00 p.m. at W. Redding Firehouse-Fire District No. 2 Commissioner’s Meeting</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Saturday, May 10, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HHW-Event-2025-Annual-Events.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Newtown Public Works-Household Hazardous Waste Event</a></p><p>For Notices and Announcements, click <a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/News-Calendar-of-Events-05-02-25-to-05-11-25.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Guild of Artists, in partnership with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty of Ridgefield, is thrilled to announce the third annual Emerging Artists Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support and recognize the talent of emerging artists in the community.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The selected scholarship winner will receive a monetary award of $500.00 along with a prestigious opportunity to showcase their work at the Guild of Artists satellite gallery located at William Pitt Sotheby's. This exhibit offers a platform for the recipient to gain exposure and connect with art enthusiasts and patrons.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Applicants, aged 16 years or older, are encouraged to submit their portfolios for consideration. Submissions must be received by May 25th, 2025 to be eligible for the scholarship. The selection process will be based on artistic merit, originality, and potential for growth.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Interested individuals can receive an application by contacting Paul Gervais at </span><a href="mailto:pgervais@wpsir.com." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">pgervais@wpsir.com.</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Guild of Artists and William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty are committed to fostering artistic development and providing opportunities for emerging talents to thrive. This scholarship represents our dedication to supporting the vibrant arts community in Ridgefield and beyond.</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Last call for </span><a href="https://vy8gtsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001obAp-Vx78q-mnXl6KsiZub9_xEWP8GaOsreZMdNGsptjP8anJOpDUjI_9AYsGOUZSsjsGfdT9MAc8CdRdOXSPVcChfTRvnWPqRzkB4cbb_1PAFGDgNChFybEZ1Zhz-kE6xNAqKGmS6qqgLRKW0JBVWUB511OjqLOST88zFGgl3o-B8c2cZbpvoZV119rbbjqtIDi3lszYMCNh3THkLIY4xu892hS2Pi1Jm3se-OLT_va8NJb4W6bVxoTroMcZ9sYcug8mUcXCdW5hpoteOjmldTbIvFIMspcMZ2_FK_aZKu_6bZax1WzdgItZTgPeB1nlOQ7oAY-T-mdXMeaID9xIvXtEPZMjBCHWsmsGpcTGdnS5oaiuHIp41RtKkOsXTWNlFIgze_1e6kYZsv9NX_BfUjcPcy95UIL&c=U9ymJ6EbdttH7G82Gya5CpUfVgVA1hHzrIsn5uzpaDPF-PG_OcGbPw==&ch=SFeuy-FwU7GyL2rkduItW5ZmqAhI1s-simFxh6Rj4LCumWwzdDwkJA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HANNAH BERNER</a> tickets! The stand-up comedian will perform at The Ridgefield Playhouse on <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sunday, May 4 at 8pm!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tickets start at $35 - </span><a href="https://vy8gtsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001obAp-Vx78q-mnXl6KsiZub9_xEWP8GaOsreZMdNGsptjP8anJOpDUjI_9AYsGOUZSsjsGfdT9MAc8CdRdOXSPVcChfTRvnWPqRzkB4cbb_1PAFGDgNChFybEZ1Zhz-kE6xNAqKGmS6qqgLRKW0JBVWUB511OjqLOST88zFGgl3o-B8c2cZbpvoZV119rbbjqtIDi3lszYMCNh3THkLIY4xu892hS2Pi1Jm3se-OLT_va8NJb4W6bVxoTroMcZ9sYcug8mUcXCdW5hpoteOjmldTbIvFIMspcMZ2_FK_aZKu_6bZax1WzdgItZTgPeB1nlOQ7oAY-T-mdXMeaID9xIvXtEPZMjBCHWsmsGpcTGdnS5oaiuHIp41RtKkOsXTWNlFIgze_1e6ntoFdZTBBY6L4h4FOjLOtX&c=U9ymJ6EbdttH7G82Gya5CpUfVgVA1hHzrIsn5uzpaDPF-PG_OcGbPw==&ch=SFeuy-FwU7GyL2rkduItW5ZmqAhI1s-simFxh6Rj4LCumWwzdDwkJA==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">BUY TICKETS</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Opening Act: Ali Kolbert</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hannah Berner is a stand-up comedian and New York Times Best-Selling author known for her relatable humor and charismatic crowd work. She rose to prominence with her debut comedy special “We Ride at Dawn” which premiered at #2 on Netflix. Berner hosts two hit podcasts, Giggly Squad alongside Paige DeSorbo and Berner Phone with Des Bishop, which have garnered over 100 million combined downloads. Berner was included in Variety’s 2024 “The New Power of New York” list, The Hollywood Reporter’s 2024 “The Creator A-List” and Variety’s 2023 “Top 10 Comics to Watch”. </span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Barts Tree Service Comedy Series</em></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p>The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) celebrated a remarkable milestone on Friday, April 11, hosting its Annual Dinner at the Amber Room Colonnade to mark <strong>50 years of uninterrupted service</strong> to the community. Themed <em>From Fifty to the Future</em>, the event brought together more than 350 guests to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future.</p><p>The evening highlighted the outstanding contributions of this year’s award honorees:</p><ul><li><strong>Honoring the Past</strong>: CEE Founding Members Alice Chapman, Betti Corso, and Bonnie Law</li><li><strong>Honoring the Present</strong>: Current CEE Staff</li><li><strong>Honoring the Future</strong>: The inspiring young women of <em>Girls Inspiring Girls</em> at Newtown High School</li></ul><p>Guests were welcomed by Honorary Chairs <strong>Pamela Chapman</strong> and <strong>Carla (Corso) Pierce</strong>, whose leadership helped shape a meaningful evening of celebration and giving. The program also featured <strong>Dave Price</strong>, WNBC Weather Anchor, as the evening’s spirited auctioneer, rallying enthusiastic support for CEE’s mission.</p><p>Proceeds from the event support CEE’s <strong>no-cost crisis intervention and prevention programs and services</strong>, including ongoing education and awareness efforts to reduce and prevent interpersonal violence across the region.</p><blockquote>“Interpersonal violence isn’t a thing of the past—it’s an epidemic that continues to affect individuals and families right here in our own community. Every day, more survivors find the courage to come forward, asking for safety, support, and to be believed. And the truth is, we are in the fight of our lives.</blockquote><blockquote>We’re fighting for the resources and staffing it takes to respond quickly, effectively, and inclusively. We’re fighting to ensure every survivor is met with compassion and care. This work doesn’t stop, because the need doesn’t stop.</blockquote><blockquote>And the future we’re building—a future that’s safe, survivor-centered, and free from violence—depends on the choices we make right now. It depends on each of us choosing not to look away, but to invest in services that are truly for everyone—because interpersonal violence doesn’t discriminate, and neither can our response.”</blockquote><blockquote> — <em>Ashley Dunn, President & CEO, The Center for Empowerment and Education</em></blockquote><p>CEE extends heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors, supporters, and volunteers who made this milestone event possible.</p><p>To view event photos or make a contribution, visit <a href="https://www.thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thecenterct.org</a>.</p>