Stories

Danbury Collective Hosts Community Meeting to Forge Paths To Youth Success

<p>On Tuesday evening, the Danbury Collective held an impactful community meeting that brought together a diverse group of area parents, community members, municipal and organizational leaders to address challenges facing Danbury children and families.&nbsp;The gathering at the Family &amp; Children’s Aid building at 80 West Street was a significant opportunity for stakeholders to discuss the Collective's mission of fostering educational equity, enhancing support systems for the youth of Danbury, and harnessing the collaborative power of community members and organizations.&nbsp;</p><p>“The opportunity that we have with our youth is all about connecting the dots, cradle-to-career,” said Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves. “We have so many organizations that are doing great things in different areas. Having the Danbury Collective bring them together to address problems in our community is only going to form a better outcome for everything we do.”&nbsp;</p><p>The well-attended meeting focused on the Danbury Collective’s current three key areas of action: advancing early childhood education, combating chronic absenteeism and bolstering learner engagement, and promoting youth mental health. The event provided a platform to discuss the citywide collective impact Cradle-to-Career initiative that aims to align resources and collaboratively address the systemic challenges faced by children and youth in Danbury.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“After seeing the effects of the pandemic on our students in Danbury Public Schools, the key areas of action for the Danbury Collective are of the utmost importance,” said Interim Superintendent Kara Casimiro.&nbsp;“These types of organizations are the catalyst for change, and they are the only way that we will get leverage in the community to achieve the student outcomes that we are aiming for.”&nbsp;</p><p>“We believe that all children should have access to opportunities to thrive,” expressed Melissa Hannequin, Executive Director of the Danbury Collective. “We understand that every person and child has individual needs, and we are committed to helping them meet those outcomes.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The meeting's success was a testament to the city's collaborative spirit and the shared commitment of all stakeholders to the well-being and future success of Danbury’s young population. Elizabeth Quinonez, Director of the Early Child Care Initiative and co-chair of the Danbury Collective’s Early Childhood Education Working Group emphasized that “Early childhood education, access to resources, and advocating for policy change must be a part of our strategy for taking collaborative action.”&nbsp;</p><p>Grace Molina, Vice Chair of the Collective’s Advisory Council, a Danbury parent, and a Danbury Public Schools employee, added, “In order for us to know what supports are needed in the Danbury community, we need parent voice. Parents know their child better than anyone else, so we need to hear from parents from all walks of life – working parents, at-home parents, parents that speak English or another language as a first language.”&nbsp;</p><p>The event audience is hopeful for the collaborative efforts and parents are looking forward to tackling the issues we see every day in the schools. A Danbury parent, Mallory Paige, expressed, “My hopes for my children and the youth in the community is that they all thrive while breaking down barriers that will prevent them from becoming who they are destined to be and to build bridges that will reshape what community is and feels like.”&nbsp;</p><p>The Danbury Collective joins the ranks as the fifth collective impact Cradle-to-Career initiative in Connecticut, and the fourth in the service area of United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. United Way serves as the backbone organization, providing essential funding, fiduciary services, and strategic support to ensure the initiative’s success. This collaborative effort signifies a crucial step towards enhancing the lives of Danbury’s children and youth, promising a future where every child can thrive from cradle to career.&nbsp;If you would like to join this innovative effort, please contact Melissa Hannequin, Executive Director, at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:melissa.hannequin@unitedwaycwc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(255, 114, 0);">melissa.hannequin@unitedwaycwc.org</a>&nbsp;or 203-826-8299.</p>

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On the Children's Shelf: When your secrets go viral…

<p>How do you keep things private in a digital age? When things can easily be shared online? When hackers can access devices and cloud storage, is anything ever really safe?</p><p>In “In Case You Missed It” by Sarah Darer Littman we see what happens when your safe protected cloud storage is hacked and shared online. Sammy, a high school junior is busy with the APs and getting her driver’s license. She keeps a personal diary on her computer so her little brother can’t find it and read it.</p><p>Sammy’s dad is the CEO of a major bank. He is under enormous stress because there are protesters outside the bank protesting bank actions. Sammy is aware of his stress, but she’s a teenager busy with her own school stress. While it might seem like there is no overlap, their whole world is turned upside down when hackers hack into bank documents then turn their attack on her father, personally. They hack into the family’s cloud storage and start sharing everything they find online…including Sammy’s personal diary.</p><p>Every thought, every frustration, the time she lied to her parents…all out there for her classmates and parents to read. Things at the bank are worse than ever and her dad stays at work for days on end because he is dealing with the issues there. Her entire school has read her diary, her friends are furious and refuse to speak to her. The ultimate irony in Sammy’s mind is that her mom tells her not to read any of their emails or texts shared online but Sammy’s mom reads her diary. On top of losing her friends, Sammy is caught lying to her parents through her diary and is now grounded. While Sammy’s secrets are on the internet being read, so are her parents’ secrets and Sammy learns the biggest secret they’ve been keeping from her. Definitely check out this book to see what happens when all those private thoughts and email exchanges are now available for the whole world to read.</p><p>This YA book is well written and readers of all age can identify with the question – how safe is anything online? The story flows well, is captivating and took turns I didn’t expect (which I really enjoy in a book). Friendships end, family dynamics change, Sammy learns a lot about herself, her real friends, and if you have to choose who is going to snoop through your diary….she’d rather it was just her little brother. I highly recommend this book.</p><p>Jessica Collins is an award-winning writer. Her column "On the Children's Shelf" has earned multiple Connecticut Press Club awards and national recognition. Read more on her blog: <a href="https://onthechildrensshelf.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://onthechildrensshelf.com/</a></p>

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 Greater Danbury Spring Career Fair on April 3 at Danbury Fair Mall

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Greater Danbury Spring 2024 Career Fair will take place on Wednesday, April 3rd from 3 to 6 p.m. (snow date 4/4)</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">at Danbury Fair Mall. Open to the public! All are welcome!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Sponsored by the Danbury Chamber of Commerce &amp; the WCSU Career Success Center. </span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Employers are always being added - please check back to see updates </em><a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess/career-fair" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess/career-fair/</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background-color: transparent;">Employer</strong></p><p><a href="http://www.careers.abcsupply.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">ABC Supply Co. Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.abilitybeyond.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Ability Beyond</a></p><p><a href="https://careers.bankerslife.com/careers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Bankers Life</a></p><p><a href="http://btwanewhaven.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Booker T. Washington Academy</a></p><p><a href="http://www.buffalolodging.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Buffalo Lodging Associates</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ccsu.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Central Connecticut State University – Admissions</a></p><p><a href="https://www.chick-fil-a.com/locations/ct/brookfield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Chick-fil-A Brookfield, CT</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nationalguard.com/connecticut?utm_campaign=fy24paidsearch&amp;utm_source=89&amp;utm_medium=c2bingbrand-1698858976&amp;utm_content=web&amp;gclid=ff9869d2b725127546470c4f13b1650b&amp;gclsrc=3p.ds&amp;msclkid=ff9869d2b725127546470c4f13b1650b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Army National Guard</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ct.gov/deep/site/default.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CTDEEP)</a></p><p><a href="http://www.breakthrubev.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Distributors Inc.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ctjuniorrepublic.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.uwwesternct.org/danburyworks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">DanburyWORKS</a></p><p><a href="http://www.devereux.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ebnercamps.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Ebner Camps</a></p><p><a href="https://careers.enterprise.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Enterprise Mobility</a></p><p><a href="https://equitable.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Equitable Advisors</a></p><p><a href="http://www.ess.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">ESS</a></p><p><a href="https://www.expresspros.com/DanburyCT/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Express Employment Professionals - Danbury, CT</a></p><p><a href="https://jobs.tsa.gov/law-enforcement" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Federal Air Marshal Service</a></p><p><a href="https://www.fbijobs.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)</a></p><p><a href="https://www.bop.gov/jobs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Federal Bureau of Prisons</a></p><p><a href="http://www.danburychamber.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce</a></p><p><a href="http://www.greenchimneys.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Green Chimneys</a></p><p><a href="http://www.holeinthewallgang.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Hole in the Wall Gang Camp</a></p><p><a href="http://hvcu.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Hudson Valley Credit Union</a></p><p><a href="https://www.impea.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Imperial Electronic Assembly, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.restaurantdepot.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Jetro Restaurant Depot</a></p><p><a href="http://www.kellyservices.com/global/home/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Kelly Services</a></p><p><a href="http://www.mhconn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Mental Health Connecticut, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.joinstatepolice.ny.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">New York State Police</a></p><p><a href="https://www.nsbonline.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Newtown Savings Bank</a></p><p><a href="http://www.nemitchell.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Norbert E. Mitchell Co., Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://norwalk.nm.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Northwestern Mutual - Norwalk</a></p><p><a href="http://www.oakridgewaste.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Oak Ridge Waste and Recycling</a></p><p><a href="https://www.pmc1.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">PMC-STS, Inc.</a></p><p><a href="http://www.sbdanbury.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Savings Bank of Danbury</a></p><p><a href="http://www.silverhillhospital.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Silver Hill Hospital</a></p><p><a href="http://www.workplace.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">The WorkPlace</a></p><p><a href="https://www.glastonburyct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Town of Glastonbury</a></p><p><a href="https://www.manchesterct.gov/Employment-Opportunities" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Town of Manchester</a></p><p><a href="https://www.secretservice.gov/careers/special-agent/STAR" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">U.S. Secret Service</a></p><p><a href="https://www.unionsavings.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Union Savings Bank</a></p><p><a href="https://www.websteronline.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Webster Bank</a></p><p><a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/careersuccess" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) – Career Success Center</a></p><p><a href="https://www.yardscapeslandscape.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 240); background-color: transparent;">YardScapes Landscape Professionals</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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Town of Redding News & Calendar of Events March 14-24

<p><strong style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Upcoming Events</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Early voting for the presidential preference primary </span>March 26-27-28-30 – View information from Office of the Secretary of the State&nbsp;<a href="https://townofredding.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Early_Voting_2024_Presidential_Preference_Primary_Digital_Brochure_English_Color.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">herer</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Learn about the 2024 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Events </span><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/HHW-Event-2024-Annual-Events.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>View Redding Shred Day schedule <a href="https://townofredding.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024TOWN-OF-REDDING-SHRED-DAYS.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>March 14, 2024 @7:00 p.m. Virtual Public Meeting re network infrastructure upgrade at various train stations along the New Haven Main Line and the New Canaan and Danbury Branch Lines. Click <a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/VPIM-Letter-to-Municipality-Redding.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> for details.</p><p><strong>CALENDAR OF MEETINGS </strong></p><p><strong>Thursday, March 14, 2024</strong> </p><p>6:00 p.m. at Town Hall &amp; Via Zoom-Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill Advisory Committee </p><p>7:00 p.m. at JBHS-Region 9 Board of Education Budget Workshop </p><p>7:00 p.m. at West Redding Firehouse-West Redding Fire District #2 Commissioners </p><p><strong>Friday, March 15, 2024</strong> </p><p>12:00-2:00 p.m. at Town Hall ROV office-Voter Registration session </p><p><strong>Monday March 18, 2024 </strong></p><p>7:30 p.m. at Town Hall Hearing Room - Board of Selectman </p><p><strong>Tuesday, March 19, 2024 </strong></p><p>5:30 p.m. at JBHS Library Media Center - Region 9 Finance and Operations Committee</p><p> 7:00 p.m. at JBHS Library Learning Commons - Region 9 BOE </p><p>7:00 p.m. at Town Hall Hearing Room - Conservation Commission</p><p><strong> Wednesday, March 20, 2024</strong> </p><p>7:30 p.m. at Redding Community Center- Board of Finance Budget Public Hearing </p><p>7:30 p.m. via Zoom - Water Pollution Control Commission</p><p><strong> Thursday, March 21, 2024 </strong></p><p>5:30 p.m. at Redding Community Center- Tabulator Testing </p><p>7:00 p.m. at Town Hall Hearing Room - Historic Review Committee </p><p><strong>Monday, March 25, 2024</strong> </p><p>7:30 p.m. at Town Hall Hearing Room – Board of Finance </p><p><strong>Saturday April 6, 2024</strong> </p><p>9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.- Danbury Public Works-Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off</p><p><strong>For Notices and Announcements from the Town of Redding, click </strong><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/News-Calendar-of-Events-03-14-24-to-03-23-24.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p>

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The Goo Goo Dolls Headline Ridgefield Playhouse Summer Fundraiser on June 15!

<p><span style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">On Saturday, June 15th, we are elated to be hosting our annual Summer Fundraiser, featuring the Multi-Platinum selling band, the Goo Goo Dolls! As a previous attendee of our special events, we hope you will join us for this one-of-a-kind event.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">Fronted by Johnny Rzeznik and Robby Takac, the&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">Goo Goo Dolls</strong><span style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">&nbsp;have sold over&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">15 million albums</strong><span style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">&nbsp;and released 19 Top-10 singles including the massive hits, “Iris,” “Slide,”“Name,” and “Black Balloon.” For an artist who typically plays to many thousands of fans per night, this show will represent their most intimate performance of 2024.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">This Rock n’ Roll Bash will bring back the era of&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">90’s grunge</strong><span style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">&nbsp;and alternative rock. Enter our outdoor event space and you will be immersed in a vintage, moody,&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">summer garden&nbsp;party</strong><span style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">&nbsp;with live music, one-of-a-kind auction items, catered summer fare and signature cocktails. After the party, you will be ushered inside the Playhouse for an&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">exclusive&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);">Goo Goo Doll’s performance.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(25, 25, 25);">For details on joining us for the event, please&nbsp;</span><a href="https://vy8gtsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-g_5zpPNF-JDGZlJC8yBOYtFYyso-kPwM9f7WS4Arofc2BywP9N9or4vgRFgZ6UcM_jIgRyzSNDaHytArwg8ZH9Z09n1iiRvp_jRlQZVj824H8x6MUcFV6nR-iUnQ8gYFiqMmi3Kp1SwjqhVkaJ8CnNHfjWDkZ1_lertuIh-6c7fjydNQ6MXXUS351mln5q0NoOZ_x2giLHbbuatUVNbbw==&amp;c=Qpb7CCYTO5GfMEoNLceWko6Jpp1YNvmlzeXRvixEv1GJNbbz9NCMIA==&amp;ch=FMFI092bW_R-NYAwEZ5H10vEl6WrzD-x3vjxNWSnHCnmoGZpodl55g==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 31, 124);"><strong>click here</strong></a><a href="https://vy8gtsdab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001-g_5zpPNF-JDGZlJC8yBOYtFYyso-kPwM9f7WS4Arofc2BywP9N9ovFXjNjiXRohmfCOharhB0veqOZK-ykteapq-VqUQCS8B_g4qJmB8xFT63f5J6HqKEhvEEK2wdmA6jJlioZNIw-l7bz0Y_Ma25vMNE29jmF0XOvjPMO4q-WlDtf4aoaxNUxRwQ3DG-aRROOvacqpn_VQ2AiPneB5E_7-x_OnjUBbbrWXUJ6OcwTeUnOBSr-AsRGdRavciwJJUlPi8JC-BjZ81cBUdE46E4VXlzpJSWMu8hgz-Wsgw_kLZ2DzxXwDUm1bm7PWSpvPnD6ZPWruNKQ2P5KoarCSq3RJ_aoLCpwpzPZoGQZ47PF-zOPIu2keSsZKMNG8wkwneo617L4Uf8JuXE-0MB893qpAvj7x7BzJAJnmjJ-mhQaQP-ym0PVMSuafSKx6lhHrorJqLM5c1V3nZXyqQxckHceVRLi02DsI0LCy18SVZ6upBfGZVUpQhNKeAn2vXyt3Y3shlx4IAD6fZrM9jhi3lVtspJcN_f9Xy-8udyHicIV5d0lqgaExqGC8Da_b-Cs_mJsXvk1W_DHLzUQV5cPb_BLGIGRFZQWasN5wComHSAVFVzRYwUtScQ83___gy_n6VvBbpriCscQHqqJkaLzAubzxTcqalu4j1nzCibnXkFLomSinrnz3__LvQ0BE7vIY5qf7iW5m_1oGGf0HDdO5MfGIqr_W4_gwZUfWQ9efUBYUcaQ9isbFQCYtIll2DLWCkihLTelk2tVVGy0I0mNMuZHnEH5Caw5zmdWQsFU4FFQ=&amp;c=Qpb7CCYTO5GfMEoNLceWko6Jpp1YNvmlzeXRvixEv1GJNbbz9NCMIA==&amp;ch=FMFI092bW_R-NYAwEZ5H10vEl6WrzD-x3vjxNWSnHCnmoGZpodl55g==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(25, 25, 25);">&nbsp;</a><span style="color: rgb(25, 25, 25);">or contact Sarah McCall,&nbsp;Sponsorship &amp; Special Events Manager, at&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:SarahMccall@ridgefieldplayhouse.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 31, 124);"><strong>SarahMccall@ridgefieldplayhouse.org</strong></a><span style="color: rgb(25, 25, 25);">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(25, 25, 25);">Purchase tickets </span><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/goo-goo-dolls-ridgefield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/goo-goo-dolls-ridgefield/</a></p>

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FC Buzz Weekend of Art & Culture in Fairfield County March 15-17

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></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><strong>Max Creek</strong></p><p><strong>StageOne at FTC, Fairfield</strong></p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-max-creek/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">FRIDAY Mar 15</a> and <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-max-creek-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">SATURDAY MAR 16</a>, 7:45 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>In those rare instances that a band reaches its fifth decade, it’s usually a result of stardom. In 40+ years Max Creek has been small, big, regionally-huge, medium, and any other size one can think of; they’ve never graced the cover of Rolling Stone, but you’d be hard pressed to find a music fan in the Northeast that hadn’t heard of them.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-scott-bradlees-postmodern-jukebox-the-10-tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox – The ’10’ Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Warehouse, Fairfield</strong></p><p>FRIDAY Mar 15, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>When New York City pianist Scott Bradlee created Postmodern Jukebox out of a basement in Queens in 2011, his goal was simple: to remake the pop hits of today into the classic sounds of the legends of yesterday. Miley Cyrus became The Platters. Bruno Mars became Frank Sinatra. The Spice Girls became The Andrews Sisters. Guns ’n’ Roses became Bessie Smith.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/lenihan-dancers-performance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Performance by Lenihan Dancers</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library, Southport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 10:30 am - 11:30 am</p><p>The Lenihan School of Irish Dance troupe returns to the Library for a St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Enjoy a spirited costumed performance from one of the leading dance schools in the New England and New York area.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/open-house-event-at-saugatuck-rowing-and-fitness-club-westport-ct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Open House Event at Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club, Westport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 11:00 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>The event kicks off the property’s spring season and welcomes the public to tour the facility, learn about its world-class rowing program, visit the fitness center (membership incentives offered), meet the rowing coaches and fitness team, and experience the Boathouse Restaurant.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/exhibition-on-screen-painting-the-modern-garden-monet-to-matisse-nr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Painting The Modern Garden: Monet To Matisse </strong></a></p><p><strong>The Avon Theatre, Stamford</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16 to Mar 20, 11:00 am - 8:30 pm</p><p>For many great artists the garden has long been considered a desirable subject for the expression of colour, light and atmosphere. This dazzling film takes a magical journey from the gallery to the gardens, to Giverny and Seebüll and other glorious grounds favoured by artists. Here we discover how early twentieth century artists designed and cultivated their own gardens to explore contemporary utopian ideas and motifs of colour and form. Sat: 3/16 at 11 am, Sun. 3/17 at 11 am, Wed. 3/20 at 7 pm</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/childrens-author-talk-with-maryjo-scott/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Author Reading with MaryJo Scott</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Welcome a local author and award-winning illustrator , who will read her new children's book "Sam &amp; Lucy." The book tells the story of a little boy and his best friend, an aging chicken who needs lots of extra love as she lives out her days. Amazon calls it "a tender story of love, loss and appreciating the friends we have while they're with us." After the reading there will be an activity for children and a book signing; books will be available for purchase at the event.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/local-author-talk-sharon-cohen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Local Author Talk: Sharon Cohen</strong></a></p><p><strong>Easton Public Library</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Sharon L. Cohen will talk about the many ways that Connecticut mills and factories contributed to World War II victory, as documented in her new book, Connecticut Industries Unite for WWII Victory.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftcs-st-patricks-day-celebration-with-the-night-visitors-and-green-eyed-lady/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>FTC’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with The Night Visitors and Green Eyed Lady</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Warehouse, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 3:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>The leprechauns will be out and about again this year! The Night Visitors were born out of the</p><p>retirement of the Highland Rovers and are continuing the tradition of Irish music with a rock 'n' roll attitude. Colleen, Steve, Greg, CJ, and Mike bring their unique styles and experiences together to create a distinct sound influenced by Irish, classic rock, bluegrass, new wave, and modern pop. Hailing from Fairfield and New Haven counties, the Night Visitors perform all over the state for Irish-themed and non-Irish events.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/the-greater-bridgeport-symphony-gbs-ushers-in-spring-with-flute-fusion-march-16-at-the-klein-in-bridgeport-ct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Flute Fusion</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Mar 16, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>The concert is the fourth installment of five in this season’s concert series, Building Bridges. Guest conductor Eduardo Leandro leads the show and will feature NYC flutist Keith Bonner who is part of the Grammy® nominated Borealis Wind Quintet and will showcase his virtuosity with Debussy’s “Afternoon of a Faun” and Schubert’s “Symphony No. 5.” The concert will highlight acclaimed composer, violinist, and educator Jessie Montgomery’s “Coincident Dances” and Paul Schoenfield’s “Klezmer Rondos,” another composition showing the magic of the flute.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/jason-pritchard-art-place-show-and-reception/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jason Pritchards Art/Place Show and Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>art/place gallery, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Mar 17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>This exhibition offers a unique journey showcasing the evolution and progression of his oil painting style capturing the essence of Cape Cod's coastal scenery. It highlights a selection of his earlier Cape Cod seascapes, beginning near the Bourne Bridge and continuing town by town, spanning over 50 miles down the Cape, before concluding with the most recently painted pieces from Harwich.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ridgefield-guild-of-artists-focus-on-3-d-walk-and-talk-sunday-march-17th-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Focus On: 3-D Walk and Talk</strong></a></p><p><strong>Ridgefield Guild of Artists</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Mar 17, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm join<strong> </strong> for , to hear 5 artists in the current show speak about their inspirations, where they are coming from, and maybe where they are going. The five are: Anne Brecher, Mary Harold, Katushka Millones, ILo Milton, and Sherri Rossini.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/norwalk-symphony-shakespeare-on-the-sound-partner-for-concert-on-march-17-2024-300pm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony &amp; Shakespeare on the Sound Partner for Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk City Hall</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Mar 17, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Immerse yourself and your family in an afternoon with the professional musicians of the Norwalk Symphony as they bring Shakespeare to life through music, acting, and jest. The music of Romeo and Juliet by Tchaikovsky and Prokofiev are paired with Shakespeare on the Sound's "R+J4evr" for</p><p>an unforgettable fusion of music and theatre. Enjoy the presentation by guest conductor, Christopher D. Bell, students from Norwalk Youth Symphony side-by-side with our musicians, and the winner of our 12th Annual Concerto Competition, Gia Lin, performing the 1st movement of Korngold's Violin Concerto.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/fcbuzz-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

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An artform, a hobby, a labor of love; National Quilting Day March 16

<p>Much like the children’s verse “The Song that Doesn’t End,” you could say that Susan Mason has the quilt that doesn’t end.&nbsp;</p><p>“I have four daughters,” she explains.&nbsp;“I wanted to make each one a quilt, and that was it.”&nbsp;</p><p>That was 20 years ago. She started sewing and hasn’t stopped since. In fact, she has made more than 150 quilts, including 33 for her grandchildren.&nbsp;“I have 18 grandkids and made them each one when they were born and one when they turned 16.&nbsp;I have three left to make.”</p><p>Susan stitches the top and bottom of the quilt and brings the pieces to a long-arm quilter to sew them together with the batting.&nbsp;She’s kept just eight of her quilts; the rest, she’s given away.&nbsp;Several have been displayed at <a href="https://meadowridge.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Meadow Ridge</a>, the continuing care retirement community in Redding where she now lives.&nbsp;</p><p>“I love picking out fabrics for the people I’m making it for.&nbsp;It’s wonderful to watch it come together from the piles of tiny squares of color.”</p><p>Each time she begins a pattern, she does so with the recipient in mind. For instance, four of her grandchildren were hockey players. She made them quilts out of their jerseys, memorializing their names and player numbers.&nbsp;</p><p>“Each one tells a story.&nbsp;Every one of them is special to me and to the people I give them to.”&nbsp;</p>

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