<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend January 17-19, 2025</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/free-opening-reception-for-masc-unmasking-identity-redefining-masculinity" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>MASC: Unmasking Identity, Redefining Masculinity</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Norwalk Art</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 17, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>The exhibition examines the metaphorical "masks" worn to navigate a world rife with stereotypes and cultural pressures. MASC challenges monolithic notions of masculinity, offering a nuanced exploration of strength, vulnerability, and self-reclamation. Each piece invites audiences to witness the delicate balance between the external personas shaped by societal expectations and the authentic selves seeking liberation and visibility.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/free-concert-anthem-reggae-band-presented-by-the-klein-and-bridgeport-public-library" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Anthem Reggae Band</strong></a></p><p><strong>Klein Memorial Auditorium</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 17, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Come and vibe with the most harmonious sounds of the millennium. Anthem Band’s live shows rank with the best in the business. It’s a truly original sound that is creating a big wave. From roots to dance hall, Anthem can play it all and with their own diversity. This is truly a treat for all music lovers. Anthem has appeared with Sister Carol on the Conan O’Brien show &amp; and has played at the Ronald Reagan center in Washington DC for the NBC, NBA All Star Game after party. Anthem has toured Korea, Japan, Guam, Hawaii, Bermuda, Canada, St. Croix, etc. Anthem has also performed on shows with Third World, Yellow man, Jimmy Cliff, Big Mountain, The Wailers, Burning Spear, Black Uhuru, The Neville Bros, The Temptations, Freddy Jackson, George Benson, The Isley Brothers, Maxi Priest, Buju Banton, Capleton, John Holt, Ken Booth, Dennis Brown, Super Cat, Gyptian and many more.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/who-s-bad" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Who's Bad</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 17, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Who’s Bad’s live performance is an unrivaled celebration of pop music’s one true King. Their power-packed performance of Michael Jackson’s expansive catalog has ignited crowds on every continent and can only be described as a jaw-dropping, musical must-see. As the longest-running Michael Jackson tribute band, and the only one to predate his untimely passing, Who’s Bad has awed even the skeptics, selling out nearly 50 venues in the United Kingdom including London’s O2 in December of 2010, the venue where the King of Pop was slated to end his career with a 50-show “This Is It” concert series.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-comedy-series-8b099" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret Comedy Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 17, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>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/rowayton-arts-center-from-the-rac-studio-0a3d7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>“From the RAC Studio”</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rowayton Arts Center</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 17, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>This all media exhibition features over 100 pieces of artwork by RAC Instructors and students created in the past year. RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. For over 60 years, this nonprofit organization has been a cultural gem in Rowayton.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/new-year-new-members-our-annual-new-member-exhibit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> <strong>New Year-New Members Annual New Member Exhibit</strong></a></p><p><strong>Loft Artists Association</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 18, 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/meet-the-author-an-afternoon-with-anna-marie-tendler" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Meet the Author: An Afternoon with Anna Marie Tendler</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 18, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Join New York Times bestselling author Anna Marie Tendler for an important and timely discussion regarding gender, mental health, and more. Her new memoir, Men Have Called Her Crazy, was recently released to rave reviews from New York Magazine, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/easton-arts-council---2025-winter-celebration-of-the-arts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>2025 Winter Celebration of the Arts</strong></a></p><p><strong>Easton Public Library</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 18, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>This event will celebrate the artists presenting in the Members Art Show. It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet local artists, enjoy their work, and socialize with others who appreciate the arts. The reception will feature live music and refreshments.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/will-downing-in-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Will Downing in Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Klein Memorial Auditorium</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 18, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>One of today's greatest R&amp;B vocal talents performs at Tbe Klein on January 18th. Stay after the concert for dancing to the beats by DJ Al Taylor</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/acts-of-beauty---a-celebration-of-community" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Acts of Beauty - A Celebration of Community</strong></a></p><p><strong>Jim Felice Studios/Trailer Box Project</strong></p><p>Sunday Jan 19, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>An open house in the studio, artwork on display in the Gallery, and Live Music in the Studio featuring two bands!</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>Finding Your Voice as a Parent Webinar Demystifying Dyslexia A Learning Difference that Makes Reading a Struggle</strong></p><p>Date: Tuesday, January 28th, 2025 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. EST</p><p>Zoom registration link:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/7E341A" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(81, 98, 111);">https://bit.ly/7E341A</a></p><p>Co-hosted online with the Stamford JCC (Stamford, CT).</p><p><strong>Speakers:</strong></p><p>Attorney Lawrence Berliner, Connecticut Special Education Law</p><p>Jane Faherty, Stamford JCC JumpStart Program Executive Director &amp; Special Education Advocate</p><p>Susanne Bailey-Rice, CIT/OGA, Reading Specialist, Founder of Shoreline Learning</p><p>A Starting Point of Conversation When Learning to Read Becomes an Issue:</p><p>• Definition of Dyslexia</p><p>• Common Characteristics that Can Indicate Dyslexia</p><p>• What is Decoding? </p><p>• Five Pillars of Reading</p><p>• Identifying a Dyslexic Learner: Formal vs. Informal Assessment and Comprehensive Evaluation</p><p>• How to Help your Child at Home</p><p>• Types of Reading Instruction to Assist the Student </p><p>• Advocacy and New Developments in Support</p><p>Questions? Please contact Rachel Berliner, Public Relations Assistant at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rachel@berlinerspecialedlaw.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rachel@berlinerspecialedlaw.com</a>&nbsp;</p><p>More information: <a href="https://www.stamfordjcc.org/events/2025/01/28/inclusion/finding-your-voice-as-a-parent-webinar-demystifying-dyslexia" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">CALL TO ARTISTS!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Stamford Downtown is accepting design proposals for our upcoming Art in Public Places outdoor sculpture exhibit Oink! in Stamford Downtown.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Artists, through a juried selection process will paint, sculpt and decorate the fiberglass forms that will be displayed throughout Stamford Downtown this summer.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Artists interested in participating in this exhibit must submit their application by Tuesday, February 18, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://rgcrkjkab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001tcJgxqxk4rQ2GTPmQx-pjmdtKkUJXgQpFVcZ63RfoegaYHhPnZO3Xs13AFNDrOZUSEoRkR1FbniUd_iZa2Ov0TvifPlKnZgYY9OGNevd6aXl8FbUpGVjy-jZOJ0S7qBVLL85s8qa68m1VEpHT6EIOo4OKueJIOU7CD0IM0FDZY-dJeWy80ov4oBC6lnDjUOhE4sYrzs-p68=&amp;c=JHBsPl9pOm3K7aYloKOlr2fIbLUWkK7U8jsbN5Ha00c7aBWKZpxoHw==&amp;ch=c3QDPsgX8POW98zZP0QxZvY6BoG5KCLajeD_1qMinY-XCJZvBhRFNw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Learn More </a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center">While many of us are familiar with first aid training and some may even be certified, there is an equally vital skill set that focuses on the mental well-being of young people: Mental Health First Aid. This specialized training equips adults with the knowledge and tools to identify and support young people facing mental health and substance use challenges. Experts believe that when more people are trained to start these crucial conversations, young people are more likely to receive the help they need.</p><p>The Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance is offering three free Youth Mental Health First Aid sessions this winter. Sessions, which include lunch, are designed for adults who regularly interact with young people – parents, teachers, coaches, youth ministers and more.</p><p>Register today for one of the upcoming sessions at <a href="mailto:youthmentalhealthct@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">youthmentalhealthct@gmail.com</a>:</p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Monday, January 20 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Park 215, 215 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford</p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wednesday, February 12 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Park 215, 215 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford</p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Wednesday, March 26 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Park 215, 215 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford</p><p>The training is sponsored by the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance, a city-wide network of 35+ organizations working together to improve access to mental health services for children and adolescents. The goal of their collective effort is to build a greater understanding of the importance of youth mental wellness, ensure care is accessible and inclusive, and facilitate a comprehensive system of intervention and support for families across our community. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.stamfordyouthmentalhealthalliance.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.stamfordyouthmentalhealthalliance.org</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-center">&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p>

<p><strong>Spectrum Donates $5,000 to Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County</strong></p><p>Today, January 10, the Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County (CLC) received a generous donation of $5,000 from Spectrum through the company’s national philanthropic program, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.</p><p>The contribution was marked by a check presentation ceremony held at the CLC. </p><p>The event brought together notable attendees, including Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons; Bridget Fox, Chief of Staff to Mayor Simmons; State Representative Corey Paris; Joel Weiss, Chief Development Officer at CLC; Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact at Charter Communications; and Jennifer Young, Director of State Government Affairs at Charter Communications.</p><p>The donation underscores Spectrum’s commitment to supporting local organizations that positively impact their communities. The funds will benefit the CLC’s programs, furthering their mission to provide high-quality early childhood education to families across Fairfield County.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">MAYOR’S UPDATES</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Opening Day of the Connecticut General Assembly: This past week, I joined Mayors across Connecticut to discuss our shared priorities and goals for the year ahead in our towns and cities. I will be tireless in working closely with our legislative delegation to make meaningful progress on behalf of our city this legislative session.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Best of Stamford: Zillow recently named Stamford one of the hottest markets in the country, reaffirming what residents and employers already know—Stamford combines urban sophistication with suburban charm, making it an unbeatable place to live and work. Check out this </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F639877151933495/1/0100019451c8e15a-015256fc-6c89-436c-9df6-511ca594a18c-000000/G6pPYzl7Jdih_RSTMCKbuYDYie-yPHrABxCbFFTfANQ=387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">video</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> produced by Dr. Oscar Guerra, a professor at UCONN Stamford and UCONN Stamford students, highlighting the best of Stamford.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CITY NEWS</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lathon Wider Community Center: On the morning of Thursday, January 2, the City Facilities Department was notified of a flooding incident in the basement of the Lathon Wider Community Center (137 Henry Street) caused by a failure in a piece of mechanical equipment. Due to the impact on critical building services, the facility will be closed indefinitely. The target date for reopening is July 1, 2025. At this time, the City is working with the impacted tenants to try and accommodate their needs during this transition. For any questions or urgent needs regarding the Health Department’s walk-in health services, please call (203)-977-5652.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Christmas Tree Pickup: Christmas Tree Pickup will begin on Monday, January 13. Please ensure that your tree is placed on your curb, as the City will only be making one round of pickups. For more information click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Foperations%2Froad-maintenance%2Fchristmas-tree-pickup/1/0100019451c8e15a-015256fc-6c89-436c-9df6-511ca594a18c-000000/XsJtGE_w3cVOqjpgm3y0YmV4ePUi5O7-N7DG7TxtCXY=387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford 2035 Visions of the City Survey: In case you missed Stamford 2035's first open house, please take five minutes to share your thoughts on the Visions of the City </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSf43DHq7hoUuhXl0r8Vd3DWOpaeG4Pg6iy9RwZUO3SYsRsmhA%2Fviewform%3Fusp=sharing/1/0100019451c8e15a-015256fc-6c89-436c-9df6-511ca594a18c-000000/ve-vEdBGqasF815mYfwrXSP7888ZD5HZKokKFwrYbWw=387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">! Your insights will help the planning team formulate visions, goals, strategies, and actions for the future of Stamford.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford 2035: The City of Stamford is excited to launch the Stamford 2035 Comprehensive Plan, a once-in-a-decade opportunity to assess the city's current state and explore key questions about our future! This plan will guide Stamford’s development through 2035, focusing on crucial topics like sustainability, resilience, diversity, equity, inclusion, housing, economic growth, mobility, and infrastructure. Throughout the 10-month process, you’ll have the chance to share your vision for Stamford by participating in public meetings, workshops, surveys, and discussions with our planning team. Check out this </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1EdSqWaZ10t0cB9ZkkLqh_PRdHnZTudD5%2Fview%3Fusp=sharing/1/0100019451c8e15a-015256fc-6c89-436c-9df6-511ca594a18c-000000/7YgfaruHTp8r0pbWQYQ4yq6NKjkGGmUCWVC72eFkNpw=387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">project one-sheet</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> and visit </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fstamfordct.gov%2Fstamford2035/1/0100019451c8e15a-015256fc-6c89-436c-9df6-511ca594a18c-000000/CvwRGACOrsBXFtd9oFGmCaLZaT37VWjl-h5NB8drQuY=387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">our website</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to get involved, sign up for updates, and learn more about the plan.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan: Our administration has been meeting with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and city transportation officials to continue to make progress on the Stamford Train Station Master Plan. To view the Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan, visit: </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stcmasterplan.com%2F/1/0100019451c8e15a-015256fc-6c89-436c-9df6-511ca594a18c-000000/av53fKK1q2aEGc0IGkYBplIn6L0ry7rOf1tjOlzGwkw=387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">stcmasterplan.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Paving Update: Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Foperations%2Froad-maintenance%2Froad-paving%23!%2F/1/0100019451c8e15a-015256fc-6c89-436c-9df6-511ca594a18c-000000/LPcYMgReaJ0NurZSiNTP2Syz9cTGcx-aspyr3Mo0wcs=387" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> for the priority list for paving operations established in response to a city-wide road assessment in 2022.</span></p>