<p><strong>Finding Your Voice as a Parent Webinar: Anxiety and School Refusal on Tuesday October 29th 2024 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. co-hosted online with the Stamford JCC (Stamford, CT).</strong></p><p><strong>Register here on Zoom:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://bit.ly/9D226E" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(81, 98, 111);"><strong>https://bit.ly/9D226E</strong></a></p><p><strong>Speakers:</strong></p><p>Attorney Lawrence Berliner, Connecticut Special Education Law</p><p>Jane Faherty, Stamford JCC JumpStart Director &amp; Special Education Advocate</p><p>Dr. Rachel Busman, Psychologist and Senior Director at Cognitive &amp; Behavioral Consultants LLP</p><p>Taking Ownership of Your Child’s Educational Journey</p><p>In this conversation, Dr. Rachel Busman will explore why children may exhibit school refusal behavior and how anxiety and mental health issues can play roles.</p><p>• What is meant by school refusal?</p><p>• Why do children and teenagers refuse to attend school?</p><p>• How depression, anxiety and behavior are related to attendance</p><p>• A turning point: How can parents/caregivers know when their child’s refusal to attend school is problematic and in need of professional support?</p><p>• Developing specific strategies to help children and teens attend school more consistently</p><p>• Collaborating with teachers and staff</p><p>• Q &amp; A</p><p>Questions?&nbsp;Please contact Rachel Berliner, Public Relations Assistant at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:rachel@berlinerspecialedlaw.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">rachel@berlinerspecialedlaw.com</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">Person to Person (P2P), the largest food pantry provider in lower Fairfield County, recently hosted a reception at their Stamford warehouse to honor nearly 75 supporters who helped fund P2P's two mobile food pantries, part of its P2P on Wheels program. The event celebrated the recent expansion of P2P on Wheels with the launch of the second mobile pantry. This expansion, made possible by a generous $240,000 grant from the Steven &amp; Alexandra Cohen Foundation, will double the nonprofit's capacity to serve families and individuals in Stamford. This expansion will also offer crucial support services delivered by P2P’s trained, bilingual caseworkers, who help clients navigate additional resources through P2P or referrals to other area agencies. The Steven &amp; Alexandra Cohen Foundation has given over $1.6 million of charitable support to P2P. Their support will help ensure that P2P can continue meeting the growing needs of the Stamford community, expanding its reach to more individuals and neighborhoods where it is needed most.Guests at the reception enjoyed small bites prepared by Chef Samad Mickens of Beyond the Salt and Chef Martita of Empanadictas, both of which are part of The Village's Incubator Program. Chef Iven Romero and Rosemary Group also collaborated on the event, which was curated by Sue Moretti Bodson of Emboss, LLC.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">In FY24, P2P distributed enough groceries in Stamford to prepare 561,000 meals. With 2,200 Stamford residents relying on P2P each month, the new mobile pantry will help meet the growing demand for food assistance and provide access to other vital support services, including housing, financial assistance, and job training resources.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">This expansion is crucial as about 12% of Stamford residents face food insecurity, a number rising due to economic challenges and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Many families face barriers, such as a lack of transportation to traditional food pantries, making mobile services like P2P on Wheels essential. The second mobile pantry will expand into new neighborhoods and offer evening and weekend hours to better reach working families. It will provide a full complement of food for healthy meals, including fresh produce, milk, meat, eggs, and pantry staples such as cereal and beans.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">Nancy Coughlin, CEO of Person to Person, shared her excitement about the program's growth: “The need for food assistance in Connecticut’s second-largest city, unfortunately, continues to climb.&nbsp;In 2023, when Mike Riccardi was Person to Person Board Chair, he initiated this project and helped raise vital funds to make it a reality. We are grateful to the thousands of volunteers and dozens of community partners that help us build a stronger Stamford.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">To see the pantry schedule or learn how to get involved by donating, volunteering, or receiving food support, visit </span><a href="https://p2phelps.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://p2phelps.org/</a></p><p><em>Contributed photo from </em><strong style="color: rgb(95, 99, 104);"><em>ChiChi Ubiña</em></strong><em>/Fairfield County Look</em></p>

<p>Looking for a perfect way to spend this <strong>Saturday, October 5</strong>? Join the community for <strong>WineFest on Bedford</strong>, an unforgettable day filled with <strong>wine tastings</strong>, delicious food, live music, local vendors, and fun activities. Limited tickets are still available, so don’t miss out on this exciting event!</p><p>WineFest will feature <strong>over 100 varietals</strong> from <strong>30+ wineries</strong>, giving you the opportunity to sample an incredible range of wines from around the world. Some of the featured wineries include <strong>1924 Wines</strong>, <strong>Bezel by Cakebread</strong>, <strong>Ferrari Carano</strong>, <strong>J. Lohr</strong>, <strong>Louis Jadot</strong>, and many more!</p><p>Event Highlights:</p><ul><li><strong>Wine Tastings</strong>: Sample wines from premier wineries such as <strong>Coppola Winery</strong>, <strong>Kendall Jackson</strong>, <strong>Hampton Water</strong>, <strong>Freixenet</strong>, and others.</li><li><strong>Food Tastings</strong>: Enjoy delicious treats from local favorites like <strong>Bella’s Sweet Treats</strong>, <strong>Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti</strong>, <strong>So Fresh Doughnut Co.</strong>, and <strong>Prospector Gourmet Popcorn</strong>.</li><li><strong>Local Craft Vendors</strong>: Browse through artisanal goods from vendors like <strong>Figo Woodworks</strong>, <strong>Flourish &amp; Fern</strong>, <strong>Whimsical Wicks</strong>, and more.</li><li><strong>Live Music</strong>: Set the tone for the day with performances by local musicians.</li><li><strong>Lawn Games</strong>: Grab some friends and enjoy fun games on the lawn between sips of wine.</li></ul><p>Event Details:</p><ul><li><strong>Date</strong>: Saturday, October 5, 2024</li><li><strong>Time</strong>: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM</li><li><strong>Location</strong>: Bedford Street, Stamford, CT</li><li><strong>Tickets</strong>: <a href="https://aftontickets.com/event/buyticket/1qjwvg4797?aff=emailblast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here to purchase your tickets</a> – limited availability!</li></ul><p>This year's WineFest is sponsored by <strong>Mohegan Sun</strong>, <strong>YOGASIX Stamford</strong>, and <strong>Chase Bank</strong>, with media partners <strong>Star 99.9</strong>, <strong>WEBE 108</strong>, <strong>WICC</strong>, and <strong>Fairfield After Dark</strong>.</p><p>Don’t wait! Get your tickets now and enjoy a day of <strong>wine, food, and entertainment</strong> at WineFest on Bedford. It’s the perfect way to welcome fall and make memories with friends and family!</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">MAYOR’S UPDATES</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Small Business Visit: I visited Cwispy Chicken this week to talk to Karsten Kragh and his team about their business and learn more about the top-notch cooking that produces their amazing products! Make sure to check them out at 72 Magee Ave. [see image]</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Family Day: Last weekend, it was wonderful to join the Health Department’s Family Day and celebrate the unveiling of the Dr. Joyce Yerwood mural. Thank you to everyone who came out, and to the Health Department and all the volunteers who made this such a wonderful event!</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">$7.7 Million Dollar State Grant for Mill River Park State Grant: The City of Stamford secured $7.7 million in state funding to complete the Community Commons at Mill River Park! This transformative project will create a permanent event space, dog park, and new play areas, while improving pedestrian safety along Washington Boulevard.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">$5 Million Dollar Federal Grant for Cummings and West Beach: I’m thrilled to share that Cummings Park and West Beach have received a $5 million grant from the National Park Service's Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP). This funding will enable major improvements at both locations, enriching these beloved outdoor spaces in Stamford.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Gun Buyback Program: As part of a statewide effort, the Stamford Police Department is holding a gun buyback program this upcoming Saturday, October 5th from 10:00am – 1:00pm at 725 Bedford Street. This initiative aims to reduce the number of unwanted firearms in our community, offering residents a safe and anonymous way to turn in firearms. I encourage everyone to spread the word to make certain we to make Stamford a safer place for all.</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;">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/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/0e4QudOuf7DI_IXLxxb5pIwVo-cy7Pz1eA8Ar9nog_g=373" 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%2Fstamford2035/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/QtEPjUCw9W0taUhH4ranY6FldvLywHiTRVLkLnvW90s=373" 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;">2025 Arts and Culture Grant: The 2025 Arts and Culture Grant is now accepting applications. The deadline to apply is November 8th, 2024, at 11:59 pm. For more information and to apply, visit </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fstamfordct1-my.sharepoint.com%2Fpersonal%2Familler1_stamfordct_gov%2FDocuments%2Fstamfordct.gov%2Fsacgrant/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/fOMUUK7PIe-00PPkEHqhb5b0JKzX3GUu0PNcR7b1Af0=373" 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;">2024 Leaf Pick Up: Leaf Pick Up will begin on November 12th, 2024. Leaves must be out no later than</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span style="background-color: transparent;">North (Above Merritt Parkway): November 12, 2024</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span style="background-color: transparent;">Middle (Merritt Parkway to I-95): November 19, 2024</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span style="background-color: transparent;">South (South of I-95): December 3, 2024</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Foperations%2Froad-maintenance%2Fleaf-pickup%23!%2F/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/wOAlx78YeRL59M9_cv-xkOO-kBbIiy-MqNvFriBieE8=373" 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);">.</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">October Arts &amp; Culture Guide: The City of Stamford and the Stamford Arts and Culture Commission are excited to announce, “Stamford Spotlight: A Celebration of Arts and Culture.” This guide highlights upcoming arts and cultural events in Stamford. Be sure to stop by and support our local organizations! Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fhome%2Fshowpublisheddocument%2F37855%2F638633916741712554/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/Q9P7T66iDuw_i4wdIAJO1L3QpdlTVpV4JwfpV2RR59I=373" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to view the October Guide.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Learning in Retirement: Learning in Retirement offers morning classes and trips in art, music, current events, history and technology to senior citizens and other retirees. Go to </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.lirstamford.org%2F/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/DZiVjMggucBwDwvjXMM3vrtTtemPRayPj7XhgvFBQnc=373" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">lirstamford.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to explore the classes and to register.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Parking Garage Demolition: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has initiated the demolition of the Stamford Transportation Center's 1985 Parking Garage and Pedestrian Bridge. For further details, click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fportal.ct.gov%2Fdot%2Fprojects%2F0301-0513-stcgaragedemo-progsched/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/xGFGNxG1zZ23RGRTGsT2HFOxHcvgRFEZsCjPpAq66iM=373" 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;">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/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/tFXKSUlaaPGVxSGHRTKJzAQFAnNHFRM_U5A36Uxx5wU=373" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> for the priority list for paving operations established in response to a city-wide road assessment in 2022.</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.stamfordct.gov%2F%3Fsplash=http%253a%252f%252fstcmasterplan.com%252f%26____isexternal=true/1/010001925858af78-1db67953-5c6b-495a-8ac0-ab2b2a238ca7-000000/mRLl_BffVJ4GKk7G0PwYUj_rFePsSyHhyP9o4gUkcp0=373" 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);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend October 4 - October 6</span></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/wine-tasting-with-carl-franco" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Wine Tasting with Carl Franco</a></p><p>New Canaan Museum &amp; Historical Society</p><p>Friday Oct 4, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Kick off October4design with wine tasting sponsored by Carl Franco of Francos Wine Merchants and Kobrand Fine Wine and Spirits. Enjoy French, Italian and American wines and champagnes, including selections from Cakebread Cellars and Champagne Taittinger, along with passed hors d’oeuvres. Space is limited for this very special evening.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/resilience-reflection-and-revelations-art-exhibition---opening-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Opening Reception of the Art Exhibition "Resilience, Reflection, and Revelations"</a></p><p>Wilton Library</p><p>Friday Oct 4, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Eight area artists will be showcased in Wilton Library’s October art exhibition, “Resilience, Reflection, and Revelations.” The exhibition features the diverse works of women artists: Pam Ackley (Killingworth), Afsaneh Djabbari-Aslani (New Canaan), Alma Faham (Danbury), Cynthia Fazekas (Shelton), Mari Gyorgyey (Stamford), Katya Lebrija (Wilton), Pam Rouleau (Old Greenwich), and Nomi Silverman (Greenwich). They will exhibit their works in an array of styles, media choices, and subject matter, all portraying vibrant and varied types of resilience found in life and nature.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/michael-carbonaro" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Michael Carbonaro</a></p><p>Stamford Center for the Arts</p><p>Friday Oct 4, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>From his hit television series “The Carbonaro Effect” on truTV, America’s favorite Trickster is thrilling audiences across the country with CARBONARO: LIES ON STAGE, conjuring up a concoction of unbelievable magic, hysterical offbeat shenanigans, and wonder for all ages. We’d say you have to see it to believe it, but you won’t believe a thing when you’re in the presence of Michael Carbonaro!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sirena-huang-violin-presents-young-persons-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Music for Youth - Young Persons Concert</a></p><p>Pequot Library</p><p>Saturday Oct 5, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>Sirena Huang is one of her generation’s most celebrated violinists. Winner of the 2022 Indianapolis Violin Competition, she brings brilliance and powerful artistry to the stage. Sirena made her solo debut with the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra in 2004 at the age of nine, and, since then, has performed in seventeen countries across three continents. She has been featured as a soloist with more than fifty prestigious ensembles. Motivated by a deep wish to inspire peace and harmony with her music, Sirena has performed before world leaders, thinkers and humanitarians. A master class for advanced violinists will follow the concert. This concert is open to the public. Registration is required. Donations accepted at door.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/spooky-silly-sing-a-long" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Spooky-Silly Sing-A-Long</a></p><p>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</p><p>Saturday Oct 5, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Start your spooky season early with this silly shadow puppet show by TV sensation, Nappy! Join in the fun as Jim Napolitano of Nappy’s Puppet presents some of the silliest sing-a-long songs known to man and monster alike! Get ready to sing a long with some familiar yet decidedly spooky classic childrens songs such as: I’m a Mummy Little Bunny Foo-Foo Five Little Zombie Ducks? The Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly Five Little Mummies Jumpin’ on the Bed and many others!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pianist-richard-goode-performs-in-new-canaan-ct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Pianist Richard Goode</a></p><p>Saxe Auditorium</p><p>Saturday Oct 5, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>The Schubert Club of Fairfield County, CT is once again honored to have Richard Goode perform at its annual Wendy Tisch Memorial Concert this year. Known worldwide as a leading interpreter of Classical and Romantic music, and of Beethoven's works, Richard Goode is a long-standing and revered performer whose performances are well worth experiencing live.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/art-design-gala-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Art + Design Gala Reception</a></p><p>Metro Art Studios</p><p>Saturday Oct 5, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Local interior design professionals team up with Metro Art Studios artists to create a showcase of fine art and interior design in the Crown Gallery at Metro Art Studios to benefit a local organization making a difference in Bridgeport. Each designer features one artist in our version of a “white room challenge”, showing off their design aesthetic and style while highlighting how well fine art works as a focal point.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/performing-arts-at-moca-sean-lee-john-bitoy-390f2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Performing Arts at MoCA with Sean Lee &amp; John Bitoy</a></p><p>MoCA CT</p><p>Saturday Oct 5, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Waltz into a night of classical brilliance with a modern edge with the extraordinary talents of American violinist Sean Lee and Afro-Dominican pianist John Bitoy, two visionaries pushing the boundaries of the genre. Sean Lee, renowned for his electrifying live performances of Paganini’s Caprices, has shared the stage with icons like Itzhak Perlman and has The New York Times praising his performances as “breathtakingly beautiful.”</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/greater-bridgeport-symphony-returns-october-5-at-the-klein-in-bridgeport-with-joshua-gersen-taking-the-podium" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Greater Bridgeport Symphony Returns With Joshua Gersen Taking The Podium</a></p><p>The Klein Memorial Auditorium</p><p>Saturday Oct 5, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>It’s The Start of Something BIG in Bridgeport, as the Greater Bridgeport Symphony (GBS) continues their search for a new Music Director and Principal Conductor to take the baton from the beloved Eric Jacobsen who stepped down after nine years, in 2023. GBS has conducted a nationwide search to find a worthy successor and that person will be announced at the close of this, their 79th season.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-kemp-harris-group-at-voices-cafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">The Kemp Harris Group</a></p><p>Voices Cafe</p><p>Saturday Oct 5, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>Kemp Harris brings a unique combination of blues, soul, folk and jazz which simply defies categorization. He is a singer and songwriter, a master weaver of American musical styles. He is an actor, activist, author, and storyteller, and an award-winning educator who has taught young public-school students for more than 40 years. Called a “master chef” at melding American music styles, Kemp brings a powerful, intimate performance. Downbeat says Kemp’s artistry is “earthly, inspiring, haunting… sacred and profane.”</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/2nd-annual-waveny-arts-festival-oct-6-10am-4pm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">2nd Annual Waveny Arts Festival</a></p><p>Waveny Park</p><p>Sunday Oct 6, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>Event presented by the Carriage Barn in partnership with the New Canaan Parks &amp; Rec Department, this outdoor arts festival will feature a juried collection of fine artists &amp; artisans including painters, photographers, ceramicists, potters, fiber artists, jewelry designers, sculptors, and woodworkers.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/trunk-show-artist-collective-of-westport" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">TRUNK SHOW-Artist Collective Of Westport</a></p><p>The Westport Library</p><p>Sunday Oct 6, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Artists Collective Of Westport: Super Trunk Show! 100+ Works -Affordable Prices. The Collective invites you to see and buy art in a plethora of styles. A perfect fit for you or a gift to give. The 35+ artists have created 100+ works of art in dozens of approaches and styles. Have one of a kind art in every room of your home. Or create a "gallery wall" as a decorative space in one or more rooms where various artworks are hung together on a wall.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/first-folk-sunday-returns-sunday-july-7-at-saugatuck-rowing-club-0de0a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">THE FLYING FINGERS JUG BAND</a></p><p>The Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club</p><p>Sunday Oct 6, 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm</p><p>Fans of First Folk Sunday – mark your calendars for the return of The Flying Fingers Jug Band on Sunday October 6, 12:30-2:30, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club, 521 Riverside Avenue! Joining the FFJB for a few rounds of great music will be singer/guitarist Suzanne Sheridan. After their appearance at First Folk Sunday in 2023, the message was quite clear – BRING THEM BACK! The producers listened and The Flying Fingers Jug Band is back to lift your spirits and your energy.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/let-s-do-it-let-s-brew-it" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">"Let's Do It, Let's Brew It"</a></p><p>Easton Public Library</p><p>Sunday Oct 6, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Hot To Trot Trio returns with a concert of finely percolated cuppa coffee songs and the aroma of their signature well-brewed dialogue. Presented by the Easton Arts Council in the Community Room of the Easton Public Library at 3 pm on Sunday, October 6, 2024. Reception to follow. Free event, donations accepted for EAC's scholarship program</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/connecticut-s-own-an-afternoon-of-song-with-melissa-newman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Connecticut's Own: An Afternoon of Song with Melissa Newman</a></p><p>Wilton Library</p><p>Sunday Oct 6, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Join Wilton Library for another delightful Sunday afternoon of music in our Connecticut's Own series, for a performance by vocalist Melissa Newman and her trio. In addition to being a vocalist, the multitalented Melissa is also a teacher, writer and artist who works primarily in porcelain and stoneware. She has shown her work in galleries around the Northeast. After enjoying a lucrative jingle career, she continues to perform with her trio. Melissa spent almost 20 years volunteering and working with the inspiring women at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, teaching art and singing there and in other communities.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/mariza" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Mariza</a></p><p>Quick Center for the Arts</p><p>Sunday Oct 6, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>"Fado is the traditional music of Portugal – proud, austere, and deeply melancholic. Mariza is the music’s biggest star for a reason: she sings it not as musty nostalgia but as exuberant 21st-century pop, with a low, mesmerizing alto that is as commanding as any pop singer today... remaking Fado’s ancient sadness into a majestic modern sound"</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-dark-of-light-48438" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">THE DARK OF LIGHT</a></p><p>Bruce S. Kershner Gallery</p><p>Sunday Oct 6, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>A very moving art exhibition featuring three extraordinary Connecticut Artists expressing the essence and effect of shadow, light, the subliminal mind and the human spirit.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">&nbsp;Stamford, CT (September 30, 2024) —&nbsp;Person to Person (P2P), the largest food pantry provider in lower Fairfield County, recently hosted a reception at their Stamford warehouse to honor nearly 75 supporters who helped fund P2P's two mobile food pantries, part of its P2P on Wheels program. The event celebrated the recent expansion of P2P on Wheels with the launch of the second mobile pantry. This expansion, made possible by a generous $240,000 grant from the Steven &amp; Alexandra Cohen Foundation, will double the nonprofit's capacity to serve families and individuals in Stamford. This expansion will also offer crucial support services delivered by P2P’s trained, bilingual caseworkers, who help clients navigate additional resources through P2P or referrals to other area agencies.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">The Steven &amp; Alexandra Cohen Foundation has given over $1.6 million of charitable support to P2P. Their support will help ensure that P2P can continue meeting the growing needs of the Stamford community, expanding its reach to more individuals and neighborhoods where it is needed most.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">Guests at the reception enjoyed small bites prepared by Chef Samad Mickens of Beyond the Salt and Chef Martita of Empanadictas, both of which are part of The Village's Incubator Program. Chef Iven Romero and Rosemary Group also collaborated on the event, which was curated by Sue Moretti Bodson of Emboss, LLC.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">In FY24, P2P distributed enough groceries in Stamford to prepare 561,000 meals. With 2,200 Stamford residents relying on P2P each month, the new mobile pantry will help meet the growing demand for food assistance and provide access to other vital support services, including housing, financial assistance, and job training resources.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">This expansion is crucial as about 12% of Stamford residents face food insecurity, a number rising due to economic challenges and the lingering effects of the pandemic. Many families face barriers, such as a lack of transportation to traditional food pantries, making mobile services like P2P on Wheels essential. The second mobile pantry will expand into new neighborhoods and offer evening and weekend hours to better reach working families. It will provide a full complement of food for healthy meals, including fresh produce, milk, meat, eggs, and pantry staples such as cereal and beans.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">Nancy Coughlin, CEO of Person to Person, shared her excitement about the program's growth: “The need for food assistance in Connecticut’s second-largest city, unfortunately, continues to climb.&nbsp;In 2023, when Mike Riccardi was Person to Person Board Chair, he initiated this project and helped raise vital funds to make it a reality. We are grateful to the thousands of volunteers and dozens of community partners that help us build a stronger Stamford.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(66, 66, 66);">To see the pantry schedule or learn how to get involved by donating, volunteering, or receiving food support, visit </span><a href="https://p2phelps.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://p2phelps.org/</a></p><p><em>Contributed photo from </em><strong style="color: rgb(95, 99, 104);"><em>ChiChi Ubiña</em></strong><em>/Fairfield County Look</em></p>