Jim Duffy has always been quick to help others in need, whether it’s answering questions for a new neighbor at Edgehill or serving food to unhoused individuals at Stamford’s Pacific House. On Tuesday, Nov 28, Mr. Duffy was honored for his lifetime of contributions with Edgehill’s Heart of the Community Award. In the spirit of Giving Tuesday, the award recognizes Duffy for an impressive lifetime of community service and leadership.

In accepting the award, Mr. Duffy, who turns 94 in January, noted how the nature of volunteering and philanthropy has evolved over the years. “It used to be volunteering one’s time, now it’s more focused on financial support.”  Nonetheless, he says, “I wish I could do more.  I wish I could give more.”

Edgehill is a continuing care retirement community in Stamford, Conn. managed by Benchmark Senior Living. The community created the award to recognize the important role philanthropy plays in enriching lives, and to showcase the impact one person can have, especially in their retirement years. Resident Joan Weisman received the first such award last year in recognition of her substantial efforts to raise funds for Stamford Health’s Hope in Motion Walk as well as the Walk to End Alzheimer’s®. Weisman was one of several residents who nominated Mr. Duffy.

“Mr. Duffy’s neighbors consistently describe him as a man who is kind, humble, and has a great sense of humor,” said Benchmark Senior Living Chairman and CEO Tom Grape. “He demonstrates what it means to selflessly serve others and mirrors Benchmark’s core values — Called to Care, Better Together, and Be the Benchmark.”

Mr. Duffy’s philanthropic efforts include volunteer and financial support for Pacific House, New Covenant House, Scouts BSA, his church, and Edgehill’s Social Action Committee. He also grows a community garden, sharing the harvest with his neighbors and those in need. A native of the Bronx, New York, Mr. Duffy lived in Stamford for more than 50 years before moving to Edgehill. He has volunteered at both Pacific House—where he’s known affectionately as “Handsome Jim”—and New Covenant House for more than 40 years each.

“The associates at Edgehill, myself included, are consistently inspired and amazed by our residents,” said Edgehill Campus Executive Director Chris Cilano. “Mr. Duffy’s generosity is a key part of who he is and one of the reasons we are so grateful he chose to live here.”

(Caption: Edgehill Campus Executive Director Chris Cilano (L) and Benchmark VP of Operations Jake Quigley (R), present the Heart of the Community Award to Edgehill resident Jim Duffy.)

Gunner, a Stamford-based company that provides roofing, siding, gutter and window installation services, is the recipient of a 2023 Home Building Industry (“HOBI”) Award from HBRA of Connecticut. 

These prestigious awards are presented in Connecticut for excellence in design, construction, sales, marketing and financing.  The company was honored for its Outstanding Supplier Website – www.gunnerroofing.com - the first in the industry to launch a proprietary platform for online roofing estimates and purchases, allowing customers to easily shop for and fully purchase (including opting into financing options) a new roof.

This groundbreaking, customer-first platform has also been honored by Good Housekeeping’s 2023 Home Renovation Awards in the Home Services category, and the winner of the 2023 GAF Cutting-Edge Contractor Competition.

To learn more, visit https://www.gunnerroofing.com.

The Mayor’s Gallery presents: “The Color Full Abstraction of Enrico Viselli” Pan Pastels and Digital Abstractions by Enrico Viselli from November 9, 2023 – December 27, 2023

Artists’ reception Friday November 17^th 5:30 - 7:30 PM

The Stamford Mayor’s Gallery presents “The Color Full Abstraction of Enrico Viselli” featuring pan pastels and digital abstractions by Enrico Viselli at the Mayor’s Gallery of Stamford. The exhibition runs from November 9^th thru December 27^th, 2023.

The artist’s reception is scheduled for Friday November 17th, from 5:30-7:30 PM where the public is invited to meet the artist.

Award winning artist Enrico Viselli resides in Greenwich, CT. Although he never attended art school, Enrico passionately pursued photography, painting, drawing and now creates digitally.  While not creating art Enrico had a varied career as a database manager, accountant and acupuncturist. This is Enrico’s first solo show.

His life an artist has taken many paths. It began at three years old when his great grandmother him stories of Rome while drawing pictures to illustrate her stories. More recently his journey led him to working with pan pastels. He used this medium to create colorful planes and spheres in an abstract style some described as mid-century modern. His search for a less physically demanding way to create and continue developing his work led him to using Photoshop. 

To see more of Enrico’s work visit www.enricoviselliart.com

The Mayor’s Gallery is located on the 10^th floor of Stamford’s Government Center. The City of Stamford which gives area artists an opportunity to exhibit their work in this space. There are six exhibitions annually featuring emerging and professional artists.

10^th floor Government Center, 888 Washington Blvd, Stamford, CT

Covered on-site parking

Handicap accessible

Please contact curator Ellen Gordon at esgordon@optonline.net to view the exhibit weekdays 9am – 4pm. ID required to enter Government Center

Start your holiday shopping a little early at St. Bridget of Ireland’s Holiday Fair on Saturday, November 18

The annual event, hosted by the Church’s Ladies Guild, will be held in the Church’s Parish Hall, 278 Strawberry Hill Avenue in Stamford, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Fair features dozens of vendors with beautiful, handmade items, along with a raffle and bake sale.

The event is free and open to the public, and proceeds help fund special projects at the Church throughout the year.

Learn more https://www.stbridgetofireland.com/

Join Stamford Health for COPD Day!

On Saturday, November 11, Stamford Health will host a full day of learnings and seminars on COPD. Join us from 10am - 2 pm at the Stamford Health Tully Health Center.

Admission is free and valet parking is available.

For more information and to register for the event, please call Julie at 203-276-2609

Have you tried to find an electrician lately? Or a plumber? Or a carpenter? If you have, then you know they’re in short supply. Analysts estimate that by 2028, three million jobs in the skilled trades will be going unfilled.

Skilled marine work is no exception to this trend. But SoundWaters, the nonprofit organization devoted to protecting Long Island Sound through education, sees a chance to make a difference.

On Thursday, October 26, Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons visited the Harbor Corps marine jobs training program at the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center in John J. Boccuzzi Park. Harbor Corps is a four-month training program that prepares high school graduates 18-26 for entry level jobs in the marine trades. Learning from experienced industry professionals, members learn the technical skills most sought in marine mechanics and technicians, such as carpentry, welding, and engine repair.

The Mayor spoke with each trainee in turn, and praised the program’s role in filling a critical workforce gap. “I have to tell you, I talk to businesses all the time, and these are the skills that are so needed,” she noted. “I think it’s just wonderful, the breadth of training here.”

Also visiting were David Luftig and Bryson Thomas, recent Harbor Corps graduates now employed at Hinckley Yacht Services in Stamford, accompanied by Hinckley General Manager Peter Manion. In addition to the purely technical training provided, Harbor Corps also helps members connect with marine employers.

“I had some carpentry experience before I came here, but I didn’t know anything about fiberglassing or engine repair or welding or anything like that,” explained Luftig. “You learn all that and on top of that, they help you with resumes. You can’t ask for anything better than that. They do everything short of handing you the actual job itself.”

Meanwhile, SoundWaters President Leigh Shemitz sees Harbor Corps as right on target for her organization’s mission: “At SoundWaters, we know that our community is stronger when we are connected to Long Island Sound--and that includes connecting through green jobs and careers.”

The present Harbor Corps cohort will complete their training in December, with classes beginning for the next group in January. Harbor Corps members train on-site at the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center from 9 am to 3 pm, Monday through Friday, for the duration of the program, taking advantage of the building’s harborside location.

For more information about Harbor Corps, please contact Michael Bagley, Vice President for Programs at SoundWaters, at mbagley@soundwaters.org; Harbor Corps Director David Williams at dwilliams@souondwaters.org; or see https://SoundWaters.org//HarborCorps.

 Photo shows: Mayor Caroline Simmons (fourth from left) visits the Harbor Corps marine job training program at SoundWaters in Stamford, joined by Hinckley Yacht Services General Manager Peter Manion (second from left) and recent Harbor Corps graduates David Luftig (far left) and Bryson Thomas (third from left).  The Mayor’s October 26 visit was hosted by Harbor Corps Director David Williams (center) and SoundWaters Vice President for Programs Michael Bagley (far right).  [Photo: Hilary Starks]

Abilis, the nonprofit organization providing services and support to more than 800 individuals with special needs and their families throughout Fairfield County, is pleased to announce the launch of its third internship program with Project SEARCH for young adults with disabilities, which recently started in partnership with Stamford Health. The nine-month long internship program teaches new job skills and is part of the national Project SEARCH program, which traditionally partners with hospitals around the country. Stamford Health is Abilis’ third Project SEARCH location in Fairfield County, with other programs running at Greenwich Hospital and the Darien YMCA.

“Our team has been working for the past eight months to be able to offer Project SEARCH at Stamford Health and we are so thrilled that our first class of interns officially started a few weeks ago,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. “The Stamford Health teams have been exceptionally welcoming to Abilis and those we support, and we are very excited about this new partnership.” 

Project SEARCH is a successful national program that offers total immersion in the workplace by facilitating the teaching and learning processes, as well as the acquisition of employability and marketable work skills. Students participate in three unpaid internships throughout the program and explore a variety of career paths. 

Abilis is a certified and licensed Project SEARCH program provider and is excited to be able to offer this beneficial program at more Fairfield County locations, including Stamford Health. 

“It is important for us to have job training opportunities in the communities where those we support reside,” noted Amy Montimurro. “Having Project SEARCH programs in Greenwich, Darien and now Stamford, really helps expand the reach of these programs and helps young adults obtain the much-needed job skills right in their own community.”

The Project SEARCH program at Stamford Health includes rotation of jobs in three different departments throughout the hospital, including materials management, environmental sciences, food services and the operating room. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Abilis to bring Project SEARCH to Stamford Health and the communities we serve,” noted Sal Mancino, Stamford Health vice president of Human Resources. “At Stamford Health, we are committed to being a ‘Great Place to Work’ for all and providing a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment. Our four interns from Abilis are making immense contributions and leave a lasting impression on everyone they encounter. I would like to thank the teams across our organization who are mentoring our interns and helping them learn meaningful employment skills for the future.”

The hallmark of Project SEARCH is total workplace immersion, which facilitates a seamless combination of classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training. Project SEARCH's primary objective is to secure competitive employment for every program participant. Along the way, the interns increase their independence, self-confidence and self-esteem, preparing them for future employment. Abilis is a certified and licensed Project SEARCH program provider and is excited to extend this beneficial program at more Fairfield County locations.

Abilis and its Project SEARCH programs also collaborate with local school districts and the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services to place interns in the program. To be eligible for Project SEARCH, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 and have a developmental disability and want to work competitively. If the young adult is currently a high school student, a recommendation is required by their school district. For other young adults, tuition is paid by the Department of Developmental Services (for those eligible) or a family may choose to pay privately. 

Abilis is a 501c3 non-profit organization that supports more than 800 individuals and their families from birth throughout their lives. Founded in 1951, Abilis is a leader in providing meaningful supports to the community in Fairfield County, Connecticut, in towns including Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Stamford, Westport and Wilton. The organization has a long-standing reputation for individualized, high-quality care. For more information, visit www.abilis.us, or follow on Facebook @Abilis, Inc., Instagram @abilis_us or Twitter @Abilis.

All are welcome to attend the “Think Globally, Act Locally: A Conversation on Health Care Diversity & Disparities” panel, hosted by Stamford Health and Sacred Heart University on October 25 at 5:00 p.m. In recognition of Global Diversity Awareness Month, experts from Stamford Health and Sacred Heart will lead a discussion on critical health care topics, including practical solutions and actionable advice for improving health equity and patient outcomes here in Connecticut.

The event will be moderated by Family Centers Chief Health Officer Dennis Torres, JD, LCSW and panelists include:

• Stamford Health Vice Chair, Family Medicine, Dr. Henry Yoon
• SHU Chair, Dept. of Health Sciences, Christina Gunther, Ed.D. 
• Stamford Health Community Health Worker, Diana Dupuy-Faustin, MHA
• Pullman & Comley Health Care Practice Partner & Chair, Stephen Cowherd

Gunner, a Connecticut based company that provides roofing, siding, gutter and window installation services, today announced that its online roofing estimate platform was named as a winner in Good Housekeeping’s 2023 Home Renovation Awards in the Home Services category.

A full list of winners can be found online at here.

Gunner’s platform features patent-pending technology, allowing customers to fully shop for, purchase and schedule the installation of a brand-new roof at gunnerroofing.com, all from the comfort of their own home, office, or anywhere, in a matter of hours. 

After creating a log-in, homeowners are invited to customize a number of options related to the project, including shingle color, and options such as adding gutters and skylights. Using satellite measuring, a VR mock-up of the project home allows homeowners to see color and style options on their house, as well as view an informational, clickable demo providing an overview of a roofing project and warranty information. A calendar empowers customers to select a preferred start date for the work (featuring real-time availability of the company’s in-house installation crews), and a total estimate for the project with payment (ACH, credit card and bitcoin) and financing options are calculated.

A contract is also be furnished for online signature.  Upon completion, an email confirms the payment and project details and offers an introduction to the company’s in-house team of industry experts who will be a part of the project from start to finish, including the scheduling of a live, on-site, pre-install meeting.

“We’ve worked hard for years to create this product to help homeowners save time, stress and hassle while trying to cross this routine task off of their to-do list,” said Eddie Prchal, CEO and Co-Founder, Gunner.  “To be honored by Good Housekeeping’s team of industry experts as a ‘consumer-first roofing company’ acknowledges the mission we are on with our technology, customer service and more.”

“The entire family at Gunner could not be prouder of this recognition,” added Andrew Prchal, President and Co-Founder, Gunner.  “We are proud to be industry innovators with this platform and our service, and as our new friends at Good Housekeeping teased, will soon have BIG news inviting homeowners from around the country to experience an unparalleled level of customer service and technology when looking to complete a roofing project.”

For more information on Gunner, or to see if the company’s services are currently available in your area, visit www.gunnerroofing.com.

Andrew and Eddie Prchal launched Gunner in 2017 working with the core mission to deliver a customer’s vision, while providing exceptional quality of work, unmatched customer experience and utilizing creative technological solutions.  Servicing customers in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, the company provides roofing, siding, gutter and window installation services working with brands including Anderson Windows, Brava Roof Tile, GAF, James Hardie and DaVinci^® Roofscapes.  Gunner created a proprietary platform for online roofing estimates allowing customers to easily shop for and fully purchase (including opting into financing options) a new roof.  An in-house educational program, launching in 2023, will also shake up the industry standard, offering new hires and continuing education for team members utilizing a protype house with a removable roof built for training.

Gunner is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association, and amongst other associations, certifications and honors, are part of the elite GAF President’s Club and James Hardie President’s Club, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMasters, DaVinci Masterpiece Contractor and Anderson Certified Contractor.  The company was recognized on Inc. magazine’s third annual Inc. 5000 Regionals: Northeast list in 2023 (coming in at number 55) and Inc. 5000 2023 list of Fast Growing Private Companies in America (ranking #965 for its 615% three-year growth).  Gunner’s online estimate platform was the winner of the prestigious 2023 GAF Cutting-Edge Contractor Competition, and honored for being a “Consumer-First Roofing Company” by Good Housekeeping’s 2023 Home Renovation Awards in the Home Services category.  As part of its Gunner Cares initiative, launched in 2023, the company’s community involvement includes work with local Habitat for Humanity chapters.  

For more information, visit https://www.gunnerroofing.com/ or the company’s Facebook (@gunnerroofing) or Instagram (@gunnerroofing) channels.

Charter announced a donation of $7,500 to New Covenant Center to support its food distribution program in partnership with Catholic Charities of Fairfield County through the company’s national community philanthropic program, Spectrum Employee Community Grants.

The Women Rising Gala and Awards Celebration is WBDC’s annual event to honor Connecticut’s women entrepreneurs and business leaders as part of its mission to promote economic equity for women and strengthen communities through entrepreneurial and financial education services. 

Six of Connecticut’s women business owners will be honored by the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) on October 27 as part of the 2023 Women Rising Annual Gala and Awards Celebration. The event, being held at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, will feature keynote speaker Katrina Adams, and Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz will serve as the event’s honorary chair.

The Women Rising Award is presented annually to WBDC clients who show a strong commitment to WBDC and demonstrate success in their business and tenacity in pursuing their goals.

The 2023 Women Rising Award recipients are:

• Liz Ceppos (Photo)
  Owner, Cross Culture Kombucha (Danbury)

• Melissa-Sue John (Photo)
  Owner, Lauren Simone Publishing (East Hartford)

• Emmanuella Lauture (Photo)
  Owner, Ma Maison Childcare, LLC (Stamford)

• Neisa Medina-Nunez (Photo)
  Owner, The Learning Barn Childcare Center & Preschool (Naugatuck)

• Shellena Pitterson (Photo)
  Owner, Orchid Maids (Norwich)

• Kristin Vece (Photo)
  Owner, Elevate Healing Arts (Cromwell)

Read more about the 2023 Women Rising Award recipients here

“We are so proud of these amazing women entrepreneurs. It truly is exciting to witness their journeys as they grow and develop their businesses,” said WBDC Founder and CEO Fran Pastore. “These women have taken full advantage of the resources WBDC offers and have developed the tools to lead successful business enterprises in their communities. These women can be an inspiration to other small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs and are absolutely deserving of this recognition.”

In addition to the Women Rising Award, the 2023 Women Rising Annual Gala and Awards Celebration will honor a pair of business leaders with the WBDC Impact Award — which recognizes individuals who have personally exemplified WBDC’s mission and goals by promoting economic equality and prosperity for women. WBDC will also present a WBDC volunteer with the Patricia Billie Miller Award for Outstanding Community Service.

The Gala Title Sponsor is PMI. Other sponsors for the event include: Impact level – Hartford HealthCare, Mastercard, Travelers; Investor level – GenRe; Shipman; Webster Bank; Capital level – Alex Brown, a Division Raymond James; drbank; Gibson Dunn; Hearst Connecticut Media Group; Henkel; JPMorgan Chase & Co.; Linde; M&T Bank; Moffly Media; Point 72; Tidal River; Union Savings Bank; Wiggin and Dana; Wondr Nation; Empower level – Alvarez & Marsal; Bourgeon Capital Management; Gilda Bonanno LLC; Hexcel; Libertas; PWC; Stamford Health.

For tickets to the 2022 WBDC Women Rising Gala and Awards Celebration, to become a sponsor, or to make a donation, visit ctwbdc.org/gala.

Connecting Nature and People at the Ferguson Library

Online and In person: 3rd Floor - Ferguson Library One Public Library Plaza Stamford, CT 06904

Show dates: October 3-January 18
Reception: Tuesday, October 3rd 6-7:30

Our Juror: Emily Derr is the founder of Grassroots Impact, helping artists and galleries form strategic community partnerships. She received her degree in fashion design from Syracuse University, an MBA from DeVry University, and studied gemology at the Gemological Institute of America.

by The Stamford Art Association & Ferguson Library

The Faber Birren Color Award Exhibit pulls in artists internationally and is held for 6+ weeks annually. 40 artists are selected by the juror to be displayed at the Townhouse Gallery and online. Our juror, Joseph Henry (Art History Ph.D. Candidate at the CUNY Graduate Center,
Florence B. Selden Fellow at the Yale University Art Gallery), will reward cash prizes at the special opening reception.

Show dates: October 26-December 15, 2023
Opening Reception: Thursday, Oct 26 5:30-7:30
Closing Reception: Friday, December 15 5:30-7:30

GALLERY HOURS FRIDAY-SUNDAY 12-3PM

We’ve all heard of first aid training – and some of us are even certified. But did you know that you can participate in Youth Mental Health First Aid training to gain the skills to identify – and ultimately help – a young person in need?

Mental Health First Aid is designed to empower adults to be able to start conversations about mental health and substance use issues. The training provides an action plan that teaches people how to identify and address potential problems. Experts believe that, if more people are equipped with the tools they need to start a dialogue, more young people can and will get the help they need.

The Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance will host several sessions of Youth Mental Health First Aid this fall. The free training, with sessions in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole, is primarily designed for any adult who regularly interacts with young people.

There is one upcoming session in Spanish:

Wednesday, October 11, 9 am – 4 pm, at Family Centers, 60 Palmer Hill Road in Stamford. Lunch is included but space is limited, so please email cahumada@familycenters.org to reserve a seat.

There are three upcoming sessions in English:

Thursday/Friday, September 28 & 29 (4 pm – 8 pm both days), at Park 215, 215 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford. Dinner is included but space is limited, so please email youthmentalhealthct@gmail.com to reserve a seat.

Monday, October 9, (9 am – 5 pm), Park 215, 215 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford. Lunch is included but space is limited, so please email youthmentalhealthct@gmail.com to reserve a seat.

Wednesday/Thursday, November 8 & 9 (4 pm – 8 pm both days), at Park 215, 215 Stillwater Avenue, Stamford. Dinner is included but space is limited, so please email youthmentalhealthct@gmail.com to reserve a seat.

There is one upcoming session in Haitian Creole:

Saturday, October 21, 9 am – 4 pm, at DOMUS Kids, 83 Lockwood Avenue, Stamford. Lunch is included but space is limited, so please email rnoel@domuskids.org to reserve a seat.

The training is sponsored by the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance, a city-wide network of 30+ 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 www.stamfordyouthmentalhealthalliance.org. 

SoundWaters, the nonprofit organization dedicated to the resilience of Long Island Sound and its shoreline, has hired Sean Ryan as its first-ever Director of Coastal Resiliency Projects.

Ryan received his Ph.D. in Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography from the University of Connecticut, where he investigated the impact of climate change on seaweeds. He holds certifications as a Rescue Diver from Scuba Diving International and as a Scientific Scuba Diver from the American Academy of Underwater Sciences. While a doctoral student, he served as a member of the UConn Dive Safety Board.

Coastal resiliency projects at SoundWaters combine tangible efforts to improve the health of Long Island Sound with a focus on public engagement and student learning. In the past, such projects have included coastal cleanups, kelp farming, oyster seeding, water quality testing, habitat restoration and climate science studies.

“Adding Sean to our leadership team will strengthen our capacity for local impact in every sense, allowing us to engage more deeply with our shoreline community as well as with the Sound,” said SoundWaters President Leigh Shemitz. “With his expertise in climate science and his practical experience in the marine environment, we’ll be able to engage more people in our kelp farming, expand our work in restorative ecology and offer students opportunities for research at an extremely sophisticated level. We are excited about Sean’s commitment to our mission, and we look forward to seeing him grow our coastal resiliency programs in depth and breadth.”