<p>The First Selectwoman’s Office has announced that the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Draft Westport Safety Action Plan, prepared by consultants Tighe &amp; Bond, is now available for review and public comment. Make your voice heard by submitting a comment to <a href="mailto:SS4A@westportct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SS4A@westportct.gov</a>&nbsp;<a href="mailto:SS4A@westportct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">online</a>&nbsp;or by attending the public meeting scheduled for Wednesday, January 29, 2025. The public is invited to share thoughts on the plan through February 7, 2025.</p><p>Read the Draft Westport Safety Action Plan here:&nbsp;<a href="https://tinyurl.com/38rxue23" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">https://tinyurl.com/38rxue23</a></p><p>Additional information is available on the Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportct.gov/government/selectwoman-s-office/traffic-pedestrian-safety/safe-streets-and-roads-for-all#!/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">Traffic Pedestrian Safety</a></p>

<p>Westport, CT - Westport has always been a town of people who love books and love to read. Now, the town’s readers can help select the winner of the third annual Westport Prize for Literature.</p><p>The Westport Prize is looking for readers to help vet manuscripts for its 2025 honor, which it plans to award this fall in conjunction with StoryFest, the annual literary festival held at The Westport Library.</p><p>Those interested can volunteer via the form on&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/westport-prize-for-literature/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">The Westport Prize for Literature homepage</a>. Readers must be Westport residents.</p><p>Readers are expected to read two to three manuscripts and then submit their feedback via an online form. (There is an opportunity to read more books if you have time to do so). The results of that review will help determine which finalists advance to a select, independent jury that will decide the 2025 prize.</p><p>The Westport Prize for Literature is an annual prize “established to honor an original work of literary fiction that is both relevant and timeless.” In 2023 it was awarded to acclaimed author&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/zadie-smith-to-be-honored-at-the-westport-library-with-inaugural-westport-prize-for-literature/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Zadie Smith</a>&nbsp;for&nbsp;<em>The Fraud</em>, and last year&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/freedom-is-a-feast-wins-2024-westport-prize-for-literature-author-alejandro-puyana-to-be-honored-at-storyfest-at-the-westport-library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Alejandro Puyana</a>&nbsp;was honored for his dazzling debut novel&nbsp;<em>Freedom is a Feast</em>.</p><p>The prize is overseen and administered by a steering committee of Westport resident volunteers, with the jury selecting the winner and the Library hosting the award celebration.</p><p>Story link:&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/calling-all-readers-help-select-the-finalists-for-the-2025-westport-prize-for-literature/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/calling-all-readers-help-select-the-finalists-for-the-2025-westport-prize-for-literature/</a></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend January 17-19</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, art work 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>19th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Keynote Conversation With Shonda Rhimes on Sunday, January 19 | 3:00 - 4:30 PM</strong></p><p>Westport’s 19th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration will feature award-winning producer and Shondaland visionary <strong>Shonda Rhimes</strong> as the guest of honor. Joining her for an insightful conversation will be acclaimed novelist, playwright, and filmmaker <strong>Trey Ellis</strong>.</p><p><strong>Registration for this event is currently full</strong>, but you can still participate by watching the livestream on The Westport Library's YouTube channel.</p><p><strong>Livestream link:</strong> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fyg8vudjtc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watch the livestream</a> <em>(Available at the start of the event)</em></p>

<p>Norwalk, CT – In recognition of National Blood Donor Month, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is partnering with New York Blood Center (NYBC) to host a blood drive at its South Norwalk facility on Monday, January 27.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“<span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">We seek to be more than a fun family attraction, and to do more than our conservation and education initiatives for the region; we seek to serve our community to meet their needs and deliver on important community services.</span>&nbsp;We’re proud to partner with New York Blood Center to provide a lifeline to our neighbors in need,”&nbsp;<strong>said Jason Patlis, President and CEO of The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk</strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“National Blood Donor Month is an important reminder that the need for blood never takes a break. We are grateful to The Maritime Aquarium for hosting a blood drive at this critical time of year,”<strong>&nbsp;said Andrea Cefarelli, Senior Vice President at New York Blood Center.</strong>&nbsp;“January is always a difficult time for the&nbsp;blood supply&nbsp;as the post-holiday rush, seasonal illnesses like COVID, the flu,&nbsp;and RSV, school breaks, and inclement weather all contribute to making blood donations less of a priority.&nbsp;We encourage Connecticut residents to roll up their sleeves, bring a friend and start the new year off by giving the gift of life.”&nbsp;</p><p>The Maritime Aquarium is located at 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, Connecticut. New York Blood Center’s mobile clinic will be parked directly outside the front entrance with appointments available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a special thank you, blood donors will receive free admission to explore the Aquarium.&nbsp;</p><p>To reserve a time slot, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://donate.nybc.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/326486" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">New York Blood Center’s website.</a>&nbsp;</p><p>For more information at The Maritime, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maritimeaquarium.org.%20/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.maritimeaquarium.org. </a>&nbsp;</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend January 17-19</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, art work 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>