<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2024 Summer Olympic Games and Paralympic Games are underway! Opening Ceremonies took place today, Friday, July 26 at Stade de France and the games extend through Sunday, August 11.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Let’s cheer for Connecticut residents who are part of Team USA!&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-j/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Oliver Bub</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Rowing (Westport, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-t/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Liam Corrigan</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Rowing (Old Lyme, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-i/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Jess Davis</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Pentathlon (Bethlehem, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-d/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Alexis Holmes</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Track and Field (Cheshire, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-h/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Alyssa Naeher</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Soccer (Stratford, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-k/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Kelsey Reelick</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Rowing (Brookfield, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Kieran Smith</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Swimming (Ridgefield, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Beth Yeager</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Field Hockey (Greenwich, Connecticut)</span></li></ul><p><br></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Members of Team USA who are from Connecticut and have qualified to compete in the 2024 Summer Paralympic Games include:</span><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Matthew Torres</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Swimming (Ansonia, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-n/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Ali Truwit</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Swimming (Darien, Connecticut)</span></li><li><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gjulldk-tlluktyukd-f/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Ben Washburne</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;– Rowing (Madison, Connecticut)</span></li></ul><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">NOTE: This list of athletes is based on the location the athletes listed as their “hometown” on questionnaires they provided to Team USA</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">View the Olympic Games schedule</span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</em><a href="https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/24-july" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><em>https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/schedule/24-july</em></a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">You can live stream the Olympics&nbsp;</span><a href="https://olympics.com/en/original-series/episode/la-grande-seine-trailer" 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>

<p><span style="color: rgb(79, 79, 79);">The&nbsp;</span><a href="http://ctchallenge.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(37, 51, 79);">CT Challenge</a><span style="color: rgb(79, 79, 79);">, one of the largest fundraising events in Connecticut, will see hundreds of riders from across the state and country cycling through CT on Saturday, July 27. Registration is open at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://bike.ctchallenge.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(37, 51, 79);">bike.ctchallenge.org</a><span style="color: rgb(79, 79, 79);">&nbsp;for the ride, which aims to raise $750,000 this year to fund wellness programs for cancer survivors.</span></p><p>The ride starts at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church in Fairfield, CT, and includes 10, 25, 50, and 100-mile routes, as well as a virtual ride option that can be completed anywhere, by any means on any day. Rider sign-in begins at 5:00 a.m., with the 100-mile riders pushing off at 6:15 a.m. and the 50, 25, and 10-mile routes beginning at 7:45 a.m. after the Salute to Survivors and National Anthem. The festivities continue all day as the riders arrive back, with live music, food trucks, and lawn games.</p><p>View the weekend schedule <a href="https://bike.ctchallenge.org/weekend-schedule" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bike.ctchallenge.org/weekend-schedule/</a></p><p>View the CT Challenge route: <a href="https://bike.ctchallenge.org/routes-cycling-challenges-century-rides" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bike.ctchallenge.org/routes-cycling-challenges-century-rides/</a></p><p>For registration, donation, and sponsorship information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bike.ctchallenge.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(37, 51, 79);">bike.ctchallenge.org</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>The 12th Annual Food Tasting and Retail Experience - 2024 on Saturday, September 7, 2024 | 2 PM - 5 PM</strong></p><p>Join us for the 12th Annual Food Tasting and Retail Experience in Saugatuck, a cherished tradition celebrating the vibrant local community. This year’s event, taking place on Saturday, September 7, promises an afternoon of family-friendly fun, live music, and a taste of what Saugatuck has to offer. If the weather doesn't cooperate, the event will be rescheduled to September 14.</p><p>Since its inception in 2011, this annual festival has become a staple of the Saugatuck experience. For its twelfth year, over four dozen local restaurants, shops, and galleries will open their doors to invite visitors for a delightful sampling of their offerings. Attendees can wander the charming streets of Saugatuck Center, exploring a variety of culinary delights and unique merchandise from the area's finest establishments.</p><p>The event features an array of activities for the whole family. Enjoy performances by seven bands while strolling along the picturesque boardwalk overlooking the river. For those looking to dance, there will be live dance demonstrations. Kids will be entertained with attractions such as the Fire Department’s antique fire engine, a fire safety trailer, four different bouncy houses, a balloon bender, and a face painter.</p><p>Guests can grab a map and embark on a tasting adventure, aiming to sample everything on offer. With a ticket, visitors can get their event passport stamped and enter a lottery for gift certificates to many of the participating venues. To date, the event has raised $44,000 for the Gillespie Food Pantry, with hopes to surpass $50,000 this year.</p><p>For those seeking a refreshing drink, specialty beverages will be available inside most participating restaurants, or visitors can visit the two outdoor beer gardens for beer or wine.</p><p>Tickets are priced at $15 for adults and $5 for children aged 5-12. They will be available for purchase on-site starting at 1:45 PM, with payment accepted by cash or credit card only.</p><p><strong>For more information or to sign up as a business, vendor, or sponsor (Saugatuck businesses only), please visit </strong><a href="https://www.westportwestonchamber.com/saugatuck" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.westportwestonchamber.com/saugatuck/</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank held its 153rd Annual Meeting at the Silver Spring County Club. The Annual Meeting is held to inform the Corporators on the financial well-being of the Bank, success and growth over the past year, and strategic plans of the coming year. The attendees included the Board of Directors, the Board of Incorporators, and the Senior Management of the Bank.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Ralph L. DePanfilis, Chairman of the Board, welcomed the attendees to the meeting and led the vote to elect two new Corporators, Scott Hobbs of New Canaan and John Mitchell of Ridgefield. Scott is the president and owner of Hobbs, Incorporated, who specializes in high-end custom luxury home building. A lifelong New Canaanite, Scott continues to reside there with his wife and children and is deeply involved in the community. John is the founder and executive partner of Radius Media Group, LLC, which focuses on creating audience development programs for premier marketers. He currently resides in Ridgefield with his family.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">David A. Schneider, CEO, and Daniel L. Berta, President, presented on the financials of the Bank, the product and service offering, innovation across the organization, and community engagement. Presentation highlights included a review of the strong financial position of the Bank in relation to current economic strains on the industry from Mr. Schneider. They also took this time to introduce Amy Raymond, Senior Vice President of Retail Lending at Fairfield County Bank. Amy joined the Bank in 2024 and has been introducing new loan offerings such as a first-time homebuyers and jumbo loan program with her team.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Mr. Berta spoke on a variety of topics, including the Bank’s commitment to the Fairfield County community. In addition to over $740,000 in corporate contributions, Fairfield County Bank employees donated over 4,500 hours of volunteer service spread across nearly 300 different organizations. Mr. Berta then went on to highlight the array of digital solutions that Fairfield County Bank offers. These solutions ensure that clients can securely bank local wherever they are, while client contact and personal relationships remain at the forefront of the Bank’s ethos.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pictured from left to right: David Schneider, CEO, Fairfield County Bank. Scott Hobbs, President, Hobbs, Inc. Ralph&nbsp;DePanfilis, Chairman of the Board, Fairfield County Bank. John Mitchell, Founder, Radius Media Group. Daniel Berta, President, Fairfield County Bank.</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong><u>Back Yard Beekeepers Association AnnouncesDr. Thomas D. Seeley Speaking about Nature-Based Beekeeping on July 30, 2024 in Weston CT</u></strong></p><p>The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) in Connecticut is proud to present Dr. Thomas Seeley, a well-respected biologist and beekeeper on Tuesday, July 30 in Weston. He will discuss nature-based beekeeping that aims to provide managed honey bee colonies with living conditions that are as close as possible to those of wild honey bee colonies. The goal is to harmonize beekeeping methods with the natural history of Apis Mellifera, and thus allow the bees to make full use of the toolkit of adaptations that they have evolved over the last 30 million years.&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Seeley will review ways in which the living conditions of honey bees differ between wild and managed colonies. He will also show how we can pursue beekeeping in a way that is centered less on treating a bee colony as a honey factory and more on nurturing the lives of the bees.&nbsp;The fundamental question is "What can I give to the bees?" rather than "What can I take from the bees?”</p><p>The Q &amp; A follows the presentation along with an opportunity to buy his new book, “Piping Hot Bees &amp; Boisterous Buzz-Runners” published by Princeton University Press.&nbsp;</p><p>The presentation begins promptly at 7:30pm. We suggest arriving at 7:00 to allow time to socialize with other like-minded individuals. The location is Norfield Congregational Church located at 64 Norfield Rd in Weston, CT.&nbsp;Even though the event is free, please register at&nbsp;<a href="https://backyardbeekeepers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://backyardbeekeepers.com</a>.</p><p>Thomas D. Seeley, biologist and writer, is the Horace White Professor in Biology Emeritus at Cornell University, where he is a member of the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior.&nbsp;From 1980 to 2020, he taught courses on animal behavior and conducted research on the behavior, social life, and ecology of honey bees.&nbsp;Besides being a honey bee biologist, Tom is also an avid beekeeper.&nbsp;He began keeping bees when he was a high school student, in Ithaca, New York, in the late 1960s.&nbsp;</p><p>His scientific work is summarized in six books:&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>Honeybee Ecology</u>&nbsp;(1985),&nbsp;<u>The Wisdom of the Hive</u>&nbsp;(1995),&nbsp;<u>Honeybee Democracy</u>&nbsp;(2010),&nbsp;<u>Following the Wild Bees</u>&nbsp;(2016),&nbsp;<u>The Lives of Bees</u>&nbsp;(2019), and&nbsp;<u>Piping Hot Bees &amp; Boisterous Buzz-runners</u>(2024).&nbsp;&nbsp;In recognition of his scientific discoveries, he has been elected a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the German National Academy of Sciences.&nbsp;He has also received various scientific honors, including a&nbsp;Gold Medal for Best Science Book (<u>The Wisdom of the Hive)</u>&nbsp;at Apimondia in 1997 (Antwerp).&nbsp;He writes: "These honors are gratifying, but for me the most important 'prizes' by far are the discoveries that I have made about the natural lives and inner workings of honey bee colonies."&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Questions? Contact BYBA’s Paula Wolf at&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">paulawolf@email.com</span>.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend July 26-28</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/moca-some-noise---open-mic-night" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>MOCA SOME NOISE OPEN MIC NIGHT</strong></a></p><p><strong>Moca CT</strong></p><p>Friday Jul 26, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Join Moca Ct for an Open Mic night featuring acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry! Everyone is invited to participate and attend.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ftc-presents-mystic-bowie-s-talking-dreads" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>MYSTIC BOWIE'S TALKING DREADS</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Theatre Company</strong></p><p>Friday Jul 26, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>These guys are so much more than a reggae-tribute of the Talking Heads’ top hits. Picture that famously funky frequency, picked up on the sun-bathed beaches of Jamaica and put through a Caribbean kaleidoscope. Fronted by Connecticut's own, Mystic Bowie, Talking Dreads will be Burning Down The House. As a former member of the Tom Tom Club, a band that includes Talking Heads founders Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth, Mystic Bowie infuses fresh life into Talking Heads' classic catalog with his high octane mix of roots reggae, ska and rock. "Talking Dreads cover Talking Heads songs as shimmering one-drop reggae jewels. Tom Tom Club vet Mystic Bowie covers Talking Heads songs by swapping out urbanity for roots and sincerity.” – Salon</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fairfield-museum-summer-camps-614e7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SUMMER CAMPS</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Museum</strong></p><p>Friday Jul 26, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>These unforgettable summer camps are designed for kids ages 7-12 and bring history to life through art-making, gallery exploration, outdoor play on the Museum Commons, and many more hands-on activities. Each week features a different theme inspired by the Museum’s rich collections and exhibitions. Whether your child has an interest in archaeology, history, or the arts, you’ll be sure to find a program that’s right for them. Adventures in Art Camp | July 22-26 Spy Camp | July 29-August 2 Innovation Camp | August 5-9 Archaeology Camp | August 12-16 | SOLD OUT! History Camp | August 19-23</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-greenwich-art-society-is-offering-a-new-workshop-colored-pencil-the-painterly-way" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A NEW WORKSHOP!! COLORED PENCIL: THE PAINTERLY WAY</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Art Society</strong></p><p>Saturday Jul 27, 10:00 am - 3:30 pm</p><p>You read correctly! Learn how to approach color pencil in a way that resembles pastel painting with the aim of finishing a drawing using color pencils within a short period of time. Color pencil may possibly be one of the most misunderstood mediums often treated in a slow and tedious manner. But what if we could use it as a brush in a painterly way? Participants would be introduced to a quick layering system derived from the way pastelists use hard and soft pastels for sketching on toned surfaces. If you love color pencils this crash course will help you discover other ways to express your artwork through this fun medium.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cody-wolfe-live-bijou-theatre-bridgeport-connecticut" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>CODY WOLFE LIVE</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Bijou Theatre</strong></p><p>Saturday Jul 27, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Get ready to Bring Country Back with Nashville Recording Artist and Trend Setting Country Singer/Songwriter Cody Wolfe. From his breakup hit "Better Without You" to fan favorite "Don't Blame Your Drunk On Me" and songs from his new album "Bringin Country Back" be prepared for a full band, live show full of original music that you'll be singing along with from the very first note. ​</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/weston-what-lies-beneath-exhibit-3d8b5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>WESTON...WHAT LIES BENEATH EXHIBIT</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</strong></p><p>Sunday Jul 28, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The yard of one of Weston’s oldest homes, the Peter Thorp House, reveals its past lives. Through objects, rare photographs, videos, and hands-on activities, discover what lies beneath and who lived above. Kids can dig for artifacts in the exhibit's fun Kids Corner.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/summer-concert-series-paul-gabriel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SUMMER CONCERT SERIES WITH PAUL GABRIEL</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bartlett Arboretum &amp; Gardens</strong></p><p>Sunday Jul 28, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Paul Gabriel is a Blues Music Award nominee, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Blues Hall of Fame inductee, and New England Music Hall of Fame inductee.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/parker-s-tangent-concert-at-music-at-the-barn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>PARKER'S TANGENT CONCERT </strong></a></p><p><strong>MUSIC AT THE BARN</strong></p><p>Sunday Jul 28, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Parker’s Tangent is an established rock band based out of New Haven, CT. They play all original rock music based on blues and roots sources. Their wonderful female lead singer has been compared to Grace Slick and Nora Jones. The band is rounded out by drums, percussion, lead and rhythm guitars, bass and violin. Their music ranges from poetic, quiet and touching, to bluesy and rocking! Parker’s Tangent has performed together for over 19 years and has performed at Toads' Place, the main stage of the New Haven Green, The International Festival of Arts and Ideas, Westport’s Blues, Views and Bar-B-Que Festival, the Phoenix, Long Wharf Theater and many more.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artisan-marketplace-summer-series-4e573" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ARTISAN MARKETPLACE SUMMER SERIES</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT</strong></p><p>Sunday Jul 28, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>This year’s Artisan Marketplace will be held outdoors, providing a beautiful and spacious setting for visitors to explore a wide variety of unique, handcrafted items. From jewelry and pottery to textiles and artwork, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. The galleries inside will also be open to enjoy our latest exhibition. The Artisan Marketplace Summer Series is a perfect opportunity for families and friends to spend a leisurely afternoon supporting and discovering the talent and creativity of local artisans. We continue to accept vendor applications – click here to apply!</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><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>