<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank continues its support of Building Neighborhoods Together (BNT) with a $7,500 donation, in addition to the sponsorship of BNT’s Annual Benefit.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Founded in 1986, Building Neighborhoods Together, formerly Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust, is a HUD-certified nonprofit organization committed to addressing income inequality and homelessness by creating safe, affordable housing, and providing comprehensive housing and financial counseling services to low-and-moderate-income families across Fairfield County. BNT stands as the leading provider of certified housing counseling in Connecticut, with bi-lingual counselors serving both English and Spanish-speaking clients.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Having passionate, engaged partners like Fairfield County Bank is invaluable to BNT,” said Charles Griggs, Director of Administration &amp; Fund Development at BNT. “We are incredibly grateful for their contribution to our success through their volunteerism and donations.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank mortgage officers have provided first-time homebuyer education classes to BNT clients as well as volunteering at on-site events geared towards financial education. “Partnering with BNT on their initiatives such as the Empowerment Resource Academy (ERA) and their first-time homebuyer seminars aids in our commitment to financial education and literacy,” said Tanya Parker, Vice President of Risk Management and Community Reinvestment (CRA) Officer at Fairfield County Bank.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">This donation will support BNT’s ability to fund key staffing, technology, and operational expenses to enhance their capacity to provide affordable housing development, financial literacy programs, and housing counseling services. Additionally, BNT will be launching mandated financial literacy curriculum across Bridgeport Public Schools, which is anticipated to reach over 1,000 students in the first two years.</p>

<p><strong>Gift certificates available to see theatrical productions, playreadings, family shows, and more!</strong></p><p>Westport Country Playhouse offers holiday gift certificates for a wide variety of upcoming events and theatre productions. Gift certificates may be purchased for specific shows or redeemed for the recipient’s choice. Gift certificates are available in any denomination. They may be purchased 24/7 online and printed at home at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/gift-certificates/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/gift-certificates/</a>, or by calling the box office at 203-227-4177.</p><p>Gift certificates are on sale for the Playhouse’s 2025 theatre season, including&nbsp;a new series, called “Broadway Scores at the Playhouse,” kicking off with&nbsp;“Broadway’s Bad Boys,”&nbsp;a concert of&nbsp;mischievous&nbsp;songs made famous by musical theatre’s notorious villains,&nbsp;January 23 through January 26;&nbsp;“Native Gardens,” an outrageous comedy by popular modern playwright Karen Zacarías, February 18 through March 8; and “Theatre People,” a throwback to the classic screwball comedies of yesteryear by Connecticut-born&nbsp;playwright Paul Slade Smith, adapted from Ferenc Molnár’s “Play at the Castle,”</p><p>March 25 through April 12.&nbsp;</p><p>Also, gift certificates are available for the Playhouse’s Family Festivities shows, and the Script in Hand playreading series on eight Monday evenings: Jan. 13, Feb. 3, Apr. 14, May 5, June 9, Sept. 8, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1;&nbsp;titles to be announced.</p><p>More gift ideas can be found in an assortment of souvenir merchandise from the Playhouse’s holiday show, “A Sherlock Carol.” A variety of show-related items are on sale in the lobby during the run of the family-friendly production, from December 17 through December 22.&nbsp;“A Sherlock Carol” is based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” a Sherlock Holmes story,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>and Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol,” combined into one new mystery for all ages. Writer and director is Mark Shanahan, the Playhouse’s artistic director.</p><p>Holiday box office/lobby hours are: Tues., Dec. 17 through Sat., Dec. 21: 12 to 6:30 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 22: 12 to 1:30 p.m.; Mon., Dec. 23 through Wed., Jan. 1: Closed.&nbsp;Gift certificates may be purchased online anytime and printed at home at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/gift-certificates/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/gift-certificates/</a>.</p><p>Gift Certificates do not expire. They cannot be applied towards rental or benefit events.</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Norwalk, CT – The Maritime Aquarium is thrilled to welcome Jeffrey, a Linné’s two-toed sloth.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>“Jeffrey is the first sloth to ever live at the Aquarium. He has spent the past few weeks working with the team and exploring his new surroundings to prepare him to meet our guests,”&nbsp;said Director of Animal Husbandry Rachel Stein.&nbsp;“We hope you’ll stop by soon to say hello!”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WQ53AGJNoZk?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p>Jeffrey can be found on the second floor in “Just Add Water,” an exhibit that explores the impact of water on climate and how animals have adapted to unique environments.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Linné’s two-toed sloths are native to the forests of Central and South America, spending most of their time up in the trees with their long-curved claws helping them to grip branches. They have extremely slow metabolisms and can sleep for up to 18 hours a day.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Jeffrey came to the Aquarium from Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island. He may not be visible at all times as he continues to adjust to his new home.</p><p>The Maritime Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos &amp; Aquariums and receives support from the State of Connecticut DECD’s Offices of Culture and Tourism. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><strong style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">Westport, CT -&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">Art is as much an amorphous sensation as it is a tangible form, inspiring highly individual experiences that transcend the boundaries of medium. This winter, The Westport Library aims to invoke such feelings with its three new art exhibits running NOW to February 4, 2025, in the Library’s Sheffer, South, and Jesup Galleries.</span></p><p>The Sheffer Gallery brings the idea of transcendence to life with Claudia Mengel’s&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/claudia-mengel-alchemy-of-light/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Alchemy of Light</em></a>, a series of paintings inspired by the essential mysticism at the heart of alchemy’s expression in the Middle Ages.</p><p>With its intention of turning metal into gold, alchemy was as equally associated with chemical experimentation, as it was with the spiritual belief in ultimate transformation. Thus, the viewer is invited to lend their own voice to the collection’s broader narrative by offering both an initial reaction to the individual works, including paintings<em>New Beginnings</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Moving Into Stillness,&nbsp;</em>as well as the group as a whole. Only then can the viewer see the “gold” in this transformation, thanks to the artist’s role as alchemist.</p><p><em>Alchemy of Light</em>&nbsp;epitomizes this duality with washes of pastels, layers of impasto, and the occasional collage, physically creating and capturing light on the surface, as well as in the eye of the beholder. Their patterns and textures create relationships that bring an energy — and perhaps even a magic — to the narrative they impart.</p><p><a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/artist-reception-claudia-mengel-on-alchemy-of-light/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">An opening reception will celebrate Mengel’s work</a>&nbsp;on December 18 at 6 pm, followed by a conversation between Mengel and Miggs Burroughs at 7 pm.</p><p>In the South Gallery, Jason Pritchard’s&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/jason-pritchard-westport-skies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Westport Skies</em></a>&nbsp;exhibits a sense of connection, weaving together a collective narrative among this season’s three artists that echoes their individual understanding of the world and the environments from which they draw inspiration.</p><p>Using the medium of oil and the practice of&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.libguides.com/WestportArt" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">en plein air painting</a>&nbsp;to capture atmospheric coastal scenes, Pritchard's work serves as a love letter to his New England home. He creates with the intention of illustrating a sense of space and connection to the region’s landscape, evident in his paintings&nbsp;<em>Compo Beach</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Riverside Park</em>&nbsp;— which invite viewers to connect to their own experiences.</p><p>"It’s important for me to visit the location to access the feeling of what it’s about to help replicate my sense of reaction back onto the canvas," Pritchard said. "Few things make me happier than taking a nice long walk along a beach, hearing the sound of the tide crashing nearby as I explore both physically, then later in my mind’s eye, the thoughts of my experience back into my painting. I embrace the process of unpacking those memories and calibrating the colors, the shifting light, and the changing weather as elements back in my studio. These variables prompt the brush movements, hues, and tones I enlist, which are often wrapped under an impressionistic skyline, intended to heighten the mood of my paintings further."</p><p>Pritchard will showcase his exhibit, along with fellow artist Christine Timmons,&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/artist-reception-and-conversation-with-artists-jason-pritchard-and-christine-timmons/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">at their shared reception</a>&nbsp;on January 9 at 6 pm, followed by an artist conversation with Pritchard, Timmons, and Burroughs at 7 pm.</p><p>Timmons’&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/christine-timmons-journeys-in-collage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Journeys in Collage</em></a>, in the Jesup Gallery, offers a different approach to the enigmatic quality of art, with pieces like&nbsp;<em>Evita’s Eyes</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Cornell-ish Box</em>. Both works exhibit mixed-media collage composed of materials such as various papers, vintage buttons, dead leaves, wire, and ticket stubs on wood panels.&nbsp;</p><p>Stemming from a lifelong interest and involvement with art, craft, textiles, design, and an enjoyment of working with her hands, Timmons began learning to work with encaustics (pigmented hot wax), which contain a "mysterious quality" that both intrigues her and informs her art.</p><p>"I love getting past the initial uncertainty of beginning a new piece and gradually
discovering a path through the labyrinth of building a collage," Timmons said.
"While working on a piece, I'm always looking for a visual tension and harmony
among the elements ― many of them pieces torn from my trove of old monoprints and papers that I've painted."The layers of each exhibit give their respective works a rich philosophy that colors not only the art itself, but the experience of the viewer as well. Observe and indulge in The Westport Library’s art exhibits this winter season and pose the question: What feelings do these works inspire in you?</p><p> For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportlibrary.org</a>.</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Broadway magic came alive in Ridgefield with Broadway Unplugged, a unique series presented by A.C.T. of Connecticut’s Resident Music Supervisor and Broadway Music Director, Bryan Perri. Known for his Grammy-nominated work and charismatic personality, Bryan invites audiences to experience an intimate evening filled with storytelling, music, and connection that rivals any New York City cabaret.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">On December 9 and 10, the A.C.T. stage welcomed Taylor Iman Jones, a Broadway powerhouse whose talent left audiences mesmerized. Taylor, who recently completed a year-long run as “Katherine Parr” in the smash-hit musical SIX, has an impressive résumé that includes the original Broadway casts of Head Over Heels and Groundhog Day as well as national tours of Hamilton and American Idiot. She also starred off-Broadway in MCC’s The Lonely Few, with music supervision by Bryan Perri himself.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The evening was an emotional journey through song and storytelling. Taylor brought her trademark power and authenticity to every performance, transforming into the Broadway characters and shows that inspired each piece. Highlights included her stunning rendition of “She Used to Be Mine” from Waitress (on stage at A.C.T. in spring 2025). Taylor also shared an original song, playing guitar, and delivered a heartfelt performance of “Being Alive” from Company.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Bryan Perri’s passion at the piano was palpable, as he played with an emotional intensity that matched Taylor’s vocals. His connection to the music and his performers elevates every Broadway Unplugged show, creating an experience that feels both grand and deeply personal.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The event also featured a lively Q&amp;A session moderated by A.C.T. Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine which gave the audience a deeper glimpse into Jones’ career and philosophy. Levine posed questions submitted via social media, including some from A.C.T. Conservatory students. Among the highlights:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">On playing Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada: “A dream role, challenging and exhilarating in every way.”</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">On inspiration: Jones shared her advice, including the memorable quotes, “You have to be yourself more than anyone else” and “Make space for the unexpected.”</span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The final question…&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Is Bryan Perri performing at Carnegie Hall? Yes, indeed Perri confirmed with excitement, the April 10 event (stay tuned for details!)</span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Broadway Unplugged has become a hallmark of A.C.T. of Connecticut, regularly selling out before the guest star is even announced. Past performers have included Broadway greats such as Lindsay Mendez, Elizabeth Stanley, Jessica Vosk, Aaron Tveit, and many more. With each installment, Perri and A.C.T. bring the caliber of a New York City cabaret right to Ridgefield.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For information about upcoming productions and events, visit</span><a href="https://www.actofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> A.C.T. of CT</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend December 13-14</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/silvermine-holiday-art-craft-sale-7e990" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Silvermine Holiday Art &amp; Craft Sale</strong></a></p><p><strong>Silvermine Galleries</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 13, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>All art and crafts for sale are created by Silvermine School of Art Adult Students and Silvermine Instructors. You will find ceramics, paintings, sculptures, prints, jewelry, drawings, photographs, fiber arts, cards, ornaments, and more at affordable prices to fit every budget.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-shop-n-stroll-at-ct-audubon-in-fairfield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Shop 'N Stroll</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connecticut Audubon Society Fairfield Nature Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 14, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Shop for nature-inspired gifts from local artisan vendors while delighting in the joyous sounds of acapella holiday carols. Enjoy a brisk walk on the Sanctuary trails, then grab a cheesy bite from the Melt Mobile Food Truck.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gbs-s-final-candidate-leads-12-14-holiday-show-daughter-of-leonard-bernstein-jamie-narrates-signs-books" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GBS's Final Candidate Leads Holiday Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 14, 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>After an exhaustive search over two seasons, GBS is down to the wire as the competition to become the next Music Director ends. Maestro Waddell will present a family-friendly “concert of storytelling,” highlighted by some of the greatest stories in music, including Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf narrated by special guest Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the late great Leonard Bernstein. GBS is proud to feature photos of Mexican wolves during the narration, provided by Jack Bradley, a photographer for Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/winter-light-reception-at-art-place-gallery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Winter Light Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Art/Place Gallery</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>This is an All-Member show that includes work in a variety of mediums, sizes, and interpretations of the theme.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pequot-library-and-shakespeare-on-the-sound-present-a-christmas-carol" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Shakespeare on the Sound Present: A Christmas Carol</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Join Pequot Library and Shakespeare on the Sound for drinks and delight at our joint fundraiser, culminating in a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Year after year, the trained actors from Shakespeare on the Sound delight audience members young and old with the quintessential tale of holiday spirit.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/odysseys-a-musical-journey-through-the-world-of-video-games" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Odysseys: A musical journey through the world of video games</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Presbyterian Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Norwalk Gamer Symphony Orchestra takes you on a journey through some of video game's most expansive and memorable worlds in our next show, Odysseys. Join us as we quest in search of Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X, 2001), trample a path on the moon (DuckTales, 1989) and traverse the desert wastelands of Journey's (2012) barren but provocative landscape. We hope you can join us for this fun evening of music and exploration! For more information, go to<a href="http://www.norwalkgso.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.norwalkgso.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.norwalkgso.org</a></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/yuletide-harmonies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Yuletide Harmonies</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>The Fairfield County Chorale (FCC) will present a joyous program of holiday music on December 15 at Norwalk Concert Hall. The Chorale launches its 62nd season with an intriguing program reaching from the Baroque to the 20th century. Similarly, the musical selections were composed in countries across the western world – from Germany to Hungary to the UK. Music Director David Rosenmeyer will conduct.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-service-of-nine-lessons-and-carols" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols</strong></a></p><p><strong>St. Mark's Episcopal Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm</p><p>Now a perennial favorite, uniting the St. Mark’s Choir, Choristers, and Soloists, the story of our redemption is told – both in word and song – from the story of Adam and Eve to the arrival of the Magi at the Manger. Carols and hymns are sung by the Choir and by all. Conducted by the Director of Music Ned Tipton. Dr. Michael Burnette will accompany the service.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/brass-and-organ-christmas-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Brass and Organ Christmas Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Presbyterian Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>First Presbyterian Church of Stamford invites you to immerse yourself in the Christmas sound of four trumpets, two French horns, 3 trombones, 1 tuba, 2 percussionists, and an organ with over 4000 pipes. Minister of Music Kevin Bailey and the New York Symphonic Brass present the 34th annual Brass and Organ concert. Suggested donation of $25 for the freewill offering.</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>