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May 07, 2024

Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand Playreading of Comedic Mystery on 5/13

Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand Playreading of Comedic Mystery, “Mrs. Christie,” on Monday, May 13Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of the comedic mystery, “Mrs. Christie,” a fictional account of the unsolved 1926 disappearance of Agatha Christie, one of the most-read mystery writers, written by Heidi Armbruster and directed by Mark Shanahan, on Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m.“’Mrs. Christie' is an imaginative adventure of self-discovery, delving into the enduring mystery of Agatha Christie’s personal life,” said Shanahan. “Filled with twists and turns worthy of the famed author’s best novels, Armbruster’s play is a humorous and often touching investigation of grief, love, and the mysteries of the human heart. I know the Playhouse audience will thrill to see the Queen of Crime come alive on our stage, as mysterious and alluring as any character she ever created."In 1926, Agatha Christie vanished, then reappeared 11 days later without explanation. Her abandoned car was found in some bushes; police suspected foul play. It was a tabloid sensation—a mystery that, nearly a century later, remains unsolved. Fast forward to today: More than a little lost herself, a Christie aficionado named Lucy makes the pilgrimage to the author’s estate. When she happens upon an unpublished diary written in Christie’s own hand, Lucy resolves to crack the case once and for all. In parallel storylines that blend past, present, and Poirot, “Mrs. Christie” proves that sometimes you need to disappear in order to find yourself."I’m terrifically excited to hear my play at the Playhouse, a theater that means a lot to me,” said the playwright, Heidi Armbruster. “I’m especially excited to join forces with Mark Shanahan, who gives me a run for my money as Number One Agatha Christie fan in the American theater.”Cast members are: Ally Bonino as Lucy (Originated the role of Lucy Burns in the Off-Broadway, world premiere of “Suffs”; recently made her Broadway debut, reprising that role; Westport Country Playhouse’s 2012 gala honoring Terrence McNally; 50th-anniversary production of Leonard Bernstein’s “Mass” at The Kennedy Center; workshopped “The Jordan and Avery Show,” as Jordan, at Eugene O’Neill Theater Center; @allybo123; Michael Di Liberto as Archie (Currently playing “Ruth” in Off-Broadway’s “Titanique”; Broadway’s “Wicked”; tours of “Wicked,” “Annie,” “Cinderella,” “Strike Up the Band”; regional theater’s “The Producers” - Helen Hayes nomination for Best Actor, “Titanic,” “Something Rotten,” “Spamalot,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Beauty and the Beast”; television’s “The Gilded Age,” “Evil,” @michaeldi_li); Isabel Keating as June (Westport Country Playhouse’s “A Sherlock Carol” and Script in Hand playreading of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”; Broadway’s “Doubt: A Parable,” “The Boy from Oz” – Tony nomination, Drama Desk and Theatre World awards, “It’s Only a Play,” “Wicked,” “Hairspray,” “Spider-Man,” “Enchanted April”; Off-Broadway’s “A Sherlock Carol”; Emmy Award-winning PBS American Masters’ “Judy Garland: By Myself”; @isabelkeating); Sarah Manton as Agatha Christie (Westport Country Playhouse’s “Things We Do for Love,” “Bedroom Farce,” “What the Butler Saw,” “Lettice and Lovage,” and radio theater reading of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol”; Broadway’s “One Man, Two Guvnors”; National Theatre’s “Coast of Utopia,” “South Pacific”; West End’s “Dirty Dancing” as Baby; UK tours of “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Rivals”; “New Amsterdam” on NBC; “Doctors,” “Casualty” on BBC); Sharone Sayegh as Charlotte (Westport Country Playhouse’s “A Sherlock Carol,” Script in Hand playreadings of “As Bees in Honey Drown,” “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” “Letters to Our Daughters”; Broadway’s “Come From Away,” “The Band’s Visit,” “Mamma Mia!”; co-writer of new musical “The Game Boy”; Syracuse University. A.J. Shively as William (Broadway’s “Paradise Square” - Tony, OCC, Chita Rivera noms., “Bright Star” - Drama Desk nom., “La Cage aux Folles”; Off-Broadway/New York’s “A Man of No Importance - Lortel Award, OCC nom., “Philadelphia, Here I Come! “ - Lortel nom.; television/film “Julia,” “Bull,” “Hunters,” “Homeland” “Madam Secretary”; University of Michigan, RADA; Lori Vega as Nancy (Off-Broadway’s Playwrights Horizons, Classical Theater of Harlem, Ensemble Studio Theater; regional theaters include The Guthrie Theater, Trinity Rep, Portland Stage Co., Lake Tahoe and Idaho Shakespeare Festivals; “Pretty Little Liars,” “And Just Like That” on HBO; “Bull,” “FBI” on CBS; “El Deafo” on Apple TV+; training at LAMDA and Cornell University); Evan Zes as M. Le Detective (Westport Country Playhouse’s “Around the World in 80 Days “and Script in Hand playreadings of “Rent Control” as writer/performer, “Breaking Legs”; Broadway’s “The Kite Runner”; Off-Broadway’s Incident at Vichy,” “Rent Control,” “Arms and the Man,” “Days to Come”; film and television’s “Only Murders in the Building,” The Street”); and Megan McDermott will read stage directions (Westport Country Playhouse’s Script in Hand playreading of “Ripcord”; regional theater’s “Ms. Holmes and Ms. Watson Apt. 2B,” “Amadeus,” “Learned Ladies,” “Comedy of Tenors,” “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” “Playboy of the Western World,” “Glass Menagerie”; playwrighting includes 2022 Philadelphia Women’s Theatre Festival). Playwright Heidi Armbruster’s “Mrs. Christie” has been performed at Theatreworks Silicon Valley, Dorset Theatre Festival, Primary Stages (workshop), and Orchard Project (residency). Her other plays include “Dairyland,” “Scarecrow,” and “Murder Girl.” She was commissioned by Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival to adapt “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” which will premiere in their 2024 season. Armbruster was a member of the Working Farm at Space on Ryder Farm, Page 73 Interstate Writers, and a founding member and co-curator of Dorset Theatre Festival’s Women Artists Writing. As an actress, she appeared at Westport Country Playhouse in “The Dining Room” (2013), a gala honoring playwright A. R. Gurney (2014), and a Script in Hand playreading of “The Mousetrap” (2014). Armbruster has extensive New York and regional theater credits, including “Time Stands Still” on Broadway, and Lincoln Center’s production of the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Disgraced.” Film and TV credits include “Pose,” “30 Rock,” “House of Cards,” “Michael Clayton,” “Revolutionary Road,” “Michelle on Darren Star’s “Younger,” Karen on Netflix’s “Partner Track,” and Noelle on “Manifest.” Director Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator, is the writer/director of The New York Times Critics’ Pick “A Sherlock Carol” (Off-Broadway Alliance nomination, Best New Play 2021), playing three seasons in New York, annually at London’s Marylebone Theatre, and for the 2023 and upcoming 2024 holiday season at Westport Country Playhouse. He recently directed his own adaptation of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” in partnership with Agatha Christie Ltd., which premiered at the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre. He is the author of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” “See Monsters of the Deep,” the Off-Broadway and regional hit comedy “The Dingdong,” as well as numerous radio plays as creator of the White Heron Ghost Light series, featuring Christopher Plummer, Judith Ivey, Rhonda Ross, and other notables. Shanahan has directed at stages around the country such as Alley Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Virginia Stage, Arkansas Rep, White Heron, Mile Square Theatre, Hudson Stage, Theatre Squared, Fulton Opera House, Weston Playhouse, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Florida Rep, Penguin Rep, Merrimack Rep, The Cape Playhouse, and many more. As an actor, Shanahan has appeared on and Off-Broadway (“The 39 Steps,” “Tryst,” “The Shaugraun,” and others) and at many celebrated regional theatres. Shanahan has appeared on the Westport Country Playhouse stage in “Journey’s End” (2005), “David Copperfield,” directed by Joanne Woodward and Annie Keefe, (2005), “Sedition” (2007), “Tryst” (2008), and “Around the World in 80 Days” (2009), and numerous Script In Hand readings. Shanahan is also the creator and curator of Westport Country Playhouse Radio Theater, in partnership with WSHU Public Radio, and served as writer/director of the Playhouse radio adaptation of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” and as director of scripts commissioned for the series. Stage manager is Megan Smith who has stage managed many Westport Country Playhouse productions and Script in Hand and New Works playreadings since 2005. Her NY credits include The Roundabout Theatre, Second Stage, Vineyard Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Manhattan Theatre Club, MCC Theater, and Signature Theatre. Tickets are $30. Running time is two hours, with one intermission..For full details on the Script in Hand playreading of “Mrs. Christie,” visit: <a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/script-in-hand-mrs-christie/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/script-in-hand-mrs-christie/</a> The Script in Hand Playreading Series is supported by Joyce Hergenhan and the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation. 2024 Programming and Season Sponsor is Barbara Streicker. Media sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. More Script in Hand playreadings are scheduled on Mondays at 7 p.m. on June 10, September 9, October 7, and December 2; titles to be announced. Script in Hand playreadings offer intimate storytelling as professional actors bring the words to life without sets or costumes.<iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h2eWDaF-JXA?showinfo=0"></iframe>

May 07, 2024

FC Buzz (Mother's Day) Weekend of Art & Culture

FC Buzz Weekend May 10-12HamletHub 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.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/performing-arts-at-moca-stella-cole-jazz-at-lincoln-center-emerging-artist" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Performing Arts Stella Cole</a>MoCA WestportFriday, May 10, 7:00 pm - 12:00 amTo watch Stella Katherine Cole perform is to be transported back in time. Her voice, personality, and presence all shine with a timeless quality, as if she’s been plucked straight out of an old MGM movie. The joy she derives from the music of the Great American Songbook is irresistible. Spend a few minutes scrolling through the thousands of comments on her viral singing videos, and you’ll see she has people of all ages falling in love with this music.<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/v-eccbs-5th-anniversary-spring-season/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">V – ECCB’s 5th Anniversary Spring Season</a>Darien Arts CenterFriday, May 10 to May 11, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pmThe evening highlights the versatility, technical prowess, and acute artistry of ECCB's dancers and celebrates four different choreographers and their varying styles. Complete with live music, come enjoy works by Dorothea Garland, Seyong Kim, Alejandro Ulloa and Claire Mazza.<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/bird-banding-demonstration-at-birdcraft/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Bird Banding Demonstration at Birdcraft</a>Connecticut Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and SanctuarySaturday May 11, 8:00 am - 10:00 amA fascinating, up-close view of how bird banding works. Watch as birds are gently captured in the Birdcraft Sanctuary, their measurements are recorded, and they are fitted with an identification band before being released back into the wild, unharmed. Participants may get to release a bird too! Bird banding is one of the oldest and most important techniques used for studying and understanding birds. All ages welcome. Located at 314 Unquowa Rd. in Fairfield, Birdcraft operates a licensed bird banding station where more than 18,000 birds have been documented since the 1970s.<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/plant-sale-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Plant Sale</a>Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens, StamfordSaturday, May 11, 9:00 am - 3:00 pmThe Sale features hundreds of plants for you to choose from, for gardens with sun or shade, in dry areas or wet: Native perennials and shrubs, Aromatic and Culinary herbs, Garden Vegetables and more! UConn Master Gardeners will be on hand throughout the sale to help you make the best choices.<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/madama-butterfly-puccini-the-met-opera-live-in-hd/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Madama Butterfly (Puccini)</a>Ridgefield PlayhouseSaturday, May 11, 12:45 pm - 4:15 pmThree extraordinary sopranos—Aleksandra Kurzak, Eleonora Buratto, and Asmik Grigorian (in her highly anticipated Met debut)—tackle the demanding role of Cio-Cio-San, the loyal geisha at the heart of Puccini’s devastating tragedy. Tenors Matthew Polenzani and Jonathan Tetelman co-star as the callous American naval officer Pinkerton, whose betrayal destroys her. Mezzo-sopranos Elizabeth DeShong and Eve Gigliotti share the role of the steadfast maid Suzuki, and baritone Davide Luciano and Lucas Meachem are the American consul Sharpless. Acclaimed maestro Xian Zhang makes her Met debut conducting Anthony Minghella’s vivid production.<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/living-with-connecticuts-wildlife/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Living with Connecticut’s Wildlife</a>Connecticut Audubon Society Center, FairfieldSaturday, May 11, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmConnecticut’s citizens are blessed with the rich diversity of wildlife in the state. Learn all about our wild neighbors from Paul Colburn, master wildlife conservationist with CT’s DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) for “Living with Connecticut’s Wildlife” presentation focuses on how to live with and enjoy our wild neighbors. Species covered include Black Bear, Eastern Coyote, Bobcat, Fisher, Raccoon, Skunk, Virginia Opossum, Red and Gray Fox, Woodchuck, White-Tailed Deer, birds, bats venomous and non-venomous reptiles, and amphibians. <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/victorian-tea-service/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Victorian Tea Service</a>Wilton Historical SocietySaturday, May 11, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pmGuests will be seated in a beautifully decorated tent in the courtyard of the Society’s campus, with all the classically magnificent details expected from a 19th century tea service. Delicious teas and bites catered by A Dash of Salt will be accompanied by a presentation on the History of Tea from an expert from Bigelow Tea.<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/awakening-opening-reception-a-group-exhibition-featuring-floral-artwork-to-benefit-local-organization-earthplace/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Awakening: Exhibition Reception Featuring Floral Artwork to Benefit Local Organization Earthplace</a>Sorelle Gallery, WestportSaturday, May 11, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pmDuring the reception Explore floral artwork, Watch a frosting piping demo and taste cake samples by Harborview Cakes, Watch a bouquet-building demo and shop flower arrangements by New Petal Flower Farm, Enjoy light refreshments including a specialty floral cocktail, Percentage of proceeds from partnering organizations and artwork sales to be donated to Earthplace!<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/mcc-spring-concert-featuring-frostiana" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Mcc Spring Concert, Featuring Frostiana</a>Saint Luke Church, FairfieldSaturday, May 11, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pmJoin the Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut for a springtime concert, featuring Frostiana, along with other works. <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/finely-tuned-paintings-by-marlene-siff-35e6a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Finely Tuned: Paintings By Marlene Siff</a>Westport LibrarySunday, May 12, 9:00 am - 6:00 pmEach of the five massive, dimensional works in "Finely Tuned, Paintings by Marlene Siff"— Fanfare, Crescendo, Legato, Elegy, and Fugue — is named for, and linked to, a specific expression found in music. Visitors to the gallery can scan a QR code next to each piece and listen to the musical selections that the artist used as inspiration. Also on view are several maquettes that Siff made as studies prior to the construction of these awe inspiring works. <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cinderella-23d5e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Cinderella</a>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, BridgeportSunday, May 12, 11:00 am - 2:00 pmThe timeless story of Cinderella and her journey to find love and happiness with the handsome Prince Charming, but this is unlike any Cinderella you’ve ever seen! Cinderella’s her wicked step mother and stepsisters try everything they can to keep Cinderella from attending Prince Charming’s Royal Ball, but with a little help from a magical fairy Godmother, Cinderella makes it to the Ball for a night she will never forget.<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/harmony-in-hues-exhibition-c1a2f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Harmony In Hues</a>The Norwalk Art SpaceSunday May 12, 12:00 am -12:00 amResident Artists of TNAS join together for a group exhibition featuring Alejandra Gonzalez, McLee Mathias, Brie Miyoko, Remy Sosa and Tiara Trent. Excerpt of exhibition statement by Brie Miyoko: "In the heart of our TNAS community, the Resident Artists embark on a transformative journey similar to the growth of a vibrant garden. The canvas of the artist’s experiences mirrors the stages of blooming flowers.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.

May 07, 2024

Fairfield County Bank employees graduate from CT School of Finance & Management

Fairfield County Bank is pleased to announce the recent graduation of Yamina Berrabeh-Mayen, Service Operations Manager (Broad River Office), Daniel Campbell, Assistant Branch Manager (Georgetown Office), Tina Cika, Service Operations Manager (Fairfield Office), Yeral Guerrero, Credit Administration Associate, Maria Olivieri, Assistant Branch Manager (Tunxis Hill Office), Tara Sexton, Electronic Banking Supervisor, and Kieran Shanley, Call Center Supervisor, from the Connecticut School of Finance & Management (CSFM). The graduates were honored at a ceremony on April 12 at the Trumbull Marriot Hotel. CSFM is the Connecticut Bankers Association premiere banking education and management program, taking place over two years. The program is designed to increase the knowledge of the participants in their own specialties and, at the same time, introduce them to a wide range of banking topics. Class work includes banking theory, practices and procedures, capital markets and management functions. “We are exceedingly proud of this class of graduates. CSFM is a rigorous undertaking, and they have all gained valuable insights that will increase their impact at the Bank,” said Dan Berta, Fairfield County Bank President. “We look forward to the implementation of all they have learned and how it will help us better serve our clients.”Fairfield County Bank is committed to its employees’ continuing education through programs like CSFM. Yamina, Dan, Tina, Yeral, Maria, Tara and Kieran’s graduation marks a milestone in their individual careers as well as an achievement for Fairfield County Bank. Learn more <a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/</a>

May 06, 2024

Fairfield County Bank Pet Supply Collection Drive Today through May 22

<h2>Join Fairfield County Bank In Celebrating National Pet Month By Supporting Local Animal Rescue Organizations</h2>Announcing Fairfield County Bank’s Pet Supply Collection benefitting <a href="https://www.nutmegclinic.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Nutmeg Spay and Neuter Clinic</a>  Monday, May 6 through Wednesday, May 22 at <a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/branch-locations/branch-locations.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">all branch offices</a>.Why support Nutmeg Spay/Neuter Clinic?  Nutmeg is actively and humanely reducing the number of homeless animals by offering low-cost spay/neuter services for both companion and free-roaming animals. They are the bridge between residents in under-served communities and the services they need and want for their pets including spay and neuter services, basic veterinary wellness care, and pet supplies.With the amount of surgeries Nutmeg goes through on a weekly basis, their supplies go very quickly.  Consider donating off their wish list.Most need itemsCat canned food: Friskies Shreds, Friskies Poultry, Friskies Pate, Friskies Prime Filet, Fancy Feast Poultry & BeefCat dry food:Purina CatChow Gentle & Purina CatChow CompleteDog wet food: Purina Pro Plan Complete Essentials or Purina One Chicken & Rice FormulaLearn more <a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/PetSupplyCollection/index.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a>.

May 05, 2024

Best. Day. Ever. Mother's Day Run Like a Mother - No Race Day Registration!

<h2>Best Mother's Day EVER! Run Like a Mother on Sunday, May 12 at 8:30 am</h2>The Run Like a Mother registration deadline is fast approaching! Registration closes on Saturday, May 11th, and there will be no same-day registrations on race day.<a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Ridgefield/RunLikeaMotherRidgefield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">REGISTER NOW</a>The 5k Women's Race will kick off at 8:30 am at The Ridgefield Playhouse and end at Ballard Park. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced runner, this event is perfect for you. The course is designed to be welcoming and enjoyable for all participants, with a mix of flat stretches and gentle hills that showcase the beauty of Ridgefield.For the kids, there's a 1-mile Fun Run that takes place just before the 5k. It's a fantastic opportunity for the little ones to join in the excitement and experience the thrill of crossing the finish line.There will also be plenty of spots along the route for your family and friends to cheer you on, so be sure to tell them to bring their best poster-making skills! After the race, Ballard Park will come alive with activity as happy moms, fans, and families gather to celebrate. The family celebration area will offer runner refreshments and activities for the kids. <a href="https://runsignup.com/Race/CT/Ridgefield/RunLikeaMotherRidgefield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">REGISTER NOW</a> and prepare for a day of fun, fitness, and celebration as we honor and celebrate moms everywhere.

May 05, 2024

Flipping back to the 80s - On the Children's Shelf: Magic Garden – story box

This past week I was talking to friends at work and the topic somehow turned to tv shows of our childhood. I love this topic as much as I love talking about my favorite childhood books. I shared that Magic Garden with Carole and Paula was my most favorite show. If you grew up in the NY area in the 70s/80s, you probably remember Magic Garden.I loved this show. I can’t say that enough. I saw them perform live as child and many years later, when my children were small, I took them to see Carole and Paula perform live at children’s book day at Sunnyside, Washington Irving’s home.A children’s tv show may seem like an unusual topic for a column about books but this show fits in perfectly here. On the show, Carole and Paula would open the story box (a giant trunk) filled with props for that day’s story. They would then use the props to tell their audience captivating stories. A few simple props became a magical tale with their ability to intertwine some magic….voices, accents, costumes, and the ability to keep their young audience’s attention. I loved their story time.The oral tradition of telling stories is so important. As a young child, hearing those stories, I felt Carole and Paula’s excitement for the tale. I felt the magic of the story. I loved listening. I loved seeing their take on how the story came to life. I could never replicate it, but I can bring my own excitement to reading stories aloud to young listeners.Many childhood books shaped me as a reader, but I would be remiss if I did not include the tv show Magic Garden in that list. Carole and Paula were a big part of my early childhood and they too shaped me as a reader. They presented stories in another way, and I learned from them that stories are so much more than simply words on a page. Those words on a page are so important but equally important are those stories we share. The ones that captivate the listener. The ones that might not be written down on any paper and might be told a little differently each time. They are passed on from storytellers to their audience.I don’t remember the specifics of all the story box stories but I remember how it felt to listen to those stories (and I still remember the song “the stories are here, there all in here”). I remember that magical feeling hearing a story. For young readers and story listeners, the feelings of excitement, wonder, captivation that come from hearing a story aloud are the foundation of building a love of reading. Thank you, Carole and Paula, for making stories come alive for me.Jessica Collins is an award-winning writer whose column "On The Children's Shelf" has garnered multiple Connecticut Press Club awards and has been honored nationally. Visit her blog online <a href="https://onthechildrensshelf.com/ivan-the-shopping-mall-gorilla/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a>.

May 03, 2024

Update on Repair to Interstate 95 in Norwalk: Goal is to Re-open Highway Monday

Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto today provided an update regarding the ongoing demolition of the Fairfield Avenue Bridge over Interstate 95 in Norwalk, which is necessary due to the major motor vehicle collision that occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, May 2.Work to remove the damaged structure began at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, May 3, and crews will continue working on this around the clock through the weekend. Once the bridge is removed, sections of I-95 will be milled and paved in both directions in the area.All lanes of I-95 northbound and southbound in Norwalk will remain closed until further notice. I-95 northbound is closed to all traffic at exit 14 and I-95 southbound is closed to all traffic at exit 15. Travelers are urged to avoid the area and use public transportation services. Commercial vehicles should use I-84 as an alternate route through Connecticut.The goal is to have the highway reopened by the morning rush hour commute on Monday, May 6.“I am strongly urging all drivers – whether you’re in a passenger vehicle or a commercial vehicle – to completely avoid I-95 this weekend,” Governor Lamont said. “Additional traffic is only going to make things harder for everyone. Please use public transportation if you need to move through the area. Heroic local and state first responders got the crash cleared and the fire under control yesterday, and now the amazing team with the Connecticut Department of Transportation, as well as our contractor teams, are going to be working all weekend under immense pressure to get the highway reopened. I appreciate their hard work and dedication to the people of Connecticut.”“We are going to be working 24/7 throughout the weekend,” Commissioner Eucalitto said. “Thank you to the Connecticut Department of Transportation and contractor staff who are going to be working around the clock to get I-95 reopened by Monday morning. We appreciate the partnership with state and local police who are helping direct traffic and keep motorists safe. Special thanks to Federal Highway Administration and FHWA Administrator Shailen Bhatt for the continuous support.”At the request of Governor Lamont and Commissioner Eucalitto, Metro-North Railroad has agreed to provide additional weekend service and increased capacity on trains along the New Haven Line. Full schedules and details can be found at <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-glhdhtl-tlluktttuu-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">new.mta.info</a>. (To read the press release from Metro-North, <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-glhdhtl-tlluktttuu-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">click here</a>.)Following the <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-glhdhtl-tlluktttuu-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">emergency declaration</a> signed by Governor Lamont on Thursday, May 2, the State of Connecticut today submitted a letter of intent to the Federal Highway Administration to pursue emergency relief funds. As part of the request, the Connecticut Department of Transportation is requesting an expedited release of $3 million to assist with the initial response.Drivers are asked to remain patient and follow all posted signage. The public can visit <a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-glhdhtl-tlluktttuu-q/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);">CTroads.org</a> for the latest update through the weekend and view the live traffic cameras in the area.The following photographs were taken on the afternoon of Friday, May 3. They are courtesy of the Connecticut Department of Transportation: