Westport's HamletHub

March is Becoming the Violation Leader for Westport’s Wetlands, Can You Help Change the Trend?

kerry@ducey.org (Town of Westpor) — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 10:06:12 -0400

Westport Conservation Director Colin Kelly issued the following statement today:

March 2023 represents the month with the most violations issued by the Conservation Department in the last two years, concluding by having seven (7) Notices of Violation issued for clear-cutting, illegal fill, or dumping in or near Westport wetlands and watercourses. This is a slight increase from the five (5) Notices of Violation issued in May of 2022.

The Conservation Department staff would obviously prefer to change this trend, but needs help from Town residents. After centuries of using wetlands as landfills and watercourses as sewers, the importance of these valuable natural resources and the vital role they play in our ecosystem has come to light in recent decades. Although wetlands and watercourses are now afforded the much needed protection they deserve, it is easy to leave them underappreciated and undervalued, and sometimes, overlooked.

Wetlands are valuable to us, but like any system, they can be overwhelmed. Our wetlands and watercourses provide a range of valuable functions to everyday life, including flood control, pollution filtration, and wildlife habitat. This is the reason we establish buffers around our wetlands and watercourses. Buffers are vegetated zones located between natural resources and adjacent areas subject to human alteration. The Conservation Department reminds the public that there is a 20’ protected buffer around wetlands and watercourses that limits the unpermitted cutting of vegetation or dumping of debris.

If there are wetlands or watercourses on your property, please be respectful of these common resources. A permit must be obtained through the Westport Conservation Department if you want to remove any trees in a wetland. However, it is encouraged and advisable to add, rather than remove, vegetation. If you are able, add to the vegetated buffer between your home, driveway or lawn and the wetland or watercourse. The best mix of buffer vegetation includes a mix of native trees, shrubs, and ground cover. The Department has a “Planting Guide” available on its webpage: https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/conservation-department. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Westport Conservation Department at 203-341-1170, and we can even schedule to have someone meet with you in your yard.

Even if there is no wetland or watercourse on or adjacent to your property, you can still help improve the quality of Westport’s environment through your landscaping. It is advisable to leave mature trees standing and plant additional trees in your yard. Some of the benefits trees provide to Westport include supplying oxygen, increasing property values, muffling noise, hiding unsightly views, providing food and shelter for wildlife, preventing erosion, and filtering pollutants thereby improving air and water quality.

Together, I am confident we can reverse the trend and afford our wetlands and watercourses the protection they deserve for generations to come.

"Spring" Into Your Hair Goals at Whip Salon Westport

kerry@ducey.org (Whip Salon) — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 09:56:35 -0400

Now is the perfect time to start to lighten and brighten back to your summertime hues at Whip Salon in Westport.

Keep in mind that going blonde takes time. In fact, it could take up to a few appointments to achieve your desired look. Leaving time in between appointments helps to maintain the health of your hair and avoid any breakage.

Make an appointment with one of our Westport Whip Salon expert colorists to get after your #hairgoals and plan out the hair of your DREAMS. Give us a call at 203.433.7334 or visit our app to book with one of our expert stylists. Open 7 days a week for your convenience.

Book your appointment => www.whipsalon.com

Color pictured by Kassandra.

You're invited to train at The Golf Performance Center this summer!

kerry@ducey.org (HH) — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 06:13:00 -0400

An intensive program for the aspiring collegiate golfer looking for the right game plan to achieve their dreams.

Applications are open until April 15, 2023. Click here.

Summer at Golf Performance Center is not any ordinary golf camp, it’s an intensive program that is perfect for the aspiring collegiate golfer looking for the right game plan to achieve their dreams.

The Golf Performance Center (GPC) Summer Program is a perfect opportunity for junior athletes to receive the coaching and structure needed to play college golf and beyond.

It’s more than a golf camp, our program mirrors the schedule athletes would experience at top collegiate programs with a focus on competition, physical and mental development, tournament preparation and advanced skill development.

To provide the best possible experience for our junior athletes, spots in our summer program are extremely limited. To be considered please download and submit the application for our coaching team to review.

Applications are due April 15. Download an application HERE.

Learn more at thegolfperformancecenter.com/summer-programs

Why Small Businesses Matter: Myimagination (nursery decor)

daliborboldis@gmail.com (Dan) — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 05:15:41 -0400

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!

You're IT Myimagination!

Four questions with Maya Rotem, founder of Myimagination.

Why did you start your business?

It all began when I was 7 years old...I started to paint, draw, cut, design, and do everything artsy... since then, I have obtained many Bachelor's & Master's degrees but always found myself coming back to my one true love...ART!

I guess I'm a very creative person and I'm passionate about it.

I started my business so that I could express myself to the world. I figured Etsy was the best way to reach a very large audience with my art, so I got to work! Evolving from magnets and marbles, I began to use my lifelong scrapbooking skills to create an otherwise not seen-yet form of art, one that was very personal to me! I loved cutting out fun, designing paper, and forming a mini world of baby elephants, giraffes, flowers, clouds, sheep, mountains, and more.

It was my little nursery paradise, and other people also liked it, making me so happy to see my art reaching people, and their kids all around the world.

What is your best-selling product/service?

My best-selling product is by far any one of my colorful foliage wall decals. People love the cute animals, fairies, princesses, etc. and their reusability on all walls in the house! My stunning, one-of-a-kind, best-quality wall decals.

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?

Tons of small businesses, but not all are local. I always tell my kids too, it is always better to buy from small businesses, and to stray away from the big corporations because the small ones make everything with love. I follow this in my life, making sure to supply my store by working with a local lab.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

Yes, I hope the shop will get bigger and bigger with many new designs and products. As mentioned earlier, DesignByMaya has undergone so many revamps and changes with the times, to keep up with trends, but still staying true to my younger self - scrapbooking away!

Go and check Myimagination website here, and make sure to check out their Etsy shop, Facebook, and Instagram pages as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

Star 99.9 Morning Show Dance-A-Thon Supports Tiny Miracles Foundation

kerry@ducey.org (Drew Carrano) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 11:40:30 -0400

Star 99.9-morning show, The Anna and Raven Show, will hold its annual Dance-A-Thon this Saturday at The SoNo Collection in Norwalk. Last year the event raised over $12,000 for the Darien based Tiny Miracles Foundation. This group provides support to families with premature babies.

Fourteen dance troupes representing Fairfield and New Haven Counties spent the last few weeks fundraising and will now perform in front of an audience. All types of dances will be represented ranging from jazz, tap, contemporary, acrobatics, and Broadway.

“Having a premature baby is not something that any parent plans for, and Tiny Miracles is an incredible organization that assists these families every step of the way. After watching and experiencing their work in my own family, we wanted to create an event that not only helped raise funds for their much-needed work, but also have it be a celebration,” said Anna. “Many of the dancers you’ll see were also premature babies and watching them thrive gives hope to every parent.”

This event is open to the public and starts at noon.

Annual Clean Up Westport Day Scheduled for April 22

kerry@ducey.org (Town of Westport) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:12:52 -0400

Parks and Recreation Director, Jennifer A. Fava announced today that the Westport Parks and Recreation Department will be sponsoring a Clean-up Westport Day event on Saturday, April 22, 2023.

“A letter has been sent to over 27 civic organizations and community groups asking for their help and cooperation in organizing the clean-up,” said Ms. Fava. “Even if you are not part of any of the organized locations, you can still help clean up Westport by taking a few minutes on this day to clean up litter along your street or any public space.”

If you wish to participate, groups should specify the time and location of their clean-up efforts, by calling the Westport Parks and Recreation Department at 203.341.5091, prior to April 14. At the conclusion of the event, the Town will collect bagged garbage and debris from the adopted spots.

Free trash bags will be available at the Westport Parks and Recreation office on April 20 between 8:30am and 4:30pm. Trash bags will be limited to six bags per organization and must be requested by April 19.

Why Small Businesses Matter in Westport: FoundHer

daliborboldis@gmail.com (Dan) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 09:09:49 -0400

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

You're IT FoundHer!

Four questions with Runa Knapp, Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer, and Jasmine Silver, Co-Founder, and Chief Operating Officer of FoundHer (formerly Connectalent).

Why did you start your business?

After having successful corporate careers and taking time off to be with our young kids, we co-founded FoundHer when we realized there was a void for mothers like us, eager to return to work but also seeking flexibility. We did not know of any local companies or resources geared towards finding jobs for return-to-work mothers like us, so we created one ourselves.

We realized that our respective strengths and passions were similar and complementary to each other and that we could create a successful company and a helpful platform for women. Also, Jasmine’s law firm did not provide paid maternity leave, sparking an interest to start the business and become an advocate for all working mothers.

What is your best-selling product/service?

We are return-to-work mothers ourselves, so our best-selling service is our commitment to helping women - especially mothers - return to work. And we introduce our clients to diverse and unique talents that all return-to-work candidates possess.

We won’t always say ‘yes’ to taking on a client. It’s important for us to understand a client’s policies around supporting women through parental leave, promoting women internally, hiring women for executive-level positions, and implementing policies around flexibility and equal pay.

FoundHer became B Corp certified in the spring of 2022 because we use our services to solve a social issue through our work serving an underserved population of candidates, to combat the discrimination that mothers often face when returning to the workforce after a career break. We’re working with and on behalf of women at all levels of our business.

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products & services) and can you name them?

Westport-based Impact Growth Partners was integral in helping us get involved with B Local CT (Runa is on the board), and in guiding us through our B Corp Certification process.

We’ve also worked closely with WestportMoms to get our message out to local moms and employers. We’ve had several company brainstorming sessions at one of our favorite local breakfast spots, GG & Joe.

And we work with several local freelancers - all women and small business owners - for marketing, PR, legal, and business development efforts.

Have you “reimagined” your small business?

After becoming the first female-focused recruiting agency in the country to achieve a B-Corp Certification in March 2022, we desired a name that more accurately reflected the company’s mission of “recruiting with purpose. So, we went through a company rebrand from Connectalent to FoundHer.

FoundHer focuses on connecting today’s generation of women and mothers, passionate about a corporate culture that shares their values, with corporate clients designed to welcome and support these talented women in a flexible working environment. FoundHer’s platform helps companies achieve diversity and greater efficiency in the workplace and empowers talented women to seek modern opportunities.

Employers face challenges recruiting top talent in this current working environment, and these challenges necessitate a paradigm shift in how women, especially women returning to the workforce after a career break, are viewed in the job seeker market. The name FounderHer reflects the company’s target-based recruiting approach to solving this social issue.

Runa and Jasmine would like to nominate Impact Growth Partners to be featured next!

Visit FoundHer online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

VersoFest 2023 to Feature Autographed Vinyl Record Giveaway, Silent Auction

kerry@ducey.org (EJ Crawford ) — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:34:56 -0400

Westport, CT - VersoFest 2023 will feature two headlining concerts and an array of experts in the fields of music, media, and more, providing a multitude of opportunities to explore and create over a four-day immersive experience.

And if they play their cards right, attendees could leave with an autographed album to boot.

Some of VersoFest’s headliners and guests, including legendary producer Steve Lillywhite, Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler, and Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club drummer Chris Frantz and bassist Tina Weymouth, will be autographing copies of their vinyl records that will be up for giveaway and auction during the festival.

Two of those albums will be part of the VersoFest record giveaway. Festivalgoers can submit their entries for the giveaway starting with the March 30 kickoff concert featuring rising American rock band Sunflower Bean, with submissions open through the festival’s completion on Sunday April 2 — a day that will include a record fair, presented by Record Riots, from 11 am to 4 pm, and a vinyl record panel brunch featuring WPKN DJ Alec Cumming, producer Dooley-O, Kraftjerkz Records’ Kid Ginseng, WFUV DJ andHouse of Wax host Eric Holland, New Haven Independent arts reporter Karen Ponzio, and moderated by the Zambonis’ Dave Schneider.

Additionally, there will be a silent auction held Saturday and Sunday of the festival (April 1-2). Those in attendance will be given an opportunity to bid on a wide variety of signed albums associated with several of the festival’s speakers and guests. The highest bidder will receive the signed copy, with all proceeds going to support future VersoFest endeavors.

“This is a really cool opportunity to bring home some of the best vinyl albums produced in the last 50 years,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “Beyond that, these signed copies are collector’s items — a keepsake to enjoy for its own sake, to commemorate what we think will an unforgettable four days celebrating music, media, and creativity, and a unique way to raise money so we can bring this festival back to Westport and the tri-state area next year and again in the years to come.”

***

Story link: https://westportlibrary.org/versofest-2023-to-feature-autographed-vinyl-record-giveaway-silent-auction/

VersoFest 2023 landing page: https://westportlibrary.org/services/verso-studios/versofest2023/

Tickets and Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/versofest-2023-1725919

Westport Playhouse & BOA Mark 20-Year Partnership

kerry@ducey.org (Pat Blaufuss ) — Sat, 25 Mar 2023 07:32:13 -0400

Westport, CT - In order to stage its productions every season, Westport Country Playhouse relies on more than ticket revenue alone. In fact, only about 40% of the theater’s budget is covered by box office sales. The remaining 60% is contributed by individuals, foundations, government and corporations.

A supporter of the arts throughout Southern Connecticut, Bank of America is the Playhouse’s longest-standing Corporate Production Sponsor, a partnership that spans 20 seasons. Dedicated to building cultural understanding through the arts, Bank of America believes that cultural institutions, from museums to theaters, play a key role in enriching local communities.

“Ensuring that the theater arts continue to flourish in Southern Connecticut is critical for engaging local communities and expanding our horizons through powerful performances and stories on stage,” said Bill Tommins, President, Bank of America Southern Connecticut. “The Westport Country Playhouse is a local gem and valued community partner. As returning Corporate Production Sponsor (for our twentieth year), we look forward to seeing this season’s impact on newcomers and seasoned theatergoers alike.”

Bank of America’s latest sponsorship at Westport Country Playhouse is “Ain’t Misbehavin’: The Fats Waller Musical,” winner of the 1978 Tony Award® for Best Musical, from April 11 through April 29. The musical revue is an exciting new vision directed and choreographed by Jeffrey L. Page, a Broadway director and choreographer for Beyoncé. Page’s production received a “Critic’s Pick” in The New York Timeswhen it played Barrington Stage Company in Massachusetts last summer. The versatile, five-member cast features a contestant from “X Factor” and “The Voice” and two finalists from “American Idol.”

With a score of 30 songs primarily composed by Fats Waller, the musical revue is a tribute to the Harlem Renaissance and the jazz, blues, and swing music of the 1920s and 1930s. The tunes of Fats Waller will energize, enlighten, and entertain as well as provide insight into a vibrant time in American history and music.

“The Playhouse is extremely proud of our partnership with Bank of America, celebrating its 20-year milestone,” said Gretchen Wright, interim managing director. “Together we have produced memorable productions, including ‘In the Heights’ and ‘Man of La Mancha’ in recent years. The mutual support has helped the Playhouse increase our visibility in the community, achieve visionary artistic goals, and enrich the cultural mark we make here in Connecticut.”

Wright noted, “While many corporations withdrew community grants and partnerships during the peak of the pandemic, Bank of America made a point to continue supporting the Playhouse. For that we are extremely grateful.”

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is conceived by Murray Horwitz and Richard Maltby, Jr. Co-producers are Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, MA, and Geva Theatre Center in Rochester, NY. The play is recommended for age 12 and up. Running time is approximately two hours with one intermission.

More info on “Ain’t Misbehavin’” at https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/aintmisbehavin/

All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.

For more information and to buy tickets, visit www.westportplayhouse.org, or call the box office at (203) 227-4177, toll-free at 1-888-927-7529, or visit Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, off Route 1, Westport. Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse) and on YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).

Photo: Westport Country Playhouse’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” cast members Jay Copeland and Paris Bennett. Photo by Ron Heerkens Jr.

FC Buzz Weekend of Art and Culture in Fairfield County March 24-26

kerry@ducey.org (Lorie Lewis) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 12:23:46 -0400

FC Buzz Weekend March 24-26

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 the 15 towns in our region of coastal Fairfield County and each Wednesday issues our free eBuzz newsletter with a selection of the hundreds of events posted to our website.

Acoustic Alchemy

FTC StageOne, Fairfield

Friday, Marcy 24, 7:45 pm

This Grammy-nominated band is known for playing a distinctive blend of jazz, classical, flamenco, and new age. Top Ten Billboard jazz albums include The Beautiful Game, Grammy-nominated AArt, and Roseland, the latter of which marked the group's 30th anniversary. If you are into sophisticated instrumentals, this one’s for you.

“Pinky Patel: New Crown, Who Dhis Tour”

The Ridgefield Playhouse

Friday, March 24, 8:00 - 9:30 pm

Get ready for hilarious commentary from the PTA mom turned creator, comedian and personality with a TikTok fan base of over 5 million. Pinky is best known for her viral videos from her glam cave. Don’t miss this fresh new comedian as she makes her Playhouse debut!

Cold “Year of the Spider” 20th Anniversary Tour

Wall Street Theater, Norwalk

Friday, March 24, 8:00 - 10:00 pm

Who’s ready to rock? These hard rockers and nu-metal champions are featured on a dynamic 4-band bill that includes Divide the Fall, Awake for Days, Sygnal to Noise and Death Valley Dreams. It’s a live peek of the new album that hit No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200, on its way to Gold.

The Garden Shed

The MAC – Milford Arts Council

Saturday, March 25, 6:30 - 9:30 pm

Be the first to witness Connecticut's best up and coming bands, artists, and fashion presented by MC Doozy. This multi-genre show includes acts ranging from punk, to RnB, Indie and rock. Featuring: Pond View, Amar, Esmer, Brooke Dougan, SB Khi, with guest performer Edwin Camille.

Bushwhacked! and Other Short Plays by Rosemary Foley

Greenwich Theatre Company

Saturday, March 25, 7:30 pm and Sunday, March 26, 2:00 pm

Celebrate Women’s History Month by entering the unique world of legendary local comedic playwright Rosemary Foley - featuring six absurd, satirical and darkly-funny short plays, along with three intimate monologues about Rosemary's life. Rosemary is a decades-long member of Connecticut's Theatre Artists Workshop, where she workshopped many of the plays in this production.

Family Time at the Museum

The Norwalk Art Space

Sunday, March 26, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Calling all families! Experience a deeper understanding about how museums and art can be fun and meaningful through observation, drawing and sharing. This free event is open to students ages 11 and up | 16 spots per class | Registration required.

“In Light Of” Art Exhibit

Metro Art Studios, Bridgeport

Sunday, March 26, 12:00 - 4:00 pm

Don’t miss this stunning exhibit playing on light and dark, textures, and materials - dealing with themes of perception, environment, connection, and separation; many serene on the surface with depth and undercurrents for the viewer to explore. Participating artists include Tamara Dimitri, Nadia Martinez, and Debbie Smith. On view through May 6th in the ground floor Crown Gallery, Thursdays through Saturdays, 12-4 pm.

“Camera Works” Walk and Talk

Ridgefield Guild of Artists

Sunday, March 26, 2:00 - 4:00 pm

It’s the final view of this popular exhibit with a Walk and Talk featuring four of the participating artists in this year's show: Ralph Baskin, Debra Burger, Andrew Graham, and Phillip Stark. Come and hear them speak about their methods and inspirations.

“Norwalk Symphony Meets Beethoven”

Norwalk Concert Hall

Sunday, March 26, 3:00 - 5:00 pm

Members of the Norwalk Symphony will sit side-by-side with members of the Norwalk Youth Symphony's Principal Orchestra for this performance. Featuring the 2021 Concerto Competition Winner, Sadie Goodman, with Georges Hues' Fantasie for Flute and Orchestra and Beatrice Low performing the 1st movement of Wieniawski's Violin Concerto #2. Also on the program: Beethoven's Egmont Overture and Symphony No. 6.

See these and discover hundreds more events on the FCBUZZ EVENTS page at https://culturalalliancefc.org Sign up for the Cultural Alliance eBuzz to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.

Why Small Businesses Matter in Westport: Menking Tutoring

daliborboldis@gmail.com (Dan) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 05:12:01 -0400

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

You're IT Menking Tutoring!

Three questions with Steven Menking, founder of Menking Tutoring.

When you purchase one of my courses, we give away a course to a student in need for free. Giving back to our communities and our world is one way small businesses can make a difference with a lasting impact.

Why did you start your business?

I started Menking Tutoring because I wanted to expand access for students to get high-quality test prep online. I have been a full-time private tutor for almost a decade, and I found that I couldn't help all the students who came to me because of my busy one-to-one tutoring schedule. My goal, mission, and passion are to improve educational outcomes and reach as many students, families, schools, and communities as possible.

I love what I do, and it is my honor to come alongside students as they prepare for their standardized tests, approaching it from the test-taking mindset first and the techniques and practice after. I have found that introducing how our brains operate under the stress of taking a test and what you can do to prepare mentally and physically dramatically improves outcomes... alongside the dedication and hard work to get the scores you deserve!

What is your best-selling product/service?

We just launched our ACT course last year and have had our SAT course online since 2020. Since then, hundreds of students have seen incredible results and have made it into the school of their dreams. I have even heard from some of my students that their score on their SAT or ACT is specifically what got them off of the waitlist! In a time of confusion surrounding standardized tests, I ensure I am up-to-date with the latest changes, and only use College Board official practice tests and examples.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

I approach having a small business with the idea that it is a privilege that should be shared. I am extremely passionate about expanding access to everyone for high-quality test prep. To accomplish this, I have partnered with eight schools nationally and internationally to provide students with my SAT and ACT course free of charge, serving hundreds of students who couldn't afford a program like this. I have put all of my skills, knowledge, and expertise into both of these courses and have placed them at a cost that is affordable to many families with scholarships available.

Steven and Courtney would like to nominate Brittany Stich to be featured next - "A Weston mom with an incredible business"!

Visit Menking Tutoring online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook, and Instagram pages as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

RVNAhealth Proudly Introduces the Parkinson’s Center

kerry@ducey.org (Lisa Fleming) — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 02:33:16 -0400

RVNAhealth proudly announces the opening of the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center, located at 27 Governor Street, Ridgefield.

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease, affecting an estimated 10,000 people in CT, with the incidence of newly diagnosed cases rising. With the opening of its Center, RVNAhealth aims to become a premier and integral Parkinson’s resource to those diagnosed, their caregivers, and medical teams.

The Parkinson’s Resource Gap

Gigi Weiss, MSPT, CADDCT, LSVT BIG, AIB-VR, Parkinson’s Center Director, explained the importance of this new RVNAhealth community resource, “People with Parkinson’s and their and families are frustrated! We’ve heard numerous stories from patients who felt somewhat stranded and confused after their PD diagnosis. Truth of the matter is that a playbook for Parkinson’s doesn’t exist and there are very limited local resources available to help. At RVNAhealth, we realized we had the ability to fill this gap and make a difference in the lives of the PD community. Many do not realize that they can effectively slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease with the proper tools, resources, education, and support. We are here to provide that Parkinson’s support to the whole patient – mind, body, spiritual – with these needs met all in one place.”

About the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center

The RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center is a multi-disciplinary team, certified through the Parkinson’s Foundation, that works together to help each center member from all angles of health. The rehabilitation team consists of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, occupational therapists, and speech and language pathologists – all LSVT BIG and LSVT LOUD certified. Additional resources of the Parkinson’s Center include a dedicated medical doctor, registered nurse, and registered dietitian; a team of mental health professionals, including social work and spiritual care; a resource library comprised of local and national resources; a video library of exercises and support tools; a monthly newsletter; and access to the RVNAhealth Continuum of Services.

Kate Campbell, DPT, SCS, Cert. MDT, CSCS, LSVT BIG, Parkinson’s Center Program Manager, provided more details, “The Parkinson’s Center aims to become a central resource to help develop, coordinate, and support the best possible proactive attack against Parkinson’s disease for our members. Here, people with Parkinson’s will take control of a difficult diagnosis with the help of trained specialists to support them, their caregiver and family. In addition to supporting our members and family, we look forward to partnering with the medical community to develop the most needed programs to support their Parkinson’s patients.”

The Center is comprised of three main components: exercise classes led by physical therapists; monthly programs, including support groups to address mental health, activities to promote social engagement, and education on disease awareness and management; and “PD Bootcamp”. Campbell described RVNAhealth’s unique PD Bootcamp, “PD Bootcamp is an eight-week intensive program that leads the person with Parkinson’s through bi-weekly exercise classes and one-on-one sessions with members of the Parkinson’s Center interdisciplinary clinical team to create an individualized care plan to help them continue living their best life with Parkinson's.”

RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s Center Kickoff Starts in April!

April officially kicks off the opening of the Parkinson’s Center with a few key community events, including an exercise lecture on April 6th at the Ridgefield Library and a cooking class on April 12th at RVNAhealth--all focused on Parkinson’s disease. All event and registration details can be found online through the RVNAhealth calendar at rvnahealth.org/calendar.

On April 20th, RVNAhealth will host a “Welcome to the Parkinson’s Center” event at its offices in Ridgefield. Attendees will meet the entire team, experience short lecture discussions, and learn more about what the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center has planned. Vendors with Parkinson’s-related offerings and expertise will also be available. Details and registration can be found on our website calendar or by contacting us at 203.438.5555 x1082. You may also learn more about the Parkinson’s Center at rvnahealth.org/parkinsonscenter.

Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA, President and CEO of RVNAhealth, “I am extremely proud of the work our team has put into creating this much-needed program for those affected by Parkinson’s. The Parkinson’s Center is an excellent example of how we continue to grow and evolve in our mission to serve the lifelong health and wellness needs of our communities. We look forward to sharing our Parkinson’s Center with those affected and giving each person and their family the tools and confidence to live their best life.”

RVNAhealth is a private, non-profit, mission-driven organization founded and focused on care and dedicated to serving the lifelong health and wellness needs of individuals in the 35+ communities we serve across Connecticut. While our name and services have evolved since our founding as a home health care agency in 1914, our guiding principles have remained steadfast: a mission to serve, exceptional patient care, and a commitment to excellence in quality and service.

Staples High School grad performs at Palace Danbury with his band, The One Hit Wonderers!

kerry@ducey.org (Palace Danbury) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 11:54:08 -0400

On Saturday, May 6, 2023, The Palace Danbury will present The One Hit Wonderers.

* Of special interest to Connecticut fans is Andy Huenerberg! A 1979 graduate of Westport's Staples High School, Andy has been in the music business since the tender age of 11. As a banjo player, bass player, singer, and engineer, Andy has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry; among them, Leonard Bernstein (Classical), Hubert Sumlin (Blues), Aretha Franklin (Motown), Rupert Holmes (Pop), Victor Wooten (Jazz), Chuck Berry (Rock and Roll) and John Prine (Folk). Now holding down the rhythm section for The One Hit Wonderers, Andy’s unique combination of classical training, deep bluegrass roots, and rock and blues give Andy a style born from craft and discipline.

Audiences will be taken on a nostalgic journey through over three decades of Top Ten popular hits endearingly referred to as "one hit wonders." This multi-media, interactive show is part ROCK CONCERT, part BROADWAY SHOW, part SINGALONG... AND 100 PERCENT FUN!

A “one hit wonder” is a band who made it BIG with one song but never hit gold again. Although the term is often perceived as something negative, we think it’s better to have had one hit than none at all! These artists left us with a memorable catalog of great songs that are now integral to the New American Songbook and are proudly kept alive by the The One Hit Wonderers.

The One Hit Wonderers are like a human jukebox on shuffle mode,

bringing your favorite hits of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s to life!

ABOUT THE BAND When an accomplished group of musicians gets together with a singular vision it is always something special. The members of “The One Hit Wonderers” have played with a Who’s Who of Rock Royalty from Chuck Berry to The Who’s Roger Daltry; from Loggins and Messina to the First Lady of Soul, Aretha Franklin; from jazz legends Wynton Marsalis, Larry Coryell and Victor Wooten, as well as classical virtuoso Leonard Bernstein among others.

These very same musicians who have shared the stage with legends, now perform the legendary music of a lifetime! The band consists of founder and manager Gary Oleyar (Guitar, Violin, Vocals), Kevin Brennan (Lead Vocals), Andy Huenerberg (Bass), John Colaiacovo (Keyboards), and Lou Petto (Drums).

The Palace Danbury is a 400-seat Performing Arts Center located at 165 Main Street in Danbury, CT. Designed by architect Philip Sunderland, this historic theatre opened on September 6, 1928 as a vaudeville house.Today the theatre presents live music, comedy, theatre, and independent film. For more information about all upcoming shows and events visit www.thepalacedanbury.com

Dog Days at Westport Beaches Come to End April 1!

kerry@ducey.org (Westport Parks & Recreation) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:13:39 -0400

No Animals at Beaches from April 1 - October 1 + No Animals on Playing Fields Anytime

Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava reminds residents and visitors that as of April 1, no animals are allowed at Compo, Old Mill, or Burying Hill beaches, in or out of vehicles. This regulation is in effect until October 1. Parking emblems will be required on all vehicles entering town beaches beginning May 1.

For the safety and well-being of our athletic field users, Ms. Fava asks for assistance from the public to help us keep our fields in good playing condition by keeping animals off of our ball fields year round.

Ms. Fava also states, “Although we have regulations in place for animals at the beach from April 1 to September 30, dogs are welcome at Winslow Park year round.” Winslow park is located at Compo Road North and Post Road East, and has posted on-leash and off-leash areas.

For more detailed information regarding Parks policies, please visit www.westportrecreation.com

2023 Longshore Golf Course Opening Anticipated on March 28

kerry@ducey.org (Town of Westport) — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 08:08:11 -0400

Parks and Recreation Director Jennifer Fava announced today that the anticipated opening date for the Longshore Golf Course is March 28, weather permitting.

Ms. Fava states, “We are looking forward to the 2023 golf season. Our Head Golf Professional Jon Janik and our Golf Course Superintendent Brad Brown have been working hard to make sure the pro shop, staff, and course are ready for this new season.”

For golf course information, advanced and same day tee time bookings go to www.longshoregolfcourse.com. Please note the Pro Shop phone number is (203) 221-0900 or (203) 226-9785.

If you are a Westport resident and would like to purchase a golf Handpass, or if your golf Handpass has expired, you can renew or purchase online at www.westportrecreation.com or in person, Monday – Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM at the Parks and Recreation Department located in Longshore Club Park, 260 Compo Road South.

Ms. Fava says, “We hope you have a great season on the course.”