<p>It's Election Day and it’s important to be prepared to cast your vote smoothly and confidently. Whether you're voting for the first time or returning to the polls, knowing where to go, what to bring, and what to do if something goes wrong can help ensure your voice is heard. Here’s a quick guide to help you navigate the process and make your vote count.</p><p><strong>Find Your Polling Location</strong></p><p>Polling places can change, so it’s important to double-check where you need to vote. Visit <a href="http://www.vote411.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.VOTE411.org</a> or contact your local elections office for the correct polling location for your county, city, or state.</p><p><strong>Bring Identification</strong></p><p>Some states may require you to show ID at the polls. To avoid delays, bring a valid photo ID, such as your driver’s license. In some areas, documents like a current utility bill, paycheck, or other official papers that display your name and address may also be accepted.</p><p><strong>What If Your Name Isn’t On the List?</strong></p><p>Don’t worry if you registered to vote but your name is not on the voter roll. Poll workers are there to assist you, and you should be offered a provisional ballot or directed to the correct polling location to ensure your vote is counted.</p><p><strong>Ask for Help if You Need It</strong></p><p>Poll workers are available to guide you through the voting process, whether that’s explaining how to use the voting machine or assisting with a provisional ballot. Be sure to look for posted instructions and voter rights information at the polling station. If you experience any issues, don't hesitate to ask for help or file a complaint.</p><p><strong>Stay in Line and Cast Your Vote</strong></p><p>Lines may be long, but it’s worth the wait. Stay in line and make sure you vote—it’s important! The outcome of this election could have a lasting impact on your community and country.</p><p><strong>If You Encounter Problems on Election Day, Call:</strong></p><ul><li>1-866-MYVOTE1</li><li>1-866-OUR-VOTE</li><li>1-888-VE-Y-VOTA</li></ul><p>For more information, visit <a href="http://www.lwv.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.lwv.org</a>.</p>

<p>Join Judy Marano and Lois Schwartz at Books for Humanity&nbsp;67 Central Ave, Ossining, NY 10562&nbsp;on Monday, Dec. 2 at 6:30. We will discuss the mind, the body, and the spirit using the written word and essential oils. Come grab a gift or two for the holidays and browse the bookstore for unique finds.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>So I've Been Thinking is a series of stories about everyday life experiences. Although we are individuals, at the core of our being, we share the same pride in our families, traditions passed from generation to generation, and the ups and downs of life. There is an unseen web that connects each of us. While reading, you might find the corners of your mouth begin to rise; perhaps a laugh will slip through, or a tear will slide down your cheek."</p><p><a href="https://www.hvbooksforhumanity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hvbooksforhumanity.com/</a></p><p>--</p>

<p>Musicals at Richter (MAR), now in its 40 th season as the longest-runningoutdoor theater in Connecticut, concludes its 2024 with “Seussical Jr.,” performed by students from its Summer Youth Musical Theater Workshop. Staged on the grounds of the</p><p>Richter Arts Center in Danbury, performances take place outdoors under the stars at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening, August 15-17.</p><p><br></p><p>Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in “Seussical Jr..” a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.</p><p><br></p><p>Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that&amp;#39;s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird. Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never</p><p>loses faith in him. Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are</p><p>challenged and emerge triumphant!</p><p><br></p><p>Directed by Ciara Cuneo (Patterson, NY) with music direction by Vincent Fontenelli (Danbury) and choreography by April Smith (New Fairfield), “Seussical Jr.” features a talented cast of young area performers.</p><p><br></p><p>Featured in the cast are Laila Ingio (Danbury) as The Cat in the Hat, Emma Hoffman (Brookfield) as JoJo, Mia Roche (Bethel) as Horton the Elephant and Hailey Mott (Bethel) as Gertrude McFuzz. Sofia Feliciano (Ridgefield) takes on the role of Mayzie La Bird, joined by Leah Hayes (Danbury), Zoe Morales (Danbury) and Brienna Oromaner (Bethel) as Bird Girls. Oromaner also plays Mrs. Mayor.</p><p><br></p><p>Claire Hayes (Danbury) portrays Mr. Mayor. The mischievous Wickersham Brothers are played by Catalina Alves (Danbury),, Skyler Browne (Patterson, NY), Daniela Coto-Perez (Ridgefield), Andrew Williams (Danbury) and Jake Zanotti (Danbury). Aliyah Oromaner (Bethel) portrays the opinionated Sour Kangaroo and Addie Pasko (Brookfield) takes on the roles of Judge Yertle the Turtle and The Grinch. MAR Executive Director Robert Bria makes a special appearance asVlad Vladikoff.</p><p><br></p><p>“Seussical Jr.” is performed on the outdoor stage at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course, I-84, Exit 2), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Tickets for this summer youth performance cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors/students (with I.D.) and $5 for children 10 and under, and may be purchased through the Musicals at Richter website (www.musicalsatrichter.org) or at the door. Grounds open at 7 p.m. for picnicking, with curtain at 8:00 p.m. Audience members are invited to bring their own blankets or chairs for lawn seating; a limited number of chairs are available free-of-charge. A soft drink/snack concession is on-site.</p><p><br></p><p>Now in its 40th season at Richter Park, Musicals at Richter is Connecticut’s longest-running outdoor theater. Performances take place at the Richter Arts Center (next to the Richter Park Golf Course), 100 Aunt Hack Road, in Danbury. Nestled in the hills of Western Connecticut, the Arts Center stage has served as the scenic backdrop for over 100 musicals and workshop performances produced by Musicals at Richter, as well as a professional springboard for hundreds of up-and-coming performers. Musicals at Richter is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization. For further information, visit the website at<a href="http://www.musicalsatrichter.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.musicalsatrichter.org</a>, leave a message at 203-748-6873 or e-mail <a href="mailto:info@musicalsatrichter.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@musicalsatrichter.org.</a></p>

<p>The Danbury Hat Tricks are looking for media and game day interns for the 2024-25 season. These candidates must be available on most weekends starting in mid-October 2024 until early May 2025. Some remote and weekday opportunities are also available.</p><p>Positions available:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Photographer</li><li>Videographer/Video Editor&nbsp;Graphic Designer&nbsp;</li><li>Social Media&nbsp;</li><li>Camera Operator</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Please send all application materials and questions to&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:doug@danburyhattricks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">doug@danburyhattricks.com</a>.</p>

<p>G.S. Gelato &amp; Desserts, Inc. is recalling a limited amount of Full Circle Market Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert 1 Pint/16 ounce paper cartons, Lot 041624L2 BBD 10/15/2025, UPC 0 36800 46964 8, because it contains undeclared cashew. Lid displays “Nature’s Promise” brand Cashewmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert. Carton displays “Full Circle Market” brand Coconutmilk Chocolate Almond Crunch Frozen Dessert. The ingredient list does not include cashew. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to cashew run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the affected products.</p><p>The product was distributed to distribution centers carrying the Full Circle Market brand within the following states: Georgia, Massachusetts, and New York. Product was sent to retail stores located in New York, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island. The product was shipped between April 18, 2024. – July 11, 2024</p><p><br></p><p>No adverse reactions have been reported to date.G.S. Gelato was notified by one of the retail stores that the product carton and lid stated two different products. The firm conducted an investigation which determined that a single lot of pints of cashewmilk product was dispensed into the Full Circle Market brand Coconutmilk pints during the manufacturing process.</p><p>If this product is in your possession, do not consume it if you have a cashew allergy or sensitivity. Consumers may contact Ginger Moss for disposition of the product at (850) 243-5455 Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm CST, or via email at&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:gmoss@gsgelato.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(26, 87, 173);">gmoss@gsgelato.com</a>.</p><p>This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.</p>

<p>Westchester County Executive George Latimer held a press briefing to address the incoming storm set to impact the region. County emergency responders recommend residents set aside several days’ worth of non-perishable food, water and medicine, and keep other critical supplies on hand like flashlights and batteries in case they are stuck in their homes without power. Residents should also have a “go-bag” ready in case they are asked to evacuate on short notice during an emergency.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><em>Watch the News Conference Here:</em></strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoSb0If_3EU" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoSb0If_3EU</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Commissioner Richard G. Wishnie of the Department of Emergency Services recommended that residents create an emergency preparedness kit that includes a:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Gallon of water per person per day;</li><li>Three-day supply of canned, packaged or other shelf-stable, ready-to-eat food</li></ul><p>foods that can be stored, including ready-to-eat canned meats and fish, protein or fruit bars, dry cereal and granola, peanut butter, nuts, crackers and canned fruit or juice;</p><ul><li>Manual can opener and eating utensils;</li><li>Flashlights and batteries;</li><li>First aid kit;</li><li>Battery-powered or hand-crank radio.</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Westchester County Health Department Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, said: “Before any major storm hits, residents should make a list of their medications, charge their cellphones and laptops, and fill their vehicle gas tanks, too. Residents with oil tanks at home should top off their tanks and tighten the cap to prevent spills. Above-ground tanks should also be strapped to a secure fixture to prevent tipping in case of flooding.”</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Amler said food and generator safety are essential during and after any power outage or emergency. The Westchester County Health Department suggests the following tips:</p><p>&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Before a storm hits, set your refrigerator to the coldest setting to keep food fresh longer if you lose power.</li><li>Keep your refrigerator closed as much as possible. Do not assume refrigerated foods are safe.</li><li>Foods that are fully frozen are safe to use.</li><li>Foods that have warmed to room temperature for more than two hours or have come into contact with flood waters should be discarded. When in doubt, throw it out.</li><li>During a prolonged outage, discard these foods if they were not kept below 45 degrees Fahrenheit: meat, poultry, seafood, cold cuts, hot dogs, eggs, cream, sour cream, yogurt, milk, custards, puddings, soft and shredded cheeses, cut fruit, cooked vegetables, pasta, casseroles, unbaked cookie and bread dough, gravy, creamy salad dressings, fish sauces, hoisin sauce, opened spaghetti sauce and garlic in oil.</li><li>After disposing of spoiled food, disinfect the refrigerator to avoid further contamination.</li><li>Discard any cans of food that are rusted, dented or open.</li><li>If appliances are wet, turn off the electricity at the main fuse box or circuit breaker. Then, unplug appliances and let them dry out. Have appliances checked by a professional before using them again.</li><li>Storm clean-up can produce a great deal of garbage, which invites insects and rodents. Store your garbage in watertight, rodent/insect-proof containers with tight-fitting covers.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;Commissioner Terrance Raynor of the Department of Public Safety reminded motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary during severe weather.&nbsp;Flash-flooding can quickly swamp vehicles and put motorists in significant danger.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Raynor said: “Over the years, County Police officers have responded to rescue numerous motorists who have been stranded in rising water when their cars have stalled on flooded roadways.&nbsp;In addition to likely damaging your vehicle, you may also be putting your life at risk.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Residents and business owners with generators are reminded of the following safety tips:</p><ul><li>Never run a generator in a basement, garage, porch or carport. Generators produce carbon monoxide that can quickly be lethal indoors.&nbsp;Only operate a generator outdoors and away from open windows.</li><li>Do not exceed the rated capacity of your generator. Overloading your generator can damage it and any appliances connected to it. Fire may result.</li><li>If your generator has a detachable fuel tank, remove it before refilling. If this is not possible, shut off the generator and let it cool before refilling.</li></ul><p>If you lose power, call Con Edison or NYS Electric and Gas directly. The phone numbers are:&nbsp;<a href="http://coned.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Con Ed</a>&nbsp;power outage or gas and electrical service problems: (800) 75-CONED;&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nyseg.com/Outages/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">NYSEG</a>&nbsp;electricity power outage: (800) 572-1131; NYSEG gas power outage: (800) 572-1121.</p><p>Wishnie said families should also consider what additional preparations to make for people with special needs or who care for the elderly, infants or pets. Family members also should plan for how they will communicate if local phone service is not available or is overwhelmed by high demand.</p><p>Practical tips on these and other topics can be found at:&nbsp;<a href="https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/severe-weather" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://emergencyservices.</a><a href="https://westchestergov.com/severe-" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">westchestergov.com/severe-</a><a href="https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/severe-weather" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">weather</a></p><p>or&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ready.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.ready.gov/</a></p>