Stories
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It is our pleasure to invite you to join us on Wednesday, June 12th for a day of golf, dinner and fun to benefit Rock n' Rescue (RnR). </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The tournament will be held at Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury. It will begin at 1pm and will be filled with fun and excitement including contests for all golfers. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">After the tournament, players are invited back to Cafe on the Green for a full cocktail hour and dinner where we will have more prizes!</span><span style="color: rgb(117, 117, 117);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Don’t golf, come for dinner! Sponsorship opportunities available. Get our earlybird discount: </span><a href="https://bit.ly/49LmRXK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137);">https://bit.ly/49LmRXK</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137);">Prizes include:</span></p><p>Swag bags for all</p><p>Weekend golf getaway for 2 people for hole-in-one winner</p><p>Closest to the pin winner</p><p>Longest drive winner</p><p>Beat the pro-par 3 hole</p><p>Cocktail Hour and dinner</p><p>Great Silent Auction prizes</p><p>Early bird discount open until May 1</p><p>Learn more about Rock n' Rescue <a href="https://rnrpets.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://rnrpets.org/</a></p>
<p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">WHO:</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> Union Savings Bank, Danbury, Conn.</span></p><ul><li>Patty Dyer, VP, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer</li><li>Raymond Michaud, VP, Sales Manager – Residential Lending</li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">WHAT:</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">Today’s housing market has its challenges, and it has left many homebuyers feeling uncertain if it’s a good time to buy. Two USB mortgage experts will offer valuable insights and cover key topics including: </span></p><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">Their thoughts on the current housing market and mortgage rates</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">Things to consider before you commit to a home purchase and a mortgage</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(24, 24, 24);">How to find the right mortgage lender for you</span></li></ul><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">WHEN:</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> Thursday, April 25, 2024, 12:00 –1:00 PM (EST)</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">WHERE: </strong><a href="https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ap-G4JjT2fAVugiA9X_Wv4vS6X2U8R7JoxWzAqw5_nZuXfv6wvT-~Agfhn0Dszbv8_HmGswPTS-PJz5oDs7l4I2WRP311AfOi4uqtXyoSOaaJ7A?mkt_tok=Mzk0LURVQS04ODIAAAGSkNMiuBRSg_grskfJTin2-Z6zjY4CzCg-MUbD_8YlJJxXzesmZhFUsDUmMYG-9TKJiPuc-n_YYBDHnaRsPA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Registration</a> </p><p><a href="https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ap-G4JjT2fAVugiA9X_Wv4vS6X2U8R7JoxWzAqw5_nZuXfv6wvT-~Agfhn0Dszbv8_HmGswPTS-PJz5oDs7l4I2WRP311AfO" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ap-G4JjT2fAVugiA9X_Wv4vS6X2U8R7JoxWzAqw5_nZuXfv6wvT-~Agfhn0Dszbv8_HmGswPTS-PJz5oDs7l4I2WRP311AfO</a> </p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">ABOUT THE SPEAKERS</strong></p><p><strong style="color: black;">Patty Dyer, VP, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(37, 40, 60);">With more than 40 years of expertise in mortgage banking, Patty is a trusted resource, both in her previous role as VP residential lending and her work with referral sources and customers. Her level of commitment to customer service and knowledge of the industry makes her a top performer in the business. A recent recipient of the “Women of FIRE” award, Patty has also held board positions for NM Hospital, NM Board of Realtors, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce and the Women’s Center of Greater Danbury. </span></p><p><strong style="color: black;">Raymond Michaud, VP, Sales Manager – Residential Lending</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(37, 40, 60);">As VP and Sales Manager of our Residential Lending Dept., Raymond has been a valuable resource to homebuyers in Connecticut for nearly 30 years. His areas of expertise include Construction and Renovation loans, First-Time Homebuyer lending and education, and financing for Family Separation/Dissolution situations. He is an affiliate member of the Northern-Fairfield County and Mid-Fairfield County Associations of Realtors, and the Greater Bridgeport Board of Realtors. Raymond also serves as Executive Director of Falcon Repertory Company, a not-for-profit based in Trumbull. </span></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>DANBURY, Connecticut — Tony Cirone, CPA, managing partner in <a href="https://cironefriedberg.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CironeFriedberg LLP</a>, will be honored at the WestConn Society Breakfast for Student Success on Wednesday, May 1. The event to recognize Cirone, a longtime supporter of <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University</a>, will begin at 7:30 a.m. at the Amber Room Colonnade, 1 Stacey Road in Danbury. Register to attend at <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/giving/events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">/www.wcsu.edu/giving/events/</a>. </p><p>“We are celebrating Tony Cirone, not only for his long-standing work as a benefactor of Western Connecticut State University, but also because of his outstanding leadership within the community and beyond,” said Martin Morgado, chairman of the <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/giving/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WCSU Foundation</a>, which sponsors the breakfast.</p><p>Cirone has been a member of the WCSU Foundation Board in numerous positions since 2016 currently serving as treasurer, and is on the finance and investment committees. In that capacity he assists with the Foundation’s financial stewardship and is an advocate of the institution in the local business community.</p><p>A Brookfield native, Cirone graduated from the <a href="https://www.aacsb.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">AACSB</a>-accredited <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/asb/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ancell School of Business</a> at WCSU in 1988 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/admissions/programs/accounting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Accounting</a> and became a licensed CPA. After spending several years working in a large Connecticut-based CPA firm, he took the opportunity to come back to his roots and start his own practice in Danbury in 1992.</p><p>Most recently, Cirone is the managing partner at CironeFriedberg LLP, a leading regional CPA firm serving middle-market, privately held and family-owned businesses and individuals providing a full range of tax, audit, accounting and business advisory services with Connecticut office locations in Bethel, Shelton and Darien.</p><p>While attending WCSU, Cirone met his wife, Jen, of 30 years. They are the parents of four grown children and have lived in Newtown for more than 20 years. Outside of the office, Cirone is active in community and professional organizations, and is currently a trustee for Union Savings Bank, a member of the Board of Directors and chair of finance for Immaculate High School, and a member of the Board of Directors and current treasurer for the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce and Ridgewood Country Club. Cirone also is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants.</p><p>Proceeds from the WestConn Society Breakfast will benefit students at Western Connecticut State University through the WCSU Foundation.</p><p>For information on sponsorships and individual tickets, go to <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/giving/events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">wcsu.edu/giving/events</a>. For more information, contact WCSU Communications and Marketing at <a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>. </p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University</a> Media Arts Film Festival & Digital Interactive Exhibition returns to the WCSU Midtown campus on <strong>Friday, May 10</strong>. In its 10<sup>th </sup>year, the popular festival showcases the best student works from the <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/dima/mediaproduction/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Media Arts Production, Digital & Interactive Media</a> Arts and <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/art/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Art</a> programs at WCSU.</p><p> The event takes place in the Student Center on the WCSU Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. The evening will begin with a 6 p.m. reception and Digital Interactive Media Arts Exhibition in the Student Center lobby, and a 7 p.m. film screening and awards ceremony in the Student Center Theater. The festival is free and open to the public; formal attire is encouraged, but not required. There will be hot and sweet refreshments and a cash bar during the reception.</p><p> Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/com/org-clubs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BEA Student Media Club</a> and <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/alumni/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WCSU Alumni Association</a>, the event will culminate with awards for best short films, documentaries, news, screenplays, animation, interactive media, soundscapes and music videos. The judging panel includes faculty, media professionals, and WCSU alumni. </p><p> For more information, contact Dr. JC Barone at <a href="mailto:baronej@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">baronej@wcsu.edu</a> or WCSU Communications and Marketing at <a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>. The <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University</a> Media Arts Film Festival & Digital Interactive Exhibition returns to the WCSU Midtown campus on <strong>Friday, May 10</strong>. In its 10<sup>th </sup>year, the popular festival showcases the best student works from the <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/dima/mediaproduction/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Media Arts Production, Digital & Interactive Media</a> Arts and <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/art/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Art</a> programs at WCSU.</p><p> The event takes place in the Student Center on the WCSU Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. The evening will begin with a 6 p.m. reception and Digital Interactive Media Arts Exhibition in the Student Center lobby, and a 7 p.m. film screening and awards ceremony in the Student Center Theater. The festival is free and open to the public; formal attire is encouraged, but not required. There will be hot and sweet refreshments and a cash bar during the reception.</p><p> Sponsored by the <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/com/org-clubs/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BEA Student Media Club</a> and <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/alumni/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WCSU Alumni Association</a>, the event will culminate with awards for best short films, documentaries, news, screenplays, animation, interactive media, soundscapes and music videos. The judging panel includes faculty, media professionals, and WCSU alumni. </p><p> For more information, contact Dr. JC Barone at <a href="mailto:baronej@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">baronej@wcsu.edu</a> or WCSU Communications and Marketing at <a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>. </p>
<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(50, 55, 61);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">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!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Tom Caruso, founder of </span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Tom Caruso Photography</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> LLC</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*Editors note: here, Tom captured a Great Blue Heron in flight at Tarrywile Park in Danbury</em></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Photography is my true passion. After posting many of my best photos on Facebook, several of my friends encouraged me to turn pro because they said I have a great eye. I took their advice and started my company in New York in 2020, and then I opened it in Connecticut when I moved to Danbury in 2022.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">My best-selling services are real estate and drone photography. I partner with companies that use my professional services to photograph shopping centers and other real estate properties in Connecticut and New York state. I also sell my nature, wildlife and landscape photos on my website</span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you reimagined your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Since moving to Connecticut in 2022, I am looking to expand my service offerings and grow my business here in Connecticut. So far I have grown my client list but I would like to attract new customers.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Tom Caruso Photography online </span><a href="https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.tomcarusophotography.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and on Instagram@ </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tomcarusophotography/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">tomcarusophotography</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063621876667" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Facebook </a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:TomCarusoPhotography@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">TomCarusoPhotography@gmail.com</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">ACT of CT Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine says, "We are so excited to be able to announce the cast of our upcoming KINKY BOOTS! And what a FABULOUS cast they are!!!"</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">There are less than a week until rehearsals begin. You won’t want to miss this spectacular production!</span></p><p>With music by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and book by Harvey Fierstein, KINKY BOOTS tells the story of two people who seem to have nothing in common…. or so they think! KINKY BOOTS reminds all of us to celebrate our lives TRIUMPHANTLY! Performances run from MAY 23rd through JUNE 16, 2024!</p><p>This is ACT's final production of the 2023-24 season.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">Visit ACT's website (</span><a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Factofct.org%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0EWcex6tkbNwcwXuGMpWF3ObaqTGapi_TD3xAP8Ujj9-rnOc7CFB2hHnU_aem_AfFcsAbhhc4u-etFuwWWtH4NzdRvuW_qMxdcWbXuhMxOkgFuTLPqqUtTyj9Y7xinosfocjUqBjvMaWYoOuCH5fEu&h=AT0NRnd-HwnlZn-weAuEdyObS_39Vz2QVC6iwK6Q2kPr6VYWoPAB_fxLH_CmHUPnaxUGPSJoQoTmTkXRRjEUyIhnjae_vZ6CfwMoek2FnvPXqS-WE7pmjpRe6eRQKss&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT3yHnerGRgf2sbfNxMe5l_OQn02qw4ARssL0da1eLro8jI3vtVYXRy2o8fj9kKFrUxG4y123vVKed2YYFZFHs-nd9T1FnCNybZKPdGFXzZ0EBoNnueSQ7134GE-Zg0TfTrbKrNDrcGNlgVJTJcbRWllWZvNpj1Zr-qFubgjn536xBJniz2fcYv626X2hlno7M7HnUt2pzLea0Kodtz3dh_8UvADHNDJspke" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--blue-link); background-color: transparent;">actofct.org</a><span style="color: rgb(5, 5, 5);">) or call the box office at (475) 215-5497 to grab your tickets today!</span></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The NAMM Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2024 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Awards, a signature program now in its 25th year of recognizing and celebrating school districts and individual schools for their support and commitment to music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Among the 975 school districts in the country that are among the Best Communities in the nation for music education are several in Fairfield County including Danbury, Darien, Bethel, Newtown, Wilton, Fairfield, Westport, Bridgeport, and Norwalk.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now in its 25th year, the 2024 Best Communities for Music Education program recognizes and celebrates school districts and schools for their support and commitment to music education and efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">According to The NAMM Foundation, “The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about The NAMM Foundation</span><a href="https://www.nammfoundation.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> https://www.nammfoundation.org/</a></p><p><br></p>