<p>Southport, CT - Episcopal Priest, Writer and Retreat Leader Matthew Wright to share insights drawn from the wisdom teachings of Islamic Sufi tradition.</p><p>The mystical traditions of Islam and their relevance to prayer practice across multiple faiths will be the topic of an in-person, weekend workshop hosted by Trinity Spiritual Center on Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th.</p><p>The two-day workshop will be led by renowned Episcopal priest Matthew Wright, priest-in-charge for St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, NY, who is a student within the Mevlevi Sufi tradition of Islam under the guidance of Shaikh Kabir and Camille Helminski. He is also a longtime student of Cynthia Bourgeault and serves as a teacher for Wisdom Waypoints and The Contemplative Society.</p><p>Matthew will discuss the tenets of Sufism: the mystical Islamic belief and practice in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and knowledge through direct personal experience of God. The practice consists of a variety of mystical paths that are designed to ascertain the nature of humanity and of God and to facilitate encounters with the divine.</p><p>On Friday evening, April 26 at the beginning of a dinner from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, Matthew will introduce the basics of Sufi teaching. Then Saturday, April 27, 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, he will show how the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an unfolded in the work of such spiritual giants as Ibn al-Arabi and Jalaluddin Rumi.</p><p>Participants will get to experience various practices of Islamic spirituality: embodied prayer, chanting the names of God, attending to the breath, and anchoring awareness in the heart. Attention will also be given to the connections between the Islamic and Christian Wisdom streams.</p><p>This mini retreat is the latest in a series of workshops that Wright has offered at Trinity Spiritual Center to deepen understanding of contemplative practices and their relevance in today’s world.</p><p>This offering is particularly timely in light of increased awareness of how much we need to better understand the commonalities among the spiritual traditions of the Middle East, despite the political conflicts that have exploded. The retreat is also a continuation of the Center’s well-attended panel discussion led by a rabbi, priest, and imam who are working for peace last January 21, and a workshop on forgiveness led by Mpho Tutu van Furth.</p><p>“We are thrilled to have another opportunity to benefit from Matthew’s keen mind and expansive heart,” notes Trinity Spiritual Center Director, Mark Grayson. “If you’ve ever wondered about Islam or Sufism but don’t know where to begin, this is the retreat for you! No prior knowledge or experience with the tradition is needed – just an open heart.”</p><p>Trinity Spiritual Center is pleased to host this event as the latest of its conversations on contemporary issues that deeply impact our community and contemplative practices that can enrich our lives.</p><p>The workshop is open to all. No participation in Wright’s earlier workshops or affiliation with the church required. There is a $40 fee for the event, which includes Friday dinner and Saturday lunch. Registration is required (details below).</p><p>WHAT: Weekend Workshop on the Mystical Traditions of Islam</p><p>WHEN: Friday, April 26th (6:00 pm - 7:30 pm) and Saturday, April 27th (9:00 am - 2:00 pm)&nbsp;</p><p>COST: $40 in-person</p><p>REGISTER:<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-mini-retreat-with-matthew-wright-tickets-875271118477" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-weekend-mini-retreat-with-matthew-wright-tickets-875271118477</a></p><p>QUESTIONS: (203) 255-0454</p><p>Trinity Spiritual Center is a dynamic and growing community of people of all ages and beliefs, engaging in a broad range of learning experiences to inspire and support their own journeys of spiritual growth. It offers programs and practices that inspire and engage the greater community.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Fairfield, Conn – </strong>Join the Friends of Fairfield Public Library as they follow Sara Gruen’s popular book <strong><em>Water for Elephants </em></strong>from book to film to its latest incarnation on Broadway, with a special three-part event available to the public.</p><p>The journey begins with a librarian-led discussion of the NY <em>Times</em>-bestselling novel <strong>on Wednesday, April 24, at 7:00pm</strong> in the Main Library’s Memorial Room, accompanied by light refreshments.&nbsp;Physical copies of <em>Water for Elephants</em>—which reviewers have called “poignant,” “romantic,” “gritty” and “compelling”-- are available to borrow at either branch of Fairfield Public Library, and digital copies can be downloaded through the Library’s Hoopla service.</p><p>Next, see the 2011 movie version--starring Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon--&nbsp;at a viewing in the Main Library’s Rotary Room <strong>on</strong> <strong>May 1, 2024</strong> <strong>at 7:00pm</strong>. Again, refreshments will be provided. To cap off the series, see <em>Water for Elephants</em> <strong>live on Broadway</strong> from Orchestra seats at the Imperial Theatre in NYC <strong>on Wednesday, May 8,</strong> <strong>at 2:00pm</strong>. The New York <em>Times </em>calls it “gorgeously imaginative” and <em>Time Out</em> says the play “soars…with the real-life physical talents on display.” &nbsp;</p><p><strong>Limited tickets for this three-part package are available for $200</strong> (t<em>ransportation to NYC is not included</em>). To purchase tickets please go to: <a href="https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/UQJKUK2KX7KAL" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/UQJKUK2KX7KAL</a>.&nbsp; <strong>All proceeds benefit Fairfield Public Library’s programs and services.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>For questions, please contact Danielle Sharp at <a href="mailto:dsharp@fplct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">dsharp@fplct.org</a> or 203-912-5963.</p><p><em>The Friends of Fairfield Public Library’s mission is to enhance the partnership between the Fairfield Public Library and the community and to advocate for quality library service for all of the people of the Town of Fairfield.</em></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Norwalk, CT</strong>:&nbsp;After completing an extensive renovation and revitalization of the former Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk, RMS Companies has officially announced the opening of&nbsp;<a href="https://thewatershednorwalk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">The Watershed</a>, a 96-room boutique hotel and event venue in Norwalk, CT. RMS Companies first opened</p><p>the former Hotel Zero Degrees in 2013 and operated the hotel under that name for the past decade. The hotel has been under renovation for the past five months and has now been rebranded as The Watershed.&nbsp;</p><p>Located in Norwalk’s Main Street District, amid a bustling corporate, commuter, residential, and retail community, The Watershed is a charming New England-style oasis nestled along the Norwalk River. Its reimagined design aesthetic exudes modern elegance with a warm and tranquil ethos. The</p><p>renovated space includes redesigned guest rooms and suites, a refurbished lobby and lounge, state-of-the-art conference rooms, curated art and design features, and an expansive rooftop terrace and bar.&nbsp;</p><p>The Watershed is owned and operated by RMS Companies, an award-winning real estate development and management company with luxury residential communities and hospitality properties located throughout the Tri-state area, including The Blake Hotel (New Haven, CT), The Lloyd (Stamford,</p><p>CT), The Goodwin (Hartford, CT), and Hotel Zero Degrees (Danbury, CT).&nbsp;</p><p>With a strong foundation in hospitality and a stellar track record for service, contemporary appeal, convenience, and top-notch amenities, the former Hotel Zero Degrees has consistently maintained its position as one of the top-rated boutique hotels in the Fairfield County Area.&nbsp;RMS Companies</p><p>aims to surpass these standards, starting with its elevated design, genuine hospitality experience, and commitment to local sustainability practices and partnerships.</p><p>“We are thrilled to announce the official launch of The Watershed,” said Brandon Salvatore, the Director of Hospitality at RMS Companies. “We have completely reimagined each space within the hotel to capture the natural elements surrounding the property, mainly the river that runs directly behind the hotel. We are hopeful and confident that our work will yield memorable experiences for our guests and add a high-end amenity to the Norwalk community.”&nbsp;</p><p>The Watershed’s Rooms and Suites are a testament to luxury and comfort, offering some of the most spacious accommodations in the area. Each room is adorned with custom-designed furnishings, 55” flat-screen TVs, designer beds with down duvets, and expansive</p><p>bathrooms stocked with upscale Malin &amp; Goetz toiletries. The interiors are a blend of soothing shades, LVT flooring, and artwork that emphasizes the natural essence of the hotel, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere for guests.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Meeting and event spaces at The Watershed include three versatile private conference rooms (that can be combined into one large room) with full A/V capabilities and an open-air rooftop bar and lounge that is set to open in May, overlooking the Norwalk River and</p><p>Silvermine Woods. These unique gathering spaces offer food and beverage catering service by Siena Ristorante and serve as ideal settings for both corporate and social events. From tailored weddings, milestone celebrations, and corporate outings, The Watershed’s team</p><p>will help plan and execute a seamless event.&nbsp;</p><p>Additional onsite amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, a fitness center, covered parking, an on-site Grab &amp; Go market, and dry cleaning and laundry services.&nbsp;</p><p>The hotel’s on-site restaurant partner is&nbsp;<a href="https://sienanorwalk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Siena Ristorante</a>, a modern Italian restaurant and spirited bar that features old-school dishes with a new-school vibe. Pizza, pasta, market fresh fish, steaks and chops, and house-made desserts share the stage with craft cocktails</p><p>and a curated wine list.</p><p>The hotel’s onsite restaurant partner is&nbsp;<a href="https://sienanorwalk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Siena Ristorante</a>, a modern Italian restaurant and spirited bar that features old-school dishes with a new-school vibe. Pizza, pasta, market fresh fish, steaks and chops, and house-made desserts share the stage with craft cocktails</p><p>and a curated wine list.&nbsp;</p><p>Conveniently located 40 miles outside of New York City, with direct access from CT-15 Merritt Parkway, I-95 Thruway, and Metro-North Railroad, the city of Norwalk is a vibrant coastal community with an abundance of cultural destinations, entertainment venues, hiking</p><p>trails, retail therapy, and a thriving dining scene.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Visit:&nbsp;</p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify"><a href="https://thewatershednorwalk.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://thewatershednorwalk.com/</a></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><a href="https://rms-companies.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://rms-companies.com/</a></li></ul><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">Westport, CT - </strong><span style="color: var(--geeks-body-color); font-weight: var(--geeks-body-font-weight);">Westport Country Playhouse will present a Mic in Hand musical concert, “Ari Axelrod&nbsp;- A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway,” on Wednesday, May 8, at 7 p.m. After last year’s sold-out performance at the Playhouse, the internationally acclaimed, award-winning show honoring Jewish culture returns with even more songs and musicians.</span></p><p>“A Place for Us” explores the songs, stories, and crucial contributions to American musical theater of Jewish composers, such as Irving Berlin, Leonard Bernstein, Stephen Sondheim, and Carole King.&nbsp;</p><p>“Our history is not only about how we survived, but also about how we thrived,” said Axelrod. "I've been doing this show for six years now, and every time, someone from the audience will come up to me afterward and say, ‘We need this show now more than ever.’ When the world feels dark, and it feels like there's no light to be found, Jews create light, whether it’s the glow of Shabbat candles or Broadway’s marquees. This show is a celebration of Jewish light.”</p><p>“A Place for Us” is part of the Mic in Hand series, a spin-off of the Playhouse’s popular Script in Hand series. Both series are curated by Mark Shanahan.&nbsp;</p><p>"I'm so happy to welcome Ari back to the Playhouse by popular demand to once again present his show on our stage,” said Shanahan. “This time around, Ari’s expanded the show with a larger band, building on the extraordinary show he presented for us last year.”</p><p>Shanahan added, “There’s a good reason Ari’s show is so celebrated. It’s joyous, funny, revealing and ultimately, an extremely moving evening of theatre presented by a master storyteller delivering some of the greatest songs ever written.”&nbsp;</p><p>A post-show talkback with Axelrod and ADL Connecticut regional director Stacey Sobel will explore inspiration for the show and its relevance amidst increased levels of hate and antisemitism nationwide.&nbsp;</p><p><em>The Jewish Week</em>&nbsp;named Ari Axelrod one of the 36 most influential Jews under the age of 36 in the United States. He received the 2022 Bistro Award for Best Theatrical Artistry in Song. His show, "A Place For Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway," began with a sold-out run at the historic Birdland Jazz Club, featuring six-time Emmy and Tony nominee Tovah Feldshuh. It has since grown to international acclaim, performing to sold-out audiences around the world, and garnered him a BroadwayWorld Award and a Manhattan Association of Cabarets &amp; Clubs (MAC) Award nomination for Best Male Vocalist in 2020. His debut solo show, "Taking the Wheel," directed by Tony Award winner Faith Prince, and music directed by multiple MAC Award winner Alex Rybeck, has been performed in numerous cities around the country. Axelrod’s work as a director has been seen at the Tony Award-winning Paper Mill Playhouse, Birdland Jazz Club, 54 Below, and The Green Room 42. His debut album, "Ari Axelrod Live at Birdland," is now available on all streaming platforms.&nbsp;<a href="http://ariaxelrod.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">ariaxelrod.com</a><span style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">&nbsp;</span></p><p>Musicians are Mike Stapleton, piano; Nathan See, reeds; Mairi Dorman-Phaneuf, cello; Randy Landeau, bass; and Barb Merjan, drums/percussion.</p><p>More information on “Ari Axelrod&nbsp;- A Place for Us: A Celebration of Jewish Broadway” at:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/mic-in-hand-ari-axelrod-2024/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/mic-in-hand-ari-axelrod-2024/</a></p><p>Tickets are $40.&nbsp;&nbsp;Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission.</p><p>All play titles, artists, dates, and times are subject to change.</p><p>For more information and to buy tickets, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westportplayhouse.or/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.westportplayhouse.or</a>g, 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.&nbsp;Stay connected to the Playhouse on Facebook (Westport Country Playhouse) and on&nbsp;YouTube (WestportPlayhouse).</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Fairfield, CT - Thomas Merton Family Center, a beacon of hope and assistance operated by Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, invites the community to its 30th Annual Celebrity Breakfast. The event, which has become a cherished tradition, will take place on May 15th from 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM at Sacred Heart University's West Campus Guest House. This year, the group is honored to welcome Dan Orlovsky, former NFL quarterback and current ESPN football analyst, as its guest speaker.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Norwalk, CT - 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.&nbsp;Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.”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><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span></p>