<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><u>Ancona’s Annex Event</u></strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</strong><strong style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);">Outward Wines Winemaker Visit</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><em>A fresh take on Cali</em></strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This is big!</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday, May 16th</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, Natalie and Ryan, winemakers and owners of Outward Wines are going to be visiting The Annex for a comprehensive tasting seminar.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Outward Wines is based in San Luis Obispo and celebrates special vineyard sites along the central coast. All of their sites are farmed using Organic and/or Biodynamic viticulture.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These wines are super limited by virtue of the fact that in most cases just a few or a small handful of barrels are made.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);">Thursday 5/16 6:30-8pm at the Ancona's Annex in Branchville</em></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$35/ticket, seats are limited.&nbsp;</span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=d34a72e9d4&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;to sign up.</span>&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong><em>To see our entire schedule of upcoming events, please&nbsp;</em></strong><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=6aaa726870&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong><em>CLICK HERE</em></strong></a></p><p><br></p>

<h2><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">The Children's Mural at the Ridgefield Library is a testament to the power of art and storytelling. It is a celebration of creativity, imagination, and the enduring magic of childhood.</em></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">Magical things are happening at the Ridgefield Library as it prepares to unveil the Children's Mural, a stunning display of art featuring the work of legendary author and former Ridgefield resident Maurice Sendak and </span><a href="https://cynthiavmeyers.com/profile/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Cynthia V. Meyers</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">. The mural, a fundraiser to support the library, is a love letter to Ridgefield, an ode to children's literature, and an homage to the magic of childhood.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The collaboration between The Maurice Sendak Foundation and Meyers is creative serendipity. Brenda Mckinley, Ridgefield Library Director says, “Maurice Sendak had just such a fundamental influence on children's literature, and pulling in Cynthia's artistic eye and her Ridgefield references… it is truly something special.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Jane Lindenburg, Ridgefield Library's Director of Development, played a pivotal role in connecting all the pieces and seeing the project through to fruition. She excitedly exclaimed, "The Maurice Sendak tiles arrived today! It feels like Christmas!"</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">The Children's Mural will feature 120 named 8" x 8" glass tiles, each showcasing original artwork by Cynthia V. Meyers alongside beloved characters from Maurice Sendak's books. The tiles are nearly sold out. Etch your name in Ridgefield Library history and be part of this magical Children’s Mural by purchasing a tile </span><a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.ejoinme.org/Mural" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The involvement of The Maurice Sendak Foundation in the project is particularly meaningful, as the Foundation also played a part in the construction of the new library building a decade ago. McKinley reflects on this, noting the sentimental and important connection to Maurice Sendak, especially considering this collaboration is happening now, a decade later.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">The mural will be officially unveiled at the 2024 Annual Great Expectations Gala which will honor Marcie and Peter Coffin, a celebration marking the 10th Anniversary of the "new" Ridgefield Library.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">McKinley </span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">expresses gratitude for the generosity of The Maurice Sendak Foundation and its Executive Director, Lynn Caponera. “They have been nothing but generous.” She also acknowledges Philip and Christine Lodewick, for whom the children's library is named. “Philip played a crucial role in reconnecting the library with the foundation. Philip, Christine, and Lynn Caponera have been longtime friends,” says </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">McKinley.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">Meyers, a longtime artist and book illustrator who returned to Ridgefield after several years in the Boston area expressed her joy at being able to contribute to the town's artistic landscape. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“I’m happy to be pouring out my love for this town which is you know, it's a very lyrical down. It’s not like other towns, it’s sentimental.” Meyers generously donated her time and talent to this special project.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">Cynthia’s whimsical illustrations, combined with Sendak's iconic characters create a truly magical experience for visitors to the Philip and Christine Lodewick Family Children's Library.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Library extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have contributed to bringing the Children's Mural to life. Special thanks are owed to The Maurice Sendak Foundation, USALLIANCE Financial for their generous gift in memory of Simon R. M. Walton, and the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">To be a part of this enchanting project, visit the Children's Library to see sample tiles and the complete mural blueprint, or purchase a tile </span><a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.ejoinme.org/Mural" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">online</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">. For more information click </span><a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/ChildrensMuralattheRidgefieldLibrary/PurchaseATile/tabid/1429831/Default.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;"> or contact the Library's Development Director, Jane Lindenburg, at </span><a href="mailto:jglindenburg@ridgefieldlibrary.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">jglindenburg@ridgefieldlibrary.org</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;"> or (203) 438-2282 ext. 104.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">*</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Photo shows (l to r) Brenda McKinley Ridgefield Library Director, artist Cynthia Meye</span></p>

<p>As Mental Health Awareness Month begins, SOAR Together, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing levels of loneliness and social isolation in Fairfield County through unique programs and community collaborations, announces a series of events aimed at raising awareness while promoting mental wellness and positive social connections.</p><p><br></p><p>"SOAR’s mission is to help foster supportive communities where mental health is openly discussed and individuals feel empowered to seek help without stigma," says Ginger Smith, MSW and Founder of SOAR Together. "May is an opportunity for us to increase our outreach and engage in deeper collaborations across Fairfield County providing innovative ways for residents to connect socially."</p><p><br></p><p>SOAR Together invites residents across Fairfield County to join our May events, beginning with the 3rd Annual NorWALK for Mental Health: Walk + Wellness Fair this Saturday, May 4th from 9am-12pm at the Norwalk Green. It's a wonderful opportunity to spend time connecting with others while engaging in fun activities including laughing yoga and ceramics, gaining awareness through inspiring speakers, learning about local resources, and walking together for a cause on a beautiful spring morning. The 8 Dimensions of Wellness will be represented, with SOAR representing social, emotional, and environmental through the gifting of our “Flower Power” arrangements created with our rescued, refreshed flowers.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>Sunday, May 12th at 10am at Sherwood Island marks the launch of SOAR Strolls for the 2024 season, a weekly social gathering in a scenic, uplifting setting. It’s a time for those from towns across Fairfield County (and beyond) to enjoy connecting with others who enjoy the sights and sounds of an ocean backdrop. Mostly social time with a gentle stroll, Sundays at Sherwood are a wonderful time to bond, laugh, refresh, and regroup</p><p>for the week ahead.</p><p><br></p><p>SOAR Together extends an invitation to all community members to join us on Saturday, May 25th from 1-2:30pm at Triangle Community Center for our monthly Flower Power program. We gather the fourth Saturday of each month to immerse in flowers, color, and social connection while creating arrangements to uplift and inspire others. "Knowing each of our needs for social connection are unique based on life experiences and personal interests, SOAR Together aims to provide a spectrum of opportunities for people to connect in different and meaningful ways, from connecting over a shared passion for flowers and creativity to conversing over a meal to walking alongside a new acquaintance with a shared passion for the healing nature of the ocean, our fundamental goal is to create positive, safe, comfortable spaces for people to connect and leave with a more full heart and soul than when they arrived," adds Ginger.</p><p><br></p><p>For more information about SOAR Together and view the full schedule of Mental Health Awareness Month events, please visit<a href="http://www.soartogetherct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.soartogetherct.org.</a></p><p>For media inquiries, please contact: <a href="mailto:info@soartogetherct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@soartogetherct.org</a></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">As the days grow longer and the warmth of summer approaches, ACT of Connecticut is gearing up for an exciting season of youth education programs. From the Summer Teen Conservatory to the Summer Stars Showcase, there are plenty of opportunities for young performers to shine on stage.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Last Chance to Audition for Summer Teen Conservatory</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The last day to audition for the Summer Teen Conservatory is May 3rd. This intensive program, running from July 8 to July 20, is designed for 7th to 12th graders who are passionate about musical theater. Rehearsals take place Monday to Friday from 11AM to 5PM, leading up to a fully-staged production on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 7pm. Led by ACT of Connecticut's Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine, participants will work on an original musical theater piece, specially crafted for the cast.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Register </strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe6fv1jsCgWk-IOyIuBaYMoEcJMGLlwrB74YslwlkZHnT3QIA/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Don’t Miss Out on Summer Stars Showcase</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Registration is still open for the Summer Stars Showcase, but spots are filling up fast. This program, running from July 22 to August 3, is open to incoming 2nd to 6th graders. Participants will rehearse Monday to Friday from 9AM to 3PM, culminating in a performance of MADAGASCAR - A MUSICAL ADVENTURE JR.! on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 2pm. Alongside the production, students will learn basic musical theatre skills, including vocal technique, choreography, and improvisation.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Register </strong><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdapiv-uobL3mjH__hh_dZLOA5C5WF3BFKMnPXJ4yr-RT2VOA/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Both programs offer a unique opportunity for young performers to develop their talents, learn from industry professionals, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, there’s something for everyone at ACT of Connecticut this summer.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">For more information and to register, visit</span><a href="https://chat.openai.com/c/actofct.org/education" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"> </a><a href="https://www.actofct.org/education" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">https://www.actofct.org/education</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">or email </span><a href="mailto:education@actofct.org." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">education@actofct.org.</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"> Start your summer on a high note with ACT of Connecticut!</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p> Chaz G. DellaCorte of Ridgefield&nbsp;was among the eight University of Scranton students who won awards at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Leadership Conference, which was held in Harrisburg in April. The placements qualify the students to advance to FBLA's National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida, June 24 to 27. In addition, University of Scranton student Lamar L. Bishop, a business administration major from McDonough, Georgia, was named president of PA FBLA for 2024-2025 academic year.</p><p>DellaCorte, a finance major, won second place in both future business educator and future business executive. DellaCorte is a junior at Scranton.</p>

<p>Today, Ridgefield Professional Firefighters announced that Captain Richard Lawlor has retired. Some in town know Captain Lawlor as "Decon" at St. Mary's Church.</p><p>The Department said, "We wish Captain Richard Lawlor congratulations on his first day of retirement! Rick was hired as a firefighter in 1994 and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2002. In addition, Rick served as our Local President for many years and worked tirelessly to support and represent the members of the Ridgefield Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1739. Please join the members of our Union as we celebrate Captain Lawlor’s career and thank him for his service to our Town and our Union!" Thank you, Captain Lawlor, for protecting and serving the community of Ridgefield. Enjoy retirement!</p><p>*Image courtesy Ridgefield Professional Fire Firefighters. Visit them on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ridgefieldprofessionalfirefighters" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/ridgefieldprofessionalfirefighters</a></p>