<p><strong>Snow Prep</strong></p><p>Request from Public Works: Several storms may be coming our way, including one tomorrow night which will bring 3 to 6 inches of snow.&nbsp;Please make sure to keep the roads clear by: bringing in garbage pails, not parking on the roads, and bringing in any basketball nets that may be in the road. The Town is not responsible for any damage occurring to these items if not addressed prior to snow removal.</p><p><strong>School Budget</strong></p><p>The Board of Ed received their&nbsp;<a href="http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=5e56c59d5c3f&amp;apg=4d17c1b509fc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">2025-2026 Budget Presentation</a>&nbsp;with a requested 9.83% increase in funding. It’s a startling number that reflects significant increases in costs that are out of our control, including healthcare insurance, contractual obligations, and special education costs. With the exception of these items, the budget is flat. We will likely need to make difficult budget reductions while preserving valuable programs. Stay engaged in the process by attending or&nbsp;<a href="http://devos2.bethel.k12.ct.us/show?video=763ff4de0370" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">watching</a>&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bethel.k12.ct.us/b_o_a_r_d_o_f_e_d_u_c_a_t_i_o_n/board_of_education_meeting_dates" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Board of Ed budget meetings</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, February 11th and Thursday, February 13th at Town Hall Meeting Room E at 7 pm. Access budget documents from the school financial dashboard at&nbsp;<a href="https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/bethelpublicschools/financial-dashboard" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://sites.google.com/bethel.k12.ct.us/bethelpublicschools/financial-dashboard</a></p><p>One bright spot for the revenue side of the budget: It looks like Bethel will receive a $1.3 million increase in Education Cost Share (ECS) funding, which will reduce the impact on taxes. Do not confuse ECS with Excess Cost funding which is for special education. Remember this is a process and there are still some unknowns that could still work in our favor, such has health insurance adjustments and actions in the legislature.</p><p>Town department heads from will present their budgets to the Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance on the next three Tuesdays, February 11th, 18th, and 25th at 7 pm in Town Hall Meeting Room A.</p><p><strong>Office Hours</strong></p><p>The next Office Hours is on February 12th from 6 pm to 7 pm at Town Hall in the First Selectman office.</p><p><strong>6th Grade Teen Center</strong></p><p>The Teen Center is opened to 6th graders through March on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30pm to 5 pm and Fridays from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm, with open gym program that follows from 8:30 pm to 10 pm. Some of the fun activities your children can look forward to are baking, cooking, board games, video games, puzzles, and crafts. This is a pilot program, so use it if you want it to continue in the future. Call 203-778-7522 or email is&nbsp;<a href="mailto:teencenter@bethel-ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">teencenter@bethel-ct.gov</a>&nbsp;with questions or for transportation assistance.</p><p><strong>Carbon Monoxide</strong></p><p>We have had a few calls to the fire departments this week for Carbon Monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is invisible, odorless, and can kill. It forms when fuels like gasoline, natural gas, propane, wood, charcoal, and kerosene do not burn completely. Breathing carbon monoxide can deprive the body of oxygen, and may lead to illness, unconsciousness, and death.</p><p><strong>Domestic Abuse Hotline</strong></p><p>Local municipal leaders and law enforcement joined&nbsp;<a href="https://thecenterct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Center for Empowerment and Education</a>&nbsp;for a legislative breakfast this week. Among the topics was the need to keep $1 million in critical funding from the Connecticut Department of Social services to support Connecticut’s statewide domestic violence hotline.&nbsp;If you would like to contact your legislators on this or any other issue, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/menu/cgafindleg.asp</a>.</p><p><strong>Downtown Banners</strong></p><p>Showcase your business prominently in the heart of Downtown Bethel with eye-catching lamppost banners on Greenwood Avenue. These high-quality banners are designed to attract attention and promote local businesses and chamber members effectively. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://bethelchamberofcommerce.com/</a>&nbsp;for information.</p><p><strong>Aaron Goldberg Jazz Trio Postponed</strong></p><p>Due to inclement weather, "Bethel Arts Presents The Aaron Goldberg Jazz Trio" on tomorrow, February 8th has been postponed. If you purchased a ticket, you will receive a refund to your original purchase method and an email confirmation for the refund from Eventbrite. Please stay tuned for an announcement of a new date for this concert. For questions contact Bethel Arts at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@bethelarts.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">info@bethelarts.org</a>.</p><p><strong>BEF Mardi Gras Carnival</strong></p><p>There is still time to get tickets for Bethel Education Foundation’s “Mardi Gras Carnival” on Saturday, March 1st at 6 pm. This event their largest fundraiser and includes dinner, dancing, and both live and silent auctions. The Dr. Janice Jordan Excellence in Education Awards are presented to educators whose creativity within the classroom, school or district has had a significant impact on student performance and achievement. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.betheledfoundation.org/annual-benefit.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.betheledfoundation.org/annual-benefit.html</a>&nbsp;.</p><p><strong>Bethel Business Network</strong></p><p>The Bethel Business Network hosts Free networking sessions to help build your business at 8:30 am on Wednesdays at Jacqueline’s. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebethelbusinessnetwork.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.thebethelbusinessnetwork.com/</a>&nbsp;to learn more and register for the weekly newsletter.</p><p><strong>Shoutouts</strong></p><ul><li>A shoutout to the BHS Debate Team! Willa Zalaznick and Jack Woleck took first place overall at their varsity tournament at Fitch High School Saturday!&nbsp;They beat a team from Joel Barlow in the final round in a 3-0 decision.&nbsp;Toshan Bhattacharya and Joe Corigliano came in 6th, and Andrew Santiago and Aidan Baddia were 8th.&nbsp;Willa Zalaznick took the award for 2nd speaker, Toshan Bhattacharya was 3rd, Aidan Baddia was 7th, and Joe Corigliano took 9th!&nbsp;In the novice division, the team of Akhil Sharma and Bhuvan Sai Dasari came in 4th place.&nbsp;Congratulations to all!</li><li>The Lady Wildcats are 14-2 with a big win over Barlow this week! Good luck away against Kolbe Cathedral tonight!</li><li>Good Luck to BHS Cheer in the tournament in Shelton tomorrow!</li><li>A shout out to all the Bethel athletes competing in the SWC Track championship on Monday, February 10th at 6 pm at Southern Connecticut State University!</li><li>A shoutout to DAWS puppies, Sprinkle, Zoe, and Marigold, who are competing in this year’s Puppy Bowl!&nbsp;Tune in and see if Team Ruff or Team Fluff will take home the "Lombarky" trophy on Sunday, February 9th at 2 pm on Animal Planet. Learn more about how you can support DAWS at&nbsp;<a href="https://daws.org/dawspuppybowl/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://daws.org/dawspuppybowl/</a>.</li></ul>

<blockquote class="ql-align-center"><br></blockquote><blockquote>The popular Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Sci-Fi Fantasy book groups hosted by Alice Hutchinson’s independent bookstore, Byrd’s Books, in Bethel have become more than just gatherings. They are conduits for much needed independent thinking, sharing, and free communication.&nbsp;The book groups are free to the public and always open to newcomers. Meetings are held both in store and on Zoom by request (call Byrd’s Books for link),&nbsp;and books are available to purchase in paperback.</blockquote><blockquote>&nbsp;** On Thursday, February 13th at 7:30pm,&nbsp;the Non-Fiction book group will examine&nbsp;<em>The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel: Genius, Power and Deception on the Eve of&nbsp;World War</em>&nbsp;I by Douglas Blunt.<span style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">&nbsp;This instant&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;bestselling “dynamic detective story” (</span><em style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">The New York Times</em><span style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">) reveals the&nbsp;hidden history of Rudolf Diesel, one of the world’s greatest inventors, and his mysterious disappearance. On September 29, 1913,&nbsp;the steamship&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">Dresden was halfway&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">between Belgium and England. On board was one of the most famous men in the world, Rudolf Diesel, whose new internal combustion engine was on the verge of revolutionizing global industry forever. But Diesel never arrived at his destination. He vanished during the night and headlines around the world wondered if it was an accident, suicide, or murder.</span></blockquote><blockquote>** On Tuesday, December 17th&nbsp;at&nbsp;7:30pm, the Sci-Fi group will explore&nbsp;<a href="https://byrdsbooks.com/book/9781250899668?ic_referral=7H6pLa25e93683YffWvgB3yqEAVmTsFDfTEg11yOHaEwM99Cg7dC4lMlPapkjwm_09ojx2x31M7pnWLtHdRrgf3bQbjOEIdB3k83NhnkrG8RtV-OeqpzCr6g77HjxNTYcIIx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>Tress of the Emerald Sea: A Cosmere Novel (Secret Projects)</em></a><em>&nbsp;</em>by&nbsp;<em>New York Times&nbsp;</em>best-seller, Brandon Sanderson.&nbsp;&nbsp;This rollicking, riveting tale set in the Cosmere universe—a standalone adventure perfect for fans of&nbsp;<em>The Princess Bride—</em>centers around&nbsp;&nbsp;the simple&nbsp;life Tress, enjoying&nbsp;the simple island&nbsp;pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death<strong>.</strong></blockquote><blockquote>** On Tuesday, February 18th at 7:30pm, the Sci-Fi Fantasy book group will uncover&nbsp;<em>The Jin-Bot of Shantiport&nbsp;</em>by Samit Basu.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">Shantiport was supposed to be a gateway to the stars. But the city is sinking, and its colonist rulers aren’t helping anyone but themselves.&nbsp;Lina, a daughter of failed revolutionaries, has no desire to escape Shantiport.&nbsp;Her brother, Bador, is a small monkey bot with a big attitude and bigger ambitions. He wants a chance to leave his dead-end planet.&nbsp;When Shantiport's resident tech billionaire coerces Lina into retrieving a powerful artifact rumored to be able to reshape reality, forces from before their time begin coalescing around the siblings. And when you throw in a piece of sentient, off-world tech with the ability to grant three wishes into the mix… None of the city's powers will know what hit them.</span></blockquote><blockquote>** Thursday, February 20th at 7:30 pm, the Fiction book group will explore&nbsp;<em>North Woods,&nbsp;</em>a novel by Daniel Mason.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">A sweeping novel about a single house in the woods of New England, told through the lives of those who inhabit it across the centuries—a daring, moving tale of memory and fate from the Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">The Piano Tuner</em><span style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">The Winter Soldier.&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">Traversing cycles of history, nature, and even literature, North Woods shows the myriad, magical ways in which we’re connected to our environment and to one another, across time, language and space. Written along with the seasons and divided into the twelve months of the year, it is an unforgettable novel about secrets and fates that asks the timeless how do we live on, even after we’re gone?</span></blockquote><blockquote><span style="color: rgb(30, 25, 21);">A sweeping novel about a single house in the woods of New England, told through the lives of those who inhabit it across the centuries—a daring, moving tale of memory and fate from the Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of The Piano Tuner and The Winter Soldier.Traversing cycles of history, nature, and even literature, North Woods shows the myriad, magical ways in which we’re connected to our environment and to one another, across time, language and space. Written along with the seasons and divided into the twelve months of the year, it is an unforgettable novel about secrets and fates that asks the timeless how do we live on, even after we’re gone?</span></blockquote><blockquote>Byrd’s Books is located at&nbsp;178 Greenwood Avenue&nbsp;across from the Bethel Public Library. Author discussions and Book Group gatherings are regularly added to Byrd’s Books’ calendar of events at&nbsp;<a href="ByrdsBooks.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ByrdsBooks.com</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;Hours are&nbsp;Tuesdays to Saturdays10:00am to 6:00pm,&nbsp;Sundays&nbsp;12:00 noon&nbsp;to 4;00pm, Closed Mondays.&nbsp;For directions to the store or more information, call Byrd’s Books at&nbsp;203-730-2973.&nbsp;To review the shop’s expanded catalog of new titles, go to&nbsp;<a href="ByrdsBooks.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ByrdsBooks.com</a></blockquote><blockquote><br></blockquote><blockquote><br></blockquote><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Congratulations to Bethel resident&nbsp;Aman Malkani an English and Computer Science Major, for being named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for Fall 2024 semester.&nbsp; UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with more than 24,000 associate, undergraduate and graduate students.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend February 7 - February 9</strong></p><p>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 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rhonda-denet-at-the-klein" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rhonda Denét</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 7, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Rhonda Denét is hailed as a virtuoso that lends her flair to every song she sings. When she performs, Denét invites her audience to surrender to the groove by blending classic and contemporary favorites with her inspiring original music. Her repertoire covers the gamut ranging from the American Songbook to Top 40 radio. Based in Jersey City, New Jersey, the jazz/soul vocalist, songwriter and bandleader makes a full-time living doing what she LOVES.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/moon-over-buffalo-3d7cb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Moon Over Buffalo</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) MainStage, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 7, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm,</p><p>Fairfield County’s award-winning professional theatre company continues its 38th season with Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo. This riotous comedy is a wild ride of eccentric characters, a show-within-a show, and a hilarious love triangle. The production runs from February 7th through the 23rd with performances on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm &amp; 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/2025-lunar-new-year-celebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>2025 Lunar New Year Celebration</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Museum &amp; History Center, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>Families and friends of all ages are invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Learn more about the Year of the Snake and how people celebrate, explore Creating Community, the Fairfield Museum’s newly renovated exhibition, and join us for a lion dance, storytime with the Fairfield Public Library, a martial arts demonstration, dumplings from Grumpy Dumpling Co. (while supplies last), mochi doughnut samples from Retreat Sweets (while supplies last), Chinese papercutting with AAPI Westport, Chinese calligraphy, and much more.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/winter-music-the-music-of-bach" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Winter Music: The Music of Bach</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Join renowned tenor vocalist Daniel McGrew as he takes the audience on a tour of Johann Sebastian Bach’s greatest musical pieces. With a piano accompaniment, McGrew delights spectators across the country. He has performed at Tanglewood’s renowned Festival of Contemporary Music, as well as at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, and the Morgan Library.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sweetheart-ball" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sweetheart Ball</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Dress to impress and get ready for a night of music, dancing and hands-on fun as we celebrate love— of friends, of family and of ourselves too. During this special, after-hours event Show off your moves to some unbeatable tunes at our Valentine’s Dance, Embark on a magical journey aboard the Love Train, Strut your stuff to crowds of adoring fans at our Red Carpet, Listen to your heart (or a loved one’s) at a Heartbeat Clinic with pediatric specialists from Yale New Haven Hospital, And so much more!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-of-benjamin-britten" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Music of Benjamin Britten</strong></a></p><p><strong>Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Trevor Scott and friends will perform works of one of the most distinguished composers of the 20th century, Benjamin Britten. Included will be Canticle I - My beloved is mine, and I am his (tenor &amp; piano); Canticle II – Abraham and Isaac (tenor, mezzo-soprano, &amp; piano), and the extraordinary Serenade (tenor, horn, &amp; piano).</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/opening-reception-for-love-life-art-exhibit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Opening Reception for "Love, Life, Art" Exhibit</strong></a></p><p><strong>City Lights Gallery, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Love, Life, Art: two inter-racial artists/couples exhibit together, Larry Morse and Ellen Tresselt, Robin Gilmore and Gerald Moore, at City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill St, Downtown Bridgeport, CT. The artists curate their work and share thoughts about their decades long relationships and art-making through recorded podcasts. Meet the artists at an opening reception on Saturday, February 8, from 5-8 pm. More info to follow about a companion exhibit at the Bridgeport Innovation Center.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-best-of-the-fccc--broadway-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Best of the FCCC Broadway Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport</strong></p><p><strong></strong>Saturday Feb 8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>To celebrate our 30th Anniversary, The Fairfield County Children's Choir will perform a Broadway concert on February 8 at The Klein Memorial Auditorium. We have changed the usual format of our Broadway concert to showcase “The Best of the FCCC.” In the place of songs from two, three or four medleys, each conductor has chosen a selection of random favorites from thirteen different productions, with two songs each from Fiddler on the Roof and Wicked. These songs stand out to us as classics.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/jazz-concert-with-the-aaron-goldberg-trio---produced-by-bethel-arts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jazz Concert with the Aaron Goldberg Trio - Produced by Bethel Arts</strong></a></p><p><strong>Veronica Hagman Concert Hall, WCSU Westside Campus, Danbury</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>If you are a music lover and love Jazz then Bethel Arts is thrilled to announce a spectacular Jazz concert featuring some of New York’s finest musicians. The renowned Aaron Goldberg Trio, joined by the legendary John Patitucci and Al Foster, will take the stage.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/westport-pride-valentine-s-day-drag-with-patty-bourree" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Westport Pride: Valentine’s Day Drag with Patty Bourree</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Come celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fabulous drag show featuring the one and only Patty Bourree! Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and jaw-dropping performances that will leave you speechless. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing your special someone, this event is guaranteed to be a night to remember.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/elephant-jane-dance-untitled-sad-piece" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>elephant JANE dance-untitled sad piece</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Set to songs by the 1970's duo The Carpenters, untitled sad piece examines the sensation of a sinking heart. In quiet reiterative solos, touching duets, and one wild investigatory burst of galumphing, five dancers respond to the deep sadness in the grain of Karen Carpenter's voice, initiate from the dancers’ hearts, and find tenderness.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/new-exhibition-inside-out-32720" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>New Exhibition! "INSIDE OUT"</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>INSIDE OUT, featuring the work of Connecticut artists Annette Voreyer and Sergey Stepanenko, will be on view from February 8 through March 29. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, February 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The artists will give a brief talk at the reception at 6:00 pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/deathtrap-at-the-wilton-playshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>DEATHTRAP</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Wilton Playshop, Wilton</strong></p><p>Sunday Feb 9, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, is thrilled to announce the opening of , the iconic psychological thriller by acclaimed playwright Ira Levin, which will take the stage. DEATHTRAP promises an evening of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, in true Levin style. Set against the backdrop of Westport, Connecticut, DEATHTRAP also weaves in references to nearby towns such as Wilton, Ridgefield, and Milford, giving it a unique Connecticut flair that local audiences will appreciate.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/masc-artist-talk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>MASC Artist Talk</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Norwalk Art Space, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Sunday Feb 9, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>A screening of the documentary, “Black Men Loving” will be the catalyst for a conversation between the exhibiting artists and the curator on the exhibition's theme of Unmasking Identity and Redefining Masculinity. New London Poet Laureate Josh Brown will moderate the discussion.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/children-s-pillow-concert-featuring-the-haven-string-quartet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Children’s Pillow Concert Featuring the Haven String Quartet</strong></a></p><p><strong>Suzuki Music Schools, Westport</strong></p><p>Sunday Feb 9, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Pillow Concert Series features professional artists performing in an informal setting designed for the whole family. Children of all ages can bring a pillow and sit up close with the performers. Concerts are about 45 minutes long and suitable for children ages 4 and up.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p>The Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) is thrilled to return to the Puppy Bowl for the seventh year, with three adorable puppies—Sprinkle, Zoe, and Marigold—competing in the big game!</p><p>Puppy Bowl XXI will be the largest yet, featuring 142 rescue puppies from 80 shelters across the country. This fun and heartwarming event raises awareness about pet adoption and showcases the incredible work of shelters like DAWS.</p><p>Be sure to cheer on the DAWS Puppy Bowl players on <strong>Sunday, February 9, at 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT on Animal Planet</strong>. Will <strong>Team Ruff</strong> or <strong>Team Fluff</strong> take home the coveted "Lombarky" trophy? Tune in to find out and celebrate the power of rescue! <a href="https://www.animalplanet.com/?xp=sistersite" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Watch here</a>.</p><p><strong>Support DAWS and Our Puppy Program</strong></p><p>DAWS works tirelessly to save and rehome animals, with over 1,000 lives saved last year alone. Sponsorship opportunities are available to help cover the costs of our puppy program and participation in this annual tradition.</p><p><strong>Learn more about DAWS and our Puppy Bowl journey:</strong> <a href="https://daws.org/dawspuppybowl/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://daws.org/dawspuppybowl/</a></p><p><strong>Make a donation to support our mission:</strong> <a href="https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/give/danbury-animal-welfare-society/puppy-bowl-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Donate here</a></p><p>Join us in celebrating these incredible pups and the joy of rescue!</p>

<p><strong>Upcoming Sports Schedule</strong></p><p><strong>Tuesday, February 4th</strong></p><ul><li><strong>JV Girls Basketball</strong> vs. Joel Barlow – <strong>BHS Gym, 4:45 PM</strong></li><li><strong>Varsity Girls Basketball</strong> vs. Joel Barlow – <strong>BHS Gym, 6:30 PM</strong></li><li><strong>Varsity Boys Swimming</strong> vs. Bunnell/Stratford – <strong>Brookfield YMCA, 5:15 PM</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Wednesday, February 5th</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Varsity Ice Hockey</strong> vs. Housatonic/Northwestern/Torrington/Wolcott – <strong>Danbury Ice Arena, 6:30 PM</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Friday, February 7th</strong></p><ul><li><strong>JV Boys Basketball</strong> vs. Kolbe Cathedral – <strong>BHS Gym, 5:15 PM</strong></li><li><strong>Varsity Boys Basketball</strong> vs. Kolbe Cathedral – <strong>BHS Gym, 7:00 PM</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Saturday, February 8th</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Varsity Ice Hockey</strong> vs. New Milford – <strong>Danbury Ice Arena, 12:30 PM</strong></li><li><strong>Varsity Gymnastics</strong> vs. Brookfield/Danbury/New Milford – <strong>Gymnastics Revolution, 4:00 PM</strong></li></ul><p><strong>***PLEASE NOTE THAT GAMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO WEATHER, ETC.</strong></p><p><strong>FOR MOST CURRENT SCHEDULE PLEASE REFER TO&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://email-link.parentsquare.com/ls/click?upn=u001.e-2BQWcsA14BCsH-2B-2BeXdDAF3k2cxrv3Z-2B2hw9BgZE4K9kMPH09Ui07WjyefITTf5V6cpXb_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61oLWMEFPYHg58Mzp0wU5qYCGoWszbUjoylTQ5Z0UvZ-2FLRS1cyO-2FYtAH-2BjvX9ktQlnEb-2BMz4MYCgEdPFzG5y3kBkYmTs31uA7esOl5-2BXBY-2BjgDMWm5PAgD500i-2FZP94W4Bqym7Jpcw2dJUHAbAbVz-2FxWDqAhegENFofPNOIbHC81Jwm1Mso78B2UcbhodlZIpBluYjgfv1l6CPSE2LXHVKwSu-2BfU1207K1h-2FupmaYp60NQ-3D-3D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>https://ciac.fpsports.org/</strong></a></p>