Stories

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">THIS: Traveling the world while helping others plan their dream trips?</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">THAT: Sitting at a desk all day in a 9-5 job?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">If you're passionate about travel and love helping others experience the world, becoming a Vacation Consultant with Expedia Cruises™ could be the perfect fit for you!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Say goodbye to the ordinary and hello to an exciting, flexible career where you can make a real impact on people’s lives.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For more information, call (203) 429-5589 and ask to speak with Mary or Jim, local owners and operators of </span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut's first-ever Expedia Cruises </a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">- a full-service travel agency located at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield.</span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">The Ridgefield Theater Barn recently opened registration for their new Spring workshop, Little</span><em style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;"> </em><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">Theater. </span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Taught by KATIE KELLY</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">May 5-28 (4 classes) $250</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">A workshop for our youngest theater kids! An opportunity to introduce theater to kids 6-8 years old in a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment. They will engage in improvisation and stage performance and learn to tap into their creativity through games, songs and movement activities.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">STARTS MONDAY, 5/5/2025</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Mondays: 4:45-5:30pm</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">4 Weeks: 5/5/25-5/28/25 (4 sessions)</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">CLASS DATES:</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/5/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/12/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/19/25</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Monday, 5/26/25 NO CLASS</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(64, 64, 64); background-color: transparent;">Wednesday, 5/28/25</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">RTBK workshops are geared toward kids grades 3 through 12 with an interest in acting, improv, singing, or musical theater. The programs are non-audition based, inclusive to all and offer a fun, nurturing environment where kids can be themselves. Financial aid and scholarships are available to any student.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">For more information, including full descriptions, a complete schedule, workshop and package prices, and registration details, please visit the Barn website, </span><a href="http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a><span style="color: rgb(32, 31, 30); background-color: transparent;">. Those with questions regarding financial support should reach out to Executive Director Pamme Jones at </span><a href="mailto:executivedirector@ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">executivedirector@</a><a href="ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SPRING into Action and Embark on a Journey of Discovery with River Cruising</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now through April 25, during </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises' Legendary Rivers and Tours Sale</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, travelers can enjoy exceptional added value on select river sailings and guided tours. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises Brookfield, a locally owned and operated full-service travel agency, invites you to experience the beauty of river cruising, where iconic waterways, historic cities, and immersive cultural experiences come together in one unforgettable voyage. This boutique style of travel takes you beyond the typical tourist trail, with stops in charming villages and small towns where authentic local traditions thrive.</span></p><p><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/promotion/legendary-rivers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Book now</strong></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to receive exclusive </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia® Extras</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, which may include:</span></p><p> • Up to $200 onboard credit</p><p> • Savings of up to $500</p><p> • Free onboard gratuities</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These offers are available on select itineraries and are subject to availability.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To learn more or plan your next adventure, visit Expedia Cruises Brookfield </span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/promotion/legendary-rivers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>online</strong></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or call (203) 429-5589. Explore our limited-time offers and start planning a memorable journey! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises is located at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield, CT.</span></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong><em>Event is co-sponsored by Litchfield Crossings and the Town of New Milford to benefit New Milford Youth Sports</em></strong></p><p>It’s food, fabulous food at New Milford’s first annual <strong>Food Truck Festival</strong> on May 4<sup>th</sup> from noon to 5:00 pm, co-sponsored by the Town of <strong>New Milford</strong> and <strong>Litchfield Crossings</strong> to benefit the Town’s <strong>Youth Sports.</strong> Sip and savor from a menu of flavors, including lobster rolls, chowder, crepes, barbeque, or maybe a delicious potpourri of dumplings topped off by an array of sweet stuff like cookies and cones. Swing and sway all afternoon to the music provided by <strong>DJ Beth Conkey</strong>.</p><p>In addition to gastronomic offerings,<strong> Petco</strong> will host a special dog food tasting featuring <strong>JustForDogs</strong>, the country’s number #1 Vet recommended frozen dog food. So, bring Fido, he’ll be licking his chops for more.</p><p>For younger attendees, the festival will feature a magical collection of Inflatables courtesy of <strong>SuperFun Inflatables.</strong> While mom and dad are dining, tots, tweens, and teens can whiz down two-lane super slides, run obstacle courses, bounce around, and explore fantasy castles. Then, take a selfie with a best friend or a spin at the art/paint machine. And frame both to take home as a memento of a fun-filled day. </p><p><em>“We are pleased to partner with Litchfield Crossings to present the 1</em><sup><em>st</em></sup><em> Annual New Milford Food Truck Festival that is sure to bring joy to every food lover in the area. Food, Music, Inflatables, activities and much more. Looking forward to seeing you there,</em>” says New Milford Mayor Pete Bass.</p><p>Adds Kristen Gizzi, Executive Director of Litchfield Crossings, “<em>We, too, are delighted to host this exciting event. It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a day of fantastic food, music, and family fun.” </em></p><p>Litchfield Crossings is located at 169 Danbury Road, Nee Milford. Ct. Admission to the Festival is free. Ample parking will be available on-site</p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Clear out the clutter and support a cause that truly matters: Shred for a Cause this Saturday, April 12 from 9 am to noon at Expedia Cruises, 67 Federal Road in Brookfield.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bring your boxes of unwanted documents for secure, on-site shredding, and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families receiving end-of-life care.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A suggested donation of $15 per box* will directly benefit Regional Hospice, a nonprofit organization that has provided compassionate care to patients and their loved ones in homes and care facilities for more than 40 years.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To learn more about their mission, visit</span><a href="http://makingthebestofeveryday.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> makingthebestofeveryday.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*Please limit boxes to a maximum size of 12" x 12" x 16".</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1009746737385569?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Spring into Action with Brookfield Parks & Rec Programs & Events! </strong></p><p>The 2025 Spring & Summer Program Guide is now live! You can explore all the exciting activities and register online at <a href="https://eybpcuhab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001IuIAdWW5NVc5TCVeELw-zn9ImT3SyZKPrOaoo75SXDdn75fsPPxTF3RuDSFxXUaqzXLl6yBeA7ZtsacAMv1hf2VlTE1aoOfxtU4LWvBqf163EL8OwCzj3Tu1AU0rtagFBYglyuX7UDUKbf_DKWPOpNCQ5uIH6JqXseADDipH9cs=&c=hiC_2ZPxKtVkRqfFzr22YNYKqx8TZFzUnnFpsdabm4Jtrgrjh4UYoA==&ch=-8asedGDdSQlkKQwQtz830ZWiUGtuWRG7ckq862k_AJnT_8gyZvS9g==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">www.brookfieldparksandrec.com</a>.</p><p>Whether you're looking to stay active, get creative, or explore new hobbies, there’s something for everyone in Brookfield this season.</p><p><strong>Featured Spring & Summer Programs:</strong></p><ul><li>Adult Art & Education Classes</li><li>Concerts in the Park</li><li>Town Park Beach Access</li><li>Adult Fitness</li><li>Golf, Pickleball & Tennis</li><li>Exciting Trips & Adventures</li><li>After School Programs</li><li>Youth Summer Camps</li><li>Family & Youth Activities...and so much more!</li></ul><p><strong>Annual Spring Egg Hunts</strong></p><p>Get ready for some egg-citing fun at Brookfield Town Hall</p><ul><li> <strong>Flashlight Egg Hunt</strong> (Grades 3-5) on April 11 at 8:00 p.m.</li><li><strong>Annual Egg Hunt</strong> (Ages 0-5 & 6-10) on April 12th</li><li>Ages 0-5 at 10:00 a.m.</li><li>Ages 6-10 at 10:45 a.m.</li></ul><p><strong>Spring Break Day Camps</strong></p><p><strong>Multi-Sport Camp</strong></p><p>April 14 -18 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. </p><p>Age Group: Grades 1-5</p><p>Location: Candlewood Lake Elementary</p><p>Kids will stay active and engaged with a variety of sports, including basketball, flag football, soccer, floor hockey, and more. The camp also features daily playground time and snack breaks.</p><p><strong>Tennisclubz Tennis Camp</strong></p><p>April 14 -18 from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. </p><p>Age Group: Ages 6-13</p><p>Location: Cadigan Park</p><p>Develop tennis skills with USTA Net Generation activities while having fun! Players will work on the fundamentals of tennis and etiquette and will also try their hand at pickleball each day.</p><p><strong>Brookfield Town-Wide Tag Sale</strong></p><p>Looking to declutter or find some hidden treasures? Don’t miss out on the Brookfield Town-Wide Tag Sale! Come shop, sell, and enjoy a day of bargain hunting across town!</p><p>Date: Saturday, May 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.</p><p>Locations: Host a sale at your home, team up with neighbors, or reserve a table at Brookfield Town Hall (10’x10’).</p><p>Full details and registration for all programs are available online at <strong style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">www.brookfieldparksandrec.com</strong>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend February 28 - March 2</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/jazz-violinist-sara-caswell-at-jazz-at-the-post" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jazz violinist Sara Caswell</strong></a></p><p><strong>VFW Post 399, Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 28, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Grammy® Nominee Sara Caswell “is a brilliant world-class violinist...one of the very best of the present generation of emerging young jazz stars” according to the late David Baker, internationally-renowned jazz educator and Director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. Rooted in an early exposure to a variety of musical genres, Sara’s technical facility intertwined with her gift for lyricism continues to attract growing attention to her artistry as a jazz soloist, sideman, and teacher. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/allie-colleen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Allie Colleen</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 28, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>A Country Artist, Singer and Songwriter who opened in 2024 for Jelly Roll on the final leg of his Beautifully Broken Tour and also toured with Lee Brice on his Me and My Guitar tour as well as headlined many shows of her own. Her music style defines how life shaped her, alongside the personal lyrics and transparency in both her vocals and performance. Her passion for singing and songwriting since a young age has garnered her a reputation of being a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding voice.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethel-education-foundation-annual-benefit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Education Foundation Annual Benefit</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Candlewood Inn, Brookfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>This event is our biggest fundraiser attended by parents, educators and community members. The evening includes dinner, DJ & dancing, open bar, plus a silent auction. At the event, 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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/taste-in-time---a-dinner-for-the-ages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Taste in Time - A Dinner for the Ages</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society, Wilton</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Take a step back to the past, enjoy great food and drink, and support your local community. On Saturday, March 1st, from 6 to 9 pm, guests are invited to explore the Wilton Historical Society’s beautiful and unique historic spaces as you eat and drink your way through different eras of history. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-philadelphia-story-a-live-radio-play" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Philadelphia Story, a Live Radio Play</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pryor-Hubbard Hall, Redding</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Join Director Nancy Ponturo with her extraordinary cast of actors, and watch the hilarity unfold as Tracy Lord, CK Dexter Haven, and other memorable characters are brought to life in this classic 1940s romantic comedy.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rick-reyes-santos-de-palo-at-voices-cafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rick Reyes & Santos de Palo</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>Voices Cafe is thrilled to present the dynamic, creative force of Rick Reyes & Santos de Palo on Saturday March 1st at 8pm. This concert promises to be a unique, expansive musical exploration. This innovative fusing of Caribbean Mountain folk music with North American folk traditions such as bluegrass, country, and gospel, takes the Latin Americana music genre to whole different category.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/young-musicians-festival-36a15" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Young Musicians Festival</strong></a></p><p><strong>Saxe Middle School, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm</p><p>The Schubert Club's Young Musicians Festival (YMF) provides adjudicated performance opportunities for students under 18 years of age who receive private instrumental and/or voice instruction. Show off your hard work and receive a gold cup!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/colab-a-new-program-by-the-schubert-club-65498" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>CoLab: A New Program By The Schubert Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Weston</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 2:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>The Schubert Club introduces CoLab, a new pilot program where all ages and all stages come together to perform works from any genre of music: Parents with their children, grandparents with their grandchildren, friends with friends, teachers with students, all combinations or solo. No rules!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/american-chamber-orchestra-s-concerto-competition-e235b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>American Chamber Orchestra's Concerto Competition</strong></a></p><p><strong>Faust Harrison Pianos, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Applications and details are available through our website. The winners will perform their winning pieces at our Season Finale concert on June 14, 2025. Deadline for applications is February 5.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/first-county-bank-maple-sugar-fest-sunday-38306" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>First County Bank Maple Sugar Fest</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 2, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, join the for the , as they make our very own line of maple syrup from the 200+ mature maple trees found right here on our 118-acre campus. They’re one of only two official maple sugar producers in Fairfield County!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-great-african-dance-exchange---dance-workshop-for-kids-families" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Great African Dance Exchange</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History & Culture Center, Weston</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 2, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Learn about West African dance with your family! Get ready to move those feet. Jolyn will teach traditional dance steps and share her knowledge about dances from the West African country of Ghana. Too shy to dance? No problem! You can participate by playing traditional instruments during the program. Wear comfortable clothing.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sunday-player-piano-soiree" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sunday Player Piano Soiree</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 2, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss an afternoon of enchanting melodies and captivating rhythms as our historic player piano fills the air with delightful tunes chosen by YOU from our music rolls. Immerse yourself in the charm of vintage music, surrounded by our exhibit How the Upper Crust Lived the Gilded Age in Stamford.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sunday-smoke-show-blue-flame-live-band-cabaret-in-an-intimate-cigar-bar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sunday Smoke Show: Blue Flame | Live Band Cabaret</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connecticut Cigar Company, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 2, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Spring is right around the corner, and Sunday Smoke Show: Blue Flame is turning up the heat with burlesque and vocals set to a live blues band. Join us for a night of sultry cabaret entertainment. The blue flame burns hottest. Sunday Smoke Show is a recurring cabaret revue in the newly refurbished cigar lounge, now with a full bar, at Connecticut Cigar Company in downtown Stamford, CT. Get up close and personal with the finest performers from Connecticut, New York City and elsewhere while enjoying craft cocktails and premium hand-rolled cigars in a warm, intimate space sure to raise the temperature till everyone boils over!</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>