<h2>Public Hearing on June 5: The City of Danbury Community Development Block Program </h2><p>The City of Danbury, Connecticut announces the availability of its draft 2024 HUD CDBG Annual Action Plan. The City is required to prepare and submit an Annual Action Plan each year to identify and prioritize its community development needs and resources and provide information on the activities that will be funded in the 2024 allocation of CDBG funding. In accordance with the primary objectives of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1987 (as amended) the City of Danbury, Connecticut is awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. </p><p>Congress allocates these funds with the condition that recipients give maximum feasible priority to activities that principally benefit persons of low and moderate income, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight or meet urgent needs. An opportunity for public comment is being provided for any comments and/or suggestions pertaining to the proposed 2024 allocations. Total funding available for 2024 CDBG projects is $583,833.</p><p>Proposed activities for 2024 include the following: 1) ARC, case management - $25,000; 2) Amos House, ADA updates - $50,000; 3) CIFC, Ellsworth Avenue School Based Health Center - $52,000; 4) City of Danbury Elderly Services, Rent&nbsp;Rebate&nbsp;Program&nbsp;&nbsp;Assistant&nbsp;- $8,280; 5) Daily Bread Food Pantry, Danbury Super Pantry - $50,000; 6) City of Danbury Fire Department, Community&nbsp;Smoke&nbsp;Alarm Project, $50,000; 7) The Housing Authority, Laurel Garden Staircase - $80,000; 8) Interfaith Ministry of Greater Danbury, The Living&nbsp;&nbsp;Pantry&nbsp;$15,000;&nbsp;9) The Center for Empowerment and Education, Community Impact Program $10,000; 10) The United Way of Coastal and Western CT, Cora’s Kids Family&nbsp;&nbsp;Child Care Network -$18,300.</p><p>The public is invited to attend the second of two public hearings on the 2024 Annual Action Plan process. The second public hearing will be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at City Hall, 155 Deer Hill Ave., Danbury, CT 06810 in Conference Room 3C. An overview of the City’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan will be presented highlighting the activities that are proposed as priority needs for CDBG funding for the 2024 Program period. This will be followed by a presentation of proposed funding activities for the 2024 CDBG program year, from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025.</p><p>The proposed Annual Action Plan activities will be available starting Wednesday, May 1, 2024 on the City’s website. Wednesday, May 1 marks the start of the 30-day comment period for public input/comment on the 2024 Action Plan and proposed allocations.</p><p>The City will accept electronic or written comment on the funding allocations through August 1, 2024 at <a href="mailto:cdbg@danbury-ct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">cdbg@danbury-ct.gov</a>, or mailed to: Kara Prunty, Assistant Director of Finance, 155 Deer Hill Ave, Danbury, CT 06810.</p><p>All comments received will be summarized with responses in the final submission to HUD. If anyone requires special assistance in attending this session (e.g., language, sign language, interpretation and/or mobility assistance), please advise the ADA Coordinator, Office of Mayor, (203) 797-4611 at Danbury City Hall at least three (3) days prior to the meeting so that such accommodations can be arranged in advance.</p><p>Equal Opportunity Employer/ Affirmative Action</p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">Monday, May 6 at 6pm at Rogers Park in Danbury, join us for an exciting varsity baseball matchup - all for a good cause! The Immaculate High School Boys Baseball Team will take on Bethel in a Breast Cancer Awareness game that supports </span><a href="https://www.areyoudense.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Are You Dense, Inc</a><span style="color: rgb(77, 81, 86); background-color: transparent;">, </span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">which educates the public about the risks and screening challenges of dense breast tissue and its impact on advanced stage breast cancer.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">The event is organized by Immaculate parents Marc and Kateri Kenney whose son Jordan '27 plays on the team. Kateri was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.</span></p>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(50, 55, 61);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><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><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Luis Leite co-founder of </strong><a href="https://brazilianbbqboys.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Brazilian BBQ Boys</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our business journey began with a deep passion for Brazilian Churrasco. The idea to start a catering service originated in Ridgefield, CT. A lifelong friend asked our family to prepare food and Churrasco (BBQ) for a high school graduation party. This experience ignited our love for sharing great cuisine in the comfort of people's homes, making celebrations even more memorable. This initial spark has led us to blossom, extending the Brazilian Churrasco Experience to more families and creating unforgettable memories through our food and service!</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);">Our best product would be our Main Platter, this Platter comes with Mom’s Famous Rice Vinaigrette accompanied by two choices of Meats. Our Meat choices for the Main platter are Picanha (Steak)/ Short Ribs / Chicken Breast/ Thick Cut Bacon / Brazilian Spicy Sausage. That is typically the crowd favorite/pleaser when we go to public places and events.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We use a variety of local businesses! Omaha Beef sources most of our Beef Products MeetMe Steaks- Picanha Philly Cheesesteak, Meat Ki Brazil- the only sausage we carry is made locally in this store!</span></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);">We have, several times. My Brother and I believe that continued growth and improvement is a part of life. So we are always looking for ways that we can improve the overall experience of our guests.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:BrazilianBBQBoys@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">BrazilianBBQBoys@gmail.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or call </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(203) 733-3552</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit the Brazilian BBQ Boys website </span><a href="https://brazilianbbqboys.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://brazilianbbqboys.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and social media pages</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Facebook @</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BrazilianBBQBoys/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">BrazilianBBQBoys</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/brazilianbbqboys/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">brazilianbbqboys</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>

<h2 class="ql-align-center"><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Hillside Food Outreach Raises $30,000 to Combat Food Insecurity&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;</span></h2><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Danbury, Conn. (May 2, 2024) –&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Hillside Food Outreach recently hosted its 15th annual “Dancing with Our Stars” competition at The Summit in Danbury, attracting more than 100 supporters to the ballroom and raising $30,000 to combat food insecurity in the community. All proceeds from the benefit support the nonprofit's mission to provide high-quality, nutritious food to thousands of low-income families, seniors, and the chronically ill each month.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Four champions&nbsp;showcasing the most dazzling dance moves were crowned&nbsp;by a panel of judges&nbsp;amidst cheers and applause&nbsp;from the&nbsp;crowd.&nbsp;Billy Clifford&nbsp;and Arthur Murray dance pro&nbsp;Dolly&nbsp;Zurzusi&nbsp;wowed the&nbsp;judges&nbsp;with their Country Medley dance to Luke Bryan's "Country Girl (Shake it for me)," while Shelly Hardie and&nbsp;Arthur Murray Danbury owner&nbsp;Andy Cabel&nbsp;scored high&nbsp;with their Swing performance to Glen Frey's "The Heat is on."&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Taking home the Peoples’ Choice Awards – the dance duos who generated the most votes and fundraising dollars from the audience – were&nbsp;Stacey Cohen and Denzel Santos,&nbsp;who&nbsp;stole the&nbsp;show&nbsp;with their Hustle/Merengue style&nbsp;dance&nbsp;to Maroon 5's "Moves like Jagger," while Michael Grace and Yulya&nbsp;Zubava&nbsp;mesmerized&nbsp;the crowd&nbsp;with their Argentine Tango &amp; Paso Doble to "Spanish Tale for Two."&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">All of the participants partook in weekly dance lessons for three months at Arthur Murray dance studios, and were partnered with their instructor for the competition.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Kathy Purdy, CEO and Founder of Hillside Food Outreach, expressed&nbsp;immense&nbsp;gratitude to all who&nbsp;supported the 15th&nbsp;Annual&nbsp;Dancing with Our Stars&nbsp;competition.&nbsp;“Dancing for a great cause is about as good as it gets, and this annual event directly helps&nbsp;change&nbsp;lives and offer hope to so many neighbors in need.&nbsp;Access&nbsp;to&nbsp;nutritious food is a right that everyone deserves,&nbsp;but unfortunately food insecurity is at a decades-long high, and too many&nbsp;vulnerable members of our communities are forced to choose between eating healthy or paying for basic necessities.”&nbsp;</span></p><p>Hillside is a delivery-only food pantry providing high quality, nutrient-dense foods, staples and essentials to nearly 1,000 households and over 2,000 individuals across Westchester, Putnam and Fairfield Counties, including elderly residents who find it difficult to travel and carry grocery bags; those who are housebound due sickness or disability; and people with health conditions such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension who require nutritious diets. The nonprofit fills the nutrition need while establishing both connection and engagement with those feeling hopeless, alone, or forgotten.&nbsp;</p><p>Hillside Food Outreach is headquartered in Mount&nbsp;Kisco, N.Y. and operates in Fairfield County, Conn. through its Danbury satellite location. It may be reached at 914-747-0095 or by visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://hillsidefoodoutreach.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">hillsidefoodoutreach.org</a><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Bethel resident Victoria Ferreira, a Spanish teacher at Danbury High School and Connecticut Army National Guard reservist, will not be alone when she crosses the stage to receive her diploma on Sunday, May 12, at <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University’s</a> Commencement exercises at the Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport. Ferreira, who will receive a <a href="https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/grad/sps/programs/master-of-arts-in-teaching/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Master of Arts in Teaching</a> degree, will be accompanied by her son Logan, 15.</p><p>“My goals are Logan’s goals, and this is for him,” Ferreira said. “My son, despite facing challenges associated with autism, is looking forward to participating in this memorable occasion. He came to campus with me and we spent time in the library on many occasions. He understands education comes first — we both do our homework and have books. He had to be patient when I had to go to class or leave for National Guard training. He is the one who made the sacrifices, and he is a survivor and the one who deserves this moment,” she said.</p><p>“My husband and I both received our degrees from WCSU,” Ferreira continued. “I have a bachelor’s degree in <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/wlc/spanish/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spanish</a> and <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Communication</a>, and my husband, Brian, has a Bachelor of Arts in <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/art/undergraduate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Visual Art</a> and an M.F.A. in <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/art/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Illustration</a>. The university was great every time we had to leave for training. They are so supportive and worked with our schedules. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the following individuals and groups who supported my educational journey at WCSU. Without their guidance and encouragement, I wouldn’t have made it this far: Professors Dr. Jeanne Lakatos, Dr. Katie Lever-Mazzuto, Dr. Katy Wiss, Dan Saraceno and Dr. MaryAnn Murtha, who made it possible for me to survive when my husband was deployed to Bahrain. Also, my husband, Brian Ferreira, Logan’s school paraeducators Patricia Moriarty and Ksenia Rubin, and the Bethel School System. I was able to get everything done with their support, and I am thankful for that.”</p><p>Ferreira came to the U.S. from Peru in 2000. At the time, she was 26 years old. She said her family was still in Peru and she wanted to belong to something bigger. “I was active in scouting in Peru, which feels like a family,” she said. “The United States opened doors for me and I wanted to give back and serve people, so I enlisted because the Army is like a family, too. It turned out that WCSU also became my family.”</p><p>After basic training, Ferreira was involved in drilling exercises in Stratford, when she met her </p><p>future husband, whose unit was also participating in drills in the same facility. Logan is their only child.</p><p>Ferreira is a Sergeant First Class in the CT Army National Guard. “Logan has been a significant part of my education, as well as my military journey,” Ferreira said. “He has attended every promotion and award ceremony, and I was honored to have him pin my new ranks each time. Everything we have done, we have done for and with him. We don’t know if Logan will be able to attend college, and we want him to have that feeling of accomplishment. He knows mommy is going to graduate, so this is his graduation, too. He’s also graduating from Bethel Middle School this year.” Proud husband and father Brian will be cheering them on from the stands.</p><p>Ferreira is an advocate for children with special needs at Danbury High School, and in her role as a Special Olympics coach. “I always try to show people that these kids are smart and kind and need opportunities,” she said. “They want what everyone wants, it just requires patience. Logan is part of the WCSU, Danbury and Bethel communities,” Ferreira continued. “He can be the face for everyone to show what is possible. He’s going to be so happy.”</p><p>Ferreira reiterated that the celebration on May 12 would not have been possible without the support she received. “WCSU is amazing,” she said. “You can do anything. It doesn’t matter what your age is, your background, if you have a special needs kid, or are deployed — WCSU is good for everyone and they will help you do anything. There is no limit.”</p><p>For more information, contact WCSU Communications and Marketing at <a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Join us on Saturday May 4th, 2024,&nbsp;8AM - 12PM</h2><p>Clean your home or property of debris and unwanted items! Dispose of them free of charge, at any of our five dumpster sites.&nbsp;<strong>Bulk garbage dumping is limited to Danbury residents and residential property owners ONLY (proof is required).</strong></p><p><strong>Construction debris, grass clippings, yard debris, hazardous wastes, and electronics are NOT allowed.</strong>&nbsp;Also note that scrap metal, tires, and white appliances containing freon are allowed, but must be kept separate from other garbage.&nbsp;<strong>No commercial vehicles or box trucks will be allowed.</strong></p><p>If electronics are what you need to get rid of, then you can drop them off at the Oak Ridge’s Mom &amp; Pop Center at 307 White Street during Clean City Danbury Day.&nbsp;This program is open to all residents of Danbury.&nbsp;This event is made possible through the generosity of Oak Ridge Waste and Recycling, and the many volunteers who participate.</p><ul><li><a href="https://ct-danbury.civicplus.com/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=3867" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 123, 162);">Flyer Cidade Limpa Português</a></li><li><a href="https://ct-danbury.civicplus.com/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=3864" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 123, 162);">Cidade Limpa Informação Português</a></li><li><a href="https://ct-danbury.civicplus.com/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=3866" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 123, 162);">Folleto Ciudad Limpia Español</a></li><li><a href="https://ct-danbury.civicplus.com/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=3865" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 123, 162);">Información sobre la ciudad limpia Español</a></li><li><a href="https://ct-danbury.civicplus.com/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=3863" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 123, 162);">Clean City Flyer English</a></li><li><a href="https://ct-danbury.civicplus.com/ImageRepository/Document?documentID=3862" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 123, 162);">Clean City Information English</a></li></ul>