<p>WESTPORT, Conn. — The&nbsp;<em>J vs. K</em>&nbsp;Book Tour took The Westport Library by storm, with #1&nbsp;<em>New York Times</em>&nbsp;best-selling authors and Newbery Award winners Kwame Alexander (<em>The Crossover</em>) and Jerry Craft (<em>New Kid</em>) taking over the Library’s Trefz Forum to celebrate comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.</p><p><em>J vs. K</em>&nbsp;is the latest book project from Alexander and Craft, a hilarious illustrated story that features two talented fifth graders — one a writer, the other a drawer — going head to head in a creative competition for the ages. As part of the book launch, the two superstar writers are traveling the country via a special J vs. K tour van, making stops in a variety of venues to talk to elementary- and middle school-age students.</p><p>Wednesday morning at the Library, they entertained a packed Trefz Forum full of young faces — nearly 300 in all — from Dunbar School in Bridgeport, ESL students from Central High School in Bridgeport, Marvin Elementary in Norwalk, and Wooster Middle School in Stratford.&nbsp;</p><p>Alexander and Craft talked about their journeys from learners to readers to writers, their time in grade school, overcoming adversity, the power of collaboration, and their favorite books, engaging the assembled students throughout with calls-and-responses, giveaways, selfies, and more. Both men emphasized that reading should be fun, noting that many of the books they had to read when they were younger were often too long and didn’t reflect their experiences.</p><p>“So, when I grew up, I decided I wanted to write the books I wanted read when I was a kid,” said Craft, recounting how he self-published his first graphic novel with the help of a how-to book he borrowed from the Norwalk Library.</p><p>Alexander told a similar story of how he had to self-publish his first book after a number of rejections. He encouraged students to do what they love, and above all else, to believe in themselves.</p><p>“You can’t allow your career to be determined by other people’s no’s,” said Alexander. “You have to say yes to yourself.”</p><p><strong>About&nbsp;<em>J vs. K</em></strong></p><p>J and K are the most creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw, and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write, and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the Top 5. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it’s the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen. It’s artist vs. writer, with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top.&nbsp;</p><p>“I love this book so much,” Alexander said Wednesday morning to the assembled students, who received autographed copies of the book following the authors’ talk.</p><p>Added Craft, address the crowd: “Our book birthday was yesterday, so you’re some of the first people to read this book.”</p><p><strong>About Kwame Alexander</strong></p><p>Alexander is an Emmy Award-winning producer of&nbsp;<em>The Crossover</em>, his Newbery Medal-winning novel turned Disney+ TV series, the creator of the new animated PBS special&nbsp;<em>Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Band</em>, and the host of&nbsp;<em>America’s Next Great Author</em>, the first reality television show for writers (produced by Libby and Kanopy and premiering in 2026).</p><p>Alexander is the #1&nbsp;<em>New York Times</em>&nbsp;best-selling author of 44 books, including&nbsp;<em>Why Fathers Cry at Night</em>,&nbsp;<em>How Sweet The Sound</em>,&nbsp;<em>J vs. K</em>, and the just-released motivational primer for graduates, creatives, and professionals entitled&nbsp;<em>Say Yes</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>A recipient of the 2025 NAACP Image Award, Alexander is also the Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts for Chautauqua Literary Arts. He regularly shares his passion for literacy, books, and the craft of writing around the world, including in Ghana, West Africa, where he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic. His mission is to change the world — one word at a time.</p><p><strong>About Jerry Craft</strong></p><p>Craft is the&nbsp;<em>New York Times</em>&nbsp;best-selling author and illustrator of the graphic novels&nbsp;<em>New Kid</em>,&nbsp;<em>Class Act</em>, and&nbsp;<em>School Trip</em>.&nbsp;<em>New Kid</em>&nbsp;is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020), the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020).&nbsp;</p><p>In his latest book, Craft has teamed up with fellow Newbery winner Alexander to bring you&nbsp;<em>J vs. K</em>. Craft was born in Harlem, grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City, lived in Norwalk, and now travels the world telling kids and their families about the importance of reading.</p><p><strong>Story link (with photo gallery):&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://westportlibrary.org/best-selling-award-winning-authors-kwame-alexander-and-jerry-craft-entertain-delight-young-students-in-unforgettable-morning-at-the-westport-library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/best-selling-award-winning-authors-kwame-alexander-and-jerry-craft-entertain-delight-young-students-in-unforgettable-morning-at-the-westport-library/</a></p><p><strong>Photo credits:</strong>&nbsp;KT Kaminski/The Westport Library</p><p><strong>About The Westport Library</strong></p><p>Founded in 1886, built in 1908, and transformed in 2019, The Westport Library is one of the most active and innovative public libraries in the nation, devoted to enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the community. Among its many highlights are a full collection of books for children, teens, and adults; an engaging and colorful Children’s Library; a MakerSpace; a Library of Things; a Seed Library; a robust café and store; and professional art installations that rotate throughout the year. The Westport Library is also home to Verso Studios, replete with an SSL hybrid analog sound studio and broadcast control suite featuring a state-of-the-art console and six robotic cameras, and the Trefz Forum, an open, flexible space that can accommodate up to 600 patrons and features an 18-foot video wall, 35-foot stage, state-of-the-art sound, and theatrical lighting. Situated in the heart of downtown Westport overlooking the scenic Saugatuck River, The Westport Library annually hosts StoryFest, the largest literary festival in Connecticut, and VersoFest, its multi-day music and media festival. Above all, the Library strives to serve the whole community as a vibrant gathering spot where people of all ages come to seek information, gain knowledge, exchange ideas, and share experiences. For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">westportlibrary.org</a>.</p>

<p><strong>GREENWICH, Conn.&nbsp;</strong>– Thirty-two years after dreaming of publishing a children’s book, retired Greenwich educator and school psychologist Catherine T. Horn’s dreams are a reality with the recent publication of<strong><em>Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings</em></strong><em>. Horn will discuss the creative inspiration and long and fruitful road to publication of this enchanting bedtime story</em>&nbsp;at Greenwich Historical Society’s Spotlight Book Talk on May 14th&nbsp;at 2 pm.</p><p>Based on a poem she wrote when her children were toddlers, the story invites young readers to use their imaginations to help fall asleep by journeying on butterfly wings through the changing seasons of New England. The soothing yet adventurous tale has them visualize playing in parks, eating ice cream cones, picking pumpkins and apples and dancing in the snow. Written in rhyme, the beautifully illustrated story is fast becoming a classic as it captures the hearts of children and families everywhere.</p><p>From navigating the complexities of self-publishing, to collaborating with her talented design team and illustrator across the globe, to working with a marketing firm, Horn’s creative journey is one of resilience and determination. Her behind-the-scenes Spotlight Talk is a testament to the power of perseverance as she provides valuable insights into the publishing process.</p><p>Horn’s 35 years’ experience with Greenwich public schools and dedication to children and families is evident in the gentle rhymes and soft pastel illustrations throughout the book.</p><p>“Like the transformative journey of a caterpillar turning into a butterfly,&nbsp;<strong><em>Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings</em></strong>&nbsp;emerged as a unique, special and beautiful creation that is close to my heart,” says Horn. “It took a lot longer than a caterpillar stays in a chrysalis, but the important thing for me is that I did it. Hard work, determination, fortitude and the ability to face obstacles without giving up allowed me to achieve this dream.”</p><p>“Catherine’s creative insights and dedication to children is especially relevant as programming for kids ramps up,” says Museum Store Manager Barbara Johann. “Our&nbsp;<a href="https://greenwichhistory.org/time-travelers-kidstudio/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"><em>Time Travelers KidStudio</em></a>, which is held every Wednesday through Sunday from 12 – 4 pm, enables children to step back in time to explore the past through experiential and educational crafts and games. And our&nbsp;<a href="https://greenwichhistory.org/art-and-history-camp/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"><em>Arts &amp; History Camp</em></a>&nbsp;returns this summer with innovative programs and experiences for children in grades 2 – 8 to enjoy.”</p><p><em>Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings</em>&nbsp;may be purchased at Greenwich Historical Society’s Museum Store in advance or immediately following the May 14th&nbsp;talk for signing by Catherine Horn. Admission is free; reservations are suggested as space is limited. For more information:<strong>&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://greenwichhistory.org/event/taking-a-ride-on-butterfly-wings/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://greenwichhistory.org/event/taking-a-ride-on-butterfly-wings/</a></p><p>Book cover: Taking a Ride on Butterfly Wings</p><p>Catherine Horn</p><p>All photos provided with permission from Catherine Horn</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">FAIRFIELD, CT — In a momentous step forward in the fight against cancer, State Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield/Easton) joined Hartford HealthCare CEO Jeffrey A. Flaks, St. Vincent’s Medical Center President Bill Jennings, and Selwyn M. Vickers, MD, FACS, President and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), alongside healthcare professionals and community leaders, to celebrate the grand opening of the Hartford HealthCare/Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Fairfield.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">Senator Hwang proudly welcomed this state-of-the-art facility to the 28th Senate District, calling it a “transformational and life-saving milestone” for Connecticut families.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">“This is a game-changing moment for our community and our entire state,” said Senator Hwang. “With this world-class cancer care partnership now in our backyard, we bring cutting-edge treatment, groundbreaking research, and the nation’s leading oncology specialists directly to Fairfield County. It means earlier diagnoses, more personalized care, and most importantly - better outcomes. This is how we beat cancer.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">The cancer center marks a pioneering collaboration between Hartford HealthCare, a regional leader in integrated healthcare delivery, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, globally recognized for its leadership in cancer treatment and research. Patients will now have local access to comprehensive oncology care, clinical trials, advanced therapies, and support services - all under one roof.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">“Cancer doesn’t discriminate - and it doesn’t wait,” Hwang emphasized. “Every person, from Fairfield to Bridgeport and beyond, deserves access to the best possible care. This center is more than a facility - it’s a beacon of hope, healing, and health equity. I am deeply honored and thrilled to welcome it to the 28th District.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">The grand opening featured a ceremonial ribbon cutting, remarks from dignitaries, and tours showcasing the facility’s advanced treatment areas and patient care services. The center is expected to become a regional hub for oncology services and will play a critical role in reducing longstanding disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">“Hartford HealthCare is transforming the way cancer care is delivered in the Fairfield community and reaching patients earlier,” said Jeffrey Flaks, President and CEO of Hartford HealthCare. “It’s about bringing hope to our patients by giving them direct access to the best cancer care in the world. This new cancer center epitomizes our relentless pursuit of excellence to provide world-class cancer care for every patient. As part of this grand opening, we’re excited to continue our collaboration with MSK’s world-renowned experts to elevate cancer care for patients in Connecticut.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">"We are proud to join Hartford HealthCare in celebrating the opening of the new Fairfield Cancer Center, a state-of-the-art facility that will expand access to advanced, personalized cancer care in Connecticut,” said Selwyn Vickers, MD, FACS, President and CEO of MSK. “Through MSK Care Partners, patients at the Fairfield Cancer Center and St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport will receive subspecialized treatment guided by MSK’s world-renowned standards. Our work with Hartford HealthCare represents a shared commitment to improving cancer outcomes by bringing world-class expertise directly into the communities where patients live.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">Senator Hwang, a long-time advocate for health innovation and cancer research as co-chair of the bipartisan bioscience caucus, reaffirmed his commitment to fighting for patient-centered policies and access to world-class care.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">“This is about saving lives and supporting families when they need it most,” he said. “This partnership gives us the tools, the expertise, and the hope to build a healthier future - right here at home.”</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend May 9-11</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">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.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/tacos-tequila-at-the-sm-nc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tacos &amp; Tequila at the SM&amp;NC</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Come savor the flavor at a night of taco tasting and tequila exploration in our Knobloch Family Farmhouse alongside ambassadors from exceptional tequila brands. Enjoy an array of authentically made tacos and sides expertly prepared using only the freshest ingredients. Our event partner, BevMax, will be on hand to place orders for full bottles of any of the products you sample.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/prints---pottery---painting-artists-of-studio-402-282ef" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Prints - Pottery - Painting, Artists of Studio 402</strong></a></p><p><strong>Easton Library, Easton</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>The three women in this exhibition have shared a studio space since 2016 at the AmFab Arts Studios in Bridgeport. Holly Hawthorn is a mixed media artist who works in porcelain, collage and printmaking. The subject of her art often revolves around ocean themes. Deborah Dutko is an accomplished illustrator whose artistic explorations have led her to a love of clay in all its forms. Her illustrative talents are manifest in her amazing pet portraits done in watercolor technique.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-comedy-series-cbf26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret Comedy Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the Cabaret Comedy Series—exclusive nights of stand-up comedy featuring a rotating lineup of top-notch comedians. Each show brings a unique blend of wit and humor to the stage, promising unforgettable evenings of laughter and good times. Grab your tickets now and join us for a comedy experience like no other!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/30th-birthday-open-house" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>30th Birthday Open House</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Every studio in the building will be in operation, creating limited edition 30th Anniversary prints as you watch. There will be hands-on activities throughout the day, and a birthday cake celebration.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-day-gold-and-glitter-in-vienna-be70a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Family Day: Gold and Glitter in Vienna</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bellarmine Hall, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Inspired by the artwork on view in our exhibition Famous &amp; Family: Through the Lens of Trude Fleischmann. Learn more about the exhibition here! The first session will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m. During this Family Day event, kids ages 4-10 will get to create Gustav Klimt's "Tree of Life" and self-protraits as Adele Bloch-Bauer, aka "The Woman in Gold"!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-lisa-tannebaum-in-a-mother-s-day-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Lisa Tannebaum in a Mother's Day Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>Celebrate Mother's Day with a beautiful Harp Concert!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/under-the-sea-summer-theatre-gala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Under The Sea" Summer Theatre Gala</strong></a></p><p><strong>Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Dive into an unforgettable evening at The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s 22nd Anniversary Gala, “Under the Sea,” Saturday, May 10th, at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT. A whimsical evening to benefit the Summer Theatre’s Season and Educational Programs . This special night’s honorees are philanthropists Robert Miller and Kathy Klingenstein , along with Broadway’s Arbender Robinson, a true journeyman of the stage. The evening will feature performances by stars of our upcoming summer Broadway production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Come meet our Stars, Gala Committee, Trustees and fellow Patrons for an enjoyable experience.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-of-the-mendelssohn-choir-through-the-years" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Music of the Mendelssohn Choir Through the Years</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Church Congregational, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>A 40th anniversary concert &amp; silent auction.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-power-of-song-for-justice-a-tribute-to-peter-paul-mary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Power of Song for Justice: A Tribute to Peter, Paul &amp; Mary</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The term “folk music” has become interchangeable with Peter, Paul &amp; Mary. In 1962, with the nation still recovering from the McCarthy era, the civil rights movement taking shape, the Cold War heating up, and a nascent spirit of activism in the air, Peter Yarrow, Noel (Paul) Stokey and Mary Travers came together to foster folk music’s potency as a social, cultural and political force. This concert brings together some of our current era’s most talented folk artists, Peter and Maura Kennedy, Mustard’s Retreat’s David Tamulevich and Libby Glover, and Weston native Suzanne Sheridan, sharing their experiences through song, bringing alive once again the power of song for justice.</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>

<p>Port Chester, NY: Save The Date! Clay Art Center and Neptune In June are pleased to announce the Third Annual Port Chester Arts Festival! Taking place 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday, May 31st, 2025 at several locations throughout the village of Port Chester, this festival is a celebration of makers, designers, doers, and dreamers who call Port Chester home. (*Rain date of Saturday, June 14th) Join us for the 3rd Annual Port Chester Arts Festival in Port Chester, New York, a day filled with creativity and inspiration for all ages! Celebrate the vibrant arts community that makes our town a cultural hub. Enjoy free arts events throughout the day, with activities happening at multiple locations across Port Chester, including the main stage at Columbus Park. The festival features exhibitions, open studios, workshops, performances, and pop-up installations. Experience local culture in every artistic form! Explore visual arts at Clay Art Center and Neptune in June, enjoy music with Eugene’s Learning &amp; Music Studio, dive into acting with LawnChair Theatre, and dance with Jete Dance Studio. From 11 am to 9 pm, discover the incredible talent within Port Chester by visiting artist studios, galleries, music performances, and more. Pick up a festival map to guide your adventure!</p><p>Getting Involved</p><p>Calling all Port Chester Artists, Musicians and Arts Organizations! Apply to be a part of</p><p>the Port Chester Arts Festival. Columbus Park will host individual artists who would</p><p>like to present and sell their work during the festival and musicians that would like to</p><p>perform. If you have your own venue, you may also host events at your site. Artists</p><p>must live or work in Port Chester, or have another strong connection to the Village.</p><p>For more information,<a href="http://www.portchesterarts.com/participate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.portchesterarts.com/participate</a></p><p>The Port Chester Arts Festival is also looking for sponsors and volunteers. Help make</p><p>the Port Chester Arts Festival a success by donating your time and resources. For more</p><p>information,<a href="http://www.portchesterarts.com/participate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.portchesterarts.com/participate</a></p><p>Visit<a href="http://www.portchesterarts.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.portchesterarts.com</a> for more information, and to see the full schedule of</p><p>events and participating organizations. Check back for regular updates as participating</p><p>venues, groups, organizations, vendors, and events are confirmed.</p><p>Clay Art Center is a nationally recognized non-profit center for the advancement and</p><p>practice of ceramic arts offering exhibitions, clay classes for adults and children, studio</p><p>spaces for clay artists, and outreach programs in the community. It is located in the</p><p>heart of Port Chester for over 65 years at 40 Beech Street, Port Chester, NY 10573.</p><p>Join Clay Art Center for classes, exhibitions, shopping, events and more. Visit the</p><p>website below to subscribe for weekly newsletters, register for classes, and to learn</p><p>more about upcoming events and exhibitions.</p><p><a href="http://www.clayartcenter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.clayartcenter.org</a></p><p><a href="mailto:mail@clayartcenter.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mail@clayartcenter.org</a></p><p>Neptune in June, formerly known as Ice Cream Social art space, is an artist-run</p><p>curatorial and community project based in Port Chester, NY. It bridges emerging artists</p><p>with the national art industry while strengthening local conversations and</p><p>opportunities in the arts. Neptune in June curates exhibitions locally and across the</p><p>U.S., offers free interdisciplinary public events, and provides educational programs to</p><p>schools and families throughout Westchester. For more information and to subscribe</p><p>for updates on upcoming events, visit the website below.</p><p><a href="http://www.neptuneinjune.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.neptuneinjune.com</a></p><p><a href="mailto:info@neptuneinjune.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@neptuneinjune.com</a></p>

<p>FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Of five student teams,<strong>&nbsp;Clean N’ Go Powerwashing&nbsp;</strong>came in first and received $12.5K in seed-funding at the 13th Annual Fairfield StartUp Showcase.&nbsp;<strong>Team MiniMinds</strong>&nbsp;clinched both the Audience Favorite Award and the new Societal Impact Award.</p><p>Competing for a record-breaking $40,000 in seed funding, five student teams participated in the 13th annual Fairfield StartUp Showcase on Thursday, April 24, at the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Culminating a year’s worth of mentorship, business planning, and practicing their pitches, the student teams took the stage in front of an in-person and livestream audience. For a second year in a row, the Showcase was hosted by Fairfield alumna Mariana Antaya '23, a product manager at Microsoft Teams and founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairfield.edu/news/2024/may/team-wave-creations-takes-first-place-at-startup-showcase.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>quantifAI</strong></a>&nbsp;— a fintech startup that premiered at the 2022 Showcase.</p><p>Sophomore&nbsp;marketing&nbsp;and&nbsp;management&nbsp;double-major Liam Collins '27 is the founder of this year's first-place Showcase winner&nbsp;<a href="https://cleanandgopowerwashing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Clean N’ Go Powerwashing</strong></a>. In less than two years, he has propelled his company to success, amassing $52,000 in revenue last year while making about $21,000 in profit. Clean N' Go focuses on exterior cleaning for residential and commercial customers across Long Island, N.Y. Collins shadowed the StartUp Showcase teams last year and came well-equipped for this year’s event. He hopes to leverage his seed funding toward marketing, business expenses, and more.</p><p>Collins said he practiced his pitch for about ten hours leading up to the April 24 Showcase. Upon learning he would take home $12,500 in seed-funding, “I couldn't believe it," he said. “It was a roller coaster of emotions but I had a lot of confidence in my pitch and I had a great time answering my questions.”&nbsp;</p><p>During his pitch, Collins clearly articulated the quality of his service and shared how Clean N’ Go offers high-pressure and low-pressure solutions for a range of jobs such as house washing, driveway cleaning, roof washing, paver cleaning and sanding, and more.</p><p>Team MiniMinds was the first-ever recipient of StartUp's Societal Impact Award, netting the team two prestigious accolades in total.</p><p>Each student team that took the stage was required to field questions from the investor panel and showcase their business's mission and goals for the panelists and audience. A highlight of the evening was the recognition of Team MiniMinds, an AI-powered learning disability diagnostic tool. MiniMinds was awarded both the <strong>Audience Favorite Award</strong> and the first-ever <strong>Fairfield StartUp Societal Impact Award.</strong></p><p>To learn more about the 2025 investor panel — which featured alumni, business experts, and C-suite executives — visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fairfield.edu/startup/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Fairfield.edu/startup</strong></a>.</p><p>"Fairfield University’s StartUp Showcase left me inspired by the bold thinking, smart risks, and fresh ideas the students brought to life," said Gonzalve Bich, CEO of BIC, who served as a Fairfield StartUp panelist. "Being a panelist was a rewarding experience and a great reminder that creativity, persistence, and curiosity fuel every great venture.”</p><p><em>Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.</em></p>