<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend June 6 to 8</strong></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fiber-artists-of-handweavers-guild-of-connecticut-exhibition-opening-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Fiber Artists of Handweavers' Guild of Connecticut"</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Library, Wilton</strong></p><p>Friday Jun 6, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>The Handweavers' Guild of Connecticut, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2023, was started in 1948 by a small group of women and has grown to a membership of 270. The Guild invites handweavers, spinners, and other fiber artists from all levels of experience to exchange ideas and share knowledge, to encourage and educate, and to challenge their abilities in fiber art techniques. Anyone who is interested is invited to attend a Guild meeting and consider becoming a member. The Guild meets five times a year at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury on the third Saturday of the month, bimonthly from September to May.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-reception-interiors-a-look-inside-and-the-reveal-of-piece-by-piece-with-the-artists-collective-of-westport" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artist Reception: ‘Interiors: A Look Inside’ and the Reveal of ‘Piece by Piece’ with The Artists Collective of Westport</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Westport Library, Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Jun 6, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>For Interiors, each of the Artists Collective members were invited to display a work in the medium of their choice that explores what “interiors” means to them. Contributors this year include Bonnie Edelman, Lynn Carlson, Peggy Dembicer, and Ros Shaffer, as well as Norm Siegel, Suzanne Benton, Julie Leff, Diane Pollack, Miggs Burroughs, Kat Evans, Niki Ketchman, and more.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/new-pond-farm-s-art-show-preview" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Art Show Preview</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Pond Farm Education Center, Redding</strong></p><p>Friday Jun 6, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>An inspiring evening of art, flavor, and community! Mingle with talented artists and fellow art lovers while savoring a Signature Cocktail, local wines, craft brews, and festive bites. Be among the first to preview this year’s collection of exceptional artwork by some of the region’s finest artists. Our fantastic biennial Art Show includes a silent auction, live art demonstrations, and engaging activities for both children and adults—all set against the backdrop of nature and agrarian life that inspires our work and defines our beautiful property.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/decades-in-concert-the-1980s-e60c1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Decades in Concert: The 1980</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Downtown Cabaret, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday Jun 6, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Following the huge success of Sounds of the Seventies and Spirit of the Sixties, this production transports audiences back to the 1980s to revisit the sights and sounds of the era where walls were torn down, we believed in miracles, and greed was good. Using music from some of the most prominent and influential artists of the 80’s such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, U2, The Police, Bon Jovi and many many more, Decades in Concert: The 1980s tells the story of the history and culture of America in the “Me First” decade. This amazing performance with a talented cast will immerse you in nostalgic multimedia and transport you back to the decade that changed America and defined a generation!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-shawshank-redemption---live-on-stage-e654e" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION</strong></a></p><p><strong>Powerhouse Theatre Performing Arts Center, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Friday Jun 6, 7:30 pm - 9:45 pm</p><p>Adapted for the stage by Dave Johns and Owen O'Neill. Based on the beloved movie and the novella by Stephen King. When Andy Dufresne is convicted of murder and sentenced to life in Shawshank prison, he must use his wits and newly forged friendships to keep himself and his hope alive. But will he be able to survive the corruption and danger he faces within this notorious prison’s walls? Based on the novella by Stephen King and popularized by the highly acclaimed movie, The Shawshank Redemption is a story of resilience and is sure to be a theatrical experience like no other.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-elemental-juried-work-by-boston-sculptors-gallery-artists" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artist Talk: Elemental: Juried Work by Boston Sculptors Gallery Artists</strong></a></p><p><strong>Flinn Gallery, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Jun 7, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>An engaging way to learn about their process and inspiration. The show features the works of 13 member artists from the Boston Sculptors Gallery. The sculptors in the exhibition work with a wide range of materials – clay, metal, wood, fabric, plastic, and mixed media – and range in dimension from hand-sized to over 8 feet.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/trailer-box-project-sculpture-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Trailer Box Project Sculpture 2025</strong></a></p><p>J<strong>im Felice Studios, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Jun 7, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss this outdoor exhibit of 15 Connecticut Sculptors. In the Gallery we will be Featuring paintings by Megan Marden. Musical Guest the Bad Slugs will be performing their original music and a few of their favorite covers. There will be refreshments and it is Free to the Public, a family friendly outing in Bethel Connecticut.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-at-the-history-center-mel-mcguire-sings-cole-porter" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret at the History Center: Mel McGuire Sings Cole Porter</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Jun 7, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Spend the evening getting to know Cole Porter in the cabaret "Down in the Depths", a musical deep dive into Porter's life and catalog. The music selections range all throughout his career, from the biggest shows to obscure pieces rarely performed. One might make you shed a tear and the next will have you rolling with laughter. Always captivating, cabaret singer-storyteller Mel McGuire will be accompanied by maestro Rodney Loren on piano bringing fresh arrangements of jazz standards like "DeLovely", "You're the Top", and "Night and Day". If you're interested in early 20th century American history and pop culture or just love good music, this show is not to be missed!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/dreamscape" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Dreamscap</strong>e</a></p><p><strong>New Canaan High School Theater, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Saturday Jun 7, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>" Dreamscape" is a series of Contemporary Dance Performance to encapsulate the ability to dream, imagine, and celebrate dance artistry through a variety of dance styles including lyrical contemporary dance and ballet, as well as a variety of music including modern, classical, and even big band! Come float on air with us!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-pride-picnic-and-party" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Family Pride Picnic and Party</strong></a></p><p><strong>Saugatuck Congregational Church, Westport</strong></p><p>Sunday Jun 8, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 8, to celebrate Pride Month at Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Family Pride Picnic and Party. Bring your friends and family and enjoy a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, crafts, hot dogs, cake, and more!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pipe-organ-recital-by-scholarship-competition-winner-daniel-colaner" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Pipe Organ Recital by Scholarship Competition Winner Daniel Colaner</strong></a></p><p><strong>St. Theresa RC Church, Trumbull</strong></p><p>Sunday Jun 8, 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm</p><p>Prepare to be enchanted by the powerful and beautiful sounds of acoustically resonant St. Theresa RC Church in Trumbull which features two magnificent pipe organs. Daniel’s exceptional skills and passion for music will surely leave you in awe. Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a truly special performance. See you there!</p>

<p>Greenwich will come together in a vibrant show of support and unity on Sunday, June 1, for the town’s 2025 LGBTQ+ Pride celebration. The event begins at 1:00 p.m. at Greenwich Town Hall, where elected officials, faith leaders, community advocates, and residents of all ages will gather to mark the start of Pride Month with a formal program, the reading of a Pride Proclamation, and the raising of the Pride Progress Flag.</p><p>This annual celebration, hosted by Greenwich Pride in collaboration with the Town of Greenwich, affirms the town’s commitment to equality, visibility, and inclusion for its LGBTQ+ residents, families, and allies. Following the formal remarks and flag raising, the afternoon continues with free community activities on the lawn adjacent to Town Hall, including an ice cream truck, DJ, games, and tables hosted by local organizations.</p><p>Speakers at the event will include First Selectman Fred Camillo, Selectwoman Lauren Rabin, and Selectperson Janet Stone McGuigan. Joining them are Congressman Jim Himes, State Senator Ryan Fazio, State Representatives Steve Meskers and Hector Arzeno, and leaders from the local faith and LGBTQ+ communities: Rabbi Jordie Gerson and Cantor Michelle Rubin of Greenwich Reform Synagogue, Reverend Patrick Collins of The First Congregational Church of Greenwich, and Colin Hosten of the Triangle Community Center and Leonard Litz Foundation.</p><p>The ceremony will feature the reading of the official Town of Greenwich Pride Proclamation, which declares: “The Town of Greenwich proudly supports the rights of every citizen to experience equality and freedom from discrimination. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) communities contribute to the cultural, civic and economic successes of the Town of Greenwich; and we as a society acknowledge the need for education and awareness to end discrimination and prejudice.”</p><p>As Pride flags rise above Town Hall, so too does the community’s visible support for LGBTQ+ people—teachers, students, parents, artists, first responders, and neighbors whose lives are woven into the fabric of Greenwich. At a time when LGBTQ+ rights, especially those of transgender individuals, continue to face threats nationwide, events like this offer a powerful reminder that allyship matters and visibility saves lives.</p><p>The celebration runs through 3:00 p.m., and all are welcome to attend. With music, community spirit, and a shared vision of justice and dignity for all, Greenwich Pride 2025 promises to be a meaningful afternoon in the heart of town.</p>

<h2><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="https://www.speacsuccess.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">SPEAC Success</a></h2><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Meet Shannon Malkin Daniels, public speaking, authenticity coach and founder of </strong><a href="https://www.speacsuccess.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>SPEAC Success</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8nBVen7wClg?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What sparked the idea for your business?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">It's a bit of a windy journey. I left my corporate career after burnout and realizing I wasn't leaning into my passion and purpose (you can learn more in my </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&amp;v=8nBVen7wClg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">TEDx talk</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">). I originally left to write a book and start a health coaching business. At the same time, I was teaching public speaking and communication courses at the college level (I taught at Iona University and Columbia University). I was working out of the (now defunct) Stamford Innovation Center (SIC) while building my business. Even though I was a health coach, fellow entrepreneurs at SIC knew I taught public speaking and communication, and witnessed my public speaking skills firsthand, so they began asking me for help with their presentations and pitches. I found myself more excited to help them with their presentations (for FREE) than my doing health coaching work, so I shifted my business to public speaking and communication coaching. I had found my passion and purpose (and put that interpersonal communication degree to work)!</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Was there a specific moment or turning point that made you decide to drop the polished persona and show up as your authentic self?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">When I first became an entrepreneur, I found myself presenting in a way that was inauthentic to who I am (I was dressing, acting and speaking like a corporate robot). People told me I had great presentation skills, but when it came time for them to hire me, it wasn't happening. Finally, I let go of the perfectly polished persona I had developed after 15 years in corporate and started being myself...talking like me, dressing like me, sharing my story and perspective...and everything shifted. I started CONNECTING with people and that led to organic business growth.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What’s one small, daily practice someone can do to stay aligned with who they really are?</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">I'm super passionate about helping others communicate and present AUTHENTICALLY. How do you do this? Let go of who you think you should be and lean into who you are - this will help you grow confidence, make deeper connections and achieve your personal and professional goals.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Memorial Day Weekend May 23-25</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/brian-dolzani-band-album-release-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Brian Dolzani Band: Album Release Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne at FTC, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Friday May 23, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>Fairfield-native singer/songwriter Brian Dolzani celebrates his tenth album release at this special full band show on Stage One. The Endless Sky is a new collection of songs that finds Brian doing what he does best, looking in all directions: up, down, outward, and inward. You’ll hear songs about being Open to Surprise, the deeper love of Moonlit Love, and the title quote: ‘The endless sky is where I point my arrow / I wonder just how far there is to go’, from I Wonder. The Endless Sky will be released in early May.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/fiber-2025-exhibition-at-silvermine-galleries-c7c32" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fiber 2025 Exhibition</strong></a></p><p><strong>Silvermine Galleries, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Friday May 23, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>This international exhibition seeks to showcase the best of contemporary fiber art that reflect the breadth of functional or non-functional works that use fiber and/or fiber art techniques in traditional or innovative ways. Artwork in this exhibition may be made from natural or high tech materials that reference fiber and that blur the lines between art, architecture and craft.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/2025-cruise-and-tour-to-sheffield-island-lighthouse-museum" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cruise and Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>Sheffield Island Lighthouse Museum, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>The Norwalk Seaport Association has owned, restored and maintained Sheffield Island Lighthouse since 1986 and is the official U.S. Fish &amp; Wildlife Service Friends group for the Norwalk Islands.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/art-in-the-park-free-art-workshops-for-kids-families" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Art in the Park: FREE Art Workshops For Kids &amp; Families.</strong></a></p><p><strong>Whittingham Discovery Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm</p><p>Complimentary workshops guided by experienced art instructors, open to the public, for Elementary &amp; Middle School. No registration necessary. Art supplies provided. Take home art!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/exhibitions-highlights-tours---saturdays-b118b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Exhibitions Highlights Tours</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Experience the highlights of the Bruce Museum’s exhibitions during a guided tour that is free with museum admission. No reservations are required but capacity is limited to twenty people on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check in with the front desk if you wish to join. Tours depart from the bottom of the staircase in the Grand Hall.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/candlelight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Candlelight</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bijou Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/live-music---indie-folk-soul---goldenoak-in-bethel-ct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GoldenOak</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwood, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>GoldenOak consists of brother-sister folk duo (Lena Kendall - Vocals / Clarinet &amp; Zak Kendall - Guitar / Vocals) and is rounded out by up-right bassist Mike Knowles and Drummer Jackson Cromwell. Their soaring harmonies and thoughtful lyrics are rooted in the wild beauty of Maine and the urgent need for climate action. With a sound that blends rich orchestration and indie folk soul, they’ve shared stages with The Ghost of Paul Revere, Lady Lamb, and Blitzen Trapper and now they bring their lush, intimate live show to Greenwood Features this Memorial Day weekend.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/orchestra-lumos---yo-yo-ma-in-our-common-world" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Yo-Yo Ma with Lumos Orchestra in Franz Josef Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.1</strong></a></p><p><strong>Palace Theatre, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 7:00 pm</p><p>A miracle of the Classical style’s essence to balance nature in the world around us and human nature. He will also play Antonín Dvořák’s Silent Woods, Dvořák’s farewell to his homeland in the old country as he embarked on his momentous trip to New York City and the New World.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/kompa-vs-raboday-flag-day-celebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Kompa Vs Raboday Flag Day Celebration</strong></a></p><p><strong>In The City, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 9:00 pm - 11:59 pm</p><p>Tonymix performing live for Memorial Weekend and the Haitian Flag Day edition “ou pa ka pala”.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-tribute-to-neil-diamond-one-hot-night-c8a7b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Tribute to Neil Diamond: One Hot Night</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 24, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>For ten years, One Hot Night has been the Northeast’s premier Neil Diamond tribute. Featuring the spot-on vocals and engaging personality of Tommy Lynn as Neil, this 10-piece show band delivers the ultimate Neil Diamond experience.</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 class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend May 16-18</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/celebration-gala-w-kool-the-gang" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Celebration Gala W/Kool &amp; The Gang</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday May 16, 5:30 pm - 9:45 pm</p><p>The Stamford Palace's Annual Gala w/Kool &amp; The Gang! This year they honor the good work of Lynne Colatrella &amp; Michael Fedele. This is a red carpet, disco-themed celebration of the arts, The Palace, &amp; 2 extraordinary individuals. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethe-pride-s-book-club" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Pride's Book club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Come discuss a book on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. There will be a catch up session at the end of the year to review everything from the year!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-to-host-medal-of-honor-recipient-jim-doc-mccloughan-for-special-dinner-and-memorial-ceremony" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Medal of Honor recipient Jim "Doc" McCloughan</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Norwalk Veterans Memorial Committee, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Come to Norwalk for a weekend of remembrance, reflection, and community recognition at the Norwalk Inn. Jim McCloughan was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2017 by President Donald Trump for his acts of extraordinary bravery and heroism while serving as a combat medic during the Vietnam War. From May 13 to May 15, 1969 , McCloughan risked his life numerous times to rescue and treat wounded soldiers under intense enemy fire.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/studio-andreas-presents-parker-s-tangent" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Parker's Tangent</strong></a></p><p><strong>Studio Andreas, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Join us for our first live music event of the year! We're so excited to welcome Parker's Tangent, a New Haven-based band with a unique blend of blues and art-rock, to the studio. Led by Leslie VanEtten Broatch's soulful vocals, the group also features Arthur Bargar (guitar), Hal Klein (bass), Joe Rosano (drums), and Ken Ryu (violin). Their set will showcase original compositions that highlight the band’s chemistry and musical range.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/norwalk-symphony-don-giovanni" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Norwalk Symphony &amp; Don Giovanni!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>The Orchestra presents its season finale with great music and soloists! This will be an event not to be missed.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/garner-arts-festival" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GARNER Arts Festival</strong></a></p><p><strong>GARNER Arts Center, West Haverstraw</strong></p><p>Saturday May 17, 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>Festival partner, TRADE AND PROSPER, will present a thoughtfully curated "Retro/Vintage Market", offering handmade crafts, eye-catching retro/vintage clothing, jewelry, and one-of-a-kind ephemera. Enjoy delicious samples from Hudson Valley’s premier makers, bakers, and top-shelf distilleries! Pairs well with a taste of North Rockland, as offered at our festival food court and beer garden.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rediscover-greenwich-greenwich-avenue-walking-tours" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rediscover Greenwich: Greenwich Avenue Walking Tours</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Sunday May 18, 10:30 am - 11:30 am</p><p>Historic buildings will become canvases for large-scale murals featuring archival images of what those places looked like in the past, with text and images drawn from the Historical Society’s collections and interactive QR codes, that when scanned, share those unique stories. The murals, designed by Untapped New York’s artist Aaron Asis, will debut in conjunction with a new series of guided walking tours exploring the history of Greenwich Avenue and its local businesses led by Justin Rivers, Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer and Christopher Shields, Historical Society Director of Library and Archives.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/connecticut-s-own-conversations-for-oboe-and-piano" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Connecticut's Own: Conversations for Oboe and Piano</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton LIbrary, Wilton</strong></p><p>Sunday May 18, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Ralph Kirmser and Kyong Hee Cho are once again our guest performers for a piano and oboe concert.</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><strong>Greenwich, CT —&nbsp;</strong>When Charles Balducci, a longtime Greenwich resident and Vice Chairman of Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), was playing golf in Montauk in 2004, he never imagined a tick bite would nearly take his life. Now, more than a decade later, Balducci is leading the charge to fight Lyme disease through his role with GLA, and by chairing the organization’s 4th Annual Charity Golf &amp; Pickleball Tournament on Monday, June 9, 2025, at Greenwich Country Club.</p><p>Last year’s tournament raised over $250,000 for GLA’s research and patient support programs, and this year’s event will expand to include pickleball, offering even more ways for the community to rally behind this critical cause.</p><p>“Lyme disease almost killed me. I know firsthand how devastating and misdiagnosed this illness can be,” said Balducci, who serves as Managing Director and Wealth Advisor at Merrill Lynch. “I was lucky. Many aren’t. That’s why I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness and funds to drive better diagnostics, treatments, and education. With government funding now frozen for many research projects, the need for private support has never been greater.”</p><p>Balducci’s Lyme battle began after a tick bite during a golf outing led to a 105-degree fever, heart failure, and emergency surgery to install a temporary pacemaker. His experience ignited his passion to support Lyme disease advocacy and research, eventually leading him to get involved with Global Lyme Alliance, the leading nonprofit dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases through innovative research, awareness, and empowering the patient voice.</p><p>The CDC estimates that&nbsp;<strong>476,000 Americans are infected with Lyme disease each year</strong>, though many cases go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. The disease has been reported in all 50 states and is spreading rapidly due to rising tick populations fueled by warmer winters and surging rodent hosts. In the Northeast, Lyme is especially prevalent, but no one is immune, anyone who spends time outdoors is at risk.Balducci added, “Ticks are small, but the threat they carry is enormous. We need to ensure that no one else has to face what I did, and that starts with funding the science and education necessary to end this epidemic.”</p><p>This year’s event will feature a day of golf, pickleball, cocktails, dinner, and a live auction, with all proceeds directly supporting GLA’s research and programs.</p><p>For more information on how to sponsor or register for the event, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globallymealliance.org/golf25" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">globallymealliance.org/golf25</a>.</p>