<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Center for Empowerment and Education (CEE) held its Annual Meeting on December 4, 2024, bringing together the Board of Directors, CEE members, and CEE Leadership to honor the transformative leadership of three dedicated Officers of the Board who have reached their tenure: Eric Eggan, Board Chair; Elaine Cox, Vice Chair and Development Chair; and Glori Norwitt, Board Secretary.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Though stepping away from their Board roles, these visionaries are not stepping away from their commitment to CEE’s mission. Each will transition to CEE’s Ambassador Council, with Elaine Cox continuing as Co-Chair alongside Board Member Paul Fiedler, ensuring their influence and passion remain integral to the organization’s future.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“This is a celebration of leadership and legacy,” said Ashley Dunn, CEO of CEE. “Eric, Elaine, and Glori have each left an indelible mark, and their work has set the stage for a stronger, more empowered future for CEE and the communities we serve.”</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Eric Eggan: Championing Governance and Financial Stewardship</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Since joining the Board in 2018 and serving two terms as Chair, Eric Eggan has been a steady hand, guiding the organization through critical transitions and ensuring it consistently met its fiduciary obligations. His tenure saw a rebranding from The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury to The Center for Empowerment and Education, a pivotal moment that aligned the organization’s identity with its mission. Eric also provided invaluable leadership during an executive transition, welcoming Ashley Dunn as CEO in 2022, and supported the Board in professionalizing its governance practices.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Elaine Cox: Transforming Dreams into Reality</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Elaine Cox’s contributions to CEE over her decade-plus of service have been transformative. Since joining the Board in 2013, Elaine has been a driving force behind fundraising and development, helping turn ambitious goals into reality. As Vice Chair and Development Chair, she spearheaded efforts to fund the “Speaking Up Speaking Out” Enrichment Campaign, ensuring victims and survivors have access to a state-of-the-art shelter space to begin their healing journey.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Glori Norwitt: Driving Systemic Change and Social Justice</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A Board member since 2011, Glori Norwitt has been a passionate advocate for systemic change and social justice, bringing an unwavering commitment to equity and accountability. As a former Board Chair and most recently as Secretary, Glori has used her leadership to push for meaningful improvements in the community’s approach to interpersonal violence and prevention.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information on how you can support The Center for Empowerment and Education, visit </span><a href="http://www.thecenterct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.thecenterct.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or follow us on social media.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<h3>À Table Holiday Pre-Orders Are Open!</h3><p>Plan ahead for a delicious December with À Table! Place your holiday pre-orders now for pick-up on your preferred date throughout the month. All orders require at least three days' notice unless scheduled for a later date. The final order deadline is December 28.</p><p>Featured options include:</p><ul><li>Pepper + Thyme Crusted Chateaubriand</li><li>Beef Wellington</li><li>Salmon en Croute</li><li>Authentic Coq au Vin</li><li>Lobster Mac + Cheese</li><li>...and much more!</li></ul><p>Start your holiday pre-orders now: <a href="https://holidayorders-atable.square.site/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">À Table Holiday Pre-Orders</a></p><p><strong>À Table Has Been Nominated!</strong></p><p>Exciting news! À Table is honored to be nominated for <strong>Best Gourmet/Specialty Food Store in Fairfield County</strong>. Your support means the world to us, and we’d be so grateful if you could take a moment to vote for us.</p><p><a href="https://dailyvoice.com/readers-choice/fairfield-county/gourmetspecialty-foods/?mc_cid=082665b669&amp;mc_eid=a4b0c75bcf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cast your vote here!</a></p><p><strong>Daily Voice - Readers’ Choice</strong></p><p><strong>Give the Gift of À Table</strong></p><p>Looking for the perfect gift for the food lover in your life? Food truly is the greatest gift you can give! À Table gift cards are a thoughtful way to share the love of gourmet cuisine.</p><p>Visit us at <a href="https://www.atableus.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">À Table</a> to learn more.</p><p><strong>Chef Bernard’s Latest Creations and Returning Favorites</strong></p><p><strong>Gluten-Free Chocolate Bread Pudding</strong></p><p>Don’t miss this indulgent treat—perfect for the holiday season!</p><p><strong>Hosting the Holidays This Year?</strong></p><p>Let À Table make your holiday event unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a Friendsgiving, cocktail party, dinner gathering, or casual get-together, we’d love to be part of your celebration.</p><p>Enjoy exquisite flavors paired with exceptional service. Reserve your event today to ensure a truly memorable experience!</p><p><a href="https://www.atableus.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">À Table</a> is located at 109 Danbury Road, the Marketplace at Copps Hill</p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Holiday Stroll Weekend is HERE!</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Friday, December 6</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/downtown-ridgefield-holiday-stroll---saturday-and-sunday-dec-6-7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Downtown Ridgefield Holiday Stroll</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/holiday-stroll-north-pole" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Holiday Stroll North Pole Santa and Live Reindeer at Lounsbury House</a>\</p><p><a href="https://keelertavernmuseum.org/events/493/holiday-stroll-open-house/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Holiday Stroll Open House at Keeler Tavern Museum &amp; History Center</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/first-congregational-church-annual-christmas-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">First Congregational Church Annual Christmas Concert</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/linda-eder-holiday-show-1725984200663" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Linda Eder Holiday Show at Ridgefield Playhouse</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Saturday, December 7</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/breakfast-with-santa-at-boys--girls-club-of-ridgefield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Breakfast with Santa at Boys &amp; Girls Club of Ridgefield</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/artists-reception-for-theodore-berkowitzs-ridgefield-and-beyond-exhibit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">“Ridgefield and Beyond” Artist Reception at Ridgefield Library</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/downtown-ridgefield-holiday-stroll---saturday-and-sunday-dec-6-7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Downtown Ridgefield Holiday Stroll</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/850-wood-fired-restaurant-screens-dr-seuss-how-the-grinch-stole-christmas" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">How the Grinch Stole Christmas screened at 850 Wood Fired Restaurant</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/ridgefield-symphony-orchestra-concert---enchantment--enlightenment" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">RSO Concert Enchantment and Enlightenment&nbsp;</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/a-christmas-carol-at-ridgefield-theater-barn" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">A Christmas Carol at Ridgefield Theater Barn</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/dar-williams-1725553384345" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Dar Williams at Ridgefield Playhouse</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Sunday, December 8</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/small-works--december-art-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Small Works Art Show at Meetinghouse</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/ridgefield-folk-the-lonetown-boys-play-hank-williams" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Ridgefield Folk Music at Library</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/tickets-are-going-fast-for-ridgefield-chorales-holiday-pops-concert-1732138073083" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Ridgefield Chorale Holiday Pops Concert</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/camerata-damici-christmas-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Camerata d’Amici Christmas Concert</a></p>

<p>The Town of Ridgefield will hold a Special Board of Selectpersons meeting tomorrow, Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place in the small conference room at Town Hall, located at 400 Main Street.</p><h4>Agenda</h4><ol><li><strong>Alternative High School and Transition Program</strong></li></ol><ul><li class="ql-indent-1">The Board will discuss endorsing and referring a $275,000 appropriation to the Board of Finance. The funds are earmarked for the design and planning of a new Alternative High School and Transition Program building.</li></ul><ol><li><strong>Senior Tax Credit Committee Interviews</strong></li></ol><ul><li class="ql-indent-1">Interviews will be conducted to evaluate candidates for the Senior Tax Credit Committee.</li></ul><p>Learn more at <a href="https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/board-selectpersons/agenda/12524-special-bos-meeting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ridgefieldct.gov/board-selectpersons/agenda/12524-special-bos-meeting</a>.</p>

<p>The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts for the Tri-State area as a storm system brings strong winds and snowfall to the region. Residents are advised to stay informed and take precautions to ensure their safety.</p><h4><strong>Wind Advisory</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Peak Winds:</strong> Gusts up to 50 mph are expected throughout Thursday, with localized gusts reaching 55 mph in far eastern Long Island and southeastern Connecticut.</li><li><strong>Timing:</strong> The strongest winds will occur between 6 AM and 10 PM Thursday.</li><li><strong>Impacts:</strong> Strong winds could bring down tree limbs, unsecured objects (including holiday decorations), and even some power lines, leading to potential power outages.</li></ul><h4><strong>Snowfall in Interior Regions</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Snow Accumulation:</strong> Up to 2 inches of snow is expected, mainly in higher elevations.</li><li><strong>Timing:</strong> Snow will begin late Wednesday evening and continue through Thursday morning.</li><li><strong>Location:</strong> Portions of the Lower Hudson Valley and interior southeastern Connecticut.</li><li><strong>Impacts:</strong> Snow and snow showers could reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions, particularly during Thursday’s morning commute.</li></ul><h4><strong>Marine Conditions</strong></h4><ul><li><strong>Gale Warning:</strong> A gale warning is in effect for all coastal waters from 6 PM Wednesday through Thursday night.</li></ul><h4><strong>Safety Precautions</strong></h4><p>Residents are encouraged to monitor weather updates via the NWS New York office and local news sources. Drivers in areas expecting snowfall should exercise caution and allow extra time for the Thursday morning commute. Additionally, secure outdoor items to prevent damage from high winds.</p><p>For more detailed information, visit the NWS weather briefing at <a href="https://www.weather.gov/media/okx/12042024_am.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this link</a>.</p>

<p>Come and enjoy a concert of contemporary songs of the season with The Ridgefield Chorale on Sunday,&nbsp;December 8th at 4pm at The Ridgefield Playhouse. Casual, charming and fun, this is an afternoon of seasonal favorites for all ages!</p><p><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/the-ridgefield-chorale-holiday-pops/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(37, 107, 201);">Buy Tickets Online</a></p><p>Please note – – this concert is reserved seating, so buy tickets now!</p><p>Concert proceeds benefit Ability Beyond. Ability Beyond’s mission is to discover, build and celebrate the ability in all people, and our vision is to create a world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential, achieving true independence, personal success, and the highest quality of life imaginable. Serving more than 3,000 people with disabilities annually across CT and NY, Ability Beyond offers specialized programs including residential services, vibrant adult day programs, comprehensive employment services, transportation, and clinical support.</p><p>The Ridgefield Chorale thanks our concert sponsors: The Ability Beyond Board of Trustees, The Kinne Family, Blandine Lewine, McLaughlin &amp; Stern, Lorraine &amp; Larry Morley, Patti &amp; Steve Ross, Allison &amp; Jon Stockel.</p>