Stories

Wilton Library’s Summer Music Concert Series Begins on July 10th

<p>Wilton Library&nbsp;ispleased to announce the return&nbsp;of its annual Summer Music Concert Series. The opening concert&nbsp;featuring the Fairfield County-based pop-rock trio&nbsp;<strong>Over Easy&nbsp;</strong>takes place&nbsp;on Thursday, July&nbsp;10, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The concerts will continue throughout the month of July on Thursday evenings,&nbsp;July 17, 24&nbsp;and&nbsp;31, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with live performances that feature music spanning all&nbsp;decades from&nbsp;the&nbsp;’40s on.&nbsp;For the twenty-third&nbsp;year,&nbsp;Village Market is sponsoring the library’s four-part concert series.&nbsp;</p><p>Kicking off the library’s concert series&nbsp;on July 10&nbsp;is the&nbsp;popular&nbsp;trio&nbsp;<strong>Over Easy</strong>,&nbsp;covering&nbsp;music from the ‘50s, the British Invasion era,&nbsp;and early ‘70s classics that are often&nbsp;forgotten.&nbsp;Over Easy was founded by bass player and singer Steve Cinque from Stratford.&nbsp;Drummer Jim&nbsp;Zembruski&nbsp;from Easton joined&nbsp;the group&nbsp;and recommended singer, pianist, and guitarist&nbsp;Mark&nbsp;Holleranfrom Trumbull, who was an old high school friend. The musicians receive rave reviews for their ability to cater their sound to their listeners and their fun, laid-back style that invites audience participation.</p><p>Next,&nbsp;<strong>Sounds of Sinatra</strong>&nbsp;performs on July 17&nbsp;at the&nbsp;library. Sounds of&nbsp;Sinatra&nbsp;features&nbsp;an exceptional group of professional musicians working with highly renowned tribute artists, paying homage to the legendary Frank Sinatra with songs and stories that present a musical journey through the career of&nbsp;the iconic performer.&nbsp;Sounds of Sinatra Music features&nbsp;Sinatra Tribute Artist&nbsp;Jesse&nbsp;Posa, Band Leader Tony&nbsp;Traina&nbsp;on drums,&nbsp;MusicalDirector&nbsp;Christian&nbsp;Martirano&nbsp;on keyboard, and&nbsp;Arranger&nbsp;Keith&nbsp;Gurland&nbsp;on&nbsp;woodwinds. This show is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Everything Else</strong>&nbsp;returns to the library to perform&nbsp;on July&nbsp;24.&nbsp;Brought together by a chance response to a Craigslist post, they started out as a jam session with everyone playing their favorite Beatles tunes, which became the foundation of Everything Else. Bound together by a deep respect for the music and each other, the band enjoys building their playlist and playing the music that comes from their hearts - the British invasion of the American music scene.&nbsp;Everything Else&nbsp;features Cliff Chapin, lead vocals and guitar; Pat&nbsp;Falciano, lead vocals and keyboard; Joe&nbsp;Karlik, lead guitar; Cary Marks, vocals and bass; Tim O'Leary, drums; Wayne Tucker, lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and percussion; and Andy Kinsey, sound engineer.</p><p>The finale of the concert series&nbsp;on July&nbsp;31&nbsp;features&nbsp;the band&nbsp;Captain Obvious.&nbsp;<strong>Captain Obvious</strong>&nbsp;is a well-known local all-star cover band featuring Wilton's Andy Schlesinger, John Taylor, Dan Berg, Mike Oliver and Dave Valle. These Wilton Rocks for&nbsp;Food favorites will play a&nbsp;set of recognizable&nbsp;popular songs designed to have everyone dancing and&nbsp;singing along.&nbsp;Long time veterans of the local music scene, the band has played together since 2015. Come enjoy some great music by local talent!</p><p>Thanks to the Village Market, the concerts are free and open to the public, with&nbsp;free snacks and refreshments. Refreshments are&nbsp;generously donated by&nbsp;Janet and&nbsp;Michael Crystal.&nbsp;The concerts take place rain or shine in the Brubeck Room. Concertgoers are invited to&nbsp;sit indoors or enjoy lovely&nbsp;summer evenings in the Brubeck Courtyard&nbsp;with the bands in full view.&nbsp;There is no registrationrequired; first come, first served. Attendees can pop in for a few&nbsp;minutes or&nbsp;stay and&nbsp;appreciate the full&nbsp;performances.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p class="ql-align-center">&nbsp;</p>

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Wilton native serves as Information Warfare commanding officer

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Those serving at Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT) Corry Station learn the importance of information warfare as part of modern warfare.</span></p><p>Continuing the tradition of maritime superiority through information warfare is Capt. Sarah Sherwood, a native of Wilton.</p><p>Sherwood is a 1997 graduate of Wilton High School and earned a degree from Northwestern University in applied mathematics in 2001. She later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland in 2007.</p><p>Sherwood joined the Navy 24 years ago. Today, Sherwood serves as the commanding officer of CIWT. This is her second command tour, with her first being in Bahrain at the Navy Information Operations Command.</p><p>“I joined the Navy because I wanted to serve my country,” Sherwood said. "My dad and granddad both served in the Navy. Their officers’ swords hung above our mantle, and I thought that would be a great way to serve."</p><p>“I grew up in a great town that afforded me a lot of opportunities,” Sherwood said. "I also had a lot of friends and family who encouraged me along the way."</p><p>Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola’s Corry Station, CIWT is one of the largest Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) learning centers. Through its “street to fleet” focus, NETC recruits civilians and transforms them into skilled warfighters ready to meet the Navy’s current and future needs. With four schoolhouse commands, two detachments and nine training sites throughout the United States and Japan, CIWT provides instruction for more than 26,000 students every year, delivering information warfare professionals to the Navy and joint services.</p><p>The CIWT domain, along with all other Navy training commands, is transforming and innovating its training programs through Ready, Relevant Learning (RRL), a pillar of Sailor 2025. Sailor 2025 is a program used to improve and modernize personnel management and training systems to more effectively recruit, develop, manage, reward and retain the force of tomorrow. It focuses on empowering sailors, updating policies, procedures, and operating systems, and providing the right training at the right time in the right way to ensure sailors are ready for the fleet.</p><p>The U.S. Navy is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.</p><p>According to Navy officials, “America is a maritime nation and for 250 years, America’s Warfighting Navy has sailed the globe in defense of freedom.”</p><p>With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.</p><p>Sherwood serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.</p><p>Sherwood has had many wonderful opportunities to make a difference during her military service.</p><p>“I'm most proud of the time I served in command,” Sherwood said. "My first command was in Bahrain, and this is my second command here in Pensacola. My job is to take care of our sailors so they can complete the mission. I'm here to break down any barriers that stand in their way."</p><p>Sherwood can take pride in serving America through military service.</p><p>“Serving in the Navy is a self-fulfilling civic duty,” Sherwood said. "The Navy is the first one on the scene when the Nation needs to defend democracy and freedom. We're sailing around the world serving as global partners. One of my favorite parts of serving in the Navy has been serving in different countries, including Australia, South Korea and Bahrain."</p><p>Sherwood is grateful to others for helping make her Navy career possible.</p><p>“I want to thank my mom for all her unwavering support,” Sherwood added. "I also want to thank my husband, Mike, for being my rock on this Navy adventure.”</p>

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Wilton’s ASML Named 2025 Aquarion Environmental Champion in Business Category

<p>Wilton’s First Selectman recently nominated ASML—Wilton’s largest employer and a dedicated community partner—for the 2025 Aquarion Environmental Champion Award. We are pleased to announce that Aquarion has selected ASML as this year’s honoree in the Business category.</p><p>Since 2010, Aquarion has recognized outstanding advocates, leaders, and innovators who are making a significant difference in the ecological health of our state. Environmental Champions are selected in four categories: Adult, Non-Profit Organization, Business, and Student (Grades 9–12). Nominees are considered based on their efforts to preserve Connecticut’s natural resources, their fresh approach to sustainability, and their leadership in promoting environmental vitality statewide.</p><p>ASML was honored as this year’s <strong>Large Business Environmental Champion</strong> in recognition of their comprehensive Environmental Management System—an integrated framework embedded across all aspects of their business. This system enables the company to track energy usage and carbon emissions, improving productivity and efficiency through three key initiatives:</p><ol><li><strong>Greenhouse Gas Neutrality by 2025</strong> – ASML aims to make all of its manufacturing plants and campus buildings greenhouse gas neutral by the end of 2025 through renewable energy use and carbon offset strategies.</li><li><strong>Sustainable Commuting and Travel</strong> – The company continues to expand environmentally responsible options for business travel and commuting, encouraging greener choices among employees.</li><li><strong>Sustainable Product Design</strong> – ASML designs products that reduce energy consumption and operational costs while enhancing performance and market reach.</li></ol><p>Looking ahead, ASML has committed to becoming greenhouse gas neutral on a global scale by 2040. They evaluate their environmental impact across the entire value chain—from supply chains and manufacturing sites to distribution logistics and product life cycles—using both internal benchmarks and third-party assessments. Their efforts are guided by ASML’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Strategy for Sustainability, which aligns with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals—an international blueprint for peace, prosperity, and environmental stewardship.</p><p>Michael Opuszynski, Program Manager in the ASML Strategy Office, shared:</p><blockquote>“ASML’s core values are Challenge, Collaborate, and Care, which drive our belief that innovation and responsibility must go hand in hand. This award reflects the hard work of our entire team—people who care deeply about doing things better, cleaner, and more sustainably, as demonstrated in our engagement with our local community as well as on the global stage through our commitment to a circular economy based on reuse and waste reduction. We are honored to share this recognition with our nonprofit community partners who work tirelessly to improve the environmental quality of our region—Ambler Farm, Norwalk River Valley Trail, Wilton Land Trust, and Woodcock Nature Center.”</blockquote><p>ASML’s presence in Wilton—as a thoughtful, forward-looking, and energized partner—continues to grow in significance. Town Hall was proud to nominate and celebrate their work as leading environmental advocates in Connecticut.</p><p>At the awards ceremony held at the Beardsley Zoo on June 7, the First Selectman shared these words from the nomination:</p><blockquote>“Their importance to our town and state cannot be overstated. They have proven time and again to be visionary leaders in science and technology, business, community advocacy, and now the environment. Not only is ASML a world leader in advanced manufacturing, but they grow and nurture skilled talent, are responsible stewards of the environment, and champions of our local nonprofits. We could not be prouder of their achievements and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”</blockquote><p>In honor of their achievement, Aquarion has awarded ASML $5,000 to donate to an environmental nonprofit of their choosing—ensuring that their impact will extend even further.</p><p>Please join us in offering ASML our heartiest congratulations.</p>

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Wilton Public Info Meeting June 25 Regarding Replacement of Bridge No. 04986

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut Department of Transportation Announces Public Information Meeting on Replacement of Bridge No. 04986</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will conduct a virtual public information meeting regarding the replacement of Bridge No. 04986, which carries Sugar Hollow Road over the Norwalk River in Wilton, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This meeting is an opportunity for the public and local community to learn about the proposed project, ask questions, and provide feedback. The meeting will take place on Zoom, and registration is required. A Q&amp;A session will follow the presentation, which will be recorded.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For information on how to access the meeting and submit comments or questions, please visit:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://portal.ct.gov/DOTWilton161-147" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://portal.ct.gov/DOTWilton161-147</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“This project will reopen the bridge with a new structure that will meet current load standards and include improved safety measures for all roadway users,” said Marc Byrnes, CTDOT Project Manager. “We encourage the public to attend this meeting to share their feedback with the CTDOT project team to incorporate into the design.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Right-of-Way Impacts Include:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">One partial property acquisition</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">One drainage right-of-way easement</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Slope easements for highway support on three properties</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Temporary construction easements on two properties</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Rights to construct driveways</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Installation of sediment control systems, topsoil, and seeding</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Removal of existing pavement</span></li></ul><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Project Timeline &amp; Cost:</strong></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Construction is anticipated to begin in Spring 2028, pending funding availability, right-of-way acquisition, and permit approvals. The estimated construction cost is approximately $4 million, with funding expected to be 80% federal and 20% state.Meeting Access Details:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">To listen via phone (for those with limited internet access):</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Call (877) 853-5257, Meeting ID: 845 2836 2065</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Individuals with hearing and/or speech disabilities may dial 711 for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS)</span></li></ul><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Language Assistance:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Requests for language assistance should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Line at (860) 594-2109. Services are provided at no cost to the public.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Additional Accessibility:</strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Non-English closed captioning will be available on Zoom</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A recording of the meeting will be posted after the event at:</span></li><li><a href="https://portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">portal.ct.gov/ctdotVPIMarchive</a></li></ul><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Public Comment Period:</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The public comment period will remain open for two weeks following the meeting, through Wednesday, July 9, 2025. Comments and questions may be submitted via:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Email:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://mailto:DOT-FLBP@ct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">DOT-FLBP@ct.gov</a></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Phone: (860) 594-2020</span></li></ul><p><br></p>

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#wiltoniswhereyoubelong Traveling Community Mural!

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#wiltoniswhereyoubelong Traveling Community&nbsp; Mural: A Visual Journey of Belonging through the Town of Wilton</span></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wilton Pride, in partnership with Wilton Library and the Wilton Youth Council’s Coalition for Youth, is thrilled to announce the town’s first-ever traveling mural.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The piece is an initiative to bring art, community, and a powerful message of belonging to the forefront of Wilton. This unique art installation, inspired by the #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign, was commissioned by Wilton Pride, and the Wilton Youth Council’s Wilton Coalition for Youth.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Designed by local abstract artist Brian Kaspr, this traveling mural was brought to life by the Wilton Community at the Third Annual Wilton Pride Be You festival. Under Kaspr’s direction, the community was invited to roll up their sleeves, pick up a paintbrush, and become part of the vision in this interactive abstract art.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kaspr explains, “This mural is a visual reminder that with simple community participation towards a common goal we can make something larger than ourselves and altogether new. We all belong and together we are whole.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The mural will not be confined to a single location, but instead will embark on a year-long journey, gracing various community organizations throughout the town. Each stop will offer residents and visitors a fresh opportunity to engage with the piece.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Watching the Wilton community come together and participate in the creation of this beautiful piece of art at a festival, symbolizing belonging and acceptance, was truly powerful" said Heidi Tsapelas, Board Member, Wilton Pride. "Painting a part of the mural with my family was such a fun way to contribute to the Pride celebrations. We're so excited to spot it as it travels around town, a constant reminder that everyone is welcome here."&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This collaboration furthers the work of the Coalition's #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign.&nbsp;The campaign aims to cultivate a stronger sense of belonging and promote inclusivity for all Wilton residents, regardless of background, race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation. Kaspar’s abstract travelling mural beautifully captures the essence of these principles, creating a compelling visual narrative. The Wilton Coalition for Youth is a network of organizations, town departments, and individuals dedicated to preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health within the community, spearheaded by the Wilton Youth Council.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Art has a powerful ability to cross boundaries, bringing people together through shared creative experiences and creating a strong sense of community belonging. This interactive art wall will serve as a vibrant and evolving testament to the collective spirit of belonging in Wilton, offering a dynamic way for residents of all ages and backgrounds to connect and feel included,” shared Caroline Hughes, Board Member, Wilton Pride and Senior Minister of the Wilton Congregational Church.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“The #wiltoniswhereyoubelong mural is more than just a piece of art; it’s a living testament to our commitment to ensuring every person in Wilton feels seen, valued, and embraced for who they are. It’s a bold declaration that #WiltonIsWhereYouBelong isn’t just a slogan, but a lived experience we are actively cultivating.” Farah Masani, founder of Wilton Pride.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The mural is currently living at Wilton Library and future locations will include the Wilton Congregational Church, Wilton Presbyterian Church, Wilton Family&nbsp; YMCA, Wilton Public Schools, and Trackside, among others. The mural’s schedule will be announced in the coming weeks via Wilton Pride and Wilton Library’s respective social media channels. The community is encouraged to follow these updates and discover where this powerful symbol of belonging will appear next. If you would like to have the mural at your property, please contact </span><a href="mailto:info@wiltonpride.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">info@wiltonpride.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Wilton Library has always been a hub for community connection,” added Caroline Mandler, the Library’s Executive Director. “This traveling mural perfectly aligns with our vision to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome. We believe art has the power to unite and transform, and we look forward to this installation creating deeper bonds throughout the community.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The mural’s journey across Wilton will serve as a continuous invitation for all to reflect on their own sense of belonging and to actively participate in building a more inclusive community. Its presence will be a consistent reminder&nbsp; #wiltoniswhereyoubelong; just as you are.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“The WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign is a wonderful collaboration between many youth-serving town partners. This amazing mural beautifully captures and continues the work in an expressive way, illustrating the essence of the WiltonIsWhereYouBelong campaign,” said Chandra Ring, Executive Director of Wilton Youth Council.&nbsp; “We are proud of all of the work to date and look forward to more activities to build and strengthen the sense of belonging for all in Wilton.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This project was made possible by Wilton Pride, Wilton Library, Wilton Youth Council, Wilton Presbyterian Church, SASCO River Center, Trackside, SPED*NET, Temple B’nai Chaim, Lighthouse, and personal donations.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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WAITRESS Rises at A.C.T. of CT—and You’ll Want a Second Helping!

<p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WAITRESS</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> has arrived at A.C.T. of Connecticut—and every seat in the house is spoken for. Performances are sold out, with more than 100 names on the waitlist. But don’t let that stop you. To join the </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WAITRESS</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> waitlist, call the Box Office at 475-215-5497. This isn’t just a show—it’s a seat at the counter, where the scent of something sweet lingers in the air and the pulse of the diner draws you in. Flawed, funny, and fiercely loyal, Jenna, Dawn, and Becky pull you into their world so completely, you don’t just watch—you feel like one of them. You root for them. You ache with them.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">One of Artistic Director </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Daniel C. Levine’s</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> greatest gifts is casting—not just for talent, but for truth. He finds the people who don’t act like characters, but rather, slip into them like a second skin. At A.C.T., performances don’t ask you to suspend disbelief. They invite you in. They meet you where you are.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jenna, Heart First</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As Jenna, </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Abigail Sparrow</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> delivers a performance that lingers. Her voice is bold and achingly beautiful—big enough to stop you in your tracks, yet tender enough to break your heart. When she sings </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">She Used to Be Mine</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, it’s not just a song. It’s a reckoning.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jenna is the kind of woman who folds her grief into a pie crust and dares it to rise. Sparrow captures her resilience and her quiet rebellion. She is honey and grit. A mother-to-be, a poet of the kitchen, and a woman aching to reclaim her own life.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Her Circle of Strength</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">At the heart of Joe’s Pie Diner are two unwavering friends: </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Amma Osei</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> as Becky, full of fire and grounded wisdom, and </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shaylen Harger</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> as Dawn, sweetly anxious and endlessly endearing. They’re more than coworkers. They’re Jenna’s tether. Their sisterhood is fierce, funny, and healing.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wesly Slade</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is like the SNL skit you watch on replay as Ogie, Dawn’s oddball suitor. A tax auditor with a magician’s flair and a heart that doesn’t play by the rules, Ogie is delightfully offbeat. Slade plays him with gleeful precision, finding charm in every awkward beat. He and Dawn are the kind of perfect you don’t expect—kismet in mismatched shoes.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In Jenna’s Orbit</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There’s </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Joseph Torello</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> as Cal, the gruff cook who keeps the kitchen humming and the sass flying, and </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">David Sitler</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> as Joe—the diner’s namesake, a sharp-tongued old soul and diner patron who sees more than he lets on. Then there’s </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cody Jenkins </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">as Earl, Jenna’s possessive and volatile husband—beer in hand, name tattooed across his chest (just in case he forgets it). </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">John Alejandro Jeffords</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> steps into the role of Dr. Pomatter, Jenna’s kind-hearted gynecologist (and not exactly the sharpest scalpel on the surgical tray) who falls for her—and her pies—with reckless speed.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And by his side, </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ariana Valdes</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> as Nurse Norma steals scenes with her dry wit and deadpan wisdom. Norma doesn’t miss much.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And Finally, LuLu</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Then comes </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">LuLu</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, played by </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Maeve Marbury</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, whose presence in the final moments is soft, simple, and soul-shifting. She reminds us that joy is never far—it’s inside us, waiting. Her innocence binds the story like the final ribbon on a gift you didn’t know you needed.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The World They Live In</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Director </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sara Brians</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> paints this world with care—honoring </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WAITRESS</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">’s legacy without imitation. There is no gloss, no pretense. The teal-and-chrome diner set, worn and welcoming, feels like somewhere you’ve been before. It doesn’t impress—it embraces. Under Brians’ direction, every moment has room to breathe. Joy and pain sit side by side. Nothing is rushed, and nothing is wasted.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ensemble members glide in and out of scenes with beauty and intention. With just 19 actors and 350 props, the production moves like a waltz—each step choreographed, each beat earned.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Music Director </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Nicholas Connors</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> treats Sara Bareilles’ score with the reverence it deserves. Folk-pop harmonies tethered to a beat that feels like the hum of a busy kitchen—familiar, tender, alive.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Final Course of Season 7</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WAITRESS</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is more than a season finale. It’s a culmination—a story that feeds something deeper than entertainment. Season 8 tickets go on sale Monday, June 9 and, in A.C.T. of CT fashion, they will sell out in a flash! Go online or call the Box Office </span><a href="https://www.actofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.actofct.org/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">See you at Joe’s Pie Diner for the slice du jour.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more </span><a href="https://www.actofct.org/waitress" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.actofct.org/waitress</a></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*Image courtesy A.C.T. of CT</em></p>

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Last chance to register for Ladies and Men's League at The National at GPC!

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The National at Golf Performance Center is teeing up a summer of friendly competition with Tuesday night Men’s League and Thursday night Ladies League play. The Ladies League on June 17, with the Men's League starting on June 19. Both leagues begin at 7:30 PM with two-person teams and a shotgun start.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Registration fee is $30.00, and green fees are reduced to $15.00 for league nights. Points are awarded each week—18 for first place, 17 for second, and so on—leading up to bragging rights and prizes at the season’s end.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">You’ll hit the course as the sun goes down and finish under the lights. The National Short Course is now open at night, offering a fast, fun, and public 9-hole round designed to be completed in under 40 minutes.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Whether you're chasing a title or just out for an unforgettable evening on the greens, The National is your place to play. Spots are limited to 18 teams per league. Learn more and register:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/summer-golf-league/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://thegolfperformancecenter.com/summer-golf-league/</a></p>

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