<p>Downtown Danbury Shines Bright for the Annual Light the Lights Winter Festival on Saturday, December 7th</p><p>DANBURY, Conn. (November 20, 2024)— Get ready to embrace the joy and wonder of the season as the <strong>Annual Light the Lights Winter Festival</strong> returns to downtown Danbury on <strong>Saturday, December 7th, from 3 pm to 7 pm</strong> at the CityCenter Green (1 Ives Street). This year’s festival will transform the heart of the city into a sparkling winter wonderland, with thousands of twinkling lights in <strong style="color: rgb(78, 167, 46);">greens</strong><strong>, </strong><strong style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">reds</strong><strong>, </strong><strong style="color: rgb(21, 96, 130);">blues</strong>, and whites, celebrating holiday traditions from around the globe and filling the air with festive cheer.</p><p>Join <strong>Mayor Roberto Alves</strong> as he kicks off the evening’s festivities with the ceremonial lighting of the majestic <strong>40-foot holiday tree</strong>, a highlight that promises to ignite the holiday spirit for all! The tree lighting will be followed by the much-anticipated arrival of Santa Claus, making a grand entrance aboard a firetruck as part of an exciting live parade—guaranteed to thrill both the young and young-at-heart.</p><p>Throughout the evening, enjoy live performances featuring favorite holiday songs, traditional dances, and heartwarming entertainment that’s perfect for all ages. Stroll through our holiday market, where local vendors will offer unique gifts, delicious treats, and seasonal goodies, making it easy to find the perfect holiday surprises for friends and family.</p><p>This year’s festival is made possible by the sponsorship of <strong>Union Savings Bank,</strong> as well as the support of <strong>The Salvation Army</strong>, who will serve cozy hot food and beverages.</p><p>Bring your family, friends, and holiday spirit as we light up downtown Danbury and celebrate this magical season together!</p><p class="ql-align-center">Learn more: <a href="https://citycenterdanbury.com/event/2024-light-the-lights-winter-festival/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">https://citycenterdanbury.com/event/2024-light-the-lights-winter-festival/</a></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p>

<p>Following the August floods in Oxford, Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut (GWNC) rallied its team to support victims of the disaster. GWNC’s involvement began at Quarry Walk with boots-on-the-ground support in the days following the flood, handing out food and water, cleaning items, and distributing Goodwill gift cards. Alongside Team Inc. and the American Red Cross, GWNC served as a support system for Oxford residents navigating a monumental disruption. This cycle of support for the Oxford community has now culminated in a donation of more than $13,000 through GWNC’s Round Up campaign.</p><p>“Goodwill prides itself on being deeply embedded in the communities it supports. Stepping in to aid victims of the Oxford flood was an easy decision and we are pleased to have found ways to amplify the impact of this effort by incorporating our Round Up campaign in our stores,” Heather Marquis, Co-Interim CEO, Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut, said. “We are also proud to lead a staff who is always ready and willing to support residents in need, and grateful to the folks at Team Inc. for heading the charge in this important relief and recovery effort.”</p><p>To learn more, visit: <a href="http://www.gwct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.gwct.org</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-center">PHOTO CAPTION: <em>Pictured (L/R): Heather Marquis, Co-Interim CEO, Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut, and Lillian McKenzie, Development &amp; Communications Manager, TEAM, Inc.</em></p>

<p>Calling&nbsp;all&nbsp;cat&nbsp;lovers!&nbsp;On&nbsp;Saturday,&nbsp;November&nbsp;16,&nbsp;<strong>CatVideoFest</strong>&nbsp;is&nbsp;taking&nbsp;over&nbsp;The&nbsp;Palace&nbsp;Danbury&nbsp;with&nbsp;a&nbsp;collection&nbsp;of&nbsp;hilarious heartwarming, and&nbsp;downright&nbsp;adorable&nbsp;cat&nbsp;videos.&nbsp;From&nbsp;viral&nbsp;sensations&nbsp;to&nbsp;classic&nbsp;favorites,&nbsp;this&nbsp;family-friendly&nbsp;event&nbsp;has&nbsp;something&nbsp;for&nbsp;everyone—and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;all&nbsp;for&nbsp;a&nbsp;good&nbsp;cause.</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Palace Danbury is proud to partner with the Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS). Since 1974, DAWS has rescued over 32,000 animals from highkill shelters and has been a lifeline for countless others in our community. A portion of every ticket will go directly to DAWS, ensuring that your support stays local and helps cats right here in Danbury. Doors open at 6:00 PM. Film festival begins at 7:00 PM.</span></p><p>Learn more and get your tickets <a href="https://thepalacedanbury1.ticketspice.com/cat-video-fest" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://thepalacedanbury1.ticketspice.com/cat-video-fest</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Danbury’s Immunization Action Plan Program Promotes Education for&nbsp;Pre-Teens and Teens on 3 Life Saving Vaccines</em></p><p>DANBURY, C.T. —&nbsp;The&nbsp;Danbury Health and Human Services team partnered with the Norwalk Health Department’s Norwalk/Danbury Immunization Action Plan (IAP) Program to run a successful campaign to promote three important vaccinations to young people in the Danbury area. As part of the Win/Win/Win with the BIG 3 initiative, IAP staff encouraged health care providers to discuss three vaccinations with their teenage and pre-teen clients: the anti-cancer human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and two vaccines to prevent meningitis: meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B.&nbsp;</p><p>Patients who spoke to their health care providers in Danbury, Ridgefield, Brookfield, and Newtown about any of these three vaccines could enter a drawing to win an iPad®, and the medical offices that submitted the most entries won a free lunch for their staff. The campaign was a Win/Win/Win: win immunity for children and the community, win an iPad, and win lunch for health staff. A 16-year-old Danbury resident won the iPad® after speaking with his doctor about the HPV and both meningococcal vaccines. CIFC Health/Pediatrics and Danbury Health and Human Services won lunch for their staff members.</p><p>The IAP Program received over 1,500 raffle entries, which means that over 1,500 pre-teens and teens talked to their healthcare providers about the importance of being vaccinated against HPV and meningitis or received the vaccines themselves. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S., causing over 37,000 cases of cancer each year. It is the primary cause of cervical cancer and contributes to many types of cancer in both men and women. Meningococcal disease is rare but can be deadly.&nbsp;About 1 to 2 out of every 10 people who get meningococcal disease will die from the infection.</p><p>“These three vaccines are safe, effective and offer protection from serious illnesses that can lead to cancers, long-term disabilities and even death”<strong>&nbsp;</strong>explained Pam Bates, RN, BSN, Norwalk/Danbury IAP Program Coordinator.&nbsp;“It is very important for pre-teens and teens to discuss these life-saving vaccines with their health care providers as they offer the best defense when they are given at the recommended ages.”</p><p>The Norwalk/Danbury IAP Program based at Norwalk Health Department works with families, health care providers, Danbury Health Department, Danbury Public Schools including the school-based health centers, and the community to ensure that area children and adults receive age-appropriate vaccines.</p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><em>She’ll perform in a Violins of Hope concert on Sunday in Westport</em></p><p>DANBURY, Connecticut —&nbsp;During her childhood in Ewing, New Jersey, Hannah Alexander received some early musical training at a private school she attended. “I was in fourth grade and 8 or 9 years old when I was given a cello — I did not choose it — and I have loved it ever since,” she said. That love continued when her family relocated to Oxford, Connecticut, and Alexander attended Oxford High School in the mornings, and studied music at the Educational Center for the Arts in New Haven in the afternoons.</p><p>When the time came to consider colleges, Alexander had no doubt that she would pursue a degree in music performance. She knew that in order to apply to college, in addition to the usual essays and applications, she would need to prepare some songs and go through an audition. As she was making her preparations, Alexander encountered <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University</a> Musical Arts Assistant Laura Piechota, who encouraged her to consider WestConn.</p><p>“I looked at several area schools, including UConn, the HART School and even a few in New York,” Alexander said. “Then I came to WestConn, met the professors and they heard me play. I received a <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/honors/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Kathwari Honors Program</a> Scholarship and a scholarship from my town. Even though other programs also offered me scholarships, there was just something different about WestConn. I felt very secure in my choice to come here, and I would encourage anyone to consider this option. Meeting with teachers and current students can’t be replicated. WestConn is the most friendly and welcoming place I looked at, and is so different from typical conservatory settings. Here there is camaraderie and everyone lifts each other up.”</p><p>Currently, in her junior year, Alexander is a dual major in <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/music/degrees/bachelor-of-music-performance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Music Performance</a> and <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/justice-law-administration/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Justice and Law Administration – Legal Studies</a>. “After graduating, I hope to go to an Ivy League Law School,” Alexander said. “I’m interested in commercial law and its ties to the music community in areas like intellectual property and copyright law.”</p><p>In addition to the time she spends in Kathwari Honors Program activities, Alexander is on the E-board of the Strings Club, the Brass Club, and is a member of the JLA Society. Turns out she is a bass trombonist in addition to being a cellist. She teaches cello lessons twice a week in Southbury, works at a local grocery store, and has a hand in running music events on campus as a crew member.</p><p>With all of this on her plate, it would seem unlikely that Alexander could take on any more, but an opportunity recently came about that she could not turn down. “My private tutor at WestConn, accomplished cellist Marcia Wiley, was invited to participate in an event called <a href="https://www.violins-of-hope.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Violins of Hope</a>,” Alexander explained. </p><p>According to its website, “Violins of Hope is a project of concerts based on a private collection of violins, violas and cellos, all collected since the end of World War 2. Many of the instruments belonged to Jews before and during the war. Many were donated by or bought from survivors; some arrived through family members and many simply carry Stars of David as decoration. … Every concert brings together people of all faiths and backgrounds. Every project is accompanied by an extensive educational program. We visit schools and hold narrated concerts. We tell the history of some instruments – such as the violin which was thrown out of a cattle train on the way from France to Auschwitz; the violin that was buried under snow in Holland; the violin that saved the lives of people who played in a camp orchestra and survived. So many stories.”</p><p>“Because of my relationship with my cello tutor, Marcia, and the fact that I know the piano accompanist, Dr. Liang-Fang Chang, too, I wanted to participate in this,” Alexander said. “It’s surprising they were able to save all these instruments. It continues the legacy, and this will be so touching and moving. There’s something super special to be able to do this and share my talent for the community. I hope people will visit the website and read the stories about where the violins came from. I will be playing a recovered cello, too.”</p><p>The performance will be at <strong>10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17</strong>, at the <a href="https://saugatuckchurch.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Saugatuck Congregational Church</a>, 245 Post Road East in Westport.</p><p>For more information, contact Communications and Marketing at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>.</p>

<h2>Connecticut Unveils the Nation’s First Christmas Movie Trail</h2><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;Discover the 22 holiday movies filmed in Connecticut — and see how you can visit each festive destination</em></p><p>In a celebration of cinema and the holiday season, Connecticut proudly unveiled the nation’s first-ever&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gkrkddy-tlluktttuu-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong>Christmas Movie Trail</strong></a>&nbsp;today. This unique journey lets movie lovers experience the quaint towns, bustling cities, and festive settings that have captivated millions of viewers through these beloved Christmas classics. From Hallmark to Netflix to Lifetime, a curated map featuring 22 filming locations, invites visitors to step into the cozy inns, intimate cafes, charming shops, and iconic attractions where their favorite holiday stories were brought to life.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The unveiling event, held at the historic&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gkrkddy-tlluktttuu-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><strong>Silas W. Robbins House</strong></a>&nbsp;in Wethersfield – a setting in Hallmark’s&nbsp;<em>Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane</em>&nbsp;– featured actors Wes Brown, Erin Cahill, Michael Rady, and Producer Andrew Gernhard, who together revealed the map to an enthusiastic audience. This trail captures the charm of Connecticut’s communities and hidden gems that have become the backdrop for some of the most timeless holiday movies.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>A New Way to Experience Connecticut</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Connecticut’s Christmas Movie Trail invites visitors to explore a side of the state that typically shines on screen: snow-dusted main streets adorned with lights, historic inns decked for the holidays, and vibrant town squares. The trail taps into the growing travel trend of “set-jetting,” where fans travel to real-life locations featured in their favorite movies and TV shows to relive memorable scenes and connect with the stories they love.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“The Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail showcases the state’s unique role as a holiday destination, not just for movie sets but for real-life memories,”&nbsp;<strong>Ellen Woolf Rubrich, Connecticut’s state brand director, said</strong>. “Our communities – brought to life with the spirit, beauty, and joy audiences experience on screen. Now, with the growing trend of set-jetting, visitors can step into these holiday scenes themselves and experience every aspect of what make these movies so magical.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Highlights of the Trail</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail is a curated guide, connecting travelers with the accommodations, dining spots, and attractions that play a role in 22 films from Hallmark, Lifetime, Netflix, BET, and Universal Studios. Highlights include:</p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Historic inns and cozy accommodations</strong>: Experience the warmth and holiday decor of inns that have served as both real and fictional backdrops, perfect for a seasonal getaway.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Iconic holiday scenes</strong>: From bustling main streets to picturesque town greens, each stop on the trail has been thoughtfully selected for its role in holiday movies, providing a full immersion into Connecticut’s holiday spirit.</li><li class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Local dining and unique attractions</strong>: Fans can enjoy locally-owned restaurants and charming cafes that feature in the films, and unique attractions that offer a complete holiday movie experience.</li></ul><p class="ql-align-justify">Featured films include:</p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Trivia at St. Nick’s</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Where Are You, Christmas?</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Mystic Christmas</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Ghosts of Christmas Always</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Sugar Plum Twist</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>A Holiday in Harlem</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Next Stop, Christmas</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>One Royal Holiday</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Holiday for Heroes</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Christmas on Honeysuckle Lane</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Christmas at Pemberly Manor</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Romance at Reindeer Lodge</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Wally Lamb’s Wishin’ &amp; Hopin’</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>The 12 Days of Christmas Eve</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>The Holiday Fix Up</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>The Noel Diary</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Soul Santa</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>My Adventures with Santa</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>A Very Nutty Christmas</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>A Very Merry Toy Store</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>Broadcasting Christmas</em></li><li class="ql-align-justify"><em>The Santa Con</em></li></ul><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>A Celebration of Tradition, Innovation, and Economic Impact</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify">“This trail is an innovative approach to travel that connects Connecticut’s picturesque towns and vibrant cities with the magic of holiday cinema,”&nbsp;Anthony Anthony, Connecticut’s chief marketing officer, said. “We’re giving visitors an immersive experience that brings their favorite holiday films to life. This trail isn’t just about celebrating the movies themselves – it’s about celebrating Connecticut’s unique ability to blend tradition with fresh, creative travel experiences that drive economic growth and showcase the best of what our state has to offer.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">As part of the festivities, 12 lucky Connecticut residents were chosen to attend the event and meet their favorite holiday film stars in person. Adding an extra layer of holiday magic, Hallmark actress Erin Cahill surprised one of the winners by drawing their name for a special opportunity – to be an extra in an upcoming Hallmark movie being filmed right here in Connecticut.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">For more information, including access to the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail map, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-gkrkddy-tlluktttuu-f/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>www.CTvisit.com</strong></a>.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>