<p><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Norwalk, CT -&nbsp;</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">Designed by notable artist, writer and curator Richard Klein, SIGHT AND SOUND invites audiences to delve into Long Island Sound's significance through diverse artistic perspectives, shedding light on its ecological resilience, rich cultural history, and striking natural beauty.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">This dynamic exhibition features fourteen contemporary artists whose work explores Long Island Sound's beauty, history, and evolving environmental story - one of the region's most vital yet often overlooked natural landscapes.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Participating artists include:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Frances Ashforth, Christopher Baker, Marion Belanger &amp; Martha Willette Lewis, Christopher Coffin, Kenneth Martin, Brechin Morgan, Constance Old, James Prosek, Duke Riley, Alexis Rockman, Jeremy Slater, Beth Stewart-Kelly and Catherine Vanaria.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent;">A Free Opening Reception</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;will feature opening remarks from curator Richard Klein and participating artists, Iyaba Ibo Mandingo reciting poetry inspired by the water, and a special Copps Island Oysters tasting.</span><strong>When:</strong><strong style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Thursday, June 12, 2025,</p><p>6:00pm - 8:00pm</p><p><strong>Where:</strong><strong style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</strong></p><p>The Norwalk Art Space 455 West Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06850<span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p>

<p> STAMFORD, CT/June 4, 2025 – Your best day on the water is coming! On Saturday, July 12, hundreds of kayakers and paddle boarders will take to Long Island Sound for the SoundWaters Flotilla, a four-mile community paddle supporting SoundWaters’ environmental education programs and the protection of Long Island Sound. </p><p> Paddlers will launch from Cove Island Park in Stamford, journeying around Shippan Point to the Cohen SoundWaters Harbor Center at Boccuzzi Park, where a beach party awaits with music, lunch and camaraderie. For most paddlers, the course should take two hours or less.&nbsp;</p><p> “When people experience the beauty of Long Island Sound together, they begin to understand just how vital it is to protect it,” said Leigh Schmitz, President of SoundWaters. “The funds raised help us to provide hands-on science education using our million-acre classroom to thousands of students every year.” </p><p> To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, the route will be supported by kayak guides, support boats and a floating rest stop. After the event, a shuttle service will return paddlers and their gear to their original launch sites. Participants may bring their own kayaks or paddle boards or rent equipment through SoundWaters during registration. </p><p> The 2025 Flotilla is made possible thanks to the generous support from Franklin Templeton, along with Kaster Moving Company, Hey Stamford!, 95.9 The Fox, and WEBE 108. Register now at <a href="https://p2p.charityengine.net/Flotilla25/?_gl=1*uffes6*_ga*ODExNjg0MzUyLjE3NDczOTU4NjQ.*_ga_29SK5LTH2B*czE3NDg4ODA4NDIkbzckZzAkdDE3NDg4ODA4NDIkajYwJGwwJGgw*_gcl_au*NTM5MTM2MDY4LjE3NDg2MDY1MDc." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SoundWaters Flotilla '25</a> and paddle for a cleaner, healthier Long Island Sound. </p><p><br></p><p><strong><u>About SoundWaters</u></strong></p><p>SoundWaters prepares the next generation for their future. With our climate in crisis, we teach tomorrow’s leaders the science they will need.&nbsp;With Long Island Sound as our classroom, we create love and respect for the natural world. As a matter of justice, we open the water to all.&nbsp;As a matter of urgency, we work to protect our common home. For more information, visit <a href="https://soundwaters.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">soundwaters.org</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-center">###</p>

<p>Norwalk, CT - Are you ready to experience maritime history like never before? The Norwalk Seaport Association and the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society invite you to embark on a one-of-a-kind, five-hour cruise that transports you to not one, but two iconic lighthouses—Greens Ledge and Sheffield Island. Mark your calendars for this unforgettable journey happening on three Saturdays, June 7, July 12, and August 9. Departing at 8:30 a.m. from 70 Water Street and returning by 1:30 p.m., this exclusive tour promises a special blend of history, legend, and scenic coastal views. Get your tickets here.</p><p>The cruise first charts a course through the picturesque Norwalk Harbor to Greens Ledge Lighthouse, a rare Spark Plug Lighthouse built in 1902 and steeped in lore—including stories of pirates and buried treasure. It is one of only 33 surviving spark plug lighthouses in the United States. Recently restored and now open to the public, visitors can explore multiple historic rooms, like the Beacon Room with its still active automated light, the Trombos Research Center, and the Maclean Watch Room. Don’t miss the chance to soak up the panoramic views on the outdoor deck equipped with Adirondack chairs.</p><p>Next, the boat docks at Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a Victorian-era treasure built in 1868. Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, explore rooms restored to reflect 19th-century lighthouse life, and unwind with their picnic in a shaded pavilion with unbeatable views. A stroll through the nearby Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a pristine sanctuary for bird watchers and nature lovers adds to this amazing coastal experience.</p><p>Whether you're cruising solo, with family, or with friends, this cruise promises a perfect mix of adventure, history, and natural beauty. Make sure to pack a picnic lunch, bring plenty of water, wear closed-toe shoes, wear sunscreen, and arrive 30 minutes early to ensure a smooth boarding.</p><p><br></p>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scoop Up Some Fun with Fairfield County Bank!</span></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join the Fairfield County Bank team today, Friday, May 30, from 3 to 5 PM at Sweet Ashley’s Ice Cream (248 East Ave, Norwalk) for a sweet treat—and some smart savings tips.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fairfield County Bank is picking up the tab on your ice cream, so bring your questions and your appetite! While you enjoy your favorite scoop, chat with friendly financial expert Nicole Turosky, CFP®, CDFA® about how a 529 College Savings Plan can help make future tuition bills a little less stressful.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It’s the perfect mix of sprinkles and smarts. See you there!</span></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*Limit one (1) coupon per person. One (1) Small Scoop of Handcrafted Ice Cream valuing $5.25 will be awarded and is not redeemable for cash. Offer only valid today, May 30, 2025.</em></p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County Appoints Former United Way CEO Kim Morgan as New President</strong></p><p><span class="ql-cursor"></span>The Board of Directors of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County is proud to announce the appointment of Kim Morgan as its new President, effective June 1, 2025. Kim brings more than three decades of leadership in nonprofit management, strategic innovation, and community impact, poised to lead the organization into its next stage of growth and impact.</p><p>Kim most recently served as Principal of LifeVest Strategies, where she provided interim executive leadership and consulting to nonprofit and social impact organizations. Her career includes a successful tenure as CEO of United Way of Western Connecticut, where she led the development of Prosperi-Key®, a nationally recognized digital platform connecting working families to resources with dignity and choice.</p><p>Throughout her career, Kim has championed programs focused on youth development, early childhood education, financial empowerment, and food security. She has designed and scaled initiatives that raised millions of dollars to support underserved families across Connecticut.</p><p>Kim succeeds Bernadine Venditto, who led Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County for over 20 years, leaving behind a legacy of growth and stability. The Board of Directors conducted a comprehensive executive search in partnership with DH Search of Boston, MA. Kim was selected as the top candidate from a pool of outstanding applicants.</p><p>“We are thrilled to welcome Kim Morgan as the next President of Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County,” said Mike Steinharter, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Kim is a visionary leader with a deep commitment to youth development and financial empowerment. Her track record, energy, and values align perfectly with JA’s mission and future direction.”</p><p>“I am truly excited to join Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County,” said Kim Morgan. “This is an organization with a stellar reputation for educating youth and preparing them for the future. I look forward to working alongside a passionate team dedicated to building brighter futures for students across our region.”</p><p>Kim holds a master’s degree in management communications and an undergraduate degree in psychology. She serves on the boards of Danbury and New Milford Hospitals and Western CT Coalition. Kim and her husband, long-time foster and adoptive parents, reside in New Fairfield, CT.</p>

<p><strong>Bridgeport, CT</strong>&nbsp;- Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is delighted to announce the arrival of Ponya, an 11-month-old female red panda from the Detroit Zoo. Ponya makes her public debut this week in the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat, a state-of-the-art exhibit complete with indoor and outdoor viewing areas, climbing structures, and temperature-controlled spaces throughout the seasons.</p><p>Ponya, born in 2024 at the Detroit Zoo, has been captivating visitors with her playful antics and inquisitive nature. Her move to Connecticut is part of a collaborative effort among AZA-accredited institutions to ensure the long-term survival of red pandas through carefully managed breeding programs.​</p><p>Later this month, Dorji, our male red panda, will be transferred to another AZA-accredited institution as part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP). Dorji joined Beardsley Zoo in May 2024 from Utah's Hogle Zoo and has been a beloved resident, known for his sweet and curious demeanor.</p><p>In Dorji’s place, a young male red panda from another AZA accredited facility will soon join Ponya. This pairing has been strategically planned through the SSP program.&nbsp;The SSP program aims to maintain populations of species that are designated, threatened or endangered. Through habitat preservation, public education, and coordinated breeding efforts, the program aims to bolster red panda populations both in the wild and in human care.</p><p>Visitors are encouraged to visit the Natt Family Red Panda Habitat to welcome Ponya and learn more about red panda conservation efforts. For those unable to visit, the zoo offers a live webcam feed&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-cams.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.beardsleyzoo.org/zoo-cams.html</a>, available daily from 8:30AM to 6:00PM.​For more information and to plan your visit click here&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.beardsleyzoo.org</a>.</p>