<p>Samantha N. Colby of Redding&nbsp;was among the 66 University of Scranton students inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the national Jesuit honor society. Alpha Sigma Nu is the only honor society open to students and faculty in all disciplines of the University. Juniors, seniors and graduate students, including students in doctoral level degree programs, who have distinguished themselves in scholarship, loyalty and service are eligible for membership. Appointments are made by the president of the University on the recommendation of the moderator and chapter members of the society, and no more than four percent of the junior and senior class may be admitted each year. The Scranton chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu was established in 1943 and is the oldest honor society at the University.</p><p>Colby is a junior pursuing a biology degree at the Jesuit university.</p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Town of Redding News and Calendar of Events May 9-18, 2025</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">COMING UP THIS WEEKEND!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Saturday, May 10, 2025 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. at Newtown Public Works</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2025 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Event</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HHW-Event-2025-Annual-Events.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">View Information</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">May 13</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">New Pond Farm Education Center “Golf Outing &amp; Pickleball Tournament”-</span><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NPFGolf2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">view details</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">June 9</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Danbury Animal Welfare Society “Putt Fore Paws” –</span><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Daws-Golf-Postcard-2025-Front.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> view details</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CALENDAR OF MEETINGS</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tuesday May 13, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/planning-commission-3/2025-05-13/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:00 p.m. at Town Hall – Planning Commission</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">7:00 p.m. at Redding Ridge Firehouse-Fire District No. 1</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wednesday, May 14, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/commission-on-aging-6/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center-Commission on Aging</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/zoning-commission-3/2025-05-14/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:30 p.m. at Town Hall – Zoning Commission</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday, May 15, 2025</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/historic-review-committee-2-2025-05-15/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Historic Review Committee-CANCELLED</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/event/democratic-town-committee-8-2025-03-20-2025-04-17-2025-05-15/2025-05-15/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">7:00 p.m. at Town Hall-Democratic Town Committee</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ballot-05-06-25-Official-Results.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">VIEW RESULTS OF MAY 6, 2025 TOWN &amp; REGION 9 BUDGET REFERENDUM</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TOWN-OF-REDDING-SHRED-DAYS-flyer-2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">2025 Shred Day- September 13, 2025</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2025 Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Events</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/HHW-Event-2025-Annual-Events.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">View Dates Here</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Spring Cleaning Tips</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/SpringCleaning2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">View Spring Cleaning Tips here!</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Assessor</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The application period for the Town of Redding Elderly Benefit</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and State of CT Homeowners Program ends May 15, 2025-</span><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TB-CB-FINAL-NOTICE-2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">view more information here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/TB-APPLICATION2025-for-website.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">View application here.</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CT DEEP Fisheries Division</span></p><p><a href="https://portal.ct.gov/deep/fishing/general-information/ct-fishin-tips" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">CT Fishin’ Tips</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Employment</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ad-for-Assistant-Town-Clerk-PT-1.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Assistant Town Clerk (part-time)</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2025-Director-of-Extended-Day-04-15-2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Park and Recreation Director of Extended Programs</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/chief_of_police_Town-of-Redding-CT_2025.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Chief of Police</a></p><p><a href="https://townofredding.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ON-CALL-WEEKEND-Building-Custodian-Job-Posting-23.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facilities Custodian</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">- On Call Weekends</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Family Emergency Action Plan</span></p><p><a href="https://www.ready.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Plan Ahead for Disasters</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Health Department</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There are a limited number of radon testing kits available-contact</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Health Department at (203) 938-2559 or email </span><a href="mailto:health@reddingct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">health@reddingct.gov</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Heritage Senior Center</span></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tag-Sale-May-Programs-at-Heritage.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Tag Sale and May Calendar of Events</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Legal Notices</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">New Pond Farm Education Center</span></p><p><a href="https://newpondfarm.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Programs and Activities</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mark Twain Library</span></p><p><a href="https://marktwainlibrary.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">News and Programs</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Park and Recreation Commission</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/parks-and-recreation/upcoming-events/concert-on-the-green-series/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Summer Concerts on the Green-Schedule and Information</a></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/project/topstone-park/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Topstone Park Information</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Redding Land Trust</span></p><p><a href="https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Freddingctlandtrust.org%2Fcalendar&amp;data=05%7C02%7Ctownclerk%40townofreddingct.org%7C6a24d49e756c4cfa3bb508dd4c513f7c%7C355e538ccd844ff5b4e63ab7cc50adbc%7C0%7C0%7C638750634770813550%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=YaiV1GQqQR%2BWlc2UVHyRVhilBX7ZfuhqxOQHI1%2BoLhg%3D&amp;reserved=0" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Upcoming Events and Programs</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Request for Qualifications and Invitation to Bid</span></p><p><a href="https://townofreddingct.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/RFQ-SHPO-Architect.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Specialized Architectural Services for Gilbert &amp; Bennett Wire Mill</a></p><p><a href="https://reddingct.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Redding-Walking-Path-Bid-Douments.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Invitation to Bid: Redding Community Center Walking Path</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Granite</span></p><p><a href="https://thegranitechurch.org/events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Programs and Events</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Town of Redding website is now</span><a href="https://reddingct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://reddingct.gov</a></p>

<p><strong><u>For Sale: 9 Beck Road in Redding - Public Open House on Saturday, May 10 from 1-3pm</u></strong></p><p>True pride of ownership in this custom colonial set back privately through stone pillared entryway on 2.15 manicured acres with extensive stone walls, circular drive, specimen plantings, and 9.5' deep, free-form heated pool. Over $450K of improvements including stunning 2007 primary suite addition w/gas fireplace, luxe bath and dressing room; kitchen and all baths remodeled; 2004 Nejame pool, fencing and stamped decking; extensive landscape/hardscape with irrigation in back; surround sound inside/out; plus custom designer lighting and fixtures.</p><p>Total 5,748 sf on 3 finished level with 5 bedrooms, 4/1 baths, and 3 fireplaces, plus an additional 616 sf in a partially finished lower level workshop/storage area with built in cabinetry&nbsp;and wine chiller. The heart of the home is the dramatic vaulted great room with floor-to-ceiling paneled fireplace, walls of windows, French door to the rear deck, plus wide open to the inviting custom kitchen featuring island w/bar seating, walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances including gas range top and double wall ovens.</p><p>Relax with family and friends in the spacious bonus room with hardwood floors and decorative coffered ceiling, or spread out in the expansive walk-out finished lower level, ideal for an in-law or guest suite, featuring family room with 3rd fireplace, study/office area, plus private bedroom and new full bath (2020). Idyllic setting in scenic Redding, "The VT of CT." Walk to Huntington State Park with over 1,000 acres of hiking/biking trails, and 5 ponds, convenient to schools, and only 66 miles to Midtown.&nbsp;</p><p>Take a virtual tour of the property =&gt; <a href="https://www.seetheproperty.com/481185" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.seetheproperty.com/481185</a></p><p>To learn more about this property contact Laura Ancona <a href="https://www.williampitt.com/our-agents/list/lauraancona" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.williampitt.com/our-agents/list/lauraancona/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend May 9-11</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/tacos-tequila-at-the-sm-nc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tacos &amp; Tequila at the SM&amp;NC</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Come savor the flavor at a night of taco tasting and tequila exploration in our Knobloch Family Farmhouse alongside ambassadors from exceptional tequila brands. Enjoy an array of authentically made tacos and sides expertly prepared using only the freshest ingredients. Our event partner, BevMax, will be on hand to place orders for full bottles of any of the products you sample.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/prints---pottery---painting-artists-of-studio-402-282ef" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Prints - Pottery - Painting, Artists of Studio 402</strong></a></p><p><strong>Easton Library, Easton</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>The three women in this exhibition have shared a studio space since 2016 at the AmFab Arts Studios in Bridgeport. Holly Hawthorn is a mixed media artist who works in porcelain, collage and printmaking. The subject of her art often revolves around ocean themes. Deborah Dutko is an accomplished illustrator whose artistic explorations have led her to a love of clay in all its forms. Her illustrative talents are manifest in her amazing pet portraits done in watercolor technique.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-comedy-series-cbf26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret Comedy Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the Cabaret Comedy Series—exclusive nights of stand-up comedy featuring a rotating lineup of top-notch comedians. Each show brings a unique blend of wit and humor to the stage, promising unforgettable evenings of laughter and good times. Grab your tickets now and join us for a comedy experience like no other!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/30th-birthday-open-house" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>30th Birthday Open House</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Every studio in the building will be in operation, creating limited edition 30th Anniversary prints as you watch. There will be hands-on activities throughout the day, and a birthday cake celebration.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-day-gold-and-glitter-in-vienna-be70a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Family Day: Gold and Glitter in Vienna</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bellarmine Hall, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Inspired by the artwork on view in our exhibition Famous &amp; Family: Through the Lens of Trude Fleischmann. Learn more about the exhibition here! The first session will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m. During this Family Day event, kids ages 4-10 will get to create Gustav Klimt's "Tree of Life" and self-protraits as Adele Bloch-Bauer, aka "The Woman in Gold"!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-lisa-tannebaum-in-a-mother-s-day-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Lisa Tannebaum in a Mother's Day Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>Celebrate Mother's Day with a beautiful Harp Concert!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/under-the-sea-summer-theatre-gala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Under The Sea" Summer Theatre Gala</strong></a></p><p><strong>Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Dive into an unforgettable evening at The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s 22nd Anniversary Gala, “Under the Sea,” Saturday, May 10th, at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT. A whimsical evening to benefit the Summer Theatre’s Season and Educational Programs . This special night’s honorees are philanthropists Robert Miller and Kathy Klingenstein , along with Broadway’s Arbender Robinson, a true journeyman of the stage. The evening will feature performances by stars of our upcoming summer Broadway production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Come meet our Stars, Gala Committee, Trustees and fellow Patrons for an enjoyable experience.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-of-the-mendelssohn-choir-through-the-years" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Music of the Mendelssohn Choir Through the Years</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Church Congregational, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>A 40th anniversary concert &amp; silent auction.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-power-of-song-for-justice-a-tribute-to-peter-paul-mary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Power of Song for Justice: A Tribute to Peter, Paul &amp; Mary</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The term “folk music” has become interchangeable with Peter, Paul &amp; Mary. In 1962, with the nation still recovering from the McCarthy era, the civil rights movement taking shape, the Cold War heating up, and a nascent spirit of activism in the air, Peter Yarrow, Noel (Paul) Stokey and Mary Travers came together to foster folk music’s potency as a social, cultural and political force. This concert brings together some of our current era’s most talented folk artists, Peter and Maura Kennedy, Mustard’s Retreat’s David Tamulevich and Libby Glover, and Weston native Suzanne Sheridan, sharing their experiences through song, bringing alive once again the power of song for justice.</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><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced this year’s National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Congratulations to </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cade Fravel</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> of Redding, a student at Joel Barlow High School, who was named a National Merit $2500 Scholarship winner. Fravel’s probable career field is </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Diplomatic Service</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">By the conclusion of this year’s competition, more than 6,930 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $26 million. NMSC finances most of these single-payment National Merit $2500 Scholarships. Corporations and company foundations that sponsor awards through NMSC help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of paying administrative fees. Donations made to NMSC’s President’s Fund also provide funding for some National Merit $2500 Scholarships awards. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join us for an evening of live music with GoldenOak and Splendid Torch!</strong></p><p><strong>GoldenOak</strong> consists of brother-sister folk duo (Lena Kendall - Clarinet / Vocal &amp; Zak Kendall - Guitar / Vocal) whose 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. The band is rounded out by up-right bassist Mike Knowles and Drummer Jackson Cromwell.</p><p>Their latest album, <em>Room to Grow</em>, is a moving exploration of hope in the face of climate change. From clarinet-laced ballads to brassy anthems that shimmer with purpose, GoldenOak transforms research into art, grief into resolve, and anxiety into collective inspiration.</p><p>This is music for people who care — about the planet, about each other, and about finding beauty in a complicated world.</p><p><strong>Splendid Torch</strong></p><p>Massachusetts-based band Splendid Torch dwells in spontaneity and synthesis, conjuring an unexpectedly broad sound. Comprised of multi-instrumentalists Lily Sexton (lead vocals, fiddle, guitar), Sean Davis (acoustic &amp; electric guitar, vocals), Karl Helander (percussion) and Josh Ballard (bass), Splendid Torch calls on textured lyricism, collective rhythmic feel, &amp; poignant vocal performances that evoke their varied influences, from Emmylou Harris and Tammy Wynette to Kurt Vile and The Band. Their debut album ICON will be released in May of 2025.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Saturday, May 24th:</strong></p><ul><li>6:30 pm Doors</li><li>7:00 pm Splendid Torch *duo*</li><li>7:45 pm Golden Oak</li><li>Pre-sale tickets are $20, tickets increase to $25 on May 23rd</li></ul>