<p>FAIRFIELD, CT — Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is honored to welcome award-winning sports journalist Sally Jenkins as part of the Open VISIONS Forum on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>With a career spanning decades, Jenkins, the first woman to be inducted into the National Sportswriters and Sportscasters Hall of Fame, has covered some of the most iconic moments in sports history. The Fairfield University Athletics Department joins the Quick in bringing this longtime columnist for <em>The Washington Post</em> to campus.</p><p>“It’s an honor and a privilege to have&nbsp;Sally Jenkins share her journey with our student-athletes and with the entire campus community,” said Vice President for Athletics Paul Schlickmann. “It is our intentional objective for athletics to serve as a vehicle for the holistic formation of our student-athletes in all aspects of their educational experience here at Fairfield. The opportunity to have a renown figure like Sally Jenkins impart her wisdom and perspective will certainly be of great value to our student-athletes in their continued growth as Stags and in their own personal development beyond Fairfield.”</p><p>Jenkins will discuss her storied career in sports journalism and her new NPR-ranked book, <em>The Right Call: What Sports Teaches Us About Work and Life</em>. Jenkins celebrates the integration of body, mind, and spirit, and how sports offer meaningful direction and nourishment for athletes of all levels. She will be joined by Fairfield University athletes and coaches for this Open VISIONS forum.</p><p>“Athletes show a deep intelligence at work,” Jenkins said. “It's not the type that we tend to think of, but there's a deep, deep, deep intelligence and commitment at work in these athletes, that's really worth studying closely and drawing the right lessons from them.”</p><p><strong>This forum is sponsored, in part, by Moffly Media, Delamar Southport, Delamar Spa, and Artisan. Tickets are now on sale on</strong><a href="https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield-connecticut/stories/quickcenter.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> quickcenter.com</strong></a><strong> for $35, or $25 for Quick Members. For more information, contact the Quick Center Box Office at 203-254-4010, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><em>Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 43 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.</em></p>

<p>FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Fairfield University’s Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts is thrilled to announce an exciting and unique performance by internationally renowned pianist Orin Grossman, set for Sunday, March 30 at 3 p.m. The concert will feature the Bridgeport KEYS Jazz Ensemble, The Keynotes, in a dynamic program that celebrates American music, including iconic works by Duke Ellington and George Gershwin.</p><p>This special annual performance explores both classical and jazz traditions. The first half of the program will showcase Grossman’s piano arrangements of classic songs by Ellington and Gershwin. The second half will feature Grossman alongside The Keynotes for a lively celebration of these jazz legends, along with music by other jazz giants, such as Thelonious Monk and Billy Strayhorn.</p><p>Founded in 2004, KEYS (Kids Empowered by Your Support) is a Bridgeport-based organization dedicated to providing free musical instruments, lessons, and performance opportunities to under-resourced students. KEYS envisions a world in which every child has access to the transformative experience of studying and playing music, regardless of their circumstances.</p><p>Grossman is widely respected for his deep understanding of music and his dynamic performances. A celebrated lecturer and performer, he has toured internationally, specializing in the music of George Gershwin. His performances have earned critical acclaim in cities around the globe, including Cairo and New York. Grossman’s longstanding association with Gershwin’s music has made him a leading interpreter of both the composer’s classical and popular works.</p><p>Grossman’s ties to Fairfield University are longstanding as well: He taught as a professor of Performing Arts and served as the University’s academic vice president. He continues to be a revered figure in the arts community, regularly performing and lecturing on a variety of musical genres.</p><p><strong>Tickets are now on sale on</strong><a href="https://news.hamlethub.com/fairfield-connecticut/stories/quickcenter.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong> quickcenter.com</strong></a><strong> for $35, or $25 for Quick Members. For more information, contact the Quick Center Box Office at 203-254-4010, Monday through Friday, from 12 to 5 p.m.&nbsp;</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.</em></p><p><br></p>

<p>FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Fairfield University’s Chef William “Bill” Reardon has emerged as a national champion, winning the 2025 National Association of College &amp; University Food Services (NACUFS) Culinary Challenge, at the NACUFS 2025 National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. Competing against top collegiate chefs from across the country, Reardon secured first place, bringing home a prestigious American Culinary Federation (ACF) gold medal for his masterful dish: chicken galantine with winter vegetables and port wine reduction.</p><p>Reardon’s journey to the national stage began with his victory at the Northeast regional competition in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he earned an ACF gold medal and secured his spot at nationals. In Salt Lake City, he faced off against the best chefs from universities across the country, demonstrating extraordinary skill, technique, and creativity.</p><p>“This victory is an incredible honor,” said Reardon. “To represent Fairfield University on a national level and bring this title home is truly special. The support from my team and the university has been incredible, and I couldn’t be prouder.”</p><p>The NACUFS Culinary Challenge, launched in 2001and judged by the American Culinary Federation, is one of the most prestigious culinary competitions in collegiate dining. Chefs are judged on presentation, technique, taste, and nutritional balance, competing with original dishes featuring a designated protein. Reardon brings the same creativity and expertise to Fairfield’s Tully Dining Commons, Stag Diner, and Levee Restaurant, where students enjoy elevated culinary offerings. Under the guidance of Chef Reardon, Fairfield’s diverse offerings provide a dining experience that caters to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.</p><p>Fairfield University’s win solidifies its place as a leader in excellence and innovation in collegiate dining. The university’s commitment to high-quality, chef-driven cuisine continues to elevate its dining program, giving students an exceptional culinary experience.&nbsp;</p><p>For more information on the NACUFS Culinary Challenge, visit <a href="http://www.nacufs.org/Awards/CulinaryChallenge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">www.NACUFS.org/Awards/CulinaryChallenge</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.</em></p>

<p>SOUTHPORT, CT – Trinity Spiritual Center will host a Zoom conversation with bestselling author, hospitality entrepreneur, and modern elder Chip Conley on Sunday, April 6th at 4:30 PM. This special event is open to all members of the community regardless of religious affiliation.</p><p>Conley will lead a lively discussion regarding his most recent book Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better With Age. Drawing on the latest social science research, timeless wisdom, and his own inspiring life experience, he will share how we can reframe our thinking about the natural transition of midlife, experiencing it not as a crisis, but as a chrysalis—a time when something profound awakens in us, as we shed our skin, spread our wings, and share our wisdom with the world.</p><p>After founding and running the second largest boutique hotel company in the U.S. for nearly two-dozen years, Chip felt stuck and saw his personal, emotional, physical, and business life all fall apart in his late 40s. At the time, he considered it a "midlife crisis," but since then he's come to realize that it was a period of deep transformation, and the following fifteen years have been the best of his life.</p><p>Chip went on to become the "modern elder" to the young founders of Airbnb becoming their teacher and mentor, and in many ways their student and intern, as Head of Global Hospitality and Strategy. He learned to marry experience and wisdom to curiosity, a beginner’s mind and a willingness to evolve, hallmarks of being a “Modern Elder”. He then created the world's first midlife wisdom school, the Modern Elder Academy (MEA), with campuses in Baja and Santa Fe. Tapping into some of MEA's well-known guest faculty content - from Christian mystic Richard Rohr to Blue Zones' Dan Buettner to author Elizabeth Gilbert – Chip has developed his new book Learning to Love Midlife.</p><p>A bestselling author of seven books, Chip earned a BA and MBA from Stanford University and is the winner of an honorary PhD in Psychology from Saybrook University. Now he is on a mission to reframe our relationship with aging.&nbsp;</p><p>“I am utterly convinced that our 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and beyond can be invigorating times of re-imagination, re-creation, reflection, and true growth,” states Conley. “It’s not just a transition from youth to old age. It’s a period of transformation from which we can emerge with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility.”</p><p>“Chip’s pro-aging message could not be more welcome at this time.&nbsp;So many people struggle with conventional notions of mid-life and old age as a period of diminished vitality and unfulfilled dreams,” says Mark Grayson, Trinity Spiritual Center’s Founding Director. “We all look forward to being inspired by Chip’s insights and wisdom.&nbsp;Guided by Chip, let’s wake up together to the possibilities of midlife.”</p><p>WHAT:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;“How Life Gets Better With Age: Reframing Your 40’s, 50’s 60’s and 70’s”&nbsp;</p><p>WHEN:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Sunday, April 6th at 4:30 p.m.</p><p>WHERE:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Zoom</p><p>COST:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;$15</p><p>REGISTER:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://chipconleyeventsouthport.eventbrite.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://ChipConleyEventSouthport.eventbrite.com</a>&nbsp; All are welcome.</p><p>QUESTIONS:&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="mailto:mrkgrsn@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">mrkgrsn@gmail.com</a></p><p>About Trinity Spiritual Center</p><p>Trinity Spiritual Center is a dynamic and growing community of people of all ages and beliefs, engaging in a broad range of learning experiences to inspire and support their own journeys of spiritual growth.&nbsp;It offers programs and practices that inspire and engage the greater community.&nbsp;Trinity Spiritual Center is pleased to be partnered with Trinity Episcopal Church.&nbsp;</p><p>About Trinity Episcopal Church</p><p>Trinity Episcopal Church is located at 651 Pequot Avenue (at Center Street) and welcomes seekers of all denominations. Trinity’s mission is to provide a vibrant 21st century Episcopal community that inspires spiritual growth, nurtures genuine connections, and promotes charitable service.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">Weston, CT - </strong><span style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (</span><a href="http://backyardbeekeepers.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="font-weight: var(--geeks-body-font-weight);">BYBA</a><span style="color: var(--geeks-body-color); font-weight: var(--geeks-body-font-weight);">) in Connecticut is proud to present Dr. Scott McArt, an associate professor of pollinator health in the Department of Entomology at Cornell University. The March 25 meeting is in person and our speaker will be joining us in person as well.&nbsp;There is not an option for participants to join virtually.&nbsp;Please join us at 7 PM to allow time to socialize and chat with other members of the club.&nbsp;Our live speaker presentation will begin at 7:30 PM.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">The location is Norfield Congregational Church located at 64 Norfield Rd in Weston, CT.&nbsp;Even though the event is free and open to the public, please register at&nbsp;</span><a href="https://deref-mail.com/mail/client/kogEXbCh94s/dereferrer/?redirectUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fbackyardbeekeepers.com%2F" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">https://backyardbeekeepers.com</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">In August 2018, with funding provided through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund to research potential adverse impacts of pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, Cornell began developing a risk-benefit analysis of neonicotinoid insecticide usage in New York State with the following three goals: 1) Estimate the pest control and plant protection benefits of neonicotinoid insecticides under current usage, 2) Estimate the risk from neonicotinoids to pollinators, and 3) Evaluate the relative benefits and risks of likely neonicotinoid substitutes (i.e., other insecticides or pest control strategies) compared to neonicotinoids. The resulting 432-page report, published in 2020, helped shape the 2024 Birds &amp; Bees Protection Act, which is the first legislation in the USA to prohibit the use of neonicotinoid treatments on corn, soybean, and wheat seeds, as well as use on outdoor ornamental plants and turfs. Between release of the report and passing of the Birds &amp; Bees Protection Act, there were multiple attempts to undermine the science and spread disinformation and misinformation.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">This talk will describe some of these attempts, explain why they occurred and their effectiveness, and how evidence-based legislation on this topic can potentially be improved via public engagement.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51);">If you are unable to join us, club members will be able to view this and past monthly meeting recordings in the Members Only portion of the website under BYBA Presentations.</span></p><p>Questions? Contact BYBA’s Paula Wolf at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:paulawolf@email.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">paulawolf@email.com</a>.&nbsp;</p><p><em>The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) is one of the Nation’s largest regional clubs for beekeeping hobbyists with over 400 members. Some of their members are just getting started as beekeepers, and some have enjoyed this hobby for years. All share an interest in the wonderful and remarkable world of the honey bee. The mission of BYBA is to provide their membership with a forum for sharing knowledge and mutual interests in beekeeping, and to educate and promote the benefits of beekeeping to the public. For more information, please visit&nbsp;</em><a href="backyardbeekeepers.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><em>backyardbeekeepers.com</em></a>B</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">Fairfield, CT - Writer, producer and teaching artist Jason Cicci has an exciting new enterprise to announce. "My friend and colleague Maureen Hamill, recently appointed Artistic Director of Theatre, Education and Curated Events at Fairfield Theatre Company (after 19 years of running her VERY successful&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://jasoncicci.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=481485860541426bb089a07eb&amp;id=6585be673c&amp;e=d20bf138be" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137);"><strong>Summer Cabaret Workshop</strong></a><strong style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">), asked me to create some classes for&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://jasoncicci.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=481485860541426bb089a07eb&amp;id=7ea937311f&amp;e=d20bf138be" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 124, 137);"><strong>FTC's NEW&nbsp;Performing Arts Programming</strong></a><strong style="color: var(--geeks-body-color);">."</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>His two new classes are "Storytelling: Scenes &amp; Monologues" and "Actor Plus". </strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">STORYTELLING</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In this engaging workshop, students will bring characters to life through theatre scenes and monologues. The course follows the tradition of a classic acting studio, where performers learn to identify intentions, make character-driven choices, and deliver authentic performances while focusing on storytelling.</strong></p><blockquote><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instructor:&nbsp;Jason Cicci</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Schedule:&nbsp;Mondays, 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ages:&nbsp;12 &amp; up</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Registration:&nbsp;$350/$325 Member</strong></blockquote><blockquote><br></blockquote><blockquote><a href="https://jasoncicci.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=481485860541426bb089a07eb&amp;id=db25b093c7&amp;e=d20bf138be" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 205);"><strong>REGISTER HERE</strong></a></blockquote><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">ACTOR PLUS</p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This class empowers actors to create original stories they can star in, whether on stage or on camera. Using improvisation and collaborative input, students develop characters, scenes, and situations that build into scripts they could produce themselves.</strong></p><blockquote><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instructor:&nbsp;Jason Cicci</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Schedule:&nbsp;Mondays, 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ages:&nbsp;12 &amp; up</strong></blockquote><blockquote><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Registration:&nbsp;$350/$325 Member</strong></blockquote><blockquote><br></blockquote><blockquote><a href="https://jasoncicci.us14.list-manage.com/track/click?u=481485860541426bb089a07eb&amp;id=87c2416fc1&amp;e=d20bf138be" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 205);"><strong>REGISTER HERE</strong></a></blockquote><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>"I knew I wanted the classes to cater to actors of any age,&nbsp;whether&nbsp;a serious-minded artist or someone just looking for a fun and informative creative outlet. I also knew that I wanted to incorporate some of what I learned while studying at Syracuse University's renowned Drama Department," Jason remarks.&nbsp;</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>He adds that it all a part of "maintaining my mission to help actors acclimate themselves to the modern-day entertainment business" and aiming "to encourage actors to curate their storytelling skills through building personalized characters and producing."</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p>Note that these classes are under the auspices of FTC's new educational initiative. More info here: <a href="https://fairfieldtheatre.org/events/the-loft/ftc-arts-education_e310" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">VISIT THE FTC SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION</a></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p>