<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc., a not-for-profit, professional theatre company in Milford debuts its new musical, “Dorothy’s Christmas in Oz” opening Friday, December 6 at the Milford Arts Council, The MAC on Railroad Avenue in downtown Milford.</p><p>The new musical mash-up by Bert Bernardi and Justin Rugg find Dorothy in Kansas longing for the excitement, friendship and magic of her previous journey to Oz.&nbsp;This time, she travels over the rainbow on a mission to celebrate the holidays and find what she misses most—family. All of Oz’s familiar characters return along with some new ones like the jolly old elf in the red suit! There’s all kinds of unexpected moments, sight gags, jokes and plenty of memorable music.</p><p>“I’ve been obsessed with everything Oz since I first saw the MGM musical as a child,” admits Bernardi. “Bringing Dorothy to Oz at Christmas is fun, exciting and perfectly ‘Pantochino’ he adds. “While the musical has so many funny twists and turns, at the heart of it all is family.”</p><p>The cast includes Pantochino’s core company members Mary Mannix, Shelley Marsh Poggio, Maria Berte, Don Poggio, Valerie Solli,&nbsp;Jimmy Johansmeyer and Rugg. They are joined by Killian Meehan, Chad Celini, Leanne Onofrio, Justin Amaro and Katie Durham. Three young actors join the company for this production, Ella Bedenbaugh, Davis Burke and Brennan Simonelli. The production also features the ‘quintessence of effervescence’ herself, Victoria Sautee.&nbsp;</p><p>The musical features sets by Von Del Mar, costumes by Johansmeyer, lighting by Jakob Kelsey, sound by Tyler Kittleman and Christina Ronquillo will stage manage. The production is sponsored by Berchem Moses PC.&nbsp;</p><p>Pantochino Productions Inc., now it its fifteenth year, is Milford’s ‘ridiculously entertaining’ theatre company for family audiences founded and produced by Bert Bernardi and Jimmy Johansmeyer. In addition to its original musicals, the company presents its popular Summer Theatre Camp series for children, an acclaimed Teen Theatre company, After-school Drama Clubs in area schools, classes, podcasts, and other special events.&nbsp;</p><p>“Dorothy’s Christmas in Oz ” will be performed December 6 - 22 with shows on Fridays at 7:30 pm, Saturdays at 2 and 5:30 pm, and Sundays at 2 pm. Tickets are $35.00. and seating is cabaret-style. Audiences are invited to bring their own food and drink to enjoy during the performance. The Milford Arts Council, The MAC is located at 40 Railroad Avenue South on the eastbound side of the Metro-North tracks. Free parking is available in the train station lots at showtime. Further details and tickets are available at&nbsp;<a href="http://pantochino.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pantochino.com</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Milford, CT</strong> – Lauralton Hall is proud to announce its 9th Annual Mary Ann Wasil Daisy Walk, a cherished event held during Pink Week to honor and remember the remarkable legacy of Mary Ann Wasil, founder of the Get In Touch Foundation. Known for her pioneering work in breast health education, Mary Ann launched the Daisy Wheel, an innovative, interactive tool that empowers individuals to perform breast self-exams through eight simple steps.</p><p>This year’s event will feature a keynote address by actress and breast cancer survivor Miranda McKeon. Her personal journey reflects the spirit of this year’s theme: <em>Courage &amp; Faith to Hope &amp; Strength</em>. Following the keynote, participants will gather on the Lauralton Hall track for a celebratory run/walk, bringing the community together in support of breast cancer awareness and education.</p><p>The Mary Ann Wasil Daisy Walk not only honors a beloved advocate but also serves as a rallying point for the Lauralton community to reaffirm their commitment to health education and support for those affected by breast cancer. Lauralton Science Teacher and National Honor Society Moderator Theresa Napolitano shares, “The best legacy for Mary Ann Wasil is her emphasis on early education leading to early detection. We are all part of the solution, and the energy on the field and during Pink Week helps elevate awareness!”</p>

<p>The Lazy .5K Charity “Run” is set for Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 10am to noon at Dockside Brewery 40 Bridgeport Ave in Milford, CT.</p><p>The Lazy .5K Race is a fun, Halloween-themed event to raise funds and awareness for Bridges Healthcare’s community mental health services.&nbsp;Put on your best Halloween costume and join in for games, food and a leisurely .5K stroll to the finish line.&nbsp;Tickets are $35 per person (plus fees) and include 2 drink tickets and light fare after the “race”. Register at <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-themed-lazy-5k-charity-run-tickets-976253409227" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.eventbrite.com/e/halloween-themed-lazy-5k-charity-run-tickets-976253409227</a></p>

<p><strong>Lauralton Hall Varsity Volleyball Team Achieves an Impressive 15-0 Record with 45 Straight Set Victories</strong></p><p><strong>MILFORD, CT</strong> – The Lauralton Hall Varsity Volleyball Team has achieved an outstanding 15-0 record with 45 consecutive set victories this season. The team's unwavering dedication, skill, and teamwork have propelled them to the top of the league standings, leaving a lasting impression on the volleyball community.</p><p>Under the leadership of Head Coach Laura Discenza, the team has showcased exceptional athleticism and strategic prowess on the court. The players' relentless pursuit of excellence has not only led to their success in matches but has also fostered a spirit of unity and sportsmanship that extends beyond the game.</p><p>Coach Discenza shares, “The team is led by a class of eight seniors who have set the tone for the program. Through their hard work and trust in each other, this group has established a new standard for Lauralton Volleyball. These girls bring more than just athletic talent to the team; they have become outstanding leaders in our program. They show our underclassmen how hard work, fun, and a love for the game can combine to produce amazing results. I am so proud to coach them every day.”</p><p>Lauralton’s Athletic Director, Chris Lindwall, credits the team's success to rigorous training, a strong team bond, and their commitment to supporting each other both on and off the court: "Every game is a new challenge, and we face it together."</p><p>The team is eagerly looking forward to their next away game on Thursday, October 10 at 4:30 p.m. at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, where they will continue their pursuit of excellence.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lace-up your sneakers and join the 2024 Run for MWS this October, a fundraising event aimed at raising critical funds and awareness for individuals and families affected by Mowat-Wilson Syndrome (MWS). Whether you run, walk, or stroll, every step supports the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation (MWSF), a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of those impacted by this rare genetic disorder through family support, education, and research initiatives.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Participants are encouraged to organize their own events, whether it’s a solo run, a group race in their town, or even a simple walk around the block. The goal is to raise awareness and bring communities together in support of MWS.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here’s how it works:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Decide on the event type – single runner, a group run, a race in your town, a fun run around the block, or even a walk around the block!</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Pick a date during October</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Register your event by clicking </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsrFrKL1rfsQ0elg3M9bW1lxHSuA9E3ExSl3Hxd189GAEWuQ/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Send us a photo and we will send you a frame and promote your event!</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Create a Facebook Fundraiser </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/fundraisers/</a></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">After registering for your event, you will receive two MWSF t-shirts and a fundraising toolkit!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">WSF President Paul Jacobi's 1-mile Fun Run Supporting Bella in Milford on October 13!</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">One highlight of this year’s campaign is a special event organized by MWSF President Paul Jacobi. On October 13th, Jacobi will host a 1-mile Fun Run and pizza party in Milford, CT, in support of Bella, a local child affected by MWS. This gathering aims to unite the community for a meaningful cause, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the disorder and how they can help. Jacobi explains, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"I have raised money for the Mowat-Wilson Syndrome Foundation for so many years. Here in Milford, Ct., I am supporting my amazing friend Bella and her amazing family who deal with this disease every day. Her family was once advised that Bella might never walk. Tell that to Bella who has now run several mile races, plays baseball, participates in musical productions and spreads light wherever she goes. Please give whatever you can. Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. Every little bit helps. Thank you for your support. You are my friends and family and every contribution is gratefully accepted."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Support Paul's run on October 13! Click </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/537100412061215/9127458790603247/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about the 2024 Run for MWS </span><a href="https://mowat-wilson.org/runformws/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://mowat-wilson.org/runformws/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Join the Milford Garden Club for our October 8th&nbsp;program featuring Wildlife Biologist, Peter Picone, who will address:&nbsp;Improving our Local Environment and Wildlife Habitat by Restoring Native Plants and Managing Invasives; the Challenges of Restoration Efforts to Plant Native Trees on Charles Island Natural Area Preserve.&nbsp;Peter’s presentation begins at 1:00 pm and will be held at the DAR Chapter House, 55 Prospect Street, in Milford.&nbsp;The admission fee is $5.00. payable in cash or check.&nbsp;To reserve your table space, please text or call Membership Chair Bunny Elmore by October 8 at 203-848-7459</p><p>The Milford Garden Club’s mission is to advocate for the preservation and restoration of our natural environment, and to beautify and educate our community through programs and civic projects.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;We meet monthly on Tuesdays from September through June.&nbsp;</p><p>If you are interested in joining the Milford Garden Club, please contact Bunny Elmore at 203-848-7459.&nbsp;</p><p>Learn more about the project: <a href="https://www.charlesislandreforestation.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.charlesislandreforestation.com/</a></p>