Stories

Connecticut’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol Activated Saturday Afternoon

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, 2024, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 2024.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>211ct.org</strong></a>&nbsp;to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Beginning this weekend and continuing through the first couple days of next week, Connecticut will experience the first blast of arctic air of the season with temperatures dropping into the single digits at night and wind gusts up to 30 miles per hour at times,”&nbsp;<strong>Governor Lamont said</strong>. “Being outdoors for extended periods in these extreme conditions is not only dangerous but it can be fatal. Shelters and warming centers are available across Connecticut. Anyone in need of a safe place to stay warm is urged to call 2-1-1 to be directed to a nearby location, or check the list of locations online at&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>211ct.org</strong></a>. Transportation to a shelter or warming center can also be provided to anyone in need. Leaving pets outdoors in these frigid conditions can also be dangerous, and it is strongly advised to bring your pets indoors.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:</p><ul><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.</li></ul><p class="ql-align-justify">For emergency management news and resources, visit the state’s CT<em>Prepares</em>&nbsp;website at&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gukdrdt-tlluktiylh-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>ct.gov/ctprepares</strong></a>.</p><p><br></p>

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Christmas Eve Caroling, Menorah Lighting to Celebrate Season in New Canaan!

<p><strong>Holiday Events to Celebrate the Season in New Canaan!</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(28, 29, 40);">December 24&nbsp;&nbsp;- Christmas Eve Caroling starts at 6:30 PM on God's Acre</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(28, 29, 40);">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(28, 29, 40);">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong><span style="color: rgb(28, 29, 40);">The Town Band will play classic Christmas carols, and people will gather for a sing-along.</span></p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Song sheets will be available at the event.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(28, 29, 40);">December 25&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;- Menorah Lighting starts at 6:00 PM on God's Acre and continues nightly through Hanukah.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(28, 29, 40);">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Each night the lighting includes a brief ceremony with songs and prayers.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(28, 29, 40);">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All lighting times are at 6:00 PM.&nbsp;</span></p>

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FC Buzz Weekend: White Christmas, Reindeer Festival, Polar Express, and More!

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend December 20-22</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/polar-express-night" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Polar Express Night</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 20, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>All aboard for an enchanting evening! The Wilton Historical Society invites families to join them for Polar Express Night, a special event filled with holiday cheer and unforgettable experiences. Guests will gather around for a cozy reading of this timeless children’s classic, bringing the story to life in a festive setting. After the story, craft your own keepsake “Believe” Bell Ornament to take home as a memory of this special night, and remember as you ring the bell you can keep the spirit of the holidays alive!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/1940s-christmas-by-candlelight-tours-of-the-coley-house-13b9d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>1940s Christmas by Candlelight Tours of the Coley House</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 20, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Explore a World War II home front Christmas at the Coley House. With only holiday lights and candlelight, take a guided tour through this mid-19th century farmhouse, decorated as it would have been during the 1940s, when the last three generations of the Coley family occupied the home. View authentic 1930s and 1940s holiday decorations. Learn how World War II impacted holiday celebrations in America. Taste wartime Holiday ration recipes, and listen to original radio broadcasts featuring Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, all by candlelight.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/jingle-all-the-way-with-music-on-the-hill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jingle All the Way with Music on the Hill</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 21, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Join Music on the Hill Holiday Handbells and Children’s Chorus for a festive singalong and jingle bell bracelet craft. Perfect for all ages!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/irving-berlin-s-white-christmas-the-musical-e34bd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music Theatre of CT</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>White Christmas follows WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a successful song-and-dance duo who meet the talented Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. The men follow the sisters to their holiday show at a Vermont inn, only to discover it's owned by their former commander, General Waverley, who’s struggling to keep it afloat. To help, they plan a spectacular show with the sisters and the inn’s staff, sparking romance and holiday cheer along the way. Featuring Irving Berlin classics like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and the beloved “White Christmas,” this heartwarming musical is a festive celebration of love and friendship for all ages.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/let-s-celebrate-worldwide-3ae2b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Let's Celebrate! Worldwide</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>It’s the most wonderful time of the year! A joyful exploration of holiday traditions from around the globe. Experience the warmth of Thanksgiving through giving and gathering, discover the wonder of international fables and folktales and enjoy a special countdown to 2025 as we learn how other cultures ring in the new year.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/16th-annual-greenwich-reindeer-festival-santa-s-workshop-presented-by-jenny-allen-at-compass-real-estate-07c96" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival &amp; Santa’s Workshop</strong></a></p><p><strong>Sam Bridge Nursery &amp; Greenhouses</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm</p><p>The cherished town tradition continues for the sixteenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy Santa’s Workshop. Guests can enjoy the “Reindeer Coloring Station" and "Letter Writing to Santa Station" while waiting in line for their photo with Santa. A portion of all photos with Santa will be donated to Kids In Crisis, a non-profit organization based in Greenwich, but serves all of Connecticut. A Kids In Crisis Giving Tree will also be available for people to support their important mission.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rowayton-arts-center-holiday-gift-show-01c37" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Gift Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rowayton Arts Center</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>The annual Holiday Gift Show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) transforms the gallery into a shopping wonderland with original, handcrafted items and artwork from November 29 to December 24. Shop one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists: original cards, prints, paintings, ornaments, jewelry, ceramics, and knitted items galore by over 50 artists/artisans. Proceeds from the Holiday Gift Show are used to support RAC and its educational outreach.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

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DARE I SAY IT, a conversation with Naomi Watts at New Canaan Library

<p>New Canaan Library is excited to welcome renowned actor and producer Naomi Watts in conversation with Stacy London on Wednesday, January 22nd at 7:00 pm.</p><p>Tickets to&nbsp;<strong>DARE I SAY IT, a conversation with Naomi Watts moderated by Stacy London</strong>&nbsp;are on sale now for $50 each and include one copy of&nbsp;<em>DARE I SAY IT&nbsp;</em>along with a book signing.&nbsp;<a href="https://ohvwq5bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BJN8nB4d7v4uCDdTDAftQQGIzAmtA2ZQ8ccDlWX21KWaWNaAC0CbKXujL_nZa4mTOXoz9Bg5iRvHLpqOUI51OrqQ-MNg43JeN8rbjrcp2Mf0zs6Uegtp5sncn9CpZteY4EVXzSZJHaV-QmOU5rvTk-FtbAOYCHIlPlv45J6nV0d2obpJJX5EDw==&amp;c=tRaMkyEE7wsp2gWfgspBS3UQnnHYxMn3gr6iC5azGoTPzb0pTHUKQg==&amp;ch=cs01MQkYnooTNSkVPA86e4UKe5bmDueH5mHHhzL2195SfPivnwXABw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(108, 153, 203);"><strong>Click here</strong></a>&nbsp;to reserve your seat.</p><p>In her new release&nbsp;<em>DARE I SAY IT: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause</em>, Watts brings us a frank, funny, deeply personal, and illuminating guide to menopause and aging. Watts has become one of the leading voices in menopause awareness today by boldly using her platform to normalize conversations about this natural process.</p><p>Proceeds from the evening support New Canaan Library’s Annual Fund.&nbsp;</p><p>We hope to see you there!<strong style="color: rgb(108, 153, 203);"></strong></p><p><a href="https://ohvwq5bab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001BJN8nB4d7v4uCDdTDAftQQGIzAmtA2ZQ8ccDlWX21KWaWNaAC0CbKXujL_nZa4mTOXoz9Bg5iRvHLpqOUI51OrqQ-MNg43JeN8rbjrcp2Mf0zs6Uegtp5sncn9CpZteY4EVXzSZJHaV-QmOU5rvTk-FtbAOYCHIlPlv45J6nV0d2obpJJX5EDw==&amp;c=tRaMkyEE7wsp2gWfgspBS3UQnnHYxMn3gr6iC5azGoTPzb0pTHUKQg==&amp;ch=cs01MQkYnooTNSkVPA86e4UKe5bmDueH5mHHhzL2195SfPivnwXABw==" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(108, 153, 203);"><strong>BUY TICKETS</strong></a></p><p><br></p>

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FC Buzz Weekend Dec. 13-14: Holiday Art & Craft Sale, Shop 'N Stroll, and More

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend December 13-14</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/silvermine-holiday-art-craft-sale-7e990" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Silvermine Holiday Art &amp; Craft Sale</strong></a></p><p><strong>Silvermine Galleries</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 13, 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>All art and crafts for sale are created by Silvermine School of Art Adult Students and Silvermine Instructors. You will find ceramics, paintings, sculptures, prints, jewelry, drawings, photographs, fiber arts, cards, ornaments, and more at affordable prices to fit every budget.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/holiday-shop-n-stroll-at-ct-audubon-in-fairfield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Shop 'N Stroll</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connecticut Audubon Society Fairfield Nature Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 14, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Shop for nature-inspired gifts from local artisan vendors while delighting in the joyous sounds of acapella holiday carols. Enjoy a brisk walk on the Sanctuary trails, then grab a cheesy bite from the Melt Mobile Food Truck.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gbs-s-final-candidate-leads-12-14-holiday-show-daughter-of-leonard-bernstein-jamie-narrates-signs-books" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>GBS's Final Candidate Leads Holiday Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 14, 7:30 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>After an exhaustive search over two seasons, GBS is down to the wire as the competition to become the next Music Director ends. Maestro Waddell will present a family-friendly “concert of storytelling,” highlighted by some of the greatest stories in music, including Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf narrated by special guest Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the late great Leonard Bernstein. GBS is proud to feature photos of Mexican wolves during the narration, provided by Jack Bradley, a photographer for Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/winter-light-reception-at-art-place-gallery" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Winter Light Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Art/Place Gallery</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>This is an All-Member show that includes work in a variety of mediums, sizes, and interpretations of the theme.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pequot-library-and-shakespeare-on-the-sound-present-a-christmas-carol" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Shakespeare on the Sound Present: A Christmas Carol</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Join Pequot Library and Shakespeare on the Sound for drinks and delight at our joint fundraiser, culminating in a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Year after year, the trained actors from Shakespeare on the Sound delight audience members young and old with the quintessential tale of holiday spirit.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/odysseys-a-musical-journey-through-the-world-of-video-games" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Odysseys: A musical journey through the world of video games</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Presbyterian Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Norwalk Gamer Symphony Orchestra takes you on a journey through some of video game's most expansive and memorable worlds in our next show, Odysseys. Join us as we quest in search of Zanarkand (Final Fantasy X, 2001), trample a path on the moon (DuckTales, 1989) and traverse the desert wastelands of Journey's (2012) barren but provocative landscape. We hope you can join us for this fun evening of music and exploration! For more information, go to<a href="http://www.norwalkgso.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.norwalkgso.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">www.norwalkgso.org</a></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/yuletide-harmonies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Yuletide Harmonies</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>The Fairfield County Chorale (FCC) will present a joyous program of holiday music on December 15 at Norwalk Concert Hall. The Chorale launches its 62nd season with an intriguing program reaching from the Baroque to the 20th century. Similarly, the musical selections were composed in countries across the western world – from Germany to Hungary to the UK. Music Director David Rosenmeyer will conduct.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-service-of-nine-lessons-and-carols" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Service of Nine Lessons and Carols</strong></a></p><p><strong>St. Mark's Episcopal Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm</p><p>Now a perennial favorite, uniting the St. Mark’s Choir, Choristers, and Soloists, the story of our redemption is told – both in word and song – from the story of Adam and Eve to the arrival of the Magi at the Manger. Carols and hymns are sung by the Choir and by all. Conducted by the Director of Music Ned Tipton. Dr. Michael Burnette will accompany the service.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/brass-and-organ-christmas-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Brass and Organ Christmas Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Presbyterian Church</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 15, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>First Presbyterian Church of Stamford invites you to immerse yourself in the Christmas sound of four trumpets, two French horns, 3 trombones, 1 tuba, 2 percussionists, and an organ with over 4000 pipes. Minister of Music Kevin Bailey and the New York Symphonic Brass present the 34th annual Brass and Organ concert. Suggested donation of $25 for the freewill offering.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

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New Canaan Parks Update: Improvements at Waveny

<h4><strong>Coppo Baseball Field</strong></h4><p>Construction is underway at the north end of Waveny Park, next to Lapham Community Center, to rebuild Coppo Baseball Field. The new facility, featuring additional seating, will serve as the home field for the New Canaan Rams Varsity Baseball Team, which previously played at Mead Park. The Junior Varsity team will move from Coppo Field to Mead Park.</p><p>The upgraded facility, designed to accommodate other New Canaan youth baseball teams and programs, is scheduled to open for play in April. This project is a collaboration between the Town, the private nonprofit New Canaan Athletic Foundation, and New Canaan Baseball.</p><p>The field is named in honor of Joe Coppo, a New Canaan resident and dedicated youth baseball coach who tragically lost his life in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.</p><h4><strong>Outdoor Exercise Equipment</strong></h4><p>New outdoor exercise equipment has been installed near the parking area for the soccer fields and Orchard Softball Field, across from the mansion. The equipment is intended for individuals aged 13 and older. The old equipment is scheduled for removal in mid-December.</p><h4><strong>Outdoor Community Ice Rink</strong></h4><p>The Boucher Community Ice Rink at Waveny Park will open for its second year on December 1. Skating lessons for all ages and skate rentals for children will be available. For more details, visit <a href="http://ncrink.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ncrink.com</a>.</p><h4><strong>Trail Upgrade</strong></h4><p>The walking trail section in Waveny Park that runs parallel to Lapham Road has been upgraded with fine crushed stone as part of the Town’s ongoing trail maintenance program.</p>

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Norwalk HamletHub editor interviews Sex and the City creator, Candace Bushnell

<p><strong>An Interview with the creator of&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>, Candace Bushnell</strong></p><p>On a rainy, not-so-cold day in Manhattan last week, I had the esteemed pleasure of interviewing one of New York City’s most iconic writers, Candace Bushnell.&nbsp;</p><p>Bushnell became famous for detailing the realities of the treacherous dating scene in the city and now. Wanting to shield her Connecticut-residing parents from details of her sexcapades, she created an alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw.&nbsp;Bushnell still remains one of the most talked about characters in modern times. This&nbsp;<strong>Thursday</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>December 5th</strong>, Bushnell is leaving the city and returning to her home of Connecticut&nbsp;<strong>for one night only</strong>&nbsp;with her one-woman show<strong>&nbsp;"True Tales Of Sex, Success, and&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>”</strong>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://fairfieldtheatre.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Fairfield Theatre Company</a>&nbsp;(FTC) at 8 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>The show combines glamour, wit, and the no-holds-barred storytelling Bushnell is famous for. Detailing her life in New York City, from her early days spent at Studio 54 to creating&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City&nbsp;</em>and beyond, you can expect to hear about Bushnell’s wild nights out in Manhattan as well as her personal struggles and triumphs.&nbsp;</p><p>Chatting with Bushnell over Zoom felt like I was talking to a much cooler older sister freely dispensing wise advice.&nbsp;</p><p>“<strong>Be your own Mr. Big</strong>,” is her message to young women. “Make the money. That's really the most important thing. We've been telling women forever that they're going to get their happiness from a relationship and having children, and that's not really true. I think that one gets one's happiness from being self-actualized and having some control over your own life.”</p><p>When I asked a follow-up question about Mr. Big, she was quick to clear up any misconceptions. “There are a lot of parallels between my life and Carrie's life up to a certain point, but,&nbsp;<strong>no, I didn't end up with a shoe closet like Carrie Bradshaw's and I didn't marry my Mr. Big</strong>”.&nbsp;</p><p>She may not have Carrie’s shoe closet, but Bushnell doesn’t share CB’s culinary ineptness “I can cook. I’ve made a whole Thanksgiving dinner. Long way come from sardines and crackers,” she said, as she was won to eat this girl dinner meal, especially during her early column days. “Although,” thinking for a moment. “I eat those all the time too.”&nbsp;</p><p>Dedicated readers may be aware of her tinned fish dinners, but even a casual fan is aware that Bushnell knows fashion, and it is still a prominent part of her life. “There are lots more designers around now. It feels like than there were 25 years ago. So fashion is huge. Fashion's really exploded. I love Sylvia Tcherassi, and I wear PatBo on stage.”</p><p>While many things have changed since&nbsp;<em>SATC&nbsp;</em>first aired, the societal stigmas associated with “still” being single have pretty much stayed the same, worsening still with the “childless cat lady trope”. “Those kinds of attitudes are really a problem, and they're very worrisome to me,” she said, but there was hope to her message. “Single women are supposedly the happiest group of women. I think that says a lot right there.”</p><p>When I mentioned that I started rewatching&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>&nbsp;before I knew I was going to interview her, and couldn’t stop watching, we had a laugh about how addictive it is for her as well. “[I tell myself] I cannot spend four hours watching&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>. [It’s] a daily battle for me too.”</p><p>The show first premiered (unsurprisingly) in the City at a Broadway theater. Bushnell also performed the show at the Carlyle in London before taking it back stateside this month with shows in New Jersey and Connecticut. How does Bushnell feel about returning to her home state? “Oh, it's great,” she said. “I had a house in Connecticut for a long time, which was fantastic. I love Connecticut. I still miss it. Wonder if I should go back.”</p><p>What else can you expect from the show? “We do play a little game: real or not real?” Bushnell said. “There is some audience participation. Because there are a lot of things that happened in my real life that happened on the show, but they're better or worse. It's a great girls' night out, and people have a great time. And they find the show very inspirational, So I'm really looking forward to performing it in Fairfield.”&nbsp;</p><p>So, in the words of the OG CB herself, “Grab your Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte, and join the original Carrie Bradshaw for a Girls' Night Out you won’t forget.”</p><p>Tickets are available&nbsp;<a href="http://fairfieldtheatre.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(16, 60, 192);">fairfieldtheatre.org</a>&nbsp;as well as limited VIP packages which include a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Candace Bushnell.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><em>About Candace Bushnell</em></strong></p><p><em>Candace Bushnell is an internationally acclaimed, best-selling author best known for creating&nbsp;Sex and the City, the groundbreaking series that redefined women's relationships with love, friendship, and sexuality. Her work has resonated with millions, inspiring both the bestselling novel and the hit HBO series, as well as&nbsp;The Lipstick Jungle&nbsp;and a host of other books, plays, and television projects.</em></p><p><em>Bushnell’s unique voice and sharp insights have made her one of the most influential and recognizable writers of our time. In this exclusive one-woman show, she brings her story to life in a way only she can—mixing laughter, nostalgia, and wisdom in equal measure.</em></p>

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