<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days to get engaged, setting the stage for couples to begin planning their perfect wedding. While some may envision a local celebration, many are choosing to tie the knot in breathtaking destinations. In fact, according to The Knot, approximately 17% of couples opted for a destination wedding in 2024—nearly one in five choosing to say “I do” away from home.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For couples looking beyond traditional venues, Expedia Cruises in Brookfield offers more than just cruise vacations. Under the leadership of Mary and Jim Villamana, Connecticut’s first-ever Expedia Cruises agency specializes in destination weddings and all-inclusive resort getaways, including the romantic, luxury experiences offered by Sandals Resorts. Whether it’s a beachfront ceremony in the Caribbean, an intimate gathering in Europe, or an all-inclusive resort celebration with loved ones, their team ensures a seamless planning experience.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A destination wedding isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. With expert travel guidance from Expedia Cruises Brookfield, couples can enjoy stress-free planning, curated travel packages, and exclusive deals to make their wedding dreams a reality.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ready to start planning? Visit Jim and Mary Villamana at 67 Federal Road, Brookfield, call (203) 429-5589, or explore your options online:</span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Expedia Cruises Brookfield</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>The American Red Cross is helping nine people after two&nbsp;separate fires yesterday in Danbury and New Milford.</p><p>The Red Cross is helping:</p><ul><li>two families – three adults - one child after a fire yesterday&nbsp;on Coalpit Hill Rd., Danbury</li><li>one family – two adults – three children&nbsp;after a fire yesterday on Cambridge Circle, New Milford</li></ul><p>In each instance, the Red Cross provided assistance to meet the families’ immediate needs. Responders included: Art Hopkins, Sharon Cuartero, Mike Gabriel,&nbsp;Steven Chen, John Lennon, Amy Thomas, Pilar DeCola, Sheri MacKenzie and Jim Murdy.</p><p>The Red Cross also provided a recovery envelope containing information helpful to families recovering from a fire, including tips on cleanup; notification of important contacts; dealing with damaged items and more. The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits containing personal care items such as toothbrushes, deodorant, shaving supplies and other items a resident might need when suddenly displaced from their home by a fire.</p><p>Red Cross caseworkers will connect with those affected in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan. The Red Cross is able to provide assistance through the generosity of our donors and the commitment of our volunteers.</p>

<p>The New Milford Commission on the Arts invites artists to submit their work for its third annual Arts Festival on the Green, taking place on June 28, 2025.</p><p>&nbsp;The Arts Festival is a juried fine art and artisan show that also features performances by local students, as well as dance, theater, and music groups.</p><p>&nbsp;Artists may submit up to five images. Registration deadline is May 31, 2025.</p><p>&nbsp;For more information and to apply, visit our website at <a href="http://artsnewmilfordct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">artsnewmilfordct.org</a>.</p>

<p>Danbury CT - SCORE Western Connecticut, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering vibrant small business communities, is calling on professionals, retirees, and business leaders to join its team of volunteer mentors. By volunteering, you can play a pivotal role in helping entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their goals and strengthen the local economy.</p><p><strong>Why Volunteer with SCORE?</strong></p><p>SCORE mentors provide free, confidential business mentoring and educational workshops to aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. These services have proven invaluable in helping local businesses thrive. Research shows that businesses with SCORE mentors have a 70% higher survival rate after five years, compared to those without mentorship.</p><p><strong>Who Can Volunteer?</strong></p><p>SCORE is looking for professionals with expertise in areas such as marketing, finance, operations, human resources, or industry-specific knowledge. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, retiree, corporate executive, or experienced business owner, you can make a difference by sharing your knowledge and experience. Passion for giving back and strong communication skills are essential.</p><p><strong>Benefits of Volunteering:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Personal Fulfillment</strong>: Help local businesses thrive and make a lasting impact.</li><li><strong>Professional Development</strong>: Enhance your mentoring, coaching, and leadership skills.</li><li><strong>Community Connection</strong>: Strengthen ties to your community and join a network of like-minded professionals.</li></ul><p><strong>How to Get Involved:</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Apply Online</strong>: Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.score.org/page/volunteer-score%20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">https://www.score.org/page/volunteer-score</a>&nbsp;to submit your application.</li><li><strong>Start Mentoring</strong>: Begin making a difference in the lives of entrepreneurs and small business owners.</li></ol><p><strong>About SCORE Western Connecticut</strong></p><p>SCORE Western Connecticut is part of a nationwide network of 10,000+ volunteer mentors. The chapter is dedicated to helping local businesses succeed through free mentoring and educational programs. By empowering small businesses, SCORE contributes to building a stronger, more resilient economy.</p><p><strong>Join us in empowering the next generation of business leaders. Volunteer with SCORE Western Connecticut today!</strong></p>

<p>Join RVNAhealth for a unique program that delves into nurturing your mind and soul, alongside your body on January 17 from 1 to 2pm New Milford Senior Center.</p><p>This presentation will explore holistic approaches to wellness, offering insights on how to maintain mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual fulfillment as you age. </p><p>Lunch included, registration required. To register, please call the New Milford Senior Center at: (860)-355-6075.</p><p>Learn more <a href="https://rvnahealth.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://rvnahealth.org/</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a period of particularly frigid conditions over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, January 6, 2025, and remaining in effect through 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 9, 2025.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">High temperatures during this period are forecast to be in the mid to upper twenties, and overnight lows are expected to be in the single digits and teens. Winds are expected to be out of the northwest at 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts potentially reaching 40 miles per hour.</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://www.211ct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(31, 100, 229);">211ct.org</a>to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The purpose of the state’s severe cold weather protocol 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">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://ct.gov/ctprepares" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(31, 100, 229);">ct.gov/ctprepares</a>.</p>