<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SPRING into Action and Embark on a Journey of Discovery with River Cruising</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Now through April 25, during </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises' Legendary Rivers and Tours Sale</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, travelers can enjoy exceptional added value on select river sailings and guided tours.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises Brookfield, a locally owned and operated full-service travel agency, invites you to experience the beauty of river cruising, where iconic waterways, historic cities, and immersive cultural experiences come together in one unforgettable voyage. This boutique style of travel takes you beyond the typical tourist trail, with stops in charming villages and small towns where authentic local traditions thrive.</span></p><p><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/promotion/legendary-rivers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Book now</strong></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to receive exclusive </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia® Extras</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, which may include:</span></p><p> • Up to $200 onboard credit</p><p> • Savings of up to $500</p><p> • Free onboard gratuities</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These offers are available on select itineraries and are subject to availability.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To learn more or plan your next adventure, visit Expedia Cruises Brookfield </span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/promotion/legendary-rivers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>online</strong></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or call (203) 429-5589. Explore our limited-time offers and start planning a memorable journey!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Expedia Cruises is located at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield, CT.</span></p><p><br></p>

<p>The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that bridge work will be performed on I-84 Bridge 1204 (Old Hawleyville Road) and Bridge 1208 (Parmalee Hill Road) in Newtown, and Bridge 0459 (Route 6) Bethel. This project is scheduled to occur on Monday, April 21, 2025, and be completed on Monday, June 23, 2025. This project ensures the bridges remain in a state of good repair.</p><p>This project is being performed by Hammonasset Construction.</p><p><strong>LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO</strong></p><p>There will be left or right lane closures on I-84 Bridge 1204, Bridge 1208 and Bridge 0459 from April 21, 2025 to June 23, 2025 from 7:30pm to 5:30am. Traffic control signing patterns will be in place with State Police to guide motorists through the work zone.</p><p>Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.</p><p><a href="http://www.newtown-ct.gov/node/340071" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Read more</a></p>

<p>This Mother’s Day, honor the women who lift us up by supporting the mothers who soar. As bird migration reaches its peak in the Northeast each May, just in time for Mother’s Day, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is calling on the community to help provide nourishment and protection for Connecticut’s winged mothers.</p><p>As a certified wildlife habitat, the sanctuary is committed to supporting both migrating and native birds with the essential resources they need—high-quality seeds, safe shelter, and nesting materials. These supports are critical as birds return to breed and raise their young.</p><p>This year, the sanctuary hopes to raise <strong>$2,500</strong> to sustain and expand efforts during this crucial time of migration and renewal.</p><p>With a donation of just <strong>$35</strong>, participants can honor a special woman in their life with a heartfelt, nature-inspired gift:</p><p>●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A <strong>personalized card</strong> acknowledging the donation in her name</p><p>●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A <strong>beautiful 4-pack of artisan cards</strong> featuring the birds who call the sanctuary home</p><p>“This is a gift for the woman who gives you wings—and for the birds who always had them,” said Jennifer Hubbard, President of the CVH Animal Sanctuary. “It’s a way to celebrate nurturers of all kinds—human and feathered alike.”</p><p>Mother’s Day tributes can be ordered until May 2nd to ensure delivery by Mother’s Day. To make your gift, visit <a href="http://cvhfoundation.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">cvhfoundation.org</a>. Thank you for honoring the spirit of motherhood—in every form it takes.</p>

<p>Spring has arrived in spectacular fashion at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, where over&nbsp;<strong>30,000 daffodils</strong>&nbsp;are now in full bloom across the vineyard’s rolling hills. Carefully planted between the grapevines last fall, these cheerful yellow blooms were placed one bulb at a time with a single goal in mind—to delight our guests with a magical springtime display.</p><blockquote>Despite a bout of chilly April weather, the daffodils have emerged beautifully, creating a breathtaking scene rarely seen in a vineyard setting. This floral showcase offers guests a uniquely immersive experience that blends nature’s beauty with the vineyard’s charm.</blockquote><blockquote>“We envisioned a spring where guests could sip wine while surrounded by golden blooms,” said the team at Aquila’s Nest. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that vision come to life—and even more exciting to know these fields will only grow more stunning as the daffodils multiply year after year.”</blockquote><blockquote>This Sunday, guests attending our&nbsp;<strong>annual Egg Hunt</strong>&nbsp;will also get to enjoy the daffodil bloom in full effect. The event is&nbsp;<strong>almost sold out</strong>, and it’s one of the most whimsical ways to experience the vineyard’s springtime magic.</blockquote><blockquote>To view the daffodil fields, guests must reserve&nbsp;<strong>outdoor seating</strong>&nbsp;or book one of the vineyard’s signature experiences, including:</blockquote><ul><li>Igloo Spheres / Fairy Gazebos</li><li>The Forbidden Fireplace</li><li>Pergola with Fire Pits</li><li>Fire Pit Circles</li></ul><blockquote>Each reservation offers a beautiful view to this limited-time bloom—perfect for springtime celebrations, date nights, and unforgettable photo moments.</blockquote><blockquote><strong>Reservations are required</strong>&nbsp;and can be made online at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.aquilasnestvineyards.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.aquilasnestvineyards.com</a>. The daffodil bloom is expected to peak over the next few weeks, so early bookings are encouraged.</blockquote><blockquote>Come raise a glass to spring among the daffodils at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards—where nature, wine, and wonder intertwine.</blockquote><p><br></p>

<p>Spring Book Donation Day, sponsored by the Friends of the C.H. Booth Library, is set for Sunday, April 27, 2025 from noon to 5 pm in the rear parking lot of the C.H. Booth Library, 25 Main Street, Newtown. Volunteers will be on hand to help you unload your vehicle and to provide tax receipts.</p><p>Your donated items enable the Friends to raise money for the Booth Library at the big annual summer book sale (scheduled for July 11-15, 2025 at Reed Intermediate School), the annual Holiday Sale in early December, and the Friends-operated Little Book Store, which is open year-round near the main circulation desk on the second floor of the library. We’ve posted our donation guidelines at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.boothbooksale.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(130, 166, 171); background-color: transparent;">boothbooksale.org</a>. For more information, you can also contact the Friends at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:boothbooksale@yahoo.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">boothbooksale@yahoo.com</a>&nbsp;or leave a message at 203-270-4537.</p>

<p>Ann’s Place&nbsp;<a href="https://www.annsplace.org/all-events/2025/fashion-show" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">fashion show</a>&nbsp;will take place on Wednesday, April 30, at 7 p.m. at The Ridgefield Playhouse. Get ready to celebrate inspiring community members who are taking the stage to make a difference! Fashions are curated by Elegant Ridgefield.</p><p>Ann’s Place is a haven of hope, providing comfort and support to those facing cancer and their loved ones. This year’s fashion show fundraiser brings the community together in a celebration of strength.</p><p><strong>Meet our next model - Ann Fowler-Cruz</strong></p><p>"I'm an estate planning attorney and partner at Cohen and Wolf. Over the years, I’ve seen too many loved ones—clients, friends, and family—impacted by cancer. I’m walking for my mom, who died of colon cancer, my best friend of 55+ years who is a survivor, and two friends currently in the fight.</p><p>As the oldest model on the runway this year, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone to support Ann’s Place—a nonprofit offering free services to cancer patients, from counseling to wellness programs.</p><p>Please help me support this incredible cause by donating under my name. Let’s make a difference together!"</p><p>Support Ann here:</p><p><a href="https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/ann-fowler-cruz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://donorbox.org/on-the-runway-familiar-faces/fundraiser/ann-fowler-cruz</a></p><p><strong><em>Your support makes a real impact—every donation helps those in need navigate their cancer journey with care and hope.</em></strong>This exciting event will showcase spring and summer fashion curated by&nbsp;<strong>Elegant Ridgefield</strong>, modeled by familiar faces from the local community. Attendees can also look forward to an entertaining show hosted by&nbsp;<strong>comedian Christine O’Leary</strong>, live and silent auctions, and a raffle featuring fantastic prizes.</p><p>Tickets available for purchase through the Ridgefield Playhouse Box Office:&nbsp;<a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/on-the-runway-familiar-faces-benefitting-anns-place-ridgefield-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">On the Runway - Familiar Faces Benefitting Ann's Place | Ridgefield, CT | Ridgefield Playhouse</a></p><p>To learn more about Ann's Place please click on link&nbsp;<em>-&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.annsplace.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Ann's Place</a></p>