<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Keith Richards Honored with Connecticut’s Inaugural Governor’s Award of Excellence</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Prospects from The Prospector Theater, along with founder and visionary Valerie Jensen, were invited to attend a special event in celebration of Keith Richards receiving Connecticut’s inaugural Governor’s Award of Excellence. The event took place today, March 5, 2025, at The Westport Library, where Richards was honored for his contributions to the state’s cultural and civic life.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The photo shown from the event (courtesy of the Prospector) shows Valerie Jensen, the founder of The Prospector Theater, alongside Prospect Zach.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Richards, legendary guitarist of the Rolling Stones, was presented with this prestigious award by Governor Ned Lamont, recognizing his creativity, resourcefulness, passion, and generosity. Since 1985, Richards has made Connecticut his home and has significantly impacted the community through his philanthropy. He has supported local organizations such as SPHERE, which enriches the lives of adults with disabilities, and The Prospector Theater, which provides competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Prospector Theater is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that employs people with disabilities, known as "Prospects," in its first-run movie theater and online popcorn business. Approximately 75% of the Prospects self-identify with a disability. The theater’s mission of providing meaningful employment through the arts aligns with Richards's dedication to inclusion and support for those in need.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Governor Lamont presented Richards with a custom-designed medallion, along with a ribbon crafted by Connecticut-based artists, as well as a proclamation offering him the “Key to the State.” Richards was the first recipient of the Governor’s Award of Excellence, a new honor established to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Connecticut’s cultural and civic landscape.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Congratulations to Keith Richards on this well-deserved award, and a heartfelt thank you to Richards for his ongoing support of The Prospector Theater and the greater Connecticut community.</span></p><p>Visit The Prospector Theater on Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/prospectortheater" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">prospectortheater</a> and online <a href="https://www.prospectortheater.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.prospectortheater.org/</a></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mondays can be tough (so can Tuesdays and Wednesdays!) 850 Wood Fired is making family dinners a bit easier by offering family-style takeout dinners Mondays through Wednesdays.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Starter options (pick 1):</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">House Salad</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ceasar Salad</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tuscan Vegetable Salad</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pasta (pick 1):</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Penne'SpaghettiRigatoni</span></p><p>*Choice of sauce: vodka, marinara, pomodoro, pesto, garlic &amp; olive oil</p><p><strong>Main (pick 1)</strong></p><p>Chicken parm</p><p>Eggplant parm</p><p>Chicken Martini</p><p>Chicken Francese</p><p>Wood-fired salmon</p><p>Add-ons</p><p>Garlic knots or garlic bread</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Just pick your choices and we’ll do the rest!"</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit 850's website </span><a href="https://www.850degrees.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.850degrees.com/</a> and follow along on Instagram @850degreeswoodfired/</p>

<p>RVNAhealth is proud to announce that its outpatient Therapy Center is now a participating member of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) Rehabilitation National Network. Membership in this distinguished network reflects RVNAhealth’s commitment to delivering exceptional therapy services while upholding the highest standards of care. Access to ongoing education and resources provided by HSS will further enhance the clinical expertise of RVNAhealth’s therapy team, ensuring that patients receive the best in rehabilitation care.</p><p>Located at 27 Governor Street in Ridgefield, RVNAhealth’s state-of-the-art Therapy Center offers a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services designed to help patients regain strength, mobility, and independence. Each therapy program is tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals recovering from injuries, surgeries, neurological conditions, and other health challenges.</p><p>RVNAhealth’s Therapy Center provides specialized rehabilitation services, including:</p><ul><li><strong>Physical Therapy:</strong> Addressing pain, weakness, and immobility caused by sports injuries, surgeries, and illnesses, physical therapists focus on helping patients regain strength, mobility, and balance.</li><li><strong>Occupational Therapy:</strong> Supporting individuals in performing everyday tasks, occupational therapists assist patients recovering from injuries or strokes, as well as older adults experiencing physical or cognitive changes.</li><li><strong>Speech Therapy:</strong> Offering cognitive training and speech-language retraining for individuals recovering from strokes, experiencing swallowing difficulties, or living with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, or multiple sclerosis.</li><li><strong>Vestibular Therapy:</strong> Providing specialized exercises to improve stability, reduce fall risk, and enhance mobility for individuals experiencing dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders caused by inner ear dysfunction.</li><li><strong>LSVT BIG® and LSVT LOUD® Therapy:</strong> Evidence-based therapies designed to improve movement and speech in individuals with Parkinson’s disease, focusing on enhancing body movement and vocal clarity.</li></ul><p>For those in need of rehabilitation services or specialized Parkinson’s programs, RVNAhealth’s Therapy Center offers expert care and personalized treatment plans. To schedule an appointment or learn more about available services, contact RVNAhealth at (203) 438-7862 or email therapycenter@rvnahealth.org.</p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Save the Date: The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 60 Years with The Eras Gala</strong></p><p>Join the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra for an unforgettable evening celebrating six decades of world-class music at <strong>The Eras Gala</strong> on <strong>Saturday, May 17, at 7:30 PM at The Ridgefield Playhouse</strong>. This milestone event will feature a special RSO performance showcasing highlights from the past 60 years, along with lively silent and live auctions.</p><p>Music lovers won’t want to miss this one-of-a-kind program, featuring selections from Mozart, Charles Ives, George Gershwin, Aaron Copland, Antonín Dvořák, Mikhail Glinka, and Sergei Prokofiev.</p><p><strong>Tickets Are On Sale Now!</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Eras Tickets - $150</strong> (Includes orchestra seating and exclusive cocktail party at 5:30 PM)</li><li><strong>Performance Only Tickets - $75</strong> (Mezzanine &amp; balcony seating, doors open at 7:00 PM)</li></ul><p>Purchase tickets: <a href="https://ci.ovationtix.com/35696/performance/11529581" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click here</a></p><p><strong>Sponsorship Opportunities Available</strong></p><p>Support the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra and be part of this special celebration by becoming a sponsor. Sponsors will enjoy premium seating, program recognition, and more. <a href="https://ridgefieldsymphony.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Click here to explore sponsorship opportunities.</strong></a></p><p>Exciting silent and live auction items will be announced soon, adding to the evening’s festivities.</p><p>The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra dedicated to enriching the cultural lives of Ridgefield and surrounding communities through performances of the highest artistic quality.</p><p>Learn more about the RSO at <a href="https://ridgefieldsymphony.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ridgefieldsymphony.org</a>.</p>

<p>Editor's note: <em>In the weeks leading up to the fashion show, HamletHub will introduce the models and share more about them.</em></p><p><strong>Save the date! </strong>Ann’s Place invites you to an evening of fashion, fun, and community spirit at On the Runway ~ Familiar Faces on <strong>Wednesday, April 30, at 7:00 PM</strong> at <a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Ridgefield Playhouse</a>.</p><p>This exciting event will showcase spring and summer fashion curated by <strong>Elegant Ridgefield</strong>, modeled by familiar faces from the local community. Attendees can also look forward to an entertaining show hosted by <strong>comedian Christine O’Leary</strong>, live and silent auctions, and a raffle featuring fantastic prizes.</p><p>Tickets will be available for purchase through the Ridgefield Playhouse Box Office starting <strong>Friday, March 21</strong>.</p><p>Meet the 2025 Models:</p><ul><li>Jennelle Black</li><li>Brianna Carvahlo</li><li>Kimberly and Noah Chu</li><li>Corrinne DiVestea</li><li>Louzette Dovaras</li><li>James Forte</li><li>Kathy Graham</li><li>Ann Fowler-Cruz</li><li>Tara &amp; Jeremy Guski</li><li>Peggy Honore</li><li>Becky Hurta &amp; Claudine Materasso</li><li>Ashley Hutchings</li><li>Ian Lewis</li><li>Jacqueline Ondrey</li><li>Jill Rae &amp; Kim Harper</li><li>Kelly Ramos &amp; Kyle Neuman</li><li>AJ Romeo</li><li>Tim Salem</li><li>Yamilet &amp; Ranon Zapata</li></ul><p>Support Ann’s Place</p><p>Ann’s Place provides comfort, support, and resources to those living with cancer and their loved ones. Learn more at <a href="https://www.annsplace.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.annsplace.org</a>.</p><p>Become a Sponsor</p><p>Interested in sponsoring the event? Sponsors receive priority seating, program mentions, and more. Contact <a href="mailto:uwa@annsplace.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>uwa@annsplace.org</strong></a> or <a href="mailto:jack@annsplace.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>jack@annsplace.org</strong></a> for details.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>The next installment of Taproom Tastings, Keeler Tavern Museum &amp; History Center’s popular virtual program, is Tuesday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m. Join KTM&amp;HC Chief Curator Catherine Prescott and Hendrick I. Lott House Executive Director Mary Tsaltas-Ottomanelli as they investigate food in propaganda and politics.&nbsp;</p><p>Catherine and Mary’s relaxed, conversational style is an engaging way to get unique and entertaining insights into America’s culinary histories and learn how food and drink have long been central to building and maintaining community and cultural identity.&nbsp;</p><p>From bread riots and beer price-fixing scandals to Victory Gardens and the "Got Milk" campaign, food has had a profound impact on policy and politics throughout history. In March, Catherine and Mary will explore how food was used in propaganda and politics in the 18th and 19th centuries.&nbsp;</p><p>The Taproom Tastings virtual series runs monthly through May. Upcoming episode topics include wine and 19th-century health and wellness. The programs are free for all, with a suggested donation of $10, and registration is required. To register for this month’s episode on March 11, or to register for any of the season’s upcoming episodes, go to<a href="http://www.keelertavernmuseum.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> www.keelertavernmuseum.org</a>/events.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>