<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend April 18-20</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">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.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-daffodil-daydream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Daffodil Daydream</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 18, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Step into three million blooming daffodils and let inspiration find you! Whether you want to paint, write poetry, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax, this afternoon is yours to unwind while listening to the peaceful sound of the harp.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/egg-straordinary-egg-stravaganza" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>A little birdie told us some egg-citing news...our Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza is hopping back to Stepping Stones on April 19! Get ready for a crackin’ good time with egg hunts, egg-quisite activities and nonstop fun for the whole flock. With a day this egg-stra special, everything’s looking sunny-side up!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-daffodil-dreams-hunt-paint-play-for-children-of-all-ages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Daffodil Dreams: Hunt, Paint, &amp; Play! For Children of all ages!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Hop into Spring with an Easter Egg Hunt &amp; Painting in the Daffodils! (Children's Event)</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethe-pride-s-book-club-ebd99" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Pride's Book Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Come discuss a book on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. There will be a catch up session at end of the year to review everything from the year!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/1964-the-beatles-tribute" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>1964 The Beatles Tribute</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>They are hailed by critics and fans alike as THE most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute….which has earned them the distinction from Rolling Stone magazine as the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sleeping-beauty-a8db2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sleeping Beauty</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm</p><p>Get ready for a magical journey into the land of fairy tales at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, where dreams come true and adventure awaits around every corner! In our final enchanting TYA production of 2025, witness the timeless tale of a beautiful princess cursed into a deep slumber, awaiting the kiss of true love to awaken her. But fear not, because a brave prince is ready to rise to the challenge! With his trusty sword in hand, he sets off to rescue the princess from the clutches of an evil witch and face the fiery breath of a fierce dragon.</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>

<p><strong>Stamford, Conn. – </strong><a href="https://www.edgehillcommunity.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Edgehill</a>, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Stamford, Conn., has again been named one of the best senior living communities in the country by <a href="https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/edgehill-1091" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>U.S. News &amp; World Report.</em></a> The community is one of just three in Connecticut to earn a “Best” CCRC distinction in the magazine’s 2025 Best Senior Living issue. Edgehill also earned the designation of “Best” for its independent living neighborhood.</p><p>As a top senior living community, Edgehill demonstrates a culture of hospitality, excelling in food and dining, safety, activities and enrichment, staff and management, and more. Residents and family members who were surveyed noted, “There is no one ‘best thing.’ It is the combination of the physical plant, the staff, the quality of the food, the good location in Stamford and the great residents that add up to a five-star rating.” Another resident noted, “The best thing about Edgehill is that you can live independently, yet have opportunities to mingle, enjoy lectures, music, social gatherings, all with the knowledge that medical care and help are ‘there’ if needed.”</p><p>“Our associates are caring, patient and compassionate people and it is an honor to work alongside them,” said Edgehill Campus Executive Director Chris Cilano. “Our team is committed to ensuring the wellbeing and quality of life of each of our residents and this designation would not be possible without their hard work and dedication.”</p><p>As a CCRC, Edgehill provides a full continuum of care for those who need it when they need it, from independent and assisted living to memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. In addition, the community takes advantage of its picturesque location and proximity to Manhattan to offer rich cultural experiences, stimulating activities, and a luxurious, comfortable lifestyle.&nbsp;</p><p>The 2025 <em>U.S. News &amp; World Report </em>Best Senior Living issue includes survey data taken from senior living communities throughout the country. Edgehill residents and family members of residents participated in the survey.</p><p>Edgehill, a Benchmark Senior Living CCRC, has been recognized by <em>U.S. News &amp; World Report</em> for excellence in senior living since 2016. <span style="color: rgb(36, 36, 36);">Forty-eight Benchmark communities throughout the Northeast earned 66 awards this year. </span></p><p>To view more information about the <em>U.S. News &amp; World Report</em> Best Senior Living program and Edgehill’s profile, please click <a href="https://health.usnews.com/best-senior-living/stoneridge-14357#accolades" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">MAYOR’S UPDATES</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">2025 Mayor’s Community Microgrant Program: I'm thrilled to announce the launch of our 2025 Community Microgrant Program! Each year, I’m inspired by the creativity and dedication shown by residents and neighborhood organizations who bring forward incredible ideas to strengthen our community. Learn more about how to get involved </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fstamfordct.gov%2Fmicrogrant25/1/010001962671530c-0082fd13-647c-4cd1-9f07-b54611d5e405-000000/XVUAoMsIn3G2aAhKCj6m2OJgacpVs_ZRwUsyFVbgBq4=400" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">National Public Health Week: This week, we proudly celebrate the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week. We are deeply grateful to the public health officials and city employees who dedicate countless hours to ensure our community’s safety and wellbeing. A special thank you goes out to the City of Stamford’s Department of Health and Human Services for their tireless efforts and support. Watch the video </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fwatch%2F%3Fv=986134313606801/1/010001962671530c-0082fd13-647c-4cd1-9f07-b54611d5e405-000000/chTW5RfvVFFuRLgh_BggszX5uZ55s3IqmyuCmHC_5hs=400" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Supporting Stamford’s Creative Economy: I recently joined industry leaders, local officials, and advocates at a press conference to support Connecticut’s film and television tax credit program. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this industry in strengthening our economy and creating jobs in our city. NBC Sports brought over 1,000 professionals to Stamford to produce the Paris Olympics coverage —filling our hotels, supporting our restaurants, and creating local jobs. I am proud to advocate for policies that keep Stamford a top destination for media and entertainment.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Learn More About The Stamford Tech Hub: We recently launched the Stamford Tech Hub, a groundbreaking initiative made possible through a strong public-private partnership. The Stamford Tech Hub offers free, hands-on tech training for residents of all skill levels, helping connect our community to high-paying careers in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. </span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">CITY NEWS</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford 2035: Join the Stamford 2035 Comprehensive Plan team and your neighbors for a series of virtual Neighborhood Action Workshops this April. Participants will have the opportunity to map and prioritize draft planning strategies and actions for their areas, directly influencing the draft Stamford 2035 plan. Don't miss this chance to shape Stamford's future! See the flyer below for more information and dates.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Learning in Retirement: Learning in Retirement is beginning a new semester! Classes in art, music, current events, and history are offered to senior citizens and other retirees. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">April Arts &amp; Culture Guide: The City of Stamford and the Stamford Arts and Culture Commission are excited to announce, “Stamford Spotlight: A Celebration of Arts and Culture.” This guide highlights upcoming arts and cultural events in Stamford. Be sure to stop by and support our local organizations! Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fhome%2Fshowpublisheddocument%2F41890%2F638791033715100000/1/010001962671530c-0082fd13-647c-4cd1-9f07-b54611d5e405-000000/U7BJKjG_A8jyg6lXS5EpZLTYnz2yiIdzjUqgbsS7u3c=400" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to view the April Guide.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lathon Wider Community Center: On the morning of Thursday, January 2, the City Facilities Department was notified of a flooding incident in the basement of the Lathon Wider Community Center (137 Henry Street) caused by a failure in a piece of mechanical equipment. The target date for reopening the building is July 1, 2025. For any questions or urgent needs regarding the Health Department’s walk-in health services, please call (203)-977-5652.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan: Our administration has been meeting with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and city transportation officials to continue to make progress on the Stamford Train Station Master Plan. </span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Paving Update: Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Foperations%2Froad-maintenance%2Froad-paving%23!%2F/1/010001962671530c-0082fd13-647c-4cd1-9f07-b54611d5e405-000000/8q0s-TPKgVfkLERWlCC9835I1SRa23V33jj5vyRw0fk=400" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> for the priority list for paving operations established in response to a city-wide road assessment in 2022.</span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Apply for a Special Events Permit: To reserve a pavilion or host events at city parks click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fstamfordct.portal.opengov.com%2Fcategories%2F1091%2Frecord-types%2F6547/1/010001962671530c-0082fd13-647c-4cd1-9f07-b54611d5e405-000000/lFB287dPAx5aHnPNMXOmaSncM6cmYDfDFApChsgsHEg=400" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p>

<p><strong>Finding Your Voice as a Parent Webinar: Navigating Divorce for Parents of Special Education Students on Tuesday April 29th 2025 7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. EST</strong></p><p>Register here on Zoom:&nbsp;<a href="https://bit.ly/56A217B" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(81, 98, 111);">https://bit.ly/56A217B</a></p><p>Co-hosted online with the Stamford JCC (Stamford, CT).</p><p>Speakers:</p><ul><li>Attorney Lawrence Berliner, Connecticut Special Education Law-</li><li>Jane Faherty, Stamford JCC JumpStart Director &amp; Special Education Advocate</li><li>Attorney Eric Broder and Attorney Carole Orland, Divorce &amp; Family Law at Broder Orland Murray and DeMattie LLC, Westport &amp; Greenwich CT.</li></ul><p>Often, the divorce rate is higher for marriages of parents involving children with special needs. When special needs children are involved in divorce, there are added concerns to address. We are pleased to bring to the table two experienced divorce and family law attorneys to discuss the challenges facing parents of special needs children who are divorcing …always keeping in mind the best interests of the child.</p><p>Let’s Start a Conversation to Help Guide Parents:</p><p>• Develop an overall Parenting Plan</p><p>• Create a Team of Specialists so parents can work together in understanding their child’s needs and the team that will support them</p><p>• Collaborate on an educational plan in the child’s best interest</p><p>• Consider your child’s unique circumstances</p><p>• Role of Guardian Ad Litem</p><p>• Role of Court and Court Services</p><p>• Q &amp; A</p><p><strong>Questions? Please contact Rachel Berliner, Public Relations Assistant at&nbsp;</strong><a href="mailto:rachel@berlinerspecialedlaw.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>rachel@berlinerspecialedlaw.com</strong></a></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">​The Greenwich Town Party (GTP) is set to return on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, Connecticut. This annual event brings the community for a day filled with iconic music, food, and family-friendly activities.​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The 2025 Main Stage lineup features seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette, known for her 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill." Joining her is eight-time Grammy Award winner Ziggy Marley, renowned for his unique blend of reggae, funk, rock, and blues. Additionally, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band will bring the vibrant sounds of New Orleans to the stage. For younger attendees, "Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour" will offer an engaging performance tailored for children. ​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tickets for the GTP are exclusively available to Greenwich residents and employees. The ticket lottery was open from March 4 through March 24, 2025. Community tickets are priced at $85 each, while Senior tickets are available for $25, plus processing fees. Children aged 12 and under can attend for free. ​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The GTP is organized by Greenwich Town Party, Inc., a nonprofit organization.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information and updates, visit the official Greenwich Town Party website at</span><a href="https://www.greenwichtownparty.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.greenwichtownparty.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.greenwichtownparty.org/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>DARIEN, CT —</strong>&nbsp;The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) will host its 23rd Annual Voices of Courage Spring Luncheon on&nbsp;<strong>Thursday, May 15, 2025,</strong>&nbsp;at Tokeneke Club in Darien. This year’s keynote will be given by nationally recognized speaker and advocate,<strong>&nbsp;Ashley Bendiksen</strong>, who will share her personal journey as a survivor of teen dating violence and speak to the critical need for prevention, awareness, and community support at all levels. Tickets and sponsorships for the event may be purchased at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dvccct.org/voices-of-courage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(96, 99, 173); background-color: transparent;">Voices of Courage – DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS CENTER.</a></p><p>With a message rooted in both lived experience and field expertise, Bendiksen will explore the complex dynamics of intimate partner violence—what makes it difficult to leave, the red flags young people often miss, and what she wishes she had known earlier. She will also address how families, schools, and communities can better support youth and survivors of all ages through prevention education, open dialogue, and advocacy.</p><p>“In sharing my story, I hope to empower others—especially young people—to recognize unhealthy relationships early, speak up, and know they’re not alone,” said Bendiksen. “Education and awareness can change, and even save, lives.”</p><p>Bendiksen is a sought after expert on domestic violence, uniquely specializing in how abuse impacts youth. She has spoken at leading conferences, including NOVA (National Organization for Victim Assistance) and the National Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation (CESE), and has delivered expert testimony in support of a Massachusetts bill mandating employment protections for victims of abuse. Bendiksen is also the Founder of the Blue Hearts Project, a global storytelling platform for survivors, and was featured in a 12x award-winning documentary. Additionally, Bendiksen serves on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Resource Center and co-owns Island Youth Coaching, a consulting and life coaching agency dedicated to supporting and empowering youth. Learn more at&nbsp;<a href="http://ashleybendiksen.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(96, 99, 173); background-color: transparent;">ashleybendiksen.com</a>.</p><p>“All too often, people think domestic violence doesn’t happen in Fairfield County—but I can tell you it does,” said&nbsp;<strong>Suzanne Adam</strong>, Chief Executive Officer of DVCC. “Voices of Courage is not only a fabulous event, it is critical to our mission. Funds raised from the luncheon ensure we will be there to answer the call when a domestic violence victim needs our services.”</p><p>Last year, DVCC provided direct services to<strong>&nbsp;3,619</strong>&nbsp;survivors of domestic violence across Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit DVCC’s mission to provide effective services, support, and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence in Connecticut communities.</p><p>DVCC offers a full range of services including crisis intervention through its 24-hour hotline and two emergency safe houses, adult and youth counseling, legal advocacy, housing and financial sustainability, and prevention education. All services are&nbsp;<strong>free and confidential.</strong></p>