Category Archives: Town Buzz
13th Annual #NewFairfieldCT Relay for Life Goes Virtual on Saturday, June 6th
NEW FAIRFIELD, CT—For the first time ever in its thirteen-year history, the New Fairfield Relay for Life will be held online due to social distancing guidelines set by the State of Connecticut in response to the coronavirus. Teams from New Fairfield, New Milford, Sherman, Danbury, Bethel, and surrounding towns will participate in the annual fundraiser to help find a cure for cancer.
The organizers of this year’s New Fairfield Relay For Life of New Fairfield are hoping that this year will be their “Lucky 13″ and that they will raise more money than ever to help cancer patients. Co-Chair Amber St. Hilaire has been participating in the New Fairfield Relay for Life for 10 years with her team “The Heavenly Hippies” which was born out of the New Fairfield Congregational Church.
“Normally, we walk for 15 hours at the New Fairfield High School Track from 3 p.m. on Saturday until 5 a.m. on Sunday morning,” St. Hilaire said, continuing, “Unfortunately, Covid-19 has changed a lot of things for us but we are determined to do our best to fight despite it!”
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life event is held in over 20 countries worldwide. The event gives people a chance to fight back against cancer and honor those who are fighting or have lost their lives to the disease through a moving silent Luminaria ceremony.
This year’s event is entirely virtual and their theme is “Small Town, Big Heart” which she said represents her community and their fight. St. Hilaire said participants will be relaying (walking) from home from 1:00 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 6th, and then they will “light the night” at 9 p.m. with a Luminaria/porch light-up event in honor of their loved ones who are fighting or who have passed away. Details can be found on their Facebook page: Relay for Life New Fairfield, Twitter @relayforlifenf, and Instagram @relay4lifenf . They are also on Youtube as “ACS Lower Hudson Valley.”
The opening ceremony begins with a video of guest speaker Wendy Mitchell, a survivor of a rare and aggressive type of breast cancer called Triple Negative Metaplastic Carcinoma, who shares her survivor story. Mitchell began an advocacy campaign for breast cancer awareness from day one of her diagnosis in 2015 under the hashtag #MyLeftBoob for early detection. Her blog, Wendipoprock’s Wild Ride, serves as a guide to help newly diagnosed cancer patients. Her story/video can be viewed here.
The Knights of Columbus 12968 will be leading their virtual survivor lap to kick off the opening ceremony. There will be online games, a telethon, a music jam hour, stories of hope, opportunities to donate and win prizes, a touching luminaria ceremony, a senior spotlight, Zumba with Tim, and a touching closing ceremony.
“We tried to be as close to our true Relay event as we could by encouraging walking, socially distanced, of course, scavenger hunts, Zumba, and more,” St. Hilaire said.
While she admits this year is a challenge by being completely online, St. Hilaire said “nothing can stop Relay For Life because our volunteers’ hearts are just too darn big and stubborn! “
She shared her motivation for why she relays on her fundraising website:
“Every year I walk for two specific people; a survivor and one who has passed. This year those two are my dearest cousin Michelle Gonzalez who is suffering for the second time in a year with cancer and for Sarah, a young woman who passed away last year from brain cancer. These women are prime examples of the reasons I am so passionate about fundraising. This year, for every donation I receive, I will walk one lap in honor of a loved one. Your donations matter and I want each and every person to be remembered and brought up at the event.”
For more information about New Fairfield Relay for Life 2020, or to donate, click the link below:
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/seeacure
Photo credit: New Fairfield Relay for Life
Severe Weather Alert Issued for #DanburyCT #RidgefieldCT & Surrounding Towns: #CTWeather
DANBURY, CT—The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for the Greater Danbury area.
Severe Weather Statement National Weather Service New York NY 817 PM EDT Wed Jun 3 2020 Fairfield CT-New Haven CT-Bergen NJ-Westchester NY-Orange NY- Putnam NY-Rockland NY- 817 PM EDT Wed Jun 3 2020
…A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 845 PM EDT FOR CENTRAL FAIRFIELD…WEST CENTRAL NEW HAVEN…NORTHEASTERN BERGEN…WESTCHESTER…SOUTHEASTERN ORANGE…PUTNAM AND ROCKLAND COUNTIES…
At 817 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Brewster to New City, moving east at 70 mph. HAZARD…60 mph wind gusts. SOURCE…Radar indicated.
IMPACT…Expect damage to trees and power lines. These severe storms will be near… Danbury and Bethel around 825 PM EDT. Newtown and Redding around 830 PM EDT. Bedford around 835 PM EDT. Greenwich around 840 PM EDT.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS… For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building.
Photo credit: steffen l via Flickr Creative Commons
#DanburyCT #JusticeforGeorge Peaceful Protest Ends in Group Split, Shutdown of Highway: #CTTraffic
All information in this article was due to the incredible live coverage from Al Robinson, owner/editor of My Left Nutmeg. To watch his entire live stream, please click here.
DANBURY, CT—Danbury’s peaceful protest began with a crowd gathered in front of the Danbury Police Department (DPD) shouting the names of victims of police brutality and soon turned into chants of “F**k the police.” After about five minutes of chanting, one of the leaders invited the crowd to take a knee out of respect for the death of George Floyd.
“Let me speak, I’ve earned that. I don’t need to prove [inaudible], I wear it every day,” one of the speakers said. “Let the Chief speak.”
Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour addressed the crowd by saying he has been doing everything he can to address racial tensions because “it’s not right,” and “maybe this time will be different.”
While speaking, someone in the crowd interrupted the Police Chief yelling, “I am the victim of police brutality.” Another asked the question about what sort of diversity training the police does which was answered as “eight hours, every couple of years.”
Chief Ridenhour acknowledged that the diversity training protocols that are in place are not enough and they need to be changed.
As tensions grew, the shouts from the crowd made it difficult to hear the police chief. Mayor Mark Boughton also attempted to address the crowd, however, someone grabbed his microphone, according to Al Robinson of My Left Nutmeg, and the crowd and viewers were unable to hear what he had to say.
After about 20 minutes, the protesters split into two groups—one walking to the Danbury Public Library, and the other going to the highway.
The protesters who shouted, “Black Lives Matter” and “No justice, no peace” assembled on the highway, causing it to be temporarily shut down on I-84 at Exit 5. Police from Newtown, Danbury, and State Police kept control of the crowd and no one was hurt.
Reporter Al Robinson of My Left Nutmeg said he had “mad respect” for the police who “did a good job keeping everyone safe.
Danbury Police Sgt. John Krupinsky said, “Working together can always get things done.”
Robinson said for the most part people were peacefully demonstrating and expressing their frustration on the lives lost due to past incidents of police brutality. He ended his live stream by saying:
“We shouldn’t be here are looking for anything to pop off or anything violent. We should be here honoring why people are here in the first place—because a black man was murdered in broad daylight by the police again and enough is enough. Enough has been enough for a long time.”
The protest was organized by Solomon James and the Western CT Democratic Socialists.
Photo credit: Screenshot from Al Robinson’s Live video posted on My Left Nutmeg
To watch his entire live stream, please click here.
City of Danbury to Conduct Emergency Response Drill & Flu Clinic on Oct. 5, 2019
From the City of Danbury Health Department
DANBURY,CT—The Health Department in Danbury City Hall is conducting an emergency response exercise on Sat October 5th 9:30 a.m. – 1p.m. at Rogers Park Middle School. This exercise will be open to the public and we are looking for volunteers to take part in this drill. The purpose of this exercise is to assist our department in planning and preparing for future emergency events in our city.
Danbury Area Children’s Theater Open House Includes Free Face Painting, Theater Games & Fun: Saturday, Sept. 7th
DANBURY, CT—A local children’s theater troupe is inviting area children to come out to their fun and free children’s theater open house with the Danbury Youth Theater Troupe this Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center, 6 Lake Ave., Danbury, Conn. The event includes free face painting, theater games, arts and crafts, refreshments, and a meet and greet with the teachers.
Led by theater director Mrs. Wendy Mitchell, the theater classes encourage self-expression for children ages 3 – 12 years old in a safe, nurturing environment while educating kids about Irish folklore and various cultures. All productions are 100% original, written directed and produced by “Miss Wendy,” as the kids call her, who specializes in teaching beginner’s theater classes.
Miss Wendy has her Head Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education and over 20 years of experience teaching theater, preschool and working as a daycare director. Each child is taught at their own pace and kids of all skill levels are welcomed and embraced!.
Students who sign up for the musical theater fall/winter 10-week session on the day of the open house will save 10%! The 10-week session is $150/student with a 10% sibling discount. Classes begin on Saturday, Sept. 28 and run each Saturday from 10-11:30 a.m. through Sat. Dec. 7, the day of their big show.
A free mini-production of “Wandering in the Willows” will be held at their Halloween blacklight GLOW party on Sun. Oct. 26th at 12 p.m. Songs from the popular movie “Coco” will be the backdrop for this colorful, engaging production.
The winter production of “Christmas Around the World” will be held on Sat Dec. 7th with a dress rehearsal on Fri. Dec. 6th. Tickets are $12 for adults and $6 for kids 3+up. All proceeds from the winter show go to benefit the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, a charity that helps those in need in our community. In addition, we also hold a toy drive for Family & Children’s Aid the day of the winter show.
The youth theater company is community-minded and teach kids that they can use their gifts and talents to help those in need in their community. The weekly theater classes are for kids ages 3-12 years old. Siblings and friends are welcome and encouraged.
Questions? Call, text or email Miss Wendy: wendyannmitchell@Live.com (203) 501-7424.
Ridgefield Republicans Host ‘Meet the Candidates’ At Ridgefield Country Club
RIDGEFIELD, CT— The Ridgefield Republican Town Committee invites the public to meet the Republican candidates at the Ridgefield Country Club on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, from 6:30-9:00 p.m.
This event is being held for the purpose of funding a Ridgefield RTC downtown campaign office for this election season. If residents cannot attend the fundraiser but would like to donate, click here.
Town of Brookfield to Participate in #CityHallSelfie Day
BROOKFIELD, CT— The Town of Brookfield is encouraging residents to participate in “City Hall Selfie Day” on Thursday, August 15, 2019. The day is an online picture sharing event where locals snap a photo in front of their town hall and other government buildings.
Participants should take a selfie in front of a Brookfield Town Hall, 100 Pocono Road, and share it using the hashtag #CityHallSelfie. Prizes will be awarded for the best #CityHallSelfies in multiple categories.
Visit the Town of Brookfield’s website for entry details.
Image via Google Maps
Hey, #CTFoodies: Bethel’s Last Food Truck Friday of Season is Aug. 16
BETHEL, CT — Foodies, get your tastebuds ready because this Friday is the last “Food Truck Friday” of the season. It will be held this Friday, August 16, 2019 from 6 – 8 p.m.
Join The Town of Bethel and sponsor Newtown Savings Bank on the Municipal Center lawn from 6-8 p.m. and enjoy live music from local favorites Madz & the Ladz.
Participating food trucks include:
- Spuds Your Way
- Weenie Lynns
- Szabo’s Seafood
- Fork in the Road
- Rice & Beans
- Chef Zip
- Salsa Fresca
- Scotty Fund Lemonade
- Cookie Cloud 9
- Polar Petes
- Cinnamon Churros
The Bethel Municipal Center is located at 1 School St., Bethel, Conn.
Photo by Adam Fink via Flickr Creative Commons
99+ CT Town Jobs Available: Social Services; Therapist; Administrative Assistant; Maintenance Mechanic & More #CTJobs
Looking for a solid job with great benefits? Check out these city and town jobs posted on local municipalities’ websites in the Fairfield County area and surrounding towns. If you’re a local employer and you’d like to see your job posting featured on CT Buzz News, email us at CTBuzzNews@gmail.com. Happy hunting!
Bethel
- No jobs available, check back by clicking here.
Brookfield
- No jobs available, check back by clicking here.
Danbury
- CASHIER: SALARY: $24.86 – $26.17/hour. The City of Danbury is currently seeking a Cashier. This position requires the receipt of cash checks, money orders, etc at the counter or through the mail in payment of taxes, water service and sewer assessments. Click here to apply.
- MAINTENANCE MECHANIC III – HVAC, Public Buildings, Salary: $32.16/hour. Work includes heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration, electronics, electricity, painting, plumbing, lubrication, mechanical, building construction and renovations. Click here to apply.
- Part-time Position: Kennel Assistant, 19 hrs / week at $13.25 / hour. Responsible for maintaining proper disease control protocols, including cleaning of the facility and general maintenance of the facility. Click here to apply.
- Program Set-Up Assistant (Part-time). Elmwood Hall – Danbury Senior Center, Department of Elderly Services. Assists with all aspects of the set-up of programs for the Elmwood Hall Senior Center. Click here to apply.
- FLU Clinic, Part-time Nurses, Rate: $30 – $40 / hr. We have an immediate need for part-time nurses to administer Flu Vaccines during fall clinics. Click here to apply.
- FLU Clinic Community Health Worker Part-time – $16.00 / hr. Seasonal Position August to December or January. Performs assigned flu clinic duties including attending the clinic and working with residents, coordinating volunteers, reconciling clinic reports, and data entry and billing.Click here to apply.
Darien
- Office Administrator – closes August 21, 2019
- Crossing Guard -Positions Currently Available
Easton
- Part-Time Youth Services Programming Assistant
- Request for Qualifications (RFQ) – Land Use Consultant
- Easton School District – Armed School Security Officer
Fairfield
Greenwich
- Administrative Staff Assistant II
- Beach Crew
- Building Maintenance Mechanic, Nathaniel Witherell
- Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center (BANC) Counselor
- Certified Nursing Assistant (Part-Time)
- Children’s Librarian (Part-Time 15 hours/week)-Greenwich Library
- Custodial Aide (Part-Time 15 hours/week) – Greenwich Library
- Custodial Aide – Board of Education – Temporary/Seasonal
- Director of Labor Relations
- Field Hockey Assistant Director
- Field Hockey Director
- Field Hockey Instructor
- Food Service Worker (Part-time) @ Nathaniel Witherell Skilled Nursing Facility
- Gatekeeper/Ticket Seller
- Highway Superintendent
- Housekeeper-Part-Time Nathaniel Witherell approx 19 hours/wk
- IT Support Technician – Greenwich Library
- Librarian- Information Services- (Part-time/Up to 15hrs/wk)
- Library Technical Assistant-Public Relations Office @ Greenwich Library (Part-time 15 hours/week)
- Lifeguard
- Pickleball Director – FALL
- Pickleball Instructor – FALL
- Power Washer
- Process Control Manager (Temporary)
- Sewer Plant Operator II
- Shellfish Boat Operator (Part-Time – Approx. 8 hours/month)
- Site Supervisor – Two Positions
- Skate Park Instructor/Guard
- Staff Nurse RN (Part-Time)
- Swimming Instructor (Spring)
- Switchboard Helper (Part-Time – Sundays)
- Utility Worker
Monroe
- Social Services Behavioral Health Therapist, Part-Time
New Canaan
New Fairfield
New Milford
- Director of Recreational Programs and Events(Parks and Recreation)
-
Laborer Grade II seasonal
-
Library Bookkeeper (Part-time)
-
Library Modernization Clerk of the Works
-
Public Works Construction Inspector
-
Road Construction Surveyor
Newtown
- Town GIS/Information Technology Specialist
- Police Department – Traffic Agent
- Office of the Tax Collector –PT Clerk
- Welcome Desk Representative – Community Center
Norwalk
Oxford
- No jobs available, check back by clicking here.
Redding
- No jobs available, check back by clicking here.
Ridgefield
Southbury
- Assistant to the Building Official. Part-time, 18 hours per week, $30.00 per hour. Under the direction of the Building Official, administers and enforces all State of Connecticut Building Codes, Statutes, Town of Southbury Ordinances and Regulations relating to construction, and all related codes to ensure the public safety, health and welfare affected by building use and construction. Click to view the job description.
- Front Counter Service Clerk for the Senior Center. Performs clerical and customer service related duties, including but not limited to answering phone and scheduling and confirming appointments. Salary starts at $15 per hour, 20 hours per week. Graduation from high school plus one year customer service experience. Click to view the job description.
- Laborer at the Southbury Transfer Station – Per Diem. $16.50 per hour. Performs manual labor duties at the Transfer Station including monitoring and assisting in deposit of recycling and solid waste materials, cleaning up debris and litter. Applications are available online.
- Bus Driver – Per Diem. To transport elderly and/or disabled Southbury residents to and from appointments and the Senior Center. No prior experience necessary, although must hold State of Connecticut license with appropriate endorsements (minimum “F” endorsement) and current medical certificate from your physician. May also be used as a utility person to help with various tasks at the Senior Center. $13.00 per hour. Applications are available online or at the First Selectman’s office, 501 Main Street South, Southbury. ADA/EOE.
- Poll Worker. Residents needed to work at the polls on an election day. Click for more information.
Trumbull
- Administrative Support I (Floater-Part Time)
- Assistant Swim Instructor
- Civil Engineer I
- Groundskeeper Positions (Seasonal)
- Lifeguard
- Part Time Administrative Assistant
- Substitute School Nurse
Waterbury
- Water Superintendent Closing When Sufficient Applications are Received
- Audit Director Closing when Sufficient Applications are Received
- Land Use Officer Closing when Sufficient Applications are Received
- City Planner Closing when Sufficient Applications are Received
- Interpreter for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Closing when sufficient Applications are Received
Weston
- No jobs available, check back by clicking here.
Westport
- Clerical Assistant – Police
- Assistant Animal Control Officer
- Administrative Assistant – Selectman’s Office
- Youth Services Program Assistant
Wilton
Woodbury
- Conservation Commission Clerk: Approximately 12 morning meetings per year. Meetings are held the 4th Thursday of each month at 8:00 a.m. Attend meetings, type motions and minutes from home. File motions and minutes with the Town Clerk’s Office within the statutory timeline. Post legal notices as required. Send notifications and correspondence to commission members and applicants as needed. Pay rate is $17.00 per hour. Click here to apply.
Photo by GotCredit via Flickr Creative Commons
Magic, Music & Culture in Store at This Year’s Danbury Irish Festival
DANBURY, CT — The 2019 Danbury Irish Festival is bigger and better than ever at its new location, 65 Sand Pit Rd., Danbury.
Dancers from Bethel’s Doherty-Petri School of Irish Dance will perform at the indoor/outdoor event which takes place rain or shine. The festival features three local Irish dance schools, Irish vendors, cultural activities, children’s entertainment, Irish food and refreshments and nonstop musical entertainment all weekend long.
The festival takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Sept. 20, 21 and 22, 2019 and is presented by the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation, the Men’s and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center, committee members, and volunteers.
This year’s festival is dedicated to its founder, Gerry Curran, who passed away in July of 2019. Curran, the former President of the Danbury Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, co-founded the Irish Festival with the help of Sharon Higgins, Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians president, as a fundraiser to build the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center which is now located at 6 Lake Ave. in Danbury. The first Irish Festival was held at Rogers Park in 1995 then moved to the Ives Center for many years before finding its new home on the grounds of the Danbury Portuguese Cultural Center.
Live music will perform on the main stage inside and festival goers can peruse authentic, traditional Irish jewelry and apparel from close to a dozen vendors. The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians prepare delicious baked goods in the hospitality tent, and there is Irish food and drinks available for purchase as well. Shop in the Irish Village and get your holiday shopping done early! Peruse gifts, jewelry, Irish instruments, and other authentic, unique gift ideas from the Irish vendors who will sell their wares.
Outside, the cultural tent showcases a broad range of Irish heritage and gives festival-goers an up-close experience of Irish traditional music, Gaelic language, history, dance, genealogy, film, theater, and literature through live performances, displays, lectures, and workshops. All weekend long there will be displays on Women of the Easter Rising, Book of Kells, Irish crochet, Irish language and classes, Irish family histories, genealogy, Irish blessings, Irish literature, history of the potato famine, Irish traditional music history and classes and much more.
Also outside under the Cultural Tent will be the Children’s Tent which is open from 12-6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and includes a wide variety of entertainment and activities for children and their families. The Children’s Tent headline entertainer is Danny Diamond who will do balloon twisting on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 3-4 p.m. and a magic show from 1 – 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22. Miss Angie from PopRox Productions will be face painting Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. each day and there will be arts, crafts, games and more for children of all ages to enjoy.
The Greater Danbury Irish Festival will be held at 65 Sand Pit Road, Danbury, on the beautiful grounds of the Portuguese Cultural Center. Click here for more information.
INSIDE: Entertainment on the Main Stage:
Friday, Sept. 20, 2019:
- 6:30 p.m. GDIF All-stars
- 7:45 p.m. Mighty Ploughboys
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019:
- 12:00 – Traveling Danburys
- 1:00 – Thorne Academy of Irish Dance
- 1:45 – Steve O’Tree and Friends
- 2:45 -Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance
- 3:30 – Highland Rovers
- 4:15 – Tipperary Knights
- 5:15 -Madz and the Ladz
- 6:15 -Morrighan’s Flight
- 7:30 – Highland Rovers
- 8:45 – Tipperary Knights
Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019:
- 12:00 – Doherty Petri School of Irish Dance
- 12:45 – Uncle Bill Whiskey and Friends
- 1:45 – Celtic Cross Pipe and Drum
- 2:30 – SHILELAGH LAW
- 3:45 – Cunningham Brothers
- 5:00 – GDIF All-Stars
OUTSIDE: Cultural Tent Entertainment Schedule & Children’s Tent:
Friday, Sept. 20, 2019
- Displays on: Celtic Art, Book of Kells, Irish Crochet, Irish Language and Classes, Irish Family Histories, Genealogy, Irish Blessings, Irish Dance, Irish Literature, Irish Traditional Music History, World Meeting of Families in Ireland, Classes, and more
Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019
- 12:00-1:00 PM: Music & Games with Miss Wendy
- 1:00 – 6:00 PM: Face Painting with Miss Angie from PopRox Productions
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Uilleann Piper – Chris Finnegan, Irish Speaker
- 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Cultural Exhibit
- 3:00-4:00 PM: The Magic of Danny Diamond balloon twisting
- 4:15 – 5:15 PM: Tipperary Knights
- 5:15 – 6:00 PM: Cultural Entertainment
Sunday Outside – Cultural/Kid’s Tent
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Children’s Magic Show with The Magic of Danny Diamond
- 2:00 – 3:00 PM: Children’s Sing-a-long & Games
- 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Harp Performance – Regina Delaney
- 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Andrew Carey Music
Children’s Activities
- Bubble Zone
- Chalk Zone
- Face Painting
- Leprechaun Bean Bag Toss
- Carnival Games
- Make & Shake a Shamrock
- Thumbprint Rainbows
- Scavenger Hunt
- Kid’s Crafts & and MORE!
Raffle Tickets:
- Tickets are $5 each
- First Prize is $2,000
- Second Prize is $1,000
- Third Prize $500
- Email Colleen O’Rourke at corourke2@aol.com for raffle tickets
For more information, click here, email DanburyIrish@gmail.com, call the club at 203-739-0010 or call Publicity Chair Wendy Mitchell at 203-501-7424.
