Stamford EMS, Paramedic Association Donate 50 Turkeys To Food Bank Stamford EMS, Paramedic Association Donate 50 Turkeys To Food Bank
Stamford EMS, Paramedic Association Donate 50 Turkeys To Food Bank STAMFORD, Conn. -- With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Stamford EMS and the Stamford Paramedic Association made a combined donation of 50 turkeys to the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County last week. The joint gift comes just as the Food Bank expressed the need for donations. “To be hungry at Thanksgiving is a terrible thing,” said Pete Kessler, President of the Stamford Paramedic Association, local 684, a unit of IAEP. “We take care of people every day, this is one more way for us to serve the community.” Those sentiments were echoed by Patricia Squires, Stamford EMS Chief and C.E.…
Balloons Were Low, But Spirits Were High At Annual Stamford Parade Balloons Were Low, But Spirits Were High At Annual Stamford Parade
Balloons Were Low, But Spirits Were High At Annual Stamford Parade STAMFORD, Conn. — The giant balloons looked like they were hunting for loose change on Atlantic Street, but spirits were high and performers were game at the blustery Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular on Sunday. With winds gusting to more than 30 miles per hour, parade organizers delayed the big show for a half-hour, allowing an impromptu dance party in the street in front of the reviewing stand. By 12:30 p.m., the Downtown Special Services District and Stamford Police decided to let some of the balloons crawl down the mile-long route to the delight of the estimated 200,000 in attendance…
Tracee Ellis Ross Honoring Her Mom, Greenwich's Diana Ross, On 'AMA' Tracee Ellis Ross Honoring Her Mom, Greenwich's Diana Ross, On 'AMA'
Tracee Ellis Ross Honoring Her Mom, Greenwich's Diana Ross, On 'AMA' GREENWICH, Conn. — It will be a family affair as Golden Globe Award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross hosts the “2017 American Music Awards," where her mother, Diana Ross of Greenwich, will receive a lifetime achievement award.  Tracee Ellis Ross, who grew up in Greenwich and is the star of hit ABC comedy series “black-ish” will take the stage to preside over the evening of non-stop musical magic on ABC on Sunday night.  The “American Music Awards,” is the largest fan-voted awards show, where artists and pop culture icons come together to honor idols, newcomers and record-breakers in t…
Retired Greenwich Fireman To Appear On CBS Series 'Bull' Retired Greenwich Fireman To Appear On CBS Series 'Bull'
Retired Greenwich Fireman To Appear On CBS Series 'Bull' STAMFORD, Conn. -- Guy Fortt, a retired Greenwich firefighter and Stamford resident with a long resume of acting credits, will be appearing on the CBS series, "Bull."  Fortt recently tweeted that his character, named Dennis Lewis, will be on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at 9 p.m. The series, now in its second season, follows the employees at Trial Analysis Corporation (TAC), a jury consulting firm headed by Dr. Jason Bull, who is a psychologist and "trial science" expert. The drama is inspired by the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, the founder of one of the most prolific trial cons…
Abilis Gardens & Gifts Celebrates Reopening In Greenwich Abilis Gardens & Gifts Celebrates Reopening In Greenwich
Abilis Gardens & Gifts Celebrates Reopening In Greenwich GREENWICH, Conn. — Abilis, a non-profit organization that provides services and supports for individuals with special needs and their families, will hold a grand re-opening and ribbon cutting ceremony and open house for its newly remodeled Abilis Gardens & Gifts in Greenwich.  The greenhouse and gift shop have recently undergone a total update and are ready for the holiday shopping season. “We have just updated and remodeled our greenhouse and gift shop to better serve the community and our clients,” said Dennis Perry, CEO and president of Abilis. “The greenhouse and gift shop are used …
Local Historians Explore Mark Twain's Connections To Norwalk Local Historians Explore Mark Twain's Connections To Norwalk
Local Historians Explore Mark Twain's Connections To Norwalk NORWALK, Conn. -- How is Mark Twain connected to Norwalk? Join Norwalk historians Madeleine and Ed Eckert to discover the connection during a lively lecture at the Norwalk Historical Society Museum. “Norwalk & Mark Twain: Being Some Interesting Connections Between the City of Norwalk & Mark Twain” will be held on Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. at the Norwalk Historical Society Museum.  We all know Twain lived in Hartford and Redding, but how is one of America’s most famous literary figures connected to Norwalk? In this lecture, the Eckerts will uncover interesting historic and artistic …
From High School To Real World: Trumbull Program Tackles Autism Issues From High School To Real World: Trumbull Program Tackles Autism Issues
From High School To Real World: Trumbull Program Tackles Autism Issues TRUMBULL, Conn. — Transitioning from high school to college or a job can be a daunting experience for anyone. For someone with autism, the change can be even more overwhelming. Enter Transition Opportunities for Postsecondary Success (TOPS), a first-of-its-kind preparedness program created through a partnership with The Kennedy Center and Fairfield University. Begun this fall, TOPS addresses a multitude of social challenges, independent living skills and self-advocacy for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ADS). The pilot program is led by the Trumbull-based center and interns an…
Going Green: Tree Conservancy Leaves Its Mark Around Darien Going Green: Tree Conservancy Leaves Its Mark Around Darien
Going Green: Tree Conservancy Leaves Its Mark Around Darien DARIEN, Conn. -- Tree Conservancy of Darien planted 29 new trees and 12 shrubs last week at the Darien Police Station, veterans cemetery, the Darien Community Association and the Center Street north parking lot.  The Growing Concern helped with the installation and donated four large Holly trees to the police station. Tree Conservancy of Darien is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the tree resources of Darien for the benefit of the community, its health and its quality of life. Since its inception in 2010, TCD has planted over 500 trees in Darien.  For more information or to donate to T…
Veterans Day Salute From One Navy Seal To Another At Maritime Aquarium Veterans Day Salute From One Navy Seal To Another At Maritime Aquarium
Veterans Day Salute From One Navy Seal To Another At Maritime Aquarium NORWALK, Conn. – Retired Navy Capt. Peter Wikul, a longtime and decorated Navy SEAL, got a kiss from Rasal the harbor seal for Veterans Day during a seal-training demonstration at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk on Saturday. Wikul, a resident Ridgefield, participated in each seal-training demonstration Saturday as part of the aquarium’s Veterans Day Weekend. He assisted aquarists Azzara Oston and Sarah Penfold in the shows for aquarium visitors.  Wikul retired in 2009 after a 39-year Navy career with the honorific title of “Bullfrog 13” as the longest-serving active-duty SEAL.  His roles …
Dream Bigger, Says Stamford Singer, Who Doubles As Massage Therapist Dream Bigger, Says Stamford Singer, Who Doubles As Massage Therapist
Dream Bigger, Says Stamford Singer, Who Doubles As Massage Therapist STAMFORD, Conn. -- Sometimes, the hardest times bring about the greatest achievements.  So it was for Christina Connors who used her years of struggling to make it as a New York City singer/actress into a new album. Now a Greenwich massage therapist who continues to perform on the side, Connors has just released "Dream Bigger: Songs of Hope, Healing, and Inspiration." The album was recorded at Factory Underground in Norwalk and features the music of Composer David Friedman, himself a Norwalk resident. Friedman's work is well-known; he's written songs for Diana Ross, Barry Manilo…
92-Year-Old Shelton Veteran Returns To The Sky Over Candlewood Lake 92-Year-Old Shelton Veteran Returns To The Sky Over Candlewood Lake
92-Year-Old Shelton Veteran Returns To The Sky Over Candlewood Lake SHELTON, Conn. -- Paul Hurd, a 92-year old U.S. Army veteran, has always loved flying. During the war, he spent time in Italy, flying in helicopters and even jumping out of them. Now a resident of Crosby Commons Assisted Living in Shelton, Hurd often takes advantage of the different trips offered by the community.  When visiting the Sikorsky Helicopter Museum, he took an interest in aviation and showed delight touching the controls of a grounded copter. Kelly Coppola, recreation director of Crosby Commons, began to think how she could incorporate Hurd's love of flying into a Journey of Drea…
Norwalk's Courage To Speak Adapts Program To Tackle Opioid Crisis Norwalk's Courage To Speak Adapts Program To Tackle Opioid Crisis
Norwalk's Courage To Speak Adapts Program To Tackle Opioid Crisis NORWALK, Conn. -- The Courage to Speak Foundation has developed a new program, “Parenting Through the Opioid Crisis and Beyond,” a free drug prevention course designed specifically for parents of elementary, middle, and high school students.  The program was developed by the Courage to Speak Foundation by a grant from the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. This new program is specifically designed to address the current opioid epidemic and is offered free to parents in the community. The program covers topics such as addiction and its physiological consequences; abuse and m…