Author: Alex

“Fashions of the Gilded Age” at Stratford Library Lifestyles of the Wealthy Is Topic on March 9

The Stratford Library will present “Fashions of the Gilded Age,” an entertaining talk focusing on the 1870s thru 90s “bustle periods” and the lifestyles of the wealthy in their Newport mansions and beyond, on Sunday, March 9 at 2 pm. Historian Karen Antonowicz will be the guest speaker. The talk is free and open to the public.

Taking her audience for a dynamic walk through the culture, history, and style of the late 1800s, Antonowicz utilizes a professional slideshow with a variety of references to the hit HBO television series, The Gilded Age. In addition, a large array of period clothing, footwear, and accessories will be on display for audience members to see and touch up close and personal.

Karen (Ren) Antonowicz received her Master’s Degree in Textiles, Fashion Merchandising, and Design, with a concentration in Historic Costume & Textiles from the University of Rhode Island. She then taught History of Fashion and other courses full-time at the college level for 13 years and taught part-time in the CE Program at the Rhode Island School of Design.

“Fashions of the Gilded Age” will begin at 2 pm on March 9 in the Stratford Library Lovell Room, 2203 Main Street in Stratford. General seating begins at 1:30 pm.

For further information, visit www.stratfordlibrary.org or call the Stratford Library Programming Office at 203-385-4162.

Board of Selectmen Restores $2 Million to Fairfield Public School Budget

Fairfield, Conn., March 4, 2025—During the Board of Selectmen’s (BOS) Deliberative Budget Session on March 3, the Board voted to restore $2 million to Fairfield’s Public School budget.

The Board of Education (BOE) had initially requested a 6.7 percent increase, one of the highest in the region and in Fairfield’s past two decades. While 4.45 percent of the increase was attributed to necessary teacher and paraeducator salary adjustments, concerns arose due to minimal grand list growth of only 0.24 percent. This meant that much of the increase would lead to higher property taxes.

Selectman Christine Vitale made a motion to restore $2 million in funding, which was seconded by First Selectman Bill Gerber. Gerber’s administration had been actively seeking revenue opportunities and expense reductions to support school funding since early January, when Superintendent Michael Testani first proposed the increase. Both Gerber and Vitale emphasized the potential for cost savings through shared services between the Town and school administration, which could be explored further in the future.

Vitale stated, “The school budget is driven by the needs of the children and how many children are in our schools. If there can be a cost savings in buses or transporting children that can then be applied to resources to better educate children, I think we should look at them.” She added that shared Town and school services could be a viable cost-saving measure if both administrations commit to finding efficiencies.

First Selectman Gerber expressed his discomfort with the original $3.9 million in cuts, acknowledging the financial strain on the town. “Providing an excellent education for our children is always one of my top priorities, and compensation for our teachers is not in question,” he said. However, he emphasized the need for the BOE to make well-considered budget decisions, given that affordability remains a concern for many families in town.

The BOS restored the $2 million through offsets in the overall Town budget, including:

  • Moving $928k in maintenance projects to the Capital Plan for bonding
  • Adding $1.1 million to the drawdown to the Active Employee Benefits Fund
  • Adjusting the reserve from uncollected taxes to $3.35 million by increasing the collection rate to 99.01 percent
  • Raising the supplemental motor vehicle assessment assumption from $112 million to $113 million
  • Increasing the grand list projection by $32 million, which, with motor vehicle depreciation adjustments, added $921k in revenue

Several small increases totaling $195k were also made to the budget, covering private school transportation, police department expenses, and costs related to the town’s 175th Independence Day celebration, marina software, and Emergency Operating Center expenses.

The BOS approved the total budget of $381,964,286 by a 2:1 vote, with Gerber and Vitale in favor. The decision reduces the Board of Education’s budget cuts to $1.9 million.

GOVERNOR LAMONT PROPOSES ELIMINATING FEES FOR OBTAINING AND RENEWING OCCUPATIONAL LICENSES

Fee Elimination Will Save Taxpayers $18.8 Million in FY 2026 and $25 Million in FY 2027

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is urging the Connecticut General Assembly to approve legislation he is proposing that eliminates the fees workers in certain professions are required to pay when initially applying for occupational licenses, as well as the fees associated with renewing them.

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By eliminating these costs, the governor is hoping to remove a barrier and encourage jobseekers to pursue careers within in-demand fields in which employers have indicated a need to hire skilled workers. The fee elimination plan was included as part of the governor’s fiscal year 2026/2027 biennial budget proposal that he presented to the legislature last month.

“Workers in certain skilled professions are required to obtain licenses for understandable reasons, but we should be doing more to encourage jobseekers to enter these fields, and that is why I want to eliminate all of the costs associated with applying for and renewing these licenses,” Governor Lamont said. “Over the last several years, we’ve enacted more than $840 million in permanent tax cuts, most of which are specifically targeted at providing relief to middle-class taxpayers, and I am asking the legislature to continue on this path by eliminating these occupational license fees.”

Impacted professions under the governor’s proposal include nurses, dental hygienists, mental health professionals, occupational therapists, paramedics, physical therapists, physician assistants, electricians, HVAC workers, plumbers, sheet metal workers, and teachers.

Fees for these licenses range in cost from $50 to $375 per year, depending on the license. The proposal will benefit nearly 180,000 workers, saving them approximately $18.8 million in fiscal year 2026 and $25 million in fiscal year 2027.

These licenses are administered by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the Connecticut State Department of Education. Under Governor Lamont’s proposal, workers in these professions will still be required to obtain and renew licenses, however there will be no costs associated with applying for them.

 List of Occupational License Fees Governor Lamont Wants To Eliminate 
Professional CategoryFee RangeNumber of Payers
Nursing$70-$20099,452
Dental hygienist$105-$1503,715
Mental health clinician$50-$32019,655
Occupational therapist$50-$2002,814
Paramedic$1502,783
Physical therapist$65-$2856,771
Electrician$90-$15014,259
HVAC$90-$15011,311
Plumber$90-$1507,424
Sheet metal$90-$1501,549
Teaching$100-$3758,385
TOTAL 178,117
 **Download: Detailed list of all impacted licenses within these categories 

“For several years it has been my top priority to pass legislation to cut burdensome fees on Connecticut’s workers, including our great teachers, nurses, mental health professionals, electricians, plumbers, and hundreds of thousands of other licensed professionals,” State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich) said. “I appreciate the governor’s leadership in making it a priority this year. Workers shouldn’t have to pay this tax just for the right to work in our state. Let’s come together to cut licensing fees on workers and send a signal that we want to make it easier to work, live, and succeed in Connecticut.”

Eliminating these fees builds on Governor Lamont’s track record of reducing taxes to make Connecticut more affordable for middle-class workers. Since taking office in 2019, Governor Lamont has enacted more than $840 million in permanent tax cuts. This includes $500 million in income tax cuts for middle-class filers that was enacted in 2023 and became the largest income tax cut made in Connecticut history; increases in the Earned Income Tax Credit that have essentially eliminated income taxes for low-income filers; the elimination of taxes on pensions and Social Security for most seniors; and the creation of a cap on motor vehicle property taxes.

The proposal is included in Senate Bill 1246, An Act Concerning Revenue Items To Implement the Governor’s Budget. It is currently under consideration in the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee.

AFTER A TWO YEAR SEARCH, THE GREATER BRIDGEPORT SYMPHONY NAMES EDUARDO LEANDRO MUSIC DIRECTOR AND PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR

LEANDRO TO LEAD SOMETHING BIG! MAY 10 AT

THE KLEIN MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM IN BRIDGEPORT, CT

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 SEASONS GALA

ANNOUNCED FOR APRIL 4

Eduardo Leandro

Photo Courtesy Of GBS

BRIDGEPORT, CT  (March 3, 2025) – After a comprehensive search that has spanned two seasons, the Greater Bridgeport Symphony (GBS) is excited to announce the appointment of EDUARDO LEANDROas Music Director and Principal Conductor.  Culled from a field of over 180 applicants, seven finalists vied for the Music Directorship in a competition that concluded in December 2024.  Leandro’s grand inaugural concert Something Big! will take place on Saturday, May 10 at The Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport, CT at 7:30pm.

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Leandro was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, land of carnival, samba schools and rich musical culture. He attended the Sao Paulo State University, the Rotterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands, and Yale University.  His conducting mentor and teacher was Gustav Meier, Music Director of GBS for over four decades. With his fluency in languages, GBS’ Board of Trustees selected Leandro for a myriad of his talents which include being a world-renowned percussionist, an educational leader, and for his proven skills working in community outreach and music education programs with Bridgeport youth. “I wish our audience could have seen Eduardo in Bridgeport’s elementary schools last year,” says GBS President Mark Halstead. “He speaks five languages and was uniquely able to make a real connection with the students.”

Maestro Eduardo looks forward to broadening communications with the many diverse groups in the greater Bridgeport area. He has already made himself known around town through school visits and is now a regular at Bridgeport’s Brazilian churrascarias.  “I am looking forward to celebrating life through art here in Bridgeport, and to sharing our beautiful music straight from our souls to you, our listeners and supporters,” says Leandro.  “I understand how much music can unite and transform a community. I’ve seen that happen many times all over the world, from South Korea to Switzerland to Springfield MA.  A symphony orchestra should mirror its community, and I want to see the Greater Bridgeport Symphony doing just that.” 

GBS’ concert on May 10 will mark Leandro’s debut as Music Director and it will live up to the show’s name, Something Big!  Pianist Andrew Armstrong, a perennial favorite of GBS who got his professional start here some 20+ years ago, will play Rachmaninoff’s “Piano Concerto No. 2,” and the orchestra will also render Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream” overture and Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4. “ “I want to present music that the audience will really enjoy, and that the orchestra will love to play,” Maestro Eduardo said.

GBS extends an invitation to join the celebration of the upcoming 80th Season with a Gala to meet Maestro Eduardo, on Friday, April 4 from 7:00pm-11:00pm at The City Wide Church Ballroom (formerly Congregation Rodeph Sholom) 2385 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT.  The Around the World in 80 Seasons Gala will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, a silent and live auction and music by the Anthony DeQuattro Quintet along with a special surprise performance from a young rising star violinist. The Gala honors Herbert and Doris Harrington; Mrs. Harrington was an indispensable leader with GBS for over 30 years until her recent passing.  Gala tickets are $150 per person or $250 for VIP seating with Maestro Leandro. Tables for eight $1100.  Seating is limited. To make a reservation visit www.GBS.ORG or call (203)576-0263.

Tickets are on sale now for Something Big! at The Klein on May 10, 7:30 PM.  Good seats available in all sections from $18 to $72.  Family Pack deal available: kids under 19 are free, with accompanying adults getting 15% off regular pricing.  Subscriptions for the 2025-26 will go on sale at the end of March.  Visit www.GBS.org or call (203)576-0263. 

Road Rage Turns Robbery Outside Ansonia Bar, Police Seek Suspects

Ansonia police are investigating a robbery outside The Spot restaurant and lounge on March 1, where a driver allegedly stole a man’s wallet and phone after a car accident. Authorities are urging the public to stop sharing a viral video of the incident and instead provide information to help identify those involved.

2025 WESTPORT HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE DAY

Saturday, April 5, 2025 RAIN or SHINE

9am – 2pm

Greens Farms Railroad Station, Parking Lot #1, New Creek Road, Westport CT

(Located between I-95 and Metro-North Railroad tracks)

Westport, CT –The Department of Public Works is holding its annual Household Hazardous Waste Day on Saturday, April 5 from 9 am to 2 pm at Greens Farms Railroad Station, Parking Lot #1, New Creek Road, Westport.

Household Hazardous Waste Day is a NO CHARGE regional program for residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford, and Greenwich to safely dispose of their household hazardous wastes. Products such as cleaners, gasoline and pesticides can pollute the environment and jeopardize public health when they are disposed of improperly.

Residents of participating towns may safely dispose of the following types of hazardous waste: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies & paints.

Before bringing household hazardous material to the collection site:

  • Make sure items are clearly labeled and NEVER MIX CHEMICALS.  Incompatible products may react, ignite, or explode, and mixed waste may become non-recyclable. 
  • Keep products in original labeled container. 
  • Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags. 
  • Tighten lids of all containers and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper. 
  • Put boxes in the trunk or in the back of the vehicle away from passengers. 
  • Keep your windows open and drive directly to the collection site. 
  • Leave pets and children home when bringing hazardous materials for collection. 
  • Residents must remain in their vehicles during collection.
  • Do not smoke or eat while handling hazardous materials.

REMINDER:  Westport residents may recycle antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs, and electronics at the Westport Transfer Station, 300 Sherwood Island Connector, Monday-Friday 7:00 am – 2:30 pm, Saturday 7:00 am – 12:00 pm.

The following items are NOT acceptable:  AMMUNITION, FLARES, and COMMERCIAL HAZARDOUS WASTE.

If you have any questions, contact the Westport Public Works Department at 203-341-1793.

Experience the Ultimate Taylor Swift Dance Party with DJ Swiftie!

Get ready for a night of non-stop Taylor Swift hits, electrifying remixes, and unforgettable vibes. DJ Swiftie—hailed as the world’s #1 Taylor Swift DJ—brings an energy-packed show that will have you dancing and singing along to every song, from chart-topping anthems to deep-cut fan favorites.

  • Tickets: $25 in advance | $30 day of show
  • VIP: $50 (Includes early entry, 1 foam glow wand & 1 signed show poster)

Get your tickets now: www.theklein.org/buy-tickets/upcoming-events/tay-tay-dance-party-featuring-dj-swiftie/

Don’t miss out on this ultimate Swiftie experience—secure your spot today!

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