Category Archives: Fuzz Buzz
Danbury’s Irish-Americans Kick Off 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations with Parades & More

DANBURY, CT—After two years of cancellations due to the global pandemic, Danbury’s Irish-Americans are glad to celebrate their Silver Anniversary at the 25th Annual Danbury St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The month-long celebrations kicked off on Sunday, Feb. 20th with their St. Patrick’s Day Parade fundraiser at Molly Darcy’s, followed by the St. Patrick’s Day Ball on Saturday, March 5th. Not even a “bomb cyclone” could stop Danbury and New Fairfield area Irish-Americans from celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Fairfield (Danbury’s parade will be held on 3/20/22). New Fairfield resident Peter Hearty was presented with a proclamation from State Senator Julie Kushner for his contributions to the town by organizing the 52nd annual New Fairfield St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Danbury’s Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians hold the St. Patrick’s Day Ball annually the first Saturday in March at the Amber Room where they honor the man and woman of the year. This year, Richard Hawley, of Danbury, and Wendy Mitchell, of Brookfield, were named the Hibernians of the Year. Hawley was recognized for his years of fundraising at the annual golf classic and for starting the setback league. Mitchell was recognized for her efforts to raise funds for the club at last year’s “SHAMROCKAPALOOZA” benefit concert, serving as co-chair of the parade for the last five years, and serving as state recording secretary and webmaster, division Catholic Action and publicity officer.

The Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation and the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center kicked off their month-long St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the annual Irish Ball on March 5, 2016. Danbury’s new Mayor Dean Esposito presented Mitchell and Hawley with a proclamation from the City of Danbury for their dedication the mission and helping to preserve Irish culture in the greater Danbury area. Senator Julie Kushner presented a proclamation to both from the State of Connecticut.
The duo will have the distinct honor of leading the City of Danbury’s parade on Sunday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m., along with their fellow Hibernians, Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums Corps, Newtown Horse Guard, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, local politicians and officials, Danbury and surrounding town’s fire departments, Danbury police, and other marching units. The Danbury St. Patrick’s Day Parade is co-chaired this year by Kevin Hearty and Catherine Bach.
The following events are planned for St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday, March 17, 2022:
- 9 a.m. Bethel flag raising, 1 P.T. Barnum Square, Bethel
- 11 a.m. – Mass at St Peter Church, Main St. Danbury with prayers in English and Gaelic
- 12 p.m. – Irish flag raising at Danbury City Hall, Deer Hill Ave. followed by refreshments
- 12:30 p.m. on – Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center (GDICC), 6 Lake Ave., Danbury, corned beef, cabbage, Shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, and refreshments. The GDICC has Guinness and Harp on tap as well as a wide variety of other libations. Local Irish dance schools will perform and live bands Fiddlesuice and Steve O’Tree & Friends will play traditional Irish favorites.
On Saturday, March 19th, Two Roads Brewery is sponsoring a “Tap Takeover” with Tipperary Knights, $5 Two Roads specials, raffles, and more!
The 25th Annual Danbury St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held this year on Sunday, March 20, 2022. It is being sponsored by Title Sponsor, Townsquare Media Danbury, Platinum Sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Danbury, Gold Sponsor UK Gourmet and Dream Home Realty of CT. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. at Center and Main Street, Danbury in front of St. Peter Church.
Parade Day is Sunday, March 20, 2022:
- 2 p.m. Greater Danbury St. Patrick’s Day parade begins in front of St. Peter Church, Main and Center Streets
- Shuttle buses will begin at 12 p.m. at the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center, 6 Lake Ave., Danbury
- Corned beef & cabbage, Shepherd’s pie, Irish soda bread, and refreshments will be sold at the Danbury Irish Club, 6 Lake Ave., Danbury. Local Irish dance schools and live bands will perform traditional Irish favorites.
Questions? Call the club at (203) 739-0010 or email DanburyIrish@gmail.com.
Photo: Wendy Mitchell, 2022 Danbury Lady Hibernian of the Year, Richard Hawley, 2022 Danbury Mens Hibernian of the Year
Photo Credit: Marion Lynott, Irish Flare Photography
#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.
CT Cooling Centers Near You, Heatwave, Excessive Heat Watch, Flash Flood Watch & More
FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT— The National Weather Service has issued a number of watches in our area as temperatures rise. As the heatwave approaches, residents should pay special attention to the elderly, young children, and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition.
Call 2-1-1 or click here for a list of cooling centers near you.
From the National Weather Service: A Hazardous Weather Watch has been issued for Northern Fairfield County and Westchester. A FLASH FLOOD WATCH is in effect through late this evening and a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH is in effect until 10 p.m. tonight. There is also an EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH in effect from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening according to to the National Weather Service.
A Special Weather Statement was also issued by the NWS:
“A LINE OF STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL AFFECT SOUTHERN FAIRFIELD… SOUTHEASTERN NEW HAVEN AND SOUTHERN MIDDLESEX COUNTIES… At 517 PM EDT, radar indicated strong thunderstorms were located along a line extending from Milford to near Norwalk. Movement was east at 30 m.p.h. Winds in excess of 40 m.p.h. are possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include… Bridgeport, New Haven, Norwalk, Milford, Wallingford, Shelton, Guilford, Clinton, Old Saybrook, Chester, Fairfield, Hamden, Stratford, Trumbull and Branford.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may cause localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle.”
Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect now through 10 p.m. this evening for the following counties:
- FAIRFIELD, HARTFORD, LITCHFIELD, MIDDLESEX, NEW HAVEN, NEW LONDON, TOLLAND, WINDHAM.
Finally, an Excessive Heat Watch was also issued for Northern Fairfield, Southern Fairfield, Southern New Haven, Northern Westchester, Southern Westchester, and surrounding counties. The EXCESSIVE HEAT WATCH is in effect from Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening from 12 p.m. Saturday through 10 p.m.
According to the NWS:
“Extreme heat can cause illness and death among at- risk population who cannot stay cool. The heat and humidity may cause heat stress during outdoor exertion or extended exposure. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible, and drink plenty of water.
Seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoors. Use air conditioning to stay cool at home or go to a place that has air conditioning. Check on vulnerable friends, family members and neighbors. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency! In cases of heat stroke call 9 1 1.”
It’s also important to remember to keep your pets cool in excessive heat. Here are some tips from ABC 7 News:
- * Avoid dehydration: Pets can dehydrate quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water.
- * Exercise early and late: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Your pet’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn.
- * Know when your pet is in danger: Symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor, or even collapse. Animals with flat faces like Pugs and Persian cats are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. They should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- * Never leave a pet inside of a parked car on a hot day. Even with the windows open, extreme temperatures inside a parked can could quickly lead to fatal heat stroke for your pet.
- * Keep cats safe by installing screens in your windows. Unscreened windows pose a real danger to cats, who fall out of them often during summer months.
- * Prepare with your pet: Pet food, water, medications and supplies should always be included in your emergency preparedness plans and “go bags.”
Some local towns are already announcing cancellations of events, and others have posted important information about cooling centers. Check your town’s website for more details.
Photo by DaPuglet via Flickr Creative Commons
#CTTraffic Alert: Large Sinkhole Causes Traffic Problems in #DanburyCT
Photo by Farley Santos
DANBURY, CT — Drivers around Danbury and Bethel will want to use caution and take alternate routes as a large sinkhole has formed on Shelter Rock Road in Danbury.
“To all our neighbors: A sinkhole has formed on Shelter Rock Road near the intersection with Cross Street. Traffic is being diverted through Cross Street. Please try to avoid the area if possible. The City’s Public Works department is on it. I’ve spoken with the Foreman and repairs are underway. It will be a long night for our City’s Public Works crew. I will update as needed.”
While areas like Florida are more prone to sinkholes, Connecticut has seen a large amount of rain. According to USGS.giov, a sinkhole is formed when the ground below the land surface cannot support the land surface and eats away at the rock below.
“Cover-collapse sinkholes may develop abruptly (over a period of hours) and cause catastrophic damages. They occur where the covering sediments contain a significant amount of clay. Over time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sinkhole into a shallower bowl-shaped depression. Over time, surface drainage, erosion, and deposition of sediment transform the steep-walled sinkhole into a shallower bowl-shaped depression.”
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
Who & What is ‘CT Buzz News’ and How Can I Share My Business Information? Find Out Here!
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Hello CT Buzz News readers, followers, and new group members! We’ve seen a recent large spike in traffic on our website and many new members joining our 10 group Facebook pages so we wanted to explain who we are and how it works with sharing posts and information in our groups.
CT Buzz Media is a news and information website with a passion to help small businesses and nonprofits in our community. We encourage residents and readers to shop local and strive to do the same. The main towns we cover are Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, New Fairfield, New Milford, Redding, Ridgefield, and Southbury but we also occasionally cover Monroe, Wilton, and surrounding towns.
Wendy grew up in Sandy Hook, attended Bethel High School and graduated from Newtown High School. She has also lived in Brookfield and New Milford and now lives in Ridgefield with her husband, 23-year-old son, 19-year-old daughter, and 5-year-old rescue dog, a black lab mix. Her oldest son lives in Brooklyn and is a SAG/AFTRA actor in NYC. Wendy is very connected to the community and serves on a number of boards and committees as a volunteer.
Now that you know about all CT Buzz and its Queen Bee, learn how to share your story and your news on our website and social media pages.
- LIKE the main CT Buzz Media page by clicking this link: https://m.facebook.com/ctbuzzmedia/?__nodl&_rdr
- Join the CT Buzz Media (Group Page) Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CTBuzzMedia/
- Only share ***ONCE a week, on “Follow Friday” and only post on the town where the event is located and the main CT Buzz Group Page. Ex: If your business is in Ridgefield, only post on Ridgefield CT Buzz & CT Buzz Media Group pages. The CT Buzz Group page is for any town in CT.



Wendy is an award-winning marketing manager, regional editor, entrepreneur and communications professional with expertise in brand development, strategic communications, print design, project management, and marketing. As the founder of CT Buzz Media, Wendy creates positive and innovative aesthetically-focused storytelling for small and large business owners across industries ranging from nonprofits to attorneys and medical practitioners. She has been featured on national news sites and is an award-winning writer and marketing professional.
Wendy sits on the Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation’s Board of Directors, manages all publicity and marketing for the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians Division #58, creates marketing campaigns. manages events from concept to completion for audiences of up to 3,000 and much more. The Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Wendy brings a diverse background to her role, with more than 15 years of experience in nonprofits including fundraising and events, over 15 years of marketing and communications experience, and 25 years of customer engagement including 10 years in retail and restaurant management.
Wendy has won numerous awards, attended dozens of leadership workshops and brings passion, energy, enthusiasm, and creativity to her work.
•Winner: Townvibe Reader’s Choice Awards 2017, Best Art/Music School, Arts & Nature School of Ridgefield.
•Awarded #7 of “Top 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013” in the Greater Danbury Area by Hearst Media Services for volunteer work at the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids, a nonprofit I founded in response to the tragic school shootings of 12/14.
14-Year-Old Arrested for School Threat: Police
RIDGEFIELD, CT — The Ridgefield Police Department released a statement Thursday afternoon, May 30, 2019, regarding the Ridgefield High School written threat that was found Thursday morning.
“A 14-year-old juvenile from Ridgefield has been arrested for the above-mentioned charges and is scheduled to appear at Bridgeport Juvenile Court on 6/10/19. On 5/30/19 at approximately 9:00 am, the Ridgefield High School SRO was contacted by RHS staff members in regard to a written threat. The threat referenced a firearm and was written in a women’s bathroom. Ridgefield School Officials dismissed the RHS students. The Ridgefield Police Department with assistance from the New York State Police K9 Unit, conducted a sweep of the Ridgefield High School which produced negative results.”
The teen was charged with:
- Threatening 1st Degree – C.G.S. 53a-61aa – 1 count
- Breach of Peace 2nd Degree – C.G.S. 53a-181 – 1 count
Click here to read the original story.
Photo: Ridgefield Police Department
Opioid Awareness & Prevention Forum to be Held at Danbury High School
DANBURY, CT — The City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services and Danbury Public Schools are hosting an Opioid Awareness & Prevention Forum at Danbury High School, Black Box Theater located at 43 Clapboard Ridge Road in Danbury, Conn. on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. The purpose of the forum is to educate residents about opioid drug prescriptions, opioid misuse, and opioid addiction treatment resources in an effort to prevent opioid-related deaths in our community.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS) and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 130 lives are lost daily to opioid-related drug overdoses. In 2017, The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) reported that approximately 1,038 deaths were attributed to opioid overdose in Connecticut.
The misuse of, and addiction to opioids, including prescription pain relievers, heroin, and fentanyl, is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. The CDC estimates that the total economic burden of prescription opioid misuse in the United States is approximately $78.5 billion a year. This includes the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.
To address the opioid epidemic in Connecticut, Governor Ned Lamont, the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH), and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) recently announced efforts to address the rise of opioid addiction across the State of Connecticut.
The City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services and Danbury Public Schools are collaborating with medical professionals, community groups and police authorities to provide guidance on how to address the opioid crisis as a community.
The goal of organizers is to prevent opioid overdose-related deaths in the community by raising awareness. Residents in Danbury and surrounding areas are invited to join in the community-wide effort to prevent opioid overdoses.
This press release was submitted by The City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services Department. To submit a press release email CTBuzzNews@gmail.com.
Photo by Robert Greene via Flickr Creative Commons
Written Threat Forces Ridgefield Schools to Close Early
RIDGEFIELD, CT — Ridgefield Public Schools closed early on Thursday, May 30, 2019 after a written threat was called into the schools, according to the following message posted on the Ridgefield Public Schools’ website:
“This morning, Ridgefield High School received a written threat. Administration and Police responded immediately. Out of an abundance of caution, we are dismissing RHS at 9:30am. This dismissal (and the threat) does not affect Scott’s Ridge Middle School. The investigation is ongoing. We thank you for your understanding.”
Editor’s note: The previous version of this article stated there was a bomb threat. This information was reported to CT Buzz by a RHS staff member. The article has been corrected.
AMBER Alert 2019: Stony Hill Four Corners Association Hosts Annual Safety Event
BETHEL, CT — The Stony Hill Four Corners, a Bethel and Newtown business association, is hosting their annual AMBER Alert registration on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at the Haleyville Fire House, 34 Hawleyville Rd., Newtown. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to come out to this safety event which is sponsored by Stony Hill Four Corners, Quality Gem and Union Savings Bank.
Parents who register their child will receive one free laminated I.D. card per child. Additional cards are available. Free hot dogs and soda will be served and children are welcome to tour the firehouse and see the fire trucks up close.
The AMBER Alert began in 1996 and was named after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, a child who went missing while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas, and then brutally murdered. “Dallas-Fort Worth broadcasters teamed with local police to develop an early warning system to help find abducted children. AMBER stands for America’s Missing: Broadcast Emergency Response and was created as a legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman. Other states and communities soon set up their own AMBER plans as the idea was adopted across the nation,” the website states.
Today, the AMBER Alert system is being used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Indian country, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 27 other countries, according to the agency’s website. As of April 2019, a total of 957 children were successfully recovered through the AMBER Alert system.
Questions? Contact Madeline Bunt at Union Savings Bank: (203) 730-6376.
About The Stony Hill Four Corners Association:
The Stony Hill Four Corners Association encompasses the “corridor” between exits 8 and 9 off Interstate 84; specifically Stony Hill Road in Bethel, and Rte 6 (Mount Pleasant), Rte 25 section of Hawleyville in Newtown. Our purpose is to develop a greater awareness of our businesses in the area and what we have to offer, while creating ways for us – as a group – to give back to the local community. We meet the first Wednesday of each month to plan several events a year that benefit community organizations. As a business member of the Stony Hill Four Corners, your business will be listed on the Stony Hill Four Corners website as well as in our color brochure that is distributed at various events throughout the area and year. Our members are also encouraged to display the brochures at their place of business.