Redevelopment workshops, Tim Currie, a ‘write in’ and help for challenged families

NORWALK, Conn. — Here’s a roundup of upcoming events:

• Help for single-parent families – today, Saturday Oct. 26
• Norwalk community development workshops announced
• Tim Currie to be remembered at Wall Street Theater
• Overnight write-in beckons novelists

An event for challenged families

Breakthrough Options for Families, a group that has advocated for single-parent families in poverty and has mentored at-risk youth for 13 years, will host an event “Celebrating Hope and Uplifting Single-Parent Families” in the City Hall community room today, Saturday Oct. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m.  Admission is free.  Attendees are asked to RSVP at [email protected]  The group’s website is www.boffusa.org

RDA Requests Citizens’ Input

The Norwalk Redevelopment Agency and the City of Norwalk invite Norwalk residents, stakeholders, business owners and community leaders to participate in six workshops focusing on the challenges faced by Norwalk’s lower income residents and neighborhoods. The goal is to hear input from a diverse group of participants regarding problems and proposed solutions.

Norwalk receives annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to implement housing and community development projects.  Every five years, Norwalk identifies and prioritizes its community development needs. The six workshops are meant to engage the community in developing the 2020-2024 Five Year Consolidated Plan.  Light refreshments will be served.

Stakeholder Workshops:

Tuesday, Nov. 5

South Norwalk Branch Library, 10 Washington St.

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Workforce Development

3 to 4:15 p.m. Housing Affordability & Equity

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Smilow Life Center, 55 Chestnut St.

9 to 10:15 a.m. Housing for Individuals & Families in Crisis

10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Preservation of Existing Affordable Housing

1:30 to 2:45 p.m. Asset Building in LMI Neighborhoods

3 to 4:15 p.m. Healthy Homes & Healthy Neighborhoods

Focus Groups/Public Hearings:

Monday, Nov. 4

The SoNo Collection, Magnificent Community Room

6 to 7 p.m.

(Attendees receive a complimentary parking voucher for a future mall visit)

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Smilow Life Center, 55 Chestnut St.

6 to 7 p.m.

Topics:

• Preserving and increasing affordable housing opportunities
• Social Service Support
• Increasing employment opportunities

Tim Currie’s Rockin’ Legacy Onstage

A tribute concert to Tim Currie from his bandmates and the City of Norwalk will take place at the Wall Street Theater at 7 p.m.  Sat. Nov. 23. Co-produced by Marc Alan (Factory Underground/ARC Sound and Lighting)  and Tim’s longtime friend  Steve Sasloe, the show will feature performances by Tim Currie’s Motown Band, his Tumblin’ Dice Band, his beloved son Adam Currie, and special guests from throughout Tim’s storied music career..

“The event is really a chance for us all to say ‘Thank You’ to Tim from his friends, bandmates, and the entire city of Norwalk,” said Sasloe. “It’s also a way to say thank you to his wonderful family, who so generously shared Tim with all of us. All the money raised from the event will go to Toys For Tots, Make A Wish, and Al’s Angels, three of the many charities that Tim supported.”

“Tim Currie believed with all his heart that music and love could make the world a better place; he believed in the power of music to bring people together,” said Alan.

Tickets can be purchased at  http://bit.ly/TCurrieCT

Calling All Writers

The Fairfield County Story Lab at 21 Charles St. in Westport will host an Overnight Write-In from 10 a.m. Sat. Nov. 9 thru 5 p.m. Sunday Nov. 10.  The 31-hour event celebrates National Novel Writing Month, in which participants worldwide try to write 50,000-word rough draft of a novel during November.  All genres, including non-fiction are allowed, as are works already in progress.

Participants must be at least 21 years old.  Writers need not stay for the entire session, and may come and go as they please.

The Fairfield County Story Lab is a shared writers’ workspace offering quiet rooms where writers may work individually or connect with one another.  There is an on-site café.  “Writing can be a lonely endeavor, and we hope to provide community and support, as well as lots of snacks and coffee,” said Story Lab co-founder Carol Dannhauser.

Suggested donation is $20, and proceeds will benefit the Norwalk Education Foundation’s mini-grants for teachers.  “Many public school teachers in Norwalk and beyond reach into their pockets for books and classroom supplies, and we think they are very deserving partners,” said Dannhauser.