I'm a married mother of three awesome kids and a rescue dog named Sadie, a black lab mix. I grew up in Sandy Hook and currently live in Ridgefield.
I studied English Literature at Ellis College and Child Development at Post University and received my Head Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education through the State of Connecticut in 2008.
From 2010-2012 I enjoyed working for Patch in various roles as a reporter, columnist, food critic and guest editor. I also helped launch 12 Patch sites in Fairfield County in early 2010.
During 2012-2013, I stopped working in order to serve as a volunteer to help my hometown of Sandy Hook heal after the tragic Sandy Hook School shootings on Dec. 14, 2012. I founded the Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids (The SHACK) in Sandy Hook Center as a creative way for kids and families to heal through the power of the arts through free music and art programs. We were happy to have the Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs as regular visitors as well.
In January of 2014, Hearst Media Services honored me with the "Top 10 Most Fascinating People of 2013" award in the Greater Danbury Area for volunteer work I performed with Sandy Hook Arts Center for Kids. In June 2014, I went back to work and became a Regional Editor for eleven towns in Southwest Connecticut.
On February 4, 2015, World Cancer Day, life threw a huge curveball and I was diagnosed with "The Evil 'C' Word." During 2015 and most of 2016, I battled a "very rare, very aggressive" type of breast cancer with wit, sass, faith and lots of support from family and friends. After 4 surgeries, 16 weeks of dose dense "red devil" chemo, 30 rounds of radiation and tons of complications, I'm proud to say I'm now a survivor of Triple Negative Metaplastic Carcinoma and an advocate of self breast exams for early detection. Being diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 45 with no cancer in my family prompted me to start a #MyLeftBoob selfie campaign to raise awareness for early detection.
Read my story here:
http://patch.com/connecticut/bethel/breast-cancer-awareness-behind-pink-ribbons-personal-survival-story-0
In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading biographies, David Sedaris or Kurt Vonnegut books, singing and playing bass guitar in a cover band with my rockin' hubby of 22 years, who is the drummer.
Sandy Hook parent of Daniel Barden, Mark Barden, whose family was featured in the film, will join the post-film discussion.
Find out why it closed and when Treadwell pool will reopen.
There will be light saber demonstrations by Way of the Sword and live entertainment by the talented musicians of RMAC.
Gregg Toland won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography in Black and White for Wuthering Heights and was later nominated for Citizen Kane
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
We’ll let you know the forecast details for the next 7 days and it begins with a chance of storms and extreme heat for Monday.
Close to 1,000 attendees came to Summerfest for live music, delicious food, shopping, a kid's zone and tons of fun despite the hot temps.
The occupant of the vehicle in the Weston crash was transported to the hospital.
He was a member of the Newbury Congregational Church, Brookfield, and had played violin with the Danbury Symphony.
Newtown police are searching for the suspect involved in five burglaries in Sandy Hook on Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22, 2016.
Ms. Calsetta passed away unexpectedly on Friday July 15, 2016 in New Milford Hospital at the age of 52.
The longtime resident of Redding passed away in her residence on June 29, 2016.
He was a member of the Newbury Congregational Church, Brookfield, and had played violin with the Danbury Symphony.
