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WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

AT&T Byron Nelsons TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship + Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship

Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

JULY 22 - 28 3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

* Schedule subject to change

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

DATES TOURNAMENT

AUG 12 - 18

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

AUG 19 - 25 BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

AUG 26 - SEP 1

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

+ Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

MAY

MAY 18 - 30 | MEDIEVAL FAIRE

Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience at Robin Hood’s Medieval Faire, where enchantment and excitement abound! Be transported to a bygone era filled with awe-inspiring performances, scrumptious delicacies, and a vast selection of artisan goods. Perfect for history buffs, cosplay enthusiasts, or those seeking a unique adventure, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Thrill to the jousting knights’ epic combat and marvel at the dazzling talents of circus-style performers. For more info visit: robinhoodsfaire.com

JUNE

JUNE 8 - 9 | HARTFORD TASTE

Get ready to sample 30+ restaurants serving up delicious food and drink from around the world! Over 30 musical acts will keep the good times rollin’, and a few talented artists will color the experience too. Be prepared for twodays of fun and surprises!For more info visit: thehartfordtaste.com

JUNE 14 - 29 | FESTIVAL OF ARTS

Every year in June, New Haven sparkles as The International Festival of Arts & Ideas displays a rare collection of gems: stunning music and dance, brilliant theater, bright and emergent thinkers gathered from around the world. As the Festival unfolds, the city shares the finery of its worldclass theaters, courtyards, museums, galleries, and richly diverse neighborhoods with guests from near and far. For more info visit: artidea.org

JULY

JULY 6 - 7 | CRAFT SHOW

Presenting one of New England’s finest artists and crafters displaying their creations of juried fine arts and crafts including paintings, photography, pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and paper products, all at the East Lyme Town Hall grounds. We are sure you will find that special something you have been looking for. No admission charged.For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4wzuvjuy

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 18)

JULY 8 - 9 | SAILFEST

Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, ships, and over 200 vendors lining the streets. There will be plenty to see, buy, and eat, so make sure to come hungry and ready to try new food! For more info visit: sailfest.org

JULY 18 - 21 | FESTIVAL OF JAZZ

The Greater Hartford Festival of Jazz is a non-profit organization originally conceived by Paul Brown, noted Hartford jazz bassist and music educator. For 25 years, Paul had produced the Monday Night Jazz Concerts in Bushnell Park, drawing thousands of music lovers to Hartford’s Bushnell Park for picnics and world-class entertainment. For more info visit: hartfordjazz.org

AUGUST

AUG 3 | WATERMELON FEST

Here is your chance to enjoy a large scale flea market featuring over 70 vendors exhibiting in beautiful Coe Memorial Park in downtown Torrington, CT. Come shop for bargains while enjoying fresh watermelon, and other delicious items like our special “watermelon flavored” cupcakes, watermelon salsa & tortilla chips, watermelon salad made with mozzarella and locally grown hydroponic lettuce. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yc6p7nwt

AUG 17 | OYSTER FESTIVAL

The Milford Oyster Festival will have 30,000 oysters! All oysters harvested in Milford waters by Briarpatch Enterprises, Inc. Try the sweet taste of Milford oysters and enjoy them with a craft beer or premium wine. For more info visit: milfordoysterfestival.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 1 - 30 | RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Step back in time to a 16th-century harvest festival at Connecticut Renaissance Faire! Since 1999, we’ve been the gateway to a magical world where you can shop in New England’s largest Medieval Marketplace, feast on juicy turkey legs and craft beers, and enjoy hilarious comedy and thrilling acrobatics on 12 stages. All ages can enjoy the magic of the Renaissance – costumes are encouraged, but not required. Don’t miss out on an enchanted journey to the days of yore and celebrate with some good, old-fashioned fun! For more info visit: ctfaire.com

SEPT 26 - 29 | DURHAM FAIR

Come visit the Durham Fair and you’ll see what a real fair is all about. Live entertainment, rides and games on the Midway, firstclass animal competitions and discovery events on the Corn Stalk Stage. Along with a trove of crafts, exhibits, shopping and fun food. Yum! The Durham Fair is easy to

reach yet hard to leave. We know you will have a great time! For more info visit: durhamfair.com

OCTOBER

OCT TBA | APPLE FEST

Many handmade apple baked goods will be for sale including our famous Apple Pies – come early to get your pies, we have sold out before 11am in the past! This year we welcome back the Apple Café! Come for apple pancakes, fritters, hot dogs, bacon and, of course, slices of apple pie will be available for purchase as well. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mwfrxxum

OCT 11 - 13 | MUSIC FESTIVAL

The countdown is on for Black Bear —the much-anticipated annual music festival! Join us for a 3-day musical adventure that brings together the best of rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, and more, in a celebration of America’s rich cultural diversity. For more info visit: blackbearmusicfest.com

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

NOVEMBER

NOV 2 - 3 | HOME SHOW

The area’s largest gathering of home show exhibitors will be on display at the CT Convention Center for 2 days to present every conceivable product or service for the home. Talk to home contractors and home builders to find just the right designs at the right price for your home improvement project and budget. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/mtasnjtt

NOV 15 - 17 | AUTO SHOW

Located at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, the Connecticut Auto Show is the perfect place to browse hundreds of the newest vehicles! It’s the premier showcase of the newest model year imported and domestic vehicles — cars, vans, crossovers, hybrids, light trucks and sport utilities – cars to suit every budget and life style. For more info visit: ctcar.org

DECEMBER

DEC TBA | FILM FEST

Yule Film Fest is a one-of-a-kind holiday-inspired film festival that prides itself on being weird, unique, and beautiful. For more info visit: yulefilmfest.com

DEC 1- 23 | WINTERFEST

This season, Winterfair will take place inside Union Station’s Great Hall and will be home to over 30 vendors each of the 14 market days. Over 100 small and micro businesses are set to participate. For more info visit: winterfairhartford.com

JANUARY

JAN 18 - 19 | HOME SHOW

Our events feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. After meeting with and comparing our expert exhibitors, we know you’ll be inspired and motivated to start planning with confidence. More importantly, we want you to be excited for all the

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE CONNECTICUT

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

fantastic possibilities that come with your project! For more info visit: homeshowhartford.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 20 - 23 | FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW

Spring in February arrives annually at the Connecticut Convention Center! Explore exhibits overflowing with fresh flowers, plants, herbs, bulbs, seeds, gardening books, garden equipment & much more. View beautifully landscaped gardens full of greenery and stop by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut design & horticulture competition. We also offer over 80 hours of seminars and demonstrations across a variety of topics. For more info visit: ctflowershow.com

MARCH

MARCH TBA | SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Come join us for the Greater Bridgeport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade! The original parade was small by comparison to later efforts; but nonetheless a proud display of Irish spirit, led by our first Grand Marshal, Martin Reidy, a respected member of the Irish-American community of Greater Bridgeport and a charter member of the Gaelic-American Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Bridgeport. For more info visit: stpatricksdaybridgeport.com

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

MAY 26 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - TUE

- WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 04 - TUE 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 12:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 06 - THU 12:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 07 - FRI 12:00 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - FRI 3:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 08 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 09 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single * Schedule subject to change

DATE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final * Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack