Good morning, Norwalk.

The Giving Fund helped families during the Thanksgiving drive on November 19th and will share local need stories starting the first week of December—backed by partners like Family Centers and Family & Children’s Agency, the program supports those struggling with everyday expenses.

This initiative relies on community donations to help cover costs for rent, utilities and food.

Gov. Ned Lamont gave $3M in emergency funding to Connecticut Foodshare last month to help ease food shortages caused by a government shutdown, but independent pantries such as the Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County did not receive any funds—local groups in Norwalk report higher food demand as Thanksgiving nears. Volunteers at St. Philip Church also noted an increase in pantry visits, with more people picking up food slips for donations.

The Connecticut Restaurant Association announced its CRAzies Awards nominations to be held on Dec.

8 at Foxwoods Resort and Casino, with local favorite Bar Bushido in Norwalk named for restaurant newcomer. Restaurants in Kent, Mystic, Newtown, and beyond will be honored for achievements in food and drink—showing local culinary talent will be celebrated at the awards ceremony.

The Norwalk High School Marching Band claimed first place at the US Bands National Championship on Nov.

8 after winning the Connecticut State Championship on Nov. 1. Director Chris Rivera credited the students and parent volunteers+ who helped restore the band’s membership after enrollment dropped due to COVID-19.

Connecticut has introduced new first-time homebuyer tax savings accounts that let buyers deduct up to $2,500 for individuals and $5,000 for joint filers when covering down payments and closing costs.

Banks will offer the savings accounts starting in January while the Department of Revenue Services finalizes oversight guidelines as part of Gov. Lamont's housing initiative.

CIAC high school football playoff pairings were reshaped by Thanksgiving upsets, including Kennedy's win over Crosby and a 20-19 win by Plainfield/Quinebaug, with final standings to be approved by the committee Friday morning.

The 48-team field across six divisions will see quarterfinal rematches starting Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. — details are set for the upcoming rounds.

Norwalk beat Brien McMahon 35-0 on Thanksgiving as sophomore quarterback Easton Pace threw three touchdowns and ran for another to keep the Sam Testa Trophy—improving the team's record to 6-4.

Coach Mike Forget said the team won by making key defensive plays with a fumble recovery and an interception.

2025 GALA Defying Gravity

11:30 p.m. — Norwalk Concert Hall — $250 — Experience a magical evening supporting aspiring artists while raising funds for scholarships and the growth of NoCo.

Holiday Family Concert

6-8 p.m. — District Music Hall — Ticket info not provided — Enjoy a festive concert featuring Grammy winner Lisa Fisher to support local youth organizations.

BubbleMania! with Casey Carle

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. — Norwalk Public Library — Free entry — Experience the captivating arts of bubble-making filled with comedy and music for the whole family.