Norwalk Pulse: Monday, May 18

Good morning, Norwalk.

The Maritime Aquarium has five new meerkats. The city landed a $255,000 state grant to restore Andrews Field. The schools approved a $257 million budget, and the trade-offs are real. Meanwhile, District Music Hall has two legitimate touring acts on weeknights this week, and there is a speakeasy hosting a pilates class on Thursday. It is a good week to live here.

Here's what's in this week's Pulse:

• Five new meerkats at the Maritime Aquarium
• $255K state grant to restore Andrews Field
• Schools approve budget, cut free-meals program
• Toadies and Curren$y at District this week

Best for families this week: Chess for Kids at the library (Wednesday, free) and Little Learners Playgroup at SoNo Branch (Tuesday).

-- Cooper

The Week in Norwalk

Meet The 5 Meerkats Making Themselves At Home At The Maritime Aquarium. Five meerkats joined the Aquarium's collection and they are settling in fast. If you need a reason to take the kids this month, this is a good one. The Aquarium also took DailyVoice readers' choice for Best Children's Activity in Fairfield County this year.

Norwalk Scores $255K State Grant to Restore Andrews Field to Natural Habitat. Superintendent of Parks and Public Property Ken Hughes confirmed the $255,000 grant will fund habitat restoration at Andrews Field. A step toward preserving green space in a city that keeps building.

Norwalk Schools Approve $257.4M Budget With Cuts to Free-Meals-for-All Program. The Board of Education approved the final budget, but the free-meals-for-all program took a hit. Superintendent Dr. Alexandra Estrella warned that years of cuts are pushing the district toward "triage versus preventative care." Worth reading in full, especially if you have kids in the system.

Norwalk Eases ADU Rules to Help Homeowners Add Housing. New rules make it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units. If you have been thinking about an in-law suite or a rental unit, the city just removed some barriers.

Norwalk Officials Pause Gregory Boulevard Roundabout Design Funding. After more than an hour of sharply divided public testimony, the City Council voted to table the East Norwalk roundabout proposal for two weeks. This one is not going away quietly.

Want to reach Norwalk readers? Reply to this email.

Norwalk Business Beat

M.Train Studio Named Best Gym/Workout in Fairfield County. M.Train Strength and Wellness Studio won the DailyVoice readers' choice award. A Norwalk gym beating out the rest of the county is worth noting.

Norwalk Parks and Rec Committee Advances Increased Fees. Facility rental fees are going up starting July. The committee approved the increases unanimously.

Norwalk Officially Sets FY2027 Mill Rates. The Board of Estimate and Taxation approved mill rates for the fiscal year starting July 1. Homeowners across all six taxing districts are facing increases.

This Week in Norwalk

Haitian Flag Raising

Norwalk marks Haitian Heritage Month with the flag raising at City Hall. Norwalk's Haitian community is one of the largest in Connecticut, and this is their day. Public, all welcome.

• Details: Monday, City Hall. Free.
• norwalkct.gov

Toadies: The Charmer Tour at District Music Hall

If you were anywhere near a radio in the mid-'90s, you know "Possum Kingdom." The Toadies are bringing The Charmer Tour through SoNo with Local H and Vandoliers opening. This is one of the stronger weeknight lineups District has booked in a while. If you go to one show this week, make it this one.

• Details: Tuesday, District Music Hall, 101 Water Street. Ticketed.
• Eventbrite

My 30's in the City: Dinner with New Friends

A dinner series for people in their 30s who want to meet other people without an app. Show up, eat, talk to strangers. The venue rotates weekly.

• Details: Wednesday. RSVP required.
• Eventbrite

Mat Pilates Pop Up at The Haven Speakeasy

Pilates by Kaila is hosting a mat session at The Haven, which is technically a speakeasy, and every ticket comes with a drink. Fitness and a cocktail is an honest Thursday night.

• Details: Thursday, The Haven, Norwalk. Ticketed, includes 1 drink.
• Eventbrite

Curren$y: The Winners Circle Tour at District Music Hall

New Orleans rapper Curren$y brings the Winners Circle Tour through with the 747 Band and Fendi P opening. Two touring acts at District in one week. SoNo is eating well.

• Details: Thursday, District Music Hall, 101 Water Street. Ticketed.
• Eventbrite

Meaningful Networking for LGBTQ Professionals

A mixer at Greer Southern Table that welcomes the full diversity of the LGBTQ community and allies. Low-key, warm, and a rare event category for the area.

• Details: Thursday, Greer Southern Table, Norwalk. RSVP required.
• Eventbrite

On the Horizon

Memorial Day Parades. Rowayton's parade is Saturday, May 24. The city-wide Norwalk Memorial Day Parade is Sunday, May 25. Mark both now. Rowayton | Norwalk

South Norwalk Flea at Spacecat Brewing (Saturday, May 24). 25+ vendors selling vintage, streetwear, jewelry, and art at the Spacecat taproom and beer garden in SoNo. Eventbrite

Black Wall Street Norwalk (Friday, May 30). Norwalk's first Black Wall Street Festival on the Town Green. Celebrating Black culture, business, and creativity. Eventbrite

Community Spotlight

Norwalk Public Schools is participating in the Summer Food Service Program again this year. Free meals for anyone under 18, no paperwork, no income check. If you know a family that could use this, pass it along. NancyOnNorwalk

Thanks for reading Norwalk Pulse. Forward this to a neighbor who would like it.

We also cover Stamford and Greenwich.

-- Cooper

We also cover Stamford Pulse and Greenwich Pulse.

Want to reach Norwalk readers? Reply to this email.

-- Cooper

Unsubscribe