Stamford Pulse: Monday, May 18

Good morning, Stamford.

The LIRR walked out Saturday. If you commute through connections at Bridgeport or any Metro-North transfer, your week might look different. Meanwhile, summer is loading: Stamford Town Center just announced the Block Party, Mill River Park's Cornhole League launches Wednesday, and Harbor Point starts stacking free outdoor programming. Late May in Stamford moves fast.

Here's what's inside:

• First County Bank has a new CEO eyeing acquisitions
• Mr. Frosty's named Best Ice Cream in Fairfield County
• Weeknight events from Harbor Point yoga to Palace Theatre ballet
• Cornhole League starts Wednesday at the Cohen Display Fountain

Best for families this week: The Magical Toy Shop & Giselle at Palace Theatre on Wednesday.

-- Cooper

The Week in Stamford

6th Annual Summer Block Party Announced by Stamford Town Center. The mall is doing it again. Details are still coming, but the block party has drawn thousands in previous years and anchors the downtown summer calendar. Mark it.

Developers Seek OK for 55 Units of Affordable Housing. A proposal for 55 affordable units is heading to the planning board. If you live near the site, this is worth tracking through the hearing process.

Boys and Girls Club 5K Closed Downtown Streets Thursday. The annual benefit run shut down parts of downtown Stamford for the morning. If you sat in traffic, now you know why. If you ran it, nice work.

LIRR Strike Begins, 3,500+ Workers Walk Off. The walkout started Saturday at midnight. Stamford commuters who connect to LIRR via Metro-North or drive to Long Island stations should plan alternates until this resolves. No end date announced.

Stamford Business Beat

New CEO at First County Bank Eyes Growth Amid Mergers. Mhatre takes the helm at Stamford's community bank and is talking expansion at a time when regional banks are consolidating. First County has been a local institution since 1851. Worth watching whether the growth strategy changes what they mean to the community.

Mr. Frosty's Named Best Ice Cream in Fairfield County. The Summer Street shop took the top spot in Daily Voice's Fairfield County poll. If you already knew, you already knew.

Likeness & Legacy Exhibition at Stamford Museum & Nature Center. A new portrait exhibition drawn from SM&NC's permanent collection. Free with admission to the museum (in North Stamford, off High Ridge Road). Ongoing through spring.

The evening light on Stamford Harbor reaches the restaurant patios along Harbor Point until nearly 8:30 now. Worth remembering when you're deciding between delivery and going out.

This Week in Stamford

Open Flow Yoga in Triangle Park

Sama Yoga Center leads an all-levels outdoor class at Harbor Point's Triangle Park (at the south end of the waterfront district). Free, no sign-up. Just show up with a mat.

• Details: Monday, Harbor Point Triangle Park
• Cost: Free. All levels, outdoor.
• See more

Yappy Hour at Commons Park Dog Park

Bring your dog and yourself to Harbor Point's off-leash park (across Walter Wheeler Drive from Commons Park). Social hour format, likely treats and mingling.

• Details: Tuesday, Harbor Point Dog Park
• Cost: Free
• See more

Community Mindful Project

Week two of the free outdoor mindfulness series at Mill River Park. Show up at 6, spend an hour paying attention to something other than your inbox. No registration, no gear, just the fountain area near the Nissen Carousel on West Broad Street.

• Details: Tuesday, 6:00 PM, Mill River Park (Nissen Carousel area, Downtown)
• Cost: Free
• See more

The Magical Toy Shop & Giselle at Palace Theatre

Ballet School of Stamford takes the Palace stage for their spring showcase. Two pieces, one evening. Family-friendly, and the Palace makes everything feel bigger than a recital.

• Details: Wednesday, Palace Theatre
• Cost: Ticketed
• See more

Spring Cornhole League

Opening night. Mill River Park's cornhole league runs Wednesdays through July 9 at the Cohen Display Fountain on Washington Blvd. Teams, casual competition, and the kind of after-work activity that makes you actually leave the office on time.

• Details: Wednesday, 6:00 PM, Cohen Display Fountain (Downtown, 1040 Washington Blvd)
• Cost: See listing
• See more

Singles Game Night Mixer

Low-stakes game night at Hop & Vine Taproom (Downtown, near Bedford Street). Age range 24-30. Board games, conversation, beer on tap.

• Details: Tuesday, Hop & Vine Taproom
• Cost: Ticketed. Ages 24-30.
• See more

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On the Horizon

Stamford Hip Hop Fest at Mill River Park (May 29). Local artists, outdoor stage, all ages. The park's first dedicated hip hop night.

Stamford Pride Drag Brunch (May 31). 11 AM seating at Towne Parlor Pizza & Pints. First official Pride event of the season.

Live Jazz Near the Splash Pad (June 3). Early evening jazz series kicks off at Harbor Point's Triangle Park. Family-friendly, free, bring a blanket.

Community Spotlight

What's your go-to weeknight dinner spot in Stamford? The place you'd send a friend who just moved here. Reply to this email. We're building a list for a future edition.

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-- Cooper

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-- Cooper

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