Family & Children’s Agency honors community leaders and volunteers at annual meeting

Brian Vendig poses with the Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award with Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of Family & Children’s Agency, and Colleen Cary Katz, FCA Board member and granddaughter of the award’s namesake.

Family & Children’s Agency (FCA) recognized three outstanding honorees during its 83rd Annual Meeting held on October 15, 2025, celebrating the individuals whose leadership, volunteerism, and compassion strengthen families and communities across Fairfield County.

The William O. Murphy Family Strengthening Award was presented to Peter Cordeau of Goshen, President of Norwalk Hospital. Under Cordeau’s leadership, the hospital has become a vital partner in advancing FCA’s mission and strengthening the health and well-being of families in the community. The partnership has created meaningful opportunities, including in-hospital visits by FCA’s Child & Family Development staff to connect new parents with community resources and home visiting programs, hospital internship placements for students in FCA’s ASPIRE after-school program, and collaboration on the Career Pathways for Youth initiative. Together, these efforts expand access to healthcare and build career pipelines for young adults in Fairfield County.

See the Message Center below for Connecticut’s top October events — from Hartford Wolf Pack games to concerts across the state — and grab this season’s hottest Connecticut merch!

The Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award was presented to Brian H. Vendig of Fairfield, Vice Chair of FCA’s Board of Directors. Vendig has been a dedicated supporter of FCA for more than a decade, serving in leadership roles across committees including Finance, Investment, Communications, and Governance, and as Chair of the Endowment committee. Along with his wife, Michele, and their family, Vendig has supported the Agency through generous sponsorship, volunteerism, and advocacy. The award was presented by Colleen Cary Katz of Old Greenwich, FCA Board member and granddaughter of the award’s namesake, Anne C. Cary.

Peter Cordeau, President of Norwalk Hospital, poses with the William O. Murphy Family Strengthening Award with Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of Family & Children’s Agency.

The inaugural Virginia C. Martin Legacy Award was created this year to honor the life and service of the late Ginny Martin of Norwalk, whose more than 30 years of leadership and volunteerism left an indelible mark on the Agency. Martin joined the FCA Board of Directors in 1985, later co-chairing the Senior Board of Advisors and contributing to countless committees, events, and initiatives. Known for her kindness, compassion, and deep respect for staff, she was honored in 2020 with the Anne C. Cary Volunteerism Award. The new Legacy Award, which will be given annually to an outstanding employee, celebrates her enduring spirit of generosity and commitment. This year, the award was presented to her husband, Bob Martin, in tribute to her extraordinary service.

“Each of these honorees represents a unique and vital part of FCA’s mission,” said Robert F. Cashel, President & CEO of Family & Children’s Agency. “Their leadership, generosity, and dedication to helping others have strengthened our programs and inspired everyone who is part of this organization.”

Share your Norwalk experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here for the latest news in Norwalk
Click here for the upcoming events in Norwalk
Click here for the latest news in Fairfield County
Click here for the upcoming events in Fairfield County
Click here for Norwalk Merch
Click here for Fairfield County Merch
Click here for Norwalk Merch

#thenorwalklife • 203 Norwalk • I Clover Norwalk • I’d rather be in Norwalk • I Really Really Miss Norwalk• Just a kid from Norwalk • Norwalk Coordinates

Don’t miss

• Hartford Yard Goats hosting Connecticut’s Largest Halloween Trick-or-Treat event at Dunkin’ Park on October 27
• Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering & Events
• Stamford colonial with two bedrooms, eat-in kitchen, deck near Cove Island Park, asking $575K

••••••• Message center – Connecticut savings and messages from our sponsors •••••••

October events at Fairfield Theatre Company

October is packed with live entertainment at Fairfield Theatre Company and beyond, bringing a mix of music, theater, and seasonal celebrations. From legendary performers and fresh new voices to fundraisers, family shows, and Halloween favorites, there’s something for everyone this month. Whether you’re catching an intimate concert, rocking out with a high-energy band, or getting into the spooky spirit, these upcoming events showcase some of the best performances and community gatherings of the season.

October 2025 calendar of events
October 23 – Sam Grisman Project
October 24 – Sicard Hallow
October 24 – The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary
October 25 – Ashes & Arrows
October 30 – Thriller Thursday

Click here for more information & order tickets.

Learn to cook this fall with AMG Catering

AMG Catering and Events in Wilton, Connecticut, is offering a fall series of cooking classes designed to celebrate seasonal flavors and global cuisine. Each class combines hands-on instruction with perfectly paired beverages, from wine and beer to creative cocktails, as participants learn to prepare a variety of savory and sweet dishes. From autumn-inspired comfort foods to festive holiday treats, these classes provide an interactive, fun experience for home cooks of all skill levels. Join AMG this fall to sharpen your culinary skills, explore new flavors, and enjoy delicious meals in a vibrant, social setting. Click here for more information.

October events at PeoplesBank Arena

10/24 – Bridgeport Islanders vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/25 – Stevie Nicks, click here to purchase tickets
10/26 – UCONN Women’s Basketball vs Southern Connecticut State
10/28 -UCONN Men Basketball vs Michigan State
10/29 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets
10/31 – Lehigh Valley Phantoms vs Hartford Wolf Pack, click here to purchase tickets

Connecticut Merch

Celebrate Connecticut nostalgia with our Vintage Merritt Parkway and Wilbur Cross Parkway collection! Honoring the classic exit numbers, these designs pay tribute to the iconic parkways that connect communities across the state. Explore a variety of items including T-shirts, hoodies, crewnecks, mugs, tote bags, decorative pillows, and blankets, all with free shipping. Perfect for Connecticut residents, collectors, and road trip lovers who want to showcase their state pride. Each piece captures a timeless piece of local history while adding style to your wardrobe or home.

Vintage Merritt Parkway Exits
Exit 27 • Exit 28 • Exit 29 • Exit 31 • Exit 33 • Exit 34 • Exit 35 • Exit 36 • Exit 37 • Exit 38 • Exit 39 • Exit 40 • Exit 41 • Exit 42 • Exit 44 • Exit 46 • Exit 47 • Exit 48 • Exit 49 • Exit 50 • Exit 51 • Exit 52 • Exit 53 • Exit 54

Vintage Wilbur Cross Parkway
Exit 55 • Exit 55B • Exit 56 • Exit 57 • Exit 58 • Exit 59 • Exit 60 • Exit 61 • Exit 62 • Exit 63 • Exit 64 • Exit 65 • Exit 66• Exit 67 • Exit 68N-E • Exit 68W

Your ad here

The Message Center on Finding Connecticut appears on every post across the site, giving your message maximum exposure to a statewide audience. Whether you’re promoting an event, business, product, or service, your message will be seen by thousands of engaged readers exploring Connecticut content every day. Placement runs monthly, making it an ideal option for consistent visibility without the need for daily management. With prominent positioning and a streamlined setup process, the Message Center offers an affordable, effective way to get your message in front of locals—right where they’re already paying attention. Reserve your spot today to get noticed. Click here for more information on Message Center ads. Click here for more advertising opportunities.

Gourmet Cookies

Indulge in Keksi gourmet cookies, featuring classic flavors such as chocolate chip and snickerdoodle, as well as new monthly creations. Made with the highest quality ingredients, each bite is a delicious treat. Perfect for any cookie lover!

Movie showtimes at Prospector Theater

Looking to see a movie. Click here for showtimes

Save on CBD!

My name is Jillian, and I am the editor here at Finding Connecticut. When I came across New England Hemp Farm a few years ago, I had recently had my ankle fused. New England Hemp Farm’s Sports Relief Rub and 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil have helped with everyday and weather pain.

Finding quality products that can improve your day-to-day life can be tough, but with New England Hemp Farm, getting a good night’s sleep or relieving your pain and anxiety has never been easier. Plus, using our code Findingconnecticut35, you’ll save 35% on your first purchase. And don’t forget, returning customers can use code Findingconnecticut20 to save 20% on orders. Let us help you find relief and savings with New England Hemp Farm.

Products we use here at Finding Connecticut include Sports Relief Rub • 500 MG Full Spectrum CBD Oil • Pet Drops • Pet Treats

Let’s create with Victory Designs

Need help with your creative needs? Our team has 20+ years of experience with Adobe, Shopify, and WordPress, and we offer affordable graphic design and web services. Let Victory Designs assist you with bringing your ideas to life.

Connecticut business owners:
Are you a local business owner in Connecticut looking to boost your visibility and reach more customers? Look no further! Our platform provides a unique opportunity to showcase your business to an engaged audience of people who love and live in Connecticut. By partnering with us, you can reach potential customers who are actively seeking things to do, places to dine, and local merchants and service providers to support. Don’t miss out on this chance to grow your business and connect with the local community!

Connecticut with us!

Stay informed with daily news directly in your inbox! Our service is completely free, and we guarantee your privacy – your email and information will never be shared, traded, or sold.

Stay connected with us on social media

Facebook • Instagram • Threads • Tiktok • X • Newsbreak • Bluesky
Join our Reddit community

Share your Connecticut experiences with us by using #findingconnecticut on Instagram

Click here to return to Finding Connecticut’s home page

Don’t miss our reviews

Concert reviews • Restaurant reviews • Family restaurant reviews

Looking for the latest news by region, topic, and events

Foxwoods celebrates November with All Star Sumo, John Legend & a season like no other

ICYMI: Our top 5 visited stories of the week

Family & Children’s Agency honors community leaders and volunteers at annual meeting