Priscilla Brastrianos, MD

AREAWIDE – In 2006, two friends, Norma Logan and Sandy Maniscalco, launched a nonprofit, the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF), dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer. In 10 years, it has raised $3.4 million and funded 34 research scientists, many of whom are doing groundbreaking work in their fields.

To celebrate these achievements, the foundation is having a “birthday party” on Monday, March 28, at 5:30 p.m., at the Crozier-Williams Center at Connecticut College.

The keynote speaker is Priscilla Brastianos, MD, who received a TBBCF research grant in 2012. She is director of the Central Nervous System Metastasis Program, Mass. General Hospital, Harvard Medical School. She also been named one of eight 2015 “NextGen Stars” by the American Association for Cancer Research.

The work of Dr. Brastianos has been reported as the first successful use of a targeted therapy drug to treat a patient with a debilitating, recurrent brain tumor as a result of breast cancer metastasis. Dr. Brastianos will speak about her research and how important TBBCF research dollars are to young researchers like herself.

The vision of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation is to realize effective treatment options to eradicate all types of breast cancer. The foundation’s core value is that 100 percent of funds raised goes directly to breast cancer research. Administrative costs are either sponsor supported or volunteer provided.

Meet Dr. Brastianos and the TBBCF leadership and enjoy light refreshments and a slice of 10th anniversary birthday cake on March 28. Connecticut College is at 270 Mohegan Ave., New London.

For more information, www.tbbcf.org or call 860-437-1400.

State Representative Devin Carney (R-23rd) along with State Senators Art Linares (R- 33rd) and Paul Formica (R-20th) are hosting an Opioid Addiction Awareness and Education Forum in Old Saybrook Wednesday, March 23, at Acton Public Library from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

A panel of experts including local representatives and the state officials will discuss addiction and the current heroin and opioid crisis.

All are welcome at this important event.

The library is located at 60 Old Boston Post Rd. in Old Saybrook.

This snowy landscape will be the subject of the upcoming Paint Night with Vista at the Pub on Monday, Jan. 25.

Vista has announced a new Paint Night experience for the new year. In partnership with the Penny Lane Pub in Old Saybrook, Vista is hosting Paint Night with Vista at the Pub on Monday, Jan. 25.

A social art class led by local artist and Vista staff member Samantha Listorti, Paint Night is open to community members of all artistic ability. From start to finish, Listorti provides step-by-step guidance as participants create a beautiful work of art. No prior painting experience is required.

The class will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Penny Lane Pub, 150 Main St. in Old Saybrook. At the end of the night, participants leave with their finished piece.

The cost is $35 per person and includes one complimentary glass of wine or beer. Food and drink are available for purchase throughout the night. All are welcome.

To register, visit www.vistavocational.org/calendarofevents, or contact Arts Program Manager Amanda Roberts at aroberts@vistavocational.org or (860) 399-8080 ext. 255.

Editor’s Note: Based in Madison and Westbrook, Conn., Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization. Vista’s mission is to provide services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success.

For more information about Vista, visit www.vistavocational.org

OLD SAYBROOK — The Seventh Annual ‘Messiah’ Sing or Listen performance, sponsored by Cappella Cantorum, will take place Sunday, Dec. 20, with rehearsal for singers at 3:30 p.m. and performance at 4 p.m. at The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook, CT 06475.

The sing-along is open to all. Soloists will be soprano Kristine Pekar, mezzo soprano Laura Evans, tenor Terrence Fay and baritone Kenneth Holton.

Bring scores if you have them or they will be provided. Fee is $10 for singers and audience. The audience is welcome to attend the short rehearsal.

Tickets are available at the box office, 877-503-1286, or at www.thekate.org. There are no reserved seats.

For more information, call Barry Asch at 860-388-2871 or visit www.cappellacantorum.org