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Studying abroadCollege student Megan Connors spent the summer semester in Italy as part of a study abroad group. Connors, of Fairfield, is majoring in psychology at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.Take the plungeThe Fairfield community and local area residents can kick off the New Year with a “Polar Plunge” into the refreshing waters of Jennings Beach on Sunday to benefit Fairfield-based Save the Children.The 13th annual Save the Children Star Shine Plunge starts at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. Participants are asked to arrive at 9:30.Register at active.com, and get ready for an invigorating way to start the new year. Online registration closes on Saturday at noon.Proceeds from the icy dip will go toward Save the Children programs.Stress reduction through musicThe Fairfield Chamber of Commerce and the Norma Pfriem Breast Center will host its fourth lecture in the new 2016-17 series, “Evenings of Wellness” on Jan. 11.Cassandra Mulcahy, a graduate of Berklee School of Music and Temple University, will discuss stress reduction through music.Specifically, she will cover the following topics:Music’s effectiveness in relaxation.Music’s role in stress management.Music’s unique link to emotions.The event starts at 6 p.m. at the Norma Pfriem Breast Center on Beach Road.The event is free. Because of limited seating, however, anyone interested should contact the Chamber of Commerce at 203-255-1011 to reserve a seat. The registration deadline is Jan. 9.Call for photosThe Fairfield Museum and History Center will host its ninth annual IMAGES Juried Photography Show to celebrate the exceptional work of talented photographers in the region.Entries will be accepted through Feb. 5.Professional, serious amateur and student photographers from Connecticut, New York, Rhode Island and Massachusetts are invited to participate.The show will be on display from March 9 to April 30. The photography of Joe Standart will also be on display.Visit fairfieldhistory.org/exhibitions-2/images for information or to enter.EMT course offeredFairfield University’s Department of Public Safety, in collaboration with Trumbull Emergency Medical Services, will offer the skill-enhancing Emergency Medical Technician Basic Course from Jan. 18 to May 6.The course will take place at Fairfield University on Monday and Wednesdays, from 6 to 10 p.m., and some Saturdays. The course meets education requirements established by the state and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and is requisite for EMT certification.State-certified instructors lead students through a semesterlong course focusing on patient assessment and emergency care of the pre-hospital patient.With approximately 160 hours of classes, this comprehensive EMT course meets the state requirement of instruction and practice necessary for registration for the two-part EMT National Registry examination. Successful completion of the course and, by extension, the exam, ensures EMT certification through the National Registry in participating states.Areas of instruction covered through lectures and hands-on practice include: CPR, general pharmacology, respiratory emergencies, cardiovascular emergencies and OB/GYN emergencies, musculoskeletal, head and spine trauma, soft tissue injuries, hazardous materials, ambulance operations, emergency medical techniques for children and scene safety.The cost is $985, not including textbooks. Upon completion of the class, there is an additional state testing fee of approximately $100.For information or to register, contact Frank Ficko of the Fairfield University Department of Public Safety at 203-254-5524 or visit fairfield.edu/emt.