<p>This week, April 14 - April 20, is Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Awareness Week. To protect against STIs, the Norwalk Health Department encourages residents to "Prepare Before You're There."</p><p>Preparing ahead of time allows you to be intentional about your sexual health. You can "Prepare Before You're There" by making a game plan:</p><ul><li>Talk to your partner(s) about sex, sexual health, and staying safe and healthy.</li><li>Have condoms handy and use them every time from start to finish when you have sex.</li><li>Talk to your healthcare provider about the options that are best for you including STI screening, medication to prevent HIV, and other questions you have.</li><li>Take the CDC's sexual health quiz to determine your risk for STIs: <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/saw/pbyt/quiz.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">CDC Sexual Health Quiz</a></li></ul><p>The Health Department encourages anyone who is sexually active to have regular sexual health check-ups and get an STI test every 6 to 12 months, even if in a long-term relationship and using condoms. Test whenever taking on a new sexual partner and more often if someone has multiple sexual partners. The Norwalk Health Department offers STI screening, diagnosis, treatment, education, and referrals through our Sexual Health Clinic on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment. Please call (203) 854-7776 to schedule an appointment.</p><p>Many STIs have no signs or symptoms, so testing is the only way to determine your status. Early detection can help prevent the spread of STIs and reduce major complications and negative health outcomes. For example, common STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea are major causes of infertility among women if the infection goes untreated. These and other common STIs can also increase the risk of HIV transmission for both women and men.</p><p>Almost half the reported new cases occur among young people aged 15 to 24, but people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures can be infected with an STI. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in every 5 people in the United States are infected with an STI. The Norwalk Health Department on average serves about 500 people annually through our Sexual Health Clinic.</p><p>For more information about STDs and the services provided at the Health Department, visit: <a href="http://www.norwalkct.org/765/Sexually-Transmitted-Disease-Clinic" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var(--link);">Norwalk Health Department STD Information</a>.</p>

<p>Number 7 might be considered lucky for some. For Gabriela Niculescu, the number represents dedication, determination, and discipline, leading to seven finishes in the final round of the women's American Platform Tennis Association (APTA) tournament, its version of March Madness. From a starting field of 64 teams, Gabi and her new partner, Ellie Halbaurer, once again rose to the finals and finished an impressive second in the Women's National Platform Tennis Championship on March 8 &amp; 9 in Boston. Although they initially fell behind 6-1 in the first set, the pair roared back in exhilarating fashion to make it interesting and tied the next set, 6-6, eventually succumbing to the champions 7-2 in the tiebreaker. Before this tournament, Gabi won three national doubles championships in 2016, 2018, and 2019. Additionally, she's made four consecutive appearances in the finals, including this most recent year.</p><p>Gabi, the Redding Country Club's Director of Racquets, is the country's #5 ranked platform tennis player. She began her career as a professional tennis player, achieving a rank of 376 for singles and 199 for doubles. She played college tennis for the University of Southern California, winning a PAC-10 doubles championship, and was honored as an All-American doubles competitor in 2008. Following her success on the tennis court, in 2013, this athlete made her debut in platform tennis and has achieved extraordinary success in a short period of time.</p><p>"Gabi has cemented her status as an elite competitor. We are incredibly proud of her and thankful to have her as part of the RCC family," remarked Tim Seifert, RCC General Manager.</p><p>Added Ron Berry, RCC Racquets Chair and Fan, "Gabi's impact on our racquets program has been fantastic! Her enthusiasm and energy on the tennis, paddle, and pickleball courts – or anywhere on the RCC campus– is infectious. Even if they never played, adults and kids alike are inspired to pick up a paddle and give the sport a whirl. Our members are fortunate to have such a terrific role model and teacher."</p><p>Gabi was born and raised in Bucharest, Romania, and resides in Norwalk with her husband and two adorable sons. "I feel blessed to be the RCC Director of Racquets, where I develop my own year-round program, and I still have plenty of opportunities to be on the court and teach. Balance is never easy to achieve, but at Redding, I am able to manage work, family, and my desire to compete in platform tennis."</p><p>Primarily played in the winter, platform tennis (also known as paddle) is a double racket sport combining tennis and squash elements on a shrunken down court. The sport has exploded in popularity and has captured the hearts of enthusiasts worldwide. APTA presides over platform tennis and organizes four grand prix regional tourneys culminating in the final contest each March.</p>

<p>National Pet Day may have been on April 11th, but there’s still plenty of time to celebrate your furry friend. Your dog may not have a “job” (other than providing plenty of snuggles), but you can honor their hardworking friends by purchasing the new <a href="https://cmcommunications.lt.emlnk1.com/Prod/link-tracker?redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuaGFyYm9yc3dlZXRzLmNvbSUyRnByb2R1Y3RzJTJGYmUtcGF3c2l0aXZlLWNvbGxlY3Rpb24=&amp;sig=9ieMbfrPb2nHBdz7wexYERtzWtvfSPoJkvuJFN9k8z78&amp;iat=1711452718&amp;a=%7C%7C66406722%7C%7C&amp;account=cmcommunications%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&amp;email=ZmHNLrnU%2BqS35dY%2FmRtpEtfkI379pcM%2FvuRcAUP7m9%2FTqzVE%2FQ%3D%3D%3ACYJm19o1spoUzLxbuFWVd3aoRDhQ6pv3&amp;s=8fe02a14b356f658251891a0d0c64e7a&amp;i=1789A2262A2A12179" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);">“Be Pawsitive” Collection</a> from <a href="https://cmcommunications.lt.emlnk1.com/Prod/link-tracker?redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuaGFyYm9yc3dlZXRzLmNvbSUyRg==&amp;sig=B1ZHy4DGghMbJZMwGVybwgt4rmr1eDeV9trvPbVhD3PB&amp;iat=1711452718&amp;a=%7C%7C66406722%7C%7C&amp;account=cmcommunications%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&amp;email=ZmHNLrnU%2BqS35dY%2FmRtpEtfkI379pcM%2FvuRcAUP7m9%2FTqzVE%2FQ%3D%3D%3ACYJm19o1spoUzLxbuFWVd3aoRDhQ6pv3&amp;s=8fe02a14b356f658251891a0d0c64e7a&amp;i=1789A2262A2A12180" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);">Harbor Sweets</a>. A portion of the proceeds of this collection benefit the <a href="https://cmcommunications.lt.emlnk1.com/Prod/link-tracker?redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZuZWFkcy5vcmclMkY=&amp;sig=4aqkdK62hJb1hxsJaTivykstSbif5ZMGzHghzLDenRyC&amp;iat=1711452718&amp;a=%7C%7C66406722%7C%7C&amp;account=cmcommunications%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&amp;email=ZmHNLrnU%2BqS35dY%2FmRtpEtfkI379pcM%2FvuRcAUP7m9%2FTqzVE%2FQ%3D%3D%3ACYJm19o1spoUzLxbuFWVd3aoRDhQ6pv3&amp;s=8fe02a14b356f658251891a0d0c64e7a&amp;i=1789A2262A2A12182" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);">NEADS</a> World Class Service Dogs, a nonprofit organization offering the widest array of service dog programs in the industry. You have the choice of a 6-piece or 12-piece box, and both feature an assortment of handcrafted, paw-shaped solid milk, dark, and white chocolates packaged in a pet-themed gift box.</p><p>Offering a wide range of products including a Dark Horse collection, honoring the magic partnership between horse and rider, a Golf Collection, instant cocoa, and their famous sailboat-shaped Sweet Sloops, Harbor Sweets has been producing handcrafted chocolates in Salem, Massachusetts for over 50 years.</p><p>While I haven’t had the chance to try their newest collection, Harbor Sweets were in my Easter basket this year and I finished the box embarrassingly quickly. If you do not enjoy the chocolate as much as I did, fear not, every box comes with a prepaid postcard where you can voice your complaints (though I doubt you will have any!).</p><p>Your furry friend may not be able to snack on these chocolates, but you can have them celebrate alongside you by providing their favorite treats, purchasing a new toy, and spending extra quality time with them this weekend.</p><p>The “Be Pawsitive” Collection can be purchased in person at the original Harbor Sweets shop in Salem and Beverly, MA as well as online at <a href="https://cmcommunications.lt.emlnk1.com/Prod/link-tracker?redirectUrl=aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuaGFyYm9yc3dlZXRzLmNvbSUyRnByb2R1Y3RzJTJGYmUtcGF3c2l0aXZlLWNvbGxlY3Rpb24=&amp;sig=9ieMbfrPb2nHBdz7wexYERtzWtvfSPoJkvuJFN9k8z78&amp;iat=1711452718&amp;a=%7C%7C66406722%7C%7C&amp;account=cmcommunications%2Eactivehosted%2Ecom&amp;email=ZmHNLrnU%2BqS35dY%2FmRtpEtfkI379pcM%2FvuRcAUP7m9%2FTqzVE%2FQ%3D%3D%3ACYJm19o1spoUzLxbuFWVd3aoRDhQ6pv3&amp;s=8fe02a14b356f658251891a0d0c64e7a&amp;i=1789A2262A2A12179" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);">harborsweets.com</a>.</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Norwalk, CT - The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts is proud to announce its upcoming production of the Tony Award musical, "Cabaret," set to grace the stage of the Downtown Cabaret Theatre in Bridgeport from April 17th to April 20th.</span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">“In here, life is beautiful.”&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Step into the hedonistic nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and the tumultuous world of 1930s Germany. As the city teeters on the brink of change, the lives of its inhabitants intersect in a whirlwind of passion, desire, and defiance.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Directed by Daniel Loftus George, with mesmerizing choreography by Ricky Loftus Geroge, and under the musical direction of Fredrick Feeney, this electrifying production boasts a talented ensemble cast and a creative team dedicated to bringing the world of "Cabaret" to vibrant life.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Join us for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, as The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">presents "Cabaret" at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre. Tickets are now available for purchase</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">online at</span><a href="http://www.thenorwalkconservatory.org/cabaret" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">&nbsp;www.thenorwalkconservatory.org/cabaret</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">For more information about the production and The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts, please visit our website at</span><a href="http://www.thenorwalkconservatory.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://www.thenorwalkconservatory.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">www.thenorwalkconservatory.org</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ghost-the-musical/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ghost the Musical</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music Theatre of Connecticut, Norwalk</strong></p><p>FRIDAY 12 to Apr 28, 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) MainStage, Fairfield County's professional award-winning theatre company closes their 37th MainStage Season with the romantic and supernatural, Ghost the Musical. Adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award-winning screenwriter, Bruce Joel Rubin, Ghost the Musical is a poignant romance that builds comedy, suspense, and deeply felt emotion to an ethereal climax that audiences will never forget. This production will run three weekends from April 12th through the 28th with performances on Fridays &amp; Saturdays at 8pm and Saturday &amp; Sundays at 2pm.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/miel-san-marcos/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Miel San Marcos</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Palace Theatre, Stamford</strong></p><p>FRIDAY Apr 12, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Join a powerful musical experience with Miel San Marcos. This event promises to be a night of praise and healing for the entire family. Don't miss it, come and receive your blessing.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-graham-parker/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Graham Parker</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne, Fairfield</strong></p><p>FRIDAY Apr 12, 7:45 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>Since the 70s when he burst onto the London scene, Graham Parker has been slinging a signature sound across continents and airwaves that has rightly earned him a spot in the pantheon of truly original and influential figures in rock and roll. His early days with his band the Rumour (with whom he has two albums in Rolling Stone's 1987 "Top 100 Albums of All Time") Graham coupled punk's energy with his deeply rooted love of American R&amp;B, country, and soul music. The band built a reputation as</p><p>an incendiary live act, as well. He's got a snotty barroom brawler's rasp and sneer, a soul man's swagger, and an ear for indelible pop songcraft.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/the-magic-school-bus-lost-in-the-solar-system/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>An Evening with Judy Collins</strong></a></p><p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse</strong></p><p>FRIDAY Apr 12, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>An award-winning singer-songwriter, esteemed for her imaginative interpretations of traditional and contemporary folk standards and her own poetically poignant original compositions. She’s garnered several top-ten hits gold- and platinum-selling albums.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-kung-fu-with-canopy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Kung Fu with Canopy</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Warehouse, Fairfield</strong></p><p>FRIDAY Apr 12, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>Proud to be firmly installed in the new-funk movement, KUNG FU is quickly popularizing their unique sonic contribution, blurring the line between intense electro-fusion, and blistering dance arrangements. Making fusion music "cool" again, the band draws on influences such as early Headhunters and Weather Report, and merges those ideas with a contemporary EDM informed sensibility. Imagine 70's funk-fusion meets a modern dance party!</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/greenwich-symphony-orchestra-concerts-saturday-november-11-sunday-november-12/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Greenwich Symphony Orchestra Concerts</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich High School</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Apr 13, 7:30 am - 9:30 am</p><p>Get ready for a groundbreaking concert which combine live musical performance with visual accompaniment. The Planets by Gustav Holst will be played by the orchestra while a video presentation, The Planets Live, created by Adrian Wyard will appear on screen. The presentation uses NASA images of the planets and original animation cued to follow the conductor. (Saturdays at 7:30 pm Sundays at 3:00 pm)</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/j-y-park-piano-competition-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>J.Y. Park Piano Competition</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA Westport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Apr 13, 8:00 am - 12:00 am and 12:00 am - 12:00 am</p><p>The Ninth Annual J.Y. Park Piano Competition, generously supported by the Jumy Foundation, is pleased to announce the ninth annual competition, to be held Saturday, April 13, 2024, at MoCA Westport.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/slipstream-elizabeth-gilfilen-solo-exhibition-at-silvermine-galleries-april-13th-may16th/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Slipstream – Elizabeth Gilfilens’ Solo Exhibition</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/slipstream-elizabeth-gilfilen-solo-exhibition-at-silvermine-galleries-april-13th-may16th/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>2024 Instructors Salon</strong></a></p><p><strong>Silvermine Galleries, New Canaan</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Apr 13, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Silvermine School of Art Instructors are distinguished artist educators offering courses for students of all ages and levels of experience in a wide range of disciplines, while providing an environment and atmosphere in which art and artists can develop and flourish. All are welcome to attend the Artists Reception Saturday April 13th, both shows run until May 16.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/cinderella/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cinderella</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Apr 13 to May 19, 12:00 am - 12:00 am</p><p>The timeless story of Cinderella and her journey to find love and happiness with the handsome Prince Charming, but this is unlike any Cinderella you’ve ever seen! Cinderella’s wicked stepmother and stepsisters try everything they can to keep Cinderella from attending Prince Charming’s Royal Ball, but with a little help from a magical fairy Godmother, Cinderella makes it to the Ball for a night she will never forget.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/greater-bridgeport-symphony-a-bridge-to-beethoven/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Greater Bridgeport Symphony: A Bridge to Beethoven</strong></a><strong>The Klein, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Apr 13, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the close of their 78th season with Beethoven’s joyful Symphony No. 8, and two great 20th-century Russian composers who revered Beethoven. Prokofiev’s Classical Symphony and Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No. 1, featuring Dr. Nicholas Hardie soloist, GBS’ own Principal Cellist – pay homage to Beethoven, a century and a half later and a thousand miles east.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-scary-pockets-pockets-presents-david-ryan-harris/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Scary Pockets – Pockets Presents David Ryan Harris</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Warehouse, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SATURDAY Apr 13, 8:00 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>Scary Pockets are a rotating roster of world-class musicians who released live funk reimaginations of familiar songs every week from 2017-2023. Since their first recording session in 2017, Scary Pockets have released 400+ videos that have been watched over 400 million times for over 16 million hours on YouTube where their channel has 1M+ subscribers.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/gilded-age-house-tour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Gilded Age House Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Museum</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Apr 14, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Experience the glamour of the Gilded Age and get a rare glimpse inside two extraordinary Fairfield mansions: the Sturges “White” House (1855) and the Sturges Cottage (1840) located on Mill Plain Green. In conjunction with Fairfield Museum’s special exhibition Money Talks: The Gilded Age in Fairfield, join us anytime between 12 and 4 pm to tour these two exclusive homes and hear about the Gilded Age families who called them home.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/tapestry-of-sound-a-concert-to-benefit-the-community-programs-at-the-meetinghouse/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tapestry Of Sound – A Concert to benefit the community programs</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Meetinghouse, Ridgefield</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Apr 14, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Join The Hat City Flutes; Cecilia Burns, Flute with Trombonist and Composer, Thomas Caprino, (whose new orchestral work “LvB: Variations, Extension and Collisions” recently premiered with the Yonkers Philharmonic Orchestra); Singer/songwriter, Sara Vokes; Writer/Actress, Charlotte Hampden; Singer, Isabella Mosquera (recently seen as Dolly Levi in the musical “Hello Dolly”) and Singer, Shriya Kelkar performing a variety of musical styles and the spoken word.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/opening-reception-for-residency-showcase-exhibition/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Opening Reception Spring Exhibition: Taryn McMahon, WATERSHED</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Apr 14, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate the opening of our Spring Exhibition, "Watershed," an exhibition of layered monotype prints by artist Taryn McMahon in which she explores the entanglements between the human and nonhuman through Northeast Ohio’s waterways.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/grand-standing-iconic-19th-century-hotels/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Grand &amp; Standing</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Apr 14, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will kick-off its 2024 Lecture Series with, “Grand &amp; Standing: Iconic 19th Century Hotels,” featuring Deidre Dinnigan, a renowned archivist who has worked for the Waldorf Astoria and Plaza Hotels as well as with prominent New York City institutions and collections that reflect centuries of the city’s culture and change.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/re-creation-vol-2-with-pianist-marko-stuparevic/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Re-Creation of Vol. 2 with Pianist Marko Stuparevic</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Library</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Apr 14, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm</p><p>An afternoon concert program that will include selections from Schubert, Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Gershwin and Rachmaninoff.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/flip-fabrique-in-blizzard/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>FLIP Fabrique in Blizzard</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Apr 14 to Apr 15, 7:00 pm - 8:15 pm</p><p>The show explores the question of whether a white-out is a catastrophe or a chance to start over and fix our mistakes. The performance features exciting circus performers, live original music, and breathtaking visual poetry, showcasing the Canadian troupe's talent and ability to create a new blank page.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ftc-presents-a-dog-named-gucci-generously-underwritten-by-earth-animal/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Dog Named Gucci – Generously Underwritten by Earth Animal</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne, Fairfield</strong></p><p>SUNDAY Apr 14, 7:30 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>A DOG NAMED GUCCI tells the story of a 10-week old puppy named Gucci who was hung by his neck, doused with lighter fluid, and set afire. Doug James, standing on his porch nearby, heard the puppy’s cries and ran to help. He scared away the thugs and at the request of Gucci’s 15-year-old runaway owner, took the dog in for the night. Thus began a 16-year odyssey of devotion and perseverance. Together with local legislators, Doug and Gucci would see the “Gucci Bill” passed, changing the laws in Alabama, making domestic animal abuse a felony.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/fcbuzz-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p><p><br></p>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(50, 55, 61);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Beth Iovinelli RN, IBCLC</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">founder of </strong><a href="https://www.milkstreetlactation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Milk Street Lactation Support Center, LLC</strong></a></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Helping parents demystify the breastfeeding process.</em></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To provide a much-needed service to women and families and to fulfill my dream of being a business owner.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We offer many services, from prenatal education to postpartum feeding support. We love our weekly mom's group, too!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Minuteman Press, Norwalk, for printing Sign Smarts, Norwalk for signage UCBC for coffee and bagels!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you reimagined your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I continue to reimagine Milk Street and see it evolving into a full-service, one-stop place for moms and their babies.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Milk Street Lactation Support Center is located at </span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">21 First Street #7 in Norwalk.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about </strong><a href="https://www.milkstreetlactation.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Milk Street Lactation Support Center, LLC</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And follow along on Instagram </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/milkstreetlactationcenter/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>https://www.instagram.com/milkstreetlactationcenter/</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>