<h2>Why Small Businesses Matter</h2><p><em>Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p>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!</p><p><strong>You're IT&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://fullycoaching.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Fully Coaching</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p>Three questions with&nbsp;Emma Thomas,&nbsp;founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://fullycoaching.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Fully Coaching</a>.</p><p><strong>Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p>I started my coaching business because, for years in Corporate America, I heard women leaders time and time again share with me their struggles to feel fulfilled in their jobs, to make leaps or pivots in their careers, or to manage their balance with work and families. I’ve experienced firsthand how a coach can help you transform a feeling of being “stuck” into meaningful action toward fulfillment, balance, and impact - both at work and at home.</p><p>There is something so validating and empowering to have an objective thought partner to expand options and keep you accountable to your dreams. Life’s too short to wait until “someday.” It is my greatest joy to help emerging and executive women gain clarity on what they want and make it happen in order to work and live life fully.</p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>My clients maximize the most transformative impact from Fully with a 3-6 month engagement where we create specific outcomes to work towards around career clarity, values and visioning, limiting beliefs, and accountability for action.</p><p>If a client has a more short-term need they often come to me for a customized Career Coaching session where we take specific action on something like career path clarity, resume prep, professional branding, game planning a career pivot, or interview prep. My 15+ years of executive recruiting experience allows me to quickly consult and unlock more choices and options for my clients.<strong>How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p>I love living and working in Fairfield County, especially when I can support fellow small business owners. When I want a break from my home office I work at Half Full Third Place in Stamford. I also love photographer Andrea Carson (@andreacarson) and make-up artist Khira Karam (@khirakaram) who I use for branding and marketing content.</p><p>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://fullycoaching.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Fully Coaching</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://fullycoaching.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>, and make sure to check out their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fully_coaching/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Instagram</a>&nbsp;page as well!</p><p><strong>HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881436694&amp;usg=AOvVaw39W0bJpATtDqE_cBmJU58x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881437096&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RsWKp-KhAsGejMtOWDanG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank&nbsp;</strong></a><strong>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

<p><strong>Norwalk, CT –</strong>&nbsp;The Friends of the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT) are pleased to announce a leadership transition as the organization continues its mission to develop and expand the 30-mile multi-use trail connecting Norwalk, Wilton, Ridgefield, Redding, and Danbury. At the January and February Board of Directors meetings, the following new officers were elected:</p><ul><li><strong>Luke Garvey, President</strong></li><li><strong>Charlie Taney, Immediate Past President</strong></li><li><strong>Nancy Rosett, Vice President</strong></li><li><strong>Brian Truskowski, Treasurer</strong></li><li><strong>Helen Rendell Baker, Secretary</strong></li></ul><p>Garvey, an active community leader, steps into the role of President at a pivotal time for NRVT as trail expansion accelerates. “The NRVT is an incredible resource for our communities, and I’m honored to help lead the effort to complete this transformative project,” Garvey said.</p><p>Charlie Taney, who has served as President since 2020, will continue to play an active role in the organization as Immediate Past President. “The past few years have been an exciting period of growth for the NRVT,” Taney said. “With strong leadership in place and incredible community support, we are well-positioned to reach our ultimate goal of a continuous 30-mile trail.”</p><p>This leadership transition marks another milestone in the history of NRVT. The organization has grown significantly since its inception, thanks to the dedication of many individuals who played a crucial role in the early development of the trail, leading the five-town routing study that laid the foundation for the project. The NRVT has raised nearly $2.7 million in private donations and grants and helped construct key sections in Wilton, Norwalk, Redding, and Ridgefield.</p><p>Since the adoption of the routing study by the five towns in 2012, NRVT has steadily advanced its goal of completing a fully connected trail. Major milestones include opening sections in Norwalk, Wilton, and Redding in early 2022. In October that same year, the organization secured Connecticut Department of Transportation funding for the Ridgefield Ramble and Wilton Loop North, which will bring the completed length of the trail to 15 miles—halfway to the final goal.</p><p>In June 2023, the Western Council of Governments (WestCOG) was awarded $5.6 million for a federal Rebuilding America’s Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) planning grant. This multi-million-dollar initiative, administered through the U.S. Department of Transportation, will provide significant funding to accelerate trail completion. The regional plan will continue the NRVT north from Danbury along the Still River to Brookfield’s Greenway and New Milford’s Riverwalk for 55 miles of future connectivity from Calf Pasture Beach Norwalk to New Milford Town Center. The plan also looks at the feasibility of a route from Danbury’s Tarrywile Park to the Empire State Trail just over Danbury’s westside in Brewster, NY. “The NRVT is an idea whose time has come,” Taney said. “With funding opportunities like RAISE and strong community support, we are closer than ever to completing this transformative project.”</p><p>As NRVT moves forward in 2025, several key projects are in the pipeline:</p><ul><li><strong>Ridgefield Ramble:</strong>&nbsp;Local permitting will begin this year for this scenic section of the trail beginning at Rte 7, continuing through beautiful woodlands, and connecting to the existing Redding Mile.</li><li><strong>Wilton Loop North:</strong>&nbsp;The trail will extend another mile northward, further strengthening the regional network.</li><li><strong>Danbury Tarrywile Demonstration Trail:</strong>&nbsp;A new trail section in Danbury has received funding and is currently in the design phase. This marks a significant step in bringing the trail into Danbury..</li><li><strong>Merritt 7 Metro-North Connection:</strong>&nbsp;The organization is awaiting word on a capital grant to link the existing Wilton section of the NRVT to the Merritt 7 Metro-North station on Glover Avenue in Norwalk, improving accessibility and commuter options.</li></ul><p>With a new leadership team in place, NRVT is actively seeking community members who are passionate about trails, conservation, and outdoor recreation. “If you know our trail, love our trail, and want to be part of something meaningful, now is the time to get involved,” stated NRVT Executive Director Andrea Gartner. “The NRVT is a legacy project that will benefit generations to come.”</p><p>The Friends of the NRVT board meets monthly at the Comstock Community Center in Wilton. The next meeting is scheduled for March 15 at 5:30 p.m., and the public is welcome to attend to learn more about trail developments and opportunities to get involved.</p><p>For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.nrvt-trail.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.nrvt-trail.com</a>&nbsp;or contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:agartner@nrvt-trail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">agartner@nrvt-trail.com</a>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend February 14 - 16</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">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.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/opening-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Opening Reception of "INSIDE OUT</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Thursday Feb 13, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Featuring the art of Sergey Stepanenko and Annette Voreyer, the artists will speak at 6:00pm. This exhibition includes a variety of still life and landscape work by Sergey. He paints his feelings and impressions of places in connection with the culture and history within the stream of time. His painting technique is a consistent free style using primarily a palette knife which he says allows him the freedom of movement and freedom from detail to focus on a whole object.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/film-screening-dela-the-making-of-el-anatsui" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>DELA: The Making of El Anatsui</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT, Westport</strong></p><p>Thursday Feb 13, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Presented as part of MoCA CT’s collaboration with WestPAC's ON FIRE: Energy, Climate, Infrastructure and our Black History Month event series. This compelling biographical documentary explores the life and work of El Anatsui, one of Africa’s most celebrated sculptors. DELA offers an intimate look into Anatsui’s groundbreaking contributions to contemporary art, his mentorship of a generation of West African artists, and his transformative role in his local community. The film delves into the profound simplicity and complexity of his monumental creations, highlighting his journey of triumphs and trials. The title, "Dela," meaning "Deliverer" in the Ewe language, encapsulates his impact on art and culture.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/afrika-360-the-journey-back-to-myself-poetry-performance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>AFRIKA 360: The Journey Back to Myself | Poetry Performance</strong></a></p><p><strong>Housatonic Museum of Art, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Thursday Feb 13, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate Black History Month with a live performance that incorporates poetry and drumming inspired by Iyaba Ibo Mandingo's journey through South Africa and Nigeria. You won’t want to miss this unique, immersive experience that connects to the current exhibition, Arwe Journey: Twentieth-Century Afri-Caribbean Migration.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/candi-carpenter-zee-machine-kalie-shorr-with-jenna-devries" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Candi Carpenter, Zee Machine, &amp; Kalie Shorr with Jenna DeVries</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Thursday Feb 13, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Candi Carpenter is a 6,665-year-old extraterrestrial vampire space witch AND recording artist. Candi’s viral brand of confessional existentialism has swept across at least a few corners of the internet and gathered a devoted community of like-minded fans who have helped turn Candi’s shows into fun and inclusive spaces.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/let-s-do-history-douglass-day-celebration-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Let’s Do History! Douglass Day Celebration 2025</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 14, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Douglass Day is an annual and nationwide event that gathers individuals, schools, and organizations in collectively creating free and available resources for African American History in honor of Frederick Douglass and his lasting legacy.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/billy-the-showmen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Billy &amp; The Showmen</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 14, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Established more than fifty years ago by band leader Billy Frenz, Billy and the Showmen has earned their reputation as one of Connecticut's most enduring Rhythm &amp; Blues bands. Billy and the Showmen specialize in hard-driving R&amp;B, Soul, and Funk from the '60's and '70's. The band's repertoire includes the best of James Brown, Rick James, Percy Sledge, the Ohio Players, Blood, Sweat &amp; Tears, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, Junior Welles, King Floyd, Average White Band, Tower of Power, Buddy Miles, Kool &amp; the Gang, Otis Redding and classic Motown artists such as the Temptations and Sam &amp; Dave.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/blanche-lazzell-becoming-an-american-modernist-8e1e3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 14, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>The first monographic exhibition of her work in nearly two decades, Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist traces the artist’s pioneering approaches to abstraction in the United States.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/soulful-expressions" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Soulful Expressions</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 15, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>An evening of poetry by Sahmra Sawyer, music by pianist Joe Bush, dance by Jeffline Saint Louis, and food by Jamaican Chef Dré Sawyers of Food by Mustard Seed Inc. Artist Erika McGhee will do live sketching of visitors, followed by a dance floor open for classics like the Electric Slide, Wobble, and more.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/an-evening-to-celebrate-love" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>An Evening to Celebrate Love</strong></a></p><p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 15, 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Take a night to be reminded that love drives this world forward every single day. Playhouse alum Rudolfo Soto (In the Heights, New Works: Bad Accents, Script in Hand: Theatre People), Carrie Lyn Brandon (National Tour of Once) and Michael Wilkins create an evening highlighting music from Once the musical, original songs, and more. Be reminded that love isn’t something we do, it is who we are and what we allow others to be. Bring someone you love or just bring your love of music for this great night kicking off our Barnstormer series in 2025!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/manny-papaleta" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Manny Papaleta</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 15, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Manny Cabral a.k.a. “Manny Papeleta” is a Dominican singer, songwriter, and Showman. He is a well known Stand up comedy artist from the Dominican Republic. He is currently performing his latest sold out comedy special show among others.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/a-tribute-to-the-eagles-by-desert-highway-3b589" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>A Tribute to The Eagles: By Desert Highway</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 15, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Since its formation, Desert Highway Band “A Tribute to the Eagles” continues to captivate &amp; entertain major audiences. They attribute this achievement to performing a non-stop journey via numerous radio hits, top ten singles, and album favorites. Both musically and visually, they present the excitement of a live Eagles concert.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/connecticut-ballet-presents-be-my-valentine" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Connecticut Ballet presents BE MY VALENTINE</strong></a></p><p><strong>Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Feb 16, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Connecticut Ballet’s annual BE MY VALENTINE returns to Stamford on February 16th just in time for Valentine's Day! “We want to invite audiences make a day of it to come out, enjoy a variety of dances around the theme of love, have some wine and nibbles, and make a day of it.”</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" 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><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Great Island Advisory Committee (GIAC) invites you to our next Community Engagement Session at Town Hall.&nbsp;We hope to see you and your family there.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Date: Saturday, March 1, 2025</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Location: Darien Town Hall</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Welcome Refreshments: 2:00–2:15 PM</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Reed Hilderbrand Presentation: 2:15–3:00 PM</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Engagement Activities (Town Hall Gym): 3:15–4:15 PM</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Let’s shape the future of Great Island together! Kick things off with coffee and treats, then dive into an inspiring presentation from Reed Hilderbrand on the evolving vision for this cherished landscape. Afterward, get hands-on with interactive activities in the Town Hall Gym—explore the Futures of Great Island workshop boards, embark on a youth scavenger hunt, or let creativity flow at the kids' coloring station and story time hosted by the Darien Library.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All ages welcome to both or either session—come dream, discuss, and design the future of Great Island!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">At 4:15 PM, we’ll launch the digital survey associated with this third community engagement session. The survey will remain open until Sunday, March 22, at midnight. If you can’t attend in person, you can still make your voice heard by completing the survey or submitting written feedback on March 1st. Every comment and idea shared—whether in person, through the comment box, or in the survey—helps shape the final plan.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This is the third of four planned engagement sessions, meaning we are getting closer to finalizing the Vision and Master Plan. While there will still be opportunities to provide input, these sessions are the best way to be directly involved in shaping the future of Great Island.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Your input matters, and now is the time to share your thoughts. Please mark your calendars and bring the whole family.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Reminder: Bridle Trail Seasonal Adjustments&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sections of the Bridle Trail remain temporarily closed through July 15 to protect a pair of nesting bald eagles that have made Great Island their home for the past six years. These closures follow recommendations from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) and our environmental consultants.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We’ve noticed that some visitors are ignoring the posted signs marking the closed sections. Please respect these guidelines and do not proceed beyond the designated areas. This is a critical time for the eagles, and maintaining a quiet, undisturbed environment is essential to their successful nesting.&nbsp;Nesting eagles are protected by Federal and State laws.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visitors may still access the Bridle Trail entrance near the Beach Cottage area but must turn around at the posted signs. The other entrance remains fully closed. Dogs are not permitted on the Bridle Trail at any time.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thank you for doing your part to protect the wildlife that makes Great Island so special.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We look forward to seeing you and your family on March 1.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more: </span><a href="https://greatisland.darienct.gov/events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://greatisland.darienct.gov/events</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today marks the exciting launch of the USA Junior Golf Federation (Federation), a 501 (C)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and educating the next generation of aspiring junior golf athletes. The Federation is committed to providing junior golfers at The Golf Performance Academy with the financial assistance and support they may need to enable them to excel on their way to playing collegiate golf and beyond.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We are honored and humbled to introduce the USA Junior Golf Federation,” said Founder Roger Knick. “We understand that true human development occurs before, during and after rigorous academic tests and golf tournaments. The mission of The Golf Performance Academy in Ridgefield, CT and Port St. Lucie, FL, is to prepare aspiring junior golf athletes to play collegiate golf by providing unencumbered educational and athletic opportunities, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic background, while developing core values of hardwork, integrity, honesty, discipline, and resilience that will support their journey to become the best version of themselves on the course, in the classroom, and in life.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Federation is built on nearly 30 years of experience that Roger and his team have developing aspiring junior golfers. The Golf Performance Academy has become a premier destination for aspiring junior golfers from around the world to play at the collegiate level, refine their skills and reach new heights in their careers. The Academy provides a unique high-performance environment for aspiring collegiate golfers with equal focus on academic and educational enrichment.</span></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Golf Performance Academy’s world class golf program is focused on the 5 Elements of Success:</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">A person’s desire to learn and want to improve.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Being able to do physically what is needed, “Function Dictates Form”.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Having quality coaches, mentors and being coachable.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Mentally having a growth mindset, understanding success is not a straight line but requires resilience, passion and discipline.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Having the right equipment for the job or task at hand.</span></li></ol><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Through this philosophy, The Golf Performance Academy has fostered a culture of success. This integrated approach has produced numerous tournament champions and collegiate scholarship recipients.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information on the USA Junior Golf Federation or The Golf Performance Academy including upcoming events, how you can become involved and give your support please visit: </span><a href="https://usajuniorgolffederation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://usajuniorgolffederation.org</a></p>

<p>Get ready for an exciting evening of pickleball, music, and community spirit at Pickleball America in Stamford on March 22 from 7 to 11pm.</p><p>This high-energy event benefits <strong>The Depot, Darien’s Youth Center</strong>, and welcomes players of all levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the game, there’s something for everyone:</p><ul><li><strong>Learn-to-Play Courts</strong> – Perfect for beginners</li><li><strong>Men’s, Women’s &amp; Mixed Doubles Matches</strong> – Friendly competition for all skill levels</li><li><strong>DJ &amp; Dancing</strong> – Featuring DJ Rob to keep the party going</li><li><strong>Costume Contest</strong> – Show off your preppy style</li><li><strong>Challenge the Pros</strong> – Test your skills against the best</li><li><strong>Pro Exhibition</strong> – Watch top players in action</li><li><strong>Silent Auction</strong> – Bid on exciting prizes</li><li><strong>Food &amp; Drinks</strong> – Enjoy great refreshments throughout the event</li></ul><p><strong>Your ticket includes two drinks, with a cash bar available after vouchers are used.</strong></p><p>Don’t have a paddle? No problem! Equipment will be provided, or feel free to bring your own.</p><p><strong>Getting There:</strong> Ridesharing and carpooling are encouraged. Parking is available at Stamford Town Center, with a dedicated elevator providing direct access to Pickleball America. Full details will be shared before the event.</p><p>Purchase your tickets =&gt; <a href="https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?id=%23blockB&amp;slug=depotpickleball" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=depotpickleball&amp;id=%23blockB</a></p>