<p>Who will win Super Bowl LIX? According to Rasal, a 39-year-old harbor seal at The Maritime Aquarium, the Philadelphia Eagles are going to win Sunday’s big game!</p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YuqiMnxrlMM?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p>“Our Seal Super Bowl Pick is a tradition that our community looks forward to every year at the Aquarium! This year, Rasal made her prediction by retrieving a football with the Eagles’ logo,” <strong>said Trainer Marisa Miloro</strong>. “It's always fun to feel the excitement of the crowd as it becomes clear who she is predicting to win.”&nbsp;</p><p>Like the Kansas City Chiefs, Rasal is attempting a three-peat. She correctly predicted the defending champs to win in both 2023 and 2024. For her to achieve a three-peat, she’ll need the Eagles to disrupt the Chiefs’ winning streak.&nbsp;This is Rasal’s seventh Super Bowl prediction at the Aquarium. Her personal record for accurate predictions, 3-3, is slightly better than the seals’ overall record, 6-7.&nbsp;</p><p>Rasal has resided at The Maritime Aquarium since 2005 and is one of the oldest harbor seals in human care. She currently lives in Pinniped Cove with five other seals—Leila, Feisty, Gracie, Sono and Mikey. Prior to her time at the Aquarium, she received training from the United States Navy.&nbsp;&nbsp;While training is a form of enrichment, it also plays an important role in allowing animals to participate in their own healthcare. The Aquarium’s trainers rely on their participation to administer medication, perform veterinary examinations, and move animals to different locations. Visitors can watch their daily sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>To plan your next trip to the Aquarium, visit <a href="https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Norwalk, CT - The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seaport.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(25, 106, 212);">Norwalk Seaport Association</a>&nbsp;(NSA) is making waves once again! At its recent Annual Meeting, the Association demonstrated their unwavering commitment to education and the environment by donating an impressive&nbsp;$10,000&nbsp;to Norwalk's Brien McMahon Marine Science Academy. This generous contribution is destined to inspire young minds and bolster innovative learning experiences.</p><p><strong>A Unique Learning Opportunity for Students</strong></p><p>The Marine Science program, has gained recognition for its&nbsp;hands-on, interactive approach to marine education. Students leave the confines of their classrooms and head to&nbsp;Sheffield Island, a jewel of Norwalk Harbor. On the island, they engage in coastal ecology studies, bird-watching tours, and other unique activities that bring the wonders of marine science to life.</p><p>Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association, expressed the organization's pride in supporting this one-of-a-kind initiative:&nbsp;“We are honored to be an active partner in this program where students get the chance to learn outside the classroom on Sheffield Island. We can't wait to see how these future scientists and environmentalists grow.”</p><p><strong>A Partnership Built on Shared Goals</strong></p><p>The partnership between the NSA and the Marine Science Academy began in 2019, and it has since flourished into a collaborative force for good. Eva Bartush, Marine Science Academy Coordinator, praised the Association for its enduring support:&nbsp;“This very generous donation will continue to support our program and the innovative projects and experiences we provide for our students. The Seaport Association has been with us since the start, providing trips to Sheffield Island for our students, teacher training sessions, and more.”</p><p>The Academy has already achieved some remarkable milestones. For example, in May 2022, students launched their first&nbsp;mini-boat&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;Educational Passages Program. Equipped with GPS, solar panels, and temperature probes, the boat traveled across the Atlantic and was recovered in&nbsp;Norway&nbsp;in February 2023. Currently, two more student-built boats are at sea, capturing data and sparking curiosity. A portion of the Seaport’s donation will help defray the cost of the 2025 mini-boat.<strong>About the Seaport Association</strong></p><p>PHOTO: From left to right:</p><ol><li>Stacy Arias</li><li>Madison Socci</li><li>Allison Perez-Gonzalez</li><li>Mathias Naranjo-Celis</li><li>Henry Royce</li><li>Brandon Lorenz</li></ol><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></p><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.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Luis Sanchez founder of</strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Dream-Big-School-of-Real-Estate-61560147443330/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> Dream Big School of Real Estate</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Connecticut's premier real estate school offering pre-licensing and continuing education courses as well as courses designed to improve your skill level and enhance your business. Instructors are required to have years of success and experience.</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);">There was a need for more relevant and exciting real estate classes state-wide.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product or service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Real Estate Principles and Practices which is the required class to get your CT real estate salesperson license.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How many local businesses do you use to support your business in terms of products and services? Can you name them?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gorilla Creations for promotional products and the Sky's View for online marketing.</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);">All the time. Great ideas come regularly. I am always ready to pivot.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Dream Big School of Real Estate on Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/DreamBigSchoolofRealEstate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">DreamBigSchoolofRealEstate</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:supportteam@dreambig.info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">supportteam@dreambig.info</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><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend January 31- February 4</strong></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://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/zeppelin-reimagined" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Zeppelin Reimagined</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 31, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>From the creators of Magical Mystery Doors comes Zeppelin Reimagined. Zeppelin Reimagined is not just another Led Zeppelin tribute band; they are a groundbreaking experience that merges the timeless power of classic rock with the cutting-edge technology of today. With a dynamic stage presence, LED screens, and a visual spectacle that complements their sound, Zeppelin Reimagined offers a fresh take on the iconic music of Led Zeppelin.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pride-and-prejudice-b2a4d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Pride and Prejudice</strong></a></p><p><strong>Westport Community Theatre, Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 31, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>A new adaptation based on Jane Austen's classic novel, is the 3rd production in Westport Community Theatre's acclaimed season, running January 31 – February 16, 2025. Marriage is far from Elizabeth Bennet’s top concern, yet with four sisters, a determinedly match-making mother, and a parade of ill-suited suitors, the topic is inescapable. When Elizabeth, strong-willed and independent, crosses paths with the intriguing yet reserved Mr. Darcy, she resolves to keep her emotions in check. However, the path to the truth proves more tangled than expected…</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/on-view-sm-nc-giants-f1e9a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>On View: SM&amp;NC GIANTS</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 31, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm</p><p>Large in format, bold in color, brash in context. We call them the "giants" of our collection. Representing a range of styles and mediums, many of these works have not been on view for decades, including mammoth works by Hunt Slonem, Rhonda Wall and Nicholas Krushenik. Others you may recognize from previous exhibitions; works from Peter Bradley, William Ronald and Steven Brent. We're pleased to present them once more before they return to our collections vault.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rowayton-arts-center-from-the-rac-studio-77fe5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> <strong>“From the RAC Studio”</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rowayton Arts Center, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 31, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>This all media exhibition features over 100 pieces of artwork by RAC Instructors and students created in the past year. RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-anette-millington" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artist Talk with Anette Millington</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 1, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Anette Millington is an Assistant Professor of Fashion Systems and Materiality at Parsons School of Design and Associate Director of the Textiles MFA Program. Her interdisciplinary creative practice focuses on patterns and spans print, textiles, and sculpture. Anette abstracts flora and fauna—flowers, butterfly wings— to design new protective surfaces and symbols. She explores the psychological dimension of symmetry, building magic and metaphor from mathematics. In her Artist Talk, Anette will share more about her residency project: creating small-scale sculptures from wood-block printed paper.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/voices-cafe-presents-the-brian-torff-group" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Brian Torff Group</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 1, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The Brian Torff group has been described as a band driven by a desire to capture the complexity of the American story “through American roots music with an updated twist.” Torff’s music honors Black History Month by blending original music with classic Delta Blues, demonstrating the deep impact of Black music on our nation’s culture through original, creative, inspiring music.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Last night, a group of A.C.T. of Connecticut’s most devoted supporters had the rare opportunity to step inside the creative process during a working rehearsal of the theater’s much-anticipated production of</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;Fiddler on the Roof</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. Directed by Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine and featuring the music direction of Bryan Perri, this unique rendition of the timeless musical promises to be an unforgettable exploration of storytelling, culture, and history.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Story That Hits Close to Home</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“This is my story. I feel very, very connected to it, and it is very, very personal,” Levine fought back tears as he addressed the attendees. As the grandson of Russian immigrants and a Jewish person who grew up immersed in the teachings of remembrance, Levine’s connection to&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Fiddler on the Roof</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;is deeply rooted in his family’s history.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“In Hebrew school, we’re taught to always remember to never forget. The moment we stop remembering, atrocities can happen again. Bearing witness is essential and creates a responsibility, and that’s a cornerstone of our production.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine’s one-of-a-kind approach underscores this ethos. Throughout the performance, the entire cast of 25 remains on stage, symbolizing collective witnessing. Even when not directly involved in a scene, the actors—seated on scenically designed risers—serve as silent observers, embodying the ever-present weight of history.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine says, "This artistic choice highlights the interconnectedness of the characters’ lives and their shared experiences, reflecting the communal struggles and triumphs of Anatevka. By keeping the cast visible, we emphasize that each individual’s story is part of a larger narrative. The village’s collective memory and resilience take center stage, amplifying the universal themes of tradition, change, and survival. My hope is that this artistic choice also invites the audience to engage more deeply, fostering a sense of solidarity and shared responsibility for these timeless stories."</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Innovative Vision Meets Timeless Tradition</strong></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Fiddler on the Roof</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;traditionally opens with the iconic number, “Tradition.” However, Levine’s vision offers something bold—a prologue that sets the stage in a deeply emotional and meaningful way before the familiar song begins.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“I didn’t want to simply restage the original Broadway production,” Levine explained. “This is a story that my family has lived, and I wanted to bring that intimacy and authenticity to every moment.”</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine’s desire to make the production personal extended to the casting process. “When actors came into the audition room, I looked for those who, in a sense, felt like my family. It’s more than talent; it’s about storytelling and connection. These actors could be my aunts, sisters, or brothers. That’s why they’re here.”</span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Original Choreography with Cultural Roots</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Collaborating with choreographer Josh Assor, Levine ensured the movements in this production evoke the emotional core of Jewish culture while reimagining some of the classic choreography originally created by Jerome Robbins. The result is a dance language that feels rooted in tradition yet fresh and dynamic.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Music That Speaks to the Soul</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Under the music direction of Music Supervisor Bryan Perri, A.C.T.’s 11-piece orchestra provides the evocative soundtrack that breathes life into the village of Anatevka. Songs like “Tradition” and “Miracles of Miracles,” previewed during last night’s rehearsal, moved both cast and audience members alike.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“There have been a lot of tears during our rehearsal period,” Levine confessed, highlighting the emotional gravity of the material. “We don’t shy away from the darker parts of the story. That’s where the truth lives.”</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Production to Remember</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Set in the small Jewish village of Anatevka in Imperial Russia at the turn of the 20th century,&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Fiddler on the Roof i</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">s a story of faith, family, and the struggle to balance tradition with change. Through Levine’s innovative direction and A.C.T.’s exceptional cast, this production will not only honor the original but also challenge audiences to reflect on their own role in bearing witness to history.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">ACT of Connecticut’s</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;Fiddler on the Roof&nbsp;</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">opens on February 6 and runs through March 9, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to experience this reimagined masterpiece that promises to resonate with audiences long after the curtain falls.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Purchase tickets</span><a href="https://www.actofct.org/fiddler-on-the-roof" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;https://www.actofct.org/fiddler-on-the-roof</a></p><p><em>*This image was taken during a working rehearsal of Fiddler on the Roof</em></p>

<p>Interested in adding “award winner” to your resume? The Connecticut Press Club announced today the opening of its annual state-wide contest. All communicators are invited to submit their 2024 published work – be it a news article, personal essay, book, blog, public relations or social media campaign, photographs, and more.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Connecticut Press Club’s popular Communications Contest, which rewards excellence in 63 categories, will be judged by professionals with corresponding expertise.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Categories include:</strong></p><p>online and print news articles and columns</p><p>personal essay</p><p>social media campaigns</p><p>nonfiction, fiction, poetry, young adult and children's books</p><p>specialty articles in the arts, food, business, education, travel and more...</p><p>page design, editing, photography and graphics</p><p>radio and TV</p><p>podcasts and blogs</p><p>advertising and PR</p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</span> is a complete list of categories.&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to the professional competition, the Connecticut Press Club is holding a High School Communications Contest. Entries must be produced by a current high school student or a recently graduated student who produced the work in their senior year between February 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025. Entries must have been published or broadcast by a school or professional publication in a recognized medium for the category. i.e., a school, local, or national newspaper, website, etc.&nbsp;</p><p>To enter, follow the directions on the <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);">contest site</span>.&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Email </span><a href="mailto:CTPressClub@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CTPressClub@gmail.com</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> with questions.&nbsp;</span></p><p>A few requirements to keep in mind:&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Eligibility:&nbsp;Communicators who live and work in Connecticut are eligible to enter. Work published from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024, is eligible.&nbsp;</li><li>Contest Fees:&nbsp;The fee is $25 for the first entry and $15 for Connecticut Press Club members (click here to join); non-members pay $30 for the first entry and $20 for each additional entry. High school entry fees are $10 per entry.&nbsp;Entrants do not need to be members of the CT Press Club.</li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Deadlines:&nbsp;The </span><span style="color: rgb(30, 30, 30);">Early Bird deadline is January 29, 2025 at noon EST. </span><em style="color: rgb(30, 30, 30);">A one-time $25 fee will be assessed to all entrants after this date. The </em><span style="color: rgb(30, 30, 30);">final deadline is February 19, 2025 at noon EST. The final deadline for entrants submitting books is February 5, 2025 at noon EST.</span></p><p>We will celebrate the winners with a cocktail party and awards celebration in the spring.</p><p>Anyone who receives a first-place award in the Connecticut Contest will&nbsp;be eligible to enter the National Federation of Press Women National Communications Contest, provided annual NFPW membership dues have been paid.&nbsp;(Membership dues can be paid when you register for the contest.)</p><p>The Connecticut Press Club is an affiliate of the National Federation of Press Women (NFPW), and includes both male and female members. The club welcomes all types of communicators: writers, editors, bloggers, authors, educators, public relations professionals, media photographers, students and more. Plans for the coming year include lectures by sought-after speakers, professional development workshops, networking and social outings. For more information, e-mail <a href="mailto:ctpressclub@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);">ctpressclub@gmail.com</a>.</p><p><em>Photo Caption: The Connecticut Press Club announces their annual contest for work published in 2024. Here at last year’s event (from left) are Contest Director Tom Renner, Vice President Prowitt, Keynote Speaker Alisyn Camerota, Director of Publicity Aline Weiller, and President Michele Turk. </em></p>