<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend April 26-28</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/docent-led-tour-it-will-go-on-09d42" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>It Will Go On Docent Led Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCa Westport</strong></p><p>Fridays - Sundays 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm</p><p>It Will Go On examines the written word, tracing the complex ways in which text and by extension literature are utilized by contemporary artists.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/lewis-carrolls-alices-adventures/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures</strong></a></p><p><strong>Powerhouse Theatre in Waveny Park</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26 to May 12, 2:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>We are all familiar with Alice’s adventures, but this version is arrestingly different. Not children’s theatre - meant for adult audiences.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/the-executioners-wife-a-new-musical/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Executioner’s Wife</strong></a></p><p><strong>Milford Arts Council</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26 to May 12, 7:30 pm</p><p>Award-winning Pantochino Productions Inc. presents a new musical by Bert Bernardi and Justin Rugg. Recommended for adult audiences (13 and over). Fridays &amp; Saturdays at 7:30pm. Sundays at 2pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/moca-some-noise-open-mic-night-poetry-month-special" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Moca Some Noise- Open Mic Night</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCa Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26, 6:30 pm - 12:00 am</p><p>Get ready for this poetry month special featuring acoustic music, poetry, and slam poetry! Everyone is invited to participate and attend.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/ode-to-joy-comes-to-connecticut/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ode To Joy Comes To Connecticut</strong></a></p><p><strong>Trinity Episcopal Church</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26, 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the 200th anniversary of the world premiere of perhaps THE most famous piece of orchestral music ever written: Beethoven’s towering Ninth Symphony – the first symphony ever to feature vocalists and a chorus.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/grease/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>“Grease”</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Wilton Playshop</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26 to May 11, 8:00 pm</p><p>Get ready to shake, rattle and roll as The Wilton Playshop brings the electrifying and timeless musical, “Grease,” to life on stage!</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/whose-barn-is-it-anyway-at-theater-barn-april-26th/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Whose Barn Is It Anyway?</strong></a></p><p><strong>Ridgefield Theater Barn</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate Spring with some laughter. Matt Austin will host an evening of unpredictable fun. Seating is cabaret-style, &amp; the audience is invited to bring food and drinks.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/greylan-james/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Greylan James</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Palace Theatre</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 26, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>It’s been a whirlwind year for Greylan, to be sure: he’s been tirelessly writing and recording his forthcoming debut project with BMLG Records, toured with Old Dominion this past summer, before heading out with Cole Swindell this fall..</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/shorebird-walk-with-connecticut-audubon/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Shorebird Walk with Connecticut Audubon</strong></a></p><p><strong>Coastal Center at Milford Point</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 8:00 am - 10:00 am</p><p>The exhibition IMAGES Featured Photographer: Isabel Chenoweth pulls from the artist’s series of photographs, Connecticut’s Tidal Zones, where she explores the state’s wetlands and tidal areas, delicate ecosystems critical to the conservation of animals like shorebirds and the preservation of natural resources.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/stamford-history-center-tag-sale-fundraiser/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Spring Tag Sale Fundraiser</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Spring into action because the Stamford History Center Tag Sale Fundraiser is your opportunity to find treasures and gifts large and small! Antiques, furniture, art, books, jewelry and more. We recommend arriving early for the best selection.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/puppetry-guild-day/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Puppetry Guild Day</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 11:00 am - 3:30 pm</p><p>A day packed with puppets featuring two special performances of Spinning Straw into Gold, an original fairy tale created by Roland Duprey which tells the tale of a young woman tasked with turning worthless straw into shimmering gold for the King. .</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/tequila-and-mezcal-tasting-party---fundraiser-for-the-weston-history-culture-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tequila And Mezcal Tasting Party</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Celebrate Cinco de Mayo a week early at the Tequila and Mezcal Tasting to benefit the Weston History &amp; Culture Center. Sample a variety of tequila and mezcal donated by Diageo.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/performing-arts-at-moca-natalia-kazaryan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Performing Arts At Moca With Natalia Kazaryan</strong></a>&nbsp;<strong>MoCA Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:00 pm - 12:00 amFrom Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia, pianist Natalia Kazaryan has been hailed by The New York Sun for her “prodigious ability,” remarking that she “immediately established an atmosphere of strength and confidence.” She is “a marvel among marvels … fascinating, elegant” (Nice-Matin) and “incredible” (All Classical Portland).</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/american-rso-in-concert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>TRANSCENDENT – RSO in Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Anne S. Richardson Auditorium at Ridgefield High School</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>The Program includes: Finlandia - Jean Sibelius. Vier letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs) - Richard Strauss. Symphony No. 5 in D Minor, Op. 47 - Dmitri Shostakovich</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/american-chamber-orchestra---april-27-2024-7-30pm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>American Chamber Orchestra</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Concert Hall at Norwalk City Hall</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>The orchestra shares the stage with The Mendelssohn Choir of Connecticut under the baton of Maestro Christopher James Hisey. On the program are Beethoven's Choral Fantasy with pianist Will</p><p>Duchon, Faure's Cantique de Jean Racine, Handel's Zadok the Priest and Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 5.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ftc-comedy-presents-tanael-joachim" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Comedy Presents: Tanael Joachim</strong></a></p><p><strong>StageOne at FTC</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 7:45 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>TJ is a standup comedian who has made appearances on Gotham Comedy Live on AXS TV and on Good Day New York on FOX. He is based in New York City but was born and raised in Haiti. TJ has a very laid back, smooth, and conversational style and he jokes about race, society’s idiosyncrasies, and the inherent contrast between life in Haiti and America. Some people say his humor is smart and eye-opening; he would probably agree with these people.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ftc-presents-pink-talking-fish" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ftc Presents: Pink Talking Fish</strong></a></p><p>T<strong>he Warehouse at FTC</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 27, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm</p><p>Pink Floyd, Talking Heads and Phish are all more than just bands... they are Phenomenons. Their creations have artistically inspired people and their mindblowing live performances have brought people together to form a special sense of community around the love for their favorite band.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/birdwatching-with-the-ct-audubon-society/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Birdwatching with the CT Audubon Society</strong></a></p><p><strong>Seaside Park</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 10:00 am - 11:00 am</p><p>Come on a birdwatching walk through Seaside Park. We will be joined by Stefan Martin of the Audubon Society who will provide us with tips and information on the world of birdwatching!</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/artists-authors-and-actors-in-darien-a-bus-tour-of-their-historic-homes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artists, Authors, and Actors in Darien</strong></a></p><p><strong>A Bus Tour of Their Historic Homes</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Actor Frank Latimore, award-winning artist Dorothea Warren O'Hara, and acclaimed author Erskine Caldwell are among many talented and renowned artists, authors, and actors that once called Darien home.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/contemporary-art-and-the-brant-foundation/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sabrina Marsalisi, Director of Education at The Brant Foundation Art Study Center</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Ridgefield Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>Come hear Sabrina Marsalisi, Director of Education at The Brant Foundation Art Study Center, discuss the topic of contemporary art at The Brant Foundation.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/jennifer-butler-spring-fashion-show-at-fairfield-public-library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jennifer Butler’s Spring Fashion Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Public Library</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Friends of the Fairfield Library present Fairfield fashion designer Jennifer Butler’s Spring/Summer collection for women and men in the Bruce Kershner Gallery at Main Library.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/architreks-travels-of-architecture-addicts/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Architreks: Travels of Architecture Addicts</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Canaan Museum &amp; Historical Society</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>When Peter Swanson and Bob Gregson met in 1976, it quickly became evident that they shared a passion for modern architecture.</p><p><a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/event/sesame-street-live-2/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sesame Street Live</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Palace Theatre</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 28, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster, and their friends from Sesame Street are coming to your neighborhood to say hello!</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(17, 85, 204);">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>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(50, 55, 61);">Why Small Businesses Matter</span></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 </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-gantt-388961190/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Joshua Gantt</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> founder of </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/healthclothing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Health Clothing</strong></a></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);">Our mission is to create exclusive quality garments with a conscious effort to change the standard of how we buy, wear, and dispose of clothing. Creating garments with up-cycled materials, made to order and within our collections; helps minimize the overproduction of clothing to reduce textile waste and move far away from fast fashion.</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);">Our corduroy Health box logo has become a staple within our catalog. We also offer embroidery services for local brands, businesses, schools and more that have been highly requested.</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);">Absolutely! The goal is to scale into having our own storefront, manufacturing/media facilities, and fabric stores. Our purpose also lies in teaching people about the problems within the industry regarding the production of garments. The rise of fast fashion has negatively affected so many lives by inhumane practices such as forced and child labor, unlivable wages, and lack of protection and healthcare including the collateral damage of pollution and the diminishing of trends.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Health Clothing on Instagram </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/healthclothing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.instagram.com/healthclothing</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and shop online </span><a href="https://he4lth.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://he4lth.com/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Read Joshua’s start-up story </span><a href="https://he4lth.com/pages/our-story" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://he4lth.com/pages/our-story</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>

<p><em>Photo credit: Callalilly Studios&nbsp;</em></p><p>Mercury Marketing Communications of Stamford has won five Connecticut Press Club awards on behalf of the agency’s clients. Vice President of Public Relations Tom Renner was recognized with five awards, including three first-place prizes.</p><p>Renner’s work won first-place and an honorable mention for his articles on behalf of Ariston Group in the “Specialty Articles: Ghost-written” category. The first-place article explains the challenges consumers face when installing a replacement boiler, published in <em>PHC News Magazine</em>. The honorable mention article details the benefits of purchasing a high-efficiency boiler, published in <em>Plumbing &amp; Mechanical Magazine</em>.</p><p>Renner also took first place in the “Media Pitch” category for his pitch on a Cincinnati Theater installing smoke vents for security and preventing noise intrusion on behalf of The BILCO Company.</p><p>&nbsp;“Tom’s expertise as a writer is a key component to our public relations team,” said Mercury President Melissa LoParco. “His ability to captivate readers and assist editors ensures our clients receive outstanding coverage.”</p><p>Additionally, Renner won first place in the “News or Feature Release” Connecticut Press Club category with his press release announcing J&amp;M Manufacturing winning the golden manus 2023 award. He also received an honorable mention in the “Specialty Articles: Agriculture” category for his piece on J&amp;M Manufacturing’s Para-Linkage coulter product. Both the press release and article were on behalf of igus.</p><p>The Connecticut Press Club competition includes over 60 categories and work was judged by professionals with corresponding expertise. The competition was open to anyone who lives or works in Connecticut and work had to have been published between January 1 and December 31, 2023.</p><p>Mercury Marketing Communications Inc. is a boutique marketing and public relations firm that specializes in business-to-business and community-oriented communications. The agency has extensive experience working with manufacturers and non-profit organizations.<span style="color: black;">&nbsp;</span>In addition to public relations, Mercury’s core capabilities include the development and execution of digital marketing campaigns, including social media and video. Advertising and collateral design and production complete the firm’s portfolio of services.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p>

<p><a href="https://www.cancer.org/about-us/local/connecticut.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">The American Cancer Society</a>&nbsp;will host its 10^th&nbsp;annual&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acswomenandwellness.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Women Leading the Way to Wellness</a>&nbsp;(WLWW) luncheon on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. at The Stamford Marriott Hotel &amp; Spa. The inspiring afternoon event discusses the importance of being one’s own health advocate.&nbsp;Over the past ten years, the event has raised more than $1M for the American Cancer Society, supporting women’s health research, advocacy and more.</p><p><br></p><p>For 2024, the American Cancer Society will honor two individuals for their important and exceptional work:&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>Dr. Madhavi Raghu</strong>, radiologist and breast imaging specialist at Connecticut Breast Imaging, and&nbsp;<strong>Dr. Shieva Ghofrany</strong>, OB/GYN at Coastal Obstetrics &amp; Gynecology in Stamford, ovarian cancer survivor, and last year’s keynote speaker.</p><p><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify">"Being chosen as an honoree for ACS/WLWW means the world to me because it means that my strongest desire - to ENGAGE and BE ENGAGED - by others in a deeply human way is being recognized," said Dr. Ghofrany. “It is clear to me that what women need most is collaboration with their doctor to better understand their health and help shape their future.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p>"As a radiologist dedicated to improving access to breast health for all, the recognition by the American Cancer Society is truly humbling,” said Dr. Raghu. “I firmly believe that every individual, regardless of ethnicity or gender, deserves prompt and comprehensive care. It's not just about detecting cancer; it's about empowering patients with knowledge and compassionate support. Together we can bridge gaps in healthcare and wellness and ensure no one has to face uncertainty alone.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Keynote speakers for the event are&nbsp;<strong>Stéphanie Szostak</strong>, a French American actress, author and Give an Hour Ambassador, and<strong>Gabrielle “Gabby” Bernstein</strong>, a bestselling self-help author and spiritual coach.</p><ul><li>Szostak speaks to community groups on overcoming failure, being an outsider and living with authenticity. Her notable projects include “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Iron Man 3,” “Dinner for Schmucks,” and ABC's “A Million Little Things.”&nbsp;</li><li>Bernstein is a&nbsp;<em>New York Times</em>&nbsp;Bestselling Author of the book “May Cause Miracles,”&nbsp;a 40-day guidebook of subtle shifts for radical change and unlimited happiness&nbsp;and an international speaker presenting lectures at Google and TEDxWomen, among others.</li><li><br></li></ul><p>The American Cancer Society’s WLWW<strong>&nbsp;</strong>luncheon empowers women to recognize the value of prioritizing their own health.&nbsp;According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the key to prevention is focusing on early detection and healthier lifestyles such as maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoiding tobacco, and getting regular health screenings. The event’s tagline, “Choose You,” highlights this importance, and all attendees receive a Choose You checklist postcard with reminders to fulfill annual routine screenings and appointments, as well as everyday healthy habits.</p><p><br></p><p>Tri-chairs for the event include:</p><ul><li><strong>Robin Selden</strong>, executive chef/managing partner at Stamford-based&nbsp;<a href="http://www.marciaselden.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">Marcia Selden Catering &amp; Event Planning</a>.</li><li><strong>Maureen Clark-Newlove</strong>, a strong supporter of the ACS’s mission to reduce cancer incidence and owner of Stamford-based<a href="https://www.noblesalon.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Noble Salon</a>.</li><li><strong>Kitt Shapiro</strong>, a longtime supporter of the ACS and community organizations and owner of Westport-based boutique&nbsp;<a href="https://www.west2westport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">WEST</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“From day one, WLWW has been a passion project that is SO special to me and everyone that has joined, and we’ve worked hard to build momentum to move our mission forward!,” said Selden.&nbsp;“When we started this event ten years ago, the goal was to create something that was wellness oriented for women that was the first-of-its-kind for the American Cancer Society.&nbsp;We are all busy with work, our families and pets, and taking care of daily responsibilities, that as women, we often put everyone else’s needs before our own.&nbsp;What better way to recognize Women’s Health Month in May than to remind ourselves of the importance to ‘Choose You!’”</p><p><br></p><p>Members of the planning committee include Shieva Ghofrany, Shelley Kapitulik-Jaye, Jessica King, Wendy Kroll, Nancy Landauer, Marisa MacLean, Shantana Maye-Hazel, Beth Meyer, Morgan Napier, Morgan Nealon, Janice Perna-Nicholas, Kim Pugh, Mia Schipani, Jami Sherwood, Melissa Stein, Sarah Swanberg, Kaitlyn Tarpey-Borea, Kelly Thomas, Robyn Whittingham, Kayla Williamson, Zara Williamson, and Tracie Wilson.</p><p><br></p><p>Tickets for the event are $150 and available for purchase at:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.acswomenandwellness.com/tickets" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">www.acswomenandwellness.com/tickets</a>.&nbsp;The silent auction and monetary donation page can be accessed at:&nbsp;<a href="https://e.givesmart.com/events/Aay/page/donate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">WLWW2024.givesmart.com</a>.</p><p><br></p><p>Confirmed sponsors for the event include&nbsp;Connecticut Breast Imaging (Presenting Sponsor); Marcia Selden Catering, Nuvance Health and The Andrew J. Whittingham Family Foundation (Anniversary Sponsors); NBC Universal – Stamford Studios (Silver Sponsor); Altium Cares, BMW of Darien, Greenwich Hospital, Noble Salon, Saugatuck Financial, Savings Bank of Danbury, Stamford Health, and WEST (Bronze Sponsors); Serendipity (Main Media Sponsor); Hey Stamford and Westport Lifestyle (Media Sponsors), as well as additional community partners (*list current as of 4/1/24).</p><p><br></p><p>WLWW began in 2014 and has raised more than $1M for the American Cancer Society in the last 10 years.&nbsp;The annual luncheon event, organized by its tri-chairs and planning committee, all with deep roots in the community, welcomes women to be educated, enlightened, and reminded to “Choose You.”&nbsp;The inspiring event has welcomed keynote speakers including Jane Green, Lee Woodruff, Kelli O’Hara, Indie Lee, Joan Lunden, and Lindsay Czarniak, and honored more than 20 individuals for their dedication and tireless efforts in being women’s health advocates.&nbsp;Additional live events are planned throughout the year to continue to raise awareness.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>For more information, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.acswomenandwellness.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">acswomenandwellness.com</a>; or connect on Facebook @<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Womenleadingthewayct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">womenleadingthewayct</a>&nbsp;or Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/acswomenleadingtheway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">acswomenleadingtheway</a>.</p>

<p><strong>City News</strong></p><ul><li><strong>2024 Community Micro Grant:</strong>&nbsp;The 2024 Community Microgrant application is now available. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm May 3rd, to view the application and for more information visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0YW1mb3JkY3QuZ292L2dvdmVybm1lbnQvbWF5b3Itcy1vZmZpY2UvMjAyNC1jb21tdW5pdHktbWljcm9ncmFudC1wcm9ncmFtIyEvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxOS45MzYzMDE2MSJ9.VilfOXyyaP5jihUS0aKjD94xeFRG5yyETlkObk5DdyU/s/1435736556/br/241068902961-l" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">here</a>.</li><li><strong>Parking Garage Demolition:</strong>&nbsp;The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) initiated the demolition of the Stamford Transportation Center's 1985 Parking Garage and Pedestrian Bridge. For further details, click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vcG9ydGFsLmN0Lmdvdi9ET1QvQ1RET1QtQ29uc3RydWN0aW9uLUFkdmlzb3JpZXMvMjAyNC9EZW1vbGl0aW9uLW9mLXRoZS0xOTg1LVBhcmtpbmctR2FyYWdlLWFuZC1QZWRlc3RyaWFuLUJyaWRnZS1hdC10aGUtU3RhbWZvcmQtVHJhbnNwb3J0YXRpb24tQ2VudGVyIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxOS45MzYzMDE2MSJ9.HDfYdRpBVGDYXX0h7z-Yj0XbEIxHn_w7DGcz9tFdLdM/s/1435736556/br/241068902961-l" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">here</a>.</li><li><strong>Beach Passes Available for Purchase:</strong>&nbsp;Beach passes are now available for purchase online or in person. Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0YW1mb3JkY3QuZ292L2Fyb3VuZC10b3duL3BhcmtzL2JlYWNoLXBhcmtpbmctcGVybWl0cyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTkuOTM2MzAxNjEifQ.44WJAcUrqptzAIHgoGA9yndnXB5_dK8odg5cwwHv66k/s/1435736556/br/241068902961-l" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">here&nbsp;</a>for more information and to purchase your pass.</li><li><strong>Learning In Retirement Registration:</strong>&nbsp;Learning Retirement, Inc, a nonprofit organization for continuing education of retired people and senior citizens has released their Spring 2024 catalog. Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHA6Ly9saXJzdGFtZm9yZC5vcmcvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxOS45MzYzMDE2MSJ9.g9XTUTgflHi29i4L5mg2-IUrYp82PbM19L7GzA--PuE/s/1435736556/br/241068902961-l" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">LIRStamford.org</a>&nbsp;to view the course offerings and register for classes.</li><li><strong>Shop Local Spring Campaign:</strong>&nbsp;Are you a Stamford resident with a small business? We want to highlight you during our Shop Local spring campaign. Send your business details to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:calexander@stamfordct.gov." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>calexander@stamfordct.gov.</em></a></li><li><strong>Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan:&nbsp;</strong>Our administration has been meeting with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and city transportation officials to continue to make progress on the Stamford Train Station Master Plan. To view the Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0YW1mb3JkY3QuZ292Lz9zcGxhc2g9aHR0cCUzYSUyZiUyZnN0Y21hc3RlcnBsYW4uY29tJTJmJl9fX19pc2V4dGVybmFsPXRydWUiLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjQwNDE5LjkzNjMwMTYxIn0.thI9k7vZDp5hPWirvXElPzC9advGeQGfZp-G31gQJ7E/s/1435736556/br/241068902961-l" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">stcmasterplan.com</a>.</li><li><strong>Paving Update:</strong>&nbsp;Click&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0YW1mb3JkY3QuZ292L2dvdmVybm1lbnQvb3BlcmF0aW9ucy9yb2FkLW1haW50ZW5hbmNlL3JvYWQtcGF2aW5nIyEvIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxOS45MzYzMDE2MSJ9.vFNxF25W8rj6FwuAJQhTtK-Lpx78RWjMjadz-90Hliw/s/1435736556/br/241068902961-l" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">here</a>&nbsp;for the priority list for paving operations established in response to a city-wide road assessment in 2022.</li><li><strong>Safe Boating Class:&nbsp;</strong>The Stamford Regional Fire School is now offering State of Connecticut safe boating courses. The first class will be on Saturday, April 13th. Get your safe boating certificate before the boating season begins! Class size is limited to 24 students. Additional dates will be added based on demand.&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LnN0YW1mb3JkY3QuZ292Lz9zcGxhc2g9aHR0cHMlM2ElMmYlMmZkb2NzLmdvb2dsZS5jb20lMmZmb3JtcyUyZmQlMmZlJTJmMUZBSXBRTFNmMXdNbi1oc1haTkJHUTlEYVI1eU5KMG5JU095UHhaT01VQkNwWUF4WHN1Z2dSZHclMmZ2aWV3Zm9ybSZfX19faXNleHRlcm5hbD10cnVlIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDI0MDQxOS45MzYzMDE2MSJ9.fBhNFTNb90QBAQ9SS6nJz9wd1Tev5gsMbx3Ju1LAowo/s/1435736556/br/241068902961-l" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">You can sign up here</a>.&nbsp;</li></ul><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">CITY EVENTS</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Calling all Vision Zero Heroes:</strong>&nbsp;The City of Stamford has initiated a Vision Zero Action Plan to work towards eliminating roadway fatalities by 2032. The Action Plan will put forth prioritized strategies for advancing roadway Quick Build and capital projects and other strategic initiatives for reach this goal. Public engagement for the plan will start next month, with a pop up event on Tuesday May 7 in Glenbrook.</li><li><strong>Northeast Sports Card Expo:&nbsp;</strong>Connecticut’s biggest card show is back! On Saturday, May 4th&nbsp;from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm and Sunday, May 5th&nbsp;from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at Chelsea Piers Athletic Club. See the flyer below for more details.</li></ul><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>Stamford, CT:</strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;<strong>The Wheel,</strong>&nbsp;the signature restaurant of waterfront destination The Village in Stamford, CT, today announced a new partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://markethospitalitygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><strong>Market Hospitality Group</strong></a>&nbsp;(MHG) for its food and beverage service and management.&nbsp;Renowned for cutting-edge cuisine featuring local purveyors, along with a marina for dock and dine and seasonally driven culinary offerings,&nbsp;The Wheel serves as one of Connecticut’s premier waterfront dining experiences.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">MHG will spearhead The Wheel’s updated spring menu, including a brand-new raw bar and expanded wine offerings. With a larger patio allowing for increased outdoor dining, the group will also highlight new pop-up ticketed events,&nbsp;such as lobster bakes and a smokehouse barbecue, and will add to its live music schedule with a range of new artists. In addition to The Wheel, MHG will oversee food and beverage management for The Village’s three premium event spaces.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“We’re thrilled to partner with Market Hospitality Group, whose expertise and track record locally will help The Wheel truly embrace the culinary resources and tastes of Connecticut, says The Village General Manager Amanda Connelly,&nbsp;“Combined with our unique physical space and high standards of</p><p class="ql-align-justify">service, The Wheel will aim to exceed our patrons’ expectations, both for dining and as a place for community and connection.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Over the last several years, MHG has successfully paired its<em>&nbsp;</em>founders’ culinary vision with astute insights and innovative strategies for food, beverage, and hospitality, driving demand for an expanded brand portfolio that now includes Market Place Kitchen &amp; Bar, Market Place Tavern, Mercato Italian</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Kitchen, Beso Taco Bar, Blu Pointe Prime Steak and Seafood on the Hudson, and the world-famous Key Largo Fisheries.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The Wheel will officially unveil its new spring menu and expanded patio in the coming weeks, along with the schedule for this summer’s high-profile pop-up events and experiences. Additionally, to satisfy increased guest demand, the restaurant will now be open seven days a week: Monday–Friday from</p><p class="ql-align-justify">5:00pm to 10:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays beginning with brunch at 11:00am and 10:00am, respectively, and closing at 10:00pm.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“The guest experience at The Wheel is going to be something truly special,” said Eli Hawli, Owner of Market Hospitality Group. “We’re eager to introduce diners to the new concepts and offerings sparked by this dynamic partnership.”</p><p><br></p>