<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend March 7-9</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/cabaret-comedy-series-58b5c" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret Comedy Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday Mar 7, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the Cabaret Comedy Series—exclusive nights of stand-up comedy featuring a rotating lineup of top-notch comedians. Each show brings a unique blend of wit and humor to the stage, promising unforgettable evenings of laughter and good times. Grab your tickets now and join the fun with a comedy experience like no other!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/plant-swap-a0289" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Plant Swap</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>Bring a plant to swap or take some home! You don't have to bring plants to take some home and you can bring plants without taking.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/birding-at-the-bruce-museum-with-greenwich-audubon-912a2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Birding with Greenwich Audubon</strong></a></p><p><strong>Oneida Sanctuary, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Join the Greenwich Audubon for a tour of the neighboring Oneida Sanctuary. Tours will go from the Bruce Park Playground to Audubon's neighboring Oneida Sanctuary, one of Greenwich's only remaining coastal salt marshes. This location not only provides an opportunity to see bird species that use this special habitat such as waterfowl, shorebirds, herons &amp; egrets but also learn about Audubon's conservation efforts to improve our coastal resiliency in Greenwich.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/asl-tour-blanche-lazzell-becoming-an-american-modernist" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>ASL Tour Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Members of the D/deaf, Hard of Hearing, and ASL student communities are invited to experience Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist, the artist’s first monographic exhibition in nearly two decades, on a special tour led by a Museum Educator and an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/working-for-the-revolution-patriot-women-s-lives-during-the-war" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Working for the Revolution: Patriot Women’s Lives During the War</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm</p><p>In the third installment of the Reflections on the Revolution Lecture Series , join the Greenwich Historical Society this March for a special presentation in honor of Women’s History Month. The Historical Society will host an exciting talk from historian and Revolutionary War expert, Dr. Katherine Hermes, who will delve into women’s roles during one of the most tumultuous events in American history.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/25th-birthday-bash" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>25th Birthday Bash</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Come one, come all and celebrate 25 amazing years of Stepping Stones Museum for Children! The 25th Birthday Bash brings the magic of the circus to life with dazzling professional circus performances, exciting circus-themed activities and immersive opportunities to try your hand at circus skills. Plus, don't miss delicious food demos and other whimsical surprises around every corner! Join us for an evening of unforgettable family fun as we commemorate this milestone anniversary.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bruce-after-hours-celebrating-women" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bruce After Hours: Celebrating Women</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 8, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss this vibrant evening at the Bruce Museum as we celebrate women’s contributions to art, culture, fashion, business, and wellness. Bruce After Hours: Celebrating Women offers a perfect blend of creativity, inspiration, and connection, with activities and performances to enjoy throughout the night. The addition of International Women’s Day enhances the significance of the event and adds a global connection to the celebration.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/gallery-exhibition-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Gallery Exhibition Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 9, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Be among the first to see these fantastic prints created in the studios over the past year. Meet some of the artists in the Center for Contemporary Printmaking's member community. Gather with other print enthusiasts as you enjoy light appetizers and beverages.</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>Fairfield County Bank is launching a community-wide food collection drive to support Bridgeport Rescue Mission, running from March 4 through March 28, 2025. The initiative aims to provide essential food items to individuals and families facing food insecurity in the region.</p><p>Donations can be dropped off at participating Fairfield County Bank offices, including locations in Bridgeport, Broad River (Norwalk), Cranbury (Norwalk), Compo (Westport), Darien, Fairfield, Rowayton, Stamford, Tunxis Hill (Fairfield), and Wall Street (Norwalk).</p><p><strong>Needed Items:</strong></p><ul><li>Canned soups or stews</li><li>Canned vegetables or fruit</li><li>Condiments or cooking essentials</li><li>Grains or carbohydrates</li><li>Proteins or canned meats</li></ul><p>Bridgeport Rescue Mission serves thousands of people each year, offering meals, shelter, and essential services to those in need. Community members are encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items to help make a difference.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FairfieldCountyBank.com</a> or call 203-431-7431.</p>

<p>Toy Story in Concert on Sun, Mar 30, 2025&nbsp;at&nbsp;3:00 PM at Stamford Center for the Arts, 61 Atlantic St, Stamford, CT, 06901</p><p>Movie on the Big Screen!&nbsp;Live Orchestra on Stage!</p><p>Orchestra Lumos presents&nbsp;Toy Story in Concert&nbsp;featuring a screening of the original film,&nbsp;Toy Story, as the musical score is performed live to the film by the full Orchestra Lumos!</p><p>ONE SHOW ONLY - SUNDAY MARCH 30 AT 3PM!</p><p>The&nbsp;Toy Story&nbsp;films are beloved worldwide for their compelling characters, extraordinary storytelling, and the music of Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Randy Newman.</p><p>Toy Story&nbsp;is a fantastic fun-filled journey, viewed mostly through the eyes of two rival toys—Woody, the lanky likable cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear, the fearless space ranger.Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://orchestralumos.org/toy-story-in-concert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://orchestralumos.org/toy-story-in-concert/</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Music for Eva and Other Cool Things on Sun, Mar 9, 2025&nbsp;at&nbsp;3:00 PM at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2810 Long Ridge Rd, Stamford.</p><p>This jazz-inspired program shines a light on new works and makes connections with familiar favorites. Hear familiar and fresh melodies from Gershwin, Debussy, Piazzolla, Puccini and more.</p><p>Eliot Bailen,&nbsp;cello
Rex Benincasa,&nbsp;cajon
Eva Conti,&nbsp;horn
Alan Kay,&nbsp;clarinet
Tomoko Ohno,&nbsp;piano</p><p>Farmhouse Restaurant&nbsp;is graciously sponsoring the event and catering during intermission.</p><p>Link:&nbsp;<a href="https://orchestralumos.org/music-for-eva-and-other-cool-things/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://orchestralumos.org/music-for-eva-and-other-cool-things/</a></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">MAYOR’S UPDATES</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Join us tomorrow, Saturday, March 1st, for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM! Don’t miss this festive celebration filled with community spirit and tradition. Be sure to check the map below for traffic and lane closures along the parade route. We look forward to seeing everyone there!</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Small Business Survey: My administration recently launched a quick survey to help us better understand small business challenges in our community and explore ways to support your success. Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.surveymonkey.com%2Fr%2FN3BJD5G%3Ffbclid=IwY2xjawIbHi9leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHW0mJkRqdIcXLpBtowA_VAl43a6WqfDp-oPhijYOc05FokrkpKukbzwWlA_aem_beUqrALwQ63dRAYJi1mSqQ/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/W61ZalWvmb_tZ23cEWNixg6Q_GmT6n4QdD4urP49_5c=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to participate.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CITY NEWS</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;Stamford Parks Community Partnership (SPCP) Microgrant Program: The Stamford Parks Community Partnership (SPCP) is excited to announce its inaugural Microgrant Program to support community-led projects in and around Stamford, CT, parks and public spaces. Funds are available to support a variety of projects, including improvement in parks, playgrounds, community gardens, waterfronts, and other public spaces (i.e. signage, beautification) organizing community clean-ups, community building events. Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.ourstamfordparks.org%2F/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/r_837_XYKyCXOwgjPrw0ye0aTVYsx_WooAHl1fo9Lrk=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> for more information.&nbsp;</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Mayor’s Cybersecurity Initiative: The Mayor’s Cybersecurity Initiative is having two workshops for seniors at the Stamford Senior Center on March 6. A Spanish language workshop will be during the Hispanic Club at 10am and the English workshop will be at 11:30am.&nbsp; The event is free, but please register ahead of time. Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2FHome%2FComponents%2FNews%2FNews%2F2199%2F15%23!%2F/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/vywT5F2SLR7XpiJFlnm_CRZ4RaoMdw37IgcoyMlAEiY=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to learn more, and to register please call 203-977-5151.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Board of Assessment Appeals Meetings: The next Board of Assessment Appeals meetings will be held in April 2025.&nbsp; The application deadline is March 20, 2025.&nbsp; Please click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Fboards-commissions%2Fboard-of-assessment-appeals/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/_Y48-RKZRgPlfm2jUGe-V8gwHDNaTh6Os3fqDcfszZg=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> for more information.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Learning in Retirement: Learning in Retirement is beginning a new semester! Classes in art, music, current events, and history are offered to senior citizens and other retirees. For information and to register, visit </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.lirstamford.org%2F/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/rd6It9mP523Vjb3OReJY7Soct7qnF1lxjg6sQ7VKi90=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.lirstamford.org.</a></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">February Arts &amp; Culture Guide: The City of Stamford and the Stamford Arts and Culture Commission are excited to announce, “Stamford Spotlight: A Celebration of Arts and Culture.” This guide highlights upcoming arts and cultural events in Stamford. Be sure to stop by and support our local organizations! Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fhome%2Fshowpublisheddocument%2F40628%2F638744607428070000/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/N6raW1Do4FtCpl-h-Diuoi-BETStgF0ct8181ddIfQs=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to view the February Guide.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford 2035: The City of Stamford is excited to launch the Stamford 2035 Comprehensive Plan, a once-in-a-decade opportunity to assess the city's current state and explore key questions about our future! This plan will guide Stamford’s development through 2035, focusing on crucial topics like sustainability, resilience, diversity, equity, inclusion, housing, economic growth, mobility, and infrastructure. Throughout the 10-month process, you’ll have the chance to share your vision for Stamford by participating in public meetings, workshops, surveys, and discussions with our planning team. Check out this </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1EdSqWaZ10t0cB9ZkkLqh_PRdHnZTudD5%2Fview%3Fusp=sharing/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/VQcVgsO6TeQk203XG1cyy5JWWAg5n1FUcaRg-M8ZgIg=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">project one-sheet</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> and visit </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fstamfordct.gov%2Fstamford2035/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/YH9DDYl5DZ-cWulwNRdMlXWRAn80F8RY8dmvCh2HSIY=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">our website</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to get involved, sign up for updates, and learn more about the plan.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lathon Wider Community Center: On the morning of Thursday, January 2, the City Facilities Department was notified of a flooding incident in the basement of the Lathon Wider Community Center (137 Henry Street) caused by a failure in a piece of mechanical equipment. The target date for reopening the building is July 1, 2025. For any questions or urgent needs regarding the Health Department’s walk-in health services, please call (203)-977-5652.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford 2035 Visions of the City Survey: In case you missed Stamford 2035's first open house, please take five minutes to share your thoughts on the Visions of the City </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSf43DHq7hoUuhXl0r8Vd3DWOpaeG4Pg6iy9RwZUO3SYsRsmhA%2Fviewform%3Fusp=sharing/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/DwBDYC0HboD7DNJpMVvSz7e5Rnd31FSMTJqsS7qD96E=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">! Your insights will help the planning team formulate visions, goals, strategies, and actions for the future of Stamford.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan: 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: </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stcmasterplan.com%2F/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/AKTIs9vdqWWy3d9F-oceGcoR8DVXs02WniqKg22wLWs=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">stcmasterplan.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Paving Update: Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Foperations%2Froad-maintenance%2Froad-paving%23!%2F/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/pneO8-2i1bTJpQr20tc36OeIMzPwZmuocm3_9mS-1w8=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> for the priority list for paving operations established in response to a city-wide road assessment in 2022.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Curb Repair: Request for curb repairs can be submitted under the category "Roads" on Fixit at stamfordct.gov/fixit.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Apply for a Special Events Permit: To reserve a pavilion or host events at city parks click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fstamfordct.portal.opengov.com%2Fcategories%2F1091%2Frecord-types%2F6547/1/010001954e266998-d0baea8b-c450-4c3f-bc09-ca254dd9935c-000000/gcH4U-l56PIzgeWJPj6kvOsoXGiN09bYbEbDe8_AIN0=394" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p>

<h2><strong>Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><p><strong>Meet&nbsp;Scheri Passero, Founder of&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://agoradayspact.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Agora Day Spa</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p><strong>Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p>We started the business because I have been in the spa/skincare industry for 37 years, graduated from an Esthetics school that was located in Stamford at the time and have been practicing my craft ever since. An opportunity came up to rent the space in the Stamford Marriott Hotel and Spa 4 years ago, And here we are today!</p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong>Our best-selling treatments are our Custom Couples Massage with CBD and our amazing Scientific Super Facial which we added to our service menu in late 2022. Our best-selling products which are all botanically infused are our Green Hemp hydration cream and our 24kt gold serum which make the skin glow. Our steam room and Swedish shower access are available with any and all of our treatments.</p><p><strong>Have you 'reimagined' your small business?</strong></p><p>We reimagined the spa with a cozy homey feeling. Our signature scent is in the air, which we also have for retail sale. The moment you walk in you can feel the relaxation take over your body and your mind.</p><p>Visit&nbsp;Agora Day Spa&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="http://agoradayspact.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>. Make sure to check out their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/AGORADAYSPASTAMFORD/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Facebook</a>&nbsp;page as well!</p><p><strong>HamletHub thanks&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" 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>