<h2><em>Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2025.</em></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Red Cross asks you to TEST your smoke alarms as you TURN your clocks forward this weekend. Working smoke alarms cut risk of home fire deaths in half!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Daylight saving time begins on Sunday, March 9 and the American Red Cross in Connecticut encourages everyone to test their smoke alarms as they turn their clocks forward to make sure the devices are working.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“Working smoke alarms cut the risk of dying in a home fire in half as you only have about two minutes to safely get out,” said Rebecca Johnson, Regional Disaster Officer, American Red Cross Connecticut and Rhode Island Region. “Every second counts when there’s&nbsp;a home fire and the sooner an alarm alerts you to a fire, the sooner you can get to a safer place. When daylight saving time ends this weekend, test your smoke alarms to help prevent a tragedy in your home.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Since the start of the year, local Red Cross volunteers responded to help at least 565 people in Connecticut affected by 100 home fires, which account for most of the about 65,000 disasters that the Red Cross responds to annually across the country.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>BRIDGEPORT, CT –&nbsp;</strong>Join Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC) Women Build volunteers on International Women’s Day as they assist construction staff on a build site in Fairfield. Volunteers with varying skill and varying backgrounds will join in support of Habitat’s mission and in celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The volunteer construction activity will take place at 240-246 Greenfield Street, Fairfield, CT with parking available in the adjacent parking lot on March 8, 2025, from 9:30 am – 2:30 pm.&nbsp;</strong>Mostly, construction efforts will take place in the morning; before the noon lunch break.&nbsp;</p><p>Sponsored by ASML, the volunteer group will include volunteers from various corporate neighbors and committed community members (both men and women).</p><p>Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat CFC stated, “Women Build is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together with purpose and determination. International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate exactly that -- the strength, skill, and leadership of women who are making a great impact in our Coastal Fairfield County community. Whether picking up a hammer for the first time or bringing years of experience, every volunteer plays a role in our mission to address the affordable housing crisis while also building a brighter future for families in need.”</p><p>Women Build is Habitat CFC’s program to engage and empower&nbsp;women in Habitat CFC’s work. No experience is needed – Site Supervisors provide relevant construction training onsite. Volunteers must be ages 18+ to participate in a Women Build volunteer day.Learn more about Women Build and other Habitat events planned for March 2025 in celebration of Women’s History Month by visiting&nbsp;<a href="https://habitatcfc.org/women-build-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://habitatcfc.org/women-build-events/</a>.</p>

<h2><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why Small Businesses&nbsp;Matter</strong></h2><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Meet Dr. Moinuddin Sarker, Group Chairman and CEO of </strong><a href="https://www.wastetechnologiesllc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Waste Technologies.</strong></a></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qIKIBknRO6U?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Our mission is to provide a Zero Waste Disposal system by reducing, reusing &amp; recycling the Municipal Solid Wastes, Waste Plastics, and all types of Biodegradable and Non-biodegradable wastes to build a clean &amp; green environment. At the same time, we will ensure an economically viable outcome (ultra-low Sulfur Fuel / Gas / Fertilizer) with proper management &amp; disposal.</em></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Since 2013, I have been working on municipal solid waste (MSW) for fuel, gas, fertilizer, and electricity. My goals are to create local jobs, eliminate environmental issues, and get involved with green energy.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Machineries, software, equipment, technologies, fuel, gas, fertilizer, and green energy.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">How many local businesses do you use to support your business in terms</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">of products and services?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Local welding companies, businesses that supply raw materials, engineers, etc.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Waste Technologies is located at 1376 Chopsey Hill Road</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Bridgeport, CT. Visit them online </span><a href="https://www.wastetechnologiesllc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.wastetechnologiesllc.com/</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Call: 1-203-956-7501.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Follow along on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063574300849&amp;eid=ARD_BaXXjAkZe27ijmZW_Ry3HIUJ4zjBVV-xm4qqkHVN8RKj5eJcAqOdmH7BUDFR_-uhbawpmxNFQXrb#" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Facebook </a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">and X @</span><a href="https://x.com/WasteTechnolog2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">WasteTechnolog2</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></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 class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><strong>BRIDGEPORT, CT&nbsp;-&nbsp;</strong>After a comprehensive search that has spanned two seasons,&nbsp;<strong>the Greater Bridgeport Symphony (GBS)</strong>&nbsp;is excited to announce the appointment of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eduardoleandro.net/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><strong>EDUARDO LEANDRO</strong></a>as Music Director and Principal Conductor.&nbsp;Culled from a field of over 180 applicants, seven finalists vied for the Music Directorship in a competition that concluded in December 2024.&nbsp;Leandro’s grand inaugural concert&nbsp;<strong><em>Something Big!</em></strong>&nbsp;will take place on&nbsp;<strong>Saturday, May 10&nbsp;</strong>at&nbsp;<strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium&nbsp;</strong>in&nbsp;<strong>Bridgeport, CT</strong>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong>7:30pm</strong>.&nbsp;Leandro was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, land of carnival, samba schools and rich musical culture. He attended the Sao Paulo State University, the Rotterdam Conservatory in the Netherlands, and Yale University.&nbsp;His conducting mentor and teacher was Gustav Meier, Music Director of GBS for over four decades. With his fluency in languages, GBS’ Board of Trustees selected Leandro for a myriad of his talents which include being a world-renowned percussionist, an educational leader, and for his proven skills working in community outreach and music education programs with Bridgeport youth. “I wish our audience could have seen Eduardo in Bridgeport’s elementary schools last year,” says GBS President Mark Halstead. “He speaks five languages and was uniquely able to make a real connection with the students.”&nbsp;</p><p>Maestro Eduardo looks forward to broadening communications with the many diverse groups in the greater Bridgeport area.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">He has already made himself known around town through school visits and is now a regular at Bridgeport’s Brazilian&nbsp;</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">churrascarias</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">.&nbsp;“I am looking forward to celebrating life through art here in Bridgeport, and to sharing our beautiful music straight from our souls to you, our listeners and supporters,” says Leandro.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>“I understand how much music can unite and transform a community. I’ve seen that happen many times all over the world, from South Korea to Switzerland to Springfield MA.&nbsp;A symphony orchestra should mirror its community, and I want to see the Greater Bridgeport Symphony doing just that.”&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">GBS’ concert on May 10 will mark Leandro’s debut as Music Director and it will live up to the show’s name</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, Something Big!</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.andrewarmstrong.com/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><strong>Pianist Andrew Armstrong</strong></a><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, a perennial favorite of GBS who got his professional start here some 20+ years ago, will play&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Rachmaninoff’s</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;“</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Piano Concerto No. 2,”</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;and the orchestra will also render&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Mendelssohn’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream”</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">&nbsp;overture and&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Brahms’ “Symphony No. 4</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">. “ “I want to present music that the audience will really enjoy, and that the orchestra will love to play,” Maestro Eduardo said.</span></p><p>GBS extends an invitation to join the celebration of the upcoming 80th&nbsp;Season with a Gala to meet Maestro Eduardo, on&nbsp;<strong>Friday, April 4&nbsp;</strong>from&nbsp;<strong>7:00pm-11:00pm</strong>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<strong>The City Wide Church Ballroom</strong>(formerly Congregation Rodeph Sholom) 2385 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT.&nbsp;The&nbsp;<strong><em>Around the World in 80 Seasons Gala</em></strong>&nbsp;will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, a silent and live auction and music by the&nbsp;<strong>Anthony DeQuattro Quintet</strong>&nbsp;along with a special surprise performance from a young rising star violinist. The Gala honors&nbsp;<strong>Herbert and Doris Harrington</strong>; Mrs. Harrington was an indispensable leader with GBS for over 30 years until her recent passing.&nbsp;Gala tickets are $150 per person or $250 for VIP seating with Maestro Leandro. Tables for eight $1100.&nbsp;Seating is limited. To make a reservation visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.gbs.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.GBS.ORG</a>&nbsp;or call (203)576-0263.Tickets are on sale now for&nbsp;<em>Something Big!</em>&nbsp;at The Klein on May 10, 7:30 PM.&nbsp;Good seats available in all sections from $18 to $72.&nbsp;Family Pack deal available: kids under 19 are free, with accompanying adults getting 15% off regular pricing.&nbsp;Subscriptions for the 2025-26 will go on sale at the end of March.&nbsp;Visit<a href="http://www.gbs.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.GBS.org</a>&nbsp;or call (203)576-0263.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend February 28 - March 2</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/jazz-violinist-sara-caswell-at-jazz-at-the-post" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jazz violinist Sara Caswell</strong></a></p><p><strong>VFW Post 399, Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 28, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Grammy® Nominee Sara Caswell “is a brilliant world-class violinist...one of the very best of the present generation of emerging young jazz stars” according to the late David Baker, internationally-renowned jazz educator and Director of the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. Rooted in an early exposure to a variety of musical genres, Sara’s technical facility intertwined with her gift for lyricism continues to attract growing attention to her artistry as a jazz soloist, sideman, and teacher.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/allie-colleen" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Allie Colleen</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 28, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>A Country Artist, Singer and Songwriter who opened in 2024 for Jelly Roll on the final leg of his Beautifully Broken Tour and also toured with Lee Brice on his Me and My Guitar tour as well as headlined many shows of her own. Her music style defines how life shaped her, alongside the personal lyrics and transparency in both her vocals and performance. Her passion for singing and songwriting since a young age has garnered her a reputation of being a notable songwriter with an iconic-sounding voice.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethel-education-foundation-annual-benefit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Education Foundation Annual Benefit</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Candlewood Inn, Brookfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>This event is our biggest fundraiser attended by parents, educators and community members. The evening includes dinner, DJ &amp; dancing, open bar, plus a silent auction. At the event, the Dr. Janice Jordan Excellence in Education Awards are presented to educators whose creativity within the classroom, school or district has had a significant impact on student performance and achievement.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/taste-in-time---a-dinner-for-the-ages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Taste in Time - A Dinner for the Ages</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society, Wilton</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Take a step back to the past, enjoy great food and drink, and support your local community. On Saturday, March 1st, from 6 to 9 pm, guests are invited to explore the Wilton Historical Society’s beautiful and unique historic spaces as you eat and drink your way through different eras of history.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-philadelphia-story-a-live-radio-play" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Philadelphia Story, a Live Radio Play</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pryor-Hubbard Hall, Redding</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Join Director Nancy Ponturo with her extraordinary cast of actors, and watch the hilarity unfold as Tracy Lord, CK Dexter Haven, and other memorable characters are brought to life in this classic 1940s romantic comedy.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rick-reyes-santos-de-palo-at-voices-cafe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rick Reyes &amp; Santos de Palo</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>Voices Cafe is thrilled to present the dynamic, creative force of Rick Reyes &amp; Santos de Palo on Saturday March 1st at 8pm. This concert promises to be a unique, expansive musical exploration. This innovative fusing of Caribbean Mountain folk music with North American folk traditions such as bluegrass, country, and gospel, takes the Latin Americana music genre to whole different category.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/young-musicians-festival-36a15" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Young Musicians Festival</strong></a></p><p><strong>Saxe Middle School, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 9:00 am - 6:00 pmThe Schubert Club's Young Musicians Festival (YMF) provides adjudicated performance opportunities for students under 18 years of age who receive private instrumental and/or voice instruction. Show off your hard work and receive a gold cup!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/colab-a-new-program-by-the-schubert-club-65498" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>CoLab: A New Program By The Schubert Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Weston</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 2:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>The Schubert Club introduces CoLab, a new pilot program where all ages and all stages come together to perform works from any genre of music: Parents with their children, grandparents with their grandchildren, friends with friends, teachers with students, all combinations or solo. No rules!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/american-chamber-orchestra-s-concerto-competition-e235b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>American Chamber Orchestra's Concerto Competition</strong></a></p><p><strong>Faust Harrison Pianos, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Mar 1, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Applications and details are available through our website. The winners will perform their winning pieces at our Season Finale concert on June 14, 2025. Deadline for applications is February 5.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/first-county-bank-maple-sugar-fest-sunday-38306" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>First County Bank Maple Sugar Fest</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 2, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, join the for the , as they make our very own line of maple syrup from the 200+ mature maple trees found right here on our 118-acre campus. They’re one of only two official maple sugar producers in Fairfield County!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-great-african-dance-exchange---dance-workshop-for-kids-families" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Great African Dance Exchange</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center, Weston</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 2, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Learn about West African dance with your family! Get ready to move those feet. Jolyn will teach traditional dance steps and share her knowledge about dances from the West African country of Ghana. Too shy to dance? No problem! You can participate by playing traditional instruments during the program. Wear comfortable clothing.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sunday-player-piano-soiree" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sunday Player Piano Soiree</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 2, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss an afternoon of enchanting melodies and captivating rhythms as our historic player piano fills the air with delightful tunes chosen by YOU from our music rolls. Immerse yourself in the charm of vintage music, surrounded by our exhibit How the Upper Crust Lived the Gilded Age in Stamford.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sunday-smoke-show-blue-flame-live-band-cabaret-in-an-intimate-cigar-bar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sunday Smoke Show: Blue Flame | Live Band Cabaret</strong></a></p><p><strong>Connecticut Cigar Company, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Mar 2, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Spring is right around the corner, and Sunday Smoke Show: Blue Flame is turning up the heat with burlesque and vocals set to a live blues band. Join us for a night of sultry cabaret entertainment. The blue flame burns hottest. Sunday Smoke Show is a recurring cabaret revue in the newly refurbished cigar lounge, now with a full bar, at Connecticut Cigar Company in downtown Stamford, CT. Get up close and personal with the finest performers from Connecticut, New York City and elsewhere while enjoying craft cocktails and premium hand-rolled cigars in a warm, intimate space sure to raise the temperature till everyone boils over!</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>