<p>Bridgeport, CT – It is with immense sadness that Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces the passing of Berry, its cherished red panda. Berry passed away on Wednesday following a veterinary procedure. Despite the dedicated efforts of our veterinary and animal care teams, Berry was slow to recover from anesthesia and sadly, did not survive.</p><p>Berry, at 14 years old, lived a long and remarkable life, far exceeding the typical lifespan of 8-10 years in the wild and slightly longer in managed care. She was a beloved member of our zoo family and a fitting ambassador for her species, captivating the hearts of visitors, staff, and volunteers with her playful demeanor and striking natural beauty. Her presence inspired countless moments of joy and fostered a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation among all who had the privilege of knowing her.&nbsp;Red Pandas are a critically endangered in the wild, with as few as 2,500 individuals remaining.</p><p>Berry also served as the honorary Mayor of the Zoo, a position she held with charm and grace. Her role as Mayor will be paused as we take time to mourn her loss. Details about the continuation of this zoo tradition will be shared at a later time.</p><p>“Berry was such a special part of our zoo community, her passing is a really tough loss for us,” said CEO, Jim Wharton. “She was a true ambassador for her species, helping us educate and inspire guests of all ages about the importance of protecting red pandas and their habitats. Her memory will certainly live on in the hearts of all who loved her.”</p><p>A necropsy will be performed to better understand the details and circumstances surrounding her passing. The zoo will share additional information as it becomes available.</p><p>We extend our gratitude to our veterinary and animal care teams for their exceptional care throughout her life. This loss will be deeply felt by everyone at the zoo and the many who were touched by Berry’s presence.For those wishing to honor Berry’s legacy, the zoo invites the public to support red panda conservation efforts by contributing here&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/donate.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/donate.html</a>.</p><p>For more about the zoo, our animals and visiting hours click here&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.beardsleyzoo.org</a>.</p>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></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.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Armando S Anderson, founder of </strong><a href="https://ptytechllc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>PTYTECH LLC</strong></a>, <strong><em>IT Staffing and Consulting.</em></strong></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);">I started the company in September 2016 to provide expert, high level IT consultants to corporations who are constantly looking for external contractors to augment their internal staff for various projects that could have a short duration and in some cases could take years. We also provide permanent placements if that is the client's desire.</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);">Our core offerings are the placement of high-level IT consultants. We pride ourselves in our ability to quickly respond to our clients' needs with well-qualified, experienced, and mature IT consultants ready to assist our clients with their project needs.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do you use any local businesses to support your PTYTECH?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We tap a network of partners to assist us in locating the best candidates nationwide and in the state of CT. This gives us a much wider breadth and depth of expertise when searching for the best fit for our clients.</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);">Yes, I have reimagined my small business growing 10X larger than it is today and serving a vastly wider range of clients.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on social media </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ptytechllc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.facebook.com/ptytechllc</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">And, visit PTYTECH’s website </span><a href="https://ptytechllc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://ptytechllc.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and </span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/ptytech-llc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">LinkedIn</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> page.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:armando.anderson@ptytechllc.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">armando.anderson@ptytechllc.com</a> </p><p>Visit PTYTECH at 181 Martha Place, Bridgeport</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);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend January 10-12, 2025</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/through-a-different-set-of-eyes-art-exhibition---opening-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Through a Different Set of Eyes" Art Exhibition - Opening Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Library</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 10, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Local artists who have asked to exhibit their works at Wilton Library will be showcased in "Through a Different Set of Eyes," the library's January art exhibition. This exhibition features artists from Wilton and surrounding towns who have submitted inquiries expressing an interest to display their works at the library. Their works represent a wide variety of styles, media, and subject matter. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/documentary-screening-i-hope-this-helps" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Documentary Screening: I Hope This Helps!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Conservatory Black Box</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 10, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>The film is written &amp; directed by Daniel Freed and is Executive Produced by Matthew Modine and Adam Rackoff. "I Hope This Helps" was awarded Best Feature Documentary at TIFF and will screen in Norwalk as part of our kick off celebration. After the screening, the filmmakers will join for a special Q&amp;A to discuss the film and the state of our industry &amp; AI. And don’t miss the Opening Night Party from 8pm - 10pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/best-of-the-eagles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Best of the Eagles</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 10, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>BOTE is the most exact interpretation of the music of the Eagles in America, bar none! Each member mirrors his counterpart in the Eagles instrumentally and vocally. However, this is no simple copy band or impersonator act, but rather a group of excellent musicians who expertly and authentically re-create the songs, the music, the vocals, and the magical aura of one of America’s greatest rock bands. After selling out many venues in the region including the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ, BOTE looks forward to sharing a great night of Eagles hits.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/5th-annual-norwalk-film-festival-214ea" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>5th Annual Norwalk Film Festival</strong></a></p><p><strong>District Music Hall</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 10, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Enjoy a multitude of screenings, insightful filmmaker Q&amp;A’s, and panel discussions. It all starts Friday evening with an opening night party, January 10th at 6pm – all are welcome! Films will be screened Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th at The District Music Hall. Filmmaker Q&amp;A and panels will be held, conveniently, next door at Space67Studios.</p><p><a href="https://www.norwalkfilmfestival.org/2025-festival" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SEED&amp;SPARK WORKSHOP: Crowdfunding to Gain Independence</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts</strong></p><p>Saturday, Jan 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm, offers <strong>. </strong>Learn crowdfunding and building your audience from one of its earliest and most important pioneers. Emily Best is the founder and CEO of Seed&amp;Spark, a platform that makes entertainment more diverse, inclusive, connected and essential. Seed&amp;Spark’s platform and national education program have helped thousands of bold storytellers raise millions to bring to life entirely new stories, and Seed&amp;Spark delivers those stories into workplaces for employee training, engagement, and intelligence through an enterprise SaaS platform Film Forward. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/meet-the-author-an-afternoon-with-guy-trebay-and-chris-frantz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Meet the Author: An Afternoon with Guy Trebay and Chris Frantz</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 11, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Guy Trebay has chronicled culture, both high and low, for decades, writing for The New Yorker, the Village Voice, Interview, Esquire, and Artforum. He has served as a style reporter and critic for The New York Times for the last two decades. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/documentary-screening-ratified" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ratified</strong></a></p><p><strong>District Music Hall</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 11, 2025, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>In partnership with Fund for Women &amp; Girls at Fairfield County's Community Foundation, Norwalk Film Festival presents @ratifythefilm. Ratified follows a multi-racial, multi-generational coalition of activists and politicians taking up the mantle of the 100 year struggle to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment in the US Constitution by pushing Virginia to become the 38th and final state needed to ratify the ERA.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sun-kings" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sun Kings. Relive a magical time in music history with “SUN KINGS – A BEATLES TRIBUTE.”</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 11, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm, welcomes Sit back, relax, and enjoy the music created by one of the most influential bands of our time. You’ll hear many of their No. 1 hits as well as some of their lesser known tunes – all performed with an attention to detail duplicating their tight harmonies, fancy guitar work, and solid backbeat. In other words, that signature Beatles sound! </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/puss-in-boots-9ad05" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Puss in Boots</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 11, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Hold onto your hats and buckle up for a purr-fectly exciting adventure as DCT brings the timeless tale of Puss in Boots to life like never before! Get ready to meet the coolest cat in town—Puss in Boots! With a twinkle in his eye and style for miles, this cunning feline is ready to charm audiences of all ages with his quick wit, killer fashion sense, and oh-so-savvy schemes. Join Puss in Boots on a wild ride as he outsmarts everyone in his path, from bumbling ogres to tricky trolls. But watch out, because this clever kitty might just find himself in some hairy situations along the way!</p><p>Sunday Jan 12, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, <strong>Space67Studios</strong> hosts <strong>The Work - A Filmmaking Workshop</strong>. Part of the Norwalk Film Festival, "The Work" is an intensive four-part series workshop focusing on the day-to-day practice of filmmaking – all of it gleaned from seasoned professionals who roll up their sleeves to develop story, direct a casting, get the shots and master post. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-work---filmmaking-workshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-work---filmmaking-workshop</a></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>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></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.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Lavelle Summerville founder of </strong><a href="https://quikdrawschool.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>QuikDraw Phlebotomy School</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong></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);">I started my business to make an impact on the healthcare industry.</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);">Our best services are our medical assistance and phlebotomy training and certification programs. We also provide staff training services.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How many local businesses do you use to support your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We use several local businesses to support our business such as CareerHub, Platform 2 Employment, UniformZ, and City of Bridgeport SMBE..</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);">I always think of ways to improve our program quality, delivery and outreach.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on social media @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/quikdraw_phlebotomy_school/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">quikdraw_phlebotomy_school</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email&nbsp;</span><a href="mailto:L.Summerville@quikdrawschool.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">L.Summerville@quikdrawschool.com</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit QuikDraw Phlebotomy School online </span><a href="https://quikdrawschool.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://quikdrawschool.com/</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);">&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Mayor Ganim and The City of Bridgeport Emergency Operations Activate Cold Weather Protocol&nbsp;Until January 9, 2025</strong></p><p><strong>Bridgeport, CT</strong>&nbsp;– Mayor Ganim and the Office of Emergency Management advise all residents to be cautious&nbsp;from 6:00 PM&nbsp;of January 6^th&nbsp;through 12:00 PM of&nbsp;January 9^th&nbsp;as a period of intense cold will be in the Bridgeport area resulting in very low wind chill values that are forecasted to be below zero. Residents may utilize the below checklist as a guide to safety during cold weather:</p><ul><li>Check heating devices.</li><li>Do not use a stove or oven to heat your home due to potential gas, carbon monoxide, and fire hazards.</li><li>If using a generator, please follow manufacturing instructions given with packaging and do not use indoors.</li><li>Ensure that pets are brought inside.</li><li>Watch for ice on pipes and ground cover.</li><li>Bundle up if you must go outside.</li><li>Check on elderly neighbors and family members during colder temperatures.</li></ul><p>Mayor Ganim stated, “With the impending winter weather, I would like to reassure Bridgeport residents that everyone’s safety is paramount. I encourage residents to take necessary steps to stay warm during the drop in temperatures while checking on their loved ones and neighbors as we prepare for the next few winter months.”</p><p><strong><u>Warming Centers</u></strong></p><p><strong>Senior Centers (Open only weekdays):</strong></p><ul><li>Black Rock Senior Center –&nbsp;2676 Fairfield Avenue, (9:00am-3:00pm)</li><li>East Side Senior Center –&nbsp;268 Putnam Street, (9:00am-3:00pm)</li><li>Eisenhower Senior Center –&nbsp;307 Golden Hill Street, (9:00am-3:00pm)</li><li>North End Bethany Senior Center –&nbsp;20 Thorme Street, (9:00am- 3:00pm)</li></ul><p><strong>GBT Station</strong></p><ul><li>710 Water Street,&nbsp;Mon- Fri&nbsp;(9am-9pm)</li></ul><p><strong>Bridgeport Public Library Branches:</strong></p><ul><li>Main Branch –&nbsp;925 Broad Street, Mon &amp;&nbsp;Tues (10:00am-6:00pm),&nbsp;Wed (10:00pm-8:00pm),&nbsp;Thurs (12:00pm-8:00pm), Fri &amp;&nbsp;Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).</li><li>Black Rock Branch –&nbsp;2705 Fairfield Avenue, Mon &amp;&nbsp;Wed (10:00am-6:00pm),&nbsp;Tues (10:00am-8:00pm),&nbsp;Thurs (12:00am-8:00pm), Fri &amp;&nbsp;Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).</li><li>Newfield Branch –&nbsp;755 Central Avenue, Mon &amp;&nbsp;Tues (10:00am-6:00pm), Wed &amp;&nbsp;Thurs (10:00am- 7:00pm), Fri &amp;&nbsp;Sat (10:00am-5:00pm). Sunday (Closed).</li><li>North Branch –&nbsp;3455 Madison Avenue, Mon &amp;&nbsp;Wed (10:00am-6:00pm),&nbsp;Tues (12:00pm- 8:00pm),&nbsp;Thurs (10:00am- 8:00pm), Fri &amp;&nbsp;Sat (10:00am-5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).</li><li>Beardsley Branch –&nbsp;2536 East Main Street, Mon(10:00am-6:00pm),&nbsp;Tues (12:00pm-8:00pm) Wed &amp;&nbsp;Thurs (10:00am-8:00pm), Fri &amp;&nbsp;Sat (10:00am-5:00pm) Sunday (Closed).</li><li>East Side Branch – Temporarily closed for renovations</li></ul><p><strong>South End Community Center- Overnight Stay/Case Worker Support</strong></p><ul><li>650 Park Ave– Open24/7</li><li>Limited overnight capacity</li></ul><p><strong>Snow Related Emergencies</strong></p><p>During snowstorms, resident may call the Bridgeport Emergency Operations Center hotline at 203-<strong>579-3800</strong>&nbsp;with any snow emergencies. If residents suffer a loss of electricity, call the United Illuminating customer hotline at 800<strong>-722-5584</strong>. Both numbers are for 24-hour emergency service. Any immediate danger to life and health issues, please call 9-1-1.</p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub, Fairfield County Bank, and Small &amp; Minority Business Enterprise (SMBE) Partner to Spotlight Bridgeport Area Businesses</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub is proud to announce a new collaboration with Fairfield County Bank and the Small &amp; Minority Business Enterprise (SMBE) to empower businesses in the Bridgeport area. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering a thriving local business community by offering visibility and support to entrepreneurs.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(67, 67, 67);">Register to Attend Our FREE Webinar</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Want to find out how your business can benefit? Join us for a free webinar on January 7, 2025, at 1 PM, where we’ll provide all the details about this exciting initiative. </span><a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/cacdc418-7a55-4747-87c2-73de4b49507d@32284bde-e685-4f9f-9e18-dc8b1c47f99f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Click Here to Register</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><h3><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(67, 67, 67);">What This Partnership Offers</span></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Through this initiative, Bridgeport businesses will be showcased free of charge, providing them with an expanded platform to highlight their services and products. It’s a unique opportunity to gain valuable exposure while strengthening connections within the local economy.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Don’t miss this chance to discover how your business can grow with the help of this groundbreaking collaboration.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p>