<p>Bridgeport, CT – The Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC), along with its members Jeff and Sarah Roy, and the Honorable Mayor Joe Ganim and his team, cordially invite members of the press and community to join in celebrating the grand opening of&nbsp;<strong>Sound Coffee Black Rock</strong>, the newest expansion of Sound Coffee.</p><p><strong>Event Details:</strong></p><p><strong>Location:</strong>&nbsp;Sound Coffee Black Rock, 2889 Fairfield Avenue, Bridgeport, CT</p><p><strong>Date &amp; Time:</strong>&nbsp;Wednesday, May 7, 2025 4pm!</p><p>This exciting opening marks the expansion of a beloved local business and introduces a new coffee house and community gathering space in the heart of Black Rock. Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from city and business leaders, and the opportunity to experience the welcoming atmosphere of this new neighborhood meeting place.</p><p>Join us for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, remarks from community leaders, and a first look at the new location.</p><p><a href="https://soundcoffees.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Sound Coffee: Premium, Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans in Bridgeport, CT</a></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Bridgeport, CT - Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo turns up the heat for this year’s Wild Wine, Beer &amp; Food Safari on Saturday June 7th, with a next-level, local celebrity twist.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce that Chef Cathy Cann, the culinary queen behind Cat’s Kitchen of Connecticut, will be featured during VIP Hour at this year’s must-attend fundraising event! Cathy Cann was recently a participant on FOX’s hit show "Next Level Chef" with Gordon Ramsay, where her bold flavors and creative cooking took the stage.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Guests at the VIP Hour on Saturday, June 7th will get a chance to taste Cat’s creations in person—before the gates open. With early entry, special animal encounters, and exclusive pours from Foolproof Brewing, Sound Coffee and Bites Company, this experience is nothing short of unforgettable. Tickets for VIP hour are limited and almost sold out, click here for your tickets: </span><a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Chef Cathy Cann’s involvement is a preview of the caliber of offerings attendees will find throughout the entire event. The Wild Wine, Beer &amp; Food Safari is a full-flavored expedition through a vibrant scene with over 40 incredible foods, beer, and wine vendors, each offering tastes as exciting and diverse as the animals on exhibit.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Wild Wine, Beer &amp; Food Safari features fare from local restaurants and caterers such as: Amrita Health Foods, The Batch Pantry, Colossal Kielbasa, Shake Shack, East Coast Clambakes, Dave Grant Caterers, Fortuna’s, Garden Catering, Lesser Evil, Little Pub, Nuovo Pasta, Palmer’s Catering &amp; Events, Retreat Sweets, Rose Sisters Chips, Taco Loco, The Taste Garden, Vazzy’s, and Vinny’s Pizza.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Guests will also enjoy live music, fun games, a premium silent auction, and encounters with amazing zoo animals. Don’t miss your chance to eat, drink, and go wild for a great cause! Click here for tickets and more details: </span><a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Thank you to all sponsors who make this event possible: Generous Guinea Hog Sponsors M&amp;T Bank. Grand Gator Sponsor Liberty Bank. Big Hearted Bear Sponsors Aquarion, Ring’s End, Coca-Cola Northeast, Baileys and Casamigos. Opulent Otter Sponsors: Industrial Health &amp; Safety Consultants, LLC and Shoprite. Kind Condor Sponsor: Robinson &amp; Cole LLP. To volunteer, sponsor, purchase tickets, or more about the silent auction please visit the website at: </span><a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. Stay updated by following us on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ConnecticutsBeardsleyZoo/" 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 </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ctbeardsleyzoo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Instagram</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> for the latest news and announcements.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend April 18-20</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">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.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-daffodil-daydream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Daffodil Daydream</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 18, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Step into three million blooming daffodils and let inspiration find you! Whether you want to paint, write poetry, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax, this afternoon is yours to unwind while listening to the peaceful sound of the harp.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/egg-straordinary-egg-stravaganza" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>A little birdie told us some egg-citing news...our Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza is hopping back to Stepping Stones on April 19! Get ready for a crackin’ good time with egg hunts, egg-quisite activities and nonstop fun for the whole flock. With a day this egg-stra special, everything’s looking sunny-side up!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-daffodil-dreams-hunt-paint-play-for-children-of-all-ages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Daffodil Dreams: Hunt, Paint, &amp; Play! For Children of all ages!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Hop into Spring with an Easter Egg Hunt &amp; Painting in the Daffodils! (Children's Event)</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethe-pride-s-book-club-ebd99" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Pride's Book Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Come discuss a book on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. There will be a catch up session at end of the year to review everything from the year!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/1964-the-beatles-tribute" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>1964 The Beatles Tribute</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>They are hailed by critics and fans alike as THE most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute….which has earned them the distinction from Rolling Stone magazine as the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sleeping-beauty-a8db2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sleeping Beauty</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm</p><p>Get ready for a magical journey into the land of fairy tales at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, where dreams come true and adventure awaits around every corner! In our final enchanting TYA production of 2025, witness the timeless tale of a beautiful princess cursed into a deep slumber, awaiting the kiss of true love to awaken her. But fear not, because a brave prince is ready to rise to the challenge! With his trusty sword in hand, he sets off to rescue the princess from the clutches of an evil witch and face the fiery breath of a fierce dragon.</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>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="https://nbalab.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">NBALAB</a></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet </strong><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/billikid/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Billi Kid</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> founder of NBALAB</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);">We launched NBALAB to drive product innovation and expansion for the NBA’s Global Licensing Group. As an experimental platform, NBALAB collaborates with visionary companies and individuals making waves in their respective industries, exploring new consumer goods and product categories. Successful partners gain the opportunity for further product development and potential long-term licensing within the league.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your company's mission?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We support small and minority-owned brands in their pursuit of NBA and NBPA IP licensing rights—opportunities that are typically reserved for larger companies with the resources to meet legal and financial requirements. Our mission is to help emerging brands navigate this process and grow within the NBA ecosystem.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How do you support fellow local businesses?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A great example of our innovative approach is BLACC BOTTLE, a local brand based in Bridgeport, which we’ve helped explore licensing opportunities in ways that challenge industry norms.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you re-imaganed NBALAB?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We are constantly evolving, drawing inspiration from both emerging and seasoned entrepreneurs who challenge us to rethink and refine our approach. Their creativity, resilience, and fresh perspectives fuel our innovation, ensuring that we stay ahead of the curve in an ever-changing marketplace.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit the company website </span><a href="https://nbalab.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://nbalab.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and follow along on social media @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nbalab/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">nbalab</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:bk@nbalab.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">bk@nbalab.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></p>

<p>Breen-Ryan has been elected Ms President US Bridgeport for 2025. At the annual Signature Campaign and Election, an inspiring event held at Wilton High School, participants voted for Oola, an 8th grader at Unquowa School, whose platform focused on Arts Programming for Bridgeport Youth, along with her running mates, Vice President Clara Scotto, PR Director Vivian Kelley, and Campaign Manager Emily Smith.</p><p>The event brought together 23 young girls, grades 4–8, from 12 Connecticut towns, who presented their campaign platforms with passion and poise before an audience of over 200 community members, elected officials, and civic leaders. The Keynote speaker, Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, shared her admiration for the candidates’ hard work.</p><p>“When I was looking at your platforms, I thought anyone just seeing that document would not realize that you were all still students, because these are the issues that I've seen tackled every day in the state legislature and at the federal level,” she said.</p><p>Many state and local elected officials were present to lend their support to the candidates, including State Senator Ceci Maher State Representative Savet Constantine, State Representative Annie Hughes, First Selectperson Rudy Marconi, First Selectwoman Toni Boucher, First Selectwoman Julia Pemberton, Selectwoman Kim Healy, and Board of Education member Tina Malhotra. The program, designed to inspire and prepare girls for leadership roles, is the culmination of hard work over the past six months.</p><p>“Our goal has always been to cultivate the next generation of female leaders, and today we saw firsthand the incredible potential of these young changemakers,” said Amanda Cordano, Executive Director of Ms President&nbsp;US. In recognition of her achievement, Oola has been invited by Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim to participate in civic activities throughout Bridgeport throughout the upcoming year, in addition to pursuing her platform. Ms President US is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young girls to pursue leadership roles in their communities and beyond. Through educational programming and hands-on experiences, the organization empowers young women to become the leaders of tomorrow. </p><p>For more information about Ms President US and to register for the upcoming session, visit</p><p>&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mspresident" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.mspresident</a></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">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.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/oliver-nurseries-plein-air-speaker-series-9d503" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Plein Air Speaker Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Oliver Nurseries and Design Associates, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 12, 10:00 am - 10:45 am</p><p>Make a morning of it by grabbing coffee at our coffee bar, strolling our park-like grounds, checking out our curated selection of vendors and connecting with our gardening community!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/plant-swap-6edc3" 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 Apr 12, 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 home and you can bring plants without taking.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-day-luck-of-the-irish" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Family Day: Luck of the Irish!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bellarmine Hall, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 12, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>During this Family Day event, kids ages 4-10 will get to create St. Brigid's crosses - an Irish tradition of a woven cross that is hung over a doorway to evoke St. Brigid's blessings and mark the beginning of Spring!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/an-easter-on-mulberry-street---play-reading" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"An Easter on Mulberry Street" - Play Reading</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center, Weston</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 12, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>An Italian-American family prepares for Easter on the home front during WWII in this bittersweet comedy written and directed by Frank S. Petrilli.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-rock-and-roll-playhouse-music-of-taylor-swift" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Rock And Roll Playhouse: Music of Taylor Swift</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong>Sunday Apr 13, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>The Rock and Roll Playhouse, a family concert series hosted at historic music venues across the country, allows kids to “move, play and sing while listening to works from the classic-rock canon” (NY Times). Performing songs created by the most iconic musicians in rock history, The Rock and Roll Playhouse band offers its core audience of families with children aged ten and under games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out in an effort to educate children and explore their creativity.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/tulip-bulb-opening-reception-at-grace-salmon-park" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tulip Bulb: Opening Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Grace K Salmon Park, Westport</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 13, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Emily Teall's interactive steel sculpture, Tulip Bulb, has been planted at its new home in Westport, CT! Tulip Bulb is now at Grace K. Salmon Park at Imperial Landing, where it will remain for the next 5 years. This event will also feature poetry by Donna Disch and local musicians. Please come by to celebrate!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/ancient-aliens" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ancient Aliens</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday Apr 13, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Ancient Aliens LIVE is an experiential extension of Ancient Aliens that explores the theory that extraterrestrials have visited Earth for millions of years. The ninety-minute live experience celebrates the long-running program Ancient Aliens on The HISTORY Channel and features leading Ancient Astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos, investigative mythologist William Henry, UFO investigator Nick Pope, and ancient civilizations expert, Jason Martell, as they discuss thought-provoking extraterrestrial theories on fan-favorite topics from Ancient Egypt to the moon, paving the long road to Disclosure.</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>