<p><strong>Housatonic Habitat Charity Comedy Show Featuring Adam Ferrara </strong></p><p><em>An Evening of Laughter for a Great Cause</em></p><p>Get ready for a night of comedy and compassion as <strong>Housatonic Habitat for Humanity</strong> hosts a <strong>Charity Comedy Show</strong> featuring the hilarious <strong>Adam Ferrara</strong> on <strong>Thursday, January 16, at 7:30 PM</strong> at the <strong>Ridgefield Playhouse</strong>.</p><p>Presented by <strong>HamletHub</strong>, this special event combines entertainment with purpose—every dollar raised will benefit Housatonic Habitat for Humanity's mission to build affordable housing, offer free home repairs to seniors and veterans, and provide financial literacy programs to families within the local community.</p><p>Housatonic Habitat for Humanity is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, operating entirely through local support. This means your contribution directly impacts hardworking families and individuals right here at home.</p><p>About Adam Ferrara</p><p>Known for his infectious humor and quick wit, <strong>Adam Ferrara</strong> is an internationally acclaimed stand-up comedian and actor. With a comedy career that includes <em>Comedy Central Specials</em> and being named “Hilarious” by <em>Entertainment Weekly</em>, Ferrara is guaranteed to have you in stitches.</p><p>Audiences may recognize Ferrara from his standout performances as Chief Needles Nelson in FX’s <em>Rescue Me</em>, Frank Verelli in Showtime's <em>Nurse Jackie</em>, or alongside Kevin James in <em>Paul Blart: Mall Cop</em>. He’s also been seen in <em>Law &amp; Order</em>, <em>The King of Queens</em>, and films like <em>Definitely, Maybe</em>.</p><p><strong>VIP Meet &amp; Greet</strong> options are available for those who’d like to meet Adam Ferrara after the show.</p><p>Your ticket not only promises an evening of non-stop laughs but also supports vital programs that help transform lives and strengthen the community.</p><p><strong>Don’t miss out on this meaningful night of entertainment. Purchase your tickets here:</strong></p><p><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/habitat-for-humanity-fundraiser/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more and purchase tickets</a>.</p><p>Come laugh with us and help Housatonic Habitat for Humanity make a lasting impact—one joke at a time!</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Residents of the Greater Danbury area—including Brookfield, Danbury, Ridgefield, Bethel, Newtown, New Milford, New Fairfield, and Southbury—turned to Connecticut’s first&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Expedia Cruises&nbsp;</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">travel agency to plan their 2024 travel adventures! From relaxing in the tropics to exploring Europe’s timeless charm, locals embraced these top destinations and experiences:</span></p><ol><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Seven-Night Caribbean Cruises</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">: Soak in the sun while visiting four breathtaking tropical destinations.</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Alaska Journeys:</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;Seven-night cruises, either roundtrip or one-way, with optional 3-7 night land tours to explore Denali—a must-see for nature lovers.</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">European Escapes: Italy and France are top picks</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">, whether through all-land tours or extended cruises of seven or more nights. Italian favorites include Rome, the Amalfi Coast, Florence, Venice, and Sicily. For France, travelers often request trips to Paris and Seine river cruises that include a visit to Normandy.</span></li></ol><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Holiday Highlight: Christmas Market River Cruises (booking for 2026 is underway!)</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">"European Christmas Market River Cruises are a favorite,” says Jim Expedia Cruises in Brookfield, Franchisee. “These magical experiences take you to charming old-world villages during the holiday season, fully immersing you in Christmas themes. Availability for November and December 2025 is already limited, and bookings for 2026 are underway."Make 2025 Your Year of Adventure!Whether you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, scenic mountain views, or cultural landmarks, Mary and Jim are ready to help you create unforgettable travel experiences.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Visit Expedia Cruises in Brookfield</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">67 Federal Road and online&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Call for Your Free Consultation: </strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">(203) 429-5589</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Start planning your next getaway with Connecticut’s trusted travel experts at Expedia Cruises. Adventure is just a call or visit away!</span></p>

<p>Looking to add some extra love to your holiday season? Join us this Saturday, December 21st, for our Holiday Adoption Event at DAWS, located at 147 Grassy Plain Street in Bethel, CT!</p><p>Come meet adorable pups and kittens, ready to find their forever homes.</p><p>Whether you're looking for a new best friend or just want to spread some holiday cheer, we’d love to see you there!</p><ul><li>When: Saturday, December 21st from 12-3pm</li><li>Where: DAWS, 147 Grassy Plain Street, Bethel, CT</li></ul><p>Let’s make it a season of love and second chances!</p><p>Learn more <a href="https://daws.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://daws.org/</a></p>

<p><strong>Housatonic Habitat Charity Comedy Show Featuring Adam Ferrara </strong></p><p><em>An Evening of Laughter for a Great Cause</em></p><p>Get ready for a night of comedy and compassion as <strong>Housatonic Habitat for Humanity</strong> hosts a <strong>Charity Comedy Show</strong> featuring the hilarious <strong>Adam Ferrara</strong> on <strong>Thursday, January 16, at 7:30 PM</strong> at the <strong>Ridgefield Playhouse</strong>.</p><p>Presented by <strong>HamletHub</strong>, this special event combines entertainment with purpose—every dollar raised will benefit Housatonic Habitat for Humanity's mission to build affordable housing, offer free home repairs to seniors and veterans, and provide financial literacy programs to families within the local community.</p><p>Housatonic Habitat for Humanity is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, operating entirely through local support. This means your contribution directly impacts hardworking families and individuals right here at home.</p><p>About Adam Ferrara</p><p>Known for his infectious humor and quick wit, <strong>Adam Ferrara</strong> is an internationally acclaimed stand-up comedian and actor. With a comedy career that includes <em>Comedy Central Specials</em> and being named “Hilarious” by <em>Entertainment Weekly</em>, Ferrara is guaranteed to have you in stitches.</p><p>Audiences may recognize Ferrara from his standout performances as Chief Needles Nelson in FX’s <em>Rescue Me</em>, Frank Verelli in Showtime's <em>Nurse Jackie</em>, or alongside Kevin James in <em>Paul Blart: Mall Cop</em>. He’s also been seen in <em>Law &amp; Order</em>, <em>The King of Queens</em>, and films like <em>Definitely, Maybe</em>.</p><p><strong>VIP Meet &amp; Greet</strong> options are available for those who’d like to meet Adam Ferrara after the show.</p><p>Your ticket not only promises an evening of non-stop laughs but also supports vital programs that help transform lives and strengthen the community.</p><p><strong>Don’t miss out on this meaningful night of entertainment. Purchase your tickets here:</strong></p><p><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/habitat-for-humanity-fundraiser/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Learn more and purchase tickets</a>.</p><p>Come laugh with us and help Housatonic Habitat for Humanity make a lasting impact—one joke at a time!</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Brookfield has a Community Center in mind. First Selectman Steve Dunn appointed an Ad Hoc Committee to explore options for a building that could meet the needs of our community for a range of functions, including recreation activities, a library, and multi-purpose meeting spaces. Those broad purposes only outline what might be. We need you to fill in the details:</p><ul><li>What’s your vision of this facility?</li><li>What sizes and configurations of spaces should each of those functions include?</li><li>What programs would you want in those spaces? For you? For your family? For children?</li><li>Does your club or organization have specific needs for a place to meet? To hold events?&nbsp;</li><li>What proportion of the building should be available for impromptu get-togethers?</li><li>What should the building incorporate that already exists in the community?</li><li>Are there seasonal needs the building should meet?</li><li>What outdoor activities would you plan for?</li><li>Is there a similar facility or space you think is a great model for us to use as an example?</li></ul><p>When you visit The Brookfield Library in the coming week, look for this display. Then, grab a pen and add your ideas to the stickies. Let’s dream big and bold for a Brookfield Community Center.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Meet Mary and Jim Villamana Founders of&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Expedia Cruises</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">!</strong></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Editor’s note: Mary, a native of Newtown and Jim, originally from Ridgefield, opened Connecticut’s first Expedia agency in early 2019 at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield.</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;">As empty nesters, we wanted to travel more and see the world. It's a win-win for us to integrate that into our work. It's a fun and exciting industry, we enjoy sharing our experiences and passion for travel and want to help people plan their trips too.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What are your most requested products or services?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Cruises is #1 followed by European land tours and all inclusive resorts. Our tagline is Air, Land and Sea vacations which sums it up well.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Have you reimagined Expedia Cruises Brookfield?</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Although Covid was an extremely difficult time for the travel industry, it gave us the opportunity to learn more about other sectors such as destination weddings and safaris. As a result, we have incorporated that more into our business.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Visit Expedia Cruises website&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Follow along on&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExpediaCruisesInBrookfield" 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;">&nbsp;and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/expediacruisesinbrookfield/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">expediacruisesinbrookfield</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>&nbsp;</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&nbsp;</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>