Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

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!

You're IT Music Beast!

Three questions with , Executive Producer at Music Beast.

Why did you start your business?

Music Beast was started in NYC in 2000. We create original music for advertising, TV, and film. No project is too small or too big!

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?

Most of our clients work remotely which made it a natural progression.

Have you "reimagined" your small business?

We reimagined the business by downsizing and still delivering the same product but with less staff and overhead. During Covid, we closed the Manhattan studio and moved it to Cos Cob.

Visit Music Beast online here, and make sure to check out their Facebook page as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

A large obelisk lists the names of the male founders of Hartford buried in the Ancient Burying Ground, but it excludes the many women who made their efforts possible and kept Hartford running.

On March 30 at 6 pm, Dr. Katherine Hermes, executive director and publisher of Connecticut Explored magazine, will present compelling narratives of several of these women, ranging from the daughters, wives, and widows of the founders to the Native, African, and African-American female servants and enslaved women who managed the households. She will also explore the lives of people like Ruth Moore who was the first woman of color to leave a will in colonial Hartford, and Sarah Onepenny, a leading elder of the Wangunk. For more information and to register for the free Zoom lecture: https://greenwichhistory.org/event/stories-from-womens-lives/

The 'Shining a Light' Lecture Series offers captivating stories of people and organizations who have had a profound impact on the history of the Northeast, and whose work provides additional perspective for a more complete history. 

Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell Tucker today announced that the Connecticut State Department of Education is preparing to launch the Connecticut High-Dosage Tutoring Program – a new statewide program for students in grades 6 to 9 that will provide intensive tutoring in mathematics to accelerate learning and address learning loss resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

To support the creation of this program, the Connecticut State Department of Education is allocating $10 million from its share of federal COVID-19 recovery funds provided through the American Rescue Plan Elementary and Secondary School Relief Fund. The dedication of this funding represents a continued commitment by the Lamont administration and the State Department of Education to invest in programs with a demonstrable and time-tested record of impact on student learning.

An analysis of 2022 Smarter Balanced Assessment scores shows “declines in student proficiency of around 6 to 8 percentage points in English language arts and math.” Students in grades 6 to 8 “may be 5 to 7 months behind in English language arts and a year or more behind in math.” Additionally, recent National Assessment for Educational Progress results in Connecticut reveal significant declines in math scores since the assessment was first administered in 1990.

High-dosage tutoring is a nationally recognized education strategy for boosting student academic achievement. It is being implemented in states and districts across the country as they seek ways to address learning loss from the pandemic. When implemented in accordance with rigorous and well-tested design principles, research has found that students can learn as much as one to two years of math beyond what they might typically achieve in the classroom and experience reductions in failure rates by more than 50%. Elements of Connecticut’s model, which will be released in the coming weeks, will adhere closely to these research principles.

The State Department of Education is preparing to make this program available in Connecticut schools during the 2023-2024 academic year. The department will soon launch a competitive grant application for school districts that are interested in participating. In addition to grant funding, a vetted list of approved tutoring providers will be provided to school districts from which they can choose to augment their school’s tutoring capacity.

To prepare for the program’s launch, the State Department of Education is currently soliciting surveys from tutoring providers that are interested in participating. Tutoring providers that want to be considered can fill out the survey that is available online at portal.ct.gov/SDE/COVID19/AccelerateCT/High-Dosage-Tutoring.

Additionally, the State Department of Education will soon release a request for a technical assistance provider to join the department in coaching schools on best practices for building high-dosage tutoring programs.

More information on the Connecticut High-Dosage Tutoring Program and updates on its development are being published online at portal.ct.gov/SDE/COVID19/AccelerateCT/High-Dosage-Tutoring.

The Greenwich Art Society is offering Intro to Acrylic Painting Classes with Joe Fama

11 TUESDAYS
April 11 through June 20
10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Discover the fundamentals needed to capture form, shading, composition, and study values with the three primary colors. Will be painting from still life and landscapes. You will also be learning how to set up a full palette of color and how to create a strong compositional design. No prerequisites required. On the first day of class, please bring a drawing or painting as a sample of your skill level. Bring only these materials for the first class: a tube of black and a tube of white acrylic paint / Brushes: Filbert-Bristle #2, #6, #9 / Canvas Pad – 14”x17” / Palette: White enamel tray. Class will be held in G.A.S. Studio with physical distance zones and all CDC precautions. Max. 8 students.

​registration and information on our website at www.greenwichartsociety.org

Abilis, the nonprofit organization providing services and support to more than 800 individuals with special needs and their families, is excited to celebrate its annual Spring for Abilis Gala!

This wonderful, fun-filled night will be held Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Woodway Country Club in Darien, Connecticut. Billy Blanks Jr. will be the celebrity emcee and music will be provided by ETA Music. Dinner, dancing and a live and silent auction will also be featured. To become a sponsor or purchase tickets, visit abilis.us and click on the Spring for Abilis banner.

This year’s 2023 Spring for Abilis Gala co-chairs are Barbara Goldsmith of Darien, Connecticut, and Leslie Smith Clarke of Westport, Connecticut. Both Barbara and Leslie are mothers of young adults who are provided with residential and day supports at Abilis. They truly understand the importance of the work that Abilis does throughout lower Fairfield County and are excited to support the organization in such a meaningful way. Funds raised at the 2023 Spring for Abilis event will support new initiatives at Abilis.

“We are so excited to be back in-person for our annual Spring for Abilis Gala,” said Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. “The last couple years we have held our Gala online, and while those were fun and featured great entertainers, singing and dancing, it was not the same as being all together in person. This year will be wonderful, and we are so excited to have Billy Blanks Jr. as our emcee. Billy has been a huge supporter of Abilis over the years and he always puts on an amazing show! We hope you can join us!”

Those wishing to support Spring for Abilis can purchase tickets online by visiting abilis.us and clicking on the Spring for Abilis banner or visiting the GiveSmart Spring for Abilis page. Stay tuned for news on the opening of bidding for the Abilis Giving Garden and Art Gallery that offers wonderful, one-of-a-kind artwork created by the Abilis program participants, as well as fabulous silent auction items. The Abilis Giving Garden is also a place where supporters can purchase much-needed items for Abilis’ programs, such as diapers, educational games and books for Abilis’ Birth to Three program. More information on the opening of the Giving Garden and Art Gallery will be coming soon.

Special thanks to Spring for Abilis sponsors Holland & Knight, DARCARS Automotive Group - Lexus of Greenwich, Infiniti of Greenwich and Lexus of Mt. Kisco, Barbara and Rick Goldsmith, Fran and Mitch Cohen, the Halper family, Cheryl Vitali and James Shapiro, The Leslie Clarke Team, Connecticut Pharmacy, and AmFund and Greenwich Magazine/Moffly Media.

Photos: This year's Spring for Abilis co-chairs Barbara Goldsmith and Leslie Smith Clarke, pictured with their children Jack Goldsmith and Paige Clarke, who receive services and supports from Abilis. Photo credit: Cara Gilbride, Callalily Studios.

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

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!

You’re IT RZ Connection!

Three questions with Randi Hutton founder of RZ Connection LLC

RZ Connection LLC provides professional organizing, move management, downsizing and estate services.

Why did you start your business?

I have a friend whose basement was full of items inherited from both her and her husband’s families. I offered to help and quickly realized that added breathing space and mental clarity came with decluttering and organizing. The benefits were so apparent, I thought I could create a business of professional organizing.

What are your most popular services?

Organizing for a Move, Selling items of value and Estate Services. My services all tend to be intertwined. Organizing for a Move, for instance, often means also selling items of value.

Have you reimagined your small business?

Yes. I started RZC in Fairfield County. Then our services reached Westchester County, Manhattan and Brooklyn, New York. This past year we expanded into Florida. I will increase our reach further in the coming year.

Visit RZ Connection online www.therzconnection.com and on Facebook here.

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

Society for Science announced last evening that Greenwich High School senior Ambika Grover was included in the top 10 of winners in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Ambika, 17, received an $80,000 award for her sixth place finish by developing an injectable layered microbubble designed to target and break up blood clots and prevent them from reforming. She believes this can be used to restore the flow of oxygen-carrying blood to the brains of ischemic stroke victims.   

Ambika, along with fellow GHS senior and finalist, Angie Fogarty, participated in a week-long competition in which they underwent a rigorous judging process that goes beyond their own research to encompass other scientific disciplines and compete for more than $1.8 million in awards. They had the opportunity to interact with leading scientists and share their research during a virtual “Public Day” event. Angie received $25,000 for being named one of 40 finalists in January.

The competition, now in its 82nd year, celebrates and rewards young scientists, nation-wide, focused on a wide range of scientific topics. This year, those topics include everything from cancer research to climate change to the space race and more. More than $1.8 million was awarded to the finalists, who were evaluated based on their projects’ scientific rigor, their exceptional problem-solving abilities and their potential to become leaders in STEM. 

Watch last evening’s Regeneron STS 2023 Awards Ceremony in its entirety, or skip to the 1:11:45 mark to see Ambika receive her honor.

Why Small Businesses Matter

Shop small, do big things for your community

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!

You're IT Ever Vigilant Preparedness!

Three questions with Ryan Kerwin, founder of Ever Vigilant Preparedness.

Why did you start your business?

Ever Vigilant Preparedness (EVP) was created in early 2021 after I felt compelled to bring my knowledge and passion for emergency and disaster preparedness to life in a way that could positively influence my local community and help others feel confident in their environment before a disaster strikes.

We've all experienced several years of uncertainty in the world coupled with unexpected weather-related emergencies (i.e. tropical storm Isaias), which is why my goal is to educate, equip and prepare a community of self-sufficient citizens with the right tools and information they never knew they needed. My plans are customizable, thorough, and thoughtful, backed by personal and professional experience as a Veteran of the USMC and my current job role as a First Responder.

Most of my life has been spent helping others and being alert - EVP is another extension of that for me.

What is your best-selling product/service?

In my opinion, the best product I can offer you is my service package: The Works. It includes a 15-point in-home assessment that results in a comprehensive all-hazards emergency plan for sheltering in the home; a 5-point vehicle inspection that will ensure your mode of transportation is equipped and ready to safely deliver you to a safe location (if need be) and customized evacuation bags built to meet a variety of emergency scenarios from short to long term.

All of my offerings include the initial assessment and a follow-up consultation visit along with the opportunity for me to continue guiding you through your preparedness journey, if interested.

How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?

It's very important for me to support local small businesses in any way that I can either through the recommendations I make in my customized assessments (shout out to Greenwich Jiu Jitsu, Montgomery Pinetum, Greenwich Botanical Center, Everybody Water, and others) or creating marketing materials for my business - thank you, Chilly Bear and Signarama!

Kellie would like to nominate Kellie Kerwin PR, The Ice Exchange, Hey Roost, and Greenwich Jiu Jitsu to be featured next!

Visit Ever Vigilant Preparedness online here, and make sure to check out their Instagram page as well!

HamletHub thanks Fairfield County Bank for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!

The number one organization for girls is turning 111 years young this year! Locally, Girls Scouts of Connecticut is marking the momentous milestone on March 12, 2023 with one-derful events, including a proclamation from Governor Ned Lamont, to kick off National Girl Scout Week March 12-18.

“The founding of Girl Scouts played a pivotal part of women’s history in America and across the globe,” said Diana Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT). “We honor our rich traditions while adapting to the changing needs of girls to keep them engaged, empowered and excited.”

Mahoney explains the annual weeklong observance encourages Girl Scouts, alums, and volunteers to shout their Girl Scout pride from the rooftops and find ways to connect with one another and give back. Individual troops plan their own activities and take part in national events as well.

Mahoney shares a sampling of Connecticut troop special initiatives:

• Sunday, March 12: Girl Scout Sunday is a special day dedicated to thinking about your beliefs and how they’re reflected in the Girl Scout Law.
• Sunday, March 12: Happy Birthday Girl Scouts! On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts!
• Monday, March 13: Girl Scout Traditions! Do a good deed, even if it is small.
• Tuesday, March 14: Celebrate STEM with Pi! Today is Pi Day (3.14) and a day to celebrate women in science, technology, engineering, and math!
• Wednesday, March 15: Celebrate Outdoors! Get outdoors today and explore!
• Thursday, March 16: Show your Girl Scout Spirit! Wear your uniform and pins proudly to show you are a Girl Scout, who lives with courage, confidence, and character, and who makes the world a better place!
• Friday, March 17: Celebrate our Girl Scout History!
• Friday, March 17: Girl Scout Jummah is a special day dedicated to thinking about your beliefs and how they’re reflected in the Girl Scout Law.
• Saturday, March 18: Girl Scout Sabbath Saturday is a special day dedicated to thinking about your beliefs and how they’re reflected in the Girl Scout Law. 

“Girl Scout week also falls during Women’s History Month when we remember resilient women throughout history,” notes Mahoney. “From the trailblazing vision of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, to the countless Girl Scouts and Girl Scout alums who made or are making strides for women every day, it’s a great time to get inspired and discover just how much of a difference every girl can make by speaking up and showing up.”

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is the largest leadership organization for girls in the world. Currently, there are about 2.5 million girl and adult members worldwide. Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the world. Girl Scouts sell about 200 million boxes of cookies—nearly $800 million worth—during each cookie season. GSOFCT shares a fun fashion look back at troop uniforms throughout the years.

Discover more about Girl Scouts’ Women's History Month at https://linktr.ee/gsofct.

PHOTO: Girl Scouts of Connecticut is celebrating its 111^th birthday on March 12, 2023 with a host of local events and troop initiatives.

Credit: Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Gunner, a Connecticut based company that provides roofing, siding, gutter and window installation services to customers in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York, has announced the launch of its proprietary, online platform for roofing estimates.  The new, patent-pending technology will allow customers to easily shop for and fully purchase a new roof and schedule the work online in a matter of hours.

“When we opened our doors five years ago, we made it our goal to provide quality work with fully transparent, exceptional customer service,” said Andrew Prchal, Customer Experience Office and Co-Owner, Gunner.  “Excelling at customer service really begins at the very first point of contact, and we knew there had to be a simpler, faster way for our clients to shop for and purchase a roof, instead of playing email and phone tag with our sales team, scheduling on-site visits and having little control over scheduling the actual work.  We have spent years developing this new platform and are excited to share its ease of use for a chore that no homeowner wants to be bogged down with!”

“From start to finish, our new technology will allow customers to shop for, select a roof and optional add-ons, fully purchase – including opting into financing options, and self-schedule the start of on-site work,” added Eddie Prchal, CEO and Co-Owner, Gunner.  “We are confident that, in today’s world where most consumers prefer the ease of self-directed, online transactions, this new process is going to revolutionize the industry and in years to come, become the industry norm for not only roofs, but windows, siding and more!”

Customers will log on to www.gunnerroofing.com, creating a log-in for a password protected site with their project address, contact information and high-level details.  Upon receiving an email confirming the quote submission, a link will direct customers back to the site to invite them to customize a number of options related to the project, including shingle color, and options such as adding gutters and skylights.  Using satellite measuring, a VR mock-up of the project home will allow homeowners to see color and style options on their house, as well as view an informational, clickable demo providing an overview of a roofing project and warranty information.  A calendar will allow customers to select a preferred start date for the work (featuring real-time availability of Gunner’s in-house installation crews), and a total estimate for the project with payment and financing options will be calculated. After inputting and processing payment information, an email will confirm the payment and project details and offer an introduction to Gunner’s in-house team of industry experts who will be a part of the project from start to finish.  A live, on-site, pre-install meeting will also be scheduled to go over all details in-person prior to start of work.

For the initial launch, customers with properties located in Fairfield County, Connecticut, Bergen, Morris and Passaic counties, New Jersey, and Rockland and Westchester counties, New York, will be able to utilize the new online platform.  In the coming months, Gunner will deploy updates to the software, which will include the ability to purchase a new or schedule roofing repairs in connection with insurance claims, expand its geographical customer base, as well as offer the option to add-on windows, siding and more.

Gunner partnered with Click Here Labs for the development and launch of this new platform and website.

Gunner is a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association, and amongst other associations, certifications and honors, are part of the elite GAF President’s Club and James Hardie President’s Club, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMasters and Anderson Certified Contractor.

For more information, visit https://www.gunnerroofing.com/ or the company’s Facebook (@gunnerroofing) or Instagram (@gunnerroofing) channels.

Greenwich St. Patrick's Day Parade will be on March 19, 2023

STAMFORD—This year, Stamford Police Sergeant Patrick Loughran will be leading the Stamford St. Patrick’s Day Parade as Grand Marshal. In tribute to Patrick’s service to the community, the Irish American Cultural Society of Stamford (IACSOS) will be donating ten Grand Marshal’s Dinner tickets to Stamford-based first responders.

The Grand Marshal’s Dinner will be held on Friday, March 3 at Serafina at the Italian Center, 1620 Newfield Ave, Stamford, beginning at 6 pm.

Donated ticket recipients will be selected via raffle. Stamford-based first responders will be eligible to receive one donated ticket each. Each ticket is valued at $150. Those who are interested should e-mail sfcarnes@gmail.com with their request to participate, indicating their full name, mailing address and first-responder affiliation (i.e., EMT, firefighter, paramedic, police). Requests should be made by Friday, February 17 at 6pm.

Individuals may submit on behalf of themselves or another person, however only one submission per person will be honored. Winners’ active participation as Stamford-based first responders will be verified. Winners will be notified by Sunday, February 19.

2023 marks the 28th anniversary of the parade, which will be held on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at 2 pm in downtown Stamford. With participation from more than 80 community marching units, pipe bands, dancers and school organizations, the parade is Stamford’s premier spring event and is the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Fairfield County.

The Parade and its associated events are run by the IACSOS which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Those interested in becoming a sponsor, making a donation, purchasing dinner tickets, or getting involved as a volunteer should contact Michael Feighan by e-mail at StamfordSPDP@gmail.com.