<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="https://www.casao.marketing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Casa O Marketing</a></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Mariana “Mimi” Arteaga Pérez, founder and operator of </strong><a href="https://www.casao.marketing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Casa O Marketing.</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</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 fill a need within my community. It all began with helping friends build websites, and soon after, a client asked me to help with their social media. At first, I was hesitant, but they insisted, so I stepped in. That project led to another client, and before I knew it, word spread. I realized that people were craving help in showcasing their incredible gifts, so I decided to dedicate myself to supporting businesses both locally and beyond in sharing their unique stories and values.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What sets Casa O Marketing apart in digital marketing?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">At Casa O Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses grow organically by providing personalized and strategic digital marketing solutions. My passion is helping entrepreneurs and small businesses build authentic connections with their audience through tailored social media management, branding, and content creation. Our focus is on nurturing long-term relationships with our clients and empowering them to showcase their unique talents and values to the world.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our most popular service is our social media management membership. It’s like Netflix for social media marketing—tailored specifically to your business. We work closely with you, capturing and creating custom content designed to connect with your ideal clients and elevate your brand’s presence online.</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, we’ve recently undergone a rebrand! We launched a new website and refreshed our look to better communicate our values and make it easier for business owners to understand what we offer. Along with the new look, we introduced exciting services, such as our 6-week social media course and personalized consulting for those who want to stay hands-on with content creation but need expert guidance and education. This rebrand has made it easier and faster for our clients to work with us and to align their marketing efforts with their business goals.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mimi nominates Janet Taub, founder of </span><a href="https://planet-photography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Planet Photo</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, to be featured next!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Get SOCIAL with Casa O! Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/casaomrkting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">casaomrkting</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/casaomarketing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook</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 class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Nicole Turosky to Vice President, to its subsidiary, Fairfield County Financial Services*. Nicole operates out of Fairfield County Bank’s 150 Danbury Road office in Ridgefield and will serve clients throughout Fairfield County.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">As a Financial Advisor and Osaic Institutions. representative, Nicole helps clients develop well-crafted, personalized plans to protect their financial well being. She is responsible for providing a comprehensive review of assets and implementing strategies to help achieve clients’ financial goals for both today and the future.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“We are very excited to welcome Nicole onto the team of Financial Advisors,” said Daniel Berta, Fairfield County Bank President. “She has a unique skillset and a depth of expertise that will help expand the ways we assist our clients in meeting their financial goals.” </p><p class="ql-align-justify">Ms. Turosky brings with her two decades of experience in the financial services industry. Nicole serves her clients as a trusted advisor, educator, and advocate for individuals, families, business owners and non-profit organizations navigating complex financial landscapes. In addition to achieving the Certified Financial Planner® designation, Nicole is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® giving her the tools needed to guide clients through the emotional and financial complexities that come with high-conflict divorce with clarity, confidence, and long-term stability.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Nicole was born and raised in Danbury, where she still resides with her family. On any given weekend you can find her cheering on her children at sporting events, marching band competitions, or theater productions. She is an avid traveler and enjoys skiing.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><em>*Investment and insurance products and services are offered through Osaic Institutions, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. Fairfield County Financial Services is a trade name of Fairfield County Bank. Osaic Institutions and Fairfield County Bank are not affiliated. Products and services made available through Osaic Institutions are not insured by the FDIC. or any other agency of the United States and are not deposits or obligations of nor guaranteed or insured by any bank or bank affiliate. These products are subject to investment risk, including the possible loss of value.</em></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC) Celebrates 35 years of Mentoring, Making a Difference and Announces 2025 Impact Speaker</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Danbury Student and Business Connection (DSABC), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1990 that builds the character and confidence of Danbury students through mentorship and more, will be holding its Annual Scholarship and Awards Breakfast on Tuesday, June 3 from 7:45 to 9:00 am at the Amber Room Colonnade. Celebrating 35 years of mentoring making a difference, DSABC will be awarding scholarships to more than 10 graduating seniors and recognize mentors who have reached 5, 10 and 15 years of service. This year, DSABC is proud to announce that Chef Shawn Osbey will be the Impact Speaker at the Annual Scholarship and Awards Breakfast.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Known as the “Traveling Chef,” Shawn Osbey, Danbury High School class of 1998 graduate, participated in the DSABC Mentorship Program during his middle and high school years while attending Danbury Public Schools. His mentor provided guidance and support as he successfully graduated high school and then utilized the DSABC scholarship to further his studies.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Osbey founded Chef Shawn Osbey Catering, a luxury culinary service based in Atlanta. He blends Southern flavors with modern flair, delivering high-end experiences for private events and corporate clients. A former basketball player turned chef, Shawn has appeared on Chopped: Spin It to Win It and continues to share his inspiring journey from sports to the kitchen through media features and live cooking events.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">“We are so excited to welcome Chef Shawn back to his hometown to share his story with our mentees who are graduating from the same program that provided him support and guidance,” said Alexis Koukos, Executive Director of DSABC. "His story of finding and following his passion will inspire all, allowing our mentors, students, and attendees to see the firsthand impact of one-on-one mentorship.”&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">For more information about DSABC's programs and to purchase tickets for the breakfast, please visit </span><a href="https://dsabcmentors.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://dsabcmentors.org/</a></p>

<p>The Danbury Feast of San Gennaro will return to Danbury, CT, at 1 Ives Street or its fourth annual event on August 20-24, 2025.&nbsp;</p><p>Local Danbury resident Antonia “Tonina” Chieffalo has been chosen to lead as the 2025 Grand Marshal. Tonina is a proud member of the Italian community, as a member of the Amerigo Vespucci Lodge for the past 60 years. She’s served as Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, and has been the official delegate to the Italian Consulates in Hartford and New York. Tonina has been honored many times by several mayoral proclamations and by the lodge for her work in the community and for her dedication to preserving Italian heritage.</p><p>In a statement from the Galante Family: “Danbury San Gennaro is proud to name Tonina Chieffalo as the 2025 Grand Marshal. Tonina has served Danbury, and the greater Italian community, exceptionally for her entire life. We’re honored to have her and her family join us at this year’s event and represent the importance of celebrating and preserving our heritage in Danbury.”</p><p>The organizers also remember and honor 2024 Grand Marshal, Frank P. Molinaro, who held his title proudly until his passing this past February. On Wednesday, August 20th, Danbury San Gennaro will once again kick-off with a mass at St. Peter’s Church at 4 PM, a blessing of the San Gennaro statue, and a procession down Main St. to Ives St.</p><p>Danbury San Gennaro attracts 1000s of visitors daily from greater Danbury and beyond, who join together to celebrate Italian heritage. As event founder and organizer Tina Galante says, “everyone is Italian during San Gennaro.”</p><p>Tina’s company Diversified Printing Solutions will return as a vendor this year selling Italian-themed apparel. This year, fan favorite food vendors will return including Nicky Zooks fresh mozzarella, local Danbury restaurants Dolce and Stanziato’s pizza, and Danbury San Gennaro’s own sausage &amp; peppers. The 2025 list of food and merchandise vendors is available on&nbsp;<a href="https://danburysangennaro.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(66, 133, 244);">https://danburysangennaro.com/</a>.&nbsp;</p><p>At night, San Gennaro lit the sky with laser light shows and fireworks, and fortunately, it’s all coming back! 11th Hour Productions has partnered with San Gennaro once again to bring 80’s themed light shows including special Metallica and Pink Floyd performances. On Saturday night, attendees will get to experience the proximity-safe firework show that lights off on top of the Patriot parking garage.</p><p>Between carnival rides and full-day to night entertainment, this free event has something for everyone. Musical headliners this year include&nbsp;<em>The Zoo</em>,&nbsp;<em>Beyond Purple</em>, AC/DC tribute band&nbsp;<em>Back in Black</em>, and classic rock band&nbsp;<em>Not Sorry</em>. Italian music takes over the daytime portion of the event with singers Vito Lombardo, the Graceful Tenor Vittorio di Carlo, and “Italian Singing Sensation” Biagio.</p><p><br></p>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion </span><a href="https://www.dronediscovery.biz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Drone Discovery</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">!</span></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Patrick Gallagher founder of </span><a href="https://www.dronediscovery.biz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Drone Discovery</a></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Patrick Gallagher, founder of Drone Discovery, has a rich background in aviation that predates the establishment of his company. He served as an Air Force pilot for seven years, operating as an Aircraft Commander on B-52 aircraft. This experience provided him with a profound understanding of aviation, flight safety, and precision—skills that continue to guide every mission at Drone Discovery.</em></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Q: Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A: I recognized a need for comprehensive drone services and photography in our area.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Q: What is your best-selling service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A: Drone Roof Inspections</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Q: Do you use any local businesses to support Drone Discovery?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A: Yes! Fairfield County Bank.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Q: Have you reimagined your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A: Yes, added many new service this year including drone real estate photography, and tower inspections.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about Drone Discovery by visiting their website </span><a href="https://www.dronediscovery.biz/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.dronediscovery.biz/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:Pacly1@ntplx.net" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Pacly1@ntplx.net</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><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Are You Ready For Wooster School In The Spring? We Are!</strong></p><p>Spring is just around the corner, and with it comes the perfect time to visit Wooster School! We are excited to show you a vibrant learning environment filled with engaging opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom. We're looking forward to a fantastic spring trimester filled with learning, growth, and community spirit!</p><p><a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/admission/upcoming-events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Come learn more about Wooster School this Spring</a>.</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Middle and Upper School Virtual Panel - The Student Experience</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday, April 10 at 6:00 pm</span></p><p><a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/C8JsIj_eQfWFJn8vgSHDhA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Register Today</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Coffee With Wooster at Starbucks (75 Church Hill Road, Newtown, CT) on Friday, April 25 from 9:30 - 11:00 am</span></p><p><a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/fs/pages/698" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Register Today</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Coffee With Wooster at Tusk &amp; Cup (142 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT) on Friday, April 25 from 9:30 - 11:00 am</span></p><p><a href="https://www.woosterschool.org/fs/pages/695" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Register Today</a></p><p><strong><em>Find Where You Belong and Achieve Excellence at Wooster!</em></strong></p><p>To learn more, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.woosterschool.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://www.woosterschool.org/</a>&nbsp;or contact Wooster School Admissions at (203) 830-3916.</p>