Stories
<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 </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 </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><span style="background-color: transparent;">Seven-Night Caribbean Cruises: Soak in the sun while visiting four breathtaking tropical destinations.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Alaska Journeys: 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><span style="background-color: transparent;">European Escapes: Italy and France are top picks, 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><h3><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Holiday Highlight: Christmas Market River Cruises (booking for 2026 is underway!)</span></h3><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."</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Make 2025 Your Year of Adventure!</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">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 </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></p><p><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>
<h2><strong><u>Indian Avenue, Danbury For Rent</u></strong></h2><p>Picturesque and updated ranch home in The Cedars, a scenic Candlewood Lake community, offering a private beach, community picnic area, and walking paths. This charming home offers central air; hardwood floors; gracious living room with fieldstone fireplace; inviting kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances; two spacious bedrooms including the primary bedroom with in-closet laundry; plus the lux bath with subway tiled tub/shower. </p><p>The fenced-in backyard provides the perfect setting for outdoor relaxation and entertaining with level lawn and spacious stone patio with custom fire pit. Also included are an attached utility/storage room with extra fridge; detached one-car garage; plus a detached garden shed. Inquire about the optional boat slip - available at an extra charge. The Cedars' location provides easy access to Danbury's shopping centers, restaurants, and major highways for commuters. Ready for immediate occupancy. Pets considered on a case-by-case basis. </p><p><strong>Offered at $3,250/month.</strong></p><p><strong>To learn more about this home, contact Laura Ancona </strong><a href="https://www.williampitt.com/our-agents/list/lauraancona" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.williampitt.com/our-agents/list/lauraancona/</a></p><p>To view additional photos of this home click <a href="https://www.williampitt.com/search/real-estate-sales/6-indian-avenue-danbury-ct-06811-24064746-42631574" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br></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 Steven Vazquez founder of </strong><a href="https://svautonow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SV Auto Detailing & Dent Repair</strong></a>.</p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Your go-to shop in Danbury and the surrounding towns for all your paintless dent repair, ceramic coating, and detailing needs.</em></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 because I worked as a Used Car Manager for many years and I saw how taking care of your paint and keeping up with the cleanliness of it really helped hold its value. I wanted to provide a service to do just that. I Partnered up with a friend of mine, Santana who is a dent repair tech and that’s how we started SV Auto Detailing & Dent Repair.</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-selling service is our Gold Package Detail. This service is a true spa day for your vehicle. We hand wash and disinfect your paint, polish it and apply a 6 month ceramic protection to the outside. Inside receives a deep vacuum along with a deep shampoo & steam cleaning. We clean the headliner, the engine bay and anywhere else you can think of. I would love for everyone to experience the Gold Package Detail at SV Auto.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do you use any local businesses to support your business and can you name them?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We work closely with places like Poppy’s Car Storage, Danbury Auto Sales, Danbury Dodge & Kia, Danbury Porsche and more.</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);">Absolutely! I’ve reimagined my detailing and dent repair business several times. The industry is constantly evolving, and so are customer expectations. For example, we expanded from traditional detailing and dent repair into offering a New Car Prep Package with a 6-year ceramic coating, catering specifically to brand-new car owners who want to protect their investment right from the start. We’ve also incorporated car buying and selling into the business, which not only diversifies our income but adds a unique service layer that sets us apart from typical shops. This reimagination isn’t just about services—it’s about creating a seamless customer experience, leveraging technology through our </span><a href="https://svautonow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">website</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, and continuously seeking ways to scale the business to meet our growth goals. Every decision is driven by the question: ‘How can we not only meet but exceed the expectations of our customers while staying ahead in a competitive market?</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit SV Auto Detailing & Dent Repair online </strong><a href="https://svautonow.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>https://svautonow.com/</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on </strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SVAUTO7" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Facebook</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and Instagram @</strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/_svauto/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>svauto</strong></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);"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">In a heartwarming feature on the Kelly Clarkson Show today, December 19, 2024, Ridgefield’s own Prospector shone brightly on a national stage. Celebrating its mission to employ adults with disabilities, the theater inspired millions as founder Valerie Jensen, shared the theater’s journey and purpose. </span></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vidkAkfFYR8?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Dressed in a shimmering green gown, Val captivated viewers, recounting how her sister Hope, who has Down syndrome, inspired her to challenge the reality that 80% of people with disabilities in the U.S. are unemployed. "It’s so sad that so many doors remain shut for people with disabilities," Val said. Her vision for a better future began at a stoplight in Ridgefield, where she spotted a building slated for demolition. Imagining a space full of light, inclusivity, and opportunity, Val opened The Prospector Theater—a vibrant, one-of-a-kind movie theater that now employs 125 people, 75% of whom have disabilities.</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Breaking Stereotypes and Creating Sweet Work</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As Val explained, Prospects—what employees are proudly called—handle every aspect of the theater's operations, from box office to gourmet popcorn production. Kelly Clarkson tried the theater’s celebrated popcorn, sampling Belgian Chocolate Toffee and Peppermint Bark, delighting in both the flavors and the jobs they represent. "This is sweet work!" Val proclaimed, highlighting how Prospector Popcorn is not just a snack but a means of empowerment for their team.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">During the episode, Kelly spotlighted the theater’s holiday tradition: The Sparkle Awards, described by Val as "The Academy Awards but better." Every holiday season, employees don their sparkliest attire to celebrate one another’s achievements, fostering camaraderie and joy.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Val issued a heartfelt call to action to employers nationwide: “Look to the incredible talent pool of people with disabilities in your community. They want to work, can work, and do a great sparkle job.”</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Stories of Transformation and Inspiration</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Two Prospects joined Val on the stage to share their stories.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">K Mann, who has worked at the theater for 10 years, said he thrives in his role, which spans concessions, popcorn-making, and ensuring teamwork among staff. Married to his wife Cindy, also a fellow Prospect, K Mann credited his job for contributing to his happiness and financial independence.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Stacy, a Prospect for three years, shared her motto: “Don’t let your disabilities define you; let your disabilities inspire you.” Stacy, who is visually impaired, is a Service Learning team member, engaging students in disability education. She is also the cheerful voice behind Prospector Theater’s popcorn jingle, which she performed to enthusiastic cheers.</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Holiday Cheer and a $25,000 Surprise</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ryan, the Prospector’s Executive Director, delivered an emotional tribute, commending Val, K Mann, and Stacy for their work and resilience. “The Prospector is a movement,” he declared, emphasizing how the organization is breaking stereotypes and proving the value people with disabilities bring to society.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">In a thrilling finale, Kelly announced that Kroger, a company committed to inclusivity, would be donating $25,000 to support The Prospector’s mission. An elf dashed onstage with an oversized check, drawing cheers, smiles, and tears of joy from the audience and Prospects alike.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Prospector’s feature closed out the hour-long episode in grand style, leaving viewers inspired by its sparkle-filled message.</span></p><h3><span style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">Watch the Full Segment</span></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Relive the magic by watching the full episode on</span><a href="https://www.nbc.com/the-kelly-clarkson-show/video/white-christmas-by-jonathan-mcreynolds-kelly-clarkson-show-cameo-oke/ACCN492421899" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> The Kelly Clarkson Show</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Visit the Prospector at</span><a href="https://www.prospectortheater.org/home" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> prospectortheater.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> to learn more about its mission, popcorn, and ongoing efforts to change the world, one sparkle at a time.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">*Image courtesy The Prospector</span></p>
<p>Michael James Comer, 66, of Danbury, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 17, 2024.</p><p>A funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 20, 2024 at 10:00 AM in Saint Joseph Church; 8 Robinson Avenue, Danbury. Interment will follow in Saint Mary Cemetery, Bethel. There will be no calling hours. </p><p>Contributions in Michael's memory may be made to the Knights of Columbus McGivney Council #29 - PO Box 23; Danbury, CT 06813, <a href="https://www.koc29.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">https://www.koc29.org/</a>.</p><p>A complete obituary is forthcoming. Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.</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 & Order</em>, <em>The King of Queens</em>, and films like <em>Definitely, Maybe</em>.</p><p><strong>VIP Meet & 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>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>