<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Norwalk, CT:&nbsp;</strong>Restaurateurs Andrea Archvadze and Akaki Andguladze are thrilled to announce the opening of their European-inspired coffee house and eatery, MaaMa Café, located at 132B Washington Street in South Norwalk, CT. The duo, who recently introduced their authentic Georgian restaurant, Cheese &amp; Bread (new name “MaaMa Georgian Food” takes effect soon!), to Fairfield County in June of 2024 at 68 Washington Street, had been eyeing a second location on the block to bring their café concept to life.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">Before opening Cheese &amp; Bread, Andrea and Akaki, with a proven track record of success, owned and operated Royal Garden Tbilisi (2017) and Royal Palace Tbilisi (2021) in Brooklyn, which they sold to their business partners in 2023 to begin their own restaurant story in Connecticut.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center">MaaMa Café is rooted in “Real coffee,“ says Akaki, referring to the quality of coffee beans. Esse Café is used for its rich espresso and cappuccino beverages. “Beautiful multilayer cakes, pastries, desserts, breakfast yogurt parfaits, and savory items such as paninis, sandwiches, and fresh salads can be enjoyed throughout the day.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">MaaMa Café’s design aesthetic plays to the intimate space and the owners’ focus on creating a relaxed and uplifting atmosphere. Mismatched, colorful furnishings and eclectic artwork fill the room. Its storefront window is adorned with a whimsy of dangling teacups. Open every day 7am-8pm, guests are greeted with funny anecdotes for the day, artfully displayed on their sidewalk chalkboard.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">132B Washington Street, South Norwalk, CT 06854</p><p>203-286-8307</p><p>IG @maama_cafe_</p>

<p><strong>Bridgeport, CT</strong>&nbsp;– ​Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce its annual Party for the Planet, a vibrant Earth Day celebration dedicated to wildlife, conservation, and&nbsp;environmental education.&nbsp;Saturday, April 19th, from 9am-3pm, is a day designated for engaging activities designed to inspire and empower individuals to make a positive impact on our planet.​</p><p><strong>Event Highlights:</strong></p><p><strong>Beardsley Park Community Cleanup:</strong>&nbsp;Volunteers kickstart the day in a community cleanup from 9am to 12pm.&nbsp;Participants will help beautify Beardsley Park and the waterfront, contributing directly to the health of our local environment.&nbsp;Due to popular demand, this activity is at capacity.​</p><p><strong>DIY Seed Ball Station:</strong>&nbsp;At the Zoo, visitors can create seed balls using a special mix of soil, seeds, and clay. These seed balls can be planted at home to support pollinator gardens, extending conservation efforts into your own backyard.​</p><p><strong>Energy in Action Mobile Interactive Exhibit:</strong>&nbsp;Explore this innovative mobile learning experience presented by Energize Connecticut in partnership with Avangrid. The exhibit teaches children and adults how to become an energy-efficient generation through interactive experiments and insights into green energy sources.​</p><p><strong>Recycled Art Exhibition:</strong>&nbsp;In collaboration with One River School of Art &amp; Design (Westport), marvel at wildlife-inspired sculptures crafted from recyclable materials by talented students, showcasing the intersection of art and sustainability.​</p><p><strong>E-Waste Recycling:</strong>&nbsp;As part of Party for the Planet celebrations, Junkluggers is supporting the mission with&nbsp;<strong>E-Waste Recycling</strong>.&nbsp;Guests are invited to bring old laptops, cell phones, printers, and small appliances for&nbsp;<strong>safe, responsible disposal</strong>&nbsp;and help protect the planet. A complete list of eligible items for recycling can be found here<a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/party-for-the-planet.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">beardsleyzoo.org/party-for-the-planet.html</a>.</p><p>Thank you to Party for the Planet conservation sponsor Greater Bridgeport Transit (GBT) which will be onsite providing informational and promotional materials for visitors.</p><p>"Party for the Planet embodies our mission of education and conservation," said Jim Wharton, CEO of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. "We aim to inspire our community to take actionable steps toward environmental stewardship while enjoying a fun and educational experience."​</p><p>This event is free with admission and highlights the Zoo's commitment to conservation and education, offering guests of all ages the opportunity to learn about various initiatives and how they can contribute to preserving our planet for future generations.​&nbsp;</p><p>For more information, schedule of activities and tickets to the zoo, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.beardsleyzoo.org/party-for-the-planet.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">beardsleyzoo.org/party-for-the-planet.html</a>.</p><p><strong>About Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo</strong>&nbsp;Connecticut’s only zoo, celebrating over 100 years, features 350 animals representing primarily North and South American and Northern Asian species. Guests won’t want to miss our Andean bear, maned wolves, Mexican gray wolves, and red wolves. Other highlights include a new prairie dog exhibit! As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and participant in its Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs, the non-profit Zoo is committed to the preservation of endangered animals and wild habitats. Tickets must be purchased on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Zoo’s website</a>.</p>

<p><strong>HARTFORD, CT</strong>&nbsp;–&nbsp;<strong>Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield)</strong>&nbsp;today expressed his gratitude for the allocation of $1 million in state funding for the expansion and renovation of the Easton Public Library. This funding will provide much-needed upgrades to the library's facilities, ensuring that local students, residents, and community members have access to enhanced resources and services.</p><p>“The Easton Public Library plays an integral role in our community, serving as a hub for learning, connection, and development. With this funding, we are not only preserving the library’s importance but also preparing it to meet the needs of future generations,” said Senator Hwang. “The improvements to the structure will help maintain a safe, welcoming, and modern space for everyone in Easton.”</p><p>“The Connecticut State Library heartily congratulates Easton on their successful Bond Commission request,” said State Librarian Deborah Schander. “The State Library has provided funding for public library construction projects for more than 20 years, and we are thrilled this $1,000,000 award will allow Easton Public Library to transform its spaces and services to meet the needs of the community both for today and tomorrow.”&nbsp;</p><p>Senator Hwang also thanked Governor Ned Lamont for his ongoing commitment to supporting vital projects in the 28th district and across the state of Connecticut.</p><p>“I deeply appreciate Governor Lamont’s continued partnership and support for initiatives like these that make a real difference in the lives of our constituents,” Hwang added.</p><p>The Easton Public Library’s renovation and expansion project will ensure that students and residents have the resources they need to thrive.</p>

<p>FAIRFIELD, Conn. (April 09, 2025)—Fairfield University will host a Holocaust Remembrance Service on Thursday, April 24, at 5 p.m. in the Barone Campus Center Dogwood Room, featuring keynote speaker and Holocaust survivor Peter Haslund, PhD. The event is free and open to the public.&nbsp;</p><p>Dr. Haslund will share his personal story of survival, reflecting on the profound impact of the Holocaust and the moral dilemmas faced by those who lived through it. He will explore the inner conflict he and others have experienced in reconciling the past with modern-day Germany, emphasizing the complexities of memory, justice, and reconciliation. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Haslund was just four years old when his mother made the heartbreaking decision to leave him behind as she fled to Sweden in 1943. He was taken to a rural farm for safety, where he remained hidden during Nazi occupation. “I became a little 4-year-old farmer, and I had my hiding place for times when our farm was visited by German soldiers,” Haslund recalls. “It is a story about the courage it must have required to violate German law by keeping me in the hay-loft.” Reunited with his family in 1947, he later immigrated to the United States in 1949, beginning a new chapter of resilience and hope.&nbsp;</p><p>The remembrance service will also include readings and musical performances by clergy and members of the Fairfield University community, offering a moment of reflection and tribute to the lives lost and the survivors who have carried their stories forward.&nbsp;</p><p>The Holocaust Remembrance Service is presented by Fairfield University’s Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, Campus Ministry, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County. To register please visit the <a href="https://events.fairfield.edu/event/annual-holocaust-memorial-program-featuring-dr-peter-haslund" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">event page</a><strong>.&nbsp;</strong></p><p><em>Fairfield University is a modern, Jesuit Catholic University, rooted in one of the world’s oldest intellectual and spiritual traditions. More than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 44 states, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and 46 countries, are enrolled in the University’s five schools. In the spirit of rigorous and sympathetic inquiry into all dimensions of human experience, Fairfield welcomes students from diverse backgrounds to share ideas and engage in open conversations. The University is located in the heart of a region where the future takes shape, on a stunning campus on the Connecticut coast just an hour from New York City.</em></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend April 11-13</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/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></p><p>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 <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>SOUTHPORT, CT</strong>—Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport&nbsp;invites all members of our surrounding community to attend two special Palm Sunday services officiated by The Rt. Rev. Jeffrey W. Mello, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, this&nbsp;Sunday, April 13, 2025.</p><p>Services begin with the blessing of the palm branches at 7:45&nbsp;a.m. and 9:30 and processions into&nbsp;Trinity Church for the 8:00 and 10:00 am Services.&nbsp;</p><p>The services are open to all; no affiliation with the Church is required.</p><p>Bishop Jeff is the 16th Bishop Diocesan of The Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Elected in May 2022, he was ordained bishop in October 2022.&nbsp;As Bishop Diocesan, he oversees and is responsible for the spiritual and temporal needs of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.</p><p>The vision and message of his ministry is to meet people where they are, invoking Jesus' ministry of invitation, and to empower them to do the work God needs them to do as followers of Jesus Christ in the Episcopal tradition.</p><p>Bishop Mello writes, "For those who are wondering, 'Is there a place in the church for me?' and 'Does the church think I am a beloved child of God?' The answer is, 'Yes, God loves you completely and wants you to bring all of who you are. You don’t have to check a part of yourself at the door to come into this church."</p><p>Bishop Jeff was ordained a Deacon in 2007 and a Priest in 2008 in the Diocese of Massachusetts. He served parishes in Cambridge and Brookline, Massachusetts until his election as bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.</p><p>The Rev. Matt Lindeman, Priest in Charge at Trinity Southport shares this.</p><p>“We at Trinity are delighted to get the privilege of sharing this incredible service with Bishop Mello. In this powerful combination of a joyful procession, followed by the heaviness and tragedy of Christ’s passion, we embody the powerful story of Christ’s love made visible in forsaking worldly power and control, showing instead a way of love through his journey to the Roman Cross.”</p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 27, 51);">WHAT:</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 27, 51);">&nbsp;Bishop Jeffrey W. Mello Officiates Palm Sunday Processions and Services&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 27, 51);">WHERE:</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 27, 51);">&nbsp;Trinity Episcopal Church(at 8:45), and the Pequot Library (at 9:30) -&nbsp;Southport, CT (Exit 19 off of i-95)</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 27, 51);">WHEN:</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 27, 51);">&nbsp;Blessing and Processions with Palms begin 7:45 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Prior to our 8 and 10 am Services.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 27, 51);">The Procession for the family service with choir, a live donkey, and a parade of bicycles, strollers, and scooters begins at the Pequot Library at 9:30 am, continuing into the sanctuary at Trinity Church.</span></p><p><strong>PHONE:</strong>&nbsp;(203) 255-0454</p><p><strong>MORE INFO:&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.trinitysouthport.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;">www.trinitysouthport.org</a></p><p><br></p>