<p><strong>An Interview with the creator of&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>, Candace Bushnell</strong></p><p>On a rainy, not-so-cold day in Manhattan last week, I had the esteemed pleasure of interviewing one of New York City’s most iconic writers, Candace Bushnell.&nbsp;</p><p>Bushnell became famous for detailing the realities of the treacherous dating scene in the city and now. Wanting to shield her Connecticut-residing parents from details of her sexcapades, she created an alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw.&nbsp;Bushnell still remains one of the most talked about characters in modern times. This&nbsp;<strong>Thursday</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>December 5th</strong>, Bushnell is leaving the city and returning to her home of Connecticut&nbsp;<strong>for one night only</strong>&nbsp;with her one-woman show<strong>&nbsp;"True Tales Of Sex, Success, and&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>”</strong>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://fairfieldtheatre.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Fairfield Theatre Company</a>&nbsp;(FTC) at 8 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>The show combines glamour, wit, and the no-holds-barred storytelling Bushnell is famous for. Detailing her life in New York City, from her early days spent at Studio 54 to creating&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City&nbsp;</em>and beyond, you can expect to hear about Bushnell’s wild nights out in Manhattan as well as her personal struggles and triumphs.&nbsp;</p><p>Chatting with Bushnell over Zoom felt like I was talking to a much cooler older sister freely dispensing wise advice.&nbsp;</p><p>“<strong>Be your own Mr. Big</strong>,” is her message to young women. “Make the money. That's really the most important thing. We've been telling women forever that they're going to get their happiness from a relationship and having children, and that's not really true. I think that one gets one's happiness from being self-actualized and having some control over your own life.”</p><p>When I asked a follow-up question about Mr. Big, she was quick to clear up any misconceptions. “There are a lot of parallels between my life and Carrie's life up to a certain point, but,&nbsp;<strong>no, I didn't end up with a shoe closet like Carrie Bradshaw's and I didn't marry my Mr. Big</strong>”.&nbsp;</p><p>She may not have Carrie’s shoe closet, but Bushnell doesn’t share CB’s culinary ineptness “I can cook. I’ve made a whole Thanksgiving dinner. Long way come from sardines and crackers,” she said, as she was won to eat this girl dinner meal, especially during her early column days. “Although,” thinking for a moment. “I eat those all the time too.”&nbsp;</p><p>Dedicated readers may be aware of her tinned fish dinners, but even a casual fan is aware that Bushnell knows fashion, and it is still a prominent part of her life. “There are lots more designers around now. It feels like than there were 25 years ago. So fashion is huge. Fashion's really exploded. I love Sylvia Tcherassi, and I wear PatBo on stage.”</p><p>While many things have changed since&nbsp;<em>SATC&nbsp;</em>first aired, the societal stigmas associated with “still” being single have pretty much stayed the same, worsening still with the “childless cat lady trope”. “Those kinds of attitudes are really a problem, and they're very worrisome to me,” she said, but there was hope to her message. “Single women are supposedly the happiest group of women. I think that says a lot right there.”</p><p>When I mentioned that I started rewatching&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>&nbsp;before I knew I was going to interview her, and couldn’t stop watching, we had a laugh about how addictive it is for her as well. “[I tell myself] I cannot spend four hours watching&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>. [It’s] a daily battle for me too.”</p><p>The show first premiered (unsurprisingly) in the City at a Broadway theater. Bushnell also performed the show at the Carlyle in London before taking it back stateside this month with shows in New Jersey and Connecticut. How does Bushnell feel about returning to her home state? “Oh, it's great,” she said. “I had a house in Connecticut for a long time, which was fantastic. I love Connecticut. I still miss it. Wonder if I should go back.”</p><p>What else can you expect from the show? “We do play a little game: real or not real?” Bushnell said. “There is some audience participation. Because there are a lot of things that happened in my real life that happened on the show, but they're better or worse. It's a great girls' night out, and people have a great time. And they find the show very inspirational, So I'm really looking forward to performing it in Fairfield.”&nbsp;</p><p>So, in the words of the OG CB herself, “Grab your Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte, and join the original Carrie Bradshaw for a Girls' Night Out you won’t forget.”</p><p>Tickets are available&nbsp;<a href="http://fairfieldtheatre.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(16, 60, 192);">fairfieldtheatre.org</a>&nbsp;as well as limited VIP packages which include a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Candace Bushnell.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><em>About Candace Bushnell</em></strong></p><p><em>Candace Bushnell is an internationally acclaimed, best-selling author best known for creating&nbsp;Sex and the City, the groundbreaking series that redefined women's relationships with love, friendship, and sexuality. Her work has resonated with millions, inspiring both the bestselling novel and the hit HBO series, as well as&nbsp;The Lipstick Jungle&nbsp;and a host of other books, plays, and television projects.</em></p><p><em>Bushnell’s unique voice and sharp insights have made her one of the most influential and recognizable writers of our time. In this exclusive one-woman show, she brings her story to life in a way only she can—mixing laughter, nostalgia, and wisdom in equal measure.</em></p>

<p>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is offering symbolic harbor seal adoption kits through <strong>Dec. 31</strong> — a unique and meaningful holiday gift idea!</p><p>Each adoption kit includes:</p><ul><li>A 10” harbor seal plush</li><li>A certificate of adoption</li><li>A fact sheet about harbor seals</li><li>Two tickets to the Aquarium’s 4D theater</li></ul><p>“This is the perfect gift for the holiday season,” said Danielle Tranzillo, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer. “Not only will it bring joy to the children in your life, but it will also help us advance conservation efforts in Long Island Sound, provide educational experiences for all ages, and care for our resident animals – including harbor seals Sono, Gracie, Feisty, Leila, and Rasal.”</p><p>Harbor seals, which inhabit Long Island Sound, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted in 1972 to safeguard marine species from human impact.</p><p>The adoption kit is available for $99 and can be purchased online. Kits can be mailed or picked up at the Aquarium.</p><p>For more details or to symbolically adopt a harbor seal, visit <a href="http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/holiday-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.maritimeaquarium.org/holiday-guide</a>.</p>

<p><strong>Get Ready for&nbsp;Elf&nbsp;JR.&nbsp;The Musical!</strong></p><p>Saxe Intermediate School’s 5th and 6th graders are bringing holiday magic to the stage with&nbsp;Elf&nbsp;JR., a musical based on the beloved Christmas movie. Follow Buddy the&nbsp;Elf&nbsp;as he leaves the North Pole for New York City, discovering his true identity and spreading Christmas cheer along the way.</p><p>Performance dates are Friday, December 6th at 7:30pm and Saturday, December 7th at 1pm &amp; 4pm. Both performances will take place at the Saxe Middle School Auditorium.</p><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/saxe-middle-school-theatre-35391346303" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: var( --e-global-color-primary ); background-color: transparent;"><strong>TICKETS</strong></a></p><p><strong>Location:</strong></p><p>Saxe Middle School Auditorium</p><p>468 South Ave, New Canaan, CT 06840</p>

<p>The Exchange Club of New Canaan will kick off its annual Christmas Tree sale at Kiwanis Park on Friday, November 29th. This year marks the Club’s fifty fifth year running the annual event, which raises funds for a variety of charitable organizations in New Canaan and nearby communities.</p><p>The tree lot in Kiwanis Park, on Old Norwalk Road, will be open every day. Hours are from 9 am until 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and 11 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, from November 29th through December 22nd.</p><p>The Club sells trees (Balsam and Fraser firs), wreaths and various Christmas merchandise.</p><p>Learn more <a href="https://newcanaanchamber.com/2024/11/03/exchange-club-of-new-canaan-kicks-off-its-annual-christmas-tree-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter: </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: NC Dance Clinics</span></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Karlie Reitano, founder of </span><a href="https://www.ncdanceclinics.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">NC Dance Clinics</a></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’ve always loved teaching and performing dance, but the inspiration for my business came when I noticed the excitement around dance tied to pop culture moments, like Taylor Swift’s music. I thought, “What if there was a way to harness that enthusiasm and create a fun, supportive environment where kids could dance to their favorite songs, learn new skills, and even perform for their community?” That idea quickly turned into reality with the launch of the Swiftie Dance Clinic in January 2024, and within six months, over 100 kids had participated!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As the clinics grew, I realized how much parents appreciated having a dance program that didn’t require a long-term commitment. That’s how </span><a href="http://www.ncdanceclinics.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">NC Dance Clinics</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> was born—a space where kids can experience the joy of dance on their own terms. This fall, we expanded into cheerleading, bringing on a collegiate cheerleading veteran to lead the program. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the excitement from families. Adding spirit during the halftime of a New Canaan High School football game this fall was a highlight, showcasing what our program can offer to students, families and our community.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Whether it’s first-time dancers and cheerleaders or those looking to try something new, our focus is on fun, teamwork, and skill-building in a welcoming and flexible environment.</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 inaugural dance program, the </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Swiftie Dance Clinic</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, was a huge hit! Tapping into the universal love for Taylor Swift, we created a space where young fans could not only listen to their favorite songs but also channel this passion into something productive – learning dance – while making memories with friends. We took it further with fun extras like bracelet swapping, Swiftie-themed class t-shirts, performances, and more.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As we approach a full year in business, we continue innovating with unique programs that fill gaps in our community. Two of our most popular offerings are </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mini Rams: Introduction to Dance Team</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mini Rams: Introduction to Cheerleading.</em></p><ul><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Mini Rams Cheerleading</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> focuses on sideline cheer, inspiring the next generation of cheerleaders who may one day perform at the high school level.</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Mini Rams Dance Team</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> introduces three core disciplines: Dance, Kick, and Pom. These styles are perfect for halftime performances, helping students build foundational skills while having fun as part of a team.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Both programs emphasize teamwork, skill-building, and fun, making them a fantastic alternative or complement to traditional team sports.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For our youngest dancers (grades K-2), we offer a Jazz/Hip Hop combo class designed as an introduction to different dance styles. These classes allow students and parents to explore what type of dance fits best while teaching fundamental techniques, across-the-floor exercises, and even small performances. It’s a wonderful way for kids to discover their passion while developing confidence and having fun with friends!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We continue to offer new programs and styles as we continue to grow. The best place to keep updated is our website </span><a href="http://www.ncdanceclinics.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.ncdanceclinics.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We have forged partnerships with several local businesses and organizations.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our groups have performed at the Waveny LifeCare Network and New Canaan High School football game, bringing energy, spirit, and joy to these occasions while fostering a sense of camaraderie and community pride. Additionally, we recently joined the Chamber of Commerce, and we are excited to expand our collaborations and continue strengthening ties within the local community. We’ll be performing at the Holiday Stroll on Elm Street this December and have a New Canaan High School Varsity basketball game on the horizon, too.</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);">What began as a </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Swiftie Dance Clinic </em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">has evolved into a comprehensive Cheer &amp; Dance program, shaped by the needs and interests bubbling up in our community. By listening to what parents and students are looking for, we’ve been able to design programming that fills gaps without taking away from the fabric of our vibrant dance community and other youth activities. Instead, we aim to add something new that enhances it all.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Forging partnerships with the New Canaan Athletic Department - and performing at hometown games - has been an incredible step in this journey. Beyond these short-term performances, we hope to create a foundation of cheerleaders and dancers who will continue to build and sustain programs at the high school level. I’m so excited to see how this initiative grows and contributes to the overall spirit and pride of our community!</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit NC Dance Clinics website to learn more and register for upcoming classes: </strong><a href="https://www.ncdanceclinics.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>https://www.ncdanceclinics.com/</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on Instagram </strong><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ncdanceclinics" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>@ncdanceclinics</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></p>

<p><strong>Silvermine Arts Center</strong> invites you to discover the timeless allure of marine painting with their latest course, <em>Artists Ahoy! The Magic of Seascapes</em>. Perfect for artists of all experience levels, this inspiring class delves into the techniques and principles needed to bring vibrant seascapes to life.</p><p>The course is taught by <strong>Dennis Lyall</strong>, an accomplished artist and illustrator with more than 40 years of professional experience. Dennis has created artwork for prestigious clients such as the <strong>U.S. Postal Service</strong>, <strong>National Geographic Society</strong>, and <strong>Reader's Digest</strong>, and has painted over 40 postage stamps for the U.S. Postal Service. His career spans multiple genres, with a focus on oil painting and marine art, making him the perfect guide for this exciting journey.</p><p>Under Dennis’s expert instruction, students will learn:</p><ul><li>The interplay of design, perspective, and space</li><li>Techniques to convey depth, tone, and atmosphere</li><li>Methods to capture the dynamic beauty of waves and sails</li></ul><p>With professional reference materials provided—or the option to use personal photographs—students will have the tools to craft their unique seascape masterpieces.</p><p><strong>Course Details</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Dates:</strong> January 6 – March 10</li><li><strong>Day/Time:</strong> Mondays, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM</li><li><strong>Instructor:</strong> Dennis Lyall</li><li><strong>Ages:</strong> 18 &amp; up</li></ul><p>This exciting course is your chance to capture the beauty and energy of the sea while enhancing your artistic skills. With only 12 spots available, early registration is recommended.</p><p>For more details and registration, visit <a href="https://www.silvermineart.org/school" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.silvermineart.org/school</a></p>