<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Clear out the clutter and support a cause that truly matters: Shred for a Cause this Saturday, April 12 from 9 am to noon at Expedia Cruises, 67 Federal Road in Brookfield.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Bring your boxes of unwanted documents for secure, on-site shredding, and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of local families receiving end-of-life care.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A suggested donation of $15 per box* will directly benefit Regional Hospice, a nonprofit organization that has provided compassionate care to patients and their loved ones in homes and care facilities for more than 40 years.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">To learn more about their mission, visit</span><a href="http://makingthebestofeveryday.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"> makingthebestofeveryday.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">*Please limit boxes to a maximum size of 12" x 12" x 16".</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1009746737385569?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" 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>

<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><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail20.com/t/j-l-wjilto-tlluktttuu-k/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);"><strong>Governor Lamont Proclaims ‘Huskies Weekend’ in Connecticut to Honor the UConn Women’s Basketball Team</strong></a></p><p>Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is proclaiming Friday, April 4, through Sunday, April 6, 2025, as “Huskies Weekend” in the State of Connecticut in recognition of the UConn women’s basketball team for playing in the NCAA Tournament Final Four game on Friday night.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The governor is urging all Connecticut residents to show their Huskies pride this weekend by wearing UConn Huskies gear, sporting blue and white, and displaying UConn flags and signs.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">“The 2025 UConn Huskies women’s basketball team is the most formidable and ferocious basketball program in the United States, dominating the game with incredible prowess and intimidating skills that have set a new standard in college sports,”&nbsp;Governor Lamont said. “I am so proud of these talented student athletes who have represented UConn and Connecticut with integrity, character, and competitive excellence both on and off the court. They are an inspiration to young basketball fans across the world who want to follow in their footsteps. Everyone knows that Connecticut is the basketball capital of the world, and this weekend I urge everyone in our state to cheer for our team and support our Huskies.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">UConn is scheduled to play the UCLA Bruins in the Final Four on Friday at 9:00 p.m.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">*Image courtesy U Conn Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uconnwbb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/uconnwbb/</a></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Imagine gliding along Europe’s most scenic rivers, savoring fine wine as castles and vineyards pass by. If this sounds like your ideal getaway, join us for an exclusive evening at Tranquillity Vineyard in Middlebury, CT, where we’ll explore the world of river cruising with special guest Stephen Batjiaka from AmaWaterways.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hosted by Jim and Mary Villamana of Expedia Cruises in Brookfield, this event is the perfect opportunity to learn about the elegance and adventure of river cruising. Whether you dream of sailing past the fairytale landscapes of the Rhine, exploring historic towns along the Danube, or indulging in world-class cuisine aboard an AmaWaterways cruise, this event will bring those dreams to life.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Event Details</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday, April 3</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">6:30 pm - 7:30 pm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tranquillity Vineyard, 1892 Middlebury Rd, Middlebury, CT</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Guests will discover:</strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Scenic destinations and itineraries perfect for every traveler</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Onboard experiences including gourmet dining, cultural excursions, and luxurious accommodations</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Exclusive deals and offers available only during our Legendary River Sale</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Space is limited, so be sure to reserve your spot early.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please register:</span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/river2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/river2025/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp; or call (203) 429-5589</span></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Muse Squad Welcomes Newest Instructor</strong></p><p>Muse Squad is very excited to announce that our upcoming Melting Stars creative writing course, to take place in New Milford beginning in late March, will be co-instructed by New Milford local Kay Mickelson. Ms. Mickelson is both a Girl Scout troop leader and an educator at Pratt Nature Center, and we cannot wait to bring her on board and have her join our team of talented and enthusiastic instructors.</p><p><strong>About Muse Squad</strong></p><p>Muse Squad, a creative writing program founded by Brittney Richardson in 2022, is dedicated to fostering the growth of young writers. The program provides a nurturing environment where students can explore their creativity, develop their writing skills, and build confidence in their abilities. Through group discussions, writing exercises, and constructive feedback, Muse Squad equips students with the tools they need to become competent, self-assured writers. Committed to meaningful literary exploration, Muse Squad allows young writers to engage with classic literature while developing their unique voices.</p><p><strong><em>The Princess and the Goblin</em></strong></p><p>This spring, Muse Squad’s New Milford chapter will present Melting Stars, a creative writing class inspired by George MacDonald’s beloved 1872 fantasy novel&nbsp;<em>The Princess and the Goblin</em>. First serialized in&nbsp;<em>Good Words for the Young</em>&nbsp;beginning in November 1870, the novel remains one of the most celebrated Victorian fairy tales.&nbsp;<em>The Princess and the Goblin</em>&nbsp;follows the adventures of Princess Irene and Curdie, a courageous miner’s son, as they navigate a world of mystery and magic. With goblins lurking beneath the mountain, Irene and Curdie must rely on courage, wisdom, and trust to uncover hidden dangers and protect the kingdom. The novel is known for its enchanting storytelling, themes of faith and perseverance, and its profound influence on the fantasy genre.</p><p><strong>About George MacDonald</strong></p><p>George MacDonald (1824–1905) is widely regarded as a pioneering figure in modern fantasy literature. A poet, novelist, and Christian minister, MacDonald was instrumental in shaping the world of children’s fiction. His imaginative storytelling and rich allegories influenced literary giants such as C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. With works like&nbsp;<em>The Princess and the Goblin</em>&nbsp;and<em>&nbsp;Phantastes</em>, MacDonald introduced readers to a world where fantasy and morality intertwine, leaving a lasting mark on literature and inspiring generations of writers.</p><p><strong>John Pettibone Community Center</strong></p><p>The John Pettibone Community Center, located in New Milford, Connecticut, is a multi-purpose facility housed in the former John Pettibone Elementary School, closed in 2015 due to declining enrollment. It was converted into a community center in 2017, and the 75,000-square-foot building serves as a hub for various town departments, including the Youth Agency and Parks and Recreation, as well as the nonprofit food pantry Camella’s Cupboard.</p><p><strong>Key Details:</strong></p><p>New Milford Chapter</p><p>Location: John Pettibone Community Center</p><p>2 Pickett District Road</p><p>New Milford, CT 06776</p><p><strong>Spring 2025</strong></p><p>🌼 Course: Melting Stars (Ages 8 - 12) 🌼</p><p>Thursdays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM</p><p>March 20 - May 29</p><p>🌼 Course: Melting Stars (Ages 13+) 🌼</p><p>Mondays, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM</p><p>March 24 - June 9</p><p><strong>Contact Information:</strong></p><p>For more information on the class and how to enroll, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://musesquad.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">MuseSquad.org</a>. For questions or additional inquiries, please email&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:info@musesquad.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">info@musesquad.org</a>.</p><p><em>*All information and research was sourced from&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.pluggedin.com/book-reviews/princess-and-the-goblin/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><em>The Princess and the Goblin</em></a><em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;</em><a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Macdonald" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><em>George</em></a></p><p><a href="https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Macdonald" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><em>MacDonald</em></a><em>*</em></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular days to get engaged, setting the stage for couples to begin planning their perfect wedding. While some may envision a local celebration, many are choosing to tie the knot in breathtaking destinations. In fact, according to The Knot, approximately 17% of couples opted for a destination wedding in 2024—nearly one in five choosing to say “I do” away from home.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For couples looking beyond traditional venues, Expedia Cruises in Brookfield offers more than just cruise vacations. Under the leadership of Mary and Jim Villamana, Connecticut’s first-ever Expedia Cruises agency specializes in destination weddings and all-inclusive resort getaways, including the romantic, luxury experiences offered by Sandals Resorts. Whether it’s a beachfront ceremony in the Caribbean, an intimate gathering in Europe, or an all-inclusive resort celebration with loved ones, their team ensures a seamless planning experience.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A destination wedding isn’t just about the ceremony—it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. With expert travel guidance from Expedia Cruises Brookfield, couples can enjoy stress-free planning, curated travel packages, and exclusive deals to make their wedding dreams a reality.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ready to start planning? Visit Jim and Mary Villamana at 67 Federal Road, Brookfield, call (203) 429-5589, or explore your options online:</span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Expedia Cruises Brookfield</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>