<p>The American Red Cross is helping one&nbsp;family – two adults&nbsp;after a fire today&nbsp;on Dairy Farm Rd., Norwalk. The Red Cross provided assistance to meet the family's&nbsp;immediate needs.&nbsp;Responders included: Ginger Flynn, Mike Griffin and Kathy Wong.</p><p>The Red Cross also provided a recovery envelope containing information helpful to families recovering from a fire, including tips on cleanup; notification of important contacts; dealing with damaged items and more.&nbsp;The Red Cross is also providing comfort kits containing personal care items such as deodorant,&nbsp;toothbrushes, shaving supplies and other items a resident might need when suddenly displaced from their home by a fire.</p><p>Those affected will connect with Red Cross caseworkers in the coming days to work on a longer-term recovery plan. The Red Cross is able to provide assistance through the generosity of our donors and commitment of our volunteers.</p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is pleased to welcome a grey seal named Mikey.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Mikey is doing great exploring his new habitat! He is very inquisitive about his surroundings and is quickly becoming an excellent companion for our youngest harbor seal, Sono, as we had hoped,” said Senior Mammals Trainer Dylan Salamone.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mikey is the first grey seal to live in the Aquarium and will reside in Pinniped Cove with harbor seals Rasal, Leila, Feisty, Gracie, and Sono. Like harbor seals, greys seals can be found in Long Island Sound during the winter months when they migrate south in search of warmer waters. While both species can be found in Long Island Sound, there are distinct differences that will help guests tell them apart. A grey seal's most distinct characteristic is its long, curved nose. Grey seals are also larger than harbor seals. Once fully grown, they can weigh up to 880 pounds and measure up to 10 feet in length.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mikey was born at Brookfield Zoo Chicago on Feb. 17, 2024. He may not be visible at all times as he adjusts to his new home. </span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses&nbsp; Matter</strong></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop small, do big things for your community</span></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 Richard Tavella, President, of </strong><a href="https://fairfieldcountyrestoration.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Restoration</strong></a>.</p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tell me about how Fairfield County Restoration started</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Richard Tavella, owner of Rick’s Main Roofing Ltd., realized the benefit of providing the same reliable management team to coordinate and perform other home improvement projects. As a result, he established Fairfield County Restoration in 1995 as an affiliate to Rick’s Main Roofing. Customers can enjoy the ease and satisfaction of receiving the same quality workmanship for all their carpentry, masonry, and painting needs while dealing with the same trusted office.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What Is Your Best-Selling Service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fairfield County Restoration provides services for residential and commercial properties, including interior and exterior remodeling and restoration projects. Our company is experienced in:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Kitchen &amp; bath design/build</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Carpentry</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Masonry</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Painting</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Decks</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Vinyl &amp; wood siding</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Windows and doors</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We welcome projects and repairs of any size. Our goal is to meet, if not exceed, our customer’s expectations.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How Many Local Businesses Do You Support (Products and Services)?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">At Fairfield County Restoration, we use only the highest quality construction materials from the top manufacturers in the country, such as Andersen Windows &amp; Doors, CertainTeed Siding, and high-grade lumber. We purchase our materials primarily from local distributors, including:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">New Castle Building Products</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lansing Building Products</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Ring's End</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fairfield County Restoration is located at 15 Strawberry Hill Avenue in Norwalk.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Call 203-838-8798. Visit Fairfield County Restoration’s website </span><a href="https://fairfieldcountyrestoration.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://fairfieldcountyrestoration.com/</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>

<h2><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The </span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Oklahoma! Concert Version</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> comes to Norwalk on Saturday, February 8th&nbsp;at 7:30 pm and Sunday, February 9th at 2:00 pm.</span></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(21, 21, 21);">Norwalk, CT – The Norwalk Symphony Orchestra is proud to join forces with New Paradigm Theatre Company for an extraordinary co-production of the classic musical </span><strong style="color: rgb(21, 21, 21);">Oklahoma!</strong><span style="color: rgb(21, 21, 21);"> Join us for this captivating performance led by the talented Norwalk Symphony Musical Director Jonathan Yates and visionary New Paradigm Theatre Stage Director Kristin Huffman.&nbsp;From “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’” to “Surrey with the Fringe on Top” and “People Will Say We’re in Love” the hits just keep coming! </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(21, 21, 21);">Our stellar cast includes </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Aaron Young</span><span style="color: rgb(21, 21, 21);"> as the charming Curly, Heidi Giberson as the spirited Laurey, </span><span style="color: rgb(21, 21, 21); background-color: transparent;">Mia Gentile</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> as the delightful Ado Annie, Lukas James Miller as the devoted Will Parker, Kyle Gonyea</span><span style="color: rgb(21, 21, 21);"> as the brooding Jud Fry, Gwendolyn Jones as the wise Aunt Eller and Vincent McCoy as the entertaining Ali Hakim. </span><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Student and adult actors with New Paradigm Theatre round out the cast. </span></p><p>For more information visit our website at <a href="https://www.norwalksymphony.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.norwalksymphony.org/</a></p>

<p>If you're passionate about food, customer service, and making a difference in the community, Wegmans Food Markets invites you to an open interview hiring event for its upcoming Norwalk, Connecticut location. Scheduled to open in summer 2025, the Norwalk store is looking to fill over 200 part- and full-time positions.</p><p><strong>Event Details</strong></p><p><strong>Date:</strong> Wednesday, January 15, 2025</p><p><strong>Time:</strong> 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.</p><p><strong>Location:</strong> Wegmans Norwalk Hiring Office</p><p>40 Richards Ave., Suite 220, Norwalk, CT 06854</p><p>Available roles include customer service positions in merchandising, service, culinary, and perishable departments, as well as entry-level management roles. Applicants must be 18 or older. After completing an application, attendees will receive an on-the-spot interview. Candidates are encouraged to apply online in advance <a href="https://jobs.wegmans.com/en/norwalk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://jobs.wegmans.com/en/norwalk</a>.</p><p>Emily Gee, the Norwalk Store Manager, emphasized Wegmans' commitment to excellence:</p><p>“We’re looking for applicants who have a passion for food and are eager to make a difference for our customers and the community. The ideal candidate also shares our core values of respect, caring, and high standards. If you match these criteria, we can teach you all the other skills you need to thrive in our company.”</p><p><strong>Additional Hiring Opportunities</strong></p><p>Starting immediately, Wegmans will hold "Walk-in Wednesdays" every week through February 26, offering same-day interviews from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Paid training for all roles begins at Wegmans' Harrison, New York location, ensuring employees are prepared for the store's opening. Hiring for additional part-time roles, such as cashiers, will commence later this year.</p><p><strong>Why Work at Wegmans?</strong></p><p>Wegmans Norwalk, a 92,000-square-foot supermarket at 675 Connecticut Avenue, is set to employ approximately 500 team members, most of whom will be hired locally. The company is celebrated for its:</p><ul><li><strong>Competitive Pay</strong>: Hourly employees receive premium pay on Sundays and holidays.</li><li><strong>Robust Benefits</strong>: Flexible schedules, leading healthcare coverage, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with a 6% company match.</li><li><strong>Career Development</strong>: On-the-job training, an employee scholarship program, and opportunities for advancement, with Wegmans promoting from within.</li><li><strong>Recognition</strong>: Consistently ranked on FORTUNE's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list for 27 years, including a 6th-place finish in 2024, and recognized as a Best Workplace for Parents, Retail, and Caring Companies.</li></ul><p>Don’t miss the chance to join this award-winning employer and be part of a team committed to excellence. For more information, call the Wegmans Norwalk Hiring Office at 203-299-3333.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>FC Buzz Weekend January 10-12, 2025</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/through-a-different-set-of-eyes-art-exhibition---opening-reception" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Through a Different Set of Eyes" Art Exhibition - Opening Reception</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Library</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 10, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Local artists who have asked to exhibit their works at Wilton Library will be showcased in "Through a Different Set of Eyes," the library's January art exhibition. This exhibition features artists from Wilton and surrounding towns who have submitted inquiries expressing an interest to display their works at the library. Their works represent a wide variety of styles, media, and subject matter.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/documentary-screening-i-hope-this-helps" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Documentary Screening: I Hope This Helps!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Conservatory Black Box</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 10, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>The film is written &amp; directed by Daniel Freed and is Executive Produced by Matthew Modine and Adam Rackoff. "I Hope This Helps" was awarded Best Feature Documentary at TIFF and will screen in Norwalk as part of our kick off celebration. After the screening, the filmmakers will join for a special Q&amp;A to discuss the film and the state of our industry &amp; AI. And don’t miss the Opening Night Party from 8pm - 10pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/best-of-the-eagles" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Best of the Eagles</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 10, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>BOTE is the most exact interpretation of the music of the Eagles in America, bar none! Each member mirrors his counterpart in the Eagles instrumentally and vocally. However, this is no simple copy band or impersonator act, but rather a group of excellent musicians who expertly and authentically re-create the songs, the music, the vocals, and the magical aura of one of America’s greatest rock bands. After selling out many venues in the region including the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ, BOTE looks forward to sharing a great night of Eagles hits.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/5th-annual-norwalk-film-festival-214ea" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>5th Annual Norwalk Film Festival</strong></a></p><p><strong>District Music Hall</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 10, 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Enjoy a multitude of screenings, insightful filmmaker Q&amp;A’s, and panel discussions. It all starts Friday evening with an opening night party, January 10th at 6pm – all are welcome! Films will be screened Saturday, January 11th and Sunday, January 12th at The District Music Hall. Filmmaker Q&amp;A and panels will be held, conveniently, next door at Space67Studios.</p><p><a href="https://www.norwalkfilmfestival.org/2025-festival" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SEED&amp;SPARK WORKSHOP: Crowdfunding to Gain Independence</strong></a></p><p><strong>Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts</strong></p><p>Saturday, Jan 11, 3:00pm - 4:00pm, offers <strong>. </strong>Learn crowdfunding and building your audience from one of its earliest and most important pioneers. Emily Best is the founder and CEO of Seed&amp;Spark, a platform that makes entertainment more diverse, inclusive, connected and essential. Seed&amp;Spark’s platform and national education program have helped thousands of bold storytellers raise millions to bring to life entirely new stories, and Seed&amp;Spark delivers those stories into workplaces for employee training, engagement, and intelligence through an enterprise SaaS platform Film Forward.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/meet-the-author-an-afternoon-with-guy-trebay-and-chris-frantz" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Meet the Author: An Afternoon with Guy Trebay and Chris Frantz</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 11, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Guy Trebay has chronicled culture, both high and low, for decades, writing for The New Yorker, the Village Voice, Interview, Esquire, and Artforum. He has served as a style reporter and critic for The New York Times for the last two decades.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/documentary-screening-ratified" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Ratified</strong></a></p><p><strong>District Music Hall</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 11, 2025, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>In partnership with Fund for Women &amp; Girls at Fairfield County's Community Foundation, Norwalk Film Festival presents @ratifythefilm. Ratified follows a multi-racial, multi-generational coalition of activists and politicians taking up the mantle of the 100 year struggle to enshrine the Equal Rights Amendment in the US Constitution by pushing Virginia to become the 38th and final state needed to ratify the ERA.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sun-kings" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sun Kings. Relive a magical time in music history with “SUN KINGS – A BEATLES TRIBUTE.”</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 11, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm, welcomes Sit back, relax, and enjoy the music created by one of the most influential bands of our time. You’ll hear many of their No. 1 hits as well as some of their lesser known tunes – all performed with an attention to detail duplicating their tight harmonies, fancy guitar work, and solid backbeat. In other words, that signature Beatles sound!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/puss-in-boots-9ad05" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Puss in Boots</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre</strong></p><p>Saturday Jan 11, 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Hold onto your hats and buckle up for a purr-fectly exciting adventure as DCT brings the timeless tale of Puss in Boots to life like never before! Get ready to meet the coolest cat in town—Puss in Boots! With a twinkle in his eye and style for miles, this cunning feline is ready to charm audiences of all ages with his quick wit, killer fashion sense, and oh-so-savvy schemes. Join Puss in Boots on a wild ride as he outsmarts everyone in his path, from bumbling ogres to tricky trolls. But watch out, because this clever kitty might just find himself in some hairy situations along the way!</p><p>Sunday Jan 12, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm, <strong>Space67Studios</strong> hosts <strong>The Work - A Filmmaking Workshop</strong>. Part of the Norwalk Film Festival, "The Work" is an intensive four-part series workshop focusing on the day-to-day practice of filmmaking – all of it gleaned from seasoned professionals who roll up their sleeves to develop story, direct a casting, get the shots and master post.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-work---filmmaking-workshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-work---filmmaking-workshop</a></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>