Stories

New Year's Day Polar Bear Plunge in Westport to Support Abilis

<p class="ql-align-justify">Get ready to make a splash in the&nbsp;<strong>January 1, 2025</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>New Year’s Day Westport</strong>&nbsp;<strong>Polar Bear Plunge that is “freezin’ for a reason!”</strong>&nbsp;The event is in support of local nonprofit organization Abilis, a Fairfield County based nonprofit that serves and supports more than 800 individuals with disabilities and their families. The Polar Bear Plunge will take place at&nbsp;<strong>Westport's Compo Beach&nbsp;at 11 a.m.&nbsp;on New Year’s Day</strong>. This is the inaugural year for the "Freezin' for a Reason" Polar Bear Plunge, which is being spearheaded by local Weston residents Gena and Billy Mann.&nbsp;&nbsp;Participants can register in advance at&nbsp;<a href="https://jhowardpr-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2JdlrmGmc28BJqVr6zw9KuI4JTUHnLIMVtPCdLE_rkhEmxVzlkwF18UIZ4CFqQNclrPDufcgkuS4y5TLCW7YHnRrmLVrin1iC3TRp2Km514kmR8yyX2wM0heDFeVzazHGFm1N_9PihbKB7y4ulrwAmvw5WqvrAICGplrNHD_6DRtBZS4" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">abilis.us</a>&nbsp;or on-site at the event.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Proceeds from the Polar Bear Plunge will support the renovation of Abilis Gardens &amp; Gifts, a retail and employee training site that is also a working gift and flower shop. Abilis Gardens &amp; Gifts is part of Abilis’ Competitive Employment Program and provides valuable job training and employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The Mann family have been passionate advocates for those with disabilities for many years. After their 22-year-old son Jasper joined the Abilis community, they saw the immediate positive impact Abilis’ programs and services had not only for their son, but for his many friends and house mates acquired through Abilis.&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Gena Mann shared, "We've experienced firsthand how programs like those at Abilis can transform lives. The renovation of Abilis Gardens &amp; Gifts will create even more opportunities for meaningful employment and skill development and we are thrilled to help spearhead a fun fundraising activity that will go to such good use.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Brave participants will take the plunge in sun, rain, sleet or snow. Spectators are also welcome to cheer on those who take the plunge in the chilly water. Afterwards, Moonrocks Gourmet Cookies will be on site offering sweet treats and hot cocoa to warm everyone up after their big splash.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">In addition to raising crucial funds for Abilis, the Polar Bear Plunge also represents a growing partnership between Westport and Abilis in supporting the disability community.&nbsp;&nbsp;Abilis has been in Westport for several years offering programs and services. In 2024, Abilis expanded its footprint in the community with the opening of a new Abilis residential independent living location, which joins more than 70 other Abilis homes throughout Fairfield County.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">To register for the plunge, make a donation, or learn more about Abilis, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://jhowardpr-dot-yamm-track.appspot.com/2X5pjihXGYomOkkaSmDPRmC-cWYKZ5OA-oel5Mlz2K_IpxVzlkwHDE2nbjIZXkQ02QFRSCWGLhb2cK3WEsLgTcihUz1Li9XeNS_kOskuzCk_qvVyCTnTJcPCQDa7oj2q9mHWXSZPKdADv-hmrNmeF5X3qbPudjxxgzI2KKwhr2k90Yhc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">abilis.us</a>.</p><p><br></p>

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Artist Lauren Clayton Designs “Love is the Best Gift” Holiday Window Art in SoNo

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p><strong>Norwalk, CT:&nbsp;</strong>Local&nbsp;Artist/Entrepreneur Lauren Clayton of Studio 162 (@studio162design) recently completed a holiday window display, transforming an empty storefront at 132C Washington Street in South Norwalk, CT into a vibrant art installation aptly named “Love is the Best Gift.”&nbsp;The 132C storefront is one of the last vacant spaces in&nbsp;<a href="https://agwpartners.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">AGW SONO Partners</a>’ 27-address real estate collective on Washington Street. AGW has steadfastly supported the local arts scene and entrepreneurs and small businesses since acquiring the portfolio in 2019. The group has consistently hosted market and artist pop-ups whenever a vacant space was available. Their popular Entrepreneur contest has run for the last 3 years, of which current winners remain active business on the block. 132C is one of the last spaces to remain vacant as AGW’s portfolio filled up throughout 2024, with several businesses setting up shop in 2025.</p><p>&nbsp;“We get caught up in the holiday madness and forget that love is the best gift, “says Lauren, “Our presence with loved ones is the present. I wanted to convey this universal message in my colorful holiday window.”</p><p>Lauren is the founder and lead freelance designer of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.studio162.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Studio 162</a>. She studied graphic design, photography, printmaking, and painting at the Cooper Union School of Art in NYC. Today, she is an active artist in lower Fairfield County, and her work is currently being shown at the prestigious&nbsp;Norwalk Art Space. Lauren is involved in her community, mentoring design students and offering internships and discounted design rates to non-profits. Lauren is a&nbsp;Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholar alum.</p><p>With a product partnership with&nbsp;<a href="https://shop.fairfieldworld.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Fairfield World</a>, the makers of crafting materials, fillers, foams, and more, Lauren designed and created her holiday theme window in 2 days. Brightly colored gift boxes dangle from and adorn the indoor window vestibule, with added door décor highlighting the installation’s love theme with a heart. Backlighting illuminates the display, making it quite the standout in the evening hours.&nbsp;Best of Norwalk and OnWashington are running social media contests, encouraging people to get into the holiday spirit, grab a selfie in front of the window with friends and family, and post their photos on social media.</p><p><br></p>

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FC Buzz Weekend Includes Holiday Gift Show  Rowayton Arts Center

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend December 20-22</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/polar-express-night" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Polar Express Night</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 20, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>All aboard for an enchanting evening! The Wilton Historical Society invites families to join them for Polar Express Night, a special event filled with holiday cheer and unforgettable experiences. Guests will gather around for a cozy reading of this timeless children’s classic, bringing the story to life in a festive setting. After the story, craft your own keepsake “Believe” Bell Ornament to take home as a memory of this special night, and remember as you ring the bell you can keep the spirit of the holidays alive!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/1940s-christmas-by-candlelight-tours-of-the-coley-house-13b9d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>1940s Christmas by Candlelight Tours of the Coley House</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston History &amp; Culture Center</strong></p><p>Friday Dec 20, 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Explore a World War II home front Christmas at the Coley House. With only holiday lights and candlelight, take a guided tour through this mid-19th century farmhouse, decorated as it would have been during the 1940s, when the last three generations of the Coley family occupied the home. View authentic 1930s and 1940s holiday decorations. Learn how World War II impacted holiday celebrations in America. Taste wartime Holiday ration recipes, and listen to original radio broadcasts featuring Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, all by candlelight.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/jingle-all-the-way-with-music-on-the-hill" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jingle All the Way with Music on the Hill</strong></a></p><p><strong>Wilton Historical Society</strong></p><p>Saturday Dec 21, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Join Music on the Hill Holiday Handbells and Children’s Chorus for a festive singalong and jingle bell bracelet craft. Perfect for all ages!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/irving-berlin-s-white-christmas-the-musical-e34bd" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Irving Berlin's White Christmas The Musical</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music Theatre of CT</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>White Christmas follows WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, a successful song-and-dance duo who meet the talented Haynes sisters, Betty and Judy. The men follow the sisters to their holiday show at a Vermont inn, only to discover it's owned by their former commander, General Waverley, who’s struggling to keep it afloat. To help, they plan a spectacular show with the sisters and the inn’s staff, sparking romance and holiday cheer along the way. Featuring Irving Berlin classics like “Blue Skies,” “I Love a Piano,” and the beloved “White Christmas,” this heartwarming musical is a festive celebration of love and friendship for all ages.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/let-s-celebrate-worldwide-3ae2b" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Let's Celebrate! Worldwide</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>It’s the most wonderful time of the year! A joyful exploration of holiday traditions from around the globe. Experience the warmth of Thanksgiving through giving and gathering, discover the wonder of international fables and folktales and enjoy a special countdown to 2025 as we learn how other cultures ring in the new year.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/16th-annual-greenwich-reindeer-festival-santa-s-workshop-presented-by-jenny-allen-at-compass-real-estate-07c96" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>16th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival &amp; Santa’s Workshop</strong></a></p><p><strong>Sam Bridge Nursery &amp; Greenhouses</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 9:00 am - 6:00 pm</p><p>The cherished town tradition continues for the sixteenth consecutive year at this expansive nursery where visitors can have their photo taken with Santa, meet the reindeer and also enjoy Santa’s Workshop. Guests can enjoy the “Reindeer Coloring Station" and "Letter Writing to Santa Station" while waiting in line for their photo with Santa. A portion of all photos with Santa will be donated to Kids In Crisis, a non-profit organization based in Greenwich, but serves all of Connecticut. A Kids In Crisis Giving Tree will also be available for people to support their important mission.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rowayton-arts-center-holiday-gift-show-01c37" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Holiday Gift Show</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rowayton Arts Center</strong></p><p>Sunday Dec 22, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>The annual Holiday Gift Show at the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) transforms the gallery into a shopping wonderland with original, handcrafted items and artwork from November 29 to December 24. Shop one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists: original cards, prints, paintings, ornaments, jewelry, ceramics, and knitted items galore by over 50 artists/artisans. Proceeds from the Holiday Gift Show are used to support RAC and its educational outreach.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the&nbsp;<a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a>&nbsp;page at&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a>&nbsp;Sign up for the&nbsp;<a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a>&nbsp;to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

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Why Small Businesses Matter in Norwalk: Rick’s Main Roofing

<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 Richard Tavella, President of </strong><a href="https://ricksmainroofing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rick’s Main Roofing</strong></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);">Richard Tavella grew up in the roofing business. His father, Philip Tavella, Sr., founded The Main Roofing Company in 1948. Rick joined the family business in 1975, working as a laborer and learning the trade from the ground up. In 2003, Rick’s Main Roofing, Ltd. was formed, providing the same quality workmanship, honesty, and integrity that his father instilled in him.</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);">Rick’s Main Roofing offers all types of commercial and residential roofing services, including custom copper work and 24-hour emergency service. The company is a GAF Residential Master Elite and GAF Commercial Master Select Certified Contractor, offering the finest warranties in the industry. This certification is only given to the best of the best, which sets Rick’s Main Roofing apart.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What makes Rick's Main Roofing special?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The company has expertise in all phases of roofing, including flat, shingle, slate, tile, and wood roofs. Its roofers possess the knowledge and experience necessary to do the job right. The longevity of the business and the company’s multiple repeat customers throughout the area prove its excellence. Rick’s Main Roofing has been recognized as one of the top ten Master Elite contractors in the Northeast and is also a certified installer of both Velux skylights and Cedar Shake and Shingle Bureau products. The team takes pride in ordering quality materials from local distributors in the Tri-State area.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How does Rick's Main Roofing support the community?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rick’s Main Roofing is deeply involved in civic activities, such as volunteering roofing services for the Oyster Festival, repairing the Norwalk Seaport Association’s Lighthouse roof, and donating an American Flag comprised of ceramic roof tiles to Riverside Cemetery in honor of local veterans. The company also participates in the Memorial Day Parade. Rick firmly believes in giving back to the community and feels that offering his time and resources to local organizations and fundraisers helps make Norwalk a better place for everyone.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rick’s Main Roofing is located at 26 Fitch Street in Norwalk, CT. Visit their website </span><a href="https://ricksmainroofing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://ricksmainroofing.com/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Rick’s Main Roofing on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067079061462" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook </a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ricksmainroofing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ricksmainroofing</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>

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 23,000 Connecticut Residents Will Have $30 Million in Medical Debt Erased

<p><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gudddhy-tlluktiylh-k/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(10, 10, 10);"><strong>Governor Lamont Announces Nearly 23,000 Connecticut Residents Will Have $30 Million in Medical Debt Erased Under First Round of State’s Newly Launched Partnership With Nonprofit</strong></a></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Ned Lamont today announced that nearly 23,000 Connecticut residents who have medical debt will be notified in the coming days that some or all of that debt has been eliminated under the first round of a major initiative his administration launched through a partnership with the national nonprofit organization&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gudddhy-tlluktiylh-u/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>Undue Medical Debt</strong></a>.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The nonprofit contracts with state and local governments and leverages public investments to negotiate with hospitals and other providers on the elimination of large, bundled portfolios of qualifying medical debt owed by patients whose income is at or below four times (400%) the federal poverty level or who have medical debt that is 5% or more of their income. (The current federal poverty level is an annual income at or below $31,200 for a family of four.) Because these medical debts are acquired in bulk and belong to those least able to pay, they cost a fraction of their face value.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Under this first round, the Lamont administration invested approximately $100,000 from the state’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, and Undue Medical Debt was able to negotiate with a secondary market partner (i.e. collections agency) and a national provider to acquire approximately $30 million in qualifying medical debt for Connecticut residents.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">There is no application process for this medical debt relief and it cannot be requested. Instead, residents whose debt has been identified for relief will receive a branded letter from Undue Medical Debt indicating which debt or debts have been eliminated. Letters under this first round will be delivered to Connecticut residents through the U.S. mail beginning December 23, 2024.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>**<em>Download</em>: To view an example of the letter individuals will begin receiving in the coming days,&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gudddhy-tlluktiylh-o/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>click here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify">Governor Lamont said that his administration intends on continuing to partner with Undue Medical Debt to enact further rounds of medical debt elimination. The governor and the Connecticut General Assembly worked together to make $6.5 million in ARPA funding available for this initiative.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">In addition to this initiative, Governor Lamont&nbsp;<a href="https://officeofthegovernor.cmail19.com/t/j-l-gudddhy-tlluktiylh-b/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 113, 187);"><strong>recently signed legislation</strong></a>&nbsp;enacting a law that prohibits health care providers and hospitals in Connecticut from reporting a person’s medical debt to credit rating agencies for use in credit reports. That new law – which went into effect on July 1, 2024 – was enacted to protect patients who may have otherwise been apprehensive about seeking essential medical care for fear that any inability to pay could negatively impact their credit rating.</p><p><br></p>

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Why Small Businesses Matter: Lavender + Pine Gifting

<h2>Why Small Businesses Matter</h2><p><em>Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p>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. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story!</p><p><strong>You're IT&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://lavenderandpinegifting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Lavender + Pine Gifting</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p>Three questions with&nbsp;Alexandra Puccini,&nbsp;founder of&nbsp;<a href="https://lavenderandpinegifting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Lavender + Pine Gifting</a>.</p><p><strong>Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p>Growing up in the '90s allowed me to explore my creativity and imagination in the form of Easy Bake Oven cakes, countless art classes, Scholastic book fairs, and being very meticulous regarding what I chose for my family at the in-school gift shop with my $10. I didn't know it then, but that is all when my love of creating, and gifting started.</p><p>From soap balls for mom on Mother's Day to coffee mugs that say "#1 Dad" on them, gifting, to me, has always been about the act of giving, intentionality, and lasting impressions. After all, gifting is a love language!</p><p>Over the years, I realized that there were two main problems people were facing when it came to gifting:</p><p>1. People who don’t know what to gift</p><p>2. People who don’t have the time to gift</p><p>Both usually result in impulse purchases that are lacking intention and practicality leading to waste both financially and from a product standpoint. No matter the occasion, my gifting has always been based on the recipient's likes, avoiding purchasing wasteful products, and creating a sensory experience from the moment they see the beautiful gift, smell the lavender or florals, read the card and unbox each intentional item.</p><p>In 2018, after attending multiple baby showers, engagement parties, and bridal showers back-to-back my gifting skills started to become requested by friends and family. The inquiries then progressed into more consistent orders! It was then that Lavender + Pine became a side hustle and in 2 short years, blossomed into a full-time gifting service shipping gifts worldwide.</p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>Our custom gifting services are our most utilized by far! Businesses and corporations, no matter the size, typically don’t have a designated gifting department so when the time comes to send out gifts for clients, employees, or conferences, the task falls onto the laps of Marketing, HR, Admins, and Interns.</p><p>Since gifting isn’t their area of expertise (not to mention that they have their full-time job to prioritize) the project can get incredibly overwhelming, and time-consuming, and often miss the mark on whatever goal they are looking to achieve.</p><p>Our service is designed to handle all of the gifting logistics from ideation to delivery, so companies are left with a positive experience and endless gratitude from their recipients.</p><p><strong>How many local businesses do you use to support your business (products and services) and can you name them?</strong></p><p>The beauty of working in gift curation is the ability to support countless small businesses Nationwide and introduce their products to our customers and clients. We work with several Connecticut businesses in our regular shop gifts as well as our custom gift designs! We also use several service providers for our own business needs! Below are a few of our favorites we love to work with.</p><p>Tulaoo Stationery Designer in Litchfield County</p><p>* Nob Hill Jane: Calligraphy Studio in Cheshire, CT</p><p>* Minuteman Press for printing needs: Norwalk, CT</p><p>* Optamark for our branded corporate swag: Norwalk, CT</p><p>* Teroforma: for glassware and products in our client gifts: Norwalk, CT</p><p>* Bridgewater Chocolates: for chocolates in our custom gifts: Danbury and Westport, CT</p><p>* Socially Savvy Studio: Jessica is our website designer and social media marketing expert in Branford, CT</p><p>A great deal of Connecticut businesses also utilizes our custom gifting services from Wedding and Event Planners, Photographers, DJs, and Florists!</p><p>Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lavenderandpinegifting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Lavender + Pine Gifting</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://lavenderandpinegifting.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>, and make sure to check out their&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/lavenderpinegifting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Facebook</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/lavenderandpinegifting/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Instagram</a>&nbsp;pages as well!</p><p><strong>HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881436694&amp;usg=AOvVaw39W0bJpATtDqE_cBmJU58x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1658238881437096&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RsWKp-KhAsGejMtOWDanG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank&nbsp;</strong></a><strong>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

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Another NYC-born Restaurant is Opening in Norwalk on December 18th

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque Debuts in Southwest Connecticut with Grand Opening in Norwalk</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong style="color: black;"><em>The Waypointe Welcomes our Community to Experience the Best of New York Metro’s Slow-Smoked Barbeque</em></strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong>NORWALK, Conn. –&nbsp;</strong>Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque (Mighty Quinn’s), the acclaimed NYC-born restaurant known for its all-natural slow-cooked meats, announced today the grand opening of its new location at The Waypointe in Norwalk (11 Merwin Street). The opening will kick off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Greater Norwalk Chamber and Mayor Harry Rilling on December 18 at 3 p.m., ahead of the grand opening on December 20. As part of the opening celebration, Mighty Quinn’s will donate 10% of all grand opening sales to Norwalk-based charity Filling in the Blanks, which works to fight childhood hunger.</p><p>“With many already familiar with our brand from visits to the city or neighboring locations, we couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce Mighty Quinn’s to Norwalk and extend our passion for elevated barbeque,” said Micha Magid, Co-CEO of Mighty Quinn’s. “We’ve poured our hearts into making several enhancements to the space and creating a welcoming environment for neighborhood friends, families, visitors and the local workforce to enjoy great-tasting barbeque,” added Co-CEO Christos Gourmos.</p><p>The new full-service restaurant spans 4,300 square feet and has been thoughtfully redesigned since its days at Bobby Q’s. As the brand’s 15<sup>th</sup>&nbsp;location, it features a modern bar with custom cocktails, comfortable Hollywood booth seating, big-screen TVs, “The Game Pit” stocked with old-school arcades and shuffleboard and a free parking garage across the street for added convenience. Guests will enjoy an expanded menu with appetizers, salads and signature meats grilled and smoked on-site, adding to The Waypointe’s distinct dining and entertainment space.&nbsp;</p><p>Specializing in slow-cooked, smoked meats of unparalleled tenderness and flavor, Mighty Quinn's offers an assortment of meats and an array of delectable sides that perfectly complement each dish. Led by a seasoned pitmaster and executive chef, their culinary team spares no effort in sourcing the finest cuts of meat and meticulously crafting spice rubs and homemade sauces. With its exceptional food offerings and a menu that embodies true barbeque, Mighty Quinn's is poised to become the ultimate destination for barbeque lovers.</p><p><span style="color: black;">Placing orders for takeout is also made convenient through the Mighty Quinn’s mobile app, which can be freely downloaded from the iOS app store or Google Play. This enables guests to enjoy wood smoked barbeque in the convenience of their own homes or workplaces. Mighty Quinn’s has also established partnerships with leading third-party online and mobile food-ordering delivery providers to provide customers with a hassle-free option for delivery.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">For more information on Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.mightyquinnsbbq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">https://www.</a><a href="mightyquinnsbbq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">mightyquinnsbbq.com/</a><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">ABOUT MIGHTY QUINN’S BARBEQUE</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">Mighty Quinn’s was introduced as the first authentic barbeque experience in a fast-casual setting after co-founder and Pitmaster Hugh Mangum smoked brisket and pulled pork out of a mobile smoker hitched to his pickup truck in Williamsburg (Brooklyn). The brand’s process begins with the best, all-natural meats and poultry, seasoned with perfect spice blends and then smoked with wood for many hours until the perfect harmony of smoke, flavor and time emerges. Mangum joined forces with his step-brother, Micha Magid, and Micha’s brother-in-law, Christos Gourmos, to open the first brick-and-mortar Mighty Quinn’s restaurant in the East Village. Since the brand’s inception, the three partners have opened 10 corporate-owned and six internationally franchised locations.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">For more information on Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque, visit&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.mightyquinnsbbq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">https://www.</a><a href="mightyquinnsbbq.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">mightyquinnsbbq.com/</a><span style="color: rgb(14, 16, 26);">.</span></p>

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