<h2><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Local Business Champion:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.gigibarrett.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Gigi Barrett Fine Art</a></h2><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Meet Gigi Barrett, founder of&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.gigibarrett.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Gigi Barrett Fine Art</strong></a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Art is more than a hobby for me. It is a way of life. I have been an artist my entire life. Painting and teaching for years, so when I moved to Stamford, starting an art business was a natural fit for me. So many have told me that they would love to own a piece of original art that speaks to them, but didn’t think that they could afford to buy an original piece. I saw a need for beautiful, original, affordable art that everyone can own, so I opened Blue Eyed Dingo Designs (aka Gigi Barrett Fine Art). We offer original pieces in every price range. I offer custom-curated shows for individuals and businesses alike.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What is your best-selling product or service?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">By far, my best-selling products are my commissions. I have been fortunate to be able to bring life to my customers' visions through my art. Commissions have a deep connection to the client and often become family heirlooms. For those who are interested in fewer options, I offer a carefully curated selection based on a client’s budget. My customers are my best advocates, as word of mouth has afforded me many referrals</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Who or what has supported your artistic journey and helped you find opportunities to grow?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Local art galleries such as Stamford Art Association, Carriage Barn and Loft Artists are paramount in promoting art in the community. Some unsung heroes are those businesses that have connected me to possible opportunities. Brenda Lewis, a natural entrepreneur and founder of TechXel Stamford, is so generous with her time and makes every effort to connect businesses. She is the epitome of a matchmaker. Emily Derr, owner of Grass Roots Impact, is a marketing genius who helps creatives grow their audience through local public relations. Of course, no works would be made and displayed without art supply stores and framing shops! And finally (and most importantly), my fellow artists (too many to name) inspire and share their knowledge and experience with me daily.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Gigi Barrett Fine Art is a living thing and constantly evolving based on environment, feedback, and my inspiration. That is the beauty of art.&nbsp;Learn more:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.gigibarrett.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.gigibarrett.com/</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;and follow along on Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gigi.barrett.fine.art" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">gigi.barrett.fine.art</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Questions? Email&nbsp;</span><a href="https://mailto:gigi@gigibarrett.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">gigi@gigibarrett.com</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Fairfield County Bank&nbsp;</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> MAYOR’S UPDATES</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">New Police Recruits: Congratulations to the newest class of Stamford Police Academy recruits! We’re proud to welcome 18 new recruits who make up the second class to train right here in Stamford. We look forward to seeing their dedication in action as they begin this important journey in service to our community.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Sound Waters State of the Harbor: Thank you to SoundWaters for hosting an important panel discussion on the state of Stamford Harbor. The health and accessibility of our Harbor are essential to Stamford’s continued growth, resilience, and quality of life. Our administration remains committed to protecting and enhancing this vital resource through investments in public safety, sustainability, public access, and our parks and marinas. In partnership with SoundWaters and the Stamford Harbor Management Commission, we will continue working to ensure Stamford Harbor remains a source of pride, connection, and enjoyment for generations to come.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CITY NEWS</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">2025 Mayor’s Community Microgrant Program: The 2025 Community Microgrant Program is now open and accepting applications until this upcoming Monday, May 5th! Learn how you can get involved and apply </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fstamfordct.gov%2Fmicrogrant25/1/0100019692b21ef6-e7927e2f-3f2e-4116-a525-e4eb97a45522-000000/Ii0zqkBsGJfS6meTpG1oPzvbIouScSFKSo68sj_ojcA=403" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lathon Wider Community Center: On the morning of Thursday, January 2, the City Facilities Department was notified of a flooding incident in the basement of the Lathon Wider Community Center (137 Henry Street) caused by a failure in a piece of mechanical equipment. The target date for reopening the building is July 1, 2025. For any questions or urgent needs regarding the Health Department’s walk-in health services, please call (203)-977-5652.</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Stamford Health Department Community Public Health Clinic has temporarily moved to 138 Stillwater Avenue - a former Optimus location. Convenient street parking is available.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Paving Update: Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Foperations%2Froad-maintenance%2Froad-paving%23!%2F/1/0100019692b21ef6-e7927e2f-3f2e-4116-a525-e4eb97a45522-000000/-3EhB1JbitynT9fz2szwZxMy-opaZIWX-Uot4ZWFy2k=403" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> for the priority list for paving operations established in response to a city-wide road assessment in 2022.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Curb Repair: Request for curb repairs can be submitted under the category "Roads" on Fixit at </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fveoci.com%2Fv%2Fp%2Fform%2Fwbvcc7v4ycns/1/0100019692b21ef6-e7927e2f-3f2e-4116-a525-e4eb97a45522-000000/V1rNni0gUFMZL1asOg-o9QTb7Qotv3eKfZU_1TqX5Pk=403" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">stamfordct.gov/fixit</a></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Apply for a Special Events Permit: To reserve a pavilion or host events at city parks click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fstamfordct.portal.opengov.com%2Fcategories%2F1091%2Frecord-types%2F6547/1/0100019692b21ef6-e7927e2f-3f2e-4116-a525-e4eb97a45522-000000/EZFoKHQSl6UBtgiPITIzgPD_AWWNUJEqnA4-OB41vtY=403" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li></ul><p><br></p>

<p>In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month and to demonstrate that our kids’ mental health matters, the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance (SYMHA) is hosting free Youth Mental Health First Aid training geared toward parents, educators, coaches and any adult who works closely with young people. This one-day, in-person course equips participants with the tools to recognize and respond to common mental health challenges in youth. Training will be held on Friday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Park 215, 215 Stillwater Avenue in Stamford. Lunch will be provided for all attendees.</p><p>According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens and young adults. As rates of anxiety, depression and stress among young people continue to rise, programs like this are more essential than ever.</p><p>Space is limited, register today at <a href="mailto:youthmentalhealthct@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">youthmentalhealthct@gmail.com</a>.</p><p>The training is sponsored by the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance, a city-wide network of 35+ organizations working together to improve access to mental health services for children and adolescents. The goal of their collective effort is to build a greater understanding of the importance of youth mental wellness, ensure care is accessible and inclusive, and facilitate a comprehensive system of intervention and support for families across our community. For more information and a listing of resources in our area, visit <a href="http://www.stamfordyouthmentalhealthalliance.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 112, 192);">www.stamfordyouthmentalhealthalliance.org</a>.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend May 2-4</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/the-wilton-playshop-presents-stephen-sondheim-s-into-the-woods-4ce8f" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Stephen Sondheim’s "Into The Woods"</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Wilton Playshop, Wilton</strong></p><p>Friday May 2, 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm, stages . One of Stephen Sondheim's most popular and beloved works, Into the Woods is a musically sophisticated and emotionally resonant show that masterfully weaves together the stories of some of our most cherished fairy tale characters. With a brilliant score that showcases Sondheim's unmatched lyrical talent, the musical brings characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk fame), and the Baker and his Wife together in a shared quest that is at once whimsical and profound.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/dressed-to-impress-gala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Dressed to Impress Gala</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Museum &amp; History Center, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Friday May 2, 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>In celebration of the new exhibition Dressed to Impress, join the Fairfield Museum for an unforgettable night of fashion through the ages!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/meet-for-coffee-at-the-bruce-conversations-with-robert-kalman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Conversations with Robert Kalman</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday May 3, 9:00 am - 10:30 am</p><p>Join the conversation with Robert Kalman, a celebrated photojournalist, educator, and lifelong storyteller. Born in Manhattan and raised in Queens, Robert’s journey spans decades of rich experience, from working as a news assistant at The New York Times to leading schools in New York and New England. Along the way, he built an impressive portfolio of photographic work, capturing compelling narratives of diverse communities across the globe.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/birding-at-the-bruce-museum-with-greenwich-audubon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Birding with Greenwich Audubon</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce Museum, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday May 3, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm</p><p>Tours will go from the Bruce Park Playground to Audubon's neighboring Oneida Sanctuary, one of Greenwich's only remaining coastal salt marshes. This location not only provides an opportunity to see bird species that use this special habitat such as waterfowl, shorebirds, herons &amp; egrets but also learn about Audubon's conservation efforts to improve our coastal resiliency in Greenwich.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/jane-s-walk-bridgeport" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jane's Walk Bridgeport</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Archive, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 3, 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>We have held “Jane’s Walks Bridgeport” for the last eight years – building on the international Jane’s Walk event inspired by the urban activist Jane Jacobs, whose focus on human-centered and community-led neighborhood development has made a lasting imprint on how cities are planned and built.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/derby-day-celebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Derby Day Celebration</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 3, 4:00 pm -9:00 pm</p><p>Experience the excitement of the Kentucky Derby at Pequot Library! Take a stroll around the Great Lawn to view the festive hats, attire, and decorated tailgates. Get your Derby Dollars so that you can enter to win raffle items, take home a bottle of bourbon from the Bourbon Wall, and choose your winning horse for a shot at the top prize in the 50/50 raffle. Trophies will be awarded for Best Hat, Best Dressed, and Best Tailgates. Watch the “Run for the Roses” on the big screen in the auditorium, and celebrate with Kentucky fare and an open bar (plus non-alcoholic options) in the Main Tent, sponsored by the Loya Family. Keep the party going with DJ Rob and the Melt Mobile at the after-party. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/greenwich-choral-society-presents-the-great-american-songbook" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Greenwich Choral Society present The Great American Songbook</strong></a></p><p><strong>O'Byrne Chapel, Purchase</strong></p><p>Saturday May 3, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>Join the Greenwich Choral Society in the beautiful O'Byrne Chapel at Manhattanville University in Purchase, NY - showcasing iconic and beloved songs from the American Songbook, featuring the the Bryan Reeder Orchestra and vocalists Hannah Gill and Chris Norton.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/martin-kline-the-world-in-all-its-plenitude-420e5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Martin Kline: The World In All Its Plenitude</strong></a></p><p><strong>Heather Gaudio Fine Art, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Saturday May 3, 10:30 am - 5:30 pm</p><p>The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Saturday, May 3, 4-6pm, and the exhibition will remain on view through June 14th. A fully illustrated catalogue with an essay written by art critic and poet Carter Ratcliff accompanies the exhibition. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/shark-safari" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Shark Safari</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk</strong></p><p>Sunday May 4, 9:30 am - 11:00 am</p><p>Sharks and rays are an incredibly diverse group of animals, representing all sorts of sizes, body shapes, and behaviors to suit the places and climates they’ve occupied over time. In this drop-off style program, children start off examining shark teeth, jaws, and models, feel the sandpapery texture of shark skin, and learn how superb adaptations have allowed sharks to survive for millions of years in a wide variety of ocean habitats.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sm-nc-spring-on-the-farm-family-fest-sunday-09551" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>SM&amp;NC Spring on the Farm Family Fest Sunday</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday May 4, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>There are added attractions, fun springtime programs and free giveaways. Not only will the Rock Climbing Wall be making its return, but both days will feature special performances by Spider-Man and Taylor Swift tributes! Plus, they will have Sheep Shearing and Miniature Horses on-site exclusive to the first and second fest, respectively. Be sure to pre-register, because tickets at the gate will be limited and higher in price!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rediscover-greenwich-greenwich-avenue-walking-tour" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rediscover Greenwich: Greenwich Avenue Walking Tour</strong></a></p><p><strong>Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich</strong></p><p>Sunday May 4, 10:30 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>Historic buildings will become canvases for large-scale murals featuring archival images of what those places looked like in the past, with text and images drawn from the Historical Society’s collections and interactive QR codes, that when scanned, share those unique stories. The murals, designed by Untapped New York’s artist Aaron Asis, will debut in conjunction with a new series of guided walking tours exploring the history of Greenwich Avenue and its local businesses led by Justin Rivers, Untapped New York’s Chief Experience Officer and Christopher Shields, Historical Society Director of Library and Archives.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/quantum-leap-a-bold-fusion-of-chamber-music" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Quantum Leap: A Bold Fusion of Chamber Music</strong></a></p><p><strong>Emerson Hall at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Stamford</strong></p><p>Sunday May 4, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Quantum Leap redefines chamber music by seamlessly blending classical and contemporary styles. The concert features musicians familiar to the Fairfield County chamber music community including Edita Orlinyte (violin), Shan Jiang (violin), Suzanne Corey-Sahlin (viola), Gunnar Sahlin (cello), Maxim Pakhomov (piano), and noted New Canaan musician and composer Gwyneth Walker as a narrator. The program includes works by contemporary composers Walker (Trails and Open Spaces) and Marc Chen (How Rivers Become Other Rivers), and a classical selection by Antonín Dvořák (Piano Quintet, Op. 88).</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/egalitarian-brass---sunday-soundscapes" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> <strong>eGALitarian Brass - Sunday Soundscapes</strong></a></p><p><strong>Weston Public Library, Weston</strong></p><p>Sunday May 4, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm</p><p>eGALitarian Brass has presented recitals at Newport Classical, Cape Cod Chamber Music Festival, Women Composer's Festival of Hartford, International Women’s Brass Conference, New York Women Composers, and Spectrum’s Female Composers Festival. In addition to performances, they have been an Ensemble in Residence at Rutgers University, Sacred Heart University and Marist College, where they have presented recitals and masterclasses, and led panel discussions.</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><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">MAYOR’S UPDATES</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">State of the City: </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to deliver my annual State of the City address at the Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, where I reflected on the meaningful progress we’ve made toward building a more inclusive, equitable, affordable, and vibrant Stamford—a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Through thoughtful investments in infrastructure, public safety, housing, and quality of life initiatives, we’re shaping a future-ready city that works for all.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">During the event, we also honored Deputy Fire Marshal Mark Kuhar for his leadership during a 16-hour response to the four-alarm fire that devastated several small businesses on Bedford Street in March. Thanks to his quick thinking—and the courage of our firefighters and police officers—not a single civilian was harmed, and the fire was successfully contained. We are deeply grateful for his service and for all our first responders who work tirelessly to keep our community safe.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Week of the Young Child: I had the pleasure of visiting CLC on Maple Avenue earlier this month to read to students as part of the Week of the Young Child. I’m so grateful for the dedicated educators who support and inspire our youngest learners, helping lay the foundation for their future success.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn More About The Stamford Tech Hub: </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We recently launched the Stamford Tech Hub, a groundbreaking initiative made possible through a strong public-private partnership. The Stamford Tech Hub offers free, hands-on tech training for residents of all skill levels, helping connect our community to high-paying careers in fields like software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. </span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">CITY NEWS</strong></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">2025 Mayor’s Community Microgrant Program: The 2025 Community Microgrant Program is now open and accepting applications until May 5th! Learn how you can get involved and apply </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fstamfordct.gov%2Fmicrogrant25/1/010001966ec0df6e-c5dfb65f-bf30-4ab3-86a5-ccad0ef40225-000000/VSH5O4g67fP2IkRkD9TMyqvmTkYn7txF1sZBxIaMqro=402" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Stamford 2035: Join the Stamford 2035 Comprehensive Plan team and your neighbors for a series of virtual Neighborhood Action Workshops this April. Participants will have the opportunity to map and prioritize draft planning strategies and actions for their areas, directly influencing the draft Stamford 2035 plan. Don't miss this chance to shape Stamford's future! Register </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSdGd-YgmpNUW2mPcmGixo0aMwaiFSLERDyGmkJa3eOAbJdmMQ%2Fviewform/1/010001966ec0df6e-c5dfb65f-bf30-4ab3-86a5-ccad0ef40225-000000/gzlapQg_Ry89GYoMqGP-1sR1j7VpdOcID__xATexq-I=402" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> now and help create a brighter future for Stamford.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">April Arts &amp; Culture Guide: The City of Stamford and the Stamford Arts and Culture Commission are excited to announce, “Stamford Spotlight: A Celebration of Arts and Culture.” This guide highlights upcoming arts and cultural events in Stamford. Be sure to stop by and support our local organizations! Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fhome%2Fshowpublisheddocument%2F41890%2F638791033715100000/1/010001966ec0df6e-c5dfb65f-bf30-4ab3-86a5-ccad0ef40225-000000/eWq_NV36w5hhFc57fynw-1oDya3_e3RRJQQzBRs7uzo=402" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> to view the April Guide.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lathon Wider Community Center: On the morning of Thursday, January 2, the City Facilities Department was notified of a flooding incident in the basement of the Lathon Wider Community Center (137 Henry Street) caused by a failure in a piece of mechanical equipment. The target date for reopening the building is July 1, 2025. For any questions or urgent needs regarding the Health Department’s walk-in health services, please call (203)-977-5652.</span></li><li class="ql-indent-1"><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Stamford Health Department Community Public Health Clinic has temporarily moved to 138 Stillwater Avenue - a former Optimus location. Convenient street parking is available.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Paving Update: Click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Foperations%2Froad-maintenance%2Froad-paving%23!%2F/1/010001966ec0df6e-c5dfb65f-bf30-4ab3-86a5-ccad0ef40225-000000/x5nTId1CDV-uU97vDetFm1ZbE9MIVC3U_pgrZHuuqKU=402" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> for the priority list for paving operations established in response to a city-wide road assessment in 2022.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Apply for a Special Events Permit: To reserve a pavilion or host events at city parks, click </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fstamfordct.portal.opengov.com%2Fcategories%2F1091%2Frecord-types%2F6547/1/010001966ec0df6e-c5dfb65f-bf30-4ab3-86a5-ccad0ef40225-000000/IXQXOs6dAEY91B4u0S-aWfVVCK1nZLhFprkW5AYgLHA=402" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li></ul><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend Weekend Beginning April 25-27</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/bio-blitz-at-new-pond-farm-education-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bio Blitz</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Pond Farm Education Center, Redding</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 7:00 am - 7:00 pm</p><p>Join an enthusiastic group of scientists and staff anytime between 7am and 7pm as we work to inventory the biological diversity of our pond, marsh stream, and surrounding areas. Help us better understand the local flora and fauna that are found in each habitat and in the process gain skills and knowledge that will lead to a deeper connection with the natural world.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/spring-tag-sale-fundraiser-at-stamford-history-center" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Spring Tag Sale Fundraiser</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford History Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>This is your opportunity to find treasures and gifts large and small! Antiques, furniture, art, books, jewelry and more. We recommend arriving early for the best selection. All proceeds benefit Stamford History Center.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethel-community-earth-day-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Community Earth Day 2025</strong></a></p><p><strong>Clifford J. Hurgin Municipal Center, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm</p><p>There will be local vendors, non-profit organizations, community groups, artists, and others who are dedicated to environmental awareness and preserving our planet. Throughout the day there will be live music performed by local musicians and groups, a kid’s activity station, and other fun games. Bethel Community Earth Day will be a day for fun, learning, growth, and community-building for people of all ages.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/oliver-nurseries-plein-air-speaker-series-06d05" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Specialty Daffodils with Christopher Harley of Qdaffs</strong></a></p><p><strong>Oliver Nurseries and Design Associates, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday, Apr 26, 10:00 am - 10:45 am</p><p>Join the series on the terrace next to the Design Barn for inspiring speakers and answers to your pressing gardening questions! 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/open-day-at-new-pond-farm-education-center-53c92" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Open Day</strong></a></p><p><strong>New Pond Farm Education Center, Redding</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 10:30 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>Stop by anytime between 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. to learn more about the stunning landscape, the diverse habitats, their fascinating history, the varied wildlife, the multitude of educational opportunities, in addition to our warm and welcoming staff.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-met-live-in-hd---mozart-s-le-nozze-di-figaro" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Le Nozze di Figaro</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 26, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss Mozart’s timeless comedy that returns to cinemas worldwide with a live transmission from the Metropolitan Opera. Conductor Joana Mallwitz, making her Met debut, leads a stellar ensemble cast, including American bass-baritone Michael Sumuel as the clever valet Figaro, Ukrainian soprano Olga Kulchynska as the wily maid Susanna, Canadian baritone Joshua Hopkins as the skirt-chasing Count, Italian soprano Federica Lombardi as his anguished wife, and mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce as the adolescent page Cherubino.</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>