<p>The Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce Maura Ruby as its new President &amp; CEO. Ruby, a dedicated advocate for the local business community, brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this leadership role. She is eager to collaborate with Chamber members to elevate business services and address the evolving needs of the Greater Danbury area. Ruby emphasized the importance of the Chamber’s resources and events, encouraging members to actively participate, connect with fellow professionals, and share their insights. “Together, we can strengthen our network and support each other’s growth,” she said.</p><p>One of her first opportunities to connect with members will be at the upcoming Previdi Awards, scheduled for Friday, December 13th, at the Amber Room. Ruby described the event as a fantastic occasion filled with inspiration and opportunities for connection. Ruby expressed her gratitude for the continued support of the Chamber’s members and looks forward to meeting and working alongside them in the year ahead.</p><p>Visit Greater Danbury Chamber online <a href="https://www.danburychamber.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.danburychamber.com/</a></p>

<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. The shop local movement spreads virally as local businesses who are “tagged” have the opportunity to share their story</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Mary and Jim Villamana Founders of </strong><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Expedia Cruises</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">!</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Editor’s note: Mary, a native of Newtown and Jim, originally from Ridgefield, opened Connecticut’s first Expedia agency in early 2019 at 67 Federal Road in Brookfield.</em></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);">As empty nesters, we wanted to travel more and see the world. It's a win-win for us to integrate that into our work. It's a fun and exciting industry, we enjoy sharing our experiences and passion for travel and want to help people plan their trips too.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What are your most requested products or services?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cruises is #1 followed by European land tours and all inclusive resorts. Our tagline is Air, Land and Sea vacations which sums it up well.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you reimagined Expedia Cruises Brookfield?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Although Covid was an extremely difficult time for the travel industry, it gave us the opportunity to learn more about other sectors such as destination weddings and safaris. As a result, we have incorporated that more into our business.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Expedia Cruises website </span><a href="https://www.expediacruises.com/en-US/900221" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ExpediaCruisesInBrookfield" 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/expediacruisesinbrookfield/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">expediacruisesinbrookfield</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>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://crumblcookies.com/ctdanbury" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Crumbl Cookies</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p>Three questions with&nbsp;Justin Cinnamon, co-owner of&nbsp;<a href="https://crumblcookies.com/ctdanbury" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Crumbl Cookies</a>, Danbury.</p><p><strong>Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p>My brother and I started this business for one purpose, to bring friends and family together over a box of the best cookies in the world. Our area was in need of a really great cookie place and none existed. But, once I tried a chocolate chip cookie from Crumbl Cookies, it changed my life. I was a lawyer and my brother was an elementary school principal; we quit our jobs and went all in on Crumbl because we believe everyone should get a chance to have our amazing cookies!</p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>Our best-selling product is our chocolate chip cookie. This cookie is almost always on our menu. What makes Crumbl Cookies so unique is our flavors change every week. We offer 6 gourmet cookies a week and our menu changes weekly with the new flavors being announced online at 8 pm on Sunday. We currently rotate through over 250 flavors!</p><p><strong>Have you "reimagined" your small business?</strong></p><p>Crumbl Cookies has reimagined the typical bakery. We are an open kitchen concept where customers can come in and watch our crew making cookies fresh from scratch every single day. There is nothing like smelling the cookies as they come out of the oven and taking that first warm, melt in your mouth, bite! Come stop by and taste weekly!</p><p><a href="https://crumblcookies.com/ctdanbury" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Crumbl Cookies</a>&nbsp;is located at 71 Newtown Road, Ste 5 in Danbury. Visit&nbsp;<a href="https://crumblcookies.com/ctdanbury" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Crumbl Cookies</a>&nbsp;online&nbsp;<a href="https://crumblcookies.com/ctdanbury" 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/crumblcookies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/crumblcookies/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Instagram</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/crumblcookies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Twitter</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>

<p>Danbury, CT – Since 1956, the Danbury Music Centre has proudly brought the timeless beauty of Handel’s&nbsp;<em>Messiah</em>&nbsp;to the greater Danbury community. This cherished holiday tradition continues this year on Saturday, December 7th at 4 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Danbury, located at 164 Deer Hill Avenue, Danbury, CT.</p><p>The performance features the Danbury Concert Chorus and members of the Danbury Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Conductor John Cuk. Audiences will also enjoy an exceptional lineup of soloists: soprano Jennifer Gliere, alto Amy Maude Helfer, tenor Daniel Kamalic, and bass Christopher Grundy.</p><p>Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted at the door. This event is generously sponsored by Preferred Utilities Manufacturing.</p><p>Join us to experience the uplifting spirit of the season through this celebrated musical masterpiece.</p><p>Find more information at&nbsp;<a href="http://danburymusiccentre.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">danburymusiccentre.org</a></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>WestConn to present virtual climate talk by NOAA expert</strong></p><p>DANBURY, Connecticut — The <a href="https://www.wcsu.edu/biology/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Department of Biology</a> at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Western Connecticut State University</a>&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">will present a free “Science at Night” virtual talk with climate scientist </span><a href="https://www.tomdiliberto.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tom DiLiberto</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. DiLiberto, who specializes in breaking down complex concepts for non-scientists to understand, will discuss “Demystifying Climate Change.” The public is invited to log in to the talk. To register, visit </span><a href="http://www.wcsu.edu/biology/demystifying-climate-change/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.wcsu.edu/biology/demystifying-climate-change/</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> in advance of the event to receive a link.</span></p><p>A climate scientist and public affairs specialist in the <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA)</a> Office of Communications, DiLiberto also is the star and creator of NOAA’s first cartoon production, “<a href="https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/teekandtom/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Teek and Tom Explore Planet Earth</a>,” a five-part series designed for students in the fourth through sixth grades. He works on strategic communications, especially related to climate science, and is a well-regarded public speaker on weather and climate. His scientific area of expertise is on El Niño and La Niña, and he previously served as the climate scientist for NOAA’s <a href="https://www.climate.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Climate.gov</a>.</p><p>In addition to his work at NOAA, DiLiberto is the lead for the Department of State’s U.S. Center at the <a href="https://unfccc.int/cop29" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">United Nations climate change conference COP29</a>, currently taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. He previously served as emcee of the U.S. Center at COP21 — where the Paris Agreement was forged — and as lead at COP22, COP26, COP27 and COP28. As lead and emcee, he has helped organize and run the U.S. government’s public outreach space during the negotiations.</p><p>The Dec. 2 Climate 101 talk with DiLiberto hosted by WestConn will dispel myths, answer questions, and share best practices and solutions for a changing climate that can help build resilient communities. It is funded by an NOAA Bay Watershed Education and Training (B-Wet) grant.</p><p>For more information, contact Biology Department Chair Dr. Theodora Pinou at <a href="mailto:pinout@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pinout@wcsu.edu</a> or Communications and Marketing at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:pr@wcsu.edu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">pr@wcsu.edu</a>.</p>

<p>Start the holiday season with joy and laughter at <strong>Breakfast with Santa</strong> on <strong>Saturday, November 23</strong>, at <strong>Kidz Klub</strong> (behind Lululemon).</p><p><strong>What to Expect</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Delicious Breakfast Buffet</strong></li><li><strong>Festive Crafts</strong> to spark creativity</li><li><strong>Playtime Fun</strong> in the interactive indoor playground</li><li>Appearances by <strong>Santa Claus</strong> and the <strong>Chick-fil-A Cow</strong>, spreading holiday cheer</li></ul><p>🎁 <strong>Every child receives a holiday party bag</strong>, including a Chick-fil-A Kids Meal BOGO card!</p><p><strong>Reserve Your Spot </strong><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/danbury-fair-chick-fil-a-breakfast-with-santa-tickets-1080392526129?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;dm_i=5BOZ%2CO1XB%2C529G6I%2C2T2C0%2C1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>here</strong></a><strong>.</strong></p><p>Spaces are limited, so be sure to secure your family’s spot for this festive, family-friendly event.</p><p>Join us for a magical morning filled with holiday cheer!</p>