<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield Academy is proud to announce that 18 of its students have been recognized for their participation in the 2024-2025 MOEMS® (Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools), a rigorous international program that fosters problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through competitive mathematics. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This year’s RA student participants included fourth graders, Parker C., Jerry N., and Brody S.; fifth graders, Harper B., Catherine F., Sebastian H., Olivia H., Charlotte M., and William R.; sixth graders, Eddie B., Joshua E., and Simon S.; seventh grader, Tristan S.; and eighth graders, Darragh C., Oliver H., Mealea H., Austin S., and Sasha S. </span><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Ridgefield Academy’s top scorers were Catherine F. (5th) and Jerry N. (4th) in the Elementary Division and Oliver H. and Mealea H. in the Middle School Division.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Each participating student was honored with a certificate during a school-wide assembly on Monday, April 14, when faculty and fellow students applauded their hard work. These certificates recognize not just their ability to solve complex problems, but also their dedication and perseverance throughout the competition season.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield Academy congratulates all the students for their hard work and success, and looks forward to continuing to support and inspire the next generation of thinkers and problem-solvers!</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">About MOEMS®&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With more than 120,000 students participating across the U.S. and representation from 39 countries worldwide, MOEMS® offers a dynamic platform for students to go beyond the standard curriculum. Through five monthly contests held between November and March, students are challenged to think creatively, build mathematical flexibility, and deepen their understanding of math.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about Ridgefield Academy’s Middle School program</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield Academy’s comprehensive middle school program engages students in forward-thinking educational experiences and develops critical thinking, reading, writing, and public-speaking skills. As part of a vibrant community that celebrates childhood and values kindness, students grow as both intellectuals and individuals. When each child is known, valued, and understood, they emerge from middle school as self-assured graduates prepared for success in high school and beyond. We invite you to </span><a href="https://www.ridgefieldacademy.org/visit-our-campus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">learn more</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> about our program, community, and culture.&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><em>Event is co-sponsored by Litchfield Crossings and the Town of New Milford to benefit New Milford Youth Sports</em></p><p>New Milford, Ct. It’s food, fabulous food at New Milford’s first annual Food Truck Festival on May 4^th from noon to 5:00 pm, co-sponsored by the Town of New Milford and Litchfield Crossings to benefit the Town’s Youth Sports.&nbsp;Sip and savor from a menu of flavors, including lobster rolls, chowder, crepes, barbeque, or maybe a delicious potpourri of dumplings topped off by an array of sweet stuff like cookies and cones. Swing and sway all afternoon to the music provided by DJ Beth Conkey.</p><p>In addition to gastronomic offerings, Petco will host a special dog food tasting featuring JustForDogs, the country’s number #1 Vet recommended frozen dog food. So, bring Fido, he’ll be licking his chops for more.</p><p>For younger attendees, the festival will feature a magical collection of&nbsp;Inflatables courtesy of SuperFun Inflatables. While mom and dad are dining, tots, tweens, and teens can whiz down two-lane super slides, run obstacle courses, bounce around, and explore fantasy castles. Then, take a selfie with a best friend or a spin at the art/paint machine. And frame both to take home as a memento of a fun-filled day.&nbsp;</p><p><em>“We are pleased to partner with Litchfield Crossings to present the 1</em>^<em>st</em><em> Annual New Milford Food Truck Festival that is sure to bring joy to every food lover in the area. Food, Music, Inflatables, activities and much more.&nbsp;Looking forward to seeing you there,</em>” says New Milford Mayor Pete Bass.</p><p>Adds Kristen Gizzi, Executive Director of Litchfield Crossings, “<em>We, too, are delighted to host this exciting event.&nbsp;It’s an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a day of fantastic food, music, and family fun.”&nbsp;</em></p><p>Lichfield Crossings is located at 169 Danbury Road, Nee Milford. Ct. Admission to the Festival is free.&nbsp;Ample parking will be available on-site.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

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

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="https://www.casao.marketing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Casa O Marketing</a></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Mariana “Mimi” Arteaga Pérez, founder and operator of </strong><a href="https://www.casao.marketing/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Casa O Marketing.</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I started my business to fill a need within my community. It all began with helping friends build websites, and soon after, a client asked me to help with their social media. At first, I was hesitant, but they insisted, so I stepped in. That project led to another client, and before I knew it, word spread. I realized that people were craving help in showcasing their incredible gifts, so I decided to dedicate myself to supporting businesses both locally and beyond in sharing their unique stories and values.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What sets Casa O Marketing apart in digital marketing?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">At Casa O Marketing, we specialize in helping businesses grow organically by providing personalized and strategic digital marketing solutions. My passion is helping entrepreneurs and small businesses build authentic connections with their audience through tailored social media management, branding, and content creation. Our focus is on nurturing long-term relationships with our clients and empowering them to showcase their unique talents and values to the world.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our most popular service is our social media management membership. It’s like Netflix for social media marketing—tailored specifically to your business. We work closely with you, capturing and creating custom content designed to connect with your ideal clients and elevate your brand’s presence online.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you “reimagined” your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yes, we’ve recently undergone a rebrand! We launched a new website and refreshed our look to better communicate our values and make it easier for business owners to understand what we offer. Along with the new look, we introduced exciting services, such as our 6-week social media course and personalized consulting for those who want to stay hands-on with content creation but need expert guidance and education. This rebrand has made it easier and faster for our clients to work with us and to align their marketing efforts with their business goals.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mimi nominates Janet Taub, founder of </span><a href="https://planet-photography.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Planet Photo</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, to be featured next!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Get SOCIAL with Casa O! Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/casaomrkting" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">casaomrkting</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/casaomarketing" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>

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

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