Stories
<p>Sary Baker of Norwalk has earned a distinction few undergraduates achieve. On April 5, she was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society at the University of Wisconsin–Madison—an academic milestone that reflects years of intellectual rigor and unwavering curiosity.</p><p>Baker, a student in UW–Madison’s College of Letters & Science, was among just 245 undergraduates invited to join the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society. Inductees are selected based on exceptional academic performance across a broad range of disciplines. Requirements include a cumulative GPA of at least 3.80 and demonstrated achievement in mathematics, foreign language, and diverse fields of study beyond one’s major.</p><p>Founded in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa recognizes students who embrace a true liberal arts education. Inductees are not only high achievers in the classroom—they are also thinkers and explorers, committed to a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.</p><p>The induction ceremony, held at Madison’s Monona Terrace, featured speeches by faculty and student leaders. Among them was Lily Hamacher, a fellow honoree, who encouraged her peers to “take a bite of everything on your plate,” underscoring the value of a wide-ranging academic appetite—a sentiment that aptly describes Baker’s approach to learning.</p><p>Sary Baker’s accomplishment places her among an esteemed group of scholars nationwide and reflects the strong educational values she has carried from Norwalk to the heart of the Midwest. Her recognition by Phi Beta Kappa is a mark of excellence that will follow her wherever her intellectual journey leads next.</p>
<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="https://strigocoffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Strigo Coffee</a></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Dennis Bubbico, founder of </span><a href="https://strigocoffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Strigo Coffee</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);">We couldn't find a local roaster that focuses on Specialty-Grade, Single-Origin coffee. It was also hard to find freshly roasted coffee, rather than beans that have been sitting around getting stale. Also, being a Norwalk native, I am proud to be able to offer some amazing coffee to my friends and neighbors.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product or service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our Cold Brew is super popular and is a product that can be purchased ready to drink at local cafes. Our best-selling service would be our free local delivery of our bags of beans.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do you use any local businesses to support your operations?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our coffee is sourced from an importer in NY, but we have wholesale deals with The Pantry, So Fresh Doughnuts, Harbor Harvest, Allora Coffee & Bites and coming soon...314 Beer Garden! We've also done collaborations with Spacecat Brewing Company and Lindsay's Handmade Ice Cream.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you reimagined Strigo Coffee?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yes! During COVID most cafes and restaurants weren't buying coffee or taking on new accounts. We shifted our focus on free home delivery since everyone was at home! Now this is an integral part of our business and ensures super fresh coffee by roasting on Tuesday and delivering on Wednesday every week.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Strigo Coffee’s website </span><a href="https://strigocoffee.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://strigocoffee.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and follow along on social media @</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/strigocoffee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">strigocoffee</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:dennis@strigocoffee.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">dennis@strigocoffee.com</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>
<p><strong>Local Business Champion: </strong><a href="https://www.apsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Affordable Pet Services</strong></a><strong>!</strong></p><p>Three questions with Chandni Bechar, founder of <a href="https://www.apsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Affordable Pet Services</a>. </p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>My best-selling service is doggy daycare and boarding pups at my residence. We provide park days and hikes when the dogs are in our care. We do offer dog walks as well, but unfortunately, with the traffic the way it is nowadays, we've cut back on daily walks.</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>I have partnered with other dog care professionals in my area and the surrounding areas. Some of the dog care businesses I support are Happy Leash, No Place Like Home, and Sabrina's Pet Care.</p><p><strong>Have you "reimagined" your small business?</strong>I have reimagined my small business so much that we've gone through three phases. We are currently providing the best care from our residential area and will be looking into buying or leasing a bigger area of land so we can provide our pups with private playtime without worrying about aggressive dogs or people invading their space and comfort zone.</p><p><em>Chandni is First Aid & CPR Certified and Affordable Pet Services is 100% insured</em></p><p>Visit <a href="https://www.apsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Affordable Pet Services</a> online <a href="https://www.apsct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here</a>, and make sure to check out their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/affordablepetsitterct" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/affordablepetservicesct/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Instagram</a> pages as well!</p><p><strong>HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1658238881436694&usg=AOvVaw39W0bJpATtDqE_cBmJU58x" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1658238881437096&usg=AOvVaw3RsWKp-KhAsGejMtOWDanG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong>for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>
<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank is honored to announce the recent graduation of Michelle Luis, Assistant Vice President, Small Business Lending Manager, and Paul Lutsky, Vice President, Commercial Lender, from the Connecticut School of Finance & Management (CSFM). </p><p class="ql-align-justify">The graduates were honored at a ceremony on April 11 at the Trumbull Marriott Hotel. CSFM is a two-year banking education and management program with class work including banking theory, practices and procedures, capital markets and management functions. It is a proven management development staple within the Connecticut banking industry designed to increase the knowledge of the participants in their own specialties and, at the same time, introduce them to a wide range of banking topics and scenarios. </p><p class="ql-align-justify">“Paul and Michelle did an incredible job balancing the rigorous undertaking that is CSFM while continuing to provide our Commercial Lending clients with the highlight level of service,” said Dan Berta, Fairfield County Bank President. “We look forward to the implementation of their newfound knowledge and are exceedingly proud of their achievement.”</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Ms. Luis has been with the Bank for 24 years and has served as the Small Business Lending Manger since 2020. She works diligently with local small businesses to find the right financial product that will grow their business through property acquisition, working capital, orequipment financing. She is a lifelong Fairfield County resident and away from the office, enjoys traveling with family and friends.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Mr. Lutsky joined Fairfield County Bank in 2021. With more than 20 years of experience, Paul is committed to working tirelessly to ensure the goals of his clients are met. Covering Fairfield County, his responsibilities include both establishing new relationships between clients and Fairfield County Bank and enhancing existing client relationships through a suite of commercial loan, consumer deposit, and wealth management products, while managing a commercial lending portfolio. Outside of the office, he is an accomplished golferand serves on the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA Finance Committee.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Photographed, from left to right: Virginia Turnbull, Senior Vice President, Commercial Lending Team Leader. Glen LeBlanc, Executive Vice President, Chief Commercial Lending Officer. Michelle Luis, Assistant Vice President, Small Business Lending Manager. Paul Lutsky, Vice President, Commercial Lending. Daniel Berta, President. David Schneider, Chief Executive Officer.</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Visit </em><a href="http://www.fairfieldcountbank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);"><em>www.FairfieldCountBank.com</em></a></p><p><br></p>
<p><strong>Run Like a Mother® 5K</strong> returns to Ridgefield this Mother’s Day, promising an inspiring weekend filled with community, fitness, and celebration. Now in its 18th year, the event welcomes mothers, families, and supporters of all kinds to honor the strength and resilience of women—on and off the racecourse.</p><p>“This year, Run Like a Mother has partnered with Asics and The Prospector Theater to kick-off this special weekend with a panel of incredible women discussing <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102460/move-her-mind-event-series-ridgefield-running-co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Implementing Habits & Routines in Asics Move Her Mind</a> Event” says Megan Searfoss, Founder of Run Like a Mother and CT Run Co. The event is free and registration is limited.</p><p>This year’s celebration kicks off on <strong>Saturday, May 3</strong> with an <a href="https://tockify.com/e/ctrunco/detail/331/1746273600000" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>8:00 AM Course Preview</strong></a> at the Ridgefield Playhouse, giving participants a sneak peek at the scenic route through town.</p><p>On <strong>Thursday, May 8</strong>, as Ridgefield Running and Asics presents the <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102460/move-her-mind-event-series-ridgefield-running-co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Move Her Mind Event</strong> at the Prospector Theater:</a></p><p><strong>5:30 PM</strong>: Lace up and hit the streets for a <strong>Run with Asics and Special Guests</strong>.</p><p><strong>7:00 PM</strong>: Enjoy <a href="https://raceroster.com/events/2025/102460/move-her-mind-event-series-ridgefield-running-co" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">a <strong>Live Podcast</strong></a> experience with Meaghan Murray of Believe in the Run, Meghann Featherstun of Featherstone Nutrition, </p><p>Megan Connolly Morant, host of the WWE, and Makenna Myler, Pro Runner.</p><p>Following the podcast, meet our special guests during the <strong>Post-Event Meet & Greet</strong>.</p><p>Participants can pick up their race packets on:</p><p><strong>Friday, May 9</strong> from <strong>10:00 AM to 4:00 PM</strong> at BMW of Ridgefield</p><p><strong>Saturday, May 10</strong> from <strong>10:00 AM to 4:00 PM</strong> at Ridgefield Running.</p><p>Race day, <strong>Sunday, May 11</strong>, will be an unforgettable Mother’s Day morning:</p><p><strong>6:30 AM</strong>: <strong>Final Package Pick-Up</strong> opens.</p><p><strong>7:45 AM</strong>: The community gathers for a heartfelt <strong>Run Like a Mother </strong>Blessing (non-denominational) with the Reverend Whitney Altopp from St. Stephen’s.</p><p><strong>8:00 AM</strong>: Little ones lead the charge in the <strong>Kid’s One Mile Run</strong>.</p><p><strong>8:30 AM</strong>: The <strong>Run Like a Mother 5K</strong> kicks off!</p><p>After the race, stick around for the <strong>Post-Race Celebration in Ballard Park</strong>, with festivities, music, and community cheer.</p><p>Whether you’re running, walking, cheering, or celebrating the moms in your life, this weekend is for everyone.</p><p><a href="http://www.runlikeamother.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Register now</strong></a> and join us in making memories, embracing wellness, and celebrating motherhood—one stride at </p><p>a time.</p><p>Run Like a Mother is proud to support the <a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.ejoinme.org/MyPages/NoreenLPapaFund/tabid/536511/Default.aspx" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ridgefield Library’s Noreen L Papa: Mothers Live Your Life programming</a>, and the <a href="https://www.theirisfund.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Iris Fund</a>- Devoted to the future every pre-term baby deserves. </p><p>For more information and registration details, visit: <a href="http://www.runlikeamother.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.runlikeamother.com</a>. For sponsorship inquiries and other questions, please contact Amy Stozinic, Race Director, <a href="mailto:amy@ctrunco.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">amy@ctrunco.com</a></p>
<p>(Norwalk, CT) – The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is one of twenty aquariums across the country to be nominated for USA Today’s “10 Best” list in their 2025 Reader’s Choice Awards.</p><p>Aquariums featured in the list range from large to small, from the East Coast to the West Coast, and were chosen by a panel of experts because they “represent the best in the country for their high-quality exhibits and visitor interactions.”</p><p>The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is honored to be nominated alongside so many other organizations that share its dedication to preserving aquatic life and habitats while providing educational outreach and enrichment.</p><p>“The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has been welcoming visitors through our doors to learn more about the unique ecosystem of Long Island Sound for nearly four decades,” said President & CEO Jason Patlis. “We know this is a special place for our community and we’re so pleased to have a chance to share our story of discovery and conservation with the rest of country.”</p><p>Visitors and fans are welcome to cast their vote once a day, every day, through Monday, May 12.</p><p>For more information, visit <a href="https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.</p><p> </p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Bridgeport, CT - Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo turns up the heat for this year’s Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari on Saturday June 7th, with a next-level, local celebrity twist.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is thrilled to announce that Chef Cathy Cann, the culinary queen behind Cat’s Kitchen of Connecticut, will be featured during VIP Hour at this year’s must-attend fundraising event! Cathy Cann was recently a participant on FOX’s hit show "Next Level Chef" with Gordon Ramsay, where her bold flavors and creative cooking took the stage.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Guests at the VIP Hour on Saturday, June 7th will get a chance to taste Cat’s creations in person—before the gates open. With early entry, special animal encounters, and exclusive pours from Foolproof Brewing, Sound Coffee and Bites Company, this experience is nothing short of unforgettable. Tickets for VIP hour are limited and almost sold out, click here for your tickets: </span><a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Chef Cathy Cann’s involvement is a preview of the caliber of offerings attendees will find throughout the entire event. The Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari is a full-flavored expedition through a vibrant scene with over 40 incredible foods, beer, and wine vendors, each offering tastes as exciting and diverse as the animals on exhibit.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Wild Wine, Beer & Food Safari features fare from local restaurants and caterers such as: Amrita Health Foods, The Batch Pantry, Colossal Kielbasa, Shake Shack, East Coast Clambakes, Dave Grant Caterers, Fortuna’s, Garden Catering, Lesser Evil, Little Pub, Nuovo Pasta, Palmer’s Catering & Events, Retreat Sweets, Rose Sisters Chips, Taco Loco, The Taste Garden, Vazzy’s, and Vinny’s Pizza.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Guests will also enjoy live music, fun games, a premium silent auction, and encounters with amazing zoo animals. Don’t miss your chance to eat, drink, and go wild for a great cause! Click here for tickets and more details: </span><a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Thank you to all sponsors who make this event possible: Generous Guinea Hog Sponsors M&T Bank. Grand Gator Sponsor Liberty Bank. Big Hearted Bear Sponsors Aquarion, Ring’s End, Coca-Cola Northeast, Baileys and Casamigos. Opulent Otter Sponsors: Industrial Health & Safety Consultants, LLC and Shoprite. Kind Condor Sponsor: Robinson & Cole LLP. To volunteer, sponsor, purchase tickets, or more about the silent auction please visit the website at: </span><a href="https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.beardsleyzoo.org/wild-wine.html</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. Stay updated by following us on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ConnecticutsBeardsleyZoo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Facebook</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> and </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ctbeardsleyzoo/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Instagram</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> for the latest news and announcements.</span></p>