<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>

<p>Mercury Marketing Communications of Stamford has won six Connecticut Press Club Awards on behalf of the agency’s clients. Vice President of Public Relations Thomas Renner and Assistant Account Executive Sabrina Boccuzzi were honored for their work in media relations and editorial content, earning top recognition in multiple categories.</p><p>Renner and Boccuzzi won first place in the “News or Feature Release” category for their press release, “Bendheim Channel Glass Brings New Life to the Domino Sugar Refinery Building.” The first-place release weaves together the historical roots and modern revival of the Domino Sugar Refinery in New York, explaining how the building has entered a new era of use. Boccuzzi also secured a second-place award in the same category for her solo piece, “Bendheim Glass Sparkles in Met Opera Renovation.”</p><p>In the “Media Pitch” category, Renner earned first place for his “Kansas City International Airport pitch,” spotlighting Bendheim’s colorful glass installations that aid in restroom wayfinding and mirrored glass that enhances elevator aesthetics.</p><p>Renner was also recognized with multiple awards in the “Specialty Articles” categories. He earned first place in the “Specialty Articles-Green/environmental” category for his piece “Sustainability Takes Flight,” published on behalf of Bendheim in <em>Commercial Construction &amp; Renovation Magazine</em>. In the “Specialty Articles – Hobby” category, Renner received third place for “Music City Makeover,” which was published in <em>Informed Infrastructure</em> on behalf of The BILCO Company. He also won honorable mention for “The Big Picture,” which was published in <em>PHC Pros </em>on behalf of Ariston Group<em>.</em></p><p>“Tom and Sabrina’s writing leads to standout media coverage for our clients,” said Mercury President Melissa LoParco. “So recognition from the Connecticut Press Club is both a win for our team as well as a win we can share with our clients.”</p><p>The Connecticut Press Club competition includes over 60 categories, and work was judged by professionals with corresponding expertise. The competition is open to anyone who lives or works in Connecticut and work had to have been published between January 1 and December 31, 2024.</p><p>Mercury Marketing Communications Inc. is a boutique marketing and public relations firm that specializes in business-to-business and community-oriented communications. The agency has extensive experience working with manufacturers and non-profit organizations.&nbsp;In addition to public relations, Mercury’s core capabilities include the development and execution of digital marketing campaigns, including social media and video. Advertising, collateral design and production complete the firm’s portfolio of services.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

<p>“Trustees, Guardianship and Funding Webinar” on Wednesday April 30th 2025 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. is hosted online by Vista Life Innovations (Madison and Westbrook, CT). This webinar is on Zoom.&nbsp;It is free and open to the public.&nbsp;</p><p>Register for the webinar on Vista’s website: <a href="https://bit.ly/tgfwebinar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://bit.ly/tgfwebinar</a></p><p><strong>Speakers:&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Allison McPherson, Benefits and Advocacy Manager at Vista Life Innovations</p><p>Lawrence Berliner, CT Special Education Law and Disability Civil Rights Attorney; DDS eligibility </p><p>James Funnell, Special Needs Trusts Attorney at Brody Wilkinson P.C. Southport CT and PLAN of CT&nbsp;</p>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: </span><a href="https://gadgetlesstech.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Gadgetlesstech Digital Marketing</a></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Kevin Rhodes, founder of </span><a href="https://gadgetlesstech.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Gadgetlesstech Digital Marketing</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SEO | Content Marketing | Web Design</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What inspired you to start your business?</strong></p><p><a href="https://gadgetlesstech.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Gadgetlesstech </a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">was born out of a passion for technology and entrepreneurship. In 2010, I launched the company as an e-commerce store selling Chinese consumer electronics. What started as a curiosity quickly evolved into a deep dive into how digital marketing could drive business growth. By 2014, I recognized the growing need for small businesses to have real support in web design, SEO, and content marketing—and we pivoted into a full-service digital marketing agency. Since then, our mission has been to empower other business owners to thrive online, just as we did.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What’s one challenge you’ve overcome that you’re proud of?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">One of our biggest challenges was transitioning from a product-based e-commerce model to a service-driven agency. It meant learning a new industry, earning client trust from scratch, and building a reputation in an increasingly competitive space. But through persistence, continuous learning, and a focus on delivering real results for our clients, we've grown into one of Connecticut's top digital marketing agencies. That transformation is something I’m incredibly proud of—it taught me the value of adaptability and resilience.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What’s one thing you wish more customers knew about you?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I wish more people knew how deeply invested we are in their success. We’re not just here to build websites or run SEO campaigns—we become strategic partners who care about long-term growth. Every project we take on is personal. We bring over a decade of digital experience and treat our clients’ businesses like our own, because their wins are our wins.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:kevin@gadgetlesstech.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">kevin@gadgetlesstech.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and visit their website</span><a href="http://www.gadgetlesstech.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> www.gadgetlesstech.com</a></p><p><a href="https://gadgetlesstech.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Gadgetlesstech</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is located at 680 East Main Street, Suite 564 in Stamford</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on social media: Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gadgetlesstech/" 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);"> and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/gadgetlesstech/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">gadgetlesstech</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><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">MAYOR’S UPDATES&nbsp;</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">2025 Mayor’s Community Microgrant Program: I’m excited to share that applications are now open for the 2025 Community Microgrant Program! Every year, I’m inspired by the passion and innovation our residents and neighborhood groups bring to building a stronger, more connected community. Learn how you can get involved and apply </span><a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/stamfordct.gov%2Fmicrogrant25/1/010001964ab4b464-0ad8fa1e-5d74-4998-b4d3-f3992fcf3c55-000000/qM-S4w9y9AjrvxueJEHUSv4z5AVluRwkLYzSwwPD8MQ=401" 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;">Learn More About The Stamford Tech Hub: 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. Programs begin this month, so now is the time to sign up, explore your potential, and take the next step in your career. To learn more and apply, visit </span><a href="http://stamford.mydae.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">http://stamford.mydae.org/</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">CITY NEWS</span></p><ul><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. 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%2F...%2F1FAIpQLSdGd...%2Fviewform/1/010001964ab4b464-0ad8fa1e-5d74-4998-b4d3-f3992fcf3c55-000000/uhXc0QnSaDdnPdMHwx2k4gzWEP6wmPB8O9BEX2AFGjU=401" 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%2F638791033715100000/1/010001964ab4b464-0ad8fa1e-5d74-4998-b4d3-f3992fcf3c55-000000/QyqW6uZQFS1Avv_KvxxQuRCJ4G0PkDRniIrRymqn3Rw=401" 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/1/010001964ab4b464-0ad8fa1e-5d74-4998-b4d3-f3992fcf3c55-000000/9TE0kPD04Yfyz4UT5Jzn1aTCGCXEjg3ag3aIrB8emRA=401" 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%2F6547/1/010001964ab4b464-0ad8fa1e-5d74-4998-b4d3-f3992fcf3c55-000000/dtJCsFaodg_q41mXLFKbE8aTesvloX_TNc0OZQwT20U=401" 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 class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend April 18-20</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/music-in-the-woods-presents-daffodil-daydream" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Daffodil Daydream</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Apr 18, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Step into three million blooming daffodils and let inspiration find you! Whether you want to paint, write poetry, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax, this afternoon is yours to unwind while listening to the peaceful sound of the harp.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/egg-straordinary-egg-stravaganza" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm</p><p>A little birdie told us some egg-citing news...our Egg-straordinary Egg-stravaganza is hopping back to Stepping Stones on April 19! Get ready for a crackin’ good time with egg hunts, egg-quisite activities and nonstop fun for the whole flock. With a day this egg-stra special, everything’s looking sunny-side up!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-daffodil-dreams-hunt-paint-play-for-children-of-all-ages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Daffodil Dreams: Hunt, Paint, &amp; Play! For Children of all ages!</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Hop into Spring with an Easter Egg Hunt &amp; Painting in the Daffodils! (Children's Event)</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/bethe-pride-s-book-club-ebd99" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Bethel Pride's Book Club</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rainy Day Paperback, Bethel</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>Come discuss a book on the 3rd Saturday of each month. We alternate between fiction and nonfiction books. There will be a catch up session at end of the year to review everything from the year!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/1964-the-beatles-tribute" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>1964 The Beatles Tribute</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>They are hailed by critics and fans alike as THE most authentic and endearing Beatles tribute….which has earned them the distinction from Rolling Stone magazine as the “Best Beatles Tribute on Earth”.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sleeping-beauty-a8db2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sleeping Beauty</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Apr 19, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm</p><p>Get ready for a magical journey into the land of fairy tales at the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, where dreams come true and adventure awaits around every corner! In our final enchanting TYA production of 2025, witness the timeless tale of a beautiful princess cursed into a deep slumber, awaiting the kiss of true love to awaken her. But fear not, because a brave prince is ready to rise to the challenge! With his trusty sword in hand, he sets off to rescue the princess from the clutches of an evil witch and face the fiery breath of a fierce dragon.</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>