<p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">Darien Arts Center is delighted to announce the expansion of its Dance Academy and the opening of its new studio space, The ANNEX, on Sunday, May 4th at 537 Post Road with all-day festivities beginning at 12:00 pm.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">The celebration kicks off with a ribbon cutting, family brunch, and a performance by the DACDA Company pre-professional dancers. The day continues with free classes for ages 3 through adult in Creative Movement, Hip Hop, Ballet, Contemporary, and Latin Jazz—all open to the public, with no prior dance experience required.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">Located in the heart of Darien, the Darien Arts Center Dance Academy is dedicated to fostering creativity and community through exemplary pre-professional dance training. The ANNEX Studio represents a vibrant expansion of the Academy—a nurturing hub for dancers of all ages and skill levels, offering a wide variety of classes in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and lyrical.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">Claire Mazza, Dance Director at the Darien Arts Center, shared her excitement about the opening:“This expansion is such a big step for the institution, but even more than that, I find it is inspiring! While this new space will increase the academy’s footprint, it will also expand the community’s accessibility to dance and our ability to give students a well-rounded education in the art of dance. This is important now more than ever. I can’t wait to reveal new offerings for the Fall and really hope people of all ages and dance backgrounds drop by on May 4th to have a bite, try a class and get acquainted with the DACDA dance-family. We are enthusiastic and welcoming, and I can't wait to see what we all build together.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">This exciting addition comes during the Darien Arts Center’s 50th anniversary year and reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality arts education for the community. This event is free and open to the public, though donations are warmly welcomed.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">For a detailed schedule and to register for the Opening Day Celebration, click&nbsp;</span><a href="https://register.darienarts.org/CourseCatalog/Tickets/EventView.asp?EventID=75" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 93, 143);">HERE</a><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">&nbsp;or call (203) 655-8683.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(17, 17, 17);">&nbsp;</span></p>

<p><br></p><p>LiveGirl will host its signature summer fundraiser, <em>SHE IS RISING</em>, on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at HMTX in Norwalk. The evening will spotlight LiveGirl’s mission to equip girls and young women with the tools to lead with confidence, purpose, and strength through mentorship and leadership development.</p><p>The event will honor journalist and author Alisyn Camerota with LiveGirl’s <em>Woman of the Year: Inspiration Catalyst</em> award, recognizing her dedication to elevating women’s voices and shaping meaningful dialogue in media and beyond.</p><p>An exclusive VIP Hour will begin at 5:00 p.m., featuring private tours of the architecturally renowned House Up On The Hill, along with passed hors d’oeuvres, a champagne toast, and the opportunity to engage directly with LiveGirl participants whose lives have been transformed through the organization’s programs.</p><p>From 6:00 p.m. onward, the main event will offer a dynamic experience that brings the mission to life—interactive exhibits highlighting program outcomes, a live painter creating take-home artwork, and festive elements such as a DIY bouquet bar, music, and dancing. The evening promises both inspiration and celebration, as attendees come together in support of cultivating the next generation of fearless female leaders.</p><p>For additional information or to purchase tickets, visit <a href="https://golivegirl.org/upcoming-events/she-is-rising-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">golivegirl.org/upcoming-events/she-is-rising-2025</a>.</p>

<h2><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Local Business Champion: Lash Delight</span></h2><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Meet Lana Surykava, founder of </span><a href="https://booksy.com/en-us/1335011_lash-delight_brows-lashes_15271_darien#ba_s=seo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Lash Delight</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Tell me a bit about why you started Lash Delight</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">My name is Yana I’m a lash technician. I've been doing eyelash extensions for 5 years and one year ago I opened my own small business realizing that my job is not just about making money, it's something I truly enjoy!&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What is your best-selling product?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Lash services including eyelash extensions, lash lift, LED eyelash extensions.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why do your clients love eyelash extensions?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Eyelash extensions offer a simple, time-saving solution for women with busy lives. I'm proud to help my clients enhance their natural beauty without the daily hassle of makeup.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Book your appointment </span><a href="https://booksy.com/en-us/1335011_lash-delight_brows-lashes_15271_darien#ba_s=seo" 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;"> or call (475) 685-8721 or email </span><a href="mailto:yanasurykava@yahoo.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">yanasurykava@yahoo.com</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Lash Delight is located at 770 Boston Post Rd, Darien.</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> </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 </strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">​The Greenwich Town Party (GTP) is set to return on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, Connecticut. This annual event brings the community for a day filled with iconic music, food, and family-friendly activities.​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The 2025 Main Stage lineup features seven-time Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette, known for her 1995 album "Jagged Little Pill." Joining her is eight-time Grammy Award winner Ziggy Marley, renowned for his unique blend of reggae, funk, rock, and blues. Additionally, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band will bring the vibrant sounds of New Orleans to the stage. For younger attendees, "Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour" will offer an engaging performance tailored for children. ​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tickets for the GTP are exclusively available to Greenwich residents and employees. The ticket lottery was open from March 4 through March 24, 2025. Community tickets are priced at $85 each, while Senior tickets are available for $25, plus processing fees. Children aged 12 and under can attend for free. ​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The GTP is organized by Greenwich Town Party, Inc., a nonprofit organization.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information and updates, visit the official Greenwich Town Party website at</span><a href="https://www.greenwichtownparty.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://www.greenwichtownparty.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.greenwichtownparty.org/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><br></p>

<p>The Darien Nature Center invites families to come together for <em>Spring Into Nature</em>, a community Earth Day celebration held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Nature Center in Darien. Tickets are $10 per person or $40 per family, with free admission for children under two. Advance registration is required.</p><p>This hands-on, family-friendly event is designed to inspire sustainable habits through interactive exhibitions, outdoor fun, and live entertainment. The day begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 AM, followed by a performance from Sova Dance and Puppet Theater at 12:30 PM. Darien Library will host a special storytime at 1:30 PM.</p><p>Attendees can look forward to meeting live animals, exploring the pond with Naturalist Molly, face painting, crafting, and even making S’mores by the fire. The celebration also includes planting in the meadow, helping young visitors connect directly with nature.</p><p>Please bring a blanket for the outdoor puppet performance, as seating is limited.</p><p>To learn more and purchase tickets, visit:</p><p> <a href="https://www.dariennaturecenter.org/spring-into-natureb33d32b5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.dariennaturecenter.org/spring-into-natureb33d32b5</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>Darien YMCA Healthy Kids Day is a<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> FREE, family-friendly event encouraging kids to stay active and engaged with a fun run, water safety activities, yoga, story time, arts &amp; crafts, and more! The event takes place on Saturday, April 26.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more </span><a href="https://darien-ymca.org/community-events-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://darien-ymca.org/community-events-2025/</a></p>