<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>Step inside&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.candlekkstudio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>Candle KK Studio</strong></a><strong>&nbsp;and meet owner, Khrystyna Khrystynyuk.</strong></p><p><strong>Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p>Candle KK Studio was born from my genuine love for candles and the desire to offer something unique that you won't find in stores. After discovering an Australian candle maker's Insta page showcasing beautiful sculptural candles, I realized that I had never seen it on the US market. My business is driven by the aesthetic beauty of non-toxic candles.</p><p><strong>What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p>Every season brings its favorites, but we do have a few timeless best-sellers that customers adore year-round. The Knot Candle, Raindrop Cube Candle, and our Peony and Flower Bears are among the perennial favorites.</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>As of now, sourcing materials locally for this type of candle-making is a bit challenging since it's a relatively new craft. I don't have specific partnerships with local businesses yet, but I'm eager to collaborate once suitable products for candle-making businesses become accessible locally. Also, I'm currently on the lookout for local beekeepers who offer beeswax for sale. If you fit the bill, I'd love to collaborate with you!</p><p><strong>Have you reimagined your small business?</strong></p><p>Absolutely! When I first started my business, I wasn't sure where it would lead. Over the past two years, I've come to realize that the most fulfilling part is connecting with people in my local community. While I still operate online, my primary joy comes from the personal interactions and relationships built locally. It's become a significant shift for me, putting a stronger emphasis on the value of community engagement in my small business venture.</p><p>Visit Candle KK Studio online at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.candlekkstudio.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://www.candlekkstudio.com/</a>&nbsp;where you can browse items and<a href="https://www.candlekkstudio.com/shop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">&nbsp;shop!</a>&nbsp;Check out&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/candlekkstudio/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Instagram&nbsp;</a>where candle creativity, beauty and light reach new heights! And... find Candle KK Studio and local markets - learn more <a href="https://www.candlekkstudio.com/services-1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><strong>HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>&nbsp;</strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" 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><strong>Orchestra Lumos Presents: A Night in Vienna, Almost</strong></p><p>Experience a taste of Vienna right here in Norwalk! On <strong>Sunday, October 27</strong>, from <strong>3:00 PM to 4:30 PM</strong>, join <strong>Orchestra Lumos</strong> for a unique musical journey at <strong>St. Paul’s on the Green</strong>, located at <strong>60 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT</strong>.</p><p>Titled <strong>"A Night in Vienna, Almost"</strong>, this concert offers a delightful twist on the classic Viennese experience. Musicians from Orchestra Lumos, formerly known as Stamford Symphony, will guide you through the heart of Vienna's rich musical heritage. The program will feature masterpieces by renowned composers such as <strong>Mozart</strong>, <strong>Schubert</strong>, <strong>Beethoven</strong>, and <strong>Ponce</strong>, bringing the sounds of Vienna to life in Norwalk.</p><p>Whether you're a fan of classical music or looking for an enriching way to spend a Sunday afternoon, this event promises to transport you to the cultural capital of Austria—without leaving Connecticut! It's almost like being in Vienna!</p><p>For more details and to purchase tickets, visit <a href="https://orchestralumos.org/a-night-in-vienna-almost/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>Orchestra Lumos’ website</strong></a>. Don’t miss this exceptional afternoon of music!</p>

<p>Wegmans Norwalk is hosting its final open interview event of the year as it looks to fill over 100 full- and part-time positions ahead of the store’s summer 2025 opening. </p><p>The store, located at 675 Connecticut Avenue, is actively recruiting for a variety of roles, from entry-level leadership positions to food service roles in culinary departments, as well as positions in perishable areas like bakery, produce, and seafood.</p><p>Norwalk Store Manager Emily Reynolds emphasizes that candidates don’t need prior retail experience. “At Wegmans, you’ll have endless opportunities to develop and grow your career," she explains. "Our employees receive on-the-job training, so we’re excited to bring in new team members eager to start right away.”</p><p>Wegmans has long been recognized as an industry leader when it comes to employee benefits and work culture. Known for its flexible scheduling, premium pay for Sundays and holidays, and an employee scholarship program for both full-time and part-time workers, Wegmans is consistently regarded as one of the best companies to work for. In 2024, the company ranked sixth on FORTUNE magazine’s list of “The 100 Best Companies to Work For” and earned additional accolades for being a top workplace for parents and retail workers.</p><p>Applicants are encouraged to submit an online application prior to the hiring event, though walk-in interviews will also be accommodated. The event takes place on Wednesday, October 23, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Wegmans Norwalk Hiring Office, 40 Richards Avenue, Suite 220, Norwalk, CT. For more information, candidates can call the hiring office directly at 203-299-3333.</p>

<p class="ql-align-center">St. Philip Artists' Guild (SPAG) Presents its Fall Art Show “OUTSIDE THE LINES”</p><p class="ql-align-center">Opening Night Reception - November 8, 2024, 6-9 PM</p><p class="ql-align-center">Open House, November 9, 10 AM to 4 PM</p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>25 France Street, Norwalk, CT</em></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>October 18, 2024, Norwalk, CT:</strong>&nbsp;Join the many talented artists&nbsp;whose studios reside at Norwalk’s artists’ community, SPAG, for the highly anticipated fall art show&nbsp;“Outside the Lines.”&nbsp;The show&nbsp;kicks off with an exciting Opening Night event on November 8th. This year’s event promises an evening filled with creativity, community, and a celebration of local artists.&nbsp;Highlights:</p><p class="ql-align-justify">•&nbsp;Enjoy performances by talented local musicians, Reznoc and the Mis-Fits</p><p class="ql-align-justify">•&nbsp;Refreshments provided by Simply Delicious Catering and Cake Magic Bakes</p><p class="ql-align-justify">•&nbsp;Engage with art in new ways! Participate in interactive installations and discover the artist within.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The St. Philip Artists’&nbsp;Guild is proud to present Outside the Lines, a showcase of works from emerging and established artists that reflect the vibrant culture of the Norwalk community. The show comprises&nbsp;a juried group exhibition curated by guild members Kristin Schnitzler and Roseann Consolo. Participating artists include Robert Abriola, Sherry Becker, Jean Benoit, Amy Bilden, Roseann Consolo, Donna Davie, Ralph DiMarco, Rose Gatto, Gayle Gleckler, Bruce Horan, Frank Maco, Cynthia Melchiorri, David Morico, Dolka Morico, Dorothy Robertshaw, Kristin Schnitzler, Sergey Stepanenko, and Enrico Viselli.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Don’t miss this opportunity to support local talent and immerse yourself in the art world. Admission is free for all attendees. Bring your friends and family for a memorable experience!</p><p class="ql-align-justify">For more information:&nbsp;<u style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">SPAG.norwalkct@gmail.com</u></p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;Learn more: <a href="https://u12097671.ct.sendgrid.net/ls/click?upn=u001.r-2BZlpaM-2FyQoDsb69aYiKZIYjbwPzZUV2ZYKB7CHRwBj5DMd6vOHGdbAhWekE-2BXufjmyQ_Ij1XgsWtWeAdz0mTEGIcEh6byeAwrCr1n-2Fdtm09E61qY0SL6iy1z5mkTu0TSXslvDPUr6djkSCJLMBzoFe-2BjRrsfdLJWIjUOSim449-2FfYKzECy3Z3cUJLtEjhhUrYtHtZXx5yUnxC6qw69wf7qvLAt-2FJm-2BSCEZ3DPyjNvKwQ-2FAx9ctd8iUtfZN32mvVHDNZuUWAvIwlri10pqGnLC-2FOKCJfFUACkZrefR-2BPJVzP4JDqV7kKnZQsLZ31Wnnu2V5sbuCMuynC82mF9QrHGqXcT36xOJMupxQG4QBA7l9GOHUifpTT-2FAX9EFPcux93sXGVMPPWcerfUEerQIfESKonRJpBMaSTtFw8QaJchi8JCmRlX1nAdiMCNEZo-2FS8htwa9owCCSEpHlZXoHR8aIUvf6Tixeyxhs9-2BWNVfOeURVmThz903qssA4OJXEiBhU2zxAWUhSvXUczzAP7D-2BGHpv0rX9XJtVnIS9fNNvzVFeQ-2B0BwM4tmJci1-2FJJ7ijWbqWcN1chsgnj2eK9y3oo-2BV50kHsLV5lJ-2BkL6RDEWYL054-2Boz5-2FxyOTYaW-2F91iT3YOZ57DC" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);"><u>www.spagstudios.com</u></a></p><p class="ql-align-justify">&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

<p><strong>Norwalk, CT:</strong> Within the four walls of 102 Wall Street resides an intimate 32-seat restaurant and craft cocktail bar aptly named <strong>“Taco Guy”</strong>. Entrepreneur, restaurateur, mixologist, and a fourth-generation taquero, <strong>Adrian Hurtado</strong>, took his popular taco food truck brand and permanently parked it in the thriving Wall Street neighborhood in Norwalk, CT, in June of 2023. Taco Guy continues to thrive and will now extend its operations, adding lunch hours <strong>Wednesday - Saturday, 11:45 AM – 3 PM</strong>, beginning October 9, 2024.</p><p>Hurtado grew up working in his family’s restaurants in Mexico and Connecticut. He pursued his restaurant career in CT, working in the kitchen and behind the bar at various trendy restaurants, including <strong>Bar Sugo</strong>, where Taco Guy resides now. He moved to New York City to learn and grow as a bartender and worked at some of the best bars and restaurants in the world, like the legendary speakeasy <strong>PDT (Please Don’t Tell)</strong>, <strong>Enrique Olvera’s ATLA</strong>, and the popular Flatiron District gem <strong>Cosme</strong>. Hurtado started his food truck business in 2021, and, riding off that success, opened <strong>Taco Guy</strong>, a full-scale restaurant and bar at 102 Wall Street in Norwalk, CT.</p><p>The <strong>Taco Guy</strong> menu is inspired and rooted in Mexican flavors and traditions, with Hurtado’s flair for unique flavor combinations and artistic presentations. Land and sea dishes share the stage with vegan and gluten-free items. Favorites include <strong>papas al pastor</strong> (fried potatoes, pineapple butter, salsa roja, red onions, and cilantro mayo), <strong>spicy pork queso fundido</strong> (Oaxacan cheese, avocado, corn tortillas, cilantro), <strong>shrimp ceviche tostada</strong>, <strong>birria tlayuda</strong> (shredded beef birria adobo, refried beans, cilantro macho, macha oil), and a variety of made-to-order tacos filled with everything from fried avocado, pork belly, and beef short rib, to tripe, battered fried fish, and chicken tinga. <strong>Taco Guy’s</strong> lunchtime menu is a pared-down version of dinner with an emphasis on tacos, burritos, bowls, and sides such as street corn and guac. Hurtado will also be firing up the wood-fired oven this fall/winter and will offer <strong>Pizza Pop-Up nights</strong>, featuring a variety of creative Mexican-infused pies. <strong>Taco Tuesday Happy Hour</strong> runs all day on Tuesdays with reduced-price tacos.</p><p>The <strong>Taco Guy</strong> cocktail program is just as intriguing as the menu, for which Hurtado received a well-deserved “Best Bartender” nomination from the Connecticut Restaurant Association. Fresh juices, syrups, aromatics, and garnishes are paired with premium spirits. Fan faves include <strong>“Clarified Punch”</strong> made with Barsol Pisco, Velvet Falernum, ginger, honeydew, cucumber, and lime, and a comforting fall classic with a twist, the <strong>“Oaxacan Old Fashioned”</strong> made with Milpa Mexican corn whiskey, Barroso mezcal, and bitters. Traditional and seasonal margaritas run the gamut from spicy, strawberry, and frozen, to the <strong>“Cactus Flower”</strong> made with Casco Viejo tequila, Rockeys Punch, and prickly pear, to the <strong>“Wild Bee”</strong> shaken with Arbojo Mexican gin, Midori, pineapple juice, honey, and fresh lime. <strong>Happy Hour</strong> is offered every day from 4-6 PM.</p><p><strong>Taco Guy</strong> will celebrate <strong>Día de Los Muertos</strong>, Mexico’s famous hallowed event honoring the dead, on <strong>Halloween, October 31</strong>. Revelers can enjoy food and drink specials and music in a spirited, ghoulishly decked-out atmosphere. The <strong>Taco Guy Food Truck</strong> is available for catered events.</p><p>Learn more <a href="http://www.tacoguyct.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.tacoguyct.com</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) and the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra (NSO) are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking collaboration for the 2024-2025 season: The Chamber Series. This innovative series will bring contemporary music to life through a magical fusion of music, dance, and theatre, creating a sensory feast for audiences of all ages. Performances will take place at Music Theatre of CT, located at 509 Westport Ave, Norwalk, CT.</p><p>The Chamber Series will showcase three distinct productions, offering a captivating blend of classical and modern music. Each performance promises to be a deeply immersive experience, featuring live musicians, dancers, and actors.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>November 1 &amp; 2, 2024 – Igor Stravinsky's <em>A Soldier’s Tale</em></strong></p><p>Stravinsky’s <em>A Soldier’s Tale</em> is one of the 20th century's most exhilarating musical works. Written in response to World War I, this dark fable tells the story of a soldier who trades his fiddle for riches but ultimately loses his soul. Scored for seven instruments, an actor, and a dancer, Stravinsky’s small ensemble creates a rich and colorful musical landscape that brings this gripping tale to life.</p>