<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">** </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Twenty-four hours after experiencing A.C.T. of Connecticut’s Fiddler on the Roof, my head is still completely occupied with the powerful songs, scenes, and especially the timeless messag</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">e - Fiddler attendee after Thursday evening's performance **</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">There are some stories that linger long after the final note is sung, the final spotlight dims, and the final curtain falls. "Fiddler on the Roof" is one of those stories. A timeless masterpiece, this beloved musical has been reimagined by A.C.T. of Connecticut’s Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine in a way that is both deeply personal and strikingly relevant. From the storytelling to the casting, choreography, and powerhouse ensemble, Levine has once again, raised Broadway’s bar. Together with Musical Director&nbsp;Bryan Perri, and Producing Director, Erin Craig, A.C.T. of CT’s Fiddler is anything but predictable—it’s riveting, raw, and profoundly relevant.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine created a visually stunning and extremely effective prologue to the show which truly set the tone for what we were about to witness. I have never seen this in any other production of the show and I don’t want to give too much away, but Levine’s 3-minute prologue immediately draws audiences into the story and prepares us for what we are all about to collectively witness. Parts of the performance can be hard to watch (in the best possible way). Levine explores things that can be hard to face, and that we tend not to think about. And, just like life, it can be hard to grasp why and how people can persecute those different from themselves. Levine’s production challenges us to face these difficult moments without forcing any agenda. It is beautifully and cleanly presented through an almost cinematic lens. You forget that you are watching these events unfold right in front of you. That’s the magic of theater. It is also amazing to think about the fact that this level of theater takes place right here in Ridgefield.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine’s connection to Jewish culture is deeply personal. “From my family’s escape from the pogroms in Russia to the cherished rituals of Shabbat dinners to the enduring legacy of ‘always remember, never forget,’ these traditions and memories shape my work. They fuel my commitment to honoring the resilience and history of the people you are about to meet.” He adds, “Bearing witness is essential, and that’s a cornerstone of our production.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The cast doesn’t just play these roles—they inhabit them, breathing life into the Jewish village of Anatevka in Imperial Russia at the turn of the 20th century. They are </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">these people</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">—their struggles, joys, and unshakable spirit made real on stage. The story follows Tevye, a humble milkman, and his family as they navigate faith, love, and the weight of changing societal norms.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Tevye is portrayed by the uber-talented Danny Rothman, a man full of life</span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> in every way</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. Robust, funny, and deeply devoted to his faith and family. Rothman’s Tevye is a man who wrestles with his beliefs, ultimately choosing love over rigid tradition. Alongside him, Jennifer Babiak’s Golde brings warmth, strength, and humor to the role of his steadfast wife. Their five daughters—Tzeitel (Ariella Serur), Hodel (Ruthy Froch), Chava (Skye Gillespie), Shprintze (Sarah Milnamow), and Bielke (Cadence Siriani)—each navigate the delicate balance between honoring their heritage and forging their own paths. And Lori Ada Jaroslow shines as the witty, meddling matchmaker Yente, determined to decide the fates of the young people of Anatevka.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Levine collaborated with choreographer Josh Assor to ensure the movements in this production evoke the emotional core of Jewish culture while reimagining the classic choreography originally created by Jerome Robbins. The result is a dance language that feels rooted in tradition yet fresh and dynamic. Under the outstanding music direction of Perri, A.C.T.’s 11-piece orchestra provides an evocative soundtrack that breathes life into the world of Anatevka.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">One of the most thrilling moments in "Fiddler" is the unforgettable dream sequence—a scene that feels more like a full-blown nightmare. To heighten its surreal quality, Levine envisioned the use of intricately designed masks and puppets to bring the spirits of the dream to life in a bold and visually stunning way. Renowned artist Norvel Hermanovski was brought in to craft these otherworldly creations, making this scene unlike anything audiences have ever seen before.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Visually, this production is breathtaking. The innovative projections don’t just complement the storytelling; they place the audience inside the village, immersing them in the world of Anatevka as though they are living within it. The dynamic multimedia design, paired with Levine’s innovative direction, creates an experience that is both theatrical and cinematic.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This is theater that doesn’t just entertain—it challenges, provokes, and ultimately transforms. As Levine so eloquently puts it, “I believe you will walk out of our theater different than how you walked in.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A.C.T. of Connecticut’s "Fiddler on the Roof" runs from February 6 through March 3, 2025. Due to overwhelming demand, an additional performance was just added on Sunday, February 16 at 7 pm. Tickets are available at</span><a href="https://www.actofct.org/fiddler-on-the-roof" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </a><a href="actofct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">actofct.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> or call 475-215-5497. You can also add your name to the wait list of sold-out performances.&nbsp;</span></p><h2><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“L'chaim!!</span></h2><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wegmans Food Markets announced today the grand opening dates for its 2025 stores including Wegmans’ first Connecticut location in </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Norwalk on Wednesday, July 23</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. All stores will open at 9 a.m.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As grand opening preparations are underway, Wegmans’ new stores have hundreds of open positions to fill.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hiring for the Norwalk store is ongoing, with</span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">part- and full-time roles available throughout the store, ranging from customer service positions in merchandising, service, culinary, and perishable departments, to entry-level management roles.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We’re looking for enthusiastic candidates to round out our team before opening day,” said Norwalk Store Manager Emily Gee. “We’re excited to begin the countdown to July 23 when we can welcome the Norwalk community through our doors.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Located at 675 Connecticut Ave., the Norwalk store will be 92,000 square feet and will employ approximately 500 people. Job seekers can learn more </span><a href="https://jobs.wegmans.com/en/norwalk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">online</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or</span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">by calling the hiring office at 203-299-3333</span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wegmans has a long-standing reputation as an exceptional employer. For 27 consecutive years it has ranked high on FORTUNE magazine’s list of “The 100 Best Companies to Work For,” placing sixth in 2024. Employees cite an extensive array of benefits as the reason they chose Wegmans, including competitive pay and benefits packages, premium pay on Sundays and holidays, tuition assistance through the company’s employee scholarship program, and flexible scheduling.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend February 7 - February 9</strong></p><p>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.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rhonda-denet-at-the-klein" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Rhonda Denét</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 7, 7:30 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>Rhonda Denét is hailed as a virtuoso that lends her flair to every song she sings. When she performs, Denét invites her audience to surrender to the groove by blending classic and contemporary favorites with her inspiring original music. Her repertoire covers the gamut ranging from the American Songbook to Top 40 radio. Based in Jersey City, New Jersey, the jazz/soul vocalist, songwriter and bandleader makes a full-time living doing what she LOVES.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/moon-over-buffalo-3d7cb" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Moon Over Buffalo</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music Theatre of Connecticut (MTC) MainStage, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Friday Feb 7, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm,</p><p>Fairfield County’s award-winning professional theatre company continues its 38th season with Ken Ludwig’s Moon Over Buffalo. This riotous comedy is a wild ride of eccentric characters, a show-within-a show, and a hilarious love triangle. The production runs from February 7th through the 23rd with performances on Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 2pm &amp; 8pm, Sundays at 2pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/2025-lunar-new-year-celebration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>2025 Lunar New Year Celebration</strong></a></p><p><strong>Fairfield Museum &amp; History Center, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm</p><p>Families and friends of all ages are invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Learn more about the Year of the Snake and how people celebrate, explore Creating Community, the Fairfield Museum’s newly renovated exhibition, and join us for a lion dance, storytime with the Fairfield Public Library, a martial arts demonstration, dumplings from Grumpy Dumpling Co. (while supplies last), mochi doughnut samples from Retreat Sweets (while supplies last), Chinese papercutting with AAPI Westport, Chinese calligraphy, and much more.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/winter-music-the-music-of-bach" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Winter Music: The Music of Bach</strong></a></p><p><strong>Pequot Library, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Join renowned tenor vocalist Daniel McGrew as he takes the audience on a tour of Johann Sebastian Bach’s greatest musical pieces. With a piano accompaniment, McGrew delights spectators across the country. He has performed at Tanglewood’s renowned Festival of Contemporary Music, as well as at Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, and the Morgan Library.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/sweetheart-ball" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Sweetheart Ball</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stepping Stones Museum for Children, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm</p><p>Dress to impress and get ready for a night of music, dancing and hands-on fun as we celebrate love— of friends, of family and of ourselves too. During this special, after-hours event Show off your moves to some unbeatable tunes at our Valentine’s Dance, Embark on a magical journey aboard the Love Train, Strut your stuff to crowds of adoring fans at our Red Carpet, Listen to your heart (or a loved one’s) at a Heartbeat Clinic with pediatric specialists from Yale New Haven Hospital, And so much more!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-of-benjamin-britten" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Music of Benjamin Britten</strong></a></p><p><strong>Saint Mark's Episcopal Church, New Canaan</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm</p><p>Trevor Scott and friends will perform works of one of the most distinguished composers of the 20th century, Benjamin Britten. Included will be Canticle I - My beloved is mine, and I am his (tenor &amp; piano); Canticle II – Abraham and Isaac (tenor, mezzo-soprano, &amp; piano), and the extraordinary Serenade (tenor, horn, &amp; piano).</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/opening-reception-for-love-life-art-exhibit" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Opening Reception for "Love, Life, Art" Exhibit</strong></a></p><p><strong>City Lights Gallery, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm</p><p>Love, Life, Art: two inter-racial artists/couples exhibit together, Larry Morse and Ellen Tresselt, Robin Gilmore and Gerald Moore, at City Lights Gallery, 265 Golden Hill St, Downtown Bridgeport, CT. The artists curate their work and share thoughts about their decades long relationships and art-making through recorded podcasts. Meet the artists at an opening reception on Saturday, February 8, from 5-8 pm. More info to follow about a companion exhibit at the Bridgeport Innovation Center.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-best-of-the-fccc--broadway-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> <strong>The Best of the FCCC Broadway Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Klein Memorial Auditorium, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>To celebrate our 30th Anniversary, The Fairfield County Children's Choir will perform a Broadway concert on February 8 at The Klein Memorial Auditorium. We have changed the usual format of our Broadway concert to showcase “The Best of the FCCC.” In the place of songs from two, three or four medleys, each conductor has chosen a selection of random favorites from thirteen different productions, with two songs each from Fiddler on the Roof and Wicked. These songs stand out to us as classics.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/jazz-concert-with-the-aaron-goldberg-trio---produced-by-bethel-arts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Jazz Concert with the Aaron Goldberg Trio - Produced by Bethel Arts</strong></a></p><p><strong>Veronica Hagman Concert Hall, WCSU Westside Campus, Danbury</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm</p><p>If you are a music lover and love Jazz then Bethel Arts is thrilled to announce a spectacular Jazz concert featuring some of New York’s finest musicians. The renowned Aaron Goldberg Trio, joined by the legendary John Patitucci and Al Foster, will take the stage.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/westport-pride-valentine-s-day-drag-with-patty-bourree" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Westport Pride: Valentine’s Day Drag with Patty Bourree</strong></a></p><p><strong>MoCA CT, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Come celebrate Valentine’s Day with a fabulous drag show featuring the one and only Patty Bourree! Get ready for a night of glitz, glamour, and jaw-dropping performances that will leave you speechless. Whether you’re flying solo or bringing your special someone, this event is guaranteed to be a night to remember.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/elephant-jane-dance-untitled-sad-piece" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>elephant JANE dance-untitled sad piece</strong></a></p><p><strong>Quick Center for the Arts, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Set to songs by the 1970's duo The Carpenters, untitled sad piece examines the sensation of a sinking heart. In quiet reiterative solos, touching duets, and one wild investigatory burst of galumphing, five dancers respond to the deep sadness in the grain of Karen Carpenter's voice, initiate from the dancers’ hearts, and find tenderness.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/new-exhibition-inside-out-32720" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>New Exhibition! "INSIDE OUT"</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bruce S. Kershner Gallery, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 8, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>INSIDE OUT, featuring the work of Connecticut artists Annette Voreyer and Sergey Stepanenko, will be on view from February 8 through March 29. The opening reception will be held on Thursday, February 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. The artists will give a brief talk at the reception at 6:00 pm.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/deathtrap-at-the-wilton-playshop" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>DEATHTRAP</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Wilton Playshop, Wilton</strong></p><p>Sunday Feb 9, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm, is thrilled to announce the opening of , the iconic psychological thriller by acclaimed playwright Ira Levin, which will take the stage. DEATHTRAP promises an evening of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists, in true Levin style. Set against the backdrop of Westport, Connecticut, DEATHTRAP also weaves in references to nearby towns such as Wilton, Ridgefield, and Milford, giving it a unique Connecticut flair that local audiences will appreciate.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/masc-artist-talk" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>MASC Artist Talk</strong></a></p><p><strong>The Norwalk Art Space, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Sunday Feb 9, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm</p><p>A screening of the documentary, “Black Men Loving” will be the catalyst for a conversation between the exhibiting artists and the curator on the exhibition's theme of Unmasking Identity and Redefining Masculinity. New London Poet Laureate Josh Brown will moderate the discussion.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/children-s-pillow-concert-featuring-the-haven-string-quartet" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Children’s Pillow Concert Featuring the Haven String Quartet</strong></a></p><p><strong>Suzuki Music Schools, Westport</strong></p><p>Sunday Feb 9, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>The Pillow Concert Series features professional artists performing in an informal setting designed for the whole family. Children of all ages can bring a pillow and sit up close with the performers. Concerts are about 45 minutes long and suitable for children ages 4 and up.</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>Who will win Super Bowl LIX? According to Rasal, a 39-year-old harbor seal at The Maritime Aquarium, the Philadelphia Eagles are going to win Sunday’s big game!</p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YuqiMnxrlMM?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p>“Our Seal Super Bowl Pick is a tradition that our community looks forward to every year at the Aquarium! This year, Rasal made her prediction by retrieving a football with the Eagles’ logo,” <strong>said Trainer Marisa Miloro</strong>. “It's always fun to feel the excitement of the crowd as it becomes clear who she is predicting to win.”&nbsp;</p><p>Like the Kansas City Chiefs, Rasal is attempting a three-peat. She correctly predicted the defending champs to win in both 2023 and 2024. For her to achieve a three-peat, she’ll need the Eagles to disrupt the Chiefs’ winning streak.&nbsp;This is Rasal’s seventh Super Bowl prediction at the Aquarium. Her personal record for accurate predictions, 3-3, is slightly better than the seals’ overall record, 6-7.&nbsp;</p><p>Rasal has resided at The Maritime Aquarium since 2005 and is one of the oldest harbor seals in human care. She currently lives in Pinniped Cove with five other seals—Leila, Feisty, Gracie, Sono and Mikey. Prior to her time at the Aquarium, she received training from the United States Navy.&nbsp;&nbsp;While training is a form of enrichment, it also plays an important role in allowing animals to participate in their own healthcare. The Aquarium’s trainers rely on their participation to administer medication, perform veterinary examinations, and move animals to different locations. Visitors can watch their daily sessions at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>To plan your next trip to the Aquarium, visit <a href="https://www.maritimeaquarium.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.maritimeaquarium.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Norwalk, CT - The&nbsp;<a href="http://www.seaport.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(25, 106, 212);">Norwalk Seaport Association</a>&nbsp;(NSA) is making waves once again! At its recent Annual Meeting, the Association demonstrated their unwavering commitment to education and the environment by donating an impressive&nbsp;$10,000&nbsp;to Norwalk's Brien McMahon Marine Science Academy. This generous contribution is destined to inspire young minds and bolster innovative learning experiences.</p><p><strong>A Unique Learning Opportunity for Students</strong></p><p>The Marine Science program, has gained recognition for its&nbsp;hands-on, interactive approach to marine education. Students leave the confines of their classrooms and head to&nbsp;Sheffield Island, a jewel of Norwalk Harbor. On the island, they engage in coastal ecology studies, bird-watching tours, and other unique activities that bring the wonders of marine science to life.</p><p>Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association, expressed the organization's pride in supporting this one-of-a-kind initiative:&nbsp;“We are honored to be an active partner in this program where students get the chance to learn outside the classroom on Sheffield Island. We can't wait to see how these future scientists and environmentalists grow.”</p><p><strong>A Partnership Built on Shared Goals</strong></p><p>The partnership between the NSA and the Marine Science Academy began in 2019, and it has since flourished into a collaborative force for good. Eva Bartush, Marine Science Academy Coordinator, praised the Association for its enduring support:&nbsp;“This very generous donation will continue to support our program and the innovative projects and experiences we provide for our students. The Seaport Association has been with us since the start, providing trips to Sheffield Island for our students, teacher training sessions, and more.”</p><p>The Academy has already achieved some remarkable milestones. For example, in May 2022, students launched their first&nbsp;mini-boat&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;Educational Passages Program. Equipped with GPS, solar panels, and temperature probes, the boat traveled across the Atlantic and was recovered in&nbsp;Norway&nbsp;in February 2023. Currently, two more student-built boats are at sea, capturing data and sparking curiosity. A portion of the Seaport’s donation will help defray the cost of the 2025 mini-boat.<strong>About the Seaport Association</strong></p><p>PHOTO: From left to right:</p><ol><li>Stacy Arias</li><li>Madison Socci</li><li>Allison Perez-Gonzalez</li><li>Mathias Naranjo-Celis</li><li>Henry Royce</li><li>Brandon Lorenz</li></ol><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">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.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Luis Sanchez founder of</strong><a href="https://www.facebook.com/p/Dream-Big-School-of-Real-Estate-61560147443330/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> Dream Big School of Real Estate</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Connecticut's premier real estate school offering pre-licensing and continuing education courses as well as courses designed to improve your skill level and enhance your business. Instructors are required to have years of success and experience.</em></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);">There was a need for more relevant and exciting real estate classes state-wide.</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);">Real Estate Principles and Practices which is the required class to get your CT real estate salesperson license.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">How many local businesses do you use to support your business in terms of products and services? Can you name them?&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gorilla Creations for promotional products and the Sky's View for online marketing.</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);">All the time. Great ideas come regularly. I am always ready to pivot.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Dream Big School of Real Estate on Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/DreamBigSchoolofRealEstate" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">DreamBigSchoolofRealEstate</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:supportteam@dreambig.info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">supportteam@dreambig.info</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><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p>