Stories
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Winner of Top Chef Middle East + North Africa, Executive Chef Charbel Hayek Prepares to Open BarVera in Downtown Stamford</strong></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><strong>February 4, 2025, Stamford, CT: </strong>The highly anticipated opening of BarVera, an original concept by Top Chef Winner and West Coast Restaurateur Chef Charbel Hayek, is planned for February 13, 2025. Located on Bedford Street in Downtown Stamford, amid a bustling retail, dining, and entertainment district, BarVera is poised to fill a void in the city’s culinary landscape with Chef Hayek’s modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Rooted in hospitality, BarVera is bringing back the lost art of fine dining—not with social pretense or high prices, but rather with quality ingredients, thoughtful service, a sleek and sophisticated dining room, and a menu that does not take liberties or shortcuts with its dishes. Instead, Chef Hayek embraces the simple nuances that embody Italian, French, Middle Eastern, and Lebanese-inspired dishes, preparing them with the best land and sea ingredients and presenting them in a manner that illustrates a fine dining experience.</p><p class="ql-align-justify">Born in Beirut, Lebanon, Chef Hayek fell in love with cooking in his family’s kitchen. He attended the French School of Excellence and honed his skills cooking at the two-Michelin star restaurant <em>Mélisse</em> in Santa Monica, California, under Chef Josiah Citrin. In 1922, Chef Hayek participated in Bravo TV‘s Top Chef in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he won the fifth season of “Top Chef Middle East and North Africa.” Today, Chef Hayek is an award-winning chef and restaurateur whose California restaurants, <em>Ladyhawk </em>in West Hollywood and <em>Laya</em> in Los Angeles, have given Middle Eastern-Mediterranean cuisine a place among the top restaurants in California. Chef Hayek is the author of the cookbook <em>Lemon & Garlic: Middle Eastern Cuisine</em> (2023 Palmetto Publishing).</p><p class="ql-align-justify">The BarVera menu is a culinary journey that takes guests on a tour consisting of bright flavors and healthy preparations that allow the ingredients to shine. Menu highlights include house-made za'atar akkawi man'oushe , a Lebanese flatbread made with akkawi cheese and manoushe dough, and muhammara, a spicy roasted red pepper and walnut spread served with fresh pita. Citrus-laced tuna crudo, Spanish white anchovies, grilled octopus, and grilled whole branzino share the stage with their land counterparts, kofta meatballs, braised beef cheeks, shish tawouk (yogurt-marinated grilled chicken), and duck leg confit. Pasta dishes include spicy rigatoni and pistachio pesto orecchiette. A sweet end to a BarVera meal consists of homemade riz bi haleeb (Lebanese rice pudding), Limoncello syrup cake, and a classic Italian Affogato made with vanilla bean ice cream, an espresso bath, topped with brittle. </p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The beverage program has the same international flare as the menu, including a curated wine list of smaller boutique wines and exceptional grape varietals. Seasonal craft cocktails, premium spirits, and local beer offerings round out the bar menu.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify">The BarVera space is transporting, elegant, and relaxed, with a vibrant design aesthetic. Dark wood furnishings and ivy green banquette seating are wrapped in original artwork and custom hand-painted murals that take you on a stroll through countryside vineyards and coastal cities along the Mediterranean Sea. BarVera seats 50 inside and 30 on the patio.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">148 Bedford Street, Stamford, CT 06901</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Phone: 203-674-1800</span></p><p>BarVera plans to be open 7 days a week, starting with dinner and adding lunch and brunch hours in March.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Follow along on social at @barvera.mediterranean</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><br></p><p><br></p>
<h2><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">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="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Meet Christopher Weldon co-founder of </strong><a href="https://endurancehomecare.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;"><strong>Endurance Home Care</strong></a><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</strong></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Endurance Home Care is a non-medical Home Care Agency in Connecticut. </em></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">We started Endurance Home Care because we saw that the industry needed to be disrupted. Our customers pay too much for subpar care at competitors, and we wanted to elevate the experience by adding more personal touch and technology to expand our capabilities.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What is your best-selling product or service?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Our best-selling product is our 24/7 live-in Care. Our highly skilledCare Professionals are phenomenal at helping our clients reimagine what they can accomplish in the comfort of their home.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">How have you reimagined Endurance Home Care?</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">At Endurance, we reimagined what a Home Care company should be. We offer integrated care coordination where we help manage the medical community, Endurance Technology Solutions where we can monitor with AI 24 hours a day and look for both emergency and preventative care improvements, and a wellness program that spans nutrition, mobility and cognitive stimulation.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Questions? Email </span><a href="mailto:chris@endurancehomecare.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">chris@endurancehomecare.com</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Follow Endurance Home Care on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563956220152" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Facebook. </a> and Instagram @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/endurancehomecare" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">endurancehomecare</a></p><p><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Endurance Home Care is located at </em><em style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">60 Long Ridge Rd Ste 214, Stamford</em></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><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> </span></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 176, 240);">MAYOR’S UPDATES</strong></p><p><strong>Mayor’s Literacy Initiative:</strong> The Mayor’s Literacy Initiative, the Ferguson Library’s Books for Babies program, and the Read to Grow Newborn Literacy program are collaborating to expand the resources that newborn babies receive at Stamford Hospital. To celebrate, I joined the Ferguson Library, Read to Grow, Stamford Cradle to Career, Stamford Health, and many other community partners to announce this new partnership. Families will now be sent home with two brand new books, including the option for a Spanish-English bilingual book, the ability to receive free books for baby’s first year, and access to the Mayor’s Literacy Initiative Resource Hub. The Mayor's Literacy Initiative was launched from my commitment to engaging and empowering Stamford families. Our bilingual Resource Hub connects caregivers to local services and programs, workshops, and events aimed at highlighting the importance of reading during the formative years. Together, as a community, we are giving children access to the tools they need to thrive. Learn more <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fliteracy/1/01000194be765dea-8dd0c864-cec8-4e98-974a-7447de76623e-000000/1cNs_GlX9fYd2az4bhQ5Zbt6rRD-Gt79jkaIru_E_Yo=390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">here</a>.</p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 176, 240);">CITY NEWS</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Stamford 2035 Comprehensive Plan Open House</strong>: Join us on February 20, 2025, from 4:00-6:30 PM at The First Presbyterian Church (1101 Bedford Street) for a Public Open House and Goal Validation Workshop. Connect with the planning team and your neighbors to help shape Stamford's future. Pre-registration is requested to ensure we’re reaching a representative sample of Stamford residents, so <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Furl.us.m.mimecastprotect.com%2Fs%2FiHIPC684P6hrlEqwfpfBS5C4Wd%3Fdomain=forms.gle/1/01000194be765dea-8dd0c864-cec8-4e98-974a-7447de76623e-000000/1x_ZWhCJgOju4COI4OOAr921syfnOXB4xAW6ktMgTnk=390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">save your spot</a> and be part of creating Stamford's future! Please let us know if you require any additional services or auxiliary aid to make your open house experience more effective within the registration form or by emailing <span style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">Stamford2035@stamfordct.gov</span></li><li><strong>Stamford 2035:</strong> The City of Stamford is excited to launch the Stamford 2035 Comprehensive Plan, a once-in-a-decade opportunity to assess the city's current state and explore key questions about our future! This plan will guide Stamford’s development through 2035, focusing on crucial topics like sustainability, resilience, diversity, equity, inclusion, housing, economic growth, mobility, and infrastructure. Throughout the 10-month process, you’ll have the chance to share your vision for Stamford by participating in public meetings, workshops, surveys, and discussions with our planning team. Check out this <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1EdSqWaZ10t0cB9ZkkLqh_PRdHnZTudD5%2Fview%3Fusp=sharing/1/01000194be765dea-8dd0c864-cec8-4e98-974a-7447de76623e-000000/KLTRXp_oEL0SxtVe6ZU8lDZn-UkR4CK7W3m_2SVFfL4=390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">project one-sheet</a> and visit <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/http:%2F%2Fstamfordct.gov%2Fstamford2035/1/01000194be765dea-8dd0c864-cec8-4e98-974a-7447de76623e-000000/OCFQDjfMJMo14eHV0SvlkPm2YcDPBm_k5JXqmy3V3Zc=390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">our website</a> to get involved, sign up for updates, and learn more about the plan.</li><li><strong>Lathon Wider Community Center: </strong>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. Due to the impact on critical building services, the facility will be closed indefinitely. The target date for reopening is July 1, 2025.</li></ul><p>At this time, the City is working with the impacted tenants to try and accommodate their needs during this transition. For any questions or urgent needs regarding the Health Department’s walk-in health services, please call (203)-977-5652.</p><ul><li><strong>Stamford 2035 Visions of the City Survey</strong>: In case you missed Stamford 2035's first open house, please take five minutes to share your thoughts on the Visions of the City <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fdocs.google.com%2Fforms%2Fd%2Fe%2F1FAIpQLSf43DHq7hoUuhXl0r8Vd3DWOpaeG4Pg6iy9RwZUO3SYsRsmhA%2Fviewform%3Fusp=sharing/1/01000194be765dea-8dd0c864-cec8-4e98-974a-7447de76623e-000000/zWaHkooV7YW3ekXMSM9CReG6SNZlF7Su--lNarOK8x0=390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">here</a>! Your insights will help the planning team formulate visions, goals, strategies, and actions for the future of Stamford.</li><li><strong>Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan: </strong>Our administration has been meeting with the Connecticut Department of Transportation and city transportation officials to continue to make progress on the Stamford Train Station Master Plan. To view the Stamford Transportation Center Master Plan, visit: <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stcmasterplan.com%2F/1/01000194be765dea-8dd0c864-cec8-4e98-974a-7447de76623e-000000/utyG1dIKKanWU2rjA63bSp8wwsOT-87tBorHUOCf6eI=390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">stcmasterplan.com</a>.</li><li><strong>Paving Update:</strong> Click <a href="https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.stamfordct.gov%2Fgovernment%2Foperations%2Froad-maintenance%2Froad-paving%23!%2F/1/01000194be765dea-8dd0c864-cec8-4e98-974a-7447de76623e-000000/9agdk5TWR4iCqf4ndfE-NFshKhaxYb6HpjfxLzl1k_A=390" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(51, 127, 254);">here</a> for the priority list for paving operations established in response to a city-wide road assessment in 2022.</li></ul><p><br></p>
<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter</span></h2><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 Nery Juárez founder of</strong><a href="https://www.njoellandscapingllc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> N.Joel Landscaping LLC</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong></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);">I love nature, and we enjoy creating new landscapes for our clients to appreciate. I have twins, and one of them inspired me to strive for a better future.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best selling product or service?</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our most popular services include spring and fall cleanups, lawn mowing, mulch installation, and trimming and pruning. These services help keep our clients' landscapes looking their best year-round.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you "reinvented" your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yes, I have been thinking about having another small company.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit</span><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/stamford-connecticut/stories/N.Joel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> N.Joel</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Landscaping’s website </span><a href="http://www.njoellandscapingllc.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.njoellandscapingllc.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and Follow along on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/www.njoellandscapingllc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/njoellandscaping/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">njoellandscaping</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 class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC Buzz Weekend: January 31 - February 4</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/zeppelin-reimagined" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Zeppelin Reimagined</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 31, 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>From the creators of Magical Mystery Doors comes Zeppelin Reimagined. Zeppelin Reimagined is not just another Led Zeppelin tribute band; they are a groundbreaking experience that merges the timeless power of classic rock with the cutting-edge technology of today. With a dynamic stage presence, LED screens, and a visual spectacle that complements their sound, Zeppelin Reimagined offers a fresh take on the iconic music of Led Zeppelin.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/pride-and-prejudice-b2a4d" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Pride and Prejudice</strong></a></p><p><strong>Westport Community Theatre, Westport</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 31, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>A new adaptation based on Jane Austen's classic novel, is the 3rd production in Westport Community Theatre's acclaimed season, running January 31 – February 16, 2025. Marriage is far from Elizabeth Bennet’s top concern, yet with four sisters, a determinedly match-making mother, and a parade of ill-suited suitors, the topic is inescapable. When Elizabeth, strong-willed and independent, crosses paths with the intriguing yet reserved Mr. Darcy, she resolves to keep her emotions in check. However, the path to the truth proves more tangled than expected…</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/on-view-sm-nc-giants-f1e9a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>On View: SM&NC GIANTS</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum & Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 31, 9:00 am - 4:30 pm</p><p>Large in format, bold in color, brash in context. We call them the "giants" of our collection. Representing a range of styles and mediums, many of these works have not been on view for decades, including mammoth works by Hunt Slonem, Rhonda Wall and Nicholas Krushenik. Others you may recognize from previous exhibitions; works from Peter Bradley, William Ronald and Steven Brent. We're pleased to present them once more before they return to our collections vault.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/rowayton-arts-center-from-the-rac-studio-77fe5" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> <strong>“From the RAC Studio”</strong></a></p><p><strong>Rowayton Arts Center, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Friday Jan 31, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm</p><p>This all media exhibition features over 100 pieces of artwork by RAC Instructors and students created in the past year. RAC celebrates the study, creation and appreciation of the arts through classes, exhibitions and events open to all in the community. </p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/artist-talk-anette-millington" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Artist Talk with Anette Millington</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 1, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm</p><p>Anette Millington is an Assistant Professor of Fashion Systems and Materiality at Parsons School of Design and Associate Director of the Textiles MFA Program. Her interdisciplinary creative practice focuses on patterns and spans print, textiles, and sculpture. Anette abstracts flora and fauna—flowers, butterfly wings— to design new protective surfaces and symbols. She explores the psychological dimension of symmetry, building magic and metaphor from mathematics. In her Artist Talk, Anette will share more about her residency project: creating small-scale sculptures from wood-block printed paper.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/voices-cafe-presents-the-brian-torff-group" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Brian Torff Group</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe</strong></p><p>Saturday Feb 1, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The Brian Torff group has been described as a band driven by a desire to capture the complexity of the American story “through American roots music with an updated twist.” Torff’s music honors Black History Month by blending original music with classic Delta Blues, demonstrating the deep impact of Black music on our nation’s culture through original, creative, inspiring music.</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>STAMFORD, CT/January 28, 2025 – On February 9, hundreds of brave participants will take the plunge into Long Island Sound for SoundWaters second annual Super Splash. The Splash is a lot of fun, and it will build the conversation about climate change.</p><p>The Super Splash will take place at Stamford’s Cove Park, located at 1281 Cove Rd., at 11 a.m. Whether you’re jumping into the water or cheering from the shore, the day will include plenty of post-Splash perks including hot cocoa, donuts and good company on the beach.</p><p>Registration is $30 for adults and $20 for those 18 or younger, and you can register at <a href="https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fp2p.charityengine.net%2fsupersplash24%2f&c=E,1,uEm42K2x646X1IkGfddqiWQ44k5wafz8CiIxTgkOD2RtJJ5Yp6rJiMSVZXUIXa3CGV9b4h8ce8qyIQ7eWm1sJjAbum_OJgpaIVne_njwKmvu2Hug&typo=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SoundWaters.org/SuperSplash</a>. <span style="color: rgb(29, 34, 40);">All proceeds will directly support SoundWaters climate science education programs, which seek to engage thousands of local students through joyful learning experiences in the SoundWaters million-acre classroom—Long Island Sound—in 2025. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(29, 34, 40);">This is a chance to kick off Super Bowl Sunday with a splash—and make a real difference! So, gather your friends, family and coworkers, and jump in…while the water’s still cold. </span>For questions and more information, email <a href="mailto:supersplash@soundwaters.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">supersplash@soundwaters.org</a>. </p><p>2025 Super Splash sponsors include: Cingari Family ShopRite, Hey Stamford!, STAR 99.9, and Carlson & Carlson Insurance.</p><p>SoundWaters prepares the next generation for their future. With our climate in crisis, we teach tomorrow’s leaders the science they will need. With Long Island Sound as our classroom, we create love and respect for the natural world. As a matter of justice, we open the water to all. As a matter of urgency, we work to protect our common home. For more information, visit <a href="https://soundwaters.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">soundwaters.org</a>.</p><p> </p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Green & Tonic, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">the health-focused, gluten-free cafe that makes clean eating simple and delicious, </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">is expanding with a new location in Stamford. Located in the heart of downtown Stamford just a five minute walk from UConn Stamford’s campus, the store opened January 27, 2025. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Green & Tonic offers a thoughtfully curated menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, from smoothies and salads to grab-and-go meals and nutrient-rich snacks. Signature offerings include Supr Brew Coffee, a single-origin coffee organically grown and harvested in Colombia, and SWIRL, oat milk soft serve ice cream. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Green & Tonic recently announced it would expand to a flexitarian concept; the brand continues to prioritize ingredients derived from plants, and has expanded its offerings to include organic chicken and pasture-raised eggs to meet growing consumer demand. The Stamford location will feature a Salad Station, where guests can customize a salad in a convenient on-the-go shaker or bowl. Also available at Green & Tonic Stamford are Meal Boxes, a customizable way to create 2-5 days worth of meals and snacks, easily packaged and ready to pick up.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Green & Tonic Stamford has been thoughtfully designed with students in mind and includes study corners and plenty of charging ports. The store will also offer a 20% discount for UConn Stamford students (with student ID).</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Green & Tonic was established in 2012 in Darien, CT and has grown across Fairfield & Westchester counties. Stamford marks the brand’s 7th store, and it will open two additional locations in Greenwich (Glenville and Old Greenwich) this year.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Green & Tonic CEO Fausto Mieres said, “We’re proud to expand Green & Tonic into Stamford, a city that has shaped so much of who I am. This opening is a special opportunity to bring something meaningful to the community I’ve always called home. We’re excited to introduce a welcoming space for students and locals to gather - one where clean eating is made simple and delicious.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Green & Tonic on Instagram for opening updates and more at </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/greenandtonic/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">@greenandtonic</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Green & Tonic is hiring, and encourages UConn Stamford students and others to apply. Please send resumes to </span><a href="mailto:careers@greenandtonic.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">careers@greenandtonic.com</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Green & Tonic Stamford is located at </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">54 West Park Place and will be open daily.</span></p>