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Good morning, Stamford! In today’s edition: A 15,000-cookie fundraiser, a cat hotel grand opening, an Oshogatsu celebration, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Inside a sweet community effort: Stamford’s Lisa Pensiero baked 15,000 cookies in a week, raising $5,000 for Cookies and Cocktails for a Cause, with funds going toward replacing the patio at the Stamford Senior Center — see how they did it.
Local favorite’s bittersweet update: Joe Studio Café in Old Greenwich has closed after six years, citing financial strain. The storefront is shut, but its locally roasted beans remain available online and through wholesale partners — read the full story.
Neighborhood landmark changes hands: The former Stamford Elks Lodge on Hope Street has sold for $1.1 million. Buyer Joel Ephraim of Dano Enterprises acquired the 1928 building, a familiar Hope Street site — see who bought it.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Future development in focus: Stamford Health purchased a 0.71-acre vacant parcel for $2.5 million near its Bennett Medical Center campus, as part of its plan to expand programs and services. The site previously received 2020 approval for a four-story mixed-use project with ground-floor retail and 36 apartments. Get all the details.
Art-meets-science fix: Whether you’re up for a nerdy detour or a quiet afternoon, Bruce Museum delivers rotating exhibits that blend art and science, plus low-key family programs. A simple reset when you want something inspiring that isn’t another screen.
Big burrito energy: Craving a weeknight upgrade? La Taqueria rolls hefty, flavor-packed burritos in handmade tortillas, with mix-and-match fillings and legit vegetarian picks. Add bright salsa and, if you’re in the mood, a craft cocktail… then call it a small victory for your dinner routine.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
🍷 Mandala Wine Glass Tumblers @ The Pottery Factory | Friday (1/9) at 6:30 PM – Whether your stemware needs personality or you just want a Norwalk night that pairs creativity with Cabernet, this guided workshop lets you paint mandala designs on ceramic wine tumblers. You’ll make two to take home, no experience required. Dots, swirls, and smugly sipping to follow.
🎤 Vonda Shepard @ StageOne | Friday (1/9) at 8:00 PM – Vonda Shepard hits StageOne, bringing the voice behind Ally McBeal’s “Searchin’ My Soul,” plus the kind of grown-up groove that pairs nicely with decent seats and a babysitter. Expect sharp songwriting, a polished band, and nostalgia that actually holds up.
👪 McGraw Family Day @ Darien Library | Saturday (1/10) at 10:30 AM – Got little Heelers at home? The library’s McGraw Family Day is back with a Bluey-themed Saturday morning, arts and crafts, storytime, snacks, and a surprise, all in honor of a local legend. RSVP if you like, bring patience and your best ‘keepy uppy’ skills.
🎍 Oshōgatsu (Japanese New Year Celebration) @ First Church Congregational | Saturday (1/10) at 12:00 PM – If your resolution is more culture, less clutter, start with Japanese New Year done right: a special Oshogatsu lunch, a sake toast, and omochitsuki you can actually brag about. There’s a raffle, and a mini concert by Duo YUMENO with Yoko Reikano Kimura, Hikaru Tamaki.
😺 Happy Cat Hotel & Spa Grand Opening @ Happy Cat Hotel & Spa | Saturday (1/10) at 12:00 PM – In peak Fairfield County fashion, Norwalk’s newest luxury hotel is for cats. Take a tour of the suites, meet adoptables with Happily Forever After Rescue, get a cat caricature, sip hot chocolate, hit the food truck, browse vendors, and collect giveaways, crafts, and bragging rights.
🍎 Fairfield Farmers Market Winter Edition @ Penfield Pavilion | Sunday (1/11) at 10:00 AM – Whether you think veggies hibernate or not, Fairfield’s first winter farmers market is showing up with 35 vendors every week, snowflakes or not. Expect crisp greens, hearty soups, fresh bread, and neighborly chatter, plus the smug satisfaction of shopping local without the summer crowds.
🎨 Art Adventures: Squeegee Art @ Bruce Museum | Sunday (1/11) at 1:00 PM – Drop into the Bruce Museum for squeegee art, where color, paint, and patterns do the heavy lifting while you pretend the shower door is already clean. Consider it museum-sanctioned mess-making, perfect for kids, grandkids, or your inner child, with zero cleanup on your part.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📣 Own or manage a local business?
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How it works:
- Sign up (it takes less than 5 minutes)
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Everything you share is reviewed, and approved submissions are automatically considered for future newsletters. AKA… your business has a much higher chance of being featured in front of thousands of Stamford locals who live, shop, eat, and share good things with their friends.
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📻 Stamford report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 46°F – Low: 31°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny. High near 46, with temperatures falling to around 42 in the afternoon. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31. West wind around 2 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 50°F – Low: 43°F – Precip: 40%
A chance of rain after 1pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 50. South wind 2 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. Later: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 43. Southwest wind around 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
This house is wild
At the end of a leafy cul de sac, this 4-bed, 2.5-bath home pairs warmth with modern flow. An open kitchen with generous counter space connects to a family room and dining area, ideal for entertaining. A formal living room centers on a fireplace, and a dining room suits holidays. The main floor adds a laundry room and powder bath. Upstairs brings four bedrooms, a primary suite with walk-in closet and full bath, plus a linen closet.
The finished lower level flexes as media lounge, gym, or office. A deck overlooks a flat yard. Gleaming hardwoods run throughout, and condition is immaculate. Minutes to downtown and the parkway.
Take a peek inside →
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