Chamber Member News | February 2022
Welcome New Members:
A warm welcome to our newest members!* We encourage you to connect with them soon and see where your next partnership can be!



*Joined 1/12/22 to 2/10/22
Member Spotlight: AM Wellness Spa
AM Wellness Spa was founded on this simple fact: spa treatment done right can change your life for the better. Since 2015, we’ve served the men and women of our community with massage, manicures, pedicures, facials, and beyond. Honesty and excellence have put us ahead of the competition, earning us the Spectrum Award in 2016 and 2017, and the Master & Powers Inc. award in 2018.
Anita Mir is a Licensed Medical Esthetician since 2004. She was employed at Viso Bella Day Spa and as a Counter Manager at Macys for Clarins Skin Care. She worked with Dr. Paula Moynahan, Plastic Surgeon, for the past 13 years prior to opening AM Wellness. She is certified in Laser Hair Removal, IPL and ND Yag, Photo Facials, Skin Tightening, and Body Contouring, Skin Resurfacing and Radio Frequency aesthetic treatment.
Member Spotlight: Juniper Design
About Juniper Design

Juniper is a design and manufacturing studio dedicated to producing thoughtful, refined and meticulously crafted luxury lighting solutions. With a newly built NYC showroom and state-of-the-art factory in Connecticut, each piece is developed and produced locally, from start to finish. Inspired by a philosophy of purposeful reduction, Juniper products reflect a commitment to American craftsmanship and organic simplicity. At the core of their work is the belief that form and function are inextricable, and the beauty of distinctive design lies in the innovation and details just below the surface.
Events From Your Fellow Members
March 10: Fundraiser Dinner at La Bella Vista to Benefit Acts 4 Ministry
Acts 4 Ministry will benefit from a Fundraising Dinner at the Ponte Club's La Bella Vista Banquet facility at 380 Farmwood Road in Waterbury, on Thursday, March 10, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The sit-down fundraiser will begin with hot and cold hors d’oeuvres followed by a family-style dinner to include pasta Fagioli, pasta with meatballs and soffritto, and Chicken Marsala. Bottles of red wine will be placed on each table. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for a cash bar. The cost for dinner is $35/person, a portion of which will be donated to the non-profit, non-denominational Acts 4 Ministry. Reservations can be made by visiting the Acts 4 Ministry website https://www.acts4.org/events, or by calling La Bella Vista at 203-527-4006 with specific identification for the Acts 4 Ministry fundraiser. To learn more about Acts 4 Ministry, Inc., visit www.acts4.org. All donations are tax-deductible. 
March 26: Pasta Dinner presented by Healing Hoofbeats of CT to Benefit Operation Warrior Horse
Foxwoods Rink & Winter Patio
March Programs at the Mattatuck Museum
Tai Chi
Every Wednesday, 10:00–11:00 AM
Price: $8 Museum Members | $12 General
Improve your energy and stamina as you move to the music at the Mattatuck Museum with certified Tai Chi instructor Joe Atkins. Joe will teach gentle movements that improves balance, flexibility, and mobility, and reduce stiffness and soreness. Wear comfortable clothes. All levels welcome! 

Yoga
Every Thursday, 5:30–6:30 PM
Price: $8 Museum Members | $12 General
This class emphasizes slow movements to strengthen muscles and increase flexibility with guided meditation during savasana, or resting pose. Pose modifications will always be shared so that everyone, regardless of fitness level, will feel safe and comfortable participating in the class. The Mattatuck Museum has a temporary Yoga instructor and is actively looking for a new one! If interested, please contact Elise Vanase at elise@mattmuseum.org or (203) 753-0381 x117.

Midday Mindfulness
Mondays and Fridays, 12:00–1:00 PM
Price: $5 Museum Members | $8 General
 Join mindfulness meditation teacher Ranji Latchmansingh for this weekly two-part class on your lunch break. On Mondays, during Foundations of Mindfulness, Ranji will offer participants guidance on cultivating different mindful practices using clear, precise, and accurate language. Mindfulness practices explored and embodied will include Focused Attention, Open Awareness, Loving Kindness practice and Mindful Yoga. Participants will experience and develop a sense of awareness with these various practices and can use these as a foundation for continuing their own practice. 
 
On Fridays, Ranji will lead Appreciating Art Using a Mindfulness Practice, and offer guidance to participants on developing a Focused Attention mindfulness practice. This practice will encourage participants to look at art with a calm and focused attention, allowing them to see what is visually present and not what they would like it to be. Participants often develop a keen sense of awareness when visually observing an object.

Saturday Docent Guided Tours
Saturdays in March, 1:00–1:30 PM
Price: Included with Museum Admission
 Looking for a more detailed exploration of the Mattatuck Museum’s exhibits? Join a free (with admission), docent-guided Saturday Drop-In Tour. Our staff will guide patrons through a highlights tour or the Museum’s current special exhibitions.
 
Home Away From Homeschool: Art Workshops
Tuesdays in March, 1:00–2:00 PM
Week 1: Drawing Still Life’s from our Permanent Collection
Week 2: Painting Through Abstract Expressionism
Week 3: Discovering Print Making
Week 4: Sculptures Inspired by The Village Project
Price: $15/class ($10 for the third child and up) | $50 package ($45 for the third child and up)
Homeschool families are invited to come to the Mattatuck Museum each week in March to study different artists and art styles. After learning about an artist and viewing their art in the Museum galleries, children 5-12 will work on copying the work of the artist, while students 13-18 will focus on creating their own personal works using the techniques of that particular artist. The first two kids in a family are $15 for a single class or $50 for the package and the third child and up in a family is $10 for a single class or $45 for the package.
 
Join in on the year-long Kids Adventure Challenge. Receive a fun button each time you attend a Kids Adventures program, including Kids’ Art Workshops, Home Away from Homeschool, Story Time @ The MATT, or Schools Out! Session. Collect 10 buttons in 2022 and receive your very own Mattatuck Museum smock.

Tongue-Twisted: Poetry Slam
Thursday, March 3, 5:30–7:30 PM
Price: $10 in advance | $15 at the door
The Mattatuck Museum will be kicking off the new social entertainment series: Tongue-Twisted! On the first Thursday of each month, enjoy a different type of performing art from Waterbury locals while enjoying cocktails from the Art of Yum with your friends. This first event will feature a poetry slam, so whether you have some verses you’d like to share or want to be inspired by some powerful prose, you are sure to have a good time. Artists must pre-register with elise@mattmuseum.org. 

Museum Minis
Mondays in March, 10:00–11:00 AM
Price: $8 Museum Member Child | $12 General Child
Accompanying Adult is free.
Each week the Mattatuck Museum invites the youngest explorers and their caregivers to meet up in the Museum galleries for some art and history fun while practicing developmental, social, and mobility skills. A museum educator will facilitate 30 minutes of playtime in the galleries with an opportunity to mingle with other parents and caregivers, followed by a 15-minute themed story, and a small art activity in the classroom that can be taken home.

Introduction to Printmaking
Saturdays, March 12 and 26, 3:00–5:00 PM
Price: $30/class | $55 package
Take inspiration from the exhibition Two for the Road with the return of the Mattatuck Museum’s popular printmaking series. Artists of all skill levels will learn the traditional techniques of block printing and intaglio/etching to make prints of their own from Quiana Stanley, who holds a BFA with a focus in Printmaking. Session one will primarily focus on linoleum block making, including composition and the strengths of the medium. Session two will focus on creating finer line drawing style used to make striking intaglio etchings using clear acrylic plates. Students who attend both will be able to mix styles for unique works!
Spring Exhibition Celebration
Sunday, March 20, 1:00–3:00 PM
Price: Free for Members | $5 General
Celebrate the opening of the Mattatuck Museum’s new exhibitions The Village Project and Two for the Road: Ernest D. Roth and J. Andre Smith in Europe, 1912 to 1930.
 
Families are invited to participate in the Exploration Activities in the Studio. The Art of Yum Café will be open with delicious meals, snacks, coffees, and sweet treats available for purchase. Exhibition Remarks will be at 2:00 PM.

To register for any of the events, please visit mattmuseum.org/calendar.
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Member News and Updates
Adam Broderick Salon & Spa Valentine's Day Offer
Voting Underway for Ion Bank Foundation Community Awards Program
Main Street Waterbury is asking for your vote in the Ion Bank Foundation Community Awards Program, which gives away $70,000 to local non-profit organizations.

If you are an Ion Bank customer, visit this link and vote before March 15, 2022. Main Street Waterbury will earn a $25 donation from the Ion Bank Foundation for every eligible vote that they receive.

Find Main Street Waterbury under the "Enrichment" section here.
Voting Underway for Ion Bank Foundation Community Awards Program
Did you know you could help us earn grant money!?!
Voting has begun for the 13th Annual Community Awards Program so please help us earn grant money! We will receive a $25 donation from the Ion Bank Foundation for every vote we receive from an Ion Bank Customer*!

Please visit https://cap.ionbank.com/CAP/Vote.aspx?ID=39 to cast your vote before March 15, 2022.

*Voting is open to all Ion Bank customers. One vote per customer, however, for accounts with multiple owners, each owner may vote. Customers with multiple accounts may only vote once. Each customer can vote for only one organization.
Branagan Communications Consultants LLC Renews PR Campaigns for Michaels Jewelers
Barbara Branagan-Mitchell, owner of Branagan Communications Consultants LLC (BCC), announced that she has welcomed returning client Michaels Jewelers and its 10 stores in Connecticut. 2022 marks the 29th anniversary of Branagan Communications Consultants' public relations, publicity placement, writing and editing, marketing communications specialties. In January, Branagan-Mitchell launched a publicity campaign for a Valentine's Day event in the ten Michaels Jewelers stores to benefit Connecticut Children's, plus she developed a campaign to announce the opening of the retailers' tenth store in the SONO Collection. BCC assists businesses and organizations create positive awareness of their company or organization and products or services with their target audiences. Branagan-Mitchell accomplishes this through creation of publicity placement campaigns that include press releases, event listings, captioned photos, and public service announcements. BCC offers free phone or Zoom consultations, and can be reached by calling 860-210-0149, emailing to barbara@branagancommunications.com, or visiting www.branagancommunications.com.
Branagan Communications Consultants LLC Marks 29th Year of Sole Proprietorship Success In 2022
Barbara Branagan-Mitchell, the creator of Branagan Communications Consultants LLC, announced that 2022 marks the 29th anniversary of her public relations, publicity placement, writing and editing, marketing communications agency. Branagan-Mitchell assists businesses and organizations across Connecticut to raise positive awareness of their company or organization and products or services through the creation of publicity placement campaigns. These campaigns frequently include press releases, event listings, captioned photos, and public service announcements sent to print and broadcast media outlets including daily and weekly newspapers, radio and television stations, and community news outlets. Barbara offers free phone consultations to help businesses and organizations identify timely news angles about their activities, achievements, products, and/or services. To learn more, visit www.branagancommunications.com, call Barbara Branagan-Mitchell at 860-210-0149, or send an email to barbara@branagancommunications.com.
Mattatuck Museum Job Opening: Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager
The Mattatuck Museum is known for engaging its community in an understanding of the past and providing vision and leadership for the future through its exhibitions, programs and collections of national significance. These initiatives interpret the history of the greater Waterbury region and American art from the Colonial period to the present. The Museum offers a full range of cultural programs for people of all ages including art classes, concerts, readings, lectures, bus/walking tours, workshops, special guests, community events and family activities, among others.

The ideal candidate must possess a high level of energy with a willingness to assist in the development and execution of a wide range of activities, from day-to-day tasks to highly creative projects. This position requires a great deal of organization and attention to detail.

Summary: The Corporate & Foundation Relations Manager is responsible for several aspects of key development activities. As a member of the Museum’s three-person fundraising team, they also provide direct support to the Director of Development in the implementation of the Museum’s comprehensive fundraising program that is focused on institutional support, individual donors, membership, and special events.
Waterbury Police Department Application Period Open Through 2/16/22
Chamber Welcomes SCORE Western Connecticut
About SCORE

SCORE was formed in 1964 as a resource partner of the Small Business Administration.  Our mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. Our vision is for every person to have the support necessary to thrive as a small business owner, supported by over 10,000 volunteers organized into 250 geographic chapters. The Western Connecticut chapter ranks among the highest in client satisfaction across these chapters. 

SCORE Western Connecticut:

SCORE Western Connecticut and our volunteer business mentors are dedicated to providing the best possible professional quality, free, one-on-one advice face to face, phone, email and via Zoom. The Western Connecticut Chapter volunteers are dedicated and anxious to share their broad mix of entrepreneurial, management and small business experience.  They represent currently employed and retired executives, business owners and community leaders.

We offer a wide variety of on-line and in person workshops and webinars in addition to one-on-one client mentoring services.  We typically conduct more than 600 private, confidential sessions, and over 40 live workshops/webinars each year. SCORE volunteers use their expertise to help implement business practices to guide our clients on the path to accomplishing their business objectives.
Acts 4 Ministry Seeking Coats & Winter Accessories Donations for Annual “Share the Warmth” Drive Through February 2022
The non-denominational, non-profit Acts 4 Ministry charitable organization serving the greater Waterbury community, is seeking donations of winter coats and accessories for children and adults during their annual “Share the Warmth” drive. Donations of new or gently-worn coats, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves, plus new socks, thermals, and undergarments. There is a special need for men’s coats and new long johns will be welcomed through Monday, February 28, 2022.
 
All donations can be brought to Acts 4 Ministry at 1713 Thomaston Avenue in Waterbury, Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, 9 am to 2 pm. Monetary donations payable to Acts 4 Ministry, Inc. can be U.S. Mailed to PO Box 4524, Waterbury, CT 06704. For information, call Acts 4 Ministry at 203-574-2287 or visit www.acts4.org for more current donation needs.  
Comcast RISE Program Opens to All Women-Owned Small Businesses
Background on Comcast RISE:
 Why is this program impactful? Comcast RISE helps people move their businesses forward with either a tech makeover or an ad campaign to increase awareness in local markets. Notably, this support has added up: $60 million in grants, marketing and technology services to thousands of small businesses owned by people of color – including Black, Indigenous, Hispanic and Asian Americans since November 2020. And, as we expand our efforts, Comcast RISE will support 13,000 small businesses across the country by the end of 2022.
 
Eligible independent small businesses can apply for the following Comcast RISE awards:
 
  • Marketing services: The following services from Effectv, the advertising sales division of Comcast Cable, and its creative agency, Mnemonic, are designed to help recipients with their marketing and media campaigns, including a linear TV campaign and a 30-second TV commercial production.
  • Technology makeovers: The state-of-the-art equipment and technology upgrade from Comcast Business includes computer equipment as well as internet, voice and cybersecurity services for up to a 12-month period. (Taxes and other fees may still apply for tech makeover services.)
 
A key part of Comcast RISE is ensuring business sustainability. Comcast has already invested more than $2 million in more than 20 community-based organizations and diverse chambers of commerce to provide additional support to small businesses owned by people of color.
 
All Comcast RISE recipients will also have a specialized online networking community within Ureeka with access to educational resources, sources of capital, and vetted experts such as U.S. Black Chambers, National Asian Pacific Islander Chamber of Commerce & Entrepreneurship, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Association for Enterprise Opportunity, Walker’s Legacy and Operation Hope.
 
Comcast RISE is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help provide underrepresented small business owners with access to the digital tools and funding they need to thrive. Over the next 10 years, Comcast has committed $1 billion to programs like Comcast RISE and partnerships that will reach an estimated 50 million people with the skills, opportunities and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
 
We encourage you or someone you know to apply to Comcast RISE here.
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