Hamden Fest 2026: Community Voices, Local Businesses, and Live Stories (Part 1)

Hamden Fest 2026: Community Voices, Local Businesses, and Live Stories (Part 1)

Sounds of Health broadcasts live from Hamden Town Center Park for Hamden Fest 2026, bringing listeners a full day of community stories, local business highlights, and live conversations from one of the region’s most anticipated annual events. Host Dave MacNiven, producer Jason Carubia, and Nutmeg Insurance Advisors agent Marco Rosales guide the day’s coverage while introducing new Sounds of Health digital production services and connecting with the people who make Hamden thrive. This episode features local entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, youth mentors, and long‑standing community organizations. From rock climbing and youth civic leadership to renovated sports facilities, philanthropic groups, and a beloved independent bookstore, Part 1 captures the energy and voices of Hamden Fest as it unfolds. Guest List and Timestamps 00:00:00 - Intro I love our business community! 00:00:21 - Title 00:00:34 - Introduction - David MacNiven - Host, Jason Carubia - Producer, Marco Rosales - Nutmeg Insurance Advisors 00:03:59 - Julie Bailis - Ascent New Haven 00:09:16 - Christine Huber - Socceroof New Haven 00:11:54 - Rich Pendred - UBO Business Services / Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce / Midstate Chamber of Commerce 00:17:57 - Christy Palumbo - Hamden Women’s Club 00:22:52 - Gopika Sheth & Hansal Sheth - Ms President US 00:28:48 - Tamara Cypress - Books & Company 00:34:07 - Ending Credits This episode reflects the spirit of Hamden Fest: local businesses, community organizations, family activities, food trucks, live music, and the people who bring the community together. Whether you attended the event or are tuning in from home, this episode places you right inside the tent with Sounds of Health. Tune in and share with your community. Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Sounds of Health [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors [https://nutmeginsuranceadvisors.com/] and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group [https://www.nutmegag.com/] in North Haven, CT. Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/david-macniven] Producer: Jason Carubia [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/jason-carubia] Music: Rob Hames Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health. Visit us on: YouTube: SoundsofHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SoundsofHealthPodcast] Facebook: soundsofhealthpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/soundsofhealthpodcast/] Instagram: soundsofhealthpod [https://www.instagram.com/soundsofhealthpod/] LinkedIn: soundsofhealth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundsofhealth] Website: https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/ [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

Judy Bishop & Jane Ferrall - Community Dining Room: Fighting Food Insecurity & Supporting Families Across the Connecticut Shoreline

Dave talks with Judith Bishop and Jane Ferrall of the Community Dining Room, a shoreline nonprofit serving Branford, East Haven, North Branford, Guilford, and Old Saybrook. They share how their team provides free daily meals, family dinners, homebound delivery, senior meals, the Branford Diaper Bank, the Community Free Shop, and access to the mobile food pantry. Judy and Jane discuss the growing needs of working families, seniors, and individuals facing food insecurity and housing instability, and how their programs create connection, stability, and support across the community. Learn more at www.communitydiningroom.org [https://www.communitydiningroom.org/] Facebook: CommunityDiningRoom06405 [https://www.facebook.com/CommunityDiningRoom06405/] Instagram: communitydiningroom06405 [https://www.instagram.com/communitydiningroom06405] LinkedIn: community-dining-room [https://www.linkedin.com/company/community-dining-room/] 30 Harrison Avenue Branford CT, 06405 East Haven Senior Center 91 Taylor Ave East Haven, CT 06512 Call 203-488-9750 or email info@communitydiningroom.org for details. Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Sounds of Health [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors [https://nutmeginsuranceadvisors.com/] and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group [https://www.nutmegag.com/] in North Haven, CT. Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/david-macniven] Producer: Jason Carubia [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/jason-carubia] Music: Rob Hames Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health. Visit us on: YouTube: SoundsofHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SoundsofHealthPodcast] Facebook: soundsofhealthpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/soundsofhealthpodcast/] Instagram: soundsofhealthpod [https://www.instagram.com/soundsofhealthpod/] LinkedIn: soundsofhealth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundsofhealth] Website: https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/ [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

Re-release: Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce: Nancy Dudchik, the Hello Hamden App and Upcoming Events

Host Dave MacNiven and Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce [https://hamdenregionalchamber.com/] President Nancy Dudchik discuss the "Hello Hamden [https://hamdenregionalchamber.com/promote/hello-hamden-community-app/]" app and all the exciting events in the next few months including the Madras Open Golf Tournament [https://hamdenregionalchamber.com/enjoy/charity-golf-tennis-tournament/], Hamden Fest [https://hamdenregionalchamber.com/promote/hamden-fest/], and the Healtcare Warrior Awards. [https://hamdenregionalchamber.com/healthcare-warriors-awards/] You can find the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce on: fb: hamdenregionalchamber [https://www.facebook.com/hamdenregionalchamber] ig: hamdenchamber [https://www.instagram.com/hamdenchamber/] https://hamdenregionalchamber.com [https://hamdenregionalchamber.com] To contact: ph: 203-288-6431 email: hcc@hamdenchamber.com [%20hcc@hamdenchamber.com]  Have all the good stuff happening in the Hamden area in the palm of your hand!  Download the Hello Hamden Community app [https://hamdenregionalchamber.com/promote/hello-hamden-community-app/] today. For iPhone [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hello-hamden/id6445966612] or Android [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.armstrongsoft.hamdenct&hl=en_US&gl=US] Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Sounds of Health [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors [https://nutmeginsuranceadvisors.com/] and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group [https://www.nutmegag.com/] in North Haven, CT. Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/david-macniven] Producer: Jason Carubia [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/jason-carubia] Music: Rob Hames Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health. Visit us on: YouTube: SoundsofHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SoundsofHealthPodcast] Facebook: soundsofhealthpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/soundsofhealthpodcast/] Instagram: soundsofhealthpod [https://www.instagram.com/soundsofhealthpod/] LinkedIn: soundsofhealth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundsofhealth] Website: https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/ [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

World Cup Kickoff at Socceroof with Christine Huber, American Outlaws, and Frankie's Bar & Grill

Dave MacNiven brings Sounds of Health to Socceroof in Hamden, Connecticut for a special World Cup kickoff episode recorded live on opening day. He’s joined by Christine Huber from Socceroof, Frank LaDore from Frankie's Bar & Grill, Konstantin Tartakovsky of the American Outlaws, and Tyler Newman of Hamden United, creating a full panel representing the heartbeat of Connecticut’s soccer community. Together they explore how Socceroof and Frankie's have transformed through major renovations, upgraded climate control, expanded seating, improved sound, a new kitchen, and daily drink specials. They talk about the excitement of hosting the World Cup in the U.S., the energy building across Connecticut, and how the facility has become a place where families can watch matches, kids can run on the field, and fans can enjoy great food and affordable drinks without stadium‑level prices. The episode highlights upcoming youth and adult tournaments, the new King of the Field competition, live music from George Logan’s Electric Lady Band, and a raffle supporting Hamden United. It’s a lively, fast‑moving conversation that captures the spirit of opening day and the passion behind building a true community hub for soccer fans across the region. Socceroof and Frankie's Bar & Grill 1018 Sherman Avenue Hamden, CT 06514 Socceroof Website: socceroof.com/en/clubs/new-haven Facebook: Socceroof Instagram: Socceroof Frankie's Bar & Grill Instagram: frankiesbarandgrilll Facebook: Frankie's Bar and Grill American Outlaws Instagram: aonewhaven Facebook: AONewHaven Hamden United Instagram: hamdenunitedsc Facebook: Hamden United Soccer Club Join the World Cup celebration all month at Socceroof and Frankie's Bar & Grill. Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Sounds of Health [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors [https://nutmeginsuranceadvisors.com/] and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group [https://www.nutmegag.com/] in North Haven, CT. Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/david-macniven] Producer: Jason Carubia [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/jason-carubia] Music: Rob Hames Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health. Visit us on: YouTube: SoundsofHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SoundsofHealthPodcast] Facebook: soundsofhealthpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/soundsofhealthpodcast/] Instagram: soundsofhealthpod [https://www.instagram.com/soundsofhealthpod/] LinkedIn: soundsofhealth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundsofhealth] Website: https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/ [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

Re-release: Nexus Property Management, Poker Strategy & Building Financial Health with Nick D’Agnillo and Mick Lefort

This re‑release revisits our conversation with Nick D’Agnillo, CEO of Nexus Property Management, and general manager Mick Lefort. Nick shares how a path from high‑stakes blackjack to professional poker led him into real estate and ultimately to building a multi‑state property management franchise. Mick adds his perspective on joining Nexus and helping investors make smarter financial decisions. Together they break down the basics of property management, the power of multifamily investing, and how strategic choices early in life can transform long‑term financial health. To reach Mick call: (203) 900-4468 Visit https://www.nexusnhc.com/ [https://www.nexusnhc.com/] to learn more about Nexus Property Management [https://www.nexusnhc.com/] in CT, [https://www.nexusnhc.com/] To learn about franchising visit https://www.nexuspropertymanagement.com/ [https://www.nexuspropertymanagement.com/] Learn more about the Nutmeg State Networkers BNI Group [https://bniwne.com/ct-southern-nutmeg-state-networkers-bni/] https://bniwne.com/ct-southern-nutmeg-state-networkers-bni/ [https://bniwne.com/ct-southern-nutmeg-state-networkers-bni/] Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen. Sounds of Health [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors [https://nutmeginsuranceadvisors.com/] and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group [https://www.nutmegag.com/] in North Haven, CT. Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/david-macniven] Producer: Jason Carubia [https://app.retireflo.com/splash/jason-carubia] Music: Rob Hames Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health. Visit us on: YouTube: SoundsofHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@SoundsofHealthPodcast] Facebook: soundsofhealthpodcast [https://www.facebook.com/soundsofhealthpodcast/] Instagram: soundsofhealthpod [https://www.instagram.com/soundsofhealthpod/] LinkedIn: soundsofhealth [https://www.linkedin.com/company/soundsofhealth] Website: https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/ [https://www.soundsofhealthpod.com/] Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!