









This Issue celebrates the women who make Ridgefield a more thoughtful, creative and prosperous place. Women have significant impact on our households, schools, media, museums, galleries, government, professional practices and small businesses. I encourage you to tell at least one of the women that shape your world in the coming days how much their actions and influence mean to you. It's always nice to be reminded!
The hardest part of producing this issue is only being able to select a few women to highlight as so many more are deserving. We are thrilled though to bring you some dynamic personalities on the following pages who certainly will inspire you!
The cover highlights four trailblazing Ridgefield entrepreneurs who have expanded their influence beyond our borders. These ladies are putting Ridgefield in the national spotlight in their respective industries of Running Retail, Beauty, Design and even Wall Street. They are certainly role models for our young people who aspire to take an entrepreneurial path and for anyone who wants to start a business of their own. I hope you enjoy the feature that highlights these ladies and the ventures they lead.
Ridgefield women not only lead but they give back. There are many organizations that the women of Ridgefield champion for the greater good. The Center for Empowerment and Education is a prime example of one that has had extraordinary participation from the women of our town. Our residents have stepped up over the years to move women and men forward through the important work at The Center. It is an organization that makes a profound difference.
The Iris Fund is a local nonprofit with a mission to empower women through education and support. This Ridgefield based nonprofit founded by Brittney Crystal is leading the way in securing funding to empower women and advocate for women and women's health. This work lifts families and saves lives.
We also included some fun tips on celebrating the women in your life that range from selecting spectacular seasonal food, places and wines to expressing yourself through fashionable spring styles. We have also tapped some expert tips to help you create a gorgeous flower arrangement!
Here's to celebrating the women of Ridgefield and the beauty that surrounds us as our lovely town is bursting with an abundance of spring flowers and activity. Enjoy it!
Cordially,
PUBLISHER
Mary Dougherty | mary.dougherty@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Ashley Alt, Jillian Fontana
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jennifer Barrett of New Light Creative Services, Kristen Jensen of Kristen Jensen Productions, LLC, Kate Wark of Kate Wark Photography
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer
ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson
WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen
MARY DOUGHERTY, PUBLISHER @RIDGEFIELDCITYLIFESTYLEWant to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @ridgefieldcitylifestyle
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The debut of The Secret Garden is Saturday, May 20 at 8 p.m. The Special Opening Night performance tickets include an exclusive pre-show cocktail reception in the lobby. Hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer and other beverages will be available to opening night guests, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at actofct.org
Want to be featured?
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Ridgefield
Sharon McSpedon is the owner of The Pilates Barre which she opened in Ridgefield in 2010. She has been teaching Pilates for over 30 years, is trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates and has recently completed a vigorous teacher training program and mentorship for several amazing women. After many months of work, they are ready to train you. Take advantage of new teacher pricing and learn the discipline that will change your body and view of fitness forever. Email pilatesbarrecore@gmail. com or visit pilatesbarrecore.com.
Amy Polacko, Founder of the Strong Savvy Women Support Group for Divorced Women that meets at the Hayvn Coworking Space in Darien has launched a new monthly Ridgefield Support Circle. The Darien meetings usually have guest speakers, while the support circle is a smaller format facilitated by Polacko. It will meet the first Wednesday evening of the month at the RPAC Art Center at 424R on Main Street.
Are you looking for help booking your next trip? We can help with that!
Local artist Allison Meyler welcomed us into her home to present her brilliant artwork placed about in the light and cheery 1890's farmhouse she's lived in for 18 years. "My taste is modern and sparse," she said of her home design preference, claiming that "white is a good backdrop for everything."
She began painting in college. Attending her first abstract art class was what initially led to her signature art aesthetic of exploring the female form. "I love challenging myself," she explains. I thought, 'what would I never do?' So I began pulling images of classic Greek sculptures and discovered I really like the strong woman figure."
Deriving influences from her art history background, visiting current exhibits, and her love of travel, Allison confirmed all of these elements inform her work. "Art has always been a part of me," she says. "When I was younger, I knew how to knit, needle point and sew — now, it's an important way to express myself."
Her art is sold through various platforms including Serena & Lily, and is showcased in the Red Fox Gallery in Pound Ridge, NY.
When it comes to picking modern art for your home, Allison argues if it's going to be something you live with, you should love it every time you look at it. "I think it's a gut feeling," she says.
Aside from the emotional boost, the beauty of a Girls Night In is in its flexibility. Forget about reservations and wait times, parking and bad service. This night can be as unfussy as you’d like. Rock a messy bun and your stretchiest Lulus, or gussy-up in last spring’s gala cocktail dress, but do be a doll and let the ladies know the vibe in advance.
THE RECIPE “4” SUCCESS:
Nail these four components and you’ll have a GNI for the books.
• Flowing drinkables
• Simple yet great food
• The right music should dancing ensue
• Moody ambience
Let’s start with my personal favorite: the drinks. As a somm, I always serve wine, but don’t go crazy: a few well-chosen bottles will do the trick. For Spring, choose one or two easy-drinking yet versatile white wines, rosé, and two reds (one light, one heavier). You can definitely throw in some bubbles as well, whether a lovely Spanish Cava or real-deal Champagne.
WHITE WINES:
A French Sauvignon blanc, Fournier Pouilly-Fumé “Les Deux Cailloux”, Loire Valley. Pair with: Warm Radish and Snap Pea Crostini with Ricotta and Fresh Mint.
Dry Riesling from the Finger Lakes by Hermann Wiemer. Pair with: Smoked Trout Dip served with Endive and Apple.
ROSÉS:
A full-flavored, Provençal dry Rosé that is not afraid to show its colors: Domaine Houchart from the Cotes-de-Provence, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault. Pair with: Watermelon, tomato, cucumber salad with shrimp and lime vinaigrette.
RED WINES:
Soter Vineyards “Planet Oregon” Pinot Noir. Light in body yet dark in fruit, this Oregon red is an elegant contrast to its California counterparts. Pair with: A local cheese and charcuterie board with Arethusa Camembert & Tapping Reeve, Mitica Goat, Jasper Hill Alpha Tolman, imported cured meats.
Certified sommelier Jillian Fontana gave us her spectacular tips for hosting a memorable Girls Night, spilling the tea (the wine?) on the elements that must come together to make your next Girls Night In a success. (The dishes were prepared by chef Justine Bouchia).
FOR AMBIANCE: no need for additional decor, just dim the lights and burn lots of candles. Or, bring the drinks to the patio and get the fire pit going, just don’t forget your portable speaker.
3 classic to-dos for mother/daughter (or mother/son) pairings
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our local moms. Whether you choose to spend the day with family or friends, be sure to do it with love. Here are our top picks for a wonderful Mother’s Day.
The Artistic Director of ACT of Connecticut Daniel Levine tells us The Secret Garden musical is an excellent pick for mothers and daughters (or group of girlfriends) to attend together as 11-year-old Mary Lenox, the character the play is centered around, “blossoms as she learns the true meaning of family, love, and friendship.”
Levine describes the enchanting and Tony Award-winning musical as a timeless story about the power of connection and love, calling it “one of the most divine musical scores of all time — a perfect family friendly musical for the Spring.”
The Secret Garden musical runs from May 18th to June 11th. Get your tickets!
With NYC so close, why not pack a delicious picnic and spend the day playing in the park?
From Bailey’s Backyard to The Lantern, we are blessed with scenic and scrumptious eateries. Afterwards, grab a cocktail at one of Ridgefield’s posh bars.
A RIDGEFIELD MOM TAKES ACTION BY SECURING FUNDING FOR EVIDENCED BASED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Brittney Crystal's advocacy efforts are shedding light on why evidenced based research for women is so important.
The Iris Fund was founded in 2017 by Brittney, upon suffering the devastating loss of her daughter Iris after an emergency C-section at 28 weeks old. There were two fundamental things Brittney learned from her daughter's death; the stigma and isolation around this kind of loss is crippling, and the basics of how a woman's body works are yet to be understood.
That is where Iris's legacy began. Through legislation and advocacy, The Iris Fund works to help families by funding sound scientific research.
In the five years since Iris passed, an entire community rose up in support. Because of them, over $680,000 from friends in 35 states and 8 countries has been raised. Additionally, The Iris Fund passed the largest stillbirth tax credit in the country.
"The bottom line is we don't treat women and women's health the way we should," Brittney said. "The Iris Fund stands to correct this."
“The bottom line is we don’t treat women and women’s health the way we should,” Brittney said. “The Iris Fund stands to correct this.”
RIDGEFIELD WOMEN CREATING, INNOVATING AND MAKING AN IMPACT BEYOND OUR TOWN BORDERS
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WARKMeet four Ridgefield women who are making a splash beyond our town borders with the ventures they founded and lead.
MEGAN SEARFOSS
The Ridgefield Running Company, founded by Megan Searfoss in 2014, was recently named the best running store in America in 2022 by Outside Online Magazine. You read that correctly.
"My business is customer service and making people happy gets me moving forward," Megan states.
Asking what Megan loves most about being a female business owner, she responds that it's a difficult question as she has never thought about being an owner as "a gender specific thing." However, she mentions The Run Speciality Industry is predominantly male-owned, admitting she is aware she is the minority. "Perhaps that makes me want to work harder," she said.
Discussing her accomplishment of the Ridgefield Running Company being recognized as the best running store in America, Megan states "this was the first time a woman-owned store has won, and it was pretty sweet. Our team is comprised of 90% women, which is also an anomaly."
Her answer to what the toughest challenge to get to where she is today is one all entrepreneurs can resonate with, but perhaps one that hasn't been said before.
"I think it is always believing in one's self that is the biggest challenge," she says. "A thoughtful plan, research, and surrounding yourself with a support network can help you with any obstacle," she continued. "Then, it is 100% sweat equity, keeping an eye on the prize and knowing that moving toward a goal is more chutes and ladders than vertical."
To that degree, Megan admits she has "failed forward a lot," and that while this part can definitely be a challenge, eventually you get used to it. "And the goal then is that much sweeter."
Amy Pal is the owner of Whip Salon, a full service salon that launched in Ridgefield in 2016, and now has five locations across Fairfield Country, plus a location in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
The salon, known for its top talent, trendy and friendly stylists, and always welcoming atmosphere, was selected for the Salon Today 200 under the "Environmental Sustainability" category of Bobit Business Media, an award granted to salons annually for excellence in salon leadership and management.
Amy remarks connecting with other female business owners is what she loves most about being a female business owner. "I've been fortunate to find other local women owners who make up a kind of informal advisory board," she says. "Whenever I'm facing a difficult problem, their camaraderie and problem solving ideas make things seem less overwhelming. They've helped me through some times that would have been difficult to face alone."
Jill Rae is an interior designer with a full-service design firm, Jill Rae Designs, that assists clients in luxury home builds, renovations, and home stagings. Servicing all areas of Fairfield County, Jill and her team pride themselves on "creating spectacular spaces" for their clients' home, office, and outdoor living.
Jill was recently awarded the Best of Houzz Service Award (for the second year in a row), an annual award that celebrates home professionals across the globe who demonstrate their excellence in design, service, or both. To provide context, the interior design pros who earn Best of Houzz badges is an exclusive group — only 3% win annually.
AMY PAL JILL RAE Whip Salon in Hilton Head“We have ups and downs in life — it’s best to surround yourself with people who share your same dreams.”
-Jill Rae
As for what women entrepreneurship means to Jill, she exclaims, "Everything! I have focused my entire career thinking out of the box. It's important for women to believe that entrepreneurship provides financial independence, flexibility, and the opportunity to pursue their passions."
Amplifying innovation. This is what women’s entrepreneurship means to Olga Chin, CEO and Founder of InterPrice Technologies, a financial technology company that assists corporate finance teams to understand their current business funding costs. Currently, InterPrice already has over 70 clients including Honda, PayPal, Wells Fargo Bank, and Keurig.
"Women entrepreneurs often structure their businesses around gaps and unmet needs they see within their communities," Olga said of women entrepreneurship. "I find that most often, women entrepreneurs are not going after the 'shot in the dark' crazy idea but rather focus on creating products around specific needs."
These needs, she continued, are often based on women's own experiences, and as a result, "are so needed by all of us." By pushing innovation in directions that may have gone unnoticed in the past, Olga says, "is a critical benefit for society and progress."
When it comes to staying motivated in her business, Olga claims "there is nothing more gratifying than seeing your product delight customers." She admits that building a viable business is "brutal emotionally," but that it all becomes worth it when you see your clients loving what you built.
Discussing what she loves most about being a female business owner, Olga states she enjoys being underestimated. "I don't get affected by others' expectations," she tells us. "I don't fall into the stereotype of a tech startup operator or an investment banker (her past career) — in fact, I'm probably mostly known to local folks as a class mom that drives her kids around town to practices or art classes, and I like that."
Olga ChinOlga Chin in Times Square
“It is not enough to tell girls, ‘you can do anything.’ I want to actually show them what can be possible with perseverance and grit.” -Olga Chin
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. While these statistics are alarming, physical abuse is not the only form of mistreatment individuals around the globe are enduring. There is mental/psychological abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, and verbal/emotional abuse. Thankfully, we have a local center that helps individuals in crisis get back on their feet and remember their worth.
Formerly called The Women’s Center of Greater Danbury, The Center For Empowerment and Education seeks to end violence and mistreatment against individuals and families that have undergone hardship with regard to domestic violence, sexual assault, psychological abuse, and other forms of maltreatment. Ridgefield, believe it or not, is one of the top locations that calls into The Center for help. All of the center’s services are completely free and confidential, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The sharing of just one woman’s story can cause a powerful ripple affect of other women coming forward, which was the case for local resident Amy Polacko.
Polacko used The Center’s services a few years ago, helping her escape an abusive relationship and giving her the confidence and motivation to stand up for herself and leave the unhealthy conditions she was living under. “I am indebted to The Center for helping me,” Polacko said, stating she wouldn’t be doing what she is today as a Divorce Coach and journalist, advocating for women if it was not for The Center.
“In 2019, I sat in the audience at The Center’s “Hearts of Hope” Breakfast listening to a survivor tell her harrowing story of escaping physical and emotional abuse,” Polacko said. “And I
thought, ‘I wonder if I will ever be strong enough to tell my story.’ A year later, I did.”
Her story, she tells us, was one of psychological abuse, an “invisible yet insidious kind of treatment” that is finally getting the attention it deserves. Polacko also affirms she wanted to dispel the myth that abuse only happens to “down and out, desperate women” who fall for predators.
Determined to help other women, Polacko started a support group, Strong Savvy Women (SSW), “so no single or divorcing woman would feel alone.” For women who have no community, or feel like they don’t have the support they need, SSW is here for you.
Polacko also comes back to speak at The Center’s support groups, sharing what she’s learned on her healing journey, including how to spot signs of abusive behavior including narcissism and coercive control.
Director of Community Impact Matt Austin explains that volunteers are a major part of the work they do. “Some of those capacities include staffing our 24-hour hotline, accompanying victims to the hospital or police station, and leading support groups.”
On the awareness and advocacy side of The Center’s work, volunteers can staff tables at awareness events, represent The Center at events in the community, and help receive and process donation items. Matt confirms that whatever time a volunteer can give is important, no matter how small.
“At the end of the day, educating the people we work with directly is what it’s all about,” Matt concludes. We feel that education is the key to eradicating violence in all forms. We work hard to empower victims and survivors to make choices and decisions which feel right for them.”
“And I thought, ‘I wonder if I will ever be strong enough to tell my story.’ A year later, I did.”
HOW TO ACHIEVE A LOOK OF ELEGANCE THIS SEASON, VIA STYLE AND MOOD
ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN JENSEN & MARIA RISSOWardrobe stylist Maria Risso and boutique owner Sunny Hers give us the inside scoop on what constitutes a chic summer look. Whether you love incorporating of-the-moment trends or gravitate toward a more classic approach to fashion, rest assured whatever you're wearing will look elevated so long as you exude confidence.
Trends Maria is loving right now include "everything fringe, textured, embellished." Her tip for staying on trend while looking polished: Add some texture and make sure to stick to one “trend” at a time. "Always in moderation," she confirms.
Talking New England style specifically, Maria suggests adding an updated floral, a wide leg denim, or leather blazer to bring a pop of color or interesting detail. "Wear your nautical stripe t-shirt with an oversized cardigan, opt for a flowy maxi dress instead of a shift," she recommends.
CONTINUED >
"Small changes can really update a look," she concludes.
Owner of HERs Modern Boutique Sunny Hers explains that elegant style is completed when you reveal your own style that is "a little different from others, while being appropriate for the time and place." She adds the material, fit, silhouette and small details are what ultimately create a unique and elegant style.
"The best thing about fashion is that it can express each variety and uniqueness of a person," Sunny says. "It's fun to be able to create your own individuality with different styling, even with the same clothes. Helping people find it is my favorite thing to do."
Rodier flower shop owner Mary Jones explains that flower arranging is "both art and mechanics," and that patience with yourself goes a long way when just starting out. "If you don't know what you're doing, it's kind of like cutting your own hair," she says of making your own floral arrangement.
At Rodier, the florists work only with "premium flowers" — more couture, upscale flowers — the kind you would see at an elaborate event like an elegant wedding or tasteful holiday party.
"To me, flowers are an expression of a person's emotion," Mary explains. "They're a gift. You're conveying a thought through your selection, from sympathy to love to apologies to congratulations."
With Mother's Day around the corner, plus graduations and other milestone moments, Mary gives us a masterclass in creating your own floral arrangement, ensuring your custom bouquet will be as special as the person you're gifting it to.
When choosing your flowers, quality and color scheme matter, as does greenery. Mary encourages us to think about “drama, height, and negative space” when choosing your selection, allowing yourself to be creative yet keeping functionality intact.
This can be anything that will support your arrangement, like a vase, bowl, or jar. From glass, clay, or textured vases to simple or glamorous styles, choose what speaks to you, keeping the occasion in mind.
Your focal flowers are the star of the show. Think lush, fragrant, and statement-making here.
Complimentary flowers (or accent or filler flowers), complete your arrangement, giving it that final touch of personality. At Rodier, Mary likes to incorporate organic materials like berries, branches, and vines. A daintier flower or grass tie the look together also.
As for proper care, Mary emphasizes that clean, fresh water and floral food will keep your flowers in great condition, noting the base of the stems should look crisp and clean. “Just like humans, flowers don’t like to be overly hot or overly cold,” she noted.
MAY
A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
MAY 6TH Spring Stroll
MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN
RIDGEFIELD | 12:00 PM -
4:00 PM
The spring stroll is an opportunity for the whole family to celebrate spring and connect with friends and neighbors on our beautiful Main Street. Spend time strolling our elegant Main Street while stopping in your favorite shops and dining at a favorite restaurant. Celebrate the season and partake in activities for all ages!
MAY 13TH
Cannonball Gala 2023
KEELER TAVERN MUSEUM AND HISTORY CENTER | ALL DAY
This all day event is the Keeler Tavern's Museum and History Center's biggest fundraiser of the year. Be sure to attend the evening event which features cocktails and dinner in the lush garden and Garden House. The catered event will feature live and silent auctions and other fun activities where you can have fun and show your support!
MAY 14TH Run Like a Mother 5k & Kids' One Mile
RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE | 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Join the annual tradition and celebrate motherhood by participating in one of the races or cheer those participating on! There will be a family celebration area at Ballard Park. This race is a production of Ridgefield / Darien Running Company. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Noreen L. Papa Mothers: Live Your Life Fund at the Ridgefield Library.
EVENTS CONTINUED
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MAY 18TH-JUNE 21ST
SIX LOCATIONS
AROUND RIDGEFIELD
A showcase of independent cinema from around the world. Enjoy parties, filmmaker q&a's and community at the six locations around town where the festival will take place.
MAY 18TH - JUNE 11TH
The Secret Garden
ACT OF CONNECTICUT
THEATRE | 8:00 PM
This enchanting Tony Award-winning musical possesses one of the most glorious scores ever to hit Broadway. The Secret Garden is a family friendly, yet sophisticated production. Opening Night is Saturday, May 20 at 8:00 pm.
MAY 20TH
Great Expectations
Gala 2023
THE RIDGEFIELD
LIBRARY | ALL DAY
May 20th marks the celebration of the Library’s 120th year in the historic Morris Building on Main Street. The Gala will celebrate the special place the Ridgefield Library holds in the heart of the community. It is one you don’t want to miss.
Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Ridgefield
63 Copps Hill Road Suite 200 Ridgefield, CT 06877 203-291-5335