Ridgefield, CT July 2023

The Summer Fun Issue

Summer!

We are entering that glorious time of the year when the days are longer and the pace gets slower. There is more time to connect with those who mean the most to us and indulge in activities that don't normally fit into our crowded days.

When my family moved to Ridgefield in July 2007, we experienced Martin Park Beach, The Nutmeg Festival, and Shakespeare on the Green within days of entering our new home. It seemed unbelievable in the best way that we could experience all of these things in a place where the stars shine so bright.

We are bringing you some ways to make the most of this short but sensational summer season in the pages that follow.

Our cover features two moms whose mission is to support and empower the mothers in town. We talk to them about what moms need to know now to make the most of this short but blissful few weeks of summer. We hope that tapping into their advice will give you and your family a jumpstart on creating your unique summer memories.

Entertaining is integral to the summer months so we share some ways to brighten your outdoor space and create your very own summer oasis. We also bring you some seasoned tips on putting together a beautiful summer picnic in your backyard or on one of the lovely green spaces that surround.

We enthusiastically share two of our favorite local patios that offer an escape to far away places right here in Ridgefield. One of the bright outcomes of the pandemic is that it made us value patios and outdoor dining in a way we didn't appreciate previously. The restaurants in town found ways to open their outdoor spaces for much of the year. There is no time quite like summer to enjoy them, so we bring you a couple in the pages that follow.

A half-century is a long time and we are so pleased to feature Lonnie Shapiro who is celebrating her 50th year in real estate this month. Be sure to read her wise words and beautiful insights!

I will close by wishing you a very Happy Fourth of July. This holiday is one that unites us as we celebrate Independence while honoring our history and the veterans that fought so hard to allow us to lead such full, free lives.  Celebrate well, Ridgefield!

July 2023

PUBLISHER

Mary Dougherty | mary.dougherty@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

New Light Creative Services, Kristen Jensen Productions LLC, Jennie Carr Photography

Corporate Team

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 Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

MARY DOUGHERTY, PUBLISHER

@RIDGEFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE

city scene

1: Diana Spence with speakers from the Women’s Forum: Brittny Howell, Amy Pal and Amy Schmidt. 2: Amy Schmidt speaking at the Women’s Forum at Salem Golf Club. 3: Kerry-Anne Ducey, Beth Lyons, Massimo Carro, Diana Bunt, Sarah Bouissou, and Kristen Jensen at RVNAhealth’s Fundraising Breakfast. 4: Ridgefield Economic Community Development Commission and The Center for Empowerment & Education members at RVNAhealth’s Fundraising Breakfast. 5: Megan Searfoss and Dr. Blaine Langberg at the Kids One Mile Race. 6: RVNAhealth President & CEO Theresa Santoro with American Legionnaire Gavin Donnelly at RVNAhealth’s Fundraising Breakfast. 7: Dr. Sciarrino getting ready to deliver his monthly anti-aging seminar at The Gift MedSpa.

RIDGEFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

RIDGEFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @ridgefieldcitylifestyle

8: Liz Murray-Ellis, Dorothy McEntee, Shelley Terry, Lynn Everdale, Denise Qualey, Erin McMurray, and Christine Carnicelli at RVNAhealth’s Fundraising Breakfast. 9: Adrienne Banza wearing VALT’s signature robe pre-photo shoot. 10: Mary Joyce, Renee Fozouni, Louise Mayson, Heather NeumannSalaga, Angela Rice, Kari Lombardo, and Jill Rae at RVNA Health’s Fundraising Breakfast. 11: Joe and Donna Pastore with Peter and Marcie Coffin at RVNAhealth’s fundraising breakfast. 12: Makeup artist Amanda Gabbard with Adrienne Banza at local photo shoot 13: Ashley Alt prepping for local fashion photo shoot. 14: Run Like a Mother Women’s 5K

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Registration Open for ACT of CT’s Summer Performance Camp

MONDAY, JULY 17 - SATURDAY, JULY 29, 2023

The ACT of Connecticut Summer Performance Camp brings a cast of campers from incoming 2nd to 6th grade together for two weeks to rehearse and perform a fully-staged musical on the ACT of CT campus. Campers will learn basic musical theatre skills including beginning vocal technique, choreography, and improvisation.  This is an open-enrollment program and space is limited. Register today at actofct.org

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Ridgefield

Grow Wellness Expands Yoga Offerings

Grow Wellness has expanded its yoga and meditation class offerings within this hidden sanctuary in Ridgefield over the past few months. Explore a diverse range of weekly yoga classes as well as magical experiences like Goat Yoga, Glow in the Dark Women’s BUTI Yoga, Moon Workshops, Sound baths, Reiki courses, Day Retreats, Kitten/Puppy Rescue Yoga and so much more! More information can be found at growwellnesstherapy.com .

Africa

Are you looking for help booking your next trip? We can help with that!

Thrown Stone Theatre Company Announces Ticket Sales for July Production

Seven Cousins for a Horse tells the story of  Ammi Phillips , the most prolific folk artist in American History, returning to his hometown of Colebrook, Connecticut in the wake of a personal tragedy. It is 1848, a time of great change. The Seneca Falls Convention is about to call for women’s suffrage, chattel slavery has finally ended in Connecticut, and there is already talk of civil war. Get your tickets at thrownstone.org

Italy Egypt

Trevor & Dana Cox

Danbury, CT | 475-215-0092

C

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

PERFECTING THE OUTDOOR PICNIC

an effortless and visual way to add color and vibrancy to your picnic,” Jenifer says. “You can find stunning, custom creations from local artists and sawmills for a one-of-a-kind piece that you’ll use for many summers to come.”

If you’re planning to enjoy some wine at your picnic, be certain to remember the essentials which will allow you to sip with ease and enjoy:

• A portable wine chiller

• Corkscrew

• A set of elegant, acrylic wine glasses

HOW TO TURN A SIMPLE PICNIC INTO A LUXURY EXPERIENCE

BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

The summer months remind us of how effortless it feels to have a good time. Alongside other leisure activities like sitting poolside with friends or brunching with family, luxury picnicking may take the cake for summertime pleasure.

Event planner Jenifer Johnson of Sweet Bean Events provided us with her summer picnic essentials for hosting a simple and elegant outdoor picnic, while sommelier Jillian Fontana bestowed her wine wisdom upon us, contributing her summer wine picks and educating us on what wine pairs well with what summer appetizer.

“If you are picnicking on the ground, be it at the beach, park, or lawn, you want to start with a great blanket,” Jenifer says. “Playful patterns and colors help tie in the whole look and give you a great base to work from.”

Jenifer emphasizes the importance of not neglecting comfort on this note, stating “the material should feel soft and luxurious, encouraging you and your guests to relax and enjoy.” You could also add pillows to sit on for extra cushioning and bring a small bouquet of fresh flowers to add an extra pop of happy.

As for the food, you can never go wrong with a well-curated charcuterie board. “Setting up a small grazing board for casual picking is

“Classing up a picnic with a stemmed glass goes a long way," Jillian tells us. "But if you‘ll be on a blanket, go with a stemless goblet. You’ll look, and feel like you’re in a Seurat painting.”

“When selecting wine for a picnic, think lighter whites and rosés, or a non-heavy red,” Jillian adds. “A fuller bodied rosé like Domaine Houchart will stand up to a variety of foods you might find on a board, whether fresh fruit, nuts or an aged cheese.”

If Jillian had to bring one wine to a picnic, it would be the wine she just mentioned above, “a juicy rosé like Domaine Houchart, for it suits a wide variety of fare,” noting also that Muscadet is another excellent choice. “A perfect summer white, Muscadet is great with shellfish, a Mediterranean wrap, or just on its own,” she states.

An eye-catching picnic basket is an adorable and classic addition to the final look of your picnic and will elevate the experience all the more. Jenifer adds to be sure you’re considering function in addition to aesthetics when selecting a basket. “Pay attention to size, durability, and temperature control when making your choice,” she states. “After your food is set, you can use the basket as additional decor to your final look by filling it with runners, flowers, and wine."

When it comes to summer apps or dishes, even if you’re “picnicking” on an outdoor table, Jenifer recommends avoiding anything too heavy, messy, or cream-based. “Warm weather makes us crave light and refreshing bites,” she says. “Prepare

PHOTOGRAPHY

The lovely backyard of Rob & Annie Heck

dishes that are portable, handheld, or bite-sized. Tapas style picnics are great — beautiful and satisfying bites allow everyone to feel full and happy.”

A grazing board, mentioned earlier, is a great addition to your meal and the perfect entertaining piece — or it can also be the star of the show if you’re going for a more casual picnic style. From seasonal fruit and nuts to a combination of soft and hard cheeses to sliced baguettes, cured meats, fig spread and local honey, the options are endless and can be found anywhere from local shops in town to Trader Joes and Whole Foods.

“On a cool summer night, a cheese and charcuterie board practically begs for a flexible red like Chateau l’Orangerie Bordeaux,” Jillian says. “Underrated merlot with its lush dark fruit and soft edges is the star here. Deftly lifting up without overpowering, it's a wine for many a meal.”

An entertaining tip Jenifer swears by that makes for a fantastic picnic is that “it’s all in the details.” From pretty napkins and candles to fresh flowers and music, these things create the ambiance for a stunning and relaxing night together. “Preparing little baskets to throw smaller trash in so your guests are not constantly having to get up is an example of a detail that can help create a great experience,” Jennifer adds. “And for evening picnics, be sure to bring some rolled up blankets to give out if it gets chilly.”

As for where to picnic? Ridgefield and its surrounding towns are lush with green space and parks, but sometimes it's your own backyard that makes for the best backdrop.

Jenifer Johnson & Jillian Fontana cheers to summer

Jenifer Johnson of Sweet Bean Events

“Prepare dishes that are portable, handheld, or bite-sized. Tapas style picnics are great — beautiful and satisfying bites allow everyone to feel full and happy.”

The Ridgefield School of Dance

Celebrating 25 years of dance

Register now for Summer Dance

PreBallet through Advanced Ballet Intensive

Classical Ballet, Pointe, Partnering, PreBallet, Modern, Contemporary, Jazz, Lyrical, Summer Dance theridgefieldschoolofdance.com

— Jenifer Johnson

photo by stevewhitew.photography

Create Your Own Entertaining Oasis

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIE CARR

HOW TO PREPARE FOR A LOVELY AND PICTURESQUE EVENING OF ENTERTAINING

Looking to host a summer party and unsure of where to start? Allow us to guide you. Whether you're throwing a birthday party, planning an anniversary celebration, or just want to host your friends for fun, we have some great tips on making your next social gathering a hit.

Interior designer Molly Hirsch gives us her expert tips on hosting a simple-chic summer soirèe, from the invitations and decor to the mood and atmosphere.

Starting with the concept, ask yourself, “What is the overall vibe of the party?” Is it elegant and sophisticated, playful and fun, or more casual? Once you’ve decided on the party vibe you’re going for, you can move on to the theme.

Popular summer themes include wine tastings, garden parties, sangria parties, and clambakes, but of course, you can choose any theme you'd like.

Once your concept and theme are set, it’s time to think about decor — what colors do you want? What kind of flowers and place settings are appropriate for your party?

Next comes the invitation. "Invitations really set the tone for guests," Molly states. "It is essential to send an invitation that reflects the party’s vibe,” suggesting to select invites that match the event’s formality, being sure to include the suggested attire. “Everyone appreciates the suggested attire,” she adds.

As for key elements to making guests feel comfortable and welcome, Molly emphasizes that it starts with the invitation. “The invitation is the first piece that sets the tone for guests,” she explains. “It gives them a glimpse into the event and helps them know what to expect.”

Creating a good flow is another key element in ensuring guests are enjoying themselves. “The flow helps people move with purpose and can encourage socializing,” Molly says. “Multiple drink stations that are separate from the food will help avoid congestion. You can hire bartenders or have a self-serve bar — and a signature cocktail is always fun!”

Having something unexpected for guests to do is a fun way to get people interacting, and can really break the ice if people seem hesitant to mingle.

Some ideas Molly gives on this include setting up a “Wine Pairing,” which lends

The beautiful home of Michele & Charley Gay

to having multiple stations featuring the best wine and food pairings, hosting a “Spiked Lemonade Bar,” offering lemonade with various mixers, and putting together a “Sangria Competition,” where guests would bring their favorite sangria, have a blind tasting, and vote for a winner.

She also suggests a “S’mores Station,” having end-of-the-evening s’mores with elevated ingredients.

“We hosted a party for my father-inlaw’s birthday once, and at the end of the evening, we had an old-fashioned ice cream truck come," Molly said. “It was such a simple thing, but everyone loved it. They stood discussing what they would get, debated what ice cream was the best and were tickled pink sharing childhood memories. All the fancy desserts sat untouched as everyone ate their Good Humor favorites. That simplicity provided so much fun for guests.”

Sticking with the “Keeping it Simple” theme not only lowers your stress level as a host but allows you to be present with your guests. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen all night while everyone else is outside having a good time. For that reason, and if you’d like to go a little fancier, you can go the catered route or hire chefs in the kitchen.

“There are all levels of catering,” Molly says. “So it can be a great option to keep the event stress free for the hosts. And keeping it stress-free is what makes for a great event.”

the DETAILS

“The key to a chic summer party in a no-fuss way is planning. Having a vision of what you want the event to be and then putting together a stepby-step plan helps you stay calm, makes the event feel effortless, and allows you to pay attention to details.”

Celebrating 50 Years in Real Estate

Lonnie Shapiro imparts her real estate wisdom with a career spanning 50 years and counting

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

Enthusiasm. Experience. Integrity. These are just a few descriptors that paint the picture of humbly successful and longtime realtor Lonnie Shapiro, who is celebrating her 50th year as a realtor this year — and is showing no signs of slowing down.

Hailing originally from Manhattan, Lonnie started her real estate career in July of 1973 in Ridgefield. This July marks her 50th anniversary in real estate — an accomplishment not many people can take credit for.

Shedding her wisdom on lessons learned in the real estate industry, Lonnie proves that a positive attitude isn’t only a desirable characteristic — it’s a business success strategy. As she confidently puts it, “What you see is what you get with me.” Another thing? Being a realtor has nothing to do with houses — it’s about people.

Prior to real estate, Lonnie was a school teacher. Coming out of maternity leave, a friend of hers asked, ‘Why don’t we try real estate?” “And that’s how I got into it,” Lonnie laughs.

Don’t let her nonchalantness fool you, though — she has received countless awards including the Realtor Emeritus Award, an award reserved only for realtors who have had a cumulative period of 40 years in real estate and have completed at least one year of service at the National Association level.

“That felt really good,” Lonnie said of receiving that recognition. Her biggest achievement of all, though, is her three grandchildren. “That’s more worth it than anything,” she says.

The experienced go-getter credits much of her success to her passion for people. “You have to love people to be successful in this industry,” Lonnie says. “You also have to be a bit of a psychologist and get into the brains

of your clients to really understand what they're looking for — who are they emotionally? What’s important to them as a person?”

And that client-to-realtor relationship has changed drastically over the years, largely due to technology and the many different forms of communication utilized today. Before Zillow and Realtor.com, real estate agents held the keys to the kingdom. Now the buyers hold the keys.

"Compared to what we did 50 years ago, it’s so easy today because of the Internet!" Lonnie exclaimed. "Although, the action in real estate is not on the Internet — it’s within the people."

Now with five decades of real estate intelligence under her belt, Lonnie’s career advice ties beautifully with life lessons we can all learn from. “Take nothing personally and have a good sense of humor,” she tells me. “A lot of realtors take things too personally,” she adds. “And it ends up hurting them. They become their own stumbling blocks. Just do it (make the mistake) and laugh it off later," she advises.

She also emphasized the importance that communicating with your clients and colleagues holds. “Over the years I’ve learned you have to be a vehicle of communication,” she said. “It’s our job as realtors to stay neutral and be in control, and not get caught up in other people’s drama. Having a good attitude is everything."

As for how Lonnie’s celebrating? “By going shopping!” she exclaims. “I love clothes,” she says with a smile. “Really though, I’m having a great year. I love what I do and want to keep doing it. If Martha Stewart can pose on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 81 years old, I can keep doing real estate in my mid-70s.”

“If Martha Stewart can pose on the cover of Sports Illustrated at 81 years old, I can keep doing real estate in my mid-70s.” — Lonnie Shapiro

Ridgefield Moms’ Hottest Summer Tips

Moms Helping Moms Through a Common Purpose and Community

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

Michele Moonan and Ashley Forte bring support, comfort, and so much more to the local community. Taking on the Ridgefield Chapter of The Local Moms Network back in 2018, their friendship is just as solid as their business. Doling out resource after resource to moms craving community and companionship, these two smart and savvy business women know exactly what mothers of Ridgefield want, and they deliver.

The mission of The Local Moms Network (and all of its chapters), is to give moms the gift of time, something that always seems to either go by too quickly or not quickly enough.

“The bad news is that time flies,” they declare. “The good news is that you’re the pilot. Why not create ways to collectively devote ourselves to the most meaningful parts of our lives? That is our family, friendships, and responsibilities to others and ourselves."

The duo provides all moms with gifts to preserve their time spent with family and friends by sharing tips, tricks, roundups of local activities, and reasons to pause, reflect, laugh, cry, and know you are not alone in motherhood.

Many new moms join Ashley and Michele’s community looking for exactly what they provide which includes everything from pediatric dentist

Dresses, J.McLaughlin. Hair styles, Whip Salon. Hat, She la la

recommendations to weekend art classes to the best places to host moms nights out. Many of those new moms are new to town, and are seeking that sense of comfort and familiarity that we all need in order to feel a sense of belonging.

“We all know first impressions go a long way and we encourage all moms here to just smile ,” the two state. “A smile can be that simple sign that you are welcoming another to engage, feel safe, seen, and respected.”

They also encourage moms to utilize the incredible resources here in town from the arts to theater to community happenings, neighborhood pool organizations, ball fields, and facilities built for families to play, learn and thrive. “And of course, to check out our Weekly Roundups that give a small taste of what’s to come each weekend here in Ridgefield,” they suggest.

As for getting involved with the Ridgefield Moms group, Ashley and Michele declare the most notable way is recognizing the moms that “make our community tick,” and the local businesses that drive the town’s daily happenings.

“Our chapter of Ridgefield Moms is especially busy with so many new and existing businesses opening or expanding in town,” they state. “Our passion is connecting likeminded women and supporting them however we can.”

This past Mother’s Day, Michele and Ashley hosted a successful pop-up shop that consisted of 30+ mom-owned businesses to display their talents and offerings to the

community. “We had such great feedback from that event, and will be focusing on more larger events in the future,” they say.

Their tips to enjoy the dog days of summer? Michele always thinks back to the saying, "We only have 18 summers with our kids," which motivates her to plan how to make the most of that precious time. "It doesn't have to be big trips or fancy outings," she says. "It's the smells of summer, the feeling of carefree days."

Ashley believes that "getting back to the basics" is best, like running through backyard sprinklers, witnessing endless splashes in the pool, and relishing in backyard s'mores. A secret summer tip? "Rent a pontoon boat on Candlewood Lake with the family just for the day," she says.

The community the business partners have fostered for moms is nothing short of spectacular. I had to ask what keeps them inspired and motivated to keep creating content relevant to moms, aiding in so many individuals’ ability to flourish personally and professionally.

“This question is the easiest yet,” they say. “The answer is our children. They motivate us to be better daily — whether that means being more prepared for their busy schedules, having a healthy meal ready to nourish them, or a fun activity to enjoy with them. It is so important to us both that we lead by example and that consists of working hard, giving back and loving unconditionally.”

“We all know first impressions go a long way...we encourage all moms here to smile. A smile can be that simple sign that you are welcoming another to engage, feel safe, seen, and respected.”

The Art

OF SMOKED MEAT

THE PERFECT RECIPE FOR YOUR SUMMER SOIREE

Odeens BBQ may be Ridgefield's best kept secret. Tucked away at the Ridgefield Golf Course on Ridgebury Road, the catering company and restaurant is owned and operated by Marshall Odeen and John Lloyd, a pair who became good friends while bonding over barbeque.

We sat down with John to understand what makes good BBQ, and you may be surprised to learn you don't need an expensive grill or fancy cooking technique to end up with a delicious platter of tender, smoked meat — the secret ingredient is, believe it or not, patience.

Taking all kinds of influences from Europe, the Mediterranean, and Africa, Odeens prides themselves on using "primitive equipment" to create incredible, unique, and theatrical food.

John explains the essence of classic southern style BBQ is slow smoking "humble cuts of meat" and transforming them into "deeply flavored, luscious prizes." This requires "a lot of planning and patience," he states. "It doesn't require any kind of exotic or sophisticated equipment."

In fact, you can learn how to smoke meat on a rusty Weber grill or $50 gas grill like he did. John also notes you need to be mindful of the food as it's cooking, which includes the circulation of the smoke, relative humidity outside, the quality of wood (if you're using a wood grill), as well as the quality of meat.

"Most importantly, perhaps, is the timing of when you want to eat," he affirms, stating it can easily take 12 hours to produce a fantastic cut of BBQ. "When you get it right, for even the most die-hard, committed carnivores, it makes for an unforgettable meal."

Getting more into the meat (ha) of things, John emphasizes that not only do you not need an expensive grill or smoker, you don't need an expensive cut of meat either. In fact, his favorite type of meat to smoke is pork shoulder, one of the cheapest cuts of meat you can get.

"When you put the right rub on (his personal recommendation is a simple salt and pepper) and give it time at the right temperature, that pork shoulder transforms into this bubbling mound of meat jelly," he illustrates. He continues to paint the picture of being able to pull the meat apart with your fingertips — "it literally slides off the bone," he adds, when it's slow-cooked to perfection, that is, making it the ultimate melt-in-your-mouth food.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

Odeens co-owner John Lloyd

Once this "perfect and inviting cut of BBQ" is ready, John states all that's left to do is pair it with a great vegetable or salad, giving us a delectable visual of a carrot that's just been cooked on the embers of a grill, covered with a dusting of ashes.

John also divulges into the art of open-fire cooking — or cooking in its primitive method —where he really learned the interplay of smoke and distance to the fire. "It's amazing the sophisticated meal you can get with just fire," he said.

Odeens partners with several local organic farms with rural ingredients, which definitely adds to the taste and exquisiteness of the meals

served. From The Hickories Farm to Henny Penny Farm, they try and get "lesser known vegetables" like multicolored beets and Japanese yams to add textural difference, color, and something "a little more interesting" to their plates. After all, we eat largely with our eyes.

To sum up the art of smoked meat, here are the three Odeens-approved rules to ensure you get the more flavorful and tender smoked meat:

• Get the cheap cut of meat (like pork shoulder)

• Use a simple rub like salt and pepper

• Cook it slow

SHIRODHARA

Ancient, ayurvedic, warm stone and oil therapy. Brings a profound sense of peace, stillness and faith. Deepens connection to inner wisdom, intuition and higher guidance.

thefeelbettergroup.com

Patios We Love

Escape to the exquisite patios of Lucs and Tablao

It’s patio season! From grab-and-go cafes to leisurely lunches and dinners, our town offers an assortment of quaint and charming outdoor dining options. We couldn’t fit all of the picturesque patios Ridgefield has to offer (that could be a magazine in and of itself), so we decided to transport you to exotic destinations through two of Ridgefield’s favorite outdoor patios to enjoy a summer day’s breeze and indulge in some refreshing libations while there.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTEN JENSEN

LUC’S CAFÉ

Luc’s front patio has a hospitable and homey feel to it, the Parisian flair eminent the moment you take a seat on one of their happy red chairs. Airy and open, this delightful patio makes for the perfect meeting spot for friends to catch up with one another.

Berets and silk scarves are optional to attend, but highly encouraged to fancy yourself French for an afternoon.

Escaping reality through new dining destinations is always worth it, even if only for a moment. And celebrating the restaurants’ cultures through your ensemble is a reverential nod to the eatery’s unique customs — not to mention a fun excuse to play dress up and pretend you’re headed to Europe for the day.

TABLAO

Straight through Luc’s parking lot is Tablao’s intimate patio, ideal for fun lunch dates and delightful happy hours. Encompassed with Spanish influences of lively and carefree dining, bold, vibrant outfits and statement jewelry will enhance this taste of Spain even more.

RIDGEFIELD’S FABULOUS FIREWORKS

ARTICLE BY MARY DOUGHERTY

Fireworks are one of the most spectacular ways to celebrate. They are set off all over the world to celebrate events, holidays, and communities. Think the Olympics, the Super Bowl, and New Years Eve.

In Ridgefield, we have an annual fireworks celebration every July to celebrate our freedom and honor our veterans that gave so much so that we can live free, prosperous lives. This year’s celebration will take place on the grounds of the high school on the evening of July 2nd. The fireworks will begin at dusk.

The show is a first-class display and the finale in particular never disappoints.

This is one of the biggest draws of the year where the community truly comes together. Tickets are available online at ridgefieldct.org or at Town Hall.

Fresh Watermelon Rum Refresher

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

Fresh Watermelon Rum

Refresher Cocktail

total time: 5 Min.

makes: 2 drinks

Ingredients

• 1 cup watermelon, cut into small pieces

• 1 tbsp maple syrup (or any liquid sweetener)

• 3 oz dark rum

• 1 tbsp lime juice, approx ½ lime

• 1 plain seltzer

• Mint (optional)

• ice

Directions

1. Add the cut watermelon to a glass or shaker and muddle the watermelon for 30-45 seconds until most of the juice from the watermelon is released. If you do not own a muddler, you can use the back of a wooden spoon.

2. Strain the watermelon juice from the glass into a mixing glass. You can throw out the extra watermelon or freeze it for smoothies.

3. Add in the maple syrup, rum and lime juice to the glass with the watermelon juice and mix.

4. Fill two rock glasses with ice then pour the watermelon mixture evenly into the two glasses.

More like fresh watermelon YUM!

Food and cocktail blogger Chelsea Vetre provided us with this delicious Fresh Watermelon Rum Refresher Cocktail, best suited for those hot summer days to come. Cheers!

5. Fill the glasses to the brim with seltzer then stir! Option to garnish watermelon slice and mint.

If you’re looking for more recipes like this one, the cooking and cocktail expert houses a master list of easy-tomake at-home cocktails on her website, chelseapeachtree.com.

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

JULY 7TH

Summer Benefit Concert for Cancer Research

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE | 7:00 PM

A Decades Concert to benefit cancer research featuring Rubix Kube and Saved by the 90’s.

JULY 13TH

Seven Cousins for A Horse

THE RIDGEFIELD CONSERVATORY OF DANCE, 440 MAIN STREET, RIDGEFIELD | 8:00 PM

Seven Cousins for a Horse tells the story of Ammi Phillips, the most prolific folk artist in American History, returning to his hometown of Colebrook, Connecticut. It is 1848, a time of great change. The Seneca Falls Convention is about to call for women’s suffrage. Chattel slavery has finally ended in Connecticut. There is already talk of civil war. thrownstone.org

JULY 16TH

Music at the Mansion

Featuring Rachel & Keve

THE LOUNSBURY HOUSE | 4:00 PM

Music at the Mansion is an arts and cultural collaboration with the intent of offering chamber music of the highest artistic quality accessibly while sharing the history and beauty of one of Ridgefield’s most treasured landmarks. Additional 2023 performances on the grounds and in the mansion will take place on Sundays: July 30th, August 20th, December 10th, and January 28th.

JULY 17TH

ACT of Connecticut Summer Performance Camp

ACT OF CONNECTICUT

THEATRE | 9:00 AM

The ACT of Connecticut Summer Performance Camp brings a cast of campers from incoming 2nd to 6th grade together for two weeks to rehearse and perform a fully-staged musical on the ACT of CT campus. Campers will learn basic musical theatre skills including beginning vocal technique, choreography, and improvisation. This is an open-enrollment program and space is limited. actofct.org

JULY 29TH

Summer Fest

DOWNTOWN RIDGEFIELD |

10:00 AM

Join us for street vendors, sidewalk sales, children’s entertainment and much more! Bring the whole family, stroll along Main Street and enjoy this community event held by the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce.

JULY 30TH

Music at the Mansion

THE LOUNSBURY HOUSE 316

MAIN STREET | 8:00 PM

Charles Ives Music Festival in concert featuring Anna Petrova, piano and Jeremías Sergiani-Velázquez, violin. Petrova and Sergiani-Velázquez combine for a powerhouse concert titled “Groundbreakers”. Music at the Mansion is an arts and cultural collaboration with the intent of offering chamber music of the highest artistic quality accessibly, while sharing the history and beauty of one of Ridgefield’s most treasured landmarks.

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