TRAILBLAZING TEENAGERS Meet Four Ridgefield Students Making a Difference in Our Town and Beyond
LOCAL SERVICES
ERIC BLEILE TRADED IN HIS DESK JOB FOR LIFE ON THE TRAILS WITH ACTIVE DOG
EDUCATION
PLANTING SEEDS, SAVING BEES: BRANCHVILLE’S GREEN TEAM ADDS A POLLINATOR PATHWAY
ARTS + CULTURE
HOW KATE MACDONALD CREATED A JOYFUL SPACE AT SILLY GOOSE AUGUST 2025
As reflected in mid-year 2025 results for Ridgefield. Median Sales Price is up 7% compared to the first half of 2024, rising from $990,000 to $1,060,000, while Unit Sales are down 7% year-over-year. Inventory remains tight considering we have launched 10% more listings in 2025 vs. 2024, with more new listings being launched weekly and many receiving multiple offers within days.
The present market conditions are highly advantageous. Our accomplished team of professionals will assist in optimizing your property for market readiness. The COMPASS 3-Phase Marketing Program continues to achieve significant success. We invite you to explore how this program can benefit your transaction. We extend our sincere gratitude for helping make Karla Murtaugh the #1 agent in Ridgefield once again—and proud to be named among the Top 1.5% of Agents Nationwide by RealTrends, 2025. When you partner with us you can expect a forward-thinking approach to marketing and a platinum level of customer care and integrity across all price points. We recognize a home is your biggest asset, so whether you’re buying or selling, don’t settle. Contact us today for a private consultation.
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LIFESTYLE
This issue holds a special place in my heart. Children aren’t just our future—they’re the heartbeat of our communities today. Their laughter, curiosity, and limitless potential shape the world in ways we can’t always measure.
As parents and caregivers, we devote ourselves to nurturing their growth, guiding them, and investing in their futures. But let’s not forget: children shape us, too. They fill our lives with joy, wonder, and meaning.
We’d be remiss not to celebrate the furry (or feathered, or scaled!) family members who often grow up alongside them. Pets offer unconditional love and teach invaluable lessons in empathy, responsibility, and compassion. The bond between people and their pets is truly transformative—creating emotional connections that can last a lifetime.
At the heart of both children and pets is a simple truth: they need us. Our love and care shape who they become—and in return, they shape us right back.
This issue is dedicated to the children—toddlers, tweens, and teens—and the pets who fill our homes and hearts with love. May it inspire you to pour a little extra tenderness into the lives you nurture, human or otherwise.
Here’s to our kids—and to the pets who make everything better.
Cheers!
BRUCE BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER
@RIDGEFIELDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Katie Parry | katie.parry@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Pam Antonacchio | pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate Wark Photography, Annie Fandl Photography, Scott Sessions, and Emily Perretti
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
How Four Ridgefield Students Are Making a Difference Featured 16 20 24 28 20
Active Dog
How Eric Bleile Traded His Desk Job for a Life of Hiking with Dogs
Silly Goose
Grief, Grit, and Glitter: How Kate Haase-MacDonald Created a Joyful Space
Growing Green at Branchville
Students Plant a Pollinator Pathway to Support Bees, Butterflies, Birds—and a Greener Future
Trailblazing Teenagers
For four Ridgefield students—Ruby Weiner, Kayla Scatterday, Jake Travaglini, and Naomi Vakil—a desire to give back took root in childhood and has only grown stronger with time.
Kate Wark
The Prospector team sparkled as they broke ground on their brand-new popcorn facility, marking a major milestone for Prospector Popcorn and its mission to create meaningful popportunities. 8: Ashley Hutchings
and Alice
gathered for the groundbreaking celebration 14: A look at how the space will be transformed
by Ian Foss
SpireTHERAPY ignites growth for children and adults alike using the SpireMethod—a powerful mix of 1:1 therapy, workshops, and expert parent coaching. Rooted in CBT, DBT, and mindfulness, we help families rise together. SpirED Thrive After 3, our afterschool ADHD program, empowers 1st–12th graders to build executive function, emotional regulation, organization, and impulse control so they can thrive. Serving K–12 and parents, with offices in Ridgefield and Westport, SpireTHERAPY advocates in schools to ensure every child’s voice is heard. Learn more at spiretherapy.com
Ridgefield Pet, founded over 30 years ago by the Rucolas family, is a trusted local destination for high-quality pet products and supplies. As lifelong pet owners, the Rucolas understand the importance of offering top brands and expert guidance to help pets thrive. In addition to their well-stocked retail store, they install Pet Stop containment systems, custom aquariums, koi ponds, and waterscapes, bringing beauty, functionality, and care to both pets and properties. Visit at 23 Danbury Road, ridgefieldpet.com, and follow @ridgefieldpet.
CSC Pediatric Speech Services is a trusted and leading provider of pediatric speech therapy for children in Ridgefield, Connecticut, and surrounding communities. Founded by Camie Cohen, a pediatric speech-language pathologist with over 30 years of clinical expertise, the practice specializes in the assessment and treatment of speech and language disorders for children of all ages. Speech therapy sessions are provided in a nurturing and supportive environment that builds confidence and enhances communication skills. Schedule a free consultation at cscpediatricspeech.com
Ridgefield Cat Project is a small foster-based nonprofit founded by Tami Min in 2024. Their mission is to end the homeless cat crisis by loaning out traps, rescuing outdoor cats, getting them spayed or neutered, and placing them in loving homes. Every rescued cat has a unique story—but all ended up outside through no fault of their own. Once rescued, cats transform into affectionate, purring companions. To learn more or adopt, visit ridgefieldcatproject.org.
ZBoutique brings the best of European and American fashion for babies, kids, tweens (up to size 14) and now women to 15 Bailey Avenue! Founder Zofia Bober has over 20 years of experience in fashion, and this charming shop is filled with stylish clothing, quality accessories, and thoughtfully curated toys little ones will love. Whether shopping for a special occasion or everyday play, ZBoutique makes it fun—and fashionable. Open seven days, follow along @zboutiquekids and facebook.com/ZBoutiquepl.
Craving something truly delicious? Greek Crave serves up mouthwatering Greek street food at festivals, breweries, events, and private parties. From tender souvlaki and loaded pita wraps to golden fries and homemade baklava, we bring the flavors of Greece straight to your neighborhood. What started as a dream has become a passion—and that passion is now what you crave. Follow Greek Crave on Instagram @greek_crave and Facebook at facebook.com/greek. crave to see where they’ll roll up next. Come hungry—leave hooked.
HOW ERIC BLEILE TRADED HIS DESK JOB FOR A LIFE OF OPEN TRAILS—AND WAGGING TAILS
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
Eric Bleile has always loved dogs. Growing up in Maine, he was constantly outdoors—hiking, exploring, and spending time in nature alongside furry, four-legged friends.
His career path, which began in finance in Chicago and eventually landed him at a hedge fund in Stamford, followed a fairly traditional route—at first.
“A lot of companies didn’t make it through the financial crisis of 2008,” Bleile recalls. “Including the one I moved to Connecticut for.”
Finding a new job proved difficult. Most firms were looking for options traders with quant skills—“And that was not me!” he says with a laugh.
So Bleile pivoted, enrolling in a graduate program for financial risk management. This freed up his daytime hours, allowing him to pursue hobbies—playing golf, going to the gym, and hiking with his 135-pound Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Tobias.
“When we were out on hikes, I’d see people with groups of dogs,” he says. “I thought, ‘I’m already doing this—why not turn it into something?’ So I made some business cards, put up a website, and started offering group dog hikes.”
Bleile continued his studies, still hoping to make himself more marketable in finance. But the hiking business kept growing, with more dogs joining the pack each week. By the time he graduated, Bleile had built a bona fide business—and the prospect of returning to a desk job did not appeal.
Tobias may have been the inspiration for Active Dog, but Bleile credits Cooper—his sweet, calm, up-for-anything golden retriever—with helping the company flourish.
“Every day I would say, ‘Cooper, ready to work?’ and his ears would perk up. He would wait for me to make the first move, grabbing the car keys, then he would faithfully trot at my heels, following me outside to the company van, ready to begin his work day.”
Both Cooper and Tobias have since crossed the rainbow bridge, but Bleile and his wife, Tara, have a full house with three young sons—Casen, Brayden, and Everett—and three dogs: Rip, a Golden Retriever; Cammy, an English Cream Retriever; and Onyx, a Black Lab.
Nearly 14 years on, Active Dog is booming, with 45 transport vans, 60 employees, and close to 1,500 canine clients who enjoy regular outdoor adventures.
In addition to guided group nature hikes, Active Dog offers a range of services: boarding, grooming, private walks, and
private hikes. But their signature offering—group hikes—is the most popular.
Dogs are picked up in custom-outfitted vans, with a max of 12 dogs per ride. Each group heads to one of three expansive properties owned by Bleile: a 200-acre farm in Bethlehem or one of two properties in Pawling—the first spanning 350 acres, the second 95 acres.
All breeds are welcome. Active Dog’s current roster ranges from toy poodles to Great Danes. The most important factor is how prospective dogs interact with others. So Bleile or one of his managers will come out for an initial meet-and-greet with potential clients— both two-legged and four-legged—to get a sense of compatibility.
“We go over everything in person to make sure it’s a good fit— for everyone,” Bleile explains. “We require dogs to hike with us at least once a week... consistency helps them get to know us, know the routine, the land, and the other dogs.”
New dogs stay leashed until they’re familiar with their surroundings, but most eventually graduate to hiking off-leash.
“Most dogs thrive in the pack environment,” says Bleile. “Over 90% transition to off-leash hikes.”
Groups are staggered to avoid overlap, and each hike lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Every day, in any weather, the Active Dog team is out hiking. After hitting the trails and splashing around in rivers,
dogs are toweled off, then returned home. Photos and videos from the hike are uploaded so owners can see what their pups got up to that day.
“When we pick them up, the dogs know where they’re going,” Bleile says. “They’re vocal and excited. And on the way home, they’re usually passed out!”
For dogs that prefer solo time—or are skittish or aggressive—Active Dog also offers private walks and hikes with the same pick-up and drop-off service.
Just under an hour north of Ridgefield is Active Dog’s Bethlehem farm. In addition to daily group hikes, this 200-acre property also has a boarding facility. The former horse barn has been converted into a cozy, state-of-the-art kennel.
“The dogs have roomy quarters, and we work with a buddy system,” Bleile says. “They’re not alone—they’re with a friend they get along with.”
Something you won’t find at this oasis for furry friends? Crates, crushed rocks, or kennel runs. And expansion is already underway.
“We’re building a brand-new facility on the farm to help accommodate our clients’ needs during the busiest times of the year,” Bleile says. “There’s plenty of room to grow—and plenty of room for dogs to enjoy running around in the woods.”
If you’re someone who’s daunted by endless pickups and drop-offs, fear not. Active Dog’s door-todoor service makes boarding easy, with pick-up and drop-off available six days a week.
For boarding guests and regular hikers in Fairfield County, grooming services are also available—from bathing and brushing to breed-specific cuts, all handled by experienced groomers. It’s a full-on spa experience for your dog—relaxation included.
Active Dog is a one-of-a-kind company serving Ridgefield and surrounding towns. Instead of letting your pup languish at home all day, Bleile’s company gives them the opportunity to have an outdoor adventure.
For more information, please visit activedog.org . And follow along to see adorable photos of dogs living their best lives @activedogllc
If pressed to describe Kate Haase-MacDonald in one word, it would be: resilient
Six days shy of her daughter Mia’s first birthday, Kate’s husband Mike Ferranti died at just 39. She had recently started a new teaching position at The Windward School in White Plains—a school in Westchester dedicated to students with dyslexia. If we could use a few more words, energetic, patient, creative, bubbly, kind, and fun come to mind.
As a child, Kate’s athleticism, social nature, and knack for picking up on social cues masked undiagnosed learning disabilities. Adults and teachers pegged her as a “social butterfly” and a kid who had “ants in her pants.” It wasn’t until she was 30 that she was officially diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia.
“I didn’t process information like other kids,” she says. “I think that’s a big part of why I fell in love with teaching—and why working in special education became so important to me.”
Kate attended Iona University, where she studied education and played softball, later earning her master’s degree in early childhood education. She met Mike freshman year, and they married in 2005. Kate landed a teaching job in the Bronx, but her true calling, she discovered, was summer camp.
“There was nothing for these kids to do in the summer,” she recalls. “So I started a camp for Pre-K through 8th grade. It had all the parts of teaching I loved—without the politics.”
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
ANNIE
FANDL PHOTOGRAPHY
The joy she felt running camp was pure nostalgia. The third of four kids, Kate grew up with two working parents—her dad in banking, her mom a family nurse practitioner—but her mom always made time to play with Kate and her siblings.
Having a child of her own didn’t come easily. After more than a decade of marriage, Mia arrived in 2016. When Mike unexpectedly passed away, Kate was only a few months into her new role at Windward.
“It was one of those ‘just keep swimming’ moments. I always call myself Dory—I don’t stop. I never thought, ‘poor me.’ I just said, ‘OK, I have to work. I have to normalize this for Mia. We have to keep going.’”
A couple of years into her tenure at Windward, a colleague introduced her to Devin MacDonald—who had, tragically, also lost a spouse.
“Life is short. You have to find the funny, weird coincidences in it,” she says. “We both have a very dark sense of humor… and it helps!”
Kate and Devin were married on New Year’s Eve in 2021. Together, they have a son, Jack, who is 4. During the pandemic, Kate—who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis—was daunted by the commute to Windward and decided to step away from teaching.
“I tried being a stay-at-home mom,” she laughs. “It’s the hardest job in the world! But I’ve always been self-sufficient, so I had to do something.”
Knowing this about his wife, Devin asked Kate a simple question: “If you could do anything, what would it be?”
Kate called up core childhood memories: playing London Bridge is Falling Down with her family, making boxstitch lanyard bracelets at the local park, crafting wallets out of duct tape. She thought of the summer camp in the Bronx—how much she loved the simple activities and being silly with the kids.
If you’re thinking, But wait—how did she get through losing her husband with a baby at home? Along with the love and support of her family and friends, Kate had Mia. And Mia was a pip—a fiercely funny kid who added vibrancy and light to their sea of darkness.
“From the time she was 18 months, Mia would put on shows. She’d make costumes with a roll of toilet paper. She was so creative, so funny—she always had me laughing. I tried to shield her as much as I could, but she always found the humor in things. So I called her my ‘Silly Goose.’”
An homage to Mia and to Mike, Silly Goose became the name for her new business. Kate started small: an after-school enrichment program at Veterans Park Elementary, workshops, birthday parties. But her mounting stash of supplies soon overtook her car—and her house. Silly Goose needed its own space.
She found it at 22 Catoonah Street.
The building needed some TLC. It had been many things—an artist’s studio and store, a co-working space, campaign headquarters. But with fresh paint, new floors, and a fence, Silly Goose had arrived.
Though the name seemingly skews young (“I didn’t realize that by branding myself ‘Silly Goose,’ people would just assume it’s for
younger kids!”), Silly Goose offers enrichment for people of all ages—including adults.
Each month, Kate hosts an Adult Night Out, where grownups relax, sip wine, and craft together.
“One of my new favorite mediums is resin,” she says. “We just made resin wine stoppers. Candles are next. This is a place where grownups can come together to craft and vent. Community is so important to me.”
Tweens and teens can sign up for workshops and after-school classes like DIY Designs (Lip balms! Accessory pouches! Charm bracelets!) or strategy games like DIG Chess.
For little kids, there’s Preschool Playworks (ages 2.5–5) and Small Steps (ages 1–2 with adult participation). These classes are thoughtfully designed to spark creativity, build friendships, and support development.
Starting next month, Silly Goose will be adding a drop-off Open Play to the schedule. Kids ages 2.5–6 can be dropped off for up to 90 minutes of free play with peers in a supervised, relaxed, yet purposefully structured environment.
Kate is considering something similar for older kids: an open studio hour with creative stations—not teacher-led, just a space to explore and craft with whatever feels inspiring.
Summers are all about camp, with sessions for preschoolers and older kids.
Then there are the birthday parties. Kate works closely with parents to plan personalized celebrations. Have a dinosaur lover? Don those safety goggles and prepare for a dino dig.
Your tween is into self-care? They can enjoy a spa party with body scrubs, hair tinsel, or personalized headbands. Is your kid high-energy? Go full throttle with Nerf battles, obstacle courses, or pong challenges.
At its core, Silly Goose is about fun—but also connection. After the pandemic, Kate noticed that Mia and her peers were struggling to re-engage socially. Her special ed background kicked in.
“I’ve seen so much social disengagement,” she says. “Kids want to connect, but don’t always know how. I help them find the language—‘Hey, can I join in?’—and feel safe, accepted, and like they belong.”
Throughout our conversation, Kate jokes that Silly Goose is like her brain: messy, colorful, always in motion. Dress-up bins? Check. Hot glue, plastic frogs, and tie-dye kits upon tie-dye kits? Obviously! But it’s also a reflection of Kate—always leading with fun, with heart, and with intention.
Luckily, she has Aimee Ropke—the left-brain to Kate’s right, her right-hand woman, her organizational wizard who helps bring order to the chaos.
“Aimee is an amazing addition to my staff,” Kate says. “She helps me do a lot of things and keeps me on track because I like to go off on tangents!”
Watching Kate in action is like watching a storybook come to life. One day she’s waving a wand, pretending to magically make a reluctant camper’s shoes appear… on their feet (it was time to go). The next, she’s minding a group of 4-year-olds for a magic potion birthday party (with, yes, glittery mix-ins). Then, she’s organizing
gut renovations | expert project management | turn-key homes approachable, luxurious interiors
a water balloon toss for campers while reassuring counselors that yes, it’s fiiiiine some of the kids are hosing down the inside of the bounce house.
“I don’t want Mia and Jack to grow up too fast,” Kate reflects. “I just want them to enjoy being kids, to feel happy. We have a lot of local teens and young adults on our staff and they’re all such good role models. I hope they rub off on my kids.”
Kate is a natural with children and passionate about what she does. Ridgefield is so lucky to have Silly Goose—a colorful, laughter-filled hub where kids and adults can create, connect, and be themselves.
Next up? Possibly involving Ridgefield’s seniors in the fun.
“I’d love to go to a senior center—or bring them here. They probably know how to stitch better than I do!”
Learn more at sillygooseactivities.com and follow along on Instagram @sillygoose_ridgefield .
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Students Plant a Pollinator Pathway to Support Bees, Butterflies, Birds—and a Greener Future
Branchville Elementary School (BES) celebrated Earth Week with a creative blend of hands-on learning, composting, and planting. On April 22, the Green Team, an initiative led by Sarah Motta-Stabile and Ella Lanzi, planted a pollinator pathway in the school’s garden.
Students got their hands dirty sowing native, pollinator-friendly wildflower seeds and planting blueberry bushes in compost-enriched soil made from the school’s own food waste.
This pollinator pathway, which blossomed throughout summer and will continue to do so into the fall, is designed to support bees, butterflies, birds, and other essential pollinators.
The BES Green Team, which is open to students in all grades, collaborates with the PTA and school administration.
“We’re planting the seeds of sustainability with BES students,” MottaStabile tells us. “Branchville is on a Path to Zero Waste.”
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WARK PHOTOGRAPHY
Ridgefield is a special place. Ask any resident why, and they’ll likely lead with the magic of Main Street—Deborah Ann’s, Books on the Common, the Memorial Day Parade. Ridgefield’s vibrant arts scene—The Aldrich, Ridgefield Playhouse, A.C.T of CT—would surely follow in a close second. And rounding out the top three? Ridgefield’s incredible sense of community. This town is full of special people who show up, who help one another through hard times. Here, community service and philanthropy aren’t just traditions—they’re woven into the fabric of what makes Ridgefield, Ridgefield.
But volunteer work doesn’t happen in a vacuum. For four impressive Ridgefield students—Ruby Weiner,
Kayla Scatterday, Jake Travaglini, and Naomi Vakil— the desire to give back began in childhood and has only deepened over time.
Fifteen-year-old Ruby Weiner was introduced to community service in kindergarten through her Girl Scout troop—a program she credits with helping shape her life. This year, she’ll serve as a national delegate for the organization.
A pivotal moment came when Ruby was 11. She and her mom, Patty Labozzo, were dropping off food at the St. Stephen’s pantry—only to find it had been relocated to a picnic table after the property was sold.
“The pantry was in direct sunlight, which isn’t good for the food,” Ruby explains. “So Linda Hutchings, who started the pantry, moved it outside of town. And this was the beginning of Covid! So I said to my mom, ‘People need food. I want to make a new pantry.’”
Patty warned it would take a lot of work—and money. Undeterred, Ruby began researching. She applied for and won a Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation Youth Grant. Then she found a builder—Clark Construction—after receiving one of their beautiful flyers in the mail.
“I showed them my design and they said, ‘Instead of one, do you want five?’” Ruby says. Despite the cost exceeding the grant, Clark built all five, donating their time and resources. Other local businesses generously contributed supplies as well.
Fully gifted to our town, Ruby’s Pantries are located throughout Ridgefield in shaded, visible spots: Ridgebury Congregational Church, Jesse Lee, Wooster Hollow, the Boys & Girls Club, and at Clark Construction. Anyone can donate sealed, non-perishable food—or take it.
Ruby shares a sobering statistic from Social Services Director Tony Phillips: one-third of Ridgefield residents struggle with food insecurity. But the need goes beyond food. Basic hygiene and household items aren’t covered by SNAP or other assistance programs.
So in 2022, for her Girl Scout Silver Award, Ruby worked with Spirit Builders to add a sixth pantry inside at Ballard Green for residents only. It includes a section for food—and one for essentials.
To keep the pantries stocked, Ruby organizes an annual food drive at Scotts Ridge Middle School, with support from her former teacher, Emily Sherwill, and the Student Leadership Council. This past December was their biggest drive yet with over 750 items filling the shelves in the Weiner family garage where they will await dispersal.
In March, Ruby received the Danbury Elks Distinguished Citizenship Award, immediately earmarking the money for her various, ever-expanding endeavors. Ruby’s Pantries was also named Fairfield County Bank’s Charity of the Month for March, an initiative spearheaded by Kathy Graham. Ruby used that money to help stock her pantries, and to launch her next project: Club Sandwich.
Ruby approached Debbie Rundlett, Director of the Meetinghouse and pastor at Ridgebury Congregational Church, about using the space for her new endeavor. Rundlett agreed, and Club Sandwich meets there monthly, making over 120 bagged lunches. Each contains a sandwich, chips, a cookie, and fruit. They’re all donated to Dorothy Day Hospitality House in Danbury.
Whenever her funds or supplies are running low, Ruby sets about securing more.
“I go into stores and ask if they offer community donations,” she says. “Sometimes they say no, but more often than not, the answer is yes.”
Thanks to her perseverance, Caraluzzi’s gifted 15 pounds of cheese and meat, and Target gave her a $100 gift card, which Ruby used to buy bread, peanut butter, and jelly. Costco, Stew Leonard’s, Trader Joe’s, Lesser Evil Popcorn, and Big Y have also been generous donors.
Birthday cakes are another unmet need Ruby noticed.
“If families don’t have enough money for food, they definitely don’t have enough to make birthday cakes. Birthdays are huge in my family! Everyone deserves to be celebrated on their special day.”
Invited to speak at the Ridgefield Library on MLK Day, Ruby suggested an activity, too. With Children’s Services Program Coordinator Kathleen Tracey, Ruby and over a dozen participants assembled birthday boxes with cake mix, frosting, sprinkles, candles, plates, napkins, and a can of Sprite (which Ruby discovered can be used in lieu of eggs and oil). The items were placed into disposable tins that double as the baking pan, then tied with a bow and donated to Social Services.
Beyond her community work, Ruby maintains a rigorous figure skating schedule, training six days a week in New Jersey as a competitive ice dancer. Because her lessons are during the day, Ruby, who is a rising junior, studies at Laurel Springs, an online school. A lifelong dancer, Ruby also takes classes at Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance.
Though she may be soft-spoken and petite in stature, Ruby’s spirit is indomitable—balancing school, sport, and service with heart, grit, and grace.
KAYLA SCATTERDAY
Kayla Scatterday has been involved in community service from a young age—something she attributes to watching
her mom, Catherine, dedicate so much time and energy to the town of Ridgefield.
“She helped with the Ballard Park playground reconstruction, the Spray Bay at the Rec Center, and so many other things,” Kayla says. “Seeing her so active in the community has always been inspiring.”
When Kayla was in middle school, she and her mom joined the Ridgefield Nutmeg Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL), a philanthropic organization for mothers and daughters. The group partners with both national and local nonprofits—including Ability Beyond, Ridgefield A Better Chance, and Ann’s Place—to serve the community.
Kayla, also a member of the National Honor Society, volunteered widely throughout town with both organizations. But as she got older, she wanted to create something more lasting and impactful.
“I wanted to put my energy toward one thing,” she says. “Something where I could make a direct impact on someone else’s journey.”
In May 2024, Kayla brought an idea with her mom: she wanted to start a project.
Through a connection at Danbury Hospital, Kayla and her mom met with the Foundation team and toured several departments. One in particular stood out.
“I wasn’t a preemie myself, but witnessing the dedication of the NICU nurses and hearing the deeply moving stories of the parents and their tiny fighters left a lasting impact on me,”
Originally, Kayla’s idea was to provide inspirational messages. But when the Scatterdays learned about the ongoing financial needs at the hospital, they realized a fundraising component was critical.
Born to Thrive officially launched in May 2024 with a $1,000 fundraising goal. Today, it’s approaching $10,000.
In December, Born to Thrive was named Fairfield County Bank’s Charity of the Month, earning a $1,000 donation. Then, they partnered with the Princess Ball, where they educated girls about the NICU and attendees decorated cards. There was also a fundraising class at Orangetheory, and Born to Thrive teamed up with Doctors’ Pediatrics, Barlow Mountain Elementary School, Lions Heart, and the girls Ridgefield High School lacrosse team to make cards for the NICU.
“It’s been an amazing journey,” Kayla says. “So many different businesses and groups in town have been so incredibly generous, we’ve collaborated with so many to help spread the word. It’s been such a great experience—not only because I get to work with my mom, which is the best part—but also because I’ve met so many people and formed real connections.”
Kayla completed her senior internship with the Nuvance Health Foundation team. This year, Danbury Hospital is celebrating its 140th anniversary, culminating in the Mosaic Gala. Kayla helped identify sponsors for the gala, reached out to donors, and assisted with three third party events, securing donations from Pure Barre, Desires by Mikolay, and D. Colabella Fine Art Gallery.
In addition to her charitable work, Kayla has danced for over 15 years with Dance Factory and on the Ridgefield High School dance team, performing in competitions and shows.
“I grew up at Dance Factory. It’s my second home, a place where I’ve learned so much about myself and formed lifelong friendships.”
As Kayla prepares to attend Penn State this fall to study communications, she is passing the Born to Thrive baton on to her younger sister Caitlyn.
“Caitlyn is super excited about taking over,” Kayla tells us. “She already has so many ideas.”
To learn more about Born to Thrive, follow along on Instagram @borntothriveee or visit borntothrive.funraise.org .
An athlete and a musician, Jake Travaglini was captain of the Ridgefield High School varsity baseball team and played violin in the Symphonic Orchestra—something he nearly quit back in fourth grade.
“I have my mom to thank for that,” he says, laughing. “She convinced me to stick with it.”
This fall, Jake is headed to Vanderbilt University, where he plans to major in English with a minor in economics. “I’m hoping to play club baseball—and I’m bringing my violin, too. I don’t know if I’ll end up doing anything with it. We’ll see.”
Jake is a fifth-generation Ridgefielder on his father’s side. His grandfather, Aldo Travaglini, owned the Ridgefield News Store on Main Street—later rebranded as Squash’s.
But the core of Jake, the foundational part of what makes him him, he credits to his involvement with the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield—a place he’s been going to since he was six years old.
“I grew up there. I really can’t imagine my life without it. It’s such an important part of who I am.”
Starting in fifth grade, Jake joined the Gem Club, followed by Torch Club in middle school—a national leadership and service group that focuses on character development and community service. In high school, he became a member of Keystone Club, the Club’s most dynamic teen leadership program.
“I chaired the Teen Outreach Committee,” Jake explains. “We planned events to help retain the high schoolers—laser tag nights, pizza parties, Thanksgiving parties. I made flyers, helped organize everything. It was a way to build community and keep kids coming back.”
Jake has spent three summers working at the Club’s summer camp, and this past year began working at the after school program.
“It was great to reconnect with the kids I knew from summer, but in a different setting. I got to ask them how their sports seasons were going, how school was. That continuity made a difference, like I had a lasting connection with them.”
Jake’s deep commitment with BGC earned him their prestigious Youth of the Year award—a rigorous process which included essays, interviews with community leaders, and a speech delivered in front of friends, family, and Club supporters.
“It was a huge honor winning the award—especially because I was alongside people I grew up with. These friends were like my family growing up. We all gave really personal speeches that night, we were all being vulnerable, sharing our stories. It was a great night.”
Outside of the Club, Jake was an active member of the Youth Against Cancer Society at Ridgefield High School. He plays summer baseball with American Legion Post 78 and participates in their off-field service projects, like decorating Main Street for the holidays and placing flags on veterans’ graves. He and his twin sister, Cate, volunteered weekly with the Scotland Elementary Yearbook Club this past year—which was extra special, since many of the students were familiar faces from the Club.
Jake is excited to head to Vanderbilt in the fall—and he’s thrilled that his sister will be attending college nearby at the University of Tennessee.
For now, though, he’s soaking in his last couple of weeks at the Club before moving on.
“It’s definitely tricky, getting to know all these kids, remembering names, their stories. But it’s worth it. It pays dividends.”
For as long as she can remember, Naomi Vakil has been committed to giving back.
“When I was five, my sister and I sold box-stitch bracelets and keychains in front of the Rec Center to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS),” she recalls. “A man came over and wrote us a check for $100—and he didn’t even take a bracelet! That’s when I realized how powerful it is to support something bigger than yourself.”
That early spark ignited a lifelong commitment to service. In elementary school, Naomi continued raising awareness for LLS and participated in its Light the Night program. When her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Naomi’s dedication to supporting cancer-related causes only deepened.
“I never fully understood the impact of cancer until my mom got sick,” she says. “When she was diagnosed, it really clicked how much cancer impacts people. Almost everyone you talk to has been touched by it in some way.”
As a sophomore, Naomi took part in the LLS Student Visionaries of the Year, a philanthropic leadership development program for high school students.
“I built a team of over 40 multi-generational team members and named it Canning Cancer,” she explains. “Some were classmates, some people I knew from other charities in town. We had seven weeks to raise as much money as we could… and we raised around $56,000! It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.”
It was this bringing together of people, this community-minded camaraderie that stays with Naomi to this day.
“People would come up to me in the halls to share their own stories,” she says. “It felt like the whole town was uniting. It’s amazing how much people can accomplish together, you know?”
The following year, Naomi was appointed Chair of the LLS Peer Committee, which is similar to the Student Visionaries of the Year program.
“I mentored over 20 students,” Naomi tells us. “I gave them fundraising tips and helped them with press. And now Ridgefield is considered a ‘legacy town’ for the program.”
Naomi’s impact goes far beyond LLS. She’s volunteered at Founders Hall for years, where she forged a special bond
with an older woman named Clem during an intergenerational interview project.
“Clem is one of my best friends,” Naomi says, her whole face lighting up.
At Ridgefield High School, Naomi served all four years in student government, eventually becoming Student Body President.
“That role opened so many doors,” she says. “It gave me the chance to connect with people and create positive change in the school.”
Naomi and her winning personality, warm smile, and cheerful nature are unstoppable. She is a tour de force for good in our community, and someone who cares deeply about giving back.
“I think there’s opportunity everywhere,” she says. “You don’t have to be part of a big organization. It can be as simple as holding the door open for someone, asking a person how their day was, decorating bags for Meals on Wheels. Those smiles you get from others—that joy is contagious.”
Naomi heads to the University of Michigan this fall to study global studies with plans to pursue humanitarian work.
“I’m so passionate about community service,” she says. “And I know whatever I do next, it’s going to involve helping others.”
AUGUST 8TH
Nod Hill Biergarten | 6:00 PM
Local favorites, Faster Things, return to the Biergarten for another unforgettable ROAR benefit! Known for delivering performances that capture the spirit, energy, and musicianship of The Allman Brothers Band, Faster Things conjure an electric atmosphere that pulls people in, energizing them to dance and sing along.
AUGUST 22ND
Main Street | 5:00 PM
Now in its 12th year! ArtWalk Ridgefield kicks off on Friday, August 22, 5 p.m to 8 p.m., with artist meet and greets outside stores on Main Street. ArtWalk Ridgefield continues on Saturday, August 23 from noon to 4:00pm with an artists’ day where there will be demonstrations outside storefronts.
AUGUST 24TH
Down the Hatch | 12:00 PM
The 11th Annual Building Homes for Heroes Fundraiser is a free event that supports Building Homes for Heroes, a non-profit that gifts mortgage-free homes, and provides programming to veterans, first responders and their families. There will be a raffle (you do not need to be present to win!) with a wide range of prizes! If you’d like to donate or learn more, please visit: help.buildinghomesforheroes.org/dth25.
