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Nickel and Dimed Tipping Culture Pushes Consumers to the Edge
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Nickel and Dimed Tipping Culture Pushes Consumers to the Edge
Catch a Buzz THC-Infused Drinks Gain Popularity
Step Right Up Grab Your Boots and Get Ready to Two-Step
Now That’s
Contents
40
46
Hippotherapy
Reimagined
at Ridgebury Farm
26
32
Nickel and Dimed Tipping Culture Pushes Consumers to the Edge This Old House Antique Homes in the 068
36
Since You’ve Been Gone Filling the Empty Nest
44
Fun-Size SUVs
46
Staying the Course Starting a Fitness Routine That Will Stick
ON THE COVER: Photo by Dylan Miller
2 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
Contents
In The Front
16
10
Noted
11
Behind The Scenes
12
Old Connecticut Innovative Beginnings
16
Art in the Spotlight Ice Sculpting
22
Have You Met?
52
In The Back 52
Culinary Chemist Catching a Buzz
54 58
Shout Out Is That a Thing? Step Right Up - Line Dancing
62
Welcome Rachel Gedymin Designs
64
One More Thing David Licata
4 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
Noted
by Annie Fandl
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
T
his year, we step forward with gratitude for the past and excitement for what lies ahead. Connecticut’s first-ever cultural district and a vibrant focal point of the 068, Ridgefield is alive with history, creativity, and community spirit. As the Executive Director of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, I am inspired daily by the business owners, volunteers, and neighbors who make this town so welcoming and wonderful. The Chamber is dedicated to creating opportunities for people to come together and support our community in every season. This winter, our State of the Town Breakfast, Women’s Forum, and Restaurant Week invite folks to experience Ridgefield and engage with local businesses. Throughout the year, other signature events such as our Annual Golf Outing, SummerFest, Fall in Love with Ridgefield, and the Holiday Stroll help drive commerce and foster community spirit. Yet, the true heart of Ridgefield lives in our everyday camaraderie: the traditions, routines, and shared roots that have shaped this community for generations. Together, we honor Ridgefield’s past while building a dynamic future. Leading the Chamber is a true privilege, and I am excited to support the town’s continued growth and help usher in new opportunities for prosperity. I warmly invite everyone across the 068 community and beyond to explore our businesses, join our events, and experience the flourishing vitality of Ridgefield in the year ahead. Annie Fandl Executive Director Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce
Behind The Scenes
Vol 6, Issue 1 • January/February 2026
Dee Dee Colabella Owner info@colabellamedia.com Greg Mursko Publisher publisher@colabellamedia.com
Sub-Head
Dylan Miller Chief Operating Officer dmiller@rpacartcenter.com
Julia Bruce Editor-In-Chief editor@068magazine.com Contributing Writers Stephanie Dee, Haley Levesque, Karen Heller, Johanna Dodd, Joey Macari, and Carin L. Weisman
Contributing Photographers Dylan Miller, Roger Garbow, Kate Wark, Hayley Levesque, Hungry Studio NY, and Lika Kohn Premier Entertainment
Advertising Sales David Gursky | 914.646.9141 dgursky@colabellamedia.com Erica Shillingford | 914.844.5602 eshillingford@colabellamedia.com 068 Magazine is a publication of Colabella Media LLC. ©2026. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.
www.068magazine.com
Featured Writers Erik Ofgang Erik Ofgang is the co-author of “The Good Vices: From Beer to Sex, The Surprising Truth About What’s Actually Good For You” and the author of “Buzzed: A Guide to New Englands Best Craft Beverages” and “Gillette Castle: A History.” He is the former senior writer at Connecticut Magazine and his work has appeared in the Washington Post, Atlantic, Thrillist, and Associated Press. Erik writes about inventions that launched in Connecticut on page #12. He also chats with Emmanuel Lanzo in this issue’s Have You Met? on page #22.
Gerri Lewis Gerri Lewis, a freelance writer, spent the early years of her career as feature writer and colunmist. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest and various airline publications. She is the author of two cozy mysteries set in Ridgefield: The Last Word and Deadly Words. On page #32, Gerri talks with the owners of some of the oldest houses in the area, who share the joy, as well as the challenges, that go along with owning an antique home.
Cheryl Osher Cheryl Osher is a first-time contributor to 068, a resident of Ridgefield for 21 years and a fifth grade teacher who has taught over 1200 Ridgefield students. She is also the proud mother of Henry, a junior in college and Charlotte, a senior at Ridgefield high school. After an amazing first summer volunteering with the Appalachian Service Project, she plans on continuing even after her daughter leaves for college. On page #36, Cheryl writes about navigating the empty nest period and how it can be a time for parents to try new things.
Roger Garbow Roger Garbow is the founder of Full Throttle Marketing, a Connecticut-based automotive marketing and PR firm. A member of the International Motor Press Association, he’s a contributing writer to numerous outlets including Road & Tracks and the DRIVE.com. Roger has driven some incredible vehicles, but he prefers lightweight sportscars with three pedals. On page #44, Roger reports on smaller sized SUVs.
POWERED BY
EVENT CALENDAR BY
11 • 068 MAGAZINE • Issue Date
The views and claims made by those featured in articles in this issue should not be considered medical advice and do not necessarily reflect the views of 068 Magazine. Before making any decisions about the treatments or health practices mentioned, readers should consult a qualified healthcare professional. 068 Magazine does not verify the accuracy of medical claims and is not responsible for any outcomes from following advice in this magazine. Articles may contain paid content, and we encourage caution when considering health-related claims. Always seek the advice of a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your health.
Old Connecticut by Erik Ofgang
Innovative
Beginnings Things That Got Their Start in Connecticut
The Bicycle In the spring of 1866, Pierre Lallement, a French immigrant to the U.S., took one of the world’s first bike rides, cycling his new invention from his home in Ansonia to New Haven. Lallement’s historic ride was part of a patent application for his new invention. That patent was awarded in November 1866. Though Lallement got the first patent for a bicycle, the Paris-based Michaux company beat him to market, ultimately selling the world’s first bicycles and leading to many years of finger-pointing as to whether Lallement stole the idea from the Michaux company or vice versa. Colt Revolvers and More The Colt 45 was built in Connecticut, along with many other guns from inventor and arms pioneer Samuel Colt. In 1855, Colt opened Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in Hartford, helping to make Connecticut a
12 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
leading manufacturer of arms. Another leading gun manufacturer of the era, Winchester, also produced its firearms in Bridgeport and New Haven, Connecticut. The Toothpaste Tube Toothpaste, in some form or another, has been around for thousands of years, but in the 1800s it generally came in a jar that members of the same family would all dip their brushes into. This unhygienic practice came to an end thanks to the ingenuity of a father-and-son dentist team from New London. While traveling in Europe, Dr. Lucius Tracy Sheffield saw the paint tubes artists used. When he got back to the states, he told his dad, Dr. Washington Wentworth Sheffield, about it. Before long, father and son were marketing the first tube-based toothpaste. Thankfully for bright smiles everywhere, other companies soon followed suit. Submarines The modern submarine was invented in Connecticut by David Bushnell during the Revolutionary War. In 1776, several attempts were made to use the craft to secretly attach explosives to British warships. Though these attempts were unsuccessful, Bushnell is remembered as the “father of submarine warfare.” During the Cold War the first nuclear-powered submarine, the
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SDBOWER
C
ontrary to stereotypes related to its nickname as the “land of steady habits,” Connecticut has long been a hotbed of revolutionary thought, playing an integral role in the development of many of the tools, drinks, devices, and vehicles that have powered the modern world. Here are some of the most influential inventions that were introduced here for the first time.
January/February 2026 • www.068magazine.com • 13
Old Connecticut
Nautilus, was built and launched in Connecticut. This futuristic device could generate its own oxygen and water from ocean water and didn’t need to surface for months at a time. Visitors can now tour the historic craft in Groton.
Top right: A Colt 1851 Navy Revolving Pistol, one of many designed by Samuel Colt. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Above: a mock-up of the Bushnell “Turtle,” at the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum in Groton. Source: Wikimedia Commons. Below: a worker placing a tire in a mold for the vulcanization process. Source: United States Library of Congress’s Prints and Photographs division.
Smirnoff Vodka When Rudolph Kunett opened a vodka distillery in Bethel in 1934, it was the first one in the U.S. Kunett, an immigrant from Ukraine, had just purchased the rights and recipes to the Smirnoff brand, a now defunct Russian vodka, that was then unknown in the states. Over time, thanks in large part to this reborn version of Smirnoff, vodka became and remains the number one most consumed spirit in America. Kunett’s former distillery building is still standing at 77 South Street, near the train tracks in downtown Bethel. Alas, there’s no vodka being made there these days, but the long-abandoned building will soon see new life as condos. Can Openers Ezra J. Warner, a native of Waterbury, invented the first U.S. can opener in 1858. Canned foods had been around for some 50 years previously. Generally, they were opened with a chisel and hammer, but crude can openers had started appearing in Europe by the 1850s. Warner’s design marked a major step forward. Previous can openers acted as claw-like devices that would rip the top of a can off, while Warner’s device acted like a true modern can opener, sawing around a lid’s edges without going into the contents of the can. As he wrote in his patent application, the tool was so easy to use that a child could operate it “without difficulty, or risk.”
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Vulcanized rubber By the 1830s many realized the potential for rubber. But there was a problem, the substance taken from rubber trees, was wildly unstable. It would crack in the cold and melt when it got hot. Naugatuck native Charles Goodyear became obsessed with solving this problem. Ultimately, he realized that combining rubber and sulfur with heat caused it to harden and stabilize. In the 1840s, he patented the process, which he called vulcanization after Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and launched the Naugatuck-India Rubber Co. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. launched after his death and is named in honor of him, though it had no connection to him. Frisbees The Frisbee wasn’t invented in Connecticut, but the beloved toy owes our state a debt nonetheless. William Frisbie launched the Frisbie Pie Company in Bridgeport in the 1870s. The story goes that these pies were popular not only for their flavor but also for the aerodynamics of the pans they came in. Apparently, locals, including students at Yale, would fling these pie tins through the air, shouting “frisbie.” Whether true or not, the story inspired the owners of a Californian company to change the name of their flying disc toy to the “Frisbee” in 1957. And the rest is toy history.
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Art in the Spotlight
by Stephanie Dee • Photography by Dylan Miller
16 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
Artist Versus the Elements Bill Covitz, owner of Ice Matters, uses a chainsaw to create the initial form when creating his ice sculptures.
W
hen most people look at a block of ice, they see something cold, clear, and fleeting. But for ice sculptors, that block holds endless artistic potential. What sets ice sculpting apart from traditional forms of sculpture, such as marble or wood, is its impermanence. Ice is alive in a sense—constantly shifting, melting, and interacting with its environment. To the sculptor, these traits are not a limitation but a feature, giving the art form a profound immediacy. Every ice sculpture is a performance piece with a ticking clock, destined to disappear. Sculptors must embrace this brevity. When every second matters, the artist doesn’t have time to overthink—creating a sense of urgency and decisiveness that fuels the creative process. From Hot Kitchen to Cold Freezer Bill Covitz, owner of Ice Matters, began his artistic journey in an unlikely place: the kitchen. After years working as a private chef in France and Belgium, he went searching for a new
way to channel his creativity—and found it in ice. Having taken a class called Garde Manger or “cold kitchen” in culinary school, Covitz turned this interest into a new passion by learning skills from professionals in the field, eventually owning his own business. As an accomplished sculptor, he was Grand Champion at the 2004 National Ice Carving Association’s Nationals, placing first on both days of the 2-day competition. In March of 2006, he placed second in the world at the World Ice Art Championships. The year 2014 marked Norway’s 200th year of independence, and Covitz replicated buildings in ice for the Norwegian government, as well as created the stage and ice instruments for the celebration. Since 2006, Covitz has returned annually to Norway to continue building functional ice instruments and perform what he calls “ice music”—a fusion of sound, sculpture, and spectacle. Tools of the Trade Professional ice sculptors like Bill Covitz use a wide range of tools and can work in climate-controlled studios
January/February 2026 • www.068magazine.com • 17
Art in the Spotlight
or directly in the elements. He typically sculpts with 300-pound blocks of specially prepared ice that is frozen from the bottom up. When beginning a sculpture, he draws a template and uses a computerized machine to cut out the general silhouette. To shape the ice, Covitz uses chainsaws, chisels, rotary carvers, and die grinders to carve the details. At the end of the process, he uses a torch to bring back the clarity. Some of his sculptures take hours, others, days. During competitions or festivals, rules may require a tight timeframe—just 4 to 8 hours from start to finish. “Ice competitions are where the artist gets to play,” says Covitz. “I thrive in the challenge of pushing ice to its limits.”
Top right and left, Covitz then uses chisels and rotary carvers to create detail. Above middle, the freezer where the ice is not only stored but carved. Above, bottom, Covitz fills large sink basins to create the blocks of ice he carves. Far right, the finished sculpture - total carving time 30 minutes!
18 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
Where Ice Sculptures Come to Life Ice sculpting has long been associated with luxury events, weddings, and culinary showcases. In recent years, though, the art form has broken out of the banquet hall and entered the realm of fine art. Versatility is part of what makes ice sculpting such a compelling and adaptive art form. “Functional ice sculptures are becoming more popular every year,” says Covitz. Some
of his newest requests are used as displays for food or drink. They become the center piece of celebration for weddings, anniversaries, and festivals. LED lights and mixed media elements elevate the impact of the design. Bill Covitz also has a long, successful history of tools for performance art from ice harvested around the world. One of Covitz’s most exciting challenges has been the creation of functional ice instruments— including violins, xylophones, drums, and guitars. These are not mere props: they are carefully carved from ice with electronics to produce accurate tones, relying on the density, thickness, and purity of the ice to shape their sound. Some instruments are equipped with embedded microphones and electronics to amplify the delicate sound of the ice being played. Brief but Beautiful For artists like Bill Covitz, ice is more than a medium—it’s a living, changing partner in the creative process. In a world obsessed with permanence—preserving, archiving, and never forgetting—ice sculpting is a radical act. It asks viewers to appreciate the present moment, to find value in what is brief and beautiful.
•
Have You Met? by Erik Ofgang
Emmanuel
Lanzó Right, Lanzo with his youngest RAC swimmers. Middle, Lanzo and Olympic medalist Kieran Smith. Far right bottom, Lanzo coaching at the Team USA Swim Camp. Far right, Lanz0 with Smith and his medal.
22 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
W
hen Emmanuel Lanzó moved to Ridgefield in 2013 to coach at the Ridgefield Aquatic Club, the swim program was already good, but he thought it could get better. “I wanted to be the best team in Connecticut,” he says. In the years since, Lanzó has emerged as one of the world’s best swim coaches. He has coached Olympic bronze medalist winner Kieran Smith and other award-winning swimmers such as Conner Hunt, who won a silver medal at the FINA World Junior Open Water competition as part of the U.S. team. Lanzó is also a coach with USA Swimming’s national team and recently coached the top female swimmers in the country as part of Team USA’s national select camp. The work with Team USA is in addition to his full-time work as Ridgefield Aquatic Club’s head coach and CEO. And, yes, he has fulfilled his dream of making his Ridgefield swim team the best in the state and as a result, has won four Coach of the ear awards. Lanzó was first drawn to swimming through his family growing up in Puerto Rico. His dad was a lifeguard at Escambròn Beach, Old San Juan, and his parents met and fell in love there. Ultimately, his parents had a swim instruction business, so learning to swim well was
a requirement for young Lanzó. “I was born in an environment where we would go to the beach, and we would need to swim,” he says. “Eventually, when I was like 12 or 13 years old, I started helping with the business. I started teaching the little kids how to swim.” In high school, he fell in love with the competition side of the sport. “It’s a type of sport where you have friends, and they become your family with the carpooling and the long hours at meets,” he says. “I liked the ability to not just compete against a person next to you, but it was good to compete with your own potential.” He got a swimming scholarship to the
University of Puerto Rico. After college, he forged a successful coaching career in Puerto Rico, working with some of the top swimmers in the territory. When he was offered the job in Ridgefield, he thought he would take it for a year and then return to Puerto Rico. “I never went back home,” he says. “I met great people here, and that feeling of family and belonging grew.” Lanzó and his wife fell in love with the culture of Ridgefield. Lanzo’s parents and his nieces live next door - their mother, Lanzó’s sister, passed away some years ago. “My parents, my nieces, my wife, everybody loves the small-town feeling,” he says. “I go to places where people smile at me and ask me how I’m doing.” Swimming takes up most of his time, but Lanzó also enjoys working as a personal trainer at the Ridgefield Recreation Center. Additionally, he is the DEI co-chair for Connecticut Swimming and works to encourage more diversity in the sport in that capacity. As proud as Lanzó is of the elite athletes he’s worked with, his passion is coaching younger kids who are newer to the water, and he still prioritizes doing that work on occasion. Beyond the medals and records his swimmers have set, he’s proudest of the culture he’s instilled - the swimmers and their families support each other and other athletes, and are joyful in their approach to the sport. “They always have a beautiful smile on their faces and are making an impact anywhere they go,” he says. “I hear it all the time that wherever the Ridgefield kids go, they improve the culture. So that’s very satisfying.”
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January/February 2026 • www.068magazine.com • 23
Tipping Culture Pushes Consumers to the Edge
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIRISA99
by Julia Bruce
26 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
T
hanks so much for coming in,” says the waiter as he leaves the check on the table. I make note of the total and do the math in my head to figure out the tip. Tipping is an everyday occurrence in restaurants and diners around the country, but one that has come under scrutiny of late - when to tip, how much to tip, and whether the requests to tip have gone too far? In today’s economy, where many feel they are already being nickel-and-dimed, the added burden of excessive gratuity requests is edging consumers to a tipping point. WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Tipping, which originated in medieval times, first became prominent in the States in the mid-1800s when American travelers on European excursions discovered the tradition. Upon returning to the States, these individuals began adding a gratuity when paying a bill in an attempt to adopt a more aristocratic air. Ironically, while Europe eventually phased out the practice, the concept caught on here but not without controversy. Consumers have not always agreed on the practice of tipping. There’s an infamous scene in Reservoir Dogs where Mr. Pink, played by Steve Buscemi, refuses to kick in money to tip their waitress. His fellow diners argue that servers rely on tips to make a living, but Mr. Pink stands his ground that “tipping automatically is for the birds.” Eventually, he is pressured into adding his money to the table, but he’s not happy about it. TIP CREEP Fast forward to the Covid-19 pandemic, when tipping took on a whole new energy. People generously tipped food delivery people and other food service employees who continued to work despite the health risks. Tipping was an honorable gesture – a way to help restaurants stay afloat. Now,
“What was once a question of etiquette is becoming, for many Americans, a question of affordability. The current rise in the cost of living, paired with an uncertain economy, hasn’t helped matters.” January/February 2026 • www.068magazine.com • 27
a few years post-pandemic, tipping culture has continued to expand. Kiosk and tablet check-out systems that originally emerged to streamline contactless payment are more prominent than ever. Some customers resent the preset tip suggestions and remark that this very public action of tipping – or not tipping – makes them uncomfortable. Opportunities to tip, or being asked to tip, have also expanded and have become another point of customer contention. Should you have to tip for a take-out or self-serve purchase? People who are typically generous are feeling the financial squeeze. Faced with more and more opportunities to tip for a wider range of services - what’s being labeled as tip creep - consumers are pushing back, but at what cost to employees who rely on that extra money to survive?
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WHAT’S AT STAKE… What was once a question of etiquette is becoming, for many Americans, a question of affordability. The current rise in the cost of living, paired with an uncertain economy, hasn’t helped matters. People feel monetarily stretched thin. While this is understandable, it is important to keep in mind that many workers - especially those in service industries, think waitstaff, bartenders, parking attendants, Uber drivers - rely on tips in order to earn a living wage. What started as a way to elevate the status of 19th-century aristocrats soon became a way to influence wages. Beginning in 1938, employers were only required to pay tipped workers a wage that would add up to the federal minimum wage when combined with tips. Until the practice of paying service
workers less than minimum wage is phased out, tipping isn’t going anywhere. Ideally, there will be a shift in how employers pay their workers, but that won’t happen overnight. So, what is a consumer to do? Money experts agree that the standard minimum tip remains at 20% for service provided in restaurants and bars, with the option to give more if the customer feels the service exceeded expectations. But what about counter service or to-go orders? Here, the answer gets a little murky. The bottom line, is that while a tip isn’t necessary in these occasions, if a customer is financially able to, a small tip is appreciated. When it comes to tipping, give the amount you can when you can – don’t be Mr. Pink.
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Above, the Lambert House (circa 1726) is the oldest house in Wilton and one of several historic house that have been repurposed as businesses.
“You don’t live in an old house, you take care of it” – Ben Oko
by Gerri Lewis
32 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
B
en Oko, who, along with his wife Helen Dimos, lives in a 290-year-old classic center chimney colonial in Ridgefield. Uneven floors, small rooms, poor insulation, tiny closets, and high heating and repair costs are just a few of the inconveniences that homeowners of antique houses live with. “Old bones” come with a price. The former owners of the Oko/Dimos house, built around 1735, left their mark. The original kitchen—once a fireplace large enough to walk into—is now the centerpiece of the living room and the heart of the cozy home. A later addition created a functional kitchen with windows overlooking a lawn rolling to the Titicus River. Dimos, a landscape designer, was lured by the privacy and beauty of the property, which was highlighted at the Ridgefield Historical Society garden tour. The couple joined the Ridgefield Historic District to protect the home, ensuring its façade can’t be changed or torn down without approval. You don’t know quirky until you step inside the home owned by Colleen and Earl Flask, who call their 1760 Main Street antique “wonky.” The Flasks always held Ridgefield
Above, the Oko/Dimos house in Ridgefield was built in 1735. Right, the Wilton Historical Society and Museum is housed in the Betts (1740s) and Soan-Raymond-Fitch (1770s) Houses.
in their hearts after spending most of their working and family-raising years living abroad. When they purchased their house three years ago, they made a long list of desired changes— uneven floors, worn stair treads, an inefficient kitchen, and an exterior door that had a significant gap to the outside were all things that had to go. Torn by the thought that whatever they changed would be altering a part of history, they decided to start with an unsalvageable 1800s barn by repurposing as much material as possible into the new build. In the meantime, the Flasks have come to embrace the quirks and don’t plan to make any changes soon. “We love our old house,” says Colleen. “I feel nothing but embracing energy.” Jen and Rick Wastrom landed in their late 1600s Saltbox in Redding when they drew an acceptable commuting circle around Manhattan. As their family grew, the house seemed to shrink with its one bathroom, a tiny kitchen from 1741, and little closet space. The small living room was so cluttered with toys and their Steinway piano that there was barely room to walk. They decided to move until
Advice from Mary Phelps William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realtor:
For the Antique Home Seller n Secure an Expert Realtor one who specializes in older homes to properly market the property’s unique characteristics. n Address Hazards Proactively Check for and address common issues - lead paint, buried oil tanks, or abandoned well tanks. n Emphasize Value by highlighting improvements to modernize. n Sell the History by collecting and sharing interesting stories about the home to appeal to the antique home buyer.
For the Antique Home Buyer n Build Your Expert Team Choose an experienced Realtor, a respected local real estate attorney, and a seasoned home inspector. n Accept the Role of Custodian You are buying into the property’s history. Focus on maintenance and preservation - accept imperfections. n Inspection of Core Systems Plumbing and electrical, structural integrity, the presence of a modern septic system, and check for active pest damage. n Verify Air Conditioning Is it already installed or can it be added without compromising the home’s historic structure?
Above, the interior of the Wastrom House in Redding has maintained much of it’s original charm. Left, the exterior of the Wasrom house.
34 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
their Realtor warned that their beautiful property might attract a buyer who could tear down the house. The horrified couple couldn’t bear the thought, so they hired architects from Woodbury who specialized in additions for antique homes. A first-floor primary suite, additional bathrooms, expanded living space with hand-tooled beams to mirror the originals, and a small TV room offer staying power for the future without sacrificing the charm. Staying power is exactly what the Wilton Historical Society had in mind when it put its antique structures to work. Lambert house (c 1726), the oldest house in Wilton, is one of nine historic buildings repurposed as home to businesses on Lambert Corner. The 1740s Betts House and the 1770s Soan-Raymond-Fitch House are home to the Wilton Historical Society and Museum. All these buildings come with expensive challenges—energy efficiency, fragile materials that need protection, and cedar roofs that don’t last long. In some places, even ADA compliance can be a challenge. Wilton Historical Society Director Nick Foster says that preserving buildings as an educational tool for the community and for the tenants makes all the careful planning and budgeting well worth it. Gary Singer and his wife Susie, who live in a former trading post built circa 1710, reputed to be one of the oldest structures in Ridgefield, say it is particularly challenging to appropriately insure an antique house. Homeowners need specialized insurance to cover replacement, because these old houses aren’t standardized. “If you do have a loss, you want to make sure chestnut beams are replaced with chestnut beams,” says Singer. It is also important to use craftsmen who specialize in antique and vintage homes when repair or maintenance is needed. Bottom line, say the Singers, “You don’t just live in an old house, you are its caretakers for past and future generations.”
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Families from left to right and up: The Costello Family; The Tasch Family; The Denier Family; The Petersen Family; The Bruce Family; The Provenzale Family; The Floegel Family; The Gaughran Family; The Mignano Family. 36 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
Empty Nest
the
by Cheryl Osher
A
s my daughter proudly peeled the “Student Driver” magnet off the back of her car and drove herself into town, I realized the next chapter of my life had begun. No more shuttling to and from school or to friends’ houses for study dates and birthday parties. No more squeezing food shopping in between karate and violin lessons. Anticiapting dropping my daughter off at college in a few months, I realized I had the precious gift of time! The freedom for adventure! Suddenly, a wave of sadness swept over me. For twenty years, I’ve been Mom; that’s my identity. Sure, there were times I complained about the inconveniences of making dinner, doing laundry, or
sacrificing my own plans to accommodate theirs. But now that these responsibilities were being taken off my plate, I felt lost. I turned to my husband for solace and advice, and the fear kicked in: It’s just me and him. Him and me. All day. Every day. No more dividing and conquering in an effort to get both kids to where they needed to be. No more family day trips on the weekend or laughter-filled game nights with the four of us. It will just be us. In our house. For one million hours a day. Truth be told, we do really like each other. We share the same values and sense of humor but without discussions and disagreements about the kids (he’s mush and I’m the
strict one), I am truly terrified that we will run out of things to say. Without a doubt, we’ll need to make a concerted effort to adjust to life without our kids in the house. Hiking, biking, entertaining, road trips, wine tasting, and going out for dinner are all possibilities, but I also know we would like to have more of an adventure. So, despite having no building experience and being very much out of our comfort zone, we joined the Appalachian Service Project (ASP). It turned out this nine-day journey with a group of adults and Ridgefield high schoolers turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life. The trip down South to make people’s homes “warmer,
Tissues Not Included
N
ew York Times bestselling children’s book author and Lewisboro resident, Christina Geist, put pen to paper as she and her husband, Sunday TODAY Host Willie Geist, emotionally prepared for an empty nest of their own. Christina’s latest book, Before You Fly Away: Life Lessons From Home, originated as a gift for their daughter, Lucie, as her high school graduation approached, and for their son, George, as he learned to drive. Christina’s heartfelt collection of 50 lessons struck a chord with families all over the country and quickly became the #1 parenting book on Amazon. “I heard from a mom who asked extended family members to hand-write their own words of wisdom inside the book, creating a time capsule for their graduating senior,” explains Geist. “It’s beautiful to see my little self-therapy project take on a life of its own and connect with families in these unexpected ways.” Copies are available online and through local bookstores - Books on the Common in Ridgefield, Elm Street Books in New Canaan, Katonah Reading Room, and Bedford Books.
Clockwise: Julie Henderson and Deb Haughney with ASP; Ryan Mullen, Zach Harper, Chris Mathews, Lucas Mathews, Evan Manolakakis, Hunter Romeo Liz and Wayne Floegel hiking; Mike and Jenn Mignano touring Portugal; Cindy Martin and Kris Mann from SPHERE.
safer and drier” was perfect for us. We traveled down in separate vans, slept in separate quarters, and worked with separate crews, installing new floors and hammering in siding. We were able to share a common experience, while not being attached at the hip. Not playing the role of wife or mother during this time opened my eyes: The world was my oyster. If my kids could head off to meet new people, learn new things and cultivate new interests, so could I. So, I spent a day at The Kripalu Center for Yoga, went line dancing with a friend, learned to play Mah Jongg, embarassed myself at hiphop class, and took a stab at installing new flooring. I even wrote this article for 068 magazine!
38 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
I know of people who took on parttime jobs in retail to allow themselves to socialize and foster new relationships. Giving back to the community by volunteering with organizations like SPHERE is another option. Paul Abrahams, the father of three grown children, occasionally clears hiking trails after a storm. “It’s great to have the time to do things that are meaningful, rewarding and give me pleasure,” he says. Remember, empty nesting, also called “free birding,” is a time of transition. Putting your needs in front of your kids’ and taking care of yourself is something that, after all of these years, feels foreign and selfish. The bottom line is that you deserve this time. And remember, it’s your time to fly.
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Hippotherapy Belonging Begins Here:
Reimagined at Ridgebury Farm
O
n any given day, you might witness an unusual sight at Ridgebury Farm—a rider sitting backwards on a horse. It’s not trick riding or a mistake, it’s one of the many purposeful techniques used in an equine-assisted therapy called hippotherapy, where movement becomes medicine. Ridgebury Farm was the brainchild of Katy Schermann, who first encountered hippotherapy after a family member with a rare disease made remarkable progress through this unique treatment. Inspired to bring that same hope to others in the New England area, Schermann founded Ridgebury Farm in 2021 with a vision: to offer the highest-quality hippotherapy alongside traditional riding lessons, nature-based learning programs, summer programming, and community wellness experiences. In just four short years, more than 450 families have come to Ridgebury Farm to benefit from hippotherapy, which supports
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individuals with a wide range of physical, emotional, and neurological challenges. Led by licensed physical, occupational, or speech therapists, each session harnesses the horse’s rhythmic movement to help riders build balance, coordination, strength, and body awareness. The gentle, repetitive gait of the horse stimulates the rider’s sensory and motor systems—engaging the body and brain in ways that traditional therapy settings often can’t. Parents say the difference is profound. “With all the challenges Hayes faces, spanning everything from OT, fine motor, speech, and executive motor function—there are always gaps in the services he’s able to receive at school,” says Nadia Blair, whose son participates in therapy at the farm. “The sessions here give him something that clinic walls can’t—freedom, confidence, and joy.” Lundyn Reda shared similar doubts
when she first brought her son, Crew, who is on the autism spectrum and has struggled with impulsivity and anxiety. “We were unsure how he would react to being on such a large animal,” she admits. “But the horses are gentle, non-judgmental partners who require clear, direct communication. This interaction helped him develop listening skills and body awareness in a way that traditional therapy never could.” Every session at Ridgebury Farm is a team effort, with a licensed therapist, a lead walker, and a side walker working together to ensure safety and individualized care. “A horse’s gait mirrors that of a human’s,” explains Schermann. “The progress is often subtle, but the transformation—physical and emotional—is extraordinary.” Some results defy expectations altogether. A 30-year-old woman walked unassisted for the first time in her life after
Written and Photographed by Haley Levesque
six months of physical therapy on horseback. A non-verbal child suddenly shouted “Whee!” after months of silent play—an echo of the sound his grandmother had lovingly repeated every time they went down the slide together. “We’re blessed to witness moments like these every day,” says Schermann. Ridgebury Farm—a registered 501(c) (3)—created the GROW Program (Giving Resources for Optimal Wellness) to provide financial assistance for therapy sessions, ensuring that no one is turned away due to cost. A new Membership Program also invites families and supporters to be part of the story—helping care for horses, supporting GROW, and expanding access to those in need. Today, Ridgebury Farm is alive with motion and meaning: riders finding balance, families finding community, and horses quietly helping both along the way. “Ridgebury Farm isn’t just a place to visit,” says Schermann. “It’s a place where everyone belongs.” Ridgebury Farm unites licensed clinicians and nature to deliver evidence-informed animal-assisted therapies and hippotherapy; occupational, speech, physical therapy, psychotherapy, and nature-based programs— that build physical and mental strength, emotional health, and social connection. Ridgebury Farm is a 501(c)(3) non-profit located in Ridgefield, CT. To learn more about their programs or to donate, please visit www.ridgeburyfarm.org.
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PARTNERSHIP
Curating a Season:
The Art
of Choosing the
Shows
by Daniel C. Levine
E
Top, all shows performed at A.C.T. of CT to date. Bottom, Daniel C. Levine, Artistic Director of A.C.T. of CT.
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ach season at A.C.T. of Connecticut is built with extraordinary care. With only three mainstage productions—each in production for nearly three months— the responsibility of choosing the right titles is one that, as Artistic Director of A.C.T. of CT, I take very seriously. Selecting a season isn’t simply about picking shows I love; it’s about crafting a journey for our audiences—a blend of familiarity, discovery, and surprise. My decision-making process begins long before the curtain ever rises. In fact, I start curating each season a full year in advance. While audiences are just beginning to enjoy our current productions, I’m already deep into reading scripts, discussing rights, exploring creative possibilities, and envisioning what stories might best complement one another the following year. As I write this, next season’s lineup is already mostly finalized—and though I’d love to share it, that information is strictly top secret. Not even our board of directors knows what’s coming yet! Over time, I’ve developed a kind of formula for building a wellbalanced season. I aim to include one
show that most people have heard of, one that audiences may have heard of but perhaps never seen, and one that might be entirely new to them. This mix ensures that each season feels both welcoming and adventurous; grounded in recognizable favorites while also introducing fresh perspectives and possibly new musical voices. Ultimately, the question I always return to is simple: Will our audience connect with this story? My hope is that, after years of loyal patronage, our audiences have come to trust my choices and taste—to know that, whether they recognize a title or not, they’ll leave the theater moved, inspired, and entertained. This season’s trio of productions exemplifies that balance. Almost Famous - newly reimagined - launched our 2025/2026 season. Frozen, Disney’s global hit, is a joyful and familyfriendly favorite. We will close with Dear Evan Hansen, a groundbreaking contemporary piece that continues to define modern musical theater. Together, these three show reflect what I strive for every year: a season that surprises, delights, and reminds us why live theater matters.
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C
Words and photo by Roger Garbow
From left: The re-engineered 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid, Bronco Sport Heritage Edition in classic Robin’s Egg Blue, Mazda CX-30 Turbo Premium Plus.
ompact SUVs, aka crossovers, are some of the best-selling vehicles in the country. They offer the versatility and utility of their larger siblings, with more affordable and efficient packaging. The smaller dimensions pay off in better handling, improved maneuverability, and much easier parking. While you may need a large SUV for that one family trip each year with the kids, grandma, the three dogs, and all the toys, consider renting a vehicle for that limited use case instead, and drive something more fun and more practical on a daily basis. I recently assembled a trio of my favorite small AWD SUVs to see how they compare. While they share nearly identical wheelbases, their personalities couldn’t be more different. The Subaru Crosstrek is an automotive jack-ofall-trades and has been the company’s best-selling model since 2021. With as much ground clearance as the Outback and featuring Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical AWD system, the Crosstrek can handle anything Mother Nature feels like throwing at it. The excellent ergonomics, easy-to-use controls, and classleading visibility make driving a joy, while passenger room and cargo space rival some larger vehicles. The Crosstrek is available in various models, including a new hybrid version (like my test car) that delivers nearly 600 miles of range. With the Crosstrek’s top safety ratings, low price, and proven reliability, it’s easy to recommend. I’m such a fan of the Crosstrek, I’m on my second one, and we bought one for our daughter. The Crosstrek starts at $28,415.
The Ford Bronco Sport is the outdoorsman of this group. While the Crosstrek offers off-road capability, the Bronco Sport fully leans into its dirt-playing self. With rugged good looks shared with its much larger Bronco sibling, the Bronco Sport stands out among its crossover peers. The tough styling is more than skin deep. When the road ends, the Bronco Sport doesn’t falter. Ford’s G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes offer adjustability to any surface, from normal to sand to snow to mud to rock crawling. Short overhangs and tidy dimensions give the vehicle the maneuverability you want for serious off-roading. Like the full-size Bronco, Ford even offers an aggressive Sasquatch package on some trim levels. The squared-off design delivers a spacious, well-designed interior with excellent headroom and great visibility. Bronco Sport prices start at $32,885. Mazdas are known for their well-tuned driving dynamics, and the CX-30 is no exception. It’s the sportscar of this group, with impressive acceleration—especially with the turbo option—and crisp handling. For drivers who prefer asphalt over dirt, the CX-30 is the one to choose. While the Ford and Subaru offer more cargo space and rear passenger room, the sharply styled CX-30 still delivers enough utility to make it a great choice for those who want a practical hatchback package, but don’t need the extra capacity. Speaking of the interior, the CX-30 Mazda’s upscale design feels more expensive and luxurious than its competition. It’s a great place to spend time and would be an excellent choice for a road trip. With or without grandma. Mazda CX-30 prices start at $27,470.
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January/February 2026 • www.068magazine.com • 45
Starting a Fitness Routine That Will Stick by Karen Heller
46 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
D
id you make a New Year’s resolution to get in shape? Join the crowd: Every year, gym membership personnel and physical trainers brace for January when motivated new clients show up in droves. Unfortunately, a couple of months later, they quit, often nursing injuries. The key to getting in shape is consistency. 068 went out to query the extraordinary wealth of local and area expertise — physical therapists, yoga instructors, elite personal trainers, and fitness pros — to ferret out their secrets and tips for preventing injuries and staying the course. “First off, set realistic goals that coincide with your activity level of the past six months,” says Jay Correia, of Professional Physical Therapy. If the last six months have been sedentary, start with walking on gentle surfaces like a track, and body weight calisthenics. Before prescribing exercise, Correia explores everyone’s existing movement mechanics – what parts are working and what body parts have accumulated “micro trauma” due to repetitive activities, such as sitting
hunched over at a desk for hours. Next, find something you genuinely enjoy doing and that can be managed with a busy life schedule. Fit it in “like brushing your teeth – make it non-negotiable” as a mindset, according to Tom Chin of Highlife Ridgefield. Highlife trainers use a scientific whole-body workout of all the muscles versus focusing on one muscle group. “Whole body workouts release the most feel-good hormones,” says Chin. Highlife aims to provide long-term tools for home workouts. Trained in what Chin refers to as “biomechanics,” he tailors workouts to individuals’ life circumstances, for example, post-partum exercises for new mothers. Free initial consults are available at most gyms and can make a difference because communication is essential for preventing injuries. Results Fitness in Ridgefield offers every client a detailed Muscle Activation Techniques range of motion assessment to uncover muscular imbalances. “Using the data, we design a program that restores proper muscle function and builds strength safely and efficiently. We use our ISOPHIT system to target and strengthen these weak points through controlled isometric training before progressing to more dynamic work,” says Results
Opposite page, Whitney Coccaro of Yoga Station helping a client. Photo courtesy of Hungry Studio NY. This page, JP Mikhael, owner of Results, with his ISOPHIT machine. Above right and bottom, Tom Chin of HIghlife assisting a client with proper form.
January/February 2026 • www.068magazine.com • 47
Jay Correia of Professional Physical Therapy prescribes exercises based on his clients’ needs. Bottom left, Tom Chin working with a client at HIghlife. Bottom center and right, Chris Litrenta of Athletic IQ demonstrating a bodyweight workout to a client.
owner, JP Mikhael. “Often people have a lot of apprehension when starting a new workout,” explains Whitney Coccaro, founder of Yoga Station and Wellness in Redding, where classes are available at every level, from beginner to advanced. All adults need to stretch for physical well-being and to stretch properly to prepare for other exercises, Coccaro adds. “Tips for avoiding injury when beginning yoga include being well hydrated beforehand and listening to one’s body by being mindful of where your body is now,” says Coccaro. Class participants are encouraged to slow down and to communicate, not only with their own bodies, but with the instructors. Before each class begins, participants should share any injuries, discomforts, or tightness. Chris Litrenta, coach and owner of AthleticIQ, has thirty-plus years of personal training experience. He describes the core of
his training as “physical literacy,” the ability to respond athletically to one’s environment. His training focuses not only on joints and muscles, but also on the connective tissue in between, which is often the source of unwanted injuries. Litrenta’s literacy lessons include losing the myth of simple weight loss to define success. “Muscle weighs more than fat,” he explains. The advantage is that once gained, muscles burn calories, even when the body is at rest. Benjamin Franklin said it best, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” When it comes to your New Year’s fitness goals, prevention starts with a plan—one built on realistic expectations, consistent effort, and good communication with your fitness professionals. So, this year, skip the crash starts. Move with intention, stay mindful, and make every workout a step toward the version of you that keeps going—all year long.
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Dear Friends,
392 Main St, Ridgefield, CT 06877
Give us a call at 203-806-9250
50 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
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or those of you who actually read my articles, I thank you, because I know my message is slowly getting out there. So let me pull back the curtain a bit more on the mind of Dr. Sciarrino. From the beginning of my articles, I may have mentioned that I am a Maxillofacial Surgeon. This means, for one thing, I’m the guy you see in the hospital after a horrific car accident and your face is smashed to bits. When you look up from the gurney, you will see a guy or girl just like me. I have been there and done that. Interestingly, few people know what our specialty is. I also may have told you, that was my day job. Primarily what I am in my inner core is a conceptualist. We all live our lives and die based on concepts. Matter of fact, each generation appears to have their own set of concepts. History appears to be the great equalizer, as to which concepts are good or bad. They should teach more history in school, that would help. Our medical system is also based on concepts. Treating disease is based on concepts first, driven by science second, established medical practice third, and hospitals and pharmaceutical companies fourth. Unfortunately, today the tail wags the dog. Hospital, insurance, and pharmaceutical corporations rule the roost. Medical care has become an albatross around
the necks of the American people. I will say no more, I may have already said too much. If we look at the top three diseases and their medical concepts, we find significant problems. Primarily because we have not moved the needle very much on the mortality levels, despite all the sophisticated treatment protocols, science and medicines, and hospitals. There are a lot of well meaning people working very hard. Unfortunately, the concepts are not valid. Let me describe some better concepts. Cancer Cancer, although complex, is not primarily a genetic disease as we have been told, but rather, a metabolic disease. With the exception of getting people to stop smoking, it is still a major disease. If the original concept was correct we would have seen a major shift in mortality already, it’s been more than half a century with little effect. Diabetes type 2 Diabetes Type 2 is a purely a metabolic disease, - too much substrate taxing the system defined by very high A1C levels. Up until just recently, most doctors treated Diabetes 2 like just like Diabetes 1. Increasing insulin sensitivity of cell membranes to accept too much substrate lowers blood glucose, but causes mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic
disease, and fermentation within the cell, ultimately causing cancer. Diabetes type 1 Diabetes 1, has always been very interesting to me, because the patient has no insulin. Knowing that we are all dying of hyperinsulinemia and metabolic disease, I would think having no or low insulin might be helpful, or at least more controllable, but Type 1 Diabetics are like canaries in the coal mine. The question is why do Diabetics Type 1 and 2, die first. The medical establishment will tell you the partially correct answer is high blood sugar. No one can tell you the exact mechanism. I will tell you now. The blood sugar glycates the red blood cell (indicated by your HBA1C). Why does that matter? The hemoglobin is blocked from delivering the oxygen. Your pulse oximeter will show normal O2 saturation, but the O2 is not getting to the cell. These patients are slowly suffocating. They are dying from suffocation. I do applaud the first significant advancement since penicillin almost 100 years later, through the discovery of GLP1’s, decreasing substrate. Thereby decreasing metabolic disease and all cause mortality. Type 1 Diabetics are a bit harder to control, the HBA1C is higher, therefore decreasing hemoglobins function, decreasing cellular
respiration, ultimately causing cell death. Heart Disease Please don’t flip to the end, I still have to talk about the #1 killer. We know that too much of that sugary syrup in the blood is the cause, but what is the actual mechanism that causes hardening of the blood vessels? There are a lot of ideas out there, so let me give you what I believe is the real answer. Being we are just weak human beings and not gods, we must take our sustenance by absorption. Digestion is a tricky process, from our mouth all the way down to the end is fraught with the potentiality of bacterial invasion. Our inner body which we consider a sanctuary of cleanliness is not as clean as we think. The size and shape of particles in our blood determines their position in the lumen of the blood vessel. Flat particles like platelets adhere to the sides of vessel walls and coat the endothelium. The round hemoglobin goes through the center of the lumen so it can drop off the very needed cellular O2. When bacteria get into the blood they tend to
be pushed like the platelets to the side. The bacteria are looking for sanctuary and find it nestling through the platelets and lie between the platelets and endothelium. These are in effect rudimentary cysts. The more sugars in the bloodstream, the more substrate they have to grow. Not even antibiotics can stop them; they are protected, they are cysts. They grow and grow until the platelets can no longer hold them. The toxins of the bacteria damage the endothelial lining. The platelets have been pushed away, leaving a wound on the vessel wall. The immune system creates inflammation to kill the bacteria and the healing process begins with the insertion of fat and calcium. That’s where you get the little dots on your cardiac scan, rather than generalized inflammation of the vascular wall. That, my friends, is cardiovascular disease in a nut shell. So, what is the cure for all these diseases? How do we stop the suffocation of our diabetics? How do we prevent the bacteria in our system from creating plaques? How do we stop the damage to our mitochondrial function in cancers? How do we get healthy? HBO2T And it does so much more. Need I say more? Call us at the Gift, for the cure. We are a hospital grade HBO2T facility.
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January/February 2026 • www.068MAGAZINE.COM • 51
Catch a
Culinary Chemist
Buzz I
t’s the time of year when we are all thinking of eating more healthfully and many of us are considering reducing our alcohol intake because of it. Dry January has become popular over the last ten years, and, with it, an offering has appeared as an alternative: THC-infused drinks. THC is the psychoactive substance found in cannabis. More specifically, it’s produced by the female part of the plant to dissuade animals from eating it, even though humans enjoy it! The compound is found as tetrahydrocannabinic acid in the raw plant, and has a bitter flavor that prevents consumption, but is also reasonably unstable, so gently heating it (or smoking the leaf ) changes it into tetrahydrocannabinol, THC. Humans have an array of cannabinoid receptors in the body. Briefly, the cells in our body have various channels to conduct electrical signals, and cannabinoids produced by the body (or consumed) switch these channels on and off, depending on how the particular cells are utilizing the channels. This has only really been studied since the 1980s, as cannabis has been deemed an illegal substance in many countries for assorted reasons. The therapeutic effects of cannabis have been widely known since early civilisations, used in Chinese, South Asian, and African medicine, as well as during Roman times, for various ailments, but most often for pain. THC is a reasonably gentle pain reliever (stops some electrical pain signals), and its sister cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), is a good anti-inflammatory (shuts down some immune-based inflammatory channels), so
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together, they work well on pain mitigation. Ethanol works differently. The substance swamps our nervous system, depressing the ability of nerves to communicate with each other, and does this until our livers can remove it. In small amounts, it works similarly to THC, inducing slight euphoria, giving us the buzz we feel when we consume it. Both alcohol and THC can have side effects, but, like most things consumed in moderation, both substances have a pleasant effect on our bodies. I spoke to one of our local purveyors, Mitch Ancona, to get his spin on THC drink popularity and whether people are choosing to drop alcohol for them. Mitch has been stocking them in his liquor stores since they became available, when they were largely unregulated, and continues to stock them now that our state has put more rules in place. He has seen a general downward trend in alcohol consumption, but doesn’t think that THC- and CBDinfused drinks will fill that gap. He doesn’t believe one can replicate the feeling you get with a few alcoholic drinks, live music, great food, in a wonderful place. “I think it adds a certain level of something, of energy,” he says. Mitch recommends if you don’t already dabble in THC generally, take it slowly and work out your personal reaction “It’s right to treat it as alcohol, as I have done, since they appeared on the market,” he says. Maybe your dry January needs a little pick-me-up, and perhaps a THC-infused drink is it!
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Culinary Chemist
DRINK IMAGE -PHOTOGRAPHY BY RIMMA_BONDARENKO - BEE IMAGE - PHOTOGRAPHY BY HAPPYWHALE
z by Johanna Dodd
January/February 2026 • www.068magazine.com • 53
Shout Out
Taking the Show
Road on the
S
ince opening the doors of D. Colabella Fine Art at 446 Main Street in 2021, Dee Dee Colabella has been on a mission: to elevate the voices of emerging and midcareer artists and bring their work directly to collectors across the country. After four dynamic years of exhibitions, community engagement, and artistic growth, the brick-and-mortar gallery will officially close its Ridgefield location this winter—marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. “The goal was never just to hang art on walls,” says Founder and Curator Dee Dee Colabella. “It was to move the needle forward for artists—to take their work beyond the gallery and into spaces where it can spark conversation, connection, and collection.” The next chapter includes the launch of a mobile gallery—a fully transportable exhibition space that will bring curated collections of work directly to collectors. This innovative approach enables D. Colabella Fine Art to meet collectors where they are, creating immersive art experiences in unexpected locations while providing artists with the visibility they deserve. Currently in the D. Colabella Gallery is the final show, Color Intensive, which runs through January 11th. After that is the Scottsdale Art Week and the Meacum Auctions in Glendale, Arizona, which will be the inaugural use of the mobile gallery. Colabella adds, “I’m endlessly grateful to the Ridgefield community, to the collectors who have supported us, and to everyone who walked through our gallery doors. You helped us grow to this point. You believed in the artists and in our mission. Now, we invite you to follow us on our social channels and on Artsy.net to stay up to date with our latest shows and new works.” While the physical gallery at 446 Main Street closes, viewing appointments are still available at the RPAC Art Center located at 410 Main Street in Ridgefield, where select works from the D. Colabella roster can be viewed upon request.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WARK
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Marks 25 Years of Saving Animals
I
n 2025, Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue (ROAR) celebrated its 25th anniversary. Founded in 2000 by volunteers who walked and found homes for unclaimed dogs at the town’s Canine Shelter, ROAR opened the Donofrio Family Animal Shelter in March 2005. Since then, the nonprofit has saved nearly 6,000 cats and dogs. This milestone year highlighted ROAR’s mission through some remarkable rescues. Six senior cats surrendered locally were adopted within a month. ROAR rescued two dogs and treated them for life‑threatening heartworm disease before they were adopted. Local cat Grumblina was rescued and gave birth to five kittens in foster care. ROAR rescued
two puppies from Puerto Rico and, soon after, their mother, Aradia, was also adopted. As well, ROAR’s 48 certified Therapy Dog Teams brought comfort to schools, elder care facilities, and hospitals. “Thanks to our donors and dedicated volunteers, ROAR rescued and cared for about 250 cats and dogs in 2025 and provided veterinary care for spay/ neuter surgeries, vaccines, microchips, and lifesaving treatments,” said Kate Zalucky, shelter director at ROAR. “Every rescue and adoption represents a life saved and a family created.” For more information, visit www.roarridgefield.org.
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Shout Out
Readers’ Choice Awards Voting Begins on January 2nd!
I
HOW IT WORKS n Voting begins on January 2nd and closes at midnight on February 14th. n You can vote one time per day during this period at inRidgefield.com/vote
t’s time to celebrate the places you love most! We’re thrilled to team up with our friends at inRidgefield.com for the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards—your chance to cheer on the amazing local businesses that make Ridgefield and our 068 neighbors such a wonderful place to live and visit.
n You can vote for any businesses and organizations in Ridgefield, Wilton, and Redding.
Voting opens January 2, 2026 at inRidgefield.com/vote. From your go-to restaurants and cozy coffee spots to favorite boutiques, cultural gems, wellness havens, and fun family activities, this is your moment to highlight the very best of our community. Let’s show some love and make this year’s Readers’ Choice truly special!
n For each vote submission, voters will be entered to win a $250 gift card for local businesses. (You must vote in at least 5 categories to enter to win a gift card.)
“This isn’t just a contest—it’s a way for us to connect, lift up the businesses and organizations we admire, and celebrate the spirit that makes our towns unique.” – Julia Nable, Editor-in-Chief, inRidgefield.com
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n You can vote on as many or as few categories as you’d like.
STAY TUNED! Follow along at inRidgefield.com and @ inRidgefield on Instagram to be the first to know about voting and when the awards are announced. Businesses will receive their voting packets in December.
Is That a Thing?
by Joey Macari
The Line-Dancing Comeback
G
rab your boots and get ready to two-step—line dancing is having a moment. Line dancing, that synchronized shuffle of smiles and stomps, has swung back into the spotlight, proving that you don’t need a cowboy hat or a honky-tonk to join in. For the uninitiated, line dancing is a choreographed group dance where everyone performs the same steps in unison, typically facing the same direction (and yes, often to country music). Think of it as the original social media challenge—coordinated, contagious, and designed to bring people together. Though it gained mainstream traction in the 1970s and 80s with hits like the “Electric Slide” and Garth Brooks’s “Friends in Low Places,” line dancing’s roots stretch back much further, blending European folk traditions with American country flair. Local towns are stepping right into the movement. At Pivot Dance Club in Ridgefield, what began as a few community requests quickly turned into one of the summer’s biggest surprises. “We actually had several community members request line dancing, and while it’s not at the core of what we do, we were more than happy to bring it to Pivot and join in on the fun!” says owner Tonja Dias. “It was such a hit that we’ve decided to bring it back for more,” says Dias. The dance floor at Pivot looks less like a Wild West saloon and more like a community mixer. “We’ve had participants of all ages—from pre-teens to seniors,” says Tonja. So, what’s fueling this modern-day line dance revival? Tonja credits social media: “Line dancing has
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become a viral sensation. TikTok and Instagram have played a huge role, turning simple dance patterns into sharable trends. It’s social, approachable, and fun, which is exactly what makes it so contagious.” Elicit Brewing Company, which opened a Danbury location last summer, offers line dancing every Thursday night. There are plenty of regulars who attend, but first-time-in-the-saddle people are welcome as well. The evening usually includes one instructional dance to help newbies learn some of the steps. Jason Corres, who’s become a regular says, “The most appealing part is the various genres of music you can dance to and amount of creativity that comes with adding your own twist.” Another Elicit customer, Lacy Salmon adds, “My whole family participates. Anyone can do it at any age. It keeps you active, lets you be social, and has brought two generations of our family together - all while meeting new people,” says Lacy. Molly’s Pub and Restaurant, also in Danbury, has kept the tradition alive for fifteen years. Line dancing nights, held Tuesdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., have become as much a fixture as the Guinness on tap. “It creates a fun and energetic atmosphere,” says Tatiana Riney. “Even those who don’t participate in the dancing enjoy watching the guests. It’s more about country boots than just pints in hand.” And maybe that’s the magic. Whether you’re kicking up dust at Pivot or stepping to the beat around local bars, this local rediscovery of line dancing proves one thing: joy really does move in lines.
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIKA KOHN PREMIER ENTERTAINMENT
Is That a Thing? January/February 2026 • www.068magazine.com • 59
Things To Do 60 • 068 MAGAZINE • January/February 2026
Welcome
by Carin L. Weisman
Rachel Gedymin Design opened in the fall of 2025 and functions as a store and a location for interior design services.
Rachel Gedymin
Design Studio + Shop
R
idgefield’s Bailey Avenue has a bold new splash of color — literally. Step into Rachel Gedymin Design, the deep teal-fronted interior design studio and shop that’s bringing a fresh, artistic energy to downtown Ridgefield. Opened last fall, the space reflects owner and designer Rachel Gedymin’s love of color, texture, and storytelling through interiors. Before designing homes, Gedymin was a professional actor — a career that taught her about expression and emotion, qualities that now shape her approach to interiors. “When I moved to Connecticut, I got my real estate license,” she says. “I loved houses but didn’t enjoy the transactional side. I jumped at opportunities to help my clients decorate, and that’s what led me here.” For several years, Gedymin worked with clients from her home studio in Danbury. Opening her own retail space was always a dream — and when she spotted the available storefront on Bailey Avenue, she knew it was time. “It just felt right. I’ve always loved Bailey Avenue; it’s the cutest little side street,” she says. “When I saw the space, I knew it was the right move.” Painted in Narragansett Green (a Benjamin Moore hue that’s really more blue than green), the shop stands out — as it was meant to. Inside, you’ll find soft furnishings like pillows and lampshades, framed art by local artists, ceramics, vintage plates, and design books that invite browsing and inspiration. “Everything in here is special,” Gedymin says. “I love every item I carry.”
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Her business blends two creative worlds: full-service interior design and a carefully curated retail experience. “The shop and the design studio are symbiotic,” she explains. “Some people come in just to find a pillow or gift, while others want help creating an entire room or home. It all works together.” Gedymin describes her design aesthetic as “warm, textured, artistic, and collected.” She’s known for her ability to blend color, textiles, and periods to create spaces that feel personal and livedin — never overly polished. “The people who hire me want permission to be brave,” she says. “They want their homes to be comfortable, and also to reflect who they are.” And for those who think they don’t have an eye for design (like this writer!), Gedymin insists otherwise. “Everyone has taste,” she says. “But not everyone knows how to identify it.” She helps clients discover what they’re drawn to by showing them a wide range of ideas — from design books and magazines to in-store items they can touch and feel — and guiding them past the sameness of social media and algorithm-driven feeds. “Taste expands with exposure,” she says. “Sometimes you have to see something a few times before you realize you love it.” At Rachel Gedymin Design, the experience is as much about discovery as it is about decor. “I want people to know there’s an alternative for treasure hunting in the 068 beyond HomeGoods and thrifting,” she says. “It’s a place to find beautiful, thoughtfully chosen things.” Rachel Gedymin Design / 5 Bailey Ave. Ridgefield / IG: @rahelgedymindesign / rachelgedymindesign.com / 203-408-2224
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One More Thing | Powered By Fairfield County Bank
David Licata D
avid Licata is a multi-disciplinary artist, best known for his glass wall sculptures. Based in Somers, NY, his explorations in glass also include wearable chain mail and interactive nature-based sculptures. His intricate torchworked glass artwork has been exhibited widely, including at Sculptural Objects Art and Design (SOFA), Chicago and New York, Glass Weekend, Talente 09, and at the Glass Art Society’s fashion show, Venice, Italy. Licata currently shows his pieces with Holly Hunt design in their NYC, Miami, Boston, and Dallas locations and works regularly with designers to create custom works for clients’ homes. Upcoming exhibits: Four of Licata’s chain mail works will be featured in a group show at the Dorsky Museum of Art in New Paltz, NY, opening Feb 7th. Show dates are February 7th - April 9th Licata is also working on two wearable glass chainmail pieces for Laura Donefer’s glass fashion show at the Glass Art Society Conference at Corning, NY, on June 6th. •
you can now vote for who to highlight for One More Thing: Go to 068magazine.com/voteforonemorething link and fill out the form to recommend a person you would like to see highlighted who is exceptional in the arts. You can vote for any category of artist and then list the name of the artist or work of art. If you are an artist, please use the HIGHLIGHT MY ART graphic which can be downloaded to campaign for votes. The artist with the most votes in February will be spotlighted in the March/April issue. Thank you for supporting the arts in Fairfield County.
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