068 Magazine_May/June 2024

Narcan Ridgefield couple hands out free kits

Rodier Flowers Growing into a new space on Main Street Vineyard View Aquila’s Nest, a beautiful spot to enjoy a glass

Noted

by Melissa Kraus

Spring has sprung! Mother nature is slowly working her magic. Sunny days and warmer temperatures ahead mean more time spent outdoors. If you happen to spend any of that outdoor time on Main Street starting in early June, you’re in for a wonderful surprise. The KICKS Public Art Event is coming to town! For this year’s big event ArtFul has joined forces with The Ridgefield Running Company and soon Main Street and beyond will be adorned with decorated fiberglass sneakers ranging in size from 1 ½ feet to a towering 6 ½ feet! I’ve been on the board of directors for ArtFul for five years now and it has truly become one of my biggest passions. Art is such a beautiful way to express one’s feelings, motivations, and energies that are brought to life whether it be on paper, canvas, photographs, or sculptured SNEAKERS!!

We are grateful to all the local businesses who have sponsored the various-sized sneakers. We are also beyond appreciative for the artists who will have this blank canvas to portray their creative styles, making them come alive with lots of color, fun, and unique images. 068 Magazine will have a 6 1/2 ft Sneaker at the Run Like A Mother Event in Ballard Park on Mothers Day and they are inviting the community to help put their mark on this work of art! ArtFul would also like to thank all the volunteers who are working hard to make sure this event is a success.

So, as you take a stroll down Main Street in the coming months, enjoy the weather and the abundant creativity of the KICKS Public Art Event.

Melissa Kraus Board Member, ArtFul Visual Arts Initiative

Dee Dee Colabella Owner dcolabella@rpacartcenter.com

Greg Mursko Publisher publisher@068magazine.com

Dylan Miller Chief Operating Officer dmiller@rpacartcenter.com

Julia Bruce Editor-In-Chief editor@068magazine.com

Contributing Writers

Johanna Dodd, Roger Garbow, Sarah Galluzzo, Carin L. Weisman, and Lisa Cambridge-Mitchell

Contributing Photographers

Dylan Miller, Roger Garbow, New Light Creative Services, Jay Graygor, and Mike Lewis

Advertising Sales

David Gursky | 914.646.9141 sales@068magazine.com

Erica Shillingford | 914.844.5602 eshillingford@068magazine.com

This Issue’s Feature Writers

Kate Perry

Kate Perry lives on her farm in Redding with her husband and horses, poultry, and dogs. She is an avid supporter of regenerative agriculture, which centers around responsibly raised livestock to improve soil quality and biodiversity, reduce erosion and invasive plants, and reverse climate change. She was eager to write about New Pond Farm because, in addition to their wonderful educational offerings, they also use regenerative practices. You can find Kate’s story on page #14.

Nancy Reckler

Nancy Reckler, who began her career at the Washington Post, now resides in Westport with her husband and four children. With the cursor blinking and her fingers drumming Nancy can often be found in the imaginary world of her middle-grade novel. Nancy’s work has appeared in several literary journals and was recently featured in Memoir Magazine. On page #18, she shares insight into the creative process of local 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. When he’s not writing, he teaches in WCSU’s MFA in Creative and Professional Writing Program. Erik reports on Aquila’s Nest Vineyard on page #26.

Gerri Lewis

Gerri Lewis is a freelance writer who spent the early years of her career as feature writer and colunmist. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest and various airline publications. Her accolades include feature writing awards from the New England Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. Most recently, Gerri published The Last Word, a cozy mystery set in Ridgefield, CT. On page #40, Gerri speaks with Ridgefield home owners selling their home and shines a light on home financing.

Old Redding by Kate Perry

A Short History of New Pond Farm Education Center

In 1956 renowned stage, television, and movie actress Carmen Mathews purchased a 102-acre property on Marchant Road in Redding, CT. She was looking for a weekend retreat from her life in New York City, and while her realtor tried to steer her closer to the coast, he happened to show her Redding during one of their drives. Mathews fell in love with the green hills and rural beauty of what is now New Pond Farm Education Center and sent money first thing the next morning, despite her agent’s plea to pick a location more “suitable” for a single woman.

“When Carmen first saw the property, now known as New Pond Farm, she was struck by the untouched fields,” said Mary Anne Guitar, a dear friend of Mathews and founder of the Redding Land Trust. “Determined to buy the place of her dreams, against advice from agents and others, Carmen took title in 1956. Down through the years she kept that view open and unscarred just as we, too, have come to know and love it.”

For many years Mathews’ property was a bucolic retreat for her and her many visiting friends. In the 1970s, however, she became inspired to connect with city youth and share the wonders of farm life, and began hashing out ideas with trusted friends in town. Guitar was one of those who advised Mathews on her plans, and later said, “She wanted others to see what she saw and to that end she opened

her private world to the children of New York City and beyond.” Mathews’ first tasks were creating a bunkhouse out of her turkey coop, hiring local teachers as camp counselors, and inviting city kids to stay at the farm.

For nearly a decade, Mathews hosted city and local youth for several days each year, but she soon wanted to grow into a yearround environmental education center. John Ripley Forbes, a conservationist and educator, guided her in the expansion, and the new organization was first established under the umbrella of Forbes’ Natural Science for Youth Foundation before becoming a nonprofit organization in its own right. In those early years, Mathews continued to offer hands-on experiences for children, including nature walks, swimming, and tennis, and worked to increase educational offerings.

In 1987, amidst the expansion, Mathews hired Ann Taylor as the center’s Executive Director. After more than a decade as Connecticut Audubon Society’s Senior Naturalist and Director of Education, Taylor quickly became another central driving force who has shaped New Pond Farm’s legacy ever since. She saw the significance of the organization and its place in the community — and how special and dynamic Mathews was. “Carmen was so kind and creative,” says Taylor. “She was hands-on and helped to shape every aspect of the farm. She had such a positive impact on the children she welcomed

Left, children visit New Pond Farm’s wigwam and longhouse and learn about the Woodland Indians that once inhabited this area. Above top, Carmen Mathews, shown here with costar Harry Morgan, was a celebrated actress whose resumé included a stint on MASH. Above bottom, Carmen working the land.

Old Redding

here.” The two worked closely together to create a long-term vision and carved out additional spaces and programs to ensure visitors would continue learning in all corners of the property for decades to come.

In 1995, just months before her death, Mathews gifted a conservation easement on 100 acres of her property to the Redding Land Trust, which ensured the land would be protected in perpetuity. “New Pond

Farm Education Center owns the property, and will continue its programs, and the open space, which gives New Pond its rural character, will remain intact thanks to the easement,” said land trust founder Mary Anne Guitar at the time of the gift. “When young people come to the farm, they will be exposed to more than the wonders of nature. They will learn about Carmen who wanted to do something for Redding and did it in a big way.”

One more strong woman significantly shaped New Pond Farm: Sally Trippe, Mathews’ partner and a fellow Reddingite. Trippe was instrumental in the center’s founding, fundraising, and growth and later served as board president. As Ann Taylor shared in her speech when Trippe stepped down from her board role, “Many of us know — and many more should know — how much Sally’s vision and persistent encouragement enabled Carmen to make the gifts we are all so grateful for today.” Taylor shared that Trippe had a “great respect for Native Americans and their lifeways, which inspired her to create a significant Native American fund. This allowed the Education Center to acquire a vast array of ‘living artifacts’ and to create an

encampment with a wigwam and longhouse to give thousands of students a hands-on appreciation for how Native Americans lived off the land.” Trippe also played an important role in the creation of the farm’s spacious learning center before passing away in 2006.

Today, Ann Taylor continues to lead and oversee New Pond Farm, protecting the land, the farm, and the organization’s environmental mission. Through the years, the organization has grown in many valuable ways. The talented staff members continue to focus on five main program areas: environmental education, agriculture, science, local history, and the arts. Each year, they host field trips with over 5,000 students from across Fairfield County, and they offer year-round outdoor programming for students of all ages. In the summertime there are a wide variety of popular programs for area youngsters in addition to a four-week program for children from the Danbury schools. New Pond raises scholarship funds throughout the year to make the Danbury programs possible in keeping with Carmen’s vision. Each year the farm holds fundraising events like the Harvest Dinner, play readings, and a biennial Art Show, and this June they will be co-hosting their “For Love of Gardening” garden tour with the Redding Garden Club.

Members can also participate in farm chores, pancake breakfasts, and an annual Easter egg hunt. Farmer Mike manages the barn full of sheep and lambs, numerous chickens, and cows which produce the farm’s famous milk and yogurt. The property is also a biodiverse haven for wildlife and pollinators, with rotationally grazed pastures, well-maintained woodlands, a wildflower meadow, and a scrub and shrub area.

“Small and beautiful” was Carmen Mathews’ oft-repeated maxim for New Pond Farm Education Center, and the farm’s mission is “On every acre, in all we do, we plant seeds for a lifetime of active engagement with the natural world.” To that end, support from the community allows this vibrant nonprofit organization to continue Mathews’ vision for the invaluable work of educating youth and adults alike. •

Above, Executive Director Ann Taylor has guided New Pond Farm Education Center since being hired by Carmen Mathews in 1987.

The farm has a wide variety of educational opportunities, including learning about pollinators and beekeeping.

Art

by Nancy Reckler

Written The Art of the

Word

Ablank page. The cursor blinks, the clock ticks, fingers drum on the keyboard or tap a good ol’ pencil. Thoughts wander to snack time, bedtime, and perhaps even laundry time. Think. Think! The writer’s quest for the perfect words can continue for hours and hours.

Writer’s block - we’ve all been there.

Yet, the world brims with writing: TV shows, novels, songs, Broadway performances, and stand-up comedy routines— all are born from the minds of creators who likely

Art In The Spotlight

pulled out a hair or two in the process.

How do some local writers confront the blank page and bring their stories to life?

Carol Dannhauser, an award-winning journalist and writing professor, shares her advice. “Writers need to immerse themselves in the process and forget the fear of rejection,” she says. Dannhauser is the co-founder of the Fairfield County Writers’ Studio and Fairfield County Story Lab, conveniently located in downtown Fairfield, and has been supporting and teaching writers for years.

Nietzsche once said, “A good writer possesses not only his own spirit, but also the spirit of his friends.” Dannhauser agrees - she believes that while writing is solitary, it doesn’t have to be lonely. On any day at The Lab, there is a diverse mix of genre writers, such as novelists, children’s authors,

and memoirists. Some write in the solitude of private rooms designed for quiet work while others choose group seating arranged like a cozy living room for collaborative brainstorming.

“There is a beehive mentality, the buzz of the newsroom that I’ve always missed,” Dannhauser says. “It is a space where writers can get feedback if they want and then go face the wall to work if they prefer.”

The Lab’s membership extends beyond the writing space. It includes events and workshops such as Write-Ins, First Page Fridays, Memoir Wednesdays and Just Hit Send, a session which encourage writers to pursue publication. Dannhauser celebrates every writer’s achievement, big or small.

Alison Morretta has written an armload of nonfiction books and is now focusing on fiction writing. She can be seen most

mornings at the Lab working on her novel or a short story to escape distractions at home. Morretta’s trick to keeping the words flowing is to juggle one or two projects. “It may slow down the process, but it’s less frustrating when I get stuck,” she explains. “Then I can return to my work with fresh eyes.”

Morretta appreciates that the Lab has a good creative vibe with a balance of dedicated writers to bounce ideas. “People are excited to talk about your work, but there is respect for quiet,” she says.

Sharing space with the Lab is the

Saying Goodbye

My mom stands on the porch, as always, and waves goodbye when we drive away, her hand stretched up, swaying high above her head.

From the rearview mirror, I watch her small house getting smaller, and I toot the car horn twice when we turn left onto the road home.

She likes to clear the table she set for us, a summer feast on her blue-rimmed dishes.

Sliced tomatoes soaked in vinegar, with crusty bread for dunking, roasted corn rolled in butter, and extra napkins for my kids.

She lathers each dish with a soapy sponge, savoring the last August days.

—Nancy Reckler

Fairfield County Writers’ Studio. The Studio offers in-person and online classes for both seasoned and beginners looking to refine their skills. These classes cover various genres, including craft writing, memoirs, fantasy, sci-fi, children’s literature, and a newly introduced class on short film scripts.

In Dannhauser’s popular craft class, she encourages her students to dig deep, find their unique voice, and create compelling stories. “Nobody is going to write Stephen King better than him or Toni Morrison better than Toni. Everyone has their own thing. You fail a lot in writing, but you need to keep trying in order to get better,” says Dannhauser.

Are you a plotter or a “pantser,” Dannhauser may ask. Do you plan out your story or fly by the seat of your pants?

Whatever the approach, each writer in class has time to share their work and receive gentle and honest feedback. But writers beware, Dannhauser will madly and intentionally slash all unnecessary adverbs!

“If your verb is strong enough, you shouldn’t need an adverb,” she says.

Gaby Pirro is a new Lab member and student in the craft class. She is a chemical engineer by profession and recently turned to writing. “This is back to learning for me. I’m here putting in the effort and Carol has been essential to me,” Pirro says.

On a recent afternoon at the Lab, Pirro bravely read an excerpt from her memoir. The room was silent as several writers

listened teary-eyed. “I want to honor my life’s story and it needs to be told,” she says.

Lots of people have a story to tellsometimes it takes lots of people to help you tell it. For more information about Fairfield County Story Lab or Fairfield County Writers’ Studio, please call 203-374-8343 or visit fcstorylab.com and fcwritersstudio.com

“Saying Goodbye,” a homework assignment from Craft class, was later published on 101words.org. •

by Johanna Dodd

Difference! Taste the

Seasoning and Fresh Ingredients Make the Meal

Food contains many taste chemicals, from the simplest, like sodium chloride, also known as table salt, to the most complex, like truffle fungi which can contain up to sixty different volatile flavor molecules such as dimethyl sulphide and 2-methylbutanal.

Taste starts on the tongue, via the taste buds, which are replaced every two weeks or

so. We all have approximately 5,000-10,000 taste buds, decreasing with age which is why foods taste stronger when you’re younger. Contrary to popular belief, it is not strictly true that there are ‘regions of the tongue’ where you sense salty, sweet, savory (umami), and bitter tastes. You have taste buds for all of those things all over your tongue, you just may have more in certain areas

than others.

There is an interesting part of taste called somatosensation, essentially how the texture of a food affects how you perceive its taste. This is fairly dependent on your personal preference; hence someone might prefer al dente pasta to well-cooked.

The nose is the final key for taste. When you chew, you release volatile chemicals that your taste buds aren’t able to

pick up but olfactory sensors can, so you only get the most fully rounded idea of taste when you can smell well!

Our perception of flavor is then enhanced by certain chemicals. Salt is the most obvious one of these. It is the sodium (Na+) component that dictates just how salty something seems but the chloride (Cl-) part seems to enhance this perception. When

sodium is combined with different bigger chemical groups such as glutamate, nitrite or bicarbonate, the saltiness declines. Salt reduces the ability of water in the food to prevent volatile flavor molecules from hitting the olfactory sensors, so when food is unsalted, it often seems less flavorful. Salting food lightly at the beginning of the cooking process means the saltiness will be carried

throughout the food, rather than sitting on the outside if it is added at the end.

When a chef makes pasta, they invariably add salt at the beginning of cooking because, as Massimo Carro, chef owner of Posa, believes, one has to let individual flavors shine in food. In order to maximize the flavor of each individual ingredient, he needs a light hand with all flavor enhancers such as salt,

and limits his dishes to as few elements in the food as possible, to prevent the confusion of the palate. He keeps his Almalfi coast menu very simple, with few items in a dish. “If you have a really good product, you don’t need to have very many things in it. We have on the menu right now a homemade pasta with porcini mushrooms. So, I don’t really add anything, no butter, just extra virgin olive oil,

because, at the end of the day, you have to taste the porcini,” says Massimo.

Posa’s ingredients are mostly imported directly from Italy, many from small growers and manufacturers in his home region, and Massimo left me with this zinger, ‘You can be the best chef in the world but, if you have bad ingredients, you will have bad food!’ I could not agree more! •

by Erik Ofgang

Experience European Wine at Aquila’s Nest

When Neviana Zhgaba, who owns Aquila’s Nest Vineyards in Newtown with her husband Ardian Llomi, was first contacted for this story, she couldn’t talk because she was touring Spain’s oldest winery.

Every year Zhgaba and Llomi go on a wine trip to Europe looking for inspiration for their Connecticut winery and because, well, they just love wine. Both hail from Albania and were raised in a Mediterranean culture steeped in the fruit of the vine.

“You grow up looking at your parents, your neighbors, your friends’ families, harvesting grapes and making their own wine,” says Zhgaba. Families would then make grappa, a distilled spirit made from leftover juice produced during the winemaking process. She adds each harvest is “a fun time, especially if you’re in the villages of Albania.”

This European wine-making spirit is something Zhgaba and Llomi have brought to Connecticut with Aquila’s Nest, an enchanting vineyard featuring wines served with sweeping views of rolling hills, sunsets, and the night sky.

“We wanted to have a European-inspired winery with modern vibes and a focus on sustainability and the experience of tasting wine,” Zhgaba says.

Aquila’s Nest Vineyard in Newtown offers a variety of ways to enjoy their wine. Outdoor seating options include pergolas, igloos, and fire pits. Wine flights, paired with a popular choice, provide a sampling of wines.

At the winery, you’ll find wine flights served alongside sustainably sourced crackers, nuts, and chocolates. Visitors can also order cheese boxes and boxes of vegetables and hummus. For those looking for heartier fare, rotating food trucks are generally on-site.

In keeping with European traditions, the emphasis is on drier wines. For instance, the Queen of Illyria Red Blend is a full-bodied dry wine made from Syrah and Malbec grapes and is one of the vineyard’s flagships. For those looking for something a little sweeter, there are also plenty of options including the vineyard’s semi-sweet rosé, which has notes of raspberries. The Siren Moscato is another favorite. Aquila’s also offers slushies and sangria.

Despite their lifelong love of wine, Zhgaba and Llomi had never envisioned

opening a winery. They met at Fairfield University and both forged successful careers in other fields: Zhgaba in data and analytics consulting and Llomi as a mechanical engineer. They enjoyed visiting various Connecticut wineries, but fermenting grapes themselves still didn’t seem to be in their future. Then they bought a piece of property in Newtown to build a home on.

“We wanted a house for our family because we just had our second son,” Zhgaba says. “My husband grew up in the countryside of Albania so he wanted to find a plot, maybe plant some trees and have a little farm. Then we found this 40-acre property Newtown.”

They first visited the property in the fall and the Connecticut’s foliage was in full effect. “The views were stunning. The sunset was amazing, and we just fell in love with it,” Zhgaba recalls. They decided they needed to share the property with others.

The vineyard opened during the pandemic on Halloween weekend in 2020. Despite the restrictions at that time, it quickly became popular.

“We created this patio area with various experiences like fire pits and igloos, a romantic pergola and then a private fireplace space,” she says. Whether you go in the warmer months or when it’s chillier, these spaces continue to be a highlight of the experience and along with sculptures and other unique design touches, they help the vineyard cast its spell. As does the live music that is featured Thursday through Sunday in the spring through fall.

Despite their love for and connection with traditional European wine methods, Zhgaba and Llomi are also dedicated to running a modern business. The vineyard was named one of the top 70 small businesses in the U.S. by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce last year and is committed to supporting sustainable vineyard practices.

“We’ve been climate-neutral certified the past two years,” Zhgaba says. “We measure our carbon footprint and offset it in various ways,” she says. “It is important to us.” •

Aquila’s Nest comes from the constellation named for the mythical eagle that carried Zeus’ thunderbolts - eagles often fly over the property. Their logo is the constellation combined with an image of a glass of wine.

by Julia Bruce

Illustration by Stephanie Dee

Ridgefield Couple Distributes Free Narcan Kits

These days, the current opioid crisis is a frequent topic in the news. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, nearly 80,000 people in the US died from an opioidinvolved overdose in 2021. It would be easy to assume that statistic has no bearing on residents of the 068, but according to Chief Jerry Myers of the Ridgefield Fire Department, there were 11 emergency calls involving overdoses in town last year. “While that might not seem like a high number,” says Chief Myers, “even one is too many.”

An opioid overdose can be reversed by administering Naloxone, also known as Narcan, which works by blocking any opioid, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioids from getting to the brain and by restoring normal respiration. “The clock is running in these emergency situations,” says Chief Myers. “In order for naloxone to work, the person must still be breathing.” Studies have shown that in majority of deaths due to overdose, someone else was present. If these bystanders had Narcan at their disposal, these deaths may have been prevented.

Once only available by prescription, over-the-counter Narcan was approved in 2023. However, the stigma surrounding drug use and overdose often prevents people from purchasing the kits. Ridgefield residents Bob and Lessley Burke, are hoping to change this by helping more people have access to this life saving drug.

“We wanted to do our part to normalize the conversation around drug use and addiction and do something to make a difference in our own community. We decided this was a something we could do,” says Bob.

The couple purchased 1,000 Narcan kits from the manufacturer and have been distributing them at The Meetinghouse, a new community organization in Ridgebury, free of charge, to groups and residents of the area. “A fair amount of the people who have picked up kits know somebody or know of somebody with some sort of overdose situation,” says Bob. “A good percentage of them have kids in high school or college.”

A lot of overdoses are not necessarily connected to hardcore drug addiction, but rather the result of recreational drug use, which is prevalent even in our area. Disturbingly, drugs that are purchased off-market, such as Xanax, are sometimes being laced with fentanyl. So, an individual may think they’re taking one drug, but the unintentional results can be deadly.

The “not my kid” belief also persists, but the reality is, these things do and can happen. Kids don’t always make the best choices and sometimes it isn’t even a choice if the drug is slipped into something they’re drinking.

“Even if you think your child would never do drugs, it could be a oneoff. Someone might be at a party and say, ‘why don’t you try this with me?’ - and if that pill is laced with fentanyl, your child could potentially die,” says Lessley. Both Lessley and Bob encourage parents to initiate conversations about drug use, its dangers, and the availability of Narcan, with their children.

In case of an emergency - be prepared

The kits have a shelf life of two and a half years and retail for about $40 and contain two doses, which are administered nasally. At their distribution events, the Burkes have had an EMT on site to answer questions while they are handing out the kits, which come with instructions. “You can’t misuse Narcan,” says Lessley. “The symptoms of an opioid overdose can be similar to other things - it could be something else - but if you were to administer Narcan not during an opioid overdose, you can’t harm the person.”

In general, the response in the community has been overwhelmingly positive. While some people might worry that distributing these kits opens the door to drug use, the hard truth is, people, including kids, are going to be using drugs. “There’s a realization that this is an issue that affects everyone. The way I view it is this – it’s about safety. I’m not a pyromaniac, but I have a fire extinguisher in my house. Hopefully I never need it, but one day I might have a kitchen fire and it’s good to be prepared,” says Bob.

Free Narcan kits are available at The Meetinghouse as well as at Bissell Pharmacy while supplies last. For more information, you can reach out Robert Burke at rburke@ridgeburytankers.com or Meetinghouse at https:// meetinghouse.life

If you or someone you love needs help with addiction, you can call Narcotics Anonymous at 1-800-627-3543. •

Narcan is now availble over-the-counter, but the stigma around drug addiction still keeps people from buying it. Ridgefielders Bob and Lessley Burke are giving away free kits so more people have this life-saving drug in their home.

Well into triple digit speeds, the 730 horsepower, twin-turbo, Mercedes V12 engine behind my head was just hitting its stride. Even for the most jaded of auto journalists, this would be a memorable day. I was one of the first automotive writers in North America to sample the new Pagani Huayra hypercar…this one a multi-million dollar preproduction prototype. The Huayra is sexy and stunning in its bare carbon fiber bodywork, while gullwing doors lead to a fantasy-fueled interior of red leather and hand-polished aluminum.

I’m very fortunate in that I’ve been able to make a living working with cars for most of my life. From gas stations in high school, through car dealerships and custom limousine design in southern California post college, to founding my own automotive and motorsports marketing and PR firm, it’s been a heck of a ride. But the best gig, and the one that makes most folks jealous, is automotive writing. Or more specifically, test driving new cars. Yes, car manufacturers drop cars off in my driveway and toss me the keys.

I’ve been obsessed with vehicles as far back as I can remember, watching Formula 1 and endurance racing on Wide World of Sports and following rallying, drag racing and the Bonneville land speed record pursuit through the car magazines I excitedly pulled from the mailbox. My oldest brother took me to my first drag race when I was about eight, the same year I built a wooden go-kart. The gravity-powered kart was fast, but on

The author behind the wheel of a Pagani Huayra at New York’s Monticello Motor Club. The exotic hypercar features carbon fiber construction, moving exterior aero flaps, a 730 horsepower, twin-turbo Mercedes-AMG engine and gullwing doors. Photo by Andrew Link.

by Roger Garbow

my car enthusiasm never waned and led me to begin writing about cars more than two decades ago.

my first test ride down a steep hill near my house, I quickly realized the importance of brakes—which I neglected to install.

While I appreciated American cars—and I still swoon whenever I see a ’67 Corvette coupe—European cars were my passion. I vividly remember the first time I laid eyes on a Jaguar E-Type and the first British car I drove, a maroon ’72 TVR Vixen, which forever changed my perspective of handling. Over the years,

When auto manufacturers release a new or redesigned model, they need to get press on it. For the sporty and luxury vehicles, they’ll often stage an event at some exotic locale and fly-in journalists from the top news and automotive outlets. The accommodations, food and drink are often over the top, in hopes that the reviews will be glowing, even if the vehicle falls short. While I have been a lucky recipient of those trips in the past, these days, us second tier auto writers have to wait for the vehicles to hit the press

fleets. There are two main operations who handle the majority of manufacturers in the tri-state area. If there is a new vehicle I’m excited about testing, I’ll reach out to get on the list. Other times, PR folks will contact me to see if I can get them some press on a vehicle they want to promote. While the Lamborghini and Ferrari folks never call, I’ve been given countless Porsches, a few Bentleys and even a Rolls-Royce! I still think the massive Rolls Phantom had my neighbors wondering if I had joined a drug cartel.

As far as reviews go, there are really no more bad cars. So, I focus on the details that the carmakers get right or

For a weekend trip up to the lovely Mohonk Mountain House, the 2024 Audi S7 was the ideal ride. The combination of comfort and performance, along with a spacious cargo area under the liftgate, hit all the right notes.

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio (in its native habitat), is one of the few vehicles that drives as well as it looks. With 505 horsepower and a perfectly tuned chassis, the Giulia was magnifica on Northern Italy’s twisty roads.

wrong, often related to interior ergonomics, seat comfort, and the user interface.

One of the best perks is getting a press car when traveling. When my wife and I were in Italy in late 2022, the US Alfa Romeo team set us up with a Giulia Quadrifoglio. Not only is the Giulia my favorite driving sports sedan, it’s also drop dead gorgeous. Before heading up to Lake Como, we took it to the stunning Alfa Romeo Museum, just north of Milan.

For a recent trip to the inaugural ModaMiami luxury concours, the nice folks at Mercedes-Benz gave me a 2024 AMG GLA35. This spunky compact luxury crossover is the perfect size and with 302 horsepower, it excelled at zipping through Miami’s dense traffic. The optional sports seats are fantastic, resplendent in red and black with excellent support. The vehicle’s small size, adjustable performance modes, aggressive exhaust note, and responsive paddle shifters make the GLA35 more hot hatch than SUV, so it’s right in my wheelhouse. AMG GLA35 starts at

$56,450

With so many cars available, I try to get the right vehicle at the right time. My wife planned a weekend away at the lovely Mohonk Mountain House to celebrate my birthday. So I chose luxury, in the form of a 2024 Audi S7. The Audi S7 has a spacious interior and the sloping rear liftback reveals a huge 25 cubic foot luggage area. With a 444 horsepower twin-turbo V6, the luxury performance sedan delivers the perfect balance of sport and comfort. While I would prefer a tire with a bit more sidewall for the potholes, it’s hard to fault the overall package. The handling is crisp, the seats are comfortable, the controls are easy to navigate and the optional Bang & Olufsen® Advanced sound system filled the cabin with our favorite tunes. Audi S7 has a base price of $85,500

While I’m a car guy, I got excited when the new Toyota Tacoma pickup showed up. Toyota’s trucks are legendary for their longevity. Which might explain why it has

taken nearly 30 years for a complete redesign of this best-selling mid-size. The 2024 model is a vast improvement, especially in the interior. The 14” center touchscreen is easy to use with clear graphics while Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connect wirelessly. There are proper HVAC buttons and a real volume knob. Ride and handling are much better as well. My TRD Sport Double Cab was comfortable, affordable and with the 278 HP turbo 4, had decent power. Based on the Tacoma’s history, the 2024 will also last long past your last loan payment. Pricing starts at only $31,500

One question I get asked more than any other: what’s my favorite car? If the road is fun, and the company is interesting, the answer is: whatever car I’m driving. •

Left: The GLA35, AMG’s smallest performance SUV, looks perfect in white in front of the stately Biltmore Hotel. Below: The author checks out the mid-size 2024 Toyota Tacoma pickup…which is completely redesigned, and vastly improved both inside and out.

which is her favorite room in the High Ridge Avenue house she and her husband Michael began renovating ten years ago, the answer is the same as it has been from day one - the kitchen. What has changed, however, is how the family lives in their home and how that affects their next steps. “My husband does most of the cooking these days and there is nothing better than sitting in our kitchen banquette with the fireplace going or sitting on a stool unwinding at the end of a busy workday,” says Christine.

When the couple first rolled up their sleeves to update the Classic Georgian Colonial, their three children were twelve and under, all living at home, and easily filling the space. Their initial goal was to create an environment that suited their young family and could grow with them.

To lure the steady stream of kids to the pool area, already tucked to the back of the yard, they added a pool house with a kitchenette, hot tub and landscaping that offers a somewhat private place to hang out. A new basement gym became a great

by Gerri Lewis

Figuring Out Home Financing

If you are scratching your head over the myriad of home financing products, there is good reason. There is a lot out there and the best place to start is by asking a lot of questions.

“You should consider your goals and shop around for the mortgage product that makes the most sense for your situation,” recommends COMPASS broker Tyson Lewis, who serves clients in both Connecticut and New York.

For example, a 30-year fixed rate mortgage might not be as cost-effective as a seven to ten-year adjustable-rate mortgage if you think you’ll move again or pay off the loan in the near future. Some banks offer interest-only loans, which can be a great option for a buyer who wants to keep their monthly payments low in the short-term. “Banks are always competing with each other to attract buyers,” says Lewis. “Each bank has its own list of products and options, and they frequently add new programs in response to shifting market conditions.”

Lewis often recommends that buyers work with a reputable mortgage broker who can source a wide range of lenders to find the most favorable loan product. “All banks, even those you have a relationship with, want to sell you their product, but theirs is just one of many options.”

While interest rates are important, they are only one of the several critical terms to consider. Depending on the situation, the rate lock period may be crucial. What happens if you don’t close before the rate lock expires? Will your interest rate jump up? Can you extend your rate lock for a flat fee or a per diem fee? If you know you’re closing in 30 days, this may not be a concern, but if you or the seller needs a longer closing timeline, or if you are buying a property that hasn’t been built yet (spec or preconstruction), the length of your rate lock period can be very important.

Other tips include asking lenders if they offer a “float-down” option which allows a buyer to reduce their interest rate if rates drop between contractsigning and closing. Many lenders offer a version of this, but is there a cost for exercising the option? Lewis says this is particularly relevant right now because it is forecasted that interest rates could drop again in 2024.

“Take the time to come up with a list of questions to ask each mortgage banker or broker. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with lenders. Asking the right questions, doing your homework and knowing what is possible can avoid headaches and potentially save you a lot of money,” advises Lewis.

space for their son and friends to work out. The recreation/living area above the three-car garage worked well for pajama parties and overnight guests. The threeyear renovation, along with the ongoing tweaks, made it the perfect house for the family and all the entertaining they enjoy doing.

However, what was a good fit for a young family, doesn’t quite suit the Carnicelli’s changing lifestyle, especially as their son is an RHS senior and their twin daughters, already college grads are both working and pursuing master’s degrees. So, the family is parting ways with the house they have loved for so many years. Part of the reason is to downsize, but as a self-described amateur renovator, Christine is rubbing her hands together in glee as she anticipates their next step—a 1900’s carriage house with a sweeping front porch, a nice lot, a bedroom

A modern kitchen, above, and a pool table game room, left, were two improvements made to the house to appeal to owners with young families.

for each child to come home to and only a short walk to town.

“I guess you could say renovating is a hobby of mine,” says Christine, who co-owns the West Lane Inn with her partner Danille Petrie. In 2019, the two purchased the Inn, renovated during the COVID shutdown, and are constantly improving.

It will be fun to see what this energetic

entrepreneur does next, but in the meantime, the High Ridge house is listed with Karla Murtaugh Homes of COMPASS who says it is one of those iconic classics with stunning sunsets that people always ask about when they drive by.

As for the Carnicellis, saying goodbye is bittersweet. “It’s time to hand over the reins to a young family who can enjoy it like we did,” adds Christine. •

A pool house, complete with a kitchenette, provides a comfortable space for teens to hang out. The inground pool is an oasis for relaxing on summer afternoons.

Our Community Our Goals,

Dear 068’ers:

Ridgefield is a town with a rich cultural makeup. It is a hub of art and entertainment, unlike any other town in the state of Connecticut. It has a wealth of talent and fantastic people living within its 068 borders. We have tremendous cultural and economic diversity, working toward the same goal of community.

Community has played an important role in my journey to becoming the person I am today. I lived in an inner city in New York through the 4th grade. At school, there were 60 kids in my class and one teacher. I sat in the back based on alphabet. I felt that everyone had given up on my education. I literally learned nothing during the first four years of school.

My family then moved to Manhasset, Long Island. There, they actually paid attention to me in school. Manhasset Public School opened the door to me, and I did the hard work to walk through it. I graduated from Manhasset HS as the captain of the track team and at the top of my class and was accepted to Emory University.

I am here before you because of community. I am a pure product of the power of the Manhasset town community. I can tell you with certainty, Ridgefield and its surrounding towns are the real deal. To the young people of our town, I want to say that the person you are at the end of high school – your traits, your habits, your interests – are a result of the community you’re raised in and can stay with you, even as you evolve as an adult. With that understanding, I am so happy to begin sharing with you one of our incredible client families and their story. •

MEET NATASHA OLECHOWSKI

Ifirst visited Gift Med Spa and the talented Jiayao soon after moving to Ridgefield from New York with my husband, Camilo, and son, Oliver. It was one of the best facials I had ever had! I recommend Gift Med Spa to my family and friends when they come to visit us and are looking to treat themselves. I love the Signature facial and the Diamond Glow Facial, and love treating myself to Laser Genesis Facial as well. As I got to know Dr. Joe, I felt completely at ease to begin doing treatments with Botox, as well as use the Cool View Vascular Laser treatment for Rosacea.

Soon after moving to Connecticut, I started my own business - Inflate CT-NY –which provides modern and beautiful, highquality bouncy houses and balloons. I love seeing customer’s faces, or their children’s awe, when they see the bouncy house getting inflated - what an exciting business to be a part of - delivering fun, in a beautiful and pretty way!

What I’ve loved most about launching Inflate CT-NY and being part of the small business community is how incredibly generous and collaborative people have been. Several business owners shared some of their own entrepreneurial advice, and of course Dr. Sciarrino and The Gift Med Spa were among the many to reach out. They were also willing to collaborate with me for a styled shoot, which boosted my Instagram exposure right out of the gate!

Social Media’s Influence on the Music Scene

Comedian Hannah Berner has a huge following on Tik Tok.

Pinky Patel leveraged her YouTube status to find bookings.

by Julia Bruce

For over 20 years, the Ridgefield Playhouse has been committed to bringing high-quality entertainment to residents of the 068 area and beyond, offering over 200 live events a year, with shows ranging from classical music to comedy and everything in-between. Their online calendar is eagerly awaited by patrons - the most recent features well-known groups such as The Goo Goo Dolls, but also up-and-coming artists like Matteo Bocelli.

When it comes to booking artists and groups, Jared Shahid, Ridgefield Playhouse’s Executive Director of Programming, readily acknowledges how the process has evolved in recent years. The Playhouse’s inaugural season in December 2000, which consisted of only 12 scheduled performances, happened at a time when social media platforms were not as commonplace. MySpace, which launched in 2006, was one of the first platforms that opened the gates of connectivity in the music world. In the ensuing years, the emergence of YouTube, TikTok, and Reels have dramatically changed the way rising artists gain exposure, and consequently, how performing art centers like the Playhouse find and book acts. “TikTok – with its short form content – has had the most impact on hard ticket sales, converting fans from free media consumers to

paying ticket purchasers,” says Shahid.

A perfect example of the power of social media is comedian Pinky Patel, an Indian American PTA mom turned social media star, who appeared at the Playhouse in early 2023. “That career path simply couldn’t have existed a few years ago,” says Shahid. “She has over five million followers on TikTok, which allowed her to perform at the Playhouse and sell almost 90% of the seats. THAT is the power of social media.” Shahid also utilizes social media to scout artists to book for the Playhouse. For instance, that’s where he first saw Leonid & Friends, a Moscow based tribute to the band Chicago, who he booked for a show in June and is already sold out.

Shahid feels that, used correctly, social media can dramatically facilitate the path of rising artists, citing comedian Hannah Berner’s rise to fame. “Hannah performed here recently and sold out. We talked before her show, and she told me she had only been doing stand up for 5 years! But with 2.8m TikTok followers, she condensed down a decade of pounding the pavement.”

In addition, Shahid relies on an artist’s social media presence to drive his marketing plan. “When researching acts, their social footprint plays a role in my decision making, but it all depends on the act and the circumstance,” says Shahid. “With more traditional acts like Chris Botti or Jon Anderson, it doesn’t matter if they even have social media accounts because we’ll be more focused on using traditional outlets for them. For someone young like Neal Francis, we’ll focus on social for his marketing.”

While some might argue against social media, its impact on the music industry has been far reaching and offers ever-expanding ways for artists and fans to connect. •

Neal Francis is scheduled for an upcoming Playhouse show.

The Magic of ACT of CT

ACT (A Contemporary Theater) of Connecticut continues to achieve (and even surpass) their mission of “bringing Broadway to Ridgefield” and elevating the level of entertainment in Fairfield County. Now in their sixth spectacular year, this season’s shows have included SUNSET BOULEVARD and MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, both critical successes for the theater, garnering stellar reviews and sold-out audiences.

Additionally, this season’s “Broadway Unplugged Series” performance wowed patrons with special guest star Ana Gasteyer, best known for her work on NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

The theater’s upcoming production of KINKY BOOTS is currently in rehearsal and performances are set to open on May 23rd. With a cast of 25 actors (many with multiple Broadway credits) and 11 musicians, KINKY BOOTS promises to be another hit for ACT

of CT - with many performances already sold-out.

ACT of CT’s highly anticipated annual “Season Announcement Gala” takes place on June 7th. The gala will feature performances from past and upcoming ACT of CT productions, followed by the big reveal: the announcement of next season’s line-up of shows! This year’s Gala Visionary Award honorees will be Barbara Manners and Raffaele Gallo. Both honorees are long-time champions for Ridgefield’s many not-forprofits and arts organizations and have been ACT of CT cheerleaders since the theaters opening in 2018.

Summers at ACT of CT are reserved for the theater’s educational programs. The “Summer Teen Conservatory” offers 7th through 12th graders a multi-week musical theater intensive culminating in a fully staged production on ACT of CT’s professional stage, incorporating full lighting, sound and technical elements. The Teen Conservatory is an exciting opportunity for teen actors to develop, rehearse and perform an original musical theater piece, unique to this specific cast. Similarly, the ACT of CT “Summer Stars Showcase” brings a cast of students from 2nd to 6th grades together for two weeks to also rehearse and perform a musical on the ACT of CT stage.

While many not-for-profit regional theaters across the country have still not been able to recover post-pandemic (with several prominent theaters closing their doors permanently), ACT of CT continues to thrive.

Artistic Director, Daniel C. Levine says, “We consider ourselves lucky to live and work in a community where the arts are considered vital to a thriving society. Because of the support and generosity of our remarkable patrons and donors, we are lucky enough to be able continue to produce Broadway caliber theater on our stage, as well as to continue to inspire the next generation of artists with our educational programs.”

**ACT of CT’s Annual Season Announcement is June 7th. To buy tickets to the Gala or to make a donation, please visit actofct.org/gala. •

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF BUTCHEN

by Sarah Galluzzo

Cheese!

For the owners of 109 Cheese and Wine in Ridgefield and Fairfield Cheese Company, running a cheese shop is not about making a living; it’s a way of living. “To us, this is a lifestyle. We encourage our customers to grab a picnic basket, go for a drive, and spend time in nature enjoying simple, delicious food,” says Todd Brown, who co-owns 109 Cheese and Wine with his wife Monica. Open in 2009, the store is a testament to the couple’s love for good food and friendship.

In 2018, they opened a second location in Kent, and in 2022, they opened Wknddrvr, an art gallery and clubhouse for vintage car enthusiasts next door. “It’s a place to share knowledge and celebrate our passions,” Todd explains.

The shop’s gallery wall features artful pictures of vintage cars taken by famed photographers. I take it all in as I sample a gooey grilled cheese constructed with their signature cheese blend and the addition of a caramelized onion jam. I dip the sandwich into a cup of their tomato soup for a taste of comfort food from childhood—only better.

In addition to cheese, Todd says that his shop offers another dairy product: butter. “One day, we put butter out for a tasting, and people were asking, ‘What kind of cheese is this?’” His eyes light up, and he chuckles. “We’re like, no, really, it’s not cheese…it’s butter.”

While they are big on social media, butterboards can be difficult to comprehend, until one realizes that high quality butter is completely

different from a supermarket butter. “We use beautiful hand-churned butter and place items like fresh bread and good meats around them,” says Todd.

According to Todd, charcuterie boards will continue to be a mainstay in entertaining.“With good cheese and good charcuterie, there are no chemicals. It’s all clean,” Todd says. “Food should be simple. Food should be good. Food should be real.”

Laura Downey and her business partner, Chris Palumbo, are also purists. They opened Fairfield Cheese Company at 2090 Post Road, Fairfield, in 2009. Wine Enthusiast magazine named the shop one of the 10 most iconic cheese shops in America.

“We always knew if we were going to do this, we were going to do it right,” Laura says with the authority of an American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professional, a distinction she and Chris both hold, one that is given annually to only a few hundred people nationwide.

They expanded and opened the Greenwich Cheese shop on 154 E. Putnam Ave in 2014 and, most recently, Cheesemonger Box, an e-commerce website. “People will travel miles for a good cheese shop,” Laura explains.

Cheese selcetions often vary with the seasons. “Spring and summer cheeses coincide with the weather warming up. The cheeses are lighter, a little brighter, and not as heavy. So, they match the way people want to eat. You will see softer, fresher cheeses, which are only available at certain times of year,” says Laura.

The shop is busy, bright, and scented with the pungent aroma cheese lovers adore.

“Hi, Phil,” Laura calls over her shoulder to a customer as she leads me to the largest selection of tinned fish in Fairfield County. “Tinned fish has become another item that more Americans are seeking,” she says. “It’s an easy way to entertain. You buy a few baguettes, pop open the tins, and your guests put it on bread and enjoy a glass of nice wine,” Laura explains.

I sample sardines in brava on fresh sourdough bread. The taste is not as “fishy” as I feared.

Another change she has seen is the demographics of clientele. Laura notes a demand for quality, especially among millennial shoppers.”We have seen an influx of young 30-something customers from New York City. They will spend more money on good food. They want to know where their food is from.”

Customer Miki Nakano fits that bill. Now living in Washington, D.C., the twenty-six-year-old grew up in Manhattan and attended Middlebury College. Her parents own a weekend home in Fairfield and she worked on a sustainable farm in Vermont over the summer.

“I fell in love with the Vermont food scene at Middlebury. This past summer, I participated in the ASLF apprenticeship, where I developed a much deeper appreciation for local cheeses and churned butter. I love that I can get a taste of Vermont whenever I visit my parents in Fairfield,” Miki says.

Interested in learning more about artisanal cheeses?

At 109 Cheese and Wine, you can partake in various classes and hands-on events, from en plein air gatherings to cheese and wine tastings and cooking classes.

The Fairfield and Greenwich Cheese Company offers educational experiences ranging from “Cheese 101” to seasonal-themed courses to curated trips. They will host Brie & Bubbly Around Paris this May. •

(203) 438-5757

109cheeseandwine.com

The Fairfield and Greenwich Cheese Company

Fairfield (203) 292-8294

Greenwich (203) 340-9227

fairfieldcheese.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FAIRFIELD CHEESE COMPANY

Got Your Goat!

Local Farms Offer Goat Yoga and More!

by Carin L. Weisman

In the ever-changing world of wellness trends, downward dog is meeting upward goat in a bleat-tastic practice that took social media by storm: goat yoga! With a number of places in and around the 068 to try your hoof, or your hand, at it, you may discover why herds of people are turning to goats for their mental and emotional needs. Go(at) check it out ASAP!

So, what exactly is goat yoga? “Really, it’s yoga with a goat!” says Farm Jibe-iT owner Karleen Oosterwal. “You are not only stretching your own body but also your entire belief system as you connect, relax, and play with the animal.” Make that 25 to 40 goats of all ages and sizes who use the students as a playset, hopping on backs during child’s pose, crawling under bodies during bridge, laying on chests during savasana, and offering an opportunity to bring lightness and laughter into students’ lives.

“It is definitely geared toward beginners, fun, and connection,” says Bradley Mountain Farm owner Anneliese Dadras. “It’s less about the poses and more about the silliness, laughter, and joy from being with the animals.”

And goat yoga is just the beginning.

Both farms offer a tribe of other goat-centric programs, like goat pajama parties, “Vangoat” art classes, full moon goat walks, goat cuddle therapy, goat hikes, goat leapfrog, goat birthday and bachelorettes parties, goat visits to nursing homes, goat larp, and more. “Essentially, all of these events have one thing in common: interacting with goats makes people feel relaxed, grounded, and good,” says Karleen. “Goats bring smiles to every and anyone!”

It certainly adds a whole new meaning to what’s got your goat! •

Here are few things to know before you go(at):

Are the goats loud?

“They only talk when necessary – usually to their moms – and are generally quiet and clean,” assures Karleen. Of course, when it is time to ommmm, you can expect a few maaaaas, too!

Will I get pooped on? “That’s a common misconception,” says Anneliese. “You won’t get pooped on, but pee is another story.” Our 068 editor-in-chief concurs.

Is there an age or mobility requirement? “We get people of all ages and abilities,” Annelise explains. The only requirement is to have an open heart and mind.

What’s so great about goats? “In 2016, caprine vinyasa (goat yoga) went viral and became the news people cared about,” Karleen recalls. “I thought, ‘we have goats, we can do this.” And she has! The programs, events, and opportunities to interact with these amazing creatures really are the GOAT!

What if I’m not flexible? “No one is watching you,” Karleen assures, “Everyone is paying attention to the goats, and you can participate in any level - even simply lying on your mat.” An easygoing attitude is all the flexibility you need.

Why do goats like yoga? “Goats are naturally curious animals who enjoy interacting with humans and thrive on attention and affection,” says Anneliese. The goats – and the students – get this and a whole lot more during a class.

Ridgefield Independent Film Festival

Bringing the Community Together Through Films Shout

by Lisa Cambridge-Mitchell

Inextricably tied to a town renowned for its vibrant artistic community and compassionate spirit, the 2024 Ridgefield Independent Film Festival (RIFF) returns May 16-19 for its 9th year of illuminating universal stories that bind us together.

Conceived in 2015 by local playwright and filmmaker Joanne Hudson, RIFF is run entirely by volunteers, including eleven ‘community curators’ who meticulously sift through submissions spanning the globe.

RIFF has formed enduring partnerships with beloved venues like the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, The Ridgefield Playhouse, The Ridgefield Library, and the Ridgefield Theater Barn. Approaching its 10th anniversary, RIFF proudly adds two additional cherished Ridgefield institutions – The Prospector Theater and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.

The Prospector Theater will exclusively host nearly 40 captivating feature films and shorts, and engaging Q&A’s with talented filmmakers and actors. The Ridgefield Guild of Artists will feature a joint film and art installation, the Ridgefield Library will exhibit film stills, and Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center will again host the annual filmmakers awards ceremony.

The captivating lineup includes JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE

OF THE TICKET, a poignant documentary chronicling writer and civil rights luminary James Baldwin. DON’T BE DAINTY, IT’S DERBY by director Alix Speyer Bacher examines the subversive realm of roller derby, while BLUE HOUR, by director J.D. Shields, explores a transformative encounter between photographer and subject. EXCURSION by Bosnian filmmaker Una Gunjak follows a teenage lie gone wrong. The festival culminates with the darkly comedic midlife coming-of-age story, RAMONA AT MIDLIFE, directed by Brooke Berman with performances by Josh Radnor (HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER), alongside ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK alumni Alysia Reiner and Catherine Curtin, and introduces newcomer Yvonne Woods.

The dynamic lineup introduces independent films from around the globe to local audiences serving as a testament to Ridgefield’s presence independent cinema world. The magic of storytelling intertwines with the warmth of community, creating an experience that resonates far beyond the screen. “We have curated this festival to reflect both this moment in time and our community,” says Hudson. “We are thrilled to present these films at The Prospector Theater thanks to their generosity and community spirit.” www.riffct.org for tickets. •

Left, from top to bottom: Among the movies to be screened at 2024 Ridgefield Independent Film Festival - BLUE HOUR by J.D. Shields, EXCURSION by Una Gunjak, RAMONA AT MIDLIFE by Booke Berman, and JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE OF THE TICKET by Karen Thorsen.

Olympic Bound

Kieran Smith Looks Toward Paris

Coming off his bronze medal success in Tokyo, Kieran Smith is hoping he has the opportunity to bring more “hardware” home as he heads to the Olympic trials to vie for a chance to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer.

A lot has changed since 2021. Smith is three years older, which doesn’t seem like a lot but for a swimmer it can make a big difference. More importantly, although Smith is still at University of Florida, he finished his NCAA swimming career. Instead he has gone pro which he says is a lot more intense. Since then, he has set two world records as part of a relay team and is the American record holder in the 400m and 500 yard Freestyle.

Smith, who lives and trains in Gainesville Florida, keeps his Ridgefield ties through family, friends, and coach Emmanuel Lanzo, who offers advice on strategy, technique, and mental fortitude.

Smith makes it back to Connecticut for a couple of weeks each year to swim in person with Lanzo. “Kieran has an incredible work ethic. He gives 100% every day and is excited about what the next

few months hold,” says Lanzo, who will accompany Smith to Paris.

Smith decided to represent Ridgefield Aquatic Club professionally because he’s so appreciative of RAC’s role in his swimming career. “RAC and the town of Ridgefield are both important to me and I want to give back to the program and to the town itself for all they’ve done for me. I’d like to be a part of nurturing future swimmers so that we can have more Olympic athletes from RAC,” he says.

Smith brings to the pool deck more experience than he had in 2021 – he knows what to expect and what he needs to do – but he says there’s a different kind of pressure this time. “My first Olympics had nothing to lose. There’s a little more expectation of me now,” he says.

Olympic Trials will be held in Indianapolis in mid-June. Smith will be swimming the 400 Free, 200 Free, 100 Free as well as possibly the 200 Backstroke and 200 Medley. “I don’t think my best swims are behind me – I think I still have a lot left to do,” says Smith. •

Since winning bronze in Toyko, Kieran Smith who still trains with RIdgefield Aquatic Club, has gained international experience, setting world and national records. Photos by Mike Lewis.

Craig’s Fine Jewelry You Will Be Missed

Last month, Craig’s Fine Jewelry, one of the oldest businesses on historic Main Street, closed its doors after 74 years. Initially opened in 1950 by Helen Craig, the family business provided quality jewelry and impeccable customer service for the next quarter of century. When Helen’s son Norman and his wife Elsie took over, they grew the business and established a commitment to the Ridgefield community.

In 1983, Norman and Elsie left the store to their children and in 2004, their only son Billy become the sole owner. Since taking the helm, Billy Craig continued to build upon his family’s legacy. Craig’s Fine Jewelry became an integral part of Ridgefield and a nationally recognized luxury boutique jewelry store. Craig’s ranked among the top jewelry retailers in the country and in 2013 had the honor of receiving the Centurion Jewelry Show’s inaugural Retailer of the Year award.

Customers from Ridgefield and beyond have celebrated engagements, anniversaries, graduations, and birthdays with a beautiful piece of jewelry in Craig’s signature linen, ribbon-tied boxes. Longtime staff and loyal customers have called Craig’s not only their jewelry store but their friend. Every interaction and sale was characterized by warmth and personal attention.

Beyond the store, Billy Craig become a leader of the downtown retail community. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and was part of team that launched the spring stroll, holiday stroll and many other Main Street events. Craig’s generously supported sports teams and a variety of other charitable causes throughout the years.

On behalf of the town of Ridgefield and all who’ve shopped at Craig’s, 068 Magazine would like to say thank you to Billy and his team for the contributions they made to the community and the retail district of Main Street. •

Above, Bill Craig, the face and force behind Craig’s Fine Jewelry. Right, the familiar storefront that welcomed customers from Ridgefield and beyond for the past 74 years.

Room to

by Julia Bruce

Rodier Flowers

Moves to Larger Space

Grow

Every gardener knows that when a plant has outgrown its pot, it’s time to replant in a bigger container so that the plant can continue to thrive. Rodier Flowers, which has been a part of the Ridgefield retail scene for over 70 years, recently moved from the location they’ve occupied for 12 years to a roomier space previously occupied by Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe. “I wasn’t really thinking about moving, but realized we needed more space in general,” says Mary Jones, owner of Rodier Flowers for the past 16 years.

Rodier Flowers started in 1951 by Marywade Rodier, who ran the business out of her Ridgefield home. Eventually, Mrs. Rodier opened the store on Bailey Avenue. She ran the business for 30 years before handing the reins to one of her employees, who took over for the next 25 years. Jones bought the store in 2008 and moved to the Main Street location. To say that Jones has nurtured and cultivated the business is an understatement. In the intervening years, she has opened Ridgefield Flowers, which recently merged with Rodier, as well as acquiring several other “sister” stores in Wilton, Brewster, and Newtown. Jones believes that topof-the-line products are paramount to her business model. “All flowers are an emotional purchase, so we want to have unique, interesting, and high-quality flowers,” says Jones. “When you have the quality, the flowers are going to last longer, show better, and mean more,” she says.

The new space has been transformed into a bounty of blooms and botanicalthemed gifts. The front windows now are home to a wide variety of plants – including several varieties of orchids. “We always had a selection of plants, now

we can offer so much more,” says Jones. Long built-in cabinets that once held confectionery treats now display candles, stationary, journals and tea towels - all at a variety of price points. “Sometimes you want to give just flowers, but sometimes you want a little something to add on to it,” Jones says. New product lines include The Rifle Paper Company, Rock Flower Paper, Peking Handicraft needlepoint designs, and Louis Sherry Chocolates, which Jones says, “are not only delicious but come in the most attractive and reusable tins.”

While some renovations were made, including a small office with a stained glass window that echoes the pendent lights, mostly the space perfectly fit the store’s needs. “It’s like it was meant to be,” says Jones. Some of the furnishings were brought over from across the street, a few of which are from the original Rodier store, including nesting benches that were built by Marywade’s husband, William Rodier. “My favorite piece is Mrs. Rodier’s design table, which we topped with granite. I really feel like magic happens there,” says Jones.

Jones is super excited about the coldstorage room, previously used for storing chocolate, which now holds cuts stems waiting to find their place in beautiful arrangements. Even the plumbing that once served Deborah Ann’s coffee station, now is used to fills vases. A large area in the back is perfect for off-season storage and allows easy access for deliveries.

With more than twice the old space, Jones is looking forward to what the future holds for Rodier Flowers. “I am so proud. We grew out of our old space and now that we’re here, we have the chance to grow again,” says Jones. •

Frank Pottery

After graduating from Goddard College, David Frank set up his pottery studio and gallery in North Guilford, CT on the farm on which he was raised. He rehabilitated one of the barns that previously held chickens and built a gas kiln. He has been making and selling pottery ever since. The rehabilitated barn includes his studio with electric kilns, the gas kiln shed and a gallery that is open both by appointment and twice a year.

David sees his work as a narrative, with each piece telling a story and having emotion. David’s main focus has been his own work. He has taught at the Guilford Art Center, Wesleyan Potters, Creative Arts Workshop, Wooster Craft Center, and Albertus Magnus College. David has had two articles published in Ceramics Monthly. He has work in the permanent collection at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, D.C.) and the Slater Memorial Museum (Norwich, CT). In addition, he is part of Shoreline Arts Trail. •

1549 Great Hill Road, Guilford, CT 06437 (203) 812-9885

frankclayman@comcast.net

Follow us on: Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube @ David Frank Pottery Shop Online: davidfrankpottery.com

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 June will be spotlighted in the July/August issue.

Thank you for supporting the arts in Fairfield County.