068 Magazine JanFeb

W January/February • 2022

Students First Paier College teaching art education

it’s

5 Questions with singer & songwriter Richard Marx

electric!

R F IL ID OR M T O GE E N F R M I E LY A LD G A + Z IN

Bassamfellows company moves into architectural landmark

Cars that will help you pass the pump...FAST

E

Compass is bringing a modern real estate experience to

Ridgefield 41.2841° N, 73.4975° W As the #1 independent brokerage in the nation, Compass brings an elevated experience to its clients through industry-leading marketing, technology and top-tier representation.

Darien | Fairfield | Greeniwch | New Canaan | Ridgefield | Stamford | Westport compass.com 470 Main St Ridgefield, CT 06877 Compass Connecticut, LLC is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. With 4% of the U.S. market in 2020, Compass is the largest independent real estate brokerage by gross transaction value. Market share is calculated by dividing our Gross Transaction Value, or the total dollar value of transactions closed by agents on our platform, by two times (to account for the sell-side and buy-side of each transaction) the aggregate dollar value of U.S. existing home sales as reported by NAR.

CHIP & HEATHER A TRADITION OF RESULTS

Chances are we sold your neighbor's home...

Chip Neumann 203-731-1411 Heather Neumann Salaga 203-770-8591 Neumann Real Estate | 395 Main Street | Ridgefield | CT 06877

Contents

56 Richard Five Questions with

Marx

In this edition of Five Questions, we interviewed Richard Marx, holder of 14 top 20 hits including three number one singles. Marx will perform at the Ridgefield Playhouse on February 25.

36 It’s Electric!

Exploring the emergence of electric vehicles that are taking the industry by storm.

42 Medical Mecca Welcoming a new medical asset to the flourishing services on Route 7.

48 Nickelmines Exploring the alchemy of forgiveness.

52 Bassamfellows A renovated architectural gem now serves as company headquarters.

60 Students First Paier College and the rare opportunities they offer to creative thinkers.

ON THE COVER Light painting by Artist/Photographer Will Cook

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THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR

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Contents

In The Front 11 Behind The Scenes 12 Noted 14 Old Ridgefield The Jacklins:

an extraordinary family

20 Have You Met? Marge Courtney of Sedona

Art & Touch of Sedona

27 Ask Ms. Jen

28 Art In The Spotlight Terrence Mahon & a visual

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In The Back 64

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Foodies

The authentic atmosphere of Gallo Ristorante

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Hiking with llamas

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Around Town

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Shout Out

Is That A Thing?

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Whatever Comes Up

Superbowl facts

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4

record of social injustice

Business Welcome

New coffee roaster near Nod Hill Brewery

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Calendar

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One More Thing

Behind The Scenes

Vol 1, Issue 1 • January/February 2022

Dee Dee Colabella Owner dcolabella@rpacartcenter.com

Greg Mursko Publisher publisher@068magazine.com

This Issue’s

Featured Writers Roger Garbow

Dylan Miller Editor-In-Chief editor@068magazine.com Contributing Writers Dee Dee Colabella, Jennifer Bradshaw, Karla Murtaugh, Kimberly Monson, Allison Ganey, Gina Zammit, Bridget Shirvell, Greg Mursko, Dan Levine, Megan Smith-Harris, and Sally Sanders.

Lily Fertik Copy Editor

Contributing Photographers Will Cook, Roger Garbow, Dylan Miller, and Michael Biondo

Brooke Heinen Chief Financial Officer bheinen@rpacartcenter.com

Advertising Sales David Gursky | 914-646-9141 sales@068magazine.com We welcome input about this and future issues.

Please address letters, queries, and ideas to editor@068magazine.com.

068 Magazine is a publication of Colabella Media LLC. ©2022. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

www.068magazine.com

Roger Garbow is the founder of Full Throttle Marketing, a Connecticut-based automotive marketing and PR firm. He’s a member of the International Motor Press Association, and a contributing writer to numerous outlets including Road & Track and TheDRIVE.com.

Roger has driven some incredible vehicles, but he prefers lightweight sportscars with three pedals. Roger examines the emergence of EV’s in this issue on page 36.

Julia Bruce Julia Bruce is a longtime resident of Ridgefield. She has been contributing regularly to Ridgefield and Wilton Magazines since 2015 and received a Connecticut Press Club award for her writing in 2020.

Her work has appeared in the New York Times—Tiny Love Stories and various online literary journals. In this issue, she sheds light on the newly renovated Philip Johnson building in Ridgefield and its new owners on page 52.

Sarah Galluzzo Sarah Galluzzo is a freelance writer from Fairfield Connecticut. She enjoys writing about homes, people, travel, food, and fun. Sarah has always been interested in upcycling furniture and home goods for interior design, and she has a talent in conveying the atmosphere in interior spaces and identifying what gives life to the establishment. In her first entry of “Foodies” on page 64, Sarah gets a taste of Italy at Gallo Ristorante in Ridgefield.

Jack Sanders Jack Sanders retired in 2014 after 45 years as an editor of The Ridgefield Press. He’s written nine books on history and natural history, including Wicked Ridgefield and Ridgefield Chronicles. He also created and administers the “Old Ridgefield” Facebook group.

He and his wife, Sally; a board member of the Ridgefield Historical Society, live in a 250-year-old farmhouse in Ridgefield. Jack’s first column entry on the history of Ridgefield begins on page 14.

POWERED BY

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Noted

Reach to New Heights

by Karla Murtaugh • Community Ambassador

GET CORE

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the PilatesBarre Reformer | Tower | Barre | TRX 068_quarter_jan22.indd 1

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Friends.

Family.

Community.

We’re all in this together.

Georgann Hoffman Agent

PHOTO COURTESY OF KARLA MURTAUGH HOMES

pilatesbarrecore.com

State Farm® has a long tradition of being there.

That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Wilton and all of Fairfield County.

elcome to the first issue of 2022. Change is in the air and I’m so happy to officially welcome the new direction of 068 Magazine, as well as my new real estate home – Compass Ridgefield. Compass is the largest independently owned brokerage in the country!

During the pandemic we all realized how important home was to us and we are so grateful to all the buyers and sellers who trusted us to navigate the market for them during these unprecedented times. As a realtor in Ridgefield for the past 20 years, I realize that the communities of Ridgefield and the surrounding areas are uncommonly special. The decision to align with Compass further enhances our forward-thinking, analytical approach to Real Estate.

We are excited to continue promoting our towns amazing lifestyles, schools, and sense of community. The core values of Compass are very much aligned with ours and we feel they will be a great partner to the town as well.

Now more than ever, Karla Murtaugh Homes continues to support local businesses and organizations, and challenges you to do the same through gifts of time, money, or commitment to a cause.

Here’s to 2022 and a fabulous year ahead! Be safe & stay well.

Get to a better State®.

152 Danbury Road Wilton, CT 06897 Bus: 203.762.3332 The Kent Schoolhouse

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Old Ridgefield

by Jack Sanders

The

Jacklins The little known history of an early African American Ridgefield family

Right: Drawn in 1787, based on a 1741 map, this document in the Town Hall records shows the New Patent lots number 24 and 25, totalling 74 acres, that Robert Jacklin Jr. bought in the 1740’s. There he and his wife raised three sons who became Revolutionary War soldiers. The lots, then in Ridgefield, are just north of the Jo’s or Joe’s Hill section of Danbury on the New York line.

Below: This 1736 record in the Ridgefield Town Hall lists the births of three Dimorat children, including John, who grew up to serve in both the French and Indian and the Revolutionary Wars. The Dimorats were believed to be the first free African American family in Ridgefield, though the enslaved had lived here since at least the 1720’s.

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enerations of Ridgefielders have been told how the town was settled by families of European ancestry. However, not much has been taught about the African Americans, free and enslaved, who helped establish and build the fledgling community in the wilderness — among them three pioneering families who contributed a half dozen of their sons to the American Revolution.

Enslaved men, women, and children were living and working in Ridgefield from its earliest settlement, “owned” by prominent families like the Keelers, Scotts, and Seymours. Even the Rev. Jonathan Ingersoll, minister of the Congregational Church from 1739 until 1778, had slaves.

Unlike most other Connecticut communities, Ridgefield’s African American population included those who were free, and they were quite patriotic.

Early Beginnings The earliest free African American Ridgefielder was probably Michael Dimorat who, in 1736, bought an acre along West Lane on which he built a house. His family included four children, one of whom was John Dimorat, who was born in 1734 and who later served in both the French

and Indian War and the American Revolution.

Robert and Samuel Jacklin were sons of a Massachusetts slave who had bought his own freedom in 1711, married a year later, and eventually bought a farm in what is now New Canaan. Robert and his wife, Anne, were among the first settlers of upper Ridgebury (land now part of Danbury). In 1745, they purchased nearly 75 acres of hilly, ancient forest and carved out a farmstead; clearing rocky fields, building a house and barn, and planting crops — a huge undertaking.

They also raised five children including Daniel (born 1749), Ebenezer (1757), and Thaddeus (1761), all of whom volunteered to serve in the Revolution.

Ebenezer, the middle child, joined the Fifth Connecticut Regiment, led by Ridgefield’s Col. Philip Burr Bradley, fought at Monmouth and was with General Washington at Valley Forge. Like thousands of others in the war, he was stricken by an illness that eventually led to his discharge.

Thaddeus Jacklin served in the Fourth Connecticut Regiment, and

Old Ridgefield

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Old Ridgefield

Ebenezer and Lewis Jacklin’s names on the War Memorial. Ridgefielders who fought in the Revolution are listed on the west wall of the War Memorial

Daniel, the eldest, was probably a member of the Fourth Regiment of Ulster County militia in New York. Another Jacklin, Lewis — whose parents have not yet been identified — enlisted from Ridgefield and was a brigade wagoner in the Fifth Connecticut, wintered at Valley Forge, and served three years in the war.

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Robert’s brother, the equally industrious Samuel Jacklin, acquired a 50acre farm in southern Ridgefield and not only raised livestock and crops, but also kept bees, brewed beer, and made his own cheese.

Joseph Jacklin, his adopted son, served in the war from Westchester, enlisting in a militia unit in 1777 and 1778.

After the War After the war, some of these veterans lived in poverty, bareley a step above slavery, working as laborers. As was the fate of many African American veterans who fought for the nation’s independence, they were unappreciated and often destitute.

John Dimorat, for instance, died in

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Old Ridgefield

Top: The War Memorial on Main Street lists the names of Ridgefield veterans who served in all the conflicts from the French and Indian War to World War I. Only two African Americans are on the Revolutionary War plaque.

1807 in a Boston almshouse. Ebenezer Jacklin became a hired hand on farms. By 1818, infirm and broke, he sought out — and got — a newly-enacted federal soldiers’ pension, aimed at the needy, which helped him until his death in 1824.

Only Lewis and Ebenezer Jacklin have gained any Ridgefield recognition for their service: Both are listed on the Veterans Monument on Main Street.

Another African American veteran with ties to Ridgefield fared better than many.

Samuel Jacklin’s daughter, Elisabeth, married

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a Redding man who had been enslaved— Jack Freeman—who selected that name when he was emancipated as a reward for his serving in the Revolution with the Fifth Connecticut. He and Elisabeth eventually bought a Redding spread from his former masters and became well-known and respected farmers.

However, like all African Americans who risked their lives in the fight for America’s political freedom, Jack Freeman was never considered a full citizen. By state law these men were banned from voting or

Left: This watercolor from the American War of Independence is by Jean Baptiste Antoine de Verger (1762-1851), a French artist who himself fought in the war as a sub-lieutenant in a French regiment and who kept an illustrated journal of his experiences in the war.

holding office. He fought taxation without representation and wound up spending much of his life taxed and unrepresented.

This area is known for its rich history and that is part of what makes it stand out.

While the Battle of Ridgefield during the Revolutionary War may be in the mind of most Ridgefielders, as Black History Month approaches it’s important to also reflect on everyone who has contributed to the unique energy of this Cultural District.

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Buying, selling or just thinking about it?

Let’s have a conversation.

Mary Phelps, Realtor • #2 in Sales & Units in the Ridgefield Office • Diamond Level Award Winner • Expertise at All Price Points • Exceptional Customer Service

“

”

Mary was the consummate professional who paid great attention to our needs throughout the entire process - from staging advice to listing to closing - she has solutions for every situation. We highly recommend Mary Phelps! - E.H.

For a no-pressure, informational consultation, reach out today. @maryprealtor | mphelps@williampitt.com | 203.546.0315 470 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT | Each office independently owned and operated.

Gabrielle Gearhart

Buyer’s Agent

Rebecca Staub

Marketing & Transaction Coordinator

Have You Met

by Allison Ganey

Marge Courtney

Owner of Touch of Sedona and Sedona Art

S

andwiched between Ridgefield’s beloved Chez Lenard hot dog stand and an array of cozy boutiques lies the ethereal wonderland that is Touch of Sedona.

Inside this center for spiritual healing and southwestern-style gifts, you’ll be greeted warmly by owner and curator, Marge Courtney. Marge opened the store 25 years ago and she’s made herself a Ridgefield staple by adding another shop to her repertoire this year: Sedona Art, located right next door.

Sedona Art is your new one-stop shop to satisfy every creative whim. Whether you’re

Marge Courtney in her store Touch of Sedona with her beloved Native American statue, which has been with her since she opend her store 25 years ago.

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looking for charcoal sticks, canvases, or the next craft for the kids, Marge and Store Manager Lily Fertik can help you find your way.

Marge grew up in California. She experienced 2 years of college before shipping off to Kansas City, Missouri in 1955 to start her career as an airline hostess, as they were called then. She went on to work for Trans World Airlines (TWA) for 38 years. She says it ended up being “the perfect job for me.”

Marge moved to Ridgefield in 1986 during her time with TWA and married her late husband, Tom Courtney, a Ridgefield native. Tom was a lawyer in Ridgefield before he was offered a job as

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Have You Met

Director of Security at Fordham University in New York, which allowed everyone in his family to go to college for free, including Tom’s eight children and later, Marge herself. Marge went on to earn a Double Art degree, finally pursuing her life-long love for art.

Passion for Learning What made her decide to go back to school?

“It was free,” she giggled. “My first time around I just sat there. I didn’t take anything into my brain; I just wasn’t interested.”

Marge says she loved going back to school later in life, and her passion for the arts stemmed from that.

Marge retired from TWA in 1993 to spend more time with her husband and her mother, both of whom passed soon after.

“I thought, ‘oh, now what am I going to do?’ I never, ever thought of working after I retired. I wasn’t going to do anything – maybe travel or volunteer.” She didn’t want to be tied down; she wanted the freedom of being able to come and go as she pleased, until one day: “I got this . . . it was like a calling. It said, word-for-word, ‘open a Native American store on Main Street in Ridgefield.’ Can you believe it? I couldn’t.”

Opening the Store The way she described this feeling made it sound like the notion was hard to ignore, a constant nagging in the back of her mind.

“Finally, I said to myself, ‘I’ve only ever had one job my whole life, so how do I know I wouldn’t want to open a Native American store?”

Now, Touch of Sedona has been a Ridgefield institution for over two decades, and Marge has no regrets about coming out of retirement. “25 wonderful years. I’ve always loved the store,” she said. “Working here is my retirement.” She feels that the shop has been a great chapter of her life, and many of her customers have become friends.

“The people I am meant to meet, and goods Marge recently opened Sedona Art on Main St. in Ridgefield after realizing there were little to no options for painters to buy supplies locally. Artwork in photograph by Alana Kiesling, Lily Fertik, Zoey Araguel, and Terrence Mahon.

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Exceptional Service Across All Price Points

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Have You Met

Touch of Sedona features many gifts depicting Native American culture, and certainly offers a unique personality to Ridgefield’s Cultural District.

I’m meant to sell have just come through the door over the years.”

She loves running her shop so much that she opened a second one. In speaking about why she decided to open Sedona Art, she said, “I resented the fact that I had to get in a car and drive to buy a paintbrush.

Every town should have a bakery and an art supply store, and [an art supply store] never came, so if you want something done, you do it yourself.”

And so, Sedona Art opened its doors in February 2021. Marge’s artwork can be found in Sedona Art, alongside many other local artists. If you haven’t stopped by yet, I know Marge would love to show you around.

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THIRD GENERATION RIDGEFIELD NATIVE & 25 YEAR REDDING RESIDENT. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE MATTTERS. PUT MINE TO WORK FOR YOU.

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c: 203.461.3880 e: jcontessa@williampitt.com 470 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT | Each office independently owned and operated.

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE Non-profit 501 (C) (3)

MARK YOUR 2022 CALENDAR WITH GREAT ENTERTAINMENT! BRUBECK BROTHERS QUARTET

DAVE BRUBECK’S CENTENNIAL JANUARY 30

FEBRUARY THE FAB FOUR JANUARY 13  15 @ 8 PM

JANUARY REZA

EDGE OF ILLUSION JANUARY 16

A rock concert meets a magic show in this show for the entire family!

FEBRUARY 3

The ultimate Beatles tribute with your favorite songs: “Here Comes The Sun,” “Yesterday” & more!

MARTIN BARRE PERFORMS CLASSIC JETHRO TULL FEBRUARY 6

With Tull Bandmates Dee Palmer & Clive Bunker

MARCH ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN THE MUSIC OF ABBA MARCH 2

“Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia” & many more!

ACROBATS OF CHINA THE NEW SHANGHAI CIRCUS MARCH 6

Fun for the whole family!

TOWER OF POWER MARCH 10

Over 50 years of countless albums and several songs on the Billboard Hot 100!

THE GILMOUR PROJECT

MARKY RAMONE

Ft. Jeff Pevar, Kasim Sulton, Prairie Prince, Mark Karan & Scott Guberman

A multi-media event with untold stories behind the music of the Ramones!

FELIX CAVALIERE’S

RASCALS

THE 5TH DIMENSION

MIKE SUPER

Known for hits “Groovin‘,” “People Got To Be Free,” “Good Lovin‘” & more!

“Age of Aquarius,” “Up, Up, and Away,” “Wedding Bell Blues” and more!

“America’s Got Talent” star and winner of NBC’s “Phenomenon” returns with a whole new show!

LUANN DE LESSEPS

RICHARD MARX

ALAN CUMMING & ARI SHAPIRO

JANUARY 19

JANUARY 20

LIVE IN CONVERSATION FEBRUARY 11

FEBRUARY 20

COUNTESS & FRIENDS JANUARY 21

ACOUSTIC EVENING OF LOVE SONGS FEBRUARY 25

From Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York!”

“Hold on to the Nights,” “Satisfied” & many more!

THE LORDS OF 52ND STREET

DARK DESERT EAGLES

Billy Joel band members Richie Cannata, Liberty DeVitto and Russell Javors!

Iconic Eagles songs from the best-selling Greatest Hits album of all time!

JANUARY 22

FEBRUARY 26

ANN HAMPTON CALLAWAY

THE LINDA RONSTADT SONGBOOK MARCH 12

Honoring the iconic singer!

MAGIC & ILLUSION: 2.OH! MARCH 13

OCH & OY! MARCH 18

Tony winner and NPR Host team up for tunes & stories!

LOS LOBOS MARCH 25

Opening Act: Jamie McLean Band “Come On Let’s Go,” “La Bamba” and more!

203.438.5795 • RIDGEFIELDPLAYHOUSE.ORG

Ask Ms. Jen

by Jennifer Lee Bradshaw

Do frogs die in the winter?

Jase. B - Ridgefield, CT I get asked this all the time and I love to answer it.

Some species of frogs can survive the harsh winters by hibernating in the mud beneath bodies of water and others will dig under the soil or underneath rocks on land. Wood frogs and spring peepers will freeze during the winter months! You could find one that will look like it’s frozen within an ice cube, but large amounts of glucose are present within the vital organs which keeps them from freezing, just like antifreeze.

These frogs will actually stop breathing, but as temperatures rise in the spring their heart and lungs will begin to function normally again.

Frozen Frogs, pine trees, and feeding wildlife During the cold winter months, should I help wildlife by feeding them?

Jack. M - Wilton, CT Trust me when I say, I have thought of doing this myself many times. How can you not feel bad for animals out in the bitter cold? The truth is, it can be harmful in many ways. Feeding animals in your back yard can invite bobcats, coyotes, and other predators who you wouldn’t want hanging around your neighborhood. Deer you feed in the winter will be sure to stick around to eat your flowers and veggies in the spring. Winter survival can be tough, but it’s natural for sick or weak animals to die during this time- as sad as it is. Some things you CAN do to help is to fill your bird/suet feeders, make large piles of leaves to create habitats at the edge of your property, and plant trees and shrubs with berries.

What kind of pine tree is this?

Amber. S - Ridgefield, CT This is the incredible Eastern Hemlock tree! These beauties produce some of the smallest cones in the pine family and take 20-30 years before the tree can even produce them. If you are standing in a forest of mostly hemlock, then you are in a very old forest because this tree may take 250 to 300 years to mature and can live for 800 years or more. Hemlocks were valuable to the Native American Indians who also referred to this tree as the “medicine tree”. They used them for basket weaving, wool coloring, and tanning. The bark is a source of tannic acid and can be used to treat coughs, fevers, and diarrhea. Needles or twigs contain vitamin C and can be brewed to treat kidney ailments. Today, the lumber industry relies heavily on hemlocks for furniture and flooring.

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Art in the Spotlight

by Dee Dee Colabella

Artist

Statement Recording social injustice with sculpture

T

he past year has certainly been unprecedented for several reasons and many found themselves locked down at home consuming the news, trying to make sense of all that was happening in the world. This moment in history will undoubtedly be the inspiration for many works of art for years to come. Terrence Mahon, an artist from Ridgefield, was touched profoundly by something that came through the news, and his reaction has now become solidified in metal and plaster.

“People consume the constant stream

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of news, and it is ubiquitous, causing you to become overloaded with a sense of numbness,” said Terrence Mahon reflecting on his piece. “Reading about something and caring about it is one thing, but doing something about it is a whole other matter.

That’s the bell that rang on May 25th in Minneapolis when George Floyd was murdered on the streets of America. The days that followed with protests and riots which came in the wake of that coldblooded murder hit me with an innate intensity, and I knew I wanted to change

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FEBRUARY 5 @ 8PM Sketches, prototypes, materials, and conceptualizations are everywhere in Mahon’s studio where he develops full-scale installations as part of his collection.

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how the narrative and events are understood and discussed.”

His installation piece Police Line hit the public eye while displayed at RPAC Gallery’s Seeing 2020’ exhibit, September – November 2020. While entering the gallery, visitors were confronted with an 8’x4’ platform of a chalked outline of George Floyd with the sculpture of protestors gazing down. The expressions and strong body language boldly demonstrated their anger and disgust from another intance of police brutality.

“Anyone who walked into the gallery couldn’t help but encounter it, creating a confrontation that wouldn’t allow you to close your eyes to it,” said Mahon. “This was another type of reporting of the event because it was setting it in the street. The last eight minutes

of George Floyd’s life was ground into gritty asphalt.” The creation of the protest relief sculpture capturing the anger and intention of “enough is enough” was the spark that ignited the rest of Mahon’s current collection, and its origin is a mystery even to the artist himself.

As a resident artist at the RPAC Art Center, he arrived at the studio sleep-deprived on May 27th and sketched at his drawing table before taking a walk for lunch. When he returned, he saw something he didn’t recognize; rough sketches that resembled protesters in a series that appeared like cryptic heads and shoulders. It was a view of the protesters. Following this moment, Mahon’s training and history as a designer were kindling for the fire to bring this project to life.

“It was the strangest experience because

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PRIVATE COUNTRY COMPOUND WITH CUSTOM BUILT BARN/GUEST HOUSE — JUST MOMENTS TO TOWN Extraordinary country compound just 1.5 miles to town center including exquisite turn of the century farmhouse, 2011 custom barn/guest house, detached 2 car garage, privacy fencing, and 2.15 level acres with scenic views of Wooster Mountain State Park. Total 3,762 sf with 5 bedrooms, 3/1 baths, including 2,962 sf in the fully updated 1910 colonial with 4 bedrooms and 2/1 baths, plus additional 800 sf in the state of the art barn with inviting front porch, copper leaders/gutters, radiant heated floors, timbered vaulted ceilings, massive great room with wet bar/fridge, plus private guest quarters with full bath. Pride of ownership abounds with approximately $400K of improvements by current owners including: new driveway with cobblestone apron; stone walls, fencing, clearing and planting; new windows; new septic; built-in audio; mechanical upgrades - hot water heater, water tank/treatment, insulation, plumbing, chimney flue; decks rebuilt with top of line materials; kitchen updates; newly remodeled second floor bath; plus full barn construction. Most picturesque sprawling yard with ample outdoor living spaces including wrap around front porch; MBR sun deck; screened porch; plus rear deck and stone terrace. Other gracious features include: private library with French doors and built-ins; hardwood floors; crown moldings; elegant formal living room; formal dining room with builtin corner cupboard; casual breakfast room; vaulted family room with beamed ceiling and brick fireplace; and soothing MBR suite with dressing room and private bath. One of a kind home and property, just 58 miles to Midtown. $1,295,000

Laura Freed Ancona 203.733.7053 lfreed@williampitt.com

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Extraordinary custom built stone & shingle style country retreat set back on 2.95 bucolic acres w/gated entry on scenic Lounsbury Road, just steps from The Hickories, Ridgefield’s oldest working farm offering special events, farm store and CSA for organic produce/local offerings. The charming orig. 1956 cape was significantly expanded/renovated in 2010 to create this one of a kind gracious estate with sublime attention to detail. Total 9,411 sf on 3 finished levels with 6 bedrooms including main level guest suite/optional MBR, 5/3 baths, 4 fireplaces, plus 2 separate parcels including the main lot on 1.99 acres plus the rear lot with .96 acres for added privacy and sweeping seasonal views. This light filled home seamlessly integrates multiple outdoor rooms with the interior living spaces: the front porch opens to the gallery foyer; the dining room and stunning two story kitchen both open to the large rear stone patio; the lovely sitting room and sunroom both open to the Cedar deck; the inviting family room and adjoining “toy room” with custom built-ins (also makes an ideal mudroom/future pool bath area) open to the wrap around rear covered porch with fireplace; and the MBR suite offers a private balcony with outdoor shower! Each bedroom has either a private or Jack & Jill bath; all baths feature top of the line designer appointments (3 with radiant heated floors); the kitchen is a true dream with professional gas range and flat top griddle; private floor to ceiling paneled library; plus walk-out lower level media and game rooms. Truly a one of a kind home and setting, just 58 miles to Midtown. $2,295,000

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Laura Freed Ancona 203.733.7053 www.Move2Ridgefield.com lfreed@williampitt.com

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VILLA CAROLINE POOL, CABANA, GARDENS, PLUS LEGAL APARTMENT Georgetown’s iconic “Villa Caroline”, a former carriage barn converted in 1969 to a residence by the late fashion designer Rolan S. Mattson, named in honor of his beloved friend Olive Caroline “Carrie” Kennel Miller, the original owner of the historic larger surrounding estate. This storied home is set back privately on 1.8 acres and comprises the inspired 4,998 sf main residence with 1,305 sf in the walk-out lower level one bedroom accessory apartment with private entrance; detached 3 car garage; heated gunite pool & pool cabana; fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and whimsical potting sheds; plus inquire for options to purchase additional 1.2 acre parcel and second private residence with detached studio/garage for a true family compound. This home delights at every turn with materials reclaimed from local historic churches including the stunning stained glass in the entry parlor. Spread out in the inviting 24’ x 26’ great room featuring sunny kitchen with center island, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances, open to the family room with fireplace and adjoining wrap around patio. There are 5 more fireplaces including the living room with French doors to a private office; the MBR suite; two in the lower apartment including both the bedroom and kitchen; plus one on the front stone patio. Total 4 bedrooms, 3 /1 baths and additional sleeping loft; hardwood floors; central air; and so many delightful outdoor rooms/gardens; just steps to Georgetown shops, restaurants, & only 55 miles to Midtown! $925,000

Laura Freed Ancona 203.733.7053 lfreed@williampitt.com

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STORMFIELD — MARK TWAIN’S LAST HOME 28.53 IDYLLIC ACRES WITH POOL & COTTAGE “Stormfield” — the iconic mansion built in Redding for author Samuel Clemens, best known as Mark Twain, who lived there from 1908 until his death in 1910. Upon surveying the countryside from his new home, Clemens exclaimed “How beautiful it all is. I did not think it could be as beautiful as this.” He stipulated the house should be built in the style of a Tuscan villa, after having enjoyed time in Italy, and derived the property’s name from his short story “Captain Stormfield’s Visit to Heaven.” After a fire in 1923, the current estate was re-built in 1925 on the same foundation, retaining the original terraces, stone walls, stone pillars, and formal gardens. The home is sited on 28.53 private acres and adjoins 161 acres of Redding Land Trust. This magnificent country compound includes the 6,300 sf main residence with 4-5 bedrooms, 5/1 baths, and 3 fireplaces, plus the detached pool/carriage house offering heated gunite pool, 3 garage bays, as well as the second floor guest/caretaker cottage with 2 bedrooms, full bath, living room and kitchen. Feel like you’ve stepped back in time where exquisitely appointed period details artfully blend with today’s modern amenities. Grand formal rooms include the elegant dining room overlooking the stone terrace and rolling lawn, plus the formal living room with striking hand painted coffered ceiling and adjoining library. One of Redding’s signature properties and a rare opportunity to own a piece of American history, just 58 miles to Midtown Manhattan. $3,900,000

Laura Freed Ancona 203.733.7053 lfreed@williampitt.com

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Art in the Spotlight

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normally, as a creative designer, you know everything that’s on that table,” he recalled.

“However, I didn’t remember intentionally creating the sketches. I understood this had developed subconsciously, so I began to process it. I knew it was a one-point perspective of the protesters and the collective rage and angst of this mass of people; a human bomb waiting to go off. The pin was pulled, and the bomb would go off because people can’t be treated like this forever. A lot of it had to do with the anticipation of cities going up in flames. These are diverse cities with high racial tensions, and I knew this well because I lived in all of them. To me, they were tinderboxes”.

Mahon grew up in Cleveland, OH, and graduated as an Industrial Designer from the University of Cincinnati, Design and

Art in the Spotlight

The worktable is an important part of Mahon’s process and is a place where many ideas have manifested over the years. Sketches and models are made before starting on the larger pieces.

George Floyd installation, I focused on creating relief sculpture wall art working with more abstract shapes, textures, and lighting.”

Mahon’s art has a prism-like quality and is known for interior design as it utilizes varied lighting to contribute to its character. His gilded gold and silver pieces are particularly luminous at night, blurring the lines between sculpture and wall art.

“I want people to be moved the same way I Mahon is currently working was moved; in a visceral way to the point of in a private studio to create a series of large installations wanting to become involved, because as I similar to “Police Line” George said before, there is a difference between Floyd. Works in progress convey caring about it and actually getting involved.” the tragic deaths of Alton Architecture Program before moving to Milwaukee, WI, to pursue his career. In 2018, he moved to Ridgefield, and was in a creative, exploratory mode enabling him to join Thrown Stone Theatre doing set construction and creating larger installations for ACT of CT. In 2019 he joined RPAC as a resident artist.

“The pieces I create reflect on the totality of my design and art experience.

Everything is at play; composition, delineation, materiality, processes, and interior architecture. Before creating the

Sterling, Breonna Taylor, and Freddie Gray using diverse materials and conceptual design to report on the way they lost their lives, all with the same intention when he began this endeavor. “I want people to be moved the same way I was moved, in a visceral way to the point of wanting to become involved, because as I said before, there is a difference between caring about it and getting involved.”

Mahon’s new Social Injustice series premieres in the new D.Colabella Fine Art Gallery, 446 Main Street beginning early 2022. The series will be featured in galleries and museums in cities across the country.

Details are available by calling RPAC Gallery, 203-894-5609.

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Charging

Ahead

EV’s are taking the industry by storm o matter what you think of Elon Musk, it’s impossible to ignore that Tesla, the electric car company he founded, has dramatically altered the global automotive landscape. Tesla’s success has forced every major auto manufacturer back to the drawing board to pen their own EVs. Nowhere is the revolution more evident than in Detroit, where Ford is now selling an electric “Mustang” and launching an electric F-150 Lightning pickup, while GM is resurrecting that posterchild of consumption, the Hummer, as an electric truck. The Hummer EV has 1,000 horsepower, so excess hasn’t totally left the building. To see how they handle day-to-day life in the suburbs, we test drove a few new EVs.

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Porsche Taycan

P

orsche eased into electrification by adding a hybrid drivetrain to the Cayenne SUV way back in 2010 and the Panamera sedan a year later. Unlike their hybrid efforts, the new Porsche Taycan was designed from the ground up as an EV and features a skateboard style chassis preserving the exceptional handling Porsches are known for.

My Taycan Turbo test car is one of eight models in the Taycan range and features both sedan and Cross Turismo (wagon) versions. The Turbo delivers up to 670 hp and 275 miles of range (according to AMCI Testing). Want to impress your friends and terrify your in-laws? Engage launch control and the Turbo will hit sixty mph in 3 seconds (2.5 seconds in the Turbo S). It feels even faster since the brutal acceleration is accomplished without the roar of engine or exhaust, just a pleasant futuristic soundtrack. One of my favorite options on the Taycan is the Passenger Display. This additional touchscreen allows the passenger to program navigation or choose the music while the driver focuses on driving. Brilliant!

by Roger Garbow Photography by Roger Garbow Light Painted Porsche Photo by Will Cook

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oining the Audi e-tron SUV family, the new e-tron GT sedan is a cousin to the Taycan, utilizing the same basic platform. Where the Audi differs is in the interior and exterior styling and suspension tuning.

My RS e-tron GT test car is the top model with 637 hp.

Using a DC fast charger, the GT can go from 5% to 80% charge in only 22 minutes making road trips easy.

The RS sits low, but the suspension is adjustable for both firmness and ride height to keep you from scraping that lovely face.

And it’s pretty. I think the GT might be the most beautiful sedan currently available.

The interior is typical Audi perfection with excellent ergonomics and supportive yet comfortable seats that offer massaging as an option. Both the Audi and Porsche smartly feature charge ports on both front fenders.

Volvo XC40 Recharge/Polestar 2

Audi e-tron GT

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Polestar 2

V

olvo and its new sister (cousin?) brand Polestar, are getting serious about electrics. While Volvo has been offering plug-in hybrid versions of its cars for years, the fully electric XC40 Recharge is new. Powered by two motors producing 402 hp and 486 lb-ft, this compact luxury SUV will make your IKEA runs a cinch. The Recharge is based upon the gas-engine XC40, retaining the functional, attractive interior and adorable exterior.

Like all Volvos, the seats are superbly comfortable and supportive. In spite of the shared platform, the Polestar 2 couldn’t be more different than the Volvo. With a more minimalist interior featuring vegan materials and a very stylish hatchback/notchback exterior, the 2 is aimed directly at Tesla’s Model Y. The Polestar has sportier handling than the Volvo by design and helped in no small part by my test car’s optional Performance Pack which includes adjustable Öhlins dampers and great looking Brembo brakes with gold calipers. Both the Volvo and the Polestar feature an Android infotainment system with Google apps built in. While I’m an iPhone guy, it’s hard to beat Google’s voice recognition and navigation services.

Part of the equation you need to consider when purchasing an EV is how you’ll charge it. For those who own their own home, I strongly recommend installing a level 2 charger which can give you a full charge in a few hours. While you can plug into a standard 110-volt outlet, charging that way is frustratingly slow. Level 2 chargers run off a 240-volt circuit (like a dryer outlet)

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Volvo XC40 Recharge

with prices ranging from $200 to over $1,000 depending upon the brand and features you want. You’ll also need to hire an electrician to wire it up. As EV industry expert John Voelcker recommends, “if you are installing in your garage, you should consider a 240-volt outlet and a plug instead of hard wiring the unit. This way, you can easily upgrade or take the charger with you if needed.” I have a level 2 charger in my garage and I can’t tell you how satisfying it is to wake up to a “full tank” each morning. •

e g r Cha

it!

Charging away from home is going to get easier. The federal government recently announced an investment of $7.5 billion to build EV chargers along highway corridors to facilitate long-distance travel and within communities to make charging more convenient for those who don’t have their own chargers.

The fed is also spending an additional $65 billion to upgrade transmission lines and other infrastructure to meet the upcoming power demands.

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Close to The Best Care,

New professionals join the medical community of Wilton’s Route 7

by Kimberly Monson

W

hile showing off his mad lacrosse skills to an aloof yet flirty classmate, your obsessed teenager “blows out” his ankle. While insisting she can reach that food processor in the upper cabinet, your elderly motherin-law takes a topple off the stepstool, fracturing her hip. After suffering in silence from chronic shoulder pain you are too stubborn to address, you are ultimately diagnosed with arthritis.

All these scenarios have something in common—they are movementrelated injuries or conditions part of the

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musculoskeletal system. Before a few short months ago, you’d have to travel to either NYC (which can get old…fast) or off to Stamford to find a top-notch orthopedic specialty hospital. Thanks to an in-demand expansion initiative, the Hospital of Special Surgery or HSS is now bringing its top nationally-ranked orthopedic medical expertise to Wilton, adding to the abundance of medical services offered along Route 7.

HSS Orthopedics at Stamford HealthWilton, the latest addition to the HSS collaboration with Stamford Health in

Bottom: Maria Kansy, RN at HSS (left), Evan Sheha, MD, spine surgery (center), and Viviane Potucek, HSS Medical Office Manager (right) at a ribbon cutting ceremony for HSS Orthopedics at Stamford Health-Wilton in front of the Whitlock Building with John Finger, Senior Vice President of NY Regional Markets at HSS (center left) and Jonathan Bailey, Senior Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer for Stamford Health (center right).

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Top and Left: The Stamford Health Medical Group and HSS Sports Rehab occupies a facility at 372 Danbury Road in Wilton.

Connecticut, newly opened on November 8th at 195 Danbury Road, Suite 200 in the Wilton Crossing complex. The facility joins the already established 18,000- square foot Stamford Health Center located at 372 Danbury Road, as well as Nuvance Health at 249 Danbury Road. The new HSS collaboration facility offers wellrounded care for the following specialties: spine, sports medicine, physiatry, and adult reconstruction and joint replacement. HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health.

At its core, the Hospital for Special Surgery helps people keep moving by being the best care you can get in the country for Orthopedics. HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 12th consecutive

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year), No. 4 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2021-2022), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2021-2022).

HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics by Newsweek (2021-2022).

HSS Senior Vice President of Regional Markets, John Finger, explained opening HSS Orthopedics at Stamford HealthWilton was a logical choice due to an existing relationship with Stamford Health and the established practice of Nuvance Health down the road. “We were completely out of space at our HSS Stamford Chelsea Piers location after just 5 years. With Stamford Health opening a collaborative physical therapy and sports rehabilitation

space in Wilton last year, it was natural to come to this location for an HSS expansion.” Liz Longmore, RN and Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Services of Stamford Health adds, “you do not need to leave your community to get care, you can get the best services close to home.”

Dr. Cornelius Ferreira, Nuvance Health System Chair and Primary Care Physician emphasized the modern facilities and convenient Route 7 location mentioning the proximity to the train, but agreed with HSS about providing valuable services that people of the community need. “Nuvance is proud to offer metabolic and endocrinological offices to assist patients with obesity, diet, and hormone issues, which can include the needs of the transgender community.”

Nuvance Health also houses a neighborhood lab, so patients don’t have a long wait for test results. Dr. Ferreira adds, “Nuvance is constantly reassessing care and how it can better serve the community.”

Part of what makes this medical community so special, is that it is truly a community. “It is a more intimate treatment being in a small-town setting,”

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he following HSS doctors will practice at the new Wilton location, available on a rotating basis: Theodore Blaine, MD Sports Medicine Dan Markowicz, MD Adult Reconstructive and Joint Replacement Stephen McAnany, MD Spine

Theodore Blaine, MD, Sports Medicine at HSS Contributed Photo

Nick Sgrignoli, MD Primary Sports Medicine Evan Sheha, MD Spine Karen Sutton, MD Sports Medicine SERVICE OF STAMFORD HEALTH Joined 2012 Carolyn Couture, MD Joined 2015 Maura Sparks, MD

says Theodore Blaine, MD, Sports Medicine at HSS. “You don’t have to travel to Manhattan for state-of-the-art care because those doctors are now nearby in Wilton.

We work with many CT regional High School sports teams such as Greenwich Country Day School, St. Luke’s, Darien, and Wilton. We also provide outreach promoting active lifestyles, mental health, and nutrition through specialized events and sponsorships. We recently had one of these events at Wilton High School.” John Finger added that HSS goes out to community centers such as the local YMCA and senior centers, educating the public by promoting musculoskeletal health and treatment options.

Nuvance Health also has an active partnership with the Wilton YMCA, providing a staff nurse who navigates people to proper care, advising on nutrition, diabetes, exercise, and heart health.

There is certainly a priority of the patient experience; more than 3,000 testimonials of grateful families, professional athletes, and individuals who have gotten “Back in the Game”* because of HSS. It’s Dr. Blaine who you’d see for that newly diagnosed debilitating arthritic shoulder

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pain, his specialty being the complex surgery of the shoulder and elbow. He also assures us that this ideal team of HSS Orthopedics at Stamford Health-Wilton doctors is exactly who you need to steward your love-struck and somewhat humiliated teenage lacrosse player through the process of stabilizing the growth plate in his ankle, or your elderly mother-in-law’s “I can reach it myself ” hip injury that now requires surgery. In fact, Mr. Finger confided that it was Dr. Blaine he trusted with the broken bone his wife sustained hiking on the couple’s recent 35th anniversary trip to Yellowstone.

“My wife on the first day, on the first hike, fell and fractured her wrist, I thought it an extreme way to get out of having to spend 10 days in the woods with me. Ted [Dr. Blaine] was available and on the phone with us going over x-rays and options. I can speak from personal testimony, as an almost customer, to Ted’s quality and the expertise of HSS.” All parties agree, their facilities in Wilton offer the best medical care close to home and are willing to work hard to keep it that way.

HSS Orthopedics at Stamford HealthWilton is open Monday-Friday, from 9am to 5 pm.

Joined 2017 Thomas Xu, MD Joined 2018 Maria Restrepo, MD Jointed 2019 Jeremiah James Lewis, MD Joined 2020 Kaitlin Corbo, APRN Joined 2020 Michele Olbrys, PA OTHER SERVICES: Radiology services mammography, x-ray, ultrasound, bone density Cardiac testing Laboratory draw station Physical therapy opened 2020

The office number is (203) 705-2950.

Appointment scheduling is made directly through each doctor’s respective office. *Back in the Game, HSS Patient stories can be viewed by visiting https:// backinthegame.hss.edu/

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BROADWAY IN YOUR BACKYARD COMING UP NEXT

ACT of CT will be the first professional theater to premier a fascinating, elegant, and moving new musical, Nickel Mines. Due to COVID-19, Nickel Mines, which was originally scheduled to perform in March 2020, was canceled just days before opening night.

Thanks to the generosity of Ridgefield resident Anita Donofrio, the theater is able to bring back this important and powerful new production as part of their 2021-2022 season.

ACT: What was it about this new production that made you want to be involved?

JAN 20–JAN 30

AD: I have to admit, when I was first approached to help (and knowing nothing of the production), I wondered, “a musical about a shooting?” However, after talking to the founders of ACT of CT, talking in-depth with Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine, meeting ANITA DONOFRIO Andrew Palermo (the creator of Nickel Mines), and reading all that I could about it, I was ready to help. We expect to hear about the subject of gun violence in the news, but to find it in the theater is likely less expected.

ACT: You are extremely passionate about gun reform and for the passing of gun control laws. Why this specific issue/cause?

AD: Every time there was a mass school shooting (and the ‘everyday’ shootings), I felt that I had to do something, but after the massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School, in our backyard, the tragic deaths of twenty innocent babies and six of their dedicated educators, I was devastated and outraged to do much more.

MAR 24–APR 17

ACT: Is this your first experience assisting with the producing of a musical?

AD: I have never been involved in theatrical production of any kind in the past. This is my first experience and I’m sure that I will learn so much on so many levels.

ACT: What do you hope this world-premiere musical will do for ACT of CT audiences?

AD: I’ve learned that some people may not realize how much they have to say or contribute to a discourse about this topic until a door is opened for that conversation to take place. I hope that this musical will invite audiences to witness the artistic re-telling of this powerful and true story, and to take the range of feelings that they may experience and (perhaps) discuss, connect, talk, and become involved in some way to make a change.

MAY 26–JUN 19 ACTOFCT.ORG BOX OFFICE: (475) 215 5497 36 OLD QUARRY ROAD, RIDGEFIELD, CT 06877

Talkbacks with community leaders and creative team members will follow the performances of Nickel Mines on Sunday, Jan 23 at 2pm, and Thursday, Jan 27 at 2pm and 7pm

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW PALERMO

S Nickel Mines: An Unthinkable Act, An Uncommon Forgiveness

by Daniel C. Levine, Artistic Director of ACT of CT

ince opening our doors in 2018, ACT (A Contemporary Theatre) of CT’s goal has been to create a theater wherein Fairfield County feels a sense of ownership, pride, and enthusiasm. We don’t refer to ACT of CT as “our theater”, rather we intentionally call it “your theater”. As Artistic Director of ACT of CT, it is my responsibility to select the shows that we will produce each and every season. We generally present four mainstage musicals per year (each running for over a month) and it is extremely important that I choose carefully. I want our audiences to be able to enjoy and experience shows that they already know and love, but it is equally important to introduce patrons to lesser-known titles and even brand-new works. Nickel Mines is just that; a show that you have not seen before, and an important one at that.

Nickel Mines is a non-traditional musical centered around the 2006 Lancaster, PA Amish schoolhouse shooting in which a lone gunman shot ten girls (five fatally) before taking his own life. The show combines dialogue, movement, and original music to explore multiple perspectives from that fateful morning and is a living memorial to the young girls, ages 6-13, who lost their lives.

This tragic event (referred to as “The Happening” throughout the Amish community) made worldwide headlines, not just because of the event itself, but also due to the Amish communities response. Within hours of the shooting, the Amish community (including the families of the victims) offered comfort and forgiveness to the family of the shooter, and in turn, to the shooter as well.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW PALERMO

Nickel Mines premieres at ACT of CT from Jan 20-30, 2022.

of community, perseverance, and hope.

Ultimately, the show is not just about one horrific act, but rather about the importance of community and the power of forgiveness.

Andrew Palermo, the show’s creator/ director/choreographer, chose this subject matter as a theatrical lens through which to explore individual and societal reactions to the event, and to let the facts of this historical ‘moment in time’ speak for themselves through creative reenactment.

Palermo says that the show aims to “look at the events of that fateful day through a variety of lenses while making no judgments and professing no morals. The victims, the family of the killer, and the community all have a voice in this piece.”

Nickel Mines co-author Shannon

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On the day of the shooter’s burial, media and press swarmed the burial site making it nearly impossible for the killer’s parents to grieve. Forty members of the Amish community arrived and created a “human shield of kindness” by surrounding the family and shielding them from the hundreds of cameras and reporters. Of the Amish community, the shooter’s mother said, “they surrounded us like a crescent prayer covering in order to protect us. The first two parents who greeted us at my son’s funeral were the parents that lost not just one daughter, but two daughters at the hand of our son.”

Nickel Mines examines how violence, faith, and justice speak to and interact with one another and is a powerful exploration

Stoeke adds, “we believe that the theater is a place to explore these heavy subjects with beauty and grace and honesty.”

As I’ve often said, live theater provides an occasion for people to come together and to create a community. As Artistic Director of ACT, my “formula” for deciding which four titles will be included in any given season is this: One musical with name recognition and mass appeal (past shows like Mamma Mia, and our upcoming Jesus Christ Superstar), one musical that audiences know of, but perhaps have never had the opportunity to see before (past shows like Little Shop of Horrors, and our upcoming Rent), one musical that audiences may or may not have ever heard of (past shows like Spelling Bee, and our recent Smokey Joe’s Café), and one musical that is probably brand-new to most patrons (past shows like Austen’s Pride, and our upcoming Nickel Mines). Of course, we all go to the theater to escape, to be entertained, to laugh, to hear songs and music that we know and love, to see familiar characters, and to have a great time with friends and family. But we also go to the theater to be moved, to cry, to dig deep, to remember, and to empathize. From the stories that are unfolding in real time right in front of our eyes on stage, we learn about what it means to be human.

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It’s abundantly clear that Philip Johnson designed this building with nature in mind.

Every room is bright and changes with the weather.

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BACK

IN STYLE BassamFellows restores a local gem for their headquarters

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he land and buildings that comprise the former Schlumberger campus on Old Quarry Road in Ridgefield have long been shrouded in an aura of mystery.

Architect Craig Bassam and Creative Designer Scott Fellows hope to shed some light, literally, on the architectural gem found there: a relatively unknown Philip Johnson design. They recently completed a major restoration of what was the Schlumberger Research Center administration building, now the headquarters, design studio, and showroom for BassamFellows, their furniture design and lifestyle brand company.

In 1948, Schlumberger, which specialized in oil field services, moved its main offices to Ridgefield, Connecticut. At the time, it was quite a radical concept to have a major business complex in “the country,” but the company wanted a better life for their employees: more access to fresh air and open space. The heart of the campus was the executive building, which was designed in 1952 by Philip Johnson, famed architect of the Glass House located in New Canaan. The Schlumberger building represented Johnson’s first foray into commercial design and was concurrent with some of the most iconic modernist buildings being built at the time.

Upon completion, the building was featured in a 1953 issue of Architectural Forum, but those were the only public photos of the building that were ever released. “After that article, Schlumberger never let anyone else back in,” Fellows said.

Restoring an Architectural Icon Schlumberger vacated the campus in 2006. Soon after, Bassam and Fellows learned of the Philip Johnson building. “We’re very connected to the Modernist community in New Canaan,” Fellows says. They have been involved in many modernist home restorations, and, in fact, the two currently reside in the Hodgson House, another Philip Johnson creation, located across the street from the Glass House. They were looking for a new location for BassamFellows, and this seemed a perfect fit.

In 2016, the town of Ridgefield, which had purchased the 45-acre campus from Schlumberger, offered BassamFellows a “lifetime lease” of the building with the agreement that the company would finance the extensive restoration needed.

At this point, the building was in quite a state of disrepair. “The worst thing for a building

by Julia Bruce Photography by Michael Biondo

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is to be vacant for a long period of time,” Fellows says. The building had been cut off from all services - electrical, heat, and water - for almost ten years. Sprinkler pipes had burst so there was extensive water damage and the roof was leaking, but they were determined to restore the building to its original glory. “The integrity of the design and the original spatial ideas were still there, and we knew we could bring it back,” Fellows says.

They consulted Johnson’s original drawings housed in the Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library at Columbia University. Nearly every aspect of the building needed attention. Water damaged and discolored woodwork was sanded down and bleached to light gray. Flooring was replaced with a French quarry tile. Some of the courtyard glass had to be replaced because bamboo had been growing there unattended, resulting in several shattered windows. A custom created table by interior and furniture designer Frances Knoll was found in the basement. It had been used as a construction table, was covered in paint, and had been left outside at one point. Bassam and Fellows restored it back to its former beauty and it now sits proudly in the lobby.

The use of skylights and large windows throughout the structure is a trademark of Philip Johnson style.

The most extreme example of this is the Glass House in New Canaan.

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Modernist Style The result of their hard work is a beautiful building that captures the optimism of

Modernist architecture and blurs the line between work and home space. The onestory, steel and glass building consists of a central core that includes an open-air courtyard, a glass-enclosed conference room, and a library. Single and double occupancy offices line the perimeter of the building.

What once was a secretarial pool back in the day has now been converted into a hospitality area for collaborative working.

Over 80 skylights surround the perimeter and allow natural light to flood the space.

Expansive glass windows give the feel of bringing the outside in. “Every place that you are in the building, you have that direct connection to nature,” Fellows said.

In our post-pandemic world, there’s a lot of talk about wellness in the office space.

BassamFellows feel their building showcases what that can look like. “It’s so fascinating that a building that was so radical in 1952, can be so unbelievably relevant today,” Fellows says.

This past summer, BassamFellows debuted the building to public. “We staged a beautiful exhibition to celebrate this incredible architecture together with world class art and historic design,” Fellows says.

They hope to be able to hold similar events in the future with other art exhibitions. For now, the building is open by appointment only. You can find more information at bassamfellows.com

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FINE ART GALLERY

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Marx

by Dylan Miller

Richard

Photos Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

068 Thinking back to childhood, how was it to live in a household with two musical parents? Did you play with music or write songs as a child?

RM There was always music in my house but often it was the music my dad was composing. I never knew anything else. I started playing piano and guitar as a young kid and then started writing songs at around 15.

068 Do you have a songwriting method, or do songs come to you in different ways?

RM Almost always it begins with a musical idea in my head. I rarely start a song using an instrument.

I just imagine it and hear the whole arrangement in my mind. The drums, guitars, everything. Then I sit down and work out what I’m envisioning and then write lyrics to that finished music.

Sometimes a title or concept comes first but that’s rare.

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Photos Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

068 You’ve been philanthropic in your life, and many of your songs act as commentary on a particular issue or accompany fundraising efforts.

What is music’s role in alleviating widespread issues?

RM Music brings people together. It’s communal. So, using it to shine a light on important issues seems like a natural thing.

What events like Live Aid or the Concert For New York did was really wonderful.

068 You’re still very much in the scene, releasing an album Limitless in 2020 and appearing in Family Guy earlier this year! How has your style changed over the years, and are there other genres that have inspired you to try something new?

RM I’ve always been a product of my influences. It’s just that these days I’m inspired by the music of the day. I don’t sit around listening to old music. I want to hear what people are creating now and see how I can invite elements of it into what I create.

This notion of “there’s no good music these days” is only from old people who stopped listening. I won’t let that happen to me.

068 A lot has happened in the past year.

Are you working on anything else for the future?

RM I’m always working on new projects, and I have a really cool concept album up my sleeve for 2023. But right now, I’m just focusing on how grateful I am to be back onstage playing for people.

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FIRST PUTTING THE ARTS

Paier College paints a new picture of education

by Greg Mursko

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hen one thinks of a career as an artist, it may seem like a far-off goal. It conjures images of humble and infrequent paychecks without a clear path forward. Naturally, many are apprehensive when considering a career as a creative, either for themselves or for their kids. However, creative jobs are more pervasive than it seems, and today’s world offers even more avenues and paths for the creative to travel. So, what’s next? It can be hard to find the right fit no matter what the major is, and art students often fall within a small minority at many universities. The art programs can become stifled— without significant relevance to the modern world as a working creative. Paier College is the antithesis of this and has withstood the test of time while also adding a curriculum for cutting-edge pursuits.

“We are not ballooned with dozens and dozens of majors,” says Conor Geary, Chief of Staff at Paier College. “What we do, we excel at. We offer a hands-on, in-class learning environment with professional experts. We focus on preparing and graduating people who are ready to become professionals in their own right; not just honing talent, but making that talent marketable.”

Established as the Paier School of Applied Art in 1946 by Founders Edward and Adele Paier, with a historic connection to the Monuments Men, the institute focused on making art an employable pursuit, adding photography after their move to New Haven in 1954, then moving to Hamden in 1960 to accommodate increasing enrollment. After

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President Joe Bierbaum has been working tirelessly with his team to establish Paier College in Bridgeport, welcoming 200 new students in 2021 to an improved and specialized campus.

Creative thinkers can take refuge within these walls. Student life on campus is enhanced by the beautiful architecture, and of course, the surrounding beaches of Long Island Sound.

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The Monuments Men Connection

A broad curriculum allows students to pursue different career options, giving creative thinkers a competitve edge in today’s market where proficiency in digital design is becoming crucial.

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decades of fine education in Hamden, Paier College has opened a new branch near the shores of Long Island Sound in Bridgeport.

After acquiring the Arnold Bernhard Center, Cooper Hall Dorm, and 2 other buildings from the University of Bridgeport and repurposing thousands of square feet for usable and updated offices, classrooms, labs, studios, and student use spaces, Paier College enjoys over 4 times the enrollment in 2021 than just 3 years ago. They’ve also added more contemporary creative pursuits to encourage important careers in emerging fields, such as industrial design, marketing, digital marketing communication, and global media and communication studies.

They are about to launch their new coding and software design certificates.

In addition to providing a competitive edge, the focus on artistic pursuit does another key service for the students at Paier.

“Obviously, cliques are going to form at universities and art students are no exception,” says Paier College President Joe Bierbaum. “When you have dozens or even hundreds of majors and electives,

he Monuments Men, a well-known organization of art lovers who rescued countless pieces of art during WWII and made popular by the 2014 film The Monuments Men. Deane Keller (1901-1992) was Professor Emeritus of Painting at Paier College of Art in Hamden. For his efforts in art recovery, he received several awards, including the United States Legion of Merit, the Member of the British Empire medal, the Crown of Italy Partisan Medal, the Medal of the Opera from Pisa, and the Order of St. John the Lateran from the Vatican. According to the Monuments Men Foundation, he also worked as a portrait artist, dubbed the “unofficial portraitist of the Yale faculty”, as he painted nearly 200 commissions from the university.

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art students can form a tight minority and their voices can get lost in the huge crowd of students. Here, it’s been great to see that many of the kids who may have been timider in High School are surrounded by other creatives and have really shined and therefore honed their skills even further. That, in conjunction with the awesome location and being right next to Seaside Park and this beautiful area really lets the student find social comfort and reach a higher potential in their lives.”

The faculty is composed of great artists in their own right, Bierbaum explains. “When students look up their professor’s portfolio they’re like ‘wow, that’s my teacher?’”

Paier College seeks to increase enrollment and reputation in the coming years, as well as expanding their curriculum to accommodate an advancing market.

RPAC Art Center’s academy and Paier are currently working on an agreement that would enable RPAC students to be awarded college credits for portolio work in other subjects at Paier College. For more information, go to www.paier.edu

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Foodies CHICKPEA FRITTERS

EGGPLANT PARMIGIANO

“It is clean and perfectly lit, and I notice sound-reducing ceiling tiles that tamp out the din and clatter that are likely to occur when this busy dining room is at total capacity.”

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Foodies

RISTORANTE

by Sarah Galluzzo Photography by Dylan Miller

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SPAGHETTI ALA SCUIE SCUIE

f you’re looking for the best Italian fine dining outside of Southern Italy, you may be surprised to know that you can find it in Ridgefield. Over the past few months, I’ve had a chance to discover several excellent restaurants in this foodie town, and Gallo is a standout favorite. The name Gallo means “rooster,” and indeed, this is the place to crow about.

Raffaele Gallo met Executive Chef Giuseppe Castellano many years ago through a mutual acquaintance from the Isle of Capri. A native of Naples, Castellano had worked as a chef throughout Europe and was excited to help Gallo fulfill his vision here in the states. Over time they’ve collaborated on several successful restaurants, including Toscana which was in Ridgefield for nine years and Grand Gusto Trattoria, a thriving restaurant in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Gallo Ristorante is a large venue offering indoor and outdoor, casual bar side and elegant dining room seating options, an extensive wine list, and an on-staff sommelier. However, what truly shines here is the food. Ah, the food! What’s the secret to creating such meals?

“For me, it’s all about the product, technique, and recipe,” Castellano explains. The excitement he feels about his food exudes

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Foodies

Executive Chef Guiseppe Castellano prepares a new dish he has created for the menu at Gallo Ristorante, which uses black rice as a base with shrimp and vegetables. This new dish employs a balance between sweet and savory.

from his very being. Though busy in the kitchen he takes the time to talk about the menu here at Gallo, Lantern Bar, and Gastropub, located at 59 Ethan Allen Highway, in the former location of Little Pub. “The recipes you see on the menu here and at Lantern are original recipes I developed,” Castellano says with pride. Lantern serves American Pub and bar food with a gourmet spin.

His business partner and General Manager Raffaele Gallo is a warm and jovial man who describes Castellano as quite simply “an outstanding person, and outstanding chef.” When I ask Gallo about the secret to his success, he replies “the secret is to always make people feel great. This can be a hard business at times. If you don’t like people, you won’t make it. My staff are like members of my family; we’ve been through a lot together. Also, this community is a place where people support one another. I’ve met so many wonderful people here in Ridgefield that I would never have met anywhere else in the world.”

Though the establishment is large, my guest and I feel tucked away in our own little corner grotto. Our waiter knows the menu well and offers the perfect wine pairings served at just the right temperature throughout the meal. Our first appetizer is the Polipo.

This dish features: roasted octopus with orange segments, slivers of asparagus diagonally cut, black olives, thin slices of fennel, and just a touch of citrus sauce. The smokiness of the perfectly tender octopus paired with the thin slices of fennel creates bursts of textures and a unity of well-balanced yet unexpected flavor.

We also order the chickpea fritters, a light and crisp, crackerlike creation. The fritters are elegantly stacked with prosciutto, Stracciatella cheese, and bits of figs in a balsamic reduction.

For lunch, we share an order of Spaghetti Ala “Scuie´ Scuie´,” pronounced “sha-way sha-way.” This is a specialty dish from Capri, where the server comes tableside to toss hot pasta with sliced cherry tomatoes and fresh basil in a wheel of ParmigianoReggiano. Yes, you read that correctly – hot pasta tossed tableside in a wheel of cheese.

Did I save room for dessert? Not really. But I made room for Gallo’s Crème Brûlée and tiramisu. One hard crack of the spoon against the burnt caramel topping gave way to a velvety vanilla custard. Their take on a classic tiramisu is light and fluffy and a tad off the path of traditional. It tasted more like Sambuca – or a similar liqueur – was used to soak the ladyfingers instead of rum. Yum! Our final round includes a Chocolate Martini. I realize this must-have medley is reminiscent of my favorite childhood treat: the fudgsicle, but in grown-up form. I float away from the table towards our Uber, sated, subdued, and perhaps a little seduced by Gallo Ristorante. It will both comfort and surprise you with its elegant cuisine and upscale ambiance. Try it and you’ll crow about it too!

POLIPO

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Is That A Thing?

All Llama,

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No Drama

ave you heard the expression that a dog is a man’s best friend?

Although that’s true, dogs are apparently sharing that spotlight with another animal—miniature llamas. If your title and name isn’t Llama Mama A.J. Collier, who leads llama hikes out of Rowanwood Farms in Newtown, CT, chances are you’ve gone months or even years without thinking of llamas once, and you’re about to finally find what’s been missing in your life.

“The llamas love walking,” A.J. explained. “It’s what they’ve been bred for over the course of 6,000 years. They all have their own personalities, but they are also naturally caring. They are one of the few animals that will defend another animal to the death—they will trample an attacking coyote but they will be your dog’s best friend. You really couldn’t find a better hiking companion.”

Can we all honestly say our friends would defend us to the death in the woods, should it come to it?

Well, for just $50 you can spend an hour with such a friend and get a taste for what has driven A.J.’s lifetime passion. She runs Connecticut’s only mini llama hiking adventure company. The hikes are offered year-round (pending any severe weather Top: Jana Williams of Karla Murtaugh Homes with Lloo-Lloo.

Center: Llamas earn two bells after completing their hiking training.

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conditions) and take place at Sticks and Stones Farm, a sprawling 60acre nature space and retreat center in Newtown.

If you’re like me, your knowledge of llamas has come primarily from movies like Napolean Dynamite, pop culture references, and a vague understanding of their Peruvian roots. Aware that most are not enlightened about this magical animal, A.J. requires all participants to attend a “Llama 101” course before their first hike. While it’s impossible for me to impart to you what was bestowed on me during this class, here are some highlights.

• Male llamas have teeth like a T-Rex that they use for sparring, and make great watch animals.

• Llamas are exceptionally vulnerable to a parasite that normally inhabits white-tailed deer, which causes a fatal illness in llamas.

Monthly Ivermectin shots are necessary to keep them safe.

• Llamas communicate by humming, and make a gargling noise—called an “orgle” when mating.

• They can be trained as therapy animals; professional comforters that work in hospitals, schools, and nursing homes.

Is That A Thing?

Top: Evyn Carter, Graphic Designer of RPAC Art Center & Gallery with Shoshone.

Right: Karla Murtaugh Homes Graphic Designer Jay Graygor shares a laugh with Iskotay. Bottom: Volunteer Jen East presents Lloo Lloo to be paired with their human companion.

After the class, participants stand in a Stonehenge-like circle with towering rock structures and stone statues, while the lady-llamas are introduced one-by-one and matched with their human hiking partner.

When I went on the tour, I was surprised at how effortless it was to walk in tandem with my llama. At times it was easier than walking a dog. My llama partner seemed at peace just by being in nature and following the herd, and I felt my stress levels melt away the further we went along.

The hiking adventure lasts about an hour and half, and the majority of the time was spent soaking in the sights of the forest with my llama.

There was a brief intermission for a bathroom break (for the llamas).

These ladies are so well trained they knew exactly where and when to go, and watching people move out of the line of fire added a big dose of humor to the hike. Another fun fact, llama droppings attract butterflies!

The llamas also stop for a drink in the stream, and perhaps the occasionally dip! Llamas love swimming, and one llama loves it so much her friends call her the “Loch Ness Llama.” After passing the Sticks and Stones Farm center, and the mysterious Moss Mountain, hikers reluctantly make their way past the grove of cedar trees that was used by Native American woman as a healing center, and return back to the start to say goodbye to their new best friends.

When you come out of the forest—dazed and amazed—you only need to bring your head out of the clouds a little, because there is a popquiz on the material learned before the hike. If you get an answer correct, you get your very own llama certificate.

If you have little ones, you can still enjoy a llama experience without a hike. The Cria Crawl (cria meaning baby llama in Spanish) takes toddlers ages 3 and up and their parents on a tour of Rowanwood Farm.

There is also a more advanced hike for llama adventure graduates.

Learn more at www.rowanwoodfarms.com

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create with the

PROS RPAC Art Center and Academy offers numerous classes for all skill levels in both Digital Design and Studio Art. In-person and online classes are available.

GENERAL INSTRUCTION INDEPENDENT STUDY PORTFOLIO REVIEW & CREATION FLEXIBLE HOURS

Illustration by: Jordan Moody

We can accommodate any start date and time by matching student and instructor availability.

RPAC offers a fun and creative environment that allows artists and students a place to express their creativity. Students learn from talented instructors with years of realworld experience while working in a space surrounded by professional artists.

Follow us @RPACartcenterandacademy RPACartcenter.com info@RPACartcenter.com (475) 215-5740 Illustration by: Anonymous

Around Town

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Fairfield County Bank 150th Anniversary Client Reception

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1. Stephen Wooters (left) and Chip Neumann of Neumann Real Estate.

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2. William Pitt Sotheby’s Real Estate Agent Gigi Bazarian (left) and Kristi Vaughan.

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3. Paul MacNamara (left) and Stephen Fogerty (right) 4. Anthony Gaglio Sr. (left) and David Schneider (right) 5. Joan Woodward, Executive Vice President of Public Policy at Travelers, and President of The Travelers Institute, spoke at The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.

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Sleeping with the Fishes

WHAT GIVES?

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ArtFul Visual Arts Initiative presented check donations to the Ridgefield Guild of Artists and ROAR as part of funds raised from the BowWOW Art Dogs fundraiser that took place this summer.

Top: Ridgefield Guild or Artists was presented a check at Guardian Veterinary Specialists.

Tina Sturges (Left), Mary Pat Devine, Brooke Heinen, Mary Harold, Dr. Jason Berg, Dee Dee Colabella, and Pam Stoddart

Sole Food

Bottom: ROAR was presented a check at RPAC Gallery. Pamela Rybarczyk (left), Sarah Roberts, and Donna Donigi-Gale.

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Terra Sole celebrated the grand opening of their new martini bar.

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Boys & Girls Club Annual Gala

3 1. Michael Stamatis (left), Christine Carnicelli, and Michael Flynn 2. Mary Ellen Foley, Devon Lawrence, and Owen Foley 3. Michael Stamatis, Karla Murtaugh, and Michael Flynn

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BANK’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CLIENT RECEPTION at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk

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4. Front: James Harris, Phoebe Kelly, Lily Bogard, Lauren Saunders, Emily Collins, Allison Ceccarini Back: Harshiv Gorakhiya, Jess Murphy Podrazky, Allison Childs, Ellen Gressak, and Isabella Heese.

What is good design It’s what we do. That was easy.

PRINT AND DIGITAL DESIGN publications advertisements flyers signage brochures logo design illustration websites banners video photography

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info@rpacartcenter.com (475) 215-5740

Shout Out

Learning from the

Past Battle of Ridgefield to undergo further investigation

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he Ridgefield Historical Society is completing work on the first phase of a research project that it hopes will lead to future study to expand knowledge and awareness of the Battle of Ridgefield.

The Battle, which took place on April 27, 1777, was Connecticut’s only inland battle during the American Revolution and involved some prominent figures, including Benedict Arnold, who was then a hero for the Patriot side.

Inspired by the 2019 discovery of four skeletons, possibly buried hastily in the aftermath of the Battle, the Historical Society, working with Connecticut’s State Historic Preservation Office, applied in early 2020 for a National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program grant. Heritage Consultants LLC of Newington was selected to assemble and assess information and document materials related to the Battle. This first phase of research has created a database of information and mapping that will provide the basis for later field research.

In the coming year there will be a series of charrettes to engage Ridgefielders’ interest in future study of properties that may have been scenes of fighting. Heritage Consultants’ preliminary findings suggest that skirmishing was widespread in town, from when the British entered through Ridgebury to their overnight encampment just south of the village. The consultants are also looking at how the landscape played a role in the conflict. The site of main engagement, near where the skeletons were found, was a natural choke point that the Patriots took advantage of by throwing up a barricade. Throughout the grant’s duration, researchers are posting their findings each month at ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org. Historical Society volunteers are inviting property owners to fill out permissions for on-site research (copies are available on the website). Detectorists working with the consultants discussed how the work would be done at the Historical Society’s 20th anniversary Scott House Celebration in early October.

Dr. David Naumec of Heritage Consultants conducts field research in Ridgefield.

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hen the Westmoreland home where Suni Pedersen Harford grew up was sold, there was an odd contingency—the large white rock at the edge of the driveway would be moved to Suni’s own driveway on Peaceable Hill Road in Ridgefield so she could continue the 50-year-old tradition her dad started; painting it with seasonal themes.

Today, it has become a rock for all reasons with Suni’s creative and clever interpretations of each life event. Whether it’s for Final Four enthusiasm, Valentine’s day wishes, 9/11 commemoration, or acknowledging the COVID cloud, Suni, with paint brush in hand, snuggles beside the family rock in all sorts of weather delighting passersby with her creations.

SETTING RECORDS AT AGE

A Rock for All Reasons

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idgefield resident Brigitte Xie has received international attention for her skills as piano playing prodigy, and was recently invited to become the youngest performer ever at Carnegie Hall, after winning the Elite International Music Competitions first place prize at the age of 3. Her mother and father, Nicole Sun and Tao Xi were astonished when she began learning the piano only six months before winning this prize. “We tried to keep her entertained [and] she started playing a little bit while she was stuck at home during the pandemic. I was surprised at how quickly she got good… It was amazing.”

Unfortunately, because she is too young to get vaccinated, she was unable to perform. An article by Rosie Pentreath with ClassicFM put it well; “She was too young to make history for being young.” However, her parents and teacher are not deterred and continue to work with her. She is certainly someone to keep an eye on!

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Shout Out

Art Around Town

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ocal artist Patrizia Sandolo (Trish) has been appearing in several establishments in the area, and her work can be easily recognized in places like Tusk’n Cup in Wilton, Penny Ha’Penny, Heibeck’s Stand, The Angel Cooperative and Terra Sole in Ridgefield. “I like to incorporate a touch of whimsy by using colors that are playful and fun,” she says. “In my experimentation with acrylic color combinations and textures, I strive to create something unique and out of the ordinary. Inspiration comes to me from the beauty of nature and my surroundings and I try to translate that into my work. Bringing out the beauty in my subjects when I paint custom portraits of people and pets from photographs is my goal. Positive happy reactions from my clients is the ultimate reward.

Intuition guides my art and when I get stuck I ask my Angels for guidance. My hope is to inspire and bring a smile to the viewer, and to bring a touch of Whimsy to the world.”

See more work at whimsychickdesigns.com

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alk about an early over achiever—at the tender age of 11, Owen Lentner can already add the role of “chief executive” to his resume. Lentner, a Middlebrook sixth-grader, is the founder and president of the Wiltonbased, not-for-profit organization Lentner Junior Engineers, an innovative program dedicated to refurbishing and repurposing donated computers that might otherwise gather dust in the basement or end up in landfill. Once computers are wiped clean of all data and updated with current operating systems, they’re provided free of charge to local organizations and individuals in need. Owen also donates his time teaching computer skills to seniors in the Wilton community, with a focus on cybersecurity. His mother, Katherine Schwartz, says, “Owen is also an intern at FinTron Invest, a start-up in Westport led by two 20-something entrepreneurs.

It’s a broker-dealer similar to Robinhood, with a focus on educating the Gen Z and Millenial groups by way of a simulated application that allows students to actively trade—with real and live data— to get comfortable with developing investment skills.” Owen, we can’t wait to see what you do next. lentner.com/juniorengineers

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Wilton Library Director Retires in January 2022

E

laine Tai-Lauria will retire as Executive Director of Wilton Library Association (WLA) as of January 31, 2022. “I have been planning to retire for some time, but decided that I needed to stay on to steer the library through the pandemic,” Tai-Lauria explained. “Now that we have reopened the library and things are getting back to normal, I feel that I am able to step down.”

One of Tai-Lauria’s main missions was to invest in digital access and services. As a result, the library was well-positioned to continue providing a wide range of services to patrons when the building itself was closed due to COVID-19. “Elaine’s contribution to the library has been profound,” said WLA President Rob Sanders.

“We owe her an enormous debt of gratitude. We have initiated a search process and are confident of the outcome. Wilton Library is a very attractive place to work in large measure thanks to Elaine.”

Wilton Library is located at 137 Old Ridgefield Road in the heart of Wilton Center. For more information, visit www.wiltonlibrary.org or call 203-762-3950.

SEEING THINGS THROUGH

Junior Engineer

Whatever Comes Up

Are You Ready For Some

FOOTBALL? Just in time for Super Bowl, here are some SUPER fun, SUPER obscure facts to share and impress even the most savvy football trivia experts.

I

II

In 1973, after the Miami Dolphins Super Bowl win, Don Shula had his watch stolen from his wrist as he was carried off the field. Who knew a handshake could be so expensive!

Super Bowl Sunday is listed (according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture) as the 2nd largest day of consumption, 2nd only to Thanksgiving!

III

Super Bowl I (1967) did not sell out and the most expensive ticket was considered expensive at $12.

IV

Jimmy Carter was the first president to welcome a Super Bowl winning team to the White House. That team was the Pittsburgh Steelers and the year was 1980.

V

VI

VII

Super Bowl venues are chosen years before the event. So who gets “Home” field? It’s as easy as odds or evens. NFC gets assigned as the home team in oddnumbered Super Bowls, and AFC gets the even-numbered Super Bowls.

Tiffany and Co. are the proud designers of The Vince Lombardi trophies that are produced every year and get a permanent home with the winner, unlike the Stanley Cup that moves every year.

VIII

There has never been a team that scored 0 in a Super Bowl. The Miami Dolphins came closest to a shut out when they scored the lowest number of points (3) in 1972 against Dallas.

IX

In an episode of The Simpsons, which aired on January 23, 1992. Lisa Simpson correctly guessed that the Washington Redskins would win Super Bowl XXVI.

X

As the only official game ball the NFL has ever known, “The Duke” NFL football was named in honor of the game’s pioneering legend and NY Giants owner, Wellington Mara.

Having been named by his father after the Duke of Wellington, young Mara was soon dubbed “The Duke” by the Giants players when he worked for the team as a ball boy in 1925.

XI

The Super Bowl I halftime was crashed. The performers included two marching bands, acclaimed trumpeter Al Hirt, two men in jet packs, and 300 pigeons that made a surprise appearance.

It was a surprise for TV news helicopters just days before Super Bowl XX in 1986, when they got mooned by Jim McMahon while filming a practice session for the Chicago Bears.

January/February 2022

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77

Welcome

Roasted

by Bridget Shirvell

Head Roaster and Co-Founder Will Ponturo (left) and his father, Bob Ponturo, Co-Founder and President of a new company Quartertone Coffee in their roasting room near Nod Hill Brewery, of which Bob is part owner.

Father-Son Duo Launches Coffee Roaster in Ridgefield

C

offee is a necessity, sure, but it’s also a way of bringing faraway places into your kitchen. A cup of coffee made from singleorigin beans grown on a small farm in Nicaragua, Colombia, or Ethiopia has the power to transport, to let us feel however briefly, close to the land and the farmer that grew the beans. Getting those beans from small farmers, however, can often be a challenge.

Enter Quartertone Coffee, a Ridgefield-based coffee roaster that opened in April 2021. Created by father-son duo Bob and Will Ponturo, Quartertone Coffee sells three to four single-origin coffees each month and two blends. They hand-select the beans from small farmers, and focus on sourcing from a diversity of countries within coffee growing regions.

“We’re trying to cut as many middle people as possible and work directly with the farms,” says Will. “We’ve spent some time on the farms with the families, getting to know them. Building that relationship is important and allows us to say ‘hey can we try this?’ We can get more experimental.”

Originally from the area, Will went to the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and stayed in the city after school where he fell in love with roasting beans while working as a barista.

“I found it so interesting, I wanted to get into it,” says Will. “I roasted at home in a tiny popcorn maker and eventually found another company looking for a roaster.”

Meanwhile, Bob and Will were talking about opening a business together.

“I kept saying if he ever wanted to move back down this way, we’d open up a business together,” says Bob adding that the two have always had a really close relationship with pretty easy communication. “We

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have a good strong relationship; we work well together and we listen to each other, there’s no quarreling.”

Will moved back to Connecticut in the fall of 2020, and the two spent the next few months preparing to open their business, finding a small space they could rent in the Nod Hill Brewery building on Ethan Allen Highway.

When a new batch of beans comes in, Will looks at the farmer’s notes, the elevation of where the tree grows, the way the bean was processed and considers how other similar coffees were roasted to determine how to roast the beans. After a first roast, he might adjust the next batch until he gets it to the taste he wants.

“We want to make sure we’re only selling the best possible version of each coffee, however many batches that takes,” Will says.

Each bag of coffee features artwork by different artists, many of them family friends, although in recent months, they’ve been approached by artists as far away as the United Kingdom to do future bags.

“We’re trying to do things a little differently than people have been doing,” says Will.

Since April, Quartertone Coffee has sold its bags to several cafes and markets and direct to consumers via its website. They offer free delivery in Ridgefield. They hope to get their coffee in more cafes and then one day to brew and serve it directly to consumers, possibly with some sort of mobile coffee truck.

Oh, and if you’re wondering about the name. Quartertone is a musical term for the notes between the notes representing their experimental ethos.

For more information, visit quartertonecoffee.com.

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JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day

RPS: schools closed

The Weekends of the 20th and 27th

ACT of Connecticut

NICKEL MINES performances

5

The Ridgefield Playhouse Cowboy Junkies

1

Wilton Historical Society Great Trains Holiday Show

22

The Ridgefield Playhouse The Lords of 52nd Street

4-26

Ridgefield Theater Barn The Divas

2

Wilton Library Holiday Book Sale

25

Wilton Library Senior Center Book Discussions

5-6

Ridgefield Historical Society Singing School at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse

1-31

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Karla Knight: Navigator exhibition on view

27

Ridgefield Library Bang-a-Can Winter SLAM!

6

The Ridgefield Playhouse Martin Barre of Jethro Tull

27

Ridgefield Historical Society/Library Webinar: The Better Angels

28

The Ridgefield Playhouse Chazz Palminteri & Steven Van Zandt

6

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum In-Person ARTalk, Film Screening with The Ridgefield Library

5

Ridgefield High School Small Ensemble Concert

5

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Amaryllis DeJesus Moleski exhibition opens

8

Keeler Tavern Museum Tavern Tastings: Medicinal Food

29

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Eyes Full of Words: An Ekphrastic Writing Workshop

6

Ridgefield High School Small Ensemble Concert (snow date)

11

The Ridgefield Playhouse Marky Ramone In Conversation

The Ridgefield Playhouse Brubeck Brothers Quartet: Dave Brubeck Centennial Ridgefield High School Winter Play “The Bald Soprano”

11

Keeler Tavern Museum Tavern Tastings: Desserts

30

13-15

The Ridgefield Playhouse Comedian Brian Regan

28-29

1/33- 3/13

RPAC Art Gallery Janice Mauro & RPAC Resident Artist

Jan-Mar Keeler Tavern Museum

Winter Concert Series Dates

TBA Symphony Orchestra

1/33- 3/13

D. Colabella Fine Art Gallery Art In The Home Featuring Claudia Mengel

FEBRUARY 1-6 Ridgefield Guild of Artists

COLOR: Member Themed Show

15-31

Ridgefield Guild of Artists COLOR: Member Themed Show

4-5

Ridgefield High School Winter Play “The Bald Soprano”

16

The Ridgefield Playhouse REZA: Edge of Illusion

12-27

Ridgefield Guild of Artists 2-1-2 Small Group Juried Show

17

18

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Duane Slick: The Coyote Makes the Sunset Better and Milano Chow: Prima Facie exhibitions

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Karla Knight: Navigator , Milano Chow: Prima Facie, Duane Slick: The Coyote Makes the Sunset Better and Tim Prentice: After the Mobile outdoor installation on view

19

The Ridgefield Playhouse The Gilmour Project

1-28

2

20

The Ridgefield Playhouse Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals

3

The Ridgefield Playhouse On A Winter’s Night

21

The Ridgefield Playhouse Luann de Lesseps Cabaret Show

3

Keeler Tavern Museum Museum Tours Open for 2022

Martin Luther King’s Birthday

The Ridgefield Playhouse The Fab Four

Things To Do

January/February

12/6- Ridgefield Theater Barn 2/9 Pan RTBK Spring 2021 Workshop 12/13- 2/16

Ridgefield Theater Barn 20 Plays in 20 Minutes RTBK Spring 2021 Workshop

12

The Ridgefield Playhouse Art Garfunkel

17

Ridgefield Library Celebrate Black History Month with selected speakers

18

The Ridgefield Playhouse Comedian Steven Wright

20

The Ridgefield Playhouse The 5th Dimension

22

Wilton Library Senior Center Book Discussions

25

The Ridgefield Playhouse Richard Marx

26

The Ridgefield Playhouse Dark Desert Eagles Eagles Tribute Band

All events were submitted by the organizations through public calendars including the Ridgefield Arts Council calendar. 068 Magazine is not responsible for any omissions or errors.

For more information, visit the individual website of each organization. Please submit any events happening in a 068 zip code to editor@068magazine.com

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One More Thing

Why

Art?

by Barb Jennes Poet Laureate of Ridgefield

Why breath?

Why switch the light on in a darkened room?

Why feed a newborn baby, wailing for life?

Why cross a bridge to some far shore where only strangers live?

Why plant flowers in the garden, knowing winter comes?

Why clean the attic of dead mice, the shells of bugs, ghosts?

Why open eyes when morning comes?

Why discover infinitesimal things, study them through microscopes?

Why voices?

Why plow a fallow field?

Why pluck the glass shards from an open wound?

Why pray for rain to fall on parched plains?

Why aspirin? Why penicillin? Why salve?

Why shoes?

Why let the children laugh?

Why whisper prayers for impossible things?

Why open up the doors to spring’s fresh ways?

Why a moon at night?

Why maps?

Why fire at the entrance to the cave?

Why shadows? Why shade?

Why ice chips on a dying person’s tongue?

Why scuff through dew-soaked grass in shoeless feet?

Why buttercup pollen, rubbed below a chin?

Why resuscitate the drowned?

Why harvest honey from the hive?

Why run until your heart feels it will burst?

Why touch?

Why rock a troubled child to sleep?

Why excavate our nightmares—Tulsa, Auschwitz, Sandy Hook?

Why build a taller tower—taller yet?

Why telescopic eyes to gaze at stars?

Why sails on ships on windless days?

Why plant a tree you’ll never see bear fruit?

Why wheels?

Why hold a mirror to a tyrant’s face?

Why open up our hearts, pour justice in?

Why say their names?

Why risk it all for beauty?

Why ears? Why eyes?

Why open up cages, let dammed water flow?

Why heartbeat?

Why fingertips?

Why?

“Possibilities” by Brandy Perrone

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Art.

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