November/December by bedfordnewcanaanmag

DARIEN • RIDGEFIELD • KATONAH • ARMONK • POUND RIDGE • N&S SALEM • WACCABUC

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2024

holiday issue

The place to be is Out & About!

Our Out & About feature is the first thing people turn to when they receive each issue of Bedford & New Canaan Magazine, and all the attention is good for the charitable organizations behind the events covered.

But in a more general sense, it’s great to be Out & About in Darien, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Bedford, Pound Ridge, Armonk, Katonah, Waccabuc, North Salem, South Salem, Pleasantville, and Mt. Kisco! …There’s a lot of fun things to do!!!...

Just this past month: Warren Haynes performed to benefit Rippowam Cisqua, and then joined Rolling Stone piano legend Chuck Leavell at Caramoor for an evening MCed by CBS News’ Anthony Mason; Jan/Feb ‘21 Cover Feature Will Reeve attended the opening of the movie Super/Man, a documentary about Will’s dad Christopher, at the Bedford Playhouse; the Writer and Director of the new Netflix documentary ‘Martha about Martha Stewart appeared for a Q&A after a preview screening at the Jacob Burns Film Center; and the London Philharmonic Orchestra performed at Grace Farms’ 9th Anniversary Gala.

Our Calendar of Events on Instagram @BedfordNewCanaanMag is the largest locally focused Instagram in the area, and if you check in every day you’ll be in the know about everything that’s going on in the B&NC MAG area. All the benefits and blasts, formals and fêtes, parades and picnics, and concerts and classes and other community come-togethers on the calendar in our wonderfully abundant surrounds.

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2024

This past year we’ve featured some of the outstanding cultural institutions in the B&NC MAG community, including The Capitol Theater, The Ridgefield Playhouse, ACT of Ridgefield, The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, The Jacob Burns Film Center, Mather Homestead, and, in this issue, The Carriage Barn Arts Center at Waveny. We have major music halls, museums, moviehouses, and much much more within miles of our mansions.

Celebrate the Holidays by getting Out & About! Do more than whatever you’re already doing! …And make it a habit!

Happy Holidays,

Casey Kaplan

B&NC MAG PRESIDENT

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WELCOME BABY P 34

Sarah Steinhardt, a Bedford local, is the founder of Welcome Baby, a non-profit that provides low-income pregnant women with a care package including all the supplies their newborn will require during the first four weeks of life.

MAKING ART ACCESSIBLE AT THE CARRIAGE BARN ARTS CENTER P 46

Since its inception, the Carriage Barn Arts Center has primarily been a visual arts center that is free and open to the public. It’s mission is to provide New Canaan with special exhibits and curated collections… and to make art accessible at all levels!

THE BATTLE OF RIDGEFIELD: HISTORY & HISTORIAN P 60

The 1777 Battle of Ridgefield, which happened right along what is now Main Street, played a significant part in America’s ultimate victory in the Revolutionary War…and the whole affair is brought to life by long-time Ridgefield-local Keith Marshall Jones III in his new book.

ROLLING ORCHARDS: ONE OF NEW CANAAN'S FINEST ESTATES P 70

B&NC Mag scored an inside look on one of the most fabulous properties around, complete with more than fifty mature apple trees, a tennis court, pool cabana, guest house, and a six-bedroom main house.

FOOD & CULTURE, JUNE HERSH: AUTHOR & AFICIONADO

B&NC Mag local June Hersh’s books celebrate the history and culture of foods. She’s most well-known for having authored Food, Hope & Resilience Authentic Recipes And Remarkable Stories From Holocaust Survivors… and this holiday season she’s dishing up some recipes!

P 84

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Welcome Baby is a non-profit organization that provides low-income pregnant women with a care package including all the supplies their newborn will require during the first four weeks of life.

Bedford local Sarah Steinhardt founded the charity, together with longtime friend, Juliet Fuisz, shortly after Sarah gave birth to her first child, Eli, in 2015, and after a serendipitous encounter with Juliet on the street in Manhattan, who was pregnant at the time when the two women reconnected. Sarah recalls, “Even though I had every resource and plenty of support, I was suffering from postpartum anxiety and finding the day-to-day of having a new baby challenging. When I bumped into Juliet and we started commiserating, we were wondering out loud how the heck any woman, especially women lacking stable housing or financial and familial support, manages to get through those first months with their newborn?!?”

“It seems like nothing could be more fundamental than being able to provide for a newborn’s basic hygiene, but some low-income women can’t afford even the most basic necessities,” Sarah explains, “and our providing a newborn’s necessities for a month often means scarce dollars can be applied to food and shelter. We’ve already delivered thousands and thousands of Welcome Baby care packages across 20 States! We include a month of diapers and wipes, two rash creams, a baby carrier, bottles, pacifiers, a thermometer, grooming kit, two

pairs of footed pajamas, two swaddle blankets, four onesies, bath wash, moisturizer, and a baby’s first book. While there are other charities that focus on pre and post-natal care, like Good+, Room to Grow, and March of Dimes, and a lot of organizations that offer social services for low income families and children, we’re targeted specifically on the acute need for critical necessities in a baby’s first month.

“There are about 3.6 million babies born in the U.S. each year, and it’s estimated that at least 600,000 of those babies are born into poverty and 1.5 million are born into families paying for that birth with Medicaid, not even taking into account completely uninsured births” Sarah decries. “And the outsized positive impacts of making sure every baby has the basic necessities for at least a month include the long-term health and well-being of that baby, mother, and family, as well as reducing the burden on our healthcare and social welfare systems that results when babies endure poverty. Study after study shows that even brief periods of poverty in a child’s life - when their basic needs aren’t being met - can have lifelong negative impacts on almost every facet of that child's life. If we can interrupt part of this poverty cycle in one tangible way, we will see enormous benefits going forward.”

“At a very basic level I feel like we should all be indignant that any newborn is deprived of diapers and diaper cream. And yet there are newborns right here in our area…and everywhere else…born into situations where the mother simply cannot provide the basic necessities!” Sarah declares. “We’ve committed to providing enough packages to give to every baby in need born into Northern Westchester Hospital’s Prenatal Care Center and we’ve improved the lives of thousands of women and newborns in the immediate tristate area. A recent Welcome Baby recipient told us very simply, “I don’t know anyone and I have no money. I didn’t have any idea how I was going to do this.”

She continues, “Finland supplies a comprehensive newborn care package called an Äitiyspakkaus to every baby, that includes a year’s supply of the basics. Here, there are no State or Federal subsidies for the kind of basic necessities we are providing. And while we’re working on the legislative front trying to initiate a seachange in government funding, we’re fully occupied with trying to address the critical need as it exists today!”

“At a very basic level I feel like we should all be indignant that any newborn is deprived of diapers and diaper cream. And yet there are newborns right here in our area…and everywhere else…born into situations where the mother simply cannot provide the basic necessities!”

“I started out stockpiling and assembling baby boxes in my house - and driving them to the Union Settlement in East Harlem, but the operation quickly outgrew our handspun capabilities and we now use a logistics company out of Florida to handle our procurement, warehousing, packaging, and shipping,” Sarah details. “We’ve managed to get the total cost of each delivered baby box down to $150. It’s the best investment we as a society can make… in anything! It helps to break the poverty cycle, it works to prevent all sorts of short-term and lifelong problems and costs, and it can lessen future social dependence.”

Sarah packs boxes with her 3 sons, husband, David, and stepdaughter, Lila

“Most importantly, we work to identify pregnant women in need. We partner with hospitals, clinics, County and State Departments of Health, and social workers to identify recipients, and we carefully keep anonymous data on who’s been served,” Sarah says about Welcome Baby operations.

“The thing is, we’re presently only serving a fraction of the need, and I want this to become the national standard of care for every baby born in the U.S.!” Sarah declares. “I’m dedicated to this cause, and we’re fortunate to have Bedford local, Mackenzie Mas, working full-time as Welcome Baby’s Director of Logistics & Partnerships and keeping things running smoothly. We’re looking to grow our wonderful and supportive Board of Directors with folks who can help fulfill our mission in some very specific and strategic ways. We presently buy almost everything that goes in our baby boxes via wholesale partners… and would like to have people on our Board with contacts at product manufacturers and other corporate sponsors that might supply products or services for our baby boxes for free. We’re also focused on finding Board members who can help to institutionalize our outreach and form relationships with organizations which can identify and distribute our baby boxes to appropriate recipients. We need a couple of lawyers or political types who can help us to get governmental funding and work on legislative changes at the States and Federal level.

And, of course, we would welcome any good hearted and like minded souls who can help us to raise funds for Welcome Baby.”

Sarah declares, “Welcome Baby is about making sure every newborn has the basic necessities to get started with life…it’s the least we can do!”

“Welcome Baby is about making sure every newborn has the basic necessities to get started with life…it’s the least we can do!”

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MAKING ART Accessible

at the Carriage Barn Arts Center

Waveny Park, now a glorious jewel of New Canaan, was originally the grand summer estate of Thomas Wells Hall from 1894 to 1904, during which time he built a home, a carriage barn, and a powerhouse. In 1904, Lewis Henry Lapham, a co-founder of the Texaco Oil Company, bought the property as a summer estate from Hall, and expanded it from 280 acres to 450 acres, and then, in 1912, tore down Hall's house and had a new one built by the renowned architect William B. Tubby. The new house was named Waveny House, after Waveny River in England, where Lapham’s ancestors had once lived. And after about five decades of Lamphams living in the home, in August of 1967, the Town of New Canaan purchased Waveny Park from Mrs. Ruth Lapham Lloyd, the daughter of Lewis Lapham Lloyd, for $1,500,000.

Pursuant to a stipulation on the deed, Waveny is and will always be a place for the community, open to all, meant for people to enjoy. The Town put its first focus into improving and operating Waveny House, while the carriage barn on the property had fallen into disrepair. …Ten years later, in 1977, a group of local female artists in town banded together with the idea that there should be a public arts center, free and open to everyone, to culturally enrich the town - and they figured that the open carriage house building at Waveny would be just the spot.

There was a real artistic movement going on in the area at the time. The Harvard Five were building iconic mid-century modern masterpieces ‘right down the block’, and the area was chock full of actors, artists, and authors. Andy Warhol is known to have visited the Glass House on weekends, Gutzon Borglum - who created Mt. Rushmore - lived in the area in the early 1900s, and Charles Saxon, who did lots of covers for The New Yorker lived in New Canaan for decades.

Betty Barker, herself a painter, who founded, funded, and volunteered for the New Canaan Society of Arts, led the effort by dozens of volunteers to themselves restore the carriage barn with their own hands! They cleared out the debris from the building and did the initial repairs on their own. Charles Saxon created custom designs to go on the bathroom doors that have been preserved to this day. And the initial renovation was completed just days before the first member show opened, and the member show has been going on every year since.

Since its inception, the Carriage Barn Arts Center has primarily been a visual arts center that is free and open to the public. The mission has always been to provide New Canaan with special exhibits and curated collections, but also to focus on making art accessible at all levels, amateurs and aficionados alike, and to provide something that’s interesting to everyone. And, until about a decade ago, when Hilary Whitman came on board as the Executive Director, the Carriage Barn remained volunteer-run. “We’ve really grown up in the last ten years,” Hilary remarks, “we have a professional staff with a much more robust year-round calendar of exhibitions. Our board of directors has been really strategic about having programming that grows the organization and draws people that are going to come back as repeat visitors, and who might not otherwise do other cultural stuff or go out of their way to go to other galleries or museums.

We’re trying to involve more people with the arts world at a kind of an entry level point that makes it feel more accessible.

Norm Siegel's painting, Mona Rolla. An oil painting encompassing trompe l'oeil.

The Carriage Barn Arts Center is open five days a week (Wednesdays through Sundays), and serves as a sort of public gallery for local and regional artists. “For the first forty years or so, the artists exhibiting were really hyper local to New Canaan… and we love having New Canaan artists… but in recent years we’ve grown to incorporate a lot more artists from surrounding towns - very similar in scope to Bedford & New Canaan Magazine, with a similar kind of cross-border, and yet still really local feeling,” Hilary explains. For creating the gathering hub and the space to show, as well as facilitating sales, the Carriage Barn takes a 50% cut of all sales, just like a gallery, and uses the proceeds to fund the organization's operations. Artists, many of whom might not have other places to exhibit, get the opportunity to monetize their work to a rather large audience. About 8,000 people come through

the Carriage Barn every year and hundreds of pieces are sold; most works sold are under $2,000… but the Carriage Barn also dabbles in higher-end works ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 and up.

While the flagship exhibition is the annual members show, which provides the opportunity for all members to submit pieces of art to be showcased - with over 175 pieces on display this year - the cultural center hosts a wide variety of exhibitions and artists.

The Carriage Barn has also been a springboard to young and emerging artists. “There’s a young man in high school who lives in New Canaan who’s an exceptionally talented painter. His mother got involved with the Carriage Barn as a photographer, and he submitted a piece for Art in The Windows, an annual program we do, where we put a juried selection of members’ pieces into the shop windows of downtown New Canaan. Starting there, we sold a few of his pieces, and his painting, What's Next, got a lot of attention at this years’ member show…” Hilary shares, “and he’s also a classically trained pianist, has performed at Carnegie Hall, and came played an event at the Carriage Barn recently, as well. Then there’s Connie Brown, a young woman in town who started on the board of the Carriage Barn and then got her artistic professional start at the Members' Show, and eventually with a solo show. Connie Brown has risen to prominence and now has her own big shows at major New York City galleries, but as she tells everyone…she got her start at the Carriage Barns Art Center. “About 10 years ago there was an exhibition of Cuban art, most of which was collected by a local man, that was all made by living Cuban artists, who really had not had the opportunity for their work to be seen outside of Cuba for decades,” Hilary elaborates on the Carriage Barn’s offering. “We’ve done two exhibitions around the ‘art of the vehicle’, and in 2018 we did a great exhibit on the MidCentury Modernist Movement, including the Harvard Five.”

Now

on display at the Carriage Barn Arts Center

Edward KEATING

Currently on display, the Carriage Barn is proud to be hosting the first retrospective show of the work of Edward ‘Eddie’ Keating, who was a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, best known for his coverage of 9/11 and of the war in Kosovo for the New York Times, and for his black and white takes on gritty Manhattan street scenes and years of work focused on Route 66.

Eddie died in 2021 at the age of 65. He grew up in New Canaan, in idyllic circumstances…until his father died from a sudden heart attack when Eddie was seven…leaving behind Eddie’s mother, two younger brothers, and an older half sister. Then, when Eddie was in his early teens, his mother took her life, and though the boy’s older sister Cynthia came back from newly-married life to New Canaan to take care of her three brothers, it’s said that the Town of New Canaan really became the Keating boys’ built-in family and support system. “No matter where Eddie went, he always considered New Canaan home,” Eddie’s widow, Carrie, shares. “So of course, as I planned his first retrospective…it just had to be back here at home.” What was not planned, or even realized until weeks before opening, was that the 50th Reunion for the New Canaan High School Class of 1974 - Eddie’s Class! - would be held at The Carriage Barn Arts Center on the day after the Exhibition’s opening! “A lot of his best buddies in life were from New Canaan High School. There’s no doubt Eddie will be there in spirit at the Reunion! And he would’ve gotten such a kick out of his work being displayed for all his classmates!”

Eddie picked up a camera at age twenty-five when he got a bit of money back from a tax return and used it to buy a Leica. “Ken Hansen at the camera store had told him that he wasn’t ready for this level of camera as a beginner…so, of course, Eddie had to have it! He just started shooting right on the street in Manhattan when he walked out of the store and never stopped. He became a chameleon who could adapt to whoever he was shooting - and he changed with everyone he shot.,” Carrie explains. “A camera is all about the decisive moment, and that was perfect for Eddie.”

Carrie relays, “He was always shooting film on a Leica, never digital. He felt film is much more of an ‘in the moment’ kind of an experience. He shot some really beautiful things and some moments that were so delicate and filled with love… we actually did weddings together on the side to make extra money - and working together was like a dance, always knowing where the other was going to be. But Eddie also got himself into lots of sticky situations going deep on assignment.”

“In 1991, Eddie got sent to Crown Heights for The New York Times to cover the race riots. I got a call at 3am that he was in Kings County Hospital with 100 stitches in the back of his head. About 100 kids saw him floating around after the incidents started and got suspicious. He was fast, but he couldn’t outrun them. There were so many kids on top of him, and one put a brick to his head. It would have been it, if not for another brave correspondent who got him out of there. But he always had PTSD after that.”

“Then he covered the Kosovo War in the late 90s. His whole feeling was that you can’t shoot from where everyone else is shooting, so he decided to cross the border. He got nabbed by the Serbian cops, became a hostage with guns to his head, and during the search, they found his harmonica - he was an amazing blues harp player - and in their broken Serbian/English they kept saying: “Dylan!” and jabbing the harmonica into his side. The story goes that he closed his eyes and played the most beautiful rendition of Mr. Tambourine Man that he could muster, and when he opened his eyes the cops were crying and told him he could leave.”

While Keating’s work took him all over the world, in early '80s he moved back to New Canaan, and even did a stint working as a photographer for the town paper! A few prints of New Canaan subjects are on display and are for sale.

When 9/11 occurred, he felt compelled to go and cover Ground Zero. He couldn’t have comprehended what he was inhaling would cause cancer years later. His work portraying the raw wreckage, the survivors, the first responders, and the way that it caused life to stand still in Manhattan is what won him the Pulitzer Prize.

He left behind 300+ roles of unprocessed film, and Carrie, also an award-wining photographer says she’s “slowly been making my way through developing those images and curating Eddie’s vast body of work. As I began to catalog everything, having a retrospective at the Carriage Barn became an obvious focus - and we’re so excited that it’s come to fruition! He will never be forgotten!”

At the opening on October 18, past and present New Canaanites came together to celebrate Eddie’s life and work. The Keating’s 32 year old daughter, Emily, a professional musician, performed some of his favorite songs. And at the New Canaan Class of 1974’s 50th Reunion at the Carriage Barn Arts Center the next day…Eddie’s classmates honored and toasted Eddie’s memory!

As an added bonus, for 47 years now, sculptors have been meeting to work in the basement of the Carriage Barn…and that activity has a robust and ever-evolving membership.

“There truly is something for everyone here. We do seasonal flower arrangement nights, where people come and hang out, and drink wine, and it’s really high energy, and fun, and social. And then we do yoga on Saturday mornings. People come from a half an hour or more away to be here. We had Ray Aisle - the wine editor from Food & Wine - come and do a whole event and talk. Those are all drawing-in people with various interests to be in the space and engage with the artwork. People who might not otherwise seek out art… but who will benefit from that exposure… and we think everyone benefits from that!” Hilary beams.

And, in addition to art and community programming, the Carriage Barn’s large open space is rented out for a variety of private events, and is used as a go-to by many New Canaan non-profits as a gathering space for meetings and to host fundraisers and functions. Planet New Canaan just hosted their annual gala at the Carriage Barn, West School just did their parents social there, New Canaan Newcomers is doing a ‘Friendsgiving Dinner’… “and we’re always eager to form meaningful partnerships and collaborations,” Hilary says. “We also work with teachers at the high school who bring over their students for almost every exhibit, and weave the exhibit into their curriculum. It’s such a great way to expose kids outside of the classroom setting … and they can just walk over!”

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Photos: Advanced Photographix

The Battle of Ridgefield

History & Historian

The 1777 Battle of Ridgefield, which happened right along what is now Main Street played a significant part in America’s ultimate victory in the Revolutionary War. The American Patriot Militia was outnumbered by at least 3-to-1. More King’s troops fought at Ridgefield than on Lexington Green, at Concord Bridge, or at Trenton and Princeton. The American Patriot Militia was quickly dispersed by the overwhelming, wellequipped, and well-trained British military forces, under the command of their top Brigadier General. But the British took heavy casualties, with 60 to 80 troops killed or wounded and 20 captured in the daylong running battle. And, consequently, the Patriot Militia’s example at Ridgefield set the field for how the American Militia, drawn from across the 13 States, would ultimately defeat the British Army over the course of the remainder of the War.

The whole affair is brought to life by long-time Ridgefield-local Keith Marshall Jones III in his new book titled The Battle of Ridgefield : Benedict Arnold, the Patriot Militia, and the Surprising 1777 Battle that Galvanized Revolutionary Connecticut. Keith’s fifth book, The Battle of Ridgefield is actually a reprise of his 2002 treatment titled Farmers Against The Crown, but this new book has 90% new material. Keith has also previously authored three other historical analysis: Farms of Farmingville, about the 23 post-and-beam farm houses dating

back to 1744 and still standing in one school district in Farmingville, Connecticut; a biography of John Lawrence, a New York lawyer and publisher who was one of the Founding Fathers - which won the Philadelphia Publishers’ Publication of the Year Award in 2020, and; a book about his own forefather, Chief Justice John Marshall, and his role as a soldier in George Washington’s Army.

Keith’s dad was career Air Force and Keith grew up, the oldest of five kids, with stints in Germany, Alaska, Mississippi, Texas, Kansas, and Washington State, where Keith went to Tacoma High School. His dad paid for just the first year of college for each kid, so Keith got a job with the May Company to help pay for the University of Colorado, where Keith got a degree in Political Science. He worked in Human Relations at McDonnell Douglas, before earning an MBA from Harvard Business School with a focus in Marketing. He then had a successful career in Brand Management with work for Pepsi, AnheuserBusch, Cadbury Schweppes, and Colgate. Keith and his wife of 51 years, Judith, raised their two boys in Ridgefield, and now split their time between houses in Manhattan and Tucson. Keith was a founder of the Ridgefield Historical Society in 2000, served as its initial President, and continues to help oversee its National Park Service Phase II Study for the Battlefield Protection Program.

“Imagine the circumstances!”

Keith proclaims.

“What heroes the Patriot Militia were!

And they were just men from local towns, like Pound Ridge, who were willing to risk their lives, in the face of vastly superior military forces, in support of the ideal of freedom from British rule! …And remember, the farmers around this area at the time led a relatively good life. They were not being taxed by the British and there were no Redcoats around. Connecticut elected its own government from the very beginning. …Imagine making the decision to go to the local gathering spot, like the Bedford Green, and take up arms to form a militia of a few hundred fellow villagers…to go fight the British Army in the town over the next hill!”

“And there were still plenty of Tories living amongst the Patriot majority,” Keith continues. “In New York men were by law automatically conscripted to serve in the militia, but it was actually the community that enforced the duty to serve. There was no money,

The Ridgefield Historical Society receives a gift of a painting of The Battle of Ridgefield

“What heroes the Patriot Militia were! And they were just men from local towns, like Pound Ridge…”

and you’d be outcast from the community’s barter economy if you were not a Patriot. Identified as a Tory, you’d be called out at the Congregational Church.”

“Every British soldier carried a Brown Bed Musket, capable of firing three rounds a minute of a 75 caliber musket ball, and equipped with a fixed bayonet. Like the modern day equivalent of facing a 50 caliber M16 with a pistol. If the projectile didn’t kill you, the sepsis from the wound probably would. And the very purpose of the bayonet was that no enemy soldier would survive being left behind on the battlefield.

And every local farmer and farm hand knew that’s what they would be facing if and when they were called to arms,” Keith elucidates.

“It was April of 1777, and Washington’s Army was busy defending Philadelphia after having lost the Battle of New York and at Yonkers,” Keith sets the scene.

“On the night of the 25th, a rider knocks on the door at the house of 37 year old farmer, William Fancher - where Fancher Road in Pound Ridge is now - to alert him that the British were burning the Danbury Depot, then the largest remaining supply depot for all goods going to New England after the burning of the Peekskill Depot, and were headed next to sack Ridgefield. …Fancher, though remembered as ‘too weak of constitution’ for extended field service, bid adieu to wife Sarah and their four young children, buckled on his sword, summoned younger brother Daniel, called out his Pound Ridge Company of the 2nd New York Militia, and set out on the Ridgefield Road!”

“On the morning of April 26, with the British in control of Danbury and 22 warehouses and 19 residences laid to waste there, British Major General William Tryon, who was staying at the house of a prosperous Danbury Tory named Nehemiah Dibble, directed that nearly 2,000 troops disembark from a dozen transport ships at nearby Compo Beach, and head for Ridgefield,” Keith continues. “Responsibility for defending Southwestern Connecticut lay with General Gold Selleck Silliman’s 4th Brigade of State Militia. From his fine center-chimney clapboard residence - that’s still standing - atop a

gentle Fairfield hill, Silliman observed Tryon’s troops massing and immediately summoned the four Militia Regiments under his command, including: Colonel Samuel Whiting’s 4th Regiment composed of Fairfield, Stratford and Redding men; Colonel Increase Moseley Jr.’s Litchfield County-based 13th Regiment; the 9th Regiment made up of men from Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk, and New Canaan Parish, commanded by Lt. Colonel John Mead, and; the 16th Regiment of Colonel Joseph Platt Cooke from Danbury. ‘As soon as you get 20 men of a company together’, ordered Silliman, ‘send them on immediately under a proper officer, and send the rest as fast as possible’. And by noon of April 26th, 600 men representing perhaps two-thirds of Silliman’s Brigade had gathered at the designated rendezvous spot nine miles South of Danbury in Redding, together with a few dozen Continentals under the command of Lt. Colonel David Dimon, and 66-year-old Militia Major General David Wooster took command. Whilst marching from Redding to Ridgefield on the 26th, none other than the then widely-revered Continental Brigadier General Arnold met the American forces. Arnold had been insulted by Congress’s political decision to promote five less deserving officers ahead of him for the rank of Major General, and saw the upcoming opportunity for battlefield valor as a way to prove himself. Arnold, Silliman, and Wooster made camp in Bethel to plot strategy, with Wooster as senior officer in charge.”

Keith Marshall Jones III

“Tryon did not expect serious opposition in Tory-infested Western Connecticut, and calculated that destroying Danbury Depot would inspire closet loyalists to replicate the ‘petit guerre’ then inflaming lower Westchester County,” Keith recounts.

“The American objective was to somehow delay Tryon’s return to Long Island Sound until Connecticut and New York militia could swarm Danbury by the hundreds to contest Tryon’s Redcoats. Not knowing which road the British would take back to their ships, the three American commanders divided their 600 troops into two separate commands. Wooster would remain in Tryon’s rear with 200 men - soon supplemented by another 150 - in the event the Redcoats marched back the way they came. Arnold and Silliman positioned their 400 men to intercept Tryon’s column if he took the Norwalk Road through Ridgefield. Whichever route the enemy took, Arnold and Wooster would combine in a pincer movement to do battle. With word that Tryon had departed Danbury and begun the rugged four-mile trek to Ridgebury in the northeastern

corner of Ridgefield’s 35-square-mile township, Arnold and Silliman headed for Ridgefield.”

“Wooster first led his division to strike the British rear guard from behind… and the Battle had begun!,” Keith retells the history. “One King’s Officer wrote: ‘The militia began to Harass us early & increased every Mile, galling us from their Houses & Fences’. Then, when Tryon’s column reformed after the mid-day meal, Wooster’s men burst through the trees, inflicting heavy casualties and taking half of the British supply wagons, and then vanishing into the surrounding woodland as quickly as they had emerged. …Shortly thereafter, British Brigadier General Sir William Erskine, who had tactical command of Tryon’s forces, positioned a trio of artillery pieces along with a primed and loaded rear guard contingent hidden behind a bend in the road on what is now Route 116. Rounding the bend, Wooster’s horse was felled by enemy blasts, but observing that the nearest enemy cannon might be captured if he attacked with alacrity,

Wooster’s aide, a 23-year-old Yale graduate of the Class of 1775 named Captain Stephen Bradley, the Militia quickly disintegrated in the face of the advancing British soldiers… and, rather than delay the British march by pursuing the scattering Patriots, Erskine wheeled his rear guard back into column and resumed march toward Ridgefield, a mile and a half distant.”

“Shortly before the British forces reached Ridgefield, Arnold and Silliman’s divisions, together with Pound Ridge Captain Fancher’s Militia, the Lower Salem Companies of Captains Abijah Gilbert and Gideon Seeley, and a handful of Continental recruits from the 5th Connecticut Regiment, hurriedly fortified a formidable defensive ridgetop chokepoint atop the northern edge of Ridgefield’s broad, mile-long Town Street. From this commanding position - not unlike that at Boston’s Bunker Hill, the Americans could dare to take a stand against the much larger, more experienced, and more disciplined British troops…but with a southward avenue of escape at their back.”

Erskine secured the village. They took at least 16 prisoners, burned the abandoned Anglican Church housing patriot supplies, and embedded a cannonball in Timothy Keeler’s tavern - that’s still standing today!”

Keith summarizes, “The Americans suffered 13 known dead, including Wooster, and at least 29 wounded. But Ridgefield was where Tryon’s vision for British hegemony over Southwestern Connecticut came to die. Never again would the British venture into inland Connecticut. Not only was Revolutionary Connecticut galvanized into strong action against closet Tories and fence-sitters, but nearly 1,200 Nutmeg State Militia were freed-up to participate in the pivotal victory at the Battle of Saratoga.”

the gallant Wooster on foot urged his men forward. …But before the Patriot Militia could seize the gun, they were, according to eyewitness private Thomas Sherwood, ‘unexpectedly nearly surrounded by the enemy… and hastily ordered by Wooster to retreat’. No sooner had General Wooster remounted a fresh horse than a musket ball, purportedly from a Loyalist marksman, took him obliquely in the side and broke his backbone. A weathered granite marker, placed in 1906 along Route 116, still marks the spot where Wooster fell. Mortally wounded, the general was carried in his huge unwound sash as a litter to a large flat rock half a mile back toward Ridgebury. There he was joined by another severely wounded officer, Upper Salem Captain Thaddeus Crane of the 2nd Westchester militia regiment. Crane would survive, but poor Wooster lingered in paralyzed agony until dying five days later…in the parlor of Danbury Tory Nehemiah Dibble . . the very house where Major General Tryon had lodged the night before the Battle! …Despite efforts by

Chronicling the Battle climax and the Americans’ defeat, Keith details, “Silliman wrote: ‘About 3 o’clock, the enemy appeared in one grand column that filled the road for more than half a Mile in Length’. Erskine first wheeled six artillery pieces into position and commenced cannonade. Large platoons of British troops were next dispatched to probe both flanks. Having taken the measure of Arnold’s defense, Erskine then brought three cannons forward to shell the American center, and then surged a 600-man column directly at the American forces. …The brunt of the British assault was absorbed by Captain Ebenezer Coe’s Stratford Company of the 4th Militia. His Lieutenant killed, and half his Company dead or wounded, Coe fell from a musket ball that entered one eye and passed through his temple. Bayoneted multiple times as he lay helpless, Coe somehow survived the day! Nearby, Lt. Nathaniel Gray of New Canaan Parish crumpled to the ground, dead. General Arnold, seeing his entire line give way, charged to the front just as a platoon of green-coated Loyalist troops clambered over the stone ledges and unleashed a volley in his direction. Pinned to the ground by his fallen horse, Arnold was seen to whip out a pistol and shoot the nearest attacker dead. Ordering the Retreat, he then apparently confiscated a second mount and made good his own escape. Lt. Colonel Abraham Gould, 4th Militia commander, was not so fortunate, dying in the saddle while rallying his withdrawing Regiment. Over the next hour, Tryon and

Keith concludes, “Fortune favoring the bold, Congress did award Benedict Arnold a Second Star after Ridgefield, and Arnold carried the day at Saratoga. Fancher returned unscathed to civilian life in Pound Ridge, where he served two terms as Town Supervisor, became Justice of the Peace, and had a leading role in establishing the Presbyterian Church of Pound Ridge; though his Lieutenant Jacob Travis was wounded and two Privates, James and Newton Crawford, were taken prisoner.”

“I have a passion for history,” Keith proclaims, “and the history of the Battle of Ridgefield is glorious!”

But Ridgefield was where Tryon’s vision for British hegemony over Southwestern Connecticut came to die. Never again would the British venture into inland Connecticut. Not only was Revolutionary Connecticut galvanized into strong action against closet Tories and fence-sitters, but nearly 1200 Nutmeg State Militia were freed-up to participate in the pivotal victory at the Battle of Saratoga.”

“I love history,” Keith proclaims, “and the history of the Battle of Ridgefield is glorious!”

If there were ever a time to use the word ‘estate’ in its true sense, it would be Rolling Orchards. A 6 ½ acre property with a sprawling front lawn, expansive side yards, a very private backyard, a Har-tru tennis court, pool and pool house, guest house, and more than fifty mature apple trees of seven different varieties.

One of New Canaan’s Finest Estates

Step into a world of elegance and history...

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill called Rolling Orchards ‘home’ during the filming of Stepford Wives in the early 2000s

As the Novick family prepares to pass the torch onto the estate’s next lucky owners, they shared some of the properties' illustrious past with B&NC Mag, “This amazing place that we’ve had the good fortune to call home for the last two decades was previously ‘home’ to quite a few notable New Canaanites before us: Faith Hill and Tim McGraw lived here during the filming of Stepford Wives in the early 2000s, the CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, lived here, and the philanthropic Dunning family before that!”

RollingOrchards

The main house features 7 fireplaces, 6 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, a chefs-grade country kitchen with the stove inset to a cozy hearth and an oak island set over reclaimed brick floors from an Italian church.

The rambling first floor seems to have never-ending living spaces to accommodate all kinds of entertaining. A cozy light-filled sitting room is just off the kitchen, and in another wing of the house a 800+ square foot elegant living room leads to a slightly less formal oversized family room with walls of windows on three sides to enjoy the views of the apple orchards. A formal dining room could easily accommodate thirty or more guests for a Thanksgiving dinner.

Separate wings of the upstairs provide plenty of space and privacy for every member of the family — leaving ample room for guests. The central hall has plenty of gathering or relaxation space with a homework room, large built-in window bench nook, and a guest suite.

The Novicks turned the North wing of the upstairs into a respite for their three daughters with an adorable central shared bathroom outfitted with three Waterworks polished nickel skinks, an oversized bathtub, walk-in shower and separate commode room that, if not for the adorable pink touches throughout, could easily be mistaken for the primary suite…

… that is… until someone comes across the true primary suite – which is unmistakably principal, and takes over the entire South wing of the upstairs with a 600+ square foot main room with ample space for a Texas King, multiple sitting areas, and even a fire place.

The suite also features a renovated bathroom, built-in closets, a home gym, and large balcony overlooking the completely secluded backyard.

A separate guest cottage is a complete moment all on it’s own… like being transported to one of the guest suites at The Auberge Mayflower, any guest or in-law would be right at home in this positively charming large studio space with a sitting area, kitchenette, full bath and laundry, and ravishing matching transom windows.

The Har-tru tennis court is perfectly exposed and shaded, creating an optimal environment for any athlete.

Each fall, the Novicks invite a local preschool to bring the kids for apple picking and host a day of apple picking for friends and family. A surplus is donated to an area food pantry.

Out on the grounds, perennial gardens, that have been featured on the garden tour, and beautiful rolling landscapes create a picturesque surrounding. Dozens of species of mature specimen trees are irreplicable and remarkable; a Weeping Beech tree curtains behind the pool cabana, an evergreen Lawson Cypress, Lily Magnolia, Majestic Old Sugar Maples, Eastern Red Cedars, and Saphireberry Trees are all cared for by an expert Arborist. With over six acres to explore, Rolling Orchards is a haven for any nature-lover.

As if all that wasn’t enough… A completely secluded farm-fenced pool area has it’s own pool cabana with a bathroom, shower, full kitchen and indoor and outdoor sitting areas for Slim-Aarons-style entertaining.

Orchard Ridge is more than just a home; it's a sophisticated retreat that offers the best of New Canaan living with one delight after the next around every corner.

THE RIGHT CLUB

Patrick Alston, The Lighted Path, Break Free the Door That Illuminates US, 2023, Acrylic, gouache, oil, oil stick, pastel, and spray paint on sewn fabric, 76 x 100 inches

JUNE HERSH Author & Aficionado

“Tradition! Tradition!” Tevya sings in Fiddler On The Roof…and that’s what food is all about for food-and-culture aficionado, and long-time Bedford local, June Hersh, whose books celebrate the history and culture of foods.

June is most well-known for having authored Food, Hope & Resilience Authentic Recipes And Remarkable Stories From Holocaust Survivors (The History Press 2023), with a Foreword from none other than another B&NC Mag local — famous Chef Daniel Boulud. The book was first published in 2011 under the title Recipes Remembered, a Celebration of Survival and sold out of numerous prints. It tells the harrowing and heroic stories of Holocaust survivors… and recreates

the timeless recipes they still love and prepare today. These are uplifting and life affirming stories from more than 100 Jewish families, each with a message of survival and sustenance. Food, Hope & Resilience is a moving read…and after some tears of remembrance…will certainly lead to cooking and eating some good Jewish food!

The book was glowingly reviewed by Florence Fabrikant of the New York Times, and June travels across the country giving book talks and food demonstrations to share the legacy of the survivor community.

PHOTOS: CARTER FISH

She speaks on behalf of the Jewish Book Council, Hadassah, and UJA Federation, among others, writes regularly for several magazines and online blogs, and has appeared on numerous television programs featuring the book, including during the most popular Noon time slot on QVC’s show In The Kitchen With David — resulting in 6,000 copies sold in six minutes and the book rising to Amazon’s #1 bestseller that day. …And every penny of June’s proceeds have gone to charity; initially New York’s Museum of Jewish Heritage, and now to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

June has also authored a book titled the Kosher Carnivore (St. Martins Press 2011); a book titled Still Here, Inspiration from Survivors and Liberators of the Holocaust (Still Here LLC 2016), a striking blackand-white coffee table book, with photography by Brian Marcus, and meaningful quotes on how to live your best life from over 100 Holocaust survivors and liberators who turned tragedy into triumph, and; what must be the most comprehensive text on yoghurt, titled Yoghurt, A Global History (Reaktion Books UK 2019), which surveys the history, healing, hegemony, and ‘culture’ of the venerable dish…and provides a dozen recipes. It’s been reprinted in Chinese and Japanese, and new publishing rights were just purchased by the United Arab Emirates.

Most recently, June has penned Iconic New York Jewish Food A History And Guide With Recipes (History Press 2023) which goes deep into the origin and history, and best places to find bagels, knishes, appetizers and delicatessen, Jewish cakes, cookies, and candy, and the perfect egg cream. Katz’s, Reuben’s, the Carnegie, Russ & Daughters, Zabar’s, Lindy’s, Juniors…it’s all in Iconic New York Jewish Food And this one is a fun and quite ‘fullfilling’ foodie’s foray…complete with some iconic recipes. The New York Daily News said “It’s as overstuffed as a pastrami sandwich — pure joy!”, and Florence Fabrikant called it “authoritative”.

And, in response to the tragic events of October 7, 2023 in Israel, June has now edited an online cookbook to benefit an Israeli organization called Leket.

June grew up in New Rochelle, in a Reform Jewish home, attended local public schools and graduated from New Rochelle High School. “My grandmother, who lived with us when I was growing up, started a business making lampshades during WWII, employing women in the neighborhood whose husbands and sons, like hers, were also away in the military, After my dad, Murray Feiss, came home from the Navy in 1946 and went to NYU on the G.I. Bill, he went into my grandmother’s business, called Stylecraft, and then expanded into lighting, creating Murray Feiss Lighting. Later working with my husband, Ron Hersh, and my sister Andrea’s husband, Robert Greene, as Co-Presidents, they grew the company into the fourth largest lighting concern in the world,” June says with pride. June recalls. “When my grandmother passed in 1984, Mayor Koch named ten blocks in the South Bronx after her — Rose Feiss Boulevard. She was ‘women-in-business’, ‘breaking glass ceilings’, and ‘leaning in’ before they invented the terms. She imbued me and my sister, Andrea, with a sense of having to do something to make your mark, and with a strong commitment to helping others to help the world — what’s called tikkun olam in Hebrew.”

“My grandmother was ‘women-inbusiness’, ‘breaking glass ceilings’, and ‘leaning in’ before they invented the terms. She imbued me and my sister, Andrea, with a sense of having to do something to make your mark, and with a strong commitment to helping others to help the world — what’s called tikkun olam in Hebrew.”

June went on to major in Elementary Education and Journalism at the University of Pennsylvania, where she completed her studies in three years and graduated Magna Cum laude. “After college, I taught for several years at Solomon Schechter Day School in White Plains, and earned a Masters Degree in Gifted and Talented Education at Manhattanville at the same time. We were living in Purchase, right down the street from my sister and nearby to my parents, and after my daughters, Allison and Jennifer, were born, in 1979 and 1982, I pivoted, and started a successful clothing company out of my home, called Fancy Schmancy, using the sewing skills my grandmother had taught me when I was a child. In 1987, I pivoted again, and joined my husband to work in the family lighting business, where I worked until we sold it in 2004. I was in charge of creating the catalogs for our product line, and loved writing the copy. I also wrote about education and local issues for Spotlight Magazine among other publications.”

”Ron and I moved to Bedford once the girls were out of the house, about eighteen years ago, but even though we were empty nesters, we decided not to down-size — so we would always have plenty of room for our daughters and their significant others…and grandchildren!...to come and stay,” June smiles as her thoughts turn to family. June and Ron have 3 grandchildren, an almost 9 year old from Allison and her husband Dan, and a 10 year-old and 7 ½ year old from Jennifer and her husband Seth. “You know why Hanukkah has 8 nights and we do the same exact dinner for Passover 2 nights in a row?” June asks rhetorically, setting up the punch line… “It’s so that Jewish mothers and grandmothers can repetitively teach their children and grandchildren how to make their family’s recipe for traditional dishes like matzoh ball soup, potato pancakes, brisket, kugel, tzimmes, and rugelach! My grandkids can’t wait to come over to cook with me, and when I’m teaching them I often feel my mother’s and my grandmother’s spirit in the room. I realize now that my grandmother and mother were really teaching me everything about Jewish history and culture while pretending that the focus was the recipes we were working on. The food is a vehicle to communicate a message and a memory! It’s the tradition in the food that drives me! Without the story…it’s just ingredients! And it’s true of anyone’s heritage!”

“I call my publishing entity Eat Well Do Good, LLC…and that’s my purpose,” June declares. “I was honored when the Museum of Jewish History encouraged me to write Recipes Remembered, as it gave me the opportunity to meet and interview more than 100 Holocaust survivors in the process of writing it, and then support the Museum with its proceeds. On the lighter side about the year or more it took me to write, I say that we ‘ate like Polish peasants’, as I almost every night prepared one or more of the recipes I was writing about in order to get ‘the full flavor’ of the times before the Holocaust.”

“Writing Iconic New York Jewish Food…was just plain fun!” June remarks. “Did you know that the bagel was invented because Jews were restricted from baking, and turned to boiling as a way to produce their daily bread? Or that the hot dog bun was innovated by Charles Feltman back in the early 1900s, in order to save money — supplying a bun to hold the sausage instead of having to supply the customer with a knife, fork, and plate. Feltman became the largest restaurateur in the U.S., and hired a man named Nathan Handwerker to do the menial task of grilling the buns. After a while, the then unknown personalities Jimmy Durante and Eddie Cantor approached Handwerker and suggested he set up his own shop, with the simple premise of undercutting Feltman by 50%...and Nathan’s was born!”

June is presently working on several new projects, One resulted from a serendipitous encounter with twotime James Beard award winning, New Orleans-based Chef Alon Shaya. The chance meeting came after June discovered that Alon had cooked from a cookbook rescued from the Holocaust. They began talking about doing a project together, which was just greenlighted by Harvest, an imprint of Harper Collins. The book will relate stories of World War II from a broad and diverse group of Jewish and non-Jewish people from all walks of life, where food was actually the central character or hero of the story. She has also penned a book about the culinary curiosities and contribution of Upstate New York, slated to be released by The History Press in Spring 2025.

One of June’s favorite Bedford perks is having a backyard garden — which was installed with some advice from none other than gardening guru Martha Stewart — that provides lots of fresh herbs, vegetables, and berries. And an unusual tidbit about June is that for the last two decades she’s served to sound the ram’s horn called a Shofar during the High Holidays at Congregation Shaaray Tefila in Bedford.

In addition to running her Eat Well Do Good for charitable purposes, and being an active member in Les Dames d’Escoffier, the leading culinary organization for women in the field, June and her family are involved in supporting research of Dystonia, a neurological movement disorder which has a disproportionate impact in the Ashkenazy population, and from which the Hersh’s daughter Allison suffers. Ron and Allison sit on the Board of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. And June and her family are also involved in supporting cancer research through the Israel Cancer Research Foundation, and have sponsored a research grant for a number of doctors who have earned the Nobel prize for this work. “Like I said, traditions like tikkun olam run deep in our family…and traditional cooking is a ‘palatable’ tool for handing those traditions down from generation to generation. …For people from every origin, background, and culture!”

It’s also so nice when the Jewish holidays coincide with those of other groups, as it shows the communal joy of celebrating tradition. Several years ago Thanksgiving and Chanukah shared a Thursday, and this year Chanukah and Christmas will both see December 25th as a special night and New Year’s as a shared occasion. To commemorate the coming together of observances, I thought it would be fun to do a mash-up of foods that celebrants from all backgrounds can enjoy.

ZUCCHINI LACED LATKES

Nothing screams Chanukah more than a crispy fried latke. This version has the healthy-hidden veggie addition of zucchini added to the usual potato and onion mixture. For fun, you can chop up leftover brisket, corned beef, or pastrami and add that to the batter in place of the zucchini. No matter the mix, be creative with toppings, from gravlax to caviar, to pickles, they are a perfect vehicle for your favorite indulgence.

1 small zucchini, washed

2 eggs

¼ cup matzo meal

1 teaspoon baking powder

1–2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Oil for frying

To easily grate the potatoes, use a food processor with the shredding disc. Alternatively, you can use a box grater, but watch your knuckles! Shred the potatoes, followed by the onion and zucchini.

Place the mixture in a dish towel and wring to remove the excess liquid.

Place the dry potatoes and onions in a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the eggs until thoroughly combined.

Stir in the matzo meal and baking powder and work it through with your hands to see if the mixture holds together. If it does not, add flour until the mixture can hold its shape when rolled into a ball.

In a large skillet, heat ¼ inch neutral oil over medium to medium-high heat until shimmering.

HOME-CURED GRAVLAX

Test it for temperature by dropping a piece of shredded potato into the oil. If it quickly browns, the oil is ready.

Roll the mixture into a ball a bit larger than a golf ball and place it in the pan, allowing enough room for the latkes to be pressed flat with the spatula.

Fry 3–4 minutes, or until the underside is browned; flip and continue cooking until both sides are brown and crispy.

Remove with a slotted spatula to a paper towel and allow to drain. Continue frying until all the mixture is used.

If topping with gravlax, allow the latkes to cook down a bit, you don’t want the heat to cook the gravlax.

Nothing tops a latke more admirably or crosses off one of the seven fishes better than home-cured gravlax. It takes a humble piece of Atlantic salmon and turns it into a delicacy. What’s even better, is how simple it is to create this luxurious, silky treat.

This recipe originally appeared in Iconic New York Jewish Food by June Hersh, The History Press, 2023

2 (1-pound) pieces of Atlantic salmon, belly portion

2 tablespoons chilled vodka

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup kosher salt

Freshly cracked black pepper

1 bunch fresh dill weed

1 bunch fresh basil

Have your fishmonger cut two pieces of salmon that match up so that you can lay one on top of the other and they fit perfectly together.

Cover a portion of your counter with enough plastic wrap to lay the salmon pieces down and then wrap them up. Place the salmon side by side, skin side down on the wrap. Drizzle each piece with 1 tablespoon of chilled vodka.

Mix the sugar and salt in a bowl, then sprinkle both pieces with the salt and sugar mixture. Season with freshly cracked black pepper.

Lay enough dill and basil to cover the entire surface of both pieces.

Using the plastic wrap as an aid, lay one piece of salmon over the other and tightly wrap the salmon pieces so the meaty sides firmly adhere to each other. Take another piece of wrap and continue to seal the package.

Place the package in a shallow dish and lay a plate or small pan on top of the salmon. Place several cans or a heavy item on top of the pan or plate to weigh down and press the fish. Place the dish in the fridge, turning the salmon over every twelve hours for 2 days.

Remove the salmon from the fridge, discard all the herbs, and lightly rinse. Pat dry. Using a very sharp long knife, begin slicing the salmon at a forty-fivedegree angle, being sure to not cut through the skin.

Serve on top of a latke. A dollop of crème fraiche, sour cream, or tzatziki adds a nice touch, especially when spiked with grated cucumber or dill. For Christmas dinner as part of the seven-fishes use as a starter for the meal, with thinly sliced rye or pumpernickel bread.

The salmon will hold for up to 5 days, tightly wrapped, in your fridge, but I bet it will be gobbled up long before that.

ULLA JOHNSON | REPEAT CASHMERE | MARIE OLIVER | LOVE THE LABEL A PIECE APART | LILLA P

RAE

BIRDS OF PARADIS

Pound Ridge Treat Yourself

Come home for the Holidays, Find something for everyone in Hedgerow, The Cottage, The KnaCk Shoppe, Oh, Baby, Toney Toni and Picali Designs. Pamper yourself this Holiday season at Eva Scrivo Salon, Jacob Allen, Classy Nails and Pound Ridge Cosmetic Dentistry.

Design Destination

Long-known as a mecca for design, antiquing, and unique home ﬁnds, Pound Ridge features Design Solutions, Avantgarden, The Clark, The Huntress, Albano’s and Wittus.

Visitors come from near and far to visit 123Dough for some of the best bread in the region. BreadsnBakes for their delicious pantries. DiNardo's for classic Italian Food, Blind Charlies for classic diner fare, Kitchen Table for a casual bite, Asia Hamachi for tasty Chinese food, and North Star for great food and tunes.

WWW.SHOPPOUNDRIDGE.COM

@SHOPPOUNDRIDGE.COM

The Market Square is ﬁlled with everything you could need on a daily errand, like the Market can help you with your catering needs for the season. Down the Avenue you’ll ﬁnd Pound Ridge Veterinary Center, Fine furniture makers and restoration at London Joiners and Curry & Hovis.

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Todd Lampert

Gerard Gjertsen

Philip Toohey

Greg Williams

David Rucci

Arthur Zinn

Jason Gladstone

Harvey Melzerr

STEWART

PHOTOS: ANDREA CERASO

OUTFIT:

industrious indefatigable incomparable inimitable... and in person...

By: Michael Kaplan

I met Martha almost five years ago, when my daughter, Casey, and I acquired Bedford Magazine and began transitioning it into the Bedford & New Canaan Magazine that it is today. We knew that getting an in person interview and doing a Cover Feature with Martha was just the kind of wow we needed and, knowing full well that her most famous imprimatur conveys all sorts of credibility and affection, Martha graciously agreed to be our second Cover Feature in November/ December 2020.

…She’s like that. She graciously attends every local benefit and event her schedule will allow. She knows just about every local store owner and purveyor personally and plugs them when she can. She brought eggs from her farm to the Bedford Post when it opened in order to support her friend Richard Gere and enhance their early operations. She competes in the Harvey School’s annual chili cook-off. She’s an advocate for the Bedford Riding Lanes Association, and rides her Friesians to the Farmers Market at the John Jay Homestead. She’s a regular at the better local restaurants. She’s lent a hand, or at least given some advice, in helping scores of friends and neighbors with their garden design and gardening. And when some critical sound equipment got stuck in the mud just hours before last year’s Destination 39.3 Whalers concert to benefit Bedford, it was Martha who sent over her tractor and some workers to dig the equipment out and save the day!

I think Martha liked the way I portrayed her and, critically important, we’d gained the trust and confidence of Martha’s public relations powerhouse and BFF since Book #1, Susan Magrino. Martha speaks with Susan every morning, and the two have been palling around for most of the last forty years. On the rare occasion when they’re not jetting around from one fête to another, you can find them antiquing together around Martha’s summer home in Seal Harbor, Maine or Susan’s summer home in Orient Point, Long Island, or off on some adventure, along with Susan’s husband Jim Dunning Jr., to visit some new hotel property, or restaurant, or vineyard that Susan’s Magrino Public Relations is representing.

Martha introduced us to her dear friend Dominique Bludhorn, which led to our Cover Feature in the 2023 Homes Issue on Dominique and her

exquisite renovation of the William Louis Dreyfus estate. Martha’s ex-husband, Andrew Stewart, was a lawyer at Webster Sheffield working for Dominique’s father Charlie Bludhorn when Dominique was just a tot, and Martha has been close with Dominique ever since.

Then we did the ‘Becoming Martha Stewart’ Cover Feature in the May/June 2022 issue of Bedford & New Canaan Magazine, wherein Martha talked openly about growing up middle-class in Nutley, working her way through college, her early years working on Wall Street, and how she started and built the Martha brand.

And on a personal note, when my now 90-year old mother was having some serious health issues, Martha helped get her to the right doctor at the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mt. Sinai Hospital - an institution she founded with the express purpose of providing excellent coordinated geriatric care. …She’s like that, too! She knows what’s going on around town and in the lives of a surprisingly large number of folks. She seems to remember everything everyone tells her, and always asks about how you and yours are doing. …She’s a good friend.

But everyone knows the Martha Stewart story, and thanks to her daily social media everyone knows what Martha is doing every day! She built a catering business into the GOAT Lifestyle Brand, and became the first female self-made Billionaire in the process. It’s all in her Wikipedia, and everyone has been reading about Martha since People and Time were the source of social news and cultural affairs.

Most recently, absolutely everyone has seen Martha’s Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Cover, Martha opening the Kentucky Derby, Martha hosting the Equestrian Games of the Paris Olympics with Snoop, Martha pitching Skechers, and Martha becoming the ‘Dirt Nerd’ as she leads the Scotts ad campaign.

…So my goal in interviewing Martha is always to get her to tell us what we don’t already know about her…

Martha’s tractor saves the day

Martha and Susan Magrino

Snoop joins Martha for

Martha and

Martha and Dominique Bluhdorn Katonah Chili Cook-off

B&NC Mag cover Nov-/Dec 2020

B&NC Mag cover May-/June 2022

Martha stops by Bedford Coffee and Cars

“WHAT’S NEXT! that’s all i ever want to talk about. i don’t spend time in the past. i’m always moving forward.”

For this conversation I met Martha for breakfast at the Bedford Post. Martha had spent the morning before working with Casey - and she’d readied her house for Christmas ahead of schedule just to accommodate our November/December 2024 ‘Holidays!’ theme. She drove herself to breakfast… in the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV that Maybach pays her to promote. Like it is anywhere and everywhere Martha shows up…the best table is immediately available, the staff is extraordinarily attentive, and everyone tries to act cool as they sneak a photo and text their friends that Martha is in the room.

…Martha had a Cappuccino and the Avocado Toast….

What would you like to talk about?

What’s next! That’s all I ever want to talk about. I don’t spend time in the past. I’m always moving forward.

The release of my 100th Book, Martha: The Cookbook, is a really big milestone for me! I’m really proud of having written about so many things, and of the really loyal following of all kinds of people from all over the world that has developed.

And I’ve already got a contract to produce Books 101, 102, 103, and 104! And I’m also under contract to write my Autobiography, and I’ve already got that outlined, and have someone researching background. Like how many thousands of employees I’ve had, how many products I’ve sold, how many times I’ve been on TV, and how many Apple trees I’ve planted.

And of course I’ve got my day job working with Marquee Brands on a great deal of beautiful products sold on The World of Martha on Amazon. And I have a new collaboration with Chilewich, my partnership with Skechers, my restaurant The Bedford at Paris Las Vegas, and special quarterly issues of Martha Stewart Living

And then I’ve got the Netflix documentary on mecalled Martha - about to be broadcast everywhere

I’ve heard you’re not altogether thrilled with the documentary…but you authorized it and cooperated on the project?

Yes, and there’s a lot I like about it. They hired the renowned documentarian RJ Cutler, and when he produced the first half I was thrilled. But then RJ got an even juicier deal to do the documentary on Elton John, got distracted, and, in my opinion, didn’t capture the essence of my career in the second half of the documentary. At the artistic level, as an example, I’d asked that all the music be Rap, which I feel reflects the revolutionary nature of what I’ve accomplished; and they hired some classical arranger. And more to the point, they simply didn’t tell the creative story or how I’ve gotten it done. They were so busy focused on my trial and going to prison, they neglected the story of all the people who’ve worked with me, and the culture of the business I’ve grown. …I guess it’s an 80/20 thing, mostly positive - and you should watch it - but for me the second half is kind of ‘grin and bear it’.

And all that is just in your business life…

Yes, I’ve always got a personal project or two going as well!

Right now I’m installing, or actually growing and shaping, a two-and-a-half acre Boxwood maze on my property in Katonah. Gardening really is my passion! I am also developing an adjacent property at my home in Seal Harbor, Maine. I like to be working on major projects. Building something. And I like to finish my projects.

And I’m on the Board of Hudson River Park, and I’m active with the Friends of Acadia National Park.

That’s a lot! How do you do it?

Well, I got up this morning at 4:10. I read the papers, did the crossword puzzle, and the Wordle. This morning I got it in 5, yesterday I got it in 2! I checked the stock market and looked at news affecting some of the companies I’m invested in. I still have a lot of Wall Street in me, and I like to analyze how companies are doing and bet on the ones I think are getting it right. I was looking at Tesla’s autonomous taxi launch; I’m a big fan of technology. I went through my emails, and I always have about fifty waiting. And then I went to the gym. I’m always the first person at either of the two local places I go to exercise. When I got back home I had to put a lot of plants away in the greenhouse; it was absolutely freezing last night. Then I had two conference calls, made a few calls to respond to some of the emails that needed my immediate attention, and got ready to come over to see you.

And how do you determine who you’re going to call and what you’re going to do that day?

I’m no ‘Corporate Jane’! I have a great team, and we talk each day about what we’re doing and work together to take care of all the things we have to get done. But I’m not on anyone else’s schedule.

So, are you productive for productivity’s sake?

No, for sanity’s sake! What would I have done this morning if I hadn’t done what I did? I just don’t dwell on how I’m feeling, and instead I just get down to work. I’m sure it’s because my parents didn’t hug me enough, and I’m sure it’s a human fault, but I don’t care that much about my feelings Or maybe how other people are feeling, either. I care about action What I’m doing! I do whatever interests me! I like to have fun!

But you don’t need more money, so why focus so much of your time on work?

Well, it’s really fun!

I probably still spend more time traveling than anyone you know…and I love to travel. Especially when I can go somewhere I haven’t been. I don’t like to repeat visits. I’m excited by the promise of discovering new places.

A lot of my work revolves around being on my farm, where I have the neverending task of making everything perfect - and I find great calm and solace in that.

And I’ve built and rebuilt a legacy brand and company that I’m still growing every day. It’s a very proud thing to have had an impact on American culture, made life a little brighter for so many people, and improved the way we live.

You say ‘legacy’, but does that mean the Martha Stewart brand will survive you, like Chanel or Ford?

Absolutely. When I took Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia public in 1999 all the men running Wall Street said you couldn’t build a public company around a single persona, no less a woman. When I’m gone the naysayers will say that the good I’ve done will be interred with my bones. But under the right leadership the Martha Stewart brand can live in perpetuity. …And my 13 year old granddaughter Jude could take the helm right now…if only she didn’t have to do high school and college first! Anyway, it’s my legacy.

Martha's Favorite Holiday Panettone

Panettone is a traditional Italian sweet bread with a rich, buttery dough, that is usually flavored with some kind of mix-in like candied oranges, raisins, or other fruit.

Fatto a Mano is a high end bakery in Westport that Martha frequents.

The owner and baker honed his skill around Italy and Martha shares, “his panettone is the best! …have you ever tried a Panettone that wasn’t that great? Well this is what they are supposed to taste like!”

You seem to have a special relationship with your granddaughter. I just read a People article that included thank you notes from friends of Jude’s who you’ve had for some ‘girls’ time at your farm.

Jude and my grandson, Truman, who’s 12, have their call on me…and the run of the place! My grandkids are what makes me tick! Jude brings a group of her friends over for some special weekends - and it’s the only time I drop everything else.

Take a look at this text from Jude and how she’s already planning our Halloween festivities. She did the graphics. She’s setting the schedule for a busy busy weekend. Making sure it’s perfect. She’s already a designer and an adept photographer. She’s just like me.

We travel together, and I’ve already taken them to all seven Continents. We’re going to Rome for Thanksgiving, and we hope to have a visit with Pope Francis. Last year we went to Madagascar and that was just fantastic. And we loved seeing the Galapagos. We pretend to be explorers. And it gives me joy to expose them to the wonders of the world and all sorts of culture. I wasn’t aware all that existed until I got to Barnard, and I didn’t get to Europe until my honeymoon with Andy.

Without making you spend too much time on your laurels - what’s the greatest honor you’ve received and what’s the most special thing you’ve gotten to do because you’re Martha?!?

Dining at the White House? Winning all your James Beard Awards?

I have dined at the White House, and I think I’ve met every President since Nixon. And I’ve met so many of the most interesting people. The Olympics in Paris were really fun. And hanging with Snoop is always a party. He’ll be at the release party for my 100th Book - which is one of my great accomplishmentsand the next day we’re doing The TODAY Show and Watch What Happens Live together.

But you know maybe my greatest honor, at least recently, was being named by AARP as an ‘Age Defier’! That says it all! …And being the Dirt Nerd! And I think one of the most special things I’ve gotten to do is to work with MasterClass. I love what David Rogier does with that platform, and I like to teach. I’ve taught about 100 different facets of ‘living’ in my books, and Master Class is a terrific modern medium to reach a large audience of people who are interested in learning.

Through it all, you’ve maintained a tight group of longtime girlfriends, like Susan Magrino and Dominique Bludhorn.

My posse! Susan, Dominique, Terre Blair Hamlisch, Charlotte Beers - who was CEO of Ogilvy and J Walter Thompson and who sits on my Board, and Jane Heller - my banker and one of the leading private bankers in the world. We have a lot of fun together!

You’re

strikingly open and genuine, and normal…for someone like you…

Michael…There’s no one like me. I’m one of the most famous people in the world… and I still answer my own phone!

A few days later, Casey and I attended the Release Party for Martha’s 100th Book at 425 Park Avenue, hosted by Jean Georges, who’s fabulous new restaurant, 425, has opened in the building, and with Snoop making a ‘joint’ appearance. All of Martha’s friends were there to support her.

And then the next night, as Martha had requested, I went to the screening of the documentary Martha at the Jacob Burns, and the Q&A afterwards with Writer and Director RJ Cutler.

It’s not a ‘gotcha’, because Martha gave them all the illustrious material. And it’s not an ‘exposé’, because Martha has always been an open book. But the whole thing has the uncomfortable feeling of an interrogation, and comes off as if Mr. Cutler delighted in the few titillating details of Martha’s personal life, and relished in making Martha squirm. …There’s certainly nothing new.

While the documentary weaves together lots of great photos from Martha’s past, there’s just not that much Martha in it. Although Cutler says his team spent 40 hours interviewing Martha and some more time on Zoom calls, she appears in the exact same outfit for what seems like every interview and every walk around her garden, and the crew never steps foot inside Martha’s prized barn or visits with Martha’s treasured menagerie. And I was surprised - with Cutler having been so engrossed in Martha’s life at home - that he didn’t know Martha’s Barn Manager, Helen Peparo, or Martha’s Farm Manager, Matt Krack, when Cutler asked the audience for those who were there at Martha’s invitation to raise their hands. And that, when Cutler talked with Krack afterwards, he also didn’t know Julia Dickens, Matt’s longtime life partner and previously Martha’s long-time Personal Assistant.

Most important, it’s like Cutler not only got stalled on Martha’s trial and time in jail, but that he sees the whole episode as having defined Martha’s life. During the Q&A, Cutler explained that his purpose was to highlight what can be characterized as the misogyny of the Jim Comey led Justice System that prosecuted her. But, while Cutler’s thesis is well taken, his tedious emphasis on Martha going to jail is myopic.

In point of fact, for Cutler to be more measured, and give fair attention to all that Martha has done and who she’s been as a person since she went to prison, Netflix would have to add a whole new Part Two. Cutler paints Martha as somewhat compromised and subdued, and even got her to say something like that she was now more accepting of imperfection…but I don’t know anyone who knows that Martha!

For the real story, wait for her Autobiography…

Factory

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Happy Holidays

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95 KATONAH AVENUE KATONAH | NY 10536

Owner Head Designer Mark Mosello

CHARLES DEPARTMENT STORE

Folks have been shopping at Charles Department Store for the past 100 years… and now KELLY RANERI is the fourth generation proprietor of this legendary Katonah store!

Katonah Avenue itself is a bit of a throwback to the idea of an idyllic time and a picture-perfect town… the kind of place that existed long before big-box stores or even twolane roads. Part of what’s kept the character of Katonah constant is the dominant historic craftsman architecture, wide sidewalks, and of course… locally-owned and familyrun businesses. Situated right in the heart of town is the teal blue three-story building that’s been home to Charles Department Store since 1939.

I handpick every single item I have in the store for quality and style… I carry clothing and shoes for men and women aged 18-to-80…

A well known tradition in the area, Charles Department Store offers mens and womens clothing and footwear, and housewares with a focus on cooking and the kitchen and including also a selection of ‘Katonah’-labeled mugs, sweatshirts, hats, and other merchandise. “I handpick every single item I have in the store for quality and style,” Kelly explains. “I carry clothing and shoes for men and women aged 18-to-80, including brands such as Vuori, Patagonia, and Barbour, and would call our overall style ‘Katonah casual’.”

The front windows are filled with an aesthetically pleasing array that’s meticulous and yet not too commercial, evoking the desire for a casual lifestyle, to be outdoors, or cooking up a big hearty meal. Stepping through the front door of Charles Department Store, an old school bell jingles to let the team know that someone’s entered so they can provide a warm and friendly welcome. The charming space is filled with abundant supplies and gadgets, and fashionable and utilitarian wears. A relic of a simpler time, the store is complete with creaky wood floors and original tin ceilings. A large sepia tone photo on the back wall shows the building in 1897 before it was purchased by the family and after it was moved from old Katonah, giving the immediate context that the store has a history and story… The photo itself was a gift in 1980 from the world-famous photographer Slim Aarons, who lived in the area and shopped at the store.

Quite notably, the experience of shopping at Charles Department Store is a treasured throwback to a past when shopping retail meant a warm and personal exchange with the proprietor - who was genuinely interested in showing the very thing required, and importantly, in building community one relationship at a time. The store itself - with decorations including lots of memorabilia, like a 100-year-old cash register - boasts all the character of four generations of haberdashers having worked in the same Katonah location.

“My great grandfather, Charles Raneri, came to the United States from Messina in Sicily, when he was only 14,” Kelly tells the family history. “He worked making gloves in Gloversville in Upstate New York until he was 18 and then moved to this area and started to make a living by putting a cart on the train to New York each day to go pick up goods…and then selling those goods at stations on the way home and back in town. He used to say ‘You can’t sell from an empty cart’, and I guess that informs our operation to this day. He started Charles Department Store in 1924 in Mt. Kisco, and when the Saw Mill River Parkway was built in 1939, he bought the building we occupy today, at 113 Katonah Avenue in Katonah, where we’ve been ever since!”

“I never met Charles, but from all accounts he was a pretty no-nonsense, all business guy, who was entirely devoted to establishing the business and making a way in America for his new family,” Kelly reveals. “But I did know my great grandmother, Isabelle, who grew up in Pleasantville along the train line - which is how she met Charles. She was a warm person with a very keen business sense…and was way ahead of her time.”

“My grandfather, Phillip, joined the business in the 1940s after he got back from serving in the Army in World War II. He bought the business in 1967, and ran Charles Department Store on the ground floor and had residences above. He expanded the product offering to change with the times, even adding a TV and radio sales and service department. My grandfather was always ready to try new things, and the business grew and expanded rapidly with him at the helm. His simple message was that ‘you’ll always do a nice business if you carefully curate your merchandise, keep the doors open, and always treat every customer the best you can’,” Kelly recounts. “My dad and uncle, Dave and Jim, started at the family business in the 1970s, and eventually became the owners in the 1990s.”

“I spent a lot of time working in the store whenever I wasn’t in school. I liked having cash to spend and feeling self-sufficient, and had enough to buy my first car when I left for college. I watched my dad and my uncle navigate challenges from the recession of the ‘70s to the devastation from Tropical Flood Floyd in 1999, when we lost all of the stock in our basement. Many of our loyal customers stopped by to help us clean up, while others helped just by continuing to support the local businesses.”

“I went to John Jay High School, and then graduated from Ithaca College in 2009 with a degree in Communications, Management, and Design. I came back to live and work here at Charles full-time, while my sister and cousins chose other career paths. When I first came on full-time it was challenging at times to build relationships with customers as they always wanted to deal with my dad or uncle. But after several years I was able to build a rapport and following with my regular customers that continues today. When Covid hit and my dad and uncle decided it was their time to retire, I purchased my uncle’s share of the building and the business. In 2021 my dad and I renovated the entire building, with Charles Department Store on the first floor, and with five apartments on the second and third floors.”

“I just kept going during Covid,” Kelly says proudly. “Heck, we Raneris have kept Charles Department Store going through the Great Depression, World War II, and a whole lot of changes since then. I did whatever I had to do to keep the shelves stocked, and provided curbside service to those who were uncomfortable coming in…because it’s like my great grandfather said, ‘you can’t sell from an empty cart’! And now, as the generations before have taught me, I run Charles Department Store carefully curating the merchandise…and keeping the doors open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 5, and Sundays in November and December from 11 to 4.”

“I’ve had the unique experience of having a grandmother, daughter, and grown granddaughter come into the store together to shop, where the grandmother knew my grandparents and great grandparents, the daughter was actually friends with my mom, and I went to high school with the granddaughter,” Kelly delights. “I’m

Unlike online, customers can tryon clothes and touch

and feel the merchandise…and as a few of my customers have expressed, ‘You can’t get Kelly on Amazon!

familiar with most of my customers, and will learn and remember your name and what you are looking for the first time you come into the store! Unlike online, customers can try-on clothes and touch and feel the merchandise…and as a few of my customers have expressed, ‘You can’t get Kelly on Amazon!’”

Kelly expressed excitement at the celebration of the store’s centennial this year saying. “We get to celebrate what we love most: our customers, our brands, and our hamlet.” And then added, “Shop locally with us for the holiday season! The holidays are our favorite time of year. We will help you select the perfect items and happily gift wrap them.”

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“We’re thankful not only for the beauty around us but for the people who make Meadow Ridge feel like home. The maintenance-free lifestyle, gourmet dining and impeccable service are just the beginning.”

Meadow Ridge residents enjoy a refined, maintenance-free lifestyle, enriched by spacious apartment homes, gourmet cuisine and impeccable service. From painting classes to swimming laps in the indoor saltwater pool or relaxing in the library, there’s no shortage of ways to engage and connect with fellow residents.

learn more or schedule a tour, call

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— Martin & Ann H., Residents

Residents Martin & Ann H. in their spacious apartment home.

Resident John S. enjoying our heated indoor pool.

Resident Judy H. reading in our well-stocked library.

Ridgefield Holiday Historic the House Tour

The Ridgefield Holiday Historic House Tour is a biennial event, sponsored by the Ridgefield Historical Society and Tiger Hollow Inc., the 501(c)3 that supports the Tiger Hollow Stadium on the Ridgefield High School Campus. The last Tour grossed over $90,000, with proceeds being split between the two causes.

The 2025 Ridgefield Holiday Historic House Tour will take place in December 2025, and will include a Friday evening gala and a walkable tour of historic homes on Saturday.

To help celebrate this 2024 Holiday Season, and B&NC Mag's having added Ridgefield to the B&NC Mag readership in 2024, B&NC presents the history of four fantastic homes that were featured on the 2023 Tour: The Lounsbury House, The Olmstead House, The 1740 Benedict House and Cobbler Shop, and The Benjamin Keeler House.

The Lounsbury House

the prominent mansion overlooking Main Street, and the pinnacle of the spectacular homes leading into Ridgefield’s downtown.

THE TOUR BEGAN AT

PHOTOS: NICHOLAS VENEZIA

THE LOUNSBURY HOUSE

Ridgefield’s “gilded age” began in the post-Civil War period and accelerated into the 20th Century, as wealthy city dwellers increasingly discovered its beauty and healthy air, convenient to New York by a new train line connection. Ridgefield, in turn, recognized the potential of the “summer people” to contribute to the town, both financially and culturally, and town leaders were welcoming to the newcomers.

Originally coined Grovelawn, this special property was constructed to emulate the Connecticut State Building at the request of Phineas Lounsbury who was a successful shoe manufacturer, banker, and businessman, and who had served as the 53rd Governor of Connecticut… a position his brother would later hold as well.

The 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition, celebrating the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, inspired Lounsbury to create one of the town’s most prominent mansions, modeled after the neoclassical Connecticut pavilion. Completed in 1896, Grovelawn remained in the Lounsbury family until 1945 when the Town of Ridgefield purchased the mansion and surrounding 17.2 acres bounded by Main, Governor and Market Streets and East Ridge Road, as an early example of historic preservation. The property was dedicated to those who had fought in the just-ended World War II and was named Veterans Memorial Park; the mansion eventually became the Community Center. A beloved gathering place, the building that is now known as Lounsbury House is not only a Ridgefield landmark but a National Historic Site.

The Olmstead House

Built on land purchased in 1923 by Frances M. Olmsted, wife of Franklin H. Olmsted, who was a relative of the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, from Julia Finch Gilbert, wife of Cass Gilbert. The Gilberts owned large areas surrounding their country home, the former Keeler Tavern, which they called the Cannonball House, now the core of the Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center.

Franklin Olmsted was a native of North Carolina and spent much of his business career in Japan. Their daughter, Frances Helen Olmsted, who was born in 1890 in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, moved to Ridgefield with them and spent the rest of her life here. Also in residence with the Olmsteds was the senior Frances Olmsted’s sister, Miss Edith Otis.

According to Frances Helen Olmsted’s obituary, “The Olmsteds were interested in the Ridgefield Library and many other civic enterprises.”

In 1964, Dr. Frederick and Joan Van Poznak and their daughters Karen and Elissa moved from Lounsbury Road to the Olmsted House. Dr. Van Poznak was the police and fire surgeon for Ridgefield and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Mrs. Van Poznak was active in numerous Ridgefield organizations. Dr. Van Poznak began volunteering aboard the hospital ship S.S. Hope; after several tours on the S.S. Hope, he closed his surgical practice in 1973, and the family moved to England.

The house then became the home of Charles and Sandra Tepfer. Mr. Tepfer, one of the founders of Temple Shearith Israel, now Congregation Shir Shalom, owned Tepfer Publishing and was former executive editor for the Nielsen Publishing Company and editor of Electronics Illustrated. He started one of the first publications that focused on cable television. The Tepfers, whose three children grew up here, moved to Westport after about 20 years in the house.

THE OLMSTEAD HOUSE

Richard and Deanne Mincer also enjoyed the house for about 20 years. He had been the Emmy Award-winning producer of the Phil Donahue Show in Dayton, Ohio, a talk show believed to be the first in which audience members were invited to contribute questions and comments. Winner of five national Emmys, Mr. Mincer worked on the show for 18 years, most of the time as Executive Producer. He later worked on program development for Multimedia Inc. and produced The Rush Limbaugh Show. Deanne Mincer’s career in Ridgefield centered on sharing the discipline of yoga, particularly with people who had special needs, whether physical or spiritual. She created a studio in the basement of this home where she taught class and led sessions for private clients, focusing on the healing power of yoga.

The current owners of the Olmsted House have spent the last decade restoring the original elements that remained, including the original front door and hardware as well as a leaded glass arc window. All of the original windows were returned to full working order using period-appropriate materials including cotton rope and copper weather stripping. The foyer and butler’s pantry light fixtures were restored, plaster walls were repaired and floors were refinished. The butler’s pantry with its original built-in, glass-paneled cabinets, which had long been painted over, was brought back to its original state, with the glass doors and original hardware lovingly restored by the homeowners, as were the original chestnut counter, bar sink and faucet.

As the original kitchen was no longer in place, the family looked to add modern functionality in a traditional way. Fir floors and a Connecticut Chestnut wood island were used as period materials to help create a cohesive look. The soapstone sink was uncovered in the basement and is believed to have been used in the summer kitchen that once was part of the home’s lower level. The current owners chronicle their restoration work and proudly call this 1923 village house home.

The 1740 Benedict House and Cobbler Shop

The Benedict House and Shop, listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, was the home of a cobbler who had his shop on the property. A modest structure, sitting above Rockwell Road against the side of a hill, it’s described as comprising two of the oldest surviving colonial buildings in Ridgefield. The house was built around 1740, probably by Ensign James Benedict (1685-1762), on family land that was one of the original Proprietors’ Lots. A deacon of the Congregational Church, Ensign Benedict was a shoemaker, an officer in the local militia, and also served the town as a fence viewer.

The generations of Benedicts who followed James continued the shoemaking trade, becoming part of “an evolving rural industrial economy, in which shoemaking was a major cottage industry employing 40 men in Ridgefield as early as 1820”, according to the National Register report. “…Shoemaking on this scale continued until trade was disrupted by the Civil War”.

The property left Benedict ownership in 1848, but shoemaking may have continued there for some time. The cobbler’s bench and tools remained with the shop through a succession of owners. The house and shop were extensively restored by architect Cass Gilbert, who bought the property in 1920. It was later the home of Robert and Mildred Wohlforth, both writers of note and six-decade residents of Ridgefield.

The Wohlforths made the case for the National Register listing of their home, based on its early connection to the cottage industry of shoemaking as well as to the famed architect, who made his home here at the former Keeler Tavern beginning in 1907. The architect of the Woolworth Building and the U.S. Customs House in New York, Cass Gilbert was also involved in the restoration of several Colonial structures in Ridgefield and other Connecticut towns.

He sold the Benedict house and shop to the Wohlforths in 1932, complete with furnishings; they moved here from New York City, among the first suburbanite commuters to New York. Robert Wohlforth worked in publishing, and Mildred Gilman Wohlforth was a columnist for the Hearst papers, and earlier one of the original ‘Sob Sisters’. A well known figure in Ridgefield, she was the first chairman of the Historic District Commission and into her 90s was still riding her bicycle daily. She died in 1994 at the age of 97. Robert Wohlforth, a West Point graduate, served in several government posts before and during World War II and later joined Farrar, Straus and Giroux publishers. In 1977 when the town celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield with a re-enactment, he played the part of General Benedict Arnold, one of the battle’s heroes. He died in 1997 at the age of 93.

THE 1740 COBBLER SHOP

The National Register listing calls the Benedict House and Shop “exceptional and rare examples of vernacular colonial architecture, enhanced by the integrity of their unusual terraced setting. Few of these modest cottages or shops have survived at all; often houses of this type evolved into full five-bay Capes or even more elegant two-story Colonials which obscured their original form and plan”.

Describing how Cass Gilbert restored the house and shop, the report said, “Gilbert’s remodeling of the Benedict House was a typical expression of his restoration style. As he did with his other Ridgefield properties, Gilbert added more floor space while preserving the basic integrity of the original structure. He skillfully held back wings, or confined additions to less visible rear elevations, as was done here”.

“…Having retained much of its original plan, form, and materials, the essential historic core of the dwelling can still illuminate the status and life style of the builder. That he was relatively poor is clearly conveyed by the functional simplicity of the design, in which utility takes precedence over symmetry. There are no formal, little-used rooms, such as the parlor or entry porch found in larger colonials, and finish detail is quite plain. …The rooms are very small; every bit of living space is utilized and arranged to take maximum advantage of wood-burning fireplaces.”

In addition to its architectural significance, the Benedict House and Shop sits just south of a hill that is believed to have been the scene of a skirmish in the Battle of Ridgefield, following the main battle on Main Street in April 1777. Future study of the Battle of Ridgefield battleground, under a National Park Service grant administered by the Ridgefield Historical Society, may add to the story.

In recent years, the house and cobbler shop with Gilbert and Wohlforth additions, have been extensively renovated, while maintaining the property’s 18th Century appeal. Visitors will find a merging of old and new that gives the 18th Century house a 21st Century sensibility.

The Benjamin Keeler House

The Benjamin Keeler House on lower Main Street was originally a one-and-a-half-story dwelling, built around 1756 by Benjamin Keeler on Lot #25 - land that his grandfather, Samuel Keeler, had obtained as one of the original proprietors of Ridgefield.

Benjamin was born in Ridgefield in 1730 and was the brother of Timothy Keeler Jr., who owned the Keeler Tavern, and Isaac Keeler, whose grist mill was destroyed during an early skirmish of the Battle of Ridgefield. The three Keeler brothers were among the six offspring of Timothy Keeler Sr., also a farmer, and Abigail Osborne, who died in 1735.

Timothy Keeler Sr., who died in 1748, left a sizable estate, including four enslaved servants, who were named in his will. At the time, Benjamin Keeler was a minor, only 17, so he did not come into his inheritance until a few years later, in 1754.

By 1756, Benjamin had built his house, a one-anda-half story home typical for the period, and a large barn, and on Oct. 31 of that year married Martha Smith. They had four children before he died in 1769, only 38 years old.

Benjamin, Jr., their only son, went on to join the Patriot cause in the American Revolution, serving with Captain David Olmsted’s company, and then became a ship’s captain, sailing the brigantine Sally between Connecticut and the West Indies. He and his crew died when the Sally hit the Eaton’s Neck Reef off Long Island in late 1790.

Early in the 19th Century, the Keeler House was sold to Thaddeus Keeler, a farmer; his daughter Betsey, at the age of 25, married another farmer, William Northrup Benedict. Betsey and William Benedict did a large renovation in the late 1800s, which added the full second floor onto the building.

THE BENJAMIN KEELER HOUSE

Their son, William, and his wife Frances Elizabeth Frost continued farming the property and ran a dairy business. They lived in the house for the rest of their lives. By the time William died in 1933, the farm was no longer in operation.

Ernest Scott acquired the property in 1943. A well-known builder and entrepreneur, Scott had rebuilt St. Stephen’s Church in 1915 and then built the Scott Block on Main Street. He subdivided the Benedict property and sold the house and half the land to the Harvey family of New York City, initially as a weekend home. Marshall and Edna Harvey became active in the community and were members of St. Stephen’s Church.

Among the other 20th Century owners of the Benjamin Keeler House were Richard and Phyllis Kluger, also initially weekend residents. He was a Princeton graduate and Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Ashes to Ashes, a history of the American tobacco industry. His book Simple Justice, an authoritative account of the 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education decision by the Supreme Court, was written while in residence in Ridgefield. Phyllis Schlain Kluger earned a degree in art history at Columbia University and wrote two books on needlepoint and is an accomplished fiber artist. They left Ridgefield in 1976 and now live in the San Francisco Bay area.

The Benjamin Keeler House remains a private residence, its history entwined with the many phases of Ridgefield history, from its early settlers to the 21st Century homeowners who treasure the town’s storied history.

Most recently, local Interior Designer, Jill Rae, who owns the eponymous store, Jill Rae Designs at 19 Governor Street, purchased the home with her husband Rob, and recently renovated all of the main rooms of the first floor and added a large outdoor living space. Jill shared, “We have pretty much touched every crease of our 1756 farm house. While keeping the original look in mind, incorporating updated amenities throughout.”

“We love spending time outdoors so adding a space that we love to hang out in all year round was important to us,” Jill says, “we added a pavilion with a fireplace, a large patio space for entertaining and an all season plunge pool for relaxation!”

“But of course, my favorite room by far is our family room! This is our most recent project, and as a designer, I was able to pick up some favorite things I’ve seen and done elsewhere, and also really personalize my own space. We extended the living space into what was a screened in porch, added a custom wall of cabinetry with beautiful glass and brass doors, painted it a deep green for warmth and cozy feel, added a custom large sections for lounging and managed to create a secret door to the front foyer…not a secret anymore!”

DERMATOLOGY... WORLD CLASS

RIGHT HERE IN NEW CANAAN!

Dr. Elle H. de Moll, who is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist, has opened Elite Dermatology Physicians at 38 East Avenue in New Canaan. “Working in collaboration with a network of specialists in allergy, rheumatology, Mohs surgery and other diseases and conditions allows us to provide comprehensive care for even the most complicated cases,” Dr. de Moll explains. “The skin is the body's largest organ and plays a crucial role in overall health. I’m passionate about treating chronic skin conditions and solving complex medical dermatology cases, identifying skin cancer, and generally helping to keep our community healthy.”

DR. DE MOLL’S CREDENTIALS ARE EXCEPTIONAL.

She studied at the University of Connecticut, Interned at the Yale Program in Internal Medicine at Norwalk Hospital, and did her Residency at the Icahn school of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, serving as Chief Resident and pursuing a Fellowship on the role of immunology in cancer treatment and a second Fellowship in the field of dermatopathology. Dr. de Moll has been nominated by peers and named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for excellence in medicine. She works on several advisory boards respecting new drug treatments, she’s a soughtafter speaker on current dermatology topics, and she’s widely published in her field.

Elite Dermatology Physicians offers, among other services, skin cancer screening and diagnosis, skin allergy testing, hair loss management, and the evaluation of all skin conditions. Dr. de Moll explains,

“We want Elite Dermatology Physicians to be a place for the whole family, and have created a welcoming child-friendly atmosphere. We also actively engage in volunteer efforts, including annual free skin cancer screenings for the fire department and periodic free screenings for under- and uninsured individuals, demonstrating our commitment to giving back.”

Dr. de Moll went to Wilton High School and then, first, to Boston College, where she was an Honors Anthropology student when, in 2006, her high school sweetheart and fiance, Nick, died serving in Iraq. She completed her undergraduate studies at Haverford College - where she says she found her calling in medicine - and both served as an EMT in West Philadelphia for three years, and - at least some would say, oddly enough - spent some time working in a tattoo shop.

She met her husband, Dr. Zubin Bham who is the Director of the Sleep Center in Bridgeport, when the two were Interns at Norwalk Hospital, and the two were married in 2017. They have two daughters, Emily who’s 4 and goes to the Country School and Grace who’s 2 and goes to Playland, and the family lives a short and convenient three blocks away from the new Elite Dermatology Physicians office in New Canaan. Even though the couple are technically still in their last year in the Newcomers Club, they already have deep ties in the community. Dr. de Moll is Vice Chair of the Working Women’s Network, and plays in the New Canaan Working Women Paddle League.

Her mother, Mary Ann O’Hara, an absolutely lovely woman who is an attorney, but spent a decade working as a private banker in the New Canaan branch of JP Morgan Chase. They love to travel and are avid skiers.

Talking about her specialty in dermatology, Dr. de Moll says “I enjoy engaging with patients who are age 1 to 100. I like that dermatology typically involves seeing patients over the course of many years…and that that means long term relationships with so many people. And I relish the role I get as the dermatologist, because in most cases my patients have a completely positive outcome! Especially kids!”

“I recommend touching base twice a year, as early detection, particularly for skin cancer, is critical!” Dr. de Moll cautions. “Almost all skin cancer is treatable, or at least manageable…if we can start to treat early! And this goes for people of all ages… Dr. de Moll is even seeing skin cancer arise in people as young as twenty. If you can’t get to a dermatologist, take advantage of the New Canaan Health Department’s free screenings. Do regular checks yourself too, and include your scalp and ears. If something feels funny, it is cause for a dermatological visit. The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, but a semi-annual check-up is always a good idea.”

“I treat patients for acne, warts, impetigo, eczema, psoriasis, hidradenitis, and a variety of other conditions and diseases. Where Mohs or other surgical intervention is required, we refer to the best specialists in the area. Where the problem overlaps with another specialty, such as rheumatology or hematology, I refer and coordinate treatment with experts in those fields. And although I am qualified as a dermatopathologist to be reading test results, and believe that qualification gives me an edge in understanding test results and the science involved, we send all our tests out to independent labs.”

“I relish the role I get as the dermatologist, because in most cases my patients have a completely positive outcome! Especially kids!”

“I’m already extremely busy at the outset, and hope to continue to grow the practice to meet the community’s needs,” Dr. de Moll projects. “But I intend to remain independent of any large medical group, as I feel the motives of private equity behind the large medical groups can conflict with the right choices for the patient. Doctors should be healers, and my passion is helping people. We take all major insurances (except ‘Husky’) - including Medicare!”

“I want you to feel good about your skin!” she smiles.

Lauren Carlson & Alex Lambrinos

NEW CANAANITES NEWLYWED

Lauren Carlson and Alex Lambrinos were married at The Congregational Church in New Canaan on July 20, 2024.

Though their romance began as Freshmen at Wake Forest, Lauren and Alex grew up together in New Canaan. Lauren explains, “My ‘Irish twin’ brother, Grant, was friends with Alex and played on the soccer team together at New Canaan High School, and our parents have known each other forever. We share a lot of the same friends from high school, and now college too. Our families started doing Christmas Eves all together when we were still in college! …It seemed like all our

guests were already friends with each other, and that made the whole weekend feel especially celebratory for me and Alex.”

Friday evening rehearsal dinner was held at the Roger Sherman Inn. “I had my Baptism there as a baby, and we both did pre-prom at the Roger Sherman in high school,” Lauren smiled. “So it felt like a really full circle moment for us to be back there toasting our impending nuptials.” Grant gave a speech that left the crowd in tears, and the afterparty brought together shared high school and college friends.

PHOTOS: YARITZA COLON

“The Congregational Church was the only place I ever wanted to get married,” Lauren declares. On Saturday morning of the wedding, Lauren gathered with her bridesmaids, including New Canaanites Cali Brannan and Maid of Honor, Carey Callahan, and got ready in the parlor room overlooking the memorial garden. Alex spent the morning with his groomsmen, who included New Canaanites, Chris Harte, Hugo Potter, his brother, Nick Lambrinos, and Lauren’s brother Grant Carlson. Alex shares, “I was in tears as Lauren’s Dad, Dave, walked Lauren down the aisle.” The pair exchanged traditional vows, administered by the same Pastor who led Lauren’s youth group, and the ceremony was followed by a flower petal toss as the couple exited the Church.

The reception followed at Woodway Country Club, in the Noroton Room overlooking the golf course. “Alex and I took a lot of dance classes before the wedding so we could nail our first dance,” Lauren beamed, “and we danced to ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, and toasted to some amazing wedding speeches by close friends and family.”

The couple settled in Charleston after graduating from Wake Forest and, as Alex says, “We brought a little bit of the South up with us for the party!” …As the wedding party turned into the afterparty, the couple had cowboy hats and some Chickfil-A waiting to fuel the late-night revelers!

Lauren Carlson & Alex Lambrinos

Out & About

A HIGHLIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS IN OUR COMMUNITY

Super/Man Opening

Screening at the Bedford Playhouse

PHOTOS: PETER T. MICHAELIS

In partnership with Rippowam Cisqua (his alma mater) Will Reeve came back to his hometown of Bedford for a special Q&A and screening of the new documentary Super/Man about the lives of his parents Dana & Christopher Reeve.

1. Will Reeve

2. Daphne Viders (Dir of Development at Rippowam Cisqua), Will Reeve & Connor Schell (Exec Producer)

A Benefit Concert with Chuck Leavell at Caramoor

PHOTOS: ROSLYN WERTHEIMER

An evening of music and conversation with Chuck Leavell, the long-time keyboardist for the Rolling Stones, to benefit the Mianus River Gorge and Caramoor. The performance featured Chuck on a Steinway piano in a moderated conversation, followed by a reunion with Warren Haynes from their days together in the Allman Brothers.

3. Mitti & Melissa Liebersohn, Sam Ring, Casey Kaplan, Chuck Leavell, Michael & Hannelore Kaplan

4. Chevy Chase & Chuck Leavell

5. Lloyd Gerry, John Needham, George Grunebaum

6. Cydney Chase, Ed Lewis, Chuck Leavell, Warren Haynes, Anthony Mason, Jayni & Chevy Chase

Pop Party at The Aldrich

A full house gathered at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum on Saturday night to celebrate its 60th anniversary at the Pop Party! The evening honored the Museum’s six decades and raised funds to support its ambitious exhibition and education programs.

1. Mac Cumpian, Angie Raman. 2. Gail Gluckman, Kristina Larson, Eric Diefenbach, Kris Honeycutt, Val D’Alexander.

3. Tyler Newton, Mia Newton, Amy Smith-Stewart, Kirsten Pitts, Andy Pitts. 4. Daniel Bianchi, Kenneth Karp, Philip Fischer III, Larry Bentley. 5. Gigi Grussing, Esther Ruiz. 6. Daphne Viders, Melissa Mirkin, Carrie Coffee. 7. Elisabeth Weed, Payson Murray, Kellie LaKamp, Stef Haynes, Charlene Ryan. 8. Janis Gardner Cecil, Monique Allain, Katherine Castano

Out & About

Excellence in education

Coffee & Cars

Bedford & New Canaan Magazine, in collaboration with oHHo and Benchmark Properties, hosted their regular fall Coffee & Cars in Bedford, and this time moved the event up to the Bedford Green - taking over Village Green Road in front of the Old Firehouse. The event drew hundreds of Bedfordites and area residents, car enthusiasts and families just looking for some fun! Be sure you’re following @BedfordNewCanaanMag for an announcement on the date for spring.

1. James Stephenson, Michael Kaplan, Martha Stewart, Casey Kaplan

2. Eric Wittenberg & Govind Friedland

3. Cheryl, Lorelei, Michael & Casey Kaplan

4. Jordan & Hayden Vogel

5. Gerry Fontan, Kevin Hughes, Jason Dolger, Lance Root

6. Christina, Lance & Wesley Munger, Jessica, Jack & John O’Neill

7. Grace, Fred & Henry Bronstein

8. Owen & Graham Glauber

9. Gavin McLaughlin, Warwick Potter, Robert Althann, Carson Baker

10. Matthew Bromley, Aaron & Beaux Hoffman

Hayfields Art Walk

For 73 years, the Herb Fair has celebrated the many ways that herbs enrich our lives and promoted the knowledge and use of herbs through educational programs, research, and community engagement.

Out & About

Bird Sanctuary Centennial

The sanctuary’s centennial was marked with a series of events including a conservation presentation by renowned expert David Sibley, speeches, musical performances, the unveiling of a Francis of Assisi statue, a rescued bird release, and a wood-crafted auction.

1. Lucy Dathan, Margot Thorsheim, Katie Owsley, Robin Bates-Mason, Jason Bennett

2. Melissa Boyce, Lizandra Vega, Julianna Brown, Toddy Turrentine

Pete & Jenn Cipriano

Savet Constantine, Kathleen Corbet, Christina Fagerstal

The Green Gala, Planet New Canaan

Friends of Planet New Canaan gathered at the Carriage Barn to raise money for local environmental initiatives.

5. Kevin Moynihan, Leo Karl III, Chris Schipper, Tiger Mann, Steve Karl, Keith Simpson, Dionna Carlson, Amy Murphy

6. Chris Schipper with the New Canaan High School Madrigals Choir Bristow

Celebration

1. Amy Parr Cilmi, Renea Deaton, Casey Kaplan

special art-focused evening featured the work of more than twenty area artists.

2. Julia, Don & Jessica Trotta

3. Laura Aronstein & Julia Lane

Caramoor Herb Fair & Market

4. Company of Jersey Boys with A.C.T. of CT Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine, A.C.T. of CT Producing Director R. Erin Craig, A.C.T. of CT Music Supervisor Bryan Perri

5. Christopher Betts, Bryan Perri, Aerie Williams & Daniel C. Levine

6. Daniel C. Levine, Tom Nissely & guest

Jersey Boys Opening Night - ACT of CT

Opening Night of Jersey Boys at A.C.T. of Connecticut. Performances NOW through November 17, 2024!

HolidayCelebrations Your Start

No time to cook? You’ll find a variety of delicious, chef-prepared entrees and sides in our Holiday Menus. Complete your holiday meal with a delicious, fresh-fromthe-oven treat from our Bakery! Find charming gifts and decorations in our Gift Department. The Market is ready to help make your holidays fun and stress-free!

Out & About

Jay Barn Dance

the 26th Annual Barn Dance, 1,000+ guests enjoyed live music, pig races, and delicious food. Sponsors underwrote tickets for 50 Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester families.

4. Ben Ginnel, Michael Foley, Christopher Gavigan

guests attended to raise funds to provide equine-assisted therapeutic services to individuals with physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs.

Julia Johnson & CC Marrone with their children 6. Tamlyn Nathanson, Emily Bushnell, Jenny Heffer, Tara Spennicchia, Patricia Byrns, Lisa

Hunter Pace

riders came out for the annual Fall

Pace equestrian race launching out of John Jay Homestead, criss-crossing their way through 7+ miles of trails all over Bedford Hills and Katonah.

Brooks & Jenny Van Leeuwen Harrington

Seth Malkin & Anita Zander

Julien & Katherine Boulud with Caroline MacGill 2. Event Chairs: Emily Grand, Lauren Ritter, Deanna Marano, Ashley Allatt, Sarah Webb

Andrea Ceraso, Trish & Kevin Baum, Joy Scrivanos

Maksimyadis, Melissa Mayer, Mia Boemio

DCA Sustainable Fashion Show

Over 150 guests enjoyed an evening of sustainable luxury at the DCA’s Shop the Runway Fashion Show. From the designer looks and expert styling to showcasing local models, this event raises funds for the nonprofit’s community events and programming.

2. Sarah Ritchey, Susan McArdle, Susan Hamill, Sue Kunze, Susan Hayes, Patricia Cunningham

Pound Ridge Car Show

The 18th Annual Pound Ridge Car Show drew thousands of spectators to admire 300+ cars. With the dedicated efforts of many community organizations, the volunteers from the PBA and Pound Ridge Fire Department, American Legion Post 1080, the Staff and Vendors from The Market, and residents, the show raised $20,000 for local community organizations.

Yellow Studio

Opening Reception

Dreaming in Color: a captivating exhibition featuring the works of Katy Ferrarone, Emily Keating Snyder, and Allison Rietta, exploring the intersection of mindfulness, color, and geometric abstraction in contemporary

Bedford Playhouse Lawn Summer Stage: Not Dead Yet

The Playhouse Lawn Stage welcomed back Not Dead Yet, the premier Grateful Dead tribute band in the NY Tri-State area. Not Dead Yet captured the true Grateful Dead live concert experience for both dedicated fans and novice Deadheads.

Out & About

Sue Kunze and Deb Danile

3. Paul & Ava Zukowski & Sebastian Herald

4. Art Travis, Billy Fortin, Mike Armistead

5. Tina Villaveces, Allison Rietta, Emily Keating Snyder & Katy Ferrarone

art.

1. Ella & Doron Ilan with Artist Stuart Yankell

2. Jack, Michael, John, & Matthew Costello

3. Tina Villaveces & Alissa Leigh

Armonk Outdoor Art Show

The annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show benefitting the Friends of the North Castle Public Library featured over 140 artists across a wide range of mediums and styles.

4. Stephen Lang, Heidi Rieger & Richard Rieger

5. Jesse Modica, Ginny Gold, Allison Quinttus

6. Top: Scott Asher, Rhino Weiner, Lauren McGrail. Bottom: Steven Lang, Tina Lang, Ramiro Davaro-Comas, Angela Sykes

7. Stephen Apkon (JBFC Founder & Founding Executive Director), Lynn Sobel, Mary Jo Ziesel (JBFC Executive Director), Ann Hicks (JBFC Board Chair)

Jacob Burns Film Center Gala

The Jacob Burns Film Center held its Igniting Film and Education Celebration, honoring actor Stephen Lang and Heidi & Richard Rieger.

6. Leslie Gottlieb, Liz Klotz, Hannah & Jack Donaton, Jeff Klotz & Larry Gottlieb. 7. Sandy Green, Melissa Gibbs, Michael Liss, Shelby Gibbs, Andrew Sherman, Lenny Gibbs. 8. Liz Schultz, Midge Iorio, George Giatzis, & Flippy

Out & About

A panel discussion focused on wars' impact on children and highlighted education's transformative role. To date, Blossom Hill's programs have uplifted 130k children, fostering peace through education in conflict-affected communities.

1. Afsaneh Amir-Aslani & Dr.

Lobsterfest - New Canaan Rotary

Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self” and the Rotary Club of New Canaan’s 39th Annual Lobsterfest put those words into action, with over 1,200+ dinners served with proceeds benefitting area non-profits!

Shieva Ghofrany

Thomas Sadoski, Rosy Nimroody, Janet Hartwell, Drew Pearson, Shiva Sarram (Founder & Exec Director), Katy Palizban, Congressman Jim Himes, Yasmin Voussoughian, Hossein Amir-Aslani

3. Heather Raker, Elizabeth Thompson, Joanna Garrett

4. Blossom Hill 2024 “Be Kind Award” recipient Susan Barr & Founder, Shiva Sarram Blossom Hill Farm to Fork Dinner 2024

5. Katerina, Patrick, Evaline & Ger Van Straalen

6. Catherine Beckmann, Diane Reiter, Kathy Mitchell, Judy Moist, Wendy

7. Alex Senderkis, Dylan Kalin, Mandala Murphy, Marios Sokratous, Gina Sokratous, Jonathan Bagg, Frank McCarty, Debbie Foley, Fabiana Lopes, Jeter Nero, Bob Laudati, Phil Brous, Eric Aloyo, Santiago Ortega

Out & About

Ramblin’ Warren Haynes Concert in support of Rippowam Cisqua School’s Flourish Auction Benefit

Rippowam Cisqua School’s bi-annual Auction Gala this fall featured a coveted experience joining Warren Haynes live. Thanks to amazing hosts and Ripp parents Stefani and Warren Haynes for this once-in-a-lifetime private concert — where attendees rocked out and most certainly had the chance to let their Soul(s) Shine.

1. Ken Jordan, Malcolm Kirkpatrick, Eric Legato, Hudson Haynes, Nolan Walsh, Warren Haynes

2. Schuyler Perry, Gardner LaMotte, Jeremy Randol, Murray Fisher

3. Anne Becker, Marissa Broman, Adam Broman, Randy Wolfe

4. Tracy Fauver, George Grunebaum, Kim Speegle, Patty Grunebaum

5. Dave McLaughlin, Tim McLaughlin, Liz Langel, James Rini

6. Daphne Viders, Melissa Mirkin, Carrie Coffee

7. Elisabeth Weed, Payson Murray, Kellie LaKamp, Stef Haynes, Charlene Ryan

8. David Gordon, Warren Haynes, Michael Kaplan, Mitti Liebersohn

Mount

Kisco Child Care Center 20th Annual ‘Feed Me Fresh’

MKCCC’s 20th annual gala was held at the home of Eric Hadar. Inspired by the Center’s innovative nutrition curriculum, an evening of culinary excellence raised money for local working families to access quality child care.

1. Karie Nero, David Griff, Len Nero

2. Elizabeth Marwell, Meghan MacEnroe, Paula Backer

3. Bobbi Schwarz, Tonya Schwarz, Peter Schwarz (honoree), Assemblymember Chris Burdick, Dawn Meyerski (Executive Director)

4. Pooja Purewal, Veronica Llopis Mestre, Zahra Ogunnaike, Shira Bush

5. Emily Harris, Adam Goodman, Assemblymember Chris Burdick, Kevin Davies, Ruth Goodman (honoree), Dawn Meyerski, Debbie West, Jenny Harris, Sarah Harris

Out & About

Held in the historic Scofield Barn, the gala celebrated the opening of a new costume exhibit, celebrating 100 years of style from the Babs White Historic Dress Collection. All funds raised support the Museum of Darien's exhibits, events, lectures and workshops.

Community Center of Northern Westchester Gala

250 people joined CCNW to enjoy delicious food and music. The event exceeded its goal, which will help keep CCNW pantry shelves filled, programs running, and doors open to all who need them.

6. Mary Zipkin, Kathleen Schoen, Leslie Regan, Audrey Zinman, Janet Ricca, Annie Silverstein

7. Trey Ellet, Keeva Young-Wright, Angela Kessel, Jill Abolt & Lisa Brotmann

3. Matt Kelley, Melissa Kelley, Emily Koch, David Koch

Bedford Oak Party

300+ guests celebrated at the sold out, “once-in-a-lifetime” party at the Bedford Oak to honor retired Executive Director Lynn Ryan and raise funds for preservation directed to critical projects and improvements at the 10 buildings and landmarks the Society owns and preserves.

4. Samantha O’Brien, Nic & James Stephenson, Emily & Murray Fisher

Miles Cameron, Tyler Hearon, Charlene Ryan

1. Sarah Das, Lynn Sheppard, Cynthia Stamm, Stephanie Phillips. Back: Emily Koch, Kate Muir, Amy Allen, Alan Miller

2. Lynn Sheppard & Cynthia Stamm

Museum

Darien Fall Gala: Darien Dresses Up!

PHOTOS: HIDENAO ABE, STUDIOABE

6. Ed Kelly, Chris Morley, Janet Kelley, Karol Boe, Tore & Kathleen Carlson

7. Peter T. Michaelis, Peter Hennessy, Lynn Ryan, Kirtley Cameron, Stacy Albanese

PHOTOS: PETER T. MICHAELIS

Out & About

Ridgebury Rider’s Third Annual Farm Fete

Ridgebury Farm held its 3rd annual fundraising gala, centered around the mission of providing holistic wellness for everyone through equestrian programs!

1. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Katy Schermann

2. Chris Bishop, Alex Fischetti, Kimberly Bishop

3. William Bludgus, Hunter Martin, Jessica Dowling, Abby Abott, Susan Bralower, Janet Jochem

4. Matthew Lee, Katy Schermann, Ian Schermann, Ashley Paltauf

5. Dr. Ben Clippinger, Dr. Nosheen Jawaid, Justin Bard, Kalyn Bard, Nick Friedman, Keira Friedman

6. Hilary Aronow, Katherine King, Birgitta Stone, Denise Bertalovitz

Nature Center Fall Fair

Fall Fair was an amazing event, featuring carnival rides, crazy maze, zip line, apple slingshots, spooky stroll and much more for the entire family to benefit the New Canaan Nature Center.

7. Liz Cooper, Evie Cooper, Taylor McLaughlin, & Georgie McLaughlin

8. Megan Sullivan & kids, Anna Patterson & kids

Out & About

Grace Farms 9th Anniversary Benefit Featuring London Philharmonic Orchestra

The London Philharmonic Orchestra performed for a sold-out audience at Grace Farms with peak fall foliage as the gorgeous backdrop.

3. Tia Cibani, Katie-Jane Bailey, Daniel P Murphy

Keating Retrospective Exhibition Opening at the Carriage Barn Arts Center

Pulitzer-prize-winning photographer, Edward Keating, grew up here in New Canaan… so there was no other place that his wife wanted to hold the opening for the retrospective of his work.

1. Ali Galgano, Alissa Hendel, Martha Zuckman, Vani Birnbaum, Sara Wiener, Sharon Prince, Becca Gerroll, Mollie Devine, Emma Gallo

PHOTO: MELANI LUST

2. Sharon Prince, David Burke, Jessie Montgomery, Elena Dubinets, & Chelsea Thatcher

4. Michele Sloan, Meredith Bach, Carrie Corcoran, Elizabeth Ker

5. Judy Moist and Kathy Mitchell

6. Warren Lancaster, Tom Bernsten, Janet Dinger

PHOTO: MELANI LUST

NEW CANAAN FOREIGN CAR

Out & About

Darien Chamber Jam Presents Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest food, beers, and games, held at The Gardener’s Center in Darien. Funds raised benefit Chamber programs and College Scholarships.

Produced by the Carriage

Arts Center at Waveny Park, the fest featured 50 Artists & Artisans, live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and a young entrepreneurs marketplace, and drew a crowd of 2,000 attendees!

1. Anne Fox, Kesti Aysseh, David Wagner, Kris Barker, Brian Ceglarski

2. Kris Barker, Hannah Brady, David Wagner, Kat O’Hara

3. Lisa Washburn, Arinne Schuck, Susanne Miller, John Miller

4. Madison Winters, Lance Munger, Pat Winters

5. Justin Peck, Jessie Peck, Steve Francolla, Ali Francolla, Steve Surace

6. Liz Barron, Jocelyn Walls, Courtney Schluender, Nicky Dunlop

New Canaan Nature Center Harvest Festival

An evening featuring live music, fire pit, beer, wine, and bites.

7. Hilary Whittmann, Katherine Smith, Suzy Lavieri

8. Rick Croarkin, Ali Wood, Richard Wood

Waveny Park Arts Festival

Barn

Housatonic Habitat for Humanity 2024 Gala

“Blueprints & Denim Dreams” — a magical evening at the Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield — uniting to raise essential funds, helping to turn dreams of safe and affordable housing into reality.

1. Kristen Keil, Michael Tomassi & Julie Kushner

2. Jill Rae, Christine McGovern, Lora Mazurak, Michelle Hogue, Dawn Corbo, Jennifer Howard, Heather Bensko

3. Jill Rae, John Gonski, Heather Neumann Salaga

4. Mariah Murphy, Sarah Stabile-Motta, & Kristen Keil

SPCA

Westchester Tails of Hope Rescue Gala

Benefitting 5,500+ animals in need, the gala raised funds for Westchester County’s oldest and largest No-Kill Rescue Center.

Deborah

6. Benjamin DiNapoli, Sharon Plescia, Anthony Coppola & Grace Ryan

Caffeine

& Carburetors

C&C closed out the ’24 season at Waveny Park in New Canaan.

7. Ken & Carolyn Troy & Marjorie Vree

8. Jill, Kyle & Wylie Holtsinger

Out & About

Bedford’s business association put together a lively day filling town with fabulous art and artisans, crafts for kids, and even live music!

Klugman, Shannon Laukhuf, Lisa LaRocca & Lisa Salvadorini

1. Rob Thomas & Jon Ruti

2. Bernadette Durham & Carol Kurth

3. Michael Kelly, Jonny Cournoyer & John Krasinski

4. Hannelore Kaplan, Murray Fisher, Chase Conolly, Rick & Michael Mast, Megan Cedro

5. Kristina Boiano & Kelly Slager

6. Rebecca Block, Adele Caschera,Gwen Hasenauer, & Zabrina & Aksel Thorson

Bedford Art Crawl

-Nelson DeMelo, General Manager

November 3 @ 2-3pm

CHAT AND CHOP WITH NBC’S AL ROKER AND COURTNEY ROKER LAGA

New Canaan Library

November 6 @ 7-9pm

AUTHOR TALK: TWO FEET IN WITH JEANNE COLLINS

Bedford Playhouse

November 8 @ 7:30pm

ABDULLAH IBRAHIM

TRIO PRESENTED IN COLLABORATION WITH JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER

Caramoor, Katonah

November 8 @ 7-9pm OWL PROWL

Muscoot Farm, Katonah

CALENDAR of LOCAL EVENTS DEC

A sampling of what can be found online at: www.BedfordNewCanaanMag.com

... the largest amalgamated calendar in the region - and your free resource for all things local! Be sure to subscribe for free to our emails as well to receive regular highlights in your inbox on what’s happening in the community that you don’t want to miss!

November 17 @ 2-5pm COMMUNITY DAY IN CELEBRATION OF THE SCULPTURE GARDEN

Aldrich Museum, Ridgefield

November 17 @ 3pm TERRA STRING QUARTET

November 8 @ 8pm CHAZZ PALMINTERI’S ONE MAN SHOW: A BRONX TALE

The Ridgefield Playhouse

November 9 @ 6:30pm A DIWALI CELEBRATION

Darien Community Association

Caramoor, Katonah

November 17 @ 4-5pm FESTIVE FAVORITES DUO PIANO CONCERT

Darien Community Association

November 19 @ 10am RIDGEFIELD HISTORY CLUB: NATIVE AMERICAN LIFE IN RIDGEFIELD

Ridgefield History Club

November 19 @ 6pm MURDER MYSTERY DINNER

Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville

November 19 @ 7-9pm

AUTHOR TALK: ON BEING JEWISH NOW: REFLECTIONS FROM AUTHORS AND ADVOCATES

Bedford Playhouse

November 19 @ 7-9pm ARTSCAPADES PRESENTS: THE BEAUTY OF OUR NATIONAL PARKS IN THE 19TH CENTURY

Mather Homestead, Darien

November 20 @ 6-10pm THE PROSPECTOR GALA

Prospector Theater, Ridgefield

November 22 @ 6-7:30pm AUTUMN HARVEST FAMILY PICNIC

Grace Farms, New Canaan

November 22 @ 8pm MICHAEL RAPAPORT

PERFORMS LIVE

The Ridgefield Playhouse

November 23 @ 4-6pm OPENING RECEPTION:

JURIED YELLOW STUDIO MEMBER SHOW

Yellow Studio, Cross River

November 24 @ 11am-2pm 2ND ANNUAL

LIVE TURKEY

PARDONING & SCAVENGER HUNT

Lounsbury House, Ridgefield

November 24 @ 11-4pm YELLOW STUDIO

HOLIDAY MARKET

Yellow Studio, Cross River

November 29 @ 6pm RIDGEFIELD'S ANNUAL

TREE LIGHTING 2024

Town Hall

November 29 @ 6:30-8pm THE LIT TREE LANE STROLL

Darien Library

November 29&30 @ 3-4pm SONGS OF THE SEASON AMANDA BARISE

Grace Farms, New Canaan

November 30 @ 9:30am-2:30pm HOLIDAY MARKET

Muscoot Farm, Katonah

November 30 SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

December 1 @ 11:30am-1pm

NUTCRACKER TEA

Darien Community Association

December 1 @ TBD

TREE & MENORAH LIGHTING

Downtown Katonah

December 1-15

DECK THE WALLS

EXHIBIT OPENS AT THE CARRIAGE BARN ON ARTISTS SUNDAY

December 7 @ 3-6pm

OLD FASHIONED HOLIDAY

Tilley Pond Park

December 8 @ 3-4:30pm A CAPELLA HOLIDAY CONCERT BY YALE GROUP WHIM N’ RHYTHM Carriage Barn Arts Center, New Canaan

December 12 @ 7:30pm NEFESH MOUNTAIN: A HANUKKAH CELEBRATION

Caramoor, Katonah

December 13 @ 5-8pm KATONAH HOLIDAY STROLL

Downtown Katonah

December 15 @ 11am THE BRLA HOLIDAY TINSEL TROT

The Clocktower, Bedford

December 15 @ 5-8pm MUSIC AT THE MANSION WITH THE RIDGEFIELD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Lounsbury House, Ridgefield

Carriage Barn Arts Center, New Canaan

December 6

NEW CANAAN

HOLIDAY STROLL

Downtown New Canaan

December 6&7 @ 6-9pm

RIDGEFIELD HOLIDAY

STROLL 2024

Downtown Ridgefield

December 7 @ TBD 4TH ANNUAL

PEPPERMINT PARADE

Downtown Katonah

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-Massachusetts Customer

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-Connecticut Customer

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-Florida Customer

*William Raveis customer surveys, 2004-2024

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