Investing in What Matters
Investment, by definition, is the act of dedicating time, effort, energy, or finances to a particular endeavor with the expectation of a meaningful return. We can invest in many areas of our lives, such as our community, relationships, finances, and health, with the hope that these efforts will lead to positive outcomes.
We invest in our community by supporting local businesses, schools, and organizations, while also contributing through volunteerism and investing in future generations. On a larger scale, we can participate in public surveys and stay engaged with town planning to help shape our community’s future.
Investing in our finances is key to creating wealth, achieving long-term financial goals, and securing our retirement. On a personal level, investing in our families strengthens relationships, creating lasting bonds by giving time and attention to those who matter most. This kind of investment not only impacts us but also deeply affects the people closest to us.
Although the ways we invest in ourselves, our relationships, community, and finances may differ, they all share a common goal: making a positive impact that leads to meaningful results. In this issue, we explore how we can invest in our community, as Flobee’s Roadside Stand is doing; in our homes, with Rowe Construction; and in the lives of heroes, with Liberty Closet and Garage, who donate a portion of every project they do to support veterans and first responders.
BRUCE
BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER
@RIDGEFIELDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
April 2025
PUBLISHER
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Katie Parry | katie.parry@citylifestyle.com
PUBLISHER ASSISTANT
Pam Antonacchio | pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate Wark Photography, Jennifer Zarine Photography, Abby Cole Photography, and Melissa Wilson Photography
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Kindling hope. Strengthening families.
Struggling with the postpartum period not being what you expected? Looking to rekindle the joy, intimacy and communication within your relationship? Quiet Light Counseling compassionately provides therapy services for parents in the postpartum period and couples who are yearning to have a stronger and healthier relationship.
Lauren Buckley
www.quietlightcounseling.com 203.589.1217
inside the issue
Changing Homes, Changing Lives
From Custom Closets to Garage Makeovers, Liberty Closet and Garage is Transforming Spaces and Supporting Heroes
Rowe Construction
Newly Opened Flobee’s is Serving Up Southern Bites, Nostalgic Delights, and More! Featured 16 22 28 28
Helping You Love Where You Live with Craftsmanship and Integrity
Flobee’s Roadside Stand
Flobee’s Roadside Stand is open for business! A nostalgic nod to the past, Flobee’s combines Southern-inspired comfort food with fun, retro vibes. They’ll be serving up a special Earth Day promotion starting April 15, details inside!
Departments
city scene
Grateful Gatherings with Flower Power, a new community series at Lounsbury House with SOAR Together 1: Ridgefield Station resident Dr. Richard Natoli 2: Ridgefield Station resident Mary Roscic 3: Tina Malhotra, Karla Bellotto, and Dale Morgan 4: Jessica Bowen, Stephanie Campbell, Ginger Smith, Suzanne Brennan, and Jessica Mancini 5: Christie Thompson 6: Helen Hayes, Chris Svendsen, and Ginger Smith 7: Kathy Graham and Suzanne Swanson
Photography by Chris Svendsen
The Roof Specialist LLC
The Roof Specialist LLC is committed to enhancing your home’s beauty and durability. As a family-owned company with over 20 years of combined experience, we offer top-tier roofing, siding, and remodeling services tailored to your needs. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service, providing free estimates and treating every project as if it were our own home. Serving Fairfield County and beyond, trust us to deliver quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction. Visit theroofspecialistsllc.com to learn more.
Photography by Angel Loja
Stepping Stone Farm
For nearly 50 years, Stepping Stone Farm has offered horseback riding lessons for children and adults across Fairfield and Westchester Counties. Located on 60 scenic acres in northern Ridgefield, our facility features two outdoor arenas, two heated indoor rings, and a turnout for the horses. Our dedicated team ensures a professional, encouraging, and fun environment, enabling riders to thrive. We offer summer camp and lessons seven days a week, year-round, for all riding levels. Visit steppingstonefarmct.com to learn more.
Salon Leo
Salon Leo is a luxury, boutique hair salon in Ridgefield, offering personalized services with a focus on health-conscious beauty and sustainability. We exclusively use Davines hair color and care products. Our full-service salon provides haircuts, dimensional coloring, blowouts, trending styles, and more, tailored to each client’s needs. Expert stylists also specialize in hair treatments and extensions. Experience exceptional care at Salon Leo. Schedule your appointment today at salonleoct.com and follow us on Instagram @salonleoct_.
Photography by Stephanie Elliot Photography
Photography by David Noles Photography
CHANGING HOMES, changing lives
From Custom Closets to Garage Makeovers, Liberty Closet and Garage is Transforming Spaces and Supporting Heroes
ARTICLE
BY KATIE PARRY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER ZARINE PHOTOGRAPHY
From Left: Owner Tony Sigillito, Senior Designer Kathryn O'Brien, and General Manager Russell Pastor
“I believe in under-promising and over-delivering on everything. And our crew does a great job of making that happen.” —Tony Sigillito
Liberty Closet and Garage Company (LCG) has been in business for nearly two decades. As one of the sole independent closet and storage companies in the area, that speaks volumes about the quality of their work—and their employees.
LCG’s owner, Tony Sigillito, began his career on Wall Street, but left finance in early 2001. Although he wasn’t in lower Manhattan during the September 11 attacks, he knew many people who lost their lives.
A few years later, while his wife was away at veterinary school, he decided it was time for a career change.
“My brother-in-law was looking to do something too,” Sigillito recalls. “So in 2006, I bought a garage franchise, and we gave it a go!”
When the financial crisis hit, challenges arose, prompting Sigillito to strike out on his own. A fortuitous meeting with Russell Pastor, a veteran in the closet industry, set the stage for a new venture.
Pastor, who began his career at California Closets in Manhattan, partnered with Sigillito to launch Liberty Closet and Garage in 2008. Today, Pastor serves as LCG’s General Manager, and the duo continues to run the business together. Located at 51 Sugar Hollow Road, just north of the Danbury/Ridgefield town line, LCG’s innovative approach—combining custom closets with garage organization—has proven to be a winning formula.
“The idea of combining the two into one business created real synergy,” Sigillito explains. “We design and build custom closets. Once we complete the project, clients often hire us again to transform their garages with storage solutions, cabinetry, and flooring.”
At the heart of LCG’s design team is Kathryn O’Brien, whose career path took a few unexpected turns before landing in closet and storage design. Beginning in advertising, O’Brien transitioned into pharmaceuticals before discovering her passion for home organization. She previously worked for a franchise in the area, but since joining LCG, she hasn’t looked back.
Beyond the in-house trio, LCG has a dedicated team of six installers who craft custom solutions that extend far beyond garages and closets, including home offices, pantries, entertainment centers, laundry rooms, mudrooms, and more. Serving Fairfield, Westchester, and Litchfield counties, LCG is also the exclusive Redline Garagegear dealer in the area.
As an independently owned business, LCG enjoys the flexibility to offer a competitive edge, but customer service is at the heart of its success.
“Customer service is the business we’re in,” Sigillito says. “It’s not just about closets or garages—we focus on making sure our clients are more than satisfied with their entire LCG experience.” That independence also allows for more customization.
“Franchises have specific suppliers and territories they have to stick to,” O’Brien explains. “But we can go outside of that and offer more options for different accessories and things we put inside the closets.”
From the moment you step into LCG’s showroom, the team’s camaraderie and commitment to service are evident. Clients begin with a free consultation to discuss their storage needs, aesthetics, and functionality.
O’Brien, always passionate about the details, was especially eager to showcase some of the customizable accessories—and we have to admit, we were just as intrigued. From pull-out mirrors to innovative jean racks and handbag hooks, LCG offers a solution for nearly everything.
Installation is quick, with turnaround times as fast as a couple of weeks from contract signing. Most units are fabricated in Yonkers, while select high-end pieces are crafted in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, or South Carolina.
Garages are a big part of LCG’s business, and it’s understandable. Once you see an epoxy floor, you simply cannot unsee it. They are slip-resistant, easy to clean, and durable. Their glorious glossiness transforms garages into functional spaces that you actually want to spend time in.
O’Brien says, “It’s such a transformation. It makes the garage look like an extension of the house. Cabinet storage and floor
coating in the garage are definitely worth the investment.”
More than just beautiful closets, pristine garages, and dreamy pantries, LCG is deeply committed to giving back. Sigillito is a founding board member of Building Homes for Heroes (BHFH), a nonprofit he co-founded in 2006 alongside three high school friends. The organization is led by CEO and founder Andrew Pujol, a lifelong friend of Sigillito’s.
“We all worked in lower Manhattan and knew many people who lost their lives on 9/11,” Sigillito shares. “Our CEO volunteered at Ground Zero that very afternoon, and a few years later, we started hearing about veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq with 100% disability ratings from the VA—many with no place to live. The need for Building Homes for Heroes was clear.”
Since receiving its 501(c)(3) status in 2006, BHFH has gifted or modified more than 400 homes for severely injured veterans and, more recently, first responders.
“It’s been incredible to witness the impact on these deserving heroes and their families,” Sigillito says. “We’ve gifted homes in 36 states, thanks to corporate sponsors like J.P. Morgan Chase and Lowe’s, as well as private donations. My daughter, Chloe, organizes an amazing fundraiser every year at Down the Hatch on Candlewood Lake. The team there is incredibly supportive of BHFH.”
LCG’s Installation Crew
“It’s an investment, and we want our clients to be fully ready for the project—we want them to be completely satisfied.”
—Russell Pastor
LCG is also an incredible partner and plays a direct role in supporting BHFH. A portion of the net income from every project goes toward Building Homes for Heroes. In other words, every LCG client is part of something bigger, helping make a difference in the lives of veterans and first responders.
With a reputation built on trust, LCG continues to earn the confidence of builders and homeowners alike.
“We’re not pushy,” Pastor says. “We will sell a client on something because we believe in our work.
We’ve been around a long time, and we know what we’re doing. It’s an investment, and we want our clients to be fully ready for the project—we want them to be completely satisfied.”
Sigillito agrees. “I believe in under-promising and over-delivering on everything,” he says. “And our crew does a great job of making that happen.”
To schedule a free consultation, visit libertyclosetandgarage.com or call 475-405-3929. To donate or learn more about Building Homes for Heroes, visit buildinghomesforheroes.org
Rowe Construction
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ABBY COLE PHOTOGRAPHY
Love Where You Live
Photo by Melissa Wilson Photography
A house is often the biggest investment a person will make in their lifetime.
“When you invest in your home, you’re not just making upgrades—you’re enhancing comfort, efficiency, and long-term value,” says Connor Rowe, founder of Rowe Construction. “You’re not just upgrading your house—you’re investing in your quality of life,” Rowe adds. “We believe you should love where you live. Your home should be a place where you feel comfortable, safe, and proud—a space where your family can truly enjoy the time you spend together.”
Prioritizing such investments can be challenging, but finding a contractor who values craftsmanship and transparency makes all the difference. What sets Rowe Construction apart in a crowded field of general contractors is its unwavering integrity and deep respect for clients, their homes, and the craft.
Rowe grew up in Ridgefield and began his career over a decade ago, spending seven years working for a custom builder. In 2019, he established his eponymous company and gradually built a name for himself, often taking side projects. When
the pandemic slowed things down in 2020, Rowe saw it as a chance to fully dedicate himself to his business. By 2021, he was ready to focus on Rowe Construction full-time.
“The majority of our projects still come from word-of-mouth, and that’s the greatest compliment we can receive. When past clients trust us enough to recommend us to their friends and neighbors, it’s the ultimate nod from our community.”
With Rowe Construction’s reputation for quality work, clear communication, and its commitment to treating every home as if it were their own, it stands out among general contractors in Fairfield County.
“I’m fully aware of the reputation that often follows contractors—the assumptions that we cut corners, miss deadlines, fail to communicate, or don’t stand behind our work. But for many of us, it’s truly about a deep respect for the craft and a genuine commitment to the people we serve,” Rowe explains. “I can confidently say that we hold ourselves to a higher standard—honoring our word, showing up on time, maintaining a meticulous workspace, and standing behind our work long after the project is complete. It’s about integrity, craftsmanship, and a responsibility to our clients that we take seriously at every stage of the process.”
With a dedicated team and an extensive network of trusted trade partners—including licensed electricians, plumbers, and structural engineers—Rowe Construction ensures every project is handled with expertise. Depending on the scope of the project, Rowe also collaborates with architects and designers from the area.
“We’re a small, local, family business,” Rowe says. “And we love being able to work in the areas where we live and help out our friends and community.”
To maintain high-quality standards, Rowe Construction limits itself to two to three projects at a time. “Every project has its own manager and point of contact at all times,” he explains. “We provide clients with a detailed construction schedule.
“You’re not just upgrading your house— you’re investing in your quality of life. Your home needs to be a place where you feel comfortable, safe, and proud.”
Transparency and communication are key. Many of our clients aren’t home while we’re working, so we’re always emailing, texting, and FaceTiming them. I’m all about communication.”
Rowe shares that his company’s most common projects are kitchen and bathroom remodels, but their expertise extends far beyond. The team handles everything from custom millwork done on-site, to full additions, decks, screened-in porches, whole-house window replacements, and exterior updates like siding, painting, and power washing. Eventually, Rowe tells us, he hopes to expand into custom home builds.
Creating open-concept homes is a frequent request, but it’s no small feat. Challenging structural work is required to remove walls, columns, load-bearing beams, and install new steel beams in order to achieve that seamless flow. Fortunately, Rowe and his team are well-versed in the complexities of such renovations.
One recent kitchen renovation in Redding left a lasting impression on homeowners Rosie Begley and John Polinsky. “We were so fortunate after going through three contractors to finally, in tears, find Connor,” Begley tells us. “We really thought this kitchen was never going to get done! Then he came in—calm, intelligent, and ready to go.”
Polinsky echoes his wife’s sentiment, saying, “He’s resourceful, innovative, and can think through a problem. That’s what you need.”
For those new to homeownership or considering a renovation, Rowe offers an invaluable piece of advice: prioritize the building envelope.
“I always tell clients to get the exterior as tight as possible,” he says. “Make sure there’s no rot, replace siding, and paint as needed. Because if you have any issues on the outside of the house, it can lead to problems inside.”
With its commitment to craftsmanship, respect, and clear communication, Rowe Construction isn’t just remodeling homes—it’s redefining what homeowners should expect from a contractor.
“We’re honored when clients trust us with their home—the space where they share their lives with the people who matter most—and we don’t take that lightly,” Rowe says.
Currently serving Fairfield County and Litchfield County, Rowe Construction handles every aspect of your home project.
“We facilitate everything the client could possibly need—from pre-construction planning, engineering, permitting, and due diligence with the town to the finished product.”
Your home should do more than simply exist— it should elevate your overall quality of life and enhance the way your family lives. As one of your most significant investments, your home has to work for you. Whether you’re focused on improving energy efficiency, increasing property value, or creating a space you truly love, now is the perfect time to make it happen.
Visit roweconstructionct.com to get started, and follow @roweconstructionct for ideas and inspiration.
“We’re honored when clients trust us with their home—the space where they share their lives with the people who matter most.”
Luxury Meets Authenticity
Experience expert care, transparent pricing, and a fully customized service that’s all about You. No tipping, No surprises. Just exceptional hair at an elevated salon experience like never before.
You deserve to relax and feel special, so let us spoil you with a complimentary scalp experience at the end of your service!
2037889372 V @clarkeculturesalon 598 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield
Dr. Aris has recently launched a PACE-approved continuing education school for dental professionals, approved by the Academy of General Dentistry
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WARK PHOTOGRAPHY
FLOBEE’S ROADSIDE STAND
Serving Up Southern Bites and Family-Friendly Nostalgic Delights
“When we painted the stripes, a friend texted Aaron and said, ‘I saw the stripes! They look just like a jacket I had in 1980!’” Nadia Blair recalls, standing inside the newly opened Flobee’s Roadside Stand. “And I thought to myself: Nailed it! ”
Nadia, who co-founded Flobee’s with her husband, Aaron Blair, and their good friend Ric Gutierrez, spent weeks looking at vintage clothing and ephemera online, searching for the perfect color palette.
“I painted 17 different options,” she tells us. “I wanted them to capture the right era— late ’70s, early ’80s—dusty pinks, gray-hued blues, mustard yellows. And the order was important! Rearrange them, and it changes the whole vibe.”
Nadia’s attention to detail didn’t stop there. Inside, her meticulousness is apparent throughout—even down to the sprinkles, which match the stripes. (“I ordered five different bags and mixed them together!”)
It’s this over-the-top thoughtfulness that defines Flobee’s—a delightful roadside stand where the experience is just as important as the food.
Flobee’s is a full-on family and friends labor of love. Aaron spent nearly a decade as sous chef at Café Josie in Austin, where he met his best friend and future business partner, Ric. When Austin’s food truck scene took off, the two joined in, launching F.N. Goode Burgers on the back patio of Texas Showdown (now Mockingbird Saloon).
“Then I met Nadia, we got married, and started a family,” Aaron tells us.
Unsurprisingly, the food truck lifestyle didn’t mesh well with raising five children— now ages 12, 10, 8, and 6-year-old identical twins. F.N. Goode Burgers closed, and Aaron shifted to a management role at Home Depot, while Ric returned to fine dining. When Covid hit, Aaron found corporate life even more exhausting than the restaurant industry—and Nadia felt the strain, too.
CONTINUED >
“I was home with five little kids,” she recalls. “So I drove to my mom’s house on Cape Cod. Kate’s Seafood was for sale, and suddenly I thought: We should buy it! ”
Aaron reminded her that they didn’t live on the Cape. But once the idea took root, Nadia couldn’t shake the vision of Aaron back in the restaurant business. All she had to do was persuade him to move up North.
“The older our kids got, the more I wanted them to have the childhood I had,” she says. “Snow, autumn leaves—it just wasn’t the same in Texas.”
Originally from Katonah, Nadia has always loved Ridgefield. But Aaron wasn’t convinced—until he saw a listing for a Victorian house in town. Karla Murtaugh suggested Nadia’s mom do a Zoom tour with them. “There was snow on the ground, and I just fell in love,” Nadia remembers.
When the call ended, Aaron closed the laptop, saying, “I mean, if you want it, go ahead.” That was all she needed to hear.
Once they relocated, Nadia’s wheels started spinning. “The Ridgefield Ice Cream shop was for sale,” she says. “I’ve always liked that building and it looked really sad.”
Tom Carvel opened the shop in 1957. Twenty years later, his longtime manager, Felix Lechner, took over the lease, renaming it Ridgefield Ice Cream. In 2017, the store changed hands once more before permanently closing in 2024.
Co-Founders Nadia Blair, Ric Gutierrez, and Aaron Blair
“I loved the 1950s architecture, but didn’t want it to feel theme-y,” Nadia explains. “So the goal became nostalgia—figuring out a way to honor every decade this building has seen without singling one out.”
A former teacher with a master’s in public policy, Nadia may seem like an unlikely designer—but she has an eye for it. Immersing herself in research on midcentury modern, Nadia also sought guidance from Tracy Seem at the Ridgefield Historical Society on key architectural elements—including the iconic neon sign (more on that later). The result is the ultimate eras mashup, a bonafide tribute to the building’s seventy years.
To soften Flobee’s midcentury glass-andsteel aesthetic, Nadia added a warm cedar ceiling. Inside, the light blue and white checkerboard flooring is reminiscent of Happy Days but also classic Vans sneakers. And its name adds another nostalgic touch. Aaron’s mother, Florence Blair, was playfully nicknamed “Flobee” by him and his friends as kids. (Inspired, of course, by the Flowbee haircutting system… “It sucks as it cuts!”)
The Blairs prioritized making Flobee’s family-friendly. They created a fenced-in picnic area, installed heated bathrooms, and worked with architect Peter Coffin to build a decorative safety wall. “When you stand out front to order your food, I want you to feel safe,” Nadia says. “The wall has steel rebar and cement that goes six feet deep.”
Flobee’s menu is short, satisfying, and meltdown-proof. “It can be hectic taking kids out to eat,” Aaron says. “Simplicity is sometimes a gift.”
In a nod to their Texas roots, the fare leans Southern. Aaron and Ric brought back the smash burger recipe from their food truck days, and there are standouts like the habanero meatloaf sandwich, fried pickles, shrimp po boy, and queso and fries. The fried chicken sandwich—marinated in a buttermilk pickle brine and then double-battered—is already a customer favorite.
“Nearly everything on the menu is made in-house, so I didn’t want to serve a Boca burger as the vegetarian option!” Nadia says. Instead, she landed on a fresh and flavorful
falafel burger. (A delicious addition, we can assure you.)
The kids’ meals come with a Capri Sun (hello, childhood!), and the paper bags feature seasonal illustrations for coloring (crayons included). Their homemade baked goods include funfetti Rice Krispies treats and chocolate Texas sheet cake. They offer soft serve, milkshakes, and eight rotating flavors of Longford’s Ice Cream. Then, there are Snobees.
“When my oldest was a baby, we used to go to Deep Eddy Pool in Austin, and they had a sno-ball stand,” Aaron recalls. “So we decided to order a machine straight from New Orleans and serve sno-balls.”
Made with finely shaved ice, Snobees absorb the flavored syrup, creating a light, soft, fluffy texture. Try it “Big Easy” style by adding sweetened condensed milk, or get “The Alamo” with mango syrup, fresh mango, chamoy sauce, and Tajín.
New ideas are always percolating among the co-founders. Breakfast tacos may be on the horizon, and Nadia, Aaron, and Ric hope to collaborate with local farms to create seasonal sandwiches. “We talk a lot about a tomato sandwich. I’d love to highlight produce that’s in season,” Ric says.
Flobee’s is as eco-friendly as it is nostalgic. Nearly all packaging is compostable. Drinks are sold in aluminum cans, which are infinitely recyclable. And in Connecticut, returning them earns you ten cents each.
“I’ve always been very civil-service minded,” Nadia says. “Flobee’s is now part of the community. So the thought was: What can we do with that dime? If we encourage everyone to recycle their cans, we can collect that money and donate it.”
Nadia connected with Jill Brown, Director of Finance for Ridgefield Public Schools, and arranged to put the money toward paying off school lunch debt for Ridgefield students.
No detail has been overlooked at Flobee’s, right up to its crowning jewels—the glowing neon pink and yellow Flobee’s signs, custom-crafted by local artisan Kody Shafer of Neon Spectacular LLC. Shafer, who grew up in Ridgefield and now runs his shop in Norwalk, delivered. He even tracked down and measured the original Carvel signs before designing the new ones.
“The building was made to have signs on the roof!” Nadia says with a grin.
Flobee’s isn’t just a place to grab a quick bite. It’s a love letter to bygone eras, to great food, and to our community.
“It wasn’t just about opening a burger stand,” Nadia tells us. “It was about honoring this space, keeping it alive, and giving back.”
Flobee’s is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Follow along on Instagram at @flobeesroadside and visit flobees.com to learn more.
And save those returnables! People who bring 20 aluminum cans to Flobee’s between April 15 and April 22 (Earth Day) will receive a free kids’ size soft serve!
