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Small Team In CT, 2024
Office in Ridgefield, CT by sales volume, 2023
Brokerage in the US by sales volume, 2022-2024
The Fall Market is thriving as a result of the recent reduction in interest rates. Ridgefield continues to attract strong interest from both local and out-ofstate buyers. Inventory is expanding across all price points. We expect median and average home prices to remain steady or see modest increases, as limited inventory supports ongoing price growth. At Karla Murtaugh Homes, we understand your home is one of your most valuable assets. Whether you’re buying or selling, we’re committed to helping you achieve success. Partner with us for a personalized, exceptional real estate experience. #1 Small Team in Connecticut, Real Trends Verified, 2024
A Letter From The Publisher
In this season of giving thanks, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. The true spirit of Thanksgiving encourages the conscious expression of gratitude. Its focus is spending time with those that you love and encourages giving back in a meaningful way. While ambition, competition and slaying goals can be very healthy, forgetting to place importance on being present, enjoying the ride and appreciating those around us that have helped us along in our journey, can leave us missing out on what truly matters. We’ll never be content if we look outside ourselves and at our possessions or titles to determine if we are fulfilled. True contentment comes from within and from fulfilling who we were made to be.
Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, gratefulness and giving back to our community. We celebrate 10 years of our beloved Prospector Theater, as well as 60 years with The Aldrich and its new Sculpture Garden! We'll also sit down with Ginger Smith of SOAR Together to talk about how we combat loneliness, together We are so thankful for the residents and businesses in our community who support so many wonderful organizations and help make our town the vibrant community that it is. We are especially thankful for our advertising partners who help bring this magazine to your doorsteps each month. They are part of our vision and purpose of bringing inspiring stories and the good news of the community directly to you. This holiday season as we prepare to gather with our loved ones, and in the true spirit of thanksgiving, let’s set time aside to consider what truly makes life meaningful and stop to reflect on those blessings.
As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!
BRUCE BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER
November 2024
PUBLISHER
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kristy Jefferson | kristy.jefferson@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Katie Parry | katie.parry@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Pam Antonacchio pam.antonacchio@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Kristy Jefferson, Katie Parry
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
New Light Creative Services, Dariusz Terepka Photography, Chris Svendsen
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs Learn
Talking Real Estate
with Karla Murtaugh
Ridgefield. The Fall Market is moving swiftly and showing steady and reliable activity. Currently, 40 homes are on the market, plus 25 under contract and expected to close in the coming months. Inventory continues to play a crucial role in driving the market, with competitive bidding still prevalent. Many properties are selling at or above their listing price, reflecting strong demand with a median sales price of $1,065,000. Ridgefield continues to stand out as a premier residential destination in Fairfield County. Demand remains robust from both local buyers and those from nearby cities seeking a suburban lifestyle.
SINGLE FAMILY HOME SALES BY PRICE YEAR TO DATE
$2,999,999
$3,000,000 + 1 3 2 3
Redding and Wilton. Since January 1, 2024, Wilton has continued to experience inventory shortages, but sales have remained strong. A total of 177 homes have sold so far this year, with a median price of $1,215,000, surpassing the 149 homes sold during the same period in 2023, when the median price was $1,125,000. The average days on market has also improved slightly, decreasing from 22 days in 2023 to 15 days in 2024. Currently, 34 single-family homes are available for sale. In Redding, 79 single-family homes have sold since the start of the year, with a median sale price of $880,000. Presently, 34 homes are on the market, with 13 under contract and expected to close in the coming months.
The
An
Ginger
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Jasmine Gannalo joins KB Homes at Compass
Jasmine Gannalo has joined the KB Homes Team at Compass, working alongside Brianna Carvalho and Katie Moran. Gannalo is enthusiastic about partnering with Compass, a forward-thinking brokerage that emphasizes tech-driven solutions. Her new team, now equipped to cover all of Fairfield and Westchester counties, enhances their reach and ability to serve clients across a larger territory. Gannalo looks forward to leveraging this expanded network to benefit her clients.
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Ridgefield’s Sparkling Gem
The Prospector Theater Celebrates 10 Years!
The true beginning of The Prospector was actually a moment of time travel. Back in 2012, Val Jensen found herself at a stoplight on Prospect Street looking at a derelict old building. It had been the original Playhouse. It had been a bank. And soon enough, it would be knocked down. “I was sitting there and just had a vision of this place as it is today, totally working, just the essence of all of it … like I saw us sitting here.” Her eyes are wide as she remembers this fully formed idea while also sitting inside it, The Prospector having since come to vivid, electric pink life.
In a town filled with beloved institutions and cultural centers, The Prospector may just be the most iconic, with its signature pink sparkle showing up everywhere from the theater’s signage to Jensen’s hair. The theater itself manages to capture the very essence of movie-going, while also reinventing the space, the vibe, and the experience itself. Going against design advice, Jensen insisted on giant glass walls to let the light in. There is beautiful art, gourmet popcorn made in-house, comfortable seats, and — oh wait, we’re burying the lede.
The Prospector has also reached icon status for reasons that have nothing to do with the building. This local non-profit is on a mission — to provide competitive employment for adults with disabilities. Jensen had a wealth of knowledge and experience to draw from, having been 4 years old when her parents had a daughter with Down syndrome. This was back in the eighties, before the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law, and resources were few and far between.
“It was a very challenging time,” she says. “As a young child, I remember going to a Special Olympics picnic where I saw families and people with and without disabilities playing together. And it was just such a magical snapshot, and through that I saw a vision of a world that I wanted to live in. I wanted to create a version of that.”
On the eve of their 10th Anniversary, The Prospector has sold 900,000 tickets, employed 125 people, and caught the attention of everyone from NBC Nightly News to Ryan Reynolds, who popped by for a visit this past summer to watch his movie Deadpool & Wolverine. What Ryan Wenke, The Prospector’s Executive Director, found fascinating about that was how many people commented that he (Reynolds) was so fortunate to meet them (the Prospects). “We're thankful here for the community, for our jobs, for opportunity, and I think the community is thankful [for us],” Wenke says. “And so, you know, he's the star on the screen. We're the stars behind the scenes.”
Jensen’s time traveling vision did not include people with disabilities working in any kind of ornamental capacity. “I wanted something that would be uplifting, and also fulfill a need the community had,” she says. Employees are known as Prospects, with about 75 percent of the staff self-identifying with a disability. Prospects hold a massively wide array of jobs taking tickets, making gourmet popcorn, writing, producing, and starring in videos, working on the clean team, introducing movies … a lot happens at this theater. And Jensen not only likes it that way — she wants it to spread.
“While this theater itself might not be replicable,” she tells us, “the principles we have here are. There's a huge talent pool of people with disabilities and employers just need to know where to look. [They'll
“We’re thankful here for the community, for our jobs, for our paychecks, for opportunity, and I think the community is thankful also for what we do.”
find] the most dedicated employees, enthusiastic, just [lifting] everybody up. It’s full-on Sparkle here.”
Jensen and her team are already pushing the boundaries of how to create such meaningful employment. Did you know Jensen has a working farm? Prospects come every week to work on things completely different than they would within the walls of the theater. “Being out in the woods, working with animals and working in the garden is so therapeutic. We make maple syrup, and then use the maple syrup to make our gourmet popcorn here. So it's just a nice whole circle, and people wouldn't really think about the complementary value of a farm and a theater, but everything is interconnected.”
Ten years in, The Prospector is thriving in ways not even Jensen could have foreseen. And likewise, the town thrives in its presence. While the theater gives adults with disabilities real hope and real work, an
entire generation of children are being raised with its positive message of kindness and inclusivity. Prospects are like celebrities in town, regardless of whether or not they are wearing their signature black and pink shirts. Recently at Prime Burger, Val tells us how The Prospector’s star rapper, MC Dan, was spotted by some kids. “They were looking over at [the] table and kind of whispering, and then came up and said, Are you MC Daniel? Can I have an autograph?” She laughs, “I could kiss those kids!”
Things are so successful, in fact, that it can be easy to forget that this sparkling gem of a nonprofit is really only sustainable with donations. Even with all the growth and the popcorn and various parts of the business, seventy percent of all ticket sales go to the movie studios. So for this big milestone, the theater is opening up their annual birthday party to more people as the first-ever Prospector Gala celebrates 10 years of sparkle! On Wednesday, November 20th, 6pm - 10pm, guests are invited to wear their sparkle and support this incredible mission, which they make look easy, but …
“It was very difficult to build this building and to do what we did to get here,” says Jensen. “But since I had seen the vision, there was no ‘it's not happening.’ I saw it. It had to happen.”
And for that, Ridgefield is thankful.
“While this theater itself might not be replicable, the principles of which we have here are.”
ARTICLE BY KRISTY JEFFERSON | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIUSZ TEREPKA PHOTOGRAPHY
The Aldrich Museum’s Breathtaking Expansion
An Extensive Reimagining of the Museum’s Outdoor Space Leads Straight to Main Street
Tucked away just behind one of Ridgefield’s most recognizable landmarks, a significant expansion is about to open up a whole new world. As it celebrates its 60th anniversary, The Aldrich Museum is completely reimagining its outdoor space, making use of land it already owns that will change the way Ridgefielders interact with both art and nature. The project, which broke ground in February, is ambitious, including a new terrace, amphitheater, increased accessibility and ecological benefits. But possibly most exciting is the new pathway linking those strolling on Main Street directly to this new site of community and reflection.
“From the very beginning of the museum's history, the presentation of works of art outside was an important part of our founder’s vision for the museum,” says Aldrich Executive Director Cybele Maylone. “In 2020 we really saw that people loved being outdoors. People were seeking the space out as a place to be together, to find some kind of solace during difficult times, and also to see amazing art.”
At the time, the museum’s programming included a 10 foot tall, 20 foot long deer sculpture by artist Tony Tasset, as well as a large survey of work by Frank Stella. These works were beloved by the town, yet also highlighted one of the challenges of having such a massive open space. “It was inconceivable for us that we could present a sculpture that was at a human scale, or that someone could have any sort of intimate experience with,” says Maylone. “That's why we presented lots of really big work, both so that visitors could see it from inside the museum, but also because there was no opportunity to have a quiet moment.”
The new layout, designed by Massachusettsbased firm Stimson, will welcome visitors to the
sculpture space right from Main Street, with a sidewalk leading to a pollinator path zigzagging down the side of the building to the amphitheater and “Secret Garden,” both including spaces to sit. The entire space is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk, seven days a week , a fact Maylone hopes residents and visitors will take full advantage of. “There were lots of things that we felt like really prohibited people from feeling like it was a place that they could spend time in,” she says, “so this will really be an invitation for people to come and walk.”
For those who may come across this town treasure sight unseen, it’s helpful to have some background because as a non-collecting art museum, The Aldrich is unique. “We are always engaged with art at the moment, and we're constantly changing because we don't have a collection,” says Maylone, “and that was part of our founders' vision to support young artists, or artists that were otherwise not being recognized … maybe you will come here and see an artist who you've never heard of, but it’s likely that in some time you will.”
“People were seeking the space out as a place to find solace during difficult times.”
Beyond the art, Maylone is really excited for the positive effect this renovation will have on the environment. More than 20 trees and hundreds of plants have been planted, with an eye towards managing drainage issues for the museum and its neighbors. Through extensive consultations with the Inland Wetlands Board, it became obvious that there was nothing but positives
to revitalizing this natural space the museum already owned. “I think once we had the design in our mind's eye, I became kind of consumed by this idea that we had this beautiful building where incredible things happen, and then we had just this underutilized space,” Maylone tells us. “Before we really started this project, I hadn't given it much thought. And now it's all I can see.”
The Aldrich Museum’s Free Community Day!
On Sunday, November 17, 12pm - 5pm, The Aldrich is throwing open its arms and welcoming people into the museum and out to the Sculpture Garden. Come get a tour, see the new space for yourself and experience this incredible natural resource right on Main Street. Visit thealdrich.org/events/community-day to learn more.
FRIDAY PERFORMANCE
Opening Night Diamond Anniversary Celebration | 5:00pm Performance | 6:30pm
SATURDAY PERFORMANCE
December 14th | 2:00pm | 6:00pm
SUNDAY PERFORMANCE
December 15th | 11:00am | 2:00pm
Tickets available at ridgefieldplayhouse.org
SOARing to New Heights, Together
GINGER SMITH SPARKS JOY IN RIDGEFIELD COMMUNITY
ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS SVENDSEN
Ginger Smith is a longtime macro-level social worker and self-proclaimed community-connector. In 2023, Smith founded SOAR Together because she observed a glaring issue in the social fabric of Fairfield County: an intergenerational community in desperate need of connection. While she stops short of calling herself “Pollyanna,” Smith has made it her mission to help end epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation in and around Ridgefield. Striving to elevate levels of social contentment, one uplifting connection at a time, Smith believes that immersing people in the solution is what helps bring about the change.
“SOAR has enabled me to collaborate with other passionate, service-driven community members who want to be part of a positive change,” says Smith. That passion was inherited from Smith’s parents, who instilled care of community in their children at a young age. “My parents used to rescue flowers and create arrangements to deliver to patients at Norwalk Hospital every Tuesday,” Smith reminisces. So it was perfectly natural that when she started this nonprofit, flowers would play an essential role.
SOAR is an acronym for the four interrelated needs Smith's organization meets: Social, Occupational, Artistic, and Recreational. SOAR fulfills these needs through various programs, including, of course, one focused on flowers. Flower Power is a program wherein donated flowers (from Alice’s Flower Shop and The Hickories), and rescued flowers (from Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Big Y), are picked up, arranged into bouquets, placed in white cups, and gifted. Smith hand-writes “You Are Loved” in red ink on each cup— red because seniors can better distinguish the hue over blue or green. The arrangements also include “Spark Cards” which are full of inspirational quotes and phrases, including, “Please always remember: you are strong, you are brilliant.”
These rescued bloom bouquets never fail to deliver a smile—and a much-welcomed boost of serotonin—to
their recipients. “SOAR’s frequent deliveries of flowers always brighten the days of the members at Founders Hall,” says Stephanie Campbell, Director of Development. “But more than that, SOAR reminds seniors that they’re not alone. Ginger is directly addressing the loneliness pandemic and it's having a huge impact on the lives of seniors.”
Another program is Social Seats, which combines a service with a social connection. This program facilitates opportunities for intergenerational community members to connect with each other—while also supporting local eateries. Participants are invited to enjoy a free meal at a local restaurant (Wooster Hollow Café, Dimitri’s Diner, and Early Bird Café have all participated), with the meal paid for by other local charities or businesses (previous sponsors include Jesse Lee Church, Ridgefield Rotary, Ridgefield Lions Club, and EZ Moving).
“I’ve witnessed first-hand SOAR’s reaching out to the lonely in our society and how thankful these folks are for such loving support. I am very happy to be a SOAR supporter and Board Member,” says Joel Third.
SOAR Strolls and Walks and Talks are programs which vary in location. SOAR Strolls are monthly visits to Sherwood Island or Calf Pasture Beach, while Walks and Talks are shorter excursions in and around Ridgefield. Both highlight the power of social connection, while also enabling participants to get in their daily steps. Volunteers from the Ridgefield Running Company are on hand for the walks in town, and afterwards, participants gather to enjoy a cup of coffee at a local shop, oftentimes Tazza.
Finally, there is Let’s Chat. This is a countywide program promoting impromptu social connections through Chatty Benches and community areas in restaurants, cafés, and public spaces.
In addition to these programs, there are three phrases that Smith emphasizes daily, “You Are Loved,” “Be a Spark,” and “Be You.” In Ginger’s words, “The
“I am thankful for SOAR, which has achieved so much. My hope is that others will also support this nonprofit so they can continue their important work.”
— Kathy Graham, FCB
“In a world increasingly distanced and tied to technology, SOAR brings people together and creates spaces where they feel valued and heard.”
—Suzanne Brennan, Lounsbury House
at
world needs us just the way we are, and unabashedly so. We thrive as individuals and communities when we celebrate the beautiful, unique nature of each of our tremendous members.” She goes on to say, “I chose a far-reaching mission because of the inherent opportunities to partner with local organizations, companies, and public entities. It’s a team game each and every day to increase the overall health and well-being of a community.”
While SOAR Together is only in its sophomore year, Ridgefield residents have undoubtedly taken notice and are so thankful to have the program in town. Clem Saleeby, Member of the Ridgefield Commission on Aging, says, “SOAR’s events and conversation have brought happiness to our seniors who need socialization. The cups that say, ‘You are Loved,’ are so touching and appreciated.”
SOAR’s mission has led to partnerships across Fairfield County, funded by places like The City of Norwalk and the Fairfield County Community Foundation, but Ginger is particularly passionate about supporting the Ridgefield community where she's a member of the Ridgefield Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. Stephen Wooters, SVP at Fairfield County Bank, says “SOAR’s mission not only positively engages togetherness, it perfectly overlaps with and supports the many wonderful charities throughout the community.”
Smith has been instrumental in brightening the days of so many Ridgefield residents, and Fairfield County is so lucky to have her kind, relentless spirit in our midst. Executive Director of Lounsbury House, Suzanne Brennan, says it best, “It has been an absolute joy to collaborate with Ginger Smith and SOAR Together. Her visionary initiatives embody the essence of what we all strive for in a caring community: g enuine connection . In a world increasingly distanced and tied to
technology, SOAR brings people together and creates spaces where they feel valued and heard.”
Kathy Graham, Vice President and Branch Manager at Fairfield County Bank, adds, “I am supporting this organization as I have seen first hand the difference these events are making in improving the lives of others. I am thankful for SOAR, which has achieved so much in only its first year. My hope is that others will also support this nonprofit so they can continue their important work.” Please visit soartogetherct.org to find out how you can get involved.
Smith wishes to thank the supportive team at Fairfield County Bank, the counsel and extraordinary venue Suzanne Brennan of Lounsbury House provides, First Selectperson Rudy Marconi for supporting SOAR's cause in the Ridgefield community, Joel Third for his leadership and support, Jesse Lee Church for sponsoring and hosting programs, Ridgefield Rotary for their camaraderie and generous support of SOAR's mission, Ron Herman of Wooster Hollow and Sunrise Cafes in helping launch both Social Seats and Let’s Chat, the National Charity League Ridgefield and Nutmeg Chapters for helping move SOAR's mission forward, Megan Searfoss and her team at Ridgefield Running for teaming up to address loneliness through physical and mental wellness, Karen and Tony of the social services team who are always on hand, the Commission on Aging members for their support and collaboration, Kate Fitzpatrick’s marketing and communications expert touch, Kathleen Menichelli and the team at Alice's Flower Shop in Bethel, the D'Amour family at Big Y, and The Hickories for kindly donating from their abundance of gorgeous flowers, Linda Hutchings from Community food rescue for leaning in to help in an enormous way. Every day and in every way, the Ridgefield community has been a highlight of SOAR’s mission in-action.
SOAR CARRIES THE TRADEMARK ON “FLOWER RESCUE” AS A CONCEPT!
“Charitable services through planning and executing multigenerational outreach programs providing recycled flowers to spark social engagements for those at risk of loneliness and social isolation.”
MEET THE SWEETS
722 Danbury Rd | Ridgefield CT Sunday, November 24th
3:30pm-5:30pm
Clara’s Tea Party with Crafts and Games
Meet & Take Photos with Sugarplum Fairy and The Nutcracker Cast Mini Nutcracker-Themed Dance Classes
Special Performance - Excerpts from The Nutcracker Goodie Bags for All Guests!
Camie Cohen, MS, CCC-SLP csctalk2me@gmail.com
(917) 582-4409 | cscpediatricspeech.com
100B Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877
NOVEMBER 24TH
“Meet the Sweets” at Dance Factory Ridgefield
Dance Factory Ridgefield | 3:30 PM
Travel through The Land of the Sweets and meet the Sugarplum Fairy, Dew Drop, and other Nutcracker cast members! Take photos with your favorite Fairies and Sweets and attend a mini dance class. There will be a special performance by DFR Company Dancers! General admission is $35, event runs 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Visit thedancefactorystore.com/events for tickets!
NOVEMBER 29TH
Ridgefield’s
Annual Tree Lighting Celebration
Main Street | 6:00 PM
Mark your calendars—the kickoff to the most wonderful time of the year is coming. Start the holiday season off right with the Town of Ridgefield’s Annual Tree Lighting Celebration! Main Street starts sparkling at 6 p.m.