068 Magazine July/August 2923

July/August • 2023

Have You Met?

New York Mets

Announcer, Gary Cohen

Emotional Support Animals Make aDifference

Thrown Stone

Now Playing, Seven Cousins For a Horse

Katie Diamond Actor, Singer, Baker and Producer

Noted by Barbara Manners

SUMMERTIME and the livin’ is easy. What a great time to get out and enjoy the terrific opportunities the outdoors offers us in the 068. The chances for fun and memorable experiences are numerous. For those with children, you can pay a visit to one of our multiple playgrounds in the area, most notably the all-accessible one at Ridgefield’s Parks and Rec Center or take a stroll on the beautiful Norwalk River Valley Trail section in Wilton. You could also pack a picnic for an afternoon at Ridgefield’s Martin Park Beach where kayaks, paddle boats and row boats are available for rental.

For those looking for downtown fun, there are plenty of possibilities. The Wilton Chamber of Commerce will host its 11th annual Wilton Street Fair and Sidewalk Sales on July 22nd. On July 29th, Ridgefield will hold its annual Summerfest with super sales, art and games and other activities for the kids as well as the Ridgefield Arts Council event Music & Art in the park with local musicians performing throughout the day and visual artists displaying their work. The Ridgefield Guild of Artists kicks off their annual Art Walk begins on August 25th.

Listening to live music outdoors is another wonderful summertime activity. Redding puts on their Concert on the Green every Sunday evening from 6:00 – 8:00pm starting on June 18th. For more summer music enjoyment, CHIRP in Ridgefield offers free family-friendly concerts in Ballard Park throughout all of June, July and August, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. People from 3 months to 100+ years trek into the park with chairs or blankets, nibbles and drinks. With music ranging from bluegrass to rock and roll, and everything in between, it’s a fabulous way to spend the evening with family and friends.

Hang around and join in the summertime fun!

Barbara Manners Chirp Producer

Dee

Dee Colabella Owner

dcolabella@rpacartcenter.com

Greg Mursko Publisher publisher@068magazine.com

Dylan Miller Chief Operating Officer dmiller@rpacartcenter.com

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

Contributing Writers

Dee Dee Colabella, Jennifer Bradshaw, Jana Williams, Dylan Miller, Julia Bruce, Carin Weisman, Dave Goldenberg, Joey Marcari, and Elizabeth Roberts

Contributing Photographers

Roger Garbow, Dylan Miller, Kate Wark, Paula Wolf, Nancy Moon, and Panosnaps LLC

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This Issue’s Feature Writers

Kate

Perry

Kate Perry lives in Redding on her farm that was once part of the estate of Mark Twain’s daughter Jean, which inspired her article on Twain’s nearby property and library. Like Twain and Jean, Kate loves the quiet, beautiful town of Redding. When she’s not writing or working in the community, she takes care of her menagerie of animals, which includes horses, dogs, ducks, and peacocks. You can find Kate’s story about Mark Twain on page #12.

Erik Ofgang

Erik Ofgang is the co-author of The Good Vices: From Beer to Sex, The Surprising Truth About What’s Actually Good For You and the author of Buzzed: A Guide to New England’s Best Craft Beverages and Gillette Castle: A History. He is a former senior writer at Connecticut Magazine and his work has appeared in the Washington Post, Atlantic, Thrillist and Associated Press. He teaches in WCSU’s MFA in Creative and Professional Writing Program. Erik talks with Ridgefield resident and recent Mets Hall of Fame inductee Gary Cohen on page #18.

Roger

Garbow

Roger Garbow is the founder of Full Throttle Marketing, a Connecticut-based automotive marketing and PR firm. A member of the International Motor Press Association, he’s a contributing writer to numerous outlets including Road & Track and TheDRIVE.com. Roger has driven some incredible vehicles, but he prefers lightweight sportscars with three pedals. On page #38, Roger reports tips for newly licensed drivers and the benefits of manual transmission cars.

Jonathan

Winn

Jonathan Winn is a founder and Co-Artistic Director of Ridgefield’s Thrown Stone, where he directed a reading of The Fields of Blue and Glow by August Schulenburg and the New England premiere of The Arsonists by Jacqueline Goldfinger. On page #50, Jonathan writes about the story behind the world premiere of Seven Cousins for a Horse by Tammy Ryan, which he is directing at Thrown Stone this summer.

by Kate Perry

Mark Twain’s Spirit Lives on in Redding

Mark Twain, the author and raconteur also known as Samuel Clemens, is an indelible part of the town of Redding. He spent the last two years of his life here, a time of both joy and heartbreak. He also left behind his legacy by founding the Mark Twain Library, which remains a cultural mainstay in Redding over a hundred years later.

Twain first heard about Redding from his biographer and friend Albert Bigelow Paine, who lived in town. Twain purchased over 240 acres in 1906 sight unseen, when he was in his seventies. He originally planned to hold the acres

as an investment, but his daughter Clara and his secretary Isabel Lyon became enamored with the town and its quiet, rustic charm. He settled on an Italian villa style for his house — to honor his late wife Livy who died in Florence — and left the management of the construction to Lyon, who moved into the original house on the property.

Twain arrived for his first visit on the train at the West Redding station to much fanfare and fireworks. Once installed in the house, Twain was asked if he was enjoying Stormfield: “Yes, it is the most out of the world and peaceful and tranquil and in every way satisfactory home I have had the

The Mark Twain Library opened in 1910, a year after Twain died, and remains a vital organization in the Redding community.

“How beautiful it all is. I did not think it could be as beautiful as this.”

— Mark Twain remarking on his home in Redding, Connecticut

Old Redding

experience of in my life. It is charmingly quiet here. The house stands alone, with nothing in sight but woodsy hills and rolling country.” Twain named his place “Innocence at Home,” taken from his book Captain Stormfield’s Visit to Heaven, but later changed it to “Stormfield.”

Life at stormfield

Twain kept busy when in Redding. He would hike the beautiful countryside with the Angelfish, his coterie of youth he assembled for lack of grandchildren. He spent time with his remaining family; Clara was a frequent visitor, and his youngest daughter Jean moved in after a long hospital stay for epilepsy treatment. Twain was thrilled to have Jean back and bought an adjacent estate for her, aptly named Jean’s Farm. She fell in love with Redding just like

her father and had a menagerie of animals. She would ride on horseback for hours, getting their mail in town and enjoying the town’s fields and woodlands.

Many of Twain’s friends and colleagues visited him at Stormfield, including Helen Keller, Thomas Edison, and his illustrator and Boy Scouts founder Dan Beard, who lived just up the road. He and Albert Bigelow Paine enjoyed a close friendship full of conversation and idea-sharing. Twain enticed Paine into building a billiards room

in his house to match Stormfield’s by telling him, “…when I want exercise I can walk down and play billiards with you, and when you want exercise you can walk up and play billiards with me.”

Throughout his time in Redding, Twain spoke of his desire to create the town’s first library, in part so he could contribute from his overflowing bookshelves. He started a temporary collection in a small former chapel that he could see from his home. “I am glad to help this library. We

Above, Mark Twain’s Redding home was a Florentine–style villa later named “Stormfield,” after the title of one of his short stories. Below, at Stormfield, Twain had many visitors, including those seen here with him and Isabel Lyon in front of his grand fireplace.

Old Redding

get our morals from books. I didn’t get mine from books, but I know that morals do come from books — theoretically, at least,” he said in a speech at the opening.

Twain’s library soon outgrew its original building, and Twain set his sights on constructing a more substantial place. He secured land from a local farmer, and in September 1909 hosted a fundraiser at Stormfield with a performance by Clara, a singer and musician. Admirers from all over traveled to Stormfield: “Some in 60 horse-powered motor cars, some in buggies and carriages, and a swarm of farmer young folk on foot from miles around — 525 all together,” Twain described in a letter to a friend. He also required any male visitor to Stormfield “to contribute a dollar or go away without his baggage” to put toward creating the library.

Twain experienced a time of domestic happiness in Redding, but on Christmas

Eve 1909, tragedy struck when Jean likely suffered a seizure and was found the next morning, dead at the age of 29. This loss hastened Twain’s ill health, as he was already suffering from a weak heart.

While grieving, Twain wrote to his attorney about funds to secure the future of Redding’s library: “I want the money derived from the sale of [Jean’s Farm] to be used to erect a building for the Mark Twain Library at Redding, the building to be called the ‘Jean L. Clemens Memorial Building.’”

On April 21, 1910, Twain died at Stormfield. He was ushered out by Halley’s Comet, an appropriate end as it had greeted him at birth in 1835. The newly constructed Mark Twain Library opened in late 1910.

Today, over 100 acres of Twain’s Stormfield property are walking trails owned by the Town of Redding and maintained by the town’s Trail Tenders. Abutting Redding Land Trust parcels feature connecting trails

as well, including Jean’s Trail named in honor of Jean Clemens. Twain’s original Stormfield house burned down in the early 1920s but was carefully rebuilt in the same style to honor the property’s history.

Over the years, the Mark Twain Library has grown from the small original building; additions were made in 1972 and 2000. Today the institution remains an essential part of the Redding community. “Mark Twain’s legacy has carried on at the library for over one hundred years, and his love and appreciation of intellect, independent thinking, and humor shines through in our work for the community every day,” said Library Director Erin Dummeyer.

The Mark Twain Library boasts a multitude of events for all ages, a dedicated staff, and, of course, carefully curated shelves. In addition to a partnership with the town, much of the library’s operations are funded by private donations from residents and admirers that appreciate its good works, continuing Mark Twain’s tradition of supporting a community of learning and engagement in Redding just minutes from where he enjoyed his last years.

Many thanks go to those who have captured Mark Twain’s history in Redding, including Susan Durkee, Brent Colley, Bruce Nelson, and the Mark Twain Library. •

Above left, Mark Twain and his daughter Jean, depicted in these color portraits by Susan Durkee, both loved Redding’s beautiful countryside. Above right, Twain pictured with Helen Keller, who often visited Stormfield. Above center, Isabel Lyon, Twain’s secretary and confidant, helped manage the construction of Stormfield and is pictured in front of the stately house.

by Erik Ofgang

It’s... Outta Here!

Ridgefield’s Gary Cohen Inducted into The Mets Hall of Fame

On May 7, 2016, Bartolo Colon stepped to the plate. The 42-year-old Mets pitcher had become a fan favorite thanks to his warm personality, excellent pitching and utterly hapless hitting — he had spent most of his career in the American League where he had not batted. During that at-bat however, Colon connected with a fastball and launched it into the sky.

As the ball arced into baseball history, longtime Ridgefield resident and Mets play-byplay icon, Gary Cohen captured the moment as only he could. “It‘s outta here,” he shouted his signature catchphrase as his voice cracked with pure joy. “Bartolo has done it. The impossible has happened.”

Asked about the famous call recently, Cohen is characteristically humble. “I think that the mark of a good broadcast is not how it plays in a 10 or 20-second call,” he says. “It’s how it plays over the course of 500 hours during the season. Being a reliable friend and advocate and explainer and companion is far more important than the odd moment that goes viral.”

He admits though that there was something special about that homerun. “Here we are seven years on from that and we’re still talking about it, which is not about the call, it’s about the moment and the man,” Cohen says.

It was also at least a little bit about the call. Since 2006, Cohen has called games on SportsNet New York (SNY) alongside former Mets players

Ridgefield resident Gary Cohen, pictured here in broadcast booth at Citi Field - his home away from home. Cohen was recently inducted in the the Mets Hall of Fame.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SNY

Ron Darling and Keith Hernandez. The trio is probably the most popular broadcast team in baseball, and they’ve made the bright Mets moments over the last 17 years more enjoyable and the many rough moments more bearable. For his work, Cohen was recenlty honored with induction into the Mets Hall of Fame. “I grew up as a Mets fan in Queens, so the Mets have been part of my life since I was a very young kid,” he says. “To get to this point, 35 years later, where you’re being lumped with the greatest players and off-field personnel that the Mets have ever had, it’s phenomenal.”

Cohen thinks the broadcast partnership between himself and Hernandez and Darling has resonated for a few reasons. “The Mets have always encouraged their announcers to be honest, which is not always the case with team broadcasts,” he says. An even greater factor is that when they started broadcasting games together, they each had limited experience working in television. “None of us really knew what we were doing, so we all were dependent on one another. That’s led to a booth where nobody needs to be the star. I work with guys who are bringing a lot to the table, and it’s mostly my job to set them up and push them to explain their expertise,” Cohen says.

Born in 1958, Cohen was drawn to the Mets even though his father was a Yankees fan and his mother a Giants fan. “The Yankees were very staid and traditional,” he says. “It seemed as though the Mets were more inviting in terms of the way the ballpark felt and the sound of the organ. I imagine that’s what attracted me. I mean, it certainly wasn’t because they were a good team because they weren’t for the first few years that I watched them.”

After graduating from Columbia University, Cohen worked in the minor leagues before joining the Mets as primarily a radio announcer in 1989. He and his wife, Lynn, eventually moved out of the city to upstate New York, then drifted over the border to Connecticut. “It was pretty much a quirk. I was living in South Salem and wound up moving one town over to Ridgefield. That was in 1999, and I haven’t left since,” he says.

Cohen and his wife have three dogs and five children. Baseball season dominates his life from March until October. “During the offseason, I’m very much a homebody,” he says. His hobbies include reading — a recent favorite is the novel The Most Fun We Ever Had

Asked for advice on having interesting conversations outside the broadcast booth, he offers a few thoughts. “If you ask my wife, she’ll tell you that I talk very little off the air,” he says. “I think it’s all a matter of being interested in what you’re seeing and interested in what you’re hearing. The best part of being a good conversationalist is being a good listener.”

For aspiring sports broadcasters, Cohen recommends going to games or watching them with the sound off and practicing calling them with a recorder. “The other thing is to read,” he says. “And I don’t just mean about baseball, read everything that you can get your hands on. That increases your vocabulary, it increases the breadth of your knowledge and makes you a more whole human being. Ultimately, if you want to be a broadcaster, you have to be yourself, and whatever you bring to the table in life is what you’re going to bring to the table on your broadcasts.” •

Above, from left to right, Ron Darling, Gary Cohen, and Keith Hernandez have been working together to bring Mets fans play-by-play calls of the games. The trio works well together because their respective strengths and knowledge compliment, not compete with each other.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SNY

Art In The Spotlight

by Dave Goldenberg

and Music

The Art of Songwriting

Iwrote my first song at 15, and it was bleak: “Battery acid stains your teeth/the undertaker sends a wreath/wthey lower you six feet beneath/ you scream ‘I’m still alive.’” Eek! But, come on, without youthful angst, would there even be a Billboard chart? Songs—especially sad ones—comfort us all our lives (I’m looking at you, Jackson Browne).

For the songwriters themselves, the creative process is positively cathartic.

Ridgefield has been home to several noted hit-crafters. Andrew Gold (Heatwave, You’re No Good) lived here in the ‘80s and ‘90s. In the early ‘70s, Noël Regney and Gloria Shayne (Do You Hear What I Hear, Goodbye Cruel World) lived on High Ridge. Movie composer Alex North’s score for the 1955 film Unchained yielded the song Unchained Melody, which topped worldwide charts for The Righteous Brothers a decade later.

And do you remember Praise Cheeses?

Probably not—it’s one of mine. I’m just one of many local songwriters toiling joyfully in relative obscurity. You might know George Brennan, who provided some music for MTV’s animated ‘90s hit Daria. He recorded This Is My Ridgefield a decade ago, and it’s been celebrated from Ridgebury to the Wilton Line. Elza Libhart (who performs under her first name) played festivals and concert halls and released three

albums before settling in town with her husband and co-writer, Reggie, in 2007 to raise a family. She continues to write and record, and her songs are often heard on TV shows. Ridgefield is also home to songsmith Kevin Briody, who served as Connecticut’s State Troubador.

So, how can you, too, convert your feelings and ideas into songs? For some, the process is mystical. Arlo Guthrie jokes about when he and James Taylor were young songwriters. Guthrie recalls remarking on his friend’s seemingly effortless musical prolificacy. “Well,” Taylor said, “the songs are floating by through the air. I just write ‘em down.” “Yeah?” Guthrie replied. “How come, when they’re floating by, you’re always the one with the pen?”

Finding your inspiration

Elza, too, cites a spiritual origin to some songs. “There’s a channel you tap into. I do prayer meditation in the mornings, and it keeps the channel open.”

If you can’t pull songs out of the ether, try a nap. Keith Richards, who makes his home in Redding, famously heard the iconic opening riff to Satisfaction in a dream. At the other end of Fairfield

Art In The Spotlight

County, a somnolent Paul Simon was visited by the inspiration for his new project, Seven Psalms.

If you’re seeking more practical guidance, check out the New England Songwriters Retreat, in Chester, CT (its seventh season begins August 25). Acclaimed New England singer-songwriter Ellis Paul founded it to provide the mentorship and community aspiring songwriters need. “In my era in Boston, we were gathering every week at open mics,” says Paul. “It was habitual, supportive, competitive. A lot of people play alone in their basement, don’t share, and they’re not improving. We’ve created an environment where they can have what they need.”

Paul takes his students deep into the mechanics of songwriting. “Of course, you should write what you know and care about. But the focus of our teaching is editing, breaking songs down into parts.” In keeping with the New England singer-songwriter tradition of coffee houses and “listening rooms,” he pays special attention to the lyrics. “You can write songs here that are literate, dense, and quiet.”

The digital revolution, which gives every singer-songwriter instant global reach, is for Paul a mixed blessing. “People can record at home and put music out quickly, but it’s almost impossible to be heard above the noise,” he says. His suggestion? Video. “A video format is more likely to catch

on. The inventive people are not inventive songwriters but inventive presenters.”

Get started on your song Ridgefield’s Brennan, who has selfrecorded five albums (and plans to update This Is My Ridgefield soon), uses social media to see what connects with people. “I track data and cultivate an audience using strategic digital marketing,” says Brennan.

Of course, before you can rack up views, you’ll have to craft your masterpiece. Here are five rules I’ve garnered from the pros and through painful experience:

1. Words first? Music first? Doesn’t matter. If you’re stuck, write new words to a familiar melody, and then alter the melody.

2. Create an arc. Like a good story, a song should end in a different place from where it starts.

3. Put extra effort into the chorus. It’s the part people remember and sing along with.

4. Incorporate variety. Change up the melody and rhythm. Add a bridge. Four minutes of monotony is deadly.

5. Cut mercilessly. In fact, forget four minutes. Make it three-and-a-half. Don’t give them a chance to get bored.

Careful, though because you just might get hooked. I know that Brennan speaks for most songwriters when he says, “I can’t imagine going through life without making music.” •

Top: Instructors Susan Werner, Ellis Paul, Don Conoscenti and Laurie MacAllister perform at the 6th New England Songwriters Retreat, held in 2022.

Photo by Dan Tappan. Middle: Elza performs at the Tribeca Performing Arts Center NYC. Photo by Nick Koontz. Bottom: Ridgefielder George Brennan has entertained countless people with his songs.

Ask Ms. Jen

by Jennifer Bradshaw, Environmental Educator

While I was outside on my deck after dinner, I noticed this big all green moth hanging out on the railing. What kind of moth is it and are they common?

Charlie W. Ridgefield, CT

What you are describing is a Luna moth. I absolutely love moths! Luna moths are finally making a comeback to Fairfield County after they were almost completely eradicated in the 1950’s by aerial spraying, which was really meant for the gypsy moth - an invasive pest that can destroy trees. Luna moths have beautiful long tails that are not purely decorative, nor do they help attract a mate. They are used as a sonar shield! Bats are one of the main predators of the Luna moth. Bats use echolocation which allows them to locate their prey by reflected sounds such as the echoes from the moths large flapping wings. A recent study found that the Luna moth spins the tips of its long tails in circles, and this acts as a sonar shield that interferes with the bat’s echolocation!

Dear Ms. Jen,

I saw a baby deer laying in the field by my house, the mother is nowhere in sight! Should I call a rescue?

- Ashley S. Redding, CT

We have a small pond in the woods behind our house and I found a long string of jelly with black dots in it, is this a plant?

- John M. Ridgefield, CT

This is not a plant; this cool jelly string is American toad eggs. One of my all-time favorite things to do as a child (and still is) was to search for frog eggs. I remember the first time I found toad eggs I was so worried that something was wrong - all the frog eggs I’d ever found were in big clumps of jelly. With some help from my dad, I discovered they were toad eggs! There are two other species of toad that can be found in CT- the Fowler’s toad and the Eastern Spadefoot. Mating season begins in March and can continue through mid-summer. The two strings, one from each ovary contain between 4,000 and 12,000 eggs and if stretched out would measure 20-60 feet long! These eggs will hatch rather quickly in just 3 to 12 days. They develop fast and in about 3 to 6 weeks they will start to develop limbs and lungs. These young adults, or toadlets, will eventually be capable of eating up to 1,000 insects a day! I’m so excited when I see them in my garden because they eat all the unwanted insects.

I can honestly say this is one the questions I am asked most, especially in the spring. First off, seeing any baby animal alone naturally worries most people. Although there are certainly instances when a baby is truly orphaned, in most cases the baby deer (fawn) is usually not. The moment the fawn is born the mother (doe) eats any afterbirth and membranes and then licks the baby clean inch by inch. This is the first step in taking extensive precautions to prevent predators from detecting the fawn. Over the first few days, the doe intentionally stays away from her fawn, so her body scent does not attract predators to its location. When the doe leaves, she discourages her fawn from following her with a gentle nudge or her voice. The doe returns 8-10 times in a 24-hour period and although you may not see her, she is still tending to her fawn. The fawn will usually remain inactive for up to 4 days while its mom is coming back and forth to nurse. If you see the baby in the field alone after a week, then there may be a problem that could warrant a call to a wildlife rehabber. For now, just be lucky you get to see a fawn in the first few days of life! •

If you have a nature question, email Ms. Jen at jenniferleebradshaw@gmail.com

Emotional Support Animals Make a Difference

s the mental health crisis in our country rises and levels of anxiety are skyrocketing, more and more people are turning to animals to help them cope. How do you know if you need a service dog or an emotional support animal? Animals, such as seeing eye dogs, have been assisting humans in tasks throughout history, even before they were recognized legally with the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1992. Finally, doctors began to acknowledge that animals were beneficial to those dealing with a variety of health issues, including depression and loneliness.

What is the difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal?

Service Animals

Service Animals can only be dogs. Service dogs need to be highly trained to actively support a disability or condition. For example, epileptic patients will use service dogs to warn them of oncoming seizures or the blind will find help in avoiding hazards and making travel safe. Puppies go through months, sometimes years, of training to help support their eventual owner. These puppies are often placed in foster homes while they train and must go through a graduation process where their abilities are approved to become service

by Dee Dee Colabella

Photography by Dylan Miller

Model: George Colabella

Cats, such as George, are often used as emotional support animals because, while they are quite independent, they are also very attuned to their owners needs and emotions.

dogs. Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of a service dog is that, by law, they are required to be admitted everywhere regardless of the establishment’s policies.

Emotional Support Animals

Emotional support animals (ESA) are sometimes unique (even strange) types of companions. Emotional support animals may require some unofficial training to be allowed in public spaces, but they do not have to pass and graduate a training program. Perhaps the most important aspect and difference is that businesses and public places do not have to accept your ESA despite the paperwork and the supplied vests you receive when registering your animal. The primary purpose of emotional support animals is

“I will hug him and squeeze him and call him George.”

Dogs are the most popular choice for emotional support animals (ESA) because they are easily trained and are not difficult to get approved.

to provide love and support for their owners who might be dealing with emotional, mental, or psychological challenges.

Dog Gone Good Idea

Dogs are the most common type of emotional support animal simply because they are they are easily trained and easily recognized. Dogs also are the easiest to be approved, making entry into public spaces most likely. Emotional support animals do best when their human is comfortable with ownership of the animal. Another advantage is the immense amount of information on dog ownership and what type of breed is the best for your lifestyle which helps you find your perfect match.

Take a cat nap to feline better

The second most recognized emotional support animal is the common household cat. While they can be much more independent than their canine counterparts and can seem standoffish, most cats do love their owners and will sense when their humans are sad or sick. Studies have even shown that petting your cat and hearing their purrs can reduce cholesterol. With proven health benefits of owning a feline, it is no wonder why they are a popular choice for an ESA.

Ferrets, snakes and Guinea pigs, Oh My

Ferrets are also common emotional support animals because they are small, cuddly and can even be trained to wear a harness. These playful creatures will keep their owners on their toes, but give love back in return. The other benefit of the ferret is that they can easily be taken in the cabin of an airplane and kept in a hotel room without much fuss. This makes them perfect for the traveler and more acceptable than other types of

Ferrets, miniature horses, and even snakes have been used as emotional support animals to help their owners deal with a variety of health issues including anxiety and depression.

ESAs because they are no bother.

Guinea pigs have similar characteristics to ferrets, but an important note: guinea pigs are happier when they are in pairs – just make sure you get two of the same sex so you don’t end up with unwanted offspring. Additionally, due to their small size, they also are great for apartment dwellers, do not need a yard, and typically do not require approval from most housing.

Snakes are yet another choice for an ESA because they are typically lazy and relaxing to watch. They are also completely hypoallergenic, so people with allergies may see the benefit in having a snake as their ESA. When taking a snake into consideration, remember, fear of snakes is a real thing for some people making it more likely you will receive objections to bringing your snake with you in public.

A Horse is a Horse, of course

Miniature horses can be registered as ESAs, however the requirements are stringent, and many people have experienced trouble when bringing their miniature pony out in public. A miniature horse requires more training than most other ESAs. The miniature horse will

need to be house-trained and easily controlled. In order to be approved as an ESA, your miniature horse cannot measure more than 34 inches tall and needs to weigh under 100 pounds. This makes investing in the miniature pony a tricky choice as an ESA.

There are a variety of official sites you can visit, such as www.myserviceanimal.org and www.esaregistration.org, to find even more ESA choices such as pigs, hedgehogs, and parrots just to name some. When choosing an ESA, remember, any animal you choose has good and bad qualities and can limit where and how you interact with others. You must weigh the care of the animal with the benefits to make the best choice.

After you decide, you can go to the ESA Registration of America to register your animal. Once registered, you will receive an Emotional Support Animal Letter which will assist you when flying or obtaining housing even when the housing is “pet free.” You can also order a vest for your ESA. When looking, you may find that most vests are for dogs and cats so, as an alternative, for a fee, you can receive an ID for your pet identifying them as an ESA. Perhaps in the future, someone will invent a vest for a snake. •

here’s no dispute that cars are safer than ever. Yet after decades of decline, traffic fatalities are now rising with the tally including vehicle occupants, pedestrians, and cyclists. Contrary to common terminology, vehicle crashes are no accident. Except for a few errant Teslas, cars don’t crash themselves. Driver error is a factor in almost every crash. So why are crash rates up and what should the parent of a new driver do to better prepare their kids?

The problem is two-fold, beginning with distracted driving. Our phones have such a hold on us that the majority of drivers are distracted at least some of the time. Additionally, with the complex infotainment systems in new vehicles, simple tasks like adjusting the climate control or changing a channel requires taking your eyes off the road.

The second issue is the inadequate driver training in the US. Unlike in many European countries, we don’t teach car control. When a new driver hydroplanes or skids on hard packed snow, or even has to emergency brake or swerve, they have no experience with handling those situations. Stability control and ABS can only do so much. Also, most drivers are clueless as to what is going on with their own car, never mind those around them and the potential hazards ahead. Situational awareness and lane discipline are completely lost on most drivers. Our high-tech cars and gadgets have isolated drivers from the act of driving.

To make better drivers I have two suggestions. The first is to enroll your child in a comprehensive defensive driving school program. The potentially life-saving skills taught in these programs far exceed those available in a basic program and are definitely worth the financial investment. Second, have your child drive a manual transmission car, which requires using both hands and thereby reduces the chances that they will be distracted by their phones.

In addition to the standard driving lessons, when my son got his learner’s permit, I enrolled him in the Skip Barber Teen Driving program. The one-day course was not inexpensive, but a heck of a lot less than we spent on ski and music lessons. What he learned in that

Words and photos by Roger Garbow

ICKING

day was life-changing and far more valuable than what the basic driving school could impart. There are two excellent advanced defensive driver training programs available to Fairfield County families: the Skip Barber Teen Safety and Survival program at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville and the Tire Rack Street Survival at Lime Rock Park and Consumer Reports test facility in Colchester.

When it comes to selecting a car, instead of giving your kids a hand-me-down, oversized SUV, get them a good, late model underpowered car with a manual transmission. There’s a saying: you can’t text while you’re shifting. Which is true. Furthermore, the learned skill of mastering a manual transmission makes drivers more in tune with the vehicle and in my opinion, better drivers. However, there is more to it than just practicality. There is serious satisfaction from working the three pedals and shifter in perfect choreography. Stick drivers enjoy the sheer act of driving and therefore tend to be more focused on it. There is a higher level of situational awareness when driving a manual, and those lessons and skills will stay with drivers long after that first stick shift car is gone.

Over the last two years, manual trans vehicle sales are up, defying predictions. If you are an enthusiast, or want your offspring to become a better driver, here are some new models that offer three pedals.

The Integra helped to build the Acura brand. This all-new version is a joy to drive and delivers an upscale experience in the small sedan category. The optional smooth shifting manual transmission, well-designed interior and sporty handling combine for a winning reboot.

The Honda Civic is another one of my manual trans favorites. Stay away from the 315-hp Type R until you have the skills to handle it.

BMW’s new M2 is not for the faint-of-heart. The twin-turbo i6 delivers 453-hp through a sixspeed manual to the rear wheels. It’s docile enough for everyday use, but becomes a serious sportscar when you push it.

Top: Ford’s new full-sized Bronco is a go-anywhere vehicle with removeable top panels and an optional seven-speed manual transmission.

Middle: Acura’s new Integra is stylish, economical, and fun to drive, especially with the manual transmission.

Bottom: Toyota’s six-speed manual GR Corolla is a 300hp beast. For 2023, Toyota dropped the manual option on the SE/XSE models so find a

For those drivers looking for some fun in the dirt, Jeep’s Wrangler still offers a manual transmission. Ford is challenging Jeep’s off-road dominance with the fullsize Ford Bronco. The Bronco adds more refinement and a seven-speed manual to Jeep’s six speeds.

Mazda Miata - The perennial affordable sportscar, still offers a stick and endless smiles.

Toyota’s Corolla is one of my top picks

for new drivers. It’s safe, well-designed, and fun to drive, especially with the manual. The base Corolla is so good, Toyota recently introduced a rally-style high performance GR version that has enthusiasts swooning. For your kids, stick with the base engine. With the introduction of a manual transmission option, Toyota’s new Supra has reached its true potential as a world-class sportscar.

Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR86 - These

twins are two of the most fun new cars you can buy. Affordable and fuel efficient with fantastic handling and a slick shifting manual transmission, they offer serious competition to the Miata’s reign.

Ford’s Mustang is my favorite V8 muscle car, but even the EcoBoost 4-cylinder is a blast when hitched to the stick shift.

The Subaru Crosstrek is a top-selling crossovers and the only one you can get with a manual transmission. The Crosstrek is roomy, comfortable for long trips, and with 8.7 inches of ground clearance and AWD, can go practically anywhere. But act quickly, with the 2024 redesign, Subaru is dropping the manual option.

Nissan’s new Z looks to capture some of the spirit and excitement of the original 240Z. But with a 400-hp, twin-turbo attached to the standard manual trans, it leaves its ancestor in the dust.

Since it launched more than 40 years ago, the VW GTI has been a top choice for people who like to drive. Especially with the manual transmission.

Find the option that’s right for you or your newly minted driver. Happy shifting! •

Below, top: The Subaru Crosstrek is not only one of the best-selling crossovers, it’s the only one you can get with a manual transmission. The author’s personal Crosstrek has aftermarket wheels as well as all-terrain tires for more go-anywhere capability.

Below, bottom: Toyota’s Supra and its less powerful and very affordable GR86 sibling are both available with a manual transmission, as all proper sportscars should be.

Other notable businesses that earned your votes!

Wiremill Saloon & Barbecue, Georgetown (Barbecue) – featured in our July/August 2022 issue. You can find that story at https://issuu. com/ridgefieldmagazine/docs/issuu_julyaugust_magazine/70

Complexion Perfection, Wilton (Botox & Fillers) – featured in our May/June 2023 issue. You can find that story at https://issuu. com/ridgefieldmagazine/docs/068_novdeccombind/76

Milestone, Georgetown (American) Bangkok Republic, Wilton (Asian) Redding Roadhouse, Redding (Brunch) EcoChic Salon, Wilton (Cut & Style)

O68 Magazine, in partnership with inRidgefield, is thrilled to present to you the results of the 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards.

We would like to say thank you to the residents of Ridgefield, Redding, and Wilton, for taking the time to vote for your favorite businesses. We’re also grateful to all the businesses who promoted the Reader’s Choice through their social media and in-store. Voting took place through inRidgefield.com from April 1 through May 31, with readers checking in and voting for their favorite restaurants, shops, and services, and more.

InRidgefield is the go-to site to find out about the latest in arts and culture, entertainment, events, shopping, dining and events in Ridgefield and the surrounding towns. They frequently and seasonally update their listings so you will always be in-the-know of what’s happening in our area.

The following ten businesses received the most overall votes. Here at 068, we are excited to shine a light on what make our region such an amazing community.

You can view a complete list of all the winners in all categories at www.inRidgefield.com/winners

Without further ado…here are your top 10!

inRidgefield, the go-to online events calendar!

Scan the QR code to post your event & to find great events in your area! Just click on the Events tab!

Ridgefield HaRdwaRe

Originally opened in Copps Hill Plaza in 1984 by Bob and Sally Silbernagel, Books on the Common was sold in 2004 to husband-and-wife team, Darwin Ellis and Ellen Burns. In 2009, the store moved to its current location on Main St. Now closing in on their 40th year, the beloved bookstore is still going strong. “Forty years for any small business is impressive, but in the independent book selling world that’s like forever,” says Burns.

Moving to Main Street definitely increased the foot traffic in the store but Burns and Ellis credit the store’s longevity to the personal touch that they offer. “I think people appreciate the fact that we order books with our customers in mind. Customers can come in and talk about books they’ve read or want to read. You have that sense of community,” says Burns.

Summer is always a busy time for the store –between graduations, Father’s Day, summer reading and of course, their much-loved Where’s Waldo program, which encourages kids (and their parents) to go on a scavenger hunt to locate the infamous striped-jersey-wearing Waldo. Participants can earn coupons to Books on the Common as well as be entered into a drawing for prizes. “It’s such a fun event, which requires no screens or batteries, and brings customers into so many of the downtown businesses, “says Burns.

Ridgefield Hardware has been a family business for four generations. Owned by Jennifer Rabin and her business partner, Pat Bowman, the store was established by Rabin’s husband Todd’s grandfather in 1938. When Todd passed away in 2012, he left his portion of the business to Jennifer and their two children, Charlie and Olivia, thereby continuing the family legacy. Originally located across the street, it moved to its current location in 1947, where for over 75 years it has been the go-to place for home, yard and maintenance needs for Ridgefield and surrounding towns. “Here at Ridgefield Hardware, we take great pride in providing exceptional customer service and advice, as well as having an amazing selection of quality products” says Bowman. “We really think that’s why people continue to shop local.”

In addition to Charlie and Olivia Rabin, who work alongside their mom, Ridgefield Hardware is a dedicated employer of Ridgefield High School’s teens, giving them a chance to develop their work ethic. “A majority of the kids who start working here in high school continue on into college during their breaks,” says Rabin. “There’s always someone there to greet you as soon as you walk in the store, ready to assist you with whatever project you’re working on.”

Books on tHe Common

2023 READER’S C HOIC E AWARDS

2023 READER’S C HOIC E AWARDS

The aroma that emanates from The Cake Box on Main Street is more than enough to lure customers in. The sheer deliciousness of their products though, is what keeps them coming back. Owned by partners Jordan Gregory and Robert Byrnes, The Cake Box offers a wide selection of cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods. Everything is made from scratch in-house using only the highest quality, often locally sourced ingredients. “One of the biggest things that our customers appreciate is our dedication to being a nut-free bakery,” says Byrnes. The Cake Box also offers gluten-free and vegan products to accommodate other dietary restrictions.

The Cake Box had two locations prior to moving to Main Street. “The increase in foot traffic has been amazing,” says Byrnes. Often, first-time customers become repeat visitors. “We have people come in saying that they had our raspberry lemon cake, and they need to have it again,” he says. Byrnes and his wife appreciate this loyalty and longevity of their customers. “We did the cake for a baby shower for one customer and now her middleschool daughter comes in every week,” says Byrnes. The Cake Box hopes to be a part of celebrations for the 068 area for years to come!

tHe Cake Box

From the sudden dream of two Yale law graduates to one of Main Street’s most bustling areas, Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe has quickly become a fan favorite of the community. “I think people appreciate that Deborah Ann’s offers a fun experience for all ages and appreciate our high quality homemade ice cream and chocolates served by a friendly and attentive staff,” says Co-Owner Mike Grissmer. In addition to delicious and original chocolates, which Deborah Ann Backes and Mike Grissmer started making in September 1998, they are also well known for the handmade ice cream that uses fresh dairy from Upstate Farms, a co-operative of family farms in upstate New York that pledge not to treat their cows with rBST growth hormones.

Deborah Ann’s uses local and carefully sourced ingredients, while also partnering with other businesses. Their most recent partnership resulted in an ice cream flavor you’re not likely to find anywhere else to say the least! “We loved working with Southwest Cafe to create a roasted green chili ice cream last month and are always looking for new fun flavors to try!” says Grissmer.

deBoRaH ann’s

In 2001, Herve Aussavis moved to Ridgefield with his wife and two sons and drew upon his extensive experience in operating French restaurants in New York City to open Luc’s. Tucked in one of Ridgefield’s oldest and most rustic buildings, Luc’s has been giving residents of Fairfield County a taste of Parisian food and flair since.

“I think part of our longevity is that we are like a big family here at Luc’s. A lot of our staff has been here ten years or more and so many of our customer are regulars – some eat here several times a week,” says Emilie Woda, Luc’s Manager. “I feel like people come back because they can rely on what we’re going to deliver.”

Luc’s is committed to consistency – in their menu offerings and the quality of the food they prepare. Everything on the menu is purposeful and made fresh. Top choices include escargot, mussels, rack of lamb, and steak-frites. They are open from 11:00am to 9:30pm and on Wednesday nights, they feature live music to add to the ambiance.

Coming up in July, Luc’s is gearing up for their annual Bastille Day celebrations which includes music, petanque (a French version of bocce), and a crepe truck. “It’s a super fun weekend-long celebration,” says Woda.

Café

Since opening in November of 2014, the 501(c)(3) Prospector Theater and its state-of-the-art 26,000 square foot building not only has some of the most unique theaters and lobby experiences around—complete with the Heads Up Café—but it’s mission of inclusive employment for people with disabilities is impressive. Known as Prospects, approximately 75% of their employees self-identify with a disability. Employees of the Prospector Theater are empowered daily through work and educational film making as well. The Prospect Productions team creates high quality digital content for the Prospector Theater. Prospects working on the Production team learn in-demand trade skills such as storyboarding, filming, editing, sound and lighting design, post-production, audio engineering, photography, graphic design, animation, visual effects, and much more!

Visit prospectortheater.com to view showtimes of first-run movies and see how you can help make a difference.

PRosPeCtoR tHeateR

luC’s

2023 READER’S C HOIC E AWARDS

For the nearly ten years now, Prime Burger has been a family-friendly place that serves up delicious burgers, fries, thick shakes, and so much more – all at a fair value. This casual and retro-inspired restaurant has been “the” place to grab a burger before a movie or after a little league game. Often, it’s the locale for teens to eat and hang out with friends. While mainly known for their burgers, Prime also offers wraps, Philly cheesesteaks, garden salads and lobster rolls.

Originally opened by Ed Bistany, Anthony Valente, and Bob Sperry in 2014, the restaurant recently got a new owner. Palmer Sperry, Bob’s son, took over as owner and manager in January 2023 and will work alongside his father. Palmer has lived in Ridgefield for the past 25 years and has 10 years experience in the food service business. He is passionate about food and about creating the best possible burger. He plans to continue Prime Burger’s reputation for great food but has a few new ideas of his own that he’s bringing to the table. “We’re going to introduce more innovative specials and are planning a fresh remodel,” says Palmer.

PRime BuRgeR

Dimitri’s Diner was established in 1994 by Dimitrios Paschalidis, with the goal of bringing a restaurant with a Greek tradition to Ridgefield, right on Prospect Street. “Good service, good food, and clean place; these are the three main things we go by,” said Kostas Mavridis, current owner of Dimitri’s Diner. “I was 25 years old when I came here, and worked with my partner Dimitrios for 15 years. Everyone knew Dimitrios in this town, and he was like a father to me. He passed away two years ago.”

Together, Dimitrios and Kostas created one of the most expansive menus in the area, including not only a familiar American breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but a diverse assortment of Greek, Mexican, Middle Easter, Spanish, TexMex, Mediterranean food specialties, all with plenty of healthy options as well. With such a long history in the area, Ridgefield will always be home. However, Kostas is open to the idea of expansion. “This will always be our main restaurant, but we may be opening another Dimitris in another town in the future, to bring our successful family diner to more people,” he says.

dimitRi’s dineR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

Named after the leader of the Dodge City Gang aka the “baddest cowboy of them all,” Ridgefield’s Hoodoo Brown Barbeque delivers sinfully delicious food. Inspired by a guys’ trip to Austin, Texas, co-owners Cody Sperry and Chris Saxton opened their restaurant in May of 2015. Since then, Hoodoo Brown has been not only a hometown favorite, but was featured on CT Public Television’s Restaurant Road Trip and was also hailed as Connecticut’s best barbeque by Food & Wine Magazine

Hoodoo Brown likes to call itself “outlaw” barbeque because they take barbeque styles from different regions and make it their own: from salt-and-pepper rubbed Texan-style to the vinegar and mustard sauce usually associated with the Carolinas. Whether you dine inhouse or have it catered to your event, all their menu items are family-style and meant to be shared. Favorite dishes include brisket, full-sized spareribs, and their signature skin-on, bone-in cracklin’ pork belly. “The ribs are amazing, they literally fall off the bone,” says Owen Gaydos.

Hoodoo Brown definitely has a loyal customer base. Christine Hruska recently moved out of Ridgefield, but still stops by when she’s passing through town. “Hoodoo Brown’s BBQ nachos with a few “I’m Your Huckleberry lemonades are a guilty pleasure and makes for a great night,” says Hruska.

Hoodoo BRown BaRBeque

Another favorite is 850 Degree Wood Fired Pizza that gathers quite a crowd during lunch and late into the night. They offer spacious seating inside as well as a beautiful cobblestone patio with a brand new roof with an automated system that can close for rainy weather. Music can be heard nearly every weekend on the courtyard, and the bar is always a welcoming spot, especially on game days. “We believe 850 is so popular because it really is a local mainstay,” said Beck Bolender, co-owner of 850 Degree Wood Fired Pizza. “The casual dining experience, wonderful food, and our amazing staff has created a place for family gatherings within the heart of the Ridgefield community!”

Recently, 850 Degree has started widening the distribution of their frozen pizzas to be enjoyed at home. Their offerings now include cheese, margherita, pepperoni, and s’mores frozen pizzas and are available at all three Caraluzzi’s locations, The Market at Pound Ridge Square, Walter Stewart’s Market in New Canaan and DeCicco Family Market in Katonah. The restaurant is also under new leadership, who remain committed to the legacy 850 Degrees has created in the area.

“While there is new ownership here at 850, we really are trying to have it remain the same place that the residents of Ridgefield know and love,” said Bolender.

850 degRee wood fiRed Pizza

Seven Cou for a Horse

Discovering a Part of Our American Identity

One January morning a couple of years ago, I tuned in to WSHU public radio. An episode of Davis Dunavin’s Off the Path from New York to Boston had just started, and the first words I heard were, “heartbreakingly lovely,” spoken by Emelie Gevalt, curator of the American Folk Art Museum. Gevalt was describing Girl in Red Dress with Cat and Dog (1830-1835) by the itinerant folk artist, Ammi Phillips.

“I really think it’s the face that draws us in and holds us there,” Gevalt continued. “The tenderness of her expression, these big, beautiful eyes looking out at you with this sense of innocence and openness, and her little half smile. You really can’t look away once you’re captivated by her gaze.”

This reminded of my own two daughters, and I could hardly wait to see the portrait for myself. I immediately googled the artist, whom I’d never heard of, and found the painting — and so many more portraits. As the podcast explained, we now know, thanks to collector Barbara Holdridge, that Ammi Phillips, born in Colebrook, CT, was the most prolific folk artist in American history.

Ammi’s portraits reflect a time of upheaval in our country — between the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. Most northern states were gradually abolishing slavery, and a radical new idea, universal suffrage, was about to be voiced for the first time. The earliest photographs, called daguerreotypes, were gaining popularity, but often the only image ever taken of a person in their lifetime was a painted portrait — if you were lucky enough to afford one.

by Jonathan Winn

These portraits captivated my imagination. Their clothing, the possessions they held, and most of all, their eyes. Eyes that witnessed an America convulsing with change — about to tear itself apart. I felt like I recognized something in their expressions. As Mark Twain once said, “History never repeats itself, but it does often rhyme.”

sins

Right top: Jane Kinney (1848);

Right bottom: Lucius Culver (1862). This page: Girl in Red Dress with Cat and Dog (1830-1835); Woman with Pink Ribbons (1833); Lady in White (c.1820). All works by Ammi Phillips.

I am fortunate to be the co-founder and co-artistic director of Thrown Stone, a new works theatre company in Ridgefield, CT. Through a providential series of events, not the least of which was a wonderfully generous grant by the Daniel E. Offutt III Charitable Trust, we were able to commission the acclaimed playwright Tammy Ryan to write a play about Ammi Phillips. We chose Tammy because of her distinctive ability to portray vast moral and social ideas through the lens of family in plays like Molly’s Hammer, The Music Lesson, Tar Beach, and Take My Hand and Wave Goodbye. We told Tammy we wanted to use Phillips’s life and career to explore living through great change — that there was something in his life and the lives of his sitters that would be instructive for us today. “Ammi Phillips saw enormous changes in this country and kept working through all of it,” says Tammy.

Changing times

A year later, after two research trips and two workshops, having befriended Barbara Holdridge, Emelie Gevalt, and so many other contributors, we are ready to present the world premiere of Tammy Ryan’s Seven Cousins for a Horse.

Set in 1848, Seven Cousins finds Ammi at a personal and professional low point. He has just lost his youngest daughter to croup, three months before her fifth birthday. His livelihood, now threatened by changing tastes and new technology like the daguerreotype, has kept him away from his family when he was needed most. Even his beloved horse is worn out from a long life on the road.

Ammi’s cousins invite him back to Colebrook, ostensibly to barter for a sturdy horse in exchange for seven portraits of the family. Ostensibly, because like America, change is afoot with his relatives, and to persevere, they will need each other.

Tammy’s poignant and insightful play

explores themes of love and loss, as well as the restorative power of family in the face of tragedy. Far from a dry history lesson, pulses with energy and urgency — and resonates deeply with issues we still grapple with today.

“I knew I wanted to somehow capture something about what it was like to live through those changes, but frankly, I was overwhelmed,” says Tammy. “I knew I had to find the place where Ammi’s story intersected with my own.

I kept coming back to his trip to Colebrook. Why would Nisus invite Ammi back at that time? Why hadn’t he been home before? Why did he need a horse? What else was going on in 1848 that might have impacted this family? When I

stood in front of Nisus Kinney’s portrait at the Litchfield Historical Society, I knew I had my story.”

A story that resonates today

As Thrown Stone prepares to bring Seven Cousins for a Horse to the stage, I am eager to see how audiences will respond. I hope the play will not only entertain but also inspire reflection on our identity as Americans in general as well as our regional heritage. I hope it will spark conversations about art, identity, liberation, and our shared destinies. I especially hope the audience will be as moved as I am by this family’s story, and how they persevere through times of great change.

Seven Cousins for a Horse runs from July 13th–23rd at the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. For tickets, please visit www.thrownstone.org. •

Above: Sarah Kinney (1848); Below: Nisus Kinney (1848). Both works by Ammi Phillips.

FiveQuestionswith

by Julia Bruce

O68 What was your most memorable experience from your time as a member of the iconic rock band The Police and how do you think that inspired or influenced you as an artist?

AS I suppose the obvious answer would be when we played Shea Stadium and went to number one in America. But when I reflect on it, I think it would be when we did a little show at a university in Bath, England. The audience reception for us was so strong and overwhelming that I think that was a very outstanding and exciting moment for us and a signifier of the future…it’s like that’s when we knew we were going to be something significant!

O68 You are jazz, classical, and rock guitarist - what musical genre do you thrive in most or do you enjoy each one?

AS I’m attracted to all kinds of music, I never felt that I was just singly one thing. I primarily started off wanting to be a jazz guitarist. Sometime later, I went to university and played classical guitar. Ultimately, all these things blended together into the voice that I’ve tried to find with the guitar so… it’s a combination of all three.

O68 You picked up photography while touring with The Police. How has it evolved over the past 40 years? Does your photography inspire your music or does your music influence your photos?

AS When I started photography seriously, I was photographing from the inside of an incredibly famous rock band, but I also studied photography and went out into the world everywhere I possibly could to shoot photographs. I was very naturally drawn to it, so it’s continued to be a part of me, not as a hobby, but as a way of getting through life.

O68 What is the meaning behind the title of your current tour The Cracked Lens and a Missing String?

AS The title is an indication of the kind of evening listeners might expect, which will be pretty quirky by most standards. The idea of The Cracked Lens and a Missing String is that these are things that you might call setbacks, but in many ways, they are the things that often push you forward to unexpected results.

O68 What can people expect from your upcoming show at the Ridgefield Playhouse on July 23rd?

AS This show is where I finally bring two things together that I’m passionate about - music and photography - and I’ve invented what I think is a pretty unique show. I hope people at the Ridgefield Playhouse will have an intriguing and exciting night. •

DESIGNING DESIGNING DESIGNING DESIGNINGDESIGNING

History

Sitting in the backyard of the William O. Seymour House, it’s hard to believe you are in the center of Ridgefield instead of on a rural estate. Mature specimen and screening trees surround the impressive residence creating a sense of privacy hard won by the implementation of a well thought out landscape plan. The inviting saltwater pool babbles as the waterfall spills into it from the spa, while at the same time, an outdoor fire crackles in the pagoda fireplace.

This incredible setting is what drew Michele and Charles Gay to this stately circa 1866 historic property at 1 Parley Lane a few years ago. Named for a railroad magnate and longtime Ridgefield resident, the rambling Colonial is perfectly sequestered between High Ridge Ave and Main Street and was given a new lease on life with a spectacular renovation. Now it’s time to pass the baton to a new owner, and the Gays have listed the property for sale at $4.5 million with Heather Neumann Salaga of Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate.

“We have loved living here,” said Michele Gay. “When we moved in, the house didn’t function well for a modern family, so we really

took our time to renovate the whole interior and thought about absolutely every detail right down to USB ports in kitchen drawers. The fact that you can dry your wet clothes after skiing or tobogganing directly on the radiant-heated mudroom floor is an unexpected plus,” she continued.

Together with the trusted direction of Kristine D’Elisa of KKD Architects and Molly Hirsch of Molly Hirsch Interiors, Michele and her family transformed the formal house into a very livable, contemporary-styled entertaining gem.

“I trust these two professional women so implicitly and they always make great decisions, so I just let them take a lot of liberties with their design and choices,” said Gay.

And design they did!

Starting with the front staircase, which was relocated to create a better flow, every room was reconfigured or touched in some way. On the main floor, the kitchen was bumped out to create a walk-in pantry, while the mudroom was expanded, and the back staircase moved. Adding a ceiling to that area also allowed for

the creation of the library and quiet room on the second floor.

Alongside the major architectural changes, the residence received beautiful cosmetic upgrades including fireplace surrounds, a kitchen makeover and expansion stemming from Michele’s love of the Farrow & Ball ‘Light Blue’ kitchen cabinet color, removal of an outdated and poorly located wet bar in the central hallway connecting the family room and kitchen, and a reworked primary suite complete with a new entryway, integrated wall-to-wall wardrobes, a dressing room and updated ensuite. The millwork in the twostory foyer is second-to-none, and the third floor bunkroom and kitchenette—while being extremely practical—add a touch of whimsy for the couple’s three children and their friends.

For Molly Hirsch of Molly Hirsch Interiors, the beauty is in the details. A versatile designer, she had worked with Michele on several previous projects and understood her fun and colorful side.

“The parlor when you first walk into the house is like a jewel box to me,” she said. “The wallpaper on the ceiling adds a little fun to the

space and the lighting makes the whole room glow. Paying attention to details like the light fixtures is important. They are like the jewelry of the house – they set the tone for the space.”

According to Hirsch, the owners really like to use the whole house, so a lot of time and consideration went into making sure every space functioned well for the family.

“Being able to represent this iconic property is an honor and privilege,” said Heather Neumann Salaga, the Realtor selected to represent the listing. “When Michele and Charley reached out to me, I couldn’t believe the transformation they’d made to the home. Every room is a work of art, and every design choice deliberate -- decisions that make this residence stand out from any other. The balance of stately, historic presence with welcoming warmth and modern convenience at every turn is truly phenomenal. It is one-ofa-kind.”

For more information about the home, or to tour this beautiful property, please contact Heather Neumann Salaga of Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate at heather@heathersalaga. com or 203-770-8591. •

Connecting Kids to Theater

by Elizabeth Roberts

Audiences seem to agree that ACT of CT has been making good on its promise to “bring Broadway to Ridgefield.” What may be less well-known is that ACT of CT has also been busy building a robust theater education department, fulfilling another important aspect of its mission, to train the next generation of theatrical artists. ACT of CT has run a variety of masterclasses, private lessons, a youth choir, summer camps, and teen productions. This fall, the theater will launch a “Pop-Up Choir,” which will send young, aspiring theater students to sing at special events with community partners.

ACT of CT also emphasizes the crucial first step in fostering a love of theater for new students and audiences: exposure. As Daniel C. Levine, ACT of CT’s Artistic Director, notes, “Every performer, member of the creative team, or backstage technician, started in the audience at some point!”

This spring, ACT of CT partnered with Ridgefield Public Schools to host a 5th grade field trip to its production of The Secret Garden. Additionally, ACT of CT’s First

ACT! program, along with supporting needsbased scholarships, also invites students and adults from traditionally underserved schools and communities to mainstage performances, free of charge, through its Audience Access Initiative. This program has already distributed over 100 tickets to six mainstage performances, hosting groups from over ten different organizations from many surrounding communities.

Heather Hillman, ACT of CT’s

Director of Education and Outreach, says, “There is growing recognition of the benefits of exposure to theater, not just for aspiring performers, but for everyone. It fosters creativity across disciplines, has been linked with academic achievement, and has even been called an ‘empathy playground.’ We are making it a priority, through our First ACT! program, to help ensure that students of all backgrounds are able to avail themselves of these benefits.” •

Top: ACT of CT’s Summer Teen Conservatory in 2022. Above; Young actors gather on the stage during a performance of ACT of CT’s 2022 Summer Performance Camp production of Honk Jr.

For Katie Diamond, creativity has always been an integral part of how she defines herself. She’s an actor, singer, children’s book writer, baker, and most recently, producer of a talk show. “I’ve always thrived on being involved in a variety of projects and having the flexibility to work on what inspires me in the moment,” she says.

Diamond began her career on the stage in Seattle before eventually making her way to the bright lights of Broadway, where she appeared in many productions including The Pirate Queen and Jersey Boys. Diamond moved from New York City to Ridgefield with her husband and three children about nine years ago. Although she was ready to put her acting career behind her and adjust to suburban life, she knew she wanted to stay involved in the arts in some manner. “It was

totally serendipitous that we ended up in the artistic and creative center that is Ridgefield. I didn’t know what a gem this town was and continues to be,” she says.

Shortly after settling in her new home, Diamond joined the board of the Ridgefield Playhouse where she connected with Daniel C. Levine. The two realized that they knew each other tangentially from their time in the city. Diamond and Levine launched the Broadway series at the Playhouse, showcasing music from powerhouse plays such as The Who’s Tommy and Jesus Christ Superstar Realizing that residents of Fairfield County were hungry for more Broadway-type productions, the two, along with Bryan Perri, proceeded to establish ACT of CT. Together they have brought countless professionalcaliber shows to audiences. “ACT’s first

by Julia Bruce

Photos by Kate Wark

Lef,t top: The stunning cake Katie Diamond created for the opening night of ACT of CT’s production of The Secret Garden. Left, bottom: Diamond chatting with Christina Geist during the filming of an episode of her upcoming talk show Let Them Eat Cake. Right: Diamond showcases some of her beautiful (and delicious) cupcake creations.

“What keeps life fascinating is the constant creativity of the soul.”

— Deepak Chopra

production – Mamma Mia – was so thrilling. Being able to bring that level of performance to the community was amazing,” says Diamond.

For the past five years, Diamond has assumed the role of ACT of CT’s Executive Director, as well heading up the Board of Directors. This past spring however, she stepped out from behind the scenes to make her triumphant return to the stage in the theater’s production of The Secret Garden Diamond was delighted to take on the role of Lily. “Honestly, The Secret Garden is my favorite musical – it was the first show I ever saw on Broadway – and this is my favorite role. I actually played Lily 20 years ago at a theater in Seattle!” she says.

Cooking up the creativity

Diamond admits that she loves finding new ways to express her creativity. When the pandemic forced everyone to stay home, she found an outlet in baking. What started as a way to entertain her kids through weekly themed parties complete with homemade cakes, has grown into another outlet for her artistic expression and Katie’s Intoxicating Kakes was born. Completely self-taught, Diamond turns out confections that rival any

professional baker. She currently bakes nearly all the opening night celebratory cakes for ACT, as well as for clients in exchange for donations to the theater.

“What became interesting to me through the process of making these cakes was the concept of how people express their creativity and find fulfillment and how these ideas can change over time as we age, have children, and just generally move through life’s moments,” says Diamond. It sparked her curiosity about other creative people - how their paths have evolved and what conversations about that would sound like.

Diamond collaborated with producer, friend and make-up artist extraordinaire Amanda Gabbard to develop a format where baking and talking about creativity could co-exist. Along with John White, who acts as the third producer as well as director and editor, the trio created Let Them Eat Cake. In each 25-minute video segment, Diamond invites a fellow artistic person into her home where she bakes them a cake symbolic of who they are. Each episode is filmed in Diamond’s own kitchen and is a combination of lighthearted cupcake decorating and a deep delve into the guest’s life and what

Let Them Eat Cake had a staff of seven during filming which was all done in Diaomnd’s home in Ridgefield.

Above, Diamond is chatting with Broadway actor and agent Jim Daly.

they’ve gone through. “I love talking to a variety of creative people who have shifted gears during their career and have found fulfillment in ways they didn’t expect,” says Diamond.

Guests in the kitchen

One of her first guests in the pilot episodes was the prolific Broadway actress and comedian, Ellyn Marsh, who recently launched a successful podcast “Obsessed with Disappeared” based on her fascination with true crime. Another pilot guest was Christina Geist, wife of Willie Geist, who began with a career in PR and advertising

and then went on to become an entrepreneur and children’s book author. “I’m really proud of how these episodes have come out – they look really beautiful,” says Diamond.

Diamond is currently shopping Let Them Eat Cake to various outlets and she is optimistic it will get picked up. “The kitchen can be such a vulnerable place for people. Everyone has memories – good and bad – tied to that space,” she says. “I’m excited to dig into that.”

You can find information about Katie’s cakes at @katiesintoxikakes•

Diamond is excited about her latest creative venture which pairs her passion for baking with her fascination with creativity and it’s many transformations and evolutions.

The Inside

Ice Cream in the O68

by Carin Weisman

As founders of the Natural Scoop ice cream truck, my family knows a thing or two about ice cream. You might even say we are ice cream connoisseurs. So, we were surprised by how much more we discovered about this rich indulgence during our visits to six ice cream shops in the 068 area.

Deborah Ann’s Sweet Shoppe

409 Main Street, Ridgefield

There’s been so much written about this hometown favorite – star sightings (Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, anyone?), how the owners left their attorney jobs to do something “fun,” the grand opening of their custom-built location – so I wanted to uncover something new. “We make ice cream in-house every day except Sunday,” said co-owner Deborah Ann Backes, “and we use our own chocolates in our ice cream.” While their classic flavors are always a hit, they also offer unique creations like green chili developed with Southwest Café. Sundaes, frenzies, milkshakes…they have it all. And with an ever-expanding selection of vegan and gluten free treats, there really is something for everyone. Pro tip: With 56 flavors to choose from, ask for a sample.

Heibeck’s Stand

951 Danbury Road, Wilton

It’s been more than 90 years since Katherine (Doe Doe) Heibeck and Helen Diugo opened the Stand, and the current (fourth-generation) owners stay true to their ancestors’ vision. Made by local, small-batch creameries with flavors that rotate daily and monthly sundae specials (we had the s’morey!), you can always find something new or stick with your tried-and-true favorites. The vanilla and chocolate were outstanding – creamy, dreamy, and rich – and snickerdoodle tasted just like the cookie. The Stand always has at least two vegan ice creams and a sorbet, and with a manger who has celiac disease, those with gluten allergies (like me) feel safe and cared for. Pro tip: They close when the weather is bad, so check social media or call to hear the status

Crystals and Cones Ice Cream and Gifts

28 Main Street, Redding

“People come in for a little bit of happy,” said Jennifer Bellizzi, coowner of Crystals and Cones. Ready to open as a yoga studio days before the pandemic shut businesses down, Jennifer and her sister Heather looked to their community for guidance. “They all wanted ice cream,” Jennifer said, “so we listened!” Sourcing its ice cream from Amherst-made Barts, it’s pure and natural with no fillers or artificial ingredients. Our mouths had a party as we sampled local peach, three geeks and a redhead, seasonal local blueberry, raspberry chocolate chip, deep purple cow, mass mocha, and mint chip, each one as delicious as the other. Pro tip: Visit in July when mascot Sprinkles the unicorn gets his own flavor!

While just outside of 068, no article about ice cream in the summer would be complete without Ferris Acres. With more than 22,000 followers on social media, the secret is out and the lines are long, but it’s well worth the wait. Their ice cream is made on-site using milk from local cows - although the cows grazing across the street don’t provide any…they are there simply to be happy! Tasting the vanilla was like eating the most decadent, highest quality frosting – so rich, creamy, and delicious. The chocolate tingled on our tongues and was an inviting sensation. As someone who usually prefers her ice cream to be filled with add-ins, I was converted by the complex simplicity of their vanilla. Pro tip: You can’t avoid the line, so if in a rush, get pints and quarts at the express window.

Scoops Ice Cream & Candy Shop

92 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton

Known as the best little ice cream and candy shop in Wilton, this charming gem does a booming business. While waiting in line, we heard “swamp” and “mud” asked for again and again, so we knew what to try. A vanilla base with crushed malt balls, chocolate chips, Oreos, caramel, and M&Ms, Swamp lives up to its name minus the alligators and Mud’s coffee ice cream base with Oreos, chocolate covered almonds, and chocolate fudge may resemble its name but tastes like anything but! Pro tip: Sit at the outdoor tables, and you will likely see someone you know.

The Ridgefield Ice Cream Shop

680 Danbury Road, Ridgefield

When venturing down Route 7, you might drive past this roadside shop – don’t! Stop for an old-time treat. Once a Carvel, an 18-year-old purchased the building in the 1970s and owned it until retiring a few years ago. The old-style menu board promotes nostalgic treats like chip-n-dip, ice cream sandwiches, sundae sticks, and soda floats, but the shining star is its soft serve. We kept ours plain and simple – chocolate on bottom, vanilla on top – but a plethora of toppings and dips are available. Pro tip: If you’re not a soft serve fan, the shop also scoops a variety of hard flavors •

Opening Reception

Thursday, July 13, 2023 6:00pm-9:00pm

Exhibition Dates

Thursday, July 13th

ART

FINE

by Joey Macari

Photos by Paula Wolf and Nancy Moon

Weston’s Backyard Beekeepers Association

Bees are highly misunderstood little things. Often the subject of nuisance at summer barbecues or a sweet add-in for your evening cup of tea—bees are extremely vital to our ecosystem. Beekeeping has become all the buzz as people look for ways to engage with the outside world in a way that not only helps the environment, but their own mental well-being.

One local non-profit fueling beekeeping’s widening appeal is The Back Yard Beekeepers Association (BYBA) in Weston, whose hive of budding hobbyists and seasoned pollinators has grown into one of the nation’s largest regional clubs for beekeeping. Its president, Ben Haase, petitions its members to not only come together as a community at the Bee Yards in Easton and Newtown, but also to spread little seeds of inspiration wherever they go—as the honeybees they tend to would appreciate.

“I think a lot of people want to find a way to help pollinators as we are continuously learning more about climate change and the stressors on honeybees and other pollinators,” says Haase. “Beekeeping is a very tangible way to have an impact by encouraging people to be more pollinator-friendly in their day-to-day life by planting native flowers, allowing lawns to go natural, and avoiding pesticides.”

The Back Yard Beekeepers Association was formed in 1994 by Ed Weiss, author of one of the best beginner beekeepers books, The Queen and I, and has since cultivated over 350+ active members. “Ed helped pull together a great group of beekeepers and hobbyists to seed our ranks and we’ve flourished ever since,” says Haase. “BYBA has been a wonderful group to be a part of - a second family - with a common passion. Over the years, we’ve had wonderful involvement in the community and the honor to have had past presidents including Howland Blackiston, author of Beekeeping for Dummies, C. Marina Marchese, author of The Honey Connoisseur, and now me.”

BYBA’s Bee School presents the perfect introduction for beginners of all ages or a refresher for seasoned beekeepers to improve on their skills. Class instruction includes subjects ranging from how to assemble and tend to a hive and colony to safety issues. “New Bees” meet once a month to freely ask questions and get advice. They also have the opportunity to participate in numerous

workshops year-round— including hive inspections, queen rearing and honeybee health.

BYBA also bee-lieves in fostering passion for beekeeping for younger members. The Wannabees group care for their own hive at the Bee Yard in Easton and meet monthly with beekeeping mentors and members of the local beekeeping community. There, they gain knowledge of proper beekeeping techniques, environmental effects, regional habitat, as well as the collection and use of honey and other hive products.

“By joining the BYBA, people gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience working with bees,” says Haase. “Members have access to our own library of books related to bees, honey and beekeeping, as well as a back catalog of workshop and presentation videos.”

Studies have shown that beekeeping can help with anxiety and other mental health struggles. “Working with the honeybees can be surprisingly relaxing,” says Haase. “When opening a hive to check on the bees, I put my focus on the sights, sounds and smells of the hive. I can forget about all the other distractions in my life and just “bee” outdoors with my honeybees. As a bonus, I also get some amazing honey!”

For more information about all “buzzworthy” events offered by BYBA go to backyardbeekeepers.com. •

For many in the 068 area, the name Pamby is synonymous with top-tier car service and sales. What started out 75 years ago as a small two-man repair shop on Bailey Avenue, has developed into a full-service Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealership, a state-of-the-art auto body shop and a full-service Sunoco gas station operating out of three locations in Ridgefield.

In 1948, Matty Pambianchi and his brother, Harry opened an auto repair and body shop on Bailey Avenue. In 1954, their brother Otto joined the business, and the trio opened their first dealership on Route 35, selling Studebakers, Packards, and Tydol Gasoline. In 1960, the Pambianchi family acquired an American Motors franchise, which eventually became Jeep. In 1976, Matty, along with his three sons, built the showroom on Danbury Road. Eventually, they outgrew that space and opened the current showroom on Route 7.

Pamby Motors 75 years and Going Strong

Today, Pamby Motors Inc. continues to be a family-owned and operated local business spanning three generations. They have over 60 fulltime employees, from auto technicians to adminstrative personnel, many of whom have worked for the company for decades. Pamby Motors is one of the longest-serving and most prominent businesses in Ridgfield.

The Pambianchi family continuously looks for ways to give back to their community. They sponsor events like the Pamby Half-Marathon, The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce annual golf tournament, organize a holiday food drive for Family and Children’s Aid, and participate in the Toys for Tots program. They also sponsor multiple high school sports and youth athletic leagues along with providing college scholarships to Ridgefield High School seniors under the “Matty Pambianchi Scholarship” for the past 37 years.

John, Mike, Fred, Tim, Andy, and Nick Pambianchi thank their customers for their continued support and trust. They look forward to serving the community for another 75 years.

The Pambianchi family and Pamby Motors have been an iconic presence for the past 75 years, selling and servicing the cars of RIdgefield and the surrounding towns.

The next generation Pambianchis: Andy, Mike, Tim, John, Nick and Fred.

Summerfest

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 29th and plan to be in downtown Ridgefield for a double dose of fun! The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is delighted to be working together with Downtown Ridgefield Merchants and the Ridgefield Arts Council to create a family-friendly day with something for everyone! The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is hosting its much-anticipated annual Summerfest. Main Street will be closed to traffic and transformed into a pedestrian walkway from 10:00am – 2:00pm for an incredible day of shopping and entertainment. “Summerfest 2023, on beautiful historic Main Street and the downtown area, is sure to be one of Ridgefield’s favorite summer festivals,” says Suzanne Brennan, Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce Board President and Executive Director, Lounsbury House. In addition, the Ridgefield Arts Council will present Music & Art in the Park from 12:00 noon – 5:00pm in Ballard Park. Local musicians will be performing jazz, rock, blues, and everything in between throughout the day, and artists will have their work on display. “So many people enjoyed the combination of music and visual arts last summer that the RAC is thrilled to bring this event back,” says Jennifer Dineen, Ridgefield Arts Council member. “It will be quite a day for the community.”

Big Little Taco Nothing Small About Their Taste

by Jana Williams

Executive Chef, Hector Rodriguez, wants you to know Big Little Taco’s signature Cuban Empanada is going to knock your socks off! Made with slow roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles, the mouthwatering dish is a staple at his full service, custom-catered events. Big Little Taco, a catering company that also does pop-up events, specializes in preparing Latininspired food from central and south America, through to the Caribbean.

“Big Little Taco’s menu was born out of a love of my traditional Latin roots but influenced by my professional training as a French chef,” says Rodriguez.

Having worked at several well-known NYC restaurants including the Russian Tea Room, Rodriguez moved to Ridgefield with his family and immediately wanted to create a different kind of catering company. Preparing the food off-site, he will sustainably plate and serve everything from appetizers to main entrees and desserts.

“Big Little Taco is very versatile,” says Rodriguez. “I can do a pop-up at Nod Hill Brewery as easily as a buffet birthday celebration for 100, or an intimate, sit-down dinner for 25.”

To get a taste of what Big Little Taco offers, look for their truck at the July 4th Fireworks at Ridgefield High School or follow them on Instagram @ biglittletaco.

With music, art, and shopping, there’s something for everyone when the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce and the Ridgefield Arts Council present the annual Summerfest and Music in the Park on Main Street and Ballard Park.

Wilton Land Trust Making a Difference

The Wilton Land Trust (WLT) was established in 1964 to conserve and protect Wilton’s unique open space and support biodiversity. Today, the WLT owns or holds conservation easements on 119 separate parcels totaling nearly 835 acres in Wilton. Amongst these parcels of land is 183 Ridgefield Road, which was purchased in 2020 through grants and fundraising. “Merely a stone’s throw from downtown awaits the Chestnut Meadows Nature Preserve, 14-acres of beautiful and timeless open space. Visitors can wander idyllic trails, stroll in an orchard of American chestnut trees, and immerse themselves in nature,” says WLT Executive Director David McCarthy.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of ”183” is the American chestnut orchard. The American chestnut tree, often considered the redwood of the Northeast and known for its rapid growth and beautiful wood, became functionally extinct in the early 1900’s due to an invasive fungus. To help restore the American chestnut, the WLT partnered with the American Chestnut Foundation and established a germplasm conservation orchard (GCO) to cross-breed the trees and increase their resistance to chestnut blight.

WLCT volunteers have planted over 30 American chestnut tree saplings, which will produce nuts for harvesting to seed future orchards. “The hope is to one day repopulate the American chestnut throughout the Northeast,” says McCarthy.

To learn more about WLT, please visit wiltonlandtrust.org.

Art Walk

Strolls into Town on Friday, August 25th

Ridgefield Guild of Artists presents its 10th Annual Art Walk, when downtown Ridgefield comes alive with “strolling” art galleries.

Merchants along Main Street and Bailey Avenue “host” artists for Art Walk 2023. Opening night is August 25th from 5-8pm with artists outside their stores for “meet and greets.” Saturday, August 26th, is Artist Day from 12-4pm, with artists on the sidewalks showing their wares and demonstrating their craft. “Visit us at the information table outside Town Hall opening weekend for directions, maps and processing sales,” says Pam Stoddart, Ridgefield Guild of Artists’ Executive Director. All artwork is for sale.

Art Walk brings art, music and a festive atmosphere to downtown Ridgefield. “It’s our end of summer celebration! We look forward to welcoming our artists and ‘strolling’ visitors opening weekend as we mark our 10th year!” says Stoddart.

Art Walk continues after opening weekend with artwork remaining in downtown Ridgefield through Sunday, September 10th.

RGOA, now in its forty-ninth year, is housed in the antique barn at 34 Halpin Lane. For more information about Art Walk, along with all Guild offerings, visit www.rgoa.org or call 203.438.8863. •

Volunteers of all ages helped the Wilton Land Trust plant American chestnut trees this past spring. These blight-resistant saplings will hopefully flourish and be used to restore this majestic tree species to the Northeast.

Photos by Tiffany Shelton

Brookfield’s Lakeside Watersports Delivers the Fun

Connor Kostyra stands on the dock in front of his two Mastercraft ski boats as opening day of the summer season begins for Lakeside Watersports. From May 1 to September 30, Kostyra and his team bring a love of all things watersport to kids and adults looking to experience the thrill of riding on a wakeboard, water skis, or a tube behind a fast-moving boat, all while listening to their favorite tunes.

Unfortunately, for most of us, owning our own boat is often out of reach. That’s where Lakeside Watersports comes in. Located on beautiful Candlewood Lake in Brookfield, the company is headed by Kostyra, who has spent his life around boats. An accomplished wakeboarder, he spent many years in Florida and Texas in boat sales and as a “delivery captain” helping new and seasoned boaters understand their purchases. Today, Lakeside Watersports is committed to providing guests with a thrilling experience.

“My goal is to introduce people to the boating

experience in a way that is affordable,” says Kostyra. “It’s awesome to help someone learn something new. Teaching a person to wake surf, and then seeing them glide along behind the boat is exhilarating. The thrill never gets old.”

At $300 for an hour boat rental, driver, spotter, and access to top-of-the-line equipment, trying out an oftentimes inaccessible sport like waterskiing suddenly becomes possible. Add to that expert instruction, a commitment to safety, and a familyoriented experience, and you have a recipe for success. Every operator at Lakeside Watersports is first-aid and CPR trained, has a boating certificate, is personally tested and vetted by Kostyra, and has access to training courses.

“Our number one priority is safety. At the same time, we want our guests to have fun. We personalize every experience - from the music they want to listen to to the sports they want to try,” Kostyra continues.

A typical hour rental starts with guests being handed a life jacket and escorted onto the boat.

by Jana Williams

After a safety talk, the crew will connect the guest’s favorite playlist and confirm what the group would like to do. Lakeside Watersports encourages guests to try wake surfing; a slower, more controlled version of wakeboarding. After being instructed on how to get up on the board, the guest is towed behind the boat, releases the rope, and then surfs in the large, deep wake created by the boat. “We try to give as much as we can during the time they’ve booked. Everything is ready to go, so there isn’t a lot of downtime on the boat. We always like to overdeliver on value,” says Kostyra.

The overdelivering doesn’t stop with just providing watersport thrills. While you’re on the boat, and if you’re in the market to purchase your own watercraft, Kostyra will take the time to discuss options with you. Since an entry-level ski boat can cost in the vicinity of $150,000, it’s important to understand the intricacies of boat ownership before diving in.

“Owning a boat is a huge investment,” says Kostyra. “I’ve been around them my whole life and am always available to share my joy and my expertise. I hope everyone gets the thrill of a lifetime when they ride with us.”

To learn more, follow @lakesidewatersports on Instagram, or visit LakesideWatersports.com. •

Left, Connor Kostyra, who brings many years of experience in water sports and boating, is ready for the 2023 season at Lakeside Watersports. Above, tubing is a very popular activity for groups. Wake surfing, a more easily achievable version of wakeboarding is an another enjoyable way to spend time on the lake.

Katy Regnery Author

If Katy Regnery’s path to becoming a best-selling author was a plot point in a novel, readers might feel it was too serendipitous. In 2012, Regnery was, as she puts it “coming out of at-home momminess,” and looking for something to occupy her time, so she picked up Ridgefield’s Continuing Education brochure. The only class that fit her school pick up schedule was a creative writing class taught by Ridgefield author Chris Beldon. Regnery hadn’t ever really written before, but something clicked during that class. She ended up writing a novel-length romance story which was accepted by a publisher. That first acceptance turned into a six-book deal. Since then, Regnery has published over 44 books – mainly romancewhich have been translated into eight languages and featured on both the USA Today and NY Times bestseller lists. “Actually,

I’m not a super romantic person –my husband and I don’t even really celebrate Valentine’s Day. For me crafting romance stories is like a math problem: I have these two pieces (characters) and I need to figure out how to fit them together and then let them have some fun on the way,” says Regnery.

Regnery’s latest book, Unloved, while categorized as a love story, is more suspenseful than romantic. She continues to write because for her, story inspiration can come from anywhere. “I can see someone running through an airport and immediately I’m creating a story in my head about who they are rushing to meet,” she says. With one of her stories currently being optioned for a screenplay, it’s safe to say, readers everywhere are thrilled that Regnery took a creative writing class instead of flower arranging.

For more information, visit www.katyregnery.com •

you can now vote for who to highlight for One More Thing: Go to 068magazine.com/voteforonemorething link and fill out the form to recommend a person you would like to see highlighted who is exceptional in the arts. You can vote for any category of artist and then list the name of the artist or work of art. If you are an artist, please use the HIGHLIGHT MY ART graphic which can be downloaded to campaign for votes. The artist with the most votes in May will be spotlighted in the July/August issue. Thank you for supporting the arts in Fairfield County.

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