068 Magazine_May/June_2023

Noted by Stephen Wooters

Congratulations. If you received a copy of 068 Magazine and have the discretionary time to read this issue’s introduction you are likely very fortunate. There are 3,006 counties in this great nation. Fairfield County, the home of 068 zip codes, is consistently ranked as one of the wealthiest and best places to live and work.

As one of the original 13 colonies, Connecticut and Fairfield County have a storied, deep-rooted history within our nation and I am reminded of a story from our American Revolution. While our forefathers fought for our independence on the grounds around us, John Adams was commissioned to France to solicit support for the war. During his time overseas, John would frequently write to Abigail. In one of his letters, he recounted an interaction he had with the Dauphin of France. The Dauphin asked if he liked the arts. Paraphrasing John Adams’ response: “Unfortunately, I must study politics and war so that my children may have the liberty to study mathematics, engineering and science. My children ought to study mathematics, commerce and agriculture in order to give their children the right to study painting, poetry, music and art.” Today, collectively we are the great-grandchildren of our nation’s founders. Whether immigrants or 10th generation Americans, we are the great-grandchildren of John and Abigail.

Spring and summer are a time of growth and prosperity. And while not everyone, even within the 068 geography, is blessed with the fortune of embracing the arts, it remains an opportunity for all of us to extend the potential for others to enjoy the benefits of arts and culture.

Together, we can continuously enable our communities to share our diverse cultural stories through the mediums of painting, photography, sculpture, prose, architecture and performing arts. Our collective success is found in our ability to expand and generate access to the arts and culture which already permeates our community. Ours is a great community, made greater every day by spreading these virtues. Together, let us spend the summer of our nation, the summer of our lives, sharing our good fortunes. Let us help extend the arts to all those around us as a demonstration of our collective success.

And let’s enjoy another great issue of 068 Magazine.

Enjoy,

Ridgefield Community Leader Executive, Fairfield County Bank

Steve Wooters and his wife Wendy.

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, Jack Sanders, Kate Perry, Dylan Miller, and Holly Frank

Lily Fertik Copy Editor

Contributing Photographers

Roger Garbow, Dylan Miller, and New Light Creative Service

Advertising Sales

David Gursky | 914.646.9141 sales@068magazine.com

Marketplace Sales

Jennifer Klouman Roy | 203.313.9147 marketplace@068magazine.com

This Issue’s Feature Writers

Dave Goldenberg

Dave Goldenberg is a writer, musician, award-winning filmmaker, and recovering advertising creative director. He likes motorcycles, cigars, and whiskey, but is also a vegetarian who watches Antiques Roadshow. Dave believes music can save the world - but then he also thinks he loads the dishwasher better than his wife of 40 years. On page #56, Dave writes about mentoring a fellow musician through the preparations and nerves of her first open mic performance.

Gerri Lewis

Gerri Lewis is a freelance writer who spent the early years of her career as a feature writer and columnist. Her work has appeared in Reader’s Digest and various airline publications. Her accolades include feature writing awards from the New England Press Association and the Society of Professional Journalists. In this issue, she writes about beloved children’s author/illustrator and one-time Ridgefield resident, Richard Scarry on page #42.

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 #36, Roger reports on the Connecticut car racing scene.

Carin Weisman

Carin Weisman is an award-winning communications professional and author, who has a range of hobbies and passions. While words are near the top of that list, something she loves even more is connecting with people and hearing their stories, which is why she was a perfect fit to write this issue’s Have You Met profile about Wilton Trackside’s Lori Fields found on page #20.

by Jack Sanders

Bennett The Notorious

One day in 1876, a Ridgefielder was having breakfast at a Philadelphia hotel. As he picked up a silver spoon to stir his coffee, he did a doubletake: His name was on the handle!

Under questioning, the manager said he’d just purchased new spoons from a Philadelphia man. That evening the traveler received correspondence from Ridgefield, saying his home had been burglarized. The arrested suspects possessed a letter from Philadelphia, reporting “Goods received all right and disposed of.” The traveler was among many victims of “the notorious Bennett family,” who stole from houses and businesses, generating “terror” in townspeople while amassing a trove of loot in their Silver Spring Road compound — bold crimes and strange events unheard of in Ridgefield.

Descended from early Ridgefield settlers, Jeremiah Bennett was a farmer and shoemaker who seemed a conscientious citizen. His wife, Adeline, won awards in flower shows. However, during a spate of burglaries, townspeople detected something amiss. “Everyone looked with suspicion toward a certain family, but none dared to accuse,” The Ridgefield Press noted. A new

Old Ridgefield

Right, the house belonging to Daniel and Mary Bennett (below), parents of Jerry, who lived next door. This 1880s scene shows Daniel’s son Charles, brother of Jerry, and Charles’ wife Sarah, with seven of their 14 children, all of whom lived in this tiny house that is still standing today.

Boys

“Anti-Thieving Association” offered a $50 reward, inspiring a private detective to spy on the Bennetts and on July 21, 1876, Jerry Bennett, 47, Adeline, 48, and sons Mortimer, 18, and Frank, 16, were arrested. A search of their house and barn uncovered stolen accordions, fiddles, watches, fingerrings, bracelets, diamond pins, perfume, guns, gold and silver thimbles, watch-chains, and other plunder.

The day after the arrests, “nearly every able-bodied man” in town responded to a call to search Silver Spring Swamp for George, 23, and Arthur, 20, Bennett sons believed to be hiding there. “Guns were aplenty, pistols numerous,” The Press said. “It was a motley but courageous crowd.” The “chosen brave” entered the swamp. “At every sound, each one grasped his fire piece more firmly and peered into the bushes,” The Press said. By sunset, nothing was found. “Our ‘chosen brave’ were in a pitiful plight.” Some “had been immersed in slough holes, others had been lacerated by briars and thorns.”

Meanwhile, the four arrested Bennetts were jailed under bonds totaling $4,800 — $120,000 today. All pleaded not guilty. Then Jerry and Mortimer proposed “whistling” to capture George and Arthur, figuring the fugitives could clear them of any crimes. A constable took Mortimer to the swamp’s edge, where he tried “to whistle

them out.” For an hour, Mortimer whistled, but no one came.

National newspapers carried colorful accounts. The Washington (D.C.) Evening Star told of “two more sons still at large, but a force of men is looking for them, and have driven them into an almost impenetrable swamp southwest of the village where it is believed the brothers have a burrow.”

As farmers along the swamp’s fringes reported chickens stolen, potatoes dug and even cows milked by unknown hands, another more massive hunt was organized. Around 350 men — some from Wilton and South Salem — gathered at the West Lane schoolhouse. “Each man carried at least one fire-piece — and such a variety!” The Press exclaimed. “Some were armed with weapons that did service — and from their appearance, plenty of it — during the Revolutionary War!”

Searchers four feet apart entered the swamp’s north end and moved south.

Jerry Bennett and sons, George and Arthur, spent years in the state prison at Wethersfield, shown here around 1900.

George and Arthur Bennett stole guns, knives and ammunition from the Bailey and Gage store, then headed for New York. (The building is now the second floor of the Aldrich Museum’s offices on Main Street.)

Almost immediately, “Constable Gilbert sunk into the mud so deep that the top button of his vest only was visible,” The Press said. Others had similar problems but pressed on. Three caves showed signs of use and “a place where the fugitives had done their cooking” was found — but no brothers.

On Aug. 10, the two were spotted with stolen butter and a kettle near the Cannon Station in Wilton. They dropped the goods and fled, but soon broke into a Wilton shirt factory, stealing all the cash. The owner “pursued them, armed with a seven-shooter, and they dropped their plunder,” reported The Hartford Courant. “On Tuesday night, they visited a hotel in Danbury and called for Schenck beer. They were recognized but allowed to depart in peace.”

The brothers next broke into Bailey and Gage’s Store (today, Aldrich Museum offices) stealing guns, ammunition, knives, and cigars. They fled toward the Hudson, but on Monday, Aug. 21, a strange thing happened. Tired of being on the run, Arthur surrendered to older brother Henry Bennett, who lived in Peekskill. Henry handed him

over to police, aiming to claim a $100 reward offered by Ridgefield’s selectmen. Arthur knew his family was in trouble, and probably wanted to help financially by letting Henry collect the reward for his capture.

The following day, George Bennett was spotted across the Hudson, and local officers grabbed him. Six Bennetts were now behind bars in Bridgeport.

In September, a jury found half the clan guilty of burglary and theft. Jerry got five years imprisonment, and George and Arthur, 15 years each. Adeline was found not guilty because “she acted … under the influence of her husband [and] criminal intent was lacking.” Mortimer was guilty on one count, but since the goods were valued under $15, he escaped prison. Frank was not prosecuted, perhaps because he was only 16.

The three convicts were sent to the state prison at Wethersfield where both Jerry and George worked in the prison’s shoe shop.

The selectmen gave Henry the $100 reward — $2,500 today. He probably used it to help his impoverished

mother. A court declared Jerry an “insolvent and assigned debtor,” and sold his property to pay debts.

In 1886, the New Haven Register reported George had undergone treatment in prison for “very peculiar delusions,” including that “at night he could pass through the keyhole in his cell and go anywhere in the state, but that the moment anyone to whom he appeared touched his body, he would disappear and instantly be back in his cell.”

Arthur, a model prisoner, was paroled in July 1888.

Jerry, released around 1881, moved to Syracuse, N.Y. to live with another son, John, and work as a shoemaker. He died, aged 80, in 1901.

Whatever happened to Adeline and her sons has not been discovered. All quickly left Ridgefield — either as prisoners or as debtors — and probably would have liked to forget their old hometown and what happened here in 1876.

The townspeople likely felt the same way about them. •

Above, the Daniel Bennett house at 430 Silver Spring Road today, restored and well-cared-for.

Top, an 1893 map showing the Silver Spring Swamp, east of Silver Spring Road. The Bennett family lived at the top of the swamp. Bottom, Beers’ 1867 map shows Jerry Bennett’s house on Silver Spring Road.

Have You Met?

by Carin Weisman

Fields Lori

Offering Teens a Place Where They Are Always Welcome

Driving down Station Road in Wilton, you may not notice anything special about number 15. But once you step inside Trackside Teen Center and meet Executive Director Lori Fields, you will be transformed. Trackside works to promote healthy, ageappropriate development for teens and pre-teens by providing an environment that develops positive social skills and enhances self-esteem. Fields brings a unique perspective to both the programming and the space itself. “I’m obsessed with rescuing furniture, giving it a new home, and

allowing its story to carry on,” she says. ”A lot of what’s in Trackside was found this way.”

Fields has always been interested in stories. She recalls being the person in elementary school who always sat with the kid who didn’t have a friend. “I care very deeply about helping people extract the maximum amount of satisfaction from their lives,” she says. “It’s something that’s been inside of me – noticing who around me wasn’t feeling like they fit in.”

A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Fields found the profession during a life-changing

Have You Met?

moment while on a road trip with her mother in Maine, they came upon a devastating car accident. “I saw this woman lying on the ground, her head bleeding, and I literally watched the life go out of her,” Fields painfully recalls. “As I looked up, I realized her kids had seen it all unfold, so I ran to the minivan to try to comfort them.”

In college, Fields focused on crisis work and ensuring nobody felt alone. She also began to see that the stories we internalize in childhood stay with us throughout life and prevent us from living in a deeply satisfying way. Throughout her career, she has helped

people recognize, unpack, and rewrite these stories.

You belong here

Fields’ own story of not deserving a good life also has childhood roots. One of five children, her youngest sister is severely disabled, requiring full-time care. “She can’t eat or walk on her own, and we are all deeply affected by that,” Fields says. For a long time, Fields held onto the belief that she didn’t deserve to have a great life because of her sister’s condition – and now, looking back, sees the way she sabotaged her own happiness. “I would think to myself, who am I to have great love and life when my little sister will never get to live like that? I came to see that I owe it to her to do all the things I am supposed to do,” she says. “You aren’t supposed to dim your light because you feel guilty or bad, but instead rise up and do what you are meant to do.”

Before becoming Executive Director, Fields spent three years on Trackside’s Board of Directors. While deeply inspired and

Trackside offers many different spaces for kids to spend time, including a gaming area, a cafe, and a maker’s studio. Executive Director Lori Fields says that Trackside’s motto - You Belong Here - is meant to make every member feel like they are accepted just as they are.

Have You Met?

passionate about the center’s mission, she debated whether to apply for the leadership position because she thought it might take too much time away from her family. One night while talking with her husband, he pointed out that she had been working for 15 years trying to help adults rewrite their childhood stories and here was an incredible opportunity for her to make an impact with a younger wage group.

That’s just what Fields is doing at Trackside. With a fresh look, a new motto, “You Belong Here,” and a fabulous staff of three – John Priest

(Head of Programming), Marie Demasi (Executive and Program Assistant), and Lori – Fields hopes Trackside can help its members reframe their experiences, define who they are, and craft their narratives so they are compelled by their convictions and proud of who they are.

“There’s an urgency to figuring out how you want to live,” Fields said. “Knowing who you are is the only path to being at ease and living a healthy life for yourself.”

She credits her high school English teacher with helping her find her truth by exposing her to the transcendentalist movement

and the idea of carpe diem, or seizing the day. Around the same time she was reading Thoreau, Fields had her own experience of feeling like an outcast, losing friends in high school after speaking out about something she cared deeply about. “My dad told me that when you stand up for what you believe in, you are never wrong. I would one thousand percent make the same move over again,” Fields says.

Fields finds her own place of belonging inside herself. “I have always felt like I belong next to and with anyone who needs a little help giving themselves permission to live their life the way they want to,” she says.

All of this happiness and soul work can come with a downside, but Fields takes care of herself as well. “Because most of the time I am the optimistic, glass half-full person, people never think I have a bad day,” she said. To recover and rejuvenate, Fields goes back to her Thoreau inspiration, “solitude, solitude, solitude. I am extroverted introvert and need alone time to replenish my soul.”

Trackside relies on fundraising and donations to provide programs for their members. For more information and to donate, please visit the Trackside website at www.trackside.org. •

Trackside offers a variety of events and clubs, created and run by local high school students, to appeal to different interests. Above right, Lori Fields poses in front of a board bearing their motto that anyone stepping into the building, whether members or visitors, can sign to illustrate that everyone’s contributions matter.

Art in the Spotlight

by Dee Dee Colabella • Photography by Greg Cohen

shot taking

aPhotography as a career can come in many shapes and forms: travel, journalism, fine art, sports or portrait. For some photographers, like Greg Cohen, their careers have allowed them the opportunity to create all the above. Cohen’s collections are as varied as his experiences, yet the one thing they all have in common is that Cohen found an emotional connection - the subjects giving the work emotional impact that can only be captured by a true artist.

Fine art photography is defined as the intentional use of photography as your artistic medium of choice, used to further your conceptual idea. This can be achieved by using techniques such as lighting and composition to create mood, but nothing replaces the ability to capture the moment and emotion with the lens. According to Cohen, fine art photography is where his work really came to life. “Recognizing the emotional connection while shooting was something that began to happen and transform my work from assignment to something more,” he says.

Curators and fine art lovers can feel when a work has the imprint of the artist. This is as true in fine art photography as in a painting. As the

The Art of Fine Art Photography

Below, Greg Cohen at his studio in Weston, CT. Right, Cohen’s photo of the Lebanon St. mural, featuring the iconic image of Kobe Bryant, which has become a destination for those visiting LA.

Art in the Spotlight

Art in the Spotlight

artist connects, they will imprint onto the image an emotion that is intangible, transforming a photograph from the everyday to art. Cohen recalls when he felt his path to photography was complete.

“While I’m shooting, I’m very much in the moment, it’s sort of meditative,” he says. “Photography gives me access to a state-ofbeing that is transformative.”

When deciding to become a fine art photographer where do you start? Cohen studied at University of Denver and graduated with a degree in English and Art. He began his career as a cinematographer and worked in that field for over 20 years, during which he continued to carve out time

to shoot still images. He made a conscious decision to become a photographer, but it did not happen overnight. His philosophy about starting down this path was that no one is going to believe you are an artist until you believe it yourself and part of that belief is doing it. “One day I decided, today, I will be a photographer. After that, it was a dayby-day decision until those days got closer together. It developed from there,” he says.

In 2005, Cohen traveled to Southeast Asia and began making photographs in small villages. His photos from that time connect diverse people through their undeniable similarities - finding truth, humor and pathos in the experiences

of his subjects and the landscapes that surround them. His second trip brought a commission by Cambodia Tomorrow to document the education program at Kompong Speu Orphan Center outside of Pnom Penh and helped to raise funds for continued programing. Cohen’s connection to Cambodia through travel helped him to honor its painful past, while documenting the hope and healing of its future. This collection of photographs opened the door for Cohen to show his work in galleries located around Los Angeles.

As an artist, creating opportunities is as important as being afforded them. In 2009, while working on the television show Heroes,

Cohen on the front lines during the heated Black Lives Matter protests in Los Angeles.

Photo by Robin Reiser.

Art in the Spotlight

Cohen combined his years of experience in Hollywood with his philanthropic spirit by founding Heroes for Autism. He curated a benefit to raise awareness and money for the organization, Autism Speaks. Cohen was able to exhibit his own work alongside over 100 pieces of artwork by photographers from the Heroes cast and crew as well as 12 of the world’s most celebrated artists with autism. This event not only raised $80,000 in one night but was the largest first-year benefit for Autism Speaks.

Cohen, who grew up in Redding, CT, was greatly impacted by the Sandy Hook tragedy in 2012. At the time, he was living in LA and found himself feeling helpless and lost as to how to support and further the discussion on gun violence. This feeling led him to create a body of work entitled Farewell to Arms and later, Feel Safer Now? in response to gun violence and the political view to arm teachers as a response. “This body of work may not change everyone’s minds,” he says, “but it

keeps the conversation alive, and if everyone contributes in whatever way they can, we can make small advances.”

As the photographer works to create, they often need to take assignments that will pay the bills. Sometimes these jobs can lead to something amazing. Having an open mind and using all your gained experiences can lead you to a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This was the case for Cohen when he was asked to photograph a series of sports memorabilia for a collector, including the 1988 Michael Jordan jersey that was later sold at Sotheby’s for $10.1 million. “It was really cool because you are around these artifacts that were worn by icons,” says Cohen.

Later, Cohen was commissioned to assist with the Kobe Bryant 2007-2008 MVP jersey. The concept was to capture the legendary status of the late NBA hero through imagery of murals and other testimony of adoration. “I hadn’t expected this project to be so emotional, but as I

photographed these murals alone, it was deeply moving,” says Cohen. “Kobe Bryant had a huge impact and his death sent a shock wave through LA and everyone who adored him. I felt that in the presence of those moving tributes.” Over the years, Cohen has produced bodies of work that not only connect to empathy but also to the feeling of joy in the moment. His collections Dogs in Cars and A La Mode are studies in enjoying life in the moment and have a joyful presence. He’s thinking his next project could incorporate his heroes concept and expand the idea of what a hero may look like.

Cohen advises aspiring photographers to make the most of every experience and not shy away from jobs that might turn into something more. “Everything from film making to traditional assignments has informed my work,” he says. “Make work for yourself, some may like it, some may not, but make it so that you can grow from it in some way.”•

Cohen among the twenty portraits he made for Farewell to Arms, showing at the Perfect Exposure Gallery on the anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy. Photo by Armando Arorizo.

a R bow

The world of auto racing would seem to be as far as one could possibly get from the sleepy, bucolic tranquility of Fairfield County. Yet, our quintessential slice of New England is home to some serious motorsports professionals.

For Anthony Alfredo, (anthonyalfredo.com), the journey from quiet Ridgefield backroads to the high-speed banking of Daytona began while watching races on TV with his NASCAR-loving parents. He started in go-karts when he was only six, balancing racing with his love of stick and ball sports. At 15, he decided to put all his energy into racing, quickly moving up to bigger, faster machinery.

In his first season of Late Model Racing in 2015, Alfredo posted seven top fives, three top threes and a win in only 16 starts. He went on to win the Southeast Limited Late Model Series Pro Division Champion in 2016. In 2021, he was the runner-up for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year in the Cup Series. This year, 24-year old Alfredo is running the full NASCAR Xfinity Series with BJ McLeod Motorsports, piloting his 700 horsepower #78 Chevrolet Camaro. When he’s not on track, he’s still racing, honing his skills

Anthony Alfredo, who hails from Ridgefield, has made a name for himself in the NASCAR world.

Ridgefielder Judy Stropus is one of only 11 women to be inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame.

Leigh Diffey, renowned sports comentator, covers events from racing to the Olympics.

Dickey Rigel, CEO of Lime Rock Park, is focusing on improving the facility and customer experience.

on iRacing.

Of the nearly 300 members of the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America, only 11 are women. Ridgefield’s Judy Stropus was inducted into the Hall in 2021 in recognition of her talents and accomplishments across the automotive motorsports world. While Stropus has an impressive racing resume, competing in a wide range of series, and even running in the outlaw Cannonball cross country race, she earned her place in motorsports history due to her unmatched skills in timing and scoring. Working with the top teams and

drivers of the day including Roger Penske and Mark Donohue, Stropus was able to flawlessly keep track of multiple cars during sportscar endurance races. She is legendary for her unmatched ability to accurately score 24-hour races, without taking a break! Even though she no longer races— beyond the occasional celebrity go-kart event—Stropus is not slowing down. While juggling a long roster of PR clients, she’s also in high demand as a guest speaker and a judge at America’s finest vintage car events, including Connecticut’s annual Greenwich Concours. Throughout Fairfield

County, Stropus can be seen driving her well preserved (and quite adorable) 1952 Lancia Ardea on our winding back roads and hosting her hot ticket monthly auto enthusiast luncheons.

Ridgefield’s Leigh Diffey is one of the most respected and knowledgeable commentators in US motorsports. Even if you don’t know the name, you know the voice. Diffey’s Aussie roots are quickly apparent as he’s delivering his expert commentary on INDYCAR, NASCAR, IMSA and Supercross. With NBC Sports’ studios in Stamford, Diffey moved from Charlotte to Ridgefield in 2014 so he could spend less time traveling and more time with his wife and two boys while anchoring Formula 1 races. When he’s not working, you may spot Diffey riding bikes around town with the family or frequenting his favorite local restaurant, Luc’s. Beyond motorsports, Diffey is the lead play-by-play announcer for NBC Sports coverage of Olympics bobsled and luge in the winter and track & field in the summer games. Having known Diffey for nearly 20 years, I can testify to his incredible work ethic. He is as prepared and professional as the athletes he covers and shows an unwavering passion and intimate understanding of both

Top, Anthony Alfredo on the banking at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Left, Speedsport Tuning crew doing last minute check at Lime Rock Park PCA race.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SPEEDSPORT TUNING

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY ALFREDO

the events and the participants. Each race weekend, fans look forward to Diffey’s trademark call: “it’s time to bring the action!”

Connecticut has a rich motorsports history, from modifieds, to dragsters, to sports cars. Until 1981, Danbury was home to the Danbury Racearena, on the grounds of the Danbury Fair which would draw up to 10,000 cheering spectators on Saturday nights. The state’s most famous auto racing facility is Lime Rock Park (limerock.com) in the northwest corner.

Set among beautiful rolling hills, Lime Rock delivers a wonderful experience for fans who arrive early to claim a spot on the grass. I recommend the infield Spectator Hill which overlooks some of the track’s best action from Big Bend through to the newly named Paul Newman Straight. Lime Rock was Newman’s home track where he competed often, chalking up numerous wins including, when he was 82 years old, in a 900 horsepower Corvette!

Opened in 1957, Lime Rock has hosted some of the world’s greatest cars and drivers. In the mid-eighties, Skip Barber, exFormula 1 racer and founder of the famous racing school, became the park’s owner. Under his stewardship, the track thrived and grew with the creation of the Lime Rock Driver’s Club. In 2021, Barber sold a controlling interest in the operation to a group of local investors who share his vision to preserve the track. The General Partners of the ownership group are Bedford’s Dicky Riegel, Charles Mallory of Greenwich, and Bill Rueckert of Southport. Mallory, an avid auto collector, is the founder of the Greenwich Hospitality Group which owns and operates the Delamar boutique hotels and restaurants in Greenwich, Southport and West Hartford. Rueckert is a BMW racer and an avid member of the Lime Rock Driver’s Club. He has more laps on the track than many pro racers.

We spoke with Riegel, former President and CEO of Airstream, and Lime

Rock’s new CEO, about their plans. The team is investing heavily in improving the facility and customer experience, including an upcoming onsite hotel development— overseen by Mallory—new garages, new food services, and much more. They’re also expanding the calendar to attract younger and more diverse fans. In addition to the annual major events including the Memorial Day Classic, IMSA Northeast Grand Prix on July 20-21, and the Labor Day weekend Historic Festival, Lime Rock is hosting GRIDLIFE Circuit Legends, August 18-20. With a variety of events including drifting and Time Attack, GRIDLIFE attracts the youngest demographic in all of motorsports. One of the most visible and entertaining improvements is Camp Airstream, where you can rent one of three shiny trailers for the ultimate track hospitality experience.

Serious racing however, is not just for the pros. For Northeast Porsche enthusiasts who want to explore the limits of both the car and themselves, Speedsport Tuning in Danbury (sstauto.com) has a Competition Department that handles everything from car prep and transportation to track support and coaching. Geared towards amateurs of all levels, Speedsport has helped their clients win countless podiums and dozens of national championships. From Watkins Glen and Sebring to Road America and COTA, Speedsport’s expert staff is helping racers live out their motorsports dreams on the country’s best tracks. •

Above and left, scenes from the pictureseque Lime Rock Park in Lakeville CT, where fans gather on Spectator Hill as cars race by onto the recently renamed Paul Newman Straight. Photos by Lime Rock

HOSPICE REGIONAL

For many people, hospice can be a scary word and often the focus is only on the dying process, but hospice pilgrimages are much more – they’re about empowering people to have quality of life in their final months, weeks, and days. Since 1983, Regional Hospice has made it its mission to create an individualized experience in which patients live life to the fullest and make the best of every day that they have left. Regional Hospice has been a trailblazer in the industry by providing customized and compassionate end-of-life care to patients of all ages and their loved ones in private homes and in assisted living and nursing facilities.

In 2015, Regional Hospice opened The Center for Comfort Care & Healing in Danbury, an unparalled, concierge-level 36,000 square-foot facility with the mission of providing a continuum of care 24/7 and a choice where patients can die, because not everyone can or wants to die at home. Built under the most current, best practice hospice regulations,

it is the first hospice of its kind in Connecticut and is available to anyone in the U.S. “We believe in a holistic, individualized and dignified hospice experience that focuses on our patients’ physical, spiritual, and emotional needs,” says President and CEO of Regional Hospice, Cynthia Emiry Roy, MS, LCSW, CHA. “Our staff considers it a privilege and honor to serve every one of our patients, helping to ensure they live their best lives and enjoy their loved ones, until the end of life.”

The Center for Comfort Care & Healing treats every patient and family with respect, dignity, integrity, and compassion. Their highly skilled, hospice caregivers work as an interdisciplinary team that includes nurses, social workers, chaplains, bereavement counselors and trained volunteers, all of whom provide clinical, emotional, and spiritual care in an environment designed to feel like home. “Our team is committed to providing the very best care to our patients,” says Roy. “Along with our

devoted staff, our dedicated volunteers are the heart and soul of Regional Hospice.”

From the beautiful, completely accessible Memorial Garden to chefprepared meals to complementary therapies such as reiki and massage, as well as pet therapy, the goal of The Center is to honor each patients’ specific needs. Private suites can accommodate loved ones to visit or spend the night, allowing quality time to be spent with family and friends.

“We rely on donations to cover patient care costs that are not covered by insurance,” says Roy. ”We are so grateful for the generous support of our donors and could not provide the level of care we do without them.”

2023 marks Regional Hospice’s 40th anniversary of providing expert hospice care within our communities in a sacred, mindful and loving way. For more information about the organization’s hospice services and available programs, or to make a donation, please visit makingthebestofeveryday.org •

Back in 1951, it must have been an unusual sight to see children’s book illustrator Richard Scarry tooling around the streets of Ridgefield with his wife Patsy in their snappy black MGTC sports car, especially amidst all the family filled Chevys and Fords. Fresh off a successful nine book run illustrating Little Golden Books and following a European vacation where Scarry acquired the

iconic Tyrolean hat his characters wore, the couple left the hustle and bustle of New York City for the quiet confines of Ridgefield. That was before Richard Scarry’s breakthrough books like The Big Word Book or the Busytown series were published and before he brought Lowly Worm, Huckle Cat, Police Sergeant Murphy or Gorilla Bananas to life.

In a recent interview

from his home in Vienna, Huck (Richard McClure Scarry Jr.) who took the reins when his father died in 1994, said he has no idea why his parents chose Ridgefield when they decided to escape the crowded city. He speculates that it could have been to move nearer to close friends. Or perhaps they wanted to be in the country to raise the family they soon hoped to have.

Regardless, it

by Gerri Lewis

was a pivotal time in Scarry’s career. That was the year he ventured out to both write and illustrate his first solo book. With the publication of The Great Big Car and Truck Book where Richard and Patsy can be seen bouncing along in their signature sports car on the title page, he began to find his niche.

The famed writer was 32 years old when he and Patsy moved to a cramped little cottage on Conklin Farm located on North Street. Soon after, Patsy who originally worked in advertising, decided that she would write her own Little Golden Books, some of which Scarry illustrated including The Bunny Book, dedicated to their son Huck, who was born in 1953.

Huck surmises that they eventually parted editorial ways because they “both had big egos.” Before ending their collaboration, however, they published among others, Good Night Little Bear, modeled after the family routine of getting Huck to bed

each night. While Huck doesn’t remember much about his first five years living in Ridgefield, the illustrations resonate. Wide plank floors, a small staircase, an old clock, midcentury furnishings, the big stone fireplace, a garden and especially his mother sitting at her Singer sewing machine are all drawn from life in their cottage. Huck thinks his parents must have been oracles because on the last page of The Bunny Book, another of their collaborative efforts, they depict a grown child tucking his own children into the four bunkbeds lining the wall. Huck only realized later, as the father of four, how coincidental that was.

Most of Scarry’s earlier illustrations were painted, requiring a lot of time and technique. It was his transition to largerformat books where pages were crowded with lots of different things that he began to draw his illustrations instead, thereby saving time and giving him more creative license. Using a technique called Blueboards, he first finished line illustrations that would be sent to a photoengraver where a transparent offset film for printing would be made. The film was used to print his illustration in a very pale blue tint onto an illustration board or paper. Scarry would then color-in his books with gouache paints using the pale blue lines for guidance.

“He would have the black-line overlay film to check his colors and see that they matched up with the drawings,” says Huck. Scarry would then paint one color at a time—first everything that was red, then yellow, blue, green and so on. As he got old enough, Huck would often help him fill in the colors.

In his lifetime, Scarry is attributed to writing and/ or illustrating over 300 books, many translated into multiple languages and with worldwide sales of over 100 million with many of his greatest successes taking place right here in Fairfield County. The Road to Busytown, an exhibit highlighting Scarry’s life in Ridgefield and Westport can be seen through May 14, at Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824. Designed for children and adults alike, this hands-on romp through Busytown with its anthropomorphic animals also offers many photographs and historical references from the family album.

Wanting more space and less isolation, the Scarry’s moved to Westport in 1958. Five years later he had his first best seller with Richard Scarry’s Best Word Book Ever. The last books created while he lived in the United States were the Busytown books and with them came the birth of his most memorable characters.

Huck describes his family life as straight out of a fairy tale with his dad working from home, always taking a break to toss the ball or take him sailing. They would often climb into the car for a family adventure. Their love of travel was instilled in their son early and when Huck was ten,

they sailed to Europe for two months where equipped with a Eurail pass, they basically lived on a train. Busy Busy World was loosely based on those experiences.

One day Scarry announced that all he needed to work were his papers, pencils and a post office, so they packed only three small suitcases and moved to Lausanne, Switzerland for a year where they would be close to the ski slopes and where they might learn to speak French.

“We had no residency permits or visas. We just turned up there,” says Huck, who by then was in his teens. When the local police asked him to explain himself, Scarry showed up with an armful of his books. “The chief, who had children of his own, pulled out a residency permit, stamped it and said, welcome,” says Huck.

Later, the family moved to Gstaad, a resort town known for skiing and hiking where Scarry lived until his death in 1994. Patsy followed a year later. In his later years, despite failing health, Scarry continued to work, often

with Huck by his side. While Huck was a talented children’s book author himself, he had reservations about keeping his father’s work alive. “I knew I could write. I knew I could draw,” he says. “But could I draw his characters?”

What he found is that while it is always a challenge to emulate his father’s style, he was drawn to the many interesting stories these characters had to tell. “The fun part of continuing with my father’s books is that I let myself go and have fun being silly, trying to emulate my father’s sense of humor,” he says. “Often when I’m working I’ll find myself smiling and I feel his spirit right there looking over my shoulder. It has made me realize just how brilliant my father was.” •

A Mission to Save an Iconic Species

by Dylan Miller

Residents near Buck Run in South Salem, NY have more than likely heard a sound that is perhaps one of the most iconic sounds of true wilderness. It’s a sound that has inspired awe and fear for hundreds of generations and has made its way into popular media and folklore in cultures around the world: the howling of wolves.

While otherwise rare, if not impossible, to hear in most of the Eastern US, it’s a very common occurrence at the Wolf Conservation Center (WCC) in South Salem, NY, which is currently home to 30 wolves as part of a thriving conservation program that began with the passion of one extraordinary woman.

In 1999, WCC Founder Helene Grimaud put her career as a professional classical pianist on hold to establish an educational center to teach people about wolves and their significance, especially with all the fears and fables surrounding them in our culture. Her goal was to use the wolves to inspire love of all living things so we could be better stewards of nature. It was a mom and pop operation, fueled by passion and care for the wolves. Once the wolf center got its grounding and became well established, she stepped back and returned to her career, performing at Carnegie Hall in NYC, the Royal Albert Hall in London, and similar venues across the world. Today, the WCC is contributing to the preservation of two critically endangered species that few have heard of and even fewer have seen in person.

Top: WCC Founder Helene Grimaud and Alawa, one of the ambassador timber wolves.

Middle: WCC Curator Rebecca Bose with Mexican gray wolf pup “Crumbo” moments before the pup was inserted into a wild den.

Bottom: The beloved ambassador wolf Nikai (meaning “Little Saint” or One Who Wanders”) who joined the Wolf Conservation Center family as a tan and gray wolf pup in May of 2014. He is the youngest ambassador and lives with his older sister, Alawa.

“In the early 2000’s, we were invited to participate in the Species Survival Plan for 2 critically endangered species; the red wolf and the Mexican grey wolf,” said WCC Executive Director Maggie Howell. “Beyond housing and caring for the wolves, our participation means we’re collaborating with a network of zoos, scientists, and state and federal agencies to grow the captive population, augment their genetic diversity, conduct research, and make recommendations for release.”

Conservation in Action

Today, the WCC has 18 Mexican grey wolves and 10 red wolves. These wolves are precious members of their species, as their populations in the wild were nearly extinguished.

Mexican grey wolves were all but

extinct in the wild due to over-hunting and conflict with humans, until in 1977 the US Fish and Wildlife Service, in collaboration with the Mexican government, embarked on a plan to conserve the species and launched a captive breeding program with the seven remaining known Mexican grey wolves. The service released the first captive-born Mexican grey wolves back into the wild in 1998. Today, there are roughly 241 individuals in the wild.

Red wolves have a similar history. They were considered biologically extinct in 1980 and were placed in captivity to eventually release them back into the wild beginning in 1987. The red wolves were part of a pilot program for releasing wolves into the wild, and after that there was the iconic release of timber wolves back into Yellowstone beginning in 1995. The pup cross-foster program also began with red wolves. It’s been court ordered for the re-introduction and recovery planning, and researchers are waiting to see what areas can provide the best habitat, tolerance, and policies for

the recovery of the red wolf population. Currently, red wolves are only living in the Northeast area North Carolina.

“Wolves are a political hot potato, but there has been a re-commitment from the government, and as a result the first known breeding pair in the wild noted for the first time in a while,” said Howell. “The Mexican grey wolf program releases captive-born animals only through the initiative called cross-fostering; when pups no older than 2 weeks old are brought out of the facility, then inserted into wild dens. It takes a lot of coordination, as US Fish and Wildlife Service and the state wildlife agencies have to find where the wild wolves are denning, and it’s a broad, vast wilderness. Then we have to hope the birth of the captive pups line up with the wild newborns.”

In 2019, the WCC participated in this effort by releasing two pups, Hope and Crumbo, into the wild. They were pups of wolves that remain at the center; Trumpet, the mother, and her mate Lighthawk who was moved from Arizona after a conflict

between his family and local cattle. “In 2018 or 2019, we had a total of 21 puppies at the facility,” said Howell. “These pups, beyond being adorable, represent the future of the recovery of their species. It gives me goosebumps to think of adults released into the wild. That’s really what it’s all about.”

The red wolf is even more critically endangered. There are only 14 known individuals in the wild. With 10 individuals at the WCC, they are a key program to ensuring the survival of this species in the wild.

Joining the Effort

Visitors to the WCC are not guaranteed to see many of these wolves, as the wolves must not get too accustomed to the presence of humans in order for them to survive in the wild. However, there is a chance to see some Mexican grey wolves and red wolves in the front enclosures if they choose to make themselves known.

Visitors are however guaranteed to see at least two wolves, the ambassador timber

wolves Alawa and Nikai. “We want to make sure these are animals that aren’t just living in capacity unless they are forging a connection between our visitors and their wild kin,” said Howell.

These two white wolves have been forging that connection for years. The result? A community that cares deeply for them and come together for the stewardship of nature.

“Our community is so supportive,” said Howell. “We have the police and fire department always calling us if there is road kill to feed the wolves, but sometimes even the neighbors would drive up with deer roadkill in the back of their Subaru! Of course, you don’t need to do that in order to help. If you see roadkill in New York, call 914-763-2373 and someone will come pick it up for the wolves.”

To see the wide diversity of programs, live cameras, conservation efforts, and donation opportunities, visit nywolf.org •

Left: A family of red wolves at WCC.

Right: Mexican gray wolf Lighhawk

Five Questions With

AndyPowell

by Julia Bruce

Photos by Bing Liem

O68: This year you are celebrating 50 years of your album, Live Dates, what is the significance of this album for you personally, and as Wishbone Ash? How did the release of this album change the trajectory of your life and career?

AP: Live Dates followed our globally successful Argus album, which had taken us to the top of the UK charts. There simply weren’t that many genuine live rock albums produced at that time. Obviously, The Allman Brothers; Live At The Fillmore and The Who Live At Leeds come to mind, but Live Dates, with the iconic Hipgnosis artwork, was significant in that it was right up there with those albums in terms of energy and sonic excellence.

We are firmly known as an album band, so we were never acknowledged as a singles band. Therefore, the touring and live shows have very much been a corner stone of my life. You could say that Live Dates, in a way, initiated the trajectory of my life and career and I’ve been on the road permanently ever since.

O68: While your group was initially formed in England, you are currently living in Redding, CT. What’s your favorite part of Connecticut living?

AP: My wife and I have lived in this part of Connecticut for decades, and right here in Redding for over 40 years. Having traveled worldwide, I can honestly say this area beats pretty much any place that I’ve traveled to or worked in. The clearly defined seasons, the wonderful nature, the small towns, the cosmopolitan, liberal aspect of it - all resonates with me. For example, in my down

time, I love to walk the trails, kayak and go fishing. I can truly relax here. Finally, I’m most comfortable with the fact that the history of the area is all around you, in the buildings and in the traditions, just as it is in Europe and that gives me a sense of calmness and continuity.

O68: Are there any preshow rituals you and the group do to ensure a successful performance?

AP: I usually drink a shot of good scotch whiskey! Ha, ha.

O68: If you were given a wishbone, what would your wish be?

AP: Travel has given me a perspective and a wider global understanding which I’m grateful for. I’m all too aware of the tensions in the current climate that we’re living in. Without sounding trite, I would wish for more of that general understanding and pragmatism in the world.

O68: What can people expect from your Ridgefield Playhouse concert on June 14th?

AP: We’ll feature fan favorite songs from the aforementioned classic albums - those that folks might expect from us, plus a few surprises - songs from our most recent album, Coat of Arms. Being known as a guitar band, there will be a goodly amount of great guitar playing centered around the twin lead guitar format that we’ve pioneered through the years. •

of Wishbone Ash

How Local Open-mics Create Culture, Community—and Careers

by Dave Goldenberg

I’m with my friend Belle at Bethel’s Notch8 restaurant for their Monday night open mic. She has an easy smile and a lovely singing voice and - at the momenta bad case of nerves.

“Get ready,” I whisper. “You’re up next.”

Belle, a psychotherapist in her mid-thirties, has been playing and singing privately for years, but this will be her debut public performance.

She suffers from acute stage fright, a condition into which her training gives her insight: “The cortex cuts off. My body freezes and my mind goes blank. It’s somewhere between panic and a panic attack,” she says.

As a former open mic host, I’ve assured Belle that stage fright is the norm. It takes a lot of guts to stand up in front of an audience, and first-time meltdowns

aren’t uncommon. I chose not to relay the advice jokingly offered by Patrick Worster, the talented musician hosting this night’s open mic: “Expect to suck.”

Belle, fashionable in black, has stepped up to the mic. She’s scribbled the first line of her songs on her hand, just in case. I’ve coached her to take a good cleansing breath and then sing like she’s telling a story.

Belle is all smiles after her first open-mic performance at Notch8 restaurant in Bethel, CT.

PHOTO BY DAVE GOLDENBERG

If you blank, I tell her, just pause, breathe, and it will come back to you.

She performs flawlessly. The noisy room quiets and people turn to listen. After two covers and an original, Belle leaves the stage beaming to enthusiastic applause. It couldn’t have gone better.

What we think of as an open mic is said to have emerged from the Greenwich Village “hootenannies” of the 1950s, which in turn grew out of the Harlem jazz and

night or what we called Hoot Night, before their careers took off,” says Robbie Woliver, who owned Greenwich Village’s iconic Folk City and captured the storied scene in his book Bringing It All Back Home. “During my time running Folk City, Suzanne Vega, Shawn Colvin, Lucinda Williams and so many others were Hoot Night regulars— as were the likes of Bob Dylan and Judy Collins, well before them.”

However, open mic nights can draw more than wannabes. Phil Ciganer, who launched the region’s first open mic at his Towne Crier Cafe in the early ‘70s, says established players often show up to try out new material. And Fred Ball, open-mic host at the late-lamented Georgetown Saloon, recalls the night Redding resident Keith Richards showed up. “But just to listen,” Ball recalls. “He didn’t accept my invitation

John Conner, co-owner of the Sugar Hollow Taproom, on the Ridgefield-Danbury line, is on a mission to help people like Belle onto the first rung. Sugar Hollow holds open mic nights, open comedy nights and singer-songwriter showcases. Conner, a musician himself, reminds me of the old adage: “They say a live performance is worth a thousand rehearsals.” At the Towne Crier, now in Beacon, NY, Ciganer says he looks for talented open mic-ers to play showcases (featuring three to five players) or even to open for national touring acts.

On the other hand, many open mic-ers are content simply to share their talents with their local peers. The community that forms around an open mic becomes a welcoming family, whose members support and encourage each other. They’re generous and not just in spirit. When Dean Snellback,

frequent open mic-er and leader of the popular Bluesyland Band, lost everything in an apartment fire last September, the local music community stepped up, donating money, lending musical gear and helping him get back on his feet.

Tony Heslin, proprietor of Bethel’s Note Kitchen & Bar and the aforementioned Notch8, marvels at the community that has sprung up around the Monday open mic he launched in 2016. “It immediately exceeded my expectations,” Heslin says, “and Monday became my favorite night of the week.”

While restaurants like the Note often stage open mics to draw business on otherwise slow weeknights, performers can struggle to be heard above the clattering plates and chattering patrons. Quieter open mics, so-called “listening rooms,” are often held in public venues, such as libraries, community centers, churches and synagogues. Here, performers are afforded rapt attention.

Belle’s next performance is at such a listening room, at Sherman’s JCC. Still glowing from her debut, she launches into Christina Aguilera’s “Genie in a Bottle.” About a minute in, she blanks. But she doesn’t panic or apologize or melt down. As I’ve coached her, she pauses, takes a breath, and after a few moments the words come back. She earns hearty applause from a sympathetic and appreciative audience.

When word gets out about a good open mic, the audience can fill with live-music lovers who know an affordable night out when they see one. But the core performers remain to be people whose day jobs haven’t snuffed out their love of playing music for others. People like Belle, like me. Maybe even like you.

In fact, you’re up next. •

Above left, Belle performing for a lively crowd at Notch8. Above, right, Peter Strouse on drums and Mike Latini on guitar combine their talent in a set.

PHOTO BY DAVE GOLDENBERG

PHOTO BY FRED BALL

ACT of CT Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine works with Jasper Burger and George Aronow on how to approach character development and scene study for their upcoming shared role.

A magical opportunity for young actors

by Holly Frank

If you have seen a production at ACT of Connecticut in Ridgefield, then you are familiar with the level of talent that the theater employs. ACT of CT’s phenomenal casts consist of professional actors whose credits read like a regular “who’s who” of Broadway and has become one of the most highly respected regional theaters in our area, even receiving a Grammy nomination last season. Aside from producing the highest caliber shows, ACT of CT is equally committed to inspiring and nurturing young aspiring thespians. ACT of CT’s Educational Programs provide training and opportunity which has proven to be invaluable for participating students.

The final show of ACT of CT’s 5th season will be The Secret Garden (running May 18th through June 11th). This threetime Tony Award winning musical will be one of ACT of CT’s largest productions and promises to enthrall audiences with its breathtaking score, magical storyline, and stunning scenic design. Daniel C. Levine, ACT of CT’s Artistic Director says, “The Secret Garden is one of the most beautiful shows ever to be produced on Broadway and the show’s music is second to none. For this production, we are implementing a new technology on our stage - audiences can expect to see something brand-new. It’s going to be stunning!”

ACT of CT’s production of The Secret Garden boasts an impressive 22 actors. With Broadway credits ranging from Wicked, Les Miserables, The Sound of Music, and Jesus Christ Superstar, this company of highly experienced actors upholds ACT of CT’s mission of “Bringing Broadway to Ridgefield”.

The original 1991 Broadway production starred TV, film, and theater

legend Mandy Patinkin as Archibald, alongside Tony Award winner, Rebecca Luker as Lily. Both Patinkin and Luker received glowing reviews for their performances in the show, including Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award nominations, but it was a relatively unknown 11-year-old from Brooklyn who dazzled audiences and garnered the preponderance of the production’s critical acclaim. Daisy Eagan became the youngest actress ever to win the Tony Award for Best Performance by A Featured Actress for her portrayal of Mary Lennox in The Secret Garden, the show’s central character. The role is a complex one, and Daisy Eagan’s depiction possessed a depth, emotion, and subtlety that even the most seasoned professionals work years to master.

There are two principal roles for young actors in The Secret Garden - Mary Lennox and Colin Craven - a young boy who has been locked away for most of his life. The Secret Garden is a musical that is not widely produced in regional theaters because it can often prove challenging to cast these younger roles. Finding young actors between the ages of 10-13 who can handle the show’s sophisticated material is a daunting task.

For four years, ACT of CT’s youth educational opportunities have included masterclasses, lessons, teen conservatory programs, summer performance camps, internships, and apprenticeships. The theater has brought on a wide array of professional teaching artists to work with its students and the program has expanded significantly.

When one of the theater’s main stage productions calls for a young actor, ACT of CT’s students are given the opportunity to

audition. To date, ACT of CT’s productions of Evita, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, and The Secret Garden all called for a few children to be a part of the cast. Those youngsters selected are given the rare opportunity to star opposite some of the industries most skilled performers.

In the upcoming production of The Secret Garden, Jasper Burger and George Aronowboth 11 years old - will be sharing the role of Colin Craven. The two boys will be rehearsing and performing alongside the professional acting company and will be an integral part of the production.

“I am so excited to play the role of Colin,” says Jasper Burger. “This is a fun role for me because Colin shows a range of emotion, from throwing temper tantrums to singing about the connection that he wishes he had with his father and deceased mother. I loved the book, and I can’t wait to work with Daniel Levine and the amazing cast members to bring this musical to life.”

George Aronow has been involved with

past ACT of CT’s educational programshaving participated in the theater’s wildly popular summer camp program in 2021. His previous participation in ACT of CT’s programs has helped him prepare for his upcoming role in The Secret Garden

George’s parents Hilary and Mike Aronow say, “Our son had an exceptional experience participating in ACT’s summer program. It gave him the skills and confidence that he needed to shine on stage, and he has continued to grow and thrive. George is beyond excited about this incredible opportunity to appear in The Secret Garden. This is such a special and rare opportunity, and we are grateful to ACT for these amazing experiences.”

Sharing the stage with Broadway credited talent must certainly feel both exciting and intimidating for the show’s three young performers. ACT of CT gives them a foundation that sets young actors up for success. •

Top Left, Director Daniel C. Levine’s notated script for The Secret Garden documenting blocking and choreography. Top Right, Daisy Eagan receiving her Tony Award in 1991. Bottom, preliminary scenic designs for the production, created by the director and scenic designer, that will eventually be drafted and sent out to be built.

Tips from Local Designers on Rejuvenating the Home

by Dylan Miller

Do you feel it’s important to freshen up the home with some kind of tidying, redesign, or rethinking of how the home is lived in?

LTW Design: Spring is an opportunity to look at your home and how you live in the rooms - take stock of what works and what you’d like to change. Maybe switch up a floor plan slightly, edit extra items you haven’t used, and change a color platte. I truly believe less is more. The more stuff we have equals clutter in our home and clutter translates to stress. Only have what you need, use, and love to look at in your home. It is your sanctuary.

Jill Rae: This is an interesting question, importance depends on the client. Some people are creatures of habit and have their home set up in a way they feel comfortable. I do think it is nice if you can create a space that works best for your family. Changing things up to allow for a space to be more functional can make all the family happier and more comfortable.

Olley Court: I do feel it’s important to change things up seasonally. It can be a simple swap of pillows or throws, changing out tabletop books for more brightly colored ones, adding in some house plants or forcing bulbs in small colorful vases. I just added quince branches to a tall vase on a table in my living room where the blooms will last several weeks. I like to add shades of greens, blues, pinks and lilac in early spring months. You can place small tabletop accessories like hand blown glass bud vases on a beside table or refresh your bar area with linen napkins. Try a beautiful table runner with a pop of color in the dining room or kitchen. These are easily washable and the texture of linen is delightful. It’s also a good time to add a fresh coat of paint to high traffic areas like a mudroom or playroom. Organize with baskets and add new floor mats for springtime mud and water in the entrance.

Molly Hirsch: Yes! I feel it is essential to have your home ever-evolving to keep up with your current needs: how you live daily, how you interact with your family, how you entertain, etc. Our needs change as we go through the various stages of our lives,

Natural light, clean lines, bold neutrals and layered textures are the elements that define an LTW home.

and our home needs to evolve to meet those needs.

Many might like to re-design their entire home and get the full design refresh for the warm season. But considering homeowners with a budget or limited time who might only be able to focus on one floor, or even one room, where is the best place to start?

Jill Rae: The best place to start is the heart of the home. Where everyone congregates and spends most of their time. Especially in a family setting, might as well enjoy your space the most while all the family is together. To me, the kitchen and family room are the main areas of the home. Not only do you hangout there as a family, but this allows you to entertain with ease as well.

Olley Court: I recommend starting with decluttering and organizationing your spaces. Just having some negative space and living in an organized home, can elevate your mood and make life in the house easier. Simple touches like fresh flowers in small bud vases can bring spring into the home. Give some thought to the most problematic room in the house and consider why it doesn’t work for you or your family. What, if anything, does work about the space and start with that room.

LTW Design: If you can’t jump into a complete home renovation, we recommend starting with just one room and it should be the room you use the most. Remove design elements that are no longer working for you and layer in those that you dream about. It can be as much as painting, refinishing floors and purchasing all new furniture or as little as swapping out existing accessories for new ones, removing/changing window treatments, adding artwork and new throw pillows.

Molly Hirsch: I would start with the places you and your family spend the most time or the room that is the least functional and

is causing the most problems. Starting there will have the most impact on your daily life. Create one space you love and fully complete it, so you have a place in your home that brings you joy, instead of trying to fix a little bit in every room and not accomplishing a complete design—this can lead to a bit of frustration. Then, when the time is right, you can move to the next space.

Are there any foundational design tips you could offer a first-time client wanting a spring refresh? Kind of a “you can’t go wrong with...” list for those that are hesitant to experiment?

Jill Rae: Less is better! I think the best way to refresh a space is to minimize window treatments, freshen up the walls with a new paint color and organize your space.

Olley Court: I would urge people to buy a piece they love and build around it. Buy a good quality foundation piece like a chair or sofa. You will have it for life and it can always be re-upholstered down the road. Buy real art - a piece you love will make you smile every time you pass it in your home. I often witness people just buying tons of stuff to fill a house and none of it has any meaning or importance. This will not make you happy when you look at it. Your home should be a place of peace, joy and bliss. Pillows and throws that are textural and natural materials will last much longer and feel better to the touch than poly filled ones. Think of the senses - touch, smell, sightwhen purchasing for your home. `Organic, natural fibers are the best for you, your children, and the environment.

Molly Hirsch: You can’t go wrong with accessories for a spring refresh. Accessories are the easiest and most cost-effective way to refresh any space and help you gain confidence in designing your rooms. A stack of books, a pretty object, or a decorative tray can change the feel of a coffee table or console. And never underestimate the power of flowers and plants to give your space the

Jill Rae Designs has recently opened a full showroom at 19 Governor Street in Ridgefield, CT. They serve all of fairfield county and the surrounding areas.

JILL RAE DESIGNSMINDY BLAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

instant feeling of spring.

So much changes through the years in terms of preference. Are there any trends or color combinations that have stood the test of time?

Molly Hirsch: I’d say the most classic color combination that has stood the test of time is blue and white. It’s combination can be so many things; fresh, playful, traditional, dramatic, soft, soothing, bold, preppy, edgy, modern, etc. Blue has been named the most popular color worldwide. Some say we are attracted to blue because it is so prevalent in nature and in such calming ways: the bluebird sky or magnificent oceans. Blue in our homes can evoke that same feeling we get when outside on a sunny day or at the beach— calmness and relaxation—so it’s no wonder that it has stood the test of time.

Jill Rae: Neutrals and natural materials such as woods and leathers, will always be on trend. When you think of long-term, stick to neutral colors. Color can always be added with accessories!

Olley Court: The best advice here is to buy what you love and it will stand the test of time. I always find a way to mix pieces that clients love with newer pieces to flush out the spaces. Trends like shag carpets are not necessarily gone but just done differently now. Styles change and color stories come and go, but classic schemes will stand up for years to come. With all the plain gray and white we have seen in the past ten years, I am happy to see people incorporating some rich hues in their accessories, if not in the upholstered pieces.

LTW Design: A neutral color palette will always be timeless. Trendy colors come and go but black, white and light beige will always be classics.

Any new trends/requests that surprise you? How would you guide a client who has always lived with off-white walls and neutral

Molly Hirsch Interiors’ client centric approach to design results in spaces that are tailor-made to the client’s lives and personal style.

MOLLY HIRSCHPHOTO BY JENNIFER MORIARTY

color furniture who wants to really experiment with something a little more Avant Garde to spice things up?

Olley Court: We work on a variety of projects and clients from all walks of life. For example, at the moment we are in full renovation of a 1905 historic home in Chappaqua and a mid century modern, tech-built home in CT, among other projects in Florida, RI, CA, NY and CT. Each project calls for a unique approach so no requests surprise us anymore. Depending on the project and clients’ personalities we bring color in through accessories, art, pillows and throws. We are in love with all shades of teal and green as the market has exploded with color this season. We have just completed a project with a blue/green kitchen, ordered velvet chairs in teal, created window seats in emerald green. We spend a lot of time interviewing, questioning and deciphering clients’ needs and wishes prior to presenting color concepts. Color is extremely personal. Each room in a house presents different lighting and mood which paint, furnishings and art need to enhance. For someone who just wants to give color a try and isn’t committed to a full redesign, I would start with colorful pillows and throws or a fantastic large piece of art on the white

wall. We have so many amazing local artists who are willing to bring pieces to the home and try out scale and color.

Jill Rae: I am obsessed with warm tones, dark green, mustard and charcoal. I love a good moody space, I feel it brings a ton of character to a room and adds a fun element to your home and style. This can also be done by adding in many different types of fabrics. Mixing leather with velvets is a big one!

LTW Design: Honestly, we tend to stay more neutral but if a client wanted something more bold we love doing rooms all black. Think walls, trim and ceiling all painted black. It sounds scary but our clients have loved spending time in their black rooms and have reported that it is actually very relaxing and easier to focus in.

Molly Hirsch: For someone who has always lived with off-white walls and neutral furniture, I would suggest to start with pops of color with accessories to build up their color confidence. If they are feeling adventurous, a great place to start with bold color or design is the powder bathroom— makes it more fun to go in there - pick a fun paint for the walls, trim, or ceiling. •

Olley Court is located at 1 Big Shop Lane next to TerraSole in Ridgefield. Projects consist of new builds, full renovations and interior design projects across the country.

A New World of Fashion

It has often been quoted – from the likes of Shakespeare to Mark Twain – that clothes make the man. For award-winning American fashion designer Christian Siriano, clothes make the man, the woman, and everyone who identifies anywhere in between. “I’ve always believed that fashion should be for all,” says Siriano. He has built his illustrious career and brand based on the conviction that fabulous clothes should be for everybody and every body.

Making a name for yourself in the competitive world of fashion design is not easy. Siriano’s career path has been one characterized by amazing opportunities and hard work. He studied at the American InterContinental University in London where he had the chance to apprentice at both Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. After returning to New York, Siriano auditioned for and won Project Runway in 2008. That same year, he launched his eponymous collection at New York Fashion Week. His continued success has been the result of his talent, creativity, tenaciousness, and fearlessness. “It’s not one thing that has led me to where I am today with my career, but lots of little things that have built over the years,” says Siriano. “I don’t shy away from something even if it’s not the typical route a designer would take – whether it’s an untraditional collaboration or dressing a certain person on the red carpet or putting curvier women on my runway, I’ve always been open to trying new and exciting things.”

by Julia Bruce

PHOTO BY SARA KERENS

Siriano says his passion for diversity and inclusivity began in his childhood. He grew up in a household where his mom was a curvy size 16 and his sister had a lean size 0 body. They were his first muses and recipients of his initial designs. “They both loved the same type of clothes and we’d all shop together. It never occurred to me that you couldn’t get the same dress in different sizes,” says Siriano. When the high-fashion world painted a different picture, Siriano grew frustrated and decided then that his brand needed to challenge that idea. “I believe in celebrating all women,” he says. As one of the few top designers to use plus-sized models on his runway, Siriano believes in showing people that his designs can work on all different types of bodies. He has continuously been the designer to answer the call when celebrities, who aren’t the standard size, find themselves without a designer before an event.

Even though Siriano’s designs have been worn by icons - from Lady Gaga to Oprah to Michelle Obama - he remains

Top left, Siriano’s detailed sketches for a design that eventually was worn by Coco Rocha at the CFDA Awards in 2014. Above, in his Soho studio, the painstaking process of taking a dress from idea to fruition takes patience and time. Photo credit Brad Walsh. Top right, Sketch and final product of Siriano’s Birds of Prey design from his Fall 2019 collection.

Photo credit Shane LaVancher. Right, Siriano makes final adjustments to the Spring 2019 dress that was worn by Celine Dion. Photo credit Shane LaVancher.

“There’s a customer at every tier, every price point – that’s how our culture is. I wanted to make sure that people like my mom, a schoolteacher, and my friends, and anyone really, can buy my designs and look fabulous.”

Part of Siriano’s 2011 Spring/Summer ready-to-wear line, this beautifully tiered, ruffle strapless gown with an intricate bodice (seen being worked on in his studio on the previous page) was worn by Taylor Swift. Photo credit Brad Walsh.

This stunning Spring 2023 design with sheer sleeves and midriff was worn on the red carpet by Janelle Monae. Photo credit Sara Kerens.

committed to making fashion accessible to all. Throughout his career, Siriano has partnered with mainstream brands, including Payless, JJill, and HSN, with the mission of making his clothing available and affordable to everyone. “There’s a customer at every tier, every price point – that’s how our culture is. I wanted to make sure that people like my mom, a schoolteacher, and my friends, and anyone really, can buy my designs and look fabulous.”

Keeping in line with this philosophy, in 2022, Siriano opened The Collective West in Westport, CT so that he could continue to meet the needs of every customer. “I’m so proud of what we’ve built there. I love the range of price points we represent,” he says. “There are designer pieces on the high end, but we also offer extremely affordable selections. That’s what style and fashion are all about.”

The creative process for any designer is as unique as their style. For Siriano, inspiration for his creations can stem from anywhere: a trip abroad, a piece of architecture, or even an actress, such as his 2023 Spring collection that was influenced by Audrey Hepburn and her television show in which she toured gardens of the

world. “I’m very receptive to new ideas,” says Siriano. “I don’t get stuck on just one.” The journey from a concept in his head to a dress on a body is a multi-stepped one. “I sketch everything out – I get really obsessed with an idea,” he says. Making the final dress is a process that requires time and patience. In emergencies, however, dresses can be recreated in mere days, as was the case when, the week before the 2023 Oscars, a burst water pipe damaged dresses in his Soho studio. “While that was a crazy time, it was

a learning experience for us and I always try to take a negative and make it a positive and move forward,” he says.

While there may be pieces in a collection that he loves more than others, Siriano, like an adoring parent, says he doesn’t have an all-time favorite dress. Rather, he gets excited about pieces that achieve unexpected greatness - red carpet looks that garner surprising attention. For example, the first time he first dressed Leslie Jones in 2020. “Even though it was a simple

“I just have to do what’s right for me and my brand. It won’t be for everybody, but it will be for somebody, and if it changes someone’s life for the better, then I’ve done my job.”

Siriano poses backstage with models Coco Rocha (left) and Karen Elson (right) who are showcasing two of his creations from his Fall 2022 runway show. Photo credit Sara Kerens.

This colorful design was part of Siriano’s Paris show in 2020. Photo credit Sara Kerens.

design,” he says, “it really changed the idea of who’s getting dressed for the red carpet and what they can wear.”

Siriano’s willingness to innovate has led him to produce some iconic looks that have irrevocably altered the perspective of the fashion world. That infamous black tuxedo dress he designed for Billy Porter at the 2019 Oscars has been deemed the dress that broke the internet. “It was a really powerful moment,” Siriano says, “because no man had ever worn a dress on the red carpet before. It changed the game and opened doors for every person to wear what they want to wear.”

Siriano acknowledges that all art is subjective, even the art of fashion, and while there will always be critics and those who don’t appreciate your work, he refuses to back down on his beliefs. “I just have to do what’s right for me and my brand. It won’t be for everybody, but it will be for somebody, and if it changes someone’s life for the better, then I’ve done my job,” he says.

Reflecting on the trajectory of his career, Siriano offers advice to aspiring fashion designers. “This can be a hard business. You have to really love it – you need to sleep, eat and breathe it,” he says. Trying to be too many things at once is a pitfall he often sees with emerging designers. “Find your niche,” advises Siriano. “If you’re really good at evening wear, then perfect that and make it the best it can be. Make sure your career is focused until you have a core business, and then expand.” Above all else, Siriano says you need to remain true to yourself, while keeping an open mind. “Risk taking is very important in this business in order to stand out in the crowd. Push yourself to try new things,” he says.

Siriano has certainly followed his own advice. With his brand well-established in the fashion realm, he has branched out and continues to share his creative perspective on the world through other mediums. To his list of accomplishments and accolades, Siriano has, in recent years, added author, artist and most recently, interior designer. “At the end of the day, you have to be proud of what you’ve created,” he says. •

by Julia Bruce

For children everywhere, summer is a time to relax and have fun. For many, it’s also a time for camp. Working and non-working parents have long relied on summer camps to occupy their children, and in fact, the first recreational summer camp was right here in Connecticut. The earliest summer camps were created in the 1870’s in response to the mass migration of families to cities after the Industrial Revolution. At the time, summer camp was only available for boys because experts believed that it would be detrimental for young boys to spend so many hours inside while their parents went to work at factories. Much

better for them to be out in nature, engaging in appropriate outdoor male activities. Not long after, people realized kids of all genders and ages can benefit from summer camp experiences.

Today, parents still recognize the advantages of signing their children up for summer camps. One of the most obvious is making social connections. Often, kids are separated from their classmates and peers over the summer months, so camp provides an opportunity to interact with kids they might not have the chance to during the school year. Lauren Decandido of Ridgefield says, “Camp is a great way for kids to strengthen their social skills and have a

Ridgefield Academy

chance to foster new friendships.”

Camp can also offer children a sense of independence, especially with a sleep away camp format. Ridgefielder Juliana Mitchell LaGuravenes sent her daughter to a 4-H camp with the hope that she would experience, in a safe environment, the separation and independence that a preteen needs to grow. She also wanted to help her daughter build upon that gained memory beyond the summer months. “We often remind her of her bravery in taking on that sleepaway camp and encourage her to be open to trying new activities while meeting new friends,” says Mitchell LaGuravenes.

Mike Kazlauskas, Senior Camp and Sports Director of the Riverbrook YMCA in Wilton, agrees that one of the most valuable aspects of the summer camp experience is the opportunity for self-growth. “Camp is an environment that is rare to come by, where our youth have the ability to feel comfortable being themselves. Here, they can find out who they truly are,” he says. The YMCA’s Camp Gordyland offers a variety of unique and fun activities ranging from archery to gourmet cooking. “Whether it is getting the chance to step out of their shell to try a new game or conquering their fears on the High Ropes Course, camp is a truly magical place that brings joy, happiness, and confidence into the lives of so many children,” says Kazlauskas.

Tavern Museum and History Center

Camps can also be educational. The unique history programs offered at Ridgefield’s Keeler Tavern Museum and History Center are a perfect example of how to balance learning with fun. Their Time Travel theme gives kids the opportunity to feel empowered as historians. They can let their imaginations run wild as they ‘travel’ back in time, exploring different time periods and finding clues to help interpret the past. “Keeler Kids summer program makes learning about local history fun, accessible, and engaging for kids of all ages – it’s the perfect combination of entertainment and education!”

says KTM&HC Executive Director Hildegard Grob.

The summer programs at Ridgefield Academy/Landmark Preschool also offer fun learning experiences. “Our summer camp experiences encourage campers to practice and master problem-solving, critical thinking, and social-emotional skills,” says Sara Abriola, Auxiliary Program Director at Ridgefield Academy. “Our programs inspire children to rise to their authentic selves, develop new friendships, and have fun!”

Today’s parents often worry about kids’ excessive screen time. Summer camp is one way

to ensure that children spend more time outdoors in the summer. “One thing that really resonated with me was the amount of outdoor time and that no devices were allowed!” says Mitchell LaGuravenes.

When deciding to sign up for summer camp, it is important to select an appropriate camp for your child for the optimal experience. Talk to your child about their interests and wishes. Time spent at summer camps can resonate in a child’s life long after the season ends. “Summer camp memories and the skills learned can positively impact children for a lifetime!” says Abriola. •

World A Taste of the

by Kate Perry

We in the 068 are lucky to live in a melting pot of cultures. Our area’s rich tapestry of countless heritages and traditions frames the considerable access we have to exceptional foods and cuisines that we can explore and savor. So don’t worry too much about that overseas trip you’ve been meaning to book – instead, take a drive around the 068 area and visit some of the region’s most popular international markets.

Scandinavian Butik

Scandinavian Butik, located in Norwalk, embodies a Nordic sensibility with its blond wood interior and treasure trove of traditional Scandinavian foods. Owners Marianne Beresford and Doris Levene have been passionate about selling goods from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway for over twelve years. Their offerings range from pickled vegetables, chocolates, and coffee and teas to lingonberry and cloudberry preserves and baking ingredients. For the canned-fish aficionado, they carry senapssill and skärgårdssill (herring in cream and mustard sauces), Norwegian fish balls, and Kalles creamed fish roe from Sweden.

Beresford and Levene also make their own leverpostej, a liver paté made fresh every week, Danish meatballs, and cardamom and rugbrød (rye) breads. While the butik’s busiest time is at Christmas, they offer interesting yearround foods and ingredients to savor and experiment with.

“We have the best and most loyal customers, for whom we work really hard to bring both traditional foods and new products from Scandinavia. It is a joy being able to serve the thousands of Scandinavians living in this area and around the country,” says Beresford.

Pictured left are some of the tasty selections available at Scandinavian Butik, including cheeses, smoked salmon, and fresh baked breads.

Photos by New Light Creative Services

Few cuisines pack the intense, complex flavors of South Asian cooking. To make the most authentic dishes, a visit to Zaytuna Grocery in Danbury is in order. Jahid Mal, a partner and store manager of this wellstocked market, aims to supply his customers with authentic, hard-to-find ingredients. “We carry traditional South Asian food and unique products that you can’t find outside New York City, and we also always welcome customers’ suggestions for new items to bring into the store,” says Mal.

Foremost among their offerings is halal meat, a designation that ensures a clean, humane preparation according to Islamic law. They carry beef, lamb, and goat, and antibiotic- and hormone-free chicken. Zaytuna stocks an impressive number of hard-to-find fish as well, including spiny eel, burrowing goby, and hilsha, a type of Indian herring. Along with their rices, spices, fresh vegetables, and fresh and frozen breads and sweets, a trip here guarantees the home cook will find everything they need to make a delectable dinner.

Zaytuna Grocery

KK Asian Market

Located in Danbury, KK Asian Market is owned by Amphone Sisen and Kingkeo Khemvisay. They load their shelves with bags of rice (red cargo, Thai sweet, hom mali); pickled goods (pak tew, banana blossom, cassia leaves); and a multitude of fish products –sauces, brines, dried, frozen. “We work to get the products our customers want so they don’t have to go to the city to find them,” says Sisen. To that end, they bring items from NYC like fresh lotus paste rolls and black bean pies. Also on the sweets side, they carry bánh hanh nhân (almond cake), bánh men (coconut yeast cookies), and mochi desserts. In the back, they have seasonal fruit and fresh vegetables, which pair perfectly with their different tofus, rice noodles, and frozen fish to make stir-fries, soups, and noodle dishes. For a quick but flavorful dinner, chá lua (Vietnamese pork sausage) or frozen seafood dumplings, cakes, and balls can be sautéed with one of the shop’s many marinades and sauces.

Alternatively,Patel Brothers is located at the other end of the 068 area, in Norwalk, and also focuses on Indian and South Asian foods. One of nearly fifty Patel stores in the United States, it is overseen by one of the chain’s partners, Pratik Patel, who stocks everything you need to cook an impressive meal. Among other vital South Asian ingredients, they have an abundance of tamarind products, including dry, paste, and pickled, as well as myriad flavorings, spices, seasonings, and different types of rice. They carry fresh produce, including hard-to-find green chana and dragonfruit. The market stocks quintessential fresh and frozen breads like tawa roti, methi thepla, paratha, and puri. Frozen dishes are another great way to experience South Asian cuisine; favorites here include palak paneer, eggplant bhartas, and samosas.

UK Gourmet

For Lisa and Nigel Whitmore, the proprietors of UK Gourmet in Bethel, their store is more than a place to get the best UK brands, it’s also been a communitygathering place for expats since they opened in 2003. “We are so blessed not only to be surrounded by delicious treats but also by the customers we meet. Everyone who shops in the store is a close friend,” says Lisa. This market’s number one seller are bangers, British- and Irish-style sausages whose name comes from the sizzle and bang they make when fried in a pan. The second favorite for customers is UK Gourmet’s wide selection of creamy chocolates, including Butlers, Fry’s, and of course an array of Cadbury offerings. And it wouldn’t be a British and Irish food market without two aisles of tea, savory pies and puddings, and frozen scones made by the local bakery Daily Fare! •

Patel Brothers

Old is the New Thing

Borrowed: A Vintage Inspired Rental Company

by Julia Bruce

Renting table settings has always been a part of planning special events. Lauren Kreter, Wilton resident and owner of Borrowed – a vintageinspired rental company, feels table settings should be as unique as each client. Borrowed offers mismatched vintage china, glassware and flatware to give every event a one-of-a-kind touch.

Kreter’s background is as an event planner - she worked with Tim LaBant from The Schoolhouse at Cannondale - but she found that the place settings were always basic white. In 2011, after cleaning out her grandparent’s house, Kreter inherited six sets of their china. On a whim, she mixed the various patterns at her next event. The style was a hit and the idea for Borrowed was born. “It was a way for me to reuse and repurpose plates that weren’t going to get used,” Kreter says.

Her business flourished and now clients can choose a color scheme or design vibe and Kreter can design creative settings from the over 2,000 plates that she has sourced from Goodwill, flea markets, antique stores and auctions. “I store everything in an outfitted barn in Wilton,” Kreter says. Borrowed has provided plates and glassware to thousands of events from small weddings to fashion week in New York. Her table settings have appeared on tv shows such as Outlander (Starz) and Blindspot (NBC). Borrowed has also outfitted several local restaurants including Kawa Ni in Westport and The Spread in Norwalk.

Kreter says her most memorable event was the wedding of former SNL star Abby Elliot, who was a childhood friend of Kreter’s sister. “They brought us in, and it was so much fun. Martha Stewart had the exclusive, so our place settings ended up on the front page of her magazine, which was really cool,” Kreter says.

Borrowed recently expanded its offerings to include styling services. “People are wanting that special touch to their event and we can provide that,” says Kreter. “Every piece we own is unique and truly vintage, that’s what sets us apart.”

PHOTO BY WILLIAM PARKINSON EVENTS

PHOTO BY RON BEN ISREAL-

by Kate Perry

Georgetown Day

This year’s annual Georgetown Day is on Sunday, June 11, noon to 5:30 p.m. This event, which takes place on Main Street in Georgetown (Redding), is free to the public and celebrates the historic village of Georgetown. “This year is particularly exciting for us because it’s our twentieth anniversary,” says Nic Palazzo, head of the all-volunteer Georgetown Day committee. “Also, in addition to all of the event’s other fun activities, we’ve added a second stage of local bands, which is sponsored by Nod Hill Brewery.”

The Georgetown Day Chili Cookoff is also returning with fifteen chefs vying for the title of best chili based on votes from eventgoers. Craft and artisan vendors will line the street selling handmade goods, and kids’ activities abound with the Playway, crafts by the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary, and several touch-atrucks. There will be multiple

local food vendors, including Georgetown restaurants, Barn Door Restaurant, Grumpy Dumpling Co., and more. Arber Muriqi, owner of Barn Door in Branchville, says, “Last year’s Georgetown Day was a wonderful day for us. We loved welcoming our favorite customers and new friends and are looking forward to being there again this year.”

Georgetown Village Restoration, Inc. (GVR), a non-profit member organization dedicated to maintaining and improving Georgetown, organizes and hosts the event. The Georgetown Lions Club, Georgetown Community Association, and the Georgetown Volunteer Fire Company are also hosting. “We are grateful to our co-hosts and volunteers, and to our sponsors, especially Fairfield County Bank, our longest and leading supporter,” says Palazzo. “Georgetown Day is a special day in our community, and we can’t wait to celebrate the twenty-year anniversary this June.”

New Pond Farm to Hold Art Show

New Pond Farm Education Center, 101 Marchant Road in Redding, Connecticut will be hosting its 9th Art Show and Preview Party. This biennial event showcases the artwork of regional artists using the theme of nature and agrarian life inspired by New Pond Farm. The Preview Party will be held on Friday, June 2nd from 6-8PM, tickets are $50 each and include a $25 art purchase credit. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the art show and mingle with the artists while enjoying a signature cocktail, local wine, brew and festive bites. Our subsequent “Art Week” will run from June 3rd -11th with daily gallery hours of 11am –5pm and will feature a silent auction, art demonstrations, plein air painting opportunities and activities for children and adults. Admission to the gallery, auction, demonstrations, lectures and classes are free. All art is for sale with proceeds to benefit our programs.

New Pond Farm Education Center is comprised of 102-acres

of pastures, woodlands, and wetlands that was originally owned by Carmen Mathews, an actress of stage, screen and television. Carmen, wanting to share this beautiful setting with others, started a small residential camp for inner city children in 1975. By 1985, she opened the doors to her year-round environmental education center. In 1995, she bequeathed the land and building to the New Pond Farm Education Center and procured a conservation easement given to the Redding Land Trust. At present day, New Pond Farm is a comprehensive education center and working farm which hosts over 5,000 children from neighboring schools each year for hands-on field trips and offers seasonal programming for children, adults, teens and families focusing on the five areas of environment, agriculture, local history, astronomy, and the arts.

We look forward to sharing this idyllic place where people can be immersed in its beauty and be inspired to become good stewards of the land. •

Ridgefield’s Newest Hidden Gem

he intersection of Bailey Ave and Main Street is one of the most iconic sights in Ridgefield; home to Town Hall and Books on the Common. The intersection marks a major hub in Connecticut’s first Cultural District, where parades and events happen throughout the year, and a great place to start when looking for entertainment and shopping locations. It’s no wonder, then, that Ridgefield resident Lina Zhang chose this location to start a new gift shop, directly under Books on the Common.

Known for decades as Turkey Ridge, this unique location is now home to CY Collective, which features CY Collective Owner, Lina Zhang’s curated gifts and her own line of handmade jewelry, as well as a vendor section that displays products from local artisans and even a room used for events and parties.

“I wanted to open something that was more than a gift store,” says Lina. “When I moved here in 2020, the atmosphere was extremely welcoming, both to families and to businesses. In addition to showcasing my own products, I want to be able to return that favor by offering a space for events and birthday art parties as well as an opportunity for other businesses to show off their unique products as a jumping off point for their own endeavors.”

The main area of the shop showcases Lina’s own products; flowing wire jewelry with natural gemstones that are an homage

Lina’s most iconic designs are her branch designs, which have been years in the making and now include dozens of specialized variations and gemstones.

In addition to jewelry, more than half the store is dedicated to selling products from local artisans, who create their own products or curate items handmade in other countries. The goal of CY Collective is to bolster small local businesses.

to nature, as well as carefully curated items that are of her Eastern heritage.

Lina was born in Changchun, in the Jilin Province of China, living a simple lifestyle in the countryside during the 70’s and 80’s before moving to larger cities such as Shenzhen and Hong Kong in her adolescence. Although she loved the large modern cities of China, she became fascinated with the country’s cultural heritage traditions that predate modern times by thousands of years, such as Fengshui, medicine, Buddhism, and the appreciation of nature.

”In 1999, I moved to New York City and lived in Brooklyn,” she says. “I couldn’t speak English, but the New York fashion and style was interesting to me, so I spent time learning English and learning to make and sell jewelry.”

She blended the influence of her home culture and love of nature to start selling clothing and handmade jewelry at local craft fairs and outdoor pop-up shows in places like Bryant Park, Union Square, and the Upper East Side. It was at this time she created her first company, called Lina’s Shop.

The jewelry was primarily wire wrapped. It’s a style that doesn’t require a lot of intricate machinery and tools, but it does require a lot of patience and dedication. She didn’t learn from anyone, and this was before the widespread use of YouTube and social media to learn. Whatever she created, it came from her mind and her experience studying the ancient Asian arts and practices. Soon, her jewelry became so popular that she began selling enough to make a comfortable living. She even taught her skills to a few close apprentices and was able to make enough volume for wholesale in the NY Now show in the Javits Center, and others. As Lina’s Shop, she became known around the country for her flowing tree designs, tipped with precious and semi-precious stones and hundreds of other designs, ranging from the most simple gemstone drops to the extraordinary complex designs that collectors have come to love.

Starting Fresh

After more than 15 years in the wholesale and retail business, Lina now has a young family and wanted a refresh. She left Lina’s Shop with her old partner, and

continued making jewelry, but now had a desire to bring more gifts into her line that are influenced from her Asian heritage to keep a close connection to her roots.

“When COVID-19 hit New York, I couldn’t do trade shows and pulled back my wholesale line,” she says. “In March of 2020, I moved to Ridgefield Connecticut and fell in love. The town was so family oriented and had a thriving arts community as well as a comfortable energy of mutual support, both in the business sense and interpersonal sense.”

Here was a town she could raise a family in and begin a new venture; a store that proudly displays her appreciation of the community and her love of her cultural heritage.

CY Collective Begins

In the front of the store is her collection of handmade jewelry as well as unique and hard to find gifts and artwork. The jewelry is made from 14k gold-filled wire, which is resistant to tarnish, and features semiprecious stones. There are also affordable precious stone designs that incorporate rubies and sapphires. Much of the jewelry is creating using baroque pearls from South China, and Lina is always available to make custom pieces if desired.

In the second section of the store is the artisan area, where local businesses can display their products for sale. These range from soaps, clothing, home décor, dishware, gemstones, spiritual gifts, home décor, and more. “The community was so kind to me and always helped my business, so I want to return the favor for anyone who is trying to also get a head start by giving them a space to sell.”

Finally, there is an event room in the back available for rent for art themed birthday parties or other events, such as meetings, instructional events and craft nights.

“I’m so happy to finally have a store open in the Cultural District of Ridgefield and I’m excited to see what’s in store for our future here,” says Lina. “If you see our door open feel free to visit, we will probably have something new every time you come in.”

For more information, go to www.cycollective.net •

A major part of CY Collective is the Event Room, which is available for art-based birthday parties as well as craft nights, instructional nights, and use as an event rental space.

How it works

From now until May 31st, you can vote for your favorite local businesses in our readership area of Ridgefield, Wilton, and Redding. You’ll get to vote on several categories like best burger, best pizza, best boutique, best salon, and many more.

All respondents will be entered to win gift cards compliments of 068 Magazine and inRidgefield.

Melissa Benedek is a contemporary artist who finds beauty and magic in abstract creations. Born and raised in New York City, she was introduced to art at a very early age. Her father owned an art gallery in Soho and her mother, an Interior Designer who also curated various art shows. Given this combination, it was only natural that Melissa developed a true passion for art and design, as well as an intimate understanding of how they influence and inspire us.

Melissa’s direction today is based solely on her artwork. Her portfolio demonstrates colors, textures and movement with fluid brushstrokes that intersect, overlap and react with one another. This technique makes her art pop and come alive. Melissa believes that abstract art has no standard interpretation, therefore allowing the viewer the freedom to have their own thoughts and feelings about a piece of art. She feels that is what makes the viewing of art such a personal and unique experience.

Hailing from Philadelphia where he grew up in the 1980s, Matthew has always been inspired by the bright colors, heavy dimensions, and bold lines of the graffiti scene of that era.

He carries the duality of wanting to be in control of his art while also desiring that the viewers of his paintings experience their own emotional reaction. Ultimately he wants to create a feeling of communication and connection through his art.

Matthew’s influences include Mark Rothko, Jean Michel Basquiat, Wassily Kandinsky, and Donald Joseph White “DONDI.”

Starting today, you can 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.

Matthew Franz

Loom Light (What’s on the Inside) Acrylic on Canvas, 24x36

You Linger Acrylic on Canvas, 36x36

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