Ask Ms. Jen

Dear Ms Jen,

Kindergarteners Wonder about Hibernation, Animals Eating in the Snow, & Sleepy Owls

Ms. Bender’s Kindergarten class at Veterans Park Elementary School What types of animals hibernate in winter?

Believe it or not, here in CT, almost all our mammals are active throughout the winters! The amphibians and reptiles do hibernate because they are cold-blooded. This means that they cannot generate their own internal heat and use the heat from the sun to raise their body temperatures. The only true hibernators where we live are bats and woodchucks. Most people think that bears hibernate, but the truth is they don’t! Bears go into a deep sleep called torpor. During torpor their heartrate and breathing rate decrease, body temperature lowers and they do not eat. They can sleep for 100 days without food or water! Bats sleep all winter long in abandoned mines, caves, or other underground structures. Woodchucks stay in underground burrows usually in a wooded area that they dig deep enough to keep them from freezing.

How Do Owls Sleep?

Every species on earth needs to rest to build up their immune systems! Almost all birds require a 12- hour sleep cycle to maintain their health and strength. When owls sleep, they are sitting in an upright position usually on a tree limb or branch. Baby owls, or owlets, sleep face down on their stomachs. When they are babies, their heads are too heavy which does not allow them to sleep upright like adults do. Adult owls are also known to take naps and can fall sleep in 11 seconds! Even though an owl is asleep, one side of their brain is still awake to keep themselves safe from predators. Some owls are nocturnal, and some are crepuscular- I know, these are big words! We only have one true nocturnal owl here and it’s called the Great Horned Owl. These owls sleep all day long and then are awake at night. The other species of owls we have are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk.

What do animals eat in the winter when it snows?

I get asked this question all the time! When we look outside in the winter months, we certainly don’t see things like flowers, berries, and leaves, do we? Many animals have adaptations to help them survive in their habitats. When it’s cold in winter, our wildlife survives using one of three major strategies: hibernation, migration, and tolerance. Most mammals around here don’t hibernate but instead, their fur gets thicker, they store food in the fall and sometimes they change their diets to adapt to the shortage of food. Chipmunks, squirrels, and mice store food to eat throughout the winter, while deer and rabbits look for leaves, bark, twigs and moss to eat. Red foxes mostly eat fruit and insects but in winter, when those cannot be found, they eat rodents. Coyotes primarily eat insects, small rodents, and fruits. When rodents are hidden by snow and insects aren’t around, coyotes are mostly dependent on carrion (flesh of dead animals), particularly white-tailed deer. •

by Gerri Lewis

Photography by Dylan Miller

Eye Catching Detail Enhances New Contemporary Construction

At first glance, Jill and Jeff Bornstein’s modern farmhouse on High Ridge Avenue in Ridgefield has a minimalist approach to design and décor, one that has become popular in recent years. And yet, despite the open floor plan, contemporary furnishings and less is more approach, there is incredible detail—detail so subtle you could miss it. It is that detail that morphs this picture-perfect home from trendsetter into inviting refuge.

With four sons leaving home for college and careers, the couple was ready for a home that reflected their changing family dynamic. Their wish list included the convenience of a main floor primary suite and an open floor plan that suited their casual lifestyle yet had the versatility for formal entertaining, and lots and lots of light was a must. Add to that, they wanted four additional bedrooms to accommodate grown children with future families; work out space; a place for their boys to entertain friends; his and hers home offices; and a large kitchen where family and friends could gather. The challenge would be to fit it all within the allowed footprint of their 1.21-acre lot and into a structure that would not be an overbearing neighbor on the street. While the in-town location was ideal, with a flat lot lending itself well to the natural gardens they planned, it also came with the challenge of a very highwater table. The couple hired Peter Coffin of

The contrast between the white siding, black metal roof, and wildflower gardens give the house incredible curb appeal. The glass front door, framed by lush decorative grasses welcomes visitors to this spectacular home.

A large kitchen, with a dramatic island, is perfect for large gatherings. Guests can sit in the dining room and enjoy a casual lunch or a formal dinner. Below, stunning artwork makes a statment on the sitting area walls.

Doyle/Coffin Architects to design the home and Joe Mirra of Pyramid Homes as their builder. Because the exterior landscape was critical to the interior experience, they also engaged Landscape Architect Brook Clark of Seventy Acres Landscape from the onset. While the team went to work fulfilling the family wish list, Interior Designer Paula Daher of Daher Interior Design of Boston who had helped with their previous homes, went to work on the inside.

The result is nothing short of uniquely stunning. On a street lined with traditional homes, the metal roofed farmhouse stands out with its stark white siding juxtaposed by an abundance of large black trimmed windows. Even the front door is glass. Detail, like stone-facing on selected portions of the exterior and built into tiered garden walls along with the indigenous wildflower gardens, gives a soft contrast to the edginess.

Stepping inside such a contemporary design with its no-clutter approach is surprisingly tranquil. The two-story great room is bright and airy with floor to ceiling windows overlooking lush gardens in both the front and back of the home. A stonefaced see-through fireplace acts as a focal point, as does a wall of windows looking out at a covered patio and a plunge pool with an optional fountain feature beyond. One of the most spectacular elements of the home is how the window slides completely open, doubling the size of the room and literally bringing the outside in. Even the furnishings enhance the experience with swivel chairs that can enjoy the view from all directions. A large stone fireplace on the patio side, screens that drop down at the touch of an iPhone, and ceiling heaters make the room comfortable enough to enjoy in every season. This was especially appealing during early COVID days when the homeowner’s parents were able to distance and still be part of family holiday festivities.

Space for everyonei

On the other side of the see-through fireplace, a large kitchen with built-in appliances and an oversized island offers ample space for cooking and gathering. A Bertazzoni black and brass stove is a piece of art in itself. A cozy seating area is the perfect spot for curling up with a good book. The kitchen opens to a beautiful dining room dressed up enough for formal entertaining.

The house has his and hers studies— hers with a desk positioned against a wall of windows makes it feel like she is outside even when at work. His has no desk, but

Above, the primary bedroom is a haven of tranquility, while below, the primary bath’s clean lines encourage relaxation. The Tequila Room’s puzzle piece table is a cozy space to work. Right, the main living area boosts floor to ceiling windows that bring the outside in, filling the room with natural light.

instead a small table that hovers close to a comfortable chair allowing for flexibility of work or play. The family calls this their “Tequila Room” with its cart of libations that can be wheeled out of sight when the room functions as an office. A clever custom-designed puzzle piece coffee table can be separated into three pieces to create separate work or relaxing areas.

As space became scarcer, creativity really kicked in. Built-in cabinetry lines the private hallway to the primary suite and offsets the less-than-ideal closet space. The primary bath copies the popular Asian style of encompassing the splash bath and shower in a single glass enclosed wet room. Jill’s favorite part is a stacked washer and dryer just steps from the hamper.

To increase the size of the four upstairs bedrooms, they opted for Jack and Jill bathrooms. That, along with the pocket doors that are used throughout the home, gave them enough space for a secondfloor laundry and a “hang out” room for their sons.

Attention to detail

Unique features grab the eye from almost every direction - warm white oak flooring, textured wallpaper, wood ceilings and walls in selected areas, open shelving, farmstyle doors and exquisite light fixtures - all are visually seductive in an understated way. The glass-railed staircases keep the flow from being interrupted and the tall ceilings are the perfect canvas for the contemporary artwork displayed throughout.

Furnishings are distinctive yet functional. An open edge runs through the middle of a custom dining table made from reclaimed wood. A one-of-a-kind hand painted cabinet anchors the living room. The colors of white, charcoal, and sand were the homeowners must-haves and inspired the soothing color palette of the entire home.

When the Bornsteins broke ground, they discovered several broken pipes running from higher elevations through their back yard. “We wanted to be good neighbors and if these pipes were draining water from someone else’s yard, we decided it was a good idea to fix them,” says Jill.

To combat their own potential water issues, a cistern system was created. “It was shocking to see how much water gets collected before it is properly drained,” says Jill. With water worries out of the way, they were able use a walk-out basement for a home gym and an extra room and bath.

All in all, the house is a 4500 square foot masterpiece of subtle detail offering spa-like tranquility and functional beauty: a place that will suit the family for years to come. •

Writing and Photography by Karen Savir

NYC may be on the world stage for shopping destinations, but so many stores in the 068 zip code rival the New York shopping scene and give that home town touch. During the holidays, it is a fun experience to find these unique and exciting shops for the perfect gift to give and to keep. Our community is full of businesses who will welcome you and make your shopping experience a holiday joy!

She la la

9 Bailey Ave. - Ridgefield

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MILLER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MILLER

The newest retailer to join Bailey Avenue, She la la is another beautiful addition to the street’s existing charming row of boutiques and restaurants. “She la la was born out of the desire to create a fun, affordable boutique that offered busy women something for all their needs,” says owner Sheila Grow. With existing locations in New Canaan, which opened over ten years ago, and Westport for the past nine years, Grow decided to expand to the Ridgefield community in the spring of 2022.

With plenty of retail competition in the relatively small town, she feels that her store adds something very special to this community. “She la la is a one-stop-shop for most of your needs. We sell everything from jewelry, baby gifts, tween and women’s clothing, accessories and home décor,” says Grow. She strongly believes in the value of catering to her loyal customers and offers in-house personalized service, reasonably priced unique items, and exciting and fresh inventory.

Like the store itself, She la la’s warm website has a user-friendly layout that is easy to navigate and allows shoppers to enjoy a pleasant shopping experience. Its selections are clearly categorized with beautiful images and detailed descriptions.

With seasonal sales and other promotions and services, it’s a place where there is something for everyone on your gifting list. As the holiday season approaches, Grow is looking forward to participating in the town’s holiday stroll and to helping customers find the perfect gift for their loved ones, or even for themselves.

Miss Confident Boutique

17 Danbury Rd. - Ridgefield

For many parents, shopping with their teenage daughters is stressful. The solution to prevent many gray hairs, reaching for another cup of coffee (or a glass of wine), or booking a therapy session is easier than you think. Miss Confident Boutique is the answer to your tween and teen fashion dilemma. Owner Brooke Wyatt greeted me with a warm smile and welcomed me to tween and teen fashion paradise. From casual to semi-formal clothes, room decor to jewelry and fun gifts, this store has everything to offer for all occasions throughout the year. Sitting on a plush turquoise loveseat sofa with a shaggy white rug, I felt like I went back in time to when I was a teen talking to one of my girlfriends. As a mom of two daughters who were eleven and thirteen years old, Wyatt recalls the struggle of finding clothes that all three could agree on. “There was so little out there that was age appropriate…everything was either too short or too long,” Wyatt says. In addition, the sensory overload and lack of personalized service made the shopping experience an instant migraine for Wyatt. The balance of finding clothes that were sophisticated and still age appropriate led Wyatt to solve this major dilemma by opening her own store. In October 2019, Wyatt opened Miss Confident, a name that her eleven-year-old daughter Camille came up with which truly resonated with the store’s mission. The Ridgefield community and beyond celebrated with joy and relief that there was finally a store that understood their daily fashion issues. Unfortunately, only a mere five months after opening, the pandemic suddenly shut everything down. The lockdown brought uncertainty and fear, but with optimism and a techsavvy attitude, Wyatt built her website featuring her inventory. She also offered complimentary local deliveries, curbside pickup and (eventually) private appointments at the store. When the world reopened, so did Miss Confident. The store is neatly organized according to occasion: casualwear, semi-formal, denim, and loungewear with (sizes range from girls 7-16 and juniors) and other categories; including jewelry, hair accessories, totes, room decor, and gifts. A passionate individual who cares about her community, Wyatt is always helping out at local schools, sports and many charities. Her loyal customers know that she understands both their needs as a parent, as well as the physical and emotional changes that their girls are going through. Wyatt plans on continuing to expand Miss Confident’s impact for their shoppers and provide a stress-free experience.

Bella Home

90 Danbury Rd. Ridgefield

Located next to Starbucks, Bella Home boasts a beautiful curated collection of home decor, accessories, apparel, and gifts. The multitude of merchandise makes a Bella Home gift one that will be truly treasured. Nicole Interlandi, owner and buyer for Bella Home, grew up in Ridgefield. During her summers home from college, she took a job as an intern at the store. After graduating, Interlandi was working as a media buyer in the city, when she spoke to Robin Weber, who was Bella Home’s owner at the time. Weber was ready to move on and Interlandi’s dream came true; she became the new owner of Bella Home. With relatives in the area, Interlandi appreciates support from family - her father owns a wine shop in Darien and her sister is Bella Home’s accountant and co-partner. As buyer for the store, she looks for unique pieces that she personally would like to receive as a gift. Labels such as Mariposa, which Interlandi remembers selling in college, will always be a staple in her shop. Annie Caravelli’s items featuring Ridgefield’s zip code is another customer favorite. With apparel being the newest addition to the store’s inventory, Interlandi actively attends major trade shows, such as Coterie New York, where she looked for fresh fashion lines for the spring season. As the holidays approach, Interlandi is excited to receive her customers’ wish lists and for her team to find that perfect item. With complimentary gift wrapping, shopping at Bella Home is comfortable and effortless. “One of the best compliments I get is when someone tells me that they love to receive a gift from Bella Home,” says Interlandi. Interlandi always keeps the store’s door open, finding it a great way to welcome people in. “Sometimes customers just want to come in and say hello,” says Interlandi.

nancy O 103 Danbury Rd. - Ridgefield

Entering Nancy O’Connell’s delightful namesake store, nancy O, one would expect to find a variety of yarn and knitting accessories, but there’s also exquisite and unique jewelry, handsome men’s ties, handcrafted handbags and much more. A nook of soft and sweet baby items from sweaters to puppets and even a handmade crochet mobile would all make such special gifts. Eye-catching displays of yarn in a variety of textures and colors offer an enticing inspiration for potential knitting projects. Many of these special items are fair trade, handcrafted products imported from around the world. Adjacent to the yarn section is the knitters’ workshop room where nancy O holds classes for beginners to seasoned knitters. O’Connell describes herself as a “rebounded knitter,” someone who knitted in the past, took a break and has gone back to the craft. “The important part of knitting is not the product, it’s the process,” says O’Connell. O’Connell opened her store after decades of working in the marketing industry in New York, raising a family, and having a busy life. The store moved to a few places in town, until finally settling in Copps Hill in 2019. The current location offers plenty of parking and is convenient and accessible to all. Being an entrepreneur, especially a store owner, has its stress and major responsibilities. However, O’Connell loves living in Ridgefield, walking to the store, to town and being active. She wanted to create a store that would bring a common interest and interaction within the community. Her customers love attending workshops, finding a special gift, and looking around to see what’s new. “I plan to keep going with the store until it’s not fun,” says O’Connell. O’Connell is looking forward to the holidays where the town is so festive and cheerful. With a very busy gifting season ahead, she will offer extended shopping hours, complimentary gift wrap, additional holiday merchandise and special workshops.

The Angel Cooperative

51 Ethan Allen Hwy. - Ridgefield

The moment one enters The Angel Cooperative, the scent of lavender and sage greets you and there’s a sense of being in a spiritual and sacred space. Loose crystals made of quartz, amethyst, angelite and carnelian (and many other types) are beautiful to look at and touch. Soft pillows and blankets, spiritual books and oracle decks, chakra candles, soothing essential oils, bright jewelry and so many other specialty items caught my eye.

Christy Abate co-owns The Angel Cooperative with long-time friend and real estate agent, Laura Ancona. Abate, a professional stager, and with almost two decades of retail experience, has an eye for aesthetics. In addition to both Abate and Ancona’s impressive careers, Abate is a Reiki Master and a therapist in a variety of healing methods. She has a careful and mindful approach to merchandise selection; most are fair trade, and she knows the item’s origin and material.

Open daily, the store and spiritual room offer a variety of products, workshops, and services. “We are looking to create a sense of harmony and balance. It’s a place of healing and a sacred place for people to come,” says Abate.

One unique feature is the Shungite Room, the only one of its kind in the U.S. It is a 13’x13’ room made of two tons of Shungite crystals that cover the entire room with healing energy and other holistic benefits.

The Angel Cooperative is a labor of love by Abate and Ancona. Their customers give them advice on interesting items that they should carry in the shop. Abate and Ancona consider them their best educators.

Blue Star Bazaar

239 Danbury Rd. - Wilton

Megan Abrahamsen’s newly renovated store, Blue Star Bazaar is a large, open, decluttered space, with fresh new paint, beautiful hardwood floors and natural light. The store carries clothing, accessories and gifts for men, women, youth and babies too! Abrahamsen’s career in retail began as a sales associate at Boyds in Wilton when she was in high school. Years later, with an undergrad and MBA degree, as well as a remarkable professional background (focusing on strategic planning and buyer for multibillion dollar retail corporations), there is no doubt that she’s passionate about the retail world. Once she became a mother, she left her job in Manhattan and turned her attention to raising her growing family. In 2007, with two baby boys and a creative mind, Abrahamsen started refurbishing and painting step stools, picture frames, rocking chairs and whatever she could transform. Her hobby soon became a money-making gig where a booth at a fair eventually grew into a store. In 2015, Blue Star Bazaar moved into a larger space where they experienced tremendous growth and established its reputation. Intrigued by the name, why Blue Star Bazaar? “I wanted a name that is based on sound and visuals, the image of the star and the universal color of blue, both together made sense,” Abrahamsen says. It’s no secret that this store is special, with labels such as Beyond Yoga, Love Token, Kut, Hammitt, Haute Shore and Wilton Chic; Abrahamsen carefully chooses unique and fresh merchandise and strives to support local and small business companies. Furthermore, her team adds the spark that makes the store so special. They are friendly, knowledgeable, eager to help, and love working there. Loyal customers adore shopping while chatting with Abrahamsen and her team. It’s not just a bazaar, it’s truly a place surrounded with love, detail, and community.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MILLER

The Historical Christmas Barn at Lambert House

150 Danbury Rd. - Wilton

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MILLER PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MILLER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DYLAN MILLER

Located in the oldest house in Wilton, this store is both a destination for those who love Christmas and historic landmarks. Step inside this old colonial barn and you will be transformed into a magical fairy tale. For Jennifer Bean, who owns the Christmas Barn with her husband Gary, the holiday season has always been a festive time. “One of my great childhood memories is visiting England at Christmas time. My family had an unforgettable dinner at a restaurant in what was formerly a coal cellar, with lots of small cozy rooms. The decorations were enchanting. The next Christmas, we duplicated that scene at home with dozens and dozens of glass ornaments that we hung from our ceiling,” says Bean. The Christmas Barn’s large space is home for thousands of domestic and international nutcrackers, Santas, fairies, ornaments: items destined to be family heirlooms for generations and become someone else’s cherished memory of Christmas. They are very proud to be the exclusive retailer to offer Patricia Breen Designs, who each year design a limited collection of ornaments in their studio in Krakow, Poland. “We also have many other wonderful things such as handmade mittens, scarves, and wraps, as well as soaps, candles, teas, and candy,” says Bean. Every corner of the store will bring a smile to children and adults of all ages. Jennifer and Gary Bean have been owners of the store since 2009 when one of Jennifer’s favorite stores was for sale and of course had to buy it. In 2012, The Christmas Barn moved to its current historic landmark which gives the store an authentic and nostalgic presence. The Christmas Barn is open seven days a week all year round, but the holidays are extra special at the store. Every weekend they plan on offering complimentary mulled cider from the antique sleigh on the porch to enhance the festive atmosphere for their customers.

Fleur de Lis

4 Long Ridge Rd. West - Redding

The fleur de lis is one of the most worldwide famous emblems that has been around for centuries. European royalties have used the image on their crowns, coins, and coats of arms to name a few. It’s also the name of a wonderful antique shop in Redding.

Dottie DeLuca, owner of Fleur De Lis Antiques and Interior Design LLC, has 35 years’ experience dealing in antiques. Prior to that, she was an ambitious and talented dancer: she was a Radio City Music Hall Rockette and appeared in many major Broadway shows. After many years on stage, she decided to retire once her son was born and devote her time and love to her family. In 2011, Deluca and her husband found a restaurant in Redding that was closing its doors after thirty years and selling its historic 1870’s building. With combined forces of creativity and structural knowledge, they remodeled and transformed the place.

DeLuca loves things that are beautiful so finding antiques and vintage pieces has been a hobby of hers even before she had a store. She decided that her collection of antiques gathered throughout the years would be a great foundation to starting her own business, eventually becoming a secret spot for collectible dealers and other clients of that niche. The large place that was once a restaurant is now Fleur De Lis, an antique and vintage interior design store filled with alluring treasures of high end, mid-century fixtures, paintings, jewelry and more.

DeLuca had been selling domestically and internationally online since 2012, but when Covid hit, Fleur De Lis’ online presence doubled its sales. DeLuca has met various actors and Hollywood elite that come to the store and purchase beautiful additions to their home, production set or showrooms. On a regular basis though, interior designers are her main customers furnishing vacation homes in coastal areas and looking for statement pieces. Her favorite piece of all time? “It would be the three-dimensional 1970’s mixed metal wall fixture by Curtis Jere. It was one of a kind,” says DeLuca.

DeLuca, who treasures the life she made here for her family is looking forward to moving with her husband to the warmth of the south. Once there, she sees herself continuing her love for beautiful pieces in interior design and artwork. •

by Sheryl Joy

A Maestro

Among Us

Watching Grammy nominated Music Director Bryan Perri lead a Broadway orchestra is like taking a masterclass in the art of conducting. Several years ago, I had the rare opportunity to sit in the orchestra pit of Broadway’s WICKED and observed Bryan conducting this mega-musical. I was blown away by what I witnessed. Like many, I naively thought that conducting was only about waving a baton to keep tempo and to communicate with musicians. Not so. Throughout the 2 hour and 45-minute performance, I watched Bryan troubleshooting, problem solving, communicating with stage management, cueing actors on stage, all while calmly and silently keeping the musicians in tempo and in tune. Each of Bryan’s dance-like arm movements efficiently conveyed intention and instruction on how every note was to be played or sung.

“Conducting is ultimately about inspiring the music,” Perri said. “It is about creating an energy that communicates emotion to the musicians so that every note played elicits a meaningful response from the audience.”

After five years of serving as Music Director of Broadway’s WICKED, Perri left the show in 2018 to begin working with Alanis Morissette on JAGGED LITTLE PILL. That show opened on Broadway in 2019 and subsequently closed December 2021. “I grew up a big fan of Alanis’s music and so having the opportunity to work on a musical based on her iconic album was a thrill. The collaboration with Alanis was truly inspiring,” said Perri.

While Perri is committed to his work on Broadway, he has also found an artistic home in Ridgefield. He, along with Artistic Director Daniel C. Levine and Executive Director Katie Diamond, co-founded Ridgefield’s gem of a theater, ACT of CT. Now in its 5th season, ACT of CT has gained national recognition (with Perri, Levine and Stephen Schwartz earning Grammy nominations this year for ACT’s cast album of SNAPSHOTS). Perri serves as ACT’s Resident Music Supervisor and said, “High quality regional theaters like ours are the true heartbeat of this industry and are incubators where new art is created and new talent discovered. While the ‘glamour’ of Broadway is an exciting perk of my career, I place a ton of value on the innovative work that we produce at ACT. To create productions outside of the commercial restraints of a large-scale Broadway production is exciting and extremely satisfying.”

ACT’s Broadway Unplugged series (which Perri created especially for ACT audiences) has become a wildly popular event that sells out within days of announcing. For this series, Perri brings one of his Broadway celebrity friends to ACT for an evening of incredible performances, hysterical banter, and unforgettable stories. Past stars include Jessica Vosk, Lindsay Mendez, Derek Klena, Elizabeth Stanley, Kate Baldwin, and Lauren Patten. Bryan’s next Broadway Unplugged performance at ACT will be December 12th and his guest star will be Solea Pfeiffer, star of Broadway’s ALMOST FAMOUS. ALMOST FAMOUS, which opens on Broadway on November 3rd, is Perri’s current production. He serves as both the show’s Music Supervisor and conductor. ALMOST FAMOUS is based on the 2000 film written and directed by Cameron Crowe (and starred Kate Hudson). Crowe has written the script for this new Broadway musical. “Working with Cameron Crowe on adapting this iconic movie for the stage has been a daily source of joy,” said Perri. “Our ALMOST FAMOUS cast is extraordinary and lead by the incomparable Solea Pfeiffer. I am so very excited for our ACT audiences to experience this ‘once in a generation talent’ at our upcoming Broadway Unplugged!” •

ACT of CT Music Director Bryan Perri, right, with ACT of CT Director Daniel C. Levine, left.

Making a Difference One Horse at a Time

by Bill Bongiorno Photography by Tony Allen Driving down Silver Spring Road in Wilton, there’s a sign for Rising Starr Horse Rescue, but the good work being done down the long drive can’t be overstated. Rising Starr Horse Rescue’s mission is to save, rehabilitate, retrain and rehome abandoned, neglected or abused horses. It would be easy to look at a horse rescue farm as only saving the lives of horses, but often those horses are also saving us. Rising Starr’s Executive Director Kelly Stackpole grew Rescued horses who arrive at up in Ridgefield and is a trainer and riding instructor by Rising Starr Horse Farm thrive trade. In 2005, while looking for a horse to teach lessons

because of the love and attention

they receive. Below, some of Rising on, she came across a horse auction house and was horrified Starr’s young riders who partici- by what she found. She rescued her first horse, Bigg Bert,

pate in the farm’s many programs.

and knew that she wanted to rescue other horses. She founded Rising Starr Horse Rescue in 2015 in Redding and in 2019 moved to Wilton. Since then, Rising Starr rescues and rehomes an average of 25 horses a year. “Every horse at Rising Starr we lay our hands on, we know them, because we don’t just rescue them and never see them again, we follow them for life, every single horse,” says Stackpole. Although there is federal legislation pending in the U.S. to ban the slaughter of horses, it also ships about 50,000 horses to Canada and Mexico for that purpose. “We feel strongly that we need to work harder to stop

these horses from going into the pipeline, before they fall into the hands of kill buyers. As things get colder and more expensive, I get at least 2-3 phone calls a week to take horses,” says Stackpole.

This past August, Rising Starr took ten horses from a very big well-known sanctuary that was not caring for the animals. “It was the worst thing I’d ever seen. There were 30 rescues involved to get all the animals,” says Stackpole.

Donations make a difference

Rising Starr has about 100 volunteers to assist with the horses, even children as young as five years old can come and help. “There is something for every volunteer. We have people who come in to read to the horses. That makes such a big difference to the abused horses, the ones that have never been handled,” says Stackpole.

That’s how Susan Groo started volunteering in December of 2020 - by reading The Night Before Christmas to a horse. “I started reading to him and his nose went right in the book. As much as we try to heal them, they heal us,” says Groo.

Rising Starr will hold its 5th annual Starry Night Gala fundraiser on September 9th of 2023 and will need to sell 240 tickets at $250 each to cover the cost of the event, to be held at the farm. “You can wear diamonds, but you have to wear boots,” says Stackpole. There will be an auction to help raise money. The cocktail hour will take place outside the indoor arena and horses will be brought out to visit. “We want people to see where their money goes,” she says.

The Christmas season is not to be missed at Rising Starr. The barn is decorated in holiday cheer with wreaths, a menorah and a giving tree, where patrons can make a purchase towards a bale of hay, grain, vet bills, or anything a horse may need. Each horse has a stocking hung awaiting Santa. On December 3rd, Rising Starr will host their Making Spirits Bright holiday shopping event. Local vendors will be on hand to sell their goods in the aisle of the barn, while shoppers can visit with the horses and hear about Rising Starr’s work. There will be plenty for kids to do and a wine tasting for the adults.

There is always much to do to keep the farm going, a need for volunteers, donations, and people to fill their programs. Rising Starr is renovating a building with plans to have it as a residence for help. The indoor riding ring needs a new roof, repairs and a paint job.

“We can’t exist just on donations,” says Stackpole.

Horses healing humans

Rising Starr has a life coach that works with clients in one of the paddocks with the horse, sharing the energy. On Friday nights, they offer yoga with horses, with mats set up and down the aisles for $25/hour. They also have a program for veterans and first responders, taking them on trail rides and teaching them how to work with a horse and ride if they want.

“The horses are really healing, and we have people who come for all kinds of therapy, including anxiety, which a lot of kids are feeling today,” says Stackpole.

“We’re never going to save enough horses. The big piece of what we do is educating people to make better decisions for America’s horses,” adds Stackpole.

For more information, please visit www.risingstarrhorserescue.org •

Rising Starr annually rescues and rehomes about 25 horses a year. While on the farm, horses are tended to by volunteers - even children can help out.

’ Christ mas Tree!

There are many things that signify the holiday season: Christmas music on the radio, decorations in shop windows, and greeting cards in the mailbox. For Ridgefielders, there’s also one very townspecific hint that Christmas is coming: Tubby Tim’s Tree Farm. Run by Ridgefield residents Tim and Mary Dent, Tubby Tim’s, open from the day after Thanksgiving until the last tree is sold, is as much a part of the local holiday season as the lights on Ridgefield’s Main Street. This season marks the 34th year of Tubby Tim’s. What started small has grown organically – no pun intended. “We never dreamed it would become this big,” says Mary.

Mary and Tim first met in Alaska where they were both working at the time. Tim, who was born and raised in Ridgefield, returned home in 1988 to help his mom. While living at home, he decided to start selling Christmas trees and Tubby Tim’s Tree Farm – an alliterative play on words – was born. Mary joined Tim a few years later. The tree lot at

Fraser firs and Balsam trees are unloaded and arranged by Tubby Tim’s lotsmen, as the prepare ready for the holiday rush.

A group of Tubby Tim’s lotsmen are all smiles while working hard on a crisp winter afternoon.

that time was located next to Union Savings Bank. They had a trailer parked there, where, after a long day of selling, they were joined by their other 20-something friends for drinks and cards, often lasting late into the evening. “Nowadays, you most likely find us home by 7pm with a cup of tea,” says Mary.

Over the years, they tried expanding into Cross River and Wilton, but Tim is Ridgefield born and bred. “It just wasn’t the same,” says Mary. Tubby Tim’s now makes its home at the Limestone Service Station. “At first, I was nervous because it was further out of town, but it’s been great and here we are, years later,” Tim says.

Tubby Tim’s sells trees that are indigenous to the East Coast: Fraser firs sourced from North Carolina and Balsams from New Hampshire and Vermont. At the beginning, Mary and Tim use to visit the farms every year to walk the fields and inspect the trees. They now have established relationships with the farmers – some of whom they’ve been buying from for over 20 years. “We know the quality of their trees,” says Mary.

The Christmas tree market has waxed and waned over the years, but ironically, the pandemic resulted in an uptick of tree sales. “We were worried that our customers weren’t going to show, but they came, hoping to bring Christmas joy into their homes to help offset such a difficult and uncertain time,” says Tim. With so many people staying home for the holidays, they even picked up several new customers.

Mary and Tim Dent visiting a Vermont tree farm where they source many of their trees.

Most years, Tubby Tim’s sells every tree on the lot. “We had only one or two years where we overbought,” says Mary. Unsold trees are put out for free if it’s before Christmas, or chipped and recycled.

Tubby Tim’s hires local high schoolers and college students as “lotsmen” to help each season, many of whom return year after year. “We even have a couple of guys, who are out of college, that still come and work the weekends with us,” says Mary. The job is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work, often in cold and wet conditions. Although

Luke Barrinentos, one of Tubby Tim’s lotsmen, makes carrying trees look easy.

snow covered trees may seem picturesque, the lotsmen need to shake the snow off every tree to prevent damage to the branches. “We’ve even rented large Uhaul trucks with propane heaters to thaw the trees by shifting them in and out all day,” says Tim. The Dents have high expectations for their lotsmen: greet all customers with a smile and eye contact, dress appropriately, and stay busy. “For many of our workers, this is their first job, and we instill in them a strong work ethic and the importance of excellent customer service,” says Tim. All of this creates a unique and joyful atmosphere. You can get your Christmas tree anywhere, but there is something special about Tubby Tim’s. “People come and leave with so much more than just a tree or a wreath,” says Mary. “It’s an experience.” One customer, Maureen Curran, knows just that. On her very first visit to Tubby Tim’s, she had selected a tree, two wreaths and a kissing ball. Everything was loaded and tied to her car when Curran discovered that she only had her credit card and not the cash to pay. She figured she’d have to unload all her purchases but was told to just return when she could. “I was amazed at the Tubby Tim’s holiday spirit and the trust they had that I would come back and pay,” says Curran. She did, by the way, and has been a repeat customer since then.

As much as Tubby Tim’s gives to their customers, the Dents get just as much in return. “At the end of a weekend, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much!” says Mary. It’s that connection, to their workers, and to their customers, and to the community that sets Tubby Tim’s apart. •

O68 You were barely 15 when The Donny and Marie Show premiered. Has being in the public eye all these years, as you’ve grown and matured, been challenging? Would you change anything?

MO I think I’ve lived in some of the most interesting times, especially for women. Being in the public eye then was not the same as it is today with social media. But it was still a big deal – our show was aired worldwide – more people saw it than the blockbuster movie, Jaws. I never thought of those things though – I just wanted to work and learn the business. I feel like I caught the tail end of the great entertainers. I got to work with huge celebrities such as Lucille Ball, Frank Sinatra, and Bob Hope. Sammy Davis Jr. taught me how to walk on a stage! It was different then, these people looked at it as a profession, not an entitlement. They all had amazing work ethics, so I learned to work really hard from them.

It was a lot, and at times it was challenging, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

O68 What do you think accounts for your longevity? How have you maintained your creativity?

MO Had you told me as a young girl singing Paper Roses, that I would still be performing six decades later, I would’ve laughed. Women were lucky to have a five-year career back then. I feel like I’ve been around so long because my fan base is so unbelievably wonderful – they’ve followed me and have let me explore a variety of things - whether it’s doing Broadway or writing books or going off and recording opera. There’s no way I could’ve lasted this long in this business without my fans’ support. You have to learn to keep reinventing yourself. Am I a little bit country? Yes, I am, and I love it! But I’ve also explored lots of other genres. You have to be passionate about what you do. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had a passion to keep going. I didn’t want to just sit on my family’s laurels, I wanted to do my own thing.

O68 Your latest album, Unexpected, is quite a departure from your previous recordings. What went into making this album and how is it significant to you?

MO I love to challenge myself. When I was in Broadway’s The Sound of Music in the 1990’s, I wanted to be able to sing the part correctly. I couldn’t go in and sing “The hills are alive” with a country accent. One of the actors playing a nun told me that I could sing opera if I wanted to – and I was like, what? But when the show went on tour, I spent the time on the road taking lessons from her and learning how to sing it right. Then, as a fun experiment, I spent 25 years pushing myself to learn how to sing correctly. That’s how this album evolved, and it debuted number one, which was amazing.

O68 The show at The Ridgefield Playhouse celebrates the holiday season. What holiday song had the biggest influence on you? What can people expect from the show?

MO That’s impossible to answer! There are so many Christmas songs and each one touches people’s hearts in a different way. I believe that people need this show now more than ever. People need remembrance of times past, of joy, and of the connectedness of the season. The best gift you can give someone isn’t stuff, it’s bringing the people you love together and having an experience. You’ll remember that for years. Come see the show and I will give you the Marie Osmond Good Housekeeping stamp of approval: you will leave with the holiday spirit. I do know Christmas!

by Julia Bruce Five Questions with Marie O smond

O68 Besides your music, you’re involved in quite a few philanthropic endeavors. Which one means the most to you?

MO I’m a founder of Children’s Miracle Network, which has been incredibly important to me. Every person, at some point in their lives, is going to need a children’s hospital, whether it’s for you, your child or your grandchild. When we started Children’s Miracle Network, we decided to do something very unique – 100% of the money we raise stays local and all of it goes to the children’s hospital in your community. We’re coming up on the 40th anniversary and are now the largest children’s charity of its kind – we’ve raised over 8 billion dollars, helping over 11 million children and their families every year to get the healthcare and services they deserve. To me, it is thrilling to donate my time. I feel so blessed to be able to help others. That’s the legacy I want my children to remember their mother for – entertainment and music are wonderful - but also that I was a part of an organization that really made a difference for these children. Marie Osmond brings her Symphonic Christmas tour to The Ridgefield Playhouse on December 7th. For tickets and information; ridgefieldplayhouse.org •

Marie O smond

Not your Grandfather’s Car Show

Writing and Photography by Roger Garbow

For decades the collector car world was fairly predictable. The cars—and the car owners— didn’t change much from year to year. The vehicles that drew the most interest and highest values were primarily cars built prior to 1970.

A distinct change has come over the collector market recently as a younger generation is getting into the hobby and seeking the cars of their own youth. Commonly referred to as “youngtimers,” these cars are typically 20-30 years old versus the 50–60 year old muscle and sports cars of the gray-haired vintage set.

Mark Amler’s 1991 Toyota MR2 features classic styling, including hidden headlights, favored by many RADwood enthusasts. Above, car enthusiasts enjoy a RADwood car show. in Greenwich, CT.

One of the factors driving this surge is the 25-year exemption rule. Essentially, any car 25 years or older can be imported to the US for personal use, even if that vehicle was never sold here originally. American car shows are undergoing a distinct makeover.

There is even an entire car show circuit focused on the cars from the eighties and nineties called RADwood. Despite being only a few years old, RADwood has gained so much traction it’s now featured at some of the country’s most prestigious venues. Even the Greenwich Concours, one of the stuffiest of the old guard events, has welcomed RADwood into its fold, injecting new energy into this normally prim and proper event.

The first thing you notice at RADwood—after the cars of course—is the makeup of the attendees. Younger, more racial diversity and considerably more gender diversity are clear indicators this is not your father’s car show. Where the older folks tended to be very narrow in their definition of a collector car, these new enthusiasts are welcoming to every type of vehicle and any person who wants in on the fun. Some local people have been joining this new wave of collecting.

Less chrome, more fun

Ridgefield Firefighter Jackson Bonner grew up in town and joined the Volunteer Fire Department while still attending Ridgefield High School. After a year of college, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a full-time career firefighter, achieving his goal in 2014 and becoming the youngest member of the Ridgefield Fire Department. While Bonner owned stereotypical firefighter vehicles (a Jeep Wrangler and RAM pickup), this year he decided he wanted something smaller. When Bonner’s brother-in-law and fellow firefighter Steve Kindschi sent him a photo of a puppy-dog cute Honda Acty mini-truck, he was hooked and began a search to find one. He didn’t have to look far as Auto Technic, a used car dealer in New Milford, was importing minitrucks and had one for sale.

The Honda Acty is one of the most popular models of Japan’s KEI trucks. Japanese KEI regulations specify a maximum vehicle size, engine capacity, and power output. Bonner’s Acty, like most KEI cars and trucks imported to the US, has a 660cc engine with output limited to 63 horsepower. 63 ponies may sound a bit anemic, but with the Acty’s weight of less than 1,500 pounds, the performance is more than adequate. The Acty proved so good that Bonner has been using it as his daily driver, commuting to the firehouse, and

Jackson Bonner, a Ridgefield Firefighter, uses his Honda Acty mini-truck for commuting and for his part-time landscaping business

Anthony Serra and his prized 1976 Fiat Group 2 rally car, which he hopes to race in the near future.

Jay B. of Redding stands proudly amongst some of the cars he and his father Pete own.

for his part-time landscaping business. The fold-down bed sides make it perfect for easy loading while the tidy turning radius and narrow track make it ideal for navigating tight spots.

Twenty-one-year-old Jay B. of Redding grew up in a family of serious car enthusiasts. While his dad has a diverse collection of vehicles, Jay has fully embraced the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) side of the car world. He recently purchased a 1990 Nissan 240SX as a base to build his dream car. From the widebody exterior to the modded 350 hp engine under the hood, Jay’s Nissan is living its best life. Next up are a set of red Recaro racing seats to pop the interior and give him added support for track days.

Jay’s father Pete recently added a rare RWB Porsche to his fleet. Japan-based RWB takes older Porsches and adds comically wide body kits, lowered suspensions, and fat tire and wheel packages. The resulting creations make most old school Porschephiles clutch their pearls, yet younger enthusists are drawn in like flies. If you come upon this beast in traffic, you’ll know it. The barking aftermarket exhaust, huge rear wing and giant RWB branding on the back might aggravate the vintage guys, but even non-car people can’t help but take notice.

Ridgefielder Mark Amler has a penchant for Japanese sports cars. His 1991 Toyota MR2 perfectly encompasses the swoopy hidden headlight styling that RADwood enthusiasts love. Amler’s example is far from stock though. The sharp blue exterior features larger Enkei wheels while power has been significantly upgraded with a Toyota Caldina engine swap. Most people would be happy with 300+ horsepower, but Amler is already planning to swap out for a more powerful engine producing over 600 hp. Considering the MR2 weighs only 2800 pounds, this is going to be one quick Toyota.

Redding’s Ryan Offenhartz has been importing European and Japanese vehicles for two decades. As the sales manager for Ai Design in Tuckahoe, NY, Offenhartz is often tasked with sourcing hard to find collector cars for the firms’ clients. While importing unique cars is an attractive idea, Offenhartz explained the hurdles to be conquered. First off, knowing the integrity of the seller is vitally important. There are countless stories of buyers wiring money only to never have a car delivered or at minimum, receiving a vehicle that was misrepresented. Another issue is potential language barriers for non-English speaking countries. Having a competent translator is essential to get all the documentation in English and to also fully know what you are buying. Lastly: transportation. As Offenhartz says, port to port is the easiest part. Getting the vehicle from the seller to the ship, however, requires coordination and trust.

For serious car enthusiasts, Anthony Serra has a dream job. As owner of @1600Veloce, a high-end virtual auto dealer based in North Salem, NY specializing in enthusiast cars, Serra is constantly buying and selling vehicles that most people only fantasize over. High six-figure Ferraris and Lamborghinis roll through the shop and constant online auctions, yet Anthony prefers vintage Fiats and Alfas. One of his current favorites is his 1976 Fiat 131 Group 2 rally car. The Fiat 131 was an affordable Italian family car, but this one was heavily modified when new and actively raced into the nineties. Serra is still sorting the car but hopes to race it himself in the near future.

Turns out, the car enthusiast tent is big enough for all ages. •