068Magazine July/August by Colabella Media

up Dog?

July/August • 2022

Five Five Questions Questions Bernie Bernie Williams Williams is is More More Than Than Just Just Baseball Baseball

The

BIG

Picture What What Dee Dee Dee Dee Colabella Colabella is is All All About About SUMMER SUMMER SPOTS SPOTS Local Local Places Places to to Explore Explore

Loving

Our Pandemic Pups

Contents

28 Inspiring Girls Ms. President U.S. reach new heights

32 Georgetown Revitalized Showing love to a favorite area

36 Thrown Stone Girl power takes the stage

38 The Road Less Traveled Roger Garbow and his son complete the first circumnavigation of New England in an epic road trip

44 Sup Dog? Loving our pandemic pups

50 The Big Picture Why Dee Dee Colabella has invested so much into the Cultural Arts District

56 Summer Spots Discover local places you and your family would enjoy exploring

64 A Wilton Landmark Welcome to the house of dance

Five Questions with

Bernie Williams 2

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ON THE COVER Pretzel the dog, photo by Dylan Miller Cover article on page 44

Contents

In The Front 12

Noted Dee Dee Colabella

13 14

Behind The Scenes Art In The Spotlight So, you think that’s funny?

Have You Met? The Flower Lady

Ask Ms. Jen

In The Back 68

Foodies Summer BBQ spots

72 76

Shout Out Whatever Comes Up Fun in the backyard

Things To Do Local events

Welcome Jaipore Xpress

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One More Thing

Noted

by Dee Dee Colabella

elcome to the July/August issue of 068 Magazine! We are thrilled to release our 6th issue, marking one year of publishing for the 068 zip codes. Since embarking on this incredible journey, the magazine has gone through some changes. Proudly, the magazine has grown in page count and size, we have added more columns and features, and welcomed new businesses to our area. Welcome Redding, CT! To welcome Redding to our free distribution list, this issue highlights the amazing revitalization of Georgetown and highlight the local businesses found in Georgetown, including Milestone, Wire Mill Barbecue, Rancho Alere, 3 Keys Restaurant, Lombardi’s Trattoria and Black Cat Bar & Grill. Our continued goal is to bring interesting and informative local content to our readers. We are always looking for writers and story ideas that highlight your town. 068 asks our new Redding family to not be shy. Feel free to share businesses, stories and events happening in your area with our 068 team. Again, a big 068 welcome to Redding! •

Behind The Scenes

Vol 1, Issue 4 • July/August 2022

Dee Dee Colabella Owner dcolabella@rpacartcenter.com

Greg Mursko Publisher publisher@068magazine.com

Dylan Miller Editor-In-Chief editor@068magazine.com Contributing Writers Jennifer Bradshaw, Gail Buggy, Allison Ganey, Sarah Galluzzo, Khristee Rich, Sally Sanders, Phanesia Pharel, Kate Perry, and Gerri Lewis. Lily Fertik Copy Editor

Contributing Photographers Roger Garbow, TMR Imagery, Patrick Menard, and John G. Supan.

Advertising Sales David Gursky | 914-646-9141 sales@068magazine.com

We welcome input about this and future issues. Please address letters, queries, and ideas to editor@068magazine.com. 068 Magazine is a publication of Colabella Media LLC. ©2022. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the publisher.

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This Issue’s

Featured Writers Robyn Graygor Robyn Graygor is a college student at SUNY Purchase double majoring in journalism and environmental studies. She has a strong passion for writing, environmental sciences, and fine arts. She has written for several newspapers and newsletters, and is currently working on a children’s book for the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, including both writing and illustration. Robyn shares beautiful hidden summer spots you may not know yet on page 56.

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 sports cars with three pedals. This summer, Roger was sponsored to do the first ever circumnavigation of New England in his modified Subaru. Read about his adventures on page 38.

Julia Bruce Julia Bruce is a longtime resident of Ridgefield. She has been contributing regularly to Ridgefield and Wilton Magazines since 2015 and received a Connecticut Press Club award for her writing in 2020. Her work has also appeared in the New York Times—Tiny Love Stories and various online literary journals. In this issue, Julia highlights a wonderful trend that took place during the pandemic, when pet adoption was at an astonishing high on page 44.

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. He is at work on his first novel, which he promises is “almost finished.” Our team wanted the owner, Dee Dee Colabella, to finally get recognized for all her work, and she picked Dave to write the article on page 50.

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Art In The Spotlight by Gail Buggy

The Art of Comedy

Starring:

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omedy can be found almost anywhere in our daily life, and a quick lighthearted laugh can really lift us up as we continue through our day. However, some take comedy a little more seriously, and make their own comedy rather than wait for it to come to them. An artist pays attention to the world around them and transforms the mundane into the extraordinary; the role of a comedian is no different. Recently I had the good fortune to interview two comedians and get their take on the power of laughter to uplift, transform and why now, more than ever, the art of comedy is such a serious business. Christine O’Leary is a Connecticut based Streamed Live Show Producer, Stand Up Comedian, Host, Personality, Undercover Roaster, Auctioneer, Philanthropist and Corporate Comedy Coach. If you have ever met her in person then you know she radiates positive energy and that a more accurate description of her might be along the lines of “force of nature.” Christine is a self-proclaimed “Joy Junkie” and seems bent on trying to make the world a kinder, more connected place one person at a time. Having seen Christine interact with celebrities such as Jimmy Fallon and Carson Kressley (while

shooting a Bravo show based on her comedy) to people she meets on the street, everyone seems to feel her magic. Perhaps it’s because as a comedy teacher she bestows this personal connection and genuine care on all her students, and her belief that truly everyone has the potential to learn comedy that her classes are so successful. Christine has taught 58 sold out comedy workshops over the span of eight years, each of them lasting seven weeks and culminating in a graduation night performance in front of a live audience where they can display their knowledge of the art. The courses are aimed at “panning for gold”, which is her phrase for teaching students to identify life experiences that will become precious comedy material. During the course of the class, students write, read aloud, and rewrite material under Christine’s guidance and her teaching credo that “comedy is about three things, a truth, a problem, and a feeling”. The energy of performance night is intense, and nerves can run high, but the reward is unlike any other feeling and Christine says it’s as if her students are “born onstage.” In addition to acquiring solid comedic experience through the workshop, her students report also gaining significant confidence to make meaningful friendships and as a graduate myself, I can attest to this wholeheartedly.

Art In The Spotlight

Just as artwork has been making its way to the walls of offices and the workplace, the art of comedy is also making its way here out of necessity. Noticing the dissatisfaction, mass resignations and record workplace dissatisfaction post pandemic, Christine began working with CEO’s, executives and company cultures to facilitate a renewed perspective through increased fun, calibration, and employee engagement. After working with Christine as a Corporate Comedy Coach, the results of these “company resets” are visible not only through employee satisfaction but also through a company’s bottom line. “Doing this work is my greatest good, knowing that I can affect a CEO who guides and impacts the corporate culture for 16,000 people excites my soul, it is my joy to get workplace energy realigned.” Another passion for Christine is event hosting for not-for-profit groups such as Ms

President, a non-partisan initiative dedicated to inspiring young girls to aim for the highest civic leadership positions, and Ability Beyond, a group aimed at empowering differently abled people to live full and rewarding lives. I met with her in late April the morning after she hosted the Ability Beyond Gala. Her voice was still raspy from all the singing, laughter, dancing and she was joyously exhausted or as she says “still high from all the energy.” By the end of the evening, to the surprise of Ability Beyond’s team, $500,000 dollars in donations had been raised, proving that the art of comedy can be a serious business after all. Dave Konig is by all accounts a creative phenom; standup comedian, three-time Emmy award winner, published author (Good Luck, Mr. Gorsky a comedic novel about the drug and crime filled streets of NYC in the 1970’s), and a TV and stage actor. Dave also combines both visual art and his knowledge of

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Art In The Spotlight

comedy as a successful fine artist, working in oil paint and displaying at the RPAC Gallery on Main Street in Ridgefield. When asked why he thinks he became funny, Dave replies he believes “it’s something you’re born with.” I dig a little deeper to discover if Dave had any difficult childhood experiences (in support of the theory that childhood pain makes people funny) he does admit that during his childhood he moved a whopping seventeen times. Due to constantly needing to make new friends, being funny seemed a more attainable skill for young Dave than learning to fight. He then confides the frequent moving essentially forced him to miss fourth grade and years later when asked about the details of Abe Lincoln’s assassination by his young son he silently thought to himself “Assassinated! So that’s

what happened to that guy…” After researching Dave it’s hard to imagine a performer with such a diverse range of comedic experiences. From his three-time Emmy award winning show “Subway Q&A”, to appearing on the wildly popular “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, writing his own one man off Broadway show titled “Hebrew School

Art In The Spotlight

Dropout,” performing stand-up comedy from venues such as Foxwoods to Atlantic City and performing as DJ Vince Fontaine in the Broadway version of “Grease.” More recently however, Dave seems particularly excited about his upcoming appearance with DryBar comedy known for its “always clever, always clean” style. DryBar is an excellent opportunity for any comic as they have an extensive reach through their YouTube channel and various other streaming options. Dave’s personal 30-minute special which was filmed last year is due to be released later this year. Dave’s current project is a musical review he’s working on with pianist, composer and conductor Elliott Finkel titled “The King of the Bronx.” It’s a tale about New Yorker’s experience living through the darkest times of the pandemic and the possibility of coming out of seemingly impossibly and uncertain times on the other side into the light, humor, and hope; a reminder we need now more than ever. Initially, it was Finkel who encouraged Dave to use his paintings as the catalyst for the play; each scene being based on a character from different oil paintings he painted during Covid. (My jaw drops to learn Dave, such a skilled painter only began painting 2 years ago). Currently, the read throughs are being very positively reviewed by invited audiences and the show is in its final stages of development. Dave is looking forward to a NYC production of “The King of the Bronx” in the fall and possibly catching up on some of the American History he missed in fourth grade. Davekonig.com for all things Dave Konig, and www.rpacgallery.com/davekonig for his art. For more information about Christine please visit www.christineoleary.com

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Find Your Happy Place Work alongside fellow artists in a creative and supportive environment!

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Have You Met by Allison Ganey

Spencer

Moore “The Flower Lady”

ou don’t have to live in the area long before you’d begin to notice a woman driving around town in a Gator, tending to the flowers downtown with her trusty sidekick pup. Spencer Moore – known lovingly as “The Flower Lady” – has been responsible for the care of Ridgefield and Wilton decorative flower baskets for eleven straight seasons. Spencer was born and raised in Winston Salem, North Carolina and lived in Charleston until her move to Ridgefield in 2003. She earned an english degree from UNC Chapel Hill in 1989, going on to work for an advertising agency in Charleston before teaming up with a friend to form a successful PR/ Marketing Firm. Her advertising job is where she met her husband, Rhys: “I actually met him through my parents.” When her mom introduced the two, she said, “I didn’t even do that on purpose.” They went on to have two kids before their move up north, but she insists that “the kids think they’re yankees even though they were born down south.” After the move to Ridgefield, Spencer semi-retired from her job to focus on her kids. She started gardening in her own 1-acre yard as a hobby – a passion spurred by having a rooftop garden when she lived in New York. She quickly grew so enamored with it that the mayor enlisted her for a job. Her husband was on the historic district committee in Ridgefield – the board is responsible for maintaining the integrity of Ridgefield’s Spencer Moore and her dog, Bower, with all their baskets by Ridgefield Town Hall before hanging them all throughout the area.

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Have You Met

Spencer waters the hanging baskets several times each week with the aid of helpers and can often be seen going up and down Main Street in her gator vehicle.

historic homes and Main Street. “One day Rudy said to me, ‘Hey, we need someone to take care of the flower baskets around town and we’ll pay you!’ That’s how it all began.” Since that day, Spencer’s business has evolved from a self-taught hobby to a sought-after enterprise. Her official business is called Moore Blooms with a logo design based on her handwriting, and she has a team dubbed “The Flower Girls” who help maintain over 500 flower baskets from Ridgefield’s Stop & Shop to Wilton’s downtown center. “[My business] is the real deal! I have checks and everything!” Spencer says her small

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residential business has gone “bonkers,” even doing work in North Salem with plans to break out of Fairfield County. “I’ve had great people take me under their wing. This is a very welcoming community.” Spencer made it very clear that this is not a one-woman-operation. On top of her “flower girls,” Moore Blooms is sustained by further local business owners in the community. The baskets she uses to hang flowers from the town lamp posts come from Hollandia in Bethel, whom she says is like an extension of herself. “I can go in there and everyone drops what they’re doing.” The guys at Town Garage

have been pivotal in keeping her business afloat, as well. “If I get a flat [on my Gator], they come right away. And they work on ambulances!” Even when she’s working alone, she’s never really alone – she always has her dog right alongside her. When she first started this venture, her trusty sidekick was her Australian Shepherd, Biscuit. From the very first day on the job, Spencer committed to taking Biscuit with her every day. She and her son even got Biscuit certified as a therapy dog so people could interact with her on the job. As she got older, Spencer’s friend, Mike Zapp – the city’s handyman

Have You Met

Fully developed hanging baskets growing in Wilton.

Hanging baskets were pre-made and dropped off by Ridgefield Town Hall on May 26.

at the time who also constructed the metal flower baskets – built Biscuit a bed to lay in the back of the Gator. Spencer has a new co-pilot with her now: her son’s puppy, Bower. Another Australian Shepherd, Bower is being trained to sit in the Gator alongside her and he joins the ranks of the team’s furry co-pilots. Outside of her work, Spencer describes herself as “pretty one-dimensional.” She spends a lot of time in her own garden and travels often to cheer on her kids who both play college sports. They’ve tried to encourage her to get back into tennis, which she played throughout school, and she’s even considered trying her hand at golf. She loves her job enough that she’s very happy with things just as they are. Because she’s self-taught, Spencer recently started working towards getting her horticulture certification from a local nonprofit and she said it humbled her greatly. “I wake up every day, and whether it’s doing the baskets or working in someone’s yard, [my job is] very rewarding.” The work she’s done has had a great impact on the Ridgefield community, and the town is better for it. Should you ever see her out and about with Bower, don’t be afraid to say hello.

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Ask Ms. Jen

by Jennifer Bradshaw

Jen,

Dear Ms.

I noticed that there are these little clay looking structures on the foundation of my house near the garage. They have rounded openings, but I haven’t seen anything go in or out of them. Any idea what these are? Noah - Wilton, CT These are likely the impressive homes of the Mud Dauber Wasp! These invertebrates may look terrifying, but they are not aggressive and quite beneficial to have around. Mud daubers are hunting wasps and prey on spiders; the black widow is a favorite. The mud nests they make are often tubular in shape and in each tube is a series of individual cells which the female will lay a single egg. Females then stuff the tube with spiders it has paralyzed to provide the wasp larvae with food as they grow. If spiders aren’t your thing, you would definitely want these mud daubers around!

I was walking down my road and saw a dead squirrel, but it looked like it was inside-out. It was gnarly, how did this even happen? Josh - Wilton, CT This is actually a very cool thing to come across, the culprit - a Common Raven. Although ravens have notable beaks, they aren’t able to tear into the carcasses of most mammals. Often, they will wait for other carnivores to rip apart the remains so they can eat the meat. Sometimes however, to get to the meat quicker, they will turn the squirrel inside-out through the squirrel’s mouth to get to the flesh! Wildlife is so incredible, isn’t it?

While taking a hike at the Woodcock Nature Center I found this bone. Do you know what animal it’s from? Sophia T. - Ridgefield, CT Hi Sophia, what an awesome nature treasure you found! What you have here is a White-tailed Deer lumbar vertebra - a piece of the deer’s backbone! The bone looks old and weathered so it’s possible it has been where you found it for quite some time. We often don’t find tons of animal bones because some animals such as squirrels will chew on them as a source of calcium! I have two cabinets filled with nature treasures such as bones, skulls, feathers, etc. You should start your own collection, it’s a great starter piece!

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Inspiring

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The Future Ms President US Girls Reach Higher n 2016, Liz Osterhus, founder of Ms President US, was troubled after the national election. She couldn’t believe that in her lifetime there had never been a female U.S. president. She wondered about the psychological effect this would have on her daughter. At age five, her daughter openly expressed wanting to be president one day and at age eight, she wanted to stay up late and celebrate the victory of a female president, but it didn’t happen. After that day, Osterhus created Ms President US in Ridgefield. Ms President US is a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to motivating and preparing girls to aim for the highest civic leadership positions and help them achieve their goals. This is a unique program for girls in the 4th through 8th grades. Studies have shown that girls’ confidence plummets at age nine; it used to be age eleven, but over the years, the age of this decline has come earlier. Childhood plants the seeds for girls’ self-esteem for the rest of their lives, so these formative years are critical. “If girls only have nine years to gain the confidence they need for the rest of their lives, then that’s a problem,” says Amanda Cordano, Program Director. “We capture them at the peak of their confidence which means they are going to raise their hand a lot; they are going to be really curious; they are not going to be intimidated by the crowd.”

Osterhus found that there are many programs to support confidence for teenage girls such as student council and debate, but when girls needed support most (before this drop in confidence), it was lacking. She saw a great need and acted upon it. “Rudy Marconi was the first person I contacted. He’s been chair of our board and he is phenomenal,” says Osterhus. Ms President US is an eight-session program that unites, uplifts, and inspires girls. Girls learn public speaking, debate, women’s history, to discern the media, to articulate their voices, and to become leaders. They visit the Capitol annually in D.C., meet female legislators, and gain tips from speakers. At the end, they participate in a campaign and election to be Ms President US. The election takes place at the Ridgefield Playhouse with voting from the audience. Often times, teen mentors help students in the program to hone their skills. One of the team mentors, Lane Murdock from Ridgefield, taught the girls to practice their speech thoroughly and then disregard it once they were up onstage to be more authentic. Ann Nunes, a parent of one of the girls, learned about Ms President US and enrolled her shy daughter into the program. By the end of the first year, her daughter was holding a microphone in front of a group and in the second year, she ran for

by Khristee Rich

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Ms President US

Ms President US Wilton and won. Nunes was amazed to see her daughter flourishing in the program with her social skills, speech delivery, self-advocacy, and awareness of the emergent needs in the community. Impressed by the program, the transformation she saw, Nunes started her own chapter and became Wilton Chapter Director. “I don’t think we think about it as adults and educators how much value there is in giving kids the experience of speaking in front of a group, holding a microphone, and sharing their ideas,” says Nunes. “There’s so little opportunity for it in your typical school experience and after school programs. When you ask a girl to give her opinion and show how valuable it is, and that there are ways that she can influence public policy just by sharing her opinion, it’s so powerful.” The girls in the program have created impactful speeches on such topics as pollution and zero waste, animal cruelty, special needs inclusion, period equality, and anti-bullying. One girl, Yustyna Filinskyy, from Wilton, even testified on SB 4, an act concerning the Connecticut Clean Air Act, to protect our environment on her own initiative. Nunes started as Wilton Chapter Director during Covid. She quickly created

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a virtual program which brought unexpected opportunities and success. More guest speakers were available to talk to the girls via Zoom. This helped the organization to grow organically, allowing more students from more towns across Connecticut and other states. Nunes, now Virtual Program Director, is creating a library of sessions and a template for the national level to help other leaders start their own chapters. “We need to replicate this program in communities nationwide,” says Osterhus. “We’re very privileged to live in the Northeast where there are a lot of women in elected office. However, there are other parts of the country where this isn’t common and it’s girls in those states and communities, especially underserved communities, that we need to reach the most.” When the program started in 2017, women represented slightly under 20% of the seats in Congress. Today, women represent 27%. There has been progress,

but this program is still greatly needed. Thankfully, Ms President US has never turned down a girl based on ability to pay, and offers scholarships to many students. “We have a really fantastic team, an amazing team…,” says Nunes. “I feel like we were paving a route to the future for these girls. They are the ones we are handing the future to; they have the vision for it better than we do. So, this is just a way to provide them with the tools to be able to develop the future that they want.” It’s true what Whitney Houston said; “Children are our future; teach them well and let them lead the way.”

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Georgetown Showing love to a favorite area

by Kate Perry

Milestone, Wire Mill Barbecue, Rancho Alegre, 3 Keys Restaurant, Lombardi’s Trattoria, and Black Cat Bar & Grill. Redding Beer Co. offers locally brewed beers on tap, while Georgetown Tavern’s bar is a great place for bellying up. For breakfast and baked goods, there’s Uncle Leo’s Not Just Coffee and Donuts, Old Mill Market, and PopUpBagels (recently featured in the New York Times), while Crystals & Cones is a favorite for ice cream and sweets. The arts have also long been celebrated in Georgetown. Local artist Kristen Terrana-Hollis created a mural facing Route 107 to welcome visitors

Right: Georgetown Day, a street fair that ushers in summer, has live music, a beer tent, and activities for families, including arts and crafts projects for kids. Bottom Left: A picnic held in honor of the 150th Gilbert & Bennett Anniversary in 1968 Bottom Right: Local artist Kristen Terrana-Hollis created a mural on the back of Uncle Leo’s that welcomes visitors to Georgetown.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRENT COLLEY

he historic village of Georgetown is located where the four corners of Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, and Wilton meet. This hamlet is steeped in history and features restaurants, locally owned shops, and an energetic community of residential homes. With convenient proximity to all of Fairfield County and the train lines into New York City, Georgetown is a quiet respite in contrast to the busier surrounding towns. Settled in the 1720’s, Georgetown is a small and cozy but lively village with restaurants and shops. Visitors can enjoy lunch and dinner at local favorites like

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PHOTO BY TMR IMAGERY

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to Georgetown, which was completed in late spring 2022. The artwork was commissioned by Georgetown Village Restoration, Inc. (GVR), a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and improving the area, and features local icons like the historic stone Georgetown Bible Church, Mark Twain, and more. “I’ve been a resident of the area for eight years and love Georgetown. It is an honor to create a mural that celebrates its unique history and welcomes people to the vibrant community it is today. There is unlimited potential for Georgetown’s future,” said Kristen.

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Creative Culture There are two art studios in the village; artists can take classes at the historic G&B Cultural Center and Georgetown School of the Arts. Green + Grain offers high-end interior design services, as does Heidi Holzer Design, who also created Trowel & Paper artisanal wallpaper in Georgetown. Olive My Skin is also located on Main Street, with olive oilbased candles and skin care. Live music has always been a significant part of Georgetown, dating back to the days of the often-reminisced-about Georgetown Saloon. These days, Milestone, 3 Keys, Wire Mill Barbecue, Redding Beer Co., and other spots host local singers and bands. The village and surrounding zones are both served by Georgetown Volunteer Fire Department, a department of all local volunteers who join forces to protect businesses and residences. There’s a seasonal farmers market every Sunday in the parking lot of Old Mill Market featuring local farms and producers. For nature lovers, GilbertBennett Park is a natural area in the middle of Main Street with beautifully maintained native plants and trees. Main Street is also host to Georgetown Day, an annual festival that typically takes place on the Sunday before Father’s Day each year. This event is free to the community and features live music, craft and family-friendly vendors, many food vendors and a beer tent, kids’ activities, a chili cook-off, and, most of all, a chance for the Georgetown community Georgetown Day typically takes place on the second Sunday in June and brings together the community to celebrate the cozy village and its community.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRENT COLLEY

The Gilbert Farm, which sat on the hill above Georgetown and has since become Meadow Ridge, a senior living community.

to gather and celebrate the historic village. Visitors to Georgetown will also notice an expanse of large brick factory buildings, formerly called the Gilbert & Bennett Manufacturing Company, where much of Georgetown’s historical significance lies. G&B was first started by Benjamin Gilbert, a Georgetown tanner who started working with livestock hair to create sieves and stuffing for mattresses and cushions; he invented the first machine to pick and separate the hair. Sturges Bennett joined the company as a partner in 1828. The hair-weaving process proved time and laborintensive, and the partners investigated other options, landing on fine wire and using a neighbor’s carpet loom to weave the wire into wire cloth. During the Civil War, G&B revolutionized the wire industry by adding a protective coat that stabilized it enough to create window screens. The Gilbert & Bennett factory characterizes a common American theme, right in Georgetown. With a span from 1818 to 1989, the wire mill factory had a good run, but as with many factory towns in America, obsolescence took hold and jobs moved overseas. Fortunately, due to proximity to New York City and the bucolic beauty of the area, the historic village of Georgetown has survived as an active hub. Historic Landmark and Lofty Goal The factory is still a central building in Georgetown, though currently only part of it is in use, namely for storage by local commercial businesses. After it was shut down in the late 1980s, efforts by developers to revive and develop the factory buildings stalled in the late 2000s, resulting in years of legal actions. The town was

able to regain ownership of the mill after a Connecticut Supreme Court ruling in 2021 and has been taking proactive steps to remediate the property and ready it for its next purpose. The first steps are a grant-funded environmental assessment as well as engineering assessments. From there, the town will work to evaluate potential developers and projects; possible mixed uses include shops, condos, lofts, and more. Ralph Bosch, board president of the Georgetown nonprofit GVR said, “For over a hundred years, Georgetown Bottom: Map of Georgetown in 1964. and the Gilbert & Bennett factory were the economic Bottom: Map of Georgetown in 1964. engine of the town of Redding of those that live and own businesses in the and the surrounding area. greater Georgetown area and the surrounding When the mill closed in the eighties, the towns.” tenor of Georgetown changed. Currently we There is much hope and many plans are at a crossroads where the revitalization for the property to be reimagined and and reuse of the factory site is poised to help reworked as a beautiful, beneficial part of reimagine that economic engine in a new the Georgetown community a second time way for both Georgetown and Redding. around. Many areas in similar circumstances “The business hub that surrounds the have experienced such revitalizations, and wire mill site is simultaneously flourishing Georgetown has the charm and tenacity and biding time through an ever-changing to see one through here. Until then, the series of challenges, including lack of parking restaurants and businesses bustle and and other needs, but the area has evolved residents and visitors enjoy both the into a mixed use of residential, restaurants, historic and the modern that comprises the entertainment, and retail and office space. remarkable village of Georgetown. With the anticipated redevelopment of the Many thanks to local historian Brent wire mill property, there is much hope and Colley. He and his informative website expectation that the village of Georgetown historyofredding.net provided much of the will be further re-energized, which will both historical information in this article. support redevelopment along with the needs

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by Phanésia Pharel

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*ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON THE NEW YORK THEATRE REVIEW BLOG

s Thrown Stone’s Playwriting Fellow, I had the opportunity to connect with the playwrights of our 2022 season and the artistic directors to talk about why Girl Power is the conversation of the moment. Let’s start with COVID 19 and why the need to continue seeing and creating theater in the midst of an ongoing pandemic? Elenna Stauffer, Playwright of Hysterical! said “It’s a strange and interesting consonance, working on a play about mass psychogenic illness during a time when we are all preoccupied with illness. One of the constant pressures the young women in my play face is the isolation that comes with fear of contagion. As we all navigate our way through this third year of the first global pandemic of our lifetime, it’s interesting to be living some of these anxieties I had only written about when I began work on the play (in the time before Covid). But the isolation wrought by the pandemic has only pointed up the urgent human need for connection. Sitting in the dark with friends and strangers, even masked, breathing together in the shared experience of bearing witness to the human activity on stage feels, if anything, more urgent than ever.” Both plays present unusual topics and experiences. What excited you about these characters and their stories? Jason Peck, Co-Artistic Director said “I knew nothing about fencing or cheer, so it was fun to soak up the language, rules, and rituals. I love how the characters smash your expectations, and how completely

and unapologetically they are themselves — especially when out from under the gaze of their parents, teachers, and coaches.” Jonathan Winn, Co-Artistic Director added, “I love how each character balances the struggle for status and connection as their identities take shape. I love the sense that stories like these, with their heroism, pathos, and grit, are unfolding all around us all the time. We all know these girls, but do we truly see and hear them?” Ultimately, what do you hope the audience will take away from the Girl Power season? “There’s a line in one of the cheers where a character describes how MPI (mass hysteria), though often the diagnosis assigned because of the age and gender of the afflicted, is minimized because ‘it was just girls, just teenage girls who got it,’” said Stauffer. I hope that seeing the teenage girls in Hysterical! and in Athena, the audience will come away with compassion and respect for them. Adolescence is a vulnerable time, and for these young women on the precipice of adulthood, their challenges and dreams are as urgent as those of anyone else, though we far too rarely get to see them onstage. In a year where women are just receiving equal pay for athletics and where various intense social issues are prominent, allowing girls to be the protagonists in

PHANÉSIA PHAREL

ELENNA STAUFFER

their stories feels like a necessary cultural correction. Since young women have their own language, their own sense of what is funny and tragic and interesting, I hope audiences will enjoy being a fly on the wall for these conversations that can only happen in the private spaces where they rehearse and hang out away from the adults and their male peers.” Gracie Gardner Playwright of Athena said, “I’m disturbed at the way ‘teenage girl’ is so often used as an insult. I grew up watching shows and movies that made it seem like the lives and thoughts of teenage girls didn’t matter. When I was in high school theater, the parts I played were like, a woman in the middle of a divorce, an aging spinster...I don’t think I ever played a part that was anywhere near something I could relate to. I’m excited by the idea that people who are the age of these characters can play them in that context for an audience of their friends. My friends growing up were in turns kind, and brilliant, and prematurely forced into adulthood by circumstances beyond their control. I was interested in seeing that on stage, the loneliness and attempt to make a connection with the people you are diametrically at odds with.”* Thrown Stone Theatre Company presents Athena by Gracie Gardner and Hysterical! by Elenna Stauffer July 14 August 7, 2022 at Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. Tickets and information available at thrownstone.org.

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JASON PECK

JONATHAN WINN

GRACIE GARDNER

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PHOTO BY BEN GARBOW

PHOTO BY ROGER GARBOW

The Road

Roger Garbow taking in the New Brunswick Coastline, across the Quoddy Narrows, from the easternmost point in the United States.

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Traveled By Roger Garbow & Ben Garbow The boys went as far east as they could, stopping at Maine’s historic and picturesque West Quoddy Head Lighthouse.

s my four companions and I struggled to free Jack’s car from the heavy spring snow, I considered our options. We were traveling through uninhabited logging roads that haven’t seen another vehicle in days. With no cell service or satellite phone, we were on our own—which left me, as the team leader, with a decision to make. Do we press on into the unknown like the great explorers of the past, or turn back? Am I Shackleton, who saved his entire team, or Sir John Franklin, whose crew resorted to cannibalism before perishing? This adventure started with my idea to do a road trip with my son Ben, before his planned move south later this year. Since my client, Vredestein Tire was looking to promote their new Pinza all-terrain, go-anywhere tire, an idea was hatched; outfit my Subaru Crosstrek with some rugged off-road gear, fit it with the Pinzas, and do something memorable: a complete circumnavigation of New England. After the last two years, a road adventure was just what we both needed. While I handled the logistics, some local companies stepped up to assist. Colonial Subaru of Danbury offered to prep the car and install the tires and LP Aventure off-road gear. Monica and Todd Brown of 109 Cheese and Wine in Ridgefield put together a hefty cooler bag of gourmet sandwiches and enough snacks to last us for days. After installing a Thule roof box with survival gear and covering the car with stickers to ensure other travelers were aware of how epic our journey was, we were ready. DAY 1. RIDGEFIELD, CT to BOSTON, MA Roger: Since Ben currently lives in Boston, I am picking him up en route. With the cinematography brother team of Tom and Jack Morningstar following along (in another Cool Gray Khaki Crosstrek) to document the escapades, and their father Joe joining them since it seemed like a fun idea, we head off. The first stop is Stamford’s Lakeside Diner for a breakfast of warm cinnamon sugar donuts. Ben: My dad and I have wanted to do a big dumb car-related adventure for a while now. His pitch, a 1,700-mile five-day journey all the way around New England on roads less traveled, ticked all the boxes, at least on paper. At the outset, I didn’t grasp the scope or ambition of the trip. I’ve lived

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my whole life here, gone to each state many times, driven everywhere. How would this trip be any different? That’s what I was asking myself as we had dinner and drinks at one of my favorite local haunts, the Publick House in Brookline of the Boston area. Roger: In Westerly, Rhode Island we pull onto the sands of East Beach in front of the swanky Ocean House resort for some photos. All is well until I venture from the soft sand onto the wet sand and the car grinds to a halt. Utilizing my recovery boards, we quickly extricate the Subie and we’re back on the road. After a tour of the spectacular Audrain Auto Museum collection in Newport, we head north to Subaru of New England headquarters in Norwood, Mass. The execs give us a full tour of this sustainably designed building which has a LEED Platinum Certification. We finally hit Boston, pick up Ben and enjoy dinner. DAY 2. BOSTON, MA to BAR HARBOR, ME Ben: Morning starts bright and early with the traditional Boston breakfast:

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iced coffee at Dunkin. I drive the first leg from Revere Beach up to Portland, Maine. Because of the nature of the trip, hugging coastlines and borders, we pass through New Hampshire in the blink of an eye. Roger: Coming from Connecticut, it’s HOT coffee for me. Arriving at Bar Harbor, the tide table is in our favor as the sandbar is fully exposed, a perfect setting for late afternoon photos. Finally, we savor lobster rolls and beer at my favorite local watering hole, the Thirsty Whale. DAY 3. BAR HARBOR, ME to FORT KENT, ME Ben: We reach West Quoddyhead Lighthouse, the easternmost point in the continental United States. For about ten minutes, there are no humans or cars farther east in the US than us. We drive north. Maine has an abundance of space, and in this part of the state you really feel a sense of distance between things, wide-open fields dotted with farmhouses and silos, mountains far in the distance. After dinner at the Swamp Buck, I

venture out into Fort Kent to take some night photos. I love small towns and I love understanding the minutiae that makes one small town different than all the others. Fort Kent is small, with most buildings hugging Route 1 up to the border crossing. It’s quiet and wonderful. Roger: We start the day with an excellent breakfast at Two Cats— I recommend the blueberry pancakes—and then a peaceful drive along the scenic Park Loop Road in Acadia. A quick detour up to the top of Cadillac Mountain afford us a chance to take in the spectacular vistas before getting back on the road. DAY 4. FORT KENT, ME to NEWPORT, VT Roger: This is where our story began: the logging roads. My ambitious plan has us navigating these gravel roads all the way to the remote border crossing at St. Pamphile, Canada. After getting Jack’s car unstuck— with the help of the recovery boards and

manpower—we decide to press on. Keeping up a fairly high pace to avoid getting stranded, it’s simultaneously exciting and a bit terrifying. To the credit of the Vredestein tires, my Crosstrek is a champ and rips through the snow. Ben: I really want to emphasize how intense those 80 miles got. We were totally isolated with nobody to be seen. A foot of snow had dropped a few days earlier and because it had been slightly melting for days, it had the consistency of wet cement. All this meant we were bombing through gravel roads as fast as we reasonably could, with threadbare maps and navigational references, no cell service, eyes peeled and ears perked for logging trucks and hazards around every blind corner. For 80 miles. It was like we were on an off-road rally, except we had completely made up the route for ourselves, we weren’t competing with anyone and there was no prize waiting for us at the end. Our prize was crossing into Canada.

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DAY 5. NEWPORT, VT to RIDGEFIELD, CT Ben: Today was specifically designed to try our patience. Seems Vermont likes to service all of its roads at once. We experienced: Construction equipment on multiple bridges, a tractor, excavation equipment placing a new drain pipe, and a truck repainting the double yellow line. For me, running into multiple roadblocks on the final day of our trip was extremely funny. Dad looked ready to jump out of the car and punch a tree. We also did maybe the most Vermont thing I can think of; taking two Subarus to visit the Ben and Jerry’s factory. Roger: Two thoughts from the day: (1) Ben and Jerry’s ice cream is always better at the factory and (2) road construction delays suck, no matter what state you are in. Best Food and Interesting People Ben: The Brown Cow in Newport, VT. It’d been a long time since I’d been to a local diner, one with paper placemats filled with ads for local businesses. The bacon, egg and cheese on an English muffin was killer, and not just because it was our last morning on the road and I could taste freedom. Roger: The Swamp Buck. With every other Fort Kent dining establishment

closed on Sunday night, this was it. Dinner was excellent with a wide variety of New England’s best brews on tap. Ben and Roger: Susanne Ottendorfer and Siegfried Weinert from Austria who we met at the West Quoddy Lighthouse in their overlanding RV as they began their 18-month journey traveling the entire North and South American continents— and Antarctica! Ben: Wild Blueberry Land calls to me. The geodesic dome. The mini golf course. The ominous gift shop in the distance with a mannequin torso in the window wearing a shirt that I assume says something like “I Went To Wild Blueberry Land on Historic Route 1 in Maine And All I Got Was This Stupid T-Shirt”. I’m heartbroken it wasn’t open. Roger: After dropping off Ben, and saying goodbye to the Morningstar clan, I had a few miles alone to reflect. The sights, the roads, the food and the adventure were everything I could have hoped for. But spending those five days with Ben is something I will truly cherish. We talked about everything, we laughed until we could barely breathe, and we shared some kickass experiences. Pulling into my driveway, I ended up were I started. But this trip was never about the destination. It was all about the journey.

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Families Who Adopted Animals Got So Much in Return 44

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A new and loved addition to the Chen family in Ridgefield doing her favorite thing in the world; eating sticks and playing with her humans!

Over the last two years, more than 23 million American households adopted a pet, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). Ridgefield residents Sarah and Brad Blosat were among the one in five families that opened their home to a shelter animal during the pandemic. They had been considering getting a dog for a while but had concerns about the huge commitment. With more time on their hands when they began working from home, they decided to take the leap. “Adopting a dog was something to be excited about during a difficult time,” said Blosat. The pandemic forced many businesses to adjust their operations and animal shelters were not exempt from these restrictions. To comply with CDC guidelines, shelters like Norwalk’s Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) fostered out or adopted most of their pet residents. “To be socially responsible, we needed to decrease the number of animals at the shelter, so we could reduce the number of people coming in,” said Ellen Simmonds, PAWS Executive Director. PAWS reached out to their employees as well as the greater Norwalk community for assistance in placing animals. “It was a true bump of kindness that our staff and volunteers all stepped up and helped,” Simmonds said. Jill Bogdanoff was one of the people who answered PAWS’ request for fosters. “I wasn’t thinking about adopting, I just wanted to help out,” said Bogdanoff, who lives in Norwalk. She and her boyfriend took in Snowflake, a 65-pound pitbull. Bogdanoff had pitbulls growing up, so she was experienced with the breed. She

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Nimbus Blue, named after his blind blue eye on the right side was adopted February 6, 2021. Nimbus is known for destroying television remotes (5) and ripping up flower beds. Owner Dyan Pisciotti says, “We love him anyway.”

The highlight of the day for Snowflake, who now goes by Stella, is an afternoon walk with her new owner Jill Bogdanoff.

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hoped that spending time in a home would improve Snowflake’s chances of adoption. But when a potential placement for Snowflake fell through, Bogdanoff was surprised at the relief she felt. “I took it as a sign that she was supposed to stay with us,” Bogdanoff said. A few days later, they adopted the dog and renamed her Stella. As stay-at-home mandates persisted, adoption rates escalated, but the demand was sometimes higher than the supply of available pets. “In the beginning of the pandemic, it was really hard to find a dog,” said Blosat. Shelters strived to make sure that potential adopters knew what they were getting into. “We needed people to understand that this is not just a pandemic dog, but an animal you are keeping for the rest of its life, as a part of your family,” said Dorene Zurlo, Director of Volunteer

Services for the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue (ROAR). After unsuccessfully applying for several dogs, Blosat’s application was approved to adopt Mack, a beagle-mix from an animal shelter down South. She said the shelter did a thorough job vetting her family as adopters. Mack was transported to Connecticut and welcomed into their home. “Mack has changed our lives. Our children used to be hesitant around dogs, but Mack has helped them through that,” said Blosat. Ridgefield resident Kate Krsulich said that having her five children home during hybrid schooling in 2020 helped her decide to welcome a new puppy into their family. “I definitely gave the kids more responsibilities,” she said. Krsulich, who was a volunteer at ROAR at the time, had initially only agreed to foster Bailey, a Labrador-mix puppy. Bailey was great with Krsulich’s kids and also bonded with Cooper, the family’s other dog. They quickly became what’s called a “foster fail,”

y e l i a B & r Coope a lighthearted term for when a foster family permanently adopts a dog or cat. “Bailey just fit right in,” Krsulich said. For the most part, these recently adopted pets are staying put. Despite alarmist headlines indicating a surge in people surrendering pets adopted during the pandemic, the majority of owners are not considering rehoming their animals. “In this area, we’re not experiencing the rate of return that is reported in the news,” said Zurlo. Simmonds agreed, adding, “If we did get returns, it was because the fit was not right. Most people took these animals in and fell in love.” Careful placement is crucial for successful pet adoption. “We always strive to make the best possible match,” said Zurlo. Carolyn Lemoine of Wilton experienced one such successful pairing. “I never thought I could be a full-time pet parent because of work,” said Lemoine, also a volunteer at ROAR. When the pandemic curtailed her busy travel schedule, Lemoine

took the opportunity to foster several cats and kittens. “I realized that fostering these cats could change the trajectory of their lives,” she said. In the fall of 2020, she took in Taco Bella, a 14-yearold cat who had survived outside despite being declawed and having bad teeth. “I really wasn’t looking to adopt, but after a few days, I knew this was the cat for me. She’s the perfect roommate,” said Lemoine. As Covid restrictions continue to lift and people return to in-person work, new pet owners will need to adjust their routines for pets that are used to having their humans around. “Start by leaving your pet for short periods and slowly increase the amount of time you are away,” said Dr. Carol Gamez DVM of Georgetown Veterinary Hospital. Dr. Gamez also recommends rewarding your pet with some bonding time when you come home, such as a walk or playtime.

Mack, a beagle-mix, has claimed his spot in the hearts (and the center of this family photo) of Sarah and Brad Blosat and their boys.

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The newest addition to the Krsulich Family, Bailey, seems totally content snuggling in with big brother Cooper.

Many pet owners have already begun to ease into this transition. Blosat and her husband have flexible work schedules that allow them to spend time with Mack. Others have shelled out extra money to care for their pets while they are away. Lemoine is looking into hiring a cat sitter for Taco Bella if she needs to travel. Bogdanoff is willing to rework her monthly budget to include a dog walker for Stella. “We’ve found that pet owners are willing to make the changes needed to keep their pets,” said Simmonds. The last two years have certainly been difficult, but if any good has come out of the pandemic, it probably has four paws and a wagging tail. Pets provided a much-needed outlet for exercise and companionship during a time of isolation. Families that adopted not only saved that animal but made space for shelters to rescue more. Covid took a lot from us, but maybe it gave us something too.

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“You Don’t Have To Be ‘Starving’ To Be An Artist” by Dave Goldenberg Photography by Patrick Menard www.ZsPopEditing.com Hair and Make-up Amanda Gabbard AmandaGabbardBeauty.com RPAC Super Models Dylan Miller (Left) 068 Magazine Editor-In-Chief Dee Dee Colabella (Middle) Owner and Master-Mind of 068 Magazine, RPAC Art Center and Academy, ArtFul Visual Arts Initiative, RPAC Gallery and D.Colabella Gallery Evyn Carter (Right) Graphic Designer Greg Mursko (In The Back) Co-Founder of RPAC and 068 Magazine Publisher A special thanks to our Gallerist Amanda Dranow, her assistant, Ashlinn Casey, and our finance team; Saeeda Quaisar; Brandy Perrone and John Perrone…could not do it without you!

he magazine you’re reading right now—you’ve probably noticed that it’s changed in the past year. There’s the new name (it was Ridgefield Magazine), and then there’s the new look and format. But if you’ve been reading closely, you’ve also noticed a newfound focus on the arts, especially visual arts. This is the doing of publisher Dee Dee Colabella, an oil painter herself, who acquired and relaunched this magazine to help realize her dream of building a community that not only appreciates the visual arts, but also produces and supports real artists; working artists. “People always hear the phrase ‘starving artist,’” she tells me. “But there are so many ways to have a real career in art and stay connected to what you love.” Artists, she believes, can be well-fed. Dee Dee’s own artistic aspirations emerged early. As a child she would go door-to-door hawking her drawings. In college she studied fashion marketing, and afterward she found herself working as an art director in the graphic design world. But something was missing—she was creatively unfulfilled. Dee Dee wanted to be an artist, a real artist. So in 2014, she entered WestConn’s Fine Art program, from which she graduated with her Masters In Fine Art. With her degree in one hand and a paint brush

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I’m amazed with what we’ve built here in just three years. There’s an energy here that truly inspires creativity. Dee Dee is fearless, friendly and incedibly intellegent. I’m so proud to call her my friend.

Working in a small office with Dee Dee (my former resident artist studio), if anyone can attest to her work ethic, it would be me. She is the owner, but adheres to a full time salary schedule to the minute and always makes herself available to lead the team.

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My Team is everything to the success of the businesses. Having a great team is what brings me to work every day … Proud and happy for the work we do.

in the other she sought to reinvent herself as a working artist. But somehow the art-school curriculum had left out the “working” part. “No one tells you how to do this,” she says. “Art is a career that people fear. ‘How am I going to make a living?’ The art world seems closed, but the truth is, it’s possible to have a career in art—if you know how.” Fostering that know-how is a mission Dee Dee threw herself into. In 2019, she opened RPAC—the Ridgefield Professional Art Center and Academy. Located above 850 Degrees Wood Fired Pizza, the Main Street pizzeria, RPAC offers capacious, modern studio space, along with classes at all levels. Many artists enjoy the common work area, while others avail themselves of the private and semi-private studios. It’s open 24/7, accommodating artistic inspiration whenever it strikes. Dee Dee says. “I envision a 360-degree experience for artists. We give them not only a place to create, but we also provide training,

professional guidance— and even a place to exhibit and sell their work. Evyn Carter, our graphic artist is talented and above all patient with all the craziness. He is constantly working, willing to help the artists, and capable with whatever is assigned to him.” The RPAC Gallery, located at 410 Main Street, with its whitewashed walls and gleaming hardwood floors exudes the metropolitan vibe of a SoHo exhibition space, and it’s filled with paintings, photography, and sculptures created by RPAC members and resident artists. Dee Dee also invites select artists to display their work. Recent exhibitions have featured such creators as Ridgefieldbased “texturalist” Suzanne Heilman, who often incorporates found objects into her fabrications. After successfully launching the RPAC gallery, the hard-charging Dee Dee was not content to rest on her laurels. “When I moved here in 2005, there was really

no place to view art except the Aldrich Museum,” she says. “Today Ridgefield has become a real center for the arts, but it’s mostly performing arts. There’s a gap when it comes visual fine art—and there’s a real market for it.” In January 2022 she opened the D. Colabella Fine Arts gallery at 464 Main Street, where she presents solo and group shows featuring established artists from the U.S. and around the world. “If we want a true visual-arts culture, it’s important we bring serious art collectors into town,” she says, “people who would frequent traditional New York galleries.” A recent show featured Will Woodrow, an Indianapolis-based painter-sculptor whose work manages to be both whimsical and awe-inspiring. As a gallerist, she’s working to court established names and advocate for the emerging RPAC artists. “I want to launch artists that become the next Keith Haring,” she declares.

The show also featured Charles Gulbrandsen, an abstract painter from Woodbury, Connecticut,. “She saw a broken system for artists to create and show our work,” he says, “and she envisioned an alternative. She had it up and running and thriving within a year.” Gulbrandsen, an RPAC artist, is traveling the career path Dee Dee has established. “Showing at the D. Colabella gallery represents the next step for me, and just as I know that this opportunity is another level of recognition, exposure and advancement, I also know that Dee Dee will always be rooting for me to take that next step, that next adventure beyond her gallery.” Dee Dee’s ambitious mission to grow talented aspiring artists—and to transform Ridgefield into a visual arts center—ran into a snag a while back: “We needed to get the word out. How do we build a brand during a pandemic?” Her ad budget at the time included space in Ridgefield Magazine, but she lamented that she couldn’t more broadly control the narrative. Then she learned the magazine was for sale, and she is not the type to let opportunity to slip by

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Because of Dee Dee, I look forward to coming in every day. Her passion makes me believe in her vision and encourages me to give it my all. I will do everything I can to bring her dream to life. unintercepted. Colabella relaunched Ridgefield Magazine as 068 Magazine in January 2022. Dylan Miller, once an RPAC Resident Photographer earned his place as Editor in Chief of the magazine. His enthusiam about the stories and ability to learn the operations has made owning the magazine seemingly effortless.” The “068” is not simply a nod to the town’s first three zip-code digits, they represent the drive to expand into other towns with 068 zip codes besides Wilton, Redding and Ridgefield.

I’m chatting with Dee Dee, at 52, with blonde hair and clear blue eyes, she exudes confidence and purposeful energy. She’s dressed casually and tells me she eschews the high style expected from a gallery entrepreneur. “I don’t present like a typical gallerist/businesswoman, it’s not who I am.” Or, for that matter, publisher. While most media moguls are transforming their operations into “digital content enterprises,” she wants to put out a magazine you can hold in your hands. “I love the tactile feel of paper,” she says. “—it’s very interactive. It will never go away.” Nor will the focus on the arts. “We want to raise the validity of art in our culture, both in visual and performing arts. It could be comedy, music, or theatre as well. What is art? What is an artist? This is a chance to challenge people’s thinking and cement our reputation as a true arts town.” Of course, there are other aspects to the 068 lifestyle that can’t be overlooked—style, dining, community, even autos—and will remain important to the readers. Meanwhile, Dee Dee’s RPAC community continues to expand. She and her Co-Founder Greg Mursko worked with Paier College, an arts school in Bridgeport, to provide her academy students with the opportunity to earn college credits through college level classes. “Greg Mursko runs the RPAC Classes and is Publisher of the 068 Magazine. As a partner, he has made this place what it is.” she states. Gulbrandsen, the artist showing at the new gallery, marvels at Colabella’s drive. “She established two galleries and found the wherewithal to reimagine and reinvigorate a local magazine. And she did all of this while raising two teenagers,” he says. “As juggling acts go, it’s pretty impressive to watch. That she does all of this with intelligence and grace holds us all to a higher standard.” Which, ironically, leaves Dee Dee little time for what inspired all these initiatives in the first place. “I haven’t had a lot of time to focus on my own artistic practice,” she sighs. “I plan on retiring at some point and handing over the reigns so I can make art.” Dee Dee Colabella retire? I wouldn’t hold my breath.

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Natural Gems that Defy Be-leaf by Robyn Graygor

H PHOTO BY JOHN G. SUPAN

ere in Connecticut, it seems that a breathtaking attraction lies behind every corner, leaving plenty tucked away in nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered. You’d be surprised how many lie just out of sight when you know where to look, but for now here are five that will inspire you to explore for more.

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Silver Sands State Park

Milford

This hidden gem has a hidden gem of its own; a secret path that parts the sea leading straight to a mysterious island. The entrance peeks out from behind Milford, directing you down a dirt road to a pleasantly serene escape from the bustling city nearby. Here a maze of boardwalks will emerge, hovering over salt marshes, and pointing towards the elusive trail. This magical trek out to Charles Island is accessible at low tide when the sand bar rises above sea level but is closed May through August for nesting birds. Nevertheless, this shallow sandbar is sure to spice up your visit and provide a mystical scene as the path starts to appear. At hightide the quivering water rolls over the trail, and fades into white froth at the crash zone. The calm surrounding water is perfect for swimming, or to cool off after a day of seashell hunting. Speaking of seashells, this beach is filled with them. Colossal piles of twirling colorful shells are mixed in with small stones scattered all over the sand. Whistling grasses also poke out and sway in the wind pointing visitors to a dramatic jetty which tip is swallowed up by the twinkling water.

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Saugatuck Falls Natural Area

Ridgefield

This hidden gem may be the shining diamond in the rough. Tucked behind John Read Middle School, the Saugatuck Falls Natural area provides a jawdropping scene of glimmering waterfalls and lush green vegetation. In spring, you’ll be welcomed by a triumphant patch of red trillium flowers which garnish the entrance to a wide trail littered with pine needles. Soon, a calm reflective wetland will bubble up to the edge of the path as your surroundings morph into a dense old-growth forest, blanketed in moss. A river will begin to rush past on your right, and ragged rocks will pierce through the steep hills on your left. Be equipped with your best hiking footwear because the spacious trail you were first on will soon become a narrow path crawling with tree roots. An array of boulder fragments will guide you up several steep hills until all sound is drowned out by the booming water. Wispy streams branch off from the white rapid falls, trickling around walls of flat rocks. The earthy scent of freshwater spray from the rapids is reminiscent of a backcountry trail in the Adirondacks. For an easier route to the falls, turn left onto the hemlock trail as you enter the first meadow, then right on Knapp Way, right on the Power Line trail and reconnect with the Falls Trail.

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Seth Low Pierrepont State Park

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Love a good view? Then this is the place for you! The Seth Low Pierrepont Park can be found by entering the parking lot in the forest off the corner of Barlow Mountain Rd. and North St., but its’ simple appearance is deceiving. About a mile into the park, an ethereal overlook is waiting. You’ll be met by a secluded narrow path at the entrance to the park, which leads you along Lake Naraneka into a forest speckled with wildlife. As you follow the blue trail, the first hill you’ll encounter ushers you up a sharp climb and across a scraggly mountainside ledge. Once you’re thoroughly winded from scaling this cliff to the treetops, an improvised tipi will welcome you to your well-earned destination; an elegant vista overlooking the valley below. Here you will find plenty of flat rocks to lounge on, and spongy moss to sink into. Feel free to soak in the warm light that illuminates the surrounding leaves and breathe the crisp air which blows through the branches. On cloudy days, fog from surrounding clouds will swirl through the canopy and mist you with water droplets. The tropical feel of this location makes it a perfect escape from reality. You would nearly expect a monkey to swing past, but rest assured the only rainforest-like critters you’ll see are little orange newts hiding in the leaf litter.

Sheep Falls Follow the orange trail through the pristine Wilton Town Forest. The path follows a meandering stream through moss covered boulders until the sound of falling water swallows up the chattering wildlife of the forest and reveals itself to be a small glittering waterfall. Beneath this rock shelf the falls’ spill into a shallow pool of crisp, clear water. This is an idyllic forested area, and it’s a perfect cool-down spot for furry friends (who are allowed into the park if they are leashed) or for kids to climb on nearby rocks and search for the many frogs that live here. The park is open to mountain bikers as well, who can take advantage of this rest area for a snack or just to sit and soak in the refreshing mist that floats off the falls on a hot day.

Westport

Wilton

Sherwood Island State Park

5 This beach is sure to serve up a healthy dose of vitamin sea! Its coarse sand and refreshing salt breeze make it the pinnacle of New England beaches, with a unique twist. Off to the left, a nature center sits, overlooking sea glass green water tumbling onto the coast of East Beach. Live critters and local wildlife information awaits you inside. A salt marsh nature trail can also be found nearby, which welcomes visitors to learn about the salt marshes around the beach. The beach itself is a sight for sore eyes; sprinkled with glistening shells outlined with blue hints from the horizon. The sound of small crashing waves compliments the soft chimes of seashells beneath your feet, nearly lulling you to sleep. Shore birds can be seen pecking at the salty water and dunking beneath little swells. Endless fields of trimmed grass display exquisite picnicking grounds to escape the sand and admire the view. The park has sections for family swimming, boardwalks and playgrounds, making it truly a place for anyone.

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Five Questions With

Bernie

Williams 068 What can people expect from your upcoming event at the Ridgefield Playhouse?

BW We’re excited to be back at The Ridgefield Playhouse. I’ve been performing at the Playhouse since 2009, so this is probably my 8th or 9th time there. The Ridgefield Playhouse is like family to me. The concert set we have is always different- instrumental and vocal tunes - an eclectic mix of Latin Jazz, tropical rhythms and new arrangements of blues, pop, and rock classics. Because the performance is going to be outside again, it’ll

be a very different show than what I would play inside. This will be a good old fashioned outdoor summer concert! Several years ago, we added the celebrity softball game, which is always so much fun. I love doing the softball game because I get to bring my teammates and friends. In the past, we’ve had Mariano Rivera, David Cone, Bobby Valentine, Darryl Strawberry, Jim Leyritz, Cecil Fielder, Mickey Rivers, Carlos Pena. Even the legendary Tommy LaSorda attended the last game as an honorary manager; a special moment for everyone! Everyone has a ton of fun, and the fact that the whole day raises money for both the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation and Leir Foundation Arts for Everyone program is also something that’s important to me. 068 When did you start getting into music? Did music and baseball ever mix? BW When I was about 8 years old, my father had brought a flamenco guitar back from Spain. He would play it at night in our living room, and one night I got the courage to ask him to teach me how to play. That’s all it took. I was hooked and seeing how the music moved people was so impactful. When I had the opportunity to pick up a guitar, it was like it was inside of me. It was a challenge to learn how to play, but I didn’t want to stop. In fact, my brother Hiram and I graduated from the Escuela Libre de Musica, a performing arts high school. I

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Sub-Head by Dylan Miller

068 Who are some of your favorite musicians? Any modern music you are a fan of?

DEFINITELY think there is a correlation between music and baseball - the discipline, the movement, the preparation - when I was playing baseball there was always a guitar with me - from the long bus rides in the minor leagues, to the Yankee charter flights when we traveled. While Derek Jeter always sat directly in front of me on those flights and told me cut out that racket when I was playing the guitar, he would sometimes break out a falsetto voice and we’d do some Lionel Ritchie songs. Those were some great times. My book Rhythms of the Game is all about understanding the similarities between musical artistry and athletic performance. The book is written for musicians and athletes looking to improve their level of performance on the stage or on the field, as well as for people just interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying influence of music on the game.

BW As a guitarist,I really enjoy the fusion side of jazz, and I was inspired to listen to some “gritty” guitar players who also possessed serious jazz chops. John Scofield, Scott Henderson, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Mike Stern, Robben Ford, Wayne Kranz, Greg Howe, and Wayne Kranz are just a few of my favorites. I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate and perform with many of my favorite artists including Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen, Buddy Guy, Keb Mo, Jon Secada, Dave Koz, Ruben Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Béla Fleck, Leland Sklar and so many more. I have always been open to listening to as many different genres of music as possible – could be classical, Latin, rock, jazz, pop, rock, or even metal – I never stop exploring! 068 What’s the difference between playing with a baseball team and playing with your band? BW It is always a team effort whether you’re playing a sport or with a band. When I was playing baseball, as much as I loved and adored the fans, who are the reason we even play - I felt I needed to block out the crowd and basically focus on playing the game. When you’re performing music, it’s a

different dynamic because you have to be able to invite and engage the audience into your world, interact with them, play to them, tell stories, and let them in. 068 How was it to win FOUR world Championships? Were you satisfied or inspired to strive for more? BW I think when you love what you do, you’re always inspired to continue to do your best no matter what. You don’t think ‘okay, I won my fourth ChampionshipI’m good.’ Once you experience a World Series championship, my teammates and I inherently felt that the goal for every season that followed was to be the last team standing. I am so proud to have played in six World Series, winning four of them. Just like with music, I’m always inspired to strive for more. I feel that I’m very fortunate to have two passions that I love and can do successfully. I think that’s why every show I do is a little different. I think receiving an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from SUNY Potsdam back in 2019 summed it up for me; when I was recognized for my on field success for 16 years as a Yankee, as well as my artistic accomplishments as a musician, and my dedication to the importance of philanthropy. That says it all. Do what you love, do it well, and give back to your community when you can.

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Dance House of

Wilton’s Walter Schalk opens his doors and shares his legacy

TOP: Walter Schalk built his house around his successful school of dance. RIGHT: His recognizable home was inspired by one he admired on the Connecticut River.

by Gerri Lewis 64

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ake one step into the home of former professional dancer Walter Schalk and you can feel the beat. And why not. Nearly 160,000 pairs of feet have pounded their way over the studio floors. Sixty-two years of shows have been choreographed, costumed, and archived; most of them right there in the Wilton home where the talented performer built The Walter Schalk School of Dance into a thriving business—one step at a time. Schalk began his dance career at nine years-old by swinging to ballroom tunes under the direction of a World War II vet whose own performing aspirations were cut short by an injury. Under his instructor’s tutelage, Walter and his fellow dancers became a formidable dance troupe and was invited to perform on national television on a regular basis. His highlights include The Ed Sullivan Show, The Fred Waring Show,

performing with Frank Sinatra and becoming a finalist at the Harvest Moon Ball, a famous amateur dance contest. Talent aside, Schalk considered dancing a hobby and maybe a way to woo the women with his moves. His advertising career in letterpress printing was in full throttle when America’s military intervention in Korea led him to serve. Born of hardworking German immigrants it was ironic that he spent his service in Europe playing soccer on the US Infantry’s German American Friendship Team, a public relations effort promoting reconciliation after World War II. At clubs Schalk remained the envy of his buddies because back then, a good dancer was one of the most popular guys in the room and had his pick of partners. It wasn’t long before friends asked him to teach them to dance. That was followed by wives and soon after his friends’ children. As ballroom morphed into jazz, swing, disco, show tunes and beyond, Schalk changed with the times. By 2019, when the final

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TOP: Schalk wanted to walk in the front door and see everything. The kitchen, dining room and step-down living room float together as one, a floor-plan popular now, but not so much 36 years ago. RIGHT: It took a month to organize the countless photographs and playbooks into piles laid out by years and towns where they were presented.

curtain closed, The Walter Schalk Dance Studio had become a household name throughout Fairfield County. “I started in the house next door and was there for over twenty years,” says the gregarious 89-year-old who hopes to chronicle his fascinating story in a memoir. “I asked my neighbor for the right of first refusal if he ever sold his property.” It took his neighbor twenty-five years to honor the deal. All that Schalk had to do was match an existing offer and the eightacre parcel would be his. The stipulation— he had to give his answer immediately. “I said, give me at least a half hour,” recalls Schalk who then immediately got on the phone scrambling to work out the financing. It was Schalk’s love of boating and fishing that steered him toward his home design. Intrigued by a house that he often passed set on a bluff overlooking the Connecticut River, he began taking pictures and sketching, imagining how it might sit on the gently sloping property. Every room would look out at the pastural view including a lower walk out level. If his architect thought the request to build the exterior shell without laying out an interior floorplan was unusual, he remained unphased. Once completed, Schalk had very specific ideas on how the inside would look.

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on over the six decades are crammed onto “I wanted to walk in the front door shelves. Another room is where costume and see everything,” he says. design took place. The entry of the home is immediately A wide-open staircase that could act met with the dramatic view from a palladian as a stage itself curves down into a large, window in the step-down living room. Off mirrored studio—the space, currently the entry is the study where Schalk works overwhelmed with remnants of the amidst piles of photographs and show successful school. It took Schalk, his cousin memorabilia. The beautiful paneling and and her husband a month to organize the built-ins were done by a very talented artisan countless photographs and playbooks into who didn’t have time to expand his skill to piles laid out by years and towns where they the rest of the house. Schalk’s solution was were presented. to do it himself. He matched the woodwork Though a little overwhelmed in the adjacent master suite by the memorabilia he is trying and from there created Though a little to organize, Schalk is immensely much of the remaining overwhelmed by proud of his home which he visually pleasing the keepsakes loves in all seasons especially at finishing work. he is trying to Christmas. The man who made a One of the remarkable living entertaining still keeps folks features about the floorplan organize into a swooning during the holidays is how the kitchen, dining memoir, Schalk is with Wally’s World, a festival of room and living room float immensely proud thousands of lights named for his together as one. Schalk of his home which late beloved dog. Anyone who admits that the open floor he loves in all has driven by the home on Drum plan wasn’t as popular 36 seasons. Hill Road during the holidays years ago but adds that “it’s a will testify to how spectacular the good party house” sometimes annual display truly is. holding 200 guests. While Schalk misses his dance school, The interior, intended as a four he has no trouble staying busy. He jokingly bedroom, was choreographed to embrace says that he is already living in his nursing the dance school needs. A sound/video home. His one and only regret; “life for me studio is loaded with equipment, much now is going by just so fast.” obsolete. Videos of all the performances put

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF WIRE MILL BBQ

Foodies

SUMMERTIM and the grills are

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Foodies

ME… By Sarah Galluzzo

h, summer! It’s the time for laid-back, relaxed entertaining—and with that comes BBQ. While lots of home chefs like to try their hand at cooking on the grill, most people agree that there is nothing better than smoked meats that are cooked slow and steady in a professional smoker, with the right wood, the right rubs, then paired with all those delicious sauces and sides. Unlike throwing burgers on the grill, delicious BBQ takes time, patience, and a lot of work. I spent a few lazy Saturdays sampling local BBQ restaurants with friends, and the experience was nothing short of amazing. Our first stop was the Wire Mill Saloon & BBQ, located at the corner of Route 107 and Route 57, Georgetown. You probably won’t need a GPS to find the place. Not only is it easy to locate, but as the restaurant’s slogan proclaims, “you can smell our butts for miles.” “The smells really do bring people in. Our owner Gino Marsili uses a combination of oak, apple, and hickory wood to bring out the flavors of the meats,” explains General Manager Matthew Rispoli. The owner Gino Marsili had initially opened the space as a deli and used a small smoker to serve up BBQ. “I lived in South Georgia for eight years and got to love real BBQ. So when I came back here, and the economy crashed in 2008, I decided ‘maybe it’s time to reinvent myself ’. There were many delis at the time, so I just took a chance and started a BBQ place. Considering the number of people I see packing the place, it appears that chance has paid off. They serve up southern comfort food. We ordered the smoked wings and fried pickle chips per our server Adam’s suggestion for appetizers. The wings were crisp and smoky and served with an Alabama white dipping sauce that was creamy and had just the right kick. “That’s made with mayo, horseradish, a little bit of cayenne, and lemon juice,” Marisili explains. The fried pickle chips are a surprising “show stopper” of an app. Unlike other fried pickles, they have the perfect sweet/salty balance, and somehow the pickles are not mushy although they are enrobed in a batter then deep fried. For the main course, try the smoked ribs that fall off the bone and brisket that really does melt in your mouth. The Wire Mill Saloon and BBQ folks make all their sauces from scratch. The sauces are on the sweeter side, as is to be expected from a Georgia-Style BBQ. If you’re only going to choose one mac and cheese from the menu, go for the Pepper Mac and Cheese. It’s gooey, and the slight heat from the Monterey Pepper Jack cheese balances out the tangy/ sweet BBQ perfectly. Their famous smoked platters are served with two sides, and excellent

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Foodies

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOODOO BROWN BBQ

homemade cornbread that’s moist yet crumbly. Located at 967 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield, Hoo Doo Brown BBQ is a family-style restaurant with fantastic food, a wellstocked bar, and lots of southern charm. Co-owners Cody Sperry and Chris Sexton were inspired 9 years ago when visiting Austin, Texas. “We went on a guys trip and went to a bunch of great BBQ places in Austin that influenced our menu, but we are not tied to one style. For example, if you are in Texas, they want the one style. They want salt and pepper seasoned beef brisket. Kansas City has that sweet style BBQ sauce the KC Masterpiece. The Carolinas are whole hog, pork with a vinegar mustard sauce. If you are there, that’s what people want and expect. By being located in Connecticut, we are not restricted geographically. So, our beef, brisket, and beef ribs are Texas-inspired with salt and pepper rubs, 16 hours cooks, low and slow in the smoker. Our hogs are done authentically Carolina style. Our Pork Belly is almost like a Puerto Rican influence with the Chicharrón on top.” “The family-style dining allows guests to order a la carte. All meals are made for sharing. The cocktails are easy, simple, and not overpowering,” Sperry says. And our server Samantha knew her menu and suggested great drinks. In my opinion, no visit would be complete without sampling the cornbread, pork belly, and brisket. The pork belly cracklin is crisp and crunchy with a velvety rich, satisfying finish. It just may be the best bite of BBQ you will ever enjoy. Wash it down with a beer, sweet tea or Smoked Old Fashioned featuring moonshine-soaked cherries and you’ve got yourself a Hoodoo Brown Barbeque. If you were wondering where the restaurant’s name comes from, legend has it Hoo Doo Brown was the leader of the Dodge City Gang in the late 1800s and the “baddest cowboy” that ever lived. For local foodie Brian Putorak, there’s none better. He recently made the trek from Trumbull with his wife Nicole to celebrate his birthday with his absolute favorite local BBQ. “Whenever I find myself craving BBQ -- real Texas-style BBQ - you can’t convince me to go anywhere else other than Hoodoo Brown,” Putorak says. “I made the mistake of waiting 36 years to try ‘real’BBQ from Texas, until my wife and I travelled to Austin 5 years ago. That trip to Texas completely changed my impression of just how incredible BBQ food can be. But after a few days in Austin, just like that we were back in CT. The realization started to quickly set in that we’d never experience Texas-style BBQ again…not here in CT. Thank God for Hoodoo Brown!” he exclaims. “The first time I had a bite of brisket at Hoodoo Brown I felt instantly transported to Austin. It’s my favorite thing on their menu, which itself is impressive all around. The sides - from the scalloped potatoes to the cornbread - are just as high quality as their meat selection.” Putorak says and I agree. If you crave great BBQ, look no further than Ridgefield or Georgetown. It’s the perfect meal for a summer day—and both restaurants offer easy take-out options.

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Shout Out

Fire Department Marks

125 Years

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The Great Fire of 1895 in Ridgefield burned a great number of buildings, including the Town Hall which was rebuilt in 1896 and is still standing today. Following the fire, the modern fire department was established and is still operating today, celebrating their 125th anniversary.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JACK SANDERS

he Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department’s carnival returns June 22-25, after a twoyear hiatus, just in time for Ridgefielders to celebrate the department’s 125th anniversary. And a carnival is not all that’s in store. The volunteers are planning a grand parade down Main Street, with up to 50 fire departments competing for awards on Friday, June 24, starting at 6:30. The carnival, which will be open evenings at East Ridge Middle School, will end with a bang on Saturday night, in the form of a fireworks display on East Ridge. Details of the carnival, parade and fireworks will be posted on the RVFD Facebook page. The fire department was established in 1897, soon after Ridgefield suffered a devastating fire, which destroyed most of the business area along Main Street’s east side. Hampered by lack of water and equipment, the townspeople who rushed to the scene were helpless to extinguish the fire. Finally, after one building was dynamited and another partially torn down, the blaze was contained. Ten buildings, including Town Hall, were destroyed. In February 1897, the Ridgefield Fire Department, with 70 members, was formed and elected Charles S. Nash its first chief. Former Governor Phineas C. Lounsbury donated two pieces of apparatus: a chemical engine truck and a hook and ladder truck with a pump. (Both could be drawn by men or by teams of horses.) A special town meeting in early 1897 approved making space in the new, brick Town Hall to house the fire-fighting equipment. A water system was the next step and the Ridgefield Water Supply Company soon brought a reliable water source to the village. In 1907, the town voted to build a firehouse on Catoonah Street and in 1968 added a station in Ridgebury. In 2022, the combined department of 34 career firefighters and 57 volunteers is led by Chief Jerry Myers.

Shout Out

Western CT Youth Orchestra Celebrates 20 years T

he Ridgefield based youth orchestra has been serving young musicians from all over the area recently celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a Season Finale on June 5th in Danbury! The Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra (WCYO) is a non-profit that serves advancing and advanced youth musicians in grades 5 - 12 and offers three ensembles. They have kept their program running throughout this pandemic and have put a lot of effort into keeping music in their student’s lives. “We are really proud of the work we do every Thursday at rehearsal and at our concerts,” said Executive Director Ruth Feldman. “Our Music Director, Eric Mahl, is a gift conductor with a unique ability to inspire our youth musicians to perform with both a technical and emotional connection to the world’s great music, wowing our audiences year each year!” WCYO launched the Charles Ives Music Festival (CIMF) in 2020 and offers professional artists concerts in August as part of their summer festival along with educational programs for youth musicians - one of the Artist’s concerts is at the Playhouse on August 7! Go to wctyo.org

Illustration created by Ameila McPartlin, RPAC student and Savannah College of Art and Design freshman.

July/August 2022

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Shout Out

Tipsy Cones! A great way to enjoy the summer!

PHOTO COURTESY OF TIPSY CONES

till have a few parties left in the summer? We’ve come across a quirky catering company that brings the ice cream truck experience to the adult world with alcoholic ice cream! “Why did I do it?! After a MILLION years of tending bar, I realized there were so many drink recipes that would make a much better milkshake or scoop,” said Founder Brooke Santagata-Albers. “So, I started experimenting in the kitchen, and a year later I was up to 27 different flavors, each more delicious than the last! Creamy Whiskey Vanilla Bean, Maple Stout, and Strawberry Wine Sorbet just seemed to make sense.” The company is not surprisingly gaining in popularity, so catch them soon! The ice cream truck is operating until Saturday, October 22, 2022. For more information, go to tipsycones.com

Ridgefield Responds

idgefield Responds is the town’s community mobilization effort to support humanitarian initiatives locally and abroad. The nonprofit organization launched after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and came together to provide aid after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and with a local rent assistance program after the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Ridgefield Responds has now mobilized again to activate the power of the Ridgefield community to help the Ukrainian people suffering from the ravages of an unnecessary war. Ridgefield Responds’ kickoff community event, “Rasom (Together) in Ridgefield” took place in June 5th in Ballard Park, bringing together people of all ages to express our solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Event included food trucks, music, Ukrainian delicacies, art, crafts, speakers, sunflowers and more! However, donations are still being collected and are always welcome and

imporant in giving the aid needed. Ridgefield Responds is working directly with the Rotary Club Ukraine Lviv-Leopolis who are “boots on the ground” and are directly delivering supplies and funds where they are needed most. The LvivLeopolis Rotary Club members, who include renowned doctors, professors and large and small business owners, are helping to directly inform the local Ridgefield Responds efforts. Follow Ridgefield Responds on Facebook and Instagram (@ ridgefieldrepsonds) and visit the website at https://ridgefieldresponds.org for news on upcoming events, fundraisers, and general information on the initiative. Donations are being accepted

here: https://ridgefieldresponds.org/ ridgefield4ukraine/ Ridgefield Responds operates under Friends of Ridgefield Community Programs, Inc, a 501c3 tax-exempt charitable organization. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

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Whatever Comes Up

Backyard BONANZA

O’Fun

When trying to find fun ideas for summer backyard time, I found a few ideas I thought were clever and fun! Since I am not a DYI person, if it was not easy, I moved on. Here are 3 ideas that with a little time and easy to find materials, you can make magic for kids or adults. —Dee Dee Colabella

Yard Twister

Solo Cup Battleship Pong Game

First You Need: n Spray paint (5 Colors) n 6-inch piece of rope n Tape

First You Need: n Styrofoam n Ping pong balls n 40 solo cups n Fill the cups with your favorite beverage

Then you play! Mark the rope at the centers of your circle. Then paint circles where the marks are. Then, move the rope 18 inches from the center of the first circle marks and change color. Making a circle at every mark. Repeat until you have 5 or more lines of circles. Once your board is done, and the spray paint has dried completely, play Twister!

Water Balloon Pinatas First You Need: n Lots of large balloons n String n Broom handle or other pinata stick Then you play! So, this one is a matter of filling the balloons up with water. Don’t fill them too much because you don’t want them to break too easily. Tie them to strings and hang them from a tree or cloths taught close line. Then take turns being spun around, stick in hand, and hit the balloons until they pop.

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Then you play! Build 2 sets of the following ships with styrofoam: 2 five-hole ships, 2 three-hole ships, 4 four-hole ships, 2 two-hole ships. Cut a solo cup right at the height of the styrofoam, then use that as the template to cut out the holes. Place the cups inside the holes and start to play by the same rules as conventional Battleship. When you get a “hit,” you drink!

JULY Mondays Music at The Museum Keeler Tavern/Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra

25-29

Keeler Tavern Museum Keeler Kids Camp Session III

25-8/5

Tuesday/ CHIRP Summer Concerts 25 Thursdays 1-31

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum 52 Artists: Revisiting a Feminist Milestone

Ridgefield Theater Barn RTBK Summer Session II

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Poet Emily Skillings

Keeler Tavern Gardens Poets Joan Kwon Glass and Debbie Gilbert

The Ridgefield Playhouse Bernie Williams Softball Game & Outdoor Concert

The Ridgefield Playhouse Five For Fighting

The Ridgefield Playhouse Ladysmith Black Mambazo

The Ridgefield Playhouse Eli Young Band

The Ridgefield Playhouse Dave Mason

The Ridgefield Playhouse ARRIVAL: The Music of ABBA

Ridgefield Theater Barn Concert in Ballard Park

Keeler Tavern Museum Watermelon Fest

The Ridgefield Playhouse The High Kings

The Ridgefield Playhouse Adrian Belew

5-19

ACT of Connecticut Summer Teen Conservatory

The Ridgefield Playhouse Gary Burtnik’s Summer of Love

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Poet/Essayist Claudia Rankine

Ridgefield Historical Society Sundays at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse

Keeler Tavern Gardens Poets Laurel Peterson, Van Hartman, & Aaron and Luisa Caycedo-Kimura

The Ridgefield Playhouse Wynton Marsalis

The Ridgefield Playhouse War and Treaty

Keeler Tavern Gardens Poets Meredith Bergmann & Kyle Potvin

AUGUST Mondays Music at The Museum Keeler Tavern/Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra

The Ridgefield Playhouse Railroad Earth

26-27

Ridgefield Guild of Artists Art Walk Opening Weekend

The Ridgefield Playhouse Mary Chapin Carpenter

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Poet Nathalie Handal

11-22

Ridgefield Theater Barn RTBK Summer Session I

11-15

Keeler Tavern Museum Keeler Kids Camp Session I

7/149/10

RPAC Art Gallery Tim Sway & RPAC Resident Artists

7/149/10

D. Colabella Fine Art Gallery Featuring Terrence Mahon

14-31

Thrown Stone Theatre Company Athena and Hysterical

Tuesday/ CHIRP Summer Concerts Thursdays 1-31

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum 52 Artists: Revisiting a Feminist Milestone

1-4

ACT of Connecticut Summer Performance Camp RENT

The Ridgefield Playhouse Chris Isaak

Ridgefield Theater Barn Pete Wikul Band

The Ridgefield Playhouse Boz Scaggs

The Ridgefield Library RidgeCon 2022

1-14

Charles Ives Music Festival Chamber Music Concert Series

4-7

Thrown Stone Theatre Company 2022 Repertory Season

Ridgefield Historical Society Sundays at the Peter Parley Schoolhouse

The Ridgefield Playhouse The 5th Dimension

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Poet Rosebud Ben-Oni

The Ridgefield Playhouse Southern Avenue

The Ridgefield Playhouse John Anderson of YES

18-22

Keeler Tavern Museum Keeler Kids Camp Session II

22-31

ACT of Connecticut Summer Performance Camp RENT

The Ridgefield Playhouse Jessie’s Girl

The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Poet Mahogany Browne

The Ridgefield Playhouse Charles Ives Music Festival (FREE Event!)

Keeler Tavern Gardens Poets BK Fischer & Suzanne Frischkorn

The Ridgefield Playhouse Lyle Lovett and His Large Band

The Ridgefield Playhouse Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater

Things To Do

July/August

All events were submitted by the organizations through public calendars including the Ridgefield Arts Council calendar. 068 Magazine is not responsible for any omissions or errors. For more information, visit the individual website of each organization. Please submit any events happening in a 068 zip code to editor@068magazine.com.

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Welcome

Jaipore Xpress A Taste of India

aipore Royal Indian Cruisine in Brewster, NY has been around for more than 20 years thanks to founding partners Jeevan Pullan and Roshin Balan, and has enjoyed a growing popularity over the years. In fact, it had become so popular with Ridgefielders in particular, that it caused the team to start a new restaurant near Main Street on Bailey Avenue, where the old Subway used to be. “Ridgefield was always on our mind for more than 5 years,” says Business Owner Jeevan Pullan. “We were always looking for a location, because we had a lot of customers in Ridgefield that were coming to Brewster. We looked at the spot, and it was a perfect size, so we decided to do an express version. We have 20 seats available, but the focus is more on takeout.” Jaipore Xpress is not your normal takeout place, though. They have taken lengthy measures to make sure all their food is cooked fresh for each order. They don’t use frozen foods, and use local food sources and partners as much as they can while also keeping the menu items affordable. Much of their ingredients, such as their chicken and meats, are organic as well. With the community in mind, Jeevan explains that even the design of the restaurant was sourced locally. “We wanted a modern look for the restaurant to keep it exciting, so we went with Ziggy Bober, a designer in Norwalk,” he said. “With the prices going up and problems in the supply chain, we want to do whatever we can to keep it local and help our neighboring businesses.” Jeevan and his partners have many neighboring businesses when taking their enterprise into account. They own the Indian Cuisine restaurants in Brewster and Ridgefield, but they also created the Vega Mexican Cuisine in Hartsdale, NY, and Tako Mexican Street Food in

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Yonkers, NY. Even with all these restaurants to manage, there is still more to look forward to. Starting in mid-July, Jaipore Xpress will be expanding their menu while still keeping their menu item price points accessible, and has yet another restaurant on the way. “We are opening a new restaurant in Hartsdale, NY, called NH44,” says Jeevan. “The National Highway 44 is a famous 2,500-mile-long highway that travels from the very north of India to the southern tip. While Jaipore Xpress offers more traditional and familiar menu items, the new NH44 restaurant will highlight more exotic creations and resemble popular street vendor foods and dishes from India. These unique dishes include creative kababs, halal, rare curries and more. The authentic taste of India will be available in the area very soon.” To learn more about Jaipore Xpress and order takeout, visit jaiporect.com. They are open Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30-8:00pm.

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One More Thing

Let Them Eat Cake!

Time For Dessert Size: 14 x 11 Oil on Canvas Board

Let Them Eat Cake Size: 14 x 11 Oil on Canvas Board

my Shaw has exhibited artwork throughout Westchester and CT. She grew up in NYC and has spent her life creating art (both commercial and fine art). Amy earned a BA in Fine Art at Smith College and studied at The School of Visual Arts and Art Students League. She has worked in commercial art for over 20 years as an art director, and a graphic designer in New York. In 2015, she co-founded Westchester Art Studio; an art school with classes, camps, and special programs for all ages in Pleasantville, NY. You can see more of Amy’s work at the RPAC Gallery, or visit www.rpacgallery.com/amy-shaw.

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