4 minute read
ShoutOut
This, that, and the other things
Ridgefield’sA Better Chance(ABC) program provides academically talented women of color who live in areas with poor schooling options the opportunity to attend Ridgefield High School. One 2008 graduate spoke at the ABC gala in February about her experience then and now as a program tech manager at Facebook in London. Says Safiya Samms:“I can say with complete confidence that my experiences and success were a result of the education I received and the challenges I overcame while a part of the Ridgefield ABC program.” IT WORKS
SPARE A QUARTER? Weir Farm National Historic Site is now immortalized on a quarter released by the U.S. Mint, as part of the America the Beautiful Quarter Program, which started in 2010. The program issues 25-cent coins that feature designs depicting national parks and other national sites. The quarter depicts an artist, wearing a painter’s smock, outside Julian Alden Weir’s studio at Weir Farm and bears the inscription “A National Park for Art.” It was designed by Justin Kunz and sculpted by Phebe Hemphill.
Taking a Walk Thanks to spring’s early arrival, we’ve had plenty of opportunity to get outside and exercise in the fresh air, to free our minds from self-isolation. Most local trails offer ample space for social distancing, and many allow leashed dogs. Some of our favorites include: Hemlock Hills, Bennett’s Pond, Mountain Lakes, Topstone Park, Aldrich Park, and others. One positive note about Covid-19 is that it got people appreciating the wonderful stretches of nature that we have in Ridgefield.
Garden Plan
A classic in the making,
Garden Design Master Class brings together
100 essays by top garden designers, from acknowledged experts to acclaimed tastemakers. Look for essays from locals such as Pamela Salvatore and Sarah Kowitz. Spanning styles and genres, principles and tenets, collectively these essays and images represent a comprehensive education for the reader, providing expert design advice and philosophy, from practical considerations to stylistic concerns.
Give Thanks Wow, we are grateful for being well-fed, thanks to the dedicated stock clerks at various markets in the area: Stop & Shop, Caraluzzi’s, Whole Foods, Ridgefield Organics, Milillo Farms, and Nature’s Temptation among them. Of course, many restaurants did a major pivot, transforming their sitdown menus to takeout only—instituting delivery, curbside pickup, and other measures. And, let’s not forget the generosity of donors who have provided food to those in need. Of course, the healthcare workers who have sacrificed their own wellbeing to care for us at Danbury Hospital and urgent care centers as well as EMTs are our ultimate heroes.
Fast Fund The Fairfield County COVID-19 Resiliency Fund established by the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation raised more than $1,000,000 from private foundations and corporations and is now taking pledges from individuals. The fund as established “to support our most vulnerable residents” affected by the economic crisis. FCCFoundation.org/COVID19ResiliencyFund.
Exquisitely enhanced and restored 1750 home with 30 rooms, 50’ ballroom, 50’ chef’s kitchen/butler’s pantry, 14 FPs, 10+ BRs, pool w/ carriage/pool hse, $2m+ upgrades incl. generator, irrigation system, stone terraces, gardens & orchard. Quick NYC commute. HOMEWOOD, AN 18TH/19TH C. SHINGLE STYLE COLONIAL REVIVAL ESTATE — A HOUSE IN GOOD TASTE • PRICE UPON REQUEST
HOUSE AS ART • $799,000 Casual yet sophisticated lifestyle home. 4 BR/3 Bath modern masterpiece on 8 ac. Walls of glass, chef’s kitchen, lrg decks, pool. BREATHTAKING FIFTY MILE VIEWS • $1,099,000 Custom 4 BR, 4 full/1 half Bath home w/spectacular views. Octagonal turret; lrg LR w/ 180° views; wrap-around terrace; main level master.
QUINTESSENTIAL TUDOR • $949,000 4 BR, 4 full/1 half Bath on 1+ ac. Wood floors, crown moldings, 3 FPs, chef’s KIT, finished LL. Stunning pool w/stone terrace, spa.
HISTORIC LODGE • COMING SOON Stone lodge on 2.12 manicured acres, 4,000 sf, 4 BR/3 baths, vaulted great rm, 1st fl MBR, pool, stone patios, improvements inside & out.
THE GABLES • $999,000 Beautifully finished Arts & Crafts Shinglestyle 4 BR, 3 full/1 half Bath on an acre at end of cul de sac near town, but private.
This estate w/oak paneled salon/FP from a Vanderbilt yacht, 4 BR, 5 full/3 half baths and 5 FPs was purchased in the 1940s by heiress Consuelo Vanderbilt who lived here for over 60 years. The home sits above lawns & fields on 3 acre property. Additional land available. IRADELL FARM, A COMPLETELY RENOVATED 1920 GEORGIAN COLONIAL ESTATE — A VANDERBILT LEGACY • $2,695,000
