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The Thankful Issue SHOPPING

SUSTAINABLE FA SH IO N FO R TH E HO LI DAYS LI F E + C U LTU R E

AT TH E H E ART O F RI D GEFI ELD CATCH I NG U P WITH K ARL A MU RTAU GH N OV E M B E R 2 02 3

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Office in Ridgefield Connecticut

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At Karla Murtaugh Homes, we are thankful for another wonderful year and the amazing community we work so closely with. No matter your price point, our team offers the same platinum level of service, and together with COMPASS – America’s #1 Brokerage – we provide a forward-thinking approach to home ownership. Armed with the best in technology, including access to COMPASS Search, a nationwide referral network of the most successful agents in the business, and extraordinary marketing, we are ready to help you make your next move. We recognize a home is your biggest asset, so whether you’re buying or selling, don’t settle. Karla Murtaugh Homes is the #2 Small Team in Connecticut | WSJ, Real Trends, 2022. Happy Thanksgiving! 203.856.5534 karla.murtaugh@compass.com karlamurtaugh.com compass.com

Compass Connecticut, LLC is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from Smart MLS Single Family Homes, 01/01/23 - 09/25/23 but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. Properties represented were listed or sold by the Karla Murtaugh Homes Team. For more information, go to compass.com.

November 2023 PUBLISHER

Mary Dougherty | mary.dougherty@citylifestyle.com

LIFESTYLE LETTER

EDITOR

The Thankful Issue

EDITOR IAL COOR DINATOR

It is a pleasure to create an issue centered around gratitude and giving. Look around and appreciate the bold colors that surround us. It is not a stretch to say that we live in one of the most gorgeous areas on the planet as we enter the final weeks of autumn. During the month of November, we reflect and celebrate gratitude and all of the good that ripples through our community when we lift others by doing good. There are so many individuals and organizations in town that give back in ways that make a profound difference for so many. We introduce you to some of the people and places that are abundant and elevate those they touch. This time of year, there is a spotlight on those who need a little more help and we are very grateful to get some insights into the needs in town, how they are handled and of course exactly how any of us can best assist. We are pleased to introduce you to Tony Phillips. Karla Murtaugh shares some of her favorite local organizations that she and her husband Greg support. We photographed her in the newly constructed space at the Boys & Girls Club that she was instrumental in bringing to Ridgefield. She also shares what she's thankful for this year! We feature a few places to express gratitude and hope that you give them a try. We are proud to shine a light on sustainable fashion for the holiday season and some local shops that offer such designs. Our team is growing and we are of course thankful for this. Kristin Healy joins us the Editorial Coordinator and we couldn't be more thrilled. Kristin's many years of experience in magazine publishing and design makes her uniquely suited to join us as we grow. A special thank you to our readers who have been so supportive of this magazine. We appreciate the kind sentiments, ideas and well wishes as we continue to tell the stories of the people and places that make Ridgefield such a special place to live. As I said in my initial letter to you last spring, I hope that every time you read Ridgefield Lifestyle Magazine, you come away a little more grateful for having the opportunity to live here. We wish you a very meaningful and joyous Thanksgiving! With Gratitude,

M A R Y D O U G H E R T Y, P U B L I S H E R @RIDGEFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE

Scan QR code to visit our Instagram CIT YLIFEST YLE.COM/RIDGEFIELD |

Ashley Alt | ashley.alt@citylifestyle.com

Kristin Healy | kristin.healy@citylifestyle.com CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Stacey Schibli CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER S

New Light Creative Services, Natasha Fleming Photography, Michael Collopy Photography

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com//franchise Proverbs 3:5-6 Ridgefield City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Ridgefield area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Ridgefield City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

Talking Real Estate with Karla Murtaugh Ridgefield. The Year-To-Date real estate market for single-family homes continues to exhibit strong demand. Homes continue to sell quickly, often with multiple offers from eager buyers. We have well-qualified buyers actively searching for homes and condominiums. Interest rates don’t seem to be impacting our market. At Karla Murtaugh Homes, we remain positive regarding the market’s strength as we move into the Fall and Winter Seasons. If you are considering selling your home, there’s still time to take advantage of this robust market with COMPASS - Ridgefield’s #1 Real Estate Office.

+23%

+25%

-28%

Increase in median sales price YTD 2023 vs 2022

Increase in average sales price YTD 2023 vs YTD 2022

Decrease in number of home sales YTD 2023 vs YTD 2022

Average days on market YTD 2023 vs 54 YTD 2022

RIDGEFIELD

YTD MEDIAN SALES PRICE

% CHANGE VS YTD 2023

2023

$1,077,500

2022

$875,000

+23%

2021

$825,000

+31%

2020

$675,000

+60%

2019

$632,500

+70%

West Ridgefield 5 BR | 4/1 bath | 6,217 sq ft | 3.77 acres List $1,795,000 | Sold $1,850,000

RIDGEFIELD CLOSED UNIT SALES

Across the board Year-To-Date Fairfield County real estate tells much the same story with sales down, mostly due to a lack of inventory. In Wilton, 150 single family homes have sold Year-To-Date. The median price is up 5% over last year coming in at $1,112,500. The days on market also dropped from 45 YTD 2022 to 41 this year. In Redding, 76 homes sold with a median sales price of $809,500 – up 6 % from $765,000 YTD 2022.

Farmingville

South Ridgefield

4 BR | 3/1 bath | 3,932 sq ft | 2.04 acres

4 BR | 5/1 bath | 4,268 sq ft | 2.41 acres

List $1,195,000 | Sold $1,200,000

List $1,520,000 | Sold $1,520,000

203.856.5534 karla.murtaugh@compass.com karlamurtaugh.com compass.com

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

14 Catching up with Karla Murtaugh

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Giving Back LI FE + C U LT U R E

Fashion Forward S HO PPI NG

Hometown Hero LI FE + C U LTU R E

Our Town LI FE + C U LT U R E

Inspired By AU TO + MA R I NE

Events

Her Thoughts on Community and Giving Back

20 Sustainable Fashion For The Holidays Three local shops that specialize in sustainable styles

24 At the Heart of Ridgefield

Giving back and changing lives, one helping hand at a time

28 Places to Express Gratitude Near and not so far places to practice gratitude

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Jennie Carr 6

Love your Smile Ridgefield Orthodontics is a state of the art, family owned orthodontic practice located in the heart of Ridgefield! Dr. Nithya treats patients of all ages - from monitoring your child’s growth and development, to helping you achieve the smile of your dreams - she has treatment modalities to suit everyone. Come see us for your complimentary consultation! 203.403.0059 www.ridgefieldortho.com

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

7 5

1: Fabiano and Luana Aguiar 3: Katy Schermann, Founder and Executive Director of Ridgebury Farm speaks at the Farm Fete 4: Eileen Kearney on the far right and her guests 5: Ed Renn and Adam Gunnerson from Withers Bergman 6: Janie and Dunker Ross 7: Amanda Gabbard-McGuirk and Michael McGuirk at the Farm Fete in Ridgebury

Photography by Tarren

C I T Y SC E N E

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @ridgefieldcitylifestyle

14 12

8: Senator Blumenthal speaking at the Farm Fete in Ridgebury 9: Sue Somers and Kiera Friedman 10: Steve Ross, Patti Ross, Lori Berisford, Anthony Dortencio, John Berisford, Liza Berisford and Alexander Ross 11: Rob Zink, Katy Sherman, Amy Holomakoff and Kurtis Spieler 12: Mike, Kim and Justin Rifflard 13. Joseph and Melena Sorena 14: Michelle and Ray Ford Photography by Tarren

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N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

business monthly ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S TONY AWARD-WINNING HIT MUSICAL

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

OCT 26–NOV 19, 2023 Ridgefield School of Dance Will Perform November Nutcracker

FEB 22–MARCH 17, 2024

MUSIC & LYRICS BY CYNDI LAUPER BOOK BY HARVEY FIERSTEIN

MAY 23–JUNE 16, 2024

ACTOFCT.ORG BOX OFFICE: (475) 215 5497 10

B USIN E SS M ON T H LY

Start the holiday season with The Ridgefield School of Dance as they present The Nutcracker, 1:00 pm, Sunday, Nov. 19, at Ridgefield High School. Tickets are on sale through theridgefieldschoolofdance.com or at the door. This timeless holiday classic is a delightful family treat. Dancers take the audience on a journey from a Victorian holiday party to young Clara’s dream. Snowflakes sweep everyone off to the magical land of the sweets featuring the Sugarplum Fairy.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Ridgefield

WHERE IS YOUR NEXT ESCAPE? Plan Your Holiday Event at Salem Golf Club Salem Golf Club boasts a beautifully designed banquet facility catered by a highly trained staff of professionals. Whether it’s a wedding, anniversary, shower, corporate event, holiday party or any other occasion, their team will ensure a memorable experience. They offer Thanksgiving-to-Go meals and host outstanding holiday parties for the upcoming season too. To take a tour of our facilities, reach out to us at 914-6695485 or visit our website at salemgolfclub.org for more information.

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NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

CATCHING UP WITH KARLA MURTAUGH HER THOUGHTS ON COMMUNITY AND GIVING BACK

You are probably aware that Karla Murtaugh is consistently ranked among the top realtors in Fairfield County and that she is the Founding Agent of Compass Ridgefield located on our beautiful Main Street. Her numerous accolades in real estate are well known, but what may not be as understood is her abundant generosity and full commitment to giving back to Ridgefield. Karla is actively involved with many organizations in town including the Boys & Girls Club, Turkey Trot, Half Marathon, Gala Events, Lounsbury House, Tiger Hollow Fundraising, Ridgefield Farmers Market, Ridgebury Farm and Stables, RVNA, the Ridgefield Library, Sphere, Ridgefield Playhouse, ACT of Connecticut, Guild of Artists, Run Like a Mother and Kids in Crisis.

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

We talked with her and a few residents who have worked with her locally about the importance of giving back and building community. She chose to be photographed at the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield and in particular the new space that hasn't officially been unveiled to the community yet. As a long standing board member at the club, she was instrumental in bringing this addition to the community which will provide more opportunities for more kids to tap into the innovative programs that the club is known for. Run Like A Mother is an event that Karla has championed from the very beginning. Megan Searfoss, owner of the Ridgefield Running Company and Darien Running Company, says that "a word Karla champions in our town is community. I met Karla 17 years ago when our family was relocated from the Midwest. Karla helped us find our home, then jumped right in to sponsor Run Like a Mother [a wellness program and race held on Mother's Day] in its inaugural year, and has done so every year since. Karla’s commitment to our town is evident from the Boys and Girls Club to the library and beyond. Her drive is evident in all that she gets involved in." Most recently, Corrin Arasa explored the possibility of opening a Farmer's Market in Ridgefield. The first person she called was Karla because she felt 'that Karla's understanding and passion for the community would help the concept launch.' Karla immediately loved the idea and offered both consultative and financial support to get the market open in just a few short months.

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN RIDGEFIELD, AND WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO MOVE HERE? My husband, Greg, and I, have lived in Ridgefield since 1989, having moved from Bronxville, New York. I decided to take a corporate job opportunity in CT. We fell in love with Ridgefield and my husband who worked in NYC wanted to commute out of Katonah, so Ridgefield was a logical choice.

HOW DID YOU GET YOUR START IN REAL ESTATE? I loved my former career, but as our company grew, my domestic and international travel also grew. On 9/11, I was on a plane for a lunch meeting with a client in Detroit and my husband worked at the World Trade Center. We feel truly blessed that our day did not end in tragedy, but it made me think twice. We had dabbled in investment properties in and around New York City, so real estate felt comfortable to me. I also felt my skill set in marketing and business development would make for an easy transition. As fate would have it, I never looked back and clearly knew this was the right fit. It allowed me to be more local for our son and to finally get involved with a few non-profits, something my husband and I wanted to always do since moving to Ridgefield.

WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BRING COMPASS TO RIDGEFIELD? COMPASS had their sights set on Ridgefield for a while…they like all of us, fell in love with this town. They approached me about becoming the Founding Agent for COMPASS Ridgefield, and the timing was right.

G IV IN G BAC K | L IFE + CULTURE

YOU GIVE BACK TO SO MANY ORGANIZATIONSIN TOWN. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT YOUR PASSION BEHIND THESE?

Thanksgiving morning 5K tradition with Megan Searfoss and Mike Flynn

Karla is pictured with Compass team member Sally Walter, Accredited Buyer’s Representative, Equestrian Property Specialist. Photos provided by Karla Murtaugh Homes team.

Greg and I are big advocates of giving back. The first organization we got involved with was the Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club. Our son, from an early age, attended their summer camp and throughout his school years was involved in many clubs including Torch Club and Keystone Club, which instills in our youth the importance of community, respect for your peers and leading by example. During his four years at Hobart/William Smith College in upstate New York, he immediately volunteered his time at the B&G Club in Geneva, NY, which is a very different demographic to Ridgefield. It was a humbling and rewarding experience. I have been fortunate to serve on the Executive Board for many years and incredibly impressed by the leadership of Mike Flynn and his talented and dedicated team. We are so fortunate to have this organization available to all of our youth here in town. "Karla has been a champion of the club for about 20 years," Mike Flynn, CEO of The Boys & Girls Club says. "She is always there for us in many capacities, as a connector, leader and donor." He explains that 'her son was a member so she understands the impact the club has on young people.' She refers and connects families to our club often.'

AS NOVEMBER IS OUR THANKFUL ISSUE, CAN YOU TELL US WHAT YOU ARE MOST THANKFUL FOR THIS YEAR? My Family, my Friends, my Clients and my Team.

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Dress your mind right

V @valtbrand | valtshop.com

PHOTOS PHOTOS PAINTINGS PAINTINGS COMMISSIONS COMMISSIONS

jennie carr

@jenniecarr jennie carr

914.714.2774

stilljenniecarr@yahoo.com

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

Inside Consign Envy

Sustainable Fashion For The Holidays ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

Pamela and Annette at RTS

FASH ION F OR WA R D | SHOPPI NG

Ridgefield may be better known for its food and art scenes, but fashion is slowly creeping its way into the spotlight with new boutiques popping up, local designers on the horizon, and notably, the long-standing shops all with one major thread in common — sustainability. Sustainability isn't just a buzzword in the industry — it's a lifestyle choice embodied by both environmentalists and fashionistas. Three local stores, Consign Envy, Bring 'n Buy, and The Ridgefield Thrift Shop not only embrace sustainable shopping, but promote goodness in the community all around.

CONSIGN ENVY Consign Envy opened in 2004, when Maura Dimm’s son was about to enter kindergarten. As a recent divorcee, the new business owner needed to go back to work. Her initial vision was a children’s consignment store, “so I opened my doors as The Children’s Cottage,” she stated. Next year, Consign Envy will celebrate 20 privileged years in beautiful Ridgefield. After five years into the business, she expanded into women’s fashion, changing the store name to “Consign Envy.” “I always liked fashion,” Dimm says. “But my draw was to help people.” Prior to opening her shop, she was a director for a nonprofit organization working with homeless, runaway and foster kids, also working in the mental health field running transitional homes for youth who were struggling with alcohol and drug dependency. During the holiday months, Consign Envy holds special sales — you can follow the shop on Facebook or Instagram to stay updated on new inventory and events. While the shop is primarily consignment with over 3,600 consignors, only taking items by appointment, Dimm explains she does have “beautiful, handmade jewelr y from a local artist, along with other purchased jewelr y, perfect as gifts or to accessorize an outf it.”

At Consign Envy, expect to find a unique piece of clothing that is in style, in great condition, and at a price that makes the buyer feel lucky to have found it. Selling children’s teens, women’s and a small section of men’s attire, the shop is comprised of designers like Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Fendi, and Chloè, among many other labels. Consign Envy also does a lot for the community, from donating to Family and Children’s Aid and the women’s shelter in Danbury to helping families who are struggling financially. “We donate to school and coat drives, churches, and have donated numerous times to a small, isolated village in the Philippines,” she adds.

BRING ‘N BUY For Christina Hassenstein, owner of Bring 'n Buy, fashion and entrepreneurship have been in her blood since before she was born. Hassenstein’s mother, Patti Murphy, purchased the store over 50 years ago; Hassenstein joined her in 1993. “We became partners concentrated fully on upping the standard and selling great labels for less,” she says of the shop. “My pull to fashion was passed down by my mom and grandmother," Hassenstein says. "I have very clear memories of them dressed in stunning gowns and fur coats for weddings and holidays. In our house, we were taught not to waste and to reuse and recycle, which ties in very closely with my love for owning a business based on two of my passions — fashion and sustainability.” Bring 'n Buy’s customers span from all over Fairfield, Litchfield and Westchester counties, also including clients from California, North Carolina and Georgia, who mail the owners their consignments, also shopping the Bring 'n Buy Instagram page. Like Dimm, Hassenstein also donates regularly to women’s shelters in Danbury, New York City, and New Jersey. “At the end of July, I bag up all of the clothing and donate it to [organizations] Nick’s Hope, Hour Children, and Hearts of Gold.”

“I always liked fashion. But my draw was to help people.” — Maura Dimm, owner of Consign Envy

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Christina Hassenstein, owner of Bring ‘n Buy

“In our house, we were taught not to waste and to reuse and recycle, which ties in very closely with my love for owning a business based on two of my passions — fashion and sustainability.” — Christina Hassenstein THE RIDGEFIELD THRIFT SHOP The Ridgefield Thrift Shop, who we wrote about in our April issue, is known as a staple in the community for its countless philanthropic endeavors and volunteer efforts, on top of being an inexpensive paradise for the style obsessed. As many of you may know, RTS teams up regularly with organizations like Ann's Place, a community-based cancer

support platform, in order to celebrate well-mannered fashion for a cause. This year, their fashion show theme was "Celebrating Role Models," which included any and all members of the community who inspired Ann's Place. If you're looking for something unique to wear to a gala, a holiday party or other special occasion upcoming, you are sure to find what you're looking for at any of these stylish and community-driven shops.

LEARN MORE:

Consign Envy is owned and operated by Maura Dimm. The store’s address is 23 Catoonah St., Suite 1, Ridgefield, CT. Website: consignenvy.com. Instagram: @consignenvy Bring ‘n Buy is owned and operated by Christina Hassenstein. The store’s address is 590 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT. Instagram: @bringnbuy

Voyette shoe at Bring ‘n Buy

G E A R GU ID E | SHOPPING

RTS: The thrift shop is a nonprofit run entirely by volunteers. The store’s address is 21B Governor St. Website: ridgefieldthriftshop.com

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Director of the Social Services Department in Ridgefield, Tony (Anthony) Phillips

At the Heart of Ridgefield “I liken my job to fixing puzzles. We are often introduced to an unfinished puzzle where we need to find the pieces that make sense, and try to help people get their puzzle organized, started, or something finished.” These are words spoken from the Director of the Social Services Department in Ridgefield, Tony (Anthony) Phillips, a certified social worker who has worked for the town of Ridgefield for the past decade. As the leader of the Social Services Department, he provides a listening ear, sound advice, and assistance to access local, regional, state, and federal programs that help the residents of Ridgefield who need it most.

The Social Services Department creates numerous, incredible programs for the community in an effort to uplift the spirits of those struggling financially, those dealing with food insecurity, and those experiencing an affordable housing crisis, among other things. One of projects included Dirty Hands, a “full plates” produce program that launched several years ago where the department partnered with two local farms and a local store to provide fresh, local produce to 15 families every two weeks. Another initiative spearheaded by the department was during the pandemic,

GIVING BACK AND CHANGING LIVES, ONE HELPING HAND AT A TIME

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT CREATIVE SERVICES

H OM E TOWN H E R O | L IFE + CULTURE

when the team pulled together a summer food program titled “Feed Our Tigers,” partnering with Tiger Hollow Inc. where local residents shopped for food once a week and dropped off groceries at the Lounsbury House. Phillps explains that people get introduced to them in any number of ways. “It could be that they want help understanding Medicare, or maybe someone had a medical issue that created more stress for their family.” People dealing with mental health issues or who need help relating to disability access also fall under this category. “It really runs the gamut,” he says of his position. “But we have honed in on financial need and food insecurity as a main focus area, as we have a long line history of offering a food pantry.” In 2020, the Social Services Department made a shift from collecting non-perishable food items to offering grocery gift cards, to which Phillips commented “has been amazing for our clients as it provides independence and dignity in their shopping process, allowing them to get what they want and need.” Not to mention reducing food waste. The department also aids in energy assistance applications for the State CEAP program, which usually accounts for $50,000 in state aid for oil and heat, which goes directly to residents’ homes. Medical CHOICES is another program that helps over 100 residents manage their Medical Prescription Part D coverage. Considering the day-to-day at the Social Services Department, the team of people there help navigate “all sorts of things” including trying to locate affordable housing, understanding tenant rights when there is an eviction, and helping people access food resources. Speaking specifically on healthy and safe food resources, Phillips explains the department

helps manage the Connecticut FoodShare truck that comes to town twice a month, also adding they have two programs that provide locally-grown produce to seniors, and another program dedicated to families, “with the help from Veronica’s Garden, Cornerstone Garden, and Nature’s Temptations,” Phillips notes. Overall, finding the money to help residents pay rent, buy food, pay bills and receive medical help is the ultimate goal of the Social Services Department, to which Phillips states the department’s emergency fund “is a big part” of how they are able to help struggling families and individuals. This fund, he explains, allows them to “get people out of harm’s way and move them in a direction toward success.” Examples of this include assisting someone needing help with a security deposit, another person needing a hearing aid, a resident needing another means of transportation if their car gets a flat tire, and so on. As far as what residents can do to help, Phillips graciously states that donations to their emergency fund are always needed. People can send a check straight to Town Hall with a memo titled, “Emergency Fund,” but they also accept donations online. And to know exactly who and how you are helping, Phillips explains that donations to the emergency fund allow the department the flexibility to help with rent, food, heat, electricity, “and any other basic need you can think of.” He emphasizes that their ability to leverage the emergency fund has saved dozens of families and seniors from eviction, electricity shut-off notices and more over the years. As Phillips mentioned before, the department seeks to support the community of Ridgefield however

“Ridgefielders always

step up to help whether

it’s sorting clothing at the

thrift shop, volunteering to distribute produce in three degree weather, or ringing the red kettle bells during

the holidays, Ridgefielders always respond.” -Tony Phillips

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“We are here to help one another.”

possible, and that the favor gets returned by local businesses and organizations as well, keeping the “we are here to help one another” mantra of Ridgefield going strong. “One of our biggest supporters is the Ridgefield Thrift Shop,” Phillips says. “The Rotary Club is another group that continually steps up for our department,” he states, adding that from 2013-2020, the club provided a monthly food truck in front of the Social Services building, ending up collecting over $10,000 in food donations each month.

H OM E TOWN H E R O | L IFE + CULTURE

“When the pandemic stopped the food collections, they were creeping up on an estimated $1 million worth of collections since 2013,” Phillips remarked. “But for our entire history, we have counted on our Ridgefield neighbors to help their neighbors—Ridgefielders always step up to help whether it’s sorting clothing at the thrift shop, volunteering to distribute produce in three degree weather, or ringing the red kettle bells during the holidays, Ridgefielders always respond.”

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Places to Express Gratitude

GROW WELLNESS CENTER, RIDGEFIELD, CT Kathleen Kweskin founded Grow Wellness Center in Ridgefield after extensively traveling and practicing a variety of modalities in the far East. She has brought her vision for an inspirational space where people seek connection to town. Every day and every breath is a gift, the only appropriate response is gratefulness. How do you make gratitude a constant element of your lifestyle and mindset? Start by exploring meditation and yoga, which are practices that embrace mindfulness and gratefulness to maintain a steady balance and sense of calm. Grow Wellness Center in Ridgefield is your sanctuary for sessions and activities from all over the world that draw on gratefulness, relief, comfort and authenticity. Practice gratitude and the art of mandala painting at our Thanksgiving Mandala Paint and Sip Class on November 17th! Learn more at http://www.growwellness.com

THE 14TH DALAI LAMA LIBRARY AND LEARNING CENTER, ITHACA, NY As His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama said recently, “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice gratitude.” Ridgefield resident, Stacey Schibli had the opportunity to work for the Diane Brandenburg Foundation on the interiors of The 14th Dalai’s Lama Library and Learning Center, in Ithaca New York. "Spending time

O UR TOWN | L IFE + CU LTURE

“Spending time among the gentle monks, whose chanting is a blend of devotion and serenity, was a transformative experience” — Stacey Schibli

Front: Diane Brandenburg; from left to right: Bickieu Pham, Francine Agapoff, Tenzin Choesang, Michael Collopy, Tom Nazario. Backside of the new library overlooking the landscape

The Peace Hall within The 14th Dalai Lama's Library and Learning Center. Local Ithaca youth in traditional Tibetan attire.

among the gentle monks, whose chanting is a blend of devotion and serenity, was a transformative experience. The expansive landscape, with its indescribable sunsets, walking paths, through woods and as well as well tended flower gardens, is a meditation within itself. And only minutes away, gorges with waterfalls transport you to the underbelly of the landscape." The Tibetan people share a fascinating connection with the American Indians that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries; They have faced struggles of preservation and cultural identity in the face of colonization and political upheaval. Both possess profound spiritual traditions, enduring wisdom, and a deep connection and reverence for nature and the belief in the interconnectedness of all living beings. Native American Indians and Tibetans view the natural world as sacred, recognizing the inherent value and spiritual essence in every aspect of creation. The center’s goal is to preserve the Tibetan culture for future generations and cultivate compassion and gratitude by illuminating a path to achieving inner peace, and by cultivating harmony and understanding within different spiritual traditions. The inclusive approach aims to foster dialogue and bridge divides, promoting unity and mutual respect among diverse communities, creating Ambassadors of Peace. Through in-person and zoom teachings, seminars, retreats for all ages, and families, the center will promote positive human values. Learn more at hhdalailamalibrarylearningcenter.org.

NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/ R I D G E F I E L D

PAMBY MOTORS GIVES BACK

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ALT

PAMBY MOTORS THANKS AND CELEBRATES THE COMMUNITY FOR 75 YEARS IN BUSINESS

I NSP IR E D BY | AU TO + MARI NE

The Ridgefield community celebrated with the Pambianchi family as they realized a milestone last summer of serving Ridgefield and the surrounding communities for 75 years. What started out as a small two-man repair shop on Bailey Avenue in 1948 expanded in 1954, when they opened their first car dealership on Rt. 35, where the current Sunoco gas station is, selling Studebakers, Packards, and Tydol Gasoline. Today, they have grown their business into a full-service Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram dealership, state-of-the-art auto body and auto repair shops and a full-service Sunoco gas station operating out of three locations in Ridgefield. Spanning three generations, Pamby Motors is still family owned and operated and one of the longest serving and most prominent businesses in the Town of Ridgefield.

From the beginning, the Pambianchi family wanted to give back to the town they call home. They continuously look for ways to give back to the community where they work and live. They sponsor events and nonprofits like the Pamby Half-Marathon, The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament, The Prospector Theater, Sphere, organize a holiday food drive for Family and Children’s Aid, run for Julia’s Wings, upkeep the Main Street Clock, and participate in the Marine Corps Holiday toy drive “Toys for Tots” program. They also sponsor multiple high school sports and youth athletic leagues along with providing college scholarships to Ridgefield High School seniors under the “Matty Pambianchi Scholarship” for the past 37 years. Pamby Motors Inc. continues to be one of the few remaining family owned and family operated local businesses. Now, spanning to three generations of service and giving back. Their father Matty Pambianchi and Uncle Harry instilled in John, Mike and Fred the duty and responsibility of giving back to their community. It is from their example that they learned to understand the importance of giving back to the community. The third generation Tim, Andy and Nick Pambianchi volunteer their time with the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department. They also employ over 50 full-time employees who also participate and give back to their community. Many employees have worked for the company for decades and have been important to the dayto-day operations and growth of Pamby Motors. From John, Mike, Fred, Tim, Andy and Nick Pambianchi, we thank you for your continued support and trust. We look forward to serving the Ridgefield community and surrounding areas for another 75 years.

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events A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area. NOVEMBER 4 TH

Your car is here...

(203) 493-5022 63 Ethan Allen Hwy Ridgefield, CT 06877

Great Futures Celebration at the Boys & Girls Club

T H E B OYS & G I R L S C LUB R I DG E F I E L D | 9 :0 0 A M The Great Futures Celebration is always a special evening – a celebration of a place that is a second home, a safe haven, and a beacon of hope to so many youth in our community. The place where Great Futures start. Join us for dinner and drinks while raising some much-needed funds in support of our Club members’ Great Futures. NOVEMBER 16TH

Sunset Boulevard

MAKING YOUR DREAM

Smile A REALITY

ACT OF CONNECTICUT THEATRE 38 OLD QUARRY ROAD, RIDGEFIELD CT | 7:00 PM Sunset Boulevard tells the magnificent tale of Norma Desmond, a faded silent-screen goddess living in her Sunset Boulevard mansion clinging to a fantasy that audiences still long for her, but in reality, hardly remember her. This Tony Award winning masterpiece has been called Andrew Lloyd Webber’s finest scores and weaves a compelling tale of romance, obsession, and faded glory. NOVEMBER 16TH

Holiday Boutique in the Barn

Family | Cosmetic | Airway Centric Dentistry

DR. BECKIE D’ANDREA, DDS (203) 761-0223 44 Old Ridgefield Road, Suite 212 Wilton, Connecticut 06897

EVE N TS

CA R R I AG E B A R N AT T H E KE E L E R TAV E R N MUS E UM A N D H I STO RY C E NT E R | 1 1 :0 0 A M This annual boutique features a variety of thoughtful gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list!

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The Ridgefield School of Dance proudly presents

The Nutcracker Join us for the magical holiday classic Sunday, November 19, 2023, 1:00pm Ridgefield High School

Tickets at theridgefieldschoolofdance.com

66 Grove Street Ridgefield, CT 203.894.5957