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Ridgefield moves confidently into the New Year, with market indicators pointing to a vibrant and resilient 2026 Real Estate landscape. High buyer engagement—both from within Fairfield County and discerning out-of-state clients—continues to reflect the enduring allure of Ridgefield’s lifestyle, culture, and sense of community. Home values remain steady, with select properties experiencing thoughtful appreciation as limited inventory enhances demand. At Karla Murtaugh Homes, we are privileged to represent this extraordinary market and remain steadfast in delivering tailored guidance and exceptional results. Whether you are considering a purchase or preparing to sell, trust our award-winning team to provide a refined, seamless experience in 2026. Consistently ranked #1 in Ridgefield Wishing you and your family a Joyful, Healthy and Prosperous 2026. m: 203.856.5534 karla.murtaugh@compass.com karlamurtaugh.com compass.com Lic. in CT & NY
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Karla Murtaugh Homes Team is a team of real estate agents affiliated with Compass Connecticut, LLC 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 sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions. *Source Smart MLS 2025
LIFESTYLE LETTER
The Health & Wellness Issue
January 2026 PUBLISHER
Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R
Katie Parry | katie.parry@citylifestyle.com
The start of a new year always brings a special kind of energy: a sense of possibility, renewal, and the excitement of a fresh chapter. It’s a natural time to set intentions, explore new opportunities, and think about how we want the year ahead to feel. But January can also come with its own kind of pressure: the push to overhaul routines overnight or live up to lofty resolutions. In this issue, we wanted to take a gentler, more realistic approach—one that encourages long-term, sustainable growth in your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Progress doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from what we choose to do consistently, in every area of life—health, career, relationships. It’s our everyday habits that carry the greatest impact. Think of it this way: you may not jet off on vacation every month, but planning a couple of getaways each year is both attainable and rejuvenating. And while you may not treat yourself to a decadent dessert every evening, enjoying one from a favorite local spot every now and then can be its own kind of joy. This year, I encourage you to focus on simple, steady actions that support a healthier and more fulfilling life. Try a new workout class, make space for rest, and continue to embrace the small pleasures that make each day brighter. Our “most of the time” choices shape who we become—and they matter more than we think. Here’s to a healthy, balanced, and joyful new year. We’re cheering you on every step of the way.
P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R
BRUCE BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER @ R I D G E F I E L D L I F E S T Y L E M AG A Z I N E
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Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Ridgefield 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.
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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 Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.
inside the issue JANUARY 20 2 6 | HEA LT H & W EL L N ES S
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Featured
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Keystone Place at Wooster Heights
A Life-Fulfilling Senior Living Community Where Care, Connection, and Joy Shape Every Day
The Chi Chi Life
Lauren Chiarello Mika on Resilience, Movement, and Joy
Ridgefield Organics
Inside Mark Hill’s Vibrant Market Where the Produce Is Perfection
On the Cover
Departments
Colorful bowls of roasted sweet potatoes, lentil kale salad, and mango salsa reflect the vibrant, flavor-packed world Mark Hill has created at Ridgefield Organics, a shop celebrated for its extraordinary produce and standout prepared selections.
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Lifestyle Letter
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City Scene
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Business Monthly
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Must See LOCAL SERVICES
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Healthy Lifestyle HEALTH + WELLNESS
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Local Limelight FOOD + BEVERAGE
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Events
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city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
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After several years away, the beloved Founders Hall Breakfast Feast returned, and it was wonderful to see so many from the community come together to enjoy good food, great company, and a morning filled with gratitude. 1: Rudy Marconi, First Selectperson, with Glori Norwitt, Connecticut’s Envoy for International Engagement 2: From left: Jill Rae, Stephanie Heering, and Kim Harper 3: From left: Lily Fertik, Elizabeth Gallo, Dillon Tepfer, Alice Meenan, and Gina Cushman 4: President of the Founders Hall Board of Directors, Lori Berisford, with her husband John Berisford 5: Executive Director of Founders Hall, Nikki Nuut, with Board of Directors members Steven and Liz Goldstone 6: Wendy Lionetti with Peggy Marconi 7: Kerri Glass and Jenn Kubick Photography by Jessica Mancini
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JT Aesthetics turns two! Owner Josyane Torres gathered with friends and clients to celebrate two years of helping people look and feel their best. Backed by cutting-edge research and more than a decade of expertise, JT Aesthetics blends artistry with personalized care to ensure every visit leaves clients looking—and feeling—their absolute best. 8: Jessica Manfredinitt with Josyane Torres (right) 9: Christopher Ferreira and Evan Lemoine (right) 10: From left: Claudia Newmaker, Nurya Torres, and Eneida Aguilar 11: Yasmin Harrison 12: Ramon Felix DJ’d the anniversary party 13: From left: Claudette White, Cleonice, and Carolina Guedes 14: Josyane Torres, owner of JT Aesthetics, celebrates two years on Main Street Photography by Meg MacKay Photography
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city scene CONTINUED
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Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center celebrated honorees Bryan Perri and Daniel C. Levine at the organization’s 31st Annual Cannonball Gala. Despite “a little” rain, it was fantastic event, featuring an incredible performance by honoree Bryan Perri and lots of heartfelt support for the humanities. 15: From left: Lisa Scails, Connecticut State Representative Julie Kushner, Susie and Gary Singer 16: From left: Jeff and Jenn Hansen and Christine and Jeffrey Boris 17: Honorees Bryan Perri and Daniel C. Levine with KTM&HC Board President, Sara Champion, and Executive Director, Hildegard Grob Photography by Mark Latham
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KEYSTONE PLACE AT WOOSTER HEIGHTS
Stepping through the doors of Keystone Place at Wooster Heights, guests are greeted with an immediate feeling of comfort and warmth. “When people think about moving into a senior living community, they’re afraid of losing their independence,” says Eluisa Callanan, Senior Living Counselor. “But when they come here, it becomes home. That fear disappears. They make new friends, create new memories.” The lobby is bright, cheerful, even chic. A fire blazes in an oversized hearth. Residents are getting their steps in—some with walkers, some without. Others are flipping through the morning papers or enjoying a snooze. Still others are chit-chatting and recipe-swapping (“The secret to the best egg salad is curry. Just a little, not too much!” Sue Robson tells Joan Wolfe).
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ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATASHA FLEMING PHOTOGRAPHY
A LIFE-FULFILLING SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY WHERE CARE, CONNECTION, AND JOY SHAPE EVERY DAY
Helen Lajoie reads a book in her spacious, light-filled apartment.
It’s a scene of easy companionship, like walking into your living room during the holidays. Everyone is at ease, unhurried—at home. Built in 2019, Keystone Place at Wooster Heights is a modern, thoughtfully designed community perched on a hilltop with beautiful, panoramic views. It features 140 apartments for independent and assisted living, along with 22 apartments in Wooster Crossing, the community’s dedicated memory care neighborhood. Family-owned and operated, Keystone Place intentionally keeps its locations boutique-sized. That scale, paired with more than three decades of experience and over 60 successful senior living communities, allows the company to offer incomparable levels of personalized support. “The Kingen and Eldredge families let you run your community your way,” says Peter Francis, Executive Director. “Our community is a family. What sets us apart is our dedicated team—people who show up every day to improve the quality of life for our residents. And we like to have fun. We try to have as much fun as possible.” Patrick McNamara, Director of Life Enrichment, along with Gary Chambers and Bettianne Smith lead the charge in bringing a full calendar of meaningful, energizing activities to the community.
Social isolation is one of the biggest health risks for older adults, and they all work tirelessly in tandem to keep everyone not only engaged, but thriving. The monthly newsletter breaks down activities by day. They run the gamut—from mass, meditation, and movies; to stretch and balance, bowling, and bingo; to cooking, arts and crafts, and drum circle. On Mondays, Gary blends up smoothies at 10 a.m in the pub. On Fridays, happy hour starts at 3 p.m.—often with Patrick moonlighting as bartender. Movies are shown in the theater three afternoons a week at 3 p.m. (usually documentaries) and every evening at 7 p.m. (everything else). “Residents tell me what movies they want to watch,” Patrick says. “Sometimes they’ll say, ‘Oh, we don’t want to watch anything with violence or nudity.’ Then they’ll request Magic Mike!” Local musicians and entertainers regularly perform for residents: guitarists, pianists, a cappella singers. Brewster High School’s choir visits each December to sing holiday songs. Residents are also encouraged to host their own bridge parties and mahjong tournaments and to invite family and friends, with food provided by the dining team. During our tour, Patrick is a magnetic presence—equal parts stand-up comic and empathetic friend. His cruise-ship-director energy is contagious. He greets every person by name, often delivering a deadpan one-liner before they can even say hello. In the salon, he tells one resident, “Marge, you’re wasting your money! You are beautiful without doing all of this!” Later, spotting Chuck, he asks, “What’d you buy at the grocery store? No worms? Alright, we’ll just have to go dig in the dirt.” It’s clear the residents adore him—and the feeling is mutual. Keystone Place at Wooster Heights spans four floors with every amenity imaginable. There’s a library, fitness center, movie theater, multiple activity rooms, pub, outdoor spaces, and a full-service salon run by a licensed cosmetologist, Marylou Desiervi. Outings are organized regularly, with trips planned to see shows at A.C.T. of CT, Ridgefield Playhouse, The Prospector, or Brookfield CONTINUED >
Senior Living Counselor Eluisa Callanan with resident Pauline—who turns 102 in May
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Gary leads a stretch and balance class
Theatre. There are weekly shopping excursions and change-ofscenery lunch outings (the most recent was to Fife ‘n Drum in Kent—so many people signed up, they had to plan a second trip). One of Keystone Place’s greatest benefits is offering the ability to age in place. Residents can transition from independent living to assisted living to memory care, if needed, without ever leaving their home. Independent Living enables residents to live life fully on their own terms. Spacious one- and two-bedroom apartments (833 and 1,223 square feet respectively) come with full-size kitchens, washers and dryers, and private balconies with hilltop views. Assisted Living apartments blend the comfort of home with personalized support. One- and two-bedroom units plus studios are available, all featuring a kitchenette and a sunroom, private patio, or balcony. Care associates are onsite day and night. “Many of our residents still have their own cars,” Eluisa notes. “And pets are welcome in both independent and assisted living— as long as owners can care for them. People believe moving into a
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senior living community means losing independence, but it’s not true.” Wooster Crossings, the memory care neighborhood, is intentionally designed to feel safe and supportive. Studio and one-bedroom suites offer privacy and comfort, while the secure outdoor courtyard provides a peaceful place to enjoy fresh air. Patricia Dos Santos, Dedicated Memory Care Engagement Manager, works hand in hand with Patrick to ensure Wooster Crossings is engaging residents both physically and mentally throughout the day. Specially trained associates are available around the clock, and licensed nurses monitor residents’ health. All apartments, regardless of level, are private—everyone has their own room and bathroom. Housekeeping services are provided regularly (weekly for assisted living and biweekly for independent living). And every resident has access to meaningful activities, wellness programs, and nursing support. “We have nurses in the building from 6 a.m. until about 10:30 at night, and there’s always a registered nurse on call,” says Stacy
Carney, Director of Nursing. “Our team includes 8 licensed practical nurses who rotate through shifts, and 65 certified nursing assistants who provide hands-on care to residents around the clock.” Meals at Keystone Place are about more than nourishment—they’re daily opportunities to gather and connect over delicious food. The dining room has nearly 50 tables and residents can sit wherever they like. It offers a laid-back, restaurant-style atmosphere with wide-open space and floor-to-ceiling windows letting in plenty of natural sunlight. Brian Chitty, Director of Dining Services, crafts seasonal menus with an eye toward limiting sodium, fat, refined sugars, and processed ingredients—without sacrificing flavor. Breakfast includes both continental and hot options, while lunch and dinner offer one or two rotating specials, two soups, a pasta of the day, and an always-available lineup of made-to-order classics. “Residents certainly enjoy their meat and potatoes,” Brian says, “but we also get to have fun. If someone wants something special, we’ll try our best to make it happen. We have a great community with diverse preferences, so we do get to explore different cuisines.” Throughout the year, the staff collaborates to create memorable experiences: Oktoberfest, Friendsgiving,
The lobby at Keystone Place is always bustling
Sue and Joan trade recipe tips and laughter during a hallway chat
“WE STRIVE TO CREATE A TRUE HOME FOR OUR RESIDENTS. ONE THAT BRINGS JOY, HAPPINESS, SAFETY, AND LOVE.”—PETER FRANCIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Cruise Week, Lobster Fest. Watching the directors light up while describing these gatherings makes it clear just how much they care for the residents—and how much fun they’re having too. On Boardwalk Day, the front sidewalk transforms into a miniature Coney Island. “It’s like taking a stroll through the past,” Eluisa tells us. “We have a band, a dunk tank, a funnel cake truck, hamburgers, corn dogs, sausage and peppers, cotton candy, popcorn. So many residents from every level join in the fun. We have such a great time!” One resident, Marcia Sloat, tells us that she is especially excited for Cruise Week coming up in March. A long-time resident of Ridgefield, Marcia moved to Keystone Place when her husband passed away last year. CONTINUED >
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The team of directors at Keystone Place at Wooster Heights
“You have to understand, this is a complete change from the life I had,” she tells us. “My husband and I were married for 50 years. So this is a big change, being a widow. But the staff works hard for us. They do so many things to make us happy.” Another former Ridgefield resident and active volunteer at the Ridgefield Historical Society, Dr. Darla Shaw, echoes that sentiment. “I moved here last year and, you know, it’s helped save me,” Darla tells us. Darla and her husband, Ben, moved into Keystone Place after living in Ridgefield for over five decades. Darla was a teacher and administrator for 63 years, first in the Ridgefield school system and then as a professor of women’s studies at Western Connecticut State University. “This is a good, healthy environment,” Darla says. “I’m so used to being active in the community and now I’m in a wheelchair with oxygen—but they’re very good about letting me run events here.” We’re back in the lobby now and it’s bustling—though Patrick tells us this is nothing compared to Saturday mornings. That’s when a truckload of donated flowers from Trader Joe’s arrives and pandemonium ensues, with residents vying for bouquets of fresh blooms. “This area will be jam-packed waiting for them,” Patrick says. “There is a stampede—it’s like a Taylor Swift concert. It’s a good thing paramedics are on standby!” he jokes. There’s Marcia, sitting in a circle with several women, all chatting and laughing. Peter stands by the fireplace, deep in conversation with a community member. Some residents sit quietly with their crosswords, while others doze in the warm glow of the fire.
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“The fireplace is very popular,” Patrick says. “We encourage residents to come down and sit here, maybe take a nap before lunch. They can do whatever they want—it’s their house!” It truly feels that way. Keystone Place is their home, and all of the staff and visitors are lucky enough to be welcomed in. This vibrant, lively community offers much more than convenience—it offers genuine connection during residents’ later years: friendships blossom, stories and tips are shared, and memories come alive through photos and conversation. Research continually shows that social engagement and meaningful relationships lead to longer, healthier lives—and Keystone Place at Wooster Heights fosters this with intention. It’s the result of a dedicated team creating an environment where people truly thrive. Moving into a senior living community is a major life transition, one that comes with natural anxieties for both prospective residents and their families. But those concerns tend to dissipate the moment people step into this welcoming lobby. Peter, Eluisa, Patrick, and the rest of the staff have created something rare: a place that feels like home from day one. “At Keystone Place at Wooster Heights, we strive to create a true home for our residents,” Peter says. “One that offers a meaningful quality of life each day and brings joy, happiness, safety, and love.” Keystone Place at Wooster Heights is located at 66 Wooster Heights in Danbury. Call 475-454-7971 to book a tour and learn more at keystonesenior.com/senior-living/ct/danbury/ keystone-place-at-wooster-heights.
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The
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Chi Chi
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LAUREN CHIARELLO MIKA ON RESILIENCE, MOVEMENT, AND JOY ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY
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You’ve overcome Hodgkin’s lymphoma twice and have since built a career around movement and mindfulness. How did your cancer journey shape the way you think about health and strength? One body, one life. Movement and exercise allowed me to regain my strength post-treatment. I wanted to make sure I was doing everything within my power to lead a strong, healthy, and intentional life. To me, exercise is not just a priority but something that should be ingrained in our lives for a joyful energy boost. It is an honor to hold space for people who want to care for themselves. Let’s squeeze the juice out of each day!
You teach Pilates, Barre, and Yoga, often blending them into your signature “Triple Fusion” classes. What do you love about that combination, and what makes it such an effective, sustainable workout? These methods are rooted in mindfulness, flexibility, and strength. In my classes, I focus on balance, stability, mobility, and core strength using low-impact exercises. Building your core strength protects your spine, improves your posture, and supports bone density. You’ll leave grounded and energized as you connect your body, mind, and heart through movement and breath.
You teach everywhere—from virtual classes to in-person sessions—but many of your classes take place outdoors, from The Hickories to the Ridgefield Farmers Market. What do you love about leading movement in nature? Nothing beats moving in the fresh air! Research shows that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mental health, enhances mood, and boosts cognitive function. It’s also an incredible sensorial experience to move in Mother Nature.
Photo by BrakeThrough Media
Lauren Chiarello Mika is a two-time thriver of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and mom of identical twin boys, but her story is defined just as much by joy as by resilience. With two decades of experience in fundraising, event planning, cancer advocacy, and community building, Lauren brings heart, humor, and human connection to everything she touches. She is also the Founder of Chi Chi Life, a community rooted in connection and shared experience. Lauren’s joie de vivre is truly infectious. She lives in Ridgefield with her husband, Russ, and their children, and teaches mindful movement everywhere from Plank Ridgefield to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her pre-class ritual of passing out “sunshine cards” and her post-class sagespray sendoff are universally loved. Students adore her for her boundless positivity, thoughtful sequencing, and deceptively challenging moves. Lauren’s specialties include Barre, Pilates, and Cancer Exercise.
Mindfulness is central to your teaching, and you also lead workshops for companies and groups. As someone balancing work, motherhood, and homeschooling twins, what simple practices do you suggest for bringing mindfulness into busy days? Mindfulness is paying attention, without judgment, in the present moment. A brief pause with an anchor on the breath and gratitude can help ground you. Perhaps you have five minutes between meetings, or you’re standing at the sink washing dishes. When we carve out that space and acknowledge what we are grateful for, it can shift our mindset into a positive state. Abundance is all around us.
Many people begin a new year wanting to move more but feel intimidated or unsure where to start. What small, realistic steps do you suggest for building consistency and confidence? Plan your workouts on Sunday for the week ahead and hold yourself accountable. Keep in mind that your plan may change— maybe your kids get sick or you get stuck in a meeting—so something will have to shift. Start with something feasible that can integrate into your schedule with ease. If you don’t carve out time for movement, it won’t happen. CONTINUED >
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When you keep a consistent exercise plan, you’ll see and feel your progress. You will get stronger over time. When you have more energy, mental clarity, and increased confidence, you tend to perform better in your work environment and your everyday life. The energy will carry you through your day, and your endorphins will help keep you in a positive mindset. Watch the ripple effect!
For those who sit at a desk all day, what are a few simple stretches or posture resets that make a real difference? First, I recommend becoming aware of how you’re holding your body in your seat. You want to make sure you have a neutral spine with a focus on the two curves: lumbar (low back) and cervical (neck). When you keep your back in proper alignment, you help keep back pain at bay. I suggest integrating the following three stretches into your day several times: Neck Rolls: start by dropping your chin to your chest and then roll your head gently side to side. Shoulder Mobility: bring your hands to your shoulders and draw circles with your elbows five times in each direction. Chest Opener: clasp your hands behind your back, knuckles down toward the ground, and press the heels of your hands together. Breathe in and out and look side to side for neck mobility.
You’re deeply involved in several meaningful projects—from NICU Joy Boxes to Cycle for Survival to your Catskills retreat. Could you share a bit about each of these initiatives? In 2023, I launched the NICU Joy Box project, which aims to boost spirits and offer pampering to NICU parents and nurses through curated care boxes. My twins were born at 35 weeks and spent a significant amount of time in the NICU, so we know firsthand how challenging this time can be. To date, the project has
Photo by BrakeThrough Media
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raised over $8,000 and distributed 150 Joy Boxes to the NICUs at Northern Westchester Hospital and Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. This year’s boxes will benefit Stamford Hospital and will be assembled locally this month at Queen B Coffee. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center saved my life, and I am a dedicated team captain for Cycle for Survival—a movement to raise funds for rare cancer research. To date, Team Chi Chi Life has raised over $100,000. This year, our team will be 20 riders strong at Equinox E 61st Street on Saturday, March 7th, in NYC. Join us! I’m also energized to share that I’ll be hosting my fourth Fitness, Rest, and Restore retreat from Friday, April 24th to Sunday, April 26th in Neversink, NY. We’ll be a cozy group of 12–14 magical humans who are kind, joyful, and curious. You’ll enjoy daily mindful movement classes, an energizing goat hike, a creative craft workshop, farm-to-table meals in community, nightly cozy bonfires with s’mores, and pampering at the spa, indoor pool, and sauna.
As we begin a brand new year, what message do you hope to share with people about taking care of themselves— body, mind, and heart? No day but today. You can make positive changes with dedication and consistency. Find what excites you and arrive as you are. If you’re excited about what you’re doing and having fun with it, then you are likely to keep coming back! Start where you are and know that progress takes time and consistency. I believe in the power of community—we are stronger together. Yes you can! To get involved with any of Lauren’s upcoming events or projects, email her at lauren@chichilifenyc.com. Visit chichilifenyc.com to learn more and follow along on Instagram at @chichilifenyc.
join the pack today! PACK NATURE HIKES • BOARDING • TRAINING • GROOMING • WALKS
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Ridgefield Organics & Specialty Market
Inside Mark Hill’s Vibrant Market—Where the Produce Is Perfection ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEW LIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY
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Ridgefield Organics looks less like a market and more like a gallery—one where nature’s most vibrant creations are on display. Sunset-colored melons. Pineapple, kiwi, and apples with rosehued flesh. Figs and Brussels sprouts still clinging to their vines and stalks. Juices lined up like Pantone swatches. But the shop is far from intimidating or austere. It hums with electric, joyful energy. It’s both vibrant and a vibe, injecting a healthy dose of color and flavor into Copps Hill Commons. At its helm is Mark Hill, a master curator whose whose background has made him a respected figure in the Northeast market. Mark entered the world of organics in the early 1980s, well before the movement had any sort of cultural cachet. When Hot Pockets, Fruit Roll-Ups, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch were all the rage, he was flying in greens from California. “The high-end restaurants I was selling to wanted tender leaf—arugula, baby spinach, spring mix,” Mark tells us. “Leafy greens are so porous that you really don’t want them sprayed, so the farms growing them tended to be organic. That’s really how I found my way into organics.” Mark became one of the first organic produce wholesalers in the region—a role he holds to this day. His weekdays begin bright and early at the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx, where he handles orders for his other clients. It’s also where he hand-selects the standout fruits and vegetables that make Ridgefield Organics so singular: seasonal gems and specialty varieties customers won’t find anywhere else in the area. CONTINUED >
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Ridgefield Organics, founded by Lisa Schmidt and Sal Sabatino, opened in 2013. The duo had previously operated a Balducci’s in the center of town. When that closed, they decided to launch a new greengrocer boutique on Danbury Road. The shop is tucked between Ross Artisanal Bakery & Café and Southwest Café. It’s not big—only a couple hundred square feet. But what it lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in colorful, fragrant, and exceptionally delicious offerings from all over the world. Ridgefield Organics was a customer of Mark’s when he was managing the organic division of Baldor (one of the largest distributors of premium food in the Northeast). When Lisa and Sal decided to sell in 2019, Mark took over the business. Mark has an uncanny knack for procuring extraordinary produce. Under his quiet, expert guidance, he and his team of 20 (from family members, to part-time buyers, to cooks making the food, and workers stocking the shelves) have transformed Ridgefield Organics into something akin to a global tasting room.
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Organic dry goods, snacks, specialty candies, and local breads play supporting roles—and they do so beautifully. But the shop is overflowing with the real stars of the show: fresh fruits and vegetables. “I live and breathe this stuff,” Mark says. “I’ve traveled to markets all over South America, the Caribbean, and Europe just to see who has the best produce. I think we’ve got them beat.” Pink and white chioggia beets. Golden hami melons, torto melons, dino melons, Piel de Sapo. Stem-and-leaf mandarins. Brown turkey figs. Cubed rose pineapple. Blueberries the size of quarters. Autumn crisp grapes. Italian chestnuts. Prickly pears. “We want everything to taste good, to be mostly organic,” Mark tells us. “And to look pretty. Even the parsley.” Indeed, the parsley does look gorgeous. Mark’s team tends to every item with care, moving through the store like caretakers in, well, a gallery— adjusting, straightening, misting, restocking. The vegetables rest in baskets, ready for their close-up. Peppers, potatoes, and summer and winter squashes share space with more unique delights. Mushrooms that resemble woodland sculptures: broad, pinecone-like maitakes; tiny golden chanterelles. Little gem, romaine, red leaf. Broccolini and caulilini, the tender little cousins of broccoli and cauliflower. Delightfully crinkly Napa cabbage, bright
red (but really purple) cabbage, endive. Fresh turmeric. Dried bay leaves and curry leaves. And the tomatoes! “We sell tremendous amounts of specialty tomatoes,” Mark says. He’s not exaggerating—an entire table overflows with beefsteak, heirloom, plum, cherry, grape, Rosso Bruno, a mosaic of red, yellow, orange, and purple. Every nook and cranny of the spotless, impeccably curated shop offers a bona fide cornucopia of eye candy: the produce, the canned goods, the oils, the honey, the snacks, the freezer section, the flowers, the premade coolers. “I’m not saying we get things nobody else has,” Mark tells us. “But we carry things that are unique and full of flavor. And that’s mostly thanks to my relationships with farms—especially in the organic industry.” Over the past six years, Mark has transformed the once-small prepared foods section into a true standout among regulars. (We’re pretty obsessed too. If you take nothing else from this story, take this: head there immediately and buy their guacamole.) “I inherited the guacamole,” Mark says, turning sheepish under our lavish praise of the utterly addictive dip. “But we expanded on it. We tweaked the recipe a little bit.” While we’re chatting, a steady flow of customers stream in, most of them regulars. One gentleman asks if “The Soup” is available—to which Mark responds in the affirmative. “It’s a cucumber soup,” Mark explains. “We used to just have it in the summer, but it’s so popular we make it year-round now.” “It’s really, really good,” the customer tells us, smiling. CONTINUED >
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The biggest issue the shop has, Mark laments, is space—but they make the best of what they have, stretching their mock kitchen to its limits. Although the footprint may be limited, their offerings are decidedly not. So much nutritional deliciousness and variety is packed into the real estate allotted to the premade section— from colorful, roasted vegetables to crunchy, cruciferous salads to vibrant, hearty grain salads. Soups begin at $14—Kabocha Squash, White Bean Turkey Chili, Roasted Tomato, Broccoli and Cheese, Vegan Split Pea. The salads are a kaleidoscope of color: Lentil Pomegranate Salad has lentils, carrots, kale, pomegranate, feta cheese, and herbs. Lemon Feta Quinoa has spinach, quinoa, bell peppers, zucchini, walnuts, and herbs. There’s even an elevated Tuna Salad with apples and cranberries. Prices start at $6.50. Mark’s appreciation for Latin culture runs deep. He speaks Spanish to his staff, Latin music is often playing in the store, and the shelves are stocked with produce from all over South America. The premade section has selections ranging from Chicken Tortilla soup to Mexican Street Corn Salad to Pineapple Mango Salsa. And yes, the guacamole—an absolute must. Nestled into the coolers, the fresh juice section is impossible to miss, a lineup of bottled sunshine and jewel tones so gorgeous and striking it’s a bona fide rainbow. Selections range from the classics (freshly squeezed orange and grapefruit juices) to unexpected blends like Nature’s Gatorade (lemon, coconut water, pineapple, red grape); Beetle Juice (beets, apples, spinach, ginger); and Organic Green Vitality (kale, cucumber, lemon, celery, fennel, parsley). Their Ginger Shots pack a potent punch. Prices start at $6. Beyond produce, the store offers a variety of items, from meat to dairy to pantry staples. There’s sustainably raised beef and pork from Hardwick Beef and Sugar Hill Farm and farmer-owned, farmer-raised eggs. Local products include Janina’s Pierogies from Stamford, Kneads Country Sourdough from Westport, and Super Dirt Ballers from Ridgefield chef and small business owner Kristin O’Connor.
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But it’s the produce that really shines at Ridgefield Organics. “We do what other places can’t do,” Mark tells us. “We go through every green every morning. Clean it. Wash it. Make it look really nice. That kind of labor doesn’t work in a big box store.” This means customers might pay an extra dollar for raspberries—but the berries are hand-selected with anything mushy or bruised tossed out. The precut fruit is cut, sold, and eaten the same day. It’s not going to a processor, then to a distributor, then to a retailer. There are no preservatives in anything that Ridgefield Organics sells—everything is made fresh daily. “What makes me happy is coming in here on the weekends and talking to people,” Mark says. “Seeing customers sing along to the playlist. The energy here is special—it’s a good vibe.” He pauses, looking around the bustling shop. “The colors, the flavors, the sheer variety—it doesn’t exist anywhere else around here. I enjoy watching the seasons change, stocking the store with what’s available, sharing it with our community. Ridgefield Organics is a special place.” Ridgefield Organics is located at 109 Danbury Road. They are open from Monday–Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Follow along on Instagram @ridgefield_organics and be sure to sign up for their newsletter to see what’s new in the store.
Camie Cohen, MS, CCC-SLP Owner, Speech-Language Pathologist (203) 858-0480 | cscpediatricspeech.com 100B Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT 06877
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JANUARY 2026
events A S E L E C T I O N O F U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S
JA NUA RY 3 RD
Phenology in the New Year The Meetinghouse | 11:00 AM Phenology is the science of nature’s calendar—tracking when things happen outdoors. Scientists use this information to understand how seasons and climate affect plants and animals. In this workshop designed for middle schoolers and up, participants will learn what phenology is and why it matters for our planet, discover why timing is so important, and become a citizen scientist. $20 per person, register at meetinghouse.life. JA NUA RY 1 1 T H
Winter Luminaria Walk Woodcock Nature Center | 5:00 PM Share the magic of a winter evening in nature with your friends and family as you meander along our self-guided, illuminated trail during Woodcock’s Luminaria Walk. Proceeds support Woodcock’s community programs. Light refreshments will be provided in the pavilion after your tranquil stroll through the winter woods. Tickets are $25 per adult, children are free with a paying adult. Register by visiting woodcocknaturecenter.org. JA NUA RY 1 3T H
Triathlon Training: Preparing for Success from Start to Finish Ridgefield Parks & Recreation | 7:00 PM Gear up for your next race with expert guidance by Katie Horan. This triathlon training presentation covers everything you need to know about doing your first triathlon. Topics include: what gear you need to get started, how to balance training for three sports, and nutrition basics. There will be a Q&A session at the end. Free for members and non-members. Register at ridgefieldparksandrec.org. JA NUA RY 1 7 T H
From Liberty to Legacy: Exploring American Ideals in 1776 and Hamilton Ridgefield Library | 2:00 PM Join performer and storyteller Michael Langlois for an engaging look at how the revolutionary musicals 1776 and Hamilton illuminate the story of America’s founding. Through commentary and select video clips, Langlois will lecture on these revolutionary musicals and their contrasting visions of an American society at a crossroads. Part of the America 250 Scholarly Series. Register by visiting ridgefieldlibrary.org. JA NUA RY 2 4 T H
Dancing With the Ridgefield Stars! Boys & Girls Club Ridgefield | 6:30 PM Join us for an unforgettable night of fun, community, and hometown spirit—all in support of two incredible Ridgefield institutions: the RHS Varsity Dance Team and the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield. Enjoy performances by the RHS Varsity Dance Team, cheer on local contenders in the Dancing With the Ridgefield Stars! competition for the coveted mirror ball trophy, and take part in a community dance-a-thon for all ages. JA NUA RY 2 5T H
National Geographic Live: Wild Cats Revealed Ridgefield Playhouse | 1:00 PM Filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer Sandesh Kadur is on a mission to highlight his home country’s lesser-known felines. From the towering Himalaya mountains to arid plains to dense jungles, India is home to a vast diversity of wild cats. Discover the tiny, grumpy-faced Pallas’s cat, the fishing cat that jumps into water to catch its prey, and the elusive clouded leopard. Tickets available at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
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