Ridgefield, CT November 2025

Hi Ridgefield, It’s Babs!

Barbara Costello Dishes on @brunchwithbabs and her Spectacular Second Act

HEALTH + WELLNESS

LAUREN BUCKLEY, OWNER OF QUIET LIGHT, TURNED PERSONAL PAIN INTO PROFESSIONAL PURPOSE TRAVEL

OFF-PEAK, ON POINT: KELLY BERLIN UNPACKS WHERE TO GO—WHEN EVERYONE ELSE ISN’T

LOCAL SERVICES

FOUNDERS HALL: THE POWER OF GRATITUDE IN RIDGEFIELD

Elegant Ballroom & Spacious Terrace

Scenic Grounds & Picture-Perfect Views

Customized Menus by Our Culinary Team

Personalized Service Every Step of the Way

914-669-5485

angelisad@salemgolfclub.org www.salemgolfclub.org North Salem, NY

The Fall Market is in full swing with strong buyer demand across all price points. As of September 25th, Ridgefield has 25 homes for sale ($400K–$4.75M), 62 under deposit, and 65 in contract. Open Houses are buzzing, and buyers are coming from the Tri-State area and beyond. Now is the perfect time to make your move!

Our accomplished team of professionals will assist in optimizing your property for market readiness. We extend our sincere gratitude for helping make Karla Murtaugh the #1 agent in Ridgefield once again—and proud to be named among the Top 1.5% of Agents Nationwide by RealTrends, 2025. When you partner with us you can expect a forward-thinking approach to marketing and a platinum level of customer care and integrity across all price points. We recognize a home is your biggest asset, so whether you’re buying or selling, don’t settle. Contact us today for a private consultation.

LIFESTYLE

The Thankful Issue

In this season of gratitude, we often find ourselves reflecting on the many blessings in our lives. Thanksgiving encourages us to slow down, embrace the present, and appreciate the people and moments that bring us joy.

This month, I’ve been especially grateful for the small, everyday moments that make life beautiful: the laughter of loved ones, quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, and the chance to be part of such a vibrant community here in Ridgefield.

Our November issue is dedicated to stories of gathering, giving back, and celebrating the people and organizations that make Ridgefield such a special place. We’re endlessly thankful for our advertising partners, whose support allows us to bring inspiring stories to your doorstep each month, and for the readers who make it all worthwhile.

As we prepare to gather with loved ones, let’s take a moment to reflect on what truly brings meaning to our lives. This holiday season, may we find contentment not in possessions or accolades but in the connections we nurture and the good we do for others.

Wishing you and your family a season of gratitude and warmth.

BRUCE BERNSTEIN, PUBLISHER

@RIDGEFIELDLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Bruce Bernstein | bruce.bernstein@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katie Parry | katie.parry@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelly Berlin, Jessica Mancini

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Veronica Green Photography, Kate Wark Photography

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell Learn

inside the issue

Barbara Costello Dishes on @brunchwithbabs and her Spectacular Second Act Featured 14 20 24 28 28

Quiet Light Counseling

How Lauren Buckley Transformed Her Personal Pain Into Professional Purpose

Founders Hall

The Power of Gratitude in Ridgefield

Off-Peak, On Point

Luxury Travel Agent Kelly Berlin Unpacks Where to Go—When Everyone Else Isn’t Hi Ridgefield, It’s Babs!

Barbara Costello spent decades in Ridgefield raising her family and running The Growing Tree preschool. We caught up with her to reflect on those years—and her wildly popular second act as @brunchwithbabs.

Elizabeth Ariola

city scene

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The 11th Annual Building Homes for Heroes fundraiser at Down the Hatch on Candlewood Lake was a tremendous success! Thanks to the Down the Hatch, the Parente family, Liberty Closet & Garage Co., all of the volunteers, and generous donors for 11 years of support. To date, this event has raised more than $500,000 for Building Homes for Heroes. 8: Tony Sigillito with Scott Parente, one of owners of Down the Hatch 9: Building Homes for Heroes volunteers and Down the Hatch staff assemble before the busy event 10: Volunteers taking a short break to enjoy the beautiful day 11: Winners of a prize donated by Melissa & Doug 12: Tony Sigillito, Building Homes for Heroes board member and President of Liberty Closet and Garage Co. with Torri Park 13: Tony Sigillito with Krista Parente, one of the owners of Down the Hatch 14: Prizes and

Stronger Pain Relief Starts Here

Peterson Chiropractic now offers Class IV Laser Therapy—45 watts, 4 wavelengths, powerful results for plantar fasciitis, back, knee, and nerve pain.

Book your session today.

Nest Earth

Nest Earth is a supportive space where families and experts connect to make healthier, eco-conscious living easier. Founded by local mom and LEED Accredited Professional Gabriela Fiorentino, Nest Earth offers resources, workshops, and local gatherings that bring wellness, parenting, and sustainability together. With a circle of vetted experts and community partners, families find guidance in raising healthy kids while safeguarding the place we all call home. Together, we’re growing a thriving future of community, care, and action. Learn more at nestearth.com.

Little Sprouts Play Place

Here to bridge the gap between the classroom and the playground, Little Sprouts is an innovative play place for children ages 0-6. Designed by a former teacher and childcare professional, this space was made for littles to play, learn, and explore freely. No reservations, no time limits, just play! Come see what the buzz is about, and enjoy your first play on us. Visit littlesproutsplayplace.com to learn more and follow along on Instagram @littlesproutsplayplace

Fleur De Lis

Fleur De Lis is a hidden gem in historic West Redding Center, now celebrating its 14th year of offering vintage home décor that ranges from Mid-Century Modern to Hollywood Regency and Boho Chic. Curated by owner Dottie Earle DeLuca—a former Broadway performer and Radio City Rockette—the shop reflects her sharp eye and expertise, which have landed pieces in feature films like Verity and hit shows including The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and The Gilded Age.  Visit fleurdelisct.com to learn more.

HOW LAUREN BUCKLEY TRANSFORMED HER PERSONAL PAIN INTO PROFESSIONAL PURPOSE

ARTICLE BY KATIE PARRY PHOTOGRAPHY BY VERONICA GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY

QUIETLIGHT COUNSELING

“Right away, I knew something wasn’t right.”

When she was a little girl, Lauren Buckley used to daydream about getting married and having a big family.

“All I ever wanted was to get married,” she recalls. “I wanted to have seven kids. That’s all I ever wanted! I was so excited when I got pregnant. I was so happy.”

We’re sitting on cozy, overstuffed furniture in the office of her private practice, Quiet Light Counseling, in Wilton. The walls are painted a soothing shade of purple, with gentle reminders tucked into the décor to “Be Kind” and “Do Your Best.”

“Halfway through my pregnancy, I had a medical issue come up,” Lauren continues. “One of the nurses called to tell me, but she didn’t have a lot of information. So I did something I tell my clients not to do—I Googled the condition.”

The results were terrifying, and Lauren began to spiral. At the time, she was working as a school counselor. Her assistant principal, who was also pregnant,

encouraged her to go home and take care of herself—but that felt impossible.

“I had a lot of stress the last few months of the pregnancy, but at no point did anyone ask, ‘Are you okay? Are you too stressed out?’ I was still working full time and just kept plugging through.”

Her labor was long and frightening, but her daughter—now 11—was born healthy.

“I had no idea what it was,” she recalls. “But right away, I knew something wasn’t right.”

No one had ever talked to her about postpartum depression or anxiety. When the new family came home from the hospital, Lauren felt… nothing.

“I was completely numb. I didn’t want anyone visiting me. I couldn’t have music on in the house. I needed silence. My husband recognized something wasn’t right, but we kept plugging through. I thought: Maybe this is what it’s like to be a new parent. Maybe everyone feels this way.”

Lauren’s husband, Dr. Patrick Buckley, is a physical therapist and owner of Dynamic Edge Physiotherapy. By chance, he was treating a perinatal therapist and mentioned what was happening at home. She asked if Lauren might be experiencing postpartum depression.

After six long months of suffering, Lauren finally got the help she desperately needed.

“This is my background—mental health! How did I not recognize this was happening to me? Slowly I started getting support—through the perinatal therapist, through just being open with other people. I joined a mom’s group. It took time—it wasn’t until my daughter’s second birthday that I felt completely out of the woods. But I got there.”

Lauren had been a school counselor for 14 years, mostly working with middle school students. Over time, she began to notice a pattern: the root of many students’ struggles often traced back to their family systems.

“I couldn’t just address the kids—I had to look at the bigger picture,” she says. “I started thinking: I want to be doing something different. Then I had an aha moment of how everything could come together and began to pursue my licensure.”

Now a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), Lauren opened her own practice, Quiet Light Counseling, three years ago. It’s allowed her to shift her focus to adults, weaving together her background with children, her belief in the importance of family systems, and her personal experience with postpartum depression.

The name, “Quiet Light,” was inspired by the gentle light of sunrise and sunset—times of day that Lauren finds most peaceful. (“I always try to take a deep breath and enjoy it for a moment.”) It also reflects the faith that shepherded her through the darkest chapter of her life.

Today, the practice offers group therapy, couples counseling, and individual counseling with a focus on maternal and paternal mental health. Whether during pregnancy, after the birth of a child, or while parenting teens, Lauren uses cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy to help parents build resilience for themselves and their families.

“When parents are healthy, kids are going to be healthier,” she says. “That contributes to health in our whole society. So we work on mindset—how we care for ourselves emotionally and physically, and how we regulate our emotions.”

Lauren shares a startling statistic: one in five women will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.

To help support moms through this vulnerable time, she runs a psychotherapy group for women who are pregnant, newly postpartum, or further along in their parenting journey.

“We work on skills for anxiety, depression, keeping your relationship alive, all of it,” she says. “And they’re my favorite thing to do, because the moms bond so much that they form their own little community. They see they’re not alone, they’re not the only ones feeling this way. That’s the best part—the bond, even more than the skills.”

Fathers are often overlooked when it comes to discussions of parental mental health. Lauren is trying to break those barriers, sharing that she has many clients who are dads struggling with perinatal mood or anxiety disorders.

“Dads can suffer from these disorders too. It might not present the same way, but it’s there,” she shares.

Many of the fathers she sees are grappling with what she calls “provider pressure”—the weight of holding everything together if their partner is struggling, or worrying if the couple isn’t where they want to be financially.

Lauren acknowledges how overwhelming parenting can feel today. Adding to the stress for both mothers and fathers is the constant comparison and relentless noise of social media.

“You’re always seeing what everyone else is doing and hearing advice—whether the person giving it is an expert or not. And so much of it is contradictory! Kids are growing up faster because of technology, and we didn’t grow up like this, so how do we adapt? A lot of what I do is teaching people to slow down, be mindful, and trust their instincts. It’s okay if what feels right for your family looks different from someone else’s.”

Lauren works with couples at every stage of life, offering specialized support for those weathering difficult seasons. Whether they’re facing high conflict, communication breakdowns, infidelity, betrayal or trust issues, addiction or trauma, emotional disconnection, parenting stress, trying for a baby, navigating the teenage years, or simply figuring out how to keep their relationship alive—Lauren provides a compassionate space for healing.

“The stress of careers, parenting, finances, or unexpected challenges can quietly chip away at the connection you once shared,” she says. “The relationship that once felt effortless might now feel like hard work—or even out of reach. Many of my clients reach a point where they look at each other and wonder: When did we stop liking each other? When did we stop being friends? ”

Using the Gottman Method—a research-based, skilldriven approach developed by psychologists Dr. John Gottman and Dr. Julie Schwartz Gottman—Lauren helps couples manage conflict, rebuild friendship and connection, create shared meaning, enhance intimacy, and establish rituals and goals that support lasting love. For couples ready to dig in and do the work, she says, the results often come quickly—sometimes within a few months.

“It’s so easy to brush these issues under the rug,” she tells us. “But more couples are starting to say, ‘We can get out of this and feel better. We don't have to wait until our kids go to college to reconnect.’ And that’s been really encouraging.”

Given Lauren’s experience with postpartum depression, it might seem ironic that she’s full of gratitude— but she says she’s thankful for it, because it shaped her into the counselor she is today: someone helping individuals and couples navigate their own dark seasons.

“I was so down on myself, so deflated in terms of my own confidence,” she recalls. “I pitied myself and wondered why everyone else had such an easy postpartum experience. But now I look back and I’m thankful I

“My clients can sense that I deeply empathize with them. I understand how scared and hopeless they might feel.”

went through that. My clients can sense that I deeply empathize with them. I understand how scared and hopeless they might feel. Having survived that, I can promise them there’s hope on the other side.”

To make her practice as accessible as possible, Lauren understands that sometimes clients need to bring their babies or toddlers to sessions—she keeps a box of toys under her desk to entertain little ones and a recliner in case a mom needs to feed her baby.

“That’s totally okay with me,” she says, smiling. “Whatever makes counseling more accessible—bring the babies!”

For more information on Quiet Light Counseling, please visit quietlightcounseling.com . Call (203) 589-1217 or email quietlightcounseling@gmail.com to get started. And follow @quietlightcounseling on Instagram for tips and advice.

Friday Performance December 12th | Opening Night Gala | 5:00pm Performance | 6:30pm

Saturday Performance December 13th | 2:00pm and 6:00pm

Sunday Performance December 14th | 11:00am and 2:00pm

Tickets available at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

FOUNDERS HALL

Where Gratitude Fuels Resilience, Generosity Shapes Community, and Curiosity Never Grows Old

ARTICLE BY JESSICA MANCINI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATE WARK PHOTOGRAPHY

Gratitude in Ridgefield is more than a passing feeling. It is part of the rhythm of life here, as familiar as the glow of storefronts along Main Street on a winter evening or the voices of neighbors greeting one another at the market. It lives in the small gestures that bind us together and in the traditions that make this town feel like home.

At Founders Hall, gratitude is something we see every day. It is in the curiosity of our members, the care of our staff, and the extraordinary generosity of those who support our mission. As the season of thankfulness arrives, we reflect on the way our community has shaped us, and how Founders Hall, in turn, has become an essential part of Ridgefield’s story.

It all begins with our members. Founders Hall is Ridgefield’s own campus for lifelong learning, a place where adults 60 and older expand their minds, strengthen their bodies, explore creative passions, and form lasting friendships. Their resilience and curiosity bring life to every class, lecture, and concert.

We are equally grateful for our staff. They do far more than plan programs—they create an atmosphere where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. Their dedication transforms classrooms into communities and activities into experiences.

A remarkable part of the Founders Hall story is accessibility. There is no membership fee, and thanks to the generosity of donors, 70 percent of program costs are covered. This support ensures that programs remain affordable and open to all. Again and again, members not only benefit from Founders Hall but also give back to it, stepping forward as volunteers, donors, and even instructors. That circle of giving is gratitude in action.

One member, Carolyn McAdams, shares her story—

“When my husband of 56 years was hospitalized for what I did not expect would be his last month of life, my sons encouraged me to attend my evening Founders Hall music class with Michael Lankester. They felt their dad would have wanted me to go, and they were right. Michael’s class helped me navigate this life crisis. I am thankful for the Founders Hall community.”

Our gratitude extends to Ridgefield itself. The town recognizes that Founders Hall is not just a resource but also a gathering place and an economic driver. Families move here knowing Ridgefield offers something rare: a welcoming home for parents, grandparents, and future generations alike. Businesses thrive when newcomers are drawn to a community that values every age.

Each year, the Town of Ridgefield affirms this commitment with a generous contribution that sustains our programs.

“Founders Hall is a jewel in Ridgefield,” says Rudy Marconi, First Selectperson of Ridgefield. “It enriches the lives of older residents while strengthening the fabric of our entire town. When you support Founders Hall, you are not only helping their members, you are investing in the kind of community that makes Ridgefield so special.”

Partnerships with local organizations also deepen our impact. Founders Hall does not stand alone. Collaborations with Ridgefield nonprofits and businesses bring experiences that connect people across generations.

A favorite example is the upcoming Founders Hall-iday Light Fight on December 5–14, 2025 , our annual holiday tradition that has quickly become a highlight of the season. Families pile into cars, map in hand, to drive through town admiring the creativity of their neighbors. Children gaze wide-eyed at the lights while grandparents share stories of holidays past and join in the wonder.

Donations from votes go directly toward sustaining our mission. The Light Fight is more than a festive event; it is a reflection of Ridgefield’s generosity, spirit, and community pride. This year, we invite households to light up their homes for this community event or businesses to join as sponsors. To participate or sponsor, please contact our Director of Philanthropy, Stephanie Campbell, at stephanie@founders-hall.org.

Other events, like Ridgefield Night Out, connect us to the community in equally powerful ways. These evenings bring together a local restaurant, another nonprofit partner, and Founders Hall for food, fellowship, and purpose. Collaborations with Gallo and The Ridgefield Playhouse, The Benjamin and The Aldrich Museum

“Founders Hall is a jewel in Ridgefield. It enriches the lives of older residents while strengthening the fabric of our entire town.”

— Rudy Marconi, First Selectperson of Ridgefield

of Contemporary Art, and 850 Wood Fired Pizza with The Ridgefield Historical Society have all shown that partnerships enrich not only Founders Hall but Ridgefield itself.

None of this would have been possible without the vision of our founders, Steven and Liz Goldstone and John and Elanie Couri. In 2002, they imagined a place where older adults could continue to learn, create, and connect. More than twenty years later, that vision has grown into something extraordinary. Their foresight created a space that Ridgefield has not only embraced but elevated.

“Founders Hall has far surpassed what any of us originally envisioned,” shares Steven Goldstone. “It has been a privilege to witness the profound positive impact it has had on our town.”

Founders Hall today is a testament to what can happen when vision meets generosity, when individuals invest in something larger than themselves, and when a community responds with gratitude. As we look ahead, we ask you to keep us in mind this December 2 for Giving Tuesday. Every gift, no matter the size, helps support our mission. We invite you to save a place for Founders Hall in your giving plans and make your donation through our website.

At Founders Hall, we live by four guiding principles: learn, live well, create, connect. These are more than pillars. They are a promise to our members and to the town we proudly serve. Ridgefield is at its best when we come together, across generations, to learn from one another, to care for one another, and to give thanks for the community we share.

This is Founders Hall. This is Ridgefield. And for all of it, we are deeply grateful.

FOUNDERS HALL

193 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT

Telephone: 203-431-7000

Website: founders-hall.org

Make a donation through our website or save a spot for us on Giving Tuesday, December 2, 2025.

To participate in the Founders Hall-iday Light Fight on December 5–14, 2025 or to become a sponsor, contact Stephanie Campbell, Director of Philanthropy, at stephanie@founders-hall.org

Instagram @founders_hall_ridgefield | Facebook @FoundersHallRidgefield | LinkedIn @founders-hall-ridgefield

Off-Peak, On Point

ARTICLE BY KELLY BERLIN

With the school year now in full swing, we’re dishing out a little dose of inspo for the upcoming holiday breaks.

Our best advice: skip the most hyped-up hotspots and well-trodden locales, and go slightly off-season and off-the-beaten-path to find fewer crowds, lower prices, and more fun-filled adventures!

FOR DECEMBER BREAK

Going into panic mode while searching for flights to FLL or MIA during the festive season? Close that window and open yourself up to an incredible holiday season on the other side of the pond! Here are our top picks for an epic European adventure:

Christmas Markets and Culture in Vienna

Waltz over to Vienna for the world-renowned holiday markets, Christmassy carriage rides, and whimsical winter activities. Stay for the sausages, raclette, and the famous Sachertorte. If you have a few more days to spare, head to the Austrian Alps for skiing and elevated adventures!

Sunshine and History in Portugal

Touch down in Lisbon, squeeze in a day trip to Sintra, and venture to the Alentejo wine region where balmy temps, family-friendly hotels, and incredible activities like horseback riding, pottery making, and stargazing (not to mention lots of egg tarts) await!

Acropolis and Adventures in Greece

Why swelter in Athens in the summer heat when you can enjoy an easy, breezy, food-, wine-, and history-filled sojourn in December?

A combination of Athens and Thessaloniki is perfect for the festive season, with activities ranging from cooking classes to neighborhood food tours to archaeological visits. Not to mention mezze platters, moussaka, and baklava calling your name!

FOR FEBRUARY BREAK

While it’s perfectly understandable that everyone wants to ditch those down jackets and lay on a dreamy stretch of Caribbean beach come February, we think you can find sunshine and fun times in other destinations with a little creativity.

Sun, Moon, and Stars in Los Angeles

Dine beachside, stroll the promenades, visit your favorite movie sets, and indulge in plenty of tacos and fresh, healthy eats in LA. Add in a little jaunt to Disney and Universal if you wish. If you have a few days to spare, follow LA with beachy bliss in Santa Barbara or cool desert vibes in Palm Springs.

Paris Is Always a Good Idea!

While summer in Paris is filled with gorgeous blooms, we recommend getting your arts, culture, and croissant fix with a side of deeply discounted airfare and hotel pricing in the winter and early spring. In this city, family activities abound—from sidecar tours to pastry classes to spy games through the Louvre!

Fly South to Argentina and Uruguay

Harvest grapes while soaking in the sunshine and stunning vistas in the Mendoza wine region before zipping down to Punta

del Este for surfing, art gallery hopping, polo lessons, and horseback riding on the sand.

FOR SPRING BREAK

Say goodbye to pricey plane tickets and hello to the open road! With the whole East Coast starting to bloom, a driving trip for spring break could be just the perfect getaway.

Or, if you’re itching to go farther afield, how about spring skiing in Canada or Utah?

Jaunt up to Cape Cod

An easy and beautiful drive from Ridgefield, take advantage of low-season pricing on the Cape—or even Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. Many hotels open and heat their pools in time for spring break, and it’s a perfect time for bike rides, marine life viewing, and cozy strolls on the beach.

Southern Road Trip (or Short Hop Flight!)

If your family loves road trips, we recommend driving down to Washington, DC to check out the cherry blossoms during spring break. If you’ve got the stamina, continue from there to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia or even Charleston, South Carolina, where there are gorgeous resorts with amazing activities for the whole family. On the way home, make a stop in Baltimore for a baseball game or a visit to the National Aquarium before rolling back into Ridgefield with smiles all around.

Hit the Slopes at High Altitude

Spring Break, Easter, and Passover are all very early next year, which means it’s the ideal time for a ski trip with plenty of snow, warmer temps, and lower prices. Take your little bunnies to mountains set at high altitude—like Whistler in Canada, Mammoth in California, or Park City in Utah—for the perfect spring ski sojourn.

Happy travels!

Kelly Berlin began her career at Travel + Leisure magazine in New York and followed her passion for travel to Hong Kong, where she co-founded groundbreaking startup media company Dim Sum & Then Some. While in Hong Kong, Kelly also served as the Editor in Chief of AWARE Magazine, and has worked as a copywriter for hotels, restaurants, and member’s clubs for over a decade. Kelly is now based in Ridgefield, Connecticut, with her husband and two daughters, and is a Luxury Travel Agent with SmartFlyer, specializing in multi-generational trips, family travel, and honeymoons. For more travel inspiration, follow her on Instagram @jetsetinspire.

HI RIDGEFIELD, IT’S BABS!

Unless you’ve consciously uncoupled from both social media and mainstream media, chances are you’ve heard of Brunch with Babs. And if you live in Ridgefield, you almost certainly have.

Barbara Costello never set out to become “America’s most lovable grandma.” She wasn’t trying to go viral. She certainly never dreamed of becoming a New York Times–bestselling author. For Babs—better known to her nearest and dearest as Barb—the foundation of her world has always been simple: family, faith, and food.

Born in Chicago to an Italian mother and Lebanese father, Barb grew up surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins—all living in the same apartment building. Each Sunday, more than 40 relatives would gather for a meal.

“I was raised with a lot of really good cooks who didn’t use recipes... unless they were baking,” Barb recalls. “I remember my grandparents making wine in September, canning tomatoes. Food and family were synonymous.”

We’re sitting on the deck of her daughter Erin’s home in Wilton on a crisp fall day—the kind that starts with sweaters and ends in short sleeves.

Sunlight filters through the turning leaves, the season shifting around us. And yet, even as life moves steadily onward, the pillars Barb has built hers upon—family, faith, and food—remain unshaken.

She and her husband, Bill, have just come from a church service in Georgetown. Erin returns from the Ridgefield dog park with her German shorthaired pointer, Phoebe, and breakfast sandwiches from Parma. Soon, a child’s laughter drifts through the air as her other daughter, Elizabeth, arrives with toddler Willa in tow. Seven decades later, the priorities instilled in Barb’s upbringing still anchor and define her world.

Barb met Bill Costello, aka the man of her dreams, aka Mr. Babs, in Chicago in the 1960s. They were married in 1969 and will soon celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary. Barb was a middle school teacher, but left the classroom when their first child, Bill, was born. When son Shawn came along a couple of years later, she pivoted careers, buying a restaurant with her mom, sister, and aunt.

“It was an Italian beef and hot dog–type place called Mrs. Murphy’s,” she tells us. “We couldn’t afford to change the neon sign, so we just added ‘Italian Cousins’ underneath!”

When Bill’s job with Bristol Myers Squibb relocated the family to Virginia, Barb returned to teaching—this time at a preschool. Their third child, Erin, was born there before Bill was again transferred—this time to New York City.

“We looked for houses in the tri-state area,” she tells us. “But once I saw Ridgefield’s Main Street, I thought: We have to live here. It was too perfect!”

The Costellos moved into a brand-new home on Bobby’s Court in 1983. Soon after, their fourth child, Elizabeth, was born. When Elizabeth turned two, Barb noticed there were no preschool programs available for that age group. So she took matters into her own hands and started an in-home preschool on the lower level of the Costello family home.

The Growing Tree quickly became a popular preschool in town, with each of its classes filled to capacity—48 children in total.

“Barb won’t say this,” Bill shares, “but one of her best skills was helping the parents—especially first-time moms. She reassured them, offered advice in her newsletters, and made them feel capable. It’s amazing that the same attributes she used then are now being recognized on social media.”

Barb ran The Growing Tree for more than 20 years before selling it to one of her teachers. The school relocated to Yannity, where it operated for another decade before closing. A weeping cherry tree was planted there in Barb’s honor by a parent—a testament to the lasting impact she had on the lives of so many children in our community. And while that tree may be all that physically remains of the preschool, the creativity, traditions, and unabashed fun found a surprising second life in Barb’s unexpected encore—@brunchwithbabs.

Happily ensconced in retirement, Barb kept a loose schedule of relaxing lunch dates with friends, spending time with her family, and occasionally substitute teaching. Then came 2020.

Elizabeth and her husband, Ray, had two small children at the time, both boys. She was pregnant with her third boy—and was not feeling well. So Barb offered to move in for a couple of weeks to help with the toddlers.

One afternoon, while the boys napped, Elizabeth said, “Mom, you have to try TikTok.”

“I couldn’t believe she said that!” Barb laughs. “I told her, ‘Elizabeth, you’re crazy. I mean, I love to dance, but I’m not going to do that !’ And she said, ‘No, no mom… you’re going to cook.’”

On April 7, 2020, Elizabeth posted the first Brunch with Babs video. The recipe had been passed down from Barb’s grandmother and was a simple sheet pan meal, nothing fancy—chicken and potatoes seasoned with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. But what it revealed wasn’t only her serious cooking chops—it also showed she was a natural in front of the camera.

The video went viral and adoring comments poured in: “National treasure alert!!” “Will you be my honorary nonna?” “Babs, you’re an icon!”

Former students chimed in too: “Do you remember me? I live in California now!”

What started as a lockdown pastime quickly exploded into an online phenomenon. Today, Brunch with Babs boasts more than nine million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Barb has appeared on national TV, in print, and online. Last year, she was honored as one of QVC’s “Quintessential 50” women over 50, sharing the spotlight with icons like Martha Stewart, Billie Jean King, and Naomi Watts. She has lent her celebrity to fundraise for causes close to her heart, like the Elizabeth Seton Children’s Center. She’s also published two bestselling cookbooks— Celebrate with Babs and Every Day with Babs—and there are more in the works.

And while her platform showcases recipes, tips, and hacks, at its heart @brunchwithbabs is about Barb’s deep love for family—sharing not just traditions, but also meals, moments, and meaningful ways to spend time together.

Barb and Bill moved out of Ridgefield a few years ago, but they still have family in town and continue to live nearby. They remain fond of Main Street and especially enjoy sharing its offerings with their grandchildren—the Holiday Stroll, the Farmers Market, and the Memorial Day Parade.

Although she stops short of claiming credit, Barb suggests that she may have helped inspire Ridgefield’s Halloween Walk.

“That wasn’t around when our kids were growing up!” she tells us. “But we had one in Virginia. So one Halloween,

I took the kids into town. We went to the different stores and said, ‘Trick-or-treat!’”

Stores didn’t have candy to pass out back then, but now, decades later, it’s one of Ridgefield’s most beloved traditions. Main Street is cordoned off and stores are stocked with sweet treats for the town’s littlest residents.

For Barb, the memories of those early years at The Growing Tree still resonate—not just in sentiment, but in spirit. She reflects that, in many ways, the school was an unexpected training ground for what would become Brunch with Babs.

“All of the zany things we did—how we celebrated holidays at the school—it all carried over to this chapter. So often in life, you’re being prepared for something you don’t see coming. I didn’t plan a second act. I was just enjoying life—and now here I am, busier than ever!”

She isn’t exaggerating. Between television appearances, partnerships, book tours, and content creation, Barb doesn’t stop. And Elizabeth is still there, right alongside her.

“I get to see Elizabeth more now than I did when she was in high school! And if I don’t see her, we’re on the phone half a dozen times a day. All the grandkids have been on Brunch with Babs. It’s a family-based endeavor—we’re all about family.”

Another years-long project is finally wrapping up—the Basket House home renovation, which is going to be headquarters for all things Brunch with Babs.

Built in the 1830s, the former blacksmith-turned-basket shop on the Silvermine River was purchased by the Costellos in November 2022. It’s been a bonafide labor of love for the past three years. The Costellos have focused on lovingly restoring and honoring the home’s history—while (literally) bringing it up to modern standards. (The house had to be raised by two feet since it was in a flood zone.)

Given how Barb cherishes family and food—and how grateful she is for all that life has bestowed upon her—it’s unsurprising that Thanksgiving is one of her favorite holidays. She often tells her audience, “It only takes two years to make a tradition!” adding you can get started any time. Two of her favorite Thanksgiving traditions? Doing an outdoor activity with family and making Gratitude Soup.

When their kids were growing up, the Costellos always participated in the annual Boys & Girls Club Turkey Trot 5K. Another favorite outdoor activity was playing a fun game of flag football.

Gratitude Soup, Barb shares, starts with putting dried beans on each person’s Thanksgiving plate. Before everyone digs into the meal, a cup circulates the table, usually twice, with each person sharing something they are grateful for and dropping their bean into the cup. The beans then go into a post-Thanksgiving soup, made with the turkey carcass, the next day.

This year, Barb will once again be surrounded by family around the table. And while she certainly enjoys her imparting endless wisdom to her online family from her corner of the internet, Barb knows how fundamentally important it is to share meals as a family—away from all technology.

“It’s not about making it perfect, it’s about making it memorable,” she says. “If you can carve out one day a week for a family dinner, that’s enough. Even that one day would have very positive results.”

Since that first post nearly six years ago, Barb and Elizabeth have shown millions how to clean a pumpkin with a hand mixer, distract bees with a can of tuna, and keep critters at bay by sprinkling cinnamon in trashcans. But these clever hacks are just a bonus to the underlying essence of Brunch with Babs. It’s about lowering the expectations bar, gathering the people you love, and making memories.

“Babs” may be an internet sensation—but to her family and friends, she’ll always be Barb: a wife, mom, and grandma who keeps family, faith, and food at the heart of everything she does.

Celebrate with Babs and Every Day with Babs are available wherever books are sold. An upcoming children’s book, Did Your Mother Ever Tell You?, is currently available for preorder. And if you’re not already following @brunchwithbabs (or Mr. Babs, who just got his own handle! @mr.babs), now’s the time!

H O P E

Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

events

NOVEMBER 2ND

#HandsOnHistory Family Day

Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center | 11:00 AM

The final day for KTM&HC’s #HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village exhibition. Try historic tools, design a new town layout, and cast your vote for important trades while exploring how early Ridgefielders pursued the ideals of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”—not through politics or protest, but through craft, trade, and community interdependence. Site admission, including exhibit access, is free!

NOVEMBER 3RD

Tales & Trails

Woodcock Nature Center | 10:00 AM

Experience autumn’s magic at Woodcock Nature Center’s Tales & Trails! Enjoy a guided walk with your little one, taking in the vibrant colors and crisp air of fall as an educator highlights seasonal wonders along the trails. Afterwards, gather for a cozy Storytime. Donations are suggested to support our programs but not required. Registration is requested, visit woodcocknaturecenter.org/tales-and-trails.

NOVEMBER 11TH

Veteran’s Day Ceremony

Lounsbury House | 11:00 AM

Please join us on Tuesday, November 11 at 11:00am as we honor our Veterans for their service and sacrifice with American Legion Post 78. The ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m. and will be followed by light refreshments. This event is free and all are welcome.

NOVEMBER 14TH

Festive Home Preview Party

Ridgefield Guild of Artists | 5:00 PM

Hand-crafted items make great gifts, and what better time to give than the holiday season? The Ridgefield Guild of Artists’ Festive Home 2025 kicks off with a Special Opening Preview Party on Friday, November 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. Jewelry, knitwear, ceramics, wood items, ornaments, soap, fiber, and more will be available for purchase. Festive Home runs Saturday, November 15 through Sunday, December 14. Visit rgoa.org/exhibitions/festive-home-2025 to learn more.

NOVEMBER 23RD

3rd Annual Turkey Pardoning with Rudy Marconi

Lounsbury House | 12:00 PM

Don’t miss Ridgefield’s 3rd Annual Turkey Pardoning with Rudy Marconi on the historic Lounsbury House grounds! Meet Mr. Gobble and enjoy a scavenger hunt and other surprises. All are welcome! This event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.

NOVEMBER 27TH

Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot

Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield | 8:00 AM

The Boys & Girls Club Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Turkey Trot and Fun Run is a Ridgefield Thanksgiving tradition. Join in celebrating the 44th Annual Turkey Trot—it truly would not be Thanksgiving in Ridgefield without it. Register online or in person by visiting Boys & Girls Club.

Since opening in July, your warm welcome has meant the world to us. We’re grateful for every guest who’s joined us at Elicit and look forward to making many more memories together. Cheers to you!