Stories

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In a creative endeavor that brought together local talents, professional makeup artist </span><a href="https://www.amandagabbardbeauty.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Amanda Gabbard</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and her husband, Broadway performer Michael McGuirk, collaborated with Ridgefield filmmaker William Goins to produce a commercial for Doritos, aiming for a coveted spot during the Super Bowl broadcast. With powerful Broadway vocals, McGuirk belts out </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"I love Doritos!"</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> as Amanda frantically scours the kitchen for the missing bag. Her search ends at the counter—only to find nothing but crumbs. Just then, from the bathroom, McGuirk’s Broadway-worthy voice echoes again even louder: </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"I love Doritos!" </em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Amanda opens the bathroom door to a Doritos chorus and then …[WATCH IT!) </span></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S5rwImiV8O0?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">While their commercial didn’t make the final cut, the experience was a SUPER win —showcasing the talent, energy, and creative spirit that Ridgefield is known for. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">William Goins founder of </span><a href="https://goshowentertainment.com/william-goins/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Go Show Entertainment </a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">conceived, produced, and directed the commercial, with Owen Quinn handling the cinematography. Reflecting on the project, Amanda Gabbard remarked, "There were over 2,000 entries, and although we did not win the grand prize, we had an absolute blast shooting it!"</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Who knows? Maybe next year, they’ll be the ones stealing the Super Bowl spotlight—one Dorito at a time! </span></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> On February 3rd, 2025, the Ridgefield orchestra program combined the fifth, eighth, and high school level talent for an incredibly fun-filled performance. Dedication and passion for music resonated throughout the night, starting with the fifth grade’s performance of </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">New World Symphony Theme</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> by Antonin Dvorak and </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Recess Boogie Woogie</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> by Ron DeGrandis.</span></p><p> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Aurora Garguilo, a fifth grader at Scotland Elementary School, says “Before last night, I was still on the fence about sticking with orchestra going into middle school. But once I participated in the festival, and I heard all of the amazing 8th graders and high schoolers play, it made me realize that I wanted to one day get to that same level!” Elementary Orchestra Director Josh Sette says, “every year I leave the string festival beaming with joy. The collaboration of the older kids with the younger ones, the worlds colliding, the brilliant music happening throughout... I leave every bit as excited for the future and inspired as my students. It's the perfect display of a community with a longstanding tradition of musical excellence, and we are all fortunate to be part of it.”</span></p><p> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Following the fifth grade performance, the eighth graders proceeded to inspire and dazzle the audience by performing </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Finale from Symphony 12</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tango Espressivo</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, and </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Incredibles!</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> 8th grade violinist Supriti reported, </span><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">"I am so appreciative of the music department staff at RPS. They put so much effort and work really hard to make us grow, not only as musicians but as good people. I can’t wait to learn more in 9th grade and continue my musical career!" </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Middle school orchestra director Shane Peters, says, “The RPS orchestra festival is one of my favorite events of the year! It's wonderful to see and hear the joy, enthusiasm, and collaboration! I'm already excited for next year!”</span></p><p> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The acclaimed Ridgefield High School Symphonic Orchestra performed the show stopping finale movement of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony and received a standing ovation. Finally, the eighth and fifth graders joined them on stage, for a tear-jerking performance of Canon in D Major. High School Orchestra director Micheal McNamara says “Watching the progression from elementary to high school is nothing short of remarkable. Some of those 5th graders will also be playing Tchaikovsky in just 5 years. My colleagues do amazing work at the elementary level, and I have the honor and privilege of building on it. And of course, how can you not love the Twinkle/Pachelbel Canon mash-up?”</span></p><p> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With such an incredible performance in one night, the orchestra program is only looking ahead, excited to collaborate and perform again next year. They look forward to working to provide audiences with fun-filled concerts in the future, and are so excited to perform their spring repertoire at the end of the year.</span></p><p> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On the very next evening, Ridgefield High School hosted the annual Ridgefield Public Schools Band Festival on February 4th, bringing together student band musicians from across the district for an evening of inspiring performances. The event featured the 5th Grade Honors Band, the combined 8th Grade Bands, and the Ridgefield High School Wind Ensemble, culminating in a grand finale featuring all 130 musicians on stage.</span></p><p> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The festival opened with the 5th Grade Honors Band, whose enthusiastic performance </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">London Bridge, </em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Merrily We Roll Along</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> set the tone for the evening. This was followed by the combined 8th Grade Bands, showcasing the growth and musical development of middle school students. The middle and high school percussionists performed a percussion ensemble piece called </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Guiro Hero, </em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">followed by full band performances of </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Willow Creek Festival </em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">and </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Where the Sun Breaks Through The Mist.</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Finally, the Ridgefield High School Wind Ensemble delivered a polished and dynamic performance, demonstrating the high level of musicianship cultivated within the district. They performed </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In the Bleak Mid Winter </em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">by Gustav Holst, and </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Symphonic Overture</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> by Charles Carter. </span></p><p> <span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The highlight of the evening was the full-ensemble performance of </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Secret Agent</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, a piece composed by Barlow Mountain’s own Mr. Tornatore. The collaboration between the younger and older musicians created a powerful and memorable conclusion to the festival.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> The Band Festival not only celebrated musical achievement but also reinforced the value of arts education in Ridgefield Public Schools. Events like these provide students with the opportunity to showcase their talents, collaborate with peers, and gain confidence through performance.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> As the final notes of </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Secret Agent</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> resonated through the auditorium, the audience erupted in applause, recognizing the dedication and hard work of all the students and educators involved. Ridgefield’s strong commitment to music education was on full display, promising a bright future for these young musicians.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p>When it comes to selling a home, first impressions matter. Effective staging can transform your property into a buyer’s dream, helping it sell faster and often at a higher price. But staging isn’t about spending a fortune; it’s about showcasing your home’s best features in a way that appeals to the widest range of buyers. Here are staging secrets that can elevate any home, regardless of its price point.</p><p><strong>Start with a Clean Slate</strong></p><p>A clean, clutter-free home is the foundation of great staging.</p><p>Declutter Ruthlessly: Remove overflowing personal items, excess furniture, and anything that doesn’t contribute to the overall aesthetic. This creates a sense of spaciousness and allows buyers to envision their own belongings in the space.</p><p>Deep Clean: Pay attention to every detail, from baseboards and windows to light fixtures, appliances, and even switches. A clean home signals to buyers that the property has been well-maintained.</p><p><strong>Focus on Curb Appeal</strong></p><p>The exterior of your home sets the tone for the buyer’s experience.</p><p>Enhance Landscaping: Trim bushes, mow the lawn, and add fresh mulch to flower beds. A few pots of colorful flowers near the entrance make a big difference.</p><p>Upgrade the Front Door: A fresh coat of paint and updated hardware instantly elevates the look of your home.</p><p>Lighting Matters: Install or update outdoor lighting to make your home more inviting during evening showings.</p><p><strong>Use Neutral Colors to Appeal to Everyone</strong></p><p>Bold or personalized color choices can be distracting to potential buyers.</p><p>Repaint or Touch-Up Walls: While I love color, if a home has an outdated color palette, it might be worth investing in more neutral tones in the main rooms. These shades create a blank canvas that makes spaces feel larger and more modern.</p><p>Coordinate Decor: Reuse your own furnishings and accents in complementary colors to maintain a cohesive look throughout the home.</p><p><strong>Rearrange and Simplify Furniture</strong></p><p>How furniture is arranged can make a space feel either cramped or open.</p><p>Maximize Flow: Arrange furniture to create pathways and emphasize functionality. Remove bulky or unnecessary pieces.</p><p>Define Spaces: Use rugs, lighting, or small furniture to define areas like dining, living, or workspaces, especially in open-concept layouts.</p><p>Showcase Versatility: Highlight how a room is multifunctional, such as turning a small nook into a home office.</p><p><strong>Light It Up</strong></p><p>Good lighting is a key element in creating an inviting atmosphere.</p><p>Maximize Natural Light: Open curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible. Clean the windows!</p><p>Layer Lighting: Combine ambient lighting (overhead lights) with task lighting (table lamps) and accent lighting (spotlights or sconces) to create depth and warmth.</p><p>Upgrade Fixtures: Replace outdated light fixtures for an instant refresh.</p><p><strong>Add Strategic Touches of Luxury</strong></p><p>You don’t need a high-end budget to make a home feel upscale.</p><p>Invest in Quality Linens: Use crisp white bedding, plush towels, and decorative pillows to add a luxurious touch to bedrooms and bathrooms.</p><p>Incorporate Art and Accessories: Choose large-scale artwork, mirrors, or elegant vases to create focal points in each room.</p><p>Set the Stage: In the dining area, set the table with tasteful place settings to create a sense of occasion.</p><p><strong>Pay Attention to Small Details</strong></p><p>The smallest touches can make the biggest impact on buyers.</p><p>Add Greenery: Place fresh flowers or potted plants in key areas to bring life and color into the space.</p><p>Neutralize Scents: Use lightly scented candles or diffusers to create a pleasant atmosphere but avoid overpowering fragrances.</p><p><strong>Highlight the Home’s Best Features</strong></p><p>Every home has unique elements that deserve attention.</p><p>Fireplaces: Arrange seating around a fireplace to make it a cozy focal point.</p><p>Views: If your home has a view, ensure windows are clean and furniture placement emphasizes the scenery.</p><p>Storage: Organize closets and pantries to demonstrate how much space is available.</p><p><strong>Shout Out!</strong></p><p>Housatonic Habitat for Humanity has the Danbury ReStore, a phenomenal resource for furnishings and home goods. Enjoy perusing the shelves, all while supporting an excellent cause! <a href="https://housatonichabitat.org/restore/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://housatonichabitat.org/restore/</a></p><p>Staging is a powerful tool for making your home stand out in the real estate market. Whether you’re selling now or simply want to enhance your living space, these tips will help your </p><p>property shine. If you’re thinking about listing your home for sale and want to know what I’d recommend, <a href="mailto:heather@heathersalaga.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">reach out</a> and we can partner up. I’d love to help your home put its best foot forward!</p>

<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop small, do big things for your community</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Argjend Krasniqi founder of </strong><a href="https://empiremailboxes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Empire Mailboxes</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start your business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We started Empire Mailboxes to provide homeowners and businesses with high-quality, durable, and professionally installed mailboxes. We saw a gap in the market for reliable, aesthetically pleasing mailbox solutions, and we wanted to offer a service that combines top-tier products with expert installation.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best-selling product/service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our best-selling service is our Mailbox & Post Installation, particularly in Connecticut. Customers love our premium mailbox setups that enhance curb appeal while offering durability against the elements.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have you "reimagined" your small business?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yes! We’ve taken a traditional service—mailbox installation—and elevated it with a streamlined online ordering experience, professional installation, and high-quality, customizable options. We continue to innovate by expanding our service areas, improving our installation methods, and offering new mailbox designs that suit modern homes and businesses.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Empire Mailboxes website </span><a href="https://empiremailboxes.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://empiremailboxes.com/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and store at 280 Ethan Allen Hwy in Ridgefield. Email: </span><a href="mailto:Office@empirecreates.com." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Office@empirecreates.com.</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/empiremailboxes/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">empiremailboxes</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552488217504" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook.</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ridgefield, Connecticut – February 11th, 2025 – Today marks the exciting launch of the USA Junior Golf Federation (Federation), a 501 (C)3 non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and educating the next generation of aspiring junior golf athletes. The Federation is committed to providing junior golfers at The Golf Performance Academy with the financial assistance and support they may need to enable them to excel on their way to playing collegiate golf and beyond.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“We are honored and humbled to introduce the USA Junior Golf Federation,” said Founder Roger Knick. “We understand that true human development occurs before, during and after rigorous academic tests and golf tournaments. The mission of The Golf Performance Academy in Ridgefield, CT and Port St. Lucie, FL, is to prepare aspiring junior golf athletes to play collegiate golf by providing unencumbered educational and athletic opportunities, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic background, while developing core values of hardwork, integrity, honesty, discipline, and resilience that will support their journey to become the best version of themselves on the course, in the classroom, and in life.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Federation is built on nearly 30 years of experience that Roger and his team have developing aspiring junior golfers. The Golf Performance Academy has become a premier destination for aspiring junior golfers from around the world to play at the collegiate level, refine their skills and reach new heights in their careers. The Academy provides a unique high-performance environment for aspiring collegiate golfers with equal focus on academic and educational enrichment.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Golf Performance Academy’s world class golf program is focused on the 5 Elements of Success:</span></p><ol><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A person’s desire to learn and want to improve.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Being able to do physically what is needed, “Function Dictates Form”.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Having quality coaches, mentors and being coachable.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Mentally having a growth mindset, understanding success is not a straight line but requires resilience, passion and discipline.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Having the right equipment for the job or task at hand.</span></li></ol><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Through this philosophy, The Golf Performance Academy has fostered a culture of success. This integrated approach has produced numerous tournament champions and collegiate scholarship recipients.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For more information on the USA Junior Golf Federation or The Golf Performance Academy including upcoming events, how you can become involved and give your support please visit:</span></p><p><a href="https://usajuniorgolffederation.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://usajuniorgolffederation.org</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>A part of Ridgefield history in the last century, little-known today, is the story of the Goodwill Baptist Church, founded in 1941 and gone about 35 years later, when the church disbanded and its building on Creamery Lane was sold.</p><p>To commemorate <strong>Black History Month</strong>, the Ridgefield Historical Society will host an illustrated presentation, <strong><em>The Story of Ridgefield’s First Black Church</em></strong>,on <strong>Wednesday, Feb. 26, </strong>from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church North Hall, 353 Main Street, Ridgefield, followed by a reception. The snow date is Thursday, Feb. 27, at 6:30 p.m.</p><p>Ridgefield resident and educator Christine Johnsmeyer, a historical society volunteer, has researched the story of this church and interviewed descendants of ministers who served here. <strong>Ms. Johnsmeyer</strong> is a graduate of Manhattanville College with a B.A. in economics and an M.A. in humanities. Her <strong>love for social history and character-driven narratives </strong>has been at the heart of her career, beginning with her work for Historic Hudson Valley as a tour guide for Kykuit, John D. Rockefeller’s estate located in Pocantico Hills, N.Y., followed by her 25 years experience as an English teacher. </p><p>Her presentation will focus on the details of the <strong>church’s founding and its final years</strong>, as well as <strong>two dynamic pastors of the church</strong>, Rev. John Percell Ball and Rev. DeWitt Stephens, who both played integral roles in the church’s life, exemplifying the significance and <strong>cultural importance of the Black church in America’s history</strong>.</p><p>Tickets are $15 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society and $20 for those who aren’t yet members. Tickets are limited and non-refundable and can be purchased online <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-story-of-ridgefields-first-black-church-tickets-1129965440049?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">here</a>.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more information contact: </span><a href="mailto:info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">info@ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or 203-438-5821 or go to </span><a href="http://ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">ridgefieldhistoricalsociety.org</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<h2>Love is in the Air at Elegant Ridgefield and The Vault, 40% Off in February!</h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Celebrate Valentine’s Day in style with 40% off elegant, upscale merchandise now through Saturday, February 15 at Elegant Ridgefield and The Vault.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">From chic wraps and fashion-forward jackets to stunning gowns, dresses, and accessories, find the perfect piece for the woman in your life. And for him? Discover sport coats, handsome accessories, and one-of-a-kind dress shirts that make a statement.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Visit Elegant Ridgefield this winter to shop timeless style at unbeatable savings—and get a sneak peek at Ridgefield’s soon-to-be premier destination for men’s fashion, The Vault.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Explore more at</span><a href="https://elegantridgefield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://elegantridgefield.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Elegant Ridgefield</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and follow along on social media @elegantridgefieldct.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Elegant Ridgefield is located at 92 Grove Street. Shop Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>