<p><span style="background-color: transparent;">PSYCH NIGHT Is a RIDGEFIELD INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL tradition, blending horror, sci-fi, the supernatural and the just plain strange films that come to the festival each year into an evening of frights and delights.&nbsp;</span></p><iframe class="ql-video" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6XieRMHvMzY?showinfo=0"></iframe><p><br></p><p><em style="background-color: transparent;">“They say that horror films reflect the collective fears of the population in the time in which they are made. This year at RIFF, filmmakers seem to be telling us of the enemy within. Psychological horror is one of my favorite subgenres of the horror tradition and we have plenty of that this year,”&nbsp;</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">states Festival Director, Joanne Hudson</span></p><p>The PSYCH NIGHT! feature is&nbsp;<strong>THANKS FOR THE ROOM&nbsp;</strong>by Canadian filmmaking duo The Butler Brothers screening at&nbsp;<strong>4pm on Friday, May 16th&nbsp;</strong>in Prospector Theater 3. The bros, Jason and Brett, made their RIFF debut last year with PURGATORY JACK and will be once again making the trip from Canada to be on hand for a post screening Q&amp;A about their provocative film that follows&nbsp;<em>Byron</em>&nbsp;<em>who takes a job as a midnight courier at a pandemic hotel for the unhoused, hoping to scrape together enough cash to keep his family afloat. But the gig quickly drags him into the underbelly of a broken system—where addiction, desperation, and survival blur into one</em>.</p><p><strong>PSYCH NIGHT! SHORTS 9pm on Friday, May 16th</strong>&nbsp;features six shorts ranging from the terrifying to the hilarious with:&nbsp;<span style="background-color: transparent;">SMILEY DEATH FACE by Andrew Patrick Torrez; PERSONS UNKNOWN by Andy Keir; WON'T BE LONG NOW by Billy Nawrocki, STEPS by Dan Bricker, Eytan Millstone; EMILY'S MOUNTAIN by Tal Somech; and THE STORY OF A THEFT by Mahdi Hadizadeh. Filmmakers for many of these films will be in attendance&nbsp;for a post-screening Q&amp;A.</span></p><p>Check out RIFFs 2025 programs&nbsp;<a href="https://www.riffct.org/2025-film-programs" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Purchase tickets&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prospectortheater.org/riff2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>Watch the Trailer for THANKS FOR THE ROOM&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XieRMHvMzY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Please visit:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.riffct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent;">https://www.riffct.org/</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;and&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.prospectortheater.org/riff2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent;">https://www.prospectortheater.org/riff2025</a> f<span style="background-color: transparent;">or updates and details.</span></p>

<p>Celebrate Earth Month with an evening of creativity, connection, and community at <em>Garden Gathering</em>, a hands-on event to benefit Founders Hall.</p><p>Join us on Wednesday, April 30 at 6:30 PM for a relaxed and fun experience where guests will design a unique garden arrangement to take home—just in time for spring or as a heartfelt Mother's Day gift. Using fresh herbs from Gilbertie's Organics, colorful blooms from Purple Heather, and sustainable potting materials from The Hickories, participants will craft something beautiful to keep or share.</p><p>The evening will begin with a special reading by Founders Hall member Antoinette Brennan, who will share her original poem <em>Lesson from the Flowers</em> to kick off this experiential event. Brennan, whose writing captures the spirit of growth and renewal, is also featured in the event photo alongside Stephanie Campbell, Director of Philanthropy.</p><p>While you create, enjoy a vibrant spread of bites, crudités, and refreshing beverages. Be sure to stop by the themed <em>Garden Shop</em>, featuring curated seasonal items—perfect for gifting—with all proceeds supporting Founders Hall.</p><p><em>"The Garden Gathering represents what Founders Hall is all about—bringing people together to create something meaningful while supporting our mission,"</em> says Stephanie Campbell, Director of Philanthropy. <em>"This event allows our community to connect with nature and each other while nurturing the programs that make Founders Hall such a special place for adults 60 and over."</em></p><p>We are grateful for the support of Ridgefield Station and Sunrise Senior Living, whose contributions help make the evening special.&nbsp;</p><p>Tickets are $75 per person and the event is open to all. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Proceeds directly support Founders Hall Foundation, Inc., a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3).</p><p>Founders Hall is recognized as a vibrant educational campus where adults 60+ explore academic pursuits, wellness programs, artistic expression, and meaningful connections.</p><p>Register at <a href="https://founders-hall.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://founders-hall.org/</a></p>

<p><br></p><p><strong>Event Day Details</strong></p><p><strong>Upon Arrival:</strong></p><ul><li>Pick up your <strong>registration bag</strong>, <strong>lunch pass</strong> (a poker chip), and <strong>prize tickets</strong>.</li><li>Be sure to hold on to the <strong>surprise pink ticket</strong>, redeemable at the <strong>Prospector exhibit table</strong>.</li></ul><p><strong>Exhibit Hall:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Location:</strong> Gym</li><li><strong>Open:</strong> 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM</li></ul><p><strong>Lunch &amp; Live Music:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Where:</strong> Charter Oak Rooms</li><li><strong>When:</strong> 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM</li><li>Enjoy a delicious lunch and musical entertainment while you connect with fellow attendees.</li></ul><p><strong>Expert Speaker Series:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Time:</strong> 12:30 PM – 4:00 PM</li><li><strong>See full schedule by room below.</strong></li></ul><p><strong>Prize Drawings:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Location:</strong> Gym</li><li><strong>When:</strong> Every hour on the hour</li><li><em>You do not need to be present to win.</em></li></ul><p><strong>SPEAKERS</strong></p><p><strong>Maple Room Speaker Series</strong></p><ul><li><strong>12:30 – 1:00 PM</strong></li><li> <em>Leslie-Alin Tewes, MPA-Healthcare, LNHA; CMC, CMDCP, CEAA</em></li><li> Aging Life Care Professional, Tewes CARES</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>Understanding the Continuum of Care from Hospital to Home &amp; Who Pays the Bill?</em></li><li><strong>1:15 – 1:45 PM</strong></li><li> <em>Jeanne Di Minno, Esq.</em>, Czepiga Daly Pope &amp; Perri</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>Creating a Strong Estate Plan: Protect Your Family and Your Finances</em></li><li><strong>2:00 – 2:30 PM</strong></li><li> <em>Paul Doyle, CSA and Susan Doyle, CSA</em>, Oasis Senior Advisors</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>How to Get There from Here: Navigating Senior Care 101</em></li><li><strong>2:45 – 3:15 PM</strong></li><li> <em>D. Stephen Wooters</em>, EVP, Head of Marketing, Digital Banking &amp; Payments, Fairfield County Bank</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>Learn how to Protect Yourself from Being Scammed</em></li><li><strong>3:30 – 4:00 PM</strong></li><li> <em>Andrew Schwartz</em>, CEO, Endurance Home Care</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>AI at Home: Transforming Care with Technology</em></li></ul><p><strong>Pine Room Speaker Series</strong></p><p> (Specific times not listed; presentations occur between 12:30 PM and 4:00 PM)</p><ul><li><em>Dr. John Patrick, MS, LLB, DHA</em>, Author</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>The Rise of Artificial Intelligence: Should We Embrace It or Be Afraid of It?</em></li><li><em>Peter Eder</em>, AARP Facilitator</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>You &amp; the Caregiving Journey: Tips, Resources, and Self-Care</em></li><li><em>Gigi Weiss, MSPT, CDP, CKTP</em>, Director of Rehabilitation Services, RVNAhealth Senior</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>Move More, Live Better: The Power of Exercise for Seniors</em></li><li><em>Josh Karim</em>, Senior Operations Manager, Ridgefield Station</li><li> <strong>Topic:</strong> <em>Understanding Memory Loss</em></li></ul><p>Learn more and purchase tickets <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ridgefield-commission-on-aging-presents-senior-spectacular-expo-tickets-1143442289669?aff=oddtdtcreator" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><br></p>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Local Business Champion: Food for the Soul by LR</span></h2><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Lissette Reynoso founder of </strong><a href="https://bakesy.shop/b/food-for-the-soul" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Food for the Soul by LR</strong></a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you start Food for the Soul?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I started Food for the Soul out of a deep love for real, wholesome food made from scratch. After becoming a parent, I became much more mindful of what goes into our food and how it’s made. I wanted to offer baked goods that are not only delicious but also clean—free of preservatives, additives, and artificial ingredients. With a background in culinary arts and a passion for nourishing others, I turned my love of baking into a small business that reflects my values: </span><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">simplicity, quality, and care</em><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What is your best selling product or service?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">My best-selling items are my sourdough plain bread, sourdough croissants, and sourdough chocolate chip cookies. Each is made by hand using organic, high-quality ingredients and long fermentation techniques that bring out incredible flavor and texture.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Do you use any local businesses to support your operations?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yes! I source ingredients from local farms and organic suppliers whenever possible. I also support small local businesses for packaging and seasonal ingredients—it’s important to me to contribute to our local economy and community.</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, definitely. Food for the Soul began as a personal passion project in my home kitchen. Since then, it’s evolved into a micro bakery focused on small-batch, naturally leavened goods. I’m always experimenting with new ideas, seasonal offerings, and ways to deepen the connection between food, health, and community.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/@food4themombylr" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and Instagram @</span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/food4thesoulbylr/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">food4thesoulbylr</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and visit Food for the Soul by LR’s website </span><a href="&nbsp;food4thesoulbylr.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;food4thesoulbylr.com</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></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Before we get into the fun-filled details surrounding Keeler Tavern Museum &amp; History Center's Cannonball Gala, let’s give a well-earned shoutout to the Gala Committee: Hildegard Grob, Katie Burton, Catherine Prescott, Rhonda Hill, Mary Ann Connors, Jennifer Dineen, Josh Fischer, Hilary Aronow, David Yaun, and Colleen Cash (with a tip of the hat to Sara Champion, who couldn't make the photo but is very much part of the crew). This team has worked hard to make sure the evening is not only memorable and meaningful—but seriously fun.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On Saturday, May 3, 2025, Keeler Tavern Museum &amp; History Center will host its 31st annual Cannonball Gala, and the community will gather in the historic Garden House and Walled Garden to honor two of Ridgefield’s most inspiring arts leaders: Daniel C. Levine and Bryan Perri of A.C.T. of Connecticut.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The evening includes cocktails, a beautifully prepared dinner by À Table by Sarah + Bernard, and a highlight that’s sure to give guests goosebumps—a special musical performance by honoree Bryan Perri. There will also be a live and silent auction, a paddle raise, and plenty of opportunities to catch up with friends, toast the honorees, and support a beloved local historical nonprofit. Auctioneer David Yaun will keep the energy high and the bids flowing.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The gala is more than a social highlight—it’s Keeler Tavern Museum &amp; History Center’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds support KTM&amp;HC’s ongoing work: preserving history, offering engaging programming, and creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect with the past in meaningful, accessible ways.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a mix of benefits including event tickets and recognition. Whether you’re attending, sponsoring, or simply bidding from the sidelines, your support helps KTM&amp;HC continue its mission and remain a vibrant part of Ridgefield’s cultural fabric.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tickets are on sale now, and this one’s expected to sell out—don’t wait:</span></p><p><a href="https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/ktmgala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </a><a href="https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/ktmgala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/ktmgala</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The date’s set, the stage is nearly built, and the garden’s ready to bloom. All that’s missing is you! </span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On the evening of April 18, 2025, America will commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s legendary Midnight Ride, a pivotal moment in American history. This event precedes the lead-up to the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the founding of the United States of America, next July 4, 2026.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On April 18, 2025, there is a nationwide call for two lights to be displayed in every statehouse. Paul Revere’s ride is not just something that mattered then; it’s something that matters today, and for our collective tomorrow.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In Connecticut, all community centers, municipal administrative buildings, museums, cultural centers, and private residences are encouraged to display 2 lights on this Friday night, April 18.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow Ridgefield’s Commemoration of these exciting events on Instagram @ridgefieldct250</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere's ride </span><a href="https://www.paulreverehouse.org/rev250-events" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.paulreverehouse.org/rev250-events/</a></p><p><br></p>