<p>Come and enjoy a concert of contemporary songs of the season with The Ridgefield Chorale on Sunday,&nbsp;December 8th at 4pm at The Ridgefield Playhouse. Casual, charming and fun, this is an afternoon of seasonal favorites for all ages!</p><p><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/the-ridgefield-chorale-holiday-pops/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(37, 107, 201); background-color: transparent;">Buy Tickets Online</a></p><p>Please note – – this concert is reserved seating, so buy tickets now!</p><p>Concert proceeds benefit Ability Beyond. Ability Beyond’s mission is to discover, build and celebrate the ability in all people, and our vision is to create a world where people with disabilities can live to their full potential, achieving true independence, personal success, and the highest quality of life imaginable. Serving more than 3,000 people with disabilities annually across CT and NY, Ability Beyond offers specialized programs including residential services, vibrant adult day programs, comprehensive employment services, transportation, and clinical support.</p><p>The Ridgefield Chorale thanks our concert sponsors: The Ability Beyond Board of Trustees, The Kinne Family, Blandine Lewine, McLaughlin &amp; Stern, Lorraine &amp; Larry Morley, Patti &amp; Steve Ross, Allison &amp; Jon Stockel.</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Ridgefield Theater Barn will present a reader’s theater adaptation of&nbsp;</span><em style="background-color: transparent;">A Christmas Carol</em><span style="background-color: transparent;">&nbsp;at 37 Halpin Lane, Ridgefield, CT. Performances will take place on Saturday, December 7th at 8 PM (after the Ridgefield Holiday Stroll) and Sunday, December 8th at 2 PM.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Audience members are encouraged to join in on the fun from their seats by singing along to festive tunes and participating in the play’s action with engaging props and sound effects. This show is family-friendly and designed to ensure that everyone at the Barn has a wonderful time.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Tickets are $30.&nbsp;</span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">ALL SALES ARE FINAL</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">. Tickets can be purchased at&nbsp;</span><a href="http://ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent;">.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">Seating is cabaret-style, and the audience is invited to bring food and drinks (concessions are also available). Doors open one hour prior to curtain.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent;">More information is available on their website,&nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent;">www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org</a></p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD) is proud to spotlight Marlon Mayers, a beloved faculty member who brings exceptional expertise and passion to our dance community. Known for his dynamic teaching style and his ability to inspire, Marlon has been a valued part of the RCD community for years.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Marlon is a student favorite and brings so much expertise from the commercial dance field in addition to his strong technical instruction,” shares Amy Piantaggini, Executive Director of Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance. “He started teaching ballet with us this year, after having taught jazz and contemporary for quite some time.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Marlon discovered his passion for dance at 14 when he was accepted into Frank Sinatra School of the Arts. He honed his skills at prestigious institutions such as Ballet Hispanico, The Abrons Arts Center, and The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance. After graduating from Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in 2009, Marlon pursued a BFA in dance at Marymount Manhattan College, working with renowned choreographers like Jessica Lang, Laurie-Ann Gibson, and Larry Keigwin.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As a performer, Marlon has served as a Principal Dancer with the Abrons Arts Center Dance Ensemble, a Corps de Ballet dancer with Urban Ballet Theater, and a freelancer with various modern dance companies in New York City. While his performance career is impressive, Marlon’s true passion lies in teaching and mentoring. He has choreographed for the graduating class at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts, presented work with American Ballet Theater’s “Make a Ballet,” and showcased pieces at numerous arts festivals.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, located at 440 Main Street, is a nonprofit dance studio nationally recognized as a distinguished, high-achieving, pre-professional school dedicated to nurturing young dancers in technique and artistry. Learn more at</span><a href="https://www.ridgefielddance.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> </a><a href="https://ridgefielddance.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ridgefielddance.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p>

<p>The question, “What are you wearing?” often takes center stage in group texts during the holiday season. The usual response? That little “I don’t know” emoji (you know the one). But what if the answer was <em>that</em> <em>fun </em>dancing lady—or dapper gentleman—emoji instead?</p><p><strong>Enter: Elegant Ridgefield.</strong></p><p>This boutique has you covered with festive attire and accessories for ladies <strong>and</strong> gentlemen.</p><p><strong>Elegant Ridgefield</strong></p><ul><li>Velvet evening bags with sparkly handles</li><li>Fitted black jackets with rhinestone buttons and matching skirts</li><li>Holiday green sequin dresses by Theia</li></ul><p><strong>The Vault (tucked inside ER)</strong></p><ul><li>Sophisticated sport coats featuring a pop-up pocket square and fabric that moves with you</li><li>Pants by 34 Heritage that are both stylish and incredibly comfortable</li><li>Dress shirts in vibrant patterns and timeless collars that stay sharp no matter what</li><li>Accessories galore, including cozy scarves and sleek shoes</li></ul><p>So… what <em>are</em> you going to wear?</p><p>Head to Elegant Ridgefield and The Vault to answer that question with confidence—and maybe a little flair.</p><p>Elegant Ridgefield is located at 92 Grove Street in Ridgefield. Learn more <a href="https://elegantridgefield.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://elegantridgefield.com/</a></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Five years INN! Congratulations to West Lane Inn owners (and longtime friends) Christine Carnicelli and Danille Petrie! Wow!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Built in 1849, The West Lane Inn has stood the test of time, remaining a timeless symbol of charm and comfort, thanks to Carnicelli and Petrie. While motherhood first brought these mompreneurs together—thanks to their boys being best friends—it was their shared passions, professional expertise, and deep love for Ridgefield that led them to breathe new life into this beloved historic treasure.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">When Christine and Danille took over the Inn five years ago, their dream was clear: to refresh a Ridgefield landmark while creating a warm and welcoming retreat for visitors from near and far. Now, celebrating their five-year anniversary, it’s evident that they’ve not only achieved their goals but surpassed them.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“We feel like we’ve created something very special,” Christine shares, reflecting on their journey. “If you take a look at our guest reviews, they love the cozy, warm, and welcoming feeling we’ve been able to create.”</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">History Meets Modern Hospitality (quite literally!)</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">When you walk up the stairs of the grand porch and open the doors to enter The West Lane Inn you are entering a living piece of history, where timeless charm meets modern hospitality. Did you know the Inn was once home to the Bissell family, whose legacy in Ridgefield endures through the iconic Bissell Pharmacy, still bearing the name of its founder, Harvey Bissell? Christine shares, “For those that do not know, the house was originally built by Harvey Bissell, who later opened the pharmacy in town. We were fortunate to host some of his relatives, who stayed with us and brought original photographs, sharing stories of what the building used to look like.” It’s history coming full circle as the descendants of the man who built the house returned to experience its hospitality once again.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Home Away From Home</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">With 17 uniquely designed rooms, no two spaces are alike. Each boasts charming décor, natural light, and thoughtful details, including a minibar stocked with local beverage selections including 5th State Vodka,&nbsp;American Metal Whiskey and Nod Hill beer.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Most rooms inside The West Lane Inn feature cozy gas fireplaces, along with thoughtful amenities designed for the discerning traveler. “We’ve touched every room,” says Danille. “Of the 17 rooms, only four haven’t been completely gutted, but each has been beautifully refurbished.” Each room boasts its own unique personality, with character-rich headboards that define the space.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">A Bond Between Hosts and Guests</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Many who stay leave a piece of their hearts behind—whether in glowing guestbook entries or unique tokens of appreciation, like the NYC couple who gifted a painting of the Inn after spending every summer there - a heartfelt reminder of the bond between hosts and guests. Arriving at the end of May and staying until October, they bring their golf clubs, bikes, and even their own artwork to adorn the walls of their favorite room—truly making it their own.&nbsp;</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">If Walls Could Talk</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Inn’s historic charm reveals itself in unexpected ways. Renovations unearthed an original Otis crank elevator that once transported residents from the third floor to the basement and layers of vintage wallpaper showcasing the home’s history.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">But it’s not just the building’s stories that make it special—it’s the people. From Linda, the on-site innkeeper known for her masterful flower arrangements, to regular guests who return season after season, the Inn is as much about community as it is a place to call “home”. One Ridgefield native, now living in Vermont, stays at the Inn whenever he visits. “It’s comforting to know I have a familiar and homey place awaiting me so close to our former home on Parley Lane,” he wrote in a heartfelt note.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Building Bridges, One Guest at a Time</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Christine and Danille have not only transformed the Inn but also forged lasting partnerships with the Ridgefield community. Collaborations with local organizations like the Ridgefield Playhouse, ACT of Connecticut, and RVNAhealth have solidified the Inn’s role as a community hub.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">“We’ve built something that feels both intimate and expansive,” Christine explains. “Our guests come from all corners of the world—Germany, Australia—but we’re also deeply connected to Ridgefield. It’s a beautiful balance.”</span></p><p><strong>Raising the Bar</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Never resting on their laurels, Christine and Danille are always listening to their guests. When one guest mentioned missing a full-length mirror, the duo made sure every room was outfitted with one. “We’re always working on getting better,” Christine says with a smile.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">This ethos of care extends to their team. Having grown from a staff of three to ten in five years, the Inn is as much about empowering women as it is about pampering guests. “As female business owners, we’ve built a sisterhood of sorts,” Danille notes, “and that attention to detail shows in everything we do.”</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Let’s have breakfast!&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">What many community members might not realize is that The West Lane Inn welcomes everyone to enjoy breakfast, not just overnight guests. The charming dining room, with its cozy and inviting ambiance, has become a favorite spot for breakfast meetings, and hosting groups such as Fairfield County Bank, RVNAhealth, and local school organizations. Hobbyists also gather here, including “The Hookers” [rug hookers!] who meet on the first Wednesday of every month, working their craft on the sun-dappled porch during summer or in the snug breakfast room during colder months. Even a Main Street dweller has made it a daily ritual to savor the Inn's continental offerings. This open-door breakfast invitation beautifully weaves the Inn into the fabric of Ridgefield's community life.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Magic of The West Lane Inn</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The guestbook says it all:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">“Beautiful room, wonderful property, great staff and service—we’ll be back!”</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">“Wonderful, relaxing, professional, attentive service. The rooms are lovely!”</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">“Came for the CHIRP concert! Wonderful breakfast on the porch. Our 3rd visit in 4 years.”</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">“Perfection from start to finish!”</span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">As Christine and Danille look ahead, their commitment to creating an intimate yet extraordinary experience remains steadfast. With five years of history behind them and a bright future ahead, The West Lane Inn continues to be a place where memories are made, and guests feel truly at home.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For those seeking a getaway that feels like stepping into a dream, The West Lane Inn is ready to welcome you with open arms.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more </span><a href="https://westlaneinn.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://westlaneinn.com/</a></p>

<h2>Camerata d'Amici Christmas Concert at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church on December 8, 2024 at 4:00 PM</h2><p>Choral group Camerata d’Amici is proud to present its Christmas concert “Noel, Sing We” on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at 4 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 6 Ivy Hill Road, Ridgefield, CT.&nbsp;&nbsp;Conducted by Kristin Sponheim, the concert will feature a diverse repertoire of music including well-known Christmas carols and spirituals, and a range of contemporary compositions.</p><p>“Noel, Sing We” will feature performances by the full choir, a chamber ensemble, as well as men’s and women’s pieces.&nbsp;&nbsp;The choir will be accompanied by Margarita Nuller (piano).</p><p>Tickets at the door are $30 for adults and $10 for youth 18 and under.&nbsp;&nbsp;Advance tickets, with a reduced ticket price of $25 for adults, may be purchased at <a href="https://cameratadamici.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://cameratadamici.org/</a>.&nbsp;Online tickets are available through Friday, December 6th.</p><p>Our last Christmas concert sold out.&nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on presales, only a limited number of tickets may be available for purchase at the door shortly before the concert.&nbsp;&nbsp;Advance purchase is recommended.</p><p>Follow Camerata d’Amici on Facebook and Instagram @<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CamerataDAmici" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CamerataDAmici</a> and listen to past performances on YouTube.</p><p>Support has been provided to Camerata d’Amici from CT Humanities (CTH), with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature.</p>