<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ira Joe Fisher has always felt like a writer. His penchant for poetry dates back to high school English class, where he encountered the likes of Walden and Thoreau and his love for language was fueled by much reading. Delighting in the written word — coupled with his drive to perform — became the winning combination and launching pad for a storied career as an award-winning writer, poet, actor, reporter, educator, and stand-out communicator. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hailing from Little Valley, New York, the author’s first job in broadcasting was at 16 on WGGO in Salamanca. The cold temperatures that marked his youth agreed with Ira as he revels in winter; perhaps a foreshadowing of the title of his fourth poetry collection, The Birth of Snow (Athanata Arts, 2024). The book launch for this release will take place on Wednesday, March 26 at 7:00 p.m. (in his newer hometown since 1990) at The Ridgefield Library. All are invited to the celebration, where the author will be interviewed by his former Ohio colleague, television reporter Edie Magnus. The event will also feature a reading and book signing. Registrations are encouraged, though walk-ins are welcome. Save your spot </span><a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.librarymarket.com/event/ira-joe-fisher-birth-snow-114304" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Ridgefield’s Poet Laureate Ira Joe Fisher is truly a town treasure. Ira Joe freely shares his wit and wisdom through his poetry, teaching and workshop sessions and his support for organization across our community. The Ridgefield Library is thrilled to be the site of the book launch for Ira’s latest volume, The Birth of Snow,” Brenda McKinley, Ridgefield Library Director</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">After military service, Ira continued his writing and broadcasting career in Spokane, Washington, where he met and married his wife, Shelly. They share four adult children, all of whom are writers. The author wrote for Spokane Magazine and hosted a radio show on KHQ Radio and was a reporter on KHQ-6 TV, where he appeared on the show, The Noon Thing. Next was a post at WKRC in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he worked alongside news anchor, Nick Clooney (actor George’s father), his longtime mentor and friend, to whom he dedicated The Birth of Snow for the profound effect the senior Clooney had on his life. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ira headed for the Big Apple, enjoying reporting at ABC (then a stint back to Cincinnati for The Ira Joe Fisher Show), and finally, returned to New York to work at NBC and CBS — where he appeared for many years on CBS Television’s Early Show. Those who grew up in the Tri-state area may remember him as the personable weather reporter who could famously write backward (he still can, and signs sketches with his moniker as such). But what fans may not know is that Ira won his two Emmys for his writing on television versus reporting the weather. And that he acted for five years in the 42-year, off-Broadway classic, The Fantasticks, during his broadcasting days in Manhattan. “I’d leave my day job at 6:00 p.m., perform in the Village at 8:00 p.m., then race back to midtown for the 11:00 O’Clock news,” said Ira Joe Fisher, Author and Communicator.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A man of many talents, he’s become an educator in more recent years. Ira first taught Creative Writing (Poetry) at the University of Connecticut, Stamford, and Western Connecticut State University; he currently teaches at Mercy University in Dobbs’s Ferry, New York, and also in Ridgefield at Founders Hall.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Writing remains close to his heart and Ira has penned not only a humorous essay collection, Wide and Wavy Out of Salamanca, but also three previous poetry collections: Some Holy Weight in the Village Air, Songs from an Earlier Century, The Creek at the End of the Lawns.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In addition, he remains very involved in the goings-on in Ridgefield: he’s the emcee for the Holiday Tree Lighting and publishes a video poetry series in Ridgefield’s Hamlethub (cleverly titled P-06877-etry). He’s also been the emcee for the Ridgefield Playhouse’s Film Series, does special appearances on their stage, and was a former Board member. Essentially, Ira is part of the very fabric of the community which has been named the best town in Connecticut more than once.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“My fourth collection of poems — The Birth of Snow — is in the world I am delighted. It celebrates all of the seasons, but winter has always held an enchantment for me, so the title poem sparks from my heart and the love there for snow…and how it whistles over the Great Lakes to fall upon places and people I love,” said Ira Joe Fisher, Author and Communicator. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Warm, witty, and a writer’s writer, Ira Joe Fisher is the consummate creative. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join the community to salute this hometown hero and his latest release, The Birth of Snow on March 26 at 7:00 p.m. at:</span><a href="https://ridgefieldlibrary.librarymarket.com/event/ira-joe-fisher-birth-snow-114304." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> https://ridgefieldlibrary.librarymarket.com/event/ira-joe-fisher-birth-snow-114304.</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*Image courtesy Dylan Fisher</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mark your calendars for an evening of travel inspiration, expert insights, and a taste of Ireland!</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mary and Jim Villamana of Expedia Cruises Brookfield, the first Expedia Cruises agency in Connecticut, invite you to an evening of exploration and inspiration at their Ireland Travel Talk event. Whether you dream of traversing the Emerald Isle by land or sea, this event is designed to provide valuable insights from industry experts while immersing you in the beauty and culture of Ireland.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Event Details:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Date: Wednesday, March 12, 2025</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Location: Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, 56 Pole Bridge Rd, Sandy Hook, CT</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">RSVP:</span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221irelandtraveltalk2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> Register Here</a></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This special evening, set against the backdrop of Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, will feature presentations from representatives of Azamara Cruise Line and CIE Tours, two industry leaders known for crafting exceptional Irish travel experiences.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Attend?</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Gain insider tips on the best ways to experience Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes, historic landmarks, and vibrant culture.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Discover hidden gems and unique travel experiences, from charming countryside retreats to lively cityscapes.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Learn about Ireland’s world-famous golf courses, where stunning coastlines meet legendary fairways.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Enjoy an evening of great company, engaging discussions, and a glass of fine wine.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Whether you’re planning your first trip to Ireland or looking for new ways to explore, this event will provide inspiration and expert guidance to help craft your perfect Irish adventure.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the magic of Ireland—RSVP today </span><a href="https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221irelandtraveltalk2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://promo.expediacruises.com/900221/900221irelandtraveltalk2025/</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>Ridgefield voters should be fully informed about the upcoming bond referendum on Tuesday, February 25th.&nbsp;</p><p>Voters will decide if the town can borrow close to $102 million for three projects; school roof repairs/replacement, an alternative high school and a new public safety building.&nbsp;(https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif4916/f/agendas/2.5.25_public_hearing.pdf)</p><p>While town officials are arguing strongly for these projects, they have not openly disclosed the total amount of money that Ridgefield taxpayers will be paying back over the 20-year term of the proposed bonds. Town Controller, Kevin Redmond and the Board of Finance Chair, Michael Rettger confirmed that taxpayers will be obligated to repay a staggering total for the three projects.</p><p>- School Roof: Estimated total principal + interest payments = $17,604,375</p><p>- Alternative High School: Estimated total principal + interest payments = $5,725,000</p><p>- Public Safety Building: Estimated total principal + interest payments = $122,515,000</p><p>Estimated total principal + interest payments for all three projects - $145,844,375</p><p>Obviously, these three sizable bonds will increase the mill rate...the formula for determining property taxes...some 5-6% over and above the baseline.&nbsp;That baseline, your property taxes, has been going up steadily, reflecting annual increases in the town and school budgets.&nbsp;Keep in mind, that these bonds won't be paid off until 2045.</p><p>The town wants more than $86 million for a public safety building.&nbsp;Compare that Wilton's new police building under construction budgeted for $15 million (https://www.wiltonbulletin.com/news/article/wilton-police-department-headquarters-contractor-18382770.php) and the New Canaan Police Department construction at $29 million. (https://www.ncadvertiser.com/news/article/new-canaan-police-department-locust-board-of-ed-18518028.php)</p><p>There's been considerable public pushback to the most expensive project, the Public Safety Building. At public hearings last summer and two weeks ago, residents questioned the town's effort in developing less expensive options for public safety facilities. Watch these meeting videos at<a href="https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/board-selectpersons/pages/meeting-videos." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/board-selectpersons/pages/meeting-videos.</a> The last public hearing on these bonded projects was on February 5th at East Ridge Middle School. The bonding issue discussion starts an hour into that video. First Selectperson Rudy Marconi admitted in that hearing that there's no "Plan B" for a public safety building.</p><p>There's a clear need for better facilities for our police and fire departments. But taxpayers deserve more common sense options.</p><p>Respectfully,</p><p>Ridgefield Resident</p>

<p><strong>Help the Playhouse Celebrate their 25th Anniversary: Donate $25 for 25!</strong></p><p><strong>Click here to give now: </strong><a href="https://bit.ly/4hPKx17" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.87);">https://bit.ly/4hPKx17</a></p><p><strong>Ridgefield Playhouse</strong>&nbsp;is turning 25 and they are launching a special campaign to mark the milestone—$25 for 25!&nbsp;To continue their non-profit, mission-based work, the Playhouse is asking for individual $25 donations.&nbsp;</p><p>Ticket sales cover only 75% of the funds needed to sustain the Ridgefield Playhouse. As a non-profit, they rely on the generosity of their supporters to help bridge the gap&nbsp;and continue their mission to entertain, enrich, and educate the community. Through their Community Engagement Program (CEP), they celebrate the diversity of their programming by offering affordable, inclusive experiences, including community partnerships, over $100,000 in ticket donations, and educational programming for all audiences. For just $25, you can provide a family in need with two free tickets&nbsp;to a National Geographic educational speaker series event.</p><p>Your support also helps the Playhouse keep ticket prices accessible and allows them to bring world-class entertainment to the stage.</p><p>Your donation helps to ensure the Playhouse continues&nbsp;enriching the community through the arts!</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Guild of Artists, in partnership with William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty of Ridgefield, is thrilled to announce the second annual Emerging Artists Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support and recognize the talent of emerging artists in the community.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The selected scholarship winner will receive a monetary award of $500.00 along with a prestigious opportunity to showcase their work at the Guild of Artists satellite gallery located at William Pitt Sotheby's. This exhibit offers a platform for the recipient to gain exposure and connect with art enthusiasts and patrons.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Applicants, aged 16 years or older, are encouraged to submit their portfolios for consideration. Submissions must be received by May 15th, 2025, to be eligible for the scholarship. The selection process will be based on artistic merit, originality, and potential for growth.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">To inquire about the scholarship, or get an application, interested individuals should email Paul Gervais at </span><a href="mailto:pgervais@wpsir.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">pgervais@wpsir.com</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">.&nbsp;Enter Scholarship in the subject.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Ridgefield Guild of Artists and William Pitt Sotheby's International Realty are committed to fostering artistic development and providing opportunities for emerging talents to thrive. This scholarship represents our dedication to supporting the vibrant arts community in Ridgefield and beyond.</span></p>

<p><em>Aaron Tveit, Elena Shaddow, Jennifer Babiak, Constantine Pappas, Drew Seigla, and Andrea Jones-Sojola will join Bryan Perri for the highly anticipated debut of Few Words: A Performance on April 10, 2025, at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, presented by the Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation and A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theatre) of Connecticut.</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Tony winning actor </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Aaron Tveit</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, as well as </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Elena Shaddow</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">,</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> Jennifer Babiak</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">,</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> Constantine Pappas</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Drew Seigla</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, and </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Andrea Jones-Sojola</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, will perform music by award-winning music supervisor, orchestrator, arranger, music director, and conductor, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Bryan Perri </strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">in </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><em>Few Words: A Performance</em></strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> on April 10, 2025 at 7:30pm at Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall. The concert is presented by the Denise and Michael Kellen Foundation and A.C.T. (A Contemporary Theater) of Connecticut.</span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Aaron Tveit </strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">said, “I couldn’t be more honored and excited to get to join my friend, and longtime collaborator Bryan Perri for this tremendously exciting step of his new musical journey!”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Perri has built a substantial career working on some of the biggest, most widely recognized Broadway musicals of the last 20 years, including </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><em>Almost Famous</em></strong><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">,</em><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><em> Jagged Little Pill</em></strong><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, </em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">and </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><em>Wicked</em></strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, and is a beloved musical collaborator to many Broadway artists, including Aaron Tveit. Last year Perri released his debut album as a composer, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">“Few Words”</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, a genre-defying work that blends ambient, classical, and electronic elements, offering a journey of introspection and joy. In </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><em>Few Words: A Performance</em></strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, he will conduct the first live performance of this music, featuring 20 of New York City’s finest musicians and the soaring vocals of Tveit, Shaddow, Babiak, Pappas, Seigla, and Jones-Sojola. The concert will also premiere Perri’s newest composition, </span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Unorthodox Fairytale</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience the music of one of today’s most innovative composers, performed by some of Broadway’s greatest musicians and vocalists.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">About Perri’s music,</span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> Emily Saliers</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> of The Indigo Girls said, “</span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Few Words </em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">is an astounding work of music. It is one thing to step back and intellectually admire the sheer genius of the composition and extraordinary performances, and it is an entirely different experience to delve into the music where I found myself immersed in a world of passion, pathos, humor, conversation and whimsy. </span><em style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Few Words</em><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> is Bryan’s mind and music, but it also becomes our own as we listen and are swept away into the ordered chaos of our own understanding.”</span></p><p>Academy Award winner <strong>Cameron Crowe</strong> says, "Bryan Perri has broken ground with <em>Few Words</em>, a soulful, personal, singular solo work. Bryan knows how to cast a musical spell like few others. He can fill a theatre with intoxicating feeling and emotion… but here is Perri’s most personal gift. This is the album we have been waiting for, a collection of Perri’s own solo compositions. It’s a sonic landscape and a journey of the heart you won’t soon forget."</p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Tickets starting at $65. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit </span><a href="https://www.carnegiehall.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.carnegiehall.org/</a><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, call CarnegieCharge at 212-247-7800, or visit the Carnegie Hall Box Office at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue.</span></p><p><br></p>