Stories
<p><strong>A sprinkle of fairy dust, and the Rec Center transformed into Neverland!</strong></p><p>The Neverland Handbook materialized when my husband, digital painter NY12 proposed that I teach J. M. Barrie’s 1911 novel <em>Peter and Wendy</em> for Muse Squad’s second 10-week creative writing course. I read the book to my first-grader, Rayne, and he helped me pick out the scenes to share for the program. His little brother, Clark, at only three years old, was the model for Peter Pan in the digital painting A Lost Boy. </p><p>Muse Squad is a non-profit organization dedicated to inspiring kids and teens and getting them to think differently about writing. </p><p>Our first ever “Neverland” course launched from Ridgefield Parks and Recreation in January 2024. A pair of imaginative twins returned from our fall Wonderland class and joined us again in Neverland. Our three students, Peyton Appel, Charlotte Mayette and Emily Mayette, all had their ninth birthday during the program. They had such a special bond and we had so much fun together.</p><p>Em wrote one of her pieces on the back of the blackboard with liquid chalk. On the day of the Final Reading she arrived to class with an idea for a new story. She was completely focused on her writing while the rest of us rehearsed. Then she was brave enough to share it. She had conceptualized a mystery centered upon a Queen’s missing crown and she had mapped it out to the very last line. </p><p>Charlotte wrote many fact and fiction pieces this session about her family, pets, and she even experimented with horror. Half-way through the program she asked if we could turn the next class upside-down and begin with a free write. This was when she was still writing under her pen name Scarlett. Thus she is credited in the Neverland Handbook for requesting the Free Write at the start of Class 5. This began a trend of my students popping into the narrative of the handbooks. </p><p>Peyton, a Swiftie and world traveler, could easily enter the mind of any character and made up her own as well. She wrote from Wendy’s point of view, Peter Pan’s perspective, and she created several other personas: Dragon King, Pixie Queen, News Reporter. A piece of her writing is published as an image in this article. She suggested that the famous quote that we ponder at the beginning of each class should be in a different font. Hence I have updated all handouts, handbooks, and workshop booklets. </p><p>We returned from Neverland with a body of work that wouldn’t exist if we didn’t sit down to write it. I had such a wonderful time reading and writing with this wonderful group of kids!</p><p>For more information about our creative writing program, volunteer opportunities or internships, contact <a href="mailto:info@musesquad.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">info@musesquad.org</a> or visit <a href="http://MuseSquad.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">MuseSquad.org</a>. </p>
<h4>Join the Ridgefield Chorale as we celebrate Daniela Sikora’s 25th Anniversary as our Artistic Director and Conductor on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 7:00 pm at the Anne S. Richardson Auditorium at Ridgefield High School (700 North Salem Road, Ridgefield). “Silver” will present songs and stories about the milestones in Daniela’s career with the Chorale.</h4><h4>Accompanied by Carol Spaulding and instrumentalists, expect an evening filled with tender moments, soaring music and, of course, joy. We happily invite you to be part of this special evening. </h4><p><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ridgefield-chorale-sterling-silver-tickets-856340325967" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(52, 191, 186); background-color: transparent;">Purchase Tickets Online</a><span style="color: initial;"> Please note that tickets will not be sold at the door. </span></p>
<p>Kathy Backus, 66, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.</p><p>Family and friends will be received on Friday, May 3, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00 AM in Saint Mary's Church; 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield. Interment will take place privately.</p><p>Contributions in Kathy's memory may be made to ALS United Connecticut - 4 Oxford Road, Suite E4; Milford, CT 06460, or online <a href="https://alsunitedct.org/donate/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255); background-color: transparent;">https://alsunitedct.org/donate/</a>.</p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">Season six of Ridgefield Women’s Flag Football (WFF) league, the first of its kind in the state, kicks off THIS Thursday, May 2 at 6 pm </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scotland School Field </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">with new friendships in bloom and high fives at the ready! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">The season runs consecutive Thursdays through June at Scotland School.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">NO EXPERIENCE necessary and there is still time to join! Please email Lynne Briody </strong><a href="https://mailto:lynnebriody@yahoo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>lynnebriody@yahoo.com</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);"> </strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">Fifty-plus women strong, the league began in 2019 under the leadership of Commissioner, Lynne Briody with a mission of giving local ladies the opportunity to try a new sport while building friendships and having fun.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">Following the WFF fun on Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064089933556" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">here.</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">If you are interested in learning more about WFF in Ridgefield, please reach out to Lynne Briody via email </span><a href="https://mailto:lynnebriody@yahoo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">lynnebriody@yahoo.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);"> </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thank you to our amazing sponsors who help cover field, insurance and equipment costs:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">IDOC </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ancona's Wine & Liquors </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Adam Broderick Salon & Spa (Adam rocks)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fairfield County Bank (thanks, Marcie!)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">RVNAhealth Rehabilitation and Wellness Center </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tim Dent Real Estate </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);">Interested in being a sponsor? Email Lynne </span><a href="https://mailto:lynnebriody@yahoo.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">lynnebriody@yahoo.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(115, 115, 115);"> </span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Saturday, May 4th: It’s the 10th Anniversary of the New Ridgefield Library! Join us as we celebrate a decade of discovery, lifelong learning and enhancing community connections in our beautiful library building! Stop by any time between 10:00am and 2:00pm and learn more about what’s happening at the Ridgefield Library through building-wide special tours, demonstrations, displays and more. Share a special Library Birthday Treat at 11:00am in the Bossidy Commons, enjoy a scavenger hunt around the Library and relax with music on the front lawn with School of Rock. We hope to see you!</span></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Ridgefield, CT – Founders Hall is thrilled to announce that tickets for its highly anticipated Big Band Big Night gala fundraiser will be available for purchase starting May 1</span><sup style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">st</sup><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">, 2024. The organization’s first ever off-campus gala will take place on September 14</span><sup style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">th</sup><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">, 2024 at the Amber Room Colonnade in Danbury.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">The Big Band Big Night gala promises an evening of elegance, entertainment, and community spirit, all in support of Founders Hall’s mission to enrich the lives of individuals age 60 and older through educational and social opportunities. </span><span style="color: black;">This will be a fabulous evening of live music courtesy of the seventeen-piece Norm Hathaway Band, dinner, and live auction, all to benefit Founders Hall, a donor-supported nonprofit organization which has been a vital part of the Ridgefield community for more than twenty years.</span><span style="color: rgb(28, 43, 51);"> Founders Hall is</span><span style="color: black;"> thrilled to present the first Pillar of Founders Hall Award to longtime Board Member and supporter Rudy Ruggles, who has been a generous sponsor of the Academic Program for many years.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">“We are delighted to invite our community to join us for this very special occasion,” said Stephanie Campbell, Development Director at Founders Hall. “Big Band Big Night is not only a wonderful celebration but also a vital fundraiser that allows us to continue providing enriching programs and services to our members at very low cost to them.”</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Tickets for the Big Band Big Night gala can be purchased online for $225 each at </span><a href="https://founders-hall.org/fundraising-events/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://founders-hall.org/fundraising-events/</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"> starting May 1, 2024. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Founders Hall extends its gratitude to sponsors and supporters whose contributions make events like Big Band Big Night possible. For sponsorship opportunities or to learn more about supporting Founders Hall, please contact Stephanie Campbell at 203-431-7000 </span>or <a href="mailto:stephanie@founders-hall.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">stephanie@founders-hall.org</a>.</p><p><br></p><p class="ql-align-center"><br></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">One of Ridgefield’s most iconic properties, 23 High Ridge is the epitome of extraordinary architecture set against a most spectacular setting. This classic Georgian Colonial has been renovated to the highest standards. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;">The gracious front-to-back foyer sets the tone for this exceptional home. The completely renovated chef's kitchen is fabulous with custom cabinetry, stone counters & expansive island, marble backsplash, designer lighting & high-end appliances.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;">The newer, heated three-car garage has wonderful living space above with a great room, full bath and kitchenette. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Highlighting the heated, saltwater gunite pool and spa is a newly renovated Cabana with a kitchenette and changing room. The grounds are simply amazing with expansive lawns, beautiful specimens plantings and impressive hardscaping/hardscaping plus amazing sunsets! </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); background-color: transparent;">Approximately one hour to NYC. Walk to town and just steps to the shuttle to the Katonah Train Station. Truly a one of a kind offering!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">To check out the flipbook please click </span><a href="https://www.compass.com/marketing-center/editor/v2/flipbook/3fce0637-bb29-4d4f-859f-84b13dcc6c61" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">here</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For full listing details please visit:</span></p><p><a href="https://karlamurtaugh.com/portfolio/23-high-ridge-avenue-ridgefield-2" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">https://karlamurtaugh.com/portfolio/23-high-ridge-avenue-ridgefield-2/</a></p><p><em>Karla Murtaugh Homes Team</em></p><p><em>203-856-5534</em></p><p><em>470 Main Street</em></p><p><em>Ridgefield, CT 06877</em></p><p><em>Compass CT</em></p><p><em>Lic. in CT & NY</em></p>