Creativity Connects Ridgefield
What fuels a vibrant, connected, and creative community? What makes people feel good about living in Ridgefield?
When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good. Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Ridgefield.
Creativity connects us.
Meet Kathy Brady, Colchester Investment Counsel employee, nature lover, photog, community advocate.
*Please note: Kathy snapped the photo you see here of a cabbage butterfly drinking nectar off some purple asters in Ballard Park’s garden.
Tell me about an organization in town that makes you feel good
There are obviously many fine organizations in Ridgefield but there are two, in particular that stand out in terms of making me feel good. Elements Massage on Danbury Road is a wonderful place to unwind, de-stress, and get the kinks out of the muscles. The people who work there are terrific and they have made every accommodation possible to get their clients through the COVID-19 epidemic as safely as possible. The other one that jumps out for me is ROAR, the local animal shelter. Many people volunteer to walk or play with the animals and I am not sure who benefits more from this labor of love – them or the dogs or cats. ROAR puts a lot of effort into understanding the unique personality of each animal and tries to find the perfect home suited for the needs of both pet and person. ROAR is both matchmaker and rescuer in equal portions.
Where do you go for inspiration and creativity?
Working in the investment arena, I am entrenched with stock market news, forms, and figures most of the day. In my off hours, however, I enjoy photography – particularly of animals and nature. It is always nice, and conducive to business, to take a break now and then to recharge the brain’s batteries. I find an occasional lunchtime walk through Ballard Park is just the ticket! From the majestic trees to the pretty garden, it is a nice respite from the more serious aspects of life. One can enjoy watching the dance of beautiful swallowtail butterflies flitting around the flowers in bloom or even come upon a clear berry moth darting through the various flora.
Autumn is also spectacular as the leaves are in full regalia and the purple asters attract cabbage butterflies and lots of plump bumblebees getting the last of their nectar stores before winter comes. One can also enjoy the chipmunks running about as well as the comical cries of the local blue jays alerting everyone to a stranger in their midst. Nature is a wonderful way to refill empty vessels and come away with inspiration and vigor. It also allows me to take a few new snapshots for my website WolfEyesPhotography.com.
What do you love about your community?
Ridgefield is a fantastic town! The people here are friendly, and it is always nice when one of our local clients drops by to say hello. There is a wealth of restaurants and shops and I do my best to support all the local venues. Ridgefield is also rich in history and I encourage everyone to delve into the famous past hidden in books and in the boughs of the elder trees. It is also a wonderfully patriotic town which is evident with the American flags that line Main Street for various holidays. Halloween is always a treat, not only for all the children in town who walk through Main Street in their costumes, but for all those watching little goblins and ghosts with pumpkin pails full of treats from the local vendors. Without a doubt my favorite time is Christmas! Lights, decorations, peace, and goodwill permeate through this New England haven.
Creativity Connects Ridgefield is made possible by LIFEWTR.
The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of HamletHub or LIFEWTR.
*The photo you see in this post was taken by Kathy Brady. It's a cabbage butterfly drinking nectar off some purple asters in the Ballard Park garden.