Ridgefield's HamletHub Team

Your Name & Editor

Your Name founded Ridgefield’s Talk of the Town  in 2009 and is a freelance writer for Ridgefield Magazine, voted the 2008 Publication of the Year by the CT Press Club. In 2011, Kerry Anne decided to share the popular and successful "Talk Of The Town" online news model with other towns and founded Hamlet Hub LLC, a network of hyperlocal news sites. Talented editors presently manage HamletHub in Bethel, Norwalk, Wilton, Redding, Fairfield, Westport, Fairfield, Stamford, Greenwich, New Fairifeld, Milford, Newtown, Brookfield and Danbury Connecticut.

In 2012, HamletHub won a prestigious Connecticut Press Club Award for original journalism on the Web.

Terri Woods Garlick ~ Editor

Culture and living, food and fun, TERRI GARLICK brings commentary and content to HamletHub.  As a guru in social media, Terri lends her talents to helping local companies develop a brand and presence online. She is a talented and passionate writer and sharp editor. Terri’s work on HamletHub covers the spectrum, from food to fashion and from business to pleasure, Terri writes about what makes life in our town most unique.

Cynthia Digiacomo ~ HamletHub designer

CYNTHIA has designed for top executives and creative professionals in New York such as Tommy Hilfiger of Tommy Hilfiger, Inc., Reed Krakoff  Inc, Paulette Cole of ABC Carpet & Home, and Glenn Lajeski of MCA Records. In 1995, while living on the Upper West Side, she opened her first C Design office in Union Square. Cynthia’s visual literacy is deepened by her travels through Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and Australia which are reflected in her design acuity, intuition and detail. In 2000, she moved with her husband, two children and yellow lab along with her business to Ridgefield, Connecticut. Cynthia’s work has been published in Print Magazine, Self & Elle Magazines, Shopping Bag Design Book One, Shopping Bag Design Book Two and Design Basics Book. She has more than 15 years experience creating surprising and memorable designs with words, images & space and understands that each brand has its own set of unique and complex personality traits to express. Sensitivity to type, image, color, material, texture and form are the foundation for her design solutions.

Tom Martin ~ Chief Philanthropist at HamletHub Helpers

TOM MARTIN is President at Tom Martin Media and is leading HamletHub's effort to help local communities and charities via HamletHub's "Hub Helpers" program.

Since establishing his independent public relations firm in 2005, Tom Martin has worked with a wide range of clients including authors, motivational speakers and experts in the fields of business, health and parenting.  Prior to moving into the PR field, Tom served as a network news producer for a number of major news organizations including ABC News, CBS News and CNN.  For more than 20 years, Tom has worked with several nationally known non-profit organizations including Feeding America, the nation's largest network of food banks, and Communities In Schools, a group dedicated to helping inner city high school students stay in school and create an empowering future.  Tom and his wife Joanne live in Ridgefield, Connecticut with their children Lindsay and Eric.

Dee Strilowich ~ Welcoming newcomers to Ridgefield and to HamletHub

Dee Strilowich, a local resident since 1970, founded Personal Touch Welcome, an organization dedicated to assuring new families, individuals and businesses receive a warm and sincere welcome to Ridgefield. Dee visits new movers to their home with a welcome basket of free gifts to introduce them to the unique and charming Ridgefield community. She will bring gift certificates for free chocolate, haircuts, manicures, meals, movie and museum passes, and so much more! If you or someone you know has moved, give Dee a call to schedule a visit! She has a basket of free gifts for new parents, too, as well as for new businesses. Dee can be reached at 203-438-0128 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Website is www.personaltouchwelcome.com

Dr. Michael Brand, Chief Medical Consultant

Sports Medicine Specialist and President, Danbury Orthopedics

Dr. Michael Brand has specialized in sports medicine and reconstructive knee surgery for more than 20 years and initiated the concept of a sports medicine team at Danbury Orthopedics. After completing his orthopedic training at the Harvard University Combined Orthopedic Residency Program, he was selected to serve as Chief Resident of the Orthopedic Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. Following this, he completed a fellowship in sports medicine and reconstructive knee surgery at the San Diego Knee and Sports Medicine Program at the University of California, San Diego. He has worked with professional sports teams, as well as Division 1 NCAA athletes during his career and currently serves as team physician at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU), Ridgefield High School, and Newtown High School.

Dr. Brand co-founded the Western Connecticut Sports Medicine Society, which provides education for local trainers and physical therapists. He was also instrumental in starting an ACL-injury prevention program, implementing the ImPact concussion management program at WCSU and at local high schools, and presenting the Sportsmetrics injury prevention program for female athletes at RHS. He is dedicated to employing an integrated team approach to injury treatment and prevention, and bringing together trainer, doctor, and therapist to achieve optimal patient outcomes. He is widely recognized for his work as a shoulder and knee surgeon, including reconstructive knee surgery, arthroscopic knee and shoulder surgery, and ACL and ACL revision surgery.

Dr. Brand is active in the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine, serves on the Board of Directors of the National Orthopedic Education Society, and also currently serves as President of Danbury Orthopedics, a member of Western Connecticut Orthopedic Specialists.

Olga Adler ~ Interior Design

OLGA ADLER is the principal of OLGA ADLER INTERIORS,an interior design firm in Westport, Connecticut.  Known for her fondness for simple forms, love of color and  unique accessories, Adler has won acclaim for her refreshing approach to classic design. Her European sophistication and American sensibility shine in creations. “My approach to interior decorating is lifestyle-driven. I enjoy being able to work with my clients in a wide variety of design styles so their homes reflect their lifestyle and personal tastes, not necessarily mine,” explains Adler. Olga Adler Interiors manages all aspects of design and project management from floor plans to finishing touches for clients in Greenwich, Darien, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Westport, Wilton, Westchester County and in New York City.

Allison Stockel ~ Entertainment

ALLISON STOCKEL is the Executive Director of The Ridgefield Playhouse-where she books and produces more than 110 shows a years with acts such as Gregg Allman, Clint Black, Charlie Daniels, Blue Oyster Cult, Blues Traveler and many more. Before she moved to Ridgefield, she worked as a Television producer for more than 17 years, producing entertainment news programs for networks such as CNN, MTV, VH1, Time Warner, Lifetime, The Food Network and ABC Sports- interviewing everyone from Pavarotti and Barbara Streisand to The Rolling Stones and The Who.  She also ran her own production company where she did a behind the scenes documentary on the making of music videos, which included being on the set of videos for Bon Jovi, Kiss, and Genesis.  She is a big supporter of many not for profits in the town and has been featured in many local news stories and magazines.

Kristen Jensen ~  Photography

As an artist, I attribute the modern, candid style of my lifestyle photo assignments and portrait shoots to my vast experience in the fashion modeling industry. Coupled with years of international travel to many elegant locations and assisting with some of the top fashion photographers in the industry. This is where my passion for photography and my editorial style was created and developed.  Check out Kristen’s own blog, filled with the things that make life beautiful and fun by clicking here.

Anmarie Galowski

Ridgefield resident, ANMARIE GALOWSKI joins our team as a Health & Wellness contributor. This mother of 3 has a background in Massage Therapy, Hypnosis and Yoga, a passion for Pilates, spinning, and running. Anmarie brings to HamletHub her enthusiasm for living a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Anmarie is currently studying to become a Registered Nurse.

Brooke Thaler

BROOKE is a new Ridgefield resident, moving here in 2011 from Gaithersburg MD where she resided for eleven years and wrote for the local newspaper..A graduate of  Dickinson College (where she was inducted into their Hall of Fame), Brooke worked as a TV News Reporter in Zanesville, Ohio and Beckley, West Virginia before becoming a Public Relations professional.

Brooke is an avid athlete who presently plays for Ridgefield’s adult hockey team, The Hericanes. In addition to reporting on local news and human interest stories for HamletHub, Brooke writes for Ridgefield Magazine. 

Kristen L. Bishop

A Ridgefield resident since 2000, KRISTEN BISHOP lives with her husband, two children, and dog. She is a project editor at The Writer's Institute, serves on the Branchville PTA Board, and is a long-time ROAR volunteer. Kristen will be covering local events and reporting on all things Ridgefield.

Joe Ancona Jr.~ Everything Food

After more than 80 years, the third generation of Ancona's continues to deliver the highest quality of food and customer service that has earned them the esteemed title of “Top Family Business in Connecticut” by the University of Connecticut Small Business Center.  Today, JOE ANCONA JR. is at the helm of Ancona’s Market.  He brings his food expertise to Talk of Our Town and we are proud to have him part of our online community.

Joe is a “townie”.  He has lived in Ridgefield all his life, attending Branchville Elementary School, East Ridge Junior High School and graduating from Immaculate High School in Danbury in 1981.  Joe returned to the business in 2005 after completing his studies in Architecture, graduate studies in business and a career in real estate development.  He is proud to call himself a “green grocer”. You can learn more about Ancona’s Market by clicking here. 

Laura Freed Ancona ~ Real Estate

Anyone who knows me understands my unwavering focus on market expertise, professionalism, and client service.  As a top producing buyer and seller specialist and with 17 years prior experience as a CPA, you'll benefit from my strong financial background in pricing, negotiating, and providing the necessary attention to detail from start to finish. 

I grew up in Connecticut and have lived in Ridgefield for fifteen years. With three children in the public schools, I am extremely attuned to the educational, athletic and artistic opportunities which are so abundant in this area.  I welcome the opportunity to offer you my unbounded energy and extensive resources to creatively market your property or help you find the home of your dreams.  Visit my website for information on real estate listings and detailed information.

 John Barricelli ~ Sweet & Savory Recipes

JOHN BARRICELLI, a graduate of The Culinary Institute,  is a third generation baker who owns & operates The SoNo Bakery & Cafe in Norwalk, Ct.  John spent  eight years working in production & appearing on Martha Stewart’s TV show- a natural progression to hosting his own show on PBS:  Everyday Baking from Everyday Food.  His new book: The SoNo Baking Company Cookbook, the Best Sweet & Savory Recipes for Every Occasion(Clarkson Potter, NY),  has been named one of 2010’s “Most Exciting Food Books” by Publishers’ Weekly.

Maria Markus~ Education

MARIA MARKUS is the owner and director of Tutoring Club of Ridgefield. She manages the day-to-day operations of the center and takes a personal interest in each child she meets. As part of a national organization, Maria delivers the very best curriculum for students. And being a local owner allows her to individualize the lessons for each student, to be readily available to parents and students, and to contribute directly to each student’s success. Maria monitors each student’s progress every step of the way, and hires professional, caring and accomplished instructors who share her passion.

Maria received her degree from Academy of Fine Chemical Technology in Moscow, Russia.  She has always had a passion for helping people overcome their obstacles and achieve their best. Maria worked as in-house math and science tutor in Ridgefield High School. Throughout the years, she has motivated students, friends, family members and associates of all ages to do so and feels no greater reward than helping others realize their goals.

Elizabeth Thompson ~ Calendar Listings for Fairfield County

BETSY THOMPSON began "The Town Dispatch" as a hobby. Her comprehensive Fairfield County calendar is now used by residents, businesses and local government agencies in towns spanning Fairfield County. In addition, she is proprietor of Cellar XV wine market located in Ridgefield Ct.