Ridgefield Hamlet Hub

Mike Lauterborn in front of his ‘Writing for Interactive Media’ class

*Thanks to Fairfield HamletHub editor, Mike Lauterborn for writing this great article. He captures the entrepreneural spirit of the Hubs and encourages his students to bring their writing to the next level through creative online media.

Bridgeport, CT – What better way to show students the potential of a Blog than to introduce them to someone who has made a commercial success of her own?

That was Mike Lauterborn’s thinking when he invited Kerry Anne Ducey, the founder of HamletHub, to speak in his “Writing for Interactive Media” class at the University of Bridgeport on Tuesday, June 24. Professor Lauterborn is also the Editor of Fairfield’s HamletHub, one of 11 town sites the HamletHub network now encompasses in Connecticut.

Ducey, as a long-time Ridgefield resident, has always been very plugged into the goings-on in her town and recognized a void in information flow from other local media. As such, and initially under the banner Talk of the Town, she started pushing out information online about events, school news, entertainment, retail offers and more, often while still in her pajamas and from a small computer in her bedroom.

The community really began to tune into her posts and she started to receive inquiries from businesses that wanted to advertise on her site. More clients came on board, which created more workload than she could effectively handle. The opportunity to broaden her scope also presented itself.

Ducey’s husband Ken, a mergers and acquisitions exec, stepped in to help her replicate the site’s template, change the name to HamletHub (to avoid any potential dispute with The New Yorker magazine and its Talk of the Town feature) and appoint other locally plugged-in people to serve as editors of its sister sites.

Now the initial Ridgefield site is a comprehensive business model that the other Hubs are eagerly mirroring, with respective editors dispensing local content, promoting the site through Twitter and Facebook, and attracting the interest of both advertisers and subscribers.

Lauterborn’s students – 16 undergraduates in all – have created their own Blog sites, themed around topics of their personal interest. The goal is that they gradually become experts in these topics, garner abundant followers and attract their own advertisers who want to align with content relevant to their businesses.

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You may not believe that someone with a background in fashion and art and no prior movie making experience is capable of directing and producing an award winning film on their first try. You may also find it hard to believe that watching a movie about horses can be so thought provoking that it leads you to question your actions and how they impact the world.

In the award winning movie, “Buck”, Redding resident, Cindy Meehl has combined her passion for horses with her admiration and respect for one charismatic horseman, Buck Brannaman, to create an unforgettable documentary that looks like a feature film. Yet, the film does not star any high-priced actors, and the horses do not allow for a “take 2”. None of the scenes are scripted.

Meehl follows Brannaman to beautiful ranches throughout country where he holds clinics helping what he calls “horses with people problems”. She adeptly captures horses and their owners hungry for Brannaman’s tutelage.  “How am I going to bring people to this idea if they are bored? They have to fall in love to get what he [Buck] is doing,” says Meehl.

Many of those who have seen “Buck” have fallen hard. An abundance of viewers have written to Meehl praising the film. School teachers recount stories where “Buck” helps them teach their students. Inmates in prisons write about how the movie relates to their lives. “It reached people in such a broad way.  I was told that a lawyer shut down his office and took sixteen people to see the movie. Afterward, he discussed how they could improve inter-office relationships,” explains Meehl.

“Buck” premiered onscreen this past summer just a few miles from Meehl’s home at one of her old stomping grounds- Bethel Cinema. “It was surreal to be in Bethel. There were people I knew – it was overwhelming.  The people who supported me and championed me along the way showed up. It was really nice,” explains Meehl. And she’s won broader acclaim; taking home The Sundance Audience Award, the Audience Award at Full Frame Documentary Film Festival as well as the 2011 Best Documentary at The Crossroads Film Festival.

“Buck” demonstrates how Brannanman’s love and passion for horses helps him accomplish the impossible- taming the most unruly of beasts. And in doing so, the master horseman tames the human spirit.  Brannaman uses a gentle touch rather than force to train horses. “Wouldn’t anyone want to be in harmony with an animal?” questions Meehl. We learn from Brannaman that being in harmony with an animal, means being in harmony with yourself.  “A horse is a mirror to the soul and sometimes, you might not like what you see in the mirror,” states Brannaman.

Brannaman has truly discovered and implemented, what Meehl calls, “the better way” of interacting with horses which transcends into healthier relationships on a human level. “Everyone should know this, when you get it, you can take your horse to places you never thought and it reaches you so far beyond the horses,” explains Meehl.

Meehl brilliantly weaves the fabric of Brannaman’s abusive childhood into the film. His gentle method of horse training is built on mutual respect and compassion which is a direct contradiction to his violent past. “When something is scared for its life, I get that,” Brannaman says in the film.

Brannaman is a real life horse whisper, and the inspiration for Robert Redford’s film The Horse Whisperer. In fact, Meehl interviews Redford in her film. “Little miracles happened…like getting Robert Redford to do an interview when you are a no body director,” chuckles Meehl. Redford talks about Brannaman’s humanity and gentle spirit as a horseman.

“Buck gives you pearls of wisdom,” says Meehl. And, these “Buckisms”, as Meehl calls them, will resonate with you long after you leave the theater. “I think we needed this movie,” adds Meehl. I think she’s right.

If you weren’t able to see “Buck” on the big screen you can now pick it up on DVD. “We put in a lot of extras in the DVD,” says Meehl. What’s more, Meehl and Brannaman provide the commentary for the DVD version. It is available at all major retail stores.

*This story appeared in Bethel Magazine.

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*Photo courtesy: Kristen Jensen

How many lemonade stands have you stopped at in your life? It seems kids are born with a beautiful entrepreneurial spirit. Some kids take that spirit to the next level—moving from the lemonade stands to mowing lawns or walking neighbors’ dogs.

Do you have a kidpreneur living at your house? If so, we’d like to hear from them. I happen to be the mom of a kidpreneur. My son began a coffee delivery business at the age of 10. He went on to create an online sports website where he would track scores, feature video, and provide game time commentary. He even had contributing writers and one advertiser.

Kids with ideas have no boundaries. And, unlike adults, they don’t focus on the obstacles that could potentially cause roadblocks. They focus their energies on the joy of creating and the people who will potentially benefit from their product, service, or organization.

One of our HamletHub editors, Sally Allen, is the mom of a kidpreneur. Henry’s Handmade Connecticut Candles was born of Henry’s desire to earn some money so he could purchase Legos.

“I started making candles because my dad said I had to start paying for my own Legos. I love Legos and save my money to buy them,” Henry explains on his website. “I came up with candles, which my dad said was an ok idea. I did some research and decided to make the best candles ever, ” he adds.

While most candles are created from oil, Henry decided to make his candles out of beeswax made in the United States. Yes, the candles are a bit more expensive when composed of beeswax, especially American beeswax, but they are also 100 percent natural, healthier for the environment and for you. He offers unscented and scented (with aromatherapy essential oils) candles.

Even the wicks on Henry’s Handmade Candles are natural, made either from wood or 100 percent cotton and attached with melted wax.

“Most wicks are attached with glue,” Henry points out. “It’s easier and faster, but that also means you’re burning chemicals in your home. Why would you want to do that?”

Because Henry doesn’t use any chemicals or preservatives, when all the wax burns down, the jars can easily be cleaned out and reused.

His two most popular items are his travel candles, which come in light-weight tins, and his pinecone firestarters. For the latter, Henry attaches a wick to the pinecones, which he collected hyperlocally at Sherwood Island, by drizzling wax on them. They keep your fire blazing and, if you wish, nicely scented.

Visit Henry’s fantastic website, where his motto is “You design it, I make it.” You can place your custom order—choosing the type of container, scent, and color—right there on his website.

If your child is a kidpreneur, we’d love to feature his or her idea on HamletHub. Please have your child write to us at: Info@hamlethub.com and let us know all about what they have created.

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Look to “A New Year, A New You!” with Kris Carr & Gabrielle Bernstein to inspire at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Thursday, January 26

Look to Kris Carr & Gabrielle Bernstein “A New Year, A New You!”  to inspire with their Crazy Sexy Miracles Lecture at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Thursday, January 26. Best-selling authors Kris Carr and Gabrielle Bernstein join forces in “A New Year, A New You!” that takes the audience on a “thinking outside the box” inspirational journey geared to allow miracles to occur… naturally.  Kris Carr’s message is one of living a full life as a cancer survivor. Gabrielle Bernstein helps reorganize cluttered thoughts into a thriving state of mind based on her new book Spirit Junkie. These dynamic gals will present their motivational ideas on Thursday, January 26, at 7:30 p.m. at The Ridgefield Playhouse.  Make-up consultations will be a lobby highlight at 6:30 p.m. along with a juice bar and hors- d’oeuvre courtesy of Nature’s Temptations. This event is underwritten by Adam Broderick Salon & Spa Health and Wellness Series and partially underwritten by Nature’s Temptations with media sponsor 98Q.

Something to look forward to in the New Year, this event will be a feel-good “girl’s night out”, quality mother/daughter time, or a do-something-good-for-yourself retreat designed for girls and women of all ages! With insight from Kris Carr and Gabrielle Bernstein — gurus of positive thinking — attendees will learn how to ignite positive change to add fuel to New Year’s resolutions.

Kris Carr is a New York Times best-selling author, motivational speaker and kick-ass wellness coach. She is the subject of the inspirational documentary, Crazy Sexy Cancer, which she wrote and directed for TLC. She wrote the award-winning Crazy Sexy Cancer book series. Kris’ third book, Crazy Sexy Diet, redefines healthy living and transforms dieting into a lifestyle game plan for wellness warriors. Carr regularly lectures at medical schools, hospitals, wellness centers, and universities such as Harvard. Television appearances include: The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric, the Today Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Recently featured in the New York Times Sunday Styles section as the next generation guru, motivational speaker, life coach and author, Gabrielle Bernstein was just one year out of college when she co-founded the Women’s Entrepreneurial Network (WEN), a non-profit professional organization that connects female entrepreneurs. WEN started a local mentor program for young women, WEN Mentors, and is best known for its signature Gift of Service Exchange events.

For tickets ($35), call the box office at 203-438-5795.  For more information on The Ridgefield Playhouse, visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

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Why is the intersection of Danbury Road and Main Street referred to as Joe’s Corner?

For more than a half a century, the Joseph Brothers operated a market, Joe’s Store, in the area of Ridgefield known as Danbury Corners. Over time, the intersection of Routes 116 and 35 near their store became known to Ridgefielders as Joe’s Corner, and many still call it that today. In fact, Tony’s Corner Deli, the current occupant, perpetuates the “corner” moniker.
In 1903, the Joseph Brothers, Mustapha C. (M.C.) and James (Jimmy Joe), natives of a part of Syria that is now Lebanon, came to the United States to operate a family store, Square Deal, in Danbury. In 1918 M.C. opened Joe’s Store in the small building that is now Sweet Pierre’s Candy Shop. After a few years and an expanding business, M.C. moved to a larger and more permanent location—the brick building to the west (now Tony’s Corner Deli) that was built in 1905 by James Kennedy, a contractor and mason. M.C. operated the store until his death in 1938, when his brother Jimmy Joe took over proprietorship and served customers until his death in 1972. Jerry Rabin of Ridgefield Hardware remembers many afternoons when his mother asked him, “to run down to Jimmy Joe’s for something.” Eventually, running to Jimmy Joe’s got shortened to Joe’s Corner, and the name and memories still remain.

Why is the switchback turn on Ridgebury Road called Pope’s Corner?

Today, the swooping downhill curve on Ridgebury Road is famous for the concrete-and-steel, 16,000-square-foot, Rafael Vinoly-designed hilltop residence, but for many years that area of Ridgebury Road was home to Charles Pope, a conductor, composer, musician, and teacher. And for that reason, the downhill turn that has caused drivers to grit their teeth during treacherous winter months, is called Pope’s Corner.

Charles Pope sold his home and land in the 1990s, but prior to that, he was a fixture in Ridgefield. He dedicated his life to the study of music and instruments and was a published composer and arranger for choruses and English hand-bell groups. He served as an organist, choir director, and minister of music for many churches and temples in New York and Connecticut. Pope taught at several area schools including Ridgefield’s Notre Dame Academy, now home to Ridgefield Academy. He also arranged and recorded commercials for both television and radio. But perhaps, he is most famous for the Charles Pope Choristers, a full chorus and show group that he organized and conducted for more than 34 years and 1,600 shows.

*This article appeared in Ridgefield Magazine.

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Kristen Jensen, Lori Zezza, Wilda Hayes, Sarah Bouissou, Kerry Anne Ducey

On October 26, HamletHub, Kristen Jensen Photography and Bernard’s sponsored the Second Annual Drink Pink, Think Pink event. Thanks to our friends and supporters, the event raised $6,030.00 for Ann’s Place, The Home of I CAN.

Last week, the sponsors presented the proceeds from Drink Pink, Think Pink, to Ann’s Place Executive Director, Wilda Hayes and Director of Development, Lori Zezza and were privileged to be among the first people to enter the new home of Ann’s Place.  Located at 80 Saw Mill Road in Danbury, the beautiful new facility radiates tranquility and comfort.

Approximately five years after construction began, Ann’s Place received their Certificate of Occupancy and will now begin the transition to their brand new facility.  “The economic downturn slowed us, but did not dampen our resolve to complete this much needed facility for area cancer patients. We now serve an average of 700 clients each month,” explains Zezza.

Ann’s Place, celebrating their 20^th Anniversary this year, provides comfort and support- free of charge, to all those touched by cancer. Services including counseling, art therapy, support groups and wellness programs are offered to patients and their loved ones from the time of diagnosis through treatment and beyond.

The beautiful 14,000 square foot building was designed by Doyle-Coffin Architecture.  “A large portion of the labor was donated through a coalition of contractors and union trades apprentice labor from across CT and NY,” explains Zezza. Also a donated was the land upon which Ann’s Place sits. “It was built on 4 acres donated by the Woodlands II Group,” says Zezza.

“We are now in the final stages of raising funds for the sewer, site work, furnishings, a generator and solar panels,” explains Zezza.  Ann’s Place is just  $13,000 away from completing a current $125,000 challenge gift. “This will help defray some of the outstanding expenses,” adds Zezza.

To learn more about Ann’s Place, The Home of I CAN, or to make a donation, click here.

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When Ridgefield Liquor Shop owner, Ken Wippermann and his wife went to Millbrook Winery in Millbrook NY this past spring, their palates were filled with joy at the taste of the wine- particularly 2010 the Oak Barreled Chardonnay and the Pinot Noir. “They make excellent wines and it’s affordable,” says Wipperman. When he found out the winery did private label, he was even happier. “I wanted to do a private label to celebrate our 25 years in business,” says Wippermann. He has sold 50 cases of Ridgefield Reserve Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in 7 months making it one of the top sellers in his store.

The label is vintage Ridgefield. “I drew the fountain,” says Wipperman. What’s more, each bottle comes with a lesson in our town’s history. “I added a little blurb about Ridgefield,” he explains. It reads: Ridgefield is one of Connecticut’s finest treasures. The town is the perfect blend of New England small charm, combined with Americana’s modern day tastes. It is also the site of the Revolutionary War 1777 Battle of Ridgefield. American Generals Wooster and Arnold attempted to hold off the British in the only land battle on Connnecticut soil during the revolution.

Looking to purchase a bottle or two? Head to Ridgefield Liquor Store. It’s a very nice wine (I tried both the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir) and at $13.99 a bottle ($12.99 if you buy a case), the price is right. “The label is registered with the State of Connecticut, we own it and no one can use it unless they buy it from me,” says Wippermann. You got it- you won’t find Ridgefield Wine anywhere else. “We’ve sold a lot of for holiday gifts,” says Wippermann. I’ll be back for more.

Ridgefield Liquor Shop is located at 125 Danbury Rd, Ridgefield, CT 203-438-5404

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Tipping around the holidays can be arduous task. During these tough economic times, digging into your wallet for but another gift is tough. Making matters harder is not knowing the appropriate dollar amount to give.

What if you are not in the financial position to give at all? What is an acceptable amount to give?  Should the tip be hand delivered, mailed or left outdoors for the recipient?  What if you’re appreciative of the services provided but do not have the funds to give a generous tip? Should money always be given as a tip?

With the help of Peter and Emily Post and many men and women who provide services to those in Ridgefield, some of your perplexing questions will be answered.  One thing is for sure, showing appreciation and gratitude to those who make life easier for you throughout the year, is appropriated and welcomed. If you are not able to provide a financial tip, a simple note of appreciation is always appreciated.

Peter Post, director of the Emily Post Institute and great-grandson of Emily Post, reminds us that tipping is personal and based on our budget when he says, “Do what you can, and do it in the nicest way you possibly can.”  According to Mr. Post, you should “tip the people who perform services for you year-round, who are there for you when you need them and whom you have a valuable relationship with.”

Tipping Guidelines from Emily and Peter Post