Ridgefield Hamlet Hub

The “Farm to Table” sponsors pictured from left to right: Joe and Ilsa Keller and their son Harlan from Garden of Ideas, Sarah Bouissou from Bernard’s, along with Pam Rybarczyk from ROAR. Missing is Monica Brown from 109 Cheese & Wine

By Meg Reilly

Expect lively bidding at this year’s ROAR with Laughter fundraiser event on February 25^th.  Among the exciting live auction items that include a Sonoma Valley wine trip, a private villa vacation in Manzanillo, Mexico and the ever-popular Macy’s Fireworks VIP evening, is a unique dining experience created and donated by three local businesses and long-time ROAR supporters

New this year is a fabulous “Farm to Table” evening hosted by The Garden of Ideas, 109 Cheese & Wine and Bernard’s. The evening will kick off with a tour led by Joe and Ilsa Keller, The Garden of Ideas owners, to view their beautiful grounds made up of eight acres of marsh, woodland, meadow and vegetable plots. Wine and hors d’oeuvres, carefully paired by Monica Brown of 109 Cheese & Wine, will follow the tour. Bernard’s own Sarah Bouissou will use her culinary talents to create a menu that centers on the bounties of the garden. “Creating this special evening to support ROAR was important to all us involved with its planning. It will truly be a magical evening”, said Sarah.

ROAR with Laughter takes place on February 25 at 7 pm at the Matrix Banquet and Conference Center. To make your reservation, learn more about the event or place your pre-event online auction bid, go to www.roar-ridgefield.org.

*Photo courtesy Donna Svendsen

Read more on www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield

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.

Follow HamletHub on Facebook and Twitter

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.

Read more at HamletHub.com Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

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

Follow HamletHub on Facebook and Twitter.

HamletHub recently had its first sit-down with First Selectman Marconi since the days following Irene.  And like many of us, Marconi has noticed that there has been “a very high level of pressure and frustration in town.”  It’s the worst he’s seen in his 13 years as First Selectman.  He’s not sure, but perhaps the lack of power and water for so many days left people with a heightened awareness of what is going on around them.

Irene

And speaking of Irene, Marconi recently testified in Hartford, one of the only elected officials to do so, on Irene’s impact on Ridgefield.  He’s sees the problem as two fold ~ CL&P was completely overwhelmed by the storm and lacks the preparedness for major storms, and there was a complete failure of the Connecticut emergency response system.  Marconi believes that until these two situations are remedied, Ridgefield, and Connecticut, will not be ready for another major storm and are at risk of more long-term outages.  He is also very thankful for the kind words many Ridgefielders have shared with him since the storm.

Cell Tower

Since the storm, he has also been receiving many calls about the need for a cell tower in Northern Ridgefield.  In the days following Irene, many were cut off without any way to communicate, and now see this as a real problem.  However, he still believes a fair number will oppose any plan, so he’ll be going back to the drawing board to find a location that can satisfy most parties involved.

Schlumberger Property

With elections in November, the town purchase of the Schlumberger property, along with a private developer, will be on the ballot.  Although the Board of Finance voted against it this past week, that does not necessarily indicate that they are all against it.  More information is still being gathered, but unfortunately, our Revised Charter, did not allow for a vote after the information was received. The vote had to have taken place 15 days following the BOS decision to put it on the ballot, and without information, they felt a no vote was the only way to go.

What Selectman Marconi feels is important to understand is that if the property is not sold by December 31, Schlumberger has indicated that they will land bank it ~ or as per Public Act 490, they will raze all the buildings and promise not to develop or sell it for 10 years in order to receive a for a tax break (for 10 years they will pay roughly $10 per acre in yearly taxes).  After 10 years, they feel real estate prices will improve, and it will be sold to the highest bidder. Mr. Marconi’s fear is that it will turn into another Bennett’s Farm debacle.  If the purchase is approved, the Philip Johnson building and the auditorium will be preserved, the other buildings demolished, and the environmental issues resolved.  The property then could be used for some retail and housing, hopefully, recouping some of the tax base that was lost with the decision of Schlumberger’s move.

Vacant Property

On another note, there is a lot happening with properties around town:

• The property once occupied by Young’s (91 Danbury Road) was recently purchased by Patrick Downend and permits are in place to begin construction there. No definitive plans are in place as to what type of business will fill the vacancy.
• The green between Starbucks and the Early Bird Cafe is privately-owned, and it is the owner’s decision when and what to build.  The town is only brought in for permits, clarifying codes, etc.
• Hay Day/Balducci’s is being cleaned-up with the hope that it can be sub-divided and leased to several tenants, since finding one to occupy the entire space has been futile.

• The large white house on the corner of Main and Governors Streets is hopefully being prepared as a bed and breakfast.  They still need to make a few changes to meet all the town codes, but what a asset that will be to the Community Center.

PI Rocks

Marconi finds the Pi rocks around town, just as interesting as we do. And no, he has no idea who is painting and placing them, or if they have significant meaning. We gave the Ridgefield Police Department a call and they too are baffled as to the significance of the Pi rocks.

Social Hosting

The recent tragic deaths of two 16 year old Ridgefield youths brings to attention consequences for parents who “social host” or hold parties at their homes and serve alcoholic beverages to minors. Mr. Marconi says this is “unacceptable” and confirms that there are arrests made in these situations. He warns that many parents have become desensitized to the severity of these issues.

We checked in with Ridgefield Police about legalities and consequences to those who host and minors who partake in underage drinking parties: “In general we respond to a claim and probable crime by investigating the situation,” says Cliff Scharf. Usually this is brought to the attention of police when a neighbor complains of noise or a road that is packed with vehicles. “We will disperse the party making sure, first and foremost that the kids are safe,” says Scharf. In many cases, this requires that police call parents and have them pick up their children.  If there is probable cause, police make arrests. This may involve charges of delivery or possession of alcohol or hosting of a party resulting in charges of infractions or misdemeanors.

It should be noted that state laws for “social hosting” vary. In Connecticut, parents are not charged in situations that arise in their own home that they are not aware of. Therefore, should they be asleep while youths are drinking in the home and did not give them permission or have knowledge of it, they are not charged.  Link to learn about “social hosting” laws in Connecticut: http://compelledtoact.com/Involvement_pages/State/state_soc_host_statute.htm

We will continue our Thursday meetings with Mr. Marconi. Should you have any questions you would like answered, or issues addressed, please email: kerry@hamlethub.com or terri@hamlethub.com

Follow HamletHub on Facebook and Twitter.

Three organizations in Ridgefield have joined forces to party for a cause. HamletHub LLC, Kristen Jensen Photography, and Bernard’s will host the second annual Drink Pink, Think Pink to provide the opportunity for socializing and fun while raising money to help prevent the second leading cause of death among women in the United States- breast cancer.

Drink Pink, Think Pink, a fun gathering to bring awareness to and raise money for breast cancer, will take place on Wednesday evening, October 26 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Bernard’s restaurant located at 20 West Lane in Ridgefield.

There will be a $15 admittance charge which will be given directly to Ann’s Place, The Home of I Can, a local organization that provides comfort and support to those touched by cancer. Attendees who purchase a $5 raffle ticket will have an opportunity to win some beautiful items donated by local Ridgefield shops. Pink Pashmina Scarves will also be available for sale. All proceeds from the raffle sales and scarves will be donated to Ann’s Place.

Local Photographer, Kristen Jensen will display her photographical collection, “Courageous Faces”; an absolutely beautiful anthology of pictures that tell a story of strength, courage and hope. Live music will be provided by Redding resident, Kelly Mittleman. Pink beverages and cheese will be served courtesy of 109 Cheese & Wine.

All are invited and encouraged to attend this festively “Pink” gathering that is sure to warm your heart and empower you during National Breast Cancer Month.

According to The National Cancer Institute, women in the United States get breast cancer more than any other type of cancer with the exception of skin cancer. Breast Cancer is second to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer death in women.

Follow HamletHub on Facebook and Twitter!

Hutton’s Fine Men’s Wear made its debut on Bailey Ave this past spring in a new bright & inviting space- fitting for the classic, sophisticated apparel it sells.

Since 1875, this high-end shop has kept men looking dapper in all seasons with clothing from designers like Johnston & Murphy, Tommy Bahama, Cutter & Buck, True Grit, to name a few. In addition, among the handsome, comfortable and classic wear at Hutton’s, you’ll find menswear by designer and Ridgefield resident, Alexander Julian and preppy apparel and accessories by Vineyard Vines.

But perhaps the best part of shopping at Hutton’s is the friendly presence of the shop’s owner, Doug Hutton.  Quick with a smile and top notch customer service, Mr. Hutton’s gentlemanly demeanor shines from his head to his toes; from the inside out.

While you’re strolling through downtown Ridgefield, make sure to stop by Hutton’s at 15 Bailey Ave, check out the shop and meet Doug. You’ll be happy you did. If you’d rather call, dial 203-438-6989

Follow HamletHub on Facebook and Twitter.