Ridgefield Hamlet Hub

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

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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Written by Terri Garlick

The Ridgefield Playhouse makes Halloween extra special for kids and adults alike who love the grandeur of a day at the ballet!  On Sunday, October 30, at 2 p.m. or 4:30 p.m., Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty comes to life in a beloved classic event performed by Connecticut Ballet, a professional company celebrating its 30^th anniversary this year. Children are encouraged to come in costume and be photographed with a real ballerina! Sleeping Beauty is a magical story with a memorable score providing the perfect opportunity to introduce children to ballet and celebrate Halloween. Media sponsor is Star 99.9fm.

The story of Sleeping Beauty is told in the context of exquisite costumes, a sparkling set and the familiar score by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. The entrancing story culminates when a handsome prince awakens his princess with a kiss…and they live happily ever after.

For tickets ($25 adults, $20 children by calling the box office) call or visit 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.

by Jennifer Leavitt-Wipf

“Don’t Throw Out the Arts,” a panel discussion on the critical role of the arts in education will take place at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St., Ridgefield on Tuesday, Oct. 18 at 7 p.m.

Studies tell us that children who study the arts – from music and drama to painting and handwork – are better socially adapted, rank higher on standardized tests, and are even more likely to get into medical school (Phi Delta Kappan, Feb., 1994), yet the arts continue to take a backseat to almost every other discipline when it comes time to plan (and pare) school curriculums.

Panelists – who will discuss the benefits of arts education, and the ramifications of cuts – will include Suzanne Enser-Ryan, Aldrich’s head of school, teacher and docent programs, Deirdre McCann, a pediatric occupational therapist, Dr. Gerald Karnow, a family practitioner, Michael O’Donoghue, headmaster of the Old Westbury School of the Holy Child, and attorney Neil H. Abramson, who authored the recently published novel “Unsaid.” Panelists will call upon personal and anecdotal experiences as well as hard facts from research studies to answer questions. Melissa Merkling, founder of the Housatonic Valley Waldorf School, will moderate.

A Stanford University study found that young people who participated in an arts program, at least three hours on three days of each week throughout at least a year, were four times as likely to be recognized for academic achievement or to participate in a math and science fair, and three times more likely to be elected to their class office or win an award for school attendance, than were their peers who did not participate in an arts program. According to Johns Hopkins School of Education, The College Entrance Examination Board announced that “Students who studied arts and music scored significantly higher than the national average on the Scholastic Aptitude Test.” In addition, “Students who had participated in acting, play production, music performance and appreciation, drama appreciation, and art history, scored an average of 31 to 50 points higher for the math and verbal sections.” The board added that “Students with long-term arts study (four years or more) tend to score significantly higher on the SAT than those with less coursework in the arts.”

Open to the public, the discussion will focus on the relationship between the arts and a student’s creativity, self-worth and academic success, sensory integration issues, learning disabilities, focus, self-discipline, behavior, and socialization in school and, later, in the work place.

Co-sponsoring with the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum are the Apple Blossom School & Family Center of Wilton, The Clover Hill School of Norwalk, The Garden Gate Early Childhood Program of Southbury, and Housatonic Valley Waldorf School of Newtown.

Space is limited and a $10 pre-registration is recommended. The fee is $15 at the door. For more information, contact Therese Lederer at 203-364-9881 or tlederer@waldorfct.org.

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Things are about to get wild at The Ridgefield Playhouse when exotic animals appear live and “in person” with their expert host Peter Gros who will bring Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom experience to Ridgefield on Sunday, October 9, at 10 a.m. & 1 p.m. This event is underwritten by Noah’s Ark Animal Hospital, South Salem Animal Hospital and Wooster School of Danbury and is part of the Pepsi Children’s Series. The Union Saving’s Bank “Arts for Everyone” recipient is Escape to the Arts, a not-for- profit organization which allows under-privileged kids to experience the world of art. Media sponsor is Star 99.9fm.

A memorable event for children and adults alike, Peter Gros’ Wild Kingdom includes his tales of taming nature’s unpredictable but always amazing animals in an interactive show guaranteed to thrill. Peter will highlight his many adventures with a mix of video clips and hilarious bloopers while introducing friendly exotic animals to the audience members, and telling inspirational stories of wildlife filming, travel and conservation.

A partial list of the hand-raised critters that will be meeting the kids “up close and personal” includes a monkey, a 50 lb. Binturong, a 6-ft. alligator, a Giant African porcupine, a 17- ft. very friendly Python named “Victor the Constrictor”, a 5- ft. monitor lizard Lemur, a Eurasian Eagle owl (the largest owl in the world) flying over people’s heads to the stage plus a Harris hawk and a kookaburra that sings with the audience!

An authority on animals, Peter Gros will inspire respect for the animal kingdom through his “show & tell” event which is both highly entertaining and educational.  Peter has nearly 30 years of field experience with captive wildlife and is a licensed Exhibition & Animal Educator for the U.S.D.A. and an active member of the American Zoo and Aquariums Association and Zoological Association of America.

For tickets ($25 adults, $20 children by calling the box office) call or visit 203-438-5795, 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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An Evening with TODD RUNDGREN Featuring Jesse Gress, Kasim Sulton, Prairie Prince and John Ferenzik at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, September 11

Todd Rundgren, a legendary member of Rock royalty, who pioneered progressive rock and introduced the classics “I Saw The Light”, “Hello It’s Me” and “Bang The Drum All Day”, brings his iconic sound back to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, September 11, at 8 p.m. His last show was a sell-out! Rundgren will star in “An Evening with TODD RUNDGREN Featuring Jesse Gress, Kasim Sulton, Prairie Prince and John Ferenzik”, a show that covers Rundgren’s career highlights and more, played live by his full band. Ticket holders will get 15% off their total lunch/dinner bill at East Ridge Café (5 Grove St., Ridgefield) when tickets are presented the day of this event which is part of the Guinness Black Lager Rock Series with media sponsor WPLR 99.1fm.

As a songwriter, video pioneer, producer, recording artist, computer software developer and interactive artist, Rundgren has made a lasting impact on both the form and content of popular music.  Born and raised in Philadelphia, Rundgren played guitar as a teenager, founded The Nazz, a quintessential 1960s cult group and, in 1969,   left the band to pursue a solo career recording his debut album Runt. It was 1972s seminal Something/Anything?, on which he played all the instruments, sang all the vocal parts, and acted as his own producer, that catapulted him into superstardom, prompting the press to unanimously dub him “Rock’s New Wünderkind”. In 1974, Rundgren formed Utopia, a band that combined the technical virtuosity and creative passion that defined the term “progressive rock.”  Rundgren produced albums for other rock greats including Hall and Oates, Patti Smith, Cheap Trick, Psychedelic Furs, Meatloaf and Grand Funk Railroad.

For tickets ($62) and more information about The Ridgefield Playhouse, call the box office at 203-438-5795, or order online at 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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By Dia Sharma HamletHub Intern

Many of you probably recognize the name RMAC, but may be unfamiliar with what exactly it is. RMAC stands for Ridgefield Music and Arts Center, a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing a safe environment for students to perform and exhibit their work and talents, whether they be musical or otherwise. Currently, RMAC is operating as an organization run entirely by volunteers of all ages. “We are not planning to build an actual center as of now. If circumstances change in the future, we would love to be able to build a facility, but the idea is off the table for the time being,” said Linda Haines, RMAC’s founder and current President of the Board of Directors. Her son, Kevin, has also contributed greatly to the organization, serving as President of the Student Board in his time in high school.

“We started back in 2007, gathered around our living room,” said Mr. Haines. “Since then, we’ve grown tremendously and held some really great events, some of which are annual, some of which are not.”

Just a few of these events include Band Bash, Battle of the Ages, Music Fest, and Fridays After Five. The two most recent events, Music Fest and Fridays After Five, have been very well-received by the community. RMAC is extremely charitable and also donates their time and efforts to causes such as Relay for Life and the Ronald McDonald Foundation, performing and assisting in any way they can.

This past May, Music Fest hosted 34 acts on 4 stages in Ballard Park and in two other spots along Main Street. “It was extremely well-run. We had smooth transitions for the most part, and all the students were very cooperative,” Mr. Haines shared. Music Fest is annual, while Fridays After Five is weekly during the summers.

Fridays After Five is in its fifth year now, and it’s run almost entirely by students. It takes place every Friday during the summer at Town Hall, with live entertainment. Local businesses will stay open later in order to help stimulate Ridgefield’s economy. “The board is here to help support and guide the students, but they’ve really done a lot of the planning this year on their own,” Mrs. Haines said.

Another example of student run events is RMAC’s contribution to Relay for Life. They had originally planned a coffee house from 2:00 am until 4:00 am, but it was unfortunately rained out. However, the preparation for the coffee house was again, almost entirely student run with a little bit of adult supervision. “The way RMAC works is that adults will supervise, but older students will mentor younger students, and that’s how they learn,” Mrs. Haines explained. Mr. Haines added that students gain more experience working with the technology and equipment, and learning from their peers.

So where is RMAC headed in the years to come?

To Africa! “We’re planning a service trip to Ghana in the summer of 2012. We’re in the planning stages currently, and more information will be available on our website in the future,” Mrs. Haines informed us. Locally, RMAC is heading into its fifth year with the largest ever student board, with over twenty students expressing interest to be involved. “It’s a great organization, and it’s going places,” Mr. Haines shared.

First Selectman, Rudy Marconi, shared that he appreciates all the hard work RMAC does, and all that they contribute to the town: “It’s great to see kids performing and displaying their work in front of local crowds. It helps them gain experience, and it helps the town know our youth a little better. Generally, it just brings the community together.”

For more information, please visit http://www.rmacct.org/.

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