<p>This year’s edition of RIDGEFIELD INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL shines the spotlight on several filmmakers from the surrounding area, starting with Easton, CT filmmaker, <strong>Karen Thorsen</strong>, whose taut and compelling, award-winning documentary, <strong>JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE OF THE TICKET</strong> opens the festival on <strong>May 16th</strong> at <strong>The Prospector Theater</strong>. Using rarely-seen archival footage, the film melds intimate interviews with the author and civil rights luminary, along with interviews with Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and Frances Foster, public speeches and vérité glimpses of Baldwin. There will be a reception at 7pm, catered by GALLO Ristorante in the Star Bar of the Prospector Theater, followed by the 8pm screening and a Q&amp;A with the filmmaker, moderated by RIFF Board Member, Lisa Cambridge-Mitchell. </p><p>Darien, CT filmmaker <strong>Eden Wright</strong> is 5th generation in the film business and currently co-stars in "City on a Hill" (Showtime) produced by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. She made her acting debut as a toddler on "Sex and the City" (HBO), co-starred on the series "Are We There Yet?" (TBS), and was featured in a Bill Gates sketch on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" (NBC). She brings her short film <strong>CUTTER</strong> to <strong>RIFF’s PSYCH NIGHT!</strong> On <strong>Friday,</strong> <strong>May 17th at 9pm. </strong>When her newest client sends them both out to sea, a desperate maritime hairdresser learns an important lesson about internet strangers; the hard way.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Norwalk resident </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Ethan Isaac’s</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> film </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">THE SUGAR MAKER</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> profiles Ridgefield resident, farmer and maple syrup producer, Pete Campbell. Filmed on location at Campbell's Horseshoe Farm in Ridgefield, Campbell gives the viewer a unique insight into the art of maple sugar making, and his deep connection with his land. Isaac is principal owner of Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, CT and is a multi-talented creative, music producer, songwriter, and vocalist. THE SUGAR MAKER screens as part of </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">HEROIC DOCS 2 Saturday, May 18th at 5pm in Theater 2.</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Fairfield CT resident and prolific short form filmmaker, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Brian Russell</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, returns to RIFF with his short film, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">NOT THE SAME CLARENCE</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">, starring James Naughton. The film portrays a man who must come to terms with his fathers Alzheimer's disease. Brian and his son, Samuel B. Smith worked together on the film to bring it to life. </span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Saturday, May 18th 12pm, Theater 2.</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">HOW TO PAINT A PEACE SIGN</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> by filmmaker </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Rick Gomez</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> takes an intimate look at grief and healing as Redding, CT artist Dave Daignault teaches viewers a technique to paint prominent peace symbols and, in the process, gives his audience the tools necessary to cope. Rick Gomez has been acting in film and television for the last 30 years. Some of his television credits include HBO's Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning mini-series "Band of Brothers,” and the Peabody Award-winning drama "Justified." Rick currently plays Patrick Kennedy on Apple TV's, "Silo," starring Rebecca Ferguson. He wrote and directed "An Uncandid Portrait," which world premiered at the Tribeca film festival in 2021. Rick says of the film, “I have been friends with Dave Daignault for over 30 years. When his wife's life ended by suicide in 2020, and he decided to move from the barn where they raised their children and painted enormous peace signs for the entire neighborhood to experience, I knew I had to document that departure. What we created was an ode to the power of art and hope and a simple philosophical strategy to cope with grief.” </span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">HEROIC DOCS 2, Saturday, May 18th 5pm Theater 2.</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Norwalk filmmaker, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Alix Speyer Bacher</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> gives us a look inside the world of roller derby with her very entertaining film, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">DON’T BE DAINTY… IT’S DERBY!</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> Played by women young and old, the emerging sport of roller derby has confident, powerful, female identifying athletes with bodies of every size and shape, at its core. The skaters explain how liberating it is to experience the aggressive power that has long been traditionally reserved for male athletes. Alix is an award winning independent filmmaker. Her lengthy career in production includes credits in a range of media: broadcast, news, advertising and marketing. In her first documentary, she and Sundance Award-winning cinematographer, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Laela Kilbourn</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> unpack an under the radar amateur sport that’s poised to emerge as a blueprint for the future of women’s sports. </span></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">HEROIC DOCS 2, Saturday, May 18th 5pm Theater 2.</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">All films will screen at The Prospector Theater - 25 Prospect Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877 May 16-18.</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">“I am thrilled to bring so many local filmmakers to screen their films at the beautiful Prospector Theater,” states festival founder/director, Joanne Hudson. “Our goal is to create an ecosystem for independent filmmakers in Connecticut.” </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Many of these filmmakers will also take part in the </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">MAKE YOUR MOVIE</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> panel on </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">May 17th 2pm</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> at the </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Lounsbury House</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">. This panel moderated by filmmaker, </span><strong style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Daniel Schechter</strong><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> (LIFE OF CRIME, AFTER CLASS, SUPPORTING CHARACTERS) will help to assuage your fears about taking the leap into filmmaking.</span></p><p><strong>Please visit RIFF’s website </strong><a href="https://www.riffct.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>https://www.riffct.org</strong></a><strong> for more information and tickets.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Muse Squad, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering creativity and literacy in young minds, is thrilled to announce the launch of several internship opportunities for both part-time and full-time undergraduate and graduate students. Through engaging workshops and artistic experiences, Muse Squad empowers children and teens to explore their imagination and develop essential writing skills. These internships will provide invaluable hands-on experience in various aspects of our organization, with each position offering a unique opportunity for growth and development.</p><p>The internships will run for six months, with the possibility of contract renewal, and candidates will have the flexibility to choose between part-time and full-time commitments. Additionally, we are open to forming teams of individuals for each internship, fostering collaboration and synergy among participants. Applicants also have the option to apply for more than one internship position, allowing them to explore diverse areas of interest within Muse Squad.</p><p><strong>Here are the exciting internship opportunities available:</strong></p><p><strong>Grant Writer:</strong>&nbsp;As a Grant Writer intern, you will play a crucial role in securing funding for Muse Squad's initiatives. Responsibilities include staying updated on available grants, crafting compelling cover letters, and collaborating on grant applications.</p><p><strong>Fact Checker/Works Cited:</strong>&nbsp;Join us as a Fact Checker/Works Cited intern and contribute to the accuracy and credibility of our educational materials. You will be responsible for researching, referencing, and creating Works Cited pages for our handbooks and workshop booklets.</p><p><strong>Photographer/Videographer:</strong>&nbsp;Capture the essence of Muse Squad's activities as a Photographer/Videographer intern. You will have the exciting opportunity to take pictures and videos at designated classes, workshops, and events, helping to document and showcase our impactful work.</p><p><strong>Donations &amp; Fundraising Campaign:</strong>&nbsp;Make a tangible difference in Muse Squad's mission by spearheading our Donations &amp; Fundraising Campaign as an intern. You will develop and execute innovative strategies to secure funding and support our organization's growth and sustainability<strong>Social Media:&nbsp;</strong>As a Social Media intern, you will be at the forefront of engaging our audience across various platforms. Collaborate with our team to craft compelling narratives tailored to each platform, driving awareness and engagement with Muse Squad's initiatives.</p><p><strong>Event Coordinator:</strong>&nbsp;Join us in organizing and executing our upcoming fundraiser as an Event</p><p>Coordinator intern. You will be responsible for communicating with participants, ensuring seamless coordination, and contributing to the success of this pivotal event.</p><p>Interested applicants are encouraged to send their resumes to&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:info@musesquad.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">info@musesquad.org</a>&nbsp;. Our team will review applications and reach out to schedule interviews with qualified candidates.</p><p>"At Muse Squad, we believe in nurturing talent and providing meaningful opportunities for students to gain real-world experience," said Lisa Stern, Head of Internships &amp; Volunteers at Muse Squad. "These internships offer a platform for students to contribute to our mission while honing their skills and making a positive impact in our community.”</p><p>Don't miss this chance to be part of an organization committed to fostering creativity, education, and empowerment. Join Muse Squad today and embark on a rewarding journey of growth and discovery!</p><p>For more information about Muse Squad and our internship opportunities, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://musesquad.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">MuseSquad.org</a>.</p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Last Chance</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">2022 Pascal Janvier Coteaux du Loir Rouge</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Cuvee Du Rosier" (750ml)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"The wine is feather light, but packed with flavor: cranberries, peppercorn, petrichor (you know, that smell after it rains on hot asphalt on an August afternoon)."~CFoster</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Save Up To $7 a Bottle! aka over 25%</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#PJdoesnotdisappoint</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=3a139db38a&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sneak Peek</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;2023 Domaine Ines Lauverjat Sancerre (750ml)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Fresh lemons, crisp green apple, wild flowers, peach skin, and a dusting of crushed stone shimmering with flint...Absolutely peak drinkability for any occasion."~CFoster</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#pristineelegance</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#Sancerreshortage?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#youvebeenwarned</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=ba835d2ce7&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#perhapsitswhatsinyourglassVShowmuch?</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Spring Wine Fest</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">A Walk-Around Tasting/Celebration of Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural--all for RSO</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On Thursday May 2, join us in the backspace of the Nod Hill Brewery for a walk-around tasting to support the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Enjoy 40+ eclectic wines, Nod Hill beers, cheese, charcuterie and veggie grazing boards and more.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It's a rare and special occasion anytime we open this many wines all in one place and if your at all curious about Organic, Biodynamic, and Natural approaches--this is a great way to expose yourself to a bunch of new wines.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Drink Better, Feel Better"</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday 5/2 from 6-8pm at Nod Hill Brewery&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Only a handful of tickets are remaining, so don't sleep on this if you plan on attending!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$40/ticket, </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=74af2f4ea9&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">CLICK HERE</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to purchase.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Branchville Back Bar Event</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Taste And Talk With Kent Falls Brewing</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Join us on Thursday May 9th at our back bar in the Branchville store for an intimate sit-down tasting with one of the premier craft breweries in the state of Connecticut, Kent Falls.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Brewer and founder of Kent Falls, Barry Labenz, will be here to taste through and talk about the wide array of styles of beer that Kent Falls has to offer. This is bound to be an awesome and educational tasting event that any beer lover would cherish to be a part of.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday 5/9 6-7:30pm at the Branchville Back Bar</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$10/ticket, seats are limited. </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=c63bbc71a2&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">CLICK HERE</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to sign up.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">To see our entire schedule of upcoming events, please </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=916366cf81&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">CLICK HERE</a></p><p><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=cad13ae5a6&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">19 Crimes Red Blend (750ml)</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> ($11.99/$9.99)</span></p><p><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=605a7ce2ca&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Jose Cuervo Gold (750ml)</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp; ($22.99 /$20.99)&nbsp;</span></p><p><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=9a40690b63&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Corona Extra (12 pack 12oz cans)</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> ($19.99 /$17.99)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#allthehits</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Caledonia Barr Hill Gin &amp; Tonic Cocktail (12oz can)</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Price: $5.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sale Price: $4.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"The award-winning gin with tonic made from hunks of real cinchona bark, lemongrass, juniper berries and citrus perfectly complementing the botanical depth of the finishing touch--Bar Hill Raw Honey."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#buzzworthy</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#thiscouldbethebestreadytodrinkcocktailcurrentlyonthemarket</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=a31b022b2a&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ommegang Rare Vos Amber Ale (4-pack 16oz cans)</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Price: $12.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sale Price: $10.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;"A take on the smooth, easy drinking ambers poured in cafes across Belgium...Pouring a brilliant copper with a creamy white head, this bright, beguiling beer is sensational to session."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#catchthestrangefox</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=5172826250&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Beaglepuss Strange Hoppenings Non-Alcoholic IPA&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(4-pack 16oz cans)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Price: $13.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sale Price: $11.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Fruity flavors of apricot, peach, melon, &amp; pineapple with a slightly piney finish."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#nonalcstandoutbrew</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=0b8ac9befa&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Hybrid Blueberry Dream THC Seltzer (12oz can)</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Price: $3.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sale Price: $2.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Blueberries are tart, juicy and high in Linalool, a terpene that has been shown to, decrease anxiety, have a sedative effect, and lower body temperature. Blueberry Dream combines them with dank and earthy Mosaic hops, which are also rich in Linalool."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#berrygood</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=6b1047f6f8&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</a></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Tranquini Ginger Lemongrass Wellness Drink</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(8.5oz can)</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Price: $2.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sale Price: $1.99</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">"Combines the spice of ginger and invigorating lemongrass for a crisp and refreshing, lightly sparkling beverage that enhances hydration while boosting wellbeing."</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">#crackacanandtoasttoyourhealth</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop </span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=03ae1c349c&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">HERE</a></p>

<p><strong>Ridgefield, Conn</strong>.— The <em>American Revolution Experience</em> traveling exhibit is on view now through Saturday in the Visitor Center at Keeler Tavern Museum &amp; History Center (KTM&amp;HC). Admission is free! Visit today through Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.</p><p><em>American Revolution Experience</em> is brought to KTM&amp;HC through the local Cannon Ridge Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) and details the diverse experiences of a cast of historical characters living during the late 1700s, as Americans fought for their independence from Britain.</p><p>The innovative pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology, and unique artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with Revolutionary War-era people and places. Created through a collaboration between the American Battlefield Trust and the NSDAR, the exhibit is also made possible by generous matching funds from the National Park Service’s American Battlefield Protection Program battlefield interpretation grants. <em>American Revolution Experience</em> helps audiences learn, reflect, and commemorate the upcoming 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence: America250.</p><p>KTM&amp;HC thanks the Cannon Ridge Chapter of NSDAR for securing this exciting opportunity for the museum to host the exhibit during its national tour. For more information about the American Battlefield Trust and on <em>American Revolution Experience</em>, go to <a href="http://www.battlefields.org/ontour" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.battlefields.org/ontour</a>. For more information about NSDAR, go to <a href="http://www.dar.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.dar.org/</a>. For more information about what’s happening at KTM&amp;HC, check out our website, <a href="http://www.keelertavernmuseum.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.keelertavernmuseum.org</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Today, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) released the names of the first group of winners in the 69th annual National Merit Scholarship Program.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Among the nine winners in the State of Connecticut is Ridgefield resident Jack Lyons, a student at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan. Jack is the recipient of the National Merit Pepsico Foundation Scholarship.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Approximately 770 distinguished high school seniors have won corporate-sponsored National&nbsp;Merit Scholarship awards are financed by about 94 corporations, company foundations, and other business organizations.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Scholars were selected from students who advanced to the Finalist level in the National&nbsp;Merit Scholarship competition and met the criteria of their scholarship sponsors.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Corporate sponsors provide National Merit Scholarships for Finalists who are children of their employees, who are residents of communities the company serves, or who plan to pursue college majors or careers the sponsor wishes to encourage.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Most of these awards are renewable for up to four years of college undergraduate study&nbsp;and provide annual stipends that range from $1,000 to $10,000 per year. Some provide a single&nbsp;payment between $2,500 and $5,000. Recipients can use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university of their choice.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about the National Merit Scholarship Corporation </span><a href="https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/start.aspx?gid=2&amp;pgid=61" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.nationalmerit.org/s/1758/start.aspx?gid=2&amp;pgid=61</a></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Elegant Ridgefield opened its doors at 92 Grove Street on October 3, just short of seven months ago and quickly became a go-to destination for stunning gowns, sassy dresses, purses, hats (oh, the hats), resort wear, and comfy but formal shoes (even those hard to find large size for men).</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Thank you to Elizabeth Murray Ellis for bringing good things to Ridgefield and giving us the opportunity to be “the best-dressed guest”.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Whether you’re looking for that perfect gift to say “I love you” to mom (Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 12), or you need a mother-of-the-bride gown or just a fun graduation dress, Elegant Ridgefield has you covered (and you’ll feel like a rock star just entering this e</span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">xquisite boutique.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Elegant Ridgefield is located at 92 Grove Street in Ridgefield.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.</span></p><p>Visit Elegant Ridgefield online <a href="https://elegantridgefield.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://elegantridgefield.com/</a> and on Instagram and Facebook @elegantridgefieldct</p><p><br></p>