<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The World-Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra returns to the Playhouse for their eighth career performance on Saturday, August 16 at 7:30 pm!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The group is known as the most popular and sought after big band in the world today, for both concert and swing dance engagements. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is one of the greatest bands of all time. Come hear Glenn Miller classics like “In the Mood,” “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and more!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Member tickets are available </span><a href="https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/glenn-miller-orchestra-3/?utm_source=constantcontact&amp;utm_medium=tuesdayblast&amp;utm_campaign=masterblast04012025&amp;utm_id=masterblast04012025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Tickets are available to the general public on Friday, April 1 at 10:00 am</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Get ready to leap into summer fun and creativity at the Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance (RCD)!&nbsp;</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In addition to RCD’s popular week-long camps, the nonprofit dance studio offers weekly classes in a six-week session!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">RCD offers weekly pre-ballet and ballet classes for ages 2 and up. These sessions provide a strong foundation in movement and technique while nurturing a love for dance. Choose from:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dance for 2s &amp; 3s (Companion): Thursday 4-4:30 pm and Saturday 9 to 9:30 am</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Dance for 3s &amp; 4s (Independent): Thursday 4:30 to 5pm or Saturday 9:30 to 10am</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pre-Ballet for Pre-K &amp; K: Thursday 5 to 5:45 pm or Saturday 10 to 10:45 am</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ballet I - Wednesday 4:30 to 5:30</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ballet II - Wednesday 4:30 to 5:30</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ballet III - Wednesday 5:30 to 6:30</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ballet IV - Wednesday 6:30 to 8 pm</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ballet V - Wednesday 6:30 to 8pm</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Check RCD’s website </span><a href="https://www.ridgefielddance.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.ridgefielddance.org/</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> for class times and to register.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Last night, Monday, March 31, 2025, a dedicated group of SPHERE supporters, led by President and Chairman of the Board Lori Berisford, gathered to begin planning for the nonprofit’s biennial fundraiser, the Reach for the Stars Gala. This much-anticipated event is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Amber Room in Danbury. - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Tickets will be available soon!&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For 38 years, SPHERE has been steadfast in its mission to assist adults with developmental disabilities in realizing their dreams. Through a variety of enriching programs and a nurturing community, the organization has significantly enhanced the quality of life for its members, fostering independence and personal growth.​</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">SPHERE Reach for the Stars Gala attendees will be treated to an exclusive preview of SPHERE's forthcoming production of </span><em style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The Lion King</em><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. This special showcase offers guests early access to tickets for the highly anticipated performance.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Adding to the excitement, the gala will honor longtime SPHERE supporters John and Peggy Loehr with SPHERE’s Commitment to Service Award. The evening’s auctioneer will be Allison Stockel, former Executive Director of The Ridgefield Playhouse.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Whether a longtime supporter or new to SPHERE’s mission, the Reach for the Stars Gala offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community and contribute to the organization’s ongoing success.​</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Mark your calendars for November 15, 2025, and prepare to be part of an evening that celebrates inclusivity, community, and the unwavering spirit of SPHERE.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more about SPHERE </span><a href="https://www.spherect.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.spherect.org/</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.actofct.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">A.C.T. of Connecticut</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is set to host its Annual Season Announcement Gala on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the theater, 36 Old Quarry Road, Ridgefield.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;This highly anticipated event offers guests an exclusive first look at the theater's upcoming 2025/2026 season lineup. The evening will feature a festive cocktail reception, engaging live and silent auctions, and captivating live performances from both past and forthcoming A.C.T. of CT productions. Attendees will also have the opportunity to secure season subscriptions for the new season, ensuring prime seating for all performances.​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This year, A.C.T. of CT will honor Kristin and Darren Beylouni, along with Allison Stockel, with the A.C.T. of CT Visionary Award in recognition of their significant contributions to the community. Tickets for the gala are priced at $325 per person and will be available for purchase starting April 1, 2025. Sponsorship opportunities range from $1,500 to $15,000, providing various levels of support and engagement for this cornerstone fundraising event. ​</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All proceeds from the gala will support A.C.T. of CT's mission to elevate entertainment and foster community through the arts.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Given the event's history of selling out quickly, early ticket purchase is highly recommended Purchase tickets </span><a href="https://e.givesmart.com/events/GYy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://e.givesmart.com/events/GYy/</a></p><p><br></p>

<p>I’m always on the lookout for local businesses that offer unique services, and I recently had the pleasure of discovering Trash Can Kid CT! Like many homeowners, I didn’t really notice how dirty my trash cans had become—until I met Hudson Spivak. At just 13 years old, Hudson has turned a simple idea into a thriving business, and after using his service, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer.</p><p>Hudson’s entrepreneurial journey began after receiving an e-bike for Christmas. Wanting to purchase a new model, his parents encouraged him to earn the necessary funds himself. “I know I’ll appreciate it more having earned the money myself,” Hudson reflects. While brainstorming business ideas that wouldn’t compete with existing local enterprises and required minimal startup costs, he noticed the unsanitary state of his family’s trash cans. That’s when the idea for Trash Can Kid CT was born.</p><p>Currently, Hudson operates primarily within Ridgefield but has already completed jobs in neighboring Danbury and Brookfield. Looking ahead, he envisions expanding his services to other towns once he’s old enough to drive. “It would also be awesome if I could find kids in other towns who want to start their own TrashCanKid business, kind of like a franchise,” he shares.</p><p>Entrepreneurship runs in Hudson’s family; his father is also an entrepreneur. Reflecting on his journey, Hudson notes, “Now that I’ve successfully started a business, I realize the hardest part is just getting it off the ground.” While he doesn’t foresee a lifelong career in trash can cleaning, he values the skills he’s acquiring, such as website development and social media marketing. “The best part of this experience (other than earning money) has been the support I’ve gotten from everyone. People are so friendly and encouraging,” he adds.</p><p>Clients booking a cleaning with Trash Can Kid CT can expect a thorough and environmentally conscious service. Hudson, accompanied by his father, begins by setting up two foldable pools to ensure no cleaning solution or dirty water contaminates driveways or the environment. They remove any remaining garbage, re-bag it, and then scrub the cans inside and out using eco-friendly cleaning products, minimizing water usage. After vacuuming out the dirty water, they dry the cans, clean the wheels, and finish by adding a TrashCanKid air freshener. Please, read through the process steps shared again and recognize how well thought out and considerate Hudson is each step of the way—super commendable!</p><p>I can personally vouch for the quality of Hudson’s work. When he and his father arrived at our home, they were professional, efficient, and meticulous, along with bright, smiling faces to boot! Once Hudson was finished, our trash cans looked—and smelled—brand new! It’s inspiring to see a young entrepreneur take such pride in his work, and I have no doubt that Hudson’s business will continue to grow and succeed. Funny enough, I met with a service provider the next day who noticed our clean receptacles and was proud to share Hudson’s services; it is clear this is only the beginning for this excellent entrepreneur!</p><p>For more information or to schedule a cleaning, visit TrashCanKidCT's website <a href="https://trashcankidct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://trashcankidct.com/</a> or contact Hudson directly at 203-837-6622.</p>

<p>Ridgefield's female BSA Troop 19 is hosting their annual Recruitment event on Tuesday, May 6th at 7pm starting in the parking lot behind St Stephens Church. Any girls currently in fifth grade through high school are welcome to come check out what our troop is all about to see if joining us is just the kind of adventure you are up for!</p>