<p>While most Ridgefield High School students are targeting the end of the school year and the start of Summer, we at&nbsp;<a href="https://ridgefieldabc.org/about-us" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">Ridgefield A Better Chance (“RABC”)</a>&nbsp;are planning for the upcoming school year and welcoming new scholars to our community.&nbsp;We are looking for families to volunteer as host families to our incredible scholars.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>What is a RABC Host Family?</strong></p><p>One of the key elements of RABC is our host family program.&nbsp;These young women leave their families to come to Ridgefield as freshmen and live together with the RABC Resident Director and Resident Academic Director.&nbsp;They are highly motivated students with a rigorous academic and extracurricular schedule.&nbsp;Our host families are part of the support network for the scholars.&nbsp;Host families generally pair with a scholar for all four of her years at RHS and they open their homes and hearts to their individual scholar to help ensure she gets the non-academic connection to members of the community and provide a family that is on her side as she navigates her high school career and journey to college.&nbsp;Practically, the scholars stay with their host families approximately one weekend and one Sunday per month during the school year.&nbsp;At that time the host families are responsible for supporting their scholar (whether extracurricular activities, meals, social engagements).&nbsp;But host families often provide a listening ear in between those official visits, enjoy the occasional celebratory dinner or ice cream between visits, and attend their scholars’ extracurricular events or performances.</p><p><strong>What are the requirements to be a host family?</strong></p><p>The main criteria for being a host family is to be patient, empathetic, and welcoming to the scholars, but a host family also should:</p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Provide a physically private space for their scholar (ideally a bedroom of her own)</p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Have the ability to drive the scholar to/from events on host family weekends (if you don’t already have RHS kids, some events, like games and plays can run late even on weekends)</p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Live in or close to Ridgefield because the host family program is meant to foster a greater sense of the scholars’ belonging in this community.</p><p>-&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Believe in the mission of RABC, appreciate the gifts that these girls bring to our community, and live that support in a truly real and rewarding way.</p><p><strong>What do our host families say?</strong></p><p>From TB: “We are young empty nesters who raised sons. Hosting two RABC scholar daughters has enriched our lives.&nbsp;We are experiencing teen girls which means getting prom dresses altered, pre-prom photos, and hosting a sweet 16 birthday party.&nbsp;Mentoring young women who are working hard on both their education and growing up in a complex world is an important job.&nbsp;It’s nice to have our house busy a few times a month with teenagers!”</p><p>From LG: “Hosting a scholar has been incredibly rewarding for our entire family.&nbsp;We have enjoyed the opportunity to learn from our scholar, exchanging our family traditions and to create unforgettable memories together.”</p><p><strong>What’s next?&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;If this sounds like an opportunity for your family, please click&nbsp;<a href="https://ridgefieldabc.org/host-family-program" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">here</a>&nbsp;and complete our Host family application.&nbsp;We will be in touch soon!</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><br></p>

<p>In just over a week, the community will come together to support Keeler Tavern Museum &amp; History Center (KTM&amp;HC) and celebrate honorees Tina and Don Sturges at the 30th annual Cannonball Gala on May 11 at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase now!</p><p>“We’re delighted to recognize Tina and Don this year,” said KTM&amp;HC Board President Sara Champion. “Their contributions to our museum have had such positive impact on our ability to share our site stories with the public.” Born and raised in Ridgefield, Tina and Don Sturges both have a long and active history of philanthropic engagement with their hometown, including with KTM&amp;HC.</p><p>Tina grew up in an artist’s home under the tutelage of her father, Charles Cobelle, a world-renowned impressionistic painter who studied with Marc Chagall. Her maternal grandfather was Stewart M. Seymour, a corporate lawyer from New York City who summered with his family in Ridgefield in the early 20th century. The Seymour family can trace its lineage back to the American Revolution and the Battle of Ridgefield.</p><p>As an acclaimed artist, Tina has donated her art to many organizations, including KTM&amp;HC, Kids in Crisis, Sunrise Cottage, RVNA, Ability Beyond Disability, Lounsbury House, the Ridgefield School system, the League of Women Voters, Ridgefield Playhouse, Play for Pink, Founder’s Hall, and most recently RADical Hope, an organization dealing with youth suicide prevention. One of her paintings, the “Vietnam War Memorial,” hangs in Town Hall, and her “Porches of Ridgefield” – developed in collaboration with The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum – is a tribute to the town’s historic past. Tina has donated back to KTM&amp;HC a portion of the proceeds from multiple art shows in the Cass Gilbert Carriage Barn as a solo artist as well as from a group exhibition with the late Hans Fisher. Tina has raised funds for many worthy causes and organizations in town, including Sunrise Cottage and the Christopher Manno Scholarship Fund. She’s also volunteered many hours in the Ridgefield School system and sports teams. Most recently, Tina was honored by the Ridgefield Old Timers Association and the Ridgefield Arts Council. She’s currently on the board of the Ridgefield Guild of Artists and is a past board member of the Ridgefield Playhouse.</p><p>Don’s family has equally deep roots in Ridgefield. His great-grandfather, John Sturges, was a builder in town. His grandfather, Ernest Sturges, worked as a painter on many large estates in town and was on the first Planning and Zoning Board. Ernest also donated a large piece of land to be used for the youth of Ridgefield which is now Sturges Park. Don’s father, John Sturges, served on several town boards, including the building committee for Scotts Ridge Middle School. He was instrumental in making sure the land donated by his father was kept in perpetuity for the youth of Ridgefield. On Don’s maternal side, his great-grandfather William Pinchbeck started local institution Pinchbeck Nurseries. Don’s mother, Sylvia Sturges, was a talented floral designer at Pinchbeck Nurseries. She spent her entire life in Ridgefield where she volunteered her time with many different organizations. Sylvia donated a beautiful sleigh to KTM&amp;HC that had been in her family’s possession for a long time.</p><p>Don served on the boards of Tiger Hollow Athletic Facility at Ridgefield High School and Sunrise Cottage. He helped with the Scotts House renovation and was on the committee that started the Ridgefield Playhouse. Don was instrumental in building the cabin at Sturges Park and volunteered many hours with sports teams in Ridgefield and other organizations, including the Christopher Manno Scholarship Fund. Don and his brother Jim donated countless hours to the site integration and accessibility project at KTM&amp;HC - mostly while driving a bulldozer!</p><p>We hope the community will join us to honor Tina and Don on Saturday, May 11. All proceeds from the Gala will benefit the museum, allowing KTM&amp;HC to continue to deliver on its mission to preserve and share its collections and stories. And please especially consider donating during our paddle raise, which will directly benefit our fabulous school programs.</p><p>Tickets are still available but selling quickly, so don’t delay: click <a href="https://cbo.io/bidapp/index.php?slug=ktmgala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HERE</a> to reserve your seats today.</p><p>Learn more about the KTM&amp;HC <a href="https://keelertavernmuseum.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://keelertavernmuseum.org/</a></p>

<h2><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Best mom ever</span></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For every $175 in ab gift cards you purchase from </span><a href="https://www.adambroderick.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">adam broderick</a>, r<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">eceive an additional $25 gift card through Mother’s Day.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">All gift cards are not alike so give the best - let them choose with an ab beauty and wellness gift card.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our beauty experts will help you select the purchase gift complimentary gift wrap, ship, or arrange for convenient pickup.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more </span><a href="https://www.adambroderick.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.adambroderick.com/</a> </p><p><em>adam broderick is located at 89 Danbury Road in Ridgefield and 730 Main Street South in Southbury.</em></p><p><br></p>

<p>It’s official – a beautifully updated condo is coming to the market! Listed by Heather Neumann Salaga of Houlihan Lawrence, you can move right into the two-bedroom, main-level gem at <a href="https://heathersalaga.houlihanlawrence.com/realestate/details/3488942/6-sandlewood-lane-6-ridgefield-ct-06877" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">6 Sandlewood Lane</a> in Fox Hill for $375,000. </p><p>On the market as "Coming Soon" right now, we are accepting viewing requests <u>starting this Friday, May 3rd.</u></p><p><strong>More about 6 Sandlewood Lane, Ridgefield</strong></p><ul><li>This fabulous two-bedroom, main level condo in Fox Hill features an open floor plan that's great for entertaining, fresh paint and gleaming laminate, hardwood-inspired floors. </li><li>Dining room connects to the galley kitchen with plenty of storage, a gas stove, a newer refrigerator, and a stainless steel dishwasher. </li><li>Access to the newly updated, expansive Trex deck is available from both the living room and the primary bedroom, and is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, plus extend the entertaining space both indoors and outdoors.</li><li>A huge plus is the in-unit laundry with a newer washer and dryer, town water, town sewer, gas heating, and central air; heat and hot water included in the monthly HOA fee.</li><li>Single assigned parking space #384 is included and there is plenty of extra guest parking available.</li><li>Fox Hill amenities include lovely grounds, in-ground pool, pool house, basketball court, and playground. </li><li>Located just across the street from the Ridgefield Rec Center and Founders Hall with all manner of activities including a walking/bike trail, splash pad, sports fields, and more, also just minutes to the center of the Village. </li></ul><p>Interested? <a href="mailto:heather@heathersalaga.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book your appointment</a> to view it now while it’s still “Coming Soon” or see more by taking a <a href="https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=Loo99bp8g8R" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">3D tour</a>.</p><p>Need more information or want to schedule a visit? <a href="mailto:heather@heathersalaga.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Let’s chat!</a> Reach out today to discuss your next move. I can’t wait to say Welcome Home!</p>

<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">On the heels of </span><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/underground-co-set-to-open-wednesday-may-1-in-downtown-ridgefield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Underground Co</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">. moving to Main Street, Ross Bread begins construction to expand their artisanal bakery into the vacant space! Congratulations!</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ross Bread said on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rossbread/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Instagram</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">, "Today was an exciting day for us at Ross, and what better way to celebrate Small Business Week, than by expanding our wonderful little bakery and cafe? We want to thank you, Ridgefield for being behind us all of the way.. we are so proud, and honored to be part of this community."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Ross Bread was established in early 2009 at The Marketplace and quickly became a go-to place for freshly baked bread (from scratch), sandwiches, salads and gourmet coffee.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more </span><a href="https://www.rossartisanalbakeryandcafe.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">https://www.rossartisanalbakeryandcafe.com/</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> and follow along on </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rossbread/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Instagram</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">*Image courtesy Ross Instagram.</span></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><u>Ancona’s Annex Event</u></strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;</strong><strong style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);">Outward Wines Winemaker Visit</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><em>A fresh take on Cali</em></strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This is big!</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On&nbsp;</span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thursday, May 16th</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, Natalie and Ryan, winemakers and owners of Outward Wines are going to be visiting The Annex for a comprehensive tasting seminar.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Outward Wines is based in San Luis Obispo and celebrates special vineyard sites along the central coast. All of their sites are farmed using Organic and/or Biodynamic viticulture.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These wines are super limited by virtue of the fact that in most cases just a few or a small handful of barrels are made.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);">Thursday 5/16 6:30-8pm at the Ancona's Annex in Branchville</em></p><p class="ql-align-center"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">$35/ticket, seats are limited.&nbsp;</span><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=d34a72e9d4&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong>CLICK HERE</strong></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">&nbsp;to sign up.</span>&nbsp;</p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong><em>To see our entire schedule of upcoming events, please&nbsp;</em></strong><a href="https://anconaswine.us13.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ee0f7d1d264ff35760e4905b8&amp;id=6aaa726870&amp;e=ddeeb7e359" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(178, 34, 34);"><strong><em>CLICK HERE</em></strong></a></p><p><br></p>