Ridgefield Neighbors and Newcomers upcoming events

September Book club (23 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 23:00:00 GMT

September Book Club

Date Change to-

Wednesday - September 23 - 7PM

Where the Wildflowers Grow

by Terah Shelton Harris

Overview: It follows Leigh, the lone survivor of a prison transport bus crash, who finds an unexpected sanctuary and a path toward healing on a rural Alabama flower farm.

This event is limited to 12 participants, including the host.

Foreign Exchange Coffee (24 Sep 2026)

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Foreign Exchange Coffee group is an opportunity for folks with experience abroad (from another country, have lived abroad or just love to travel) to get together and share stories and camaraderie over coffee and snacks.

Donald M Kendall Square Sculpture Garden (25 Sep 2026)

Fri, 25 Sep 2026 17:45:00 GMT

PLEASE JOIN US FOR A LOVELY TOUR OF THE

DONALD M KENDALL SQUARE SCULPTURE GARDEN

Donald M. Kendall, former chairman of the board and CEO of Pepsico, conceived the gardens which bear his name. He imagined an atmosphere of stability and creativity. The sculpture collection was started in 1965 and consists of works by major twentieth-century artists. Russell Page, the internationally famous garden designer, cultivated the corporate grounds into an arboretum transforming the gardens into a work of art.

https://www.pepsico.com/sculpture-gardens

Details for the tour:

Friday, Sept. 25

Arrive to visitor center by 1:45-1:55 PM

Exterior garden tour: 2 PM - 3 PM

Interior art tour: 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Depart campus: 5 PM

There is a security gate and I will register everyone in advance.

Photo ID required.

Admission is free

Registration is limited to 16 people plus the hosts

September Getting Crafty morning (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Please Join Us For a Crafty Morning at

Flipping Creative in Ridgefield!

PAINT YOUR OWN Cheese/BREAD Board Decorating Workshop‍ ‍USING Fusion Mineral Paint with IOD paint inlays

What is provided

Fusion Mineral Paint samples in a range of colors
IOD paint inlays
IOD transfers
Brushes, foam rollers, sanding supplies, painter’s tape, and rags
Sealers and topcoats suitable for your project (available for purchase)
Worktables, drop cloths
Step-by-step instruction and hands-on guidance

Techniques you’ll learn

Proper surface prep for different materials
How to apply Fusion Mineral Paint for durable coverage without stripping original finish
Applying Paint Inlays or transfers
Feathering, dry brushing, and distressing to integrate inlays into the overall finish (if applicable)
Advice on sealing your work (available for purchase)

What to expect to leave with

A completed bread/cheese board featuring Fusion base paint and IOD paint inlays
Knowledge and confidence to replicate techniques at home
Care instructions for cleaning and maintaining your piece

Special Pricing of $35 for RNN Members

Link to register with special pricing provided in the confirmation email

Event limited to 10 guests

Destination Hike to Steep Rock Preserve (29 Sep 2026)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMT

A 3-3.5 mile loop along the Shepaug River where we will go through an old train tunnel and over a pedestrian suspension bridge. The first section of trail is nice and flat and open with the return trip being a little more technical and hilly, but no too difficult. Bring water and snacks or lunch.

We'll meet at 8:00AM in the Copps Hill parking lot near Jersey Mike's and carpool the 50 minute drive up to Washington Depot. If you prefer to drive on your own and meet us there, please let me know.

**PLEASE NOTE: in the confirmation email under "additional info" is a cell # to call if you signed up but need to cancel. It's important to let me know so we know if we should wait for you.

Honeybee Experience and Picnic (04 Oct 2026)

Sun, 04 Oct 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Honeybee Experience and Picnic

Join us for a 'Honeybee Experience' - with an optional picnic to follow. We'll gather at 11 am inside New Pond Farm's Learning Center, which is a beautiful building made of reclaimed wood with views of rolling meadows. Our instructor is Ann Murray, the Farm's Apiary Manager who is also a certified honeybee expert. Ann will guide us through the life and benefits of honeybees, using photography, stories and sensory experiences. We'll safely observe a living honeybee colony via a fully enclosed observation hive. We'll see “teamwork” in action as worker bees carry pollen; and observe the developing brood. If possible, we’ll even spot the queen bee!

We'll then enjoy a curated sampling of honey (with palate cleansers so we can fully taste the unique flavors of each new sample).

Participants will gain a better understanding of:

• How different wild flowers create unique flavors, aromas, and colors in honey

• The remarkable journey from nectar to honey

• Simple ways we can help protect pollinators

The Honeybee Experience is $20 per person. For our optional picnic, bring your own food and drink. Our RNN Host will provide a variety of delicious desserts! The Farm has picnic tables that overlook both sun filled and shaded gardens and brooks. If there’s rain, RNN has reserved the covered porch on the second floor of the Learning Center.

New Pond Farm includes 102 acres of protected land surrounding the Learning Center. The Farm has scenic walking paths, winding brooks with wooden bridges, and gated pastures for the farm animals: a postcard-perfect pastoral setting minutes from Ridgefield.

For those who wish to explore the Farm after our RNN event, you can visit the various Barns to see the Dairy cows (Shorthorn, Ayrshire, Jersey, Holstein, Dutch Belted); the Romney sheep; and the Chickens. Or explore the tree-lined walking paths.... even meander the wide-open meadows! Or spend more time in the Learning Center and visit its Museum. New Pond Farm is a non-profit education center which depends on membership and admission programs.

Event limited to 20 guests

October Book club (22 Oct 2026)

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

October Book Club

Thursday, October 22 - 7 PM

The Last Witch of Scotland by Philip Paris

Overview: Set in 1727 it follows a severly burned young woman named Aila and her aging mother Janet Horne as they face tragic persecution, false accusations of witchcraft anda fatal trial in the remote Scottish Highland.

This event is limited to 12 participants, including the host.

Save the Date - October Cooking Club - Persian (24 Oct 2026)

Sat, 24 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Join us for the October

Cooking Club

A Storied Persian Night

Join Reza and Moge for a taste of traditional Persian dishes, such as stews, kabobs, and, of course, tahdig. After the feast we will retire by the fireplace to hear those who voluntarily would like to share a story, a poem, or a proverb with the group.

Please bring a Persian or Middle Eastern salad, dessert or an appetizer as well as wine or other drink to share.

This event is limited to 14 guests.

For couples RSVP by adding a guest for an accurate headcount.

Bonfire evening at the beach (30 Oct 2026)

Fri, 30 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Bonfire at the Beach

Friday - October 30th

Join us on the eve before by the flicker of the bonfire for a chilling good time.

Where something or funny in celebration if you dare!

Please bring a beach or lawn chair and appetizer to share. BYOB with cup. Blankets encouraged if its a cold night.

The Art of Stir Fry Cooking Class (05 Nov 2026)

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 23:15:00 GMT

The Art of Stir-Fry - November 5*

This event is full but you can join the online waitlist at wiltoncontinuinged.org

Don’t own a wok, but want to prepare a quick & healthy stir-fry bursting with color & flavor? Come learn the techniques to master the “art of stir-fry” as well as discover the healthy benefits of these aromatic dishes. Participants will prepare a delicious stir-fry without a wok packed with flavor from aromatics, healthy proteins & crisp vegetables. A vegetarian or non-vegetarian option will be available for participants. Participants will walk away with the ability to harness high heat & make healthy, satisfying meals that will impress family & friends alike.

*We are advertising this early because this event is limited to the next 7 people who register and is open to the public.

Cost is $55 due at registration plus a materials fee, payable to the instructor, of $18.

Click to register and pay https://adults.wiltoncontinuinged.org/CourseCatalog/ScheduleView.asp?ScheduleId=12082

Wine Tasting (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

Special night of wine tasting at

South Salem Winery!

Friday Nov. 6th

5:30-7:00pm

Each guest will enjoy:

A tasting of five wines of choice

Three Cheeses

A Grazing and Dip Board for the group

Payment of $25 plus tax is due at the winery the day of

This event is limited to 20 guests.

Bowling at Strikers of Brookfield (08 Nov 2026)

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

We will have 4 lanes of fun for a max of 20 people just for our club!

$25/person*

Includes the bowling, shoe rental, soda, pizza, and a veggie tray

ticket is non refundable

*tip is included

ACT of CT: Beautiful (EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT) (13 Nov 2026)

Sat, 14 Nov 2026 01:00:00 GMT

ACT is offering RNN members an exclusive discount for the show*

Beautiful

November 13

8:00pm

Before she was hit-maker Carole King — she was Carole Klein, a spunky, young songwriter from Brooklyn with a unique voice. From the chart-topping hits she wrote for the biggest acts in music to her own life-changing, trailblazing success with “Tapestry”, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical takes you back to where it all began — and takes you on the ride of a lifetime.

Beautiful is the inspiring tale about a girl who became King with a stirring book by the late Oscar and Tony-nominated Douglas McGrath and the music and lyrics of icons Carole King, Gerry Goffin, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Featuring such unforgettable classics as "You've Got a Friend", "One Fine Day", "So Far Away", "Take Good Care of My Baby", "Up on the Roof", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling", "Will You Love Me Tomorrow", and "Natural Woman", this Tony® and Grammy® Award-winning musical phenomenon is filled with the songs you remember and a story you'll never forget.

Rated PG: Recommended for audiences ages 8 and up

Book by Douglas McGrath
Words and Music by Gerry Goffin & Carole King and Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil
Music by Arrangement with Sony/ATV Music Publishing
Produced on the New York Stage by Harold Prince

To purchase tickets for the show listed above you must register directly at ACT box office or online using the link and discount code provided in your email. The promo code offers the Group Rate of $81/Ticket (inclusive of fees)

Code provided in registration confirmation email.

*Discount applies only to the November 13th show

SEATS ARE LIMITED

November Book club (19 Nov 2026)

Thu, 19 Nov 2026 23:00:00 GMT

November Book Club

Thursday, November 19

Book Discussion at the Mark Twain Library 6 PM - 7 PM

Followed by The Reading Roadhouse 7 - 8:30 PM for snacks

James by Percival Everett

Overview: A powerful reimagiing of Mark Twains Adventures of Huckleberry Finn told from the perspective of the enslabed Jim. Renaming himself James, he is revealed as a deeply literate, brilliant man who hides his true intellect from white people.

Mark Twain Library

439 Redding Road

Redding, CT 06896

This event is limited to 20 participants

Save the Date -RNN Book Exchange + Dinner Thursday, December 17th (17 Dec 2026)

Thu, 17 Dec 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Save the Date - RNN Book Exchange + Dinner (Dutch)

Thursday, December 17th 6:30 PM

Location to be determined - more details forthcoming

This event is limited to 20 participants