Shout Out – Craig’s Fine Jewelry
You Will Be Missed

Last month, Craig’s Fine Jewelry, one of the oldest businesses on historic Main Street, closed its doors after 74 years. Initially opened in 1950 by Helen Craig, the family business provided quality jewelry and impeccable customer service for the next quarter of century. When Helen’s son Norman and his wife Elsie took over, they grew the business and established a commitment to the Ridgefield community.

In 1983, Norman and Elsie left the store to their children and in 2004, their only son Billy become the sole owner. Since taking the helm, Billy Craig continued to build upon his family’s legacy. Craig’s Fine Jewelry became an integral part of Ridgefield and a nationally recognized luxury boutique jewelry store. Craig’s ranked among the top jewelry retailers in the country and in 2013 had the honor of receiving the Centurion Jewelry Show’s inaugural Retailer of the
Year award.

Customers from Ridgefield and beyond have celebrated engagements, anniversaries, graduations, and birthdays with a beautiful piece of jewelry in Craig’s signature linen, ribbon-tied boxes. Longtime staff and loyal customers have called Craig’s not only their jewelry store but their friend. Every interaction and sale was characterized by warmth and personal attention.
Beyond the store, Billy Craig become a leader of the downtown retail community. He was active in the Chamber of Commerce and was part of team that launched the spring stroll, holiday stroll and many other Main Street events. Craig’s generously supported sports teams and a variety of other charitable causes throughout the years.

On behalf of the town of Ridgefield and all who’ve shopped at Craig’s, 068 Magazine would like to say thank you to Billy and his team for the contributions they made to the community and the retail district of Main Street. •

Ridgefield
Independent Film Festival

by Lisa Cambridge-Mitchell

Inextricably tied to a town renowned for its vibrant artistic community and compassionate spirit, the 2024 Ridgefield Independent Film Festival (RIFF) returns May 16-19 for its 9th year of illuminating universal stories that bind us together.

Conceived in 2015 by local playwright and filmmaker Joanne Hudson, RIFF is run entirely by volunteers, including eleven ‘community curators’ who meticulously sift through submissions spanning the globe.

RIFF has formed enduring partnerships with beloved venues like the Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center, The Ridgefield Playhouse, The Ridgefield Library, and the Ridgefield Theater Barn. Approaching its 10th anniversary, RIFF proudly adds two additional cherished Ridgefield institutions – The Prospector Theater and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.

The Prospector Theater will exclusively host nearly 40 captivating feature films and shorts, and engaging Q&A’s with talented filmmakers and actors. The Ridgefield Guild of Artists will feature a joint film and art installation, the Ridgefield Library will exhibit film stills, and Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center will again host the annual filmmakers awards ceremony.

The captivating lineup includes JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE OF THE TICKET, a poignant documentary chronicling writer and civil rights luminary James Baldwin. DON’T BE DAINTY, IT’S DERBY by director Alix Speyer Bacher examines the subversive realm of roller derby, while BLUE HOUR, by director J.D. Shields, explores a transformative encounter between photographer and subject. EXCURSION by Bosnian filmmaker Una Gunjak follows a teenage lie gone wrong. The festival culminates with the darkly comedic midlife coming-of-age story, RAMONA AT MIDLIFE, directed by Brooke Berman with performances by Josh Radnor (HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER), alongside ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK alumni Alysia Reiner and Catherine Curtin, and introduces newcomer Yvonne Woods.

The dynamic lineup introduces independent films from around the globe to local audiences serving as a testament to Ridgefield’s presence independent cinema world. The magic of storytelling intertwines with the warmth of community, creating an experience that resonates far beyond the screen. “We have curated this festival to reflect both this moment in time and our community,” says Hudson. “We are thrilled to present these films at The Prospector Theater thanks to their generosity and community spirit.”

www.riffct.org for tickets. •

Olympic Bound
Kieran Smith Looks Toward Paris

Coming off his bronze medal success in Tokyo, Kieran Smith is hoping he has the opportunity to bring more “hardware” home as he heads to the Olympic trials to vie for a chance to compete at the 2024 Olympics in Paris this summer.

A lot has changed since 2021. Smith is three years older, which doesn’t seem like a lot but for a swimmer it can make a big difference. More importantly, although Smith is still at University of Florida, he finished his NCAA swimming career. Instead he has gone pro which he says is a lot more intense. Since then, he has set two world records as part of a relay team and is the American record holder in the 400m and 500 yard Freestyle.

Smith, who lives and trains in Gainesville Florida, keeps his Ridgefield ties through family, friends, and coach Emmanuel Lanzo, who offers advice on strategy, technique, and mental fortitude. Smith makes it back to Connecticut for a couple of weeks each year to swim in person with Lanzo. “Kieran has an incredible work ethic. He gives 100% every day and is excited about what the next few months hold,” says Lanzo, who will accompany Smith to Paris.

Smith decided to represent Ridgefield Aquatic Club professionally because he’s so appreciative of RAC’s role in his swimming career. “RAC and the town of Ridgefield are both important to me and I want to give back to the program and to the town itself for all they’ve done for me. I’d like to be a part of nurturing future swimmers so that we can have more Olympic athletes from RAC,” he says.

Smith brings to the pool deck more experience than he had in 2021 – he knows what to expect and what he needs to do – but he says there’s a different kind of pressure this time. “My first Olympics had nothing to lose. There’s a little more expectation of me now,” he says.

Olympic Trials will be held in Indianapolis in mid-June. Smith will be swimming the 400 Free, 200 Free, 100 Free as well as possibly the 200 Backstroke and 200 Medley. “I don’t think my best swims are behind me – I think I still have a lot left to do,” says Smith. •

Shout Out – Craig’s Fine JewelryYou Will Be Missed

Ridgefield Independent Film Festival

Olympic BoundKieran Smith Looks Toward Paris

Shout Out – Craig’s Fine Jewelry
You Will Be Missed

Ridgefield
Independent Film Festival

Olympic Bound
Kieran Smith Looks Toward Paris