After more than 30 years, Marge Courtney, owner of Touch of Sedona and its sister store Sedona Art, is retiring and closing the stores. Touch of Sedona has been a fixture on Main Street and a vibrant community of art and spiritual enthusiasts. Sedona Art, which opened in 2020, has been a resource for artists – professionals to novices – to not only find high-quality art supplies to connect with other artists in the area.
Back in 1986, about two years after her beloved husband had passed away and not certain what she was going to do next, Marge Courtney received a message. “I heard a voice telling me to open a Native American store on Main Street in Ridgefield,” says Marge. “Initially, I was like, what?” But the message persisted, so eventually, Marge listened. “I’ve always loved Sedona, it’s such a beautiful place, so I decided to bring a touch of Sedona to Ridgefield.”
Marge has loved being a part of the Ridgefield community and connecting with creatives in so many ways. “I truly felt like I was working for the store – it was guiding me. There is a Native American energy here.” Touch of Sedona offered Native American art and jewelry, stones and crystals, incense and candles, and spiritual tools and readings. “I have had a little of almost everything here – it’s very rare that I don’t have what someone is looking for. It has been so much more than just a store – it’s about community and connection, offering a tranquil sanctuary for people.
My daughter used to spend hours selecting crystals to use in her wire-wrapped jewelry. Marge never hurried her along and in fact, quite unbelievable, my daughter always had just the right amount of money, in fact often Marge gave her change. That’s just one example of Marge’s kindness and acceptance of every person that walked through the door. That’s the legacy of Touch of Sedona.
Your store and your presence on Main Street will be missed.
For the second straight year, Danbury’s Speedsport Tuning has recognized the hard work and dedication of Danbury’s Police Department by donating ballistic vests to two members of the police force. On Wednesday, November 13th, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, Deputy Police Chief Mike Sturdevant, and Danbury Police Department Union Representative Sergeant John Giafone attended a ceremony at Speedsport Tuning where Sergeant Andrew Whitlock and Officer Tyler Hancock were each presented with a personal ballistic vest.
Last year, after learning that Danbury police officers must pay for certain pieces of equipment, Speedsport Tuning owner Bryan Lagas decided to donate the body armor, which is designed to help absorb impact and protect against bullets.
Mayor Alves spoke after the presentation. “First of all, let me thank the Danbury Police Department for the incredible work they do. It’s cliché to say we have the best police department in the state, but I really believe we do. We are so grateful to Speedsport Tuning for donating equipment that helps keep our officers safe. From the bottom of my heart and from the city of Danbury, we thank them.”
Bryan Lagas added, “We’re so happy to be part of a community with such a strong and dedicated police force. The Danbury Police Department is just exceptional. Donating these ballistic vests is a way for us to give back. Ultimately, I hope other local businesses will follow our lead and support these brave men and women.”
Sergeant Whitlock and Officer Hancock won a police union raffle to determine who would receive the vests.
Speedsport Tuning, located at 52 Miry Brook Road in Danbury, is a full-service automotive repair and maintenance facility specializing in European cars as well as Teslas.
