Tag Archive for: events

Karla Murtaugh Honored at Boys & Girls Club Gala

The Ethan Allen Hotel ballroom and foyer were transformed on Saturday, November 6th for the return of the annual Boys & Girls Club “Great Futures Celebration” gala. Honoring both the 2020 and 2021 recipients of the Champion for Youth awards, and highlighting speeches by Club staff, supporters, and youth, the evening went off without a hitch. Both the silent and paddle auctions were successful in raising much needed funds to support the ongoing mission of the Club. Together with my friend Christine Carnicelli, I was lucky enough to be honored as the 2020 Champion For Youth, while Christine received the 2021 honor. After a fabulous dinner catered by Gallo, the drinks, dancing and merry making continued into the late hours of the night. Truly a gala to remember!

Happy Halloween – It’s Going To Be A Spooktastic Year!

Ridgefield offers an incredible amount of fun family activities, and that is especially apparent during the holidays. Starting with Halloween this weekend – we’re so excited the annual Halloween walk is back! If you’re new to the area, check out this list of options to celebrate the holiday:

  1. On Thursday night, October 28th 7-8 pm dress up in your favorite costume, grab a flashlight, and join Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum Educator and poet laureate Barb Jennes for Virtual Halloween Storytelling: A Contemp-BOO-rary Tale! Register here.
  2. Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s Ghosts of Ridgefield is a series of spooky and fun ghost tours planned for three nights only: Thursday, October 28; Friday, October 29; and Saturday, October 30. Tours are selling out quickly! For more information, click here.
  3. Do you love horses? Take a stroll through Rising Starr Horse Rescue’s spooky trail in Wilton on Friday, Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Suggested donation $10. For details visit their site.
  4. The Halloween walk is back! After taking a year off during Covid, this annual tradition will return Saturday morning, October 30 when kids can trick-or-treat with Main Street merchants 10am-12pm. Be sure to stop by our office to say hello!
  5. Paranormal Park is a Halloween ghost walk fundraiser presented by the Ridgefield Fathers Club to benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield this Friday, October 29 and Saturday, October 30 from 6 to 9pm at Richardson Park, 729 N Salem Rd, Ridgefield. Click for more information.
  6. The Norwalk Historical Society’s popular fundraiser, “A Haunting at Mill Hill” is back in person at the old graveyard at Mill Hill Historic Park for its 11th season on Saturday evening, October 30 6:30-7:30pm. Click here for more details.
  7. The Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary will host its second annual free SANCTUARY SPOOKTACULAR in Newtown on October 31st from 2-4pm! Explore “haunted trails” while you crunch the leaves below your feet. Collect stickers for each “spooky” find in a woodland scavenger hunt and leave some suet treats for wildlife along the way. Register today to reserve your spot.
  8. St. Stephen’s Church will show the 1922 silent film Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, with its eerie gothic feel on Sunday, Oct. 31, at 6 p.m. on a large screen in the sanctuary at 353 Main St. And, just as in the silent movie era, an organ – the St. Stephen’s organ, played by Alcee Chriss III – will provide live accompaniment. Suggested donation $20. Register here.

Karla Murtaugh Homes Sponsors The Prospector Theatre, Ridgefield

As we all know, 2020 has been a challenging year for many non-profits. Living and working locally, Karla Murtaugh Homes is committed to partnering with and supporting local businesses, and is once again proud to sponsor the Prospector Theater. The Prospector was obviously impacted by the lock-downs and restrictions due to Covid-19, however, in our recent call with the Theatre we were encouraged to learn how they have pivoted to keep every employee – known as “Prospects” – working this entire time. Here are couple of ways their ingenious staff have furthered the Prospector mission to “Sparkle On”.

1. Technology played a starring role as Prospects worked on standard operating procedures, new moviegoing guidelines, video productions, grants, graphic design, daily flash challenges, continuing education classes, virtual service-learning experiences, and more.

2. Prospects have experimented with new alternate revenue streams including an expanded retail line, online gourmet popcorn orders, discounted theater rentals, virtual birthday packages, and curbside concessions. Each one of these new offerings creates dozens of jobs for Prospects while fueling their mission and business.

3. The Prospector reopened its doors on June 17th, 2020. Social distancing seating arrangements, plexiglass partitions, contactless payments, designated one-way traffic, hand sanitizer stations, and more made the Prospector the gold standard for safe moviegoing practices, with several competitors reaching out to the Prospector for guidance.

The Prospector’s work is needed now more than ever. Since March of 2020, an additional 1,000,000 Americans with disabilities have lost their jobs, bringing the unemployment rate to 85%. Karla Murtaugh Homes has been there with unending support for the Prospector’s mission since it opened. It’s not too late – you can join us in helping this important Ridgefield beacon of light by seeing a movie, purchasing a gift card, making a donation, or becoming a sponsor – like us! For more information, visit www.prospectortheater.org

Inspiration From Run Like A Mother

One of the reasons I love being a lead sponsor of Run Like A Mother each year is its creator, Megan Searfoss. An inspirational leader, she constantly finds a way to make lemonade out of lemons, and is tireless in her support of women and their importance to their families and communities. In these strange days, Megan has once again placed community above all and created a new way to enjoy this year’s Run Like A Mother event. She envisions a Virtual Race – keeping all mothers together on their special day.

In her note to her running community, she stresses the importance of slowing down and reconnecting with family and getting to move outside. The virtual Run Like A Mother race will replace the physical race and is only $19.99, which includes a Run Like a Mother Tech Tee, Eco-Friendly Tote and 2020 Signature Finisher’s Medal.

To register for the Virtual Race go to Run Like A Mother. If you are already registered, you will be receiving information from Megan in the coming week on your registration options, including how to convert to the Virtual Race.

Please join me this Mother’s Day as we celebrate women. Never has there been a better time to show our strength of mind, body and soul.

Karla Murtaugh of Neumann Real Estate is Ridgefield’s only Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist for five years running

Karla Murtaugh of Neumann Real Estate joined more than 250 agents at the invitation-only, Fall 2018 Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist Conference held at Christie’s flagship auction house at Rockefeller Plaza in New York. The annual conference is designed to further affiliated agents’ knowledge in the important luxury asset classes of art, jewelry and, of course, real estate, in order to better serve their valued clients.

Speakers included top producers in real estate sharing the secrets of their success, Christie’s specialists with insights into how to elevate client service through the auction house, and an economist providing a look at what 2019 might hold. At the conclusion of the conference, attendees were designated as a “Christie’s International Real Estate Luxury Specialist” by Christie’s Education. Christie’s International Real Estate is the real estate arm of Christie’s, the world’s leading art business and a global brand synonymous with luxury for over 250 years.

“This conference is invaluable as it gives both a high-level overview of the luxury industry, while providing concrete information and resources that benefit buyers and sellers at all price points,” said Karla Murtaugh. “Unparalleled market knowledge, exceptional marketing and top-notch customer service are my hallmarks; buyers and sellers expect you to have an understanding of not only the local real estate market, but of national and global influences as well, and Christie’s provides that.”

Dan Conn, CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate, said: “One of the hallmarks of the Christie’s brand is exemplary client care. This conference provides network agents the opportunity to better understand and leverage Christie’s full spectrum of expertise in art, luxury goods, and real estate. The agents who attend are proven experts in their local markets, motivated to pursue continuing education in the luxury market and well-deserving of being designated a Luxury Specialist.

About Christie’s International Real Estate

Christie’s International Real Estate has successfully marketed high-value real estate around the world for more than 30 years. Through its New York City brokerage and invitation-only Affiliate network spanning 49 countries, Christie’s International Real Estate offers incomparable services to a global clientele at the luxury end of the residential property market. The company has offices in London, New York City, Hong Kong, Moscow, Los Angeles, and Palm Beach, and its affiliated brokerages have recorded approximately US$500 billion of real estate transactions over the last five years. (Data as of June 30, 2018). For additional information, please visit www.christiesrealestate.com.

 

Katie Brown’s Country Home Featured on 2017 Holiday House Tour

Ridgefield’s biennial Holiday House Tour is set to kick off on December 1st with a tour of seven area homes, including three that were represented in various real estate transactions by Karla Murtaugh Homes. Tour participants are in for a treat as they meander through these very special and equally unique residences decked out for the Holidays. We are also proud sponsors of the tour.

And if celebrity homes intrigue you, don’t miss out on lifestyle-guru Katie Brown’s country estate. Located at 71 Old Branchville Road, it is a unique blend of vintage charm and NYC chic, creating an eclectic bohemian experience. Currently on the market for $1,575,000 don’t forget to pick up a postcard about the property when you visit or click herefor more information.

Also on the tour, Christine and Michael Carnicelli are excited to open their home at 23 High Ridge Ave, which they purchased back in 2014 and have restored to its former glory. This vintage Georgian will not disappoint with its gracious architecture and updated transitional interior design.

And finally, the beautiful properties at The Elms offer Ridgefielders an opportunity to live in a distinguished Main Street community and one of our clients has graciously agreed to let onlookers view the never-before-seen interior of these fabulous residences! Representing a trend towards well-built, high-end design, the home tour at 500 Main Street offers a glimpse into a different type of in-town living.

The committee for the Holiday House Tour has worked tirelessly to create an amazing event and as always, it is one of the most anticipated home tours in the area. Tickets are still available from Bella Home or Squash’s, and can be purchased the day of the event from the Lounsbury House. Proceeds from the Holiday House Tour benefit Tiger Hollow stadium at Ridgefield High School.

Are You A Bad Mom?

On Wednesday, November 2nd, 30 wonderful moms joined us at the Prospector Theatre for a client appreciation night. Featuring a fabulous Bad Moms Signature Cocktail, the Prospector Star Bar welcomed us with open arms and a wonderful night of camaraderie was had by all.

Having been a supporter of the Prospector since it’s inception – and the inspiring work of Sphere before that – I am always amazed by the drive and ingenuity of fearless leader Val Jensen. The opportunities the Propsector offers to adults with disabilities serves as a role model for what can be done regionally, nationally and internationally to improve the lives of so many people.

A seriously funny movie, we found ourselves relating to the “Bad Mom” in all of us as we laughed out loud and shared in the challenges of our busy lives.

Thanks, Bad Moms, for joining us and celebrating all we do!

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Ridgefield’s Very Wet Run Like A Mother 2016

I was so proud to once again host “Murtaugh’s Motivation Station’ at the Ridgefield 2016 Run Like A Mother event. Even though we braved the rain – it was fun to see all the mothers and their kids come out to run and celebrate!

According to the Ridgefield Daily Voice, 1,130 runners braved the chilly rain to finish the 5K race.Maria Lauretani of New York won the race in 19:36, followed by Ridgefield’s Kristen Lecompte and Jenna Mesgian.

Run Like A Mother was founded by Ridgefield resident Megan Searfoss. The event includes events in Texas, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Arizona and Minnesota. The mission of Run Like a Mother is to fuel a woman’s journey toward health and wellness, empower with education and training programs and inspire with communities, events and races. Races are held on Mother’s Day weekend each year as part of the series.

As a sponsor, I look forward to this event all year – let’s just hope that 2017 brings sunnier skies!

Ridgefield Has One Of The Best Main Streets In America

According to Top Value Reviews, Ridgefield Connecticut has one of the Best Small Town Main Streets in the USA. Anyone who lives or has visited us here knows this is absolutely true – from the Holiday Stroll coming up this Friday, December 4th to our Halloween trick-or-treating and our Memorial Day celebrations, Main Street is a place where we all gather to celebrate our fabulous town.

Top Value Reviews ranked Ridgefield #21 out of the top 50 small town Main Streets in America. Noting that there is something characteristically American about the idea of Main Street, the website says that whether a place for the locals to hang out, or the go-to destination of visitors to town, Main Street is oftentimes the heart and soul of a city or town.

Each town on the list has fewer than 60,000 residents (according to the 2010 census) and at least one notable attraction. The towns were chosen and ranked based upon the following.

~ Inclusion on a major register, such as the National Register of Historic Places, National Parks, National Historic Landmarks, etc. (1 point per list)
~ Category of downtown attractions (restaurants, wineries, antique stores, art galleries, etc.). (1 point per notable category)
~ Notable and historic places (1 point each)
~ A national ranking of some kind (1 point each)

We already know our Main Street is the place to be. It’s nice to see that others will now see our world-class town for what it is – a vibrant community of philanthropic individuals who value historical significance, yet embrace change and development. You only have to look at the Keeler Tavern, The Prospector Movie Theatre, the new library, The Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, the small business owners and the 5-star restaurants, to see how unique our little piece of home is.

Congratulations, Ridgefield – let’s celebrate! I’ll see you at The Holiday Stroll!

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