John Frey's Favorite Five of Ridgefield

In honor of John Frey's Birthday, HamletHub is sharing an article from February 8, 2014, "John Frey's Favorite Five of Ridgefield."

My Ridgefield Favorite Five series continues with longtime resident and Ridgefield's Representative in the Connecticut State House, John Frey:

John Frey's Favorite Five of Ridgefield:

1. The seasons. After a fresh snow, Ridgefield looks like a winter wonderland. I love driving on Main Street near Ballard Park when the leaves have first popped. Nothing beats our Memorial Day parade! Fourth of July and the fireworks - the whole town seems to come out and a great time is had by all. Hiking Bennett's Pond at peak fall foliage. The Tree Festival at the Community Center and the holiday stroll. Norman Rockwell could have made his career here!

2. The variety of restaurants. My favorites run from the Ancient Mariner (Nick Special burger), the Early Bird, where you can always find a great conversation, Sagi* (Tuesday's special lasagna is tops) and Bernard's/Sarah's Wine bar are a few of my favorites.

3. The availability of activities and facilities has greatly improved over the years. Tiger Hollow, the new Governor's Park baseball field, Founders Hall, the Ridgefield Playhouse (unbelievable the talent that performs here!) and the soon to be opened Prospector Movie Theater. How cool is it that our beautiful Main Street has both the Keeler Tavern, celebrating our heritage, and the Aldrich Museum! The list goes on...

4. What I call the sense of community. Our town comes together, whether it's after 9/11, an ill community member needing help, the food pantry, or yes - even after a long power outage (or two or three). Our Meals on Wheels and the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association are two organizations I have seen up close assisting all who make the request - with love and empathy.

5. Which leads me to our greatest asset: Our residents. What a warm feeling to walk Main Street and chat with our neighbors or just exchange a warm smile. Old timers, newcomers a like. Our residents express what is the best in human nature. I've had opportunities to live elsewhere, but am a lifer and can't imagine living anywhere else!

About John (in his own words):

My family moved here when I was three (didn't have much choice in the matter!) from Greenwich. My father died when I was eight, and I witnessed first hand the caring bestowed on my family. The last 47 years Ridgefield I have called Ridgefield home - and can't imagine that ever changing.

I have built a business here. And have had the incredible privilege of representing Ridgefield in the CT House of Representatives for nearly sixteen years. I've been blessed.... And owe the town I love and our residents so, so much!

*Since the initial publication of this article, Sagi has closed.

Photo from John Frey's Facebook page.

If you are interested in sharing with readers your "Favorite Five," please email me, terri@hamlethub.com.

 

R
Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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