EARLY MORNING WAKE UP CALL - Before the sun had a chance to rise, members of the Class of 2017 from the National Charity League (NCL), Nutmeg Chapter, woke up their sister members from the Class of 2020 during the annual "kidnapping" event, a tradition to welcome the newest girls. The unsuspecting girls were surprised out of their beds as early as 6:30 AM, on Saturday, Oct. 23, by their counterparts in the 10th grade and who then treated them to breakfast at Dimitri's Diner, 16 Prospect Street.
This fun event was welcomed with smiles (and pajamas!), and was meant to be a bonding exercise where the older and younger girls get to know each other, share stories and develop friendships. The older girls brought their many years of experience of community involvement, leadership skills, and support to the girls, while also modeling good behaviors, such as responsibility and social awareness. NCL Nutmeg's mission is to foster not only a good relationship between mothers and daughters, but to mentor others through integrity and compassion.
The girls filled up one of the dining rooms at Dimitri's Diner, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary serving the Ridgefield community. When asked about this annual tradition at his restaurant, Owner Dimitri Paschalidis said, "Nothing is more important to me than family and bringing people together." He hopes to have his 20th anniversary celebration in the Spring to welcome back NCL and the community. The smell of freshly made pancakes, bacon and eggs, toast and coffee surrounded the room full of laughter and friendship. After having a short meeting, all of the girls gathered for a picture with their custom designed t-shirts to commemorate an experience they will not soon forget.