Ridgefield Businesses Give Kids More Than a Job

 

If you walk into any local shop on a weekday afternoon, you will likely be greeted by a hardworking high school student. In many cases, local businesses who employee our young residents are giving them more than a job - they are giving them the confidence, skills, and determination to make a difference in the world.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Connie Packard Kamedulski, the owner of Ridgefield’s Animal Fair Pet Shop about some of her former local employees.

For nearly fifteen years, Kamedulski has employed local high schoolers, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.  From Animal Fair employees to veterinarians, zoologists and animal advocates -  “I am so proud of all of them,” proclaims Kamedulski.

Where are they now?

  • Student of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell

  • Student of Animal Science at Cornell

  • Researcher of lemurs in Madagascar

  • Graduate of Delaware Valley College with a degree in Zoo Science and now employed by the largest private reptile zoo in North America

  • Volunteer with Freedom Train Animal Transport, transporting rescue pets

Keeping it local

  • Veterinary Assistant at Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital

  • Working with ROAR

Thanks to all of the local business owners who give our young residents wings to fly. For many, that first job opens a door of opportunity that will leave an indelible mark on high school students.

Animal Fair is located at 90 Danbury Road in Ridgefield. 

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Submitted by Ridgefield, CT

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