Sweet love in every bite. Why not give your Valentine John Barricelli's Heart-shaped Raspberry Napoleons?

Barricelli is author of The Sono Baking Company Cookbook and The Seasonal Baker and owns the award-winning Sono Bakery with locations in Darien, Westport, and South Norwalk. 

On Friday, November 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Adam Broderick Salon and Spa wishes to thank all compassionate caregivers and their families affected by Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. 

Caregivers and their guests are invited to the recently redesigned Ridgefield salon for appetizers, dessert, wine, networking and beauty demonstrations.

Please RSVP by Friday, October 30, to Nicole Beaucar, 860-828-2828, or nebular@alz.org.

WANT TO PLAY YOUTH HOCKEY?

Do you have a child who would like to play youth hockey? Not sure where to start?

Winter Garden Ice Arena has beginner programs to get any child skating, and teach them the basic hockey skills needed to join one of our recreational youth hockey teams by Christmas! From our Saturday morning Hockey Learn to Skate and Hockey Development to our Monday evening skills sessions, boys and girls ages 5-14 can become budding hockey players!  Winter Garden can supply all the hockey equipment your child will need to get them going.  Programs start on Saturday, October 31.

Interested?  Give us a call at 203-438-4423, ext. 4, or simply reply to this email.  

Come join the fun!

Calling all 4th to 8th grade lacrosse players... the Ridgefield High School Girls Lacrosse team is hosting a lacrosse clinic on Wednesday, November 11, at the Danbury Sports Dome. The cost is $35 per player and goes to the RHS Girls Lacrosse Booster Club.

Girls in 4th to 6th grades are invited from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Girls in 7th and 8th grades are invited from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

To register, please email Susie McMullan at scmcmullan@comcast.net or Judy Weinstock at jmweinstock2@gmail.com for registration forms and questions.

Space is limited so please register early.

The Danbury Sports Dome is located at 25 Shelter Rock Lane, Danbury, CT.

Fall In Love with Ridgefield, Friday, October 16, to Sunday, October 18 in downtown Ridgefield

Friday:
Speakeasy in the Keeler Tavern Museum Barn, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Farm to Table Dinner ​Lounsbury House, begins at 6:30 p.m.

Haunted Hay Rides in Ballard Park, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.  Sponsored by Ridgefield ​Parks and Recreation and the Ridgfield Lions Club.

Children’s Book Sale at the Ridgefield Library, 12 noon to 8 p.m.  Sponsored by ​Friends of the Library.

65th Anniversary Celebration and Sale at Craig’s Fine Jewelry, 12 noon to 8 p.m.

Saturday:
Window Painting on Main Street​. Sponsored by Ridgefield Parks and Recreation​.

Balloon Artist in downtown Ridgefield, 12 noon to 4 p.m. Sponsored by Downtown Ridgefield.

“Little Black Dress” featuring Annie Kelly & Billy Michael in front of Town Hall, 12 noon to 5 p.m. They will play an eclectic mix of new and old jazz standards, blues, oldies, and country music, along with taking requests from the audience. ​Sponsored by Downtown Ridgefield.

Chili Contest at ​Keller Williams, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Americans with Disabilities Act 25th  Anniversary Proclamation presentation in front of Town Hall, along with special ADA events at the Ridgefield Library. Click here for more information.

Children’s Pumpkin Painting ​near the Toy Chest, 12 noon to 2 p.m.

Scarecrow Contest ​in downtown Ridgefield. Sponsored by Keeler Tavern Museum. Voting all weekend.

Nature inspired Family Day at the Aldrich Museum led by exhibiting artist Virginia Poundstone. Recommended for ages 2 to 5 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon; and ages 6-10 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Use fruits and vegetables to design large scale work of art for the ​Education Center as well as smaller works to bring home. THIS EVENT IS FREE.

Children’s Book Sale at the Ridgefield Library, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Sponsored by ​Friends of the Library. Voting will occur all weekend.
​
Bracelet Making Workshop at ​Sphere, 421 Main Street behind Planet Pizza, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. With special guest, Susan Choplinski, on the piano.

Free Needle-Felting Workshop, 12 noon to 2 p.m. at  ​nancy O. Learn to make Fun Festive Fall décor by needle-felting with wool with Sheila Dick.

Scarf Bar​n at nancy O, all day with new scarf designs, free patterns and knitting consultations.

Tea and jam samplings at Elizabella’s Bake Shop, all day.

65th Anniversary Celebration at Craig’s Fine Jewelry, all day.

Pumpktober Festival at the ​Lounsbury House. Sponsored by the Lounsbury House and Ridgefield Rotary Sunrise. Festival includes food, drink, games, rides, pumpkin carving, the great pumpkin illumination and much more.

Fall specialty menu items at participating downtown Ridgefield restaurants.

Sunday:
Pumktober Festival ​at the Lounsbury House continues.

Children’s Book Sale at the Ridgefield Library, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sponsored by  Friends of the Library.

Halloween inspired performance​ by members of the Performing Ensemble, Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance, Main Street studios at 2 p.m.

Events and times are subject to change.  Please see Downtown Ridgefield’s Facebook page for updates.

Dr. Robert Cooper, Chairman Emeritus of Ann’s Place, has been a leading figure in Connecticut oncology and hematology research and clinical practice for four decades. A passionate patient advocate, Bob retired from active practice in the Western Connecticut Health Network’s Danbury Hospital in September.

On Thursday, November 19, 2015, Ann’s Place and Praxair Cancer Center of Danbury Hospital will jointly honor Dr. Cooper and his legacy of hope for cancer patients at the Matrix Conference & Banquet Center as the 2015 Special Tribute Honoree on the eve of the Annual Festival of Trees.

Dr. Cooper’s association with Ann’s Place dates back to 1987 when he became Chairman of the Ann Olsen Endowment and deepened in 1991 when he joined the original board of I Can, Inc. and led the resulting fully merged community-based cancer support organization. As a compassionate humanitarian, Dr. Cooper has been an extraordinary champion for cancer patients and survivors and has positively impacted the clinical programs at Ann’s Place.

A graduate of University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Bob Cooper was a Resident at Pennsylvania Hospital, served as a Major in the U.S. Army, Chief of the Department of Medicine at Walson Army Hospital, and was the Medical Officer at Fort Chaffee, Arkansas, caring for Vietnamese refugees in 1975. In 1978, he completed his Fellowship at the University of Colorado and became an Attending Physician at Danbury Hospital.

Dr. Cooper’s clinical teaching appointments included University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Yale Medical School, and the University of Vermont Medical School. Dr. Cooper authored numerous scientific papers on colon cancer, lymphoma and breast cancer. Together with Dr. Vijay Patil, he established the first breast cancer Tumor Board in Connecticut.

Bob Cooper is the husband of Susan Cooper; father of Stephen and Jill; and grandfather of Allyson, Sam, Emily and Andrew. Tickets to the Tribute & Kick-Off Party, as well as Tribute opportunities, will be available on-line at www.annsplace.org.

Editor's note: Making Ridgefield PROUD! HamletHub congratulates Steve Zemo who will receive this year's Arts in the Community Award and Allison Stockel who Is the recipient of the Heart of the Arts Award at The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut's "Business Supports the Arts" awards breakfast on October 15.

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut's "Business Supports the Arts" awards breakfast, its premiere fundraising event, celebrates its 9th year of recognizing outstanding support of the arts by business leaders and extraordinary volunteers.

The awards breakfast takes place on Thursday, October 15th, 7:30am to 9:00am, at Matrix Corporate Center, 39 Old Ridgebury Road in Danbury. Highly anticipated each year, "Business Supports the Arts" serves to increase visibility for arts and culture in Western Connecticut while gathering together many prominent leaders in our regional arts and business communities.

This year's honorees, nominated by their peers, are the Savings Bank of Danbury (BSA Award), Steve Zemo (Arts in the Community Award) and Allison Stockel (Heart of the Arts Award). Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research and Policy at Americans for the Arts, the nation's advocacy organization for the arts, is slated as keynote speaker.

The fundraiser brings in substantial support of the Cultural Alliance's

mission: To market the region; to develop livable communities; and to provide opportunities and resources to the creative community it serves. As a Designated Regional Service Organization, the Cultural Alliance assists the Connecticut Office of the Arts to develop and sustain industry and cross sector relationships and provides support for specific Connecticut Office of the Arts programs and services.

Union Savings Bank recently contributed $2,500 to kick off this fundraising effort. “We are honored to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut as the title sponsor of the 'Business Supports the Arts' awards breakfast in the fall”, says Cindy Merkle, President & CEO for Union Savings Bank. “We truly believe the organization is a tremendous resource for the arts and culture in our surrounding communities.”

Tickets to "Business Supports the Arts" may be purchased by going to http://bit.ly/1KIG7Yt

*SAVINGS BANK OF DANBURY*

The recipient of the top honor of the day, The BSA Award, the Savings Bank of Danbury has been focused on supporting the communities it serves from opening the Bank's doors more than 165 years ago. Since 2004, the Savings Bank of Danbury Foundation has donated more than $1,250,000 in grants to

347 agencies to support local non-profit organizations in the areas of arts and culture, community and economic development, education, health and human services, and housing. In 2014, more contributions were awarded than in any previous year with more than $310,000 donated. Savings Bank of Danbury employees have also given their time, logging over 11,000 volunteer hours in 2014.

*STEVE ZEMO*

The Arts in the Community awardee, Steve Zemo, believes in his community, the town of Ridgefield. A developer and property owner, he served for several years on the Board of Selectmen, and his philanthropic side shows no bounds. In 2005, Steve founded The Taylor-Zemo Foundation, a philanthropic organization providing financial assistance for housing, job training and education for foster youth in transition. With a fervent desire to support Ridgefield as a destination town, Steve's quick to point out such vibrant multicultural offerings as The Aldrich Museum, The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, the Theatre Barn, and The Ridgefield Playhouse, and has also supported such youth-focused efforts as Ridgefield Parks and Recreation and Productions for Young People.

*ALLISON STOCKEL*

Allison Stockel, Heart of the Arts honoree, became the Executive Director of The Ridgefield Playhouse with one stipulation, that she would donate her salary back to the organization. That was 10 years ago, and ever since she continues to develop and nurture what is arguably the top performing arts destination in western Connecticut. Though her hours at the Playhouse are long, she devotes a great deal of her (spare) time to charity, not only as advocate but also as a hands-on volunteer, whether delivering meals to seniors or running a marathon. Allison has helped to raise more than a quarter of a million dollars for local charities, and in response, the Board of Directors of The Ridgefield Playhouse established The Allison Stockel Fund to honor her unswerving commitment to bringing the "Best of Show(s)" to Ridgefield.

*RANDY COHEN*

Randy Cohen, keynote speaker, stands out as one of the most noted experts in the field of arts funding, research, policy, and using the arts to address community development issues. Randy led the development of the National Arts Policy Roundtable, an annual convening of leaders who focus on the advancement of American culture, launched in 2006 in partnership with Robert Redford and the Sundance Institute. In the late 1990’s, Randy collaborated with the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities to create "Coming Up Taller", the White House report on arts programs for youth-at-risk, and the U.S. Department of Justice to produce the YouthARTS Project, the first national study to statistically document the impact of arts programs on at-risk youth. Randy has been a policy specialist for the National Endowment for the Arts, founded the San Diego Theatre for Young Audiences, and sits on the Board of the League of Historic American Theaters.

The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, with offices at 287 Main Street, Danbury, CT, is a leader in supporting a vibrant arts and culture community in Northern Fairfield and Southern Litchfield Counties.

The Cultural Alliance promotes and advocates for arts, history, and culture as a primary driver of the economy and as an enriching influence for communities and people. The Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut, a 501c-3, is the largest and only regional service organization working to ensure better access to arts and culture for all residents and visitors in Greater Danbury. It is supported by public and private funding, corporate sponsors, and by its 185 members including more than 55 arts, history, and cultural organizations. phone: (203) 798 0760 www.artswesternct.org

Spread the word...Chick-fil-A in Brookfield is NOW HIRING remarkable team members!

Apply at Chick-fil-A Brookfield this week!

We aren't just serving delicious chicken -  we are serving our community!

Chick-fil-A Brookfield is located at 156 Federal Road. Call them: (203) 775-7976 or visit them online here.

Danbury resident, Internet pioneer, and former Vice President of Internet Technology at IBM, Dr. John R. Patrick was a guest on Bloomberg radio on Sunday, October 11 discussing a subject in which he is well-versed and extremely passionate - healthcare. Patrick is a healthcare expert and author of "Health Attitude Unraveling and Solving the Complexity of Healthcare".

Patrick is doing his part to bring healthcare to the 21st Century and here, he answers some poignant questions our current healthcare system, how it is behind the times, and where he sees the future of healthcare heading. 

Interview highlights:

• Patrick is asked: "How are all of devices [including robots] going to make healthcare better?" 
• “When I left IBM, I had been the Vice President of Internet Technology, and I was used to the world where you click and things happen” I found out in Healthcare there is no place to click, it is all clipboards," Patrick recalled.
• When asked about physicians adapting to technology Patrick remarked, “I wish I could say there has been a big leap forward."

Listen to Patrick on Bloomberg here (please note that the interview starts at the 6:46 minute mark).

Learn more about Health Attitude here. 

Local high school students have something new to feel good about. In communities like Ridgefield, teens with special talents in academics, athletics and the arts have new opportunities to become mentors to younger children.

Role Model Mentors, a start- up company based in Ridgefield,  matches high achieving high schoolers with students in kindergarten through 8th grade. Mentors use their afternoons, evenings, and weekends to help younger students develop good homework habits, prepare for tests and plan ahead for school projects. Mentors also help elementary and middle school students learn new skills in their favorite sports, in music and in extracurricular topics such as  coding and leadership.

“The idea is to develop authentic relationships between young kids and the older kids they naturally look up to”, says Tim Boylan, founder of Role Model Mentors. “The tutoring and skills development are great. But it’s also about demonstrating what good character looks like.”

“Our mentor, Ty, spent a couple of hours a week with our 11-year old son, Sam, says Michelle Briody of Ridgefield. They worked on math homework and did some soccer drills. “It was great because Ty was on the varsity soccer team and Sam thought that was really cool.”  “Then, one day Ty brings a chess set,”  Briody adds. “ All of a sudden Sam is learning chess and loving it.”

High school mentors are paid for their time and they also benefit from the experiences of meaningful work and entrepreneurship.  And for every family that signs up for mentoring services, Role Model Mentors makes a $30 donation to a local non-profit organization.

To learn more about Role Model Mentors visit www.rolemodelmentors.com. If you choose to request a consultation about mentoring services, use promo code RMM111. 

The 6th Annual Drink Pink event will take place from 6 to 8pm at Bernard's restaurant in Ridgefield on Wednesday, October 14.

Look for a shiny new Mercedes-Benz outside of Bernard's restaurant in Ridgefield on Wednesday evening, October 14. One lucky raffle winner will be treated to a night on the town in a chauffeured Mercedes. The prize includes 2 tickets to see Michael McDonald on Tuesday, October 20 beginning at 8:00 pm. courtesy of The Ridgefield Playhouse.

“We are thrilled that Mercedes-Benz of Danbury will be sponsoring our 6th Annual Drink Pink Think Pink event and appreciate all of the support this local business provides to nonprofits in our community,” said organizer, Kerry Anne Ducey.

“We are going to hire a driver for the night and supply a ride in a beautiful car for the raffle winner,” said Danielle Troiano, Marketing & Communications Manager at Mercedes-Benz of Danbury.

The special evening of friendship and camaraderie will include live music, cocktails and nibbles, courtesy of 109 Cheese, and a beautiful anthology of photographs taken by photographer  Kristen Jensen. “Kristen’s photos of breast cancer survivors tell a story of strength, courage and hope,” explained Ducey.

One hundred percent of the proceeds of the evening will be donated to Danbury Hospital Breast Cancer Program and Ann’s Place - two local nonprofit organizations that help cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers.

No advanced reservations are required. There is a $20 cover charge at the door, all of which will be donated to Ann’s Place and Danbury Hospital. “Every pink ticket is good for a pink drink,” said Ducey.

To learn more about Drink Pink, click here.

Larry A. Richter 2nd

Larry A. Richter 2nd

Larry A. Richter, 2nd, 46, of New Preston, CT, formerly of Danbury, died on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 in New Milford, CT.

Mr. Richter was born in Danbury, May 22, 1969, son of Diane Gail (Edwards) Gallo of Danbury and Larry A. Richter of New Preston, CT.

He attended Danbury schools and was employed in the automotive and handyman services. Larry was also a sketch artist.

In addition to his parents, Larry is survived by two sisters, Tina Forgue of Port St. Lucie, FL and Teresa LaBarbera and her husband, Salvatore of Danbury; a brother, Christopher Gallo and his wife, Christina of New Milford; nieces and nephews, Brooklynn Gallo, Tristin Wilson, James Forgue, Taylor LaBarbera and twins Sharon and Samantha LaBarbera and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Ave., Danbury with Rev. Dr. David Reinhardt officiating.

Interment will be private and at the direction of the family.

The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

, of New Preston, CT, formerly of Danbury, died on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 in New Milford, CT.

Mr. Richter was born in Danbury, May 22, 1969, son of Diane Gail (Edwards) Gallo of Danbury and Larry A. Richter of New Preston, CT.

He attended Danbury schools and was employed in the automotive and handyman services. Larry was also a sketch artist.

In addition to his parents, Larry is survived by two sisters, Tina Forgue of Port St. Lucie, FL and Teresa LaBarbera and her husband, Salvatore of Danbury; a brother, Christopher Gallo and his wife, Christina of New Milford; nieces and nephews, Brooklynn Gallo, Tristin Wilson, James Forgue, Taylor LaBarbera and twins Sharon and Samantha LaBarbera and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Ave., Danbury with Rev. Dr. David Reinhardt officiating.

Interment will be private and at the direction of the family.

The family will receive friends in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home on Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Oprah has been tweeting (@Oprah) about a #SuperSoul named Malala: @Malala is the bravest girl I've ever met. Love the relationship between father and daughter @Malala. Don't you supersoulers? #SuperSoulSunday

Come to The Prospector Theater for a special Educational Screening of  "An Intimate Portrait of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai on Friday, October 16 beginning at 11:15 am.

Available for groups of 10+

• Perfect for parent groups, book groups, schools, clubs and students of all ages

• $12 per person

• To make your reservation please contact: lisa.potash@prospectortheater.org

The Prospector Theater is located at 25 Prospect Street in Ridgefield.