Astronomy – Viewing the Night Sky on December 16, 6 p.m. and on January 6, 6 p.m.

Join our knowledgeable team of volunteer astronomers on Astronomy Hill for views of constellations, star clusters, planets, and more! Gaze through the telescopes, hear stories about the stars, watch a short slide presentation, ask deep questions and connect with other night sky enthusiasts. This is an outdoor program, so please dress for the weather and be prepared for a short walk from the parking lot out to the Observatory.

Each program is:
$8 per Member
$10 per Non-member

Learn more and register https://newpondfarm.org/programs-and-events/register-for-current-programs/family-programs/

Join RVNAhealth's Parkinson's Center for a Holiday Sing-A-Long on Wednesday, December 13th from 2:30pm – 3:30pm

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mail letters to Santa at Redding Community Center until 12/19/23-click for more information!

The Brown Bag Lunch with the First Selectwoman scheduled for December 13, 2023 has been CANCELLED.

NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Employment
On Call Weekend Facilities Custodian

Health Department

CDC COVID-19 Exposure Guidelines
Free COVID-19 Test Kits Available Again to U.S. Households

Heritage Center

December Programs and Events

New Pond Farm Education Center

Programs and Activities

Mark Twain Library
Programs and Events

CALENDAR OF MEETINGS

Sunday, December 10, 2023
9:00 a.m. at 156 Gallows Hill Road-Conservation Commission Site Inspection

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
7:30 p.m. at Town Hall Hearing Room-Planning Commission-CANCELLED

Wednesday, December 13, 2023
9: 9:00 a.m. at Heritage Center-Commission on Aging
1 7:30 p.m. at Town Hall Hearing Room-Zoning Commission

Thursday, December 14, 2023
6:00 p.m. at Town Hall Hearing Room-Gilbert and Bennett Wire Mill Advisory Committee

The Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” begins this evening, Wednesday, December 7 and ends with nightfall on December 15.

Chanukah is the Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods. Read more about Hanukkah

Visit chabadridgefield.com for more information about the Festival of Lights and ways to celebrate locally.

The best place for family fun!

Join us at the Winter Garden Ice Arena for Friday night Disco Skate from 9 to 10 pm and Sunday afternoon Public Skating from 3:00 to 4:20 pm

Public Skating Fees:

$15 adult

$10 child (12 and under)

$5 skate rental

$5 helmet rental

Disco Skate Fees:

$15 per person

$5 rental

Winter Garden is located at 111 Prospect Ridge Road in Ridgefield. Learn more www.wintergardenarena.com

Milton Robert Magnussen, aged 76, passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, December 4, 2023, in Redding, Connecticut.

Milton was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He was predeceased by his father, Milton Robert Magnussen and his mother, Elinor Magnussen. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Phyllis Elaine Magnussen, his three daughters: Sonja Magnussen of Gainesville, VA; Lara Magnussen Mecca and her husband Mike of Norwalk, CT; Erika Magnussen Vibbert and her husband Roger of Redding, CT; his four deeply-loved grandchildren: Kyle and Ava Zambrana, and Dylan and Derrick Vibbert. He will also be greatly missed by his brother, David Magnussen, his wife Nancy, and their children and Grandchildren.

Milton was a Marine Corps veteran who served during the Vietnam War where he received two Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, and other metals of valor.

Milton started his career working in the tree industry in Massachusetts and later spent several years as a Ranger for the Boy Scouts of America’s Camp Child in Plymouth. In 1980, He moved his family to Redding, Connecticut where he worked for the Bridgeport Hydrolic Company. He spent the rest of his career working for the Ridgefield Board of Education in both its custodial and maintenance divisions. Outside of his career, Milton was often invited by Ridgefield, Fairfield, and Redding Schools to share with students his passion regarding the effect war has on soldiers, as well as personal experiences that could not be taught in textbooks.

Visitation hours to celebrate his life will take place on Friday, December 8th from 6:00PM - 8:00 PM at the Redding Ridge Fire Department, 186 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding, CT. He will be interred on Saturday, December 9th with military honors in a private family ceremony in Massachusetts.

Come enjoy the 38th annual outdoor live nativity pageant this Saturday, December 9th at 5 PM, hosted by the First Church of Christ Congregational Church on Cross Hwy by Old Town Hall.

Enjoy singing holiday carols while reliving the Christmas story as played by pageant actors who will be accompanied by live animals. The event concludes with a walk thru the manger tableau under the magical star.

Free of charge. Light refreshments will be offered.

Rain date is Sunday, December 10th.

Get in the holiday spirit by helping with Housatonic Habitat's annual  "Wrapping at the Mall" fundraiser.

Weir Farm National Historical Park (NHP) has announced a Call for Artists for the 2024 Weir Farm Artist-in-Residence (AIR) Program. The Call for Artists runs NOW through January 31, 2024.  

The Weir Farm AIR Program is an outstanding National Park Service residency program that reflects the values and character of Weir Farm NHP by continuing the creative conversations started by the Weir Family through the work of contemporary artists. Weir Farm’s AIR Program fosters contemporary artistic expression and prioritizes experimental and thought-provoking approaches to interpreting our world through the medium of contemporary visual art.  

Six artists will be selected competitively through a juried process for one-month long residencies to take place from May-October 2024. Weir Farm NHP places a high value on diversity of experience and cultural perspectives and encourages applications from all interested eligible candidates. Weir Farm NHP invites applications from artists representing a wide range of perspectives, diversity, and media (e.g., painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media). Graduate and doctoral students, emerging and professional artists aged 25+ at the time of application may apply. Applicants must be eligible to travel to and within the United States.

To apply or for more information view the open call HERE or visit the Weir Farm NHP website.  

This program is supported in part by the generosity of Park partners, the https://www.weirfarmartalliance.org/

Nationwide, more than 50 National Park Service sites host artist residency programs. Weir Farm has inspired thousands of artists for more than 140 years, including over 250 Artists-in-Residence.  

Ring in 2024, Sunday, December 31 with the Gin Blossoms!

The evening will begin with opening act, Gabe Dixon (Tedeschi Trucks Band), then our headliner, Gin Blossoms, followed by a New Year’s party in our lobby featuring specialty “Tuck Gin Blossom” cocktails, a dance party and countdown to midnight. Our lobby will be transformed with decorations from Sweet Bean Events, DJ Mo spinning the latest tunes, photo booth, complimentary food, and Prosecco toast at Midnight.

Purchase tickets ($150 to $250) online https://ridgefieldplayhouse.org/event/gin-blossoms/

Elegant Ridgefield Holiday Series
Pepsi Rock Series Driven by North American Motor Car

The Gin Blossoms broke out in the early 90s with their album, New Miserable Experience. That album is now certified 4x Platinum and includes their biggest hits to date, “Hey Jealousy” and “Found Out About You.” The band is known for their bright, guitar-driven hooks layered with their lyrics that evoke nostalgia while bringing a fresh take. Their classic yet modern approach to indie music in the late 90s and early 2000s is arguably what led them to being radio mainstays for more than two decades.

After their performance to 60,000 people at Sound on Sound Festival in Bridgeport, the Gin Blossoms are bringing their music to our intimate, 500 seat theater for a special performance that will ring in the new year.

We hope you can join us for this memorable evening at the Playhouse!

• VIP INFO / DISCOUNTS / PROMOTIONS

  • VIP early entry into the venue
  • Exclusive pre-show Q&A with members of Gin Blossoms
  • Pre-show performance with members of Gin Blossoms
  • Group photo with Gin Blossoms
  • Exclusive VIP Gift
  • Specially designed tote bag
  • Official pre-show laminate
  • Merchandise shopping before doors open to the general public

  ---

  Restaurant Sponsors:

Brassiere St. Germain, Dimitri’s, HayFields Catering, Jaipore Xpress, JJ Stacks, Southwest Cafe, Stew Leonard’s, Sweet Pierre’s of Wilton

Beverage Sponsors:
Freixenet Mionetto, Travelin’ Toms Coffee Truck, Tuck Gin

Additional Support by:
DJ Mo, Inflate CT-NY Party Rentals, Sweet Bean Events

Georgetown was one of six communities across Connecticut chosen for the Connecticut Main Street Center's Main Street Accelerator program, where participants will join a six-month program to learn and practice the Four Point Main Street Approach. Georgetown Village Restoration Inc. (GVR) members will join to find new ways to increase exposure and foot traffic in Georgetown to support businesses and the local community.

The Four Point Main Street Approach examines economic vitality, design, organization and promotion, focusing on community transformation. It focuses on building an economic base with new investment and appeal toward entrepreneurs; designing accessible public spaces with inviting, inclusive atmospheres; building leadership and fostering community engagement; and promoting defining aspects, benefitting local businesses and drawing new visitors.

The six-month program from Connecticut Main Street Center is designed for teams to learn how to utilize those four points to meet a challenge their communities are facing. Georgetown, comprised of the corners of Redding, Weston, Wilton and Ridgefield, was founded in the early 1800s. Georgetown’s Main Street and Gilbert & Bennett Wire Mill are located in Redding. GVR was founded in 1999 to support its restoration, revitalization and maintenance. Among other initiatives, it organizes the annual Georgetown Day and supports the Holiday Parade and is involved in ongoing work regarding the Wire Mill.

"Georgetown is an example of the best of our communities, especially highlighting our local history and community togetherness," said State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton). "It's exciting to hear that GVR will work toward supporting its long-term vitality, benefitting businesses and the local region. I look forward to the long-term benefits this work will accomplish."
 
“GVR recently became a CMSC member community and is now jumping in with both feet by participating in this program, which we think is brilliant because managing a Main Street is a collective exercise. The Accelerator program is designed to equip local teams like GVR with the framework and knowledge they may need to move their project forward. I’m excited to work with them and see what results,” said Kristen Lopez, CMSC Education & Training Director.

“GVR is excited to participate in CMSC’s Accelerator program and learn how we can offer more support and strengthen Georgetown. Our village is a special place, and we are lucky to have the dynamic local businesses that serve our community. We look forward to better serving them and enhancing Main Street and the community,” said Kate Perry, who serves on the board of the nonprofit organization.

The Connecticut Main Street Center has an ongoing mission to assess, educate, convene and advocate to develop and grow Connecticut's downtowns, village centers and mixed-use neighborhoods, supporting Main Streets everywhere.

Join RVNAhealth’s Parkinson’s Center on December 5 from 12:30 to 2pm as they welcome Dr. Christopher Conner and Dr. Chindhuri Selvadurai, UConn Health, to learn more about Parkinson’s and Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS). 

Register https://rvnahealth.org/event/deep-brain-stimulation-dbs-panel-discussion/

Dr. Conner will discuss how they treat Parkinson’s disease: how the diagnosis is confirmed when a person has Parkinson’s, current treatments for Parkinson’s ( medications, diet, physical activity, etc..), surgical treatments available, Deep Brain Stimulation and focused ultrasound, who is a candidate for these advanced treatments, surgical workflow for both, outcomes,  and how the DBS ( electric medicine) works by drastically reducing the symptoms of Parkinson’s resulting in a much better chance of quality of life with the reduction of medication. Will discuss how the DBS system is programmed, battery life and having the DBS programming done in the comfort of the patients own home remotely.

Sponsored by Abbott.

258 Poverty Hollow Road, Redding