Stories
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Prospector Theater is turning up the sparkle and getting ready for a major popportunity! Today, Thursday, May 8, kernals flew and shovels hit the ground at 137 Ethan Allen Highway in Ridgefield, behind Nod Hill Brewery, as the beloved nonprofit broke ground on a brand-new 5,000-square-foot popcorn production facility. That’s right—Prospector Popcorn is getting a glow-up! From a cramped 300-square-foot kitchen tucked above the theater to a sprawling space where kernels can rise, burst, and shine—this expansion marks a delicious leap forward in their mission to create meaningful employment for people with disabilities. The future is buttery-bright.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“We have been popping popcorn for the past 10 years in a 300 sq ft kitchen upstairs in the theater that was never designed to do that,” said Ryan Wenke, Chief Executive Officer of the Prospector Theater. “This is quite an upgrade for us—5,000 square feet in this beautiful building, joined by our sponsors at Nod Hill and our friends at Doyle Coffin Architecture. We couldn’t be happier to expand our mission and to create more jobs in Ridgefield and beyond.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Prospector Popcorn, which began as a creative solution during the COVID-19 pandemic to keep employees—known as "Prospects"—engaged and employed, has grown significantly. The gourmet popcorn is now sold in 350 hotels across 34 states and is available locally in grocery stores such as Caraluzzi’s Markets, Village Market, LaBonne’s Markets, Palmer’s Market, Walter Stewart’s Market, and Highland Park Market.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Peter Coffin, who also served as the architect for the original Prospector Theater, expressed his enthusiasm for the new project: “First and foremost, I want to thank our leader and visionary Valerie. For us to be a part of it and to be able to bring your visions to life with the architecture is a dream come true.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">With each pop, a purpose. The new facility will allow Prospector Popcorn to meet rising demand and keep those kernels flying off the shelves. It's more than an expansion—it’s a celebration of inclusion, innovation, and irresistible snacks. Dozens of new jobs will be created, continuing the organization’s mission to improve quality of life for people with disabilities through meaningful employment.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Prospector Theater continues to seek support for its capital campaign to fund the new facility. Want to help turn up the heat? Visit</span><a href="https://prospectorpopcorn.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> prospectorpopcorn.org</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> to learn more and join the mission—because the best stories are the ones that pop.</span></p>
<p><em style="color: rgb(41, 41, 41);">Join Us for a Day of Fun, Prizes, and Support for Our Furry Friends!</em></p><p><span style="color: black;">Rock n' Rescue is excited to announce our annual Golf FORE the Animals tournament on Wednesday, June 18, at the beautiful Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury. This event promises an afternoon of friendly competition, community spirit, and, most importantly, support for our mission to rescue and adopt animals in need. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Golf enthusiasts and animal lovers alike are invited to participate in a day filled with excitement, featuring exclusive prizes, including a thrilling $10,000 hole-in-one contest! Additionally, every person has a chance to win a luxurious 5-day, 4-night cruise, guaranteed for one lucky participant! </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">After a day on the greens, join us for cocktails and dinner, where you can connect with fellow supporters and learn more about our efforts to save pets and people. We are looking for golfers, sponsors or just folks joining for dinner if they don’t golf.</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Event Details:</span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Date: Wednesday, June 18 </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Location: Richter Park Golf Course, Danbury, CT </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Tee Time: 1 PM </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Cocktails & Dinner: 5:30 PM</span></p><p><span style="color: black;"> All proceeds from the tournament will go directly toward the rescuing, care and support of our cats and dogs. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or a novice, your participation makes a difference in the lives of these animals. For more information and to register for the tournament, please visit </span><a href="https://rocknrescuegolf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: black;">https://rocknrescuegolf.com</a><span style="color: black;"> or contact us at 914-774-8423. </span></p><p><span style="color: black;">Join us for a day on the course that will help us rock the world of rescue! Together, we can make a meaningful impact for our furry friends in need.</span></p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://rnrpets.org/about/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://rnrpets.org/about/</a><span style="color: black;"> Contact: James Scova – Director of Operations</span></p>
<p><a href="https://109cheeseandwine.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>109 Cheese and Wine</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and </strong><a href="https://www.atableus.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>À Table</strong></a><strong> </strong><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">SIPS + SAMPLES on Saturday, May 10 | 12:00–3:00 PM</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Stop in and enjoy a taste of what's new from Chef Bernard: Duck Cannelloni • Ramp Pesto • and Housemade Ice Cream</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bring something home for Mom — just in time for Mother’s Day!</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Gary from 109 Cheese & Wine will be pouring a selection of great wines for summer sipping.</span></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Absentee Ballots for the May 13, 2025 Budget Referendum are now available in the Town Clerk’s Office.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Stop by during regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. or on Saturday, May 10 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. </span></p><p><a href="https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/sots/electionservices/ab-application/ed-3r-5-2022-english.pdf?rev=cd91fdc67b154589ad665420ea89fbc7&hash=3CAEF7CB3E41C7112CA3CE652D047B10" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Click here for the referendum absentee ballot application.</a></p><p><a href="https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/town-clerk/files/2025-budget-referendum-sample-ballot" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">To view the sample ballot, click here.</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Please contact us at (203) 431-2783 or </span><a href="mailto:townclerk@ridgefieldct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">townclerk@ridgefieldct.gov</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> for more information.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">** Referendum absentee ballots cannot be mailed.**</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more info contact the Town Clerk's office:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ph: (203) 431-2783</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Email: </span><a href="mailto:townclerk@ridgefieldct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">townclerk@ridgefieldct.gov</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more: </span><a href="https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/town-clerk/pages/absentee-ballots?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZENtSDVPWUJmb2NrSTV3eAEeTwXG9Q6VeHep9qameACx71V3PNkwB8eau4_Et5jeNFeLkgNQsZOR_OPfuZ0_aem_nYXzbRGA9Nb_qeZH2FTJnA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.ridgefieldct.gov/town.../pages/absentee-ballots</a></p>
<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Here's your guide to the BEST weekend ever! Happy Mother's Day, Mom!</strong></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Friday, May 9</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/mothers-day-plant-sale-at-ballard-gardens---may-9th--10th" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Ballard Gardens </a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/rvnahealth-cardiac-health-fair" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">RVNAhealth Cardiac Health Fair</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/spring-shopping-at-jmclaughlin-in-ridgefield-thursday-and-friday-supports-cee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Spring Shopping at J. McLaughlin supports The Center</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/madyn-gwynne-art-opening-at-salon-leo-on" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Madyn Gwynne Art Opening at Salon Leo</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/games-on-tap-1746466670029" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Games on Tap at Ridgefield Library</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/leonid--friends" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Leonid & Friends at Ridgefield Playhouse</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Saturday, May 10</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/mothers-day-plant-sale-at-ballard-gardens---may-9th--10th" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Mother’s Day Plant Sale at Ballard Gardens</a> </p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/sips--samples-1746708496426" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: inherit;">SIPS + SAMPLES</a> with 109 Cheese & Wine and A Table</p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/mothers-day-plant-sale-at-ballard-gardens---may-9th--10th" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Care and Connection at The Aldrich for visitors living with Memory Loss </a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/jon-anderson-and-the-band-geeks-1736876063700" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Jon Anderson and the Band Geeks at Ridgefield Playhouse</a></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/improv-at-theater-barn-whose-barn-is-it-anyway" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Improv at Theater Barn: “Whose Barn is it Anyway?”</a></p><p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Sunday, May 11 - Happy Mother’s Day!</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/run-like-a-mother-5k" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Run Like a Mother 5K</a></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The annual Science Research Symposium will be on Thursday, May 22nd at 6:00 P.M. It will be in the LLC of Ridgefield High School (RHS). </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">It is free to come, no RSVP required, and there will be light refreshments. Attendees will be able to see presentations of completed and proposed research from students on unique science topics. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There will also be a keynote address given by a faculty member from Western Connecticut State University.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Come support the students of RHS and learn about their hard work.</span></p>
<p class="ql-align-center"><strong>New to Ridgefield Health & Wellness Center: Flex and Flow Bodywork LLC</strong></p><p class="ql-align-center"><em>Located on the lower-level at The Marketplace at Copps Hill</em></p><p class="ql-align-center"><strong>Flex and Flow Bodywork LLC</strong>.</p><p>Jacqueline has been a Licensed Massage Therapist for 25 years. Growing up as a dancer, she was always fascinated with how the human body moves, functions and how massage can help alleviate pain and restriction within the Musculoskeletal and Nervous systems. She has worked with celebrities, professional athletes and top trainers in the fitness industry and is constantly increasing her knowledge on how to help others achieve their personal goals of health and wellness. She started Flex and Flow Bodywork on the belief that Massage is an integral aspect and the foundation for creating a pain free, stress-free life and she’s passionate about educating her clients on their journey to success in healing and homeostasis. In addition to the Ridgefield Health and Wellness office, she also provides mobile services (she comes to your home with all necessary materials) that offer results driven bodywork. Flex and Flow Bodywork serves Fairfield County and surrounding areas as well as The Hamptons in Long Island, NY.</p><p>Learn more at <a href="http://www.flexandflowbodywork.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.flexandflowbodywork.com</a> or call 631-276-6308 </p><p>109 Danbury Road, Lower-Level, Suite D3, Ridgefield, CT 06877</p>