Stories
<p class="ql-align-justify">Fairfield County Bank recently announced the 2024 recipients of the Bank’s Leadership Award and Volunteer of the Year Award. </p><p class="ql-align-justify">Employees across Fairfield County Bank are nominated by colleagues and the winners are announced and celebrated at the Bank’s holiday party. This year, Kathy Graham, Vice President and Branch Manager of the 150 Danbury Road Branch in Ridgefield, and Clyde Martin, Office Services Associate were the Leadership Award Recipients. Juli Weckman, Cash Management Associate, received the Volunteer Award.</p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Kathy Graham has been an integral part of Fairfield County Bank’s presence in Ridgefield for over 30 years, assuming key roles in both the Main Street branch and 150 Danbury Road branch. She is deeply committed to her clients and their financial needs as well as championing non-profit organizations in the community. Ms. Graham is also a previous Volunteer of the Year winner. As Branch Manager, Kathy is responsible for developing new client relationships and providing exceptional service to the branch office’s client base while overseeing branch colleagues and overall operation.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Clyde Martin has been with the Bank since 2018 and has proved invaluable in his role. The Office Services team supports every department at the Bank for any necessary materials. As Office Services Associate, Clyde is responsible for mail distribution and processing, overseeing the Bank’s record retention process, and incoming supply orders.</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Although in two very different ways, Kathy and Clyde each have a profound impact on our organization,” said Daniel Berta, President of Fairfield County Bank. “Clyde personally assists nearly every single member of the Bank, helping make our operations seamless. Kathy is the consummate professional, setting an example for countless colleagues and embodying the Bank’s core values. She offers her clients financial solutions comparable to those of oversized banks, while delivering exceptional customer service through the strong relationships she has built over the years. Kathy is deeply committed to her community, dedicating her time to volunteering with several charities she is passionate about. We are grateful for their service and thrilled to honor them as our Leadership Award winners this year.”</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Mrs. Weckman dedicates countless hours of her personal time to charitable organizations, contributing over 250 volunteer hours in 2024. In addition to her volunteer efforts, she works tirelessly as an Employee Champion in the Bank’s Charity of the Month program. As part of the Volunteer of the Year award, the Bank donates an additional $1,000 to a local charity selected by the winner, further supporting the Bank’s commitment to giving back to the community. When choosing Animals for Life, Juli said, “Animals for Life is incredibly near and dear to my heart, as my husband and I have been volunteers at the shelter for three years. Four of our seven cats have come from Animals for Life, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Our newest was a 'foster failure' who came to stay with us during the flooding in Naugatuck this past August. We fell in love with her instantly and knew she needed to be part of our family. I love being able to play a role in making the lives of animals better.”</span></p><p class="ql-align-justify"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Learn more about Fairfield County Bank </span><a href="http://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(94, 168, 215);">FairfieldCountyBank.com</a></p><p><br></p>
<h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter</strong></h2><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Shop small, do big things for your community</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why Small Businesses Matter puts a spotlight on the local merchants who donate their time, talent, goods, and services for the betterment of our community.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Meet Nadia Blair who opened </strong><a href="https://www.flobees.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Flobees Roadside Stand</strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> with her husband Aaron.</strong></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why did you open Flobees Roadside Stand? </strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We decided to open Flobee's because I loved the building and I just wanted to give it a new life and make sure it stuck around for another 70 years, so we came up with a plan that we thought would highlight the original intent of the building but also reimagine it for today's world. </span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What menu items do you offer and what can patrons expect?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Adding a full food menu felt like a great way to keep the spirit of the old Carvel, but also give it a new purpose. The property is also the only one of its kind in Ridgefield (the only permanent building, but without any indoor seating), and I felt it was important to preserve, but I wanted to upgrade it, so we added the new enclosed outdoor eating area with picnic tables. There is a new bathroom building with two bathrooms, a structural safety wall along the front of the building, as well as an updated parking lot - in addition to perks like online ordering from our </span><a href="https://www.flobees.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">website,</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> and text notifications to make the experience more accessible when the weather isn't great. </span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What are your days/hours of operation?</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We opened last weekend, and are now open every weekend, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am - 8 pm. We plan to expand to our full schedule (Tuesday - Sunday 11 - 8, closed on Mondays) sometime in February. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Flobees Roadside Stand is located at 680 Danbury Road. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more updates, check out their Instagram </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/flobeesroadside/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or visit their website at </span><a href="https://www.flobees.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.flobees.com</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub thanks</strong><a href="http://www.jkinfordbeautygroup.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong> </strong></a><a href="https://www.fairfieldcountybank.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Fairfield County Bank </strong></a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for making our Why Small Businesses Matter series possible!</strong></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We're excited to announce that </span><a href="https://www.whipsalon.com/locations/ridgefield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Whip Salon Ridgefield</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> is now open LATE on Wednesdays and Thursdays until 8pm.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We know how busy life can get, so we're making it easier for you to squeeze in that much-needed hair appointment. Whether you need a quick trim, a fresh color, or a full glam session, our talented stylists are here for you. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Why these late nights are perfect for you:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">After-work appointments: Finally, a salon that works with your schedule!</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Less rush: Enjoy a more relaxed salon experience during our extended hours.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">More me-time: Pamper yourself after a long day</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you have any questions or wish to make an appointment, our friendly hospitality team is here to help at 203-442-6444 or book your appointment </span><a href="https://www.whipsalon.com/locations/ridgefield" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.whipsalon.com/locations/ridgefield</a></p>
<p>Ridgefield High School student Will Knispel is stepping up to make a difference with the launch of a new series of Teen Community Emergency Response Team (Teen CERT) classes. These sessions, designed exclusively for high school students, aim to equip teens with crucial emergency response skills and the confidence to act when it matters most.</p><p>The first classes in the series will focus on teaching participants how to use Narcan, a life-saving drug that can reverse opioid overdoses. Attendees will not only gain this valuable knowledge but will also leave with a <strong>free Narcan kit</strong> to be prepared in case of an emergency.</p><p><strong>When & Where</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Wednesday, February 12th, at 7:30 PM</strong></li><li><strong>Wednesday, February 26th, at 7:30 PM</strong></li><li>Both classes will take place at Ridgefield High School.</li></ul><p>These classes are open to all current high school students. To sign up, scan the QR code on the attached image or click <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyibh5LVYaIS6PcUlxk1_i6-q5MTjO3EP5wJtZLQgjkjGuwg/viewform" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<p>Get ready to savor Southern comfort at Flobee’s Roadside Stand, open this weekend at 680 Danbury Road in Ridgefield! Located in the iconic Carvel building on Route 7, Flobee’s brings classic roadside charm back to life.</p><p>With a housemade menu featuring juicy burgers, crispy fried chicken, and sweet ice cream, Flobee’s promises nostalgia served fresh. As the founders, Ridgefield locals Nadia and Aaron Blair, explain, it’s about blending the rich traditions of Southern comfort food with the timeless appeal of New England’s beloved roadside stands.</p><p>The stand will be open Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., starting this weekend. For more updates, check out their Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/flobeesroadside/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> or visit their website at <a href="https://www.flobees.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.flobees.com</a>.</p>
<p>Ridgefield Little League (RLL) is excited to start the registration, evaluation (for some), and team-building process for the upcoming 2025 Spring Season. Yes, it’s January, but Baseball Fever is in the air!</p><p>Please keep in mind that we are always looking for Volunteers; Coaches, Pancake Breakfast and Concessions help, Teenage Umpires, etc. At registration, please let us know what you are interested in and we will contact you at the appropriate time.</p><p>Three messages below…please read the section that pertains to your player(s)!</p><p><strong>Challenger (Holland) Division!</strong></p><p>**Registration is now Open and Closes on April 25, 2025**</p><p>Hello to our current families and a warm welcome to the new families on TEAM HOLLAND! We are elated to bring this program back for another wonderful season. As part of Little League International, The Challenger Division is an adaptive baseball program for individuals with physical and developmental challenges. This division accommodates players ages 4-18; or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. Today, 30,000 children participate in more than 900 Challenger Divisions worldwide - and we want these numbers to grow!</p><p>As with all divisions and levels of Little League, we strive to provide a safe, inclusive, enriched, and FUN atmosphere for all of our Team Holland players. With leadership Ridgefield’s Challenger Divisional Director, and the partnership with our ‘buddies’ from the RHS baseball team, we look to create a Saturday filled with love, laughter and baseball each week. </p><p>Registration Fees and Hats/Shirts will be covered by RLL - you just need to sign your player up! Dates and times for the games will be posted soon. Please spread the word, as we are a growing division and would love to bring joy to more players each year. This is a truly special experience for all involved.</p><p><strong>PeeWee, Tee Ball, Rookie, and Single A players!</strong></p><p>Ages 4-8</p><p>**Registration is now OPEN and Closes on Saturday, March 12, 2025**</p><p>**Players registering by Feb 1st will recieved a $15 discount**</p><p>Cost: $205 for these 4 divisions</p><p>Welcome to baseball or welcome back to baseball! Come one come all - this is typically all Little League age 4-8 year old players. </p><p>In these divisions, Little Leaguers will begin and/or continue to learn the basic fundamentals of baseball; hitting, fielding, catching, throwing, and offense/defense all within a SAFE, ENCOURAGING, and FUN environment. </p><p>At these levels, once registration closes, we will begin to build the teams. We do our best to build the teams based on the school the players attend and any specific parental requests. This is never an exact science nor a guarantee that we can accommodate all requests, but we pride ourselves on keeping friends and schoolmates together whenever possible. </p><p>We always need Coaches here! Once the teams are built and the coaches are selected, you will be notified of the team that your son or daughter will be playing on. The coaches will determine the day and time for practice while Ridgefield Little League will determine game days and times. Please note: PeeWee and TeeBall ONLY have practice/games on Saturdays. </p><p>Go ahead and register today!</p><p><strong> AA, AAA, and Majors’ players!</strong></p><p>**Registration is now OPEN and Closes on Monday, Feb 22, 2025**</p><p>Cost: $305 for all divisions AA - Majors</p><p>Evaluations for ALL of the above Divisions will take place on Sat, March 1 or Sun March 2</p><p>Location: TBD</p><p>Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Kevin Portanova (<a href="mailto:president@ridgefieldlittleleague.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">president@ridgefieldlittleleague.org</a>) or Rob Martzloff (<a href="mailto:playeragent@ridgefieldlittleleague.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">playeragent@ridgefieldlittleleague.org</a>) with any questions. </p><p>Learn more and register for Spring Baseball <a href="https://www.ridgefieldlittleleague.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.ridgefieldlittleleague.org/</a></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">The Ridgefield Police would like to publicly welcome our newest Officer, Kevin O'Connor badge #229. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">Kevin was sworn in this morning by Town Clerk, Wendy Lionetti during a ceremony held at police headquarters. Ofc. O'Connor comes to us after serving three years with the Holyoke, MA Police Department. He will start his Field Training Program immediately, with some of the finest Field Training Officers in the state. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">We wish him the best of luck and a long, prosperous career in Ridgefield.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 9);">To view additional photos, visit Ridgefield Police on Facebook </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064419800805" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>