The final month of the Connecticut State Golf Association schedule begins with the 78th Connecticut Senior Amateur hosted by Silver Spring Country Club from October 2-3.

“Hosting a CSGA event at Silver Spring CC is an honor,” said Silver Spring CC head professional Patrick Langan. “The entire club from the membership to the staff is so proud of our facility and the chance to showcase how special Silver Spring CC is.”

This year’s field of 94 players will be highlighted by defending champion Dave Szewczul along with nine other past champions.

For Szewczul defending a title will be nothing new. The Connecticut Golf Hall of Famer has won 17 CSGA major titles including four Connecticut Senior Amateur’s however this time Szewczul will have to battle through a torn rotator cuff and the knowledge that he will be facing surgery two days after the completion of the tournament.

“I’m excited to play. I’m always excited to come back and defend. The field is very strong and there are a lot of good players. The challenges are always there but that is what you play for. However, the main theme for me will be trying to keep the focus on the golf at hand and not the surgery,” said Dave Szewczul who injured his rotator cuff in late August on the 17th hole while en route to winning his third Super Senior Championship. “My main objective is to try and not think ahead.”

As a result, Szewczul will try to approach the tournament just as he would any other. “You know you are going to be up against stiff competition and winning a tournament is about limiting the amount of mistakes that you make. Everyone will make some mistakes but if you can minimize them and avoid the big numbers and then bounce back you will be in good shape. Consistency and not getting ahead of myself are important as well as being able to play within yourself.”

Silver Spring CC has previously hosted the Connecticut Senior Amateur three times, for the first time in 1973 and most recently in 1995. However, this will be the first time that Silver Spring CC will be the lone host of the event.

“It is a wonderful golf course,” Szewczul said. “I think the key is to put the ball in the fairway because the greens are demanding. Hitting fairways and putting your ball in the right spot on the greens (is important) because they can be demanding and tricky. You want to be able to give yourself some legitimate opportunities at birdies instead of putting defensively.”

Established in 1930 and designed by Charles Banks and Robert White, Silver Spring CC is a 6,250-yard par-71 layout that meanders through the rolling hills and woods of historic Ridgefield.

“The greens and surrounding areas will prove to be the biggest challenge,” Langan said. “From the condition of the turf to the speed and firmness player’s short games will be tested. Our superintendent Bill Cygan does a fantastic job on a daily basis prepping the golf course and the fall weather will allow him to push the putting surfaces.”

A challenging layout from start to finish the key stretch according to Langan comes on Nos. 15-17. Beginning with the short par-3 15th most players will have a 9 iron or wedge in hand off the tee however the sloping green is well defended. The ensuing par-4 16th plays longer than the scorecard suggests and finding the fairway on this 400+ yard hole can be challenging. Once players find the green they will have to deal with more slopes and undulations. The crucial stretch ends with a scoring chance on the par-4 17th. Players who hit a good drive will be rewarded with a short iron approach into a receptive green.

The 78th Connecticut Senior Amateur will begin on Monday, October 2 at 8 a.m. with the final round to follow on Tuesday. The top 39 and ties will make the cut and compete in the final round.

Tee Times

Notes on the Field

Number of Players: 94

Past Champions (10): Dave Szewczul (2011, 2012, 2016, 2022), Donal Reilly (2021), Richard Stevens (2007 & 2020), Bill Hermanson (2015 & 2019), Ray Underwood (2018), Patrick McGuiness (2017), Mark Vasington (2014), Jack Bracken (2013), James Bango (2005), Shawn McLoughlin (2001)

Players to Watch

Glen Boggini (Manchester CC): The winner of the Senior Match Play title earlier in the season Boggini has also performed well in One Day Tournament events winning twice.

Bill Hermanson (Black Hall Club): The two-time winner reached the Round of 16 at the Senior Match Play at the end of June and has made the cut at both the Russell C. Palmer Cup and the Connecticut Mid-Amateur. Hermanson also won the CC of Farmington One Day Tournament in May. Last year Hermanson tied for second at the Connecticut Senior Amateur.

Dave Jones (Mohegan Sun GC): The two-time reigning Dick Siderowf Player of the Year held the first round lead at the Connecticut Senior Amateur last year before finishing T4. The 2022 Senior Match Play winner reached the Round of 16 in his title defense earlier this year.

Rick Malafronte (New Haven CC): Seemingly always in the mix Malafronte was a quarterfinalist at the Senior Match Play in June and he was tied for second at the Connecticut Senior Four-Ball in August.

Patrick McGuiness (Keney GC): The 2017 winner earned the five-seed at the Senior Match Play earlier this year and last year he earned a T10 showing at the Connecticut Senior Amateur.

Bob Murphy (Brownson CC): This year Murphy has been limited due to injuries but in his first appearance of the season he was part of the winning tandem at the Connecticut Senior Four-Ball. Murphy was the runner-up at the 2021 Senior Match Play.

Richard Stevens (EClub of Connecticut): The two-time champion nearly won a third title last year but he came up two shots short finishing in a tie for second. In June he reached match play at the Senior Match Play.

Dave Szewczul (TPC River Highlands): Last year Szewczul battled difficult conditions at the Country Club of Waterbury to win his fourth Connecticut Senior Amateur championship. In August he won his third Connecticut Super Senior title.

With the change of seasons maybe you've been thinking it's time for a haircut refresh. The hair experts at Whip Salon Ridgefield can’t wait to welcome you!

A gorgeous haircut can make you feel like a million bucks. If it’s been a minute since you had a haircut, here’s a few reasons why it’s good to get regular cuts:

- To keep split ends at bay. If you’re looking for more hair growth, keeping your ends healthy makes a big difference.

- To maintain your hairstyle shape. If you have layers or bangs, it’s important to keep them maintained with regular cuts.

- To boost your confidence. A haircut refresh can elevate your mood. Who doesn’t love the feeling of a fresh trim!?

- To change it up. Maybe you’ve been thinking of adding layers or texture, come consult with us for the look that’s right for your hair and change it up.

Book online through whipsalon.com or call 203.442.6444 to book your next appointment. The salon is open 7 days a week.

Join us at the Ridgefield Library on Thursday, September 28th at 6:30 PM for the provocative and timely presentation, “Should You Accept a Chatbot as Your Doctor?”

Please register.  Bring your questions!

Dr. Arthur Caplan is currently the Drs. William F. and Virginia Connolly Mitty Professor and founding head of the Division of Medical Ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine in New York City.

This lecture is part of the Ridgefield Library’s fall series, AI: Ready or Not, which is made possible by the generosity of the Friends of the Ridgefield Library.

Celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) this October by joining the Prospector for the inaugural Do Good Business Conference - a full-day, hybrid conference detailing how diversity, inclusion, and accessibility can better your business and bottom line.

The Prospector is a 501(c)(3) non-profit providing competitive and inclusive employment for people with disabilities through the operation of a first-run movie theater and online popcorn shop. Opened in 2014, the Prospector has trailblazed a revolutionary model of social enterprise, developed as a solution to the crises of unemployment and underemployment among working-aged people with disabilities.

Approximately 80% of Americans with disabilities have no job. Since opening, the Prospector has been committed to creating best practices that can be adapted to any business, large or small.  “We can work, want to work, and add tremendous value,” says Prospector Executive Director Mike Santini. 

More than 320 Prospects - the name of all Prospector employees - have worked at the Prospector since opening, uniquely positioning the organization to reshape business conversations in regard to inclusion and accessibility. “Through universally designing workplaces and businesses, we can tap into a talented workforce and a consumer market with over $500B in discretionary income.

What we’re doing isn’t nice; it’s good business.” The Do Good Business Conference is being designed as a collaborative space for mission-driven businesses to learn from accessibility experts, game-changing entrepreneurs, HR professionals, IT innovators, non-profit start-ups, and industry leaders. Participants will learn strategies for creating competitive and inclusive employment and universally-designed customer experiences.

“By teaching others how we do our work, we hope to create a community where we can come together to tackle common challenges and collaborate on systemic change,” says Kathleen Eubanks, Prospector’s Director of Continuing Education. The Conference is an answer to a common inquiry received by the Prospector: how do I create something like Prospector in my community? With over 120 such inquiries in the last nine years, the Prospector recognizes the massive demand for their model - especially for young people with disabilities aging-out of the educational system.

These are concerns that Eubanks constantly hears from schools that partner with the Prospector for service-learning programs. The Prospector welcomes thousands of students annually for educational programming about the importance of inclusion, empathy, and accessibility. “We work with a lot of the transition programs from local high schools,” explains Eubanks. “These programs focus on independent living skills and job preparedness. Through building meaningful relationships with schools and administrations, we’ve been able to identify the gaps that exist in workforce development and how we can help bridge them.”

Eubanks has been spearheading the Conference, building on the connections the Prospector has made with entrepreneurs and global businesses who are aligned with the mission of the Prospector. Local like-minded organizations, such as Sweet P Bakery and the Porch at Christie’s, will present alongside larger employers, like IBM, providing attendees with a wide array of strategies for creating more meaningful work in their communities. In addition to industry-leaders, the Prospector has also connected with central figures in the Disability Rights Movement. John D. Kemp, co-founder of the American Association of People with Disabilities and current President & CEO of the Lakeshore Foundation, will provide a keynote on how people with disabilities bring value and leadership to organizations.

Registration is now open for the Do Good Business Conference - with both in-person and virtual options. 

To learn more about Prospector’s Do Good Business Conference, or to register, visit https://www.prospectortheater.org/dgb23

Learn more about the Prospector https://www.prospectortheater.org/

Murtaugh Minute

The NCL Ridgefield Chapter proudly hosted its first Philanthropy Fair since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic on September 19, 2023. The event, held at East Ridge Middle School, marked a triumphant return to in-person philanthropic engagement and was met with incredible success.

With continued dedication to fostering a spirit of service and support, the NCL Ridgefield Chapter welcomed twenty non-profit organizations to the Philanthropy Fair. These organizations had the opportunity to share their noble causes and inspire NCL mothers (Patronesses) and daughters
(TickTockers) with ways to serve, support, and lead within their community.

Each philanthropy presented a wealth of literature, information, and insights into their mission and purpose. Attendees found the fair to be both educational and enlightening with one TickTocker expressing, “I learned so much about all of the philanthropies that I can support through NCL. There are so many opportunities to volunteer!”

NCL Ridgefield Chapter VP of Communications Melissa Labrosciano, remarked, “The Philanthropy Fair’s success was a testament to the collective efforts of individuals coming together to support one another. Our Patronesses and TickTockers gained valuable insights into the myriad ways they can contribute to the NCL mission.”

The dedication and impact of the NCL Ridgefield Chapter have not gone unnoticed. Recently, the chapter received the prestigious NCL, Inc. Philanthropy Award, recognizing their exceptional commitment to community service and their unwavering dedication to making a positive impact on the local community. The award was accepted on behalf of the chapter by the President of the Ridgefield Chapter on September 14, 2023. NCL Ridgefield Chapter President Yenny Reed shared, “This year, the NCL Ridgefield Area Chapter has epitomized the values of agility, dedication, and collaboration. TickTockers have acquired valuable skills in communication, logistics, and organization, honing their leadership abilities while working effectively within and across organizations to solve challenges. It has been truly rewarding to witness Ticktockers’s growth and learning while simultaneously supporting our community.”

For more information about the NCL Ridgefield Chapter and their commitment to community service, please visit https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/ridgefieldarea/.

We've got answers! After several residents reached out regarding the trail being built along Ligi's Way, we did some digging. 

The Town of Ridgefield has begun construction on a half-mile trail that begins on Danbury Road and Farmingville Road and extends along Farmingville Road and Ligi's Way. 

“Next year it will be connected to the Ridgefield Recreation Center with a sidewalk on Route 35 from Copps Hill north to the walking bridge,” explains First Selectman, Rudy Marconi. 

Marconi says the sidewalk will continue from ROAR to the Goodwill trailer on Quarry Ridge Road and from ROAR up to the Rail Trail.

The final leg of the trail will take walkers from Florida Road to Branchville Road.

Stay tuned for more information!

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church invites members of the entire community to participate in a Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 1, at 12 noon, on the church steps at 353 Main St. To mark the occasion, each pet will receive a medallion in honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals and the environment.    

“We invite all our furry and feathered friends every year to this brief ceremony on the Sunday closest to the October 4 feast day of St. Francis,” said the Rev. Whitney Altopp, rector of St. Stephen’s. “The occasion recognizes how much pets bless our lives.”                                     

 St. Francis, who proclaimed the goodness of God in all created things, is credited with writing the widely used Prayer for Peace, which begins “Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union.” He was canonized in 1228, two years after his death at age 44.

Boys & Girls State Graduates 

Ridgefield, CT -- The Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee unanimously nominated Benjamin Nissim to run for a position on the Ridgefield Inland Wetlands Board (IWB) on November 7th.

Nissim will replace on the ballot endorsed candidate and current IWB member, Tracey Miller, who will be leaving Ridgefield for out-of-state employment beginning in early 2024.

Benjamin Nissim is currently an alternate on the Ridgefield Conservation Commission.

A Ridgefield resident since 2018, he and his wife have a family of three younger children, who are growing up enjoying the natural, cultural and educational resources of Ridgefield.

A native of Westport, Benjamin graduated from Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT, with a B.A. in government and a  J.D. magna cum laude from University of Notre Dame Law School. Nissim is an attorney, working as Senior Counsel to The Hartford. Prior to joining The Hartford, he was in private practice at two notable CT law firms.

In addition to his volunteer service on the Conservation Commission and the IWB, Benjamin Nissim also serves as a board member for the non-profits Lawyers for Children America and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center. Nissim's legal experience, dedication to children—the current and future recipients of Ridgefield’s natural resources—as well as his service as a Conservation Commissioner make him an exceptional candidate for the Inland Wetlands Board. 

For more information about Benjamin Nissim and the team of Democrats running on Row A with Rudy Marconi on November 7th, please visit www.ridgefielddems.net 

Representatives from the CT Department of Social Services will present the ‘CT Homecare Program for Elders’ program at the Ridgefield Library on Tuesday, 9/26 at 1:00 PM.  

Learn what programs are available to help support caregivers and help their loved ones age in place while receiving the care that is needed. We will describe the qualifications and explain how to apply for assistance.  

Do not wait until you need support for yourself or a loved one to discover what is available.  

This invaluable program is your chance to hear from and speak to the professionals who manage this program. We look forward to welcoming you.  

Presented by: The Ridgefield Department of Social Services and The Ridgefield Library.

Please register.

Thin out your closet by donating items to the upcoming Fall Clothing Sale at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church.

The church is now accepting donations for the sale, which will be Sat., Oct. 14 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Are your kids’ closets half-full of shirts, skirts, dresses and pants they’ve outgrown? Are you working remotely now and no longer need a full business wardrobe? Do you just have too many clothes that you never wear?

Now through Oct. 8, gently used clothing and shoes in all sizes can be dropped off in the rear garage of the church’s Wesley Manor building, adjacent to the commuter parking lot in the back of the campus. From Oct. 9-13, drop-off is in the church’s Carriage House (at the west end of the parking lot), where the sale will occur.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Jesse Lee’s outreach missions that support people in need, in the local community and beyond.

Jesse Lee Church is at 207 Main St. (at King Lane). For more information, call (203) 438-8791.

Learn about all of Jesse Lee’s programs and events this fall – including women’s Bible studies each Thursday, the annual pumpkin patch Sept. 30-Oct. 31, the church’s sponsoring of Safewalk in town Sept. 30, and the assembling of hygiene kits for asylum seekers on Oct. 21 – at www.jesseleechurch.com.

Save the date! Fall In Love With Ridgefield is planned for Saturday, October 14th in the downtown area. 

All of the fall favorites including scarecrows, pumpkins, music and activities for the kids make this annual event a special way to celebrate the colorful season!

Stay tuned for details!

Ridgefield is SafeWalk STRONG, join the community on September 30 beginning at 3:00 pm on the Jesse Lee Church campus for a walk and some fall fun

Every year, thousands of people across Connecticut gather together in small and large groups to walk, or run a 4k together to further the mission of The Center (formerly The Women’s Center), a Danbury-based nonprofit working to end the violence since 1975.

SafeWalk 2023 is planned for the weekend Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1; kicking off Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

From the event’s inception, Ridgefield has been Safe Walk strong with several organizations and businesses gathering teams and joining in solidarity toward the Center’s mission of preventing and reducing interpersonal violence.

We decided to turn this into a real Ridgefield community walk 

- Kathy Graham, SafeWalk chair

Kathy Graham, Chair of 2023 Safe Walk and longtime supporter and volunteer of The Center explains, “For the past two years, a group of Ridgefielders have walked together beginning at Jesse Lee Church.” 

This year, that group increases tenfold as twelve [see list below] local organizations and businesses will walk the streets of Ridgefield on Saturday, September 30 at 3:00 p.m. -  building both awareness for the cause and community camaraderie.  

If you are interested in participating, please meet on the front lawn of Jesse Lee Church on September 30 at 3:00 p.m.  “We will walk down Main Street to Ballard Park, loop through the park and finish at Jesse Lee,” says Graham.

Graham explains, “The purpose of SafeWalk is twofold: to raise funds for The Center, which offers free counseling to the victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and secondly, but equally important, to raise awareness that help is available to those who might need it.”

The family-friendly event will include opening remarks by First Selectman Rudy Marconi and Pastor Bill Pfohl. “Besides being our First Selectman, Rudy is also a member of [The Center’s] Men's Council Against Domestic Violence and Bill is the Pastor of Jesse Lee Church.”

And, in addition to putting one foot in front of the other to support The Center and community members in need, Jesse Lee Church will be the hub for fall fun. “Jay Steele has volunteered his time to make balloon animals. We will have a firepit where walkers can make s'mores after the walk”. What’s more, Saturday, September 30 is the opening day of the beloved Jesse Lee Pumpkin Patch! 

For more information regarding this event, contact Rob Mayette at Jesse Lee Outreach at rpmayette@gmail.com or Kathy Graham, who is chairing SafeWalk for The Center, at kathy.graham@fairfieldcountybank.com.  

“We hope that anyone reading this will consider joining us in our walk,” says Graham.

Learn more https://thecenterct.org/

A tremendous THANK YOU to members from the following groups who are participating thus far in Ridgefield community SafeWalk on September 30 beginning at 3:00 pm.

First Congregational Church

Jesse Lee Memorial Methodist Church

Shir Shalom

St. Stephens Episcopal Church

Rotary Club of Ridgefield

Ridgefield Lions Club

Fairfield County Bank

Ridgefield High School Football Team

Girls Softball League

National Charity League

Ridgefield Father's Club

Connecticut Against Gun Violence

If you are interested in joining our community group of walkers, please contact Kathy Graham kathy.graham@fairfieldcountybank.com.

If you are unable to participate on September 30 at 3:00 p.m. but would like to support our community of walkers, visit https://secure.frontstream.com/2023-safewalk

Save the date! The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield will hold its biennial Great Futures Celebration on Saturday, November 4, 2023!