OrthoConnecticut along with the Ridgefield Library is sponsoring a talk on Oct 3^rd, beginning at 7:00 pm at Ridgefield Library titled “Navigating Injury Prevention and Care for the Young Athlete”.

Dr. Edton Ganal, Sports Medicine Specialist, will present the risks of injury and tips for reducing these risks for young athletes. 

The event will take place in the Main Program Room of Ridgefield Library. A Q&A will follow the presentation.

Register online here.

This presentation is part of the Noreen L. Papa Mother’s Live Your Life Fund

Yesterday, Sunday, September 23, Maura Sullivan and friends spent the day at Maura’s store, Consign Envy packing up huge boxes to send to the Bahamas to support those impacted by Hurricane Dorian, a wicked tropical cyclone that wiped out entire neighborhoods in the Bahamas.

Sullivan, who has made it her mission and passion to help those in need, began planning her philanthropic act after meeting a Consign Envy customer and learning about the plight. “A woman by the name of Heidi Cerosky came into my store Saturday afternoon to Consign. As we were speaking she mentioned there was a coalition of people and companies coming together to help out Equinor." 

Stamford-based Equinor, a company with locations around the globe including Grand Bahama, has employees who have lost everything due to Hurricane Dorian. “At the time of arrival of the hurricane, Equinor had 54 personnel at Grand Bahama. They had worked at the South Riding Point oil storage terminal up until the precautionary shutdown on 31 August,” Equinor explains. 

Sullivan had to act quickly. “Equinor has a private jet flying directly to the Bahamas today [Monday, September 23].”

Within 24 hours of putting out a call for help, Sullivan says, “I had donations, that included diapers, wipes, toiletries, cleaning supplies, school supplies, books and toys.”

She also asked some friends to help her pack up the needed supplies, and they happily helped spent yesterday sorting through items and putting them into storage boxes so they were ready for today’s shipment. 

“It was amazing what we were able to accomplish with short notice. Clothing was pulled in the sizes families needed and boxed up, taped up and ready for departure. It is agreed that any donations they cannot use will be given to other families in need,” says Sullivan.

Today, Heidi Cerosky transported the boxes to Equinor in Stamford where they will be loaded on a truck and then onto the jet. 

“Linda and Lilah Queenan, along with Cate Travaglini, Diana Davis, Heidi and Carly Cerosky gave up their Sunday afternoon to help with this initiative. And a huge thank you to them for all their generous donations. We were all smiles when it was done,” says Sullivan.

You are invited to join Ancona's Wines & Liquors at the Ancona’s Annex in Branchville from 6:45 to 9:00 pm on Wednesday, October 2nd for a tasting with Eric Railsback of Lieu Dit, Presqu'ile, and Railsback Freres Wineries.

Reserve your spot ($10) here.

Eric will be walking us through a lineup of wines from a few of his passion-projects (and tickets are only $10!) Reserve your spot here.

This guy has been making his way from one side of the wine world to the other, from sommelier to now his own winemaking ventures. You may be familiar with some of the wineries with which he's associated:

 -Lieu Dit, the Old-World styled Santa Barbara project we feature prominently at Ancona's

 -Presqu'ile, the cool climate-focused winery in the heart of Santa Barbara's Santa Maria Valley

 -Railsback Freres, the first project to take his name, Eric and his brother Lyle are making some bonkers wines in the Santa Ynez valley, emulating the styles of some top-notch winemakers from regions like Bandol and Languedoc-Roussillon

Needless to say, we're beyond excited to have Eric in to chat a bit about some of his wines, and how embracing the truest sense of 'terroir' yields some of the most honest, exciting wines that California has to offer.

For those of you who aren't familiar with the Ancona's Annex, it's the space that we're lucky enough to have for events. The former home of Mitch's grandparents, the Annex is an intimate space for no more than 20 guests to have a private experience with the host, often a winery representative like Eric.

Guests are welcomed with a pour of the aperitif du jour before being seated with a flight of wines hand-selected by the host to best convey their perspective and intention.

As always, space is limited! Grab a spot while you can here.

Ancona's Wines Annex, 41 Ethan Allen Highway, Ridgefield

The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra invites those interested in music, and the arts in our community, to join RSO Music Director Yuga Cohler and members of the RSO staff and board for coffee and conversation on Thursday, October 3^rd at 10:00 AM in the lower level conference room in Ridgefield’s Town Hall (400 Main Street – entrance to the lower level is off Bailey Avenue). We will talk about music, the role of a symphony orchestra in our community, and the arts as part of our culture. We will share our thoughts and we want to hear yours! The event is free and open to the public - all are invited to attend. We look forward to seeing you at Ridgefield Town Hall on the 3^rd.

Then get to know us a little more! On Saturday evening October 5^th at 8:00 PM at Richardson Auditorium at Ridgefield High School, join the full Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra to kick-off our 55^th season with Medley. The concert will open with “Disquiet” by brilliant American composer Sarah Kirkland Snider. Snider’s works have been commissioned and performed by numerous preeminent orchestras, ensembles and individual musicians. She is featured as one of 19 female composers commissioned by the New York Philharmonic to premiere a piece with the orchestra during the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons as part of Project19, in recognition of the 100^th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the 19^th Amendment. The concert also features the wonderful Variaciones Concertantes by South American composer Alberto Ginastera and the magnificent Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” by Antonin Dvorak.

“We are truly excited to kick-off our 55^th season, and are so fortunate to have composer Sarah Kirkland Snider with us in Ridgefield for the October 5^th performance.” says RSO Executive Director Laurie Kenagy. “Sarah will join Yuga Cohler for a pre-concert talk at 7:00 PM in the auditorium, and we invite all ticket holders to attend what is sure to be an interesting and dynamic discussion.”

For more information on the RSO’s 2019-20 season and to purchase concert tickets, visit ridgefieldsymphony.org or call 203.438.3889.

Nutmeg & Neighbors on September 28 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will feature live music by Charm City Exiles. The popular trio - L.T. Maroon (vocals/guitar), D.B. Maroon (drums/vocals), Sean Nick (bass/vocals) – describes itself as “straight-up rock with a twist of Americana.” Their appearance is courtesy of Bach to Rock music school in Ridgefield.        Nutmeg & Neighbors will take place from 5 to 8 on the church grounds at 351 Main St. in Ridgefield.

This intergenerational event for the community will help sustain St. Stephen’s many outreach programs and its mission to “love our neighbors.”  The program will include family line dancing, square dancing with a professional caller, O’Deen’s BBQ with vegan options, children’s activities, and auctions.                                 

Everyone is invited to this fundraiser of music, food and fun for all ages. Advance tickets: $40; children under 12, $5 (family max $100, free childcare). For tickets go to www.ststephens-ridgefield.org. Tickets at the door: $50; children under 12, $5 (family max $120, free childcare for preK-fifth grade).

Caption: L.T. Maroon

Take-A-Look Tuesdays, An Inside View of PreK-Grade 8 at Ridgefield Academy on September 24

Childhood is celebrated at Ridgefield Academy. This is at the center of all we do in the classroom, on the field and even in the lunchroom! Our great passion is knowing our students as individuals within our vibrant community, challenging our students with an intellectually inspiring curriculum, and helping them rise to their authentic selves. Interested in learning more?

Join us in our Summit Building between 9AM and 11AM on select Tuesdays now through April. Get a close-up look at our school while in session. On your visit you will hear from our Head of School, Tom Main, about the benefits of RA’s preschool through Grade 8 education, experience our dynamic classrooms in action, tour our beautiful campus and see firsthand how our talented faculty inspire a joy of learning in our students.

Dates: September 24, October 15, November 12, December 10, April 21 For more information or to register, call Director of Enrollment David Suter at 203-894-1800 x112 or visit https://www.ridgefieldacademy.org/takealook

One of the Best Community Events of the Year: Safety Day 2019

On Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm the Ridgefield Police Benevolent Association, the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department and the Ridgefield Professional Firefighters Association will be holding their Annual Safety Day in the parking lot of East Ridge Middle School (10 East Ridge Rd.). This event is family-oriented and admission is free. 

Events:
- At 11:00 am there will be a K-9 demonstration by Officer Murray and K-9 Loki 
- At 12:15 pm the Eagle One Helicopter will be landing on the ball field for a demonstration 
- Child car seat inspection/installation station (no appointment necessary)
- Fire safety trailer 
- Fire and Police vehicles will be on display throughout the event 
- Crash simulators
- Information Tables: RVNA, Lyme Connection, Ridgefield Police Benevolent Association, Ridgefield Fire Department, C.E.R.T (Community Emergency Response Team), Firearm Safety, CT S.A.R.T (State Animal Response Team), Red Cross, and more

Editor's note: HamletHub believes in democracy and we recently invited all Town of Ridgefield candidates to answer five questions, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about their candidacy, Town involvement, and reasons for seeking office. If you will be on the ballot on November 5, we'd love to hear from you! Please see the information on the bottom of this post regarding this Q&A opportunity.

Meet Rachel Ruggeri, Ridgefield BoE candidate 

What office are you running for and why?

I’m honored to be running for the Board of Education in Ridgefield, CT. It is my passion for education and love of children that has inspired me to run for office. If elected, I will utilize my extensive professional background as an educator and firsthand experience in the classroom to bring valuable perspective to the Board. I earned a BA in Math and Computer Science and an MPS in Math and Special Education. I worked as a math teacher in an inclusive classroom in Chappaqua, NY and was honored to serve in a leadership role as the math department chair before leaving. I will bring my enthusiasm for education, strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility to the Board of Education in Ridgefield, CT.

What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected on November 5th?

First and foremost, I would respect and uphold the mission of RPS and the goals set forth by the Board of Education. My focus will always be putting Children First! Addressing Curriculum and Instruction in RPS will lead to conversations around professional development, technology, emotional and physical health as well as their effects on the budget. Program changes can have both positive and negative impacts on student achievement. The current programs implemented need to be audited specifically in Elementary and Middle school years. With the question to see what is working and what is not. Concerns over program changes can be addressed through thoughtful questioning and discussion. We have great schools, let’s make sure we are on the right track to continue excellence in the future. How are special education services being delivered? Is instruction being differentiated? Are students provided with enrichment opportunities? What is the impact on bridging the curriculum between elementary and middle school years? There are many stakeholders when speaking about Curriculum and Instruction in RPS. Our programs are to support our curriculum; however, we can’t forget to support our teachers through professional development and make sure they are a part of the process. Organically these conversations will lead to examine the effect on our budget and lead to a more transparent understanding of spending for our children’s future. Our school’s infrastructure and maintaining safe school environments will always be important! Transparency and communicating effectively with the community. As well as being fiscally responsible with a budget that should meet the needs of our children and offer them the best educational experience.

Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield

Teaching our children about kindness is a community effort. As a family, we’ve organized a Trike a Thon in Chappaqua, NY for St. Jude’s Children Hospital, as well as a food drive for Westchester Food Bank. I’ve donated handmade tutu’s and activity kits to Maria Ferrari Children’s Hospital and dressed up as the Easter Bunny for guests at the Ronald McDonald House in New Haven, CT. In Ridgefield, I’ve participated in Run like a Mother for the past two years, I’m a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Church, and of the PTA at Branchville Elementary School. You can often find me at one of our beautiful soccer fields supporting SCOR or cheering for my daughter at RAC.

Biggest crisis facing our Town?

Finding a new superintendent that will embrace RPS and work together with our Board of Education. When speaking of superintendent’s, we have not had continuous leadership here in Ridgefield Public Schools. The role of the superintendent is 24/7. This individual needs to be a strong leader, that would oversee our high school, two middle schools and six elementary schools. The Board of Educations’ working relationship with this individual is of the utmost importance. It is an election year; I strongly believe that the elected Board of Education candidates on November 5th should be involved in the process of hiring a new superintendent.

Name a person (dead or alive) who you look up to

I look up to my grandmother, Angelina. She is from the Bronx, NY and moved to Westchester county when my mother was a teenager. I’ve learned from her never to forget where you come from and to be humble and kind. She is one of eight children and her parents were Italian immigrants. Her four brothers served admirably in the US military during World War II. She faces every experience with dignity and respect. She instilled pride and a strong work ethic onto my mother who in turn taught me and I hope to pass those same traits to my children.

I’m proud that my husband and I can share her stories with our children and spend the best times with her now! My grandmother taught me never to be afraid, that you can’t always make everyone happy and to be a good person. I love my family! I will work hard on the Board of Education for the children and community of Ridgefield. As a family, my husband and I try to model qualities for our children of compassion and kindness. I will exemplify these qualities as a Board member, remembering to always put “Children First”.

Learn more about Rachel on "Parents for a Better BoE" on Facebook here.

Rules for candidates who wish to participate in our Q&A:

*Please answer 5 of the 6 questions.

*You MUST answer #1

*Please include a photo with your answers

*Please email to  Ridgefield@HamletHub.com 

We will publish your answers in Ridgefield HamletHub, on our social media pages, in our evening e-newsletter and Google News.

1. What office are you running for and why

2. What do you hope to accomplish should you be elected on November 5th?

3. Tell me about your current involvement in Ridgefield (include nonprofits)

4. Biggest crisis facing our Town?

5. Name a few of your favorite books

6. Name a person (dead or alive) who you look up to

 Learn more here.

As many of you know, our Town faces a local Election on November 5th unlike few in recent memory.  While many years past we had few candidates running for local seats while competing for visibility against our State and Federal or Presidential Elections, which as 2020 will indicate, show a likely massive interest in the Presidential election again.  This is year however, the local stage will be spotlighted as will its candidates who hope to earn your trust and the confidence of your vote.

Our First Selectman, the Board of Selectmen, and Board of Education, Board of Finance, and Planning and Zoning are the most notable as they get frequent press and discussion regarding the issues that are seen as affecting our town the most.  The higher taxes, threat of more out of control 8-30g building, and our out of control spending at the Board of Education which forces us to look at efficient spending and planning practices, which some seem hesitant or unwilling to do. Despite its continued widespread fearmongering that our children's health is at risk because of school start times, no studies have been done which confirm this inaccurate hypothesis, yet it still comes up on Facebook groups as a discussion. These topics and many others are worthy considerations for your review of the candidates.

Mr. Dick Moccia is a widely respected candidate for Frist Selectman, as are Joe Savino and Bob Hebert.  The three have shown through their past experiences and my conversations to be respectful and pragmatic in their concerns of our town and the problems facing our way of life. Challenges include less state aid, the imminent threat of tolls which would dramatically augment our traffic, and the 8-30g overbuilding of "affordable housing" with no demand of such in the market, while our real estate brokers are still facing a glut of housing inventory requiring owners who need to sell their homes for less than it may be worth.  Buyers are avoiding homes here frequently as school regionalization is mentioned and more taxes are foreseen.  We need to consider better ways of keeping our town's character and not falling victim to the belief that we need to remarket our town to attract buyers.  People know and love this town, however bad policies are hindering it.

8-30g being forced upon us by the state is an necessary loophole allowing town builders to aggressively build and market their applications for development as affordable, so they get approved.  The glut of overbuilding, and now overcrowding of homes in concentrated areas of town makes us look like Danbury, and now Wilton is moving this way.  Do we want this?  Is this what will attract people to come to live here? This constant abeyance to builders needs to stop.  They may own the property, but their constant demand to build multi-units is wasteful and adds extra strain on our sewage system.  Are they being charged for adding to this?  Why are all the applications by the P&Z accepted with no consideration at all for the community perspective at all in the charter for their governance?  Zero credibility with its current management.

The Board of Education is a tenuous subject but it shouldn't be.  Local politics has corrupted its purpose.  Children should be its priority but instead, a small vociferous group of local parent have taken their "false science-driven agenda", and made it all about their persistent demand to change school start times regardless of almost unanimous local opposition, they still resist in their pursuit of this ill-sighted belief that we should enact a radical change which would add approximately 3 million to the local budget.  Along with our second Superintendent in two years it seems a swift intervention is needed to overcome the rot that has infested this Board.  People can disagree with each other politely and with civility, but when you call a local slate of candidates a "horror show" because their "Republican candidate lost his primary, it shows you really weren't interested in a conversation at all, but a further majority owning the votes of the Board.  This shameful behavior should be derided.

I dislike how our town's current leadership is doing its job caring for our community and kids.  I want a return to respectful discourse for our Boards.  Our Board of Education should be about putting children first and not politics.   I urge for your polite and respectful consideration of our Republican candidates this year:

First Selectman:  Dick Moccia, Selectman: Joe Savino and Bob Hebert

Board of Education: Rob Ceccarini, Liz Floegel, Sean McEvoy, Rachel Ruggiero, and Bryan Ward

Planning and Zoning:   Dean Cohagan, Carl Kristofferson, and John Katz

Police Commissioner:  Terry Kirkpatrick and Tom Reynolds

Thank you. 

Bob Cousins, Ridgefield

Two Ridgefield candidates will host a "meet & greet" with voters on Tuesday, September 24, at 9:30 a.m. at Republican Headquarters, next to Steve's Bagels in the CVS shopping center.

Bob Hebert, who is standing for re-election to the Board of Selectmen, and Terry Kirkpatrick, a candidate for the Police Commission, will conduct the informal discussion on topics of interest to Ridgefield residents. 

Coffee and donuts will be provided. In attendance will be Scout, Kirkpatrick's therapy dog who has assumed the extra role of Terry's campaign manager.

Brooke's Farmers' Market took place on Sunday, August 25 on Governor Street, in front of Bissell Pharmacy. Here, Brooke's mom, Maddie Blake, shares words of thanks to Market organizers and the community. The Farmers' Market raised enough funds to cover the cost of Brooke's next treatment. Thank you, Ridgefield.

Dear Ridgefield Community,

It is with sincere appreciation that I write this post to thank all those that participated at the Farmer's Market on August 25, honoring my daughter, Brooke. For 3 years and 9 months, Brooke and our family have been shown immense support and love from this town. Each day we experience some form of kindness and thoughtfulness that reminds us we aren’t alone in this journey. The amazing crew of ladies whom I call my friends, planned and organized the very successful Farmer's Market. (The amount raised was enough for her next treatment!) The day was gorgeous and I was grateful that Brooke was there the entire day!

Our AMAZING hometown Ridgefield High School Football Team has been nominated for Ruden Report, Fairfield County Bank, Team of The Week!!

Please click on the below link to VOTE!! VOTE EVERY DAY until Wednesday at noon!

Feel free to click on the other links to stir up some Tiger Spirit and share the BEST Friday Night Lights Game EVER! #TIGERPRIDE

https://therudenreport.com/vote-for-the-ruden-report-fairfield-county-bank-team-of-the-week-29/

https://therudenreport.com/biernats-37-yard-field-goal-as-time-expires-gives-ridgefield-upset-win-over-new-canaan/

The Pamby Ridgefield Half Marathon celebrated 43 years today, an absolutely beautiful fall day, with new 7 mile option. Both the 1/2 marathon and the 7 mile race were sold out with over six hundred participants. 

Congratulations to the two Ridgefield residents who finished among the top five overall: Bryan Kovalsky and William Gasparrini. Ridgefielder Laura Hergenrother finished third among female runners. 

Top 5 finishers, male - 1/2 marathon

1. Cullin Burdett of Brewster, 24, pace 5:32
2. Bryan Kovalsky of Ridgefield, 40,  pace 5:54
3. Manny Wineman of Northampton MA, 41, pace 6:03
4. Michael Bodie of Brookfield, 22, pace 6:13
5. William Gasparrini of Ridgefield, 19, pace 6:16

Top 5 finishers, female - 1/2 marathon

View complete results including 7 mile runners here.

With endorphins at an all-time high, runners found respite, nourishment, live music (thanks to School of Rock) and massages (thanks to Susi Laura) at "Race Central" on the grounds of the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield, benefactors of the race.  

Thanks to Megan Searfoss, owner of Ridgefield Running Company and founder of Run Like A Mother for all of your hard work putting the many details of this race together. And, lots of gratitude to the event sponsors including Pamby (lead sponsor), Karla Murtaugh, Steve's Bagels, and the many other local businesses who made this race awesome! A very special thank you goes to The Iris Fund for providing the burgers and dogs from Chez Lenard.

Oh, and can't forget Ridgefield Police who made sure runners were safe on the roads.

Learn more about the 43rd Annual Pamby Ridgefield Half Marathon and view sponsors here.

Each year, the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield opens our doors to over 4,500 Ridgefield youth.  At the Club, they play in the gym, complete homework, participate in games room and gym tournaments, learn to swim, paint and draw in the art studio, and much more.  They are taught to have good sportsmanship, help others, build relationships with trusted adults, and make new friends.  

We invite you to become a Club kid for the night, and come experience first-hand what happens every day at the Club!  You are guaranteed to have a good time with friends old and new at Adult Camp Night!

Tickets are on sale now at www.bgcridgefield.org for $55 per person, which includes appetizers, beer, and wine provided by Prime Taco. And all good campers will be rewarded with a visit to the Ice Cream Cafe at the end of the night!

Of course, Adult Camp Night is a fundraiser and there will be opportunities throughout the night to donate to the Club, directly benefiting our Scholarship Fund. In 2019, we have provided more than 125 families with financial assistance to ensure that every child that walks through the Club's doors has the opportunity to participate in our award-winning programs.  The need for financial assistance continues to grow, and our hope is that the funds raised at Adult Camp Night will allow us to serve more kids, more often.

Special thanks to our Adult Camp Night Sponsors: Prime Taco (Food & Beverage) and Reliance Merchant Services (Games Room Sponsor & A “Week of Camp” Sponsor). Sponsorship opportunities are still available!

For more information (on sponsorships or the event), please contact Kristin Goncalves, Associate Executive Director, at kgoncalves@bgcridgefield.org, 203-438-8821 ext. 17.

We are looking forward to an evening of fun for a great cause!  Adult Camp Night registration is limited to the first 200 campers to sign up - be sure to register today so you don't miss out!

We hope to see you on the Dodgeball Court!

PS. The more the merrier at the Boys & Girls Club! Share the Club Kid experience with your friends.