Ridgefield Press 9.1.11

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136th year, No. 35 $1Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011

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Storm smashes town

Macklin Reid

Gail Jaques of Florida Hill Road and her greyhound, Big Monster, went out for a stroll through the village Monday as utility crews worked to restore electricity. “It’s a beautiful day, might as well go walking,” she said.

“It’s absolutely incredible.” Rudy Marconi on Irene’s wake

by Macklin ReidPress Staff

No lights, no power, no hot water, no showers, no Internet, no morning coffee. Hurricane Ireneʼs aftermath has been trying. Many Ridgefielders have risen to the occasion, some are taking it in stride. Others have had enough.

“It was cute for a day or two,” Donna Devaney said Tuesday morning at Anconaʼs Market, where bacon and egg sandwiches were being sold to hungry folks with no electricity in their homes — no way to cook or boil water.

What people really appreciated, Joe Ancona said, was hot coffee. Heʼd been been brewing and serv-ing it every morning, starting early Sunday when the storm was still raging.

“It was like the Zombie apoca-lypse,” he said. “The alarm went off at 3. By 5 oʼclock I had just myself here and, expecting people, I started making coffee and getting

prepared. Seven oʼclock, people were at the door.”

“We lost our lights about 10 of 3,” said Bill Burns, adding that he was at Anconaʼs about 6:45 Sunday morning. “Hereʼs a merchant whoʼs on duty all the time. Saved my ass: coffee!”

“Iʼm a pleasant person,” said his

wife, Stephanie Burns. “But I need my coffee in the morning.”

Laurie Bachman of Cainʼs Hill Road had lunch at Anconaʼs with her daughter Maya on Monday. It was their second meal there that day.

“This is where we had break-fast. We were cruising, looking for something open. We had egg sand-

wiches. And now weʼre back for lunch,” she said. “Kind of a café atmosphere with the music, picnic tables, places to sit in the shade.

Tim Guthrie tried to make the best of the storm.

“I listened to the Yankees last night,” he said at the ʻchow table ̓of the town shelter in Yanity Gym on Monday morning. “I felt like I was nine years old, 10 years old. I used to listen to the Giants. Went to bed at 8 oʼclock. I couldnʼt sleep, so I got up and listened to the ball game. The Yankees won — three back-to-back home runs!”

“We went to a hurricane party, about 35 people, Saturday eve-ning,” said Geoff Harrington. “I live in Ridgebury. The party was in Twin Ridge.”

“It was worth it for a party!” said Valerie Guthrie. Her own eve-ning had been more low key.

“No one wanted to play. My friends were stiffs,” she said.

Sharon Lavatori had high praise

Tales of IreneCold showers, hot coffee, dead batteries

by Jake KaraPress Staff

Ridgefield avoided the more calamitous devastation, dis-placement, injury and death that Hurricane Irene brought as she made her way up the coast, but the town has cer-tainly felt the blow of the 600-mile-wide storm system that tore through town Saturday into Sunday.

“Itʼs absolutely incredible,” Mr. Marconi said Monday morning of the widespread damage.

Infrastructure is badly crippled. Power outages that affected 100% of Ridgefield CL&P customers still impact thousands. Many people are relying on shelters — and their more fortunate friends and neighbors who have power — for food and hot showers. Some roads remained inacces-sible Wednesday.

Some severe property dam-age was done by flooding and falling trees, and some fires and carbon monoxide scares caused by people improvis-ing with electric generators to power their homes have added to responders ̓workloads.

Because of the mess, open-ing of school has been delayed until Tuesday, Sept. 6.

Commuters and emergency responders alike have been finding getting to their desti-nations a maze-like task. EMS and Fire response times have been delayed by roads that are partially or completely inac-cessible to their trucks.

A Ridgebury couple had a scare when the wife went into labor Sunday morning that had a happy ending. Paramedics had a hard time getting to her in some of the most intense wind and rain Irene dumped on the town. (See other story.)

Though no storm-related injuries were reported, some stories were not so happy.

Trees fell through a handful of houses, including a house off North Salem Road where a tree reportedly caused a chim-ney to crash through the roof, and two floors to land in the

For recovery updates, follow us on Twitter

twitter.com/RidgefieldPressand on the web

TheRidgefieldPress.com

by Macklin ReidPress Staff

Howling winds and pelt-ing rains welcomed Theo Lauw into the world Sunday morning.

Hurricane Irene vented her fury while a fire department ambulance wound its way through a battened down Ridgebury to safely deliver his mother to Danbury Hospital — about 15 minutes before his birth.

“It was just in time,” his father, Anthony Lauw, said Tuesday. “I can tell you this was the most exciting story Iʼve ever had.”

Dr. Lauw and his wife Kathrin are new to Ridgefield, having moved from Germany four weeks ago with their daughters Greta, four, and Betty, three. With the baby expected, his parents, Sigrid and Kiem Lauw, are also staying with them.

“It was Sunday morning,” Dr. Lauw said. “My wife woke up at 5:30 and was saying ʻIʼve got contrac-tions. ̓It was really wild outside. It was really dark. The trees were really

bending. I thought it would be better to not drive myself.”

A doctor who works for Boehringer Ingelheim pharmaceuticals, he could probably have helped his wife through the delivery, but wasnʼt eager to do a home birth under storm con-ditions.

“I wasnʼt too scared to deliver the baby myself — Iʼm a physician by training, but itʼs been years since Iʼve been delivering babies,” he said. “To deliver a baby, you donʼt want to be on your knees, and you want light to see what youʼre doing.”

The hospital seemed the place to be for Theoʼs arrival, but it was about 6 oʼclock before they called for an ambulance.

“We wanted to understand the frequency of contractions. Has some-thing ruptured? Is the sac still there,” Dr. Lauw said. “I had to give two tries to call them. The first time the power went down during the call and then the power came up again and I gave a second call. It was the

Theo was bornamid Irene’s fury

Macklin Reid

Theo Lauw, born Sunday morning during Hurricane Irene, joined his father Dr. Anthony Lauw and his sisters, Greta, four, and Betty, three, for a photo on the family’s back deck in Ridgebury. His mother, Kathrin, was resting.

“I went under trees, wires — crossed myself every time I went under one.”

by Lois Street

The tree crew arrived first thing Monday morning to extri-cate our Old Sib Road house from the large trees and heavy limbs that had crashed on and around it during Ireneʼs assault on Sunday.

The foreman stared at the once mighty trees lying criss-crossed in the yard like so many pickup sticks. He checked out the chestnut oak — he guessed it had been 80 feet tall when upright — that had smashed onto our porch, with the upper part of the trunk leaning on the back our homeʼs main roof.

The treeʼs canopy, however, had snapped off and slid over to the front side of the roof, coming to rest far enough down that it obscured two bedroom windows on the second floor. Heavy limbs from an ash tree covered the roof over our fam-ily room.

The foreman commented to Jim, my husband, that heʼd seen terrible damage all over Ridgefield. “But yours is the worst!” he said.

The odd thing is that this whirlwind of destruc-tion occurred within a few

Good morning,

Irene!

Labor Day weekend offers a chance to clean up after Irene and to have a little fun, too.Round and

Round the Garden opens at the Ridgefield Theater Barn Friday and Saturday. Page 14A.

The Little Red Schoolhouseis scheduled to be open Sunday. Page 6A.

Rocker Todd Rundgrenwill be at the Playhouse Sunday. Page 14A.

Map of messA map shows the many roads

where trees damaged power lines. Page 3A.

Angry RudyHeʼs not happy with CL&P.

Page 2A.

Hip hop mathAlexis Ehrlich has developed

a way for inner city kids to love learning math. Page 14A.

Fro-yoThe owner of Swizzles, a

Realtor, thinks people love self-serve frozen yoghurt. Page 17A.

Habitat helpThose new bins for return-

able cans and plastic bottles help Habitat for Humanity. Page 16A.

EditorialSome thoughts on Irene and

her aftermath. Page 4A.

See Irene on back page

See Theo on page 7A

See Microburst on page 7A

See Tales on back page

2A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Sept. 1, 2011


Firefighters responded to a generator fire at a Great Hill Road garage Monday, and Fire Chief Heather Burford said that generators are an increas-ing concern as more people look to power their homes off the grid.

“The person was home and they saw it, called us imme-diately,” Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Tappe said Tuesday. “If nobody was home, Iʼm sure it would have been much worse.”

The propane-fired genera-tor was outside a garage, but exhaust heated an exterior wall, which ignited around 3:45 p.m., Assistant Fire Chief Kevin Tappe said.

In addition to having flammable fuel and deadly exhaust, generators can back-feed power to the grid, mak-ing power lines in the area live. For that reason, Chief Burford said, all lines should still be considered live and left untouched.

“Be incredibly careful. Consider everything live,” she said.

The generator fire was the first storm-related structure fire, she said, adding that there have been some small electri-cal fires and dozens of utility-related electrical fires.

When operating a generator, Chief Burford urges people to understand the device and use it safely. That means:

• Make sure the generator is outside, not near a door or window. Carbon monoxide in the exhaust is deadly.

• Only fill the tank when the generator is cool.

• Do not leave a generator running unattended.

• Make sure the system is installed properly. A generator can back-feed to the electrical grid, charging downed wires in your area and putting you, property and others at risk.

Through the duration of the clean-up, Chief Burford urges residents not to use candles. If you have to, she said, make sure they are on a sturdy, level surface. Donʼt leave them unat-tended or burning all night.

Chief Burford also said people should check on their neighbors, especially elderly neighbors, and charge up cell phones and devices, which can be done at the Yanity Gym on East Ridge Road.

Dangers remain after

the storm

Bryan Haeffele

A car drives through the lightly flooded Route 7 near New Road Sunday. Ridgefield fared better than many areas of the Northeast in the rain department, perhaps getting 7 or so inches. Farmingville Road was closed by flooding and so was a piece of Bennett’s Farm, but water was never as high as in recent floods.


With power starting to be restored, First Selectman Rudy Marconi Tuesday morn-ing blasted CL&P for what he called a “totally unaccept-able” response to Hurricane Irene.

He said the company wait-ed too long to contact outside crews and as a result had not lined up enough line workers. The “emergency call went out after the assessment was ʻoh my God, we have a prob-lem,ʼ” he said.

That was too late he said. “I donʼt believe Northeast has taken this part of their busi-ness, well, maybe not seri-ously enough.”

In a media conference call Tuesday morning, CL&Pʼs president and chief operating officer, Jeff Butler, said, “We recognize that electricity is the lifeblood of our lifestyle today. Itʼs gonna take time.”

There were 854 crews working statewide — with two people to a crew — and CL&P said 43 more crews would arrive Tuesday, and another 32 Wednesday. The company has pulled crews from 11 states and two Canadian provinces. Mr. Butler said 1,000 crews would be the ideal number to handle Tropical Storm Ireneʼs damage.

Connecticut National Guard troops in humvees were in town helping with the clean-up Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr. Marconi made clear

that his criticism didnʼt extend to the line workers he said “are working so hard,” com-ing from out of the region and working 16-hour shifts.

Ridgefield had six crews initially and that number had not increased Tuesday morn-ing. He said there should have been 10 to 12.

Monday he said he expect-ed restoring power to take around 10,000 man-hours. Thatʼs about 625 individual shifts.

Mr. Marconi gave no time estimate for when power might be restored, but offered examples of how time-con-suming restoring power can be.

When New Fairfield had 700 outages after a storm last year, it took 16 crews 24 hours to reduce that number to 200, he said. There are over 10,000 CL&P custom-ers, all experiencing outages, in Ridgefield.

Mr. Marconi used Tuesdayʼs CHIRP concert to address the town and offer more criticism of CL&P — and another, more recent example of how under-manned the townʼs res-toration process is.

A fire and three snapped poles near the Halpin Lane substation took four crews 10 hours to fix.

“If we donʼt get more crews, itʼs not good news,” Mr. Marconi said

He offered back-handed praise to CL&P, commending its paying crews overtime for their 16-hour shifts, which

he said the company has not done in the past.

U.S. Rep. Jim Himes and US Senator Richard Blumenthal were scheduled to visit to survey the dam-age, and Mr. Marconi said he would like to see “upper echelon” CL&P executives to come see the damage also.

Mr. Marconi said heʼs also concerned that lines that service one or two houses could be virtually forgotten by CL&P and without power longer than most of the town.

Mr. Marconi has repeatedly called for CL&P to step up its emergency response prepa-ration and begin contracting outside workers sooner than they do.

When widespread out-ages in June kept Ridgebury homes without power for days, Mr. Marconi said he was concerned the company would be ill-prepared for a more serious emergency and complained to the state attor-ney general.

“This is a situation that we have experienced many many many times,” Mr. Marconi said. “The problem is they donʼt have enough resourc-es.”

As of Wednesday, power had been restored to much of Route 35, including Main Street and some downtown side streets, Ballard Green and Ballard Park.

By 10 a.m. Wednesday, CL&P reported 7,595 outages — 71% — among Ridgefield s̓ 10,650 customers.

Marconi blasts CL&P for ‘unacceptable’ response


School will begin after Labor Day for the first time in some years, Superintendent Deb Low and Board of Education Chairman Austin Drukker announced Monday in a move she called “some-what drastic.”

The first day, originally planned for Wednesday, will be next Tuesday, Sept. 6. Ridgefield Montessori school will open that day also.

“Rather than try to guess day by day, weʼre taking the guesswork out,” she said.

Ms. Low said the early notice affords families already dealing with the hec-tic aftermath of Irene the most flexibility to plan child care in the mean time.

It was one of the earliest inidicators that town officials were not confident the roads

could be cleared and power lines could be restored by the end of the week.

Ms. Low said she has never had to delay the first week of school before. The missed days will be added to the end of the school year, as usual.

The changes will be con-firmed by Monday.

The school schedule for Tuesday, Sept. 6 is:

• Full day of school• Kindergarteners, as

planned, early dismissal for first eight school days

• High school ninth grad-ers will come in on regular school day schedule; the first day will include an orienta-tion.

• High school 10-12 grad-ers will be on a three-hour delay the first day to accom-modate the freshman orien-tation.

School will start after Labor Day

The Womenʼs Center is screening candidates for the fall dual Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Certification program.

This 44-hour training cer-tifies volunteers to perform crisis intervention at the cen-ter during business hours or from home when the center is closed; it is a prerequisite for court advocate, counselor advocate, group facilitator and other advanced volun-teer positions.

Evening training classes

will begin in late September.During the last fiscal

year, the Womenʼs Center responded to more than 1,600 sexual assault and domestic violence hotline calls, in addition to pro-viding emergency shelter, counseling services, advo-cacy services, community education and prevention programs, and information and referral services.

For information or to reg-ister, call 203-731-5200, ext. 202

Women’s Center seeks volunteers

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Sept. 1, 2011 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 3A

Map from Emergency Operations Center, showing in red all the sections of road affected by trees on wires. The map was provided by John Palermo.

by John Palermo

This map shows the areas with downed trees across power lines. Take a look at it. The damage throughout town is extensive. The roads in red represent trees and wires ... impacting getting the power back on [ i.e. the red is where there are major problems].

First the trees need to come off the lines, and itʼs easier and faster to take them off while the power is off. Once they are off, they can go through the process of re-poling and re-stringing the lines. Once that is done, and each power grid

is complete, turn that sectionʼs power back on.

Some of the power came back online Monday night, and restoration will contin-ue — maybe slower than we would all like. Some folks in town have roads with extensive damage to not only the lines, but with poles that will need to be replaced before the power can go back on [Blacksmith Ridge and Peaceable Ridge are two examples] and that will take longer to restore.

This is really an unprec-edented event; only five hur-ricanes have hit this area since 1851 [NY Times, within 70

miles of NYC]. We are lucky that the storm that hit is was downgraded to a tropical storm, and not a category 1 or category 2 storm, as the damage would be much, much more extensive.

Letʼs be supportive of those trying to get us back on line, the teams in the EOC, and in the shelter trying to make sure we have a place to get water, and shower, and information. We need their help and support to get through this, together.

The writer lives on Blacksmith Ridge Road and supplied the map for the EOC.

Hurricane Irene storm damage

Stolen checksJohn Dugan, 26, of

Waterbury was arrested at Danbury Superior Court on a warrant for his arrest on two counts of fourth degree larce-ny around 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24.

Police said Mr. Dugan stole two checks totaling $2,500 from a Ridgefield home and cashed them.

He was held for arraignment that day.

IntoxicatedLauren Oiveri, 21, of Beaver

Brook Road was charged with driving while intoxicated on that road around 7:05 a.m. Monday, Aug. 29.

199 trees...Police responded to 29

alarms; 19 check well-beings (mostly during the hurricane); four medical assists; 38 secu-rity checks; one driving while intoxicated arrest; three motor

vehicle accidents; two dis-putes; two missing properties; and 199 trees and wires block-ing roads between Saturday, Aug. 27, and Sunday, Aug. 28.

Capt. Dan Ryan said that last number is actually on the low side because many inci-dents werenʼt reported as they piled up too quickly or were dealt with by officers as they arose. Plenty of downed trees and wires werenʼt blocking roads.

Police Log

A free public workshop, “Assessing and Intervening with Suicidal and Self-Injurious Youth” will be held on Sept. 16, from 9 to noon at Western Connecticut State Universityʼs Westside Campus

Center Ballroom.Attendees will learn about

suicide and deliberate self-harm in children, teens, and adolescents. This workshop will also help participants to understand the differences

between suicidal and self-inju-rious youth in crisis and how to identify, assess, and manage them.

For more information or to register, visit ctclearinghouse.org or call 800-232-4424.

Suicidal youth is workshop topic

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4A Sept. 1, 2011

LETTERS to the EDITORS

NewsNotesby the staff

Hometown heroesAnyone who listened to

a radio scanner during the storm could not help but be impressed with the heroic feats that police and fire personnel accomplished during and after the storm. Just trying to get to people in need was a trial — scores of roads were blocks and others required going under dangerously low wires.

A front-page story about the baby being born in the storm gives an idea of what they went through.

We are very fortunate to have such people working for us in Ridgefield.

Sometime monstersFunny how the trees we

so love for their beauty and their shade become mon-sters crashing down around us when the likes of Irene pay a visit. The damage trees can do is a good argu-ment for keeping a close tab on their health — whether you are the town or the state in charge of roads, a utility in charge of wires, or a homeowner with a house to protect.

Steady workSpeaking of which, any-

one looking for a business to go into that will never fall out of need might con-sider tree surgery. With or without storms, there are countless trees that need trimming or removal, and that need will never end in this part of the country.

And itʼs a profession that technology is not apt to pro-duce any replacements for.

EDITORIALS

“The owner has a rather cynical opinion of New England weather.”

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e

It’s easy to complain, easy to criticize. But through a two-day whipping from Hurricane Irene, Ridgefield made out all — thanks in no small part to town officials who were decision-makers and town employees who were their eyes and ears, who were the trouble shooters and the problem handlers through the emergency.

When most of us were warm and dry and in the rela-tive safety of our homes, Ridgefield’s police, firefighters and town crew were out on the roads in amid high winds and torrential rains, dealing with whatver came up.

That included, according to police records, more than 199 instances of downed trees and wires blocking road-ways. They also dealt with flooding, numerous transform-er and power line fires, as well as non-hurricane related events such as a 99-year-old man with chest pains and a woman going into labor, situations made much more treacherous and demanding by the conditions effect the roads and travel.

There will be second guessing. But with the town having made it through the emergency in what looks to be pretty good shape, considering, it is hard to argue with decisions to declare states of emergency by First Selectmen Rudy Marconi, Governor Dannel Molloy and President Obama. It is also hard to argue with the deci-sion, made jointly by First Selectman Marconi and offi-cials of Connecticut Light and Power, to shut off electrical service throughout town in order to assure townspeople would be safe while repairs were being made.

The idea was brought up by CL&P when about 60% of the town was reporting no power. Mr. Marconi agreed when the town was 90% without power, after a tour around the roads Sunday when he and Fire Chief Heather Burford saw walkers, joggers and bikers dangerously dis-regarding the deadly threat posed by downed power lines.

Did everything go right? Of course not. They way the town’s shelter was moved from Scotts Ridge Middle School on Saturday night to Yanity Gym Sunday and then to The Recreation Center Tuesday — largely in search of better showering facilities — is something Mr. Marconi and other officials have said they’ll learn from.

But Ridgefield made it through. Most Ridgefielders showed admirable pluck and patience through the worst of the ordeal. People from neighbors to business people — Joe Ancona and his crew at Ancona’s Market, the folks at Ridgefield Hardware and Keough’s Hardware in Branchville, people at Stop & Shop, Bissell’s and CVS — went above and beyond to serve the town. Parks and Recreation workers and other town staff who manned the shelter, along with Red Cross volunteers, also put towns-people comfort and well-being above their own.

And, everyone who made it through safe and sound owes thanks to the guys who were out on the streets working through the storm — cops, firemen, highway crew, not to mention the many utility company work-ers who came from far and wide and have been working around the clock to deal with the storm’s damage and get things running again.

Irene

In a recent letter, John Palermo, a candidate for the Board of Finance, suggested “the town will have to do more to align spending with anticipated revenues in the current economic environment.” Tax revenues, as set by the Board of Finance, have met or exceeded budget for each of the last three years, even during a recession. Preliminary indications for this yearʼs revenues are also strong versus what was conservatively budgeted. We are expecting, but did not budget, a large increase in permit fees from Boehringer-Ingleheimʼs expan-sion. To artificially reduce town or school services in anticipa-tion of Mr. Palermoʼs presumed, yet nonexistent, revenue shortfall, before it actually occurs, would be fiscally irresponsible. It is just as bad a mistake to cut expenses (services to town residents) prematurely as it would be to increase expenses more than economic growth will sup-port.

What Mr. Palermo should know is that the first select-man holds regular meetings with department heads to dis-cuss both spending and revenue trends. The town control-ler and tax collector as well as the first selectman provide the Board of Finance with monthly updates. These meet-ings helped Ridgefield adjust its expense levels to meet reduced revenues (and unexpected cost overruns such as snow removal) during the last recession. We will continue to adjust if there is another recession.

Thus, Ridgefieldʼs Bond rating (primarily based on our ability to collect taxes) is not in jeopardy, nor should we raise the Townʼs Fund Balance (our reserve “rainy-day” fund), as Mr. Palermo suggests. Ridgefieldʼs fund bal-ance results from the town and schoolʼs spending under budgets, revenue overruns, and capital projects completed below budget. First and foremost, it is the taxpayerʼs money, now about $9 million, or 7% of annual expenses. The Board of Finance allocated $1 million in FY10 and $450,000 in FY11 to reduce tax increases. However, none of those allocations were actually used. Why? Cost disci-pline by the town and schools and improved collection of prior years ̓taxes. Keeping Fund Balance higher than it is in anticipation of worsening economic circumstances, as Mr. Palermo advocates, is not a conservative position. It is a statement that he believes Ridgefield cannot man-age its finances, so we must retain more of the taxpayerʼs money instead of returning some of it by lowering prop-erty taxes.

In the coming campaign for the Board of Finance, you will be hearing more about these issues. I believe it is paramount that we look at them, not based on Mr.

Revenues & fund balance

New bus policyis coldhearted

Itʼs interesting that your article examining Ridgefieldʼs harsh new policy about the maintenance (or lack thereof) of private roads appears the same week that the town has decided that public school buses will no longer pick up and drop off our children at their long-established “pri-vate road” locations.

This baffling decision is not only inconsiderate of par-ents of younger kids, who will now have to drive the impractical walking distance from home to bus stop, but also inconsiderate of our chil-drenʼs safety and welfare. I hope the town will reconsider this coldhearted new policy, but apparently Ridgefieldʼs Town Attorney has decided that private roads are no lon-ger the townʼs problem.

Of course, by the same logic, there is now no reason for the residents of private road communities to pay full town taxes, a large percent-age of which go toward road maintenance.

Chris BeldenMountain Road, Aug. 27

Caucus hearsLincoln’s Address

I was going to write about the Rudy Marconi, Town Hall, Chekhov appeal let-ter this week but, instead, I decided to write about the Independent Party caucus.

The caucus started prompt-ly at 8:00pm, Thursday, August 25th, under the chair-manship of Dom DʼAddario. Also joining him at the lead-ership table was his wife, Mary, and Tony Di Preta.

The Chairman went through the slate of candi-dates the party was endorsing and asked those present to speak.

I was honored by a ʻspe-cial ̓endorsement for Board of Selectman because, explained the chairman, the law [CGS

Sec 9-453t] prevented him from putting me on the slate.

Never having attended a political caucus before, it held a certain fascination for me because it was grass roots democracy at work. Also of interest was the fact that there were several candidates, myself included, who are run-ning for office for the first time.

There are cynical views of these political gatherings -- references made to smoke filled rooms, decisions made by fiat, etc. Be that as it may, at the end of this caucus, 91 year old Mary DʼAddario stood up and recited Lincolnʼs Gettysburg Address from memory.

Well, recited, isnʼt the right word. She delivered it with all the passion, emphasis, pathos and respect it merited.

She received a tremendous ovation and, for me, as I sat there listening intently to the words, it became an emo-tional experience just think-ing about the prescience our forefathers had, and when required, their bravery and eloquence which is so often and sadly lacking today.

It made me doubly glad that I had decided to partake in the democratic process by campaigning for a seat on

the Board of Selectman. And I felt good that I had taken the time to attend this tiny political caucus, held in the basement conference room of Ridgefieldʼs Town Hall.

Jan RifkinsonUn-affiliated candidate for

Board of Selectmen

Founders Hallneeds support

The new term begins. Choosing what to take for the fall semester is not easy. There are so many classes, some given at the same time, the same day. Then there are the ongoing fitness classes, tai chi, yoga, exercise. Wow.

No we are not talking about college. We are talking about Founders Hall, the beautiful building, filled with wonderful staff and teachers. Founders Hall offers more than 3,000 neighbors friendship, togeth-erness, relaxation and com-munity, and an opportunity to grow and learn.

Where would we be with-out Founders Hall? How would we spend our time? Where else can we meet so many wonderful people with such diverse life experiences? Where else can we experi-ence the friendship, activities and stimulation that keep us young?

Founders Hall member-ship is free. Many classes and activities are free. The cost of other classes may aver-age a dollar or two an hour. How can that be? How can Founders Hall sustain this gift that keeps on giving?

We should not take Founders Hall for granted. Let us give our thanks by giv-ing of ourselves: volunteering our time or through dona-tions, which are tax deduct-ible. Both are needed. How can each of us do our share?

We are very fortunate to be part of this community.

Our sincere thanks.Myrna and Steve Shomstein

South Salem, Aug. 19

Letters Letters must be 300 words or fewer, and include your name, address and daytime phone number; if on paper, they should be double-spaced, typed or neatly printed. We will withhold names only in special circumstances. No more than two letters from the same author will be used per month. Mail to Letters, Box 1019, Ridgefield, CT 06877, or send e-mail to: [email protected] in time to reach us by Monday at 4p.m.

Palermoʼs referenced views of Washington or Hartford policies, but based on local circumstances. These are not Democratic or Republican issues. Ridgefield has been well managed locally. In my view, last yearʼs Board of Finance Budget actions resulted from a right wing political ideology, far beyond the Board of Financeʼs charter mandate of maintaining an afford-able and sustainable com-munity. And Mr. Palermoʼs letter continues along those lines. I would still prefer that voters be allowed to make responsible budget decisions for Ridgefield.

The writer is a member of the Board of Finance.

Continued under NewsNotes in final column

Democratic Viewby Dave Ulmer

Democratic ViewContinued from first column

CORRECTIONS

A business news item last week incorrectly expressed Henry Phillips ̓position. He is “lead client service partner for one of Deloitteʼs invest-ment and advisory firm cli-ents.” The Press apologizes for the error.

Got an idea on how

to improvethe town?

Visit the Ridgefield Forum

on TheRidgefieldPress.com


So that we can publish as many statements and letters as possible, The Press has rules and guidelines for can-didates, parties and support-ers for the Nov. 8 election. They are similar to those of past campaigns.

Letters to the editors: Letters promoting candidates — including from candidates themselves — must be 100 words or fewer. Longer let-ters will be rejected; shorter letters will get preference. A person may write up to two letters on candidates. We will not publish more than one let-ter from the same person in a single issue (i.e., donʼt send in two letters the week before the election). Letters on gen-eral election issues may be as long as the usual letters limit (300 words), but may not be cloaked endorsements (that is, a writer cannot analyze an issue for 250 words and then say, “Joe Smith is the best person for handling this problem.”).

Political statements: Candidates for contest-ed offices may have up to three statements, explaining

their positions, from Sept. 8 through the Oct. 27 issue. Statements must not exceed 300 words each. They must be submitted as plain text, RTF or Word documents.

News items: Brief news items about candidate activi-ties, such as planned forums, visits, endorsements, etc., will be accepted. Pictures will be used if space is avail-able, but, frankly, space is a serious problem.

Ridgefield Forum: We have added a cat-egory, Election 2011, to the Ridgefield Forum on TheRidgefieldPress.com. Here, candidates may post as many statements as they wish, and make them as long as they wish. And voters — or opponents — can debate them. The debate must be civil.

Deadlines: Statements and political news items must reach our office by 1 p.m. on the Thursday before planned publication. Letters have the usual deadline of Monday at 4, but the earlier they are sub-mitted, the better the chance they have of appearing that

week. We cannot guarantee that all letters will be pub-lished.

Fair play: We expect candidates and supporters to stick to issues and not indulge in personal attacks on opponents. If letters or statements contain strong or serious charges against an opponent, we may opt to offer the opponent a chance to respond. We may reject any letter or statement we think is unfair, libelous or in poor taste. Because they would not have a chance to respond before the election, we will not publish letters critical of candidates in the Nov. 3 issue.

Interviews: As it has for many years, The Press will conduct written interviews with candidates for contested offices. Questions will be sent to candidates in early October. Word limits will be established for respons-es. Written answers must be returned by Thursday, Oct. 27, at noon. They should be submitted electronically as text or Word documents. The interviews will appear

Thursday, Nov. 3 — the issue before the election.

Commentaries: Each party will be asked to submit one “commentary” column of up to 500 words, discuss-ing its slate and the slateʼs advantages, to be published in the pre-election issue Nov. 3. The unaffiliated candidate for selectman may submit up to 250 words. Deadline is Oct. 27 at 1. (These com-mentaries are in addition to the normal, alternating GOP Viewpoint and Democratic View columns, which may also address candidates and election issues each week.)

Pictures: Parties and candi-dates may submit campaign-related photos, but they will be used on a space-available basis. In addition, candidates should submit one portrait-style, color photo that theyʼd like to run with their inter-views on Nov. 3.

The Press describes its political campaign policiesProject Pride

Each year Ridgebury Elementary School supports “Project Pride”. It has been a tradition in which kids help others by raising awareness and money for charity. On the weekend of August 20 & 21, we held a bake sale at the Recreation Center to raise money for Save the Children. We would like to thank all

those who helped support the bake sale. We would also like to extend thanks to the Recreation Center for provid-ing a location indoors and away from the crazy weekend weather! With your generos-ity, we raised $200 in support of Save the Children.

Sydney Girolamo, Emma Goldstein, Kristen LeFebvre

5th graders Ridgebury Elementary School

Giving Thanks

LAW OFFICE OFRANDOLPH T. LOVALLO, P.C.

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• Civil Litigation

• Personal Injury

• Real Estate

• Business Organization

• Criminal Litigation

• Wills & Probate

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A magical pre-nursery school for children ages 18 months

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Be Safe

Common Sense Jan Rifkinson for SelectmanPaid for by Jan4Selectman Treasurer Chris McQuilkin


Gardening projectcoming to library

Author and gardener Colleen Plimpton will return to the Ridgefield Library for a “show ʼn tell” presenta-tion about putting gardens to bed for the fall and winter. Discussed will be bulb plant-ing, what to cut down, what to leave up, composting, how to keep the deer away, lawn care and more. The program will take place on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. Registration is not required.

A garden author, lecturer, instructor and coach, Colleen is a member of Garden Writers Association, the Federated Garden Clubs of America, Tri-State Hosta Society, Mad Gardeners, The Nature Conservancy, The Garden Conservancy, Highstead Arboretum, the Connecticut Horticultural Society, the New York Botanical Garden, and many other groups. Her award-winning one-acre orna-mental garden has been on numerous tours, and serves as a living classroom laboratory where she teaches compost-ing, composition, color and many additional how-toʼs of gardening. She runs a garden coaching business and teaches gardening at the New York Botanical Garden.

Her essays, memoir piec-es and feature articles have appeared in publications such as People, Places and Plants, Fine Gardening, GreenPrints, The Litchfield Review, Connecticut Gardener and Toastmaster. Her most recent book is a gardening mem-oir, Mentors in the Garden of Life.

For more information visit ridgefieldlibrary.org or call 203-438-2282.

Zumba workoutat the Playhouse

The Ridgefield Playhouse will present an on-stage Zumba workout led by certi-fied Zumba instructors Jenny Conciatore and Naomi Riek of Ridgefield Fitness Club, LLC, Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Pre-Zumba activities start in

the lobby at 6:30 followed by the workout at 7:30 p.m. There will be wine and cheese, hair and make-up tips by Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, jew-elry and fashion, and more.

For tickets ($15), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or buy tickets online at ridge-fieldplayhouse.org.

Old schoolhouseopen this Sunday

The “Little Red Schoolhouse” on Route 35 is scheduled to be open to the public this Sunday, Sept. 4, from 1 to 4, an event post-poned from last Sunday.

The West Lane Schoolhouse was established in the mid 1700s and the current building dates from the early 1800s.

Its most famous graduate was Samuel G. Goodrich, who attended the school in the late 1700s and went on to become author of more than 100 books — most of them school text-books — using the pen name, Peter Parley.

The Ridgefield Garden Club maintains the building and recently completed extensive interior improvements, includ-ing the addition of exhibit boards and a video starring Peter Parley.

The schoolhouse is at the intersection of West Lane, South Salem Road and Silver Spring Road. Admission is free. For information, visit peterparleyschoolhouse.com or call 203-431-0563.

Knitting benefitsmind, body, soul

Knitting for Everybody starts soon through Ridgefield Continuing Education.

Instructor Liz Doty says, “This age-old art benefits mind, body, and soul. Keep your mind sharp by learning a new skill; keep your fingers nimble by keeping them mov-ing, and experience the joy of giving a gift which is the fruit of your labor.”

The instructor will provide practice needles and practice yarn to beginners for a small materials fee, until the par-ticipant determines a project.

This five session class meets on Mondays, Sept. 26; Oct. 3, 17, 24 and Nov. 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at East Ridge Middle School. Cost is $97. An additional series will run Nov. 14 through Dec. 12. Visit ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 431-9995 for information.

Red Cross plansSept. 15 bloodmobile

The American Red Cross will have a bloodmobile Thursday, Sept. 15, from 1:45 pm to 6:45 pm at the Park & Recreation Center 195 Danbury Road

The American Red Cross asks all those who are eli-gible to mark the end of the summer season by showing a labor of love and making blood donation a part of your plans. By donating blood you can help build inventories for Connecticut hospitals so we can end the summer season with a plentiful supply of all blood types.

As a special thank you to donors, all those who come in to donate blood will receive a coupon for a $12.99 oil change and free tire rotation, redeem-able at any Monro Muffler/Brake location.

Individuals who are 17 years of age, meet weight and height requirements (110 pounds or more, depending on their height) and are in generally good health may be eligible to give blood.

Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment.

Mr. Serao teachingdigital photography

Digital Photography class-es are available through Ridgefield Continuing Education.

Instructor Michael Serao will cover “the most basic things, assuming no one knows anything, and when weʼre done, youʼll totally get it.” Participants need a cam-era that allows some kind of manual control over exposure. Beginning Photography meets on Wednesdays, Oct. 5, 12, 19

and 26. For people who are comfortable with the basics, More Photography is available on Wednesdays, Nov. 2, 9, 16 and 30 and Advanced Digital Photography is available on Wednesdays, Dec. 7, 14; Jan., 11 and 18. Cost is $79 for each four session class. All classes meet at East Ridge Middle School from 7 to 9 p.m. Advanced registration is required.

Visit ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 431-9995 for information.

Campers helpSpecial Olympics

Athleteʼs Performance Zoneʼs summer camp-ers helped raise money for Ridgefieldʼs Special Olympics Team who in turn donated the funds to Ridgefield Parks and Recreationʼs “Out & About” club. Coordinating events for adults with special needs, “Out & About” is a club open to residents ages 18 and up.

“Itʼs my dedication to people with intellectual disabilities to have a healthy and productive life,” stated Alesia Williams, Ridgefieldʼs Special Olympics Team Coordinator.

Ann Maher of Ridgefield Parks & Recreation, on behalf of the “Out & About” club, accepted a check for more than $525 from Ms. Williams.

Athleteʼs Performance Zone, an athletic training facility in Ridgefield, raised the funds by donating a percentage of their summer camp registration fees. “I felt that the money raised should be given back to the community,” added Ms. Williams.

Conservatorysets open house

The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance on Main Street will host an open house and reg-istration for new students on Tuesday, Sept. 6 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Conservatory director James Robey will be on hand to greet and answer questions about the various dance programs.

“The beginning of the new school year is an exciting time for both students and teach-

ers,” said Robey. “I look for-ward to sharing information about our classes, our instruc-tors, and our philosophy.”

Dance classes for the Fall term begin on Sept. 12. The conservatory offers classes in ballet, jazz, modern, tap, pointe, and partnering. In addition, the conservatory presents The Nutcracker at the Ridgefield Playhouse and is home to the Ridgefield Civic Ballet, Ridgefield Contemporary Dance Ensemble, Ridgefield Junior Dance Ensemble, and Ridgefield Rhythm Tap Ensemble.

For more information visit online at ridgefielddance.org or call 203-438-5597.

Continuing Educationhas three languages

French, Italian, and Spanish language classes start soon through Ridgefield Continuing Education. Day and evening classes are available.

French 1 starts Tuesday, Sept., 27 ( noon to 1:30 p.m.) and Wednesday, Oct. 5 (7 to 9 p.m.). French 1, part 2 starts Monday, Sept. 26 (7 to 9 p.m.) and Tuesday, Sept. 27 (1:40 to 3:10 p.m.). Intermediate French Conversation starts Thursday, Oct., 6 (2:45 to 4:15 p.m.).

Italian 1 starts Thursday, Oct. 6 (7 to 9 p.m.). Italian 2 starts Wednesday, Oct. 5 (7 to 9 p.m.). Advanced Italian starts Tuesday, Oct. 4 (7:30 to 9 p.m.).

Spanish 1 starts Monday,

Sept. 26 (noon to 1:30 p.m.) or Wednesday, Oct. 5 (7:30 to 9:30 p.m.). Spanish 1, part 2 starts Monday, Sept., 26 (1:40 to 3:10 p.m. or Wednesday, Oct. 5 (7:30 to 9 p.m.). Spanish Intermediate Conversation starts Monday, Sept. 26 (7:30 to 9 p.m.).

Tuition is $133 to $143 with an additional reasonable text fee. Advance registration required. Course and teacher descriptions and dates are at ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 431-9995.

Zumba classesstarting up soon

Zumba starts soon through Ridgefield Continuing Education. Zumba fuses Latin and international rhythms with easy to follow dance moves (including samba, salsa, cumbia, reggaeton and more) to create a fun and energy filled workout as you sculpt and tone your body.

Instructors are certified and experienced Zumba teachers. Patricia Anikewichʼs classes start Tuesday, Sept. 20 (six sessions for $73; 12 sessions for $139; no class Oct. 11; 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.; Veterans Park School). Elin Waterstonʼs classes start Monday, Sept. 19 (10 sessions for $117; no class Oct. 10 or 31; 6 to 7 p.m.; East Ridge Middle School). Advanced registra-tion is required. Please visit ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 203-431-9995 for information.

RidgefieldHappenings

by Pat Lennon

A truly unique basket was donated constructed of indi-vidually tightly rolled printed oriental papers glued together and varnished. The work must have taken an unbelievable amount of time. Inside, there are eight square compart-ments suitable for sewing or small collections. This is a must see!

Four Franklin Mint original works of art created by Zhang Shou-Cheng are etched in pure silver and 24 karat gold. Their titles are The Swallows of the Springtime Willow, The Quail of the Golden Maple, The Sparrows of the Peony Tree and The Crane of the Quiet Bamboo. Buy one or all.

A good buy is a pair of new STX Lacrosse gloves size 11” for players 5 to 8 years; 70 to 100 Lbs. It has a two digit-flex finger design. A charm-ing bride doll from the 50ʼs(?) in full bridal array has blond hair and blue eyes which open and shut. Also included is extra clothing, perhaps for the honeymoon?

A sturdy walker has a fold-ing seat and looks like new. It also folds up for easy storage. Anyone going in for hip or knee surgery might consider this.

We do appreciate our cus-tomers and all the donations. Thank you all.

A truly unique basket Thrift Shop

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Ridgefield fire brigade and right after I gave them the address the power went down again. I didnʼt even know if they were coming. About 30 minutes later, they were there.”

It was a while before they left for the hospital.

“They were first checking on my wife and deciding how to get her into the ambulance. You would go outside and you would be soaked in just a few seconds,” he said.

“We got her into the ambu-lance, and the challenge was now to get her to the hospital. They had to take a couple of detours. They were talking the police on their walkie-talkies and a couple of times they went down roads and had

to back out — trees on the ground, or power cables.

“About 45 minutes, an hour later — thatʼs how long it felt to me, I was not looking at the clock any more, I was paying attention to my wife — and then we made it. Just in time,” he said.

Theo Lauw, named after his paternal great-grandfather, was born “15 minutes after we arrived at the hospital,” his father said. “Seven and a half pounds. Heʼs healthy. Thanks, God, heʼs healthy.”

Dr. Lauw also expressed gratitude to the fire depart-ment ambulance crew who had come out in the winds and rain of a hurricane to get his wife to the hospital — a task which, with all the rerouting for fallen trees and downed lines, would have been tremendously diffi-cult for someone just a month

in this country.“They did a fabulous job.

Absolutely. These guys, they knew all about the routes. They were calm. I would have felt really bad if anything hap-pened to either one of them, because itʼs not like calling them on a regular day,” Dr. Lauw said.

“The picture should be with them,” he said of the firefight-ers. “Theyʼre the real savers.”

He also had thanks for his neighbors on Parley Road in Ridgebury.

“People have been great,” he said Tuesday afternoon after mother and baby had come home from the hospi-tal. “Neighbors are so help-ful. Weʼre cooking our soup tonight on their grill. Times like this neighbors are really important. You feel at home right from the start.”

Theo arrives despite IreneContinued from front page

short minutes around 7 a.m. Sunday morning. While the rest of my family slept, I came downstairs and peered out the family-room windows to check on the progress of the storm. Rain was falling steadily, and, as predicted, the wind gusts seemed to be in the 50 mph range.

Then, instantaneously, the whole nature of the storm changed to shock and awe.

The atmosphere turned completely gray. The rain went sideways.

The wind rose to a resound-ing roar and doubled its speed.

I heard a couple of bomb-like explosions as trees snapped and the giant oak hit the house.

With the jolt, my kitchen

cupboard doors flew open, sending my glassware crash-ing and smashing to the floor.

I myself remained standing in the family room as though in a sort of trance. Iʼm used to living an orderly, predictable life in an orderly, predictable town. And suddenly I knew I was at the mercy of wild, ferocious forces, totally out of control. All I could do was wait to see what would hap-pen.

Not that I had much time to reflect. The sound and fury had shocked my fam-ily awake, and the three of them — Jim, our son Al, and my sister Lucia Harvilchuck, visiting from Pensacola, Fla. — rushed downstairs to con-front the chaos. We quickly grabbed oil lamps and hustled into the basement. Meanwhile, the wind and rain returned to the normal levels of a tropical

storm.Later, during the period of

calm when the eye of the storm was passing over, we gathered outside with several Old Sib neighbors to check on each otherʼs safety and exchange accounts of the storm. The consensus was that weʼd expe-rienced a micro-burst, a kind of small, reverse tornado that forms and dissipates sudden-ly.

During its brief life, though, its winds can reach 100 miles an hour and it can wreak more havoc than people who are used to being safe and com-fortable can easily compre-hend.

What we did understand, however, was that no one among us had been hurt, and those of us gathered there on Old Sib repeatedly expressed our relief and thankfulness for that.

Micro-burst on Old Sib RoadContinued from front page

Macklin Reid

Monday afternoon John Pierandri, front, and neighbor Brian Sullivan dealt with tree dam-age in front of a house Mr. Pierandri owns in the village. “Why wait on the town to do this? They’ve got too much to do. It was right in my tenant’s driveway,” Mr. Pierandri said.

Macklin Reid

Many people took advantage of the recharging station at Yanity Gym, where cell phones, laptops and other devices could be plugged in and juiced up.

Macklin Reid

Utility company workers came from far and wide to help restore power. This crew of jour-neymen linemen came from Main Lite Electric out of Warren, Ohio, and had been sent first to Florida then up to the northeast. They were working 16-hour shifts and by Monday in Ridgefield they’d been out seven days. “And I kept singing that song: ‘Six days on the road and I’m gunna make it home tonight,’ “ one said with a smile.

FROM the FRONT

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Jake Kara

Chez Lenard, the Main Street hot dog stand, was busy Monday as it was one of the few places in town where Ridgefielders could get a hot meal.

by Di Masters

School days are here again and not just for the kids. At the Community Center there is a lot for the big folks too. We are busy preparing for the Grant Writing Workshop that will take place Oct. 3 and 4 from 9 to 4 p.m. This was a sell-out program last year. If you have not yet registered please go to our Web site for registration information.

Oct. 14 will be a terrific time to test your somme-lier skills at the Community Center /Cellar XV Wine Tasting to benefit Habitat for Humanity and RCC; all part of the Fall for Ridgefield weekend extravaganza. The corks will be popping from 6 to 9 p.m. and you just will not want to miss the fine selec-tions of wine from Cellar XV and cheese from 109 Cheese and Wine.

On Oct. 20, we are excited to host a program entitled:

Real Women, Real Wisdom: A Caregiverʼs Guide to Balancing it All, in collabora-tion with Joan Garbow, Ann Fowler-Cruz and sponsored by Ridgefield Crossings. This team is comprehensive and prepared to address all our questions. This will be an informative evening for everyone who attends.

We are excited about the fall line-up of programs: senior lunch is Sept. 26. We are anxious for everyone to see the new entryway. Once you do, please consider pur-chasing a paver and joining the other donors on the mural as a legacy. Please visit our Web site lounsburyhouse.com for information about how to donate. We appreciate your support.

Update your “assignment books” with these special dates.

How to get a grantCommunity Center

Whether you walk on two legs or four, youʼre invited to join the fifth annual Blue Buffalo/ROAR Paws for the Cause Dog Walk in Ridgefield on Sunday, Oct. 2, in support of Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue and the ROAR Donofrio Family Animal Shelter. The fun begins at 1 p.m. at Ballard Park, fol-lowed by a one-mile walk through town at 2 p.m., and then a festive family-style celebration in the park. Downtown streets will be closed for the safety of the walkers, who last year num-bered an estimated 1,000 people and their dogs.

The celebration includes

a delicious lunch donated by Chef Marc of Ridgefield Academy, music by “Carly and Eliza Rae” and “Hot in the Pocket,” and the antics of the “Circus Follies.” Donʼt miss a special demon-stration by Shawn Murray and Zeus from Ridgefieldʼs Canine Police Unit.

For more information or to register, visit roar-ridge-field.org or contact Pam Rybarczyk at 203-664-1235.

The fee to register for an individual is $35 which includes one meal ticket, goodie bag, and all activi-ties. Each additional walker

is $5 which includes one meal ticket and all activities.

New this year is the Corporate Challenge where businesses form their own teams and compete against other local businesses for the chance to win prizes and the ROAR Challenge Trophy.

ROAR provides all who register with an easy-to-build Web page that can be used to solicit fundraising pledges from friends and family. All funds raised go to support the work of ROAR, a private animal rescue orga-nization which rescues dogs and cats and places them in loving area homes.

The 2011 Paws for the Cause T-shirts may be pur-

chased in advance at the ROAR Shelter. Those who register and raise at least $250 will receive a free T-shirt.

The lead sponsor is Blue Buffalo, the Wilton-based pet food company that provides ROAR ani-mals with nutritious food. Other sponsors include Adam Broderick, Deloitte, Fairfield County Bank, Union Savings Bank, Coca-Cola, Rebecca Murphy Photography, Events Party and Tent Rentals, Villarinaʼs Pasta and Fine Foods, Ridgefield Parks and Recreation, Check Marc of Ridgefield Academy, Carvel, and the Ridgefield Press.

‘Paws for the Cause’ will be marching againROARings

State Senator Toni Boucher will be the guest of honor at the seventh annual Redding Republican Pig Roast to be held on Sunday, Sept. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Redding Community Center.

The meal will feature a roast pig with all the fixinʼs as well as appetizers, salads and des-ert. There will be an open bar featuring beer, wine and

soft drinks. Cost is $35 per person in advance or $40 per person at the door. Children under 12 are free. Seating is limited, so reserve early. A reply card can be found on the Redding Republicans Web site, reddingrepublicans.org or, for further information or to RSVP contact Randi Hutton at 203-221-2186 or by e-mail, [email protected].

GOP pig roast honors Boucher

Support local taxpayers. Shop in Ridgefield.

Doctors’ Pediatric - Ridgefield’s best kept secret!An old fashioned pediatric medical prac�ce that provides modern medical care.

We are a well established prac�ce caring for children from birth through age 21.

For over 50 years, Doctors’ Pediatric has been maintained as a unique pediatric office that offers care from board cer�fied physicians who are trained in childhood disease preven�on and treatment. At our office,

you will always receive an appointment with one of our six physicians. We believe in fostering strong rela�onships when caring for our growing families; thus, we always make a concerted effort to schedule

pa�ents with their primary physician. We u�lize electronic medical records and prescrip�on services to aid us in providing first-rate medical care. We also have strong rela�onships with the obstetrical and pediatric

community. More importantly, we enjoy what we do and it shows! Come and find out!

Accep�ng New Pa�entsCall now to schedule your School and Sport Physical.

Visit our website at DrsPedi.com

Dr. Amy Agoglia Dr. Sarojini Kurra Dr. Jeanine Freliech Dr. Joseph Hufnagel Dr. Melanie Mier Dr. Meredith Renda

Ridgefield Office Loca�on10 South Street, Suite 206203-431-3363

Wilton Office Loca�on55 Danbury Road203-762-3363

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Sadly, summer is slipping away and shortly we will all be back into routines dictated by work and school. Here are some of the seasonal changes you will see at the library:• The Library will be closed

Sunday, Sept. 4 and Monday the 5th, but open for busi-ness as usual on Saturday the 3rd, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Registration for fall pre-school storytimes and after-school programs begins Sept. 6 and runs through Monday, Sept. 12.

• Starting on Sept. 11, the

library will once again be open Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

• With the showing of “The Lincoln Lawyer” on Sept. 13, the Hollister Film Series returns to its regular schedule of screenings at 1:30 and 7 p.m. on the sec-ond and fourth Tuesdays of the month.

• The monthly Poetry Discussion Group with Professor Alan Holder resumes on Friday, Sept. 16 with the collected poems of Richard Wilbur. Meetings

of the Ridgefield Writers ̓Guild on the third Tuesday of the month also resume after a summer hiatus.September is Library Card

Sign-up Month, so make sure every member of your family has an up-to date card, the key to physical and virtual library resources for school, work or home information needs.

Mary Rindfleisch is assis-tant director of the Ridgefield Library. She may be reached at [email protected] or 203-438-2282, ext. 1009.

As the seasons turn at the library

Library Linesby Mary Rindfleisch

Why choose RVNA for your annual Flu Shot?

Get vaccinated by nurses you know and trust! RVNA is a local non-profit organization founded in 1914 that has con-sistently served the commu-nity. Our first public flu clinic will be held at Yanity Gym on Tuesday, Sept. 27 from 10 to 12 p.m. for Ridgefield Gold Card Members and 12 to 1 p.m. for the general public.

The revenue from our Flu Shot program helps

support many of our free community programs includ-ing the Ridgefield Annual Health Fair, Blood Pressure screenings, Quality Living

at Home Program, Wellness and Education seminars, Emergency Preparedness, Support Groups and the Friendly Driver and Visitor programs. These programs would not be possible without the support of the community.

RVNA is the primary resource for seasonal flu vaccines in our community. Our experienced staff attend an annual in-service on safe immunization techniques that includes an update on current

CDC recommendations, writ-ten emergency protocols and the use of emergency medica-tion.

Yanity Gym is located at 36 Prospect Street, Ridgefield. No appointment is neces-sary. Most insurances and Medicare are accepted. Bring your insurance card or Medicare B card with you. Mark your calendars! Show your loyalty by attending an RVNA Flu Clinic!

It’s flu shot time: Why use the RVNA?

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Iʼm handed a business card from a patient of mine who is seeing her new endocri-nologist. On the card is writ-ten, “Expert in Diabetes Care, ʻspecialist in endocrinology, ̓ʻaffiliated with ____ hospital (a world recognized top uni-versity hospital).ʼ”

It seems she has gotten to a top-notch specialist and is in the best of care, but I know better.

Some doctors promote them-selves, as any shrewd corrupt business person would, using catch phrases that give the impression that they are at the top of their field when they are not even certified to practice in their specialty. And while, hitherto, it was a feather in oneʼs cap to get admitting privileges at a top academic center, most hospi-tals now succumb to a more important fact — grant just about any doctor admitting privileges so you can fill the beds with his patients, no mat-ter how unqualified the doctor may be.

University hospitals have

also purchased or affiliated with small community hos-pitals, and added some new signage to the front of that hospital in order to ensure they will receive patients requiring expensive surgical procedures and tests that could have been sent to a competing hospital. In doing so all those doctors, many with bottom-of-barrel credentials, are now “affili-ated with a major university hospital” and can use that to advertise for their practice.

And so I stare at this card, and the doctorʼs name on it, knowing who this duplicitous character is, and just shake my head. Yet if the patient just went to a Web site abim.org and typed this doctorʼs name

in, she would have seen that the doctor isnʼt even certified in his field or in even the most basic field of internal medi-cine. Yet he appears to have the best credentials and per-haps that is why he is one of the busier doctors in his field.

Just to make it clear: Being board certified does not guar-antee that a physician is quali-fied to provide good medical care. In fact, the board cer-tification exam, having just taken it to recertify this year, is probably too easy to pass — more than 90% of takers pass the exam. But for those who do not qualify to take the exam for their specialty, because they never trained at a recognized and certified train-ing program, or for those who cannot pass the exam, it tells a lot. It tells me that the chances that a doctor who is pretend-ing to be an expert is likely not qualified to advertise that and that the doctor is far more

likely to be a poor physician than someone who can pass such a simple exam.

And so I ask everyone read-ing this to take a minute and go to the Web site abim.org for doctors that practice inter-nal medicine or abms.org to review all doctors, including doctors that practice surgery, and strongly consider see-ing only physicians that have taken and passed their board exam.

The abim site will only list doctors that practice internal medicine or a subspecialty of internal medicine (cardiology, endocrine, etc. ) but it will list every one of these doctors and report if they are certified or not. The abms site will have records of every doctor who is certified but seems to omit doctors who are not.

The writer is a cardiologist who lives in Ridgefield. Reach him at [email protected].

Is your doctor an expert or a fake?

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Mary Alice BrownRidgefield native

Mrs. Mary Alice Rowland Brown of Ridgefield, a Ridgefield native who lived in the Bahamas for many years, died at her home on Wednesday, August 24. She was 90 years old and the widow of Frederick Brown and mother of Susan Brown.

Mrs. Brown was born in Ridgefield, Oct. 12, 1920, daughter of Joseph and Alice McSherry Rowland.

Shortly after her birth, Mrs. Brown moved with her family and resided for many years in the Bahamas and Fort Lauderdale, Fla., while main-

taining her annual summer vacations in Ridgefield.

For the past nine years, Mrs. Brown was a full time resident of Ridgefield having resided with her daughter and son in law.

She was a former member of St. Sebastian Church of Fort Lauderdale and of its Ladies Guild. She was also a vol-unteer at the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art and enjoyed travel.

Besides her daughter and her daughterʼs husband, Merrill, both of Ridgefield, Mrs. Brown is survived by her son-in-law, Phillip Gallagher of Riverview, Fla.; six grand-children, Michael Gallagher, Maureen Gallagher Perkins,

Freddie Gallagher, Alice Brown Blakely, Caroline Brown Simms and Charlotte Brown; three great grandchil-dren, Hannah Perkins, Beau Perkins and Charlotte Brown and a great great grandson.

Besides her parents, Mrs. Brown was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy Gallagher.

A Celebration of Life ser-vice will take place at the direction of the family.

There will be no calling hours.

Contributions in Mrs. Brownʼs memory and honor may be made to oneʼs own favorite charity.

Kane Funeral Home, 25 Catoonah St., is in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries

All obituaries in The Ridgefield Press are news stories, and appear without charge. Many obituaries published in The Press also appear on our Web site,

TheRidgefieldPress.com.

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Notice is hereby given that the Board of Appeals on Zoning of Ridgefield will hold a regularly sched-uled meeting on Monday, September 12, 2011, begin-ning at 7:30 p.m. in the Public Meeting Room of the Town Hall Annex, 66 Prospect Street, to hear the following petitions:

Appeal No. 11-031 (7:30 pm) - Petition of Damian and Nancy Mullin: Continued from the July 25, 2011 meet-ing. 47 Shadow Lane.

Appeal No. 11-033 (7:45 pm) - Petition of George Pilla: Continued from the July 25, 2011 meeting. 27 Abbott Avenue.

Appeal No. 11-035 (8:00 pm) - Petition of Lori Mullery: for a variance of Section 3.5.H, setbacks, to allow a second story addi-tion over the existing garage, closer than permitted to the side lot line; for property in the RAA zone located at 36 Rolling Ridge Rd.

Appeal No. 11-036 (8:10 pm) - Petition of Kenneth S. and Paula A. King: for a variance of Section 3.5.H, setbacks, to allow an addi-tion closer than permitted to the side lot line; for property in the RAA zone located at 94 Eleven Levels Road.

Appeal No. 11-037 (8:20 pm) - Petition of Frank Altese and Martin Matkovich: for a variance of Section 3.5.H, setbacks, to allow a storage shed closer than permitted to the side lot line; for property in the RAA zone located at 4 Glen Road.

Appeal No. 11-038 (8:30 pm) - Petition of Andrew and Lorna Redrup: for a variance of Section 3.5.H, setbacks, to allow a storage shed closer than permitted to the side lot line; for property in the RAA zone located at 276 Florida Hill Road.

Appeal No. 11-039 (8:45 pm) - Petition of Rodney W. Thorn: for a variance of Section 3.5.H, setbacks, and 3.5.F, lot coverage, to allow a storage shed that will not meet the side setback and lot coverage regulations; for property in the RA zone located at 25 Rowland Lane.

Appeal No. 11-040 (9:00 pm) - Petition of Golf 824, LLC: for a variance of Section 5.3.E, setbacks, to allow the construction of an addition closer than per-mitted to the front lot line; for property in the B2 zone located at 824 Ethan Allen Highway.

Appeal No. 11-042 (9:15 pm) - Petition of Brendan Kolnick: for variances of Sections 3.5.F, lot cover-age, and 3.5.H, setbacks, to allow an addition that will not comply with the lot coverage and setback regulations; for property in the R20 zone located at 15 Ramapoo Road.

Appeal No. 11-043 (9:30 pm) - Petition of Don Longo, Agent for Arthur Edelman: for variances of Sections 3.2.B.1, residential uses, 8.1.A.3., expansion of a nonconforming use, and 8.1.B.4.a. and b., alteration of a nonconforming struc-ture, to allow the construc-tion of a greenhouse addi-tion on a parcel of property that contains two dwelling units; for property in the RAAA zone located at 129 Spring Valley Road.

The above scheduled hear-ing times are approximate and all applicants and per-sons wishing to be heard are requested to be present at least fifteen minutes prior to the assigned hearing times. Anyone requiring special accommodations due to dis-ability is asked to contact the ZBA office at 431-2786 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Submitted this 1st day of September, 2011, at Ridgefield, Connecticut,

CHARLES E. CREAMER

ChairmanMARJORIE TIPPET

Administrator9-19-8

Notice is hereby given that the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Ridgefield will hold pub-lic hearings on Tuesday, September 13, 2011 begin-ning at 7:30 p.m. in the lower level meeting room at the Town Hall Annex, 66 Prospect Street, Ridgefield,

Connecticut, including the following item(s):

Item I: # 2 0 1 1-078-SP: Special Permit application under Section 9.2 required by Section 8.5, Exception for Character Resource Preservation of the Ridgefield Zoning Regulations to add a cov-ered open porch to existing house exceeding permit-ted lot coverage on prop-erty located at 48 Catoonah Street in the R 7.5 zone. Owners/Appl.: Ross M. and Valerie Z. Schneiderman.

Item II: # 2 0 1 1-082-SP: Application for Special Permit under Sec. 9.2 required by Section 5.5.D of the Ridgefield Zoning Regulations for (1) construction of a 52,339 s.f. building known as the RGD

Pilot Plant Replacement Project, (2) request for building height exception under Section 5.5.E.(3) and (3) request for screener/rock processor under Section 7.5 on property located at 900 Ridgebury Road in the CDD zone. Owner/Appl.: Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. c/o Leonard Lustrino.

Plans and details for the above items are on file in the Planning and Zoning Office.

At these hearings inter-ested persons may appear and be heard and written communications will be received.

PLANNING & ZONINGCOMMISSION

Town of RidgefieldBy: Rebecca Mucchetti,

ChairmanDated: September 1, 2011

9-1

Notice is hereby given that on August 24, 2011 the Inland Wetlands Agent of the Town of Ridgefield, took the following action:

Item I: APPROVED with con-ditions, Administrative Approval Application (#WET-2011-0010) for activities in the upland review area to replace a sep-tic system on property locat-ed at 45 High Pastures Court in the RAA zone. Owner: Harry Scofield.

Inland Wetlands Agent Town of Ridgefield

By: S. Aimee PardeeDated: September 1, 2011

9-1

by Kathy Fassman

Pickleball may have an unusual name, but itʼs a sport taking the country by storm. Invented by a Washingtonian congressman in 1965, pick-leball was named after the congressmanʼs dog, Pickles. Combining the elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is played on a smaller court than ten-nis and is played with a hard paddle and wiffle ball. With a smaller court and a slower moving ball, pickleball is a great alternative to tennis for children and seniors.

“Itʼs a fun and easy sport to learn,” stated Janice Pauly, a pickleball instruc-tor at Ridgefield Parks & Recreation. To show people just how entertaining the sport

is, the Ridgefield Parks & Recreation will be hosting a Pickleball Open House. Held at the Ridgefield Recreation Center, the free open house will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 7 (ages eight and up) and from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 8 (adult only). “Come swing a paddle with us and enjoy one of the fastest growing sports in America,” added Ms. Pauly.

For more information about the Pickleball Open House or the various pro-grams offered by Ridgefield Parks & Recreation, go to ridgefieldparksandrec.org or call 203- 431-2755.

What’s in a name?Recreation News

Legal Notices

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12A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Sept. 1, 2011 SPORTS

by Tim MurphyPress Sports Editor

Except for football, all Ridgefield High fall sports teams had their first day of practices and tryouts last Saturday.

Thanks to Hurricane Irene, no one has practiced since.

Yesterday marked the fourth consecutive off-day for Ridgefield teams, and with school now delayed until next Tuesday, it seems likely the squads will have an even lon-ger break.

“I understand the signifi-cant damage in Ridgefield,” said Ridgefield High Athletic Director Carl Charles. “We are going to have to work around it.”

As of Wednesday morn-ing, Ridgefield was one of two Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference schools not sched-uled to resume practices until next Tuesday. Other FCIAC schools that were also delayed from opening until next week have gotten the go-ahead from

school officials to begin prac-ticing again this week.

“Ridgefield was hit harder than some other towns so it is understandable,” said Charles. “Some families that donʼt have power have left town, so it wouldnʼt be fair to have tryouts.

“I am asking that all coach-es and athletes cooperate with the directive and do not hold any voluntary captains practic-es of any nature until I receive clearance,” added Charles.

Because it skipped spring practice in order to start ear-lier in the fall, the RHS foot-ball team has already had 11 days of practice (five condi-tioning, six contact). Charles said that given that scenario, he was seeking a contingen-cy plan to have the football team resume practices this week. School administrators would need to approve the request.

“They have already had 11 days, and now they would be missing nine straight days if they canʼt practice again until Tuesday,” said Charles about the football team. “That

is something we are hoping to avoid.”

One issue for Charles and other state athletic directors is that Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference guide-lines mandate that teams must have 14 practice days before

playing their first games. The CIAC announced earlier this week that it would allow mem-ber schools to count Sundays as a practice day, but as of Wednesday morning it was not lowering the 14-day require-ment.

“Itʼs all about the health and safety of the kids,” said CIAC Executive Director Karissa Niehoff. “We still think itʼs most important that they have the 14 days of practice before the first game.”

Niehoff said that the CIAC

is considering whether to count the five conditioning days toward a football teamʼs 14 practice days. She said a decision would be made later this week.

If they resume practices next Tuesday, most Ridgefield teams wonʼt have met the 14-day requirement before their first scheduled regular-season games. The first official day of the fall season is Sept. 13.

“We are going to have to reschedule some games from the opening week,” he said. “There doesnʼt seem to be any way around that.”

If the RHS football team is not allowed to start practic-ing again until next Tuesday, it would still have had 14-plus days of practice before the season opener on Sept. 16 against Greenwich, even if conditioning days are not counted.

“It helped that we skipped the spring practices and start-ed earlier,” said Charles. “But it still is not beneficial to have nine days off after 11 days of practice. That is a big inter-ruption.”

Irene plays havoc with RHS practice schedule

Scott Mullin

With Ridgefield High teams not practicing this week, Tiger Hollow was one of many empty fields on Wednesday morning.

SCOR tourney is off for this weekend


Since his death in the terror-ist attacks on the World Trade Center in September 2001, Joe Heller has had his memory honored through a golf out-ing organized by former menʼs softball teammates.

That event will take place for the 10th straight year this September, although organiz-

ers say this is likely the final time.

“It is probably the last one,” said Brian Qualey, who is part of the organizing com-mittee for the H. Joseph Heller Memorial Golf Outing. “Itʼs been a great event, but I think the 10th year will be the last.”

The outing is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Aspetuck Valley Country Club in Weston. A lunch at 11 is

followed by a shotgun start at 12:30. A dinner, featuring live music, follows at the club.

Qualey was part of a group that met Heller when the lat-ter played for Qualey Tree Service in the Ridgefield Menʼs Softball League back in the late 1990s. After Hellerʼs death, those teammates decid-ed to organize the golf outing.

“There was a group of friends who became close

with Joe and his wife, MJ,” said Qualey. “After his death we decided on a golf outing as a way to celebrate Joeʼs life.”

Heller was 37 at the time of his death. He was a commodi-ties broker for Carr Futures and was in their offices on the 92nd floor of 1 World Trade Center when the attacks occurred.

Heller grew up outside Cleveland, Ohio, and gradu-

ated from Fairfield University. Qualey said that some of Hellerʼs high school and col-lege friends participate in the golf outing each year.

“There are about five or six friends from Cleveland and eight or nine from Fairfield that come,” he said. “Itʼs great to have them be part of the event. We also have a bunch of local people who attend.”

Proceeds from the event go toward the ongoing sup-port of MJ Heller and her four children.

“We want to have a good turnout, especially since this is probably the last one,” said Qualey.

Those wishing to take part in the outing should call either Glenn Windisch at 203-438-0879 or Brian Qualey at 203-438-7431.

Heller memorial golf outing to have its 10th anniversary


The games will not go on after all — at least not for the time being.

After a meeting Tuesday night among the board of directors, the Soccer Club of Ridgefield decided to proceed with this weekendʼs 28th annual Warm-Up Tournament, despite

the lingering effects of Hurricane Irene. But town officials overruled that decision on Wednesday after-noon.

“The tournament is postponed for now,” said Lori Hongach, one of the eventʼs co-directors. “We need to look and see what our options are. Maybe we can play it at another time this fall.”

A posting on the SCOR Web site Wednesday afternoon said the tour-nament was postponed due to safety concerns stemming from the ongoing clean-up of Hurricane Irene. The site said the event might be rescheduled for Columbus Day weekend.

Hongach said 90-plus teams, many from other Fairfield County towns, had registered for the tourna-

ment, which was supposed to take place Saturday and Sunday on vari-ous Ridgefield fields and feature boys and girls travel teams from the U-9 through U-14 age groups.

In the tournament format, each team plays four games, two on Saturday and two on Sunday. Games consist of 25-minute halves with a five-minute halftime.

Trophies are awarded to the winners in the boys and girls U-11 through U-14 divisions. The U-9 and U-10 players receive participation awards.

Notes: For more information, visit the SCOR Web site at scor.org.

Anyone with questions can send an e-mail to [email protected].

WILLIAM F. VERRILL

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Jake Kara

CVS opened Monday morning with no power. Employees took requests and brought the items to a table set up in the doorway where people could pay. A pharmacist filled prescrip-tions.

Macklin Reid

Kids found shelter, but not so much to do, at Yanity Gym. Celine DeAngelo, front, and Christopher and Michael Provenzale waited Monday morning on cots that had been set up for sleepers the night before. “We just came to charge batteries, basically, and socialize, see our neighbors,” said Celine’s mother, Lena DeAngelo of Quail Ridge.

Macklin Reid

A big tree limb was down Monday in the front yard of a home off Florida Road, debris from one of countless near misses as Irene raged through town Saturday and Sunday.

Macklin Reid

Joel Weisvogel, left, swapped storm stories with Tim and Valerie Guthrie at the “chow table” in the Yanity Gym shelter Monday morning.

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SALEM GOLF CLUB

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People in the News

Church names Karen Halacfamily ministry coordinator

Karen Halac has been named family ministry coor-dinator at The First Congregational Church. She will oversee the churchʼs programs for children, youth, and families.

Ms. Halac has years of experience in this field of min-istry, including serving as an intern at the church helping coordinate the confirmation program three years ago.

Ms. Halac is also pursu-ing a doctorate degree in multicultural theological ethics at the University of Exeter/Hartford Seminary. She recently served as direc-tor of Christian education at an Episcopal church in Stamford and as a chap-lain in the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Stamford Hospital. She has also served as minister for youth and young adults at the American Church in Paris.

A graduate of Texas Christian University, she worked in the field of international finance for 10 years, includ-ing as director of consultant services for a global invest-ment management firm. After a mission experience in Tanzania, she left Wall Street for Yale Divinity School, from which she received both a master of arts in ethics and a master of divinity degree. She is currently a candi-date for ordination to the Christian ministry.

The community is invited to meet Ms. Halac on Sunday, Sept. 11, at the Rally Day picnic from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the church grounds. Rally Day launches the churchʼs fall schedule, which includes programs for chil-dren and youth of all ages, church school, two childrenʼs choirs, a youth band, community service and mission opportunities, confirmation for eighth and ninth graders, and family events throughout the year.

Further information is available by calling 203-438-8077 or visiting firstcongregational.com.

Charles Pieterse

Charles Pieterse is namedConnecticut Family Champion

Board member Charles Pieterse of Family & Childrenʼs Agency has been named a 2011 Family Champion by the Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies.

The award recognizes contributions at both the Board and staff level of those who “have gone above and beyond the call of duty to respond to the needs of fami-lies served by their agency,” according to the council, which also deems them “the best of the best” in the field of family services in Connecticut.

Mr. Pieterse has worked with the agency for six years, including three years as a member of the Board of Directors; he currently serves as a vice chair of the board. A partner in the law firm of Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan LLC, his practice is focused on gen-

eral litigation, business liti-gation and product liability defense. He has been select-ed as one of the top 50 law-yers in his practice area in Connecticut. Mr. Pieterse is active in pro bono legal pro-grams, primarily representing children. He also coaches youth athletics and serves on the Board of Community Centers Inc., a Greenwich-based social service agency.

Robert Cashel, president and chief executive officer of Family & Childrenʼs Agency, commented, “Charlie not only provides the highest level of legal guidance, but also offers important guid-

ance regarding the strategic direction of the Agency. He is a great friend and partner in our work.”

The Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies is a statewide network of independent, non-profit fam-ily service agencies that deliver services to more than 150,000 families from more than 90 offices located throughout the state. The mission of CCFSA is to be the premier resource to strength the stateʼs diverse individu-als and families and the communities in which they live.

Family & Childrenʼs Agency is a non-profit family service organization serving the needs of more than 10,000 individuals — including children, adults and families - throughout Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, go to FamilyandChildrensAgency.org.

Karen Halac

The Divinity Within, an exhibition by Ridgefield Academy art instructor Jennifer Mazzucco will take place Sunday, Sept. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at The Ridgefield Conservatory of Dance on Main Street.

Following the exhibition opening will be a kirtan fea-turing Sitaʼs Light, Damodar Das and Satya Franche from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The art exhibition, which is free and open to the public, was inspired from Ms. Mazzuccoʼs three trips to India in the past three years. Each trip resulted in a series of artworks and culminated in more than 90 paintings spanning the depth and breadth of her experiences in the country. Ms. Mazzucco said she went to India as a spiritual seeker, a volunteer art teacher, and to explore the Buddhist and Hindu cultures.

“In color, texture and image, I tried to capture the essence

of my journeys,” said Ms. Mazzucco. “For me, these

three trips, these three series of paintings eventually led me to discover my own inner divine spirit.”

The conservatory is spon-soring the exhibit as part of Moving Spaces, a new pro-gram to support local artists by providing them space to exhibit their work.

“We are excited about this new collaboration with art-ists in the community,” said conservatory director James Robey. “Jenniferʼs energetic and intricate paintings practi-cally leap from the walls.”

The Divinity Within open-ing reception on Sunday, Sept. 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. is free to the public. The exhibit will remain up through Nov. 11. The Kirtan at 4:30 p.m. has a an admission fee of $15. For more information about the events or Jennifer Mazzuccoʼs work call 203-241-7115.

India inspires Jennifer Mazzucco’s art

One wouldnʼt expect that on a hot, sunny day, a nine-year-old boy would rather be inside a gym learning math than playing basketball out-side. Yet, this has been the case on Friday afternoons at the George Washington Carver Center in Norwalk.

Alexis Ehrlich, a senior at Ridgefield High School, has been volunteering in the after-school program for underpriv-ileged children for the past three years.

She originally volunteered to help children in grades kin-dergarten through five with their homework, particularly math.

“I realized that a great majority of these children lacked many of the funda-mental math skills, like simple addition and subtraction,” she said. “Further, they seemed unmotivated to learn these skills. I felt that if there was a way to make acquiring these basic skills more entertaining, the children might be more motivated to learn them.”

As a student of hip hop dance with the Ridgefield Studio of Performing Arts for the past five years, Alexis real-ized that hip hop, a particu-larly rhythmic form of dance, had very prevalent patterns and count beats, which were the perfect vehicle to help the children become more aware of counting and numbers.

“Also, the idea of counting becomes more exciting and

memorable when the experi-ence is a concrete one — when you move your whole body to the rhythm and beats of music,” Alexis said.

This idea led her to create a program that incorporates simple, easy-to-learn moves and steps that the children can associate with numbers and counting.

After organizing the pro-gram and presenting it to the Carver Center management, Alexis implemented “Lexiʼs Number Hop.”

On Fridays, instead of sim-ply arriving and sitting down to teach the children addition and subtraction, the children congregate in the gym.

“It doesnʼt take much effort to convince young children to dance, and it is during this time that they are exposed to learning real math skills,” Alexis said.

“Students learn math while exercising and having fun,” said Mr. Waid Ramsubhag, program manager of the George Washington Carver Community Center.

“What is extraordinary is that she created this on her own.”

Alexis Ehrlichʼs program, “Lexiʼs Number Hop,” has been a complete success, he said. The children have been successful in learning their number skills, they are enthu-

siastic about coming to class.As a result of her dedication

to the Carver Center and her unique creative program, she received the Voluntary Action of Mid-Fairfield Award, hon-ored as “People in Action,” who give freely of their time and talents to the community service agencies and organiza-tions of mid-Fairfield to help the communities ̓needs.

Additionally, Alexis was given the honor of being named the “High School Volunteer of the Year” award from the Carver Centerʼs Youth Development Program for the success of her program, “Lexiʼs Number Hop.”

Hip hop helps Ehrlich teach math

Alexis Ehrlich and Waid Ramsubhag with the children of the George Washington Carver Center, Norwalk.

Jennifer Mazzucco and some of her work.

by Paulette LaytonRidgefield Theater Barn

Round and Round the Garden premieres Friday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. at the Ridgefield Theater Barn.

A British comedy written by Alan Ayckbourn, directed by Debbie Levin of Brewster and produced by Cheryl Boyd of Ridgefield, the show features Brian DeToma of Waterbury, Patrick Kelly of Ridgefield, Paulette Layton of New Fairfield, Laurel Lettieri of Mount Vernon, Harry Lipstein of Ridgefield and Meghan OʼRourke of Ridgefield.

“An insatiably frisky British sex farce”....the garden variety of Alan Ayckbournʼs hilarious trilogy of plays, The Norman Conquests, recounts the incor-rigible Normanʼs quest to bring happiness to the women in his life through romance....with him! Wildly comic and at times sweetly poignant, we meet the irritating but some-how irresistible Norman as he

channels his inner Casanova to seduce not only his two sis-ters-in-law, but his wife Ruth as well...all at the same time. This fast-paced, roller-coaster of British comedy, described as “explosively hilarious” (Londonʼs Guardian), pro-vides a view into Ayckbournʼs “gleefully torrid little world” (Entertainment Weekly).

Performances of Round and Round the Garden continue Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. through Oct. 1, with Sunday matinees at 5 p.m. on Sept. 18 and 25. Tickets are $24 for adults and $20 for stu-dents and seniors.

Seating is cabaret style and the audience is invited to bring food and beverage to enjoy before the performance and during intermission.

Doors open one hour prior to curtain. The Ridgefield Theater Barn is located at 37 Halpin Lane. Call 203-431-9850 or visit ridgefieldtheater-barn.org.

Ayckbourn comedy opens this weekend

Carol Cutler

Norman (Harry Lipstein) attempts to woo his wife Ruth (Laurel Lettieri) in Round and Round the Garden at the Ridgefield Theater Barn.

Rocker RundgrenHis big hits include “I Saw the Light,” “Hello, It’s Me” and “Can We Still Be Friends.” Rock & roll mav-erick Todd Rundgren stars in An Evening with Todd Rundgren featuring Jesse Gress, Kasim Sulton, Prairie Prince and John Ferenzik at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 8 p.m. For tickets ($62), call the box office at 203-438-5795 or visit online ridge-fieldplayhouse.org.

PEOPLETHERIDGEFIELDPRESS

14A Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011


SteppingOut The DateBook is a guide to Ridgefield special events open to the public. Events may be submitted up to three years in advance. E-mail submissions, in DateBook format, to [email protected] or post them to DateBook, Press, Box 1019, Ridgefield, 06877, to reach us by Thursday noon to appear in the following week’s calendar. Include a phone number. The DateBook is often abbreviated in the newspaper; the complete listing appears online at TheRidgefieldPress.com.

SeptemberFirst day of school for grades 10-12, Sept. 1.O.W.L.S., senior citizens group meeting, Thursday,

Sept. 1, 10 a.m., Founders HallMurder by the Book Mystery Discussion, Gentleman

and Players by Joanne Harris, Sept. 1, 1 p.m., Ridgefield Library, 203-438-2282, ridgefieldlibrary.org

Ridgefield Farmers Market, Friday, Sept. 2, 2 to 6, on the lawn behind 27 Governor Street.

Memoir Writing Group, Saturday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m., Ridgefield Library, 203-438-2282, ridgefieldlibrary.org

Chamber Meet-A-Member: Blogging, Personal Branding & More, with Drew Berman, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to noon, free, Chamber of Commerce, 9 Bailey Avenue, ridgefieldchamber.org

The Nonfictioneers, Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 7 p.m., Ridgefield Library, 203-438-2282, ridgefieldli-brary.org

Bret Michaels, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 8 p.m., $110 orches-tra, $90 mezzanine, Ridgefield Playhouse, 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org

Lyme disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia support group, Thursday, Sept. 8, noon to 1:30, Ridgefield VNA, 203-431-0462, [email protected]

East Ridge Middle School open house, Thursday, Sept. 8, 6:45 p.m., at the school, 203-438-3744.

Ridgefield Farmers Market, Friday, Sept. 9, 2 to 6, on the lawn behind 27 Governor Street.

Tedeschi Trucks Band, special guest Scrapomatic, Friday, Sept. 9, 8 p.m., $127 orchestra, $97 mezza-nine/balcony, Ridgefield Playhouse, 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplayhouse.org

“Round and Round the Garden” by Alan Ayckbourn, Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10 at 8 p.m., doors open at 7; cabaret seating, $24/$20, Ridgefield Theater Barn, 37 Halpin Lane, ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org, 431-9850

Shutterbugs, photo club, Saturday, Sept. 10, 9:30 a.m., Ridgefield Library, 203-438-2282, ridgefieldlibrary.org

Yoga at The Aldrich: Morning yoga in the galler-ies, Saturday, Sept. 10, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., free for members/$10 plus tax non-members, The Aldrich Museum, 203-438-4519, aldrichart.org

Twin Visions with Jane Herschlag and her sister Anne M. Smith, exhibit and reception Saturday, Sept. 10, 2 to 4, Ridgefield Library, 203-438-2282, ridgefieldli-brary.org

Unveiling of the 9/11 monument, Sunday, Sept. 11, 6:30 p.m., Danbury Road near Rec Center, 203-431-2774, ridgefield911memorial.com

Todd Rundgren, Sunday, Sept. 11, 8 p.m., $62, Ridgefield Playhouse, 203-438-5795, ridgefieldplay-house.org

RVNA Free Blood Pressure Screening, Monday, Sept. 12, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Ballard Green, 203-438-5555, ridgefieldvna.org

Books and Breakfast, Monday, Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m., Ridgefield Library, 203-438-2282, ridgefieldlibrary.org

by George LeemanRidgefield Symphony Orchestra

The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestraʼs 2011-2012 season will feature two new guests and four soloists with prior memorable orchestra perfor-mances.

One newcomer is sopra-no Teri Hansen, singing at the Feb. 4 concert, devot-ed entirely to Rodgers and Hammerstein music. Ms. Hansen is an actress and singer on Broadway and in opera and has produced a CD entitled “Into Your Arms...Love Songs of Richard Rodgers.”

Returning to join her is baritone Nat Chandler, who excelled at last seasonʼs Broadway concert. The sec-ond newcomer is Andy

Hammerstein, painter, writer and family historian — he is the grandson of the famous lyricist.

In his first of hopefully many major solos, concert-master Jorge Avila will per-form the Beethoven Violin Concerto on Oct. 1 and repeat his dazzling Lasdon perfor-mance of “Summer” from Vivaldiʼs The Four Seasons on

Nov. 19.On Nov. 19 cellist Madeleine

Bouissou, two-time Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition winner and Lasdon performer, will play the opening movement of Haydnʼs second cello con-certo.

She will be joined by pianist Gayle Martin Henry — remem-bered for her virtuoso rendi-

tion of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto — in Saint-Saëns ̓“The Swan” from Carnival of the Animals. Avila, Bouissou and Henry will collaborate in the fourth movement of the Schubert Trout Quintet.

Subscriptions are obtained online at ridgefieldsymphony.org or via the office at 203-438-3889.

Orchestra sets six soloists for season

The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra’s 2011-2012 season will include soloists Jorge Ávila, Madeleine Bouissou, Nat Chandler, Teri Hansen and Gayle Martin Henry.

DateBook

by Susan Dumont-BengstonRidgefield Playhouse

Singer/songwriter Bret Michaels has sold 25 million records and scored 15 chart-busting Top 40 singles includ-ing “Talk Dirty To Me” and the number one smash hit “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” His VH1 “Rock of Love” became that networkʼs highest rated program. Last Novemberʼs Bret Michaels show at The Ridgefield Playhouse was sold out.

He will be back with his “Get Your Rock On 2011” Tour on Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m. in support of his latest

album of the same name.This event kicks off the

Guinness Black Lager Rock Series where ticket hold-ers can taste a perfect pint of Guinness in a beer tent and fill out a form for a chance to win the thrilling “Race Car Driver For A Day Giveaway” driving experience courtesy of Ultimate Track Rentals and Bruce Bennett Nissan. The prize includes an overnight stay Saturday night (Sept. 17) for the winner and a guest at the Casino Hotels in Atlantic City, transportation to the track, breakfast and lunch, worth $10,000 in all. An entry

form is also online at bruce-bennettnissan.com.

The Little Pub (59 Ethan Allen Highway, Ridgefield) is offering a free glass of wine or beer with dinner the night of the show when tickets are shown. An AllShows.com VIP Party Pass which includes a pre-show cocktail party with food and open bar from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., priority parking and VIP seating is available for this show.

For tickets ($110 orches-tra/ $90 mezzanine), call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, 203-438-5795.

Michaels: Get your rock on!

by Emelie Howard

Michael Chekhov began teaching his acting technique in Ridgefield in 1939. His stu-dents were some of the most famous actors and actresses of the 40 s̓, 50 s̓ and 60 s̓ including Yul Brynner, Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe and Robert Stack. Chekhov s̓ influence is still apparent in many modern-day acting performances by such talents as Johnny Depp and Anthony Hopkins.

His teaching/acting style is the subject of an experiential workshop on Sunday, Sept. 25 as part of the Chekhov International Theatre Festival in Ridgefield.

The entire festival is free and the work-shop will be open to all. Space is limited since Kathy Curtiss, an experienced actress, director and teacher will hold the workshop on stage at Scotts Ridge Middle School Auditorium. For those who are curious but do not want to participate, a live audi-ence will be permitted to watch the hour and a half exercise.

Using Anton Chekhovʼs “The Seagull” as the vehi-cle, Ms. Curtiss will use her academic and professional expertise to teach the Michael

Chekhov technique. She works as a cast-

ing director for both theater and film, is in the Actor s̓ Repertory Theatre Ensemble at PBS (Utah) and teaches univer-sity level courses at the New York Film Academy specializing in preparatory work in the bachelor of fine

arts and master of fine arts film making program, acting for camera, voice, movement and combat and audition technique.

The film Specter of the Rose starring Michael Chekhov and Dame Judith Anderson will be screened, followed by a Q&A

with Lisa Dalton, teacher and actress versed in the Michael Chekhov technique.

The festival opens at the Aldrich on Sept. 23 at 6 with a kick-off party and a perfor-mance of Hamlet in modern dress and ends on Sunday with an Award Ceremony at 4:45 p.m. at Scotts Ridge. For addi-tional information or to volun-teer visit chekhovfestival.org, email [email protected] or call 203-431-2774.

Actress will describe Chekhov’s technique

Bret Michaels

Kathy Curtiss

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(never known to fail)

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Car-mel, fruitful vine splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Im-maculate Virgin, assist me in my neces-sity. O, Star Of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc-cor me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein that you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause for your hands (say three times). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. Say this prayer for three days and the request will be granted. This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. Thank You Blessed Mother. J.M.H. & D. H.

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Weir Farms plansJazz in the Garden

Weir Farm Art Center will have its 16th Annual Jazz in the Garden Sunday, Sept. 25, from 3 to 5 at Weir Farm National Historic Site, featuring Chris Brubeck and the Brubeck Brothers Quartet.

The concert is outdoors and pic-nicking is encouraged.

There is no parking at the site. Shuttles will run continuously from 2 to 6 from Branchville School, 40 Florida Road.

Tickets at $20 adults, $10 students 13 to 18, children 12 and under free at available at the “door.”

For more information, e-mail us at [email protected] or call 203-761-9945.

‘Next Big Thing’is Kicking Daisies

Voted Radio Disneyʼs “Next Big Thing,” Kicking Daisies will rock out on The Ridgefield Playhouse stage with “The Big Bang Theory,” “Keeping Secrets” and more on Friday, Sept. 23, at 7:30 p.m.

This 18-and-under four-piece band, born in a Milford basement has already appeared on national television and played before sell-out crowds in multiple venues across the country. Special guests are singer/songwriters Carly and Eliza and The Distractions, a mod-ern rock band from Ridgefield, with a catchy post-punk sound.

This event is underwritten by Adam Broderick Salon & Spa and Northeast Builders and is spon-sored by Dimitriʼs Diner.

For tickets ($45 Gold Circle includes Meet & Greet; $20 advance purchase; $25 day of show), call 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Camerata seeksnew singers

Area choral group, Camerata dʼAmici, is seeking new members for all voice parts for the 2011-2012 season, which begins Sept. 8.

The groupʼs repertoire features a wide range of choral music, both sacred and secular, from many cultures. Rehearsals take place Thursdays from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., at South Salem Presbyterian Church. Performances are planned for Sundays at 4 p.m. on Dec. 11. Feb. 26, and May 20.

To schedule an audition, con-tact the director, Kristin Sponheim, at 203-938-3711 or by e-mail at [email protected]. For more information, email Jennifer Christensen at [email protected].

Sisters shareart exhibit

Twin Visions is a new exhibit by sisters Anne Smith and Jane Herschlag at the Ridgefield Library from Sept. 2 to 29. The

public is invited to an opening reception on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Jane Herschlag, model home decorator, budget home stager, fashion designer, textile designer, now poet and photographer, cap-tures bucolic farm scenes, iconic New England landscapes, and fevered skies of Manhattan. Much of her work will be accompanied by her ekphrastic poems (poems inspired by the visual). She has exhibited widely throughout Connecticut.

Dr. Anne Smith is a psycholo-gist.

The exhibit can be viewed dur-ing normal library hours when the Dayton Program Room is not in use for another program. Call the library at 438-2282 or visit ridge-fieldlibrary.org for more informa-tion.

Acoustic seriesbegins with Flynn

The Acoustic Celebration, the singer/songwriter series pre-sented by Barbara Manners who is also CHIRPʼs producer, begins its fall season on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 4 with a musician from the Philadelphia area who has fans of all ages.

Blessed with a simple and won-derful way with words and what Kris Kristofferson has called “a wonderful combination of humor and heart,” much of John Flynnʼs music over the last two decades and many of his performances have been geared to families where both the very young and the not so young have delighted in his songs.

In recent years as Flynn has become more and more concerned about the divisiveness in America and the apparent lack of concern for the many American lives being lost overseas his songs have taken on more social overtones. The con-cert is at Temple Shearith Israel, 46 Peaceable Street.

Tickets are $17 in advance at Ridgefield Music, 19 Governor Street and $20 at the door.

For more information, visit acousticcelebration.org.

Few tickets leftfor Buckingham

A few tickets remain for “An Evening with Lindsey Buckingham,” legendary guitar-ist of Fleetwood Mac and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Saturday, Sept. 24, at 8 p.m.

This show is underwritten by Ridgefield Capital. For tickets ($85), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or order online at ridge-fieldplayhouse.org.

RMAC schedulesOpen Mic Night

RMAC (Ridgefield Music and Arts Center) will kick off the school year with an Open Mic Night on Sept. 9, at The Enchanted Garden at 529 Ethan Allen Highway (Route 7).

Tickets will be $5 at the door, and the show will go from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The first hour will be for walk-ons (first come, first served), and 8 to 9:30 will be for the students who signed up prior to the event. Doors will open at 6:30. To sign up to perform, e-mail Mallory Feldman at [email protected]. For infor-mation, visit rmacct.org.

Haynes concertsupports album

Warren Haynes ̓soul-inspired Man In Motion album was recently released this year. He will be on tour in support of this chart-topper making a stop at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Monday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m.

He has been a rock and blues guitarist, vocalist and songwriter with Govʼt Mule, as well as a longtime member of The Allman Brothers Band.

For tickets ($92), call or visit the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, 203-438-5795.

Sold outThe one-night-only event, The

Tedeschi Trucks Band, featuring Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, Sept. 9 at 8 p.m. is sold out.

SteppingOut

John FlynnWarren Haynes

Youth and adult volunteers from Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church and the First Congregational Church gathered Sunday afternoon, Aug. 21, to fill bags of school sup-plies for 60 Ridgefield school-aged children in need.

The back-to-school essentials will be distributed through the Evelyn C. Peeler Gift Fund.

Both congregations collected sup-plies throughout the summer, while Kathy Graham of Fairfield County Bank also recruited donations from CVS and its suppliers.

When her office became full with boxes of supplies, townspeo-ple entering the bank asked what

they could do to help. Bill Craig of Craigʼs Jewelry provided volunteers with pizza and drinks.

Sue Ferguson, who manages the Evelyn C. Peeler Gift Fund drives, participated in the bagging session in the First Congregational Church social hall. She thanked volunteers and explained the work of the fund, which originally focused on gifts at Christmas for families in need and now also provides school supplies and gift cards for back-to-school clothes in August.

She noted that since the fundʼs beginnings, the number of Ridgefield families needing assistance has almost doubled.

Churches collect school supplies

The Jesse Lee Choir and other choirs from around Ridgefield will sing in a large inter-faith choir at the 10th anniversary memorial cer-emonies at the Rec Center lawn on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 6:30 p.m.

Jesse Lee Choir will be perform-ing two songs and the rehearsals will

be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1 and Wednesday, Sept. 7 at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main Street. Music will be handed out at the rehearsals.

Anyone interested in partici-pating should e-mail Henric at [email protected].

Choirs will sing on 9/11

Nine houses and two Branchville commercial buildings, worth a total of $9,450,286, changed hands in deeds filed with Town Clerk Barbara Serfilippi between Aug. 18 and 24. Transfers included:54 Barry Avenue: Kenneth and Elena

Spence to Mark and Stacy Krys, Aug. 18, $1,502,500.

379 West Lane: Irene C. Mackin to Jeffrey Paseltiner of Stamford, Aug. 19, $419,500.

21 Forest Drive: Pauline M. Barnum Residuary Trust et al., to Dennis F. and Melissa A. Labroschiano, Aug. 19, $210,000.

99 Bayberry Hill Road: Kevin and Cheryl Just to Devon and Sarah Pettitt of Danbury, Aug. 19, $668,000.

84 Riverside Drive: Raymond and Eunice Krawczuk to Marcus A. and Kimberly A. Carone of Stamford, Aug. 19, $503,500.

44 Wilridge Road: Rudolf W. Newlon, trustee, and Von Dulon Trust to Jian Zhou and Lan Shi, Aug. 19,

$290,000.Sunset Lane: Chester A. Zawacki

of Oxford and Gary Zawacki of Ridgefield to Stephen J. Zemo Residential Properties LLC of 109 Danbury Road, Aug. 19, $1,023,000.

93 Soundview Road: Patti A. Gradowich et al. to Jeffrey L. and Sarah J. Scott, Aug. 22, two thirds interest, $266,666.

14 Mead Ridge Lane: Lisa Marrie Garrett of Fairview Avenue to Carl J. and Nicole Genna of Brookfield, Aug. 22, $630,000.

Commercial37 Ethan Allen Highway: Anna G.

DeLuca of Redding to Demetri and Helen Zervos of Monroe, Aug. 18, $1,150,000 (building long used for restaurants, such as Luigiʼs, Cooper Tavern, 59 Bank Street).

Ethan Allen Highway at Wilton line: Keough Plaza LLC of Sandy Hook to Oak Ledge Associates LLC of Wilton, Aug. 19, $2,787,120.

Better binsTroop 76 Boy Scout Nick Ninivaggi’s project for his advancement to Eagle Scout was to manage and coordinate the construction of new collection bins for redeemable cans and bottles at the Recycling Center. Through the ScoutsCAN initiative, Ridgefield scouts bag the cans and bottle plastic bottles which are redeemed to help fund area Habitat for Humanity projects in the area.

Comings & Goings


Gossetts' Farm MarketEvery Saturday, 9-1 14+ Vendors

Organic produce * local honey * wine * eggsgrass-fed meat * raw milk cheese * pasta* bread locally roasted coffee * pastries * fruit pops *

handcrafts and music!at Gossett Brother's Nursery

1202 Rt. 35, South Salem * www.GossettsFarmMarket.com

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These days real estate is a pretty chilly market, but Rye, N.Y., entrepreneur moved to an even frostier calling this year when he left the brokerage he found-ed to start a trendy frozen yogurt chain, Swizzles.

“People love frozen yogurt and they love the self-serve model,” he said, describing what he saw as a high-demand item that “really didnʼt exist north of New York City.”

When Swizzles opened on Main Street on July 22, it was the third store heʼd begun since April, and he has plans of opening six more in coming months.

“If youʼre passionate about something like that, it doesnʼt matter what your lack of experience is,” Mr. Kessner said describing the move to become a fro-yo mogul. “I donʼt have any retail background or any food background, but I believe in it and Iʼm passion-ate about it.”

He also has good help.“I have a great team of designers, architects, a

marketing team,” he said. “It did an excellent job of designing my shops the logo and the signage.”

The team has come up with an identity for the stores thatʼs minimalist, cheery and fun.

A pink wall inside the Main Street store catches the eye through the window with white lettering says “Live life nutritiously!” Four pumps let patrons self serve.

Each machine has two flavors with three levers. The middle lever mixes the left and right flavors.

One or two flavors will change out every couple weeks, Mr. Kessner said, but some popular flavors like cake batter are probably here to stay.

“We have our staple flavors that everyone loves. I tried changing one out once and people got mad at me.”

Coconut may be switched out soon for Irish mint, he said.

Itʼs a pretty simple setup: You fill a cup with yogurt, then move to a buffet-style toppings bar to pile on the gummy bears, sprinkles and brownie bits. Then you weigh in and pay — 59 cents an ounce. There are some tables and chairs if you want to stick around.

A signature light wall that changes colors and gives a “disco” feel is set to be installed, Mr. Kessner said. “Youʼre in the downtown Ridgefield you look down the street and see a disco going on.”

According to the Web site, SwizzlesYogurt.com, all flavors are made with natural ingredients. All of their nutrition information is posted on the site, along with food allergy information listing which flavors contain gluten, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, wheat gluten and egg. A handful — and some of the lowest calorie options — contain none of those.

The site also says that those with lactose intolerance can eat their frozen yogurt because “most of the milk sugar is converted to lactic acid. In addition, we serve dairy-free sorbet in various flavors.”

Mr. Kessner hasnʼt given up on real estate. His brother runs his real estate brokerage, the second he founded since finishing graduate school in 2003. But now heʼs a full-time fro-yo man.

“I love frozen yogurt,” he said. “I love seeing the smiles. When they leave my store and I hear them say ʻthat was awesome, ̓when I put a smile on their face thatʼs what makes me feel good. I really love the busi-ness that Iʼm in right now.”

Fro-yo at Swizzles

People love self-serve model

Jake Kara

Matthew Gerstenfeld, Ridgefield High senior, was ‘Swizzling’ Friday afternoon.

Craig’s plans jewlerybenefit for ROAR

Craigʼs Fine Jewelry will be hosting “Ending Summer with a ROAR,” a fundraiser/trunk show for ROAR, the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue, On Thursday, Sept. 15 from 4 to 8 p.m.,

It is the third in a series of local fundraisers called Craigʼs Cares.

Since opening their doors in 2005, ROAR has placed more than 3,000 neglected or unwanted cats and dogs in Ridgefield and surrounding communities.

“Seeing the dedication of all their volunteers, and the good work the shelter is doing, helped us to see that ROAR was an organization that we wished to support,” said Bill Craig.

The event will feature Trunk Shows by four jewelry design-ers, Spark Jewelry Design, I. Reiss, Anna Beck, and Jan Leslie, along with all of Craigʼs everyday fashion jew-elry priced from $45 and up. The Benziger Family Winery will also be hosting a wine tasting Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.

ROAR will receive 20% of all sales, along with a $2,000 donation from Craigʼs, and customers will have the option of donating the 20% directly to the ROAR (by check), or Craigʼs will make the dona-tion. All sales are final.

Because of the Ridgefield High School Open House on the evening of Sept. 15, Craigʼs will be extending the 20% donation on all purchases through Friday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. to benefit ROAR.

Additional scheduled events include: Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital on Oct. 20, Ability Beyond Disability on Nov. 17, and Craigʼs Tiger Hollow Stadium on Dec. 8.

Two previous events, benefiting the Ridgefield Playhouse and the Ridgefield Boys and Girls Club, raised more than $15,000 for these organizations.

All events are from 4 to 8 p.m. at Craigʼs Fine Jewelry, 394 Main Street.

Ayindisa is carryingGhanaian backpacks

Ayindisa, retailer of social-ly responsible handcrafts at 18 Prospect Street, is carrying colorful backpacks for school made by the new Ayindisa Bag Artisans — four men who design and sew bags in a small workshop in Accra, Ghana. The backpacks, which have three roomy zippered compartments, are made from recycled, decorative African cotton.

“The director of the Ayindisa Bag Artisans is Alanzaro, who learned the craft from a master during an eight-year apprenticeship,” said Chris Gay, founder of Ayindisa. “Alanzaro, who is now a master seamster, trained his three colleagues.” Purchases of the backpacks help support the artisans and provide income for food, edu-cation and medicine.

Ayindisa carries other back-to-school items from artisans around the world, including funky U-totes and student messenger bags from Ghana; olive wood pens from Kenya; jewelry from Chile, Ethiopia, India and Tibet; and apparel from Ghana and India.

The store is open Monday through Thursday, 10 to 6; Friday, 10 to 7, and Saturday, 10 to 5. The Web site is ayin-disa.com.

Hellrigel joinsKeller Williams

Patty Hellrigel, a real estate sales professional, has joined the Keller Williams Realty Ridgefield Market Center.

“My goal is to always exceed my clientʼs expecta-tions by providing superior quality service based on my knowledge and experience,” said Ms. Hellrigel. “To achieve a balanced life and the ultimate goal of closing with success. I chose Keller Williams due to their market dominance in the area, their professional standards and their dedication to providing top quality customer service.”

As a long-time resident of Ridgefield, Ms. Hellrigel had previously been with William Raveis Real Estate in Ridgefield. A full-time, licensed Realtor, she is a member of the National Association of Realtors and is a top-producing agent. Her achievements included William Raveis Chairmanʼs Elite Club designation for superior sales, Number 1 Selling Agent 2003-2010, Number 1 Listing Agent 2009, Customer Service Award Winner and Top Producer.

She is active in Girl Scouts of America, East Ridge Middle School, Ridgefield High School, St. Mary Church and the Ridgefield Board of Realtors.

“We are truly lucky to have Patty Hellrigel join us here at Keller Williams,” said Team Leader Rick Scott. “Keller Williams Realty offers its associates unparalleled career growth and lifelong opportuni-ties in the real estate industry.

We know that Patty will be a great fit and that it is our cus-tomers who will truly benefit from Patty joining us.”

Dr. Casti rejoinsCarlson therapy

Caitlin Casti, DPT has returned as a physical thera-pist at Carlson Physical Therapy on 10 South Street.

Dr. Casti graduated from Quinnipiac University in 2006 with a bachelors degree in health science, and in 2009 with a doctorate in physical therapy.

Dr. Casti specializes in care for the athletic client. Being a serious volleyball player and former coach herself, she said she understands “first hand how the athlete functions and is adept at treating all types of sports related injuries.”

Recently, she has attended the first phase of the inten-sive McKenzie postgraduate study through the McKenzie Institute and has completed continuing education in cervi-cal-thoracic and lumbar-pelvic disorders.

Dr. Casti has also com-pleted courses in vestibular rehabilitation and is experi-enced with balance disorders such as vertigo. She is versed in balance testing with their new BioSway computer which measures and retrains patients with balance and concussion dysfunctions.

She may be reached at 203-431-7632.

Doctor discusseship and knee surgery

Dr. John Dunleavy of Danbury Orthopedic Associates will discuss joint surgery at a “Lunch and Learn” lecture on Thursday, Sept. 22 at noon, at Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, 642 Danbury Road (Route 7).

Dr. Dunleavy will discuss how people would make the decision to have the sur-gery done on a hip or knee, what factors are involved in the decision process, risks involved, the types of surgical treatment options available, and post-operative rehabilita-tion.

Dr. Dunleavy is the orthope-dic consultant at Laurel Ridge and is an associate attending physician at Danbury Hospital with his specialty focusing on disorders of the hip and knee, including total replacement or reconstructive surgery. He is a graduate of Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., where he received both his undergraduate and doctor of medicine degrees.

The program is open to all area residents, including adult children and seniors, and is free with registration. Light lunch will be provided. Seating is limited, so please reserve your place at this event by calling Laurel Ridge at 203-438-8226.

Maude completesgraduate school

Roger Maude, vice president-retail banking of Fairfield County Bank, recently graduated from the American Bankers Association, Stonier Graduate School of Banking in Philadelphia.

“Stonier has given me an unparalleled education from the best experts in the finan-cial services industry as well as the chance to exchange information and ideas with my peers,” said Mr. Maude.

Since the schoolʼs incep-tion in 1935, more than 21,000 students have followed a curriculum of more than 45 courses. The program cul-minates with the Capstone Strategic Project, where stu-dents develop comprehensive, real-world business projects for their financial institutions.

Mr. Maude has a bachelor of science degree in finance summa cum laude from the University of Bridgeport. He is also a graduate with honors from the Connecticut Bankerʼs Association School of Finance and Management.

Music school offersfree demo days

Hearts and Minds Music at 19 Danbury Road will be offering four days of free demonstration classes Tuesday, Sept. 6 through 9.

Parents and children may participate in a variety of classes.

Owner and Kindermusik Maestro Amy Shinohara has been offering Kindermusik classes in Ridgefield since 2006 and has taught music and movement to more than 400 children ages newborn to 7 years.

For more information about free Demo days visit heart-sandmindsmusic.com, call 203-438-4939 or e-mail [email protected].

Business Update

BUSINESS

From left are Bill Craig, president of Craig’s Fine Jewelry, Karin Craig Petrini, Kimberly Craig, fourth generation employee, Anita Donofrio, ROAR supporter, Scott Linke, president of the ROAR board, and Pam Rybarczyk, ROAR supporter and volunteer.

A colorful backpack made in Accra, Ghana, sold at Ayindisa..

Patty Hellrigel

Caitlin Casti, DPT

John Dunleavy, M.D.

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living room.The most obvious damage,

visible virtually everywhere in town, is the massive number of trees, power lines and util-ity poles that have fallen.

Police recorded 199 reports of wires, trees and poles blocking roadways between Saturday and Tuesday morn-ing, but there were many downed trees and wires that didnʼt affect roads and a num-ber of calls that just couldnʼt be recorded, Police Capt. Dan Ryan said.

Police bolstered their numbers, staffing more offi-cers per-shift from Saturday through Monday, and officers through captains were on the road during the storm.

Fire and EMS, police, and town crews out during the storm reported issues faster than they could be addressed. Responders triaged calls as outages spread across town.

Transformers exploded and wires caught fire. And all through it, emergen-cy responders catalogued downed poles and set up cones and caution tape record pole numbers. One officer reported flooding so bad the cones he set out quickly floated away, and Capt. Ryan said the department ran out of “road closed” signs.

One might think drivers would not need a cone signal-ing them to avoid a road so flooded, but Capt. Ryan said that is not the case, adding that people frequently ignore or even remove warning signs, causing officers to have to go out again and replace them.

“We had problems with peo-ple driving over wires” and “taking down our cones and tape,” Capt. Ryan said.

Though few if any non-responder residents were out during the storm, a lack of caution when the rain let up Sunday was the main reason Mr. Marconi said he ultimate-ly allowed CL&P to shut off power to the remaining 10% of residents who still had it that afternoon, Mr. Marconi said. “The number one reason for moving forward with that decision was safety.”

CL&P contacted Mr. Marconi when outages reached 60% about shutting off power to expedite the repair process, but he held off until outages were more widespread.

After taking a ride around town, Mr. Marconi said he and Fire Chief Heather Burford saw people walking, jogging and riding bikes over downed electrical lines, despite Chief Burfordʼs warnings for resi-dents to treat all wires with extreme caution as if they were live.

“People just were not pay-ing attention to the seriousness of the situation,” Mr. Marconi

said. “In essence they were creating a life-threatening sit-uation.”

A second benefit of the deci-sion, but an important one, Mr. Marconi said, was that shut-ting off power helped crews get to work sooner.

However, Chief Burford and Mr. Marconi warned that even with the power shut off, people should be cautious. Generators can back-fill power onto the grid, making wires live even if theyʼre shut off from the grid.

Town officials have been unable to predict — and

unwilling to guess — when the cleanup might be com-plete.

Mr. Marconi has been criti-cal of CL&Pʼs repair effort, saying the company has not sent enough workers to Ridgefield. (See other story)

The first priority was getting power restored to the Route 7 and 35 corridor with Stop & Shop, nursing homes, gas sta-tions, pharmacies and doctors ̓offices, Mr. Marconi said.

By late Monday power was turned on to around 20% of CL&P customers, with some

losing it soon after because of fire and three snapped utility poles prior to the substation on Halpin Lane. By Tuesday, power was restored to Main Street and some side streets, enabling the CHIRP concert in Ballard Park to go on as scheduled.

Selectman Barbara Manners said that Ballard Green, inde-pendent housing for elderly and disabled, was the reason the park had power. “Senior housing is a priority,” Ms. Manners said. “We tagged along.”

Before the Dana Fuchs Band took to the stage, Ms. Manners introduced Mr. Marconi, Superintendent of Schools Deborah Low, and Police Chief John Roche.

“The first selectman has been working around the clock” along with police, fire and EMS and the town crew, she said to a round of applause from the crowd.

“I have lived in this town for 30 years,” Chief Roche said, adding that the town has dealt with wide-scale outages, though not with such wide-spread damage. He pleaded for patience and urged cau-tion.

“Weʼre a family,” he said. “Weʼre a community, weʼre here to protect you.”

Mr. Marconi also urged people to be patient, cracked a few jokes and told of his hammering CL&P for more crews. He recounted the dam-age to his own house on Main Street, a story the crowd could relate to.

“I lost my hot water” heater, he said, “I lost my oil burner,” adding that insurance wonʼt cover that.

He welcomed people to come to the shelter now at the Recreation Center, 195 Danbury Road, for a hot show-er and to use the facilities that are open free of charge.

He urged people not to “be safe, donʼt get near the power lines, and say a prayer.”

Tales of Hurricane Irene: What Ridgefielders did

Irene topples 200 trees onto wires, blacking out town

Bryan Haeffele

Great Pond Road (a/k/a Picketts Ridge Road) near Route 7 on Sunday afternoon.

for the Yanity shelter, which had not only coffee Monday morning, but showers

“This is fabulous,” she said. “Waiting in line for a shower. Having a little some-thing hot.”

It had been an adventure getting around. “I went under trees, wires — crossed myself every time I went under one,” Ms. Lavatori said.

Sheʼd found out about the shelter through the mass phone messages sent to homes all over town by First Selectman Rudy Marconi.

“I think Rudy did a fab-ulous job,” she said. “If it wasnʼt for that phone call, I wouldnʼt have known I could have come down here.”

Pam Gensler had heard about the shelter form The Ridgefield Press.

“I had my smart phone, and I went to Twitter,” she said. “Unlike in ʻ85, when we had a radio station, thereʼs a paucity of information.”

Ballard GreenPenny Frederick at Ballard

Green was unhappy with emer-gency management there, say-ing that no one came around to check on residents, and a generator was not installed for some time after the storm.

“I was very shocked at how they handled the emergency situation here,” she said. “No one has done anything to take care of us here..”

Ballard Green adminis-trators could not be reached Tuesday afternoon, but some-one from the Housing Authority told The Press Ballard Green is not like a nursing home; it is for people who can live independently, and there is no guarantee that the residents will have power during out-ages. The main advantage Ballard Green offers elderly people is the affordability.

Ms. Frederick said that may be the case when people move into Ballard Green, but the reality is that elderly people move in and become less inde-pendent.

She said emergency light-ing should have been brought in and a generator, which was brought in after about four hours, should have been brought in sooner.

Without power, she said, medications that needed to be refrigerated were at risk of going bad.

Cold showersOthers rode things out pret-

ty well.“I do a lot of humanitarian

travel: Cold showers. Youʼre lucky to have a shower,” said Darla Shaw, who was at the Yanity shelter Monday morn-ing.

“Weʼre so spoiled,” she said, and recalled being in the Bahamas seven years ago dur-ing one of the worst hurricanes theyʼd had.

“The roar of the winds. The waves. The destruction. That was scary,” she said.

“Itʼs surreal. Itʼs learning that the necessities, you can learn to live without them and have a better life.”

Some folks were ready for Irene.

“We prepared. We didnʼt get any damage, which was great,” said Anne Quesnell of Cainʼs Hill Road — “where there are two trees still hang-ing on the line,” she said.

Ms. Quesnell was filling up containers Tuesday afternoon outside Yanity Gym, where the town was letting people replenish water supplies.

“Iʼve got a 32 gallon gar-bage can full of water at home, so Iʼm restocking,” she said.

What does she miss most?“Electricity. Having been

able to cook — weʼve done the grill,” Ms. Quesnell said. “The water: Being able to flush your toilet and shower, that kind of stuff. But weʼve been without electronics, which is fine.”

ElectronicsEmily White was at Yanityʼs

recharging station, where folsk could bring cell phones, laptops and other devices for recharging.

“Iʼm recharging my phone and checking my work e-

mail,” she said. “Iʼm wonder-ing what the ratio of people waiting to charge a device to people waiting to take a show-er is.”

Electronic devices were definitely missed, especially by the young people.

“Not well. Not well at all,” Drew Hassenstein said when asked how she was doing. “I like the Internet, and I canʼt have it right now. The televi-sion isnʼt working and thatʼs my favorite thing. The shower and the Internet and the refrig-erator — the milk is spoiled and that freaks me out. Iʼm just generally negative about the whole situation.”

Ms. Hassensteinʼs litany of complaints seemed a bit of a performance for three friends, who were with her at Tuesday nightʼs concert in the park. All are starting their sopho-more year at Ridgefield High School.

“Iʼm really frustrated,” said Anna Levy of Bridle Trail, another of the sophomores. “I donʼt even have, some of the time cell phone service. We havenʼt had power for three days. And water — weʼve been going to Yanity Gym for showers.”

What does she miss most?“I guess the Internet,” she

said. “I feel really cut off. I

just realized Iʼm so dependent on electricity now.”

Kent Rapp of Hamilton Road, another RHS sopho-more, had made a party of it.

“We just had a big barbeque and cooked all the food in the freezer because my parents didnʼt want it to go to waste. We just had a bunch of friends come over, “ he said.

GeneratorsHis family also sought to

get a generator.“We met a friend from

Massachusetts half way up there to get a generator because we were desperate, and they were all sold out for 200 miles,” he said.

Generators, needless to say, were a big seller at Keoughʼs Hardware in Branchville.

“Weʼve been working hard to get more generators,” said Bill Keough, who owns the Branchville store and one in Stamford, as well.

“Between the two stores, weʼre getting 60 today, and most of those are already sold,” he said Monday after-noon.

Heʼd sold another 60 gen-erators, at $899 each, in the days before the storm.

“We started getting pre-pared Wednesday. We received a truckload of emergency sup-plies — flashlights, batteries, lamp oil, kerosene, genera-tors,” he said.

But he felt the real story was the trip made by the gen-eral manager of the two stores, Ray Barrett, and his Stamford warehouse manager, John Frantzis, after the Newburgh, N.Y. facility of their co-op supplier, Do It Best Corp.,

had run out of storm sup-plies. They made arrangement to meet the manager of Do Itʼs Bestʼs warehouse in Medina, Ohio, at 9 p.m., rented a truck, and set out for Ohio.

“Ten hours out and ten hours back,” Mr. Keough said. “They drove straight through the night out and straight through the night back.”

Ridgefield Hardware was also busy Monday, with its service people out in trucks trying to keep up with the demands of people who were having trouble making gen-erators work. There we was also a lot of in-store traffic on everything form chain saw oil to batteries.

“Weʼre doing the best we can,” Jerry Rabin said. “Weʼre out of batteries. Weʼre wait-ing for a load of generators tomorrow. We just got a load of chain saws. Itʼs been very, very, very active.”

Stop & Shop was also open Monday, with generators going and people buying necessities and other foods.

“Avocadoes, for guaca-mole!” Jenny Cox said to her daughter Anna Blum.

“I think we were lucky,” Ms. Cox said of the stormʼs impact.

“I think there was a small element of feeling ripped off when it wasnʼt that bad,” her daughter added.

Heather Cooper of Cardinal Court was in Stop & Shop with her two younger children, Oliver and Lillian.

“We actually stocked up before the storm,” she said.

Theyʼd been in North Andover, Mass., for a hock-ey tournament her older son, Gideon, was competing in, and sheʼd done some shopping up there. The trip back Saturday night was an adventure.

“We got in about mid-night,” Ms. Cooper said. “We got lucky. It was right before it started getting harsh.”

“Weʼre getting food because most of the stuff we had in our house spoiled,” said Anashya Srinivasan, who graduated in June from Ridgefield High School and will be going to Boston University.

“Iʼm going to college in a week. Move-in dayʼs on the third. I havenʼt been able to get on line and see if the dorms have power,” she said.

Still, sheʼd enjoyed the hur-ricane.

“My mother and I like rain storms,” she said. “So during the rain storm we went outside and put on garbage bags and just experienced it. The wind and rain was a lot of fun.”

Macklin Reid

With a giant propane generator keeping the store’s 25 by 35 foot walk-in cooler humming, Joe Ancona saved what he estimated as 10,000 to 15,000 pounds of food, including meats, milk and dairy products.

Continued from front page

Continued from front page

Thomas B. Nash

A Ridgefield man, who did not want to be identified, used a kayak to rescue a cat stranded on the 16-17th bridge at Dlhy Ridgefield Golf Course. It turned out to be a beaver

FROM the FRONT

720 Branchville Road • Ridgefield, CT • Phone - 203.544.8436 • Deli 544.8778 • Butcher 544.8964

Follow us on Facebook and receive our flyer by emailSign up online at Ancona’s Market www.AnconasMarket.com

We reserve the right to limit quantities. No sales to dealers. Not responsible for typographical errors. Illustrations may not necessarily depict sale items.

Product of USA

Sweet Onions

99¢ lb.

Maine

Broccoli Crowns

99¢ lb.

Scratch Baked Daily

Ancona’sFresh Baguette

$199 ea.

Sliced Fresh in the Deli

KrakusImported Ham

$599 lb.

Imported

Bananas

2 lbs. For$1

Sliced Fresh in the Deli

Ancona’s All NaturalLondon Broil

$899 lb.

Certified Angus Beef

SirloinLondon Broil

$399 lb.

Perfectly Trimmed

ChickenTenderloins

$359 lb.

Boneless

Chicken Breast

$199 lb.

Organic

Salmon Steak

$999 lb.

Open Labor Day, Monday, September 5 • 7am-5pm

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Product of USA • 6 oz. Pkg.

Raspberries

2 For$5

By the Wedge

JarlsbergCheese

$599 lb.

Certified Angus BeefBoneless Rib Steaks

$799 lb.

sale prices from Friday, September 2 thru Thursday, September 8

Certified OrganicFruits and Vegetables

Product of USA • 5 oz. Container • Asst. Varieties

Olivia’s Salad Blends ..............................2/7.00Product of USA • Organic

Red or White Seedless Grapes ......................................3.99 lb.

Product of USA • Organic

California Oranges ..................................3/1.99Product of USA • Organic • 1 lb. Package

Celery Hearts ...........................................2/5.00

ImportedBananas

2 lbs./1.00Product of USAExtra LargeCantaloupe

2/3.00Maine

Broccoli Crowns.99 lb.

Product of USASunsweet

Black or Red Plums1.99 lb.

Product of USA • 6 oz.Raspberries

2/5.00

Product of USA5 oz. Garden Blend, Baby Spinach or Baby Romaine

Salad Blends2.99 ea.

Product of USARomaineLettuce1.29 ea.

Product of USA16 oz. Package

Baby Peeled Carrots2/3.00Imported

Navel Oranges1.69 ea.

Product of USACauliflower

2/5.00

Product of USA9 oz. Package

Snack PackCarrots3/4.00

Product of USASweetOnions.99 lb.

Garden Fresh Produce

Floral, Cards & Gifts8-InchHardy

Aster Plants3/12.00

Bushel BasketFall

Perennials19.99 ea.

8-InchGardenMums

3/12.00

Local Produce…

Arriving Fresh Daily!Heirloom Tomatoes, Peppers, Scallions,

Radishes, Kale,Swiss Chard, Garlic & More!

Plus… Fresh Salad Greens from

Stone’s Throw Farm!

Fresh fromThe Hickories

CaliforniaWhite or Red

Seedless Grapes2.49 lb.

Product of USA5 lb. Bag

Round White Potatoes3.49 ea.

Freshly SqueezedOrange Juice

taste the difference fresh squeezed makes - just hours old!

Juicy Juice ............................................2For$664 oz. Bottle • Assorted Varieties

Arizona Iced Tea ...................................2For$5128 oz. Bottle • Assorted Varieties

Pepsi-Cola 12 Pack ...............................2For$8144 fz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Coca-Cola 6 Pack ...............................3For$10101.4 fz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Snapple Drinks 12 Pack ......................... 6.99192 fz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Nestle Pure Life Water 24 Pack ...........2For$9405.6 fz. Package • Plus Deposit

Arizona Brick Pack ...............................2For$567.5 fz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Kellogg’s Cereal ...................................2For$49 oz. Rice Krispies, 11.3 oz. Cocoa Krispies, 12 oz. Corn Flakes or Cinnamon Corn Flakes

Quaker Life Cereal ................................2For$613 oz. Box • Assorted Varieties

Quaker Chewy Granola Bars ................. 2.996.1-6.5 oz. Box • Assorted Varieties

Aunt Jemima Pancake Syrup ................ 2.9924 oz. Bottle • Assorted Varieties

Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix ..................2For$532 oz. Box • Assorted Varieties

Quaker Steel Cut Oats ............................ 5.9924 oz. Box

Kellogg’s Variety Pack ........................... 3.599.63 oz. Package

Minute Maid 100% Juice Pack ............... 3.4967.5 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Nabisco Chips Ahoy ............................... 2.999.5-15.25 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Keebler Cheez-its .................................2For$59.7-14 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Prego Pasta Sauce ...............................3For$523.6-24 oz. Jar • Assorted Varieties

Near East Rice ..................................10For$105.4-10 oz. Box • Assorted Varieties Excludes Long Grain & Wild Rice!

Cento Tomatoes ................................10For$1028 oz. Can • Assorted Varieties

Campbell’s Tomato Soup .....................5For$310.75 oz. Can

Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup ......5For$310.75 oz. Can

Geisha Solid White Tuna ......................4For$55 oz. Can • In Water

Garden Delight Pasta ...........................2For$312 oz. Box • Selected Varieties

Near East Pearl Couscous ...................2For$54.75-5 oz. Box • Assorted Varieties

Heinz Ketchup .......................................2For$540 oz. Bottle

Hellmann’s Mayonnaise ......................... 3.9930 oz. Jar • Assorted Varieties

IGA Pitted Olives ..................................3For$46 oz. Can • Assorted Varieties

Kraft Salad Dressing ............................2For$416 oz. Bottle • Assorted Varieties

IGA Designer Plates/Cups ...................2For$524-48 ct. Plates • 54 ct. Cups • Assorted Varieties

Brawny Towels 8/6 Roll .......................... 6.996 Big Roll/612 ct. Package 8 Reg Roll/368 ct. Package

Scotties Facial Tissues .......................... 2.29264 ct. Box

IGA Heavy Duty Aluminum Foil ............. 1.8937.5 sf. Box

IGA Recloseable Sandwich Bags ........2For$350 ct. Box

IGA White Napkins ...............................2For$4250 ct. Package

Friskies Canned Cat Food .................10For$45.5 oz. Can • Assorted Varieties

Alpo Canned Dog Food ............................ .7913.2 oz. Can • Assorted Varieties

All Liquid Detergent ............................... 3.9950 oz. Bottle • Assorted Varieties

Fancy Feast Appetizers .......................4For$52 oz. Pacakge • Assorted Varieties

Ajax Dish Liquid ..................................... 2.1934 oz. Bottle • Assorted Varieties

Farm Fresh DairySimply Orange Juice ............................2For$759 oz. Bottle • Assorted Varieties

Sargento Shredded Cheese .................2For$57-8 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Cabot Butter ............................................ 3.9916 oz. Package • Salted or Unsalted

Cabot Natural Cheese Slices ...............2For$68 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Stonyfield Oikos ...............................10For$105.3 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Eggland’s Best Large White Eggs ........ 3.4918 ct. Carton

Silk Soymilk ..........................................2For$664 oz. Carton • Assorted Varieties

Immaculate Baking Scones .................2For$616 oz. Can • Assorted Varieties

Immaculate Baking Cookies ................2For$514 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

34 oz. Bottle • Extra Virgin

ColavitaOlive Oil

$1299

9-12 Roll/2400-2970 ct. Pkg.

NorthernBath Tissue

$699

Natural & OrganicBonne Maman Preserves ................2For$713 oz. Jar • Assorted Varieties

Michael’s of Brooklyn Pasta Sauce ...7.9932 oz. Jar • Assorted Varieties

Martinell’s Organic Apple Juice .........7.9964 oz. Bottle

Briannna’sAll Natural Salad Dressing .................2.9912 oz. Bottle

Martinelli Sparkling Lemonde .........2For$425.4 oz. Bottle

Full Circle Organic Ketchup ...............2.4924 oz. Bottle

Frozen SpecialsWeight Watchers Smartones Entrées .2For$56-11.7 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

Green Giant Vegetables .......................2For$312 oz. Bag • Assorted Varieties • Valley Fresh Steam

McCain Fries ..........................................2for62032 oz. Bag • Assorted Varieties

Newman’s Own Pizza ............................. 5.4912-13.9 oz. Box • Assorted Varieties

Ben & Jerry’s & Starbucks .................... 3.9916 oz. Package • Assorted Varieties

1 Gallon Jug

Marcus Dairy1%Milk

$299

10.75-12.3 oz. Box • Asst. Varieties

Eggo10 ct. Waffles

2For$4

101.4 oz. Bottle

IGA3 Liter Spring Water

10For$10

10-10.5 oz. Bag • Asst. Varieties

Lay’s ClassicPotato ChipsBuy One

Get 1 FREE

Ancona’sAll Natural

London Broil8.99 lb.

KrakusImported Ham

5.99 lb.

Boar’s HeadMaple GlazedTurkey Breast

7.99 lb.

MothergooseLiverwurst3.99 lb.

Boar’s HeadVermont Cheddar

6.99 lb.

Low SodiumLorraine

Swiss Cheese4.99 lb.

Freshly Sliced

from the Delicatessen deli meats, imported cheeses, prepared foods and catering

From Our Bakery

Jarlsberg Cheese .........................5.99 lb.

6.5 oz. • Assorted VarietiesAlouette

Cheese Spreads ......................... 4.49 ea.

8 oz. • Assorted VarietiesApple SmokedCheese ........................................ 4.49 ea.

Fine Cheeses

Freshly Prepared Foods

Scratch Baked DailyAncona’s Fresh

Baguette1.99 ea.

12 ct. PackageTwo-Bite

Carrot Cake2.99 ea.

Assorted4-InchCakes

4.99 ea.

Choc Chip or OatmealMini

Cookies3.99 lb.

Baked Fresh DailyLa Brea

Sourdough Bread2.99 ea.

Your one stop shopfor all things delicious

Deli sandwiches, prepared meals, homemade salads, daily lunch and dinner selections, specialty meats and cheeses…

and yes…FULL SERVICE CATERING AVAILABLE!!

Any occasion, any time, any where.Over 30 years of catering experience.

Ancona’s Deli & CaterersAncona’s 9-Piece Chicken Box

With 1 lb. of Deli Salad Free!

9.99 lb.

Fresh, Local, Organic Tomato Salad6.99 lb.

Cucumber and Dill Salad6.99 lb.

Carrot & Beet Salad6.99 lb.

Applegate Farm Pre-Sliced Provolone Cheese ... 4.49 ea.8 oz. • All Natural

President Brie Log ....................... 5.49 ea.6 oz.

Sabra Hummus .............................. 2.99 ea.10 oz. • Assorted Varieties

New York Style Bagel Chips .......2/5.006 oz. • Assorted Varieties

Fresh PoultryBoneless

Chicken Breast ..................... 1.99 lb.

Springer Mountain Farm

Split Chicken Breast ............. 2.49 lb.

Hot or Sweet

Plainville Turkey Sausage ..... 3.99 lb.

Bell & Evans

Cornish Hens ...................... 4.99 lb.

Perfectly Trimmed

Chicken Tenderloins ............ 3.59 lb.

Fresh MeatsCertified Angus Beef

Boneless Rib Steak .............. 7.99 lb.


Sirloin London Broil ............. 3.99 lb.


Ground Sirloin .................... 3.99 lb.

For Pulled Pork

Shoulder Pork Butt .............. 1.99 lb.

Great on the Grill

St. Louis Spare Ribs ............. 3.99 lb.

from the Butcher ShopAll natural beef, pork and poultry, fresh seafood

The Freshest Seafood! Delivered 6 Days A Week!Organic

Salmon Steak ................................. 9.99 lb.

Swordfish Steak .......................... 13.99 lb.

Pacific Grouper .............................. 7.99 lb.

Little Neck Clams ..........................3.99 doz

Packaged Meats

Certified Piedmontese

Top RoundLondon Broil

4.99 lb.


GroundRound

4.99 lb.

in house Chef PreparedReady to cook and prepared in house with simple, fresh ingredients. They’re wholesome & delicious quick meals!

All NaturalCertifiedPiedmontese Beef

A true “never ever” all natural beef raised on a grass rich, corn-free diet for a delicious, full beef flavor with significantly lower fat and cholesterol than corn-fed beef.


Skirt Steak6.99 lb.

All Natural Meatloaf Certified Piedmontese All Natural

Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloins Olive Oil, Rosemary and Garlic

Marinated Chicken Breasts Olive Oil, Rosemary and Garlic

9.6 oz. Package • Fully Cooked

Jimmy Dean Sausage Links3.59 pk.

12 oz. Package • Bell & Evans

Chicken Burgers4.99 pk.

1 lb. Package

Sabrett Bun-Size Franks3.99 pk.

720 Branchville Road • Ridgefield, CT • Phone - 203.544.8436 • Deli 544.8778 • Butcher 544.8964

Open Labor Day, Monday, September 5 • 7am-5pm

sale prices from Friday, September 2 thru Thursday, September 8

Documents

Ridgefield Press 9.1.11