William Ladd Twomey

William Ladd Twomey of 28 Nod Road is a graduating senior at St. Luke’s School in New Canaan. At the recent Upper School Awards ceremony, he received the Richard J. Pedrick Award for leadership, dedication, intelligence. athletic participation, good sportsmanship, and love for his fellow human beings; the Herbert Upson Memorial Award for sportsmanship, dedication, and intense desire to succeed; and Departmental Distinction in AP European History and AP Government and Politics. Will was also inducted into the St. Luke’s chapter of the Cum Laude Society and he was recognized as a Classical Scholar for his work in Ancient Greek and Roman history and languages.

Bryan R. Steven Mazzola of Ridgefield was named to the dean’s list at Norwich University for the spring 2015 semester.

Eizabeth Anne Twomey of 28 Nod Road is graduating from Dartmouth College in Hanover, N.H., with a bachelor of arts degree.  Her major is classical studies. She will begin a master of education degree program at Boston University immediately after graduation. Twomey attended high school in New Orleans and the family moved to Ridgefield in 2011.

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Andrew Franco, a 2014 RHS graduate, made the dean’s list for the spring semester at Bryant University. Franco, a sprinter on Bryant’s Track team, was also recognized by the NCAA with a student athlete award for achieving excellence in academics and athletics while making significant contributions to the community. Franco is an applied mathematics and statistics major with a minor in Chinese; he is the son of Tom and Yvonne Franco.

Cameron McGuire of Ridgefield was among the 111 seniors who received their diplomas from Head of School Tim Richards and Board Chair Charles Wilmerding at Pomfret School’s 121st Commencement.

Daniel Flanagan was named to the Eastern Connecticut State University spring 2015 dean’s list for full-time students. Flanagan’s major is history.

Malcolm A. Katzenbach, son of Brooke and Tom Katzenbach of Ridgefield, received a bachelor of arts degree from Hamilton College.

Julie A. Toich of Ridgefield  was one of 483 seniors who graduated from Colby College in Waterville, Maine, on May 24, receiving a bachelor of arts degree at the college’s 194th commencement. Actor and filmmaker Robert Redford was the guest speaker. Toich, who majored in English with a concentration in creative writing, is the daughter of Leno and Sandra Toich of Ridgefield and a graduate of Ridgefield High School.

Duncan Cozens of Ridgefield was named to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the spring 2015 term at Springfield College. Cozens is studying sports biology.

Kevin James Coleman graduated from Curry College in Milton, Mass., on Sunday, May 17. He received a bachelor of arts degree in communication with a concentration in broadcasting. Coleman, a 2011 graduate of Ridgefied High School, is the son of Jim and Mary Coleman of 81 Indian Cave Road.

The following Ridgefielders made the dean’s list for the spring 2015  at James Madison University: Kimberly Heidinger, a junior majoring in interdisc liberal studies, bachelor of science; Kiara Mauro, a senior majoring in communication studies, bachelor of science.

Michael Gill of Ridgefield graduated from Champlain College on May 9.

Matthew Lacerra, son of Ann and Lou Lacerra of Fulling Mill Lane, was recently awarded the University of Connecticut at Avery Point Academic Excellence Award, the college’s highest academic honor, given to only four students (one from each academic year). Lacerra , a 2013 graduate of Ridgefield High School, just completed his sophomore year at Avery Point majoring in marine science. He is a member of the University of Connecticut’s Honors Program, dean’s list, Alpha Delta Lambda National Honor Society and Golden Key Honor Society. A member of Avery Point’s Sailing Club and Scuba Club, he is also an undergraduate researcher at Avery Point’s paleoclimatology lab. Lacerra also volunteers at Health, Education and Safety, a New London-based after-school program that provides homework help for elementary school students. He is currently on a six-week research assignment at Australian National University in Canberra, Australia.

Two Ridgefield residents graduated from Clemson University May 8. Shannon Beatrice Reed graduated cum laude with a bachelor of arts in early childhood education. Carlye Marie Richter graduated with a bachelor of science in accounting.

Amanda Ehrlickman, daughter of Lorna and Ken Ehrlickman of Ridgefield, was awarded a bachelor of science in management from the Carroll School of Management where she concentrated in finance and marketing. She graduated magna cum laude at the 139th Commencement of Boston College on Monday, May 18. She is a 2011 graduate of Ridgefield High School. At Boston College, Ehrlickman was a Division I dancer on the Pom Squad, a tour guide and a member of the executive board of Smart Woman Securities. She was also inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for collegiate schools of business. Ehrlickman will be moving to New York City to work as an analyst in Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities Capital Markets at J.P. Morgan.

The following Ridgefield residents received bachelor of arts degrees from Hamilton College on Sunday, May 24, at the Commencement ceremony concluding the college’s 203rd year. Lauren L. DeGennaro, daughter of Robert and Sarah Degennaro, majored in geosciences. Matthew J. Hrvatin, son of Edward and Maria Hrvatin of Ridgefield, majored in biology.

Carly Sullivan earned a doctor of veterinary medicine degree at Iowa State University.

Elizabeth O’Connell and Michelle Spera of Ridgefield each received bachelor’s degrees magna cum laude from Providence College.

Three students from Ridgefield earned degrees from Bucknell University on May 17. Shannon Beauregard, daughter of Thomas and Eileen Kelly Beauregard and a graduate of Ridgefield High School, graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy and economics. Rachel Greenberg, daughter of Kenneth Greenberg and Barbara Safran and a graduate of Ridgefield High School, graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor of arts degree in linguistics and Spanish. She received the Helen E. Sprague Prize for exceptional ability in Spanish. She is a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and Mortar Board Leadership Honor Society. Kevin Quindlen, son of Thomas and Michele Quindlen and a graduate of St. Luke’s School, graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology.

The following Ridgefield students received bachelor’s degrees from St. Lawrence University during commencement ceremonies held on May 17 in Canton, N.Y. Andrew D. Butturini received a degree of bachelor of arts degree cum laude. Butturini is a member of the class of 2015 and majored in government. He graduated from Saint Andrew’s School. Allison M. Visconti received a degree of bachelor of science degree. Visconti is a member of the class of 2015 and majored in psychology. She graduated from Ridgefield High School.

Madeline Masi was named to the dean’s list at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is studying for an associate’s degree in baking and pastry arts.

Tulane University awarded degrees to more than 2,800 graduates, including the following Ridgefielders, on May 16, in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Katherine Swartout, graduated from the School of Law with a certificate with a juris doctor degree. Christopher Esemplare graduated from the A.B. Freeman School of Business with a bachelor of science management degree.

Clara Howley of Ridgefield was named to the dean’s list at Lehigh University in the spring 2015 semester.

Morgan Catherine Begos of Ridgefield graduated on May 10 from Saint Michael’s College with a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry.

The following Ridgefielders graduated from Marist College the weekend of May 22: Molly Hay received a bachelor of arts degree in Italian; Skylar Norris received a bachelor of science degree in business administration; and Eliana Volante received a bachelor of science degree in digital media.

Thomas John Dwyer of Ridgefield received a bachelor of arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross at its 169th commencement on May 22.

Bridget Dick, a 2011 Ridgefield High School graduate, has earned a bachelor of arts degree in history from the University of Pittsburgh. She will be pursuing a master of education degree at The College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Va., where she has been awarded the Patriot Heritage Scholarship for Social Studies Education.

Samantha Santoro of Ridgefield presented “Miracle Makers: A Social Justice Learning and Living Community Service Project” during the 26th annual Bro. Joseph W. Stander Symposium at the University of Dayton (Ohio) on April 15.

Ridgefield native Michelle David recently received the Community Engagement Award at Stonehill College’s 2015 Student Life Awards ceremony held on April 26. The Community Engagement Award is presented to individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. David is a member of the Class of 2017 and is studying English.

Three Ridgefield High School students earned National Merit $2,500 scholarships. They include William S. Baughman III, who listed a probable career field as biomedical engineering; Stephanie R. Colao, who listed a probable career field as international relations; and Avesh Jain Krishna, who listed a probable career field of engineering.

Ridgefield native Christopher P. DiElsi was recently inducted into the Phi Alpha Theta Honor Society at Stonehill College.

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Ellen Mooney Hancock, left, a Ridgefield resident, received an honorary doctor of humane letters award from Judith Huntington, president of The College of New Rochelle, right, at commencement exercises on Tuesday, May 19, at the Beacon Theater.

The College of New Rochelle awarded more than 600 baccalaureate and more than 200 master’s degrees to graduates of its four schools during commencement exercises at the Beacon Theater in Manhattan on Tuesday, May 19.  During the event, special honors were bestowed on Ridgefield resident Ellen Mooney Hancock, a CNR graduate and nationally recognized technology leader, who received an honorary doctor of humane Letters.

Hancock received her bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She has held leading positions in several highly recognized technology companies, and was chosen for the distinction for being a leader in the field of technology and for inspiring and others.

Hancock began her career at IBM, where she worked for 29 years in various staff and executive positions. She was appointed vice president in 1985 and the first female senior vice president in 1992. Continuing her ascent in a highly competitive field, she was ultimately named senior vice president and group executive, where she oversaw 15,000 employees in the networking hardware and software divisions.

She became the executive vice president and chief operating officer at National Semiconductor in 1995, where she was responsible for the company’s technology, applications, and product development. Then she went on to serve as executive vice president, research and development and chief technology officer with Apple Computer. In addition to overall technical strategy at Apple, she was in charge of research, quality assurance, multimedia and networking software development.

Hancock joined Exodus Communications an Internet hosting and managed services firm. She served as chairman, chief executive officer, and president through 2001 and was ranked fifth on Fortune magazine’s list of 50 Most Powerful Women in Business. Hancock continued to seek and hold positions of leadership, serving as president of Jazz Technologies, and president and chief operating officer of its predecessor, Acquicor Technology, from 2005 to 2007.

Currently, Hancock is on the board of directors at both Colgate Palmolive and Aetna. She is a trustee of the Pacific Council and Springboard, and she serves on an advisory board at the RAND Corporation. She is chairman of the board of trustees of Marist College, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and Committee of 200 Women Executives, on the board of Santa Clara University, and is chair of the board of the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies. Hancock holds a master’s degree in mathematics from Fordham University and an honorary doctor of humane letters from Western Connecticut State University.

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Aquarion Water Company is reminding customers to take precautions before allowing anyone into their home or business for maintenance, especially when no appointment has been scheduled. Aquarion advises that residents refuse entrance into their home without first seeing photo identification.

“Aquarion Water Company employees follow strict protocols when entering customers’ homes and businesses, which include showing the customer an Aquarion photo ID,” said Charles V. Firlotte, Aquarion President and CEO. “We also encourage any customer who is unsure or has concerns to call our Customer Service Department.”

Aquarion Water Company employees and contractors are required to carry company-issued photo identification at all times and to present such identification upon request when entering a customer’s home. If a worker cannot produce identification, customers should not allow entrance into their home or business and should immediately contact the police.

Anyone who has further questions or would like additional information about how to identify an Aquarion employee may contact Aquarion Customer Service at 203-445-7310. Customers outside the Greater Bridgeport area can call 1-800-732-9678.

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Richard A. Dempsey, Ph.D.

Richard A. Dempsey, Ph.D. (Dick); 83, of Naples, FL and Ridgefield, CT, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2015 of pancreatic cancer.  He was the beloved husband of Mrs. Marilyn (Vargo) Dempsey.

Dick was born on April 29, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan; son of the late Nina (Willis) and Oscar Dempsey.  He attended school in Detroit, and went on to earn his B.A. and his M.A. from Eastern Michigan University and later his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He worked in education his entire life, first as a teacher and principal in Michigan and Ohio, then as Assistant Superintendent of Darien, and the last twenty plus years as a Professor of Education and Curriculum at the University of Connecticut from which he retired as Professor Emeritus at age 59.  Dick valued the friendships of and took great pride in the accomplishments of the many students & educators that he mentored.

Dick enjoyed watching sports, especially UCONN women’s basketball and his grandchildren’s games, as well as traveling, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.  In Naples he belonged to the Glades Country Club and Probus.  In Ridgefield he enjoyed the Ridgefield Men’s Club, and years ago served a term on the Ridgefield Board of Education.  He was a parishioner of St. Ann’s in Naples and St. Mary’s in Ridgefield.  He will be remembered as a loving, compassionate and caring person, whose wisdom and generosity made a difference in the lives of family, friends, and colleagues.

In addition to his wife Marilyn of 31 years, Dick is also survived by a son Stuart (Jean) Dempsey of Fairfield, PA, and three step-children; James (Tracey) Gaskins of Torrington, CT, Kathleen (Tim) Ondusky of Waterford, MI, and Karen (Rob) Pedicano of Greenwich, CT.

Dick was a patient, loving grandfather to his seven grandchildren; Megan (Frankie) Cruz, Chris Ondusky, Hailey, Robert and Anthony Pedicano, and James and Ryan Gaskins as well as nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dick was also predeceased by his sisters Kaye (Frank) Clark and Wilma (Wade) Mumma.

The family wishes to thank the following organizations for the professional and compassionate care he received during his short illness; the Florida Cancer Center of Naples, FL., the RVNA of Ridgefield, and especially the staff at the Regional Hospice and Home Care Center of Danbury.

Friends will be received on Sunday, June 21, 2015 from 6 to 8 pm at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, June 22, 2015 at 10:15 am at St. Mary’s Church, 55 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.  Entombment will follow at St Mary’s Cemetery in Ridgefield.

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The owner of the popular Bissell House restaurant on Main Street laid to rest all rumors that he has gone out of business Monday when he unequivocally said he will reopen in several weeks.

“I  know people are always skeptical when they see a sign in the window, saying we’re closed for sprucing up, but I’ve been doing this my whole life, this was not my first rodeo,” said Roy Reeves, the restaurant owner.

“We’ve been here seven years and I needed to spruce it up a little, and that’s what we’re in the middle of,” Reeves said, saying he’s been doing interior renovation and adding some equipment downstairs.

He believes that with good luck the reopening is a couple of weeks out.

”We’re still waiting on finishing touches that haven’t come in yet, but based on that, we’ll open when we’re ready,” Reeves said.

Reeves spoke with The Press after returning a phone message left on the restaurant’s answering machine. The owner of the building, Love Realty of White Plains N.Y., did not return a phone call.

A local real estate agent who rents the building, and an interior decorating shop owner next door to the restaurant, both confirmed Monday that they have either heard or seen work going on at the restaurant, which has the windows covered over so nobody can see inside.

The restaurant’s status has been a talking point downtown for several weeks. The building is important because it has been recreated from the design of the former Bissell’s Pharmacy, located on that site, which burned down in the past decade.

The restaurant employs 30 people, according to Reeves.

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A car crashed into a pole a little after noon Monday, shutting Bennett’s Farm Road.

The pole, at Maplewood Road and Bennett’s Farm Road, was completely snapped, firefighters on scene reported.

The road was shut from that intersection to the intersection of Route 7. Fire police were called to handle the closing.

The car reportedly hit the pole hard. The driver was able to get out of the car and at 12:34, police reported the driver would be transported to the hospital.

Eversource, formerly CL&P was called to the scene, as well as Frontier, the cable and internet company.

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Thomas Neylon, Jr.

Thomas Raymond Neylon, Jr. of Bethel, (formerly of Ridgefield) died at Danbury Hospital on June 12, 2015. He was 86 years old.

The second of five children born to Thomas Raymond Neylon, Sr. and Nelly Juanita (nee Rutter), Tom was born in St. Joseph, Missouri on February 6, 1929. He attended Christian Brothers High School, where upon graduation he attended North West Missouri State on a basketball scholarship. Always an excellent athlete, Tom played on several championship basketball teams and was awarded the Regional Golden Gloves boxing title.

Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. Stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, Tom would speak of these years with great reverence, both for the Corps and for the men with whom he served.

Upon his discharge from the Marines, Tom went to work for Socony-Vacuum in St. Louis, Missouri where he met his wife, Elsa. Coaching the women’s company softball team, Tom would keep Elsa on the bench just so he could talk to her. They were married on July 2, 1955 and would go on to have three children. They enjoyed a wonderfully adventurous life together until Elsa’s death in 1997.

In 1959, Tom accepted a position at General Foods as a sales representative for the Maxwell House Division. He quickly rose through the ranks and held several sales and management positions with Maxwell House over the next 10 years. During these years, he would move his family six times (St. Louis, MO; Crestkill, NJ; Oklahoma, OK; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA; and Plymouth, MI). In 1969, he was named National Sales Manager of the Military Division and he relocated his family to Ridgefield, CT.

Tom’s career with General Foods continued to advance, and in 1974 he was named VP of Sales for South East Asia. At a time when American businesses were opening up trade with Asia, Tom moved his family to Singapore and the grand adventure began. While he established General Foods in the new markets of Singapore, Malaysia, The Philippines, Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, etc., he and his family would travel the world. Tom and his wife, Elsa, would continue this passion long after his retirement. At the time of his death, Tom had traveled to all six major continents and had visited more than 30 countries.

Returning to Ridgefield in 1977, Tom continued his career and travels with General Foods. At the time of his retirement in 1986, he was serving as Executive Vice President of World Trade and Export.

Tom was an avid golfer, and his favorite place to be on a sunny summer afternoon was at The Ridgewood Country Club. Even after his golfing days were over, he enjoyed sitting on the patio visiting with friends and watching the golfers come up the 18th. He would speak with tongue-in-cheek pride that he won two inaugural events at the club: the first Couples Classic Golf Tournament (with wife, Elsa) and the first Men’s Set Back Card Tournament.

In his later years, there was nothing that Tom enjoyed more than spending time with his family. He always had a story to tell about his adventures and the people he met along the way. Even as his health failed him, he found great joy in life and in those he loved. He was loved by so many and admired and respected by even more.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Susan Dolan, and her husband, Robert, of Bethel and his daughter-in-law, Dorene Neylon-Dalpe, of Newtown. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Thomas Neylon and Stephen (and his wife, Nicole) Neylon, all of Danbury; and John Dolan, Samuel Dolan, and Margaret Dolan, all of Bethel. He is also survived by his brothers, J. Joseph Neylon of Oklahoma, and Stephen Neylon of Missouri.

Tom was pre-deceased by his wife, Elsa Louise (nee Webbink); his son, Frederick Dale Neylon; and his daughter, Patricia Ann Neylon. He was also pre-deceased by his parents; his sister, Virginia Laschober; and his infant brother, David Neylon.

A Mass and Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2015 at St. Mary’s Church, 24 Dodgingtown Road (Route 302), Bethel, CT. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Ridgefield.

Friends will be received from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2015 at St. Mary Church, Bethel.

Contributions in Tom’s memory may be made to Bethel Visiting Nurse Association, 70 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801 or to the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Dept., 59 Stony Hill Road, Bethel, CT 06801.

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Alison McLean of Gaylorsdville, a former Ridgefielder, died at home on Tuesday, June 9, at the age of 93.

She was born Nov. 10, 1921 in Hartford, daughter of the late Arthur W. and Ellen (Connery) Ludwig.

A graduate of St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford, Ms. McLean had lived in Ridgefield and worked for 25 years as a draftswoman for Newmont Mining in Danbury and in Tucson, Ariz. She was credited with being the first to create computer imaging programs for sonar mineral surveying, her family said.

Upon retiring from Newmont Mining in 1985, she made her home with her daughter Ellen in Brooklyn, Conn., and spent an additional 20 years as an alternative education teacher in Killingly.

Ms. McLean is survived by her sons, George McLean and wife Bonnie of Gaylordsville, John McLean and wife Claire of Lincolndale, N.Y., James McLean and wife Jan of Ridgeland, S.C.; her grandchildren Scott, Tyler, Winifred, Elizabeth, Millicent and Daniel and her great grandson Max. She was predeceased by her daughter Ellen McLean.

Funeral services will be private. Contributions in her memory may be made to animal welfare. Arrangements were handled by the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford.

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Camels are visiting the zoo for the summer, with rides available to visitors. Watch/Listen to the HAN Network’s shows Friday to learn more about what’s happening at the zoo. — Beardsley Zoo photo

HAN Radio and the HAN Network takes a walk on the wild side this week as the team hits the road for a live broadcast at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo.

This Friday, June 19, the HAN Network is bringing its Friday programming to the Bridgeport landmark.

Folks from the Beardsley Zoo will be special guests throughout the day, to discuss some of what’s new and exciting at the Connecticut’s only zoo — just in time for summer break.

The HAN Network’s shows will cover it all, from news, sports, fishing, arts and leisure, and motivation for your daily life.

The full line up includes:

• The Drive with Denise DiGrigoli at 10 a.m.

• Coffee Break news show at 11 a.m.

• A special Friday edition of Yankee Fisherman with John Kovach at noon.

• Radio Arts & Leisure at 1 p.m.

Watch the live video stream of Friday’s shows at HanRadio.com/livestream. You can listen, audio only, at HANRadio.com or TrumbullTimes.com.

You can also stop by the Peacock Pavilion at the zoo and say hello to the HAN team, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Connecticut’s only zoo features 300 animals representing primarily North and South American species. For more on the Connecticut Beardsley Zoo, visit BeardsleyZoo.org.

The HAN Network is part of Hersam Acorn, which owns and operates 13 newspapers and many more news and lifestyle websites in southwestern Connecticut and Westchester, NY along with HANRadio.com, the voice of Hersam Acorn, which features live news, sports and entertainment throughout the year. Much of HAN’s daily news and sports programming is broadcast live on video. You can watch the videos or check out the daily schedule at HANRadio.com/livestream.

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Does Ridgefield’s Main Street need a national chain store, a brand name retailer? It’s a question the town will look into seriously.

First Selectman Rudy Marconi presented the Board of Selectmen with a proposal from Saugatuck Commercial Real Estate for a study of ways to boost the retail and marketing pull of the central business district. The study, which the selectmen approved, would include looking at the potential that locating a major national chain store in the village could have — and what might be done to get one here.

The study was suggested by some landlords and retailers who are concerned there may be a decline in foot traffic on Main Street, Marconi said.

“Although we do appreciate and love the stores we have — again, if we are losing foot traffic, the conclusion is that a national brand, well-known store, will generate foot traffic that everyone can potentially benefit from,” Marconi said.

The idea came up at a meeting that included members of the Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Ridgefield council, he said.

“A discussion took place concerning retail in Ridgefield. Are we maintaining the status quo? Are we slipping? Or are we moving forward? The general consensus was that we could be doing a lot more to move our town forward — not only the merchants, not only the landlords, but the town,” Marconi said.

He said that “protecting the viability of our Main Street” was a goal that not just village merchants and property owners, but all Ridgefielders, should be interested in.

The proposal for a $12,000 contract to do a study comes from Penny Wickey of Westport-based Saugatuck Commercial Real Estate (SCRE) and Laure Aubuchon, who has experience from heading economic development for the City of Stamford.

“The two of them have submitted a proposal to come into our community to do an assessment of our retail mix, with the recommendation on the type of information that we’d need to put together in a package that national retailer wants to see,” Marconi said.

Among the people urging the town to do the study is Don Jones, who has years of high level retailing and merchandising experience, Marconi said.

Jones told him that big national level retailers have a shortcut method for reaching an initial assessment on whether a town is worth opening a store in.

“You always go to the heart of the community, which is usually the four corners,” Marconi said Jones told him.

“When you put your car in park and begin to look at the four corners, that’s a good barometer for the town’s acceptance of retail.

“In Ridgefield, we have a real estate office — and by the way very important to Ridgefield, real estate is — the Fairfield County Bank Insurance Services, a book store and sorry, Rudy, town hall.

“He said, ‘This is a town, as a merchandiser, I put my car in drive and move on to the next community,’” Marconi said.

The town had a major national brand store in The Gap until early 2013, and Marconi said he though it had done well.

“The Gap brought people into town. The Gap did a very good business, from what we’ve been told,” he said.

His understanding was the store in town was making money, he said.

The Gap on Main Street was shuttered as part of a program that involved closing a number of stores around the country.

“Yeah, there were financial issues, but from what we’ve been told they closed the Ridgefield store because there was no potential for volume increase, no potential for growth,” Marconi said.

He said he understands that trying to lure a national name brand retailer may not be a direction everyone thinks the town should go.

“I’m not saying change the identity of our town. I think we have a good play going now —  like in sports, if you’ve got a good play that’s working, you don’t send in another one and change your game plan,” Marconi said.

“I’m sure there are many people who would say: ‘It’s fine the way it is.’ But there are some merchants who are concerned, and would like to see something attempted, at the very least.”

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Potential severe thunderstorms could tie up the evening commute in southwestern Connecticut on Tuesday, June 16.

Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 4 p.m. on Tuesday, followed by more  showers and another potential thunderstorm after 5 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

“We are tracking a marginal severe threat this afternoon and evening across SWCT/NY,” Jacob Meisel of SWCTWeather.com wrote in a tweet. “Should sun come out, expected threat to be heightened.”

Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain, according to the weather service. Other area forecasters have warned of potential hail coming with the storm.

Tuesday is expected to have a high around 82 degrees, along with humidity, in southwestern Connecticut. The heavy rain could bring between a tenth and a quarter inch of rain in a short time — even more rain would fall if the thunderstorms hit our area. The chance of precipitation is 60% for this area.

After the storms pass this evening, there will be a gradual clearing of clouds and low around 62, according to the weather service.

Wednesday is expected to be a bit cooler as the sun returns. The forecast calls for a high of 78 and sunny skies.

Another thunderstorm is possible on Thursday afternoon. Thursday’s forecast calls for a high near 76. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Friday is expected to get back into the low-80s and be mostly sunny. Saturday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 78. There could be thunderstorms on Saturday night and more thunderstorms are possible on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 21, which is expected to have a high around 81.

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Rides! Games! Fireworks! The carnival is coming!

The Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department’s annual carnival will light up East Ridge Middle School’s grounds for four evenings the week after school lets out, running from Wednesday, June 24, to Saturday, June 27. The carnival will be open nightly from 6 to 10, with no daytime hours.

A free fireworks display is scheduled for Friday night, June 26, with a rain date of Saturday night, June 27.

“Come enjoy a great carnival and fireworks show,” said Tim Pambianchi, volunteer deputy chief of the fire department.

This will be the 18th year the volunteer fire department has put on a carnival. Once again Cheshire-based Tufano Amusement Company will be providing the rides and games. Rides are expected to include the high intensity thrillers like Avalanche, Pirate and Scat, as well as tamer fare aimed at younger kinds such as a ferris wheel and merry-go-round.

Bracelets allowing wearers to go on any ride all night long will be sold every night, at $25 per night.

There will be no charge to enter the carnival.

“You get in for free,” said Ron Gutstein, chairman of the department’s carnival committee. “If you don’t want to go on rides, you just want to walk around, it doesn’t cost anything.”

The fireworks should be easily visible from anywhere in the carnival on the parking lot in front of East Ridge Middle School. Other good spots for viewing the fireworks include the East Ridge Middle School’s softball field, and the Veterans Park School fields.

The fireworks are being sponsored by three large contributors: Union Savings Bank, Pamby Motors Inc. and Tufano Amusement Company, the firm providing the rides.

Members of the volunteer fire department will be selling hamburgers, hot dogs, French fries, soda, water and Italian ices at the carnival.

All Ridgefield’s volunteer firefighters and fire police — close to 80 people — work to help make the carnival a success, Gutstein said.

“This is a full on effort,” he said.

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Standing from left to right are Sue Ahlstrom and Karen Facini from the Ridgefield Prevention Council, Mr. and Mrs. Defino, Capt. Tom Comstock of the Ridgefield Police Department and Rudy Marconi. Seated are Rebecca Pembrook and Will Defino.

Ridgefield community members including First Selectman Rudy Marconi, members of Ridgefield Police Department, and Ridgefield Prevention Council joined the Barlow Mountain Elementary School community on a recent Friday afternoon to celebrate the addition of a Buddy Bench on the playground.

It is a place to go when they feel lonely or just need a little kindness.

The initiative was spearheaded by second grader Will DeFino.

“This is a simple and powerful message for our students, families, and staff: ‘Be kind. Kindness is cool,’” said Pembrook.

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Ridgefield High School football coach Kevin Callahan appeared in Bridgeport Superior Court Tuesday, June 16, on charges of driving under the influence in his hometown of Fairfield.

Callahan’s case is sealed, however, so the clerk’s office at the GA-2 courthouse could not reveal information about the proceedings. The clerk could not say why the case was sealed, saying that information itself was sealed.

Callahan was scheduled to face charges of DUI, distracted driving, failure to drive right and failure to carry a valid insurance card, in connection with an accident May 3 on Fairfield Woods Road in Fairfield.

It was Callahan’s first brush with the law. The Press reported, based on court documents, that he had a pending infraction case for passing a stopped school bus in Trumbull last year, but Callahan called The Press last week to say that ticket was issued to his wife driving the family vehicle, not to himself.

Callahan, 52, has returned to his job as a physical education teacher at Ridgefield High School, following a period of being on a leave of a absence since the arrest, but he was replaced as football coach for the 2015 season, and will also step down as dean of students for the 2015-2016 school year.

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A top Ridgefield schools administrator says it may be time to raise prices on school lunches in the elementary and middle schools, for the first time in four years.

The price of an elementary school lunch should rise from $2.45 to $2.65 and the price of a middle school lunch should jump from $2.95 to $3.15, according to Paul Hendrickson, business manager for the schools.

A complex formula from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is the reason there should be an increase when students return from summer vacation, Hendrickson said. The USFA requires the weighted average price to be at least $2.70, so that the free and reduced lunches do not subsidize the cash lunches.

The current weighted average of elementary and middle school lunches is $2.63, Hendrickson said in a report to the Board of Education given at the board meeting June 8 at the Town Hall Annex.

It has been a while since prices increased.

“There hasn’t been an increase in four years,” said Hendrickson, who said Ridgefield’s lunch prices are among the lowest of nearby towns including Wilton, Westport, Weston, New Canaan and Darien.

The board took no action.

“We decided to table it and look at it next time,” Christopher Murray, vice chairman of the board, said of the lunch price proposal.

The board could decide to raise lunch prices by a lesser amount. However, that means the administrators must come back for more money over the next couple of years, Hendrickson said.

An increase of 20 cents would probably hold the prices steady for a couple of years, he said.

“But the board might see it differently,” Hendrickson said.

The last time lunch prices went up, they rose by 20 cents.

The high school lunches are not figured into the USDA’s formula.

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Tonight’s CHIRP concert will start later but remain outdoors, organizer Barbara Manners announced Tuesday afternoon.

Rain is predicted but organizers hope it will come and go before the show. With the grounds likely to be pretty wet, chairs and tarps are highly recommended. The show will start around 7:30 instead of the 7 p.m. start time.

The band taking the stage is Professor Louie and the Crowmatix.

“This Grammy-nominated quintet, hailing from the Woodstock area, was originally formed by Professor Louie for recordings with The Band,” writes Manners. “It went on to become the backing band for CDs by Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Levon Helm and many other acclaimed musicians. It has an extensive and varied repertoire and averages 150 shows annually throughout the U.S. and internationally.” Read more…

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Dr. Robert Bonwetsch

Ability Beyond, a nonprofit that provides services and programs to individuals with disabilities in Connecticut and Westchester, has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert Bonwetsch of Ridgefield to associate medical director.

Bonwetsch will provide medical direction and guidance and assure sound medical policies, procedures and practices across program lines at Ability Beyond. He will participate in the agency’s strategic and operations activities and serve as liaison with the medical community.

“We are excited to have Dr. Bonwetsch, a board certified neurologist, step into the role of associate medical director,” said Donna Gillaugh-Mallet, director of nursing and therapy at Ability Beyond. “With his wealth of clinical expertise and innovative ideas, we look forward to working with him to meet the ever-changing needs of the individuals that we serve.”

Bonwetsch earned a medical degree from the University of Hamburg and completed his residency at MCP-Hahnemann University, now Drexel University. He also completed his epilepsy and neurophysiology fellowships at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. He was the chairman of the Danbury Hospital Institutional Review Board Committee from 2010 to 2014, is the chairman of the professional advisory board of the epilepsy foundation of Connecticut, and is on its board of directors. He is also a clinical assistant professor with the University of Vermont College of Medicine’s Department of Neurology. Bonwetsch is a neurologist at Associated Neurologists in Danbury.

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Town officials will take a softball approach to resolving a rising tide of open space violations before turning to legal recourse, First Selectman Rudy Marconi said recently.

Marconi met privately with members of the Conservation Commission to discuss the incursions on town open space land, and he said they agreed to talk things over with the homeowners first and foremost.

“Sometimes sitting over a cup of coffee and trying to work it out is better than going to the legal counsel approach,” Marconi said of the results of the meeting in his office. “If we do get into these predicaments, we can try to work out a resolution that is fair for everyone.”

Twenty-six percent of the town land is considered open space. People have been mowing town open space property as if it is their own, putting fences up on open space, building sheds on open space, and have also been illegally dumping on open space, according to Kitsey Snow, a member of the Conservation Commission.

Snow detailed the problem last month in a story in The Press in which she said illegal off-trail biking and all-terrain-vehicle riding is just the tip of the iceberg of the open space violations. The more serious problem is land reclamation.

The town has the right to fine people $100 a day for violations. But the town tries to handle the cases verbally, with phone calls and letters, before it gets to the point of fines and the involvement of an attorney.

Snow and other members of the Conservation Commission could not be reached for comment, but Marconi said the town counsel would be called upon only after meetings for coffee over the problems fail.

He said they have several longstanding cases.

“People probably unknowingly infringed on open space, not knowing where their property line is, some more egregious than others,” Marconi said. “If in fact the commission has exhausted all remedies and still lacks resolution, then at that point it would come to the town counsel for appropriate action.”

Town officials set no specific timetable for completing the coffee table discussions.

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Out-of-town students who attend Ridgefield schools because of family connections with the town will pay more tuition in the new year.

The tuition for non-residents is increasing $118, to $4,202, effective in the new school year that begins this summer.

The money goes to the town budget, said Paul Hendrickson, business manager for the schools.

“We normally get about 15 to 20 non-resident students, total,” Hendrickson said.

The number currently is 19, from 14 families. Most are children of Ridgefield teachers, he said.

Non-resident students are accepted if they are children of school employees, town employees, food serve employees who serve the Ridgefield schools, or bus company employees who serve the Ridgefield schools.

The tuition is based on complex formula that excludes the cost of transportation, special education and free or reduced price lunch.

The actual cost per student in Ridgefield is $14,006, according to a memorandum from Schools Superintendent Deborah Low.

There are projected to be a total of 5,053 students in the schools next year.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the tuition increase at its meeting May 26 at the Town Hall Annex.

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Resident Sigmund Hoffman (United States Army), resident James B. Dykes (Marines), resident Ralph Specht (United States Army Air Force), resident veteran Arthur Rubinstein (United States Army), Program Director Kerry Cardinal, Danbury High School Junior ROTC: Cadet Andrew Gomes, Cadet Joshua Wildman, Cadet Jacob Tomasini, Cadet Jose Gonzalez. Not in the picture: Cadet Corps Commander Sarah Eriksson as the backup color guard team member and Jim Denicola, (United States Army), VITAS veteran liaison.

A Veteran Resident “ Wall of Honor” Dedication Ceremony was presented by Jim DeNicola, United States Navy veteran at Ridgefield Crossing. DeNicola is the veteran liaison with VITAS Healthcare, which made this honorary event possible.

In January 2014, Ridgefield Crossings became the second Assisted Living Community with a designated American Legion post in Connecticut. American Legion Post 208 was formed under the direction of Tom Reed, senior vice commander of American Legion Post 100 in Bethel.

Reed worked with Kerry Cardinal, program director of Ridgefield Crossings, to ensure that the 34 resident veterans who served in W.W. II, the Korean War and Vietnam would have the designated honor of being members of American Legion Post 208.

Cardinal, who never served in the military, always hoped for a way to show appreciation to all these brave men and women who sacrificed so much for our country. The “Wall of Honor” was highly attended by residents, guests and family members to honor these veterans.

Opening remarks with appreciation and gratitude were given by Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi. Also attending was Richard Olson, district executive committee man, Post 12 in Norwalk, and Geoff Harrington color guard from the local Ridgefield Post 78.

Danbury High School Junior Air Force ROTC Color Guard performed posting of colors and the national anthem. Readings were done by veteran James Dykes and veteran Arthur Rubinstein, and a ceremonial flag folding by veteran Richard Mumma. Vocalist Jenn Bittin performed.

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