The CHIRP concert will go indoors tonight for C.J. Chenier. — Press photo

CHIRP Producer Barbara Manners reports:

The post CHIRP goes indoors tonight appeared first on The Ridgefield Press.

The Stonehenge Inn off Route 7 was established in the late 1940s.

The year was 1955. The town’s population was 6,200.

There were two schools, two banks, no supermarkets and the ZIP code was not yet in use.

Back then, there were 17 restaurants in Ridgefield — one for every 365 people. Today in Ridgefield there is roughly one restaurant for every 535 people, suggesting that for the size of the town there were actually more restaurants 60 years ago.

Some restaurant owners have suggested that today the supply exceeds the demand — the piece of the pie is getting smaller and smaller. And a perception that restaurants are a significant part of the town’s commercial base underlies the current discussion about limiting the number mobile food vendors — food trucks and carts — that are licensed by the town.

There is no standard number of the ideal supply to meet demand — there are simply too many variables and market forces at play. Ridgefield also serves as something of a commercial hub for some residents nearby towns with less of a center, like Redding and North Salem.

Toward the close of the 1950s, the town started to grow quickly and by 1965 the population was 15,000, more than doubling in 10 years. From then to today, there has been population growth, but not as fast and furious. The number of restaurants has also grown.

Over the 60 years, research by The Press indicates, Ridgefield went from 6,200 people and 17 restaurants in 1955 to 24,600 people and 46 restaurants in 2015.

The decade by decade count shows 1975 with the lowest density of restaurants against population — one for every 703 people.

Here’s the progression: 1955 — 17 restaurants, 6,200 people, one restaurant for every 365 people; 1965 — 24 restaurants, 15,000 people, one for every 625; 1975 — 27 restaurants, 19,000 people, one for every 704; 1985 — 32 restaurants, 20,000 people, one for every 625; 1995 — 42 restaurants, 22,000 people, one every 524; 2005 — 45 restaurants, 24,000 people, one for every 533 people; 2015 — 46 restaurants, 24,600 people, one for every 535.

Following is a listing of the restaurants in town at 10-year intervals starting in 1955.

Only two restaurants from 1955 continue in the same location, Stonehenge and Bernard’s. Both have had multiple owners and Bernard’s has had names changes, including Tode’s Inn originally and then the Inn at Ridgefield.

Joe’s Hideaway, now the Hideaway, is the next oldest restaurant location, followed by the Ancient Mariner.

Since this list offers snapshots in time, there will be many restaurants readers may recall that are not on the list, restaurants that have come and gone in between the 10-year periods when the counts were taken from Press records, compiled by archivist Jack Sanders.

Not included as “restaurants” are doughnut or bagel shops, bakeries, ice cream stores or coffee shops (like Starbucks). It does include delis like Genoa, which has a large seating area, all three Subway shops, pizza places and menued cafes like Tazza.

Does Ridgefield have too many restaurants? What are your thoughts? Post your thoughts here.

1955

Pop. 6,200

The town’s population was 6,200. Here are the restaurants The Press archives came up with for that year:

Angelo’s

Blue Feather

Cella

Circle Luncheonette

Colonial Steak

The Elms Inn

Fife And Drum

Fox Hill Inn

King Neptune

Le Bretagne

Mary’s

BV Ranch

Outpost Inn

Ridgefield Diner

Santini’s

Stonehenge

Tode’s Inn at Ridgefield

1965
Pop. 15,000

Stonehenge

The Elms Inn

Tode’s Inn at Ridgefield

Luigi’s

Colonial Steakhouse

Circle Diner

The Alibi

Fox Hill Inn

Carboni’s Kozy Knook

The Family Room

King Neptune

Nina’s

Ridge Bowl

Rickshaw

Ridgefield Diner

Valtiero’s

Fife and Drum

Joe’s Hideaway

Angelo’s

Blue Feather

Poncho’s

Ridgefield Luncheonette

Santini’s

Steak Barn

1975
Pop. 19,000

Alibi

Ancient Mariner

Chuck Wagon

Country Club House

Stonehenge

The Elms

Inn at Ridgefield

Dragon Inn

Friar Tuck

Friendly’s

Girolametti’s (Ice House)

Hungry Knight

King Neptune

La Chandelle (Michael’s)

Luigi’s

Nina’s

Perp’s

Red Lion

Ridgefield Coffee Shop

Roma Pizzeria

Smalley House

Venice

Sherlocks

1985
Pop. 20,000

Ancient Mariner

Anthony’s Red Lion

Café Natural

Connolly’s Steak/Seafood

Dana’s Restaurant

Elms Inn

Food Chandler

Friendly

Galloway’s Pub

Inn at Ridgefield

King Neptune

Le Coq Hardi

Lotus

Luigi’s

Nina’s

Pickles

Ridgefield Coffee Shop

Roma

Rusty Nail

Stonehenge

Tahiti East

Touchstone’s

Tower of Pizza

Venice

Winkl’s Restaurant

Gaddis

Entrez Vous

Scrimshaw’s

Sacco

Ice House

Hungry Knight

Joe’s Store

1995
Pop. 22,000

Amici’s Restaurant

Ancient Mariner

Biscotti

Boston Chicken

Abstract Grill

Bully’s

Corner Pub

Dimitri’s Diner

Dragon Palace

Duchess

Early Bird

The Elms

Franzese

Gail’s Station House

Inn at Ridgefield

King Neptune

La Florentina

Lotus

Mandarin House

Mannen

Moody’s Café

Nina’s

Chez Noue (Terra Sole)

Pizza Hut

Red Lion

Ridgefield Coffee Shop

Ridgefield General Store

Ridgefield Pizza

Roma

Rusty Nail

Sam’s Grill

Southwest Café

Spagone

Stonehenge

Subway

Venice

Genoa

33⅓ at Copps Hill (Pickles)

East Ridge Café

Joe’s Store

2005
Pop. 24,000

Ancient Mariner

Café Svago

Caputo’s East Ridge Café

Dimitri’s

Early Bird

Elms

Empire Szechuan

Fifty Coins (Upstream)

59 Bank Street

Gringo Café (Sagi)

Koo (Old Bully’s)

La Saliere (Terra Sole)

Mannen

Pizza Hut

Planet Pizza

Southwest Café

Spagone

Subway (2)

Thai Pearl

The Catch

The Corner Pub

The Sand Wedge

Toscana

Venice

Bernard’s (Inn at Ridgefield)

Wild Ginger

Stonehenge

The Grill (golf course)

Bailey’s Backyard

Gail’s

Insieme

Luc’s

Piccolo

Village Pizza

John’s Best pizza

Bar & Grill

Genoa

Poncho & Gringo’s

Subway #2

Bartolo

J + J’s Gathering Place

Patisserie

Red Lion (Closed mid 2005)

Joe’s Store

2015
Pop. 24,600

Ancient Mariner

Bartolo

Dimitri’s (Prospect)

Early Bird

John’s Best

Luc’s

Luna Rosa

Mannen

Prime Burger

Prospector

Subway (#1)

Gyro on Pita

Tiger’s Den

Toscana

V Thai

Venice

Village Pizza

Planet Pizza

Wild Ginger

Wooster Hollow Café

Bare Burger

Dog + Pony (Bissell House)

Bernard’s

Stonehenge

Fifty Coins

Bailey’s

Bar and Grill

Hoodoo Brown

Empire Szechuan

Genoa

Little Pub

Ritz Asia

Terra Sole

Southwest Café

Tom Tom’s

Yuan Asia

Cellar Door

Gallo

850 Pizza

Hideaway

Subway #2

Subway #3

Jersey Mike’s Subs

Tazza

Golf course

Joe’s store (now Tony’s Corner Deli)

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Front Country

In 2011 a number of young San Francisco area musicians joined together to play a monthly gig. Together they had so much fun and found each other so creatively stimulating that, for a short time, they put aside their individual careers to focus on developing  a band, now called Front Country.  In 2012 their first year out on the road they won the Rockygrass band competition in Colorado and in 2013, they won at Telluride Bluegrass as well. Since then, they’ve gone national with festival appearances everywhere. The band will be back in Ridgefield for its second  appearance at CHIRP on Tuesday, July 12, in a concert generously underwritten by Chris Pike of Ridgefield Music.

While bringing Front Country to the very forefront of bluegrass/newgrass/Americana, the individuals who make up this amazingly talented crew have still found time to pursue other projects. In 2013 lead singer Melody Walker won the Chris Austin songwriting competition at Merlefest for a song “Black Grace” from her debut solo album Gold Rush Goddess. In 2013 she and Jacob Groopman, another member of this talented ensemble put out a highly acclaimed duo album, We Made it Home produced by noted bluegrass artist Laurie Lewis. Additionally in 2013 mandolinist Adam Roszkiewicz from the band was nominated for a Grammy for his work with the Modern Mandolin Quartet.

In 2014, the release of Front Country’s much lauded debut album, Sake of the Sound, led Bob Harris of the BBC to acclaim them “the biggest new bluegrass band in America.”  “One listen and your view of bluegrass will never be the same,” said FolkWords. Come on out on July 12, and see if you agree with the music critics.

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Artist Chris Durante, a consultant, framer, and educator at The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, will exhibit at the Trailer Box Project in Danbury, which has an opening reception on Saturday, July 16, at 5 p.m.

The Project will unveil his new solo exhibition, Billions & Billions of Blocks Project, which will feature drawings as well as work in process. The exhibit runs through Aug. 13.

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As part of the Ridgefield Library’s Summer Reading Program, the Hampstead Stage Company will perform Aladdin for K-5 children on Wednesday, July 13, from 6 to 6:45 p.m., in the Main Program Room on the library’s lower level.

The free presentation is sponsored by the Friends of the Ridgefield Library. Children under six years of age must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, hampsteadstage.org/summer-2016 or call Children’s Services at 203-438-2282 ext. 12002.

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Looking for Kenneth Branagh or Laurence Olivier? What about Placido Domingo or Bruce Springsteen?  Look no further than the Fine Arts and Literature collections in the historic front part of the Library.  Opera CDs and performance DVDs, Shakespeare audiobooks and performance DVDs, and non-fiction and documentary DVDs on art and artists, music, movie-making and other fine and performing arts topics are now located in the Goldstone Special Collections Room and the Ruggles Fine Arts Reading Room right inside the Main Street entrance.

This change puts all of our printed and media materials related to these topics in one convenient location. Pick out a coffee table volume on the Impressionists, then select an episode of a made-for-TV art appreciation series or a documentary film on the life of Degas or Monet. Also here are live concert recordings by pop icons like Springsteen and Paul Simon and recorded live performances of musicals like CATS.

This is a great place to brush up your Shakespeare (or Verdi or Tchaikovsky) before Live in HD film presentations at the Ridgefield Playhouse of productions by the National Theatre, Met Opera and Bolshoi Ballet. Then show your Ridgefield Library card at the box office and get the special member discount price.

Mary Rindfleisch is assistant director at the Ridgefield Library.  She can be reached at mfrind@ridgefieldlibrary.org or 203-438-2282 x11009.

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At Chez Lenard on Main Street, vendor Christine Ducey gave Lyra Robinson a hot dog while her sister Ripley Robinson and mom Annie Evans waited on Tuesday afternoon, July 5. — Macklin Reid photo

Ice cream trucks ringing their bells, hot dog and hamburger stands, construction site coffee trucks, lunch trucks, taco trucks, crepe trucks — are they good for a town that has 40 or 50 restaurants? Should the town cap the number of vendor licenses allowed?

Nine out of 10 consumers support having food trucks in Ridgefield — and backing among restaurant owners appears almost as high. At least, that’s what the results of online surveys done for the Board of Selectmen suggest. But both consumers and business owners responding to the surveys said a numerical limit on vendor licences makes sense.

“It’s a very trending thing, now, food trucks,” First Selectman Rudy Marconi said. “… Here’s the decision: Do we limit them, or not?”

After months on hold, the selectmen will be grappling with the question at their next meeting, Wednesday, July 20.

“We’re going to bring that back on the 20th,” First Selectman Rudy Marconi said Tuesday, July 5. “The purpose will be to have a special agenda time dedicated just to that issue that will allow us to have a very specific conversation on the number of vendor permits: Should there be a limit, yes or no? The type of vendor permits: Should there be categories? Ice cream versus food? Roaming versus stationary …”

The online surveys were taken by 522 consumers and 25 restaurant owners or managers. The surveys were put together and conducted by two high school interns working in town hall, Gwen Ellis and Catherine Crespo.

“Do you support the presence of food trucks in Ridgefield?” Their results showed 91.5% of consumers (474 of 518 responses) and 88% of restaurant owners (22 of 25) said “yes.”

“Do you feel there should be a limit on the number of food trucks in Ridgefield?” That question got a “yes” from 59% of consumers (303 of 516 responses) and 56% of restaurant owners (14 of 25 responses).

While many towns regulate food vendors in some way, limits on numbers of licenses issued are not common, according to Marconi.

“No other town in Connecticut limits the number of permits,” he said. “New York City does.”

Asked how many food trucks should be permitted in town, consumers’ survey responses ranged from 2 to 15, and the responses from restaurant people ranged from 0 to 10. The number most frequently cited among both response groups was 5.

Eight food vendors are currently licensed to work in town — a privilege that costs them $200 a year. Two are approved for permanent “locations” — the Chez Lenard hot dog stand on Main Street and The Zwack Shack, Greg Zawacki’s lunch truck on Route 7 across from the motel by the Ridgefield-Redding line.

There are two ice cream truck licensed to “roam” —  Circusman and The Natural Scoop. And one, Gigi’s Family Ice Cream, is permitted to sell ice cream in the “Ridgefield Lakes District” and on its way through town to Wilton, where it is also licensed. The Redding Creamery truck, which had been working in town in recent years, had its license lapse June 23.

Arantes Coffee and Lunch Truck has a permit to work “construction sites” in town.

And two trucks — Only the Hungry, and Tivoli Pizza — have permits to work Parks and Recreation properties and events, as well as private parties.

Two vendors have sought but been denied approval to locate on Route 35 in the Party Depot parking lot, in the thick of the business district — Mark McManus of Only the Hungry last fall, and Greg Zawacki of the Zwack Shack a couple of years ago.

The selectmen enacted a moratorium on issuing more food vendor permits about six months ago with the intent of putting together a formal policy. In June, the RHS interns put together the survey to inform the board’s effort to develop a policy that could guide their decisions on permit requests.

There were 13 questions in the consumer survey and 12 in the restaurant survey, with some the same in both.

“Do you support the presence of food trucks on Main Street?” got “yes” responses from 80% of the restaurant people (20 of 25) and 78% of consumers (403 ot 517 responses).

“Do you feel food trucks affect foot traffic on Main Street?” got “yes” responses from 68% (346 of 510) from consumers and 62% (15 of 24) from the restaurant people.

A follow-up question to the “yes” responders asked if foot traffic on Main Street was affected positively or negatively by food trucks. Among consumers, 64% (317) responded “positively,” 13% (65) said “negatively” and for 23% (113) the question was not applicable.

Among the restaurant people, 80% (20 of 25) said vendors’ effect on Main Street foot traffic was positive, 12% (3) said it was negative, and for 8% (2) it was “not applicable.”

Adopting a formal vendors policy that puts a cap on the number of vendor permits is something the board has talked about for years — usually in the late spring when all the ice cream and food truck owners come in for permit renewals.

Draft changes to the town’s 1983 ordinance on “peddling and soliciting” were circulated among the selectmen in early June. They included proposed changes that would allow the selectmen to limit the total number of permits issued, restrict vendors from locating “within 1,000 feet of a permanent business which sells a similar product” and would prohibit vendor trucks from setting up at athletic events where a concession stand is open. There were also provisions that would allow the town to limit hours of operation, and establish procedures for the town could suspend permits and for permit holders to appeal suspensions.

Selectwoman Maureen Kozlark, who has pushed for an official policy and is coordinating the effort for the board, said she is continuing to look into the question.

“I have been researching different towns in our area concerning the approach they take with the food trucks,” she told The Press. “I have also talked to a number of department heads in Ridgefield …”

Kozlark said she expects to make a report to the Board of Selectmen soon — probably at the July 20 meeting.

If the selectmen can agree on what they want, any proposed changes to the ordinance would have to go to a public hearing and be approved by a Town Meeting.

“The board may decide to do nothing,” Marconi said. “But if you do nothing you’re kind of vulnerable when you deny: On what basis do you make your denial?”

Marconi told The Press that he’d discussed the vendor trucks question with other members of the 18-town regional group, the Western Connecticut Council of Governments.

“Stamford had a problem with food trucks parking in front of the restaurants,” he said.

The city got the truck owners to stop the practice by informing them that if it continued, tighter regulation of a food vendors would be pursued.

A number of municipalities have regulation of food vendors on the back burner.

“Other towns are waiting to see what we do,” Marconi said.

The town can’t study the food vendor question indefinitely, Marconi said, noting that a French restaurant in town had expressed interest in having a truck that sells crepes.

“There are people waiting, who have made financial investments, and need to know,” Marconi said. “… The food vendor ordinance needs to come to a conclusion as to the direction the town’s going to head in.”

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Mah Jong for Beginners, a course available through Ridgefield Continuing Education, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Rules of the game will be taught as sanctioned by the National Mah Jong League. Instructor Sybl Falik started playing Mah Jong as a young mother, as a way to socialize. If you own a set bring that as well. Cards can be bought through the National Mah Jong League or game stores.  Mah Jong starts Thursday, July 14, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. meets 5 weeks at the Venus Building (old high school).  Cost is $109 (Ridgefield Seniors age 62 and over pay $ 82). Advance registration required. Information at ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 203-431-2812.

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New sessions of Yoga and Pilates classes start soon in Ridgefield Continuing Education. These classes help develop core strength and flexibility; strengthen bone density; improve posture and balance, and meet fitness goals.

Evening classes starting soon include: Gentle Beginner Yoga (Thursday, July 21 and Monday, July 25; both are 7:15 to 8:30 p.m.) and Pilates (Wednesday, July 20, 7:15 p.m.).

Morning classes starting soon include: Yoga with Elin Waterston (Monday, July 18, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. and Thursday, July 21, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.)

Classes meet five to seven sessions and cost $62 to $84. Ridgefield senior (age 62 and older) or disabled discount available. Advance registration required. Bring a water bottle, blanket, and mat. Tai Chi, Body Precision, and Summer Workout (aka Calorie Burner) are also available. Information, ridgefieldschools.org or Peggy Bruno at 203-431-2812.

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The Datebook is a guide to Ridgefield events. Email submissions to news@TheRidgefieldPress.com to reach us by Thursday noon to appear in the following week’s calendar. Include a phone number.

July

Mindfulness Meditation, four-part series with Achan Niphen Nontamar, Friday, July 8, 22, 29 and Aug. 5, 10:15 a.m., register, Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

Bob Saget, comedian, will bring his R-rated adults only comedy to the Ridgefield Playhouse, Friday, July 8, 8 p.m., ridgefieldplayhouse.org, 203-438-5795

Monthly meeting of the Shutterbugs, Saturday, July 9, 9 a.m., Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

One Man, Two Guvnors, encore production National Theatre of London’s comedy, starring James Corden, Saturday, July 9 at 7 p.m., Ridgefield Playhouse, ridgefieldplayhouse.org, 203-438-5795

Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story, [rescheduled to Sunday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.]

Sunday, July 10, 6 p.m., The  Playhouse Documentary Film Series, Ridgefield Playhouse, ridgefieldplayhouse.org, 203-438-5795

RVNA Free Blood Pressure Screening, Monday, July 11, 10-11 a.m., Ballard Green,  ridgefieldrvna.org, 203-438-5555,

Books and Breakfast, Monday, July 11, 10:30 a.m., Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org,  203-438-2282

RVNA walk-in health screenings, Monday July 11, 18 and 25, 11-1 p.m., cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure, one screening $25, two $45, three $65, 203-438-5555, ridgefieldvna.org

Overview of the Arctic with Moki Kokoris, Monday, July 11, 7 p.m., register, Ridgefield Library, , ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

CHIRP concert, Tuesday, July 12, Front Country, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

Theater Barn Playwrights Collective meeting, Wednesday, July 13, 6-9 p.m., Ridgefield Library,  ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

Troy ‘Trombone Shorty’ Andrews and his band, Wednesday, July 13, 8 p.m., Ridgefield Playhouse, ridgefieldplayhouse.org, 203-438-5795

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, July 14, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Support Group Meeting, Thursday, July 14, 6:30 p.m., St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, South Hall, 203-313-4395

Mental illness support group, Thursday, July 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Jesse Lee Church, no pre-registration required

Author Talk, Dr. Knox with Peter Spiegelman, Thursday, July 14, 7 p.m., register, Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

CHIRP concert, Thursday, July 14, Nora Jane Struthers & The Party Line, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

The Bacon Brothers, Friday, July 15, 8 p.m., Ridgefield Playhouse, ridgefieldplayhouse.org, 203-438-5795,

Jim Messina, singer-songwriter and his band, Saturday, July 16, 8 p.m., Ridgefield Playhouse,  ridgefieldplayhouse.org, 203-438-5795

MidDay Home Bible Study, Movie Night, Sunday, July 17, 5:30-7 p.m., “The Passion of the Christ,”  contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

10,000 Maniacs, Sunday, July 17, 8 p.m., Ridgefield Playhouse, ridgefieldplayhouse.org, 203-438-5795

Integrative Approaches to Health, Healing & Wellness, JoAnn Inserra Duncan, Monday, July 18, 7 p.m., Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

CHIRP concert, Tuesday, July 19, 7 p.m., Bumper Jacksons, Ballard Park

Critics’ Circle Book Group, A Farewell To Arms by Ernest Hemingway, Tuesday, July 19, 7 p.m., Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

Author Talk, All Is Not Forgotten with Wendy Walker, Tuesday, July 19, 7:30 p.m., Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

Graham Nash, Tuesday, July 19, 8 p.m., Ridgefield Playhouse, ridgefieldplayhouse.org, 203-438-5795

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, July 21, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

CHIRP concert, Thursday, July 21, Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

Exhibition: 40 Years of the Wolfpit Running Club, July 22-Aug. 30, Ridgefield Library, 203-438-2282, ridgefieldlibrary.org

Ridgefield High School Class of 1971 45th Reunion Weekend, Friday, July 22 to Sunday, July 24, contact frankr@reynoldsrowella.com for details

SummerFest, Saturday, July 23, 10-4 p.m., Main Street and Bailey Avenue, music, sidewalk sale, exhibitors, food, free, destinationridgefield.com, 203-438-5992

Author Talk, You Are Not Alone, medium and author Sydney Sherman, Saturday, July 23, 1 p.m., Ridgefield Library,  ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

RVNA Free Blood Pressure Screening, Monday, July 25, 2-3 p.m., Parks & Recreation,  ridgefieldrvna.org,  203-438-5555

Author Talk, First Ladies of Running: 22 Inspiring Profiles of the Rebels, Rule-Breakers and Visionaries Who Changed the Sport Forever, Amby Burfoot, Monday, July 25, 7 p.m., Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282,

CHIRP concert, Tuesday, July 26, Caleb Klauder Country Band, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

A.M. Book Group, All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque, Wednesday, July 27, 10 a.m., Ridgefield Library, ridgefieldlibrary.org, 203-438-2282

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, July 28, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

CHIRP concert, Thursday, July 28, John Jorgenson Quintet, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

August

CHIRP concert, Tuesday, Aug. 2, Sarah Potenza Band, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

CHIRP concert, Thursday, Aug. 4, Slaid Cleaves, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, Aug. 4, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

CHIRP concert, Tuesday, Aug. 9, Eileen Ivers, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

MidDay Home Bible Study,Thursday, Aug. 11,  12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

CHIRP concert, Thursday, Aug. 11, Pine Leaf Boys, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

Bloodmobile, Tuesday, Aug. 16, 1:30-6:30, Ridgefield Parks & Recreation Center, Danbury Road, 800-GIVE LIFE or bloodct.org, 800-433-1879

CHIRP concert, Tuesday, Aug. 16, Hot Club of Cowtown, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

MidDay Home Bible Study,Thursday, Aug. 18, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

CHIRP concert, Thursday, Aug. 18, Darlingside, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

CHIRP concert, Friday, Aug. 19, U.S. Air Force Band “Jazz in Blue,” Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

MidDay Home Bible Study, Movie Night, Sunday, Aug. 21, 5:30 -7 p.m., contact Priscilla Black,  pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768,

Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story, Sunday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m.

CHIRP concert, Tuesday, Aug. 23, Humming House, Ballard Park, 7 p.m

MidDay Home Bible Study,Thursday, Aug. 25, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

CHIRP concert, Thursday, Aug. 25, David Myles Band, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

CHIRP concert, Thursday, Aug. 30,The Texmaniacs, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

September

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, Sept. 1, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

CHIRP concert, Thursday, Sept. 1, Matt Andersen and The Bonafide, Ballard Park, 7 p.m.

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, Sept. 8, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

Bloodmobile, Thursday, Sept. 8, 1:30-6:30, Ridgefield Parks & Recreation Center, 800-GIVE LIFE or bloodct.org, 800-433-1879

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, Sept. 15, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

MidDay Home Bible Study, Movie Night, Sunday, Sept. 18, 5:30-7 p.m., contact Priscilla Black,  pblack35@comcast.net,  203-431-9768

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, Sept. 22, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

MidDay Home Bible Study, Thursday, Sept. 29, 12-1:30 p.m., 3-4 p.m., or 7-8 p.m., contact Priscilla Black, pblack35@comcast.net, 203-431-9768

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There are some things you need to know to effectively use sunscreen.  Firstly, get rid of old sunscreen even if the expiration date is good. Sunscreen degrades if exposed to extreme heat so best to buy new each season. The SPF value tells you how much protection the sunscreen offers with higher values offering more protection, but you don’t need to use higher than 50 on your child.  The FDA has banned the terms “waterproof” and “sunblock” from labels. Now sunscreens are “water-resistant” and labels must state how long they provide protection after water exposure or sweating.  You can choose one that needs to be reapplied every 40 or 80 minutes.  Replacing “sunblock” is the term “broad spectrum” which means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.  Both contribute to skin cancer.

Use about an ounce of sunscreen per large child or adult.  That is about the amount that would fill your hand, and reapply every two hours even if your child doesn’t swim or sweat. Don’t buy a product that combines a sunscreen and an insect repellant. Sunscreen requires frequent reapplication but insect repellant doesn’t. Lotion sunscreens provide better coverage than sprays, and don’t buy sunscreen powders which go on your scalp but are too easy to inhale. Always apply sunscreen before you go out so that protection is immediately available. Too much sun exposure is very dangerous. Burns during childhood can especially raise the risk of skin cancer later in life so buy sunscreen and use it often.

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Ridgefield is not only the safest town to live in, according to crime statistic comparison surveys, it is also among the safest for freedom from dangerous mosquitoes that carry diseases, including West Nile virus and the heavily publicized Zika virus.

The town’s swamps and ponds are sufficiently rural to escape the breeds of mosquitoes that carry those viruses, according to a scientist for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The town has had a clean bill of health for West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis for 20 years. The mosquito management program began its monitoring season on June 1, and the first report this month  showed Ridgefield is clean.

Ridgefield’s Great Swamp is one of the 91 mosquito trapping and testing locations in the state operated by the mosquito lab, based in New Haven at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

“Ridgefield is not a densely populated urban area, where these dangerous virus vector mosquitoes have been found,” said Philip Armstrong, the scientist.

Statewide, the mosquito program scientists are urging residents to eliminate standing water on their property and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites in areas where West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis are identified.

During 2014, six people were reported with West Nile virus-associated illnesses, including in Stamford. Clinical syndromes include fever, meningitis and encephalitis. The patients ranged in age from 23 to 63, according to the mosquito center.

There were no fatalities. While West Nile virus infections are usually not fatal, patients with meningitis or encephalitis may suffer long-lasting symptoms of the nervous system, according to scientists at the lab who issued a statement on the disease.

Ridgefield’s swamp has been one of the trapping sites since the program began in 1997, Armstrong said. It will continue to be a trapping site, even though results are clean.

The Asian tiger mosquito carries Zika virus. It has not been found here. The only mosquitoes found in Ridgefield, in moderate numbers, are the woodland pool variety, which are pests that feed on human blood when available but not virus vectors.

Mosquito season runs from June 1 to the first hard frost of fall.

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[Note: The original date for the screening of Sunday, July 10, has been changed.]

The Ridgefield Playhouse Film Society “Documentary Films Series” will present Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story on Sunday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m., a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.  After the screening there will be a Q&A with Rasheda Ali, daughter of Muhammad Ali, Speaker, PD Advocate and Author of “I’ll Hold Your Hand So You Won’t Fall – A Child’s Guide to Parkinson’s Disease, and  the film’s directors Sandra and Joseph Consentino.  For tickets ($10), call or visit the box office, 203-438-5795 or go online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.  

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The Town of Redding has long been supportive of The Redding Garden Club, and now the club “finds itself in a position to be able to give back.”

Thanks to years of successful Annual Plant Sales and Fall Boutiques, the club has built up a fair amount of reserve cash. And, after considering many options, the club’s executive board has decided to make a one-time $5,000 donation to the Norwalk River Valley Trail.

“Over the years our Annual Plant Sales and Fall Boutiques have been a huge success,” a press release from the organization says. “Hard work on these events by Lynn Grant, Catherine Riordan, Melanie Goldstine, Catherine Streit, and Victoria Eastus, along with the dedicated involvement of our membership, has greatly increased our revenue.”   

The donation will be used for the construction of the Redding portion of the Norwalk River Valley Trail (NRVT), which, in its entirety, will eventually stretch from Norwalk to Danbury.

“This donation aligns beautifully with our RGC by-laws, ‘to assist the town in its conservation activities, by developing a concerted movement for the preservation and development of the natural beauty of the town,’” the press release continues to say.

“The Board wanted to make a grand gesture to show how much we appreciate the support of the town and its residents to contribute to a public venue that promises to endure for generations to come.”

Stuart Green, head of the Redding Trail Tenders, a group of volunteers who help to maintain the over 60 miles of hiking trails in Redding, and Susan Green, RGC member, commented on what kind of addition this trail system will be for our community:

“The Norwalk River Valley Trail will traverse land originally purchased by the state for a Super 7 highway from Norwalk to Danbury. Planning for this 10-foot wide, multi-use trail has been ongoing for a number of years and has finally reached the implementation stage,” the Greens wrote.

“The thirty-eight mile long trail system will welcome hikers, joggers, cyclists, grandparents strolling with their grandchildren, parents pushing strollers and those just out to walk their pet. Many sections will meet accessibility standards and we are planning for equestrian use in Redding.

“The wide, packed cinder recreational trail will accommodate many more uses than our more rugged hiking trails, and thus need to be professionally designed and built to current sustainable trail standards. This is an expensive endeavor, but we will be creating a lasting amenity for the community. Through two years of mailing campaigns, the Redding section of the NRVT has already had wonderful support from our community, enabling the funding of our detailed design and construction documents. Now, we are shovel ready!

“This generous gift by the Redding Garden Club propels our fund-raising to the next level. We hope that it will inspire other groups and individuals to see this same vision of the future for Redding and the Norwalk River Valley communities. The NRVT is all about connectivity. The Garden Club has made a point of reaching out to and connecting like-minded groups in our community, and NRVT implementers thank you for your leadership.”

Any residents that would like to join the Redding Garden Club and others in the community by contributing to the Norwalk River Valley Trail system, can send donations via check to: Friends of the NRVT, Inc., PO Box 174, Georgetown, CT 06829. Credit card and PayPal donations may also be made online at http://www.nrvt-trail.com.

Please write “Redding Implementation” on your check or online comment space.

If you would like to join the NRVT group to help as a volunteer, please contact Stuart Green by email: shgreen@optonline.net.

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Dr. George Stephen Pappas, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, July 7, 2016.  He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Margaret Collotta Pappas.  

Born October 16, 1923 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Dr. Pappas was the son of local businessman Stephen Pappas and Calliope Tsolis.  After graduating from Poughkeepsie High School, he enrolled at Fordham University, Bronx, NY graduating with a BS in Biology.  While at Fordham, Dr. Pappas enlisted in ROTC and served as a staff sergeant in the US Air Force Transport Command in the Pacific during World War II.  

Upon completing his military service, Dr. Pappas returned to Fordham University where he completed a Master of Science degree.  He began his 40 year career as an educator at Iona College as the first lay professor teaching Biology.  During his tenure at  Iona College, he served as Chairman of the Biology Department, Vice President and acting President. He was awarded his Ph.D. in Biology by New York University in 1960.  Among his many professional achievements, Dr. Pappas was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship Grant to develop and endocrine laboratory at Ain Shams University Medical College in Cairo Egypt. He served several terms  as president of MACUB, the Metropolitan Association of College and University Biologists. Dr. Pappas also chaired the institute of the National Science Foundation at Iona College whereby students and professors alike could receive masters degrees in Biology, Chemistry and Physics. He authored a textbook on histology and has published many articles in scientific journals.

Dr. Pappas is survived by his loving wife Margaret and his three children, Linda Pappas Funsch of Frederick, Maryland, Stephen George Pappas of St Simons Island, Georgia and Elizabeth Pappas Bortz of Ridgefield, Connecticut. He will be missed by his nine grandchildren Andrew Funsch, Alexandra Funsch Croyle, Catherine Funsch Wood, Jacqueline Pappas Newberry, Elizabeth Pappas, Stephanie Pappas, Christina Bortz Mikolasko, Matthew Bortz and Gregory Bortz as well as his 5 great grand children, Thomas Wood, James Wood, Peyton Funsch, Mia Funsch, and Zara Newberry.

Dr. Pappas and his wife Margaret were experienced world travelers.  He was avid reader, enjoyed nature photography and was an enthusiastic boater.

His happiest moments were the time he spent with family at his beach house in Southampton.

Dr. Pappas, a brilliant and kind man, will be missed by his family, colleagues and his many friends.

The Rite of Burial will take place on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 11:30 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church: 10 Mill Road; New Rochelle, NY. Interment will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery; Hastings on Hudson, NY.

Friends will be received on Sunday, July 10, 2016 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street, Ridgefield.

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Not everyone associates thrift shops with fashion, but if you are familiar with the Ridgefield Thrift Shop you know better!  We love fashion, and thanks to our well-dressed donors we have quality clothes to offer you.

Desigual is in the shop!  Desigual is a high-quality Spanish brand known for its trendy patchwork designs, intense prints, graffiti art and flamboyant splashes of color.  We have a knee length coat that fits this description perfectly with red, black, silver and gold. (Size 42; US size large.)  We also have a Desigual extra-large blue zipped hoodie with patchwork pockets and design.

Christian Louboutin also made a visit this week!  Christian Louboutin is a French luxury footwear and fashion designer whose footwear incorporates shiny, red-lacquered soles that have become his signature.  If you wear a size 10, step quickly to the Thrift Shop for a lightly worn pair of black patent-leather pumps.

Make a fashion statement with quality purchases from The Ridgefield Thrift Shop.  Visit us Monday – Friday from 12 – 4 and Saturday from 10 – 1 at 15 Catoonah Street.  We also welcome your donations during these times.

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Boy Scouts from Troop 76 took to the rapids on the New River in West Virginia as part of their Really Big, Big Trip which also included two days at The Summit High Adventure Camp. Scouts had to complete a minimum of 12 hours of community service to qualify. Pictured are Tommy Keavney, Conor Hankla, Lucas Kaye, Vivek Bagal, Logan Ambraz, Evan Kaye, and assistant scoutmasters Steve Kaye and Mark Hankla.
 
 

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Interns Gabe Altopp, Colin Storm, Jeffrey Storm, and Peter Halmos planted dawn redwoods that will reach this size some day.

Nell Kane with chicken signage.

Ridgefield High School interns Nell Kane, Gabe Altopp, Peter Halmos, and Colin and Jeffrey Storm completed an internship recently at the Garden of Ideas. Kane crafted new signage for the garden, and the boys removed invasive plants, added new trees to the dawn redwood grove, planted potatoes, tomatoes and onions, and pulled a weed or two. Friends of the Garden of Ideas, a 501c-3 non-profit dedicated to maintaining and improving the Garden of Ideas, a garden sanctuary open to the public 365 days of the year at 653 North Salem Road, thanked the interns for their hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication. “We are grateful for the intern program,” said Joseph Keller, founder and board president. “The Garden of Ideas would not be as beautiful as it is without the help of the interns.”

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Rotary Club of Ridgefield Sunrise officers for 2016-17 were sworn in Tuesday, June 28. From left: Foundation Officer Ken Wipperman, outgoing Assistant District Governor Larry Gardner, past president and incoming Secretary Geri Blair, incoming President Barbara Lane, Treasurer Keith Miller, and incoming Assistant District Governor Rich Vazzana. The club does a monthly food drive to support the Ridgefield Food Pantry, and supports other local organizations. They meet on Tuesday mornings at the Lounsbury House. More information is available from Lane 203-417-8170.

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Weir Farm National Historic Site is offering a free workshop for teen (13-18) artists on Saturday, July 16, from 10 to 4.

The workshop will be taught by Impressionist artist and instructor Dmitri Wright, who will lecture and demonstrate how to capture light and color from an impressionist’s perspective.

Participants must have a basic understanding of their selected art form, bring their own art supplies, and be able to handle their equipment for plein air fieldwork and in the studio.

This workshop is the third in a series to be offered at Weir Farm. To register, contact Cydonie Fukami at 203-834-1896, x28.

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