Lodi Kysor

Lodi Cann Kysor, who had been the first woman chairman of the Board of Education, died on her 91st birthday in Richmond, Va., after a prolonged illness.

She was born on June 16, 1922, in Corey, La., to William Derwood Cann,Sr. and Lodi DeSeay Cann.

In November 1970, Mrs. Kysor was elected the first woman chair of the Ridgefield school Board. A Democrat, she served on the board from 1966 to 1973, during which time her main interest was the average student. “We do a lot for smart children, and for children who have trouble in school, but are we doing enough for our most numerous ‘middle’?” she asked in 1970. “I think there’s a lot of untapped brainpower there.”

Mrs. Kysor also served as president of the Board of the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association and held the same position with the Ridgefield Library.

She belonged to P.E.O.,  the Caudatowa Garden Club, and the Commission on Aging.

“She enjoyed golf, gardening, needlework, bridge, and dancing with her beloved husband, Harley D. Kysor, Sr. who died in 2002,” her family said.

She is survived by her daughter, Lodi “Dee” Kysor (George Crafts) and her son, H. Dane Kysor, Jr., all of Richmond, Va. She is also survived by granddaughter Jennifer Lodi Hebrank and her husband, Andy, and great-grandchildren, Sam and Maisie Rose Hebrank, all of Buffalo, NY. She is also survived by her sister Sara Cane and numerous nieces and nephews all of Baton Rouge, La.

In addition she is survived by her caregiver of 12 years, Magalie Jean Charles and Magalie’s son, Kervans. She was predeceased her brothers, Clinton McGee, William Derwood Cann, Jr. and Frederick A. Cann.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, June 25, at 3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 11105 Cauthorne Rd., Glen Allen, Va. 23059.

A small service will also be held in Ridgefield at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Visiting Nurses Association of Ridgefield or the Ridgefield Library.

Here are some of the stories and features in this week’s Ridgefield Press, out today in print and e-edition.

• About 415 seniors are expected to graduate in ceremonies Friday, and party later at “Ride the Wave.”
• A surprising number of Ridgefielders are living below the poverty line. How can and does the town help them?
• Efforts are afoot to establish a new tennis club, perhaps at the town-owned Schlumberger site.
• As summer arrives, so does the annual Firemen’s Carnival — next week.
• On its 30th anniversary, Appalachia Service Project veterans reflect on how it’s more than a mission trip.
• State police are continuing their investigation of the shooting in Ridgebury.
• Murph talks about NBA player Jason Collins and how his story might influence younger athletes.
• A Marine reflects on an incident 60 years ago in war-torn Korea that lifted his heart.
• Most zoners are looking favorably on a multifamily zone for some of the town’s Schlumberger land.
• Rotary Citizen of the Year Sarah Bouissou tells why she is “living the dream.”
• That was no ordinary kitten in the road.
• A Ridgefielder tells why she was glad a cop stopped her and gave her a ticket.
• Did you know that Ridgefield once extended well into New York State and as far north as New Fairfield?
• Two former RHS golf stars adjust to playing at UConn.
• A Ridgefield author tells why he wanted to write a book about Cass Gilbert, and why it’s different.
• The Molly Tango Memorial Foundation’s recent luncheon raised $47,000 to help special-needs families.
• The library is closing Sundays for the summer.
• The police are looking for job applicants.
• A Ridgefielder wants to help people eat healthily, and is willing to work with restaurants on healthy menus.
• Scotts Ridge Middle School is using a peer counseling program.
• The Nissan Armada is a rugged gas guzzler with fine manners, says our reviewer.
• The Ridgefield Press is on Facebook — become one of more than 1,470 friends and get news updates. Facebook.com/RidgefieldPress.
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A 20-unit affordable housing proposed at the corner Governor Street and Prospect Ridge Road had its public hearing continued until July 23 after very limited discussion.

The project, by developer Stephen Zemo, had been substantially reworked based on feedback from the commission’s “peer review” engineering consultants, and from commission members at a site walk. The new drawings were only available in a preliminary form.

Still, the hearing began on Tuesday night, June 18, and attorney Robert Jewell offered to at least start the presentation.

Commission Vice Chairman Patrick Walsh was very uncomfortable hearing a presentation without full, completed plans for commission members to look at.

A similar attempt to be accommodating and move procedures along had led to problems with the North Street affordable housing application that was denied and has now been appealed to court, he said.

The commission also declined Mr. Jewell’s offer to have the applicant’s traffic consultant make his presentation, since he will likely not be able to make the July 23 meeting and the traffic report would be minimally affected by the revisions to the plan.

Several neighbors turned out and two spoke.

“Traffic does change in town,” said George Dinisi of Governor Street, urging the commission not to short-change its own process by having the hearing before everything was ready.

Tom Montanari, who owns a nearby property but lives out of town, said he’d never received the required written notice of the hearing. The commission’s records showed it had been delivered to whoever rents the house.

Construction of a footbridge connecting the town’s recreation center property with the sidewalks in the Copps Hill area were expected to begin this week.

“The bid’s been awarded. They’re ready to start,” First Selectman Rudy Marconi said.

The footbridge project was approved by the Inland Wetlands Board on Tuesday night. Town Engineer Charles Fisher described the project.

“The town proposes to build a pedestrian bridge over the Ridgefield Brook, or Norwalk River,” he said, “the purpose of which is to connect the parks and rec center with the rest of town, via sidewalks.”

The footbridge will parallel the road bridge that carries Route 35 over the stream.

Nagy Brothers of Monroe won the contract with a low bid of $156,900.

“They’ve been around a long time. They have good reputation,” Mr. Marconi said.

The town received 11 bids other bids ranging from $159,000 to $320,000 on the project. The bridge construction is to be financed with money for the Local Capital Improvement Project (LOCIP) grant that Ridgefield, like other towns, receives from the state each year. Most years Ridgefield uses the annual grant for sidewalk work.

From left: Bob Perry, the late Gayle’s husband; Birgitta Stone the League of Women Voters president; Bruce Perry, Gayle’s son, and Elizabeth Knapp Perry. They’re holding books the league is donating to the library “in loving memory” of Gayle: Photographs of the Civil War, Women who Dared to Vote and A Century of Struggle. —Macklin Reid photo

The Ridgefield League of Women Voters annual luncheon meeting at Bernard’s June 7 was dedicated to the memory of longtime league member Gayle Perry, who died last year at the age of 76.

Her family members and friends gathered to tell stories of Ms. Perry’s extensive involvement with the Ridgefield League dating to 1976.

She served on the board for many years as finance chair, public relations chair, and historian.

She managed the mock elections at Ridgefield High School for many years

Ms. Perry was custodian of the 100-year-old “Equal Franchise League” banner, which was created during the campaign for women’s right to vote, and she was seen marching with the banner in Ridgefield’s 300th anniversary parade.

Birgitta Stone, league president, presented the Perry family with three books regarding the league, which will be donated in her memory to the Ridgefield Library.

Frank Trombetto

Frank J. Trombetto, 42, of Southbury died Friday, June 14th, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Kimberly (Kabasakalian) Trombetto. He fought a courageous seven-month battle with cancer and was a wonderful loving husband and devoted father.

Frank was born July 9, 1970, in Stamford, son of Frank J. and Marilyn (Olsen) Trombetto, Jr. He was a graduate of Bethel High School, received his bachelors degree from Western CT State College in Danbury and earned his masters degree from Fairfield University.

He worked in finance at General Electric in Danbury until his illness.

He was very involved in his children’s sports and coached youth baseball, soccer and softball. He also served on the Southbury Youth Baseball Board of Directors.

Besides his wife of nearly 16 years and his parents of Woodbury, he leaves his two children, Allyson Caroline and Anthony Frank; his grandmother, Anna Trombetto of Newtown; one sister, Amy Nichols and her family of Cincinnati, OH;; mother and father-in-law, Nancy and Harry Kabasakalian of Ridgefield, brothers-in-law, Gregory Kabasakalian Sr., and wife Colette and son Greg Jr.; and Daniel Kabasakalian and wife Stacey and daughter, Madeline; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves behind his loving faithful dog, Bella. He is pre-deceased by two children, Caroline Elizabeth and Frank J. IV.

The family would like to thank the staff of Dr. Michael Cohenuram of Praxair Cancer Center in Danbury, and Masonicare Home Health & Hospice of Newtown for the compassion and wonderful care given to Frank. Kim would also like to acknowledge her wonderful family and friends for their love and support during this most difficult time.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, June 18 at 10:00 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main Street South, Southbury. Burial was in Pine Hill Cemetery, Southbury. Calling hours were Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. in the daily chapel of Sacred Heart Church.

Arrangements by Carpino Funeral Home, Southbury. For online condolences, please visit www.carpinofuneralhome. com

Memorial contributions may be made to The Trombetto Children’s Fund, c/o Carpino Funeral Home, 750 Main Street South, Southbury, CT 06488

(Marine Corps League Chaplain Truitt gave this talk at Flag Day ceremonies last Friday at the Community Center.)

Across our land today, people are speaking from front steps and bandstands about what the flag symbolizes for them. I am proud to be part of that tradition.

Sixty years ago this month, I was sitting on a small, narrow-gauge railroad car gradually making its way north out of Walmi-do, on the western coast of Korea, up the peninsula toward the war.

Just that morning I had left my transport ship by climbing down a rope net into a landing craft that delivered me to shore. In a sense, I was recreating a scene from a John Wayne movie from World War II. We wore those dark green helmets and ponchos that seem so ancient now, with field packs that look too heavy for one man to carry.

I was a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps — one of those guys about whom it was said that once we got into combat, we had 28 seconds to live. I had managed to get signed up and into officer school before that piece of news reached my mother.

I had spent much of my childhood on a farm near Hobart, Ind. This was a town something like Ridgefield in the sense that serious patriotism bubbled over whenever it had the chance. Old Glory was everywhere. On Memorial Day and on Independence Day, flags flew from porches and on poles for the entire length of Main Street.

But now, back on the train, I was removed from everything familiar. I was headed for an infantry platoon, dug in near the Imjin River.

Also in the train were two groups of Marines headed to other assignments, but I didn’t know them. I looked out at an endless stream of rice paddies being tended by farmers with big hats and big hoes.

Over there was an ox pulling a plow and over here a farm truck grinding along a dirt road that followed the tracks. My reflection in the window showed a guy wearing brown camouflage dungarees. Everything seemed to be brown.

Time dragged along, but the train finally pulled into Munsan-ni, the railhead and the farthest north it could go.

I needed to make the short walk to a Marine Corps supply detachment where I would stay overnight. The next morning, a jeep would take me to the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Marine Regiment, somewhere in the hills still farther north. I made my way along narrow streets through the small town of Munsan-ni.

I passed close to a characteristic brown slab-sided Korean house with its pastel blue front door and its roof fashioned from bundles of grass. Two windows were set at each side of the front door. Showing clearly in one window was — look at that! — an American flag draped from a gold stick, sitting on the window’s ledge.

My flag! Here in Munsan-ni, so removed from my own world, was my own proud flag, standing proudly in its reds, whites and blues. It cleared away my haunting sense of lonesome isolation and jerked me back to being me again — an upbeat young guy from the States there to do a job.

Who was inside and why had they displayed the flag, I wondered? I didn’t stop to ask.

Had I done so, I might have discovered that the family wanted to honor American troops who were fighting for their freedom. Perhaps the daughter had married a Marine and moved to California. Maybe the woman had fallen for Van Johnson or the guy was a Red Sox fan.

I don’t know. What I do know, however, is that the vision of the Stars and Stripes jumped out at me, alive in its bright, familiar colors. It took me back to Hobart, Ind., and to the patriotic values I had learned there. It quickened my step and jolted me with renewed sense of purpose.

Perhaps it wasn’t June 14 — I don’t remember. But it was Flag Day for me, right there on that drab, dusty Korean street where I was on my way to join thousands of other American troops fighting for freedom and for that inspiring banner that we celebrate today.

Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is cautioning about possible unsafe water conditions in Connecticut’s rivers and streams due to recent heavy rains throughout the state.

Many of Connecticut’s rivers and streams are experiencing higher than normal water levels and faster than normal currents, so anyone near the water or planning to go into the water needs to be aware of the conditions and use caution.

“This weekend’s weather forecast is for beautiful weather and we encourage everyone to get out and safely enjoy Connecticut’s outdoors,” said DEEP Deputy Commissioner Susan Whalen.

“Unfortunately, we have had incidents in recent days where people have been tubing or rafting on a fast-moving river and have gone missing.  The state has experienced heavy rains in recent days, which mean that our rivers and streams are high and running fast, so everyone near the water needs to be extra careful.”

Canoeists and kayakers should scout all waterways before attempting to run the swollen rivers or streams.

Waterways may have dramatically changed since the last time it was traveled due to high water, strong currents, and moved debris.

Debris in swift moving water may catch a boat and force it and its passengers under the water, causing serious injuries or drowning.

Boaters on larger bodies of water and especially on rivers should also keep a sharp eye out – debris may lay just under the surface of the water and can be very difficult to spot in the muddied waters.

Tubing and rafting safety tips:

• DEEP strongly recommends that everyone wear a life jacket – Connecticut law requires children under the age of 13 wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
• Avoid consuming alcohol while engaging in water-related outdoor activities.
• Know how to swim if entering the water.
• Know the condition of the water and know your abilities – if there is any doubt about the water conditions – do not go.
• Wear water shoes – especially if the waterbody is known to be rocky.
• Never raft alone and always let someone know where you are going to and where and when you plan to return.
• Check the weather forecast for your area and for areas upstream before departing for your trip.

Basic water safety tips:

• Learn to swim. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim.
• Never swim alone – always enter the water accompanied by a companion.
• Supervise children at all times – even at areas with lifeguards.
• Select an area that has good water quality and safe natural conditions.

For general information on boating safety, visit the DEEP website’s Boating and Safety Education page as well as DEEP’s Facebook page Boating in Connecticut.

A mural featuring a tiger on a surfboard welcomes the class of 2013 at the Rec Center, where 415 graduating seniors will participate in this year’s post-grad party. The theme of the party is “Ride the Wave to Your Success.” The doors open at 10 p.m. Friday and the party lasts until 3:30 a.m. Saturday. —Steve Coulter photo

High school graduation — a commemoration of what has happened the last four years while looking ahead to what the next four hold — is an event unlike any other.

Ridgefield High School’s class of 2013 will celebrate its past and future when some 415 seniors graduate tomorrow afternoon at WestConn’s O’Neill Center, off Mill Plain Road in Danbury.

“The last four years have been chock full of memories — full of excitement and chances to grow,” said Student Government President Sam Gravitte. “It’s a surreal feeling that we will be graduating and it’s almost unbelievable we won’t be back in the halls of RHS next year.

“At the same time, we are incredibly excited and ready to take the next step in our lives — we are looking forward to the next chapter.”

Mr. Gravitte added that “staff members at the school have said our class has one of the biggest personalities they’ve seen. We are real fun to be around and we are real personable and that will help us achieve a lot.”

The graduates are more than just brains and brawn — they can sing, dance and act.

“Over their four years at Ridgefield High School, the class of 2013 has continued to demonstrate their commitment to academics, athletics, the arts and their community,” said a statement from class faculty advisers Jennifer DeJulio and Molly Kreitz. “From the Tiger’s Lair, to Les Miserables, to Relay for Life, they are truly a well-rounded and spirited group. They have accomplished a great deal together as a class and we know their success will continue on in the next chapter of their lives.”

Graduation starts at 4 p.m. with doors opening at 3. Seniors should arrive no later than 3:30 and enter by Gate 3. Guests are advised to use Gate 1.

No tickets are needed to get in, but to ensure there’s enough seating each graduate is asked to limit guests at the ceremony to four.

The ceremony will include thoughts from Valedictorian Stanley Cai, Class President Jeanne Jacullo and Class Speaker Timothy Ranney.

For their faculty speaker, the class chose English teacher Teri Kovacs.

Bagpiper Terrance Shay will lead the processional into the ceremony, and the Symphonic Orchestra will play Pomp and Circumstance and The Star-Spangled Banner.

The Graduation Choir, with soloist Elizabeth D’Aiuto, will sing There You’ll Be by Diane Warren.

After the speakers, Assistant Principal Stephanie Parker will award honorary diplomas, RHS Principal Stacey Gross will certify the class, Superintendent Deborah Low will accept the class, and Board of Education member Irene Burgess will lead the awarding of diplomas to seniors.

“The class of 2013 is enthusiastic, intelligent, outgoing, athletic and civic minded,” Dr. Gross said. “As a class, and as individuals, they should be proud of all they’ve accomplished. I am confident they will experience much success as they the worlds of post-secondary education or work.

“I wish them much happiness and luck as they pursue their future dreams.”

Ms. Jacullo will lead graduates in turning the tassels.

The orchestra will play La Rejouissance by G.F. Handel for the recessional.

Post-graduation party

Boogie boards, kites and sandcastles highlight the PTSA’s post-graduation party, which is free to all 2013 RHS graduates and starts at 10 tomorrow night. All graduates must be in the Rec Center by 10:30 to get in.

The party includes carnival games, obstacle courses, and a raffle.

The theme for this year’s celebration is “Ride the Wave of Your Success.” The goal is to make the Rec Center look like a beach with boardwalks, shipwrecks and umbrellas.

The PTSA members went as far to get a mechanical shark for students to ride and a Wipe Out-themed game for them to play.

“The post-grad party has become a staple of graduation and part of the graduating tradition here and we want that to continue,” said Michelle Sullivan, who is co-chairing the event with Steve Scott and Allison Dyson.

She advises the graduates to bring their ID to enter the Rec Center and a bathing suit and a towel to swim in the pool.

The party ends at 3:30 Saturday morning, and grads must stay until then to win grand prizes, which include televisions, Apple gift cards, and iPads.

“The grand prizes give the graduates an incentive to stay here the entire night,” Ms. Sullivan said.

The prizes were donated or purchased with funds donated to the PTSA.

Among the activities are some that have been big hits with past graduates, including the money cube, where kids get inside as play money blows around and they grab what they can get.

“The cube remains one of our most popular games,” Ms. Sullivan said. “The money they grab is ‘Tiger Money’ which is good trade in for the raffle.”

Also returning to the party is a 30-foot inflatable obstacle course, an inflatable boxing ring and a remote control racing track.

“It’s always fun to watch a boyfriend and girlfriend in the boxing ring with the oversized, inflatable gloves,” Ms. Sullivan said.

In addition to the mechanical shark and the Wipe Out game, there will be a new game called “Tug ‘n’ Dunk,” where two people will be tied together by a bungee cord and will pull in opposite directions with the goal of dunking a basketball into a miniature-sized hoop.

The night won’t be all fun and games, though. The League of Women Voters will join the party for the second consecutive year with the plan of alerting students about their civic duties as adults and setting them up for absentee ballots while they’re away at college.

In case anyone gets hungry, there will be plenty of food for all from Genoa, Ancona’s and Chez Lénard, which are all catering the event. Pepsi donated all the drinks for the party and the Cake Box contributed desserts.

The post-grad party will involve the efforts of 150 volunteers — 10 fewer than the PTSA had last year. Among the volunteers will be parents of children who are graduating, parents of children who have already graduated and even some recent graduates.

Ms. Sullivan added that the post-grad party was in need of support and invited the town to come to Rec Center from 1 to 7 p.m. Friday to look at what the volunteers have done and why the party is such a big hit among the graduates.

“We have seen some waning support for both funds and volunteers and we really would like the community to see our efforts,” she said.

Volunteers are advised to park at Ridgefield Bank, where they will be shuttled to the Rec Center.

Al Ferlazzo, a former Ridgefielder, died on June 15,  in Brooklyn, N.Y., after a short illness. He was 70 years old.

Mr. Ferlazzo was born on Nov. 24, 1942, in Brooklyn,  and graduated from Brooklyn Tech High School, Tufts University and the Wharton School of Business.

He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War.

Mr. Ferlazzo lived  in Ridgefield from 1977 to 2001 and  had worked for Xerox. He was active in the First Congregational Church of Ridgefield.

An avid sailor he had belonged to the Sprite Island in Norwalk and Noroton Yacht Club, Darien.

He is survived by his mother, Marie, of Brooklyn and his children, Chris Ferlazzo of Portland, Oregon and Amy Ferlazzo of Seattle, Washington;  his grandchildren James Ferlazzo and Nathaniel Good-Ferlazzo.

Suzanne Hay Patafio of Ridgefield, an x-ray technician,  died Tuesday, June 18. She was 48 years old and the wife of Clement Patafio.

Ms. Patafio was born July 4, 1964, in Greenwich to Michael Hay and Catherine Budinoff Hay.  She was educated at Our Lady of Mercy Grammar School and graduated from Port Chester High School in 1983.

She also graduated from Stamford Hospital School of Radiology and had worked as an x-ray technician.

She was married June 4, 1988 to Clement Patafio and they had formerly lived in Rye Brook, N.Y.

Besides her husband of 25 years, and her parents, she is survived by daughters Sarah Louise Patafio and Caroline Vanessa Patafio, both of Ridgefield;  brothers Michael Hay, Jr. of Port Chester, N.Y., and Robert Hay of Norfolk, Va.; and by three nieces.

She was the daughter-in law-of Clem and Nettie Patafio and sister-in-law of Joy Patafio.

Visitation will be Monday, June 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Craft Memorial Home, Inc.,  40 Leicester Street, Port Chester, N.Y.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 25, at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 260 Westchester Ave., Port Chester.

Committal service will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Meals on Wheels 25 Gilbert St., Ballard Green, Ridgefield, CT 06877

Floating zone, anyone? It’s worth a look.

Plans for redeveloping the Elms Inn property as a residential village have been withdrawn and will be resubmitted as a floating zone, a concept that’s sometimes controversial. In this case that basic idea — all the specifics aren’t public yet — seems sound, should be considered, and might be worthy of broader application.

A floating zone is a regulation that isn’t anchored to a spot on the zoning map, as most zones are, but exists in the regulation book as a possibility. Property owners may apply to use the regulation to develop their land — if it meets a list of criteria specified in the regulation.

In taking this tack, the Elms owners seek to solve some of the problems of developing their property under the town’s multifamily regulation, while preserving the historic buildings on the site and the look that greets passersby on Main Street.

They’re also following the advice the consultant hired to review technical aspects of their original proposal for the Planning and Zoning Commission.

And while Elms developers are focused on their own site and appear to want to keep the discussion there, consultant Nicole Burnham of Milone and MacBroom outlined a broader vision.

“We understand that The Elms is a unique property where its current use may be economically obsolete and the change in land use may be deemed by the commission to be beneficial for the town,” she wrote. “It is likely that a similar argument could be made for several other historic properties on Main Street where a change to some other use would improve the economic viability while maintaining the character of Ridgefield.”

It went unsaid, but part of the economic picture she describes is the pressure from the recent spate of high-density development proposals around north Main Street under the state’s 8-30g affordable housing statute.

Having a floating zone that creates a controlled means toward some kind of apartment or condominium development, while preserving older buildings — and perhaps with an “affordable” component, at less than the state’s 30% requirement — might be means to relieve some of the seemingly relentless push toward uncontrolled high-density development.

And that’s an argument for giving a floating zone proposal serious consideration, despite the concerns the concept sometimes stirs up.

Honey tasting and book signing at Books on the Common

Marina Marchese, owner of Red Bee Artisanal Honey in Weston, will offer tastings of Red Bee honey and sign copies of her new book, The Honey Connoisseur, recently published by Black Dog & Leventhal, at Books on the Common on Friday, June 28, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The new book includes explanations on the origin and flavor of more than 30 varietals of honey from alfalfa to ulmo, wine and cheese pairings, and several simple, delicious recipes featuring honey.

The book explains terroir, or the way soil, weather and other natural phenomena can affect the taste of honey. Terroir is a familiar concept to wine lovers, but has not been widely associated with honey until now.

Treats to enjoy with the honey will be provided by No. 109 Cheese & Wine, and Ross’ Bread, both businesses in The Marketplace at Copps Hill Common.

This event is co-sponsored by the Ridgefield Library.

Call Books on the Common at 203-431-9100 or email Info@BooksontheCommon.com for more information.

Preschool program has logo contest

Enrichment on Main is holding a contest for a logo design for its new business website to be launched this fall. A prize of a $250 gift card will be given to the winning entry.

Key aspects of the design are that it should be bright and colorful. All entries should be submitted by July 15 by e-mail to CustomerService@EnrichmentonMain.com.

In partnership with The Jesse Lee Day School, Enrichment on Main is a preschool enrichment program at 207 Main Street. Programs explore topics such as art, literature, math, cooking and science to enrich and expand learning for children ages 3 to 6.

Jones joins insurance firm

Robert Jones has been appointed vice president of commercial lines and marketing at Fairfield County Bank Insurance Services in Ridgefield.

Mr. Jones has more than 30 years of experience, starting his career in risk management and later working on the brokerage side. He has been a producer, risk consultant, sales manager, division leader and agency co-founder. Most recently, he was vice president at PMC Insurance Group.

Mr. Jones received a bachelor of science from the University of Hartford and is a veteran of the United States Army. He lives in Danbury, with his wife Beverly Jones.

Three school security capital items — access control, cameras and mass notification — will be voted on by the Board of Education Monday night.

However, if the board passes the $851,113 purchase, the items will still have to face approval from the Board of Finance as well as a town meeting, according to Section 10-2 of the town’s charter.

In addition, a copy of any such request must be sent to the Board of Selectmen.

The Board of Finance then has 15 days to decide both the amount and where the money would come from for these “additional appropriation” items.

If approved, the Board of Finance would need to schedule a town meeting to get approval to provide the additional appropriations.

The request will not come as a surprise. The boards of Finance, Education, and Selectmen have been working together on the school security capital items for a couple of months.

“While I can’t speak for the other members of my board, the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance have been discussing these capital requests, in which case, the money would come from 20-year bonds — as will the $3.7 million of capital items approved by votes in May,” said Board of Finance Chairman Dave Ulmer.

Mr. Ulmer said there was an additional source of the money — the General Fund surplus, which has been used for taxpayer relief at budget time.

However, this money is meant to be a “rainy day fund in case of unexpected operating expense overruns in Board of Selectmen or Board of Education budgets.”

It has been more than a decade since the General Fund surplus was last requested, according to Mr. Ulmer.

The School Security Committee recommended the three capital items to the Board of Education at a meeting on June 10.

Craig Tunks, the district’s director of information and operations development, presented the items and what they would include.

Access control, which includes new “two-barrier” doors, will cost $374,207, including the $154,204 cost of replacing locks on both exterior and interior doors.

Security cameras, which Mr. Tunks said police can access immediately during a state of emergency, will cost $325,906.

The mass notification system, which is intended to notify everyone in the school and “reduce response time to increase safety,” will cost $151,000, including the $31,000 cost of new announcement speakers.

All three items, if approved for purchase, could be installed over the summer before school starts again in late August.

The 2013 Citizen of the Year Sarah Bouissou with Ridgefield Rotary Club President Bill Wyman: “Things fell into place and it happened for us,” she said of her and her husband, Bernard. “I couldn’t be happier that it did.” —Scott Mullin photo

Sarah Bouissou’s fantasy has become a reality.

When she first met her husband Bernard more than 25 years ago, they envisioned what their lives would be like together. 

“Our fantasy was owning a restaurant and having our house be on the property,” she said. “The second part of that dream was having four kids and being a part of small town community that we could give back to.” 

“We are living the dream and then some.” 

Ms. Bouissou, who moved to Ridgefield in 2000 with her husband and her four girls, received the Rotary Club’s Citizen of the Year award during a celebration dinner Wednesday, June 12, at the Silver Spring Country Club.

“We have such a wonderful community — it’s important that we all help out and do our part of living in this great town,” she said. “It’s hard to choose what to do here because there’s so much to love about this town.”

She said receiving the award felt funny at first, because it meant there would be a celebration dinner where she would have to be the center of attention.

“My fear was that I would get there and no one would be there,” Ms. Bouissou explained.

She has many years of service to the Ridgefield community, including working with the Ridgefield Playhouse, the Keeler Tavern and the Lounsbury House, catering events for parties from 10 to 1,000 people.

However, her first interest in community service came through music, helping the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra.

Most recently, Ms. Bouissou participated in Danbury Hospital’s Rx for Fashion and hosted the spelling bee for the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association.

“She is one who exemplifies the Rotary motto, ‘Service Above Self,’” said Bill Wyman of Rotary. “Sarah’s ability to give back to the community matches the quality she and her husband, Bernard, deliver in their professional lives.”

Sen. Toni Boucher also spoke at the event, adding her praise.

Ms. Bouissou’s brother, Kerry Cannon, also spoke and her mother, Martha Talburt, read a poem to the crowd.

When the speaking concluded, Ms. Bouissou’s daughters, Gabrielle and Madeleine, performed a duet together. Her youngest, Pauline, sang and played the guitar for the audience before daughter Juliette delivered the closing speech.

“It was a little surreal, but it was lovely and special evening,” Ms. Bouissou said. “My face hurt from smiling so much — I’m still smiling from it.”

The 2012 award winner, Debbie Hayes of Colonial Cleaners, presented Ms. Bouissou with the award and she gave thanks to the Rotary Club and her family.

“I’m truly humbled by the honor,” she said.

The Bouissous’ restaurant, Bernard’s, has been noted as one of Zagat’s Top 10 Restaurants in Connecticut.

The restaurant donates dinners throughout the year for special events.

Last Saturday, Ms. Bouissou’s husband, Bernard, made a special cake for Keeler Tavern’s 300th anniversary, a shining example of how the couple has been able to impact the small town they always envisioned themselves living in.

When asked how she was able to make her dream become a reality, Ms. Bouissou’s answer is simple: “Things fell into place and it happened for us. I couldn’t be happier that it did.”

Wayne Marthaler

Wayne Arthur “Marth” Marthaler, a former Ridgefielder, died Sunday, June 16, in Goodyear, Ariz. He was 77 years old.

The youngest of three children, Mr. Marthaler was born Feb. 15, 1936 in Chicago, Ill., son of the late Art and Mabel Marthaler.  He earned an undergraduate degree in physical education from the University of Illinois and a master’s in business administration from Northwestern University.  He met Patricia Ann “Tess” Tesar  at the University of Illinois and were married in 1961.

Mr. Marthaler had a long  career with Dixie Corporation and subsequently Georgia Pacific Corporation, and had lived in Ridgefield for 15 years. He and his wife retired and moved to Goodyear where he was an active volunteer at the local hospital and taught English as a Second Language.

The Marthalers were also active in their community at Pebble Creek and at The Church at Litchfield Park.  He enjoyed travel,  golf and spending time with family and friends.

Mr. Marthaler is survived by his two sons, Todd and Tyler Marthaler; a sister, Barbara Marthaler Gephardt; and four grandchildren, Tessa, Emma, Sam, and Lucy; and companion Janet Edwards.  He was preceded in death by his wife and sister Nancy (Marthaler) Stark.

A memorial service was held at The Church at Litchfield Park on Thursday, June 20.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Autism Speaks or the American Cancer Society.

Condolences can be sent to www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com.  Arrangements were handled by Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear.

The notion of a “golden mean” or “middle way” dates to ancient times and was postulated as a foundation of morality and wisdom by Greek philosophers, Gautama Buddha, Confucius and St. Thomas Aquinas, among many others.

Aristotle identified “virtue” as the optimal alternative to the two extremes of “deficiency” and “excess.” For example, Aristotle considered “bravery” the virtuous alternative to cowardice (deficiency) and recklessness (excess). Ancient thinkers did not conceive of “virtue” as an average between extremes, but rather as an optimal measure or amount of a thing, owing to its unique circumstances and characteristics. They conceived the task of identifying virtue as a disciplined exercise that required complete fealty to context and truth.

Contemporary American discourse often seems possessed of a distorted version of the golden mean, an ersatz “fool’s gold” substitute that conceals, rather than illuminates, context and truth. Supposedly serious pundits routinely bemoan discord, but only superficially engage in substantive assessments of better and worse options, or the relative merits of opposing positions.

On any question, lack of consensus is reflexively characterized as either an equal failing of both “sides” to the disagreement, or an open question for which the evidence is ambiguous. Major news outlets copiously “report the controversy” and enthusiastically assess the effectiveness of each rival’s talking points in moving public opinion, but expend relatively little effort to actually evaluate the truth and validity of competing claims.

Thus, despite overwhelming consensus among scientists that climate change is real, primarily caused by human activity and dangerous, national news outlets continue to report the misinformed rants of climate change deniers and industry-paid advocates with the same deference as they report the findings of the most robust, vigorous, comprehensive and extensively peer-reviewed studies documenting the cause and effects of climate change.

Likewise, conventional media rarely report the widespread agreement among economists that government austerity is counterproductive in the aftermath of a financial crisis. Indeed, conventional news outlets seem to view it as somehow impolite to accurately report that most proponents of immediate fiscal austerity reside on the absolute fringes of economic thought, or that the single, credible-appearing study that purported to demonstrate the virtues of austerity has been found to contain fundamental errors which, when corrected, completely reversed the original findings.

Even more rare is any mention that since the 1970s, Republican demagoguery on the issue notwithstanding, federal government deficits have significantly worsened under Republican presidents and improved under Democratic presidents, or that during the last three years under President Obama the federal deficit has shrunk at the fastest rate in decades.

It is unknown whether pundits’ and major news outlets’ failures to report context or facts which may decisively falsify the claims of one “side” results from Aristotelian “excess,” “deficiency” or some other phenomenon. Regardless, citizens are well advised to challenge these conventions of modern punditry in order to avoid being misled by this “fool’s gold” fashion in contemporary discourse.

 The Democratic Town Committee supplies this column.

Meredith Mulhearn, right, celebrated the opening of her nutrition therapy practice, Cucumber & Chamomile, at the Chamber of Commerce office last Thursday. That Chamber executive director Marion Roth at left. —Macklin Reid photo

Braised succulent grass-fed meadow-dweller swimming a tangy sauce of…

Out to eat, menus brimming with delicious-sounding choices confront the diner. But what if someone is trying to eat healthy? Nutrition therapist Meredith Mulhearn believes she could help out.

Ms. Mulhearn is opening a nutrition therapy practice, Cucumber & Chamomile, which had a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Chamber of Commerce last Thursday. She’s also planning to enlist local restaurants in “Eat Well Ridgefield,” a free program that will make life simpler for those who want to make sure they’re eating good stuff, without giving up eating out.

“I want to be the face of healthy eating in Ridgefield,” she told an audience of friends, supporters and chamber members at last Thursday’s ribbon cutting.

Through nutrition therapy she’d like to help clients lead more healthier lives — which will become more energetic, and fulfilling lives — by better understanding and controlling what they eat.

She shares thoughts on nutrition therapy on her website, cucumberandchamomile.com.

“Nutrition Therapy is a way of life,” she writes, “designed specifically to meet your individual needs. It’s not about diets and giving up the foods you love. Instead, nutrition therapy guides you to find health and fulfillment through healing foods and a balanced lifestyle.

“Simply stated: It’s nutrition for the mind, body and spirit.

“As a nutrition therapist, I believe that nutrient-dense whole foods are inherently therapeutic.  By changing your eating habits, you can find relief from what ails you and find the energy to do everything you love in life. It’s hard to imagine how significantly your food choices impact the way you feel.”

Ms. Mulhearn says her approach will be to work with her nutrition therapy clients as individuals and  help them to create a plan that fits their life and goals — and changes as their daily lives change.

Ms. Mulhearn studied nutrition therapy through Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colo., taking courses online. She had previously been an artist, and studied art and art therapy at Wake Forest and New York University.

“I totally started over,” she said.

Eat Well Ridgefield is a program she plans to offer, both to restaurants that participate and consumers who take advantage of it.

“It’s a free service that we’re offering to restaurants. We’re doing this completely  voluntarily, and we’re not taking any money,” she said in a recent interview.

It grew from something encountered in her practice.

“One of my clients, Hannah, said ‘One of my biggest challenges is what eat when I go out.’ My challenge as a nutrition therapist is I don’t have the menu,” she said.

“From her as the customer and me as the nutritionist we’ve figured out what would work out best to help customers navigate the local restaurants, when trying to make healthy choices.”

Ms. Mulhearn has worked with First Selectman Rudy Marconi on a letter that she’ll send around, inviting restaurants to join Eat Well Ridgefield. Hannah Barber, the client whose predicament was the inspiration for the program, is serving as its coordinator.

As part of Eat Well Ridgefield Ms. Mulhearn is offering to assist with chefs designing healthy offerings, improving the ingredients in dishes now served, or simply learning about healthy menu items to see if they’re worthy of approval as an Eat Well Ridgefield meal.

“We’ll work with the restaurants,” she said. “They’ll get a decal they can put in their window saying they’re a proud participant in Eat Well Ridgefield, so it will be visible to anyone. As you walk down the street it’ll be in their window.

“And then on the menu there will be an icon that indicates which menu items we’ve approved, so that when the customer goes into the restaurant they don’t have to think about it: They know if they pick some of these menu items they’re making a healthy choice.

“The benefit to the restaurant is they get people to come and dine there that might not have dined otherwise, and they’re supporting the community by being involved an initiative that supports the health of Ridgefield and surrounding towns that come to dine here.”

She also plans to have a related blog, including a “frequently asked questions page” at EatWellRidgefield.BlogSpot.com

She has high hopes for the program, which she envisions as benefiting two groups.

It will be an easy-to-use resource for people who want to enjoy going out to eat while staying with healthy food choices.

And it can benefit the town’s business community through making Ridgefield a place people know they can come to and find restaurants with healthy choices available.

“We’ve tested the waters and everyone’s really excited,” she said.

Lee Glicklich, Alexandra Krebs, Radhika Mattoo, and Evan Barnet (left to right).

Four graduate from Greens Farms Academy

Four Ridgefielders graduated on Thursday, June 6, from Greens Farms Academy in Westport.

Honors student Evan Barnet received the Athletic Sportsmanship Award and the Science Award and will attend Georgia Institute of Technology.

Honors student Lee Glicklich received the Music Award and will attend Tufts University.

Alexandra Krebs graduated with a degree with a concentration in global studies and will attend the University of St. Andrews.

Radhika Mattoo graduated with high honors and was inducted into the Cum Laude Society. She will attend New York University.

They were part of the 83-member senior class, the largest in the school’s history.

Courtney Peckham, James Madison Univ.

Courtney Peckham

Courtney Catherine Peckham, daughter of Dennis and Dorian Peckham of Sleepy Hollow Road, graduated from James Madison University’s College of Education with a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary liberal studies and a minor in elementary education on May 4.

While at JMU, the 2009 Ridgefield High School graduate worked in the office of admissions, served as an orientation guide and a student ambassador giving tours and working with alumni to the university. She also co-chaired a Christmas benefit concert to raise money for foster children within the local community.

She will continue her education at James Madison to pursue her master’s degree in education, graduating again in May of 2014. While pursuing her degree, she will serve as the graduate assistant in the office of student activities and involvement.

Lisa Marie Girolametti, University of Scranton

Lisa Marie Girolametti

Lisa Marie Girolametti of Ridgefield, a 2013 graduate of The University of Scranton, received the Lawrence Mann Award from the university at commencement.
She was recognized for academic excellence and outstanding service alongside 67 other graduates who earned some of the nation’s most prestigious honors including Goldwater, Truman and Fulbright scholarships.

Ms. Girolametti majored in nursing at the Jesuit university. She was a resident assistant and served on the Residence Life’s selection, awards and recognition committees. She served as a member of the university’s review board and was a royal ambassador for the office of admissions.

She plans to work as a pediatric or labor and delivery nurse.

 

Graham Finklea, Quinnipiac master’s

Graham Finklea

A master of science degree in interactive media was conferred upon Graham Stewart Finklea at commencement exercises from Quinnipiac University’s School of Communications in Hamden, on May 12.

Mr. Finklea graduated with his bachelor of arts degree in English from St. Lawrence University in 2011 and Ridgefield High School in 2007. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. James N. Finklea of Prospect Ridge.

He is employed with Global Entertainment and Media (GEM) in Hamden, a video production and advertising agency for businesses and organizations.

 

Rachel E. Bangser, Univ. of Delaware

Rachel Emily Bangser

Rachel Emily Bangser graduated with a bachelor of arts degree with honors in criminal justice at the University of Delaware’s commencement ceremony May 25.

She graduated cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, the nation’s top honor societies.

While at the university, Ms. Bangser received the   Women of Promise Award, and was an active member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She studied overseas in London, and regularly volunteered at the University of Delaware Hillel.

She will be attending Syracuse University College of Law in the fall, where she will simultaneously pursue a juris doctor degree and masters in communication from the Newhouse School of Communications.

She graduated from Ridgefield High School in 2009.

 

Lisa Gabrielson, American University

Lisa Gabrielson

Lisa Gabrielson graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., on May 11. She was conferred two bachelor of arts degrees: one from the School of Communications in print journalism and the second from the College of Arts and Sciences for secondary education.

During her four years in the Washington area, Ms. Gabrielson enjoyed sailing with the the AU Sailing Club, she was an active member and served as president of the Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, and she participated in several charitable walks, runs and half marathons.

She has written numerous articles for school publications as well as several magazines, newspapers and blogs, among them Sail Magazine, USA Today/College and Sweet Lemon Magazine — Zesty Digest Blogger.

Her practicum/student teaching position took place at the Potomac School (fall of 2012) and her full-time student internship was at the Madeira School (spring of 2013) in McClean, Va.

She is the daughter of Betsy and Mark Gabrielson of Lounsbury Road.

 

Alexandra Cavalea, Fairfield University

Alexandra Marie Cavalea

Alexandra Marie Cavalea graduated summa cum laude from the Fairfield University’s Charles F. Dolan School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in finance and a double minor in French and Catholic studies. She is a 2009 graduate of Ridgefield High School.

While at the university, she was inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma and Alpha Mu Gamma honors societies and was appointed president of the Dolan School of Business Finance Club.

She attended the Redefining Investment Strategy Education conference (RISE) in Dayton, Ohio, as a participant and panelist.

She has accepted a job at an investment banking firm in New York City.

Dr. Carrie Pinchbeck, Geo. Washington M.D.

Dr. Carrie Ann Pinchbeck

Dr. Carrie Ann Pinchbeck, daughter of Marie and John Pinchbeck of Peaceable Street, received her doctor of medicine degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. on May 19.

She is a 2004 graduate of Ridgefield High School.

Dr. Pinchbeck will be doing her residency in emergency medicine at Northwestern in Chicago, Ill.

Graduating with distinction, Dr. Pinchbeck was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, the National Medical Honorary Society, Kane-King Dodek Society, the Obstetrical Honor Society, and received The Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Award.

 

Eric Seel, Canterbury School

Eric Seel

Eric Seel graduated from Canterbury School in New Milford May 28.

He is the son of Ken and Liz Seel of Standish Drive.

Mr. Seel will attend Clarkson University in the fall, majoring in engineering and business.

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We welcome news of graduates, submitted by families or the graduates themselves. For information, click here. 

The 10 acres the town wants changed to the MFDD zone common in the area near Schlumberger is the hour-glass or boot-shaped parcel north of Sunset Lane. That’s Quail Ridge at bottom right, and Casagmo at the far left and top.

Sympathetic but not swayed by neighbors’ objections, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted Tuesday to begin a two-step approval process on the town’s request for multifamily zoning on Schlumberger property.

“I think if we’re going to have some high density housing in town, that’s a very appropriate place to put it,” commissioner member Joe Fossi said.

The town’s proposal for a multifamily zone  on 10 acres off Sunset Lane had been opposed by eight of nine speakers — most of them neighbors — at a public hearing last week.

“How is it in keeping with the neighborhood?” said JoAnn Motta, who owns two houses on Sunset Lane. “It’s a blue collar working-class neighborhood of very modest homes.”

Ed Tyrrell, who isn’t a neighbor but closely follows town politics, took the argument back to the debate leading up to voters’ decision in December 2011 to spend $7 million to acquire the 45-acre former research center.

“A year and half ago we purchased the Schlumberger property so that we would control our destiny. The fear was put in the people that high density developers were about to swoop in and ruin the town,” Mr. Tyrrell told the commission.

“If you approve this zone change the town itself will become the high density developer we were told to fear.”

But after a wide-ranging discussion Tuesday night, the commission voted to have a resolution of approval drawn up on the Board of Selectmen’s petition to rezone 10 acres off Sunset Lane from a B-2 non-retail business zone to a Multifamily Dwelling Development District or “MFDD zone.”

The zone allows six units an acre, and up to eight units if a portion of them meet “affordable” standards. The commission also backed amendments to the multifamily zone’s design standards. One change, slightly toned down by the commission, would allow buildings to be three and half stories and up to 45 feet high — rather than the current two and half stories and 35 feet — if half the site remains undeveloped and the commission is convinced the flexibility improves the design.

All the draft resolutions will be drawn up by Town Planner Betty Brosius and put before the commission again, for review and another vote.

“I believe the MFDD zone is certainly fitting there,” Commissioner Fossi said. “Certainly everything around it is high density, MFDD or B-2. It backs up to the Great Swamp, so the height’s not a problem.”

The vote was 6-to-1 with commissioners John Katz, Joe Fossi, Peter Chipouras, Nelson Gelfman, George Hanlon and Phil Mische in favor.

Patrick Walsh was opposed, Michael Autuori abstained, and Rebecca Mucchetti was absent.

“When I left the meeting last Tuesday I drove down Sunset Lane, and I was shocked at how quiet that street is,” Mr. Walsh said.

The multifamily zone the town is seeking would allow up to 60 units on 10 acres, or 80 under the affordable option, and the commission debate at some length the affect this might have on Sunset Lane.

But First Selectman Rudy Marconi said the selectmen intend limit development to less than the maximum allowable, using deed restrictions to enforce a limit after going through a marketing process designed to turn the property over to a buyer offering both a good price and a development plan that seems suitable for the neighborhood.

He said only about half the 10 acres well suited to development.

“To get 80 units would be putting a gallon into a quart,” Mr. Marconi said. “We’re looking at 40 units, plus or minus about five, in that area. We know that half the property  under the new language will be open space…

“We don’t see ourselves pushing the envelope,” he said, “or allowing whoever buys the property to push the envelope.”

Mr. Marconi said some weeks ago that a seller of land should be able to get about $125,000 per residential unit, so the property with a development potential of 35 or 40 units could bring in $4 or $5 million.

That would take the town a long way toward recouping a sizable portion of the $7 million taxpayers invested in the property — an goal the selectmen had talked up before the referendum to buy the land.