Quantcast
Channel: News – The Ridgefield Press
Viewing all 10410 articles
Browse latest View live

Torpey teaches screenwriting

$
0
0

Katie Torpey will teach Introduction to Screenwriting on Tuesdays, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., from June 10 through July 29 at the Ridgefield Playhouse.

Students will learn the basics of screenwriting and storytelling including structure, formatting, theme, plot, characterization, dialogue, conflict, and genre.

Ms. Torpey is an award-winning WGA screenwriter/filmmaker who has worked for numerous networks and studios and sold several screenplays, including the 2005 romantic comedy The Perfect Man, starring Hilary Duff, Heather Locklear and Chris Noth. Ms. Torpey wrote and directed the independent film Truth About Kerry and recently authored a book, Just Breathe, about her 130-pound weight loss.

Tuition for this eight-week class is $300. Reserve by calling the box office at 203-438-5795 or go online to ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Bruce Becker Scholarship fund has been established to subsidize classes that foster participation in the performing arts. To apply for a scholarship, email allison@ridgefieldplayhouse.org.


DMV, police beef up truck safety checks

$
0
0

The Department of Motor Vehicles and Connecticut State Police beginning Tuesday, June 3, launched its annual three-day annual truck-safety enforcement and education blitz around the state as part of Roadcheck 2014.

DMV Commercial Vehicle Safety enforcement officers and State Police will raise awareness about the need for truck safety and educate drivers and their companies about safety requirements. Spot checks will be performed on unsafe trucks and motor coaches, and traffic enforcement will be increased on commercial motor vehicles.

“Roadcheck serves as an important reminder to truck and bus companies that safety should be their top priority,” DMV Commissioner Currey said. “Drivers and companies who violate critical safety laws and regulations will face serious consequences such as fines and out-of-service orders for vehicles and drivers.”

DMV and State Police enforcement officers have a lengthy checklist that is reviewed on each vehicle. Each review can take up to an hour to complete. Included in the checks are:

• Proper tires.

• Safely functioning brakes.

• Systems for securing a load so that it stays in place while being transported.

• Working lights.

• Whether a driver has exceeded the federal limits on the number of hours allowed for driving.

• Whether a driver is fatigued.

• Properly completed log books.

• Conformance with height and weight requirements for the vehicle.

“The 2014 Roadcheck Operation enhances highway and roadway safety all across Connecticut,” said Department of Emergency Services Public Protection Commissioner Dr. Dora Schriro. “Our State Troopers and DMV Safety Enforcement Officers will ensure that commercial vehicles and buses are safe to travel on our roads for the protection of all.”

Patrols and enforcement of commercial trucks and motor coaches will occur in high-crash zones, including areas of Routes 91, 95, 84, 395 as well as along local roads. DMV and State Police will also staff various weigh stations in the state to checks trucks as the cross the border into Connecticut.

The Connecticut campaign, which is run through the DMV, is part of the nationwide show of force June 3-5 sponsored by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and their various partners across the U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Permit sought to continue parking U-Haul trucks

$
0
0

A storage facility on Route 7 will be allowed to do what it’s been doing for quite some time — keep rental U-Haul vehicles in the front of its property at 872 Ethan Allen Highway.

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to draft a resolution of approval Tuesday, May 27, for a special permit under the town’s zoning that will allow Ridgefield Self Storage to have vehicles, including U-Haul moving trucks, outside the facility.

Owner Geir Hjorth was present at the meeting and told the commission that he averages about two to four U-Haul vehicles on-site, but could have as many as six or seven at a time, depending on need.

Two commissioners wanted to know if he had any plans to keep storage containers, better known as “Pods,” on the property.

“We’re going down a slippery slope if we allow Pods,” commissioner John Katz said.

Mr. Hjorth assured the commission that the permit was for vehicles, not for containers.

The planners are expected to vote on the final draft of approval on Tuesday, June 3.

2015 graduation is set for June 19

$
0
0

The high school has circled Friday, June 19, 2015 on its calendar as the graduation date for next year’s senior class.

The commencement ceremony will take place at the O’Neill Center on the campus of Western Connecticut State University at 4 p.m.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the decision Tuesday night.

It’s the sixth year in a row that the school has selected a graduation date before the next school year has begun.

Dementia caregivers offered support

$
0
0

The Ridgefield Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets Thursday, June 12.

“We are a caring and understanding place where people touched by dementia meet to learn more about the disease, share resources and information and express their feelings,” organizers said.

The meeting is 6:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church South Hall, 351 Main Street, Ridgefield. For additional information, call Maria Victor Smith at 203-894-8241 or Bob Johnston at 203-313-4395.

Gala boosts Ability Beyond

$
0
0
From left to right, Greg Smith, co-chairman of the Ability Beyond gala and chairman of the Board of Trustees; Meghann Smith, co-chairman of the event; Paul Hamilton, Robert S. Young Humanitarian Award recipient and chairman of Ability Beyond’s Board of Directors; Tom Fanning, president and CEO; Roy Young, director emeritus of the Board of Directors. —Eric LaCore Photography

From left to right, Greg Smith, co-chairman of the Ability Beyond gala and chairman of the Board of Trustees; Meghann Smith, co-chairman of the event; Paul Hamilton, Robert S. Young Humanitarian Award recipient and chairman of Ability Beyond’s Board of Directors; Tom Fanning, president and CEO; Roy Young, director emeritus of the Board of Directors. —Eric LaCore Photography

 Paul Hamilton, a Ridgefield man who who serves as chairman of the Ability Beyond Board of Directors, was presented with the Robert S. Young Humanitarian Award for “his unwavering and generous support of the organization and the individuals it serves” at this year’s Ability Beyond fund-raising gala.

The gala raised more than $825,000 to support Ability Beyond’s life-changing services for those with disabilities including employment training; cognitive and life skills instruction; clinical and therapeutic support; housing and other programs.

James F. Feenan , 78, served in the U.S. Navy

$
0
0

James F. Feenan died on June 1 at the age of 78 after a short illness. He lived in Ridgefield decades ago and moved back in recent years.

He grew up in the Bronx, N.Y., and attended All Hallows High School. He attended Manhattan College, Boston Law School and Fordham Law School. He was a professional in commercial real estate; he worked for Colt, RCA, Equitable, G.E.Capital, Volkswagen and Xerox.

He served in the US Navy from 1954 to 1957 on the USS Norton, a guided missile vessel, and in Guam.

He was predeceased by his parents Herbert & Louise Feenan, and Brother Gerard Feenan. He resided in Ridgefield from 1971 through 1985 and then moved to the New Jersey shore before moving back to Ridgefield in 2009.

He is survived by his six children: MaryLouise Neville; James Francis Feenan and his wife Maria Feenan; Thomas Michael Feenan; Karen Ann Feenan; Brian Eugene Feenan and his wife Christine Feenan; Tara Feenan and his former wife Joan Marlin. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Nicole Neville, Thomas Neville, Laura Neville, Heather Feenan, Colleen Feenan, James Feenan, Jacob Haynes, and Ronan Feenan; and one Great Grandchild;  Wyatt Hudgens.

Calling Hours will be held on Thursday, June 5, from 5 to 8 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Kane Funeral Home; 25 Catoonah Street.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, dav.org.

4-year-old cat Tonbo is missing

$
0
0

WF-Missing-Cat-TonboThe Hahn family is missing its cat, Tonbo. He is described as a ‘tuxedo cat,’ black with white paws with “dusty white patch on his right hind leg.” He’s got a purple collar, too.

He’s very and shy and may not come when called.

He likes to curl up in very small spaces. The Hahn family asks that folks check their sheds and garages for the missing feline.

He was last seen on Deer Hill Drive between West Lane and Route 35. There is a reward if he is found.

The family can be reached at 203-244-5575 or 203-295-5502


BBB: Tips for Summer Job-Seekers

$
0
0

bbb-logo125Better Business Bureau is warning summer job-seekers to be aware of various employment scams that aim to obtain personal information for the purpose of committing identity theft, or dupe applicants into paying to apply for a non-existent job.

Many summer jobs already have been filled. Scammers know that and target students and others looking for seasonal employment with a variety of ruses, including phony job postings and work-at-home schemes.

Fake employers may use the names of well-established national or local businesses in a practice known as corporate identity theft, or as it is also known, “name hijacking.”  The criminals create authentic-looking website and may conduct extended interviews by telephone or SMS (texting), after which they “hire” you.  They rarely – if ever – ask about your experience, and offer what appears to be an attractive hourly salary. But there is always a catch:

Upfront payment – Bogus employers may ask for money, supposedly to pay for drug testing, background checks, your credit report, uniforms or training materials. If you send the money by wire transfer, you lose it. If you pay by credit card, you leave yourself open to unauthorized charges.

Personal information is required — Upon being offered the job, you are required to provide your date of birth, Social Security and bank account numbers as part of the hiring process. The fake employer will do this without meeting face to face or providing a detailed job description.

Use of your bank accounts — Some scammers will require that you transfer money between accounts. This constitutes money laundering and is illegal.

Forwarding illegal or non-existent goods — Some victims of phony job offers are asked to receive and reship merchandise from their home addresses. Unfortunately, the merchandise may be stolen or the package may contain contraband.

Overpayment scam — They will send you a check as a hiring incentive or to cover expenses, ask that you deposit it and send back a portion by wire transfer. Though the check looks legitimate, it will bounce and you will lose the money you wired and be charged bank fees for the bad check.

If you understand how the many employment schemes work, you can protect yourself from becoming the victim of fraud or identity theft:

Job description mismatch — A bogus job posting might offer an entry-level position and promise an opportunity for advancement, for example, in public relations or marketing. The position may turn out to be door-to-door sales. Many employment scams involve entertainment or sports marketing or sales. While there are obviously many jobs in these fields, employment scams tend to focus on these areas.

Trial employment — A company offers a trial period or internship that supposedly lasts several weeks, however, it is dependent upon first filling-out an online form that asks for personal information.

Lack of interest but big promises — An employer will meet face to face with you for a formal interview. Be wary if the interview is unusually short and the interviewer is uninterested in your experience or background, but promises a high salary with no related experience or skills.

Don’t ignore your gut instincts. Legitimate employers will post contact information and a proper job description, and never ask for any personal information unless they make a firm offer to hire you. Also, if the job posting is short on details, ask for specifics before investing time in pursuing the position.

Criminals who solicit people for non-existent jobs are hoping that desperation will drive employment seekers to let their guard down.

Farmers’ market kicks off Thursday

$
0
0

A summer of fresh, locally grown produce  — lettuce, asparagus, radishes, and later peppers, ripe red tomatoes, fruits and berries — begins Thursday.

The Ridgefield Farmers’ Market will be held at the Community Center on Thursday afternoons throughout the growing season, from 1:30 to 5:30, starting on June 5.

The market will be set up in the Community Center’s north side parking lot between its Lounsbury House and the village commercial district.

“We’ll have, obviously, produce, meat, some really good prepared food that people make out of organic stuff,” said Community Center President Rich Vazzana.

“It’s free to the public. Local area farmers. We do have some people coming in from upstate Connecticut and New York,” he said.

“It’s mostly organic farming. The rule is: For a farmer to be there, they have to have grown this themselves.”

While fresh produce will be the market’s mainstay, the offerings from some 15 vendors are expected to include meat, fresh breads, coffee, organic soap.

There are plans to have a seed swap and a recipe exchange each week as part of the market.

The committee organizing the market is also arranging to have a variety of things going on in different weeks throughout the summer.

“We’re going to have little special events every once in a while,” said Carol Vazzana, who is joined on the committee by Kam Daughters and Jennifer Trillo.

The events will start in two weeks, with Nick and Knife, a knife sharpener, on June 12. Alan Gorkin will be at the June 19 market, talking about raising chickens at home. A book swap is planned for July 3, and July 14 there’ll be a blood drive.

“We’re going to have music some weeks. We’re trying to make it entertaining. We’re working on having some children’s activities,” Ms. Vazzana said.

“We’re hoping to get someone from the garden club to help with container plantings.”

The vendors and what they offer may change through the course of the season.

“This time of year we have things like radishes, turnips, salad mix, kale, asparagus,” said Mary Jawlik, farm manager at The Hickories on Lounsbury Road, which will be part of the market this year.

“As the season progresses — July, August — we’ll have all the tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, squash,” she said.

“We’ll have strawberries, blueberries, peaches, currants, and we hope to have raspberries and blackberries.”

The Hickories, which also has a farm stand seven days a week and a community-supported agriculture, or CSA, program, will also be selling “our very own salsa and marinara sauce, other preserves and wool products” at the Thursday farmers’ market, and daily at the farm stand.

The starting list of expected vendors for this year’s market includes:

• Plaskos Farm, produce and baked goods.

• The Olive Oil Factory.

• Riverbank Farm, produce, herbs, flowers.

• Fresh Pastabilities, pasta.

• Killam & Bassette Farms, produce.

• Community Energy, energy efficiency, solar panels.

• Carrot Top, prepared foods.

• DoReMe, produce.

• Johnnycake Mountain, meat.

• Ospuro, handcrafted organic soaps.

• Simpaug Farms, produce.

• Big Bang Coffee Roasters, organic coffees and teas.

• Rincon Taqueria, prepared foods.

• Smith’s Acres, produce.

• The Hickories, produce, jams, preserves, wool.

For several years Ridgefield had a successful farmers’ market off Danbury Road in a small green in the midst of the Commerce Park parking lot. That was lost when another commercial building was built there, and the market moved to the green area off Governor Street, between the upper and lower parking lots.

“It was on 35 and then it was down by the Boys & Girls Club,” Carol Vazzana said. “We were very popular at the first site. The second site didn’t work.

“Then we went for a year and half without any.”

Last year, as the new president of the Community Center, her husband pushed the idea of having a farmers’ market, Ms. Vazzana said, but it didn’t get going early in the season.

“It didn’t get started in time, and people found other places,” Ms. Vazzana said.

This year the market is starting early. It has 15 vendors signed up already, and organizers are optimistic.

“It’s a great offering,” Carol Vazzana said. “It’s only a positive for people to come and get fresh produce. It’s just a happy place and happy time.”

Young Ridgefielder in Tender Land

$
0
0
Evelyn Carr

Evelyn Carr

Eleven-year-old Ridgefielder Evelyn Carr will perform in Chelsea Opera’s production of Aaron Copland’s opera, The Tender Land. Performances are Friday , June 13, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 14 at 4 p.m. at St. Peter’s Church in Chelsea, 346 West 20th Street.

The Tender Land is a classic coming-of-age story set in the rural midwest of the 1930s.

 

 

 

RVNA Today: High blood pressure affects 67 million

$
0
0

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three American adults has high blood pressure, or hypertension. That equals about 67 million people, and unfortunately more than half of these people don’t have their blood pressure under control.

Blood pressure refers to the force of blood on the walls of your blood vessels as blood flows through them. There are two numbers in a blood pressure reading. The top number, or systolic pressure, is the force on the vessel walls when the heart beats or contracts. The second number is the diastolic pressure, which is the force during between beats when the heart relaxes.

Often no symptoms are present, but high blood pressure can cause damage to your health in many ways. It can cause blood vessels to become less flexible, which decreases the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain and other organs. This decreased flow can lead to heart attacks, strokes, chest pain or angina, or heart failure.

If you’ve been told you have high blood pressure, discuss setting a goal with your doctor. If you’re on high blood pressure medicine, take it as directed. Don’t smoke — tips and resources are available at CDC’s Smoking and Tobacco website. Also, reduce your sodium intake by using less salt in your diet.

Other healthy habits to help keep blood pressure under control include maintaining a healthy body weight, exercising 30 minutes most days, eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh foods, learning to manage stress.

RVNA has monthly free blood pressure clinics throughout the area. Call 203-438-5555 for more information.

This column is provided by the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association.

Conservation Commission honors Beth Yanity with Edith Meffley Award

$
0
0

 

Beth Yanity receives the Edith Mefley Award from Carroll Brewster. —Peter Reich photo

Beth Yanity receives the Edith Mefley Award from Carroll Brewster. —Peter Reich photo

The Ridgefield Conservation Commission honored longtime commission member Beth Yanity with its Edith Meffley Award on May 8. The Edith Meffley Award is given by the commission to honor dedicated servants of the Ridgefield environment. Ms. Yanity served on the Conservation Commission from February 1992 to this spring, stepping down after 22 years.

Ms. Yanity’s initial interest in working to preserve Ridgefield open space stemmed from her involvement with the Norwalk River Board. Her awareness of the impact of litter on the waters that flow downstream from Ridgefield (Ridgefield is the origin of nine river headwaters) spurred her to be part of the solution. A teacher by training and a mother of seven, Ms. Yanity seized the opportunity to teach young people the importance of reducing litter and preserving our open spaces. Her efforts yielded the annual Ridgefield event “Rid Litter Day.”

Ms. Yanity’s legacy at the Conservation Commission also includes developing the annual appeal letter, inviting financial donations which enable the town to purchase and preserve open space as it becomes available.

Ms. Yanity said she’s always impressed by the support and generosity of Ridgefield residents. Ridgefield has a goal of preserving 30% of its land as open space, another goal Ms. Yanity has helped to further.

Ms. Yanity also was the founder of the Conservation Commission’s Ranger program. Rangers are assigned to individual open spaces, which they monitor to keep the commission informed on trail conditions, invasive plants, and other challenges to our open space. Thanks to Ms. Yanity, the community at large is integral to maintaining our open space.

Ms. Yanity’s resignation is due to a desire to travel and spend more time with her seven children, 17 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

“Their gain is the Conservation Commission’s loss, though certainly Ms. Yanity leaves behind a legacy of commitment and contributions from which all Ridgefielders continue to benefit,” the commission said.

Comedy workshop for standup up-starts

$
0
0

For folks who are told over and over again how funny they are, there is a workshop meant to hone comedic skills to be ready for prime time — on the stage of the Ridgefield Playhouse!

Comedienne Christine O’Leary’s seven-week Stand-Up Comedy Workshop will be held on Mondays starting June 23 and run through Aug. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m.

This will be Ms. O’Leary’s fifth workshop at the Playhouse. Ms. O’Leary guarantees that all students will be funny, without risk of not being laughed at. Students will learn the fundamentals of comedy writing and performance, concluding with the Comedy Graduation Showcase at the Ridgefield Playhouse on Sunday, Aug. 10. Everyone will pass with flying colors.

Ms. O’Leary is a social worker, project manager and social media editor who has performed comedy all over the country.

To sign up for the workshop ($300), call the box office at 203-438-5795 or go online to ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Bruce Becker Scholarship fund has been established to subsidize classes that foster participation in the performing arts. To apply for a scholarship, email allison@ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Muggles, dinosaurs at Parks and Rec

$
0
0

Parks and Recreation is offering several camps throughout the summer, for designers, would-be wizards and budding scientists.

Young Paleontologists camp is Monday through Friday, July 21 to 25, 9:30 to 12:30, for girls and boys ages 6 to 9.

Building by Design, an Architecture Camp for Kids, is Monday through Friday, Aug. 4 to 8, 9:30 to 12:30, for girls and boys ages 7 to 13.

Science Magic for Muggles, the Science of Harry Potter Camp for Kids, has two weeks to choose from: Monday through Friday, July 28 to Aug. 1 or Aug. 11 to 15, 9:30 to 12:30. It’s for girls and boys ages 8 to 13.

The register, call Parks and Rec at 203-431-2755.


Senior Gund among App challenge winners

$
0
0

 

Ridgefield High School senior Devin Gund was among winners of the House of Represenatitives’ 2014 App Challenge. He received the award from Congressman Jim Himes.

Ridgefield High School senior Devin Gund was among winners of the House of Represenatitives’ 2014 App Challenge. He received the award from Congressman Jim Himes.

Devin Gund, a senior at Ridgefield High School, is a winner of the 2014 House Student App Challenge, sponsored by the House of Representatives. He won over other submissions from Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District with his iOS application myRPS.

Conceived after the power outage resulting from Hurricane Irene, during which the school district had trouble communicating to all parents and students, myRPS was originally designed to deliver instant notifications of district emergency alerts to its users. Mr. Gund used his self-taught programming expertise to develop the app. The app includes access to teacher Web pages, student schedules, a homework planner, grades, athletic events and more, in addition to district alert notifications. Released to the App Store in October 2012, myRPS now enjoys considerable support and popularity in its version 3.0 for iOS 7.

Mr. Gund received his award from Congressman Jim Himes on May 31 in a ceremony in Stamford. His video submission to the House Student App Challenge will be posted on the House of Representatives website. He qualifies for a chance to go to Congress.

Mr. Gund will attend Carnegie Mellon University in the fall for electrical and computer engineering.

Ribbons and Rhythms helps battle Alzheimer’s

$
0
0
Apollo’s Legacy members Andrea Chakraborty, Briana LoCicero, Emily Carr and Lauren Chakroborty.

Apollo’s Legacy members Andrea Chakraborty, Briana LoCicero, Emily Carr and Lauren Chakroborty.

A free lawn concert at the Rec Center spearheaded by a student and recent college graduate is the newest addition to the campaign to help the cause of Alzheimer’s.

Ribbons and Rhythms, A Night of Music for the Cure takes place on the lawn at the Ridgefield Recreation Center from 6 to 9 on Saturday, June 14.

The entire program will be run by students and the performers are students as well.

Leading the effort are Lauren Chakraborty, a ninth grade student at Ridgefield High School, and Rachel Armour, a recent graduate of the Western Connecticut State University Music Department. Both are accomplishment singers and musicians and have put together a program for all ages. Both girls are involved in a variety of service programs to made life better for others.

From 6 to 7 on June 14 the younger children in three different choruses from Danbury, Ridgefield and Torrington, will perform. The Danbury Children’s Choir will be directed by Ridgefield’s own Patricia Moriarty, a well-known music teacher with the Ridgefield school system. There will also be students from Ridgebury School performing.

Then from 7 to 9, students from the middle school to college level will be performing. Known for its music with meaning, Apollo’s Legacy, an all-girl instrumental combo, will perform many of their own songs as well as songs that they have written for Alzheimer’s patients. Apollo’s Legacy is a part of the RMAC program. Then Birdwalk, a high school band, will take the stage with some interesting instrumentals.

From Western Connecticut State University there will be an a cappella group of women and the WestConn Jazz ensemble made up of Keenan Asbridge, Matt Angelo, Doug Toussaint and Matt Rousseau.

Ridgefield is proud to have the first Alzheimer’s awareness program in the schools in the nation, the first published book about Alzheimer’s by students, the first student lobby group to go to a state capital, the first Kid’s Walk and Fest in the nation, and the first kids’ Alzheimer’s float in a parade and now a night of music produced and directed by kids.

Ribbons and Rhythms is a free lawn concert. However, buckets will be passed so that people may donate whatever they wish for the cause. If it rains, the concert will be held inside the Ridgefield Recreation Center.

Bring chairs, blankets and possibly a picnic basket of food. Refreshments will be for sale and instruments will be available for the young children to play prior to the concert.

For any questions regarding the event, call me at 203-438-5441, or email shawd@wcsu.edu.

Photo: Ballroom Fever is Saturday

$
0
0

W-Disney-FeverThe students and staff of Fred Astaire Dance Studios will perform on Saturday, June 14, at the Ridgefield Playhouse, taking the audience on a trip through Fairyland when they present Disney Ballroom Fever. Doors open at 3:30 and the show starts at 4. A cocktail reception with cash bar follows the show. All ages are welcome. For tickets ($25/$15), call the box office at 203-438-5795 or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

Author Golden talks at Bernard’s

$
0
0

CJ Golden will discuss her newest book, Reflections from Beyond; Sharing A Message of Hope, Peace and Kindness, at Bernard’s on Thursday, June 12, at noon.

The book details the near-death experience of Tracy LaCroix, who Ms. Golden said came back to life after his heart stopped beating for a half hour, surprisingly with no neurological damage.

The Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children and Families of Regional Hospice and Home Care will receive a $1 donation for every book sold.

Prix fixe luncheon is $25 plus beverage, tax and gratuity. For reservations call 203-438-8282.

 

Greenspot: When mulching, there’s much to choose from

$
0
0

’Tis the season for adding mulch to our landscaping. Mulching is an eco-friendly way to block weeds, regulate soil temperatures fight erosion and keep your landscaping neat. Just a reminder that two to four inches is an appropriate amount of mulch. You don’t want to suffocate your trees and plants, so too much mulch is detrimental to the plants.

Here are some options that you might want to consider when purchasing your mulch.

1. Cypress: most popular, low cost. Cypress mulch has a high environmental cost. Grinding cypress impacts our environment because it grows slowly and it is difficult to replace. The cypress trees that live in the wetlands store and filter water and provide a vital wildlife habitat. Cypress mulch is not an eco-friendly mulch.

2. Eucalyptus: grows rapidly, deters insects, retains color. The downside is that it does settle into the soil and it is more expensive and has to be trucked from far.

3. Metaleuca: these paperback tea trees are taking over Florida’s wetlands and they are looking to remove them. The company that processes the mulch actually replaces them with cypress, which is a positive addition to the environment. Look in your garden centers like Lowes for this product.

4. Cocoa mulch: comes from cocoa grinding. Nitrogen rich and it deters weeds and there is no maintenance required and affordable. The downside is it is dangerous to dogs.

5. Pine needles: also called pine straw; is renewable and it prevents runoff. It is excellent for acid-loving plants like roses and azaleas.

6. Newspaper: if you read it, use it as mulch. It is completely safe and is best used underneath grass clippings.

7. Rubber mulch: is cost effective and more durable. Rubber mulch is becoming popular as being eco friendly. There are concerns that it adds toxins to the ground and plants, so I am not sure why it should be considered eco friendly.

8. Make it yourself mulch: using grass clippings, chipped leaves. Obviously this is eco friendly because it’s from the earth and you save trucking and processing on top of that. Tips for making it yourself: remove weeds, put your mulch by the drip line or six to 12 inches from the base of the plant or trees.

See you all next week, and remember it’s easy and fun to be Green!

Viewing all 10410 articles
Browse latest View live