Twenty-five years ago at least three Republicans tossed their hats into the ring to oppose Democratic State Rep. Barbara Ireland in the fall election, the May 31, 1990, Press reported.
Republican Town Committee candidate committee chairman Rex Gustafson revealed that at least six people had expressed interest in running, and that Joseph Dunworth, James Hastings and Elizabeth Sanden were definitely going to seek the nomination.
The first three A Better Chance (ABC) girls were about to graduate from Ridgefield High School. Deborah Lashley, Ferlin Charles and Valerie Shoy had been attending the school under the three-year-old program, aimed at giving inner-city minorities a chance to earn a better high school education.
Sylvia Latanzi, a feisty and outspoken participant in town government for four decades, died at the age of 95. The 59-year resident was a familiar figure at countless town meetings and remained active until well into her 80s, when she suffered a stroke. She was a member of the Republican Town Committee for 35 years, serving as its vice chairman for more than 15 years.
Also dead that week was Lt. Col. Michael P. Holik of Branchville Road, recipient of the Bronze Star for heroism in the Vietnam War. He was only 46 and succumbed after a long illness. He founded the Village Locksmith business in town.
A U.S. Senate committee approved a bill that would make Weir Farm a national park.
Arnold Finaldi announced he would retire that month as principal of Veterans Park School, a job he’d had for 17 years.
Frank Serfilippi, the town’s director of public services, was traveling west to participate in the Great American Pork Cookout competition.
Police Chief Thomas Rotunda received the Distinguished Service Award from the Police Commissions Association of Connecticut.
Ten-year-old Briggs Geddis, a fourth grader at Scotland School, could be seen around the village, riding his unicycle. “I just wanted to try something that not many people did,” said Briggs, explaining his hobby. “I wanted to do something that would be a challenge.”
Dirk Bollenback offered the homily that Sunday at St. Stephen’s Church, reflecting on the 250th anniversary of the congregation’s first church building.
Stonecrest Stables on North Street. added an indoor riding ring.
50 Years Ago
Francis D. Martin’s “worst-kept secret” came out that week as Ridgefielders officially learned the town might acquire the 17-acre Branchville Fresh Air Association property on Florida Road, the June 3, 1965, Press reported.
The land, worth $250,000 then ($1.8 million in today’s dollars), would either be given or sold to the town for “educational, recreational or athletic purposes.” Two years later, the Branchville Elementary School was standing on the site.
Francis Martin, who was president of the association, was also honored that week as the Rotary Club’s Citizen of the Year. Rotarian J. Mortimer Woodcock, later the town’s first selectman, called Martin “a man who has worked for Ridgefield all his life.” Martin Park at Great Pond is named for him — by Martin’s own request.
Speaking of Rotary awards, Thomas Belote, Robert Lewis, Karen Warren and Molly Nelson were winners of the “Service Above Self” award, presented by the club to outstanding high school students.
The town’s Democrats came out in opposition to a proposal by the Ballard estate to rezone land behind Ballard Park from residential to business use.
A. Raymond Bessette was pictured playing a piano in preparation for the Knights of Columbus’s coming “minstrel show” for the benefit of Little League baseball.
Brunetti’s Market was selling prime ribs of beef for 69 cents a pound.
In a letter responding to critics of the local John Birch Society, E. Stuart Savage said, “I know from personal experience that most society members are intelligent, loyal Americans who devote a portion of their lives to learning about and disseminating the truth about the Communist conspiracy and other blights that plague the American scene.”
Eagle Pencil Company in Danbury promoted Ridgefielder Allen O. Shafer to manager of operations planning.
Patrick Jr., son of Dr. and Mrs. Patrick Neligan of West Mountain, was born on May 25.
Rich Dingee and Brad Mortensen each homered in the Tigers’ 11-3 clubbing of New Milford the previous week.—J.S.
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