Ridgefield Flowers’ founder plans to retire, seeks new owner
For the past 24 years, Cathy Smith has operated Ridgefield Flowers at Girolmetti Court. Now she is looking to retire and for someone to take over the business.
Always interested in creative pursuits, Ms. Smith turned her attention to flowers in 1983, studying at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx. Under the direction of designers, Frank Lanning & Edward Nienstadt, she completed her certificate in floral design and began working at Nienstadt’s shop in Bedford, N.Y.
She opened Ridgefield Flowers in 1989, and also became an instructor at the botanical garden herself. Through the years, all three of her daughters worked at the family owned and operated business. But now, after more than two decades, Ms. Smith is looking to retire.
“I always love coming in to work,” she said. “I will be sad to leave it behind.”
But, with three grandchildren now in her life, she wants more time to spend with her family.
“My greatest concern is leaving my customers,” she said. “Many of my original customers are still my customers today. I have seen kids grow up, have done weddings for people who I made prom corsages for. It has been such a rewarding experience and a privilege to know all these wonderful families. I will really miss them.”
Ms. Smith said she is looking for “the right person to take over the reins and carry on the tradition of Ridgefield Flowers.”
For more information, visit the shop or call 203-470-5437.
‘Etched in Stone’ is a gift for the town
Watershed Gallery and the Frame Shop of Ridgefield have donated a framed lasercut edition of Béatrice Coron’s “Etched in Stone” to the town of Ridgefield.
The limited-edition artwork was inspired by the imagery and stories of Ridgefield, and depicts The Aldrich, The Leatherman, Typhoid Mary, The Ridgefield Playhouse, the Cass Gilbert fountain, and more.
“We felt it was important to have one of these pieces on permanent display,” said Jennifer Mathy, director of Watershed Gallery. “It’s the town’s story, so it belongs to all of us. Fortunately, Sean at The Frame Shop of Ridgefield felt the same way, and stepped up to donate the framing.”
The limited-edition lasercut is a smaller version of the 16-square-foot “Etched in Stone” which was commissioned by Watershed Gallery earlier this year.
Workshop on study skills
The Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield will be the site of the Successful Study Skills 4 Students study skills program for middle school students in August. The workshop is designed to teach students key study strategies that help them learn while reducing stress.
The sessions is being offered Monday through Friday, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug.12 to 16.
For more information and to register, contact S4 at 203-307-5455, e-mail info@S4StudySkills.com, or visit www.s4studyskills.com.
BMW of Ridgefield adds to sales team
BMW of Ridgefield has approved a promotion and made several new additions to its sales organization in support of its continued growth.
Thomas McGill has been promoted to certified pre-owned manager assistant, a newly created position needed to manage the store’s growing used vehicle operations. Mr. McGill will also assist in the process of certifying BMWs keeping up BMW’s standards for its certified program.
Kristen Hall has been hired as sales administrator and greeter. Two new client advisors, Daniel Ladeairous and Daniel Root, will support the existing customer base and new customers with advice on new and used BMW vehicle sales.
Ms. Hall previously served as a corps member in AmeriCorps NCCC and is pursuing her studies of a bachelor’s degree in business and communications. Mr. Ladeairous previously worked for Rye Ford/Subaru. Mr. Root holds a bachelor’s degree from Bryant University with his major in marketing and a double minor in psychology and business management.
General sales demand and several new BMW product introductions are creating the need to increase staff. Planning has also started for a large, quality “all brands” used-vehicle marketplace at BMW of Ridgefield.
Ed McGill, owner and dealer principal, said, “We are delighted to offer new challenges and opportunities for our associates that will allow them to develop personally and professionally. We are pleased to further expand our sales team, because we recognize our success is completely dependent on our customers’ satisfaction.”
Raveis honors June excellence
Lisa Briscoe was recognized as the Top Listing Associate and The Morris Group was the Top Listing Team in the Ridgefield/Redding office of William Raveis Real Estate Mortgage & Insurance for June.
Deb McCarty was Top Selling Associate and The Morris Group was recognized as the Top Selling Team.
Ms. McCarty was Top Producing Associate and The Morris Group Top Producing Team.
Isabelle Valentin was honored for Excellence in Customer Service.
Olivia Eltz becomes senior instructor
In June, 2013 Ridgefield High School graduate Olivia Eltz became a senior instructor and 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.
She underwent a three-hour test to achieve this level, hosted by United Martial Arts Centers, where she currently trains. She has been studying Tae Kwon Do since she was four years old and is shown breaking four bricks of concrete at her test.
Reynolds & Rowella receives award
Reynolds & Rowella, LLP of Ridgefield has received a 2013 Firm of the Year award from Enterprise Worldwide, a global alliance of independent accounting and consulting firms. Reynolds & Rowella, LLP is a member firm.
The award, Enterprise Worldwide’s highest honor, is based on a commitment to the association and to working to provide the best possible services to clients through overall marketplace knowledge, professional expertise and responsiveness.