Dr. Joseph Ellis
Dr. Joseph Ellis was named the new principal of Ridgefield High School 25 years ago.
“I want the kids to look forward to school every day, to be challenged by what goes on in the classroom, to have a love of learning, to make school a big and important part of his or her life,” the Dec. 13, 1990, Press reported Ellis as saying. He had spent the previous 15 years as an assistant principal.
Another administrator was departing on a less-than-happy note. Retiring school business manager Harold Voorhees had offered to cancel his retirement vacation plans and help the board with its $20-million budget for the coming year. But after a proposal to give him a two-month contract to do so met with acrimonious debate and was approved by a 5-2 vote, Voorhees withdrew his offer. “I thought I was doing something for the system, by changing all the plans I’d made, and they beat you up in public and make it look like you’re trying to get away with something underhanded — I guess I should be used to that,” said Voorhees. “It’s just a very disappointing way to end a 21-year career.”
RHS student Lauren Krotzer was organizing and leading “Operation Troop Support,” a ribbon campaign to show support for Ridgefield troops in Operation Desert Shield. “What we do makes a difference, take the soldiers’ word for it,” she said. “They appreciate everything that goes on in Ridgefield to show support.”
The Knights of Columbus were looking for a Main Street site for their annual crèche display. The exhibit had been on the Community Center grounds for 40 years, but was no longer allowed there after a complaint from the Anti-Defamation League about a religious display on government-owned property. “I believe people want it on Main Street in a non-denominational environment,” said Charles Mangi of the Knights. (The KofC now uses the lawn in front of St. Mary’s Parish offices on Catoonah Street.)
Plans for seven to 10 condos on a wedge of land at Sunset Lane and Prospect Ridge were opposed by other condo owners. Residents of neighboring Quail Ridge felt the lower-priced units would lower their own property values.
Six-year-old Jessica Strom was pictured on the front page making a Hanukah headband for a performance of The Magic Dreidel at Temple Shearith Israel.
Santa planned to visit Roma Pizzeria on Dec. 22.
Led by Flo Stueck, who scored four three-pointers against Danbury, the RHS girls basketball team was off to a strong start with a 3-1 record.
When the Ridgefield Basketball Association began its programs nine years earlier, only 19 children were signed up. In 1990, that number had increased to 413, reported a profile of the RBA by Scott Mason and Tim Murphy.
Young Ryan Crehan of Main Street was pictured with his cousin, Kansas City punter Bryan Barker, after the Chiefs beat the then-hapless New England Patriots, 37-7, that Saturday.
Many runners from the Wolfpit Running Club participated in a study by Dr. Joseph Buchman on the beneficial effect of intensive exercise on reducing the risk of heart disease. The Ridgefield cardiologist presented the study at an international conference in Washington, D.C.
Joyce Ligi was chairman of the board of United Way of Northern Fairfield County.
“I don’t really sell houses to anyone,” said leading real estate agent Susie Schwartz, explaining her success in a profile. “I facilitate a sale.”
At $1.37 a gallon for regular, Roger Kovacs maintained that his new gas station at routes 7 and 35 had the least expensive fuel in town.
50 years ago
Rudy Marconi, part of RHS 1965 basketball team.
The Board of Education voted to ask the selectmen to appoint a building committee to construct a new elementary school in Branchville, the Dec. 17, 1965, Press reported.
The new school should be ready by September 1968, said the board, which also asked the selectmen to buy land for more schools in the north Ridgebury, West Mountain and Limestone neighborhoods.
Karl S. Nash, who had served on the school board for more than 21 years, resigned that week. The Ridgefield Press publisher and longtime board chairman said in a letter, “Like the school system, my own business is growing with the community and I feel I must devote greater time and attention to it.”
Yet another sign of that growth was Superintendent Thayer D. Wade’s request for 23 additional teaching staff members for the coming school year.
Woolworth’s was selling colorful Christmas stockings, with recipient names inscribed on them, for 49 cents.
“The Ridgefield Tigers, who will have all but one of their starters returning, should have another winning season,” said correspondent Chip Landon in an analysis of the coming basketball season. The squad included Chip Bliss, Dave Crucitti, Rudy Marconi, Tony Forcelli, John Stolle, Jim Tarsi, Tom and Pete Santini, Frank Lancaster, and Stan Englehart.
Lyndon Ferry, superintendent of mails, retired after 35 years at the Ridgefield post office.
“Let us increase your pleasure in holiday entertaining by our experienced suggestions,” said Bud’s Liquor Store on Main Street, advertising wines and liquors “for that holiday party.”—J.S.
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