Jack Baldaserini
Relatives of Ridgefield soldiers returning from Operation Desert Storm 25 years ago were feeling “on top of the world,” the March 21, 1991, Press reported. Among the early returnees were Clifford Kinnear, Karl Frost and Brian Zembraski.
The problems of dealing with Lyme disease — especially misdiagnoses that were common then — were discussed by Jay McMahon, who got the disease in 1988 and who was told his symptoms were “all in his head.” McMahon, who almost lost his eyesight to the disease, became active in a newly formed support group based in Westchester that provided much help.
The Board of Education approved a 10-day school vacation in February for 1992.
Ridgefielders Sean Egan and Brian Hebert helped Fairfield Prep win the state Division I hockey championship with a 3-1 upset of undefeated Hamden.
Ridgefield vets opposed plans to rename the Veterans Memorial Community Center the “Lounsbury Mansion.” There was talk of a compromise: both names being used.
An Eckankar Center opened at 92 Grove Street. “Eckankar’s goal is to help you find more spiritual freedom,” said Sue Armstrong, county director. “You can do this through personal experience with the light and sound of God.”
The poor economy was looking up. First-time home buyers taking advantage of low interest rates and low house prices were boosting Ridgefield’s real estate activity. “It’s a sharp upturn,” said Homestead Realty’s Jack Baldaserini. “It’s particularly strong in the lower price ranges and it reflects the first-time house buyers coming out of the woodwork. I think they’re sensing we’re at the bottom of this downturn.”
50 years ago
Reflecting Ridgefield’s rapid growth, town officials were proposing an 18.4% increase in the municipal budget, the March 24, 1966, Press reported. Major increases included expanding the firehouse, buying land on Barlow Mountain Road for a school, adding six more policemen, hiring a professional town planner and a full-time recreation director, and buying a new ambulance.
Among the teachers granted tenure by the school board were J. Robert Tulipani of Veterans Park and Edward M. Browlin of the senior high.
Mrs. Theodore Meyer, president of the League of Women Voters, apologized for publishing an incorrect statement in a league report, Growth in Ridgefield, released the week before. The report said the schools had “hired large numbers of inexperienced teachers in order to keep costs down by being obliged to pay only the minimum wage.” In fact, the schools hired a large number of inexperienced teachers because few experienced ones applied for vacancies. “We tried to get the best staff we could,” said Assistant Superintendent Louis Formica, but “they just weren’t that available.”
Two big subdivisions got final approval that week: Lincoln Development Corp.’s 270-acre, 172-lot development called Westmoreland, and Lewis J. Finch’s 100-acre, 29-lot project, Colonial Heights.
Patrick Walsh
Patrick John Walsh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Walsh of Walnut Grove Road, was born St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, in Norwalk Hospital.
Mrs. Arthur Kessler of Manor Road reported a rare bird-sighting: a pair of White-winged Crossbills landed in a hemlock by her kitchen window. They are normally found in Canada.—J.S.
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