The Ridgefield Press by HAN Network

“I’m not going to throw away perfectly good rubber hands!” Bill Franzen, retiring Halloween maestro

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©Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

134th year, No. 43

Voters get their say

Festival Saturday

Pomp for the pompion

Tuesday election has five contests by Macklin Reid Press Staff

by Kate Czaplinski Press Staff

ow upon row of orange jack-o-lanterns lining and covering the lawn of the Community Center, hand carved or decorated by children, adults and local merchants, is the picture Chamber of Commerce Director Marion Roth had in her mind when she started planning the first town pumpkin festival. The “Pompion Festival” will take place this Saturday, Oct. 31 — “pompion” is an old word for pumpkin. The festivities will include the Halloween walk in the morning — which closes Main Street for a couple hours — and the police party for kids at night. While there may not be enough pumpkins to cover the Community Center lawn this

See Pompion on page 15

This Weekend No surprise: Halloween dominates the weekend activities in Ridgefield. The Pompion Festival will offer a variety of activities in the village Saturday. This page. Halloween Walk Saturday morning will provide treats for kids. Page 1C. The Halloween Party, sponsored by police, will offer spooky fun Saturday night. Page 1C. A choral evensong for All Saints Day will be sung Sunday at St. Stephen’s. Page 5C. A Jewish-Christian dialogue will take place Sunday at First Congregational Church. Page 5C. How artists look at the world will be described Sunday at the library. Page 9A. Pete Yorn will be in concert at the Playhouse on Sunday. Page 2C.

Inside The Press Halloween events

For a rundown on Halloween events in town, see page 1C.

House sales up

Recent real estate activity has been on the upswing, says our columnist. Page 12C.

Future enrollments

How can the school board know what to expect five or more years from now? Page 3A.

Fall backward

Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour Saturday night; daylight saving time ends early Sunday morning.

Index After Dark....................2B Bill of Fairs ..................3B Bird Notes ...................5B Births ........................18C Bridge ..........................4B Business ................12-13C Classified .....................7B Community Center .......4C Crossword .................10B DateBook................. 2-4C Election .......... 4-5A,8-11C Entertainment .......... 2-4C Founders Hall ...............5C Giving Thanks .........16-17C Happenings .............8-10A History....................... 12A Legal Notices ..... 20A, 14C

Library .........................5C Obituaries .................. 14A Opinions ..........4-7A,8-11C On Exhibit ....................1B People .........................1C Playhouse ....................2C Police ........................ 10A Recreation news ........ 18C Reel Dad ......................4B Religion........................5C ROARings ...................18C Schools .................... 6-7C Sound of Music ............4B Sports .................. 16-19A Thrift Shop...................5C This Weekend ...............1B Weddings .....................1C

16 Bailey Avenue Ridgefield, CT 06877

(203) 438-6544 newsroom@acorn-online.com sports@acorn-online.com www.TheRidgefieldPress.com

Macklin Reid

Whoa! New Street’s Halloween maestro Bill Franzen eyed a rubber snake Sunday as he worked behind the hillbilly shack scene in the yard display that has grown progressively crazier over the years.

Boo on New!

For Bill Franzen, the final time to go crazy

by Macklin Reid Press Staff

uillotine Man’s headless vigil will end. Bird Cage Girl’s flightless wings will cease their mute testimony to the agony of confinement. The Dolls’ Tea Party will share its last mad cup. And the pirate crew will tend their smoking cannon on one last dark and scary night... Bill Franzen says this will be his last Halloween — his last, anyway, as master of madness, king of rubber-rat creepiness, lord of feigned mayhem and staged psychosis at Ridgefield’s most out-of-control, plain-damncrazy Halloween yard display. “It’s going to be my last big extravaganza — at this house,” he said. Mr. Franzen has been creating progres-

sively large, complex and bizarre Halloween displays at his home on New Street for 15 or 16 years. “When did I really start it?” he said. “I had two characters and some dry ice and a thunderstorm on a loop-tape. Then I started to have this witches’ pot, and severed heads...” He’s hoping to pass on his collection. “If other people in Ridgefield want to do a Halloween, I’d love to give them stuff,” he said. “I’m not going to throw away perfectly good rubber hands!” “If a certain neighborhood, or a couple of neighbors, or an enclave or a dead-end street, a few families were interested in throwing a good Halloween next year, I’d be glad to give them tubs of things, and just say ‘start early.’ ”

Heated school and finance board races top a ballot with five contests in next week’s municipal election. “It’s an opportunity for you to choose the people who handle the issues that affect everyday life,” said First Selectman Rudy Marconi, who isn’t on the ballot in a year with no selectmen’s races. Voting is next Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the three regular district polling stations: • District I, the south, at East Ridge Middle School; • District II, the north, at Scotts Ridge Middle School; • District III, central, at Yanity Gymnasium. People who’ll be out of town election day may cast absentee ballots at town hall from 8:30 to 4:30 today, Friday and Monday, or during Election inside the town clerk’s Ballot sample ............................ 20A special absen- Endorsement letters ...............8-11C tee voting hours Finance interview ........................9C Saturday morning Police interview ........................ 10C Press endorsements ................... 4A from 9 to noon. School interview, 4-year ..... Page 8C A week before the School interview, 2-year ..... Page 9C election, the regis- Why vote Republican................... 5A trars of voters said Why vote Democratic .................. 5A there were 16,107 Zoning appeals interview ............11C Ridgefielders eligible to cast ballots — 5,888 (37%) Republicans, 4,572 (28%) Democrats, 5,552 (34%) unaffiliated, and 95 (0.6%) members of smaller parties. Twenty-nine candidates are running for town offices, 17 of them in the five contested races. There are contests for finance board, four-year and two-year school board seats, Police Commission, and a two-year vacancy on the Zoning Board of Appeals. The election will again use the optical scan ballots on which voters color in ovals

See Halloween on page 11

See Election on back page

Lynch Brook rekindles deer debate by Kate Czaplinski Press Staff

Ridgefield’s overall count of deer killed since bow hunting opened this season is the highest in the state and while that may show some progress in deer management, the controlled town hunt is still raising objections from some Ridgefielders, specifically some residents living near the Lynch Brook Lane open space parcel, added to the hunt this year. The concerns prompted a letter from seven citizens to the Board of Selectmen. Controversy has followed the Lynch Brook Lane open space parcel for about a month. Selectman Barbara Manners strongly opposed adding the parcel to the hunt in September. The board’s majority decision to keep the parcel prompted Ms. Manners to consider resigning from the board — a decision she later withdrew. She has not, however, stopped being concerned about the Lynch Brook parcel and other parcels used for the hunt. Ms. Manners supports revisiting the town hunt issue, a possible ban on bow hunting, and allowing neighbors who live near hunted parcels to speak at public hearings. She wrote a letter to fellow board members Oct. 7 saying: “My distress over the extension of the hunt remains and I have found in recent weeks that a not insignificant number of people who supported the original vote to amend the ordinance to permit hunting for the purposes of deer management are now themselves alarmed by its widespread expansion.” In September, the board approved the Lynch Brook parcel contingent upon the Deer Committee contacting residents and getting a general consensus on the hunt there. Deer Committee Chair Tom Belote said residents were contacted and the majority agreed with the decision. Hunting See Deer on back page

Macklin Reid

Contract quarrel

School cafeteria workers protested in the rain Tuesday in front of school administration offices, frustrated by the pace of contract negotiations with their new employer, Chartwells. Story on page 2A.

Ethics board dismisses complaint, scores Cocco for partisan politics by Macklin Reid Press Staff

Unanimously dismissing all complaints against three town officials — John Palermo, Marty Heiser and Bob Cascella, all Republicans — the town Board of Ethics characterized Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Susan Cocco’s complaint against them as partisan politics. “...There is ample reason

to conclude that Ms. Cocco’s complaint is a transparent attempt to use this board for partisan political purposes shortly before a contested election,” the ethics board said in a written decision issued Friday. “I was completely exonerated,” said Mr. Palermo, a school board member. “...If you read the ethics report, they don’t think there’s any place for this.”

“After reading the response to the ethics complaint, it is about as overwhelming and complete a vindication of a false accusation that I’ve ever come across,” said Mr. Heiser, chairman of the finance board. “All you have to do is scratch the surface, here; erroneous charges filed by the chairman of the opposition party,” said See Ethics on page 13

2A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Oct. 29, 2009

Agency runs out of flu vaccines by Kate Czaplinski Press Staff

After filling three H1N1 vaccination clinics, the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Assocation has stopped scheduling more clinics as it awaits shipment of the vaccine from the state. The RVNA is also still awaiting a delivery of the seasonal flu injections, after running out two weeks ago. Two clinics for H1N1 vaccinations scheduled for Tuesday and today, Oct. 29, were full by Tuesday afternoon, with the RVNA unable to take any more appointments. Future flu clinics will be announced on RidgefieldVNA. org and TheRidgefieldPress. com as soon as they are known. The H1N1 clinics this

week were for children ages 2 to 6, healthy adults 18 to 49 years old who are parents and caregivers of babies under six months of age, and emergency and hospital personnel. The RVNA held the first H1N1 clinic last Friday, Oct. 23, where about 100 vaccines were administered to children 2 and 4 years old, said Sandy Weinberg of the RVNA. This week, the RVNA got a hand from the town’s Emergency Management Office to deal with all H1N1 appointment calls. All H1N1related calls now should got to 431-2567. (The RVNA main line is 438-5555.) “We were getting so many calls, it was tying up our phone lines and people were

having trouble getting through to our other services,” Ms. Weinberg said. Fire Chief Heather Burford, who heads the Emergency Management operations, said, “We have opened up the Emergency Operations Center as a call center for all vaccine appointments. The VNA is staffing the EOC to relieve the tremendous number of calls and pressure on the VNA’s main office. Routine patients and customers were having trouble getting through to the VNA for routine business because of all the calls.” The Emergency Operations Center is in the old high school gym; the VNA is in the old high school. Chief Burford added that “this is a creative and appropri-

ate use of the center and we are happy to be able to help out.” Ms. Weinberg said two weeks ago, the RVNA ran out of seasonal flu shot due to a shipping delay. The delay is no need to panic, as the seasonal flu isn’t seen often in the state before December and peaks in January and February, Ms. Weinberg said. “We’re told we’ll receive the remainder of the shipment in mid-November.” The flu mist is available for healthy individuals 2 to 49 years old, who are not pregnant, and flu shots for children ages 6 to 35 months are available. Those shots are being offered at all the public flu clinics listed on the RVNA Web site.

Helen Carli

Jordan Katz, Graeme Morledge, Jake Salmore and Morgan Hils lean on each other for moral support while they line up for the H1N1 “swine” flu mist at Ridgefield VNA’s first H1N1 clinic last week. The VNA is now out of vaccine and waiting for more from the state.

Cafeteria workers stage protest over contract talks by Kate Czaplinski and Macklin Reid Press Staff

The cafeteria workers of Ridgefield Public Schools picketed Tuesday afternoon in front of the school district building, after lunch time and after the school day had ended, to voice disappointment over contract negotiations with Chartwells, the food service company contracted by the school system five months ago. Last Thursday, the union representing the 46 cafeteria workers, CSEA/SEIU Local 2001, filed a complaint with the National Labor Relations Board against Chartwells, “for refusing to provide informa-

tion on their attempt to permanently replace the workers’ pension plan,” the union said. About 20 workers were at the protest, chanting things like, “No contract, no respect!” and “What do we want? A contract! When do we want it? Now!” A few months ago, the Ridgefield cafeteria workers collected signatures of support from the community to present to the Board of Education, after concerns that Chartwells would not honor previous contracts made with the former food service provider. The Board of Education did not get involved, saying that the negotiations were between the union and Chartwells. In a press release, sent

out before the picketing, the union said: “The Union’s labor board complaint is based on Chartwells’ attempt to take away the cafeteria workers’ previous pension plan and permanently replace it with a 401(k).” “The company’s representatives have ignored repeated requests for information on the potential risks the change poses for it employees’ retirement security, and the workers are committed to bringing the issue to the attention of school officials, education advocates, and parents of the students they serve.” Maureen Hulse, union president who works at Veterans Park, said food service workers make about $11 to $13

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an hour with managers getting slightly more. Most work about 30 hours. “We just want Chartwells to respect the retirement security and fair wages we had with our old employer because that’s what it takes to keep skilled, experienced food service employees,” Ms. Hulse said last week after the union filed the complaint. “They are a profitable global company and they can afford to invest in their most important asset — their workforce.” She said keeping the hours down is tough when meeting Chartwells’ commitment to make healthier food. “There’s a lot more work,” Ms Hulse said. “Two of the schools used to have three people, now they have two. And everything’s from scratch — it takes longer. We need more time, but we’re not given

more time.” Chartwells released the following statement this week: “After several months of collective bargaining, on October 6, 2009, Chartwells offered its associates at Ridgefield a fair collective bargaining agreement which includes general wage increases, paid time off, longevity bonus, increased medical benefit offerings, and participation in the company’s 401K plan which replaces the former pension plan.” “The details of the 401K plan, in which Chartwells matches a percentage of the employee’s pre-tax contributions, have been provided to the union. We hope that the union will present the entire package that has been offered in a manner that allows the associates the opportunity to make a fully informed decision. We are confident the Labor

Board will be dismissing the union’s claim it had not received information regarding the company’s 401K plan shortly.” School board chair Austin Drukker said the board was happy with the service the workers have been providing in the cafeterias — under Chartwells, as well as the previous firm, Sodexho. He actually voted against switching food service providers five months ago. “We’ve had no complaints or problems with any of the cafeteria workers,” Mr. Drukker said. “They’re good with our children and we continue to value their service.” He said the board has no reason to get involved at this point. “We don’t negotiate with the security guards on anything,” Mr. Drukker said as an example. “We bring them in, they [outside company] pay them.”

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Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 3A

School enrollment: A cycle of decline? by Kate Czaplinski Press Staff

Faced with projections indicating that Ridgefield Public Schools’ enrollment may drop 26.3% — by 1,421 students — in the next 10 years, the Board of Education discussed the reliability of the numbers and how they may impact school reconfiguration plans. Demographer Dr. Hyung C. Chung, president of H.C. Planning Consultants Inc. of Orange, compiled a draft of Ridgefield’s 10-year enrollment projections using a number of statistical methods, based on birth rates, the economy, home sales, nonpublic school enrollment, new construction and unemployment. He presented the report at the Oct. 26 Board of Education meeting. He broke the 10 years into two blocks of five years. “Nobody can really tell what will be in the future. We cannot predict the future but we can look at the past and how accurate we’ve been,” Dr. Chung said. He admitted the numbers from 2014 to 2019 were difficult to predict. “Up to year 2014 the trend is reasonably accurate,” Dr. Chung said. “2014-2019 is based on those five previous forecasted years.” From 2009 to 2014, Dr. Chung forecasts student enrollment will drop by 446 students in K-5, 155 student in grades 6-8, and a two-student drop in grades 9 through 12. From 2014-19 K-5 drops another 390, grades 6-8 will drop 234, and 9-12 will drop

by 194. Dr. Chung prepared predictions for the school board in 1999 and in 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008. He analyzed the accuracy of past predictions. For example, predictions he made in 2001 for total K5 school enrollment in 2009 overestimated the enrollment by about 13.2%. He had predicted 2,598 children for 2009 and the actual enrollment this year is 2,295. His predictions for 2009 in the subsequent years are more accurate. He was off by about 0.5% in his forecasts made in 2005 and 2007. He overestimated the 2009 K-5 enrollment by 0.6% in 2008. Board member Kathy McGerald said later during the meeting she was impressed in how accurate Dr. Chung has been in his forecasts in the last few years. Fellow board member Paul Sutherland said his being off by 13% in 2001 was an important fact to take into consideration — backing up Dr. Chung’s assessment that looking further ahead than five years is more difficult. Board member Richard Steinhart said that even the more reliable five-year projections may have a great deal of impact on the school system. “Those enrollment projections are sobering, even only looking at the first five years,” Mr. Steinhart said. According to the numbers, Ridgefield school enrollment peaked in 2000 at 5,540 and have steadily declined since. Total enrollment this year is 5,400.

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In Dr. Chung’s report, the number of births is closely related to the economy; birth rates dropped in the 1930s and mid-1970s when the economy suffered, he said. One chart showed an obvious correlation between the state unemployment rate going up and the state birth rate going down. “It’s what you would call a mirror image of the mountain reflected in the water,” Dr. Chung said. He noted that Ridgefield’s demographics and history also play a part in the town’s numbers, making it different from the state statistics. For his report he made modest forecasts of the economy improving. “I’ve made some assumptions of how the economy will be in the future and that’s a grave thing to do — most don’t know what will happen next month,” Dr. Chung said. A brief question and answer period from the audience asked specifically if new housing developments or an increase of dual family incomes were put into the projections. Dr. Chung said he was not asked to specifically study those factors but gave some statistical information on how a new housing development, like one on Bennett’s Pond property, could impact schools. “The impact of one family takes a long time,” Dr. Chung said. “People think it will have an immediate impact but statistically if 160 single-family units are built, immediately some are vacant, some have an older population, some very

young, and some middle age. On average that is a very small number of kids in the school system right away.” “By the time you forget you built those units 12 years later, you’ll have a lot of kids coming from there,” he added. Board member John Palermo asked whether residents migrating to town from more expensive counties like Westchester was considered. Dr. Chung said he provides for some level of child migration but homes sales are down everywhere so the assumption is people aren’t moving as much. Irene Burgess, a candidate for the Board of Education, was in the audience and asked whether the report takes into consideration that older citizens may be leaving Ridgefield and selling their homes to new families. Dr. Chung said that was not part of the study. Mr. Steinhart said the draft study conclusion shows the school system has more years ahead of declining enrollment. “This indicates we’re early in the cycle of decline,” he said.

Contributed

A hug for Clifford

Ava Cohen, Isabella Tuccio (as Clifford), and Ava Beylouni got in the Halloween spirit this week at a dance class at The Enchanted Garden.

Absentee ballots will be available on Saturday; limited registration on Monday morning

The town clerk’s office will have special hours for absentee ballots this Saturday, Oct. 31, from 9 to noon. Absentee ballots may also be obtained up until 4:30 p.m. on Monday Nov. 2, at the

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town clerk’s office. The registrars of voters will hold a limited voter registration session on Monday, Nov. 2, to admit those seeking to vote in the election whose qualification as to age, citizen-

ship or residence was attained since Oct. 27, between the hours of 9 and noon. The session will be held in the registrar of voters office in the town hall, 400 Main Street.

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Oct. 29, 2009

LETTERS

EDITORIALS

Pitching in for good cause

Tough choices

oters have some tough choices Tuesday — a lot of good people are running for office, many in the five contested races. The school board needs continuity through the “configuration” process begun last spring, but is currently weighted a little too much towards male professionals and needs some parents who’ve come up through the traditional PTA route, waiting at bus stops, serving on committees. For continuity, voters should return the three incumbents, all Republicans: For four-year seats, that’s IBM executive John Palermo, who helped negotiate the new teachers contract expected to save the town millions, and attorney Russell Katz, who’s shown a knack for bridging differences and helping the board move along; in the two-year race, it’s Sandi Rose, who is the board’s longestserving member, a former paraprofessional working in the schools, and an ex-PTA president. To restore some of parent-volunteer perspective that helps keep the board focused on kids, two remaining votes in the four-year race would be well cast for Democrats Amy Shinohara, who runs a music pre-school program, and Irene Burgess, who has volunteered for more than 30 school-related committees, most recently the configuration committee. The finance board, too, needs continuity. It’s offered by longtime chairman Marty Heiser, the only incumbent in the race and one of the board’s moderates. The financiers could also benefit from the education-friendly outlook of Democratic write-in candidate Heidi Namiot. For Police Commission, the three incumbent Republicans — Susan Craig, Carl Lecher and Tom Reynolds — have served the town well and deserve reelection. But Democrat Joseph Adams, who also has past experience on the commission, has worked as a 911 dispatcher, volunteered with the fire police, and as a paraprofessional at the high school would bring the outlook of someone actually walking the halls with town teens. Pick your two favorite Republican incumbents and cast a third vote for Mr. Adams. For Zoning Board of Appeals two men with construction experience are competing for the two-year vacancy. Democrat Sky Cole would be a voice for the folks who don’t wear suits.

Been there, done that by Mary Gelfman

served on the Ridgefield Board of Education 19691981. Most of the problems then were similar to the problems facing us now. The perennial battle is whether perceived costs and theoretical savings drive the school budget, or whether our locally elected school board, teachers and school administrators should address our children’s needs to get into college and get good jobs. Full-day kindergarten

I supported full-day kindergarten as a board member. Since 1991, I have traveled around the state as an administrative law judge for the Connecticut Department of Education. I see full-day kindergarten in many districts. The current 21/two hour kindergarten requires that teachers compress the ever-increasing kindergarten curriculum into a short day. Student population/capacity

While I was on the Board of Education, we opened, and then 10 years later closed, Barlow Mountain Elementary School. How much did it cost to close, sell, repurchase, and reopen this school? If we have a few empty classrooms, here and there, couldn’t we use that space? Fullday kindergarten will require more classrooms. Doesn’t the school administration belong in a school? Families who move here with school-age children come for individual and unpredictable reasons. Looking ahead more than five years, can we count babies who have not been conceived? While professional population studies are interesting, they are not infallible. Having a little extra space in our schools is insurance against a sudden increase in enrollment. If all the available new condominiums in town were sold to families with children, we would notice the impact! And we still have open land available for more housing. Real estate values

Many of our residents move here, stay 10 or 15 years, and then move on: The buying and selling of homes is big business here. If our schools are seen as “less good” than those in nearby districts, it becomes more difficult to sell a house here. Those who may be ready to downsize need good schools to help us sell our homes. Every homeowner in town benefits from a good school system. Configurations

Our kindergarten through fifth, sixth to eighth, ninth to 12th grade configuration works well with six elementary schools. The suggestion of splitting kindergarten to fifth into three kindergarten to second and three third to fifth schools seems unnecessary, unpopular and perhaps more expensive than the current arrangement. How does the cost of transporting and scheduling compare with transportation services for our neighborhood schools? With kindergarten through second, third to fifth, some kids will be traveling further to school. Conclusions

The excellent and detailed history of school construction and population trends provided by the current Citizens Committee shows how often we got it wrong in the past. To quote a former principal, “These kids pass through only once.” Is it reasonable to jeopardize the education of our children and grandchildren with false economies and shortsighted planning? The school system isn’t broken, and most of the “fixes” on the table are not educationally or fiscally sound. Mary Gelfman is a former chair of the Board of Education and was a longtime member. Discuss this on The Ridgefield Forum at TheRidgefieldPress.com.

LETTERS to the EDITORS What is character?

One’s ethics and reputation are important. They are parts of you that you build up over a lifetime, and seemingly can be taken away in moments. The ethics charges against me have been closed and I have been completely exonerated by the Ethics Commission. This whole affair should not have taken place. I hope it does not deter others from giving back and volunteering their time for the benefit of the town of Ridgefield. The town can benefit from the value we bring to the table. For those who both submitted the charges and those who knew that the material was not confidential nor confidential to the negotiation’s process, but allowed this all to continue: Character is what you do when no one is watching. It’s time for you to take some lessons. John V. Palermo 58 Blacksmith Ridge Road, Oct. 26

The face time voters deserve

Voters at the very least deserve a full forum of all the candidates debating the issues — before the election, that is the point of a debate — to foster opportunity for voters to decide. There has been so much politicizing of the GOP pulling out of the one and only debate pre-election. It was unfortunate that there was so much miscommunication between less than a handful of people with working landlines, Blackberries, iPhones, e-mails and if asked, a probable IBM satellite at their disposal. The PTA Council, to their credit, did make a valiant effort. The fact remains that having at least one open and constructive debate should have been entirely obvious to all candidates and committees from the get-go. The constituents shouldn’t have to ask. Making yourself available to the very people you represent is part of your job as an incumbent or candidate and more importantly part of the process of transparency, accountability, responsibility and moreover, in the spirit of complete common sense. Having coffees here and there with three out of dozen candidates is not giving Ridgefield’s voters the facetime they deserve. I don’t want to just know

someone’s position on an issue. I want to hear them give their opinions on critical topics — and their responses in real time — to see how they respond to the comments and questions of those they are opposing and those that are voting for them — how they answer the hard questions. This is important and, barring illness and tragedy, important enough to find time in one’s schedule. Please remind your friends and neighbors to vote Nov. 3 — the stakes for education couldn’t be higher. Aryn Cluney 157 Saint John’s Road, Oct. 26

Dirty politics ruining our town

If the goal of the Democratic leadership is to tarnish Ridgefield and garner bad will all around, then kudos, because they are doing a commendable job. Our little town has been transmogrified into New Jersey. No offense to Jersey-ites, but I have long been offended by the harsh negative political ads from the Garden State and, with the recent high profile arrest of many political leaders throughout that state, New Jersey has become a dark beacon of political shame. I’ve seen many election cycles dating back to the 1970s and I don’t recall anything as distasteful or dishonest as what we are witnessing this year. We’ve seen concocted ethics charges against Republican elected officials, fantastic conspiracy theories regarding the cancellation of a debate that some tried to cobble together with little advance notice, half-truths and no-truths, and it goes on an on and on. And a weekly paper is the perfect forum for this putrid campaign — by the time the accused can respond or the truth comes out, it’s a week later and the damage has long been done. I guess that’s what happens when dirty politics is a hobby. The sad part is, everyone on each side of every issue (at least the many I’ve met) seem to be decent folk who, evidently, are just getting caught up in this bloodless version of European soccertype hooliganism. I’ll never get used to it but will take solace in the fact that by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, the offenders will slink back into their holes, and only

THE RIDGEFIELD PRESS

emerge when the next cycle comes around. I can only hope that election cycles don’t expand like the Christmas shopping season has over the past few years. Bob Jewell Ridgefield, Oct. 22

Letter writers owe an apology

In the Oct. 15 edition of The Ridgefield Press I wrote a letter regarding the ethics charges against three Republicans in which Susan Cocco, Democratic Town Committee chairman, filed. I wrote, “Facts are stubborn things…” The ethics board voted to dismiss all of the allegations in the complaint. What’s equally disturbing in this whole ethics-political stunt from Ms. Cocco and the Democratic Town Committee is several people immediately jumped on her band wagon and became complicit in attempting to smear good people who volunteer hundreds of hours to make Ridgefield a better place. It’s my hope that Richard Koda, Ellen Darvick, Stan Madaloni and Meghan Clark send a letter of apology to those implicated as fast as they submitted letters to the editor which added to the attempted smear campaign. I would suggest the four of them, if they don’t already do so, volunteer time to the town of Ridgefield in the near future to make up for their mistake. I would also hope that Democratic elected officials publicly denounce this behavior. On Nov. 3 citizens of Ridgefield have the opportunity to reject negative politics. We hope you’ll join us in voting for the right people who do the right things for Ridgefield. James Carroll Ridgefield, Oct. 23

Close a school? Cut off your leg?

Some Republican candidates want to close a school. I think this is the wrong way to go. It would be like wanting to lose weight so you cut off your leg. Reduce wasteful spending? Yes. Cut off your leg? No. Besides, the Republicans failed to show up at the debate. This is all any voter really needs to know. Chris McQuilkin Ridgefield, Oct. 24

16 Bailey Avenue, Ridgefield, CT 06877 203-438-6544 • Classified: 438-6000 Web: TheRidgefieldPress.com E-mail: News: newsroom@acorn-online.com; sports: sports@acorn-online.com; display advertising: ads@acorn-online.com; classified ads: classified@acorn-online.com Periodical postage paid: Ridgefield, CT 06877 (USPS 465-860). Postmaster: send address changes to Ridgefield Press, P.O. Box 1019, Ridgefield, CT 06877

On Sunday, Oct. 11, way before Christmas elves start stirring from the North Pole, a group of friendly elves descended upon Ridgefield’s Cutting Board restaurant for a celebratory dinner. But these were no holiday helpers. These were Gary, Keith and Ron elves, what Ridgefield resident Lynn Cohen calls the volunteers who help make her Pitch in for A Good Cause events the special highlights of many Mets fans’ seasons. The Pitch in for A Good Cause Foundation raises funds for the favorite charities of New York Mets’ broadcasters Keith Hernandez, Ron Darling, and Ridgefield’s Gary Cohen. It was celebrating its second annual year-end fund-raiser event at CitiField the weekend before, Oct. 3. As the result of Lynn Cohen’s tireless effort and her volunteer elves’ gracious time and hard work, hundreds of Gary, Keith and Ron fans descended on CitiField and enjoyed a lush buffet, special activities, and appearances by Gary Cohen, Ron Darling, Mets’ catcher Omir Santos, 1986 World Champion Met and current hitting coach Howard Johnson, SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt, and Mr. Met. The foundation’s T-shirt and raffle ticket sales far outstripped last year’s season-ending event, and by everyone’s account, the fund-raiser was a stunning success and an absolute blast. In appreciation, Ridgefield’s Gary and Lynn Cohen hosted a scrumptious dinner at The Cutting Board, including their son, Zach, and Ridgefield residents Vivian and Jeff Ash, and Ray and Kerry McCleland and their son Chris. Other volunteers traveled from New York, New Jersey, other areas of Connecticut, and beyond to share in this special, intimate celebration. After a night filled with toasts, gifts, shared memories, and the overall cheer of knowing you’ve been able to do something good, the Gary, Keith and Ron elves left Ridgefield with some of its best food in their bellies and warmth in their hearts. We don’t think even Christmas elves could have been merrier. Zoe Rice Ridgefield, Oct. 15

Accusations were politically based

In response to the false ethic violations filed by the chairman of the Democratic Town Committee, I would like to share the following observations: The charges filed against the three Republican candidates have of course been dismissed because they had no basis. They had been filed just in time to appear in the last issues of The Press before our local elections. Clearly these false accusations were politically based. This is the kind of action taken by cowards and people who can find no other means of building up their own candidates, so they sling false accusations at their opponents. Shame on the Democratic Town Committee for allowing such behavior. Joan Plock 153 Bob Hill Road, Oct. 25

About letters Letters must be 300 words or fewer, and include your name, address and daytime phone number. Shorter letters on local topics are more likely to appear. We will withhold names only in special circumstances. E-mail letter to newsroom@acornonline.com in time to reach us by Monday at 4p.m.

Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 5A

OPINIONS Why vote for Republicans?

on ensuring our schools consistently deliver our current programs to prepare students for the 21st Century. They worked diligente live in unprecedented times. ly to improve cooperation between town Often it seems there is so agencies, and to cut costs while strengthenmuch in modern American life that is beyond our control. ing programs. The recent teachers contract Fortunately, we are all privileged to live in negotiated, in part, by John Palermo will save us multiple millions of dollars over a terrific town and this Tuesday you can take action to positively affect the future of the next three years compared to the prior contract and it is setting a precedent for Ridgefield. other school board negotiations across the The Ridgefield Republican Town state. Our focus is on improving education Committee is proud to promote a slate of candidates for office that offers the experi- through execution while our opponents, who have never served on a school board, ence and skills needed in these troubled offer grandiose, unaffordable, and educatimes. Holding down taxes was difficult tionally dilutive new programs. in 2009 and it looks even harder for the Over the next 12 future. Last year, we had one-time benefits months the school like declining oil prices for the town and board will wrestle schools. These breaks will not repeat and we will have some significant costs added with how to restructure our — like $12 million in pension losses. elementary schools Last year the town and school trimmed to ensure we are budgets, but if we want to maintain critiputting our money into cal programs without paying 4% to 5% education and not overtax increases we will need to continue head. Mistakes were to restructure our costs and contracts to made with “the bundle” strengthen services and keep Ridgefield when we added affordable. unneeded elementary Last year’s town budget debate school rooms. We have highlighted philosophical differences. 300 fewer students Democrat-endorsed candidates advocated today than in 2003 higher taxes. One brought three cups of and an added school coffee from Starbucks to explain that voters should forego their lattes and pay more that is costing us one to two million taxes. All of our opponents now claim dollars a year. This fiscal responsibility. But when it counted, money should be spent on actual educaDemocrats demanded that you pay more tion instead. The Republican team brings while Republicans fought to find ways to a track record of more than a dozen years save money and retain services. of school board and a century of business Such work is not new to Marty Heiser, management success in strengthening prowho has led the Board of Finance for a grams while managing costs. Ridgefield decade, fighting every step of the way to ensure your money is wisely spent and tax needs and deserves their skills. While the leadership of the town increases held to the bare minimum. Jill Democrats wants to throw around mud and Bornstein will add a decade of financial and audit experience from GE and years of money, Republicans want to solve problems and move forward. If experienced, dedicated work on volunteer boards such sound and representative local government as Ridgefield Academy, Ridgefield Aquatic sounds like the right tonic for turbulent Club, and buildOn CT. times, then please vote row A — and just The team of Russell Katz, Keith Miller, row A — on Tuesday, Nov. 3. John Palermo and Sandi Rose will return two prior Board of Education chairs and Jim Carroll is chairman of the Republican Town three incumbents to that board. These four Committee. have refocused the educational community

Why vote for Democrats?

by Jim Carroll

More letters on page 6-7A; candidate endorsements on pages 8-11C.

by Susan Cocco

eager to get to work, Charlie has what it takes for the Board of Education two-year seat. The four-year seats on the Board of Education are ready to be filled with new faces. Amy Shinohara is endorsed by the Democratic and Independent parties. A local business owner and parent, she has a vested interest in keeping business in town, kids thriving and schools that do your property values proud. Attending every Board of Education meeting for 18 months (better record than several incumbents), she’s on your side. Irene Burgess, is a model of expertise, parent involvement and advocacy-for kids-for smarter solutions and for better schools. She is a PTA leader at Ridgefield High School and Scotts Ridge Middle School, endorsed by the NEA-R, a constant attendee at Board of Education meetings and a tireless volunteer. No one knows the issues better or will be more on your side. Nina Mohadjer is an American dream story — immigrant to Ridgefield, U.S. law school graduate and practicing attorney, mother of two, and skilled professional negotiator. She understands that the best schools require balancing with the best ideas for cost savings. The Police Commission needs an advocate for regional cooperation, costs savings and new ideas. EMT, dispatcher and former Ridgefield Police Commissioner Joseph Adams is experienced in safety, police affairs and school issues. He has ideas that need to be heard. It is time to bring fresh thinking to the Police Commission. Returning to Planning and Zoning are candidates Nelson Gelfman and Joe Fossi — passionate, skilled and dedicated. On the Zoning Board of Appeals, Dwayne Escola is our pick with Henry Seeman and Sky Cole for Zoning Board of Appeals alternates. A 23-yea-old Ridgefield native, Jeff Bonistalli, is running for the Board of Assessment Appeals. All of our Democrats have your side and our town at the forefront of their ideas. Vote for them on Nov. 3.

n Nov. 3, vote for the candidates who are on your side. That’s right, on your side. The side of balancing taxes with town services. The side of neighbors who struggle to hold on to what’s left of the equity in their homes. The side of parents who believe that a “rush” to judgment on school reconfiguration has about as much a chance of succeeding as the “rush” to a new bus schedule. The side of residents who want finances to be handled in a smarter, better, non-partisan manner. Gumption, passion, qualifications. Write in Heidi Namiot for Board of Finance. She has already won a victory for you — when she pointed out in The Press that the town was losing interest income on its money by keeping it in a local bank that did not offer competitive rates, the bank upped the interest rate it pays to Ridgefield. Wow. Tangible results from a candidate; can you imagine what she can do when you elect her to the Board of Finance? A 10-year financial professional, with a master of business administration in finance, she is not about to take your money for granted or take “conventional wisdom” for, well, wisdom. Fill in the oval on the “write in” line. Write in Heidi’s name for the Board of Finance. Your money will thank you. The Board of Education needs change, not the rehashing of old ideas, personalities and tired leadership. For the two-year vacancy, Charlie Primerano, father of a Ridgefield High schooler and a technology professional, is a champion for our kids’ future. His ideas are to control costs, improve productivity and help avoid laySusan D. Cocco is Ridgefield Democratic offs by using technology wisely. Active, Town Committee chair.

Amy Shinohara

Candidate for Board of Education

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Irene Burgess

Candidate for Board of Education

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Nina Mohadjer

Candidate for Board of Education

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Charlie Primerano

Candidate for Board of Education, Two Year Vacancy ��

Heidi Namiot

Write-In Candidate for Board of Finance

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Nelson Gelfman

Joseph Fossi

Dwayne Escola

Sky Cole

Henry Seemann

Jeff Bonistalli

Candidate for Planning and Zoning

Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals

Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals, Alternate

Candidate for Planning and Zoning Candidate for Zoning Board of Appeals, Two Year Vacancy

Candidate for Board of Assessment Appeals

Joseph Adams

Candidate for Police Commissioner ��

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6A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Oct. 29, 2009

LETTERS to the EDITORS Appalling accusations

The baseless accusations of Susan Cocco against Republican officials and candidates are appalling. I have been assured by many that this is nothing more than politics. I strongly disagree! This is slanderous. If Ms. Cocco was concerned with confidentiality and what is right, her ethics complaint would have remained confidential until the ethics board met and made a decision on her allegations. Clearly, her motivation was not moral but political, and was intended to slander and cast doubt on the character and abilities of elected officials in the Republican Party. What her slanderous campaign in

The Press last week failed to mention, however, was that one of her Democratic Board of Finance members was involved in the alleged breach as well. How very convenient of you, Susan. I urge everyone to read the results of the Board of Ethics findings. If you read last week’s Press coverage of the complaint, you owe it to the individuals whose names were shamelessly slandered to read the board’s findings and make your own decision as to the motivation behind the original complaint. I understand that as Election Day draws near, many individuals seem to think there is a hiatus on just plain good manners. I don’t accept that, and I expect an apology from Susan Cocco. For those of you

who couldn’t wait to write letters last week condemning the accused, I wonder if you will take the time to read the Board of Ethics findings and how quick you will be to pick up the phone and call with apologies. I won’t hold my breath. Nora Barton Cascella Ridgefield, Oct. 24

Board members need to attend

Can you imagine if our students only attended school 75% of the time? It seems that the Board of Education Republicans think that’s good enough for them — missing seven or more meetings in a Board of Education year equals being absent 25% or more for the year.

We elect officials that will do the best job. For the Board of Education that requires making the best decisions for our children’s education. An effective Board of Education member must attend Board of Education public meetings to participate in discussions and decisions. We all understand commitments (family, work or health) but Board of Education members need to be present to render educated decisions. When Kathie McGerald had her third child in the fall 2007, she missed only one meeting during her pregnancy and returned to the table 10 days after that birth. Let’s be sure we elect members who understand the hard work and commitment needed to be effective Board of

Education members. viewed as a political opportuJackie Campbell Putman nity to exploit. Now along comes Susan Ridgefield, Oct. 24 Cocco. As made clear in the Ethics Commission Report, her charges were, among other things, “unseemly,” “frivolous,” “absurd,” and a In my years of public ser- “transparent attempt to use vice, I have had the pleasure this board for partisan politiand privilege of serving along- cal purposes.” Her tactics — side many dedicated citizens. disparaging civic volunteers Regardless of party, they were and casting aside civility (and generously offering of their just plain decency) — are reptalents and time. They served rehensible. Left unchecked, for the benefit of the residents this type of behavior will ultiof Ridgefield, and certainly mately discourage others from not the pay. Acknowledging serving. Ridgefield deserves better. that national philosophical Andrew Bodner differences exist between Republican and Democrat, Ridgefield, Oct. 24 more often than not, locally, there was little partisanship. We are all human and make mistakes, but seldom was it

Ridgefield deserves better

GOP misleads about tax hike

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MOORE & GILES

P O LO R A L P H L AU R E N

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I cannot believe Jim Carroll blatantly misled the people of Ridgefield in his GOP column. He offered a smoke and mirrors argument about the Democratic candidates wanting to raise taxes while the Republicans fought against tax increases last year. Sorry Jim, every Board of Education member voted in favor of a tax increase last year, including the incumbents currently up for re-election (Katz, Palermo, Rose). You can’t hide that fact or re-write history. If the Republican Party in town will lie about something that is so easily rebutted by a simple check of meeting minutes, what else are they willing to be untruthful about? Meghan Clark Ridgefield, Oct. 20

Such tactics make us weaker

The Town of Ridgefield Board of Ethics has concluded what we all knew from the beginning. That is, the complaint filed by the Democratic Town Committee and its chairman against Marty Heiser, John Palermo and Bob Cascella is baseless. Further, the board’s reasons for dismissing the complaint reveal completely unethical and destructive behavior by the Democratic Town Committee and its chairman. We are a community that is struggling with very difficult issues and choices. Chairman Cocco and the Democratic Town Committee have chosen to rely on tactics that only divide us and make our town weaker. I, for one, look forward to Ridgefield residents rejecting the use of ethics charges as a weapon and holding the Democratic Town Committee and Chairman Cocco accountable for their behavior. Skip March Ivy Hill Road, Oct. 24

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Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 7A

LETTERS League encourages voting on Tuesday

The Ridgefield League of Women Voters would like to encourage everyone to vote in the local elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Traditionally, local voting turnout is considerably lower than national voting and local issues can have far more of an impact on your everyday life. Regular polling places will be in place: East Ridge Middle School, Scotts Ridge Middle School and Yanity Gym. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. There will be limited voter registration on Monday, Nov. 2, from 9 to noon in the registrar’s office at the town hall. For more information, contact Cynthia Bruno 4312771 or Hope Wise 431-2772. You can also view the ballot by going to ridgefieldct.org and clicking on Departments, Registrar’s Office, scrolling midway down to “Click Here” in red. Don’t forget to vote. Meredith Trotta Public Relations RLWV Ridgefield, Oct. 26

Punishing the negative

Dirty politics raised its ugly head a few weeks ago — not in Washington — not in Hartford — but right here in Ridgefield. The chair of the local Democratic Party filed an ethics complaint against two Republicans running for re-election. The town’s Board of Ethics investigated the complaint and issued a blistering, unflattering decision characterizing the complaint as a transparent attempt to use the Board of Ethics for partisan political purposes, in addition to being “unseemly,” frivolous,” and “absurd.” Ridgefield voters have a fine tradition of punishing negative, dirty campaigning, and my best guess is that they will turn against the candidates who helped facilitate, and hoped to gain from, this reprehensible behavior. Don’t just take my word for what happened. Read the full report yourself at CommentaryonRidgefield.org. Ed Tyrrell 17 Pond Road, Oct. 27

Too many pets in one cage

I have had in my past, the pleasure of owning a golden retriever (Lassie), a cat, Puddin — and a puddintane — a ferocious prince and a meek and mild pup, Buffy, who I sorely miss. I cannot have a pet in my current place of residence, but am in ownership of a few replicas of which I enjoy very much. I enjoy watching the people walking their pets and must say I am slightly envious (ever so — ha). I am a bit disgruntled about these young pets being herded into a cage (sometimes four or five) and barely taken care of. I am also concerned about their whereabouts before and after. I am dedicating this brief editorial concerning pets to Ms. Tammy Santini, who so graciously requested me to write this brief editorial on pets. Tammy is a dog owner herself and has a great love for pets. God bless her. Peter L. Casagrande Jr. Ridgefield, Oct. 22

How often should a chimney be cleaned? by David Lathrop Ridgefield Fire Marshal

How often should you have your chimney cleaned? First of all, no, it is not a state law to have your chimney cleaned as some out of state company would like you to think. Most people know that chimneys need to be cleaned but very few people think about it until a problem such as a chimney fire takes place.

Creosote is formed as a result of cresol and phenol compounds, chemicals that are released when wood is burned. It condenses on chimney walls when the chimney or flue is cooler than about 400 degrees Fahrenheit and when there is high moisture content in the exhaust gases from the fire. It is difficult to put out chimney fires. They must simply “burn out,” which can

crack or damage the chimney liner in the best case scenario, and can lead to a house fire in the worst case scenario. You should clean your chimney at regular intervals. If you are a heavy wood burner, which is to say that wood heat is your main fuel for home heating, chimney cleaning is suggested twice a year or more often if the wood is not good seasoned wood.

Older wood and coal stoves must be cleaned more frequently. If the fireplace or stove is run hot at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for long periods of time, creosote formation should be minimized. It is when you have a smoldering fire or small fire “to take the chill of out the air” that greatly contributes to the fast formation of creosote in your chimney.

Thus, a good hot fire does a partial job of cleaning your chimney, although it is in no way a substitute for cleaning by a licensed professional chimney sweep. Always ask if the chimney sweep is licensed and insured in the state. Ask for references of work done in your area and always, if you have questions, call the fire marshal’s office or building department.

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$ MULTI MILLION/YEAR

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Current BOE Contract with the Unions Lead by Republicans Steinhart and Palermo has saved the Town of Ridgefield Multi $Million/Year over the next 3 years compared to the previous contract. Starting in March of 2009 and over 300 hours later an agreement was reached. Republicans continue to be focused on having the funds for our children in this tough economic climate.

Republicans on the Board of Education and the Board of Finance Get the Job Done for Ridgefield

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Letters endorsing candidates appear on pages 8 to 11C.

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8A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Oct. 29, 2009

RidgefieldHappenings Club provides ice melt to seniors

Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club is offering free delivery of premium ice melt to seniors this winter. Jennifer Schoelkof, owner of Home Stop on Danbury Road, is giving seniors a reduced flat rate, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Boys & Girls Club Character and Leadership program. Seniors may order by calling the quality living at home coordinator at the Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association, 438-5555, ext. 1005. Order forms are available at RVNA or the Home Stop store at 62 Danbury Road. Delivery will be scheduled the week of Nov. 16. Money will be collected at time of delivery. Prices are: 10-pound bag of Safe Step $5; 25 pounds, $15; 11-pound shaker, $10.

eBay classes in adult education

Buying and Selling On eBay is a Ridgefield Continuing Education class that provides hands-on experience using eBay. The first session is devoted to all the basics and the second class covers in detail all

the steps to sell an item, from photographing it to listing it on eBay. Instructor Eileen Burton has more than eight years of buying and selling on eBay. The class meets on Nov. 9 and 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. or Nov. 10 and 12 from 10 to noon at the Continuing Education Center on the second floor of the Venus Building. Cost is $77. Visit ridgefieldschools. org or phone Peggy Bruno at 431-9995 to register.

Kids’ magic show on Election Day

Danny Magic will perform at the Ridgefield Library for families with children ages five and older Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 2 to 2:45 in the library’s Dayton Program Room. Danny Magic, a comic magician, has received rave reviews from his performance at the library’s Camp Snooze, a sleepover event for children in grade four. Space is limited to 150 so arrive a bit early to assure attendance. For more information see Danny’s Web site at dannymagic.biz or call Children’s Services at 4382282.

How old maps affect history

The Keeler Tavern Museum will offer a program about antique maps and their effect on history on Sunday, Nov. 15, at 2. Joel Third will review early cartographic concepts including Greco-Roman influence, the minimal progress during the Medieval Period and the Islamic knowledge-bridge from Greco-Roman times to the Renaissance. Emphasis will be placed on the Age of Exploration. A selection of attractive 16th and 17th Century maps will be displayed and discussed. The general fee is $10 and $8 for museum members. For Peter Nelson more information call 4385485 Monday through Friday from 9 to 3. prised primarily of African Americans who fought on Author will discuss the front lines alongside the French in World War I. They Harlem Hellfighters spent more time in the trenchPeter N. Nelson will dis- es than any other American cuss his book, A More unit. Their ferocity was known Unbending Battle: The Harlem to their German combatants, Hellfighters’ Struggle for who fearfully dubbed them the Freedom in WWI and Equality “Harlem Hellfighters.” at Home, at the Ridgefield Film footage will be shown. Library on Veterans Day, Nov. Mr. Nelson is an award11, at 7 p.m. winning author of 17 books, The book tells the story of including two other works of the 369th, a regiment com- military history. He lives in ��

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South Salem. Hospice group Registration is not required. For more information call the plans breakfast library at 438-2282 or visit Members of the Ridgefield ridgefieldlibrary.org. Fund-raising Chapter of Regional Hospice will sponsor the Annual Harvest Breakfast Tree festival has Thursday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 to 9 at the Ethan Allen Inn, a preview party The Ridgefield Community Danbury. Kendall Palladino, Center’s Holiday Festival Regional Hospice’s director of of Trees Champagne bereavement and spiritual serPreview Party, benefiting the vices, will speak. Table sponsorships are availLounsbury House, will take able for $125 with proceeds place Thursday, Nov. 19, from benefiting the programs of 7 to 10 p.m. The champagne and spar- Regional Hospice of Western kling water from Liberta’s is Connecticut. In the past year sponsored by The HomeVision Regional Hospice provided Group/Keller Williams of more than $600,000 in comRidgefield. The hors d’oeuvres munity benefit, and more than will be served by Country 40 Ridgefield families benefited from hospice and home care Catering. Center rooms will have programs. Another 85 received many decorated trees, which help from The Healing Hearts Center for Grieving Children are for sale. Cost of the party, $40 per & Families. Members of the chapter person, helps support the ongoing restoration and repair include Chair Anita Barrios of this, the Lounsbury, house. and Deborah Durkee, Mae Contact Gail Renken 438- Healy, Ruth Kirkpatrick, 4123 or gailrenken@gmail. Bessie Krysiewich, Linda Maggs, Pat Pettit, Pat Ruhl com for reservations. and Ellen Scott. For more information, call Ms. Barios at 431-6705. To Library art show make a donation, mail to honors veterans Regional Hospice, 405 Main The Ridgefield Library will Street, Danbury, CT 06810. host a reception Saturday, Nov. 7, from 3 to 5 for the installa- Art Walk sales tion of A Veterans Memorial Garden, an art show by totaled $11,200 Ridgefield artist Noelle Carr The second annual Art Walk to honor American Veterans took place Oct. 3 and 4 and of Operation Iraqi Freedom, paved the way for 15 artists to Operation Enduring Freedom, sell 34 pieces of art for total and the global war on terror. sales of $11,200. A total of 42 A Veterans Memorial businesses participated in the Garden will include an A nonprofit event, produced by Million Thanks receptacle for volunteers Laura Misciagna visitors to leave their own let- and Anne Marcus. ters of thanks to the troops. “We had a very good weekThe show will be on view end sales-wise and had lots from Nov. 3 to 29. of people in the store both Saturday and Sunday,” said

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Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 9A

RidgefieldHappenings Ellen Burns of Books on the Common on Main Street. “Main Street was a hub of activity, especially on Sunday.” Saturday’s event was rained out beginning in the early afternoon forcing patrons indoors. For some that resulted in an unexpected boon in sales. Pam Fitzpatrick of Candlelight Shoppe opened Sunday to take advantage of fine weather and the spontaneously extended art event. “My sales always improve during Art Walk and it’s even better this year than last.” “Business was very good,” said Tish Vredenburgh of Practically Green on Catoonah Street. Seventeen new businesses and 21 new artists joined Art Walk this year for a total of 50 artists plus eight featured at Galleria D’Arte. Artists who sold work include Carrie Brady, Randy Carboni, Eden Compton, Paulina Connolly, Bob Crofut, Carol Grasso, Andrea Hutter, Jean Linville, Val Lynch, Glenny Montanari, Tina Phillips, Meg Prezzano, Kevin Robinson, Tina Sturges and Suzan Waldinger. Others received commissions for later work. To participate next year, visit artwalkridgefield.org or e-mail Laura Misciagna at misciagna@sbcglobal. net or Anne Marcus at annemarcus@ureach.com.

seniors brush up on driving skills, learn the latest on traffic patterns and rules, and get a substantial amount deducted from auto insurance rates. Ed Van Den Ameele, program coordinator, said, “This is a valuable outreach for everyone in the community. The only stipulation is that program participants must be age 50 and over.” The class will be at Ridgefield Crossings, Route 7, just north of the Route 35 intersection. Cost is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonAARP members. To register, call 431-3183.

Playwright reads from ‘Perfect Game’

Readings and musical selections from “The Perfect Game: Jim Naismith Invents Basketball” will be performed by author, playwright and composer John Grissmer, at the Ridgefield Library on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. The musical, full of action, suspense and romance, follows the invention of basketball and the appearance of its creator James Naismith a century later at a crucial game when two archrivals play. John Grissmer’s previous works include a biographical novel The Ghosts of Antietam, and the play Glorious Noise, a tribute to composer Charles Ives. He has produced plays off-Broadway and directed at the Ridgefield Theater Barn. Registration is not required. AARP offers For more information call the driver safety library at 438-2282 or visit The Ridgefield AARP- ridgefieldlibrary.org. sponsored Driver Safety Program will have classes Computer classes Monday, Nov. 9, and Tuesday, Nov. 10, from 9 to 1 to help in many levels

Computer classes for business and seniors, many levels, start soon in Ridgefield Continuing Education. Classes include: PC Basics (Nov. 4, 12:30 to 3); Computer Fundamentals for Seniors (Nov. 5 and 12, 1 to 3); Basic Word for Seniors (Nov. 19 and Dec. 3, 1 to 3); Word Mail Merge and Labels (Nov. 5, 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.); Windows Vista (Nov. 17 and 18, 1 to 3:30); PowerPoint (Nov. 10, noon to 4 or Nov. 11 and 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.); Excel Intro (Nov. 10 and 17 from 6 to 8:45 p.m. or Nov. 17 and 19 from 9:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.; Excel Intermediate (Dec. 1 and 3, 9:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.); Internet Basics (Nov. 19, 10 to noon); Adobe InDesign (Nov. 10 and 12, 4:15 to 6:45 p.m.) and Photoshop Elements Intro (Dec. 1 and 2, 1 to 3:30); Your Digital Camera and Your PC (Dec. 5, 10 to noon), and More Digital Cameras (Nov. 21, 10 to noon). Classes are held at the Venus Building.

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Limited size. Cost is from $23 to $113 per class, plus $5 to $7 for an optional workbook. Visit www.ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 4319995 for more information.

How do artists look at the world?

The Mind’s Eye: How Artists Look at the World will be the topic of a slide illustrated lecture to be given by painter and teacher David Dunlop at the Ridgefield Library Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2. This talk will focus on the unique relationship between art and perception, how the brain registers what we see, and what implications this has for painting. Mr. Dunlop is a renowned landscape painter who recently finished a multi-part PBS series called “Landscapes Through Time,” for which he won two Emmys. He teaches at Continued on next page

The Ridgefield Rotary Club Miniature Golf Outing at Belmont’s brought out many parents and children who played the round of golf with the spirit of a Masters classic and enjoyed the hamburgers and hot dogs after the 18 holes. Each child received a trophy for playing, and a hole-in-one earned a special medal. After tallying all the scores, the team with the lowest stroke total was Peter Coffin and his son, Will Coffin (right), who also had the lowest individual score. Also in photo is his brother, Charlie Coffin.

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Board of Finance

Jill Bornstein

Marty Heiser

Elect Jill Bornstein and Marty Heiser to the Board of Finance � Active in the Ridgefield Community Knowledgeable of Ridgefield Needs � Extensive Finance Experience � Common Sense Approach � Fiscal Conservative Paid for by the Candidates

10A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Oct. 29, 2009

RidgefieldHappenings Continued from page A9 Silvermine Guild Arts Center in New Canaan and lectures widely. Art Talk is on ongoing series of art, architecture and design lectures, workshops and art trips sponsored by the Ridgefield Library and the Ridgefield Guild of Artists. Registration is not required. For more information call 438-2282 or visit ridgefieldlibrary.org.

Continuing Education offers dance classes

Ridgefield Continuing Education offers a variety of dance classes. Zumba and Latin dance (Salsaerobics) are Latin-inspired dance fitness classes. Zumba with Patricia Anikewich integrates some of the basic principles of aerobic, interval and resistance training to maximize caloric output, cardiovascular benefits and total body toning (meets Thursdays, Nov. 19, Dec. 3, 10, 17, Jan. 14, 21 and 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Branchville School, $82). In Latin Dance with Bea Jaramillo participants learn some basic dance steps to a variety of popular Latin music including salsa, mambo, and cumbia (meets Tuesdays, Nov. 10 through Dec. 8, from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m., Branchville School, $60). Line Dance meets Tuesdays, Nov. 10 through Dec. 8, at Farmingville School (beginners is from 6 to 7 p.m. and next step for experienced students is from 7:15 to 8:15; $60) and is taught by Aileen Howards, Steve Parker and Ellen Russow. Visit ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 4319995 to register.

Cass Gilbert

Tavern marks Gilbert birthday

In celebration of architect Cass Gilbert’s 150th Birthday, the Keeler Tavern Museum will have a party on Sunday, Nov. 8, from 4 to 6 at $25 per person. The event will be in the Garden House that Mr. Gilbert designed for his wife at what was the family’s summer home for 50 years. Architect Gilbert designed many civic buildings including the Capitol of Minnesota in St. Paul, the U.S. Custom House in New York City, the Ives Library in New Haven, the Detroit Public Library, the Woolworth Building in New York City, and the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. The Woolworth Building is considered his masterpiece. Mr. Gilbert purchased the old Keeler Tavern in 1907. He added the classic Garden House with its brick-walled garden in 1915. He designed and contributed to Ridgefield the fountain at the intersection of Main Street and West Lane. After Mr. Gilbert’s

death in 1934 his widow, Julia Finch Gilbert, lived in what they called the “Cannonball House” until her death in 1957. Helen Post Curry, Cass and Julia Gilbert’s great-granddaughter, will join the gathering for champagne, hors d’oeuvres and birthday cake and an opportunity to view photographs of Mr. Gilbert’s various commissions and photographs of the property when he lived there. Birthday gifts to further the preservation of the Garden House will be welcome. For more information or to make reservations, call the Keeler Tavern Museum at 438-5485 Monday through Friday, 9 to 3.

Photo classes focus on digital

Intermediate Digital Photography classes for people who have a basic knowledge of their manual (M) camera are available both day and evening through Ridgefield Continuing Education. Both Digital 2 (day; meets Nov. 5, 12, 19 and Dec. 3, 1 to 3) and More Photography (evening, meets Nov. 9, 16, 23 and 30, 7 to 9) classes focus on creative lighting techniques, exposure, focus, white balance, lighting and composition through inclass assignments and projects. Cost is $73 for one class or $141 for two classes. Morning instructor Elyse Shapiro has been a photojournalist and a photography teacher for many years. Michael Serao, who teaches the evening class, has worked in art and photography for many years and teaches digital design at WestConn. Visit ridgefieldschools.org or phone Peggy Bruno at 4319995 to register.

POLICE LOG Halloween safety

In light of the Halloween festivities, police remind parents of a few safety precautions to take. Police advise that children go out during daylight hours with an adult and to wear costumes that fit well and won’t obstruct a child’s vision. Children should be instructed to never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle. Police suggest adding reflective tape to costumes if needed, and carrying a flashlight or glow stick. Remind trick-or-treaters to be very careful crossing the street, to look both ways first. Don’t forget to check all candy to make sure wrappers are intact and throw away any candy where the wrapper has been compromised, police said.

Car vs. tree

A woman traveling east on South Salem Road lost control of her vehicle Tuesday afternoon and struck a tree. Irene Rocha, 48, was transported to Danbury Hospital for unknown injuries after the crash at 3:30 p.m., which shut down the road for a while. Police did not have an address for Ms. Rocha Wednesday morning. Danbury Hospital reports that Ms. Rocha was treated and released Tuesday. The car she was driving was heavily damaged around the driver’s side, police said. The accident is still under investigation.

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WHERE TO WRITE

Evading

A Redding resident was charged last Wednesday, Oct. 21, for evading responsibility in a parking lot motor vehicle accident police said. Hampton D. Carey, 46, is charged with evading responsibility. Police responded to 186 incidents between Friday, Oct. 23, and Monday, Oct. 26, including: Friday, Oct. 23

1:55 a.m. — Suspicious motor vehicle, Main Street 1:01 p.m. — Suspicious incident, activity North Salem Road Pedestrian hit 1:48 — Larceny from motor A man was struck by a car vehicle, Holmes Road on Main Street Sunday, Oct. 6:47 — Concerned person, 25, while walking his dog Kendra Court with his wife, police said. Saturday, Oct. 24 The accident occurred around 3:06 a.m. — Youth gather6:30 p.m. ing, Olcott Way Police did not release the 10:19 — Larceny, Danbury

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man’s name or driver’s name. Road Police report his injuries were 1:27 p.m. — Domestic inciminor but he was transported dent, Grove Street to the hospital. 2:28 — Frightened person, The accident is still under Fire Hill Road investigation. No charges Sunday, Oct. 25 have been filed. 2:23 p.m. — Criminal mischief on mailbox, Silver Spring Road Two-car accident 3:20 — Suspicious incident, An early morning two-car activity, Peaceable Street accident at the intersection Monday, Oct. 26 of Haviland Road and Ritch 10:53 a.m. — Larceny, Drive last Thursday, Oct. 22, Branchville Road sent two men to the hospital. 12:53 p.m. — Frightened The crash happened around person, Rustic Road 7 a.m., when a truck, driven 4:04 — Assault, simple, by Juan Guaman Tandayano Prospect Ridge Road of New Preston had trouble 11:26 — Security check, stopping near a stop sign and the pumpkin patch hit another truck at the stop sign and drove off the road. Mr. Tandayano claimed the brakes were not working so he swerved to avoid hitting the other truck. Police investigation revealed Mr. Tandayano was driving too fast and he President was issued a warning. Barack Obama (D), The He and his passenger were White House, 1600 Pennsylvania transported to the hospital. Avenue, Washington, DC 20500;

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main switchboard: 202-456-1414, fax: 202-456-2461, president @ whitehouse.gov

Governor

M. Jodi Rell (R), State Capitol, 210 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT 06106, 860-566-4840, e-mail Governor.Rell @ po.state.ct.us

U.S. Senators

Christopher Dodd (D), 448 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510: 202-2242823; Constituent Service Office: 100 Great Meadow Road, Room 205, Wethersfield, CT 06109; 800334-5341; to e-mail, visit Web page: dodd.senate.gov / webmail Joseph Lieberman (I), 123 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, DC 20510; 202-224-4041; Hartford office: 1 State Street, Suite 1420, Hartford, CT 06103; 800-2255605; fax: 860-549-8478; to email, visit Web page: lieberman. senate.gov /newsite/ contact.cfm

Congressman

Jim Himes (D), 214 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; 202-225-5541, fax 202225-9629; email himes.house.gov/ contact/index.shtml (will change); Stamford Office, 888 Washington Blvd, Floor 10, Stamford, CT 06901-2902, 203-210-7711; 203210-7712

State Senator

Tony Boucher, Legislative Office Building Room 3400, Hartford, 1-800-842-1421, 1-203563-5171, 1-860-240-8306 (fax), toni.boucher@cga.ct.gov

State Representative

John Frey, 2 Copps Hill Road, Ridgefield; 431-6799 at home, 800-842-1423 at Capitol; John. Frey @ housegop.state.ct.us

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Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 11A

From the Front

Halloween... Continued from page A1 The old maestro might even be tempted into lending a helping hand. For years now, he hasn’t carried the burden alone. Old friends help. Neighbors join in and add displays at their houses, multiplying the effect. But Mr. Franzen says he’s done having his house the centerpiece, being the mad maestro of the whole crazy business — all the dragging and building, the rigging wires and stringing lights, the artistic placement of subtle grotesqueries. “I had some minor knee surgery this summer — all the ladder work,” he said. “I’m not complaining. It’s been a pleasure. But it takes three or four months out of your life, and all the storage. My wife’s been very patient with it.” Mr. Franzen, a writer, is married to Roz Chast, a cartoonist. “We’re kind of empty-nesters now,” he said. “I’ve got to travel, and work on this book...” His pet project has become a bit of monster. “It started out, of course, smaller. It’s gotten bigger every year,” Mr. Franzen said. “There’s a tendency to kind of want to top yourself, add and add... “People have been very nice,” he said. “I’ve got the best neighbors in the world.” The display, now grown to include several neighboring

houses on New Street, attracts crowds. “Some off-duty police officers have been closing the road between Pound and Gilbert for I guess the last five years,” Mr. Franzen said. “You look at the candy you bought — I get one of the largest Rubbermaid garbage bins you can buy, and basically fill it, and give some of that away to the neighbors. Sometimes during the course of the night the neighbors will run over: ‘You got any more?’ And, after, you give what’s left over to the Boys and Girls Club.” A beauty of Mr. Franzen’s display is that there is the overwhelming magnitude of it — Wham! Too much craziness! — but within that is great variety, and even subtlety — transitions, odd little touches, the humorous playing off the macabre. “We’ve got the hillbilly scene. Things kind of merge. Next to that is a swamp scene. And why aren’t some of the hillbillies in the swamp? “We have aliens,” he said. “I love how people interpret it differently. I’ve had people look at the aliens and say ‘I really liked your alien nativity scene.’ And the same night I’ve had others say ‘I really liked the alien funeral.’ “There’s an African scene, a desert scene,” he said. “...We have a lunatic hospital/asylum scene. “A fairly new one — but very popular, and really kind of seems to bug people — is the Dolls’ Tea Party,” he said.

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Bird Cage Girl with her wings and carnival barker: an offbeat Franzen creation. “The pirate scene is very important and central. We put a lot into it. We’ve got a lot of detail. We’ve got cats chasing rats around the ship. We shoot one of the fog machines out of the cannon on that ship... “Then there’s the witch on a pole,” he said — she’s flown her broomstick smack into a utility pole, like a bad driver. “There’s Bird Cage Girl, a girl with wings in a cage with kind of a carnival barker hawking her. “The graveyard. There’s a winter scene, a living room scene — kind of an old couple in a living room,” he said. “There’s kind of a London Bridge scene, Gates of London... “There’s somebody we call Screen Door Man, kind of pushing through a screen door,” he said.

light whole scenes with a few batteries.” Storing it all, off season, has to be managed. He has three storage sheds in his back yard, and more at Branchville Storage. But the project has its rewards. “People honk when you’re working on it and slow down and say ‘I can’t wait...’ “People have sent nice notes over the years: ‘To the people at 29 New Street...’ “A mother will come up to me, almost weepy, who says ‘My kids tell me sometimes Ridgefield’s boring, and then I’ll come here on Halloween and they say: ‘Let’s never move!’ “You know what it is for me? It’s a reminder for me that you don’t take anything with you, except for memories,” Mr. Franzen said. “People will say: Doesn’t it cost a lot and doesn’t it take a lot of time? And it’s true. “But it’s worth it, because it creates memories — for me, and for other people. What else do you really have?” he said. “Somebody will be driving down New Street in 50 years and they’ll say: ‘I think I remember coming down here. There was the nut that did this big Halloween.’ “Maybe they’ll scatter my ashes here.”

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“I don’t want any politics in it,” he said. “I did have a Saddam Hussein in the (spider) web back in the 90s. And I still have this Osama Bin Laden — he’s in a tiny cave in the side of the yard, you just see his face in the glow of candles... “My Halloween, I’ve got to say, it’s not a very gory show. I don’t hire teenagers to jump out of holes in the ground, or drop down out of trees,” he said. “A lot of little kids come and they’re fine with it. They like the detail.” Mr. Franzen sees a similarity between his fall obsession and his workday craft. “It’s kind of like writing: Some of it’s spontaneous, some of it’s planned. Some things happen by accident.” It’s theater, stagecraft — sets, music, lighting, cos-

tumes, characters. “I kind of want to show how Halloween can be beautiful,” he said. “...To me, it’s a little more of a fantasy thing. And it’s very funny,” he said. “I think there’s a kind of catharsis people feel. And I see very happy people here... “There’s so little strings attached,” he said. “It’s not like your parents call you and say ‘We haven’t seen you for five Halloweens, now...’ “You get to eat whatever you want, drink want you want. Adults will enjoy some red wine that night, kids will eat candy. “You get to be who you want to be,” he said. “You can be The Hulk. You can be an undertaker. You can be an ‘upside down’ man.” Acquiring the collection of strange junk that makes up his display has taken years — another thing that just developed a momentum of its own. “A lot of it comes from yard sales. I’ve had people say ‘Look at the gorilla up on top of your porch, those are my Adidas! “Technology changed during my Halloween reign,” Mr. Franzen said. “Smoke machines got smaller and cheaper. You can scent the fog now — I usually scent mine ‘apple-rum.’ LED lights, they take very little power, you

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History

12A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Oct. 29, 2009

300 condos proposed on Route 7; Leo beats Dick in election

The last block of rental apartments at Fox Hill Village on Danbury Road were being sold as individual condominiums, the Oct. 18, 1984 Press reported. The 104 units in Fox Hill Phase III represented roughly 20% of the rental market in town. Unit prices ranged from $66,000 to $106,000. A plan to put more than 300 condominiums, including some moderate cost units, on Route 7 near Great Pond received its first public hearing. George Bakes, the Norwalk developer who owned the former Camp Adventure property for 12 years, told the Parks and Recreation Commission that his proposal offered many benefits to the town, including nearly $1 million in tax revenue and 600 feet of the Great Pond shoreline. The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved Clifford Heidinger’s proposal to open a veterinarian hospital at Joe’s Corner where Main Street becomes Danbury Road. Family Y Executive Director James Lapak announced that construction had started on an indoor pool at the Y. Since moving into the empty Barlow Mountain School a year earlier, the Y had become a recreational center used by about

ed outdoor basketball court behind the old high school on East Ridge.

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4,000 men, women and children with 60 professionals and 40 volunteers teaching and organizing activities. Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Pambianchi announced the birth of their second child, Emily Grace, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Pambianchi announced the birth of their third child, Michelle Anne. Daniel and Marybeth Jowdy also announced the birth of a child, their second, Christopher Martin. Four Ridgefield attorneys were appointed as fact-finders for the Superior Court in Danbury on the recommendation of Chief Judge Howard Moraghan. They were Nanette Bracken, Harvey Kulawitz, John Edward Dowling and Sidney Burger. Gordon McGovern, a longtime Ridgefielder and former head of the Campbell Soup Company, donated money for the construction of a new light-

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By a margin of 223 votes of the 2,517 cast, First Selectman Leo F. Carroll beat Democratic challenger Richard E. Venus and won re-election for another two years as the town’s chief executive, the Oct. 11, 1959 Press reported. Mr. Venus was, however, elected as a member of the threemember Board of Selectmen along with Republican Paul J. Morganti. The size of the new late 50s cars posed a problem for the Zoning Board of Appeals. Dino Giardini, proprietor of the service station on Danbury Road near Limestone Road, told the board that his threebay service garage had been built in the days of the Model A Ford and simply was not long enough to accommodate the cars of the second half-century. Mr. Giardini explained that he could barely squeeze the long sleek models into his building. Members of the board appeared sympathetic with his plight, which appeared not of his own making but of Detroit’s. Leno Valentino moved his Ridgefield Cleaners from an

Old-timer

The fire truck in this early 20th Century photo drove in Fire Chief Richard McGlynn’s funeral procession recently. Doug Cuny of the volunteer department, who dug up the photo, said he believes the lad shown at the wheel of the old hook-and-ladder is the young Richard McGlynn, who grew up across the street from the fire department his grandfather helped found. old brick store that was torn down to the new Donnelly Shopping Plaza across Governor Street from Veterans Park School. Rumors were rampant that Woolworth’s was coming to town and would occupy a store next to the First National Store in the Donnelly’s plaza. Mr. and Mrs. Armando Buccitti of Island Hill Avenue announced the birth of their first child Lisa, who was born on Sept. 24, 1959. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Belardinelli of Olmstead Lane announced the

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birth of their first child, Charles, who was born in Norwalk Hospital on Sept. 25. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Main of North Salem Road also announced that their first child, Nancy, had been born at Norwalk Hospital on the same date. The Ridgefield Playhouse on Prospect Street featured “John Paul Jones” starring Robert Stack. George B. Leeman, who had been with the Arthur Godfrey Show as an arranger-composer for 12 years, decided to forgo commuting to the city and stay in Ridgefield to give beginning and intermediate piano lessons. Mr. Leeman had been with the Columbia Broadcasting System for 25 years, and before joining

Godfrey worked with Paul Whitman, Andre Kostelanetz and others. Three Ridgefield seniors, Charles Camp, Casmir (“Kayo”) Kolaski and David Luckett were named semifinalists in the 1959-60 National Merit Scholarship competition. Stephen Price was elected president of the Ridgefield High School junior class. Tom Fossi was elected vice-president; Lynn Casagrande, secretary; and Joan Korczynski, treasurer. Elected to serve on the Junior Prom Committee were Sandy Pierandri, Richard Lavatori, Virginia Thomas, Lynn Casagrande, Michele McManus, Faith Phelan and John Nelson.

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Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 13A

FROM the FRONT Ethics... Continued from page A1 Mr. Cascella, another finance board member. “...It was just, in my opinion, mean-spirited nonsense.” Ms. Cocco was undaunted by the ethics board’s report. “I disagree with their findings,” she said. “I’m disappointed in the ethics board’s ruling I think they got it wrong.” The ethics board’s four-page “final report” was released Friday following a closed-door hearing last Thursday night (the complete text appears on TheRidgefieldPress.com and on The Ridgefield Forum). The five-member ethics board “voted unanimously to dismiss the complaint in its entirety on the basis that there was no probable cause to support a finding that the town charter had been violated,” the report said. Ms. Cocco’s complaint had been filed with the ethics board on Oct. 8. The three Republicans were accused by Ms. Cocco of improperly sharing information that she said was confidential — a description of a health plan offered to the teachers’ union in contract negotiations. The ethics board disagreed that the health savings account or “HSA” plan being offered to the teachers was privileged information that shouldn’t have been shared, negating the central premise of the complaint. “...The board finds that the HSA presentation was not confidential information within the meaning of the Town Charter,” the ethics board decision says. “...The information presented by the respondents and witnesses at the board’s Oct. 22 meeting unequivocally establishes that the contents of the HSA presentation, which is accurately described as an educational piece on the efficacy of health savings accounts, were a matter of public record.” The basic outline of what had happened with the sharing of the information was not in dispute so much as the interpretation of the events. Mr. Palermo, a member of the school board negotiating committee holding contract talks with teachers’ union, had e-mailed a PowerPoint presentation on the health plan to Mr. Heiser, the chairman of the Board of Finance. Mr. Heiser then e-mailed it to other finance board members, and Republican finance board candidate Jill Bornstein. Dave Ulmer, a Democratic finance board member, then sent it to Heidi Namiot, the Democratic write-in candidate for the finance board. Mr. Cascella, another Republican finance board member who is a member of the Republican Town Committee, was named in the complaint for having contacted Ms. Namiot “and ‘applied pressure’ to her ‘not to blow up the union negotiations’ by revealing that these violations had occurred,” in Ms. Cocco’s words. The information on the health savings accounts was available on Web sites and “previously was delivered in substantially similar form to many teachers and school administrators in the spring of this year in a context that clearly was not confidential,” the ethics board said. “Moreover, the presentation does not contain any information relating to strategy or the negotiation sessions between the BOE and the union, which typically would be the kind of information deemed confidential,” the ethics board said. “Mr. Palermo also did not violate any confidentiality agreement applicable to the members of the BOE negotiating team.” The ethics board saw some distinction between sharing the information among town officials, and forwarding the e-mail to candidates not serving in office. At one point amid the flurry of e-mails, Mr. Heiser had written to other finance board members: “Please accept my apology for too widely distributing this.” The Ethics Board said: “As for Mr. Heiser’s ‘disclosure’ of

the HSA presentation to Ms. Bornstein, the HSA presentation was not confidential, and therefore Mr. Heiser did not violate the Town Charter by sending it to her. However, it is clear from the various statements presented to the board that the collective wisdom of all involved agree that it would have been prudent to circulate the HSA presentation only to current BOF members, and not to candidates such as Ms. Bornstein and Ms. Namiot. “Thus, it was simply a matter of courtesy for Mr. Heiser, as he stated to the board, to apologize to his fellow BOF members and Mr. Palermo for sending the presentation to Ms. Bornstein. Moreover, having determined that the presentation should be shared

only with current BOF members, it was also appropriate for the respondents to request that both Ms. Bornstein and Ms. Namiot destroy the presentation rather than further disseminate it. Regardless of motivation, however, none of those actions constitutes any violation of the Town Charter.” Ms. Cocco insisted the Republicans actions were improper, despite the ethics board’s ruling. “While there may be technicalities in the statutes which demonstrated that my complaints did not rise to the level of a formal ethics finding, the facts are stubbornly true: What they did was wrong and they should be held accountable for it,” Ms. Cocco said.

The Republicans said the assertions of wrongdoing were trumped up in the first place. “There was nothing confidential there,” Mr. Cascella said. “If you’ve seen the HSA materials, this was stuff you get off-line — this wasn’t top secret, even remotely.” Mr. Cascella said the ethics complaint was the kind of political manipulation that makes valuable volunteers think twice about offering their services. He offered Mr. Palermo as an example. “He did absolutely nothing wrong, he led a team of people who just negotiated a contract with the teachers that was good for the town, good for the teachers, and saves the Board of Education a bunch of money,” Mr. Cascella said. “...

This is the kind of crap which makes people not want to volunteer. Why would you?” Mr. Palermo agreed. “I’m on the board because I volunteered,” he said. “...There’s a lot of folks like me that have a lot of experience that can help the town. They’re not going to want to volunteer if the get their names dragged through the mud.” Mr. Heiser thought it was important the boards feel free to communicate. “As chairman of the Board of Finance I will continue to work in a transparent, cooperative and open fashion with all the boards in this town — Republican, Democrat, it doesn’t matter — for the best outcome for the taxpayers of this town and the children in

our schools,” he said. “But these politically motivated false accusations, I simply forgive the person that hurled them.” The ethics board’s policy is not to make public statements on its findings. The report had been released to the officials accused in the complaint, and they made it public. The ethics board’s five members are: three Republicans, Chairman Bart Van de Weghe, Phil Baumann and Susan Horner; a member of the Independent Party, Dom D’Addario; and an unaffiliated voter, Geoff Harrington. Discuss this issue The Ridgefield Forum TheRidgefieldPress.com.

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14A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Oct. 29, 2009

OBITUARIES Donald Stevens, 84, manager, woodworker

Donald E. Stevens of Ridgefield, a retired IBM manager who became a woodworker here, died on Oct. 23 while convalescing at Filosa Nursing Home. He was 84 years old and the husband of Helen Stevens. Mr. Stevens was born Jan. 10, 1925 in Elmhurst, Ill., the youngest of four children to Earl and Gladys Stevens. He joined the Marine Corps directly out of high school in 1943 and served in the South Pacific as radio repairman. He was discharged in 1945 as a staff sergeant and went on to attend Purdue University, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. At school he was president of his fraternity, Delta Chi. While at Purdue he met his wife, Helen I. Watkins, and they were married March 1950. Upon graduation he was employed with IBM, and for 31 years he worked in the field service division. IBM promoted him steadily, ultimately sending him through the Program of Management Development at Harvard Graduate School of Business. The family relocated many times throughout the New England area. Mr. Stevens took early retirement in 1980 due to health reasons and pursued his love of woodworking, running his own business from their Farmingville Road home for the next 29 years. Through the years he was a member of the Charles Pope Choristers, the Ridgefield Rangers and the Ridgefield Men’s Club, recently becoming an honorary member. He also conducted chair caning classes with Max Caldwell to raise funds for the Ridgefield Historical Society. Besides his wife, Mr. Steven

Donald Stevens is survived by his sons Gary and (Christena) Stevens of Rochester, N.Y., Craig and (Renee) Stevens of Saranac Lake, N.Y., Mark and (Darlene) Stevens of Tacoma, Wash., his daughter, Susan Thompson of Clinton; many grandchildren; and a sister, Marilyn Miller, of Hot Springs, Ark. His son, Jeffrey Allen Stevens, third of his five children, died of cancer in 1993. A memorial service will be held at the Ridgefield Congregational Church on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 2. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ridgefield Public Library or to Social Services, Ridgefield Food Pantry, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.

Donald Piekarz, 71, tax expert, drummer

Donald R. Piekarz of Ridgefield, who had been a tax expert for Cadbury-Schweppes and was also a drummer, died at his home Tuesday, Oct. 20. He was 71 years old. Mr. Piekarz was born in Yonkers, N.Y., Feb. 8, 1938,

a son of the late Walter and Sophie Teleshuk Piekarz. He attended schools in Westchester County and graduated from Columbia University. A tax director with CadburySchweppes of Stamford, Mr. Piekarz was previously employed with Great Northern Paper and Mobil Oil Co. A professional drum player for 20 years, he played weekends with the Trio Cavalier in Westchester County, N.Y. He also enjoyed fishing, golf, woodworking and gardening. A resident of Ridgefield since 1976 coming from Yonkers, he was a member of St. Elizabeth Seton Church. Mr. Piekarz is survived by two sons, Eric Piekarz and his wife, Wynter, of Madison, and Craig Piekarz and his wife, Mary, of Southborough, Mass.; a brother, Walter Piekarz of Cambridge, N.Y.; and five grandchildren, Devon, Kailey, Heather, Michael and Jennifer. He is also survived by his former wife, Elizabeth Speth Piekarz of Ridgefield. A son, Mark Piekarz, predeceased him. The Rev. Joseph A. Prince celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday at St. Elizabeth Seton Church. Burial followed in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Elizabeth Seton Church.

Patricia Marthaler, 71, former Ridgefielder

Patricia “Tess” Marthaler of Goodyear, Ariz., a former Ridgefielder, died Oct. 22, in Phoenix, Ariz., She was 71 years old. Mrs. Marthaler was born April 2, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up in Delaware, Ohio, and Park Ridge, Mount Prospect and

Nelle Maharg, 83, George Keyes, 92, Ridgefielder’s mother executive, father

Patricia ‘Tess’ Marthaler Arlington Heights, Ill. She met her husband Marth at the University of Illinois and they were married in 1961. They lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Edina, Minn., Ridgefield, and Charlottesville, Va., before settling in Goodyear five years ago. She was a member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) for more than 30 years and was active in the chapter in Litchfield Park, Ariz. She is survived by her husband and their sons, Todd and Tyler, and four grandchildren. A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. at The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be directed to: The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education. Checks may be sent to: The P.E.O. Sisterhood, Attn. Treasurer, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Please indicate: “In memory of Tess Marthaler, Chapter ET.” Final arrangements are entrusted to Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel.

Nelle Maharg of Cass City, Mich., mother of a Ridgefielder, died Thursday, Oct. 15, in St. Mary’s Medical Center in Saginaw. She was 83 years old. Mrs. Maharg was born Feb. 21, 1926 in Grayling, Mich. She graduated from Harper Hospital’s School of Nursing in Detroit in 1947 as a registered nurse. She worked as a registered nurse at the former Cass City Hospital and Hills and Dales General Hospital, and for many years was the Cass City community school nurse. She married Donald E. Koepfgen Nov. 4, 1950 in Grayling. He died in 1973 and she married Kenneth Carl Maharg two years later in Marlette. He died May 1, 1995. She is survived by five children, including Susan Yerg and her husband Ray, of Ridgefield, several step-children, 15 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The Rev. David Blackburn of Fraser Presbyterian Church led services Sunday, Oct. 18, in Kranz Funeral Home, Cass City. Burial was in Elkland Township Cemetery, Cass City. Memorials may be made to Kally Maharg Memorial Scholarship, The Challenge Fund through First Presbyterian Church of Cass City, or American Red Cross. Family and friends may share memories, prayers and stories with the family at kranzfuneralhome.com.

George Alexander Keyes of New London, N.H., and Boynton Beach, Fla., father of a Ridgefielder, died Friday, Oct. 23, at The Greens at Cannondale, Wilton. He was 92 and the husband of Edith Grace Keyes. Born Sept. 7, 1917 in Brooklyn, N.Y., Mr. Keyes enlisted in the Army before World War II and was an instructor for the 90mm antiaircraft weapon in the Panama Canal Zone. He also served in military intelligence in England, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. Mr. Keyes was director of East Coast sales for Pepsi Cola and later was president of the Sturtevant Millwork Corp. of Deer Park, N.Y. He was an instructor for the Dale Carnegie Course and was also a licensed financial adviser and worked throughout the 60s and 70s for Frontier Planning in New York, N.Y. Besides his wife of 66 years, he is survived by a son Robert and his wife, Shelley, of Ridgefield, a daughter, five grandchildren, including Alexander and Eleanor Keyes, and one great-grandchild. Services were Tuesday at St. Philip’s Catholic Church, Norwalk. Burial was at St. John Cemetery, Norwalk with full military honors. Donations may be made in his honor to NARSAD (National Alliance for Research of Schizophrenia and Depression), 60 Cutter Mill Road, Suite 404, Great Neck, NY 11021 or the Connecticut Yankee Council of BSA, P.O. Box 32, Milford, CT 06460. The Magner Funeral Home in Norwalk was in charge of arrangements.

All obituaries in The Ridgefield Press are news stories, and appear without charge. Many obituaries published in The Press also appear on our Web site, TheRidgefieldPress.com.

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Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 15A

Frey: Bond downgrade shows budget failure State Rep. John H. Frey (R-111th) said Tuesday that the recent decision by Moody’s Investor Services to downgrade Connecticut’s bond rating proves that the recently passed state budget is toxic to Connecticut’s economic future. “Moody’s has just proven to the people of Connecticut what I have been saying all along about the budget passed by the Democrat majority — that it is bad news for Connecticut’s economy,” said Mr. Frey. “Not only did this year’s budget borrow $1 billion and spent $1.4 billion from a now-depleted rainy day fund to pay for operating expenses of state government without making a single real cut to spending, the budget is relying on a job-killing and

Cooke receives Civic Award

Emcee Tom Belote presented Jeanne Cook with the 2009 Civic Award at the Ridgefield Old Timers 18th annual awards dinner. About 180 people turned out. Also receiving awards at the banquet were Dr. Richard Scala, Patricia Ligos, Vinnie Pannozzo, Bob Lewis, Michael Principi, Peter Santini, Rick Miller and Robert Leary. Ed Zandri and Brad Mortensen were honored posthumously. Heather Devane and Michael Pierandri were Old Timers four-year scholarship recipients.

Pompion... Continued from page A1 year, there will be plenty of fun to be had and Ms. Roth said this is only the beginning. “This is the first year, it has local roots and it’s a community event,” she said. “In the future we want it to grow into a destination event.”

The festival includes a pumpkin-decorating contest and food and craft booths at the Community Center and in Ballard Park. The Community Center will have a “fun bus” of activities and games for kids, sponsored by a new business in Copps Hill, called Kennedy’s All American Barber Club. A “jumpy house” or large inflatable for jumping will be in Ballard Park, too, both after the Halloween Walk. The event name is based

on town history — Pompion Ridge was a section of town located between the village and Branchville in the 1700s. Ms. Roth, who grew up in Illinois, remembers a pumpkin festival held each year, lining the steps of the courthouse where her father was a judge. “I remember as a kid spending hours visiting each one,” Ms. Roth said. A Chamber of Commerce planning committee made the event come to life. The

highly unstable income tax increase to close the gap. The Democrats’ budget was nothing short of irresponsible, and the largest bond rating agency in America is telling the world that Connecticut is a risky investment because of that budget.” The downgraded bond rating will force the state of Connecticut to pay higher interest rates in order to borrow money for capital projects, or in the case of the FY 2010-2011 budget, operating expenses. Mr. Frey also noted that recent figures released by the state comptroller’s office show that state revenues have continued to decline despite the passage of massive income tax increases, leaving the budget for the current fiscal year out of balance by

chamber receives requests each fall from people visiting Ridgefield, asking what they should do in town to enjoy the autumn scenery and this event will be a perfect addition. The Pompion Festival is working in conjunction with the many annual Halloween events this weekend, including the Halloween Walk parade and Ridgefield Police Halloween Party at the Community Center. The walk will take place

$388.5 million. “And yet today, Democratic state Treasurer Denise Nappier issued a statement minimizing the downgrade by saying that being given a ‘negative outlook’ does not necessarily mean that Connecticut’s actual bond rating will be downgraded and cost taxpayers more for borrowing,” Mr. Frey said. “The irony of the situation is that the budget passed this year, which relies so heavily on borrowing to pay for expenses, has now made it even more expensive for the state to borrow money,” said Mr. Frey. “This is a vicious cycle that must stop if we are ever going to put our state’s economy back on track. In order to do so, we must be willing to say ‘no’ to an oversized and unaffordable gov-

from 10 to noon, when Main Street will be closed to traffic. Local merchants hand out candy in the village and at Copps Hill — see Halloween Happenings. Fifteen family-friendly vendors will be in Ballard Park during the day, with demonstrations and sales for those who stop by during the Halloween festivities. Later Saturday, the police Halloween Party with haunted house for children 12 and

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under begins at 6 p.m. — see Halloween Happenings. For the pumpkin-decorating contest, all the pumpkins must be submitted today, Oct. 29, between 11 and 6 to the Community Center at 316 Main St. Registration forms are available at RidgefieldChamber.org — see Halloween Happenings No candles will be allowed in the pumpkins, only electric lights.

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ernment, make real cuts to spending even if it is painful, and reduce the tax burden that is chasing jobs and people away from Connecticut. We must make a change because the tax and spend budgets passed by the Democrat Majority are, simply put, not working.” Susan Cocco, chairman of the Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee, posted a comment on The Press Web site Tuesday, saying Gov. Rell “is passing the buck and has not and never did offer anything even closely resembling the revenue-raising and cost-cutting that Connecticut needs.”

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SPORTS RIDGEFIELD PRESS

THE

Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009

16A

Rare treat: Tigers top Greenwich

Ridgefield quarterback Griff McCarty pitches out during the Tigers’ 42-6 pasting of Norwalk last Friday night. Ridgefield improved to 5-1 overall with its third straight win. — Scott Mullin photo

Ridgefield runs over Norwalk, 42-6 by Eric Silverstadt

RHS football

The Ridgefield High football team stretched its winning streak to three last Friday night with a convincing 42-6 pounding of Norwalk. Another rainy, raw evening welcomed the overflowing Homecoming crowd to Tiger Hollow as the Tigers pushed their record to 5-1 and moved up to eighth in the Class LL state playoff point standings. It didn’t take long for Ridgefield to take the lead. The Tigers won the opening coin toss and deferred to Norwalk. That proved to be a wise move by head coach Kevin Callahan as Norwalk

fumbled its first two snaps and then quick-punted a short 25yard kick on third down. As in the previous two contests against Harding and Wilbur Cross, the opponents’ poor punting game (Norwalk’s quarterback/punter was injured early) was a big factor again on this blustery night. The quick kick, according to Callahan, was a “confidence builder” for his team. As promised, the coach got DeVaghn Millington into the mix in a hurry; Ridgefield’s first play was a sweep right with Millington bolting 50 yards down the sideline to

Norwalk’s one. Fullback Charlie Gravitte busted into the end zone a play later to make it 7-0, less than three minutes into the game. The aggressive play-calling continued with the Tigers attempting an onside kick after their touchdown. It failed, but the gamble set the game’s tone as the Tigers did have some grudges to settle (losses to Norwalk the previous two seasons). Norwalk’s second possession did produce a first down before Kevin Walters broke up a pass to force another short Norwalk punt. Walters, either as a defensive back or spare tailback, seems to be around the ball when needed.

The reliable Drew Arcoleo then stretched the lead to 14-0 on a six-yard touchdown run as the first quarter ended. Ridgefield’s defense began smothering Norwalk, but a series of penalties, including a handful for personal fouls, made for some sloppy football on the Tigers’ part. Penalties and a lack of focus aren’t trademarks of Callahan’s teams — the players vented their anger foolishly on a few of the personal fouls, although nose guard Tommy Jordan, in particular, was getting held or chopped numerous times. Ridgefield’s five penalties in the game’s opening 14 See Ridgefield on page 18A

by Sarah Katz

RHS field hockey

Shocked, speechless and stunned. That was the post-game reaction for the Ridgefield High field hockey team after it beat perennial power Greenwich for the first time in more than a decade with a 2-1 victory in the Tigers’ final home game of the regular season on Monday. “It hasn’t sunk in yet,” said head coach Kate Culbreth after the game. “It’s surreal. That was awesome.” It was the second straight impressive win for Ridgefield, which was coming off a 10 victory over Wilton last Thursday. Wilton reached the Class L state finals last year. Ridgefield, which finished the regular season with a 1-0 overtime loss at Danbury on Tuesday, will now play at New Canaan in the FCIAC quarterfinals this Friday. Ridgefield is seeded seventh and New Canaan second in the eightteam field.

All the scoring in the Greenwich game came during a two-minute span, making for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing end to the first half. With both teams trading ball control throughout the first half, Greenwich (10-5-1) finally saw its opening, finding the Ridgefield defense out of position and goalie Jennifer James pulled away from the net. The slapshot goal with 6:20 remaining gave the Cardinals the lead, but not for long. That is when Ridgefield decided its over-a-decade-long losing streak to Greenwich was about to end. Fifty seconds after the Greenwich goal, senior forward Nicole Ferrero scored an unassisted goal, and a scant 70 seconds later, senior cocaptain Kerry O’Rourke took a pass from Ferrero, shot it off

Ridgefield rolls past Bassick, 8-0 by Tim Murphy Press Sports Editor Having won just once in its previous five games, and with the post-season fast approaching, the Ridgefield High boys soccer team needed to do something to regain the form that had produced an 8-0 start. Scoring lots of goals can’t hurt. In its biggest offensive output of the season, the Tigers routed visiting Bassick, 8-0, on Senior Night Monday at Tiger Hollow. “I thought they might give us more of a game,” said Ridgefield head coach Phil Bergen about the Lions. “They came into the game with five wins, but we controlled the play from the start.” Ridgefield improved its record to 10-3-1 ahead of last night’s regular-season finale

Tigers third at FCIAC meet by Tim Murphy Press Sports Editor Going into last Thursday’s FCIAC girls cross country championships, most observers figured an improving Fairfield Warde team was still a step behind Ridgefield and Wilton, which had combined to win the past seven conference titles. That assumption was based not only on Ridgefield and Wilton’s recent dominance, but also the fact that Warde had lost to both teams by slight margins during the

second to Wilton last year,

with 89 points. “We did not have a good day,” said Ridgefield head coach Sandy Hoddinott, whose team went 17-0 during the regular season, beating both Warde and Wilton. “If we had run the way we had at the Ocean States and St. Anthony’s meets, we might have had a chance. But we didn’t do that.” Hoddinott said he wasn’t surprised by Warde’s victory. “We knew they were going

RHS girls soccer

If there were doubts about the Ridgefield High girls soccer team following its first loss of the season, those concerns were certainly put to rest last Friday in Darien. Providing an emphatic display of speed and skill, the Tigers dominated Darien in a 5-2 victory. Few would question the talent level of the Tigers, evidenced by their 11-0-1 start,

but maybe some wondered how they would respond after their first loss of the season Wednesday night at Fairfield Ludlowe. Ridgefield head coach Robb Banyai thought the 1-0 loss might actually have been a positive for his squad. “I think we had a lot of pressure lifted off our backs on Wednesday night,” he said. “You don’t want to say a loss

See Darien win on page 17A

See Boys soccer on page 18A

All season long, Richie Hume, Christian Kearns and Ryan Polo have been a terrific triumvirate for the Ridgefield High boys cross country team. Last Thursday’s FCIAC

RHS boys cross country

See RHS third on page 17A

helps but I think we learned a lot from that game. We were playing scared. Today we played a lot more relaxed and I think it showed.” It certainly did. Ridgefield opened the scoring when, just five minutes into action, Molly Welch connected on a free kick from 45 yards away. The Tigers continued to pressure the Darien defense and in the 21st minute they struck again.

(too late for this issue) against Trumbull. Ridgefield and Trumbull went into the game with identical records and both had 31 points in the FCIAC overall standings. The winner will secure the second seed in the conference playoffs, which start Friday. Win, lose or tie against Trumbull, Ridgefield will still be one of the top-four seeds and open the FCIAC playoffs with a quarterfinal game Friday at 3 at Tiger Hollow. Bergen will hope his team’s effort against Bassick is a harbinger for the post-season. Senior midfielder Rex Messing got Ridgefield off to a fast start when he scored on a free kick just three minutes into the game, and the Tigers didn’t let up from there.

by Tim Murphy Press Sports Editor

Darien win puts doubts aside by Tim Brown

RHS boys soccer

Hume prevails

RHS girls cross country was third in the 15-team field regular season. Warde, however, has kept getting better. And last Thursday at Waveny Park in New Canaan, the Mustangs showed just how much. Behind Meg Ryan’s firstplace overall finish and Carly Birkhold’s fourth-place finish, Warde was able to edge Wilton by three points, 6366, and win the first FCIAC championship in school history. Ridgefield, which won five straight titles before finishing

See Rare treat on page 17A

Richie Hume finished first overall at the FCIAC boys cross country championships. — Scott Mullin photo

championship meet was no exception as Hume finished first overall, with Kearns fifth and Polo seventh. But despite those three top-seven performances, the Tigers finished a somewhat disappointing fourth in the team standings, losing the tiebreaker to Staples after both teams scored 73 points. “Overall, I thought we did well,” said Ridgefield head coach Dave McCluskey. “But considering we had just crushed Staples in a dual meet, I think we were looking to place in the top three.” Danbury won its fifth straight FCIAC title — and See Hume on page 18A

Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 17A

Tigers win on Senior Night

The Ridgefield High girls swim team opened a big lead en route to a 97-80 victory over Fairfield Ludlowe on Monday at the Barlow Mountain pool. The victory, which came on Senior Night, gave the Tigers a 4-5 record entering the post-season meets. Ridgefield won seven of the first nine events, sweeping the top-three places in three of those races. With an insurmountable lead, the Tigers were able to swim exhibition (no points) in the final three events. Finishing first in individual events for Ridgefield were Courtney Kenyon in the 200 individual medley (2:26.34), Sidney Pahmer in the 50 freestyle (27.24), Taylor Meegan in the diving competition (166.45 points), Laura Reeves in the 100 freestyle (1:01.85), and Maddy Irwin in the 400

RHS girls swimming freestyle (5:06.93). Pahmer, Irwin, Taylor Byerly and Elizabeth Hilliard won the 200 medley relay (2:00.69), and Hilliard, Elizabeth Abercrombie, Katie Feeser and Byerly were first in the 200 freestyle relay (1:49.35). The Tigers got second-place finishes from Irwin in the 200 freestyle (2:11.02), Feeser in the 200 IM (2:26.65), Hilliard in the 50 freestyle (27.85), Carolyn Tusa in the 100 butterfly (1:08.07), and Hannah Cacciato in the 100 freestyle (1:02.61). Jessica Harrington, Reeves, Zoe Hayes and Abercrombie were second in the 200 medley relay (2:02.36), and Liz Bilotta, Abby Searfoss, Katie Hilliard and Olivia Castagneto finished second in the 200

freestyle relay (1:55.57). Placing third were Bilotta in the 200 freestyle (2:16.64), Searfoss in the 50 freestyle (28.77), Gabriella Maisonet in the 100 butterfly (1:09.82), Hilliard in the 100 freestyle (1:03.36), and Kelly Coleman in the 400 freestyle (5:15.55). Caroline Murray, Kenyon, Castagneto and Tricia Kulik finished third in the 200 medley relay (2:06.12). Notes: Seniors Lisa Fox, Casey Lorusso and Kristin Hassett swam in the 100 breaststroke for the first time. Brittany Kumar was fourth in the diving, and Rebecca Harrington placed fourth in the 100 butterfly. The Tigers open the postseason with the FCIAC championships Nov. 7 in Greenwich.

RHS third at FCIAC meet Continued from 16A to be there,” he said. “They were tough during the regular season and they kept improving.” Katie Howley led Ridgefield with a third-place overall finish in a time of 14:57 for the 4K course at Waveny Park. She finished behind only Ryan (14:03) and Westhill’s Maddie Elkins, who was second in 14:47. “Katie ran well,” said Hoddinott. “She had a good day for us.” But Howley was the only Ridgefield runner in the top 15, and that wasn’t enough to

overtake Warde or Wilton. Jenna McClane was second for Ridgefield as she placed 15th overall in 15:44. Teammate Isabella Corso was close behind, finishing 17th overall in 15:50. Freshman Sarah Guillaume was 24th (16:10) and Kori Krichko 30th (16:25) to complete the scoring for Ridgefield. Caroline Carr (33rd, 16:36), Briana Corso (40th, 16:49) and Jen Ventrella (42nd, 16:53) also competed for the Tigers. Hoddinott and Ridgefield will now turn their attention to Saturday’s Class LL state meet at Wickham Park. The Tigers were third behind

Glastonbury and Norwich Free Academy last season, and Hoddinott expects both those teams to be strong again. “It’s a really tough division,” he said. “We want to run better than we did at FCIACs and qualify for the State Open.” Notes: The Class LL meet starts at 3:35 on Saturday. Fairfield High School won four straight FCIAC titles (1998-2001) before Wilton triumphed in 2002. Fairfield was then split back into two high schools, Warde and Ludlowe. Ridgefield and Wilton both have won eight FCIAC titles since 1977.

Klvana drives to season title

CPM Motorsports driver Tim Klvana of Ridgefield recently won the 2009 Team DI-Pro IT season championship in the Pro Improved Touring “A” Class. Klvana secured the championship during the doublerace weekend season finale at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, N.J., winning both of his events. Klvana qualified 15th in a 30-car field and drove his ITA Acura Integra to the front

of the field in a windy, rainsoaked competition. “We won our final three races of the season, and that locked up the 2009 Pro IT Championship,” said Klvana. “The racing this year was awesome — I couldn’t be happier for my CPM Motorsports Team.” The DI-Pro IT Series was made up of nine events and competed at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, Pocono Raceway, Watkins Glen

International, Lime Rock Park, and New Jersey Motorsports Park. Car manufacturers included BMW, Honda, Acura, Nissan, and Mazda production-based cars.

Rare treat for field hockey Continued from 16A a Greenwich’s players foot, and watched as the ball took a strange bounce and flew over the head of goalie Nicole Matos. “Nicole’s first goal is what really turned it around for us,” said Culbreth. “We wanted this [win] bad.” James had an impressive day in goal for the Tigers, making 10 saves, including a key kick stop in the last minute of the second half to secure the win. Ridgefield outshot the Cardinals, 12-8, and had seven penalty corners to Greenwich’s three. Greenwich’s two goalies each made four saves. Senior Caitlin Weir remembers playing Greenwich as a freshman and losing “something like 12-0.”

“Even last year when we came close [to beating them] we were thrilled,” she said. The loss knocked Greenwich out of the second-place spot and into third for the FCIAC playoffs. The Tigers had another huge win last Thursday against Wilton, another powerhouse in the conference and state. “Wilton is always one of the top teams,” said Culbreth. “It was a really good game.” With seven minutes remaining in the second half, forward Amanda Kesten played great defense and got the ball away from Wilton, stopping the Warriors from hitting it out. She recovered the ball and passed to Ferrero, who scored the only goal to clinch the 1-0 win. Great defense was the key, led by James, who “did an awesome job in goal,” according to Culbreth. James was

able to block a penalty stroke, moving to the right and using her body to stop the shot. James also played well against Danbury on Tuesday night, helping to keep the game scoreless until Danbury (4-6-3-2) scored on a breakaway that was deflected into the goal with less than four minutes remaining in overtime. “We had a lot of opportunities and we were dominating the game,” said Culbreth. “We took shot after shot but the ball just wasn’t going in for us.” Despite the loss, Ridgefield earned a point by losing in overtime. “We were excited to get a point from today,” said Culbreth. “We knew we had to do well these last four games and there was no better time for us to really come together.”

Darien win puts doubts aside Continued from 16A Midfielder Carlie Sanderude dribbled the ball past three Blue Wave defenders before making a well-played pass into the box that was booted past Darien goaltender Charlotte Phillips by Kathryn Cholko to give Ridgefield a 2-0 advantage. It was the first of three goals in a four-minute stretch. Darien answered one minute later with its first goal of the game as Nina Pawelczyk redirected a corner kick from Kelly Mahoney to cut the lead in half. The Darien attack threatened just two minutes later, as Pawelczyk, poised for her second goal, fired a shot from 15 yards out. Ridgefield goaltender Becca Corso was up for the challenge though, as she made the most impressive of her six saves on the afternoon. The scoring barrage continued at the 25-minute mark when Sanderude played a great through ball to Jaclyn Giordano, who buried a shot

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a goal by Mahoney, Giordano used a breakaway opportunity to add her second goal of the game with six minutes remaining to cap the scoring. Ridgefield’s coach knows it’s important that his team maintains this level of play with the FCIAC tournament just around the corner. “I think we’re peaking at the right time,” said Banyai, “but right now we are just worrying about our next game. We need to take this one game at a time.” Notes: Giordano had three goals as the Tigers defeated Trinity, 4-0, on Tuesday. Maggie Nesbitt had the other Ridgefield goal. Brooke Antonitis, Sarah Kreps, Madison Missinne and Ally Morrow all had assists. Ridgefield’s seniors will be honored before the start of tonight’s game with New Canaan at 6:30.

into the lower left corner to increase the Ridgefield lead to 3-1. For most of the game Darien had difficulty defending the skilled ball movement of Ridgefield’s midfielders and forwards. Their speed, spacing and communication provided a number of high-quality opportunities, as it was the fourth time this season that the Tigers scored at least five goals in a game. “We move the ball as well as anybody in the state,” said Banyai. “When we come to play I don’t think anybody can play with us. Our speed is second to none and we have a lot of skill.” That was evident just 12 minutes into the second half, when striker Kelly Baker got on the score sheet off an assist from Giordano to give Ridgefield a 4-1 lead. After Darien narrowed the gap with

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18A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Oct. 29, 2009

Ridgefield runs over Bears yardage as they took the thirdquarter kickoff 80 yards, concluding with Arcoleo’s third touchdown, a 20-yard run. A few seconds later, Norwalk finally showed some life by returning Sean Cobelli’s (whose kicks were booming all evening) kickoff 93 yards inside the Tiger five. The Bears scored on a short run, but missed the two-point conversion, making the score 28-6. The success of Ridgefield’s running attack might be that for the first time all season the Arcoleo and Gravitte tandem ran outside the tackles regularly, softening the middle. The two had been running inside, causing opposing defenses to stack the box. Callahan said this wasn’t by design; it was what the Bears’ defense was giving Ridgefield. And although quarterback Griff McCarty had a quiet game, his poise helped prevent any costly turnovers. The scoring was wrapped up by two fourth-quarter rushing touchdowns: Arcoleo’s fourth from 23 yards out and

Continued from 16A

New Scoreboards

The Ridgefield Basketball Association (RBA) donated two new electronic scoreboards worth about $6,000 to the town, and Al Dotson of Dotson Construction and Jeff Miller of Miller Electric donated the installation work. From left are Parks and Recreation Director Paul Roche, RBA President Andy Schaefer, First Selectman Rudy Marconi, Yanity Gym director Ron Lovalvo and RBA board member Joe Heinzmann. — Mack Reid photo

Hume prevails at FCIACs Continued from 16A 10th in the past 11 years — with 60 points. Darien was second with 65 points. Staples and Ridgefield finished in a dead heat for third place in the 17-team field, but the Wreckers won the tiebreaker because their sixth runner placed ahead of his Ridgefield counterpart. Hume became the fourth Ridgefield runner in the past 10 years to win the individual title. He had a time of 16:20 for the 5K course at New Canaan’s Waveny Park to defeat runner-up Jake McCauley of Darien by nine seconds. “I’m super proud of

Richie,” said McCluskey. “He had a great race.” Kearns was fifth in 16:38, and Polo placed seventh in 16:48. “I’m very proud of Christian and Ryan,” said McCluskey. “To have three guys in the top seven isn’t easy.” Mike Ravert was 27th overall (17:34) and Kevin Ford 33rd (17:44) to round out the Ridgefield scoring. James O’Regan (37th, 17:57) and Andy Wells (44th, 18:11) also finished for the Tigers. Damien Adams, one of Ridgefield’s top-five runners this season, had to drop out of the race because of back spasms with about a quarter mile to go. “It was too bad,” said

McCluskey. “Damien was running a fairly good pace.” Notes: Hume, Kearns and Polo earned All-FCIAC honors by finishing in the top 15 overall. Ravert made the All-FCIAC second time by placing in the top 30. Hume joined Luke Meyer (2000), Steve Mucchetti (2001) and Josh Kearns (2005) as an individual champion for Ridgefield in the past 10 years. Jamie Dowling of Ridgefield was third in the junior varsity race with a time of 18:23. Ridgefield will compete in the Class LL state championship meet Saturday at Wickham Park.

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minutes kept the game closer than it might have been, but Arcoleo’s second touchdown of the game, a short scamper, lengthened the lead to 21-0 as the first half ended. The senior co-captain’s score capped a nine-play, 87-yard drive (after another red zone stand by the Tiger defense) that saw Arcoleo carry the ball on every play, save one. Ridgefield’s defense held Norwalk to 46 yards total offense, while the Tigers runoriented attack amassed nearly 250 yards total offense in the opening half. The only negatives, aside from the icy rain and the mysterious disappearance of the Homecoming raffle box (which was eventually found following numerous pleas from the increasingly edgy PA announcer), were the eight penalties for 75 yards racked up by Ridgefield in the opening 24 minutes (including a trio of personal fouls). The Tigers piled up more

Gravitte’s second on a 51-yard blast in which he outran the Bears’ defenders. Overall, Callahan was pleased with his team’s effort. “When you score 42, it’s hard to look at the negative,” he said. “The penalties were mostly due to an aggressive mentality we brought into the game. The kids were fired up.” Notes: Callahan said that the receivers’ downfield blocking contributed to the crushing success of the running game as Arcoleo finished with 187 yards and Gravitte 105. Senior Sean Beckwith’s healthy return to the receiver slot helped. Linebacker Bo McCarty received defensive player of the game honors. Arcoleo won the award on offense, and Jimmy Houser, who saved the kickoff return from being a touchdown, garnered the special teams accolade. Ridgefield hosts Brien McMahon Friday night at Tiger Hollow at 7 p.m.

Boys soccer blasts Bassick, 8-0 Continued from 16A Elliott Mathis made it 2-0 with the first of his two goals, assisted by Messing, and Paul Denis and Connor McCarthy followed with goals to put the Tigers ahead 4-0 at halftime. McCarthy assisted on Denis’ goal, and Pedro Rodrigues set up McCarthy’s score, which came with 12 seconds left before intermission. McCarthy scored the first two goals of the second half to complete his hat trick. Connor Findlay and Jeff Amorello had assists on those goals as the Tigers opened a 6-0 lead. Andy Carlson then scored

off an assist from Amorello, and Mathis completed the rout with an unassisted goal. Ridgefield goalies Sean Ceponis and Tom Knizeski each played a half, with Ceponis making four saves and Knizeski six. The easy victory came after a 1-1 tie against Bridgeport Central last Thursday. “It was a fair result,” said Bergen. “We both had our chances. They had some breakaways they couldn’t finish, and we hit the post twice.” Central (8-3-3 through Monday), which has already qualified for the FCIAC playoffs, took a 1-0 lead with the only goal of the first half.

But the Tigers were able to get the equalizer 10 minutes into the second half as McCarthy converted after a pass from Jack Brennan. McCarthy and fellow striker Ian Murdoch had shots that hit the post for Ridgefield. Ridgefield’s defensive effort was led by senior sweeper Jake Kirsch. “Jake did a tremendous job back there,” said Bergen. “He really delegated and controlled the back very well.” Fellow defenders Dan Hager, Andy Suslavich and Colin Paulish also had good games for Ridgefield. “The entire defense played well as a unit,” said Bergen.

RHS girls volleyball now 14-2

The Ridgefield High girls volleyball team continued its impressive season with a 3-1 win at home over Bridgeport Central on Monday. The Tigers improved their record to 14-2. Ridgefield has already

qualified for the eight-team FCIAC playoffs, which begin next Tuesday. The Tigers defeated Central by scores of 25-18, 23-25, 2511 and 25-15. Elizabeth Sfondrini had 13 digs, 12 service points

(six aces) and eight kills for Ridgefield. Cristina Fernandez contributed 10 service points and 14 digs, and Morgan Hewett had eight kills and five digs. Setter Grace Heiser finished with 25 assists.

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Oct. 29, 2009 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 19A

Raiders upend Aspetuck, 8-6, in regular-season finale

The following games were recently played by Ridgefield Youth Football teams.

8th Grade

Ridgefield 8, Aspetuck 6

The eighth grade Black Raiders brought the regular season to a close with a tremendous win over their arch-rival Aspetuck, 8-6. The game started with Aspetuck winning the coin toss. The Ridgefield captains for this game were Aidan Mauro, Andrew Ostrosky, Will Bonaparte and Peter Tortora. The initial kickoff went out of bounds and Aspetuck started on their own 40 yard line. After an initial run of four yards by Aspetuck’s Daniel Rodgers, who was stopped by Will Bonaparte and Peter Forsberg, Aspetuck was flagged for two procedure calls. Aspetuck moved the ball down field slowly as it met stiff resistance from the Ridgefield defense including Peter Tortora, Andrew Chuma, Michael Latorre, Aidan Mauro, Will Bonaparte, Micky Carbone, Iggy Franco and Peter Forsberg. Most of the Aspetuck offense came from number 22 Rodgers, who ran the ball 90% of the time. Aspetuck finally gave the ball up to Ridgefield on a punt and Ridgefield started slowly. The first offensive series was four and out with a punt by Will Bonaparte that went 70 yards and was returned 10 yards before Peter Tortora tackled the runner. Both teams struggled to move the ball against the other teams’ defense. The Ridgefield defense bent but would not break. A key play that

Youth football could have changed the game came at the end of the first half when Peter Forsberg broke up a pass play in the end zone to keep Aspetuck off the board. With little time to go Ridgefield ran a series of sweeps with Aidan Mauro and Will Bonaparte that gained about 30 yards and then Micky Carbone gained 15 yards going up the middle. At this point the drive stalled and the ball was given up on downs. Aspetuck took over and tried a pass play that was intercepted by Aidan Mauro who ran it back 40 yards before going out of bounds as the first half came to an end. The second half started with a kickoff to Ridgefield. Andrew Chuma recovered the kick on the Ridgefield 30 yard line. The Ridgefield offense came out ready to play. The offensive line of Andrew Ostrosky, Peter Tortora, Matt Kissel, Lucas Goff and Wyatt Hemley got a good push up front. On the first play Aidan Mauro ran for 50 yards followed by a seven yard run by Micky Carbone and 23 yard run for a touchdown by Will Bonaparte. The extra point was kicked by Griffin Jones for two additional points to bring the score to 8-0 Ridgefield. Ridgefield kicked off to Aspetuck and it recovered the ball on its 45-yard line. On third down Aspetuck fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Michael Kali and Noah Broder. Ridgefield brought in the second offensive group which included Jimmy Duddy, Griffin Jones, Patrick Weston, Michael Nyland, James Schibli, Chris

Rossini, and Steven Alt. They moved the ball down the field but ended up turning the ball over on downs. Aspetuck took over and moved the ball, but Ridgefield was gang tackling the runners and ultimately Aspetuck had to punt. Ridgefield then brought its next offensive unit in, which struggled because of a procedure call and chop block call. Will Bonaparte punted the ball from the goal line and Aspetuck took over on its 45 as the third quarter came to an end. The two teams continued to move the ball up and down the field but Aspetuck managed to get one strong drive going and moved the ball down the field until it reached the one-yard line. The quarterback ran a sneak and made it into the end zone for a touchdown. Aspetuck tried to kick the extra point to tie the score but missed with a kick that sailed wide. The score was now 8-6 with less than two minutes left in the game. Ridgefield took over on its 40-yard line. With third down and 10 yards to go Ridgefield ran a reverse with Will Bonaparte giving the ball to Aidan Mauro, who gained nine yards. Ridgefield needed one yard to keep the drive going or risk giving the ball back to Aspetuck with enough time to score. Coach Scalzo decided to give the ball to Will Bonaparte, who ran for eight yards and a first down. Aspetuck was out of timeouts and Ridgefield took a knee and the game ended.

7th Grade

Ridgefield Orange 36, Somers 12

Ridgefield High School

RESULTS, RECORDS, SCHEDULES FOOTBALL: 6:30 Ridgefield 42, Norwalk 6 Saturday, FCIAC Record: 5-1; 4-1 FCIAC quarterfinals at RHS, noon Next: Friday vs. McMahon, 7 FIELD HOCKEY: BOYS SOCCER: Ridgefield 1, Wilton 0 Ridgefield 1, Central 1 Ridgefield 2, Greenwich 1 Ridgefield 8, Bassick 0 Danbury 1, Ridgefield 0 (OT) Record: 10-3-1; 10-3-1 Record: 8-5-1-1; 6-5-1-1 FCIAC FCIAC Next: Friday, FCIAC Next: Friday, FCIAC quarterfinals at RHS, 3 playoffs at New Canaan GIRLS SOCCER: Ludlowe 1, Ridgefield 0 Ridgefield 5, Darien 2 Ridgefield 4, Trinity 0 Record: 13-1-1; 12-1-1 FCIAC Next: Today vs. New Canaan,

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL: Ridgefield 3, McMahon 1 Ridgefield 3, Bassick 0 Ridgefield 3, Central 1 Record: 14-2; 14-2 FCIAC Next: Friday at Darien, 4

GIRLS SWIMMING: Staples 102, Ridgefield 81 Ridgefield 97, Ludlowe 80 Record: 4-5; 4-5 FCIAC Next: Nov. 7, FCIAC championships at Greenwich BOYS CROSS COUNTRY: Fourth at FCIAC meet Record: 16-1; 16-1 FCIAC Next: Saturday, Class LL meet at Wickham Park, 3:35 GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY: Third at FCIAC meet Record: 17-0; 17-0 FCIAC Next: Saturday, Class LL meet at Wickham Park, 3:35

The Ridgefield Raiders seventh grade Orange team cruised to a 3612 victory over the Somers Tuskers White team last Sunday in the regular season finale for both teams. The Raiders’ James O’Hara made a key stop for no gain to put the Tuskers in a difficult third and long. The Orange took over on downs at midfield but turned the ball over on their third play and Somers quickly took advantage by scoring on a long run to take the early lead. Ridgefield’s Drew Hopkinson and Jamie Ruddy stooped the conversion to keep the score 6-0. The Tuskers looked to press their advantage and tried an onsides kick but David Forsberg alertly pounced on the bouncing ball for the Raiders. Ridgefield capitalized on the good field position when Tim Barton sprung Matthew Mead to tie up the game at six. Somers had trouble with the ensuing kickoff and the hustling James Hesemeyer wrestled the ball away to get possession back for the Raiders. With momentum clearly behind the Orange they could not be stopped as they marched down the field to go up 14-6. The Tuskers tried to turn the tide but when the Raiders’ Ollie Jones prevented a long gain Somers relinquished the ball on downs again. Ridgefield took over and when Patrick Racy completed a long touchdown pass the Raiders went up 22-6 and were firmly in control. The Raiders started the second half rather lackluster and gave the ball to Somers at midfield when they couldn’t get a first down. On their first play, the Tuskers launched a long scoring pass to close the gap to 22-12. Ridgefield woke up and Matthew Mead sprinted in for another touchdown to open up a 30-12 advantage. Somers tried to rebound but the Raiders Derek Safadi made a crucial fourth-down sack to close the third quarter. The Orange put the game away when Adam Keleman scrambled and broke free from a certain sack and found Patrick Racy on a long bomb to set up the Raiders at the Somers four. Ethan Rosen then bulled over for Ridgefield to make the score 36-12. The Tuskers threatened on their next possession but Gage Holzauer recovered a fumble for the Orange to snuff out the drive. The Raiders ran out most of the remaining time behind some strong runs by Chris DiFabio and Julian Pagliuco. Somers’ last gasp was stopped on consecutive good tackles by Tyler Hamilton.

6th Grade

Ridgefield 15, Ansonia 12

In this, the last regular season game, the Raiders played hard against a formidable challenger, Ansonia, for the victory. The game day captains, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Dylan Chelednik, Matthew Hemley and Peter Dearth,

met their opponents at midfield to start the game. Ridgefield kicked off to Ansonia, which was unable to get any further than fourth down, thanks to the defensive play of Dearth, Billy Bodner and Brian Maher. The remainder of the first quarter was scoreless, despite stalwart runs by Bobby Philbin, Matthew Saporito and Chase Levesque. Defensively, Dearth, Kyle Hyland, Austin Pavone and Harrison Porter pounded the offense, resulting in a fourth-down punt. The second quarter belonged to Ansonia, with their offensive line dominating the time of possession. Once again, the defensive line of Hyland, Bodner and Pavone, aided by Schuyler Blair, Jackson Turek and Greg Girolama, made them work for every yard. Ansonia did go in for the score, but the extra point was blocked by Joseph Irwin. The second half revealed a renewed Raider team. With Will Brady at the helm, the Raiders seemed energized. An interception by Ansonia only temporarily distracted Ridgefield. Andrew Falcinelli responded with an interception in the next set of plays. Although the Raiders were forced to turn over the ball on fourth down, Blair recovered an Ansonia fumble on the nine yard line. Brady connected with Saporito for a touchdown pass, and Levesque sweetened it with two points. Another fumble recovery by Saporito led the Raiders back down the field culminating in a touchdown run by Levesque. The extra point was achieved by a toss to Levesque and a pass to Dante Cobelli in the end zone. Ansonia was not to be outdone and scored with the next set of plays, the extra point no good. The fourth quarter was tense with Ansonia trying valiantly to capture the lead, and Ridgefield holding on tight. Ansonia was threatening, but a turnover on fourth down gave the Raiders the ball and the ability to run out the clock.

Leonard bulled in from the 1 for a 6-0 lead. After Ethan Kaminski’s fourthdown stop, Ridgefield’s Shane Palmer and C.J. Varian ate up big yardage, including a nifty 32-yard run by Varian. Chris Longo eventually snuck in from the 1 to make it 12-0. Max Thomas, Nick Mische, Neel Kumar, Dylan Carey and Leonard drove the Patriots backward in four plays to end the half. However, the Patriots came out firing after the break, with a 7-play, 30yard scoring drive — set up by a long kickoff return — to close to 12-7. Ridgefield answered immediately. Palmer caught the ensuing kickoff at his 35, angled across the field, cut around a Kaminski block, tight-roped up the right sideline and was gone. Kaminski’s kick pushed the Raiders’ lead to 20-7. Starting at midfield, the Patriots responded in just two plays — a 14yard sweep and a 36-yard blast up the middle — to quickly make it 20-14. The Raiders ran needed time off the clock with a 10-play drive. Longo connected with Varian for a 19-yard pass and converted a fourth-down sneak before the drive faded at the Patriots’ 27. Trailing by six in a steady rain, Southern Dutchess marched 69 yards in 12 plays for a first-and-goal at the Ridgefield four with about a minute left. Boehle and Josh Finn stuffed the first attempt. The second try got perilously close but Jenner Hagele and Mat Bornstein yanked the Patriot back at the one. On third and goal, Duddy fired in from the side to prevent any gain. With eight seconds left, on fourth and goal at the one, Varian shot into the backfield to drop the runner and clinch the Raiders’ perfect season.

5th Grade

Ridgefield Black (5-3) scored on its opening drive, which ended with a 29-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Arnold to Ryan Reid. Ridgefield’s Matt Lombardo recovered the ensuing onsides kick. The Raiders couldn’t move the ball but pinned Southern Dutchess in its own end after Arnold got off a 34-yard punt. Early in the second quarter, a blocked punt by Chris Cozens gave Ridgefield the ball at the Southern Dutchess 29. Arnold took a bootleg 24 yards to the five. He later scored on a quarterback sneak, behind the line push of Michael Knick, Nate Phelps, James McCann, John Lehaney and Luke Marczak, from the one-yard line to make it 12-0. The scoreless second half featured several turnovers, as the play turned sloppy in the driving rain.

Ridgefield Black 20, Southern Dutchess 14

With less than a minute on the clock and its undefeated season on the line, Ridgefield Black turned back four Southern Dutchess carries at the goal line for a dramatic 20-14 win Saturday at rainy Tiger Hollow. The thrilling win gives the 8-0 Raiders the top seed in the playoffs, which start this weekend. Tate Sigworth started the opening 16-play drive by feeding the ball to P.J. Rychlik, Seth Boehle and Ryan Duddy, who converted two fourthdown sweeps. Peter Guasti, Nate Trozzi, Haden Haynes, Lucas Furneri, Connor Munnelly and Drew Arfine helped to pave the way off the line. Alec

4th Grade

Ridgefield Black 12, Southern Dutchess Blue 0

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20A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Oct. 29, 2009

Election... Continued from page A1 just above the names of the candidates they want to support. “It’s a double-sided ballot,” Republican Registrar of Voters Hope Wise said. Of the five contested races, three are on one side of the ballot, and two are on the other side. Including unopposed candidates, there are elections for 12 different boards and commission on the ballot. Write-in votes

One of the contests — the finance board race — has a write-in candidate, Heidi Namiot, whose name does not appear on the ballot. She is officially registered as a candidate running against two Republicans, incumbent Marty Heiser and Jill Bornstein, whose names do appear on the ballot. Ms. Namiot has the backing of the local Democratic Party. Each voter may cast ballots for two finance candidates, and two of the three will be elected. All three finance board candidates answer questions from The Press on page 9C of this issue. To cast a ballot for Ms. Namiot, voters must do two things, according to the registrars. They need to indicate they are writing in a choice by filling in one the optical scan ovals under finance board at either 1D or 2D — the first two columns on the far left of the ballot, at the bottom on the line labeled “write in votes” below the Republican, Democratic and Independent party lines. They also need to write her name — “Heidi Namiot” — below the oval in the 1D or 2D box on the ballot.

Deer... Continued from page A1 began there just recently. The remaining parcels for bow hunting are Shadow Lake, Spectacle Swamp large parcel, Spectacle Swamp small parcel, Levy Park, Canterbury/Keeler, Perry Lane, West Mountain Reed parcel, Powder Maker and Peaceable Ridge open space. This is the fourth year of the controlled deer hunt in Ridgefield. Shotgun and muzzleloader season begins Nov. 18 and runs until Dec. 31. Bow season ends Jan. 31. The town is ahead of every other Connecticut town in deer kills on state and private property (private includes town open space), according to the DEP. The town controlled hunt reported 32 kills Tuesday, since beginning on open space parcels Oct. 5. The town’s total on state and private property is 101. The next

“You physically must write in her name,” said Democratic Registrar Cindy Bruno. Even if it’s misspelled, the name will count as long as election officials can determine who the voter intended to vote for, the registrars say. Ballots with a name written in that do not have ovals filled in on the “write-in votes” line, however, will not get counted. The optical scan machine uses those ovals to divert ballots with write-ins into a separate bin so they can hand-counted — if no oval is filled in, the ballot will scoot through the auto scan with the rest of the ballots and no one will look at it to see the name and count the write-in vote. “Each poll will have a team to check the write-in ballots and count the write-in ballots,” Ms. Wise said. Write-in votes for people not officially registered as write-in candidates do not get counted. Minority representation

FROM the FRONT

The ballot in Tuesday’s election is two-sided, with Board of Finance through Planning and Zoning on the front (above), and Zoning Board of Appeals and Police Commission on the back(at right). At far left of front, and at the bottom, is where voters wishing to support the write-in candidate for finance board need to both fill in an oval at either 1D or 2D, and write in the name below that. Voters with questions may call the registrars at 431-2771 or -2772, or ask an official at the polling place.

Of the five contests, only the two school board races — four-year and two-year — are affected by the state’s minority representation law, which often makes things complicated. The law limits how many seats any single party may hold on various boards and commissions, with the number varying according to the size of the agency. On the nine-member school board, any one political party may hold no more than six seats. The board has eight fouryear seats and one two-year seat. This year the two-year and four of the four-year seats are up for election. Six candidates, three from each party, are competing for the four four-year seats — Republicans John Palermo, Russell Katz and Keith Miller, and Democrats Nina Mohadjer, Amy Shinohara and Irene Burgess.

In a separate contest, two candidates — incumbent Republican Sandi Rose and Democrat Charles Primerano — are going head to head for the lone two-year seat. Voters may choose four candidates for four-year seats and one for the two-year position — a total of five. And five candidates will be elected. Among the four board members not up for re-election, just holding onto their seats, there’s a split — two Republicans and two Democrats. Given that, the minority representation law’s limit of six means neither party can elect more than four candidates and each party is guaranteed of electing at least one. All the school board candidates answer questions on school configuration, school

budgets and all-day kindergarten on pages 8C and 9C. In the Police Commission race three Republican incumbents — Susan Craig, Carl Lecher and Tom Reynolds — are seeking re-election, and Democrat Joseph Adams, a former commissioner who was on the board in 1990s, is attempting to return to the board. Voters may choose three of the four, who answer questions on page 10C. Minority representation law doesn’t affect the Police Commission race this year. The law allows the five-member commission to have up to four members from the same party. The two commissioners not up for re-election are one Republican and one Democrat, so neither party would exceed the four-of-five rule, regard-

less of who the election’s three winners are. The Zoning Board of Appeals contest is for a two-year vacancy, and pits Republican Duane Barney, who has filled the seat for about a year, against Democrat Sky Cole. They answer questions on 11C. Among the uncontested races on the ballot are elections for five Planning and Zoning Commission seats, two positions on the board of Assessment Appeals, two fiveyear Zoning Board of Appeals seats, and three zoning appeals alternate terms. Tuesday’s is the town’s the first municipal election without selectmen’s races, since a charter change that went into effect two years ago gave selectmen four-year terms.

“I just hope people vote,” First Selectman Rudy Marconi said Tuesday. “I was talking to two seniors today who both said they aren’t interested in voting this year at all.” He said that participation in the national election was about 80% and the numbers for the local election will likely be much lower. “You’d think it would be the exact opposite,” he said. “Please vote and get involved,” Mr. Marconi said. “Take part in the town’s future.”

highest is Redding at 90 total. Mr. Belote said that Redding, like many other towns, started the hunt earlier than in Ridgefield, on Sept. 15. Seven residents near the open space on Lynch Brook used for the hunt submitted a letter voicing their concerns. The letter is signed by Suzie Scanlon, Rajal Lele Young, Leonard and Madeleine Corbin, Madalyn Dyott and Susan and Robert DeFalco. “The residents of Lynch Brook Lane are concerned about the overpopulation of the White-tailed Deer, the spread of Lyme disease and the risk of being hit or struck by a deer in our cars,” Ms. Scanlon said, “but we think it is reasonable to ask those responsible to balance these concerns with the safety of our children and we are calling upon the town to intervene and assess the unique set of facts and circumstances concerning the Lynch Brook Lane open space which have not been properly evaluated or studied by the Deer Committee.”

The letter to the Board of Selectmen from residents near Lynch Brook Lane explains that 18 children live near the open space and many of them use the open space as an access to and from the West Mountain Estates area and public baseball diamond, Sachem Field. The signers said the children attend several different schools with schedules different from Ridgefield public schools. The Deer Committee takes only the public school schedule into consideration when planning hunting hours. They also think deer management is unnecessary on the parcel since one private property owner in the area allows hunters nearby. First Selectman Rudy Marconi said this week that a discussion on the Lynch Brook letter will be on the Nov. 4 Board of Selectmen meeting agenda. Mr. Marconi said a lot has been done already to alleviate concerns of the citizens, including eliminating the hunt on the area of open space ref-

erenced in the letter as regularly traveled by students and adults. Mr. Belote said that the hunters will be on only the western portion of Lynch Brook. “Lynch Brook is two parcels attached to each other by a ribbon of land running along Lynch Brook Lane,” Mr. Belote said. “The easterly section next to the Lynch Brook cul de sac is not being hunted by the town.” Another concern was children waiting at a bus stop near the open space. “Arrows only travel about 20 to 40 yards, that’s about 90 feet,” Mr. Marconi said. “The hunting stand will be 300 feet away from any road.” Mr. Belote agreed that the area being hunted is not used regularly by people. “The property we’re hunting is wet and swampy and not used by kids who go to the public schools, the Academy or anywhere,” Mr. Belote said. “Feeders and stands are placed so arrows are not aimed at the two abutting landowners

— targets are taken at an average of 12 yards from the stand itself shooting down.” He added that bow hunters and woods walkers have been co-existing peacefully in Ridgefield for many years. “The state land on Bennett’s Farm Road has been open to bow hunters and other recreational uses for four years without incident,” he said. He also explained that hunters are trained to listen for deer moving up to the feeders — a very faint noise. “Only then when the deer is in full view — head to tail in a broadside or three-quartering away position and in full view in their high-tech sights — do they release their arrow,” Mr. Belote said. “...Children haven’t changed over the years — they are noisy in the woods and don’t resemble White-tail Deer. The former sound like Patton’s army coming into the woods. The latter make very little noise and our archers are trained to detect it.” Mr. Marconi said the points raised by the residents are important to discuss. “The Board of Selectmen should be receptive to neighborhood concerns,” Mr. Marconi said. He thinks some of the concerns have been addressed, but believes the Deer Committee should consider other school schedules, rather than just public schools, when planning hunting hours. “We have other schools that need to be taken into consideration,” Mr. Marconi said. The group of residents also mentioned communication problems with the Deer Committee. They claim that some residents they have talked to were not informed. An excerpt from the letter states: “The Deer Committee (via Chair Belote and

Huntmaster Stefano Zandri) promised in a meeting not to commence the hunt until all school calendars were collected and synthesized. In spite of this representation made on Friday, October 2, 2009, the commission authorized Chris Piazza to come onto the Lynch Brook Open Space to hunt. Chris Piazza hunted the property on October 5th while all of the residents were informed that the hunt would not commence. “After Huntmaster Zandri was informed of this and apologized for failing to either control his hunter or advise his hunter, further assurances were given that the hunt would cease until further discussion and until all school calendars were received. The following day on October 6th, Chris Piazza returned with authorization from the Deer Committee and hunted the Lynch Brook Open Space again. “Additional unfulfilled promises have been made to Lynch Brook Lane residents that include a promise made to Lynn Dyott that she would receive a call before any hunt by Huntmaster Zandri since her swing set was located in such close proximity to the open space. Many area residents have lost confidence in the credibility and integrity of the Deer Committee.” Mr. Belote said the hunter who went out Oct. 5 was called back immediately. Residents have been contacted, he said. Mr. Marconi said any communication problems will be discussed. “We’re going over this with a fine-toothed comb,” Mr. Marconi said, “considering how to do this in the safest way possible for children and adults.”

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS the loss of rights to recover on ESTATE OF Agnes E. Fink such claim. (09-0406) Jacqueline Buckle, Clerk The Hon. Joseph A. Egan, The fiduciary is: Jr., Judge of the Court of William F. Fink Probate, District of Ridgefield, c/o Patrick J. Crehan, Esq. by decree dated October 27, Crehan & Crehan 2009, ordered that all claims 181 Main Street must be presented to the fiduP.O. Box 282 ciary at the address below. Ridgefield, CT 06877-0282 Failure to promptly present 10-29 any such claim may result in