The Ridgefield Press Pages 19-24 February 16, 2012

6
Two teams address images Ashley Howie Kaki Johnson of Wilton (left) and Patty Douville of Ridgefield have launched Aplomb, a new business that helps women assess and create outfits. Contributed Photographer Kristen Jensen, at right, and publicist Kristin Bryson are combining their news writing and photography talents to help business clients raise their public profile. Women more than 40 tend to get frustrated with finding something perfect to wear, getting lost in a sea of rules, fashion trends and age- appropriate concerns, say two entrepreneurs. “Couple that with nega- tive perceptions about indi- vidual body types — and dressing after a certain age can be quite challenging,” according to a press release from a wardrobe consulting business. Patty Douville and Kaki Johnson have launched Aplomb, a wardrobe con- sultancy that specializes in helping women more than 40 create personal style, using clothing from their own clos- ets. “Most women have a clos- et full of clothes, but nothing to wear,” said Ms. Douville, who has experience in fash- ion and fashion merchandis- ing. “Often, the perfect outfit is right there, hanging in their own closet.” Aplomb offers three- hour consultations in clients’ homes. The service includes assessing and advising on fit, reviewing and pairing pieces, and leaving the client with detailed, customized guide- lines to suit her individual needs. They tell clients about their specific body type. Ms. Douville and Ms. Johnson said women have been inun- dated with negative infor- mation about body shapes. Current wisdom says “apple” must be unhealthy, with narrow hips and a round tummy. “Are you a pear shape?” Ms. Johnson said. “Saddlebags. Women have been led to believe that near- ly any shape is flawed unless it meets the feminine ideal, the coveted hourglass.” “Elizabeth Hurley is an apple, Jennifer Lopez is a pear,” said Ms. Johnson. She said her experience in the corporate world showed her, first-hand, that many women struggle with a fashion indus- try that ignores their needs. “What those celebrities have, that the rest of us don’t, is someone telling them how to dress.” Aplomb’s mission is “to help everyday women bring balance to their proportions and create signature styles, by dressing classically and ‘putting on an edge’ with accessories unique to each woman. To do this, the two “shop the closet” of their cli- ent, pulling together pieces in new ways to create a series of outfits for any occasion. “As we get older, it gets less about trends, and more about what makes a woman look and feel her best,” said Ms. Johnson. “It’s ridiculous to think a woman must have an ingrained sense of style ...But everyone can learn how to dress their own body, to find a personal ‘uniform’ that creates balance and achieves that hourglass look.” They work with clients to layer accessories that express the personality of each woman, such as a bohemian scarf or a vintage necklace. This marriage of classic piec- es and cherished accessories is how, they said, “Aplomb creates a signature style for each client.” Aplomb can be reached by contacting 203-403-9157 or emailing info@aplombstyle. com. Aplomb helps women find a personal style Two “image makers” have combined their photog- raphy and publicity services to offer “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.” Photographer Kristen Jensen of Bethel — a for- mer Ridgefielder — and public relations profes- sional Kristin Bryson of KB Communications in Ridgefield said their one- price service combines a studio photo shoot with the drafting and distribution of a 1,000-word press release. Ms. Jensen and Ms. Bryson said they designed the offer- ing with the specific needs of entrepreneurs and corporate clients in mind. The flat-rate price of $1,000 reflects a cost-savings over contract- ing the work separately with either, they said. “In today’s continuing tough economy, our profes- sional clients need to actively communicate their unique abilities and strengths more than ever,” Ms. Bryson said. “To truly communicate effec- tively, there’s nothing more compelling than a story that’s told well both verbally and visually.” Ms. Jensen said, “A gift Kristin and I both have is an innate ability to really see and work with our clients’ strengths — strengths that many times our clients under- estimate or don’t even see themselves. We both get great satisfaction from casting our clients in their best light.” Jensen, Bryson create word-picture publicity B USINESS U U U U R U U USI USI U U U U P I I IN IN Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 19A Pitt Sotheby sees pickup in Connecticut home sales “Connecticut home sales picked up significantly at the end of the year, reflected in strong fourth-quarter pending sales, providing a solid springboard in the first quarter of 2012,” reports Paul Breunich, president and chief executive officer of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty. “In many markets, fourth-quarter pending sales also demonstrated improvement versus a year ago.” For December, Fairfield County’s pending sales were a notable 38% higher than December 2010 and 30% higher than 2009. The year 2011 saw market performance in direct correlation to monthly consumer confidence levels, Mr. Breunich said. “There were also significant variations in individual market performance, particularly with communities closer to New York City experiencing meaningful gains in both unit and dollar volume.” Coming off a relatively strong 2010, when residen- tial real estate was heavily supported by government tax incentives, Connecticut’s overall single-family home sales retreated slightly in 2011, he said. Mr. Breunich pointed to the encouraging improve- ment in sales activity in the higher price ranges as a significant development of the year. In Fairfield County, homes priced $2,000,000 and above showed the greatest improvement, and ultra-lux- ury properties priced at $5,000,000 and above increased 13% over 2010. “This broadening sales platform is an extremely important factor in strengthening confidence and improving deal flow in all segments of the market,” he said. Inventory levels for the year have averaged a 2% decline from 2010 and 4% from 2009, which will serve as an aid to steadying prices in 2012. “But with both buyers and sellers more knowledgeable than ever, value remains the driving force in all real estate transactions,” he said. “Homes are expected to remain exceptionally affordable with historically low mortgage rates and favorable selling prices. Mr. Breunich looks to 2012 with optimism. “The improving employment picture in Metro New York and financial services industries, coupled with positive national economic data, is helping to improve consumer confidence and is expected to impact our Connecticut housing markets favorably,” he said. “But we’re also aware that global political and economic issues could affect our markets.” For the complete quarterly market report and to view local housing statistics, visit williampitt.com. Jim Tarsi earns diplomate in diagnosis and therapy Jim Tarsi Jr. of Ridgefield Physical Therapy has earned his diploma in mechanical diagnosis and therapy from the McKenzie Institute International. Mr. Tarsi, a Ridgefield native, was accepted into the international program in 2009. Upon completing studies in December 2011, he became the first health care provider in Connecticut to attain diplo- mate status from the McKenzie Institute. Only 400 providers world- wide have received this level of specialty training for the treat- ment of musculoskeletal spine and extremity problems. Mechanical diagnosis and therapy, also known as the McKenzie Method, begins with a detailed patient history and assessment. The practitioner then develops individualized McKenzie Method treat- ment and prevention strategies to address spinal and extremity disorders. “Assessment is the critical step in identifying the best exercise and treatment strategy for each patient’s unique needs,” Mr. Tarsi said. “The highly customized approach enables patients to rapidly decrease pain, restore function and successfully self-treat while mini- mizing the need for prolonged treatment.” Patients whose musculoskeletal disorders will not benefit from McKenzie Method are referred for alter- nate care. Mr. Tarsi has been practicing at Ridgefield Physical Therapy for the past six years and plans to purse a fac- ulty position with the McKenzie Institute International in the future. He will be a guest on Ridgefield: Now We’re Talking on Thursday, Feb. 23, 6 to 7 p.m. on Channel 26 For more information, call 203-438-1898 or visit ridgefieldphysicaltherapy.com. Ancient Mariner chef wins awards at wings The Ancient Mariner’s chef Tommy Stevens, former Hell’s Kitchen finalist, took the best Creative Award for his jerk wings in the Hudson River Valley Wing Bowl Contest Jan. 28 His curry wings won for the Hottest with Flavor. Both are offered on the menu and are the Monday night’s bar special for 50 cents each. The Mariner is running a Wednesday Pasta Night Special. In addition, the restaurant donates a dollar to the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department for ever entree served Wednesday nights. The fire department sponsor night runs through March. Gobleck will tell retailers how to save money under Durbin Mary Kate Gobleck of Reliance Merchant Services will tell businesses how to save money in a Chamber of Commerce program for retailers Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 11:45 a.m. to 1, in the town hall’s lower level conference room, 400 Main Street. The Durbin Amendment, a law effective Oct. Business Update Jim Tarsi Jr. Support Ridgefield! Shop locally. Continued on next page See Publicity on next page steinway piano gallery of westport 501 post road east westport, ct 06880 www.spgwestport.com saturday, february 18th through monday, february 20th call (203) 227-8222 to learn more SPECIAL PRICING ON EXQUISITE PIANOS THIS PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND - 3 DAYS ONLY Join us this President’s Day weekend at the Steinway Piano Gallery of Westport for exceptional savings on a select inventory of Steinway and Steinway-Designed pianos. Complete your home with a priceless and enduring masterpiece.

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Ridgefield Press February 16, 2012

Transcript of The Ridgefield Press Pages 19-24 February 16, 2012

Page 1: The Ridgefield Press Pages 19-24   February 16, 2012

Two teams address images

Ashley Howie

Kaki Johnson of Wilton (left) and Patty Douville of Ridgefield have launched Aplomb, a new business that helps women assess and create outfits.

Contributed

Photographer Kristen Jensen, at right, and publicist Kristin Bryson are combining their news writing and photography talents to help business clients raise their public profile.

Women more than 40 tend to get frustrated with finding something perfect to wear, getting lost in a sea of rules, fashion trends and age-appropriate concerns, say two entrepreneurs.

“Couple that with nega-tive perceptions about indi-vidual body types — and dressing after a certain age can be quite challenging,” according to a press release from a wardrobe consulting business.

Patty Douville and Kaki Johnson have launched Aplomb, a wardrobe con-sultancy that specializes in helping women more than 40 create personal style, using clothing from their own clos-ets.

“Most women have a clos-et full of clothes, but nothing to wear,” said Ms. Douville, who has experience in fash-ion and fashion merchandis-ing. “Often, the perfect outfit is right there, hanging in their own closet.”

Aplomb offers three-hour consultations in clients’ homes. The service includes assessing and advising on fit, reviewing and pairing pieces, and leaving the client with detailed, customized guide-lines to suit her individual needs.

They tell clients about their specific body type. Ms. Douville and Ms. Johnson said women have been inun-dated with negative infor-mation about body shapes. Current wisdom says “apple” must be unhealthy, with narrow hips and a round tummy.

“Are you a pear shape?” Ms. Johnson said. “Saddlebags. Women have been led to believe that near-ly any shape is flawed unless it meets the feminine ideal, the coveted hourglass.”

“Elizabeth Hurley is an apple, Jennifer Lopez is a pear,” said Ms. Johnson. She said her experience in the corporate world showed her, first-hand, that many women struggle with a fashion indus-try that ignores their needs.

“What those celebrities have, that the rest of us don’t, is someone telling them how to dress.”

Aplomb’s mission is “to help everyday women bring balance to their proportions and create signature styles, by dressing classically and ‘putting on an edge’ with accessories unique to each woman. To do this, the two “shop the closet” of their cli-ent, pulling together pieces in new ways to create a series of outfits for any occasion.

“As we get older, it gets less about trends, and more

about what makes a woman look and feel her best,” said Ms. Johnson. “It’s ridiculous to think a woman must have an ingrained sense of style ...But everyone can learn how to dress their own body, to find a personal ‘uniform’ that creates balance and achieves that hourglass look.”

They work with clients to layer accessories that express the personality of each woman, such as a bohemian scarf or a vintage necklace. This marriage of classic piec-es and cherished accessories is how, they said, “Aplomb creates a signature style for each client.”

Aplomb can be reached by contacting 203-403-9157 or emailing [email protected].

Aplomb helps women find a personal style

Two “image makers” have combined their photog-raphy and publicity services to offer “A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words.”

Photographer Kristen Jensen of Bethel — a for-mer Ridgefielder — and public relations profes-sional Kristin Bryson of KB Communications in Ridgefield said their one-price service combines a studio photo shoot with the drafting and distribution of a 1,000-word press release.

Ms. Jensen and Ms. Bryson said they designed the offer-ing with the specific needs of entrepreneurs and corporate clients in mind. The flat-rate price of $1,000 reflects a cost-savings over contract-ing the work separately with

either, they said. “In today’s continuing

tough economy, our profes-sional clients need to actively communicate their unique abilities and strengths more than ever,” Ms. Bryson said. “To truly communicate effec-tively, there’s nothing more compelling than a story that’s told well both verbally and visually.”

Ms. Jensen said, “A gift Kristin and I both have is an innate ability to really see and work with our clients’ strengths — strengths that many times our clients under-estimate or don’t even see themselves. We both get great satisfaction from casting our clients in their best light.”

Jensen, Bryson createword-picture publicity

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BUSINESSThursday, Feb. 16, 2012 19A

Pitt Sotheby sees pickup in Connecticut home sales

“Connecticut home sales picked up significantly at the end of the year, reflected in strong fourth-quarter pending sales, providing a solid springboard in the first quarter of 2012,” reports Paul Breunich, president and chief executive officer of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

“In many markets, fourth-quarter pending sales also demonstrated improvement versus a year ago.”

For December, Fairfield County’s pending sales were a notable 38% higher than December 2010 and 30% higher than 2009.

The year 2011 saw market performance in direct correlation to monthly consumer confidence levels, Mr. Breunich said.

“There were also significant variations in individual market performance, particularly with communities closer to New York City experiencing meaningful gains in both unit and dollar volume.”

Coming off a relatively strong 2010, when residen-tial real estate was heavily supported by government tax incentives, Connecticut’s overall single-family home sales retreated slightly in 2011, he said.

Mr. Breunich pointed to the encouraging improve-ment in sales activity in the higher price ranges as a significant development of the year.

In Fairfield County, homes priced $2,000,000 and above showed the greatest improvement, and ultra-lux-ury properties priced at $5,000,000 and above increased 13% over 2010.

“This broadening sales platform is an extremely important factor in strengthening confidence and improving deal flow in all segments of the market,” he said.

Inventory levels for the year have averaged a 2% decline from 2010 and 4% from 2009, which will serve as an aid to steadying prices in 2012. “But with both buyers and sellers more knowledgeable than ever, value remains the driving force in all real estate transactions,” he said. “Homes are expected to remain exceptionally affordable with historically low mortgage rates and favorable selling prices.

Mr. Breunich looks to 2012 with optimism.“The improving employment picture in Metro New

York and financial services industries, coupled with positive national economic data, is helping to improve consumer confidence and is expected to impact our Connecticut housing markets favorably,” he said. “But we’re also aware that global political and economic issues could affect our markets.”

For the complete quarterly market report and to view local housing statistics, visit williampitt.com.

Jim Tarsi earns diplomate in diagnosis and therapy

Jim Tarsi Jr. of Ridgefield Physical Therapy has earned his diploma in mechanical diagnosis and therapy from the McKenzie Institute International.

Mr. Tarsi, a Ridgefield native, was accepted into the international program in 2009. Upon completing studies in December 2011, he became the first health care provider in Connecticut to attain diplo-mate status from the McKenzie Institute.

Only 400 providers world-wide have received this level of specialty training for the treat-ment of musculoskeletal spine and extremity problems.

Mechanical diagnosis and therapy, also known as the McKenzie Method, begins with a detailed patient history and assessment. The practitioner then develops individualized McKenzie Method treat-ment and prevention strategies to address spinal and extremity disorders.

“Assessment is the critical step in identifying the best exercise and treatment strategy for each patient’s unique needs,” Mr. Tarsi said. “The highly customized approach enables patients to rapidly decrease pain, restore function and successfully self-treat while mini-mizing the need for prolonged treatment.”

Patients whose musculoskeletal disorders will not benefit from McKenzie Method are referred for alter-nate care.

Mr. Tarsi has been practicing at Ridgefield Physical Therapy for the past six years and plans to purse a fac-ulty position with the McKenzie Institute International in the future. He will be a guest on Ridgefield: Now We’re Talking on Thursday, Feb. 23, 6 to 7 p.m. on Channel 26

For more information, call 203-438-1898 or visit ridgefieldphysicaltherapy.com.

Ancient Mariner chef wins awards at wings

The Ancient Mariner’s chef Tommy Stevens, former Hell’s Kitchen finalist, took the best Creative Award for his jerk wings in the Hudson River Valley Wing Bowl Contest Jan. 28

His curry wings won for the Hottest with Flavor. Both are offered on the menu and are the Monday

night’s bar special for 50 cents each.The Mariner is running a Wednesday Pasta Night

Special. In addition, the restaurant donates a dollar to the Ridgefield Volunteer Fire Department for ever entree served Wednesday nights. The fire department sponsor night runs through March.

Gobleck will tell retailers how to save money under Durbin

Mary Kate Gobleck of Reliance Merchant Services will tell businesses how to save money in a Chamber of Commerce program for retailers Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 11:45 a.m. to 1, in the town hall’s lower level conference room, 400 Main Street.

The Durbin Amendment, a law effective Oct.

Business Update

Jim Tarsi Jr.

SupportRidgefield!

Shop locally.

Continued on next page

See Publicity on next page

steinway piano gallery of westport501 post road eastwestport, ct 06880

www.spgwestport.com

saturday, february 18th through monday, february 20th

call (203) 227-8222 to learn more

SPECIAL PRICING ON EXQUISITE PIANOSTHIS PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKEND - 3 DAYS ONLY

Join us this President’s Day weekend at the Steinway Piano Gallery of

Westport for exceptional savings on a select inventory of Steinway and

Steinway-Designed pianos. Complete your home with a priceless and

enduring masterpiece.

Page 2: The Ridgefield Press Pages 19-24   February 16, 2012

20A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Feb. 16, 2012

1, 2011, can help retail businesses become more profitable and protected. This amendment reduces — potentially by 50% — the average amount that retail-ers pay for their debit card transactions.

Ms. Gobleck started Reliance Merchant Services Inc. in 2004. Her experi-ence includes Wall Street Investment Banking, a finan-cial Dotcom and e-com-merce enabled web designs. Reliance has grown to six employees and is located at 9 Grove Street.

She lives in Ridgefield with her husband and two young daughters. For more information, call her at 203-438-5961, ext. 12.

Pre-registration is required at ridgefieldcham-ber.org.

Steven Coury joins New York firm

Steven Coury of Ridgefield has joined the real estate practice of Kasowitz, Benson, Torres & Friedman LLP as special counsel in New York. He had been counsel with the real estate group, Skadden.

Mr. Coury has extensive experience representing bor-rowers, lenders, servicers and investors in connection with commercial mortgage-backed securities and com-mercial real estate lending.

He also counsels clients in all aspects of commer-cial real estate transactions including acquisitions and

dispositions, financing, leasing, partnerships, joint ventures, development, real estate fund formation, and workouts and reorganiza-tions.

Mr. Coury earned his jurisprudence degree from Fordham University School of Law and his bachelor of arts degree from Fairfield University.

He lives in Ridgefield with his wife, Lara, and four children.

Bike shop helps needy children

True North Team Building, LLC and the Ridgefield Bicycle Company teamed up recent-ly at a Charity Bike Build in Rye Brook, N.Y. where employees of a financial services company took time out of their meetings to build

bikes that were then donated to children at the Carver Center in Port Chester, N.Y.

“This type of event cre-ates a win-win for everyone involved, but especially the kids at the Carver Center, many of whom have never had a bicycle before; to see the looks on the kids faces when they receive their bikes is nothing less than priceless,” said Michelle Powers, director of True North Team Building.

True North Team Building is a Ridgefield-based company offering a wide array of team recre-ation, team building and learning and development workshops. For more infor-mation, call 1-877-622-8650.

The Carver Center in Port Chester offers educational, recreational, cultural and civic services for children, youth and adults, particularly underprivileged youth.

Top Raveis agents named for January

Christian Horky was the Top Listing Associate and The Morris Group was the Top Listing Team in the Ridgefield/Redding office William Raveis Real Estate Mortgage & Insurance for January.

The Morris Group was Top Selling Team.

Ellen Brown was Top Producing Agent and The Morris Group was Top Producing Team.

Ms. Brown was also honored for Excellence in Customer Service.

Continued from page 19A

Business Update

Ms. Jensen, a former inter-national Ford model, launched Kristen Jensen Photography over a decade ago.

She attributes her modern, candid style to her vast expe-

rience in the fashion mod-eling industry coupled with years of international travel to many elegant locations and assisting with some of the top fashion photographers in the industry.

Ms. Bryson is a former radio news reporter.

Her KB Communications “helps a wide range of busi-

nesses and nonprofit organiza-tions communicate their stories to a larger set of audiences, and with greater impact,” she said.

To learn more, contact Ms. Jensen at 203-792-9977 or visit kristenjensenphotogra-phy.com.

Contact Ms. Bryson at 203-701-9250, or kbcommu-nicate.com.

Continued from page A17

Comings & Goings

Two houses and a con-dominium, worth a total of $2,238,500, changed hands in deeds filed with Town Clerk Barbara Serfilippi between Feb. 2 and 8. Transfers includ-ed:15 Lincoln Lane: Samantha

Kelly Farrell to Robert and Christine Llewellyn of Longmeadow, Mass., Feb. 2, $910,000.

2 Blueberry Lane, Fox Hill: Kimberly Staiti to John Katz of 473 Ridgebury Road, Feb. 3, $148,500.

79 Olmstead Lane: David J. and Jacqueline L. Gronski to Daniel R. Westcott and Emma S. Cartwright of Brooklyn, N.Y., Feb. 3, $1,180,000.

TOWN OF RIDGEFIELDNOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARINGPursuant to Section 10-

2 of the Town Charter, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Ridgefield will meet in the Veteran’s Park School Auditorium, 8 Governor Street on February 22, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. (E.S.T.) for the purpose of holding a public hearing on the following resolution:

R E S O L U T I O N A P P R O P R I A T I N G $5,000,000 FOR THE TOWN’S GRANT TO THE RIDGEFIELD LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FOR THE EXPANSION OF THE RIDGEFIELD LIBRARY AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF $5,000,000 BONDS OF THE TOWN TO MEET SAID APPROPRIATION AND PENDING THE ISSUANCE THEREOF THE MAKING OF TEMPORARY BORROWINGS FOR SUCH PURPOSE

Copies of said resolution are on file open to public inspec-tion at the office of the Town Clerk.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL TOWN MEETING

TOWN OF RIDGEFIELD, CONNECTICUTFebruary 22, 2012

Pursuant to Section 3-10 of the Town Charter and the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, as amended, notice is hereby given to the legal voters of the Town of Ridgefield that a Special Town Meeting will be held at the Veteran’s Park School Auditorium, 8 Governor Street, Ridgefield, Connecticut, on February 22, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. (E.S.T.) for the following pur-poses:

1. To consider the resolu-tion entitled “Resolution Appropriating $5,000,000 For The Town’s Grant To The Ridgefield Library Association For The Expansion Of The Ridgefield Library And Authorizing The Issuance Of $5,000,000 Bonds Of The Town To Meet Said Appropriation And Pending The Issuance Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose”, a copy of which will be made available at the Town Meeting or prior thereto in the office of the Town Clerk.

A vote on the resolution will be adjourned to a referen-dum to be on March 13, 2012.

The vote is taken under the authority of Section 3-10 of the Town Charter, and Chapter 152 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended.

2. To transact any other busi-ness proper to come before the meeting.

Rudolph P. Marconi, First Selectman

2-16

TOWN OF RIDGEFIELDNOTICE OF

REFERENDUMTO BE HELD

ON MARCH 13, 2012Pursuant to Section 3-10

of the Town Charter and the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut, as amended, notice is hereby given to the legal voters of the Town of Ridgefield that a referen-dum will be held on March 13, 2012 between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. (E.S.T.) for the purpose of vot-ing on the following question:

1. “Shall the resolution enti-tled “Resolution Appropriating $5,000,000 For The Town’s Grant To The Ridgefield Library Association For The Expansion Of The Ridgefield Library And Authorizing The Issuance Of $5,000,000 Bonds Of The Town To Meet Said Appropriation And Pending The Issuance Thereof The Making Of Temporary Borrowings For Such Purpose, as introduced and read at a Special Town Meeting held February 22, 2012, be approved?”

The ballot label for said question shall read as follows:

“Shall the resolution appropriating and authoriza-tion of bonds in the amount of $5,000,000 for the Town’s grant to the Ridgefield Library Association for the expansion of the Ridgefield Library, be approved? YES____NO____”

The vote will be by new optical scan voting machine. Those in favor of the resolu-tion referred to in the question shall fill in the oval under the word “YES” under such ques-tion. Those not in favor of the resolution referred to in the question shall fill in the oval under the word “NO” under such question. Absentee bal-lots will be available at the office of the Town Clerk as provided by law.

The polls will be open dur-ing the hours between 6:00 A.M. and 8:00 P.M. (E.S.T). Electors will cast their votes at

the following polling place:

Yanity Gym..............60 Prospect St.

Persons qualified to vote in Town Meetings who are not electors shall vote at Yanity Gym.

The vote on the aforesaid bond resolution is taken under the authority of Section 3-10 of the Town Charter, and Chapter 152 of the Connecticut General Statutes, as amended, and the votes will be cast and can-vassed and the results deter-mined and certified as nearly as may be in accordance with the laws governing the elec-tion of the Town officials.

The full text of said resolu-tion is on file open to public inspection at the office of the Town Clerk.

Dated at Ridgefield, Connecticut, this 9th day of February 2012.

Barbara SerfilippiTown Clerk

2-16Notice is hereby given

that the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Ridgefield, at its meeting of February 7, 2012, took the fol-lowing action:

Item I: APPROVED with conditions: #2012-011-REV(SP): Revision to Special Permit application under Section 9.2.A.7.e of the Ridgefield Zoning Regulations to increase the size of the pre-viously approved detailing building on property located at 746 Danbury Road, BMW of Ridgefield in the B2 and RAA zones and within a local-ly-defined Aquifer Protection Zone. Owner/Applicant: Ridgefield Waterside Properties, LLC. Auth. Agent: Robert R. Jewell, Esq.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Town of RidgefieldBy: Rebecca

Mucchetti,ChairmanDated: February 16, 2012

2-16

NOTICE TO CREDITORSESTATE OF

Gordon B. Cameron(12-0552)

The Hon. Joseph A. Egan, Jr., Judge of the Court of Probate, Northern Fairfield County, by decree dated February 9, 2012, ordered that all claims must be presented to the fiduciary at the address below. Failure to promptly present any such claim may result in the loss of rights to recover on such claim.

Anna M. Lucchesi, ClerkThe fiduciary is:Roger R. Valkenburgh,

Esq., Gregory and Adams, P.C., 190 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT 06897

Nancy S. Cameronc/o Roger R. Valkenburgh,

Esq., Gregory and Adams, P.C., 190 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT 06897

2-16

AUCTION on February 23, 2012 at 12 noon At Branchville Storage, 70 West Branchville Road, Ridgefield, CT, 06877, of items removed via eviction process Jerry Gay, Phone 203-431-2720 or [email protected].

Publicity...

Steven Coury

Legal Notices

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PRAYER TO THE BLESSED VIRGIN(never known to fail)

Oh, most beautiful flower of Mt. Car-mel, fruitful vine splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Im-maculate Virgin, assist me in my neces-sity. O, Star Of the Sea, help me and show me, herein you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth! I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to suc-cor me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, show me herein that you are my mother. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee (say three times). Holy Mary, I place this cause for your hands (say three times). Holy Spirit, you who solve all problems, light all roads so that I can attain my goal. You who gave me the divine gift to forgive and forget all evil against me and that in all instances in my life you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank you for all things as you confirm once again that I never want to be separated from you in eternal glory. Thank you for your mercy toward me and mine. Say this prayer for three days and the request will be granted. This prayer must be published after the favor is granted. Thank You Blessed Mother. J.M.H. & D. H.

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Page 3: The Ridgefield Press Pages 19-24   February 16, 2012

THERIDGEFIELDRIDGEFIELDR PRESS

Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 21A

During a senior assembly this past fall, it was really quite unfortunate how the Board of Education sidestepped the issue of tenure.

While the issue of tenure may be controversial, it doesn’t stop the fact that there needs to be a real discus-sion about it. It really is unfortunate how no one seems to have the courage to speak up about the issue. At the end of the day tenure is wrong and thus it is time for action to be taken against tenure.

In fact, in most cases, there is no job that virtually guar-antees employment after three years of work. And while it is understandable that a teacher would want job security and would thus want protection from being fired for no good reason, no one is entitled to or should be entitled to a job. As a result of tenure, it is more difficult to make teachers be accountable and ulti-mately, tenure hurts students the most since tenure allows for bad teachers to be protected. That’s worrisome since bad teachers should not be protected by being able to hide behind tenure. So, it isn’t that far-fetched to say that ten-ure can enable bad teaching. Additionally, another prob-lem with tenure is that a teacher may lose motivation to be the best teacher that they can possibly be since they have job security after three years, if they end up getting tenure. At no point, should a teacher lose motivation to be the best that they can be. A teacher should always be looking to have education reach new heights.

An additional aspect that’s related to tenure that needs to also be addressed is teachers’ unions. Unions are gener-ally a good thing, but when teachers’ unions are in denial about bad teachers and end up protecting bad teachers then it really is clear how teachers’ unions are a part of the problem and not a part of the solution.

But just because a teacher has tenure that doesn’t make them a bad teacher, but at the same time there is a link with being a bad teacher and having tenure since a major-ity of the time if a teacher is not the most perfect teacher, they most likely have tenure and thus it would make it dif-ficult for a specific action to be taken against the teacher.

Ultimately, education is at a crossroads, and a decision needs to be made about not sweeping the tenure debacle under the rug anymore. It really is quite unfortunate how tenure is the elephant in the room.

Abolish tenure

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HonorsBerklee College of

Music Boston, Mass., reports Melanie Bresnan and Sabrina Seidman are on the dean’s list.

Sarah Boyce of Ridgefield earned dean’s list honors at Saint Joseph’s University Philadelphia, Pa., for the fall semester, She is majoring in elemen-tary education.

Christina Fernandez, a fourth year student at the College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, Mass., has been named to the dean’s list. She is the daughter of Sue and Tony Fernandez. She double majors in anthropol-ogy and religious studies.

Five Ridgefielders have been named to the dean’s list at Clemson (S.C.) University: Shannon Beatrice Reed, majoring in early childhood education; Carlye Marie Richter, pre-business; Jillian Angela Richter, biological scienc-es; John Conner Rivard, pre-business, and Daniel Andrew Soltis Parks, recreation and tourism man-agement (professional golf management).

Elise Fernandez, daughter of Sue and Tony Fernandez, has been named to the dean’s list in the University of Notre

Dame’s first year of studies for outstanding scholarship during the fall semester.

Ridgefield students earned honors at Lauralton Hall in Milford for the second quarter. Earning high honors were freshman Elizabeth Martinez, soph-omore Elizabeth Renehan and junior Carolyn Savoia. Earning honors were fresh-man Lorin Pucel, sopho-more Victoria Lang and senior Noel Ostrosky.

Sisters Brenna Meagher and Eilis Meagher are on dean’s lists. Brenna is at Washington University in St. Louis and Eilis is at Boston University.

STUDENT NEWS

AnneMarie Surfaro-Boehme

Where are RHS grads now?Ridgefield High School graduates Tom Lohse and Megan Richiger, class of 2010, will be featured in “RHS Graduates — Where are they now?” on Ridgefield: Now We’re Talking! airing Thursday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m., on Educational Access Channel 26. First Selectman Rudy Marconi will moder-ate the show on the graduates, lessons learned, and what happens after life at Ridgefield High School. Guests include Bob Tulipani, class of 1946; Barbara Serfilippi, 1960; Tom Belote, 1965; Rudy Marconi, 1966; Jessica Wilmot,1971; Peter Nichols, 1975; Chris Curnan, 1982; Kim Bankes Welton, 1983; Katherine McGerald, 1993; Jessica Mancini, 1994; Brett Almstead, 1995; Jim Tarsi, Jr., 1998; Chris Sturges, 2002; Jeff Bonistalli, 2004; and Ryan Goldberg, 2004. All RHS graduates are invited to share their memories of RHS and where they are today, via email at [email protected]. Viewers may phone in their questions during the entire program at 438-3785, ext. 1198, or email questions to the panel at [email protected].

The Ridgef ie ld Philanthropic Youth Council (PYC) will be hosting an ’80s-themed dance for all eighth graders at the Boys & Girls Club on Saturday, Feb. 25, from 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Tickets cost $15, and are available for purchase through any of the PYC members.

Tickets will be sold in front of Planet Pizza on Feb. 17 and 24 in the afternoon, during lunch at the middle schools Feb. 22 through 24, online at ridgefieldpyc.org, or at the

door. The theme of the dance is

the ’80s, “so come dressed in your best ’80s attire!” PYC said.

There will be dancing and music with DJ Conner Findlay from Findlay Brothers Entertainment.

All proceeds are distributed in May to local organizations through the PYC grant distri-bution process.

For more information, email Kelly Coleman at [email protected].

80s-themed dancefor eighth graders

Kids Care Club In December, Ridgebury Elementary School’s Kids Care Club had its 12th annual Holiday Shoebox Assembly. More than 40 members, alumni and parents stayed after school and helped make holiday gift boxes for underprivileged children in the Danbury area. Parents volunteered to wrap empty shoeboxes that they had at home. The club collected small gifts, toys and books for several weeks to bring to the assembly. This year the Kids Care Club was able to fill more than 130 boxes with toys and books to deliver to children who may not get any presents during the holidays. Pictured above are Nico Weber and Carson Driscoll. —Kristen LeFebvre

Melissa Paladino

City pop-upsVeterans Park Elementary School’s kindergartners Liam Cringan, left and Cooper Badeer work on their “city pop-ups” in the Katonah Museum’s Education Center. Veterans Park sent three grade levels to The Katonah Museum to experience the “New York, New York! The 20th Century and Storied City” exhibit through docent-led tours and hands-on activities.

Kindergarten registration will be Feb. 25 to 29 this year. Registration times are: Branchville: Feb. 24 and Feb. 27 (morning only); Barlow Mountain: Feb. 23 and Feb. 24 (afternoon only); Farmingville: Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 (morn-

ing only); Ridgebury: Feb. 22 and Feb. 23 (afternoon only); Scotland: Feb. 28 and Feb. 29 (morning only): Veterans Park — Feb. 27 (afternoon only) and Feb. 29.

For details and require-ments, call your school.

Kindergarten registration

History is written by win-ners, then rewritten by their children. —Russell Baker

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Page 4: The Ridgefield Press Pages 19-24   February 16, 2012

22A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Feb. 16, 2012

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Page 5: The Ridgefield Press Pages 19-24   February 16, 2012

Feb. 16, 2012 Press, Ridgefield, Conn. 23A

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Page 6: The Ridgefield Press Pages 19-24   February 16, 2012

24A Press, Ridgefield, Conn. Feb. 16, 2012

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Biracree of Ridgefield have announced the engagement of their son, Ryan, to Sarah Crow, daughter of the late Elizabeth Crow of New York, N.Y., and the late C.P. Crow of Milan, N.Y.

Miss Crow holds a bachelor of arts degree in language and literacy education from Bennington College and a master’s degree in digital pub-lishing and new media technology from New York University. She is a full-time freelance writer, hav-ing written for Popeater, MTV’s NextMovie, Guest of a Guest, and,

most recently, XOJane as a featured columnist.

Mr. Biracree is a 2003 gradu-ate of Ridgefield High School. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in literature from Bennington College and a master’s degree in poetry from Sarah Lawrence College. He teaches writing at the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, N.Y., and is the editor of a new small press for experimental poetry, Bovine Excision Editions.

They plan to be married in November near their home in Beacon, N.Y.

Sarah Crow, Ryan Biracree plan to wed

Sarah Crow and Ryan Biracree

Information on submitting announce-ments for weddings, engagements, and births and other news is available on our website, TheRidgefieldPress.com, under “Help.”

Photographs should be sharp, color pictures. Close-ups work best! Electronic images should be JPEG format at 150 dpi or more.

E-mail your announcement to [email protected], or mail it to Box 1019, Ridgefield CT 06877. If you want mailed pictures returned, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope

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NEW PRICE

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