10 Minutes With Di Masters
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- Category: Life
- Last Updated on Saturday, 16 April 2011 10:28
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Spending time with Di Masters of the Ridgefield Community Center at the Historic Lounsbury House.
For the past year, selectman Di Masters has been executive director of the Ridgefield Community Center at the Historic Lounsbury House. Built by Gov. Phineas Lounsbury in 1896, the stately town-owned but privately run mansion has served many roles in its century-plus existence. Is it the Community Center or is it The Lounsbury House? When it’s a community event we call it The Ridgefield Community Center. When it’s for private events we call it The Lounsbury House. Why would anyone become a member? Family membership is $100. It’s saying, “I’m investing in this beautiful home and this institution.” There are other levels as well. Has your position as selectman affected your role as executive director? This place is an engine for economic development for town, and in my role on the board of selectmen, I know what the economic drivers of the town are. It’s very important for me to get the community aware of the house’s history, proud of it, and involved in it—then we can use the house as an economic engine. So, how is the RCC doing financially? We had such a deficit when I was hired. But we raised the money to fix the back of the building. The women’s committee donated the money to completely restore the front steps—they were a hazard. Then we had an energy audit. We needed the light bulbs in the kitchen replaced to be more energy efficient. I keep the heat and a/c low. Somehow, because I was such a miser, we saved $11,000 on the energy. Any ghosts? I do hear lots of lots creaks when I work late. When was the last time someone slept here? This past spring, our Ridgefield High School summer interns—all boys—slept in the bridal suite. I guess they finished their projects. What is the wildest event you’ve had recently? In October someone got beaten into near unconsciousness during a wedding. Four 911 calls took place. Most popular community event? Women’s Committee Festival of Trees. Most unusual request for use? The Ridgefield Republicans wanted to book an event so they could put their signs up; you can’t put up a political sign unless you have an event. Word is that you are collaborating with town businesses. How’s that going? I try hard to find unlikely partners and unusual alliances. To name a few: We’re having a wine tasting to benefit the RCC and the Ridgefield Symphony on December 5. The Connecticut Ballet is coming as part of its 30th-anniversary tour. And we work with the Ridgefield Conservatory, too. That’s big.
