Stories
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The community is invited to celebrate Prime Burger's 10th anniversary this Saturday, May 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.! As a token of gratitude for the incredible support over the years, owners Palmer and Bob Sperry are inviting everyone to join them for live music and a FREE spread of Prime Burger Sliders, Fries, and a special Milkshake.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Established in May 2014, Prime Burger quickly became a beloved family-friendly spot on Main Street. Their mouthwatering prime sirloin burgers, freshly ground daily on-site, and thick hand-scooped milkshakes are legendary. Customers often leave with smiles of satisfaction, and it's a favorite spot for friends and teammates to gather over great food.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Palmer Sperry commented, "We have been proudly serving our hometown for 10 years and would love to celebrate this special event with our loyal customers. At Prime Burger, we are obsessed with serving the very best product matched with super friendly customer service. Our loyal kitchen team and front-of-the-house student-athletes play a big role in our success. We are excited to see what the next 10 years will bring. Thank you, Ridgefield!!"</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Prime Burger is located at 449 Main Street. Learn more </span><a href="https://www.primeburgerct.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.primeburgerct.com/</a></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">The recently merged Jason D. Lewis Memorial VFW Post 10201 and Ridgefield Post are joining forces to host the 5th Annual Sokol Lodge 30 and VFW Golf Outing on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at Richter Park Golf Course in Danbury. This event benefits the Sokol Lodge 30 and Jason D. Lewis Brookfield Memorial VFW Post 10201 Community Outreach efforts.</span></p><ul><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">$200 Entry Fee per Golfer (reserve early before June 1st) </strong><a href="https://vfw10201.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>HERE.</strong></a></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">11:00 AM: Registration/Lunch/Range</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">1:00 PM: Shot Gun Start • 6:00 PM: Dinner & Awards</span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For more information, please contact: </span><a href="mailto:sokolusa30@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">sokolusa30@gmail.com</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> • </span><a href="mailto:vfw10201@gmail.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">vfw10201@gmail.com</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Richter Park Golf Course is located at 100 Aunt Hack Road.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Learn more and register for the tournament </span><a href="https://vfw10201.org/di/vfw/v2/default.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">here</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">.</span></p><p><br></p>
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield Farmers Market is gearing up for its second season, starting June 1, 2024, at the Jesse Lee Church grounds. The market will be open bi-weekly from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">More than just a place for fresh farm goods, the Farmers Market is a hub of community activity! Each week, there will be special events including live music and crafts for the kids.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On June 1st, the Market kicks off with:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Mindful Movement from 11:00 to 11:30 a.m. with Lauren Chiarells</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Music by The Angry O’Haras from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Kids Tent hosted by Pop Art Kids from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ridgefield resident Corrin Arasa is the driving force behind the revival of our town’s Farmers Market. Having moved to Ridgefield three years ago, Arasa was surprised to find the community without a Farmers Market. With The Hickories and Henny Penny Farm nearby, it seemed only fitting that Ridgefield should have a vibrant Market. “People here care about their local farms, healthy food, and fresh ingredients,” says Arasa.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Look for the following vendors at Ridgefield Farmers Market</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sunset Farms</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The Hickories</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Henny Penny Farm </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wild Iris Flower Farm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Union City Farm</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Ideal Fish</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cloudy Lane</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sweet Brioche Bakery</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Farmers and Cooks’Herbaceous Catering</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yalla Fresh</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sprout Juice Bar</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sait Ex Mozz+Pesto</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Spring Roll Super Club</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Backyard Pizza</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rasta Rant Experience</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Wonderful Jam</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cross Culture Kombucha</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Fatto a Mano</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Badass Bagels</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Herbal Deva</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pure by ShaSha</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Pauls Custom Pet</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Rockwater Pottery</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Quartertone Coffee</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Bees Knees Ice Pops</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Follow along on Instagram </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ridgefieldfarmersmarket/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">ridgefieldfarmersmarket</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thank you to Farmers Market founding sponsors Karla Murtaugh Homes and Fairfield County Bank.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">HamletHub is the 2024 Media Sponsor.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
<p>St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church has announced the screening of the new documentary “Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s Unholy War on Democracy” on Thursday, May 30, 7 p.m. in the church’s North Hall. The documentary, which explores the rise of Christian Nationalism in the U.S., features religious leaders, historians, journalists, political activists, and sociologists. The evening will include a brief discussion of “Bad Faith” and information on the June 29 Poor People’s March on Washington. </p><p>The documentary has a Ridgefield connection in the on-screen presence of Randall Balmer, a prize-winning historian and Emmy Award nominee who holds the John Phillips Chair in Religion at Dartmouth. Rev. Balmer lived in Ridgefield and attended St. Stephen’s in the early 2000’s. The documentary’s title is from his book, <em>Bad Faith: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right</em>. </p><p>A panelist at a Brookings Institution discussion of its 2023 survey on Christian Nationalism defined Christian Nationalism as an “ethno-cultural ideology that uses Christian symbolism to create a permission structure for the acquisition of political power and social control.” The survey found a high correlation between Christian Nationalism and white supremacy, anti-immigrant views, belief in patriarchal gender roles and the use of violence to achieve political ends. In the words of the Most Rev. Michael Curry, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church: “Lift up the text of the New Testament, specifically the four Gospels. . . and let Jesus talk. Anything that claims to be Christian, if it doesn’t match up, then we say, ‘Well, that’s not Christianity.’” </p><p> In showing Bad Faith, St. Stephen’s seeks to open a conversation about Christian Nationalism from the faith perspective. “Our aim is to demonstrate what it means to ‘love your neighbor’ by caring about the neighbor’s concerns in light of the Good News of Jesus the Christ,” said The Rev. Whitney Altopp, rector of St. Stephen’s. “This draws us into the complexity and diversity of being human and unites us in purpose. Jesus didn’t say it would be easy.” To attend the screening, please register on the St. Stephen’s website, <a href="http://www.ststephensridgefield.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: windowtext;">www.ststephensridgefield.org</a>, or at the door. </p>
<p>If you're a fan of the monthly Secret Stacks Book Sales sponsored by The Friends of Ridgefield Library, you'll LOVE the BIG Book Sale happening this weekend, Friday through Monday, May 17-20! <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Enjoy four days of great selections of books, CDs, DVDs and gift for all ages - kids, teens, and adults. </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The sale will be held in the program rooms on the Library’s Lower Level. Hours are:</span></p><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Friday, May 17: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (Early Bird Hours 10:00 a.m. - Noon; $10 entry, free to Friends)</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Saturday, May 18: 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Sunday, May 19: Noon - 5:00 p.m.</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Monday, May 20: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. - FILL A BAG FOR $5!</span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As always, all proceeds benefit the Ridgefield Library projects and programs the community enjoys. </span></p>
<p>Founders Hall's Gold and Silver Sale fundraiser is open to the public! Members and non-members are welcome to join us on Wednesday, May 22nd from 10:00am-3:00pm. Appraisers from The Gem & I, a company we're working with for the first time this year, will evaluate your unwanted gold and silver items such as jewelry, watches, tea sets, cutlery, coins etc. and then offer you a price based on current market values. If you sell, you will receive cash; Founders Hall will receive a portion of the proceeds. Please contact the front desk at 203-431-7000 to reserve a 15-minute time slot although walk-ins are still welcome. Please bring valid identification.</p><p>To learn more, please visit <a href="https://founders-hall.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(37, 107, 201); background-color: transparent;">https://founders-hall.org/</a>.</p>
<p><em style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Editor's note: this article has been updated to include information on a private donation which will defray the cost to remediate not only the Cass Gilbert Fountain, but the Fountain on the corner of Olmstead Road and West Lane. In addition, landscaping improvements will be made to the Peter Parley Schoolhouse.</em></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Why is our beloved Cass Gilbert Fountain currently covered? The answer lies in its urgent need for repairs. First Selectman Rudy Marconi informed HamletHub that the Town has enlisted the services of </span><a href="https://conserve-art.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">Conserve Art in Hamden, CT</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);"> along with their Directing Conservator, Francis Miller. They are assessing the Fountain to determine the necessary steps to restore it to its former glory.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">On Tuesday, Ridgefield voters approved a $168 million operating budget which included appropriating $390,019 for the planning, design, acquisition and construction of Cass Gilbert Fountain repairs and Olmstead Lane Fountain repairs.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">First Selectman Rudy Marconi said that </span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Miller </span><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13); background-color: transparent;">advised against filling the Cass Gilbert Fountain with water as it requires a thorough assessment before any repairs can be made. The fountain will likely be covered for a week while Miller does his analysis.</span></p><p>Marconi is calling a private donor an "Angel" for contributing to the beautification and remediation of both the Cass Gilbert Fountain and the fountain on the corner of Olmstead Lane and West Lane. In addition, this individual will contribute funds to beautify the landscaping around the Peter Parley Schoolhouse. "<span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">About half [the funds] will be in private donations," said Marconi who told HamletHub that the Angel donor appreciates both fountains</span> as well as the Schoolhouse as the welcoming entrances to our town, serving as the gateway to our community and feels these landmarks should be presented accordingly.</p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Over the years, the Fountain located at the intersection of Main Street and West Lane has endured multiple impacts with the most severe occurring over 20 years ago when a Hummer collided with it, sending the bowl into Main Street.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Marconi says the fountain's condition has deteriorated significantly, with marble chipping and cracking. “It's decayed to the point that if we don’t fix it now, it could fall apart,” he says. According to Marconi, the fountain's state is so critical that failure to address it now could lead to its collapse. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">As far as a timeline of Fountain repairs, we just don’t know yet. It depends on the extent of the damage. Miller may even need to uplift a portion of the Fountain and bring to his Hamden shop. And yes, the summer of 2024 in Ridgefield, CT may be sans the Cass Gilbert Fountain. Stay tuned for updates.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Cass Gilbert, a wealthy, talented and successful architect from New York purchased a summer property here in Ridgefield in 1907. “As a gesture of kindness and goodwill to the town of Ridgefield, Cass Gilbert designed and donated the classic fountain that has graced the intersection of Main Street and West Lane since 1916,” KTM&HC writes on their </span><a href="https://keelertavernmuseum.org/history-research/history-of-keeler-tavern/resident-history/cass-gilbert/#:~:text=As%20a%20gesture%20of%20kindness,in%201934%20while%20traveling%20abroad." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">website</a><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Read more about the history of Cass Gilbert and the Gilbert family </span><a href="https://keelertavernmuseum.org/history-research/history-of-keeler-tavern/resident-history/cass-gilbert/#:~:text=As%20a%20gesture%20of%20kindness,in%201934%20while%20traveling%20abroad" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></p>