Ridgefield Celebrates John Frey as 2023 Citizen of the Year!

The community came together last night at Silver Spring Country Club to celebrate a man who lives the Rotary Club motto: Service Above Self.

Surrounded by his loved ones, including his mom and her twin sister, friends, and fellow Ridgefielders and Rotarians, John Frey received the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award. 

Frey said, “I’m humbled and honored and stand before you with a heart full of gratitude”. 

Theresa Santoro, CEO and President of RVNAhealth, one of the many nonprofits Frey has supported over the years, was the powerhouse behind the celebratory event. Santoro introduced the event’s speakers as well as those in attendance who have also earned the title Citizen of the Year. 

The invocation was given by Rotarian Joe Ellis who happened to be the principal of Ridgefield High School when Frey was a student. 

Among the evening’s speakers was Toni Boucher who worked alongside Frey during her time in the Senate and called Frey “a true patriot”.

Allison Stockel took the mic and thanked Frey for his unwavering support for the arts, specifically the Ridgefield Playhouse where Stockel served as Executive Director for more than two decades. “John lobbied hard in the beginning and helped to get the Playhouse started.” She spoke about Frey’s work in deeming Ridgefield the first Cultural District in the State. 

Ridgefield’s Chief of Police Jeff Kreitz works closely with Frey who sits on the Board of Police Commissioners. “As a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, you have made all of us better,” Kreitz said. Lots of smiles ensued when Kreitz gave Frey one of his prized possessions: a wide-brim police cruiser hat that Frey has long admired. 

Longtime friend and Ridgefield High School classmate Tim Dent could not hold back tears when speaking of the impact Frey has had on his life and the community as a whole. “Johnny, we’re all here for you,” he said, “You are one of my oldest and dearest friends and my oldest son’s Godfather.” Dent called Frey “loyal, trustworthy, and bipartisan.” “He has a servant’s heart”

Debra Hayes, a fellow Citizen of the Year awardee, volunteered alongside Frey to support the Lounsbury House. The duo was instrumental in the town landmark’s growth. “The Lounsbury House became the jewel of Main Street,” said Hayes. She spoke about Frey’s commitment to bring the Family 4th Fireworks celebration to Ridgefield. 

Frey’s two sisters Tricia and Alicia (not keen on public speaking) surprised their brother “Johnny” when they stood behind the podium. “Your fingerprints are all over this town. We are so blessed that you are our brother.” 

In addition to the many heartfelt words and stories befitting of John’s honor, First Selectman Rudy Marconi read a Proclamation from both the State of Connecticut and the Town of Ridgefield thanking John for his unwavering service to others and congratulating him on this deserved honor.

It was 2021 Citizen of the Year Lori Berisford who had the honor of presenting Frey with his award. 

Frey was humble and appreciative when he stood before the many in attendance and shared this story (adapted from the original verse by Loren Eisley):

A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.

She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!

The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied, well, I made a difference for that one!

“I’m blessed to be in a room filled with Starfish,” said Frey. 

Thanks to John Frey for making Ridgefield a better place and congratulations on being named the 2023 Rotary Club of Ridgefield Citizen of the Year!

To learn more about the Rotary Club of Ridgefield click HERE.