On Saturday, October 5th at 10 a.m., the Ridgefield community will gather at Ballard Park for a special tree dedication ceremony in memory of long-time resident and community advocate, Tom Belote. Organized by the Ridgefield Tree Committee, this ceremony will mark the planting of a Shadblow Serviceberry tree, a fitting tribute to a man who was deeply connected to Ridgefield’s history and its natural environment.
Tom’s family owned the historic Elms Inn, and throughout his life, he was known for his love of Ridgefield and his devotion to preserving its charm. The Shadblow Serviceberry tree, a native species known for its beautiful spring blossoms, has been carefully chosen to stand in the northeast corner of Ballard Park, overlooking the Elms Inn, where Tom spent his childhood. This tree was generously donated by private contributors and supported by the Ridgefield Tree Committee, with guidance from Tree Warden Steve Lavatori.
Tom Belote, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 68, left a lasting impact on the town. He was a dedicated volunteer, historian, and conservationist. His work with the Ridgefield Old Timers organization helped to provide scholarships for local students, and his service on various town committees, including those focused on deer control and land conservation, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to Ridgefield. A man of quiet yet profound influence, Tom’s contributions extended beyond Ridgefield. As an immigration lawyer, he helped people across the globe and chaired the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.
The dedication of this tree is part of the larger Replanting Ridgefield initiative, a reforestation effort led by the Ridgefield Tree Committee and the Rotary Club of Ridgefield. The initiative aims to restore Ridgefield’s tree canopy, which has suffered due to storms, disease, and aging trees. Over the coming years, 50-75 trees will be planted along Main Street and the town’s major entrances, reviving Ridgefield’s natural beauty and restoring its status as a Tree City.
"The public is invited to a ceremony Saturday, Oct. 5, to dedicate a new tree in Ballard Park in honor of Tom Belote, a long-time Ridgefielder and community volunteer, who died in 2015 at the age of 68.
Tom Belote, a great fan of trees who planted many himself, was the consummate townie in all the best senses of the word. He loved Ridgefield, the town where he grew up and the town he returned to after a brief stay in New York City, and helped Ridgefield in countless ways, often behind the scenes.
For many years he was a major force in the Ridgefield Old Timers, an organization that provides scholarships to local students and that honors achievements by Ridgefielders and RHS graduates. He loved the town’s history and volunteered with the Ridgefield Historical Society. He was not a showman, and preferred to lend his hand quietly. But once a year, he appeared very much in public as he drove his cherished 1956 Ford Sunliner convertible down Main Street in the Memorial Day Parade, proudly showing his love for the town with his 'TOWNIE' license plate."
You can read Jack's full tribute to Tom Belote and Ridgefield’s history here.
The public is warmly invited to attend the ceremony and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much to Ridgefield. This tree will stand as a living reminder of Tom’s love for his hometown and his lasting contributions to the community.