Ridgefield's Talk of Our Town

Connecticut Adds Plastic Water Bottles to the State Bottle Bill

For  Connecticut residents who need an incentive to recycle the ever popular plastic water bottle, your day has finally arrived. On Thursday, October 1, plastic water bottles will be added to the list of bottles and cans that can be redeemed for 5 cents.  “For almost 30 years, our bottle bill has kept billions of bottles and cans of soda or beer from our landfills. Now we can build on that success by diverting even more plastic out of our waste stream,” declares Governor Jodi Rell.

According to Connecticut’s Department of Environmental Protection, about 500 million water bottles are sold in the state each year.

For more information visit: www.environmentalheadlines.com

Apple & Pumpkin Picking is Amazing at Greig Farm

Just over an hour drive from Ridgefield, Greig Farm in Red Hook, Ny is one of the best spots for apple and pumpkin picking.  The farm is picturesque and wholesome.  Presently, you can pick from many varieties of apples including macIntosh, Gala, Jonamac, Red Delicious, Macon (my favorite), Honey Crisp, Jona Gold, Ginger Gold and Empire.  Pumpkin picking is adjacent to the swarms of apple trees and you can choose from field and sugar pumpkins.

While you’re there, stop by Gigi Market (across the street) for some farm fresh specialties.  My personal recommendation: have a donut or two …

A Healthy Recipe By Dave: Tasty, Hearty, and Packed With Protein

Around this time of year I’m always looking for hearty dishes that are not too heavy.  Quinoa (pronounced keenwah) has more protein than any other grain and is a great food choice not only from a nutritional perspective, but from a taste perspective as well.

Quinoa with Garbanzos and Spinach  

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa
2 ¼ cups stock or water
Pinch of sea salt or kosher salt
1 yellow onion, diced
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup dried cherries or cranberries
1 pound spinach leaves
1 cup garbanzo beans, cooked or canned
Juice and zest from 2 oranges

Directions:
1. Wash quinoa and toast in a dry pan for a few minutes, until it …

A Great Fall Walk (or Run) is The Ridgefield Rail Trail

One of my favorite autumn walks is The Rail Trail.  My dogs and kids love it too.  The gravel path is easy on the knees and on the pads of my dog’s feet (seriously).  The trail begins at the end of Prospect Street , however,  I find that parking at the end of Halpin Lane (by The Barn and the Ridgefield Guild of Artist) is a perfect spot.   A short walk through the woods brings you to the trail.  It’s approximately a 2.25 mile run slightly downhill to the end (at Florida Road). You’re looking at a 5 mile, beautiful stretch of terrain.

There are a few areas on …

Ridgefield High School Baseball Booster Club Golf Tournament

The third annual Homerun Booster Club Golf Tournament is set for Wednesday, October 14 and will benefit the high school baseball program.  The event will be held at Ridgefield Golf Course with “best ball” format.  Shot gun is at 1:00 pm.

Awards include:  Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive as well as Two Hole in One’s where each golfer will have the opportunity to win a $10,000 cash prize . . . there is no limit to the number of golfers who can win and any golfer can even win both times!

There will also be a post-tournament banquet, raffle and silent auction, featuring many …

Can You Outrun a Pumpkin?

Can you can outrun a pumpkin? Do you want to watch others try?  
The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first annual Pumpkin Run, a 5k (3.1 miles), on Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m.
The goal is to get people together, have fun and exercise, and enjoy all that Ridgefield has to offer. We expect between 100 and 200 runners, each getting an orange pumpkin shirt with a logo and sponsor information. The event immediately precedes Fall in Love With Ridgefield, a day of fun and shopping hosted by Downtown Ridgefield. Consider running or sponsoring.

For $75 you can be …

What’s Your New Year’s Resolution?

Autumn is the perfect time to start fresh. The holiday season begins with the Halloween candy now lining the store shelves and the eating and drinking cycle doesn’t end until January when most people vow to get in the best shape of their life (or at least drop some weight for the Summer)

Why wait until January to dive into healthy habits? Follow these quick tips to start living a healthy life today.

1. Drink More Water
Just because it’s not that hot out doesn’t mean that your body doesn’t need to stay hydrated. Keeping hydrated allows for your mucous membranes to stay moist. This is a great defense against cold and flu viruses. Adding …

Today Marks the First Day of Fall Thanks to the Position of the Earth and the Sun

Today, September 22, is the first day of fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Fall will remain (colorful leaves eventually becoming snow covered) until winter solstice in December.  It’s the position of the Earth and Sun that dictate the end of the warm summer days and the begin of autumn.  For our friends in the Southern Hemisphere, today marks the beginning of spring!

On the equinox, the sun rises directly in the east and sets directly in the west. This is true for both the fall and spring equinoxes. …

Paws for the Cause Dog Walk

It’s finally here, the one and only day of the year that your four legged friend is allowed to visit beautiful Ballard Park!

On Sunday, October 4, the third annual “Paws for the Cause” will take place.  Registration begins in Ballard Park at 1:30 pm with the dog walk starting at 2:30.

After a “tail wagging” stroll through town, the tired pups will gather in the park for a celebration that includes live music and great food. People are invited too.

All proceeds support ROAR (Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue)

Click on the link www.roar-ridgefield.org/fund.html for registration and sponsorship information.

Ridgefield Art Walk on Main Street

On Saturday October 3, from 1-6 pm, Main Street will not only be colorful from the beauty of the fall foliage but will be adorned with fabulous works of art.  With music playing and lots of delicious food to nibble on, you can stroll Main Street and admire the work of nearly 50 artists.

Maps can be picked up at The Lounsbury House the day of the event.

For more information visit: www.artwalkridgefield.org