Fairfield County Real Estate Blog

Summer would be long, hot, and oppressive without a dip into cool water.   Fortunately, Ridgefield, CT has two locations for a watery good time.   Martin Park Beach located on Great Pond has a public beach, with sand.   To enjoy this spring-fed pond you must have a membership with the Parks and Recreations Department,  or pay the daily fee to enter.   The cost for a seasonal membership for a family is $160, for a single person it is $85, daily admission is $15, and senior citizens (sixty and over) have free access; for non-residents, unless a guest, the fee will be higher.   The membership is only good from May 29^th to September 6^th, 2010.   If the Beach is closed your guest pass will be honored at the Ridgefield Recreation Center.Also, at Martin Park Beach you can rent boats by the hour, participate in free supervised games, join the Barracuda Swim Team, or experience open water swims in the Cross Pond Swim events.

The second location for a cool dip is at The Ridgefield Recreation Center.   This too requires a membership.   The basic membership includes use of the pool and discounts on other programs.   But, you can, by selecting to add on to this membership, have access to the Wellness Center or the Lap Swim.   For the Lap Swim add on œyour membership provides exclusive use of the 4 designated Lap Lanes.  

The Recreation Center also offers another option for water fun “ scuba diving.   An outside vendor will be teaching the classes for scuba diving.   It isn™t uncommon for people to learn about scuba diving in a pool before they are taken to open water for their first dive.

As I mentioned in a previous blog, membership fees increased as of 1 July 2010.   This increase helps to off “set budget reductions in programs or use of the parks, fields, tracks, etc.   Come on in Ridgefield, the water is fine.   Enjoy a splash, a lap, or a dip on a beautiful summer day.

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Ridgefield, Ct is home to a 96 year old award winning organization. The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association (RVNA) has been giving œaround the clock health care to residents since 1914.   The Ridgefield Visiting Nurse Association  is a private, non-profit entity who™s œmission is to provide remarkable home health care, foster community based wellness and promote public health and safety in the greater Ridgefield communities.

The focus and philosophy of the RVNA is: the patient comes first.   As the medical field strides forward the RVNA keeps a balance between the new and the old by using modern technologies while keeping a compassionate and nurturing nature.

The RVNA has several programs to offer to local residents:

• Home Health Care Professional Services

• Community Programs

• Quality Living at Home

• Senior Care Services

• Family Care Services

• Rehabilitation at Home

• Lifeline Program

• Telemonitoring

• Hospital Liaison

Each program focuses on a different aspect of healthcare.  

œThe Ridgefield VNA has received Accreditation from CHAP “ the Community Health Accreditation Program for standard home health care services.   The agency is a certified Medicare provider and is licensed by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and Addiction Services.

In conjunction with the medical staff, the volunteers at RVNA have given over 4000 hours of time to help the Ridgefield communities.   Volunteers can serve professionally in community clinics, plan events, or simply give their time as drivers, clerical workers, and other positions of need. In order to meet the medical needs of the public RVNA œrelies on the time, talent, and financial generosity of community residents. With 96 years of history, this non-profit medical organization, the RVNA, has developed a relationship of trust with individuals, with families, and with the communities which it serves.  

Compliments of Debi Orr,

Neighborhood Specialist

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Market Activity in Fairfield County, CT during the first half of 2010 has been in recovery mode.   Successful transactions have  resulted from buyers who recognized value speaking with sellers who positioned their properties correctly relative to condition, location and the  current market.   Measured by the number of transactions in a town AND the median sales prices, there is evidence that the market experienced modest recovery through June 30th.  

Ridgefield: Through June 30th, there were 120 closed single family homes, 55% of the full year of transactions in 2009.     The median price increased from $645,000 in 2009 to $675,000 through June 30th 2010.    

Redding: Through June 30th, there were 38 closed single family homes, 55% of the full year of transactions  in 2009.   The median price in Redding increased from $559,000 to $636,000, comparable to prices in 2008 and 2004 in Redding.

Danbury: Through June 30th, there were 157 closed single family homes, 49% of the full year of transactions in 2009.   The median price in Danbury continued to decrease,  the result of heavy demand in the first time home buyers’ segment of the market as well as a wave of foreclosures and short sales.   The median sales price was $270,000, comparable to the 2002 market.

For  information on additional Fairfield County towns, contact us at: Info@HomeVisionGroup.com

We thank Doug Holaday, our resident statistician, for providing the data from the Northern Fairfield County MLS on which this report is based.        

Ridgefield, CT are you paying attention to the Parks and Recreation Commission Meetings?   The Commission members meet once a month to discuss new and old business and approve a set agenda.   The members of the Parks and Recreation Commission that attended the June 2010 meeting are:

• Barbara Dobbin, Chairwoman

• Phil Kearns, Vice Chairman

• Paul J. Roche, Director

• Robin Matthews, Asst. Director

• Robert Schneider, Asst. Director

• Jane Byrnes, Comm. Secretary

• Wayne Tinker, Secretary

• Eileen Cipolla, Accountant

• Evie Bottali

• Gina Carey

• Jon Chase

• David Thaxter

The Committee is trying to live up to the Parks and Recreation mission statement, œThe mission of Ridgefield Parks and Recreation is to provide a wide range of high-quality wellness and recreational programs, community service and park facilities for the benefit and enjoyment of all.

However, due to some of the fields needing repair, revenue being down from the projected budget, and some of the programs barely breaking even the Committee voted on raising the price of membership as of 1 July 2010.

The Minutes of the Meeting for June 2010,  covers many areas of concern via reports from different people, and discusses fundraising projects by the Friends of Parks and Recreation.The Friends of Parks and Recreation fundraisers discussed are:Ridgefield Special Olympics911 ExhibitBarlow Mountain Fund RaisingCiuccoli FieldOutdoor Fitness ProgramRidgefield, CT come out and enjoy what Ridgefield Parks and Recreation strives to offer.   Also, next time you see a Parks and Recreation Committee Member and/or a Friend of Parks and Recreation – thank them for the job they do for our beautiful community.   Courtesy of Debi Orr,   Neighborhood Specialist

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In Ridgefield, CT there is a live theater group, The Ridgefield Workshop for the Performing Arts, Inc., that performs in a restored dairy barn called the œBarn.   This not-for-profit organization was formed in 1965 by residents of Ridgefield to provide Community Theater.   It has been very successful in its goals; they are going into their 45^th year.The œBarn produces four shows a year through open auditions.   The members are all volunteers, some are first-time amateurs, some are professionals, but, all are there to do a professional job.At the œBarn the Workshop members have designed a series of:

• Mainstage Shows

• Play Reading Series

• Comedy Improv Series

• Classes and Workshops

Each series offers something a little different.   Mainstage Shows are in cabaret setting with candlelit tables and you get to bring your own meals.   Of course, the œBarn offers a Barn Picnic.   The Barn Picnic, consists of several local restaurants that offer a discount to anyone attending a play.Play Reading is about readings from original works.   The purpose is to give the audience a chance to talk to the cast and crew, to learn about the artistic process, and to provide suggestions on how to improve the play.   The Play Reading Series is free and the seating is theater style.   Through donations light refreshments are provided.   From this series the Black Box was created.   The Black Box is a reduced version of the previous season™s plays and well received.

Comedy Improv Series is unpredictable so it is advised, œDue to the spontaneous nature of improvisation, performances may contain adult language and themes that may not be suitable for some children. Parental discretion is advised.

In 2007, the resident improv group, The Role in the Hay Players, expanded this series to include œWhose Barn Is It, Anyway?   The role of this particular series is to maintain a building fund.   That means a portion of the ticket price is tax deductible.The classes and workshops are designed for adults and children.   The children have called themselves œThe Theater Barn Kids.   Adults have access to professional acting coaches for group or individual classes.  

Don™t forget to bring a Barn Picnic to the Mainstage and Comedy Improve Series and a donation for refreshments at the Play Reading Series.   Enjoy and have fun!

Courtesy of Debi Orr,

Neighborhood Specialist

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At the Founders Hall,   in Ridgefield, CT you will find a very active senior community.   The Founders Hall was built by The Ridgefield Senior Center Foundation, a non-profit organization in 2002.   With a 15,000 square foot building as its crown jewel the Founders Hall shares a downtown campus that the Town of Ridgefield™s Parks and Recreation Facility own.   The cornerstone of this building rest upon the goal of the Founders Hall project which was to “ œset a new standard for senior recreation and education by combining a state of the art facility with a caring and committed staff and exciting curriculum of classes and activities.  Each year the staff at Founders Hall carries out that goal by offering 4 semesters of classes.   Each semester consist of ten weeks with a variety of classes.   The hall itself is design to enhance the experience by having rooms dedicated to certain classes.   The name of the rooms is:

• Art Room

• Card Room

• Computer Room

• Craft Room

• Dining Room

• Fitness Studio

• Game Room

• Lecture Hall

• Living Room Library

• Media Room

This lovely place has a newsletter, Founders Forum, gift certificates, free membership, and they even open their doors and hearts to seniors in the local area that do not have a senior center in their hometown.   The only catch “ you must be 60 years old or married to someone who is sixty (60) to enjoy this awesome place.  Courtesy of Debi OrrNeighborhood Specialist  

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Troop 421 of Ridgefield, CT is the fastest growing troop in the area with 50 boys as members and more joining.   How can they not be a success when Troop 421 is boy-run and boy-led, œThis means our scouts actively plan and lead most of our activities, giving them numerous opportunities to develop their leadership skills.

 Troop 421 adheres to the Boy Scouts of America:

• Scout Oath:On my honor, I will do my best
        To do my duty to God and my country;
        To obey the Scout Law;
        To help other people at all times;
        To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

• Scout Law:   A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

• Scout Motto:   Be Prepared

• Scout Slogan: Do a good turn daily

 The Boy Scouts Troop 421 will be having an exciting summer of fun.   They have several events planned that will be challenging as well as exciting.Such as the, œ11th annual Father™s day 5K Sunday, June 20, at 8:30 a.m. at the Ridgefield High School Tiger Hollow Track.  You can register on-line, mail it in, or register the morning of the race.More adventures planned by Troop 421:

• Backpacking on the Appalachian Trail

• Winter Klondike

• Winter Skiing/Snowboarding Trip

• Golf Quest

• Hiking the Boston Freedom Trail

• Winter Lean-To Camping

• Cycling the Cape Cod Rail Trail

• Historical Trip to Washington DC

• Whitewater rafting on the Delaware River

• Webelos Activity Pin College

• Trips to Gettysburg National Battlefield

• United States Military Academy at West Point – Invitational Camporee

• Baseball Hall of Fame & Howe Caverns

• Ridgefield Community Service Camporee at Sturges Park

• Lake Placid Ice Climbing

• Philmont High Adventure Backpacking in New Mexico

• Northern Tier High Adventure Canoe Trip in Minnesota and Canada “ July 2010

So Ridgefield come out and support your local Boy Scout Troop™s effort to raise monies for their future adventures.Compliments of Debi OrrNeighborhood Specialist

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The Brookfield Craft Center has closed its doors after a half century of giving artist a place to hone their skills and creativity.   In the Craft Center™s heyday it was an educational campus for some of today™s known artist.  (press release)

In 1982 the Craft Center won Connecticut™s œThe Connecticut Arts Award.   The Connecticut Arts Award is an award for excellence in the arts.   It is considered the highest award the state can give in recognition for contributing to the arts.The Brookfield Craft Center offered the most varied hands on curriculum in the nation.   The curriculum included ceramics, weaving, metalsmithing, woodworking, glass, boat building, business and marketing, and decorative arts which were all taught by visiting artists from across the nation. The Craft Center sold original works of art in the gift shop and gallery too.  A little over a decade ago, 1999, the Craft Center started a Save-The-Sign Campaign for the œBrookfield Mills B&B Feed and Seed sign that graced the 1780 building since the beginning of the 20^th century.   The community made that campaign a success.  Also in 1999, the Craft Center did a historic preservation/renovation campaign in a yearlong 3-phase effort to enhance their riverside setting by adding an outdoor classroom in the shape of a mill.   They even added a blacksmith area during this time.     Financial problems forced the Craft Center to close the doors, and to sell its assets, the Still River waterfront property, to pay its debts.   After the debts are paid some are hoping that the Craft Center will be able to reopen in a different location.   Some are hoping a generous benefactor will buy the Craft Center and lead it back to being the best of the best in what it does.  

Whatever happens without a doubt an era has pasted.  

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The Cake Box,   opened its doors just a few weeks ago.   And it is already a success story.   Without a great deal of fanfare, the Cake Box became a word of mouth smash hit.   In just a few days, Jordan Gregory and Robert Byrnes, owners of the Cake Box, have seen repeat business coming through their doors.  

Repeat business means establishing a sustainable clientele base.   It™s great for the economy, and it reflects justification in the owner™s belief in their talents. That talent includes Jordan Gregory™s past career as a graphic designer combined with her love of baking and sharpening her innate baking skills at The Institute for Culinary Education in New York™s pastry program. Mr. Robert Byrnes, fiancé to Ms Gregory, talents sweeten the business by having a hotel and restaurant management degree and a love of baking.  

One of the couple™s smart moves was to become a partner in the Passport to Aldrich Partners program.   Another is to encourage families, children groups, and anyone who wants to enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, or milk with a treat by having a comfortable place to enjoy.This duo offers specialty cakes and cookies too.   The flavors and names of their creations intriguing and memorable such as: The Elvis, What™s Up, Doc, and Life by Chocolate.  

You can tell this couple loves what they do for a living.You can find this brand new business at: 109 Danbury Road (Copps Hill Commons), Ridgefield, CT 06877203.   ctcakebox@gmail.com

Enjoy the yummy treats at the Cake Box.

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June 20^th is the start of summer. Ridgefield have you planned your summer vacation yet?  If not, think about RVing.  Whether you vacation during the summer, winter, fall, or spring RVing is an interesting option to the usual.Depending upon your interest, size of your family, and the cost of a vacation the RV industry says that   RVing has many benefits you should take into consideration:

• Less stress

• Cost effective

• Flexibility

• Healthier

• Comfortable

• Pets

• Outdoors

• New lifestyle

According to PKF Consulting, a research firm for the international travel, tourism, and real estate industries in Atlanta, Georgia,  study on cost comparison of different types of vacations says an average family can save 27% to 61% on an RV vacation.Celebrating its Centennial   RVing4fun, RV Industry Centennial Celebration), the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA),   is expecting this year, 2010, to be a busier year for the RV industry.   RVIA™s Campfire Canvass, a biannual survey of RV owners, expects 45.4% more travel this summer.With at least 4 million out of 8.2 million RV owners traveling this summer isn™t that a great way to boost the economy and have fun too. What is really nice about RVing is you don™t have to go very far to enjoy your low-cost vacation.   You can visit local state and federal parks, historical sites, museums, etc. and help your town, county, and state economies by taking a local vacation.

Have fun and see you around the campground.

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