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Fall
at Lounsbury
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Porch floor refinished with volunteers
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Dear Lounsbury Friend,
Welcome to our
first quarterly e-Newsletter! We hope you enjoy it and we're anxious
to tell you all about the goings on at your Community Center at the
Lounsbury House.
There is lots
of excitement as we begin our 2010/2011 year. 2010 was the first time
in 6 years we had positive operating results -all due to generous
contributions, increased rentals, cost reductions, and deferment of
needed repair and restoration projects.
Our annual
appeal letter will be in the mail soon and we are expecting another
successful campaign. If rentals continue to increase, we're hopeful
we can begin new preservation projects during the year.
Please read on
to learn more about the flurry of activities happening at your
Community Center. We're anxious to hear from you as we are open to
suggestions on how we can improve in any of the operations of
Lounsbury House.
Di Masters
Executive
Director
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Welcome New Members!
432 new member families join the Center
As a result of several initiatives we now have 432
new member families in our membership. New members include parents
of RCK (Ridgefield Community Kindergarten), our faithful supporters
and those who have recently contributed to Lounsbury House and
received membership benefits in return for their generosity. Click here to
go to see a complete list of our growing membership on our web
site.
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Lounsbury House...
Behind the doors
Phineas Lounsbury, built "our" house in
1896. The youngest child of Nathan and Delia Annor (Scofield)
Lounsbury, Phineas had three sisters Matilda, Sarah and Ann Eliza
and two brothers, William and George Edward. The Republican Party
considered Phineas for the gubernatorial candidacy as early as
1882, but he was defeated that year as well as in 1884. He won the
nomination in 1886 at the age of 48, but in the election, since
neither he nor the Democrat received 50% of the votes, the state
legislature had the task of declaring the winner. It was Mr.
Lounsbury even though he received fewer votes than his opponent.
Yes, the state legislature was mostly Republican. He served just
the one term.
There's plenty more on the history of Lounsbury
House on our web site along with many historical pictures. Click here to
check it out!
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Center Staff Enhances Skills
Another way to serve you better
An automated external defibrillator or AED is a portable
electronic device that automatically diagnoses potentially life
threatening cardiac episodes and is able to treat them through
defibrillation. Two of our staff are now certified in their use and
other staff members will become certified as time permits.
Also, we are now certified as Food Service Handlers
meaning that we will be able to utilize our kitchen to its fullest
for rentals that wish food prepared and served as part of their
event.
And don't forget, we have a Certified Notary on
premises. Stop in anytime if you need something notarized. This
service is free to members!
A Grant Writing USA Workshop was held at the
Community Center on September 13 & 14. Over 30 attended from
the Greater New England area and included 2 staff members from
Community Center. This event proved to be an example of how our
Community Center can bring in people from outside our community to
the benefit of local merchants.
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Fund Raising
Activities in full swing!
Great progress has already been made
Our commitment to preserve and promote the
historical significance of The Lounsbury House could not be
realized without some serious fund raising. Remember, even though
the town owns the Lounsbury property, we are responsible for
repairs and upkeep. Funding to do that comes from donations made by
individuals and any grants we are able to secure.
If you received a vehicle tax bill recently you
probably noticed an insert requesting donations to Lounsbury House.
This innovative approach has resulted in over $13,000 in donations
from over 400 generous civic minded contributors. In exchange for
this generosity, Lounsbury House has been made available for
municipal use several times.
Great progress has also been made in securing
grants. $30,000 for plumbing repairs was received from Anne
Richardson, a grant we are sorely in need of and greatly
appreciate. $10,000 was received from the Leir Foundation, $3,500
from the Women's Committee for the repair of the front steps and
$1,000 from the Ridgefield Rotary Club ($500 to be used for Senior
Lunches).
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Crystal Ball Committee formed
Planning meetings have already occurred
 The Crystal Ball
Committee has been formed and they have already met in early
September. The resumption of this fantastic event promises to be
something you won't want to miss! Make sure to mark your calendars
for this February 12, 2011 event! Local merchants have been
contacted for merchandise donations for the silent auction that
evening and it looks like there will be plenty for those attending
to bid on. Click here to
get the latest information.
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Repairs and Operations
Made possible with funds received from you
 The historic
front entry stairs are beautifully restored, the caterer's stairs
are structurally sound again and the house has been power washed.
The front columns have been touched up, some board members and
staff handily tackled the restoration of the front porch and the
completed repairs to the east side of the house were a welcome
sight for the RCK students when they returned from their summer
vacation. These repairs were urgent and for the safety of the
public. Our parking lot now has new arrows painted to expedite
traffic. This enhancement was donated by 'We Do Lines'.
An Energy Assessment was done by 'We Green' and
resulted in a proposal to replace lighting in the downstairs area
with energy efficient lighting that will be less costly. State
Government Grant money was used to offset this improvement
resulting in a minimal investment from us. Replacement will not
change any historic aspects of Lounsbury House.
As we raise more funds, we will take on more
maintenance and restoration issues that are looming ahead. There's
plenty to be done, but we are confident that with the continuing
support of our members, incorporators and the general public we
will be able to address repairs when needed.
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Upcoming Events
Don't miss these fun happenings
- Haunted
Lounsbury House: Sunday, October 31st, 6-9pm with even more
attractions in partnership with the Ridgefield Police Dept.
- Join
us at Toscana Restaurant for a Celebrity Bartenders Evening to
benefit the RCC. Thursday, November 4th 6pm - 9pm.
- Gingerbread
Tea- Friday, December 3rd and Saturday, December 4th. Holiday
tea parties with yummy confections and delicious tea to usher
in the magic of the holiday season. 11am, 1pm and 3pm
seating's available. Please call to make your reservation.
- Holiday
Wine tasting at RCC, Sunday , December 5th, 4-6pm, in
collaboration with the Ridgefield Symphony and the choice
selections by Cellar XV
- February
12, 2011 Crystal Ball at the Lounsbury House
Click here to
see all of our upcoming events.
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A word from
our Board President
We at Ridgefield Community Center are excited
to share with you our first e-newsletter. We look forward to
your feedback on this edition and hope that you will enjoy
reading the newsletter which will be sent quarterly. If you
are not a current member, please consider joining us by visiting our
website where you can join on-line or print a membership
application form. Your involvement is welcomed and will do a
lot to move forward efforts already underway to continue the
preservation of Ridgefield's famous Lounsbury House.
Thank you!
John
Olson,
Board President
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