Volume One of Best of Fairfield County Readers' Poll 2012 Released Online Today

Volume I of the Best of Fairfield County Readers' Poll 2012 (Fairfield Weekly) has been released online, and surprisingly, or not surprisingly, depending on where you live, many of the winners are from "down county." On another note: this year, many winners in multiple categories are chain and volume stores.

Although Ridgefield was not able to pull-off a win, we did place in several categories.

The Arts

• Best Art Gallery: The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
• Best Place to See a Concert: The Ridgefield Playhouse

Health and Beauty

• Best Eco-Friendly Salon: Shine Salon

Let's hope Volume 2 recognizes some of the great people, places and things that Ridgefield has to offer.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Friends of the Ridgefield Library is sponsoring its annual spring book sale May 18--May 21 at Yanily Gym, 60 Prospect Street, Ridgefield.

Hours are:  Friday, May 18 from 9 am to noon--early buying for $10 (Friends members no fee); from Noon to 8 pm there is no fee for anyone.

• Saturday, May 19:  9 am to 5 pm
• Sunday, May 20:  12 noon to 5 pm and books are half price
• Monday, May 21:  9 am to 4 pm and a bag of books is $5.

For additional information please contact Ellen at 203-438-9997

June Calendar Listings for Wolf Conservation Center

Evening Howl for “Pups” of All Ages!

Date: June 1, 2012

Time: 6:30PM

Ages: Families

Fee:  $16 - adults / $13 - children (under 12)

Enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why spring is a magical time for packs in North America.  This time of year, wolves are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves.  All guests will be served weather appropriate treats.  Please bring flashlights.  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Wolves Of North America 

Date: June 2, 2012

Time: 11AM

Fee: $13- adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why spring is a special time for packs in North America.  Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Alawa, and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.   Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Evening Howl for “Pups” of All Ages!

Date: June 2, 2012

Time: 7PM

Ages: Families

Fee:  $16 - adults / $13 - children (under 12)

Enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why spring is a magical time for packs in North America.  This time of year, wolves are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves.  All guests will be served weather appropriate treats.  Please bring flashlights.  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Pack Chat for Kids!

Date:  June 3

Time:  11AM

Fee:   $13 - adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. This is an exciting time for wolves.  Spring is here and wolf families in North America celebrating the births of this year’s of pups!  Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Alawa and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.  Don’t forget a camera!  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Evening Howl for “Pups” of All Ages!

Date: June 8, 2012

Time: 6:30PM

Ages: Families

Fee:  $16 - adults / $13 - children (under 12)

Enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why spring is a magical time for packs in North America.  This time of year, wolves are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves.  All guests will be served weather appropriate treats.  Please bring flashlights.  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

Pack Chat for Kids!

Date:  June 9, 2012

Time:  2PM

Fee:   $13 - adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. This is an exciting time for wolves.  Spring is here and wolf families in North America celebrating the births of this year’s of pups!  Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Alawa and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.  Don’t forget a camera!  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

Evening Howl for Adults Only!

Date:  June 9, 2012

Time:  7PM

Ages: This program is for adults 21+

Fee:    $20 - adults

Join us for a special Evening Howl and enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolves in North America and enjoy a sunset hike to howl with the wolves plus and wine and cheese! Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves.  This program is for adults 21 years old and over. Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

Wolves Of North America 

Date: June 10, 2012

Time: 11AM

Fee: $13- adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why spring is a special time for packs in North America.  Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Alawa, and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.   Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Sunset Photo Session

Date:   June 10, 2012

Time:  6PM – Sunset

Fee:  $100 per person

Join us for this special opportunity to photograph the WCC’s Ambassador wolves: Atka , Alawa and Zephyr, in the warm glow of the sunset!  Guests will also be given access to photograph the WCC critically endangered Mexican wolves and red wolves too from vantage points not generally available during regular visits.  Pre-registration is required.  Space is very limited, so make your reservation early by visiting www.nywolf.org.

 After School Wolf Camp for Kids!

For Children in Grades 2-5

Date:  June 12 - June 15  (Tuesday – Friday)

Time:  4PM – 6PM

Fee:   $100 per child for the 4-day program

Give the young animal lover in your family a chance to thrive among wolves all week long!  The four day program will include opportunities for your child to:

• Learn all about wolves: Wolf 101
• Discover the various myths that surround wolves and to create their own and share.
• Walk with a wolf!
• Play a unique game of hide and seek using tracking and telemetry tools that real wolf biologists use in the field!
• Create plaster paw prints from real tracks in the field.  They’re great for show and tell!
• “Wolfy” arts and crafts, howl-a-thons and more!

Program will run with a minimum of 4 children and a maximum of 10.  All children who complete the program will get a special “Junior Wolf Biologist” certificate. Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

Western Howls: Bringing Balance Back to Yellowstone!

Date: June 15, 2012

Time: 7PM

Fee: $16 - adults / $13 - children (under 12)

Join us for a special talk about the wolves of Yellowstone National Park.  The Wolf Conservation Center hosted some fantastic Yellowstone adventures last year and we’re eager to share our insights about wolf reintroduction, the beneficial ecological effect wolves have had on our nation’s first national park, and the debate that surrounds this controversial predator in the West.   Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.  All guests will be served weather appropriate treats.  Please bring flashlights.  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Wolves Of North America 

Date: June 16, 2012

Time: 11AM

Fee: $13- adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why spring is a special time for packs in North America.  Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Alawa, and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.   Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

Evening Howl for “Pups” of All Ages!

Date: June 16, 2012

Time: 7PM

Ages: Families

Fee:  $16 - adults / $13 - children (under 12)

Enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why spring is a magical time for packs in North America.  This time of year, wolves are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves.  All guests will be served weather appropriate treats.  Please bring flashlights.  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Throw Daddy to the Wolves!

Date: June 17, 2012

Time: 11AM

Fee: $13- adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why June is a special time for packs in North America.  Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will assemble and present Ambassador wolves Atka,  Alawa, and Zephyr a special Fathers Day surprise and also visit the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves too.   Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Evening Howl for Adults Only!

Date:  June 21, 2012

Time:  7PM

Ages: This program is for adults 21+

Fee:    $20 - adults

Join us for a special Evening Howl and enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolves in North America and enjoy a sunset hike to howl with the wolves plus and wine and cheese! Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa, and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves.  This program is for adults 21 years old and over. Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Sleeping with Wolves!

Date: June 22, 2012

Time: 7PM Friday night to 9AM Saturday morning

Cost: $275 per 4 person tent
Singles: $150 (must bring your own tent)

 Join us for the Wolf Conservation Center's (WCC) brand new nocturnal adventure experience where we give you a chance to camp out overnight with the 25 wolves that call the WCC home!  With all the howls, circling vultures, and nature's nighttime chatter, you'll feel like you're camping under the stars with wild wolves.  We might not be Yellowstone, but we're pretty close!  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

Wolves Of North America 

Date: June 23, 2012

Time: 11AM

Fee: $13- adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why June is a special time for packs in North America.  Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Alawa, and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.   Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Evening Howl for “Pups” of All Ages!

Date: June 23, 2012

Time: 7PM

Ages: Families

Fee:  $16 - adults / $13 - children (under 12)

Enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why June is a magical time for packs in North America.  This time of year, wolves are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves.  All guests will be served weather appropriate treats.  Please bring flashlights.  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Pack Chat for Kids!

Date:  June 24, 2012

Time:  11AM

Fee:   $13 - adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: This is the best introduction to wolves for families with young children. Kids will learn about the mythology surrounding wolves and the important role of wolves in the natural world. This is an exciting time for wolves.  Spring is here and wolf families in North America celebrating the births of this year’s of pups!  Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Alawa and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.  Don’t forget a camera!  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Wolf Camp for Kids!

For Children in Grades 2-5

Date:  June 26 - June 29  (Tuesday – Friday)

Time:  2PM – 5PM

Fee:   $150 per child for the 4-day program

Give the young animal lover in your family a chance to thrive among wolves all week long!  The four day program will include opportunities for your child to:

• Learn all about wolves: Wolf 101
• Discover the various myths that surround wolves and to create their own and share.
• Walk with a wolf!
• Play a unique game of hide and seek using tracking and telemetry tools that real wolf biologists use in the field!
• Create plaster paw prints from real tracks in the field.  They’re great for show and tell!
• “Wolfy” arts and crafts, howl-a-thons and more!

Program will run with a minimum of 4 children and a maximum of 10.  All children who complete the program will get a special “Junior Wolf Biologist” certificate. Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Wolves Of North America 

Date: June 30, 2012

Time: 11AM

Fee: $13- adults / $11 - children under 12

DESCRIPTION: Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why June is a special time for packs in North America.  Whether the wolves are living on the Arctic tundra or the high desert of the southwest, wolf families are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will visit Ambassador wolves Alawa, and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.   Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

Feeling Foxy!

Date: June 30, 2012

Time: 2PM

Fee: $15- adults / $12 - children under 12

 Join  us for a fun afternoon with some of our friends from The Children's Museum of West Hartford, CT to celebrate the tiniest fox in the world, the Fennec Fox! Guests will meet Ambassador Fox Calvin, the wolf's small cousin, to learn about the vast habitat his wild brothers and sisters call home and their unique adaptations that allow them to succeed  in the harsh desert.  Don't forget a camera -- Calvin's most distinctive features, his unusually large ears, are irresistible!  After the talk, guests will visit Ambassador wolves Atka, Alawa and Zephyr as well as the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican gray wolves.  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 Evening Howl for “Pups” of All Ages!

Date: June 30, 2012

Time: 7PM

Ages: Families

Fee:  $16 - adults / $13 - children (under 12)

Enjoy visiting the wolves during their favorite hour - dusk. Learn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolf families and discover why June is a magical time for packs in North America.  This time of year, wolves are out searching for prey as they celebrate the births of this year’s pups!  Guests will take a short sunset hike to howl with Ambassador wolves Alawa and Zephyr and behold the WCC’s critically endangered red wolves and Mexican wolves.  All guests will be served weather appropriate treats.  Please bring flashlights.  Pre-registration is required.  Information and registration are available at www.nywolf.org.

 WCC ~  P.O. Box 421, South Salem, NY 10590 ~ 914-763-2373 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Moonlight and Magnolias at Woodcock Nature Center honors Claire Carlson

On JUNE 2 enjoy an evening of Moonlight and Magnolias

Join the Staff, Board and Friends of the Woodcock Nature Center as they honor - Ridgefield GVI's CLAIRE CARLSON!  Celebrate the magic of a moonlit evening with catering by Bernard's of Ridgefield, wines by Cellar XV, beer by Latis Imports, and cheeses from No 109 Cheese and Wine.  Music by The Soggy Basement Boys. A whole host of fabulous silent auction items await you too. $60 per person.  For more information, click here To purchase tickets online, click here.

Silent auction items will include:  4 Mets tickets (value $800) for Monday, June 4th at 1:05pm; a fall or winter weekend at a beautiful Adirondack Cabin; 3 month membership at the Ridgefield Rec. Center; a weekend stay at a house at Okemo in August or September; a visit from “Firetruck Santa” (Ridgefield residents only); gifts from Hutton’s of Ridgefield, Shine Salon; The Cutting Board Cafe; Susi Laura Massage; Lexus of Mt. Kisco; a threesome and lunch (with the donor/ member)at the Mt. Kisco Country Club; a gift from Cabanalife; Adam Broderick and Vineyard Vines, 3 hours of landscape design and 4 hours labor donated by Exteriors, inc; two bike tuneups at Ridgefield Ski and Sport; tickets to Ridgefield Theatre Barn; tickets to the Westport Playhouse ; items from Toy Chest and one month of Kindermusik classes (4 classes); family membership at New Pond Farm; a ride in a HOT AIR BALLOON!!,

Woodcock Nature Center is located at 56 Deer Run Road, Wilton