Melanie Bloom Headlines Successful Chamber of Commerce Forum

The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce packed the house at Silver Spring Country Club on May 10 with its 7^th Annual Women’s Forum.

Continental breakfast, engaging exhibitor booths, gourmet lunch, silent auction and raffle prizes from local businesses rounded out this annual event – accompanied all the while by master of ceremonies, Marion Roth, Executive Director of the Chamber.

Event originator, Allyson Catanzaro, has worked very hard to keep the Forum dedicated to ‘all women at all stages’ -- “Women should treat their minds to education, networking and finding meaningful work and relationships. This is a great opportunity to do just that.”  That same sentiment was echoed by committee member Patty Dyer: “There is something for everyone both personally and professionally at the Women’s Forum. All women are welcome.”

The Forum’s Keynote Speaker Melanie Bloom, wife of former NBC News reporter and anchor David Bloom who died while covering the war in Iraq, never envisioned herself much in the public eye, but after her husband died from complications of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) she felt compelled to speak out on this important public health issue.  In the words of guest and Co-Chair Barbara McMahon, “So many feelings flooded the room; not a sound could be heard. It took courage to face all these feelings and recount them again in the hopes that one person’s life may be saved because of sharing her story. This is Melanie’s gift – touching many people with a sense of total humility, silent fortitude and purpose.”

Other guest speakers included Nancy DiDia, ‘Diversity Matters,’ Executive Director & Chief Diversity Officer at Boehringer Ingelheim; Kathy Jones, ‘Bonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend,’ of Charles Schwab and Robin Flay, ‘You First,’ from the American Cancer Society’s New England Division.

 The Chamber applauds its sponsors including Hersam Acorn Newspapers, Addessi Jewelers, Vicki Mueller of Charles Schwab, Boehringer Ingelheim and All Destinations Travel Planners. Annual Chamber Sponsors and exclusive sponsors include Fairfield County Bank & Union Savings Bank. Additional sponsors who helped make the Forum possible include Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs, Broder and Orland, LLC, Laurel Ridge Health Care Center, nancy O, Reynolds and Rowella, Tabares Chiropractic, The Next Step College & Career Solutions, Webster Bank, Adam Broderick Salon & Spa, Mary Kay Cosmetics, Positive Reflections, Westport Writers’ Workshop, Minuteman Press, Western Connecticut Health Network & Tutoring Club.

*Photos courtesy Deborah O'Brien ~ www.deborahobrien.com

Tips and Ideas for Keeping Kids Safe During Prom and Graduation Season!

Spring is here and that means proms and graduations are forthcoming; an exciting and special time for our high school juniors and seniors. As a board member of the Ridgefield Prevention Council and a parent of two recent RHS graduates, I cannot stress enough how important it is for parents to do all they can to ensure that their teenagers are safe. Statistics show that prom and graduation season - the months of April, May and June - is the most dangerous time for teens. National statistics show that one-third of the alcohol-related traffic accidents involving teens occur each year during those months.

During this season, parents can keep our Ridgefield kids safe by:

• making sure your teen has a plan for the evening and that you know what that plan is.
• taking an inventory of the alcohol in your home and securing it,if needed.
• making sure your teen has a safe way to get to and from the prom or end-of-the-year parties.
• knowing who is driving. If it's a rented limo, check their policy on allowing alcohol in the vehicle.
• knowing where and what time parties are held; a friendly call to the host, beforehand, is more than acceptable.
• being present and never going out-of-town, if you are hosting a party.
• supervising parties to ensure that kids do not consume alcohol or drugs in your home. Don't turn a blind eye. Allowing minors to consume alcohol in your home or on your property is illegal.

Let's keep our kids safe during prom and graduation season!

"Flying Solo" ~ Women Empowering Women Seminar to be Held at Library

"Flying Solo" is a Free Educational Event for Divorced, Single, or Widowed Women

April 25, 2012, Ridgefield, CT -- A panel of experts will address legal, financial, social, and family issues in “Flying Solo,” a free seminar for single, divorced or widowed women.  Co-sponsored by the Ridgefield Brown Bag Network and Ridgefield Library, the seminar will be held on Thursday, May 17, from 6:30-8:30 pm at the library. 

“Being on one’s own can be extremely challenging, to say the least,” said Barbara McMahon, one of the members of Brown Bag Network who coordinated the event.  “We want to help women transform themselves and their situations, and learn how to avoid potential problems.” 

The keynote speaker will be Jessica Bram, author of Happily Ever After Divorce: Notes of a Joyful Journey.  Bram’s award-winning radio commentaries have been heard on the National Public Radio, and her essays have been published in many national and regional newspapers and magazines, including The New York Times. Bram is also founder and director of the Westport Writers’ Workshop. 

Other professionals on hand for advice will be:  Barbara McMahon, a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch; Rebecca L. Ciota, an attorney practicing in family law and divorce proceedings; Birgitta Stone, an insurance and financial products specialist; Kristina Kelly, an attorney practicing in the fields of trust and estate planning, elder law and residential real estate; Olga Adler, award-winning interior designer and lifestyle consultant; Heather Ehinger, LMFT Family Therapist; and Candy Schrull, an accountant and client services specialist.  Additional members of the Brown Bag Network include Kerry Anne Ducey, founder and editor of HamletHub, and Barbara Bangser, a public relations professional. 

“It’s true that knowledge is power,” said McMahon, “and our hopes are that this seminar will inspire, empower and educate.”

Held in the Dayton Room of the Ridgefield library, the free event is limited to the first 50 people who R.S.V.P.  Refreshments will be provided by Ancona’s Market and Tusk & Cup.  For more information, or to register, visit ridgefieldlibrary.org  or call 203-438-2282.

"Bike to Work Week" kicks off tomorrow!

The League of American Bicyclists is the national sponsor of Bike Month, and this year Bike to Work Week is May 14-18 and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18. This is a great excuse to arrive at the work-place feeling great (and a bit sweaty)!

According to Bikeleague.org, National Bike Month was started by the League of American Bicyclists and is an opportunity to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride. Whether you bike to work or school; to save money or time; to preserve your health or the environment; to explore your community or get to your destination, get involved in Bike Month in your city or state — and help get more people in your community out riding too!