Originally published on 12/11/2014
It is the holiday season, a time when Americans engage with greater than usual intensity in merrymaking, shopping, counting of blessings, and generosity toward those less fortunate. All four pursuits have their rightful place, but prioritizing the latter two tends to result in greater happiness for all.
Ridgefield and its residents have many blessings to count. Our town is among the most free, affluent, safe, secure, comfortable, healthy and educated communities on earth, not only in the present day but also in all recorded history. Our blessings likely exceed our generosity, and the holidays remind and urge us to reduce our deficits in this regard. There are countless opportunities to do so, but consider local options including (but not limited to):
- The Ridgefield Food Pantry is open to all local residents in need. Donate non-perishable food, personal care and household products at Town Hall or Yanity Gym.
- The Ridgefield Emergency Fund is wholly donation-supported and uses all funds to purchase food certificates, home heating fuel, electricity, clothing, and other basics for financially distressed local residents. Mail your tax-deductible contribution payable to “Emergency Fund” to Department of Social Services, 400 Main Street, Ridgefield, CT 06877.
- Cell Phones for Safe Seniors and People w/Disabilities provides deactivated cell phones to enable these residents to contact 911 emergency services when not in their homes. Donate phones and chargers in Town Hall.
- Women’s Center of Greater Danbury provides services to victims of domestic and sexual violence in our area. See www.wcogd.org to make financial or in-kind donations.
- Dorothy Day Hospitality House feeds the hungry and shelters the homeless. See www.dorothydaydanbury.org to volunteer or contribute.
Likewise, consider local options for your shopping and merrymaking. Ridgefield is home to many unusual and eclectic shopping, dining and entertainment establishments. These local businesses obviously provide economic benefits to our town, and many underwrite various community and philanthropic events throughout the year. As homegrown local institutions, however, these establishments also make intangible, but extremely valuable, contributions to the cultural and social fabric of our community.
The local bookstore doesn’t just sell books; it serves as a destination, a browsing room, a gathering place for book lovers and a booster of our public library. The local wine and spirits shop doesn’t just offer high-quality beverages, but also delivers expertise, experience and ambience that big box stores don’t even contemplate. Our hometown dessert shop or specialty food store doesn’t just sell food; it provides an education in global culinary culture and an expression of the proprietor’s distinctive style with every taste and interaction. Ridgefield restaurants are well renowned for their variety, excellence and diversity; treat yourself and your guests this holiday season. Ridgefield’s local businesses add immeasurably to the culture and livability of our community. So, remember to include Main Street, Danbury Road, Ethan Allen Highway, Prospect Street, Big Shop Lane and all our other local venues among your shopping, dining and entertainment considerations.
Alex Harris is Vice Chair of the Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee, which supplies this column.