Updates from State Rep. Aimee Berger-Girvalo for July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025



 

 

I just want to take a moment to send my deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Brandon Gmelin, the Ridgefield teen who passed away Thursday in an accident.

Brandon, 18, was a recent graduate of Ridgefield High School and an all-conference member of the lacrosse team.

Superintendent of Schools Susie Da Silva said in a news release that the school district has mental health professionals available to provide support services for students, staff and families from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today (Friday) and Monday.

My thoughts are with those who were close to Brandon as they endure this unimaginable tragedy.
 

Education Cuts

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong joined 25 other states in suing the Trump administration over its unconstitutional, unlawful, and arbitrary decision to freeze $6.8 billion in federal education, including more than $53 million for Connecticut schools alone. We expect to see federal funding cuts to our local Board of Education budgets as outlined below. The lawsuit attempts to block any attempts to withhold or delay this funding. Otherwise, our state and local town budgets will have to absorb the impact of the cuts.
 

Danbury Branch Line Track Repairs

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced  that due to track work on the Danbury Branch Line, substitute bus service will replace all train service from Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, August 17.

Normal train service will resume on Monday, Aug. 18.
 
The substitute bus schedule can be found here.
 

Branchville Area Workshop

Reminder: The Ridgefield Planning & Zoning Commission is hosting an in-person workshop to discuss the future of the Branchville area on Saturday, July 19, at 2 p.m. in the Main Program Room of the Ridgefield Library.

The workshop, according to the town website, will:

  • Provide background on past planning efforts in the Branchville area.
  • Offer an overview of development possibilities.
  • Give community members a platform to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns about growth and land use in Branchville.
 

Summerfest 2025

Reminder: The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce is hosting 2025 Summerfest on Main Street on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Please note the following traffic alert: Main Street will be closed to traffic on July 26 between Prospect and Governor Street starting at 9 a.m. Additionally there will be no parking on Main Street starting at 8:30 am.

More details below.
 

Look Out for the Critters

A quick PSA to remind everyone to try and lock down their trash bins, as these little guys can get trapped in them. 

(And BTW, my kids named this guy Jeb.)
 

Find Waldo!

Find Waldo in Ridgefield, now in its 13th year, has started and will continue through the end of the month.

Stop by Books on the Common to pick up a Waldo Passport and hunt with the kids all month long.

Find Waldo in 10 places and receive a Waldo button and sticker. Find him in 20 or more places and you’ll receive those gifts and be entered into the Grand Prize drawing on July 31.

Find Waldo Local has become a beloved summertime event in communities nationwide with hide-and-seek fun designed to encourage residents to patronize their local businesses.
 

As always, please reach out to my office if you have any comments, questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Aimee Berger-Girvalo
State Representative

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