Kristine Lilly - Summer

Written by Kristine Lilly
Tuesday, 10 July 2012 09:32

Summer is here! School is out. Schedules are open. And for parents, the quiet time provided by the school year is a thing of the past. That’s OK - it’s time to have fun! But what to do? There are tons of activities to choose from: sports, music, dance, art, book clubs, zoos… take your pick.

My nearly-4 year old daughter finished school a week ago and I’ve fielded the “what are we going to do today?” question every day since, without firm answers. But I was quick to fix that. This week, I’ve booked her at a day camp that features all sorts of sports and fun activities. I’ve also booked her in a track club that runs twice a week for 6 weeks. The rest of the time she’ll be hanging out with mom and dad, without a plan or care in the world. I think it’s important to find a balance between set schedules and periods of “free play.”

I want my daughter to wing it a bit this summer, to use her imagination and create her own fun – whether it be with family, friends or on her own. I’d like to think that no matter how old your child is, creating a balance between set schedules and “free play” is a good idea.

If you’re looking to fill the “set-schedule” part of your child’s summer, look no further than the Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy! I’ve been running the KLSA for over 15 years and every year my primary goal is for my campers to have fun. My second goal: have more fun. And my third goal – my hat trick, if you will – is to teach campers the wonderful game of soccer. I’ll be hosting a KLSA in Wilton that runs from July 30th to August 2nd. Each day will feature half-day sessions for kids aged 7-13 that guarantee fun and
soccer skill improvement.

This summer I’m also joining forces with Chelsea Piers. They have an awe-inspiring new facility in Stamford, CT, and I’m hosting camps there from August 6th to the 9th. The facilities at Chelsea Piers allow me to offer kids that perfect balance between set schedules and “free play.” For two hours in the morning I’ll teach my campers soccer skills, and after lunch they’ll participate in a different activity to mix it up. Finally, they’ll end the session with more soccer instruction and fun. It’s bound to be a memorable week! You can register for both the Wilton KLSA and the Stamford Chelsea Piers camps at www.kristinelilly13.com.

So, my nearly-4 year old and I plan on finding a balance this summer. She’ll run grassy fields and oval tracks. I’ll run soccer camps and a few hundred errands. And we’ll both enjoy some “free play.” In all likelihood my daughter will use her “free play” time to continue running, and keep my husband and me on our toes. As for me, I’ll use my “free play” time to find another important balance… between the beach, working out, reading a book and drinking some ice-cold lemonade. Enjoy your summer!

Kristine Lilly - The Olympics!

Written by Kristine Lilly
Tuesday, 10 July 2012 09:26

Has it been 4 years? Yes, indeed! It’s time for the 2012 Summer Olympics! I absolutely love the Olympics, and not just because I competed in 3 Olympics but because I remember watching the Olympics as a dreamy-eyed kid. In 1984, American gymnast Mary Lou Retton made me want to jump off all the furniture in my house… and nail the dismount, of course. Sprinter Carl Lewis made me want to go outside and run faster than the speed of light. Yep, there’s nothing quite like the Olympic Games. My memories of the ‘84 Games remain vivid, much like the memory of my first daughter being born and coming home for the first time.

It was 4 years ago this July. In fact, it was the first time I wasn’t competing in the Olympics since soccer was introduced to the Games in 1996. But I didn’t mind at all. My sleepy, and weepy, newborn daughter and I sat on the couch and watched every Olympic second we could. When the U.S. Women’s Soccer Team won the Gold medal vs. Brazil, I wept too. I love being overwhelmed by the country pride. I love sharing in the spirit, the fight, the dedication, the passion, and the emotions that are stirred by the Olympic Games. Like I mentioned earlier, there’s nothing quite like them.

Annotated Board of Finance budget

Written by Jake Kara
Monday, 07 May 2012 15:49

Below is an interactive, annotated version of the budget legal notice that appeared in the April 19 print edition of the Ridgefield Press:

Finance board: 2% hike is all the town can bear

Written by Jake Kara
Monday, 07 May 2012 14:50

Board of Finance members told top town officials Monday the town could probably bear a tax increase no greater than about 2%, which would mean budget increases in the next cycle would have to come in at less than about 3% each. This was more specific than the guidance the finance board has given to school and town officials in recent annual triboard meetings that kick off the winter budgeting season.