From HamletHub.com
Last night, more than one hundred town residents and government officials gathered at Silver Spring Country Club to pay tribute to this year's Ridgefield Citizen of the Year, Sarah Bouissou. The award, presented by Ridgefield Rotary, is given to a resident who exemplifies the Rotary's motto: Service Above Self.
Bouissou, together with her husband Bernard, own Bernard's and Sarah's Wine Bar. The Rotary explained that Bouissou's Service Above Self activities include donating numerous dinners for Ridgefield Playhouse events, The RSO, Lounsbury House, Keeler Tavern, ROAR, and The Aldrich. In addition, for ten years, Bouissou has hosted the Annual Garden Party for the Western Connecticut Youth Orchestra to raise money for young musicians. She also volunteers her time performing cooking demos at Founder's Hall and Ridgefield Fitness Club.
A highlight of the evening was listening to Bouissou's friends and family members share stories and memories about her. Bouissou's bestie, Monica Brown, talked about the duo co-hosting the fun charitable wine tasting events at Sarah's Wine Bar. She recalled when Bouissou dropped everything and traveled to Kentucky to be by her side when her father died. Gina Wilson spoke about how the two met and how, coincidentally, Bouissou was a waitress at the restaurant Wilson's parents owned in New Jersey. Tears came to her eyes when she talked about their friendship and how Bouissou has embraced the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (RSO). And there were speeches by Ridgefield Playhouse Executive Director Allison Stockel, and of course, heartfelt messages from members of the Bouissou family.
It was a beautiful evening of toasting, thanking and smiling.
Some of those who have received this special award in the past were in attendance including:
1972 Edith Meffley
1995 Lee Dickenson
1996 Lillian Willis
1997 Charles Creamer
1998 Sue Manning
2001 Beth Yanity
2003 Debbie Roche
2004 David & Martha Campbell
2005 Kay Ables
2007 Michael Ryer
2008 Maureen Kiernan
2010 William Wyman
2013 Debra Hayes
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