It’s free! Founders Hall has no membership fee; most seminars and speakers are free as are many social events. There are nominal fees for classes. This is possible because of sponsorships and grants from businesses and organizations as well as generous donations from people like you.

We want to meet you! So, we ask that you join Founders Hall in person.

No. Founders Hall is run by the Founders Hall Foundation, which is managed by a nine-person Board of Directors. The Foundation owns the building and all the furnishings; there is no mortgage on the building. The Town of Ridgefield owns the land on which Founders Hall resides. In 2007, the Board agreed to run Founders Hall through 2022. At the time the Board makes a decision to no longer run Founders Hall, the building and furnishings will revert to the Town of Ridgefield.

No. Founders Hall and the Ridgefield Recreation Center are two entirely different entities. The Rec Center is run completely by the town of Ridgefield; Founders Hall is not. We do share a campus and parking lot, and they are great neighbors!

The town has provided the public parking lot, which is used by our members, Rec Center members as well as anyone using the sports fields and walking trails. At certain times, it can get crowded. Although it’s a nice problem to have, we understand that it can be frustrating. Recently, the town added 20 additional spaces to the lot, and continues to monitor the situation.

Founders Hall opened in 2002. The families of Elaine & John Couri and Liz & Steve Goldstone conceived the idea then built and furnished the building.

Founders Hall is closed on weekends. We have a small staff, and opening on weekends would require additional staffing and an increased budget.

We do not rent the facility to the public. We hope to keep Founders Hall a lovely facility for our members.

Roughly 60% female/40% male.

Our classes are usually filled to the maximum, so there is no room for drop-ins. We do allow you to observe a fitness class before registering for it so you can be sure that it’s the right level of exercise for you.

Each semester, we send members a course book, which has a registration form in the middle. Simply fill out the form, include payment, then drop it off or mail it to us. You can find a copy of the course book and form on this website.

No. We ask that you mail in your registration or drop it off in person.

Founders Hall is proud to sponsor the local AARP Driver Safety Program, which is held at Ridgefield Crossings. Call Deanna Cunningham at (203) 438-5733 for information.

Founders Hall is open to residents of surrounding towns that do not have a full-time senior center. Our agreement with the town stipulates that 75% of our members be Ridgefield residents. Our philosophy is that all who join Founders Hall are equal members. Programs are open to all members on the same basis, but there are slightly higher program fees for non-Ridgefield residents.

At this time, we do not receive funding from surrounding towns, although we continue to pursue funding from those towns whose residents are members. At the point we succeed, we’ll reconsider program and event fees for non-Ridgefield members.

Founders Hall receives a grant from the Town of Ridgefield, which covers only 10% of our operating costs. The rest of our funding comes from program and event fees, as well as the generosity of civic-minded foundations, businesses and people like you.

Founders Hall does not provide transportation. SweetHART is a public bus service for people age 60 or over, or persons with a mobility disability. It can provide door-to-door bus service from your home to Founders Hall and back. For an application, call (203) 744-4070 or visit http://www.hartct.org/. For schedule and fare information, call (203) 748-2034.