Ridgefield News
September 1, 2001

Tobin Family Picnic

Rep. Jim Maloney (right) was a guest of honor at the Tobin family picnic. The Congressman last saw Jack (left) when he accompanied him and his father home from Moscow.

Sept. 1 -- The Tobin family thanked the town of Ridgefield today with a wonderful picnic held on their property on Silver Spring Rd. Hundreds of townspeople came by, to see Jack Tobin, released just a month ago from a Russian prison, and to enjoy the Tobin family's warm hospitality. The Tobins expressed their gratitude to people everywhere, but especially Ridgefielders, for keeping Jack in their thoughts, prayers, and letters during his 6-month captivity. As Jack Tobin told those who attended the Ridgefield Town Hall welcome ceremony two weeks ago, "I'm really proud to be from this town. I love this town very much. This town exemplifies what is strong about democracy in America."

A special guest, getting a special thank you, was Rep. Jim Maloney. Maloney championed Jack Tobin's cause from the beginning, urging the government to exert every possible pressure on the Russians to secure Jack's release. Maloney personally travelled to Russia with Jack's father John twice - once to visit Jack in prison and to speak with prison officials, and then to accompany Jack and his father back to Connecticut after securing his release from jail.

[Left photo] It was Ridgefield First Selectman Rudy Marconi (right) who got Rep. Maloney involved as soon as it was learned that Jack Tobin (far left) had been imprisoned in Russia. Rudy also enlisted Sens. Dodd and Lieberman to bring pressure on the Russians. Marconi arranged for Sen. Dodd to meet personally with John Tobin, Jack's father, during the Venus Building dedication ceremony in Ridgefield this May.
[Right photo] Several hundred Ridgefielders enjoyed the Tobin family's hospitality at today's picnic. The weather gods cooperated: it was a perfect late summer day, with temperatures in the 70's and bright sunshine.

[Left photo] The Bad Dogs Band provided some great music for the picnic-goers.
[Right photo] Rep. Maloney and his wife Mary (left) caught up with Ridgefield Democratic friends and DTC members Gerri Lewis (right) and Alice Carboni (next to Gerri).

[Left photo] Ann Lundberg (right) has recently become actively involved in Ridgefield Democrats' campaign efforts. Cong. Maloney discusses her work and thanks her for her support.
[Right photo] (From left) Samantha Devine, her mom, Democratic school board member Mary Pat, and another guest chat with First Selectman Marconi.

A special Tobin family "thank you" greeted Rep. Jim Maloney and his wife Mary as they arrived at today's affair.

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