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Writing for His Children Changed the World What you might not know about the famous bedtime story that re-wrote Christmas Eve

By Beth Barhydt For ma ny i n Gr e enw ich a nd around the world, treasured holiday traditions include a bedtime story that begins, “’Twas the night before Christmas,” on Christmas Eve. We include it here in its entirety for you to read out loud this evening if you would like.

While there is some slight disagreement over the authorship of this now famous poem, most believe it was penned by Clement Clarke Moore (1779-1863).

Ac cor d i n g to t he L i bra r y of Congress American Memory project, Moore wrote the tale on Christmas Eve, 1822, while traveling to his Chelsea-district home from Greenwich Village, where he picked up the last of many turkeys that his family donated each holiday season.

Moore created the poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas (now known as ’Twas the Night Before Christmas), to read to his ow n si x children that evening. His vision was likely inf luenced by the vivid description of St. Nicholas written by Moore's friend, Washing ton Ir ving, in A History of New York (1809). Irving, the son of a Presbyterian minister and author of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle wrote a fanciful account of how St. Nicholas came in a dream to Dutch explorers who were scouting a location for New Amsterdam, now Manhattan.

Yes, the founding of New York City, in Irving's account, was divinely inspired by St. Nicholas.

Moore would have been inf luenced as well by his famous father, Benjamin Moore, who was the Episcopal minister of Trinity Church at the time (and who would later serve as the Episcopal bishop of New York, taking part in the inauguration of George Washington as the nation’s first president.)

The poem was actua l ly f i rst published anonymously in the Troy Sentinel newspaper on Dec. 23, 1823.

A graduate of Columbia University, Clement Moore was a scholar of Hebrew and a professor of Oriental and Greek literature at the General Theological Seminary in Manhattan.

H is l ig ht-he a r te d p o em wa s originally not meant for publication which may be why it was published

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anonymously, likely without Moore even knowing it was submitted.

Since then, his poem has come into the homes and hearts of millions across the world. On Christmas eve, in our home, our holiday tradition will most certainly include this story.

After our church's Christmas eve ser v ice ever yone w i l l open one present.

The contents of these presents is never a surprise—always new Christmas pajamas, washed and ready to wear that very night.

Then there will be hot cocoa while we sit by a fire and listen. One wife, two children, two dogs. Quiet.

Then Peter will begin to read this brief but magical tale.

Twas

the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her ’kerchief, and I in my cap,

Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be St. Nick.

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; So up to the housetop the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too— And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,

And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight— “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Happy holidays from our Sentinel family to yours. May your holidays be filled with warmth and joy.

Local News Briefs You Need to Know GREENWICH SENTINEL Please note that the Greenwich Sentinel's next issue will be arriving on January 7. There will not be a printed issue over the New Year's Eve break.

if your vaccinated “go out with your family, enjoy yourselves, go out to the restaurants…don’t cancel things, we are in a very, very, very different place from last year.” Camillo did stress the need to follow reasonable protocols and to “be careful, be smart, be vigilant.”

COVID UPDATE In a joint update Wednesday, First Selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Hospital president Diane Kelly, DNP, RN announced that Greenwich Hospital was currently treating 19 COVID positive patients, 3 of whom are in the ICU. The number of patients in the hospital is less than it was a year ago this month. Town wide, 507 cases are being tracked.

Fred Camillo emphasized that the town is in a different place than it was a year ago and said

STATE GRANTS The State Bond Commission approved grantsin-aid for the renovation of the American Red Cross Greenwich building ($200,000); Neighbor to Neighbor for the construction of a new food distribution center ($200,000); renovations to the Greenwich Senior Center ($300,000); the restoration of a historic building at Greenwich Point undertaken by the Greenwich Conservancy

($400,000); and a new emergency medical services station ($100,000).

NEW MASK REQUIREMENTS First selectman Camilo has announced that effective Thursday, December 23, all visitors and employees entering Town facilities, including Town Hall, will be required to wear face masks.

Visitors will also be required to social distance when in town facilities NATHANIEL WITHERELL RECOGNIZED BY US NEWS The Nathaniel Witherell has been recognized as a “Best Nursing Home” for 2021-2022. The facility earned the highest ranking for short-term Please turn to page 9

Jackie Budkins Sworn in as the New Town Clerk

SPORTS Paul@GreenwichSentinel.com ADVERTISING Peter@GreenwichSentinel. com; call 203-4850226; or buy online at GreenwichSentinel.com/ Advertise STORY IDEAS Publisher@ GreenwichSentinel.com COLUMNISTS Columnists and community impact. Jenny at CommunityImpact@ GreenwichSentinel.com JIM KNOX info@beardsleyzoo.org LETTERS Editor@GreenwichSentinel. com CORRESPONDENCE PO Box 279 Greenwich, CT 06836

In an historic moment, Jac k i e B u dk ins was sworn in this past week to the elected position of Town Clerk.

Her mother, Carmella Budkins, the retiring Town Clerk af ter 30 years, administered the oath of office. Jackie’s nephew was a close observant. Photo, curtesy of Bob Capazzo.

MIKU Sushi Makes Great Food for Good Causes

By Emma W. Barhydt When eating at a local restaurant there are a couple of things I look for: Does the restaurant know its community?

Does the restaurant care about its community? And, of course, is the food good? MIKU Sushi answers all of these questions with a resounding yes! I’ve always liked MIKU sushi and have been visiting since they opened in 2019, but my most recent visit has bu mp e d M I K U i nto my top 10 favorite restaurants in Greenwich!

I had the pleasure of sitting down with K Dong, owner of MIKU sushi to hear more about their community non-prof it partnerships, what they are and what it means. MIKU partners with a local nonprof it every month, creating a new specials menu inspired by the nonprofit with 100% of the proceeds of their specials going to the nonprofits a s d o n a t i o n s . D e c e m b e r ’s nonprofit was the Bruce Museum Contemporaries.

To c e l e b r a t e t h e B r u c e Museum Contemporaries, MIKU sushi created a positively decadent menu full of interesting flavors and luxurious ingredients.

Three dishes and a cocktail serve to highlight not only the nonprofit but also the chef’s skill and ingenuity. Owner K Dong works closely with his chefs to ensure that each dish is up to snuff, making small tweaks and changes to ensure the best dishes possible.

When I went I had the opportunity to try each item on this month’s special menu.

At first, I was a little skeptical if not intimidated by some of the options on the menu, but I dove right in and I must say it was love at first bite. The first menu item to come out was the Fisher Dollhouse. Wagyu beef and scallop over beetroot, topped with sturgeon caviar, served with truffle dressing. This dish was so incredible. The scallop was f lavorful but not too fishy and perfectly tender. The Wagyu served to add a huge depth of flavor, and the beetroot added a bright freshness to the dish. The Fisher Dollhouse brings a new definition of “surf & turf” to the table and is perhaps one of the most creative dishes I’ve ever eaten. The balance of flavors was utterly incredible.

The next dish out was the Seaside Center, grilled crispy skin branzino on sauteed baby bok choy. This dish may sound simple but it is beautiful in its simplicity.

The fish is perfectly tender and has a lovely delicate taste. The light sauce it's in has the perfect amount of flavor and the skin is served crisped on the side. The bok choy is a great compliment to the fish, also simple, but it grabs all the flavor from the fish and sauce for an amazing f lavor. K Dong spoke about how when they were developing the dish, the flavor and components were right but the texture of the skin on the fish just wasn’t where he wanted it to be, so they tried something different by skinning the fish and frying it separately. The crispy skin may have ruined potato chips for me forever.

The final food item on the and asparagus inside, topped special menu is the Resolute Roll. with wagyu beef, kombu salt and King salmon, shiitake mushroom mushroom truffle sauce. This roll is quite literally the best roll I’ve

Does the restaurant know its community? Does the restaurant care about its community? And, of course, is the food good? MIKU Sushi answers all of these questions with a resounding yes!

ever had in my life. The textures are amazing and the flavors are balanced. Much like the Fisher Dollhouse, I was pleasantly

surprised by the mix of surf and turf, and how well they managed to bring them together in one dish.

There’s a punchy umami flavor from the mushrooms and wagyu that’s beautifully heightened by the truffle. Underneath that sits the k ing salmon w ith a light flavor that’s not too fishy, and the asparagus that adds an amazing crunch as well as a slight bitterness that cuts through the richness of the salmon and beef. I also ordered two other rolls along with the Resolute Roll, the Goof 4 You Roll and the Greenwich Roll.

Last but not least we’ve come to the cocktail, Natural Cycles.

Probitas white rum, grape juice, lemon juice, rose syrup. This cocktail is beautifully floral and packs an unexpected punch.

Natural Cycles is a delicate drink with a beautiful pink hue. The cocktail is a great compliment to the rest of the specials and was the perfect way to end the meal at MIKU. T h i s mont h’s menu w a s

just one phenomenal dish after another. Not only were the dishes knockouts, the message of the menus is even better. Giving back to your community is so important not only to help bring people together with some great causes, but also to help raise awareness for the causes in the f irst place. The main thing K Dong made sure to impart was just how important his customers are. Most of the nonprofits are recommended by patrons of the restaurant, and even after they’ve left the restaurant many donate to the nonprofits on their own having found the causes through MIKU’s partnerships. I am so excited to see who MIKU is supporting next month, and what their new specials will be!

MIKU Sushi is open Monday - Thursday 11:30am to 9:30pm, Friday -Saturday 11:30am to 10:30pm, and Sunday 12:00pm 9:30pm See more of their menu at https://mikugreenwich.com/

Himes/Camillo Discuss Byram River Dredging Plan

By Albert Huang Monday night, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers presented the beginnings of a $35 million project that could potentially improve flooding concerns along the Byram River.

Congressman Jim Himes, First Selectman Fred Camillo, and their respective off ices ho ste d t he me et i ng i n t he Glenville Elementary School gym where the elected officials a nd A r my Cor ps mem b ers discussed the project and other c o n c e r n s w i t h G r e e nw i c h residents.

Karen Baumert, an engineer and the plan formulator for the study, says the current height and central abutments of the US Route 1 bridges constrict and bottleneck the Byram River.

The abutments catch debris and sediment which also restrict the flow of water.

The projected plan seeks to remove the current bridges one at a time, dredge the sediment u nder ne at h t hose br idges, a nd t hen r e c on st r uc t new raised bridges with no central abutment.

“The new US Route 1 bridges would be designed to carry the

same traffic f low in the same location but have no central abutment and would be higher to reduce risk of f looding,” Baumert says.

“Not only does it decrease the extent, it decreases the level of flooding. For about a mile or 0.9 miles of those bridges, you’d see anywhere from a 1-4 foot drop in water surface elevation during a 1% or 100 year storm depending on where you are in the floodplain.”

The preplanning and design phase of the project is estimated to cost $5.47 million and the construction of the bridges would cost about $30 million. Baumert says that these new bridges would result in annual benefits that would be economically justified for the cost of the project.

According to Himes, the cost will be split 50/50 between money from the recent federal infrastructure bill and Greenwich. However, because the Route 1 bridges are shared between Connecticut and New York, the elected officials are looking into splitting the cost with New York State.

James Michel, the Greenwich deputy commissioner of public

“We’re not done but we’re a lot further along than we ever have been." works, says he has had initial conversations with New York State and there’s been positive feedback on cooperation ”on sharing that funding of that 50%. Exactly what those nu m b e r s a r e i s s t i l l to b e determined but we’ve had those c onve r s at ion s a nd t h e r e ’s definitely a commitment to work with the town.”

Baumert says the timeline of the project including signing and appropriations would take about two years to complete.

S eve ra l tow n r e side nt s expressed their concerns and frustrations about the recent damage caused by Hurricane Ida. Carl Griffasi, a town resident, said that a large majority of the homes in his area got f looded from the park which he says has a drain from 1930 and asked the town to bring the drain back up to code to help with flooding.

Joanne Carlucci, a tow n resident, said her daughter and grandchildren lost everything in the Ida flooding.

“You need to dredge the river because when I was a kid there was so much water in there, you could take a boat out on there. You could have thick ice to go ice skating. Now it's all filled with silt. That’s was what was in my house, and that made everybody sick," Carlucci remarked.

First Selectman Camillo shared his concerns and f rustrations w ith f looding, saying he’s been meeting weekly about these issues and has been flooded out five times as well.

“This is not going to be settled tonight, tomorrow or next week,” said Camillo. “It’s going to take time. This is all over Fairf ield county, they all have the same [problem].

Infrastructure problems with

infrastructure that was built in the 80s or 90s.”

Baumer t says the A rmy Corps did look into dredging a r e a s o f t h e r i v e r, b u t t o signif icantly decrease water surface elevation in the event of a storm, the dredging would need to be combined with flood walls or levies “which would increase costs tremendously.”

Tow n of f icials said that future dredging projects would likely have to be funded by Greenwich and independent of the Army Corps. Himes clarified w it h C o r p s m e m b e r s t h at the town would need simple approval from the Army Corps only if dredging locations were on navigable waterways.

Several town residents also expressed traffic, construction and safety concerns.

“I don’t even believe that the bridges we’re about to spend $35 million dollars on will be able to handle traffic in a few years,” said Matthew Tyson, a town resident. “$35 million is going to be nothing when no one can live along that river.”

“We need to find out what N e w Yo r k S t a t e a n d P o r t Chester has done with respect to all this development,” Himes

r e sp onde d . “It wou ld b e a tragedy to rely simply on the Corps of Engineers who care about flooding, and it turns out we had an opportunity to build a bigger a bridge that we realize 10 years down the road we need” The Army Corps team of engineers explained they chose the bridge construction because it was economically justifiable.

However, if the town wanted to increase the size of the bridges to help traffic concerns, they are able to, but on their own dime.

“Nobody should celebrate until this is done. But what we just went through today with a study and a plan has never been done,” Himes concluded. “We’re not done but we’re a lot further along than we ever have been.

And if things go well, sometime in the next few years, we’re going to have, what I hope to be, and what the hydrologists are telling us is going to be, a big change.”

For more information on the project visit: https://www. nan.usace.army.mil/Byram/ and https://www.greenwichct. gov/ 2 31 / By ra m-R iverFeasibility-Study-Informatio

203.940.0779 | asimpson@bhhsne.com

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Page 3 | Greenwich Sentinel

The Power of “Lean Philanthropy”; How Jack Dorsey and Mackenzie Scott’s Disruptive Approach to Giving is Changing the Game

By Jennifer Openshaw If you’ve been in Silicon Valley, you’re familiar with the phrase “lean startup”.

It’s the idea of producing less waste and focusing more on innovation to meet a customer’s needs. The end game: get the product out the door and into customers hands better, faster, cheaper.

What if we adopted the same when it came to philanthropic giving?

T h a t ’s e x a c t l y w h a t MacKenzie Scott and Square CEO Jack Dorsey have embarked on.

In the last two years, the two of them alone have uprooted the traditional idea of philanthropy.

While the Coronavirus crisis was causing policy leaders and scientists to re-think how fast we could produce a vaccine, each of Scott and Dorsey were rethinking how they could drive

“radical generosity” with the billions they’ve been fortunate to secure – Scott through her divorce from Amazon founder and executive chairman Jef f Bezos and Dorsey as a tech titan with Twitter and Square.

I ndep endent ly, but e ach d r iven by a de si re to more directly impact the lives of those in need, they’ve created a new model of giving. They did away with bureaucracy and detailed applications. Interviews – only in the case with Dorsey – were limited to 30 minutes generally.

Funds were received almost i n st a nt a ne ou sly. They d id this with little staff. And no networking required.

Juxtapose this with Scott’s exhusband, Jeff Bezos – the world’s richest man – who received a major “booing” for announcing a $500,000 donation at a recent charity dinner. Soon after, he gave $100 million to the Obama Foundation facilitated in large part through Jay Carney, who worked with the Obamas as their press secretary, an insider’s insider.

The moves by Scot t a nd Dorsey are truly admirable – and have the power to create a profound long-term shift in philanthropy.

In the last two years, the two of them alone have uprooted the traditional idea of philanthropy.

For one, broader access to philanthropic capital would allow more organizations to thrive.

During the pandemic, 1 in 3 nonprofits risked closure as financial giving dried up, corporate or otherwise. Many organizations lack endowments. My own – Girls With Impact – is one.

Similar to raising capital as an entrepreneur (which I’ve done in Silicon Valley as CEO of Women’s Financial Network), raising money for a nonprofit is equally difficult, unless you have a net work . D onors or decision makers are looking for credibility or validation from others. They’re looking at your team. Even if you offer-up reams of data and are doing truly lifechanging work, they’re often guided by others they know or

respect.

Rare is the foundation that takes a leap of faith and provides some capital to get you going.

Second, this “lean philanthropy” approach could drive peer giving effects.

Even if only a few of the 50 wealthiest families – who’ve seen a 30% increase in their assets to $1.2 trillion – were to follow the lead of Dorsey and Scott and support radical generosity, the impact would be profound.

Ju s t a s e ve r yo n e w a nt s to invest in the new hottest startup, philanthropists should jump on the Dorsey-Scott lean philanthropy wave. Seek out the organizations that have the right mission, but need capital to scale their impact. Find those who are driving real change in their

communities no matter the size of their fundraising departments.

And lead the way in supporting innovative solutions to today’s problems.

It’s a call to lead that aligns with their personal investing philosophies.

F i n a l l y, t h e m e t r i c f o r success should be real societal impact. ROI is not only return on investment, but also “return on impact.”

How c a n f u n d s b e u s e d efficiently to have the greatest impact? Whether it’s turning a p er s on i nto a pr o duc t ive entrepreneur or employee who contributes to our ta x base rather than depletes it, driving innovation and keeping America competitive, creating eq ua l opportunities that reduce the violence and crime around us or so much more.

As one example, Alyssa is a 19-year-old young woman who was homeless for a year, living in a car. After learning about a free business training program through a local workforce agency, she created a venture and found herself in a supportive peer learning environment. “This is the first time I felt some sense of

hope,” she said at her graduation.

Her mentor – a former CEO – has since guided Alyssa and today, she’s landed a job. A tremendous accomplishment and an example of the lasting impact we can have when we invest in women and girls.

The best part? The cost for her training, renewed confidence, mentor and job landing was under $1,000, far less than what a recent government official told me they pay.

Like most things, it takes a crisis or major disruption in the traditional way of operating to create new and better methods.

Dorsey and Scott are doing just that – paving the way for radical generosity. Hopefully, many others will follow their lead and creating lasting impact in the areas of greatest need.

Jennifer Openshaw was CEO & Founder of Women’s Financial Network in Silicon Valley (later acquired by Siebert Financial) a n d i s n ow C E O of th e n onprofit Girls With Impact (www. g i rl s wi th i m p a c t .org ), wh i c h delivers virtual business training for women 14-24.

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Our Community is Filled with Christmas Spirit All Year Long

By Ryan Fazio One of the main reasons I love our community is because it is animated by a sense of charity, solidarity, and hope.

While 2021 was a difficult year for many people in many ways, our community was also blessed by a lot of goodwill and positive examples of people coming together to make things better for those in need. In other words, the Christmas spirit lasts yearround.

Neighbor to Neighbor has continued to operate food drives across town partnering with Christ Church, St. Catherine’s Parish, St. Paul’s Church, North Gre enw ich Cong re gat iona l Church to provide clothes and other necessities to over 500 families across Greenwich, Port Chester, and Stamford. You can find info about their weekly food drives at www.ntngreenwich. org.

The American Red Cross had the grand opening of its n e w, m o d e r n M e t r o N e w York North headquarters in Greenwich, under its fantastic CEO Stephanie Dunn Ashley.

The new facility includes the Jill and John Coyle Blood Donation Center, which will be the sole p er ma nent bloo d donat ion location in the region. This couldn’t come at a better time, as the nation faces significant blood shortages during the pandemic and needs blood donations to save lives. You can find out more about how to give blood at www.

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Fortunately, in our big and diverse community here in southwestern Connecticut, we see and feel that spirit all year. redcrossblood.org.

Meals On Wheels of Greenwich continues to deliver meals and check in on over 2 ,000 of our homebound elderly in need. Demand for the organization’s services has grown immensely during the pandemic. The organization operates f ive days per week under the leadership of their great Director of Operations, Lynne Stewart. I’ve enjoyed volunteering for them every week for the last couple of years and encourage anyone else interested to learn more a b out t hem at w w w. mealsonwheelsofgreenwich.org.

Tw o s u p e r b c a f é s i n Greenwich, which partner with Abilis and are dedicated to training and employing adults with developmental disabilities, h ave op e ne d r e c e nt ly a nd f lourished. Cof fee for Good opened on Maple Avenue this year, in a beautiful space donated by the Second Congregational Church, and The Café at Greenwich Library opened about a year ago in its renovated space.

Both are great places for coffee, doing work, hanging out, or meeting a friend.

Finally, many are thankful for the full return of the great St. Roch’s Feast in Chickahominy in August, which raises funds for St. Roch’s parish primarily— and, secondarily, other Catholic

churches. It was a fitting return to g lor y of a celebration of the patron saint of infectious diseases. The primary purpose of the fundraising, led by Father McIntosh and parishioner Paul Cappiali, currently is to repair the century-old church built

by Italian immigrants with stone from the Byram quarry.

Hopefully, I will see you there next summer—I’ll be bartending again!

My on ly r e s e r v at ion i n writing this column is that I only had space to mention several of the scores and scores of wonderful charitable efforts and developments locally in 2021. That there are too many to list them all is testament to the altruism of our neighbors and strength of our community.

The Ch r ist mas spi r it of generosity and hope will always be enriching in a way that material comforts cannot rival. Fortunately, in our big and diverse community here in southwestern Connecticut, we see and feel that spirit all year.

In the face of challenges in the world around us, we shouldn’t underestimate the power of these values, represented by a baby in a manger, bringing light and lifting people up during challenging times.

Ryan Fa zio represents Greenwich, Stamford, and New Canaan in the State Senate.

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Page 5 | Greenwich Sentinel

Grants for Non Profits in Town

By Steve Meskers

Steve Meskers announced in his newsletter this week grants to our non profits in Greenwich: I have worked closely with the office of OPM and with the Governors staff to secure this funding. It is all wonderful in this joyous Holiday Season to validate the work carried out by countless volunteers to make this world a better place.

My r o l e a s a d vo c ate w a s

minor. I was the cheerleader to a remarkable group of volunteers and employees who selflessly gave of themselves to make our town a better place.

The State Bond Commission approved grants-in-aid for the r e n ov at i o n o f t h e A m e r i c a n Red Cross Greenwich building ($200,000); Neighbor to Neighbor for the construction of a new food distribution center ($200,000); renovations to the Greenwich

Senior Center ($300,000); the restoration of a historic building at Greenwich Point undertaken by the Greenwich Conservancy ($400,000); and a new emergency medical services station ($100,000).

The plan for Greenwich High School is to spend $2.7 million plan to build a more attractive and secure entranceway at the high school. The state imposed a new mandate for school building security after the fatal shootings at

Sandy Hook School in Newtown in December 2012, and the addition would be combined with a number of new security features. The building plan is currently under review at the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Architectural Review Committee.

The Bond Commission also approved a $104,029 outlay for the Greenwich Police Department for the use of body cameras for all police officers.

Family Functional Fitness Opens Second Location

By Albert Huang Toys and fresh food lined the walls of Family Functional F it ne s s a s ove r 3 0 p e ople gathered to witness the fitness studio’s second location open in Cos Cob. On December 18th Joshua Takacs, the founder of Family Functional Fitness, cut the red ribbon opening the doors to the second location alongside First Selectman Fred Camillo and Jade Harrell, the lead trainer of the Cos Cob location.

A c c o r d i n g t o Ta k a c s , H a r r el l hold s a b achelor ’s degree in exercise physiology a nd is a cer tif ied streng th and conditioning specialist as well as a certified titleist golf performance specialist. Takacs says Harrell also specializes in clients with histories of injuries with over 30,000 hours in the field.

Ta k a c s s ays a l l Fa m i l y Functional Fitness trainers specialize in corrective exercise, athletic development, weight loss and gain, prenatal and postnatal exercise, and nutrition. “ Eve r yb o dy t h at work s with us has to maintain a level of certification. It requires a lot more to work with us but the results our clients get are so much better” Takacs, lead trainer at the Old Greenwich location, said he’d always wanted to open his own business and his wife

Family Functional Fitness trainers specialize in corrective exercise, athletic development, weight loss and gain, prenatal and postnatal exercise, and nutrition.

C a r o l i n a w a s t h e s up p o r t mechanism and inspiration that pushed him to follow his dream.

Takacs and his wife decided to use the grand opening of the second location as a toy drive to donate to those in need. “ I d id n' t c om e f r om a n aff luent family and I believe whenever you’re in a position to give back you should,” said Takacs. “All of these toys are going to our church and they have a big program where they

give these toys to families in need around the county. I think it's only rig ht that we g ive back.”

Un l i ke ot he r g y m s a nd f itness centers, Family Functional Fitness has pr o sp e r e d t h r oug hout t he pandemic. Takacs said they pivoted their model into “true private, so there's nobody else in here. It’s trainer, client, and full focus towards that.”

Family Functional Fitness also cut group sessions and shor tened training session

times to ensure proper s a n it at ion a nd ve nt i lat ion between clients. Takacs says registration is open only for referrals at the moment due to overloaded schedules.

“It was a bit opposite for us compared to big commercial g y m s b e c au s e p e ople now were more inclined to look into health and dive deeper with the pandemic going on. A lot of people got very serious about their health,” said Takacs.

“What makes us different is that we encompass everything that has to do with your life,” Takacs explained. “We come in kind of almost like a health concierge for your life. We want to be able to give you a map for your life to switch over to a healthier lifestyle.”

In his speech before the ribbon cutting, Camillo joked that the new f itness studio location is strategically placed between restaurants and bars.

“It’s exciting, we couldn’t have two better people here and so we’re wishing you many years of success,” said Camillo. “ We h a ve s o m e p e o p l e here that were at the f i rst ribbon cutting, so I’m hoping everybody is still here for the third, fourth and fifth maybe god willing,” said Takacs as he held the scissors up to the ribbon. “Hopefully this is not the last ribbon we’re cutting!”

For more information on Family Functional Fitness, go to familyfunctionalfitness.com

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Page 6 | Greenwich Sentinel

PUBLISHER Beth@GreenwichSentinel.com Elizabeth Barhydt

Editorial Page

EDITORS & COPY EDITORS Editor@GreenwichSentinel.com Peter Barhydt, Daniel FitzPatrick, Caroll Melgar Stapley Russell, Anne W. Semmes

Newspaper Magic In 1897, newspaper magic happened. An eightyear-old girl, Virginia O’Hanlon, wrote a simple threesentence letter to The New York Sun newspaper asking if Santa exists. Her father suggested she write: “Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN it’s so.’” The power of the fourth estate. What transpired has become legend.

The editor who wrote the response, Francis Pharcellus Church, who had been a war correspondent during the Civil War, used it as an opportunity to not just say whether Santa exists or not, but to highlight the importance of faith and believing in something larger than yourself.

It is difficult to imagine what Francis Church must have experienced as a war correspondent and how this affected him afterwards. The Civil War ravaged our country; more than 600,000 Americans died. It was, at times, brother fighting brother as our country tore itself apart. During the four-year conflict there was extreme suffering, and we can assume that Church saw this, and that it left an imprint on him. At its conclusion, the South’s infrastructure was destroyed, and the long, hard process of Reconstruction began.

Many felt that society was broken as a result and that there was a collective loss of faith. When Virginia’s letter came in, Church must have jumped at the opportunity to craft such a brilliant reply—a reply asserting that if there were no Santa, “The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.”

At the heart of Church’s editorial is how can you believe in something, have faith in something that you cannot see and when others tell you it does not exist?

Newspapers are an interesting thing. You have the opportunity to make an impact. Church’s editorial appeared on page seven of The Sun, below a piece on the “chainless bicycle.” You would not think it would have gotten much notice, but it did. It was read and the magic began. Today it is the most reproduced editorial, in part or whole, in the English language. Its words and phrasing are both quick-paced and soothing.

We like to imagine Church wrote it quickly, in a fit of passion. “Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.”

We do not begin to believe our editorials are as impactful as Church’s most famous one. However, we do have faith. We have faith not just in our paper (and faith that you are reading the editorials), but in our community and our neighbors. We believe that Santa abounds in Greenwich in large ways and small.

We saw it first-hand when we watched neighbors and friends fill a police cruiser with toys on a recent Saturday. And not just one cruiser, but three! Thanks to the generosity of many, including the Greenwich Police Department, children who are less fortunate will know a little holiday cheer.

At the heart of Church’s editorial is how can you believe in something, have faith in something that you cannot see and when others tell you it does not exist?

To the doubters and naysayers, he responds, “Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.”

As you gather this weekend with family and friends, as the race to the holidays concludes with the actual holiday itself, we hope that everyone will take a moment to avoid the “skepticism of a skeptical age” and look for what we as a community can hold up with pride as meaningful accomplishments. For us, it is the recent opening of Coffee for Good in the Mead House at the 2nd Congregational Church. Deb Rogan and her team have, in a very brief time, created a “most go to” spot. Not only is the coffee great, but its mission to employ and train people with disabilities is fantastic!

It is this effort, and many others, that need faith and belief to be made real.

Yes, there is a Santa Claus.

Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus Originally published in the New York Sun the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, V IRGINI A, there is a Santa in 1897.

Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. know that they abound and give to your Some of my little friends say there is life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how no Santa Claus. dreary would be the world if there were Papa says, ‘If you see it in THE SUN no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary it’s so.’ as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There Please tell me the truth; is there a would be no childlike faith then, no Santa Claus? poetry, no romance to make tolerable VIRGINIA O’HANLON. 115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET. t h is ex istence . We shou ld have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight.

VIRGINIA, your little friends are The eternal light with which childhood w rong. They have been af fected by fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They as well not believe in fairies! You might think that nothing can be which is not get your papa to hire men to watch in all comprehensible by their little minds. All the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s Santa Claus, but even if they did not see or children’s, are little. In this great Santa Claus coming down, what would universe of ours man is a mere insect, an that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, ant, in his intellect, as compared with the but that is no sign that there is no Santa boundless world about him, as measured Claus. The most real things in the world by the intelligence capable of grasping are those that neither children nor men

can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart.

Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Sa nt a Claus! T ha n k G o d! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make g lad the hear t of childhood.

Lamont, Junathi Update on Connecticut's Response to Omicron Variant On Monday afternoon, Governor Ned Lamont, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Junathi, and Chief Operating Officer Josh Geballe gathered in a masked, sociallydistanced press conference to address these concerns and more; the takeaway was that our state and local authorities are cautiously confident in our ability to address this new threat, with Lamont saying, “Unlike a year ago or two years ago, we’re in a much better position because we know how to defend ourselves. We know what works; we know that masking works, we know that vaccinations work, we know that boosters work.” The officials were sympathetic concerning holiday gatherings; Lamont mentioned that he has been out in social and professional settings recently, and that if done safely, religious and family gatherings over the holidays should not be an issue.

It became clear that encourag ing vacci nat ions, rat her t ha n add i ng more mandates and restrictions is Lamont’s priority in facing Omicron: “Some of the states that have the most restrictions — in New York City, where they have the masks and vaccine requirements to get into restaurants — are ground zero for Omicron, so you can’t stop what is happening there with more restrictions and mandates. What you can do is remember how i mp or t a nt v ac c i n at ion s a r e .” T he unvaccinated make up about 75% of the surge in COVID cases, prompting both Junathi and Lamont to emphasize the importance of getting boosted. While a more transmissible disease, the Omicron variant of COVID tends to be less virulent, especially for those with multiple doses of the vaccine.

Lamont assured reporters that there is no indoor mask mandate or proof of vaccination mandate in the future for Connecticut; rather, he made clear the importance of allowing municipalities, and on an even smaller scale, restaurants and local businesses, to address their unique constituencies and customer bases. In discussing indoor mask rules, Lamont believes that “I can pass a lot of laws and mandates and restrictions but they’re only effective if people follow it, which is why I like to give that local discretion, as they’re the ones that know their populations the best.”

The of f icials also discussed the new vaccine SmartCard, a virtual alternative to prove vaccination status for those who don’t

want to carry around their physical card.

There are three steps to getting the card: first, visit ct.gov/covidvaccine to access your immunization records; then, scan the QR code on the website. From there, you can add your SmartPass to Apple Wallet. This new apparatus for vaccination proof prompted concern from reporters who questioned the security of such a system, but Geballe assured reporters that it is made explicitly clear in the contract that SmartCard information is private and not to be shared, and that security is not a concern in using the technology.

T he u s e of t he Sm a r t Ca r d , L a mont explained, is fully optional and voluntary, and it simply aims to provide citizens with a more convenient and readily available way to prove their vaccination status at establishments that may ask.

Additionally, Junathi addressed statewide nurse and physician burnout. For almost two years, with very little reprieve, healthcare professionals have been working around the clock to keep the public safe. In order to offer a bit of a cushion to Connecticut healthcare professionals, Junathi unveiled a 60-day licensing waiver that will allow providers such as nurses, physicians, psychologists, etc. from out-of-state to practice in Connecticut and relieve a bit of the pressure that has been straining in-state professionals.

Also, in order to free up space in the testing system and make testing available to those who are feeling COVID symptoms, or may be contact traced, Lamont’s office is putting a temporary freeze on testing requirements for jobs such as educators and office workers that may be on vacation or in a position where testing on a regular basis isn’t vital. However, Geballe made clear that this testing freeze does not extend to hospital workers, and is simply a measure to make testing more accessible to the public.

That is not to say, however, that our healthcare system is overwhelmed quite yet: Junathi and Lamont are both in close contact with hospital CEOs and employees, and it appears that Connecticut hospitals have been able to manage the threat of Omicron thus far, thanks in no small part to the vaccination pr og ra m t hat ha s c r e ate d a gap i n t he amount of people testing positive for COVID and those who get ill enough to necessitate hospitalization: as Lamont put it, “We’re 13th

when it comes to infections, but middle of the pack when it comes to hospitalizations…that’s extraordinarily good news. There’s even more of a disconnect, thank God, when it comes to fatalities…we’re 37th in the nation. The message I want you to get is how important vaccinations are. In my mind, to be fully vaccinated is to get 3 doses when you’re eligible to do so.”

In terms of vaccine eligibility, Junathi discussed the discouraging results from a recent study on vaccine effectiveness for children from the ages of 2 to 5: “This is why we do the studies, this is why we do the trials… as disappointing as this is, I think it shows why science is so important. For many children there are still children between the ages 5 17, so get the rest of your children vaccinated, you will help protect younger children and hopefully in another few months, possibly longer than that, we’ll be able to see more positive news. If I had a 2 to 5 year old, make sure they’re around people who are fully vaccinated, and maybe a mask.”

A Few Final Notes: The state is opening 7 new testing sites, with one in New Haven Green opening this week and the rest to come shortly after, as well as expanding the hours in 23 of the 400 testing sites statewide. Visit the testing site locator for more information on testing sites in your area; in Greenwich, tests are available A paid medical leave prog ram allow ing employees to apply for up to 12 weeks of income replacement for qualifying events, including coming down with COVID, kicks in on January 1, 2022. In order to apply, visit ctpaidleave. org or contact 877-499-8606 for the toll-free application hotline.

Mono clona l a nt i b o dy i n f u sion s, wh ich introduce donated antibodies to the immune system t h roug h a n I V, a re ava i la ble to Connecticut citizens who are at high risk. This category includes the immunocompromised, those over 65, and those with comorbidities.

Discuss this option with your physician or primary care provider to get more information.

Since the state employee vaccine mandate went into effect, 153 employees have been terminated, and 144 placed on unpaid leave.

66% of state correctional officers have been vaccinated fully

WRITE IT DOWN! Then send it to the Sentinel at Beth@GreenwichSentinel.com

Page 7 | Greenwich Sentinel

Christmas is God Stepping into the Margins

By Drew Williams

carols. Maybe it’s because this carol, set in its minor key, has the most extraordinary capacity to hold real pain and true hope at the same time. At the heart of this ancient hymn is the greatest promise, “Emmanuel,” - which literally means, “with us is God,” or “God with us.” From the snowy northern parts of Massachusetts, I pray that you would know the intimate, tangible experience of His love over you and His presence with you and for you this Christmas. In His great love, +Drew Williams

Christmas in Greenwich was always a very special time for me and my family. Eleven Greenwich Christmas' passed all too quickly.

I still miss raising the roof of the Greenwich High School auditorium on Christmas eve with carols. I recall one Christmas eve service it literally began to snow as we left the auditorium. A few folks wondered if we had added this as a theatrical flourish to end the night!

“O c o m e O c o m e E m m a n u e l ” remains one of my favorite advent

I re cent ly c a me ac ross a website, designed for 2021, that of fer e d sug ge st ion s on how to w rite Christmas cards, in another year when we might not be in quite the right the mood to be too celebratory. The most enthusiastic endorsement read, “May the Christmas season end the present year on a cheerful note!” So, let’s not have any great expectations for Christmas 2021.

Let’s just push past it. Keep the

News Briefs From Page 1

rehabilitation and long-term care services and facilities.

GREENWICH SENTINEL CHRISTMAS MUSIC PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY With 188 songs playing for over 10 hours, you will love the Greenwich Sentinel's playlist from Spotify. Just search Greenwich Sentinel Chr istma s on Spotif y to f ind it. Songs include the new Ed Sheeran/Elton John Christmas song M e r r y C h r i s t m a s, B r u c e Springsteen's classic live versions, The Rolling Stones Run, Run, Rudolf, Bing Crosby and David Bowie's Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy and an amazing version of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

by Bare Naked Ladies with Sarah McLachlan. It is free if you have Spotify. Merry Christmas!

HOLIDAY CLOSURES To w n H a l l a n d m o s t tow n faci lities, includ ing the libraries, will be closed Fr iday, Decem ber 2 4, for Christmas. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, December 27.

The Holly Hill Resource Recover y Facility w ill be closed on Christmas Day, December 25. The facility will, however, be open for regular hours on Christmas Eve, December 24, as well as New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. W R EAT HS ACROS S AMERICA CEREMONY This past Saturday, the Horseneck Daughters of the American Revolution hosted its annual Wreaths Across America ceremony, an event which is held nationally.

The ceremony was held at the old burying ground on Byram Shore Road.

Members also laid a wreath at the Colored Cemetery to recognize Native and African American slaves.

JACKIE BUDKINS SWORN IN Jackie Budkins was officially sworn in this past F r iday a s t he new Tow n Clerk.

J a c k i e ’s f r i e n d s a n d coworkers gathered to celebrate her swearing in, which was officiated by her mother, Carm Budkins, the town’s outgoing clerk of 30 years.

GPD WARNS OF TIK TOK CHALLENGES Following several schools being advised of a Tik Tok trend encouraging students to call in threats in order to get schools closed, as well a s a n i nc ide nt i nvolv i n g a d i s t u rb i n g m e s s a g e at Greenw ich Hig h School last week, the Greenw ich Pol ice Depa r t ment u rges

p a r e nt s a n d s t u d e nt s to rema i n a ler t to potentia l social media threats. GPD also urges parents to discuss responsi ble socia l med ia usage with their children.

GR EG ORY ’ S COF F EE OPENS ON GREENWICH AVE G r e g o r y ’s C o f f e e h a s of f icially opened at 3 4 2 Greenwich Avenue!

The cof fee shop f irst opened in 2006 in New York City, and has since expanded, offering comfortable seating, excellent WiFi, vegan friendly menu options, and delicious coffee.

G r e g o r y ’s C o f fe e a l s o announced that they have donated all proceeds made on Thursday, December 16 to Coffee for Good, a nonprofit that provides training a nd jobs for p e ople w it h disabilities.

GR EEN W ICH BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB TEMPORARILY CLOSES The Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich has announced that the club will closed on Wednesday, December 22 until January 3.

The announcement comes fo l l ow i n g t h e c l o s u r e o f Greenwich High School as of December 22 as a result of the recent spike in COVID-19 cases.

GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL STARTS RECESS EARLY Greenwich Schools Sup e r i nte nde nt D r. Ton i Jones has announced that Greenw ich Hig h School would begin its December R e c e s s o n We d n e s d a y, December 22 due to a sharp spike in COVID-19 cases, as well as a shortage of nonteaching staff.

The district will continue to m on itor t h e s it u at i on throughout the coming week.

NORTH MIA NUS SCHOOL CEL EBR ATES REUNIFICATION After almost a year since the flood and ceiling collapse at North Mianus school, the school has officially reopened.

The reu n if ication was celebrated at noon on Monday with an outdoor event, music, and remarks from staff.

EAGLE HILL HIRES NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL The Board of Trustees at E a g le H i l l S cho ol h a s announced that Gretchen Larkin has been appointed as the new head of school of Eagle Hill School.

Ms. Larkin will be taking the place of Interim Head of School, Jim Heus, effective July 1, 2023.

GREENWICH HOSPITAL APPOINTS NEW CHAIR OF SURGERY Greenwich Hospital has hired its first female chair of surgery, Dr. Barbara A. Ward.

Dr. Ward is a physician

bar low on joy. And yet, when we read the Gospel accounts of Jesus’ birth, Christmas doesn’t make sense in a world where everyone’s happy and everything’s perfect.

Christmas was always about God stepping into the margins, into the chaos, into the mess, and doing something about it. And, in just this way we read, “In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8).

Shepherding was esteemed as a noble occupation in the earliest days of biblical history. This is where we f ind more positive metaphors about shepherds and shepherding but 400-year period of captivity in Egypt dramatically changed their opinion. Strangely, the Israelite attitude toward shepherding was prejudiced by their captors, who held shepherds in the lowest esteem.

The effect of that prejudice was to cast shepherds into a kind of underclass, pushed out to the

margins of society. When we hear “in that region” and that they “were living in the field,” it was because the religious authorities had literally banned pasturing sheep in Israel, except on desert scrubland beyond the city walls.

Reinforcing their prejudice, the law recorded that no one should ever feel obligated to rescue a shepherd who had fallen into a pit. Furthermore, “To buy wool, milk or a kid from a shepherd was forbidden,” on the assumption that it must, of course, be stolen property. Sheep herders had come to symbolize social isolation and desolation. And yet into that place, at the margins, “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them…” (Luke 2:9). What we discover in the account of the shepherds is that God joins us at the margins. The very center of God’s heart, His love, His mercy, His great plan for salvation - met them exactly where they were

– pushed out and without hope.

We don’t need to be first century shepherds to be living on the margins. Grief, anxiety, pain, disappointment, estrangement, sickness and exhaustion can all have the effect of making it feel like we are living our lives in the wings. This Christmas, do you think that God could f ind you at the margins? The story of the birth of Jesus would tell us that this is exactly where He is seeking you.

Let’s consider that in more detail. We read, “And the Glory of the Lord shone around them…”

(Luke 2:9). This was not a light show but the actual presence of the living God. And this was the fullness of God’s presence. His presence had not been beheld i n t h is way for hu nd re ds of years. But that night, God held nothing back from them. This first Christmas eve, out on the scr u bla nd, i n t he place t hat nobody else in Israel wanted

to be, it was the marginalized shepherds’ faces that reflected the fullness of the glory of God. And consider where the shepherds found Jesus, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

(Luke 2:12). Not in a castle, not a palace, not even a house and a crib — but a stable, wrapped in the cheapest of cloth, and laid in an animal feeding trough. Not only has God acted to rescue his people at the margins, but He has also so identified with their brokenness that He physically joins them at the margins.

from Northeast Medical Group, and is a renowned breast surgeon of 38 years.

The Greenwich Department of Health has announced a new Moderna Covid Booster Clinic.

The clinic will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on the lower level of Greenwich Town Hall.

Those interested should sign up through VAMS, the C T p r o g r a m fo r v a c c i n e scheduling.

side of the causeway.

Con st r uc t ion w i l l last three to four months, with an anticipated completion in the early spring.

TOWN RELEASES RFP The Town has released an RFP for nonprofits to submit proposals to respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts due to COVID-19.

The RFP will be funded from a portion of the American Rescue Plan funds.

The RFP is available at www.greenwichct.gov/1946/ American-Rescue-Plan. And w ill be available through January 10, 2022.

B a n k e r R e a l t y, l o c a t e d at 66 Field Point Road in Greenwich, through Jan. 4, 2022.

D onat i ng fo o d to fo o d drives is one of the most popular forms of giving in the United States. More people donate food than watch the Super Bowl each year, a great display of the public’s interest i n supp or t i ng one of t he nation’s most pressing social issues—hunger, said Charles Nedder, CEO of The Nedder Group. However, traditional food drives are limited to non-perishable donations, of ten highly processed, nutrient-deficient food.

The Nedder Group is suppor ti ng #GiveHea lthy because the organization prov ides an easy way for people to donate fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and other healthy food so that people struggling with hunger get the kind of food they really need.

Those who are interested in joining the #GiveHealthy Movement can visit www. g ivehe a lt hy.org for more information and to sign up to get involved. The Nedder Group can be reached at (203) 983-7471 or sales@cnedder. com.

T H E N EDDER GROU P JOINS #GIVEHEALTHY MOVEMENT, SPONSORS HEALTHY FOOD DRIVE TO SUPPORT NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR The Nedder Group, a f f i l i a t e d w i t h C o l d we l l Banker Realty, is sponsoring a healthy food drive as part of the #GiveHealthy movement to support Neighbor to Neighbor. The goal is to raise fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and other healthy food items.

To donate to the drive, visit https://amplify.ampyourgood. com/user/campaigns/3967 or donate in-person at Coldwell

T O D ’ S P O I N T CONSTRUCTION Construction on the Tod’s Po i n t C a u s e w a y p r o j e c t r e su m e d on t he we e k of N o v e m b e r 2 9. S t a r t i n g December 6, the causeway will be closed Monday th roug h Friday, at which time vehicle traff ic will be permitted up to the main parking lot, and pedestrians and bicyclists will be rerouted to access the back end of Tod’s Point.

In this next phase of construction, reinforcement will be installed to the back of the seawall on the northeast

GHS CLOTHING AND TEXTILE DRIVE The Greenw ich Hig h S cho ol O ut r e ach Clu b i s holding a clothing and textile drive. The club asks that residents donate clothes, shoes, belts, bags, accessories, linens, and towels in any condition.

The drive w ill be held through Friday, December 31, and collection bins are located in the GHS back parking lot, the Arch Street Teen Center, and The Nathaniel Witherell.

Family Functional Fitness Opens in Cos Cob Family Functional Fitness, a boutique fitness studio, has opened a second location at 205 E. Putnam Avenue in Cos Cob. The facility celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Fred Camillo last weekend.

T h e c lu b i s c u r r e nt l y working through referrals, and will open up services in January.

1 0 T H A N N UA L S N OW SCULPTURE CONTEST Greenwich Parks a n d R e c r e at i on a n d T h e G r e e nw i c h A r t s C o u n c i l are hosting the 10th annual Greenwich Snow Sculpture Contest.

R e side nt s c a n su bm it a photo of their best snow sculptures to billie.schock@ greenwichct.org until Friday, March 4, 2022 for the opportunity to win a prize.

A long w it h t he photo, submissions should include the title of the sculpture, names of the sculptor(s), and a home address.

MODERNA BOOSTER CLINIC

THE MILL ANNOUNCES 100% OCCUPANCY The Mill, a new luxury apartment space in Glenv ille, has announced 100 percent occupancy in its 59 residences ranging from $2,750 per month to $13,000 per month.

Drew was the Senior Pastor of Trinity Church Greenwich from 2009-2019 and a weekly columnist for the Sentinel for almost f ive years. He is currently serving God's people as the Bishop of New England for the Anglican Church.

He writes a daily devotional via e-mail called"Watchwords." This can be subscribed to at adne.org

PA R K I N G P E R M I T RENEWALS Parking Permit renewal will be occurring online only this year. In order to renew your permit, residents must submit an application proving residency and mak ing a payment.

Residents can renew atwww.greenwichct.gov/572

by December 31, 2021.

However, tiered late fees will be assessed for payments re ceive d a f ter D e cem b er 2.future 3 story homes in Greenwich."

DEATHS Howard Noble On Dec. 14, Howard Davidson "Dave" Noble, Jr., completed his long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Jane Rollins Ja ne L ock wood P ierce Rollins passed peacefully on Monday, Dec. 13.

Susan Albero Susan Jane Albero passed away peacefully on Dec. 9.

Dolores Comerford D olor e s E . Come r for d passed away, Thurs., Dec. 16.

Douglas Masi Dr. Douglas Masi passed away peacefully on Dec. 4.

Valerie Anderson M r s . Va l e r i e D o b s o n A nderson passed away peacefully on Dec. 8.

Oliver Brown Oliver O. A. Brown died on Dec. 9.

Julia Rocco Julia G. Rocco peacefully passed away on Dec. 12.

For f u ll obit u a r i e s , please see page 10.

Local Public Company Market Watch GREENWICH INDEX COMPANY AmBase Corporation

SYMBOL

52 HIGH

52 LOW

PRICE*

ABCP

$0.45

$0.23

$0.35

EFC

$19.60

$14.44

$16.97

Hudson Global

HSON

$30.99

$10.00

$25.40

Interactive Brokers Group, Inc.

IBKR

$81.09

$58.69

$78.76

Oxford Lane Capital Corp.

OXLC

$8.53

$5.15

$7.56

Oxford Square Capital Corp.

OXSQ

$5.22

$2.95

$4.01

Retail Opportunity Investments Corp.

ROIC

$19.04

$12.74

$18.93

Starwood Property Trust Inc.

STWD

$27.00

$18.25

$24.53

StoneRiver Inc.

SPNS

$38.32

$24.30

$34.31

Townsquare Media Inc.

TSQ

$15.33

$6.52

$12.75

Urstadt Biddle Properties Inc.

UBA

$21.66

$13.46

$20.62

W.R. Berkley Corp.

WRB

$83.84

$60.29

$79.65

XPO Logistics Inc.

XPO

$90.78

$63.29

$74.39

Ellington Financial LLC

* as of close of business 12/22/21

The Tree Indoors

By Cadbury FitzPatrick Humans are unusual c re at u re s. Th is is a topic Logan and I discuss often, and constantly marvel at. They have some very odd traditions.

While Logan and I have our own traditions -- for example, running after and barking at trucks passing by, which we do just about every day -- theirs seem to follow the seasons. As dogs, Logan and I don't really understand the human concept of "time," but we do notice the regular patterns of changes in the weather and daylight, so we have a pretty good idea of seasons. And this is the season for their oddest behaviors.

Beg i n n i ng shor t ly a f ter the celebration of their annual "Feast of Stuffing," the humans start singing songs and wearing clothes of red and green (as dogs don't have the ability to disting uish red and g reen, Logan and I have to take this on faith). They are generally in

Then, when he seems to be satisfied that it is where he wants it and relatively straight, he cuts the twine holding in the branches and the tree almost explodes! a happier, more positive mood, which is terrif ic for us since they are more likely to spend time with us and give us treats.

Occasionally, they wear soft red conical hats with round white balls of soft material, and some even dress up in big red fat suits and wear fake beards. Frankly, they look ridiculous.

But the strangest tradition they have involves trees. Now, I am a big fan of trees. They provide shade and regularly shed the leaves I enjoy playing in. But I am used to seeing them outside. Every year about this time, the humans f ind a big evergreen tree -- and bring it inside the house!

It really is the oddest sight.

The eldest male human in our family will drive off in his old black truck and return with a tree tied on its top. He then

grunts and groans and huffs and puffs as he wrestles it off the truck and onto the ground.

He drags the tree around to the side of the house (all the while making the same noises) to a set of double doors off the big room with fancy furniture that the family only seems to use when guests are present, and pretty much shoves the tree inside.

He puts its trunk into a round metal device and gets down on his knees to do something to try to keep the tree from falling over. Then, when he seems to be satisfied that it is where he wants it and relatively straight, he cuts the twine holding in the branches and the tree almost explodes!

The male then usually spends some more time fiddling with the tree until the eldest female human comes in to take

a look. Almost always, the male then has to spend more time fiddling with the tree to get it to the state where the female finds acceptable. It must be some sort of strange romantic ritual for them.

Now, truth be told, Logan and I are not allowed in that big room when the tree is in it.

Frankly, there is good reason for this. Logan and I are dogs and it is, well, a tree. And dogs will be dogs.

Once the tree is up and oriented in a manner acceptable to the female human, they start hanging all sorts of objects on its branches. Some of these objects are very fragile; I know because I saw the male human drop and break one, which made him clearly quite upset as he uttered some strange words under his breath which he never uses

when addressing Logan and me.

They also string small lights all over the tree, which they leave on most nights until the female human tells the male human to go downstairs and turn them off.

Believe it or not, the inside tree isn't the only or the oddest t h i n g ou r hu m a n s do t h i s time of year. Once it is up and decorated, they strew colorfully wrapped items all around its base, as if to fertilize it or do it homage. (This is another reason Logan and I are not allowed in that room this time of year, as I love toys and would have an absolute ball rummaging around and tossing those items in the air!). The humans call the items "presents," and when the whole family is together, they sit around the tree and unwrap them. Logan and I think it is

the height of silliness for our humans to go to all the trouble of wrapping these presents just to unwrap them shortly thereafter.

Some things about humans we will never understand!

It all seems like so much work to do and undo, but there is no question that it makes our humans happy. They laugh and smile and sing their songs and enjoy the presence of friends and family. And of course, Logan and I are very much part of that family, so the whole experience makes us very, very happy as well. So, while we don't really understand the reason for the celebration, we look forward to it every year.

Merry Inside Tree Season to everyone!

Christmas in a Time of Fear and Worry

By Marek Zabriskie Have you ever wondered what it would be like if Joseph and Mar y were alive today and seek ing a place to give birth? They would certainly find a hospital, but there’s no guarantee that they would get a room.

They would need proof of insurance, two valid forms of ID, referral from their primary point of contact, a negative COVID test taken within 24 hours, and Mary would be discharged 12 hours after giving birth.

As many of us gather to celebrate Christmas, we can all sit back and breathe a sigh of relief for it’s too late to do more shopping. The strains of Silent Night will soon f ill the land.

Families will gather from far and near.

Soon there will be piles of paper and stacks of empty boxes from exchanging gifts. There’s a special spirit of kindness in the air. Drivers are more polite.

Customers are kinder. Strangers smile and say hello.

But th is yea r, there a re so many uncer tainties and

Christ came to conquer our fears. What would it mean if “Fear not” really came to us? Would it mean that we could face whatever tomorrow brings? Would it mean that we could be happy with what we already have? disruptions as COVID sweeps the land. It is morphing and potent and potentially lethal, especially for the unvaccinated.

Hence, there is far more fear than usual this Christmas.

Yet, the ultimate message of Christmas is “fear not.”

It is amazing how a small event which took place 2,000 years ago can spark so many random acts of kindness and help to overcome our fears. No other event in history has had a greater impact. This Christmas, one out of three persons in earth will celebrate Jesus’ birth.

God came disguised as a baby, perhaps because babies do not go to war, worry about money or strive for power and fame. Babies just offer love. God chose to enter as a baby in a less than perfect situation, where a couple was not yet married and were forced to make a long journey.

Their son was born in a

barn, where the fragrance of frankincense mingled with the smell of manure. Two thousand years later God continues to enter our imperfect marriages, imperfect homes and imperfect world.

Christ came to conquer our fears. What would it mean if “Fear not” really came to us?

Would it mean that we could face whatever tomorrow brings?

Would it mean that we could be happy with what we already have?

Would it mean that we could sleep soundly and trust that the world is in God’s good hands and let the weight fall from our shoulders? At Christmas, even skeptics suspend their disbelief and realize that if God could be born among us, then everything is possible.

The God that we worship at Christmas is not vengeful, distant or uncaring. Rather this God longs to be close to

each of us. The God revealed at Christmas is accepting, generous a n d fo r g i v i n g , d i s p e n s i n g second and third chances. This God loves us like a parent, who wants what’s best for us. The G od revealed at Christmas comes disguised in a human face.

God comes as a brother-inlaw who offers a sympathetic ear, a best friend who calls from across the country or a grandchild who nestles in our lap. God comes with all the force of a whisper so as not to overwhelm us. God comes not as a king, a gathering of Parliament, an earthquake or a strict doctrine but as a human face and takes us by surprise.

I tell each couple that I prepare for marriage that the best for them to live happily ever after is to see the face of Christ in each other. We are called to be Christ to one another – God with a human face.

Christmas and the Incarnation – God taking on human flesh – mean that God is not distant, but close by and within us. God’s love enters and works through imperfect people like each of us.

Twenty centuries later Jesus comes into our lives in small but real ways. He enters our lives as we care for someone ill, as we say good-bye to a good friend who is moving far away or as we support our spouse who is searching for a job. Jesus nudges us to do small things that make a greater difference than we can imagine.

For some of us it means caring for an aging parent. For another it means taking the first steps to overcome an addiction.

For some it means becoming emotionally available to our spouse a nd rek ind ling ou r marriage.

What is God inviting you to do in order that Christ might

be born in you this Christmas?

We give birth to Christ by doing small acts of kindness that we would not have done had we not experienced God’s love.

We a l s o g i v e b i r t h t o Christ by becoming spiritually g rounded and learning the ancient practices that produced strong Christians for centuries.

As we do small acts of kindness and learn the ancient practices of faith the myster y of the Incarnation takes root in us.

W h e n t h at o c c u r s , o u r homes become havens of hospitality, our hearts become harbors of hope, and our hands become the tools for healing.

Merry Christmas to you!

The Rev. Marek Zabriskie is the Rector of Christ Church Greenwich and the founder of a global Bible reading ministry, which can be found at: www. thecenterforbiblicalstudies.org

A Pinch of Salt and Cup of Connection There can be such rich language use during the process of cooking.

Don’t water it down.

By David Cohen

Cooking is one of the richest learning experiences for young children. It is very often a part of a preschool curriculum, and is a great way to teach at home. Don’t worry, it has very little to do with your own expertise in the kitchen – mine is very limited. Rather, it is about skills, communication and bonding.

Skills – Cooking provides an outstanding opportunity for children to engage with literacy, math, science and social studies in a hands-on experience. A skilled educator will be aware of a child’s current level of knowledge and will build from there. For example, if a child already recognizes numerals, but cannot yet recognize words, we might make a recipe card (or larger poster) with the number five and drawings of five

eggs as part of the ingredient list. Then, in the directions, it might have the word stir with a drawing of spoon in a bowl. The child sees the word, associates it with the drawing and then participates in the stirring. No need to prepare so elaborately at home, but the concept of scaffolding learning is the same. Know what you child can do and then offer opportunities to challenge them a bit farther. Children of all ages may enjoy measuring, pouring, stirring, whisking, etc. They might even love washing the dishes afterward!

Communication – There can be such rich language use during the process of cooking.

Don’t water it down. “We are combining the dry ingredients.” “The pasta should be firm.” If children are asking you what a term means, you have found the sweet spot; a

SMNS 4's Teacher Barbara Farin guides students through the wonders of cooking!

child’s curiosity is really the best! Describe what you are doing. Pose questions. If a question is hard, look up the answer together.

Bonding – One of the best things about cooking with your children is that you have the opportunity to share life experiences. Any sentence that starts with, “When I was a child…” is likely to elicit great joy and intrigue from your child. Consider cooking something that you made with your family as a child. Or, try something new that relates to your culture. Share the feelings you get from enjoying homemade foods. As a special extension, share this food with families or friends.

Embrace the mess that sometimes comes with cooking. Cleaning this will be a labor of love!

David Cohen is the Director of Schools at Temple Sholom.

Page 9 | Greenwich Sentinel

Birds of a Feather: Pigeon-Racing in Greenwich

By Mary A. Jacobson

It all started one day in 1937 when ten-year-old Louis Imbrogno came home from school in Byram and, quite surprisingly, found two pigeons in the family’s chicken coop.

“They just came into the coop.

I don’t know if it was God’s will or whatever, but there they are, and since then I’ve been having pigeons.”

Louis’s passion for pigeons was documented twenty years ago by two interviewers from the Oral History Project, Heather Knapp and Marcella Raphael. Louis related that his interest in pigeons started as more of a pastime. “We would buy the pigeons for fifty cents…

The old-time pigeon f lyers would take the birds that they wanted to discard to the chicken poultry (in Port Chester) so that certain people would buy them to eat, and then we’d go down there, and we’d buy them to take home.”

Eventually, Louis and his friends became more interested in racing their pigeons. He would compete mainly against two local youngsters, Rocky Bria and Joe Pastore. They went to the town dump to pick up pieces of lumber to make a pigeon coop.

Then, “we’d get the old carriage wheels…and we’d have a wagon.

And we would put them (the pigeons) on a train to Elizabeth, New Jersey, to f ly home.” The boys would rush back home, and the train conductor would release the birds once the train reached Elizabeth. “When we got a bird, we’d run and meet and see who got the bird first.

So, you know, it was a lot of fun.”

Louis credited the pigeons with keeping him out of trouble.

“I stayed out of trouble because I couldn’t get in trouble. I had to be at the coop, down at the coop all the time. So, I kept busy with the pigeons…It gave me a lot of responsibility to take care of the birds.”

As the years passed, Louis described his daily schedule: “I used to get up at five o’clock in the morning and go to New York and release the birds, come back and go to work (as a carpenter), come home, catch the birds and take them down to the Whitestone Bridge for two tosses a day…I retired at sixtytwo so I could stay with my birds.” Louis explained that the pigeons need to get in condition “just like any athlete…That’s the big job, training the birds. Get them in condition enough for them to f ly 300 miles, or 500 miles, or 200, whatever we’re flying.”

Accord i ng to L ou is, the Greenwich Pigeon Club began in 1934. The clubhouse was built in 1954 at 89 Holly Hill Lane, “just inside the entrance to the town dump.” The clubhouse is still there and, according to present member Joe Greco has about ten active members. The homing pigeon racing season runs from April to June for “old birds” (from one to five years), and from August to October for “young birds” (from six to

“Pigeons need to get into condition ‘just like any athlete.

That’s the big job, training the birds.’”

Members of the Greenwich Pigeon Racing Club 1979’s. Courtesy of Joseph Greco.

Louis Imbrogno in front of some of his pigeon crates. Courtesy of Oral History Project.

Champion flying tippler pigeon shown at Big Apple Invitational.

Courtesy of NY Combine. seven months). During these they are “liberated” to race the band attached to their leg.

While we may not k now months, a truck will arrive on 300 miles to their home coop. a Friday evening to pick up as Pigeons can f ly 45-50 miles t he r e a s on s why a nd how many as 150 homing pigeons an hour, or “60 miles an hour pigeons are able to f ly such from Greenwich alone. Then, with a tailwind,” according to long distances and return to they may, for example, be driven Joe Greco. When they arrive to their coops, various techniques to Richmond, Virginia, where their “landing board,” their time may be employed to ensure is electronically recorded on a that they do. Louis Imbrogno

Louis Imbrogno teaching a local Boy Scout about his pigeons. Courtesy of Oral History Project. e x pl a i ne d t h at du r i n g t he the Big Apple Invitational 2021, breeding season the birds are held at the Old Greenwich Civic very attached to their nests. Center on November 20, that “Birds that stay in the nest and showcased over 1,000 homing slap me with their wing or try a n d s h ow p i g e o n s . B i l l e d to peck me, those are the ones as a “pigeon extravaganza,” I like because they’re fighting hundreds of breeds of pigeons for their nest. That’s when I put were displayed and admired. As them in the race.” Generally, Louis would say, “I hate it when the birds that demonstrate people talk about pigeons that the closest attachment to the are just pigeons.”

The transcript of the nest, “will be our bird to win.”

Another practice is called the i n t e r v i e w s “ P i g e o n Ra c i n g “widowhood system” where the in Greenwic h” m ay be rea d hens and cocks are separated at Greenwich Librar y and is during mating season. Only available for purchase at the the cocks are flown in the race, Oral History Project Office. The motivated to return to the hens. OHP is sponsored by Friends No doubt Louis, who died of Greenwich Library. Visit the in 2006, would have joined the website at glohistory.org. Mary A. seven-hundred attendees of Jacobson, OHP blog editor.

Hospital Appoints First Woman as Chair for Surgery As chief of Surgery, Dr. Ward will lead the surgical team of physicians who perform a wide variety of procedures in the fields of bariatrics, cancer, ear/nose/throat, neurological, orthopedic, plastic and vascular surgery. the hospital’s cadre of surgeons.

“Dr. Ward’s decades of leadership, advocacy and experience as a renowned breast surgeon will enhance our ability to offer surgical patients the best possible outcomes in a safe and supportive setting,” said Diane Kelly, DNP, RN, Greenwich Hospital president. “She is known for her technical expertise as well as her compassionate nature when providing patient care.”

A physician for 38 years, Dr. Ward is the medical director of the Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center in Greenwich and an associate Barbara A. Ward, MD, has been named clinical professor at Yale School of Medicine. Her chair of Surgery at Greenwich Hospital, experience spans both research and clinical. becoming the first woman to lead the As chief of Surgery, Dr. Ward will lead the hospital’s team of surgeons. surgical team of physicians who perform a wide Greenwich Hospital has appointed Northeast variety of procedures in the fields of bariatrics, Medical Group physician Barbara A. Ward, MD, to cancer, ear/nose/throat, neurological, orthopedic, chair of Surgery, becoming the first woman to lead plastic and vascular surgery. “Dr. Ward’s extensive

experience at Greenwich Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital is a tremendous asset,” said Felice Zwas, MD, Greenwich Hospital’s chief of staff.

Prior to joining Greenwich Hospital, Dr. Ward served as director of Yale Comprehensive Breast Care Center. Following medical school at Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Ward completed surgical training at Yale New Haven Hospital and a two-year fellowship in surgical oncology at the National Cancer Institute. She is the recipient of numerous awards and distinctions and is first or coauthor on more than 45 peer-reviewed papers.

Dr. Ward is an advisor for the Breast Cancer Alliance, which partners with Greenwich Hospital to provide mammography and other services to women who have no or little health insurance. She also is a member of various professional societies, including American College of Surgeons, American Society of Breast Surgeons, Eastern Surgical

Society, New England Surgical Society and Yale Surgical Society.

Greenwich Hospital is a member of Yale New Haven Health. Greenwich is a 206-bed regional medical center serving lower Fairf ield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York.

It is a major academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Founded in 1903, Greenwich Hospital has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surg ical, diag nostic and wellness prog rams.

Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service and patient satisfaction excellence. Greenwich Hospital has the prestigious Magnet designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, the nation’s highest honor of nursing excellence.

Page 10 | Greenwich Sentinel

OBITUARIES Howard Noble

Son William as well as 4 grandchildren, Kerri, Lauren, Sydney and William.

Ther e w i l l b e a pr ivate family burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations on behalf of his memory a r e b ei n g ac c epte d by t he Lion's Club, PO Box 130, Old Greenwich, CT 06870.

Jane Rollins On Dec. 14, Howard Dav idson Noble, Jr., better known as Dave, completed his long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

Dave was born on Nov. 19, 1934 in Jamaica, NY. He spent his childhood growing up in Long Island, NY, and completed his secondar y education at Garden City High School in 1952. He went on to graduate from David and Elkins College in West Virginia in 1956.

Dave served his country honorably in the Army Reserves finishing his career as a Sargent, stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

O n Au g . 16 , 19 5 8 , D ave married Joy Tuthill Noble, his beloved Wife of over 63 years and settled here in Greenwich to be close to other family. They raised 3 sons, Charles, James and William.

Dave sta r ted h is ca reer wo r k i n g i n M a r k e t i n g f o r Johnson and Johnson on Park Avenue in NYC. Later he went on to become an active real estate broker in Greenwich, going on to open his own office, H.D. Noble and Associates, which he had for many years.

Dave spent much of h is time contributing back to his com mu n it y i n ma ny ways.

He actively par ticipated in the Boy Scouts of America, with various leadership roles to support his 3 sons through the scouting program going on numerous camping adventures with them all. He served with the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department as an active member for well over a decade as one of Greenwich's bravest. He went on to develop the Sound Beach Fire Department's Ambulance Corp and was awarded honors from the community for his role. He lead many fund raising c a mpa ig n s to succe ssf u l ly lead to the ambulance that s er ve d t he com mu n it y for many years. Dave was also an active member of the Greenwich Lions Club for over 50 years. He acted in many leadership roles over his many years including Treasurer of the Lions Foundation. For his commitment and service to the Lions Club, he was awarded the clubs highest honor, The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for his outstanding community services.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Howard D. Noble Sr. and Bertha Noble and his brother William C. Noble. He is survived by Wife Joy, son and daughter in-law, Charles and Andrea, Son James and

held in her honor at the home of will be interred at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Greenwich. her daughter.

In her memory and in lieu of flowers, kindly consider making a donation to the VNA Hospice of IRC who were a true blessing during her last days. Checks can be made out to VNA and Hospice Foundation and mailed to 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. Donations can also be made securely online at Vna tc.org/waystogive or by calling Mish Dean at 772-9785580.

Dolores Comerford

Susan Albero

Jane L ock wood Pierce Rollins, known to many as "Gammy," joined the Lord when she passed peacefully Monday, D e c . 1 3 , w it h her daughter, Tracey Zudans, by her side.

Ja ne wa s b or n Ju ne 2 8 , 1941 to Dewey L ock wood Pierce and Jane Camp Murphy in Greenwich, Connecticut.

After her mother's passing she grew up with her father and stepmother, Virginia Rosamond Starr Pierce, spending time in both Greenwich and Tucson, Ari. Ja ne ma r r ied on May 5, 1966 in Manhattan, NY to Gene Bruce Rollins, who preceded her in death on Jan. 19, 2000.

Her greatest treasures were her daughter Tracey Lockwood Zudans and her son Curtis Gene Bruce Rollins. Jane resided in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. until she moved to Vero Beach, Fla. to live near her daughter.

Gammy was a faithf ul believer in the Lord. She had a servants heart and found great joy in blessing others with her cooking and crocheting. Her thoughtfulness and these acts of kindness have made lasting memories in the lives of so many.

Beloved wife to late husband G ene Br uce Rollins, she is survived by daughter Tracey Zudans and her husband Dr. Val Zudans and their children Zane, Tyler, Kira and Zeo who reside in Vero Beach, Fla. Also sur vived by her son Curtis Rollins and his wife Rebecca Rollins w ith their children Layla and Gavin who reside in Remington, Va. She joins late stepmother Virginia Rosamond Starr Pierce and her sister Brooke Lake. Jane adored her siblings and is survived by siblings Otto Schmidt (Mac) who lives in Avon, and Thorne Pierce (Spike) who lives in Tucson, A r i., a nd Vi rg i n ia Aloysi who lives in Stamford, and Rosamond Brady who lives in Riverside. Jane loved her relationships with the extended Murphy Family in Tucson, Ari. One of Gammy's favorite th ings was the celebration of Thanksgiving. It was one of her greatest joys to cook and serve those she loved so dearly. In celebration of her, a "Thanksgiving Gathering" was

Susan Jane Albero passed away peacef ully on Dec. 9, with her devoted husband of 59 years, Peter Albero, by her side. She was 80 years old.

Susan was born on Dec. 27, 1940, in New Rochelle, NY to Charles and Loretto McAloon.

In 1961, Susan graduated from Greenwich Hospital's school of nursing located in Greenwich, and subsequently worked as a registered nurse at Greenwich Hospit a l a nd later at York Hospital in York, PA. I n 2 006, Susa n a nd her husband retired and moved to Sun City in Bluffton, SC where they enjoyed the pleasures of the SC Lowcountry. Susan is predeceased by her parents a n d h e r s i s t e r, M a r g a r e t Treganowan. She is survived by her loving husband, Pete, daug hter s , A my G old stei n o f New tow n , a n d Je n n i fe r A lbero of Bluf f ton, SC, her granddaughters, Whitney Zorn (Adam) of Alliance, OH and Sophia Goldstein, currently attending Ithaca College in NY, a great-granddaughter, Hailey Zorn, a sister Ann Croce of Mamaroneck, NY and many more relatives including nieces, cousins, and a nephew.

Su s a n w a s a vo r a c i o u s reader, an avid bridge player and loved spending time with her grandchildren. Her late father Charles McAloon, born in 1909, was the subject as a young boy in the artwork of Norman Rockwell. The artwork was utilized in ads at the time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Golden Key Center for Exceptional Children, 1431 30th Street, NW, Canton, OH 44709 paypal .com/donate/?hosted _ button_id=MNRPVYAAC8RCN where Susan's granddaughter, Whitney Zorn, is a functional learning teacher for autistic children or Bluffton Self Help, PO Box 2420, Bluffton, SC 29910 bluf f tonself help.kindf ul .com where Susan's husband, Pete, has been volunteering for many years.

A mass funeral service was held at Saint Gregory the Great in Bluffton, SC on Dec. 21. Susan

St. Mary - Putnam Cemetery I N

G R E E N W I C H ,

C O N N E C T I C U T

Has a sales position available for a

Family Advisor

This work requires meeting with families to explain the burial process, review available cemetery properties, inground, mausoleum, private estate and cremation options and discuss the cost for each option. Training is provided and compensation is a combination of salary and commissions.

Knowledge of cemeteries is helpful but not required. Ideal candidates will have experience in person-to-person sales of insurance, financial, medical and/or educational products. This is a full-time position with benefits.

For more information contact 203.742.1450, option #5 or email info@ctcemeteries.org

Dolores E. Comerford, passed away, Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Brookdale Senior Living in Hagerstown, MD. She was formally of Murrells Inlet, SC and Greenwich.

Born Wednesday, May 1, 1929 in Queens Village, NY, she was the daughter of the late John C. Dugan and the late Catherine M. Dugan.

Dolores is sur v ived by her five children Tom (Betteanne) Comerford of Edmond, OK, Diane (Mike) McCormack of Hagerstown, MD, Kathy (Bob) Jaeger Norwalk, John (Michele) Comerford of Fairfield, and Jane (Joe) Gaffigan of Hinsdale,IL; 1 2 g ra ndch i ld r en , 7 g r e atgrandchildren with 1 on the way; and her special cat, Chloe.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Comer ford a nd son, Ja mes Comerford.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date in Murrells Inlet, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may b e made to Hospice of Washington County, 747 Northern Ave., Hagerstown, MD 21742.

Douglas Masi

D r. D o u g l a s M a s i o f Greenw ich, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4 in Greenwich, at the age of 67.

Doug was in Greenwich to Joseph E Masi Sr. and Lillian R . Masi. He was a l i felong Greenwich resident and GHS graduate, class of 1973.

Doug graduated from Santa Barbara City College in June 1977. He went on to Chiropractic school and g raduated f rom Northwestern College of Ch i r opra c t ic i n D e c e m b e r of 1980 with a Doctorate in Chiropractic. In addition to te ach i ng at Nor t hwe ster n, he participated in continuing education through the Motion Palpation Institute. "Doctor Doug" (as many would call him) practiced in Greenwich for many years.

His favorite things to do were to spend time with family and friends skiing and boating.

As they say, "friends are the family you choose" and that couldn't be truer for Doug. It wasn't unusual for Doug to end a phone call with a friend with "Love you!".

Passionate about and involved in the preservation of Greenwich waters, he was a charter member of the Town of G r e e nw ich B o ate r Us e r Group. Doug was an active member of the Greenwich Boat & Yacht Club. Doug organized GBYC's Annual Seafood Night which was always a hit with club members. Doug will be remembered for his generosity of spirit and being the life of the party.

In addition to his parents, Doug was predeceased by his brother Joseph E. Masi, Jr. He is survived by his Life Partner, Marianne Nowak Crabtree, his daughter Lauren McDougallMasi and brother Charles (Mary Lynn) Masi, as well as Scott Crabtree, Jr. who was like a son to Doug.

A pr ivate celebration of Doug's life will take place in Greenwich in 2022.

In lieu of f lowers, Doug's request was a tribute donation to be made to St. Jude Children's

Research Hospital, Memorial Giv i ng ; 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN 38105. Please use donor ID# 22716087.

Valerie Anderson

M r s . Va l e r i e D o b s o n Anderson, a longtime resident of Greenwich, passed away peacefully on Dec. 8 at the age of 97. She was known for her creativity, sense of adventure, and the many fantastic, themed parties she organized over the years for friends and family.

Mrs. Anderson graduated from Hunter College in New York in 1946 with a Bachelor's Degree in Speech Therapy and received a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Bridgepor t in 1967. Mrs. A nde r s on s e r ve d a s a 4 t h g rade te acher at Glenv i l le S c h o o l f o r ove r 2 5 ye a r s , during which she sponsored many creative and interactive learning experiences for her students such as a "Victorian Day," and annual reenactments depicting the Native American h istor y of Gr e enw ich. She ser ved as t he P resident of the Greenwich Women's Club and was a long-time member of the Club. Mrs. Anderson's beloved husband of over 50 years, Edward A nderson passed away in 2012 and had ser ved on the Greenw ich Representative Town Meeting and at the Greenwich Council of the Boy Scouts of America after his retirement from Timex Corporation and the US Army Reserve. They had a wonderful marriage and spent many years traveling the world after their retirement.

Mrs. Anderson is survived by her son, Dr. Peter Anderson of Bridgewater, and Colonel Wendy Kelly of Springfield, VA, 4 grandchildren, and 2 greatgrandsons.

A memorial service is planned for January 2022 at the Greenwich Women's Club.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jewish Family Ser v ices of Sta m ford, who were of great assistance to our Mother in her later years.

Oliver Brown

Oliver O’Neil Aspinal Brown died on Dec. 9, he was 61. Oliver was born in Kingston, Jamaica, West Indies on Aug. 26, 1960 and immigrated to Greenwich, where he lived with his parents, M av i s a n d N e v i l l e B r ow n (deceased), and his sisters, L o r n a a n d S h a r o n B r ow n (both predeceased), Patricia Pennant and Winsome Brown.

He graduated from Greenwich High School with the Class of 1979. After High School, Oliver’s professional life began with him driving for the Greenwich Taxi, as did his dad before him, after which he began his life-long career with the United States Postal Service where he worked for over twenty years.

While growing up in Greenwich, Oliver developed a love for sports and played basketba ll and footba ll. At Central Junior High, Oliver a nd h is te a m were Dou ble C h a mp i o n s , w i n n i n g b o t h Town and Southern Fairfield League titles in 1976 (Greenwich T i m e s) . D u r i n g h i s t i m e at Gr e enw ich H ig h, Ol iver excel le d at ba sket ba l l a nd played an integral part in the 1978 Cardinals being the first Greenwich basketball team to

make it to the FCIAC (Fairfield County Interscholastic Conference) playoffs! As his f r iend Jef f W i l s on put s it , “Ollie was unstoppable on the basketball court.”

O l l ie , a s he ’s k now n to friends, loved football equally, if not more than basketball!

Having grown into a six footer by high school, Ollie was a force to be reckoned w ith.

According to his life-long friend Sam McNeil, “Oliver led the Greenwich touch football league in sacks on the quarterback for a few years.” Anyone who k n e w O l i v e r, u n d e r s t o o d that he was a dyed-in-thewool Dallas Cowboys fan! It didn’t matter if the Cowboys had a good or bad year, Oliver cheered his team on no matter where they stood in the league.

In fact, while playing football at Central Junior High, Oliver chose Jersey 88 to ref lect his admiration for Dallas Cowboy’s star wide receiver and Super Bowl champion, Drew Pearson.

Ollie and his friends watched all 5 Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl wins together! Oh, the jubilation and celebration of those joyful times!

Oliver enjoyed being with h is f r iends a nd h is fa m ily.

I ndeed, he a nd h is f r iends b e c a me fa m i ly. F rom t hey met in second grade and all throughout their adult lives, their mutual love, respect and care for one another, formed a close-knit bond of inseparable f r iendsh ips. A ll of Oliver ’s family and friends can attest to his quiet, kind, compassionate a nd lov i ng nat u re . He had one child, his son Christopher and three grandsons, Chris Jr., Giovanni and Devin all of whom he loved and enjoyed immensely.

Oliver enjoyed being with h is f r iends a nd h is fa m ily.

I ndeed, he a nd h is f r iends b e c a me fa m i ly. F rom t hey met in second grade and all throughout their adult lives, their mutual love, respect and care for one another, formed a close-knit bond of inseparable f r iendsh ips. A ll of Oliver ’s family and friends can attest to his quiet, kind, compassionate a nd lov i ng nat u re . He had one child, his son Christopher and three grandsons, Chris Jr., Giovanni and Devin all of whom he loved and enjoyed immensely.

The Funeral Service was held on Monday, Dec. 20 at Baker-Isaac Funeral Services, Bridgeport.

Julia Rocco Julia G. Rocco peacefully passed away on Dec. 1 2 i n Te q ue st a, F L . Ju l ia ( Judy) Bartholomew was born on Dec. 11, 1926 in Quincy, MA. She grew up in Buffalo, NY, where she was also a g raduate of D'Youville College.

I n 1 9 4 9, J u d y m a r r i e d A nthony C. Rocco. They raised their four children in Greenwich,Ct. where Judy was a dedicated volunteer in the community.

As an accomplished pianist, she became the original organist and choir director at St. Agnes RC Church for over 30 years.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Tony of 67 years, and her daughter Regina Sudell. She is survived b y h e r t wo s o n s , T h o m a s (Donna) Rocco, Daniel (Cindy) Rocco, daughter Mary (Tad) Waldbauer, 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.

Through the generosity of the Greenwich Senitnel Foundation, this newspaper does NOT charge for obituaries.

We believe families who are grieving should not be burdened with this additional worry.

Please send obituaries and service information to Caroll@ GreenwichSentinel.com

Page 11 | Greenwich Sentinel

GLT's New Board of Directors Members

For the second year in a row, GLT hosted a virtual Annual Meeting. Board President, Camille Broderick began the program by welcoming all in attendance online and recognizing retiring members of the Board of Directors - Glenn Shaw, Caralyn Stevens, and Tara Vittone.

Sue Lord-Peters received the Volunteer Award for her time and effort dedicated to volunteering and her commitment to GLT's vegetable garden and grounds. The Youth Conservation Scholarship awards went to

outstanding 2021 Youth Corps participants, Ana Gonzalez and Matthew Fuentes.

Following the awards, speaker Spencer R. Meyer, the Senior Conservationist at the Highstead Foundation, presented on how local land conservation and reforestation efforts can fit into broader regional conservation goals of safeguarding ecosystems and the services they provide our communities.

During GLT's virtual 2021 Annual Meeting, four new members were elected to the Board of Directors. GLT is excited to welcome Molly

Schiff, Vicky Waters, Chris Scarlata, and Leslie Petrick.

Each brings unique and valuable experience to the Board. Camille Broderick, Board President said she "looks forward to collaborating with Molly, Vicky, Chris, Leslie, and the entire GLT Board in 2022. As a team, the Board and staff will continue to uphold GLT's mission and further the organization’s successes."

Witherell Earns Two Top Rankings From U.S. News & World Report Carolyn Mandelker writes from The Nathaniel Witherell about some very good news.

The Nathaniel Witherell has earned two top rankings from U.S. News & World Report: Witherell Named Best Nursing Home for Long-Term and Care and ShortTerm Rehabilitation.

The Witherell is ranked among the top 8 percent of U.S. skilled nursing home facilities

by U.S. News & World Report as a Best Nursing Home for 20212022. The Witherell earned the highest possible ranking for both its Short-term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services and facilities. Of the 13,175 nursing homes and 13, 500 short-term

rehabilitation centers evaluated across the nation, just 1,063 and 1,651 respectively, were designated as ‘High Performing.’

“We are honored to again be ranked among the top n u r s i n g h o m e s a n d s h o r tter m reha bi l it at ion faci l it ies i n t h e c o u n t r y,” s a i d J o h n Mastronardi, Executive Director o f T h e Nat h a n i e l W it h e r e l l .

“This recognition ref lects the extraordinary dedication, consistent high quality of care and compassion and kindness that our team gives to our short-term patients and long-term residents.”

Mr. Mastronardi points to two innovative programs that were implemented over the last few

years that have been instrumental in receiving the Witherell’s high m a rk s . T h e Fa l l s R e duc t i on Program spearheaded by Edward Omondi, RN, BSN, MBA, Director of Nursing, which pinpoints times during the day when falls are most likely to happen – due to fatigue or confusion – and provides engaging activities tailored specifically to residents that provide the extra supp or t t hey ne e d. A nd, t he Respiratory Education Program, w h i c h s i g n i f i c a nt l y r e duc e s admissions to the hospital by helping residents with issues like COPD, asthma, or pneumonia by p r ov i d i n g t h e m w it h t h e knowledge they need about caring for their respiratory issues.

For more information behind both U.S. News ratings please refer to the FAQ. To learn more about The Nathaniel Witherell, please contact us at (203) 6184323 or visit us online at www. nathanielwitherell.org.

The Nathaniel Witherell, a not-for-profit 202-bed healthcare fac i l it y lo c ate d on 2 0 scen ic acres in Greenwich, delivering skilled nursing care, short-term rehabilitation and sub-acute post hospitalization care. The Nathaniel Witherell is owned and operated by the Town of Greenwich and has been serving the community for over 116 years.

Garden Catering Donates Holiday Meals for 33 Families Families participating in the Greenwich United Way’s Early Ch i ld ho o d Ach ievement G ap Solutions (ECAGS) program will receive holiday meals generously provided by Garden Catering this year.

“A t G a r d e n C a t e r i n g w e have always given back to the community, but in March 2020 my brother and I decided we needed to do more and since then we have donated over 110,000 meals,” said Tina Carpenteri, who co-owns and manages Garden Catering with her father and brother. “We have partnered with organizations like the Greenwich United Way and various food pantries to efficiently help those who need it most. It feels so good to give and especially so during the holiday season.

We are proud to support ECAGS families and help make their holidays a little brighter.”

“It is the business owners

i n tow n l i ke t he Ca r p enter is who make our community the wonderful place it is to live, work and raise a family. We are grateful to Garden Catering for stepping in to make the holidays more celebratory for the families in our ECAGS program, who are working incredibly hard to provide their children with the best education possible,” said David Rabin, CEO of Greenwich United Way. “Garden Catering is beloved in this town for many reasons, but none more so than their com mitment to supporting their neighbors.”

Garden Catering has been a Greenwich institution since the ‘70s when the original owners, Lou Iandoli and his business partner, opened Garden Poultry on Greenwich Avenue. In 1978, the company opened what is now its flagship location on Sound Beach Avenue under the name of Garden Catering. After Iandoli’s passing,

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the Carpenteri Family purchased the business and its secret recipes, reopening in 1991. The family now runs eight Garden Catering locations throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties.

The Early Childhood A c h i e ve m e n t G a p S o l u t i o n s ( E C AG S ) p r o g r a m wo r k s t o narrow the achievement gap in town. With 40 families currently participating, the two-pronged, research-based approach implements both home visitation a nd pre-school i nst r uc tiona l coaching to support students and their families prior to the start of kindergarten in the Greenwich Public School system. For more information or to support ECAGS, visit https://greenwichunitedway. org/drive-to-425/.

The Greenwich United Wa y (G U W ) s h a r e s a n a m e with approximately 1,200 other similar organizations across the

nation, although the Greenwich, Connecticut division is a privately incorporated, locally governed, nonprofit agency. As a volunteer-driven organization, the Greenwich United Way exists to help identify and address the hea lth, educationa l a nd selfsufficiency needs specific to its local community and to create and affect meaningful, lasting solutions. Through various fundraising efforts and on-going research, the organization is able to directly grant the funds necessar y to accomplish this goal. The Greenwich United Way a lso i nvests i n a nd conducts collaborative efforts to address broad-based community needs with partnering nonprof it agencies. For more information, visit https://greenwichunitedway. org, or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Always the Unexpected

Playful Holiday Giving

Bruce Museum Store Open Tuesday–Sunday 10 am–4:30 pm

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203.869.0376 ext.314 | brucemuseum.org

Page 12 | Greenwich Sentinel

REAL ESTATE DASHBOARD REAL ESTATE DASHBOARD EDITOR Mark Pruner | Mark@GreenwichStreets.com

REAL ESTATE DASHBOARD CONTRIBUTORS Robert Pulitano | RobertPulitano@bhhsne.com Cesar Rabellino | CesarRabellino@bhhsne.com Pam Toner | PamToner@bhhsne.com Carline Martin | CarlineMartin@bhhsne.com

NEW LISTINGS

Data Compiled by Cesar Rabellino (203) 249-9866

Address

List Price

5 Putnam Hill Road 3D 12 Glenville Street 305 11 Lafayette Court 1C 62 Northridge Road 10 Edgewood Drive 3A 11 Mohawk Lane 41 Will Merry Lane

$489,000 $699,000 $925,000 $1,150,000 $2,395,000 $2,550,000 $2,995,000

Price/ SqFt

$466 $324 $564 $725 $549 $428 $732

SqFt

AC BR FB

Area

1,050 2,160 1,640 1,586 4,365 5,953 4,090

0 0 0.31 0 4.5 2.04

2 2 2 4 3 5 5

South of Post Road Glenville South Parkway North Mianus South Parkway North Parkway North Parkway

1 3 2 2 4 4 4

NEW SALES

Data Compiled by Cesar Rabellino (203) 249-9866 Address

Original List

List Price

Sold Price DOM BR FB Acres SqFt

1465 Putnam Avenue 302 7 River Road 303 15 Lafayette Court 1C 444 Taconic Road 35 Strickland Road 29 Angelus Drive 5 Georgetowne 5 48 Spring Street 10 36 Griffith Road 951 Lake Avenue 18 Glen Road 5 Manor Road 33 Midbrook Lane 22 Woodside Drive 46 Sawmill Lane 45 Shore Road 6 Meadow Drive 41 Terrace Avenue 1 Pleasant View Place 15 Shady Brook Lane 51 Richmond Hill Road 12 Eggleston Lane 680 Steamboat Road 8 123 Dingletown Road 54 Pecksland Road 307 Shore Road 25 Edgewood Drive

$380,000 $648,000 $825,000 $995,000 $1,199,000 $945,600 $1,299,000 $1,099,000 $1,295,000 $1,350,000 $1,395,000 $1,795,000 $1,750,000 $2,600,000 $1,795,000 $2,050,000 $2,200,000 $2,350,000 $2,350,000 $2,595,000 $3,950,000 $3,550,000 $5,300,000 $5,000,000 $6,395,000 $8,400,000 $12,950,000

$380,000 $648,000 $799,000 $895,000 $999,000 $945,600 $1,199,000 $1,099,000 $1,225,000 $1,350,000 $1,395,000 $1,795,000 $1,750,000 $2,150,000 $1,795,000 $2,050,000 $2,200,000 $2,350,000 $2,350,000 $2,595,000 $3,499,000 $3,550,000 $4,995,000 $4,800,000 $6,395,000 $8,400,000 $12,950,000

$370,000 $630,000 $799,000 $865,000 $900,000 $945,600 $1,000,000 $1,075,000 $1,200,000 $1,300,000 $1,335,000 $1,777,500 $1,930,000 $2,025,000 $2,050,000 $2,050,000 $2,250,000 $2,275,000 $2,400,000 $2,550,000 $3,400,000 $3,638,000 $4,425,000 $4,600,000 $6,440,000 $8,400,000 $12,250,000

53 235 44 71 63 18 216 44 70 117 32 17 7 162 12 0 87 69 58 138 232 19 157 337 17 5 306

1 2 2 4 3 3 3 3 4 3 4 5 4 4 3 4 4 5 5 5 6 5 4 4 6 6 11

1 2 2 3 2 2 1 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 3 4 3 6 5 5 4 3 4 6 6 13

0 0 0 2.63 0.49 0.23 0 0 0.3 4.25 0.19 0.22 0.32 0.83 1.46 0.29 1.9 0.19 0.33 0.34 4.01 0.26 4.73 3.17 0.47 3.7

896 930 1,180 2,796 1,268 1,636 3,072 1,987 2,309 2,879 2,253 2,527 2,452 3,218 3,068 2,295 4,397 2,592 5,437 4,003 7,304 3,612 3,000 7,657 6,950 8,882 15,150

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The Real Scoop from Carline Martin

By Carline Martin A: This is a great question and a perplexing one for many f irst-time home buyers. You are wise to be thinking about financing sooner, rather than l a t e r. B e f o r e m o v i n g a n y further, you should check your credit. Make sure that there are no erroneous items that may be impacting your score.

The higher your credit score, the better positioned you are to not only be approved for a mortgage, but to obtain the best rate.

Cheryl Maccluskey, Senior Mor t g age Con su lt a nt w it h Prosperity Home Mortgage, says that credit requirements vary for each type of mortgage.

For example, Cheryl says that while you can usually get an FHA Credit Advantage loan with a score of 580 or better, you will need a minimum score of 620 for a Conventional loan.

Once you have determined that you have the minimum credit score required, the next step should be reaching out to a bank or mortgage broker for pre-qualif ication. My recommendation would be to work with a mortgage broker, as they will have access to a variety of options, whereas a ban k w ill be focusing on their particular product, only.

Wo r k i n g w i t h a m o r t g a g e broker will save you a great deal of leg work as they will shop around for the best rates

on your behalf. They will be able to pair you with the lender and loan that best meets your needs. Furthermore, a mortgage broker will guide you through the steps you should take to put you in the best position to move forward or to prepare for a future purchase.

Don McCormack, Vice President at Strategy Mortgage Corp., points out that there are 4 components that the mortgage professional will focus on to determine the buyer’s ability to be approved. They are: 1. Income – The borrower must provide proof that they have adequate income to repay the loan 2. Assets for the source of the down payment 3. Loan to value ratio; The value of the property and loan amount requested 4. Credit scores Don points out that as an experienced mortgage broker, he can determine the buyer’s a bi lit y to be approved a nd which loan is best for each borrower’s specific needs at the most competitive rate.

We a re c u r rent ly experiencing a very competitive buyer’s market. It has become somewhat common place for well-maintained, well-priced home s to r e c eive mu lt iple offers within days of hitting the market. If you are serious about a home purchase and would like to avoid the disappointment of losing out on a home you love to a more qualified buyer, it is important to get your ducks in a row. The further you are in your mortgage process, the easier time you will have. Don recommends that if a buyer is motivated that they provide the required documents to

Q: I have been renting in Greenwich for 2 years. I feel that 2022 will be the year that I would like to make my first home purchase. I’ve been exploring the process and feel a bit intimidated about financing. I’m not really sure where to start. As a first-time home buyer, what information/ advice can you offer me pertaining to getting a mortgage? be submitted to underwriting for approval. The buyer will then be in a strong position to make an offer when they on ly need a f u l ly executed purchase contract and appraisal repor t. The documentation that you will need to provide for approval are Federal tax returns and W-2’s for the past 2 years, bank statements for the past 2 months, pay stubs covering the most recent onemonth period and credit report.

Cheryl Maccluskey notes that, in this market, the process should take 30-45 days once all documentation has been submitted.

T he Buye r ’s Adv a nt a ge Program, offered by Prosperity Home Mortgage, is “a program that is great for buyers just starting to look for a home purchase.” According to Cheryl Maccluskey, buyers “can get a full commitment except for an Appraisal Contingency. Once they are fully approved, they can go in as a cash deal, which is great in this competitive market. It is one step down from a cash offer. If we cannot close on the date that is required and we are responsible for not closing, we will award the sellers with $5,000 and buyers

$5,000. This is par t of the Buyers Advantage program so the two go hand in hand.”

This is a fantastic program and, seemingly, the only one of its kind. Cheryl is available to discuss further details.

Now that you understand the process, let’s talk about what some of your mortgage options may be and which may be right for you.

A conventional mortgage is the most common type of mortgage. It is a private-sector loan that is. Not backed by the federa l gover n ment. There a r e 2 t y p e s o f c o nve nt i o n loans, conforming and nonconforming. A conforming loan falls within the limit set by the Federal Housing Financing Agency. A non-conforming loan, also known as a jumbo loan, is a loan that exceeds Federal loan limits.

A lthoug h G overnment backed loans are available to first-time and repeat buyers, they are often popular with first-time home buyers for a few reasons. These loans can help you f inance when you don’t qualify for a conventional loan as down payment and credit requirements are less stringent.

L o a n s t hat fa l l u nder t h i s

category are FHA, USDA and VA loans.

F H A lo a n s w i l l a l low a borrower with a credit score as low as 580 and 3.5% down to qualify for a loan.

USDA loans are specific to rural areas and are designed to help moderate to low-income borrowers. The home must be located in an eligible USDA area to be eligible for this type of loan.

VA loans are loans designed specifically for active duty and veterans of the U.S. military.

They are flexible, low-interest mortgages that contain a funding fee that may be rolled into the mortgage.

Two of the most common terms you may be familiar with when d iscussi ng mor tgage opt ion s a re f i xe d-rate a nd adjusta ble-rate mor tgages.

These terms are pretty selfe x p l a n a t o r y. A f i x e d r a t e mortgage will retain the same interest rate over the life of the loan. This means that if you have a 30 year mortgage at 2.75%, you will be paying this amount for 30 years. An adjustable rate mortgage will be subject to the f luctuation in interest rates. While these ty pes of loans may seem

attractive when interest rates are low, it is important to bear in mind that at some point, the monthly payment may become unaffordable.

A s prev iously st ate d, it is impor tant to speak w ith a mortgage professional to deter m i ne what t y p e of mor t gage is b e st su ite d to you and your circumstances.

Cheryl Maccluskey and Don McCor mack a re bot h wel lqualified, seasoned mortgage professionals who are highly regarded in our community.

Please contact me to be put in touch with Don or Cheryl. and to begin the process of searching for your new home.

It will be my sincere please to work with you.

If you have a real estate or home related question for which you would like a professional opinion, please email me at carlinemartin@bhhsne.com with “Sentinel” in the subject line. Each month, I will provide answers to one or two selected questions. Email me your Real questions. I look forward to hearing from you!

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON WE ARE FILLED WITH Gratitude FOR OUR WONDERFUL CLIENTS, FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WE WISH YOU A Joyous HOLIDAY SEASON AND LOOK FORWARD TO HELPING YOU ACHIEVE YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS IN 2022.

106 Lockwood Rd, Riverside

2 Halsey Dr, Old Greenwich

14 Coventry Ln, Riverside

46 Mianus View Terr, Cos Cob

65 Summit Rd, Riverside

32 Coachlamp Ln, Greenwich

26 Laddins Rock Ln, Old Greenwich

6 Palmer Terr, Riverside

6 Sunshine Ave, Riverside

552 River Rd, Cos Cob

10 Sweet Briar Ln, Cos Cob

123 Lockwood Rd, Riverside

39 Riverside Ave, Riverside

27 Evergreen Rd, Greenwich

241 Lake Ave, Greenwich

101 West Lyon Farm Dr, Greenwich

36 Evergreen Rd, Greenwich

550 River Road, Cos Cob

554 River Road, Cos Cob

20 Church Street B51, Greenwich

A New Level of Commitment and Honesty in Real Estate.

GLORIA FALCON | 203.559.1604 CESAR RABELLINO | 203.249.9866

136 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT 06830 | 203.869.0500 | www.bhhsNEproperties.com © 2021 An independently operated member of BHHS Affiliates. Equal Housing Opportunity.

1

# Brokerage in Greenwich

Happy Holidays!

CELEBRATING WITH YOU. Wishing you warmth and joy this holiday season, and a New Year filled with peace and happiness.

From our Greenwich and Old Greenwich offices.

bhhsNEproperties.com Greenwich | 136 East Putnam Avenue | 203.869.0500

Old Greenwich | 200 Sound Beach Avenue | 203.637.1713

©2021 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. Equal Housing Opportunity.

To make shopping for the Holidays that little bit easier, join us in-store as we carefully curate an array of our go-to giis for him & her. From our new woven mini totes and tineless classics for her, to grosgrain belts & rakish styles for him, our showroom associates are on hand to help nd exactly what your loved ones will want to nd under the tree this year!

COLUMN

By Icy Frantz The other night, I was talking with a friend about 9/11 and his miraculous near miss. The company where he worked at the time was located in one of the Twin Towers, but on the morning of 9/11, he stayed home to take an early call.

Most of his colleagues died that day.

“And as devastating and awful as the attacks were,” he said, “during the months that followed, I saw the hand of God everywhere.”

I was struck by those words the hand of God – how beautiful and timely- I knew immediately that they were applicable to the story I want to tell in my column today.

In my first draft (which ended up in the trash), I was using the story to defend the generosity of our town.

(Why do I always feel Greenwich needs defending?) I wanted you, the reader, to understand what a unique and wonderful place Greenwich is and it is - but the more I thought about it, the more I realized that the hand of God is all over this one.

So, here goes.

B ack i n e a rly Nove m b e r, t he following caught my eye: Hello all, I am a professional chef but currently a stay-at-home Dad/personal chef to an almost 2-year-old in Riverside.

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, I’m looking to cook as many traditional thanksgiving meals as I possibly can to distribute to the homeless / anyone who might not be as lucky as we are during the holidays… anyone in town that has

The Hand of God And the more I learned, the more I was amazed at how everything just seemed to line up and fall into place, perfectly. the time to participate and help out would be amazing. -Juan It was a post in an email from an online site that connects neighbors virtually, and although I had never responded before, I found myself compelled to reply.

The Frantz family would love to help.

As Thank sg iv ing approached, there was an occasional update on the site, and details about how to donate money, food and time. My daughter and I signed on for a case of stuffing and cranberry sauce, as well as a twohour shift of food prep scheduled for the Monday before the holiday.

I had very few details. We were meeting a man I met online in the basement of a chu rch – oh, a nd we were to bring k nives. Clearly, parenting skills at their finest.

I told a close friend, “If you don’t hear from me, send a search party…”

We arrived for our shift carrying the food we had promised and stepped into the basement, a space that was a little dark and cold but buzzing with activity. There were tables set up, people chopping, a big white board with a list of jobs written in blue ink, and piles of dried goods stacked in the corner. We introduced ourselves, and Juan, the online man, put us right to work.

We spent t he nex t t wo hou rs chopping sweet potatoes and bread side by side with the other volunteers who were knee deep in celery and on ions. A nd wh i le we worked, I learned more about the effort.

Juan received many responses to his post and like ours they were from Greenwich neighbors who wanted to help.

One of the first came from Tony and his wife, Alston, who said they would fundraise and enlist a small army to carry out the prep work.

They came through on both fronts, and prett y quick ly Tony became Juan’s wingman. They also organized a walk at Tod’s Point for donors and volunteers to promote community.

It did.

Another response, from Jenny, put Juan in touch w ith two local organizations, Community Centers Inc. (CCI) and Kids in Crisis. They were in need of Thanksgiving dinners.

Gabby, the Executive Director at CCI, offered up a professional kitchen.

Jua n’s r e a ltor f rom Hou l i ha n Lawrence put together a food drive.

Juan’s neighbor took three days off from work so that he could help in any way needed.

Leading from the front was Juan himself. Professionally, he had worked

i n French restau ra nts a nd la rge catering companies in NYC before moving to Greenwich, so he knew how to manage a team, how much food to order, and how to cook it.

And the more I learned, the more I was amazed at how ever y thing just seemed to line up and fall into place, perfectly. The right people at the right time appeared and helped and supported and donated and even chopped, and Thanksgiving dinners were given to those (as Juan put it in his original post) “not as lucky as we are in the holidays.”

Fifty families received the makings for complete Thanksgiving meals, and 90 beautifully prepared and plated dinners were delivered to the elderly and homebound, as well as to the residents at Kids in Crisis. It was an amazing accomplishment, wonderfully orchestrated.

My first draft (the one in the trash) read something like this: Residents in our town step up.

They come together to collect toys and coats and meals. They sit on the boards of not-for-profits and on town commissions and town government, offering their expertise, their help, and their spirit. They fill the gaps.

And we see this during the holidays in particular.

And that’s all true; Juan’s story certainly highlights that spirit. Maybe that is simply what this story is about - a fine young man with a wonderful idea to make the holidays a little brighter.

But for me, it is hard to ignore the loving hand of God that must have intervened to bring this group of strangers together to assure that every job on that white board would be completed just so and to guarantee that those without would receive.

Du r i ng d i f f icu lt ti mes, t rag ic times, we look for the hand of God. We desperately need the reassurance; we need to be held and comforted

with hope. Occasionally, we don’t understand the hand of God until the time has passed and we are able to see more clearly. And sometimes, when life is good, our searching is less intentional, and we look right past the hand of God. But I wou ld cha l lenge you to consider, this holiday season, the beauty that is our town, its parks and people, or the chance meeting with an acquaintance who says just the right thing at the right moment, or the discovery of a coveted parking space on lower Greenwich Avenue at lunch time days before Christmas (Hallelujah!) Or a post or a call to action found online that pulls on your heart to respond, engage, and participate.

And ask yourself the question, where does that come from?

When I met Juan for a cup coffee a few weeks after Thanksgiving to suggest writing a piece on his efforts, he said he didn’t want the attention, and I get that. But Tony and Juan wanted the awareness, and I wanted people to know that there are many ways to get involved; it’s something about which I am often asked.

S o, b e o n t h e l o o kout - n e x t Thank sg iv ing, the newly formed nonprofit, Food for Fairfield, will be back with bigger goals, more people to feed, more love to share, and more opportunities to participate and come together (don't forget your knives). And with Juan and Tony at the helm, and the generosity that defines our town in force, and the hand of God, I have no doubt that all will be accomplished, and then some.

If you want to be a part of it, please email foodforfairf ield@ gmail.com Icy Frantz, Author of the Icing on the Cake at Icyfrantz.net

Garden Club of Old Greenwich Makes Merry

In keeping with its mission of promoting community spirit and civic beauty, Garden Club of Old Greenwich members gathered to decorate the village of Old Greenwich for the holidays. After weeks of preparation, gathering and cutting greens, making ornaments and tying bows, the enthusiastic group spent a bright and brisk morning adorning the planters and window boxes in the village of Old Greenwich with holiday decorations. From the train station all the way to the traffic circle and on both sides of the street, the group spread their holiday cheer, just in time for the return of the First Light Celebration in the village. Thank you to the garden club members and Merry Christmas!

Page B2 | Greenwich Sentinel

Please see the complete worship schedule on page B6.

All are welcome

Christmas Eve Sunday, Dec. 24

Celebrate the Season with Us! CHRISTMAS EVE, DEC. 2 4

12:00 pm Children & Family Holy Eucharist (This service will be in-person only, outdoors near the Christmas tree)

The following services are in-person, masks mandatory, or livestream: 3:00 pm

Children & Family Holy Eucharist II (St. Cecilia Choir of Girls, St. Nicholas Choir, & the Bell Choir)

5:00 pm

Holy Eucharist II (Choir of Men & Boys)

8:00 pm

Holy Eucharist II (Christ Church Singers)

11:00 pm

Holy Eucharist I (Alumni Choir)

2 : 0 0 p m Fa m i l y S e r v i c e w i t h P a g e a n t 5:00pm Holy Eucharist with Special Music

C H R I S T M A S D AY, D E C . 2 5

10:15am Holy Eucharist with Special Music

S U N D AY, J A N. 2

10:15am Lessons and Carols masks required

In-person or livestream

christchurchgreenwich.org 254 East Putnam Ave., Greenwich, CT Visit our website 203.869.6600

S T. PA U L’ S E P I S C O PA L C H U R C H 2 0 0 R I V E R S I D E AV E . R I V E R S I D E , C T 0 6 8 7 8 TEL: 203.637.2447 WW W .us S T as PA U L Scelebrate R I V E R S I Dthe E . O Season.

RG Please join we ..

Advent

Advent Mass and Speaker Presentation hosted by Walking with Purpose (open to All) Tuesday, December 7 — 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Mass & Guest Speaker — St. Catherine’s Church & Hall Festival of Lessons and Carols Sunday, December 12 — 2:00 p.m., St. Catherine’s Church Please Choir join us we celebrate the Season. ..

Festival andas Parish Camerata; Admission is Free

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A M.asTsheanFdam Spile tiohnristmas with Pageant 4:d0v0en pt.m yaVkiegril PMre asse snotfaC hosted by Walking withChurch Purpose (open to All) St. Agnes 7 i— 5:T0u0eps.dma.y,TD he ecFeammbielyr V gil9:00 Masa.m. s of Ctohr12:00 istmasp.m.

Mass & Guest — St. Catherine’s Church & Hall St. Speaker Catherine’s Church 5e :0s0tivpa.m hsesV s aorfoClshristmas — Lucey Parish Hall F l o.f T Le oingsil aMnadsC 5:0S0unpd.m igbileM f Chrp.m., istmasSt. Catherine’s Church ay. , TDheeceVm ra 1s2s—o2:00 St. Catherine’s Chapel Festival Choir and Parish Camerata; Admission is Free 7:00 p.m. The Candlelight Vigil Mass of Christmas St. Catherine’s Church 10:00 p.m. The Solemn Mass during the Night 4:00 p.m. The Family Vigil Mass of Christmas with Pageant St. Catherine’s Church St. Agnes Church 5:00 p.m. The Family Vigil Mass of Christmas St. Catherine’s Church 7 : 3 0 a . m .

T h tmaasss M sshraist tD 5:00 p.m. The eC VihgriilsM ofaC maaw s n— Lucey Parish Hall 5:00 p.m. ThSt. e VCatherine’s igil Mass ofChurch Christmas 8:30 a.m. ThSt. e CCatherine’s hristmas MoChapel rning Mass — St. Agnes Church 7:00 a p.m. The Ch arnisdtlm eliagshtMVoirgnilinMgaM ssasosf Christmas 9 St. Catherine’s Church St. Catherine’s Church 1 arsisstdmuarsinD g athye—NSt. ighAgnes t 10 0::0 00 0p a..m m.. T Th he eS Moalsesmonf M Ch Church St. Catherine’s Church 10:30 a.m. The Mass of Christmas Day St. Catherine’s Church

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Christmas Day

7:3Masses 0 a.m. TatheSt. Ch ristmas MaChurch ss at Daare wn also Livestreamed.

All Catherine’s St.and Catherine’s Church Masks advised requested.

Details at www.stc-sta.org.

8:3St. 0 aCatherine .m. The Cof hriSiena stmas•M4oRiverside rning MasAve. s — St. Agnes Church • Riverside, CT 9:00 a.m . T he Ch•ri247 stmaStanwich s MorningRd. Ma•sGreenwich, s St. Agnes CT St. Catherine’s Church

10:00 a.m. The Mass of Christmas Day — St. Agnes Church 10:30 a.m. The Mass of Christmas Day

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in faith so that you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."

Romans 15:1

In-person and Virtual Service

TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVE DECEMBER 24 4PM, 6PM & 8PM 202 TACONIC ROAD GREENWICH NURSERY CARE AT 4PM & 6PM FOR 4 YRS AND YOUNGER

108 Sound Beach Avenue | Old Greenwich, CT

Christmas Eve Services Friday, December 24, 2021

9am - 5pm Outdoor Nativity Walk 10am

Children’s Service (For children and their families) Live Nativity Music by The Cherub Choir

3pm

Family Service with “Once in Royal David’s City” pageant Music by The Children’s Choir Helena Brown, soprano

5pm

Caroling on the church’s front lawn

6pm

Festival Service of Carols Music by the Chancel Choir, organ and brass ensemble

9pm

Candlelight Carol Service & Communion Music by The Youth/Alumni Choir

11pm

Contemplative Candlelight Service

STANWICHCHURCH.ORG 203.637.1791 | www.fccog.org

203-661-4420

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Joyfully celebrates

T H I S

CHRISTMAS EVE FRIDAY ~ DECEMBER 24, 2021 3:00 PM ~ FAMILY A Christmas Eve service designed with our littlest angels in mind. This time of worship includes a children's message and plenty of joyful music to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

6:00 PM ~ FESTIVE With fanfare and joy, we hear the Christmas story accompanied by a strings and brass ensemble.

10:00 PM ~ REFLECTIVE Communion, meditative service by choir with string quartet, piano, and a sermon highlight the Christmas story with a candle-lit meditation closing our service and leading us towards Christmas Day.

LIMITED SEATING FACE MASKS REQUIRED

C H R I S T M A S

Celebrate the Miracle of New Beginnings W I T H

2 C C

Join us Christmas Eve 3:30 PM Family Service and Children's Concert in the Outdoor Tent 6:30 PM Festival Service in the Sanctuary with Traditional Brass Ensemble 11:15 PM Meditative Candlelight Service in the Darkened Sanctuary Masks required.

For information please visit www.fpcg.org

ONE WEST PUTNAM AVE GREENWICH, CT 06830 (203) 869-8686

Visit 2CC.org to link to livestream and for a full description of holiday services and events.

139 East Putnam Avenue (203) 869-9311

Page B4 | Greenwich Sentinel

GREENWICH LIBRARIES: greenwichlibrary.org Friday, Dec. 24 Libraries Closed Saturday, Dec. 25 Libraries Closed Monday, Dec. 27 9 a.m.

LifeSkills Learning. 203-6256560. csherman@greenwichlibrary.org

Complete Town Wide Calendar

3:30 p.m.

Make-it, Take-it, Bake-it (Grades K-2). Children’s Constellation Room. children@greenwichlibrary.org Tuesday, Dec. 28 10:30 a.m.

Spanish Storytime. Cos Cob Library. 203-622-6883.

1 p.m.

SCORE Webinar: Critical Ques-

HC BY FABRICARE WILL GET YOUR HOME HOLIDAY-READY.

UPHOLSTERY

LINEN & BEDDING

WINDOW TREATMENTS CARPETS

FLOORING &

PATIO CUSHIONS

203-957-3838 I HomeCarebyFabricare.net

Free Delivery 203-869-2299

tions & Information for Business Planning. Online. ywang@greenwichlibrary.org 1 p.m.

Sit n Stitch Knitting Group Cos Cob Library Cos Cob Community Room. 203-622-6883.

Wednesday, Dec. 29 No events Thursday, Dec. 30 11:30 a.m.

Qi Gong. Online. 203-531-0426.

Friday, Dec. 31 Libraries Closed Saturday, Jan. 1 Libraries Closed Monday, Jan. 3 9 a.m.

LifeSkills Learning. 203-6256560. csherman@greenwichlibrary.org 10 a.m.

Wee Ones Storytime for 1s and 2s. Marx Family Black Box Theater. 203-622-7940. children@ greenwichlibrary.org 11:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Screening.

Business Conference room.

First-come, first-served. 203625-6549. schan@greenwichlibrary.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 9:15 a.m.

Baby Lapsit Storytime. Children’s Constellation Room. children@greenwichlibrary.org 10:30 a.m.

Spanish Storytime at Cos Cob Library. 203-622-6883.

1 p.m.

Sit n Stitch Knitting Group Cos Cob Library Cos Cob Community Room. 203-622-6883.

4 p.m.

Chair Yoga with Kristin. Online.

203-531-0426.

GREENWICH HOSPITAL: greenwichhospital.org/events 888-305-9253 Tuesday, Dec. 27 12:30 p.m.

Webinar: Knee Replacement Education.

NEIGHBOR-TO-NEIGHBOR: ntngreenwich.org Everyday, all day 24/7 Food Drive Collection site at North Greenwich Congregational Church, 606 Riversville Road.

The weatherproof bin is located outside of the Parish Hall.

Tuesdays, 9 - 11 a.m.

Food Drive (drive-thru) at St. Catherine of Siena’s parking

area across the street from the rectory entrance, 4 Riverside Ave. (Non-perishable foods, personal care products, large sized diapers (5 & 6) and pull-ups, and knit hats (hand knit or store bought).

Thursdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Food Drive at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church parking lot, 200 Riverside Ave. FRIDAY, DEC. 24 9 a.m.

Bruce Museum: Make A Miniature Snowman Cupcake with Rachel Grobstein. On @ Brucemuseum Instagram Live.

Free. brucemuseum.org 3:30 p.m.

Family Service and Pageant featuring live sheep, a petting zoo, coffee & hot cocoa. Outside under the Second Congregational Church of Greenwich tent, 139 East Putnam Ave. All are welcome. Free. 203-869-9311. gloria@2cc.org. 2CC.org SUNDAY, DEC. 26 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Bruce Museum Family Gallery Tours. 1 Museum Dr. Best for ages 6-10. Free with admission.

No reservations required.

1 p.m.

Science Solvers: Exploring Snow.

Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Ages 4 & up. Free with admission. No reservations required. brucemuseum.org TUESDAY, DEC. 28 10 & 11 a.m.

Bruce Beginnings: Winter Weather. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Ages 2 1/2-5. Free with admission. No reservations required. brucemuseum.org 12 - 2 p.m.

Greenwich Roller Skating holiday session. Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd. $12 (includes skate rentals). 203-3224447. greenwichrollerskating@ gmail.com. greenwichrollerskating.webs.com WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29 12, 1:30 & 3 p.m.

Holiday Tours of the Bush-Holley House. Greenwich Historical Society, 47 Strickland Rd. Wednesdays-Sundays, through Jan. 9. hlodge@greenwichhistory.org. greenwichhistory.org 5 p.m.

Alliance Française of Greenwich: ‘Worldwide Wednesdays’ - join in for lively discussions on

French films. Open to all. Donation. Via Zoom. afgreenwich.org SATURDAY, JAN. 1 7 p.m.

Ballroom Magic Saturday Night Party. Round Hill Community House, 397 Round Hill Rd. RSVP. 203-831-9382. dance@ballroommagic.com. ballroommagic.com SUNDAY, JAN. 2 9 - 11:30 a.m.

First Sunday Bird Walks. Greenwich Point Park (Meet near the main concession stand at the south end of the beach). All ages.

(Bring binoculars). friendsofgreenwichpoint.org MONDAY, JAN. 3 9 a.m.

‘Pliking’ - jogging while picking up garbage. Meet at the bridge on Merribrooke Lane, Stamford.

(Bring gloves and a small trash bag). 203-918-2548. friendsofmianusriverpark.org THROUGH FRIDAY, DEC. 24 12 - 6 p.m.

13th Annual Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Workshop.

Sam Bridge Nursery & Greenhouses, 437 North St. A portion of all photos with Santa will be donated to Kids in Crisis. greenwichreindeerfestival.com THROUGH FRIDAY, DEC. 31 Greenwich High School Outreach Club Clothing & Textile Drive, benefiting GHS’s CODA (Co-occurring disorders) and Harris Project. Collection bins locations: GHS rear lot, Arch Street Teen Center and Nathaniel Witherell.

(Textiles only. Can be torn or stained but not moldy, soiled).

FAP-Friends of Autistic People: donate your old car - any vehicle: car, van, boat, tractor, motorbike.

Tax deductible. Free pick-up.

877-227-7487, ext. 1476. autisticadults.org THROUGH WED., JAN. 5 The Annual Rob Mathes Holiday Concert. On YouTube. Free. youtube.com/user/RobMathesMusic THROUGH THURSDAY, JAN. 6 The Greenwich Arts Council: The Center for Contemporary Printmaking’s 13th Biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition. Bendheim Gallery, 299 Greenwich Ave. 203-4220839. greenwichartscouncil.org THROUGH MONDAY, FEB. 28: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Greenwich Art Society: Julie Tehrani exhibition. Greenwich Hos-

HOLIDAY SHOP GIFTS, CHRISTMAS CARDS, WRAPPING PAPER, CRACKERS, NATIVITIES, CANDY, BOOKS

Warm Up This Winter Atko Bros Landscaping is now providing top quality Kiln Dried Firewood Delivered and Stacked for the best prices GUARANTEED.

TUES/WED 10-5 THURS 10-7:30 FRI 10-5 SAT 10-4 SUN 11-2

CHRIST CHURCH GREENWICH

$300 1 face cord 8x4x16” $350 $180 and 1/2 face cord 4x4x16” $200

254 EAST PUTNAM AVE GREENWICH

We also stock woodhaven Firewood racks with covers

203.869.9030

We deliver to Greenwich, Cos Cob, Old Greenwich, Riverside, Byram and surrounding areas in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester Country, NY.

DOGWOODBOOKSANDGIFTS.COM

Please contact us at (203) 253-1089 for delivery price and time estimate. www.atkobroslandscaping.com

pital Garden Café, 5 Perryridge Rd. greenwichartsociety.org TUESDAYS: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Beginner Bridge with The Perfectly Polite Bridge Group. YMCA members, $30; nonmembers, $35. New players welcome. (Register by Monday, 6pm). 203-5248032. greenwichymca.org WEDNESDAYS: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - & 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

Relaxed Bridge with The Perfectly Polite Bridge Group. Members, $10; nonmembers, $12. New players welcome. (Register by Tuesday, 6pm). 203-524-8032. greenwichymca.org 12 - 2 p.m.

Waste Free Greenwich’s Food Scrap Recycle Program: Drop off scraps at Living Hope Community Church, 38 West End Ave., Old Greenwich. wastefreegreenwich@gmail.com. wastefreegreenwich.org 12:15 p.m.

Greenwich Rotary Club Weekly Lunch Meeting. Greenwich Water Club, 49 River Rd. $68/ person. RSVP. sally.parris@ cbmoves.com. greenwichrotary. org 6:30 p.m.

NAMI-CAN (Child and Adolescent Network) Online Support Group - for parents and primary caregivers of children & adolescents, under age 21, with behavioral and emotional issues.

Free. namisouthwestct.org/ online-support THURSDAYS: 8 a.m. & 4 p.m.

Tai Chi Basic Moves. First Congregational Church of Greenwich, 108 Sound Beach Ave. Registration is required. Tuition is paid as a donation made directly by the participant to abilis, Neighbor to Neighbor, or the First Congregational Church. experiencetaichi.org 5 p.m.

Lighthouse, a Program of Kids In Crisis: LGBTQ Youth Group Meeting. Christ Church Greenwich. Free. No RSVP required.

Open to all LGBTQ Youth & allies. 203-661-1911. lighthouse@ kidsincrisis.org. kidsincrisis.org/ get-help/lighthouse EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Book Exchange – choose from a huge selection of books. Holly Hill Recycling Center. Free, or, donate books. (Open every Fri & Sat. books4everyone.org EVERY SUNDAY: 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Safe Roads (Traffic Restricted) Sundays at Tod’s Point, sponsored by Friends of Greenwich Point. Through April 11, 2022.

FriendsofGreenwichPoint.org RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE: RedCrossBlood.org Sunday, Dec. 26 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Rd. Monday, Dec. 27 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Rd. Tuesday, Dec. 28 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Rd. Friday, Dec. 31 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Rd. Sunday, Jan. 2 7 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Rd. Monday, Jan. 3 11 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Greenwich Blood Donation Center, 99 Indian Field Rd. TOWN MEETINGS: greenwichct.gov/calendar Monday, Dec. 27 6:30 p.m.

Board of Health Regular Meeting. Via Zoom.

Monday, Jan. 3 1 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Commission Briefing. Via Zoom.

Tuesday, Jan. 4 5 p.m.

Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting. Via Zoom.

7 p.m.

First Selectman’s Youth Commission Board Meeting. Town Hall - Meeting Room.

Our Neighboring Towns FRIDAY, DEC. 24 11 a.m.

Shark-Diving Santa. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. 203852-0700. maritimeaquarium. org SUNDAY, DEC. 26 11:30 a.m.

Seal Feeding Demonstration. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St, Norwalk. maritimeaquarium.org

BELONG TO SOMETHING GREAT

105 YEARS OF SERVING THE GREENWICH COMMUNITY

JOIN THE YMCA OF GREENWICH TODAY! WWW.GREENWICHYMCA.ORG/BELONG | 203.869.1630 50 E. PUTNAM AVE. GREENWICH, CT

Page B6 | Greenwich Sentinel

Worship Services Information

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Harvest Time Church 1338 King St., 203-531-7778 www.htchurch.com In-Person Worship Services: Sun, 8:30, 10 & 11:30am (meeting on a limited basis in accordance with CDC guidelines and Connecticut’s executive orders). All services are streamed on the church’s website and social media outlets. Bible Study: The Glory of Christ, Wed, 7pm. Read The Bible 2021: join here facebook. com/groups/bible2021.

Service.

Christmas Eve Service: Dec. 24, 4 & 5:30pm.

BAPTIST First Baptist Church 10 Northfield St.; 203-869-7988 www.firstbaptistgreenwich.com Sunday Servings: 11:30am, Facebook Live or for Devotion: 11-11:25am (Dial in 701- 802-5355, Access code 360922).

Greenwich Baptist Church 10 Indian Rock Ln; 203-869-2807 www.greenwichbaptist.org Worship: Sun, 11am (in person and online through Facebook & YouTube). Adult Bible Study: 9:30am.

Prayer Gathering: Fri, 6- 7pm, Chapel.

CATHOLIC Sacred Heart Church 95 Henry St.; 203-531-8730 www.sacredheartgreenwich.org Mass: Mon-Fri, 7am, in the Chapel.

Sat, 4pm. Sun: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30am.

Confessions: Sat, 3:20-3:50pm. Prayer Group: Wed, 5:15pm, in the Chapel, 38 Gold St, all are welcome. Christmas Eve Masses – Dec. 24: 4, 5:30pm & 12am. Christmas Day Masses – Dec. 25: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30am. New Year’s Eve Mass – Dec. 31: Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God (Not a Holy Day of obligation this year), 5:30pm. New Year’s Day Mass – Jan. 1: 9:30, 11:30am & 4pm.

St. Catherine of Siena & St. Agnes St. Agnes: 247 Stanwich Rd; St. Catherine: 4 Riverside Ave; 203-637-3661 www.stc-sta.org * All Masses at St. Catherine of Siena Church only are livestreamed.

Masses: Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri: 7am, St. Catherine’s Church (livestream); 5:15pm, St. Catherine’s Chapel. Wed: Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, 8:30am-4pm, St. Catherine’s Church. Sat (Specific dates confirmed in bulletin): Confessions, 3-4pm, St. Catherine’s Church; Vigil Mass, 5pm, St. Catherine’s Church (livestreamed). Sun: Mass, 7:30am, St. Catherine’s Church (livestream); Mass, 8:30am, St. Agne’s Church; Family Mass, 9am, St. Catherine’s Church, (livestreamed); Mass, 10am, St. Agne’s Church; Traditional Mass, 10:30am, St. Catherine’s Church, (livestreamed); Teen Mass, 5pm, St. Catherine’s Church, (livestreamed).

Language Masses: St. Catherine’s Chapel: Korean Mass (every Sun), 9am. French Mass (2nd Sun of the

month), Italian Mass (3rd Sun of the month), Spanish Mass (4th Sun of the month [not in September]), 11am.

Christmas Eve Masses – Dec. 24: The Family Vigil Mass of Christmas with Pageant, 4pm (St. Agnes); The Family Vigil Mass of Christmas, 5pm (St. Catherine’s Church); The Vigil Mass of Christmas, 5pm (Lucy Parish Hall); The Vigil Mass of Christmas, 5pm (St. Catherine’s Chapel); The Candlelight Vigil Mass of Christmas, 7 (St. Catherine’s Church); The Solemn Mass during the Night, 10pm (St. Catherine’s Church). Christmas Day Masses – Dec. 25: The Christmas Mass at Dawn, 7:30am (St. Catherine’s Church); The Christmas Morning Mass, 8:30 (St. Agnes); The Christmas Morning Mass, 9 (St. Catherine’s Church); The Mass of Christmas Day, 10 (St. Agnes); The Mass of Christmas Day, 10:30am (St. Catherine’s Church). All Masses at St. Catherine’s Church are also livestreamed. Solemnity of Mary: Jan. 1, 7am & 12:10pm, St. Catherine’s Church.

St. Mary Church 178 Greenwich Ave.; 203-869-9393 www.stmarygreenwich.org Public Mass: Sun: 9, 10:30am, 12:15 & 5:15pm. Sat Vigils: 4 & 7pm (Spanish).

Daily: Mon-Fri, 12:05pm (Church doors will open from 10am-3pm).

Confessions (English): Tue: 7-8pm; Sat: 3-3:45pm. Eucharistic Adoration: 1st Fri of the month: 12:30-5pm.

Christmas Eve Masses – Dec. 24: Upper Church, 4pm; Lower Chapel, 4pm; Upper Church, 5:30pm; Mass in Spanish, 7pm; Solemn Midnight Mass with Choir, 10pm. Christmas Day – Dec. 25: No Music, 9am; Solemn Mass with Choir, 10:30am; Organ & Cantor, 12:15pm. Solemnity of the Holy Family Masses: Dec. 26, 10:30am, 12:15 & 5:15pm. Solemnity of the Epiphany (Not a Holy Day of Obligation): Jan. 1, Vigil Mass, 4pm; Spanish Mass, 7pm.

St. Michael the Archangel 469 North St.; 203-869-5421 www.stmichaelgreenwich.com Mass: Mon-Fri: 7:30 & 9am. Sat: 9am & 5pm. Sun: 7:30, 8:30, 9:45am, 12 & 5pm. Confession: Sat: 4:15-4:45pm; Wed: 9:30-11am & 6:30-8pm. Eucharistic Adoration: Wed, 9:30am-8pm.

Christmas Eve – Dec. 24: outdoor Mass, 3:30pm, in the Parking Lot; Indoor Mass in the Church, 5:30, 11:30pm Carols & 12am. Christmas Day – Dec. 25: Indoor Mass in the Church, 7:30, 8:30 & 9:45am; Outdoor Mass in the Parking Lot: 12pm.

St. Timothy Chapel 1034 North St.; 203-869-5421 Mass: Sat: 4pm (Vigil Mass). Sun: 11am. Indoor Mass in the Chapel: 5pm. Christmas Day – Dec. 25: Indoor Mass in the Chapel, 9:30am.

St. Paul Church 84 Sherwood Ave.; 203-531-8741 www.stpaulgreenwich.org Mass: Mon-Thu: 9am; Sat: 4pm (Vigil); Sun: 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30am. Confession: Sat, 3-3:45pm. Mass on Holy

Days: Vigil: 5:30pm, 9am & 12:15pm.

Visit the website for information regarding the Bereavement Group (twice monthly) and weekly volunteer opportunities at the Don Bosco Kitchen and Food Pantry with the St. Paul Mercy Volunteers. All masses are available via livestream through the website. Christmas Eve Masses – Dec. 24: 4, 6 & 10pm. Nativity of Our Lord Masses – Dec. 25, 7:30, 9:30 & 11:30am.

St. Roch Church 10 St. Roch Ave; 203-869-4176 www.strochchurch.com Mass: (Reservations and/or for viewing via live streaming): Mon-Fri: 7:30pm; Sat: 5pm; Sun: 7:30am (Concelebrated for Previously Scheduled 9:30am Mass Intentions), 10:30am, 12pm (Spanish). Mass Intentions: consult the bulletin for time. Christmas Eve Masses – Dec. 24: 4pm & 12am. Christmas Day Masses – Dec. 25: 8am (Latin), 10:30am, 12pm (Spanish). The Holy Family Masses – Dec. 26: 7:30, 9, 10:30am, 12pm (Spanish).

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE First Church of Christ, Scientist 11 Park Pl; 203-869-1555 christiansciencect.org/greenwich/ Sundays: 10:30am. Sunday School for students up to 20yr, 10:30am. Wed, 7:30, testimonies of healing, call in for all services: 203-680-9095, code 520520*. Reading Room: 333 Greenwich Ave, Mon-Fri, 11-3; some Saturdays, 203-869-2503. Bibles and children’s books for sale. Dec 26: “Christian Science” - includes the Christmas Story.

COMMUNITY First Church of Round Hill 464 Round Hill Rd; 203-629-3876 www.firstchurchofroundhill.com No in-person service at this time. (If you need to reach Rev. Leo W. Curry, pastor, or any other personnel, call 203-629-3876 and leave a message or email fcroundhill@outlook.com).

Round Hill Community Church 395 Round Hill Rd; 203-869-1091 www.roundhillcommunitychurch.org Weekly Sunday Worship services in the Sanctuary at 10am or online at roundhillcommunitychurch.org anytime. Children’s Worship for grades K-5 is now available; nursery care is not yet being offered. Please call the church office or visit the website for the most up-to-date information, events, and schedules, which are subject to change based on current local health and safety protocols.

CONGREGATIONAL The First Congregational Church 108 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-1791 www.fccog.org Worship: In-Person & Virtual: Sundays, 10am. Live-streaming on YouTube and Facebook, and broadcast on WGCH (1490 AM). Connect during the week: Friday: Friday Email Blast (sign up by calling the church office); Church school before worship most Sundays, 9am for preschoolers through grade 6. Online programming available via Zoom. A joyful community diverse in spiritual backgrounds and beliefs. Christmas Eve Services – Dec. 24: 10am (Children & families), 3 (Family), 5 (Caroling on the front lawn), 6 (Festival Service of Carols), 9 (Candlelight Carol Service) & 11pm (Contemplative Candlelight Service).

North Greenwich Congregational 606 Riversville Rd; 203-869-7763 www.northgreenwichchurch.org Online Worship Service: Sun, 10:30am, via Zoom (email Rev. Halac at Pastor@northgreenwichchurch. org or call the church).

Second Congregational Church 139 E Putnam Ave; 203-869-9311 www.2cc.org Saturday: Contemporary Evensong Worship, 5pm. Traditional Sunday Service: 8:30 & 10:30am. Please email Pam@2cc.org & they will save you a seat. Livestream available.

Details at 2cc.org. Christmas Eve – Dec. 24: Family Service & Pageant, 3:30pm, outside under the 2CC tent.

EPISCOPAL

Christ Church Greenwich 254 E. Putnam Ave; 203-869-6600 www.christchurchgreenwich.org Worship: Sun: Eucharist, 8am (in-person); 10am (in-person & livestream/ondemand); Choral Evensong (in-person & livestream/on-demand), 5pm; Compline, 8pm (livestream/ on-demand). Mon-Fri: Morning Prayer, 8am (via Zoom). Tue: Eucharist, 10am (in-person). Thu: Choral Evensong, 6:30pm (in-person & livestream/on-demand). “Something Different” Summer Outdoor Worship: Sundays through August, behind the Tomes-Higgins House (rain location: Parish Hall), bring a chair or blanket. Christmas Eve – Dec. 24: Children & Family Holy Eucharist Service, 12pm (outdoors in the circular driveway); Holy Eucharist II for children, 3pm (Church); Holy Eucharist II, 5pm (Church); Holy Eucharist II, 8pm (Church); Holy Eucharist I, 11pm (Church). Christmas Day – Dec. 25: Holy Eucharist II, 11am (Church).

St. Barnabas Episcopal Church 954 Lake Ave.; 203-661-5526 www.stbarnabasgreenwich.org Sunday Worship: Spoken Eucharist, 8am, Church; Holy Eucharist with music, 10am, Church and Livestream; Family Eucharist, 10am, Parish Hall. (sign up for in-person service: signupgenius.com/go/4090e4aadac2ea3ff2 -sunday1). Coffee and Morning Prayers Podcast: Mon-Fri. Christmas Eve Services: Family Eucharist, 4pm; Choral Eucharist, 5pm.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 200 Riverside Ave.; 203-637-2447 www.stpaulsriverside.org Worship: Sundays: Rite 1, 8am (in-person in the sanctuary & streamed). 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month: 10:15am, in the Sanctuary.

2nd & 4th Sunday of every month: in the Meadow, 10:30am (weather permitting). Sunday School continues in Selleck Hall. Yoga on the Meadow: Fridays, 10am. Christmas Eve Services: Family Service with Pageant, 2pm; Candlelit Service with Choir and Orchestra (live streamed), 5pm.

Christmas Day Service: 10:15am (live streamed). Christmas Lessons and Carols Service: Dec. 26, live streamed from the Cathedral.

St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church 350 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-2262 www.saintsaviours.org In-person Outdoor Service: Sun, 11am. Online Worship Services available on Youtube. Christmas Eve Service: Holy Eucharist with Sermon & Carols featuring candle lit singing of Silent Night, 5pm. First Sunday of Christmas: Dec. 26 Holy Eucharist with Sermon & Carols, 10am.

JEWISH Chabad Lubavitch of Greenwich 75 Mason St.; 203-629-9059 www.chabadgreenwich.org Outdoor Services: Shabbat Services: Sat, 9-11:30am, (Children’s Services: 10:15am). Torah Study: Sun, 9:3011:30am, on Zoom. Weekly Torah Portion: Thu, 10-11am, In-person & on Zoom. Kabbalah Class: Fri, 10-11am, on Zoom. For class Zoom links and full class schedule, visit chabadgreenwich.org/torahclasses.

Congregation Shir Ami One W. Putnam Ave; 203-274-5376 www.congregationshirami.org All services, programs and celebrations are available online via Zoom.

Essential Jewish Conversation Class – Cremation: Dec. 20, 7:30pm, on Zoom.

Greenwich Reform Synagogue 92 Orchard St.; 203-629-0018 www.grs.org Join Rabbi Gerson and Cantor Rubin every Friday, 6pm for Shabbat Services, and once a month for Tot Shabbat, 5:30pm. All in person services are also live streamed on Zoom.

Temple Sholom 300 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-7191 www.templesholom.com Services - In-person and virtual Friday night Shabbat services, 6:30pm & Saturday morning Shabbat services, 10:30am.

LUTHERAN First Lutheran Church 38 Field Point Rd.; 203-869-0032 www.flcgreenwich.org

Anglican Church of the Advent 606 Riversville Rd; 203-861-2432 www.churchoftheadvent.org

Indoor Service: Sun, 10:30am. Bible Study: Sun, 11:45am.

Service: Sun, 9am, Holy Eucharist.

Sunday School during academic year.

St. Paul Lutheran Church 286 Delavan Ave.; 203-531-8466 Indoor Service: Sun, 9am. Bible Study: Sun, 10:15am. Wednesday After-School program: Snacks & Crafts,

3-4pm; Bible Stories & Catechesis, 4-5pm; Community Dinner, 5:30pm (all are welcome); Bible Study on Romans (adults), 6:30pm.

METHODIST Diamond Hill United Methodist 521 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-2395 www.diamondhillumc.com Sunday Worship Services: In-person or online, 10am, followed by a time of Fellowship. Wednesdays: Virtual Noonday Prayer & Evening Bible Study. (Details at diamondhill.com).

First United Methodist Church 59 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-629-9584 www.fumcgreenwich.com Virtual Sunday Worship, 9:30am, via Zoom (203 629 9584). Virtual Daily Gathering: Mon-Fri, 3pm, Zoom.

Talking with Your Hands: Mon, 3pm.

Reading this World as a Christian: Tue, 3pm. Back to Rock – music with Mr. Bruce: Tue, 3pm, via Zoom.

Reading the Shape of Scripture: Wed, 3pm, via Zoom. Spring Bible Study: Thu, 3pm, via Zoom. Tea & Talk: Fri 3pm, via Zoom.

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal 42 Lake Ave.; 203-661-3099 Worship via teleconference: Sun, 11am and until further notice (Dial-in number: 425-436-6380, Access code: 612220).

NONDENOMINATIONAL Revive Church 90 Harding Rd., Old Greenwich (Old Greenwich Civic Center) www.myrevive.org Worship Service: Sun, 10am, Holiday Inn 980 Hope St, Stamford. Online Sermons available on Facebook (facebook.com/myrevivechurchgreenwich) and on Youtube. All groups are online. Direct any prayer needs to the prayer chain at 203-5362686 or revivecfm@gmail.com.

Stanwich Church 202 Taconic Rd.; 203-661-4420 www.stanwichchurch.org Events marked with an ‘*’ require registration at stanwichchurch.org/ events Worship Services: Sundays, 9 & 10:45am (live-streamed). Christmas Eve Services: Dec. 24, 4, 6 & 8pm.

New Year’s Eve Blessing: Dec. 31, 3pm. *Men’s Retreat Weekend, Jan 28-30 (Spots limited).

The Albertson Memorial Church 293 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-4615 www.albertsonchurch.org Sunday Service: 7pm, via Zoom. Virtual Children’s Lyceum (ages 5-14): 3rd Sunday of the month, 10-10:40am.

Healing Service: 3rd Thursday of the month, 7-7:30pm. (Email Albertsonpcc@gmail.com for registration and Zoom Links).

Trinity Church 5 River Rd.; 203-618-0808 www.trinitychurch.life In-Person Services: Sun., 9:45am, Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 1800 E Putnam Ave.; 10am, Radisson Hotel, New Rochelle, 1 Radisson Plaza; 11am, The Chapel at NPC, 2011 Post Rd, Darien. Online Service: Sun., 9:45am, youtube.com/c/TrinityChurchLife/ live. Christmas Eve: Hyatt Regency Greenwich & Online, 4pm.

PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 1 W. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-8686 www.fpcg.org Sanctuary Worship: Sun, 10am (Traditional Service); 5pm (Contemporary Service). Online Worship: Sun, 10-11am at fpcg.org/live. Sunday School online, 10:15-11am. The Prayer Room: 2nd Thu of each month, 8-8:30pm, via Zoom. Christmas Eve: Family Service, 3pm; Festival Service, 6pm; Reflective, 10pm.

Grace Church of Greenwich 8 Sound Shore Dr., Suite 280 203-861-7555 www.gracechurchgreenwich.com Worship: Sun, 10am, Woman’s Club of Greenwich, 89 Maple Ave. (Outside. Please bring a mask and a chair or a blanket). All Bible Study studies through zoom (email gracechurchofgreenwich@gmail.com for zoom links). All are welcome.

Living Hope Community Church 38 West End Ave; 203-637-3669 www.LivingHopect.org In-Person & online (LivingHopect. org/livestream) worship: 10am. Coffee & fellowship after the service on the patio, weather permitting.

Christmas Eve Service – Dec. 24: Online, 5pm.

Page B7 | Greenwich Sentinel

Universal Crossword

Your Horoscope for Next Week CAPRICORN 22 Dec-20 Jan Your focus has been a bit narrow of late and now you must widen your scope and see more of the world.

Jupiter in the travel and social area of your chart urges you to get out and about, meet people, have fun. Go where you’re welcome and feel you belong.

CANCER 22 June-23 July The time has come to do something different with your life, something you’ve fantasised about many times but never quite got round to. Whatever it is you must accept it as part of yourself and not try to hide it from others. Embrace your future today.

AQUARIUS 21 Jan-19 Feb This is an excellent time for money affairs so don’t sell yourself short: you know what you’re worth and what others are prepared to pay so don’t accept anything less. This is also a good time to start a new project. It could be worth a fortune in years to come.

LEO 24 July-23 Aug You must start thinking about your long-term security. You may get by on a day-to-day basis but the future will soon be here. Financially, especially, this is the ideal time to get your affairs in order. Think big, aim high and expect only the best for yourself.

PISCES 20 Feb-20 March Jupiter, planet of good fortune, begins a lengthy stay in your sign on Wednesday so no matter how bad things may have been in the past they’ll be exceptionally good for a long time to come. Something wonderful is coming your way. Enjoy it.

VIRGO 24 Aug-23 Sept Partnerships are under splendid stars and anything you start will go well if you involve friends and loved ones. The more you trust others the more they will help you to realise your dreams. Together you can achieve what might not be possible alone.

ARIES 21 March-20 April You need to do less and think more. The next few months are an important time as the lessons you learn will form a foundation on which you can build in the years ahead.

Learn them well and the following 12 months will be very special indeed.

LIBRA 24 Sept-23 Oct No challenge will be too much for you now – the tougher the better. With Jupiter moving to focus on work and wellbeing you’ll be determined to prove yourself in some way. Just don’t overdo it physically.

Know your limits and stay within them.

TAURUS 21 April-21 May Aim as high as you can this week as the targets you set yourself now will be the ones that mean most to you over the coming 12 months. The more idealistic your aims the more you should work with like-minded people.

Together you can change the world.

SCORPIO 24 Oct-22 Nov Anything creative or romantic will go well this week – far better than you imagined. If you can be assertive without being aggressive, confident without being combative, then anything is possible for you now and over the next few weeks as well.

GEMINI 22 May-21 June Success planet Jupiter crosses the midheaven point of your chart this week where it will stay for the next 12 months. Believe in yourself and almost immediately remarkable things will start to happen. You’re on your way and the only way is up.

SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov-21 Dec Anyone who thinks you can be bullied into doing something you don’t want to do doesn’t know you well. They’ll know you better once you explain why it’s not a good idea to get on your bad side. The world is full of fools but you don’t have to suffer them.

Discover more about yourself at sallybrompton.com

Edited by David Steinberg September 12, 2021 ACROSS 1 Site with film ratings 5 Informal attempt 9 “Nanny” or “kiss” follower 12 Concert hall section 13 Brit’s “See ya!”

14 Draped Indian garment 15 Swedish furniture chain 16 It’s often hard to tell 17 Turkey ___ (November race) 18 Part-time athlete 20 Comfortable chair feature 22 Patricia of “Hud” 23 Banded stones 24 Application for the very young 27 “Bosch” actress Rogers 28 Womack of country music 29 Ceiling fixture 30 Catches a few Z’s 34 Country by the Caspian Sea 35 Planet in the Pale Blue Dot photograph 37 Natural skin soother 38 Tadpole habitat

9/12

39 Not sweet, to a wine lover 40 In utero 42 With 50-Down, body of water by the Ontario Peninsula 44 Processed, as iron ore 45 When many parks open 48 High wind instrument 49 ___ Brown (Snoopy’s owner) 51 Dresses for cold weather, with “up” 55 Triangle sound 56 Composer of two “Peer Gynt” suites 58 Tiny amount 59 What Zapzyt treats 60 Classic sound system, for short 61 Vigorous spirit 62 Zodiac’s setting 63 Check for quality, maybe 64 Say something DOWN 1 Words before and after “what” 2 Apt name for an audio technician?

3 Consider 4 Like Mensa?

5 Enjoy a wooded path 6 It precedes upsilon

7 “___ girl!”

8 Nonsense in a Persian Gulf country?

9 “Insert this” indicator 10 Came up 11 Oven gloves 14 Food intake for the very young?

16 One in a medieval joust, presumably?

19 Low-level worker 21 Film studio Amazon acquired in 2021 24 Radar screen spot 25 British plane attachment?

26 One of many in a chili 27 Rug relative 29 Prepare, as empanadas 31 Very much

32 Sponge opening 33 Mail out 36 “___ we there yet?”

41 Glowing gas 43 Leatherworker’s tool 44 “I accept that” 45 Play the role of 46 Like a good shake 47 “___ Boy” (beloved Irish tune) 50 See 42-Across 52 Title woman in a Kinks song 53 Listshortening abbr.

54 Certainly wasn’t seaworthy 57 Uncertainties

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

9/11

© 2021 Andrews McMeel Universal www.upuzzles.com

Strong Chance of Showers by Jeffrey Wechsler

The (K) Clues Are for Kids 37. Deli request that usually includes 35-Across 38. Elects, as a politician (2 words) 41. (K) More like a cloudless sky 44. (K) Bone in a limb 48. Music genre for elevator riders (2 words) 52. Lifesaving German River?

53. (K) Smell 54. (K) “Well, what ___ can I say?”

55. (K) Miles ___ hour 56. (K) Like you trying to hear a stranger’s conversation 57. (K) Collections of Pokemon cards DOWN 1. (K) Wild pig 2. Chip in for poker hands 3. (K) Where the contractors are building your mansion

4. (K) Keep saying “ummm” to buy time 5. Coffee maker for many mugs 6. (K) Huge feeding field 7. Apprehend, right in the act 8. Make the front tires as straight as the back ones 9. (K) You, me and our buddy in harmony 10. (K) Louse-y l ittle bugs 11. If they had feelings, they’d love to get played with 16. (K) Scientific Sir ___ Newton 17. Camel’s cousin 21. (K) Child in a tent overnight 22. (K) Tell funny jokes 23. Chromosomal material 24. (K) It’s often chewed but rarely swallowed 25. Santa ___ winds

26. (K) Aircraft compartment 29. Move like a nonaggressive tide 30. (K) These and every one of those 31. (K) Give a permit to 33. Flock of quail 34. Like a remark of little importance 39. DuPont fabric 40. (K) 45’s 5 41. (K) Quick blast from a car horn 42. Like the stupidest joke you ever heard 43. Cold War group’s letters 45. Fluid in the liver 46. Smithsonian, e,g, (Abbr.)

47. (K) Grows season after season 49. Nuptial phrase (2 words) 50. (K) “Help, please,” to those in a sinking boat 51. (K) Actually make an attempt

Can you find the answer to this riddle within the solved puzzle?

Riot with no end?

Look for the answer in next week’s paper.

PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER

Find the 7 words to match the 7 clues. The numbers in parentheses represent the number of letters in each solution. Each letter combination can be used only once, but all letter combinations will be necessary to complete the puzzle.

CLUES

SOLUTIONS

1 oven in which naan is baked (7) ___________ 2 joist (9) ___________ 3 fourth-down plays, often (5) ___________ 4 musical toy (5) ___________ 5 fashion designer Westwood (8) ___________ 6 bruiser (7) ___________ 7 personal burdens (9) ___________

Previous riddle answer:

Part of a key chain?

43-A) ISLET © 2021 Andrews McMeel Syndication syndication.andrewsmcmeel.com

Download the Greenwich Sentinel APP today to win local gift cards and prizes and for local news alerts and access to the latest e-Edition. Search Greenwich Sentinel in the APP store. Download the APP and you could win next. Now free for a limited time!

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Previous Answers Friday’s Answers: 1. CABINETRY 2. TINTING 3. BENTO

© 2021 Blue Ox Family Games, Inc., Dist. by Andrews McMeel

Created by Timothy E. Parker September 27, 2021

ACROSS 1. (K) Type of fishing, or the prey 5. (K) Bone in a limb 9. (K) It can put a hole in a mountain 12. “I’ll get right ___!” (2 words) 13. (K) Authentic 14. Brazilian resort city 15. The state of being achievable 18. (K) Things going around in circles on docks 19. (K) It makes lips shine 20. (K) Delicious Italian dish 24. (K) Be chatty 27. (K) The tippy-top of a mountain 28. (K) What a buffet can provide 32. Free from responsibility 35. (K) They have plenty in a deli 36. (K) Anyone on a mobile phone or laptop

4. ASTERISK 5. PERSNICKETY 6. KANGA 7. REPEATABLE 9/18

Page B8 | Greenwich Sentinel

Sudoku

Each row, column, nonet can contain each number only once. Answers below.

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SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS a v E ia tl K • e i ly r m E au M • n A n a • y r a te M t • e l i June u a m P a • D id v • a • D y n k a c h a t e J • •B e n y i n e o v h n e r t Ant S E • • a c i e s s s Je Jo • o i l u •J .

D ia Victor

Westchester 914.908.5444 500 Westchester Avenue Port Chester, NY 10573

na P • Ti A b • ia • a • ar th te ur rk h sa c i i M A n Es La Ma R L

ny e yn n a n M a• n• • • o •P ich • N A Ja Kev Ro att ael ick lexa mie in n y

Frank

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Greenwich 203.629.8400 444 East Putnam Avenue Cos Cob, CT 06807 GreenwichFirst.com NMLS# 510513

Stamford 203.413.6101 900 Summer Street Stamford, CT 06905

Page B10 | Greenwich Sentinel

Puzzles and Coloring for the Weekend: Have Fun!

ON EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION

Page B11 | Greenwich Sentinel

From the Greenwich Sentinel Foundation: the weekly newsletter from educators to Greenwich parents.

A Calvin & Hobbes cartoon is in the printed edition of the paper in this space. It is not available in the digital edition.

CALVIN AND HOBBES © 1998 Watterson. Reprinted with permission of ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION. All rights reserved.

Wildly Successful: The Ruffed Grouse

I first heard the creature in the thick conifers bordering a stream flowing along the Connecticut-New York line. It sounded almost mechanical—like a pull-start motor catching and increasing in volume."

By Jim Knox

This is not the bird’s only c on n e c t ion to sn owsh o e s .

Su r pr i si ng ly, f r om A la sk a to t h e m o u nt a i n s o f We s t Virginia, the grouse’s range aligns almost exactly with that of the Snowshoe Hare. The populations of t wo species are linked beyond just their h a b it at p r e fe r e n c e . W h e n hare populations increase, predator populations increase in response. As the populations of Ca nada Ly n x a nd ot her carnivores rise, they hunt the abundant hares, driving their populations down. With hares scarce, the carnivores seek alternate prey in the form of plentiful grouse, driving down their numbers as well. This gives the prolific hares a chance to rebound, giving a reprieve to the grouse populations and the

cycle begins anew.

The grouse hen is regarded as an especially good mother, keeping a sharp watch over her brood of up to a dozen chicks until they can f ly and roost safely on their own. It is this strong parental tendency that leads larger gamebirds such as Ring-necked Pheasants and Wild Turkeys to parasitize grouse nests by laying their own eggs within them. The highly protective grouse hens raise the introduced pheasants or turkeys as their own, thereby increasing their odds of survival!

W h i le t he fema le seek s to avoid attention, the male employs an entirely different strategy. The males display by puffing their chests, extending their elongate neck ruff, and fanning their boldly patterned

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food storage. In the northern tier of their range grouse behave like their mammalian cousins, ly n x , a nd wolve s, bu r y i ng themselves in soft snow drifts at night to take advantage of the protective cover and insulation.

T h o u g h t h e s e p hy s i c a l and behavioral adaptations equip the grouse with a keen survival edge over competitors and predators alike, the grouse possesses one more astounding cold weather trait— snowshoes...at least the Ruffed Grouse’s version of snowshoes.

In response to plunging mercury and rising snowpack the grouse grows comb-like projections on its toes, enabling it to displace its weight across deep snow, saving precious energy and keeping it “on its toes” against hungry predators.

tails. They then rotate their wings forward and backward, creating small vortices and vacuums beneath the wings which create a signature sound.

The loud, deep booming can be heard nearly half a mile away and has earned the bird the nicknames of “Drummer” and “Thunder Chicken.”

With its cryptic camouflage a n d u n i q u e c o l d -w e a t h e r adaptations, the Ruffed Grouse is a true New Englander and a creature of enduring resilience found just over our stone wall.

Jim Knox se r ve s a s the C u ra t o r o f E d u c a t i o n f o r Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo and as a science adviser for The Bruce Museum. Jim enjoys sharing his passion for wildlife conservation with audiences in Connecticut and beyond.

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management laws by closing a season to grouse hunting in 1708, to safeguard the bird’s population. In fact, the bird was so esteemed as table fare, its Latin name Bonasa means “good roasting.”

While it is one of 10 North American grouse species, the Ruffed Grouse is quite unique.

Though it gorges on insects, fruit, and berries in summer, it shif ts gears in season to digest bitter plants with toxic compounds that other birds cannot eat. This is especially advantageous during the harsh northern winters when food is scarce. It is during the winter the grouse comes into its own, consuming copious quantities of fibrous plant matter thanks to special adaptations including a seasonally enlarged crop for

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I f irst heard the creature in the thick conifers bordering a stream f lowing along the Connecticut-New York line. It sounded almost mechanical— like a pull-start motor catching and increasing in volume. I cautiously ventured into the woods to investigate. No more than 20 feet in, I was startled by t he b oom i ng of a i r a nd hammering of wings as a large chicken-like bird ex ploded from cover and shot past me upstream.

That was my first encounter with an animal I would come to know well as a wild neighbor over the years. The Ruf fed Grouse, Bonasa umbellus, is a familiar creature to all who live and explore the north woods.

Found from Alaska, through most of Ca nada a nd dow n through the Appalachians and Rockies, these birds thrive in cool, forested habitats.

A s one of Con necticut ’s largest ground birds, growing to 20 inches in length and 1.6 pounds in weight, the Ruffed Grouse is little known to most, yet there is good reason for this. With the bird’s exceptional camouf lag ing plumage of dappled reddish or grayish feathers, the grouse melts into its forest habitat. Once detected, its signature triangular crest and dark bands near the tip of its fan-shaped tail confirm its identity. The grouse gets its name from its exceptionally long black ruff of neck feathers which the males display to grouse hens or to proclaim and defend territory.

While the grouse is a ha rd bird to detect, it was greatly prized as a game bird from the time of the Colonial Period. In testimony to this, New York State passed one of North America’s earliest game