December 6, 2019 by Greenwich Sentinel

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GTP Announces Headline Acts

By Richard Kaufman

has announced that Maragraret Tjimos Goldberg has been selected as t he new Executive Di rec tor. G oldberg previously served as the Executive Director of the Greenburgh Nature Center in Scarsdale, N.Y.

S Former Board of

E duc at ion me m b e r, Jennifer Day ton has thrown her hat into the ring to represent the 151st House District. The seat is open fol low ing First Selectman Fred Camillo’s re si g n at ion . A s p e c i a l election for the seat must b e c a l le d by G ov. Ne d Lamont within 46 days of Camillo’s swearing-in as Greenwich’s chief-elected official.

S The First Selectman’s

Committee for the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center announced t h a t t h e a rc h it e c t u r a l design contract for t he replacement of the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center has been awarded to TSKP Studio of Hartford, Conn. TSKP was selected by the Committee from a group of f ive f i na l ist s. TSK P designed the now complete New Lebanon School.

S Gov. Ned Lamont sent a

letter to the commissioner of Major League Baseball urging reconsideration of a plan to overhaul the minor leag ue baseba l l system and eliminate 42 teams, including the Connecticut Tigers. T h e F i r s t Congregational Church of Old Greenw ich, t he oldest chu rch i n tow n, a n n o u n c e d t h a t R e v. Patrick Collins will be its new senior pastor. Collins has been a n associate pastor at the church since 2016.

S The new Plan of Conservation and Development, which serves a s t h e t ow n’s g u i d i n g document in shaping the future of Greenwich, will n ow b e c on s i d e r e d b y the Representative Town Meeting for approval. The POCD comes out every 10 years, but this year’s plan calls for the town to revisit it every two years. The RTM is expected to consider the POCD at its Dec. 9 meeting.

The Zac Brown Band will be visiting Greenwich next May to play at the Town Party. continued Rivers. “People look forward to it every year, and we hope to see it continue for many more decades to come.” Previous musical icons who have headlined the GTP include: Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Buddy Guy, James Taylor, Carlos Santana, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Hall & Oates. Last year it was Lynyrd Skynard and the Beach Boys. “Some of the greatest legends in music history, along with the most exciting newcomers on the scene, have graced our stages,” added Rivers. “It seems we have found a winning combination. We come together, along the beautiful harbor setting, with dynamic music and, most importantly, our unrivaled community.” As is tradition, the Town Stage

will feature six local bands to s k i l l l e v e l s . M u s i c i a n s a n d round out the day’s performances. artists may apply before March Created to celebrate the diverse 2 at greenwichtownparty.org /

Mumford & Sons and the Zac Brown Band will headline the 10th anniversary GTP. a n d a b u n d a nt t a l e nt w it h i n the Greenwich community, the Tow n Stage band application is open to Greenwich residents of all ages, backgrounds, and

participate/. This past May, over 6,500 people attended the festival, and were not disappointed. The day featured an extensive array of

continued on page 3

New Board of Selectmen Takes Office By Richard Kaufman On a cold, snow y Su nday evening, the newest Board of Selectmen for the Tow n of Greenwich was sworn-in in front of a large crowd at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich. First Selectman Fred Camillo, and Selectwomen Lauren Rabin and Jill Oberlander, each took the oath of office, officially signifying the beginning of a new era in town. The ceremony was also historic, as this is the first time since 1923 that a newly-elected board does not have an incumbent from previous years. Along with the community, several past and present Greenwich elected officials were i n at tenda nce , such a s F i rst S ele c t men Peter Te s ei, Joh n M a rgenot , L ol ly P r i nce , a nd Selectmen John Toner, Sandy L it vack , D r ew M a r z u l lo a nd Lin Laver y. Cam illo's for mer colleagues, State Reps. Liv v y Floren (R-149) and Steve Meskers (D-150), were in the crowd, too. Camillo’s longtime friend, Scott Frantz, a former State Senator (R36), was the master of ceremonies.

JOHN FERRIS ROBBEN

S Neighbor to Neighbor

Even though temperatures are dipping, there's snow on the ground and winter hasn't even officially started yet, Greenwich residents can begin to dream of warmer days ahead. On Wednesday morning, the Greenwich Town Party (GTP) announced that Grammy Awardw inning bands Mumford & Sons, and Zac Brown Band, will headline the 10th anniversary of the event, which takes place Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday, May 23 next year) at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. GTP fan favorites, the legendary New Orleans-based Preservation Hall Jazz Band, will also take the stage with their high-octane style performance. Additional acts and festivities will be announced at a later date. "We are incredibly grateful to the community for embracing this unique event and so generously suppor ti ng it. It is what has allowed us to make it happen year after year,” said Ray Rivers, GTP Co-President, in a written statement Wednesday morning. “ We a r e a l l s o luck y a nd blessed to call Greenwich home. At GTP 2020, we’ll gather once again to party, eat, sing, and dance together w ith positive vibes that are truly contagious. We have worked hard to create a strong tradition that has really resonated with our community, and that is amazingly gratifying,”

food, fun and activities for all ages. Greenwich's own Caroline Jones, quickly approaching star status herself as the opening act for giants like Jimmy Buffett, Ken ny Chesney, a nd the Zac B r ow n B a n d a m o n g o t h e r s , wowe d t he c r owd la s t ye a r. Trom b one Shor t y & O rle a ns Avenue, and 8Track Band, also performed. The musica l acts in 2020 should once again rock the house. Mumford & Sons features both intimate and joyous folk tunes. They burst onto the music scene with their debut single, “Little Lion Man” f rom their 2009 debut album, Sigh No More, which hit number two on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the Billboard 200 in the United States. Their 2012 single "I Will Wait," helped their second album, Babel, reach number one. Babel also won a Grammy Award for the 2012 Album of the Year and held the record as fastest-selling album for three years. In addition to making music, Mumford & Sons is committed to making a social impact. The live promotions company founded by the band in 2009 and titled Gentleman of the Road, organized a g l o b a l s e r i e s o f S t o p ove r Festivals that added towns and villages to its list of venues in an effort to bring money to and boost local businesses in those areas. The Zac Brow n Band is a

Newly sworn in First Selectman, Fred Camillo, addresses a standing room only crowd. Camillo is now the first person in Greenwich history who has served as a member of the state legislature, Representative Town Meeting, and now first selectman. In his f irst remarks as Greenwich’s top official, Camillo

reflected on his family history in public service, and his thoughts on the future with his colleagues, Rabin and Oberlander. The irony of the setting was not lost on Camillo, who grew up as a Club Kid at what was then

November Real Estate Report

called the Greenwich Boys’ Club. Camillo pointed to a corner in the room, a place where you’d be sent if you misbehaved, and said he used to spend a lot of time there as a kid. His uncle, Lorenzo “Weeds” Camillo, who worked at the Club,

was known to countless children in town. “He was responsible for probably 85 percent of the time I spent in that corner. One day, I aggravated him so much, he grabbed me by my arm and I went airborne into that corner,” Camillo said, which drew laughs from the audience. "I never would've thought back then as a young boy that I'd be standing here getting sworn-in as the 10th First Selectman of the modern era for Greenwich, Conn., and following the footsteps of my forebearers and the trails that they blazed.” Camillo's grandfather, Rob er t, wa s one of t he f i rst members of Greenwich's RTM in 1933, representing Chickahominy and District 3. Al Morano, a cousin of Camillo's who also served on the RTM, became the first Italian American Congressman from Connecticut. "Public service meant a lot to them," Camillo added. "Everything is about public service; that's what they stood for, and when I look at Lauren and Jill, I know they stand for the same thing."

continued on page 3

Excerpts from The Waterwheel

Christmas Trees

Department of Education has recognized Greenwich Public Schools as a highly performing physically active school system (PASS).

S The Greenwich Police

Department is currently investigating an accident from last Friday in which a 62-year-old woman was struck by a car and seriously injured in Old Greenwich. A nyone who may have witnessed the incident, or has video or photos of the scene, is encouraged to contact Officer Roger Drenth at (203) 622-8014.

By Jill S. Woolworth, LMFT

ILLUSTRATED BY WAJIH CHAUDHRY

S The State of Connecticut's

A Christmas tree is glittery and beautiful, and unaware that it has been cut off just above the roots. Similarly, we humans enjoy decorating ourselves with clothing, social status, accomplishments, and possessions. It is good to enjoy these things. Just remember that they are decorations. They are not our real substance. Friendship, family, faith, and service to others—these are substance, not decoration. They are the roots that help us flourish. They provide meaning, connection, and purpose. Fashions and fame, like decorated Christmas trees, are only with us for a season. People of substance, like healthy trees, grow for many years and give shelter and shade to others.

November was a little better than our 10 year average with 40 house sales compared to our 10-year average of 38 sales. After the bad start we had in the first half of the year any improvement, even 5% bump in one month is a nice plus. This bump up in sales in November sales was somewhat expected since October contracts were up 4% compared to last year.

Alyssa refers to friends who remind her of Christmas trees as “shiny people.” These are people she can’t get close to because they are intent on impressing her with their beautiful lives. She decided for herself to focus on being a blessing to her friends instead of impressing them. As she did so, the roots of her confidence and well-being grew deeper..

See page 14 for the full real estate report and dashboard from our expert real estate team: Mark Pruner, Cesar Rabillino, and Robert Pulitano.

This is an excerpt from The Waterwheel by local author, Jill Woolworth, available through Amazon. Alternatively, we encourage you to shop locally where it is also available at Diane's Books or Dogwood Books and Gifts).

Page 2 | Greenwich Sentinel

FRIDAY, DEC. 6

yourCOMMUNITYcalendar

9 a.m.

CJI Free Prison Phone Calls Show with Guests CT State Rep. Josh Elliott, & Tiheba Bain. Broadcast Live on WNHH 103.5 FM. prisonist.org/criminaljustice-insider

10 a.m.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

10 a.m.

10 - 11 a.m.

The Greenwich Exchange Holiday Mini-Boutique, including refreshments, door prizes, raffle. The Greenwich Exchange, 28 Sherwood Pl. Free. 203-8690229. greenwich.exchange@ hotmail.com. facebook.com/ greenwichexchange

Qigong with Donna Bunte. Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St. $10$20. 203-869-9242. info@ greenwichbotanicalcenter.org. greenwichbotanicalcenter.org

YWCA Holiday Family Fun Day and Market Day - Holiday shopping: 9am-4pm; family fun: 12-3pm. YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Ave. Free and open to the public.

Greenwich Newcomers Club: Reindeer Festival and Santa’s Village. Sam Bridge Nursery, 437 North St. greenwichnewcomers.org

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Fun Friday- children explore, build, and learn (ages 3-5). Greenwich Library - Rear of Children's Room, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. No registration required. 203-622-7940. dsullivan@ greenwichlibrary.org

The Greenwich Farmers Market. Arch Street Parking Lot, 100 Arch St. (Every Sat through December, weather permitting). 203-380-0580. gfm-ct@optimum.net. greenwichfarmersmarketct.com

New Lebanon School Dedication Ceremony: Program, 10-10:45am; refreshments and school tour, 10:45-11:30am. 25 Mead Ave. greenwichschools.org/ calendars/event-details/~occurid/2315004 10 a.m. Winter Antiques Show: Fine Art/Jewelry/Furnishings. Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. $15. Also Dec. 8, 11am. 845-876-0616. barnstar1@aol. com. greenwichhistory.org

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Exhibition Highlights Tour. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. (Every Tue, 1:30pm & Fri, 12:30pm) 203-869-0376. info@brucemuseum.org. brucemuseum.org

12 - 12:45 p.m. Greenwich Historical Society Gallery Tours. 47 Strickland Rd. Free with admission. (Every Wed & Sat). 203-869-6899. greenwichhistory.org

continued on page 4

SEEKING CONTEMPORARY GLASS CONSIGNMENTS

1 - 2 p.m. Meditation Workshop. Greenwich Library - The Jewel, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. 203-625-6549. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Marine Tank Animal Feeding. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. (Every Tue & Friday, 2:302:45pm) 203-869-0376. info@ brucemuseum.org 3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Holiday Sing-Along with Grand Central. Cos Cob Library Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. 203-622-6883. lmatthews@greenwichlibrary. org 6 p.m. ‘Christmas on Round Hill’. Round Hill Community House, 397 Round Hill Rd. Tickets start at $75. 203-869-1091. church@ roundhillcommunitychurch. org. roundhillcommunitychurch.org 6 p.m. Open Arts Alliance: ‘Mary Poppins Jr.’ auditions (Ages 8-18). YMCA of Greenwich, 50 E. Putnam Ave. openartsalliance.com 6 - 8 p.m. 2019 Quaker Ridge Hawk Watch Compilation & End-ofSeason Gathering. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. Ages 6 & up. Free. RSVP is requested. 914-417-5234. MacLean@audubon.org. greenwich.audubon.org/events 6 - 11 p.m. Christmas on Round Hill. Round Hill Community House, 395 Round Hill Rd. 203-869-1091. church@ roundhillcommunitychurch.org 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

203-869-2299 for Delivery

gifts

holiday

in greenwich

To make an appointment for a confidential evaluation, contact Jenny Pitman 917.745.2730 or jenny@ragoarts.com. Buy. Sell. Appraise. Rago Auctions ragoarts.com

RAGO AUCTION AND EVENT CALENDAR Jewelry Auction | December 8 Design Auction | January 18/19 Rago/Wright Studio Jewelry Auction February 12

7 p.m.

Dale Chihuly, Persian Installation, Poggianti-Schulman Wall sold for $87,500 (November 2019)

Opening cocktail reception: Greenwich Winter Antiques Show. Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd. $150 per person. 203-869-6899. vbruzzese@greenwichhistory. org. greenwichhistory.org 7 - 10 p.m. 7th & 8th Grade Combined Neon Dance. Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St. $20. 203629-5744. info@archstreet.org. archstreet.org 8 - 10 p.m.

7 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG) Pancake Breakfast. BGCG, 4 Horseneck Ln. $5, adults & non-Club members; free for current members who show their membership cards. 203-869-3224. facebook.com/ events/404263323646728. bgcg. org

1 Liberty Way, Greenwich • sophiascostumes.com

currently being accepted for Rago Auction’s upcoming auctions.

Prints + Multiples Auction | February 26

SATURDAY, DEC. 7

203.869.5990

your modern design, fine art, jewelry and silver. Consignments are

The Art Society of Old Greenwich's 2019 Holiday Art Show and Sale - Artists’ Reception and Holiday Party. Gertrude White Gallery, YWCA of Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Ave. asogct.com/ holiday-show

A Night of Jazz & Groove Music. Trinity Ministry Center, 5 River Rd, 2nd floor. Free. 203-618-0808. ann.park@ trinitychurch.life. trinitychurch. life/jazz

Mon-Sat 10 am-5:30 pm, Closed Sundays until after thanksgiving, Dec 1 Sundays will be open 12-5, Thursday nights we will be open until 7 pm starting Dec 1

Wise financial planning includes getting up-to-date values for

9 - 10:15 a.m. Yoga Class. Banksville Community House, Inc., 12 Banksville Rd. Also, Sunday, Nov. 24. 203-622-9597. bchinfo@optonline.net. thebch. org 9 - 11 a.m. CPR Friends and Family (Infant/Child). Greenwich Hospital’s Medical Education Room, 5 Perryridge Rd. $65. Register. 888-305-9253. greenwichhospital.org/events

Jewelry Auction | February 28 Living Contemporary Auction | March 4 20th C. Art Auction | March 18

Art Nouveau brooch pendant | $1,200–1,500 (December 8)

Local News

Page 3 | Greenwich Sentinel

Camillo Puts Together BiPartisan Transition Team By Richard Kaufman

member, John Blankley. “I think you come to better conclusions if you consider all different viewpoints and sides of each and every issue,” Camillo said of his bipartisan team. “They’re people I know and trust. They’re people who know government, they’re well-respected and they can think outside of the box. They come equipped with ideas and have skill-sets that I think will be really beneficial not only to me, but ultimately to the town… They bring experience, institutional k nowledge, bold think ing, integrity, honesty. They bring it all.” One issue that will garner attention in the coming weeks and months is the adoption of the 2019 Plan of Conservation and Development, which serves as a guiding document to shape the

town's future. "We want to be thought of as a leader in all areas, whether it's the environment, the local economy -- you name it, you want to be that trend-setter, you want to be that one town the others look to. The POCD is a document that I think will help us get there," Camillo said. The relationship and advice from Camillo’s team will continue. Camillo said they will be “an informal kitchen cabinet” of sorts for the administration, which also features Selectwomen Lauren Rabin and Jill Oberlander. Fo r m e r S e l e c t m a n D r e w Marzu llo, who ser ved w ith former First Selectman Peter Tesei from 2009 to 2017, said he was "honored" to be asked to join Camillo's transition team. He called the last few

we ek s "exc it i ng" a s t he new administration prepared to step into office. "We have opinions and we're expressing them in a very free manner. The First Selectman has appreciated it, and ultimately he will make the decisions," Marzullo said. "There will be changes big and small made over the coming weeks and months. The First Selectman will be announcing those as time progresses." Marzullo added that it's both "promising and encouraging" that the transition team is bipartisan. "We come from various areas of government, and we also come from various areas of our own life stories that we bring to the table. Fred has been open to all ideas." Marzullo's experience is also valuable to Rabin and Oberlander. A lthoug h the powers of

Selectmen are limited, Marzullo said he believes it's an important position, because you're able to offer differences of opinion to the other board members and spark positive debate, especially if you're in the minority as Marzullo was during his tenure. Regardless, Marzullo said his advice to Rabin and Oberlander i s si mple . " My adv ice to t he Selectwomen would be first of all, to have fun, and try and effectuate some good because there's a lot of good to be done." Tesei has also helped with the transition. Camillo said Tesei “has been terrific” over the past few weeks, making sure Camillo is up to speed. “The best par t is he’s not leaving town. He’ll be a phone call away,” Camillo said. Since the election, Camillo has

cleaned out his office in Hartford, and posted heartfelt messages to former colleagues on social media. Camillo said that it was a great honor to represent the district and he believes it will benefit the town having strong relationships with people in Hartford as well as First Selectmen and women and mayors around the state with whom he has served and gotten to know well. A special election to f ill Camillo’s seat in the 151st House District must be called by Gov. Ned Lamont by January 15. For now, it's time for Camillo and his fellow board members to get to work. “The time is here," he said, "where you have to roll up your sleeves and start to work on the things you’ve been talking about for months and months.”

going to be hard work, but as President Theodore Roosevelt said, 'The best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.'"

Greenwich’s chief elected official before stepping aside this election. "Thank you for all you've done," said Camillo. Oberlander, the former chair

help others and improve her community, which has led her i nto mu n ic ip a l gover n ment . Oberlander called it "an honor" to represent the people of Greenwich, and thanked the public for placing their trust in her. She, too, thanked Tesei for his leadership and service over the years. "The most important roles in my life have been as a mother and as a daughter. But the most important lessons I learned were from my parents; namely, get up everyday, work hard, do your best, be honest, kind and generous to others. Some days you'll succeed, and you'll fall short, but either way, you get up the next day and try again," Oberlander said. Rabin, a former member of the Board of Education, was Camillo's running mate during the election season. She said she hopes that

every town employee, and all the members of various boards and commissions can accomplish success together. "We are going to continue the great work of all the selectmen and selectwomen that went before us, and serve our community and meet your expectations," she said. "I'm so honored to be standing on this stage; it's a privilege that I don't take for granted. I'm going to work hard day-in and day-out over the next two years." Greenwich residents, Gov. Ned Lamont, and U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, were also at the ceremony, which featured singing performances and an honor guard. Lamont, who worked with Camillo in the State legislature for the past year, congratulated the newly elected board before they were sworn-in. Thirty-two years ago, Lamont

was sworn-in as a Selectman with First Selectman John Margenot and Selectman Paul Hicks, and he recalled that they worked together with civility. "I know you're going to follow along in that amazing spirit," said Lamont to Camillo, Rabin and Oberlander. "It's hard work being in public of f ice. I want you to respect each and every one of the hard decisions that these folks have got to make," Lamont told the crowd. "As Governor, I wouldn't trade this job for all the tea in China, because I have a chance to make a difference for the state I love, and you get to make a difference for the town you love." The newly-elected Board of Selectmen is scheduled to have its first official meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m., in the Town Hall Meeting Room.

rock, hard rock, heavyish metal, million albums, earned 15 No. 1 GTP has gone to extraordinary big band music, bluegrass and, radio singles, and are the second lengths to ensure fairness. PUB/POST: Greenwich Sentinel (Due CODE: HSS-19-97 PRODUCTION: yes, aA touch of electronic act in history to N/A have topped both LIVE: None From July 12 through Date: 9/27/19) music,” from page 1 DESCRIPTION: best…is WORKORDER 73358Mainstream TRIM: inThe their offnear icial review of the Country Airplay#: and S e10.75” p t e xm10.8” ber 6, Greenwich FILE: 03A-73281-04A-HSS-19-97-A-NWS.indd SAP #: HSS.HSSGEN.19023.B.011 BLEED: None band’s album Jekyll + Hyde. Rock Songs charts. residents and employees were multi-platinum, Grammy AwardThroughout their decadePreservation Hall Jazz Bound given the chance to enter an winning group marked by strong 212.237.7000 musicianship and a creative range long career, the Zac Brown Band has amplified the sound of New application for the GTP 2019 has had six consecutive albums Orleans music for more than 50 online ticket lottery. that defies genre boundaries. All applications were entered The New York Times described reach the top 10, five of which years. While the ticketing processT:10.75” into the ticket lottery equally t h e b a n d ’s work a s “a hu g e debuted at No. 1. They have sold amalgam of soft rock, country- more than 30 million singles, 9 has come under fire by some, the through the GTP website; no

preference was given to date and time of application submission within the open period. All ticket applications were random ly sor ted and lottery winners were verif ied f o r G r e e n w i c h r e s i d e n c y, employment or academic enrollment before they were c o nt a c t e d v i a e m a i l . T h e s e winners then had the opportunity

to purchase community tickets for $85 each within a two-week window. Those tickets as well as the $25 tickets reserved for seniors have now sold out leaving $500 and $1,500 tickets, which help to support the overall cost of the event. For more information you can visit the GTP website at www.greenwichtownparty.org.

With the swearing-in ceremony for the new Greenwich Board of Selectmen in the rearview mirror, the new administration can finally settle into office. The transition from the outgoing administration to the new one has a lot of moving parts, and a seamless changing of the guard would not be possible without a unified transition team. That’s why First Selectman Fred Camillo says he selected a bipartisan team of three Repu bl ica ns: Representat ive Town Meeting members Michael Basham and Dan Ozizmir, former Board of Estimate and Taxation C h a i r, Jo e Pe l l e g r i n o — a n d two Democrats: former Board of S ele c t men mem b er, D r ew Marzullo, and former BET/RTM

SELECTMEN CONTINUED from page 1

A lt houg h Gr e enw ich ha s two tough years ahead, Camillo said, with regards to budgeting and other issues, hard decisions will be made with teamwork and collaboration. On the campaign trail, Camillo stressed the importance of utilizing Public/ Private Partnerships, or P-Threes, to get projects done in town. But on Sunday, he said he's asking the community for a different kind of P-Three. " We'r e g o i n g to a s k for Patience, Prayers and Participation. We're asking that of you because without that, we won't succeed. We're just servants of all of you," Camillo added. "It's

We're going to ask for Patience, Prayers and Participation. Camillo thanked and praised Tesei for his years of service to the town. Tesei became the youngest member of the RTM at the age of 18, and has spent nearly his entire adult life serving the town. He served a record six terms as

of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, ran against Camillo for f irst selectman, and is in the minority on the board as a democrat. She s a id she h a s a lw ays wanted to use her abilities to

GTP CONTINUED

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Page 4 | Greenwich Sentinel

experiences levels, and abilities. 203-900-3349. Caroline.Bailey@audubon.org 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Family Yoga. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. All ages are welcome. $5, children; $10, adults. RSVP is requested. 203-900-3349. Caroline. Bailey@audubon.org 2 p.m. Arguimbau Art Gallery Holiday Show. Arguimbau Art at the "Red Barn," 121 E. Middle Patent Rd. Free. 203-274-6176. Info@ArguimbauArt.com. ArguimbauArt.com

Friday, December 6 - Sunday, December 8

Pre- and Post-Bariatric Support Group. Greenwich Hospital's Hyde Conference Room, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free. Register. 888-305-9253. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. “Advances in Acute Stroke Management and Prevention.” Greenwich Hospital’s Noble Conference Center, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free. Register. Walk-ins welcome. 888-3059253. 7 p.m.

Greenwich Town Hall - Mazza Room, 1st floor, 101 Field Point Rd. 1:30 - 3 p.m. Parkinson’s Support Group: Learn and Share: Tips for Everyday Living. Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd. Free. 203-8634444. greenwichhospital.org/ events 3 - 5 p.m. Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) HR Committee Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall - Cone Room, 2nd floor, 101 Field Point

Splurge for A Cause for Abilis. Splurge - Unique Gifts, Home Decor and Jewelry, 39 Lewis St. abilis.us. facebook.com/ events/3192961434111726

Public Theology: systematic theologian Michael DeLashmutt discusses “Who is God.” The Little Pub, 531 E. Putnam Ave. Free. 203-637-2447. eric. fialho@stpaulsriverside.org. stpaulsriverside.org/publictheology/

3:30 p.m.

7 & 8:30 p.m.

4 p.m.

AuthorsLive: 'Reputation' by Sara Shepard with Wendy Walker. Flinn Gallery at Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register. 203-622-6536. greenwichlibrary.org/ authorslive

MONDAY, DEC. 9

St. Catherine’s Players ‘Matilda The Musical!’ auditions (Youth at least 9 years old by 12/31/19, 7 p.m.; high school students & adults, 8:30). St. Catherine of Siena Church - Lucey Parish Hall, 4 Riverside Ave. Also offered Tuesday, Dec. 10. stcatherinesplayers@gmail. com. stc-sta.org

Stuffed Animal Sleepover Bring your stuffed animal friends (dolls and other "babies" are allowed as well) to story time, pick them up the next day (ages 3, 4 & 5). Perrot Memorial Library, 90 Sound Beach Ave. Free. 203-6378802. perrotlibrary.org

12:30 - 3 p.m.

8 p.m.

Tick Tock: Time to Learn Your Apple Watch (Two-Part Course); Part II: Monday, Dec. 16, 12:30–3 p.m. Greenwich Library - The Jewel. Free. Register. Adults. 203-6256560. trainingcenter@ greenwichlibrary.org Serendipity-11-2013:Layout 1 11/5/2013

Representative Town Meeting. Central Middle School Address, 9 Indian Rock Ln.

2 - 4 p.m.

Trunk Show

6 - 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, DEC. 10

3:30 - 8:30 p.m. Open Studio Time at Andrew's Studio. Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St. Grades 7th-12th. Free. (Every Tue and Thu). Reserve a time. 203629-5744. info@archstreet.org. archstreet.org

5 p.m. Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) Budget Committee Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall - Cone Room, 2nd floor, 101 Field Point Rd.

8:30 - 10 a.m. OPEB Trust Board Meeting. 4:00 PM

continued on page 9

Page 1

Combining the unexpected with the respected. Traditional techniques, gold and gemstones meet vintage bakelite and other remarkable materials.

SATURDAY, DEC. 7 1 p.m. Science exhibitions with a drop-in, hands-on program (ages 4 & up). Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. Free. Also offered Sunday, Dec. 8, 1-3 pm. 203-869-0376. info@ brucemuseum.org 2 - 3:30 p.m. 3D Printer Certification: Lulzbot Mini. Greenwich Library - The Jewel, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register. Adults, young adults. 203622-7914. innovationlab@ greenwichlibrary.org 2 - 6 p.m. Cos Cob Annual Winter’s Eve Festival – live music, face painting, games, tree lighting ceremony. Cos Cob Firehouse (behind), 200 East Putnam Ave. facebook.com/ wintersevefestival 3 - 5 p.m. Winter's Eve Festival: Holiday Card Making. Cos Cob Library. Free. All ages. 203-622-6883. lmatthews@greenwichlibrary. org

3 - 5 p.m.

5 - 8 p.m.

Opening Reception 12th Biennial Miniature Print Exhibition. The Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave. 203-862-6753. info@ greenwicharts.org. greenwichartscouncil.org

Old Greenwich Merchants Association: First Light Old Greenwich - horse drawn carriages, holiday stroll and Santa. ogmerchants.com 7 p.m.

4 p.m. Annual Tree Lighting & Library Open House Celebration - Music, crafts, community buffet and a surprise visitor. Byram Shubert Library, 21 Mead Ave. Free. 203-531-0426. 4 p.m. The Greenwich Choral Society performs “A Holiday Tapestry.” Christ Church, Greenwich, 254 E. Putnam Ave. Also offered Sunday, Dec. 8, 2:30 & 5pm. $48 & $38, general admission; $20, students. 203-622-5136. GreenwichChoralSociety.org 5 - 6 p.m. Winter's Eve Festival: Suzuki Guitar Concert. Cos Cob Library, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. All ages. 203-622-6883. lmatthews@greenwichlibrary. org

Holiday Extravaganza - A Unique Sensory Experience, food, music, memories. Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave. $20, GAC members, $25; non-members. 203-862-6750. info@ greenwicharts.org

SUNDAY, DEC. 8 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Garden Workshop: Raised Beds. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. $8 general; $5 members; Town employees & Professional Landscapers. RSVP. Ages 12 & up. 203-900-3349. Caroline.Bailey@audubon.org. greenwich.audubon.org/events 10 - 11 a.m. Nature Yoga. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. $10. RSVP. Ages 12 & up. All ages,

1:15 p.m. The Connecticut Ceramic Study Circle: The Art of Libation in Classical Athens by Milette Gaifman. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. $25 per guest, cash or check payable at the door. ctcsc.org 3 p.m.

Outdoor Furniture Restorations and Sales

It’s that time of year to restore your furniture to it’s original elegance.

Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) Law Committee Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall - Law Department Conference Room, 1st floor, 101 Field Point Rd. greenwichct.gov 3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

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and Happy Holidays!

Code with Scratch Club (Grades 3 & Up). Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. 203622-6883. lmatthews@ greenwichlibrary.org 5 - 6 p.m. Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery Seminar. Greenwich Hospital's Hyde Conference Room, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free. Register. Bring your questions. 888305-9253. greenwichhospital. org/events

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5:30 - 7 p.m. Class: “Mind, Body, Fertility Yoga.” Prescott House, 38 Volunteer Ln., ground flr. $80 for four classes or $25 drop-in fee per class. Register. Also offered Wednesdays, 6-7:30pm. 888-357-2409.

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Page 5 | Greenwich Sentinel

First Bank of Greenwich Community Corner Where Charity Comes First

W it h t he hol id ays i n f u l l swing, it's the season of giving. But the First Bank of Greenwich is making sure that season lasts year round. The bank has always been involved with supporting many local events and charities, so it only made sense to dig deeper and find ways to give back on a much bigger scale.

That's why the F BOG has launched their Charitable Checking Program to support area nonprofit organizations. The program is simple and easy. If a nonprofit organization you support is part of the program, your checking account balances, a long w ith other suppor ters' balances, are used to calculate quarterly bank donations to that organization. All donations come

directly from the FBOG, and no monies are withdrawn from the nonprofit or supporters' accounts. The bank will make quarterly mone t a r y don at ion s to e ach charity enrolled. "We're ver y excited about this new program. It took us a while to develop and roll it out, but I think it's going to be great for the nonprofit community, for their constituents, as well as the

nonprofit itself," said First Bank of Greenwich President and CEO, Frank Gaudio. "It's a way for our bank to constantly support the nonprofits, and it's a way for nonprofits to generate revenue." The bank has hosted several i n fo r m at i o n s e s s i o n s w h e r e nonprof its could learn how to get involved and how they would benef it. Emily Newcamp, Vice President and Retail Bank ing

Giving has always been part of the bank’s mission, the whole bank is into giving back. As a true community bank, and we want to be able to help as many people as we can and The Charitable Checking Program allows us to do that.

RICHARD KAUFMAN

By Richard Kaufman

Evan Corsello, Emily Newcamp and Frank Gaudio from the First Bank of Greenwich. Manager for FBOG, helped with the logistics and implementation of the program. She said the reaction from various nonprofits who are enrolled has been fantastic. "Giving has always been part of the bank’s mission, the whole

bank is into giving back. As a true community bank, and we want to be able to help as many people as we can and The Charitable Checking Program allows us to do that," Newcamp added.

Going forward, Newcamp said, the bank will reach out to local nonprof its to try and schedule appointments and information s e s sion s. Cu r r ent ly, over 4 0 organizations are enrolled in the

program. If you wou ld like to lear n more about Charitable Checking, contact Emily Newcamp at the First Bank of Greenwich at (203) 302-4382.

Quick Holiday Tips to Keep Your Organized By Margarita Cossuto

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season are upon us, and we all have so many things to do from preparing the house for the holidays, baking and cooking, making time for gift shopping, and most importantly setting aside time to enjoy the wonderful holiday spirit with family and friends. With so much to do, from what needs to get done to what you want to get done, it can be challenging to know where to begin. Feelings of overwhelm and stress can take over very quickly if we don’t prioritize and break tasks down into manageable pieces.

Book your calendar: Whether you use a paper or phone calendar, take a look at it now and note all the holiday commitments that you have coming up. First, note the activities that you have to do. Think about family and friend gettogethers and outings, holiday concerts, school activities, work holiday parties, and anything else that might involve blocks of time. Next, block preparation time for these activities. For example, if you promised to bake a pie for a family dinner, jot downtime needed for baking. Once you have noted your commitments, you can see how many days you have left to do other holiday-related activities such as decorating and shopping. With any planning, making time for commitments first, or the big things makes it easier to accommodate unplanned activities and tasks that may be less critical - especially around the holidays. Evaluate your decorations: The perfect time to assess what you have, and what you may no longer want, is when you have all your boxes of decorations out and are ready to get started decorating. Ask yourself, do you have ornaments or

decorations that you no longer like? Are there any decorations that you’ve been keeping for years and just haven’t used? Do you have ornaments that have been cracked or chipped from being in storage or decorations that are broken that you keep putting away with good intentions of fixing every year? Consider donating decorations that you no longer use and discarding the ones that are broken. Not only will you free up storage space but having less the following year can make the process of decorating seem less overwhelming. Plan for next year: Once decorations are up, an excellent way to speed up the process of decorating the following year is to take pictures of the final setup in your rooms to have as a reference. For those of us who prefer to arrange decoration the same way year after year, pictures can serve as a guide the following year. Photos can even be useful for those who would prefer to change things up every year since they can remind you of setups from previous years. Simply printing the pictures and storing them with your decorations, or saving them on your phone or computer, can be helpful.

Sell at Auction in New York Greenwich Consignment Day Tuesday, December 10 Doyle Specialists are currently evaluating Books, Prints, Coins and more for auction consignment or immediate purchase. Please contact us to schedule a private appointment. Kathy.Brackenridge@Doyle.com 212-427-4141, ext 211

United States St. Gaudens $20 Group of 18 Sold for $31,200

United States 1904 Liberty $20 Choice Group of 10 Sold for $16,800

DOYLE

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Storing decorations: No doubt that there are many great storage options for ornaments, wreaths, trees, and wrapping paper. There are also everyday items you can use that are useful for protecting delicate ornaments and decorations. For example, cardboard wine boxes and clean egg cartons are great for fragile items. A lso, save bu bble w rap a nd packaging from delivery boxes that you receive throughout the holidays to use for packing decorations for the following year. Simplif y your gift list: In terms of gift lists for family and friends, I used to make a detailed list complete with names, gift ideas, checkboxes for purchases made, stores to purchase gifts from, and numerous color codes to help guide my progress. It worked for me for several years, but I found myself sometimes forgetting the list at home, not updating it regularly, and overbuying! For the past few years, I have been using a phone app to organize my gift lists and budget. I use The Christmas List: Easy Budget and Gift Tracking, but there are so many apps to choose from

so you can find the perfect one for your needs. A phone app can save you time by allowing you to have all the information you need in the palm of your hand, and you don't need to spend time writing, and re-writing lists, or even worse be in a store ready to shop only to realize that you have forgotten your list at home. Also, having your gift list on your phone is that you can review it while waiting at a doctor’s appointment, for example, and you can add gift ideas whenever the thought comes to you. I hope this information has been useful to you and that you have fun with all your holiday preparations and shopping! Margarita Cossuto, PhD is a professional organi zer and owner of Living Organized, LLC. She applies her background in psychology to understand the unique needs of her clients to give them the organized space they’re looking for. Margarita works with a variety of clients in the CT/NY area and can be reached at 203-451-7880 or www.livingorganized. com.

Page 6 | Greenwich Sentinel

PUBLISHER Beth@GreenwichSentinel.com Elizabeth Barhydt EDITORS & COPY EDITORS Editor@GreenwichSentinel.com Caroll Melgar, Stapley Russell, Anne W. Semmes, Emma Barhydt

Short Days Long Nights Have you noticed? Our days are getting shorter and our nights are getting longer. It is happening at the exact time when we are frantically trying to get more done during the day. The holidays will soon be here and there is much to be done. There are parties, gatherings, musical events at many churches, and that is just on the social side. If you are a merchant in Greenwich you are at your busiest time of the year, others – office workers – are finishing up year-end projects or putting finishing touches on next year’s budgets. We seem to

Editorial Page

Letter to the Editor

As many of us k now, the Greenwich School District has long provided busing for both public and private school students, and it makes sense! As traffic has become more congested, keeping cars off the road helps everyone, is kinder to the environment, and provides a safe way for students to get to school independently. What a sound investment of our tax dollars to directly help children and families. R e c e n t l y, t h e G r e e n w i c h B o a r d o f Education has made decisions to restrict its busing policy as it affects private schools, based on a Connecticut state statute. These restrictions have ended up targeting Eagle Hill School students in particular. The statute states that school districts are required to provide busing to private schools if 50% or more of the students at that school are from Connecticut. It does not specify the requirements of the school district if the number is below 50%. The district can still choose to provide busing. Early this summer,

Feature Column

By Dan FitzPatrick

struggled in school, and need an academic environment with carefully trained teachers who understand the way they learn. Under the current circumstances, we may well have to tell a family that even though we have space, we cannot take their child because they are from Port Chester, and would tip our balance so that all our Greenwich families would lose busing. The state statute that sets up the busing requirement affects all schools in the state. Schools like Eagle Hill that are so close to the New York border, and serve such an important role in helping children who learn differently, face a unique challenge. We hope the Board of Education can take a more supportive view of the state statute: keeping cars off the road, helping local taxpayers, helping the environment, and helping our children all seem like reasonable goals. Clay Kaufman, Head of School, Eagle Hill School, Greenwich, CT

Called to Be

We seem to be at our busiest and most stressed when we should be finding time to enjoy family, friends and co-workers. be at our busiest and most stressed when we should be finding time to enjoy family, friends and coworkers. The snow flurries we are experiencing remind us of Mark Twain’s famous quote “If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes.” This weekend will be back in the 40’s. The brief snow has brought something else with it too, something much warmer and fun to be around. The anticipation of soon having our children (of all ages) home for the holidays. It will also be the time when high school seniors are hearing from colleges where they applied early decision. Some will get in and some will not. They may be a little stressed and anxious. The entire college application process has become overly, and unnecessarily stressful. The right college will find the right senior. Can you tell we love teenagers? We love having them around. Watching their minds develop and grow with each daily challenge. We stock the office with them in the summer. That’s right. Have a teenager you want out of the house this summer? Give us a call. If they are responsible, polite and fun, chances are we can use them as an intern. We had eight last summer and they had a blast. George Burns said, “Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.” That is not us. This time of year, for us, is all about family. We look for excuses to spend time together, curled up in front of the fire reading a book or playing a game. It is also about traditions. There is something about the holidays that harkens back to our youth. We remember the walks in the snowy woods with our dogs. We may not have snow yet (but we hear it is coming), although we still go for family walks around the neighborhood. We bake the same holiday cookies that we did with our mother, and we still use the same stocking that we used as a child. These are touch points to our past that we share with our children. One day they may share them with their children. We hope so. As you go about town purchasing your holiday gifts, we hope you will remember to buy local and remember the perfect gift is not always the most expensive but can be the most useful. Perhaps because we have a young wizard in our home, we recently came across this quote from J.K. Rowling’s “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”: “One can never have enough socks," said Dumbledore. "Another Christmas has come and gone, and I didn't get a single pair. People will insist on giving me books.” Our days may be getting short, but soon the Winter Solstice will occur, and the trend will reverse until by next June there will be almost seven hours of additional sunlight. For now, let’s not rush the clock or the calendar. Let us find ways, large and small, to enjoy the holiday season, celebrate one another, and not focus on the dark.

the Board voted to end busing for Eagle Hill, well after families had already enrolled for the fall, because Eagle Hill’s enrollment had slipped under the 50% threshold. Thankfully, the Board reversed its decision in July in fairness to these families who had already enrolled with the understanding that busing was in place. However, this fall, once again, the Board voted to interpret the state statute on busing narrowly. The past two years, Eagle Hill has been within a few students of meeting the 50% threshold. As one of a handful of specialized schools that help students with learning differences, and with a campus very close to New York State, it’s not surprising that many families from the tristate area find they need Eagle Hill as one of only a few options for meeting their children’s educational needs. They come to Eagle Hill with bright children with language-based learning differences, e xe c ut i ve f u n c t i o n i n g c h a l l e n g e s a n d attentional challenges. These children have

When I was young, I had the benefit of an excellent religious education, both formal (parochial schools, CCD) and informal (C.S. Lewis’ Narnia Chronicles). I would try to puzzle out the mysteries of infinity, eternity and predestination, until the adult world of jobs, family and financial responsibilities took up all of my attention. Recently, my mind has returned to those childhood preoccupations, hoping to derive some guidance from the life experiences that I picked up along the way. Many world religions teach that each of us has a purpose, a role to play in the history of the universe. Our Jewish brothers and sisters express this beautifully in the concept of a mitzvah (commandment or religious obligation to perform a good deed) to help repair a broken world (tikkun olam). For most of my life, I have interpreted that as a call to physical action, to the performance of temporal acts of mercy, by way of service or almsgiving or both. I believe this interpretation came from the concept of the Protestant Work Ethic which played such a seminal role in the formation of our American culture that historically has valued action, hard work, frugality and efficiency. I have now come

to believe that this is too narrow a definition, only one side of a very large coin indeed. God does not make mistakes. Each one of us is exactly who we are meant to be, perfect for the role we are meant to play in God’s plan, whether or not we understand the why or the how or the what of it. Much in our lives can be difficult to reconcile with the concept of a loving God who has only our best interests at heart. We all have wondered at times “How could God allow that?” I believe that our questioning stems principally from our human inability to understand God’s plan, which may unfold over decades or centuries or millennia, and which sometimes contains elements that defy our understanding of the natural order (“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord.” Isaiah 5:8). Our inability to grasp the true purpose of our existence does not diminish its value. We are all equal, and loved, in God’s sight. So what does that have to do with the point I am trying to make about the two-sided coin? It is just this: sometimes we can change the world simply by being who we are, living a life that is true to our real selves, and sharing our gifts – including the simple gift of presence – with each other. This latter gift is often called the Ministry of Presence – the simple act of being in the moment with others, fully focused on and available to them, listening for “the call that is imbedded in the situation at hand.” “Active” listening is an act of love; it recognizes and validates the worth of the person being listened to. It engages us with others in a community of communication. Paradoxically, silence can be just as salutary. The mere presence of another, caring person can speak volumes to someone struggling with a sense of loneliness or fear about the future. Both of these require nothing

more than your bringing your own, true, real self physically, emotionally and spiritually in touch with a neighbor. The Catholic priest and writer Henri Nouwen captured both the power and the challenge of practicing the Ministry of Presence when he wrote: “More and more, the desire grows in me simply to walk around, greet people, enter their homes, sit on their doorsteps, play ball, throw water, and be known as someone who wants to live with them. It is a privilege to have the time to practice this simple ministry of presence. Still, it is not as simple as it seems. My ow n d e s i r e to b e u s e f u l , to do something significant, or to be part of some impressive project is so strong that soon my time is taken up by meetings, conferences, study groups, and workshops that prevent me from walking the streets. It is difficult not to have plans, not to organize people around an urgent cause, and not to feel that you are working directly for social progress. But I wonder more and more if the first thing shouldn’t be to know people by name, to eat and drink with them, to listen to their stories and tell your own, and to let them know with words, handshakes, and hugs that you do not simply like them, but truly love them.” I have long treasured the poem, Desiderata, the first line of which is “Go placidly among the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.” Like Henri Nouwen’s quote, it reminds me to try to “step out” of the conceit that action is everything, and to take a moment to be in the moment with family, friends, colleagues and strangers. Since God loves them as much as me, it likely will be time well spent. And quite possibly what I am really meant to be doing. Perhaps we are called to just be.

Pursuing Community Based Hiring An increasing number of businesses, whenever possible, are implementing a policy of hiring within the community where they are located. This policy may be more difficult to follow in hiring for senior positions but makes a lot of sense in hiring for support or staff positions and especially in hiring part time workers. Although many businesses embrace this direction, the approach has particularly strong appeal for businesses directly dealing with the public. Employing local workers signals to your customers that you’re invested in your local community. Your commitment to your community will earn you bonus points with your customers and they’ll be more likely to support your business and give you valuable word-of mouth recommendations. Apart from contributing to the local community and economy, hiring local workers has several practical benefits for your business. Employees living where you’re located are more punctual since they have less distance

to travel and can often use local roads rather the crowded highway or parkway to get to work. Furthermore, people who live close to work consider their proximity to work to be a benefit. Local employees won’t be burned out by a long commute and will have an easier time maintaining their work-life balance. Assuming you’re a good employer, chances are your local employees will stick around longer because they’re based in your area. Locals are also going to be more in the loop about other local talent. They’re going to have connections and a network of their own that they have created, and they may know people with talent who are looking for someone to work for nearby. Hiring your employees’ local connections will have the added benefit of boosting your employee retention. No doubt, community based hiring should be considered whenever possible but how do you ensure your applicants live near you? Obviously, using internet services is one approach. Since these services attract a fair

number of people, you might be fortunate to find a few people who live in your community. On the other hand, if your company is located in Greenwich, Stamford or Port Chester/ Rye Brook and you’re willing to hire people 50 and over, you might want to consider USE as an additional alternative. USE is a, non-profit, employment referral service for 50+ jobseekers who reside in the aforementioned communities. Approximately 400 applicants are currently registered with USE. They have been screened in person and categorized by skills. An added bonus is that there is no fee to employers (or applicants). Connect with USE, your local advantage. You’ll be glad you did. By Michael Amoroso, the Director of USE which helps jobseekers fifty and older. USE is located at 299 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich. Their website is USEstaffing.org. USE can be reached at 203-862-6712 Monday to Friday 9:30am to12:30pm or at USEstaffing@gmail.com.

Cos Cob Winter’s Eve Festival Cos Cob celebrates the season with its annual Winter’s Eve Festival on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 2 to 6 p.m., behind the Cos Cob Firehouse, 200 East Putnam Ave. The Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Patrol will be directing traffic along Sinawoy Road so that Santa, with help from the Cos Cob Volunteer

Fire Department, can provide attendees with rides on an antique fire engine. Carols will be performed by the North Mianus and Cos Cob School Choirs, and the Cos Cob Library will be hosting card-making and music. Warm up with hot cocoa while writing letters to Santa with Make-A-Wish and bring an unwrapped toy for

donation to Toys-for-Tots. There will something for the whole family with face painting, games, and a tree lighting ceremony. T h e p u b l i c p a rk i n g l o t b e h i n d t h e firehouse will be closed for the event. For more information, to volunteer or get involved visit facebook.com/wintersevefestival

Garden Workshop on Raised Beds Join biologist Jim Carr who has taught at the New York Botanical Gardens and Audubon Land Steward Andy Chapin to learn how to build a composting system in your backyard, on Sunday, Dec. 8 at 9:30 a.m. Raised beds are a wonderful way of protecting your plants and creating a

lower-maintenance system for your garden. This program will help you learn techniques for designing, building, and maintaining raised beds, and will contain a portion of lecture and handson training outside. Greenwich Audubon Center is located at

613 Riversville Rd. Tickets are: $8 for general admission, and $5 for members, professional landscapers, and town employees. To RSVP, please email: Caroline.Bailey@audubon.org. For more information, visit greenwich.audubon.org/ events

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Coming Home

Feature Column

home from house. My parents divorced when I was seven and, consequently, I was shuttled between my mom’s house and my dad’s. And, although I spent more of my time with Mom, she was in the habit of buying fixer-uppers, fixing and then flipping them. I would leave for school from one house and return home to another, never allowing myself to get too attached to the physical structure, the walls and the roof, the front door, a bedroom or secret hiding place in the backyard. I dreamt about the idyllic home, one roof, one family and a picket fence, but I learned that for me, home is more of a feeling of familiarity, security, and love, and, oh, a stocked fridge. Over the years, I left for summer camp, boarding school, college and eventually to my own apartment. With By Icy Frantz each departure, I felt a true sense of I sat at the Stamford train station excitement and anticipation. I was heading on the Wednesday afternoon before out to discover and explore my own piece Thanksgiving. I was picking up our eldest and his train was delayed, so I had time to sit and wait and watch, and as you can imagine on the most traveled day of the year, it was very busy. As a mom, I spend a lot of time behind the wheel of my car, Ubering non-drivers to and from school and activities, picking up and dropping off, with little thought about the coming and going. But sitting at the station watching more coming than going, I was struck by the joyful emotion of countless strangers as they wheeled of the world, something that belonged to their bags, found and embraced their me and not to them. This, I thought, is loved ones. I didn’t know their stories, where my story begins, not understanding who they were or where they came from, at the time, that no matter where I go, but I was pretty certain that they were home would be an integral part of my coming home. story. I always returned, soaking up the Growing up, I learned to distinguish well-known smells and heading straight to

the fridge where finding Fresca, leftovers, and homemade yogurt seemed to indicate to me that all was well and that no matter how I had grown, I still fit. Now, as an adult, (which still makes me laugh a little) creating home has become my responsibility. Maybe because of my upbringing or in reaction to it, I am totally committed to settling in one place. I know how blessed I am in this sense. I want the kids (now a little grown themselves) to want to be here. I want them to feel loved and accepted. I want their friends to feel loved and accepted. I want them to know that our house is a place where they can retreat from the lives they have created beyond us, and lean into a comfy couch, eat take out sushi (I’d like to say a homecooked meal), laugh at the wet noses of the animals, watch football, and find a fridge full of childhood memories. It’s hard not to think of all of this as Thanksgiving winds down and we head fast and furious

Coming home is physical; trains planes and automobiles, and it's emotional; steep with joy and tears and playful ribbing, but most of all its spiritual.

Column: Your Health

Page 7 | Greenwich Sentinel

into Christmas. What I didn’t understand in my younger years was just how happy it made the adults in the house to have everyone coming home. Because today nothing makes me feel more complete than a full home. Moving beyond the confines of family

and close friends, Greenwich, too, has always been my home. Sometimes I am asked, “Haven’t you lived anywhere else.?” And I have, as far away as Russia and as close as Stamford, but there is something about this community that makes me feel like I am home. Maybe it’s the connections that create a very long quick errand at the grocery store, or the cadence of the town that has become both expectation and routine, or the memories of growing up and raising children here. But, if I had to pick one reason, I would pick the people that make up our very special community. In our community, we live among heroes; we get to know them, sometimes personally and sometimes through their remarkable stories that are passed along at a gym, in the pews of our churches, or in line at Starbucks. We root and care for them because they are part of our home, which is definitely less about the soil and more about the soul. This was the case w ith Karen Newman. Karen was a celebrated triathlete and her accomplishments in her sport alone would have made her exceptional, but she was so much more. She openly and honestly shared her battles as well as her love for family and friends, and her deep faith that guided her every day of her life. She was a woman that truly walked the walk, or rather ran the walk. She had an endless supply of energy, and she gave of it generously even throughout her hardfought battle against cancer. A few years back, Karen moved away to create a new home in Vermont, but this home, this community, the one in which she raised her children, kept her close in our heart. It’s not about the geography or the real estate; the worn brown leather chairs or

threadbare rug. It’s about the people who have occupied those chairs and traveled upon the rugs. It’s that place where unlike the song, everyone not only knows your name, but knows your story, the whole story and they invite you anyway. It’s family, both by conception and by making. And it’s a fullness that comes not from the Thanksgiving dinner, but from being connected and knowing that this is enough and so much more than the where. Coming home is physical; trains planes and automobiles, and it's emotional; steep with joy and tears and playful ribbing, but most of all its spiritual. Over the years, I stayed in touch with Karen mostly through social media. I read the book that she authored, our boys played town football together and I read her entries on her caring bridge page. I was deeply affected by her story. She made me want to be better. In one of her last entries she wrote, “We have one life, one story to tell and we must learn to live it well and give back to the world in ways we never dreamed. We have been praying for a miracle, but maybe that miracle is coming home.” Karen died on November 13. The last of the Thanksgiving leftovers have been eaten, and the fridge, like the house is back to its everyday order. Holiday cards are arriving in the mail box, each one a gift. And isn’t it those faces, young and old, looking out from the cards, that enrich and connect our stories, and make our homes and our communities the wonderful havens that they are? xoxox

Activated Charcoal Benefits

By Julia Chiappetta NOTE: If you are taking prescription medication, you must check with your doctor before adding Activated Charcoal to your routine. I recently implemented my end-of-year cleanse and detox program which includes activated charcoal. A cleanse always seems to improve my digestion, rid my body of any heavy metals sticking around, brings brain clarity, energy and an overall

feeling of lightness and healing. Activated charcoal has been used for health and wellness since 1500 B.C, when it was first recorded to be used for medicinal purposes. It was used then to absorb unpleasant odors from wounds and to soothe the intestinal tract. Hippocrates (circa 400 B.C.) and Pliny (50 A.D.) recorded the use of charcoal for treating a wide range of complaints, including epilepsy, anemia and vertigo. According to the Environmental Working Group, here are some uses for activated charcoal: • Heavy Metal Detoxification: This is by far the most common use for activated charcoal today, and rightly so. In 2005, a study spearheaded in part by the Environmental Working Group found “an average of 200 industrial chemicals and pollutants in umbilical cord blood from 10 babies born in August and September of 2004 in U.S. hospitals. Tests revealed a total of 287 chemicals in the group. The umbilical cord blood of these 10 children, collected by the Red Cross after the cord was cut, harbored pesticides, consumer product ingredients, and wastes from burning coal, gasoline, and garbage.” The

scary fact is that no matter how clean your diet and lifestyle may be, we all have various toxins within us, simply due to environmental factors, such as pollutants in our air, water and soil. Activated charcoal has been known to remove such heavy metals as mercury, copper, arsenic and lead. • Intestinal Health: Intestinal health is important not only for the process of digestion but also because the majority

substances it has attracted to it. If you use activated charcoal for intestinal detox, you may experience very black stool. Don’t be surprised, this is normal and can actually help you discover the speed at which materials are passing through your system as a whole. • Lowering Cholesterol: In a study conducted almost thirty year ago by the British Journal, The Lancet, patients with high cholesterol who took activated

drawing abilities. If you decide to use activated charcoal as part of your wellness protocol, please seek the advice of your doctor and obtain a quality source in capsule or powder form, made with fine-grain woods, with coconut wood being the most preferred. I like Schizandu Organic Coconut Activated Charcoal. In closing, please don’t forget your daily dose of nutrients from a yummy, organic green juice and take time to enjoy the splendor in the twinkling white, red and green lights beckoning Christmastime and the birth of the Baby Jesus. As we look to 2020, let’s be people with gumption, to love unconditionally, engage in tender acts of kindness and give generously within our community and beyond. charcoal (8 gm) three times per day had Happy Christmas to all of you! a lowered LDL of 41% and a total lowered Author of Breast Cancer-the notebook, cholesterol level of 25%. Gemini Media 2006. JuliaChiappetta.com References • Wound-Healing and Infection1. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e f "Charcoal, Activated". The Fighting: For thousands of years, carbon American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. Archived (i.e. charcoal) has been used around the from the original on 21 December 2016. Retrieved 8 surface area of wounds in order to keep December 2016. 2. ^ Jump up to: a b c WHO Model Formulary 2008 infection at bay. It has also been used for (PDF). World Health Organization. 2009. p. 57. ISBN accidental poisonings as well as insect 9789241547659. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 and snake bites, again because of its toxin- December 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.

Activated charcoal has been used for health and wellness since 1500 B.C. (60 to 80%) of your immune system cells live in your gut. In the intestines, charcoal works through a process of adsorption. Adsorption has to do with the electrical attraction of toxins to the surface area of negatively-charged particles (in this case, fine particles of activated charcoal) in the intestinal tract. Charcoal is not absorbed by the body and will eventually exit through the bowels, along with the toxic

Column: On My Watch

Memorable Discoveries Made During Thanksgiving Week By Anne W. Semmes It was hearing the haunting music of composer Philip Glass from his opera “Akhnaten” on WQXR that intrigued. Didn’t I love archaeology and things Egyptian? I called my Metropolitan Operasavvy Greenwich friends. Had they seen the new production? “No, but we’re going to a Saturday matinee performance in HD on November 23 in New Rochelle. Join us!” So, there I was in a lounging seat with my feet up, with a delicious picnic lunch made by my friends to savor during intermissions, watching one of the most astounding, mesmerizing performances of my life. As the powerful music built up with the ancient Egyptian symbols appearing, as the shadowy backdrop of figures with legs stretched sideways as in Egyptian hieroglyphs came alive, as all motion began in half time, in slow motion, as the singers sang, I was totally caught

up in its spell to the final curtain. Anthony Roth Costanzo, as Egyptian pharaoh Akhnaten who changes his name from Amenhotep IV with his pioneering worship of only one god – the sun-god Aten, has an uncanny ability to move up and down and about in graceful slow motion throughout his countertenor role. One unforgettable image is of Akhnaten and his wife Nefertiti coming together across the stage in their long trailing red robes to affirm their love for each other in a duet. Glass’s magical music has a libretto of ancient Egyptian, Akkadian and Hebrew sources with high moments sung in the language of the audience. One of those moments is when Akhnaten soulfully sings his “Hymn to the Sun,” with a remembered line, “Thou has filled every land with thy beauty.” But this is not a happy stor y as t he Eg y pt ia ns r ise up aga i nst t h is monotheism and murder Akhnaten and

The Egyptian pharaoh Akhnaten making his slow ascent before the Sun in the Philip Glass opera, \"Akhnaten,\" showing at the Metropolitan Opera.

family. What helps is the fantastic juggling woven throughout that literally lifts the spirits and keeps the eyes moving - and marveling how no ball drops! (Edited out in the HD?) To this viewer, Philip Glass (now 82), has composed (as of 1984) a masterpiece of music, working with “genius” producer, Phelim McDermott. Some music lovers close the doors to what they hear as Glass’s “minimalist” music. (Glass calls it additive music), but young New Yorkers are reportedly “f locking to the opera,” having recognized “something modern and rhythmic” in its music. (And yes, its sold out through its run on Saturday.) So, when I a r r ived up nor th, to spend Thank sg iv ing week w ith my Ithaca family, I determined to share a Metropolitan Opera trailer of Akhnaten on my computer. But what did fascinate my teenaged granddaughter, daughter and son-in-law, and myself, was an episode shared from the Netf lix series, “Abstract – the Art of Design.” It featured 42-year-old Neri Oxman, architect-designer-professor at MIT’s Media Lab on the subject of “BioArchitecture.” The stunningly beautiful Oxman was assigned to build a biocompatible structure for the Smithsonian made entirely of natural materials. “The vision of the project,” Oxman notes, “is to completely omit the use of plastics on planet Earth.” Oxman’s words resonated with what I’d just read in ecologist Carl Safina’s book, “Eye of the Albatross,” written nearly 18 years ago. On a visit to the world’s largest colony of Laysan Albatrosses on Midway Atoll in the North Pacific, Safina had watched a returning parent, having flown for days across great distances in search of a squid meal, regurgitating that squid food to feed her hungry chick. But the chick is wanting more. The mother is “retching, retching,” he writes, then, “Slowly the tip – just the tip – of a green plastic toothbrush emerges in the bird’s throat.” Unable to bring it up, the mother

My pasta dinner discovery was seeing the pasta first placed on a pasta rack made by my son-in-law! Anne W. Semmes photo. re-swallows the toothbrush, and “wanders away from her chick.” I n my daug hter ’s hou s e no one goes hungry, even my granddaughter’s

chicken instead of turkey for Thanksgiving – store bought chicken. Just like the albatrosses, both parents take their turn coming up with dinner. But how many

At a recent Saturday matinee of the Metropolitan Opera's new production of Philip Glass's "Akhnaten" in HD, I was watching one of the most astounding, mesmerizing performances of my life. chickens. Those hearty chickens were father’s make the pasta from scratch, then even treated post-Thanksgiving with a hang their homemade spaghettini on their bit of left over pumpkin pie. We even had homemade pasta rack?

Pursuing Excellence in Education Page 8 | Greenwich Sentinel

Education Column: Feature

Education Doesn't Stop When the School Day Ends

By Molly King When asked to describe Greenwich Academy’s culture, A sso c iate He ad Ma rk Fei ner is k nown to respond with his signature precision and wit: “We are relentlessly self-improving!” As change agents and e duc at ion a l le ader s , G A h a s been especially focused on those areas where girls and women are

underrepresented, and since 2006, building an outstanding STEM program has been a key priority. Led by exceptional faculty, the success we have had in forging new paths for our students has propelled us into the national spotlight. Ou r Eng i neer i ng a nd Desig n Lab, robotics program, advanced scientific research opportunities, outdoor education programs, and our GAINS (Girls Advancing In STEM) Network are but a few of the initiatives to which other schools routinely look to GA as the standard. The GAINS Network is a virtual community, founded by Dr. Ann Decker, director of GA’s Duff Center for STEM Initiatives. The simple premise of “You have to see it to be it,” as well as her gifts as a science teacher and researcher led her to establish this network at GA to connect girls interested in STEM

with female role models. That was eight years ago, and GAINS has since expanded to include girls at schools all over the country— both single sex an coed, public and independent. Many have established GAINS Clubs on their own campuses.

connections and expanding the network of role models for our STEM scholars. In 2015, we held our first conference at MIT; since then, GAINS has been hosted by Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, Stanford, NYU, and just last month, the University of Pennsylvania. Several

Relentlessly self-improving? You bet we are! In addition to the virtual GAINS community, GA decided five years ago that we should partner with a leading university to host an annual conference as a means of deepening

leading companies have partnered with GAINS as well, including Oath, Facebook, and Tesla. The annual conference theme is #IBelongHere, reinforcing our conviction that

every girl who is passionate about STEM, and has achieved in her studies, deserves a seat at the metaphorical table. Our conference at Penn, like those before it, was phenomenal. I had the privilege of witnessing girls from all over the country, including GA and Greenwich High School, interact with researchers, engineering professors, and industry professionals. It was gratifying to watch participants broaden their perspectives as they learned about a vast array of STEM professions and engaged with women who are leaders in their fields. I was inspired on many levels, starting with the commitment of these STEM experts to open previously closed doors for girls and young women. It was so empowering for the GAINS participants. Full disclaimer: I’m no STEM educator. I’m a convert and have

become a zealot. Why? Because more than in most academic arenas, STEM studies generate an iterative process of design, build, test, and improve as the critical prerequisites to authentic learning and mastery. Failure is necessarily a part of the trial and error process and this builds resiliency and genuine confidence in one’s voice, abilities, and capacity to effect positive change—critical goals for a leading girls’ school. Greenwich Academy students, teachers, and alumnae embrace their roles as change agents, aligned with our motto, Toward the Building of Character. Relentlessly self-improving? You bet we are! Molly King is the head of school at Greenwich Academy and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bowdoin College and a Masters from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Education Column

Alliance Grants Are Funding Innovation

By Julie Faryniarz The Media Center at Greenwich High School (GHS) was buzzing with energy on November 19th at our first Inspiring Educators Celebration. This celebration was a new platform for the Greenwich Alliance for Education’s Reaching Out Grant recipients or should I say, “champions of innovation,” to share the many ways that they are chang ing the educational experience for students and raising achievement. The Alliance has invested $1.3M in grants since we were founded in 2006. Why are we so dedicated to innovation and why does it matter? Because our educators are telling us that it does! Dr. Lorraine Termini, GHS Dean of Students says that “Innovation is change. Education does not change quickly, yet in order to meet all students’ needs, educators must not be afraid to try new things. Students who are engaged in innovative education, collaborate with others to come up with new and different outcomes to a variety of issues, problems, and questions. Students work together to find the best answers, answers we may not have thought of. Understanding the why of what they are doing, not just the what or how, is critical for students to grow and change. Growing and changing is what innovation is all about.” Recently, the GHS Education a nd Wel l ness Center opened with assistance from an Alliance

grant. They are seeing positive changes and innovation at work as students are taking ownership of the community room and are demonstrating leadership skills in maintaining the space. The Center is helping students become selfadvocates and pushing students to take on roles that are new and sometimes scary. Carleen Woods, Assistant Director PPS, adds,” the Alliance has provided us with the opportunity to proactively meet the needs of students as they transition to GHS via the Strong Beginnings grant. This innovative solution has eased the transition to high school for many students and increased their ability to access services, connect w ith staf f, and build relationships.” I n nov at ion L a b ( I n L a b), the la rgest g ra nt investment f rom t he A l l ia nce to date, is

a nd lead ing-edge tech nolog y applications. (ghsinnovationlab. com). Brian Walach, a GHS Math teacher, and one of the In Lab founders, spent half of his teaching time during 2014-2015 researching and designing the what, how’s, and why’s of this program for students and the teachers. “Innovation Lab matters to me”, said Brian, “because it is an opportunity to be allowed to be more creative in teaching math. I work with science teachers to find overlap in our curricula and develop activities, labs, and projects through which students can learn both subjects. This gives students a unique experience because they see us collaborate in real time and see how math and science connect. The STEM content is tailored to their interests and we change based on their feedback.” Seven schools have opened Innovation spaces or makerspaces

with tools that professionals use the makerspace in this blog: excitement and energ y in the (ex: 3D printer), which is authentic https://www.cultofpedagogy. room, and then visited schools to students and allows them to care com/makerspace/ and community organizations to about what they are doing. When “There was a time when you directly understand the grants we students are able to complete something using multiple senses their brain can fully interpret the learning, which allows them to learn quicker and helps them deepen their understanding.” “Using the space”, says another CMS teacher, “ gave my students t h e o p p o r t u n i t y to 's e e' my curriculum through a different lens, by ma k ing con nections outside of my classroom. It allowed me to take a step back and let the students showcase their creative sides and also gave me a chance to ref lect on student learning in a less structured/restrictive environment.” Joh n Sp encer, who wa s a classroom teacher for a number of years currently teaches at the

Innovation is change. Education does not change quickly, yet in order to meet all students’ needs, educators must not be afraid to try new things. Students who are engaged in innovative education, collaborate with others to come up with new and different outcomes to a variety of issues, problems, and questions.

Principals Trish McGuire and Jill Flood with Jessie Bennett and Eileen Brehm at the Inspiring Educators Celebration a rigorous, interdisciplinar y, school-within-a-school model at GHS. This progressive and personalized model is designed and implemented by a dedicated team of GHS educators who are leveraging innovative teaching m e t h o d s , p r oj e c t-b a s e d a nd blende d le a r n i ng st rate g ie s ,

Education Column

By Gordon Beinstein I wanted to use this forum to write about every parent’s favorite subject: homework. Having had two kids go through the Greenwich Public School System, with a third still attending Greenwich High, I feel your pain when it comes to the homework battle. Two years ago I administered a survey after hearing from a number of parents about the amount of work assigned at Western. It was inconclusive at best. Parents of children sitting next to each other in the same class often had polar opposite experiences when it came to how much time their child was spending on schoolwork at home. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised as homework can be very much a personal issue. The same assignment, which the teacher believes should take 15 minutes,

with Alliance grant funding. Brian Ciancio, Library Media Specialist, and grant champion for Central M i d d l e S c h o o l ’s I n n ov a t i o n Space shares this from a teacher: “Through the use of the Innovation Space, I have noticed that students are more engaged/interested in the learning. Students are working

university level. He is also the co-author, with A.J. Juliani, of the books Launch: Using Design Thinking to Boost Creativity and Bring Out the Maker in Every Student, and Empower: What Happens When Students Own their Learning. He shares these thoughts about innovation through

could follow the formula: Work hard at school, go to college, and climb a corporate ladder. But because of the complex global economy, because of the creative economy, the information economy, our students are going to have to navigate a maze. The ladder is now a maze. And because it’s a maze, what do they need in order to navigate that? They need to be able to engage in iterative thinking, creative thinking, critical thinking, they need to know how to pivot, how to change, how to revise, how to persevere. They need to solve complex problems. They need to think divergently. All of those are involved in that maker mindset. And so if you can embed that maker mindset inside of the curriculum, and you tap into the standards that you’re teaching, then they’re able to develop that maker mindset.” F rom my p oi nt of v iew, I attended the Inspiring Educators Celebration and experienced the

are funding and see the innovation at work. I am always inspired by our “champions of innovation” who challenge themselves to bring the best educational experience to the students. So that is why we remain committed to funding innovation – students and teachers deserve our investment. Feel free to reach out to me to visit any of our grants with me. You can find them at www. greenwichalliance.org. And make sure to watch for the posting of the Reaching Out Grant application for 2020-2021 by December 15, 2019! Grants are accepted f rom non-prof it community organizations and Greenwich Public School personnel. Julie Faryniarz, is the Executive Director of the Greenwich Alliance for Education. She and her husband, Danny, are the proud parents of three Greenwich Public School graduates. Julie is an active community volunteer and recently was honored by the YWCA as a Women Who Inspires.

The Homework Battle may take one child 5 minutes, and another 30. If you multiply this by 4-5 subjects, we have an issue. So, if there is a problem, is it with the assignment, or is it your child’s approach to the work that is leading to the inordinate amount of time on task (or lack thereof)? The reality is that it might be difficult to know. A typical middle school child (like there is such a thing) should spend approx. 60-90 minutes a night on homework. This amounts to approximately 15 minutes per subject per weeknight, plus reading. There should be no homework due on Monday that the child did not have an opportunity to do before the weekend. Weekends need to be family time! I am not one who believes that the q ua ntit y of homework has a direct relationship with the quality of a child’s education. Homework has a purpose…to practice skills already taught or to lead off the next day’s lesson. Homework should not be ruining your relationship with your child, interfering with sleep or impacting your child’s ability to participate in non-academic pursuits! If your child is spending an inordinate amount of time on his / her homework, and it is beginning to impact other areas of his / her life, please contact your child’s guidance counselor or particular teacher where this might be an issue. Conversely, if you find that your child frequently states that he/she has no homework, or your child claims to have finished it in school, (or, more likely, on the bus on the way home from school) a

phone call to the counselor or particular teacher is also warranted. Please note that ‘time on homework’ means different things to different students. If your child is in his / her room, music blaring, texting away with friends, TV in the background, and claims to be ‘doing homework’, they are not. Also, if your child

Parents are encouraged to: Ask their child about what the child is studying in school. Ask their child to show them any homework assignments. Assist their child in organizing homework materials. Help their child formulate a plan for

Homework has a purpose…to practice skills already taught or to lead off the next day’s lesson. Homework should not be ruining your relationship with your child, interfering with sleep or impacting your child’s ability to participate in non-academic pursuits! waits until Thursday to start a project due on Friday that was assigned on Monday, they lose the right to complain about how much homework they have that night. This is all part of the learning process. Students, who had been appropriately spoon-fed in their previous school, need to learn to manage their time. This can be one of the more difficult lessons students learn in middle school, and one of the most impactful. To help you to best assist your child with their homework, I have attached some suggestions, taken from the book Rethinking Homework by Cathy Vatterott.

completing homework. Provide an appropriate space for their child to do homework. Parents may, if they wish: Help their child interpret directions. Proofread their child’s work, pointing out errors. Read required reading aloud. Give practice quizzes to their child to help prepare for tests. Help their child brainstorm ideas for papers and projects. Praise their child for completing homework.

Parents should not: Attempt to teach their child concepts or skills the child is unfamiliar with. Complete assignments for the child Allow their child to sacrifice sleep to complete homework. A s We s t e r n , w e h a v e a l r e a d y incorporated a few initiatives to assist families with homework completion. All of your child’s assignments are posted on Schoology and students are provided time to write their assignments in their planners every period. In addition, students email home a 'progress monitoring' sheet 2x per cycle, informing you, and reminding them of where they stand academically at that point in time, and noting any missing assignments. This should, to a large extent, eliminate the issue of not knowing what the assignments are. In addition, teachers are available after school and students may stay after for homework club. This ‘club’ will provide students with a quiet, supervised location in which to get their homework done. Homework is a part of a child’s school experience, but, if we assign appropriately, you support knowledgeably, and the student plans thoughtfully, it shouldn’t be the time cannibalizer it often becomes. Gordon Beinstein is currently in his 32nd year as a middle school educator (and he still can’t get out of 8th grade!). This is his seventh year as the principal of Western Middle School and was recently named the 2019 Connecticut Association of Schools Principal of the Year.

Page 9 | Greenwich Sentinel

Here’s LOOKIN’ at you kid

Page Knox, Lecturer at the Met and Columbia University: “Leonardo at the Louvre." First Presbyterian Church, 1 W. Putnam Ave. Free and open to the community. info@greenwichrma.org. greenwichrma.org 11 - 11:30 a.m. Storytime - explorations of historical events and figures through storytelling, songs, and movement. Ages 2-5. Greenwich Historical Society, 47 Strickland Rd. Free. (Every Wed). 203-869-6899. 11:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Kids need periodic eye exams so that if problems develop they’re treated. But they don’t love the experience. Dr. Fucigna has examined hundreds of them. He’s developed a way with kids and it makes it easier on Mom, too.

See Dr. Fucigna Robert J. Fucigna, M.D. Advanced Ophthalmology.

1455 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT (203) 348-7575 •www.aoct.co 6 p.m. Holiday Shopping Night

Putnam Ave. facebook.com/ events/2939294132750453

continued from page 4

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11 8 - 9 a.m.

Benefitting Gun Violence Prevention. Dogwood Books and Gifts, Christ Church, 254 East Putnam Ave. Free. dogwoodbooksandgifts.com 6 - 7 p.m. Yoga Takeover. Grades 7th12th. Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St. Free. (Every Tue & Thu). Register. 203-6295744. info@archstreet.org 6:30 p.m. Acacia Lodge No. 85 meeting and dinner - Stated Communication and Fellowcraft Degree. Putnam Cottage - Tavern Room, 243 East Putnam Ave. Public is welcome to attend dinner. (2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month). acacia85@gmail.com 7 p.m. Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall Meeting Room, 1st floor, 101 Field Point Rd. 203-622-7894. 7 - 8:30 p.m. Thriving During the Holidays: Essential Oil Support. Osteostrong Greenwich, 10 Milbank Ave. 203-900-1661. osteostrong.me 8 p.m. Live Music w/Michael Bram! Caren's Cos Cobber, 31 East

Tai Chi lessons. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich - Auditorium, 108 Sound Beach Ave. Drop-ins welcome. (Also, Thursday, Dec. 12, 9-10am). $10 per hour. 203-504-4678. fccog.org/ fccogcalendar

American Red Cross Community Blood Drive. Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Rd. 800-733-2767. RedCrossBlood.org 12 - 1 p.m. Parkinson’s Body & Mind Support Group. YMCA of Greenwich, 50 E. Putnam Ave. Free. 203-869-1630. abasso@ gwymca.org. greenwichymca. org 4 - 5 p.m. Stroke Education and Support Group: “Celebration and Meditation.” Greenwich Hospital’s Pemberwick Conference Room, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free. Register. 888-305-9253. 6 p.m. Alliance Française of Greenwich: Apéro Amis practice French over a glass of wine. Bistro Versaille, 339 Greenwich Ave. (2nd Wed of the month). All are welcome. Free + cost of beverage. 203-253-7632. dunn. christopheralan@gmail.com. afgreenwich.org 7 p.m. Board of Education Meeting - Board PD. Havemeyer Building, 290 Greenwich Ave. michael_antonaccio@ greenwich.k12.ct.us. greenwichschools.org

10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

7 p.m.

Career Coach: Microsoft PowerPoint - Level 1, 10am (Beginner); Level 2, 1pm (Intermediate) Greenwich Library, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register. 203622-7914. trainingcenter@ greenwichlibrary.org

Architectural Review Committee Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall Meeting Room, 1st floor, 101 Field Point Rd.

10 a.m. Antiquarius Holiday House Tour and Luncheon at Milbrook Club. Homes throughout Greenwich, Greenwich Historical Society, 47 Strickland Rd. House Tour, $120; Milbrook luncheon, $50. 203-869-6899. vbruzzese@ greenwichhistory.org. greenwichhistory.org 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Greenwich Newcomers Club: December Coffee & Holiday Cookie Exchange. Julie Bensley's home. (Bring 4 dozen of your favorite holiday cookies) greenwichnewcomers.org 11 a.m.

7 - 8:30 p.m. Greenwich Newcomers Club: Wine About a Book Club: Finding Mrs. Ford by Deborah Goodrich Royce. Anne Goffin's house. greenwichnewcomers. org 7:30 p.m. Perinatal Bereavement Support Group: Perinatal Bereavement Memorial Service. Greenwich Hospital’s Noble Conference Center, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free. 203-8633417.

THURSDAY, DEC. 12 10 a.m. Greenwich Board of Selectmen Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall - Meeting Room, 1st floor, 101 Field Point Rd. 203-622-7702. 10 - 11:30 a.m.

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Parkinson’s Body & Mind Support Group. YMCA of Greenwich, 50 E. Putnam Ave. 203-869-1630. abasso@ gwymca.org. greenwichymca. org

FRIDAY, DEC. 13 10 a.m. Qigong with Donna Bunte. Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St. $10$20. 203-869-9242. info@ greenwichbotanicalcenter.org 10 - 11:30 a.m. Greenwich Newcomers Club: Kids at Play- Perrot Memorial Library. A library educator will lead the kids in stories, songs, movement, finger plays, and puppets. greenwichnewcomers.org 10:15 - 11 a.m.

18 Field Point Rd. Greenwich, CT 06830 WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE • 24 HOUR EMERGENCY ON-CALL SERVICE EVENING & WEEKEND APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE

Sound Beach Ave. 203-637-1791.

SUNDAY, DEC. 15 12 a.m. - 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 - 3 p.m.

Tidings, Tales, & Treats at GBC with Youth Coordinator, Jen. Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St. $5$30. 203-869-9242. info@ greenwichbotanicalcenter.org. greenwichbotanicalcenter.org

Friends of Greenwich Point: “Wildlife in Winter.” Innis Arden Cottage at Greenwich Point. Live Animal Presentations at 1:15, 1:45 & 2:15. Free. info@ friendsofgreenwichpoint.org. friendsofgreenwichpoint.org

8 p.m. St. Catherine of Siena Festival Choir and Ensemble perform ‘Christmas in Paris’. St. Catherine of Siena Church, 4 Riverside Ave. $10, adults; free, children 17 and under. music. director@stcath.org

SAT, DEC. 14 9 - 11 a.m. Sensory-Sensitive Saturday. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. (2nd Sat of the month). RSVP is required. 203-900-3349. Caroline.Bailey@audubon. org. greenwich.audubon.org/ accessibility 10 a.m. Exhibition opens: ‘Collecting Reimagined: A 2D Curiosity Cabinet’. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. 203-869-0376. info@brucemuseum.org. brucemuseum.org 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Holiday Celebration at Stop & Shop (all locations in Connecticut).

Video Game Design (ages 13 & up). Greenwich Library The Jewel, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register. 203622-7914. innovationlab@ greenwichlibrary.org

3:45 - 4:45 p.m.

SOLD OUT - ‘MistleTok Meet Up’ - meet TikTokers from CT. Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St. $5-$25. 203-6295744. info@archstreet.org. archstreet.org

“Glaser and the Grid” - a solo exhibition by Scott Glaser artist’s reception. Greenwich Art Society, 299 Greenwich Ave., 2nd floor. 203-629-1533. greenwichartsociety@verizon. net. greenwichartsociety.org

203.869.3984

CCNS Holiday Sing. Christ Church, Greenwich, 254 E. Putnam Ave. Free. 203-8696600, ext. 13. jtredinnick@ christchurchgreenwich.org. christchurchgreenwich.org/ calendar

Women’s Spousal Support Group - for women who provide care for a chronically ill spouse. Center for Healthy Aging at Greenwich Hospital, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free. Register. 203-863-4375.

6 - 9 p.m.

www.GreenwichDentalGroup.com

Zen Group - Twining Vines Sangha. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich - Daniels Center, 108 Sound Beach Ave. 203-6371791.

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Holiday Reception. Curry & Kingston, 209 River Rd Ext. $45 (on-line); $50 (walk-ins, at the door). 203-629-1533. greenwichwinesociety.com

7:30 - 9 p.m.

1 - 2:15 p.m.

Greenwich Wine Society ‘Tis the Season’

We’re Dedicated to the Health of Your Smile ...

Greenwich Grind Teen Coffee House - featuring Open Studio time. Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St. Free. Grades 7th-12th. Free. Every Wednesday. 203-629-5744. info@archstreet.org

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Creator Club (Grades 3 & Up). Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. Register. 203-622-6883. lmatthews@greenwichlibrary. org

COSMETIC, GENERAL AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY

7:30 p.m.

Rebecca Soffer: ‘Modern Loss: Candid Conversation About Grief. Beginners Welcome.’ YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Ave. $20 in advance, $25 at the door, includes copy of the book. ujajcc.org

6 - 8 p.m. T H E B O N E H E A L T H CE N T E R O F G R E E N W I CH

7 - 8 p.m.

2019 Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. 203-9301353. tgilman@audubon.org. greenwich.audubon.org

is seeking volunteers to join a team of volunteer transcribers working from home to use voice dictation to digitize handwritten Town records. This will reveal much new information about early Town meetings, land records before the American Revolution and wills, deeds, and genealogy that have never been accessed before. CT1640@gmail.com O R T H O D O N T I C S

THROUGH DEC. 8 “Perpetual Motion” - a Journey through Rick Garcia’s masterful creativity. C. Parker Gallery, 409 Greenwich Ave. 203-661-0205. cparkergallery. com

5:30 p.m. Christmas Piano Concert featuring Stefano Miceli. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. $100, single ticket; $150, two tickets. 646-599-4618. appiaproductions@gmail.com. appiarecords.com

THROUGH DEC. 14

AA MEETINGS

THROUGH DEC. 27

ct-aa.org/meetings

The Art Society of Old Greenwich's 2019 Holiday Art Show and Sale. Gertrude White Gallery, YWCA of Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Ave. asogct.com/holiday-show

AL-ANON MEETINGS al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings

ONGOING Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center (OGRCC) Registration for the Winter season - offering youth and adult programs. Programs include indoor recreational soccer, dance, drama, art, fitness and more. 203-6373659. office@myogrcc.org. myogrcc.org Volunteer Transcribers. The Greenwich Historical Society

“Quilts of Common Threads 2019” Exhibit. Cos Cob Library, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. Viewing hours: Mon, 12-8pm, Tue to Sat, 9am-5pm. 203-622-6883.

THROUGH DEC. 31 For every K.I.C Bowl purchased at MYX Creative Kitchen, the store will donate a portion of the proceeds to Kids In Crisis. There will also be a donation box in the restaurant, and patrons can purchase the Kids In Crisis grapefruitcurrant scented candles for $20 each. 203-661-1911. kidsincrisis.org

Festive Natural Holiday with The Essential Florist. Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St. $45$70. 203-869-9242. info@ greenwichbotanicalcenter.org

12 & 3:30 p.m.

1 p.m. Arguimbau Art at "The Boatyard" - Meet The Artist, Peter Arguimbau. 350 Riverside Ave. Free. 203-2746176. Info@ArguimbauArt. com. ArguimbauArt.com 1 - 2:30 p.m. 3D Printing Fashion Technology (Ages 13 & Up). Greenwich Library - The Jewel, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register. 203622-7914. trainingcenter@ greenwichlibrary.org 3 - 4 p.m. S.O.S. Talk/Support Group for Busy Woman. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich - Lounger, 108

Warm Up This Winter Atko Bros Landscaping is now providing top quality Kiln Dried Firewood Delivered and Stacked for the best prices GUARANTEED. 1 face cord 8x4x16” $300 and 1/2 face cord 4x4x16” $180 We also stock woodhaven Firewood racks with covers We deliver to Greenwich, Cos Cob, Old Greenwich, Riverside, Byram and surrounding areas in Fairfield County, CT and Westchester Country, NY.

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

Serving the Greater Good

Page 10 | Greenwich Sentinel

Greater Good Column: Great Futures

Gifts Under the Tree

By Bobby Walker If you have ever been blessed to work with children, you know that their innocence can teach adults so much about the world and how to live life to its fullest. The holiday season reminds me of a life-lesson that an 11-yearold taught me years ago. As a former school administrator, I was frequently part of conversations to help the school better understand what a child was going through. From c onve r s at ion s w it h a ch i ld’s parents, to educational evaluators and even mental health specialists, this information helped us

personalize our academic and emotional support for each child. The school had been in contact with the parents of a girl named Samantha, whose father had unfortunately lost his job. Although the family was able to bear the brunt of his loss of income early on, there were signs that they were on the verge of economic hardship. Samantha’s stay-athome mother looked to return to the workforce while her father actively sought new employment. Neither one had much success finding a job for several months. Knowing the holidays were rapidly approaching, Samantha’s parents worried they would not be able to provide a “happy” Christmas for Samantha and her younger sister. The concern was not only a lack of gifts to open on Christmas day, but they worried that upon returning to school, Samantha would have to deal with everyone discussing their expensive gifts and holiday trips. Her mother asked me if I could get a sense of Samantha’s mood as

we neared the holidays and looked for advice on how the family should tell the girls that there may not be gifts for Christmas. Like I usually do, I encouraged the parents to have an open, honest discussion with their girls. While children can be easily disappointed, they are also amazingly forgiving and understanding, too. As fate would have it, I saw S a m a nt h a i n St udy H a l l one afternoon. The homework load was a bit lighter for the 5th graders as holiday break approached. Head down, she was busy with what looked like a massive art project. She was making Christmas cards, bracelets and drawings. She was feverishly working to complete her projects before the period ended. When I asked her what she was working on, she innocently said, “Not now, Mr. Walker. I want to finish these gifts for my family before the period ends.” I gave her some space as she requested, but when the period ended, I asked Samantha to stay behind to speak to me.

“Sam, why are you making so many holiday gifts? I know you said they are for your family, but you have made so much.” “Well, Mr. Walker, I know that Daddy is not working. We set up a tree a few weeks ago, and there are no gifts under it. He can’t really afford to give us anything this year. So, I decided that I would put gifts under the tree, so he doesn’t

parents (and her little sister) would really enjoy the gifts and that there would be smiles from everyone. I also told her how impressed I was that she, at her young age, was focusing on giving gifts and joy during the holidays, rather than receiving those same things. With a furrowed brow and a quizzical look on her face, Samantha said, “ W h y a r e y o u s h o c k e d , M r.

I also told her how impressed I was that she, at her young age, was focusing on giving gifts and joy during the holidays, rather than receiving those same things. have to worry about anything. Besides, I know he is stressed by not working. Maybe this will help him and Mommy smile.” While trying not to shed a tear in front of a student, I told Samantha that I was sure her

Walker? Don’t you know it is better to give than to receive? My parents always give me things. This is the least I can do for them.” While we all look at commercials, peruse the sales papers and online ads, and create

a gift wish list to give to family and friends, I am always reminded of Samantha’s lesson to me. The holiday season, ultimately, is about giving joy to others. In my current position, one of my favorite days of the year is our Member Holiday Party. At this event, Boys & Girls Club members do not receive presents. Instead, they choose from a selection of gifts to wrap and give to their loved ones. The pride shared at this celebration always reminds me of Samantha and brings a smile to my face. Remember, a “gift” doesn’t have to cost anything. It just needs to come from the heart. Happy Holidays! A former independent school a d m i n i s t ra t o r a n d t e a c h e r, Bobby joined Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich in 2014 as Chief Executive Officer. In his column, Great Futures, Bobby Walker, Jr. brings his unique voice and perspective to topics affecting youth and families in our community.

The Studio Dedicates Night to First Responders By Michelle Moskowitz The Studio Greenwich, a beautiful, serene yoga studio located at 701 West Putnam Avenue, recently hosted a special evening event dedicated for local, first responders by addressing the importance of their mental and physical wellness to help combat the stressors of their daily lives. With the rise of suicide deaths, p o st-t rau m at ic st r e s s d i s or der (PTSD) and substance abuse issues among first responders, The Studio Greenwich, founded by Pam Pell in January of this year, made it their mandate this holiday season to pay homage to the men and women who put themselves on the front lines every day in order to help make our community safer and a better place to live. Pe l l s t ate s t h at T h e S t ud i o

is committed to “promoting and nurturing the cultivation of healthy bodies and minds through yoga and meditation classes,” and wanted to impart that healthful way of life to those who may not always have the time. “It’s so important to invest in those who invest in us,” said Mandy Dimarzo, who orchestrated the event with Pell and is an instructor at The Studio of the popular, high intensity “BURN” class, a 45-minute torch session that involves full body power movements that seems to have an intensely loyal following. “I have been involved with first responders for a long time and really wanted to do something special for them that can help them bounce back from the physical and mental toll that comes with the job,” said Dimarzo. “My grandfather was a firefighter and I really want these men and women

to feel good about having this night especially for them and for all that they do.” Pell, Dimarzo and the rest of The Studio team, kicked off the night with a selection of hors d’oeuvres and drinks and lined the studio with dimly lit candles which provided a calming and inviting aura. First responders were treated to a wellness workshop provided by O2X Human Performance Group -- a performance group founded by Navy SEAL’s. O2 X prov ides customized training programs not only for first responders, but for professional athletes and corporations who want to infuse a positive, cultural change in the workplace. 02X staff members, Brice Long and Ali Levy presented their principles to about for t y f irst responders; providing practical ways for coping with daily stress, tactical response

exercises, healthy food choices, and useful tactics to help them feel balanced and maintain energy levels throughout the day. Strengthening tips included activation exercises such as side planks, glute bridges and dynamic warm up exercises such as knee hugs and lateral lunges to get the blood plumping. “O u r go a l i s to help you a l l ascertain control in your day when we know you can’t control a lot,” said Long whose program also suggests planning meals based on activity levels and the importance of building a warrior spirit through energ y management and resilience. Other elements covered over the course of the night included the importance of creating healthy sleep habits such as leaving your phone in another room, sleeping on a high-quality mattress, and making one’s bedroom a dark, comfortable

environment at or below 68 degrees F. The program also covered optimized mindset techniques such as the mantra “What we think impacts how we feel”; and the importance of debriefs to identify what was done well and what requires improvment. “There is so much we can do to keep ourselves healthy and ready for work,” said Whitney Welch, who marked local history as the first female Greenwich firefighter. “We learned about proper eating throughout the day, some breathing techniques for when we are stressed or just the need for us to take a quick break,” said Welch after the event. Classes offered at The Studio Greenwich meet the needs for all yogi enthusiasts including hot yoga, vinyasa flow, hot vinyasa, gentle yoga and Dimarzo’s BURN class. The Studio also offers special workshops such as “Yoga for Back, Neck & Shoulder Pain”

on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 1-2:30 pm and the Sounds Healing Workshop on Thurs. Dec. 12 from 7-8:30 pm where participants can experience deep relaxation through the sounds of Tibetan Singing Bowls, Chimes and tuning forks with Master Reiki and Sound Healer, Karin Reetz. A l s o av a i la ble a r e i n f ra r e d saunas, which may have a positive impact on circulatory and respiratory systems, immune functions, and with the detoxification process. Teacher Training sessions are also held at The Studio for those looking to deepen their practice and knowledge of yoga or for those interested in becoming teachers. Pell also offers a line of CBD products. You can visit thestudiogreenwich. com to learn more or call (203) 532-5477. Visit o2x.com for more information on human performance.

Swiss Re Donates to Kids in Crisis Learning Lab

By Liz Leamy Last week, a celebratory ribbon-cutting c e r e mony w a s he ld at t he K id s i n Cr i si s headquarters on One Salem Street in Cos Cob to kick off the opening of its new computer and learning lab, a technology-rich center instituted to help provide area individuals and their families, as well as the staff, volunteers, partner agencies of Kids in Crisis with an all-important space for education, training and therapeutic interventions, among other things. This dynamic learning lab, based at the Salem Street Kids in Crisis headquarters (also known as the ‘farm house’) features such high-tech tools as personal and Mac computers, I Pad devices and digital printers along with notebooks, pens and other learning-related things slated to be utilized for personal and professional development as well as advocacy work by those spending time at this establishment. The learning lab was implemented and established as the result of a generous 63,000 dollar donation given to Kids in Crisis by Swiss Re Foundation, who was represented at the ceremony by some of its leading executives and employees, all of who seemed thrilled at the prospect of being involved in this vital project. According to Neil Sprackling, President of U.S. Life & Health/Swiss Re America Holding Corporation who helped present the check to the Kids in Crisis leaders at this ceremony, much of the inspiration in regard to this initiative was centered around the word ‘resiliency’. “Resiliency is all about overcoming challenge and toughness,” said Sprackling. Truer words could not have been spoken, especially in considering the paramount role the Kids in Crisis organization, a United Way agency, has played over the years and continues to play today in town and the surrounding Fairf ield County and Southwestern Connecticut area. Founded in 1978 as the Greenwich Youth Shelter, this private non-profit organization, whose board members, leaders and staff were also on

hand at this ceremony, provides crisis counseling, intervention, emergency shelter and community educational programs at no cost for children and teens as well for as for their families based here in town and throughout Southwestern Connecticut. Certainly, the gratitude expressed by the Kids in Crisis executives and others involved with this organization for the generous gift from the Swiss Re Foundation was palpable. “We are [so happy] to welcome Swiss Re to our learning lab. You made this happen and it’s an opportunity for everybody to learn from one another,” said Shari Shapiro, Executive Director of Kids in Crisis. “We couldn’t be more appreciative of this opportunity.” Bill Pierz, Chairman of the Board of Kids in Crisis, shared the same sentiments. “On behalf of all of us, thank you so much for what you have done for us,” said Pierz. This heartwarming ceremony represented a benchmark juncture for Kids in Crisis, as the learning lab, designed with the purpose of providing its constituency with the most optimal and state-of-the-art learning tools to help build and develop their educational and career pursuits and tasks, among other things, seemed to signify a place of terrific energy, promise and hope. The lab also marks another important offering by the Kids in Crisis organization, which is open everyday and has a staff that works around the clock. Serving as a ‘rock’ organization for the community and its surrounding area, Kids in Crisis provides individuals and their families with such services as a 24-hour telephone helpline, counseling, aftercare and outreach offerings as well as education and violence prevention programs, among other things. Me a nw h i l e , K id s i n C r i s i s a l s o o f fe r s numerous volunteer opportunities for adults, children and teens looking to get involved with this all-important cause. For more information, please contact Kids in Crisis at 203-622-6556 or email Shari Shapiro, KIC Executive Director, at sshapiro@kidsincrisis.org

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The Wild Turkey

Wildly Successful Column

By Jim Knox With the possible exception of the Atlantic Cod, there is no other animal more closely tied to our colonial past than the Wild turkey. While “fowl” was certainly served in 1621 at the three-day autumn feast that marked a successful harvest for the Plymouth Colony, those “fowl” could have been any number of bird species including ducks, geese, swans or even the extinct Passenger pigeon. This feast--the predecessor of modern Thanksgiving, also likely included: clams, mussels, eels, venison, corn and even lobster. Yet, within that calendar year, G overnor William Bradford’s journals speak of the great abundance, table value and palatability of the Wild turkey. In fact, the turkey became so popular with the colonists that the colony’s leaders recognized the need for conservation measures for the bird within five years of the colony’s founding. The Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) is some bird! With a four foot length, wingspan up to five feet and weights of up to twenty four pounds, it impresses. Boasting a powder blue head, scarlet wattle, long silky feather “beard”, iridescent feathers of copper, g reen and mahogany and an eye-catching tail fan, the males or toms, are boldly marked. The females or hens are only slightly less colorful and smaller, adaptations to avoid detection while incubating their nests. These ground dwelling birds are amazingly adaptable creatures represented by five subspecies

throughout the United States, southern Canada and Mexico. A native of forests, scrubland, g rassla nds a nd swa mps, t he Wild turkey thrives in a variety of habitats and climates. A true

for prey. This amounts to great defense. Many eyes can detect the slightest movement of a crouching bobcat or a leaping coyote, while acute hearing--which can detect the sound of a hunter drawing a

-more than 100 native species of it’s resilience. It is a poster species species which has, with rigorous grasses, fruit and nut trees! for robu st r e cover y t h roug h protection, surpassed its preThey are indeed creatures conservation. Due in large part colonial population numbers. worthy of environmental praise, to the Pittman-Robertson Act of Today, an estimated seven million yet t hey a ls o i mpr e s s e d ou r 1937 which put a tax on sporting birds inhabit 715 million of 720 founding fathers. It is true that a r m s a n d a m m u n i t i o n t h a t million acres of suitable habitat Benjamin Franklin praised the f unded w ildlife conser vation throughout North America. Wild turkey for its qualities, efforts, the birds began to slowly, To m e , t h e W i l d t u r k e y worthy of consideration as our yet inexorably rebound. Learning p r o v i d e s l i v i n g p r o o f t h a t national symbol. He asserted that from the progressive successes conservation can, and does, work. the Wild turkey would, of our New England neighbors When we protect a species, we “...not hesitate to attack a i n M a i ne , Ver mont a nd New protect far more than a single Grenadier of the British Guards Hampshire, Connecticut released creature or its population. We who should presume to invade his 356 birds at 18 sites statewide are protecting the land, its waters farm yard with a red coat on.” between 1975 and 1992. Today, and the wishes and rights of all In 1784, Mr. Franklin went on every one of Connecticut’s 169 citizens to enjoy the natural world. to describe the bird in a letter to towns and cities has a f lock of Jim Knox is a zoologist his daughter, Sarah thusly, Wild turkeys. I have observed “In truth, the turkey is in t h e m i n p a r k s i n H a r t f o r d , and Curator of Education for Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo. comparison [to the eagle] a much neighborhoods in Bridgeport and O S T U D I Jim also serves as a Science N in E B B O more respectable bird, and withal along the I-95 corridor New R Adviser for The Bruce Museum a true original native of America. Haven. Eagles have been found in all Nationw ide, we have seen and loves engaging audiences countries, but the turkey was the turkey’s numbers swell. In i n C o n n e c t i c u t ' s a m a z i n g Professional Portraits biodiversity. peculiar to ours.” fact, it is onePhoto of the very few Additionally praised by family, Business and modeling laypeople for for its good hunting and good eating qualities, the bird’s demand exceeded its population. JOHN FERRIS ROBBEN As non-migratory, flock-roosting

Wild turkeys are known to disperse--and fertilize--more than 100 native species of grasses, fruit and nut trees! omnivore, the swift and sharpeyed Wild turkey subsists extremely well on what the land affords. Nearly any small living t h i n g t h at g r ow s o r c r aw l s , frequently ends up on the menu. Preferred food items include: grasses, seeds, bulbs, buds, stems, nuts, fruit, tubers, cacti, insects, worms, amphibians, lizards, fish, and even snakes. A gregarious bird, the Wild turkey’s success hinges upon that of its social structure, the f lock. Fanning out and stalking the forest f loor like a pack of Velociraptors, the f lock forages for plant matter and hunts for any small creature they can gobble down (you didn’t think I was going to pass on that one). This highly effective foraging behavior ensures that the collective keen eyes of the f lock, mounted on the sides of the bird’s head for an astounding 270 degree f ield of view, miss few opportunities

bow--serves the flock well. When danger is detected, the birds issue a putt, or alarm call, and run at 25 miles per hour, take f light to the safety of the nearest tree, or fly cross country at 50 miles per hour. The chicks hatch with blacksp ot te d bu f f, t a n a nd c r e a m p lu m a g e a s h i g h l y e f fe c t i ve camouf lage for their life along the forest f loor while the evervigilant adult members of the f lock scan their env irons for predators. Should the mast (nut) production of the forest dip in a given year, these remarkably adaptable creatures simply shift gears to focus on other food items. As predators, these birds provide a restorative, equilibrium to the landscape ( juvenile turkeys or poults account for up to 76% of their diet in insect protein). Their seed dispersal properties are equally essential. Wild turkeys are known to disperse--and fertilize-

birds, the big birds became big targets with an ever hungry and eager market. Unfor tunately, as with the Massachusetts Bay Colony, the bird’s popu la r it y among hunters and other citizens led to its decline throughout North A mer ic a. F rom a p opu lat ion estimated at 1.3 million birds, Eastern Wild turkey numbers dropped precipitously to a low of just thirty thousand birds by the late 1930’s--a number smaller than current populations of endangered Polar bears, Orang utans and Asian elephants. In fact, the bird’s IO NSTUD were hardest hit at the epicenter ROBBE of colonial America’s expansion, w ith them being hunted to extinction in Connecticut in 1813 and Massachusetts by 1851. Professional Photo Portraits While many admire the GREENWICH family, BusinessSTUDIO and modeling turkey for its for pluck, I admire it for ROBBE

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On Faith

Page 12 | Greenwich Sentinel

On Faith Column By Rabbi Mitch and Reverend Heather Gratitude, giving thanks, is a core practice of both of our faith traditions. Here is what we are learning from one another. Rabbi Mitch: At the heart of Judaism is the ability to give thanks and to express gratitude. It's been said that when a person does not have gratitude, something is missing in their humanity. A person can be defined by their "attitude for gratitude." Gratitude is a choice, a specific lens by which we look at our world. Our lives are not def ined by what we possess, rather it's how we choose to gaze upon the world that can inspire our gratitude for the blessings we receive. The Mishna records the question and answer: "Who is rich?" - "A rich person is one who f inds satisfaction in their

Karen Newman Inspirational, courageous, caring, compassionate. Those are some of the words used to describe Karen Newman by those who knew and loved her. Karen passed away peacefully in her sleep on Nov. 13 after an epic 11-year battle with breast cancer. A n outpour ing of love was evident on social media following her passing. "Greenw ich Cham ber of Commerce is sad to hear of the passing of Karen Newman, one of our first Women Who Matter p r e s e nte r s ," t h e C h a m b e r posted. "Her story of strength, determination and faith is an inspiration to all of us who heard or met her. She was the epitome of a successful woman in every facet of her life and a true role model. She will be deeply missed." Karen was born in Denver, Co., on April 12, 1961 to Jack and Roberta (Baker) Stetson. She graduated from Jamesville-DeWitt High School in Syracuse, N.Y., where she lettered in track and field and was a member of the National Honor Society. She went on to the University of Vermont, earning a BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, a nd ach ieve d her master's degree and R D at Rush University, ultimately serving as President of the Vermont Association of Nutrition and D ietet ics ( VA N D), a proud capstone of her professional career. Karen was also athletic, a nd excel le d at a l l sp or t s, especially speed and endurance ones. She won a silver medal

Our Attitudes of Gratitude portion in life." Gratitude needs to b e c u lt iv ate d , a nd t h i s i s why we traditionally recite so many prayers three times a day. Specifically, the tradition requires that we pronounce a minimum of 100 prayerful expressions of gratitude each and every day. O u r Ju d a i s m i s a l l a b o u t thanksgiving. When our matriarch, Leah, had her fourth son, she declared "at this time I will give thanks to the Lord." The Torah then records that Leah named this son Yehudah (Judah), t he Hebrew word for "g iv i ng than k s." The name Yehuda h ultimately becomes the name of the southern kingdom in the land of Israel. And, eventually, Yehudah becomes the name by which we become known as "Jews" (Yehudi). The etymology of Jew teaches us that we must live up to our religious responsibility to always f i n d t h e m e a n s by w h i c h to express our gratitude. Every day we are supposed to recognize the blessings that exist within our life,

and we are to concretely live our lives so as to take our blessings and then share them with others. For Jews, Thanksgiving is each and every day, and our Judaism is defined by our ability to cultivate our attitude for gratitude.

for the Masters Age Group a t 2 01 2 's Tr i a t h l o n Wo r l d Championships in Auckland, New Zea la nd, a nd was the to p A m e r i c a n f i n i sh e r. I n 2 01 3, K a ren won fou r gold medals for the USA, breaking the Huntsman Senior Games National record in a time of 1 hour eleven minutes (1:11), a symbol of the Holy Trinity to Karen. Despite her diagnosis of stage-4 metastatic breast cancer, in November of 2018 she achieved a life-long goal of winning the national Age Group Aquathlon championships. "Karen had the ability to reach into peoples' souls and give them the confidence and courage they needed to move forward in life," said Sue Reynolds on Facebook, who knew Karen from running in triathlons. Karen, a lover of Christ, found the Lord in the pits of despair, which began when she developed an eating disorder at an early age. She shared her courageous life story in her book, Just Three Words, and inspired countless people through speeches, sermons, blo g s a nd app e a ra nc e s on programs such as NBC's Today Show, and ABC's Good Morning America. Karen leaves behind her husband of 29 years, Peter L Newman of South Burlington; her three beloved sons Stetson, Chase and Trent; her loving parents Roberta and Dr. John Stetson of Boca Raton, FL and Charlotte, VT; her ever-blessed brothers - David Stetson and his wife Samantha of Newtown Square, PA, and Dr. Steven Stetson and his wife Lisa of

Williston, VT; her brother-inlaw Bruce Newman and his wife Suki, of Birmingham, AL; and many beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, fellow athletes and lovers of Christ. A celebration of Karen's life was held last weekend at The Old Lantern Inn & Barn in Charlotte, Vt.

Reverend Heather: As Christians, we draw our faith foundations from our Jewish brothers and sisters. Hearing their wisdom expands our own understanding of what we believe. Christian texts beyond the Jewish canon recount Christ’s life, death and resurrection in books and letters of his followers. The apostle Paul, had these wise words to say towards the end of his letter written to the church at Thessalonica. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). These three cornerstones are the pillars of walking in a life of faith.

Throughout Paul’s writing, he invites Christ followers to worship God with grateful hearts for God’s love and mercy. What Paul is saying in this verse, is that when we realize how richly we have been

truly alive. Joy can be described as over f low ing a nd radia nt abundance. Shalom, associated with the idea of wholeness and completion, could also be a way of describing joy. It may be the

Rejoice, pray and give thanks – these are all connected. blessed, it is easy to give thanks and our hearts experience joy. Joy is independent of circumstances and is deeper than happiness, so it is possible to rejoice always. It is what every human soul longs for and we find a lot of second-rate substitutes to fill that “God-shaped vacuum” in us (as the theologian Blaise Pascal called it). Joy is feeling

purest form of love. Praying continually means in all times and for any reason, we can be in dialogue with our Maker. It is an orientation of the heart to see God in all things. When we realize God is the stage director and are merely actors in a larger drama he is performing, we recognize our need for him and our opportunity to know God and be

and his passion for teaching was evident in the success of his students. He is sur v ived by his father, Vi ncent W. Ba r net t of Stamford, CT, a brother, Law rence Barnett and t wo sisters, Karen Curley (Kieran) and Kyle Cummings (David Deneen) of Cos Cob, CT and nieces and nephews, Sydney and Martin Curley and Carl, Robert and Anna Cummings. Vinny was predeceased by his mother, Corinne Barnett, his grandparents Lawrence and Edith Clark and George and Madeline Barnett. The funeral service is scheduled for 1 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7 at St. Catherine of Sienna Church, 4 Riverside Ave., Riverside.

w it h The B a n k of L i b er ia, where he met his wife, Moya, lounging around the pool in a white bikini. They moved to Singapore and Tom became regional manager for South East Asia. Mov ing to Hong Kong, Tom opened Chemical's first branch in Greater China. In the late 1970s, Tom was one of the first American bankers to visit China forging relationships with Chinese f inancial i n s t i t u t i o n s . To m j o i n e d Fiduciary Trust International in 1990 to expand their presence in East and Southeast Asia as well as Australasia. Tom retired to Greenwich, CT in 2006, where he was President of Georgetowne North Condominiums for 10 years. Tom enjoyed hiking with his wife, playing golf at Winged Foot with his son, skiing with his daughter and playing with her young son, Pierce. He also enjoyed sharing a glass of wine or two with family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Moya nee Bolton, daug hter Siobhan and his son-in-law Jerry Butler, son, Sean Duffy, nephew, Jimmy Sullivan and grandson, Pierce Butler. Fam ily received f r iends o n M o n d ay, D e c . 2 a t L e o P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, Greenw ich. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Dec. 3 at St. Mary Church in Greenwich, followed by inter ment in St. Mar y's Cemetery, Greenwich.

Obituaries Vincent Barnett V i nc ent C . B a r net t , 6 3 , beloved son, brother, brotherin-law, and uncle passed away on Nov. 17, 2019 surrounded by his family. Vinny was born in Stamford, CT on November 8, 1956 to Vincent and Corinne Barnett. Vinny g raduated f rom Fairfield College Preparatory School, Fairf ield, CT in 19 74 . He t he n g radu ate d f r o m P r ov i d e n c e C o l l e g e , Providence, RI in 1978. Vinny lived in Manhattan Beach, CA where he cou ld be found rela xing on the beach, running on the strand, swimming in the Pacif ic Ocean, or handicapping the ponies. He enjoyed returning to Connecticut during the holidays to sk i at Okemo Mou nt a i n with his family and was an enthusiastic participant of the multiple Polar Plunges at Tod's Point. Vincent enjoyed listening to Frank Sinatra, rooting for the Alabama Crimson Tide and watching the classic black and white oldies. A f ter several years in sales Vinny chose teaching as a second career in 2006, which led to a rewarding 13 years at Dana Middle School in Hawthorne, CA. He was always eager to talk about his students

Steven Kovach Steven Wayne Kovach, 57, of Greenwich, passed away suddenly on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019. He was the youngest born to the late Evelyn (McGinty) and John Kovach on Aug. 9, 1962 in Port Chester, NY. He graduated from J.M. Wright Te c h n i c a l H i g h S c h o o l i n Stamford, CT and was a second-generation plumber. He was a 30-year member of Local 7 7 7 as a Plumber Pipef itter for various companies in the G r e e nw i c h a r e a a n d l at e r traveled to Maryland, upstate New York and throughout CT for numerous union jobs. He was certified in many areas of his field and was exceptional at his work. Steve had a great sense of humor, was generous to those he cared for and was greatly loved by his family, friends and neighbors. S t e ve n l ove d to t r ave l , e nj oye d t h e o ut d o o r s a n d being on or near the water. He enjoyed fishing and was a car enthusiast, taking pride in all his vehicles; maintaining, repairing, fixing, tinkering on or washing them. Steve's greatest love was his son, Robert, whom he is survived by. He is also survived by his siblings, John, Linda and Richard, three nieces, a nephew, and a great niece and a great nephew, all whom he adored and loved spending time with. He was predeceased by his brother David in 2015. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Calling hours were We d n e s d ay, D e c . 4 a t t h e Castig lione Fu nera l Home, Greenwich, CT. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Thomas Duffy Thomas James Duffy, age 85, died peacefully in Stamford, CT with his loving family by h is side . Tom was b or n i n Brooklyn, NY to Antoinette and Thomas Duffy. To m r e c e i v e d a f u l l academic scholarship to Hunter College and served his country in The Korean War upon g raduation. A f ter his discharge he joined Chemical Bank while completing an MBA from St. John's University. He lead Chemical's joint venture

Maria Tunnera Maria Tunnera was born on Jan. 25, 1938 and passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2019. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday at St. Catherine of Siena Church, R iverside. Entombment followed at St. Mary's Cemetery, Greenwich. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Red Cross, redcross.org or the Lukemia and Lymphoma Society, donate.lls.org

Dietrich Jander Dietrich Alexander Van Alst Jander, longtime resident of Greenwich, CT, passed away on Nov. 21, 2019. He was 45 years old. Born in Garden City, Long Island, NY. Dietrich was the son of Deborah (Van Alst) and Klaus H. Jander. He attended Brunswick School pre-k to 10th grade and graduated Greenwich H.S. in 1992. After receiving his B.S. Degree from Vanderbilt Universit y, he completed a Master’s in Industrial Business Management in Koblenz, Germany. During that time, he was also working at Schuetz Werke GmbH & Co KGaA as a Logistics Manager, and was later transferred by Schuetz back to the U.S. Since 2013, he worked as a Strategic Service Strategy Manager at HenkelNorth America. Dietrich enjoyed multiple and varied interests, especially BM W ’s , n e w a n d v i nt a g e , a st r onomy, o c e a no g raphy, gardening, and cooking, which included the obligatory viewing of “Produce Pete” on Channel 4

known in prayer. Prayer provides direction, insight, healing, hope and encouragement. Prayer is a form of loving God which expands our hearts and inspires us to love others even better as well. Give thanks in all circumstances says that no matter what we are going through, what losses or diagnosis we are facing, God is and will be with us. Being thankful changes our perspective and transforms our feeling overwhelmed or in despair into hope. It is a corrective lens that allows us to see even our life and breath today as gifts to us. We didn’t make it happen. Rejoice, pray and give thanks – these are all connected. If we pray, we find thanksgiving quickly follows as does joy. Each of the three can lead to the others. It is a holy circle of action in the life of faith to which we are invited. Wouldn’t each of our lives be better if we could have more joy, closer connection to God and others and an attitude of gratitude?

on early Saturday morning. D iet r ich was a mem b er of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity and Toast Masters International. Fluent in English a nd G er ma n, Dietr ich a lso studied many years of Latin, Spanish, French and Russian. Aside from his deep love for his family, fiancé Elfride, and f r iends, he enjoyed sk iing, scuba diving, Formula 1, travel, politics, mechanical tinkering, and supporting friends and family; A True Renaissance Man! Dietrich is survived by his parents K laus and Deborah Ja nde r, a nd f ia nc é E l f r ide Jakaj, Aunts Daw n Mar y Scla fa n i, Joyce Ei ken ber r y and numerous cousins in both Germany and America. A visitation was held on F r iday, Nov. 2 9 at t he L e o P. Gallagher & Son Funeral Home, Greenwich. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 30 at Saint Catherine of Siena Church. In lieu of f lowers, please consider making a memorial d o n a t i o n t o t h e Wo u n d e d Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Patricia McQuade Patricia Elizabeth McQuade was born as a New Year's baby on January 1, 1933 to the late Agnes (Gilmore) and James Spata in the Bronx NY. Patricia passed away at the age of 86 on Sunday, November 24, 2019. Pat r icia c u r rent ly l ive d i n Riverside, CT where she was a parishioner at St. Catherine's of Siena. She previously lived in White Plains, NY and was a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Hartsdale, NY for more than 40 years. Patricia married her husband, John McQuade October 1, 1955 who preceded her in death too young in 1984. She was also predeceased by her mother and father-in-law Frances (Holman) and John McQuade, and her sister and br ot her-i n-law Ela i ne a nd Joseph Sicilian. Pat r ic i a i s s u r v ive d by her brother and wife James and Jill Spata and children Judith and Brian Carlo, John McQuade, daughter-inlaw Claudia McQuade, Jane and Peter Martin, and Joyce and Patrick Cassidy. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren Alexander and Em ily Carlo, Madeline and Anthony Fragomeni and James McQuade, and James, Elizabeth and Jack Cassidy. She is also su r v ive d by ma ny Sici l ia n family and Spata family nieces and nephews. V i s i t a t i o n w a s F r i d a y, November 29 at the Castiglione Funeral Home, Greenw ich. Mass of the Christian Burial was held Saturda,y November 30 at St. Catherine's Church, R iverside. A cremation followed at Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Hill House, 10 Riverside Ave. Riverside, CT 06878 in Patricia's name.

On Faith Feature

Page 13 | Greenwich Sentinel

Advent: Always We Begin Again!

By Marek P. Zabriskie Advent marks the beginning of the Christian year and prepares us for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Advent proclaims that something new will be born into our lives. So, we must watch, wait and listen for that to take place. It sounds so easy, but it can be extremely hard. A friend of mine is a marvelous lawyer. She works tirelessly. Her work caused her to miss lots of her children’s plays, sporting events and countless family dinners. Then cancer hit. Her life came to a screeching halt.

One day, while in the cancer ward, she struck up a conversation with a young Hispanic nurse, who was born in Mexico. My friend asked her how long she had been working in the hospital. What did she like about it? What made her want to be a nurse? This incredibly successful, busy lawyer later told me, “It was the first time in years that I just had a conversation like this. I was not in a hurry. I was fully present. I felt like a new person. I just listened and asked a few questions. It took cancer to make me hear for the first time in years.” That is the purpose of religion as well. The purpose of religion is not to bind us to a bunch of rules but to free us to see and hear with the eye and ear of the heart so that we might grasp and live into the deepest meaning of life and find our greatest joy. But t he Bi ble le s s on s for Advent are apocalyptic. They are scary. We strap ourselves in church pews to hear dark stories about the end times approaching and judgment coming.

Why is this? The Bible is trying to get our attention. Sometimes we have to battle a disease or have our marriage collapse, lose our job or a loved one or confront an addiction before we listen and see. As the days g row shorter, the nights grow longer and the winter solstice draws nearer, we are reminded that our lives are sometimes in upheaval. Chaos, death and evil are real. We wait to see signs of new life and fresh hope in the broken places in and around us. Frederick Buechner likens the season of Advent to “the hush in a theater just before the curtain rises.” It is a season of expectation, and it is the most counter-cultural season of the Christian calendar. Just when the world revs up, the Church calls us to slow down. The consumer culture says shop, decorate and buy, while the Church invites us to rest and renew. Embrace Sabbath time. Study. Pray. Reflect and discuss what really matters in life. Advent teaches us to renew our physical

and spiritual strength or we shall be of limited use in the long run. This spiritual season invites us to live with the hope that nothing less than the Messiah will return to reorder our lives and the fragile world that we share. It is what the prophet Isaiah calls “the strange, alien work” of God to reorder the things that we have confused. In the weeks before Christmas, the Church invites us to be honest about the darkness in our lives and stop pretending that our lives are perfect.

The Church invites us to pr ep a r e for Ch r i st m a s by b e c om i n g r e a l a nd by b e i n g present to ourselves and those around us. We are each a gift from God, despite our efforts to deny it. We mask our insecurities with a million purchases and throwaway lines about our successes, all of wh ich mask hollow places within ourselves. Advent beckons us to indulge in a little watchfulness, awareness, consciousness, vigilance, being alert and living with our eyes wide open. That is how we must live, if The poet Mary Oliver writes: we do not want to end up simply When it’s over, I want to say: all my life having visited the world. Being awake is an important I was the bride married to amazement. theme in every religion. The I was the bridegroom, taking the Buddha is literally “the one who world into my arms. is truly awake,” a person who When it’s over, I don’t want to wonder through discipline and meditation if I have made of my life something saw into the heart of reality and particular, and real. woke up. After his enlightenment, I don’t want to find myself sighing his face radiated. The Buddha was and frightened, stopped on the road and asked, Or full of argument. “Are you a god or a magician?” I don’t want to end up simply having He replied, “I’m not a god or a magician. I am awake.” visited the world.

The Trappist monk Thomas Merton wrote, “The spiritual life is first of all a matter of keeping awake.” S o m e s ay t h a t t h e wo r l d religions all boil down to four rules: 1. Show up 2. Pay attention 3. Speak the truth 4. Don’t be attached to the results The famous Muslim poet Rumi wrote: There are many whose eyes are awake And whose hearts are asleep; But the one who keeps his heart awake Will know and live this mystery; While the eyes of his head may sleep His heart will open hundreds of eyes. Use this Advent to become alert, awake and vigilant so that you may greet God who comes in surprising ways and make courageous stands on behalf of those whom Jesus came to serve. The Rev. Marek P. Zabriskie is Rector of Christ Church.

‘Christmas on Round Choral Society's Hill’ is Dec. 6 ‘A Holiday Tapestry’ Christmas is coming to backcountr y Greenwich this Friday, Dec. 6 with ‘Christmas on Round Hill’. The party will begin at 6 p.m. and take place in the Round Hill Community House located at 397 Round Hill Rd. Revelers w ill delight in the jolly spirit, magical twinkling lights and holiday decor, festive cocktails, and sumptuous fare catered by Roland Kistler. Should you wish to come with your dancing shoes on, there'll be holiday music as well. Of course, no Christmas party would be complete without Christmas gifts, of which there is no lack among the array of silent auction items

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD

that will be available to bid on. Most importantly, in the true spirit of Christmas, friends and neighbors will find themselves kicking off the season amongst those most important to them, someplace warm and inviting, someplace where one always feel like family. Come and partake in the sense of community and holiday merriment that is Christmas on Round Hill. All are welcome. To p u r c h a s e t i c k e t s , p l e a s e v i s i t roundhillcommunitychurch.org or call the church office at 203-869-1091. For more information, visit roundhillcommunitychurch.org

Greenwich Sentinel reviewer Linda Phillips wrote of last year's conert, "The always engaging Christmas Concert of the Greenwich Choral Society was a pastiche of languages, style, French composers and modern arrangers, hearkening back to 17th and 18th century sacred music. G o o d t h i ng s come i n t h re e s, a nd t h re e astonishing soloists sang truly moving, brilliant trios and solos, honoring the majesty of Christmas." This year's theme, “A Holiday Tapestry,” will be a festival of choral music by Handel and Rutter, a Ladino song celebrating Hanukkah, and Stephen Mager’s “Tapestry of the Holy Birth.” It will take

place on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2:30 and 5 p.m., at Christ Church, located at 254 E. Putnam Ave. The Choral Society’s signature candle-lit procession will set the mood with the premier of a new anthem by Nathaniel Adams, “Ring Out, Wild Bells.” Based on a poem by Tennyson, this piece was commissioned by the Choral Society in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Music Director Paul Mueller. Tickets are $48 and $38, with special $20 price for students, and can be ordered online at www.gcsct.org or by calling 203-622-5136. (Group sales are available.)

Worship & Events Calendar

Harvest Time Church 1338 King St., 203-531-7778 www.htchurch.com Service: Sun 9 & 11am; Wed 7pm - Family Life Night. Spanish: Thur & Sat 7:30pm; Sun 4pm. Sunday School, 10:30-11:15am. Service Stamford campus, Sun 10am, Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St. Every Wed, from Jan. 10-March 28: The Alpha Course, 7-8:30pm. Connie's Circle - Every Sat, 10am-1pm. Dec. 8: Water Baptisms in both Services, 9 & 11am. BAPTIST First Baptist Church 10 Northfield St.; 203-869-7988 www.firstbaptistgreenwich.com Sun: Service 11am, School 10am. Wed: Bible Study 7:30pm. Greenwich Baptist Church 10 Indian Rock Ln; 203-869-2807 www.greenwichbaptist.org Sun: Prayer in chapel 9:15-9:30am; Bible Study, 9:30am; Worship 11am. Wed: Prayer & Bible Study 7-8:15pm. Every first Sat. of the month: Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast, 8-9:30am. CATHOLIC Sacred Heart Church 95 Henry St.; 203-531-8730 Mass: Mon-Fri 7am, Sat 4 & 5:30pm, Sun: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30am Confessions: Sat 3:30 & 5pm. The Parish of St. Catherine of Siena and St. Agnes St. Agnes: 247 Stanwich Rd; St. Catherine of Siena: 4 Riverside Ave; 203-637-3661 www.stcath.org Worship: Sat: St. Catherine (Church) 5pm (Vigil) Celebrated with organ and cantor. Sun: St. Catherine (Church) 7:30, 9, 10:30am and 5pm; St. Agnes: 8:30 and 10am. Daily Mass: St. Catherine (Chapel) Mon through Fri: 7am and 5:15pm. Holy Day: St. Catherine (Church) Eve: 5:15pm (Vigil); Day: 7am, 12:10 and 5:15pm. Masses in other Languages: St. Catherine (Chapel)September to June: French Mass 2nd Sun, 11am; Italian Mass, 3rd Sun, 11am; Spanish Mass 4th Sun, 11am. Year-round: Korean Mass Every Sun, 5pm. Reconciliation - Sacrament of Penance: St. Catherine (Sacristy) Sat: 3-4pm or by appt at St. Catherine or St. Agnes. Through Dec. 15: Luke McQuillan's 3rd Annual Holiday Gift Drive. Family Advent Celebration, 5pm. SCP Auditions: Dec. 9 & 10, 7-10pm, stcatherinesplayers@gmail.com. Support Circle: Dec. 12, 6:30-9pm, RSVP, jcw@ wca>-search.com. Christmas in Paris Potluck Dinner & Concert, Dec. 13, Potluck: 6-7:30 pm, Concert: 8pm, $10 adults & free 17 and under, music.director@stcath. org. Men's Group: Dec. 14, 9:15-11:15am. Christmas Pageant: Dec. 15, 10-11:30am. St. Mary Church 178 Greenwich Ave.; 203-869-9393 www.stmarygreenwich.org Mass: Mon-Fri 7am & 12:05pm; Sat 8am; Sun 7, 9, 10:30am, 12:15 and 5:15pm Sat Vigils: 4 and 7:30pm (Spanish). Confession: Sat 2:45-3:45. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Mon 11am-12pm. Walking With Purpose, Tue 9:30am. Choir Rehearsals,

Thu: Children 5:30-6pm, Youth 6-7, Adults 7:30-9:15. Novena for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception: through Dec. 8, 7:30pm. Annual Giving Tree: through Dec. 19, located in the breezeway. Christmas Pageant: Dec. 8, following 9am Mass. St. Michael the Archangel 469 North St.; 203-869-5421 www.stmichaelgreenwich.com

Mass: Mon-Fri: 7:45am, 9am; Sat 9am, Vigil Mass 5pm; Sun: 7, 9, 10:30am, 12, 5pm. Bible Study: Thu 7pm. St. Michael Parish Christmas Party: Dec. 7, 6-11pm. Walking With Purpose: Dec. 10, 9:3011:30am. Adoration: Dec. 11, 9:30am8pm. SMWA Annual Christmas Luncheon: Dec. 12, 11am, $30, RVSP by Dec. 6, debingreenwich@gmail.com. St. Timothy Chapel 1034 North St.; 203-869-5421 Mass: Sat 4pm; Sun: 9:30 & 11am St. Paul Church 84 Sherwood Ave. | 203-531-8741 www.stpaulgreenwich.org Mass: Vigil Sat: 4pm; Sun: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30am; Mon to Thurs 9am. Holy Day schedule: Vigil: 5:30pm Holy Day: 9am and 12:15pm. First Friday Mass & Benediction 9am. St. Paul Volunteers in Action, Fri mornings, office@stpaulgreenwich.org or 203-531-8741. Sacrament of Reconciliation Sat 3-3:45pm or by appointment. First Friday Mass & Benediction: Dec. 6, 9-10am. St. Roch Church 10 St. Roch Ave.; 203-869-4176 www.strochchurch.com

Mass: Mon, Tue, Frid: 7:30pm; Sat 4pm, Vigil Mass 4pm; Sun: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30am Social Hour (immediately after 9:30 Mass). Confession: Sat 3-3:45pm. Prayer Group (Spanish) Fri 8pm. CHRISTIAN SCIENCE First Church of Christ, Scientist 11 Park Place; 203-869-2503 www.christiansciencect.org/greenwich Service and Sunday School 10:30am Wed. Service 7:30pm. Childcare. COMMUNITY First Church of Round Hill 464 Round Hill Rd.; 203-629-3876 www.firstchurchofroundhill.com Service: Sundays 10am Holy Communion: first Sun every month. Round Hill Community Church 395 Round Hill Rd.; 203-869-1091 www.roundhillcommunitychurch.org Service & Church School: Sun 10am (childcare available) followed by Coffee Hour; Summer Meditation Schedule: Thurs, 6:30pm. Christmas on Round Hill: Dec. 6, 6-11pm. RHA Jingle Jog: Dec. 8, 2pm. Shop at Splurge & Support RHCC: Dec. 11, 6pm. Gingerbread Workshop at St. Ann's, Bronx, NY: Dec. 12, 12pm, $10. CONGREGATIONAL The First Congregational Church 108 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-1791 www.fccog.org Regular Worship and Church School: Sun

10am in Meetinghouse. Caregivers Support Group, 1st Sun 11:15am-12pm. Hats Off Book Discussion Group, Thu 10-11:30am. Christmas Tree Sale: Sat & Sun through Dec. 15, 9am-6pm. Dec. 6: Preschool Family Holiday Sing-Along, 9am-12pm; Outreach Wreath Decorating Workshop, 11am-1pm. Christmas Party: Dec. 8, 5-7:30pm.

JEWISH

NONDENOMINATIONAL

Chabad Lubavitch of Greenwich 75 Mason St.; 203-629-9059 www.chabadgreenwich.org

Dingletown Community Church 376 Stanwich Rd.; 203-629-5923 www.dingletownchurch.org Service & Sunday School: Sundays 10:30am followed by coffee hour. Holy Communion: first Sun of each month. Sunday School 11am.

Service: Sun 10:30am. Communion first Sunday of month.

Shabbat Prayer, Study and Kiddush, Chassidic Philosophy 8:45am, Sat 9:30am; Torah reading and discussions 10:30am; Youth Services 11am. Women’s Torah Study Group, Wed 9:30am. Mommy & Me: Musical Shabbat Tue & Fri, 9:15-10:15am, during summer: 12:30pm. Through Dec. 22: Mommy & Me Fall Session begins (0-24 months), 9:20am, register. Camp Gan Family Fun Day: Dec. 8, 3-5pm, 270 Lake Ave.

Second Congregational Church 139 E Putnam Ave.; 203-869-9311 www.2cc.org

Congregation Shir Ami One W. Putnam Ave; 203-274-5376 www.congregationshirami.org

Family-friendly Evensong Service, Sat 5pm. Sunday Services: 8:30 & 10:30am. Gingerbread Workshop: Dec. 7, 10am. Christmas Piano Serenade: Dec. 8, 5pm. 2CC Greenwich Mom’s Group: Dec. 19, 7pm. Christmas Eve Services: 3:30, 6:30 & 11:15pm.

Shir Ami Religious grades K-6, Tues, 4-6pm, B’nai Mitzvah Classes; Shabbat Services two Fridays a month. Welcome New Member Shabbat Service and Oneg: Nov. 22, 7:30-9:30pm, First Presbyterian Church. Women's Rosh Chodesh: Nov. 25, 7-8:30pm, First Presbyterian Church.

EPISCOPAL

Greenwich Reform Synagogue 92 Orchard St.; 203-629-0018 www.grs.org

North Greenwich Congregational 606 Riversville Rd.; 203-869-7763 www.northgreenwichchurch.org

Anglican Church of the Advent 606 Riversville Rd.; 203-861-2432 www.churchoftheadvent.org Service: Sun 9am Holy Eucharist. Sunday School during academic year. Christ Church Greenwich 254 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-6600 www.christchurchgreenwich.org Sunday Worship - May 18-Sept 15: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2, 8am; Holy Eucharist, Rite 2, 10am; Compline & Communion, 5pm. Sunday Educational Offerings: Exploration Series, Youth Formation & Church School, 10:10am. Tue: Holy Eucharist, 10am. Faith on Fire: Dec. 6, 7:10am. Parish Christmas Party, Dec. 6, 6:30-9pm, cadietz@aol.com, all welcome. Greenwich Choral Society Concert 1: Dec. 7, 4-6pm. Dec. 8: Family Nativity Scenes Craft, 10:10am; Greenwich Choral Society Concert 2, 2:30pm; Anxiety, Loneliness and Social Media, 4pm; Greenwich Choral Society Concert 3, 5pm. St. Barnabas Episcopal Church 954 Lake Ave.; 203-661-5526 www.stbarnabasgreenwich.org Sun: Holy Eucharist Rite I 8am, Holy Eucharist Rite II, 10am; Worship, Church School & Nursery 10am. Serve dinner at Pacific House, fourth Tue of the month, 5:30pm. Christmas in the Country: Dec. 8, 5-6pm. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 200 Riverside Ave.; 203-637-2447 www.stpaulsriverside.org Service: Sun: Holy Eucharist, 8am; Christian Education Formation (Sunday School), 10; Holy Eucharist, 10:15; Coffee Hour, 11:30. St. Nicholas Day: Dec. 7, 9am-12pm. Gingerbread Decorating Party: Dec. 8, 10:15am. Public Theology: Dec. 9, 7pm, The Little Pub, 531 E Putnam Ave. St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church 350 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-2262 www.saintsaviours.org Sun: Rite I Eucharistic Service, 8am. Rite II Eucharistic Service, 10am. School and childcare offered during 10am service.

Shabbat services, Fri 7pm. Adult Jewish Learning, Sun 10am. Religious school, Sun 9-11:30am. Introduction to Judaism, Tue 7pm. Through Dec. 21: ‘Baby & Me’ program, 11am-12pm. Terrific Tots at the JCC Preschool: Dec. 9 & 11, 9:30am. Temple Sholom 300 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-7191 www.templesholom.com Service: Fri 6:30pm; Sat 10am; Sun 8:30am. Candle Lighting: Fri night. Shabbat Study: Sat 9am. Minyan: Sun 8:30am. Lunch ‘n Learn: Tue 12pm. Itsy Bitsy Playgroup: Wed 10:30am. TSLC Lox Box Fundraiser: Dec. 8, 10-11:30am. Game Night, hosted by Sisterhood: Dec. 9, 7pm. Pajama Shabbat: Dec. 13, 5:30pm. LUTHERAN First Lutheran Church 38 Field Point Rd.; 203-869-0032 www.flcgreenwich.org Service: Sun 10:30am followed by coffee and fellowship. Wed: education ages 3.5 & up 2:30-5:15pm at St. Paul Lutheran. St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran 286 Delavan Ave.; 203-531-8466 Service: Sun 9am, Bible Study 10:30. METHODIST First United Methodist Church 59 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-629-9584 www.fumcgreenwich.com Sunday Service: 9:30am; Korean, 11:30am. Sunday School: 11:30am (English/Korean). Bethel African Methodist Episcopal 42 Lake Ave.; 203-661-3099 Service: Sun 11am Bible Study: Wed. 6pm. Diamond Hill United Methodist 521 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-2395 www.diamondhillumc.com Worship & Sunday School: 10am. Public Theology: Dec. 9, 7-10pm, Little Pub, 531 E. Putnam Ave. CSMA Festival Auditions: Dec. 15, 1-8pm, officedhumc@gmail.com.

Revive Church 90 Harding Rd., Old Greenwich (Old Greenwich Civic Center) www.myrevive.org Service: Sunday 10am. Childcare and children’s ministry available. Stanwich Church 202 Taconic Rd.; 203-661-4420 www.stanwichchurch.org Sunday Services: Greenwich location (202 Taconic Rd.), 9 & 10:45am (June 9-Sept 2, 10am only); Stamford location (579 Pacific St.), 6pm. Women's Christmas Gathering: Dec. 9, 7pm, McArdle's Florist. The Albertson Memorial Church 293 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-4615 www.albertsonchurch.org Worship Sun: 11-12:30pm. Wednesdays: Spirit speaks-beginner psychic & mediumship development, 7-9pm, $20 per class. Trinity Church 1 River Rd.; 203-618-0808 www.trinitychurch.life Worship: Sun 10am, Greenwich Hyatt Regency, 1800 E. Putnam Ave. Dec. 6: Trinity Church's Night of Jazz and Groove Music, 8-10pm, Trinity Ministry Center, free, registration required. Trinity Kids Family Christmas Party: Dec. 7, 10am12pm. All High School Christmas Party: Dec. 10, 7-9pm. Middle School Christmas Party: Dec. 11, 7-8:30pm, ann.park@ trinitychurch.life. PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church 1 W. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-8686 www.fpcg.org Worship Sun: 10am with childcare, Chapel, 5pm (new); Children’s Mini-Chapel 10:15am. Food for the Table 2nd Thurs 3-5pm; Shelter for the Homeless 2nd Thurs 5:30-7pm. Dec. 8: FPCG Academy: Handbell Choir (Heather Antonissen), 11:30am; Advent Fair, 3pm; Tree Lighting & Carols Sing, 4:30pm. Carols Sing at The Mews: Dec. 11, 4pm. Family Centers Holiday Party: Dec. 12, 6pm. Grace Church of Greenwich 8 Sound Shore Dr, 203-861-7555 www.gracechurchgreenwich.com Worship Sun: 8:45 & 10:45am at 89 Maple Ave.; childcare provided. Living Hope Community Church 38 West End Ave; 203-637-3669 www.LivingHopeCT.org Worship Sun: 10am. Bible study: Mon 7:15-9pm. Women’s Bible Study Tue 9:3011:30am. Mothers of Preschoolers 1st/3rd Wed of month 9:15-11:45am. Bibles & Bagels Sat 7:30-8:30am. Women's Fellowship Christmas Boutique & Tea: Dec. 7, 11am2pm. Advent Prayer: Dec. 11, 8-9am.

Page 14 | Greenwich Sentinel

Film as a Catalyst for Action

By Stuart Adelberg Over the past six months, I have seen close to 40 films at the Avon Theatre in downtown Stamford. I’ve been touched both intellectually and emotionally by beautiful cinematography, wonderful w riting, insightful direction and inspirational acting. Whether a film shocks, saddens or amuses me, I’ve learned that the impact is magnif ied many times over when I’ve had the good fortune to see it in this incredible historic theatre, on a big screen in the company of others who are sharing the experience. You may assu me t hat t he above describes the experience of seeing one of the many fictional independent films offered at the Avon. You would not be wrong. But you may be surprised to know that I’ve had experiences that were

just as moving when attending documentary screenings, particularly when they’re followed by meaning f ul dialog ue w ith filmmakers and others. Several times this fall, Avon audiences have witnessed the power of f ilm as a catalyst for discussion and action on some of the most critical social issues of our time. Our goal in presenting these special films is to expose audiences to the human side of these issues – not to espouse a point-of-view, but to use film as a powerful tool for education, inspiration and engagement. In September, the documentary Building the American Dream dealt with issues related to immigration. This film, presented in partnership with Building One Community, showed us the role that immigrants are playing in a massive construction boom occurring in the southwest. It identif ied issues of worker e x p l o it at i o n , t h e c h a l l e n g e s confronting those who are navigating the legal system while trying to support their families, a n d t h e c o mp l i c ate d n at u r e of addressing these issues in today’s political environment. The f ilm shared the personal stories of real people coping with real circumstances. As with any

important issue, people can form a variety of opinions – but the feelings the f ilm evoked were u n iversa l. At t he conclusion of the film, local attorneys and organizations who work on these issues here in Fairfield County shared their perspectives and responded to questions from the audience. In October, the Avon presented the latest in its Black Lens Series, a program created to encourage conversation on issues of social justice, race and equality. The series of fers f ilms created by black f ilmmakers or that focus on unique aspects of the African American experience. The latest f ilm was Toni Morrison: The Pieces I Am, and it was screened just weeks after this American treasure and Nobel Laureate sadly passed away. The Avon worked with Stamford’s Cradle to Career initiative and several area nonprof its who helped us draw an audience that included people of different ages, social, cultural and economic backgrounds. Morrison’s extraordinary life was shared in her own words and those of other African American icons in this documentary masterfully created by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Sanders attended the screening and participated in a dialogue

The Volunteer Service Pajama Drive

Through their connections in the community, the founders of The Volunteer Service (TVS) forged a partnership between Roller Rabbit and Kids in Crisis that resulted in a pajama drive benefitting the nonprofit. Upon realizing the need for children’s pajamas at Kids in Crisis, founders Debra A. McLaughlin, Hadley Mongell, A nne Silvey Franscioni and Heather Woodbridge connected the non-prof it and the local retail store, known for their printed pajamas, to develop a pajama drive. From Monday, November 18 through Thursday, November 21, Roller Rabbit, at 103 Greenwich Avenue in Greenwich, collected donations of brand new pairs of pajamas for children of any age. “We were happy to be able to

use our contacts in the community to connect these two fantastic organizations and bring awareness to the needs of Kids in Crisis,” said Silvey Franscioni. The pajama drive was very successful, with nearly 60 pairs of pajamas collected during this season of giving for the Kids in Crisis families. Fa m ilies, indiv idua ls a nd seniors are encouraged to check out TVS at https://thevolunteerservice. com/ as a volunteer and peruse the many volunteer events listed in the community. TVS assists in finding volunteer opportunities to aid organizations in town that need additional support, especially during this holiday season. A compa ny r u n solely by women, T VS was founded by

four women who saw the need to easily connect volunteers with organizations needing assistance. In August of 2019, they launched an online platform which enables prospective volunteers to search for and find opportunities that fit their schedules and skillsets, while also enabling organizations to reach a larger pool of talented supporters and volunteers. The Volunteer Service website is a simple way to match individuals and families to hands-on volunteer opportunities . TVS of fers high impact with low commitment, and provides a user-friendly platform to view and sign up for volunteer experiences. For more information or to sign up for TVS, visit www. thevolunteerservice.com or email info@thevolunteerservice.com.

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moderated by Harriette Cole, an accomplished African American writer, editor, entrepreneur, and radio host. I n N ove m b e r, a s o l d- o u t crowd attended the Connecticut premiere of Parkland Rising, a film that begins with the terrible 2018 h ig h school shooting in Florida but focuses much more on the inspiring actions taken since that time by students and

with the audience. This was a collaboration with several other non-profit organizations hosted in partnership with #UNLOAD and UConn-Stamford. G oi ng to t he mov ie s m ay not lead a l l of us to th i n k of documentaries, but I’m hoping to change that. These are such challenging and divisive times for our nation. Opportunities to sit a lon g side p e ople w it h

Opportunities to sit alongside people with different perspectives, to share engaging experiences, to learn from each other, and to participate in thoughtful and respectful exchanges of ideas are rare. We owe it to ourselves to take advantage of them wherever and whenever they appear. families impacted by the tragedy. The film’s director, Cheryl Horner McDonough and several of the former Stoneman Douglas High School students and families attended our event and engaged in a meaningful exchange

whenever they appear. W h e n t h e Avo n p r e s e nt s a we l l- c r a f te d do c u m e nt a r y and follows the screening with speakers, it is a truly meaningful experience. All of a sudden what was seen on the screen becomes ver y real, what happened somewhere else seems to be happening here at home, and the need to educate one’s self, form an opinion and potentially act on an issue evolves f rom s ome one el s e’s concer n to a very personal obligation. I can’t tell you with any certainty that opinions were changed from these documentaries. I can tell you that the audience was moved by what they saw and came away with a lot to think about. That’s the unique power of film and the Avon Theatre will always proudly present it.

Old Greenwich resident, Stuart Adelberg, joined the historic Avon Theatre Film Center six months ago as its Executive Director. He has a long history of involvement in the different perspectives, to share region’s non-profit human services engaging experiences, to learn and arts communities. from each other, and to participate i n t houg ht f u l a nd respec t f u l The Avon is a unique non-profit, excha nge s of ide as a re ra re . mission-driven and communit y We owe it to ourselves to take supported independent cinema. advantage of them wherever and

Astrology Column For Week of Dec. 8, 2019

SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov-21 Dec Although the Sun is at odds to deceptive Neptune this week there should be nothing deceptive about your actions – especially when it comes to family and domestic issues. Spell out exactly what you intend to do and then do it to the letter.

GEMINI 22 May-21 June If you seek approval this week you will be disappointed, especially if others are secretly envious of your abilities. If you’re convinced what you’re doing is right you need no one’s approval but your own. And if you’re not convinced, you should be.

CAPRICORN 22 Dec-20 Jan You will have a brilliant idea this week, but be denied the chance to put it into effect. With hindsight you’ll be glad you were forced to wait but that will be no comfort to you now. Direct negative emotions into positive actions.

CANCER 22 June-23 July You may feel inspired to try something new this week, just because you’re bored with your usual routine, but that doesn’t mean you can do anything you like. Whatever you decide to do will touch the lives of others - so get their permission first.

AQUARIUS 21 Jan-19 Feb You’re not one for rules and regulations and with the Sun at odds to Neptune you won’t take kindly to those who try to make you toe the line. If it doesn’t cost more than you can afford there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be a bit of a rebel this week.

LEO 24 July-23 Aug If you are tempted to ignore a pressing business or financial issue this week, don’t - as you’ll almost certainly regret it. Take care of it now, while the planets move in your favour. You may still be out of pocket but you won’t have to pay double later on.

PISCES 20 Feb-20 March Stick to what you enjoy and don’t worry about your work. Even if you attach great importance to your material goals, they are of secondary importance this week. What matters now is that you feel you are doing something creatively worthwhile.

VIRGO 24 Aug-23 Sept You may not be getting the support you would like from family and loved ones but do you really need it? If you’re convinced a certain course of action is essential to your emotional wellbeing go ahead and do it. You know you’ll regret it if you don’t.

ARIES 21 March-20 April You may feel atypically pessimistic about your chances this week as the Sun makes a tricky aspect to sensitive Neptune. However, you know the feeling will eventually pass so try to ignore it. If possible, focus on the lighter side of life.

LIBRA 24 Sept-23 Oct No one is asking you to betray principles or settle for second best. But it might be wise not to press your claims too hard, even if you feel you’re entitled to a bigger share than you’re receiving. A modest approach will do wonders for your reputation.

TAURUS 21 April-21 May Try not to think of yourself as a victim, even in the face of evidence suggesting you have in some way been taken advantage of. Use your imagination to find your way out of this predicament. There’s no need to make a big thing out of something so small.

SCORPIO 24 Oct-22 Nov Scorpio may be the most driven of signs but that doesn’t stop you daydreaming about things you’d like to happen. Which is fine just so long as you don’t neglect the realities of the here-and-now. Save your daydreams until you have tied up the loose ends.

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SPORTS

Page 15 | Greenwich Sentinel

Big Red Silences Wreckers on Turkey Day; 9-1 for the Season The Greenwich High School football team easily turned aside St aple s H ig h S cho ol du r i ng Thu rsday mor n i ng's a n nua l Turkey Day game, winning 38-14. "This is awesome," said senior captain Edward Iuteri. "This is my favorite time of the year. I get to play football and then have Thanksgiving dinner. Nothing beats it. I think we played great today because we started off fast and had the momentum. Our special teams, offense and defense builds off each other's momentum. It’s crucial that we get the early momentum" Big Red, who built a 24-0 lead at halftime, was led by AJ Barber, who caught three of the four touchdowns thrown by starting quarterback James Rinello. " R ig ht now we a r e r e a l ly happy with the win," said GHS head coach Anthony Morello. " We a r e , for t he most p a r t , healthy and just happy to be back in the playof fs. Staples played us tough early on, but we moved the ball the way we wanted to offensively and made a commitment to the running game. It's been a few weeks since I felt like we put together a good four quarter and I think we did that today. The kids made plays where they needed to and we are happy with the result." Barber took care of business

PAUL SILVERFARB

By Paul R. Silverfarb

Greenwich High’s AJ Barber darts down the sideline after receiving the ball during the Thanksgiving Day game against Staples High School. in receiving the ball, picking up a 22-yard touchdown reception, a 4 -y a r d s l a n t c a t c h f o r a touchdown and another deep connection from Rinello for 46 yards for the score. Big Red’s fou r th touchdow n reception came later in the game when Kobe Comizio grabbed the 21yard pass from Rinello. Big Red’s other three points came at the start of the game, when k icker Ben Howar th drilled the 22-yard field goal to put Greenwich up 3-0. Rinello was effective under center, finishing with over 225 yards on the day. “We did a prett y good job

today,” Rinello said. “At the end, I think we left 14 points on the board and our first drive we got stopped on the goal line. So there were definitely things we need to work on, but overall you can’t be too disappointed with how we played.” In addition, Hunter Clark was lights out running the ball and picked up a 35-yard touchdown. After a few weeks of getting healthy, Clark had a game that M o r e l l o w a s h o p i n g fo r. I n addition to the touchdown, Clark finished with 94 yards running and led Big Red. “It was def initely a point of emphasis to get Hunter Clark

g o i n g a g a i n ,” Mo r e l l o s a i d . “He’s a great kid. He suffered a concussion against Ludlowe in the second half. With a short week against R idgef ield and a short turnaround, he didn’t really get the practice time that he needed for our game plan. So getting him going was definitely a key and it was great seeing him run the ball the way he was today.” Staples had the momentum late in the second quarter, as Greenwich botched a punt return and gave the Wreckers control of the ball with solid field position. The Wreckers were moving the ball effectively and it appeared

that Staples would find the end zone. However, that’s when Big Red’s defense stepped up in a big way and forced Staples to turn the ball over on downs. Evan Wiegold picked up an interception against Staples. Iuteri paced the team with two sacks and the combo of Kyle Jampole, Stephen Sergio, James Schmidt and Vincent Ceci each registered one. Sergio also forced a fumble and Schmidt netted a fumble recovery. “Defense has been solid all season,” Morello said. “Staples could have taken over control of the game in the second quarter and a touchdown changes the complexity and momentum of the second half. For [the defense] not to break and hold there in the second quarter was huge for us. I am so proud of our defense. They have been our rock all season.” With the victory, Greenwich picked up the unlikely scenario for its first-round playoff game in the CIAC class LL tournament. Wit h New Ca naa n st u n n i ng Darien 20-0 and Southington w i n n i ng a t h r i l l i ng dou ble overtime contest against Cheshire, those games helped set up a rematch of the 2017 CIAC class LL championship game against Darien High School in this year’s class LL opener. “We were in a similar situation last year, where we were waiting

on one game on Thanksgiving to see if we were the No. 2 seed or No. 5 seed,” Iuteri said. “It’s a familiar feeling, but it’s honestly a great feeling knowing that we are hopefully going to play three more games. We really don’t care who we play. As long as we get the ring, it’s all that matters.” The Cards were on the road Wednesday night to battle the Blue Wave. Results of the game were unavailable at press time. Finishing the regular season with a 9-1 record is something that Morello and the rest of the Cardinals take great pride in. Instead of falling to the pressure of t r y i n g to r ep e at a s st ate champs, it was business as usual for Greenwich this season. “ The ta lent in th is tow n is exceptional and there’s no reason why Greenwich football s h o u l d n’t b e g e t t i n g to t h e playoffs every year,” Morello said. “We’re doing our jobs as coaches and the kids have bought in and have been doing the work for 12 months, not just August through Decem ber. They a re get ti ng bigger, faster and stronger and everybody just believes in the goal and in the program.” “It’s been such a fun year,” added Rinello. “Playing with all these great dudes, both on and off the field, they are hilarious kids and great athletes. It’s been an awesome season."

Education Column

Communication & Leadership Skills Forged Outside the Classroom

By Liz Dennison I n to day ’s world , s cho ol s are called to do more in order to educate the whole child. Athletics play a central role in this pursuit. Coaches and athletic administrators are some of the mo s t i n f lue nt ia l p e ople i n a student-athlete’s life. They see st udents for me a n i ng f u l a nd extended hours each week, and this opportunity affords them the chance to help develop global leaders. In a world where so much interaction occurs online, athletics is a way for students to disengage from that technology and form important relationships with their classmates and coaches. Athletics brings people together and provides the perfect opportunity

for leadership development. At Sacred Heart Greenwich, we believe in a programmatic approach to athletics to create well-rounded players with strong sport-specif ic and leadership skills. This perspective allows us to focus on the development of our student-athletes at every level, giving them the tools they need to be successful on the playing field and in a team environment. Our coaches are committed to this approach, fostering collaboration bet ween m idd le school and upper school teams to develop continuous programs from fifth through twelfth grade. This offers the older athletes an opportunity to inspire younger students. This style of leadership cannot be developed in a typical classroom setting. At the collegiate level, graduate level and into the workplace, group work is essential. Group a s sig n ment s a r e of ten much more challenging than individual work. Marshalling resources, getting people on the same page and in a position to bring their best at the same time is harder than self-motivation alone. We set the foundation for these skills in middle school. Fifth and sixth grade sports emphasize the basic skills needed to be a member of a

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These are all leadership skills. Seeing professionals who use their leadership to create a platform for change has a huge impact on student athletes. Senior Taylor O’Meara ref lected on meeting Rapinoe saying, “I think that it is very brave and courageous of her to use her platform to speak out on important societal issues. I am particularly inspired by her commitment to the equal pay issue within the U.S. Soccer Federation. I believe that she has used her influence appropriately and set a great example for young girls and other female athletes.” W h e n yo u w a n t t o m a k e a difference, go upstream. We cannot wait until higher education to teach valuable leadership and critical think ing sk ills. While leadership development is growing more and more on the Sacred Heart Greenwich field hockey team celebrates a championship win. collegiate level, we believe it can start even earlier. The programs and initiatives at Sacred Heart team- consistency, preparedness, and each other accountable for then find a way to achieve it. It Greenwich create the necessary timeliness, positivity, and support those same lessons learned in can be as simple as the pregame environment and skills to prepare of your teammates. Year by year, m idd le scho ol. Capt a i n s a nd pump-up speech; our students our students to lead and impact the standard to which the coaches team leaders are asked to have hold the athletes accountable the tough conversations w ith their teammates and coaches increases By the time students reach when necessary, and they are j u n i o r v a r s i t y a n d v a r s i t y provided them w ith the tools level teams, they assume the to navigate those discussions. responsibilit y for setting the Students are asked to define what tone a nd hold i ng themselves they want their legacy to be and

While leadership development is growing more and more on the collegiate level, we believe it can start even earlier. The programs and initiatives at Sacred Heart Greenwich create the necessary environment and skills to prepare our students to lead and impact others in a meaningful way in their future pursuits. As an athletic department, we play an essential role in educating the whole child.

understand that word matter and learn the importance of strong communication through athletics. Strong communication skills make group work possible. Students who participate in interscholastic athletics are far better equipped to e xc e l i n t h e 2 1 s t c e nt u r y higher education and workplace environment. We infuse captain workshops, coach workshops and outside speakers into our programmatic a p p r o a c h . Ju s t r e c e n t l y, we hosted the Olympic and World Champion Megan R apinoe on campus for a series of soccer clinics. Our varsity players were inspired by Rapinoe, but more than that, they were able to see her commitment, her passion, her creativity and her innovation.

o t h e r s i n a m e a n i n g f u l w ay in their future pursuits. As an athletic department, we play an essential role in educating the whole child. Liz Dennison is the Director of Athletics at Sacred Heart Greenwich and previou sly spent nearly a decade at Cornell University in a variety of roles with the women's rowing team. Dennison received a Bachelor of Science degree in foreign service from The Walsh School of Foreig n Ser vic e at Georgetown University, as well as a Master of Public Administration and Certificate of Advanced Studies in civil society from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University.

REAL ESTATE DASHBOARD

Page 16 | Greenwich Sentinel

REAL ESTATE DASHBOARD MASTHEAD

Deborah Ference-Gray

DASHBOARD EDITOR

Mark Pruner | Mark@GreenwichStreets.com | mark@bhhsne.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Robert Pulitano | RobertPulitano@bhhsne.com Cesar Rabillino | CesarRabellino@bhhsne.com Pam Toner | PToner@HoulihanLawrence.com

One Pickwick Plaza Greenwich, CT 06830

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NEW SALES

NEW LISTINGS

Data Compiled for the last 2 weeks by Cesar Rabellino (203) 249-9866

Data Compiled for last 2 Weeks by Cesar Rabellino (203) 249-9866

Address

Original List

List Price

Sold Price DOM BR FB Acres

SqFt

566 River Road 29 Sheephill Road 11 River Road 107 20 Georgetowne North 20 20 Church Street A64 608 Lyon Farm Drive 608 4 Comly Avenue 3 Nicholas Avenue 66 Bruce Park Drive 7 Heather Lane 24 Frontier Road 300 Riversville Road 23 Crescent Road 17 Cameron Drive 9 Lighthouse Lane 31 Khakum Wood Road 433 Riversville Road 202 Shore Road 107 Meadow Road

$695,000 $835,000 $685,000 $950,000 $785,000 $925,000 $910,000 $995,000 $1,250,000 $1,350,000 $1,500,000 $1,649,000 $2,100,000 $3,450,000 $4,195,000 $4,995,000 $3,750,000 $5,200,000 $8,695,000

$625,000 $695,000 $685,000 $818,000 $785,000 $829,000 $840,000 $995,000 $1,175,000 $1,350,000 $1,500,000 $1,649,000 $2,100,000 $3,450,000 $3,950,000 $4,495,000 $3,750,000 $5,200,000 $6,795,000

$525,000 $640,000 $665,000 $780,000 $790,000 $800,000 $810,000 $880,000 $980,000 $1,270,000 $1,445,000 $1,585,000 $1,925,000 $3,100,000 $3,600,000 $4,060,000 $4,500,000 $5,100,000 $6,135,000

1,474 2,144 1,104 2,465 1,578 1,904 2,422 3,485 2,190 2,956 3,022 5,179 3,616 6,717 5,100 8,706 7,152 3,669 7,603

147 231 204 1,103 28 130 169 159 210 51 61 874 56 45 230 211 28 20 253

3 3 2 4 2 3 5 6 3 3 4 4 6 5 5 6 5 5 7

1 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 5 3 5 5 8 5 3 5

0.44 0.66 0 0 0 60 0.27 0.2 0.75 1.22 1.03 3.3 0.42 4 0.31 3.72 13.15 0.6 3.22

Real Estate Column

November Report

By Mark Pruner Ta x e s d r i v e a l o t o f t h e Greenwich housing market. The general consensus has been that the higher priced the house the more taxes are a consideration in buying or selling. This market however is showing that the 2017 tax cut and SALT limitation may actually mean that tax consideration are having a greater impact at the low end. As for sales, November was a little better than our 10 year average w it h 4 0 house sa les compared to our 10-year average of 38 sales. After the bad start we had in the first half of the year any improvement, even 5% bump in one month is a nice plus. This bump up in sales in November sales was somewhat expected since October contracts were up 4% compared to last year. This is the third year in a row that our November sales have beat our 10 year average. This may be indicative of sales happening later in the year as many financial firms no longer pay bonuses at the beginning of the year. This is the second year that our peak sales month was shifted later by a month. This year and last year, July and not June, were our highest sales month for the year. If this trend continues, the result will be that the first half of the year will look weaker as sales shift to the second half of the year. I won’t be surprised to see articles in the first half of 2020 about a weak Greenwich market, when it is just sales shifting to later in the year. It looks like a stronger second half will not make up for the weak first half of 2019. We have 490 sales so far this year which is down 50 sales year-to-date or 9% lower sales. With contracts presently down by 12% we are very unlikely to catch up to last year’s 593 sales by the end of December. But back to those taxes I was talking about before. You might ex pect that the 2017 Ta x Cut and Jobs Acts’ elimination of the deductibility of the state and local taxes (SALT) over $10,000 would have their greatest impact at the high-end of the market, but that is not what we are seeing. Our median sales price so far this year is $1.89 million, which we’ll round off to $2 million for this analysis.

If we look at sales, contracts and inventory below $2 million we see that sales are down 23 houses, contracts are down by 8 deals and inventory is up 20 listings. Below $2 million we are seeing a weaker market this year than we saw last year. This is particularly bothersome below $1 million where we are usually supply constrained. Last year sales from $800K to $1 million took a big jump as for once we had enough inventory to meet demand. The result was that sales were up 49% to 64 sales in that price category last year through November 2018. This year we only have 44 sales in that price range. If we go back one more year to 2017 under the old tax law our sales are about the same, but our inventory was less in that pre-tax cut year. It seems we have more people that want to sell and fewer people that want to buy in 2019, making for a weaker market. Our under $2 million single family home market is primarily a young family market with some Westchester downsizers also. Both of these groups are particularly sensitive to increased costs from the loss of SALT deductibility. (BTW: If you want to do your own analysis of any of this, all of the monthly tables and charts, that can’t be fit in the Sentinel, are up at my blog, GreenwichStreets.com, going back to 2013.) So, the 2017 TCJA may be mak ing our under $2 million market weaker, what is it doing above that price? Just above that price, our $2 – 3 million dollar market is a transition zone where sales are up 7% and inventory is down 5%. Above $3 million sales are down by 23 houses and contracts are down by 8 deals, but inventory is also down by 20 listings. It looks like not as many people are looking to move in, but also not as many people are looking to move out as last year. Without ta lk ing to lots of the buyers and sellers it’s hard to say what’s driving these two markets. We are seeing lower sales across the board with two notable except ion s. Under $ 6 0 0,0 0 0 sales are up 47%, from 12 sales in 2018 to 21 sales in 2019 YTD. This shows we still have good demand for houses under $600,000 in Greenwich. Interestingly, this is also the price range where many buyers will be below $10,000 in SALT so they won’t be affected by the cap. The other price range that is doing better this year is the $6.5 – 10 million price range. In that price range sales are up 78% from 9 sales in 2018 to 16 sales in 2019. Here what may be driving sales are

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some very large price drops in what were houses that would previously have sold for over $10 million. Over $6.5 million we have had 29 house sales this year. This is up from 5 houses from last year. (To be clear, 5 of those 29 houses listed above $6.5 sold for less than $6.5 million) For these 29 sales, the median sales price to original list price ratio was 82%. This ratio is lower than the 89% for the whole market, but it is actually better than historic high-end SP/OLP ratios where high-end original list prices were often set with extreme optimism. Of these 29 high-end sales the median year built was 1990 and only 2 of them were new construction. It’s a tough time to build high-end spec houses as we have 73 competitors and a couple of years of supply of houses on the market. So, what’s likely to happen? Based on contracts being down, December has a good chance of being a mediocre month leading to sales for the year being down and also prices being down, though not as much as the pundits thought in their mid-year reports. One wild card is that the new Qualified Opportunity Zones give people who have huge capital gains locked up in their houses or in the stock market a way to shelter these gains. For most people in Greenwich who bought before 1990, the Obamacare additional capital gains tax of 3.8% will kick in on the sale of even a modest house. A QOZ fund or QOZ company is a way to delay this tax for 7 years while not paying any capital gains on the return on their investment. QOZ funds may start playing a bigger factor for our downsizers allowing them to sell earlier. One of the more innovative QOZ f unds was created rig ht here in Greenwich by Belpointe Capital. Their Belpointe REIT is publicly traded on the OTCQX with minimum investments of $100. You’ll still need to hold your investment for 10 years to get all the tax benefits, but it does provide a low entry price, low load and liquidity. Downsizers may not want to lock up their funds for a long time, but it is one solution for those folks that previously might have waited for the step-up in basis granted under the estate tax, which helped their heirs, but not the homeowners themselves. As to the new year, recession fears seem to be fading so 2020 is looking up at the moment. Mark Pruner is a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway and member of it’s President Circle. He can be reached at 203-969-7900 or by email at mark@bhhsne.com.

Address

List Price

Price/SqFt

SqFt

Area

2 Homestead Lane 106 36 The Avenue 66 Richland Road 1 2 Cos Cob Ave. 2 1/2 Rear 57 Center Drive 23 Pilgrim Drive 7 Buxton Lane 360 Cognewaugh Road 1065 King Street 11 Mallard Drive 11 Tomahawk Lane 25 Linwood Avenue 142 Lower Cross Road

$350,000 $575,000 $599,000 $729,000 $795,000 $888,000 $980,000 $1,019,000 $1,090,000 $1,155,000 $1,395,000 $1,499,000 $1,730,000

$490 $352 $451 $470 $615 $380 $487 $398 $255 $621 $322 $453 $316

714 1,632 1,328 1,550 1,292 2,335 2,012 2,558 4,269 1,860 4,338 3,310 5,470

0 0.41 0 0 0.14 0.25 0.43 1.21 1.52 0.33 1.17 0.36 2.28

1 3 3 3 2 3 4 4 5 3 5 5 5

1 2 2 2 1 2 2 3 3 2 4 3 4

Pemberwick Banksville South Parkway Cos Cob Old Greenwich Glenville Riverside Cos Cob Glenville South of Post Road South Parkway Riverside North Parkway

16 Wesskum Wood Road 9 Cottontail Road 4 Mountain Laurel Drive 2 Winthrop Drive 21 Windrose Way 19 Brookridge Drive

$2,400,000 $2,495,000 $2,595,000 $3,400,000 $5,900,000 $7,249,000

$540 $591 $462 $531 $656 $830

4,442 4,220 5,613 6,400 8,990 8,735

0.4 1.18 2.03 0.31 2 3.92

5 5 6 6 6 6

5 4 6 5 7 5

Riverside Cos Cob North Parkway Riverside South of Post Road South Parkway

FEATURED OPEN HOUSES

Data Compiled by Rob Pulitano [203] 561-8092

Address

Area

Price

Day/Time

Broker

51 Forest Avenue #36 146 E Elm Street #A 146 E Elm Street #B 38 St Roch Avenue #E 51 Forest Avenue #36 1 Mansion Place 9 Glenville Street 27 Evergreen Road 27 Elskip Lane 1465 E Putnam Avenue #111 25 W Elm Street #52 10 Fairfield Avenue #A 40 Maplewood Drive 360 Cognewaugh Road 11 Mallard Drive 21 Roberta Lane 1 Mansion Place 677 River Road 14 Rockview Drive 40 Crescent Road 72 Havemeyer Place #A 10 Schubert Lane 27 Elskip Lane 10 Northwind Drive 142 Lower Cross Road 6 Carissa Lane 2 Old Church Road #2 26 Nimitz Place 1 Ford Lane 4 Brookside Park 16 Wesskum Wood Road 9 Cottontail Road 63 Glenville Road 7 Mountain Laurel Drive 1 Lismore Lane 16 Normandy Lane 57 Partridge Hollow Road 27 Evergreen Road 105 Parsonage Road

Old Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Old Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Old Greenwich Greenwich Old Greenwich Cos Cob Cos Cob Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Cos Cob Greenwich Riverside Greenwich Cos Cob Greenwich Stamford Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Old Greenwich Old Greenwich Greenwich Riverside Cos Cob Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich Riverside Greenwich Greenwich Greenwich

$5,300 $5,600 $6,495 $8,000 $999,500 $1,299,000 $1,500,000 $5,150,000 $6,800 $410,000 $700,000 $749,000 $835,000 $1,019,000 $1,155,000 $1,295,000 $1,299,000 $1,385,000 $1,395,000 $1,397,000 $1,450,000 $1,495,000 $1,550,000 $1,695,000 $1,730,000 $1,799,000 $1,950,000 $1,999,000 $2,087,500 $2,295,000 $2,400,000 $2,495,000 $2,750,000 $2,850,000 $2,995,000 $3,750,000 $3,795,000 $5,150,000 $5,699,000

Sat 3-4 PM Sat 12-2 PM Sat 12-2 PM Sat 12-2 PM Sat 3-4 PM Sat 1-3 PM Sat 1-3 PM Sat 2-4 PM Sun 12-2 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1:30-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 12-2 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 12-2 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 12-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 12-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 12-3 PM Sun 1-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM

William Raveis Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis William Raveis William Raveis William Raveis Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis Sotheby's William Raveis Sotheby's Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Sotheby's William Raveis Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway Houlihan Lawrence Berkshire Hathaway Houlihan Lawrence Sotheby's Berkshire Hathaway Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway Sotheby's Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway

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7 Mountain Laurel Dr, Greenwich 5 BR | 5.2 BA | 5,800 SQ. FT. Cesar Rabellino, 203.249.9866 Gloria Falcon, 203.559.1604

10 Schubert Ln, Cos Cob 4 BR | 4.1 BA | 3,878 SQ. FT. Roberta Jurik, 203.561.6602

$2,850,000 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1-3 PM

$1,495,000 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1-3 PM

2 Cos Cob Ave, 2 1/2 Rear, Cos Cob $729,000 / $4,200 mo. 3 BR | 2.1 BA | 1,550 SQ. FT. New Listing Nancie K. Schwarzman, 203.233.7572 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1-3 PM

142 Lower Cross Rd, Greenwich 5 BR | 4.1 BA | 5,470 SQ. FT. Cesar Rabellino, 203.249.9866 Gloria Falcon, 203.559.1604

72 Havemeyer Pl, A, Greenwich 2 BR | 2.2 BA | 2,402 SQ. FT. Julianne C. Ward, 203.231.1064

1 Putnam Hill, Apt. 3G, Greenwich 3 BR | 2 BA | 1,580 SQ. FT. Karen S. Oztemel, 203.921.8490

$1,730,000 New Listing OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1-3 PM

$1,450,000 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1-3 PM

$669,000 New Listing

bhhsNEproperties.com Greenwich 136 East Putnam Avenue | 203.869.0500

Old Greenwich 200 Sound Beach Avenue | 203.637.1713

©2019 An independently operated member of BHH Affiliates. Equal Housing Opportunity. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices was voted 3rd on Fortune’s list of World’s Most Admired Companies (fortune.com/worlds-most-admired-companies)

Casey Jones Celebrating 30 years of Continued Real Estate Excellence 1988-2018

Casey Jones Does It Again In South Florida My Most Recent Sales Transactions: • • • • •

• • • • •

“Money goes where it’s treated best...Florida” • No State Income Tax • No State Estate or Inheritance Tax • No Snow and No Ice

Casey Jones 561.440.0586

• Formerly operated the #1 Real Estate Firm in Greenwich • Owned and operated largest Sotheby’s International Affiliate • Former Advisor to Great Estates Auction Company Worldwide Sr. Realtor-Associate 561.440.0586 cjones@bhsusa.com

• Former Consultant to Castle Group Property Management • Millions in Closed Transactions

I market & sell from Vero to Miami We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin.

You might not be able to buy HAPPINESS, but you can buy GELATO and get very very close! Gelato&Cioccolato products can be customdelivered with a beautiful Gelato&Cioccolato Cart. They also offer catering all year round. Gelato&Cioccolato combines the utmost quality with renowned Italian creativity and taste. 232 East Putnam Avenue, 203-900-1288, Mon – Thurs 1pm to 9pm, Fri – Sat 12pm to 10:30, Sun 12pm to 9:30pm

Randy’s Wines is a boutique wine and spirits shop serving the Cos Cob community for over thirty years. Randy’s has a vast and varied selection of hidden gems from around the world. Mon- sat 9-8 Sunday 10-5

Trovare Home offers a curated and collected look of both modern and vintage home décor. For over 20 years Trovare has been the “goto” store for stylish home furnishings and décor. Visit our shop and learn about our design services. 245 East Putnam Avenue, 203869-5512, Open daily 10:30am to 4:30pm.

Beam & Barre has everything you need for dance and gymnastics! They have something for dancers of all ages from your tiny dancer to the professional ballerina. Tutus, wands and tiaras satisfy your little dancer’s imagination, while an impressive range of pointe shoes and dancewear will have every dancer excited for class and performance. Their staff has the expertise to find exactly what you need! 241 East Putnam Avenue, 203-622-0591, Monday Friday - 10-6, Saturday - 10-5.

Take a step off the Post Road into The Drawing Room and you are transported to the perfect blend of a café (with hand blended teas, freshly baked treats, or an artisanal sandwich with daily soup), an interior design studio, a boutique with hand picked items for your home, and an art gallery. Welcome to The Drawing Room. 5 Suburban Avenue, 203.661.3737. Open Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. Open Monday, December 23rd for bonus holiday shopping.

You’re Invited to the Cos Cob Village Marketplace HottieandLord is a women’s ready to wear apparel brand. Known for our superb quality and classic chic feminine styles, their mission is to make sure that you are the best dressed person in the room - whether that is at the Board Room table or a table out with friends. 238 East Putnam Avenue, 203-340-9395, Open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm.

• h a b i t a t g r e e n w i c h • is an authentic, inspiring, boutique created to excite all of your senses with a beautifully curated mix of classic, modern, and organic styles from Artisans around the globe. Each item is handpicked by founder, Kim Caravella. The most unique destination for all of your holiday shopping! In September 2018 we had the wonderful opportunity to open our • h a b i t a t g r e e n w i c h • unique Gift Shop at Greenwich Botanical Center 130 Bible Street, Cos Cob, CT. We have beautifully curated collections of gifts, home and garden decor supporting global artisans, causes and nonprofits. The Gift Shop supports Greenwich Botanical Center with its proceeds and is open Monday - Friday 9am-4pm. habitatgreenwich 234 East Putnam Avenue, 203-900-1233. Holiday hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:00am- 6:00pm, Sundays 12:00pm 4:00 pm, Mondays 10:30am - 3:30pm

Il Pastaficio always and only provides the very best artisanal Italian products of the highest quality using organic and genuine flour, without adding any preservatives or chemical additives. It is an authentic Italian experience. 213 East Putnam Avenue, 203-900-1199, Open daily 11:00am to 8:30pm.

236 East Putnam Ave. Cos Cob, CT 06807 203-869-PLUM (7586) Plumpurefoods.com Plum is a full service catering and event planning company focusing on partnering with clients to create savvy and spectacular customized events. In addition, they have a gourmet shop, providing customers with corporate delivery of Breakfast and Lunch (and dinner to go if you’re working late!). Their philosophy is simple...make it fresh, make it great, make it GREEN. Plum...perfect, for every occasion! 236 East Putnam Avenue, 203-869-7586. Store Hours: Monday thru Friday 7:30 to 3 pm. Sat & Sun by appointment only

Proud to be serving the Greenwich community since 1971. Arcuri’s Pizza and Salad offers an extensive menu including the best salads in town! 226 East Putnam Avenue, 203-869-6999, Open daily 11:00am to 9:30pm

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11/26/19 4:13 PM