December 13, 2019

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Daily News Updates @ www.GreenwichSentinel.com

FRIDAY, December 13, 2019

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B ack Cou nt r y | B a n k sv ille | B elle Haven | By ra m| Ch icka hom iny | Cos Cob | Glenv ille | Old Gr e enw ich | Pem b er w ick | R iverside | B e d for d, N Y

Dedication of New Lebanon School

By Richard Kaufman

S The Greenwich

Represent at ive To w n M e e t i n g h a s overwhelmingly approved the 2019 Plan of Conser vation and Development, by a vote o f 14 8 -2 4 w i t h f o u r abstentions. The POCD is the guiding document for the town, which sets the roadmap and vision for the future, especially with issues related to budget and planning and zoning. The vote comes after months of preparation and meetings.

It was believed the RTM wou ld delay vote u nt i l after the New Year, but the POCD received a lot of support from the town’s governing body.

S Governor Ned Lamont

a nnou nced t hat he has scheduled Tuesday, January 21, 2020 as t he date to hold a specia l elec t ion to fill a vacancy for state representative in the 151st Assembly District of the C on ne c t ic ut Hou s e of Representatives. The seat, which consists of portions of Greenwich, became vacant on Dec. 2 following the resignation of Fred Camillo.

S Greenwich Democrats

have chosen Cheryl Moss, an RTM member, to be t heir ca ndidate for t he special election to replace Fred Camillo in Hartford.

Republicans will decide on t heir candidate t his weekend. There is one-year remaining on Camilo’s twoyear term.

S Officers will be

patrolling shopping districts in t he coming days. The Greenwich Police Department is offering up some tips to remain safe this holiday season. Park in a well-lit area; remember where you parked your car; lock your doors and take your keys; don’t leave va luables in clea r v iew within your vehicle; be alert and avoid using your cell phone; never leave personal belongings unattended; teach children to ask store personnel or security for help if they get separated f r om y ou ; ne ve r le ave children alone in the car

S The pedestrian who was

struck by a car on Nov. 29 in Old Greenwich has died, according to the Greenwich Police Department. Anyone who may have seen t he collision or has information is urged to contact the GPD at 203-622-8014. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. At this time, no charges have been filed as this is an ongoing investigation.

Tw o y e a r s t o t h e d a y s i n c e t h e initial groundbreaking, the community gathered in the gymnasium of the new New Lebanon School last Saturday for the official dedication of the building to the Town of Greenwich and the Greenwich Board of Education.

The school officially opened to students and faculty this past February, and the demolition of the old school took place in the spring.

Along with residents and New Leb students, state and local elected officials, and members of the New Lebanon School Building Committee (NLSBC), were in attendance at the dedication ceremony.

Several speakers talked about the school and the impact it has had, and will continue to have, on the community.

"We can look forward to many, many ye a rs of e duc at iona l excel lence a nd memories made here in this state of the art facility," said First Selectman, Fred Camillo, who praised the delegation to Hartford that he used to be a part of, for securing funding for construction.

Due to the historic budget impasse in Hartford several years ago, state funding for the project was put in jeopardy for months. However, with perseverance and dedication, the school was able to come to fruition. Camillo thanked former State Sen. Scott Frantz, former State Rep. Mike Bocchino, and State Rep. Livvy Floren for their hard work.

"Three times the money for this school was taken out of the budget by the governor.

Three times, the delegation worked with everybody up there and met with every single legislator to make sure that money was put back in there," Camillo added. It's

expected that the state will reimburse the town for up to 64 percent of the total $34.3 million project cost.

State Rep. Stephen Meskers (D-150) said the school is now in the hands of "a dedicated band of educators."

"I think the most important thing we can do today is dedicate the school to those professionals who will lead our children into the future," he said.

Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Toni Jones, pointed out the ways in which New Lebanon School is special.

"There are almost 88,000 K-5 schools in America, and very few of them look like New Lebanon. Not only do we have a brand new school, but the 21st century learning environment that is provided for our staff and students makes such a big difference for students," she said, pointing out the bright colors and open, flowing learning spaces.

The modernized building features a centrally located learning commons equipped with f lexible furnishings and adaptable technological infrastructure, w h i c h a l l ow s fo r mu lt ip l e z o n e s o f simultaneous learning. There are small group collaborative areas and independent study areas.

The building is also designed to meet the sustainability goals established by the Educational Specifications and to achieve a gold-level LEED rating from the U.S. Green Building Council.

There are 21 general classrooms, four dedicated classrooms for art, music and other activities, along with a media center, gymnasium and cafeteria.

The old school was cramped, and was cited by the State Department of Education for violating the state’s racial balance laws.

The new school aims to address that issue

by attracting magnet students from other areas of town.

Clare Kilgallen, a member of the NLSBC and co-president of the PTA at New Leb., said the school's current student population of 300 represents a 31 percent increase from the same time last year. There are 23 magnet students as well.

"If you build it, they will come, and they are coming," she said, adding that the sod is growing on the outside fields, which are

"I consider New Lebanon now to be a blank canvas.

I can't wait to see what the students will create."

Stephen Walko set to open in April. "This campus is our children's field of dreams and [the field of dreams] for the generations of children to come."

New Leb. Principal Alexandra Bartholomew, who was hired last summer following the retirement of Barbara Riccio, said the students, faculty and families have embraced the building.

"Our students’ and teachers' lives have truly changed in an incredible way over the last 10 months," she remarked, while thanking the NLSBC and Board of Education. "Our students and community

truly deserved this. It's incredible to watch our students use their minds to solve problems, challenge one another, and to discover new things in this innovative space."

Stephen Walko, Chair of the NLSBC, said that the project was completed on time and on budget. He shared that a final Certificate of Occupancy will be presented and on display in the school by the end of December.

"Famed basketball coach, John Wooden, once said, ‘Make everyday your masterpiece.’

I consider New Lebanon now to be a blank canvas. I can't wait to see what the students will create," Walko said. "Students, go and do wonderful things. Be caring, make us proud, we know you will. This school is for you."

One of those students, Anthony Cebanos, a fifth grader, spoke about his experiences in the new building.

Cebanos said that although he held fond memories of the old New Lebanon building, he "could never have imagined just how great the new New Lebanon School would be."

After the ceremony, Riccio said it was "overwhelming" to be in the new building.

She credited the New Leb. community for going through the construction seamlessly.

Bocchino said he felt fortunate to lead the charge for a new school in Hartford.

"It's hard to put into words what we had to go through in Hartford to get to the point where we could even form a building committee," he said. "We were up against an administration adamantly against any funding of any kind for the town of Greenwich... We were able to bring back true results that the town of Greenwich has really never seen before. To do it for these kids and this community will always be one of my greatest achievements."

Jan. 21 Special Election for State Rep.

Someone in Greenwich will soon have t he t ask of f i l l i ng the state representative seat prev iously held by now First Selectman Fred Camillo.

Governor Ned Lamont schedu led Tues., Ja nua r y 21, 2020 as the date to hold a special election to f i l l a vaca nc y for state representative in the 151st Assembly District.

The district, which contains portions of Greenwich, became vacant on December 2 following the resignation of Fred Camillo in order for him to serve as First Selectman.

Under state law, the governor is required to issue a w rit of special election within ten days of a v a c a nc y i n t he G e ne ra l Assembly and a special election must be held exactly 46 days after the date the writ was issued.

The w inner of the special election will hold the seat for the remainder of Camillo's term, which is another year. The seat w ill be up for g rabs again in November of 2020 during the regular election cycle.

T h e D e m o c r a t i c To w n Com m it te e ( DTC) held t hei r

caucus at Central Middle School e a r l i e r t h i s we e k t o c h o o s e a nom inee. The pa r t y had to decide between former Board of Education Vice Chair Jennifer Dayton and Representative Town Meeting member Cheryl Moss.

T he D T C s ele c te d Cher yl Moss to run in the special election for the seat.

Moss said that she i s " hu m b l e d by t h e vo t e o f conf idence from the DTC, and even more so by the whole Town

This Season's Hidden Gem The Drawing Room in Cos Cob

of Greenwich," from whom she said she has been receiving notes of congratulations and calls of support.

Joe Angland, chairman of the DTC, said, "Cheryl Moss is a great candidate for the 151st district.

In addition to the intelligence and experience she brings to the table, she has a proven record of being able to work with others to get things done – a critical skill for a legislator. Cheryl’s recent unanimous election as Leader of RTM District 8 testif ies to this ability. She can show the same skills in Hartford that have distinguished her in the RTM." T h e R e p u b l i c a n To w n Committee (RTC) will caucus to choose their candidate on Dec. 15 at 4:30 pm.

RTC chairman, Rich DiPreta said, "Fred Camillo has tirelessly and faithfully served the interests of the 151st and the Town of Greenwich as our State Representative for over ten years.

With Fred now sworn-in as our First Selectman, Republicans will caucus on Sunday to select the Republican candidate to continue Fred’s legacy at the State Capital."

There is no prov ision for a pr i m a r y s o whomeve r t he Republican caucus selects will be the candidate running against Cheryl Moss.

Contact the registrar of voters for more information on voting.

Excerpts from The Waterwheel

A Picture Frame for Love

ILLUSTRATED BY WAJIH CHAUDHRY

The Briefing Room

By Jill S. Woolworth, LMFT Sometimes our concern about how we look or how we are perceived gets in the way of connecting with people. When we draw attention to our “frame” and worry about how we are perceived, we forget about the gift of love that our simple presence can offer.

Pay attention to the people around you. Take the imaginary camera off yourself at your next social gathering. Ask questions.

Find the lonely person. Taking a genuine interest in other people quiets our nervous self-consciousness, enhances our sense of wellbeing, and benefits others.

What better way to do some holiday shopping than stopping at The Drawing Room and Café in Cos Cob? Start off with a relaxed lunch or cup of tea in the café and then head to the boutique. They have an enchanting and fun collection of Christmas Tree ornaments for you to choose from. They also have a wonderful selection of gifts from hilarious dinner party games to a Nordic cookbook (the recipes are delicious). The owners, Kenleigh and Mike Larock are two of the nicest people around and everyone who works in the café and boutique are charming and engaging. Rush over, don't wait, to visit this Cos Cob hidden treasure. For a special treat, moms treat your daughters to traditional tea for two and start a new holiday tradition of creating quality time for just the two of you.

Two gifted speakers talked about faith to large groups. Avery was personal, funny and brilliant. She invited the audience into her open picture frame of God’s love. The audience was encouraged and inspired.

Jess was equally eloquent and knowledgeable, but her comments about her dress, her jewelry, and her vacations prevented her listeners from getting beyond her frame to her message.

In his late 80’s, Ivan raised money and awareness for a postincarceration support program. He became the quiet frame for the people he helped. They were the focal point of his picture.

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

yourCOMMUNITYcalendar FRIDAY, DEC. 13

greenwichlibrary.org

10 a.m.

Qigong with Donna Bunte. Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St. $10-$20. 203869-9242. info@greenwichbotanicalcenter.org

7 p.m.

Tidings, Tales, & Treats at GBC with Youth Coordinator, Jen. Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St. $5-$30. 203-8699242. info@greenwichbotanicalcenter.org. greenwichbotanicalcenter.org

10:15 - 11 a.m.

CCNS Holiday Sing. Christ Church, Greenwich, 254 E. Putnam Ave. Free. 203-869-6600, ext.

13. jtredinnick@christchurchgreenwich.org. christchurchgreenwich.org/calendar 10:30 - 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. greenwichnewcomerskidsatplay@gmail.com. greenwichnewcomers.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 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 - 4:15 p.m.

World Music with Anitra. Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free.

All ages. 203-622-6883. lmatthews@

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 8 p.m. ’Admissions’ - a play presented by Greenwich Theatre Company. Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St. Free. Ages 13 and above.

RSVP. 203-629-5744. info@archstreet.org. archstreet.org SATURDAY, DEC. 14 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.

Sensory-Sensitive Saturday. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. (2nd Sat continued on page 9

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Page 3 | Greenwich Sentinel

Looking for New Challenges in the New Year?

If you are looking for new challenges in the coming year, here are The mission of the Greenwich Fire Department (GFD) centers on the two opportunities for you to consider: preservation of life and property in the Town of Greenwich against the ravages of fire. The GFD is a combination fire department which consists Greenwich Fire Department seeking volunteers to become of uniformed career and volunteer firefighters who work together to firefighters: The Greenwich Fire Department is actively seeking accomplish this mission.

Volunteer Firefighters and Fire Police, to join the 7 Volunteer Fire The fire apparatus consists of 14 Engines, three Ladders, Fire Patrol, Companies/1 Fire Police Patrol with in the Town of Greenwich. and a Heavy Rescue. The Fire Department operates this equipment out Volunteer members of the Greenwich Fire Department work along the of eight fire houses within Greenwich (and Banksville, New York).

Career Firefighters as a team in mitigating emergency fire calls. You will The monthly commitment includes: Monthly Volunteer Fire be taught the skills both in house and outside of the department in order Company/Fire Police Patrol Meeting, Company Drill, Town Wide Drill to operate safely. The Department will provide the personal protective (two deliveries – one only attend), Fire Alarms. To get started, contact gear that you will need to get the job done.

Brian M. Kelly, GFD Volunteer Coordinator, 203-618-8877 or email: In March the Department will be hosting a Firef ighter I CT bkelly@greenwichct.org. certification course that will end in June. This is a good time to be placed The Greenwich Sentinel is looking for local residents who into a volunteer fire company and take the course to become a certified love Greenwich and love to write: freelance and volunteer firefighter.

The Greenwich Fire Department responds town-wide to over 4,200 correspondents, journalists, and writers are wanted from all over alarms each year. The type of emergencies range from structure fires, town to write about the things that they care about most. motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, and medical assists.

Reporting, writing, editing, and photographing news - investigate

Holiday Events

MYX Creative Kitchen’s ‘K.I.C Bowl’ to Benefit Kids In Crisis

Just in time for the holiday season, MYX Creative Kitchen is joining forces with Kids In Crisis to help children in need. From now through Tuesday, Dec. 31, MYX Creative Kitchen will be collecting donations for Kids In Crisis at its store on 19 West Elm St. “When developing the K.I.C B ow l , we w a n t e d t o o f f e r a healthy dish that would appeal to all,” said Executive Chef Fausto Mieres. “The dish is a colorful and beautifully arranged bowl of

quinoa, sautéed spinach, broccoli, zucchini, carrots, roasted sweet potato, garlic, olive oil and fresh lemon.”

For ever y K .I.C B owl purchased by diners from Thanksgiving Day to New Year’s Eve, MYX Creative Kitchen will donate a portion of the proceeds to Kids In Crisis,” explained Rey Santos, Director of Operations, Palm Foods LLC. To encourage customers to donate to Kids in Crisis, MYX

and report on issues, events, and trends in which Greenwich readers will be interested. Some writers might focus on specific areas such as sports, fashion, the environment, local businesses, schools, the RTM, the PTA, P&Z, the BET, animals, dogs, food or on specific neighborhoods.

Our first obligation is to accuracy and our first loyalty is to the residents in Greenwich, our neighborhoods and communities.

Verification of facts is very important. The Sentinel looks to find common ground rather than divisive elements and we work to maintain a constructive/heartening outlook free from incivility, sarcasm, and derision. We also will provide a forum for public criticism and compromise.

Sentinel writers choose what they write about, how often they write, where they work, and when they write. Stories must be approved by an editor or the publisher who will work closely with writers.

Writers for the Sentinel will also need to meet strict deadlines and editorial guidelines.

A variety of ages are welcome.

Interested? Email publisher@greenwichsentinel.com with your ideas, why you would like to write and topics you might like to cover as

Please see page 13 for a comprehensive listing of holiday events this month at the many houses of worship throughout Greenwich. Happy Holidays!

Creative Kitchen has placed a donation box in the restaurant.

Plus, patrons w ill have an oppor t u n it y to pu rchase t he Kids In Crisis grapefruit-currant scented candles for $20 each.

100% of donation box and candle sales directly support the local non-profit organization.

Sha r i Shapi r o, E xe c ut ive Director, Kids In Crisis said “we’re excited to partner w ith M Y X Creative Kitchen. The restaurant has always been a place where

Candlelight at Bush-Holley House this Sunday On Sunday, Dec. 15, from 4:30 colony eras.

The festiv ities are free. to 7 p.m., the Greenwich Historical Music, hot chocolate, holiday Candlelight tours of Bush-Holley Society will open its doors for a treats, a visit from Santa Claus House are free for members and once-a-year “candlelight” tour of (5 to 7 p.m.) and craft Greenwich projectsSentinel for (Due $10 for non-members by advance PUB/POST: CODE: HSS-19-97 A PRODUCTION: N/A Bush-Holley House decked out in kids will alsoDate: be9/27/19) offered in the registration.

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The Greenw ich Historical 03A-73281-04A-HSS-19-97-A-NWS.indd SAP #: HSS.HSSGEN.19023.B.011 The family-friendly toursFILE: last Tours are f irst-come, f irst- Society Bush-Holley House is roughly 45 minutes and interpret s e r v e d a n d l e a v e e v e r y 1 5 lo c ate d at 4 7 St r ick la nd Rd. 212.237.7000 Christmas traditions as they were minutes until 6:30 p.m. Visitors Fo r m o r e i n fo r m at i o n , v i s it celebrated by the Bush and Holley are welcome to view the new greenwichhistory.org or call 203families in the Colonial and art exhibition galleries.

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Page 4 | Greenwich Sentinel

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BGCG Members Receive Holiday Backpacks FROM THE GREENS FAMILY TO YO UR FAM ILY

Wishing you joy this holiday season!

Tina Kramer, Bobby Walker Jr., and Shawnee Knight. (Richard Kaufman photo)

By Richard Kaufman

DISCOVER The Greens at Greenwich Difference

Excellence in Dementia Care Creative Arts Therapy The New Best Medicine You are always welcome to visit, tour or stop by for a cup of coffee.

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It's the season of giving, and one local organization is doing its part to help those in need.

On Tuesday at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich (BGCG), mem bers f rom Fi l li ng i n the Blanks, a nonprofit organization based in nearby Norwalk that aims to fight childhood hunger, passed out over 100 backpacks filled with special items for the holidays to Club Kids who are a part of the Filling in the Blanks program.

Those in the program meet the criteria for free and reduced lunch. Each child received a brand new backpack filled with a new toy, book, gloves, hat and pancake mix/ syrup as a fun item to take home and make with their family.

"This is a really nice event for all of our volunteers, and especially for us when we get to hand out the bags to the kids," said Filling in the Blanks co-founder, Shawnee Knight. Volunteers collect items throughout the year, and assemble the backpacks in Norwalk.

"It's really special to us," added co-founder Tina Kramer, on the holiday backpack giveaway. "We always say we can't imagine what it would be like for our kids not

to have these things. It's very important for us to give back to our communities. It's a really good feeling."

K n ig ht a nd K ra mer, b ot h mothers, started the organization in 2013 as a way to marry their love of community, children, food and charity, not just during the holidays, but year round.

Children who are a part of the program, from preschool through high school, are able to take home pre-packaged weekend meals every week, even in the summer. Most of these children get breakfast and lunch from school every weekday, but would go hungry over the weekends if not for the meals.

Since Filling in the Blanks began, 130,000 weekend meals have been delivered to children in low-income households, and the program has expanded to roughly 30 schools (four of which are in Greenwich) throughout Fairfield and Westchester Counties, and various camps, clubs and community centers.

The pa r tnersh ip w ith the BGCG began about a year ago after a donor put forth money that allowed the club to be recipients.

Club CEO, Bobby Walker Jr., said

the impact on needy families has been tremendous.

"The program here has grown by leaps and bounds. The most important thing is that there are a lot of families who get exactly what they need for their kids with food on the weekends. I had a mother tell me, 'Bobby, this is a gamechanger for our family.' It's one less thing for her to worry about.

As she's trying to figure out her family's finances, she knows that with this partnership that her girls are going to be taken care of,” Walker said. “I talked to another mother who said this is the greatest thing for her family, because her young son has food for the weekend and she can worry about her older kids.”

Walker added that he’s hoping to see the partnership grow, as more families sign up and get involved. “Our kids are the direct beneficiaries of this,” Walker said.

“We couldn’t be any happier.”

For more information on Filling in the Blanks and how to donate or volunteer, go to fillingintheblanks. org. For more information on how to join the program at the BGCG, go to bgcg.org or call the Club at (203) 869-3224.

Page 5 | Greenwich Sentinel

Frank Cortese Discusses the Business of Energy Reflecting on New England Total Energy's 60 years of building loyalty and trust.

By Anne W. Semmes Greenwich’s Frank Cortese, at age 50, sits on the edge of energy change and family tradition. His family business on West Putnam is newly renamed New England Total Energy (NETE) from New England Oil, to embrace alternative energy sources. “We've diversified as much as we can,” he says, “to be able to take that next step into our future.”

Cor te se ex pla i n s, “ We do 85-percent of our business in heating oil, but we do natural gas conversions, we do propane fuel.

We've become a full HVAC company.

We do everything from oil tanks to boilers to air conditioning to propane tanks to furnaces to plumbing.”

Cortese’s offices display prizewinning plaques, and trophies for “Family-Owned Business Award Winners” from their 60-years of solid customer service given across Greenwich and neighboring towns.

It’s the impressive educational energy outreach that Cortese and a good number of his 45 employees are engaged in that intrigues. “We’ve diversified into energy auditing. We go into our customers’ homes and do

audits for them. We’re teaching our customers how to conserve energy, even though it's going to lower our gallons being delivered, it’s the right thing to do for our business, it’s the right thing to do for our customers.”

Cortese and company took this step six or seven years ago he says when NETE became a certified energy auditor for Eversource.

“There's about 40 companies in the state of Connecticut that do this.” He says, “and we're one of them.”

“We do Eversource’s audits for them and for a lot of solar companies as well,” he notes. And yes, Cortese reports a majority of customers respond positively to that audit request.

He opens the door to their energy auditing, introducing his Energy Auditing Manager Paul Scicchitano: “We do about 400-plus energy audits a year. Mainly, we make homes more energy efficient by providing LED lightbulbs, and insulation, and weatherization services. “ There's a complete wa l k through for safety. We explain things that customers didn't even know before - how their equipment works.”

“Paul does an excellent job of

"We’re teaching our customers how to conserve energy, even though it's going to lower our gallons being delivered, it’s the right thing to do for our business, it’s the right thing to do for our customers.”

Frank Cortese explaining to the customer exactly what the audit entails,” adds Yolanda Cortese, the just arriving president of NETE and mother of Vice President Cortese. As the widow of Frank Sr., the business founder who took over from his father Vincenzo Cortese, “She’s the boss,” her son notes.

“When we do the audit,” Cortese continues, “We're going around the house and sealing any air penetrations. For example, today it's cold outside. So, when that cold air comes inside it makes your heating

equipment work harder. We try to help a customer understand their home, and their heating systems, cooling systems, windows, walls, and doors.”

Customers receive a post-audit report, says Scicchitano, “that's certified through the Department of Energy– it will show what their total annual energy costs were before the visit, and how much it'll be now on their total utility bills.”

The “Visit Summary” report lists, “Facts About Your Home, Estimated Annual Energy Cost, Where Did You Save, and What Did We Do.” Above Scicchitano’s desk are displayed Century Club Award plaques from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the last five years.

“The whole purpose of this audit program, says Cortese, “is to try to shrink the carbon footprint.”

Cortese has literally been leaving his own footprints on the family’s West Putnam business site his whole life. “When I was little I used to wax and paint the trucks with my cousin,” he tells. “I used to cut the grass around the properties.”

As a high schooler he was helping to remove and install fuel tanks. In college summers he was working “inside the office, trying to learn the lingo. And here I am,” he says, “15 years later.”

There’s no question Cortese is proud to be managing a “mom and pop” business that has served customers for three generations.

“We’re a small company business,” he says. And, “Just like other small family businesses in this town, if someone puts food on our table we always try to put food on their tables.

That’s very important to me, to us.

That's how I've been raised from when I was little kid. I've always believed that instead of going to the box stores, we try to go to the small mom and pop places to make sure that they stay in business. That's what we want for ourselves.”

Cortese has surely been forward t h i n k i ng w it h h is compa ny ’s d ive r si f ic at ion but he’s a l s o concerned with what effect the millennial generation will have on his energy business. “The millennials are renting - they’re not buying homes,” he says, and, “They have kids later.” He sees also with iPhones,

his customers wanting “more control of how much oil they have in their tank. There’s so much competition with technology – we have to adjust our business to that too.”

“We try to be the best we can for our customer base and our customers,” is Cortese’s mantra.

But there’s an added challenge he and surely other energy companies are facing, the scarcity of finding technicians. “Nationwide, people are not getting into the trades.

Everyone wants to sit behind a desk.

The trade schools are dying. Pretty soon, there's not going to be any technicians. Right now we're looking for young guys who will come in and become an apprentice - we’ll train them ourselves.”

For as long as Cortese has been on the NETE payroll he has served as president of the Chickahominy Reunion Association that just might one day bring that technician support. “We give scholarships to high school students born and raised in Chickahominy,” he says. He suggests, “After high school they can just go straight to a trade school, and we actually pay for that too.”

Organizing Winter Gear

By Margarita Cossuto There is no denying that winter in Connecticut is here! The cold weather and snow require us to bundle up with heavy coats, gloves, scarves, boots, and hats…you name it, to stay warm and dry when bringing the kids to school, going to work, and running errands around town. With the winter weather also comes the additional gear that goes along with outdoor activities and sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and skating, to name a few. There can be so much stuff, especially in large families and those who are involved in seasonal activities. While we are all veterans of bracing the cold weather, like it or not, it can be challenging for anyone to keep all the winter gear organized and ready to go for when you need it and to find space. Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take and things you can do in your home to help

lessen the weight you may feel from having all those bulky winter items around!

Organizing everyday winter gear: For large families with kids, the amount of winter gear can seem endless, and it can all get easily mixed up with the hustle and bustle of the winter. While having a coat closet or shoe bench with cubbies in a mudroom or entryway are ideal, having shelves, drawers, and hooks near the spot where everyone goes in and out of can be just as helpful. The key to organization is to designate and label a place for each member of the family. For coats, this can mean color-coding hangers or hooks to distinguish items easily. For storing everyday winter items, baskets or small clear bins are great. You can maximize the space in your baskets or bins by lining up your gloves, hats, and folded scarves in rows from the front to the back– this way you can see everything at a glance. If each

member of your family has a lot of each item, consider donating what is not used or no longer fits, or use one basket for gloves, one for hats, and so forth. Another tip is to maximize any vertical space that you have.

For example, you can use a hanging sweater rack inside a closet or a clear pocket shoe organizer that hangs over the door for gloves, etc. You can also install towel racks on the inside of a closet door to hang and organize scarves and other accessories.

Making winter sports gear easier to access: Keeping your winter sports gear off the f loor with a vertical organization system is key – this will keep your items from forming a growing pile that spills out and takes up space. A section of sturdy shelves in a garage or basement is a great solution for things like ski boots and helmets. Shelves can also be used to store baskets that hold smaller sports gear like goggles, and other protective wear. While a shelf

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can also be used for ice skates and hockey gear, hanging them from hooks instead can be a safer way to store them and keep the blades free from damage. For storing skis, snowboards, and poles, utilizing specialized racks will help ensure your equipment is organized and easy to grab when you need them.

You can find ski and snowboard rack wall mounts on Amazon and at many sporting stores.

Keeping things dry after a snowy day: Let’s face it, winter weather can bring a lot of mud and water into the house, especially after kids have been playing in the snow. No matter how much snow is shaken off outside, boots hold chunks of snow that quickly melt inside, and winter gear gets wet from being out on a snowy day. Boot trays are the simplest item to use for drying off boots and protecting your floors and keeping them dry. They can also be used to catch the water that may be

dripping from coats and winter wear.

If you are looking for something more aesthetically pleasing, you can make a pebble book tray with smooth river rocks. For drying off gloves, scarves, and hats, a multi-tier hanger can be used on either a closet door, hook, or command strip, with a boot tray underneath to hold water.

When organizing your winter gear, or any items, keep in mind that developing an organizing system that works for you and your family is very personal, considering that

everyone has different needs, and activities, along with unique layouts in their homes. In any home, one of the biggest challenges in keeping things organized is to make it as easy to put things back where they came from as it was to take the item out.

If you have a shelf jam-packed with ski boots, that topple over when you pull out a pair, it is less likely you will put the boots back on the same shelf because there is no extra space.

Winter does not have to turn your home into a storm of coats and gloves! Using these organizing tips can help you and your family stay organized throughout the winter months so that you can enjoy more time together and less time finding the missing glove.

Margarita Cossuto, PhD is a professional organizer and owner of Living Organized, LLC. Margarita 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

Christmas Bells As the holiday season takes hold, for many of us the time is one of joyous anticipation. It is the parties, giftgiving (and receiving), and family gatherings that fill many with a warm contentment. It is not a universal experience, however. There are many that face this time of year with anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet who lived during the 19th century. Originally from Maine, he is well known for his works “Paul Revere’s Ride” and “The Song of Hiawatha.” There is another he wrote that we often recall this time of year, “Christmas Bells.” You may recall the refrain at the end of each stanza: “Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"

For those of us who know someone who is suffering, perhaps the best thing we can do is to be present for them.

We often think of Longfellow’s poem this time of year. He wrote it on Christmas Day in 1863, the first he would write after his wife, to whom he was devoted, died tragically from fatal burns from an accidental fire two years earlier. In his immense grief it took time for Longfellow to again be able to write.

What emerged in “Christmas Bells” is, at times, a dark portrayal of a person struggling. Against the backdrop of the Civil War the writer loses faith: And in despair I bowed my head; "There is no peace on earth," I said; "For hate is strong, These lines could ring true just as easily today for what is happening around the world. They also may be impactful for those closer to home.

Holiday anxiety, depression, and loneliness is very real for many. So real, in fact, a quick Google search reveals many websites dedicated to the topic. The causes are plentiful; everything from stress of having family visit to receiving untimely medical news to having lost a loved one. For each trigger there are also helpful suggestions.

We are fortunate in Greenwich to have many resources to help those who can ask for help. We are deeply appreciative of the Graziano family who recently hosted an interfaith bereavement and support service for those who have lost loved ones.

The first holidays without a loved one can create an overwhelming sense of loneliness, even when surrounded by others.

A resource that is always available is the Center for Hope and Renewal at the Old Stanwich Church. They are a faith-friendly counseling service. When you visit their website it immediately says, “Change your life, Change your world.” Eloquent in its simplicity, but hugely meaningful in its impact. If we are suffering and can change our life, even a little bit, it can change our whole world and how we live in it. They do not need to be monumental changes. Small steps lead to bigger steps and with it change occurs.

There are other options as well. Every faith tradition in town, every house of worship is there to help those in need. Our religious leaders know the weight and pain of suffering and are there to help.

For those of us who know someone who is suffering, perhaps the best thing we can do is to be present for them. To be there to listen if they want to talk, to sit next to them so they are not alone or to give them a long, deep hug. Silence can be very loud for someone feeling separated. Letting them know they are not alone may seem too simplistic but also may be just what they need to take that first small step to change their life and then their world.

The last stanza of Longfellow’s “Christmas Bells” pushes away the darkness of the time and the emotions to let us know all is not lost and there is hope.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; The Wrong shall fail, The Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men."

Editorial Page

Fred Camillo Letter to the Editor on POCD The Greenwich Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) is a roadmap of were the stakeholders in Town, our residents, envision our Town to be over the next 10 years. This vision is presented in a way that respects our past, and endeavors to protect all in that history that has made our community a destination for more than a century.

While the ideas and concepts presented in this document are focused locally, we must plan with an awareness of the decisions made at the state Capitol in Hartford. Recent policies implemented and laws enacted have

made governing harder, and our ability to retain residents more difficult. That makes this POCD even more important. We need to continue to enhance our natural beauty, protect our resources, and tap into the entrepreneurial spirit and civic pride that has made Greenwich the envy of municipalities across the land. This document provides a blueprint for doing that.

The Off ice of the First Selectman will continue to be an active participant in this process and of fer any and all resources possible to attain the goals outlined in this

exciting vision for our Town’s immediate future and beyond. Services provided, unique amenities, and sustainable practices are included in ways that will grow our Grand List while improving the daily lives of every resident and visitor to Town. I look forward to working with the Planning and Zoning Commission, the RTM, and the wonderful residents that call this beautiful Town home, so that the vision becomes a reality.

Fred Camillo First Selectman, Town of Greenwich.

From the Oral History Project: James M. MacKay, WWII Veteran This week the life of long time Greenwich resident James M. MacKay (January 19, 1921December 4, 2019) was celebrated with full military honors at Christ Church Greenwich.

MacKay’s oral history, “Life on Riversville Road.” is featured in the current blog on the Greenwich Library Oral History Project (OHP) website. Following are excerpts from that blog.

“Greenwich resident James M. MacKay was interviewed for the Oral History Project on September 8, 2008 by volunteer Harriet Feldman. His interview offers a fascinating glimpse into his life growing up and living in Greenwich, amid the hardships of the depression, foreclosures, and then life on a working farm. He describes it as a “selfsustaining” farm where the family “grew corn, potatoes, raised chickens, rabbits, cows, horses, pigs.” They also had a root cellar for carrots and potatoes. Mr. MacKay says it was “a great life. Oh, it was just a fabulous life when I think back on it now.”

His idyllic boyhood would be cut short not long after graduating from Greenwich High School. He notes that there was no money for college, and World War II would begin shortly after his graduation. Mr. MacKay worked briefly at a local bank before being drafted into the Army in 1942…

And thus, James M. MacKay became part of the historic Normandy invasion. Just prior to the invasion, he was transferred from the Eighth Division to Army Signal Corps and placed in an intelligence unit.

Mr. MacKay describes his job as locating where the enemy tanks and units were.

He was assigned to General Patton’s Third Army. He fought across Normandy and past Paris, eventually crossing into Germany and meeting up with the Russians at Salzburg.

During an Honor Flight to Washington D.C., James M. MacKay with grandson Lt. Joshua Albright.

As if the horrors of warfare itself were not enough, Mr. MacKay also tells of the liberation of Dachau, the infamous German concentration camp. He relays what it was like to enter the camp and see the horrors of the German “Final Solution” and to live with the impact of that experience…

T h at we h ave Ja m e s M . M a c K ay ’s story to read and to absorb and to use as a teaching tool is something that should not be overlooked. There are powerful and amazing stories of Greenwich citizens that are waiting to be discovered at the Greenwich Oral History Project. It is an admirable source of information for teaching

our current generation of the everyday life, livelihood, and sacrifices made by those who came before us.”

This Oral History Blog was contributed by guest blogger Joseph Campbell. The Oral History Project is a homegrown endeavor of volunteers with a love of history of our town. The James M. MacKay’s interview, #2794, Life on Riversville Road, can be read in the reference section of the Greenwich Library, f irst f loor, or by contacting the Greenwich Library Oral History Project office, 203-622-7495.

Written by the Oral History Project

Thank You from St. Paul's Day School, Beth Crimmins

St. Paul's Day School in Riverside thanks the community for entrusting us with your children for over 65 years.

Page 7 | Greenwich Sentinel

Feature Column

Roll Up Your Sleeves & Jump Into Greenwich Why are there less people willing to roll up their sleeves with organizations and non-profits? Even the schools say there are less volunteer man hours.

People are not prioritizing the value of in-person, positive connections. Once you have volunteered in a meaningful way, you understand that you get back far more than you put into it. The thing that makes us happiest in life are other people- real people. Instag ram and Facebook may keep us in touch with our friends from kindergarten, but those are not the real-time friendships that are

spend too much time trying to look better, thinner, fighting age, making our eyelashes more luscious or beards fuller, listening to podcasts to empathize with issues, watching the latest, greatest on Netflix, often neglecting the importance of building meaningful relationships.

Admittedly, we are all overwhelmed with our lives but that volunteer componentthe selfless act of grace and unconditional love- is an important addition to our long-term health and well-being. No one has the time. You need to have it in your heart to make the time.

health risks of air pollution or physical inactivity.

If you need more motivation than that, do it for your children. It is important for them to see you volunteer.

Role modeling is Parenting 101. If it’s more fun for you, partner with them, whether you teach a Sunday School class together, go on a Midnight Run with them, serve a Holiday meal to older adults, build a bathroom for Done in a Day or a trip with Habitat for Humanity, do it together. But do it often. To find a random volunteer opportunity for

By Bobbi Eggers Why Do Greenwich Non-Profits Need You, Live and In-Person?

Non-Profits in Greenwich Need You Live, and In-Person…and You Need Them W hy You Ne e d to Volu nte e r i n Greenwich Many Greenwich non-profits seem to have a similar problem- their boards and active volunteers are aging out and there are very few thirty and forty-somethings taking their place. The leaders of these non-profits are concerned about their shrinking future, the competition for donations, and the seeming lack of people’s need to engage in real time/ rea l meetings. The non-prof its a re all searching for answers, including rethinking their programs and their public faces.

Research shows that people with strong relationships had a 50% increased likelihood of survival than those with less significant relationships. Statistically, this compares to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. emotionally valuable and soothing. We need human contact. Being “connected” online is not the connections we need to thrive. Your “families” are not always who you are related to.

Research shows that people who sp end more t i me w it h f r iends a nd fam ily are happier than those who spend time on self-improvement. We

H o l t- L u n s t a d , a P r o f e s s o r o f psychology at Brigham Young University, published research showing that people who had strong relationships had a 50 p ercent i ncrease d l i kel i hoo d of survival than those with less significant relationships. Statistically, this compares to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, and was more predictive of early death than the

teenagers so they can fulfill their school mandated “Community Service” hours is as shallow as you know it is. Showing them the world outside of your zip code on an ongoing basis is essential to building young people with character and compassion- the future leaders of their generation.

Or make volunteering your PTO

(personal time off ) from home. Decide how you want to make a difference, based on a desire to do something different or to put your talent and experience to good work, and find that non-profit or religious home. Do you like to work with children or older adults? Teach reading or English? Are you in the financial world?

My friend teaches financial literacy at the YWCA and finds it enormously fulfilling, surprised how badly he and others like him, are needed. There is a wonderful, robust g roup of 2 50+ volunteers at Neighbor to Neighbor from ages 12-90 who love interacting with the clients and each other. They are always looking for more volunteers to help people in need in their food pantry or clothing room. The Breast Cancer Alliance and the Greenwich Senior Center asks for volunteers and Kids in Crisis has a long list of various volunteer needs. There are many more to choose from if you do your homework and follow your passion.

Of course, buying a ticket to your friend’s annual gala is important. Your donations are vital to the health of nonprofits. But don’t donate and walk away.

Be on a Board of Directors to implement change or roll up your sleeves and jump in. They need the support of creative decision making, brainstorming and experience. They cannot thrive without you and, statistics say, you cannot thrive without them.

Column: On My Watch

Easy Kelsey Moves To Secure Future of Kelsey Farm

By Anne W. Semmes So, where in this town can a child bond with horses, learn to ride, share in their care, whether pony or horse, become a part of a community, and have the joy of riding into nature. One place only, Kelsey Farm, back country, on Lake Avenue. With its now 70-year legacy, there’s heartening news. Manager Elise “Easy” Kelsey is newly full owner of Kelsey Farm.

“The Kelsey Farm tradition continues!” tells a jubilant Easy, as second generation owner.

The story goes back to 1989 when Easy, as one of three siblings, was called upon by her parents, Elise “Sis” Kelsey and husband C.W. Kelsey, to take over managing the Farm, after her mother had managed it for 40 successful years. Two years later, in 1991, Easy became co-owner of the Farm with her mother giving the

and brother in the Greenwich Hardware business, Easy has been carrying on the fine traditions of her mother Sis Kelsey now for 30 years.

For sure, during those years the question arose between siblings whether to sell the Farm. Easy has now jumped over that hurdle. “I boug ht it!” she proclaims. “It’s really important that I keep this as a horse farm. It’s a tribute to my mom and dad to keep it going.”

“It ’s the on ly com mercia l horse farm left in Greenwich,” she notes. And yes, Round Hill Stables is gone, and so has Quaker Ridge Stables. Easy’s first priority? “My first job is to make a deeded trail through Kelsey Farm to always be accessible to riders.” Thus, Easy works closely with the Greenwich Riding and Trail Association (GRTA), the Greenwich Land Trust, Greenwich Audubon, and The Nature Conservancy to preserve those riding trials and open space in Greenwich.

of those 18 ponies and horses at Kelsey Farm. Listening in as Easy shares her story is granddaughter Bix, at age eight at home on a horse. “Kelsey Farm was established as a place for kids to take care of their horses and learn to ride. I teach and my trainees teach, and everyone takes a part in horse care. We all haul buckets, muck out stalls, train, and ride.”

The morning of my visit Easy had already fed her horses, mucked out stalls, and, “I drove the tractor,” she adds.

There’s nothing grand on the inside of Easy’s home, but it’s full of warmth and history, with its field stone fireplace, beamed ceiling, and wide chestnut-plank floor. “This house is where the help lived,” she tells of those years when her parents fixed it up. “They bought a cabin and used its beams and floor boards. Dad built the chimney and created the fireplace – and we gathered the rocks from the fields.”

Easy Kelsey stands before her horseback riding students in \"The B u t o u t s i d e t h e r e ’s t h e f u l l

Barn\" of Kelsey Farm. Behind her in pink is her 8-year-old granddaughter Bix Abbott.

lessons six days a week, private and group lessons.” She adds, “Students who lease or own horses can ride three times a week, with three-hour open rides offered on weekend days.”

Tiny Tim, she boarded for free over the winter and she started giving horseback riding lessons. “ It was a rural life. After we fed the horses, it was an hour bus ride for us to

In this day of Internet fixation, young aspiring horseback riders have the opportunity to bond with one of those 18 ponies and horses at Kelsey Farm.

Young riders can gravitate into the U.S. Pony Club or the Horse Shows. Add to the mix - every spring and fall Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, offering therapy for riders with special needs. But surely siting astride a pony or horse you’ve come to know and love and care for is therapy for children of all abilities.

Ea sy tel ls of t hat f i rst b ond i ng with ponies with twin sister Sterett’s (before their younger brother’s arrival) soon after her parents bought the farm At Kelsey Farm, learning horseback riders make their own trails in the snow. property from the larger Wilshire Farm.

(See also Sis Kelsey’s 2004 oral history of “Horseback Riding in Greenwich” at Farm to Easy, her twin sister, Sterett, and Wonderful, that in this day of Internet complement of a horse farm - an outdoor Greenwich Library.). “My mother brought brother Trey. With her siblings otherwise fixation, young aspiring horseback riders ring framed by woodlands, and an indoor two ponies from Playland - Peter Pan and engaged - her sister a noted sculptor have the opportunity to bond with one ring in “The Barn.” “We give riding

Column

By Liz Leamy The weather may have been treacherous with all of the snow and rain showers, but the climate inside at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, the grand brick structure based on Field Point Road, was markedly different as Fred Camillo, the longtime Connecticut State Representative of District 151 and dedicated lifelong resident, was sworn in at a moving and memorable inaugural ceremony declaring the commencement of his position as First Selectman.

The mood of this inaugural event, in which Lauren Rabin and Jill Oberlander were also sworn in as Town Selectmen, represented a stark contrast to the state of the weather outside that evening, as the energy at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich was one of palpable optimism, unity and enthusiasm and light.

This prolif ic and hear t war m ing ceremony, which drew hundreds of

Julian Curtiss School. We rode and played with our ponies. Mom wanted us to have the responsibility and knowledge of taking care of horses. There was grooming and teaching. My parent’s goal was to keep us from hanging out on Greenwich Avenue!”

Easy has shared before how her young riders gain in confidence and self-esteem from their being able to “competently handle an animal 10 times their size.”

And, she’s related how, “Taking ownership of successes and failures whether in a lesson, in the show ring, or on the trails provides fundamental life skills of resilience and good sportsmanship.” Easy is proof positive that she practices what she teaches.

A Night to Remember attendees, was an event to remember, as all of those on hand, including dozens of state and local politicians, members of the Greenwich Police force and the Greenwich Fire Department, religious leaders, leading Fortune 500 company executives, local business owners and so many others collectively helped create what could best be described as an electric atmosphere at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich.

That night, some of the individuals on hand to honor Camillo, Rabin and Oberlander included Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, who is a Greenwich resident, Peter Tesei, John Margenot, the venerable iconic First Selectman from the 1980s, Jim Heavey, Chief of the Greenwich Police Force, Peter J. Siecienski, Greenwich Fire Chief, Jim Himes, U.S. Representative for Connecticut’s Fourth Congressional District, Scott Frantz, former Connecticut State Senator from Riverside, Joe Siciliano, He ad of t he G r e e nw ich Pa rk s a nd Recreation Department and renowned

radio personality, Gary Dell’Abate, among many others.

Meanwhile, dozens of local ‘celebrities’ were on hand at this event as well, including Randy Caravella, Angelo Pucci, Jimmy Capparelle, all of who are local business owners and longtime friends of Camillo, as well as Michael Mason, BET member and Linda Moshier, a dynamic and dedicated resident, along with so many others who helped make this evening an incredible one.

Essentially, this event turned out to be an experience in which the entire community seemed to come together more power f ully than ever mak ing for an experience that we hope to be a predilection of sorts in regard to what might be on the horizon with Camillo, Rabin and Oberlander taking office this month.

Moreover, the personality and overall demeanor of Camillo and his colleagues seemed to have a profound effect upon

the atmosphere, indicating how much of a presence and impact he, Rabin and Oberlander possess as individuals and most important, as leaders of the town.

Clearly, Camillo’s heart and palpable level of humility have been and continue to be a potent and vital element in regard to his persona, role and accomplishments, something that also rendered much of the wonderful and hopeful tone at this inaugural event.

In my many years of knowing Fred since the days when we had both attended Cos Cob Elementary School together, he has always been kind, loyal, consistent, driven and there for people, which so much of the reason as to why he is such an optimal fit for the all-important position as First Selectman.

With Fred Camillo, the genial and genuine person you meet is exactly the person he is, which is what makes him such a good friend as well as influencer on so many levels, I believe.

It was a truly special experience in so many ways.

Perhaps more than anything, it was moving to see so many people from town and the surrounding area come together to honor its newly elected leaders in such grand and teamlike fashion, indicating that unity among this community seems to be as strong as ever.

Unity, as Camillo has expressed in so many of his sentiments over the years, is key, and much of the reason, in my opinion, Greenwich, with its decades of great leadership and its mainstay role in the New York metropolitan area leading up to the very present, has the reputation of being such a storied and extraordinary locale where dreams can indeed come true.

That said, this chapter for the town looks to be another bright and golden era and based on that in itself, I believe we are all very much blessed.

Pursuing Excellence in Education Page 8 | Greenwich Sentinel

Moving Beyond Why?

Education Column: Feature

Practice, Discipline, Grit, Zest, and A Teacher To Lead The Way.

By Lockey W. Coughlin Curiosity is something that comes naturally to all human beings. We love to ask why, as evidenced by the many children who ca n not stop ask i ng t hat question. We might hear it from them twenty or thirty times an hour. As educators, we love to hear that one little word because why is the precursor to a drive to learn. Asking a question and getting a direct response is easy, e sp e cia l ly i n t he era of ‘just Google it’. Learning something where there is a deep, nuanced understanding and the follow-up ability to explain it to someone else requires more than curiosity.

Moving beyond why requires practice, discipline, grit, zest, and a teacher to lead the way.

So, how do we help our children move from k ids who ask why all the time to driven learners? As usual, there is no easy answer, but it def initely begins at home. Parents are a child’s first and most inf luential

educators. This is easy to forget, as we place more and more pressure on schools and teachers and even on our own children. Setting an example, or modeling, for our children by making education a priority in the choices that we make each day sets a strong foundation for their education.

There are myriad opportunities to model this priority for your child.

In practical terms, this means asking yourself every time there is a decision to be made that affects your child’s education, “Am I sending them the message that their education comes first?”.

First things first, show up. I am the kind of parent who loves to take days off to play with my kids. I have always been more of a grasshopper than an ant. When my three homeschooled children we r e i n t he i r m idd le s cho ol years, I felt that they were getting enough of what they needed, and we could all afford some time to enjoy their childhood. They were, after all, at grade level, if not higher, academically, and were responsible, polite, etc., etc.

What I did not realize at the time was that I was sending them the message that their education was not a priority; that showing up for scheduled activities and classes was not important. They knew that they were my priority, always, but the other stuff, not so much.

One afternoon, we showed up late for a dance class after missing the last one for some reason

that I thought was important at the time. At Fineline Theatre Arts, the kids were expected to show up for their classes and their teachers let them know it – on time, warmed up, ready to work, and appropriately dressed.

Expectations were always very

She was clearly upset and was vociferous in her defense of my child’s right to be in class, of the importance of showing up for the other students, for the class itself, but mostly for my child. This was not like her at all and I was very surprised and taken aback,

schedules, but you do need to account for absences in a positive and educationally oriented way.

A strong case can be made for travel as an extremely educational tool, as can a visit w ith grandparents or friends who live far away. If you cannot

Parents are a child’s first and most influential educators. clear. Because of this, my kids did not like missing classes. Back then, this irritated me. Honestly, what was the big deal? Wasn’t their time together and with me more important? We were busy, for heaven’s sake. Wasn’t the stress and worry this all caused counterproductive to our family’s mental health? It certainly was, but what I didn’t see was that I was the root of the problem, not the teachers and their expectations. The stress and the worry were my fault. I needed to plan better, to help my children to meet these expectations in a stress-free and prepared way.

That day we were late, the owner of the studio, an awardwinning, ridiculously successful woman in her own right, had had enough. She gave me a good talking to in the lobby in front of all the other parents about the importance of showing up.

completely mortif ied. I had to think about it for a few weeks, but I realized how selfish I was being and made showing up a priority mostly – from that day forward. I encourage other parents to do the same, mostly. Some days, we just don’t have it in us, but whenever and wherever possible, if we are able to model education as a priority, our children will see it that way, as well.

If you cannot show up, then what? What do we do if g ra ndp a r e nt s or f r ie nd s a r e visiting from far away for a short period of time? When do we let our child sleep in and when do we hustle them out of bed? Do we plan family vacations around school breaks, or do we make choices based on other factors?

This is where your interactions and lang uage come into play.

You do not need to schedu le ever y t h i ng a rou nd academ ic

make it work on the weekend or during scheduled breaks, then make up for that lost time with your child in other ways. In the homeschooling world, this is a no brainer, since everything a homeschooler does takes on a n educationa l tenor. Ta ke a page from the homeschoolers manual and make these choices educational ones for your child.

Use these oppor tunities to reinforce the idea that education happens ever y where, a l l t he time, if you invite it in and make it a priority. No worksheets or textbooks required here, just joyfilled, relaxed conversations.

Talk with your child about how educational your trip will be and why. Make sure to visit museums and to tie what you are doing back to their academic work, if possible. Make sure to help them keep up with their studies, talking with their teachers

to make sure you are aware of what they will be missing. When visiting with friends or family, make sure that your child gets the most out of the visit by including them in conversations and helping them to keep up with their work.

Your children are taking time away from classes that must be made up but placing that burden solely on their shoulders is unfair to your child, their classmates and their teachers. When they return, their teachers will expect them to be on pace with the rest of the class. After all, they have been there working together the whole time. Because you are making the choice to pull them out of their usual routine, it is up to you to help them.

Physical and mental health must always be priorities, o f c o u r s e , b u t b e yo n d t h a t , encourage them to grit through and show up. If you push through on the so-so days and on the days which would normally be skip days, you not only have more time for the big events like vacations and family gatherings, you also are continuing to model behavior in which education is a priority.

Lockey Coughlin is Founder of the micro-school , Education without Walls, and an educational consultant. She is President and Founder of Webb Youth Services, a 5 0 1 (c)( 3 ) , w h i c h p r o v i d e s services for students at risk. For more infor m at ion , vi sit www.

EducationWW.org.

Education Column

A Commitment to Service Beyond the Holidays

By Kerry Bader During the holiday season, most high schools throughout the country offer some type of service learning program for their students.

Under scoring these offerings is the belief that this type of experiential learning will create in students a desire to be lifelong champions of justice. While the sentiment is powerful, the question of how to effectively implement such a program remains. As educators, we have to think beyond the day-today lessons and activities we lead while the students are in our charge and more about how we instill a commitment to service into college and beyond. At Sacred Heart Greenwich, we have answered this question w ith a threepronged approach: curriculum,

commitment and advocacy. We believe this approach breeds the morals, ethics and understanding to propel students into lifelong advocates for the poor, powerless and marginalized.

At Sacred Heart, students as young as three years old take theology courses meant to instill in them a belief that they are valued and that there is a higher purpose to which we all are called. In age appropriate ways, students are given opportunities to think about how each of our actions impact ourselves, each other and our world. For example, elementary aged students learn about creation and discuss how to honor our earth. Building on this foundation, middle school students discuss the ideas of vocation and covenant: what am I called to do and what do I promise to do. And finally in the high school, students are embedded with the deep philosophical Catholic tradition discussing Aquinas’ Natural Law, Kant’s categorical imperative and Hobbes’ Leviathan to help peel away the layers of societal mandates and preconceived notions to arrive at the truth.

This curricular foundation works in tandem with a commitment to action. At all levels

students are able to respond to the vocation of service in meaningful ways. Using the resources available on our campus, in our community and in our world, students come together to address pressing needs.

A recent example of this was our garden harvest and food rescue, which wove together the ideas of sustainability and hunger relief.

Elementary aged students planted our campus garden with seeds for vegetables such as eggplant, kale and squash. Throughout the year, the students tend to the garden: raking, weeding and watering. In the fall, middle school students harvest the plants, which are then donated to our own campus kitchen and local food pantries. High school aged students complete the chain by bringing the produce to a food pantry in Port Chester. The food pantry director commented, “It is amazing how much the clients value the fresh produce, which is much harder to find and more expensive to purchase.”

Advocacy is the natural result of a curricular foundation wedded to service. At all levels, students are given the opportunity to learn more about social justice issues and then to advocate on behalf of a population in need. As part of the

Network of Sacred Heart Schools, comprised of 24 schools in over 40 countries, Sacred Heart is uniquely positioned to understand the challenges faced by communities throughout the world. We are able to attract scholars and advocates from a wide variety of backgrounds to speak to the students about their firsthand experience working with the poor and marginalized. A visit from Betty Ogiel, a human resource officer in Uganda and graduate of Sacred Heart primary school in Kalunga, Uganda, is an example of how the Network and our combined curricular and experiential approach helps give students a more complete understanding of the struggles people of the world encounter and the opportunities available to combat these issues.

Betty visited Sacred Heart and spoke in both large and small group formats to students in all three divisions. She spoke not only about the poverty that she endured but also about how the education she received at the Sacred Heart School in Uganda transformed her life.

Thanks to this deep exposure a nd t he va r iet y of of fer i ngs, students were able to meaningfully and passionately advocate for the cause, because they had such a

deep understanding of the issues.

Students in all divisions created programs to help raise money for the Sacred Heart school in Uganda

States and in different parts of the world. However, at Sacred Heart we believe that transformative t h i n k i ng come s not i n t he se

Advocacy is the natural result of a curricular foundation wedded to service. At all levels, students are given the opportunity to learn more about social justice issues and then to advocate on behalf of a population in need. that ranged from the elementary aged students organizing a jump roping contest, to middle school students organizing a walk, to high school students organizing a talent show. The age-appropriate interpretations of charity events were led by students, and the students contributed to them both physically and financially.

L i ke ma ny ot her schools, Sacred Heart provides immersive service learning trips that help students engage deeply w ith people throughout the United

discrete experiences, but through the tri-pronged approach that weaves a deepening intellectual understanding about our role in the world with service experiences. In so doing, we create in our students a vocation towards service that lasts a lifetime.

Kerry Bader is the Director of Community Service in the Upper School at Sacred Heart Greenwich.

Bader holds a B.S. from the University of Notre Dame and a M.S. in urban planning from Hunter College.

Education Column

Building Resilience: Helping Children Cope with Stress

By Darla Steiner Resilience is the ability to bounce back from the stress and strife that life invariably presents to us all. It is not an elusive quality bestowed on some fortunate few who seem to thrive against the odds. It is an essential life skill that takes effort to hone and apply. Given our modern lifestyles, fraught with rising stress, anxiety, and depression levels, it seems we can all use some help with building our resilience muscles. According to the World Health Organization in 2018, globally, more than 300 million people of all ages suffer from depression. Perhaps those who might need this help the most, however, are the youngest members of our society, our children.

While we may tend to view childhood as a carefree, innocent time, the truth is many children are exposed to a scope of traumatic circumstances that range anywhere from f ires, f loods, natural disasters, and car accidents, to domestic a buse a nd com mu n it y v iolence , to bullying and crime, to lack of adequate food, clothing, health care, and shelter, and

even to tragedies such as mass shootings.

No socioeconom ic, racia l, cu ltu ra l, religious, or ethnic group is immune to such potential sources for toxic stress, and our children, with their newly developing bodies and brains, may be even more vulnerable and susceptible to its long term, harmful effects than we have ever fully realized before.

As researchers are learning more and more about the “biology” of stress, it is better understood that hormones that are released in the body during times of great stress can actually wreak havoc on a child’s developing nervous system in ways that can put them “at a greater risk for disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death”. According to Drs. Robert Anda and Vincent Felitti, who got together to publish a study in 1998 on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), traumatic stress experienced in childhood usually leads to a whole host of illnesses and self-destructive behaviors later in life, from eating disorders, to heart disease, to cancer and suicide. They further discovered that ACEs are quite common.

During their study, they found that 2 out of 3 respondents to their research survey had been subject to at least one ACE, from a list of 10 different kinds of adversity grouped within abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction.

Given these striking correlations, it is easy to fall into despair, thinking that one’s future is pre-ordained by experiences that occur early in one’s life and are out of one’s control. However, this is where resilience

comes in. For adults, especially parents and those who work with young children, forewarned is forearmed. Support from a child’s family, community, and school can do much to change the perspective for a youngster in the throes of adversity.

Those of us who care for children must create safe havens for them. We

curriculum developer, signs may include: (1) fearfulness, clinginess, or unusual separation anxiety or fear of being alone; (2) regression to outgrown behaviors, such as thumb-sucking; (3) recreation of traumatic experiences in play; (4) increased aggression or acting out.

Additionally, we need to carefully

Practicing building our own resilience and role modeling it for our children is a highly effective approach for teaching them. can do this by starting with ourselves and engaging in regular self-ref lection, considering the experiences and biases that inform our current feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and practices. This could mean facing our own ACEs, to see how they color our interactions with ourselves and others.

Practicing building our own resilience and role modeling it for our children is a highly effective approach for teaching them.

Early childhood educators can be trained in how to develop trauma-informed environments for children that empower resilience, but all adults can also help.

To start, we need to learn what the potential symptoms of trauma look like.

They are often mistaken as misbehavior and treated as disciplinary problems.

According to Laura J. Colker, president of L.J. Colker & Associates, Washington, DC. and early childhood consultant and

observe, get to know, and really connect with each child individually. Only then can we learn to identify how an adversity is impacting his or her life and then help them de-escalate when triggered by a reminder of the trauma they have experienced. When a child is anxious, then implementing techniques such as deep breathing, helping children orient to their surroundings to feel safe, and assisting children with identifying and engaging in activities they find calming are just a few ways adults can make a compassionate connection and help a child bounce back from toxic stress.

We can also create culturally rich and peaceful environments for children that acknowledge and honor diversity so that they can feel safe, welcome, and, thus, able to develop emotional attachments with the adults in the environment. We can pursue

activities that help children learn about the various cultures represented in their community. Using children’s literature can help open discussions about people from different cultural backgrounds, how they see the world, how they develop relationships, and how they resolve conflict. There are many to choose from, but one example is The Day the Crayons Quit, by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers. Literature enables children in relating to and empathizing with characters in the story, seeing and hearing about people, places, and things they might not ordinarily experience, and engaging in creative problem solving, all of which can be powerful tools for building positive alternatives to trauma and supporting resilience.

Indeed, understanding that toxic stress is at the root of so many challenging and unhealthy behaviors can add insightful opportunities for all of us to help one another to refresh, reset, and rebound from adversity. While we cannot shield children from potential sources of adversity, warm, consistent, caring responses can be the antidote to toxic stress and help improve long-term outcomes for children and for future generations.

Darla Steiner, MA Early Childhood Education, is the director of First Church Preschool , a program of the First Congregational Church of Greenwich , located in Old Greenwich, across from Binney Park. She has worked in the Early Childhood Education Profession for more than 20 years.

Page 9 | Greenwich Sentinel

5744. info@archstreet.org. archstreet.org

BOTOX.

Right between the eyes.

12 - 3 p.m.

‘Winter Workshop!’ - Drop-in Crafts. Greenwich Library - Rear of Children's Room, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free.

203-622-7940. dsullivan@ greenwichlibrary.org 1 p.m.

Arguimbau Art at "The Boatyard" - Meet The Artist, Peter Arguimbau. 350 Riverside Ave. Free. 203-2746176. Info@ArguimbauArt. com. ArguimbauArt.com

If your closest friends keep suggesting you ought to “lighten up a little” it could be just overactive facial muscles.

Dr. Fucigna can correct frown lines in about 10 minutes with a few tiny injections of Botox cosmetic.

The improvement will hit you - right between the eyes

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

1455 East Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT (203) 348-7575 • www.aoct.co continued from page 2

brucemuseum.org

of the month). Free. RSVP is required. 203-900-3349.

Caroline.Bailey@audubon. org. greenwich.audubon.org/ accessibility

10 - 11:30 a.m.

‘The Nutcracker’ with the Greenwich Conservatory of Classical Ballet. Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. Register.

203-622-6883. lmatthews@ greenwichlibrary.org

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

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 10 - 11:30 a.m.

The Greenwich High School Model UN and Environmental Action Clubs: Speaking Engagement followed by Q&A with Satya Tripathi.

Performing Arts Center at GHS, 10 Hillside Rd. (The program is meant to follow the Beach Clean-Up event at Tod's Point to honor Luke Meyers). Ian_Tiedemann@ greenwich.k12.ct.us 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Family Crafts with Lucia: Make a Ceramic Christmas Tree. Byram Shubert Library - Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free. All ages. 203-5310426.

10 a.m.

Exhibition opens: ‘Collecting Reimagined: A 2D Curiosity Cabinet’. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr. 203-869-0376. info@brucemuseum.org.

10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Holiday Celebration at Stop & Shop - children of all ages are invited to come meet Santa Claus at all Stop & Shop locations throughout Connecticut.

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

Festive Natural Holiday with The Essential Florist.

Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St. $45$70. 203-869-9242. info@ greenwichbotanicalcenter.org 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Video Game Design (ages 13 & up). Greenwich Library The Jewel, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register. 203622-7914. innovationlab@ greenwichlibrary.org 12 - 12:45 p.m.

Greenwich Historical Society Gallery Tours. 47 Strickland Rd. Free with admission.

(Every Wed & Sat). 203-8696899. greenwichhistory.org 12 & 3:30 p.m.

SOLD OUT - ‘MistleTok Meet Up’ - meet TikTokers from CT. Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St. $5-$25. 203-629-

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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 Sound Beach Ave. 203-6371791.

3 - 5 p.m.

Art Opening Reception: "Lyrical Landscapes and Bold Abstractions". Byram Shubert Library - Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free. 203-5310426.

4 p.m.

Handel's Messiah: A Holiday Tradition at First Church.

First Congregational Church of Greenwich, 108 Sound Beach Ave. Freewill offering.

203-637-1791. craigs@fccog. org. fccog.org 7 - 10 p.m.

Greenwich Newcomers Club Holiday Party.

Sandy Foster’s Home, Old Greenwich. Parking is limited. (Consider carpool/ Uber. Dress: Holiday festive). greenwichnewcomers.org SUNDAY, DEC. 15 12 a.m. - 7 p.m.

2019 Greenwich-Stamford Christmas Bird Count.

Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. 203-9301353. tgilman@audubon.org. greenwich.audubon.org 10 - 11 a.m.

Nature Yoga. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. $10. RSVP. Ages 12 & up. All ages, experiences levels, and abilities. 203-900-3349.

Caroline.Bailey@audubon. org. greenwich.audubon.org/ events

$100, single ticket; $150, two tickets. 646-599-4618. appiaproductions@gmail. com. appiarecords.com MONDAY, DEC. 16 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) Investment Advisory Committee Meeting - Meeting date changed. Greenwich Town Hall - Mazza Room, 1st floor, 101 Field Point Rd. greenwichct.gov

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.

6 - 7:30 p.m.

Lecture: “Self Care: Sound Healing Meditation.”

Greenwich Hospital’s Noble Conference Center, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free.

Register. 888-305-9253. greenwichhospital.org/events

www.GreenwichDentalGroup.com

203.869.3984

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

& Thu). Register. 203-6295744. info@archstreet.org

6:30 p.m.

Board of Estimate & Taxation (BET) Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall - Meeting Room, 1st floor, 101 Field Point Rd.

6 - 8 p.m.

CPR Friends and Family (Infant/Child). Greenwich Hospital’s Medical Education Room, 5 Perryridge Rd. $65. Register. Designed for lay rescuers only. Meets American Heart Association standards. 888-305-9253.

7 p.m.

Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Agency Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall - Cone Room, 2nd floor, 101 Field Point Rd. 203-6227894.

6:30 - 8 p.m.

Time to Talk: A Conversation Series for English Language Learners. Byram Shubert Library - Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Adults. Free.

203-531-0426.

7 p.m.

Trinity Networking Group (TNG) - for those currently unemployed, underemployed, facing job uncertainties or looking to make a career change. Trinity Church Ministry Center, 5 River Rd. Free. (1st & 3rd Monday of the month.) willirogers@gmail. com. trinitychurch.life/events

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18

TUESDAY, DEC. 17 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Qi Gong - mindful movement and breathing. Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. Adults.

203-622-6883.

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

1:30 - 3 p.m.

Parkinson’s Support Group: Exercise with Miriam Shaw, RPT; caregiver support. Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd. Free. 203-863-4444. greenwichhospital.org/events

12 - 3 p.m.

‘Holiday Drop & Shop’.

YMCA of Greenwich, 50 E. Putnam Ave. Members, $40/ child; non-members, $55/ child. RSVP. 203-869-1630. dgonzalez@gwymca.org. greenwichymca.org

1:30 - 3:30 p.m.

Tech Assistance. Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. (Bring your device, if possible.)

203-622-6883. lmatthews@ greenwichlibrary.org

5:30 p.m.

POSTPONED - Christmas Piano Concert featuring Stefano Miceli. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr.

TM

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Star Wars Tai Chi with Ken Dolan. Byram Shubert Library - Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free. Children.

203-531-0426.

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Greenwich Newcomers Club: Book Discussion Group: ‘The Uncommon Reader’

by Alan Bennett. Tracey O’Neill’s House. Register. greenwichnewcomers.org

4:30 - 7 p.m.

Greenwich Historical Society Candlelight - tour of BushHolley House done up in holiday style, music, holiday treats and a visit from Santa. 47 Strickland Rd. The festivities are free; Candlelight tours are free for members and $10 for non-members by advance registration. 203869-6899. greenwichhistory. org

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10 - 11:30 a.m. ’Winter Walk: Animal Adaption’. Greenwich Land Trust - Mueller Preserve, 370 Round Hill Rd. Free and open to the public. Register. 203629-2151. gltrust.org

10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

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

1 - 3 p.m.

Friends of Greenwich Point: “Wildlife in Winter.”

Innis Arden Cottage at Greenwich Point. Live Animal Presentations at 1:15, 1:45 & 2:15. Free.

Seating is limited. info@ friendsofgreenwichpoint.org. friendsofgreenwichpoint.org

COSMETIC, GENERAL AND IMPLANT DENTISTRY

8 - 9 a.m.

Tai Chi lessons. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich - Auditorium, 108 Sound Beach Ave. Drop-ins welcome. (Also, Thursday, Dec. 19, 9-10am). 203-637-1791. fccog.org/fccogcalendar 9:45 a.m. & 12:45 p.m.

The Perfectly Polite Bridge Group - Relaxed Duplicate Bridge: 9:45am-12pm; Duplicate Bridge with Conventions, 12:45-2:45pm; Beginners, 3-5. YMCA of Greenwich, 50 E. Putnam Ave. $10, $12, $30, $34. Register.

(Every Wed). 203-524-8032. ppolitebridge@icloud.com 11 a.m.

The Retired Men’s Association of Greenwich’s (RMA) ‘RMA Family and Community Holiday Party’, with a Choral performance by the Angel Choir. First Presbyterian Church, 1

W. Putnam Ave. Free and open to the community. info@greenwichrma.org. greenwichrma.org O R T H O D O N T I C S

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.

2 - 3 p.m.

Digital Library Crash Course (Ages 13 & Up). Greenwich Library - The Jewel, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register.

203-622-7914. innovationlab@ greenwichlibrary.org 7 - 8:15 p.m.

Anchor Health Initiative: Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Support Group. YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Ave. Open to all ages. Safe, private and free. (1st and 3rd Wed of the month). 203-869-6501. ywcagreenwich.org 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Greenwich Toastmasters Meeting - Leadership & Public Speaking. Greenwich Town Hall, 101 Field Point Rd. Open to the public. (1st, 3rd & 5th Wed of the month). 203-5027552. toastmasters.org 7 - 9 p.m.

Bowman Observatory Public Nights (1st and 3rd Wed of the month, if skies are clear). On the grounds of Julian Curtiss School, 180 E. Elm St. Free. 203-413-6762.

GreenwichStars@gmail.com. astrogreenwich.org continued on page 14

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. 203-629-5744. info@ archstreet.org. archstreet.org 4 - 4:45 p.m.

STEAM Storytime (Ages 3-4). Greenwich Library - Children's Constellation Room, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. 203-622-7940. dsullivan@greenwichlibrary. org 6 p.m.

Dogwood Books & Gifts Authors book signing event. Christ Church, Greenwich, 254 E. Putnam Ave. 203-869-6600. www. christchurchgreenwich.org/ calendar 6 - 7 p.m.

Yoga Takeover. Grades 7th12th. Arch Street Teen Center, 100 Arch St. Free. (Every Tue

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.

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Serving the Greater Good

Page 10 | Greenwich Sentinel

Greater Good Column

By Chris Franco Life is full of surprises, and we often make discoveries and f ind connections and blessings in the most unexpected places.

Sometimes a single conversation can ignite a wonderful c ol la b orat ion - t he key i s to recognize the potential for magic when it pops up. This happened for me about a year ago, prompted by a conversation with a friend at the gym.

Some background: back in 2003, inspired by the outstanding work done by the Central Park Conservancy in New York City, a small group of residents – yours tr u ly included – fou nded the Greenwich Point Conservancy. We were perhaps a bit naïve as to the challenges ahead, but we pushed forward with an ambitious goal - to raise private funds and restore and repurpose the historic buildings at Greenw ich Point, br ing ing them back to their original glory a nd adapt i ng t he m to b et te r serve the community’s current needs. When we took those first steps we didn’t fully appreciate

Emily's Chimes

what a fascinating adventure we were beginning. We knew that Greenwich Point had been known as “Innis Arden” when it was the spectacular waterfront estate of J. Kennedy Tod, one of the richest men in the United States at the turn of the 20th century. And we knew that there were a dozen or so buildings at Greenwich Point that remained from the Tod years, which were quirky and interesting in their design but were in a state of significant disrepair. What we didn’t know as we embarked upon our journey was that our unique collection of historic buildings at Greenwich Point would prove to be bona-f ide historical and architectural treasures.

Fa s t-fo r w a r d a l m o s t t wo decades. After successful projects at Greenwich Point, including the Innis Arden Cottage, the Old Barn and the Gateway Gardens, and the discovery and restoration of the c1645-1689 Feake-Ferris House, built by town-founder Elizabeth Winthrop Feake at the entrance of “Elizabeth’s Neck”, as Greenwich Point was known for more than t wo c e nt u r i e s , t h e G P C w a s making plans for its next project.

The c1896 “Chimes Building” at Greenwich Point is a shingle-style beauty nestled on the shores of Greenwich Cove. Not only is the Chimes Building an architectural jewel, but hidden away in its tower, which was added in 1901, are musical chimes that many of us remember hearing in years past, but which have been mostly silent in more recent years. In our

planning we had been thinking about those musical chimes, and that it might be interesting for the GPC to partner with another organization that could underwrite and manage that specific aspect of the larger restoration project.

Which brings us to the conversation at the gym. That morning a friend told me that he had recently spoken with a family who were looking for a potential memorial opportunity at Greenwich Point. I had heard the story of this family. Emily Fedorko was a lovely young woman who left this earth much too early in a tragic boating accident in 2014. Emily made her mark in her si x te en shor t ye a rs, a nd her legacy has had a continuing positive impact through the Emily Catherine Fedorko Foundation established in her memory by her parents, Pam and Joe Fedorko.

Emily’s foundation, also known as “Emsway,” has made recreational boating safer nationwide - and has surely saved lives - by spearheading the enactment of safe-boating laws and through the distribution of water safety devices. As I was f inishing up at the gym that day, I wondered if Emsway might be interested in participating in restoring the musical chimes in the tower, and I called Joe Fedorko and introduced myself. What happened next is something I will always remember.

After giving some background about our organization and our next project, I asked Joe if their foundation might be interested in

partnering with the GPC to restore the musical chimes in Emily’s memory. For a long moment it seemed like Joe was speechless, a nd I wondere d i f I had sa id something wrong. Then Joe told me that music had been one of Emily’s particular passions, and that even though he had been completely unaware of our chimes project, he had recently dreamed about musical chimes, and he had

informally known as the “Chimes Winders”, who have been the low-key and loyal stewards of the chimes for decades. These dedicated people put the GPC and Emsway in touch with the Verdin Group, which is a 175-yearold company that is considered t he “gold sta nda rd” i ndust r y leader in bells, bell-equipment, restoration, digital carillons, and clocks. The reaction of the Verdin

It is a blessing for our community that now, in honor of Emily’s love of music, the bells in the chimes tower at Greenwich Point will once again serenade the people of Greenwich in a glorious manner not heard in decades. experienced a deep feeling that the chimes in his dream were somehow connected to Emily.

Now it was my turn to be rendered speechless. Joe and I went on to have a g reat conversation, and from that call was born a wonderful collaboration between the GPC and Emsway that will result in a beautifully restored musical instrument to be known as “Emily’s Chimes”.

And what a fabulous musical instrument it is. To learn more about the musical chimes, the first thing we did was meet with a small group of local residents,

professionals when they f irst viewed our chimes instrument was thrilling to witness – the best way to describe it is “like seeing kids in a candy store”. It turns out that all the excitement was because, unbeknownst to us, our chimes instrument is one of the rarest and most valuable such instruments in the world!

K n ow n a s “c h i m o l a”, o u r mechanism and bells were manufactured in 1901 by J. Smith & Sons, Clerkenwell Steam Clock Works, in London, England. It is one of the highest quality chimola e ve r m a nu f a c t u r e d , a n d t h e

number of such instruments still in existence can be counted on one hand. Our chimola consists of 15 rare hemispherical bells, played by an elongated drum connected to the tower’s clock and system of weights, which run up and down within a vertical shaft at the rear of the tower. The drum activates a series of levers that are attached to hammers that strike the bells. It is a highly sophisticated mechanism, and although it is substantially intact and in its original condition, it has not been fully functional for many years. Emsway has now retained the Verdin Group to not only undertake a thorough restoration of the original chimola and mechanism, but also to add a computerized “digital” capability so that the bells will be able to play hundreds of additional melodies.

It is a blessing for our community that now, in honor of Emily’s love of music, the bells in the chimes tower at Greenwich Point will once again serenade the people of Greenwich in a glorious manner not heard in decades. It is especially wonderful to know that those beautiful melodies will ring out over the waters of Greenwich Cove, where Emily spent her last hours enjoying a sunny summer day with her friends.

Chris Franco is the President and co-founder of the Greenwich Point Conservancy. Chris is passionate about restoring and re-purposing historic buildings, which is the focus of his company, The Franco Group LLC. Chris and his wife Rachel reside in Old Greenwich.

Column

Remember Where You Came From What’s even more intriguing is trying to track these corrosive behaviors as they progressively intensify throughout childhood.

A young child, af ter learning from parents and teachers that consuming drugs or alcohol is bad, will likely make you a pinky promise that they “will never drink. Never, never, never!” But, ask a high school senior if they will ever drink and they’ll likely say that they “already

By Zane Khader When I asked the director of my Princeton Model United Nations Conference (PMUNC) crisis committee several weeks ago what she thought was the single most important piece of advice she could give to high school seniors going to college, she said, “remember where you came from and what you want to achieve.” And, while that piece of advice might seem a bit obvious and unoriginal at first, I’ve come to realize that it actually highlights an important point about maintaining focus in the face of an increasing amount of distractions.

Take, for instance, high school students. It’s incredible to see how much people have changed from freshman year to senior year. The biggest difference that I’ve noticed is the increasing reliance on sociality, and I’m sure many parents have noticed their children crave more and more social interaction and partygoer behavior throughout high school. While there’s nothing wrong with going out to relax and destress, especially as the high school workload increases proportionately, there is a problem (in my honest opinion) with people wanting to party as a means to forget

Column

(a cross between neuroscience and economics) as part of an independent study in behavioral economics, and one of the most fascinating things to do is to compare the biochemistry in context of certain behaviors. To spare the reader of having to discern any complicated biological jargon, the overall scientific conclusion (at least to the degree of my knowledge) is that any behavior that induces happiness can be addictive because

the phrase 'remember where you came from and what you want to achieve,' should remind you to hold fast to your dreams and principles in the wake of all the pleasure-producing diversions that you might find yourself distracted by. have” and that it’s not “a bad thing.”

What happened to that childish determination? I don’t want to nail down teenage drinking as though it’s the worst thing in the world, but it provides such a wonderful example of how behavior can change as a result of the adversity placed upon the student. The biggest problem with it, though, is that it opens the neurological door to engaging in Any pleasurable activity is inherently chemical in nature. other unproductive behaviors that By embracing productive pleasure-producing behaviors, you don’t benefit them at all. can resist the allure of being unproductive. Credit: Alta As students (and people in Mira Recovery Programs general) continue to indulge in a certain behavior, they become themselves and escape from their ridiculous escapades and that life neurologically primed to perform problems. In other words, “drinking otherwise is a prison, lends itself to that behavior again. At the time to get drunk.” Why? Because this an incredibly self-destructive and of writing, I’m actually creating a presentation on neuroeconomics mindset, that weekend parties are unsustainable lifestyle.

the basis for the feeling of happiness is, in fact, chemical. So, even if an activity (like going to a party) doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is drinking and ingesting chemicals, the mere act of having fun with other people results in an increase in the chemicals that make you feel good, like dopamine and oxytocin. As you “work out” those “happy neural pathways,” your body naturally becomes more reliant on them and they begin to fuse with your subconscious mind and dominate your personality. But, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing!

In fact, if you enjoy your job (or anything) immensely, this exact process happens to you, and it’s great! Have kids and love them? The

happiness associated with having kids becomes a part of who you are, and you might find yourself thinking about them subconsciously.

That’s why, in order to create a more sustainable and productive way of living, you have to f ind things that make you happy that aren’t destructive. Thus, the phrase “remember where you came from and what you want to achieve,” should remind you to hold fast to your dreams and principles in the wake of all the pleasure-producing diversions that you might f ind yourself distracted by. If you keep your mind on the future and reject the negative pressures to succumb to inefficiency and motivational decay, then you will be far better off because of it. Make it a priority to hold yourself to the highest standard, and both you and the greater world will benefit as a result.

Instead of reserving the weekends for frolicking around, make your job and week-life more interesting so that you’re more neurologically inclined to keep working hard and to better yourself. Instead of joining your floundering peers as they begin to give up on life and pursue selfdestructive habits, lift them up to your level and inspire them through your determination to build a better world.

Remember where you came from, and remember where you want to be.

Zane Khader is a current senior (GHS ’20) at Greenwich High School who serves as the school’s student body president. For three years prior, Zane served as his grade’s class president, and he has been a part of the leadership of more than a dozen different clubs at the high school.

Social Studies for the 21st Century: How participatory action empower students

By Andrew Greene Too often, the type of learning that takes place in typical Social Studies classes involves students passively taking in information about something that happened in the past and eventually repeating that information. Often, there will also be some application of the student’s understanding which they present through a debate,

an essay, or the like. Most Social Studies students do not have the opportunity to see how that information connects to their lives, or to take any action that relates their understanding of the information to their world. When I used to teach such a curriculum, I wa s f r e q uent ly a ske d such questions as “Why do we have to learn this?” or “What does this have to do with my life?” These were challenging to answer.

I nd iv idua l s & S o c iet ie s – Mak ing the connection to the past, present and future The Social Studies classes at Whitby School are very different.

The g rades 5 -8 Inter nationa l Baccalaureate curriculum redef ines Social Studies as “Individuals and Societies.” This approach seek s to ex pla i n to students why people think and act

the way they do, and how this has resulted in various societies being organized the way that they are.

Our students learn about big ideas that shape behavior and societies, and dive deeply into the world around them. I am never asked “What does this have to do with my life?” because we constantly deal with issues that they see in their lives.

In most of our Social Studies units, students learn about ideas a nd how t hey have i mpacted society. They are shown how they can actively participate in the debates provoked by these ideas.

Our students are taught how to be active, not passive learners.

I’ll share to two examples to i l lu m i nate t h is pro ce ss of participatory action.

Participatory Action Example 1: Immigration

In 6th grade, our students Students hopefully come away they get there. This is important study the concept of immigration. understanding why people leave i n f o r m a t i o n , b u t m a n y a r e In most Social Studies curricula, their home countries, how they left think ing that people only immigrated to the U.S. long ago.

I extend this understanding and relevancy in two distinct ways: Holistic Understanding. We look at im m ig ration g loba lly, investigating how and why people have immig rated to other countries such as Britain, G e r m a n y, P e r u , A u s t r a l i a , and France. Students learn that im m ig ration is a hu ma n pattern, and not just something that happened in the U. S. M o r e i m p o r t a n t l y, s t u d e n t s are then connected to the role of immig ration in their lives.

They study such issues as undocumented immigrants, the t h e s e a r e w h a t a r e o f t e n decide which country to go to, continued on page 11 c a l l e d “ E l l i s I s l a n d u n i t s .” and what it is like for them when

When students can see how their learning connects with their world, they are more engaged and gain a higher level of understanding. When they employ this understanding in the greater world, they come to believe that they can make a difference. This is the power of participatory action learning.

Majesty and Murmurs at Choral Society

By Linda Phillips In its program entitled “A Ch r i st ma s Tap e st r y ”, t he Greenwich Choral Society, under Director Paul F. Mueller, singers and orchestra welcomed the season with the ordained musical variety in the magnif icence of Christ Church.

The concert began differently this year, as the opening music was the premiere of composer Nathaniel Adams work “Ring Out Wild Bells”, which was commissioned by The Choral Society’s Board. As long term audience members know, the program has traditionally begun by the chorus members encircling the audience ringing handbells, casting a spell. At this opening, the ringers sang against an atonal, polytonal leitmotif throbbing in the background, and the usual magical spell was not cast. Based on a text

by Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poem “In Memoriam”, the work was a departure.

Moving to a more traditional Handel work, I Will Magnify Thee, based on psalms, the stunning mezzo-sopranoTeresa Buchholz sang the opening, moving to a duet with Baritone Luke MacMillan, which moved to the duo and chorus singing Glor y and Worship are Before Him together. Again, there

continued from page 10 DACA program, refugees, asylum seekers, and the travel ban on people from certain countries.

Student Action: Once they have this advanced understanding, the final step is for the student take action. In this instance, students write their representatives in Congress with their ideas on what should be done about undocumented immigrants, and other related topics.

Participatory Action Example 2: Environmental Justice Understanding and Research. The same process is followed when the students study Environmental Justice.

Students learn about the history of environmentalism, the role of externalities in causing environmental harm, and how collective action can force governments or corporations to redress this damage. The students use this knowledge as they individually research an

was a solo for Ms. Bucholz and orchestra, which moved back to two soloists and chorus for Tell it out among the Heathen, Ms. Bucholz again sang a solo until a dramatic caesura. and the resounding full finish.The orchestra was perfectly balanced, the chorus full, but the soloists needed a microphone to be properly heard above them.

Harpist Maria Banks opened A Carol for all Children, a sweet and lulling work begun by female voices, later joined by males. It was a paean to Jesus, sung a cappella, with a rather indefinite ending.

The Tapestry of the Holy Birth

by Stephen Mager is a Cantata that unfolds with the drama of Jesus’ birth, beginning with the shepherds abiding in the f ields, then the Angel’s announcement, which included the audience singing Lo How a Rose E’er Blooming, then on to a canticle in which the audience sang Ding Dong Merrily on High.

The next scene, Adoration of the Shepherds, featured a strong solo performance by tenor Scott Joiner. In Processional, piccolo and tambourine sounded.It was a consonant charming choral work, with pat-a-pan drums and woodwinds sounding.

Then came the interesting, ethnically diverse music, beginning with a rambunctious Joy to the

env ironmental issue of their choosing.

Student Action. Students consult with an expert about their issue and then take action on it. These actions have taken shape in ways that most people find unimaginable for 12-yearolds.

• O ne st ude nt c on su lte d with the regional manager of a supermarket chain about how they could inform consumers about the pollution that is caused by factory farmed meat.

• Another raised awareness among Whitby families about how runoff from the nitrates in fertilizers used on lawns causes pollution in Long Island Sound.

• Another student worked w ith our administration and our Parents Association to successfully remove the use of plastic bottles in our school.

• A group of three students started Greenwich Bottles No More with the ambitious goal of convincing the government of Greenwich to ban single use

GCS, was swinging jazzy and fun, and the concert concluded with a completely new imagining of Silent Night.

Throug hout, the audience could scarcely hear Conductor Paul Mueller, who also needed a microphone. But the musicianship, c r e a t i v i t y, e x u b e r a n c e a n d performance of the program were perfection.

The next performance of the Choral Society will be on March 14, 2020 for “Beethoven 2020” and will include the Greenwich High School choirs. For information a n d t i c k e t s . g o t o w w w.

GreenwichChoralSociety.org.

Linda Phillips' classical musical r ev iews h ave won fou r b e s t Column of the Year awards from the Connecticut Press Club, and were nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in criticism, as was her novel "To The Highest Bidder" for fiction.

Linda Phillips’ classical music reviews have won four “Best Column of th e Ye a r” awa rd s f rom th e Connecticut Press Club, and have been nominated for the Pulitzer Prize The Choral Society performed at Christ Church Greenwich in Criticism. She is the author of the novel, “To The Highest Bidder,” World, the audience and chorus What Sweeter Music. A sephardic soprano (the excellent Amaranta nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in collaborating. The choir sang the traditional tune came next, with Viera) and tenor was Duermete, fiction. always-wonderful contemporary an Argentine tango rhythm and Nino Lindo, abetted by harp. Follow Christmas music of John Rutter in c ast a nets. A gent le c a rol for That Star by Peter Gritton, a first for plastic water bottles.

When students can see how their lear ning con nects with their world, they are more engaged and gain a higher level of understanding. When they employ this understanding in the greater world, they come to believe that they can make a dif ference. This sense of empowerment and confidence is something they carry with them long after they have f inished my class. This is the power of participatory action learning.

Andy Greene is a Middle School teacher of Individual s and Societies who has the nearly impossible task of trying to get students to understand why people act the way they do and why societies are organized the way the y a re . Havi n g vi sited 45 countries, some of which no longer exist , Andy focu ses on getting students to see things from different perspectives.

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RMA Hosts Family, Community Holiday Party The Retired Men’s Association of Greenwich (RMA) invites the community to its RMA Family and Community Holiday Party with a Choral performance by t h e A n g e l C h o i r, c o n du c t e d by mu sic a l d i r e c tor, Pa mela Kuhn, on Wednesday, Dec. 18.

No membership meeting is scheduled. The party begins at 9:30 a.m., the singing at 11, at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 West Putnam Ave. Refreshments will be served.

If you have some special Holiday treat you would like to share, please feel free to contribute to the festivities. However, that is not required.

Under the direction of its founder and director Pamela Ku h n , T he A n ge l Choi r w i l l perform selections from their reper toire, including holiday

songs and Christmas carols. All are encouraged to join in the singing.

The Angel Choir is a singing group dedicated to cancer patients, survivors, and their families and friends. They use mu sic to ex p er ience joy, for restorative healing, and as a means of rev iv ing the spirit.

The central theme for the group is “Encouragement!” The act of singing is a visceral experience combining the power of the voice, mind, body, and spirit. Working with cancer patients through music is a humbling experience.

It provides an opportunity for members of the choir to “give back” by supporting everyone who comes to sing while remembering the people we have lost.

Kuhn is a professional singer

and voice teacher. After earning h e r m a s t e r ’s d e g r e e a t t h e University of Southern California, she performed in London for 20 years. She has sung in opera houses and recital halls in Vienna, London, Venice, Paris, and cities across America. She is a coach to many professional singers, who perform in a variety of musical genres from opera to rock and roll. She is also a choral director, conducting the MasterSingers of Greenwich and the Silvertones at the Greenwich Senior Center. On her local radio program, “Center Stage w ith Pamela Kuhn” on WGCH Tuesday mornings at 9AM, Ms. Kuhn interviews a variety of individuals on aspects of music and the arts.

For more information, contact info@greenwichrma.org or visit greenwichrma.org

Cos Cob Library Presents a Nutcracker Reading Friends and Staf f of the Cos Cob Library will host the G r e e nw i c h C o n s e r v ato r y o f Classical Ballet for a Nutcracker r e ad i n g , w h ich w i l l e x plor e the story and themes and will

be followed by an interactive discussion. The event takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m., in the Community Room of the Cos Cob Library. There will be light refreshments and a meet and

greet/ photo with Clara.

All attendees will receive a $5 coupon towards "The Nutcracker" performance (Dec. 22-23) at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Page 12 | Greenwich Sentinel

Edward Meyers Dr. Edward A. Meyers, 93, of Stamford, CT died peacefully at his home on Nov. 27, 2019 surrounded by his loving children. His devotion to his family together with his steadfast faith sustained Dr. Meyers throughout his life.

Dr. Meyers was an active member of the Order of the Knights of Malta, an organization of outstanding individuals recognized for their professional excellence, community leadership and activity in charitable works. He was known for his unfailing kindness as well as his devotion to children's causes.

For many years he served as a mentor and scholarship sponsor for the Bridgeport Good Shepherd's Mentoring Program. He volunteered weekly to read to children at the Palmer Hill Child Development Center while residing at Edge Hill.

Dr. Meyers was born Aug. 16, 1926 to the late Edward and Anna Meyers and raised in Westchester, NY. He was sidetracked from playing baseball for Columbia University when hit in the eye with a baseball during preseason, which partially blinded him in that eye for life. He graduated from The College of the Holy Cross with a BA in mathematics and a premed concentration at the age of 19. He was inducted into Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Albany Medical College, Albany, NY in 1950 at the young age 23.

Dr. Meyers served as a Captain in the United States Air Force Medical Corps from 1951-1953.

After completing his Residency and a Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, New York, NY in 1955, Dr. Meyers established his pre-eminent medical practice of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, and Facial Plastic Surgery in Englewood, NJ. He served as Chairman of Englewood Hospital's Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Department from 1975-1985, where he was an attending surgeon.

Additionally, he was past president of the New Jersey Academy of Otolaryngology.

Dr. Meyers also practiced at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital from 1956 – 1987where he was an attending surgeon, Head and Neck Surgery, while also teaching Residents. There he also performed pro bono Medical work.

He took time off to serve as President Richard Nixon's traveling physician. His Secret Service code name was, to his family's amusement, "the Pill".

Dr. Meyers was blessed with a large and loving family. On June 17, 1950, he married his life partner Cathleen Sullivan, to whom he remained joyfully married for 54 years, until Cathleen's death in 2004. Together they raised six children and enjoyed seventeen adoring grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren. Upon his retirement in 1996, he moved to Wilton, CT and spent a great deal of time in Queeche, Vermont where he and his family golfed and skied.

Dr. Meyers is survived by five of his six children: Edward P. Meyers (Diane), Nancy Seaman Schwartz (Alan), Stephen Meyers, Michael Meyers (Leslie) and Christopher Meyers (Kerry); seventeen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and his sister Mary Anne Tradelius. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Cathleen, beloved son Kevin, and brother Richard.

The life of Edward A. Meyers will be celebrated at a memorial service to be held Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 469 North Street, Greenwich, CT. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests that donations be made to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, curethekids. org in memory of Dr. Edward A. Meyers.

Margaret Brandner Aug. 20, 1940-Dec. 4, 2019 Margaret "Peggy" Lawrence Brandner of Venice, Fla., formerly of Greenwich, CT, died of complications from Alzheimer's Disease in Orlando, Fla. Peggy was born in Queens, NY, as Margaret Galligan spending two years in the New York Catholic Foundling home before she was adopted by William and Alice Adelaide Lawrence of Staten Island, NY where she spent the rest of her childhood and early adult years. Peggy attended St. Vincent's Nursing

Obituaries

School, and married John William (Bill) Brandner (deceased) in 1959.

Peggy's greatest joy was her f ive children: John William, Jr.; Robert Scott; Kathleen Brandner Robinson (John Kelly); Peggy Ann Curcio; and Jill Mollenhauer; and her dearest grandchildren: Ashley; Ryan; Robert Scott, Jr.; Molly; Jake; Tyler; Kyle; John; Margaret; Anne and Mary Addison; and great grandchildren: Connor, Brooke, Kole and Ashton.

She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Kenneth Brandner and his wife, Roseann, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Peggy loved singing, dancing, reading, interior design and sewing. She was a member of St. Michael the Archangel Church and the Milbrook Club when she lived in Greenwich.

Peggy worked in the office at Central Junior High School in Greenwich until 1983 when she and Bill relocated to Orlando, FL. While in Orlando, she worked as a tour guide before retiring to Florida's west coast where she spent most of the last 20 years.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14 at 12 p.m. at St. Michael the Archangel Church, 469 North St., Greenwich, CT. Internment will be private.

Joan Schmaling Joan Blundell Schmaling Passed away Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019 in Norwalk, CT at the age of 88.

Joan was born March 2, 1931 in Port Chester, NY to the late Thomas Blundell and Charlotte Hutchins.

A lifetime resident of Greenwich, CT, she retired to Englewood, FL in 1994.

Joan is survived by her son Thomas Schmaling and daughter-in-law Karen Drogaris Schmaling of Greenwich, CT; a daughter Karen Schmaling Kosinski and son-in-law Kenneth Kosinski of Westport, CT; six grandchildren, Dennis (Maura), Samantha (Antonio) and Miranda Schmaling, Nicole Kosinski Custer (Robin), Christopher (Waverly), and Danielle Kosinski; two great-grandsons, Tyler Schmaling and Ayden Altamirano, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by husband Robert D. Schmaling, parents Thomas Blundell and Charlotte Hutchins, and sister Patricia Louis.

Joan graduated from Greenwich High School in 1949. She was employed by New York Telephone as a switchboard operator in White Plains, NY and retired from the Town of Greenwich where she worked in the Public Health Nursing Association for 30 years.

She was a proud and active member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Turner Liedertaf-German American Club, member of Voiture Auxiliary #537, and member of the Rotonda Auxiliary VFW Post #10476.

Joan was best known for her quick-witted sense of humor, excellent harmonica skills, and her love of family. She had a zest for life and could always be found by the water with a smile on her face, a joke up her sleeve, and a Manhattan on the rocks in her hand.

A memorial service celebrating her life will take place on Sunday, Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. at Greens Farms Congregational Church, 71 Hillandale Rd., Westport, CT. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Greens Farms Congregational Church.

Jesslyn McNamara Jesslyn "Jetty" O'Connell McNamara died on Thursday, Nov. 21 in Greenwich, CT. She was born July 22, 1926 to Col. Thomas and Mary Carroll O'Connell in Worcester, MA. Jetty graduated with honors from SUNY Purchase in 1985 and went on to receive an MA from Simmons College of Library Science in 1988.

For 25 years she was the reference librarian at Perrot Memorial Library in Old Greenwich and previously worked in Reference at the Greenwich Library, Cos Cob Library, and Byram Shubert Library.

Jetty served as board member of the Greenwich Symphony, The Women's Club of Greenwich, and The Southern Fairfield Alumni Association of Simmons College. She was a devoted Eucharist Minister at Saint Catherine of Sienna Roman Catholic Church. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the Greenwich Antique Society, the Greenwich Historical Society and the Bruce Museum.

Jesslyn was preceded in death by her husband James W., who died in 1984; by her sisters, Carol

Dalton and Patricia O'Connell; and by her brothers Jeffrey, Brian, and Thomas.

She is survived by her children Ann Baffico, Kevin McNamara, and Polly Loughran; by her grandchildren Meggie, Austin, and Lily Smith, Connell and Patrick McNamara, and Meg and J.P. Loughran; and by her great-grandchildren Kiran and Liam Chatterjee. She will be dearly missed by them and by her many, many friends.

A Funeral Mass will be held Dec. 18 at 10 in the Chapel of St. Catherine of Siena & St. Agnes Church, Riverside. Donations may be made to Hill House and the Perrot Library.

Pamela Muzoleski Pamela C. Muzoleski (née Christophersen) died peacefully on Nov. 28, 2019 in Catskill, NY at the age of 72.

Born on Nov. 4, 1947 in Greenwich, CT to Walter and Geraldine Christophersen, she was a graduate of Greenwich High School, class of 1966. She went on to work at Greenwich Hospital and eventually spent her career as an Executive Secretary at Chesebrough Ponds.

Her love of the outdoors and gardening eventually led her to move to the Catskills, where she continued to work until she retired in November 2012. She spent her free time tending to her numerous gardens and singing in the church choir at St. Patrick's. She would also make frequent trips back to Greenwich to visit family.

Before her brief illness, she was thrilled to have taken a trip with her sister, Karen, to their father's homestead in Norway to visit with relatives.

Pam is survived by her loving husband, David A. Muzoleski of Catskill, NY; mother, Geraldine Christophersen, of Riverside, CT; predeceased by her father, Walter Christophersen; son, Kevin Gillespie (Heather Dennis) and grandchildren Skye and Summit Gillespie of Cos Cob, CT; daughter, Kara Gillespie and granddaughter Dayton Berry of Riverside, CT; sisters, Karen Mueller of Guilford, CT and Byrdeen Nota of Boise, ID as well as several cousins, nieces, nephews and their children. She will always and forever be in our hearts.

A memorial service is scheduled for Dec. 21 at 10 a.m., at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside.

Kevin McCabe Kevin McCabe of Greenwich passed away on Dec. 2, 2019. He was the youngest of four born to Albert and Margaret McCabe in Brooklyn, NY on July 11, 1950. He graduated from St. Mary elementary school in Greenwich and from Christ the King Prep in Southport, CT. He held a degree from Boston College where he excelled with the renowned Fulton Debating Society. Before graduating, he joined VISTA soon after graduation was sent to Chicago to work with Legal Aid providing legal aid services to underprivileged clients. While with VISTA, he developed an interest in law and subsequently attended John Marshall Law School in Chicago. During his time in Chicago, he became a professional musician, singing and playing guitar with the Bittercreek Newgrass Band. While living in Boulder, Colorado he developed an interest in television and so began a thirty-plus years successful career in TV broadcasting that included the Satellite News Channel in Stamford, the first 24-hour news channel. He then worked for TCI Cable in Westchester which later became Cablevision, with whom he remained for 30 years as a reporter and evening news anchorman on New Channel 12 the Bronx, where he also became News Director.

He is survived by daughter Christine O’Dea, granddaughter Tara Bartlik, sister Susan McCabe and brothers Stephen and Brian, all of Greenwich, exwife and friend Barbara McCabe of Norwalk, CT, and numerous nephews and nieces.

The family received friends on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, Greenwich.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ryan Dadasovich and the staff of Greenwich Woods for their compassionate care.

Rev. Mark Connolly

His wake took place at St. Michael Church on Dec. 7. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated following the wake. Burial was private.

In lieu of f lowers, please make a donation in memory of Father Mark to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38106 or the Queen of the Clergy Retirement Home, 274 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford, CT 06902.

James MacKay James M. MacKay, age 98 died Dec. 4, 2019 at Greenwich Hospital. He was a life-long resident on Riversville Road, Greenwich, CT as well as having a winter home in Venice, FL. Mr. MacKay was born in Greenwich on Jan. 19, 1921 to James T. and Bertha Hvolbeck MacKay. He is survived by his wife of 78 years, Catherine A. MacKay and two daughters, Bonnie M. Caie and Kimberly A. Gropp. Between them there are six grandchildren: Jessica Caie Owen-Smith, David M. Caie, Benjamin James Gropp, Stephen Gropp, Whitney Gropp Albright (Joshua) and Heidi Gropp Ruiz (Edward). There are seven great-grandchildren: Harmony and Destiny Caie, Samantha Owen-Smith; Cameron James, Catherine Joy, Carson Joshua, and Carinne Jane Albright.

From 1942-1945 Mr. MacKay served with the U.S. Army, 28th Infantry, 8th Division and Signal Corps in the European Theater. The code name for the Battle of Normandy being Operation Overlord; landing on Omaha Beach, France, fought The Battle of the Bulge and freed the Concentration Camp at Dachau.

“Everyone should be in the armed services; it teaches sacrifice and discipline.”

Mr. MacKay was a First Vice-President of the Fleet Bank, formerly Bank of New England, State National Bank of CT and The Greenwich Trust Company.

He retired after 43 years having always been in the same building on Greenwich Ave. Over the years Mr. MacKay had graduated from Greenwich High School and the American Institute of Banking. The bank later sent him to the School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin and the Graduate School of Credit and Financial Management at The Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.

He was very active in civic organizations in Greenwich and served for The Community Chest now known as The United Way and The Red Cross. He was past president of The Exchange Club, Treasurer of the Girl Scouts of Greenwich and a member of the Representative Town Meeting. He was a communicant of the Parish of Christ Church where for a number of years he served on the Vestry and was treasurer.

Being an avid sportsman, “Poppie” as he was known by grandchildren and great-grandchildren, reveled in his family, participating with children and grand children in hunting, fishing, skiing, golf, tennis and horseback riding. He was a founding member of The Bailiwick Club where he served as director and treasurer for many years. He was also a member of The Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice, FL and The Myakka Golf Club, Englewood, FL In recent years he thoroughly enjoyed The Retired Men’s Association in Greenwich.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Christ Church Greenwich.

There are no calling hours. The memorial service was held Monday, Dec. 9 at Christ Church Chapel.

Burial was private at Putnam Cemetery.

Theodore Spool Theodore (Ted) Spool of Greenwich passed away on Dec. 6 after a valiant struggle with cancer. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held.

Ted was born 1930 in New York City and grew up in Queens, NY. He was a respected consulting civil engineer and had a role in creating skyscrapers and many other large structures in New York City and worldwide. He will be remembered for his volunteer work with the Greenwich RMA. Ted is survived by his wife, two sons, and three grandchildren. He will be sorely missed.

Nicholas Pankosky Nicholas A. Pankosky, of Micco, FL passed away

The Reverend Mark Connolly, age 91, passed with his beloved wife, Elsie Johnson Pankosky, at away into Eternal Life on Dec. 3, 2019.

Father Connolly was born on March 24, 1928 in Boston, MA to the late Mark Connolly, Sr. and Kathleen Holland. He was the third of five children.

Father Connolly was ordained in 1957 in Union City, New Jersey to the Order of St. Paul of the Cross (the Passionist Order). In 1970 Father Connolly produced the first television Mass in the New York area. He also wrote the TV prayer guide for the Mass that is still in existence. In September 1981 he produced a second program called That's the Spirit.

The program won 13 awards including 3 Emmy nominations. He retired from the television Mass in 1990.

In 1991 he became incardinated into the Diocese of Bridgeport and was assigned as Parochial Vicar to St. Michael the Archangel Church in Greenwich, CT until his retirement in May 2008.

In 1993 he took over the radio program Thoughts for the Week for the Diocese of Bridgeport. The program was aired through many stations throughout the country and ran for 26 years. In 1995 he launched the first Internet magazine called Spirituality for Today. The magazine received numerous awards for its excellence in Catholic content and journalism. It is still in production today.

Father Connolly was predeceased by his sisters Mary Martin and Kathleen McLaughlin and his brothers, Francis and Michael James and by a niece, Patricia Scoville.

Father Connolly is survived by his nieces Eileen Connolly and Claire Martin and nephews Mark Connolly, John William McLaughlin (Sharon), James McLaughlin (Diane) and John Martin, all residing in Massachusetts.

Father Connolly was grateful for all his brother priests and many friends that enriched his life through the years. Special thanks to Dr. Radhika Jasthi who took such good care of him through the years. Her dedication and kindness will not be forgotten. In addition, many thanks to his nurse aids, Angella Thomas and Shelly Gibbs for their unending assistance, care, and professionalism during his illness; and to his housekeeper, Patricia Hurtado, for her invaluable help.

his side Nov. 26, 2019, after an eight-year battle with cancer.

He was born in Greenwich, CT in 1938 and moved to Florida in 1995. He was in the 1956 class of GHS and served in the US Marine Corp.

Interment will be at a future date in Greenwich, CT. Family requests that donations be made in Nick's memory to Hospice of St. Francis, 6905 N. Wickham Rd., Suite 403, Melbourne, FL 32940.

Robert Roelke Robert (Bob) Roelke, of South Kingstown, RI and Stamford (formerly Greenwich), CT, passed away suddenly at the age of 91. He was born on Dec. 17, 1928 in Kearny, NJ to Harold ("Hap") and Madeline (Jetiru) Roelke. He was a graduate of Kearny High School, and he played professional soccer at age 16. After high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School, where he played basketball. Bob was a 33rd degree Mason and attended Antioch College on the G.I. Bill. He graduated in 1954, followed by a long, successful career as an executive in the plastics film industry.

He is survived by his loving and devoted family: his wife of 65 years, Norma (Steinbock) Roelke, and his three children and two daughters-in-law, Eric and Lucia (Larson) Roelke of Sharon, Mass, Marc and Debra (Thomason) Roelke of Harding, NJ and Dana Roelke of Norwalk, CT. In addition, he is survived by five grandchildren: Alec, Ryan, Evan, Sara and David Roelke. He is also survived by his sister, Marion Garcia of San Diego, Calif., and his brother and sistersin-law, Robert and Suzanne, and their children.

Bob loved life and lived to the fullest. He found humor in all that he did. He was an enthusiastic lifelong athlete as an avid tennis player until the age of 72. At age 16, he was a lifeguard at the Jersey Shore, and he continued to love being at and swimming in the ocean. In retirement, he was a devoted volunteer for over 20 years, working to support employment opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and senior citizens. He traveled widely, but his favorite destinations were St. John USVI and Venice, Italy.

He sought out a beach wherever he went, and never missed a cocktail hour. He will be sorely missed.

Page 13 | Greenwich Sentinel

On Faith Feature

Read the Bible Each Day; Transform the Rest of Your Life

By Marek P. Zabriskie E a c h ye a r, c o u nt l e s s Americans make a New Year’s resolution. The nu m ber one r e s olut ion i s to lo s e weig ht , number two – exercise more.

Within three days, most of us h a ve q u i t e o u r r e s o l u t i o n s , because we have no one to hold us accountable.

We resolve to lose weight, but don’t tell anyone. So, it’s easy to eat have a second helping or order dessert, because no one holds us accountable.

This year, make a spiritual

New Year’s resolution, and I will help you achieve it. Just sign up for The Bible Challenge on the Christ Church website at: https:// christchurchgreenwich.org/bible/ or email me at: mzabrisk ie@ christchurchgreenwich.org You don’t have to join our church to participate. There’s no fee. It’s just an invitation to transform your soul in 2020.

The average Episcopalian now attends church once a month.

Many attend every Sunday. Others less regularly, some just Christmas and Easter. Still others wait until six strong men carry their coffin into church.

The problem is that we cannot do anything once a month and make progress. Try dieting, giving up smoking, going to the gym, learning the violin or Italian once a month. It doesn’t work. We need to do it each day in order to succeed.

The same applies to our spiritual life. The only way to develop our relationship with God is to have a daily spiritual practice

and spend ten to twenty minutes or more each day with God. There are many ways to do it. We can pray, read devotional books, walk in nature and commune with God or listen to spiritual music, but studies reveal that the best spiritual tool is to engage Scripture each day. It transforms our soul.

Christ Church Greenwich and I invite you to read the entire Bible in 2020. If that’s too daunting, commit to reading the New Testament, Proverbs and Psalms in a year.

To read the Bible in a year, you read three chapters of the Old Testament, a psalm and a chapter of the New Testament each day. It will take 20-30 minutes, and you will never regret doing it. To read the New Testament will take you 5-7 minutes a day. We all have time to do this.

Our Read the Bible in a Year Plan incorporates a portion of the Old and New Testaments and a psalm each day, so there is never a day when you are not fed

spiritually. We read both the Old and New Testament simultaneously from start to finish.

Our nation is politically divided. Here’s a chance to be united and focused on God. When we read the Bible, we say to our Creator, “God, I want to build my relationship with you,” and God always honors this commitment.

We encourage teenagers to use an app called d365 to engage Scripture each day. Parents who contact our Director of Children’s and Family Ministries, the Rev. Abby Vanderbrug, will receive a Bible story each week and can read it aloud and discuss it with their family.

Hence, all ages can participate.

Christ Church will host speakers each Sunday morning to focus on the Bible, and I will send a weekly email message to ever y Bible Challenge participant to assist them.

We r e c o m m e n d r e a d i n g the New Oxford Annotated Bible, which is available at the Dogwood Bookstore at Christ Church. Or

you can download the Bible on Audible.com or Pandora and listen to it read aloud or buy the Bible on CD and listen to it as you drive your car.

We also have an app. Visit the Apple app store and download Bible Challenge – Reading Plan by Forward Movement, or purchase my book The Bible Challenge book at the Dogwood Bookstore. Both offer meditations, questions and prayers written by 103 spiritual writers from around the world to accompany your faithful reading.

St. Augustine instructs us to read the Bible as if we are reading letters from home, written by a wise, loving parent. Prayerful daily Bible reading will sharpen your faith, refresh your soul, deepen your knowledge of God and fill you with hope and joy.

It will steady your life, bring out the best in you and remind you that God is always with you.

The Word will shine light in your darkness and help you discover a more hopeful future.

The author of Psalm 42 writes,

“Deep speaks to deep.” When we prayerfully read the Bible, God speaks to the deepest dimension of who we are.

A .W. To z i e r w r o t e , “ T h e Word of God well understood and religiously obeyed is the shortest route to spiritual perfection. And we must not select just a few favorite passages to the exclusion of others. Nothing less than the whole Bible can make a whole Christian.”

We l a u n c h e d T h e B i b l e Challenge in 2011, and it transformed my church outside Philadelphia. Since then, it has helped over a million people grow closer to God. The world needs more compassionate, contagious Christians. Become one by making a spiritual New Year’s resolution and participating in the 2020 Bible Challenge. You will never regret it.

The Rev. Marek P. Zabriskie is Rector of Christ Church.

U.S. Premiere of New Christmas Carol

Christ Church Greenwich announces that the US premiere of this year’s commissioned carol for King’s College Cambridge will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 8 p.m. in the sanctuary of Christ Church Greenwich.

Christ Church Music’s St. Cecilia Choir of Girls and the Gentlemen of the Choir of Men and Boys will be performing the piece.

“This news is setting the classical music world abuzz,” says Jamie Hitel, Director of Music at Christ Church Greenwich. “For us to be able to perform this new piece just hours after its premiere, which will be broadcast by the BBC to more than 200 million listeners across the world, is a tremendous honor. The work,

entitled The Angel Gabriel, is a completely new take on a familiar text, written in Philip Moore’s engagingly vibrant style.

Philip Moore has had an incredibly fruitful relationship with Christ Church Music since 2009, during which time he has dedicated several compositions to our various ensembles, from our primary choir through to our mixed professional and adult choirs. As one of the world’s leading composers of choral music, Philip enriches us with his presence several times each year, providing a unique opportunity for musicians and congregations alike. It’s always a privilege to make music alongside one of the musical greats, especially since he

has now become such a good colleague and friend.”

Moore joins a long list of distinguished composers, including Judith Weir, Arvo Pärt, John Rutter, and Sir Harrison Birtwistle, to write a new carol for the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols at King’s College Cambridge.

The Angel Gabriel is the 37th carol to be commissioned, a tradition started in 1983 by former Director of Music, Sir Stephen Cleobury, who died in November, and to whom the piece is dedicated.

“The gentle and familiar lilt of the Basque melody to which these words have been sung is known and loved all over the world. Without in any way denigrating the music, I have often felt that a more vigorous treatment

of these words would also be appropriate. ‘His wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame,’ for example, gives more than a hint of the drama of the Annunciation. My setting of the words attempts to illustrate this,“ says Moore.

Born in 1943, Dr. Moore studied at the Royal College of Music and Durham University. He succeeded Barry Rose as Organist and Master of the Choristers at Guildford Cathedral in 1974 and, in 1983, succeeded Francis Jackson in the same job at York Minster. In 2008 he was made Organist Emeritus of the Minster, and became President of the Royal College of Organists a few years later.

Worship & Events Calendar ASSEMBLIES OF GOD 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. Christmas Eve Service: 5pm.

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.

Christmas Eve Service: 5pm.

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.

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. Advent Concert/Evening Prayer: Dec. 18, 7-8pm. Walking with Purpose: Dec. 19, 9:30am. Pot Luck Christmas Party: Dec. 22, following the 10am Mass, St. Agnes Campus, sign up on the bulletin board. Christmas Eve Mass Family Choir, 5pm.

St. Mary Church 178 Greenwich Ave.; 203-869-9393 www.stmarygreenwich.org

St. Michael the Archangel 469 North St.; 203-869-5421 www.stmichaelgreenwich.com

15, 11-11:30am, $5. Christmas Eve: Pageant Hold, 9am-10pm; Young Families Christmas Worship, 10-11am; Family Christmas Mass: Mon-Fri: 7:45am, 9am; Sat 9am, Vigil Worship, 3-5pm.

Mass 5pm; Sun: 7, 9, 10:30am, 12, 5pm. Bible North Greenwich Congregational Study: Thu 7pm. St. Michael Parish Christmas 606 Riversville Rd.; 203-869-7763 Party: Dec. 14: Altar Server Training, 1-2pm; www.northgreenwichchurch.org Rite of Christian Initiation for Teens (RCIT), Service: Sun 10:30am. Communion first Sunday 3-4:30pm. (If town issues a certificate of month. of occupancy for St. Timothy’s prior to Second Congregational Church Christmas) Christmas Eve Masses: 4pm, 6pm, 139 E Putnam Ave.; 203-869-9311 (Carols-11:30pm), 12midnight. Christmas www.2cc.org Day Masses: 7, 9, 10:30am & 12pm. (If town does not issue a certificate of occupancy for Family-friendly Evensong Service, Sat 5pm.

St. Timothy’s prior to Christmas) Christmas Sunday Services: 8:30 & 10:30am. 2CC Eve Masses: 3, 5, 7pm (Carols-11:30pm), Greenwich Mom’s Group: Dec. 19, 7pm.

12midnight. Christmas Day Masses: 7, 9, Christmas Eve Services: 3:30, 6:30 & 11:15pm.

10:30am, 12 & 1:30pm.

Christmas Day Service: 10:30am.

St. Timothy Chapel 1034 North St.; 203-869-5421

EPISCOPAL

Anglican Church of the Advent Mass: Sat 4pm; Sun: 9:30 & 11am. (If town 606 Riversville Rd.; 203-861-2432 issues a certificate of occupancy for St. www.churchoftheadvent.org Timothy’s prior to Christmas) Christmas Eve Service: Sun 9am Holy Eucharist. Sunday School Masses: 5pm. Christmas Day Masses: 9:30 during academic year. & 11am.

Christ Church Greenwich St. Paul Church 254 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-6600 84 Sherwood Ave. | 203-531-8741 www.christchurchgreenwich.org www.stpaulgreenwich.org Sunday Worship - May 18-Sept 15: Holy Mass: Vigil Sat: 4pm; Sun: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30am; Eucharist, Rite 2, 8am; Holy Eucharist, Rite 2, Mon to Thurs 9am. Holy Day schedule: Vigil: 10am; Compline & Communion, 5pm. Sunday 5:30pm Holy Day: 9am and 12:15pm. First Friday Educational Offerings: Exploration Series, Youth Mass & Benediction 9am. St. Paul Volunteers in Formation & Church School, 10:10am. Tue: Action, Fri mornings, office@stpaulgreenwich.

Holy Eucharist, 10am. Giving Trees: through org or 203-531-8741. Sacrament of Reconciliation Dec. 16, in the lower hallway. Dec. 13: CCNS Sat 3-3:45pm or by appointment. St. Paul Holiday Sing, 10:15am; Christ Church Youth Bereavement Group: Dec. 19, 5:30-7pm.

Christmas Party, 7pm. Dec. 15: A Ceremony St. Roch Church of Carols, 11am; Gingerbread House Making 10 St. Roch Ave.; 203-869-4176 Party w/Inspirica, 3:30pm; La Nativite du www.strochchurch.com Seigneur, 5pm. Brunswick Latin Carol Service: Mass: Mon, Tue, Frid: 7:30pm; Sat 4pm, Vigil Dec. 16, 7pm. Dec. 17: Dogwood Books & Mass 4pm; Sun: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30am - Social Gifts event, 6pm. Dec. 22: Christmas Pageant, Hour (immediately after 9:30 Mass). Confession: 9am; Carols by Candlelight, 5pm; Carols by Candlelight Reception, 6pm. Christmas Eve Sat 3-3:45pm. Prayer Group (Spanish) Fri 8pm.

Worship: 3, 5 & 8 & 11pm. Christmas Day CHRISTIAN SCIENCE Worship: 11am. Dogwood Books presents Sound Bath: Dec. 27, 7pm & Dec. 28, 10am.

First Church of Christ, Scientist ‘Christmas 1’ Worship: 8, 9, 11am & 5pm.

11 Park Place; 203-869-2503 Tuesday Eucharist: Dec. 31, 10am. www.christiansciencect.org/greenwich Service and Sunday School 10:30am Wed. Service 7:30pm. Childcare.

COMMUNITY

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. Nativity Pageant: Dec. 15, Service: Sundays 10am Holy Communion: first 10am. Dec. 22, 10:00 am Regional Missionary Sun every month.

Erendira Jimenez, Guest Preacher, 11 a.m.

Decorate Church for Christmas. Christmas Round Hill Community Church Eve, 4:45 p.m. Music, 5 p.m. Holy Eucharist 395 Round Hill Rd.; 203-869-1091 Christmas Day, 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist. www.roundhillcommunitychurch.org St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Service & Church School: Sun 10am (childcare 200 Riverside Ave.; 203-637-2447 available) followed by Coffee Hour; Summer www.stpaulsriverside.org Meditation Schedule: Thurs, 6:30pm. Christmas First Church of Round Hill 464 Round Hill Rd.; 203-629-3876 www.firstchurchofroundhill.com

Pageant: Dec. 15, 10am. Meditation Group: Dec. 19, 6:30pm. Christmas Eve: Mass: Mon-Fri 7am & 12:05pm; Sat 8am; Sun 7, Family Service, 4pm; Candlelight Service 9, 10:30am, 12:15 and 5:15pm Sat Vigils: 4 and of Lessons and Carols, 9pm.

7:30pm (Spanish). Confession: Sat 2:45-3:45.

CONGREGATIONAL Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Mon 11am12pm. Walking With Purpose, Tue 9:30am. Choir The First Congregational Church Rehearsals, Thu: Children 5:30-6pm, Youth 6-7, 108 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-1791 Adults 7:30-9:15. Annual Giving Tree: through www.fccog.org Dec. 19, located in the breezeway. Rorate Mass: Dec. 14, 6:30-7am. Christmas Concert: Regular Worship and Church School: Sun 10am Dec. 15, 3-4pm. Young Adult Society Meeting in Meetinghouse. Caregivers Support Group, 1st (ages 21-35): Dec. 16, 7pm, all are welcome. Sun 11:15am-12pm. Hats Off Book Discussion New Year's Eve on the Avenue, Dec. 31, Te Group, Thu 10-11:30am. Christmas Tree Deum, 7pm followed by festive celebration in Sale: Sat & Sun through Dec. 15, 9am-6pm.

Messiah Concert: Dec. 14, 4-6pm, freewill the Parish hall. offering. Community Hour-Cookie Walk: Dec.

Service: Sun: Holy Eucharist, 8am; Christian Education Formation (Sunday School), 10; Holy Eucharist, 10:15; Coffee Hour, 11:30. Dec. 15: Holiday Cookie Exchange, during coffee hour, jaxon@optonline.net; Rectory Open House, 3-5pm. Longest Night Service: Dec. 18, 7:30pm. Christmas Eve: Service with Pageant, 4pm; Worship with musical prelude, 9:30pm.

Christmas Day Service: 10am. Christmas Lessons and Carols: Dec. 29, 10am. Twelfth Night Party in Selleck Hall: Jan. 4, 7pm.

II Eucharistic Service, 10am. School and childcare offered during 10am service.

Nativity Pageant: Dec. 15, 10am. Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols: 4pm.

JEWISH Chabad Lubavitch of Greenwich 75 Mason St.; 203-629-9059 www.chabadgreenwich.org 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, 9:1510:15am, during summer: 12:30pm. Through Dec. 22: Mommy & Me Fall Session begins (0-24 months), 9:20am, register. Chanukah Wonderland: Dec. 22, 11am-4pm, Greenwich Art Society, 299 Greenwich Ave, $5, RSVP. Congregation Shir Ami One W. Putnam Ave; 203-274-5376 www.congregationshirami.org Shir Ami Religious grades K-6, Tues, 4-6pm, B’nai Mitzvah Classes; Shabbat Services two Fridays a month. Pop Up Choir: Dec. 16, 7-8:30pm, First Presbyterian Church. Chanukah Live and Pot Luck Dinner: Dec. 20, 6:30-9:30pm, First Presbyterian Church.

gmail.com. Laity Meeting with Bishop Bickerton: Dec. 17, 6:30-9:30pm, New Canaan UMC, officedhumc@gmail.com. Pastor's Open House following Worship: Dec. 22, 11am2pm. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.

NONDENOMINATIONAL 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. Christmas Eve Service & Music by Candlelight: 4pm.

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. Christmas Concert - Adult Choir singing "Invitation To a Miracle" by Joseph M. Martin, Greenwich Reform Synagogue Dec. 14, 4pm. Christmas Potluck: Dec. 19, 92 Orchard St.; 203-629-0018 7pm, Stamford. Dec. 22 & 29 - one service www.grs.org only - 10:45am. Christmas Eve Services: 4, Shabbat services, Fri 7pm. Adult Jewish Learning, 6 & 8pm. Praise & Worship New Years Eve Sun 10am. Religious school, Sun 9-11:30am. Celebration: Dec. 29, 6pm, Stamford.

Introduction to Judaism, Tue 7pm. Through Dec. The Albertson Memorial Church 21: ‘Baby & Me’ program, 11am-12pm. Terrific 293 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-4615 Tots at the JCC Preschool: Dec. 16 & 18, 9:30am. www.albertsonchurch.org Knit & Nosh Returns to GRS: Dec. 16, 6:30Worship Sun: 11-12:30pm. Holiday Candle 8:30pm. Channukah Dinner: Dec. 20, 6-7pm.

Light Service: Dec. 22, 4:30pm.

Temple Sholom Trinity Church 300 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-7191 1 River Rd.; 203-618-0808 www.templesholom.com www.trinitychurch.life Service: Fri 6:30pm; Sat 10am; Sun 8:30am.

Candle Lighting: Fri night. Shabbat Study: Sat Worship: Sun 10am, Greenwich Hyatt Regency, 9am. Minyan: Sun 8:30am. Lunch ‘n Learn: 1800 E. Putnam Ave. Through Dec. 29: Tue 12pm. Itsy Bitsy Playgroup: Wed 10:30am. Decluttering Christmas: Advent Sermon Dec. 13: Pajama Shabbat, 5:30pm; Oneg Series. Men's Breakfast: Dec. 14, 8:30-10am.

Sponsored by Sisterhood, 7:15pm. Sisterhood Christmas Eve Service: 4-5:30pm, Greenwich Chanukah Giftique: Dec. 15, 9:30am. High School Performing Arts Center, 10 Sisterhood Rosh Chodesh Women's Program: Hillside Rd. (Childcare available – infants to 4 years old).

Dec. 22, 10am.

PRESBYTERIAN 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 2:305:15pm at St. Paul Lutheran. Congregational Meeting: Dec. 15, 12pm.

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

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. The Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols: Dec. 15, 4pm. Longest Night of Year Chapel Service: Dec. 18, 7pm. Christmas Pageant + Children's Choir: Dec. 22, 10am.

Christmas Eve: Family Service, 3pm; Full Festival Service, 6pm; Reflective Service, 10pm.

Grace Church of Greenwich 8 Sound Shore Dr, 203-861-7555 www.gracechurchgreenwich.com

Sunday Service: 9:30am; Korean, 11:30am. Worship Sun: 8:45 & 10:45am at 89 Maple Ave.; Sunday School: 11:30am (English/Korean). childcare provided.

Christmas Eve Service: 5pm.

Living Hope Community Church 38 West End Ave; 203-637-3669 Bethel African Methodist Episcopal www.LivingHopeCT.org 42 Lake Ave.; 203-661-3099

Worship Sun: 10am. Bible study: Mon 7:159pm. Women’s Bible Study Tue 9:30-11:30am.

Diamond Hill United Methodist Mothers of Preschoolers 1st/3rd Wed of month St. Saviour’s Episcopal Church 521 E. Putnam Ave.; 203-869-2395 9:15-11:45am. Bibles & Bagels Sat 7:30-8:30am.

350 Sound Beach Ave; 203-637-2262 www.diamondhillumc.com Dec. 15: Christmas Pageant, 10-11:30am; www.saintsaviours.org Worship & Sunday School: 10am. CSMA Festival Gestal Open House, 1-4:30pm. Christmas Eve Sun: Rite I Eucharistic Service, 8am. Rite Auditions: Dec. 15, 1-8pm, officedhumc@ Service: 5-6pm.

Service: Sun 11am Bible Study: Wed. 6pm.

Page 14 | Greenwich Sentinel

continued from page 9 THURSDAY, DEC. 19 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Google Business Tools: Using YouTube Video for Online Marketing Part II. Greenwich Library - The Jewel, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register.

203-625-6533. mmartin@ greenwichlibrary.org 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Qi Gong - mindful movement and breathing. Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. Adults.

203-622-6883.

12 p.m.

Greenwich Lions Club Meeting. Innis Arden Club, 120 Tomac Ave. (1st & 3rd Thu of the month). greenwichlions-club@googlegroups. com. e-clubhouse.org/sites/ greenwichct 1 - 2:15 p.m.

Family Caregiver Support Group - for adults who care for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Greenwich Hospital’s Center for Healthy Aging, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free.

Register. 888-305-9253. greenwichhospital.org/events

Greenwich Library - The Jewel, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. 203-625-6549.

3:45 - 4:15 p.m.

World Music with Anitra. Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. All ages. 203-622-6883.

7 - 9:30 p.m.

Friday Night Roller Skating.

Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd. $12 (includes skate rentals).

All ages. 203-322-4447. greenwichrollerskating@ gmail.com. greenwichrollerskating.webs. com SATURDAY, DEC. 21 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 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Cooking Demonstration: Christmas Breakfast with Barbara & Miguel. Byram Shubert Library - Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free.

Adults. 203-531-0426.

3 - 4 p.m.

Drop-in Computer Lab assistance with email, online forms, social media, creating documents and more.

Greenwich Library - Health Information Center, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. 203625-6560. trainingcenter@ greenwichlibrary.org

1 - 2 p.m.

Meet GA's RoboEpic Competition Robot & Try a VEX IQ RobotX (Grades 3-5). Greenwich Library Rear of Children's Room, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free.

No registration required.

203-625-6547. dsullivan@ greenwichlibrary.org

3:30 - 5 p.m. ’Habitat for the Holidays’.

Greenwich Land Trust Mueller Preserve, 370 Round Hill Rd. Free, members; $10, non-member adults; $5, nonmember children. Register.

203-629-2151. gltrust.org

2 - 3:45 p.m.

Friends Classic Film Club: 'Miracle on 34th Street'.

Byram Shubert Library Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free. All ages. 203-5310426.

4 - 5 p.m.

Gardening with Mary Jo Bridge: Create a Holiday Basket. Byram Shubert Library - Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free. 203-5310426.

2 - 3:45 p.m.

'Home Alone' Movie Screening. Cos Cob Library Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. All ages. 203-6226883.

SUNDAY, DEC. 22

6:30 p.m.

Wine Tasting & Tapas. The Club at St. Lawrence Society Club (SLS), 86 Valley Rd. SLS members, $25; guests, $30. (3rd Thu. of the month).

203-618-9036. trish@ stlawrencesociety.com. stlawrencesociety.com

10 - 11 a.m.

Nature Yoga. Greenwich Audubon Center, 613 Riversville Rd. $10. RSVP. Ages 12 & up. All ages, experiences levels, and abilities. 203-900-3349.

Caroline.Bailey@audubon. org. greenwich.audubon.org/ events

6:30 - 8 p.m.

Mental Health Support Group – for families of individuals affected by severe mental illness. Greenwich Hospital’s Mianus Conference Room, 5 Perryridge Rd. Free. 203-4286864.

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

7 p.m.

Board of Education Meeting - Business. Julian Curtiss School, 180 E. Elm St. michael_antonaccio@ greenwich.k12.ct.us. greenwichschools.org 7 - 7:55 p.m.

Music Night: Gunsmoke "Country Christmas". Byram Shubert Library - Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free. All ages. 203-531-0426.

7:30 p.m.

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 7:30 - 9 p.m.

Zen Group - Twining Vines Sangha. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich - Daniels Center, 108 Sound Beach Ave. 203637-1791.

FRIDAY, DEC. 20 10 a.m.

Qigong with Donna Bunte.

Greenwich Botanical Center, 130 Bible St. $10$20. 203-869-9242. info@ greenwichbotanicalcenter.org. greenwichbotanicalcenter.org 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Cooking Demonstration: Christmas Breakfast with Barbara & Miguel. Byram Shubert Library - Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free.

Adults. 203-531-0426.

1 - 2 p.m.

Meditation Workshop.

MONDAY, DEC. 23 2 - 3:16 p.m.

'The Nightmare Before Christmas' Movie Screening.

Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free.

All ages. 203-622-6883. lmatthews@greenwichlibrary. org 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Family Craft with Barbara: Make a Reindeer Ornament.

Byram Shubert Library Community Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free. All ages. 203-5310426.

ONGOING Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center (OGRCC) Registration for the Winter 1 - 2:15 p.m. season - offering youth and Women’s Spousal Support adult programs. Programs Group - for women who provide care for a chronically include indoor recreational soccer, dance, drama, art, ill spouse. Center for Healthy fitness and more. 203-637Aging at Greenwich Hospital, 3659. office@myogrcc.org.

5 Perryridge Rd. Free. myogrcc.org Register. 203-863-4375.

Volunteer Transcribers. The 1 - 3 p.m.

Greenwich Historical Society Thursday Night Roller is seeking volunteers to join a Skating.Eastern Greenwich team of volunteer transcribers Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd. working from home to use $12 (includes skate rentals). voice dictation to digitize All ages. 203-322-4447. handwritten Town records. greenwichrollerskating@ This will reveal much new gmail.com. information about early Town greenwichrollerskating.webs. meetings, land records before com the American Revolution and wills, deeds, and genealogy FRIDAY, DEC. 27 that have never been accessed before. CT1640@gmail.com 10 a.m.

THROUGH DEC. 14 Qigong with Donna Bunte.

“Quilts of Common Threads Greenwich Botanical 2019” Exhibit. Cos Cob Center, 130 Bible St. $10Library, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. $20. 203-869-9242. info@ greenwichbotanicalcenter.org. Viewing hours: Mon, 12-8pm, greenwichbotanicalcenter.org Tue to Sat, 9am-5pm. 203622-6883.

11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

THROUGH DEC. 24 Decorate an Ugly Sweater 11th Annual Greenwich Cookie (Ages 5+). Greenwich Reindeer Festival & Santa’s Library - Rear of Children's Village. Sam Bridge Nursery Room, 101 West Putnam Ave. & Greenhouses, 437 North St. Free. Register. 203-622-7940.

Greenwichreindeerfestival. dsullivan@greenwichlibrary. com org THROUGH DEC. 27 The Art Society of Old 2 - 4 p.m.

Greenwich's 2019 Holiday 'The Lion King (2019)' Movie Art Show and Sale. Gertrude Screening. Cos Cob Library White Gallery, YWCA of Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Rd. Free. 203-622-6883.

Ave. asogct.com/holiday-show lmatthews@greenwichlibrary. THROUGH DEC. 31 org For every K.I.C Bowl purchased at MYX Creative SATURDAY, DEC. 28 Kitchen, the store will donate a portion of the proceeds 3 - 4:15 p.m. to Kids In Crisis. There will Tibetan Bells: Sound Healing also be a donation box in the with Karin Reetz. Byram Shubert Library - Community restaurant, and patrons can purchase the Kids In Crisis Room, 21 Mead Ave. Free. grapefruit-currant scented Adults. 203-531-0426. candles for $20 each. 203-6611911. kidsincrisis.org MONDAY, DEC. 30 THROUGH JAN. 2 9:30 a.m.

The Greenwich Police Gentle Yoga with Helena Department and Riverside Svedi. Greenwich Botanical Service team up for the Center, 130 Bible St. $25holiday season to offer $35. 203-869-9242. info@ residents a free safe ride home greenwichbotanicalcenter.org. for them and their car, if they greenwichbotanicalcenter.org have partaken in too much 1 - 2 p.m. holidy cheer. Contact 203-622Make-it Monday/Winter Break 8004.

Time (Grades K-2). Greenwich THROUGH JAN. 3 Library - Children's “Glaser and the Grid” - a Constellation Room, 101 West Putnam Ave. Free. Register.

203-622-7940. dsullivan@ greenwichlibrary.org Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. All ages. 203-622-6883.

2 - 3:30 p.m.

'The Secret Life of Pets 2' Movie Screening. Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. 203622-6883. lmatthews@ greenwichlibrary.org 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.

6:30 p.m.

Greenwich Board of Health Meeting. Greenwich Town Hall - Josephine C. Evaristo Conference Room, 3rd floor, 101 Field Point Rd. 203-6226488. greenwichct.gov

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.

7 p.m.

FAP - Friends of Autistic People: Parents Network Group. FairField Pizza, 1 Strickland Rd. RSVP, not required but appreciated.

(Last Mon of the month). 203661-8510. fap.autismct@gmail. com. autisticadults.org

TUESDAY, DEC. 24

FRIDAY, JAN. 3

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Meditation Workshop. Cos Cob Library - Community Room, 5 Sinawoy Rd. Free. All ages. 203-622-6883.

7 - 9:30 p.m.

Friday Night Roller Skating.

Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, 90 Harding Rd. $12 (includes skate rentals).

All ages. 203-322-4447. greenwichrollerskating@ gmail.com. greenwichrollerskating.webs. com

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 THURSDAY, DEC. 26 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Meditation Workshop. Cos

SUNDAY, JAN. 5 9 - 11:30 a.m.

Friends of Greenwich Point: First Sunday Bird Walks at Greenwich Point Park. Free. info@ friendsofgreenwichpoint.org. friendsofgreenwichpoint.org

solo exhibition by Scott Glaser. Greenwich Art Society, 299 Greenwich Ave., 2nd floor. 203-629-1533. greenwichartsociety@verizon. net. greenwichartsociety.org THROUGH JAN. 6 “An American Story: Finding Home in Fairfield County” exhibition. Greenwich Historical Society, 47 Strickland Rd. 203-869-6899. greenwichhistory.org THROUGH JAN. 9 The 12th Biennial Miniature Print Exhibition. The Greenwich Arts Council, 299 Greenwich Ave. 203-862-6753. info@greenwicharts.org. greenwichartscouncil.org THROUGH JAN. 10 The Nedder Group, Coldwell Banker is hosting a coat drive to collect clean, gently worn, warm coats. Coats can be dropped off from 9am-5pm at the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury offices, 66 Field Point Rd. People who do not have a coat to donate can still get involved by texting “WARM” to 80100 to donate $10 to One Warm Coat or by visiting org/ donate THROUGH JAN. 31 The Greenwich Art Society presents an exhibition of paintings by Oli Kambeitz.

Garden Café at Greenwich Hospital, 5 Perryride Rd. On view weekdays 8:30am3:30pm. 203-629-1533. greenwichartsociety@verizon. net. greenwichartsociety.org THROUGH APRIL 5

6:30 - 7:30 a.m.

AA Meeting - "Greenwich Morning Men's Group."

Greenwich Baptist Church, 10 Indian Rock Ln. This meeting is open and anyone may attend. 203-869-2807

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

Safe Roads Sundays walkers, bikers, joggers, and skaters can enjoy the open roads of Greenwich Point, as most vehicular traffic is restricted from the roads beyond the main parking lots. Friends of Greenwich Point sponsors and funds this annual program. info@ friendsofgreenwichpoint.org. friendsofgreenwichpoint.org AA MEETINGS Monday

3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

AA Meeting - "Sunday Afternoon Group." St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 200 Riverside Ave. This meeting is open and anyone may attend.

203-637-2447

6:30 - 7:30 a.m.

AA Meeting - "Greenwich Morning Men's Group."

Greenwich Baptist Church, 10 Indian Rock Ln. This meeting is open and anyone may attend. 203-869-2807. ct-aa. org/meetings Thursday

11:30 a.m.

Al-Anon Family Group Meeting: Thursday Noon AFG. St. Catherine of Siena Church - Room 101, school building, 4 Riverside Ave. 203-637-3661. al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings

12 - 1 p.m.

AA Meeting - "Getting It Together Group." Christ Church - Parish House Loft, 254 E. Putnam Ave. This meeting is open and anyone may attend. 203-869-6600 7 - 8 p.m.

AA Meeting - "12 & 12 Group."

Christ Church - Parish House Loft, 254 E. Putnam Ave. This meeting is open and anyone may attend. 203-869-6600 Friday 12 p.m.

AA Meeting - "AA Friday."

Diamond Hill United Methodist Church, 521 East Putnam Ave. This meeting is open and anyone may attend.

203-869-2395.

7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

AA Meeting - "Greenwich Friday Night Group." Christ Church - Parish House Loft, 254 E. Putnam Ave. This meeting is open and anyone may attend. 203-869-6600 Sunday 1 - 2 p.m.

AA Meeting - "Brunch Bunch Group." Greenwich Hospital Behind Cafeteria, 5 Perryridge Rd. This meeting is open and anyone may attend. 203-8633000

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

AA Meeting - "12 &12 Group."

Christ Church - Parish Hall, 254 East Putnam Ave. This meeting is open and anyone may attend. 203-869-6600 AL-ANON MEETINGS Thursday

continued on page 18

Astrology Column For Week of Dec. 15, 2019

SAGITTARIUS 23 Nov-21 Dec Have belief in yourself this week, especially in relation to your work and making money. Your lucky ruler Jupiter will help you to impress employers and boost your earning power but it won’t just happen as if by magic - the effort must come from you.

GEMINI 22 May-21 June There may be an element of risk in what you’re planning this week but that won’t worry you. In fact, it will add to the excitement and make its eventual success even more enjoyable. The closer to the edge you dare to walk, the more alive you’ll feel.

CAPRICORN 22 Dec-20 Jan Even if you’re a glass half empty kind of Capricorn you’ll be remarkably positive this week as Jupiter in your sign boosts your spirits and your confidence. Romantically and creatively you can do no wrong just now so by all means take a few risks.

CANCER 22 June-23 July You will do something uncharacteristic and out of the ordinary this week. There may be no logical reason for feeling so confident about your chances but if you heed your instincts you won’t hesitate. Logic means nothing when glory is at stake.

AQUARIUS 21 Jan-19 Feb Uranus, your rebellious ruler, links to Jupiter this week so you are liable to act as if you’ve no choice in what you’re expected to do. But you have, and to claim otherwise is to take the easy way out, passing the buck to the lower, unthinking part of your nature.

LEO 24 July-23 Aug You’ll have a confident air about you this week, especially at work.

You will impress authority figures with your ability to get on with a wide range of people, even those you don’t admire professionally. You will make tricky tasks look easy, and yourself look good.

PISCES 20 Feb-20 March If you look for the best in others you’ll find it. If you look for the worst side you’ll find that too.

Everyone has a light and a dark side.

Make it your aim to encourage the light side this week. Do your bit to make the world a better place.

VIRGO 24 Aug-23 Sept As Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, forms a perfect aspect to Uranus, the planet of genius, this should be a wonderful week for Virgos.

It is the ideal time to do something out of the ordinary. As you are highly unlikely to fail, start it right away.

ARIES 21 March-20 April This week’s rare Jupiter-Uranus aspect will expand your mind and you’ll see clearly what you’re here for and what you have to do. You can accept the challenge and fulfil your destiny, or reject it and wonder forever what might have been. Your choice.

LIBRA 24 Sept-23 Oct Everyone has problems so stop complaining and start looking for solutions. Be creative and seek answers outside the usual areas. You could also ask for input from relatives, friends and loved one. You don’t have to do it all on you own.

TAURUS 21 April-21 May Don’t limit your thinking, don’t let your mind atrophy.

Jupiter in Capricorn allows you to see further and deeper than most, and what you discover about the nature of reality will astound and delight you. The world has meaning as well as beauty.

SCORPIO 24 Oct-22 Nov Fate will point you in a new direction this week and if you are wise you’ll go with the flow. There may be times when you are swept along in the rapids but don’t worry: the powers that be will look after you wherever you go and whatever you do.

Discover more about yourself at sallybrompton.com

SPORTS

Page 15 | Greenwich Sentinel

Depth Will Help Brunswick in Season Full of Competition Brunswick School head coach Michael Kennedy knows that his ice hockey program will be, once again, playing some of the most elite competition possible this season. With a plethora of talent and depth up front and an emerging defense, the Bruins are welcoming the challenge.

Four games into the season as of press time, the Bruins are 1-21 on the season. While the record doesn’t look too attractive on paper, Kennedy is pleased with how his team started out.

The head coach said that the difference between winning and losing is so tight in the United States High School Preparatory L eag ue t hat he st resses h is squad stay focused and ready to go for every game and every shift.

“In all the games we played this year, we were in every one of them,” Kennedy said. “It just shows how tough the league is, how tough it is to win in our league, and how strong every opponent is. Looking back at the first four games so far, it’s easy for us to say that we could be 4-0 and would be 0-4. We are 1-2-1 and we have to learn from what has gotten us there. A play here, a save there, a power play conversion there is a difference between our record and being 4-0.”

PAUL SILVERFARB

By Paul R. Silverfarb

Brunswick School senior captain Henry Foster darts towards the puck during a game last season at the Hartong Rink.

Comp et i ng i n t he Ph i l l ips Exeter Invitational last weekend, the Bruins finished 1-0-1. They took care of business against New Hampton, f inishing with a powerf ul third period and winning 5-3. While Brunswick had the territorial edge against Exeter, it was Exeter’s power play that scored two goals late to force the 3-3 tie.

I n t h e g a m e a g a i n s t New H a mp to n , t h e B r u i n s c a m e out f iring, as freshman James Shannon scored on a power play goal and senior Jakub Tepley found the back of the net less than two minutes later. Although New Hampton k notted the

game at 2-2 to end the wild first period, it was Brunswick that scored the final three points of the game, courtesy of junior Ben Presley, senior Jude Brower and sophomore Connor Welsh.

In net, junior Alexander Rohlf finished with 24 saves.

Against Exeter, Brunswick took a 2-1 lead midway through the second, as sophomore Andon Cerbone and freshman Beanie Richter found the back of the net.

Junior Henry Dale and junior Gary Claps picked up assists on the goals. Although Exeter came back and took a 3-2 lead midway through the third, it was Brower who knotted the game at 3-3.

Dale and Welsh grabbed assists.

Rohlf took home 29 saves between the pipes.

While it’s only four games into the season and there’s still plenty of hockey to be played, Kennedy said that games where they hold an advantage to an opponent but only come away with the tie is frustrating.

“We all look at the record and it doesn’t look great on paper,” Kennedy said. “After the Exeter game they were disappointed and weren’t patting themselves on the back for tying a perennial st rong prog ra m. I t h i n k it ’s motivating in a way as well. We want to secure some wins early

in the season and the boys have an understanding that it’s really hard to win. But we are capable of winning. We have been in every game and had a chance to win every game. It was just a matter of getting the job done.”

Leading the way for the Bruins this year will be senior captain Henry Foster. Alternate captains a r e s e n ior s Sh ay a n Fa r j a m and Connor Sullivan. Kennedy said that he considers the trio blue collar players and has high expectations for each leader.

“These three are great hockey g uys,” Ken ne dy sa id. “ They grind when they are out there and that’s great to have in your c ap t a i n s . T h ey c a n le a d by example and I know they are going to work hard in practice and give 110% every day and every shift on the ice. We are very happy with the example that they have set so far.”

O ne of t he te a m’s big ge st strengths this season is its depth up front. The Bruins can roll four lines without an issue, unlike any previous Brunswick team in the past few years. “ Th is yea r ’s tea m has the strongest and deepest group of forwards that we have had in a while,” Kennedy said. “To h ave t h at dept h up f r ont i s certainly a luxury for me as a head coach. We have a lot of talented forwards, but even the younger freshmen and new guys

have proven they are ready and deserving of ice time. On paper we were i nex p er ience d a nd not sure what to expect back there on defense, but I think the group has come together fast and gained some confidence. We haven’t given up a whole lot of scoring chances in each of these games. We kept the goals against down but need to bring it down a little farther.”

When it comes to forwards, Brunswick is going to rely on standout hockey players like junior Matthew McGroarty, who is com m itted to Quin n ipiac.

Foster is in his third year playing for the Bruins and Kennedy said that he’s a hard worker and a gritty player with a ton of skill.

Senior Will Forrest, who made a name for himself as an AllState member of Ridgefield High School’s hockey program last year, is shining brightly against some of the top private school competition around. Tepley, a senior, is a strong forward who is generating a plethora of scoring chances.

B u t f o r K e n n e d y, h e c a n basically name his entire roster of forwards that he relies on. As of press time, the Bruins have scored 12 goals this year and 10 different athletic have found the back of the net.

“It’s a luxury to have all those scorers,” Kennedy said. “The teams that we have played so

Big Red’s Season Ends in Class LL Opener, 26-16

Barber shop 3 Lewis Street Greenwich, CT 06830 203/302.3408 nolandformen.com Greenwich High School running back Hunter Clark takes the handoff from quarterback James Rinello during the Thanksgiving Day game against Staples High School. Although Big Red won the Turkey Day game 38-14, Greenwich was defeated in the first round of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference class LL tournament. Against familiar foe Darien High School on Dec. 3, the Cardinals were unable to get its offense going and fell 26-16 to end its season 9-2 overall. Trailing 6-0, Rinello helped drive the Cards down the field Kobe Cozimio found the end zone on a 17-yard touchdown scamper. Big Red’s other score of the first half was a 19-yard field goal by Ben Howarth. AJ Barber scored Greenwich’s other touchdown, a 20-yard reception from Rinello, in the fourth quarter. Darien took the lead for good courtesy of its defense, picking up two interception returns for touchdowns. Will Bothwell scored a 31-yard pick six in the second quarter and Sam Wilson netted the other, a 20-yarder, in the fourth. Edward Iuteri finished with two sacks on the night and Rinello went 24-for-43 for 273 yards and two touchdowns. (Paul Silverfarb photo)

GREENWICH HIGH SCHOOL

open seven days a week

UPCOMIN G GAM ES

BOYS’ BASKETBALL: Mon. at Fairfield Prep (scrimmage), 4 p.m.

Wed. vs. Stamford High (scrimmage), 5:30 p.m.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL: Today at Weston High (scrimmage), 4 p.m.

Mon. at Wright Tech, 4 p.m.

BOYS’ ICE HOCKEY: Mon. at New Canaan High School, 6 p.m.

Wed. vs. Xavier (at Wesleyan), 7:15 p.m.

GIRLS’ ICE HOCKEY: Today at Wilton-Norwalk-McMahon, 4 p.m.

Wed. at Ridgefield-Danbury, 4 p.m.

BOYS’ & GIRLS’ INDOOR TRACK: Up next: Jan. 4 at Staples High, 10 a.m.

GYMNASTICS: Up next: Jan. 10 vs. Staples (at YWCA), 6 p.m.

BOYS’ SWIMMING & DIVING: Up next: Jan. 3 at New Canaan, 3 p.m.

WRESTLING: Wed. vs. Fairfield Warde High School, 5 p.m.

BRUNSWICK SCHOOL

GREENWICH ACADEMY

BASKETBALL: Wed. vs. Rye Country Day, 4 p.m.

BASKETBALL: Mon. vs. School of the Holy Child, 4:30 p.m.

Wed. at Sacred Heart Greenwich, 4 p.m.

HOCKEY: Tomorrow at Westminster School, 5 p.m.

Wed. vs. Portledge School, 4 p.m.

SQUASH:

ICE HOCKEY: Tomorrow at Millbrook School, 4 p.m.

Wed. vs. The Gunnery, 3:30 p.m.

Wed. at Choate Rosemary Hall, 4:30 p.m.

SQUASH: Wed. vs. Choate Rosemary Hall, 3 p.m.

SWIMMING: Tomorrow at Northfield Mount Hermon, 3:30 p.m.

Wed. at Loomis Chaffee School, 3:30 p.m.

SWIMMING & DIVING Up next: Jan. 11 vs. Phillips Exeter, 2 p.m.

WRESTLING: Tomorrow at Loomis Chaffee Duals, 1 p.m.

Tue. vs. Iona Prep School, 4 p.m.

SACRED HEART GREENWICH BASKETBALL: Wed. vs. Greenwich Academy, 4 p.m.

SQUASH: Wed. vs. St. Luke’s School, 4 p.m.

SWIMMING & DIVING: Tomorrow at Northfield Mount Hermon, 3:30 p.m.

Wed. at Loomis Chaffee School, 3:30 p.m.

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

Visit www.GreenwichSentinel.com to sign up for 5 Things To Do in Greenwich Today for events and up to date open house listings each weekend.

deborah.ferencegray@sothebyshomes.com

FEATURED OPEN HOUSES

NEW SALES

Data Compiled by Rob Pulitano [203] 561-8092

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

Original List

List Price

Sold Price DOM BR FB Acres

SqFt

138 Byram Road 1 49 Indian Harbor Drive 3 6 Old Mill Road 12 Innis Lane 23 Stoney Ridge Lane 8 Plow Lane 45 Highview Avenue 34 Stiles Lane 8 Buckthorne Lane 15 Point Lane

$699,000 $1,100,000 $2,295,000 $1,995,000 $1,950,000 $2,250,000 $2,895,000 $5,295,000 $4,995,000 $4,995,000

$699,000 $989,900 $1,650,000 $1,795,000 $1,950,000 $2,250,000 $2,895,000 $3,995,000 $3,995,000 $4,995,000

$680,000 $945,000 $1,450,000 $1,600,000 $1,850,000 $2,020,000 $2,700,000 $3,350,000 $3,500,000 $4,650,000

1,808 1,414 4,419 2,960 3,352 3,564 4,500 7,057 7,226 4,356

34 176 249 221 487 74 84 288 550 132

3 2 6 4 5 4 5 7 5 5

2 2 4 3 4 4 4 6 5 4

0 0 3.32 0.17 0.31 0.55 0.26 4.24 1.42 0.32

NEW LISTINGS

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

List Price

Price/SqFt

154 Putnam Park 154 112 Pemberwick Road 52 Valleywood Road 70 Blue Spruce Lane

$450,000 $699,000 $1,075,000 $1,105,000

$451 $553 $233

50 Benjamin Street 34 Montgomery Lane 1 Quaker Lane 13 Davenport Avenue 15 Potter Drive 94 Elm Street 2 28 Turner Drive

$1,200,000 $1,575,000 $1,695,000 $1,950,000 $2,250,000 $2,995,000 $5,995,000

$526 $765 $302 $650 $726 $866 $696

SqFt

Office: 203.618.3155 Mobile: 917.584.4903

AC

BR

FB

Area

1,550 1,944 4,752

0.12 0.29 2

2 5 4 4

2 2 3 5

South of Post Road Pemberwick Cos Cob Banksville

2,280 2,058 5,613 3,000 3,100 3,460 8,617

0.2 1.27 2.45 0 0.17 0.17 1.34

5 4 5 3 4 3 6

3 3 4 4 3 4 9

Old Greenwich South Parkway North Parkway South of Post Road Old Greenwich South of Post Road South Parkway

Address

Area

Price

Day/Time

Broker

11 River Road #108 51 Forest Avenue #36 146 E Elm Street #A 146 E Elm Street #B 27 Elskip Lane 257 Bruce Park Avenue #B 247 Byram Shore Road 2 Homestead Lane #106 2 Homestead Lane #413 19 Le Grande Avenue #18 45 Ettl Lane #406 11 River Road #108 42 Indian Field Road 51 Forest Avenue #36 313 W Lyon Farm Drive #313 63 Wildwood Drive 72 Havemeyer Place #A 27 Elskip Lane 257 Bruce Park Avenue #A 257 Bruce Park Avenue #B 1 White Birch Lane 142 Lower Cross Road 255 Bruce Park Avenue #D 99 Porchuck Road 8 Tinker Lane 5 Holman Lane 255 Bruce Park Avenue #C 39 North Ridge Road 64 Old Church Road 16 Normandy Lane 10 Andrews Road 27 Evergreen Road 27 Evergreen Road 293 Chapman Lane 247 Byram Shore Road 255-257 Bruce Park Avenue 7 Loch Lane 19 Brookridge Drive

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

$3,900 $5,300 $5,600 $6,495 $6,800 $10,500 $25,000 $350,000 $465,000 $625,000 $714,000 $725,000 $985,000 $999,500 $1,250,000 $1,295,000 $1,450,000 $1,550,000 $1,595,000 $1,595,000 $1,675,000 $1,730,000 $1,795,000 $1,795,000 $1,850,000 $1,890,000 $1,965,000 $2,195,000 $3,490,000 $3,750,000 $4,325,000 $5,150,000 $5,150,000 $5,799,000 $6,775,000 $6,900,000 $6,900,000 $7,249,000

Sun 1-4 PM Sun 3-4 PM Sun 12-3 PM Sun 12-3 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sat 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sat 1-3 PM Sun 1-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 3-4 PM Sun 12-2 PM Sun 11-1 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 12-2:30 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 11:45-1:45 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sat 2-4 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 2-4 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 1-3 PM Sun 12-3 PM

William Raveis William Raveis Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis William Raveis Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Coldwell Banker Douglas Elliman William Raveis Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis William Raveis Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis William Raveis William Raveis Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis Sotheby's Coldwell Banker Berkshire Hathaway Houlihan Lawrence Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire Hathaway Houlihan Lawrence Berkshire Hathaway William Raveis Compass Coldwell Banker

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156 STANWICH RD, Greenwich 6 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 4,785+ Sq. Ft. Roberta Jurik, 203.561.6602

247 Byram Shore Rd, Greenwich 6 BR | 6.1 BA | 6,578 SQ. FT. Giselle Gibbs, 203.536.2723

1 White Birch Ln, Cos Cob 5 BR | 3.1 BA | 3,930 SQ. FT. Giselle Gibbs, 203.536.2723

Unparalleled majestic views of the golf course from this stunning classic Colonial on 1.19 acres with new pool & pool house. 5 minutes to train, shops, restaurants, beach, schools & I-95 for an easy commute!

$6,775,000 $25,000/ mo.

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1-3 PM

$1,675,000 OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, 1-3 PM

8 Tinker Ln, Greenwich 5 BR | 5.3 BA | 6,634 SQ. FT. Julianne C. Ward, 203.231.1064

2 Homestead Ln, 106, Greenwich 1 BR | 1 BA | 714 SQ. FT. Roberta Jurik, 203.561.6602

$2,875,000 New Listing

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

$350,000 New Listing OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY, 1-3 PM

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)

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Page 18 | Greenwich Sentinel

ROBBE

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P ro f es s i o n a l P hoto P o rt ra i ts

GREENWICH for family, BusinessSTUDIO and modeling ROBBE

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Capture the perfect moment JOHN FERRIS ROBBEN for your yearbook image.

P ro f es s i ona l P h oto P ort ra i ts Text, call or email for quotes,

for family, Business and modeling questions and appointments

2N 03 JOH F E9 R7 R9 IS0 R9 O5 B 1B E N Email: JFRobben@gmail.com

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P ro f es sional Photo Port raits for family, Business and modeling

Christmas JOHN FERRIS ROBBEN

at CHRIST CHURCH GREENWICH

Carols by Candlelight SUNDAY, 12.22 | 5PM

A long-treasured tradition, this service of Nine Lessons and STUDIO Carols is sung byGREENWICH the combined Choirs of Christ Church Greenwich. Bell Choir Prelude begins at 4:30 pm.

Capture the perfect moment for your yearbook image.

Christmas Eve

, 12.24 STUDIO TUESDAYGREENWICH moment 2 0 3the 9 perfect 7 9 a brief 09 51 A Eucharist featuring children’s homily.

3PM | Capture for your yearbook image.

Text, call or email for quotes, questions and appointments GREENWICH STUDIO

Capture the perfect moment for your yearbook image.

ma i l : J F Rwith obbe n @ g mchildren a i l . c o m and for A great option Efor those young Text, or email fordark. quotes, those who wish to be call home before Text, call or email for quotes, questions and appointments

service 5PM | A popular 203 9 7for 9 those 0 9wishing 5 1 to attend questions and appointments

203 979 0951 Email: JFRobben@gmail.com

church before dinner, this Eucharist features choral Email: JFRobben@gmail.com offerings by the Christ Church Singers. Organ prelude begins at 4:40pm. Please note, this service is the most crowded and usually fills up by 4:45pm.

8PM | At this Eucharist, our St. Cecilia Choir of Girls,

along with gentlemen from the Choir of Men & Boys, will give the US premier performance of Philip Moore’s The Angel Gabriel – a piece commissioned by King’s College Cambridge for their Christmas Eve Lessons & Carols service. Choral Prelude beings at 7:30pm.

11PM |

Our most traditional offering, with music sung by the Choir of Men & Boys and readings from the King James Bible. Choral prelude begins at 10:30pm.

CHRISTCHURCHGREENWICH.ORG

continued from page 14 8 p.m.

Al-Anon Family Group Meeting: Thursday Night AFG. Greenwich Hospital's Watson Pavilion; cafeteria's meeting room, 5 Perryridge Rd. 203-863-3000 Saturday 9:30 - 10 a.m.

Al-Anon Newcomers. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich - Lounge, 108 Sound Beach Ave. 203-6371791 10 - 11:30 a.m.

Al-Anon Meeting. The First Congregational Church of Greenwich - Lounge, 108 Sound Beach Ave. 203-6371791 4 p.m.

Al-Anon Family Group Meeting: Saturday Old Greenwich Men's Group AFG. Saint Saviour's Church - social room on lower level, 350 Sound Beach Ave. 203637-2262 IN OUR NEIGHBORING TOWNS FRIDAY, DEC. 13 2 p.m.

Friday Flick: ‘Toy Story 4’. Ferguson Library, DiMattia Building, 3rd floor Auditorium, One Public Library Pl., Stamford. Ages 6 & up. Free. 203-351-8231. fergusonlibrary.org SATURDAY, DEC. 14 7:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

American Red Cross Community Blood Drive.

Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford. 800-733-2767.

RedCrossBlood.org 12:15 p.m.

Shark Diving Santa. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St., Norwalk. (Event repeats every 1 day through Dec. 30). 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org/ events 2 p.m.

Second Saturday Cinema: ‘Downton Abbey’. Ferguson Library, DiMattia Building, 3rd floor Auditorium, One Public Library Pl., Stamford. Free. 203-351-8231. fergusonlibrary.org SUNDAY, DEC. 15 2 p.m.

Celtic Holiday Concert.

Ferguson Library, DiMattia Building, 3rd floor Auditorium, One Public Library Pl., Stamford. Free and open to the public. 203351-8231. fergusonlibrary.org 4 p.m.

Royal Opera House: The Nutcracker. Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Rd., Bedford, N.Y. 914-234-6704. bedfordplayhouse.org MONDAY, DEC. 16 6 p.m.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group - for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.

SilverSource, 2009 Summer St., 3rd floor, Stamford.

(3rd Mon of the month).

203-324-6584. nicol@ comforcare.com. mscaros@ thegreensatgreenwich.com. silversource.org THURSDAY, DEC. 19 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Mikes Organic Pancake Breakfast, benefiting Kids in Crisis (KIC) - (KIC will be accepting donations). Mike’s Organic, 377 Fairfield Ave. Bldg. 1, Stamford. 203-8323000. mikesorganicdelivery. com 1 p.m.

Third Thursday @ One: ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’.

Ferguson Library, DiMattia Building, 3rd floor Auditorium, One Public Library Pl., Stamford. Free.

203-351-8231. fergusonlibrary. org 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group. Long Ridge Medical Center, 260 Long Ridge Rd., Stamford. Free. Walkins welcome 475-619-6152. greenwichhospital.org/events 6 p.m.

Kids In Crisis' Lighthouse LGBTQ+ teen group weekly meeting. Stamford Hospital Tully Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Ct., Stamford. lighthouse@kidsincrisis.org SATURDAY, DEC. 21 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

The Little Studio (Grades K to 2) - explore textures and chemical reactions through art. Ferguson Library, DiMattia Building, Lower Level Program Room, One Public Library Pl., Stamford. Free. Registration required. 203-351-8242. fergusonlibrary.org

The Third Sunday in Advent – December 15th 10 a.m. Nativity Pageant & Special Social Hour The Fourth Sunday in Advent – December 22nd 10:00 am Regional Missionary Erendira Jimenez, Guest Preacher 11 a.m. Decorate Church for Christmas Christmas Eve – Tuesday, December 24th 4:45 p.m. Music; 5 p.m. Holy Eucharist Christmas Day – Wednesday, December 25th 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist

Visit us at: StBarnabasGreenwich.org City Ballet and ABT. The Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic St., Stamford. Also, Dec. 22, 1 and 5pm. $75-$50. 203-3254466. ctballet@ix.netcom. com. palacestamford.org SATURDAY, DEC. 28 7:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

American Red Cross Community Blood Drive.

Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford. 800-733-2767.

RedCrossBlood.org 11 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Circus Minimus: OneMan Circus-in-a-Suitcase!

(Grades K and up). Ferguson Library, DiMattia Building, 3rd Floor Auditorium, One Public Library Pl., Stamford. Free. 203-351-8242. fergusonlibrary.org

12:15 p.m.

Shark Diving Santa. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St., Norwalk. (Event repeats every 1 day through Dec. 30). 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org/ events

12:15 p.m.

Shark Diving Santa. The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, 10 North Water St., Norwalk. (Event repeats every 1 day through Dec. 30). 203-852-0700. maritimeaquarium.org/ events

2 & 6 p.m.

'The Nutcracker', featuring guest dancers from New York

MONDAY, DEC. 30

gifts

holiday

in greenwich

Taste Test Challenge (Grades 6 to 9) - participate in a blindfolded taste test challenge by sampling a variety of chip and cookie flavors, then vie for the coveted title of “Taste Tester Champ.” Ferguson Library, DiMattia Building, Lower Level Program Room, One Public Library Pl., Stamford. Free. Registration required. 203-351-8242. fergusonlibrary.org TUESDAY, DEC. 31 7:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.

American Red Cross Community Blood Drive.

Tully Health Center, 32 Strawberry Hill Court, Stamford. 800-733-2767.

RedCrossBlood.org 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.

Noon Year’s Eve Party (Ages 3 to 8)- enjoy music, crafts, a photo booth and countdown to noon. Ferguson Library, DiMattia Building, 3rd Floor Auditorium, One Public Library Pl., Stamford. Free.

Families welcome. 203-3518242. fergusonlibrary.org

2 - 3 p.m.

Outdoor Furniture Restorations and Sales

Wishing you everything beautiful, everything joyous, everything merry and bright!

Powder Coated Finishes Restrapping Welding Sandblasting Sling Replacement Teak Restoration

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

203-869-2299 for Delivery

203.869.5990

1 Liberty Way, Greenwich • sophiascostumes.com

Commercial & Residential!

Brown Jordan, Tropitone, Woodard, Winston and Salterini

OFF-SEASON DISCOUNT Pick-up and Delivery Available

FAST TURNAROUND!

140 Highland Street, Port Chester, NY 10573

pattysportico.com • 914.935.8839

Christmas Eve & New Year's Eve Dinner at Coast Seafood Restaurant Three Courses Prix Fixe $60 or A La Cart

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.

Our expert team has curated a vast and varied selection of hidden gems from around the world. We offer top value on new and interesting wines we guarantee you’ll love. We have the best beer selection in Greenwich and craft liquors you’ll find nowhere else. We’d like to warmly welcome all patrons of Cos Cob Liquor and to wish our friend George the best in retirement.

Sign up for our newsletter on RandysWines.com and ask about our wine club! Monday-Saturday: 9-8 / Sunday: 10-5 (we deliver!)

Christmas Eve: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm Christmas Day: 5 pm - 10 pm New Year's Eve: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm New Year's Day: 5 pm - 10 pm

Reserve Your Seats Now! e-Mail cindymiao29@yahoo.com or call 203.560.9366 (Gift cards purchased now through Jan 10, 2020 will receive 15% in additional dollars) www.coastseafoodrestaurant.com

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 original Concept Shop, Design Philosophy and Lifestyle brand. An authentic, inspiring, boutique shopping experience created to excite all of your senses. A highly curated timeless mix of classic, modern and organic styles supporting Artisans from around the globe. Each item is handpicked by founder, Kim Caravella. The most unique destination for all of your holiday shopping!

Visit our unique • h a b i t a t g r e e n w i c h • gift shop at Greenwich Botanical Center this Thursday, December 19th, 11:30am - 2:30pm for the Holiday Boutique! Great vendors and a fun craft for the kids!

130 Bible Street, Cos Cob, Ct. We have beautifully curated collections of gifts, home and garden decor supporting global artisans, causes and non-profits. The Gift Shop supports Greenwich Botanical Center with it’s proceeds and is open Mon - Fri 9:00am - 4:00pm • h a b i t a t g r e e n w i c h • 234 East Putnam Avenue. Holiday hours, Tues - Sat 10:00am - 6:00pm, Sun 12:00pm - 4:00pm, Mon 10:30am - 3:30pm.

203-900-1233.

With the holidays in full swing, it's the season of givingand the First Bank of Greenwich (FBOG) is making sure that season lasts year round. The FBOG has launched a Charitable Checking Program to support area nonprofit organizations.

Giving has always been part of the bank’s mission, the whole bank likes to give back. As a true community bank, we want to be able to help as many people as we can and The Charitable Checking Program allows us to do that. Currently, over 40 organizations are enrolled in the program.

If you would like to learn more about Charitable Checking, contact Emily Newcamp at the First Bank of Greenwich at (203) 302-4382.

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

SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS a v E ia tl K • y l i Em stian ri y h C An • n • n a y e r t l a t e e M l b u a a June • s P I • a • r u r La • o l y n a a T h • t a n John o J • a c i s es J • a x e l A Jose •

Port Chester 914.908.5444 500 Westchester Avenue Port Chester, NY 10573

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

Stamford 203.413.6101 900 Summer Street Stamford, CT 06905