After trying to quash weeks of rumors. After convening a school start time steering committee and collecting input from relevant town departments – some that had been overlooked in past – Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea, who inherited the task of implementing new school start/end times, surprised a few people on Thursday night when she introduced the concept of an “opportunity block” at the end of the day at Greenwich High School.

In a packed gym-auditorium at Hamilton Avenue School, Dr. Gildea said she’d boiled down three options for a potential fix that would address in particular, the end of day traffic and athletes’ travel schedules, as well as extra-curriculars, volunteer, work and family commitments.

She said she settled on the option that retains new start and end times, but rejiggers the lengths of blocks to create a new non-rotating block at the end of the day, an “opportunity block.”

Gildea went through three scenarios. One would shift dismissal to 3:00pm from 3:15.

A second scenario was essentially one proposed by GHS headmaster Dr. Winters’ in his May 14th editorial suggesting a “common sense compromise: shorten the school day by 2½ minutes per instructional block (15 minutes total per day) and move the start time back to 8:15am.

Gildea noted that Winters’ idea was one that responded to students.

“As you’ve heard from the kids every month, that’s basically what they have asked for,” she said with a nod to the student government leaders.  “They’re looking for sunshine. They’re looking to get to work by 3:00pm. They’re looking to not miss academic classes to travel to sports.”  

However, Gildea nixed that idea, saying, “The district is committed to the optimal 8:30 start time.”

Instead she recommended a scenario that would maintain both start and end time, but add flexibility at the end of the day.

(In all three scenarios middle school dismissal would shift from 2:50 to 2:45pm to give the buses 5 minutes more. “Historically middle schools have been five minutes longer; we don’t know why,” Gildea said.)

Gildea recommended maintaining the GHS 8:30am to 3:15pm school day and its rotating block schedule, but shaving minutes of each block to create a permanent “opportunity block” at the end of the day.

She said it the “opportunity block” would ensure athletes don’t miss a heavy academic class, factor in traffic and build a model program at the high school that permits students flexible entry and exit in the afternoon.

Gildea said GHS is well above the five hour minimal instructional day, and by shaving off minutes from each block, GHS remains in compliance.

Gildea said the “opportunity block” would engage students and staff with enrichment and enhancements, as well as provide opportunities for catching up.

“It would ensure staff and students have time to connect, close opportunity gaps, make up work related to early egress for student athletes, and give us a place to really do some of the innovative work we’re doing as a district,” Gildea said.

The superintendent pointed out that the future of education is more personalized learning and possibly some online courses.

“Envisioning future schools, coursework will be offered in a variety of ways and formats in an anywhere, any time learning environment,” she said, adding that in the future GHS may have partnerships with places like JM Wright Technical High School or Norwalk Community College, or even college courses coming in to GHS.

With an added block at the end of the day, there is potential to bring in a coding class, a personal finance class, personal branding, test prep, college visits, health fairs and assemblies.

“We’re working to maintain the principal of an 8-1/2 to 9 hour sleep cycle, understanding that the later high school starts, the easier it is for most adolescents to maneuver,” she said. “I’m sure you’ll see continued improvement of the implementation,” she said.

Board members reacted with surprise.

“Thank you so much,” Jennifer Dayton exclaimed. “I’m very encouraged that you have found a solution that is going to work for as many students as we can accommodate. …I think it fits perfectly into a personalized learning plan.”

Dr. Francis and Peter Sherr said they were very pleased with the solution.

However, Ms. Stowe and Ms. Olssen voted against it, stating that they had not had enough no time to consider the idea, given that it was a surprise to them on Thursday night.

The vote was 6-2.

Voting in favor were Peter Bernstein, Barbara O’Neil, Dr. Gaetane Francis, Peter Sherr, Lauren Rabin and Jennifer Dayton.

Voting against were Ms. Stowe and Ms. Olssen.

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This week two cars were stolen in Greenwich.

There were two car thefts, on two different days. Both cars were unlocked, keys in car.

On May 14 a 2008 Honda CRV was stolen from Cos Cob Avenue.

The second was a 1999 Chevy Prism stolen in the overnight hours of May 15 from Steamboat Road.

Last week it was more of the same when Taconic Rd residents reported on May 4 that their 2013 Audi S6 had been stolen.

Police continue to remind residents to lock their cars, bring their keys and valuables inside.

See also:

Car Unlocked, Keys Inside, Stolen in Overnight Hours in OG

Two Cars Stolen From Same North Street Driveway

Two Cars Stolen From Same North Street Driveway

Another Car Stolen, This Time from Marks Road in Riverside

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall, May 10-11, 2018

37 North Ridge Rd

37 North Ridge Rd from Henry Blodget to Northridge Home LLC on May 10, 2018 for $1,020,000

10 Mill Pond Court

10 Mill Pond Court from Robert Davis to Pierce Butler on May 10, 2018 for $1,095,000

17 Lucy St

17 Lucy St from Thomas Spelman and Eva Spelman to Christopher and Mary Conte on May 10, 2018 for $917,000

56 Londonderry Rd

56 Londonderry Rd from Emily Ragsdale to Darren Long on May 10, 2018 for $1,235,000

17 LeGrandeAve Unit 11 from Robert Russell, co trustee of the Virginia Russell Revocable Trust to Nicholas Thorndike on May 11, 2018 for $645,000

41 Church Street

41 Church Street West from Romeo Somodio and Julieta Somodio to Mathew Ian Vest on May 11, 2018 for $550,000

38 Amherst Rd

38 Amherst Rd from Ineke Garbacz and Stephen Garbacz to Emily Simmonds on May 11, 2018 for $883,000

See also:

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 4-9, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 25-26, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 24, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 19, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 17-18, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 16, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 11-13, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 9-11, 2018

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In the overnight hours between Friday and Saturday May 1, a Midwood Rd resident reported that the driver’s side window of his 2019 Audi A5 was smashed, though nothing was taken.

Also on May 12, at 8:30pm a Hobart Ave resident reported that someone had entered their unlocked car in the overnight hours and taken a Macbook and a white backpack.

On May 10, around 10:00pm, a Silver Beech Rd resident reported that their 2016 Mazda CX9 was stolen from their driveway.  The resident believed the car had been locked.

See also:

GPD: One Stolen Car; One Larceny from a Car

Dulani Tyree Lomax, 40, of Archer Rd in Bronx, NY was arrested on May 14 by Greenwich Police following an incident at Chase Bank.

Numerous units were detailed to the bank at 111 West Putnam Ave on a report of a subject attempting to make a fraudulent withdrawal using a fake ID.

Police found the suspect in possession of a fraudulent credit card and a fake driver’s license.

He was charged with Criminal Attempt Larceny 6, Identity Theft 3, Criminal Impersonation, Forgery 2 and Forgery 3.

His bond was set at $2,500 and he was assigned date in Stamford Superior Court on May 28, 2018.

AAA Northeast Danbury Branch Manager Christine Lucsky, left, presented AAA’s prestigious Four Diamond Plaque to the staff of Rebeccas, from left, Kate Molina, Rebecca Kirhoffer, co-proprietor and general manager; Alicea Shreders, and Gail Kirhoffer.

For the 8th consecutive year, Rebeccas of Greenwich again has earned a AAA Four Diamond award for its world-class service, facilities and amenities.

the owner and staff of Rebeccas were honored at a recent lunch at The Madison Beach Hotel, Madison, another Four Diamond recipient.

Christine Lucsky from AAA presented the Four Diamond Plaque to the staff of Rebeccas, from left, Kate Molina, Rebecca Kirhoffer, co-proprietor and general manager; Alicea Shreders, and Gail Kirhoffer.

AAA’s Four- and Five-Diamond award ratings are the travel authority’s highest designations for properties and restaurants.

Each year, inspectors visit more than 31,000 establishments across the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, using the Diamond rating system to guide AAA members when choosing places to stay and eat.

Of that number, just 0.2 % receives the prestigious Five Diamond Award; while 2.1% receive a Four Diamond.

Currently, 68 restaurants in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean hold the coveted Five Diamond rating and 655 hold the Four Diamond rating.

Rebeccas is located at 265 Glenville Road in Greenwich.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jill Gildea has announced the appointment of Ms. Lindsey Pontieri as Assistant Principal for Central Middle School (CMS), effective July 1, 2018.

Currently a special education teacher at Western Middle School, Ms. Pontieri has been with the Greenwich Public Schools since 2007 and has served as a site supervisor for the Greenwich Schools summer school program and also taught at GreenwichHigh School. She is looking forward to her new role in the District, “I’m thrilled to be joining the Central Middle School community. While I’ll miss Western, I’m excited for this next phase of my career in the Greenwich Public Schools.”

CMS Principal Mr. Tom Healy noted, “Ms. Pontieri’s student-centered philosophy and clear understanding of the importance of the middle school years made her the ideal candidate for this position. Her professional experience has afforded her the knowledge and skill set necessary to step into the assistant principal role and have an immediate impact on student learning and growth. I look forward to having her join our school leadership team and work
collaboratively with our school community to continue our efforts to transform teaching and learning to the benefit of every child.”

Administrative candidates are selected after a comprehensive search and appointment process, which includes widespread recruitment efforts, multiple interviews, and extensive reference and background checks.

Ms. Pontieri has been a special education, history and social sciences teacher at the secondary level with the Greenwich Public Schools since she began teaching in 2007.

She has been a teacher at Greenwich Alternative High School, Greenwich High School and Western Middle School. She also serves as a site supervisor for the GPS summer school program. As a TEAM Mentor since 2015, Ms. Pontieri has provided support for first-year teachers in curriculum planning, time management, and best practices for instruction.

Lindsey Pontieri received a bachelor of arts in political science from SUNY Oswego, Oswego, NY in 2002, a master of science in special education from Dowling College, Oakdale, NY in 2007, and a CT intermediate administration and supervision certification from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT in 2016.

Class of 2018 Eagle Scouts and Mark Stitzer “Friend of Eagles” recipient

 Greenwich Scouting recently honored several Adult Volunteers and 18 new Eagles Scouts at the annual Recognition Dinner. Adult volunteers where honored for their dedication and hard work with Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews, Explorer Posts and Learning For Life Groups. Volunteers showing outstanding service were recognized through various awards including Silver Beaver, the Greenwich Scouter’s Award, the Award of Merit;

President’s award and the.National Eagle Scout Association’s Outstanding Eagle Award.

The Silver Beaver is a national award and the highest recognition given by a Council for service of exceptional character to youth. This year’s Silver Beaver Award recipient was Robert Hoffmann, Assistant Greenwich Council Commissioner.

Mr. Hoffman, as a member of the Greenwich Council, has spent over 22 years training eight different BSA Councils across six different states. He is most proud of his training efforts with the Scouts and Scouters. Mr. Hoffmann is also involved in a number of local non-profit organizations.

Carl Marianaccio and Gabriel Ochoa – Greenwich Scouter Award recipients

The Greenwich Scouter Awards where given to Carl Marianaccio and Gabriel Ochoa. Mr. Marianaccio was recognitzed for his services with Glenville’s Cub Scout Pack 35 and Boy Troop 35, for over 10 years in various roles such as Den Leader, Cubmaster, Assistant Scoutmaster and Merit Badge Counselor.

Mr. Ochoa received his award for his many Scouting contributions including his role as Cubmaster of Cub Scout Pack 9 and currently Committee Chair of Boy Scout Troop 10. Finally, the District Award of Merit went to James Parker; the President’s Award to Roy Abramowitz and the National Eagle Scout Association’s Outstanding Eagle Award to James Adams.

The evening also honored 18 Boy Scouts who in 2018 achieved Scouting’s highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout.

The 18 Eagle Scouts are James Bonney, James Gordon, James Heavey, Liam Junkermann, Luke Daiser, Gabriel Escobar, Nicholas Matejak, Andrew Nanai, Reese Ochoa, Robert Martin, Bryce Klair, Davis Peng, Thomas Prezioso, Thomas Price, Spencer Sidoti, Joe Ribeiro, Grahame Ung and Daniel Wurst.

Each Eagle Scout demonstrated leadership while performing a service project that benefited local organizations including Abilis; Greenwich Audubon; the Town of Greenwich; Greenwich Public Schools; Greenwich Land Trust; Kids in Crisis; Churches and Synagogues.

The new Greenwich Eagle Scouts are part of nearly 800 Eagle Scouts who have earned this notable rank through Greenwich Scouting over the last 100 years. Also honored was Mark Stitzer, Eagle Scout Class 1976, who received the 10th Malcolm Pray “Friend of Eagles” Award. Eagles of all ages were present at the event for the “Gathering of Eagles”.

Greenwich Scouting continues to create leaders through quality programs for 2,500 local youth annually. Scouting youth participate in fun programs that build character, foster volunteerism and explore the outdoors, all helping to prepare them for life.

Through continued partnerships and the efforts of more than 300 dedicated volunteers, Greenwich Scouting looks forward to providing greater opportunities to boys and girls, through Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews, Explorer Posts and Learning For Life Groups!

For further information about the Greenwich Scouting program visit our website at www.Greenwichscouting.org

Robert Hoffmann and his wife Carol; Silver Beaver recipient

Frank Gasparino’s father Martin Gasparino with Old Greenwich actors from The Wizard of Oz. May 18, 2018 contributed photo

At Old Greenwich School on Friday, students performed The Wizard of Oz, in what all hope will become an annual tradition.

Before the curtain went up, a special ceremony was conducted to dedicate the stage to a beloved teacher.

Last November, the school community longtime teacher Frank Gasparino fondly known as “Mr. G” died unexpectedly.

Mr. Gasparino worked in the Greenwich School District for many years including 17 at Old Greenwich School.

As the loss weighed heavy, the entire community attended the service for Mr. Gasparino on Nov. 13, 2017. In order to accommodate the lost day of school, a day was added to the calendar at Old Greenwich School.

On Friday The Frank Gasparino Performing Arts Stage was dedicated. Among the audience were Mr. Gasparino’s father,
sons, wife, and sister.

“It is apropos we kick off our first performance after
dedicating this stage to a man who loved music, his students and this school,” said Principal Jen Bencivengo. “Beginning today – all productions performed in this venue will be on the Frank Gasparino Performing Arts Stage.”

Ms. Bencivengo announced that there will be a plaque on the wall nearest the stage that will say, “The Frank Gasparino Performing Arts Stage.”

Students were drawn to Gasparino, who loved the Beatles and often had their music playing in his classroom. Ms. Bencivengo read a quote from John Lennon:

“You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one. I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one.”

Also, Bencivengo said a scholarship fund has been created by Mr. Gasparino’s father Martin Gasparino for graduating Old Greenwich School alumni who have overcome adversity in any respect to succeed and flourish. “Much like you will see happen as we make our way to Kansas in just a few minutes,” Bencivengo noted.

See also:

Outpouring of Love at Sudden Loss of Old Greenwich School’s Beloved “Mr. G”

Frank Gasparino prepared to throw a pie, and get pied in a fundraiser on the front steps of Old Greenwich School. Sept. 22, 2017

As a leader in Long Island Sound and ocean conservation, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is doing its part for the environment by significantly reducing its employ of single-use plastics.

Gone from the Aquarium’s cafeteria and theater concessions stand are all drinking straws. Guests now have the option of boxed water or beverages in glass and aluminum containers, instead of in plastic bottles.

— an announcement from the Maritime Aquarium

Additionally, plastic silverware, coffee lids and food containers have been replaced by biodegradable substitutes.

In the Aquarium’s gift shop, plush animals no longer are stuffed with plastic beads, toys no longer have cellophane wrapping, and purchases no longer go into plastic bags.

Photo: Maritime Aquarium

“Plastics are pervasive in the consumer world, and — by going through this process —we understand first-hand how hard it is to divest of its use,” said Dr. Brian Davis, president of The Maritime Aquarium.

“However, the issue of plastics in the environment is a serious concern. Recycling is not enough. I am proud of the lengths that our staff — and the staffs of CulinArt, our on-site catering company, and Event Network, our gift-shop operator — have gone through to help in our elimination of single-use plastics from The Maritime Aquarium.”

Certainly, statistics about plastics are frightening and motivating. They include:

• Americans used about 50 billion plastic bottles of water last year. Less than one-third to one-fourth of those bottles were recycled. The rest ended up in landfills or as litter in the environment.1, 2

• Plastics in the environment never fully decompose. Instead, they break down into smaller and smaller pieces – eventually into microplastics – that remain in the environment.2

• Because of their small sizes, toxic microplastics in aquatic environments blend with plankton at the base of the food web. These microplastics are consumed and work their way up into larger and larger consumers, including humans.3

• An estimated 9 million tons of plastic enter the oceans every year.4

• Plastics in the oceans are so pervasive that a plastic bag, like those offered at grocery stores, has even been found even at the deepest point in any ocean: the Mariana Trench, 36,000 feet below the surface of the Pacific.5

• By the year 2050, by weight, there may be more plastic in the ocean than fish.6

• A recent study in Ireland reportedly found microplastics in 3 of every 4 deep-water fish sampled in the northwestern Atlantic. Those fish are eaten by tuna, dolphin, swordfish and seals, as the contamination moves up the food chain.7

• Another study found that 267 species worldwide – including 44 percent of sea birds and 43 percent of marine mammal species – are impacted by marine debris. Sea turtles are known to swallow plastic bags, mistaking them for jellyfish.8

• The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) estimates that plastic in our oceans kills at least 1 million sea birds and 100,000 mammals each year.9

• Recycled plastic bottles don’t become new plastic bottles; they can only be “down-cycled” into lower-quality materials.

“Plastics will be difficult to remove from their use in durable goods, like auto parts, plumbing pipes and electronics,” said Dr. David Hudson, research scientist for The Maritime Aquarium. “But what we can easily fix now is our reliance on single-use plastics, which allow for quick consumer conveniences but with long-term environmental consequences.”

In the Cascade Café, the Aquarium’s onsite catering company, CulinArt, has removed nearly all of its single-use plastic. Changes include:

• All straws and plastic soda-cup lids are eliminated. Even paper straws are not offered.

• Water is now sold in paper boxes, instead of in plastic bottles.

• Sodas in the Café, and also in the IMAX Theater concessions stand, are sold in aluminum cans. Juices and teas now are sold as boxed drinks and in glass bottles.

• Coffee cups and soup cups are now made out of a paper coated with polylactic acid (PLA), which is produced from renewable resources such as corn and sugarcane, instead of petroleum.

• Plates and the containers for hamburgers all made of a sugar-based paper.

• Coffee-cup lids, knives, forks, spoons, salad containers and specialty-sandwich containers are made from a biodegradable cornstarch-based plastic.

• Ketchup, mustard and other condiments are available only in large pump containers, for adding into small biodegradable paper cups. Gone are little plastic squeeze packets.

• Cookies and candies are sold in biodegradable cellophane.

About the only things still sold in plastic are yogurts, juice boxes and Uncrustables sandwiches. But the Aquarium is actively seeking alternatives for those items as well.

Photo: Maritime Aquarium

“We are happy to support The Maritime Aquarium’s efforts to shape public behavior around conservation and the harmful use of plastics,” said Darren Zaldo, director of dining services for CulinArt. “We have heard nothing but positive responses from guests when we explain, for example, why they can’t have a straw or a lid for their soda.”

In the Aquarium gift shop, changes include:

• Guests’ purchases no longer are placed in a plastic bag. Instead, guests are invited to purchase a reusable tote made from recycled plastic.

• Plush animals no longer are stuffed with plastic beads. Some plush creatures are made entirely from post-consumer plastic bottles.

• Toys, such as dolls and animal figures, no longer come in boxes covered in cellophane.

• Acrylic (plastic) sign holders are being replaced with recycled or reusable materials.

• “Green” products are now emphasized, such as reusable water bottles, eco-jewelry and toys made from materials like post-consumer recycled plastic, metal and sustainably harvested wood.

“Event Network has always sought to add value to The Maritime Aquarium’s mission and brand,” store director Diana Valencia of Event Network said.

“We are holding ourselves accountable to making significant progress in our merchandising and operations when it comes to sustainability. The goal is to intelligently and efficiently help educate and inspire guests to make a difference through the choices they make in everyday life, while continuing to present the most appealing retail offering possible.”

In addition to the changes in the Café and gift shop, The Maritime Aquarium has created displays about Americans’ excessive use of plastic water bottles and the larger problems of plastic pollution in the ocean. Also, a water fountain was repurposed to become a bottle-filling station, so that guests can easily refill reusable water bottles they bring during their visit.

The Greenwich High School math team were honored at the Board of Education meeting at Hamilton Avenue School on May 17, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich High School math teacher Gordon Jones said the school’s math team had what was arguably their strongest season, winning the county title for the 9th consecutive season.

He said that while the season’s math league was cut short by weather, the Cardinals won by the largest margin ever.

In April the team traveled to Bristol where they won their ninth state title in the last 10 years, also by the largest margin ever.

The third place in New England Regionals was the high school’s highest finish ever, and was even more impressive, considering five of the eight on this year’s team are sophomores or freshmen.

Mr. Rudolph introduced the 2017-18 CT State Math Champions: Sam Florin (Grade 9), Jovita Li (Grade 11), Steven Ma (Grade 12), Jason Shi (Grade 12), Zachary Tanenbaum (Grade 11), Zachary Wang (Grade 10), Derrick Xiong (Grade 11), and Kyle Xiong (Grade 10).

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Victoria Newman, founder of Greenwich Education Group at the 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair on May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Education Group’s ninth annual private day and boarding school fair took place Tuesday night at Eastern Greenwich Civic Center.

The event featured representatives from over 100 private day and boarding schools. Prospective students and their families had conversations with admissions directors and associates in a relaxed setting.

The even was organized by Greenwich Education Group, who offer a highly individualized consulting practice specializing in personalized assistance to families seeking placement for their children in both private day and boarding schools. Their goal is to identify “best fit” schools. They help families come up with a list of target schools, present students in the most advantageous way, navigate the process and actively advocate for their clients. Over the past 14 years, Greenwich Education Group has placed over 1,200 ​students in top boarding schools all over the country.

Helen Woolworth, Associate Director of Admissions at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia at the at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Helen Woolworth, Associate Director of Admissions at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia said her school, located just ten minutes outside Washington, DC, is unique in that all 440 students board at the school.

“Our signature program is our Washington Program. We take all our students to DC every Wednesday afternoon for visits that are directly related to what they’re learning,” Woolworth said.

The Washington Program offers four concentrations – Cultural Awareness, Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Public Policy. Each offers a unique lens for a different experience, skill set and perspective.

EHS, which is grades 9-12, and is coed, is easy to access, as it is just 12 minutes from the airport. The average class size is 11, and there is a five-to-one teacher to student ratio. Students hail from 18 countries and 30 states, with many coming from Virginia, Texas and California.

Though the school benefits from being in a major metropolitan area, the 130-acre campus has a family atmosphere. Teachers live on campus and, according to Woolworth there are dozens of dogs roaming campus. “We are also known for our focus on residential life and character development,” Woolworth said.

William Porter, Director of Admissions at The Harvey School in Katonah, NY at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

The Harvey School is located near Greenwich in Katonah, New York. The school’s biggest sending town – second to Katonah – is Greenwich, and the school sends a bus Greenwich to pick students up at McDonald’s near I-95 exit 5 and return them at the end of the day.

According to William Porter, Director of Admissions, 90 percent of students are day students and 10 percent board at the school during the school week. The coed school enrolls 350 middle school and high school students in grades 6 through 12.

At The Harvey School, class sizes average 10 students and the teacher to student ratio is six-to-one. Among those enrolled are international students who comprise 5 percent of the population.

“They are mostly from East Asia. They board at the school during the week and go to host families on weekends,” Mr. Porter said. “They stay with Harvey School families or families who enjoy being hosts.”

For most students the ability to go home after school is ideal. For some, the option of five-day boarding is perfect.

“We’ve learned a lot in the last 20 years about how kids learn,” Porter said. “The image of a mom loading three kids into the station wagon and bringing them to the same school is outdated.”

“We have a full compliment of extra-curriculars,” Porter continued. “Our robotics program is very popular. Our upper school won a national championship last year and our middle school won a championship this year.”

Bobbi, Krein, Director of Admission, Tabor Academy at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair.May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Cheryl Plummer, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid for Greenwich Country Day School and Laura Brantley, Assistant Director Admissions and Outreach & Recruitment chat with families at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Cheryl Plummer, Director of Admissions & Financial Aid for Greenwich Country Day School at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

At Greenwich Country Day School, Cheryl Plummer, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, said that right now the school includes Nursery (age 3) through ninth grade, for a total of 900 boys and girls.

The school, which is approaching its centennial, is unique in being coed and its hallmark is character education. What is set to change is that the school is planning to expand to include grades 10, 11 and 12.

“We acquired Stanwich School and will open GCDS high school in 2019,” Plummer said, adding that reaction has been extremely positive. “We’re one of the only coed options in town. There is a demand for a coeducational high school in Greenwich and beyond.”

“We’re re-imagining high school,” Plummer continued. “How do you provide a rigorous academic program that is both collaborative and interdisciplinary? Our approach to learning is grounded in humanities and STEM.”

GCDS draws students from Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan and Bedford, NY.  The school offers its Tiger Rides program for transportation outside of Greenwich, and,  town, students take the public school district’s yellow buses.

Describing GCDS as a family school where children spend their wonder years, Plummer said she the addition of GCDS high school will build on that.

Tyler Whitney, Admission Officer, Taft School at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Spencer Grabel, Zachary Gould and Drew Fuller at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Amy Samenuk, Associate Director of Admissions from Suffield Academy in Suffield, CT at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

At Suffield Academy, located in Connecticut near the Massachusetts border, there are 410 day and boarding students in grades 9 through 12 and post graduate students. The teacher to student ratio is five-to-one.

The school draws students from about 30 states and 32 countries. Many students hail from Florida, Texas and the Bay area in California.

“Our school is known for having a spirited, inclusive and happy campus, and a rigorous curriculum,” said Amy Samenuk, Associate Director of Admissions. “We have a faculty who’d do anything to help a student be successful. Our kids are super happy and very involved,” she continued. “You don’t go back to your room after class at Suffield. You have to be social to get the most out of the experience, but if you put in the effort you will succeed.”

“But it’s a nurturing environment,” she said. “It’s not sink or swim.”

“The biggest myth about boarding school is that you come because you did something wrong,” Samenuk said. “It’s not true. Students come because they are ambitious and motivated. They want to learn and be successful.”

Samenuk encourages students interested in applying to Suffield Academy to visit the campus. “Meet our kids. People are very kind. Come for an informal visit without the blazer and interview, then come back and apply.”

Leah Humes, Admissions Officer from Middlesex School at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

At Middlesex School in Concord, Massachusetts, Admissions Officer Leah Humes said there are 405 boys and girls in grades 9 through 12 in a mix of boarding (70 percent) and day students (30 percent).

“We’re known for balance,” Humes said. “You get to do it all – athletics, music and art – You don’t have to choose. We schedule it so you don’t have to specialize. You can go from practice to play rehearsal.”

Middlesex draws from Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and increasingly from California, according to Humes. The ratio of teachers to students is four-to-one and on average there are 12 students in a class.

Unique to Middlesex is its sophomore writing workshop. “It’s an extra class they have to take. It’s ideal because all juniors are required to take AP English and this class prepares them.”

Also unique to Middlesex is mindfulness education, including both introductory and advanced courses.

All new students participate in Introduction to Mindfulness in the fall semester. Students learn exercises to train and stabilize their attention, as well as how to relate skillfully to emotions, feelings and thoughts.

All students at Middlesex are required to play a sport every season. The choices are broad and include Alpine skiing in the winter. “We’re ten minutes from the ski hill,” Humes said. Students are also required to take four half-credits in art, art history, visual art, music and drama.

“It’s the time and place for students to try new things and get out of their comfort zones,” Humes said.

Michelle Cote, Associate Director of Admission at New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Michelle Cote of New Hampton School said the coed day and boarding school enrolls 330 students in grades 9 through 12 as well as post graduate students.

“We draw from 31 countries in 27 states, though New England is our strongest area,” she said. “We are ideal for someone who wants to be engaged and immersed.”

Cote said scheduling permits students to explore sports, music and theater.

“Our signature program is the International Baccalaureate,” Cote said. “There are only three boarding schools with IB. Also, we offer academic support, which is ideal for students who have learning differences. The teacher to student ratio is five to one.”

New Hampton School also emphasizes experiential education. “We are an iPad School. We’re an Apple Distinguished School,” Cote said. “We don’t want to have the standard Harkness table approach.”

Toward that end, every March, during the week before break, students design a one-week project. This year there were 33 projects including a trip to Belize to study cultural history and a visit to India to study wellness.

Elyse Dunbar, Assistant Director of Admission, Wilbraham and Monson Academy at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Dana Thomas, Assistant Director of Admission, King School at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Jonathan Downs, Assistant Headmaster for Institutional Advancement, Millbrook School at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Gillian Ritter, Associate Director of Admission, Canterbury School at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Grace McGaffin, Associate Dean of Admission, Lawrenceville School at Greenwich Education Group’s 9th annual Private Day & Boarding School Fair. May 15, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

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Back at Greenwich Academy after a trip to the deep south to retrace Martin Luther King’s footsteps, seniors Manveer Sandhu, Chandler Lane and Sara Poulard. May 8, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Unlike most local high schools, at Greenwich Academy students have their choice of three US history courses – AP US History, US History or US History/Civil Rights, which is increasingly popular.

History teacher Connie Blunden organized a trip to the deep south over spring vacation that allowed the girls, and some boys from Brunswick who also take the class, to venture through Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee to trace the footsteps of Martin Luther King. They started in Atlanta and ended in Memphis, Tennessee, which chronologically would be 1968, where Dr. King was assassinated.

Along the way, the students visited the Greyhound Bus Station in Montgomery, Alabama, which was the site of a violent attack on participants in the 1961 Freedom Ride.

Greenwich Academy seniors Sara Poulard, Manveer Sandhu and Chandler Lane at the Greyhound Bus Station at 210 South Court Street in Montgomery, Alabama, which the site of a violent attack on participants in the 1961 Freedom Ride during the Civil Rights Movement.

GA senior Sara Poulard said that at the Greyhound Bus station, which has been preserved in time and turned into a museum, the original painted line dividing the races, remains in tact, symbolizing institutional racism.

“There was that dividing line in the 1960s that said who couldn’t use the bathroom and who couldn’t come in and have something to eat,” Sara said. “On one side of the line they were outside even if it was really hot, or if it was cold or raining. The children could smell the food inside, but they couldn’t have any. We really felt that separation.”

The students visited the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Dr. King Senior, “Daddy King,” served as pastor at a time of Jim Crow segregation laws.

They walked in silence across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma where on Bloody Sunday, March 7, 1965 civil rights marchers, including children, were attacked with rocks, bats and tear gas.

Greenwich Academy seniors Sara Poulard, Manveer Sandhu and Chandler Lane with their Civil Rights teacher Connie Blunden at the Lorraine Motel. Contributed photo

The spot where Martin Luther King was killed at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. Contributed photo

They also visited the Lorraine Motel in Memphis where Dr. King was assassinated.

Along with Sara, seniors, Manveer Sandhu and Chandler Lane also completed the course as juniors but were invited to serve as chaperones this year.

“At Ebenezer Baptist Church the original small brick church is preserved,” Sara said. “In the church there was an audio recording of him giving a prayer. It was very impactful because we could close our eyes and feel his presence.”

Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where Dr. King Senior, “Daddy King,” served as pastor at a time of Jim Crow segregation laws. Contriubted photo

In fact, the three seniors all agreed that while their classroom civil rights class was their favorite in all their GA years, their trips to the south will be the source of vivid memories.

“When you’re there standing in the same spaces, it brings the history to life,” Sara said. “It makes the struggle for civil rights more real.”

“The south has a rich, but complicated history,” Manveer said. “To know something so hopeful and powerful came out of it is impactful.”

After the class and trips, all three girls described seeing the world through a different set of eyes. In fact, Chandler’s goal is to become an attorney.

“There’s a lot of injustice in the world that goes unnoticed or gets minimal attention because it usually involves people of color or poor people,” she said. “We learned about all the ways people are discriminated against and aren’t represented well. The legal system fails many people.”

As is often the case in high school, juniors stick with juniors and seniors stick with other seniors, but on the trip to the deep south, the girls said those boundaries came down.

“There was a lot of hugging, a lot of tears,” Chandler said. “We bound together as a community.”

As chaperones, the girls got to witness the juniors become overwhelmed with emotion, and react in small gestures they could relate to.

“One boy was so moved by the trip,” Sara said. “In Selma, a bouquet of flowers had fallen over. Three girls tried to put it up, but it fell again. The boy quietly went over when no one was looking and picked it back up and put it back in place.”

Along the way the students got to meet people who made a lasting impression. The coach bus driver, Miss Deborah, for example, got to know the students over the course of five days.

“The last night before going home, we came from a teary, emotional day in Memphis where we saw where Martin Luther King was shot. Miss Deborah made a speech about how much she loves us,” Manveer recalled. “She said she was so glad we were seeing her history.”

The girls said Miss Deborah told them they are the future, they are the change makers. “She said we can’t sit around and do nothing because the older generation still has a certain mentality,” Manveer continued. “We have to rise to the occasion. She emphasized focusing on the #MeToo movement, the Parkland shooting and March for Our Lives.”

At the Equal Justice Initiative, where a memorial to the 4,000 people who were lynched mostly in the deep south, the girls spoke to lawyers about success of the civil rights movement, but also about how much work remains.

“They talked to us about how slavery isn’t over. It has evolved into mass incarceration,” the girls said. “The museum is connected to the lynching memorial.”

Gloria Fernandez Tearte, Director of Staff Development and Diversity at Greenwich Academy, who also tok the trip, said the Equal Justice Initiative, just weeks ago opened the Lynching Memorial.

The memorial connects slavery, lynching, Jim Crow and mass incarceration. She said the Equal Justice Initiative founder, attorney Brian Stevenson, along with his staff, did the painstaking work of going through records to identify the location of each of lynching that took place. At the memorial, the names of people who were lynched are engraved on eight foot sculptures that hang from the ceiling, symbolic of trees.

Greenwich Academy students crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge, where Bloody Sunday took place in 1968. Contriubted: Sara Poulard

The students met civil rights activist Joanne Bland who was just 11 when she walked over the Edmund Pettus Bridge along with some 600 civil rights marchers heading east out of Selma.

They made it six blocks to the bridge, where state and local lawmen attacked them and drove them back into Selma.

“She told us that at first she was so excited because all the kids were excited,” Manveer said. “On Bloody Sunday, when they were attacked by dogs, horses, rocks and bats, she was so scared of going back again to try again. But she did go back and she was glad to finally be able to walk to Montgomery.”

History teacher Ms. Blunden said the GA girls learned that some of the sticks used to assault the civil rights marchers came from a nearby furniture factory. “They used table legs, and even attached sharp materials so that when they hit the person it was extra painful,” she said.

Manveer said Ms. Bland is often asked if it’s difficult to retell her story every day. “She said, ‘I do it for you kids, so it will never happen again.'”

At the Equal Justice Initiative, the girls met a man named Anthony Ray Hinton, an African American man from Alabama who was held on the state’s death row for 28 years after being wrongly convicted of the murders of two restaurant workers in Birmingham, Alabama in 1985.

Mr. Hinton, who was released seven years ago, shared his story with the students from Greenwich Academy.

“He had some sad parts of his story,” Sara said. “Right after he was released, he said he stepped outside with his niece. It was raining outside the jail. His niece said, ‘Let’s get in the car. You don’t want to get wet,’ and he said, ‘No, I want to feel the raindrops.’ He hadn’t experienced that in almost 30 years.”

Mr. Hinton now lives in freedom, sleeping on a king size bed, but in a fetal position, which carries over from all those years sleeping on a tiny prison cot.

“He told us that for his first year and a half in prison, he remained silent,” Manveer said of Mr. Hinton. “It wasn’t until a man in a cell next to him was crying that he spoke and asked him what was wrong. The man was on death row and was to die the next day.”

Ms. Fernandez Tearte recalled how Mr. Hinton passed the time in prison by inventing stories. “He’d create these stories,” she said. ‘Queen Elizabeth and I would have tea quite frequently,’ she quoted him saying. “He married Hallie Berry. And then someone else came along and he had to tell her.”

Ms. Blunden said her students describe visiting the places where historical events unfolded and hearing personal narratives as powerful. Also, once they’ve had time to reflect on the trip, they are struck by  how recent these events were.

“One student said to me, ‘This is the first time in my life I understand history is real and that I am living history,'” she said.

The girls’ other US History/Civil Rights teacher Savannah Strong said at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, the girls emerged “totally charged” and that after the trip her class does a unit on mass incarceration.

They study Ghandi and understand the movement around decolonization in India which ended in 1947, and the partitioning of India and Pakistan.

“Martin Luther King draws from Ghandi,” Miss Strong, adding that her class also learns about forms of non non-violent protest, specifically Malcolm X and the Black Panther Movement in the context of the second amendment.

“We read the Black Panther manifesto, which takes direct language of the Declaration of Independence,” Strong said.

Her students learned about how in Oakland, California the Black Panthers attempted to combat police brutality.

“They’d get in their patrol cars and drive around Oakland and when they’d hear about an arrest they would radio other Black Panthers who would show up with their guns,” she said. “They’d stand at a far enough distance so they couldn’t be charged for obstructing an arrest. They made sure the arrest was peaceful.”

Miss Strong said her class is working on a unit on immigration, which like the second amendment, is a timely topic.

“It’s important to have an informed understanding of the history of immigration,” she said, adding that her students study Irish immigration and anti-Catholic narratives. “We looked at US policy and funding to Mexico’s southern border.”

She said that while it has not decreased, there has been an increased pressure on traditional migratory routes.

“Those routes were laid out with help and support, and relative safety. Now they can no longer travel those routes because of fear of being captured by law enforcement. So they’re getting pushed into more and more dangerous migratory routes.”

“Before teaching this class I didn’t like US history,” Miss Strong said. “But I agreed to teach it and realized the reason I didn’t like was I never saw myself reflected in the curriculum.”

Miss Strong said one of her goals is to make sure that each of my students can see themselves reflected in the curriculum.

“For a lot of my African-Americans in class, talking about blacks being subjugated and oppressed, gives more agency in the black experience. They can see themselves reflected in the curriculum.”

“I’m really proud of this class and its legacy,” she said.

Manveer Sandhu and Greenwich Academy students with Joanne Bland in Selma, Alabama. contributed

Greenwich Academy students in Selma, Alabama. Contributed photo

Teacher Connie Blunden with Stephon Ferguson, the only person authorized by the King family to publicly deliver the “I have a dream” speech. He is a non violence practitioner who works at King Center. Contributed photo

GA students at the King Memorial right outside of Ebeneezer Baptist Church

Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated. GA students lay flowers in memory of Dr. King here.

A mural across the street from the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, TN

An employee at a gas station on East Putnam Ave was arrested on May 16 and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

According to Greenwich Police, Raza Jafri, 53, of McMullen Ave in Stamford grabbed a customer by the shirt around 3:40am on Wednesday.

He was released on a promise to appear in Stamford Superior Court on May 30.

At Thursday night’s Board of Education meeting the GHS Maria Buono commended the members of the highly successful science team, Nicholas Liu, Henry Shi, Derrick Xiong, Phoebe Hartch, and Rahul Subramaniam who was absent because he is part the spring musical at GHS, Hairspray.

Ms. Buono said that each year the Dept of Energy sponsors a regional competition, which her team from GHS entered.

She described the competition as a Jeopardy-like game with questions on topics such as biology, chemistry, physics, math and Earth science.

The regional competition was held at UConn Storrs, where the GHS team beat all 5 teams in the morning rounds and advanced to a double elimination round in the afternoon, which they won.

That win allowed the team to compete at the National Science Bowl Finals at the US Dept of Energy in Washington, DC, where Buono said, “They rolled out the red carpet.”

The team was in DC for the National Science Bowl for five days.

The Greenwich High School science team ended the season ranking number one in Connecticut and number 10 in the US.

Ms. Buono congratulated the team for their integrity and passion for learning in the science community, which she described as beyond any vision of the graduate.

See also:

Board of Ed Honors Greenwich High School’s Champion Math Team

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Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall, May 14, 2018

110 Byram Rd

110 Byram Rd from Secure Residential, LLC to Robert Alan Catalano Jr on May 14, 2018 for $679,900

30 Valleywood Rd

30 Valleywood Rd from Jude Donato to Andrew Mulherin Smith on May 14, 2018 for $1,510,000

11 Valleywood Rd from 11 Valleywood Rd, LLC to Juliana Holterhaus on May 14,2 018 for $1,865,000

61 Hunt Terrace

61 Hunt Terrace from 61 Hunt Terrace LLC to Hunt Terrace LLC on May 14, 2018 for $1,110,000

Unit D14 of the River Club of Greenwich from Mitchell Koff to Thomas Abruzese on May 14, 2018 for $52,000

See also:

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers May 10-11, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 4-9, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 25-26, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 24, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 19, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 17-18, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 16, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 11-13, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 9-11, 2018

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Kevin Allmashy, Executive Chef/Owner Executive Corner Deli & Catering

Kevin Allmashy has run Executive Corner Deli for 13 years and figured it was about time he branch out.

Allmashy, who received a degree from Johnson & Wales in Providence, RI, and for a time was pastry chef at the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, began pursuing his destiny as a chef back at Port Chester High School in culinary arts class, which included advanced classes.

“I was in a special group that got to cook for the teachers.It was ‘the Breakfast Club.’ Our culinary arts teacher Beverly Wheeler has put out a few chefs.”

He then received an Associates Degree in Culinary Arts, followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Food Service Management.

Allmashy is looking forward to operating the concession at Greenwich Pool at Byram Park, which is set to tentatively open some time around Memorial Day.

Allmashy, who signed a contract with the Town on Thursday, said he will call his outpost at Byram Park “Executive Deli Express” as it in essence a satellite of the deli at the corner of Henry St and Delavan Ave he has operated for 13 years.

The concession contract is the logical next step for the chef, who also supplies local marts that are very busy including locations in Riverside, Byram an Port Chester. “You’ll see grab and go coolers with my sandwiches,” he said. “It’s good if I’m closed my customers know those coolers have exactly the same price, quality and product.”

Based on his past luck, the concession will be a hit.

“There was always a deli here,” he said on Friday.  Before Allmashy took over, the business known at “The Corner Deli” was operated for decades by Domenick DeFranco.

Allmashy said people who were around in the 50s, 60s and 70s remember the the Corner Deli, as well as Dutchers Bakery and the old Byram School.

“One day Domenick came in and introduced himself,” Allmashy said. “He held my hand and blessed me and picked up a penny.  He said I would have good luck.”

On a bulletin board at the deli entrance, Allmashy has pinned up Domenick’s business card with the penny taped to it.

“Pretty often people see it and say they remember Domenick,” Allmashy said.

As for the expansion of Executive Deli to Byram Park, Allmashy said, “Everyone in Byram is so excited. There’s a happy feeling in the air. People have been waiting years for this. Think about it. This new pool is the only public pool in town – for Riverside, Cos Cob, Byram, and all of Greenwich.”

Allmashy, whose contract with the Town is a whopping 65 pages long, said his plan is to serve typical concession stand items including hamburgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, chicken tenders, french fries and ice cream, but add an Executive Deli “twist.”

Allmashy said people visiting the park can expect to find his signature sandwiches including Turkey Club, Corned Beef, Grilled Chicken Panini, Mac & Cheese Bites, and the Smoked Salmon Platter.

“For the Greenwich Public pool, patrons should not expect typical Greenwich prices,” he said, adding that the pricing he proposed in his response to the town RFP was in line with what they were looking for. “I didn’t want people to have sticker shock.”

“Joe Siciliano told me to just listen to people. ‘Go in the way you are: smiling, friendly and helpful,'” he said. “People can expect the same product, the same prices and the same smiling faces,” he said.

Allmashy, who moves quickly said there is never a line at his deli. “We jump right on people and get them what they want. Some people call ahead and we do curbside pick up,” he said, adding that when he opens at Byram Park boaters can call in their orders and have their food delivered to them at the dock.

Better yet, he said parents and their children at the recently rededicated to Anne M Kristoff playground can call in kid-friendly requests for items like celery sticks, organic applesauce and junior sandwiches, and he will deliver them across the park.

On Friday afternoon, Allmashy’s mother and son stopped by the deli for a snack of hot meatballs.

Young Nicholas, who shares his father’s enthusiasm for cooking and friendly, efficient customer service, likes to greet people at the door.

“He says, ‘Have a nice day,’ to everyone,” Allmashy said as five-year-old Nicholas smiled, revealing gaps where he’d recently lost his front teeth.

Executive Corner Deli  is located at 229 Mill Street in Byram and can be reached at (203) 531-8087.

Executive Corner Deli Express will be located at the concession at Byram Park.

Kevin Allmashy, Executive Chef and Owner of Executive Corner Deli & Catering and his son Nicholas, who loves to help his dad with cooking. May 18, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Kevin Allmashy, chef and owner of Executive Corner Deli & Catering in Byram. Photo: Leslie Yager

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Alexandra Bergstein. Photo: Alex Bergstein for State Senate

Democrat Alexandra Bergstein has announced she will run for Connecticut Senate in the 36th District, the seat occupied by Scott Frantz, who is in his fifth term.

The 36th Senatorial District includes the Greenwich, New Canaan and Stamford.

Bergstein became familiar to many Greenwich residents through her efforts as director of “Greening Our Children,” for which she spoke against the use of recycled tire rubber, “crumb rubber,” for use in municipal and public school playgrounds.

She is also a leader in the non profit Greenwich Community Gardens and co-founder with Deirdre Kamlani and Dita Bhargava of the Parity Partnership, which promotes gender equality in the workplace.

The three co-founders of the Parity Partnership, Alex Bergstein, Deirdre Kamlani and Dita Bhargava with Senator Blumenthal.

“Our core values are being challenged and partisanship is rampant. We thought it couldn’t happen in CT, but it has. Our State Senate is now divided 18 Republicans, 18 Democrats. And nearly every vote falls along party lines. The partisan agenda from Washington has come to Hartford. Is that what we want?” Bergstein wrote in an email on Sunday.

“We don’t have to choose one over the other,” she continued. “We can fix our finances, and invest in infrastructure and education to drive economic growth and create jobs. And we can advance Gun Safety, Public Health, the Environment and Women’s Equality.”

In her announcement, Bergstein emphasized the priority she gives to gun safety, saying, “Gun violence is now part of every child’s reality … but we can change that! Did you know that ‘ghost guns,’ which are partially assembled weapons without serial numbers, can be purchased off the internet without background checks?”

Bergstein said the CT legislature had a chance to ban ghost guns this year. But, she said, “In the final days of the session, they punted. …The gun lobby in Connecticut has become much stronger in the last two years and we need leaders who stand up to them.”

The Junior League of Greenwich has officially kicked off the ‘Terry Lowe Challenge” to name the main pool at the Greenwich Pool in Bryam Park in Terry’s honor.

For almost 50 years at Greenwich High School and the Rocky Point Club, Greenwich swim meets have begun with Terry, a beloved coach and mentor.

Terry has tirelessly dedicated his energy to swimming, helping Greenwich High School win 46 FCIAC championships, taking the Greenwich Water Polo team through 42 winning seasons and leading 38 summers of swimming at the Rocky Point Club.

Now, the Greenwich community has an opportunity to recognize a man who has shaped the futures of so many talented students, and who has championed the dream of having an outdoor community pool accessible to residents of all ages and abilities.

The Terry Lowe Challenge ends on June 15, 2018, so please make your gift today. There are many giving options. Your support will mean a great deal to Terry and to the Town.

Jump in at: https://www.jlgreenwich.org.