Everyone eats. Food is a major part of every culture in the world. Food is essential. Food has been used to humiliate people. Food is a vehicle to show love. For some food is a sign of status. Even the food choices people make can be a political act.

Guests met at the Cole Auditorium for a special FocusOn: Food event, featuring Chef Edward Lee in conversation with Nate Erickson, food and drinks editor of Esquire Magazine followed by a Q & A session and book signing.

FocusOn: is a new series presented by Greenwich Library designed to guide patrons through an in-depth exploration of a single subject.

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Edward Lee is the author of Smoke & Pickles; chef/owner of 610 Magnolia, MilkWood, and Whiskey Dry in Louisville, Kentucky; and culinary director of Succotash in National Harbor, Maryland, and Penn Quarter, Washington, DC. He appears frequently in print and on television, including earning an Emmy nomination for his role in the Emmy Award-winning series The Mind of a Chef. Most recently, he wrote and hosted the feature documentary Fermented.

Photo Credit: Sara Babcock

Nate Erickson is the food & drinks editor of Esquire Magazine

Food & Drinks Editor of Esquire magazine Nate Erickson Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

American food is the story of mash-ups. Immigrants arrive, cultures collide, and out of the push-pull come exciting new dishes and flavors. But for Edward Lee, who, like Anthony Bourdain or Gabrielle Hamilton, is as much a writer as he is a chef, that first surprising bite is just the beginning. What about the people behind the food? What about the traditions, the innovations, the memories?

A natural-born storyteller, Lee decided to hit the road and spent two years uncovering fascinating narratives from every corner of the country for his new book, Buttermilk Graffiti.

Contributed Photo

Sixteen adventures, sixteen vibrant new chapters in the great evolving story of American cuisine. And forty recipes, created by Lee, that bring these new dishes into our own kitchens.

There’s a Cambodian couple in Lowell, Massachusetts, and their efforts to re-create the flavors of their lost country. An Uyghur café in New York’s Brighton Beach serves a noodle soup that seems so very familiar and yet so very exotic—one unexpected ingredient opens a window onto an entirely unique culture. A beignet from Café du Monde in New Orleans, as potent as Proust’s madeleine, inspires a narrative that tunnels through time, back to the first Creole cooks, then forward to a Korean rice-flour hoedduck and a beignet dusted with matcha.

During the session, Chef Lee engaged patrons of all ages while providing insight on a variety of topics, including the difference between culinary misappropriation and sharing, race relations and food, the convergence of cultures and the American experience. Guests were taken on an exploration of our relationship with food, and the future of food – from a historical, environmental, technological and very personal perspective.

Chef Edward lives in Louisville and Washington, DC, and you can find him on Instagram and Twitter @chefedwardlee.

FocusOn: Food is made possible through the support of the Greenwich Library Board of Trustees and contributions by generous donors. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event through Diane’s Books. This series is open to all at no charge. Please register online using the Library’s online calendar. Doors will open at 6:15 pm.

The Greenwich Library system consists of the Main Library and its Byram Shubert and Cos Cob branches. The mission of Greenwich Library is to provide exceptional resources, programs and services that promote the joy of lifelong learning and discovery, and to offer a welcoming place for people to gather and share experiences.

With 1,800 programs and events per year, the Library seeks to serve as the cultural and intellectual crossroads of the community. Greenwich Library has a total circulation of about 1.2 million, the highest reported in Connecticut.  Greenwich Library was recently named a five-star library by Library Journal for the ninth time. Greenwich Library is located at 101 West Putnam Avenue in Greenwich. Cos Cob Library is located at 5 Sinawoy Road in Cos Cob. Byram Shubert Library is located at 21 Mead Avenue in Greenwich.

More information is available online at www.greenwichlibrary.org or by calling 203-622-7900.

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Public Relations Officer, Greenwich Library Kate Petrov Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

Food & Drinks Editor of Esquire magazine Jeff Gordinier and Chef Edward Lee Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy

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The Greenwich Concours D’elegance hosted its 22nd annual car show on June 3-4, 2017 in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Photo Brendan Boyd

The Greenwich Concours d’Elegance is set for June 1-3 in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park and this year marks the event’s 23rd anniversary.

Recognized as one of the premier concourse in the country, and the largest in the Northeast, Greenwich is unique in that it is two concours back-to-back.

Come enjoy some of the most amazing cars and motorcycles in the world while helping us support an incredible charity, Americares.

Saturday, June 2, 10:00am – 4:00pm is for American marques with special displays of cars by Briggs Cunningham, cars of John Fitch, hot rods, custom cars, competition motorcycles and supercars.

Sunday, June 3rd, 10:00am – 4:00pm is for foreign marques with special displays of cars by Briggs Cunningham, Jaguar – featuring their prewar SS Cars, competition motorcycles and supercars.

The Greenwich Concours D’elegance hosted its 22nd annual car show on June 3-4, 2017 in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Photo Brendan Boyd

This year there will be a celebration of Briggs Cunningham at the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance with a special display of Cunningham production cars and team race cars. As a special tribute all of the Cunningham cars will displayed along the waterfront on both Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday will also feature the cars of John Fitch, competition motorcycles and a circle of supercars, both American and foreign.

With a Saturday ticket you can also preview the cars for auction in the Bonhams tent.

On Saturday night there is a gala party at the Greenwich Delamar Hotel, with a buffet overlooking luxurious yachts.

The Greenwich Concours D’elegance hosted its 22nd annual car show on June 3-4, 2017 in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Photo Brendan Boyd

On Sunday there will be a special display of Jaguars, with a focus on the prewar SS Cars, prewar MGs, and competition motorcycles. Bonhams has been selected by the estate of Carroll Shelby to offer for sale two dozen cars from the personal collection of the late racer and designer. The Bonhams auction begins at noon on Sunday and requires a separate admission – or you can watch through the open side of the tent.

Over the concours weekend David Hobbs will be signing his memoir, Hobbo, in the Road & Track tent.

Wayne Carini will be filming an episode of Chasing Classic Cars and hosting a presentation of special cars on the field.

Surrounding the show field will be displays of new cars, including BMW, Cadillac, Lincoln, Tesla, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, Karma and Miller Motorcars – with Ferrari, Bugatti, Pagani, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, McLaren, Bentley and Maserati. There are even opportunities to test drive some of these amazing new vehicles. There will also be incredible yachts displayed at the Delamar Hotel docks.

There will be a limited number of VIP tickets which include early entry to the Concours, breakfast and lunch with the car owners and judges, entrance to the Bonhams Cocktail Reception on Friday night, lapel pink poster and a VIP lanyard.

Click here to buy tickets.

General Admission tickets include program and entry at 10:00am.

VIP Tickets include early entry at 8:00 am, breakfast and lunch with the car collectors, entrance to Bonhams cocktail party on Friday night, poster, lapel pin, program and VIP lanyard.

Saturday Night Gala is on Saturday, June 2nd, from 7:00 – 10:00pm at l’escale restaurant in the Delamar, includes buffet dinner and open bar.

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A Stamford man pleaded guilty on Thursday in Hartford federal court to two counts of willful failure to file an income tax return.

According to court documents and statements made in court, for more than 40 years, Wayne Margarum, Sr, 71, has owned and operated Margarum Refuse, providing garbage removal services for customers in the Stamford area and parts of Westchester County, NY.

The business services approximately 600 to 700 clients with fees ranging from $25 to $60 per month.  Neither Margarum nor his business has filed tax returns for the tax years 2004 until the present.

In pleading guilty, Margarum has agreed to make $356,330 in restitution to the U.S. Treasury, and to cooperate with the IRS to pay all outstanding taxes, interest and penalties.

Margarum is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa L. Bryant on September 19, 2018, at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two years and a maximum fine of approximately $700,000

Margarum is released on bond pending sentencing.

 The plea was announced on Thursday by John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in New England.

This matter has been investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Schmeisser.

In a cooperative effort with the Greenwich Department of Health, the Dept of Parks & Recreation will begin the summer beach season with the official opening of Greenwich Point (Tod’s Point)  and Byram Beach on Saturday, May 26, 2018 and will run through September 3, 2018.

The opening of the pools and concession at Byram
Park is pending finishing touches and a Certificate of Occupancy and will be announced separately.

Ferry service will become available starting Saturday, June 9, 2018 for both Island Beach and Great Captain’s
Island.

The island bathing beach season will run through Sept 9, 2018 for Great Captain’s Island and Sept 15, 2018 for Island Beach.

The Departments of Health and Parks and Recreation will continue to adhere to the existing policy pertaining to
the prohibition of recreational swimming at local tidal beaches after certain rainfall events for all beaches.

This policy does not include the Island Beaches since they do not appear to be affected by any one factor such as
rainfall.

Closures of the island beaches will be announced by the Dept of Health when necessary and announced for other locations after trigger rainfall events.

In carrying out Departmental policy, for the protection of the public’s health, the Division of Environmental
Services will collect and analyze beach water samples weekly throughout the season.

After rainfall events of one half inch (0.5″) or greater, Byram Beach will close automatically for one beach day.

If multiple storms occur, then the beach will close for one full day after the rain has stopped.

Openings, closings and other announcements related to beach activity will be released by the Department through the Division of Environmental Services Beach Hot Line (203-622-7855) and the Town of Greenwich website.

All swimming closures will be posted at each beach location by the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Announcements will be made through the local media.

The Dept of Health and Parks & Recreation wish all residents a happy and healthy summer.

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Four Greenwich Police Officers were among the officers recognized by Mothers Against Drunk Driving in an event at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville, CT for going above and beyond the call of duty in the fight against drunk and drugged driving.

Detective JD Smith and Master Police Officer Jeff Loock, both Drug Recognition Experts, were recognized for their contributions to the State of Connecticut’s Drug Recognition Experts program.

Drug Recognition Experts are law enforcement officers trained to identify people whose driving is impaired by drugs other than, or in addition to, alcohol. There are only fifty certified Drug Recognition Experts in the State of Connecticut.

Master Police Officer Peter Schmidt and Police Officer Fred Reisch were recognized for their individual contributions in reducing drunk driving in Greenwich.

Both officers are active in the Departments Drunk and Drugged Driving program.

Greenwich Police Traffic Sergeant Patrick Smyth also attended.

Sgt. Smyth leads the Greenwich Police Departments enforcement effort in Drunk and Drugged driving.

On May 21 Greenwich Police located a Stamford man in the private community of Milbrook in central Greenwich.

Ivan Rodriguez, 18, of 22 Warren St in Stamford was in the company of two juveniles on property where they did not belong and in possession of stolen property.

Mr. Rodriguez said he had entered multiple vehicles and had stolen property.

Rodriguez was charged with Risk of Injury to a Child, Burglary 3, Larceny 6 and Conspiracy.

He posted his $1,000 bond and has a date in Stamford Superior Court on June 4, 2018.

Dominic M Mancuso. Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept May 24, 2018

On May 21 around 8:00pm Greenwich Police on patrol in the area of East Putnam Avenue in Riverside received a report that a man had stumbled into a vehicle. Police observed vehicle driving erratically.

Police stopped the vehicle and, the driver,  identified as Dominic M Mancuso, 35, of 41 Ludlow St in Stamford had red glassy eyes, pin point pupils and the odor of alcohol.

Mancuso was unable to perform field sobriety tests to standard.

Additionally, Police found a BB gun located under Mancuso’s driver’s seat.

Mancuso, who was charged with DUI, Failure to Drive in Proper Lane and Illegal Possession of a Weapon in Motor Vehicle, was able to post his $400 bond and has a date in Stamford Superior Court on June 4, 2018.

Greenwich High students enjoy a meal on a warm afternoon. May 23, 2018 Photo: Jackson Frampton

This week Cardinal Critics Jackson, Connor and Dylan had the pleasure of reviewing one of Greenwich’s most fabled delicatessens, Rinaldi’s Country Deli.

Since its establishment in 1986, the deli has been run by sisters Michelle and Antoinette and has attracted customers throughout Greenwich.

Located at 70 Orchard Street in Cos Cob, Rinaldi’s Country Deli is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Greenwich High school and Central Middle School.

The deli is frequented by teens and young adults who are looking to grab a bite during opens and after school.

Rinaldi’s offers a wide array of signature sandwiches and some are even named after popular Greenwich locations and names such as “The Cardinal” and “The Millbrook.”

Customers at Rinaldi’s have many options when ordering a sandwich and customization is tailored to your desire. When available, you can add toppings like mac & cheese and signature buffalo nuggets.

The Critics – Dylan Boyd, Connor Axford and Jackson Framptom, visited the deli to review their most renowned and popular sandwiches and other deli foods.

Connor Axford and Dylan Boyd at Rinaldi’s. May 23, 2018 Photo: Jackson Frampton

The Bruin a popular favorite of Greenwich May 23, 2018 Photo: Jackson Frampton

Jackson ordered “The Bruin” which is a staple of the deli. The sandwich was packed to the brim with breaded chicken cutlet, homemade sweet barbeque sauce, melted fresh mozzarella, and bacon.

Dylan enjoyed “The Hanna,” another very popular sandwich at Rinaldi’s. The sandwich is prepared with a cajun spiced chicken cutlet, topped with avocado, honey mustard, pepper jack cheese and bacon.

Homemade mac and cheese May 23, 2018 Photo: Connor Axford

Lastly, Connor tried the homemade mac & cheese, which was topped with fresh cheddar jack and scallions. The homemade mac & cheese is usually made on Wednesday or Thursday. It is so delicious that it sells out pretty quickly.

Inside of RInaldi’s deli which offers salads and yogurts. May 23, 2018 Photo: Dylan Boyd

The food was made quickly and was still hot by the time the critics took their first bite.

Although there is no seating inside the deli, there is outdoor seating, which is perfect for warm summer days.

Rinaldi’s also offers a catering service, and in an effort to become more connected has embraced UberEats, which delivers food right to your doorstep.

All in all the critics could not get enough of Rinaldi’s and are looking forward to their next visit.  We highly recommend this corner deli.

Rinaldi’s Country Deli is located at 70 Orchard St in Cos Cob. Tel. (203) 622-8315

Outdoor seating section. May 23, 2018 Photo: Dylan Boyd

Rinaldi’s deli front entrance. May 23, 2018 Photo: Connor Axford

WANT YOUR EATERY REVIEWED?
To request a visit from Cardinal Critics to review what’s popular at your Greenwich eatery, email GFP editor Leslie Yager at Leslie.Yager@gmail.com with a notation “Cardinal Critics request” in the subject line!

The Cardinal Critics series on Greenwich Free Press was the brainchild of GHS alum Kai Sherwin class of 2017. His hungry team made their way through Greenwich restaurant, deli and pizza parlor menus – everything in between.

This spring Connor Axford, Jackson Frampton and Dylan Boyd, GHS seniors doing their internships at GFP, have taken up the Cardinal Critics mantle.

While the students do attend GHS, where the mascot is the Cardinal, the views expressed in Cardinal Critics reviews are not affiliated with Greenwich High School.

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With DTC chaair Tony Turner are candidate for 151st Assembly District Laura Kostin, candidate for 36th Senate District Alex Bergstein and candidate for 150th Assembly District Stephen Meskers. May 24, 2018. Photo: Jonathan Perloe

On Thursday at Town Hall, the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee introduced its endorsed candidates for the Connecticut General Assembly election in November.

Alexandra Bergstein is running for the 36th Senate District, Stephen Meskers for the 150th Assembly District and Laura Kostin for the 151st Assembly District.

Greenwich resident Ned Lamont was endorsed at the Democratic state convention as the gubernatorial candidate and Dita Bhargava cleared the threshold to appear on the primary ballot for State Treasurer.

In a release, the Democrats said they hope to build on last year’s momentum after winning control of the Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation for the first time in Town history, and electing a Democrat as Tax Collector.

“The credentials of our candidates for the General Assembly are strong,” said DTC chair Tony Turner. “They will better represent the values of our community and will make strong team in Hartford—and together will work to bring back to Greenwich a more fair share of what our taxpayers send to Hartford.”

Josh Fedeli, chair of the Stamford Democratic City Committee, said in the release, “We are excited to work with the Greenwich DTC and Alexandra Bernstein in her run for the 36th Senate District. We need a senator
that understands the needs of Stamford and will put principles ahead of party, unlike incumbent Scott Frantz who fell in line with the Republican caucus to vote down the confirmation of Andrew McDonald for chief justice against the advice of virtually the entire Connecticut legal community.”

The Greenwich DTC said in the statement, “All three candidates will run vigorous, substantive campaigns that contrast how their values and solutions differ from the incumbent Republican delegation, letting voters decide who will best represent their concerns, needs and values.”

The Greenwich Democratic Town Committee is the official organization in the Town of Greenwich, representing the Democratic Party. Greenwich. The DTC helps to elect Democrats representing Greenwich to federal, state and local office, influences Town priorities and policy, builds awareness of the causes, policies and values for which Democrats stand and works to expand the base of registered

Greenwich EMS Operations Manager Dennis Dennis Fogler outside the Marine Division in Greenwich Harbor. May 24, 2018. Photo: Leslie Yager

With the Memorial Day holiday kicking off the boating season, members of the Greenwich Police Marine Division on Thursday shared advice with boaters.

Suggestions included checking all safety devices, including flares, life vests and whistles, as well as mechanicals.

“If they do a good preliminary check and keep checking keep checking that their safety equipment is up to snuff, making sure their boat mechanically is good, they should have a safe and fun boating season,” said Sergeant Michael O’Connor, adding that boats can sink as the result of simple mechanical problems.

In season, on Saturdays and Sundays, paramedics accompany police on the Marine Division vessels. In fact, GEMS operations manager Dennis Fogler described the Marine Division vessels as essentially ambulances on the water.

Fogler said the Marine Division usually responds to 10 to 20 medical calls during the season. He said the calls usually are for heart attacks, strokes, Hypoglycemia and injuries.

Pointing out a stretcher, GEMS operations manager Dennis Fogler described the Marine Division vessels as essentially ambulances on the water. May 24, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Fogler said boaters know to radio the Marine Division on channel 16 so they can recommend EMS care and notify the hospital when they’re coming in with a patient.

He said on warm holiday weekends, the Marine Division often sees boaters suffering from dehydration.

“That’s pretty common,” he said. “When you become dehydrated it causes other problems including shortness of breath.”

Fogler’s advice? “Drink a lot of water. Use sun tan lotion. No drinking on the water. And if you have a medical condition, take your medication. If you have any symptoms or issues, call 911 or on the marine frequency, which is channel 16.”

Fogler also said the Marine Division also sees situations in which people with dehydration correlates to Hypoglycemia or Diabetes, and can present as Boating Under the Influence.

Fogler said Greenwich is unique in having medical services on board its Police Marine Division vessels.

“No other towns have this,” he said. “We’re the only department in the state of Connecticut that does this.”

Because Greenwich is unique in this sense, they also respond to calls from the water off Stamford and Port Chester.

“We’re on call for regional emergencies,” he said, adding that occasionally they’ll respond toward Northport, NY across Long Island Sound for medical calls, sinking vessels or vessels on fire. “They don’t necessarily have medical on their vessels, so they’ll call us.”

“We can do anything the ambulance can do on land,” Fogler said. “Inside, the boat is set up for casualties. The money came from Homeland Security to Greenwich Police to have the boat functional for all three services.

“On one side of the vessel is law enforcement, and the other is medical and fire,” Fogler said. “I can treat any type of situation here on the vessel that I would in the ambulance.

Fogler said having the marine vessels equipped for medical emergencies is efficient.

“It speeds up the care for people,” he said. “Instead of them rushing into a dock dock to meet up with an ambulance, we meet up with them.  I can start treating the patient and then transfer them over to a private dock.”

“Boaters in Greenwich know we have the police out here,” Fogler said. “They know we have medics on the boat. If they have a problem, they call and say, ‘We’re out by buoy 23,’ and we go pick them up and treat them and transport them.”

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Up to the minute Greenwich property transfers May, 15, 2018 transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall

14 Druid Lane

14 Druid Lane from Jeffrey Bardos and Cathleen Blood to James Stahl on May 15, 2018 for $2,367,500

2 Putnam Hill Unit 3C from Toshiyuki Niwa to Salvatore Greco on May 15, 2018 for $705,000

94 East Elm Street

94 East Elm Street Arbor Rose #1 from Barbara Suthergreen Trustee of the Gloria Heath Revocable Trust to Florence Levison on May 15, 2018 for $2,865,000

1 Milbank Ave Unit 1H from One Milbank LLC to Slavka Button on May 15, 2018 for $1,725,000

9 Cedarwood Drive from Rena Mulcare to David Paretti on May 15, 2018 for $2,200,000

16 Division Street

16 Division Street from Susan Limoncelli to Sean Farell on May 15, 2018 for $1,399,999

17 Taylor Drive

17 Taylor Drive from John Skovron to Pelger Associates LLC on May 1, 2018 for $660,000

41 Ettl Lane from John Neilsen Executor Estate of Helen Neilsen to Karl Friberg on May 15, 2018 for $810,000

See also:

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers May 14, 2018

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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There are several events taking palce in Greenwich over this Memorial Day weekend.

If you’re lucky enough to have tickets to the Greenwich Town Party on Saturday, the local bands you can expect to see include The local bands include 8 Track Band, Vinegar Mother, SWIRL, Afternoon Men, Jack & Honey, Brunswick Music Improv, and Footprints.

Here is the full music line up. Watch for GFP’s photos by Asher Almonacy after the event!

Beware of traffic gridlock on Saturday and expect the off ramp from 95 exit 3 to be closed for a time.

Also don’t take up any of the parking spots designated for the Greenwich Farmers market, which runs from 9:30am til 1:00pm in Horseneck Lot.

On Sunday the annual Glenville Memorial Day parade and service step off at 5:00pm. The events were announced by the 9th District Veterans Association and the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company.

The parade route runs from Glenville Street at Walker Court down to the Glenville Fire House.

After the parade there will be a brief ceremony and wreath laying at the Veterans Monument adjacent to the Fire House

9th District Veterans Association and Glenville Volunteer Fire Co Announce Memorial Day Parade and Service

Then on Monday, the American Legion Post 29 will feature Medal of Honor Recipient Paul Bucha at the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Indian Harbor Yacht Club  8:00am. The public are invited to attend.

American Legion Post 29 to Feature Medal of Honor Recipient at Annual Wreath Laying Ceremony at IHYC

Also, on Monday, May 28, 2018, the Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department’s Memorial Day Parade will step off at 10:00am and proceed north on Sound Beach Ave with a memorial ceremony at the conclusion of the parade in Binney Park to honor veterans who served from the Town of Greenwich.

Mark Your Calendars for the Old Greenwich Memorial Day Parade 2018

Dr. Jill Gildea. file photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea has announced that she will be departing Greenwich this summer due to her family’s unanticipated relocation to Utah.

The Greenwich Board of Education initiated recruitment efforts today for an Interim Superintendent immediately following Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea’s announcement that she will be leaving the Greenwich Public Schools later this year due to her family’s unanticipated relocation to Utah.

Dr. Gildea said, “I have been privileged with the charge of leading the Greenwich educational community in navigating both transactional and transformative work across exemplary schools. The work that has transpired here has been truly impressive, and I will carry the innovative programming forward. The focus on keeping students at the center of all we do is notable, and I’m honored to have served with such a committed and dedicated team of educators.

The highly effective, integrated community partnerships that bring in donations and best in class services, all within a solid balanced budget are just a few examples of the power of a dedicated staff and community. Though my time here in the district was shorter than I imagined, I look back with great pride and satisfaction knowing that we, together, have prepared students for their next steps. I remain grateful for and impressed with the work of our instructional and operational administrators, educators, and support staff. Their dedication and commitment to excellence is evident in all they do across the District.”

Dr. Gildea began as Superintendent of the Greenwich Public Schools in July 2017, and has overseen the implementation of later school start times for the District’s secondary schools, the development of a fifteen-year facilities master plan, the launch of the New Lebanon School building project, the implementation of the personalized learning math pilot, the acceptance of a $160 million budget, and the hiring and onboarding of the top operational leaders for the District.

Dr. Gildea will be available to provide transitional support throughout this period of time.

In addition, the search for a permanent Superintendent will begin without delay. Dr. Gildea will be available to provide support throughout the transition.

See also:

Interview with Dr. Jill Gildea: Imagining Greenwich Schools for the Next 50 Years

BOE Approves Gildea’s Start/End Time Creative Solution for GHS: The Opportunity Block

Key Member of Greenwich Public Schools Administration to Depart 

Greenwich Board of Education Votes to Appoint Sal Corda as Interim Superintendent, July 1

It’s Official: McKersie Got the Job in Weston. Search for Interim Begins in Greenwich.

First Selectman Peter J. Tesei has issued the following statement on the resignation of School Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea, which was announced on Friday.

“I have enjoyed the collaborative working relationship that Dr. Gildea and I have developed during the past months. While I understand her decision to leave Greenwich, I certainly am disappointed. I wish her well in her new professional endeavor in Utah and am glad that she has agreed to stay on through the summer to assist with the school leadership transition.

“Dr. Gildea is the 12th superintendent to lead Greenwich public schools in the last 20 years. The fact Greenwich has been unable to retain a Superintendent for the long-term, is indicative that something is structurally, and perhaps philosophically, wrong with the processes employed by the Board of Education. It is my hope and desire that the Board of Education will review its policies, procedures and processes and be able to identify what needs to be done to bring long-term stability in the leadership of our school system.”

See also:

Gildea Resigns

Chef Daniel Boulud. Contributed photo

The 2018  Greenwich Wine + Food Festival this year welcomes Daniel Boulud in addition to returning chefs Adam Richman and Mary Giuliani, who will join previously announced chefs Scott Conant and Alex Guarnaschelli.

The 2018 event takes place September 21-22 at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich.

Boulud is a worldwide culinary icon, known best for his Michelin-starred restaurant, DANIEL in New York, as well as 19 renowned eateries across the globe, from Miami to Singapore. The French chef and restaurateur, a six-time recipient of the “Best Chefs in America” accolade from the James Beard Foundation, will be honored and dine with guests on Saturday night at the Platinum VIP On-Stage & Lawn Dinner, a separate ticketed event. He will also meet and greet festival-goers during a book signing on Saturday.

“It is an honor to welcome Chef Boulud to our event for the first time this year,” said Suni Unger, founder and CEO of Unger Media. “With his restaurant DANIEL marking 25 fantastic years, we are happy to be able to join in the celebration. In addition, Chef Boulud reflects the charitable focus of the Festival through his work with various causes, including Ment’or, which is inspiring the next generation of culinary talent.”

The lineup of celebrity chefs continues to grow. Festival favorite Adam Richman, beloved for his Travel Channel series “Man v. Food,” will return to lead a culinary demonstration, mingle with guests at a book signing and host the ever-popular Burger Battle. He’ll be joined by celebrity caterer and author Mary Giuliani, executive chef and author Kevin Des Chenes, and celebrated chef and educator Lindsay Perkins.

“We are thrilled to announce this strong lineup of award-winning chefs. Their passion for their craft shows in everything they do at the festival, from culinary demonstrations to interacting with foodie guests,” added Unger.

The 2018 Most Innovative Chefs, who will be announced in the coming weeks, and the Festival Ambassador Chefs, who have lent not only their culinary talent but also their enthusiasm for food to the Festival over the years, will provide their gourmet cuisine at the Opening Night Master Chef Wine Dinner, which will honor Alex Guarnaschelli for her innovation and substantial contributions to the culinary world, and welcome Scott Conant and Richman as special guests. Ambassador Chefs will also prepare an exceptional dinner for VIP ticket holders on Saturday.

This year’s Ambassador Chefs include:

• Mogan Anthony (Village Social) (Friday)
• Jes Bengtson (Terrain Cafe) (Saturday)
• Carlos Baez (The Spread / El Segundo) (Saturday)
• Arturo Franco Camacho (Shell & Bones Oyster Bar / Geronimo Tequila Bar & Southwest Grill) (Saturday)
• Rui Correia (Douro) (Friday)
• Stavros Karipides (Famous Greek Kitchen) (Saturday)
• Geoff Lazlo (Geoff Lazlo Catering) (Saturday)
• Stephen Lewandowski (Harlan Social / Harlan Publick) (Saturday)
• Lisa & Steve Maronian (Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes) (Friday)
• Nick Martschenko (South End / South End Uncorked) (Friday)
• Mike Pietrafeso (Ada’s Kitchen & Coffee / Roost) (Saturday)
• Debra Ponzek (Aux Delices) (Friday)
• Brian Reilly (Mecha Noodle Bar) (Saturday)
• Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering) (Friday)
• Brad Spence (Amis Trattoria) (Saturday)
• Matt Storch (Match / Match Burger Lobster / nom-eez) (Friday)
• Bill Taibe (The Whelk / Kawa Ni / Jesup Hall) (Saturday)
• Luke Venner (Elm) (Friday)
• Ian Vest (Back 40 Kitchen / Mill Street Bar and Table) (Friday)

Tickets for the Festival All Weekend Pass ($625/ticket) are available via www.greenwichwineandfood.com or by calling (203) 588-1363 (additional tickets including Opening Night Master Chef Wine Dinner, Saturday All Day Pass-General & VIP will be available in the coming weeks).

The festival weekend will be held rain or shine, and anyone under 21, including infants or strollers, will not be admitted. Animals are also not permitted.

See also:

PHOTOS: 2017 Greenwich Wine + Food Festival Featured a Picture Perfect Day

Greenwich crew team members showed off a trophy the team won at the N.E. Regionals! on May 19-20, 2018. Left to right: Ellie Leites, a senior at Ellie Leites from Horace Greeley High School, Ethan Boone from GHS, Trent Polkinghorne from GHS, Camille Broderick from GHS, Daisy DeVore from Mamaroneck High School and Nico Matejak from Greenwich High School. May 23, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Last weekend the Greenwich Crew team competed at the Northeast Regionals at Lake Lake Quinsigamond in Massachusetts, taking home the overall Team Points Trophy, the Women’s Points Trophy, and the Men’s Points Trophy.

According to women’s coach Heidi Hunsberger, it was windy at Lake Quinsigamond, which made the competition more of a challenge.

“In a boat you have rowers and a Coxswain who steers,” she said. “The Coxswain has to understand how to steer and work together with the rowers.”

On Wednesday, several members of the team talked about how they got started rowing and joined the Greenwich Crew team.

Ellie Leites, a senior at Horace Greeley High School, said she had gotten her start when she was a freshman and attended the Greenwich Crew summer camp.

Others started when they accompanied someone to “Bring Your Friend to Crew Day.”

In fact this June 2 is “Learn to Row Day” from 9:00am to 12:00 noon at Greenwich Water Club. The event is open for anyone from 6th grade to adult.

Trent Polkinghorne, Daisy DeVore, Ellie Leites, Ethan Boone, Camille Broderick and Nico Matejak at Greenwich Water Club. May 23, 2018

While many popular sports expect players to specialize from a young age, it’s dangerous to take up crew too young because it is a weight-bearing sport.

“Sometimes we get athletes who had a concussion playing football, lacrosse or soccer,” said coach Catherine Starr.

“There’s still a big walk-on contingent in college, especially for people who did a sport in high school, but didn’t get recruited,” said coach Heidi Hunsberger.

“From our varsity eight this spring, two of our athletes both started during their sophomore year at high school,” said Trent Polkinghorne, a senior at Greenwich High School. “It shows you can start any time if you put in the work.”

“You won’t know you’re good until you try,” said men’s coach Robert Montague.

Camille Broderick, a senior at GHS who is headed to Princeton in the fall, said, “Everyone on the team is really supportive of newcomers. What was exciting is that the victories aren’t indicative of one boat. It shows our depth as a team. Our goal is to not leave anyone out.”

In fact, the team includes about 65 girls and 70 boys.

The three coaches talked about the commitment required.

Coach Montague, along with Starr and Hunsberger said rowers are typically very self-motivated.

“Their talent is their work ethic,” Starr said. “Their putting in the time makes it appealing. If you’re willing to work hard, you can come here and find a niche. It’s a fun group of people.”

Being on the Greenwich Crew team requires about a 2-1/2 hour commitment a day, roughly from 4:oopm until 6:30pm, and practices are never in the morning. In inclement weather, practice moves indoors.

“Rick Kral has been instrumental,” said coach Hunsberger of Greenwich Water Club owner. “He supports us with space, equipment and time. He makes it all happen.”

Hunsberger explained that team members also are motivated to continue after practice ends, putting in extra time erging, doing core work outs and injury prevention exercises.

“There are both individual goals and team goals,” Hunsberger said. “We work with Performance Therapy, who help us with an injury prevention program designed for rowers.”

“You can always do more,” Polkinghorne said. “There is a huge emotional investment in this sport.”

More information on Greenwich Crew is available online.

At Greenwich Water Club the 8’s and 4’s which are sweeping boats, and Quads which are sculling (two oars). Photo: Leslie Yager

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On May 18 Greenwich Police stopped a car with a suspended and expired registration on Delavan Ave around noon.

The driver, Jordan H Vera, 29 of 27 W Division Street in Greenwich, was found to have a suspended Connecticut Driver’s License due to a prior DUI arrest.

He was arrested and charged with Failure to Renew Registration, Driving Under Suspension and Driving Under Suspension-Alcohol.

His bond was set at $245, which he posted. He has a date in Stamford Superior Court on June 1, 2018.

by  Elizabeth Ortiz-Schwartz, M.D, Adolescent TLP Service Chief, Silver Hill Hospital

The popular yet controversial new season of the Netflix show “13 Reasons Why” was released on May 18 prompting parents and mental health clinicians to ask themselves once again whether this is the best  forum for addressing teen suicide and other controversial themes.

Season one aired last year with the premise of an adolescent who committed suicide and who left behind a series of videos addressed to the individuals who had wronged her in some way by being hurtful or indifferent and contributed to her suicide.

The show created a stir amongst concerned parents and mental health professionals due to the idea that it romanticized suicide.  The person who committed suicide in the show could see the reaction her death had on others after her death. This can be problematic as it may give young people contemplating suicide the idea that they could somehow have revenge or help others understand their pain when that is never the case.

Additionally adults, even those in the mental health field were not portrayed as helpful.

Across our area and possible across the country, many teens had strong reactions to watching the show by increases in outreach to school mental health professionals and crisis teams.

Although the authors intention, to destigmatize talking about mental health might be a noble goal but one with perils, particularly with sensitive individuals who can easily identify with these themes and might not have the ability to differentiate between their own thoughts  and feelings and the longer term consequences of their actions.  A long studied phenomenon is that teen suicide can be subject to contagion, meaning that there is occasionally a copycat phenomenon in sensitive individuals. It may be hard to predict if shows such as these may be more problematic than helpful in addressing teen’s mental health needs.

Being available on Netflix lends itself to watching privately or teens binge watching alone in their rooms. Parents were often unaware of their teens viewing habits and might not have been helpful in their ability to process these very difficult themes.

The new season will address topics of suicide and school violence, which can be very anxiety provoking.

Since shows like this and others are likely to continue and expand in number, it is important for parents to learn how to talk to their teens about them.

Some tips for parents.

1. Ask in a non-judgmental way what the child or teen knows about the show.  If they have not seen it, they might have learned about it from friends or social media.
2. If the child or teen has seen the show ask them to discuss with you what did they learn and how did they feel. Ask open ended questions, “What did you think of Hannah?”
3. If they state they have felt uncomfortable, anxious or have experienced negative emotions related to this. Ask them if they have ever felt that way themselves.
4. If they don’t, ask them if they would still like to talk about it with a knowledgeable trusting adult.
5. If they have ever felt that way, find out if they are feeling safe in the moment. If they do, increasing supervision and seeking help from a qualified mental health professional.
6. If your child has experienced suicidal or self-injury avoid the show altogether.
7. If your teen wants to watch the show, try to prescreen it and suggest watching it together.
8. Maintain the lines of communication open. Create a safe zone to discuss their concerns.
9. Talk to your child about bullying and kindness. Teach them how to solve conflicts peacefully.
10. Teach your child to relax and have positive emotional outlets.
11. If you see your child experience significant sustained changes in mood, appetite, energy, school avoidance, isolation or anxiety speak to his/her pediatrician and/or mental health professional. Only 20% of children in need of mental health supports across the US actually receive it.

Below are some resources to help talk about the difficult subjects the show brings up:

https://www.sprc.org/resources-programs/know-signs

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/how-we-can-all-prevent-suicide/

https://www.stopbullying.gov/

http://www.loveisrespect.org/

https://drugfree.org/

Silver Hill Hospital is an 87 year old, not-for-profit psychiatric hospital with acute crisis stabilization and longer-term Transitional Living Programs. It admits 3,000 adolescents and adults annually for psychiatric disorders that include addiction, pain with co-occurring addiction, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, schizophrenia and Silver Hill also specializes co-occurring diagnosis and treatment.

Eleanor Breck discusses her health blog. May 23rd, 2018 Photo: Audrey Thalheim

Between late May and mid-June, many Greenwich High School seniors embark on either an independent project or an internship prior to graduation.

Two Greenwich High School students, Eleanor Breck and Anna Whiteside, decided to create a health blog for their senior project.

The blog includes reviews of local exercise classes that are teen-friendly as well as weekly challenges and healthy, easy to make recipes. “I chose this project to create a plan to stay healthy in college,” Breck said.

Eleanor Breck scrolls through the health kick Instagam. May 23rd, 2018 Photo: Audrey Thalheim

The weekly challenges included in the blog are open for other teens to participate in. Participants can send in photos of them completing the challenge to the Instagram @Health_Kick2018. The week of May 21st is cardio week.

The challenge involved running 0.5 miles each day for a total of 2.5 miles by Friday the 25th.

Check out their blog: https://sites.google.com/a/greenwichschools.org/health-kick/

Two teens staying active at Tod’s Point. May 23rd, 2018 Photo: Audrey Thalheim

The Greenwich Police Department Spring 2018 Women’s Self Defense Class and Women’s High School Students Awareness Class graduated on May 16, 2018.

The five-week program was open to female applicants between 18-55 years of age and High School Juniors and Seniors. The class met twice a week at 6:00 – 9:15 pm at the Greenwich Police Department.

The Women’s Self-Defense class enabled participants to learn proven techniques that will both bolster their confidence in self-defense situations and overcome physical/psychological situations.

Instructors for the program are highly-trained and experienced Greenwich Police Officers.

The Greenwich Police Department is proud to have 16 High School students and 16 women graduate from this program.

The Greenwich Police Department is tentatively scheduling a Fall 2018 Women’s Self Defense Class which should begin in October 2018. Please check the Town of Greenwich Website for exact class dates as the date arrives.

Any further questions can be directed to the Greenwich Police Community Impact Office at 203-618-8307