Opening day at the Old Greenwich Farmers’ Market, 2017. Credit: Karen Sheer

The Old Greenwich Farmers Market kicks off its 8th season on Wednesday, May 30 in the parking lot of the Living Hope Community Church (formerly known as the Presbyterian Church of Old Greenwich) at 38 West End Avenue in Old Greenwich.

Market hours are 2:30-6:00pm.

Opening day music will be presented by Dueces Child and the playground on-site provides additional entertainment for the children.

The Market offers Connecticut grown, farm-fresh products and promotes local businesses in a lively family oriented setting.

Returning farm vendors include Smith Acres, Riverbank Farm, Truelove Farm, Woodland Farm (expected in July) and Moorefield Herb Gardens.

Joe from Smith Acres. Credit: Karen Sheer

Returning guest vendors include Sono Baking Co., Bongo & Capacci Pasta, Carrot Top Kitchens, Oronoque Farms Pies, Lulu’s Southern Pies, Paul’s Custom Pet Food, Chef Gretchen, Empanadas-on-the-Go, Bees Knees Ice Pops, Mom’s Magic Masala, and the Living Hope Community Church Prayer Tent.

In a community partnership with Neighbor to Neighbor, the farmers donate excess produce to the Greenwich food pantry, facilitated by volunteers from Neighbor to Neighbor.

In addition, The Garden Club of Old Greenwich will be in attendance throughout the season with helpful and useful information, ideas and gardening tips.

This year, expect new items from Ivy’s Granola, Dough & Company, and Early’s Edibles.

In addition, look for natural skin products by Pia Rosa, responsibly engineered and innovative designs by 3Dux designs and pottery by Danielle Evita this season.

Most guest vendors attend every other week or once a month. To find out who is attending each week, email info@oldgreenwichfarmersmarket.com to receive the market’s Tuesday evening newsletter.

Sono Baking Company, another pie sold. Credit: Karen Sheer

Fresh Apricot and Fig Tart, The Sono Baking Company. Credit: Karen Sheer

Moorfield Herb Farm; spring selections. Credit: Karen Sheer

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Cricket Dyment, Sue Moretti Bodson, Katie Yu and Lori Woodring at the PTAC Essence Awards, May 29, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

At the PTA Council Essence Awards on Tuesday, volunteers in Greenwich Schools were honored for their selflessness, ongoing involvement, being a willing team member, a motivator, a significant improver of the school community, as well as being representatives of PTA values of collaboration, commitment, respect and integrity.

Superintendent Gildea was unable to attend but sent her congratulations and appreciation to the volunteers. First Selectman Peter Tesei attended, along with several school principals and past Essence award recipients.

BOE chair Peter Bernstein was in attendance, as his wife Valerie Rimmer received an Essence award for her efforts at Julian Curtiss and Central Middle School.

Sue Moretti Bodson receives her Lifetime Essence Award from Lori Woodring and Cricket Dyment at the 2018 PTAC Essence Awards. May 29, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Sue Moretti Bodson, who received the Lifetime Essence award,  was acknowledged for her “world class grit. Bodson first began volunteering in 2003 when her eldest started kindergarten at Glenville School. There she served on the executive board and nominating committee and later served as co-president from 2004 to 2006.

Bodson, who was nominated by Leslie Breck, Julie Faryniarz and Patti Jomo, also served on that school’s building committee, which from beginning to end took nearly 10 years and hundreds of meetings to complete.

Later Bodson was elected to the Greenwich PTAC executive board, serving as First VP from 2007 to 2009 and president from 2009 to 2011.

She also served on the Western Middle School PTA executive board from 2011-2014, and when eldest went to Greenwich High School, her PTA efforts went to serving the GHS PTA as VP of Ways and Means 2013 to 2015.

It was noted that Bodson has been able to tap into her institutional knowledge of “all things PTA” to answer a plethora of questions.

Left to right: Valerie Rimmer, Leslee Spadone, Leslie Breck, Reina Medrano, Katie Yu, Sue Moretti Bodson, Debbie Moses, Wendy Lederer. Rear: Christine Surette, Mary Rose Malchow, Anne Vranos, Shelly Cryer.

Shelly Cryer, nominated by Liane Tel, exemplifies the characteristics of the Essence award as one of the most dedicated volunteers at Old Greenwich School.

Cryer organizes curriculum enrichment events, works collaboratively with the town arts to develop arts programming for all schools, and makes sure that all children, regardless of funding, have access to the same access to the arts.

She took this ethos beyond the school and into the community by developing Curiosity Concerts, in conjunction with the Greenwich Arts Council, a free concert series for families with children of many age, to enjoy wide ranging genres of music.

She is also dedicated to working with children who have medical conditions, including but not limited to life threatening allergies. Each year she meets with the school nurse and designs a poster of all the children with food allergies and other conditions which is used throughout the school to make teachers and staff aware of and attentive to students medical needs.

When one of the Old Greenwich teachers passed away this year, Cryer spent hours designing a memorial to him to be placed in the hall as a reminder of the impact he had on the school community.

PTAC Essence Award Co-Chairs Cricket Dyment and Lori Woodring at at the awards ceremony, May 29, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Leslie Breck was nominated by Maria Merrill and Anne Pfetsch, co-presidents of the Greenwich High School PTA.

It was noted that Breck is known as “a lifer” in PTA who started volunteering at Parkway School 18 years ago.  Midway through the school year, when Parkway PTA was going through a difficult time, she stepped into the co-president role.

She also served as a VP on PTA Council, and later co-chaired a committee that conducted a full study of the relationship of PTAC with individual PTAs as well as state and national PTAs. During her second year on PTAC she co-chaired a committee that developed the Essence award.

At GHS PTA, Breck has served as VP on the executive board, volunteered in Bella House as house coordinator and in student activities. Additionally, at GHS, during a budget review, she did an analysis of student spending on a per pupil basis.

She helped put into practice a new lawn sign tradition for GHS graduation and recently planned a senior parent retrospective involving  refreshments, DJ and photo booth for parents at SRO.

Debbie Moses

Debbie Moses, who was nominated by GHS PTA presidents Maria Merrill and Anne Pfetsch, has coordinated volunteers at the school’s student activities desk. Not only does she coordinate all of these shifts of volunteers, but she also volunteers for a shift herself. In addition, she helps the student activities with end of semester activities, ice cream parties and cap & gown distribution.

Moses has been an active volunteer since her eldest started at Old Greenwich School in 2003. She chaired cultural enrichment from 2006-2008. At Eastern Middle School, she ran grade level dances.

Her nominees at GHS describe her as a “mini CEO,” who ably manages a force of over 100 volunteers.

Valerie Rimmer was nominated separately by both Jessie Bennett and Janine Scharff who said she puts 100 percent into all the positions she undertakes and prefers to work quietly behind the scenes.

She has served on the executive boards at both Julian Curtiss School and CMS. At JC, she organizes all of the class parents and helps at every school event, monitors the afters program, chairs grandparents day, school photo day, and much more.

Her nominators said Rimmer exemplifies the qualities of kindness, respect and dedication, all while working long hours at her job as international exchange program director.

Leslee Spadone at the PTA Council Essence awards, May 29, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Leslee Spadone was nominated by Christina Sogaard on behalf of the
Central Middle School Executive Board. For the past two years she’s served as Treasurer of the Central Middle School PTA while also working full time. Although she has contributed so much to CMS she will be remembered for spearheading the PTA’s move to the 21st century by single-handedly setting up the My School Anywhere app, and has been extremely involved with fundraising and parent social events.

Christine Surette, nominated by Susan Striker, the art teacher at Cos Cob School, received a PTAC Essence Award, May 29, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Christine Surette was nominated by Cos Cob School art teacher Susan Striker, who said the art department relies on her extraordinary computer skills, organizational talent and ability to create beautiful displays.

Cricket Dyment and Lori Woodring with Katie Yu at the PTAC Essence Awards, May 29, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Katie Yu, who was nominated by Stacy Loveless, Karen Saggese, Susanna
Trudeau and WMS principal Gordon Beinstein, received the 2018 PTA Council Essence award for Excellence in volunteerism.

“It is difficult for me to put into words what Katie has done for Western and the PTA. She makes efforts to bring people to meetings with carefully selected speakers and to raise money for all kids through creative fundraising efforts,” said WMS principal Gordon Beinstein. “Most importantly Katie is a cheerleader and advocate for the school, attending everything school related in the district, and in every setting she raves about the school. I can’t tell you what this has done for our reputation.”

Trudeau said, “There is no aspect of the Greewnich school system Katie has not immersed herself, from curriculum instruction and enrichment, staffing and budget issues – she has given countless hours of her time to attend school and district meetings, always evaluating what works, what the PTA can do better and what is the best solution.”

Ms. Yu was credited with reaching out to Spanish speaking families, and making sure there is a translator present in order for everyone to participate at in events and being a true believer in the strength that diversity brings to a school.

Yu was also credited with raising the positive profile of Western Middle School and get as many parents involved as possible. She applied for and won a national STEM grant which will fund a science night.

Wendy Lederer at the PTA Council Essence Awards, May 29, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Wendy Lederer, nominated by Liane Tel, has been an active PTA volunteer at North Street School for many years, starting as a yearbook photographer.  She then worked on Arts Education and Cultural Enrichment before joining the Executive Board as VP of Faculty Support and Planning. Last year she was one of three volunteers on nominating committee.

Mary Rose Malchow and Anne Vranos were nominated together by nominated together by GHS PTA Co-presidents Maria Merrill and Anne Pfetch. Anne and Mary Rose had reputations that preceded them, having overseen the North Mianus School Powow for several years.

The GHS PTA approched the two women before they even had children at GHS and asked them to plan the school fundraiser, which had not taken place for several years due to declining parent interest. They started from scratch to “Paint the Town Red.”

Mary Rose and Anne were challenged with every aspect of planning the event from finding out how to apply for a liquor permit to how to mail out thousands of invitations. They pounded the pavement and forged relationships with local businesses to donate prizes and discount cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. They enlisted friends to decorate Richards, design invitations and run the silent auction. The event surpassed revenue projections by over 50 percent.

Reina Medrano was nominated by Hamilton Avenue School PTA president Catherine Fiorito-Brunetti.

Medrano has been the class parent for all of her three children’s classes since they started at the school. She’s been on the executive 4 years as VP of Volunteers and VP of Communication.

When they were shorthanded at the book fair, Reina came every day with her six month old.

Every Friday the school has a group of volunteers, and Brunetti said it is rare to not find Medrano there.

Medrano constantly finds new volunteers. Whether they speak English or Spanish, she makes them feel welcome. As a Spanish speaker, she has been instrumental recruiting Spanish speaking moms who otherwise might not feel comfortable.

See also:

Greenwich Schools PTA Council Essence Award Winners Shine at Havemeyer

PTAC 2016 Essence Awards Honor Nine Outstanding Greenwich Schools Volunteers

Who Said Volunteering is Thankless? PTAC Essence Awards Recognize Tireless Volunteers

Parent Volunteers Are the Essence of PTA in Greenwich 2015

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Two Greenwich High School Seniors, Michelle Xiong and Michelle Fu, are creating a fun video to encourage the use of reusable bags in Greenwich for their senior project.

“We are hoping to feature as many photos or videos of residents and businesses using their reusable bags as possible,” the girls said. “Please consider snapping a shot of yourself with your reusable bag or anyone else you see.”

Send photos or questions to mich.xiong@gmail.com before June 13.

Sunday, June 10, 2018 from 10am – 2pm at Greenwich Town Hall
Every child dreams of sitting behind the wheel of a fire truck, honking the horn of a dump truck or riding a roaming railroad. Those dreams can become reality at the Junior League of Greenwich’s 18th annual “Touch A Truck!” This year’s event will take place on Sunday, June 10th, 2018 at Greenwich Town Hall (101 Field Point Road) from 10am to 2pm – Rain or Shine.

Touch A Truck! is an important fundraiser for the Junior League of Greenwich and draws nearly 3,000 attendees each year. Girls and boys of all ages will enjoy the festivities.

As always there will be firetrucks, including Greenwich’s new brush truck and an antique firetruck, as well as ambulances, a backhoe, a snowplow, a vacuum truck and more construction equipment than a child can dream. But that’s not all! There will also be bounce houses, the Bubble Bus, the Fun Bus, ride-on Zoobots, Roaming Railways, slot car racing and RC Monster Trucks. Live shows by Greenwich Audubon, Mad Science, Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu. Live musical performances by Jay and Ray as well as Songs for Seeds and a variety of Food Trucks for mouthwatering treats.

General admission to Touch A Truck! is $40. Please also consider becoming a sponsor of a family by purchasing an Angel Truck Ticket. Proceeds from the event will benefit the community projects of the Junior League of Greenwich including: Positively Me!, BAM! (Boys Achieving More), DoneIn
A Day, and the Greenwich Pool in Byram Park. Advance Tickets can be found on the Junior League of Greenwich website at www.jlgreenwich.org/touch-a-truck.

The Junior League of Greenwich would like to thank their generous leading sponsors: The Gibbons Foundation, Greenwich Braces, Putnam Indian Field School and Whitby School.

Two women were arrested around 10:00am on May 23 after Greenwich Police received a report of a disturbance in the areas of Field Point Road.

When police arrived, Shaun Sheridan, 58, of 27 Ogden Rd in Stamford and Elisabete Haddad, 56, of 561 Willett Ave in Port Chester, NY had engaged in a loud, tumultuous argument in the area of Field Point Road that alarmed a bystander who called police.

Ms. Haddad and Ms. Haddad were each charged with Breach of Peace 2 and assigned  a date in Stamford Superior court on May 24, 2018.

Kate Piotrowski

Student hugging and thanking their reading tutor. Wednesday May 23, 2018 Photo: Kate Piotrowski

On Wednesday May 23, volunteers who work with young students involved in the Reading Champions program were honored at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.

Organized by the Greenwich United Way in conjunction with Greenwich Public Schools, students are paired with a tutor to work one-on-one on fluency and literacy skills.

The program expands to all Greenwich elementary schools, the YWCA of Greenwich, Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich and the after-school program at Byram Archibald Neighborhood Center (BANC).

Students receiving awards for strides in reading. Wednesday May 23, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Bobby Walker, CEO Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, a former teacher himself, said the correlation between those who read well and success is strong, “It carries through their entire lives and all subjects in school. Thanks to the United Way students are provided with reading material and a tutor,” he said.

Joan Lowe, the founder of Reading Champions explained that, “The kids come here to practice their reading and it improves, fostering growth and love for books.”

Walker mentioned, “She is here over the summer and over breaks,” referring to Lowe. “The love she shares is one of the reasons it is so successful.”

Going on 10 years, Reading Champions started with 8 volunteers and 24 students, now hosting 110 tutors and 450 students. Lowe’s love is evident in the growth of Reading Champions.

Reading Champions tutor recounting stories about her students growing reading abilities. Wednesday May 23, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Leslie Yager

Students with their reading medals. Wednesday May 23, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

At the ceremony young readers were presented a medal and summer reading book by their tutor.

Each tutor shared sweet anecdotes about their student from the kinds of books they enjoy to the types of words that challenged them.

The students excitement and appreciation for their tutor was evident, as each were beaming with smiles accepting their medals. Congratulations to the students (keep reading!) and thank you to all the tutors and volunteers involved!

Kate Piotrowski

Students handing flowers to their tutor.Wednesday May 23, 2018 Photo: Kate Piotrowski

Reading Champions is always looking for more volunteers if you are interested in becoming a reading tutor apply here: https://greenwichunitedway.org/organization/united-way-reading-champions/

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On May 23, Casey O’Brien, 30, of 50 North Street in Greenwich turned herself in to Greenwich Police on an outstanding warrant for an incident that took place on April 27, 2018 in the area of Londonderry Drive and Stanwich Road.

O’Brien was charged with DUI and Failure to Drive in Proper Lane.

Her bond was set at $5,000, which she was able to post. She was assigned a date in Stamford Superior Court on June 6, 2018.

Links Academy, a division of Greenwich Education Group, is pleased to present a Public Health event: Migraines In Adolescents: It’s Not All In Your Head, featuring Dr. Lauren R. Natbony, Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

This free presentation will be held at the YWCA Greenwich on Thursday, May 31 at 7:00pm. Along with the YWCA Greenwich, sponsoring partners include Moffly Media, the Greenwich PTA Council, and Children’s Medical Group.

The presentation will focus on what parents and educators need to know about migraines in young adults, including:

•     How to recognize symptoms, causes, and contributing factors

•     The latest research and treatment trends

•     The academic, social, and emotional implications of migraines.

A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Dr. Natbony promotes a proactive approach in dealing with migraines.

“Early treatment of migraines in children and adolescents can prevent the development of chronic daily headaches and improve and—in some cases,—eliminate headaches from progressing to adulthood,” she said. “Start by improving lifestyle. Eat regular meals full of green leafy vegetables and lean proteins. Get a good night’s sleep and maintain a regular sleep schedule. Exercise at least 3–4 times a week for 30–40 minutes. Your brain will thank you!”

According to Godfrey Azima, Head of School at Links Academy, “We are seeing migraines more commonly in kids. Migraines negatively impact school performance and social-emotional well-being.”

Azima said the staff at Links Academy felt that it would be a benefit to the community to increase awareness about migraines in adolescents. The talk will include information about safe, effective options for migraine prevention.

“We are confident that anyone who attends this event will leave with a number of ideas about how to help children who suffer from this debilitating condition,” Azima said.

Dr. Lauren Natbony is an Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She specializes in pediatric and adult headache medicine and interventional procedures for the treatment of headaches.

Dr. Natbony received her undergraduate degree from Stanford University and her medical degree from the Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami (FL). She completed an internship in Internal Medicine and a residency in Neurology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and a Fellowship in Headache Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine.

Dr. Natbony is trained in the administration of botulinum toxin injections, nerve blocks, and trigger point injections for migraine relief and has received advanced training in medical acupuncture at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Natbony is board certified in Neurology by the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry, and in Headache Medicine by the United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Headache Society, the International Headache Society, and the Headache Cooperative of New England.

Links Academy is a NEASC-accredited and NCAA-approved short- and long-term school for students in Grades 6-12. Links provides the educational support and academic continuity that students require to remain on-track, catch up academically, and accelerate their learning on campus or remotely.

Greenwich Education Group, a US Small Business Administration Award winner, is a multidivisional educational organization that strives to support every facet of a child’s academic, social, and emotional development. Our NEASC-accredited day schools (Links Academy, The Pinnacle School, and The Spire School) offer individualized instruction to an array of learners. Their curricula and teaching methods are as diverse as their students.

Additionally, GEG offers a full slate of ancillary services, including tutoring, standardized test preparation, educational consulting, and college counseling. Sessions take place in their centers, in home, and online. Specialized services for differentiated learners of all ages are delivered at their award-winning Collaborative Center for Learning and Development. Their philosophy of individualized education targets each student’s needs by building on their strengths.

Taylor Ford, who had just come home from college, was having his hair cut by Glenn Podbielski at Avenue Barber. May 25, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

There are many changes taking place on Greenwich Avenue this spring.

“It’s a win-win for Greenwich Avenue. There are several new national names opening their doors,” said Diane Roth of Allied Property Group, who has been busy lately pairing businesses with available spaces on Greenwich Avenue. “There are also several independent businesses being opened by locals.”

Felicia Salazar with daughter Ava at newly opened Fifi & Bella. May 25, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

A new independent clothing store, Fifi & Bella, located at 50 Greenwich Ave, has just opened.

Filling a niche, Fifi & Bella targets tweens and teens, selling everything from dresses for graduations, weddings and dances to casual attire.

Owner Felicia Salazar of Armonk, said Fifi was her nickname as a child. “And ‘Bella’ in Italian means beautiful and I always  called my three daughters my bellas,” she said, referring to Amanda (20), Ava (16) and Angelica (13).

“We’re filling a gap left by Wish List,” Salazar said, adding that some fun events are in the works including workshops and mini camps where girls can learn about hair, make up, etiquette and fashion styling.

Near the Avenue, at 37 East Putnam Ave, next to Glory Days Diner, is the Threading Brow Bar, run by Leena Dedhia, who already has a threading business at the Stamford Town Center.

“It’s a small nook, and they’ll offer threading and henna tattoo services,” Roth said. “It’s fun and popular. Kids like it.”

Roth described Dedhia as living the American dream, having come to the US from India, working hard toward her dream of owning her own shop. “It will  be open on Sundays, so you can have your breakfast at Glory Days and stop in for henna before you go the beach,” Roth said.

Services also include eyebrow threading, eyebrow tinting, eyelash extensions, waxing and facials.

Taylor Ford, who had just come home from college, was having his hair cut by Glenn Podbielski at Avenue Barber. May 25, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

At 409 Greenwich Ave, on the 2^nd floor, Glenn Podbielski has recently opened Avenue Barber.

“People have a tough time with my name, so I tell them I’m Glenn with three N’s. It’s become my mantra,” he said.

Having worked for many years at the barber shop on Church Street and building a following, Podbielski also worked for three years at Classic Barber before opening Avenue Barber.

“It’s a good location close to the train,” Roth said. “When you come home from work, you can leave your car parked at the train station, get your hair cut, do some shopping and get your dinner.”

As for national businesses, Roth said there are several.

Roth said bluemercury, a luxury cosmetics and facial care business with locations nearby in and Darien and New Canaan, is taking space at 254 Greenwich Avenue, formerly home to Calypso St. Barth.

“What I like is that not only are these stores creating opportunities for us to shop, but they’re hiring locally,” Roth said, noting that the window of bluemercury announces the business, “beauty junkies wanted.”

Another newcomer to the Avenue will soon be Warby Parker, who sell eyeglasses, sunglasses and more at 346 Greenwich Avenue.

Warby Parker is set to open soon at 346 Greenwich Avenue. The signage in the store’s windows advertise job opportunities. According to the business website, Warby Parker was founded in 2010 with a lofty objective: to offer designer eyewear at a revolutionary price while leading the way for socially conscious businesses.

By circumventing traditional channels and designing frames in house, Warby Parker is able to offer high-quality eyewear priced from $95 with prescription lenses—a fraction of the going price.

In the last eight years, Warby Parker has grown to over 60 retail locations in the US and Canada.

“We also hold ourselves to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility,” the company says on its website. “This means lots of different things, like operating carbon-neutrally and distributing a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair we sell.”

Another national retailer set to take up residence on Greenwich Ave is Jojo Maman Bébé, who will be located at 60 Greenwich Ave, formerly home to Graham’s Toy Store.

Jojo Maman Bébé offers maternity and children’s wear from 0 to 6 years.

“We don’t have a lot of children’s clothing stores,” Roth said, adding that maternity and children’s clothing is a niche that needed to be filled.

“I’d like to give a nice recognition to all the national names coming in, but I’d like to give an even louder shout-out to specialty shops opening up by local people,” Roth said.

“Today is the niche day,” Roth said. “All the little niches are starting to fill in on Greenwich Avenue.”

See also:

What’s In, What’s Out on Greenwich Avenue and Beyond 

Gelato & Cioccolato Offers Authentic Italian Gelato in the Heart of Cos Cob

P&Z Approves Change to Regs: More Restaurants May Open in Downtown Greenwich (March 2018)

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The pilot of a small vintage plane that crashed in Suffolk County, Long Island on Wednesday, Ken Johansen, formerly of Greenwich, was killed.

The plane took down several trees when it crashed in a ball of flames in Melville, but fortunately did not hit any of the nearby houses in the neighborhood.

Witnesses reported the plane, which had been flying in formation with several other vintage planes, appeared to break into pieces in midair before crashing in a wooded area of Northcote Drive in Melville — about three miles northeast of Republic Airport in Farmingdale.

The World War II era Navy plane was identified as a GEICO Skytyper that was part of an air-show team.

According to the GEICO Skytypers website, the air show team is a world famous flight squadron of six vintage World War II aircraft that perform precision flight maneuvers at select air shows. On Thursday the website was offline.

Johansen, a married father of two, was a graduate of Greenwich High School in the class of 1984. He was the only one on board the plane, which crashed around 2:00pm.

The Federal Aviation Administration began an investigation on Wednesday.

The Old Greenwich Memorial Day Parade kicked off on Sound Beach Avenue and was filled with local veterans and service members marching alongside kids sports teams and local organizations including the Garden Club, Old Greenwich Yacht Club, Old Greenwich Fitness Club, Boys/Girls Scouts and the League of Women Voters.

Highlights included the Greenwich Country Day School cheerleaders’ dance routine as well as the classic cars that drove through.

“My favorite part was the candy,” said 5th grader Grace Brandes.

Terry Lowe at North Mianus where he joins students once a week for Reading Champions with Alisa Lewis, 1st Grade Teacher at NMS, and Jodie Rucci, a teacher at NMS. The three students are Arthur, Mateo, and Katelyn, 1st graders at NMS.

The Junior League of Greenwich “Bring Your Change to Make a Change” Coin Drive to support the new Greenwich Pool in Byram Park was a huge success with nearly $6,400 raised. Kids all across Greenwich brought their pennies to school and to the Junior League of Greenwich Headquarters for the pool from May 14 through May 17.

All 15 Greenwich public schools participated in the coin drive and pool awareness campaign, as well as children from the various other schools in Town. Each school will receive a personalized commemorative brick, engraved with the school’s name, which will be added to the pool walkway and be on display permanently.

The goal of the initiative was to promote, educate and excite the Greenwich youth and their families about the new public pool facility, encourage youth engagement and illustrate the importance of making an impact in the community.

The Greenwich Pool in Byram Park project is a public-private partnership between the Junior League of Greenwich and the Town of Greenwich, which started in 2010 to build a new outdoor community pool and revitalize Byram Park.

The project is being funded by the Town of Greenwich, the Junior League of Greenwich, foundations, corporations and generous donors. For more information about the new community pool, visit www.jlgreenwich.org/greenwich-pool-and-byram-park/.

The Junior League of Greenwich has been bettering the community for nearly 60 years. It is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained individuals. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The JLG is committed to inclusive environments of diverse individuals and reaches out to women of all races, religions, and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. For more information, please contact the Junior League of Greenwich at jlg@jlgreenwich.org and visit our website at www.jlgreenwich.org.

Recognized as one of the most prestigious classic car shows in the United States, the Greenwich Concours d’Elegance will celebrate its 23rd year of showcasing significant cars, motorcycles and one-off automotive creations on June 1-3, 2018. Production and race cars created in the 1950s by the iconic Briggs Cunningham will headline the entire weekend.

The Concours continues its tradition of holding two unique Concours back-to-back, with American cars and motorcycles on Saturday, and foreign marques on Sunday.

The event takes place at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park overlooking the Greenwich Harbor on Long Island Sound.

Miles Collier, one of America’s premier car collectors, and founder of The Revs Institute, has been named the Grand Marshal for this year’s event. The Revs Institute in Naples, Fla., includes the Collier Collection, with 115 automobiles of special historic and technological importance. Many were acquired from the collection of the late Briggs Cunningham, a family friend. The Institute, which fosters deeper understanding of the transformative role of the automobile, also includes the Revs Digital Library of about 500,000 automotive photographs, with emphasis on racing scenes, and a research library with over 20,000 book titles and complete runs of automotive periodicals in English, French, Italian and German. https://revsinstitute.org

The display of Cunningham cars from around the country is being organized by “Barn Find Hunter” Tom Cotter of Charlotte, N.C., and Cunningham collector and historian Charles Schoendorf, of Rowayton, CT. Lined up along the waterfront both days will be the 1952 C-4R Le Mans roadster from the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Philadelphia, and most of the 25 Vignale-bodied C-3 coupes and cabriolets.

“This will be the most comprehensive collection of Cunningham race cars, touring cars and team cars assembled at one time and place, ever, including at the factory,” said Schoendorf. “A turnout of cars like this will not happen any time soon again, if ever.”

Cunningham, who died in 2003 at the age of 96, is best known as an America’s Cup skipper, race-car builder, driver and team owner. He made the Greens Farms section of Westport his home from the ’20s through the ’60s. He fielded his early race cars for Sam and Cowles “Miles” Collier out of his carriage house, and later kept his car collection there before moving it out of state. The Cunningham family remained at the Greens Farms compound until the death of his daughter Lucie Cunningham McKinney in 2014.

On Saturday, cars from one of Cunningham’s most notable race-car drivers, the late John Fitch, of Lime Rock, CT, will also be on display. A highly-respected driver of the ’50s and ’60s, Fitch was also a safety pioneer and a World War II fighter pilot. The 1966 Fitch Phoenix, owned by Charles Mallory, of Greenwich will be part of the display, along with the 1952 Fitch-Whitmore Le Mans Special.

Sunday’s Concours will host a special display of Jaguars, with a focus on the rare pre-war SS Cars. The SS 100, SS 90, SS 1 Tourer and SS 1 Coupe are all scheduled to be shown.

The weekend will also feature the presentation of A Century of Competition Motorcycles by American Iron Magazine publisher Buzz Kanter, of New Canaan, Conn., which will showcase race bikes of various styles from the early 1900s to the present. “I’ve heard motorcycle racing started when the first motorcycle rider came across another on the road. And it’s been full throttle ever since,” Kanter said.

“This year’s Concours promises to be one of the best displays of cars and motorcycles ever,” said Concours Chairman Mary Wennerstrom. “We have collectors coming from all over North America, including Canada, nearly half of the 50 states and, of course, Connecticut. It is very exciting to have so many people in the collector car world gathering in Greenwich! And we are honored to have Miles Collier serve as our Grand Marshal.”

The beneficiary of the Greenwich Concours for the 23rd year is Americares, a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing health programs, medicine and medical supplies. The Stamford, Conn.-based organization is the world’s leading nonprofit provider of donated medicine and medical supplies.

• Gates open at 10:00 a.m. for general admission, 8:00 a.m. for VIP ticket holders. VIP tickets are sold out

• Advance tickets for both days are available at $30 per day or $50 for both days

• Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $40 per day or $60 for both days

  • Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by an adult

  • VIP Admission is $150 per day or $250 for both days

  • Saturday Night Gala tickets are available for $175

  • Tickets can be purchased at http://www.greenwichconcours.com/visitors/tickets/ 

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Kelly Cano, 27, and Samuel Graff, 22, of  35 Englewood Ave in Bridgeport were both arrested by Greenwich Police on May 29, 2018 after police recognized them walking on Perryridge Road.

Ms. Cano was wanted for Failure to Appear for an incident involving Cruelty to Animals back on October 3, 2017.  She was previously arrested and charged with Failure to Appear in Court to answer for animal cruelty charges after Greenwich Animal Control officers received numerous complaints about eight dachshund dogs roaming around the area of Alexander Street in Chickahominy. Police and animal control officers found that Cano was keeping the dogs, some of them puppies, in an unsanitary condition

Mr. Graff was also wanted for Failure to Appear. He didn’t go to court after he was arrested for a domestic incident on Oak Ridge Street on March 29, 2018.

On Sunday May 27, Kelsey Farm, one of Greenwich’s oldest equestrian institutions, held its 68th annual horse show.

Present at the show were children of all ages and experience, from those who ride once a week to more advanced riders who lease or own horses at the barn. The only criterion was that participants were active riders at the farm.

Competitors receiving their ribbons. Photo: Jen Badalamenti/Jen Lynne Photography.

Kelsey Farm was purchased in 1949, initially to house two rented ponies from Playland, but soon became a local business.

Since then, hundreds of children have filtered through the farm and the affiliated Pony Club.

Elise “Easy” Kelsey, who owns and runs Kelsey Farm, explained what sets the annual horse show apart. “It is completely friendly… We are there for the riders to have fun and try their best, and also to show their parents what they’ve done because a lot of the parents have not been able to see.” She added, “People meet each other and realize, ‘Oh, your child rides at Kelsey too,’ and new friendships are made. It’s just a very intimate, cozy sort of thing.”

Greenwich residents Brooke McEntire and Sophia Jansen agreed, saying, “It’s fun to show against friends and there’s a lot less pressure to win.”

“Easy” Kelsey (left) inside the ring. Photo: Jen Badalamenti/Jen Lynne Photography.

Despite some light rain and wind forcing part of the show inside and a few rider mishaps, the day was a success. There were seven divisions to account for the different age groups and skill levels present.

The regular employees of the farm were all in the ring helping run the show or watching from the side, and often Kelsey would turn to the crowd to explain the details of an event. As usual, the Greenwich Pony Club ran the concessions stand.

A rider congratulates her horse after winning first place in their class. Photo: Jen Badalamenti/Jen Lynne Photography.

The show was a casual, unrated event, meaning that it did not help riders qualify for larger shows. However, there was a judge and prizes were awarded in the usual form of ribbons (handed out by Kelsey’s granddaughter Bix Merrow, aged six). Kelsey felt this provided a good balance, saying, “It’s a great first show for [some of the younger] kids, but it’s also a good test for the older kids.”

For many of the competing riders, the Kelsey Horse Show is their introduction to the world of competitive horse riding, while for others it’s a casual event in-between larger shows and a chance to compete among friends. Regardless of experience, Kelsey emphasized that, above all, “it’s supposed to be fun.”

Dozens of people showed up to watch the events. Photo: Jen Badalamenti/Jen Lynne Photography.

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On Wednesday, another criminal was sentenced in federal court.

A Greenwich Police detective assigned to the FBI assisted the investigation.

In Hartford federal court on Wednesday, Thomas Murtha, 62, of Birmingham, Michigan and formerly of Newtown, CT pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud related to his theft of more than $1.3 million from victims.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Murtha operated a law practice under the name Maher & Murtha LLC in Bridgeport.

Beginning in approximately November 2011, Murtha stole at least $1.3 million from more than 20 individuals, including law clients, friends and family members.

More than $516,000 of the stolen funds were for the benefit of an individual with mental health issues.

As part of the scheme, Murtha submitted false or forged documents to victims.

He also incurred charges on credit cards in the names of others without their knowledge or permission.

The investigation revealed that Murtha used some of the stolen funds in connection with the purchase of a $725,000 house in Birmingham, Michigan.

In September 2016, Murtha resigned from the bar after three grievance complaints were filed against him.

He was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on April 5, 2017 and a grand jury returned a multi-count indictment against him on August 16, 2017.

Murtha is scheduled to be sentenced by US District Judge Michael Shea on September 11, 2018 at which time he faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.

Murtha has agreed to pay total restitution of at least $1,364,119.15 and to forfeit his interests in the house in Michigan and a 2.11 carat diamond engagement ring that the government has seized.

Murtha is released on a $10,000 bond pending sentencing.

The matter is being investigated by the FBI and Greenwich Police, with assistance of the CT Office of Chief Disciplinary Counsel. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys Jennifer Laraia and David Huang.

Brian Kerzner gave the boating and marina update at the Parks & Rec May meeting on May 30, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

At the May Parks & Rec meeting Brian Kerzner gave the boating and marina update.

Kerzner introduced the operations manager Amy Hansen, who started at Parks & Rec seven weeks ago. Hansen grew up in Greenwich and said she was thrilled to be back in town and part of the marine division.

Kerzner described Hansen a graduate of SUNY as very qualified, having been a naval architect who spent four years building US destroyers in Maine.

“She built the center third of the ships, putting all the engines together, putting LEGOs together,” he said.

Kerzner said the town’s beaches are officially open for the season. One of the town ferries is at the dock, one will return from the shipyard on Thursday, and the third will return in a few weeks.

The town’s two islands are scheduled to open on June 9. There will be limited service until school gets out.

As for the pool opening, Parks & Rec director Joe Siciliano said there is a tentative date of June 14 for the State Health Dept inspection, but prior to that comes the TCO, then the CO.

“Pending that outcome, we’ll announce the opening date of the pool. Our goal is to open it by the first day of summer,” Siciliano said. “I don’t want to be premature and make an announcement until we get that final inspection.”

Once the State Health Dept does its inspection, assuming the the project passes muster, then the town can proceed to in house training for staff.

“We’ll be making an announcement very soon. We’d like it open no later than the 22nd of June. That’s not a formal date,” Siciliano said, adding that during the week of the 18th or 25th, he hopes to schedule a formal ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the pool’s opening, and that the Jr League will be handling invites and agenda for the event.

Kerzner said the town’s beaches are being graded this week.

As far as the town’s marinas, several projects have been completed, beginning with the Grass Island rest room, which is open. The pier at Tod’s Point is finished. The Cos Cob boat ramp is also complete.

As for boat slips, Kerzner said Grass Island and Cos Cob are both close to completely full, and at Byram the slips are 60 percent full.

As for wait lists for slips, the wait list is shorter for 20 ft slips.

“For the most part we have been able to get everyone slips for the 20 ft slips,” he said. “But for 24 ft slips, there is a 4 year wait list with about 57 boats on it.”

Kerzner said there is about a 6 year wait list with 70 boats on it for 30 ft boat slips.

Lastly, he said the 36 ft slips have an 8 year wait list with 32 boats on it.

Siciliano said the reason there is a longer wait for the longer slips is that there are fewer of them.

Parks & Rec co chair Gary Dell’Abate asked if people know where they stand on lists. Kerzner said in the beginning of the season his department calls people toward the top of the list to see if they remain interested. If not, they work their way down the lists.

See also:

Town of Greenwich Shares Beach Season Announcements 

Greenwich Parks & Rec Dept. Beach Pass Renewal Goes Online; Don’t Even Look in Your Mailbox 

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Greenwich Scholarship Association has concluded its allocations process and scholarship recipients will receive their awards at the 46^th Annual GSA Scholarship Night hosted at the Greenwich High School Performing Arts Center on Thursday, June 7, at 7:00pm.

Each year, GSA matches need-based scholarships from more than 100 local sponsors to help students bridge the gap between rising college costs and their funding resources.

This year, GSA will connect 144 students with scholarships totaling over $500,000. All are welcome to attend this exciting event.

GSA was founded in 1972 as an umbrella organization to support the administrative needs of nearly 30 separate scholarship funds set up by local community organizations and families.  Today, GSA manages scholarships from more than 100 sponsors and its own endowment of over $6.5M.  GSA matches qualified students with needed funds without any fee. Awards are allocated based on individual review of each student’s educational costs, financial aid received and family ability to meet costs, including consideration of a written application and a personal interview. The work of GSA is done by approximately 25 board members who give more than 1,500 volunteer hours each year in administering the application process, reviewing candidates and matching awards to students.

The GSA has been able to fund over $500,000 per year without doing any fund-raising as they are very fortunate to receive donations each year from local community organizations, civic groups, local businesses and families with memorial awards who have been consistently funding awards, in some cases for 25 or 30 years.

The GSA has 110 sponsors who give amounts determined by the sponsor as “named awards” to students meeting their criteria. GSA has designed a selection process that includes a written application and a personal interview. Because they are an all-volunteer organization with few expenses, they do not charge our sponsors for this service.

More information can be found at www.greenwichscholarship.org.

Dr. Jill Gildea, outgoing Greenwich Schools superintendent at the BOE work session, May 31, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

A week ago, the town learned that Greenwich Schools Superintendent Dr. Jill Gildea had, after barely a year in the job, announced her resignation, citing her family’s unanticipated relocation to Utah.

Within hours, First Selectman Peter Tesei released an editorial decrying the lack of stability in school district leadership, slamming the Board of Education at the loss of the 12th superintendent in 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,” Tesei wrote.

On Lisa Wexler’s WGCH radio show on Wednesday, she argued the high turnover reflects unrealistic and unfair expectations and demands of the Greenwich community on its superintendents.

Wexler, who the previous day invited responses from listeners, said that one reported that by November, Dr. Gildea had received over 47,000 emails to her work email account. “I ask you, is that normal?” Wexler said.

“If she responds to them, she has no time to do her job. If she doesn’t respond to them, she’s accused of being unresponsive. Where are the boundaries?” Wexler asked.

“There is a reputation of our Board of Education micromanaging the decisions of every superintendent,” she continued, adding that another listener said the BOE had in May 2017 asked Interim Superintendent Sal Corda a whopping 244 questions on his 2018 budget, and that the BET questioned the Superintendent and the BOE for seven hours.

“Greenwich is a striving community,” Wexler said. “Without setting a high bar, you don’t reach it. But there is something else going on in this community. There is an entitlement that’s pervasive.”

“You and I, being some of the most entitled, privileged people living on the planet – in our beautiful bubble. We expect and demand leadership that is responsive to the public it serves.”

During Thursday night’s BOE work session, Gildea gave no hint that the Board was anything other than supportive.

“As is the case in all districts, Greenwich is confronted with a number of challenging issues. In response we established a process, offered recommendations and made decisions,” she said. “Although most people are very supportive of these actions in my time here, not every decision is a popular one, which I appreciate, given this is my 11th year as superintendent. I’m pretty familiar that we can’t please everybody all the time – we try though.”

“I do understand that some people are disappointed after my being here only one year,” she continued. “I accepted the Greenwich superintendency planning to be here for many years. However, my family circumstances changed, and nothing is more important than being together as a family.”

“I value my time here in Greenwich,” Gildea said, her voice cracking. “I’ve really loved living here. I have enormous respect for the Greenwich faculty and staff, and the entire community. I wish all of you nothing but the best as you embark on this most incredible, optimistic and hopeful future. Greenwich has a tremendous public school system. I will look on this time as the highlight of my career.”

See also:

Tesei Reacts to Superintendent Gildea’s Resignation

Gildea Resigns

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