On the afternoon of May 31, Greenwich Police responded to a complaint about a woman creating a disturbance at New Lebanon School.
Investigation revealed that the woman was in a public area yelling and cursing at people.
She was charged with Breach of Peace 2, and, after being processed Anastasia Elizabeth Cesario, 26, of 67 Wilbur Peck Court was released on a promise to appear in Stamford Superior Court on June 15, 2018.
Greenwich High senior Sofia Dodaro. June 1, 2018. Photo: Audrey Thalheim
Sofia Dodaro, a Greenwich High School senior, is shadowing a group of five post-doc researchers in the OBG surgery lab at Yale Medical School.
“Under the principal investigator Dr. Diano, I am shadowing researchers as they conduct tests on mice to see how different neurons in the hypothalamus play a role in food intake,” Dodaro said.
Lab at Yale School of Medicine. May 29, 2018 Photo: Sofia Dodaro
This internship, which is offered by the high school, exposes seniors to hands-on research and allows students to familiarize themselves with the basics of various medical instruments as well as further their knowledge about biology. The specific researchers that Sofia shadows are currently trying to find a drug to suppress hunger in order to combat obesity.
Lab at Yale School of Medicine. May 28, 2018 Photo: Sofia Dodaro
“The researchers genotype the animals using gel electrophoresis which indicates which type of mouse it is and whether or not they have the gene sequence they are looking for,” Dodaro said, adding that the internship is a great experience for students who want to go into research in undergraduate or graduate school.
“You are in a real lab with people who do this for a living,” she said. “They are welcoming and eager to discuss their research. It is a long commute but getting this kind of experience as a high school senior can open a lot of doors.”
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Around 8:30pm on June 2 numerous Greenwich Police units were dispatched to the area of Byram Rd and Talbot Lane on a report of a car that crashed into a phone pole.
On scene investigation revealed that the driver, Jose Farez-Pulla, 43, of 102-21 Nicholas Ave in Queens, NY had hit the pole and was driving under the influence.
Pulla was charged with Evading Responsibility because according to police he kept driving down Talbot Lane, a dead end, after hitting the pole.
Vehicle finally stopped on the side of the road on Talbot lane.
Pulla was charged with Evading Responsibility, DUI, Improper Turn Signal and Driving without a License.
He was unable to post his $250 bond and has a date in Stamford Superior Court on June 18, 2018.
Rowdy Gaines. Photo: Alex Willcox
Even though three time Olympic medalist Rowdy Gaines was in Greenwich for the screening of an ESPN documentary about his life, he made time to come to the YMCA to work with local children in the swim program.
The event was held in the YMCA pool, where Gaines answered questions, took part in an honorary medal ceremony, and held a short swim clinic for the children.
Karen Cohn of the ZAC Foundation, which seeks to improve water safety for children and families, spoke about Gaines’ support of the foundation.
This is an issue that is important to Gaines, who comes from a part of Florida where accidental drownings are common.
Karen Cohn talks about Gaines’ work with the ZAC Foundation. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Special Olympian Kieran McQuire then presented Gaines with a special wooden YMCA medal for “winning gold in the life Olympics.”
The ceremony was complete with the National Anthem and a small podium that said “Be Rowdy!”
Gaines then stood up to address the children, telling them about his unusual history with the sport – Gaines did not start competitively swimming until age 17.
In particular, Gaines wanted to drive home the message that each person has a purpose and “gift” inside of them.
The children prepare for the swim clinic with a cheer. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Following the ceremony and speech, Gaines got into the pool and led a swim clinic for the children, showing them how to perform different strokes and helping them with form.
At the end of the clinic Gaines split the children into groups and raced against them. Though no one managed to beat Gaines, who has broken upwards of ten Olympic records, it didn’t seem to matter to the children very much.
The point was less about winning and more about being given the opportunity to compete with Gaines as equals. This was a point Gaines touched on during his speech, telling the children that he was not interested in being seen as a big deal or a hero, but rather as a role model.
Special Olympian Kieran McQuire presents Gaines with his honorary medal. Photo: Alex Willcox.
The National Anthem was performed as part of the medal ceremony. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines challenging the children to a race against him. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines running the swim clinic with the children. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines running the swim clinic with the children. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines helping children with their stroke form. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines helping children with their stroke form. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines helping children with their stroke form. Photo: Alex Willcox.
The children prepare to race Gaines. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines winning the race. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines hi-fives one of the children. Photo: Alex Willcox.
The event ended with a short Q&A as Gaines signed autographs and took photos.
Gaines answers questions. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines signing autographs. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Children hold up one of Gaines’ gold medals. Photo: Alex Willcox.
Gaines answers questions. Photo: Alex Willcox.
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Aerial Drone view looking South on May 23, 2018. Photo: Greenwich Schools
Greenwich Schools on Monday released an update on the progress of the new New Lebanon School.
The project has received two reimbursements from the state to date totaling $8,214,311.
A magnet school for the town, New Lebanon will serve students in grades PreK-5.
The centrally located learning commons, equipped with flexible furnishings and adaptable technological infrastructure, will allow for multiple zones of simultaneous learning.
The building is designed to meet the sustainability goals established by the Educational Specifications and to achieve a gold-level LEED rating from US Green Building Council.
The following work has been accomplished:
• Steel erection is approximately 80% complete,
• Site Excavation and Underground Utilities; Storm drainage
– Excavation on Richards Street for Sanitary installation has been completed. Orange Safety Fence has remained in place until the water connection is completed.
Work anticipated for the coming weeks:
• Topsoil Screening on-site will be ongoing
• Structural Steel to be complete by the End of June
• Concrete slab on deck will be placed early June
• Building Under slab Plumbing and Electrical is ongoing
• Site Excavation and Underground Utilities
– The installation of the water service on Richard Street
• Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment coordination is underway
– Curriculum and Technology Departments are providing respective comments
The Greenwich International Film Festival hosted the 2018 Season Kick Off Party on Friday, June 1 at The Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich.
The lines formed before the doors opened at 8:30pm in anticipation for Ms. Lauren Hill.
Ms. Lauryn Hill Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Lauryn Hill is an American singer, songwriter, rapper, record producer and actress.
She is known for being a member of Fugees and for her critically acclaimed solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which won numerous awards and broke several sales records.
Hill opened up with her chart topping “Everything is Everything.”
As she took to the stage it was reminiscent of the early 90’s Fuguee days, her energy exhilarating and contagious. The more guests became energized the more motivated she became.
As Hill enthusiastically jumped on stage to “Fu Gee La” the guests roared in response, singing along to the hip-hop classic. Her opening song was followed by “Lost Ones” and “Ex-Factor,” among other hits, closing out the two hour performance to “Doo Wop.”
Ms. Lauryn Hill Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Before wrapping up the event, Ms. Hill gracious posed for selfies and group pictures.
“This is a really nice way to open up the Festival,” said one party-goer. “It’s always a fun event, I would never miss this,” stated another.
Sponsors for the Opening Night Party included Betteridge, Movie Pass, Casamigos Tequila, LIFEWTR, Vivino, Pernod Ricard, Mari b. Interiors, Moffly Media, Schofferhofer, Radeberger, Accentuations by Design, Roth Nursery Inc, Cindy Press, and ABC Carpet & Home.
GIFF announced that they were also able to support the Lauryn Hill Charitable Foundation.
The Greenwich International Film Festival (GIFF) mission is to provide filmmakers with an effective platform to showcase their work with the goal of finding financing opportunities for future projects.
GIFF aims to harnesses the power of film to serve the greater good by highlighting important issues that relate to basic human rights, education, the environment and health care.
Ms. Lauryn Hill Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Ms. Lauryn Hill Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Ms. Lauryn Hill Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Wendy Reyes GIFF Chairman of the Board, Founder. Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Gary Dell’Abate Radio Producer and Mary Caracciolo Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Youtube Personality Bethany Mota Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Toni DeMauro and GIFF Correspondent Chloe DeMauro Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Actor Ryan Eggold Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Ruth Terry Walden Esq. and Jacob Hardman Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
DJ April Larken Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Gillie McCreath, Kathleen Vetri, Deena McCreath, Eve Pecorin, and Jill Cartwright Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Alice Chen MD HSS, and Eric Braun Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Shamika Pandit, Byron and Lauren Sarsoza, Yasmin Dorrian, Jessica Rosado Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy
Lauryn Hill and Bobby Walker, CEO, Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. Photo Credit: Asher Almonacy 
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In Vincent Graziano’s page turner of a novel, The Family Jewels, the suspense begins on page one. A body is delivered to a church in Little Italy on the Lower East Side where the monsignor has gone missing. The parish priest has dozed off on the accounting ledger for St. Vincent’s Hospital, because the numbers just don’t add up. He startles awake in time to glance through the blinds at a hulking trio of men pull a heavy bundle from a Lincoln Continental.
One of the men is illuminated by a street light as he makes a phone call. The priest’s phone rings. When he answers, he realizes it’s the man on the sidewalk. Before long we learn the fate of the monsignor and contents of the bundle. The priest is warned not to put his nose where it doesn’t belong.
Much of the novel is set in the Manhattan’s Lower East Side, where indeed the circumstances of St. Vincent’s Hospital’s failure in 2010 triggered an investigation by the District Attorney of Manhattan, and where Graziano grew up admiring the men in nice suits and pinky rings.
Though he made his way to New Rochelle for a date with the woman he would later marry, Graziano, one of five children, grew up in a three room apartment much like his fictional character Maddie’s.
Having walked to grammar school, high school and even to college at Pace University, Graziano’s was a neighborhood where immigrants settled permanently and had large families. It was a place where one’s entire world revolved around a few city blocks. A place where work was hard and money was dear.
For a young Graziano, the words organized crime were not in his vocabulary.
“We grew up thinking Elliot Ness was the bad guy,” Graziano said. Sitting at his desk at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home on Hamilton Ave in Greenwich, an outpost of his funeral home in Mamaroneck, NY, Graziano reconciles all those years in “the bubble,” and his recent years in Connecticut.
“I come from a unique situation. None of us were ever in trouble,” he said of himself and four siblings who made do with what they had.
The seven Grazianos mastered the art of folding and unfolding Castro Convertibles to sleep seven. There were four sons in one bedroom. A sister slept across the street at her grandmother’s.
“We had a strict upbringing. It could have been easy to go the other way,” he said. “You couldn’t help but know these people. I saw them later in life a little more realistically. These people are basically heartless.”
Despite the constant criminal presence, Graziano described his neighborhood as a wonderful place to grow up.
“Back in the 1960s and 1970s, you got an education you wouldn’t get in school,” he said. “Every year we’d have the feast of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples. It was like the circus coming to town. It was a close knit community – you couldn’t walk in any direction without someone knowing you, your mother and father.”
Of the funeral business, Graziano said it evolved over the decades. In the 1920s and 1930s, wakes were generally held inside people’s homes. That would change. In fact, Graziano’s grandfather opened a funeral home downstairs from the family’s apartment.
“It was a small storefront along with the likes of candy stores,” he recalled, adding that wakes lasted two to three days.
“I cut my eye teeth there working with him, then my dad and oldest brother went into the business. It was a family affair. We cleaned the place, moved the chairs, vacuumed and set the flowers.”
In his novel, The Family Jewels, Graziano’s characters draw upon his formative years on the Lower East Side, his family’s funeral parlor, observations of men in nice suits, and speculation about St. Vincent’s Hospital, the community hospital whose financial condition went from bad, to worse, to catastrophic, before closing permanently.
Asked about resemblance of the three Rossini brothers in The Family Jewels – Tommy, Jake and Looney – to his own siblings, Graziano flickers his eyebrows and smiles before explaining his characters are composites from people and situations he has known.
“Everyone sees themselves when they read the book,” he said. “It’s set in Lower East Side, where I was born and raised.”
As for St. Vincent’s Hospital, he said there were elements of infiltration that he worked it into the story, making it the vehicle by which his characters interact.
“You take a little truth and make it fiction,” he explained.
The three brothers are deeply flawed. One is heartless. One has no courage. But in the end, their family bonds bring them together when it matters.
“That’s where the title comes from. They’re real gems,” Graziano said. “In the end, Tommy isn’t heartless and he gets the girl. Sometimes God winks.”
When his mother died in 2012, Graziano put a plaque on the building where his family had operated a funeral home. The space is now home to a restaurant, but the plaque is still there.
Graziano describes himself as a binge writer.
“I can go literally a month without looking at it, and in the mean time, I’m always thinking about it,” he said. “But when I sit down, you can’t take me away from the word processor.”
“You still need discipline and sometimes you have to force yourself to write something,” he continued. “It’s a solitary task, but it’s fun when you see it coming to life on the page, and you develop a character and a scene.”
Graziano’s previous novel, Die Laughing, which is also set in Lower East Side, is about a young man who, like himself, worked in a funeral home and as a comedian with a stand up act.
“I was a standup comedian for two or three years, working at night clubs,” he recalled. “And I did talk about the funnier aspects of the funeral home. People shouldn’t be afraid of a laugh, especially when talking about someone fondly. Laughter can be very therapeutic.”
The Family Jewels is available on Amazon here or through Barnes & Noble here.
Greenwich based teen volunteers led and organized by the Greenwich Jr United Way are organizing an event called “Together We Shine” on Saturday, June 9, 2018, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the YWCA of Greenwich.
Teens from various clubs at Greenwich High School (Hand in Hand, Unified Sports, Come Together, Picking Up the Pieces, Roots and Shoots, Outreach Club, Former Attire) and the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Keystone Club are also participating in the event.
This inclusion event is the first of its kind for Abilis. The evening consists of a three-hour long dinner and dance that celebrates inclusion and is open to all Greenwich public and private high school students and recent graduates (ages 15 to 20).
Produced by Greenwich Junior United Way teens for people in the Greenwich community with special needs, this event is aimed at strengthening connection in the community and promoting respect for people – their differences, needs, abilities, and dreams.
“The red carpet theme, complete with paparazzi, promotes the idea that everyone has the ability to shine,” said Greenwich Jr United Way Program Coordinator, Amanda Finn. “The goal of this event is to bring the community together in a really special way, and provide everyone involved with memories that will last a lifetime.”
Hair, makeup and wardrobe will be provided to Abilis clients offsite prior to the event.
Guests will arrive at the event by limo and VIP car service provided by CTNY Limo. WRBC Support Services (A Berkley Company), is helping to collect clothing and raise funds for the event.
This event is free for Abilis clients and a limited number of $20 tickets are available to local teens.
Dress code is black-tie optional. Corsages and boutonnieres will be provided by the Abilis Gift Shop and Florist.
Flowers for table tops will be provided by Sam Bridge Nursery. Music will be provided by DJ Elle Katsaros.
Food will be provided by Cafe Oo La La, Bella Nonna Restaurant and Pizza, Barbara Finn, Fuzari’s Pizza, Garden Catering, Corbo’s Corner Deli, Famous Greek Kitchen, Burgers, Shakes, & Fries, and Mill Street Bar and Table. Hairstyling for Abilis clients will be provided by Barbara Finn, Joanne Costanzo, and Janus Sanchez of Mane Event in Byram. Makeup for Abilis clients will be provided by Aliza Miklos, Peter J. Bruno, Essie Cohen, and Meredith Hayman Hanson.
Event giveaway partners include The Capitol Theatre, Founders Entertainment, Kari McMinn, Elliptica of Old Greenwich, Granola Bar, Benefit Cosmetics, Pinkberry, Simply Beauty by Sonia, Chipotle, Gofer Ice Cream, Bruce Park Sports, Ada’s Kitchen + Coffee, Glenville Deli, Chicken Joe’s, Equinox, and Acting & Voice Studios in Greenwich.
Maison D’Alexandre Salon will donate haircuts to Abilis clients leading up to the event.
Decorations were donated by Greenwich High School, and Greenwich High School photography students will act as paparazzi during the event.
Tickets can be purchased through the Greenwich United Way website (https://greenwichunitedway.org/civicrm/?page=CiviCRM&q=civicrm/contribute/transact&reset=1&id=16).
Student ID’s will be checked at the door. For more information about the Greenwich Junior United Way please visit Greenwich United Way online (greenwichunitedway.org).
Visit Greenwich United Way on Facebook (facebook.com/greenwichunitedway/), Twitter (twitter.com/GreenwichUW) or Instagram (instagram.com/greenwichunitedway/) to learn more about the organization and people it serves in real time. #WeAreGreenwich #GJrUW
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Last week a 2011 BMW X3 was stolen during the overnight nite hours of May 29 from Boyd Lane in the North Mianus area of town. The keys had been left inside the unlocked car.
This week, on the evening of June 3, an unlocked 2016 7 Series BMW left in a private parking lot at 34 Railroad Avenue also went missing.
Police remind residents that there are thieves who regularly check for unlocked cars, particularly during the overnight hours – in all parts of town. Lock your cars and bring your keys with you.
On May 31 Greenwich Police responded to Stamford Police headquarters to pick up Mark Kinghorn, 50, of Charles Street who was being held on an unrelated charge in Stamford.
Greenwich Police had an active warrant for Kinghorn for Larceny 5. According to Greenwich Police Lt Slusarz, Kinghorn is a contractor who took money for a job on Moshier Street on July 21, 2017, but never returned to do the work.
Kinghorn has a date in Stamford Superior court on June 13, 2018.
He was released from custody after posting his $8,000 bond.
The Old Greenwich Farmer’s Market opened for the season on May 30 at the Living Hope Community Church at 38 West End Avenue in Old Greenwich.
This summer, the farmer’s market takes place every Wednesday from 2:30-6:00 pm.
This week brought back many familiar vendors as well as new faces.
Classic rock tunes were played by the live band, “Deuces Child,” with many gathering around to listen. Live music is an integral part of the Old Greenwich Farmer’s Market and new groups and musicians are often featured, bringing about fresh new talent to be discovered.
Refreshing ice pops were also enjoyed by kids and adults alike, sold by Bees Knees Ice Pops, an all-natural and handcrafted popsicle company.
Empanadas on the Go was also a hit, where Greenwich local Jackie Mendive sells her artisanal empanadas that can be frozen and heated in the oven for an easy and yummy treat.
Ivy’s Gourmet granola also set up shop, selling an array of 14 different types of unique granola varieties.
Chef Gretchen Raymond’s shop was also impressive – and delicious – giving out samples of her homemade gumbo, jambalaya, paella, and guacamole.
If you’re looking for a place with fresh local produce, great gifts, dinner inspiration, a snack, or just want to hang out, be sure to check out the Old Greenwich Farmer’s Market!
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Photo: Jackson Frampton
This past weekend Greenwich held the Concours d’ Elegance, a nationally recognized premier car show. The show featured American cars on Saturday and international cars on Sunday.
Reporters Jackson, Connor, and Dylan had the opportunity to marvel at these fantastic pieces of machinery that ranged from classics, to modern day super cars.
Photo: Jackson Frampton
Supercharged Ford 300 horsepower. Photo: Dylan Boyd
Porsche with sponsors including RC Cola. Photo: Jackson Frampton
Pagani. Photo: Connor Axford
1968 Ford GT. Photo: Jackson Frampton
Cream and Blood Red. Photo: Dylan Boyd
Continental in baby blue. Photo: Dylan Boyd
Butterfly doors. Photo: Connor Axford
1915 Harley Davidson. Photo: Jackson Frampton
Cunningham by Greenwich Harbor. Photo: Jackson Frampton
Classic fire truck. Photo: Dylan Boyd
Cadillac Eldorado in turquoise blue. Photo: Connor Axford
Front Grill. Photo: Connor Axford
Karma luxury super car with solar panels on roof. Photo: Dylan Boyd
Classic Cunningham’s by the water. Photo: Jackson Frampton
Classic Corvette. Photo: Connor Axford
Black exterior, red interior. Photo: Jackson Frampton
Hood is up on a bright summer day. Photo: Connor Axford
A crowd gathers to observe cars. Photo: Dylan Boyd
Deep Maroon and Black classic. Photo: Jackson Frampton
Rolls Royce Miller Motorcars vendor. Photo: Connor Axford
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David E. Byers. Photo: Yuma Police Dept Facebook page Posted May 3, 2017
Davis E. Byers, 35, of Solana Beach, California, was sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Michael P. Shea in Hartford to 88 months of imprisonment, followed by three years of supervised release, for engaging in an east coast robbery spree and subsequent cross-country pursuit.
Judge Shea also ordered Byers to pay restitution of $14,753.
According to court documents and statements made in court, on April 19, 2017, Byers, wearing a bandana over his face and displaying what appeared to be the handle from a handgun, robbed a Gulf gas station in Nesconset, N.Y., of $300. On April 20, he robbed a Chase Bank branch in Stony Brook, N.Y., of $2,107.
On April 24, Byers, wearing a bandana over his face and displaying what appeared to be a handgun, robbed a Citgo gas station in Greenwich of $223.
On April 25, again wearing a bandana over his face, he robbed a Chase Bank branch in Greenwich of $8,722.
On April 26, Byers returned to the Chase Bank branch in Greenwich and robbed it of $3,391.
On April 28, 2017, Greenwich Police saw Byers driving a vehicle and attempted to apprehend him, but he drove away at a high rate of speed, subsequently abandoned the vehicle on I-95 and evaded police on foot. He then stole another vehicle in Port Chester, N.Y., placed a stolen license plate on the vehicle, and proceeded to drive to California.
Pennsylvania State Police attempted to apprehend Byers in Pennsylvania by deploying a tire deflation device, but Byers was able to abandon the vehicle and fled on foot. He then stole a pickup truck that had keys in it. At a rest stop, he stole Maryland license plates, put them on the truck and continued driving west.
On May 1, 2017, Byers engaged the Arizona State Police in a high-speed chase before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.
Byers was arrested in San Diego on May 2, 2017, and has been detained since his arrest. On November 7, he pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Greenwich Police Department, Suffolk County (N.Y.) Police Department, Pennsylvania State Police, Arizona State Police and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony E. Kaplan.
The sentence was announced by John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.
See also:
Byers the Greenwich Bank Robber Pleads Guilty in Federal Court in Hartford
Bank Robber, David E. Byers, Back from California
Intense Manhunt for Bank Robbery Suspect Moves from Greenwich to Pennsylvania
Greenwich Robbery Suspect Arrested in California
VIDEO: One Man Greenwich Crime Wave Suspect: Have You Seen This Man?
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Greenwich Chamber of Commerce invites all town residents to register for its Monday, June 11th event at Greenwich Water Club from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Patricia Sesto, Greenwich’s Director of Environmental Affairs, will discuss the recently passed check out bag initiative.
She will communicate information including when the initiative starts, what the rules are for check out bags and why plastic bags are environmentally bad for our town.
This seminar is FREE for all. Please register online at Greenwichchamber.com, e mail greenwichchamber@greenwichchamber.com or call 869-3500.
207 Byram Shore Rd. Photo: Assessor’s office
On June 1, Robert Weinstein, younger brother of disgraced movie producer Harvey, sold his mansion on over three acres at 207 Byram Shore Road for $17,000,000.
The house, which he purchased in 2000 from Alan and Stephanie Glazer for $16,400,000, underwent a “top to bottom museum quality renovation,” and had been on the market for four years. It was originally listed in 2013 for $32,000,000.
Robert Weinstein, founder and head of Dimension Films, former co-chairman of Miramax Films, co-founded The Weinstein Company with his older brother Harvey in 2005.
Known as TWC, the independent film studio was bought last month, along with its 277-film library, by Dallas private equity firm Lantern Capital, after declaring bankruptcy.
According to the Assessor’s office, the Mediterranean style home at 207 Byram Shore Rd was built in 1916.
The nearly 13,000 square feet mansion features a stucco exterior, gable roof with clay tiles and a total of 17 rooms, including 6 bedrooms 7 full baths and 3 half baths. The property features a tennis court, waterfront pier and boat dock.
Greenwich’s Sue Moretti Bodson has launched Emboss LLC, a company dedicated to helping nonprofits and organizations turn connections into event and fundraising partnerships.
Moretti Bodson is a Greenwich native who has more than 20 years of fundraising and community activism experience.
She attended Greenwich Public Schools and Gettysburg College. In Greenwich, her leadership roles have included President of the Junior League of Greenwich, President of the PTA Council, and more recently, Director of Special Marketing Projects for the Greenwich Education Group.
She was a recipient of the YWCA Spirit of Greenwich Award, the Moffly Media Light a Fire Award, The Junior League of Greenwich Award for Community Involvement and Leadership Excellence, and most recently, The Greenwich PTA Council Essence Lifetime Award for Excellence in Volunteerism.
“From local charities and volunteer groups, to nationwide community support programs, our Greenwich-based nonprofit management and event services team is ready to help organizations fulfill their missions,” Moretti Bodson said, adding that Emboss offers a unique approach to identify and work with individuals, such as board and committee members, chairs and honorees, who are devoted to their causes. “My goal is to help these connections turn into profitable partnerships through hosted events, board training programs and more.”
Since meeting 15 years ago, State Rep Livvy Floren (R-149), has been a friend and mentor to Moretti Bodson.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside Sue throughout the many years I’ve been lucky enough to represent this amazing community,” Floren said in a release from Emboss. “She is a passionate advocate for the multiple causes on behalf of which Sue has worked on. The Town of Greenwich and its nonprofit partners are all lucky to have someone as dedicated and professional as she is.”
Some examples of Sue’s latest work include a SoulCycle event benefiting the American Red Cross Metro NY Chapter, a presentation on “Migraines in Adolescents” with the YWCA and the Private Day & Boarding School Fair presented by Greenwich Education Group. A complete list and description of services and upcoming events can be found on her website WWW.EMBOSSLLC.COM
See also:
Sue Moretti Bodson, Katie Yu Take Top Awards at PTAC Essence Awards 2018
Putnam Indian Field School is celebrating its 40th year in 2018, and to celebrate, the school is throwing a party for former parents and alumni on June 9, from 4:00 – 7:00pm on the school grounds.
The event has the potential to be a very big bash with so many parents and their grown up children invited.
Refreshments will be provided by the Boxcar Cantina truck serving its New Mexican food and delicious margaritas, and by Aux Delices serving hors d’oeuvres. The ice cream truck, which alumni will fondly remember from all past family picnics, will be on hand. An acoustic trio from The Merlin Band will play.
There will be old photographs to look at and lots of reminiscing and sharing of “Mr. Wierdsma stories.”
Fred Wierdsma, founder of Putnam Indian Field School, contributed photo
The school hopes many of its former families will choose to join the reunion and reconnect with good friends. Over the 40 years, the school has expanded but many familiar faces will be on hand for the celebration and the warm, welcoming atmosphere has not changed.
RSVP to karen.hopp@pifs.net or by phone 917 – 514 – 1723
Greenwich Police patrol officers observed a car accident around 4:00am on June 3 in the area of Byram Shore Road and Ritch Ave.
While investigating the incident, police say the driver, Eslam Saad Abdelkader, 27, of 59 Liberty Street in Stamford, was slurring his words and smelled of alcoholic beverages. He was unable to perform sobriety tests to standard.
Abdelkader was charged with DUI, Following Too Closely and Driving without a License.
He posted his $250 bond and was released. He has a court date in Stamford Superior Court on June 18, 2018.
Clare McKenzie. June 4, 2018 Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept
On Friday Mt. Vernon, NY woman surrendered to Greenwich Police on an outstanding warrant for charges including: Larceny 2, Larceny 3, Identity Theft 1 and Identity Theft 2 for an incident on Intrieri Lane in Cos Cob.
Police say Clare McKenzie, 61, a home aide, used the identity of a deceased individual to make several purchases.
According to Lt. Slusarz, McKenzie had charged over $1,000 through a QVC account.
“The reporting party was notified by QVC about recent purchases made on the deceased’s account,” Slusarz said.
Her bond was set at $50,000, which she was unable to post. She was assigned a date in Stamford Superior Court on June 15, 2018.
Republican State Rep. Fred Camillo, 151st District of Greenwich, was recently nominated by the Republican Town Committee for reelection to the Connecticut General Assembly.
Last week, Camillo recounted his accomplishments and shared his vision for a potential sixth term.
He also refuted some of the comments of his Democratic challenger Laura Kostin, a Cos Cob mother of four and former MSNBC breaking news producer who won a seat on the RTM in District 8 last fall. Kostin received the DTC’s executive committee endorsement last month.
Camillo, a lifelong Greenwich resident, noted that he had yet to meet his Democratic challenger, who is less a less well known figure in town.
Camillo, who served on the RTM from 1995 to 2001, a time that overlapped with his chairmanship of both the Parks & Rec board and RTC, said he was proud to be part of the Greenwich delegation, which also includes State Rep Livvy Floren, State Rep Mike Bocchino and State Senator Scott Frantz.
Camillo said the delegation fought to secure state funds to build a new New Lebanon School in Byram. The overcrowded, outdated school features a magnet component designed to address racial imbalance as defined by the state.
“Over the objections of the Governor, we were able to work with our colleagues across the aisle to get the funds for New Lebanon back – about $24 million,” he said.
Asked about his push for HB 5009, a bill he introduced along with the other members of the delegation to exempt car washes from sales tax, Camillo said several years ago the state put a tax on car washes but the outcome resulted in decreased revenue.
“The state rescinded it,” he said. “Then, Malloy did it again, so we put up a bill that cited the past experience with such a tax. It has received public hearings each year on the Finance Committee, but they declined to vote it out, which was a decision on the majority party.”
Camillo touted his efforts toward structural reforms that became part of the 2017 budget, including the estate tax bill he wrote and the delegation pushed, as well as phasing in tax exemptions for social security and pensions.
“This was an issue I pledged to address in 2008, my first time running,” he said of the estate tax changes.
“There was a poll among professional financial planners who advised their clients not to retire or die here, and that was one of the main reasons,” he said. “The federal estate tax exclusion level was $5.45 million and we pushed for that. But Trump’s tax plan pushed it up to $11 million. …It helps keep people here.”
Also, he said he fought for bonding and spending caps that were incorporated in the final budget.
Another structural reform he cited involved union contracts. “We can now debate and vote on them. Previously they never allowed us to do that.”
Moving from bills that address structural reform to personal bills, Camillo said he is proud of the 2011 Volunteer Protection and Indemnification Act, which applies to all state volunteers, not just fire police patrol volunteers in the state. “It protects them from a law suit unless they were grossly negligent. That’s a great recruiting tool for towns,” he said.
The following year, Camillo said he fought for a bill that passed, giving volunteer fire police patrols throughout the state the ability to issue tickets.
In 2013, Camillo, in a bi-partison effort with State Reps Tony Guerrera and David Scribner, issued the Distracted Driving Bill which became law, and penalizes drivers with points on their licenses. For his efforts, Camillo was named to the state distracted driving task force.
Camillo said that in 2010, he co-sponsored a bill with Democrat Jim Shapiro that became law to address gas price gouging. The bill gives the state a way to analyze gas price patterns and prevent price spikes after natural disasters.
Another bill Camillo introduced concerns fees for security freezes on credit reports. It passed the House and Senate and was just signed by the Governor.
“A constituent had complained that the credit reporting agencies froze his reports twice and charged a $10 fee to unlock the freeze,” Camillo said.
With the passage of this bill, credit rating agencies are prohibited from charging a fee to consumers to place or remove a security freeze from an account. The agencies must also notify other credit rating agencies of a consumer’s request to place or remove a security freeze from their account.
Camillo also introduced a “Good Samaritan” bill to encourage the rescue of children and pets in hot or cold cars. “In extreme weather, if you rescue the child or pet, you would be held harmless,” he said.
Camillo said he makes no apology for his animal welfare efforts, which Ms. Kostin questioned, saying of Camillo’s love of dogs, “That is admirable, but that is not a platform for a legislator.”
“The animal abuse registry shows that a large percentage of people who abuse animals go on to commit the same types of crimes against fellow human beings,” Camillo said. “I’m proud of my animal welfare work, and if I did nothing else but that, that would be okay.”
Camillo emphasized his efforts toward public safety.
“Talk to the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol and ask about their ability to recruit people now knowing that they won’t be sued,” Camillo said of the Volunteer Protection and Indemnification Act. “It’s a recruitment and retention tool.”
While Kostin said she favors a bill that would ban ghost guns, Camillo said he does too.
“I co sponsored a bill (House Bill 5542) to ban bump stocks and ghost guns,” he said, adding that the NRA has given him an F rating. “I believe in the second amendment,” he said. “But the NRA thinks I am against it.”
Camillo cited a post by the NRA-Institute for Legislative Action, which calls on members to call their Senators to oppose bills including, House Bill 5542.
The NRA article describes the bill as having broad and overreaching provisions that could criminalize firearm modifications commonly “done by law-abiding gun owners to make their firearms more suitable for self-defense, competition, hunting, or even overcoming disability.”
“I’m more moderate on this issue than people think,” Camillo said. “I think everyone who passes a criminal background check – criminal and mental – has the right and that shouldn’t be challenged.”
Camillo quoted President Ronald Reagan who in 1989 said, “I do not believe in taking away the right of the citizen for sporting, for hunting and so forth, or for home defense. But I do believe that an AK-47, a machine gun, is not a sporting weapon or needed for defense of a home.”
Camillo said he did not want to fall into a trap by commenting on the performance of President Donald Trump.
“My job is on the state level and the performance of myself my colleagues and Governor Dan Malloy,” he said. “I don’t have a vote nationally. I spend my time working for my constituents. The only time people ask about Trump is during election season and it’s usually by someone who doesn’t like him.”
Back in 2016, during his campaign for his fifth term, Camillo said to GFP, “A lot of Trump’s rhetoric is not helpful. I do support several of the issues that he has brought to the forefront like trade imbalances, issues with illegal immigration, speaking about topics about being politically correct, and the economy overall.”
Camillo, who voted for Marco Rubio in the primary, said, in 2016, “I’m not happy Trump won the primary, but I respect the will of the people.”
During his 2018 campaign, Camillo said he intends to keep his narrative on the job itself.
“I’m proud of my record, and I also have a vision for the next two years. Not what I feel is going on at DC. It’s not pertinent to my job.”
“My vision for the state is to continue the reforms we started in the last two years and return Connecticut to a place of pride, leadership and prosperity,” he said. “We shouldn’t be 44th. We should be at the top as an economic leader. The reforms we got through are a good start but we have to continue.”
See also:
Laura Kostin Seeks Democratic Party Nomination to Challenge Camillo for State Rep in District 151
