On Tuesday around 9:00pm, Greenwich Police were detailed to Riverside on a report of a disturbance in the area of East Putnam Ave.

Investigation revealed that Dwayne Brown, 36, of W 62nd St in New York, NY had broken the victim’s door handle off her car while she was attempting to escape from him in her car. There were two juveniles in the car at the time.

Mr. Brown was found to be in possession of a green leafy substance that tested presumptive positive for marijuana.

He was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Risk of Injury to a Child, Criminal Mischief 2, Disorderly Conduct and Reckless Endangerment 2.

He was assigned date in Stamford Superior Court the next day. His bond was set at $1,000 which he was unable to post.

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property transfers transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall, Nov 5-6, 2018

5 Mead Ave

5 Mead Ave from James Bruce Kimball and Terry Lynn Kimball to William Ingraham on Nov 5, 2018 for $750,000

323 Cognewaugh Rd

323 Cognewaugh Rd from Traditional Building & Design LLC to Todd Wilkowski on Nov 5, 2018 for $2,550,000

9 River Lane

9 River Lane from Pamela Chiapetta to Lori Griffin on Nov 5, 2018 for $997,500

570 Lake Ave

570 Lake Ave from Donna Byrnes to Janice Gates Kelly on Nov 6, 2018 for $1,852,500

30 Georgetowne North from David Moran and Kathleen Moran to 30 Georgetowne North on Nov 6, 2018 for $1,400,000

Peter LeBeau greets the crowds at the Veterans Day ceremony following the patriotic community walk on Veterans Day, Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Sunday morning Greenwich residents honored the memories of loved ones who served their country, many who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

Veterans Day, originally observed as Armistice Day, is always a special day of remembrance, but 2018 has the added distinction of marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

“The year 2018 is one of great significance in the history of the US and indeed the world,” said Peter LeBeau, commander of American Legion Post 29 in Greenwich, in the ceremony’s opening remarks.

“It was 100 years ago to this very day that an armistice was signed between Germany and some 30 Allied powers, putting at long last an end to the horrific, bloody five year struggle, known as World War I, then considered ‘the war to end all wars.'”

LeBeau explained that since 1918, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in each year is a time to reflect on the sacrifice of over 9 million soldiers who lost their lives in that conflict and to honor their memory.

“Sadly most of our school children today know little, if anything about World War I, or for that matter the other wars in which the US has been involved because of revisionist history now taught in our schools,” he said.

State Senator Scott Frantz and State Rep Mike Bocchino participated in the patriotic community walk on Veterans Day. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Participants were encouraged to bring photos of loved ones who served their country. State Rep Livvy Floren brought a photo of Lloyd Hull, a veteran of WWII who joined the Navy in 1942. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Boy Scouts James Heavey and Adity Malhotra alongside newly elected State Senator Alexandra Bergstein in the community walk, Nov 11 2018. Photo: Leslie Yager

Participants were encouraged to bring photos of loved ones who served their country. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Members of Troop 35, “the best in town,” according to James Heavey, who was named American Legion Young Person of the Year at the ceremony following the community walk. Noah Brehm, Arman Malhotra, David Levine, James Heavey, Ben Levine, and Adity Malhotra. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

“Many history textbooks make no mention of the War in Vietnam, a war in which I fought, and a war that literally tore our country apart, and during which 60,000 men and women in our armed forces were killed in action,” LeBeau said. “Do we not owe it to our children to make them aware of just what it cost to ensure the blessings of freedom they enjoy today as Americans?”

With a nod to the statue across the street of one of Greenwich’s most notable veterans, Mr. LeBeau said said Col Raynal Bolling was the first senior officer in the US Army killed in action during World War I. (See side bar for Mr. LeBeau’s entire remarks).

Text of Peter LeBeau’s remarks about Colonel Raynal Cawthorne Bolling: Bolling was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas 1877. He moved with his family to Pennsylvania, and in 1900 graduated with honors from Harvard and in 1902, graduated from Harvard Law School, again with honors. Bolling began his professional career as a lawyer in New York with US Steel, later becoming its solicitor general. While living in New York, he joined Squadron A of the NY National Guard where he excelled in horsemanship and marksmanship. Having married in 1910, he then moved to Greenwich with his wife and four children. In summer of 1915, Bolling organized a motor machine gun company in New York City and deployed them to Plattsburgh, New York for training. During that same summer, he established the Air Service Training School in Mineola, Long Island, and the first Aero Company of the New York Air National Guard. In spring of 1917, with the United States having entered the war, Bolling joined the the US Army with the rank of Captain and was tasked with with organizing the first reserve aero squadron. With his outstanding military and legal credentials, he was summoned to Washington where he assisted in the preparation of the legislation on which the air service was founded. Then posted to Europe to select the types of aeronautical equipment which America would manufacture in support of the Allied effort. Late in 1917, holding the rank of Colonel, Bolling was appointed commander in Chief of all Air Service matters in the Allied expeditionary forces. In the winter of 1918, he was assigned to the British Royal Air Force in preparation for assuming tactical command of the American air units deployed on the British front lines. When the British lines crumbled in the great German offensive of 1918 the Air Service was faced for the first time with managing the complexities of operating on front lines. Realizing the important of this new challenge Col Bolling threw himself into the thick of the fight in spite of the great danger in order to get first hand information to maximize the role of Allied air effort. When he learned that the enemy was a mere three miles away, Bolling was ambushed by machine guns. Bolling and his chauffeur jumped out of the vehicle into nearby foxholes. Col Bolling then killed a German officer who was shooting at his chauffeur. At that very moment, Col Bolling was shot through the heart. He is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished, humble and revered members of Greenwich and US Armed Forces.

Walking down Greenwich Avenue, past the Town’s impressive collection of monuments, residents, many carrying photos of relatives and friends who served in the military, proceeded to the World War I monument outside the historic post office, where wreathes were placed.

“Each of our veterans are a testimony to the unrelenting perseverance to protect each of our inalienable rights,” said First Selectman Peter Tesei.

After Stephanie Kies led the crowd in singing the National Anthem, State Rep Livvy Floren introduced the American Legion Young Person of the Year, GHS senior James Henry Martin Heavey who attended the event with his parents Kia and Jim Heavey, chief of the Greenwich Police Dept.

“We are always proud of the caliber and quality of the Greenwich students who are delegates to the annual program,” Floren said. “In addition to being elected by 200 peers at Boys State, he won the coveted Arthur Connell award as the person most representative of the values and virtues of our civic program – someone who contributed the most to its success.”

James is an Eagle Scout, an honor student and member of the National Honor Society, president of the GHS class of 2019, varsity athlete, team captain in track, and holder of a black belt in karate.

Floren said James is pursuing an appointment to West Point.

“Public service, patriotism, leadership and civic participation are in this young man’s DNA,” Floren said.

US Navy veteran Dean Gamanos delivered the keynote speech outside the historic post office with its adjacent World War I monument.

Gamanos said that the act that precipitated World War I took place on June 28, 1914, when Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, the heir of the Austro-Hungarian throne, was assassinated in Sarajevo, Bosinia by a Serbian national.

Members of the Cos Cob Riders a motorcycle club that includes several veterans at the patriotic walk on Greenwich Avenue, Veterans Day, Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

He said that during World War I an estimated nine million combatants and an additional seven million civilians lost their lives.

“It is sometimes referred to as the great war, but when you think about the destruction, the lives lost, the widows, the orphans, the starvation, and the suffering it caused, it really wasn’t great at all,” Gamanos said. “About 50 countries were involved all around the globe.”

West wall of the historic Armory on Mason Street. Veterans Day, Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Gamanos said World War I was also called ‘the war to end all wars,’ but described that as a misnomer, adding that there have been many wars since then.

“WWI seems to be a distant memory today,” Gamanos said. “We hear a lot about WWII, Koren War, Vietnam, Afghanistan and others, and WWI has faded in the background, which is too bad.”

“The war had a significant impact on our world, on our country and even affected us here in Greenwich,” Gamanos said.

“Some Greenwich men and women would drill at the Armory, the historic building on Mason Street, and it is still there standing in their memory,” he said, referring to the Armory, built in 1911, a block away.

World War I monument at historic Post Office on Greenwich Avenue. Photo: Leslie Yager

Members of the Cos Cob Riders a motorcycle club that includes several veterans at the patriotic walk on Greenwich Avenue, Veterans Day, Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Deputy Chief of Police Mark Marino, Regis Gmitter, John Szymanski, and Nils Mohrin at the patriotic community walk on Veterans Day, Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

The patriotic community walk on Veterans Day proceeded past Greenwich’s impressive collection of monuments. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Dean Gamanos, Navy veteran and member of the Post 29 American Legion, in the community walk on Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Explorers with Officers Hayes Sgaglio and Ericka Garcia at the Veterans Day patriotic community walk, Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Butch Bozzuto and Walter Hughes with the GEMS honor guard, Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Cathy Steel with her son William carried photos of Cathy’s grandfather Frank Miller who was a member of the Marines. Nov 11, 2018. Photo: Leslie Yager

Dancers from Allegra Dance Greenwich in the Veterans Day community walk. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Stephanie Dunn Ashley waves from the Cos Cob Fire Police Patrol truck. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Riding in antique cars, many veterans moved along Greenwich Avenue, past Greenwich’s impressive collection of monuments. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Butch Bozzuto and Walt Hughes led the GEMS high school explorers in the community walk down Greenwich Ave, Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Cos Cob Riders, a motorcycle club who do charitable work in the community include veterans. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Cos Cob Riders, a motorcycle club who do charitable work in the community include veterans. Nov 11, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

This story has been updated to reflect that the date of the meeting is Wednesday November 14th. Not the 17th.

Arch Street, the nation’s longest-running and privately-funded teen center, is looking for top local talent to serve as founding members of The Greenwich Town Theatre.

The theater will present original productions to Greenwich residents and surrounding communities.

“We’re thrilled to issue a call to the community for actors, directors, playwrights, producers and musicians to serve as founding members of this growing theater production,” said Kyle Silver, executive director of Arch Street.

“The Greenwich community is rich with diverse talent that would help bolster the theater’s offerings as we strive to provide educational and thought provoking productions with a special focus on current teen and family issues.”

Anyone wishing to apply as a founding member should email info@archstreet.org.

In addition, there will be two informative meetings at Arch Street (100 Arch Street, Greenwich, Conn.) to discuss the project:
• Wednesday, November 14, from 6:00-7:00pm: Student Session (grades 9-12 are welcome)

• Wednesday, November 14, from 7:30-8:30pm: Adult Session

For more information, please visit www.ArchStreet.org

Arch Street is the longest-running teen center in America, providing a drug and alcohol-free environment, where teens can initiate and organize activities that improve their social lives and provide leadership and community service. Arch Street is a Connecticut 501 (c) 3 non-profit entity, which is completely privately funded. We are grateful to all of the Arch Street friends, supporters, and students who help make our program a success. For more information, visit www.ArchStreet.org

On Sunday Nov 11 at 7:00pm Greenwich Police responded to an incident involving a five year old child sustaining an injury after being shot in the neck with a BB gun.

Investigation revealed that the arrestee, Chadwick Marriott, 44, of Greenwich was responsible and was charged with Risk of Injury (2 counts) Reckless Endangerment, Illegal Discharge of Firearm, and Assault 3.

Marriott was able to post his bond of $1,000. He has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Nov 13.

Adam Rivera. Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

On November 8, 2018 around 8:45am, undercover personnel conducting a narcotics investigation observed a subject of interest approach a residence on West View Place in Riverside.

Greenwich Police officers approached the subject, Adam Rivera, 29, of 1414 4th Avenue in Watervliet, NY and identified themselves.

Mr. Rivera was compliant and indicated to officers that he had heroin on his person and in his vehicle. He also admitted that he was delivering heroin to a local resident.

Police say 40 folds of suspected heroin were seized from Rivera, with an approximate weight of 27 grams (including packaging). They say 100 more folds of suspected heroin were seized from the vehicle with an approximate weight of 36 grams.

Cash in the amount of $1,515 was also found in the possession of Rivera and seized.

Rivera was charged with Criminal Attempt to Sell Narcotics, Illegal Possession and Possession with Intent to Sell.

Rivera posted a $1,000 bond and was assigned a court date in Stamford on Nov 26, 2018.

According to Lt John Slusarz, “Our narcotics team work really hard and this was a really good case. They did a lot of work on it over some time and were at the right place and the right time.”

“That’s 140 bags that won’t be in circulation,” Slusarz added.

Donald Hrnciar. Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Dept

The subject who was to receive the delivery was identified as Donald Hrnciar, 50, of 33 West View Place in Riverside. He was charged with Criminal Attempt to Possess Narcotics.

He was released on a PTA in Stamford Superior Court on Nov 26, 2018.

A Community Tradition Continues in Old Greenwich –
2018 Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale to Benefit Local Charities
First Congregational Church Lawn at 108 Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich

The sale dates are:

November 24, 2018, 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
November 25, 2018, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
December 1, 2018, 9:00 am – 6:30 pm
December 2, 2018, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
December 8, 2018, 9:00 am – 6:30 pm, if the trees and wreathes are not sold out

As the holiday season approaches, Binney Park in Old Greenwich prepares to welcome back a festive annual visitor.

Just across Sound Beach Avenue, on the front lawn of First Congregational Church, the 2018 Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale will get underway on Saturday, November 24.

Legions of volunteers from the church and the surrounding community will gather at 8:00 am to unload over 500 New Hampshire-grown trees off the long flatbed delivery truck and onto display racks on the front lawn of the church at 108 Sound Beach Avenue. “Hot chocolate and donuts willbe on hand to keep up the energy for the unloading crew,” said Pat Mendelsohn, Outreach Chairperson at First Church. “We’re grateful for all the wonderful folks who come out early on a Saturday morning to show their commitment to supporting local charities.”

The sale itself will begin as soon as the trees have been unloaded, at about 9:00 am. It will feature premium Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir trees of all sizes, plus beautifully decorated and undecorated wreaths, natural pine roping and premium quality “Last Stand” tree stands.

All proceeds will go tosupport six vital local charities: Kids in Crisis, The Den for Grieving Kids, the Young Adults Program at Pacific House, the Soundwater Young Mariners Academy, Building One Community, and BackCountry Jazz, which provides music enrichment to Bridgeport students.

Trees and wreaths will be offered for sale on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, beginning November 24. In recent years, the sale has grown into a traditional community event, staffed with volunteers of all ages, including church members, ambassadors from the benefiting charities, and students from Greenwich public and private schools.

“What makes our tree sale so special is that buying a fresh cut Christmas tree, beautiful wreath or pine roping for your family is a gift that keeps on giving to those in need, long after the holidays are over,” said Mendelsohn. “All of the profits from the sale go to support local charities that are addressing critical needs.”

This year the church is offering free local delivery of trees, as well as special treats for dogs who bring their owners to the sale.

The Tree Sale is scheduled for three weekends, ending Saturday, December 9, but in recent years most of the trees and wreaths have sold during the first two weekends.

“Most people in the community know about our tree sale by now,” said Chris Hartwell, Community Relations Chair at First Church. “They love the convenience of picking out a high-quality tree right in the neighborhood, so we get very busy soon after Thanksgiving. We urge people to come early to find the perfect tree for their Christmas celebration.”

It’s not quite time to think about filing income tax returns yet.

But now is the time for anyone interested in volunteering to help low-income and elderly taxpayers prepare their 2018 returns to contact AARP Foundation volunteer trainers.

If you are available during daytime hours for about one day per week and enjoy working with people and numbers, this may be the volunteer opportunity you’re looking for.

You don’t have to be an accountant, or even have done tax returns. Beginning in early February and continuing until April 15^th people come to Town Hall for help in preparing their taxes. (Tax-Aide volunteers also provide these services at the Greenwich Library on Saturday mornings.)

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free tax-filing help to those who need it most. We’re looking for compassionate and friendly individuals to join our team of local volunteers for the upcoming tax season. You’ll receive training and continued support in a welcoming environment.  You’ll not only learn new skills, but also get a great feeling from helping others.

They offer free tax preparation help to anyone, with special attention to older, low-income taxpayers. We understand that many individuals may miss out on credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation.

Volunteers work with taxpayers directly. Experience isn’t necessary. They provide training and IRS certification.

To volunteer, send an email to greenwichtaxaid@gmail.com expressing your interest.

The Greenwich First Selectman Peter Tesei is calling for a public apology following a vulgar comment made by an unsuccessful Democratic candidate for state representative.

“We have heard a lot during the past couple years from Democrats about the tone and tenor of comments made by Republicans,” Tesei said in a statement. “This was borne out when one of their own who made an issue of comments made on social media by a candidate renominated by the Board of Selectmen to serve on the Board of Human Services. There was a public outcry led by RTM member and Democratic candidate for state representative, Laura Kostin.”

Tesei recalled that during a September RTM meeting, Ms. Kostin spoke with ‘righteous indignation’ about those comments.

“In her comments Ms. Kostin said, ‘If you come before this body for a vote, it would be wise to refrain from inflammatory discourse. If you’re going to be serving the neediest in our community, you should strive to create an atmosphere of tolerance and inclusion, regardless of political affiliation. And if you are going to represent our town you would do well to avoid alienating the public and refrain from needlessly divisive commentary in public forums.'”

Tesei said he and his colleagues on the Board of Selectmen agreed that while the comments in question were insensitive, it was a teachable moment about civil discourse when making public comments.

During her remarks to Democrats at the senior center, Ms. Kostin referred to Mr. Bocchino as “a douche.”

“It is apparent that that teachable moment was lost on Ms. Kostin, a former journalist,” Tesei said. “On Election Night she resorted to using a caustic, vulgar and insensitive word to characterize Republican state Representative Mike Bocchino, a father, a husband and selfless, dedicated community leader. Ms. Kostin does not practice what she preaches. She made the characterization following Mr. Bocchino’s challenger’s gracious comments about the competitive race he and Mr. Bocchino had.”

Tesei said the comment has been the subject of many comments on social media including those from members of the press who said they recorded the incident.

“It is ironic that in a campaign video, Ms. Kostin stated, ‘We live in a time when our civil
discourse is breaking down … I tell my children to treat each other with respect,'” Tesei said. “Ms. Kostin must publicly apologize to Mr. Bocchino and his family, as well as to the Greenwich residents whose support she sought and received. Politics aside, this type of insensitive, uncivil discourse is what this Town has not and will not tolerate. I, for one, am glad that Ms. Kostin will not be a voice for Greenwich in our state Legislature.”

Letter to the editor submitted by Karen Fassuliotis

It is sad that a video has surfaced showing one failed candidate for State Representative from the 151th District gleefully calling another failed candidate running for re-election for State Representative from the 150th District a derogatory name.

What is sadder is the failed candidate from the 151 st District failing to publicly apologize for the language she used in that video.

There is no denying that the words were said. There is a cinematic proof showing them to be said. So why not just apologize and move on? Wouldn’t that be the better political tactic?

Instead, she chose to use the political tactic of deflection – moving the conversation from her own actions by calling out another individual for statements he allegedly said. When accused of something that is undeniably true, deflect the blame by pointing at others.  For those who are not aware, the failed candidate from the 151 st District deflected the
conversation about what she said by claiming she had a run-in at the Greenwich High School homecoming football game with an individual (non-elected) from the opposite party that included his allegedly bragging about his skill with guns. She also admitted that she did not call the police as she did not feel threatened by the remark.

Deflection, as a strategy, is a political tactic used to redirect your action or responsibility away from you toward another person, time, or place. Deflection in and of itself is not bad, and by extension, neither is a deflective colleague, in the right circumstances.
But the use of deflection is not right in this circumstance. The deflection used by this candidate is not positive for our community, is not positive for those that cast their votes in the 150th and 151 st Districts and is not positive for the constituents she continues to serve in our Representative Town Meeting. By side-stepping, rather than being accountable and responsible for her actions, this current RTM Representative from District 8 is only concerned about her own political agenda, whatever that is. Deflect your action by making an accusation against a totally unrelated individual for remarks allegedly said at a different time. By deflecting she is, in essence, telling the people in our town and her district, “I’m not as bad as they say I am, after all, look at the alleged actions of this individual in the other party. What he allegedly said is worse than my name calling of an outgoing incumbent candidate.”

This from the same RTM representative who was quoted in the Greenwich Time as saying, “…we should expect to be held accountable for our words. … If you’re going to be serving … you should strive to create an atmosphere of tolerance and inclusion, regardless of political affiliation. If you’re going to represent our town, you would do well to avoid alienating the public and refrain from needlessly divisive commentary on public forums.”

What is ironic is that the person she was speaking out against in that article apologized publicly for his remarks. This current RTM representative and former candidate for state representative has chosen a different path – deflect and change the subject. No public apology, no accountability.

What is more telling is the silence from the political activists and the head of the political party under which this candidate ran. None have called publicly for an apology, yet they are quick to pounce on anyone else who do not subscribe to their political agenda. Again, it is easy to deflect but not so easy to take responsibility for your words, especially when your words are used against someone who does not agree with your political views.

On Tuesday, November 20th, the Greenwich High School Class of 2022 will take part in a
program called “Names Can Really Hurt Us.”

In a letter to parents, Interim Headmaster Richard Piotrzkowski and NAMES Day Co-Faculty Advisors, Michelle Franks and Dan Robinson stated, “Co-sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League and Greenwich High School, “Names” is an all-day workshop that invites students to explore how name-calling and other forms of prejudice can poison the atmosphere at school and lead to serious consequences. . .” I wonder how this RTM representative will explain her actions to her own children. I suspect that she will use the tactic of deflection to justify her explanation.

Perhaps the “Names Can Hurt Us” program should invite her to participate in their workshop so they can point out that deflecting the conversation and refusing to take responsibility for what you say does nothing to promote positive public discourse and debate by public officials.

It is time for her to stop diverting and to take responsibility for her remark with a public apology. Time to practice what she preaches. After all, even high school students see that “Names Can Hurt Us.” Why can she?

Karen Fassuliotis is a current member of the Board of Estimate and Taxation. The views expressed here are her own.

On Nov 9, Greenwich Police arrested a woman by warrant for an incident that stemmed back to Sept 20, 2018 at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center.

The warrant, which was issued on Oct 31, charges Veronica Delgado, 40, of Hope street in Stamford with Criminal Mischief 1.

Delgado was alleged to have vandalized a car while it was parked at the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center on Harding Rd in Old Greenwich back in September.

Her bond was set at $5,000, which she was able to post.

She has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Nov 26, 2018.

Open Arts Alliance is proud to announce auditions for its upcoming musical production of Annie Jr. Auditions will be held December 12, 13, and 14 at 7:00 pm at Round Hill Community Center, 395 Round Hill Road in Greenwich, CT.

With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy. Featuring classic songs like: “Easy Street,” “It’s The Hard Knock Life” and “Tomorrow,” Annie is one of the world’s most beloved musicals.

Performances of Annie Jr. will take place on Saturday, April 27th and Sunday, April 28th at the Cole Auditorium at the Greenwich Library.

Rocco Natale, Executive Director of Open Arts Alliance, will direct the musical. Rocco will be joined by Ronnie Staplefield (Associate Producer), Jennifer Dunn (Choreographer), Maria Colonnato (Costume and Scenic Designer), Jack Kriskey (Crew Foreman) and Kerry Gavin (Music Director).

All youth in the community ages 8-18 are encouraged to audition. Required audition registration can be completed at www.OpenArtsAlliance.com by December 11^th. Auditioners need only attend one of the scheduled audition dates. Children auditioning should be prepared to sing a song of their choosing a cappella, and be ready to read from a portion of the script.

For more information, please call Open Arts Alliance at (203) 202-2147 or visit us online at www.OpenArtsAlliance.com

Open Arts Alliance, is a 501(c) (3) non-profit social service organization that uses the performing arts to bridge the gap between the youngest and eldest members of our community. Through our free educational programs for children and senior citizens, OAA is dedicated to bringing literacy and art to an underserved community.

On Saturday Nov 10 around 8:00pm Greenwich Police responded to 83 East Putnam Ave on a report of an intoxicated driver at that location.

83 East Putnam Ave is the address associated with the Shell gas station.

Officers located Peggy Curcio, 53, of Cat Rock Rd operating her motor vehicle in the parking lot at that location which is for 10 cars or more. During an investigation on scene, officers determined Curcio displayed bloodshot glassy eyes and had slurred speech and odor of alcohol.

Curcio was charged with DUI. Her bond was set at $250 which she was able to post. She has a date in court on Nov 26, 2018.

Letter to the editor from Louise T. Bavis, Jackie Budkins, Jill Capalbo, Julia Chiappetta, Christine Colasurdo, Patti DeFelice, Irene Dietrich, Debra Hess, Christine Marullo, Linda Moshier, Joan Pellegrino, Jodi Pellegrino, Lauren Rabin, Sophia Scarpelle, Lisa Seglem and Caren Vizzo St. Phillip

We come together because we are deeply troubled by the disparaging comments made at the Democratic gathering on election eve. Referring to someone as a d… is offensive. (Sorry – it was too vulgar to put in writing.) Yet that is exactly what Laura Kostin said when referring to State Representative Mike Bocchino to her cohorts and the media. The video is available for public viewing on social media.

Whether you are a man or woman, Republican or Democrat – we should agree that Laura Kostin’s conduct is reprehensible and should not be tolerated. As well as those individuals in the video that laughed and clapped, who are equally complicit.

As for our newly elected State Representative, Steve Meskers, in his new leadership role, opted not to apologize for this crude comment, but rather chose instead to excuse Kostin’s behavior, which we also find disappointing and inexcusable.

Repeatedly, Laura Kostin has taken it upon herself to judge and criticize others. We cite one such example of her recent harsh criticism of a nominee to the Board of Human Services regarding a post he made on social media.

We feel that there is clearly a double standard here, for she is free to say and act as she pleases without taking accountability. Her actions are divisive and unbecoming – especially for an elected official with apparent political aspirations.

As women in our community, we are concerned, offended and in agreement that being a woman does not give you a free pass to say and do what you please.

We ask our newly elected State Representative, why he would condone a behavior that promotes divisiveness within the district he is about to represent. He has some large shoes to fill and should instead be grateful for Mike’s humility and eagerness to help him transition into this new position.

We are a community, with deep roots in civility and we agree that this new breed of “Greenwich politics” is going down the wrong path.

Is Civility Dead? Is this the new normal? We therefore suggest that Laura Kostin step down from her position on the RTM and take some time to reflect on her behavior. We need people to work together and collaborate for the common good. It appears that Laura Kostin may have forgotten this concept.

Louise T. Bavis
Jackie Budkins
Jill Capalbo
Julia Chiappetta
Christine Colasurdo
Patti DeFelice
Irene Dietrich
Debra Hess
Christine Marullo
Linda Moshier
Joan Pellegrino
Jodi Pellegrino
Lauren Rabin
Sophia Scarpelle
Lisa Seglem
Caren Vizzo St. Phillip

On Monday, Nov 12 a Greenwich man surrendered to Greenwich Police on an active arrest warrant.

Brian T Danzi, 43, of Henry Street in Greenwich, was arrested pursuant to his involvement in a Larceny that occurred from April 2018 through August 2018 on Hobart Ave in Glenville.

Police charged Mr. Danzi with Offering Home Repair without License, No Notice of Cancellation, and Larceny 2nd degree 53a-123(a)(5), which is when the property, regardless of its nature or value, is obtained by embezzlement, false pretenses or false promise and the victim of such larceny is 60 years of age or older or is blind or physically disabled.

Police say that they conducted an investigation into an alleged home improvement scam, which revealed that Danzi did not have a valid license for the contracted work, the proper paperwork to do business as a contractor, and forged documents for work and materials not actually performed or obtained.

Police say the victim was over 60 years old and that the value of the property or services exceeded $10,000.

Mr. Danzi posted his $34,000 court set bond and has a date in Stamford Superior Court on Nov 26, 2018.

At North Mianus School Veterans Day ceremony are Greenwich Police Sgt. Sean O’Donnell, who served in the US Army, with daughter Keira and his father Denis who served from 1957-60 in the US Army in Germany. Nov 9, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Bill Studwell who served in the US Army from 1966 to 1972, said that on a somber note, the school lost one of its veterans this year, John “Ted” Allen. Photo: Leslie Yager

Boy Scouts from pack 23 arrived with the flags at the beginning of the Veterans Day ceremony at North Mianus School. Nov 9, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Friday North Mianus School celebrated Veterans Day with a ceremony that dates back to 1938.

Among the veterans was Bill Studwell, who has twin grand daughters at North Mianus School.

Mr. Studwell , who served in the US Army from 1966 to 1972, said that on a somber note, the school lost one of its veterans this year, John “Ted” Allen.

“He was a gentleman I sat next to here at this event for the past two years. And it would be my honor to recognize his two grand daughters,” he said to a huge round of applause.

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Mr. Studwell said that Mr. Allen, who served in the US Army Reserves from 1967-73, was very proud of his grand daughters Meghan and Natalie Allen, as well as Kyle and Lindsay who are now at Eastern Middle School.

Also among the veterans at North Mianus School were Sean O’Donnell, a member of the Greenwich Police Dept who served in the US Army and his father Denis, who was drafted into the US Army and served from 1957-1960.

Denis was was part of an Artillery Battalion in Germany said that when he received the letter in the mail telling him he was drafted, it was a proud moment.

“Everybody enlisted. You picked our branch,” he said. “If you were drafted, you did one year less. Everybody got the letter. You planned your life accordingly.”

Denis said that after that military draft notice letter arrived, recruits would go to the Whitehall Induction Center in Manhattan for hours of interviews and medical tests before being sworn in.

“If you were rejected, you were disappointed,” Denis recalled. “It was your right of passage go get in to an adult work and you felt proud of your uniform.”

Bulletin boards and displays throughout North Mianus School gave tribute to veterans. Nov 9, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Principal Schmidt delivered a speech that linked the sacrifice of heroic men and women in the armed forces, as well as police and fire fighters, with the school district’s norms.

“I wanted to show you how our veterans lived and live those same norms. Be Here: Every day our veterans were there and are here protecting our right to freedom and ensuring that those less fortunate will some day live in a world where peace is possible for all.

Be Safe: our veterans protect our country here in America and on foreign shores often putting their own personal safety at risk in order to protect our precious liberties.

Be Honest: Veterans are ordinary heroes who live in our community who give tirelessly of themselves by serving our country with integrity, honesty and courage. They are our role models, honoring us by safeguarding our American values.

Students in Mrs. Lewis’ class made care packages for service men and women. Nov 9, 20218 Photo: Leslie Yager

Care for Self and Others: Every veteran has taken time from their own careers, families and friends to travel to foreign and distant shores and other states and to put the needs of every citizen above their own. Our police and firefighters are role models of courage and dedication to the greater good.

Like our veterans, we have to put our own needs aside and live as they have in duty and in privilege to protect each and every one of us.

Let go and Move on: When service is over, many veterans come back to this country having lived through incredible hardship and struggle. They often come back to a different world than the one they left behind and they have to work hard to find their place again, return to jobs they once held and families they have sorely missed. They must learn to let go of the difficulties and personal sacrifice and come back to a world where they often face even greater challenges.

At North Mianus School a bulletin board was decorated with poppies, each featuring the name of a veteran who attended the Veterans Day event at the school. Nov 9, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

See also:

PHOTOS: Veterans Day Patriotic Walk & Ceremony Mark 100 Years Since World War I

Photos of monitor lizard attached; photo credit: Ty Foster

On Sunday, November 18 from 1:00pm to 2:30pm the Friends of Greenwich Point are sponsoring the event “Scales & Slime: Reptiles and Amphibians” at the Innis Arden Cottage at Greenwich Point.

Free live-animal presentations will be at 1:00pm, 1:30pm and 2:00pm as we explore the incredible diversity of reptiles and amphibians that inhabit our own neighborhoods. From the snakes in woodpiles and stonewalls to the annual march of salamanders to vernal pools, this group of creatures is fascinating to discover and observe.

The Stamford Museum & Nature Center will deliver this fun afternoon of programming that includes interactive discussions and activities.

For more information, please email the Friends of Greenwich Point Education Committee at info@friendsofgreenwichpoint.org.

The mission of the Friends of Greenwich Point is to act as an advocate for Greenwich Point. We are non-profit committed to responsible stewardship and public education to preserve and enhance Greenwich Point’s diverse natural environments and beauty; to safe and appropriate recreation; and to the maintenance of its facilities. The Friends of Greenwich Point initiates and carries out projects related to the organization’s mission, complementing the efforts and resources of the town.

Christian Dilworth. August 17, 2018. Photo courtesy Greenwich Police Department

Christian Dilworth, the Greenwich man charged with Animal Cruelty in June, who also had outstanding felony charges from February and March, appeared before Judge Richard Comerford in Stamford Superior Court on Tuesday.

Police say that on June 3, a mastiff type dog was found roaming in Bruce Park and that it displayed signs of abuse.

In August, police announced that Greenwich Animal Control had determined the dog had been adopted in May 2018 by Dilworth whose address at the time was in Greenwich Close on Brookside Drive.

A post on Facebook of Dilworth the day he adopted Duke.

“Duke” had been brought up from Baltimore by an animal rescuer in Rowayton who, in turn, allowed her partner dog trainer in Bethany to adopt him to Dilworth without adequate background checks.

On Tuesday the Rowayton based rescuer, who was in court eager to testify, said she came to know the fate of the mastiff type dog in June when she received a call from Greenwich Animal Control who had traced the dog’s micro chip back to her.

From there she called Dilworth.

“I called him because it was three weeks since he adopted the dog and I would have done a follow up phone call anyway,” she said. “He told me the dog has died of a parasite,” she recalled on Tuesday. “I called animal control back immediately.”

Police have said during their investigation, Dilworth also told them the dog had died. That led to additional charges of False Statement and Interfering with an Officer, as well as Failure to Comply with Dog Ownership and Illegal Release of a Domestic Animal.

Many have followed the case of Dilworth who was arrested twice last winter for charges including multiple felonies: Breach of Peace in February, Violating Condition of Release (a Felony) in March, Harassment 2nd degree (misdemeanor), Violation of Protective Order (Felony) and Violation of Condition of Release 1st degree (Felony)  in February.

On Sept 16 Greenwich Animal Control Officers were in court prepared to testify. The case was continued until October.

On Oct 9, the dog trainer from Bethany sat for hours in court ready to give testimony. Dilworth’s case was again continued.

On Tuesday Nov 13, the rescuer from Rowayton was in court eager to testify herself.

Dilworth, wearing in topsiders, jeans, a blue long sleeved shirt and fleece vest, went before Judge Comerford around 10:45am.

Attorney Andrew Gould from the Law Offices of Philip Russell told the judge that his client Mr. Dilworth was “having problems with his insurance” but that he sought “to get some treatment.” He asked for a referral to Renaissance.

Judge Richard Comerford agreed and said Mr. Dilworth should enroll at CT Renaissance or find a similar program for counseling.

According to its website, Renaissance is a non-profit multi-service agency that provides mental health, substance abuse and community release treatment to men, women and adolescents throughout the state of Connecticut.

Dilworth’s next date in Stamford Superior Court is set for Dec 11, 2018.

As for Duke, Greenwich Animal Control adopted the dog to a Greenwich Police officer who renamed him Henry and he now lives happily with two other dogs.

See also:

Happy Twist in Greenwich Mastiff Cruelty Story

Greenwich Man Charged with Animal Cruelty after Abused Mastiff Found in Bruce Park

Local Man Arrested Twice in One Week by GPD

Vassar Haiti Project

The Vassar Haiti Project is hosting a Haitian art and handcraft sale at Second Congregational Church on the weekend of November 16 to 18.

The sale will celebrate Haitian art and handcraft while raising funds for the relief efforts of the 2018 October earthquake and ongoing sustainable development projects in Haiti.

There will be affordable, unique handcrafts and over 200 original paintings from Haitian artisans on sale accompanied by authentic kompa music.

This sale will celebrate Haitian art and culture while raising funds for the relief efforts of the 2018 October earthquake and ongoing sustainable development projects in Haiti.

Hours as follows:

Friday Nov 16: 6:30pm – 9pm (Opening Wine Reception)
Sat Nov 17: 10am – 5pm, and 2pm – 3pm Panel Discussion
Sunday, Nov 18: 9am – 2pm

For the past 18 years years, the Vassar Haiti Project has partnered with a rural, mountainous village in Haiti called Chermaitre through 5 initiatives- education, medicine, a women’s co-operative, reforestation, and water purification and access.

The art sale (including the opening reception) is free and open to the public. All sales are 50% tax deductible.

For more information about the event, please visit www.thehaitiproject.org or call 845.797.2123.

Second Congregational Church, 139 East Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830