For a fifth consecutive year, Greenwich Hospital has achieved Healthgrades 2019 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, placing the organization among the top 15 percent of hospital’s nationwide for patient experience.

“We are particularly proud of this award because it’s based directly on patient feedback.  Greenwich Hospital always strives to put the needs of its patients first by continuously looking for innovative ways to enhance the hospital experience,” said Norman Roth, the hospital’s president and chief executive officer.

Healthgrades evaluated hospital performance based on patient experience surveys submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The 32 survey questions focused on patients’ perspectives of their care, including cleanliness and noise levels in patient rooms, physician and nurse communication, and whether they would recommend the hospital to friends or family. Healthgrades is the leading online source for information about hospitals and physicians.

Greenwich Hospital has multiple initiatives focusing on the patient experience. The hospital’s Patient and Family Advisory Council encourages patients and family members to be active participants in improving the delivery of care. In addition, the hospital’s service excellence committee has met weekly for the past 20 years to review patient feedback and identify opportunities for improvement. Greenwich Hospital ranks in the 95 percentile nationwide for patient satisfaction, according to Press Ganey Associates, the leading source for patient satisfaction data.

Four years ago Greenwich Police stopped a local woman for motor vehicle violations on Old Field Point Road.

The arrestee, Lissette Nieves, of Armstrong Court, now 36, missed her court appearance and police had a warrant for her arrest for Failure to Appear 2.

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

She has a new court date on May 29, 2019 in Stamford Superior Court.

Stamford Mayor David Martin and State Rep (D-147) Matt Blumenthal at the rally against recent abortion restrictions. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong at Stamford Government Center. “There are forces in Washington and in the White House and in this country – not just in Alabama or Georgia – but yes, here in Connecticut, powerful forces who want to dismantle a system of healthcare for American women and all American families.” May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Friday in the throes of rush hour in downtown Stamford about 125 people turned out for a rally in opposition to a series of highly restrictive abortion laws in multiple states aimed at overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion nationwide.

Several states have passed anti-abortion legislation this year, including Alabama’s new law mandating a near total ban on abortion, with no exceptions for rape or incest.

Many protesters carried signs featured the image of a wire coat hanger, a symbol of a time when abortion was illegal and desperate women took drastic measures to terminate pregnancies.

Among the mostly crowd on Friday was Julia Dzafic of Stamford, who said, “I don’t want my daughter to live in a world with fewer rights than I have.”

Bella Subramanian and Maya Walker at Stamford Government Center. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Academy students Maya Walker and Bella Subramanian, both 17, said they are yet to turn voting age, but are passionate.

“It’s so important for people our age to get involved. Though we can’t vote, our voices will change the world later,” Bella said.

“If it’s going to effect anyone, it’ll be us,” Maya said of new laws restricting abortion. “Now is as good a time as ever to start fighting for what we believe in.”

During remarks, Stamford Mayor, Democrat David Martin said, “Here in Stamford, the Planned Parenthood clinic is welcome, and I will do everything in my power to defend that clinic and the rights of people who want to go to that clinic.”

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong said America’s system of healthcare for women is under attack and he is fighting also fighting in defense of Title X, (the US Program for Affordable Birth Control and Reproductive Health Care), which was codified in statute decades ago as the US system of healthcare.

“This is not a principled argument about policy. This isn’t just a debate about abortion. This is a war on American women,” Tong said.

“If I was in Alabama, I’d just say, ‘What is Wrong with you! Do you not see that young woman, and her family, and her life and her future? What is the point of denying her every option afforded to her under the law and in the practice of medicine? Do you not feel for the victims of rape and incest? Do you not see the damage you are doing to their families? That’s what I would say.” – William Tong CT Attorney General

Danielle Eason of Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, said the new highly restrictive abortion laws are dangerous, harmful and illegal, and have created a nationwide crisis.

Referring to Alabama’s law banning abortion at just six weeks into a pregnancy, Eason said, “Six weeks is before most women know they are pregnant.”

“Extreme abortion bans go beyond just rhetoric,” Eason continued. “They put lives at risk and will disproportionately impact women with low incomes and those of color.”

She said currently, one in three women of reproductive ages – 25+ million – live in a state where abortion could be outlawed if Roe is overturned.

“People’s health and safety should drive medical decisions, not a politician’s extreme and misogynistic beliefs.” – Danielle Eason, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England

State Rep Matt Blumenthal (D-147) whose district which includes parts of Stamford and New Canaan, said, “You don’t respect women if you deny them the the accurate sex education that they deserve. You don’t respect women if you try to put the law between a woman and her doctor. You don’t respect women if you lie about the medical practices around reproductive health care in order to make a political point. …You don’t respect women if you’re lying to them in their hour of need about their most intimate decision.”

Blumenthal said he was pleased that on Thursday the House passed H.B. 7070, An Act Concerning Deceptive Marketing Practices of Limited Service Pregnancy Centers

“So that no woman goes to get the health care she needs and instead is lied to and deceived out of the healthcare she deserves,” Blumenthal said. “In order to be free and equal people, women need to be able to control their own destinies.”

Caroline Simmons, State Representative in Connecticut representing the 144th District. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

State Rep Caroline Simmons (D-144) whose district is in Stamford, said Alabama’s new law that sends abortion doctors to prison for life with no exception for rape or incest victims is barbaric.

“If a woman is raped and impregnated by that rape, she would have no choice under Alabama law but to deliver that rapist’s baby,” she said. “That is barbaric and sickening and unjust, and is not who we are as a country.”

Donna Moffly, Danielle Eason and Erica Buchsbaum on the way to Stamford Government Center. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Stamford Mayor David Martin said although he has no role in creating legislation, he would do everything possible to support and protect Stamford’s Planned Parenthood location. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

State Senator Alex Bergstein (D-36) whose district covers Greenwich and portions of Stamford and New Canaan. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

State Senator Alex Bergstein who traveled straight from Hartford to Stamford, said the fight for abortion rights is part of an overall fight for women’s rights.

“We are here fighting for justice, fighting for equality, fighting for the freedom to choose how we spend our lives, what we do with our bodies, how we care for families – that is our inalienable right,” she said.

Bergstein said that on Friday at 2:30am and 3:30am in Hartford, two bills were passed to safeguard women’s rights.

“It was not easy,” she said.  “The first was for a $15.00 minimum wage, which followed an 8-hour filibuster by opponents of the bill who had all sorts of anecdotal evidence that apparently people who work at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts do not want their wages raised.”

Stamford residents Elissa Ranney with Moose, Sarah Swanberg with Sadie and Remy and Julia Dzafic with daughter Amelia and Madison Hughes at Government Center.   May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

“By raising the minimum wage to $15.00, here’s a fact: We will lift 50% of the women in Connecticut living in poverty out of poverty.”

She said at 3:30am, a bill was passed called ‘Time’s Up.’ “It tells anyone who is a victim of sexual assault, ‘We believe you,'” she said.

Bergstein said the minimum wage law and ‘Time’s Up’ law are tied together with reproductive rights.

But, she said, “We are not safe – an 8 hour filibuster of these bills proves that The opponents were glorifying the past, talking about how great our country was 100 years ago, conveniently forgetting that our economy relied on slavery and unpaid labor by every woman in this country.”

Bergstein went on to say the best way to prevent abortion is to promote contraception.

“Contraception everywhere for everyone, and every time. That’s how we prevent abortion. If a state wants to criminalize unwanted pregnancies, they should criminalize the perpetrator. The woman does not impregnate herself. But the best policy of all is to trust women.”

Meghan Holden communications director for the ACLU of Connecticut spoke against the recent restriction on abortion in southern states. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Meghan Holden, communications director for the ACLU of Connecticut, said the abortion bans in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri and Kentucky are all troubling.

“Abortion is health care. Abortion is a moral good. Abortion is a legal right and abortion is a human right. Reproductive freedom means the right to decide about our own futures and our own lives,” Holden said, adding that wherever abortion access is restricted, the people hurt hardest  are people are the vulnerable – people of color, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, people in rural communities and poor people.

“Our sister ACLU affiliates across the country are standing up against state legislatures to tell them that if they enact unconstitutional and cruel bans on abortion, the ACLU will see them in court,” she said.

Ida Vallo Morris with her daughter, a senior at Stamford High School, Riley Morris, who shared remarks at the rally. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Riley Morris, a senior at Stamford High School, said, “When you walk into a Planned Parenthood, you could be surrounded by people calling you a murderer, a barbarian or a killer,” she said. “You all know about the laws passed in GA, AL and soon Ohio. But why would these laws pass? Seeking abortion was already hard enough, and now women have to face prison time or a baby – or in some cases, in the inevitable case of illegal abortions, death or a baby. Why did the men and women in Alabama pass these laws, may I ask, knowing the outcome –  knowing that women will die because there will be no safe abortions.”

“These men and women who signed the laws want to systematically dismantle the rights of women we were given in Roe V Wade to disenfranchise women who are not white, rich and Christian,” Riley said.

Prabha Balaraman with twin boys Akash and Amad Vishnubhatta at Stamford Government Center. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

An in-depth investigative study by Better Business Bureau finds that fraudulent consumer goods are ubiquitous, difficult to tell apart from the legitimate products they are counterfeiting, and stem from a large network of organized criminals and credit card processing mechanisms that are willing to support them.

Research shows that eight in 10 Americans shop online, and the dominance of online retail means nearly anything can be bought online, sometimes at discounts that seem too good to be true. However, nearly anything available online can be counterfeited, and research also shows that one in four people have bought something online that turned out to be counterfeit.

The investigative study –“Fakes Are Not Fashionable: A BBB Study of the Epidemic of Counterfeit Goods Sold Online” – looks at the prevalence of counterfeit consumer goods and the criminal systems that circulate them. It digs into the scope of the problem, who is behind it, the multi-pronged fight to stop it and the steps consumers can take to avoid it.

The risk of encountering counterfeit goods can affect any online shopper. These goods range from brand-name sunglasses and handbags to golf clubs and consumer electronics, as well as many other kinds of products. BBB’s report finds that any shippable item with a reputation for quality and sizable markup is a candidate for counterfeiting. While counterfeit goods often are reputed to be deeply discounted, in reality, counterfeit sellers regularly use selling prices that are close to the price of the real product, so the prices offered are no longer a signal that the product is counterfeit.

“In Connecticut we see a wide variety of complaints about counterfeit products, it doesn’t just affect women trying to purchase high-end purses and sunglasses. There are many submissions from men who tried to purchase sports jerseys and sneakers at a discount but received counterfeit or poor quality items,” said Luke Frey, Associate Director of Communication, BBB Serving Connecticut. “There were also a few submissions about consumers purchasing counterfeit vaporizers (e-cigarettes) that are popular and celebrity endorsed.”

The cost of counterfeiting affects not only consumers who lose money by receiving products not as advertised, but also the broader U.S. economy. BBB’s report finds that counterfeiting and intellectual property piracy cost the US economy $200-$250 billion and 750,000 jobs annually.

In the last three years, BBB has received more than 2,000 complaints and more than 500 Scam Tracker reports from people who have shopped for goods online and received counterfeits instead of what they ordered. The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) processed 2,249 complaints about counterfeit goods (including pirated goods) in 2018, while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) processed 552 complaints representing a total financial loss of more than $752,000. That being said, many victims do not file complaints, making it difficult to get a firm grasp on how often people pay for goods that are counterfeit or not as advertised.

According to BBB’s report, 88% of counterfeit goods come from China and Hong Kong, with their smuggling and their online sale via fraudulent websites widely thought to be coordinated by international organized crime groups.

Customs agents seized $1.2 billion in counterfeit shipments in fiscal 2017, the most current year for which data is available; however, shipping and smuggling methods vary widely, creating major headaches for customs officials.

Inasmuch as counterfeit goods are almost always paid for with a credit card, the fraudulent websites that process these sales make extensive use of the credit card and banking system, with a small number of Chinese banks and an extensive network of intermediary payment processors responsible for the vast majority of processing for these purchases.

Active efforts are being made to fight the flood of counterfeit goods. BBB attempts to identify and report on bogus businesses, especially if they claim to be located in the US and Canada.

Trademark holders also do a great deal of work and spend a considerable amount of money trying to fight counterfeits.

This is a major priority for customs officials and law enforcement as well. US Customs and Border Protection has increased its seizures of counterfeit goods by 125% over the last five years, and the White House recently issued an executive order directing government agencies that work with brands to examine counterfeiting and make it an enforcement priority.

Consumers should check the reputation of the seller before making payment at bbb.org/ct and contact the manufacturer for a listing of authorized sellers.

What to do if you believe you have unwittingly purchased counterfeit goods:

• Ask for a refund. Victims who don’t receive anything when buying online with their credit card, or who receive goods that are counterfeit or not as described, should call the customer service number on the back of their card and request a refund. The report goes into great detail about the process of obtaining a refund and the remedies available to victims.

Report counterfeit goods. Contact one or more of the following:

The Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Threads and Treads, announces that registration for the 55th running of the Jim Fixx Greenwich Memorial Day Road Race is now in progress.

This year’s Five Mile Run is scheduled for Monday, May 27, 2019, starting at 8:15am.

There will also be a half-mile run for children through middle school age on the Havemeyer Field Track, behind Greenwich Town Hall, immediately following the five-mile race.

Runners may register on line at www.threadsandtreads.com. Please follow the instructions on the Website. You may also register in person at Threads and Treads, 17 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830 during normal business hours. Information flyers may also be obtained at Greenwich Town Hall, Eastern Greenwich Civic Center and Bendheim Western Greenwich Civic Center.

Registration will also be available the morning of the race at the Greenwich Senior Center, 299 Greenwich Avenue from 6:45 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. only for an increased fee of $40.00 for the Five Mile Race or $20.00 for the children’s run. Exact change or check payable to “M.D.R.R.C.” will be the only payment accepted on Race Day.

This challenging run continues to be one of the more popular races in the area. The beautiful course starts at 239 Greenwich Avenue, includes central Greenwich and Bruce Park and concludes on the Havemeyer Field Track.

The run is the second leg of the Hospital for Special Surgery Greenwich Cup 2019 Series Presented by William Raveis. The Jim Fixx Race is co-sponsored by The Greenwich Old Timers Athletic Association and J.J. Cassone Bakery. Other sponsors of the Greenwich Cup 2019 Series include Dental Oral Surgery, Stretch Lab and Threads and Treads.

Commemorative T-shirts are provided to the first 300 entrants and Awards will be presented overall male and female champions and medals will be awarded to the top finishers in a variety of age categories. Medals will also be presented to all participants in the kid’s run, with trophies given to top finishers in two boy’s and two girl’s age categories.

Other race features include three on-course water stations and post-race refreshments.

For more information on the Race please call Threads & Treads at 203-661-0142 or the Recreation Office at 203-618-7649.

You can find information about other Greenwich Parks and Recreation programs at www.greenwichct.gov.

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South, Greenwich, CT 06830

OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, May 19, 2019
12:30pm to 2:00pm

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South
Greenwich, CT 06830

Listed at: 2,495,000
Greenwich MLS #95465

Bedrooms: 2
Baths: 2 Full, 1 Half Bath
Garage: Underground, 2 spaces
Sq ft: 2,088

Listed  by: Stefanie Lacoff
Houlihan Lawrence
Tel: (203) 536-9403
Email: SLacoff@HoulihanLawrence.com

Downtown Greenwich’s finest quality new construction residence, Beacon Hill 2, reflects a sense of modern living that’s as impressive as its location.

This new luxury community offers a lifestyle unique to Greenwich complete with concierge, fitness center and only steps from Greenwich Avenue shops, restaurants, theaters and Metro North Train station.

Every residence features one level living, open floor-plans and light filled entertaining spaces with fabulous Long Island Sound views and private terraces.

Three Bedroom with private rooftop terrace also available.

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

62-68 Sound View Drive, 2-South

Stefanie Lacoff is a member of the National Association of Realtors, Connecticut Association of Realtors, Greenwich Association of Realtors, Greenwich Multiple Listing Service, Connecticut Multiple Listing Service.

Contact Stefanie with questions or to schedule a private tour at (203) 536-9403 or email SLacoff@HoulihanLawrence.com

To inquire about running a House of the Week feature contact Leslie.Yager@gmail.com

The case of a horrific home invasion that took place in 2007 in South Kent, CT, culminated in the sentencing on Wednesday of a Romanian national, Emmanuel Nicolscu, 32, to 121 months of imprisonment.

Shortly before midnight on April 15, 2007, three men – Alexandru Nicolescu and Emanuel Nicolescu, who are not related, and another individual – wearing masks and brandishing knives and firearms, entered the home noted philanthropist Anne Hendricks Bass in South Kent.

Mr. Nicolescu became he target of an FBI investigation after he tied up Ms. Bass and her boyfriend, injected them with a supposedly deadly virus and demanded $8.5 million for the “antidote.”

According to a release from the US Dept of Justice, John H. Durham, US Attorney for the District of Connecticut, the intruders bound and blindfolded two adult victims and injected each with a substance the intruders claimed was a deadly virus.  The intruders ordered the victims to pay $8.5 million or else they would be left to die from the lethal injection.

“When it became clear that the victims were not in position to meet the intruders’ demands, the intruders drugged the two residents with a sleeping aid and fled in the homeowner’s Jeep Cherokee,” the release said.

The remainder of the release is as follows:

The stolen Jeep Cherokee was abandoned the next morning at a Home Depot in New Rochelle, New York.  A few days later, on April 21, 2007, an accordion case washed ashore in Jamaica Bay.  The content of the case included a stun gun, a 12-inch knife, a black plastic Airsoft gun, a crowbar, syringes, sleeping pills, latex gloves, and a laminated telephone card with the South Kent address of the victims.

In 2010, a newly assigned investigator from the Connecticut State Police made the connection that matched a partial Pennsylvania license plate, seen by a witness near the victims’ estate on the night of the crime, to a car owned by Michael N. Kennedy, and made a further connection that Kennedy had formerly shared an address with Emmanuel Nicolescu, who had been employed by the victim.  The investigator then discovered that the data for the cell tower nearby the New Rochelle Home Depot contained a call by a phone number registered to Emmanuel Nicolescu, minutes after the Jeep was abandoned.  Shortly after that, investigators from the State Police and FBI gathered Emanuel Nicolescu’s DNA and found that it partially matched a sample from the Jeep’s steering wheel.

As to the accordion case, investigators learned that Kennedy’s father was a professional accordion player, and witnesses later identified the knife in the accordion case as a gift given to Emanuel Nicolescu by his father-in-law.

The investigation revealed that Emanuel Nicolescu and Kennedy worked Alexandru Nicolescu and, as alleged, Stefan Alexandru Barabas, to commit the crime.  The four men planned the home invasion, which included the research and purchase of implements necessary for the crime, such as two-way radios, stun guns and imitation pistols.  On the night of April 15, 2007, Kennedy drove Emanuel Nicolescu, Alexandru Nicolescu and Barabas to a location in the vicinity of the South Kent home, and then picked them up the following morning in New Rochelle at the location where the intruders abandoned the stolen Jeep.

Alexandru Nicolescu fled the US on April 16, 2007.  He has been detained since November 14, 2013, when he was arrested in the United Kingdom where he was residing.  He unsuccessfully contested his extradition and, on November 25, 2014, was transported to the U.S.  On January 8, 2016, he pleaded guilty to one count of attempted extortion and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion.

Emanuel Nicolescu was arrested in Illinois on January 23, 2011.  On March 22, 2012, a jury in New Haven found him guilty of attempted extortion, conspiracy to commit extortion, and possession of a stolen vehicle.  On August 17, 2012, he was sentenced to 240 months of imprisonment.

Kennedy, also known as Nicolae Helerea, a citizen of Romania, voluntarily returned to the U.S. from Romania and, on November 5, 2012, pleaded guilty to one count of attempted extortion and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion.  On May 4, 2016, he was sentenced to 48 months of imprisonment.

Stefan Barabas has been charged in connection with this case and is currently being sought.  The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to his arrest.  (https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/additional/stefan-alexandru-barabas)

As to Barabas, U.S. Attorney Durham stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Connecticut State Police and New York City Police Department.  U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police for their assistance in this case.

This matter is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David E. Novick.

Exterior with heated pool at 4 Laurel Lane Spur

4 Laurel Lane Spur
Greenwich, CT 06830

OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday May 19, 2019
1:00pm to 3:00pm

Improved Price: $2,799,000
GreenwichMLS #105275

5 Bedrooms
4 Full Baths
Single Family
Built in 1972; Renovated in 2018

Listed by: Katherine Donnelly
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Tel. (203) 536-3267
Email: Katherine@kdonnellyrealty.com

This mid-country Georgian Colonial offers sophisticated luxury, with rooms washed in sunlight. There are five bedrooms, four baths, and two powder rooms. There are also two fireplaces and a four car attached garage.

The home has a brick exterior and a wood shingle roof, and is located on a serene cul-de-sac. The 3.42 acre setting allows for quiet enjoyment of nature.

Located south of the Merritt Parkway, Laurel Lane Spur is just minutes from downtown Greenwich, the commuter train, I95 and shopping.

Step inside the double height grand foyer and take in the quality and character that are evident in every interior detail.

There are high ceilings and hand carved moldings, custom walnut inlaid floors, custom built-ins and a back staircase. There is a lot to love in this 7,918 square foot home. All square footage is above ground.

There is a professional grade kitchen with butler’s pantry, walk-in pantry, and a laundry room with a sink. The kitchen features a Viking double oven with a warming drawer and two Bosch dishwashers.

The grand sized rooms feature oversized windows in rooms including a floor to ceiling bow window with built-in corner cabinets in the dining room.

The luxurious master suite is situated on the first floor and has an adjoining expansive spa with custom built-ins, soaking tub, full shower with bench, double vanity, make-up area and water closet.

There is an elegant recessed staircase to the second level with four double bedrooms, two full baths, and plenty of walk-in closets, as well as double and single closets. The second level foyer also has an oversized storage closet as well as two full walk-in attics to round out the abundant storage.

The fully finished “walk-out” lower level has the same quality finishes as the first floor public rooms. You will be pleased with the lower level second family room with fireplace, game room, gym, office, bonus room and custom bar with counter.

This home has plenty to celebrate with both indoor and exterior areas including an Ipe deck off the kitchen and a blue stone terrace directly off the lower level via three sliding glass doors.

Greenwich offers low real estate taxes, and is known as a safe place to live. The Town offers an ideal lifestyle that make many happy to call this 50 square mile community their home.

This home is districted for North Street Elementary School, Central Middle School and Greenwich High School. There are also several private schools to choose from.

There are a number of public and private country clubs with golf courses, yacht clubs, equestrian trails, four public libraries, beaches including Greenwich Point, and of course the wonderful Bruce Museum with its new playground. There are abundant public tennis courts and ballfields which offer hours of enjoyment to our residents.

Double height Grand Foyer at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Full finished lower level with a 2nd family room at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Professional kitchen with oversized windows and built-ins at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Dining Room at at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Dining Room at at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Living room at at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Master Bedroom with Cove Lighting at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Master spa at 4 Laurel Lane Spur in Greenwich.

Katherine Donnelly is a Global Luxury Specialist at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage and has been serving the Greenwich real estate market since 2004, winning various awards including membership in Coldwell Banker’s International Presidents Circle as she was ranked within the top 6% of all sales agents.

As a long time Greenwich resident, she loves to share her market knowledge and the amenities of this special community with others so that they may also experience a wonderful lifestyle.

Katherine may be reached with questions or to schedule a private tour at (203) 536-3267 or Katherine@kdonnellyrealty.com

A Bridgeport man was arrested by Greenwich Police around 11:15pm on May 8 after they observed him driving south on Indian Field Road in Cos Cob and cross the double yellow line.

A motor vehicle stop was conducted and while speaking with the accused, Andres Lopez, 53, of Granfield Ave in Bridgeport, police detected the odor of alcoholic beverage.

Police say Lopez was also slurring his words and had bloodshot eyes.

Lopez was unable to perform field sobriety tests to standard. He was charged with DUI, Failure to Drive in Proper Lane and Driving without a License.

His bond was set at $250, which he was unable to post. He has a date in Stamford Superior Court on May 20, 2019.

Up to the minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 15, 2019 transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall

9 Wyndover Ln

9 Wyndover Ln from 9 Wyndover Lane, LLC to Guzman Santiago on May 15, 2019 for $1,430,000

7 Cottontail Rd

7 Cottontail Rd from Edward and Joanne Mortimer to Matthew Watson on May 15, 2019 for $1,005,000

150 Prospect Street Unit 16 from Rodion Davidov to Gregory Masone on May 15, 2019 for $590,000

0 Creamer Hill Rd from Philip and Patricia Laskawy to The Nomie Trust on May 15, 2019 for $478,590.31

9 Creamer Hill Rd

9 Creamer Hill Rd

9 Creamer Hill Rd from Philip and Patricia Laskawy Trustees to The Nomie Trust on May 15, 2019 for $4,315,878.75

15 Old Orchard Rd

15 Old Orchard Rd from Kenneth and Pamela Corriveau to Clinton Chang on May 15, 2019 for $1,935,000

417 West Lyon Farm Drive

417 West Lyon Farm Drive from Stephen Langan Trustee and John Moore Trustee to Nina King on May 15, 2019 for $1,250,000

See also:

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 2-8, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, May 1-2, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 30 – May 1, 2019

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 24-29, 2019

Back Country Real Estate Talk Packs Round Hill Community Center

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers April, 17-24, 2019

Town Homes in Downtown Are Bright Spot in Greenwich Real Estate

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 15-16, 2019

Letter to the Editor from Sean B. Goldrick who served on the Greenwich Board of Estimate and Taxation, the Town’s finance board, and as liaison to the Greenwich Retirement Board

When he left office in January, Governor Malloy could honestly claim that he had reformed and improved virtually every area of Connecticut state government. Except one.

He was prevented by obstructionist Republicans from reforming the teachers pension fund. As a result, annual payments to the fund, which now total $1.4 billion, or 7% of the budget, could exceed $3 billion by 2032.

Governor Lamont has now taken up the challenge of reform, offering a comprehensive solution in his proposed biennial budget. Here’s how we got here, and how Governor Lamont proposes to fix it.

First, far from being too expensive to afford, as Republicans claim, Connecticut’s public school teacher pension benefits are actually lousy. The Boston College Center for Retirement Studies’ 2015 report concluded that the “generosity” of Connecticut teacher pension benefits, measured by the normal cost as a percentage of payroll, falls below the national average. The Urban Institute’s analysis of state teacher pension benefits awarded Connecticut an “F”, one of just five states receiving a failing grade.

Moreover, Connecticut is one of just twelve states whose teachers are ineligible to collect Social Security benefits. According to a recent report by Cavanaugh MacDonald Consulting that compared teacher pension benefits in those dozen states, Connecticut’s benefits were inferior to nine, and better than just one. With notable understatement, the report concluded that Connecticut teacher pension benefits are “modest.”

Yet Connecticut teachers are forced to pay significantly more for those meager pension benefits than are teachers in most other states. In 2017, General Assembly Republicans, aided by a handful of conservative Democrats, passed a budget unilaterally imposing a $60 million “teacher tax” that raised teachers’ required pension contributions, but not their benefits. Connecticut teachers now contribute two-thirds of the normal cost of their pensions, compared with the national average of just 40%. By contrast, the state of Connecticut contributes less than half the national average to teachers pensions’ “normal cost.”

So, since the teachers aren’t to blame, why are the state’s annual required pension contributions rising so sharply?

First, Connecticut failed to fully fund required pension contributions (“ADEC”) from 1983, when the fund was first created, through 2007. That failure was partly offset by 13.4% annual investment returns from strong capital markets through 2000, resulting in a relatively healthy funding level of 83% by that point. But the next decade proved disastrous. Republican governors Rowland and Rell underfunded the ADEC every year through 2007, while capital market performance dropped dramatically.

In 2008, Governor Rell decided to prop up the pension fund by issuing a $2.2 billion “Pension Obligation Bond.” But the bond was terribly timed, the proceeds being invested right as capital markets collapsed. Far from boosting the fund, the bond actually increased required contributions for years. Those factors combined to reduce funded liabilities from 83% in 2000 to 59% when Governor Malloy took office.

A major impediment to reform comes from a little-noticed covenant in that 2008 pension bond, which forbade the state from making any changes to its funding formula. In 1992, the General Assembly passed a bill requiring that the teachers pension fund be fully funded by 2032. The bond covenant requires the state to adhere to full funding by 2032, even though it will require massive increases in annual contributions to get there. Governor Malloy’s proposed a plan in 2017 to circumvent the bond covenant and eliminate the 2032 cliff, but the GOP refused to act. So while Governor Malloy fully funded the ADEC each year in office, the menace of the 2032 cliff remains.

Governor Lamont has now taken up the reform challenge. He proposes front-loading fund contributions by using the “even dollar” method in place of “percentage of payroll,” which “back-ends” payments, resulted in ballooning contributions over time. He also proposes reducing the expected rate of return from 8.0% to 6.9%. Key to the reform plan, Governor Lamont proposes circumventing the bond covenant by creating a contra-account within the $2.6 billion “rainy day fund” equivalent to a year’s pension contribution that bondholders could access should the state fail to fully fund the ADEC. Creating that reserve would permit the state to eliminate the 2032 cliff, lengthen amortization and postpone full funding until 2049, sharply reducing annual payments in the process. Indeed, the plan projects that pension contributions would essentially flat-line for years to come.

In addition, Governor Lamont has proposed that municipalities begin paying some portion of the normal cost of teacher pensions. Why is that important? Because funding teacher pensions is a local school district responsibility in every state, except Connecticut and New Jersey. After all, school teachers are municipal, not state, employees, and sharing the responsibility will further strengthen teacher pensions. Given that most of the annual payments go to making up arrears, not the normal cost, the cost to municipalities would total just $75 million in 2022 out of the $1.4 billion total pension contribution.

Governor Lamont’s plan will not only protect Connecticut teacher’s contracted pension benefits for years to come, but control the state’s pension contributions, and eliminate the looming 2032 pension cliff. Unlike 2017 when obstructionist Republicans blocked structural reforms, and punished teachers with their “teacher tax,” this year General Assembly Democrats should be able to finally fix the teacher pension fund, and put the entire state budget on a strong and sustainable trajectory for years to come.

Letter to the editor from Mike Warner, Past Chair, RTM Finance Committee

Town Republicans are focused and organized in their efforts to defeat “smart tolls”, the State’s way to finance the modernization of its deteriorating infrastructure.

“No Tolls” signs are appearing everywhere, even at Exit #5, supporters of the “No Tolls” effort were shouting to passing motorist to “Honk if you’re against tolls.”

Without smart tolls, the only alternative is for the State to borrow the enormous sums needed to upgrade its out-of-date roads and bridges.

One reason many Greenwich “no tolls” Republicans are protesting now is because they see “no tolls” as a winning “wedge issue” in November. Their mantra will be, “No new taxes!” implying, of course, that no one will need to pay for updating and maintaining our infrastructure, the state just needs to borrow more and spend more and let someone else pay for it.

This is a fundamental miscalculation, however. Republicans will certainly be asked how huge borrowing for its infrastructure will also cover the high maintenance costs needed to keep those roads and bridges up to date. Are they recommending the state borrow even more to fix potholes?

Republicans who like to think of themselves as the “adults in the room” on financial issues, may squirm in November when they are asked to reconcile their pro-borrowing position for State infrastructure financing, with their staunch “pay as you go,” restrictive borrowing policy that has been starving our town’s public schools for decades, with the average Greenwich school built in 1953.

Those same Republicans who ask us to “Honk if you’re against tolls!” even forget their own history of how large infrastructure projects actually get financed.

Back in the 1950’s, it was Republican President Eisenhower who built our Interstate Highway system. Here was a conservative President, Eisenhower funding on a grand scale, a network of “superhighways”, that knit our nation together, resulting in enormous economic activity and growth, and producing decades of prosperity and convenience for our citizens.

But this project wasn’t free. Republicans insisted that citizens pay for it, with a national gas tax, and citizens willingly paid that tax because what they received in return was an incalculable benefit. There was no honking then against funding a “government program” or political partisans shouting at intersections, “No gas tax!” Citizens understood the need for important capital improvements and were willing to pay for it.

The same is true for the great bridges that connect Manhattan and Long Island to the U.S. mainland. Today we think nothing of paying a bridge toll to cross Long Island Sound, a toll that can deliver us to LaGuardia Airport, sometimes in as little as 35 minutes. Would those same no-toll activists at Exit #5 ask us to “honk” against the tolls that funded the construction of those bridges? (and the continued maintenance of those bridges)

Will Connecticut voters fall for the same “something for nothing” pitch in November that recently worked for Republicans in Washington and for Donald Trump? We’ll see. The problem for Republican’s is that voters, especially Greenwich voters can see what our neighboring states have successfully accomplished with their smart tolls, displaying wide modern highways as we speed through their toll gantry’s. Voters also know that 40% of the drivers on Route I-95 are from out-of-state and it’s those drivers who will absorb 40% of the cost of our road and rail improvements as they speed under our toll gantries as well.

In November voters will likely ask themselves two fundamental questions, first, who really are the “adults in the room” on financial management issues? And second, voters will ask, how long would it take to drive from Greenwich to LGA without those great bridges?

Mike Warner
Past Chair, RTM Finance Committee

Jack Feda a senior captain of the Greenwich Cardinals football team worked with younger players during the Champions Youth Clinic organized with the GYFL at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Cardinals football team members worked with younger players during a clinic organized for the GYFL at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Sunday the weather cooperated perfectly for the Cardinals “Champions Football Clinic” for GYFL players, where dozens of boys and girls did drills with the Greenwich High School players and their coaches.

The clinic was followed by a ring ceremony for the Cardinals.

The GYFL players, in their red “Be The Future” t-shirts, looked on as each player was presented his ring by head Coach John Marinelli in the field house. WGCH’s Rob Adams emceed the event. After each player received his ring, he was congratulated by a throng of coaches.

Registration is currently open for GYFL’s 2019 season. The league, a non profit youth football organization for boys and girls in grades 3 through 8, has three divisions: the Bantam League is for 8- and 9-year old’s. Juniors are 10-11. Seniors start at age 12.

GYFL has over 90 volunteer coaches who offer lessons in sportsmanship, and players enjoy the sense of camaraderie and source of lifelong friendships.

Following the clinic on the turf field at the Boys & Girls Club the Cardinals head coach presented rings during a ceremony in side the field house, a new tradition for the team. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Cardinals football team members worked with younger players during the Champions Youth Clinic organized with the GYFL at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

The idea for the clinic and ring ceremony, a new tradition for the Cardinals, came from head coach Marinelli. About 50 young players participated in the event, where they could see the camaraderie and skills of the older players, many of whom will head to college in August, and imagine themselves in their position.

Gavin Muir, a senior captain who is headed to Dartmouth in the fall, Mozi Bici who is headed for a PG year at Suffield Academy and Christopher Wint who is headed to Castleton University in Vermont said they came up through the ranks of GYFL themselves.

“We all played for the BANC Raiders,” Gavin said. “It was a great experience as team mates and a great experience on the field.”

“It really started a mentality to aim for state championships,” Mozi said.

Andrea and Matt Falco brought their son James and daughter Emi to the event after James, a third grader, learned registration had opened.

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“James has Autism. He joined last year and had a great time,” Andrea said, adding that James’ younger sister Emi may join the league or cheer for GYCL. “Last year she would make friends on the sidelines at his games and practices. She may have had more fun than he did.”

“On May 1, he wore his jersey to school,” she said, a reference to the first day of registration.

“There was a sign up by North Mianus School saying registration was open and he said, ‘We got to start jogging, mom.'”

“Emi said I want to go too,” Andrea recalled.

A popular presences at the event was the Joey B’s Food Truck. Joey B’s owner Dom Delfino has hosted the football team for fundraisers in his restaurant where players’ favorites include the Texas burger, mac ‘n cheese bites and breakfasts of pancakes, french toast and bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches.

To register your child for GYFL’s 2019 season, click here. The season opens on Aug 19, 2019. The last game of the season, championship day, is Nov 10, 2019. (Columbus Day weekend is a bye weekend with no games.)

Vincent Pastore and Christine Kraninger at the GYFL clinic at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Cardinals football team members worked with younger players during a clinic organized with the GYFL at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Cardinals football team members worked with younger players during a clinic organized with the GYFL at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Cardinals football team members worked with younger players during a clinic organized with the GYFL at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Cardinals football team members worked with younger players during the Champions Youth Clinic organized with the GYFL at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Participants received “Be The Future” t-shirts at the GYFL-Cardinals football clinic at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Mozi Bici, Gavin Muir and Christopher Wint, Cardinals Football players at the GYFL clinic. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Evan Beilenson, Jack Murphy and Cooper Kitselman at the GYFL clinic at the Boys & Girls Club. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

James and Emi Falco worked with Greenwich Cardinals football team members during a clinic at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

GYFL players who may some day fill the roster of the Cardinals football team, watched a highlights reel at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Lorenzo Delino and his father Dom Delfino took orders in their Joey B’s Food Truck at the Boys & Girls Club. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Paul works the grill inside the Joey B’s Food Truck at the GYFL/Cardinals Football event at the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Following the clinic on the turf field at the Boys & Girls Club the Cardinals head coach presented Tysen Comizio with his ring during a ceremony in side the field house, a new tradition for the team. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Senior Captain Lance Large at the ring ceremony in side the Boys & Girls Club field house. May 19, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

At Stamford Government Center, State Senator Alex Bergstein speaking at a rally against the highly restrictive abortion laws. May 17, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Over the weekend social media was abuzz about an announcement from State Senator Alex Bergstein (D-36) that she is in a relationship with former colleague Nichola Samponaro.

Her post on Facebook garnered dozens of comments of support and messages of congratulations.

Bergstein, reached by email on Sunday for comment said, “I said all I wanted to say about my personal life on my post yesterday. I’m focused on my work and never wanted any coverage of my personal life to begin with.”

Posted with the hashtags #loveislove and #ourloveandpurpose, Bergstein wrote her announcement in the context of the US House of Representatives having passed the #EqualityAct, which would extend Civil Rights protections to #LGBTQ citizens.

“Sadly, this bill is unlikely to become law with Trump/McConnell in power,” she wrote on Saturday. Still, she said she was proud to live in Connecticut, which she described as a state that values equality and acceptance.

Bergstein, who joined local officials including Attorney General William Tong, State Rep Caroline Simmons  (D-144) and Matt Blumenthal (D-147) and Stamford Mayor David Martin on Friday outside Stamford Government Center, spoke about women’s rights during a rally against several highly restrictive abortion laws passed mostly in southern states.

Bergstein who traveled straight from Hartford to Stamford on Friday, said the fight for abortion rights is part of an overall fight for women’s rights.

“We are here fighting for justice, fighting for equality, fighting for the freedom to choose how we spend our lives, what we do with our bodies, how we care for families – that is our inalienable right,” she said.

Bergstein said that on Friday at 2:30am and 3:30am that morning in Hartford, two bills were passed to safeguard women’s rights.

“It was not easy,” she said. “The first was for a $15.00 minimum wage, which followed an 8-hour filibuster by opponents of the bill who had all sorts of anecdotal evidence that apparently people who work at Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts do not want their wages raised.”

“By raising the minimum wage to $15.00, here’s a fact: We will lift 50% of the women in Connecticut living in poverty out of poverty.”

She said at 3:30am, a bill was passed called ‘Time’s Up.’ “It tells anyone who is a victim of sexual assault, ‘We believe you,’” she said.

Bergstein said the minimum wage law and ‘Time’s Up’ law are tied together with reproductive rights.

But, she said, “We are not safe – an 8 hour filibuster of these bills proves that The opponents were glorifying the past, talking about how great our country was 100 years ago, conveniently forgetting that our economy relied on slavery and unpaid labor by every woman in this country.”

Bergstein went on to say the best way to prevent abortion is to promote contraception.

“Contraception everywhere for everyone, and every time. That’s how we prevent abortion. If a state wants to criminalize unwanted pregnancies, they should criminalize the perpetrator. The woman does not impregnate herself. But the best policy of all is to trust women.”

On Saturday, in her social media post about her current relationship, Bergstein explained, “Long after my marriage had ended emotionally and physically, I made the decision to end it legally. Once I was free and empowered, I was able to see other paths to happiness.”

Bergstein, who is is divorcing her husband, Seth whom she married in May 1995, referred to her partner as Nichola, a reference to Ms. Samponaro, whose LinkedIn profile said she is a real estate salesperson and was Co-Campaign Manager, Field Director, Data Director for Bergstein’s State Senate campaign from Aug 2018 to Nov 2018.

“Nichola I worked together on my campaign and after the Election she stayed on as a personal assistant,” Bergstein wrote on Saturday. “Like many others, we fell in love through our work and then ended our professional relationship. She shares my passion for making positive change and continues to support me as my partner. Anyone who suggests there’s something inappropriate about our relationship is close-minded and wrong. There’s no scandal here.”

Bergstein who graduated in 1988 from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and then earned a law degree from the University of Chicago, defeated five-term incumbent Republican Scott Frantz in November 2018 a little more than 600 votes, in a night that also ended in the defeat of Republican Mike Bocchino for State Rep by Democrat Steve Meskers in District 150.

In October a group of Greenwich residents wrote a letter published in the Greenwich Free Press calling Frantz’s voting record on LGBTQ rights “shameful and hurtful,” including in 2011, opposing a bill protecting transgender people from discrimination in housing, employment, securing a loan, education, and voting against the appointment of a gay judge, Andrew McDonald to Supreme Court Chief Justice.

This spring Bergstein gave a TEDx talk at Wesleyan University, where according to the Wesleyan Argus, she talked about being shaped by patriarchal values and making a conscious decision to live fearlessly when she turned 50.

“I have never felt more alive and fulfilled, and I didn’t even know it was possible. …And the more I put myself out there, the more love and purpose I got back. And all those layers of conditioning telling me who I should be and what I should want melted away. I was breaking the bonds of patriarchy and privilege and anything else that told me I was not enough,” she is quoted as saying in Wesleyan Argus.

Joseph Massi Jr., a White Plains resident and native of Greenwich, passed away May 18, 2019, at age 73.

He was born November 27, 1945, to Joseph Sr and Mary (nee Roina) Massi. He worked for many years as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service in Cos Cob.

Joseph is remembered fondly in many ways, among them, traveling to Mohegan Sun, beach time with friends, playing softball in his early years, but most of all, for his overwhelming love of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen (nee Tiriolo), cherished children, Joseph Massi III (Kim), Vanessa Massi and step daughter, Michelle Tighe (Patrick) and loving grandchildren, Julia, Patrick Jr, Caroline, J.J., Alexis, Liz and Jayleigh. He is also survived by his dear brother, Rick Massi (Judy) and many nieces and nephews.

To honor Joseph’s life, family and friends will gather on Tuesday 4:00pm-8:00pm at Coxe &  Graziano Funeral Home located at 134 Hamilton Ave Greenwich.

Funeral Mass Wednesday 11:00am at Our Lady of Sorrows in White Plains. Committal will be private.

Memorial donations can be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org For more information or to place an online condolence, www.coxeandgraziano.com

On Saturday night around 8:30pm, Greenwich Police officers on patrol in Byram spotted a car missing its license plate traveling east on Delavan Ave and conducted a motor vehicle stop near Byram Park.

The car had two occupants. Police learned that the driver had an arrest warrant out of Colorado.

While the police waited for confirmation of the warrant they walked a police canine around the exterior of the car.

According to police, the canine alerted to the vehicle and a search revealed 21 acid tabs disguised as Sweet Tarts candy.

They also revealed 22 ghost-shaped MDMA pills in the area of the front passenger seat.

Molly is the street name for MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine), a popular rave drug used at nightclubs and music festivals to alter mood and perception.

The passenger, identified as Scott Kaiser, 48, of Wilcox Ave in Meriden, admitted that both substances were his and in fact were “acid” and “molly.”

Mr. Kaiser was charged with charged with 21a-278b, illegal manufacturing, distribution and sale of prescription drugs, and 21a-279(b) nonstandard drugs near a school, housing center or daycare.

He was able to post his $300 bond and has a date in Stamford Superior Court on June 3, 2019.

Photographer Mary Wade with Luca Morabito, the owner of Coffee Luca, located inside Something Natural Greenwich at 189 Greenwich Ave (behind Saks). May 16, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Guests sampled the biscotti at the celebration of the opening of Coffee Luca. May 16, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

On Thursday, Luca Moribato celebrated the opening of his own coffee shop, Coffee Luca, inside Something Natural Greenwich.

The idea for the coffee bar, which had its soft opening back in April, came about after Mr. Morabito searched for a space for his own coffee shop and encountered the high rents in the Greenwich Avenue vicinity.

Local commercial realtor Diane Roth connected Luca to Seth and Molly Hirschel at Something Natural, where there coffee bar was an afterthought to the sandwiches, salads and juices they are known for. They also do a brisk delivery and catering business.

Roth made the connection, and the Hirschels agreed that there was potential for an expertly run coffee bar to supplement the Something Natural business.

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On Thursday, the eatery, which is adorned with the photography of Darien photographer, Mary Wade, transported guests to Nantucket as they sipped cocktails made with Cylinder Vodka and sampled non alcoholic beer from Athletic Brewing Co.

Guest also enjoyed Luca’s biscotti and Something Natural’s sandwiches, all while The Exit Five Band entertained the crowd in style.

The Exit 5 Band played at the celebration of the opening of Coffee Luca inside Something Natural Greenwich. May 16, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Mary Wade whose photos of Nantucket adorn the walls of Something Natural Greenwich. May 16, 2019 Photo: Leslie Yager

Coffee Luca is located at 189 Greenwich Ave (behind Saks)

Hours:

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Coffee Luca Opens Inside Something Natural Greenwich for Perfect Synergy

Letter to the editor from Hilary Gunn, Greenwich

There is an unexpected cause célèbre in Connecticut, that many including myself didn’t see coming: highway tolls.

What could have, in another time and place, been a barely noticeable legislative maneuver, has polarized the state legislature and galvanized the population like never before.

While those in power and their associates look to make fortunes off the speculation and installation of these tolling gantries, a desperate yet passionate populace has spent the last months pouring time and money they don’t have into what will result, as an absolute best case scenario, in maintenance of the status quo. To be sure, there have emerged steadfast leaders in this movement, like the inimitable and fearless Patrick Sasser, and figures such as Bob Stefanowski have risen like cream in a bucket of mundane former candidates, but the truest heart of the anti-tolling movement has been the everyday Nutmeggers looking to stop the bleeding in the state they love so much.

These people recognize that Connecticut has become a battlefield, with a Governor who ran on a lie and continues to use backdoor negotiations and big-Union campaign incentives to ‘persuade’ his party to turn their back on the will of their constituency.

They recognize that all halfhearted future compromises proffered, such as dollar bus fares or a pitiful reduction of the gas tax, mean absolutely nothing set against the backdrop of Governor Lamont’s televised pledge to toll only trucks. This, however ironically, remains the good news. Despite the proverbial shrapnel littering our path, nothing has been irrevocably set in motion. As the legislative session draws to a close and a toll vote looms, all members of the Connecticut General Assembly have a beautiful opportunity to keep that promise. We can hit a reset button, and turn our attention back towards the thousands of other issues plaguing our home. We can make tough choices, like spending cuts and project prioritization. We can temporarily suspend new projects while we work to fix our failing infrastructure. We can take a step forward, together, towards a healthy and radiant Connecticut.

I urge all state lawmakers to remember a few certain things as they prepare to vote on tolling. Do your best to drown out the rhetoric and rancor, and focus once again on what drew you to public service in the first place. Remember that every single poll shows a majority of Connecticut residents oppose tolls under any and all conditions, most often an overwhelming one. Remember how these ordinary people stayed up late after work to make homemade signs, and then stood for hours, often in the rain or cold, to speak what voice they had to power. Remember how public hearing testimony against tolls outweighed that in favor 9 to 1, and was submitted in such historic volume that it crashed the system. Remember how 18 cities and towns took steps to pass local legislation in opposition of tolling. Remember the 100,000+ individuals who signed the No Tolls petition, and the thousands who rallied on the steps of the Capitol this past weekend. Remember that currently, without tolls, Connecticut residents already suffer the second highest tax burden in the country. Remember that this state you are entrusted to govern is entirely worthless without the heart, soul, and work ethic of these very same people. If you don’t, we certainly will remember all of you at the ballot box in the coming years.

The Greenwich Democratic Town Committee announced that Tony Turner has officially resigned his position as chairman of the Democratic Town Committee effective May 31, 2019.

In his statement, Turner said that in light of the new by-laws expected to go into effect in August, one of which no longer allows dual office holding, he is setting the example.

“Rather than waiting until August to make a decision on which office to continue with—DTC or BET, it’s best that I choose now so the Democratic Party is not later distracted by searching for a new chairman vs winning every position in
the very important municipal election in November,” Turner said. “Additionally, chairs of a political party really shouldn’t be candidates too due to inherent conflicts of interest.”

Turner, elected chair in March 2018, has been instrumental in increasing the profile of Democrats in Greenwich. In that time, the Greenwich DTC set new records in fundraising, volunteer participation, number and variety of community events, voter registration, electioneering workshops and electing themost Democrats ever.

“Chairing the DTC has been a great privilege for me,” Turner said in his statement. “I am especially proud of all we have accomplished through teamwork during my tenure, including having Democrats elected as our State Senator, a House Representative, Tax Collector and majority control of the Board of Estimate and Taxation, some of which are the first time in decades, if ever.”

Gina Gladstein, Vice Chair, speaking on behalf of The Executive Committee of the DTC said, “We owe Tony an enormous debt of gratitude. Thanks to his tireless effort and leadership the number of registered Democrats has increased and our party is more invigorated than ever.”

The Executive Committee will start interviewing candidates to fill the chair position. In the interim period, Gina Gladstein will serve as interim chair.

Great White Shark “Cabot” photo: Twitter @GWSharkCabot

Be advised! For the first time ever, we are tracking a white shark in the Long Island Sound. 9’ 8” @GWSharkCabot is just off the shore near Greenwich. Follow him using the browser on any device at https://t.co/paqCMWe00M pic.twitter.com/td8e5eZUUY

— OCEARCH (@OCEARCH) May 20, 2019

It sounded like another sequel to Jaws, yet this time it is fact, not fiction.

OCearch, a research team, who tagged and located a great white shark named Cabot, aims to make scientific strides on the nature and the state of marine life both domestically and world-wide.

At approximately 10:50 am Monday, OCearch tweeted that “Cabot,” the 9-foot-8-inch Great White Shark had triggered their tracking system in Long Island Sound, located in the water between Tod’s Point and Great Captains Island.

“Be advised! For the first time ever, we are tracking a white shark in the Long Island Sound.” @GWSharkCabot is just off the shore near Greenwich. Follow OCearch using the browser on any device at https://t.co/paqCMWe00M pic.twitter.com/td8e5eZUUY

The Greenwich Harbormaster Ian MacMillan confirmed that Cabot was likely chasing seals in Greenwich Harbor.

MacMillan said his concern was for kite surfers. “When they hit, it could sound like a seal,” he said.

Greenwich resident David McPherson said he was unaware of the sighting of the shark Monday afternoon as he was paddle boarding around the perimeter of Greenwich Harbor.

“Truthfully, had we known about the great white, it wouldn’t have changed our decision to get out on the water,” McPherson said in an email to GFP. “For all of the coverage this unique event is receiving, it is my hope that the shark’s visit says as much about the improved water quality, due greatly in part to organizations like CT Fund for the Environment/Save the Sound, than it does about large, scary things lurking in the deep.”

Ocearch.org,  the marine life organization that has been tagging and tracking the great white shark, issued an advisory on Monday that the nearly 10-foot-long, 533 pound great white shark, named after the explorer John Cabot, was spotted in the waters off the Greenwich coast.

Tracking by OCearch is done using GPS “ping” signals. The shark’s ping was logged around 9:00am Monday morning.

MacMillan said of OCearch that “They chase sharks for ecological reasons.” He added that typically the great white shark travels New Brunswick and Chesapeake, yet this is the first time a great white has been located in Long Island Sound.

Coincidentally, there is a shark exhibit at Bruce Museum currently on display.

“Maybe that’s why the great white is here, just to pay homage to his ancestors,” MacMillan joked, adding, “A boater reported seeing a large fin. Even porpoises don’t have that high a fin.”

Eleanor Dabney is a member of the GHS class of 2019 and will be attending the US Naval Academy in the fall.