According to the RFP, (proposals are due Dec 15), the chosen firm will provide the resources and expertise to take over the ownership and/or the management of the Witherell, and “bring an end to the need for the Town’s General Fund to provide financial support…”
While the Witherell is referred to as a community treasure and the facility boasts a low staff turnover rate, it has operated with a deficit at varying levels, leaving the Town to subsidize its operation.
“The Town’s objectives are to achieve a high-quality level of care, to serve the interests of both the residents of TNW and residents of Greenwich, to achieve financial stability and independence of TNW, to bring an end to the need for the Town’s General Fund to provide financial support to TNW, and to maximize the proceeds to the Town in a sale or lease transaction.”
– RFP for Management Services for The Nathaniel Witherell
The RFP seeks approaches to the ownership and management of the Witherell, including:
1. Maintain current Town of Greenwich ownership and operation of The Witherell;
2. Lease or sell The Witherell to a newly established (non-profit) 501c3;
3. Lease or sell The Witherell to an existing 501c3;
4. Lease or sell The Witherell to a for-profit manager;
5. A fifth option would be for the Town of Greenwich to either reduce capacity or close the facility.
The RFP says proposals should address the Witherell’s many contracts including collective bargaining agreements.
With the exception of services such as rehabilitation therapy and food management, nearly all of the Witherell’s staff are employees of the Town of Greenwich.
Staff have representation by the GMEA (Greenwich Municipal Employees Association), which represents the Town’s administrative and clerical employees; Teamsters, and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA).
Bill McCormick, the business manager for LIUNA Local 136, who represents the professional staff in the recreation, admissions, and social services departments, as well as all the registered nurses and managers, said his union first learned of the RFP was last week.
“This is a surprise to the union and we will most certainly be working to do whatever we can to prevent our members from any adverse actions that may result,” McCormick said on Monday. “We have a group of very dedicated nurses up there who provide an excellent level of care. Any disruption to that would be detrimental to the residents.”
The Witherell’s operations are overseen by a 9-member board who appoints the licensed Nursing Home Administrator and Medical Director.
Nursing homes were hit hard by Covid, both in the numbers of cases and deaths. They are typically operating below capacity as the pandemic drags on.
Like private nursing homes, The Witherell is operating below capacity, with 162 residents out of a 202-bed capacity.
At the Oct 19 Witherell board meeting, medical advisor Dr. Frank Walsh said that Greenwich Woods, a comparably sized private nursing home in Greenwich had an even lower “census” of just 74 residents out of about 200 beds.
At that board meeting “the census” and finances were discussed.
Dr. Walsh said 46 patients had been treated and recovered from Covid. “If we had lost those patients, it would have been $3 to $4 million lost over the last eight months,” he said. “It’s a big savings to have these people back upstairs.”
The RFP was not mentioned during the board meeting.
The RFP did come up during an Oct 20 RTM Finance committee meeting.
“We are very generous employer at this particular point in time, we know that we are, as I said earlier, we’re in the process of developing an RFP to hire a financial advisor to help us resolve this situation,” said Mike Basham.
For 26 years, Cavalier Galleries has been a destination for art enthusiasts and collectors. But gallery co-owners Ron Cavalier and Lindsay Ebanks have decided to trade their 405 Greenwich Avenue location for a new one.
Ron Cavalier at Cavalier Ebanks Galleries at 405 Greenwich Ave. The gallery is moving to 175 Greenwich Avenue. Photo: Leslie Yager
The gallery, with its iconic bronze sculpture of a commuter presumably waiting for a train to NYC, won’t be moving far.
On Monday, with packing in progress, Cavalier said he was excited about the gallery’s move to 175 Greenwich Avenue, next to Hoagland’s and across the street from St Mary Church.
Cavalier Ebanks Galleries is moving to 175 Greenwich Avenue. Workers transform the space at 175 Greenwich Ave, soon to be home to Cavalier Ebanks Galleries. Photo: Leslie Yager
“The middle of the Avenue is the heart of the Avenue,” he said, adding that the new location offers parking both on the street and in the large municipal lot behind the building.
“We had a nice run here,” Cavalier added. “After being at 405 Greenwich Ave for 26 years, we’re probably one of the older mom and pops on the Avenue.”
Cavalier lamented the closing of his block of Greenwich Ave to both traffic and parking to create space for outdoor dining during the pandemic.
“There was enough room to have outdoor tables without closing the road. The vision is more about bringing in people from outside Greenwich than taking care of the people from this community,” he continued. “Maybe the plan is to have it as an outdoor area where younger people come and stores sell novelties. The higher end retailers won’t succeed. The only reason other (merchants) aren’t moving is they’re locked into their leases.”
Cavalier said his lease at 405 Greenwich Ave expires at the end of December, and he will remain open there on weekends and by appointment.
Ron Cavalier leans against Jim Rennert’s iconic sculpture of a commuter outside 405 Greenwich Avenue. Photo: Leslie Yager
“We’re inviting our clients to preview the space this weekend,” he said, adding, “We expect to be extremely happy at 175. The quality of the foot traffic is world class. And our clients won’t have to walk through unmasked people who are dining.”
Cavalier, who lives in Weston, has multiple galleries, with locations in Nantucket, Palm Beach, and in New York City on 57th street.
The Hippo Ballerina created by Danish artist Bjorn Okholm Skaarup at Cavalier Ebanks Galleries. Photo: Leslie Yager
His experiences with artwork in Greenwich trace back to his teen years in the 1970s when his father did the restoration of outdoor sculptures belonging to Joseph Hirshhorn, whose art collection is now housed in Washington, DC.
“I was able to spend time at that estate while my father was doing the restoration and I studied the collection,” he recalled. “It was one of the great collections of all time when it was housed here in Greenwich.”
Cavalier always thought Greenwich would be a great town to open a gallery.
Cavalier Ebanks handles a broad range of work, from modern masters including Picasso, Matisse, and Monet, which they represent in their private sales division. They also handle the abstract expressionist painters including Hans Hofmann, and a broad range of contemporary artists including sculptors Bjørn Skaarup and Jim Rennert.
“We have some of the finest contemporary realists in the world that we show on a regular basis, including Paul Oxborough, Edward Minoff and Joseph McGurl,” he said.
“We also represent photographers including Steve McCurry, who people may know for his iconic image of the Afghan girl on the cover of National Geographic. We have his entire collection,” he said.
The gallery represents the photographer Harry Benson, who was assigned to travel with The Beatles on their inaugural American tour in 1964.
“It’s a gallery where you can come in and be relaxed. If you’re a beginning collector, we are happy to explain how the art world works. There are three rules: Buy what you love. Buy what you love. Buy what you love. You may live with it for a very long time.”
– Ron Cavalier, Cavalier Ebanks Galleries
The gallery owners are also happy to advise people who want to take a more serious approach to collecting as an investment.
In his Friday evening “Community Connections” email to residents on Nov 13, First Selectman Fred Camillo gave an update on what he described as “an alarming increase in the number of residents who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus.”
Camillo urged residents to abide by Governor Lamont’s Executive Orders.
He said the rates of positive cases of Covid-19 are increasing at higher rates than last spring.
As of Friday, he shared numbers from Greenwich Health Dept director Caroline Baisley. A total of 1,312 residents had been diagnosed with with Covid-19, an increase of 106 a week earlier, and 106 active cases being monitored. Of the 106 cases, 25 were in the 21 – 30 age bracket and 20 were in the 31 – 40 age bracket.
As of Thursday, the State’s Covid-19 Alert Map indicated that Greenwich was one of the 100 cities and towns in Connecticut that are in the “Red Alert Level” – the highest of the state’s four alert levels. Code red indicates an average daily rate of 15 or more cases per 100,000.
Camillo urged residents to socially distance, wear masks and refrain from congregating in large groups, especially given students coming home from college for Thanksgiving.
Greenwich Common, next to the Havemeyer building at 290 Greenwich Ave.
Gatherings both indoors and outdoors are limited to 10, per Governor Lamont’s roll back to Phase 2 modified (2.1 rules).
Camillo said that given the spike in Covid cases, and potential health risks, planning for a temporary outdoor skating rink in Greenwich Common had been halted.
The rink was proposed on Thursday to the Board of Selectmen by Sebastian Dostmann on behalf of the Greenwich Community Projects Fund.
Hamill Rink. File photo
The town’s Dorothy Hamill Rink in Byram is open on a limited basis, including for public sessions, private rentals and group skating lessons.
Only one spectator per skater is allowed.
The water fountain is not available. Residents are advised to bring their own water bottle.
The concession stand, run by Kevin Allmashy of Executive Deli, is open. Allmashy has also run the concession at Byram Park for the past couple summers.
“The number of skaters will be limited to ensure we do not exceed a maximum # of skaters on the ice at any one time and to permit social distancing on the ice.” – Hamill Rink Skating Rules
Thought Greenwich has a history of outdoor skating, including at Binney Pond and in Bruce Park, Greenwich does no allow skating or walking on its frozen ponds and rivers.
Mianus River. File photo.
Still, skaters are drawn to Pomerance Pond and Mianus Pond, which was previously under the auspices of the State, but is now owned by the Town and assumes liability.
The last time there was money in the Parks & Rec budget for monitoring, measuring and cleaning the ice was in 2005. And while the budget was just $7,500 the weather is irregular and not always cold enough for skating.
Ironically Hamill rink was originally an outdoor rink.
Dorothy Hamill started out as an open air rink. Then a roof was added. Finally, the rink was enclosed. Skating on Binney Pond in an unated photo: Daria Berizzi (left) and Gretchen Plowden Metzroth (Right). Contributed Photo, Gretchen MetzrothSkating on Pomerance Pond, Jan 1, 2018
The topic signs on public property in Greenwich has been top of mind since the run-up to the Nov 3 presidential election.
It seemed there were more political signs than ever, and a gentleman’s agreement that candidates wait until two weeks prior to the election (Oct 19) to put up signs was breached by late summer.
Despite police warnings in mid October that that taking a sign without the owner’s permission could result in a charge of Larceny 6, political signs continued to vanish and be defaced.
In one incident, numerous signs supporting Greenwich Police were spray painted with a crude graphic.
In separate incidents, two residents were arrested. A patrol officer witnessed an individual take down and remove a political sign. The officer arrested a 25 year old Greenwich woman and charged her with Larceny and Criminal Mischief.
Also, a Greenwich man charged for vandalizing political signs in the intersection of Fairfield Ave and North Street. The signs had fresh black “X’s” spray painted on the back. Police say the man handed over a can of black spray paint and claimed he he had been expressing his First Amendment rights.
A group called Greenwich Voices for Democracy said upwards of 100 of their anti-Trump signs were stolen and that an eye witness had seen DPW workers removing them and then seen them in dumpsters at the DPW shed at Exit 4.
Signs inside a dumpster at Exit 4 DPW depot contained Greenwich Voices for Democracy signs. Contributed photo
On Oct 30, police announced they had completed an investigation of the stolen Voices for Democracy signs and submitted their findings to the State’s Attorney’s Office in Stamford.
They said they spoke to witnesses, canvassed video footage, inspected the signs in question and interviewed the Public Works workers and their supervisors.
The topic of the signs and the investigation did not come up at the Nov 12 Selectmen meeting, but during his Friday radio shows the past two weeks, First Selectman Camillo referred to the situation with signs as both a circus and the wild west.
He also talked about the possibility of an ordinance banning some or all signs.
“We definitely want to address what many consider to be a blight problem that has led to some criminal acts,” he said. “Everyone’s signs were stolen. We were getting Republicans calling and Democrats calling.”
Camillo said he had started a conversation with the town attorney and leaders of both the RTC and DTC about a solution going forward.
“It’s not just political signs,” he said. “We don’t think it would hold up in court if you just banned political signs and let other ones stay.”
“It’s not as easy as saying we’re going to ban (just) political signs,” he added. “You set yourself up for a court challenge.”
On Nov 13 a caller to Camillo’s WGCH radio show asked about the status of the investigation into the missing Voices for Democracy anti-Trump signs.
“I understand one of the reasons you’re looking at a ban of signs on public property is because of the sign defacing and the stealing of signs. That’s obviously wrong no matter who does it,” said the caller, Mary Ellen Markowitz. “But DPW employees were seen taking signs, on town time, with town trucks.”
Markowitz said town employees were seen by an eye witness taking signs, and the signs were discovered at the Exit 4 DPW depot dumpster.
“So if there is an investigation, I want to know the status of the investigation,” she said.
Camillo said, “As far as the two DPW employees, there was an internal investigation – the police did the investigation. We sent it up to the state’s attorney’s office. I’ve seen it (the investigation), but for me to comment on it… There is a lot of misinformation. I would tell people, including public officials, not to post inflammatory statements on Facebook and Twitter.”
“We can’t really say too much until the state’s attorney’s office has looked at it and gotten back to us,” he added. “We want to respect the process…It’s not what people think. I don’t want it to get out of hand with a narrative that’s not true.”
A second caller to Camillo’s radio show said she had heard that the DPW instructed their employees to remove signs.
“You said it was up with the state’s attorney, but I heard they bounced it back because it was an incomplete investigation,” she said.
“That’s total misinformation,” Camillo replied. “When the police chief said there is an investigation that’s been done and sent to the state’s attorney’s office, you can believe it and take it to the bank. This misinformation being put out there by some people, and that they were instructed by DPW to take the signs down – in fact one former town official accused me and the DPW commissioner of taking the signs down. And when I confronted him, he lied to my face.”
Reached by email on Sunday former Democratic Selectman Sandy Litvack, the chair of Greenwich Voices for Democracy, insisted he had not accused Camillo or DPW Commissioner Amy Siebert of taking the signs down.
Rather, he said, “I did not lie to him at all. He, like Trump, just wants a distraction. The truth, which he cannot and does not deny is that DPW removed our signs and only our signs. Why? He does not say but of course we know why and indeed the DPW employees told the person who caught them doing it.”
“Why? because, they said, they were ‘offensive,'” Litvack added. “When asked ‘offensive to whom,’ they said, ‘Talk to our boss.’ What has he or anyone done about that? Instead of talking about ‘lies,’ of which there were none on our side, he ought to be a man, face the facts and deal with them.”
Toward the end of his radio show on Friday, Camillo said, “It doesn’t take a lot for people to accuse without facts or pass on misinformation. It has not been kicked back (from the state’s attorney to Greenwich Police). We’re waiting for it to come back. I’ve seen it. There’s a narrative that I don’t think is anywhere near true. We have to let the process play out.”
Still, Litvack said on Sunday that prior to their press release, Greenwich Police had never interviewed anyone from Voices for Democracy.
He added that Camillo’s denial the matter was referred back to Greenwich Police by the State’s Attorney was false.
Litvack went on to provide acopy of an email he received from the State’s Attorney in response to receiving the Voices of Democracy “Statement of Facts,” which he said was also sent to Police Chief Heavey.
The State’s Attorney wrote to Litvack on Nov 2:
“Although my office does not routinely conduct criminal investigations, I will contact Chief Heavey today [November 2] so that Greenwich Police can follow up on your concerns to ensure a complete and fair investigation.”
Paul J. Ferencek, State’s Attorney, Stamford
“How can he say the investigation was not referred back to the police to ‘follow up and investigate?’ It plainly was, and by the way, that is what we are told is happening,” Litvack said. “After it was sent back, the police have in fact contacted Greenwich Voices for Democracy, and presumably are going about conducting a real inquiry, which they plainly did not do when they rushed to put out the statement they did.”
Litvack likened the entire episode to an incident in 2019 referred to as “Spygate.”
Back in 2019, Litvack’s wife Joanna Swomley and former town employee Melissa Evans, both Democrats who had rented the Cone Room in town hall for a closed door private meeting to work on Litvack’s campaign for First Selectman, found their photo taken from town cameras in the Cone Room posted on the Twitter feed of former RTC chair, Ed Dadakis.
No one was ever found accountable for the photos.
Litvack said like Spygate, he suspected, “there was no will to investigate because the Town knows the facts and doesn’t want them revealed.”
“The tactic of talking about alleged lies, falsehoods etc. instead of dealing with the facts and accepting the truth, is so Trumpian as to be pathetic,” Litvack added.
For his part, Camillo, on Friday said he had faith the truth would come out and that, “Everyone will see what was investigated and what was decided.”
On Friday a letter from Rev. Ian Jeremiah, Pastor of St Michael the Archangel Parish on North Street to parishioners spread quickly.
The letter acknowledge the Diocese of Bridgeport, owner of the land where Greenwich Catholic School is located, had entered an agreement to sell three acres of the Diocese’s land on the school’s campus to a developer, LCB Senior Living for an assisted living facility for seniors.
Earlier in the week, neighbors in the area of St Michael the Archangel Church at 469 North Street circulated a Redness & Mead schematic plan of LCB’s possible senior living facility, and a request that neighbors oppose a potential four story, 90 room facility on the grounds that it would increase traffic including delivery trucks, employees, visitors and ambulances on an already heavily trafficked North Street, and change the landscape of the neighborhood forever.
The letter, which suggested property values would go down if the facility were to be built, asked neighbors to contact Father Ian and the Office of the Bishop at the Diocese of Bridgeport, as well as Planning and Zoning at Town Hall, and the the office of the First Selectman to voice opposition.
In his letter the Pastor said he was “glad and relieved” to share a statement from the Diocese:
“The Diocese of Bridgeport has heard the resounding opinion of the communities in opposition to the proposed senior housing development on the campus of Greenwich Catholic School,” the statement started, adding that the Diocese had intended to work with the community of St Michael’s, Greenwich Catholic School and the neighborhood to add aesthetically pleasing senior housing.
“…we have listened to and heard your concerns. Out of respect for the wishes of the parish and school communities, Bishop Caggiano has made the decision not to go forward with the development.”
“Being attentive to and respecting the concerns of our school and parish communities is and will continue to be a priority for the Diocese and for Bishop Caggiano.”
While the push back from neighbors was strong, Greenwich needs more options for seniors, and senior living is allowed in residential zones with a special permit.
Currently developers have an application for luxury senior assisted living on Old Track Road working its way through the P&Z process. The facility would be constructed on a 2.5344 acre parcel at the end of Old Track Rd. The applicant is Renamba, which is owned by a private developer Amba Sharma. He purchased the property in September 2019 for $11,650,000.
What remains to be seen is whether the Diocese will sell the land to another party, perhaps for something more palatable to neighbors.
Certainly, the town has a shortage of playing fields!
Catherine Ann LeRose, 89, of Cos Cob, passed away at Greenwich Hospital on Friday, November 13, 2020. Catherine, or “Kay,” was born in Greenwich on April 12, 1931 to George and Mary Low, and grew up on Northfield Street alongside her beloved brother, George (“Pete,” predeceased).
Kay was a lifelong member of St. Catherine’s Church, and graduated from Greenwich High School, where she met and married her husband of 71 years, Nicholas, of Cos Cob. Together they built a life, a home, and four children: Mary Rabuazzo, of Cos Cob, Phyllis Newhall, of Tampa, Nick LeRose, of Los Angeles, and Cathy LeRose, of Norwalk. They also picked up two great son-in-laws in Peter Rabuazzo and Brian Newhall.
And so their family grew, with grandchildren Debi (Chris), Kevin (Lauren), Tommy (Felicia), Brian, Devon (Runyon), and Patrick, as well as great-grandchildren Gabriel, Nolan, Rose, and Kennedy. Coming up fast in Tier 2 were her nephews James (Mary Alice), Chris (Cecilia), Bobby (Kelly), Billy (predeceased), Peter (Joan), and niece Shelley (predeceased, Tom), and their many children who shall remain nameless, yet each wonderful in their own right, or so we’re told.
Kay loved them all, never missing a birthday or an anniversary with a phone call or a card. She stayed connected, and all who knew her were blessed because of it. She held a warm place for Irish poets, knitting, baking, and chronicling her ever-growing family with carefully curated photo albums. She held her memories fast. She could find a nice word to say about anyone or anything. Except cats. Cats she didn’t like. Also, basketball analyst Dick Vitale. She didn’t like him either.
But if you weren’t a cat or Dick Vitale, you were welcomed to a seat at her kitchen table. The kitchen was her territory, her personal corner of the world, where one could sit for coffee, snacks, and for the fortunate few, potato salad. Many a night was spent sharing stories with her sister-in-laws Marion and Deanna (both predeceased) her brother, Pete, and her brother-in-law, Jim (predeceased). And for anyone else lucky enough to sit at that table, this was time spent with a woman who sacrificed so much of her life in the service of others, a woman of unfailing generosity and unconditional love. Her husband, Nick, often referred to her as “one in a million.” He was wrong. She was “one.” And she will be missed.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00am Wednesday at St Catherine of Siena RC Church, followed by interment at St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Laura Jeanne DiBella (nee DiSapio) of Greenwich passed away on November 14, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was 58. Born in Greenwich on March 6, 1962 to Alfred and the late Shirley DiSapio (nee Doran).
Laura is survived by her beloved husband, Albert J. DiBella, Jr. loving children, Christopher, Zachary and Anthony DiBella, cherished father, Alfred DiSapio, dear sisters, Diane Warzoha (Danny), Denise Grabarz (Michael) and Brenda Hansen (Robert), and her nieces and nephews, Stephen, Daniel, Meghan, Nicole, Kendall and Tyler.
She was predeceased by her mother, Shirley DiSapio.
The family would also like to give a special thanks to Dr. James Brunetti and all of the medical professionals who cared for and supported Laura over the years.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00am Saturday November 28 at St. Roch’s Church in Greenwich. Committal is private. For more information or to place an online condolence; www.coxeandgraziano.com
On Tuesday government officials cautioned businesses to avoid paying unnecessary fees to entities offering assistance with annual report business filings.
Small print says “CFS is not a government agency and does not have a contract with any governmental agency to provide this service. …Mail the completed form with $120.00 in the enclosed envelope.Please respond today!”
State agencies have received over 100 complaints in the past week alone regarding official-looking mailers from companies seeking additional fees to file annual reports for Connecticut businesses.
The Office of Attorney General William Tong is working to determine whether the mailers originate from the same company who previously reached a settlement with the State to resolve allegations of government imposter fraud.
“We are in the midst of an economic crisis, and businesses cannot afford to pay for services they don’t need. Be sure to look at the fine print and make sure you are dealing directly with legitimate state agencies to file only what is required,” Tong said in a release.
“Connecticut has made it easy for small business owners to file their annual reports online,” said Secretary Merrill. “Small business owners should be on the alert for government imposter scams like these and protect themselves by only using the official websites to file their reports.”
“We know business owners have a lot on their plate this year, but it’s important to remain vigilant and beware of scammers that might be impersonating a government agency or offering assistance filing reports and documents for a fee,” said DCP Commissioner Michelle Seagull. “These sophisticated schemes might look like official government documents or agencies, but are really attempts to scam businesses out of money.”
Government Imposter scams can take many forms and can target individuals and businesses alike.
In one of the more common schemes, scammers mail a solicitation or send an email to businesses to “advise” them that they must purchase certain products or forms, or file particular reports in order to be in compliance with the law. The scammers then offer to assist businesses with satisfying these requirements in exchange for a fee.
Scammers are careful to design their mailings to resemble official government documents by incorporating elements such as seals, bar codes, and references to statutes and regulations. The mailings may include terms such as “IMPORTANT,” “OPEN IMMEDIATELY,” or “TIME SENSITIVE” to create a false sense of urgency. Businesses could end up paying significant fees for services they do not need.
These types of scams can pose another risk. Some scammers also ask business owners to authorize the scammers to act on their behalf with government agencies. With the authorization in hand, scammers have been known to submit filings to create the appearance that they own or control the business, to open bank accounts in the business’ name but under the scammers’ control, or to borrow money purportedly on the business’ behalf.
To report a scam or instance of fraud, contact the Office of the Attorney General at 860-808-5318 or file a complaint with the office at https://www.dir.ct.gov/ag/complaint
Must see downtown Greenwich office space, with parking! Literally steps from Greenwich Avenue, ultra-convenient to restaurants, shopping and transportation. Short term leases available and even preferred.
A 920 SF space is located on the first floor (ground level) of this building with both a private front entry and a shared side entrance. Well suited for general office uses with hardwood floor and recessed lighting through-out. The space features three individual, well-sized rooms with a large multi-purpose area (i.e. reception, open work space or conference area), private bath, and kitchenette with storage. Two reserved parking spaces are included. Available for immediate occupancy at $3,295 / month ($42.97 per square foot per year).
A 1,000 SF space is also located on the first floor (ground level) with a private side entrance. The space features 4 well-appointed individual offices with a large reception area, private bath, and kitchenette with hardwood floor and recessed lighting through-out. Two reserved parking spaces are included. Available for immediate occupancy at $3,995 / month ($47.94 per square foot per year).
9 Benedict Place, Greenwich, CT 068309 Benedict Place, Greenwich, CT 068309 Benedict Place, ground floor, 920 square ft – front entrance.9 Benedict Place, ground floor, 920 square ft – office 1.9 Benedict Place, ground floor, 920 square ft – office 2.9 Benedict Place, ground floor, 920 square ft – office 39 Benedict Place, ground floor, 920 square ft – open work area.9 Benedict Place, ground floor, 920 square ft – Kitchenette.
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Listed by: Gwen E. Burmester Licensed in Connecticut Benedict Real Estate Associates, LLC 19 Benedict Place, Greenwich, CT 06830 Phone (203) 661-0075 Cell (203) 561-2849 Email: geburmester@benedictcapital.com
Social media was abuzz with comments from Greenwich residents over the weekend following a exposé on the fees charged to insurance companies by a Greenwich doctor who provided Covid-19 testing at his office at 1 East Putnam Ave in Greenwich, and at drive-through locations including the Leroy Ave commuter lot in Darien.
Drive thru Covid testing in the Leroy West Lot in Darien. Monday, Nov 16, 2020 Photo: Leslie Yager
A Nov 10 New York Times feature shared stories of people whose insurance companies were charged thousands of dollars in fees for multiple tests charged by Dr. Steven Murphy’s practice, Murphy Medical Associates.
At issue was the BioFire 2.1, large panel test that includes 20+respiratory pathogens, including rhinovirus and enterovirus, Murphy Medical administered.
Today the Murphy Medical website says, “Our lab proudly uses the BioFire 2.1 Respiratory Panel that tests for 21 respiratory pathogens, including SARS-COV-2.”
But that was not always the case as the website has been updated.
Patients thought they were signing up just for a Covid-19 test.
And while readers were shocked by the New York Times exposé, commenters from places like Scotland, Canada and Australia suggested the situation confirmed their belief the US healthcare system was broken.
On Friday Attorney General William Tong’s Communication Director Elizabeth Benton declined to comment except to say, “We have an active and ongoing investigation and have for several months.”
After the NYT article came out, Darien’s First Selectman Jayme Stevenson and Health Dept director David Knauf said in a Nov 12 release that they, along with their town attorney, had met with Dr, Murphy.
“We have learned that Dr. Murphy uses the BioFire Respiratory panel of tests (21 in all) and not a simple COVID-only test, which is at the heart of the cost issue. While information about testing services and associated prices is likely available through Dr. Murphy’s office, it isn’t prominent when registering to be tested.”
– Darien’s First Selectman Jayme Stevenson and Health Dept director David Knauf
On Tuesday Darien announced Murphy Medical had “departed” and that the town had a new option for residents. Everpoint Health will use the same parking lot on Leroy to run a private, out-of-network testing center.
Everpoint Health also offers drive trough testing behind CVS on West Putnam Ave in Greenwich.
Everpoint Health requires patients to pay for testing services at the time of registration.
Notably, the release from Darien added that the town wanted a group that could potentially serve as a future partner in the upcoming COVID 19 vaccination roll out.
The Murphy Medical Associates Covid testing information page says there is no cost to patients for testing, and that insurance companies are billed directly.
Executive Order 7U mandates no cost to patients and payment for all COVID CARE by insurers.
Several Greenwich and Darien residents shared their experiences with Murphy Medical.
Darien resident Tracy Wilson said she came to Murphy’s office in Greenwich back in July because she wasn’t available to go to his drive thru testing site at Darien High School, where the town originally let him set up.
Wilson said she was grateful Darien had responded in the “crisis moment,” but she was surprised at the amount of Murphy Medical’s fees of $2,200 that went directly to her insurer, Anthem.
“I never saw the bill,” she recalled, adding that it wasn’t until later she found the EOB from Anthem indicating the $2,200 in fees.
“It’s completely outrageous,” she said. “It was just a complete scam. I understand people wanted to get this done and organized quickly, but if you’re going to hire someone to do this, at some point someone should have gone in and checked on him. …Someone didn’t do their due diligence.”
A Greenwich resident who asked that her name be withheld said her family of four was due to travel overseas in August and were required to have PCR tests within 72 hours before their trip.
She said after calling to schedule an appointment with Murphy Medical, a friend relayed a negative experience with the practice in which they were kept waiting for their test results.
“I got nervous and I called (Murphy Medical) office back and said, ‘I want to be really clear that this is only the Covid-19 test you’re doing for us,'” she added.
The woman said since she was worried she might not have the results back from Murphy Medical in time for the family trip.
To be safe, she also scheduled tests for her family at a different practice, “The Doctor’s Office” in Cos Cob.
“We got tested the same day by both Murphy Medical and The Doctor’s Office in Cos Cob, and received results back from both of them,” she said.
The Greenwich woman said Dr. Murphy not only tested for Covid, but also 10 other tests, and he charged her insurance company $1,500 for each of the four members of her family, for a total $6,000.
The Doctor’s Office in Cos Cob charged $125 per person for the Covid PCR test.
The woman called her insurance company, Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield, and was told they had denied Murphy’s claim.
“The person on the phone said they had never seen a claim for a Covid-19 test for $1,500,” she said. “They are requesting the doctor provide medical notes to explain this.”
She said another aspect of the ordeal that surprised her was that to register for a test, everyone, including young children were required to complete a lengthy medical questionnaire, including history of vaping and pregnancy.
“I wonder how that information is being used,” she said. “We certainly didn’t have to fill anything out for The Doctor’s Office.”
Ed Shea of Greenwich said the charges for his Covid-19 tests on Oct 20 totaled $4,127.26.
He said despite asking explicitly for just a Covid Nasal swab and antibody test, his insurance company was charged for 30 blood tests, and not one, but two office visits, though he only went to Murphy’s office at 1 East Putnam Ave once.
Shea said it all started when he needed to schedule dental work.
“I was thinking of them more than anything else,” he said, referring to his dentist and staff.
Shea said the Murphy Medical website said Covid-19 tests were free.
“I’d never have gone there had I not seen that,” he added.
After the tests, he said his insurance company denied the claim and were asking for more information from Murphy Medical.
He said he worried he might wind up on the hook for the fees.
Lastly, he said, a full month later, his Murphy Medical patient portal still did not show the results of those other 30 blood tests, which made him wonder if they’d even been done.
“It’s one thing that they ordered blood tests and charged for tests I didn’t consent to, but it’s another thing to charge for blood tests that were never done. That’s what I want to find out,” he said, adding that he had spent hours on the phone trying to sort out the situation.
“And, to deal with this in the middle of a Covid crisis?” Shea exclaimed. “If they end up billing me? Who wants to sweat that out?”
Covid-19 testing is free at the Family Centers Health Clinic at Wilbur Peck in Greenwich. Nov 18, 2020Free Covid testing at the Family Centers Health Clinic located at Wilbur Peck. Nov 18, 2020
All three interviewed said they were concerned the “free” tests would ultimately be reflected in increased insurance premiums.
Many of the hundreds of comments on the Nov 10 New York Times article, including from readers in Australia, Italy, Canada and Scotland, were disparaging not just of Dr. Murphy’s fees, but of the US healthcare system.
A commenter from Scotland said, “Here in the UK all testings are free, accessed by appointment, you can request home testing kits, results emailed in 2 days. We are now getting ready for mass testing all over the UK, as we were let down by test and trace. All this is free as is all medical care….”
Commenters also noticed was Murphy’s website included a plea for volunteers to hep with testing.
In a YouTube video on the Murphy Medical web page for covid testing, Dr. Murphy said he sought volunteers so they might, “help the public, the patients and society and become part of the Murphy family.”
The YouTube video was deleted Tuesday night, but in it Dr. Murphy said:
“I started the practice because I wanted the patients to feel like family. I want to tell you a little bit about my family. My family consists of immigrants, pirates, horse thieves – and I knew that that type of person is a person who is willing to take risk and be brave,” Murphy said in the video.
A call and email to Dr. Murphy’s office on Wednesday were not immediately returned, but Murphy is defending himself.
A story in Bloomberg Law says Murphy Medical has launched a federal lawsuit against Cigna for denying his Covid testing claims. Murphy Medical sayid Cigna is wrongly refusing to reimburse more than $4.6 million in Covid-19 testing costs on behalf of more than 4,400 patients.
While Murphy’s practice still advertises drive-through testing sites at his practice in Greenwich, as well as Pound Ridge (NY), West Haven and New Haven, here in Greenwich it is possible to get a truly free Covid test that doesn’t involve insurance.
This reporter called Monday morning and was able to schedule a Covid-19 test on Wednesday at the Family Centers health clinic at Wilbur Peck, which is a property owned by the Housing Authority.
To register, questions were: name, DOG, ethnicity, address, a phone to be contacted with results, employed/unemployed, and job (optional).
Instructions for testing were to wear a mask and bring an ID.
The wait was a little over a half hour. Name, address, email and phone were confirmed, and insurance was never mentioned.
A patient walks up (obscured in orange) to Darien’s drive through testing site in the 60 Leroy Ave Municipal lot in Darien on Monday, Nov 16, 2020
The RTM has a vacancy in District 7 and the district hopes to fill this vacancy at their December 10th meeting.
The RTM is the Town of Greenwich legislative body. They examine and approve the budget, nominations to Town boards, improvements to Town properties, labor contracts and other significant Town undertakings. If you want to have a say in how Greenwich grows, join the RTM.
Please contact Wynn McDaniel, the Chairman of District 7 for more information. 203-869-9071 wynnmcdaniel@gmail.com
As the temps dip and Covid is on the rise, Greenwich First selectman Fred Camillo and Greenwich Hospital’s president and CEO Diane Kelly held the first of a series of weekly press conferences scheduled through December, which is when the predicted peak in Covid cases is anticipated.
And while the sense of foreboding feels similar to last spring, Camillo said he was not considering closing town parks.
“We’re not looking to close them down, but we’re looking at capacity levels,” he said. “We want people to be outside and be active, but to do so safely.”
At the November 10 Parks & Rec board meeting, director Joe Siciliano said that on the previous weekend, which was very mild, the number of people was “phenomenal.”
In fact, he said 700 cars were turned away at Tod’s Point on Saturday, Nov 7, and 600+ turned away on Sunday, Nov 8.
The Parks & Rec dept typically stops checking beach passes at the gate in November.
Siciliano said people are using all types of facilities including using state parks, and people from outside Greenwich looking for a park they can drive to, they decided to continue to staff the gatehouse through Dec 1.
There were over 3,500 people at Tod’s Point on Saturday, Nov 7, and even more on Sunday, Nov 8.
Parks & Rec are selling day passes through Dec 1 for any resident who wants to purchase one for a guest or purchase one for themselves if they don’t have a beach pass.
“It’s not because we want to keep people out, it’s because we’re trying to to manage the number of people using the facility with the number of Covid cases in town,” he said.
Greenwich Hospital president and CEO Diane Kelly gave an update during what will be a weekly Zoom press conference with First Selectman Fred Camillo. Nov 18, 2020
During the Wednesday press conference, Diane Kelly said the current wave of Covid was not unexpected, but that people had become fatigued with social distancing and wearing masks.
“But it worked, and it works,” she said.
“It’s especially important to pay attention with as the holidays come and it’s tempting to be in larger groups,” she added.
“We have learned so much since the first wave, and we are keeping people out of the ICU,” she said. “Patients are being transferred home in much greater numbers than before…Our protocols are working.”
Wednesday Covid-19 numbersfor Greenwich: 18 patients at Greenwich Hospital being treated for Covid 0 patients in the ICU 104 active Covid-19 cases in Greenwich 14 day rolling average of 11.5 per 63,000 (Greenwich’s population) 14 day rolling average of 18.3 per 100,000 (about half the state’s14-day rolling average) 1,367 Greenwich residents have tested positive since the beginning of the pandemic
“The 18 (patients) that we have in today is not the same kind of look you would have seen in those early months. It’s a very different experience for the patients,” Kelly said.
Kelly also said the hospital was prepared to handle this wave of Covid cases.
“This wave is not an unexpected wave. We’ve been watching our trends since the beginning of the first surge,” she added. “We had a whole group of people behind the scenes estimating when we would see an increase, so this is about the time they had estimated we would see this for a lot of different reasons.”
Kelly said testing is busy at Greenwich Hospital, with about 200 people being tested daily.
Main Street in Port Chester.
Over the state line in the Village of Port Chester the situation is more challenging. On Wednesday morning Mayor Richard Filanka said he was very concerned at how the Village’s numbers were trending upward.
This caused New York Governor Andrew Cuomo to designate the Village of Port Chester an “orange zone.” It is the first community in Westchester County to be elevated to this level.
High risk, non essential businesses must close, including gyms, barber shops, hair salons, and nail salons.
Outdoor dining is allowed only, but a four person maximum per table.
Schools are closed; students limited to remote learning.
Numbers are holding steady from last week which will likely continue through the holidays. Fewer homes will be listed and fewer buyers will be out there looking. However, the buyers and sellers who we will see over the next few weeks are generally the ones who are most serious about making a deal. Less tire kicking and more serious offers. So if you’re in either category, don’t give up hope and you shouldn’t feel as if you have to put everything off until the spring, as long as you’re realistic with your pricing and expectations. Talk to an experienced Realtor who can guide you properly.
6 Lighthouse Lane, Old Greenwich – click on photo for details6 Lighthouse Lane, Old Greenwich – click on photo for details6 Lighthouse Lane, Old Greenwich – click on photo for details
Waterfront Georgian Colonial sited on a spectacular setting enjoys its own private shoreline beach. Located in a private association and south of the village of Old Greenwich the home is within close proximity to the town beach, parks, shopping, dining, train station and schools. The generously sized public rooms on the first floor have breathtaking views of the lighthouse and Long Island Sound. Both the sun-filled living room and dining room have separate fireplaces and are ideal for entertaining and relaxing. The vaulted kitchen and family room dramatically designed for maximum enjoyment. There are 4 family bedrooms/ 3 bathrooms on the 2nd floor, along with the master suite. Multiple office spaces, fireplaces, wine cellar, sauna and private beach this is truly a homeowner’s paradise.
There are 53 public open houses this weekend. Please bring a mask and gloves and plan to social distance.
On Friday the CT Dept of Economic & Community Development shared the details Governor Lamont’s pause on team sports that he announced on Thursday.
The rules impact team sports (team is considered agroup of more than 4 people jointly engaged in an organized or recreational athletic activity on a court, field, etc), as well as gyms and fitness centers.
The rules take effect Monday, November 23 and will be in effect until January 19, 2021.
The pause impacts all sporting activities, except collegiate and professional. (Teams that view themselves as professional must obtain approval from the Dept of Economic and Community Development.)
What is prohibited during Team Sports on Pause:
Participation in *High Risk Sports (other than conditioning/non-contact drills)
All Team scrimmages, competitions, camps, clinics and tournaments (including all interscholastic, “pick-up” games, and other informal athletic activities)
Participation in out-of-state Team practices (including conditioning), competitions, camps, clinics and tournaments by CT residents
Participation in competitions, camps, clinics, tournaments in CT by out-of-state Teams
Teams are not able to break up into smaller groups to practice or compete (e.g. a 20 person team practicing or competing in groups of 4 or less at the same time and location is not allowed)
Individual and small group training (4 people or fewer)
Individual and small group Moderate and Low Risk Sports (4 people or fewer)
Gyms and fitness centers (masks now required, no exceptions, minimum 6 foot spacing and other Sector Rule Safeguards)
Group Fitness Classes & Dance Studios, Yoga, Martial Arts Instruction, etc.
Reduced to 25% capacity (from 50%)
Masks now required, no exceptions
Subject to minimum 6 foot spacing and other Sector Rule Safeguards
School Gym Classes (No Team sports subject to Pause to be played)
Professional teams that obtain DECD approval and Sanctioned Interscholastic College Sports (Recreational/Club sports on college campuses are subject to Team Sports on Pause rules
Risk Categorizations with Associated Sports, National Federation of State High School Associations, Sports Medicine Advisory Committee.
Maria Raia Friscia passed away peacefully on Sunday 22 November surrounded by her loving children.
Maria was born in Caltabellotta, Sicily, Italy on 28 July 1926. She emigrated to New York in 1965 with her husband Michele who predeceased her in 2008. Maria settled near Arthur Avenue in The Bronx, NY which she called home for decades.
A gifted seamstress, she worked as a dressmaker for many years, though her talents extended to knitting, crocheting, embroidering, cooking, and drawing flowers.
Surrounded by a community of Italian immigrants, Italian remained her primary language and she proudly celebrated her heritage and culture. Though she did not speak English, her timely laughs and poignant comments during dinner conversations made her grandchildren smile. In her later years, she spent long stretches of time in Riverside to be close to her daughter and grandchildren.
She taught her children and grandchildren her most coveted cooking and baking secrets and was an infinite source of wisdom for all. Throughout her life, she created and gifted many handmade heirlooms such as bedspreads, wool blankets, sweaters, and table linens. Most importantly, however, she left her family with precious memories of her kind and loving spirit.
Maria is survived by her son Ignazio and his longtime partner Ann Clifford of The Bronx, and her daughter Maria Carmela and her husband Dr. John Dubaz of Riverside.
Maria was blessed with and treasured by her three grandchildren: Dr. Ornella Dubaz and her husband Dr. Jeffrey Lemons of Boston, MA; Marcello Dubaz and his fiancé Marina Austin of Los Angeles, CA; and Sofia Dubaz and her fiancé Jeffrey Silva, Jr. of Greenwich, CT. Maria’s last few months were filled with joy seeing and holding her great-grandson Luca Lemons who was born this past June.
Condolences may be left at coxandgraziano.com who is handling funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to American Cancer Society.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in The Bronx on Saturday 27 November at 9:45am. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greenwich.
On Tuesday, Attorney General William Tong joined a multistate coalition in filing a motion for summary judgment in their lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration’s unlawful final rule redefining “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act.
Under the new rule, more than half of all wetlands and at least 18 percent of all streams are left without federal protections. In today’s filing, the coalition argues that the rule is arbitrary and capricious, contrary to the text and primary objective of the Clean Water Act, and should be vacated.
“The whole point of the Clean Water Act is to clean up our nation’s waterways, and that requires a full and comprehensive application of the law,” Attorney General Tong said. “This revised rule, however, will have disastrous implications for public health and the environment and exposes critical water systems to pollution. The EPA ignored basic federal law and its own science-based studies in its rush to push through this damaging rule, and it should not be upheld by the court.”
The definition of “waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act is critical to maintaining a strong federal foundation for water pollution control and water quality protection that preserves the integrity of our waters. While the Clean Water Act has resulted in dramatic improvements to water quality in the United States, its overriding objective has not yet been achieved. Many of the nation’s waters fail to meet water quality standards. The 2015 Clean Water Rule enacted during the Obama Administration provided much-needed clarity and consistency in federal Clean Water Act protections. It specifically included within the scope of protected waters, the headwaters of rivers and creeks as well as other non-traditionally navigable waters, such as wetlands and ephemeral streams, which have significant impact on downstream water quality.
On May 1, 2020, a California and New York-led coalition filed a lawsuit in the Northern District of California challenging the rule.
Attorney General Tong joins the attorneys general of California, New York, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, as well as the California State Water Resources Control Board, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, and the City of New York in filing today’s motion.
A copy of the motion for summary judgment can be found here.
Assistant Attorneys General David Wrinn and Matthew Levine, Head of the Environment Department assisted the Attorney General with this matter.
OxyContin manufacturer, Purdue Pharma, pleaded guilty Tuesday to three federal criminal charges for their role in fueling the country’s opioid crisis.
The three felony offenses included: one count of dual-object conspiracy to defraud the US and to violate the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and two counts of conspiracy to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Statute.
US District Judge James P. Jones heard the defendants’ guilty pleas in federal court and set sentencing for Feb. 16, 2021.
“The abuse and diversion of prescription opioids has contributed to a national tragedy of addiction and deaths, in addition to those caused by illicit street opioids,” said Deputy Attorney General Jeffrey Rosen in a release from the US Dept of Justice. “Today’s guilty pleas to three felony charges send a strong message to the pharmaceutical industry that illegal behavior will have serious consequences.”
“The opioid epidemic continues to spread across the United States impacting countless Americans and harming communities,” said Assistant Director Calvin Shivers of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Together with our law enforcement partners, the FBI is committed to investigating and holding criminals accountable for the roles they play in fueling this crisis.”
As part of the guilty plea, Purdue admitted that from May 2007 through at least March 2017, it conspired to defraud the United States by impeding the lawful function of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Purdue represented to the DEA that it maintained an effective anti-diversion program when, in fact, Purdue continued to market its opioid products to more than 100 health care providers whom the company had good reason to believe were diverting opioids.
Purdue also reported misleading information to the DEA to boost Purdue’s manufacturing quotas.
The misleading information comprised prescription data that included prescriptions written by doctors that Purdue had good reason to believe were engaged in diversion.
The conspiracy also involved aiding and abetting violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by facilitating the dispensing of its opioid products, including OxyContin, without a legitimate medical purpose, and thus without lawful prescriptions.
Purdue also admitted it conspired to violate the federal Anti-Kickback Statute. Between June 2009 and March 2017, the company made payments to 2 doctors through Purdue’s doctor speaker program to induce those doctors to write more prescriptions of Purdue’s opioid products.
Also, from April 2016 through December 2016, Purdue made payments to Practice Fusion Inc, an electronic health records company, in exchange for referring, recommending, and arranging for the ordering of Purdue’s extended release opioid products – OxyContin, Butrans, and Hysingla.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, Purdue agreed to the imposition of the largest penalties ever levied against a pharmaceutical manufacturer, including a criminal fine of $3.544 billion and an additional $2 billion in criminal forfeiture.
For the $2 billion forfeiture, the company will pay $225 million within three business days following the entry of a judgment of conviction in accordance with the Plea Agreement.
Purdue has also agreed to a civil settlement that provides the United States with an allowed, unsubordinated, general unsecured bankruptcy claim for recovery of $2.8 billion to resolve its civil liability under the False Claims Act.
Separately, the Sackler family has agreed to pay $225 million in damages to resolve its civil False Claims Act liability.
The criminal and civil resolutions, which were announced on Oct. 21, 2020, do not include the criminal release of any individuals, including members of the Sackler family, nor are any of the company’s executives or employees receiving civil releases.
On Nov. 17, 2020, the bankruptcy court in the Southern District of New York approved the financial terms of the global resolution with the company. The resolution includes the condition that the company cease to operate in its current form and instead emerge from bankruptcy as a public benefit company (PBC) or entity with a similar mission designed for the benefit of the American public. The proceeds of the PBC will be directed toward state and local opioid abatement programs.
Based on the value that would be conferred to state and local governments through the PBC, the department is willing to credit up to $1.775 billion against the agreed $2 billion forfeiture amount.
The global resolution does not resolve claims that states may have against Purdue or members of the Sackler family, nor does it impede the debtors’ or other third parties’ ability to recover any fraudulent transfers.
Except to the extent of Purdue’s admissions as part of its criminal resolution, the claims resolved by the civil settlements are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability in the civil matters.
Whether getting together with your family and friends will be in person or virtual this year, it is ideal for assessing the current living situation of the elderly in your life.
There are various options available, and experts advise that the best way to ensure a smooth transition is to start the process early and plan before a crisis forces action.
A great option to consider in Greenwich is Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence.
Joan Hamel with Penny Lore’s puppy Cooper – English springer spaniel
Parsonage Cottage Senior Residence acts as a partner for independent living in a unique and warm environment and knows that selecting the right residence is more than choosing a new home. Their approach focuses on giving residents a variety of experiences that will enable them to enjoy a lifestyle that allows them to thrive and flourish. “It’s really the people that make the difference. Parsonage Cottage has a caring staff, a hard-working Board of Directors, and every resident is treated as a family member,” commented longtime Executive Director Penny Lore. According to Lore, the residents’ average age is 80, and the typical length of stay is five years.
At Parsonage Cottage, Elizabeth Escobar Zooms with her family.
The charming facility has bright, well-appointed rooms with en-suite private baths and age-friendly, walk-in showers and includes housekeeping. Three nutritious meals, prepared by full-time chefs, use fresh, seasonal ingredients daily in the recently renovated dining room. Special diets receive individual attention, and snacks are served around the clock, including an Espresso Bar and specialty Happy Hours.
A supporter of the assisted living facility, First Selectman Fred Camillo spent some time at the mid-country senior residence in September walking the beautifully landscaped grounds with retired Greenwich Police Officer, 92-year-old Les Russo, who has lived at Parsonage for ten years. “Visiting Parsonage Cottage is always a great experience for me, but it was especially nice to catch up with my longtime friend, Les Russo,” said the Camillo who has known Russo for about 25 years.
At Parsonage Cottage, longtime resident Emma Holloway with Recreational Therapist Princess Gordon – tie dyed t-shirt project.
Parsonage Cottage, one of the properties managed by Greenwich Communities, enjoys relationships with several community partners such as Greenwich Botanical Centers, Greenwich Country Day School Center for Public Good, Sweet Readers, and the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, and more. In addition to a Board of Directors, Parsonage Cottage also benefits from an active Junior Advisory Board, which held an iPad drive collecting 30 devices so that residents could stay connected to their loved ones. Last summer, they also had a very successful mini-golf tournament on the grounds.
At Parsonage Cottage, Robin Sommer does a plant protect with Greenwich Botanical Center.
The vibrant social environment ensures that there is always something to do at Parsonage. Their monthly calendar of activities, including Arts and Crafts, games and brain challenges, Zooms with family and friends, ministry services on Sundays, themed events and game nights, a piano, free cable and Wi-Fi, music and dancing, and a large screen for movie nights with popcorn.
Katherine Rote and Mimi Trabakino exercising at Parsonage Cottage.
There are level walking paths, gardens, benches, front porch rocking chairs, and a large terrace outside the dining area for outdoor relaxation, entertainment, and enjoyment. Outdoor and indoor instructor-led fitness opportunities include Zumba, Tai Chi, Chair Yoga, Meditation, and more. There is also a well-maintained Putting Green steps away from the front door.
Parsonage Cottage residents truly live life their way. For a tour and consultation, contact Penny Lore at 203-869-6226 or Penny@parsonagecottage.org.
Les Russo walking with First Selectman Fred Camillo at Parsonage Cottage. Photo: Bob CapazzoFirst Selectman Fred Camillo and Les Russo at Parsonage Cottage. Photo: Bob CapazzoParsonage Cottage. Photo: Sue Moretti Bodson.
