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Greenwich Man Admits to Stealing $889,000 from Greenwich Employers

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut - Greenwich Free Press

A Greenwich man pleaded guilty on Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in Bridgeport to a fraud offense related to his theft of more than $800,000 from two individuals in Greenwich.

The man Georges Avridor, 42, of Greenwich and Stamford, according to court documents and statements made in court, between July 2013 and October 2016, stole personal bank checks from two Greenwich residents who employed him as a driver.

Avridor then made the checks payable either to “Cash” or to himself for various amounts of money and forged the signature of one of his employers on the checks.

He then cashed the checks at a bank or had the proceeds deposited into a bank account that he controlled.  Avridor stole a total of $889,425 through this scheme.

Avridor pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years.  A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

Avridor was arrested on June 30, 2017.  He is released on a $50,000 bond pending sentencing.

This matter has been investigated by the Greenwich Police Department, U.S. Secret Service and Connecticut Financial Crimes Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Miller.

The plea was announced by John H. Durham, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.


Donald Bruce Haughs, 75

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Donald Bruce Haughs passed away at Greenwich Hospital on March 31.

Don is survived by his childhood friend and wife of 53 years, Joan Callahan Haughs, five beloved children, Lorin Pratley (Phil), Lisa Hartley (Kyle), Casey Fulton (Richard), Kelly Kreppein (David), and Brett Haughs (Lauren), and his sister Linda Haughs.

Don, aka “Boss,” was also the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren, Ben, Sean and Danny Pratley, Brett, Cole, Spencer and Lacey Hartley, Lucy, Mack and Lila Fulton, Hallie, Graham, Quinn, Brody, Darcy and Remy Kreppein, and Lily, James and Cate Haughs. He was predeceased by his parents, “Swannie” and Norman Millar Haughs.

Born on July 7, 1942, Don was a native and lifelong resident of Cos Cob, and was known to many as an avid fisherman and sportsman with a quick wit and a deep sense of loyalty to his family and friends.

He attended Cos Cob School and Greenwich High School (class of 1960), where he was a member of the hockey team that won the regional championship in 1959. At Colby College, Don was a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, and graduated with a degree in economics in 1964. He later earned an MBA from Columbia University, followed by a career in the banking industry.

As a father, Don was a kind and brave soul, taking his family of seven on annual pilgrimages to Florida every April and North Carolina every August, to visit the friends and family who were so dear to him. Two parents and five kids in one station wagon for those long drives every year was never a question, and he always made sure it happened. Later, there were trips to Mexico where he would ring in the New Year with his family and the mahi-mahi he had caught on a successful fishing charter.

After retiring, Don’s time was spent with his family at weekly Sunday night dinners, summer trips together to anywhere near the water, and following his many grandchildren in their athletic endeavors in hockey, football, baseball and lacrosse. “Boss” was so proud to have two grandsons play hockey for GHS as he had, two granddaughters also playing at the high school level, and many younger ones who are following in his footsteps. He also shared his love of fishing with his grandchildren and anyone who shared his passion for the sport.

Don was a longtime member of Greenwich Country Club, as well as the Mianus River Boat & Yacht Club, where he could often be found sitting on the deck with Joan, enjoying every minute with his friends and extended family there. He understood the importance of the family we were born into as well as the family we choose, and taught us to build our lives on the strength of our connections to the people we love. For that, we are forever grateful. Thanks for the memories, Boss, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

A memorial service for friends and family will held at the Mianus River Boat & Yacht Club in May. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Don’s honor to the Greenwich Athletic Foundation at www.greenwichaf.com

Skinny Pizza Squeezes into Former HealthMart Space on Greenwich Ave

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Ralph Williams with Eleni B at the new Skinny Pizza at 30 Greenwich Avenue. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Ralph Williams with Eleni Bouboulis at the new Skinny Pizza at 30 Greenwich Avenue. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Anthony Bouboulis, a 5th grader at Parkway school, hosted a pizza party for his 5th grade friends at his parents' new Skinny Pizza restaurant on Greenwich Avenue. April 4, 2018 Photo Heather Brown

Anthony Bouboulis, a 5th grader at Parkway school, hosted a pizza party for his 5th grade friends at his parents’ new Skinny Pizza restaurant on Greenwich Avenue. April 4, 2018 Photo Heather Brown

On Wednesday night Anthony Bouboulis, a 5th grader at Parkway school, hosted a pizza party for his 5th grade friends and their families at a new and innovate pizza restaurant on Greenwich Avenue.

Anthony’s parents, Eleni and Denis Bouboulis, are the owners of Skinny Pizza, which will have its formal opening on April 11 at 11:00am.

The restaurant, located at 30 Greenwich Avenue, is in the spot that was formerly home to HealthMart from 1969 to 2015.

After 45 years on Greenwich Avenue, the mom-and-pop operation shuttered in 2015 and the space has been empty since then.

Signs saying Skinny Pizza was coming have been in the windows for almost a year, which reflects the time the Bouboulises took to transform the space.

Wednesday night’s party for Parkway families offered a glimpse at what will soon be on offer to all.

The atmosphere was like a party and all the staff made sure everyone had a chance to sample a variety of offerings on the menu.

Skinny Pizza offers a healthier modern take  on traditional New York-style pizza. They offer a lower calorie, very thin and crispy pizza using organic tomatoes and natural toppings without sacrificing taste.

Everyone who loves pizza – including the health-conscious, meat-lovers, vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free customers – are right at home at Skinny Pizza.

On Wednesday night, franchise COO Alex Sacchetti buzzed around the restaurant, overseeing new hires and offering samples of pizza varieties and other menu items, including soups, salads and pastas.

Mr. Sacchetti said that the first Skinny Pizza opened in Roslyn Heights on Long Island in 2011. Several other Skinny Pizza locations have popped up since then, and the Greenwich location is the sixth in the US.

Sacchetti shared the skinny on the pizza: Customers have four crusts to choose from. All are made without potassium bromate. Crust options include whole wheat, original, gluten free (made from rice), and cauliflower, which is perfect those on Paleo diets.

Eleni Bouboulis and sons Anthony, 11, and Alexander, 9. Photo Heather Brown

Skinny Pizza affords diners a variety of choices, all “built with no guilt.” In addition to choosing their own crust, customers select sauce, cheese and toppings.

“My favorite is the simple skinny,” said Alexander Bouboulis, Anthony’s younger brother, 9. “It is plain cheese and only takes three minutes to cook.”

“I grew up in Brooklyn and love pizza,” said Alexander’s mom, Eleni. “I want to enjoy pizza and be health conscious too.”

Skinny Pizza ingredients are organic, preservative and nitrate free, non-GMO and locally sourced when available. The menu has a variety of Paleo friendly, Gluten free and vegetarian options.

Alexander Bouboulis ready for his Skinny Pizza. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Alexander Bouboulis ready for his Skinny Pizza. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

The Bouboulis family – Denis, Anthony, Alexander and Eleni in their new Skinny Pizza restaurant. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

The Bouboulis family – Denis, Anthony, Alexander and Eleni in their new Skinny Pizza restaurant. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

At Skinny Pizza, all natural STUBBORN fountain soda has no artificial sweeteners, no HFCS.

At Skinny Pizza, all natural STUBBORN fountain soda has no artificial sweeteners, no HFCS. Flavors include Lemon Berry Acai, Agave Vanilla Cream Soda and Orange Hibiscus

Skinny Pizza opens at 30 Greenwich Avenue on April 11, 2018.

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Nicholas Mecca, 89

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Nicholas MeccaNicholas Mecca passed on April 4, 2018. He was born on August 12, 1928 in Port Chester, NY. He was the first child of Leonardo and Assunta Matturro Mecca.

Nicholas was educated in Greenwich. Nicholas served in the US Army during the Korean War, earning various medals and commendations. Nicholas was part of the family business for many years, learning his trade at the knee of his father, who owned Mecca’s Market on Hamilton Ave. He then went on to work for Grand Central Markets as a master butcher. He retired as a meat manager after 34 years of service.

Nicholas was a member of the Retired Men’s Association of Greenwich for many years and was in charge of distribution of their weekly newsletter. He was a volunteer at Greenwich Hospital in the pharmacy department.

Nicholas was a beloved crossing guard at the Riverside School for 8 years, this brought him an abundance of pleasure because he loved being with the children. He was affectionately known by the children as “Mr. Nick.”

After many years he returned to his art and took art classes at the Greenwich Senior Center. He was also a member of the Cos Cob Gun Club for many years. Nicholas enjoyed his hunting trips with his buddies.

He also participated on the rifle team. Nicholas is survived by his loving wife Nancy of 28 years, two sons Anthony G. Mecca and Nicholas G. Mecca, his brothers Salvatore (Patricia), Francis, Leonard (Dian), his sister Josephine Passerelli (Anthony), his grandchildren Emily, Jeffrey, Stacy, Melissa, and Jennifer, and 4 great grandchildren. Nicholas is also survived by his stepsons Peter Michael Borchetta Jr. and Michael Joseph Borchetta Sr. and their children Michael Jr., Evan, Ryan, Carter, Olivia, Matthew, and Monica.

To honor his life, family and friends will gather Monday, April 9 from 4:00-8:00pm at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home at 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich, CT.

A funeral mass will be held Tuesday, April 10 at 11:00am at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside. Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Greenwich Senior Center, 299 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. For more information or to place an online condolence, www.coxeandgraziano.com.

Andrew William Cohen, 26

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Andrew William Cohen passed away on December 21, 2017 at the young age of 26, from his ongoing battle with addiction. Born November 18, 1991, in New York City, he is survived by his parents, Kimberly Mixer-Coughlin and Brad Cohen, his stepmother Kerry Durels, and his stepfather Christopher Coughlin. He is also survived by his brothers, Max and Thomas Heiden, Brennan and Alec Coughlin, and Kyle Cohen, as well as his sisters, Niki Cohen and Elissa Coughlin and his surviving grandparents, Charles Mixer and Martin and Annette Cohen.

Andrew grew up in Greenwich and was a 2010 graduate of Brunswick School.

He will be remembered as an intellectual free spirit who left traces of his uniqueness in every person that he touched. His thirst for adventure and travel, love of music (notably his out-of-tune banjo), and zeal for defending those forgotten by society are only a few of the numerous ways in which his raw originality expressed itself.

Throughout his struggle, the intrinsic satisfaction he gained from helping others never waned. Andrew was an active volunteer at several non-profit organizations benefiting the homeless, abused, and displaced, including Food Not Bombs and Curry Without Worry. He helped so many people going through the same struggles.

Andrew was a firebrand whose passionate ideals grabbed one’s attention immediately. He was not timid in expressing his views, and highly persuasive when doing so. He pushed boundaries, asked questions, and roused those around him not only to contemplation, but to action and change. His influence on others was felt in ways large and small. Whether convincing a friend to listen to a new genre of music for the first time, or making a fervent defense of the first amendment, his ability to leave a lasting impression was uncanny. As the editor of the Brunswick literary magazine, he challenged other students to think outside the box and beyond convention.

While a fierce defender of his own views, Andrew’s true allegiance was to equality, fairness, and a respect for the truth. The examples listed here are simply a few of the ways in which these noble and genuine beliefs manifested themselves.

His actions and convictions underscored the fact that, above all, Andrew was a supremely memorable one of a kind original.

Andrew now joins the growing list of sons, daughters, mothers and fathers who have been taken too soon by an epidemic sweeping our country and claiming over 60,000 lives each year.

There will be a celebration of his life on April 14, 2018 at the Audubon Society in Greenwich at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers please send donations to https://memorial.shatterproof.org/AndrewWCohen

In keeping with Andrew’s unique style, please keep the dress code causal.

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 2, 2018

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Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 2, 2018 transcribed from the Assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall

45 Ettl Lane, Unit #503 and Garage Unit #503 from Betty Wistrand to JJ57, LLC on April 2, 2018 for $655,000

35 Welwyn Rd

35 Welwyn Rd from John M Costello Jr and Christine K Costello to Alexander Kintner on April 2, 2018 for $1,825,000

14 Mead Ave

14 Mead Ave from Bernard Vanderlande to Eliza Niblock on April 2, 2018 for $1,180,000

2 Circle Drive Extension

2 Circle Drive Extension

2 Circle Drive Extension from David and Alycia Parkes to Anthony Delisa on April 2, 2018 for $800,000

2 Sparrow Lane

2 Sparrow Lane from The Annelise Rothe Revocable Trust to LFRECT, LLC on April 2, 2018 for $3,500,000

125 Cat Rock Rd

125 Cat Rock Rd

125 Cat Rock Rd from Cat Rok Holdings, LLC to AK-DK Investment Trust on April 2, 2018 for $4,250,000

15 Lafayette Court – 1D from Kathy Baker to Eileen Young on April 2, 2018 for $852,000

11 Lafayette Court Unit PH with Garage Units 31 and 32 from Daniel McLeod to Michelle Browdy Trustee on April 2,2018 for $1,800,000

34 Greenwich Hills Drive

34 Greenwich Hills Drive

34 Greenwich Hills Drive from Mario Bauduin and Karen Tepper to Marcello Khattar on April 2, 2018 for $815,000

See also:

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 29, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 26-27, 2018 

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 23, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 16-22, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 12-16, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 6-8, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 1-2, 2018


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Frank Creamer, 79, Retired Greenwich Police Sergeant

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Frank Creamer passed away peacefully at his Greenwich home the morning of Friday, April 6, 2018. He was 79 years old.

Frank was born in Greenwich on November 21, 1938, the tenth child of Leo and Cecilia Creamer. Upon his graduation from Greenwich High School School, Frank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1957 to 1960.

Following his military service, Frank dedicated the next 50 years of his life in service to the Town of Greenwich, working as a member of the Greenwich Fire Department from 1963 to 1967, the Greenwich Police Department from 1967 until his retirement with the rank of Sergeant in 1989, and as a Special Police Officer from 1989 to 2013.

Following his retirement from the Greenwich Police Department in 1989, Frank worked as Manager of the Belle Haven Land Company from 1989 until 2013.

A deeply passionate and generous individual, Frank surrounded himself with family and close friends throughout his life, though his temper often tested the patience of those around him. Frank was predeceased by his wife, Judy Creamer, and is survived by his brother, Leo “Bucky” Creamer, his sister, Jean Haight, his three children, Michael Creamer (Elizabeth Williams), Michele Creamer, and Cyndi Creamer (Craig Zottola), his six grandchildren, Jay Lewis, Andrew Creamer, Laurel Farr, Anna Farr, Zach Zottola and Hailey Zottola, and his dear friend, Clare Brady.

To honor his life, Frank’s friends and family will gather on Wednesday, April 18 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home, 134 Hamilton Avenue, Greenwich.

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Semper Fi Fund (semperfifund.org).

 

Bill Aims to Reduce the Number of “Dual Arrests” in Domestic Violence Incidents

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YNET

The YNet group had a float in the GHS Homecoming Parade. Credit: Leslie Yager

A bill that would help protect victims of domestic violence from being arrested along with their abusers – a “dual arrest” – if they report a domestic violence incident to the authorities has been co-sponsored by State Rep Fred Camillo.

SB 466 – An Act Concerning Dual Arrests and the Training Required of Law Enforcement Personnel with Respect to Domestic Violence – received joint favorable report from the Judiciary Committee with all members voting in favor of the bill. The bill next makes it way to the appropriate chamber for a vote.

“We’ve been working with CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence,” said Meredith Gold, adding that SB 466 has the full support of the Greenwich YWCA. “We’re part of that coalition to understand the dual arrest problem in our state and we hope that this legislative change will be a part of the solution in reducing dual arrest rates.”

According to Ms. Gold, YWCA CEO Mary Lee Kiernan sat on a task force with prosecutors, law enforcement and domestic violence advocates at the state level to work to produce a dual arrest report in the state.

“We’ve been very active in this issue for quite some time. We felt strongly that a change in legislation was an important approach,” Gold said.

Connecticut has a dual arrest rate twice the national average and this has caused re-traumatization for many victim of domestic violence by being arrested and having to go through the court process which is a deterrent to call the police in the future when they need help.

Gold explained that before 1985, when police came to the scene of a domestic violence incident it was up to the victim whether or not to instruct police to press charges.

After Tracey Thurman sued the city of Torrington, Connecticut and won, the law changed and a mandated arrest law was enacted to alleviate the burden on victims having to instruct the police about pressing charges in front of their abuser, which could put them in greater danger.

In 1983, after Ms Thurman was attacked, stabbed, and nearly killed by her husband. Ms Thurman was the first woman in America to sue a town and its police department for violating her civil rights, claiming the police had ignored the violence because she was married to the perpetrator.

Today, law enforcement personnel are trained to identify the aggressor in many instances, but more training is necessary to reduce the number of dual arrests.

Challenges presented by Connecticut’s dual arrest rate include significant financial and capacity burden to multiple systems including public safety, criminal justice, child welfare, and community-based providers.


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Police have new ways of investigating family violence crimes and use the Lethality Assessment Program, (LAP) a screening tool to understand the risk of being killed by an intimate partners.

Unfortunately, one of the unintended consequences of the current law is that victims are getting arrested along with abusers who claim they were just defending themselves.

“Current law does not provide law enforcement officers with enough discretion when making arrests at the scene of a domestic violence situation,” Gold said.

As a result, Connecticut’s dual arrest rate is 20 percent, which is 13 percent above the national average.

There are 27 other states that have a dominant aggressor law, and much lower dual arrest rates than Connecticut.

According to Camillo, legislators hope to reduce the number of dual arrests substantially while encouraging victims to come forward and report cases of abuse.

“We thank Representative Camillo for his support on this very important issue,” said Gold. “If this new law goes through, it will give police greater discretion to follow the guidelines clearly stated in the statute to identify who the primary aggressor or dominant aggressor is.”

Click here for  Dual Arrest Factsheet 1.18


Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 3-4, 2018

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Up to the minute Greenwich property transfers, April 3-4, 2018

80 Mary Lane

80 Mary Lane from Barbara Jackson to Renee Potter on April 4, 2018 for $825,000

6 St Claire Ave

6 St Claire Ave from Christine Hampel to John James on April 4, 2018 for $1,565,000

11 Nimitz Plac

11 Nimitz Place from Thomas Patrick O’Connor to Kenneth Kolb on April 4, 2018 for $950,000

1 Heusted Drive

1 Heusted Drive from Katherine McLennan to Thomas O’Connor on April 4, 2018 for $1,450,000

117 Putnam Park from Nickie Altomaro to Carollyne Ascher on April 3, 2018 for $375,000

110 Mead Ave

110 Mead Ave

110 Mead Ave from Susan Galbraith Zimmerman to Elizabeth Eckert on April 3, 2018 for $520,000

210 Shore Road

210 Shore Road from Russell Mckee and Elizabeth McKee to Bluepoint Investors LLC on April 3, 2018 for $4,900,000

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, April 2, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 29, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 26-27, 2018 

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 23, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 16-22, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 12-16, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 6-8, 2018

Up to the Minute Greenwich Property Transfers, March 1-2, 2018


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At 67, Greenwich Running Club’s Rose O’Sullivan Shares the Journey of Her 100 Marathons

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Rose O’Sullivan was joined by children from the xxx for a few laps around the track at the YMCA of Greenwich on Wednesday, April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

It all started when the youngest of Rose O’Sullivan’s five children turned 16 and got her driver’s license.

“Raising those five kids, that was my career,” she told a group of children from the Family First in Education after school program at the YMCA of Greenwich where she is a member of the  Running Club, adding that when her children didn’t need her any more, she grew a bit depressed.

“I had hated running when I was young,” she recalled. Fortunately for O’Sullivan that feeling would change.

At 48 O’Sullivan ran her first marathon. Today, at 67, she has run 100 marathons across the US and around the world, including in Antarctica, at the Great Wall of China and in Machu Picchu in the Andes mountain in Peru.

“That was the hardest. It was 14,000 feet high to climb. They call it the ‘Dead Woman’s Pass,’ and it’s slippery and rocky,” she said. “I fell and slipped, but I powered through.”

Rose O'Sullivan showed off the string of medals in the shape of six states she ran six marathons over six days.

Rose O’Sullivan showed off the string of medals in the shape of six states she ran six marathons over six days.

In response to questions from the children, O’Sullivan explained that she runs about 25 miles a week and her last marathon was the Bataan Memorial Death March in the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, to honor heroic service members who defended the Philippines during World War II and became prisoners of war.

She also said that in addition to medals she has earned from running marathons, she has collected t-shirts, one from each marathon she has run. She even has one from the 1999 New York City marathon, which was her first.

O'Sullivan shared some of her collection of t-shirts from each of the marathons

O’Sullivan shared some of her collection of t-shirts accumulated, with one from each of 100 marathons.

O’Sullivan told the children about running a series of six marathons, in six states, in six days, driving herself to each state in between marathons.  That grueling series of marathons was organized by Mainly Marathons.

As for her marathon strategy, which has won her several first and second place honors in her age bracket, O’Sullivan said she always starts off slowly.

“The person who starts out fast may not finish,” she said. “Now I do a combination of running and walking. It’s not about time, it’s about the journey.”

O’Sullivan said that she didn’t start out running long distances, or even intending to run marathons. “I started just doing one lap,” she recalled. “Then two.”

After a while, O’Sullivan said she graduated from the indoor track to the road, which she said is less boring, especially when she runs with others and can lose herself in conversation.

“I didn’t tell anyone of my dream because I was scared,” she said, adding that running is an individual sport and it was possible to keep her dream to herself. “Now I find running exhilarating.”

Nodar Karanadzewalk walked around the room on his hands to demonstrate the point that to become good at anything take a great deal of practice.

YMCA director Bob DeAngelo pointed out that to get good at anything takes much practice.

To illustrate the point he asked Nodar Karanadzewalk to walk around the room on his hands.

“He couldn’t just do that in one day,” DeAngelo said. “Rose didn’t just run a marathon. She had a hard time just getting around the track. She believed in herself.”

“Start small. Work Hard. You can get to any goal. Dream big.” – Bob DeAngelo

Rose O’Sullivan with children from the Family First in Education after school program. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Bob DeAngelo with children from the Family First in Education after school program. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Children from the Family First in Education after school program take a few laps around the indoor track at the YMCA of Greenwich. April 4, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

After her talk, the children presented O’Sullivan with a poster they made honoring her. Afterward everyone ran a few laps on the YMCA’s indoor track, where 23 laps make a mile.

Rose O’Sullivan said that she didn’t start out running long distances, or even intending to run marathons. “I started just doing one lap,” she recalled. “Then two.”


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Fiscal Femmes Announce Name Change to Fiscal Freedom for CT

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In Greenwich, a group called the Fiscal Femmes burst on the Greenwich scene following the November 2017 municipal elections.

The group formed to fill a gap they said was left by March On Greenwich and Indivisible Greenwich.

In the lead up to the election, Indivisible Greenwich began organizing locally to fight the Trump agenda.

March On Greenwich was formed by women who were inspired by the Women’s March in Washington, DC on January 21, 2017. They actively recruited female candidates to run for the RTM, seeking to make the 230 member group more diverse.

Though March On is non-partisan, and candidates’ party affiliations are not indicated on ballots, the RTM moved from being roughly one-third female to roughly half female.

The founder of Fiscal Femmes, Laura Gladstone, said neither Indivisible Greenwich nor March On spoke for all women.

She and a small group of local women launched Fiscal Femmes January 2018.

Most recently the Fiscal Femmes came out against BYO Greenwich’s  proposed plastic bag ordinance as it was proposed. They argued the proposed 23¢ fee for a paper bag (which was later lowered to 10¢) was a tax on the less fortunate. (The ban ultimately passed at the RTM, albeit without any fee for a paper bag.)

This week, the Fiscal Femmes announced that due to wide interest from across the community, they have changed their name to Fiscal Freedom for CT.

“During the process of the plastic bag ordinance we received a lot of interest from men that wanted to join our group; however they were reluctant to join primarily due to the name of the organization,” Gladstone said.

“In an effort to be more inclusive and grow our organization effectively drawing on all intelligent minds of every race and gender, we decided to change our name,” she said.

Though the organization has a new name, it will continue to hold the same principals and mission statement, which is to foster common sense fiscal responsibility in Greenwich and state government.

“Fiscal Freedom for CT continues to believe the best way to improve our community is to focus on less taxes and regulation which will result in a positive quality of life, strong job growth and a pro-business environment,” Gladstone said in a statement.

“We also will continue to have a strong interest in women-related issues as they effect all families in the Greenwich and our state,” Gladstone added.

Find Fiscal Freedom for Connecticut on their new website at fiscalfreedomct.com and their Facebook “Fiscal Freedom for Connecticut” and Twitter @fiscalfreedomct.

The group is planning a launch party in early June to coincide with upcoming fundraising activities.

See also:

Greenwich Women Gain Enhanced Presence on RTM Following Historic Election

March On Greenwich is Storming the Greenwich RTM Ballot

RMA Featured Speaker Katie DeLuca: Planning for Greenwich’s Future

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Director of Greenwich’s Planning and Zoning Department, Katie DeLuca, will lead an information gathering session at the April 18 meeting of the Retired Men’s Association. DeLuca’s talk begins promptly at 11:00am.

The session is part of a yearlong process required by the Town’s Charter to produce a Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) every 10 to 15 years.  The public is invited to attend and participate in this event.

How does a community preserve its sense of identity and still respond to the impact of social, economic, and demographic changes? What is it that makes one place develop differently from another?  It goes without saying that key land use decisions could have made Greenwich a very different place.

What if the Presbyterian Hospital of New York sold Greenwich Point to private development instead of selling it to the Town?  What if the Town had permitted the development of the United Nations in back country Greenwich?  Katie will examine how the forces of change affect the town’s physical spaces and residents’ needs and the key land use decisions facing Greenwich today.

Among other issues that will be addressed are over-development, traffic congestion, affordable and diverse housing, maintenance of public facilities, and protection of the environment.

Town planner Katie DeLuca is responsible for helping the community navigate through these issues. The success of the Plan is dependent on the involvement of the community. The Department is currently collecting input from a wide range of sources. This information is used to guide development through its zoning regulations which must be in keeping with the Plan.

Katie moved to Greenwich from England at the age of eight. She graduated from Greenwich Academy and earned a Master’s Degree in geography from the University of Connecticut.  She joined the Planning and Zoning Department as a base-level planner in 2001 and was appointed Director in 2014.

The Greenwich Retired Men’s Association offers a free program every Wednesday that is open to the public, both men and women; no reservations are required. Our social break starts at 10:40am followed promptly by our speaker at 11:00am. 

Programs are at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 West Putnam Ave. in Greenwich.  For additional information see www.greenwichrma.org or contact  info@greenwichrma.org 

Check Out This Sale on Vintage Restored Patio Furniture at Greenwich Exchange for Women’s Work

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Head to the Greenwich Exchange for Women’s Work for a a preview sale on vintage restored patio furniture, featuring Patty’s Portico Outdoor Furniture Restoration and Sales.

Expect exceptional quality at incredible value. Name brands include Brown Jordan, Woodward and Salterini. Delivery is available.

The sale preview sale is Saturday, April 21, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Refreshments Served.

The attached coupon is good through April 30.

The Greenwich Exchange for Women’s work is located at 28 Sherwood Place in Greenwich.

Hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00am til 4:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am until 2:00pm.

For more information call (203) 869-0229

 

 

Dionisio “Jun” Gomez, 76

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Lieutenant Dionisio “Jun” N. Gomez, 76, of Staten Island, NY and recently Greenwich, died peacefully following a brief but courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the warmth and love of family at Calvary Hospital on April 9, 2018.

Aside from being a loving, dedicated and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many, Lieutenant Gomez was extremely proud of his lifetime career as an officer and veteran of the United States Coast Guard and was awarded countless medals, honors and commendations throughout his service.

Lt. Gomez was born November 16,1941 in Zaragoza, Philippines to Dionisio T. Gomez and Rosalina Nieves. In 1968 he was recruited by the United States Coast Guard as a steward.

Lt. Gomez’s steadfast dedication to excellence and empowering himself through education, alongside maintaining an outstanding commitment to serving his country, allowed him to rise quickly through the ranks. Through his unwavering commitment to the USCG, Lt. Gomez consummated his dream of becoming a Naval Engineer and Commissioned Officer.

His tours of duty as a seaman took him to all corners of the globe. He participated in humanitarian missions throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, where he valiantly engaged in search- and-rescue missions and ensured proper humanitarian aid and relief to countries such as Haiti, Cuba and Grenada. He also served numerous tours of duty throughout Europe and Africa where he was responsible for overseeing the surveillance and security of the high-seas.

During the height of the Cold War, Lt. Gomez was granted high-levels of US national security clearance in order to ensure that our borders were safe. In one seminal career event, Lt. Gomez was part of the personal security detail of President Reagan and then Russian Premier Mikhail Gorbachev during their Governor’s Island Summit, a meeting which helped pave the way to the end of the Cold War.

Lt. Gomez took great pride in being part of the crew of some of the most iconic Coast Guard Cutters including USCGC(s) Dallas, Gallatin, Rockaway, Tamaroa, and Morgantheau. Of his nearly thirty years of service, he spent close to ten of those years strictly at sea, spearheading the operation, navigation, maintenance and logistics of some the most highly complex and sophisticated engines in the US Coast Guard fleet.
He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Ceniza, his daughter, Karen (Mario) Colella and their two children, his beloved grandchildren, Matthew and Maxwell of Greenwich, CT. He is also survived by his eldest brother Romy Gomez and recently predeceased by his younger brother Renato Gomez. Lt. Gomez also leaves behind a host of countless loving family and friends.

The family extends their sincere gratitude to the selfless and compassionate physicians, nurses and staff of Greenwich Hospital where Lt. Gomez received unparalleled care and attention, as well Calvary Hospital, where he spent his final resting days in comfort and dignity.

To honor his life, family and friends will gather Thursday, April 12 from 3:00-7:00pm at Coxe & Graziano Funeral Home at 134 Hamilton Avenue in Greenwich.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, April 13 at 11:00am at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Riverside.

Lt. Gomez’s final place of rest will be Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington County, Virginia alongside our nation’s bravest heroes. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Greenwich Hospital and Calvary Hospital.

Greenwich Paddle Powerhouse Milbrook Club Takes National Honors in Junior, Women’s Tournaments

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Connor Zaminski, Josh Frumin #1 Cole Frumin & Leo Dilascia (Both MC Members at APTA Nationals) Boys 10 & under winner. Contributed photo

Gabi Niculescu (Milbrook Professional) & Liz Cruz (Brooklawn Professional) APTA Nationals Winners Ladies Open. Contributed photo

The Milbrook Club Paddle Tennis Team closed out the 2018 season in record form, collecting over 6 national titles, 18 regional and other nationally ranked championships in Junior and Women’s Tournaments.

Also sharing in with the success were the ladies and men’s league teams at Milbrook.

Out of the 4 Fairfield league teams, two of the ladies leagues teams won the Division 10 West title last fall and this winter, while other divisions came very close to clinching division 2 and 5 titles.

Kelly Van Hoesen and Megan Murphy Girls 18 & under winners APTA Nationals. Contributed photo.

Kelly Van Hoesen and Megan Murphy Girls 18 & under winners APTA Nationals. Contributed photo.

(L to R) Jake Karetsky, Joe Delany and Milbrook Juniors Josh Frumin, Megan Murphy, Kelly Van Hoesen, Cole Frumin and Leo DiLascia Contributed photo

Milbrook participates in 7 Men’s league teams within Fairfield and Westchester Counties.

The Men’s Westchester league won the Division 2 title last fall and went on to win the Division 1 title this winter, a rare feat for a club program.

Cole Frumin and Leo Dilascia (Both Milbrook Club Members at APTA Nationals) Boys 10 & under winner Contributed photo

“This has been a record year for almost every Paddle Team at Milbrook,” said Aman Singh, Director of Racquets at The Milbrook Club. “From the junior team to our men’s and women’s teams, we saw exceptional play at every level.”

“We invested heavily in our facilities and in 2017 rebuilt our paddle facilities from the ground up. As a result we saw a significant increase in participation from a broad spectrum of members and we were able to field highly competitive teams in every tournament we entered,” Singh concluded.

2017-2018 Milbrook Club Paddle Champions

Milbrook Club Junior Results

Cole Frumin (Milbrook Club) and Leo Dilascia (Milbrook Club)

Winners:
Patterson Junior Open, Boys 10 & Under
Indian Trail Junior Open,Boys 10 & Under
Long Island Junior Open, Boys 10 & Under, Boys 12 & Under
APTA Viking Junior Nationals, Boys 10 & Under

Josh Frumin (Milbrook Club) & Tyler Friedman (Milbrook Club)

Winners:
Patterson Junior Open, Boys 15 & Under

Josh Frumin (Milbrook Club) & Joe Delany (Belle Haven Club)

Winners:
Long Island Junior Open, Boys 15 & Under
Jersey Shore Open, Boys 15 & Under, Boys 18 & Under
CT Junior Open, Boys 15 & Under
APTA Viking Junior Nationals, Boys 15 & Under

Finalists:
Bronxville Field Club Junior Open, Boys 15 & Under

Megan Murphy (Milbrook Club) & Kelly VanHoesen (Milbrook Club)

Winners: APTA Viking Junior Nationals, Girls 18 & Under

Connor Zaminski (Milbrook Club) & Jake Karetsky (Burning Tree)

Winners:
CT Junior Open, Boys 18 & Under

Connor Zaminski (Milbrook Club) & Auggie Bancroft (Innis Arden Golf Club)

Finalists:
Patterson Junior Open, Boys 15 & Under
Long Island Junior Open, Boys 15 & Under

Milbrook Club Pro Accomplishments
Gabi Niculescu (Milbrook Club Head Professional) Number 1 ranked Ladies Player in the country

Winners:
Patterson Open, Ladies Open Doubles
Pittsburg Open, Ladies Open Doubles
Long Island Invitational, Ladies Open Doubles
APTA Nationals, Ladies Open Doubles

Finalists:
Chicago Charities, Ladies Open Doubles
Philadelphia Open, Ladies Open Doubles


King School Summer Institute: Your Summer. Your Vision.

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King School Summer InstituteMake this summer a time for discovering new skills while having loads of fun.

Register your son or daughter today for Summer Institute (SI) at King School’s 34-acre North Stamford campus.

Attracting Kindergarten – Grade 12 CT and NY students from over 40 different schools, SI runs June 18 – August 3 and offers Academics, Arts, and Sports programs. Children entering Kindergarten – Grade 6 can experience SI’s Fun Camp.

Middle and high school classes allow students to pursue their academic passions and accelerate their progress in the next academic year. Courses are one, three or six weeks, with six week courses awarding academic credit.

King’s outstanding Faculty and Coaches and the small class size ensures that each student is challenged and receives the kind of personalized attention King delivers year round. The most popular classes are in Math, Science, Art, English, and Global Studies. Many students take academic courses plus a sports or performing arts session. Students train with top coaches to enhance their skills in field hockey, basketball, volleyball, baseball, and more. Performing arts offerings include public speaking, piano, singing, dance, and more.

Fun Camp, offered for 1 week sessions or the full 6 weeks, combines daily field trips, sports, and themed-week activities. A parent from last summer’s program exclaims, “Fun Camp provided a safe, enriching summer experience for my son. It provided a wonderful balance of sports and learning activities to keep his interest engaged. Looking forward to another summer at King!”

SI Director, Brian Coughlan, oversees course selection, partnering with King academic leaders to meet students’ needs.

“The large variety of classes allows students to make selections that match their interests instead of opting for a one-size-fits-all program,” Coughlan explains.

Register today at https://www.kingschoolct.org/summerinstitute

League of Women Voters to Host Economic Panel With Focus on Growth Opportunities for Town and State

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With Connecticut’s economy expected to feature prominently in the 2018 election season, the League of Women Voters of Greenwich is hosting a community forum on April 24 to discuss ways to enhance economic competitiveness around the state.

The event will highlight policy proposals in a number of key areas, including transportation; business attraction and retention; commercial, residential and transit-oriented real estate development; downtown revitalization; and, climate change resiliency. The forum is being co-sponsored by the Town of Greenwich and the Greenwich Library.

Joining the distinguished panel will be senior representatives from the Regional Plan Association, the Connecticut Economic Resource Center, the Town of Greenwich and the Connecticut Main Street Center. The aim is to involve the audience in a discussion about how we can spur economic development everywhere, starting with the main streets in our neighborhoods and expanding beyond them to include our town, state and the tri-state region.

Another reason for the League’s involvement with this issue is to ensure that voters hear all sides of Connecticut’s economic story.

“Without minimizing the fiscal challenges faced by our state, it is important to understand the strengths we have too. There is a lot we can do to capitalize on them to help propel Connecticut’s economy forward in a way that benefits everyone,” said Deirdre Kamlani, League of Women Voters Board and Program Committee member.

The League has assembled a panel that is engaged every day in the work of economic development; they will share their vision and their success stories in and around Connecticut, demonstrating the possibilities for every municipality in the state.

The timing of the program was also influenced by the fact that the Town of Greenwich is in the midst of updating its Plan of Conservation and Development.

“This larger discussion about our state and region will help to put the Town’s goals in perspective,” said Katie DeLuca, director of Planning & Zoning in Greenwich.

The League also hopes that the program will help crystallize exactly what economic development is and how we can start a community conversation around it.

“We sometimes think of economic development as something that happens around us, with businesses and governments as the main driving forces. The truth is that community organizations and individuals can have an impact too,” said Nancy Duffy, League Board and Program Committee member.

Speakers will include:

  • Melissa Kaplan-Macey, AICP, Regional Plan Association
  • Courtney Hendricson, Connecticut Economic Resource Center
  • Katie DeLuca, AICP, Town of Greenwich
  • Patrick McMahon, Connecticut Main Street Center

The event is Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at the Greenwich Library, Cole Auditorium. Refreshments at 6:30 pm, with program running from 7:00 – 8:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public. RSVP is required:  League.RSVP@gmail.com by April 17

 

Winter Farmers Market at Sam Bridge Has Surprises Every Week

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Wearing clothes made from wool from Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm. The wools are in natural, undyed colors. Photo: Leslie Yager

Stop the winter farmer’s market at Sam Bridge on North Street this Saturday, April 21 from 9:30am til 1:00pm.

The winter farmer’s market, which launched on Jan 20, reconnecting fans of the summer market at Horseneck lot with several of their favorite vendors.

And, whereas the market in Horseneck Lot is a “Connecticut Grown” sanctioned market under the CT Dept of Agriculture, the Sam Bridge farmers market is able to feature a broader array of vendors.

Since it started in January, the winter market has moved out of the greenhouse and the vendors have tents.

Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm ricotta-based cheesecake. Photo: Leslie Yager

Stop and see Victoria of Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm for wonderful cheeses, soups, farm-fresh sheep and cow’s milk cheeses direct from the farm.

We tried her ricotta-based cheesecake last week. Delicious and not too sweet.

Every Saturday Sankows does a brisk business selling fresh cheeses, milk, chicken and lamb.

Victoria said her soups have been super popular this winter. “The turnout has been twice as good as we expected,” Victoria said. She also has fresh Bolognese sauce, delicious over pasta.


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Jackie Mendive of Empanadas On The Go has joined the market, which, in addition to Sankow’s, also includes, Four Mile River Farm, Carrot Top Kitchens, On the Rocks Farm and Wave Hill Breads. The regulars are supplemented by rotating “guest” vendors. Stop by and be surprised.

Jackie Mendive

Jackie Mendive of Empanadas on the Go at the Winter Farmers Market at Sam Bridge. March 10 , 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Empanadas on the Go

Variety assortment of Jackie Mendive’s frozen Empanadas on the Go, plus veggie quiche and Chimichurri sauce. March 10, 2018 Photo: Leslie Yager

Jason from Four Mile River Farm in Old Lyme is a staple of the winter farmers market at Sam Bridge and, offering a variety of beef, pork, chicken and prepared foods.

“We try to do something different in the winter. That’s when we have time to experiment a little bit,” Jason said. New items have included pork cutlets, smoked ribs, beef cutlets, country gravy made with Four Mile River Farm’s breakfast sausage, all beef meatballs and, GFP’sfavorite, “Pork Candy.”

“The pork candy is smoked, but not as long as the jerky and it has brown sugar,” Jason said. “It’s sweet!”

Jason, who is a regular face at the summer farmers market at Horseneck Lot, said the winter market at Sam Bridge operates under a different set of guidelines because is private.

 Stony Creek Ocean Farm

Head to Stony Creek Ocean Farm for Little Neck and Top Neck Clams. contributed photo

Over at the Stony Creek Ocean Farm table Nick Pastore, who operates out of Branford offers clams and oysters.

Pastore, also an avid woodworker, has found his cutting boards and wooden spoons to be popular sellers.


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Nick Bridge, who organizes the farmers market, said every guest gravitates to his family’s vintage truck on display with its original sales receipt taped to the window. At $1,668.76, the it served as the only truck for the business back in 1948, when his great uncle and grand father were in charge.

“It was their primary truck until 1984,”Nick said. “Later we had it cosmetically restored. More recently, I had it mechanically restored. It fires right up. It runs good.”

Victoria from Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm with Nick Bridge, manager of the winter farmers market. Photo: Leslie Yager

Sankow's Beaver Brook Farm. Contributed

Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm. Contributed

Sankow's Beaver Brook Farm. Contributed

Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm. Contributed

Two Guys from Woodbridge

Two Guys from Woodbridge

Two Guys from Woodbridge

Two Guys from Woodbridge

At Two Guys from Woodbridge Allie Miller sells a wide variety of hydropinically grown greens including nutrient rich and flavorful micro and mescalin mixes.

There are also dandelion greens, sunflower shoots, baby Arugula, water cress, baby red choi, curly red leaf lettuce, Frisée, and a variety of lettuces.

And then there are the Stinging Nettles! Yes, they were delicious as promised, steamed and add a little bit of butter. But don’t pick them up with your fingers. Use tongs!

Dominic Francia, a regular customer, arrived for containers of baby Kale and baby Broccoli. “I make fruit smoothies with blueberries and strawberries. Then I put in baby Kale and baby Broccoli. I also put in a handful of sprouts when I’m making scrambled eggs. It’s a good way to get your greens in your diet,” he said.

From On the Rocks Farm, Bill Pieragostini and his daughter Maili with fresh eggs. Photo: Leslie Yager

At On the Rocks Farm, Bill Pieragostini and his daughter Maili sell fresh eggs for $7.00 a dozen.

Pieragostini said Sam Bridge sells  tomato sauce, maple syrup, honey and eggs year round.  Though he has loyal customers who source his eggs from Sam Bridge in the winter, it’s been nice to see them in person.

Rounding out the mix was Wave Hill Breads with a variety of handcrafted breads and treats made from organic whole grains milled at the bakery in Norwalk.

The winter farmers market at Sam bridge runs Saturdays from 9:30am – 1:00pm through mid-March.

Four Mile River Farm
Beef, Pork, Chicken and Prepared Foods
info@formileriverfarm.com

Sankow’s Beaver Brook Farm
Lamb, Chicken, Cheese, and Prepared Foods

Stony Creek Ocean Farm
Clams and Oysters

Two Guys from Woodbridge
Salad Greens, Microgreens, Edible Flowers

On the Rocks Farm

Wave Hill Breads
At Wave Hill Breads believes in making delicious, artisan bread with ingredients your grandmother would recognize including organic whole grains milled at the bakery in Norwalk.
orders.whb@gmail.com

Sports Medicine Experts Panel Discussion at YMCA Greenwich: The Well Balanced Student Athlete

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Did you know that as many as 75 % of youth athletes age 8 – 18 years arrive to sports practice already dehydrated? Or that early sports specialization can do more harm than good to a child’s future athletic performance?

Those are just two of the topics that will be discussed at The Well Balanced Athlete, a program designed to inform coaches, parents and student athletes.

Sports medicine physicians Dr. Marc Kowalsky and Dr. Demetris Delos of Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists (ONS) and sports psychologist Dr. Alex Diaz, founder of Sports Mental Edge™ will deliver a panel discussion about the mind-body needs of today’s student athletes.

Topics will include nutritional, sleep and hydration requirements; the dangers of early sports specialization, injury prevention strategies and the role mindfulness can play in helping students manage the stress of school, sports, peers and more.

There will be ample time for Q & A at the end of the presentation.

This seminar is free and open to the public. Registration is requested to allow for adequate seating and can be done by emailing lgallucci@gwymca.org.

With 25 sub-specialty trained physicians in orthopedics, neurosurgery, sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation, ONS is the one of the most comprehensive and advanced practice of its kind in the region.

ONS is in-network with major insurances and has offices in Greenwich, Stamford and Harrison, NY. For more information, visit www.onsmd.com

Justice Dept Announces Nationwide Initiative to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing

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Deirdre M. Daly, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut - Greenwich Free Press

On Thursday, as the Dept of Justice recognizes the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the nationwide roll out of an initiative aimed at increasing awareness and reporting of sexual harassment in housing.

The announcement includes an interagency task force between the Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Justice Dept to combat sexual harassment in housing, an outreach toolkit, and a public awareness campaign. This three-pronged approach will strengthen the Department’s efforts to combat sexual harassment in housing.

“Sexual harassment in housing is illegal, immoral, and unacceptable,” said Attorney General Sessions. “It is all too common today, as too many landlords, managers, and their employees attempt to prey on vulnerable women. We will not hesitate to pursue these predators and enforce the law. In October, I ordered a new initiative to bring more of these cases, and we have already won relief for 15 victims. Today we announce three new steps to make the initiative more effective and to win more cases. I want to thank the dedicated and committed professionals in our Civil Rights Division and our partners in the Department of Housing and Urban Development for their hard work in this effort. We will continue to aggressively pursue harassers, because everyone has a right to be safe in their home.”

“Individuals in Connecticut who are being victimized as a condition of their housing have rights, and all are encouraged to report this type of reprehensible behavior to the Justice Department by calling 1-844-380-6178, or by sending an e-mail to fairhousing@usdoj.gov,” said US Attorney John H. Durham.

“All discrimination stains the very fabric of our nation, but HUD is especially focused on protecting the right of everyone to feel safe and secure in their homes, free from unwanted sexual harassment,” said Secretary Ben Carson. “No person should have to tolerate unwanted sexual advances in order to keep a roof over his or her head. Part of our mission at HUD is to provide safe housing and we will remain diligent in this mission to protect those we serve. I look forward to working with Attorney General Sessions and the Department of Justice as part of this task force to bring an end to this type of discrimination.”

In October 2017, the Justice Department announced an initiative to combat sexual harassment in housing and launched pilot programs in Washington, D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. The initiative sought to increase the Department’s efforts to protect women from harassment by landlords, property managers, maintenance workers, security guards, and other employees and representatives of rental property owners. During the pilots, the Department developed and tested ways to better connect both with victims of sexual harassment in housing and with those organizations that victims may turn to first for help – including law enforcement, legal services providers, public housing authorities, sexual assault services providers, and shelters.  The Department also tested certain aspects of the initiative in other jurisdictions, including New Jersey, the Central District of California, Massachusetts, Vermont, and Michigan.

The two pilot programs generated an upswing in harassment reporting to the Department from both D.C. and the Western District of Virginia. In D.C., the Department generated six leads since the October 2017 launch. In Virginia, the Department generated three leads. While the Justice Department recognizes that leads and investigations do not always lead to enforcement actions, the pilot program’s results—when extrapolated across all the U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country—could lead to hundreds of new reports of sexual harassment in housing across the country.

Because of these promising results, the Department is rolling out three major components to the Initiative.

First, the new HUD-DOJ Task Force to Combat Sexual Harassment in Housing will drive a shared strategy between the Department and HUD for combating sexual harassment in housing across the country.

It will focus on five key areas: continued data sharing and analysis, joint development of training, evaluation of public housing complaint mechanisms, coordination of public outreach and press strategy, and review of federal policies.

Second, the outreach toolkit is designed to leverage the Justice Department’s nationwide network of U.S. Attorney’s Offices. The toolkit provides templates, guidance, and checklists based on pilot program feedback. It ultimately will amplify available enforcement resources and help victims of sexual harassment connect with the Department.

Third, the public awareness campaign has three major components: a partnership package with relevant stakeholders, launch of a social media campaign, and Public Service Announcements (PSAs) run by individual U.S. Attorney’s offices. The campaign is specifically designed to raise awareness, and make it easier for victims all over the country to find resources and report harassment.

More information about the Civil Rights Division and the civil rights laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment in housing should call the Department at 1-844-380-6178, send an e-mail to fairhousing@usdoj.gov, or contact HUD at 1-800-669-9777.  If you have information or questions about any other housing discrimination, you can contact the Department at 1-800-896-7743.

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