GFP’s Year of Smiling Faces: 2017

In February, Greenwich Police Lt. Daniel Allen stopped by Bruce Place to clean out his locker and shared some of the highlights of 42 years on the force. Born and raised in Greenwich, Lt. Allen said he had an interest in law enforcement and applied for an opening on the force.

Christine Georgopulo, Abilis, Greenwich Free Press
Christine Georgopulo hosted the third annual Sweetheart Dance for the Abilis community. Feb 18, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Masonic Lodge 85, Greenwich, ct - Greenwich Free Press
Scott Sargeant, Andrew Melillo, Mike Sabia at Acacia Lodge, which is currently housed inside Byram Archibald neighborhood Center (BANC). Photo: Leslie Yager

At the Acacia Lodge No. 85, which is g0ing strong after 200 Years, traditions are kept alive. Andrew Melillo, the Worshipful Master for Acacia Lodge this year explained that the fraternity has a proven history dating back to 13th century stone guilds. In Greenwich membership has waxed and waned, peaking at a roster of about 500 back when the lodge was housed in the columned Masonic Temple at 28 Havemeyer Place. Today the lodge has a membership of about 50 men. Their mission, as always, is charitable, fraternal, educational, social and character-building. All good Men are welcome.

Jenny Byxbee with the Golden Rule ruler, which reminds everyone to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” March 17, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Prepared to donate her long hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths at Hopscotch, Jenny Byxbee with the Golden Rule ruler, which reminds everyone to “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” March 17, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

Hopscotch Salon offered Jenny Byxbee a haircut, and in return Jenny Byxbee donated eight inches of her long brown hair to be sent to Pantene Beautiful Lengths to be made into a wig for a cancer patient. Byxbee, who oversees youth services for the town of Greenwich, counted the ponytail she donated in March as her third.  Pantene Beautiful Lengths makes the donated hair into wigs for cancer patients.

Casey McLaughlin, Ricky Columbo and Kevin Jordan participated in the YNET basketball tournament on March 11, 2017 at YWCA of Greenwich. Photo: Leslie Yager
Casey McLaughlin, Ricky Columbo and Kevin Jordan participated in the YNET basketball tournament on March 11, 2017 at YWCA of Greenwich. Photo: Leslie Yager

The first annual YNET March Madness basketball fundraiser was a big success on March 11, with 14 teams signing up for an afternoon of serious competition at the YWCA of Greenwich. The event drew a total of about 50 players, including a team of GHS students who signed up with their social studies teacher Ian Tiedemann. For several years YNET has organized a Frisbee tournament in the late spring. The basketball tournament is potentially a second annual event for the club.

Hockey enthusiast Rich Fulton with GHS Boys Head Coach Chris Rurak at Hamill Rink on March 16, 2017. Photo: Leslie Yager
Hockey enthusiast Rich Fulton with GHS Boys Head Coach Chris Rurak at Hamill Rink on March 16, 2017. Photo: Leslie Yager
Newly promoted Captain Kraig Gray flanked by his wife Dawn and son Lincoln. April 20, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Newly promoted Captain Kraig Gray flanked by his wife Dawn and son Lincoln. April 20, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
The 2017 Francis X. McGinty Youth of the Year winner Nico Venegas. April 6, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
The 2017 Francis X. McGinty Youth of the Year winner Nico Venegas with Ryan Accurso and Don Palmer. April 6, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

Highlights of the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich 49th annual awards night included remarks from Ryan Accurso about Nico Venegas, recipient of the the Francis X McGinty Youth of the Year award. Nico, who was selected from among 8 outstanding finalists, joined the club at the age of 6. His family moved to Stamford from Greenwich after Nico finished 5th grade. “He tried the Club in Stamford, but it wasn’t quite the same,” Accurso said of Nico.

Police Chief Jim Heavey presented Don Palmer with a certificate of appreciation from the Greenwich Police Dept. April 6, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Police Chief Jim Heavey presented Don Palmer with a certificate of appreciation from the Greenwich Police Dept during the annual awards night. April 6, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
GHS spring 2017 interns
Greenwich High School spring 2017 interns at Little Pub, May 2017
Student Body President Joe Magliocco, Senior Class President Ricky Columbo and Junior Class President Greg Goldstein. May 25, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Student Body President Joe Magliocco, Senior Class President Ricky Columbo and Junior Class President Greg Goldstein. May 25, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

On May 25, Greenwich High School Student Body President Joe Magliocco bid his farewell to the Board of Education.

atrick McHugh, Monica Marino, Giacomo Lowenstine
At Greenwich Catholic School, 7th grade science students of Carol Ann Lutz: (left to right) Patrick McHugh, Monica Marino, Giacomo Lowenstine. June 16, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
US Senator Richard Blumenthal and then candidate for First Selectman Sandy Litvack at vigil for those injured or perished in Charlottesville. Aug 13, 2017
US Senator Richard Blumenthal and then candidate for First Selectman Sandy Litvack at vigil for those injured or perished in Charlottesville. Aug 13, 2017

A crowd of over 100 gathered at Greenwich Town Hall for a vigil to honor those injured or perished in Charlottesville, VA after a rally of white supremacists and far right groups turned violent.

Coach Marinelli and Kyle Woodring at media day. August 2017
Coach Marinelli and Kyle Woodring at GHS football media day. August 2017
Jessica Ware, Sydney Nethercott and Emma Wingrove arrive for the first day of School at Greenwich High School. Aug 31, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Jessica Ware, Sydney Nethercott and Emma Wingrove arrive for the first day of School at Greenwich High School. Aug 31, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Bryce Licht, a senior at GHS, said he was from Texas as he arrived for the first day of school. Aug 31, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Bryce Licht, a senior at GHS, said he was from Texas as he arrived for the first day of school. Aug 31, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
September 11 ceremony at Cos Cob Park.
Greenwich Police Chief Jim Heavey at the second annual Thank a Cop day at Dom Delfino’s Joey B’s in Cos Cob. Sept 27, 2017

Chief Heavey surprised everyone by volunteering to be the dunkee at the second annual Thank A Cop Day at Dom Delfino’s Joey B’s restaurant in Cos Cob.

The funds raised will go to the Chief’s Scholarship Fund, which was started by the chief in the 1960s to benefit police officers’ children.

Chief Heavey said that last year scholarships were given to 26 students, and at least 20 a year on average.

Dom Delfino
Dom Delfino, owner of Joey B’s in Cos Cob, during the second annual Thank a Cop day at his restaurant. Sept. 27, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Some of the gang at Joey B's on Thank a Cop Day, Sept 27, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Some of the gang at Joey B’s on Thank a Cop Day, Sept 27, 2017 Luna Kodde, Alan Gunzberg, Justin, Dom Delfino, Kerrin Coyle, Jim Heavey, Fred Camillo, Leslie Yager and Judy Goss.
Angela and Brooke Swift at the Wine & Food Festival Sept 23, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Angela and Brooke Swift at the Wine & Food Festival Sept 23, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Pittmaster Cody Sperry, owner Hoo Doo BBQ at the Wine + Food Festival. Photo: Karen Sheer
Pittmaster Cody Sperry, owner Hoo Doo BBQ at the Wine + Food Festival. Sept 24, 2017 Photo: Karen Sheer
Derek Sterling and Asher Almonacy at the Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, Sept 24, 2017.
Derek Sterling and Asher Almonacy at the Greenwich Wine + Food Festival, Sept 24, 2017.
Tony DeVita Sr shows off the last of the figs on one of his fig trees in Pemberwick. Oct 13, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Tony DeVita Sr shows off the last of the figs on one of his fig trees in Pemberwick. Oct 13, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

Anthony DeVita, Sr Talks Figs, Persimmon and Peppers in Pemberwick

Cardinal Crazies add enthusiasm during Monday night's home game versus Norwalk. Oct 2, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
ardinal Crazies add enthusiasm during Monday night’s home game versus Norwalk. Oct 2, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Maggie Kane, Molly Spaeth and Olivia DiLascia dressed as career Barbies for GHS senior dress up day. Oct 19, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Maggie Kane, Molly Spaeth and Olivia DiLascia dressed as career Barbies for GHS senior dress up day. Oct 19, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

October 19 was was senior dress up day at Greenwich High School, one of the highlights of a week of fun activities in the build up toward Homecoming. Earlier in the week, the activities kicked off with a color war with freshmen wearing blue, sophomore wearing purple, juniors wearing green and seniors wearing pink. Tuesday was pajama day. Wednesday was spirit day and students dressed in patriotic red, white and blue and enjoyed a pie eating contest in the student center during lunch.

Thursday, Oct 19 was senior dress up day at Greenwich High School.
Thursday, Oct 19 was senior dress up day at Greenwich High School. Photo: Leslie Yager
 Joe Siciliano, Carmella Budkins, John Toner and Minnie Manuli
Joe Siciliano, Carmella Budkins, John Toner and Minnie Manuli at the St. Lawrence Club Columbus Day Dinner Honoring Renato Berzolla. Photo: Leslie Yager
Left to right: Tod Laudonia, Lou Coppola, Kristen Laudonia Peterson, Tony DeVita, Denise Longo, Jimmy Capparelle, Mark Longo, Renato Berzolla at the St Lawrence Club Oct 9, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
At the St. Lawrence Club Columbus Day Dinner Honoring Renato Berzolla. Left to right: Tod Laudonia, Lou Coppola, Kristen Laudonia Peterson, Tony DeVita, Denise Longo, Jimmy Capparelle, Mark Longo, Renato Berzolla at the St Lawrence Club Oct 9, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Peter from Riverbank Farm at the Greenwich Farmers Market.
Peter from Riverbank Farm at the Greenwich Farmers Market. October 2017
Optimism during the homecoming football game against Westhill on Oct 21, 2017 Photo Monique Nikolov
Tyler Blizzard shows his optimism during the homecoming football game against Westhill on Oct 21, 2017 Photo Monique Nikolov
Romano Orlando and Dr. Chris Winters at the GHS homecoming football game on Oct 21, 2017 Photo: Monique Nikolov
Romano Orlando and Dr. Chris Winters at the GHS homecoming football game on Oct 21, 2017 Photo: Monique Nikolov
The 2017 GYCL expo took place in the Greenwich High School student center on Nov 5, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
The 2017 GYCL expo took place in the Greenwich High School student center on Nov 5, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Diane Roina
Diane Roina greets the winner of the 50-50 raffle at the cheer expo at GHS, Nov 5, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Howard Richman, Sandy Litvack
On Nov 7, 2017, Sandy Litvack, who did not receive enough votes to become first selectman, embraced Howard Richman, who defeated incumbent tax collector Tod Laudonia. Mr. Litvack would go on to accept the position of selectman, and was recently sworn in as a member of the Board of Selectmen. Photo: Leslie Yager
Bernstein, Olson and Stowe
At the Two Door Cafe, the top three vote getters for Board of Education, Bernstein with 9,065 votes; Olsson with 8,244 votes and Stowe with 8,082 votes. Nov 7, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

Board of Education petition candidate, Republican Peter Bernstein won more votes than any candidate in the November 7th municipal election. Bernstein ran on a platform that opposed charter change.

Peter Tesei, flanked by his wife Jill and selectman John toner at the Milbrook Club. Nov 7, 2017 Photo: James Finn
Peter Tesei, flanked by his wife Jill and selectman John Toner at the Milbrook Club. Nov 7, 2017 Photo: James Finn
Malik Ngingue and Megan Sweeney at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Malik Ngingue and Megan Sweeney at the Boys & Girls Club Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Officer Michael Hall and Boys & Girls Club athletic coordinator Camryn Ferrara at the Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Officer Michael Hall and Boys & Girls Club athletic coordinator Camryn Ferrara at the Thanksgiving feast, Nov. 21, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Pet Pantry held its annual “Howl & Prowl” at 290 Greenwich Ave on Nov 5, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Pet Pantry held its annual “Howl & Prowl” at 290 Greenwich Ave on Nov 5, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
The Byxbee girls, Katie and Libby, making a gingerbread house at The Enchanted Forest on Nov 17, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
The Byxbee girls, Katie and Libby, making a gingerbread house at The Enchanted Forest on Nov 17, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
On Sunday, Dec 3, GHS Cardinals beat the South Windsor Bobcats 36 to 7. Photo: Leslie Yager
Elizabeth Intrieri, Sunday, Dec 3, GHS Cardinals beat the South Windsor Bobcats 36 to 7. Photo: Leslie Yager
Steve Walko, Mike Bocchino and Scott Frantz at the new Lebanon School ground breaking, Dec 7, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Steve Walko, Mike Bocchino and Scott Frantz at the new Lebanon School ground breaking, Dec 7, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

World War II veteran Lloyd Hull, 95, attended the opening of an exhibit on his service aboard the USS Laffey as a Combat Information Center officer at Greenwich Library in early December. The exhibit is currently on display at the library, near the self-checkout stations.

Sofia Mori, Natalia Poveda Guzman, and Sabrina Andrade with Gordon Beinstein at Western Middle School, Dec 6, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Sofia Mori, Natalia Poveda Guzman, and Sabrina Andrade with Gordon Beinstein at Western Middle School, Dec 6, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

At Western Middle School, under the leadership of Gordon Beinstein, student performance has soared, enrollment is swelling, and a new crop of teachers are giving their all. “There’s no magic bullet,” said Western’s principal Gordon Beinstein of the upward trajectory. “We’ve increased expectations.”

While some public schools are shrinking, that is not the case at Western. In 2013-14 enrollment was at 509. Enrollment for the upcoming year is projected to rise to 633.

Beinstein attributes the increase to fewer Parkway School and Glenville School students heading off to private schools for 6th grade.

Carriage House Motor Car’s Michael Schudroff and Sabrina Raquet‎ at the Studio 54 party at Delamar to benefit Adopt a Dog, Dec 2, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
Carriage House Motor Car’s Michael Schudroff and Sabrina Raquet‎ at the Studio 54 party at Delamar to benefit Adopt a Dog, Dec 2, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager

Carriage House Motor Cars hosted a Studio 54 themed party on December 2nd at L’escale Restaurant. The event featured creative food and desserts, an open bar, DJ, dancing, auction and a prize for best outfit. A great surprise was a visit from Ricardo Sopin and Iraida Volodina of Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Greenwich.

Tom and Mark Bisanzo at Bruce Park Sports talked about what's hot and what's not in the world of sporting goods.
Tom and Mark Bisanzo at Bruce Park Sports talked about what’s hot and what’s not in the world of sporting goods
The infamous pie scene in High School Musical, to be performed this week in the black box theater at Greenwich High School. Dec 11, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager
During dress rehearsal, Kara Bittman got a pie in the face from Ralph Bologna in High School Musical, to be performed this week in the black box theater at Greenwich High School. Dec 11, 2017 Photo: Leslie Yager