2023: The Year in Smiles

Happy New Year. Here’s a random look back at some of the happiest moments of 2023.

In October, the annual Abilis Walk/Run fundraiser featured a 5K Run, 1-Mile Walk and celebrity fitness instructor Billy Blanks Jr, who led a warmup for participants with fun dances and moves. Abilis Brings Out the Sun for 2023 Walk/Run at Tod’s Point

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A highlight of the ReThink Waste Fair was the Sustainability Committee’s presentation of its first Sustainability Awards. Earth Month in Greenwich Kicks Off with the ReThink Waste Fair, Because Sustainability Matters

 

State Rep Hector Arzeno (D-151) gives Sustainability Committee member Ashley Cole a hug as Beth Evans, Greenwich’s Director of Environmental Affairs, looks on. April 1, 2023 Photo: Leslie Yager

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In May, Ham Ave School celebrated Husky Day, a Get Out and Play initiative by the State of Connecticut that we have created to give children a fun day to play outside and enjoy the daily planned activities.

Hamilton Avenue School Celebrates Husky Day with Flair! 

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Ollie’s 99 in Greenwich Merges Neapolitan-Style Pizza and Chinese Cuisine Ollie’s 99 – the 99 refers to its address on Railroad Ave – has an eclectic menu that fuses Neapolitan style pizza and Asian cuisine. Pizza and Chinese food?  Yes!

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Greenwich Town Party Parade and Party in the Park Draw Crowds

The Greenwich Town Party parade and free party at Havemeyer Field benefited from gorgeous weather and an enthusiastic crowd on May 23.

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In the March ring ceremony at the GHS performing arts center, football Head Coach Tony Morello said, “A picture’s worth a thousand words, but these rings might be worth a little more than a thousand.

GHS Football 2022 State Champion Team Honored during Ring Ceremony that Included Farewell to Longtime Coach

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Also, in March, a group of Western Middle School 8th graders who participate in the school’s AVID program – Mia Melgar, Christopher Hernandez, Gabriella DiMaggio and Cody Griesmeyer – shared their experiences with members of the Greenwich delegation and special guest, State Rep Jeffrey Currey (D-11) who is the Chair of the Education Committee in the state legislature.

Western Middle School Showcases AVID during Visit from CT House Education Committee Chair

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Gratitude and Love for GHS Choir Director Patrick Taylor After 24 years of teaching at GHS, Patrick Taylor recounted some of his favorite memories: “We did some really important major works, like Mozart’s Requiem, and Beethoven’s Mass in C, we had Rob Mathes write a piece for us… it’s the concerts that were really exciting and where the kids were so proud of themselves.”

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13 GHS Student-Athletes Sign Letters of Intent to Play Sports in College

Thirteen student-athletes participated in the National Letter of Intent Signing Day ceremony indicating their intent to continue their athletic careers in college next fall.

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GHS Theater Arts to Stage You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown in the Black Box Theater

Greenwich High School’s “On Stage” Broadway Musical Workshop performance is a great family show and a nice way to introduce younger children to theater at the high school.

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Did you know there is a kosher delicatessen in Greenwich? Greenwich & Delancey opened in Cos Cob during the height of the pandemic. Greenwich & Delancey: Elevated Kosher Cuisine that Harkens to the Old World

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At the annual Arch in Bloom “Flurry Fest in December, guests selected ornaments and gifts in the retail shop where children of all ages enjoyed the animatronics and holiday displays. Outside, as families selected their trees, the kids were busy at the s’mores station. There were hot dogs, a variety of beer and wines to sip as well as hot cocoa and cider.

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At St Roch’s Feast in August there were rides, games, live music, a beer & wine garden…. and of course, the famous pizza fritta – with choice of “gravy” or powdered sugar.

PHOTOS: Soaking up the Fun at the St Roch’s Feast 2023

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Undaunted by Wind and Rain, Runners Flock to Tod’s Point for Holiday 5K Race and Fun Run

Hundreds turned out for a 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run at Tod’s Point in early December. The runners were undaunted by relentless showers and gusty winds, splashing through the puddles in the last of the 2023 race series organized by the Greenwich Road Runners.

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Cos Cob School Students Par-Tee on Their Very Own Elf-Themed 18-Hole Mini Golf Course

For the first time in what might become a tradition, the amazing PE teachers at Cos Cob School created an elf-themed 18-hole mini golf course in the gymnasium. What better way to introduce children to the basics of putting and how to grip a golf club than with mini golf?

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One Friday night in February was memorable for its bitter cold, single degree temps. That did not deter a group of Brunswick School students who teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club Keystone Club in an effort to meet and help homeless people, face to face. The group shared a valuable mission and worked under the auspices of Midnight Run.

In Single Digits Temps, Brunswick and Keystone Club Kids Take “Midnight Run” to New York to Help Homeless

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In March the St. Patrick’s Parade down the Ave was chilly, but sunny. Sponsored by the Greenwich Hibernian Association, it was their 47th annual parade event. 

47th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade on Greenwich Ave

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In April, the Boy Scouts were eager and enthusiastic for their annual Scouting For Food drive in conjunction with the Knights of Columbus and Neighbor to Neighbor who run a food pantry.

Rain Fails to Derail Annual Scouting for Food Drive

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During Greenwich High School’s class of 2023 graduation, commencement speaker Jon Ledecky, co-owner of the National Hockey League’s New York Islanders and a GHS graduate from the class of 1975, talked about tenacity, determination and grit. He also urged the graduates to stay connected.

GHS Commencement Speaker Jon Ledecky Imparts a Life Lesson: “Stay Connected, Stay in Touch, Find Each Other”