Valentine’s Day is Also “Happy Heart Week”

Every February I write an informative letter about “Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week.” Inspired by the Congenital Heart Information Network, the intention has been to honor heart children and adults navigating life and the medical system, commemorate brave individuals who have fought and passed, offer resources to families, and encourage community action and funding that will ensure the healthy future I expect for my daughter Cora and her heart peers. In reproducing the list of resources, I send thanks for the advocacy and support we have appreciated for the last eight years, and for the ability to share these services. In recent years Cora’s name has been absent in an attempt to balance advocacy and respect for her privacy. Cora has become proud of her heart and has expressed interest in sharing her own story in the hope of helping others, knowing the support she has received from incredible medical staff, volunteers, family and friends. Continue Reading →

Merritt Parkway Plaza in Greenwich, Southbound, Open as of Noon Tuesday

What is it about rest stops on major highways like I-95 and the Merritt Parkway that you don’t appreciate them until they’re gone? The corollary to that truth is that you really appreciate them when they reopen. That was the case Tuesday at the rest stop on the Merritt Parkway in Greenwich just before the King Street exit and the New York state line. The plaza  re-opened at noon after a lengthy renovation that started in November of 2012. Until Tuesday, travelers on the Merritt could stop in New Canaan or hold their peace for 13 miles into New York. Continue Reading →

Greenwich Avenue Building Fetches $5.3M

Property transfers recorded through Feb. 10 from the assessor’s office at Greenwich Town Hall:

203 River Run from Estate of Ellen Angell aka Nancy Angell to Elizabeth Bowdkin on Feb. 10, 2014 for $455,000

4B Idar Court from Jacques and Carolyn Friedman to John & Mallory Woodruff on Feb. 10, 2014 for $2,250,000

343 Greenwich Ave sold from Saw Mill River Road Co., LLC to RLB Holdings Time Square, LLC on Feb. 10, 2014 for $5,304,200

6 Lita Drive from Betta A. Tappan Executrix of the Estate of Edit M Beck to Stephen P Phillips on Feb. Continue Reading →

Getting Your Valentine Sugar on in Greenwich

Three days left until Valentine’s Day and there are a lot of quick, thoughtful bakery items you can snag for your sweetie. In Old Greenwich, Darlene’s Heavenly Desires has a variety of Valentine’s Day-themed candies and chocolates including heart-shaped pretzels swathed in peanut butter and dunked in chocolate. In central Greenwich, the Black Forest Pastry Shop at 52 Lewis Street offers their famous and decadent Sarah Bernhards and a popular Valentine’s Day cookie assortment. At 383 Greenwich Avenue, St. Moritz Bakery has chocolate hearts filled with truffles, cupcakes and cookies including jam-filled hearts, petit-fours hearts and painted sugar cookies. Continue Reading →

Party Style Box: Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Party Garland

By Janine Vairo

I found the cutest garland idea that you can make yourself. It is easy, inexpensive, and fun to make with the kiddies! Just take a deck of cards and use only the hearts. Then hole punch two holes at the top and string them all together with festive ribbon. Then, you can add on extra fun, by finding a very festive ribbon at a local craft store such as Michael’s to give the garland a unique, pretty and very creative look! Continue Reading →

Bowman Observatory Open for Stargazing Tuesday Night, Free

Did you know that the Bowman Observatory in front of Julian Curtiss School is open to the public on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month when skies are clear? Tuesday, Feb. 11 is a 2nd Tuesday and the forecast is for clear skies. Rick Bria plans to open the observatory for stargazing from 7-9pm. It’s school vacation week and if you’re looking for something cool to do with the kids, this is fun, educational and free! Continue Reading →

At Greenwich High School, Making a Difference: An Online Community That Works

Here is some more good news coming out of GHS. Reprinted with permission from Kate Hohorst, Student Employment Service Coordinator. Originally printed in the PTA e-FOCUS 2014. Student Employment Service (SES) is a real online community. It is a safe place where Greenwich youth (ages 14-25) can reach out and find job opportunities that meet their needs and interests. Continue Reading →

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Heart-Shaped Pizza

By Janine Vairo

If you do not know what to make on Valentine’s Day and do not want to dine out…this heart shaped pizza is the perfect way to show someone you love them on Valentine’s Day. It is also very cute for a V-day pizza party and what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the kids than with this heart-shaped pizza? It will make them feel even more extra special. I recently had the opportunity to watch this pizza being made by Tony and Frank from Heights Pizza in Darien and I thought I would share this easy and delicous recipe. Should you choose to make it yourself for Valentine’s Day or any other day, here is the recipe:

Ready made dough makes this recipe come together in no time. I prefer the dough at Trader Joe’s. Continue Reading →

Tiny New York Kitchen: Parsley, Orange & Pecan Crusted Rack of Lamb

By By Victoria Hart Glavin of Tiny New York Kitchen

Lamb dishes have long been associated with the excitement and joy of special occasions, family celebrations and holiday traditions. Skip the crowded Valentine’s evening restaurants and make your sweetheart a delicious Valentine dinner. Give this rack of lamb recipe a try. It’s easy to make which will give you plenty of time to write that love poem that you’ve been meaning to write. INGREDIENTS

2 Racks of Lamb (8 Chops to Each Rack)
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon Kosher Salt
1 Tablespoon Freshly Ground Pepper
1 Cup Chopped Fresh Parsley Leaves
2 Crushed Garlic Cloves
Zest of 1 Orange
3/4 Cup Toasted & Finely Chopped Pecans
2 Tablespoons Dijon Mustard

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Continue Reading →