Photo courtesy of The Nathaniel Witherell
Greetings friends and neighbors
On December 15, 2022, there will be a virtual public hearing to get input on the future of The Nathaniel Witherell.
The Nathaniel Witherell Board of Directors is conducting this virtual hearing to get public opinion as to whether or not the facility should remain as a Town-owned and operated center of care, or be transferred to private management.
The Nathaniel Witherell has been owned and operated at a Town of Greenwich Department since 1903. In March 2016, a Special Committee on The Nathaniel Witherell was established, with the task to "perform a broad and thorough review of the operations of The Nathaniel Witherell." Then, on October 29, 2020, the Town of Greenwich through my office, posted a Request for Proposal for "Management Services for The Nathaniel Witherell", based on the findings and recommendations of The Nathaniel Witherell Special Committee. More details may be found here.
Community input is an important part of this process and this is a chance for your voice to be heard. Please send a comment or sign up to speak at the public hearing if you'd like to contribute to the future of The Nathaniel Witherell.
Greenwich lost a couple of native sons this week.
Tim Daly was born in Greenwich and is described in a Brunswick School Facebook post as “a valued member of our maintenance team, a varsity baseball coach, and, most importantly, a friend to all at Brunswick during his 22 years at the school,” “it is an enormous loss to all in our community.”
Steve Gospodinoff worked for the Town of Greenwich since 1987 starting as a Tree Climber and working his way up to Deputy Tree Warden in 2005. Steve was honored this past September with a proclamation that details his service to the town. Read it here.
This is an especially hard time of year to lose someone you love, and our condolences go out to the Daly and Gospodinoff families, their extended families and friends everywhere.
Bush Holley House in Winter
The Greenwich Historical Society and Bush-Holley House are decorated for the holidays with guided tours on December 10th & 17th to learn about Christmas in Cos Cob, or candlelit tours during the Holiday Festival! Learn more and register at greenwichhistory.org.
Merry, Bright & Waste Free Holidays Webinar
'Tis the season for joy, traditions, celebration... and waste! Americans produce one million extra tons of trash than the rest of the year between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Bah humbug!
Don't let waste dim the holiday spirit! It's easy to make switches from decor and wrapping to gifts and cooking to create a merry, bright and waste free holiday season.
Join the Greenwich Conservation Commission and Waste Free Greenwich on Thursday, December 15th, 9:30-10:30 am for a virtual event hosted by the PTA Council Green Schools Committee to learn about practices and tips to green your holiday celebration with these featured presenters - Sarah Coccaro of the Greenwich Conservation Commission and Julie DesChamps of Waste Free Greenwich. Register here: https://www.wastefreegreenwich.org/events
Give a gift and make a difference
This holiday season, stock up on Kids In Crisis hand-poured, beautifully wrapped candles with special artwork created by children from our SafeHaven shelter. These popular candles make great stocking stuffers and gifts for anyone and everyone on your gift-giving list. Spread holiday cheer and light with these unique candles that go to support children in need throughout Connecticut. 100% of the net proceeds go to Kids In Crisis. Candles can be purchased online here, and are also available for sale at Kids In Crisis, 1 Salem Street, Cos Cob as well as other local retailers.
Movie Night at Byram Shubert Library
It's the holiday season! Grab some popcorn and get cozy and warm while watching the children’s holiday movie, “8-Bit Christmas” at Byram Shubert Library, 11 Mead Avenue, Greenwich. This 2021 film is set in 1980s Chicago with a 10-year-old who embarks on a quest to get the latest and greatest video game system for Christmas. Join friends and neighbors on Saturday, December 10th from 10:30 am – 12:15 pm in the community room. Find out more.
Greenwich Roadrunners Holiday Races at Greenwich Point Park
Register to run with the Greenwich Road Runners at Greenwich Point Park on Sunday December 11, 2022. There are two races, the 1-Mile Fun Run starts at 10:00 am and the 5k begins at 10:30 am. The level 5k course loops around Greenwich Point, partially on paved roads and partially on compacted trails all with spectacular, ever-present Long Island Sound views. An inspiring setting for a memorable race. Event proceeds benefit the Greenwich Parks & Recreation Youth Scholarship Fund.
Learn about spotted turtles at the Bruce Museum
On December 13th, kids will see some spotted turtles in our gallery and make their own craft turtle to take home. This program is part of “Bruce Beginnings” series where children, ages 2.5-5, and their caregivers are encouraged to explore the museum’s collections and exhibitions through picture books and hands-on activities. Topics rotate between art and science. This program is free with general admission, but space is limited. See the Visitor Service desk upon arrival at the Museum. Find out session times and more information here.
Giving to the Next Generation
If you want to start the young people in your family on the right track toward financial security, there is no better way than mentoring them through real-life experiences. Join personal portfolio manager Julie Jason to find out ways to do so including a tax-free gifting program that leverages time and creates an attitude of saving and investing. Another is to discuss how financial and estate plans need to be coordinated. Learn the importance of talking with children about not only their futures but also yours.
This is an online event, Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 1-2:00 pm. Register here to receive the event URL via registration email while seats are available.
Parks & Rec Photo Contest ends December 15
Greenwich Parks and Recreation seeks submissions that show us how you are getting into the holiday spirit. The contest started December 1, and entries must be submitted by December 15 to be eligible for a prize. The winner will be announced December 21st. Please, only one entry per family. Contestants are encouraged to include our beautiful Town parks and recreation facilities in the photos. https://www.greenwichct.gov/FormCenter/Parks-and-Rec-29/Holiday-Photo-Contest-377
Annual Parks & Rec Fees Proposed
Each year, the Parks & Recreation Department sends fee change recommendations to the Board of Selectmen for consideration in the upcoming year. Proposed changes take a lot of factors into account. The fees will be on the agenda for the next Board of Selectmen meeting on December 20th, so please take a moment to review the proposed new fees and reach out by email to Parks & Rec with any questions, comments or concerns.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Don’t Drink and Drive!
The Greenwich Police Department and Riverside Service Inc are continuing their partnership this holiday season to make sure all our Town of Greenwich residents make it home safe, so from now until January 2, 2023, Riverside Service Inc is offering all Greenwich residents a FREE safe ride home for you and your car so you don't drink and drive. To make arrangements for this service call the Greenwich Police Department non-emergency number: 203-622-8004.
Local COVID Updates
As of Thursday, December 8th, Greenwich Hospital is caring for sixteen (16) COVID positive patients, none in the ICU. The Yale New Haven Health System is caring for a total of 157 patients across five hospitals. More Covid-19 data is available from the Greenwich Health Department on the Town website.
Family Centers offers weekly vaccines and testing at Wilbur Peck Court, and the Connecticut Department of Health provides public mobile vaccine clinics.
FIND YOUR BEST FOREVER FRIEND
Calvin & Hobbs want to come home with you!
Meet Calvin and Hobbs, two male kittens who were born at Greenwich Animal Control. They are 9-10 weeks old and very sweet and playful. They are siblings and have bonded to each other, so the shelter would like to adopt them out together. If you want to double your fun and love, Calvin and Hobbs are for you! Please call 203-622-8299 to arrange a meeting.
Spunky Chocolate Lab girl Pebbles is patiently waiting for a lab-loving family to come along and fall in love!
Pebbles is around 4 years old, 60lb (but could stand to gain probably 10lb). She's got tons of personality, and typical Chocolate Lab energy. She'd love to join an active, dog-savvy family on all of their adventures! She seems to be potty trained, and is great with all people she has met. Pebbles is good with other dogs with proper introduction, but has not been exposed to any cats. She's still working on perfecting her leash-walking skills, but is very food motivated and learns fast!
https://www.petfinder.com/dog/pebbles-58827685/ny/armonk/adopt-a-dog-inc-ct116/
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Stay safe and all the best,
Fred